Page 11, Nov 20, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Oforikrom in the Ashanti Region, Ms Elizabeth Agyeman has called for the provision of adequate infrastructure for the Akrokerri Teacher Training College to enable the school improve on its female intake.
She said it was unfortunate that the female dormitory of the school has neither been expanded nor seen any major rehabilitation since the 1970s and called for a conscious efforts to encourage females to make the college as their preferred choice.
Ms Agyeman, who has been appointed as the chairman of the college’s Board of Directors told the Daily Graphic that the increase in the number of females at the basic level of education was good for the upliftment of the social status of Ghanaian women.
She stated, however that the government’s aim of uplifting the social status of women cannot be fully achieved if institutions, such as the Akrokerri Teacher Training College, among others continues to admit few female due to lack of accommodation.
Ms Agyeman, who is also an old student of the college, said Ghana’s quest to attain a middle income status would be a mirage if women were not encourage to stay in school till they achieved higher academic laurels.
She also appealed for the rehabilitation of the entire road network of the college to reciprocate the college’s immense contribution to the country’s education.
Ms Agyeman thanked the school for the honour done her and promised to use her time and energy to uplift the status of the school.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Aspirants must set good example
page 15, Nov 20, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Member of Parliament for Akrofrom in the Ashanti Region, Mr Kwabena Appiah-Pinkrah, has challenged presidential and parliamentary candidates vying for the December polls to set good examples for their supporters to follow.
He noted that there was the need for them to focus on things that would bind Ghanaians together rather than using words and innuendoes on political platforms to fan violence.
“As we enter the last lap of our campaigns towards the December polls, let us ensure that we conduct our campaigns with decency, since the outbreak of violence will destroy the gains that have been achieved over the years”, he said.
Mr Appiah-Pinkrah told the Daily Graphic that it was the duty of the leadership of all the political parties to strive to maintain the image that the country had built for itself as far as the conduct of elections was concerned since 1992.
“If we are able to conduct the forthcoming elections in dignity, Ghana’s image will continue to sour and positively affect its economic growth”, he stated.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Member of Parliament for Akrofrom in the Ashanti Region, Mr Kwabena Appiah-Pinkrah, has challenged presidential and parliamentary candidates vying for the December polls to set good examples for their supporters to follow.
He noted that there was the need for them to focus on things that would bind Ghanaians together rather than using words and innuendoes on political platforms to fan violence.
“As we enter the last lap of our campaigns towards the December polls, let us ensure that we conduct our campaigns with decency, since the outbreak of violence will destroy the gains that have been achieved over the years”, he said.
Mr Appiah-Pinkrah told the Daily Graphic that it was the duty of the leadership of all the political parties to strive to maintain the image that the country had built for itself as far as the conduct of elections was concerned since 1992.
“If we are able to conduct the forthcoming elections in dignity, Ghana’s image will continue to sour and positively affect its economic growth”, he stated.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Parliament adjourns to give time for campaiging
Centre spread, Nov 15, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT on Friday adjourned to give Members of Parliament (MPs) who are contesting their seats during the forthcoming elections ample time to campaign.
The House will, however, reconvene on December 16, 2008 to finish the business of the meeting before adjourning sine die.
The House is expected to be dissolved on January 6, 2009 to pave the way for the inauguration of the Fifth Parliament of the Fourth Republic on January 7, 2009.
It is now clear that more than 40 members of the House are not contesting their seats for one reason or another. Prominent among them is the Majority Leader, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidooh, who lost his bid to contest the Tema West seat during the NPP primary.
Others on the Majority side include the MP for Berekum, Mr Nkrabea Effah-Dartey, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, MP for Manhyia, Mr Akwasi Osei-Adjei, the Foreign Minister and MP for Ejisu Juaben and Dr K.K. Apraku, MP for Offinso North.
On the Minority side are Dr Kwame Ampofo, MP for South Dayi, Mr Ken Dzirasah, MP for Central Tongu, Mr Samuel Sallas-Mensah, MP for Upper West Akim and Mr Francis Abotse, among others.
Delivering his closing remarks, Mr Aidooh thanked the MPs for their immense co-operation, which had ensured the smooth running of the meeting.
He stated that though the period of the meeting was very short, a lot was achieved due to the dedication of the MPs, who shuttled between their constituencies and the House to transact business.
Mr Aidooh expressed the hope that all members of the House would retain their seats to maintain the status quo in the House.
The Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, asked the MPs going to campaign to maintain the cordial relationship among them in the House while in their constituencies to portray to their constituents that politicians were not enemies.
He thanked his colleagues for their co-operation during the meeting and expressed the hope that the country would witness yet another historic election.
The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Freddie Blay, on behalf of the Speaker, thanked both the Majority and Minority sides of the House, the staff of the Parliamentary Service and the Parliamentary Press Corps for their contributions to the success of the meeting.
Before the House adjourned, members passed the Education Bill.
The bill seeks to incorporate the lessons learnt from the over 50 years of state control and management of educational reforms and give substance to Article 38 of the Constitution, which enjoins the government of the day to provide educational facilities at all levels and in all regions and to make those facilities available to the citizenry.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT on Friday adjourned to give Members of Parliament (MPs) who are contesting their seats during the forthcoming elections ample time to campaign.
The House will, however, reconvene on December 16, 2008 to finish the business of the meeting before adjourning sine die.
The House is expected to be dissolved on January 6, 2009 to pave the way for the inauguration of the Fifth Parliament of the Fourth Republic on January 7, 2009.
It is now clear that more than 40 members of the House are not contesting their seats for one reason or another. Prominent among them is the Majority Leader, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidooh, who lost his bid to contest the Tema West seat during the NPP primary.
Others on the Majority side include the MP for Berekum, Mr Nkrabea Effah-Dartey, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, MP for Manhyia, Mr Akwasi Osei-Adjei, the Foreign Minister and MP for Ejisu Juaben and Dr K.K. Apraku, MP for Offinso North.
On the Minority side are Dr Kwame Ampofo, MP for South Dayi, Mr Ken Dzirasah, MP for Central Tongu, Mr Samuel Sallas-Mensah, MP for Upper West Akim and Mr Francis Abotse, among others.
Delivering his closing remarks, Mr Aidooh thanked the MPs for their immense co-operation, which had ensured the smooth running of the meeting.
He stated that though the period of the meeting was very short, a lot was achieved due to the dedication of the MPs, who shuttled between their constituencies and the House to transact business.
Mr Aidooh expressed the hope that all members of the House would retain their seats to maintain the status quo in the House.
The Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, asked the MPs going to campaign to maintain the cordial relationship among them in the House while in their constituencies to portray to their constituents that politicians were not enemies.
He thanked his colleagues for their co-operation during the meeting and expressed the hope that the country would witness yet another historic election.
The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Freddie Blay, on behalf of the Speaker, thanked both the Majority and Minority sides of the House, the staff of the Parliamentary Service and the Parliamentary Press Corps for their contributions to the success of the meeting.
Before the House adjourned, members passed the Education Bill.
The bill seeks to incorporate the lessons learnt from the over 50 years of state control and management of educational reforms and give substance to Article 38 of the Constitution, which enjoins the government of the day to provide educational facilities at all levels and in all regions and to make those facilities available to the citizenry.
House approves funds for first quarter of 2009
Backpage, Nov 15, 2998
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT yesterday approved a total of GH ¢2,218,506,931.00 to be drawn from the Consolidated Fund as expenditure for the first quarter of 2009 in advance of the 2009 budget.
The amount is made up of statutory payments of GH ¢635,896,749.00 and discretionary payments of GH¢1,582,610,183.00.
The statutory payments include external debt servicing of GH¢113,697,484 as principal and GH¢36,018,141 as interest payments and the total domestic interest of GH¢101,284,659, which include allocations for the District Assemblies Common Fund, transfers to household, pensions, gratuities, National Health Fund, social security, Ghana Education Trust Fund, Road Fund and Petroleum-related Fund.
The expenditure in advance of the 2009 appropriation was laid before the House on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 and referred to the Parliamentary Committee on Finance for consideration.
Article 180 of the 1992 Constitution states that where it appears to the President that the Appropriation Act in respect of any financial year will not come into operation by the beginning of the financial year, he may, with the approval of Parliament by a resolution, authorise the withdrawal of moneys from the Consolidated Fund for the purposes of meeting expenditure necessary to carry on the services of the government in respect of the first three months of the year.
The Finance Committee noted during its deliberation on the matter that the amount represented about 25 per cent of the total budgetary figure for the 2009 financial year.
The measure is expected to give the incoming administration the opportunity to make input into the budget of the 2009 financial year.
The Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, moved the motion for the approval of the fund.
Contributing to the ensuing debate, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, Mr P.C Appiah-Ofori, urged his colleagues to give approval to the amount to keep the wheels of governance moving for the first quarter of 2009.
Meanwhile, the House has also approved a $30-million loan agreement between the government and the EXIM Bank of China and Societe General, Beijing, for the development of the National E-Government Infrastructure Project.
It also adopted the report of the Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs on the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling and Joining of the International Whaling Commission of the United Nations.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT yesterday approved a total of GH ¢2,218,506,931.00 to be drawn from the Consolidated Fund as expenditure for the first quarter of 2009 in advance of the 2009 budget.
The amount is made up of statutory payments of GH ¢635,896,749.00 and discretionary payments of GH¢1,582,610,183.00.
The statutory payments include external debt servicing of GH¢113,697,484 as principal and GH¢36,018,141 as interest payments and the total domestic interest of GH¢101,284,659, which include allocations for the District Assemblies Common Fund, transfers to household, pensions, gratuities, National Health Fund, social security, Ghana Education Trust Fund, Road Fund and Petroleum-related Fund.
The expenditure in advance of the 2009 appropriation was laid before the House on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 and referred to the Parliamentary Committee on Finance for consideration.
Article 180 of the 1992 Constitution states that where it appears to the President that the Appropriation Act in respect of any financial year will not come into operation by the beginning of the financial year, he may, with the approval of Parliament by a resolution, authorise the withdrawal of moneys from the Consolidated Fund for the purposes of meeting expenditure necessary to carry on the services of the government in respect of the first three months of the year.
The Finance Committee noted during its deliberation on the matter that the amount represented about 25 per cent of the total budgetary figure for the 2009 financial year.
The measure is expected to give the incoming administration the opportunity to make input into the budget of the 2009 financial year.
The Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, moved the motion for the approval of the fund.
Contributing to the ensuing debate, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, Mr P.C Appiah-Ofori, urged his colleagues to give approval to the amount to keep the wheels of governance moving for the first quarter of 2009.
Meanwhile, the House has also approved a $30-million loan agreement between the government and the EXIM Bank of China and Societe General, Beijing, for the development of the National E-Government Infrastructure Project.
It also adopted the report of the Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs on the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling and Joining of the International Whaling Commission of the United Nations.
Commit more resources to health
Page 14, Nov 14, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE African Regional Representative of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Larry Umunna, has advised West African countries to commit more resources to health-related issues to ensure proper health of their people.
GAIN, an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), is committed to fighting against malnutrition to make people and economies healthier and more productive.
The organisation mobilises public-private partnerships and provides the financial and technical support to get healthier food supplements to people at risk of malnutrition.
Speaking at a press conference preceding a high-level meeting of the organisation in Accra on Tuesday, Mr Umunna noted that though malnutrition was preventable, it was the underlying cause of the 3.5 million child deaths worldwide.
According to a Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) 2004 report, 37.2 million people were undernourished in West Africa, while under-five and maternal mortality rates were among the highest in the world.
He said it was for that reason that GAIN had committed $9 million in West Africa for food fortification projects as a strategy aimed at reducing macronutrient deficiencies and alleviating hunger.
He said in Ghana, GAIN was supporting the National Food Fortification Programme with $1.8 million for a three-year public-private initiative to reduce anaemia, folic acid and vitamin A deficiencies through consumption of fortified wheat flour and vegetable oil.
It is the goal of the NGO to improve the nutritional situation of the vulnerable and those at risk, explaining that 65 per cent of children from two to five years and 40 per cent of women of reproductive age suffer from vitamin A deficiencies.
Mr Umunna said GAIN was also in a process of financing projects in Ghana on complementary foods for children between ??? and 24 months, with UNICEF in the area of salt iodisation.
He, however regretted that despite the impact of malnutrition on mortality, morbidity and national economies, a disturbing low proportion of the international resources for health-related development assistance were allocated to nutrition activities.
Mr Umunna noted that adequate food was a human right issue, while good nutrition was essential to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), adding that without progress towards the tackling of malnutrition in West Africa, it would be difficult to achieve these goals.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE African Regional Representative of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Larry Umunna, has advised West African countries to commit more resources to health-related issues to ensure proper health of their people.
GAIN, an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), is committed to fighting against malnutrition to make people and economies healthier and more productive.
The organisation mobilises public-private partnerships and provides the financial and technical support to get healthier food supplements to people at risk of malnutrition.
Speaking at a press conference preceding a high-level meeting of the organisation in Accra on Tuesday, Mr Umunna noted that though malnutrition was preventable, it was the underlying cause of the 3.5 million child deaths worldwide.
According to a Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) 2004 report, 37.2 million people were undernourished in West Africa, while under-five and maternal mortality rates were among the highest in the world.
He said it was for that reason that GAIN had committed $9 million in West Africa for food fortification projects as a strategy aimed at reducing macronutrient deficiencies and alleviating hunger.
He said in Ghana, GAIN was supporting the National Food Fortification Programme with $1.8 million for a three-year public-private initiative to reduce anaemia, folic acid and vitamin A deficiencies through consumption of fortified wheat flour and vegetable oil.
It is the goal of the NGO to improve the nutritional situation of the vulnerable and those at risk, explaining that 65 per cent of children from two to five years and 40 per cent of women of reproductive age suffer from vitamin A deficiencies.
Mr Umunna said GAIN was also in a process of financing projects in Ghana on complementary foods for children between ??? and 24 months, with UNICEF in the area of salt iodisation.
He, however regretted that despite the impact of malnutrition on mortality, morbidity and national economies, a disturbing low proportion of the international resources for health-related development assistance were allocated to nutrition activities.
Mr Umunna noted that adequate food was a human right issue, while good nutrition was essential to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), adding that without progress towards the tackling of malnutrition in West Africa, it would be difficult to achieve these goals.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Parliament approves loan for health sector
Page 55, Nov 13, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT yesterday approved a $339 million loan agreement between the government and the Euroget De-invest S.A. of Egypt for the construction and equipping of two regional and six district hospitals.
The regional hospitals are to be sited in Wa in the Upper West Region and Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, while the district hospitals will be in the Tepa, Wenchi, Salaga, Twifo Praso, Adenta/Madina and Konongo/Odumase districts.
The construction of the hospitals is to provide access to quality health care for the people of the proposed sites, supply and install equipment for quality health upon completion and provide training for medical staff and technicians to assist operate the facilities efficiently.
The Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, moved for the approval of the facility, while the Chairman of the Finance Committee of Parliament, Nii Daku Adu Mante, seconded it.
Presenting the report of the committee on the loan, Nii Mante said the country recognised the need to improve health status indicators, including maternal, public health and reproductive health services.
He noted that non-communicable diseases and road accidents were becoming major causes of morbidity in the country.
Nii Mante said despite those challenges, the health sector had made progress in meeting people’s expectations and promoting effective clinical service delivery, explaining that with the operation of the National Health Insurance Scheme, people now had easy access to health care.
The major components of the projects will include administration buildings, adjunct clinical services, out-patient departments, theatres, standard wards, maternity/pediatrics, kitchens, mortuaries, mother hostels, among others.
The House also approved a $120 million loan agreement between the government and the Bank of Hapoalim of Israel for the implementation of the Kwahu, Konongo and Kumawu water supply projects and a $49 million loan from the Project Development International/Exim Bank of the United States of America for the procurement of additional fire tenders for the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
Meanwhile, Dr Akoto Osei yesterday laid before Parliament the expenditure in advance of appropriation for January to March 2009 and estimates of revenue and expenditure of government for the 2009 fiscal year.
The First Deputy Speaker, Mr Freddie Blay, referred the two papers to the Finance Committee of Parliament for consideration and report to the House for approval or otherwise.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT yesterday approved a $339 million loan agreement between the government and the Euroget De-invest S.A. of Egypt for the construction and equipping of two regional and six district hospitals.
The regional hospitals are to be sited in Wa in the Upper West Region and Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, while the district hospitals will be in the Tepa, Wenchi, Salaga, Twifo Praso, Adenta/Madina and Konongo/Odumase districts.
The construction of the hospitals is to provide access to quality health care for the people of the proposed sites, supply and install equipment for quality health upon completion and provide training for medical staff and technicians to assist operate the facilities efficiently.
The Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, moved for the approval of the facility, while the Chairman of the Finance Committee of Parliament, Nii Daku Adu Mante, seconded it.
Presenting the report of the committee on the loan, Nii Mante said the country recognised the need to improve health status indicators, including maternal, public health and reproductive health services.
He noted that non-communicable diseases and road accidents were becoming major causes of morbidity in the country.
Nii Mante said despite those challenges, the health sector had made progress in meeting people’s expectations and promoting effective clinical service delivery, explaining that with the operation of the National Health Insurance Scheme, people now had easy access to health care.
The major components of the projects will include administration buildings, adjunct clinical services, out-patient departments, theatres, standard wards, maternity/pediatrics, kitchens, mortuaries, mother hostels, among others.
The House also approved a $120 million loan agreement between the government and the Bank of Hapoalim of Israel for the implementation of the Kwahu, Konongo and Kumawu water supply projects and a $49 million loan from the Project Development International/Exim Bank of the United States of America for the procurement of additional fire tenders for the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
Meanwhile, Dr Akoto Osei yesterday laid before Parliament the expenditure in advance of appropriation for January to March 2009 and estimates of revenue and expenditure of government for the 2009 fiscal year.
The First Deputy Speaker, Mr Freddie Blay, referred the two papers to the Finance Committee of Parliament for consideration and report to the House for approval or otherwise.
SECURITY FOR ASPIRANTS, four bodyguards assigned to each candidate
Frontpage (lead story), Nov 12, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
EACH of the eight presidential candidates in the December election has been assigned four bodyguards, the Interior Minister, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, told Parliament yesterday.
In addition, all parliamentary candidates have been advised to contact their respective regional, divisional or district commanders of police who have been directed to arrange general security for the candidates.
The parliamentary candidates are to contact the commanders to give them details of their (candidates’) residences and movements.
Giving details of security arrangements for the election, the Interior Minister indicated that on election day, the National Election Security Task Force would co-ordinate the administrative and operational aspects of general security throughout the 230 constituencies and 22,000 polling stations nation-wide.
