| News Home (Main Page) | | | LATEST WORLD NEWS | | Ghanaian Media: | | Public Agenda | | GNA-Ghana News Agen. | The Statesman | | | | NEWS ARCHIVE 2009 | | NEWS ARCHIVE 2008 | | NEWS ARCHIVE 2007 | | PHOTO REPORTS | | VIDEO REPORTS | | AUDIO REPORTS | | EDITORIAL | | ARTS in GHANA | | Food & Drinks in Ghana | | Africa Cup 2008 | | Ghana Hotels | | Links / Websites | | Ghana Districts | | Ghana Tourism | | Ghana Classifieds | Names in Ghana | | | | * 05.01.2010 | | Massive Fraud Uncovered in NHIS | An audit report commissioned by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has uncovered massive fraud, which threatens to undermine the fortunes of the country's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The fraud, which involves various sums of money, were detected in the Volta and Brong Ahafo regions, where Managers of some Mutual Health Insurance Schemes (MHIS) and their Accountants and other related staff dissipated resources without following standard procedures.
In the North Tongu of the district of the Volta region for instance, the audit uncovered cases of financial fraud involving the Scheme Manager, one Isaac Fenu and his Accountant, one Simon Goka. The Manager was said to have colluded with the Accountant of the Adidome government hospital to defraud the Scheme and the hospital of an amount of GHC 7,000.00.
The Scheme Accountant and his Manager were said to have issued two cheques amounting to GH¢ 7,000.00 to the hospital accountant, one Evans Agbefu, which the latter cashed and failed to pay into the hospital account. Consequently, the NHIA has resolved to report the fraudulent conduct of the hospital accountant to the regional Police command for action.
Furthermore, the report revealed that the Scheme Accountant and the Manager of the North Tongu MHIS failed to account for another whooping GH¢ 27,836.00 of premium collected. Both individuals have thus been interdicted and asked to step aside for further investigations. In spite of that, they have also been asked to refund the monies involved.
In Adaklu-Anyigbe district, the audit also revealed cases of financial malfeasance in claims payments, involving three of the Scheme officers including Raybon Evans Anyadi, who happed to be the Scheme Manager, Jerry Agbanu, the Accountant and one Bright Nyatsikor, the Claims officers.
A total amount of GH¢ 28,537.73 meant for the payment of claims to service providers was misappropriated by the Scheme officials, whilst cheques for payments of claims were also cashed by these officials. The Authority has thus directed the interdicted and subsequent arrest and investigation of the Scheme Manager, Claims Manager and the Accountant altogether.
Also in the Broong Ahafo region, the Scheme Manager of the Jaman North MHIS and his Accounted have been interdicted with immediate effect, pending full-scale investigations to reveal their scale of mismanagement and incompetence. The two are accused of misapplying an amount of GH¢ 25,944.00 to purchase computers and accessories and misappropriating other funds to the tune of GH¢ 12,000.00.
In its present state, the Scheme is said to have locked up a whooping GH¢ 52,720.00 in printing identity cards, security renewal stickers and making identity card wallets. Moneys from its Claims account were said to have been used to make these payments.
In the case of the Wenchi MHIS, the following service providers; Email Methodist Hospital, Wenchi Methodist Hospital, Subinso Health Centre, Nyaase Royal Maternity Home and Droboso clinic were noted to have overpaid by a total amount of GH¢ 57,932.13.
Meanwhile, the NHIA is undertaking further investigations to ascertain the circumstances under which the excesses occurred, stressing that 'any omission, negligence or collusion would be punished appropriately.'
At the Nkoranza MHIS, there was the issue of front-loading of provider, where the previous board approved a loan of GH¢ 20,000.00 for Mount Olives, a service provider located in Techiman in January 2009.
Deductions were said not to have been until August 2009 when GH¢ 1,500.00 monthly deductions commenced. However, The facility has, however, been made to refund the amount involved.
