Addis Ababa, Jan. 31, GNA – President John Agyekum Kufuor, new Chairman of the African Union (AU), says peace and security in the continent would be made the key agenda of his leadership.
Top priority attention would be focused on finding solution to conflict situations in countries like Somalia, Sudan and Cote d' Ivoire, he told Ghanaian Journalists, who accompanied him to the Eighth Ordinary Session of the AU's Heads of State and Government at the Bole International Airport in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa, on Wednesday.
President Kufuor said he would also provide the necessary leadership guidance to ensure that through the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), there was energy security in the region.
He said a critical look would be taken at the continent's water courses and thorough feasibility conducted on the networking of hydro-electricity dams, with a view to tapping energy into a pool.
President Kufuor said it was time the NEPAD initiative was aggressively pushed to open up and build the infrastructure to hold Africa together.
He visited the AU Commission's Secretariat, where he called on the Commissioners and Staff to use their expertise to support the political leadership to work out realistic plans to achieve the vision of the Union.
He said it was a challenge to all Africans to help to improve on the image of the region and to overcome the indignities of conflicts, poverty and diseases.
"It is the totality and combination of your efforts that would change the image", he said adding that they should work to priorities.
"Africa needed to move on the economic and development front, we must establish ourselves in a way that would make the rest of the world, respect us as part of the human society."
Mr Alpha Konare, President of the AU Commission, pledged to work closely with President Kufuor and to co-operate with him to make his chairmanship of the Union, a major success.
He said they were preparing a dossier that would assist him with the necessary materials to lead the AU.
Drawing the curtains down on the AU Session on Tuesday night, President Kufuor declared that the days of long and flowering decisions without actions were gone.
"The world is not waiting for Africa. Africa must catch up and through the African Union with its NEPAD, we are resolved to catch up."
President Kufuor pointed out that he did not intend to invent the wheel or come up with any magical solutions to the challenges of the region as the AU has all the prescriptions enshrined in the Consultative Act and the various decisions taken by the Heads of States and Government.
"What is needed is the implementation of all these decisions to achieve our objectives, and this is what I dedicate my Chairmanship."
He said with their support, he hoped to work for closer cooperation and unity among the peoples and nations for a United Africa.
"I urge all of us to leave here with not only a renewed determination for action but also the clear vision of how to operationalise the goals and aspirations we have committed ourselves to achieve."
Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi, earlier demanded that Africa as a matter of right must be given a permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council.
GNA
KK
31 Jan. 07
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Veep lobbies IFC to support SMEs
Accra, Jan. 31, GNA - Mr Lars H. Thunell, Executive Vice President of the International Finance Corporation, (IFC), on Wednesday met with Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, in Accra, to brainstorm on how to streamline the IFC's operations in Ghana.
The meeting, which was attended by Finance Minister, Mr Kwadwo Baah Wiredu and Minister of Trade and PSI, Mr Alan Kyeremanteng, focused on areas of cooperation in the energy and education sectors as well as access to credit by the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The IFC, which is the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, has expressed commitment to expansion works at the Takoradi Thermal Power Plant, Ghana's Private School Support Programme and support for SMEs.
Vice President Mahama lauded IFC for giving assurance to support Ghana's energy sector, disclosing that government was trying to end disagreements with CMS Energy, the 90 shareholders of the Thermal Plant over figures to facilitate the progress of the project.
He also expressed happiness that the international financial body was assisting the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to provide more housing units for workers.
Vice President Mahama appealed to the IFC authorities to help expand the capacity of local contractors, many of who lacked equipment to operate.
The IFC he said should provide direct support to entrepreneurs engaged in stone quarrying to help expand their production levels and queried the inflexible nature of the commercial banks to provide support for the SMEs to grow.
Mr Thunell suggested the need for Ghanaian banks to update their operations to improve assess to credit.
He praised Ghana for championing the decentralisation of decision-making involving the SMEs, which he said was crucial to their growth. IFC is currently supporting 144,000 SMEs in Africa.
"IFC will like to work on the long and short term support of the energy sector," Mr Thunell assured.
Mr Kyeremanteng said stabilisation and growth of SMEs, which constitute about 96 per cent of business in Ghana, was dear to the government and solicited IFC support especially the flow of credit.
He expressed the need for innovative means of supporting the SMEs such as the establishment of special banks to deal with stakeholders.
Mr Baah Wiredu appealed for IFC support for private tertiary institutions to boost the country's human resource drive.
Mr Thunell, who is leading a four-member team to West Africa, would visit Liberia on Friday, February 1, 2007. He has already visited Nigeria.
GNA
31 Jan. 07
The meeting, which was attended by Finance Minister, Mr Kwadwo Baah Wiredu and Minister of Trade and PSI, Mr Alan Kyeremanteng, focused on areas of cooperation in the energy and education sectors as well as access to credit by the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The IFC, which is the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, has expressed commitment to expansion works at the Takoradi Thermal Power Plant, Ghana's Private School Support Programme and support for SMEs.
Vice President Mahama lauded IFC for giving assurance to support Ghana's energy sector, disclosing that government was trying to end disagreements with CMS Energy, the 90 shareholders of the Thermal Plant over figures to facilitate the progress of the project.
He also expressed happiness that the international financial body was assisting the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to provide more housing units for workers.
Vice President Mahama appealed to the IFC authorities to help expand the capacity of local contractors, many of who lacked equipment to operate.
The IFC he said should provide direct support to entrepreneurs engaged in stone quarrying to help expand their production levels and queried the inflexible nature of the commercial banks to provide support for the SMEs to grow.
Mr Thunell suggested the need for Ghanaian banks to update their operations to improve assess to credit.
He praised Ghana for championing the decentralisation of decision-making involving the SMEs, which he said was crucial to their growth. IFC is currently supporting 144,000 SMEs in Africa.
"IFC will like to work on the long and short term support of the energy sector," Mr Thunell assured.
Mr Kyeremanteng said stabilisation and growth of SMEs, which constitute about 96 per cent of business in Ghana, was dear to the government and solicited IFC support especially the flow of credit.
He expressed the need for innovative means of supporting the SMEs such as the establishment of special banks to deal with stakeholders.
Mr Baah Wiredu appealed for IFC support for private tertiary institutions to boost the country's human resource drive.
Mr Thunell, who is leading a four-member team to West Africa, would visit Liberia on Friday, February 1, 2007. He has already visited Nigeria.
GNA
31 Jan. 07
A Faction of late Dr Ayieta Azantilow's family invade Mortuary
Bolgatanga, Jan 31, GNA- A faction of the family of the late Sandem-Nab Dr Ayieta Azantilow at the weekend broke into the Bolgatanga Mortuary and took the deceased's corpse for burial.
Narrating the incident to the Media in Bolgatanga at a press briefing, the Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ofosu Mensah- Gyeabour, said while the Regional House of Chiefs was holding a meeting with the Regional Security Council (RESEC) on the preparations of the burial the family faction broke into the Mortuary and took the body for burial at Sandema.
He said the Mortuary was not only broken into but also the louvre blades, doors and the refrigerator were also destroyed.
He gave the names of the family faction that perpetrated the act as Sylvester Azantilow, a former Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr Azagsuk Azantilow, former Regional Director of Education, Mr. Edward Azantilow, a Medical Officer and Mr. Robert Azantilow.
They were arrested by the police and put before the Bolgatanga Circuit Court and granted bail.
According to the Regional Police Commander, they would reappear before the court at a date yet to be determined for further prosecution.
He stated that though the body had been buried there was still tight security in the Sandema area.
GNA
31 Jan 07
Narrating the incident to the Media in Bolgatanga at a press briefing, the Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ofosu Mensah- Gyeabour, said while the Regional House of Chiefs was holding a meeting with the Regional Security Council (RESEC) on the preparations of the burial the family faction broke into the Mortuary and took the body for burial at Sandema.
He said the Mortuary was not only broken into but also the louvre blades, doors and the refrigerator were also destroyed.
He gave the names of the family faction that perpetrated the act as Sylvester Azantilow, a former Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr Azagsuk Azantilow, former Regional Director of Education, Mr. Edward Azantilow, a Medical Officer and Mr. Robert Azantilow.
They were arrested by the police and put before the Bolgatanga Circuit Court and granted bail.
According to the Regional Police Commander, they would reappear before the court at a date yet to be determined for further prosecution.
He stated that though the body had been buried there was still tight security in the Sandema area.
GNA
31 Jan 07
Chief Imam welcomes pilgrims back home
Accra, Jan. 31, GNA - The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Nuhu Sharabutu on Wednesday welcomed back home pilgrims who performed the 2006/07 Hajj and prayed that Allah would accept their Hajj.
In a statement issued by Alhaji Awaisu Bio, Public Relations Officer of the Office of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Sharabutu consoled the families of those who passed away during the Hajj and prayed for the speedy recovery of those who are ill or hospitalized.
He prayed to Allah that those who were unable to make it this year would have good health and long life to perform the Hajj later.
Sheikh Sharabutu gave the assurance that steps were being taken to refund their money to them and urged them to exercise restraint and patience.
Hundreds of pilgrims were unable to fly to Saudi Arabia for Hajj because there was no flight.
GNA
31 Jan. 07
In a statement issued by Alhaji Awaisu Bio, Public Relations Officer of the Office of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Sharabutu consoled the families of those who passed away during the Hajj and prayed for the speedy recovery of those who are ill or hospitalized.
He prayed to Allah that those who were unable to make it this year would have good health and long life to perform the Hajj later.
Sheikh Sharabutu gave the assurance that steps were being taken to refund their money to them and urged them to exercise restraint and patience.
Hundreds of pilgrims were unable to fly to Saudi Arabia for Hajj because there was no flight.
GNA
31 Jan. 07
Chief Imam congratulates Ghanaians on Golden Jubilee
Accra, Jan. 31, GNA - The National Chief Imam Sheikh Nuhu Sharabutu on Wednesday congratulated Ghanaians for the Golden Jubilee of the country, saying though there might have been ups and downs, the country deserved the celebration.
In a statement issued by Alhaji Awaisu Bio, Public Relations Officer of the Office of National Chief Imam, Sheikh Sharabutu also congratulated past and present leaders who had contributed to the development of the nation because it was through their efforts that the nation has come this far.
The Chief Imam, however, called on all past and present leaders and political parties irrespective of their differences to unite for the development of the country.
He also commended all religious bodies and urged them to continue to work for unity and tolerance.
The Chief Imam commended individuals and organizations that are working tirelessly to make the jubilee celebration a success, especially the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, which is working around the clock to ensure good sanitation in the city, and expressed the hope that this would continue after the jubilee.
"As a spiritual leader, (the Chief Imam) wishes to say that cleanliness is paramount to the service of God; so let us keep the good attitude of ensuring a clean nation," the statement said.
31 Jan. 07
In a statement issued by Alhaji Awaisu Bio, Public Relations Officer of the Office of National Chief Imam, Sheikh Sharabutu also congratulated past and present leaders who had contributed to the development of the nation because it was through their efforts that the nation has come this far.
The Chief Imam, however, called on all past and present leaders and political parties irrespective of their differences to unite for the development of the country.
He also commended all religious bodies and urged them to continue to work for unity and tolerance.
The Chief Imam commended individuals and organizations that are working tirelessly to make the jubilee celebration a success, especially the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, which is working around the clock to ensure good sanitation in the city, and expressed the hope that this would continue after the jubilee.
"As a spiritual leader, (the Chief Imam) wishes to say that cleanliness is paramount to the service of God; so let us keep the good attitude of ensuring a clean nation," the statement said.
31 Jan. 07
MPs visit Domestic Violence Unit
Accra, Jan. 31, GNA - An Assistant Commissioner of Police on Wednesday said most defilement cases were not being prosecuted because of various reasons including the inability to pay medical fees to establish a case.
Madam Beatrice Vib-Sanziri, Coordinating Director of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, told the Women Caucus in Parliament that delays in reporting sexual offences and pressure from family members to settle matters at home also resulted in cases not going before the courts.
The police officer was briefing the parliamentarians about the work of the Unit during a visit by the members.
Madam Vib-Sanziri said the Unit was in the process of constructing a complex to serve as a shelter, medical and conference centre among others.
She said there were plans to establish the Unit in all districts, adding that, currently, there were about 63 desk officers nation-wide.
Madam Vib-Sanziri said defilement cases were the most commonly reported sexual offences with cases of non-maintenance of children also being quite common.
She said a major problem facing the Unit was a place to serve as shelter for victims, especially abused children while cases were being investigated.
The parliamentarians, led by Mrs Eugenia Kusi, a Deputy Majority Chief Whip, were at the Unit to interact with the staff. They donated a Milo dispenser to the Unit.
GNA
31 Jan. 07
Madam Beatrice Vib-Sanziri, Coordinating Director of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, told the Women Caucus in Parliament that delays in reporting sexual offences and pressure from family members to settle matters at home also resulted in cases not going before the courts.
The police officer was briefing the parliamentarians about the work of the Unit during a visit by the members.
Madam Vib-Sanziri said the Unit was in the process of constructing a complex to serve as a shelter, medical and conference centre among others.
She said there were plans to establish the Unit in all districts, adding that, currently, there were about 63 desk officers nation-wide.
Madam Vib-Sanziri said defilement cases were the most commonly reported sexual offences with cases of non-maintenance of children also being quite common.
She said a major problem facing the Unit was a place to serve as shelter for victims, especially abused children while cases were being investigated.
The parliamentarians, led by Mrs Eugenia Kusi, a Deputy Majority Chief Whip, were at the Unit to interact with the staff. They donated a Milo dispenser to the Unit.
GNA
31 Jan. 07
Tsatsu takes battle to Africa
Accra, Jan. 31, GNA – Mr Tsatsu Tsikata, Former Chief Executive of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), has taken his legal battle to the African Commission on Human and People's Rights alleging Ghana Government's determination to jail him at all cost.
In a write up made available to the GNA, Mr Tsikata states that the way the Prosecution was going about the case, manifested clearly the determination of the Government of Ghana to ensure that the only possible outcome of the criminal proceedings against him would be his incarceration, without any reference to the facts and legal issues.
He said the basic principle of not charging any person with an offence, which at the time of its commission did not constitute an offence, was being breached.He said the Police attempted to arrest him at a church hall, where he had gone to worship on Sunday March 17 2002. Mr Tsikata said he was, therefore, seeking the intervention of the African Commission on Human and People's Rights, since his personal liberty was in danger of being infringed upon.
He has also appealed to the to the Commission to invoke Rule 111 of its Rules of Procedure on Provisional Measures and to request the Republic of Ghana not to proceed further with his trial until the Commission heard his case.
Mr Tsikata said: "No harm or prejudicial effect whatsoever will be caused by such a stay of proceedings, which will rather enable important human rights issues to be determined authoritatively by the Commission and ensure that the conduct of such criminal proceedings in Africa are guided by an authoritative determination in the interest of fairness, respect for the rights of people and justice."
31 Jan. 07
In a write up made available to the GNA, Mr Tsikata states that the way the Prosecution was going about the case, manifested clearly the determination of the Government of Ghana to ensure that the only possible outcome of the criminal proceedings against him would be his incarceration, without any reference to the facts and legal issues.
He said the basic principle of not charging any person with an offence, which at the time of its commission did not constitute an offence, was being breached.He said the Police attempted to arrest him at a church hall, where he had gone to worship on Sunday March 17 2002. Mr Tsikata said he was, therefore, seeking the intervention of the African Commission on Human and People's Rights, since his personal liberty was in danger of being infringed upon.
