Page 43, Jan 31, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Interior Minister, Mr Kwamena Bartels, told Parliament on Tuesday that an assessment carried out after the recent ethnic conflict in Bawku confirmed 10 deaths and 16 injuries.
Mr Bartels said 127 houses and stores were either completely or partially burnt, while five cars were set ablaze.
He called for the involvement of all in the quest for a lasting solution to the intermittent conflicts in the Bawku area of the Upper East Region.
“The situation in Bawku and its environs should be a matter of concern to all. Therefore, it is crucial that every form of suspicion is set aside for the unity of Bawku and our dear country,” he said.
Mr Bartels made the call in a statement to the House on the Bawku conflict, during which he announced the re-imposition of the curfew in the area.
“This is not the time for the politicisation of these very delicate issues. It is time to unite to deal with the situation,” he said.
The minister stated that as a result of the security measures put in place, including the curfew and the commitment to peace demonstrated by the Mamprusis and the Kusasis, relative normalcy had returned to the area.
Contributing to the statement, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Garu-Tempane, Mr Dominic Azumah, said it was unfortunate the curfew had not been imposed on December 31, 2007 when there was enough evidence that the conflict would escalate the following day.
He supported calls that a military base should be established in the Bawku area to ensure that such situations were dealt with before they got out of hand.
Mr Azumah also called on the government to take the lead in efforts to unite the two dominant ethnic groups in the area, explaining that “since the people think that nothing is being done, they are prepared to use their little income to purchase arms to protect themselves”.
The MP for Zebilla, Mr John Ndebugre, said as far as he was concerned, no war had been declared by the leaders of the two dominant groups in the area and, therefore, called on the government to look for those who “started this criminal act which escalated into war and bring them to book”.
He added that although the situation seemed to have been normalised, “I have got reports that the people who cross to their opponents’ territories are being killed”.
Mr Ndebugre called for a look to be taken at the 2001 Damango Peace Declaration for the solution to the conflict in the Bawku area, saying, “Constitutional and legal methods should be adopted rather than violence.”
“In this modern time nobody can become a chief or acquire land by firing guns,” he said, and expressed his condolences to the families of people who lost their lives in the conflict.
For his part, the MP for Bawku Central, Mr Mahama Ayariga, said, “It is with deep regret that I contribute to this statement. The situation in Bawku is a very sad one indeed.”
He said unlike the past when the conflicts in the area lasted for just one day, the latest one had developed into a situation where people could not cross into “enemy territories”.
Mr Ayariga indicated that the situation in the area was very tense and called for a reinforcement of security measures to prevent a recurrence of the conflict any moment from now.
He was of the opinion that it was practically impossible to take chieftaincy away from the Kusasi people, saying, “It is practically impossible to rule over people who refuse to be ruled by you.”
Mr Ayariga, therefore, called for the acceptance of the Supreme Court ruling on the chieftaincy matter in the area to enable the two people to live in harmony.
The MP appealed for assistance for the families of the people who had lost their lives and those who lost their property in the conflict.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Replace Mills, he is sick —MP,• But collegues disagree
Page 13, Jan 31, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Lower Manya, Mr Michael Teye Nyaunu incurred the displeasure of his colleagues yesterday when he called for an emergency congress to replace Professor J. E. A. Mills as the party’s presidential candidate.
He cited the alleged ill health of the party’s presidential candidate as his reason for calling for his immediate replacement.
Speaking on the issue at the Coffee Shop at Parliament he said, “Let us face the fact and bite the bullet now since time is not on our side,” stressing that “doing so now will be in the interest of the party”.
But his call, which he referred to as his candid opinion, attracted some Minority MPs to the Coffee Shop.
The Daily Graphic learnt that when the NDC MP for Nabdam, Mr Moses Asaga got to the scene, he fumed and described the suggestion by his colleague as “a stupid candid opinion”.
Eyewitness to the event said Mr Nyaunu, who was granting an interview to a reporter, was nearly heckled by his colleagues.
It said their attempt to restrain him from making further pronouncement on the issue resulted in the abrupt end of the interview.
At the scene, a number of NDC MPs were seen expressing their displeasure about Mr Nyaunu’s action. Mr E. T Mensah MP for Ningo Prampram pointed out that “even if Professor Mills is confined to a wheelchair, we will use him to win the 2008 elections”.
Later, Mr Nyaunu told the Daily Graphic, that, “I represent the voice of the silent majority in the party who hold a similar view”.
He said the party was making a big mistake by refusing to accept the fact that Professor Mills was not fit to contest the December polls.
“If we don’t take care, the man himself will throw in the towel and we will all be ashamed, it will be too late for us”, he said and refused to further talk to the press.
Reacting to the incident, the MP for Bawku Central, who was the Spokesperson for Professor Mill’s Campaign Team during the party’s primaries, Mr Mahama Ayariga said the pronouncement by the MP showed the level of growth of the party’s internal democracy.
“We are not the least disturbed about such comments since they featured prominently during the primaries”, he said.
He stated that Professor Mills was very well to contest the elections stressing that his popularity was sending shivers to the camp of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“Professor Mills will be back soon to continue with his door-to-door campaign to whip up support for the December elections”, he stated.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Lower Manya, Mr Michael Teye Nyaunu incurred the displeasure of his colleagues yesterday when he called for an emergency congress to replace Professor J. E. A. Mills as the party’s presidential candidate.
He cited the alleged ill health of the party’s presidential candidate as his reason for calling for his immediate replacement.
Speaking on the issue at the Coffee Shop at Parliament he said, “Let us face the fact and bite the bullet now since time is not on our side,” stressing that “doing so now will be in the interest of the party”.
But his call, which he referred to as his candid opinion, attracted some Minority MPs to the Coffee Shop.
The Daily Graphic learnt that when the NDC MP for Nabdam, Mr Moses Asaga got to the scene, he fumed and described the suggestion by his colleague as “a stupid candid opinion”.
Eyewitness to the event said Mr Nyaunu, who was granting an interview to a reporter, was nearly heckled by his colleagues.
It said their attempt to restrain him from making further pronouncement on the issue resulted in the abrupt end of the interview.
At the scene, a number of NDC MPs were seen expressing their displeasure about Mr Nyaunu’s action. Mr E. T Mensah MP for Ningo Prampram pointed out that “even if Professor Mills is confined to a wheelchair, we will use him to win the 2008 elections”.
Later, Mr Nyaunu told the Daily Graphic, that, “I represent the voice of the silent majority in the party who hold a similar view”.
He said the party was making a big mistake by refusing to accept the fact that Professor Mills was not fit to contest the December polls.
“If we don’t take care, the man himself will throw in the towel and we will all be ashamed, it will be too late for us”, he said and refused to further talk to the press.
Reacting to the incident, the MP for Bawku Central, who was the Spokesperson for Professor Mill’s Campaign Team during the party’s primaries, Mr Mahama Ayariga said the pronouncement by the MP showed the level of growth of the party’s internal democracy.
“We are not the least disturbed about such comments since they featured prominently during the primaries”, he said.
He stated that Professor Mills was very well to contest the elections stressing that his popularity was sending shivers to the camp of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“Professor Mills will be back soon to continue with his door-to-door campaign to whip up support for the December elections”, he stated.
MP Akan donates to constituency
Page 16, Jan 30, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Akan in the Volta Region, Mr John Kwadwo Gyapong, has presented 20 television sets, 20 satellite dishes and 13 power generators to 20 communities in his constituency.
The MP said this was to enable people in the beneficiary communities to watch matches of the ongoing MTN Africa Cup of Nations.
The cost of the items was GH¢11,000 and was from the MP’s share of the common fund.
Mr Gyapong told the Daily Graphic that all the 20 communities had television sets and a satellite dish each and that 13 out of the communities that did not have electricity were given additional power generators.
He said no community should be deprived of the opportunity to watch Ghana 2008 matches and urged the beneficiaries to use the items for the intended purpose.
Some of the beneficiary communities are Butase, Todome, Atakofi, Dodi-Akam, Wawaso, Oboasi, Kosamba, Kodibenu and Komkpa.
Meanwhile, the MP for Buem, also in the Volta Region, Mr Henry Ford Kamel, has expressed concern about the frequent power outages in a number of communities in his constituency, thus preventing the people from being part of the Ghana 2008 tournament.
He said some of the communities were unable to watch the Ghana-Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire-Nigeria matches as well as other matches already played in the tournament.
“I plead with the authorities concerned to ensure that communities in my constituency enjoy uninterrupted power supply to enable them to watch the rest of the matches”, he said.
Mr Kamel said people in his constituency, particularly those at Jasikan, were not being part of the soccer fiesta the nation was enjoying through no fault of theirs.
The MP also expressed concern about the MTN cellular network in the area and appealed to officials of the network to do something concrete about the situation.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Akan in the Volta Region, Mr John Kwadwo Gyapong, has presented 20 television sets, 20 satellite dishes and 13 power generators to 20 communities in his constituency.
The MP said this was to enable people in the beneficiary communities to watch matches of the ongoing MTN Africa Cup of Nations.
The cost of the items was GH¢11,000 and was from the MP’s share of the common fund.
Mr Gyapong told the Daily Graphic that all the 20 communities had television sets and a satellite dish each and that 13 out of the communities that did not have electricity were given additional power generators.
He said no community should be deprived of the opportunity to watch Ghana 2008 matches and urged the beneficiaries to use the items for the intended purpose.
Some of the beneficiary communities are Butase, Todome, Atakofi, Dodi-Akam, Wawaso, Oboasi, Kosamba, Kodibenu and Komkpa.
Meanwhile, the MP for Buem, also in the Volta Region, Mr Henry Ford Kamel, has expressed concern about the frequent power outages in a number of communities in his constituency, thus preventing the people from being part of the Ghana 2008 tournament.
He said some of the communities were unable to watch the Ghana-Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire-Nigeria matches as well as other matches already played in the tournament.
“I plead with the authorities concerned to ensure that communities in my constituency enjoy uninterrupted power supply to enable them to watch the rest of the matches”, he said.
Mr Kamel said people in his constituency, particularly those at Jasikan, were not being part of the soccer fiesta the nation was enjoying through no fault of theirs.
The MP also expressed concern about the MTN cellular network in the area and appealed to officials of the network to do something concrete about the situation.
Operation Cowleg fails
Page 17, Jan 30, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
OPERATION Cowleg, launched in 1999 to curb activities of alien Fulani herdsmen whose cattle were indiscriminately destroying crops and causing environmental degradation in some parts of the country, has not lived up to expectation.
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr William Ofori Boafo, told Parliament on Friday that “despite all efforts made, we could not drive all the cattle out and even those that were flushed out found their way back into the country”.
The deputy minister was in the House to answer a question posed by some Members of Parliament (MPs) about his ministry.
The MP for Biakoye, Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bandua, enquired from the minister the role of the military in Operation Cowleg.
Mr Boafo said that the herdsmen had the reputation of being extremely hostile and violent and apart from terrorising locals, they sometimes exchange fire with the police and military personnel.
“There is a seeming lack of judicial will in the conduct of the operation”, he said, adding that “as a result, it is difficult to deal with the herdsmen”.
Mr Boafo stated that though deaths had been reported in some clashes between some local farmers and Fulani herdsmen, no prosecution had been made.
He said that inadequate logistics for the operation had mostly resulted in its ineffectiveness explaining that some units had problems transporting their personnel to the affected areas to conduct operations.
Mr Boafo further explained that there was the tendency for local political leaders in areas where troops were deployed for the operation to use them for other purposes.
For instance, there were allegations in the past that troops were being used in some districts to assist in tax and debt-collection exercises.
Mr Boafo said the ministry was of the view that herdsmen caught with firearms should be prosecuted swiftly and given maximum sentences.
He suggested that grazing areas should be created in the various districts for the Fulani to use for a fee, to stop the destruction of farms by the cattle and the resultant clashes between local farmers and the Fulani herdsmen.
Mr Boafo told the House that the military’s involvement in Operation Cowleg was to assist the civilian authorities to combat the illegal activities of the alien herdsmen and protect the locals, who were under threat of these herdsmen.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
OPERATION Cowleg, launched in 1999 to curb activities of alien Fulani herdsmen whose cattle were indiscriminately destroying crops and causing environmental degradation in some parts of the country, has not lived up to expectation.
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr William Ofori Boafo, told Parliament on Friday that “despite all efforts made, we could not drive all the cattle out and even those that were flushed out found their way back into the country”.
The deputy minister was in the House to answer a question posed by some Members of Parliament (MPs) about his ministry.
The MP for Biakoye, Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bandua, enquired from the minister the role of the military in Operation Cowleg.
Mr Boafo said that the herdsmen had the reputation of being extremely hostile and violent and apart from terrorising locals, they sometimes exchange fire with the police and military personnel.
“There is a seeming lack of judicial will in the conduct of the operation”, he said, adding that “as a result, it is difficult to deal with the herdsmen”.
Mr Boafo stated that though deaths had been reported in some clashes between some local farmers and Fulani herdsmen, no prosecution had been made.
He said that inadequate logistics for the operation had mostly resulted in its ineffectiveness explaining that some units had problems transporting their personnel to the affected areas to conduct operations.
Mr Boafo further explained that there was the tendency for local political leaders in areas where troops were deployed for the operation to use them for other purposes.
For instance, there were allegations in the past that troops were being used in some districts to assist in tax and debt-collection exercises.
Mr Boafo said the ministry was of the view that herdsmen caught with firearms should be prosecuted swiftly and given maximum sentences.
He suggested that grazing areas should be created in the various districts for the Fulani to use for a fee, to stop the destruction of farms by the cattle and the resultant clashes between local farmers and the Fulani herdsmen.
Mr Boafo told the House that the military’s involvement in Operation Cowleg was to assist the civilian authorities to combat the illegal activities of the alien herdsmen and protect the locals, who were under threat of these herdsmen.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Govt, EBID to procure engines for GNFS
Page 16, Jan 28, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE government has entered into negotiations with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) for a $24.7 million to procure new fire tenders for distribution to fires stations throughout the country.
The Minister of Interior, Mr Kwamena Bartels told Parliament today that government recognised the need to strengthen the capacity of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to enable its personnel operate efficiently.