Source: The Chronicle > BACK to TOP < | | | | | | ______________________ |
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| LATEST GHANA NEWS Tuesday, 05.01.2010 WEEK 01 - 2010 |
| * Tuesday, 05.01.2010 | | Need to review education system - Frimpong-Boateng | Accra, Jan. 5, GNA - Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, the former Director of Cardiothoracic Centre, has called for a review and improvement in the country's education system to accelerate socio-economic development. In an interview with Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra on Monday, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng said although most Ghanaians were educated, they could not assist in solving socio-economic problems of the country leading to abject poverty in the society.
He said "our educational system has failed. It is pathetic graduates from our educational institutions cannot function appropriately with the knowledge acquired to solve the country's problems".
"Even budget statements are replete with expressions such as a ball of 'kenkey', 'olonka' of gari, fingers of plantain and many puzzled measurements. Why not express these items in weights."
"We need to fight the filth, the greed, corruption and other social vices inimical to development and leave political opponents in peace," he said.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng said the nation must be clear about the requirements from educational institutions and pursue them to achieve the desired results towards socio-economic development.
"Ghanaians must wish each other well and have high sense of communal welfare for the country's unity," he said.
> BACK to TOP < | Minister Declares War On NPP | THE Ashanti Regional Minister, Kofi Poku Manu, has tasked supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to subject to severe beatings, any member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who passes unsavoury comments about the ruling party.
In a clear demonstration of a violent nature, the one-time Ashanti Regional Coordinating Director categorically charged NDC supporters to give hefty blows to any NPP member who would dare criticize the Mills government.
The Regional Minister contended that this violent approach by NDC supporters would put the fear of God into NPP supporters and prevent them from criticizing the Mills government.
Mr. Poku Manu explained that he was particularly in favour of this approach because the NPP members had made it their grand agenda to ensure that the NDC failed so that they could come back to power.
“I’m urging you to beat them because, in this world we do not wish good for our detractors nor deal leniently with them,” he noted amidst wild cheers from party supporters.
The advanced-in-age Regional Minister made these nation-wrecking remarks when he took his turn to address supporters of the party during the joint campaign launch of Johnson Asiedu Nketia and Dr Kwabena Adjei in Kumasi on Sunday at the Prempeh Assembly Hall.
After unduly inciting the supporters, Mr. Poku Manu entreated them to close their ranks and build a united front to enable the party retain power in the 2012 elections.
He emphasized that the Mills government was committed to fulfilling its campaign promise of building a better Ghana for all and sundry and therefore entreated them to be patient.
Meanwhile, a nasty scene was nearly created at the venue of the launch when the Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Samuel Sarpong, lost his temper and almost pounced on a supporter of the party.
It all started when Hajia Adisa Atta Commander, a staunch Zongo supporter of the party, without provocation, hurled unprintable insults on the KMA boss in the presence of party officials and supporters.
As chairman of the occasion, Mr. Sarpong was on his feet to deliver his opening remarks to set the ball rolling but before he could open his mouth to speak, Hajia Adisa started raining insults on him to the surprise of the gathering.
Ostensibly irritated by the woman’s behaviour, the KMA boss, before retiring to his seat, attempted to pounce on Hajia Adisa, who was still hovering around the high table, but was restrained by other party officials on the table.
Though Asiedu Nketia, Dr Kwabena Adjei and a host of other party gurus who were seated on the high table were shocked by Mr. Sarpong’s reaction, they kept their composure, calmed the KMA boss down, and drove Hajia Adisa away from the high table.
Source: GNA > BACK to TOP < | | NPP must win the 2012 elections - Jake | Takoradi, Jan. 5 GNA - Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, a former Minister in the Kufuor's administration, on Tuesday called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) members to bury their differences and work together to ensure victory for the party in the 2012. Meeting delegates of the party in the Takoradi Constituency as part of his campaign tour of the Western Region for the party's National Chairmanship position, he said, the NPP would win the 2012 elections because of the current economic and political conditions in the country.
Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey said Ghanaians have seen the difference between NPP and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and they were more in favour of the former.
He said his reason for seeking the Chairmanship slot was to help build the NPP and prepare it for the elections to enable it win massively.
Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey said his track record in the party and in government attested that he could deliver on his promises as well as play meaningful role in the party's campaign to come back to power. Source: GNA > BACK to TOP < | | Galamsey operators attack staff of AngloGold Ashanti | Obuasi, Jan. 5, GNA - Two workers of the Asset Protection Department (security) of
AngloGold Ashanti (Obuasi Mine), were allegedly attacked and wounded on Monday morning by a group of small scale miners (galamsey). Mr Kofi Azumah, 51 who received serious wounds on the head and the left arm was rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, while William Suglo, 43 who had a cut on
the right foot is receiving treatment at the company's hospital at Obuasi. The two were on patrol duties at 0300 hours at the George Cappendell Shaft, when they came across the operators and received the cutlass wounds in their bid to arrest them. Mr Kwesi Enyan, Managing Director of the company told journalists that Mr Azumah was in a semi-conscious state, explaining that the sharp cut on the head could have an impact on the brain. He expressed the need for the public to know what the galamsey operators are doing to personnel of the company. Mr Enyan said management would take measures to avoid future occurrence. Meanwhile one of the attackers had been arrested. Source: GNA > BACK to TOP < | | Quashigah is dead | Accra, Jan. 5, GNA - Major (retired) Courage Emmanuel Kobla Quashigah, former
Minister of Agriculture and Health, is dead, a family spokesperson told the Mr Kobla Asamani, Executive Officer at the Office of Major Quashigah, on Tuesday, described the death as "sad news" and "a major blow". "The loss is not only to the family but to the nation as a whole," he said in a tribute. He described Major Quashigah as "a distinguished man, a statesman who distinguished himself in all his careers". "It is about time we honour his legacy. We're all sad. The family and entire nation are in a state of mourning." Mr Asamani last Thursday confirmed the former minister was not well, but said since he had been invited to Israel to share his experiences in Public Service in a special program called, the "Enlightened Speakers Series," he seized the opportunity to participate in the programme and get the second opinion on his health. Major Quashigah said he looked forward to returning home soon, by the grace of God. A distinguished Ranger in the Ghana Armed Forces, he was born on September 9, 1947 at Kedzi in the Volta Region. He had his secondary education at the Keta Secondary School, where he sat for the GCE Ordinary and Advanced Level Examinations.
Major Quashigah then had his military training at the famous Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, United Kingdom, where he obtained a Diploma in Economics, War Studies and Communication Studies. In 1989, he had a stint at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and came out with a Certificate in General Management. He also studied at various military establishments throughout the world, to improve his professional efficiency. These include the United States Army Infantry Schools in 1978, Canadian Staff School, Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff College (1987) and the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (1989). Major Quashigah achieved excellence in his soldiering career and received awards and commendations among which included, Everand Award for Oratory and Presentation at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Prince Abdul Faisal Award for War Studies and the Sandhurst Military Academy and Distinguished Honour Graduate Ranger at the USAIS in the United States. The rest are Cane and Certificate of Honour as Best Overseas Cadet and Highest in the Order of Merit at the RMAS, U.K. and Commendation for Efficient and Effective Command at UNIFIL, Lebanon. His working experience dates back to 1978 when he served as the Intelligence Officer at the headquarters of the Second Infantry of Brigade, Kumasi; Chief Instructor, Jungle Warfare School, Achiase; Chief Operations Officer at the Provisional National Defence (PNDC) headquarters; Commanding Officer, Ghana Military Police; Commanding Officer, Force Reserve Battalion; Directing Staff, Military Academy and Training School and Member of the Police Council. He joined the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and contested for the position of national organiser, which he won at its 1998 congress in Accra. Major Quashigah served as Minister of Agriculture and Health under the NPP administration.
