| News Home (Main Page) |  | | LATEST WORLD NEWS | | | | | NEWS ARCHIVE 2009 | | NEWS ARCHIVE 2008 | | NEWS ARCHIVE 2007 | | PHOTO REPORTS | | VIDEO REPORTS | | ARTS in GHANA | | Food & Drinks in Ghana |  | | Africa Cup 2008 | | Ghana Hotels | | Links / Websites | | Ghana Districts | | Ghana Tourism | | Ghana Adinkra | Names in Ghana | | | | * 07.03.2010 | Policy to make buildings withstand earthquakes advocated * Source: | Accra, Mar 7, GNA - Dr. Paulina Amponsah, Researcher at the National Data Centre of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission has called on government to design policy guidelines on the construction of buildings to ensure that they withstand earthquakes.
She said the development as well as concentration of facilities in Accra which was seismically active required that there was such a policy and which would be strictly complied with to ensure that the country did not lose most of her investment should an earthquake of high magnitude strike. Dr. Paulina Amponsah made the call when she delivered a lecture on the topic "What you know about earthquakes" at a public forum organised by the National Forum for Research, Science and Technology (NFRST) in Accra. According to her, specific safety measures in the design and construction of new facilities must be ensured while existing structures retrofitted to mitigate the impact of earthquakes whose occurrence was unpredictable.
She said the whole of the country's eastern portion was earthquake prone adding that this called for proactive planning to ensure that area became resilient to natural, man-made and technological disasters. "There is no need to wait for strong earthquakes to occur before getting data to assess the seismic hazard of the country" Dr. Amponsah said. She said urbanization should be discouraged and warning systems displayed at earthquake prone zones to discourage as well as restrict the development of buildings there. She said the recent earthquakes in Chile and parts of the world and mudslides in Uganda which claimed many lives and destroyed property should be a wake up call to Ghana to build protective facilities dotted around the country as pertained in Japan to serve as places for refuge during times of earthquake.
Dr. Amponsah called on relevant state institutions to provide accurate, relevant and timely information on what to do before, during and after earthquakes to help reduce loss of life and property. She gave some of the safety measures to adopt during earthquakes which include staying calm, protecting one's body from falling objects, going under a sturdy desk, table, bed or stand against a support column if indoors, staying in the open if outdoors to mitigate its devastating risks. Professor George Benneh, President of NFRST, said the institution instituted the lecture series to initiate debates and publicize research findings to support innovation and transition of the country to a knowledge-based economy. | | . | | . | | . | | . | | . | | ______________________ |
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| Latest Ghana News Sunday, 07 March 2010 WEEK 09 - 2010 | * Sunday, 07 March 2010 | Crown Prince of Japan visits Ghana * Source: | ACCRA — Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan on Sunday began a three-day official visit to Ghana at the head of a 30-strong delegation.
He was welcomed at Kotoka international airport by Vice President John Dramani Mahama to traditional Ashanti drumming and dance, an AFP reporter saw. The visit is at the invitation of Ghana and is aimed at boosting ties between the two countries, officials said.
The prince is expected to hold talks with President John Atta-Mills on Monday at the presidential palace, known as the Castle, a former slave trade post in the seaside capital Accra.
Part of his schedule includes a visit to a mausoleum where the remains of Ghana's first president Kwame Nkrumah lie.
He will also tour Sea International School on the outskirts of the capital, the only school teaching Japanese in Ghana.
He is also set to attend a conference in honor of Hideyo Noguchi, a Japanese doctor who died in Accra in 1928 while researching into yellow fever. His trip continues on Wednesday when he will travel on to Kenya. | | > BACK to TOP < | M&J Prosecutor arrives in Ghana * Source: The Statesman | The prosecutor for the Mabey & Johnson international corruption case which ended in a conviction in the United Kingdom last September, has arrived in Ghana to deliver two public lectures on how to tackle Money Laundering and International Corruption.
While in Ghana, he is scheduled to meet some public officials, as well, notable amongst them is Justice Emile Short, the head of the Commission for Human Rights & Administrative Justice.
There are also plans for him to pay a courtesy call on the Attorney-General.
John Hardy, QC, is a UK-based top barrister and judge, who specialises in extradition, serious crime, money-laundering, human rights and mutual legal assistance cases.
There are concerns within Ghana’s financial sector over how the important prospect of Ghana’s emerging status as the first financial offshore centre on the African continent is being bad-pressed by the OECD and others over concerns of money laundering prospects.
Thus, John Hardy’s lecture on money laundering would seek to deal with this by showing how established financial offshore centres in Europe and elsewhere have dealt with this. His lecture is expected to encourage Ghana to proceed with preparations towards this exciting prospect and to put in place the necessary measures to address the negative opportunities of international corruption and money laundering which every offshore facility faces.
Since taking silk in April 2008, John Hardy QC has been instructed in a number of lengthy and complex fraud prosecutions as well as continuing his criminal practice, particularly in extradition where his expertise spans over 15 years. Mr Hardy has appeared in a number of cases in the House of Lords.
