Nsawam, March 31, GNA - The Rev. Solomon Aryeetey, Chairman of the Lord's Squad Ministry on Friday called on churches to assist rural communities with school structures, clinics and the provision of potable water.
Rev. Aryeetey made the call when he conducted the Ghana News Agency (GNA) round some projects the Church had undertaken, which include the construction of an orphanage home, nursery and primary schools at Lartei near Nsawam in the Akuapem South District.
The Church has also acquired a 15-hectare land at Papase for a secondary school, a recreational centre for the aged and use part of the land for pineapple plantation, which produce would be sold to Ankwan-Doblo Blue Skies and Nsawam Astek factories.Rev Aryeetey said the proceeds from the pineapple farm would be used to support the projects the Church has initiated.
31 March 07
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Women Bible Class assist Buruli ulcer patients at Amasaman
Amasaman (G/A), March 31, GNA - The Women Bible Class of the Global Evangelical Church of Ghana has presented food items and used clothing to the Buruli Ulcer Patients Unit at Amasaman Health Centre.
The items include rice, cooking oil, canned fish, palm oil and loaves of bread worth over three million cedis.Presenting the items on behalf of the Church, Madam Peace Agbeshie, an Elder, said the items are the church's gift to the patients of the health centre to help hasten their healing process of their wounds, particularly the children among them to go back to school.
Mrs. Rejoice Bansah, who received the items on behalf of the Director of Health Centre expressed appreciation to church members and Mrs Victoria Norgbey, Ga West Area Development Programme of the World Vision Ghana for initiating the idea.Mrs. Bansah called on the World Vision International to continue with their assistance and appealed to other churches to emulate the Women Bible Class of the Global Evangelical Church of Ghana.
31 March 07
The items include rice, cooking oil, canned fish, palm oil and loaves of bread worth over three million cedis.Presenting the items on behalf of the Church, Madam Peace Agbeshie, an Elder, said the items are the church's gift to the patients of the health centre to help hasten their healing process of their wounds, particularly the children among them to go back to school.
Mrs. Rejoice Bansah, who received the items on behalf of the Director of Health Centre expressed appreciation to church members and Mrs Victoria Norgbey, Ga West Area Development Programme of the World Vision Ghana for initiating the idea.Mrs. Bansah called on the World Vision International to continue with their assistance and appealed to other churches to emulate the Women Bible Class of the Global Evangelical Church of Ghana.
31 March 07
Chief, people appeal for school block
Coaltar (E/R), March 31, GNA - The chiefs and people of Krabokese, near Coaltar in the Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar District, have appealed to the Ghana Education Service, the District Assembly and Action Aid, a non-governmental organization to assist the community with the provision of a new school block.
Nana Awuah Koranteng, chief of Coaltar told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview after meeting with the people to discuss how best they could organize themselves for an additional school block to accommodate about 400 pupils who take their lessons under temporary structures, trees and church buildings.
Mr Fredrick Kumah Nyavor, Headteacher of the Krabokese Presbyterian Primary School said the situation as at now would not enhance learning and teaching because anytime it threatens to rain classes had to be closed.
He also said the school lacked potable water and places of convenience.Mr Nyavor appealed to the Member of Parliament for the area, Mr Godfred Otchere to also help by using some part of the MPs' common fund to improve education in the area.
31 March 07
Nana Awuah Koranteng, chief of Coaltar told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview after meeting with the people to discuss how best they could organize themselves for an additional school block to accommodate about 400 pupils who take their lessons under temporary structures, trees and church buildings.
Mr Fredrick Kumah Nyavor, Headteacher of the Krabokese Presbyterian Primary School said the situation as at now would not enhance learning and teaching because anytime it threatens to rain classes had to be closed.
He also said the school lacked potable water and places of convenience.Mr Nyavor appealed to the Member of Parliament for the area, Mr Godfred Otchere to also help by using some part of the MPs' common fund to improve education in the area.
31 March 07
Convert horticultural crops by-product into livestock feed
Nsawam, March 31, GNA - Mr Paul Siameh, District Director of Agriculture for Akuapem South on Thursday said even though livestock and poultry production is profitable it has not received the same attention as that of the horticultural crops in the Akuapem South District in the Eastern Region.
He said one of the reasons of the low interest in livestock and poultry production in the district is the high cost of conventional and quality livestock feeding.
Mr Siameh made the observation at a day's workshop for about 50 poultry and livestock farmers at Nsawam in the Akuapem South District.He said the Akuapem South District is well noted for the production of horticultural crops like pawpaw, pineapple and citrus but the processing of their by-products into livestock feed has become difficult because of the limited knowledge on the type and quality of feed that could be generated.
The workshop, which was sponsored by Ghana Society of Animal Production (GSAP), provides an insight into the opportunities available for harnessing by-products from horticultural crops as well as other materials into quality livestock feed.
It also gave farmers and extension agents the opportunity to interact with each other on the issue of livestock feeding so that old and new ideas could be shared towards the provision of quality nutrition for poultry and livestock in the Akuapem South.
31 March 07
He said one of the reasons of the low interest in livestock and poultry production in the district is the high cost of conventional and quality livestock feeding.
Mr Siameh made the observation at a day's workshop for about 50 poultry and livestock farmers at Nsawam in the Akuapem South District.He said the Akuapem South District is well noted for the production of horticultural crops like pawpaw, pineapple and citrus but the processing of their by-products into livestock feed has become difficult because of the limited knowledge on the type and quality of feed that could be generated.
The workshop, which was sponsored by Ghana Society of Animal Production (GSAP), provides an insight into the opportunities available for harnessing by-products from horticultural crops as well as other materials into quality livestock feed.
It also gave farmers and extension agents the opportunity to interact with each other on the issue of livestock feeding so that old and new ideas could be shared towards the provision of quality nutrition for poultry and livestock in the Akuapem South.
31 March 07
Promote alternative energy sources - Frimpong-Boateng
Takoradi, March 31, GNA - Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, Chief Executive Officer of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, has stressed the need for the development of alternative energy sources to safeguard the current crisis that the country is going through.
He called for the beginning of an aggressive programme to begin the manufacture and use of solar panels for domestic use to reduce the burden on the national electricity grid.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng was delivering the third of a series of lectures organised by the Western Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) as part of the activities marking the "Ghana at 50" celebrations at Takoradi on Thursday.He said that apart from solar, geothermal, micro dams, wind energy, biogas and Ocean Thermal Energy Converter (OTEC) as well as Bio-diesel should be promoted throughout the country to curtail the annual energy crisis.
The country's engineers must develop simple technologies to facilitate the "day-to-day" lives of the people, he said.To facilitate this, Prof Frimpong-Boateng stressed the need for the establishment a well-equipped Technical University to support the production of tools.All districts must also have well-equipped polytechnics with the requisite machinery to manufacture, re-design and mould technologies appropriate to the Ghanaian environment.
He expressed regrets that while the advanced countries were still developing and using alternative energy sources African countries were still relying on hydro-electric dams.Prof. Frimpong-Boateng charged Ghanaians to "venture" into helping to solve the country's problems.He noted that even though the Western Region was endowed with natural resources, it lacked the requisite infrastructure.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng urged the chiefs, churches, individuals as well as chief executives to play their roles to improve conditions in the region.The inhabitants of the Western Region must "think alike" and develop the region "together," Prof. Frimpong-Boateng said urged Ghanaians to acquire "the skills and know how" that would enable them to transform their situation.
Mr. Philip K. Nkrumah, Shama-Ahanta-East Metropolitan Chief Executive, stressed the determination of the various district, municipal and metropolitan assemblies to do their best to ensure national development.
31 Mar 07
He called for the beginning of an aggressive programme to begin the manufacture and use of solar panels for domestic use to reduce the burden on the national electricity grid.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng was delivering the third of a series of lectures organised by the Western Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) as part of the activities marking the "Ghana at 50" celebrations at Takoradi on Thursday.He said that apart from solar, geothermal, micro dams, wind energy, biogas and Ocean Thermal Energy Converter (OTEC) as well as Bio-diesel should be promoted throughout the country to curtail the annual energy crisis.
The country's engineers must develop simple technologies to facilitate the "day-to-day" lives of the people, he said.To facilitate this, Prof Frimpong-Boateng stressed the need for the establishment a well-equipped Technical University to support the production of tools.All districts must also have well-equipped polytechnics with the requisite machinery to manufacture, re-design and mould technologies appropriate to the Ghanaian environment.
He expressed regrets that while the advanced countries were still developing and using alternative energy sources African countries were still relying on hydro-electric dams.Prof. Frimpong-Boateng charged Ghanaians to "venture" into helping to solve the country's problems.He noted that even though the Western Region was endowed with natural resources, it lacked the requisite infrastructure.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng urged the chiefs, churches, individuals as well as chief executives to play their roles to improve conditions in the region.The inhabitants of the Western Region must "think alike" and develop the region "together," Prof. Frimpong-Boateng said urged Ghanaians to acquire "the skills and know how" that would enable them to transform their situation.
Mr. Philip K. Nkrumah, Shama-Ahanta-East Metropolitan Chief Executive, stressed the determination of the various district, municipal and metropolitan assemblies to do their best to ensure national development.
31 Mar 07
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Policy implementation suffered from lack of consultation-Dzamesi
Ho, March 29, GNA - Mr Kofi Dzamesi, the Volta Regional Minister, on
Thursday said most government policies in the past had had
implementation problems due to inadequate consultations with relevant
stakeholders during their formulation stages.
He said such policies consequently were seen as an imposition on
the people and therefore did not engender the requisite support and
collaboration expected from the people.Mr Dzamesi was speaking at the
launch of National Wildfire Management Policy for the southern sector
in Ho.
He said significant efforts had been made in the past to address
issues on wildfires but with little success due to lack of appropriate
consultations.This resulted in the annual wildfires that continued to
pose serious threat to resource management and agricultural production
in the country.
Mr Dzamesi said 30 percent of the country's total land area
mainly in the High Forest and Transition zone and 90 percent in the
Dry Northern Savannah zones respectively were prone to wildfire
annually.
The Minister said the situation might be more serious in the Volta Region.
"The beginning of this year in particular has seen much
destruction through wildfires in the Volta Region. Trees planted along
the roads, electric poles and telephone poles have burnt through such
wildfires totalling several millions of cedis in damages", he said.
Mr Dzamesi said the situation therefore required a comprehensive
policy framework to guide wildfire management in the country.
He said the success of the new policy depended on the
collaborative efforts of all key stakeholders and expressed the hope
that the citizenry in the Central, Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta
regions, which make up the southern sector, would own the policy and
ensure its successful implementation.
Mr Oheneba Amponsah Agyemang, Wildfire Project Coordinator, said
the use of fire in the past did not cause any considerable damage to
either the forest or its adjoining farmlands but the situation changed
for the worse between 1982/83 with its destructive consequences.He
said wildfires now threaten the promotion of timber plantation
development, biodiversity, agricultural production and the maintenance
of environmental quality.
He said the National Wildfire Management Policy had therefore come
in order to protect the natural environment from uncontrolled
fires.The 17-page National Wildfire Management Policy's major goal is
to promote effective and efficient management of wildfires.
Thursday said most government policies in the past had had
implementation problems due to inadequate consultations with relevant
stakeholders during their formulation stages.
He said such policies consequently were seen as an imposition on
the people and therefore did not engender the requisite support and
collaboration expected from the people.Mr Dzamesi was speaking at the
launch of National Wildfire Management Policy for the southern sector
in Ho.
He said significant efforts had been made in the past to address
issues on wildfires but with little success due to lack of appropriate
consultations.This resulted in the annual wildfires that continued to
pose serious threat to resource management and agricultural production
in the country.