He further announced that he had asked the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to ensure that no security agent without a name tag was allowed to man a polling station.
That, he explained, was to avoid infiltration.
He said the Regional and District Election Security Task forces would complement the efforts of the National Security Task Force to ensure the safe escort of all voting materials to and from the polling stations.
They would also protect electoral officers, ballot boxes and voters, he explained
Dr Addo-Kufuor stated that civic and voter educational programmes were being undertaken by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Ministry of Information and National Orientation and other governance bodies such as the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) to ensure an incident-free election.
The Interior Minister had appeared before the House to answer an urgent question posed by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ashaiman, Mr Alfred Kwame Agbesi.
Mr Agbesi wanted to know what plans the ministry had made on security for presidential and parliamentary candidates, as well as the general public, before, during and after the December 7 elections.
Asked whether the security agencies would be armed, the minister stated that it would depend on the situation at the various polling stations.
On whether members of the Community Protection Unit of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) would take part in the provision of security at the polling stations during the elections, Dr Addo-Kufuor asked Mr Agbesi to file another question for him to answer later.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
EACH of the eight presidential candidates in the December election has been assigned four bodyguards, the Interior Minister, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, told Parliament yesterday.
In addition, all parliamentary candidates have been advised to contact their respective regional, divisional or district commanders of police who have been directed to arrange general security for the candidates.
The parliamentary candidates are to contact the commanders to give them details of their (candidates’) residences and movements.
Giving details of security arrangements for the election, the Interior Minister indicated that on election day, the National Election Security Task Force would co-ordinate the administrative and operational aspects of general security throughout the 230 constituencies and 22,000 polling stations nation-wide.
He further announced that he had asked the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to ensure that no security agent without a name tag was allowed to man a polling station.
That, he explained, was to avoid infiltration.
He said the Regional and District Election Security Task forces would complement the efforts of the National Security Task Force to ensure the safe escort of all voting materials to and from the polling stations.
They would also protect electoral officers, ballot boxes and voters, he explained
Dr Addo-Kufuor stated that civic and voter educational programmes were being undertaken by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Ministry of Information and National Orientation and other governance bodies such as the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) to ensure an incident-free election.
The Interior Minister had appeared before the House to answer an urgent question posed by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ashaiman, Mr Alfred Kwame Agbesi.
Mr Agbesi wanted to know what plans the ministry had made on security for presidential and parliamentary candidates, as well as the general public, before, during and after the December 7 elections.
Asked whether the security agencies would be armed, the minister stated that it would depend on the situation at the various polling stations.
On whether members of the Community Protection Unit of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) would take part in the provision of security at the polling stations during the elections, Dr Addo-Kufuor asked Mr Agbesi to file another question for him to answer later.
Second Methodist Bishop of Somanya outdoored
Page 21, Nov 12, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE second bishop of the Somanya Diocese of the Methodist Church of Ghana, Right Reverend Albert Ofoe Wright has been outdoored at a colourful ceremony at Somanya.
Rev Wright was the first Administrative Secretary of the Methodist Church and a former minister in-charge of Missionary of the United Methodist Church in Germany.
The Lay President of the church, Mrs Araba Ata Sam, who officiated the ceremony, described Rev Wright as a minister who discharged his duties with absolute professionalism, thereby exhibiting a lot of maturity, forthrightness and decorum.
Rev Wright stated that he would convince the people and communities within the Somanya Diocese by sharing the love of God and material resources with them.
Present at the ceremony were the Presiding Bishop-elect of the church, Rt Rev Prof Emmanuel Asante and the immediate past Presiding Bishop, Most Rev Dr Samuel Asante Antwi.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE second bishop of the Somanya Diocese of the Methodist Church of Ghana, Right Reverend Albert Ofoe Wright has been outdoored at a colourful ceremony at Somanya.
Rev Wright was the first Administrative Secretary of the Methodist Church and a former minister in-charge of Missionary of the United Methodist Church in Germany.
The Lay President of the church, Mrs Araba Ata Sam, who officiated the ceremony, described Rev Wright as a minister who discharged his duties with absolute professionalism, thereby exhibiting a lot of maturity, forthrightness and decorum.
Rev Wright stated that he would convince the people and communities within the Somanya Diocese by sharing the love of God and material resources with them.
Present at the ceremony were the Presiding Bishop-elect of the church, Rt Rev Prof Emmanuel Asante and the immediate past Presiding Bishop, Most Rev Dr Samuel Asante Antwi.
Abesim scholarship scheme assists 15 students
Page 21, Nov 12, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
A TOTAL of GH¢15,000 has been spent by the Kyidom Educational Endowment Fund of Abesim in the Brong Ahafo Region as scholarships for 15 brilliant, needy students from the town over the last three years.
The chief of Abesim, Nana Kumi Acheaw, who is also the Kyidomhene of Dormaa Traditional Area, made this known at a durbar to award scholarships to 11 students from the town who had gained admission to second-cycle and tertiary institutions.
At the ceremony, four individuals from the town, who had contributed immensely to the fund, were also honoured with citations for their commitment to the education of the youth of the town.
They are Mr Joseph Konadu, Mr George Yaw Damoah, Mr Yaw Broni, all contractors and Nana Kwame Aning (aka Tyco), a fuel dealer.
Addressing the durbar, Nana Acheaw explained that besides the contributions of some philanthropists, both residents and non-residents of the town contributed GH¢2 per man and GH¢1 per woman towards the fund.
Nana Acheaw commended the four individuals and urged those who had the resources to contribute to the scheme and not to sit on the fence.
He noted that education was the foundation for the development of every society.
Nana Acheaw gave the assurance that the chiefs and people of the town were determined to push brilliant, needy students to the apex of their academic ladder.
“The only legacy that we can bequeath the present generation is to create a sound environment to enable the youth to achieve high academic qualifications. That is the way forward for the development of the society,” he stressed.
Nana Acheaw, therefore, called on citizens of the town to ensure that they paid their contributions to enable the scheme to increase the number of scholarships it offered to students each year.
He implored the beneficiaries not to rest on their laurels but work hard to justify the confidence the chiefs and people of the town had reposed in them so that they could also assist the needy in future.
Touching on the forthcoming general election, Nana Acheaw called on political leaders to be mindful of their utterances in order not to raise violence before, during and after the election.
Parents of the scholarship beneficiaries thanked the chiefs and people of the town for coming to their aid and promised that their wards would live up to expectation.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
A TOTAL of GH¢15,000 has been spent by the Kyidom Educational Endowment Fund of Abesim in the Brong Ahafo Region as scholarships for 15 brilliant, needy students from the town over the last three years.
The chief of Abesim, Nana Kumi Acheaw, who is also the Kyidomhene of Dormaa Traditional Area, made this known at a durbar to award scholarships to 11 students from the town who had gained admission to second-cycle and tertiary institutions.
At the ceremony, four individuals from the town, who had contributed immensely to the fund, were also honoured with citations for their commitment to the education of the youth of the town.
They are Mr Joseph Konadu, Mr George Yaw Damoah, Mr Yaw Broni, all contractors and Nana Kwame Aning (aka Tyco), a fuel dealer.
Addressing the durbar, Nana Acheaw explained that besides the contributions of some philanthropists, both residents and non-residents of the town contributed GH¢2 per man and GH¢1 per woman towards the fund.
Nana Acheaw commended the four individuals and urged those who had the resources to contribute to the scheme and not to sit on the fence.
He noted that education was the foundation for the development of every society.
Nana Acheaw gave the assurance that the chiefs and people of the town were determined to push brilliant, needy students to the apex of their academic ladder.
“The only legacy that we can bequeath the present generation is to create a sound environment to enable the youth to achieve high academic qualifications. That is the way forward for the development of the society,” he stressed.
Nana Acheaw, therefore, called on citizens of the town to ensure that they paid their contributions to enable the scheme to increase the number of scholarships it offered to students each year.
He implored the beneficiaries not to rest on their laurels but work hard to justify the confidence the chiefs and people of the town had reposed in them so that they could also assist the needy in future.
Touching on the forthcoming general election, Nana Acheaw called on political leaders to be mindful of their utterances in order not to raise violence before, during and after the election.
Parents of the scholarship beneficiaries thanked the chiefs and people of the town for coming to their aid and promised that their wards would live up to expectation.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Ghana, Gambia to dialogue on death of Ghanaians
Page 14, Nov 10, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE government is pursuing dialogue with the authorities of The Gambia to ensure that the families of some Ghanaians who were killed in that country receive adequate compensation for the murder of their relatives.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD, Mr Akwasi Osei-Adjei, who made this known yesterday, said it would be “an extremist action” by the government to sever diplomatic relations with The Gambia in the quest to pursue justice for the killing of the Ghanaians and other West African nationals in that country.
The minister stated the position of the government when he appeared before Parliament to answer a question posed to him by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bole/Bamboi, Mr John Dramani Mahama.
The MP, whose question was asked on his behalf by the MP for Ningo-Prampram, Mr Enoch Teye Mensah, wanted to know about the findings of Ghana’s investigative team into the killing of Ghanaians and other West African nationals in The Gambia.
The minister stated that an agreement had been reached to set up a three-member fact-finding panel, comprising the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, as chairperson, and a representative each of the governments of Ghana and The Gambia.
Mr Osei-Adjei explained that Ghana had chosen a former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Co-operation of Mauritius, Ambassador Vijay Makhan to represent it on the panel.
He said currently, Ambassador Makhan was awaiting his appointment by the United Nations, which was expected to be completed by November 9, 2008 before travelling to Ghana to hold discussions with the government and then proceed to Abuja to join other members of the panel to commence work.
The work is expected to last one and a half months.
Mr Osei-Adjei stated that the recourse to independent investigations under the aegis of the ECOWAS and the UN provided a diplomatic way forward that brought The Gambia on board the process to unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate death of the Ghanaians.
“The government eagerly awaits the findings of the independent panel and wishes to reassure the families of the victims that it remains committed to ensuring that the matter is brought to a just and satisfactory conclusion,” he said.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE government is pursuing dialogue with the authorities of The Gambia to ensure that the families of some Ghanaians who were killed in that country receive adequate compensation for the murder of their relatives.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD, Mr Akwasi Osei-Adjei, who made this known yesterday, said it would be “an extremist action” by the government to sever diplomatic relations with The Gambia in the quest to pursue justice for the killing of the Ghanaians and other West African nationals in that country.
The minister stated the position of the government when he appeared before Parliament to answer a question posed to him by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bole/Bamboi, Mr John Dramani Mahama.
The MP, whose question was asked on his behalf by the MP for Ningo-Prampram, Mr Enoch Teye Mensah, wanted to know about the findings of Ghana’s investigative team into the killing of Ghanaians and other West African nationals in The Gambia.
The minister stated that an agreement had been reached to set up a three-member fact-finding panel, comprising the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, as chairperson, and a representative each of the governments of Ghana and The Gambia.
Mr Osei-Adjei explained that Ghana had chosen a former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Co-operation of Mauritius, Ambassador Vijay Makhan to represent it on the panel.
He said currently, Ambassador Makhan was awaiting his appointment by the United Nations, which was expected to be completed by November 9, 2008 before travelling to Ghana to hold discussions with the government and then proceed to Abuja to join other members of the panel to commence work.
The work is expected to last one and a half months.
Mr Osei-Adjei stated that the recourse to independent investigations under the aegis of the ECOWAS and the UN provided a diplomatic way forward that brought The Gambia on board the process to unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate death of the Ghanaians.
“The government eagerly awaits the findings of the independent panel and wishes to reassure the families of the victims that it remains committed to ensuring that the matter is brought to a just and satisfactory conclusion,” he said.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Parliament pays tribute to Baah Wiredu
Page 15, Nov 6, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT on Tuesday stood still as Members of Parliament (MP) paid glowing tribute to the late MP for the Asante Akim North and Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu.
Mr Baah-Wiredu, who died in South Africa on September 24, 2008, is expected to be accorded a state funeral in Accra and buried in his home town, Agogo, in the Ashanti Region on Saturday, November 8.
When various MPs from both sides of the House contributed to a statement by the Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidoo, they did so with heavy hearts.
Though those who contributed to the statement tried to hide their emotions, some ended up giving themselves out by shedding some tears midway through their contributions.
Some of those who were overwhelmed by the death of their colleague even refused to contribute to the tribute to depict their deep sorrow.
In a statement, Mr Aidooh said that the country stood in horrified stillness, while the government was shaken to its foundations when the death of Mr Baah-Wiredu was announced.
He noted that the crusade to strengthen the role of Parliament in international loan agreements came about due to the efforts of Mr Baah-Wiredu.
“In the business of actual law making, which is not one of the very interesting duties of MPs, Kwadwo distinguished himself. The several amendments proposed to several laws that the Parliament enacted bear testimony to this,” he said.
He noted that in both opposition and in government, Mr Baah-Wiredu’s credo had been politics without bitterness thus, explaining why his death brought the nation to a halt.
“For us in Parliament, it would be a near impossible task not to remember Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu. We plead with the Creator to grant him a peaceful rest from all the sleepless nights he encountered here on earth, all as part of his contribution to make life better for others.”
The Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Prof. George Gyan-Baffour, in his contribution, described the late minister as meticulous in his management of the national purse.
He said he always ensured that there was a balance between expenditure and revenue, as he was always conscious of the need to reduce fiscal excesses by consistently making explicit his desire for a linkage between fiscal action and economic outcome.
“He was not a Finance Minister who sat on his desk and only managed fiscal policy, he said, explaining that he was always on work sites to see to it that monies released were used for the purposes intended.
Professor Gyan-Baffour said the late Baah-Wiredu handled the economy so well that, in spite of the turbulence in the world economies in the last two years, Ghana’s economic fundamentals were stronger now than ever before.
All MPs who contributed to the tribute extolled the positive kind of politics pursued by the late Baah-Wiredu and called for lessons to be learnt from his type of politics and selfless devotion.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT on Tuesday stood still as Members of Parliament (MP) paid glowing tribute to the late MP for the Asante Akim North and Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu.
Mr Baah-Wiredu, who died in South Africa on September 24, 2008, is expected to be accorded a state funeral in Accra and buried in his home town, Agogo, in the Ashanti Region on Saturday, November 8.
When various MPs from both sides of the House contributed to a statement by the Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidoo, they did so with heavy hearts.
Though those who contributed to the statement tried to hide their emotions, some ended up giving themselves out by shedding some tears midway through their contributions.
Some of those who were overwhelmed by the death of their colleague even refused to contribute to the tribute to depict their deep sorrow.
In a statement, Mr Aidooh said that the country stood in horrified stillness, while the government was shaken to its foundations when the death of Mr Baah-Wiredu was announced.
He noted that the crusade to strengthen the role of Parliament in international loan agreements came about due to the efforts of Mr Baah-Wiredu.
“In the business of actual law making, which is not one of the very interesting duties of MPs, Kwadwo distinguished himself. The several amendments proposed to several laws that the Parliament enacted bear testimony to this,” he said.
He noted that in both opposition and in government, Mr Baah-Wiredu’s credo had been politics without bitterness thus, explaining why his death brought the nation to a halt.
“For us in Parliament, it would be a near impossible task not to remember Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu. We plead with the Creator to grant him a peaceful rest from all the sleepless nights he encountered here on earth, all as part of his contribution to make life better for others.”
The Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Prof. George Gyan-Baffour, in his contribution, described the late minister as meticulous in his management of the national purse.
He said he always ensured that there was a balance between expenditure and revenue, as he was always conscious of the need to reduce fiscal excesses by consistently making explicit his desire for a linkage between fiscal action and economic outcome.
“He was not a Finance Minister who sat on his desk and only managed fiscal policy, he said, explaining that he was always on work sites to see to it that monies released were used for the purposes intended.
Professor Gyan-Baffour said the late Baah-Wiredu handled the economy so well that, in spite of the turbulence in the world economies in the last two years, Ghana’s economic fundamentals were stronger now than ever before.
All MPs who contributed to the tribute extolled the positive kind of politics pursued by the late Baah-Wiredu and called for lessons to be learnt from his type of politics and selfless devotion.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
House approves loan agreement for power projects
Backpage, Nov 5, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
Parliament yesterday gave approval for a US$500 million loan agreement between the government and the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development to finance the development and construction of the Juale and the Pwalugu hydro-electric power projects.
Feasibility studies on the two hydroelectric projects, which were carried out by Coyne ET of France, under a grant from the French Government in 1993, found out that the schemes were technically and economically attractive to add power generation. They also have the potential to export power to neighbouring countries, when necessary.
The schemes are designed for multi-purpose uses, including power generation, irrigation, fisheries and water transportation, and the credit facility will fund the entire spectrum of activities, from the development of the projects to the construction, inauguration and commercial operation of the two hydro-power schemes.
The construction of the Pwalugu Hydroelectric Scheme on the White Volta in the Upper East Region is expected to add 50 megawatts to Ghana’s energy production, while that of Juale in the Northern Region on the Oti River is expected to generate 90 megawatts.
The government is providing $55 million out of the $555 million cost of the two projects.
According to the report of the Finance Committee of Parliament, which dealt with the loan, government intended to develop modern townships and basic development infrastructure as part of the projects, which would form the building blocks of planned metropolises for the project areas.
The Minister of Energy, Mr Felix Owusu-Adjapong, moved for the approval of the loan and he was seconded by the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Nii Adu Mante Daku.
Members of Parliament from both sides of the House who contributed to the ensuing debate commended the government for taking a bold step to construct the two dams to add to the country’s energy generation.
In another development, the House also approved three other loans for a number of projects.
They included a €33,173,877 loan agreement between the government and Hospital Engineering GMBH of the Federal Republic of Germany for the supply and installation of medical and technical equipment at the 37 Military Hospital and the US$8.195 million loan from the Bank of China for the establishment of ICT-Enabled Distance Education Project at the University of Ghana, Legon.
The other loan agreement was a US$30 million credit facility from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) for phase four of the self-help electrification programme (SHEP 4) in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions.
Commenting on the loan for the installation and supply of equipment at the 37 Military Hospital, the Deputy Minister of Defence and MP for Akropong, Mr William Ofori Boafo, noted that the hospital also served a large number of civilians, in addition to referral cases from other countries in the West African sub-region.
For his part, the MP for Berekum, Captain Nkrabea Effah-Dartey, called for due diligence to ensure that the equipment that would be supplied to the hospital would not be obsolete but modern.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
Parliament yesterday gave approval for a US$500 million loan agreement between the government and the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development to finance the development and construction of the Juale and the Pwalugu hydro-electric power projects.