He was answering a question posed by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Sefwi-Wiawso, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo on the ministry’s plan to provide a fire tender to the Sefwi-Wiawso Fire Station.
Mr Bartels also informed the House that the ministry was gradually addressing problems of vehicles, communication gadgets and other logistic needs facing the entire security agencies.
He said the ministry recently took delivery of 172 out of 221 tata vehicles for distribution to the security agencies out of which the GNFS was allocated 40.
Mr Bartels added that a Chinese company had also been contracted to provide communication network solely for the security agencies.
He said the first phase of the project, which is confined to Accra and its environs had just begun and would be extended to the regional capitals under the phase two of the programme.
Mr Bartels explained that the third phase, would involve the extension of the network to the districts.
On the conditions of service of the security service under the ministry, boards and councils of such agencies had been tasked to study and review such conditions for submission to the government for consideration.
“In the interim, approval has been given for all security agencies, including the GNFS to also enjoy salary increases recently approved for workers of the civil and public services”, he stated.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE government has entered into negotiations with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) for a $24.7 million to procure new fire tenders for distribution to fires stations throughout the country.
The Minister of Interior, Mr Kwamena Bartels told Parliament today that government recognised the need to strengthen the capacity of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to enable its personnel operate efficiently.
He was answering a question posed by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Sefwi-Wiawso, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo on the ministry’s plan to provide a fire tender to the Sefwi-Wiawso Fire Station.
Mr Bartels also informed the House that the ministry was gradually addressing problems of vehicles, communication gadgets and other logistic needs facing the entire security agencies.
He said the ministry recently took delivery of 172 out of 221 tata vehicles for distribution to the security agencies out of which the GNFS was allocated 40.
Mr Bartels added that a Chinese company had also been contracted to provide communication network solely for the security agencies.
He said the first phase of the project, which is confined to Accra and its environs had just begun and would be extended to the regional capitals under the phase two of the programme.
Mr Bartels explained that the third phase, would involve the extension of the network to the districts.
On the conditions of service of the security service under the ministry, boards and councils of such agencies had been tasked to study and review such conditions for submission to the government for consideration.
“In the interim, approval has been given for all security agencies, including the GNFS to also enjoy salary increases recently approved for workers of the civil and public services”, he stated.
Government institutes award scheme for police, security personnel
Page 14, Jan 26, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE government has instituted a special scheme to reward police officers and other security personnel who actively help in the arrest of dealers in narcotic drugs, the Minister of Interior has said.
Mr Kwamena Bartels, who was answering questions in Parliament today stated it was for this reason that two police officers were rewarded handsomely for arresting two police officers for escorting some drug traffickers from the Western Region.
The Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhaji Abubakar Sumani had asked the minister what steps the ministry was taking to curb the involvement of police personnel in drug-related matters.
“Mr Speaker, to ensure that the personnel of the Narcotics Unit of the Police Service are less attracted to financial inducements from drug barons, a special financial package is being worked out for personnel and other agencies that handle drug issues”, he said.
Mr Bartels said the Police Service had embarked on a house cleaning exercise to get rid of the few bad nuts allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
“In instances where police personnel have been cited in alleged drug-related cases, not only punitive departmental sanctions have been taken by way of dismissals against those found culpable, but also they have been put before the law courts for prosecution”, he said.
Mr Bartels added that the service had also instituted a comprehensive background check and vetting processes to ensure that individuals who were recruited into the service were not of questionable character.
He noted that the drug problem was a universal one and the worse of it was that Ghana’s entry points were gradually being used as transit points for trafficking, a development that was of great concern to the government.
Mr Bartels stated as a result, the government was reviewing the PNDC Law 236 with the view to upgrading the drug schedules and also incorporating new international conventions on drug trafficking.
In addition, a joint police personnel and Narcotic Control Board (NACOB) officials was being established to handle the drug menace.
He said, already a special education campaign had started along the coast of the country to educate coastal communities about the activities of drug traffickers.
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr Joe Ghartey was also in the House to answer some questions posed by some MPs bordering on the setting up of courts and provision of infrastructure for courts in their various constituencies.
When he caught the eye of the Speaker, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes, the MP for Upper West Akim, Mr Samuel Sallas-Mensah questioned the Attorney-General on the cause of the delay in the setting up of the Financial Administration Tribunal as required by Act 564 (2003).
Mr Ghartey said the Judicial Service had been constrained in terms of additional courts to handle cases falling under Act 564.
He said the government released funds under the 2007 budget for the construction of a new court complex to deal with all commercial crimes adding that the complex would also provide courts for procurement tribunals and investment-related land courts.
“Construction is progressing very fast and it is expected the project will be handed over to the service for the full operation of the courts before the end of the year”, he said.
Mr Ghartey said, however that, a judge had already been assigned a court room to start hearing cases falling under the financial administration, especially cases involving theft of public funds.
He also told the House in an answer to a question by MP for Sefwi-Akontombra, Mr Herod Cobbina that, district assemblies, by their mandate expected to provide court houses and accommodation for judges and magistrates saying that “if the assembly has infrastructure in place, the Judicial Service would post a judge or magistrate to man the court”.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE government has instituted a special scheme to reward police officers and other security personnel who actively help in the arrest of dealers in narcotic drugs, the Minister of Interior has said.
Mr Kwamena Bartels, who was answering questions in Parliament today stated it was for this reason that two police officers were rewarded handsomely for arresting two police officers for escorting some drug traffickers from the Western Region.
The Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhaji Abubakar Sumani had asked the minister what steps the ministry was taking to curb the involvement of police personnel in drug-related matters.
“Mr Speaker, to ensure that the personnel of the Narcotics Unit of the Police Service are less attracted to financial inducements from drug barons, a special financial package is being worked out for personnel and other agencies that handle drug issues”, he said.
Mr Bartels said the Police Service had embarked on a house cleaning exercise to get rid of the few bad nuts allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
“In instances where police personnel have been cited in alleged drug-related cases, not only punitive departmental sanctions have been taken by way of dismissals against those found culpable, but also they have been put before the law courts for prosecution”, he said.
Mr Bartels added that the service had also instituted a comprehensive background check and vetting processes to ensure that individuals who were recruited into the service were not of questionable character.
He noted that the drug problem was a universal one and the worse of it was that Ghana’s entry points were gradually being used as transit points for trafficking, a development that was of great concern to the government.
Mr Bartels stated as a result, the government was reviewing the PNDC Law 236 with the view to upgrading the drug schedules and also incorporating new international conventions on drug trafficking.
In addition, a joint police personnel and Narcotic Control Board (NACOB) officials was being established to handle the drug menace.
He said, already a special education campaign had started along the coast of the country to educate coastal communities about the activities of drug traffickers.
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr Joe Ghartey was also in the House to answer some questions posed by some MPs bordering on the setting up of courts and provision of infrastructure for courts in their various constituencies.
When he caught the eye of the Speaker, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes, the MP for Upper West Akim, Mr Samuel Sallas-Mensah questioned the Attorney-General on the cause of the delay in the setting up of the Financial Administration Tribunal as required by Act 564 (2003).
Mr Ghartey said the Judicial Service had been constrained in terms of additional courts to handle cases falling under Act 564.
He said the government released funds under the 2007 budget for the construction of a new court complex to deal with all commercial crimes adding that the complex would also provide courts for procurement tribunals and investment-related land courts.
“Construction is progressing very fast and it is expected the project will be handed over to the service for the full operation of the courts before the end of the year”, he said.
Mr Ghartey said, however that, a judge had already been assigned a court room to start hearing cases falling under the financial administration, especially cases involving theft of public funds.
He also told the House in an answer to a question by MP for Sefwi-Akontombra, Mr Herod Cobbina that, district assemblies, by their mandate expected to provide court houses and accommodation for judges and magistrates saying that “if the assembly has infrastructure in place, the Judicial Service would post a judge or magistrate to man the court”.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
GCPP postpones congress to May GCPP postpones congress to May
Page 17, Jan 25, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) has postponed its national congress from February 24, 2008 to May 3, 2008.
The leader of the party told the Daily Graphic that the party executives took the decision on Wednesday “due to circumstances beyond our control”.
He said the venue, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), however, remained unchanged.
The congress would be used to elect the party’s presidential candidate and national executives for the December polls.
He said the current popularity of the party was the result of the effective measures being put in place to enable it win power in December, this year.
“All the other parties are trembling because of our current popularity”, he said and explained that “ the domestication policy is catching on with the people”.
Mr Lartey said the party was also preparing well in order to win more seats in Parliament to enable it implement its policies.
He said the party would not play with power as other parties had done, and explained that “we will use power to enhance the living conditions of Ghanaians”.
“This is not a joke; the party means business and we will take other parties by storm”, he said.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) has postponed its national congress from February 24, 2008 to May 3, 2008.
The leader of the party told the Daily Graphic that the party executives took the decision on Wednesday “due to circumstances beyond our control”.
He said the venue, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), however, remained unchanged.
The congress would be used to elect the party’s presidential candidate and national executives for the December polls.
He said the current popularity of the party was the result of the effective measures being put in place to enable it win power in December, this year.
“All the other parties are trembling because of our current popularity”, he said and explained that “ the domestication policy is catching on with the people”.
Mr Lartey said the party was also preparing well in order to win more seats in Parliament to enable it implement its policies.
He said the party would not play with power as other parties had done, and explained that “we will use power to enhance the living conditions of Ghanaians”.
“This is not a joke; the party means business and we will take other parties by storm”, he said.
Sekondi Stadium to be named after Edward Acquah
Page: Spread, Jan 24, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE newly constructed 20,080 seater Sekondi Stadium will be named after an ex-Black Stars player, Mr Edward Acquah, a Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports and Member of Parliament (MP) for Shama, Mrs Angelina Baiden-Amissah, announced in Parliament yesterday.
She made the disclosure in an answer to a suggestion by the MP for Odotobri, Mr Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi, that both the Sekondi and Tamale stadia should be named after some personalities in the country.
Mr Gyamfi was contributing to a statement made on the floor of the House by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Sports, Youth and Culture, Mr Isaac Kwame Asiamah, to congratulate the Blacks Stars on their performance in the ongoing MTN Africa Cup of Nations.
He noted that since the Accra and Kumasi stadia had already been named after Ohene Djan and Baba Yara, respectively, it would be proper for the Sekondi and Tamale stadia to follow the trend.
Edward Acquah, a great footballer who scored a number of spectacular goals for the Black Stars during his time, is a native of the Western Region.
The MP for Sekondi, Papa Owusu-Ankomah, said it was unfortunate that the media kept on referring to the Sekondi Sports Stadium as the Essipon Sports Stadium and called on them to refrain from that misinformation.
In his statement, Mr Asiamah noted that the wild jubilation that had greeted the vintage performance of the Black Stars across the country underscored the fact that soccer was the passion of the nation.
He, however, urged soccer fans to be more responsible in their jubilation by avoiding alcoholism, careless driving and indecent sexual behaviours.
While commending the entire players and handlers of the Black Stars, Mr Asiamah, who is also the MP for Atwima-Mponua, urged them to be disciplined in order not to attract unnecessary cautions from referees so that the country’s quest to host and win the Africa Cup of Nations would be a done deal.
The MP for Chiana-Paga, Mr Abuga Pele, commended the government for providing excellent infrastructure for the competition but called on the Local Organising Committee to put in place measures to forestall the power cut that occurred at the Sekondi Stadium just before the match between Mali and Benin on Monday.
The MP for Ningo-Prampram, Mr E.T. Mensah, cautioned against the privatisation of the newly constructed stadia and suggested the formation of a body within the National Sports Council to oversee the operations of the stadia.
Other MPs who contributed to the statement called for more support for the Black Stars to enable them to win the cup for the fifth time.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE newly constructed 20,080 seater Sekondi Stadium will be named after an ex-Black Stars player, Mr Edward Acquah, a Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports and Member of Parliament (MP) for Shama, Mrs Angelina Baiden-Amissah, announced in Parliament yesterday.
She made the disclosure in an answer to a suggestion by the MP for Odotobri, Mr Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi, that both the Sekondi and Tamale stadia should be named after some personalities in the country.
Mr Gyamfi was contributing to a statement made on the floor of the House by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Sports, Youth and Culture, Mr Isaac Kwame Asiamah, to congratulate the Blacks Stars on their performance in the ongoing MTN Africa Cup of Nations.
He noted that since the Accra and Kumasi stadia had already been named after Ohene Djan and Baba Yara, respectively, it would be proper for the Sekondi and Tamale stadia to follow the trend.
Edward Acquah, a great footballer who scored a number of spectacular goals for the Black Stars during his time, is a native of the Western Region.
The MP for Sekondi, Papa Owusu-Ankomah, said it was unfortunate that the media kept on referring to the Sekondi Sports Stadium as the Essipon Sports Stadium and called on them to refrain from that misinformation.
In his statement, Mr Asiamah noted that the wild jubilation that had greeted the vintage performance of the Black Stars across the country underscored the fact that soccer was the passion of the nation.
He, however, urged soccer fans to be more responsible in their jubilation by avoiding alcoholism, careless driving and indecent sexual behaviours.
While commending the entire players and handlers of the Black Stars, Mr Asiamah, who is also the MP for Atwima-Mponua, urged them to be disciplined in order not to attract unnecessary cautions from referees so that the country’s quest to host and win the Africa Cup of Nations would be a done deal.
The MP for Chiana-Paga, Mr Abuga Pele, commended the government for providing excellent infrastructure for the competition but called on the Local Organising Committee to put in place measures to forestall the power cut that occurred at the Sekondi Stadium just before the match between Mali and Benin on Monday.
The MP for Ningo-Prampram, Mr E.T. Mensah, cautioned against the privatisation of the newly constructed stadia and suggested the formation of a body within the National Sports Council to oversee the operations of the stadia.
Other MPs who contributed to the statement called for more support for the Black Stars to enable them to win the cup for the fifth time.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Ensure smooth running of business-Hughes
Page 15, Jan 23, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes yesterday taxed Members of Parliament (MPs) to ensure the smooth running of business of the House by avoiding frequent absenteeism and lateness.