Mr Dzamesi said 30 percent of the country's total land area
mainly in the High Forest and Transition zone and 90 percent in the
Dry Northern Savannah zones respectively were prone to wildfire
annually.
The Minister said the situation might be more serious in the Volta Region.
"The beginning of this year in particular has seen much
destruction through wildfires in the Volta Region. Trees planted along
the roads, electric poles and telephone poles have burnt through such
wildfires totalling several millions of cedis in damages", he said.
Mr Dzamesi said the situation therefore required a comprehensive
policy framework to guide wildfire management in the country.
He said the success of the new policy depended on the
collaborative efforts of all key stakeholders and expressed the hope
that the citizenry in the Central, Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta
regions, which make up the southern sector, would own the policy and
ensure its successful implementation.
Mr Oheneba Amponsah Agyemang, Wildfire Project Coordinator, said
the use of fire in the past did not cause any considerable damage to
either the forest or its adjoining farmlands but the situation changed
for the worse between 1982/83 with its destructive consequences.He
said wildfires now threaten the promotion of timber plantation
development, biodiversity, agricultural production and the maintenance
of environmental quality.
He said the National Wildfire Management Policy had therefore come
in order to protect the natural environment from uncontrolled
fires.The 17-page National Wildfire Management Policy's major goal is
to promote effective and efficient management of wildfires.
29 March 07
Trader jailed for dealing in drugs
Accra, March 29, GNA - A Nigerian trader, who expelled 64 pellets of
cocaine after he was picked up by the security agencies at the Kotoka
International Airport (KIA) in May last year was on Thursday sentenced
to 10 years' imprisonment by the Greater Accra Regional Tribunal.
Titus Igwe Uwakwe, 31, pleaded guilty for attempted exportation
of narcotic drugs without lawful authority and possession of narcotic
drugs weighing 886.7 grammes and the court, presided over Mr Justice
Frank Manu convicted him accordingly.The court ordered that his
sentence should commence from the day of his arrest and he should be
deported after serving his sentence. It also ordered that the drugs be
destroyed.
The case as presented by the prosecutor, Mrs Evelyn Keelson,
State Attorney, is that on May 19, 2006 Uwakwe arrived at KIA to board
Ghana International Airline flight to London.
The prosecution said as he was going through departure
formalities, personnel of the Narcotic Control Board (NACOB) suspected
him of carrying drugs hence picked him up.
Uwakwe was escorted to the 37 Military Hospital for examination
where it was found that he had some foreign materials in his
stomach.He expelled 64 pellets of whitish substances, which the Ghana
Standards Board proved to be cocaine.
The prosecution said Uwakwe admitted ownership of the drugs
saying they were handed over to him by one Michael and his wife Wendy
in a hotel in Accra but he failed to lead the Police to where Michael
and his wife were.
cocaine after he was picked up by the security agencies at the Kotoka
International Airport (KIA) in May last year was on Thursday sentenced
to 10 years' imprisonment by the Greater Accra Regional Tribunal.
Titus Igwe Uwakwe, 31, pleaded guilty for attempted exportation
of narcotic drugs without lawful authority and possession of narcotic
drugs weighing 886.7 grammes and the court, presided over Mr Justice
Frank Manu convicted him accordingly.The court ordered that his
sentence should commence from the day of his arrest and he should be
deported after serving his sentence. It also ordered that the drugs be
destroyed.
The case as presented by the prosecutor, Mrs Evelyn Keelson,
State Attorney, is that on May 19, 2006 Uwakwe arrived at KIA to board
Ghana International Airline flight to London.
The prosecution said as he was going through departure
formalities, personnel of the Narcotic Control Board (NACOB) suspected
him of carrying drugs hence picked him up.
Uwakwe was escorted to the 37 Military Hospital for examination
where it was found that he had some foreign materials in his
stomach.He expelled 64 pellets of whitish substances, which the Ghana
Standards Board proved to be cocaine.
The prosecution said Uwakwe admitted ownership of the drugs
saying they were handed over to him by one Michael and his wife Wendy
in a hotel in Accra but he failed to lead the Police to where Michael
and his wife were.
29 March 07
Akyem Swedru chiefs honour headmaster and staff
Akyem Swedru, March 29, GNA - The chiefs and elders of Akyem Swedru on
Thursday honoured Reverend Abraham Osei Donkor, the Headmaster of
Akyem Swedru Secondary School (AKISSS), and his staff at a ceremony at
Akyem Swedru.
The honour was in recognition of Rev Donkor's good performance
since he took over the administration of the school three years ago
that had resulted in the school achieving good academic performance.
The occasion coincided with the traditional Akwanbo festival of
the people.Rev. Donkor and his staff were presented with a sheep and
undisclosed sums of money.Nana Dr Ofosu Asante Kodan 11, the Acting
President of the Akyem Bosome Traditional Council, appealed to parents
to attach importance to the education of their children.
Nana Kodan, a Senior Lecturer at GIMPA, advised school children
to take advantage of opportunities available in the school system to
lay a solid foundation for the future.
He expressed worry about reported cases of the youth in the area
taking to gambling, drinking and taking drugs such as marijuana (wee)
and called on teachers, parents, chiefs and churches to help address
the situation.
Rev. Osei Donkor thanked the chiefs and people of Akyem Swedru
for the honour done them and expressed optimism that the recognition
would spur them to give off their best.
Nana Kwatemaa Munkyin t11, queen mother of Akyem Bosome
Traditional Area, spoke about the peace and tranquillity prevailing in
the area and said this would promote development.She appealed to those
who had not registered for the District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme
to do so to enable them to access affordable health care.
Thursday honoured Reverend Abraham Osei Donkor, the Headmaster of
Akyem Swedru Secondary School (AKISSS), and his staff at a ceremony at
Akyem Swedru.
The honour was in recognition of Rev Donkor's good performance
since he took over the administration of the school three years ago
that had resulted in the school achieving good academic performance.
The occasion coincided with the traditional Akwanbo festival of
the people.Rev. Donkor and his staff were presented with a sheep and
undisclosed sums of money.Nana Dr Ofosu Asante Kodan 11, the Acting
President of the Akyem Bosome Traditional Council, appealed to parents
to attach importance to the education of their children.
Nana Kodan, a Senior Lecturer at GIMPA, advised school children
to take advantage of opportunities available in the school system to
lay a solid foundation for the future.
He expressed worry about reported cases of the youth in the area
taking to gambling, drinking and taking drugs such as marijuana (wee)
and called on teachers, parents, chiefs and churches to help address
the situation.
Rev. Osei Donkor thanked the chiefs and people of Akyem Swedru
for the honour done them and expressed optimism that the recognition
would spur them to give off their best.
Nana Kwatemaa Munkyin t11, queen mother of Akyem Bosome
Traditional Area, spoke about the peace and tranquillity prevailing in
the area and said this would promote development.She appealed to those
who had not registered for the District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme
to do so to enable them to access affordable health care.
29 March 07
UNICEF'S logistics arrive for war against infant mortality
Dorimon U/W, March 29, GNA - All the eight districts in the Upper West
region have started receiving their allocations of UNICEF funded 1 .6
million dollars logistics and materials for the start of a battle
against the high rate of infant mortality in the region.
The region has the highest rate of under five mortality presently
standing at 208 per 1,000 live births as against the national average
of 111 per 1,000 live births.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Ambrose Dery, presented 112
out of the district's share of 450 bicycles and first aid kits to
community health volunteers in the Dorimon sub district of the Ghana
Health Service.
The bicycles are to be used by the volunteers to carry out education
programmes in communities on how best to take care of their infant
children so that they could grow into adulthood.Mr Dery expressed the
gratitude of the people of the region to UNICEF for funding the
exercise.Naa Sohamininye Dana Gore, the Paramount Chief of Dorimon
Traditional Area, appealed to the volunteers to take the exercise
seriously so as to ensure the future of children in the region.
region have started receiving their allocations of UNICEF funded 1 .6
million dollars logistics and materials for the start of a battle
against the high rate of infant mortality in the region.
The region has the highest rate of under five mortality presently
standing at 208 per 1,000 live births as against the national average
of 111 per 1,000 live births.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Ambrose Dery, presented 112
out of the district's share of 450 bicycles and first aid kits to
community health volunteers in the Dorimon sub district of the Ghana
Health Service.
The bicycles are to be used by the volunteers to carry out education
programmes in communities on how best to take care of their infant
children so that they could grow into adulthood.Mr Dery expressed the
gratitude of the people of the region to UNICEF for funding the
exercise.Naa Sohamininye Dana Gore, the Paramount Chief of Dorimon
Traditional Area, appealed to the volunteers to take the exercise
seriously so as to ensure the future of children in the region.
29 March 07
Northern Regional Police Committee inaugurated
Tamale, March 29, GNA - Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, the Northern
Regional Minister, has commended personnel of the security services in
the region for their professionalism in the performance of their
duties that has sustained the peace in the region.
The minister, who was speaking on Wednesday during the
inauguration of a 20-member Northern Regional Police Committee, said:
"The security services in the region have exhibited a high sense of
patriotism and commitment in carrying out their duties".
"The chiefs and people of the region have not failed to
appreciate these efforts because these have saved us from worse
scenarios."
"The situation would have been difficult without the presence and
help of the security. All the people in the region owe them a debt of
gratitude," he said.Alhaji Idris said though the personnel worked
under harsh conditions they persevered and ensured that there was
peace in Dagbon.
He gave the assurance that the Northern Regional Coordinating
Council would give them the necessary assistance to operate more
efficiently.
He said the inauguration of the Committee was an added advantage
to the security agencies to spur them on to offer better services to
the people to win their confidence.Mr. Justice Sam Baddoo, Chairman of
the Police Council who inaugurated the committee, said measures were
being taken to ensure that the police in the Northern Region were
adequately rewarded for their resilience and commitment to work.
He noted with regret the low salaries of the police, especially,
police constables, whom he said were receiving salaries below nine
million cedis a year and called for improved service conditions to
enhance their standard of living.
Mr. Baddoo mentioned the provision of residential and office
accommodation, transportation and the building of the capacity of the
police as some of the measures to ensure a vibrant and effective
police service.
Mr. Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, Inspector General of Police
(IGP), said the Northern Region was leading in the provision of new
police stations in the country.
He appealed to the other Regional Coordinating Councils and
District Assemblies to make good use of land given to the service by
traditional councils to build infrastructure for the police.
He mentioned the Aboabo Police Station in the Tamale Metropolis,
Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo and Tolon/Kumbungu as districts
where the Assemblies had helped to build police stations.
Mr. Albert Kan-Dapaah, the Minister of the Interior, in a speech
read on his behalf, said the committee had an onerous task but added
that with commitment and determination the members could work
collectively to win public confidence.
Regional Minister, has commended personnel of the security services in
the region for their professionalism in the performance of their
duties that has sustained the peace in the region.
The minister, who was speaking on Wednesday during the
inauguration of a 20-member Northern Regional Police Committee, said:
"The security services in the region have exhibited a high sense of
patriotism and commitment in carrying out their duties".
"The chiefs and people of the region have not failed to
appreciate these efforts because these have saved us from worse
scenarios."
"The situation would have been difficult without the presence and
help of the security. All the people in the region owe them a debt of
gratitude," he said.Alhaji Idris said though the personnel worked
under harsh conditions they persevered and ensured that there was
peace in Dagbon.
He gave the assurance that the Northern Regional Coordinating
Council would give them the necessary assistance to operate more
efficiently.
He said the inauguration of the Committee was an added advantage
to the security agencies to spur them on to offer better services to
the people to win their confidence.Mr. Justice Sam Baddoo, Chairman of
the Police Council who inaugurated the committee, said measures were
being taken to ensure that the police in the Northern Region were
adequately rewarded for their resilience and commitment to work.