Feasibility studies on the two hydroelectric projects, which were carried out by Coyne ET of France, under a grant from the French Government in 1993, found out that the schemes were technically and economically attractive to add power generation. They also have the potential to export power to neighbouring countries, when necessary.
The schemes are designed for multi-purpose uses, including power generation, irrigation, fisheries and water transportation, and the credit facility will fund the entire spectrum of activities, from the development of the projects to the construction, inauguration and commercial operation of the two hydro-power schemes.
The construction of the Pwalugu Hydroelectric Scheme on the White Volta in the Upper East Region is expected to add 50 megawatts to Ghana’s energy production, while that of Juale in the Northern Region on the Oti River is expected to generate 90 megawatts.
The government is providing $55 million out of the $555 million cost of the two projects.
According to the report of the Finance Committee of Parliament, which dealt with the loan, government intended to develop modern townships and basic development infrastructure as part of the projects, which would form the building blocks of planned metropolises for the project areas.
The Minister of Energy, Mr Felix Owusu-Adjapong, moved for the approval of the loan and he was seconded by the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Nii Adu Mante Daku.
Members of Parliament from both sides of the House who contributed to the ensuing debate commended the government for taking a bold step to construct the two dams to add to the country’s energy generation.
In another development, the House also approved three other loans for a number of projects.
They included a €33,173,877 loan agreement between the government and Hospital Engineering GMBH of the Federal Republic of Germany for the supply and installation of medical and technical equipment at the 37 Military Hospital and the US$8.195 million loan from the Bank of China for the establishment of ICT-Enabled Distance Education Project at the University of Ghana, Legon.
The other loan agreement was a US$30 million credit facility from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) for phase four of the self-help electrification programme (SHEP 4) in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions.
Commenting on the loan for the installation and supply of equipment at the 37 Military Hospital, the Deputy Minister of Defence and MP for Akropong, Mr William Ofori Boafo, noted that the hospital also served a large number of civilians, in addition to referral cases from other countries in the West African sub-region.
For his part, the MP for Berekum, Captain Nkrabea Effah-Dartey, called for due diligence to ensure that the equipment that would be supplied to the hospital would not be obsolete but modern.
Parliament gives approval for loans to improve airports
Page 19, Nov 1, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT has given approval for a $122 million loan agreement between the government and the GK Airports Company Limited for the rehabilitation of the Kumasi, Takoradi and Sunyani airports.
Ghana has 12 airports with seven paved runways of which the Kotoka International Airport is the largest and only airport of international status.
The rehabilitation of the three airports is part of the government’s approach to provide the country with a strong base for increased air traffic.
Under the project, the runway of the Kumasi Airport would be extended from 2,320 metres to 3,000 metres to accommodate bigger aircraft.
A new terminal building would also be constructed with the installation of new passenger bridges, VIP lounge, control tower and a new rescue and firefighting equipment.
The runways of the Sunyani and the Takoradi airports would also be extended while new VIP lounges would be provided and the control towers and fire stations refurbished.
The Finance Committee of Parliament that dealt with the agreement appreciated the immense benefits the country would derive from the implementation of the project and, therefore, recommended the loan to the House for approval.
In another development, the Northern Development Fund Bill, which was placed before the House on October 16, 2008, passed through its second reading stage.
The Bill is to establish a fund to provide additional resources to support accelerated development within the three northern regions.
The Bill received a bi-partisan support with all the Members of Parliament who contributed to the ensuing debate acknowledging the imbalance in development between the north and the south of the country.
They contended that it would be difficult for the government to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, if nothing was done to enable the northern part of the country to catch up with the south in terms of development.
The MPs stressed that the fund should be used for the purpose for which it was created to bridge the huge development gap between the North and the South.
In the 2008 Budget Statement, the government said it was setting aside GH¢250 million as seed money for the Northern Development Fund.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT has given approval for a $122 million loan agreement between the government and the GK Airports Company Limited for the rehabilitation of the Kumasi, Takoradi and Sunyani airports.
Ghana has 12 airports with seven paved runways of which the Kotoka International Airport is the largest and only airport of international status.
The rehabilitation of the three airports is part of the government’s approach to provide the country with a strong base for increased air traffic.
Under the project, the runway of the Kumasi Airport would be extended from 2,320 metres to 3,000 metres to accommodate bigger aircraft.
A new terminal building would also be constructed with the installation of new passenger bridges, VIP lounge, control tower and a new rescue and firefighting equipment.
The runways of the Sunyani and the Takoradi airports would also be extended while new VIP lounges would be provided and the control towers and fire stations refurbished.
The Finance Committee of Parliament that dealt with the agreement appreciated the immense benefits the country would derive from the implementation of the project and, therefore, recommended the loan to the House for approval.
In another development, the Northern Development Fund Bill, which was placed before the House on October 16, 2008, passed through its second reading stage.
The Bill is to establish a fund to provide additional resources to support accelerated development within the three northern regions.
The Bill received a bi-partisan support with all the Members of Parliament who contributed to the ensuing debate acknowledging the imbalance in development between the north and the south of the country.
They contended that it would be difficult for the government to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, if nothing was done to enable the northern part of the country to catch up with the south in terms of development.
The MPs stressed that the fund should be used for the purpose for which it was created to bridge the huge development gap between the North and the South.
In the 2008 Budget Statement, the government said it was setting aside GH¢250 million as seed money for the Northern Development Fund.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
MP donates to the disabled
Page 22, Nov 1, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano South in the Brong Ahafo Region, Mr Andrew Adjei-Yeboah, has presented 20 wheelchairs to members of the Ghana Disabled Association in the area.
The chairs were donated to the MP, who is also a Deputy Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, by the Tema Rotary Club.
Presenting the items, Mr Adjei-Yeboah urged the beneficiaries not to consider themselves as outcasts but strive to develop their innate potential to enable them to cater for themselves and their families.
He pledged to assist them to acquire employable skills, and therefore implored them to seize the opportunity to be self-employed.
The chairman of the Tano South branch of the Disabled Society of Ghana, Mr J.K. Nkrumah, who received the items thanked the MP and the Tema Rotary Club for the gesture.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano South in the Brong Ahafo Region, Mr Andrew Adjei-Yeboah, has presented 20 wheelchairs to members of the Ghana Disabled Association in the area.
The chairs were donated to the MP, who is also a Deputy Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, by the Tema Rotary Club.
Presenting the items, Mr Adjei-Yeboah urged the beneficiaries not to consider themselves as outcasts but strive to develop their innate potential to enable them to cater for themselves and their families.
He pledged to assist them to acquire employable skills, and therefore implored them to seize the opportunity to be self-employed.
The chairman of the Tano South branch of the Disabled Society of Ghana, Mr J.K. Nkrumah, who received the items thanked the MP and the Tema Rotary Club for the gesture.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Parliament passes Pension Reforms Bill
Backpage, Oct 30, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
GHANAIAN workers can now heave a sigh of relief following the passage of the Pension Reforms Bill by Parliament yesterday to offer workers a better pension package.
When given Presidential assent, the bill will introduce a contributory three-tier pension scheme and establish a National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) to oversee the administration and management of registered pension schemes and the trustees of registered pension schemes.
It will also establish a Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to manage the basic national social security scheme to cater for the first tier of the contributory three-tier scheme, in addition to the establishment of the second compulsory tier and the third voluntary tier pension schemes.
In 1950, the Pension Ordinance Number 42 established a pension scheme for public servants in the Gold Coast which later became known as the CAP 30 scheme.
Later, in 1965, the Social Security Act (Act 279) was enacted to create a contributory Social Security Fund for the payment of supernnuation, invalidity, survivors and other related pension benefits for workers.
In 1972, however, the Social Security Decree (NRCD 127) repealed Act 279 and established the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to administer a social security fund for the country.
Ghana has, thus, been operating two major pension schemes — the CAP 30 and SSNIT — since 1965.
The inequalities between these two schemes have become pronounced over the years and led to agitation and protests by some public sector workers on the SSNIT scheme who demanded to be placed on the CAP 30 scheme which is considered more favourable because of the payment of a lump sum.
It was because of this that the Presidential Commission on Pensions, which was chaired by Mr T.A. Bediako, was constituted by President J.A. Kufuor in July 2004 to make appropriate recommendations for a sustainable pension scheme that will ensure retirement income security for workers, with special reference to the public sector.
When the three-tier pension scheme is finally established, an employer of an establishment shall deduct from the salary of every worker in the establishment immediately after the end of the month a worker’s contribution of an amount equal to five and a half per cent of the worker’s salary.
The employer will then pay an amount equal to 13 per cent of the worker’s salary during the month.
The bill, which was laid before Parliament on June 27, 2008, was referred to the Finance Committee for consideration and report before passing through the various stages to end its full journey in Parliament yesterday.
The Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, moved for the Third Reading of the bill and he was seconded by the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Nii Adu Daku Mante.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
GHANAIAN workers can now heave a sigh of relief following the passage of the Pension Reforms Bill by Parliament yesterday to offer workers a better pension package.
When given Presidential assent, the bill will introduce a contributory three-tier pension scheme and establish a National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) to oversee the administration and management of registered pension schemes and the trustees of registered pension schemes.
It will also establish a Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to manage the basic national social security scheme to cater for the first tier of the contributory three-tier scheme, in addition to the establishment of the second compulsory tier and the third voluntary tier pension schemes.
In 1950, the Pension Ordinance Number 42 established a pension scheme for public servants in the Gold Coast which later became known as the CAP 30 scheme.
Later, in 1965, the Social Security Act (Act 279) was enacted to create a contributory Social Security Fund for the payment of supernnuation, invalidity, survivors and other related pension benefits for workers.
In 1972, however, the Social Security Decree (NRCD 127) repealed Act 279 and established the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to administer a social security fund for the country.
Ghana has, thus, been operating two major pension schemes — the CAP 30 and SSNIT — since 1965.
The inequalities between these two schemes have become pronounced over the years and led to agitation and protests by some public sector workers on the SSNIT scheme who demanded to be placed on the CAP 30 scheme which is considered more favourable because of the payment of a lump sum.
It was because of this that the Presidential Commission on Pensions, which was chaired by Mr T.A. Bediako, was constituted by President J.A. Kufuor in July 2004 to make appropriate recommendations for a sustainable pension scheme that will ensure retirement income security for workers, with special reference to the public sector.
When the three-tier pension scheme is finally established, an employer of an establishment shall deduct from the salary of every worker in the establishment immediately after the end of the month a worker’s contribution of an amount equal to five and a half per cent of the worker’s salary.
The employer will then pay an amount equal to 13 per cent of the worker’s salary during the month.
The bill, which was laid before Parliament on June 27, 2008, was referred to the Finance Committee for consideration and report before passing through the various stages to end its full journey in Parliament yesterday.
The Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, moved for the Third Reading of the bill and he was seconded by the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Nii Adu Daku Mante.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
House approves credit facility for Sunyani water project
Backpage, Oct 29, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT yesterday gave approval for a mixed credit facility of $92,436,000.00 to be secured for the implementation of the Sunyani Water Supply Rehabilitation and Expansion Project.
The amount is being sourced by the government from the Guandong Development Bank of China and BHP Paribas.
The mixed credit facility consists of a grant of $30 million from the Guandong Development Bank and a $62,436,000.00 loan from the PHB Paribas.
The project, which is to benefit 341,871 people, is expected to be completed within 36 months.
According to the report of the Finance Committee of Parliament, the project will increase water supply to the Sunyani municipality and its environs.
In a related development, the House also approved a 19 million euro loan facility agreement between the government and Kreditanstalt Fur Wiederaufbau (KfW) for Multi Donor Budget Support (MDBS).
In 2003, the government and her development partners signed a framework agreement for the MDBS to support the implementation of the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy II (GPRS II).
The loan is, therefore, the contribution of the German government through the KfW to support the implementation of the GPRS II.
The House also gave approval for the waiver of tax liabilities totalling GH¢5,149,208.48 on equipment/materials to be imported or purchased locally in respect of the implementation of the first phase of the National Communication Backbone Network Project.
The report of the Finance Committee on a $122 million loan agreement between the government and the GK Airport Company of Ghana for the rehabilitation of the Kumasi, Takoradi and the Sunyani airports were also laid before the House for consideration.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT yesterday gave approval for a mixed credit facility of $92,436,000.00 to be secured for the implementation of the Sunyani Water Supply Rehabilitation and Expansion Project.
The amount is being sourced by the government from the Guandong Development Bank of China and BHP Paribas.
The mixed credit facility consists of a grant of $30 million from the Guandong Development Bank and a $62,436,000.00 loan from the PHB Paribas.
The project, which is to benefit 341,871 people, is expected to be completed within 36 months.
According to the report of the Finance Committee of Parliament, the project will increase water supply to the Sunyani municipality and its environs.
In a related development, the House also approved a 19 million euro loan facility agreement between the government and Kreditanstalt Fur Wiederaufbau (KfW) for Multi Donor Budget Support (MDBS).
In 2003, the government and her development partners signed a framework agreement for the MDBS to support the implementation of the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy II (GPRS II).
The loan is, therefore, the contribution of the German government through the KfW to support the implementation of the GPRS II.
The House also gave approval for the waiver of tax liabilities totalling GH¢5,149,208.48 on equipment/materials to be imported or purchased locally in respect of the implementation of the first phase of the National Communication Backbone Network Project.
The report of the Finance Committee on a $122 million loan agreement between the government and the GK Airport Company of Ghana for the rehabilitation of the Kumasi, Takoradi and the Sunyani airports were also laid before the House for consideration.
New office building for B/A Lands Commission nears completion
Page 20, Oct 28, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
WORK on a two-storey building to provide office accommodation for the Brong Ahafo Regional Secretariat of the Lands Commission is about to be completed.
The building, which is being constructed at a cost of GH¢250,000, is being financed from the internally-generated fund of the secretariat.
When completed, the building will provide offices for the Regional Chairman of the commission, the Deeds Registry, Records and senior staff of the secretariat.
The Regional Lands Officer, Mr Sandy Mensah, took the Daily Graphic round the project at the weekend.
He stated that the construction of the project, which started in November, last year, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“The Brong Ahafo Regional Office of the Lands Commission is poised to use its internally generated funds for a good purpose to create a conducive atmosphere so as to entice the staff to offer their best,” Mr Mensah stressed.
He, however, expressed concern about encroachment on lands earmarked for future public use by way of the construction of unauthorised places.
Mr Mensah said following a court order on July 31, 2008, 20 unauthorised structures were demolished.
He warned that the commission would go all out to ensure that all land regulations were enforced.
Picture: The new office building, which is about to be completed.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
WORK on a two-storey building to provide office accommodation for the Brong Ahafo Regional Secretariat of the Lands Commission is about to be completed.
The building, which is being constructed at a cost of GH¢250,000, is being financed from the internally-generated fund of the secretariat.
When completed, the building will provide offices for the Regional Chairman of the commission, the Deeds Registry, Records and senior staff of the secretariat.
The Regional Lands Officer, Mr Sandy Mensah, took the Daily Graphic round the project at the weekend.
He stated that the construction of the project, which started in November, last year, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“The Brong Ahafo Regional Office of the Lands Commission is poised to use its internally generated funds for a good purpose to create a conducive atmosphere so as to entice the staff to offer their best,” Mr Mensah stressed.
He, however, expressed concern about encroachment on lands earmarked for future public use by way of the construction of unauthorised places.
Mr Mensah said following a court order on July 31, 2008, 20 unauthorised structures were demolished.
He warned that the commission would go all out to ensure that all land regulations were enforced.
Picture: The new office building, which is about to be completed.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Politics is not about sharing money- Appiah-Pinkrah
Page 17, Oct 27, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Akrofrom in the Ashanti Region, Mr Kwabena Appiah-Pinkrah,has debunked the assertion by the opposition that the government has not been able to put money in the pockets of the people.
“The claim that there is no money in the pockets of the people is neither here nor there”, he said.
He stated that politics was not about sharing money but rather the putting in place of policies and programmes that would alleviate the suffering of the people.
Mr Appiah-Pinkrah told the Daily Graphic in an interview that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had, therefore, fulfilled its promises by putting in place a number of sound policies to improve the lots of the people.
“What else can put money in the pocket of ordinary Ghanaians than the National Health Insurance Scheme”, he questioned, and explained that other policies such as the Capitation Grant and the School Feeding Programme were targeted at relieving poor parents of their financial burdens.
He added that the necessary school infrastructure had been built to enhance teaching and learning in schools throughout the country.
Mr Appiah-Pinkrah stated that the first phase of fee-free education had been completed by the Kufuor administration with the implementation of the Capitation Grant, while the second phase is awaiting implementation at the senior high school.
He asked Ghanaians not to take for granted the current sound macro-economic atmosphere that had made Ghana a toast of the international community.
“Now banks chase Ghanaians for loans instead of the previous situation where traders and salaried workers wait at the doorsteps of bank managers in search of loans”, he said.
The MP said Ghanaians were now wide awake and would not allow the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in particular to throw dust into their eyes in order to secure their votes.
“Ghanaians believe in the NPP and will give the party another mandate because of the matured manner the Kufuor administration has handled affairs of the country over the last eight years”, he said.
He called on politicians to tell Ghanaians what they would be able to do when voted into power instead of spreading falsehood about their opponents.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Akrofrom in the Ashanti Region, Mr Kwabena Appiah-Pinkrah,has debunked the assertion by the opposition that the government has not been able to put money in the pockets of the people.
“The claim that there is no money in the pockets of the people is neither here nor there”, he said.
He stated that politics was not about sharing money but rather the putting in place of policies and programmes that would alleviate the suffering of the people.
Mr Appiah-Pinkrah told the Daily Graphic in an interview that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had, therefore, fulfilled its promises by putting in place a number of sound policies to improve the lots of the people.
“What else can put money in the pocket of ordinary Ghanaians than the National Health Insurance Scheme”, he questioned, and explained that other policies such as the Capitation Grant and the School Feeding Programme were targeted at relieving poor parents of their financial burdens.
He added that the necessary school infrastructure had been built to enhance teaching and learning in schools throughout the country.
Mr Appiah-Pinkrah stated that the first phase of fee-free education had been completed by the Kufuor administration with the implementation of the Capitation Grant, while the second phase is awaiting implementation at the senior high school.
He asked Ghanaians not to take for granted the current sound macro-economic atmosphere that had made Ghana a toast of the international community.
“Now banks chase Ghanaians for loans instead of the previous situation where traders and salaried workers wait at the doorsteps of bank managers in search of loans”, he said.