He has also appealed to the to the Commission to invoke Rule 111 of its Rules of Procedure on Provisional Measures and to request the Republic of Ghana not to proceed further with his trial until the Commission heard his case.
Mr Tsikata said: "No harm or prejudicial effect whatsoever will be caused by such a stay of proceedings, which will rather enable important human rights issues to be determined authoritatively by the Commission and ensure that the conduct of such criminal proceedings in Africa are guided by an authoritative determination in the interest of fairness, respect for the rights of people and justice."
31 Jan. 07
Results of the 20th week Onetouch Premier League
Accra, Jan 31, GNA – The following are the results of the 20th week Onetouch Premier League matches played on Wednesday, January 31, at the various league centers.
Tema: Hearts 0 RTU 0
Kpando: Lions 1 Olympics 1
Swedru: All Blacks 0 Hasaacas 0
Dansoman: Liberty 0 Bofoakwa 0
Sunyani: Faisal 2 Tema Youth 1
Cape Coast: Kotoko 2 Power FC 1
Berekum: Arsenal 1 Feyenoord 1
The match between Real Sportive and Ashantigold will be played on Feb 10.
The match was postponed following the participation of Ashgold in the CAF Champions League.
31 Jan 07
Tema: Hearts 0 RTU 0
Kpando: Lions 1 Olympics 1
Swedru: All Blacks 0 Hasaacas 0
Dansoman: Liberty 0 Bofoakwa 0
Sunyani: Faisal 2 Tema Youth 1
Cape Coast: Kotoko 2 Power FC 1
Berekum: Arsenal 1 Feyenoord 1
The match between Real Sportive and Ashantigold will be played on Feb 10.
The match was postponed following the participation of Ashgold in the CAF Champions League.
31 Jan 07
Assemblyman for Soe/Yipala holds victory rally
Bolgatanga, Jan 31, GNA- The Assemblyman for Soe/Yipala electoral area in Bolgatanga, Mr. Ayimbire Alolga, on Wednesday appealed to members of his electoral area to help maintain unity and peace, which is the key component to development.He urged them to bury their political differences and team up to help bring development to the area.
"The development of Soe/Yipala is the responsibility of all the people in this area and we must therefore avoid petty squabbles and move forward", he stressed.Mr Alolga was addressing the people of the area during a victory rally to in his honour for winning the Assemblyman position.He assured the people that he would devote his energy, time and the limited resources available to ensure that development was brought to the place. He noted that the on-going road construction in the area would soon be completed to facilitate the movement of goods and services.Mr. Alolga said proposals had been sent to the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly for the construction of a new school, toilet and health facilities.He pledged that the remote parts of the area would soon be connected to the national electrification grid.The Assemblyman however, appealed to the people to endeavour to release lands for development projects and avoid stopping contractors from executing their duties.
He warned criminals in the area to stop their nefarious practice or else when caught would be dealt with and noted that plans were afoot by the police to train community policing volunteers to help arrest criminals in the place.
31 Jan 07
"The development of Soe/Yipala is the responsibility of all the people in this area and we must therefore avoid petty squabbles and move forward", he stressed.Mr Alolga was addressing the people of the area during a victory rally to in his honour for winning the Assemblyman position.He assured the people that he would devote his energy, time and the limited resources available to ensure that development was brought to the place. He noted that the on-going road construction in the area would soon be completed to facilitate the movement of goods and services.Mr. Alolga said proposals had been sent to the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly for the construction of a new school, toilet and health facilities.He pledged that the remote parts of the area would soon be connected to the national electrification grid.The Assemblyman however, appealed to the people to endeavour to release lands for development projects and avoid stopping contractors from executing their duties.
He warned criminals in the area to stop their nefarious practice or else when caught would be dealt with and noted that plans were afoot by the police to train community policing volunteers to help arrest criminals in the place.
31 Jan 07
AU Ghana Summit in July to be focused on the Roadmap to Union Government
Addis Ababa, Jan 31, GNA – African Political Leaders have resolved to dedicate their next ordinary Summit to be held in Ghana in July, to the single item agenda of a roadmap to establishing a Union Government for the region.This is to honour the pioneering role Ghana and its first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah played in the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now transformed into African Union (AU).
The decision was part of declarations made at the Union's two-day Eighth Ordinary Session of Heads of States and Government that ended in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on Wednesday.The leaders re-affirmed their decision to allocate at least 10 per cent of their national budget to agriculture to reduce the continent's annual expenditure of 20 billion dollars on agricultural imports. Besides, an African Education Fund is to be established through voluntary contributions of the member countries of the AU.On the situation in Somalia, they called for immediate deployment of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), a stabilization force, to that country. They also called on member countries and AU partners to support the Transitional Federal Institutions.
Regarding Sudan, they encouraged the AU, the United Nations, and the Sudan Government to speed up the process of implementation of the conclusions reached based on their high level consultations, to enable the world body, as a matter of urgency, take all necessary measures for the funding of the peace support operation in Darfur.The Heads of State and Government also appealed to the international community to give the necessary assistance to countries emerging from conflicts to enable them consolidate peace and stability.
31 Jan. 2007
The decision was part of declarations made at the Union's two-day Eighth Ordinary Session of Heads of States and Government that ended in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on Wednesday.The leaders re-affirmed their decision to allocate at least 10 per cent of their national budget to agriculture to reduce the continent's annual expenditure of 20 billion dollars on agricultural imports. Besides, an African Education Fund is to be established through voluntary contributions of the member countries of the AU.On the situation in Somalia, they called for immediate deployment of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), a stabilization force, to that country. They also called on member countries and AU partners to support the Transitional Federal Institutions.
Regarding Sudan, they encouraged the AU, the United Nations, and the Sudan Government to speed up the process of implementation of the conclusions reached based on their high level consultations, to enable the world body, as a matter of urgency, take all necessary measures for the funding of the peace support operation in Darfur.The Heads of State and Government also appealed to the international community to give the necessary assistance to countries emerging from conflicts to enable them consolidate peace and stability.
31 Jan. 2007
AU Ghana Summit in July to be focused on the Roadmap to Union Government
Addis Ababa, Jan 31, GNA – African Political Leaders have resolved to dedicate their next ordinary Summit to be held in Ghana in July, to the single item agenda of a roadmap to establishing a Union Government for the region.
This is to honour the pioneering role Ghana and its first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah played in the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now transformed into African Union (AU).
The decision was part of declarations made at the Union's two-day Eighth Ordinary Session of Heads of States and Government that ended in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on Wednesday.
The leaders re-affirmed their decision to allocate at least 10 per cent of their national budget to agriculture to reduce the continent's annual expenditure of 20 billion dollars on agricultural imports.
Besides, an African Education Fund is to be established through voluntary contributions of the member countries of the AU.
On the situation in Somalia, they called for immediate deployment of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), a stabilization force, to that country.
They also called on member countries and AU partners to support the Transitional Federal Institutions.
Regarding Sudan, they encouraged the AU, the United Nations, and the Sudan Government to speed up the process of implementation of the conclusions reached based on their high level consultations, to enable the world body, as a matter of urgency, take all necessary measures for the funding of the peace support operation in Darfur.
The Heads of State and Government also appealed to the international community to give the necessary assistance to countries emerging from conflicts to enable them consolidate peace and stability.
31 Jan. 2007
This is to honour the pioneering role Ghana and its first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah played in the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now transformed into African Union (AU).
The decision was part of declarations made at the Union's two-day Eighth Ordinary Session of Heads of States and Government that ended in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on Wednesday.
The leaders re-affirmed their decision to allocate at least 10 per cent of their national budget to agriculture to reduce the continent's annual expenditure of 20 billion dollars on agricultural imports.
Besides, an African Education Fund is to be established through voluntary contributions of the member countries of the AU.
On the situation in Somalia, they called for immediate deployment of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), a stabilization force, to that country.
They also called on member countries and AU partners to support the Transitional Federal Institutions.
Regarding Sudan, they encouraged the AU, the United Nations, and the Sudan Government to speed up the process of implementation of the conclusions reached based on their high level consultations, to enable the world body, as a matter of urgency, take all necessary measures for the funding of the peace support operation in Darfur.
The Heads of State and Government also appealed to the international community to give the necessary assistance to countries emerging from conflicts to enable them consolidate peace and stability.
31 Jan. 2007
DFP commends Kufuor, cautions against rushing Ghanaian troops to Somalia
Accra Jan. 31, GNA - The Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), on Wednesday commended President John Agyekum Kufuor on his election as chairman of the African Union (AU).It also cautioned the government not to be in haste to send Ghanaian soldiers on peacekeeping mission to Somalia.The DFP in a statement signed by its Interim Deputy General Secretary, Bede Ziedeng said it was of the view that much as all efforts must be made to secure peace in Somalia, "it is equally important that we do not commit the lives of our soldiers to unnecessary risk".
The DFP recalled that in the past, U.S. troops had to pull out of Somalia after suffering some heavy casualties at the hands of Somali gunmen."In the aftermath of the pullout of Ethiopian forces now, the stage is virtually set for bloody clashes between the Islamists and Somali government forces."This is because no ceasefire has been declared and there is therefore no buffer zone, as a safe landing ground for the troops who will then be responsible for keeping the peace."
The DFP said it saw the area more as a landmine and would therefore advise "we exercise care before we commit our troops to such dangerous venture".On the election, the DFP lauded President Kufuor saying it shared with him the honour and glory it had brought to Ghana during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of independence.
The statement said the election of President Kufuor as AU Chairman also went to improve upon the image and rating of Ghana in Africa and the international community.The DFP expressed the hope that President Kufuor would use the opportunity not only to bring the nations of the continent closer together, but also bring his experience to bear on efforts at reducing conflict on the continent whilst encouraging good governance through democratic principles and practices on the continent, which is the surest way to achieve sustained development for Africans.
31 Jan. 07
The DFP recalled that in the past, U.S. troops had to pull out of Somalia after suffering some heavy casualties at the hands of Somali gunmen."In the aftermath of the pullout of Ethiopian forces now, the stage is virtually set for bloody clashes between the Islamists and Somali government forces."This is because no ceasefire has been declared and there is therefore no buffer zone, as a safe landing ground for the troops who will then be responsible for keeping the peace."
The DFP said it saw the area more as a landmine and would therefore advise "we exercise care before we commit our troops to such dangerous venture".On the election, the DFP lauded President Kufuor saying it shared with him the honour and glory it had brought to Ghana during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of independence.
The statement said the election of President Kufuor as AU Chairman also went to improve upon the image and rating of Ghana in Africa and the international community.The DFP expressed the hope that President Kufuor would use the opportunity not only to bring the nations of the continent closer together, but also bring his experience to bear on efforts at reducing conflict on the continent whilst encouraging good governance through democratic principles and practices on the continent, which is the surest way to achieve sustained development for Africans.
31 Jan. 07
CPP outlines independence anniversary programme
Accra, 31 Jan. GNA - The Convention People's Party (CPP) on Wednesday outlined its activities for the commemoration of the country's 50th Independence Celebrations. According to the party's National Chairman, Dr Edmund Delle, the Programme of activities is not a means of assessing the quality of the celebration but the fear that the country is missing a great opportunity of mobilizing its citizens for development.
"We are not here to assess the quality of the celebration; however our fear is that we are missing a great opportunity to mobilise our citizens and to deepen their commitment to the national development effort", he said. Dr Delle said the programme was providing a forum for all CPP members and sympathizers to identify their strength and plans for the future and to unite all Nkrumaists into a political force, capable of winning political power in 2008.Dr Delle emphasized the party's commitment to joining the rest of the nation to celebrate the anniversary but recognized the need to honour Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the man who fought for the total liberation of not only Ghana, but also the entire African continent.
"It will be unfair if the party has no Programme to show solidarity to Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the teaming supporters", Dr Delle said. Taking a swipe at the organization of some the activities marking the national celebrations, he said, a CPP government would have used at least three years to first sensitise all Ghanaians home and abroad on the coming event, consult other political parties and civil societies in the planning, organization and implementation of the 50th anniversary celebrations.
Other activities outlined include, radio television discussions on some of the prominent freedom fighters in Ghana, open forum on the 1966 coup and a candle light procession through the principal streets of Accra and the regional capitals.The rest are an international conference on the theme: "Pan - Africanism as a tool for African Emancipation" and a mammoth rally in Accra to climax
the celebrations.
Madam Araba Betsi Enchil, first National Vice-Chairperson of the party, encouraged the youth to learn the history of the nation to appreciate the immense contribution of the CPP in Ghana's development of the country.She recommended a literature book on the history of Ghana titled, "FIGHT BACK" which would aid the youth in understanding the political history of the country.
Present at the function were Mr. Kwame Sanaa Poku Jantuah, a Cabinet Minister in the first Republic, Dr. Osei Asibey, a Former Member Of Parliament in the Limann administration, Mr. Kojo Armah, CPP Member of Parliament for Evalue Gwira and other leading members of the party.The party goes to congress to elect its Executives in August this year.
31 Jan. 07
"We are not here to assess the quality of the celebration; however our fear is that we are missing a great opportunity to mobilise our citizens and to deepen their commitment to the national development effort", he said. Dr Delle said the programme was providing a forum for all CPP members and sympathizers to identify their strength and plans for the future and to unite all Nkrumaists into a political force, capable of winning political power in 2008.Dr Delle emphasized the party's commitment to joining the rest of the nation to celebrate the anniversary but recognized the need to honour Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the man who fought for the total liberation of not only Ghana, but also the entire African continent.
"It will be unfair if the party has no Programme to show solidarity to Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the teaming supporters", Dr Delle said. Taking a swipe at the organization of some the activities marking the national celebrations, he said, a CPP government would have used at least three years to first sensitise all Ghanaians home and abroad on the coming event, consult other political parties and civil societies in the planning, organization and implementation of the 50th anniversary celebrations.
Other activities outlined include, radio television discussions on some of the prominent freedom fighters in Ghana, open forum on the 1966 coup and a candle light procession through the principal streets of Accra and the regional capitals.The rest are an international conference on the theme: "Pan - Africanism as a tool for African Emancipation" and a mammoth rally in Accra to climax
the celebrations.
Madam Araba Betsi Enchil, first National Vice-Chairperson of the party, encouraged the youth to learn the history of the nation to appreciate the immense contribution of the CPP in Ghana's development of the country.She recommended a literature book on the history of Ghana titled, "FIGHT BACK" which would aid the youth in understanding the political history of the country.
Present at the function were Mr. Kwame Sanaa Poku Jantuah, a Cabinet Minister in the first Republic, Dr. Osei Asibey, a Former Member Of Parliament in the Limann administration, Mr. Kojo Armah, CPP Member of Parliament for Evalue Gwira and other leading members of the party.The party goes to congress to elect its Executives in August this year.
31 Jan. 07
Legon to have Baseball Stadium
Accra, Jan 31, GNA – The venue nightmare of Baseball followers in the country will soon be over with a proposed stadium to be constructed at the University of Ghana, Legon.
The facility will be a giant step at restructuring, reorganization and the development of the sport in the country.
Dr. Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah, Director of Sports at the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports told the GNA Sports that officials of the premier university have accepted to release a parcel of land for the project.He said that officials of the United States-based Baseball team, New York Mets and Yankees will provide the funding for the stadium. The U.S team will conduct a feasibility study at the site on Monday upon their arrival in the country on Friday.A Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between both parties after which works on the development of the site will commence.The only Baseball pitch in the country is the Evergreen Park at Tema Community Four.