“Honourable members, even though I know some of you will campaign for re-election, that should not be an excuse for you to shirk your constitutional responsibilities as MPs”, he told the House.
Mr Hughes made the appeal in his remarks at the commencement of the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth Parliament of the Fourth Republic today.
He reminded the MPs about a number of political activities, particularly, the impending general elections within the year and urged them to brace themselves up so that the business of the House would not suffer.
“Whatever the situation, let us approach our work as MPs with vigour so that we will be able to fulfil our constitutional mandate”, the Speaker advised.
The House plunged itself into business soon after the Speaker’s remarks with the Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Alhaji Boniface Abubakar Sadique appearing before it to answer some questions posed by some MPs about some institutions under his sector.
Mr Michael Coffie Boampong, MP for Bia, who asked two questions wanted to know when communities such as Oseikojokrom, Adjuafua, Asuntaa and Elluokrom, all in his constituency would be provided with portable drinking water.
Replying, Alhaji Sadique said that the population of the communities qualified them to enjoy portable water and assured the MP that in due course.
He added that the erosion problem facing Oseikojokrom and Elluokrom had been referred to the Hydrological Services Department to identify critical areas in the towns for consideration by the ministry.
Answering another question posed by the MP for Ayawaso East, Alhaji Dr Mustapha Ahmed, Alhaji Sadique stated that the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) had put in immediate, medium-term and long-term plans to solve the perennial water problems facing some communities in Accra metropolis.
He said in the immediate term the GWCL is rationing the available water to communities while for the medium-term, the company was undertaking the East-West Interconnection Pipeline Transfer Project through which the Weija Dam would be expanded to provide 15 million gallons of water a day.
In the long term, the GWCL would embark on the Kpong Expansion Water Project which would result in the pumping of 186 million gallons a day to ensure that all communities in the metropolis would have adequate supply of water.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes yesterday taxed Members of Parliament (MPs) to ensure the smooth running of business of the House by avoiding frequent absenteeism and lateness.
“Honourable members, even though I know some of you will campaign for re-election, that should not be an excuse for you to shirk your constitutional responsibilities as MPs”, he told the House.
Mr Hughes made the appeal in his remarks at the commencement of the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth Parliament of the Fourth Republic today.
He reminded the MPs about a number of political activities, particularly, the impending general elections within the year and urged them to brace themselves up so that the business of the House would not suffer.
“Whatever the situation, let us approach our work as MPs with vigour so that we will be able to fulfil our constitutional mandate”, the Speaker advised.
The House plunged itself into business soon after the Speaker’s remarks with the Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Alhaji Boniface Abubakar Sadique appearing before it to answer some questions posed by some MPs about some institutions under his sector.
Mr Michael Coffie Boampong, MP for Bia, who asked two questions wanted to know when communities such as Oseikojokrom, Adjuafua, Asuntaa and Elluokrom, all in his constituency would be provided with portable drinking water.
Replying, Alhaji Sadique said that the population of the communities qualified them to enjoy portable water and assured the MP that in due course.
He added that the erosion problem facing Oseikojokrom and Elluokrom had been referred to the Hydrological Services Department to identify critical areas in the towns for consideration by the ministry.
Answering another question posed by the MP for Ayawaso East, Alhaji Dr Mustapha Ahmed, Alhaji Sadique stated that the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) had put in immediate, medium-term and long-term plans to solve the perennial water problems facing some communities in Accra metropolis.
He said in the immediate term the GWCL is rationing the available water to communities while for the medium-term, the company was undertaking the East-West Interconnection Pipeline Transfer Project through which the Weija Dam would be expanded to provide 15 million gallons of water a day.
In the long term, the GWCL would embark on the Kpong Expansion Water Project which would result in the pumping of 186 million gallons a day to ensure that all communities in the metropolis would have adequate supply of water.
Ofori-Kuragu launches campaign
Page 17, Jan 23, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Bosome-Freho in the Ashanti Region, Nana Yaw Ofori-Kuragu, has launched his campaign to once again secure the mandate to run on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the forthcoming general election.
At the launch of the campaign at Asiwa, which was attended by 67 polling station chairmen, three members of the Council of Elders and eight constituency executives, the MP thanked all for their support in the past three years.
“Your continued support for the past three years has made my tenure of office very successful,” he said.
He stated that during his tenure of office, a number of development projects had been constructed throughout the constituency.
Nana Ofori-Kuragu mentioned some of the projects as building a hospital at Dajanso at the cost of GH¢500,000; a senior high school at Asiwa at the cost of GH¢100,000, and a community information centre, also at Asiwa.
He added that 200 needy students in the area had also been offered scholarships totalling GH¢40,000 from his share of the Common Fund to enable them pursue their education.
Again, 2,000 bags of cement and 100 packets of roofing sheets costing GH¢30,000 have also been distributed for the maintenance of a number of schools in the area.
Nana Ofori-Kuragu said the elevation of the Bosome-Freho area to a district status during his tenure of office would expedite development of the area and raise the living standard of the people.
The MP reminded party faithful in the constituency that the fight ahead in December was a tough one that needed a mature candidate who could be trusted to win the seat again.
Nana Ofori-Kuragu said he, therefore, needed to be retained to continue with such number of projects that had been initiated as electrification in a number of communities.
He said his aim was to get 90 per cent of the votes in the constituency for the party during the December polls.
The NPP constituency Chairman for Bosome-Freho, Mr Yaw Amoah, commended the MP for joining forces with the executive for the rapid development of the area.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Bosome-Freho in the Ashanti Region, Nana Yaw Ofori-Kuragu, has launched his campaign to once again secure the mandate to run on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the forthcoming general election.
At the launch of the campaign at Asiwa, which was attended by 67 polling station chairmen, three members of the Council of Elders and eight constituency executives, the MP thanked all for their support in the past three years.
“Your continued support for the past three years has made my tenure of office very successful,” he said.
He stated that during his tenure of office, a number of development projects had been constructed throughout the constituency.
Nana Ofori-Kuragu mentioned some of the projects as building a hospital at Dajanso at the cost of GH¢500,000; a senior high school at Asiwa at the cost of GH¢100,000, and a community information centre, also at Asiwa.
He added that 200 needy students in the area had also been offered scholarships totalling GH¢40,000 from his share of the Common Fund to enable them pursue their education.
Again, 2,000 bags of cement and 100 packets of roofing sheets costing GH¢30,000 have also been distributed for the maintenance of a number of schools in the area.
Nana Ofori-Kuragu said the elevation of the Bosome-Freho area to a district status during his tenure of office would expedite development of the area and raise the living standard of the people.
The MP reminded party faithful in the constituency that the fight ahead in December was a tough one that needed a mature candidate who could be trusted to win the seat again.
Nana Ofori-Kuragu said he, therefore, needed to be retained to continue with such number of projects that had been initiated as electrification in a number of communities.
He said his aim was to get 90 per cent of the votes in the constituency for the party during the December polls.
The NPP constituency Chairman for Bosome-Freho, Mr Yaw Amoah, commended the MP for joining forces with the executive for the rapid development of the area.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Parliament reconvenes tomorrow
Page 16, Jan 21, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT is reconvening on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 for the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth Parliament after breaking for the Christmas festivities.
High on the agenda of the meeting is the presentation of the last State of the Nation address by President John Agyekum Kufuor. The House is expected to pass a number of bills including the Chieftaincy Bill.
The Director of Public Affairs of Parliament, Mr Jones Kugblenu, told the Daily Graphic that adequate preparations had been made for the re-opening of the House.
The Parliamentary Calendar made available to the Daily Graphic indicated that the first part of the meeting would end Wednesday, March 19 to enable the Members of Parliament take break for Easter festivities.
They will reconvene on April 19, 2008 and finally end the meeting on May 16, 2008.
Some MPs told the Daily Graphic that they used the Christmas break to interact with their constituents and briefed them on the proceedings of the House during the last meeting.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT is reconvening on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 for the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth Parliament after breaking for the Christmas festivities.
High on the agenda of the meeting is the presentation of the last State of the Nation address by President John Agyekum Kufuor. The House is expected to pass a number of bills including the Chieftaincy Bill.
The Director of Public Affairs of Parliament, Mr Jones Kugblenu, told the Daily Graphic that adequate preparations had been made for the re-opening of the House.
The Parliamentary Calendar made available to the Daily Graphic indicated that the first part of the meeting would end Wednesday, March 19 to enable the Members of Parliament take break for Easter festivities.
They will reconvene on April 19, 2008 and finally end the meeting on May 16, 2008.
Some MPs told the Daily Graphic that they used the Christmas break to interact with their constituents and briefed them on the proceedings of the House during the last meeting.
'Co-hosting not best option'
Page, Backpage, Jan 18, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Vice-Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the Ghana 2008 tournament, Lepowura Alhaji N.M.D Jawula, has stated that the current crave for co-hosting international football events is not the best for the development of sporting infrastructure for small and economically less-endowed countries.
He noted that allowing individual countries to host international football tournaments alone had left big legacies for such countries over the years.
Lepowura Jawula was speaking on the topic; “Co-hosting of African Cup of Nations, challenges and prospect”, at the on-going 2nd Accra Biennial Football Expo at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
He said most African countries who had single-handedly hosted the African Cup of Nations had benefited for taking up the challenge.
He cited the co-hosting of the 2000 edition of the CAN by Ghana and Nigeria and said Ghana did not benefit much in terms of its infrastructure development because most of the visitors stayed in Nigeria.
Lepowura Jawula stated the construction of two modern stadia and the rehabilitation of the Ohene Djan and Baba Yara stadia in Accra and Kumasi respectively explain why it was important for such competitions to be hosted single-handedly.
He said new hotels and restaurants have sprang up in the four cities where the competition would take place.
The managing director of Stanbic Bank, Ghana, Mr Alhassan Andani, urged the business community in Ghana to position themselves well to reap the benefit of such international tournament.
He said the bank has assisted some investors to put up accommodation facilities in Tamale in order to create employment and benefit from the competition.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Vice-Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the Ghana 2008 tournament, Lepowura Alhaji N.M.D Jawula, has stated that the current crave for co-hosting international football events is not the best for the development of sporting infrastructure for small and economically less-endowed countries.
He noted that allowing individual countries to host international football tournaments alone had left big legacies for such countries over the years.
Lepowura Jawula was speaking on the topic; “Co-hosting of African Cup of Nations, challenges and prospect”, at the on-going 2nd Accra Biennial Football Expo at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
He said most African countries who had single-handedly hosted the African Cup of Nations had benefited for taking up the challenge.
He cited the co-hosting of the 2000 edition of the CAN by Ghana and Nigeria and said Ghana did not benefit much in terms of its infrastructure development because most of the visitors stayed in Nigeria.
Lepowura Jawula stated the construction of two modern stadia and the rehabilitation of the Ohene Djan and Baba Yara stadia in Accra and Kumasi respectively explain why it was important for such competitions to be hosted single-handedly.
He said new hotels and restaurants have sprang up in the four cities where the competition would take place.
The managing director of Stanbic Bank, Ghana, Mr Alhassan Andani, urged the business community in Ghana to position themselves well to reap the benefit of such international tournament.
He said the bank has assisted some investors to put up accommodation facilities in Tamale in order to create employment and benefit from the competition.
Presby Moderator congratulates flagbearers
PaGE 17, Jan 18, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), the Right Reverend Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, has congratulated the four flag bearers who have been elected by their various parties to contest this year’s general election.
The flag bearers are Dr Edward Nasigre Mahama of the PNC; Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, CPP; Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, NPP, and Professor John Evans Atta Mills, NDC.
In a message, the moderator said their election had come at a time when the nation was at the threshold of democratic maturity, adding that “your contribution will go a long way in enhancing the democratic process”.
He said the expectation of the PCG was that the flag bearers would use their political expertise to conduct good election campaigns with decorum.
“We would like to advise that undemocratic practices such as insults, physical attacks, inducements, violence and other negative tactics should be avoided in the course of the period,” he said.
The Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso urged the flag bearers to address current problems and issues, such as divisive tendencies, chieftaincy disputes, unemployment and poverty, and leave the rest for the judgement of Ghanaians.
“As a church, we assure you of our constant prayers and spiritual support as you strive to become President of the Republic of Ghana,” he added.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), the Right Reverend Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, has congratulated the four flag bearers who have been elected by their various parties to contest this year’s general election.
The flag bearers are Dr Edward Nasigre Mahama of the PNC; Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, CPP; Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, NPP, and Professor John Evans Atta Mills, NDC.
In a message, the moderator said their election had come at a time when the nation was at the threshold of democratic maturity, adding that “your contribution will go a long way in enhancing the democratic process”.
He said the expectation of the PCG was that the flag bearers would use their political expertise to conduct good election campaigns with decorum.
“We would like to advise that undemocratic practices such as insults, physical attacks, inducements, violence and other negative tactics should be avoided in the course of the period,” he said.
The Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso urged the flag bearers to address current problems and issues, such as divisive tendencies, chieftaincy disputes, unemployment and poverty, and leave the rest for the judgement of Ghanaians.
“As a church, we assure you of our constant prayers and spiritual support as you strive to become President of the Republic of Ghana,” he added.
Goodwill messages from political parties
Page 47, Jan 17, 2008
Stories by Kobby Asmah & Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
From NDC
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, Prof John Evans Atta Mills, has called on Ghanaians to support the Black Stars with thier body, soul and spirit to enable the national team annex the trophy.
In a special message through the Daily Graphic, Prof Mills who described himself as the Chief supporter of the Black Stars said that the sky must be the limit and was wishing the Black Stars all the very best of luck.
He said that as the 26th edition of the Cup of Nations kicks off in about 72 hours, his head and heart were with the Black Stars; And when I say the Black Stars, I mean the Management, Technical Handlers and the Playing Body he added.
He said that football was all about goals and it was his fervent prayer for the Black Stars to move away from creating and missing chances, to the point where they create and score.
Certainly, he said that they cannot get a goal out of every chance created but they must learn to take their chances.
He said that just as he was passionate about it, “when I watch the national teams, Hearts of Oak, and Manchester United, I know that fellow Ghanaians are also passionate about the game of football and will be stretching every sinew in support of the Stars”.
He said that John Mensah and his colleagues were going to be on the field hearing millions of Ghanaian voices in their ears and they must know that will be happening out of no other prompting than love for ones nation.