Source: GNA > BACK to TOP < | President commends teachers for calling off strike | Accra, Jan. 5, GNA - President John Atta Mills on Tuesday commended Ghanaian teachers for calling off a strike action embarked upon last month to press for quick Government response to their demands for allowances, and announced adequate remuneration packages for their services. He said Government would reciprocate the good gesture and ensure that the unfortunate trend of poor remuneration for teachers was reversed. "May this year see the filling of your pockets," the President said to a standing ovation of appreciative teachers who rapturously applauded. President Mills made the announcement when he officially opened the Third Quadriennial National Delegates Conference of the Ghana Naitonal Association of Teachers in Accra.
The five-day conference is running at the University of Ghana Business School, Legon, from Janunary 3 to 7, on the theme "Investing in People to achieve Quality Education by 2015."
About 750 participants, comprising members of the Association, education administrators and eduaction experts from sister African countries, as well as Denmark, and a delagtion from Education International are in attendance. Referring to his invitation to the function, the first official function in the new year, as "sweet coincidence", the President, a professor at law, expressed his happiness to join his colleague teachers as they met to give verve and find ways to strengthen the noble profession in order to impact positively on the lives of Ghanaians.
President Mills underscored the role of quality education in nation-building, and explained that achieving quality education hinged on a qaudruple of pillars of sound environment and good teachers, availability of good teaching materials, training of teachers and cooperation, and the school environment.
President Mills re-echoed Government's programme to invest in people in Government's Better Ghana agenda, and explained that the distribution of free school uniform amd textbooks to pupils in Basic Schools, was part of the scheme to invest in people, and making quality education as one of the pivots of the Better Ghana agenda.
The President acknowldged that good remuneration for teachers was a key factor to achieving quality education.
However, very often the remunration package was not enough. "Government will ensure that the unfortunate trend is reversed," President Mills said, adding, "it is my hope and desire that as we get near the implemntation of the Single Spine Salary Structure, we'll do everything to support the GNAT and the educational sectotr." President Mills said Government would encourage private participation in the provision of vocational and technical education, especially at the tertiary level.
Wishing the teachers a new year of happiness, joy and prosperity, President Mills urged the conference to come out with recommendations that would apply effectively to improve the standards of education. Mr Alex Tettey Enyo, Minister of Education, and Mr Stephen Amoanor Kwao, Minister for Employment and Social Welfare, called for higher levels of co-operation between teachers and Government.
Solidarity messages we read from both foreign and local sister associations.
The Association presented plaques to President Mills and other individuals for their role in promoting quailty education. Present at the ceremony was Ms Susan Osgood, President of Education International. Source: GNA | > BACK to TOP < |
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| Archived News for 2010 | | | * Tuesday, 05.01.2010 | - Need to review education system - Frimpong-Boateng - Minister Declares War On NPP - NPP must win the 2012 elections - Jake - Galamsey operators attack staff of AngloGold Ashanti - Quashigah is dead - President commends teachers for calling off strike - Ghana Registers 83 New Investments - Double taxation agreement between Switzerland and Ghana in force - J.J.Rawlings consoles Dan Lartey's family - Massive Fraud Uncovered in NHIS | | Go to 06.01.2010 Go to 04.01.2010 Go to 03.01.2010 | | Your REPORT Your STORIES * Your PHOTOS PUBLISH NOW! | 
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| | | | * 05.01.2010 | | Ghana Registers 83 New Investments | 83 new investments were registered in the third quarter of 2009, as against 81 in the second quarter, with the total value of investments estimated at GH¢374.15 million ($267.25 million), compared to GH¢156.34 million ($111.67 million) recorded in the second quarter of 2009.
George Aboagye, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), who disclosed this to the media in Accra last week, said the new investments represented a significant increase of 139.32 percent over figures of the previous quarter, despite a 1.22 percent drop in the number of investments recorded.
China topped the list of countries with the highest number of projects while South Africa topped the list of countries with the largest value of investments.