31 Jan. 07
The facility will be a giant step at restructuring, reorganization and the development of the sport in the country.
Dr. Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah, Director of Sports at the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports told the GNA Sports that officials of the premier university have accepted to release a parcel of land for the project.He said that officials of the United States-based Baseball team, New York Mets and Yankees will provide the funding for the stadium. The U.S team will conduct a feasibility study at the site on Monday upon their arrival in the country on Friday.A Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between both parties after which works on the development of the site will commence.The only Baseball pitch in the country is the Evergreen Park at Tema Community Four.
31 Jan. 07
Dade Boxing Gym Presents Equipment to NSC
Accra, Jan 31, GNA – Dade Boxing Promotion, an Accra-based boxing promotion agency on Monday presented boxing equipment to the National Sports Council (NSC) towards the development of amateur boxing in the Obuasi Municipality.
The equipment worth five million cedis was in response to an appeal made by Mrs. Grace Asiam, Obuasi Municipal Sports Organizer to the gym to help salvage the sport in her District.
The equipment is made up of two pairs of sparring gloves, one punching bag, a hand pad and an unfilled punching bag.
Gideon Quartey, Chairman of the Dade Boxing Promotion told the GNA Sports that the donation was part of his outfit's effort towards the rejuvenating of amateur boxing in all the ten regions of the country.
He said this is a first step by the gym towards establishing a boxing gym in Obuasi.
Prince Ernest Oduro Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of NSC, who received the equipment on behalf of the Assembly thanked the officials of Dade Promotion and urged others to emulate their gesture.
He said the presentation was a sign that Council was in partnership with stakeholders to ensure the developments of sports in the country.
Madam Asiam said that the equipment will go a long way to revive amateur boxing in her Assembly and thanked the dade gym for their kind gesture.
31 Jan. 07
The equipment worth five million cedis was in response to an appeal made by Mrs. Grace Asiam, Obuasi Municipal Sports Organizer to the gym to help salvage the sport in her District.
The equipment is made up of two pairs of sparring gloves, one punching bag, a hand pad and an unfilled punching bag.
Gideon Quartey, Chairman of the Dade Boxing Promotion told the GNA Sports that the donation was part of his outfit's effort towards the rejuvenating of amateur boxing in all the ten regions of the country.
He said this is a first step by the gym towards establishing a boxing gym in Obuasi.
Prince Ernest Oduro Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of NSC, who received the equipment on behalf of the Assembly thanked the officials of Dade Promotion and urged others to emulate their gesture.
He said the presentation was a sign that Council was in partnership with stakeholders to ensure the developments of sports in the country.
Madam Asiam said that the equipment will go a long way to revive amateur boxing in her Assembly and thanked the dade gym for their kind gesture.
31 Jan. 07
Executive dominance impedes democratic process - Report
Accra, Jan. 31, GNA - The executive dominance of high office holders is impeding the effective functioning of democratic institutions despite the government's "zero tolerance" policy.
The report of a study jointly published by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) with the World Bank, said on Wednesday more efforts were needed to overcome the entrenched culture of political patronage and corruption.
The objective of the study was to contribute to improved governance and citizen empowerment in Ghana by promoting better conditions and enhanced capacities for social accountability.
A workshop organized by CDD and World Bank to discuss possible implementation of recommendations of the study brought together stakeholders from the private and public sectors, including Mr Abraham Odoom, Deputy Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment.
The report, which covered the South, middle and northern sectors of the country, also stated that effective local government was impeded by persistent and excessive central control.
"Local authorities lack capacity and substantive control over planning and budgetary process, fiscal decentralization has not occurred and funds flowing to local government are limited."
The findings of the report stated that there was the need to expand, strengthen and better define terms of engagement for formal and informal processes of negotiation and participatory decision-making.
Mr Kojo Pumpuni Asante, Research Officer on Governance and Legal Policy for CDD, said the report focused on three main areas, which were information, voice and negotiations.
It expressed concerns about the culture of clarity, which has resulted in weak information management in the public service.
It also recommended the promotion of independent, professional and socially responsible media in addition to a strengthened partnership between civil society organizations and the media.
He said Ghana was limited by the lack of awareness of citizens' rights and socio-cultural factors such as traditional values of unquestioning deference to authority, in addition to poverty and illiteracy in the country.
"An increasing number of opportunities and mechanisms for citizens-state dialogue exists in Ghana but are not fully utilized or fully effective."
Dr Esther Ofei Aboagye, Director of the Institute of Local Government Studies, urged citizens to stand up, take up issues and pursue them in the interest of the nation.
Dr Ofei Aboagye advocated more dialogue and communication between civil society and public office holders.
Mr Ted Lawrence, Democracy and Governance Officer
at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), expressed concerns about the inability of citizens to seek information and stressed the need for the freedom of information legislation.
"There is the need for citizens to know their responsibilities," he said.
Mr Lawrence said the role of parliamentarians should be redefined to make government more efficient and said parliamentarians should not prioritise their political inclinations rather than voicing the public interest and concerns.
He advised the media to focus on developmental issues affecting society, investigate issues rather than discussing politics and asked for incentives for those that report on investigative issues.
"The role of civil society in accessing, generating and transmitting information is underdeveloped, he added.
Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director for the Institute for Democratic Governance called for enhanced human resource capacity and funding to deserving sectors.
Dr Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi, Executive Director of CDD, said the research confirmed the task of promoting social accountability for all sectors and all levels of Ghanaian politics.
"It confirms a strong need for a concerted effort by government, civil society and donors to develop effective and sustainable strategies and programmes to help create an environment conducive to improvements in social accountability."
31 Jan. 07
The report of a study jointly published by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) with the World Bank, said on Wednesday more efforts were needed to overcome the entrenched culture of political patronage and corruption.
The objective of the study was to contribute to improved governance and citizen empowerment in Ghana by promoting better conditions and enhanced capacities for social accountability.
A workshop organized by CDD and World Bank to discuss possible implementation of recommendations of the study brought together stakeholders from the private and public sectors, including Mr Abraham Odoom, Deputy Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment.
The report, which covered the South, middle and northern sectors of the country, also stated that effective local government was impeded by persistent and excessive central control.
"Local authorities lack capacity and substantive control over planning and budgetary process, fiscal decentralization has not occurred and funds flowing to local government are limited."
The findings of the report stated that there was the need to expand, strengthen and better define terms of engagement for formal and informal processes of negotiation and participatory decision-making.
Mr Kojo Pumpuni Asante, Research Officer on Governance and Legal Policy for CDD, said the report focused on three main areas, which were information, voice and negotiations.
It expressed concerns about the culture of clarity, which has resulted in weak information management in the public service.
It also recommended the promotion of independent, professional and socially responsible media in addition to a strengthened partnership between civil society organizations and the media.
He said Ghana was limited by the lack of awareness of citizens' rights and socio-cultural factors such as traditional values of unquestioning deference to authority, in addition to poverty and illiteracy in the country.
"An increasing number of opportunities and mechanisms for citizens-state dialogue exists in Ghana but are not fully utilized or fully effective."
Dr Esther Ofei Aboagye, Director of the Institute of Local Government Studies, urged citizens to stand up, take up issues and pursue them in the interest of the nation.
Dr Ofei Aboagye advocated more dialogue and communication between civil society and public office holders.
Mr Ted Lawrence, Democracy and Governance Officer
at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), expressed concerns about the inability of citizens to seek information and stressed the need for the freedom of information legislation.
"There is the need for citizens to know their responsibilities," he said.
Mr Lawrence said the role of parliamentarians should be redefined to make government more efficient and said parliamentarians should not prioritise their political inclinations rather than voicing the public interest and concerns.
He advised the media to focus on developmental issues affecting society, investigate issues rather than discussing politics and asked for incentives for those that report on investigative issues.
"The role of civil society in accessing, generating and transmitting information is underdeveloped, he added.
Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director for the Institute for Democratic Governance called for enhanced human resource capacity and funding to deserving sectors.
Dr Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi, Executive Director of CDD, said the research confirmed the task of promoting social accountability for all sectors and all levels of Ghanaian politics.
"It confirms a strong need for a concerted effort by government, civil society and donors to develop effective and sustainable strategies and programmes to help create an environment conducive to improvements in social accountability."
31 Jan. 07
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Health experts meet on management and leadership
Accra, Jan 29, GNA - Major Courage Quashigah (rtd) Minister of Health, on Monday said a strategic approach to management was the key to effective implementation of health policies.He explained that significant progress could only be achieved in areas of health under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through action and commitment from the national, regional, district, and sub-district through to the community levels.
"Communities and individuals must be involved in decision-making, which affects their health and we are providing incentives by rolling out community-based health planning and services to enable this to happen."Major Quashigah said this when he opened a four-day international consultative meeting in Accra on strengthening health leadership and management in low-income countries, under the theme "Towards Better leadership and Management in Health". The meeting is being organized by the World Health Organisation (WHO) with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Fund.
The participants from Ghana, United States of America, United Kingdom, Togo, South Africa, Benin, Tanzania, India, Kenya, Uganda, Guinea, Senegal, Botswana, Malawi and Nigeria would agree on key leadership and management issues on scaling up service delivery.They would also share experiences and lessons learnt and propose a follow-up programme of work for the WHO.
Major Quashigah explained that efforts had been made to improve individual and team leadership as well as managerial capacities "but all these laudable initiatives have been derailed by the current crisis of human resources for health management, including shortages and mal-distribution of health workers".He said the Health Ministry was working to strengthen and build the understanding of managers at all levels of what could be realistically achieved.The Minister noted the Ministry's new health policy, aimed at tackling health from promotion through prevention to curative would naturally, with minimal resources achieve the MDGs and ensure that people were productive and contributed to wealth creation.This, he said, would help to attain the President John Agyekum Kufuor's vision of moving the country to a middle income status of 1,000 dollars per capita income by 2015.
Dr Joachim Sewake, WHO Country Representative, noted that health sectors in most countries present expressed concern of lack resources to deliver quality health care and called for negotiations backed by appropriate donor coordinators, resources by governments and other health partners. He said WHO recognised the fact that management and leadership in the health sector was important and was pooling experts in the field to put together write-ups to solve the problem.
29 Jan. 07
"Communities and individuals must be involved in decision-making, which affects their health and we are providing incentives by rolling out community-based health planning and services to enable this to happen."Major Quashigah said this when he opened a four-day international consultative meeting in Accra on strengthening health leadership and management in low-income countries, under the theme "Towards Better leadership and Management in Health". The meeting is being organized by the World Health Organisation (WHO) with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Fund.
The participants from Ghana, United States of America, United Kingdom, Togo, South Africa, Benin, Tanzania, India, Kenya, Uganda, Guinea, Senegal, Botswana, Malawi and Nigeria would agree on key leadership and management issues on scaling up service delivery.They would also share experiences and lessons learnt and propose a follow-up programme of work for the WHO.
Major Quashigah explained that efforts had been made to improve individual and team leadership as well as managerial capacities "but all these laudable initiatives have been derailed by the current crisis of human resources for health management, including shortages and mal-distribution of health workers".He said the Health Ministry was working to strengthen and build the understanding of managers at all levels of what could be realistically achieved.The Minister noted the Ministry's new health policy, aimed at tackling health from promotion through prevention to curative would naturally, with minimal resources achieve the MDGs and ensure that people were productive and contributed to wealth creation.This, he said, would help to attain the President John Agyekum Kufuor's vision of moving the country to a middle income status of 1,000 dollars per capita income by 2015.
Dr Joachim Sewake, WHO Country Representative, noted that health sectors in most countries present expressed concern of lack resources to deliver quality health care and called for negotiations backed by appropriate donor coordinators, resources by governments and other health partners. He said WHO recognised the fact that management and leadership in the health sector was important and was pooling experts in the field to put together write-ups to solve the problem.
29 Jan. 07
Monday, January 29, 2007
Assemblies in U/E Region asked to support communities.
Bolgatanga, Jan 29, GNA- Mr. Boniface Gambila, Upper East Regional Minister, on Monday called on District Assemblies in the region to support communities along the White Volta Basin with micro credit.
This, he said, would enable them to undertake agricultural ventures like planting fruit trees and wood lots along the banks of the river to protect it and at the same time give them an income.
Mr. Gambila said this when he opened a workshop on the White Volta Basin Joint Consultative Forum aimed at strengthening the bilateral cooperation between Burkina Faso and Ghana on their shared water resources.
The workshop held in Bolgatanga attracted participants from Ghana and neighbouring Burkina Faso who are representing their communities, NGOs, District Assemblies and some technical experts.
He noted that the Volta River had a big potential for hydropower generation, large-scale irrigation, inland fisheries development and eco-tourism.
Mr. Gambila said since Ghana and Burkina Faso shared the Volta River, competition for its use could be a source of conflict.
He commended the Volta Water Governance Project (PAGEV) for their efforts at promoting participatory trans-boundary water management and preventing conflict, and urged it to work for an integrated and well-coordinated development and management of the Volta and other shared natural resource in the river basin.
"It is hoped that major strides towards fostering peace between our countries, reducing poverty through the development of water resources in a cooperative environment and improving the ecosystem through sustainable trans- boundary practices could be achieved", he said.
Mr. Jacob Ouedrago, Governor of the Central East Region of Burkina Faso, noted that working together to manage the White Volta Basin also helped to strengthen the already established trans-boundary cooperation between the two countries.
He thanked the World Conservation Union for supporting the project.
PAGEV is the brainchild of the Union, and it works at providing a platform for stakeholders in the pilot sub-basin of the White Volta to engage in constructive and collective dialogue on the common use of the shared water resource and to also dispel feelings of mistrust, which might come from misinformation, misconception and ignorance.
29 Jan 07
This, he said, would enable them to undertake agricultural ventures like planting fruit trees and wood lots along the banks of the river to protect it and at the same time give them an income.
Mr. Gambila said this when he opened a workshop on the White Volta Basin Joint Consultative Forum aimed at strengthening the bilateral cooperation between Burkina Faso and Ghana on their shared water resources.
The workshop held in Bolgatanga attracted participants from Ghana and neighbouring Burkina Faso who are representing their communities, NGOs, District Assemblies and some technical experts.
He noted that the Volta River had a big potential for hydropower generation, large-scale irrigation, inland fisheries development and eco-tourism.
Mr. Gambila said since Ghana and Burkina Faso shared the Volta River, competition for its use could be a source of conflict.
He commended the Volta Water Governance Project (PAGEV) for their efforts at promoting participatory trans-boundary water management and preventing conflict, and urged it to work for an integrated and well-coordinated development and management of the Volta and other shared natural resource in the river basin.
"It is hoped that major strides towards fostering peace between our countries, reducing poverty through the development of water resources in a cooperative environment and improving the ecosystem through sustainable trans- boundary practices could be achieved", he said.
Mr. Jacob Ouedrago, Governor of the Central East Region of Burkina Faso, noted that working together to manage the White Volta Basin also helped to strengthen the already established trans-boundary cooperation between the two countries.
He thanked the World Conservation Union for supporting the project.
PAGEV is the brainchild of the Union, and it works at providing a platform for stakeholders in the pilot sub-basin of the White Volta to engage in constructive and collective dialogue on the common use of the shared water resource and to also dispel feelings of mistrust, which might come from misinformation, misconception and ignorance.
29 Jan 07
U/E Regional Minister calls for communal vigilance
Zebilla (U/E), Jan 29, GNA- The Upper East Regional Minster, Mr. Boniface Gambilla, has called on Ghanaians to renew their communal vigilante obligations to safeguard properties of government meant to improve their living conditions.