“Nobody can feel the heat more than the players and I am sure they are very much aware of the daunting task ahead and will do all it takes not to disappoint Ghanaians” he stated.
He said that as one-time Chairman of the Black Stars Management Team during some of the trying moments of this nation, I know what the likes of Kwesi Nyantekyi are going through especially as we are hosting the tournament.
Talking about my days as Chairman of the Black Stars Management Team, He said that he cannot forget about the sacrifices that the likes of Abedi Pele, Tony Yeboah and Edward Ansah made for mother Ghana.
Of course, he said that he could not also forget about the contribution of the late Alhaji Maikano, in being a rallying point for the players.
“I ask of our media men to act as professionals and discharge their duties devoid of sectarian interests and unnecessary emotions” he added.
The Ghanaian in them will be rooting for the Black Stars but that should not take away from the fact that they are professionals whose professional competence must not be sacrificed no matter how enticing the temptation is.
He said that Some key media friends of his had complained about accreditation and I have also heard that there are hitches as regards the availability of tickets.
“I am trusting that before Sunday, Dr. Kofi Amoah, Mr. Magnus Rex Danquah and the LOC will hem in all the loose ends for us to begin the tournament on a united and acceptable note” he stated.
The sky must be the limit and I wish the Black Stars all the best.
To rest of Ghanaians, I say let us support the Black Stars with our, body, soul and spirit.
Just as the theme song has it, all I am saying, is, Go Black Stars Go.
In another development, the NDC has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Government of Ghana to ensure that the players and handlers of the national football team, the Black Stars, are adequately motivated to host and win the tournamnet.
In a message of goodwill, the Deputy General Secretary of the party, Mr Baba Jamal, said the tournament presented the country with the best opportunity to unify the people.
He noted that over the years football had proven to be a unifying factor, and every efforts should, therefore, be made to fully exploit the numerous benefits that the tournament would bring to the country.
Mr Jamal said the NDC was hopeful that the national team had the right calibre of people to step in the shoes of their predecessors, who in the 1963, 1965 1978 and 1982 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations were victorious.
The party is confident that Ghana will be crowned the winners on February 10, 2008 to serve as an added impetus for the unity of the country needed for this election year,” he added.
CPP
The Convention People’s Party (CPP) Flagbearer, Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom said that all Ghanaians must be proud at this time as the country is about to host Africa’s premier soccer event — the Cup of Africa Nations Tournament.
He said that Soccer is the passion of the nation as evidenced by the tremendous attention paid by all Ghanaians when the Black Stars engage in competition of all types.
In recent times, he said that the Black Stars have made the whole nation proud by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time and then performing very well.
“Hosting international events is a mark of arrival on the world stage. As such, the hosting of this important sporting event says to the world that “we are worthy of attention!” he stated.
He said that this required that “we perform very well as hosts — all Ghanaians, so that the world can go away with positive memories about us, our attitude and our hospitality”.
He said that it would serve our collective interest very well if Ghanaians were even more disciplined and friendly than we usually are.
“We must keep our neighbourhoods clean, our streets free of litter and refrain from unhygienic conduct” he stated stressing that everyone with responsibility to meet and greet visitors, provide service of any type or serve in any official capacity must work with great efficiency.
He took the opportunity to congratulate the Local Organising Committee led by Dr Kofi Amoah for credible job done so far.
“Now the entire country must stand shoulder to shoulder with the LOC and others to fill any gaps left so that Ghana can perform well” he said.
He said that “all of us must give the Black Stars our maximum support so that they can shine for Ghana. “There is victory for Ghana! Go Black Stars Go, Forward Ever!” he added.
THE National Women’s Organiser of the CPP, Hajia Hamdatu Haruna, also called on the government to ensure the safety of all Ghanaians and visitors participating in the Ghana 2008 to guarantee an incident-free tournament.
She said there must be no security lapses whatsoever, especially with the removal of the Sector Minister, Mr Francis Poku, from his post this week.
In a goodwill message through the Daily Graphic on Tuesday, she said that Ghana 2008 must be so well organised that visitors would feel proud and compelled to come back to Ghana again and again.
Hajia Hamdatu said the CPP, as a mass party, was very excited that this historic event was happening in the country, stressing that football brings people together, no matter their political affiliations.
“If we recall, during the World Cup in Germany, we could not identify a CPP, PNC, NDC or NPP supporters among the sporting fraternity, and we were all one people,” she stressed.
She said that being in different political parties did not mean that “we should be at each other’s throat”.
She said the acrimony in politics was scaring a lot of capable women to join politics, and noted that that was not good for the development of the country.
She added that if many women were in politics, the perceived corruption would be minimised drastically.
The women’s organiser called on all women and supporters union to run their unions on a non-partisan basis so that various governments could feel free to deal with them, whilst every woman could contribute her quota to promoting women’s football.
The General Secretary of the party, Mr Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, was happy to note that the Black Stars’ song, currently enjoying airtime had the CPP slogan “forward ever” in it.
He said the tournament was a national affair and support must, therefore, be national in character.
He was optimistic that the Black Stars would be very focused to achieve the ultimate aim of winning the cup.
Mr Greenstreet also expressed the hope that the stadia had been constructed in such a manner that they would be friendly to the physically disabled.
He said that many a time, the disabled found it very difficult to access stadium facilities, which did not augur well for effective social relations.
The general secretary said that everything must be possible to ensure that the Black Stars win, because that would have an impact on the political atmosphere of the country.
“The feel-good factor which will enhance productivity cannot be underestimated,” he stated.
NPP
THE National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Peter MacManu, on behalf of his party and the flag bearer, Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, expressed high optimism that the unity among the Black Stars and their technical team is a recipe for winning the tournament.
“While wishing the team well, I want to caution that the only enemy that could hinder the Black Stars from achieving their dream is complacency,” he said.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, Mr Mac-Manu said with such great players as Michael Essien, Sulley Ali Muntari, John Mensah and the Kingsons, blending with the young players, Ghana stands the chance to go for the ultimate.
He said the government, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) needed to be congratulated on putting in the necessary infrastructure to make the coming of the tournament a success.
Mr Mac-Manu reminded Ghanaians that the Ghana 2008 was not just a football fiesta, but also a symbol of unity among the entire African continent.
He noted that the current uplift of the national psyche was needed to calm down the intense politicking by the various political parties towards the December 2008 elections.
He, therefore, observed that winning the cup would be “an icing on the cake towards efforts being made by well-meaning people to ensure a peaceful electioneering”.
He said the necessary security measures that was put in place for the tournament would be an added advantage for the organisation of the upcoming elections.
While wishing the Black Stars goodwill, Mr Mac-Manu urged Ghanaians to exhibit the proverbial Ghanaian hospitality in order to leave a lasting impression on the numerous visitors so that they would consider Ghana as a tourism destination even after the tournament.
PNC
THE flag bearer of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Dr Edward Mahama reminded players of the Black Stars that Ghana won the bid to host the 26th African Cup of Nations due to the celebration of its 50th anniversary.
“You, therefore have no excuse for not winning the cup since doing so will be an icing on the cake of the Golden Jubilee anniversary”, he said.
Dr Mahama noted that the players should play an exceptional game to show that their participation in the 2006 World Cup in Germany was not a fluke.
Conveying his message of goodwill to the team through the Daily Graphic, he said the onerous was on the team to use their skills to showcase that “that they are the Brazil of Africa”.
He, therefore encouraged the players to go for the ultimate to enable the country live up to its accolade as an exceptional soccer nation.
“Go on and play the ‘agoro’ type of soccer and win the cup for the fifth time as a high point of the country’s 50th anniversary”, he stated.
To the people, Dr Mahama called on them to put up their best behaviour and give the visitors a real treat of the proverbial Ghanaian hospitality to leave a lasting impression on their minds.
“Let us not manhandle and molest our visitors”, he advised.
The National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ahmed Ramadan also appealed to handlers and players of the Black Stars to be disciplined both on and off the field of play during the forthcoming Ghana 2008 tournament.
He said, “Until this is done, our cherished dream of winning the tournament will be a mirage.”
Alhaji Ramadan, stated that Ghanaians needed to exhibit a high sense of patriotism by supporting the Black Stars to win the cup.
He said while wishing Ghana to win the tournament, it was equally important for Ghanaians to appreciate the fact that the tournament was aimed at uniting the African continent.
He noted that Ghana had since independence, played a torchbearer role in the affairs of the continent.
“Now that the whole Africa will focus its attention on Ghana, we need to exhibit a high sense of brotherliness that will enable the visitors to feel at home and see Ghana as a beckon of Africa,” he said.
DFP
The National Chairman of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), Alhaji Abdul Rahman Issaka, reminded the Black Stars that they will encounter stiff opposition in their quest to win the Ghana 2008 football fiesta.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, during which Alhaji Issaka conveyed the party’s goodwill message to the team, he said it was only through determination and hard work, in the face of stiff opposition, that the Black Stars would be able to annex the cup.
He asked the participating teams to adhere to the rules governing the tournament to ensure a smooth game during the three weeks period of the game.
He commended the government, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and other committees set up in the various cities where the matches would be played for the wonderful work done so far.
“What is left is for Ghanaians to be prepared to welcome their numerous guests with warmth to let them feel at home so that the country will reap the benefits of hosting the tournament,” he said.
He said it was the prayer of the party and all Ghanaians that the Black Stars would win the ultimate to crown the celebration of the country’s Golden Jubilee anniversary celebration.
GCPP
THE Leader of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), Mr Dan Lartey has described the 26th African Cup of Nations as a symbol of African unity and nothing should be done to mar its intended purpose.
He has therefore challenged all participating teams to be disciplined and accept the outcome of their matches.
Mr Lartey told the Daily Graphic in the party’s goodwill message to the Black Stars that it was important for them to win the cup against all odds.
He said by winning the bid to host the tournament, Ghana had the opportunity to showcase its brand of football, which enabled the 1963, 1965, 1978 and the 1982 squads win those editions for the country.
“The hosting right also indicates the confidence the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has in the country”, he said adding that “the peaceful atmosphere in the country is serving as an attraction to other African countries”.
Mr Lartey noted that there could not be any better time than now for the Black Stars to win the cup and, therefore taxed the team to avoid any situation that would not be helpful to their cause.
He congratulated the other participating teams for qualifying to be part of tournament and urged them to enjoy the best of Ghanaian hospitality while staying in the country.
“Let us be disciplined, dedicated and focused so that at the end of the day, we will all celebrate the achievements of the 26th African Cup of Nations”, he said.
Majority in Parliament
The Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidooh, said Ghanaians would be happy if the Black Stars ended the year-long 50th anniversary celebration by winning the forthcoming Africa Cup tournament.
“We are looking forward for this achievement, come February 10,” he said in a message of goodwill from the Majority Caucus in Parliament to the Black Stars.
He, however, said that since that feat would not come on a silver platter, all the players and the handlers of the tournament had to avoid petty squabbles that would culminate in the cup “slipping away from our hands at our door step”.
Mr Aidooh welcomed all players, officials and supporters of the other participating teams to the country, and called for the show of sportsmanship before, during and after the matches.
“Let us use the magic of football to show to the outside world that Africa has come of age, since any negative impression we create about the tournament will mar the reputation of the entire continent,” he stated.
Stories by Kobby Asmah & Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
From NDC
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, Prof John Evans Atta Mills, has called on Ghanaians to support the Black Stars with thier body, soul and spirit to enable the national team annex the trophy.
In a special message through the Daily Graphic, Prof Mills who described himself as the Chief supporter of the Black Stars said that the sky must be the limit and was wishing the Black Stars all the very best of luck.
He said that as the 26th edition of the Cup of Nations kicks off in about 72 hours, his head and heart were with the Black Stars; And when I say the Black Stars, I mean the Management, Technical Handlers and the Playing Body he added.
He said that football was all about goals and it was his fervent prayer for the Black Stars to move away from creating and missing chances, to the point where they create and score.
Certainly, he said that they cannot get a goal out of every chance created but they must learn to take their chances.
He said that just as he was passionate about it, “when I watch the national teams, Hearts of Oak, and Manchester United, I know that fellow Ghanaians are also passionate about the game of football and will be stretching every sinew in support of the Stars”.
He said that John Mensah and his colleagues were going to be on the field hearing millions of Ghanaian voices in their ears and they must know that will be happening out of no other prompting than love for ones nation.
“Nobody can feel the heat more than the players and I am sure they are very much aware of the daunting task ahead and will do all it takes not to disappoint Ghanaians” he stated.
He said that as one-time Chairman of the Black Stars Management Team during some of the trying moments of this nation, I know what the likes of Kwesi Nyantekyi are going through especially as we are hosting the tournament.
Talking about my days as Chairman of the Black Stars Management Team, He said that he cannot forget about the sacrifices that the likes of Abedi Pele, Tony Yeboah and Edward Ansah made for mother Ghana.
Of course, he said that he could not also forget about the contribution of the late Alhaji Maikano, in being a rallying point for the players.
“I ask of our media men to act as professionals and discharge their duties devoid of sectarian interests and unnecessary emotions” he added.
The Ghanaian in them will be rooting for the Black Stars but that should not take away from the fact that they are professionals whose professional competence must not be sacrificed no matter how enticing the temptation is.
He said that Some key media friends of his had complained about accreditation and I have also heard that there are hitches as regards the availability of tickets.
“I am trusting that before Sunday, Dr. Kofi Amoah, Mr. Magnus Rex Danquah and the LOC will hem in all the loose ends for us to begin the tournament on a united and acceptable note” he stated.
The sky must be the limit and I wish the Black Stars all the best.
To rest of Ghanaians, I say let us support the Black Stars with our, body, soul and spirit.
Just as the theme song has it, all I am saying, is, Go Black Stars Go.
In another development, the NDC has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Government of Ghana to ensure that the players and handlers of the national football team, the Black Stars, are adequately motivated to host and win the tournamnet.
In a message of goodwill, the Deputy General Secretary of the party, Mr Baba Jamal, said the tournament presented the country with the best opportunity to unify the people.
He noted that over the years football had proven to be a unifying factor, and every efforts should, therefore, be made to fully exploit the numerous benefits that the tournament would bring to the country.