He noted with regret the low salaries of the police, especially,
police constables, whom he said were receiving salaries below nine
million cedis a year and called for improved service conditions to
enhance their standard of living.
Mr. Baddoo mentioned the provision of residential and office
accommodation, transportation and the building of the capacity of the
police as some of the measures to ensure a vibrant and effective
police service.
Mr. Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, Inspector General of Police
(IGP), said the Northern Region was leading in the provision of new
police stations in the country.
He appealed to the other Regional Coordinating Councils and
District Assemblies to make good use of land given to the service by
traditional councils to build infrastructure for the police.
He mentioned the Aboabo Police Station in the Tamale Metropolis,
Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo and Tolon/Kumbungu as districts
where the Assemblies had helped to build police stations.
Mr. Albert Kan-Dapaah, the Minister of the Interior, in a speech
read on his behalf, said the committee had an onerous task but added
that with commitment and determination the members could work
collectively to win public confidence.
29 March 07
KATH embarks on an eight-day eye screening exercise
Kumasi (Ash), March 29, GNA - The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital
(KATH) in Kumasi is to embark on an eight-day eye screening exercise
from March 26 to April 4.
Those with complicated eye problems would later be operated upon and
the surgeries would cover cornea, cataract, squint and other major eye
problems and would take place from April 2 to April 6.
Dr. Seth Lartey, the consultant of Ophthalmic Surgeon in-charge of
the eye department of KATH made this known in an interview with the
Ghana News Agency in Kumasi on Thursday.
He said the surgeries would be performed by eight-member eye
specialists from the Moran Eye Centre in the United States of America
and their colleagues at KATH.
The surgeries would be subsidized and those with the National Health
Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards and the health facility attendance cards
would pay nothing whilst those without such facilities would pay
300,000 cedis.
The exercise would be sponsored by the surgical services and training
projects of KATH and the University of Utah.
29 March 07
(KATH) in Kumasi is to embark on an eight-day eye screening exercise
from March 26 to April 4.
Those with complicated eye problems would later be operated upon and
the surgeries would cover cornea, cataract, squint and other major eye
problems and would take place from April 2 to April 6.
Dr. Seth Lartey, the consultant of Ophthalmic Surgeon in-charge of
the eye department of KATH made this known in an interview with the
Ghana News Agency in Kumasi on Thursday.
He said the surgeries would be performed by eight-member eye
specialists from the Moran Eye Centre in the United States of America
and their colleagues at KATH.
The surgeries would be subsidized and those with the National Health
Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards and the health facility attendance cards
would pay nothing whilst those without such facilities would pay
300,000 cedis.
The exercise would be sponsored by the surgical services and training
projects of KATH and the University of Utah.
29 March 07
Students sensitised on causes, effects of tuberculosis
Tamale, March 29, GNA - Students have been urged to spearhead the
fight against tuberculosis by propagating the causes and effects of
the disease.
Mr. Abu Accrachie, the Northern Regional Tuberculosis (TB)
Control Coordinator of the Ghana Health Service, said about 30 per
cent of the world's population was infected with the disease.
He was speaking at a day's sensitisation workshop in Tamale on Thursday.
A non-governmental organisation, TB-Net Ghana, organised the
forum to mark the "Northern Regional Tuberculosis Day" for some 200
students of the Kalpohin Senior Secondary School in Tamale.
Mr Accrachie said 95 per cent of the world's 30 per cent of
infected persons are in developing countries while 35 per cent of
people in Ghana are infected with the disease.
He said the Ghana Health Service was aiming at detecting and
completely curing 85 per cent of detected new "smear" TB cases in the
country.Mrs. Azara Mahamadu, the Regional Chairperson on TB of the
NGO, called on the government to carry out a comprehensive and
sustained campaign against the disease.
fight against tuberculosis by propagating the causes and effects of
the disease.
Mr. Abu Accrachie, the Northern Regional Tuberculosis (TB)
Control Coordinator of the Ghana Health Service, said about 30 per
cent of the world's population was infected with the disease.
He was speaking at a day's sensitisation workshop in Tamale on Thursday.
A non-governmental organisation, TB-Net Ghana, organised the
forum to mark the "Northern Regional Tuberculosis Day" for some 200
students of the Kalpohin Senior Secondary School in Tamale.
Mr Accrachie said 95 per cent of the world's 30 per cent of
infected persons are in developing countries while 35 per cent of
people in Ghana are infected with the disease.
He said the Ghana Health Service was aiming at detecting and
completely curing 85 per cent of detected new "smear" TB cases in the
country.Mrs. Azara Mahamadu, the Regional Chairperson on TB of the
NGO, called on the government to carry out a comprehensive and
sustained campaign against the disease.
29 March 07
Kufuor inaugurates 15.5 million-dollar Port Terminal
Tema, March 29, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Thursday
inaugurated a new 15.5 million dollar container terminal built to help
significantly reduce congestion at the Tema Port.
It has facilities for a Container Freight Station (CFS) covering
a total space of 7,200 square meters, a state warehouse of 2,100
square meters for storage of uncleared cargo and a paved area of
93,000 square meters.
Started in 2004 and christened; "Golden Jubilee Terminal," it has
been designed to help improve the turn-around time of container
vessels and free more space for the handling of general cargo.
The new facility adds to the number of capacity improvement
projects undertaken within the last six years to develop the nation's
maritime industry to become the maritime fulcrum and the shipping
gateway to the ECOWAS sub-region.
President Kufuor announced that a feasibility study for
construction of yet another new terminal would soon commence in
anticipation of the continued growth in the volume of trade.
"For now, a number of state-of-the-art equipment has been
acquired and institutional reforms on-going to enhance the quality of
service delivery within the port and the maritime industry in
general."
President Kufuor expressed the Government's determination to push
ahead with the implementation of policies that would increase private
sector participation in port operations.
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority has already begun a
gradual ceding of more port operations to private companies,
something, he noted, would create space for competition, efficiency
and innovation.
President Kufuor said the name given to the new terminal should
be an all time reminder of the increasing role that the nation's ports
in particular and the maritime industry in general were expected to
play in promoting economic and national development during the next 50
years.
Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, Minister of Harbours and
Railways, said the new facilities at the port were meant to turn it
into a maritime hub to contribute to the nation's progress.
He said already measures had been put in place to improve
security and safety within the port area as well as institutional
reforms to minimize bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Mr. Ben Owusu-Mensah, Director-General of GPHA, said apart from
the Landlord Port Bill, which was still under consideration by the
appropriate authorities, the GHPA has now completed all the Strategic
Action Plans it was required to undertake under the Gateway Programme.
Under the programme, the Authority was required to transform into
a Landlord Port Authority, re-organize itself into a downsized
Headquarters with greater authority to the ports, to develop
de-vanning area outside Tema Port and to increase private sector
participation in port operations.
Additionally it was to establish electronic data interchange for
the maritime community and to improve container handling productivity
in the ports.
29 March 07
inaugurated a new 15.5 million dollar container terminal built to help
significantly reduce congestion at the Tema Port.
It has facilities for a Container Freight Station (CFS) covering
a total space of 7,200 square meters, a state warehouse of 2,100
square meters for storage of uncleared cargo and a paved area of
93,000 square meters.
Started in 2004 and christened; "Golden Jubilee Terminal," it has
been designed to help improve the turn-around time of container
vessels and free more space for the handling of general cargo.
The new facility adds to the number of capacity improvement
projects undertaken within the last six years to develop the nation's
maritime industry to become the maritime fulcrum and the shipping
gateway to the ECOWAS sub-region.
President Kufuor announced that a feasibility study for
construction of yet another new terminal would soon commence in
anticipation of the continued growth in the volume of trade.
"For now, a number of state-of-the-art equipment has been
acquired and institutional reforms on-going to enhance the quality of
service delivery within the port and the maritime industry in
general."
President Kufuor expressed the Government's determination to push
ahead with the implementation of policies that would increase private
sector participation in port operations.
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority has already begun a
gradual ceding of more port operations to private companies,
something, he noted, would create space for competition, efficiency
and innovation.
President Kufuor said the name given to the new terminal should
be an all time reminder of the increasing role that the nation's ports
in particular and the maritime industry in general were expected to
play in promoting economic and national development during the next 50
years.
Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, Minister of Harbours and
Railways, said the new facilities at the port were meant to turn it
into a maritime hub to contribute to the nation's progress.
He said already measures had been put in place to improve
security and safety within the port area as well as institutional
reforms to minimize bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Mr. Ben Owusu-Mensah, Director-General of GPHA, said apart from
the Landlord Port Bill, which was still under consideration by the
appropriate authorities, the GHPA has now completed all the Strategic
Action Plans it was required to undertake under the Gateway Programme.
Under the programme, the Authority was required to transform into
a Landlord Port Authority, re-organize itself into a downsized
Headquarters with greater authority to the ports, to develop
de-vanning area outside Tema Port and to increase private sector
participation in port operations.
Additionally it was to establish electronic data interchange for
the maritime community and to improve container handling productivity
in the ports.
29 March 07
Tamale North MP assists constituents
Tamale, March 29, GNA - Alhaji Abukari Sumani, the Member of
Parliament for Tamale North, has spent about 105 million cedis to
de-silt dams in five communities in the constituency as part of
efforts to address their water problem.
The communities are Kasalgu, Bukpamu, Dungu/Sugashei, Dimala and
Sagnarigu and the dams would serve about 17 communities in the
constituency.Alhaji Sumani told the GNA in an interview in Tamale on
Thursday that the money was part of his share of the District
Assemblies' Common Fund and the HIPC Fund.He appealed to those who had
not yet benefited from any package to wait patiently for their turn.
Parliament for Tamale North, has spent about 105 million cedis to
de-silt dams in five communities in the constituency as part of
efforts to address their water problem.
The communities are Kasalgu, Bukpamu, Dungu/Sugashei, Dimala and
Sagnarigu and the dams would serve about 17 communities in the
constituency.Alhaji Sumani told the GNA in an interview in Tamale on
Thursday that the money was part of his share of the District
Assemblies' Common Fund and the HIPC Fund.He appealed to those who had
not yet benefited from any package to wait patiently for their turn.
29 March 07
Rainstorm destroys properties worth millions of cedis
Tanoboase (B/A), March 29, GNA - A rainstorm at the weekend destroyed property worth more than 120 million cedis at Tanoboase in Techiman municipality.The roofs of 17 houses were ripped off and more than 300 residents were displaced.Mr. Kofi Nimoh, Assembly Member, who took officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) round, said the storm ripped off the roofs of a block of three classrooms of the Presbyterian Primary School, the Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church.He appealed to the municipal assembly, NADMO and philanthropists to come to the aid of the victims to resettle.
29 March 07
29 March 07
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Ghanaians are yearning for change - CPP
Koforidua (E/R), March 27, GNA - The Convention People's Party (CPP) at the weekend called upon Nkrumaists to heed what he called "the clarion cry" of Ghanaians for a political change in 2008.
"We must unite to eliminate tendencies that militate against national unity and development.
"The bad governance and mismanagement of national resources by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has plunged the country into poverty, hunger, injustice and unemployment among other forms of hardship and our people are yearning for a change," Dr Edmund Delle, CPP National Chairman and Leader, stated at Koforidua.
He was addressing supporters of the party including leading members of "The Patriots" a group within the party who had thronged the Koforidua KAMA conference hall for the official opening of the refurbished CPP Eastern regional secretariat on Sunday.
He noted that Ghanaians had been living together as one people with a common destiny but the "ethnic politics" of the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had divided the country.