He said the destruction of infrastructure and other facilities meant that the government has to spend extra resources to repair them instead of expanding for other communities to benefit.
Mr. Gambilla made the call at the People's Assembly held at Zebilla, in the Bawku West District in an apparent reaction to a group from Tanga to demonstrate against the ceremony for the destruction of electric poles to the village.
He said the destruction was not caused by the government or its appointee, but by the inhabitants of the area who are known to them.
Mr. Gambilla, therefore, appealed to the people to exercise restrain in registering their protest and use all avenues of dialogue to seek redress in an amicable solution.
He said the NPP government was a listening one, but would not hide to tell Ghanaians the truth, adding that it would not shirk its responsibilities for political expediency.
The Regional Minister said the NPP had the vision of improving the welfare of all Ghanaians irrespective of its political affiliations.
He, therefore, urged Ghanaians to assess the manifesto and programmes of the NPP, which are human-centred, to retain it in power since it was strategically positioned to move the country to attain its goals.
A member of the government delegation to the region, Mrs. Agnes Chigabatia, MP for Builsa, appealed to women to take advantage of the numerous governments' interventions in education to send the girl-child to school.
Another member Mr. Kwadwo Affram Asiedu, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and PSI, challenged women to be industrious to reduce their dependence on their husbands.
He called for tolerance among the various ethnic groups in the area, and urged them to live peacefully and co-exist for the progress of the society.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Bawku West, Mr. Moses Abaare Appiah said the assembly had completed a multi-million cedi court building to ensure speedy and effective administration of justice.
During the open forum, issues on the MCA, renaming of the district, the need for more classrooms, armed robbery, stealing, lack of adequate security personnel and the MP's fund were raised.
29 Jan 07
He said the destruction of infrastructure and other facilities meant that the government has to spend extra resources to repair them instead of expanding for other communities to benefit.
Mr. Gambilla made the call at the People's Assembly held at Zebilla, in the Bawku West District in an apparent reaction to a group from Tanga to demonstrate against the ceremony for the destruction of electric poles to the village.
He said the destruction was not caused by the government or its appointee, but by the inhabitants of the area who are known to them.
Mr. Gambilla, therefore, appealed to the people to exercise restrain in registering their protest and use all avenues of dialogue to seek redress in an amicable solution.
He said the NPP government was a listening one, but would not hide to tell Ghanaians the truth, adding that it would not shirk its responsibilities for political expediency.
The Regional Minister said the NPP had the vision of improving the welfare of all Ghanaians irrespective of its political affiliations.
He, therefore, urged Ghanaians to assess the manifesto and programmes of the NPP, which are human-centred, to retain it in power since it was strategically positioned to move the country to attain its goals.
A member of the government delegation to the region, Mrs. Agnes Chigabatia, MP for Builsa, appealed to women to take advantage of the numerous governments' interventions in education to send the girl-child to school.
Another member Mr. Kwadwo Affram Asiedu, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and PSI, challenged women to be industrious to reduce their dependence on their husbands.
He called for tolerance among the various ethnic groups in the area, and urged them to live peacefully and co-exist for the progress of the society.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Bawku West, Mr. Moses Abaare Appiah said the assembly had completed a multi-million cedi court building to ensure speedy and effective administration of justice.
During the open forum, issues on the MCA, renaming of the district, the need for more classrooms, armed robbery, stealing, lack of adequate security personnel and the MP's fund were raised.
29 Jan 07
Crisis in Darfur is unacceptable-UN Secretary General
Addis Ababa, Jan. 29, GNA - Mr Ban Ki-Moon, the United Nations Secretary General, has described the situation in the Darfur Region of Sudan as "unacceptable" and called on the African Union (AU) to work with the world body to bring peace to the area.
"The partnership between the AU and the UN is of central importance to how we fare on this, the largest humanitarian crisis in the world.
"Together, we must work to end the violence and scorched-earth policies adopted by the various parties, including militias, as well as the bombings, which are still a terrifying feature of life of Darfur"; he said, in his address at the opening of the Eighth Ordinary Session of the AU in the Ethiopian Capital Addis Ababa, his first major assignment as UN Chief, on Monday.
Heads of State and Government from the 53 African countries including President John Agyekum Kufuor are attending the meeting, the main high point of which is the election of a new Chairman to take over from Congolese President Sassou Nguesso.
Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of Turkey, Mr Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Palestinian President Mamoud Abass and Mr Amr Moussa, Secretary General of the League of Arab States also took turns to address the opening ceremony.
The two-day session has as its theme: "Science, Technology and Scientific Research for Development".
Mr Ban spoke of the need to address the regional dimensions to the Darfur conflict adding that, life-saving humanitarian work must be allowed to resume with the civil society given voice in the peace process.
"We must persuade non-signatories to join, while building consensus for the urgent deployment of a UN-AU force on the ground."
The UN Secretary General said he was looking forward to productive discussions with the African Leaders to bring the needed sense of unity to bear on the tragedy in Darfur, which as he noted was not only holding back the potential of Sudan as a whole to develop as a peaceful, prosperous and democratic nation but could undermine the future of the entire Region.
"Let us bring the same unity of purpose to bear on those intractable crises that bleed like open wounds on the face of the Continent. Let us bring it to bear on our efforts to bring peace to Somalia and Cote d'Ivoire."
Mr Ban repeated his pledge to make Africa, his top priority, saying: "I intend to hold to the promise I made to you. I owe it to you and to the people of Africa."
Mr Prodi said his country, as a founding member of the European Union (EU) and a member of the Group of Eight Industrialised Nations (G8), which has always been friend to the Continent, would continue to support and play it part in helping the Region to overcome its challenges.
He, however, appealed for the use of dialogue for the resolution of all conflicts and said unilateral decisions must always be avoided.
President Nguesso noted that peace, security and stability were necessary for development saying, it was on the basis of this that trouble spots on the Continent would continue to engage the attention of the Union.
He said there was now a clear vision for Africa's integration through the harmonisation of regional economic communities and the enhancement of democratic governance and called for support from the international community.
29 Jan. 07
"The partnership between the AU and the UN is of central importance to how we fare on this, the largest humanitarian crisis in the world.
"Together, we must work to end the violence and scorched-earth policies adopted by the various parties, including militias, as well as the bombings, which are still a terrifying feature of life of Darfur"; he said, in his address at the opening of the Eighth Ordinary Session of the AU in the Ethiopian Capital Addis Ababa, his first major assignment as UN Chief, on Monday.
Heads of State and Government from the 53 African countries including President John Agyekum Kufuor are attending the meeting, the main high point of which is the election of a new Chairman to take over from Congolese President Sassou Nguesso.
Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of Turkey, Mr Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Palestinian President Mamoud Abass and Mr Amr Moussa, Secretary General of the League of Arab States also took turns to address the opening ceremony.
The two-day session has as its theme: "Science, Technology and Scientific Research for Development".
Mr Ban spoke of the need to address the regional dimensions to the Darfur conflict adding that, life-saving humanitarian work must be allowed to resume with the civil society given voice in the peace process.
"We must persuade non-signatories to join, while building consensus for the urgent deployment of a UN-AU force on the ground."
The UN Secretary General said he was looking forward to productive discussions with the African Leaders to bring the needed sense of unity to bear on the tragedy in Darfur, which as he noted was not only holding back the potential of Sudan as a whole to develop as a peaceful, prosperous and democratic nation but could undermine the future of the entire Region.
"Let us bring the same unity of purpose to bear on those intractable crises that bleed like open wounds on the face of the Continent. Let us bring it to bear on our efforts to bring peace to Somalia and Cote d'Ivoire."
Mr Ban repeated his pledge to make Africa, his top priority, saying: "I intend to hold to the promise I made to you. I owe it to you and to the people of Africa."
Mr Prodi said his country, as a founding member of the European Union (EU) and a member of the Group of Eight Industrialised Nations (G8), which has always been friend to the Continent, would continue to support and play it part in helping the Region to overcome its challenges.
He, however, appealed for the use of dialogue for the resolution of all conflicts and said unilateral decisions must always be avoided.
President Nguesso noted that peace, security and stability were necessary for development saying, it was on the basis of this that trouble spots on the Continent would continue to engage the attention of the Union.
He said there was now a clear vision for Africa's integration through the harmonisation of regional economic communities and the enhancement of democratic governance and called for support from the international community.
29 Jan. 07
Ghana's Implementation Report on the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)
Addis Ababa, Jan 29, GNA - Ghana's Implementation Report on the recommendations of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) has received overwhelming commendation.
The 25 States that have signed up to be peer reviewed were unanimous in their assessment that it was a reflection of the success story of Africa. The Report captured the progress Ghana was making in the four thematic areas of Democracy and Political Governance; Economic Governance and Management; Corporate Governance and Socio-Economic Development.
Presenting Report at the Sixth Summit of the APRM Heads of State and Government Forum held on the margins of the Africa Union's ordinary session in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa on Sunday, President John Agyekum Kufuor gave a detail account of policy interventions and initiatives taken by the Government in response to the recommendations made by the African Peer Review (APR) Panel of eminent persons.
These include a 50 million-dollar Land Administration Project to rationalise land administration and management; the setting up of a Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to help to reduce the incidence of conflicts through chieftaincy succession and land disputes and a Public Sector Reform Ministry to enhance the delivery of efficient Government services.
In addition, he said, issues of fair wages and pensions were being seriously tackled, while the country's debt stock had been reduced by as much as 43 per cent through debt cancellation and the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative.
To help to promote good economic governance and management, President Kufuor informed the Forum that there was now a tracking system in the country's financial administration through the holding of joint weekly meetings by the Finance Ministry, the Bank of Ghana and the Controller and Accountant General's Department.
Besides, the Public Account and Finance Committee of Parliament was also being strengthened through capacity building workshops and seminars to enable it to carry out its oversight role in financial matters.
President Kufuor further spoke about the Government's efforts at decentralising the Registrar General's Department, the introduction of credit schemes like the Venture Capital and loans to micro and small scale businesses; bringing down of corporate tax and the policy that a manufacturer should no longer pay Value Added Tax (VAT) upfront.
He also touched on the introduction of a legislation to enforce compliance with environmental regulations; the revamping of the educational system; the capitation grant; which has increased primary schools enrolment by about 16 per cent; the school feeding programme; free bus ride for pupils; training of teachers and provision of classrooms and equipment.
He said there were, however, some challenges to the country's implementation of its programme of action, pointing out that, the quest to achieve single digit inflation had not been achieved largely due to the high petroleum prices.
"Ghana, in addition, continues to face capacity and skills shortages in a number of endeavours to meet the national development effort while the public sector was yet to wholly orient itself to private sector growth."
President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the Forum said Ghana had by its pacesetter role demonstrated that the APRM could spur Africa's progress.
"The measures taken are concrete and development-oriented", he stated, and suggested that it should be published so that the world would come to know that the APRM was chalking success.
South African President Thabo Mbeki described the implementation report as not only focussed and straight forward but that it also tackled in a verifiable manner, how the programme of action was being implemented.
He recommended that it should be made the standard for all African countries. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said Ghana's Report has brought out a number of best practices, which the other countries would have to copy.
29 Jan 2007
The 25 States that have signed up to be peer reviewed were unanimous in their assessment that it was a reflection of the success story of Africa. The Report captured the progress Ghana was making in the four thematic areas of Democracy and Political Governance; Economic Governance and Management; Corporate Governance and Socio-Economic Development.
Presenting Report at the Sixth Summit of the APRM Heads of State and Government Forum held on the margins of the Africa Union's ordinary session in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa on Sunday, President John Agyekum Kufuor gave a detail account of policy interventions and initiatives taken by the Government in response to the recommendations made by the African Peer Review (APR) Panel of eminent persons.
These include a 50 million-dollar Land Administration Project to rationalise land administration and management; the setting up of a Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to help to reduce the incidence of conflicts through chieftaincy succession and land disputes and a Public Sector Reform Ministry to enhance the delivery of efficient Government services.
In addition, he said, issues of fair wages and pensions were being seriously tackled, while the country's debt stock had been reduced by as much as 43 per cent through debt cancellation and the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative.
To help to promote good economic governance and management, President Kufuor informed the Forum that there was now a tracking system in the country's financial administration through the holding of joint weekly meetings by the Finance Ministry, the Bank of Ghana and the Controller and Accountant General's Department.
Besides, the Public Account and Finance Committee of Parliament was also being strengthened through capacity building workshops and seminars to enable it to carry out its oversight role in financial matters.
President Kufuor further spoke about the Government's efforts at decentralising the Registrar General's Department, the introduction of credit schemes like the Venture Capital and loans to micro and small scale businesses; bringing down of corporate tax and the policy that a manufacturer should no longer pay Value Added Tax (VAT) upfront.
He also touched on the introduction of a legislation to enforce compliance with environmental regulations; the revamping of the educational system; the capitation grant; which has increased primary schools enrolment by about 16 per cent; the school feeding programme; free bus ride for pupils; training of teachers and provision of classrooms and equipment.
He said there were, however, some challenges to the country's implementation of its programme of action, pointing out that, the quest to achieve single digit inflation had not been achieved largely due to the high petroleum prices.
"Ghana, in addition, continues to face capacity and skills shortages in a number of endeavours to meet the national development effort while the public sector was yet to wholly orient itself to private sector growth."
President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the Forum said Ghana had by its pacesetter role demonstrated that the APRM could spur Africa's progress.
"The measures taken are concrete and development-oriented", he stated, and suggested that it should be published so that the world would come to know that the APRM was chalking success.
South African President Thabo Mbeki described the implementation report as not only focussed and straight forward but that it also tackled in a verifiable manner, how the programme of action was being implemented.
He recommended that it should be made the standard for all African countries. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said Ghana's Report has brought out a number of best practices, which the other countries would have to copy.
29 Jan 2007
African Leaders give Ghana Jubilee Present
Accra, Jan. 29, GNA – As the Ghana News Agency was doing its normal duty of news coverage, word came in that President John Agyekum Kufuor was on Monday unanimously elected Chairman of the African Union (AU) at its Eighth Ordinary Session, which opened at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Monday.
He takes over from Congolese President Sassou Nguesso.
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD, told GNA in a telephone interview from Addis Ababa.
Alpha Oumar Konare, AU's Chief Executive, had told reporters in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa: "By consensus vote President (John) Kufuor of Ghana has been elected to the presidency of the African Union"
Was it William Shakespeare, who said great events cast their shadow before they happen? Well, as the lobbying for the position proceeded a number of countries were knocked out for one reason all the other.
Sudan had pushed to obtain the chairmanship during last year's Summit, which it hosted, but African Leaders selected Republic of Congo's President Nguesso in a compromise deal for him to chair for one year and then hand over to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.
But the deal hinged on Sudan demonstrating progress in bringing peace to Darfur, a violence-wracked western Sudan Region. Instead of calming, Darfur's violence in recent months has spilled into neighbouring Chad and Central African Republic.
It became clear that Kenya was out the race for the chairmanship of the African Union. "We are out of the race," Kenyan representative to the AU, Mr Franklin Esipila said.
Sources said the impending General Election in that country was the basis on which Kenya was locked out of contention as there could be a change of guard.
The AU requires that the one-year chairmanship goes to a President whose term should be uninterrupted during that period.
Other contenders at the beginning of the Summit were Tanzania, Rwanda and Ethiopia.
Sources said Ethiopia was thrown out of the race because it recently invaded Somalia.