Mr Jamal said the NDC was hopeful that the national team had the right calibre of people to step in the shoes of their predecessors, who in the 1963, 1965 1978 and 1982 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations were victorious.
The party is confident that Ghana will be crowned the winners on February 10, 2008 to serve as an added impetus for the unity of the country needed for this election year,” he added.
CPP
The Convention People’s Party (CPP) Flagbearer, Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom said that all Ghanaians must be proud at this time as the country is about to host Africa’s premier soccer event — the Cup of Africa Nations Tournament.
He said that Soccer is the passion of the nation as evidenced by the tremendous attention paid by all Ghanaians when the Black Stars engage in competition of all types.
In recent times, he said that the Black Stars have made the whole nation proud by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time and then performing very well.
“Hosting international events is a mark of arrival on the world stage. As such, the hosting of this important sporting event says to the world that “we are worthy of attention!” he stated.
He said that this required that “we perform very well as hosts — all Ghanaians, so that the world can go away with positive memories about us, our attitude and our hospitality”.
He said that it would serve our collective interest very well if Ghanaians were even more disciplined and friendly than we usually are.
“We must keep our neighbourhoods clean, our streets free of litter and refrain from unhygienic conduct” he stated stressing that everyone with responsibility to meet and greet visitors, provide service of any type or serve in any official capacity must work with great efficiency.
He took the opportunity to congratulate the Local Organising Committee led by Dr Kofi Amoah for credible job done so far.
“Now the entire country must stand shoulder to shoulder with the LOC and others to fill any gaps left so that Ghana can perform well” he said.
He said that “all of us must give the Black Stars our maximum support so that they can shine for Ghana. “There is victory for Ghana! Go Black Stars Go, Forward Ever!” he added.
THE National Women’s Organiser of the CPP, Hajia Hamdatu Haruna, also called on the government to ensure the safety of all Ghanaians and visitors participating in the Ghana 2008 to guarantee an incident-free tournament.
She said there must be no security lapses whatsoever, especially with the removal of the Sector Minister, Mr Francis Poku, from his post this week.
In a goodwill message through the Daily Graphic on Tuesday, she said that Ghana 2008 must be so well organised that visitors would feel proud and compelled to come back to Ghana again and again.
Hajia Hamdatu said the CPP, as a mass party, was very excited that this historic event was happening in the country, stressing that football brings people together, no matter their political affiliations.
“If we recall, during the World Cup in Germany, we could not identify a CPP, PNC, NDC or NPP supporters among the sporting fraternity, and we were all one people,” she stressed.
She said that being in different political parties did not mean that “we should be at each other’s throat”.
She said the acrimony in politics was scaring a lot of capable women to join politics, and noted that that was not good for the development of the country.
She added that if many women were in politics, the perceived corruption would be minimised drastically.
The women’s organiser called on all women and supporters union to run their unions on a non-partisan basis so that various governments could feel free to deal with them, whilst every woman could contribute her quota to promoting women’s football.
The General Secretary of the party, Mr Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, was happy to note that the Black Stars’ song, currently enjoying airtime had the CPP slogan “forward ever” in it.
He said the tournament was a national affair and support must, therefore, be national in character.
He was optimistic that the Black Stars would be very focused to achieve the ultimate aim of winning the cup.
Mr Greenstreet also expressed the hope that the stadia had been constructed in such a manner that they would be friendly to the physically disabled.
He said that many a time, the disabled found it very difficult to access stadium facilities, which did not augur well for effective social relations.
The general secretary said that everything must be possible to ensure that the Black Stars win, because that would have an impact on the political atmosphere of the country.
“The feel-good factor which will enhance productivity cannot be underestimated,” he stated.
NPP
THE National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Peter MacManu, on behalf of his party and the flag bearer, Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, expressed high optimism that the unity among the Black Stars and their technical team is a recipe for winning the tournament.
“While wishing the team well, I want to caution that the only enemy that could hinder the Black Stars from achieving their dream is complacency,” he said.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, Mr Mac-Manu said with such great players as Michael Essien, Sulley Ali Muntari, John Mensah and the Kingsons, blending with the young players, Ghana stands the chance to go for the ultimate.
He said the government, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) needed to be congratulated on putting in the necessary infrastructure to make the coming of the tournament a success.
Mr Mac-Manu reminded Ghanaians that the Ghana 2008 was not just a football fiesta, but also a symbol of unity among the entire African continent.
He noted that the current uplift of the national psyche was needed to calm down the intense politicking by the various political parties towards the December 2008 elections.
He, therefore, observed that winning the cup would be “an icing on the cake towards efforts being made by well-meaning people to ensure a peaceful electioneering”.
He said the necessary security measures that was put in place for the tournament would be an added advantage for the organisation of the upcoming elections.
While wishing the Black Stars goodwill, Mr Mac-Manu urged Ghanaians to exhibit the proverbial Ghanaian hospitality in order to leave a lasting impression on the numerous visitors so that they would consider Ghana as a tourism destination even after the tournament.
PNC
THE flag bearer of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Dr Edward Mahama reminded players of the Black Stars that Ghana won the bid to host the 26th African Cup of Nations due to the celebration of its 50th anniversary.
“You, therefore have no excuse for not winning the cup since doing so will be an icing on the cake of the Golden Jubilee anniversary”, he said.
Dr Mahama noted that the players should play an exceptional game to show that their participation in the 2006 World Cup in Germany was not a fluke.
Conveying his message of goodwill to the team through the Daily Graphic, he said the onerous was on the team to use their skills to showcase that “that they are the Brazil of Africa”.
He, therefore encouraged the players to go for the ultimate to enable the country live up to its accolade as an exceptional soccer nation.
“Go on and play the ‘agoro’ type of soccer and win the cup for the fifth time as a high point of the country’s 50th anniversary”, he stated.
To the people, Dr Mahama called on them to put up their best behaviour and give the visitors a real treat of the proverbial Ghanaian hospitality to leave a lasting impression on their minds.
“Let us not manhandle and molest our visitors”, he advised.
The National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ahmed Ramadan also appealed to handlers and players of the Black Stars to be disciplined both on and off the field of play during the forthcoming Ghana 2008 tournament.
He said, “Until this is done, our cherished dream of winning the tournament will be a mirage.”
Alhaji Ramadan, stated that Ghanaians needed to exhibit a high sense of patriotism by supporting the Black Stars to win the cup.
He said while wishing Ghana to win the tournament, it was equally important for Ghanaians to appreciate the fact that the tournament was aimed at uniting the African continent.
He noted that Ghana had since independence, played a torchbearer role in the affairs of the continent.
“Now that the whole Africa will focus its attention on Ghana, we need to exhibit a high sense of brotherliness that will enable the visitors to feel at home and see Ghana as a beckon of Africa,” he said.
DFP
The National Chairman of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), Alhaji Abdul Rahman Issaka, reminded the Black Stars that they will encounter stiff opposition in their quest to win the Ghana 2008 football fiesta.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, during which Alhaji Issaka conveyed the party’s goodwill message to the team, he said it was only through determination and hard work, in the face of stiff opposition, that the Black Stars would be able to annex the cup.
He asked the participating teams to adhere to the rules governing the tournament to ensure a smooth game during the three weeks period of the game.
He commended the government, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and other committees set up in the various cities where the matches would be played for the wonderful work done so far.
“What is left is for Ghanaians to be prepared to welcome their numerous guests with warmth to let them feel at home so that the country will reap the benefits of hosting the tournament,” he said.
He said it was the prayer of the party and all Ghanaians that the Black Stars would win the ultimate to crown the celebration of the country’s Golden Jubilee anniversary celebration.
GCPP
THE Leader of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), Mr Dan Lartey has described the 26th African Cup of Nations as a symbol of African unity and nothing should be done to mar its intended purpose.
He has therefore challenged all participating teams to be disciplined and accept the outcome of their matches.
Mr Lartey told the Daily Graphic in the party’s goodwill message to the Black Stars that it was important for them to win the cup against all odds.
He said by winning the bid to host the tournament, Ghana had the opportunity to showcase its brand of football, which enabled the 1963, 1965, 1978 and the 1982 squads win those editions for the country.
“The hosting right also indicates the confidence the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has in the country”, he said adding that “the peaceful atmosphere in the country is serving as an attraction to other African countries”.
Mr Lartey noted that there could not be any better time than now for the Black Stars to win the cup and, therefore taxed the team to avoid any situation that would not be helpful to their cause.
He congratulated the other participating teams for qualifying to be part of tournament and urged them to enjoy the best of Ghanaian hospitality while staying in the country.
“Let us be disciplined, dedicated and focused so that at the end of the day, we will all celebrate the achievements of the 26th African Cup of Nations”, he said.
Majority in Parliament
The Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidooh, said Ghanaians would be happy if the Black Stars ended the year-long 50th anniversary celebration by winning the forthcoming Africa Cup tournament.
“We are looking forward for this achievement, come February 10,” he said in a message of goodwill from the Majority Caucus in Parliament to the Black Stars.
He, however, said that since that feat would not come on a silver platter, all the players and the handlers of the tournament had to avoid petty squabbles that would culminate in the cup “slipping away from our hands at our door step”.
Mr Aidooh welcomed all players, officials and supporters of the other participating teams to the country, and called for the show of sportsmanship before, during and after the matches.
“Let us use the magic of football to show to the outside world that Africa has come of age, since any negative impression we create about the tournament will mar the reputation of the entire continent,” he stated.
GBC to set up election monitoring c’ttee
Page 16, Jan 10, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) is setting up an election monitoring committee to monitor the fairness of the corporation’s coverage to all political parties towards the 2008 general election.
“An election monitoring and complaints committee will be set up to monitor the fairness of GBC to all political parties on a continuous basis, receive complaints and resolve them peacefully,” the Director-General of the GBC, Mr William Ampem-Darko, gave the hint in Accra on Sunday.
He said that the corporation planned to meet representatives of the various political parties to plan the ground rules of the coverage of the elections.
Mr Ampem-Darko was speaking at a church service at the Kaneshie Presbyterian Church during which he was inducted into office with his deputy, Mr Kwabena Sarpong-Anane.
He said as a public broadcaster, GBC would ensure that it followed the guidelines for political broadcast published by the National Media Commission (NMC), best practices from elsewhere and common sense during and after the election.
Mr Ampem-Darko said that though the proliferation of radio and television channels was healthy for the country’s democracy, it was now difficult to monitor the NMC guidelines on political broadcast and broadcast standards in general.
“I hope the independent broadcasters too will apply the Guidelines on Political Broadcast and common sense as we plan to do at GBC for peace in Ghana before, during and after election 2008,” he stated.
The director-general added that the corporation started broadcasting peace messages from respectable personalities from January 1, 2008, adding that that would continue until December 31, 2008.
In a sermon, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Right Reverend Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, urged the director-general and his deputy to turn GBC around to be a pathfinder and leader in the communication industry.
“You have the task of making the GBC to provide a fair and balanced reportage of all political activities in this election year,” he said.
He said the country needed to have a proper, well-researched and investigated information on issues from cities and rural areas, he said, adding that the corporation had the greatest challenge of weeding out bad programmes such as nudity, sex and pornography and all kinds of local and foreign films portraying sex and armed robbery.
Rt. Rev. Dr Frimpong-Manso expressed the hope that the current leadership of the GBC would transform the corporation to meet the challenges of the country’s contemporary situation in order to fulfil national aspirations of having quality, educative and sound moral, socio-economic, political and religious programmes.
In a message, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr Joe Ghartey, admonished Ghanaians and said that the government would not do anything that would mar the 2008 elections.
“Ghanaians will not want the peace they are enjoying to be disturbed,” he said and, therefore, called on them to condemn people who were bent on taking the law into their own hands.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) is setting up an election monitoring committee to monitor the fairness of the corporation’s coverage to all political parties towards the 2008 general election.
“An election monitoring and complaints committee will be set up to monitor the fairness of GBC to all political parties on a continuous basis, receive complaints and resolve them peacefully,” the Director-General of the GBC, Mr William Ampem-Darko, gave the hint in Accra on Sunday.
He said that the corporation planned to meet representatives of the various political parties to plan the ground rules of the coverage of the elections.
Mr Ampem-Darko was speaking at a church service at the Kaneshie Presbyterian Church during which he was inducted into office with his deputy, Mr Kwabena Sarpong-Anane.
He said as a public broadcaster, GBC would ensure that it followed the guidelines for political broadcast published by the National Media Commission (NMC), best practices from elsewhere and common sense during and after the election.
Mr Ampem-Darko said that though the proliferation of radio and television channels was healthy for the country’s democracy, it was now difficult to monitor the NMC guidelines on political broadcast and broadcast standards in general.
“I hope the independent broadcasters too will apply the Guidelines on Political Broadcast and common sense as we plan to do at GBC for peace in Ghana before, during and after election 2008,” he stated.
The director-general added that the corporation started broadcasting peace messages from respectable personalities from January 1, 2008, adding that that would continue until December 31, 2008.
In a sermon, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Right Reverend Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, urged the director-general and his deputy to turn GBC around to be a pathfinder and leader in the communication industry.
“You have the task of making the GBC to provide a fair and balanced reportage of all political activities in this election year,” he said.
He said the country needed to have a proper, well-researched and investigated information on issues from cities and rural areas, he said, adding that the corporation had the greatest challenge of weeding out bad programmes such as nudity, sex and pornography and all kinds of local and foreign films portraying sex and armed robbery.
Rt. Rev. Dr Frimpong-Manso expressed the hope that the current leadership of the GBC would transform the corporation to meet the challenges of the country’s contemporary situation in order to fulfil national aspirations of having quality, educative and sound moral, socio-economic, political and religious programmes.
In a message, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr Joe Ghartey, admonished Ghanaians and said that the government would not do anything that would mar the 2008 elections.
“Ghanaians will not want the peace they are enjoying to be disturbed,” he said and, therefore, called on them to condemn people who were bent on taking the law into their own hands.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Obiri Boahen to contest elections
Page 30, Jan 14, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Minister of State at the Ministry of Interior, Nana Obiri Boahen has resolved to contest for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary slot of the Sunyani East Constituency for the 2008 election.