Dr Delle called on Ghanaians to vote for the CPP in the up-coming elections to unseat the NPP to ensure national unity, peace and harmony as well as effective management of the country's economy.
He said the CPP was the only "truly nationalistic" party capably of uniting the country for economic development, stressing, "Within the CPP there are no social, educational, tribal or status classes. We are all "comrades" irrespective of ones social standing."
On the initial antagonism among leading members of The Patriots and party's national executives, Dr Delle stated, "that belongs to the history books...We are united forever, never again would we allow out front to be divided".
"Any interested group or individual should know that the CPP is united as the National Executives has opened its doors to all Nkrumaist groupings to come to the centre. You cannot belong to CPP and operate under any other canopy." Dr Delle stated.
He said, "Ghanaians would not forgive the current leadership of the party if we fail to unite Nkrumaists to take over the reins of government in 2008".
According to the CPP Chairman the electorates had seen and known that both the NPP and NDC were not what they perceived them to be and now saw the CPP as the "only potential force" to assume the mantle in 2008.
Dr Delle told CPP activists, "Let us not waste time on inconsequential issues and focus on coming together to prove to Ghanaians that the CPP is ready to takeover the reigns of leadership and governance of the nation".
The Eastern Regional Chairman of the Party, Nana Owusu-Sekyere, appealed to people who he said were continuing to tell lies about the country's first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah and the CPP to stop.
He said, "No nation can be built on a foundation of lies. We are suffering today because we have been lied to for so long about the record of the CPP and Osagyefo. Let the truth be told about the social, economic and political progress that Osagyefo gave us."
Nana Owusu-Sekyere commended the Patriots for securing 12 party offices in the Eastern Region and said "We say to the Patriots, ayeekoo and we encourage all Nkrumaists to emulate their example and help rebuild this great party."
He assured CPP supporters and sympathisers that the ground was now "fertile" and the time "ripe" for CPP to reclaim power.
"Wherever we go people are saying, CPP, we are waiting for you and we say to them, Ghanaians, we are ready for you," the Easter Regional Chairman said.
He noted that it was only the CPP that could offer the change that Ghanaians were yearning for to "deliver" them from economic hardship and social deprivation.
A CPP government unlike the rest would play a dominant role in the economy to ensure equal opportunity and prosperity for all, he stated.
"Let me say here and now that we make no apologies for a strong state role in our economic and social development. Those who doubt the importance of the state in economic and social development should look no farther than China today.
"Indeed all those free-market economies, such as United States of America and United Kingdom have a strong state role. We see no reason why Ghana should be different.
"We insist that it is because the state in Ghana has failed to play its rightful role that poverty and suffering are on the increase and it will take the state to reverse it," Nana Owusu-Sekyere, stated.
Dr Nii Moi Thompson, Professor Agyeman Badu Akorsah, Mr Bright Akwetey, Dr Kwaku Sarfo and other leading members of the Patriots attended the ceremony as well as other leading members of the Eastern Regional branch.
27 March 07
"We must unite to eliminate tendencies that militate against national unity and development.
"The bad governance and mismanagement of national resources by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has plunged the country into poverty, hunger, injustice and unemployment among other forms of hardship and our people are yearning for a change," Dr Edmund Delle, CPP National Chairman and Leader, stated at Koforidua.
He was addressing supporters of the party including leading members of "The Patriots" a group within the party who had thronged the Koforidua KAMA conference hall for the official opening of the refurbished CPP Eastern regional secretariat on Sunday.
He noted that Ghanaians had been living together as one people with a common destiny but the "ethnic politics" of the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had divided the country.
Dr Delle called on Ghanaians to vote for the CPP in the up-coming elections to unseat the NPP to ensure national unity, peace and harmony as well as effective management of the country's economy.
He said the CPP was the only "truly nationalistic" party capably of uniting the country for economic development, stressing, "Within the CPP there are no social, educational, tribal or status classes. We are all "comrades" irrespective of ones social standing."
On the initial antagonism among leading members of The Patriots and party's national executives, Dr Delle stated, "that belongs to the history books...We are united forever, never again would we allow out front to be divided".
"Any interested group or individual should know that the CPP is united as the National Executives has opened its doors to all Nkrumaist groupings to come to the centre. You cannot belong to CPP and operate under any other canopy." Dr Delle stated.
He said, "Ghanaians would not forgive the current leadership of the party if we fail to unite Nkrumaists to take over the reins of government in 2008".
According to the CPP Chairman the electorates had seen and known that both the NPP and NDC were not what they perceived them to be and now saw the CPP as the "only potential force" to assume the mantle in 2008.
Dr Delle told CPP activists, "Let us not waste time on inconsequential issues and focus on coming together to prove to Ghanaians that the CPP is ready to takeover the reigns of leadership and governance of the nation".
The Eastern Regional Chairman of the Party, Nana Owusu-Sekyere, appealed to people who he said were continuing to tell lies about the country's first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah and the CPP to stop.
He said, "No nation can be built on a foundation of lies. We are suffering today because we have been lied to for so long about the record of the CPP and Osagyefo. Let the truth be told about the social, economic and political progress that Osagyefo gave us."
Nana Owusu-Sekyere commended the Patriots for securing 12 party offices in the Eastern Region and said "We say to the Patriots, ayeekoo and we encourage all Nkrumaists to emulate their example and help rebuild this great party."
He assured CPP supporters and sympathisers that the ground was now "fertile" and the time "ripe" for CPP to reclaim power.
"Wherever we go people are saying, CPP, we are waiting for you and we say to them, Ghanaians, we are ready for you," the Easter Regional Chairman said.
He noted that it was only the CPP that could offer the change that Ghanaians were yearning for to "deliver" them from economic hardship and social deprivation.
A CPP government unlike the rest would play a dominant role in the economy to ensure equal opportunity and prosperity for all, he stated.
"Let me say here and now that we make no apologies for a strong state role in our economic and social development. Those who doubt the importance of the state in economic and social development should look no farther than China today.
"Indeed all those free-market economies, such as United States of America and United Kingdom have a strong state role. We see no reason why Ghana should be different.
"We insist that it is because the state in Ghana has failed to play its rightful role that poverty and suffering are on the increase and it will take the state to reverse it," Nana Owusu-Sekyere, stated.
Dr Nii Moi Thompson, Professor Agyeman Badu Akorsah, Mr Bright Akwetey, Dr Kwaku Sarfo and other leading members of the Patriots attended the ceremony as well as other leading members of the Eastern Regional branch.
27 March 07
Methodist Bishop deplores negative political rivalries
Wa, March 27, GNA - The Right Reverend Joseph Ato Brown, Bishop of the Northern Diocese of the Methodist Church, has deplored the tendency of Ghanaian politicians to highlight only the negative deeds of ruling governments just with the aim to dislodge it from power. Such an obsession has led some people to describe politics as dirty, the Bishop said and stated that politics was meant for people to think and plan for the well being of people, adding that, "it only becomes dirty when dirty people engage in it".
The Rt. Rev. Brown was preaching at the Paul Adu Memorial Chapel at Wa on Sunday, at the induction of the Very Reverend Amos Justice Pobee as the Superintendent Minister of the Wa Circuit of the Church.He said every political leader of the country since Independence had been given a job to do by God but being human beings were bound to make mistakes.
The Bishop stated, however, that their mistakes should not be blown out of proportion to overshadow the good contribution to the development of the country."We should rejoice that God gave us Kwame Nkrumah, but he could not do all. God gave him to us for a period and for a purpose and all those that followed him had a purpose given by God," the Bishop said.He observed that the country now faced a "huge problem" of people wanting to get rich quickly without the society questioning the source and blamed the Church for acknowledging such wealth through fund raising and harvests.
"They look for people who would donate millions of cedis to chair such activities," the Bishop stated and said "Although the Church needs money to fund development projects it was not started with Businessmen and Contractors".Bishop Brown noted that due to lack of employment opportunities in the country, many young people now looked up to the Church but academic excellence should be emphasized alongside one's level of spirituality, otherwise people who had actually been called by God may be turned away.
He urged the new Superintendent Minister to try to lead people to Christ for salvation in his daily dealings with the society.Mr Ambrose Dery, Upper West Regional Minister, expressed appreciation for the good work of the Methodist Church in the region and mentioned the Wa Methodist School for the Blind that was educating physically challenged members of the Society to contribute to national development.
The Regional Minister praised the Church and other religious organisations for their efforts in promoting sound moral principles, saying, "Without the you the nation would need 20 million Policemen for the 20 million people".Mr Dery commended the Wa Methodist Church for its patience over the encroachment of its land by artisans and gave the assurance that a new location was being developed for them outside the town centre.
27 March 07
The Rt. Rev. Brown was preaching at the Paul Adu Memorial Chapel at Wa on Sunday, at the induction of the Very Reverend Amos Justice Pobee as the Superintendent Minister of the Wa Circuit of the Church.He said every political leader of the country since Independence had been given a job to do by God but being human beings were bound to make mistakes.
The Bishop stated, however, that their mistakes should not be blown out of proportion to overshadow the good contribution to the development of the country."We should rejoice that God gave us Kwame Nkrumah, but he could not do all. God gave him to us for a period and for a purpose and all those that followed him had a purpose given by God," the Bishop said.He observed that the country now faced a "huge problem" of people wanting to get rich quickly without the society questioning the source and blamed the Church for acknowledging such wealth through fund raising and harvests.
"They look for people who would donate millions of cedis to chair such activities," the Bishop stated and said "Although the Church needs money to fund development projects it was not started with Businessmen and Contractors".Bishop Brown noted that due to lack of employment opportunities in the country, many young people now looked up to the Church but academic excellence should be emphasized alongside one's level of spirituality, otherwise people who had actually been called by God may be turned away.
He urged the new Superintendent Minister to try to lead people to Christ for salvation in his daily dealings with the society.Mr Ambrose Dery, Upper West Regional Minister, expressed appreciation for the good work of the Methodist Church in the region and mentioned the Wa Methodist School for the Blind that was educating physically challenged members of the Society to contribute to national development.
The Regional Minister praised the Church and other religious organisations for their efforts in promoting sound moral principles, saying, "Without the you the nation would need 20 million Policemen for the 20 million people".Mr Dery commended the Wa Methodist Church for its patience over the encroachment of its land by artisans and gave the assurance that a new location was being developed for them outside the town centre.
27 March 07
Friday, March 23, 2007
Amateur boxers call for more support
Accra, March 23, GNA – Members of the National Amateur Boxing Team,
the Black Bombers have bemoaned the lack of support from the Ministry
of Education, Science and Sports (MoESS) and the National Sports
Council (NSC) during its preparations for international competitions.
This, according to the boxers, makes them feel neglected by the
authorities and as a result affects their output at international
competitions.
Bastir Samir, captain of the Black Bombers made the complaint on
Friday when the team presented medals they won at the just ended
African Boxing Confederation (ABC) Zone III Championships in Abidjan,
Cote D'Ivoire to Prince Ernest Oduro-Mensah, Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of the NSC in Accra on Friday.
Ghana won seven medals made up of two gold, two silver and three
bronze at the event to place second behind Nigeria.Samir recounted the
difficulties they had to go through with regards to issues of
allowances and transportation in the build up to the Zonal
Championships.
"Sometimes, it's even hard to get water to drink after a hard
day's training and this easily kills our morale in camp."
Samir explained that most amateur boxers jump into the
professional ranks due to some of the problems they encounter at the
amateur divisions.
He gave the assurance that most of the boxers will be ready to
stay in the amateur division and win laurels for the nation if their
needs are met.Captain Samir also called for longer camping periods
ahead of championship events for the team, adding that it will go a
long way in helping them to build their fitness level to improve upon
their performance.