The MP said Ghanaians were now wide awake and would not allow the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in particular to throw dust into their eyes in order to secure their votes.
“Ghanaians believe in the NPP and will give the party another mandate because of the matured manner the Kufuor administration has handled affairs of the country over the last eight years”, he said.
He called on politicians to tell Ghanaians what they would be able to do when voted into power instead of spreading falsehood about their opponents.
Denu town roads to be tarred next year
Page 39, Oct 27, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
A TOTAL of 3.7 kilometres of roads in Denu, the capital of the Ketu South District in the Volta Region, are to tarred to give the town a facelift.
The Minister of Transportation, Dr Richard Anane, announced this in Parliament when he appeared before the House to answer question on the road sector posed by a number of Members of Parliaments (MPs).
The MP for Ketu South, Mr Albert Kwasi Zigah, had asked the minister when the Denu Beach (Swanzy) road would be tarred.
Dr Anane said the 1.2 kilometre Denu Beach road had been prepared for tarring in 2009 by the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA).
He said in all 3.7 kilometres of roads in the Denu town had been prepared for development.
Mr Zigah, however, expressed regret that the district had not benefited from the government’s programme of tarring 15 kilometres of roads in each district as was announced in the 2008 budget.
He said the Denu Beach road, which leads to most of the government institutions in the town, was currently in its worst state and called for immediate measures to arrest the situation.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
A TOTAL of 3.7 kilometres of roads in Denu, the capital of the Ketu South District in the Volta Region, are to tarred to give the town a facelift.
The Minister of Transportation, Dr Richard Anane, announced this in Parliament when he appeared before the House to answer question on the road sector posed by a number of Members of Parliaments (MPs).
The MP for Ketu South, Mr Albert Kwasi Zigah, had asked the minister when the Denu Beach (Swanzy) road would be tarred.
Dr Anane said the 1.2 kilometre Denu Beach road had been prepared for tarring in 2009 by the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA).
He said in all 3.7 kilometres of roads in the Denu town had been prepared for development.
Mr Zigah, however, expressed regret that the district had not benefited from the government’s programme of tarring 15 kilometres of roads in each district as was announced in the 2008 budget.
He said the Denu Beach road, which leads to most of the government institutions in the town, was currently in its worst state and called for immediate measures to arrest the situation.
Former MPs call for MPs’ pension scheme
Page 14, Oct 25,2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE President of the Forum of Former Members of Parliament (FFMP), Mr Kosi Kedem, has called on Parliament to institute a pension scheme for Members of Parliament (MPs) in order to reduce their suffering and hardship when they leave the House.
Describing the life of the former MP as “not a pleasant one”, Mr Kedem reminded the President, Mr J.A. Kufuor, that the Hessey Committee’s report which determined the salaries of MPs of the Third Parliament of the Fourth Republic was yet to be implemented.
According to him, MPs were not paid their full salaries during the entire period of their tenure of office (2001-2004).
“Many former MPs are impoverished and crippled economically because of the delayed implementation of this report” he said, and appealed to the President to ensure the implementation of the report immediately.
Mr Kedem was speaking at the inauguration of the forum at the Speaker’s Conference Room in Parliament.
The forum is opened to all former MPs, dating back to the First Republic.
Although the FFMP, according to its executives, is made up of politicians, it is strictly a non-partisan organisation.
It has been formed, among other objectives, to bring together all former MPs, who are scattered all over the country to contribute to the deepening of the democratic process.
Mr Kedem appealed to the Speaker, the leadership of Parliament and colleague ministers to use their good offices and influence to urge the President to expedite action on the Hessey Committee’s Report.
Touching on the current political dispensation, he called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to provide a level playing field for all the political parties contesting the forthcoming elections to operate efficiently.
“The EC must assert its independence and integrity as well as manage the elections professionally”, he said.
Mr Kedem stated that members of the forum were delighted about the vibrant political parties, and noted that that was an indication that multi-party governance had come to stay.
He urged political parties to campaign on issues and devote less time to insults, mudslinging and empty propaganda.
Inaugurating the forum, the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes, commended the former MPs for coming together to use their experiences for the deepening of the country’s democratic dispensation.
He pledged the assistance of Parliament to ensure the achievement of the objectives of the forum and called all former MPs to join the association.
Among some of the former MPs who attended the inauguration of the forum was an 82-year-old former MP for Suhum, Mr Kwaku Amoa-Awuah, who was an MP in the First Republic (1954-1956) and Nana Adarkwa-Yiadom, who was an MP for Kwame Danso in the Brong Ahafo Region during the Third Republic.
Mr Amoa-Awuah, who said he was now a retired businessman and farmer, told the Daily Graphic in an interview that he was proud to have served his country as an MP, Deputy Minister for Health, Agriculture and Minister for Labour.
For his part, Nana Adarkwa-Yiadom said that after the overthrow of Limann’s regime, MPs did not get any reward for their services to the nation.
Asked about what he wanted the government to do for him, he asked in a low tone; “my son, does a beggar has a choice ?”.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE President of the Forum of Former Members of Parliament (FFMP), Mr Kosi Kedem, has called on Parliament to institute a pension scheme for Members of Parliament (MPs) in order to reduce their suffering and hardship when they leave the House.
Describing the life of the former MP as “not a pleasant one”, Mr Kedem reminded the President, Mr J.A. Kufuor, that the Hessey Committee’s report which determined the salaries of MPs of the Third Parliament of the Fourth Republic was yet to be implemented.
According to him, MPs were not paid their full salaries during the entire period of their tenure of office (2001-2004).
“Many former MPs are impoverished and crippled economically because of the delayed implementation of this report” he said, and appealed to the President to ensure the implementation of the report immediately.
Mr Kedem was speaking at the inauguration of the forum at the Speaker’s Conference Room in Parliament.
The forum is opened to all former MPs, dating back to the First Republic.
Although the FFMP, according to its executives, is made up of politicians, it is strictly a non-partisan organisation.
It has been formed, among other objectives, to bring together all former MPs, who are scattered all over the country to contribute to the deepening of the democratic process.
Mr Kedem appealed to the Speaker, the leadership of Parliament and colleague ministers to use their good offices and influence to urge the President to expedite action on the Hessey Committee’s Report.
Touching on the current political dispensation, he called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to provide a level playing field for all the political parties contesting the forthcoming elections to operate efficiently.
“The EC must assert its independence and integrity as well as manage the elections professionally”, he said.
Mr Kedem stated that members of the forum were delighted about the vibrant political parties, and noted that that was an indication that multi-party governance had come to stay.
He urged political parties to campaign on issues and devote less time to insults, mudslinging and empty propaganda.
Inaugurating the forum, the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes, commended the former MPs for coming together to use their experiences for the deepening of the country’s democratic dispensation.
He pledged the assistance of Parliament to ensure the achievement of the objectives of the forum and called all former MPs to join the association.
Among some of the former MPs who attended the inauguration of the forum was an 82-year-old former MP for Suhum, Mr Kwaku Amoa-Awuah, who was an MP in the First Republic (1954-1956) and Nana Adarkwa-Yiadom, who was an MP for Kwame Danso in the Brong Ahafo Region during the Third Republic.
Mr Amoa-Awuah, who said he was now a retired businessman and farmer, told the Daily Graphic in an interview that he was proud to have served his country as an MP, Deputy Minister for Health, Agriculture and Minister for Labour.
For his part, Nana Adarkwa-Yiadom said that after the overthrow of Limann’s regime, MPs did not get any reward for their services to the nation.
Asked about what he wanted the government to do for him, he asked in a low tone; “my son, does a beggar has a choice ?”.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
‘Seek House approval on mining leases’
Page 44, Oct 23, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Energy has cautioned the Ministry of Lands, Forestry and Mines to seek the ratification of mining leases with companies in future before the companies are allowed to operate.
It noted with concern the inability of the various ministries responsible for mines over the years to seek the ratification of Parliament prior to the execution of mining lease agreements between the period 1994 and 2007.
The caution was contained in a report of the committee on the mining lease agreements between the government and 21 mining companies operating in the country.
The committee observed that although the various mining lease agreements were entered into between 1994 and 2007, most of the mining companies were operating, even though the agreements had not been ratified.
“The committee wishes to recommend to the House that all future mining leases should be brought before the House for ratification before the commencement of operations,” it said.
The report explained that such an attitude was gross disregard of the laws of the land, especially Article 268 of the 1992 Constitution.
“The violation is an affront to the dignity of Parliament, as it seems to suggest that parliamentary ratification is nothing but a mere rubber stamp for the approval of already executed agreements,” it said.
“The committee wishes to sound a note of caution to the ministry responsible for mines that any such violation of the laws of the land in future will be subjected to the full sanctions of the law,” it warned.
In spite of the reservations expressed by the committee, it recommended to Parliament to approve the various mining lease agreements.
The mining companies are Goldfields Ghana Limited, AngloGold Ashanti Limited, Bogoso Gold Limited, Chirano Gold Mines Limited, Sian Goldfields Limited, Narawa Ghana Gold Limited, Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, Ghana Manganese Company Limited, Gulf Coast Resources Limited, Med Mining Company Limited and Adamus Resources Limited (Nkroful).
The rest are Midras Mining Limited, Talos Ghana Limited, Goldenrae Mining Limited, Blue River Mining Company Limited, West Star Mining Company Limited, First Canadian Goldfields Limited, Kibi Goldfields International, Ghana Bauxite Company, Savanna Cement Company Limited and Ghacem Limited.
The Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, Mrs Cecilia Obeng Dapaah, moved the motion for the adoption of the report and she was seconded by the Chairman of the Committee on Mines and Energy, Mrs Gifty Kusi.
After an intense debate on the matter, the House adopted the report.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Energy has cautioned the Ministry of Lands, Forestry and Mines to seek the ratification of mining leases with companies in future before the companies are allowed to operate.
It noted with concern the inability of the various ministries responsible for mines over the years to seek the ratification of Parliament prior to the execution of mining lease agreements between the period 1994 and 2007.
The caution was contained in a report of the committee on the mining lease agreements between the government and 21 mining companies operating in the country.
The committee observed that although the various mining lease agreements were entered into between 1994 and 2007, most of the mining companies were operating, even though the agreements had not been ratified.
“The committee wishes to recommend to the House that all future mining leases should be brought before the House for ratification before the commencement of operations,” it said.
The report explained that such an attitude was gross disregard of the laws of the land, especially Article 268 of the 1992 Constitution.
“The violation is an affront to the dignity of Parliament, as it seems to suggest that parliamentary ratification is nothing but a mere rubber stamp for the approval of already executed agreements,” it said.
“The committee wishes to sound a note of caution to the ministry responsible for mines that any such violation of the laws of the land in future will be subjected to the full sanctions of the law,” it warned.
In spite of the reservations expressed by the committee, it recommended to Parliament to approve the various mining lease agreements.
The mining companies are Goldfields Ghana Limited, AngloGold Ashanti Limited, Bogoso Gold Limited, Chirano Gold Mines Limited, Sian Goldfields Limited, Narawa Ghana Gold Limited, Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, Ghana Manganese Company Limited, Gulf Coast Resources Limited, Med Mining Company Limited and Adamus Resources Limited (Nkroful).
The rest are Midras Mining Limited, Talos Ghana Limited, Goldenrae Mining Limited, Blue River Mining Company Limited, West Star Mining Company Limited, First Canadian Goldfields Limited, Kibi Goldfields International, Ghana Bauxite Company, Savanna Cement Company Limited and Ghacem Limited.
The Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, Mrs Cecilia Obeng Dapaah, moved the motion for the adoption of the report and she was seconded by the Chairman of the Committee on Mines and Energy, Mrs Gifty Kusi.
After an intense debate on the matter, the House adopted the report.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Efforts to restore lost vegetation
Page 31, Oct 22, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
MORE than 140,000 hectares of forest has been established under the various plantation projects since 2001 to restore the country’s lost vegetation.
The Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, Mrs Esther Obeng-Dapaah who announced this in Parliament yesterday, stated also that the projects had created over 45,820 permanent and 1.1 million part-time jobs all over the country.
“Mr Speaker, it is expected that with the effective implementation of these measures, the problem of deforestation will be significantly reduced, if not completely eliminated, by the year 2020,” she said.
Mrs Obeng-Dapaah made this known when she appeared before Parliament to answer questions posed by some Members of Parliament (MP) concerning her ministry.
The MP for Sefwi Wiawso, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, had asked the minister the extent of depletion of forest reserves and whether the country could boast of forest reserves by 2020 if the trend of depletion continued.
Mrs Obeng-Dapaah attributed the depletion of forests to excessive slash and burn agricultural methods, wildfires, encroachment by cash crop farmers and illegal logging, chainsaw activities and surface mining.
She explained that it was to reverse that trend that the government introduced governance measures and best practice forest management prescriptions, with the support of communities and civil society organisations, to ensure effective protection of the country’s forest cover.
Answering another question from the MP for Pru, Mr Masoud Baba Abdul-Rahman, who enquired about when the removal of tree stumps from the Volta Lake would begin, Mrs Obeng-Dapaah said the agreement for the removal of the stumps was signed in February 2006 between the government and a company called Sustainable Resource Developments Ghana Limited.
She said since the agreement was signed, a number of activities, such as the preparation of environmental and social impact assessment, have been carried out to enable the company to obtain the necessary permits to commence operations.
Mrs Obeng-Dapaah explained that an environmental permit was expected to be issued next month, after which a Forestry Commission permit would be issued to enable the company to begin with the harvesting of the tree stumps.
For his part, the MP for Sefwi Akontombra, Mr Herod Cobbina, asked the minister about the plans the ministry had to release land for the expansion of communities such as Wansampobreampa, Attakrom, Krokowa, Betenase and Kwasiakrom, which were within forest reserve lands in the constituency.
Replying, Mrs Obeng-Dapaah explained that the four communities were located on the fringes of the Sui River Forest Reserve in the Sefwi Wiawso Forest District and not within the reserve.
She stated that although the issue of the expansion of communities into the gazetted forest reserves was not possible, the Forestry Commission was addressing the livelihood needs of the people in those communities by giving them gainful employment in terms of boundary cleaning, fire protection, seedling production and tree planting.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
MORE than 140,000 hectares of forest has been established under the various plantation projects since 2001 to restore the country’s lost vegetation.
The Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, Mrs Esther Obeng-Dapaah who announced this in Parliament yesterday, stated also that the projects had created over 45,820 permanent and 1.1 million part-time jobs all over the country.
“Mr Speaker, it is expected that with the effective implementation of these measures, the problem of deforestation will be significantly reduced, if not completely eliminated, by the year 2020,” she said.
Mrs Obeng-Dapaah made this known when she appeared before Parliament to answer questions posed by some Members of Parliament (MP) concerning her ministry.
The MP for Sefwi Wiawso, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, had asked the minister the extent of depletion of forest reserves and whether the country could boast of forest reserves by 2020 if the trend of depletion continued.
Mrs Obeng-Dapaah attributed the depletion of forests to excessive slash and burn agricultural methods, wildfires, encroachment by cash crop farmers and illegal logging, chainsaw activities and surface mining.
She explained that it was to reverse that trend that the government introduced governance measures and best practice forest management prescriptions, with the support of communities and civil society organisations, to ensure effective protection of the country’s forest cover.
Answering another question from the MP for Pru, Mr Masoud Baba Abdul-Rahman, who enquired about when the removal of tree stumps from the Volta Lake would begin, Mrs Obeng-Dapaah said the agreement for the removal of the stumps was signed in February 2006 between the government and a company called Sustainable Resource Developments Ghana Limited.
She said since the agreement was signed, a number of activities, such as the preparation of environmental and social impact assessment, have been carried out to enable the company to obtain the necessary permits to commence operations.
Mrs Obeng-Dapaah explained that an environmental permit was expected to be issued next month, after which a Forestry Commission permit would be issued to enable the company to begin with the harvesting of the tree stumps.
For his part, the MP for Sefwi Akontombra, Mr Herod Cobbina, asked the minister about the plans the ministry had to release land for the expansion of communities such as Wansampobreampa, Attakrom, Krokowa, Betenase and Kwasiakrom, which were within forest reserve lands in the constituency.
Replying, Mrs Obeng-Dapaah explained that the four communities were located on the fringes of the Sui River Forest Reserve in the Sefwi Wiawso Forest District and not within the reserve.
She stated that although the issue of the expansion of communities into the gazetted forest reserves was not possible, the Forestry Commission was addressing the livelihood needs of the people in those communities by giving them gainful employment in terms of boundary cleaning, fire protection, seedling production and tree planting.
Fire guts bungalow in Sunyani
Page 21, Oct 22, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah, Sunyani.
FIRE gutted a plush bungalow at Agyei-Ano South in the Sunyani municipality last Saturday.
Property worth thousands of Ghana cedis was destroyed.
Some of the items destroyed by the fire included electrical appliances, cooking utensils and items of clothing.
Personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service who took two hours to bring the fire under control, ran out of water within 30 minutes of arriving on the scene and had to go to Abesim for more water.
Residents of the neighbourhood told the Daily Graphic that they had first heard an explosion from the house before flames engulfed it.
The wife of the owner of the house, Maame Efua, managed to escape from the house during the fire outbreak. She was found weeping uncontrollably, while a tenant who had rushed to the house upon hearing of the fire outbreak had folded his arms in bewilderment.
The leader of the seven-member fire team, Station Officer John Ashong, said the cause of the fire would be known after analysis of evidence and information provided by occupants.
He said the municipality had only one fire tender and called for more fire tenders to be allocated to it
Mr Ashong called for the construction of fire hydrants in new residential areas in Sunyani to make water readily available to the GNFS in case of fire outbreaks.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah, Sunyani.
FIRE gutted a plush bungalow at Agyei-Ano South in the Sunyani municipality last Saturday.
Property worth thousands of Ghana cedis was destroyed.
Some of the items destroyed by the fire included electrical appliances, cooking utensils and items of clothing.
Personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service who took two hours to bring the fire under control, ran out of water within 30 minutes of arriving on the scene and had to go to Abesim for more water.
Residents of the neighbourhood told the Daily Graphic that they had first heard an explosion from the house before flames engulfed it.
The wife of the owner of the house, Maame Efua, managed to escape from the house during the fire outbreak. She was found weeping uncontrollably, while a tenant who had rushed to the house upon hearing of the fire outbreak had folded his arms in bewilderment.
The leader of the seven-member fire team, Station Officer John Ashong, said the cause of the fire would be known after analysis of evidence and information provided by occupants.