"I promise my numerous supporters that now is the time for me to become the Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency and no amount of words and cajoling can push me away from achieving my aim", he told the Daily Graphic in an interview in Accra on Wednesday.
Nana Obiri Boahen, who is also the current Brong Ahafo Regional Chairman of the NPP, has nursed the ambition of becoming the MP for the Sunyani East Constituency since the country returned to constitutional rule in 1992.
In 1992, although he made an attempt to stand on the NPP ticket for the parliamentary election, which was later boycotted by the party, he was prevailed upon to give one Mr Kyereh a chance to contest.
In 1996, the party chose Mr J.H Mensah as the constituency's parliamentary candidate but when it was realised that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was bent on putting the candidate before court over his eligibility, Nana Obiri Boahen filed as an independent candidate.
When the court case was ruled in favour of Mr Mensah, although Nana Obiri Boahen's name had already been printed on the ballot paper, he campaigned for the former.
In 2000, Nana Obiri Boahen's ambition was again short lived since party stalwarts felt that Mr Mensah still had a lot to offer in Parliament.
In 2004, Nana Obiri Boahen together with others, particularly Mr Ameyaw Cheremeh, the then Presiding member of the Sunyani District Assembly felt enough was enough and that the youth should be given a chance.
"Although, I paid GH ¢1,100 (¢11 million) filing fee, I was later on prevailed upon to back down my ambition to the annoyance of my admirers and supporters", he said.
"I feel this is my time since I have matured politically over the years to contest the parliamentary election, come December, this year".
Nana Obiri Boahen added that the NPP hierarchy would have no "moral justification" to prevail upon him to step down this town round since that would not be in the interest of his political career.
He contended that Mr Mensah, who was the architect of the Kwame Nkrumah's seven year development plan, had done enough for the country since independence and had to give way for other to continue from where he would end.
Nana Obiri Boahen welcomed other members of the party who had already shown interest in the seat saying that "this is the beauty of democracy that the party stands for".
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Minister of State at the Ministry of Interior, Nana Obiri Boahen has resolved to contest for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary slot of the Sunyani East Constituency for the 2008 election.
"I promise my numerous supporters that now is the time for me to become the Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency and no amount of words and cajoling can push me away from achieving my aim", he told the Daily Graphic in an interview in Accra on Wednesday.
Nana Obiri Boahen, who is also the current Brong Ahafo Regional Chairman of the NPP, has nursed the ambition of becoming the MP for the Sunyani East Constituency since the country returned to constitutional rule in 1992.
In 1992, although he made an attempt to stand on the NPP ticket for the parliamentary election, which was later boycotted by the party, he was prevailed upon to give one Mr Kyereh a chance to contest.
In 1996, the party chose Mr J.H Mensah as the constituency's parliamentary candidate but when it was realised that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was bent on putting the candidate before court over his eligibility, Nana Obiri Boahen filed as an independent candidate.
When the court case was ruled in favour of Mr Mensah, although Nana Obiri Boahen's name had already been printed on the ballot paper, he campaigned for the former.
In 2000, Nana Obiri Boahen's ambition was again short lived since party stalwarts felt that Mr Mensah still had a lot to offer in Parliament.
In 2004, Nana Obiri Boahen together with others, particularly Mr Ameyaw Cheremeh, the then Presiding member of the Sunyani District Assembly felt enough was enough and that the youth should be given a chance.
"Although, I paid GH ¢1,100 (¢11 million) filing fee, I was later on prevailed upon to back down my ambition to the annoyance of my admirers and supporters", he said.
"I feel this is my time since I have matured politically over the years to contest the parliamentary election, come December, this year".
Nana Obiri Boahen added that the NPP hierarchy would have no "moral justification" to prevail upon him to step down this town round since that would not be in the interest of his political career.
He contended that Mr Mensah, who was the architect of the Kwame Nkrumah's seven year development plan, had done enough for the country since independence and had to give way for other to continue from where he would end.
Nana Obiri Boahen welcomed other members of the party who had already shown interest in the seat saying that "this is the beauty of democracy that the party stands for".
NEW PAY FOR TEACHERS.. GH ¢66m Arrears to be settled
Frontpage, Jan 12, 2008
Story: Lucy Adoma Yeboah & Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Ministry of Finance has approved a new salary structure for teachers, with retrospective effect from January 1, 2007.
Following the approval, a total of GH¢66 million will be paid in arrears to about 322,000 teachers nation-wide.
The decision follows the agreement reached between the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the government during the 2007 salary negotiations which touched on distortions and wrong job placement and the need to design a new salary structure for teachers of the Ghana Education Service (GES).
A letter on the issue, dated January 4, 2008 and signed by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Professor George Gyan-Baffour, to the Controller and Accountant General directed that the arrears from January to December 2007, should be paid at the end of this month.
The arrears are the remaining 10 per cent out of a 100 per cent arrears which resulted from some corrections made on teachers’ pay structure, payment of which was started by the government in 2007.
Information gathered at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning indicated that the decision for the new salary structure for teachers was the outcome of a final cleaning-up exercise embarked on to correct distortions and wrong job placements found on the salary structure of the Ghana Universal Salary Structure (GUSS) which negatively affected teachers.
The Ministry’s letter, headed, “Implementation of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the Government”, stated that staff of the GES who left the service from January 1 to December 31, 2007, should also benefit from the new directive.
“Please note that the computation of gratuity, pension and social security of all teachers who left the GES during the period January 1 to December 31, 2007 should be based on the attached salary structure referred to in Paragraph 1 above,” it stated.
The said new salary structure, headed, “Appendix A — Salary Structure for Teachers of the Ghana Education Service, Effective: January 1, 2007”, indicated salaries per annum due each category of teachers from Level One to 22 and also from Step One to 15.
The letter was copied to a number of stakeholders, including the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, the Director-General of the GES and the General Secretary of GNAT.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra on Tuesday, the Director of Policy Analysis of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Kwabena Oku-Afari, said the decision to implement the new salary structure came out of an MoU signed between the government and the GES, on one hand, and GNAT, on the other, in 2007.
He said that was after a series of negotiations between the two groups to find solutions to the distortions in the salaries of teachers and also their job placement, as compared to other government employees with similar qualifications.
He stated that attempts to correct those anomalies resulted in further problems because of the lack of adequate data and correct information on salaries, adding that salary admininstration in the country had always remained a big problem because of the lack of the correct database.
Mr Oku-Afari, however, stated that some achievements had been made in that area and expressed the hope that things would get better.
He expressed the hope that the newly-established Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FW&SC) would come up with lasting solutions to the issue of salary distortions in the public sector.
Story: Lucy Adoma Yeboah & Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Ministry of Finance has approved a new salary structure for teachers, with retrospective effect from January 1, 2007.
Following the approval, a total of GH¢66 million will be paid in arrears to about 322,000 teachers nation-wide.
The decision follows the agreement reached between the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the government during the 2007 salary negotiations which touched on distortions and wrong job placement and the need to design a new salary structure for teachers of the Ghana Education Service (GES).
A letter on the issue, dated January 4, 2008 and signed by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Professor George Gyan-Baffour, to the Controller and Accountant General directed that the arrears from January to December 2007, should be paid at the end of this month.
The arrears are the remaining 10 per cent out of a 100 per cent arrears which resulted from some corrections made on teachers’ pay structure, payment of which was started by the government in 2007.
Information gathered at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning indicated that the decision for the new salary structure for teachers was the outcome of a final cleaning-up exercise embarked on to correct distortions and wrong job placements found on the salary structure of the Ghana Universal Salary Structure (GUSS) which negatively affected teachers.
The Ministry’s letter, headed, “Implementation of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the Government”, stated that staff of the GES who left the service from January 1 to December 31, 2007, should also benefit from the new directive.
“Please note that the computation of gratuity, pension and social security of all teachers who left the GES during the period January 1 to December 31, 2007 should be based on the attached salary structure referred to in Paragraph 1 above,” it stated.
The said new salary structure, headed, “Appendix A — Salary Structure for Teachers of the Ghana Education Service, Effective: January 1, 2007”, indicated salaries per annum due each category of teachers from Level One to 22 and also from Step One to 15.
The letter was copied to a number of stakeholders, including the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, the Director-General of the GES and the General Secretary of GNAT.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra on Tuesday, the Director of Policy Analysis of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Kwabena Oku-Afari, said the decision to implement the new salary structure came out of an MoU signed between the government and the GES, on one hand, and GNAT, on the other, in 2007.
He said that was after a series of negotiations between the two groups to find solutions to the distortions in the salaries of teachers and also their job placement, as compared to other government employees with similar qualifications.
He stated that attempts to correct those anomalies resulted in further problems because of the lack of adequate data and correct information on salaries, adding that salary admininstration in the country had always remained a big problem because of the lack of the correct database.
Mr Oku-Afari, however, stated that some achievements had been made in that area and expressed the hope that things would get better.
He expressed the hope that the newly-established Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FW&SC) would come up with lasting solutions to the issue of salary distortions in the public sector.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Presby Church inaugurates c'tee on health, environment
Page 19, Jan 12, 2007
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
A SIX-MEMBER Health and Envionmental Committee of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) has been inaugurated to oversee activities falling under the church’s health and environmental programmes.
Currently, the PCG is the third largest provider of health care in the country after the government and the Catholic Church.
It manages 39 health institutions, comprising four hospitals, 11 primary health care outreach programmes, 21 health centres and clinics, two nurses’ training colleges and one health technical unit.
The committee is, therefore, to advise on the determination of the overall policy for the running of these health institutions.
It would also advise the General Assembly of the PCG on environmental issues and negotiate with the government on all questions relating to the church’s medical work and the Ministry of Health.
The members of the committee are Dr K. O. Adade, the President of the Greater Accra branch of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Mr Moses Oduro Boateng, the Managing Director of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and Mr Ben Botwe, the Deputy Director of the Food and Drugs Board.
The rest are Mr David Ntinagyei Mintah, a pharmacist, Mr William Marfo, an environmentalist and Mr Sam Appiah, the Co-ordinator of the PCG Health Services, who is a member secretary of the committee.
Inaugurating the committee, the Clerk of the General Assembly of the church, Rev Herbert Anim Opong, said the biggest challenge was the increasing demand for health sevices by rural communities in the face of dwindling donor support.
“The alarm bells have been sounding louder of late and it is about time the church identified new sources of funding its programmes,” he said.
He stated that the options might include the sensitisation of the church to make meaningful financial contributions or creating an endowment fund, which will be funded through various fund-raising efforts.
Rev Opong said that with the inception of the National Health Insurance Scheme, the various health institutions of the church were improving their internally-generated funds and, therefore tasked the committee to take steps to ensure meaningful growth of that source in order to build new infrastructure and maintain old ones.
He commended lay members of the church who put their services free of charge at the disposal of the church, adding that such dedicated service demonstrated the commitment of such members to the service of the God.
On behalf of the committee, Dr Adade thanked the church for the honour done them and promised that they would work hard to improve the health delivery and environmental programmes of the church.
He said though the task of of the committee was daunting, its members had the expertise to overcome anticipated challenges.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
A SIX-MEMBER Health and Envionmental Committee of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) has been inaugurated to oversee activities falling under the church’s health and environmental programmes.
Currently, the PCG is the third largest provider of health care in the country after the government and the Catholic Church.
It manages 39 health institutions, comprising four hospitals, 11 primary health care outreach programmes, 21 health centres and clinics, two nurses’ training colleges and one health technical unit.
The committee is, therefore, to advise on the determination of the overall policy for the running of these health institutions.
It would also advise the General Assembly of the PCG on environmental issues and negotiate with the government on all questions relating to the church’s medical work and the Ministry of Health.
The members of the committee are Dr K. O. Adade, the President of the Greater Accra branch of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Mr Moses Oduro Boateng, the Managing Director of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and Mr Ben Botwe, the Deputy Director of the Food and Drugs Board.
The rest are Mr David Ntinagyei Mintah, a pharmacist, Mr William Marfo, an environmentalist and Mr Sam Appiah, the Co-ordinator of the PCG Health Services, who is a member secretary of the committee.
Inaugurating the committee, the Clerk of the General Assembly of the church, Rev Herbert Anim Opong, said the biggest challenge was the increasing demand for health sevices by rural communities in the face of dwindling donor support.
“The alarm bells have been sounding louder of late and it is about time the church identified new sources of funding its programmes,” he said.
He stated that the options might include the sensitisation of the church to make meaningful financial contributions or creating an endowment fund, which will be funded through various fund-raising efforts.
Rev Opong said that with the inception of the National Health Insurance Scheme, the various health institutions of the church were improving their internally-generated funds and, therefore tasked the committee to take steps to ensure meaningful growth of that source in order to build new infrastructure and maintain old ones.
He commended lay members of the church who put their services free of charge at the disposal of the church, adding that such dedicated service demonstrated the commitment of such members to the service of the God.
On behalf of the committee, Dr Adade thanked the church for the honour done them and promised that they would work hard to improve the health delivery and environmental programmes of the church.
He said though the task of of the committee was daunting, its members had the expertise to overcome anticipated challenges.
Friday, January 11, 2008
NIB honours workers (11/01/08)
Page : Spread
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE National Investment Bank (NIB) has honoured 56 members of its staff who have served the bank for periods ranging form 10 to 30 years.
The awards were given at the first Staff and Branches Awards ceremony cum a thanksgiving service held in Accra.
The Adenta, Obuasi and Wenchi branches of the bank were respectively awarded as the best first, second and third branches in deposit mobilisation for 2007 while Ms Charity Agumey was given an award as the best customer-oriented staff member.
The Best Worker of the Year award went to Ms Mary Onyame-Mensah, while Mr Emmanuel Armah and Mr Seth Baffoe-Kudom came second and third respectively in that category.
Special awards were also given to the men and ladies football clubs of the bank for winning the 2007 All Banks Football Gala.
In his New Year message, the Managing Director of the bank, Sir Daniel Gyimah, said the NIB had over the years been growing from strength to strength.
He said the bank had expanded its branches from 11 to 24 and was determined to increase its deposit mobilisation by getting closer to its customers.