"Though there was no camping for the team before we left for Cote
D' Ivoire, we managed to win medals but I believe we would have done
better if the authorities had organized some form of camping for us".
The captain of the Black Bombers called on the authorities to
arrange regular training tours for the team to expose them to the
international scene, adding that training locally is not enough to
achieve any meaningful success.
"At international competitions, you meet experienced and
competent opponents who expose your mistakes and get you well prepared
for the challenges ahead".
Prince Ernest Oduro-Mensah, the CEO of the NSC congratulated the
boxers for their efforts and assured them of his outfit's support in
future championships.
He urged them to train harder to win more laurels for the nation
at the African Boxing Championships scheduled for Madagascar from May
13-24.
the Black Bombers have bemoaned the lack of support from the Ministry
of Education, Science and Sports (MoESS) and the National Sports
Council (NSC) during its preparations for international competitions.
This, according to the boxers, makes them feel neglected by the
authorities and as a result affects their output at international
competitions.
Bastir Samir, captain of the Black Bombers made the complaint on
Friday when the team presented medals they won at the just ended
African Boxing Confederation (ABC) Zone III Championships in Abidjan,
Cote D'Ivoire to Prince Ernest Oduro-Mensah, Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of the NSC in Accra on Friday.
Ghana won seven medals made up of two gold, two silver and three
bronze at the event to place second behind Nigeria.Samir recounted the
difficulties they had to go through with regards to issues of
allowances and transportation in the build up to the Zonal
Championships.
"Sometimes, it's even hard to get water to drink after a hard
day's training and this easily kills our morale in camp."
Samir explained that most amateur boxers jump into the
professional ranks due to some of the problems they encounter at the
amateur divisions.
He gave the assurance that most of the boxers will be ready to
stay in the amateur division and win laurels for the nation if their
needs are met.Captain Samir also called for longer camping periods
ahead of championship events for the team, adding that it will go a
long way in helping them to build their fitness level to improve upon
their performance.
"Though there was no camping for the team before we left for Cote
D' Ivoire, we managed to win medals but I believe we would have done
better if the authorities had organized some form of camping for us".
The captain of the Black Bombers called on the authorities to
arrange regular training tours for the team to expose them to the
international scene, adding that training locally is not enough to
achieve any meaningful success.
"At international competitions, you meet experienced and
competent opponents who expose your mistakes and get you well prepared
for the challenges ahead".
Prince Ernest Oduro-Mensah, the CEO of the NSC congratulated the
boxers for their efforts and assured them of his outfit's support in
future championships.
He urged them to train harder to win more laurels for the nation
at the African Boxing Championships scheduled for Madagascar from May
13-24.
23 March 07
GABA to shift to computerised scoring system
Accra, March 23, GNA – The Ghana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA)
will soon make use of computerised scoring system during amateur
boxing competitions to make boxers get acquainted to the new system in
use at international competitions.
The equipment was donated to GABA by the Africa Boxing Council
(ABC) as part of its efforts to promote the sport on the continent.
Mr Solomon Offei-Darko, Chairman of the GABA disclosed to the
media on Friday when the Black Bombers presented medals they won at
the African Boxing Confederation (ABC) Zone III Championships in
Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire to Prince Ernest Oduro-Mensah, Chief Executive
Officer of the National Sports Council (NSC). He said the Association
will soon install the equipments for usage at competitions to get the
boxers prepared for the All Africa Games in Algiers as well as the
qualifiers for the next Olympics Games.
Ghana has for the past years been using manual system of scoring
in amateur boxing competitions and this has been said to be one of the
major factors behind the poor performance of amateur boxers in recent
times.
The arrival of the equipment is therefore a major relief and a
boost to amateur boxers in the country as it is expected to enhance
their performance at local and international events.
Roberto Ivanez, trainer of the Bombers said the new scoring system
will enhance performance of his team at international events.
23 March 07
will soon make use of computerised scoring system during amateur
boxing competitions to make boxers get acquainted to the new system in
use at international competitions.
The equipment was donated to GABA by the Africa Boxing Council
(ABC) as part of its efforts to promote the sport on the continent.
Mr Solomon Offei-Darko, Chairman of the GABA disclosed to the
media on Friday when the Black Bombers presented medals they won at
the African Boxing Confederation (ABC) Zone III Championships in
Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire to Prince Ernest Oduro-Mensah, Chief Executive
Officer of the National Sports Council (NSC). He said the Association
will soon install the equipments for usage at competitions to get the
boxers prepared for the All Africa Games in Algiers as well as the
qualifiers for the next Olympics Games.
Ghana has for the past years been using manual system of scoring
in amateur boxing competitions and this has been said to be one of the
major factors behind the poor performance of amateur boxers in recent
times.
The arrival of the equipment is therefore a major relief and a
boost to amateur boxers in the country as it is expected to enhance
their performance at local and international events.
Roberto Ivanez, trainer of the Bombers said the new scoring system
will enhance performance of his team at international events.
23 March 07
“Africa is on her way” – Keshi
(From Veronica Commey, GNA Special Correspondent in Lome, Togo;
Courtesy Ministry of Education, Science and Sports)
Courtesy Ministry of Education, Science and Sports)
Lome, March 23, GNA - Steven Keshi, coach of the Togolese
national team, the Hawks says African football was on her way to
achieving success in terms of producing and nurturing future football
talents.
He told the GNA Sports in Lome that "the little that I have seen
in the ongoing U-17 Championship here in Togo gives me great hope that
we are on our way.
"All I see around me are great talents, fine potentials and
incredible teams that must represent our hope as a continent. All I
can wish for is that these players will be nurtured well and kept
together for our common good.
"You only have a chance to get the best out of a team when you
put them together and give them the chance to work as a team".The 1994
African Nations Cup Winner told the GNA Sports that the future looks
good for Africa and the priority must be to maximize the potentials
exhibited by most of the players in the competition.
"Sadly, we are used to abandoning players so quickly after each
competition and that remains our bane. "The time has come for us to
depart from that era and ensure the young boys and girls enjoy the
best of togetherness in our quest to rule the world through the
globular leather soon".
Coach Keshi could not hide his disappointment about Ghana's
inability to make it to the finals of the tourney which Togo hosts as
the debutants.The Ghanaians lost 1-2 to Togo at the semi-final stage
in a manner Keshi deemed was the most surprising.
"I was expecting Ghana in the final and could not believe my eyes
about how they lost out like that. But anyway, such is football. It's
full of surprises".
The Nigerian will be parading his team against Sierra Lone in
an African Cup of Nations qualifier at the national Wembley at Kegue
on Saturday.
23 March 07
Starlets’ popularity soars despite defeat
Lome, March 23, GNA – The popularity of Ghana's Black Starlets among
supporters is fast soaring despite the team's two consecutive defeats
at the ongoing African U-17 Championship in Togo.
Ghana lost to host Togo 1-2 on Sunday and earlier lost to Nigeria
0-2 to ensure they only go chasing bronze at the competition in which
they were tipped as the favourites but still command a huge
following.Attendance at the team's training sessions has grown larger
after the defeat to the debutants, Togo who will meet Nigerian at the
finals on Sunday.
The Starlets seem to have won many over to their side largely
due to their skill and style of play and perhaps out of sympathy.Some
of the supporters the GNA Sports came in contact with suggested that
Ghana's defeat to the Togolese came as a big surprise to them as they
expected the Starlets to have met Nigeria at the finals.
The fans seem a lot more comfortable endearing themselves with
the Ghanaian Starlets whom they refer to as the "Brazilians" of Africa
soccer.Ghana will represent the continent alongside Nigeria, Tunisia
and Togo at the world cup billed for the Republic of Korea this
summer.
For the fans, mostly Togolese, their current desire is to see
the team spank Tunisia in the third and forth place game slated for
the Kegue National Wembley on Sunday, March 25.Ghana was hopeful of
making it treble at the competition when the competition commenced
last week with the team giving many false hopes with a fine
performance in a group opener against Burkina Faso which they dazzled
to win 3-1.
The subsequent 6-0 win over Eritrea was a confirmation of their
status until they came crushing to Nigeria 0-2 at the last group
game.Many expected the team to tower above that set-back and decision
Togo only for the Starlets to relinquish an early lead to lose that
crucial semi final game 1-2 to the host.
supporters is fast soaring despite the team's two consecutive defeats
at the ongoing African U-17 Championship in Togo.
Ghana lost to host Togo 1-2 on Sunday and earlier lost to Nigeria
0-2 to ensure they only go chasing bronze at the competition in which
they were tipped as the favourites but still command a huge
following.Attendance at the team's training sessions has grown larger
after the defeat to the debutants, Togo who will meet Nigerian at the
finals on Sunday.
The Starlets seem to have won many over to their side largely
due to their skill and style of play and perhaps out of sympathy.Some
of the supporters the GNA Sports came in contact with suggested that
Ghana's defeat to the Togolese came as a big surprise to them as they
expected the Starlets to have met Nigeria at the finals.
The fans seem a lot more comfortable endearing themselves with
the Ghanaian Starlets whom they refer to as the "Brazilians" of Africa
soccer.Ghana will represent the continent alongside Nigeria, Tunisia
and Togo at the world cup billed for the Republic of Korea this
summer.
For the fans, mostly Togolese, their current desire is to see
the team spank Tunisia in the third and forth place game slated for
the Kegue National Wembley on Sunday, March 25.Ghana was hopeful of
making it treble at the competition when the competition commenced
last week with the team giving many false hopes with a fine
performance in a group opener against Burkina Faso which they dazzled
to win 3-1.
The subsequent 6-0 win over Eritrea was a confirmation of their
status until they came crushing to Nigeria 0-2 at the last group
game.Many expected the team to tower above that set-back and decision
Togo only for the Starlets to relinquish an early lead to lose that
crucial semi final game 1-2 to the host.
23 March 07
Osam Duodo sets sight on the World Cup (From Veronica Commey, GNA Special Correspondent in Lome, Togo; Courtesy Ministry of Education, Science and Sports)
Lome, March 21, GNA – Black Starlets coach, Fred Osam Duodo says his
sight is set on the World U-17 Championship billed for the Republic of
Korea later in the year after the Ghanaians failed to make it to the
finals of the continental competition.
The Korean event will be the coach's second in succession at that
stage when he led the Gambians at the last edition and says his dream
will be to produce a result that will make the continent proud.Coach
Duodo told the GNA Sports that his mind is now preoccupied with to
mould an all round team that will take the world by storm at the
global summit.
The Starlets are now to compete for the bronze against Tunisia on
Sunday after losing 1-2 to Togo at the semi-final stage of the
competition.Coach Duodo will come face to face with at least taking a
medal home when he parades his boys against Tunisia in search of a
bronze medal on Sunday.
He told the GNA Sports that his desire is to at least pluck the
bronze medal and travel to the world cup this summer as the third
force on the continent.Coach Doudo said he will revamp the team ahead
of the World Cup in his quest to dazzle the world in the competition
which Ghana won in 1991 and 1995.
"Thankfully we have about five months to prepare and I will make
the most out of every single day towards my dream of improving on this
side".He mentioned goalkeeping among the crucial areas he will be
looking at.The former Gambian coach told the GNA Sports that improving
on the aggressiveness and stamina of the boys will be another area of
concern.
"Like you rightly said, the team lacks enough fire up it's
belly so I'm going inculcate that aspect as well in them".The coach is
thinking of introducing a few new faces into the team to enable him
get the very best.
sight is set on the World U-17 Championship billed for the Republic of
Korea later in the year after the Ghanaians failed to make it to the
finals of the continental competition.
The Korean event will be the coach's second in succession at that
stage when he led the Gambians at the last edition and says his dream
will be to produce a result that will make the continent proud.Coach
Duodo told the GNA Sports that his mind is now preoccupied with to
mould an all round team that will take the world by storm at the
global summit.