For a State to get the chairmanship, it must be supported by at least two-thirds of the 53 members or by consensus. Ghana won because both Rwanda and Tanzania did not have an impressive peacekeeping record.
Back to Shakespeare; prior to the election Ghana's Implementation Report on the recommendations of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) had received overwhelming commendation.
The 25 States that have signed up to be peer reviewed were unanimous in their assessment that it was a reflection of the success story of Africa.
The Report captured the progress Ghana was making in the four thematic areas of Democracy and Political Governance; Economic Governance and Management; Corporate Governance and Socio-Economic Development.
Presenting Report at the Sixth Summit of the APRM Heads of State and Government Forum held on the margins of the Africa Union's ordinary session in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa on Sunday, President Kufuor gave a detail account of policy interventions and initiatives taken by the Government in response to the recommendations made by the African Peer Review (APR) Panel of eminent persons.
These included a 50 million-dollar Land Administration Project to rationalise land administration and management; the setting up of a Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to help to reduce the incidence of conflicts through chieftaincy succession and land disputes and a Public Sector Reform Ministry to enhance the delivery of efficient Government services.
In addition, he said, issues of fair wages and pensions were being seriously tackled, while the country's debt stock had been reduced by as much as 43 per cent through debt cancellation and the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative.
To help to promote good economic governance and management, President Kufuor informed the Forum that there was now a tracking system in the country's financial administration through the holding of joint weekly meetings by the Finance Ministry, the Bank of Ghana and the Controller and Accountant General's Department.
Besides, the Public Account and Finance Committee of Parliament was also being strengthened through capacity building workshops and seminars to enable it to carry out its oversight role in financial matters.
President Kufuor further spoke about the Government's efforts at decentralising the Registrar General's Department, the introduction of credit schemes like the Venture Capital and loans to micro and small scale businesses; bringing down of corporate tax and the policy that a manufacturer should no longer pay Value Added Tax (VAT) upfront.
He also touched on the introduction of a legislation to enforce compliance with environmental regulations; the revamping of the educational system; the capitation grant; which has increased primary schools enrolment by about 16 per cent; the school feeding programme; free bus ride for pupils; training of teachers and provision of classrooms and equipment.
He said there were, however, some challenges to the country's implementation of its programme of action, pointing out that, the quest to achieve single digit inflation had not been achieved largely due to the high petroleum prices.
"Ghana, in addition, continues to face capacity and skills shortages in a number of endeavours to meet the national development effort while the public sector was yet to wholly orient itself to private sector growth."
President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the Forum said Ghana had by its pacesetter role demonstrated that the APRM could spur Africa's progress.
"The measures taken are concrete and development-oriented", he stated, and suggested that it should be published so that the world would come to know that the APRM was chalking success.
South African President Thabo Mbeki described the implementation report as not only focussed and straight forward but that it also tackled in a verifiable manner, how the programme of action was being implemented.
He recommended that it should be made the standard for all African countries.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said Ghana's Report has brought out a number of best practices, which the other countries would have to copy.
Another fact that might have influenced the African Leaders in their choice, which one must emphasise its unanimity, was the fact that President Kufuor has been seen a model for his generation just as Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah was among his peers during the struggle for Africa's emancipation from colonial rule.
What a befitting present for Ghana@50. One would like to invite all to savour this birthday wine presented by African Leaders to Ghana and how refreshing with Professor John Evans Atta Mills, National Democratic Congress' presidential candidate for Election 2008, filing the first congratulatory message to President Kufuor.
Indeed in the words of Busumuru Kofi Atta Annan, Immediate-Past Secretary General of the United Nations, these are exciting moments to be African and of course a Ghanaian.
29 Jan. 07
He takes over from Congolese President Sassou Nguesso.
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD, told GNA in a telephone interview from Addis Ababa.
Alpha Oumar Konare, AU's Chief Executive, had told reporters in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa: "By consensus vote President (John) Kufuor of Ghana has been elected to the presidency of the African Union"
Was it William Shakespeare, who said great events cast their shadow before they happen? Well, as the lobbying for the position proceeded a number of countries were knocked out for one reason all the other.
Sudan had pushed to obtain the chairmanship during last year's Summit, which it hosted, but African Leaders selected Republic of Congo's President Nguesso in a compromise deal for him to chair for one year and then hand over to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.
But the deal hinged on Sudan demonstrating progress in bringing peace to Darfur, a violence-wracked western Sudan Region. Instead of calming, Darfur's violence in recent months has spilled into neighbouring Chad and Central African Republic.
It became clear that Kenya was out the race for the chairmanship of the African Union. "We are out of the race," Kenyan representative to the AU, Mr Franklin Esipila said.
Sources said the impending General Election in that country was the basis on which Kenya was locked out of contention as there could be a change of guard.
The AU requires that the one-year chairmanship goes to a President whose term should be uninterrupted during that period.
Other contenders at the beginning of the Summit were Tanzania, Rwanda and Ethiopia.
Sources said Ethiopia was thrown out of the race because it recently invaded Somalia.
For a State to get the chairmanship, it must be supported by at least two-thirds of the 53 members or by consensus. Ghana won because both Rwanda and Tanzania did not have an impressive peacekeeping record.
Back to Shakespeare; prior to the election Ghana's Implementation Report on the recommendations of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) had received overwhelming commendation.
The 25 States that have signed up to be peer reviewed were unanimous in their assessment that it was a reflection of the success story of Africa.
The Report captured the progress Ghana was making in the four thematic areas of Democracy and Political Governance; Economic Governance and Management; Corporate Governance and Socio-Economic Development.
Presenting Report at the Sixth Summit of the APRM Heads of State and Government Forum held on the margins of the Africa Union's ordinary session in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa on Sunday, President Kufuor gave a detail account of policy interventions and initiatives taken by the Government in response to the recommendations made by the African Peer Review (APR) Panel of eminent persons.
These included a 50 million-dollar Land Administration Project to rationalise land administration and management; the setting up of a Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to help to reduce the incidence of conflicts through chieftaincy succession and land disputes and a Public Sector Reform Ministry to enhance the delivery of efficient Government services.
In addition, he said, issues of fair wages and pensions were being seriously tackled, while the country's debt stock had been reduced by as much as 43 per cent through debt cancellation and the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative.
To help to promote good economic governance and management, President Kufuor informed the Forum that there was now a tracking system in the country's financial administration through the holding of joint weekly meetings by the Finance Ministry, the Bank of Ghana and the Controller and Accountant General's Department.
Besides, the Public Account and Finance Committee of Parliament was also being strengthened through capacity building workshops and seminars to enable it to carry out its oversight role in financial matters.
President Kufuor further spoke about the Government's efforts at decentralising the Registrar General's Department, the introduction of credit schemes like the Venture Capital and loans to micro and small scale businesses; bringing down of corporate tax and the policy that a manufacturer should no longer pay Value Added Tax (VAT) upfront.
He also touched on the introduction of a legislation to enforce compliance with environmental regulations; the revamping of the educational system; the capitation grant; which has increased primary schools enrolment by about 16 per cent; the school feeding programme; free bus ride for pupils; training of teachers and provision of classrooms and equipment.
He said there were, however, some challenges to the country's implementation of its programme of action, pointing out that, the quest to achieve single digit inflation had not been achieved largely due to the high petroleum prices.
"Ghana, in addition, continues to face capacity and skills shortages in a number of endeavours to meet the national development effort while the public sector was yet to wholly orient itself to private sector growth."
President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the Forum said Ghana had by its pacesetter role demonstrated that the APRM could spur Africa's progress.
"The measures taken are concrete and development-oriented", he stated, and suggested that it should be published so that the world would come to know that the APRM was chalking success.
South African President Thabo Mbeki described the implementation report as not only focussed and straight forward but that it also tackled in a verifiable manner, how the programme of action was being implemented.
He recommended that it should be made the standard for all African countries.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said Ghana's Report has brought out a number of best practices, which the other countries would have to copy.
Another fact that might have influenced the African Leaders in their choice, which one must emphasise its unanimity, was the fact that President Kufuor has been seen a model for his generation just as Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah was among his peers during the struggle for Africa's emancipation from colonial rule.
What a befitting present for Ghana@50. One would like to invite all to savour this birthday wine presented by African Leaders to Ghana and how refreshing with Professor John Evans Atta Mills, National Democratic Congress' presidential candidate for Election 2008, filing the first congratulatory message to President Kufuor.
Indeed in the words of Busumuru Kofi Atta Annan, Immediate-Past Secretary General of the United Nations, these are exciting moments to be African and of course a Ghanaian.
29 Jan. 07
Prof Mills congratulates President Kufuor
Accra, Jan. 29, GNA – Professor John Evans John Atta Mills, Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for Election 2008 on Monday congratulated President John Agyekum Kufuor on his election as African Union (AU) Chairman at the Eighth Ordinary Session of the continental body currently underway in Addis Ababa.
President Kufuor was elected by a unanimous decision of the 53-member body to succeed Congolese President Dennis Sassou Nguesso among half-a-dozen contenders including Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and host country Ethiopia.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview, Prof Mills expressed the hope that President Kufuor would work towards the realisation of the objectives of the AU Charter.
"I have no doubts President Kufuor is well aware of the challenges that come with this responsible and trusted position and I hope he will do his best in meeting the hopes and aspirations of our people and to advance the course of the Continent," he said.
Prof Mills wished President Kufuor well and expressed the hope that he would execute the onerous task with the support of all.
29 Jan. 07
President Kufuor was elected by a unanimous decision of the 53-member body to succeed Congolese President Dennis Sassou Nguesso among half-a-dozen contenders including Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and host country Ethiopia.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview, Prof Mills expressed the hope that President Kufuor would work towards the realisation of the objectives of the AU Charter.
"I have no doubts President Kufuor is well aware of the challenges that come with this responsible and trusted position and I hope he will do his best in meeting the hopes and aspirations of our people and to advance the course of the Continent," he said.
Prof Mills wished President Kufuor well and expressed the hope that he would execute the onerous task with the support of all.
29 Jan. 07
National table tennis player calls for training tour
Accra, Jan 29, GNA – Eric Amoah, a key member of the national table tennis team, the Golden Loopers has called on the authorities to organize a training tour for the team as they prepare for the All Africa Games, scheduled for July, in Algiers, Algeria this year.
He said the tour, if organized well will prepare the team adequately for the competition to ensure an excellent performance from the team, since the competition will attract all the continent's greats in the sport.
Speaking with the GNA Sports from the United Kingdom, Amoah said even though the nation is confronted with financial problems, the team cannot go into the competition without participating in any competitive event to sharpen their skills.
He said that countries like South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria among other great nations in the sport see Ghana as their target at the All Africa Games, thereby putting the nation's quest for medals at the competition under a great threat.
"This means that we have to work extra harder if we have to live up to this challenge and one of the best ways to do this apart from our personal training is to engage in more competitions ahead of the games."
He added that "qualification to the Olympic Games will also depend on our performance in Algeria, hence the need to work harder."
Amoah recalled when together with Eric Hammond, captain of the Loopers, in 2003 sponsored themselves for the World Championship in France before the All Africa Games in Abuja, Nigeria their personal efforts led to the team's excellent performance in the competition.
The player, currently ranked 231 by ITTF and now playing for EBS Orange Westfield Club in England, expressed the hope that the team will live up to expectation if they are given the necessary support.
Amoah has also proposed to the handlers to consider inviting Cyprian Asamoah, a Ghanaian born in Sweden to join the national team.
According to Amoah, Asamoah is a good player and ranked highly by the International Table Tennis Association (ITTA) who therefore deserves a place in the national team.
Amoah said he has seen the player in series of international events and believes he can help advance the course of the nation in international events.
29 Jan. 07
He said the tour, if organized well will prepare the team adequately for the competition to ensure an excellent performance from the team, since the competition will attract all the continent's greats in the sport.
Speaking with the GNA Sports from the United Kingdom, Amoah said even though the nation is confronted with financial problems, the team cannot go into the competition without participating in any competitive event to sharpen their skills.
He said that countries like South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria among other great nations in the sport see Ghana as their target at the All Africa Games, thereby putting the nation's quest for medals at the competition under a great threat.
"This means that we have to work extra harder if we have to live up to this challenge and one of the best ways to do this apart from our personal training is to engage in more competitions ahead of the games."
He added that "qualification to the Olympic Games will also depend on our performance in Algeria, hence the need to work harder."
Amoah recalled when together with Eric Hammond, captain of the Loopers, in 2003 sponsored themselves for the World Championship in France before the All Africa Games in Abuja, Nigeria their personal efforts led to the team's excellent performance in the competition.
The player, currently ranked 231 by ITTF and now playing for EBS Orange Westfield Club in England, expressed the hope that the team will live up to expectation if they are given the necessary support.
Amoah has also proposed to the handlers to consider inviting Cyprian Asamoah, a Ghanaian born in Sweden to join the national team.
According to Amoah, Asamoah is a good player and ranked highly by the International Table Tennis Association (ITTA) who therefore deserves a place in the national team.
Amoah said he has seen the player in series of international events and believes he can help advance the course of the nation in international events.
29 Jan. 07
Can Kotoko break Power’s resurgence?
Accra, Jan 29, GNA – Defending league champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko look set to hand resurging Power FC another tough test as they clash in the 20th week of the Onetouch Premier League at the Robert Mensah Sports Stadium in Cape Coast on Wednesday.
The "Electricity lads" have improved on their previous bottom position during the first round to a middle position this round, courtesy four wins including a 2-1 defeat of current leaders Accra Hearts of Oak at Tema.
That vintage performance will receive a major challenge from an under-performing Kotoko side, who have bagged just a point in their last four matches and seem poised for redemption to appease their fans.
For this reason Power must prove to all that their current performance is not a nine-day wonder by adding the "Porcupine Warriors" to their list of victims.
Knowing very well the impact of another setback will affect their championship aspirations, Kotoko are expected to go all out in their quest for the maximum points to keep their title hopes alive.
Power have historically always emerged tough customers for the "Reds" in any encounter, with their morale boosted by the presence of former Kotoko midfielder, Elvis Opoku who have promised to teach his former employers a bitter lesson.
The nimble-footed player has been a thorn in the flesh of many opposing defenders with good combination with Nathaniel Quaye, Allan Shearer and Felix Nii Ayi serving as the nemesis for most teams.
This partnership will cause some nervous moments for the inexperienced Kotoko rear depleted by the exit of most of their regulars.
Coach Telat Uzum, whose tactics has come under scrutiny from supporters of Kotoko must develop a new formula and as well fielding the right materials to ensure the realization of the maximum points.
He will be relying on the return of midfielder Ofosu Amoah "Tico Tico" and left full back Godfred Yeboah to keep his lines in check, with the likes of Mark Adu Amofa, Kwame Obeng Darko and Nana Arhin Duah expected to rediscover their goal-scoring boot which has eluded them in the previous outings.
At Tema, Sportive will also hand "Malabo" crashers Ashantigold another stiff test with King Faisal expected to halt the unbeaten run of debutants Tema Youth at the Sunayni Coronation Park.
Great Olympics will storm Kpando as guests of Heart of Lions, while All Blacks and Hasaacas sort things out at the Swedru Sports Stadium.
Arsenal will host Fetteh Feyenoord at the Golden City Park, while Liberty are expected to sink Bofoakwa at the Carl Reindorf Park.On Thursday, Hearts of Oak will worsen the woes of bottom placed Real Tamale United (RTU) at the Tema Stadium.