“As we look into the future, I take this opportunity to invite all staff to join in our quest for increased business, increased deposits and quality services,” he said.
In his sermon, Rev Fr Benjamin Opoku Ohene admonished Ghanaians to avoid short cuts to success.
He urged the staff of the bank to let brotherly love, mutual respect and harmony prevail to attract more customers to enhance its operations.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE National Investment Bank (NIB) has honoured 56 members of its staff who have served the bank for periods ranging form 10 to 30 years.
The awards were given at the first Staff and Branches Awards ceremony cum a thanksgiving service held in Accra.
The Adenta, Obuasi and Wenchi branches of the bank were respectively awarded as the best first, second and third branches in deposit mobilisation for 2007 while Ms Charity Agumey was given an award as the best customer-oriented staff member.
The Best Worker of the Year award went to Ms Mary Onyame-Mensah, while Mr Emmanuel Armah and Mr Seth Baffoe-Kudom came second and third respectively in that category.
Special awards were also given to the men and ladies football clubs of the bank for winning the 2007 All Banks Football Gala.
In his New Year message, the Managing Director of the bank, Sir Daniel Gyimah, said the NIB had over the years been growing from strength to strength.
He said the bank had expanded its branches from 11 to 24 and was determined to increase its deposit mobilisation by getting closer to its customers.
“As we look into the future, I take this opportunity to invite all staff to join in our quest for increased business, increased deposits and quality services,” he said.
In his sermon, Rev Fr Benjamin Opoku Ohene admonished Ghanaians to avoid short cuts to success.
He urged the staff of the bank to let brotherly love, mutual respect and harmony prevail to attract more customers to enhance its operations.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
C'tee to probe NHIC (Jan 10, 2008)
Page 13, Jan 10, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
A SPECIAL sub-committee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has been set up to investigate the numerous instances of financial malfeasance that were raised in the 2005 Auditor-General’s Report against the National Health Insurance Council (NHIC).
In all, the report raised 21 financial cases of malfeasance against the council, but during the recent public sittings of the PAC, it could not deal extensively with the allegations as a result of time constraints.
The allegations included excessive printing of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) brochures costing GH¢108,000, duplication of media agency services, inappropriate award of contracts costing GH¢211,000, false certification of delivery of contract orders at the cost of GH¢230,000 and failure to account for the utilisation of set-up fund amounting to GH¢167,000.
Other financial improprieties raised by the report included over-payment of honorarium of $13,000, misapplication of a GH¢64,500 grant from the British Department for International Development (DFID), unapproved excess expenditure amounting to GH¢690,000, among others.
The Chairman of the PAC, Mr Samuel Sallas-Mensah, who disclosed this to the Daily Graphic, said the special sub-committee, chaired by the Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, would begin sitting on Tuesday, January 15.
Other members of the committee are Mr J.B. Danquah Adu, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa North; Mr Robert Sarfo-Mensah, MP for Asunafo North; Mr Dominic Azumah, MP for Garu-Tempane; Mr Camelo Pwamang, the Clerk of the PAC, and an ex-officio member from the Auditor-General’s Department.
According to Mr Sallas-Mensah, the sub-committee had up to the end of February to submit its report.
It also has the option of sitting either in public or in camera.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
A SPECIAL sub-committee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has been set up to investigate the numerous instances of financial malfeasance that were raised in the 2005 Auditor-General’s Report against the National Health Insurance Council (NHIC).
In all, the report raised 21 financial cases of malfeasance against the council, but during the recent public sittings of the PAC, it could not deal extensively with the allegations as a result of time constraints.
The allegations included excessive printing of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) brochures costing GH¢108,000, duplication of media agency services, inappropriate award of contracts costing GH¢211,000, false certification of delivery of contract orders at the cost of GH¢230,000 and failure to account for the utilisation of set-up fund amounting to GH¢167,000.
Other financial improprieties raised by the report included over-payment of honorarium of $13,000, misapplication of a GH¢64,500 grant from the British Department for International Development (DFID), unapproved excess expenditure amounting to GH¢690,000, among others.
The Chairman of the PAC, Mr Samuel Sallas-Mensah, who disclosed this to the Daily Graphic, said the special sub-committee, chaired by the Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, would begin sitting on Tuesday, January 15.
Other members of the committee are Mr J.B. Danquah Adu, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa North; Mr Robert Sarfo-Mensah, MP for Asunafo North; Mr Dominic Azumah, MP for Garu-Tempane; Mr Camelo Pwamang, the Clerk of the PAC, and an ex-officio member from the Auditor-General’s Department.
According to Mr Sallas-Mensah, the sub-committee had up to the end of February to submit its report.
It also has the option of sitting either in public or in camera.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Dan Lartey to contest presidential slot
Page 17, Jan 8, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
“GHANAIANS have not seen anything yet about the 2008 elections. They should wait until I enter the race before they will see how exciting the contest will be.”
This was how the 81-year-old leader of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), Mr Dan Lartey, summed up his ambition to contest the upcoming presidential election when he spoke to the Daily Graphic at the weekend.
To him, Election 2008 was a done deal for the GCPP, since “none of the presidential candidates can match me in the contest”.
“Dr Edward Mahama, Professor Mills, Dr Nduom and Nana Akufo-Addo are no match to me. I will emerge the eventual winner and implement my domestication policy to redeem Ghanaians from their hardships,” he said.
To achieve his ambition, which he has been nursing since 2000, he said he had already filed his nomination for the flag bear slot of the GCPP.
The GCPP is scheduled to hold its national delegates congress at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, on February 24, this year to elect its flag bearer and other national officers.
“I challenge eligible members of the party to file their nominations to contest me during the congress,” he said, and wondered “if anybody will be able to beat me in the flagbearership contest within the party”.
If he wins the slot, it will be the third time that the party would have elected him to contest the presidential election since 2000.
However, Mr Lartey did not file his nomination to contest the 2004 elections because of an electoral arrangement with the People’s National Congress (PNC) that culminated in the PNC’s Dr Edward Mahama being chosen as the presidential candidate of the alliance.
But, Mr Lartey said there would be no alliance with any party for the 2008 general election.
“The GCPP is prepared to go alone to win the contest. This is serious business and we will not enter into any agreement with any party or parties for them to take us for a ride,” he said.
Asked whether he was not too old to still harbour his ambition to become a President, Mr Lartey stated that since people who were considered young and energetic had failed the country since 1992, “it is time for the old man to come and teach them how to rule the country”.
He said despite the sweet promises by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ghanaians were still wallowing in poverty, hunger and deprivation.
Mr Lartey said though Ghana abounded in a lot of human and natural resources, the two parties had not been able to harness those resources for the benefit of the people.
“It will take a person of my calibre, who knows how to harness resources internally through the domestication policy, to bring the economy back on its feet and bring smiles to the faces of Ghanaians,” he said.
Mr Lartey said it was, therefore, a challenge to Ghanaians to give him the mandate to prove his worth, come the December election.
“We need a paradigm shift from the current situation where the economy is being run on a mere $8.6 billion budget,” he said.
“I promise Ghanaians that with all the available resources, I will be able to raise $814 billion internally to implement policies and programmes that will turn the economy around,” he added.
Mr Lartey said he had already started training people who would be offered ministerial positions when he was given the mandate to rule the country.
He stated that he would operate with only 19 ministries, which would be co-ordinated by an Economic Guarantee Control Board (EGCB).
Mr Lartey asked other presidential aspirants to prepare well, since he was ready to debate them to enable Ghanaians to know who was the rightful person to be Ghana’s President.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
“GHANAIANS have not seen anything yet about the 2008 elections. They should wait until I enter the race before they will see how exciting the contest will be.”
This was how the 81-year-old leader of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), Mr Dan Lartey, summed up his ambition to contest the upcoming presidential election when he spoke to the Daily Graphic at the weekend.
To him, Election 2008 was a done deal for the GCPP, since “none of the presidential candidates can match me in the contest”.
“Dr Edward Mahama, Professor Mills, Dr Nduom and Nana Akufo-Addo are no match to me. I will emerge the eventual winner and implement my domestication policy to redeem Ghanaians from their hardships,” he said.
To achieve his ambition, which he has been nursing since 2000, he said he had already filed his nomination for the flag bear slot of the GCPP.
The GCPP is scheduled to hold its national delegates congress at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, on February 24, this year to elect its flag bearer and other national officers.
“I challenge eligible members of the party to file their nominations to contest me during the congress,” he said, and wondered “if anybody will be able to beat me in the flagbearership contest within the party”.
If he wins the slot, it will be the third time that the party would have elected him to contest the presidential election since 2000.
However, Mr Lartey did not file his nomination to contest the 2004 elections because of an electoral arrangement with the People’s National Congress (PNC) that culminated in the PNC’s Dr Edward Mahama being chosen as the presidential candidate of the alliance.
But, Mr Lartey said there would be no alliance with any party for the 2008 general election.
“The GCPP is prepared to go alone to win the contest. This is serious business and we will not enter into any agreement with any party or parties for them to take us for a ride,” he said.
Asked whether he was not too old to still harbour his ambition to become a President, Mr Lartey stated that since people who were considered young and energetic had failed the country since 1992, “it is time for the old man to come and teach them how to rule the country”.
He said despite the sweet promises by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ghanaians were still wallowing in poverty, hunger and deprivation.
Mr Lartey said though Ghana abounded in a lot of human and natural resources, the two parties had not been able to harness those resources for the benefit of the people.
“It will take a person of my calibre, who knows how to harness resources internally through the domestication policy, to bring the economy back on its feet and bring smiles to the faces of Ghanaians,” he said.
Mr Lartey said it was, therefore, a challenge to Ghanaians to give him the mandate to prove his worth, come the December election.
“We need a paradigm shift from the current situation where the economy is being run on a mere $8.6 billion budget,” he said.
“I promise Ghanaians that with all the available resources, I will be able to raise $814 billion internally to implement policies and programmes that will turn the economy around,” he added.
Mr Lartey said he had already started training people who would be offered ministerial positions when he was given the mandate to rule the country.
He stated that he would operate with only 19 ministries, which would be co-ordinated by an Economic Guarantee Control Board (EGCB).
Mr Lartey asked other presidential aspirants to prepare well, since he was ready to debate them to enable Ghanaians to know who was the rightful person to be Ghana’s President.
GCPP for Kumasi Congress on Feb 24
Page 14, Jan 5, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) is to hold its national delegates congress at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on February 24 to elect its flag bearer for the 2008 elections.
The congress will also be used to elect 12 officers, including the national chairman to run the party.
The leader of the party, Mr Dan Lartey, told the Daily Graphic in an interview that already the party had began its regional delegates conferences to elect its regional executive.
He said the party would also elect 230 parliamentary candidates to contest the 2008 general elections.
Mr Lartey said the Volta Regional branch of the party held its delegates conference last month during which its regional executives were elected.
“Between now and February 24 when the national congress would be held, all the 10 regions will hold their conferences to elect the party’s regional officers”, he said.
While the Northern Region branch would hold its conference on January 12, 2008, it would be the turn of Upper West a week after.
Asked why the party would hold its national congress in Kumasi and not in Accra, Mr Lartey said the party was a broad based one and, therefore needed to let its presence be felt in all the regions,
“We feel we need to move out of Accra, this time to let Ghanaians know how we are poised to win upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections”, he explained.
According to Mr Dan Lartey, he had already filed his nomination to contest the party’s presidential slot.
“I am not aware if anybody has filed his nomination to contest me”, he said, adding that it is only the party’s general secretary who would be able to tell the number of people who have shown interest in the various positions during the congress.
Mr Lartey said that the GCPP had men capable of implementing sound economic policies to enable the country harness its economic potential for the betterment of the people.
Ghanaians would see a different GCPP that will emerge from the Kumasi congress to battle the other political parties for every available political space in the country.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) is to hold its national delegates congress at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on February 24 to elect its flag bearer for the 2008 elections.
The congress will also be used to elect 12 officers, including the national chairman to run the party.
The leader of the party, Mr Dan Lartey, told the Daily Graphic in an interview that already the party had began its regional delegates conferences to elect its regional executive.
He said the party would also elect 230 parliamentary candidates to contest the 2008 general elections.
Mr Lartey said the Volta Regional branch of the party held its delegates conference last month during which its regional executives were elected.
“Between now and February 24 when the national congress would be held, all the 10 regions will hold their conferences to elect the party’s regional officers”, he said.
While the Northern Region branch would hold its conference on January 12, 2008, it would be the turn of Upper West a week after.
Asked why the party would hold its national congress in Kumasi and not in Accra, Mr Lartey said the party was a broad based one and, therefore needed to let its presence be felt in all the regions,
“We feel we need to move out of Accra, this time to let Ghanaians know how we are poised to win upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections”, he explained.
According to Mr Dan Lartey, he had already filed his nomination to contest the party’s presidential slot.
“I am not aware if anybody has filed his nomination to contest me”, he said, adding that it is only the party’s general secretary who would be able to tell the number of people who have shown interest in the various positions during the congress.
Mr Lartey said that the GCPP had men capable of implementing sound economic policies to enable the country harness its economic potential for the betterment of the people.
Ghanaians would see a different GCPP that will emerge from the Kumasi congress to battle the other political parties for every available political space in the country.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Suma Rural Bank grows profit base
Page 33, Jan 4, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Suma Rural Bank in the Jaman North District of the Brong Ahafo Region recorded GH ¢34,340 as its profit before tax in 2006 as against the GH¢30,010 it had in 2005.
In addition, the bank’s total deposit jumped from ¢838,800 to GH ¢970,500 while overdrafts and advances to it customers increased from GH¢492,200 to
GH ¢662,500 over the same period.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, Mr F. O. Gyan, announced this at the 21st Annual General Meeting of the bank at Suma.
He added that the net worth of the bank recorded an 11.5 per cent increase from the previous balance of GH ¢180,400 to GH ¢200,700 during the period under review.
Mr Gyan said the downward trend interest rates and non-payment of loans by recalcitrant customers accounted for the low increase in the bank’s profit margin.
The bank declared a dividend of GH ¢6,500 at five pesewas per share for the year under review.
In an address, the Sunyani Area Branch Manager of the ARB Apex Bank, Mr Maxwell Donkor, reminded shareholders of rural banks about the need to elect experienced persons with the requisite knowledge to serve on their boards.