Mr Hardy makes frequent appearances in the Divisional and Administrative Courts representing both foreign governments and defendants in Habeas Corpus and Judicial Review proceedings in extraditions, as well as prosecuting authorities and defendants in domestic Judicial Reviews and cases stated.
He also appears for both prosecution and defence in major criminal trials and has extensive experience in money laundering cases as well as appearing in licensing matters. He is also highly experienced in disciplinary tribunal work (for example the GMC and police discipline cases) and he also has significant expertise in dealing with regulatory offences.
Mr Hardy is also in demand as an expert witness on matters of United Kingdom extradition and criminal law in foreign jurisdictions, as well as being a regular contributor to lectures and seminars around the world.
He has given presentations, lectures, and addresses on a wide variety of subjects, including extradition, constitutional law, and general crime with an emphasis on bribery and corruption, and money-laundering, in (amongst others) the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Spain, and Ukraine.
The theme of the first lecture is: *“PROTECTING GHANA AND GHANA’S EMERGING FINANCIAL OFFSHORE CENTRE STATUS FROM MONEY LAUNDERING”. *
Venue: *BRITISH COUNCIL on TUESDAY, MARCH 9, at 9.30AM.*
It will be chaired by renowned criminologist and the Executive Secretary of Justice & Human Rights Institute, Prof. Ken Agyemang Attafuah.
Ms Christine Addo, who is responsible for Barclay’s Offshore Project in Ghana, will give a short presentation on preparations on Ghana’s preparation towards the establishment of offshore banking facilities.
Mr Samuel Essel, Head of the Financial Intelligence Centre of the Bank of Ghana, will also tell the audience about the regulatory measures being taking by the central bank to deal with the problem of money laundering, especially since the passing of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2008.
Andy Akoto, a partner of KPMG, will also look at the implementation and enforcement mechanisms of anti-money laundering regulations, vis-à-vis the prospects of Ghana as a tax haven.
Yofi Grant of Databank, and a fellow of Danquah Institute, will also make some remarks on the advantages of offshore banking for Ghana.
The theme of the second lecture is: *“INTERNATIONAL CORRUPTION – HOW GHANA CAN COLLABORATE WITH UK AND OTHERS TO BEAT IT”.*
Venue: *K A BUSIA HALL, UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON, on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10 at 5.00PM*
*(Please take note of the change in time from the previously announced 3.30pm to the new time of 5.00pm).*
Also to speak on day two is *Prof. Ken Agyemang Attafuah*, on a related topic: *'The INTERNATIONAL DIMENSIONS OF CORRUPTION. *
The second day lectures will be chaired by Prof. Nii-Ashei Kotei, of the Faculty of Law.
The first lecture, which is on MONEY LAUNDERING, is targeting players in the financial sector, legislatures, policy makers, lawyers, judges, trade unions, and anti-corruption crusaders, among others. The second lecture will focus on how Ghana can tackle the menace of INTERNATIONAL CORRUPTION brought on through unholy collaborations between public officials and multinational companies.
The lectures are opportune in light of stated efforts by the new government to tackle corruption as have been apparent in various investigations undertaken in contracts signed by the previous government, such as Vodafone and Kosmos/EO Group. The Commission of Human Rights & Administrative Justice is holding its first public hearing on a case involving international corruption on March 15. The first lecture will, therefore, look at international corruption, with particular focus on multinational companies and how they connive with local officials on corruption. It will also look at international efforts to tackle it.
The lectures are also timely because Ghana is in line to become an offshore financial centre which comes with enormous investment opportunities but may also make Ghana more vulnerable to money laundering, although, money laundering happens in almost every country in the world.
In January, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) openly warned Ghana against going ahead with its planned status as a tax haven. Over the past four years, Ghana has been working on becoming an offshore financial centre the first country to offer such banking facility on mainland Africa.
The second lecture will seek to discuss the general global criminal activity of money laundering and how legislation, regulations, vigilance and enforcement may be strengthened to tackle this activity.
The lectures are organised by the Danquah Institute, in conjunction with the Law Faculty, University of Ghana, the Justice & Human Rights Institute and DI’s media partners. * *
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*PRESENTS*
*Date: *Tuesday, 9th March 2010
*Venue*: British Council Conference Room
* *
*Theme*: Protecting Ghana’s Emerging Financial Offshore Centre Status from money laundering
*Time*: 9:30am
*Date: *Wednesday, 10th March 2010
*Venue*: K. A Busia Hall, University of Ghana
* *
*Theme*: International Corruption – How Ghana Can Collaborate with UK and Others to beat it
*Time*: 5:00pm
*Main Speaker: John Hardy QC*
*International Criminal Law Expert* *LECTURES ON INTERNATIONAL CORRUPTION AND MONEY LAUNDERING *
*OBJECTIVE*
The objective of the first lecture is to educate the financial sector, the business community, members of the legal profession, policy makers, students, the general public and the international community about the prospect of Ghana’s offshore status and measures that need to be taken to safeguard this new and exciting national status against money laundering. The objective of the second lecture is to contribute to the efforts of Government and the nation, at large, against the challenges of international corruption and its retarding role on national development. In addition to these lectures, we seek to embark on public education, by creating awareness and interest on the subject offshore banking in Ghana through a series of radio, television interviews, discussions and newspaper publications.