The Starlets are now to compete for the bronze against Tunisia on
Sunday after losing 1-2 to Togo at the semi-final stage of the
competition.Coach Duodo will come face to face with at least taking a
medal home when he parades his boys against Tunisia in search of a
bronze medal on Sunday.
He told the GNA Sports that his desire is to at least pluck the
bronze medal and travel to the world cup this summer as the third
force on the continent.Coach Doudo said he will revamp the team ahead
of the World Cup in his quest to dazzle the world in the competition
which Ghana won in 1991 and 1995.
"Thankfully we have about five months to prepare and I will make
the most out of every single day towards my dream of improving on this
side".He mentioned goalkeeping among the crucial areas he will be
looking at.The former Gambian coach told the GNA Sports that improving
on the aggressiveness and stamina of the boys will be another area of
concern.
"Like you rightly said, the team lacks enough fire up it's
belly so I'm going inculcate that aspect as well in them".The coach is
thinking of introducing a few new faces into the team to enable him
get the very best.
23 March 07
Security Council sees sign of hope in Ugandan conflict
Accra, March 23, GNA - Welcoming a recent meeting between the Ugandan
Government and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), which has waged a
brutal rebellion in the country's north for two decades, the Security
Council on Thursday expressed hope that peace talks could soon resume.
Government and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), which has waged a
brutal rebellion in the country's north for two decades, the Security
Council on Thursday expressed hope that peace talks could soon resume.
The 15-member panel issued a presidential statement that also called
for the extension of last year's cessation of hostilities agreement
after being briefed on the latest developments by Joaquim Chissano,
the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the LRA-affected areas.Mr.
Chissano chaired a meeting in Ri-Kwangba, southern Sudan, on March 11
between the Government, the LRA – including its leader, Joseph Kony –
and community representatives.
Noting the progress made at that meeting towards a resumption of
formal peace talks, the Council stressed the need for a negotiated
settlement to be concluded quickly and for those responsible for
serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law
to be brought to justice.
Thousands of civilians have been killed or abducted since the LRA
began its rebellion in 1986, and more than 1.5 million people have
become refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs).During the
conflict the rebel group became notorious for abducting children and
then using them as soldiers or porters, while subjecting some to
torture and allocating many girls to senior officers in a form of
institutional rape.Humanitarian operations in southern Sudan, which
the LRA has often used as a base, have also been severely disrupted by
the fighting.
In Thursday's statement read out by Ambassador Dumisani S. Kumalo of
South Africa, which holds the rotating presidency this month, Council
members urged the LRA to release all women, children and other
non-combatants to the conflict.They noted the recently improved
security and humanitarian situation in northern Uganda, but expressed
hope that civilians living in the area will see further advances, and
called on the international community and the Ugandan Government to do
more to achieve that aim.
The statement also thanked Mr. Chissano and some States in the region
for their efforts to reach a solution.A former president of
Mozambique, Mr. Chissano was named last December as the
Secretary-General's envoy to help with efforts to speed up
negotiations towards a durable peace deal.He will also liaise with the
International Criminal Court (ICC), which has indicted Mr. Kony and
four other senior LRA figures for war crimes.
23 March 07
UN: Despite relative stability, Liberia still faces security obstacles
Accra, March 23, GNA - The United Nations top envoy to Liberia on
Friday told the Security Council that although the impoverished West
African country, which is rebuilding after a brutal 14-year civil war,
has made progress in consolidating stability, numerous threats to
peace remain.
Alan Doss, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative
for Liberia, said in a closed meeting that "although the political
situation has remained quite stable, there are still serious security
challenges that require continuing attention and action."
Mr. Doss also presented the 15-member Council with the
Secretary-General's latest report on the situation in Liberia, which
recommends extending for one year the mandate of the UN peacekeeping
mission in the country, known as UNMIL, set to expire at the end of
this month.
UNMIL was established in 2003 to support Liberia's ceasefire and
peace process, and currently has over 15,200 uniformed personnel,
along with around 500 international civilian personnel, almost 1,000
local staff and 220 UN Volunteers.In the report, Mr. Ban cited several
challenges to stability, including high unemployment and
"unpredictable situations" in Liberia's neighbours such as Côte
d'Ivoire and Guinea.
He also said that the country's Truth and Reconciliation
Commission is being hindered in its progress by management, personnel
and budgetary difficulties, and "these problems need to be resolved on
an urgent basis so that the Commission can continue its valuable work
of ensuring lasting peace in Liberia."
23 March 07
Friday told the Security Council that although the impoverished West
African country, which is rebuilding after a brutal 14-year civil war,
has made progress in consolidating stability, numerous threats to
peace remain.
Alan Doss, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative
for Liberia, said in a closed meeting that "although the political
situation has remained quite stable, there are still serious security
challenges that require continuing attention and action."
Mr. Doss also presented the 15-member Council with the
Secretary-General's latest report on the situation in Liberia, which
recommends extending for one year the mandate of the UN peacekeeping
mission in the country, known as UNMIL, set to expire at the end of
this month.
UNMIL was established in 2003 to support Liberia's ceasefire and
peace process, and currently has over 15,200 uniformed personnel,
along with around 500 international civilian personnel, almost 1,000
local staff and 220 UN Volunteers.In the report, Mr. Ban cited several
challenges to stability, including high unemployment and
"unpredictable situations" in Liberia's neighbours such as Côte
d'Ivoire and Guinea.
He also said that the country's Truth and Reconciliation
Commission is being hindered in its progress by management, personnel
and budgetary difficulties, and "these problems need to be resolved on
an urgent basis so that the Commission can continue its valuable work
of ensuring lasting peace in Liberia."
23 March 07
UN voices alarm after fighting erupts in capital of DR Congo
Accra, March 23, GNA - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the Security
Council and the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC) have condemned Thursday's outbreak of
fighting in the centre of the capital, Kinshasa, between Government
forces and the guards of former Vice-President Jean-Pierre Bemba.
Calling for an immediate halt to the armed clashes, Mr Ban warned
that they posed grave consequences for the country's chances of
obtaining a durable peace after the civil war and threatened the live
of innocent civilians in Kinshasa.
"The UN Organization Mission in the DRC (MONUC) stands ready to
assist the Government in bringing about an end to the current
fighting, to re-establish security in the area, and to work with the
Congolese Government in addressing the underlying issue of appropriate
security for Mr Bemba," according to a statement issued by Mr. Ban's
spokesperson and released in Accra on Friday.MONUC issued its own
statement demanding a return to calm and urging the Government and Mr.
Bemba to resolve any differences peacefully.
The head of the mission, William Lacy Swing, who is also the
Secretary-General's Special Representative to the DRC, has contacted
the two sides to try to find a solution to the crisis.Mr Bemba was
defeated last October by Joseph Kabila in the run-off round of
landmark presidential elections in the DRC, the first such polls in
more than four decades.
MONUC added that it has already deployed extra military resources
to Kinshasa and is ready to take the necessary steps to protect
civilians in the event of further violence.
Mr Dumisani S. Kumalo of South Africa, which holds the rotating
Security Council presidency this month, read out a press statement in
which the 15-member panel deplored the violence and called for an
immediate ceasefire from both sides.
"The members of the Security Council are particularly concerned
about the spill-over of the violence on the civilian population,
including children," Mr. Kumalo said.The DRC is still trying to
recover from the effects of a six-year civil war, widely considered
the most lethal conflict in the world since World War II, which cost 4
million lives.
23 March 07
Council and the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC) have condemned Thursday's outbreak of
fighting in the centre of the capital, Kinshasa, between Government
forces and the guards of former Vice-President Jean-Pierre Bemba.
Calling for an immediate halt to the armed clashes, Mr Ban warned
that they posed grave consequences for the country's chances of
obtaining a durable peace after the civil war and threatened the live
of innocent civilians in Kinshasa.
"The UN Organization Mission in the DRC (MONUC) stands ready to
assist the Government in bringing about an end to the current
fighting, to re-establish security in the area, and to work with the
Congolese Government in addressing the underlying issue of appropriate
security for Mr Bemba," according to a statement issued by Mr. Ban's
spokesperson and released in Accra on Friday.MONUC issued its own
statement demanding a return to calm and urging the Government and Mr.
Bemba to resolve any differences peacefully.
The head of the mission, William Lacy Swing, who is also the
Secretary-General's Special Representative to the DRC, has contacted
the two sides to try to find a solution to the crisis.Mr Bemba was
defeated last October by Joseph Kabila in the run-off round of
landmark presidential elections in the DRC, the first such polls in
more than four decades.
MONUC added that it has already deployed extra military resources
to Kinshasa and is ready to take the necessary steps to protect
civilians in the event of further violence.
Mr Dumisani S. Kumalo of South Africa, which holds the rotating
Security Council presidency this month, read out a press statement in
which the 15-member panel deplored the violence and called for an
immediate ceasefire from both sides.
"The members of the Security Council are particularly concerned
about the spill-over of the violence on the civilian population,
including children," Mr. Kumalo said.The DRC is still trying to
recover from the effects of a six-year civil war, widely considered
the most lethal conflict in the world since World War II, which cost 4
million lives.
23 March 07
Hawa Yakubu was not poisoned - Coomson
Accra, March 23, GNA - The late Hawa Yakubu, former MP for Bawku
Central, did not die from poisoning as being speculated."Food poison
or any sort of poison is definitely ruled out as has been widely
speculated," a statement signed in Accra on Friday by Kofi Coomson,
owner of the Chronicle newspapers, on behalf of the family and
children said.
"While the official autopsy is yet to be released, it is safe to
say that she died from cancer and had gone through chemotherapy
sessions," the statement said. Chemotherapy is used to describe
medications that treat cancer.
The statement said the condition of Madam Hawa "stabilised for a
while before the onset of a crisis on Monday and she died at the
Barnet General Hospital".
It said she would have loved a special song composed for her by
Sly Collins – Sweet Mother Feat – on the Total Unity CD to be played
for her on her birthday which falls on Saturday.
The statement said Madam Hawa Yakubu, who died a few days before
her birthday, would be buried in Pusiga, in the Upper East Region.
"Her senior brothers will be leaving to London in the next few days to
help her sisters living in London to bring the body back to
Ghana."Madam Yakubu, popularly known as "Iron Lady" for her
resilience, forthrightness, determination to fight, died in a London
Hospital after a battle with cancer.
She was a former MP for Bawku Central, Minister of Tourism and
Member of the ECOWAS Parliament.Madam Yakubu, a native of Pusiga in
the Upper East Region, was born in Tarkwa in the Western Region on
March 24, 1948 to Mr Yakubu Awinaba and Hajia Azore.
She attended the Zebilla Middle School, Navrongo Secondary School
and Accra Polytechnic where she obtained a certificate in
Institutional Management. She recently obtained a Master's Degree in
Leadership and Governance from the Ghana Institute of Management and
Public Administration.Madam Yakubu's political career started in 1979
when she was elected into the Local Council, which in turn elected her
to the Constituent Assembly that wrote the 1979 Third Republic
Constitution.
Although her mother was an activist of the Convention People's
Party (CPP), she joined the late William Ofori-Atta when he formed the
United National Convention (UNC) for the 1979 election won by Dr Hilla
Limann of the pro-Nkrumah People's National Party (PNP).
She fled to London when the Provisional National Defence Council
came to power on December 1981 and lived in the United Kingdom and
Nigeria before returning home in 1991.
Madam Yakubu contested the 1992 parliamentary election as an
independent candidate in Bawku Central, which she won.She lost the
seat in controversial circumstances and after conceding defeat, left
for Cotonou, Benin, where she worked as Executive Director of the
GERDDES, an NGO that observes elections.She returned in 2000 to win
back the seat but lost it again in 2004.