“Banking is a serious business and the need to have those with the required background to steer the affairs is paramount to your financial progress and decision making”, he said.
Mr Donkor appealed to shareholders of the bank to buy more shares to increase the paid-up capital of the bank to serve as cushion against risks.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Suma Rural Bank in the Jaman North District of the Brong Ahafo Region recorded GH ¢34,340 as its profit before tax in 2006 as against the GH¢30,010 it had in 2005.
In addition, the bank’s total deposit jumped from ¢838,800 to GH ¢970,500 while overdrafts and advances to it customers increased from GH¢492,200 to
GH ¢662,500 over the same period.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, Mr F. O. Gyan, announced this at the 21st Annual General Meeting of the bank at Suma.
He added that the net worth of the bank recorded an 11.5 per cent increase from the previous balance of GH ¢180,400 to GH ¢200,700 during the period under review.
Mr Gyan said the downward trend interest rates and non-payment of loans by recalcitrant customers accounted for the low increase in the bank’s profit margin.
The bank declared a dividend of GH ¢6,500 at five pesewas per share for the year under review.
In an address, the Sunyani Area Branch Manager of the ARB Apex Bank, Mr Maxwell Donkor, reminded shareholders of rural banks about the need to elect experienced persons with the requisite knowledge to serve on their boards.
“Banking is a serious business and the need to have those with the required background to steer the affairs is paramount to your financial progress and decision making”, he said.
Mr Donkor appealed to shareholders of the bank to buy more shares to increase the paid-up capital of the bank to serve as cushion against risks.
Chiefs, people of Denkyira commend govt
Page 21, Jan 3, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Chiefs and people of the Denkyira Traditional Area in the Central Region have expressed their profound gratitude to the government for elevating the Upper Denkyira District to a municipal status.
In a statement to the President, Mr J.A. Kufuor, the chiefs and the three Members of Parliament from the traditional area - Nana Amoako (Upper Denkyira East), Mr Benjamin Kofi Ayeh (Upper Denkyira West) and Rev. Benjamin Bimpong Donkor (Heman Lower Denkyira) - said the gesture was a Christmas and New Year gift for the people.
“In fact, you have given the Denkyiraman a wonderful Christmas gift.”
The message also expressed the solidarity of the people of the area with President Kufuor over his miraculous escape from the recent car accident in Accra.
“Indeed, the whole Denkyiraman wish you long life and prosperity and ask God’s protection, grace and mercies to guide you to always remain steadfast and focused.”
The statement also thanked the President for honouring a recent invitation to Dunkwa-on-Offin on the occasion of the honouring of heroes and heroines of Denkyira as part of the Golden Jubilee anniversary celebration of the country.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Chiefs and people of the Denkyira Traditional Area in the Central Region have expressed their profound gratitude to the government for elevating the Upper Denkyira District to a municipal status.
In a statement to the President, Mr J.A. Kufuor, the chiefs and the three Members of Parliament from the traditional area - Nana Amoako (Upper Denkyira East), Mr Benjamin Kofi Ayeh (Upper Denkyira West) and Rev. Benjamin Bimpong Donkor (Heman Lower Denkyira) - said the gesture was a Christmas and New Year gift for the people.
“In fact, you have given the Denkyiraman a wonderful Christmas gift.”
The message also expressed the solidarity of the people of the area with President Kufuor over his miraculous escape from the recent car accident in Accra.
“Indeed, the whole Denkyiraman wish you long life and prosperity and ask God’s protection, grace and mercies to guide you to always remain steadfast and focused.”
The statement also thanked the President for honouring a recent invitation to Dunkwa-on-Offin on the occasion of the honouring of heroes and heroines of Denkyira as part of the Golden Jubilee anniversary celebration of the country.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Speaker, CJ call for clean leadership...in the New Year
Spread, Jan 1, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah & Mabel Aku Baneseh
THE leadership of the Judiciary and the Legislature has urged Ghanaians, especially those in leadership positions, to act responsibly and do away with corrupt practices in the new year.
In their New Year messages to Ghanaians, Mrs Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, the Chief Justice, and Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes, the Speaker of Parliament, exhorted Ghanaians to put the interest of the country first in all their dealings.
Mrs Justice Wood noted that Ghana had got to the stage where it needed hardworking and dedicated citizens to move the country to the next threshold of its development.
She reminded Ghanaians that God rewarded hard work, adding, “We should all work hard to move our dear nation forward.”
She said “having prayed and invited God into our lives does not mean we should fold our arms and not work”, in apparent reference to Ghanaians attending watch night services,
The Chief Justice further stated that because God rewarded hard work, Ghanaians would be greatly rewarded if they put the interest of the country first in all their dealings.
“The God we serve is an awesome God. He will fight our battles and frustrate the plans of our enemies and those who doubt Ghana will make it,” Mrs Justice Wood pointed out.
Such a feat, she stated, depended on “our actions and inaction”, adding that Ghanaians must put God first in everything and “Ghana will surely succeed in the coming years”.
Mrs Justice Wood also pleaded with Ghanaians to treat one another justly in their actions.
Touching on her plans for the Judicial Service next year, the Chief Justice disclosed that the service would witness massive infrastructural development in the new year.
“Infrastructural and technological development will be our major works in 2008,” she pointed out.
She said the modernisation of the courts would be expanded, while more districts courts would be set up to realise the goal of ensuring that each district in the country had a court.
Mrs Justice Wood intimated that it was important that people were made to enjoy speedy justice delivery, without having to walk long distances to access justice.
She further stated that the capacity of judges and judicial staff would also be built as part of the plans to improve justice delivery in Ghana to the satisfaction of all.
The Speaker of Parliament urged politicians contesting the 2008 elections to conduct their campaigns based on the manifestos of their parties, instead of focusing on their opponents.
He said nothing should be done to disturb the peace and tranquillity the country was enjoying by way of some politicians attempting to gain advantage over their opponents.
Mr Sekyi Hughes said the electorate also had the duty to analyse the manifestos of the various political parties and vote for the parties of their choice based on issues and the track record of the parties.
On his expectations of Members of Parliament (MPs) in the final session of the Fourth Parliament, Mr Sekyi Hughes said he expected MPs to be regular and punctual.
The Speaker thanked staff of the Parliamentary Service, the leadership of Parliament and the entire 230 MPs for working hard to end the Third Session of the Fourth Parliament successfully and expressed the hope that the MPs would return to the House to begin the next session with renewed strength and commitment.
He also urged the Ghanaian working public to work hard to ensure the rapid growth of the economy.
Mr Sekyi Hughes asked the youth to take advantage of the introduction of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) to be employed in order to fend for themselves.
On his tenure of office as the third Speaker of the Fourth Republic, he said the job had been very interesting, adding, “I have performed my duties impartially, though I may not be 100 per cent perfect, human as I am.”
Mr Sekyi Hughes said he had not regretted for accepting to be the Speaker, which was his first public office, saying that the challenges associated with the work had enabled him to gain a lot of experience.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah & Mabel Aku Baneseh
THE leadership of the Judiciary and the Legislature has urged Ghanaians, especially those in leadership positions, to act responsibly and do away with corrupt practices in the new year.
In their New Year messages to Ghanaians, Mrs Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, the Chief Justice, and Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes, the Speaker of Parliament, exhorted Ghanaians to put the interest of the country first in all their dealings.
Mrs Justice Wood noted that Ghana had got to the stage where it needed hardworking and dedicated citizens to move the country to the next threshold of its development.
She reminded Ghanaians that God rewarded hard work, adding, “We should all work hard to move our dear nation forward.”
She said “having prayed and invited God into our lives does not mean we should fold our arms and not work”, in apparent reference to Ghanaians attending watch night services,
The Chief Justice further stated that because God rewarded hard work, Ghanaians would be greatly rewarded if they put the interest of the country first in all their dealings.
“The God we serve is an awesome God. He will fight our battles and frustrate the plans of our enemies and those who doubt Ghana will make it,” Mrs Justice Wood pointed out.
Such a feat, she stated, depended on “our actions and inaction”, adding that Ghanaians must put God first in everything and “Ghana will surely succeed in the coming years”.
Mrs Justice Wood also pleaded with Ghanaians to treat one another justly in their actions.
Touching on her plans for the Judicial Service next year, the Chief Justice disclosed that the service would witness massive infrastructural development in the new year.
“Infrastructural and technological development will be our major works in 2008,” she pointed out.
She said the modernisation of the courts would be expanded, while more districts courts would be set up to realise the goal of ensuring that each district in the country had a court.
Mrs Justice Wood intimated that it was important that people were made to enjoy speedy justice delivery, without having to walk long distances to access justice.
She further stated that the capacity of judges and judicial staff would also be built as part of the plans to improve justice delivery in Ghana to the satisfaction of all.
The Speaker of Parliament urged politicians contesting the 2008 elections to conduct their campaigns based on the manifestos of their parties, instead of focusing on their opponents.
He said nothing should be done to disturb the peace and tranquillity the country was enjoying by way of some politicians attempting to gain advantage over their opponents.
Mr Sekyi Hughes said the electorate also had the duty to analyse the manifestos of the various political parties and vote for the parties of their choice based on issues and the track record of the parties.
On his expectations of Members of Parliament (MPs) in the final session of the Fourth Parliament, Mr Sekyi Hughes said he expected MPs to be regular and punctual.
The Speaker thanked staff of the Parliamentary Service, the leadership of Parliament and the entire 230 MPs for working hard to end the Third Session of the Fourth Parliament successfully and expressed the hope that the MPs would return to the House to begin the next session with renewed strength and commitment.
He also urged the Ghanaian working public to work hard to ensure the rapid growth of the economy.
Mr Sekyi Hughes asked the youth to take advantage of the introduction of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) to be employed in order to fend for themselves.
On his tenure of office as the third Speaker of the Fourth Republic, he said the job had been very interesting, adding, “I have performed my duties impartially, though I may not be 100 per cent perfect, human as I am.”
Mr Sekyi Hughes said he had not regretted for accepting to be the Speaker, which was his first public office, saying that the challenges associated with the work had enabled him to gain a lot of experience.
Drobo Community Bank grows deposit base
Page 22, Jan 1, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Drobo Community Bank in the Jaman South District of the Brong Ahafo Region has stepped up its deposit mobilisation efforts, resulting in a growth from GH¢683,700 (¢6.837 billion) in 2005 to GH¢858,100 (¢8.581 billion) last year.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, Mr T. K. Obeng ,said in an annual report at the annual general meeting of the bank, that the bank, however, recorded a net loss of GH¢58,480 (¢584.8 million) as compared to the net profit of GH¢9,730 (¢97.3 million) in 2005.
He attributed the loss to a large provision for bad and doubtful debts of GH¢70,000 (¢700 million), but gave the assurance that vigorous efforts would be made to recover all outstanding loans.
Mr Obeng said the short-term investment portfolio of the bank increased from GH¢110,000 (¢1.1 billion) in 2005 to GH¢240,000 (¢2.4 billion) in 2006, while total assets grew from GH¢990,000 (¢9.9 billion) to GH¢1.19 million (¢11.9 billion) in the year under review.
In an address read on his behalf, the Managing Director of ARB Apex Bank, Mr Emmanuel K. Kwapong, said that the government, through the central bank, would introduce a new payment system April 2008 to facilitate electronic payments.
He said the electronic biometric card system would mark the beginning of the increased use of money on electronic cards.
He stated that the ARB Apex Bank would organise traning courses for all rural banks officials to ensure their full participation in the new system.
“What is important, particularly to all rural banks is that civil servants salaries will now be paid through the new system whereby salaries would be electronically loaded,” he said.
Mr Kwapong cautioned rural banks against delaying since that would mean the taking over of their customers by the bigger banks.
Mr Kwapong stated that a new code of conduct had also been developed for the staff of the ARB Apex Bank and rural banks and directors to enable them to adhere to the ethics of banking.
He advised that since the banking sector was undergoing dynamic and massive transformation, it required all banks to brace themselves for the changes underway.
“We must understand that the world is now a global village on account of technology and, therefore, we need to keep pace with the emerging change or else we will not survive”, Mr Kwapong stated.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Drobo Community Bank in the Jaman South District of the Brong Ahafo Region has stepped up its deposit mobilisation efforts, resulting in a growth from GH¢683,700 (¢6.837 billion) in 2005 to GH¢858,100 (¢8.581 billion) last year.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, Mr T. K. Obeng ,said in an annual report at the annual general meeting of the bank, that the bank, however, recorded a net loss of GH¢58,480 (¢584.8 million) as compared to the net profit of GH¢9,730 (¢97.3 million) in 2005.
He attributed the loss to a large provision for bad and doubtful debts of GH¢70,000 (¢700 million), but gave the assurance that vigorous efforts would be made to recover all outstanding loans.
Mr Obeng said the short-term investment portfolio of the bank increased from GH¢110,000 (¢1.1 billion) in 2005 to GH¢240,000 (¢2.4 billion) in 2006, while total assets grew from GH¢990,000 (¢9.9 billion) to GH¢1.19 million (¢11.9 billion) in the year under review.
In an address read on his behalf, the Managing Director of ARB Apex Bank, Mr Emmanuel K. Kwapong, said that the government, through the central bank, would introduce a new payment system April 2008 to facilitate electronic payments.
He said the electronic biometric card system would mark the beginning of the increased use of money on electronic cards.
He stated that the ARB Apex Bank would organise traning courses for all rural banks officials to ensure their full participation in the new system.
“What is important, particularly to all rural banks is that civil servants salaries will now be paid through the new system whereby salaries would be electronically loaded,” he said.
Mr Kwapong cautioned rural banks against delaying since that would mean the taking over of their customers by the bigger banks.
Mr Kwapong stated that a new code of conduct had also been developed for the staff of the ARB Apex Bank and rural banks and directors to enable them to adhere to the ethics of banking.
He advised that since the banking sector was undergoing dynamic and massive transformation, it required all banks to brace themselves for the changes underway.
“We must understand that the world is now a global village on account of technology and, therefore, we need to keep pace with the emerging change or else we will not survive”, Mr Kwapong stated.
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