50 of the projects, representing 61.73 percent, were wholly owned foreign enterprises with a value of GH¢1345.96 million while 31 percent constituted joint ventures between Ghanaians and their foreign partners.
The joint ventures recorded a value of GH¢239.19 million (63.93 percent) of the total estimated value of projects while the wholly owned entities had a value of GH¢134.96 million, representing 36.07 percent.
The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) component of the estimated value of the 81 projects stood at GH¢339.32 million, representing 90.69 percent while the local currency component was GH¢34.83 million, representing 9.31 percent.
Since the launch of a National Task force in July 2009 to monitor activities of foreigners in the trading sector and ensure their compliance with Ghana’s investment regulations, shops of some foreigners who flouted the law had been re-opened after they were regularised.
Among these was a Nigerian company by name JDDBC Limited. The inclusion of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) in the National Task Force has stemmed the regular agitation by members of association.
It has relatively reduced the indiscriminate flouting of the country’s investment laws. GIPC further reminded its stakeholders and investors of the relocation of its offices to its original offices within the Public Services Commission building at the ministries area. This measure is to ensure proximity to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to improve its service delivery.
Source: Daily Guide | | Double taxation agreement between Switzerland and Ghana in force | Effective 1 January 2010, an agreement between Ghana and Switzerland for the prevention of double taxation comes into force.
The agreement, signed in July 2008 and ratified by the Ghanaian and Swiss Parliament in 2009, protects investors from the two countries from double taxation on income, wealth and capital gains. Specifically, Swiss direct investment in Ghana and Ghanaian direct investments in Switzerland will be encouraged and withholding tax on dividends, interest, licence royalties and service fees will be limited.
Statistics from Ghana Investment Promotion Council (GIPC) as per end of June 2009, ranked Switzerland 14th among foreign investors in Ghana. This agreement will therefore promote favourable bilateral economic relations and further encourage Swiss direct investment in Ghana.
A number of Swiss companies are present in Ghana, and are major players especially in the food and services industry.
For more information, please contact the Embassy of Switzerland, Economic Section, Accra, +233 (0) 21 225 008 / 248 226
Source: Embassy of Switzerland > BACK to TOP < | | J.J.Rawlings consoles Dan Lartey's family | Accra, Jan. 5, GNA - Former President Jerry John Rawlings, on Tuesday eulogized the late Daniel Lartey, as having "served this nation well and added colour to our political landscape".
He said: "Dan Lartey had a way of diffusing and distressing political crisis and tension...And he should be appreciated for who he was. " President Rawlings said when he signed the book of condolence at the Kaneshie residence of the late politician.
"I respected the man so much for his wisdom and his departure is a big loss to the political climate of this country," he added. Mr. Daniel Augustus Lartey, Presidential Candidate, Leader, Founder and Chairman of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) died on Monday, December 28, 2009 at his residence after a short illness. He was 83. Fondly called Uncle Dan or Domestication, Mr. Lartey, was a staunch Nkrumahist, contested for the the Presidency on the ticket of the GCPP on two occasions in 2000 and 2004 since breaking away from Convention People's Party (CPP) to form the GCPP.
The late Mr. Lartey, a former publisher and trade unionist, became a household name following his 2004 slogan of "domestication"- meaning growing everything Ghana needs in the country rather than the dependence on foreign aid and investments.
President Rawlings called on all politicians to emulate the life of the late Mr. Lartey " who was honest, frank, and had the interest of Ghana at heart".
I hope we all emulate the life of this humble man, and not take our stresses and tensions to do irreparable damage to this country". Mr. Samuel Saakwa Acquah, The family Spokesperson, expressed gratitude to former President Rawlings for consoling the family and recognizing the worth of their deceased in Ghanaian politics.
President Rawlings was accompanied by his wife, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings and Nii Afotey Agbo, Member of Parliament for Kpone Katamanso. Source: GNA | | |
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