She had four children, two sons (Felix and Derek) during her
first marriage to Mr Amadu Ayebo and two daughters (Amanda and
Dieudonne) during her second marriage to defunct Nigeria Airways pilot
Hodge Ogede. Felix passed away in 2000.
23 March 07
Central, did not die from poisoning as being speculated."Food poison
or any sort of poison is definitely ruled out as has been widely
speculated," a statement signed in Accra on Friday by Kofi Coomson,
owner of the Chronicle newspapers, on behalf of the family and
children said.
"While the official autopsy is yet to be released, it is safe to
say that she died from cancer and had gone through chemotherapy
sessions," the statement said. Chemotherapy is used to describe
medications that treat cancer.
The statement said the condition of Madam Hawa "stabilised for a
while before the onset of a crisis on Monday and she died at the
Barnet General Hospital".
It said she would have loved a special song composed for her by
Sly Collins – Sweet Mother Feat – on the Total Unity CD to be played
for her on her birthday which falls on Saturday.
The statement said Madam Hawa Yakubu, who died a few days before
her birthday, would be buried in Pusiga, in the Upper East Region.
"Her senior brothers will be leaving to London in the next few days to
help her sisters living in London to bring the body back to
Ghana."Madam Yakubu, popularly known as "Iron Lady" for her
resilience, forthrightness, determination to fight, died in a London
Hospital after a battle with cancer.
She was a former MP for Bawku Central, Minister of Tourism and
Member of the ECOWAS Parliament.Madam Yakubu, a native of Pusiga in
the Upper East Region, was born in Tarkwa in the Western Region on
March 24, 1948 to Mr Yakubu Awinaba and Hajia Azore.
She attended the Zebilla Middle School, Navrongo Secondary School
and Accra Polytechnic where she obtained a certificate in
Institutional Management. She recently obtained a Master's Degree in
Leadership and Governance from the Ghana Institute of Management and
Public Administration.Madam Yakubu's political career started in 1979
when she was elected into the Local Council, which in turn elected her
to the Constituent Assembly that wrote the 1979 Third Republic
Constitution.
Although her mother was an activist of the Convention People's
Party (CPP), she joined the late William Ofori-Atta when he formed the
United National Convention (UNC) for the 1979 election won by Dr Hilla
Limann of the pro-Nkrumah People's National Party (PNP).
She fled to London when the Provisional National Defence Council
came to power on December 1981 and lived in the United Kingdom and
Nigeria before returning home in 1991.
Madam Yakubu contested the 1992 parliamentary election as an
independent candidate in Bawku Central, which she won.She lost the
seat in controversial circumstances and after conceding defeat, left
for Cotonou, Benin, where she worked as Executive Director of the
GERDDES, an NGO that observes elections.She returned in 2000 to win
back the seat but lost it again in 2004.
She had four children, two sons (Felix and Derek) during her
first marriage to Mr Amadu Ayebo and two daughters (Amanda and
Dieudonne) during her second marriage to defunct Nigeria Airways pilot
Hodge Ogede. Felix passed away in 2000.
23 March 07
A 43 year-old man heads to court for defiling two year old girl
Accra, March 23, GNA - A Technical officer of the Metrological Service
Agency has been arrested for allegedly defiling a two-year-old baby
girl at Kokomlemle a suburb in Accra.Gideon Dogbe Suitor, 43 would on
Monday, March 26, appear in court charged with defilement.
Chief Superintendent of Police, Mrs Jessie Borquaye, Regional
Coordinator of the Domestic Violence Victims Support Unit (DVVSU) of
the Police confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency.She said
the grandmother of the victim who is a food vendor returned home after
her usual rounds and discovered that her grand daughter was nowhere to
be found.
She said after frantically searching for the victim, a young
playmate of the girl pointed to the suspect's room.The landlady of the
house who was also involved in looking for the victim rushed to the
room only to see the suspect lying naked on bed with the victim also
naked, lying on the lower abdomen on top of the suspect's manhood.She
said the landlady and the victim's grandmother in spite of their shock
severely beat up the suspect before reporting the suspect to the Nima
Police station where he was subsequently arrested and referred to
DVVSU.
23 March 07
Agency has been arrested for allegedly defiling a two-year-old baby
girl at Kokomlemle a suburb in Accra.Gideon Dogbe Suitor, 43 would on
Monday, March 26, appear in court charged with defilement.
Chief Superintendent of Police, Mrs Jessie Borquaye, Regional
Coordinator of the Domestic Violence Victims Support Unit (DVVSU) of
the Police confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency.She said
the grandmother of the victim who is a food vendor returned home after
her usual rounds and discovered that her grand daughter was nowhere to
be found.
She said after frantically searching for the victim, a young
playmate of the girl pointed to the suspect's room.The landlady of the
house who was also involved in looking for the victim rushed to the
room only to see the suspect lying naked on bed with the victim also
naked, lying on the lower abdomen on top of the suspect's manhood.She
said the landlady and the victim's grandmother in spite of their shock
severely beat up the suspect before reporting the suspect to the Nima
Police station where he was subsequently arrested and referred to
DVVSU.
23 March 07
Muslim group equips Islamic Secondary School with facilities
Kumasi, March 23, GNA - Ghana Muslim Mission, managers of Islamic
Secondary School at Kropo in Kumasi, has almost completed the fencing
of the school at a cost over 150 million cedis.
Alhaji Ibrahim Baryeh, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Mission, said
the project was to ensure security of students, ward off encroachers
and also get rid of people who are using part of the land to smoke
Indian Hemp.
Speaking in an interview with the GNA in Kumasi on Friday on the
development of the school since the mission took over the
administration of the school a year ago after 22 years of litigation,
said the Mission was poised to raise the image of the school within
the shortest possible time.
The Mission has renovated the old block of 15 classrooms with offices
and a library at a cost of over 170 million cedis and has built an
additional block of five classrooms and this is going to cost the
Mission over 250 million cedis.Management is constructing a football
pitch for the school at a cost of about 150 million cedis and that it
has also provided 450 mono desks at a cost of 45 million cedis.
He said the Mission's next assignment was to provide modern places of
convenience for the students, construct dormitories and a dining hall
for the school and appealed to the Member of Parliament (MP) for
Bantama, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and other stakeholders for
support.
Secondary School at Kropo in Kumasi, has almost completed the fencing
of the school at a cost over 150 million cedis.
Alhaji Ibrahim Baryeh, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Mission, said
the project was to ensure security of students, ward off encroachers
and also get rid of people who are using part of the land to smoke
Indian Hemp.
Speaking in an interview with the GNA in Kumasi on Friday on the
development of the school since the mission took over the
administration of the school a year ago after 22 years of litigation,
said the Mission was poised to raise the image of the school within
the shortest possible time.
The Mission has renovated the old block of 15 classrooms with offices
and a library at a cost of over 170 million cedis and has built an
additional block of five classrooms and this is going to cost the
Mission over 250 million cedis.Management is constructing a football
pitch for the school at a cost of about 150 million cedis and that it
has also provided 450 mono desks at a cost of 45 million cedis.
He said the Mission's next assignment was to provide modern places of
convenience for the students, construct dormitories and a dining hall
for the school and appealed to the Member of Parliament (MP) for
Bantama, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and other stakeholders for
support.
23 March 07
Parliament passes Fair Wages Bill
Accra, March 23, GNA - Parliament on Friday passed the Fair Wages and
Salaries Commission Bill, which is aimed at meeting international best
practices in the labour market.
The passage of the bill would ensure equal pay for equal work and
eliminate adhoc wage and salary adjustments negotiations.A Finance
Committee report said: "The Commission, once created will be fully
responsible for ensuring fair, transparent and systematic
implementation of government public service pay policy..."
It would also undertake negotiations for the conditions of
service of public servants who are remunerated from the consolidated
funds.The bill provides for avenues to seek redress through the
Grievance Review Committee, the Board of Commission and the National
Labour Commission.
It would also create an atmosphere of industrial harmony with
the potential to attract investment into the country for
development.The House earlier passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill,
which would facilitate the establishment of International Financial
Service Centers in the country to provide international banking
services for customers resident in other countries than Ghana.The
benefits that the country would derive include inflow of foreign
deposits in foreign currency leading to foreign direct investment and
growth.
Salaries Commission Bill, which is aimed at meeting international best
practices in the labour market.
The passage of the bill would ensure equal pay for equal work and
eliminate adhoc wage and salary adjustments negotiations.A Finance
Committee report said: "The Commission, once created will be fully
responsible for ensuring fair, transparent and systematic
implementation of government public service pay policy..."
It would also undertake negotiations for the conditions of
service of public servants who are remunerated from the consolidated
funds.The bill provides for avenues to seek redress through the
Grievance Review Committee, the Board of Commission and the National
Labour Commission.
It would also create an atmosphere of industrial harmony with
the potential to attract investment into the country for
development.The House earlier passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill,
which would facilitate the establishment of International Financial
Service Centers in the country to provide international banking
services for customers resident in other countries than Ghana.The
benefits that the country would derive include inflow of foreign
deposits in foreign currency leading to foreign direct investment and
growth.
23 March 07
Hypertension to become the major cardiovascular disorder - Prof Pobee
Accra, March 23, GNA - Hypertension is likely to become the major
Cardiovascular disorder in the country for the next fifty years, if
measures were not taken to check its predisposing factors from getting
higher.Studies in Ghana have shown that ageing, increase in body mass,
moderate to heavy use of alcohol and cigarette favoured high
occurrence rate of high blood pressure in the societies.
Professor Joseph O.M. Pobee, Physician and Lecturer at the Ghana
Medical School made these observations at the launch of three books he
has written, which threw more light on the emerging problems of
cardiovascular diseases in the country.
The books are; Heart of the Matter, Community Profile of
Cardiovascular Diseases of a Sub-Saharan African Country and the Ghana
Paradigm - Mamprobi Cardiovascular Health Project 1975-83.
Prof Pobee said a study carried out in Ghana in 1974 on high
blood pressure amongst 2000 public servants in Accra and Tema by the
World Health Organisation (WHO) International Project on Community
Control on Hypertension indicated that there was high occurrence of
hypertension cases among urban Ghanaians.
He said hypertensive heart diseases, kidney failure, strokes
and heart attacks constituted 32 percent of all deaths, with the
percentage being higher in middle age group and the single leading
case of deaths in adults.
The studies also noted that females were at the risk of
developing hypertension much higher after the birth of their third
child.
He said it was expensive to treat hypertension with drugs as
medications ranged from 5-125 percent of the minimum wage and some of
the side effect of the drugs likely to diminish a patient's potency
put them off.
Prof Pobee called for non-drug measures in the control of
hypertension, which included dietary by reducing weight or maintaining
the ideal weight, exercise and avoiding sedentary habits.
He called for the intensification of public education about the
disease.Dr Fred Wurapa, Physician and Lecturer at the School of Public
Health who reviewed monographs of the author noted that the three
books were landmarks in the study and control of cardiovascular
diseases.
He said until very recently there was not much documents and
information on diseases associated with lifestyles since the
perception was that the country's health problems were overwhelmingly
those of infections and parasitic infections, malnutrition and
disorders that impacted adversely on safe motherhood.
He called on the various stakeholders in the health delivery
sector to make hypertension a major public health issue like the
communicable diseases.
Professor Samuel K. Owusu, Lecturer at the GMS re-iterated that
hypertension was the leading disorder in cardiovascular diseases in
the country.He emphasized the need for the country to treat the
disease as a public health importance and the necessary resources
allocated for its control.