He said the municipality had only one fire tender and called for more fire tenders to be allocated to it
Mr Ashong called for the construction of fire hydrants in new residential areas in Sunyani to make water readily available to the GNFS in case of fire outbreaks.
Rehabilitate Nkwanta-Kadjebi road — MP
Page 39, October 20, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE chiefs and people of Nkwanta and Kadjebi in the Volta Region have appealed to the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) to rehabilitate the Nkwanta-Kadjebi road to facilitate the movement of people and the haulage of agricultural produce in the area.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Nkwanta South, Mr Gershon Gbediame, who made the appeal on behalf of the people, said the stretch of the road had deteriorated making it very difficult for vehicles ply it.
He told the Daily Graphic that vehicles, especially those carting foodstuffs to the marketing centres, get stuck on the road on rainy days and foodstuffs start to rot.
“I appeal to the GHA to take immediate measures to save the situation to alleviate the plight of travellers in the area,” he pleaded.
Mr Gbediame explained that some traders dealing in foodstuffs and also farmers incur debts as a result of the bad roads. This situation, he said, had forced some drivers to stop plying the route. He therefore called for the situation to be rectified soon in the interest of all.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE chiefs and people of Nkwanta and Kadjebi in the Volta Region have appealed to the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) to rehabilitate the Nkwanta-Kadjebi road to facilitate the movement of people and the haulage of agricultural produce in the area.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Nkwanta South, Mr Gershon Gbediame, who made the appeal on behalf of the people, said the stretch of the road had deteriorated making it very difficult for vehicles ply it.
He told the Daily Graphic that vehicles, especially those carting foodstuffs to the marketing centres, get stuck on the road on rainy days and foodstuffs start to rot.
“I appeal to the GHA to take immediate measures to save the situation to alleviate the plight of travellers in the area,” he pleaded.
Mr Gbediame explained that some traders dealing in foodstuffs and also farmers incur debts as a result of the bad roads. This situation, he said, had forced some drivers to stop plying the route. He therefore called for the situation to be rectified soon in the interest of all.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
MAKING MANGO A BIG NON-TRADITIONAL EXPORT PRODUCT
Page 9, Oct 21, 2008
Article: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
A favourable and vibrant agricultural sector in Ghana is key to poverty reduction because it employs the bulk of the poor
Commercially cultivated mango, is a relatively new industry of the agriculture sector in Ghana.
The major production areas are the Eastern Coastal and the Middle Transition-Zone Savannahs with the main cultivars as keitt, Kent and Tommy Atkins. Increasing more land areas are coming under mango cultivation by the year.
This industry represents one area within the horticultural sector which, if well developed and provided with the necessary logistics and support, can easily become a major foreign exchange earner.
This is because the country has all the natural conditions that can position the produce as a top export product. According to experts in the industry, Ghana is one of the few countries in the world with two mango seasons, and with the right practices, both seasons can yield fruits for the international mango market.
In 2004, the European Union imported 170,000 metric tones representing less than 1.3% of the total volume of imports of the product". (Daily Graphic Vol, 339. Tuesday February 21, 2006).
The local volume of trade for this giant fibreless hybrid mango species, (Keitt and Kent) in Ghana is very small because the vast majority of Ghanaian mango eaters go in for the local type. Hybrid mangoes produced in Ghana are therefore essentially meant for the European market where there is a huge demand for it.
Efforts to access the European export market for mangoes involved overcoming difficulties such as start up capital, access to good planting materials and gaining access to favourable land tenure for large land holdings needed for that production level in view for export.
GTZ i.e German Technical Cooperation, in 2006, offered to train operatives of the sector on how to produce decease resistant grafted seedlings, which hitherto were obtained from cross border Burkina Faso.
Now the operational barrier that is standing between farmers and large scale mango production for export in access to credit and state technical support.
Mango farmers write very good business plans backed by collateral for accessing medium term credit facilities from the financial institutions but they are rather interested in granting credit to early harvesting crops like careals or vegetables.
This stance by the banks is stifling the mango industry to the brink of collapse.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture Mr. Clement Eledi disclosed at the launch of the Mango Week on Thursday February 16, 2006, that his ministry among other interventions was providing support to mango out growers in the Northern Region through extending facilities that would enable them access improved planting materials of export varieties. This sadly excluded mango farmers in the Brong Ahafo Region. The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) also excluded Brong Ahafo as beneficiary region, adding to the frustration and neglect of mango farmers in the area.
An advocacy action to dialogue the financial institutions, the Federation of the Association of Ghana Exporters (FAGE), Trade and Investment Programme for a Competitive Export Economy (TIPCEE), Export Promotion Council of the Ministry of Trade, Industry PSI & PSD and MOFA for them to come to appreciate the potential and capacity of mango famers to embark on large scale mango production for export is now the only hope for survival of the sector.
It is only at that capital intensive high production level for export that farmers can offset overheads and other production costs, break even and make meaningful profit to break the poverty cycle that has become endemic in the rural areas. Located in the transition zone between the Savannah North and the forest south, large scale mango farms will double as a reforestation programme which will provide shelter and arrest the Savannah and thus save the environment.
But operatives in this new industry, particularly, the Kintampo Mango Farmers Association (KIMFA), are reeling under the usual distress factors that characterise in Ghanaian Agricultural Sector in general.
Mango Farmers are not only making losses but are loosing entire investments as a result of the lack of sate institutional support, in terms of extension and infrastructure. This situation is limiting their production levels, in both quality and yield per acre. Thus they are kept out of the huge export opportunities on the international market, as local demand for these varieties cannot support and grow the industry.
KIMFA's goal is ,"seeing a booming, vibrant and competitive mango sector; growing in job opportunities and income generation,"
With this goal in view, KIMFA applied for and won a highly competitive grant from BUSAC Fund (created by DANIDA, DFID and USAID to enable them engage public sector policy makers in dialogue, to seek policy changes that will see the development and growth of the industry.
BUSAC's core goal is to facilitate the development and growth of a vibrant and competitive private sector by improving the environment within businesses operate.
As part of KIMFA's advocacy action, the grant sponsored a research activity that took a four- member implementation team to the Republic of South Africa to document the country’s success story that will be used to convince policy makers to come to aid of the industry.
In South Africa, the main mango production areas are the Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, located in the south east of the country. Hoedspruit area, lying to the west of the Kruger National Park, accounts for over 45 per cent of South African mangoes.
Mango plantations in the Hoedspruit area, where the team visited, are planted in orchards of about a hector each in seize; surrounded by tall pine trees, serving as wind break to stop the wind from hitting the fruits and giving them dark sports and lowering their market value.
At the time of the study tour mango fruits were in season in farmers were busily harvesting.The team visited several nurseries, farms, plants and engineering workshops and observed everything in the industry, including grafting technology, harvesting, pack-house operations, processes for making mango chips, mechanical pruning and irrigation infrastructure.
The most popular planting distance applied in South Africa is 3m between trees in the row and 7m between rows. In Ghana planting, 10m by 10m is the norm; a practice which South African farmers stopped years ago, to maximise yield per acre and to make harvesting easier.
According to officials who undertook the trip, the team gathered from the farmers that as a result of on-going new land reforms which seeks to reverse the situation where over 6 per cent of South African lands are owned by whites who make up only 10 per cent of the population, land is fast becoming critical for mango farmers, who are mostly whites.
It was not surprising, therefore to hear a few farmers express investment interest in Ghana. This is an area of partnership that KIMFA , in particular, and other mango producers must endeavour to pursue.
Even for South Africa the competition with countries such as Brazil, India and Egypt on the European market is very stiff.
Areas where the state must support Ghanaian mango farmers, for them to be able to enter the stiff competition, are; extension, credit facilities,pack house infrastructure and irrigation infrastructure.
The public sector stands to benefit by supporting the mango sector, in terms of foreign exchange earnings, local revenue generation and employment creation.
On the other hand, removal of constraints in the mango sub sector is positively correlated with;
•enhanced income levels,employment opportunities, wealth creation and poverty reduction for the private sector operatives.
Thus the advocacy action will end up in a win-win situation for both the public sector and private sector.
Article: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
A favourable and vibrant agricultural sector in Ghana is key to poverty reduction because it employs the bulk of the poor
Commercially cultivated mango, is a relatively new industry of the agriculture sector in Ghana.
The major production areas are the Eastern Coastal and the Middle Transition-Zone Savannahs with the main cultivars as keitt, Kent and Tommy Atkins. Increasing more land areas are coming under mango cultivation by the year.
This industry represents one area within the horticultural sector which, if well developed and provided with the necessary logistics and support, can easily become a major foreign exchange earner.
This is because the country has all the natural conditions that can position the produce as a top export product. According to experts in the industry, Ghana is one of the few countries in the world with two mango seasons, and with the right practices, both seasons can yield fruits for the international mango market.
In 2004, the European Union imported 170,000 metric tones representing less than 1.3% of the total volume of imports of the product". (Daily Graphic Vol, 339. Tuesday February 21, 2006).
The local volume of trade for this giant fibreless hybrid mango species, (Keitt and Kent) in Ghana is very small because the vast majority of Ghanaian mango eaters go in for the local type. Hybrid mangoes produced in Ghana are therefore essentially meant for the European market where there is a huge demand for it.
Efforts to access the European export market for mangoes involved overcoming difficulties such as start up capital, access to good planting materials and gaining access to favourable land tenure for large land holdings needed for that production level in view for export.
GTZ i.e German Technical Cooperation, in 2006, offered to train operatives of the sector on how to produce decease resistant grafted seedlings, which hitherto were obtained from cross border Burkina Faso.
Now the operational barrier that is standing between farmers and large scale mango production for export in access to credit and state technical support.
Mango farmers write very good business plans backed by collateral for accessing medium term credit facilities from the financial institutions but they are rather interested in granting credit to early harvesting crops like careals or vegetables.
This stance by the banks is stifling the mango industry to the brink of collapse.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture Mr. Clement Eledi disclosed at the launch of the Mango Week on Thursday February 16, 2006, that his ministry among other interventions was providing support to mango out growers in the Northern Region through extending facilities that would enable them access improved planting materials of export varieties. This sadly excluded mango farmers in the Brong Ahafo Region. The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) also excluded Brong Ahafo as beneficiary region, adding to the frustration and neglect of mango farmers in the area.
An advocacy action to dialogue the financial institutions, the Federation of the Association of Ghana Exporters (FAGE), Trade and Investment Programme for a Competitive Export Economy (TIPCEE), Export Promotion Council of the Ministry of Trade, Industry PSI & PSD and MOFA for them to come to appreciate the potential and capacity of mango famers to embark on large scale mango production for export is now the only hope for survival of the sector.
It is only at that capital intensive high production level for export that farmers can offset overheads and other production costs, break even and make meaningful profit to break the poverty cycle that has become endemic in the rural areas. Located in the transition zone between the Savannah North and the forest south, large scale mango farms will double as a reforestation programme which will provide shelter and arrest the Savannah and thus save the environment.
But operatives in this new industry, particularly, the Kintampo Mango Farmers Association (KIMFA), are reeling under the usual distress factors that characterise in Ghanaian Agricultural Sector in general.
Mango Farmers are not only making losses but are loosing entire investments as a result of the lack of sate institutional support, in terms of extension and infrastructure. This situation is limiting their production levels, in both quality and yield per acre. Thus they are kept out of the huge export opportunities on the international market, as local demand for these varieties cannot support and grow the industry.
KIMFA's goal is ,"seeing a booming, vibrant and competitive mango sector; growing in job opportunities and income generation,"
With this goal in view, KIMFA applied for and won a highly competitive grant from BUSAC Fund (created by DANIDA, DFID and USAID to enable them engage public sector policy makers in dialogue, to seek policy changes that will see the development and growth of the industry.
BUSAC's core goal is to facilitate the development and growth of a vibrant and competitive private sector by improving the environment within businesses operate.
As part of KIMFA's advocacy action, the grant sponsored a research activity that took a four- member implementation team to the Republic of South Africa to document the country’s success story that will be used to convince policy makers to come to aid of the industry.
In South Africa, the main mango production areas are the Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, located in the south east of the country. Hoedspruit area, lying to the west of the Kruger National Park, accounts for over 45 per cent of South African mangoes.
Mango plantations in the Hoedspruit area, where the team visited, are planted in orchards of about a hector each in seize; surrounded by tall pine trees, serving as wind break to stop the wind from hitting the fruits and giving them dark sports and lowering their market value.
At the time of the study tour mango fruits were in season in farmers were busily harvesting.The team visited several nurseries, farms, plants and engineering workshops and observed everything in the industry, including grafting technology, harvesting, pack-house operations, processes for making mango chips, mechanical pruning and irrigation infrastructure.
The most popular planting distance applied in South Africa is 3m between trees in the row and 7m between rows. In Ghana planting, 10m by 10m is the norm; a practice which South African farmers stopped years ago, to maximise yield per acre and to make harvesting easier.
According to officials who undertook the trip, the team gathered from the farmers that as a result of on-going new land reforms which seeks to reverse the situation where over 6 per cent of South African lands are owned by whites who make up only 10 per cent of the population, land is fast becoming critical for mango farmers, who are mostly whites.
It was not surprising, therefore to hear a few farmers express investment interest in Ghana. This is an area of partnership that KIMFA , in particular, and other mango producers must endeavour to pursue.
Even for South Africa the competition with countries such as Brazil, India and Egypt on the European market is very stiff.
Areas where the state must support Ghanaian mango farmers, for them to be able to enter the stiff competition, are; extension, credit facilities,pack house infrastructure and irrigation infrastructure.
The public sector stands to benefit by supporting the mango sector, in terms of foreign exchange earnings, local revenue generation and employment creation.
On the other hand, removal of constraints in the mango sub sector is positively correlated with;
•enhanced income levels,employment opportunities, wealth creation and poverty reduction for the private sector operatives.
Thus the advocacy action will end up in a win-win situation for both the public sector and private sector.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
. . .And Parliamentary proceedings end midway
Page 13, Oct 16, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PROCEEDINGS in Parliament yesterday ended midway as a result of the lack of the required number of parliamentarians to form a quorum.
The House requires the presence of one-third of its 230 members before it can go on with business and half of its members before a decision can be taken.
Yesterday’s sitting , however, began with only 13 MPs from both sides of the House.
When proceedings began, the Speaker invited the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Kwadwo Adjei-Darko, to answer two questions which had been asked by two MPs.
After he had answered the questions, the House began to deal with the National Pension Bill at its consideration stage.
However, the Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, raised the issue of quorum during the deliberations, thereby forcing the First Deputy Speaker, Mr Freddie Blay to bring proceedings to an end.
“Honourable members, I thought that the leadership of the House has agreed to continue with proceedings no matter the situation, but now that no less a member than the Deputy Minority Leader has raised the issue, my hands are tied”, Mr Blay said.
Mr Adjaho told the House that since the National Pension Bill was very important, there was the need for a greater number of the MPs to be present before its consideration.
He was supported by the NDC MP for Ningo-Prampram, Mr Enoch Teye Mensah, who called for the House to be adjourned till the following day.
Other MPs, Mr Ken Dzirasah (South Tongu) and Papa Kwesi Nduom (Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem), joined the call for the suspension of the debate on the National Pension Bill.
The Majority Chief Whip, Okerchire Adusah, however argued that although the raising of the issue of quorum was justified, Mr Adjaho had stabbed the Business Committee, of which he was a member, in the back.
He explained that the committee took the decision last week and wondered why Mr Adjaho should turn round to raise the issue of quorum in the House to disrupt proceedings.
“Mr Speaker, I am amazed by the action of the Deputy Minority Leader”, he said.
Although the NPP MP for Amenfi East, Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, and his colleague, Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman (New Juaben North), impressed on those who were calling for the end of the day’s business to allow the House to continue with its discussion on the bill, Mr Blay ruled that the House should adjourned till today.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PROCEEDINGS in Parliament yesterday ended midway as a result of the lack of the required number of parliamentarians to form a quorum.
The House requires the presence of one-third of its 230 members before it can go on with business and half of its members before a decision can be taken.
Yesterday’s sitting , however, began with only 13 MPs from both sides of the House.
When proceedings began, the Speaker invited the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Kwadwo Adjei-Darko, to answer two questions which had been asked by two MPs.
After he had answered the questions, the House began to deal with the National Pension Bill at its consideration stage.
However, the Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, raised the issue of quorum during the deliberations, thereby forcing the First Deputy Speaker, Mr Freddie Blay to bring proceedings to an end.
“Honourable members, I thought that the leadership of the House has agreed to continue with proceedings no matter the situation, but now that no less a member than the Deputy Minority Leader has raised the issue, my hands are tied”, Mr Blay said.
Mr Adjaho told the House that since the National Pension Bill was very important, there was the need for a greater number of the MPs to be present before its consideration.
He was supported by the NDC MP for Ningo-Prampram, Mr Enoch Teye Mensah, who called for the House to be adjourned till the following day.
Other MPs, Mr Ken Dzirasah (South Tongu) and Papa Kwesi Nduom (Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem), joined the call for the suspension of the debate on the National Pension Bill.
The Majority Chief Whip, Okerchire Adusah, however argued that although the raising of the issue of quorum was justified, Mr Adjaho had stabbed the Business Committee, of which he was a member, in the back.
He explained that the committee took the decision last week and wondered why Mr Adjaho should turn round to raise the issue of quorum in the House to disrupt proceedings.
“Mr Speaker, I am amazed by the action of the Deputy Minority Leader”, he said.
Although the NPP MP for Amenfi East, Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, and his colleague, Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman (New Juaben North), impressed on those who were calling for the end of the day’s business to allow the House to continue with its discussion on the bill, Mr Blay ruled that the House should adjourned till today.
Filing of nominations impact on attendance in Parliament
Page 13, Oct 16, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE impending filing of nominations by prospective Members of Parliament (MPs) seems to impacted on the turnout at the House.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has scheduled today and tomorrow as dates for the filing of nominations by the aspiring parliamentarians.
Last week, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Asawase, Alhaji Muntanka Mubarak, appealed to the leadership of the House to suspend this week’s sittings to give MPs ample time to go to their constituencies to file their nominations. But the Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidooh, stated in his reply that MPs who would not contest the forthcoming parliamentary elections would be present to perform the business of the House.
At yesterday’s sitting, the House began proceedings with only 13 MPs from both sides. However, the day business was aborted midway because of lack of forum.
On Tuesday, less than 30 MPs, mostly those who were not seeking re-election and MPs from the Greater Accra and adjoining regions were in the House to perform their parliamentary duties.