29 Jan 07
The "Electricity lads" have improved on their previous bottom position during the first round to a middle position this round, courtesy four wins including a 2-1 defeat of current leaders Accra Hearts of Oak at Tema.
That vintage performance will receive a major challenge from an under-performing Kotoko side, who have bagged just a point in their last four matches and seem poised for redemption to appease their fans.
For this reason Power must prove to all that their current performance is not a nine-day wonder by adding the "Porcupine Warriors" to their list of victims.
Knowing very well the impact of another setback will affect their championship aspirations, Kotoko are expected to go all out in their quest for the maximum points to keep their title hopes alive.
Power have historically always emerged tough customers for the "Reds" in any encounter, with their morale boosted by the presence of former Kotoko midfielder, Elvis Opoku who have promised to teach his former employers a bitter lesson.
The nimble-footed player has been a thorn in the flesh of many opposing defenders with good combination with Nathaniel Quaye, Allan Shearer and Felix Nii Ayi serving as the nemesis for most teams.
This partnership will cause some nervous moments for the inexperienced Kotoko rear depleted by the exit of most of their regulars.
Coach Telat Uzum, whose tactics has come under scrutiny from supporters of Kotoko must develop a new formula and as well fielding the right materials to ensure the realization of the maximum points.
He will be relying on the return of midfielder Ofosu Amoah "Tico Tico" and left full back Godfred Yeboah to keep his lines in check, with the likes of Mark Adu Amofa, Kwame Obeng Darko and Nana Arhin Duah expected to rediscover their goal-scoring boot which has eluded them in the previous outings.
At Tema, Sportive will also hand "Malabo" crashers Ashantigold another stiff test with King Faisal expected to halt the unbeaten run of debutants Tema Youth at the Sunayni Coronation Park.
Great Olympics will storm Kpando as guests of Heart of Lions, while All Blacks and Hasaacas sort things out at the Swedru Sports Stadium.
Arsenal will host Fetteh Feyenoord at the Golden City Park, while Liberty are expected to sink Bofoakwa at the Carl Reindorf Park.On Thursday, Hearts of Oak will worsen the woes of bottom placed Real Tamale United (RTU) at the Tema Stadium.
29 Jan 07
GBSA to organize Beach Sports Classic
Accra, Jan 29, GNA – The Ghana Beach Sports Association (GBSA) will organize the first ever beach sports event in the country from March 2-3, 2007.
The two-day event which is dubbed "Ghana Independence Beach Classic" will come off at the Labadi Beach Resort.
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, an executive member of GBSA who revealed this during the official launching of the sport in Ghana said the event is aimed at introducing various games of beach sports to Ghanaians.
According to him, eight teams will be participating in the event which has Beach Soccer has the showpiece including the likes of Beach Volley, Tug of War, Beach Wrestling and Throwball.
The event will also form part of the sporting activities marking the Golden Jubilee Independence celebration of the country.
29 Jan 07
The two-day event which is dubbed "Ghana Independence Beach Classic" will come off at the Labadi Beach Resort.
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, an executive member of GBSA who revealed this during the official launching of the sport in Ghana said the event is aimed at introducing various games of beach sports to Ghanaians.
According to him, eight teams will be participating in the event which has Beach Soccer has the showpiece including the likes of Beach Volley, Tug of War, Beach Wrestling and Throwball.
The event will also form part of the sporting activities marking the Golden Jubilee Independence celebration of the country.
29 Jan 07
President Kufuor elected Chairman of AU
Accra, Jan. 29, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor was on Monday unanimously elected Chairman of the African Union (AU) at its Eighth Ordinary Session, which opened at the Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Monday.
He takes over from Congolese President Sassou Nguesso.
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD, told GNA in a telephone interview from Addis Ababa.
Alpha Oumar Konare, A.U.'s Chief Executive, had told reporters in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa: "By consensus vote President (John) Kufuor of Ghana has been elected to the presidency of the African Union"
Sudan had pushed to obtain the chairmanship during last year's summit, which it hosted, but African Leaders selected Republic of Congo's President in a compromise deal for him to chair for one year and then hand over to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.
But the deal hinged on Sudan demonstrating progress in bringing peace to Darfur, a violence-wracked western Sudan Region. Instead of calming, Darfur's violence in recent months has spilled into neighbouring Chad and Central African Republic.
Lobbying for the Chairmanship at the two-day summit indicated that Kenya was out the race for the chairmanship of the African Union as intense lobbying went on ahead of today's election.
"We are out of the race," Kenyan representative to the AU, Mr Franklin Esipila said.
Sources said the impending General Election in that country was the basis on which Kenya was locked out of contention as there could be a change of guard.
The AU requires that the one-year chairmanship goes to a President whose term should be uninterrupted during that period.
Other contenders at the beginning of the Summit were Tanzania, Rwanda and Ethiopia.
Sources said Ethiopia was thrown out of the race because it recently invaded Somalia.
For a State to get the chairmanship, it must be supported by at least two-thirds of the 53 members or by consensus. Ghana won because both Rwanda and Tanzania did not have an impressive peacekeeping record.
29 Jan. 07
He takes over from Congolese President Sassou Nguesso.
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD, told GNA in a telephone interview from Addis Ababa.
Alpha Oumar Konare, A.U.'s Chief Executive, had told reporters in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa: "By consensus vote President (John) Kufuor of Ghana has been elected to the presidency of the African Union"
Sudan had pushed to obtain the chairmanship during last year's summit, which it hosted, but African Leaders selected Republic of Congo's President in a compromise deal for him to chair for one year and then hand over to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.
But the deal hinged on Sudan demonstrating progress in bringing peace to Darfur, a violence-wracked western Sudan Region. Instead of calming, Darfur's violence in recent months has spilled into neighbouring Chad and Central African Republic.
Lobbying for the Chairmanship at the two-day summit indicated that Kenya was out the race for the chairmanship of the African Union as intense lobbying went on ahead of today's election.
"We are out of the race," Kenyan representative to the AU, Mr Franklin Esipila said.
Sources said the impending General Election in that country was the basis on which Kenya was locked out of contention as there could be a change of guard.
The AU requires that the one-year chairmanship goes to a President whose term should be uninterrupted during that period.
Other contenders at the beginning of the Summit were Tanzania, Rwanda and Ethiopia.
Sources said Ethiopia was thrown out of the race because it recently invaded Somalia.
For a State to get the chairmanship, it must be supported by at least two-thirds of the 53 members or by consensus. Ghana won because both Rwanda and Tanzania did not have an impressive peacekeeping record.
29 Jan. 07
Ghana and Nigeria struck deal on energy supply
Addis Ababa, Jan. 29, GNA - Nigeria has agreed to supply 80 megawatts of electricity to Ghana as part of a deal to help the country to address its current energy crisis.
Additionally, it has accepted to take over the supply of power to Benin and Togo, to take off the burden on Ghana and bring some relief to the country.
President John Agyekum Kufuor made the announcement when answering a question on how Ghana was tackling the energy problems it was facing, when he presented the country's implementation report on the African Peer Review Mechanisation (APRM) recommendations at the Sixth Summit of the APRM Heads of State and Government Forum.
This was on the sidelines of the Eighth Africa Union's ordinary session held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
Ghana's report received overwhelming commendation by the 25 States that have signed up to the APRM.
President Kufuor said Nigeria through the West Africa Power Pool, which comes on-stream in February, 2007 would be increasing its electricity supply to Ghana.
Ghana's energy requirement is put at 2,000 megawatts and its present total generation mix comes up to 1,200 megawatts, 69 per cent of which is from hydroelectric sources and 30.4 per cent from fossil fuels.
The Akosombo hydroelectric dam has a generating capacity of 912 megawatts while that of Kpong is 160 megawatts.
Ninety-Nine per cent of the electricity consumption in Ghana is supplied by the Volta River Authority.
President Kufuor said with the Power Pool Agreement, Ghana, Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire would put their electricity generation into a pool so that in the event of a shortfall in any of the countries, it would fall on it to avoid crisis situation.
He said the country on its own was also taking some measures to boost its energy generation and cited plans to construct the 400-megawatts capacity Bui Dam.
He was expressed the hope that the inauguration of the West Africa Gas Pipeline Project in March, 2007, would significantly enhance the operation of the Osagyefo Barge.
President Kufuor said Ghana again was exploring other alternative sources including solar and bio-diesel.
Meanwhile, the AU's Eighth Ordinary session being attended by the 53 Heads of State and Government, the high point of which, would be the election of a new Chairman to take over from Congolese President Dennis Sassou Nguesso opens on Monday morning at the Economic Commission for Africa's (ECA) Conference Centre.
Mr Ban Ki-Moon, the United Nation's Secretary General, is in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa to attend.
29 Jan. 2007
Additionally, it has accepted to take over the supply of power to Benin and Togo, to take off the burden on Ghana and bring some relief to the country.
President John Agyekum Kufuor made the announcement when answering a question on how Ghana was tackling the energy problems it was facing, when he presented the country's implementation report on the African Peer Review Mechanisation (APRM) recommendations at the Sixth Summit of the APRM Heads of State and Government Forum.
This was on the sidelines of the Eighth Africa Union's ordinary session held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
Ghana's report received overwhelming commendation by the 25 States that have signed up to the APRM.
President Kufuor said Nigeria through the West Africa Power Pool, which comes on-stream in February, 2007 would be increasing its electricity supply to Ghana.
Ghana's energy requirement is put at 2,000 megawatts and its present total generation mix comes up to 1,200 megawatts, 69 per cent of which is from hydroelectric sources and 30.4 per cent from fossil fuels.
The Akosombo hydroelectric dam has a generating capacity of 912 megawatts while that of Kpong is 160 megawatts.
Ninety-Nine per cent of the electricity consumption in Ghana is supplied by the Volta River Authority.
President Kufuor said with the Power Pool Agreement, Ghana, Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire would put their electricity generation into a pool so that in the event of a shortfall in any of the countries, it would fall on it to avoid crisis situation.
He said the country on its own was also taking some measures to boost its energy generation and cited plans to construct the 400-megawatts capacity Bui Dam.
He was expressed the hope that the inauguration of the West Africa Gas Pipeline Project in March, 2007, would significantly enhance the operation of the Osagyefo Barge.
President Kufuor said Ghana again was exploring other alternative sources including solar and bio-diesel.
Meanwhile, the AU's Eighth Ordinary session being attended by the 53 Heads of State and Government, the high point of which, would be the election of a new Chairman to take over from Congolese President Dennis Sassou Nguesso opens on Monday morning at the Economic Commission for Africa's (ECA) Conference Centre.
Mr Ban Ki-Moon, the United Nation's Secretary General, is in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa to attend.
29 Jan. 2007
Pastors asked to preach perseverance
Kumasi, Jan. 29, GNA – Reverend Appiah-Kusi Kyenkyenhene, Founder and Leader of the Christian Heritage Church in Kumasi has called on Pastors and other religious leaders to preach perseverance.
He held that this would not only help the congregation to overcome their problems, but it would also help them to develop spiritually.
Reverend Kyenkyenhene was delivering a sermon at the second Graduation and Ordination ceremony of 11 student Pastors of the Grace Bible College at Abrepo-Adumanu in Kumasi on Sunday.
He observed that many Christians especially, Pastors, enter into difficulties and fall victim to the devil because they do not prepare fully for the work of God.
He stressed the need for the Graduates to be real role models, spiritually and morally and be committed to their call if they wanted to succeed.
"You should allow God to guide you in your activities so that you will not be swept off your feet by worldly events," he urged.
Rev. Anthony Kwevi, Principal of the College, resented Certificates and admonished the graduates to endeavour to preach nothing other than the pure word of God.
He said the College was working hard to obtain accreditation from the national Accreditation board and also an affiliation certificate from a principal school in the United States to enable it undertake higher academic programmes in future.
Rev. Kingsley Aning Bonsu, Founder and Leader of Grace Outreach Church and President of the College, said the College was committed to achieving academic excellence in its efforts to expand the frontiers of the Gospel worldwide.
He appealed to the graduates not to rest on their oars but to work assiduously to support the development of the Church.
29 Jan. 07
He held that this would not only help the congregation to overcome their problems, but it would also help them to develop spiritually.
Reverend Kyenkyenhene was delivering a sermon at the second Graduation and Ordination ceremony of 11 student Pastors of the Grace Bible College at Abrepo-Adumanu in Kumasi on Sunday.
He observed that many Christians especially, Pastors, enter into difficulties and fall victim to the devil because they do not prepare fully for the work of God.
He stressed the need for the Graduates to be real role models, spiritually and morally and be committed to their call if they wanted to succeed.
"You should allow God to guide you in your activities so that you will not be swept off your feet by worldly events," he urged.
Rev. Anthony Kwevi, Principal of the College, resented Certificates and admonished the graduates to endeavour to preach nothing other than the pure word of God.
He said the College was working hard to obtain accreditation from the national Accreditation board and also an affiliation certificate from a principal school in the United States to enable it undertake higher academic programmes in future.
Rev. Kingsley Aning Bonsu, Founder and Leader of Grace Outreach Church and President of the College, said the College was committed to achieving academic excellence in its efforts to expand the frontiers of the Gospel worldwide.
He appealed to the graduates not to rest on their oars but to work assiduously to support the development of the Church.
29 Jan. 07
Crisis in Darfur is unacceptable-UN Secretary General
Addis Ababa, Jan. 29, GNA - Mr Ban Ki-Moon, the United Nations Secretary General, has described the situation in the Darfur Region of Sudan as "unacceptable" and called on the African Union (AU) to work with the world body to bring peace to the area.
"The partnership between the AU and the UN is of central importance to how we fare on this, the largest humanitarian crisis in the world.
"Together, we must work to end the violence and scorched-earth policies adopted by the various parties, including militias, as well as the bombings, which are still a terrifying feature of life of Darfur"; he said, in his address at the opening of the Eighth Ordinary Session of the AU in the Ethiopian Capital Addis Ababa, his first major assignment as UN Chief, on Monday.
Heads of State and Government from the 53 African countries including President John Agyekum Kufuor are attending the meeting, the main high point of which is the election of a new Chairman to take over from Congolese President Sassou Nguesso.
Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of Turkey, Mr Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Palestinian President Mamoud Abass and Mr Amr Moussa, Secretary General of the League of Arab States also took turns to address the opening ceremony.
The two-day session has as its theme: "Science, Technology and Scientific Research for Development".
Mr Ban spoke of the need to address the regional dimensions to the Darfur conflict adding that, life-saving humanitarian work must be allowed to resume with the civil society given voice in the peace process.
"We must persuade non-signatories to join, while building consensus for the urgent deployment of a UN-AU force on the ground."
The UN Secretary General said he was looking forward to productive discussions with the African Leaders to bring the needed sense of unity to bear on the tragedy in Darfur, which as he noted was not only holding back the potential of Sudan as a whole to develop as a peaceful, prosperous and democratic nation but could undermine the future of the entire Region.
"Let us bring the same unity of purpose to bear on those intractable crises that bleed like open wounds on the face of the Continent. Let us bring it to bear on our efforts to bring peace to Somalia and Cote d'Ivoire."
Mr Ban repeated his pledge to make Africa, his top priority, saying: "I intend to hold to the promise I made to you. I owe it to you and to the people of Africa."
Mr Prodi said his country, as a founding member of the European Union (EU) and a member of the Group of Eight Industrialised Nations (G8), which has always been friend to the Continent, would continue to support and play it part in helping the Region to overcome its challenges.
He, however, appealed for the use of dialogue for the resolution of all conflicts and said unilateral decisions must always be avoided.