*INVITED GUESTS*
Members of the Executive, Members of Parliament, bankers, lawyers, judges, academics, students, civil society groups, journalists, trade unionists, representatives from the Serious Fraud Office, Criminal Investigations Department, and The Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice.
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_____________________________________________________ ----- | | | Sunday, 07 March 2010 | Middle Crown Prince of Japan visits Ghana M&J Prosecutor arrives in Ghana |
| Right Yar' Adua still Nigerian Leader -Acting President Jonathan NADMO intensifies anti-bushfire campaign in schools ____________________ Left Policy to make buildings withstand earthquakes advocated _____________ | Your Opinions | Have Your Say!
| Archived News for 2010 | Go to 06.03.2010 | 
| All about the Ghana Election 2008 | | | | * 07.03.2010 | Yar' Adua still Nigerian Leader -Acting President Jonathan * Source: GNA | Abuja, March 8, GNA- Nigerian Acting President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at the weekend re-affirmed the position of ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua, saying: "He is still the President of this country."
"There are clear constitutional provisions in place and as you are aware I am acting on behalf of the President".
According to a statement from the office of Former President Jerry John Rawlings, the Acting Nigerian President had met lead delegates of the ongoing United Cities for Local Government in Africa (UCLGA) Congress led by Former President Rawlings, who called on him.
Dr Jonathan praised former President Rawlings for the significant role he was playing in enhancing leadership on the continent and commiserated with him on the recent loss of his official residence through fire. Former President Rawlings had earlier shared his sympathies on the health situation of President Yar'Adua and called on the Nigerian political leadership to ensure that the situation with the presidency was managed "with care".
"I know there is a lot of political discussion going on and I am sure Nigeria will handle the situation well,' he told Dr. Jonathan.
Dr. Jonathan assured Rawlings "that the situation was under control". The meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere and attended by Nigerian Minister for Interior and Local Government, saw former President Rawlings telling the acting Nigerian President to do everything in his power to clear the terrible image shown on international TV recently of a defenceless Nigerian disable being shot to death.
Acting President Jonathan said that the report had been published out of context, creating the impression that the disable had been murdered during the recent Muslim-Christian clashes in Nigeria. He said the incident happened well before the religious clashes and was committed by a member of the Boko Haram Islamist fundamentalist sect. Dr. Jonathan said that the Nigerian security agencies were investigating the matter and had already made some arrests. He congratulated Ghana on the occasion of her 53rd Independence celebrations and thanked former President Rawlings for finding time to grace the UCLGA Congress.
Dr. Jonathan said he was happy the UCLGA was working hard to consolidate local governance on the continent, as governance at the grassroots level was the best way of ensuring national development. Earlier, former President Rawlings delivered a thought provoking address on unity, emphasizing that until the sanctity of justice is restored in Africa's political fabric unity would continue to remain a mirage. He enjoined all Africans to be courageous and speak against injustices in society. | | > BACK to TOP < | NADMO intensifies anti-bushfire campaign in schools * Source: GNA | Fintey, (ER) March 7, GNA - The National Disaster Management Organization, (NADMO) has intensified the anti-bushfire campaign in schools to create the necessary awareness among school children on the dangers of setting fires indiscriminately.
In furtherance of this, NADMO has started a programme on Disaster Management in schools, Mr Kofi Portuphy, National Co-ordinator of NADMO, announced this at the Eastern Regional launch of the anti-bushfire campaign at Fintey in the Asuogyaman District, at the weekend.
He further disclosed that NADMO in conjunction with GIMPA had established a University for disaster management studies. Mr Portuphy said schools were being encouraged to have disaster educational clubs to know how to prevent disasters in their areas. He said because bushfires contribute to Climate Change it is important that, "We look at every aspect of it, especially the causes and control systems to enable stakeholders to package effective messages that will engender very good responses from our target population in our anti-bushfire campaign drive."
Mr Baba Jamal, Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, advised farmers and hunters to go about their activities in a manner that would not cause bushfires.
He reminded all that the forest is for posterity and called for steps to be taken to protect it, adding that destroying it would mean that 'we are jeopardizing the future of generations yet unborn". Mr Jamal said bushfires destroyed the ecosystem, engendering hunger and eliminating growth opportunities. "It is, therefore, important that we strengthen the institutions like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to put environmental issues on the priority agenda." Mr James Eric Manu, Eastern Regional Manager of the Forestry Services Division, (FSD) said at the beginning of the 20th Century, the country's forest covered an approximate area of 8.2 million hectares. By the end of the century, he said, the figure stood at 1.6 million hectares and attributed the causes to clearance for agriculture, unsuitable timber logging, urbanization and industrial expansion, surface mining, illegal lumber chain saw activities and wildfire, among other things. Mr Manu called for concerted efforts from non-governmental organizations, stool land owners, traditional rulers, the FSD, District Assemblies and schools to fight against the menace of bushfires. He announced that the Forestry Commission (FC) with funding from the Royal Netherlands Government is currently undertaking a Wildfire Management Project aimed at suppressing wildfires in some fire-prone districts. | | . | | . |
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