Some of the MPs who spoke to the Daily Graphic said that filing of the nomination forms required ample time since prospective MPs had to be endorsed by 20 registered voters, among other requirements, hence the need for the House to have suspended sittings for the week.
The MP for Lower West Akim, Mr James Apietu-Ankra, stated that bills, such as the National Pension Bill, among others which would be discussed during the week, were so crucial that they needed inputs from all MPs.
But it seems the leadership of the House was mindful of the limited time available to Parliament before the break on November 7, 2008 hence the decision not to suspend their sittings.
The House is expected to consider 10 new bills during the period in addition to bills which are already before the various committees of the House while papers and loan agreements are also expected to be considered.
The new bills include the Internal Revenue (Registration of Businesses) (Amendment) Bill, Institute of Marketing Bill, Trade Mark (Amendment) Bill, Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, Electoral Commission (Amendment) Bill, Internal Revenue (Amendment), Northern Development Fund Bill and the Parliamentary Service (Amendment) Bill, among others.
It is expected that the poor attendance of the House during the week would continue till the end of the week.
Mindful of the enormous task ahead, the leadership of the House last week announced that the House would have extended sittings in addition to sitting on Mondays as from next week.
Some of the MPs, however advised the Executive not to wait till the last day of the meeting before placing loan agreements before the House for consideration.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE impending filing of nominations by prospective Members of Parliament (MPs) seems to impacted on the turnout at the House.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has scheduled today and tomorrow as dates for the filing of nominations by the aspiring parliamentarians.
Last week, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Asawase, Alhaji Muntanka Mubarak, appealed to the leadership of the House to suspend this week’s sittings to give MPs ample time to go to their constituencies to file their nominations. But the Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidooh, stated in his reply that MPs who would not contest the forthcoming parliamentary elections would be present to perform the business of the House.
At yesterday’s sitting, the House began proceedings with only 13 MPs from both sides. However, the day business was aborted midway because of lack of forum.
On Tuesday, less than 30 MPs, mostly those who were not seeking re-election and MPs from the Greater Accra and adjoining regions were in the House to perform their parliamentary duties.
Some of the MPs who spoke to the Daily Graphic said that filing of the nomination forms required ample time since prospective MPs had to be endorsed by 20 registered voters, among other requirements, hence the need for the House to have suspended sittings for the week.
The MP for Lower West Akim, Mr James Apietu-Ankra, stated that bills, such as the National Pension Bill, among others which would be discussed during the week, were so crucial that they needed inputs from all MPs.
But it seems the leadership of the House was mindful of the limited time available to Parliament before the break on November 7, 2008 hence the decision not to suspend their sittings.
The House is expected to consider 10 new bills during the period in addition to bills which are already before the various committees of the House while papers and loan agreements are also expected to be considered.
The new bills include the Internal Revenue (Registration of Businesses) (Amendment) Bill, Institute of Marketing Bill, Trade Mark (Amendment) Bill, Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, Electoral Commission (Amendment) Bill, Internal Revenue (Amendment), Northern Development Fund Bill and the Parliamentary Service (Amendment) Bill, among others.
It is expected that the poor attendance of the House during the week would continue till the end of the week.
Mindful of the enormous task ahead, the leadership of the House last week announced that the House would have extended sittings in addition to sitting on Mondays as from next week.
Some of the MPs, however advised the Executive not to wait till the last day of the meeting before placing loan agreements before the House for consideration.
Monday, October 13, 2008
16,000 to die from HIV\AIDS this year
Page 47, Monday Oct 12, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
About 16,000 people may die through HIV/AIDS in the country this year, the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has revealed.
The figure, which translates into 70 deaths per day, is a decline from the 25,000 people who died last year.
The Technical Director of the GAC, Dr Richard N. Amenyah, who disclosed this, was speaking at a two-day workshop on HIV/AIDS for the leadership of Parliament at the Royal Atlantic Resort at Bortianor, near Accra, at the weekend.
The workshop was aimed at identifying ways of giving further impetus to the fight against the pandemic and carrying the fight to a new level by involving Members of Parliament (MPs).
It was organised by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, with support from the GAC and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on the theme, “Parliamentarians forum for Millennium Development Goals and Human Development — Linkages with HIV/AIDS”.
Dr Amenyah noted that since the disease had currently assumed an epidemic proportion, there was the need for the fight against its eradication to be the concern of all stakeholders.
He said while more than 200,000 families had suffered from the disease since its detection in the country, it was also showing a feminine face, as 58 per cent of the over 270,000 people who had been infected in the country were females.
Giving details of the HIV/AIDS situation in the country, Dr Amenyah stated that Agormenya in the Eastern Region led with an 8.9 prevalence rate on a chart of selected urban centres, while Fanteakwa, also in the Eastern Region, topped with a 5.8 per cent prevalent rate on the rural sites chart.
He, therefore, called for a new political commitment to the fight against the disease and charged political parties currently criss-crossing the country in search of votes to include messages on HIV/AIDS in their campaign.
In his address, the Deputy UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Shigeki Komatsubara, said while Ghana had made tremendous progress in stabilising the epidemic, Ghanaians needed to learn from the experiences of other sub-Saharan countries and not remain complacent.
“We need to recognise that the HIV/AIDS epidemic has become the hurdle for human development, claiming millions of lives and leaving millions more infected,” he said.
He added that if not kept in check, the disease would accentuate the burden of poor countries by worsening poverty, reversing the gains made in human development and reducing governments’ capacity to provide essential services for the people.
“The prevailing and projected socio-economic effect of the disease is so drastic that fighting AIDS has become synonymous with fighting poverty. The MDGs and many of the national poverty reduction targets can be achieved only if the AIDS crisis is addressed effectively,” he said
For his part, the Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Abraham Ossei-Aidooh, noted that although the health sector was so vital in the fight against the disease, the halting of the spread of the pandemic could not be left to health workers alone.
He said the involvement of MPs had become crucial, since, as recognised opinion leaders, they could serve as effective change champions.
“I have no doubt that the positive involvement of MPs in the fight against HIV/AIDS will complement the effort of other organisations and individuals in several ways,” he said.
Mr Ossei-Aidooh appealed to MPs to work hard to address difficulties such as discrimination, stigmatisation, job loss and abandonment by families, relations and friends that persons living with HIV/AIDS went through.
He, however, acknowledged that there was the need to build the capacities of MPs to enable them to respond more effectively to the fight against the disease and thanked the UNDP and the GAC for assisting the ministry to organise the workshop for that purpose.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
About 16,000 people may die through HIV/AIDS in the country this year, the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has revealed.
The figure, which translates into 70 deaths per day, is a decline from the 25,000 people who died last year.
The Technical Director of the GAC, Dr Richard N. Amenyah, who disclosed this, was speaking at a two-day workshop on HIV/AIDS for the leadership of Parliament at the Royal Atlantic Resort at Bortianor, near Accra, at the weekend.
The workshop was aimed at identifying ways of giving further impetus to the fight against the pandemic and carrying the fight to a new level by involving Members of Parliament (MPs).
It was organised by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, with support from the GAC and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on the theme, “Parliamentarians forum for Millennium Development Goals and Human Development — Linkages with HIV/AIDS”.
Dr Amenyah noted that since the disease had currently assumed an epidemic proportion, there was the need for the fight against its eradication to be the concern of all stakeholders.
He said while more than 200,000 families had suffered from the disease since its detection in the country, it was also showing a feminine face, as 58 per cent of the over 270,000 people who had been infected in the country were females.
Giving details of the HIV/AIDS situation in the country, Dr Amenyah stated that Agormenya in the Eastern Region led with an 8.9 prevalence rate on a chart of selected urban centres, while Fanteakwa, also in the Eastern Region, topped with a 5.8 per cent prevalent rate on the rural sites chart.
He, therefore, called for a new political commitment to the fight against the disease and charged political parties currently criss-crossing the country in search of votes to include messages on HIV/AIDS in their campaign.
In his address, the Deputy UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Shigeki Komatsubara, said while Ghana had made tremendous progress in stabilising the epidemic, Ghanaians needed to learn from the experiences of other sub-Saharan countries and not remain complacent.
“We need to recognise that the HIV/AIDS epidemic has become the hurdle for human development, claiming millions of lives and leaving millions more infected,” he said.
He added that if not kept in check, the disease would accentuate the burden of poor countries by worsening poverty, reversing the gains made in human development and reducing governments’ capacity to provide essential services for the people.
“The prevailing and projected socio-economic effect of the disease is so drastic that fighting AIDS has become synonymous with fighting poverty. The MDGs and many of the national poverty reduction targets can be achieved only if the AIDS crisis is addressed effectively,” he said
For his part, the Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Abraham Ossei-Aidooh, noted that although the health sector was so vital in the fight against the disease, the halting of the spread of the pandemic could not be left to health workers alone.
He said the involvement of MPs had become crucial, since, as recognised opinion leaders, they could serve as effective change champions.
“I have no doubt that the positive involvement of MPs in the fight against HIV/AIDS will complement the effort of other organisations and individuals in several ways,” he said.
Mr Ossei-Aidooh appealed to MPs to work hard to address difficulties such as discrimination, stigmatisation, job loss and abandonment by families, relations and friends that persons living with HIV/AIDS went through.
He, however, acknowledged that there was the need to build the capacities of MPs to enable them to respond more effectively to the fight against the disease and thanked the UNDP and the GAC for assisting the ministry to organise the workshop for that purpose.
Communications bill go through second reading
Page 14, Sat Oct 11, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
TWO bills aimed at enhancing the operations of the communications industry, which were placed before Parliament during its previous meeting, today passed through their second reading stages.
They are the National Communication Authority (NCA) and the Electronic Communication bills.
The purpose of NCA Bill is to re-establish the NCA to achieve a clear separation of regulatory matters from institutional matters to promote accelerated growth in the communication industry.
The Electronic Communication Bill, on the other hand, aims ???at providing for ????the regulation of electronic communications and broadcasting services in accordance with the National Electronic Communications and Broadcasting Policy of 2005.
The Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidooh, moved for the second reading of the two bills and was seconded by the Chairman of Parliamentary Committee on Communications, Mr Kojo Armah.
Mr Armah said after a careful consideration of the two bills, the committee found that they would enhance the operations of the communications industry and, therefore, recommended them to the House for passage.
Contributing to the NCA Bill, the Minority Spokesperson on Communications and MP for Tamale South, Mr Iddrisu Haruna, expressed concern about the inability of the NCA to ensure that mobile phone operators in the country provided quality services to their clients.
He, therefore called for measures to sufficiently empower it to enable it to demand quality service from mobile phone operators.
In another development, the MP for Asawase, Alhaji Muntanka Mubarak, called on the leadership of the House to consider the suspension of sittings on October 16 and 17 to enable sitting MPs who were contesting their seats to travel to their constituencies to file their nominations.
He made the suggestion after the Majority Leader, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidooh, had presented the business statement of next week to the House.
Alhaji Mubarak observed that a greater percentage of MPs would not attend sitting on those two days and said that it would, therefore, be appropriate if sittings were suspended.
Replying, Mr Aidooh said the leadership of the House took into consideration the filing of nominations by MPs who were contesting their seat and found out that those who were not seeking for re-elections could attend sittings on those two days.
He announced that the House would not sit tomorrow due to the funeral of the late former Speaker of the House, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
TWO bills aimed at enhancing the operations of the communications industry, which were placed before Parliament during its previous meeting, today passed through their second reading stages.
They are the National Communication Authority (NCA) and the Electronic Communication bills.
The purpose of NCA Bill is to re-establish the NCA to achieve a clear separation of regulatory matters from institutional matters to promote accelerated growth in the communication industry.
The Electronic Communication Bill, on the other hand, aims ???at providing for ????the regulation of electronic communications and broadcasting services in accordance with the National Electronic Communications and Broadcasting Policy of 2005.
The Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidooh, moved for the second reading of the two bills and was seconded by the Chairman of Parliamentary Committee on Communications, Mr Kojo Armah.
Mr Armah said after a careful consideration of the two bills, the committee found that they would enhance the operations of the communications industry and, therefore, recommended them to the House for passage.
Contributing to the NCA Bill, the Minority Spokesperson on Communications and MP for Tamale South, Mr Iddrisu Haruna, expressed concern about the inability of the NCA to ensure that mobile phone operators in the country provided quality services to their clients.
He, therefore called for measures to sufficiently empower it to enable it to demand quality service from mobile phone operators.
In another development, the MP for Asawase, Alhaji Muntanka Mubarak, called on the leadership of the House to consider the suspension of sittings on October 16 and 17 to enable sitting MPs who were contesting their seats to travel to their constituencies to file their nominations.
He made the suggestion after the Majority Leader, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidooh, had presented the business statement of next week to the House.
Alhaji Mubarak observed that a greater percentage of MPs would not attend sitting on those two days and said that it would, therefore, be appropriate if sittings were suspended.
Replying, Mr Aidooh said the leadership of the House took into consideration the filing of nominations by MPs who were contesting their seat and found out that those who were not seeking for re-elections could attend sittings on those two days.
He announced that the House would not sit tomorrow due to the funeral of the late former Speaker of the House, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey.
Peter Ala Adjetey laid to rest
Frontpage, Saturday October 11, 2008
Story: Nehemia Owusu Achiaw & Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
HUNDREDS of Ghanaians besieged the forecourt of the State House in Accra yesterday to pay their last respects to one of the country’s most accomplished lawyers, the Rt Honourable Peter Ala Adjetey, who was also a former Speaker of Parliament.
In attendance at the state funeral was an impressive array of political, judicial, legislative and social leaders, including President J.A. Kufuor and his wife, Theresa; Vice-President Aliu Mahama; the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes; former President J.J. Rawlings and his wife, Nana Konadu, and the flag bearers of the various political parties.
Also present were Members of Parliament (MPs), members of the Diplomatic Corps, the clergy, executives of the various political parties, chiefs and queens from across the country and a cross-section of the people.
To honour the late former Speaker for his contribution to the growth of parliamentary democracy, the leadership of Parliament decided not to sit yesterday to give MPs ample time to mourn their departed former leader.
As early as 6.00 a.m. the casket bearing Mr Adjetey’s body arrived at the Speaker’s Block in Parliament, where it was received by Mr Sekyi Hughes; the First Deputy Speaker, Mr Freddie Blay; the Second Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Malik Yakubu Alhassan; the Majority Leader, Mr Abraham Ossei-Aidooh; the Minority Leader, Mr Alban Bagbin; a cross-section of MPs and members of the Parliamentary Service.
Brief religious rites were performed at the lobby of the block by Reverend Antonio Nelson of the La St Paul’s Anglican Church, where the late former Speaker worshipped, after which the casket was carried to the forecourt of the State House for the state burial service.
Before the arrival of President Kufuor, MPs, members of the Diplomatic Corps, family members and a cross-section of the people had filed past the body, amid singing by the Tema Youth Choir and the throbbing of traditional drums.
When he arrived, President Kufuor led a retinue of Ministers of State to file past the body to accord the former Speaker their last respects.
In a tribute read on his behalf by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr Joe Ghartey, President Kufuor stated that the return to constitutional rule in 1992 saw another chapter in the life of the late former Speaker in which he represented the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) in a number of constitutional cases before the Supreme Court, explaining that those cases contributed immensely to the development of constitutional rule in Ghana.
He mentioned the NPP vrs GBC case, in which the Supreme Court decided that the state-owned broadcasting corporation was obliged to give political parties equal opportunities to present their views on state-sponsored television, and the NPP vrs IGP case in which the Supreme Court gave clarity and further meaning to Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution on the right of freedom of assembly, including freedom to take part in processions and demonstrations, as some of Mr Adjetey’s contributions to constitutional democracy.
“We, as a nation, owe a debt of gratitude to all actors at this stage of the nation’s development and for the recognition of and respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms that today we take for granted; a stage on which Peter Ala Adjetey once again stood tall,” he said.
He observed that Mr Adjetey’s transition from a politician to a statesman was seamless, as he was passionate and believed in the doctrine of separation of powers and the independence of Parliament.
President Kufuor added that it was in recognition of that that the late Speaker was awarded a well-deserved national honour — Order of the Star of Volta (Civil Division) Member — on July 3, 2008, explaining that “Peter Ala Adjetey lived a life worth celebrating and that is why we are gathered here today not to mourn the dead but to celebrate a life”.
The flag bearer of the NPP, Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in a tribute, recalled his association with Mr Adjetey and described him as a fearless lawyer and politician who was meticulous in all the fields in which he found himself.
He said he was very grateful for the support he received from Mr Adjetey to shape his political career, adding, “I have lost the guidance of a valued counsellor and committed politician. Ghana is poor for his loss but his legacy will live with us forever.”
Other tributes were read by Mr Freddie Blay, on behalf of Parliament, Mr Adjetey’s widow, children, grandchildren, the judiciary, the GBA, the NPP, the St Paul’s Anglican Church, the Rotary Club, the Accra Academy Old Boys Association, among others.
In a sermon, Right Reverend J.K. Dadson, a former Anglican Bishop of the Sunyani/Tamale Diocese, asked Ghanaians to strive to leave legacies that would enable present and future generations to remember them for the development of the country.
“Let us learn from the selfless life lead by Mr Adjetey and live in harmony with our opponents in order to forge a united front for the country’s development,” he advised.
The former Speaker was buried at the churchyard of the St Paul’s Anglican Church, La, Accra, after the state burial service.
Story: Nehemia Owusu Achiaw & Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
HUNDREDS of Ghanaians besieged the forecourt of the State House in Accra yesterday to pay their last respects to one of the country’s most accomplished lawyers, the Rt Honourable Peter Ala Adjetey, who was also a former Speaker of Parliament.
In attendance at the state funeral was an impressive array of political, judicial, legislative and social leaders, including President J.A. Kufuor and his wife, Theresa; Vice-President Aliu Mahama; the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes; former President J.J. Rawlings and his wife, Nana Konadu, and the flag bearers of the various political parties.
Also present were Members of Parliament (MPs), members of the Diplomatic Corps, the clergy, executives of the various political parties, chiefs and queens from across the country and a cross-section of the people.
To honour the late former Speaker for his contribution to the growth of parliamentary democracy, the leadership of Parliament decided not to sit yesterday to give MPs ample time to mourn their departed former leader.
As early as 6.00 a.m. the casket bearing Mr Adjetey’s body arrived at the Speaker’s Block in Parliament, where it was received by Mr Sekyi Hughes; the First Deputy Speaker, Mr Freddie Blay; the Second Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Malik Yakubu Alhassan; the Majority Leader, Mr Abraham Ossei-Aidooh; the Minority Leader, Mr Alban Bagbin; a cross-section of MPs and members of the Parliamentary Service.