President Nguesso noted that peace, security and stability were necessary for development saying, it was on the basis of this that trouble spots on the Continent would continue to engage the attention of the Union.
He said there was now a clear vision for Africa's integration through the harmonisation of regional economic communities and the enhancement of democratic governance and called for support from the international community.
29 Jan. 07
"The partnership between the AU and the UN is of central importance to how we fare on this, the largest humanitarian crisis in the world.
"Together, we must work to end the violence and scorched-earth policies adopted by the various parties, including militias, as well as the bombings, which are still a terrifying feature of life of Darfur"; he said, in his address at the opening of the Eighth Ordinary Session of the AU in the Ethiopian Capital Addis Ababa, his first major assignment as UN Chief, on Monday.
Heads of State and Government from the 53 African countries including President John Agyekum Kufuor are attending the meeting, the main high point of which is the election of a new Chairman to take over from Congolese President Sassou Nguesso.
Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of Turkey, Mr Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Palestinian President Mamoud Abass and Mr Amr Moussa, Secretary General of the League of Arab States also took turns to address the opening ceremony.
The two-day session has as its theme: "Science, Technology and Scientific Research for Development".
Mr Ban spoke of the need to address the regional dimensions to the Darfur conflict adding that, life-saving humanitarian work must be allowed to resume with the civil society given voice in the peace process.
"We must persuade non-signatories to join, while building consensus for the urgent deployment of a UN-AU force on the ground."
The UN Secretary General said he was looking forward to productive discussions with the African Leaders to bring the needed sense of unity to bear on the tragedy in Darfur, which as he noted was not only holding back the potential of Sudan as a whole to develop as a peaceful, prosperous and democratic nation but could undermine the future of the entire Region.
"Let us bring the same unity of purpose to bear on those intractable crises that bleed like open wounds on the face of the Continent. Let us bring it to bear on our efforts to bring peace to Somalia and Cote d'Ivoire."
Mr Ban repeated his pledge to make Africa, his top priority, saying: "I intend to hold to the promise I made to you. I owe it to you and to the people of Africa."
Mr Prodi said his country, as a founding member of the European Union (EU) and a member of the Group of Eight Industrialised Nations (G8), which has always been friend to the Continent, would continue to support and play it part in helping the Region to overcome its challenges.
He, however, appealed for the use of dialogue for the resolution of all conflicts and said unilateral decisions must always be avoided.
President Nguesso noted that peace, security and stability were necessary for development saying, it was on the basis of this that trouble spots on the Continent would continue to engage the attention of the Union.
He said there was now a clear vision for Africa's integration through the harmonisation of regional economic communities and the enhancement of democratic governance and called for support from the international community.
29 Jan. 07
Ghana's APRM Implementation report receives high commendation
Addis Ababa, Jan. 29, GNA - Ghana's Implementation Report on the recommendations of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) has received overwhelming commendation.
The 25 States that have signed up to be peer reviewed were unanimous in their assessment that it was a reflection of the success story of Africa.
The Report captured the progress Ghana was making in the four thematic areas of Democracy and Political Governance; Economic Governance and Management; Corporate Governance and Socio-Economic Development.
Presenting Report at the Sixth Summit of the APRM Heads of State and Government Forum held on the margins of the Africa Union's ordinary session in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa on Sunday, President John Agyekum Kufuor gave a detail account of policy interventions and initiatives taken by the Government in response to the recommendations made by the African Peer Review (APR) Panel of eminent persons.
These include a 50 million-dollar Land Administration Project to rationalise land administration and management; the setting up of a Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to help to reduce the incidence of conflicts through chieftaincy succession and land disputes and a Public Sector Reform Ministry to enhance the delivery of efficient Government services.
In addition, he said, issues of fair wages and pensions were being seriously tackled, while the country's debt stock had been reduced by as much as 43 per cent through debt cancellation and the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative.
To help to promote good economic governance and management, President Kufuor informed the Forum that there was now a tracking system in the country's financial administration through the holding of joint weekly meetings by the Finance Ministry, the Bank of Ghana and the Controller and Accountant General's Department.
Besides, the Public Account and Finance Committee of Parliament was also being strengthened through capacity building workshops and seminars to enable it to carry out its oversight role in financial matters.
President Kufuor further spoke about the Government's efforts at decentralising the Registrar General's Department, the introduction of credit schemes like the Venture Capital and loans to micro and small scale businesses; bringing down of corporate tax and the policy that a manufacturer should no longer pay Value Added Tax (VAT) upfront.
He also touched on the introduction of a legislation to enforce compliance with environmental regulations; the revamping of the educational system; the capitation grant; which has increased primary schools enrolment by about 16 per cent; the school feeding programme; free bus ride for pupils; training of teachers and provision of classrooms and equipment.
He said there were, however, some challenges to the country's implementation of its programme of action, pointing out that, the quest to achieve single digit inflation had not been achieved largely due to the high petroleum prices.
"Ghana, in addition, continues to face capacity and skills shortages in a number of endeavours to meet the national development effort while the public sector was yet to wholly orient itself to private sector growth."
President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the Forum said Ghana had by its pacesetter role demonstrated that the APRM could spur Africa's progress.
"The measures taken are concrete and development-oriented", he stated, and suggested that it should be published so that the world would come to know that the APRM was chalking success.South African President Thabo Mbeki described the implementation report as not only focussed and straight forward but that it also tackled in a verifiable manner, how the programme of action was being implemented.He recommended that it should be made the standard for all African countries.Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said Ghana's Report has brought out a number of best practices, which the other countries would have to copy.
GNA
29 Jan 2007
The 25 States that have signed up to be peer reviewed were unanimous in their assessment that it was a reflection of the success story of Africa.
The Report captured the progress Ghana was making in the four thematic areas of Democracy and Political Governance; Economic Governance and Management; Corporate Governance and Socio-Economic Development.
Presenting Report at the Sixth Summit of the APRM Heads of State and Government Forum held on the margins of the Africa Union's ordinary session in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa on Sunday, President John Agyekum Kufuor gave a detail account of policy interventions and initiatives taken by the Government in response to the recommendations made by the African Peer Review (APR) Panel of eminent persons.
These include a 50 million-dollar Land Administration Project to rationalise land administration and management; the setting up of a Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to help to reduce the incidence of conflicts through chieftaincy succession and land disputes and a Public Sector Reform Ministry to enhance the delivery of efficient Government services.
In addition, he said, issues of fair wages and pensions were being seriously tackled, while the country's debt stock had been reduced by as much as 43 per cent through debt cancellation and the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative.
To help to promote good economic governance and management, President Kufuor informed the Forum that there was now a tracking system in the country's financial administration through the holding of joint weekly meetings by the Finance Ministry, the Bank of Ghana and the Controller and Accountant General's Department.
Besides, the Public Account and Finance Committee of Parliament was also being strengthened through capacity building workshops and seminars to enable it to carry out its oversight role in financial matters.
President Kufuor further spoke about the Government's efforts at decentralising the Registrar General's Department, the introduction of credit schemes like the Venture Capital and loans to micro and small scale businesses; bringing down of corporate tax and the policy that a manufacturer should no longer pay Value Added Tax (VAT) upfront.
He also touched on the introduction of a legislation to enforce compliance with environmental regulations; the revamping of the educational system; the capitation grant; which has increased primary schools enrolment by about 16 per cent; the school feeding programme; free bus ride for pupils; training of teachers and provision of classrooms and equipment.
He said there were, however, some challenges to the country's implementation of its programme of action, pointing out that, the quest to achieve single digit inflation had not been achieved largely due to the high petroleum prices.
"Ghana, in addition, continues to face capacity and skills shortages in a number of endeavours to meet the national development effort while the public sector was yet to wholly orient itself to private sector growth."
President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the Forum said Ghana had by its pacesetter role demonstrated that the APRM could spur Africa's progress.
"The measures taken are concrete and development-oriented", he stated, and suggested that it should be published so that the world would come to know that the APRM was chalking success.South African President Thabo Mbeki described the implementation report as not only focussed and straight forward but that it also tackled in a verifiable manner, how the programme of action was being implemented.He recommended that it should be made the standard for all African countries.Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said Ghana's Report has brought out a number of best practices, which the other countries would have to copy.
GNA
29 Jan 2007
President Kufuor elected AU Chairman
Accra, Jan. 29, GNA – President John Agyekum Kufuor has been elected Chairman of the Africa Union (AU) at its Eighth Ordinary Session in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa on Monday.
GNA
GNA
Fire destroys properties at Wa
Wa, Jan. 29, GNA - Fire gutted the residence of Mr Seidu Hamidu Bomison, a retired Senior Civil Servant at the Dobile Residential area at Wa last Friday and destroyed properties estimated at about 100 million cedis.The fire destroyed the kitchen, garage and a Mercedes Benz saloon car.Speaking to the Ghana News Agency at Wa on Sunday, Mr Bomison said the fire started around midnight when he was asleep.
He said he woke up and shouted for help that drew the attention of neighbours who managed to control it before personnel of Ghana National Fire Service arrived. Mr Bomison said he suspected a foul play because electricity was off in the area when the incident occurred and could therefore not be attributed to an electrical fault. He said there was an opening in the fence wall at the back of the house and a lid left behind smelt petrol.
An official of the Ghana National Fire Service said they were informed of the fire around 1.00 am on Saturday and they rushed to the scene to meet some neighbours who were struggling to put out the fire.He said the fire was put off within some few minutes but could not determine the cause of the fire outbreak immediately, adding that they would investigate the cause.
29 Jan. 07
He said he woke up and shouted for help that drew the attention of neighbours who managed to control it before personnel of Ghana National Fire Service arrived. Mr Bomison said he suspected a foul play because electricity was off in the area when the incident occurred and could therefore not be attributed to an electrical fault. He said there was an opening in the fence wall at the back of the house and a lid left behind smelt petrol.
An official of the Ghana National Fire Service said they were informed of the fire around 1.00 am on Saturday and they rushed to the scene to meet some neighbours who were struggling to put out the fire.He said the fire was put off within some few minutes but could not determine the cause of the fire outbreak immediately, adding that they would investigate the cause.
29 Jan. 07
Talensi-Nabdam assembly focuses on human resource development
Kongo(UER), Jan. 29, GNA - Talensi-Nabdam District Assembly has since its inauguration past two years ago spent 172.2 million cedis to sponsor 132 students.They included, 47 trainee teachers, 45 trainee nurses and 40 students in Secondary and Tertiary Institutions.Mr Sebastian T. Bisnab, Talensi-Nabdam District Chief Executive, announced this when addressing the Jubilee People's Assembly in the district at Kongo in the Upper East Region at the weekend."As a new district, it is our priority to scale up the development of the requisite human resource to be able to reduce poverty and attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDAs)," he said.
Mr Bisnab said the assembly had identified provision of infrastructure as an essential part of effective teaching and learning and would devote much attention to it.He said eight classroom blocks and eight KVIP places of convenience had been constructed in seven communities, the Kongo JSS had been rehabilitated and electricity extended to the District Directorate of Education.Mr Bisnab noted with concern that the assembly performed poorly in revenue mobilisation last year, realizing 109.5 million cedis out of a target of 241.5 million cedis, representing a 54.7 per cent shortfall.He pointed out that the poor revenue generation could mar the development plans of the assembly and was optimistic that when the unit committees and councils start operating fully the revenue base of the assembly would improve.
On environment, Mr Bisnab condemned the effects of surface mining in the area that was fast degrading farmlands and destroying the vegetation. He appealed to the elders and land owners to help control the mining activities to preserve the land for future generations.Mr Bisnab called on the people to be law abiding to ensure accelerated development in the district.Mrs Agnes Chigabatia, Member of Parliament for Builsa North asked mothers to ensure that their daughters attend school.She advised the women to work hard to generate income and not depend solely on their husbands for their needs.
29 Jan. 07
Mr Bisnab said the assembly had identified provision of infrastructure as an essential part of effective teaching and learning and would devote much attention to it.He said eight classroom blocks and eight KVIP places of convenience had been constructed in seven communities, the Kongo JSS had been rehabilitated and electricity extended to the District Directorate of Education.Mr Bisnab noted with concern that the assembly performed poorly in revenue mobilisation last year, realizing 109.5 million cedis out of a target of 241.5 million cedis, representing a 54.7 per cent shortfall.He pointed out that the poor revenue generation could mar the development plans of the assembly and was optimistic that when the unit committees and councils start operating fully the revenue base of the assembly would improve.
On environment, Mr Bisnab condemned the effects of surface mining in the area that was fast degrading farmlands and destroying the vegetation. He appealed to the elders and land owners to help control the mining activities to preserve the land for future generations.Mr Bisnab called on the people to be law abiding to ensure accelerated development in the district.Mrs Agnes Chigabatia, Member of Parliament for Builsa North asked mothers to ensure that their daughters attend school.She advised the women to work hard to generate income and not depend solely on their husbands for their needs.
29 Jan. 07
Two persons remanded on defilement case
Mankranso (Ash), Jan 29, GNA – Two persons have been remanded in prison custody by the Mankranso magistrate court for defiling a 12-year-old girl at Hwibaa in the Ahafo-Ano South district, resulting in her death.The pleas of Yaw Antwi, 18, chainsaw operator and Kwasi Anane, 26, a carver, were not taken. They will re-appear before the court on February 6.
Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector George Nyansu told the court, presided over by Mr Frank Owusu-Afriyie, that on December 11 last year, the mother of the girl detected that the she could not walk steadily and that she also complained of lower abdominal pains.The prosecution said an examination by the mother revealed big cuts in the victim's genitalia so she was taken to the Mankranso district hospital for treatment but she died two days later on admission.Chief Inspector Nyansu said before the death of the victim, she mentioned Antwi as having had sex with her and warning her not to tell anyone about it else she would die.A report was therefore made to the Wioso police who arrested Antwi.The court heard that Antwi also mentioned Anane as the boyfriend of the girl and he was also arrested.
29 Jan. 07
Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector George Nyansu told the court, presided over by Mr Frank Owusu-Afriyie, that on December 11 last year, the mother of the girl detected that the she could not walk steadily and that she also complained of lower abdominal pains.The prosecution said an examination by the mother revealed big cuts in the victim's genitalia so she was taken to the Mankranso district hospital for treatment but she died two days later on admission.Chief Inspector Nyansu said before the death of the victim, she mentioned Antwi as having had sex with her and warning her not to tell anyone about it else she would die.A report was therefore made to the Wioso police who arrested Antwi.The court heard that Antwi also mentioned Anane as the boyfriend of the girl and he was also arrested.
29 Jan. 07
Educationist urges churches to rehabilitate school buildings
New Abirem(E/R), Jan. 29, GNA – Mr George Diko, Birim North District Director of Education, has called on religious bodies to rehabilitate their dilapidated school buildings in the communities to ensure effective teaching and learning in basic schools.
He said most of the school buildings built by the churches in the past had been neglected to deteriorate while resources were used to renovate chapels, mosques and mission houses annually.
Mr Diko made the call at the inauguration of a six classroom block, office, store and a kindergarten renovated by the management of Newmont Akyem Projects Limited, a mining company at New Abirem.
He urged stakeholders in education to support children in their educational endeavours to become responsible citizens in the communities in future.
Mr Diko commended management of Newmont for their co-operation and support to provide facilities to enhance quality education in the district.
Mr Robin Budden, General Manager of Environmental and Social Responsibility of Newmont Akyem Project, said the company was committed to work as partners and collaborate with the communities to enhance socio-economic development.