Brief religious rites were performed at the lobby of the block by Reverend Antonio Nelson of the La St Paul’s Anglican Church, where the late former Speaker worshipped, after which the casket was carried to the forecourt of the State House for the state burial service.
Before the arrival of President Kufuor, MPs, members of the Diplomatic Corps, family members and a cross-section of the people had filed past the body, amid singing by the Tema Youth Choir and the throbbing of traditional drums.
When he arrived, President Kufuor led a retinue of Ministers of State to file past the body to accord the former Speaker their last respects.
In a tribute read on his behalf by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr Joe Ghartey, President Kufuor stated that the return to constitutional rule in 1992 saw another chapter in the life of the late former Speaker in which he represented the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) in a number of constitutional cases before the Supreme Court, explaining that those cases contributed immensely to the development of constitutional rule in Ghana.
He mentioned the NPP vrs GBC case, in which the Supreme Court decided that the state-owned broadcasting corporation was obliged to give political parties equal opportunities to present their views on state-sponsored television, and the NPP vrs IGP case in which the Supreme Court gave clarity and further meaning to Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution on the right of freedom of assembly, including freedom to take part in processions and demonstrations, as some of Mr Adjetey’s contributions to constitutional democracy.
“We, as a nation, owe a debt of gratitude to all actors at this stage of the nation’s development and for the recognition of and respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms that today we take for granted; a stage on which Peter Ala Adjetey once again stood tall,” he said.
He observed that Mr Adjetey’s transition from a politician to a statesman was seamless, as he was passionate and believed in the doctrine of separation of powers and the independence of Parliament.
President Kufuor added that it was in recognition of that that the late Speaker was awarded a well-deserved national honour — Order of the Star of Volta (Civil Division) Member — on July 3, 2008, explaining that “Peter Ala Adjetey lived a life worth celebrating and that is why we are gathered here today not to mourn the dead but to celebrate a life”.
The flag bearer of the NPP, Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in a tribute, recalled his association with Mr Adjetey and described him as a fearless lawyer and politician who was meticulous in all the fields in which he found himself.
He said he was very grateful for the support he received from Mr Adjetey to shape his political career, adding, “I have lost the guidance of a valued counsellor and committed politician. Ghana is poor for his loss but his legacy will live with us forever.”
Other tributes were read by Mr Freddie Blay, on behalf of Parliament, Mr Adjetey’s widow, children, grandchildren, the judiciary, the GBA, the NPP, the St Paul’s Anglican Church, the Rotary Club, the Accra Academy Old Boys Association, among others.
In a sermon, Right Reverend J.K. Dadson, a former Anglican Bishop of the Sunyani/Tamale Diocese, asked Ghanaians to strive to leave legacies that would enable present and future generations to remember them for the development of the country.
“Let us learn from the selfless life lead by Mr Adjetey and live in harmony with our opponents in order to forge a united front for the country’s development,” he advised.
The former Speaker was buried at the churchyard of the St Paul’s Anglican Church, La, Accra, after the state burial service.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Parliament pays tribute to Ala Adjetey
Page 50, Oct 9, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) yesterday paid glowing tribute to the late former Speaker of Parliament, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey, for the role he played in nurturing the country’s parliamentary democracy.
The government has scheduled tomorrow , October 10, for the performance of a state funeral for the late former Speaker.
The MPs were contributing to a statement made by the Deputy Majority Leader and MP for Suame, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, in honour of Mr Adjetey.
In his statement, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu observed that Mr Adjetey “lived fairness, objectivity and impartiality in Parliament”.
He said the former Speaker was so fair that at different times, either side of the House accused him of favouring the other side.
“Not all member agreed with him all the times, yet they all always respected his sense of justice and his fairness. His credo was that even if the Majority would have their way, the Minority must always have their say,” he said.
The MP stated that initially, Mr Adjetey was misunderstood by many of his own party people in Parliament but added that in retrospect, there was general agreement that that was the way to grow Parliament.
He explained that the consensus approach he promoted brought unity and combined will to achieve goals collectively, resulting in the passing of 92 bills into laws during his four-year tenure as Speaker.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said the news of the death of the former Speaker came as a shock, stressing that “our grief is not simply about the loss of a great statesman; our grief springs from the sudden realisation that a visionary who gave so much hope to widening the horizon of democracy has been lost”.
Contributing to the statement, the Majority Leader and MP for Tema West, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidooh, described the late former Speaker as a principled and disciplined man who believed in the supremacy of the law.
He noted that Mr Adjetey appreciated things done in the rightful manner and worked for the independence of parliamentary democracy.
For his part, the Minority Leader, Mr Alban S.K. Bagbin, noted that it was the late former Speaker’s forthrightness which ensured the success of the operation of the House during his tenure of office.
Other MPs who contributed to the tribute were Kojo Armah (Evalue Dwira), Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman (New Juaben North), Alhaji Malik Yakubu Alhassan (Yendi), Francis Abotse (Ho West) and Christine Churcher (Cape Coast).
They were all unanimous in their contributions that the former Speaker had played his part in the country’s parliamentary democracy.
Meanwhile, the National Pension Reform Bill yesterday passed through its second reading stage.
The Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, thanked the MPs for the various contributions to enable the bill to stand the test of time when passed into law.
The Minister of Energy, Mr Felix Owusu-Adjapong, who also appeared before the House to answer questions, told the House that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) had proposed in its 2009 budget to expand the distribution network by upgrading the low voltage network and also installing another transformer to cater for the load growth in the Dwinase community in the Sefwi Wiawso Constituency.
Answering a question posed by the MP for Sefwi Wiawso, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, the minister said the ECG had further planned to commence system improvement activities at Sefwi Asafo, Sefwi Boako and Sefwi Anyinabrim by the end of 2008.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) yesterday paid glowing tribute to the late former Speaker of Parliament, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey, for the role he played in nurturing the country’s parliamentary democracy.
The government has scheduled tomorrow , October 10, for the performance of a state funeral for the late former Speaker.
The MPs were contributing to a statement made by the Deputy Majority Leader and MP for Suame, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, in honour of Mr Adjetey.
In his statement, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu observed that Mr Adjetey “lived fairness, objectivity and impartiality in Parliament”.
He said the former Speaker was so fair that at different times, either side of the House accused him of favouring the other side.
“Not all member agreed with him all the times, yet they all always respected his sense of justice and his fairness. His credo was that even if the Majority would have their way, the Minority must always have their say,” he said.
The MP stated that initially, Mr Adjetey was misunderstood by many of his own party people in Parliament but added that in retrospect, there was general agreement that that was the way to grow Parliament.
He explained that the consensus approach he promoted brought unity and combined will to achieve goals collectively, resulting in the passing of 92 bills into laws during his four-year tenure as Speaker.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said the news of the death of the former Speaker came as a shock, stressing that “our grief is not simply about the loss of a great statesman; our grief springs from the sudden realisation that a visionary who gave so much hope to widening the horizon of democracy has been lost”.
Contributing to the statement, the Majority Leader and MP for Tema West, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidooh, described the late former Speaker as a principled and disciplined man who believed in the supremacy of the law.
He noted that Mr Adjetey appreciated things done in the rightful manner and worked for the independence of parliamentary democracy.
For his part, the Minority Leader, Mr Alban S.K. Bagbin, noted that it was the late former Speaker’s forthrightness which ensured the success of the operation of the House during his tenure of office.
Other MPs who contributed to the tribute were Kojo Armah (Evalue Dwira), Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman (New Juaben North), Alhaji Malik Yakubu Alhassan (Yendi), Francis Abotse (Ho West) and Christine Churcher (Cape Coast).
They were all unanimous in their contributions that the former Speaker had played his part in the country’s parliamentary democracy.
Meanwhile, the National Pension Reform Bill yesterday passed through its second reading stage.
The Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, thanked the MPs for the various contributions to enable the bill to stand the test of time when passed into law.
The Minister of Energy, Mr Felix Owusu-Adjapong, who also appeared before the House to answer questions, told the House that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) had proposed in its 2009 budget to expand the distribution network by upgrading the low voltage network and also installing another transformer to cater for the load growth in the Dwinase community in the Sefwi Wiawso Constituency.
Answering a question posed by the MP for Sefwi Wiawso, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, the minister said the ECG had further planned to commence system improvement activities at Sefwi Asafo, Sefwi Boako and Sefwi Anyinabrim by the end of 2008.
Baah-Wiredu's body in today
Story: Kweku Tsen & Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
Centre Spread, October 8, 2008
THE body of the late Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, will arrive at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra from South Africa today.
Disclosing this in Parliament yesterday, the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes, said the Ghana High Commission in South Africa had already communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that relations of the late minister and high-ranking officials of the High Commission would accompany the body from South Africa.
The Speaker was welcoming members to the beginning of the third meeting of the last session of the Fourth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
Thousands of Ghanaians, including the country’s political and business leadership, law makers and the clergy are expected to throng the airport to receive the body.
Informing the Members of Parliament (MPs) officially about the demise of Baah-Wiredu, who was MP for Asante-Akyem North, after the reconvening of the House, which had been on recess for almost three months, the Speaker said the body would arrive in the country on a South African Airways flight.
Mr Sekyi Hughes said the leadership of the House received the news of the death of the late minister in South Africa with shock and dismay.
He paid glowing tribute to the late MP, describing him as a man who sacrificed his entire life for the good of the broad masses of the people.
He said the late minister’s high level and selfless sense of discipline and hard work impacted positively on the various ministries that he presided over during the past seven and half years.
The Speaker explained that what endeared the late Baah-Wiredu to people, irrespective of their political posture and colouring, economic or social standing, was his unwavering commitment to listen to their problems and address their concerns.
Mr Sekyi Hughes added that what made the late minister outstanding among his peers was his humility, accommodating nature and tolerance which he exhibited whenever he interacted with people.
He called on Ghanaians to emulate the late minister’s shining example, adding that he led a simple life devoid of pomp, arrogance and intolerance.
The Speaker then called on the MPs to observe a minute’s silence in memory and honour of Baah-Wiredu.
Mr Sekyi Hughes also informed the House about the final funeral rites of the immediate past Speaker, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey, on October 10, 2008 and called on the MPs to attend the funeral in their numbers to give the late Speaker a fitting burial.
The atmosphere in the House was full of emotion as members turned up in mourning clothes to show their respect for their departed colleague, reports Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah .
The seat of the late minister and MP and the microphone in front of it were robed in red pieces of cloth, while most of the MPs wore either black cloths or suits, with red ties to match.
Baah-Wiredu died in South Africa on Wednesday, September 24.
Before the meeting began, some of the MPs were spotted in groups discussing the death of their colleague, while a member of staff of the Parliamentary Service distributed red bands to them.
The order paper for the day included the National Pension Reform Bill which had been moved by Baah-Wiredu on Thursday, July 17, 2008 before Parliament went on recess the following day.
The motion for the second reading of the bill, which was scheduled for yesterday, was deferred to today “to show respect to Baah-Wiredu”, both the Majority Leader, Mr Abraham Osei Aidooh, and the Minority Leader, Mr Alban Bagbin, told the House.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the MP for Tema East, Mr Ishmael Ashitey, said Baah-Wiredu’s death was a big blow to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the country as a whole.
“It will be very difficult to fill the vacuum created by his death,” he said.
The MP for Jaman South, Ms Anna Nyamekye, described the work in Parliament as very stressful, explaining that matters worsened if one doubled as a minister of state.
She said comments heard after Mr Baah-Wiredu’s death showed that he had overworked himself and called on the leadership of the House to take a cue from his death and institute a suitable welfare package for MPs.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Talensi, Mr John Akolugu Tia, paid tribute to the late MP, describing him as a “well bred politician who cut across people from the political divide”.
The People’s National Convention (PNC) MP for Sissala West, Mr Haruna Bayirga, described Mr Baah-Wiredu as a humble minister who could be approached by any ordinary person.
“He extended his love not only to MPs and his colleague ministers but also ordinary citizens as well,” he said, adding that he was a “peacemaker, a unifier and a developer”.
He observed that all the political parties could boast of people with Mr Baah-Wiredu’s calibre and called on them to come together to water down the current political tension.
He said the people of Sissala would always remember the crucial role played by Mr Baah-Wiredu in splitting the area into two districts.
The Minister of Fisheries and MP for Takoradi, Mrs Gladys Asmah, recalled the role played by Mr Baah-Wiredu when the NPP was in opposition and said the House would miss “such a team player”.
Centre Spread, October 8, 2008
THE body of the late Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, will arrive at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra from South Africa today.
Disclosing this in Parliament yesterday, the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes, said the Ghana High Commission in South Africa had already communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that relations of the late minister and high-ranking officials of the High Commission would accompany the body from South Africa.
The Speaker was welcoming members to the beginning of the third meeting of the last session of the Fourth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
Thousands of Ghanaians, including the country’s political and business leadership, law makers and the clergy are expected to throng the airport to receive the body.
Informing the Members of Parliament (MPs) officially about the demise of Baah-Wiredu, who was MP for Asante-Akyem North, after the reconvening of the House, which had been on recess for almost three months, the Speaker said the body would arrive in the country on a South African Airways flight.
Mr Sekyi Hughes said the leadership of the House received the news of the death of the late minister in South Africa with shock and dismay.
He paid glowing tribute to the late MP, describing him as a man who sacrificed his entire life for the good of the broad masses of the people.
He said the late minister’s high level and selfless sense of discipline and hard work impacted positively on the various ministries that he presided over during the past seven and half years.
The Speaker explained that what endeared the late Baah-Wiredu to people, irrespective of their political posture and colouring, economic or social standing, was his unwavering commitment to listen to their problems and address their concerns.
Mr Sekyi Hughes added that what made the late minister outstanding among his peers was his humility, accommodating nature and tolerance which he exhibited whenever he interacted with people.
He called on Ghanaians to emulate the late minister’s shining example, adding that he led a simple life devoid of pomp, arrogance and intolerance.
The Speaker then called on the MPs to observe a minute’s silence in memory and honour of Baah-Wiredu.
Mr Sekyi Hughes also informed the House about the final funeral rites of the immediate past Speaker, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey, on October 10, 2008 and called on the MPs to attend the funeral in their numbers to give the late Speaker a fitting burial.
The atmosphere in the House was full of emotion as members turned up in mourning clothes to show their respect for their departed colleague, reports Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah .
The seat of the late minister and MP and the microphone in front of it were robed in red pieces of cloth, while most of the MPs wore either black cloths or suits, with red ties to match.
Baah-Wiredu died in South Africa on Wednesday, September 24.
Before the meeting began, some of the MPs were spotted in groups discussing the death of their colleague, while a member of staff of the Parliamentary Service distributed red bands to them.
The order paper for the day included the National Pension Reform Bill which had been moved by Baah-Wiredu on Thursday, July 17, 2008 before Parliament went on recess the following day.
The motion for the second reading of the bill, which was scheduled for yesterday, was deferred to today “to show respect to Baah-Wiredu”, both the Majority Leader, Mr Abraham Osei Aidooh, and the Minority Leader, Mr Alban Bagbin, told the House.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the MP for Tema East, Mr Ishmael Ashitey, said Baah-Wiredu’s death was a big blow to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the country as a whole.
“It will be very difficult to fill the vacuum created by his death,” he said.
The MP for Jaman South, Ms Anna Nyamekye, described the work in Parliament as very stressful, explaining that matters worsened if one doubled as a minister of state.
She said comments heard after Mr Baah-Wiredu’s death showed that he had overworked himself and called on the leadership of the House to take a cue from his death and institute a suitable welfare package for MPs.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Talensi, Mr John Akolugu Tia, paid tribute to the late MP, describing him as a “well bred politician who cut across people from the political divide”.
The People’s National Convention (PNC) MP for Sissala West, Mr Haruna Bayirga, described Mr Baah-Wiredu as a humble minister who could be approached by any ordinary person.
“He extended his love not only to MPs and his colleague ministers but also ordinary citizens as well,” he said, adding that he was a “peacemaker, a unifier and a developer”.
He observed that all the political parties could boast of people with Mr Baah-Wiredu’s calibre and called on them to come together to water down the current political tension.
He said the people of Sissala would always remember the crucial role played by Mr Baah-Wiredu in splitting the area into two districts.
The Minister of Fisheries and MP for Takoradi, Mrs Gladys Asmah, recalled the role played by Mr Baah-Wiredu when the NPP was in opposition and said the House would miss “such a team player”.
Parliament reconvenes today
Page 16, October 7, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT reconvenes today for the third meeting of the last session of the Fourth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
The meeting is expected to break on November 7, 2008 to enable Members of Parliament (MPs) have enough time to prepare for the forthcoming general elections.
The House will reconvene on January 6, 2009 for the dissolution of the Fourth Parliament to pave way for beginning of the Fifth Parliament on January 7, 2009.
Ten new bills are scheduled to be placed before the House during the period while bills which are currently before the various committees of the House, papers and loan agreements are also expected to be considered.
The new bills include the Internal Revenue (Registration of Businesses) (Amendment) Bill, Institute of Marketing Bill, Trade Mark (Amendment) Bill, Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, Electoral Commission (Amendment) Bill, Internal Revenue (Amendment) Bill, Northern Development Fund Bill and the Parliamentary Service (Amendment) Bill, among others.
According to the Director of Public Affairs of Parliament, Mr Jones Kugblenu, the third meeting of the last session of the Fourth Parliament is expected to be hectic since most MPs would be torn between their bid to maintain their seats and the work of the House.
He said, however that since that was the first time in the history of Parliament, the MPs would be able to combine their parliamentary duties and electoral campaigns to make the meeting a success,
“The MPs know the rules and regulations of the House and I hope that as honourable members, they will abide by them to bring the sitting to a successful end to crown the successes chalked up during the Fourth Parliament”, he said.
Some MPs who spoke to the Daily Graphic said they were prepared to meet challenges that would confront them during the meeting.
The NDC MP for Ho East, Mrs Juliana Azumah-Mensah, said that although most of the MPs were in the race to maintain their seats, that would not prevent them from taking part in the business of the House.
She stated that most of the MPs were expected to go back to their constituencies during the second week of the meeting to file their nominations for the forthcoming elections and expressed the hope that they would rush back to Accra to continue with the business in the House.
For his part, the NPP MP for Heman Lower Denkyira, Reverend Ben Donkor, said “I am expecting a busy meeting. It will not be easy for us to combine our campaigns with the business of the House, but with determination and dedication, we will succeed”.
He, however, advised the executive not to wait till the last week of the meeting before bringing loan and other agreements to the House for ratification since that would not augur well for a successful meeting.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT reconvenes today for the third meeting of the last session of the Fourth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
The meeting is expected to break on November 7, 2008 to enable Members of Parliament (MPs) have enough time to prepare for the forthcoming general elections.
The House will reconvene on January 6, 2009 for the dissolution of the Fourth Parliament to pave way for beginning of the Fifth Parliament on January 7, 2009.
Ten new bills are scheduled to be placed before the House during the period while bills which are currently before the various committees of the House, papers and loan agreements are also expected to be considered.
The new bills include the Internal Revenue (Registration of Businesses) (Amendment) Bill, Institute of Marketing Bill, Trade Mark (Amendment) Bill, Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, Electoral Commission (Amendment) Bill, Internal Revenue (Amendment) Bill, Northern Development Fund Bill and the Parliamentary Service (Amendment) Bill, among others.
According to the Director of Public Affairs of Parliament, Mr Jones Kugblenu, the third meeting of the last session of the Fourth Parliament is expected to be hectic since most MPs would be torn between their bid to maintain their seats and the work of the House.
He said, however that since that was the first time in the history of Parliament, the MPs would be able to combine their parliamentary duties and electoral campaigns to make the meeting a success,
“The MPs know the rules and regulations of the House and I hope that as honourable members, they will abide by them to bring the sitting to a successful end to crown the successes chalked up during the Fourth Parliament”, he said.
Some MPs who spoke to the Daily Graphic said they were prepared to meet challenges that would confront them during the meeting.
The NDC MP for Ho East, Mrs Juliana Azumah-Mensah, said that although most of the MPs were in the race to maintain their seats, that would not prevent them from taking part in the business of the House.
She stated that most of the MPs were expected to go back to their constituencies during the second week of the meeting to file their nominations for the forthcoming elections and expressed the hope that they would rush back to Accra to continue with the business in the House.
For his part, the NPP MP for Heman Lower Denkyira, Reverend Ben Donkor, said “I am expecting a busy meeting. It will not be easy for us to combine our campaigns with the business of the House, but with determination and dedication, we will succeed”.
He, however, advised the executive not to wait till the last week of the meeting before bringing loan and other agreements to the House for ratification since that would not augur well for a successful meeting.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Adabraka Official Town Presby organises free medical screening
Page 21, Aug 4, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Adabraka Official Town Presbyterian Church on Saturday organised a free-health screening exercise for people in the Adabraka community as part of activities marking this year's Health and Environmental Week of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG).
The medical team, led by Dr K.O. Dako, screened more than 500 people of such diseases as diabetes, hypertension, malaria, obesity, poor eyesight, among others.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the Second Minister in charge of the church, Reverend Michael Anim-Tetey, said the exercise was part of the church's social responsibility.
He said members of the church had for some time now been donating blood periodically to replenish the Blood Bank of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to save lives.
Rev Anim-Tetey stated that Christianity was a holistic ministry and, "It is, therefore, our duty not only to cater for the spiritual lives of the people, but also their social and moral aspects to enable them have sound minds to worship their maker."
He added that the exercise was also aimed at complementing the efforts of the government to ensure the good health of the people to enable them contribute to the development of the country.
Rev. Anim-Tetey said during the week, talks were also organised to drum home to the congregation the need to keep their environment clean.
For his part, Dr Dako said people who were diagnosed with diseases unknown to them were advised to go to hospital for medication.
He called on Ghanaians to exercise regularly, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables to stay healthy, instead of the consumption of too much fatty food.
The catechist in charge of the church, Mr Eugene Addo, called on politicians not to see their opponents as enemies but colleagues who had different visions towards the development of the country.
"Let us see ourselves as one people and avoid acts and utterances that will lead to violence and loss of lives before, during and after the December elections," he said.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to the Daily Graphic thanked the church for its gesture and called for such health-screening exercises to be organised regularly to ensure the good health of Ghanaians.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Adabraka Official Town Presbyterian Church on Saturday organised a free-health screening exercise for people in the Adabraka community as part of activities marking this year's Health and Environmental Week of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG).
The medical team, led by Dr K.O. Dako, screened more than 500 people of such diseases as diabetes, hypertension, malaria, obesity, poor eyesight, among others.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the Second Minister in charge of the church, Reverend Michael Anim-Tetey, said the exercise was part of the church's social responsibility.
He said members of the church had for some time now been donating blood periodically to replenish the Blood Bank of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to save lives.
Rev Anim-Tetey stated that Christianity was a holistic ministry and, "It is, therefore, our duty not only to cater for the spiritual lives of the people, but also their social and moral aspects to enable them have sound minds to worship their maker."
He added that the exercise was also aimed at complementing the efforts of the government to ensure the good health of the people to enable them contribute to the development of the country.
Rev. Anim-Tetey said during the week, talks were also organised to drum home to the congregation the need to keep their environment clean.
For his part, Dr Dako said people who were diagnosed with diseases unknown to them were advised to go to hospital for medication.
He called on Ghanaians to exercise regularly, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables to stay healthy, instead of the consumption of too much fatty food.
The catechist in charge of the church, Mr Eugene Addo, called on politicians not to see their opponents as enemies but colleagues who had different visions towards the development of the country.
"Let us see ourselves as one people and avoid acts and utterances that will lead to violence and loss of lives before, during and after the December elections," he said.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to the Daily Graphic thanked the church for its gesture and called for such health-screening exercises to be organised regularly to ensure the good health of Ghanaians.
Parliament informed of Ala Adjetey's death
Page 19, Aug 2, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah & Ryan Knutson
THE family of the late former Speaker of Parliament, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey, has formally informed Parliament of his death.
The 20-member delegation was received by the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes, in his office yesterday.
Mr Adjetey, 76, died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on Tuesday, July 16.
Clad in mourning clothes, the members of the delegation informed the Speaker of preparations being made to give the late Speaker a befitting funeral.
The eldest son of Mr Ala Adjetey, Mr Larry Adjetey, who acted as the spokesman for the family, informed the Speaker that no date had been fixed for the funeral.
Mr Adjetey told the Speaker that since his late father was a man of many parts, there was the need for wide consultations before fixing the date for his funeral.
He stated that currently the family was in touch with the Ga Traditional Council, the Ghana Bar Association and other interested parties for the planning of the funeral.
Mr Adjetey added that the funeral committee would take into consideration the parliamentary calendar and the legal vacation before fixing the date for the late former Speaker’s funeral.
He expressed his gratitude to the Speaker, Members of Parliament (MPs), the government and all well-wishers for their show of sympathy since Mr Ala Adjetey’s death.
Responding, the Director of Public Affairs of Parliament, Mr Jones Kugblenu, expressed the condolence of the Speaker, MPs and the entire members of the Parliamentary Service to the bereaved family and promised that everything possible would be done to ensure a befitting funeral for the former Speaker.
Present at the ceremony were the First Deputy Speaker, Mr Freddie Blay; the Deputy Majority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu; the Minority Leader, Mr Alban Bagbin; the Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, and some MPs.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah & Ryan Knutson
THE family of the late former Speaker of Parliament, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey, has formally informed Parliament of his death.
The 20-member delegation was received by the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes, in his office yesterday.
Mr Adjetey, 76, died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on Tuesday, July 16.
Clad in mourning clothes, the members of the delegation informed the Speaker of preparations being made to give the late Speaker a befitting funeral.
The eldest son of Mr Ala Adjetey, Mr Larry Adjetey, who acted as the spokesman for the family, informed the Speaker that no date had been fixed for the funeral.
Mr Adjetey told the Speaker that since his late father was a man of many parts, there was the need for wide consultations before fixing the date for his funeral.
He stated that currently the family was in touch with the Ga Traditional Council, the Ghana Bar Association and other interested parties for the planning of the funeral.
Mr Adjetey added that the funeral committee would take into consideration the parliamentary calendar and the legal vacation before fixing the date for the late former Speaker’s funeral.
He expressed his gratitude to the Speaker, Members of Parliament (MPs), the government and all well-wishers for their show of sympathy since Mr Ala Adjetey’s death.
Responding, the Director of Public Affairs of Parliament, Mr Jones Kugblenu, expressed the condolence of the Speaker, MPs and the entire members of the Parliamentary Service to the bereaved family and promised that everything possible would be done to ensure a befitting funeral for the former Speaker.
Present at the ceremony were the First Deputy Speaker, Mr Freddie Blay; the Deputy Majority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu; the Minority Leader, Mr Alban Bagbin; the Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, and some MPs.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Arms proliferation, threat to MDGs
Page34, Aug 1, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE proliferation of small arms is a major threat to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by developing countries, the Minister of State at the Ministry of the Interior, Nana Obiri Boahen, has stated.
He has, therefore, called for the strengthening of international co-operation and assistance, especially financial and technical, to developing countries to implement the provisions of national plans of action to combat the proliferation of small arms.
He was addressing the Third Biennial Meeting of States which was held in New York, USA, to consider the implementation of action to combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
Nana Boahen said Ghana had achieved practical and measurable results in the implementation of the UN Programme of Action on the combating of small arms and light weapons.
He stated that Ghana had established a national commission devoted to the implementation of the programme of action from an integrated perspective.
The minister added that the commission was currently developing a national plan of action for arms control and management, which would provide a multi-year framework for the comprehensive set of activities to inform the strategies for addressing the small arms problem.
He explained that the plan reinforced some of the ongoing activities of the commission, such as awareness creation campaigns, arms collection and destruction activities and a national stocktaking exercise of state arms.
In addition, the minister said Ghana was collaborating with neighbouring states to harmonise their activities to control the smuggling of small arms across national borders.
Nana Boahen called for greater south-south co-operation, as well as south-north collaboration, since many states in the global south had relevant expertise and could have a better understanding of the context than those in the global north.
He suggested to countries to consider supporting and improving stockpile management and security, not just for the military sector but also the police and other security agencies.
Nana Boahen said Ghana appreciated the opportunity to participate in the meeting, since the process had enabled major exporters of small arms to show their political will to work with importing countries to curb small arms proliferation, among other benefits.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE proliferation of small arms is a major threat to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by developing countries, the Minister of State at the Ministry of the Interior, Nana Obiri Boahen, has stated.
He has, therefore, called for the strengthening of international co-operation and assistance, especially financial and technical, to developing countries to implement the provisions of national plans of action to combat the proliferation of small arms.
He was addressing the Third Biennial Meeting of States which was held in New York, USA, to consider the implementation of action to combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
Nana Boahen said Ghana had achieved practical and measurable results in the implementation of the UN Programme of Action on the combating of small arms and light weapons.
He stated that Ghana had established a national commission devoted to the implementation of the programme of action from an integrated perspective.
The minister added that the commission was currently developing a national plan of action for arms control and management, which would provide a multi-year framework for the comprehensive set of activities to inform the strategies for addressing the small arms problem.
He explained that the plan reinforced some of the ongoing activities of the commission, such as awareness creation campaigns, arms collection and destruction activities and a national stocktaking exercise of state arms.
In addition, the minister said Ghana was collaborating with neighbouring states to harmonise their activities to control the smuggling of small arms across national borders.
Nana Boahen called for greater south-south co-operation, as well as south-north collaboration, since many states in the global south had relevant expertise and could have a better understanding of the context than those in the global north.
He suggested to countries to consider supporting and improving stockpile management and security, not just for the military sector but also the police and other security agencies.
Nana Boahen said Ghana appreciated the opportunity to participate in the meeting, since the process had enabled major exporters of small arms to show their political will to work with importing countries to curb small arms proliferation, among other benefits.
NPP on course to win elections — Apraku
Page 16, August 1, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE New Patriotic Party (NPP) has said its campaign towards winning the December polls is on course, and no amount of misinformation and vile propaganda by its opponents will ever detract its attention.
He has, therefore, urged Ghanaians to return it to power, stressing that “Ghanaians must not change NPP for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) because the NDC poses a threat to our stable democracy, good governance and the rule of law”.
The Campaign Director of the party, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, at a press conference in Accra, further urged Ghanaians never to change the NPP for the NDC because the “NDC will reintroduce higher inflation, higher international debts, higher interest rates and an unstable cedi”.
Dr Konadu, who was briefing the media on the first phase of the party’s campaign, said it became clear throughout their rounds that Ghanaians who had lived under the NDC and the NPP governance knew the difference between the two parties.
The first phase of the campaign, according to Dr Apraku, received overwhelming support from people in constituencies, which were the party’s orphaned constituencies.
Dr Apraku noted that while the NPP wanted to move Ghana forward, the NDC wanted to take Ghana backward, calling on Ghanaians to choose hope with NPP over the NDC campaign of fear, intimidation and polarisation of the country.
“The NDC want to put at risk all that we have achieved together over the seven-and-a-half years and the future we have outlined; Ghana cannot take a chance on NDC, because future generations shall never forgive us if we should take that risk,” Dr Apraku stated.
He said the choices before the electorate had become clear since the December election was about the respective records of NDC government and those of the NPP, their different visions for the future and the leadership abilities of their respective presidential candidates.
He noted that although some people were opposed to comparison, the party welcomed it, since it was the only reasonable basis for making the important choices that faced the electorate.
Dr Apraku added that the days on which decisions at the ballot were determined by ethnicity, misinformation and intimidation were yielding to the new politics of ideas, issues and records.
He said the NPP had laid a solid foundation for the economy, built infrastructure that had enabled it to fight poverty, provided free education and health care and expanded the frontiers of freedoms.
While conceding that the NPP had not been perfect, Dr Apraku said the party had been far better than the NDC government, which left the economy in a shambles.
He explained that although the NPP inherited a road network of 38,000 kilometres, it had been able to increase it to 62,000 kilometres, whilst the ‘Cash and Carry’ health care system they left behind had been replaced with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
He said that the NPP government had also introduced the Metro Mass Transport and repaired the Accra-Nsawam rail lines - something the NDC could not do.
Dr Apraku said the NPP welcomed the campaign slogan “Hwe wasetena mu na to aba”, literally meaning Ghanaians should examine the conditions of their lives and vote accordingly, which some people had capitalised on, claiming that there had not been any progress since the party took over governance.
On the future plans of the party, Dr Apraku said Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo would be the President who would expand the benefits of the NHIS, improve its functioning and put more resources in sanitation.
He said an Akufo-Addo-led government would improve the security of all citizens by doubling the sizes of the police force, training and equipping them better and holding them accountable for all their activities.
The National Chairman of the party, Mr Peter Mac Manu, said the NPP was sure to increase its vote and number of Members of Parliament (MPs) in areas that were considered traditional strongholds of the NDC in the December elections.
He stated that the party made great strides in the Volta Region and the three northern regions during the 2004 elections, and expressed confidence that it would be able to double its votes during the upcoming December polls.
Other members of the party who took turns to address a number of issues included Mr Yaw Osafo Maafo, MP for Akim Oda; Mr Alan Kyerematen, former Minister of Trade, Industry, PSI & PSD; Dr Arthur Kennedy; Ms Gloria Akufo; Professor Mike Oquaye, MP for Dome-Kwabenya, and the General Secretary of the party, Nana Ohene Ntow.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE New Patriotic Party (NPP) has said its campaign towards winning the December polls is on course, and no amount of misinformation and vile propaganda by its opponents will ever detract its attention.
He has, therefore, urged Ghanaians to return it to power, stressing that “Ghanaians must not change NPP for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) because the NDC poses a threat to our stable democracy, good governance and the rule of law”.
The Campaign Director of the party, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, at a press conference in Accra, further urged Ghanaians never to change the NPP for the NDC because the “NDC will reintroduce higher inflation, higher international debts, higher interest rates and an unstable cedi”.
Dr Konadu, who was briefing the media on the first phase of the party’s campaign, said it became clear throughout their rounds that Ghanaians who had lived under the NDC and the NPP governance knew the difference between the two parties.
The first phase of the campaign, according to Dr Apraku, received overwhelming support from people in constituencies, which were the party’s orphaned constituencies.
Dr Apraku noted that while the NPP wanted to move Ghana forward, the NDC wanted to take Ghana backward, calling on Ghanaians to choose hope with NPP over the NDC campaign of fear, intimidation and polarisation of the country.
“The NDC want to put at risk all that we have achieved together over the seven-and-a-half years and the future we have outlined; Ghana cannot take a chance on NDC, because future generations shall never forgive us if we should take that risk,” Dr Apraku stated.
He said the choices before the electorate had become clear since the December election was about the respective records of NDC government and those of the NPP, their different visions for the future and the leadership abilities of their respective presidential candidates.
He noted that although some people were opposed to comparison, the party welcomed it, since it was the only reasonable basis for making the important choices that faced the electorate.
Dr Apraku added that the days on which decisions at the ballot were determined by ethnicity, misinformation and intimidation were yielding to the new politics of ideas, issues and records.
He said the NPP had laid a solid foundation for the economy, built infrastructure that had enabled it to fight poverty, provided free education and health care and expanded the frontiers of freedoms.
While conceding that the NPP had not been perfect, Dr Apraku said the party had been far better than the NDC government, which left the economy in a shambles.
He explained that although the NPP inherited a road network of 38,000 kilometres, it had been able to increase it to 62,000 kilometres, whilst the ‘Cash and Carry’ health care system they left behind had been replaced with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
He said that the NPP government had also introduced the Metro Mass Transport and repaired the Accra-Nsawam rail lines - something the NDC could not do.
Dr Apraku said the NPP welcomed the campaign slogan “Hwe wasetena mu na to aba”, literally meaning Ghanaians should examine the conditions of their lives and vote accordingly, which some people had capitalised on, claiming that there had not been any progress since the party took over governance.
On the future plans of the party, Dr Apraku said Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo would be the President who would expand the benefits of the NHIS, improve its functioning and put more resources in sanitation.
He said an Akufo-Addo-led government would improve the security of all citizens by doubling the sizes of the police force, training and equipping them better and holding them accountable for all their activities.
The National Chairman of the party, Mr Peter Mac Manu, said the NPP was sure to increase its vote and number of Members of Parliament (MPs) in areas that were considered traditional strongholds of the NDC in the December elections.
He stated that the party made great strides in the Volta Region and the three northern regions during the 2004 elections, and expressed confidence that it would be able to double its votes during the upcoming December polls.
Other members of the party who took turns to address a number of issues included Mr Yaw Osafo Maafo, MP for Akim Oda; Mr Alan Kyerematen, former Minister of Trade, Industry, PSI & PSD; Dr Arthur Kennedy; Ms Gloria Akufo; Professor Mike Oquaye, MP for Dome-Kwabenya, and the General Secretary of the party, Nana Ohene Ntow.
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