Mr Budden said the school project was the third in the area since 2005 and pledged the company's commitment to work with other communities to establish computer schools, construct teachers' quarters and a model Senior Secondary School in the district.
Mr Emmanuel Nana Acquah Frimpong, Birim North District Chief Executive, urged the communities to unite and cooperate with the management to benefit from development projects to enhance their living standards.
He advised parents to take active interest in their children's education and provide their educational needs to supplement government's efforts.
Nana Kwesi Amo Kyeretwie, III, Chief of New Abirem, said in addition to communal labour, the community contributed 82 million cedis towards the projects and appealed for extension of electricity to the school.
He appealed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Minerals Commission to expedite action to grant mining licence to the company to begin operations to enable the chiefs mobilise revenue from royalties to undertake development projects.
29 Jan. 07
He said most of the school buildings built by the churches in the past had been neglected to deteriorate while resources were used to renovate chapels, mosques and mission houses annually.
Mr Diko made the call at the inauguration of a six classroom block, office, store and a kindergarten renovated by the management of Newmont Akyem Projects Limited, a mining company at New Abirem.
He urged stakeholders in education to support children in their educational endeavours to become responsible citizens in the communities in future.
Mr Diko commended management of Newmont for their co-operation and support to provide facilities to enhance quality education in the district.
Mr Robin Budden, General Manager of Environmental and Social Responsibility of Newmont Akyem Project, said the company was committed to work as partners and collaborate with the communities to enhance socio-economic development.
Mr Budden said the school project was the third in the area since 2005 and pledged the company's commitment to work with other communities to establish computer schools, construct teachers' quarters and a model Senior Secondary School in the district.
Mr Emmanuel Nana Acquah Frimpong, Birim North District Chief Executive, urged the communities to unite and cooperate with the management to benefit from development projects to enhance their living standards.
He advised parents to take active interest in their children's education and provide their educational needs to supplement government's efforts.
Nana Kwesi Amo Kyeretwie, III, Chief of New Abirem, said in addition to communal labour, the community contributed 82 million cedis towards the projects and appealed for extension of electricity to the school.
He appealed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Minerals Commission to expedite action to grant mining licence to the company to begin operations to enable the chiefs mobilise revenue from royalties to undertake development projects.
29 Jan. 07
Educationist expresses concern about MSLC teachers' programme
Akyem Oda (E/R), Jan. 29, GNA - Mr S. O. Nyarko, an educationist, on Saturday said the current four-year diploma distance education course to upgrade Middle School Leaving Certificate (MSLC) holders to become professional teachers was not the best.
Mr Nyarko told the Ghana News Agency at Oda that while the general objective of helping teachers to upgrade themselves was commendable, the current programme covering the MSLC holders could lower standards of education.
He held that the basic requirement for any higher education should not be below Secondary School Certificate or the General Certificate of Education (GCE) because it provided a suitable threshold level upon which an individual could pursue any advanced studies.
He suggested that MSLC holders in the service should rather be helped to follow a programme that would enable them to obtain the West African School Certificate (WASCE) or its equivalent, which they could use to enter the Teacher Training Colleges.
"Some remedial courses or modular programmes could be organized for them after which the successful ones should be allowed to pursue the programme," he explained.
He also called for the reintroduction of the Certificate "A" four-year programme.
Mr Nyarko recalled that previously, MSLC holders who wanted to be teachers entered the Teacher Training Colleges and were trained for four years after which they were awarded a Teachers' Certificate "A" Post Middle.
"Later those who wanted to do the Diploma Course had to obtain the GCE "O" level certificate and even write an examination organized by the institution of their choice."
Mr Nyarko said those enrolled by the institutions pursued a three-year intensive programme and upon successful completion, were awarded the Teachers' Diploma certificate.
"There are also post-Secondary Teachers who are striving to pass exams and interviews before they would be admitted to pursue a three-year programme for the Teachers' Diploma Certificate Course in the Universities".
He said with these examples, it was inappropriate for MSLC holders to pursue the same programme for four years.
"The knowledge base for the MSLC holders would be too low for such a higher certificate in the profession that calls for higher academic achievement in order to enhance effective performance," he added.
29 Jan. 07
Mr Nyarko told the Ghana News Agency at Oda that while the general objective of helping teachers to upgrade themselves was commendable, the current programme covering the MSLC holders could lower standards of education.
He held that the basic requirement for any higher education should not be below Secondary School Certificate or the General Certificate of Education (GCE) because it provided a suitable threshold level upon which an individual could pursue any advanced studies.
He suggested that MSLC holders in the service should rather be helped to follow a programme that would enable them to obtain the West African School Certificate (WASCE) or its equivalent, which they could use to enter the Teacher Training Colleges.
"Some remedial courses or modular programmes could be organized for them after which the successful ones should be allowed to pursue the programme," he explained.
He also called for the reintroduction of the Certificate "A" four-year programme.
Mr Nyarko recalled that previously, MSLC holders who wanted to be teachers entered the Teacher Training Colleges and were trained for four years after which they were awarded a Teachers' Certificate "A" Post Middle.
"Later those who wanted to do the Diploma Course had to obtain the GCE "O" level certificate and even write an examination organized by the institution of their choice."
Mr Nyarko said those enrolled by the institutions pursued a three-year intensive programme and upon successful completion, were awarded the Teachers' Diploma certificate.
"There are also post-Secondary Teachers who are striving to pass exams and interviews before they would be admitted to pursue a three-year programme for the Teachers' Diploma Certificate Course in the Universities".
He said with these examples, it was inappropriate for MSLC holders to pursue the same programme for four years.
"The knowledge base for the MSLC holders would be too low for such a higher certificate in the profession that calls for higher academic achievement in order to enhance effective performance," he added.
29 Jan. 07
E.P. Church elects woman as Executive member of Synod
Ho, Jan. 29, GNA - Mrs Lydia Aku Adajawa, Principal Co-ordinator, Family Life and Gender Issues of Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) was on Sunday inducted into office as the first woman Presbyter Executive of the 150-year old Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana.
Mrs Adajawa, 56, becomes the third person in the hierarchy of the Church after the Moderator and Synod Clerk. The three constitute the Synod Executive of the Church.
Right Reverend Dr Livingstone Buamah, Moderator of the Church exhorted Mrs Adajawa to derive strength from the love of God to be able to serve him faithfully in her new role, adding "God appoints and anoints for powerful deeds in his house".
He said "As Jesus Christ overcame the world through love you should also confront the challenges involved in your new role with love."
Rt. Rev. Dr Fred Degbey, General Secretary of CCG said Mrs Adajawa would be missed by the Council, but took consolation that her new assignment was also in the service of God.
Most Reverend Aboagye Mensah, Presiding Bishop of Methodist Church of Ghanam, commended Mrs Adajawa for her invaluable work with women in the Methodist Church.
29 Jan. 07
Four Abuakwa South Constituency executives removed from office
Koforidua, Jan. 29, GNA - Some 75 polling station chairpersons in the Abuakwa South Constituency branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) last Friday resolved to remove four constituency executive members from office.
At a special meeting held at Kyebi, the polling station chairpersons accused the four officers of gross misconduct, alleging that they persistently conducted themselves in acts injurious to the good name and running of the Party in the constituency.
The four executive members were Mr Abu Bonsrah, First Vice-Chairman, Madam Georgina Anim, Treasurer, Nana Owusu Agyemang, Youth Organiser and Madam Emma Obeng, Assistant Secretary, according to a press release issued by the Constituency Office of the NPP and signed by its Public Relations Committee Chairman, Nana Fredua Ofori-Atta.
The release urged the East Akyem District Chief Executive, Mr Emmanuel Victor Asihene, to stop any acts designed to promote factionalism or division in the NPP, "or that could impact negatively on the unity and progress of the Party in the constituency".
Explaining the circumstances leading to the resolution in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Nana Fredua Ofori-Atta said the four executive members were found to have re-opened an old constituency office of the Party and were running it at parallel to the existing one. He said investigations by the NPP revealed that Mr Asihene was paying the rent for the old office.Reacting to the allegations, Mr Asihene said he paid for two years' rent advance for the old Party office in March 2006 with two cheques when the Party was still using it.He said the Party relocated from that office in November 2006 and that since then he had not been involved in its rent payment.Mr Asihene said as DCE, he had always been supporting the Party in times of need and that he would never do anything that would injure its image and performance.
Nana Agyemang, one of the dismissed executive members told the GNA that he was never given any opportunity to defend himself on the allegations as required by the NPP constitution adding that he had not received any formal notification of his removal from office.
However, Madam Obeng, also mentioned among the four, told the GNA on telephone that she received a letter from the Party in the constituency informing her of a resolution of her removal from office.
She said the letter also informed her of an impending delegates' conference and that she could attend but should not conduct herself as an executive member.
Madam Obeng said based on the tone of the letter, she decided not to attend the delegates conference, but later some polling station chairpersons who attended came to informed her that they heard that the Member of Parliament for the Constituency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, said he could no longer work with her so she should be removed from office.
29 Jan. 07
At a special meeting held at Kyebi, the polling station chairpersons accused the four officers of gross misconduct, alleging that they persistently conducted themselves in acts injurious to the good name and running of the Party in the constituency.
The four executive members were Mr Abu Bonsrah, First Vice-Chairman, Madam Georgina Anim, Treasurer, Nana Owusu Agyemang, Youth Organiser and Madam Emma Obeng, Assistant Secretary, according to a press release issued by the Constituency Office of the NPP and signed by its Public Relations Committee Chairman, Nana Fredua Ofori-Atta.
The release urged the East Akyem District Chief Executive, Mr Emmanuel Victor Asihene, to stop any acts designed to promote factionalism or division in the NPP, "or that could impact negatively on the unity and progress of the Party in the constituency".
Explaining the circumstances leading to the resolution in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Nana Fredua Ofori-Atta said the four executive members were found to have re-opened an old constituency office of the Party and were running it at parallel to the existing one. He said investigations by the NPP revealed that Mr Asihene was paying the rent for the old office.Reacting to the allegations, Mr Asihene said he paid for two years' rent advance for the old Party office in March 2006 with two cheques when the Party was still using it.He said the Party relocated from that office in November 2006 and that since then he had not been involved in its rent payment.Mr Asihene said as DCE, he had always been supporting the Party in times of need and that he would never do anything that would injure its image and performance.
Nana Agyemang, one of the dismissed executive members told the GNA that he was never given any opportunity to defend himself on the allegations as required by the NPP constitution adding that he had not received any formal notification of his removal from office.
However, Madam Obeng, also mentioned among the four, told the GNA on telephone that she received a letter from the Party in the constituency informing her of a resolution of her removal from office.
She said the letter also informed her of an impending delegates' conference and that she could attend but should not conduct herself as an executive member.
Madam Obeng said based on the tone of the letter, she decided not to attend the delegates conference, but later some polling station chairpersons who attended came to informed her that they heard that the Member of Parliament for the Constituency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, said he could no longer work with her so she should be removed from office.
29 Jan. 07
Western Regional Minister calls for unity among people in Wassa West District
Tarkwa(W/R), Jan. 29, GNA - Mr Anthony Evans Amoah, Western Regional Minister, last weekend, called for unity among people in Wassa West District towards socio-economic development.
He said development of the district should be their utmost priority therefore; they should rise above petty squabbles and develop the area.
Mr Amoah who made the call at the Jubilee Peoples' Assembly at Tarkwa, said the time was ripe for the district to have a new beginning to move the forward.
He stressed the need for a policy to tap resources in the area for development.
Mr Amoah noted that this could be achieved in collaboration with the Members of Parliament in the area, District Chief Executive and the assembly, adding, "The area has not developed as expected because the people have not been aggressive in their development efforts."
Mr Emmanuel K. Ayensu, Wassa West District Chief Executive said the assembly had drawn up a three-year medium term development plan to provide a framework for the medium to long term development of communities in the district.
He said plans were far advanced to construct a new district hospital on a land donated by the Chiefs and people of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area.
Mr Ayensu said about 40 farmers were cropping on the land and the assembly contacted Land Valuation Board to assess properties of the farmers and was waiting for their report.
He announced that 22,562 people registered for the District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme by the end of December 2006 and the total premium mobilised was 541,125,000 cedis.
Mr Ayensu said 1,045 youth had registered for the National Youth Employment Programme in the district out of which 314 had been engaged as volunteer teachers.
29 Jan. 07
He said development of the district should be their utmost priority therefore; they should rise above petty squabbles and develop the area.
Mr Amoah who made the call at the Jubilee Peoples' Assembly at Tarkwa, said the time was ripe for the district to have a new beginning to move the forward.
He stressed the need for a policy to tap resources in the area for development.
Mr Amoah noted that this could be achieved in collaboration with the Members of Parliament in the area, District Chief Executive and the assembly, adding, "The area has not developed as expected because the people have not been aggressive in their development efforts."
Mr Emmanuel K. Ayensu, Wassa West District Chief Executive said the assembly had drawn up a three-year medium term development plan to provide a framework for the medium to long term development of communities in the district.
He said plans were far advanced to construct a new district hospital on a land donated by the Chiefs and people of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area.
Mr Ayensu said about 40 farmers were cropping on the land and the assembly contacted Land Valuation Board to assess properties of the farmers and was waiting for their report.
He announced that 22,562 people registered for the District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme by the end of December 2006 and the total premium mobilised was 541,125,000 cedis.
Mr Ayensu said 1,045 youth had registered for the National Youth Employment Programme in the district out of which 314 had been engaged as volunteer teachers.
29 Jan. 07
Jukwa Secondary emerge Milo champions
Cape Coast, Jan. 29, GNA - Jukwa Secondary School emerged the Central Region Inter-Schools and Colleges Soccer Milo Champions when they beat Obrachire Secondary School 1-0 in the finals of the Regional Inter Schools and Colleges league match played at the Robert Mensah stadium at Cape Coast on Saturday.Jukwa Secondary will thus join Potsin Ahmadiyya Secondary School to represent the Central Region in the forthcoming Inter-Regional Milo games to be held at Koforidua in the Eastern Region.The champions were presented with one million cedis while the runners up, Obrachire Secondary School had 800,000 cedis.
Rev. Paa Grant Essilfie, headmaster of Saltpond Methodist High School, who presented the prizes comemended the schools for their show of good sportsmanship during the league and advised them to keep it up.He advised the victorious players to take their training seriously to bring more laurels to the region at the Milo games.
Just as referee Jeffery Amamoo signaled the two sides into action, Jukwa Secondary made their intentions clear when they netted an early goal in the fifth minute through Stephen Oppong through a spot kick which turned out to be the match winner.
Despite the early set back, Obrachire Secondary matched their opponents squarely as they made frantic efforts to level up the scores but try as they did they could not find the net till the end of proceedings with the scores standing at 1-0 in favour of Jukwa Secondary School.
29 Jan. 07
Rev. Paa Grant Essilfie, headmaster of Saltpond Methodist High School, who presented the prizes comemended the schools for their show of good sportsmanship during the league and advised them to keep it up.He advised the victorious players to take their training seriously to bring more laurels to the region at the Milo games.
Just as referee Jeffery Amamoo signaled the two sides into action, Jukwa Secondary made their intentions clear when they netted an early goal in the fifth minute through Stephen Oppong through a spot kick which turned out to be the match winner.
Despite the early set back, Obrachire Secondary matched their opponents squarely as they made frantic efforts to level up the scores but try as they did they could not find the net till the end of proceedings with the scores standing at 1-0 in favour of Jukwa Secondary School.
29 Jan. 07
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