The first three copies of the books which were auctioned were
bought by the State Insurance Company (SIC) for 20 million cedis,
second copy went to the GMS for 15 million cedis and the third one
went to School of Public Health for 20 million cedis.
The total of seven books bought during auction amounted to 110
million cedis, which included pledges.
Cardiovascular disorder in the country for the next fifty years, if
measures were not taken to check its predisposing factors from getting
higher.Studies in Ghana have shown that ageing, increase in body mass,
moderate to heavy use of alcohol and cigarette favoured high
occurrence rate of high blood pressure in the societies.
Professor Joseph O.M. Pobee, Physician and Lecturer at the Ghana
Medical School made these observations at the launch of three books he
has written, which threw more light on the emerging problems of
cardiovascular diseases in the country.
The books are; Heart of the Matter, Community Profile of
Cardiovascular Diseases of a Sub-Saharan African Country and the Ghana
Paradigm - Mamprobi Cardiovascular Health Project 1975-83.
Prof Pobee said a study carried out in Ghana in 1974 on high
blood pressure amongst 2000 public servants in Accra and Tema by the
World Health Organisation (WHO) International Project on Community
Control on Hypertension indicated that there was high occurrence of
hypertension cases among urban Ghanaians.
He said hypertensive heart diseases, kidney failure, strokes
and heart attacks constituted 32 percent of all deaths, with the
percentage being higher in middle age group and the single leading
case of deaths in adults.
The studies also noted that females were at the risk of
developing hypertension much higher after the birth of their third
child.
He said it was expensive to treat hypertension with drugs as
medications ranged from 5-125 percent of the minimum wage and some of
the side effect of the drugs likely to diminish a patient's potency
put them off.
Prof Pobee called for non-drug measures in the control of
hypertension, which included dietary by reducing weight or maintaining
the ideal weight, exercise and avoiding sedentary habits.
He called for the intensification of public education about the
disease.Dr Fred Wurapa, Physician and Lecturer at the School of Public
Health who reviewed monographs of the author noted that the three
books were landmarks in the study and control of cardiovascular
diseases.
He said until very recently there was not much documents and
information on diseases associated with lifestyles since the
perception was that the country's health problems were overwhelmingly
those of infections and parasitic infections, malnutrition and
disorders that impacted adversely on safe motherhood.
He called on the various stakeholders in the health delivery
sector to make hypertension a major public health issue like the
communicable diseases.
Professor Samuel K. Owusu, Lecturer at the GMS re-iterated that
hypertension was the leading disorder in cardiovascular diseases in
the country.He emphasized the need for the country to treat the
disease as a public health importance and the necessary resources
allocated for its control.
The first three copies of the books which were auctioned were
bought by the State Insurance Company (SIC) for 20 million cedis,
second copy went to the GMS for 15 million cedis and the third one
went to School of Public Health for 20 million cedis.
The total of seven books bought during auction amounted to 110
million cedis, which included pledges.
23 March 07
Take meteorological issues more seriously - Oquaye
Accra, March 23, GNA - Professor Mike Oquaye, Minister of
Communications, on Friday urged Ghanaians to pay more attention to
issues relating to weather forecast since it had a lot of implications
for livelihoods as well as survival on earth."Changes at higher
latitudes can and do have significant impact on all ecosystems and on
all human societies, regardless of the geographic latitudes," he said.
"In Ghana, sea level rise could have serious impact on coastal
resources and the attendant socio-economic consequences could be
severe."
This was contained in a speech read on his behalf at the opening
of an exhibition by Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA) to mark World
Metrological Day, which falls on Friday, March 23.
The Day is used to commemorate the coming into force on March 23,
1950 of the United Nations Convention establishing the World
Meteorological Organisation, which has the mandate of monitoring
global weather and climate.The exhibition by the GMA was to showcase
the tools and instruments used in the monitoring and forecasting of
the weather and climate in Ghana, as well as highlight some of the
activities of the Agency. It was also to give an insight to the public
about how the meteorologist went about his work.
The global theme for the day, in line with focusing attention on
the renewed interest in the climate and the environmental conditions
in the Polar Regions, is: "Polar Meteorology; Understanding Global
Impacts". The local theme is "Polar Meteorology; Understanding Global
Impacts and the Implications for Ghana".
The theme was also chosen in recognition of the importance of
setting aside 2007 to 2008 as International Polar Year by the United
Nations.Prof. Oquaye said although the Polar Regions were generally
distant from widely populated zones, there was a great need for
reliable weather forecasts in these areas as forecasts were needed for
the protection of indigenous communities and in support of maritime
operations as well as for oil and gas explorations and production.
He said the effects of global warming in the two polar regions
were linked to the rest of the earth's climate systems such as a
decrease in the perennial sea ice, the melting ice caps in the poles
which would lead to rising sea levels that could pose problems for
many small Island States and all other low lying coastal areas of the
world.
It was for these reasons that the theme was appropriate, since it
would focus this year's celebration on the implication of the climate
changes on environment, Prof Oquaye said, adding, "The impact of polar
meteorology must be considered within the broadest context."
He urged Ghanaians to resolve to give the GMA the needed support
and acknowledgement in its role of safeguarding the environment to
enhance the economic and social wellbeing of society in areas such as
food security, water resources and transport.
Prof. Oquaye pledged that government, on its part would continue
to support the GMA to realise its full potentials in providing the
right data, information and services.
Mr Zenedeme Minia, Acting Director, GMA, said as a result of
human interference with the climate system, there were clear
indications that the earth and its atmosphere were getting warmer and
that global climate was changing.
"There have been significant reductions in the size of Polar ice
caps and the extent of sea ice in the polar regions of the world due
to melting as a result of increasing temperatures.
"The consequences that the additional liquid water would lead to
increase in the level of the sea and the socio-economic impact of sea
level rise on coastal areas of the country could be enormous," he
said.
Mr Minia said the need for a continuous monitoring of the weather
and the climate of the earth could not be over-emphasised as a long
and reliable past record was necessary for determining future trends
in the weather and climate.
Some of the tools on display included the meteorological balloon,
used in measuring the vertical wind profile, wind vane, used in
monitoring the direction of the wind, Stevenson's Screen Housing used
in determining humidity and temperature, evaporation pan, rain gauge
and rain recorder, sunshine recorder, and a combination anemometer.
23 March 07
Communications, on Friday urged Ghanaians to pay more attention to
issues relating to weather forecast since it had a lot of implications
for livelihoods as well as survival on earth."Changes at higher
latitudes can and do have significant impact on all ecosystems and on
all human societies, regardless of the geographic latitudes," he said.
"In Ghana, sea level rise could have serious impact on coastal
resources and the attendant socio-economic consequences could be
severe."
This was contained in a speech read on his behalf at the opening
of an exhibition by Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA) to mark World
Metrological Day, which falls on Friday, March 23.
The Day is used to commemorate the coming into force on March 23,
1950 of the United Nations Convention establishing the World
Meteorological Organisation, which has the mandate of monitoring
global weather and climate.The exhibition by the GMA was to showcase
the tools and instruments used in the monitoring and forecasting of
the weather and climate in Ghana, as well as highlight some of the
activities of the Agency. It was also to give an insight to the public
about how the meteorologist went about his work.
The global theme for the day, in line with focusing attention on
the renewed interest in the climate and the environmental conditions
in the Polar Regions, is: "Polar Meteorology; Understanding Global
Impacts". The local theme is "Polar Meteorology; Understanding Global
Impacts and the Implications for Ghana".
The theme was also chosen in recognition of the importance of
setting aside 2007 to 2008 as International Polar Year by the United
Nations.Prof. Oquaye said although the Polar Regions were generally
distant from widely populated zones, there was a great need for
reliable weather forecasts in these areas as forecasts were needed for
the protection of indigenous communities and in support of maritime
operations as well as for oil and gas explorations and production.
He said the effects of global warming in the two polar regions
were linked to the rest of the earth's climate systems such as a
decrease in the perennial sea ice, the melting ice caps in the poles
which would lead to rising sea levels that could pose problems for
many small Island States and all other low lying coastal areas of the
world.
It was for these reasons that the theme was appropriate, since it
would focus this year's celebration on the implication of the climate
changes on environment, Prof Oquaye said, adding, "The impact of polar
meteorology must be considered within the broadest context."
He urged Ghanaians to resolve to give the GMA the needed support
and acknowledgement in its role of safeguarding the environment to
enhance the economic and social wellbeing of society in areas such as
food security, water resources and transport.
Prof. Oquaye pledged that government, on its part would continue
to support the GMA to realise its full potentials in providing the
right data, information and services.
Mr Zenedeme Minia, Acting Director, GMA, said as a result of
human interference with the climate system, there were clear
indications that the earth and its atmosphere were getting warmer and
that global climate was changing.
"There have been significant reductions in the size of Polar ice
caps and the extent of sea ice in the polar regions of the world due
to melting as a result of increasing temperatures.
"The consequences that the additional liquid water would lead to
increase in the level of the sea and the socio-economic impact of sea
level rise on coastal areas of the country could be enormous," he
said.
Mr Minia said the need for a continuous monitoring of the weather
and the climate of the earth could not be over-emphasised as a long
and reliable past record was necessary for determining future trends
in the weather and climate.
Some of the tools on display included the meteorological balloon,
used in measuring the vertical wind profile, wind vane, used in
monitoring the direction of the wind, Stevenson's Screen Housing used
in determining humidity and temperature, evaporation pan, rain gauge
and rain recorder, sunshine recorder, and a combination anemometer.
23 March 07
Environmentalists urge U.S. Navy to stop using sonar in war games
LOS ANGELES, March 23 (Xinhua/GNA) - Environmental groups in
California filed lawsuits on Thursday, urging the U.S. Navy not to use
a type of sonar alleged to harm whales and other marine life.
In separate lawsuits, the California Coastal Commission and several
environmental groups said the Navy is refusing to take simple
measures, such as avoiding whale migration routes, to reduce the
environmental harm from 14 exercises planned through January 2009 that
would use high-intensity, mid-frequency sonar.The Navy's tests "pose
too great a risk to marine species to go forward without additional
protective measures that the Navy refuses to adopt," according to the
litigation filed by the Natural Resources Defence Council and other
groups.
The Navy uses the special sonar to detect quiet submarines.
Environmentalists claim that blasts of sound are loud enough to
permeate thousands of square miles undersea with noise which is
harmful to the marine life.
The groups also accused the Navy of failing to do sufficient
environmental analysis of the sonar exercises, and of not complying
with the Coastal Zone Management Act, which requires the federal
government to follow the state's coastal plan as much as possible.
The environmental groups' portion of the litigation asks a judge to
block the Navy from using the sonar for the exercises "unless and
until that use is in full compliance with federal law".
The Coastal Commission's lawsuit, which was filed separately, asks
that the Navy be ordered to comply with the Coastal Zone Management
Act and other laws, as well as with the safeguards the commission
determined were necessary.
California Coastal Commissioner Sara Wan said her agency tried to
work with Naval officials, but "believes that the Navy has left it no
choice but to take legal action".
In a Feb. 12 decision in which it refused to implement the
commission's requested safeguards, the Navy said it had concluded on
its own that the exercises were consistent with the state's coastal
plan, according to court papers.A Naval representative declined to
comment on the litigation.
The Navy contends the sonar exercises are necessary for national
security. The Scientific Committee of the International Whaling
Commission found in 2004 that evidence "appears overwhelming" that
exposure to the sonar causes whale deaths.
The environmental groups said there is no dispute that the type of
sonar can kill and injure not only whales, which can be left stranded
on beaches, but other species as well.
They contend the sonar can cause marine mammals to lose their
hearing or to abandon their habitat, and can also cause fish to lose
their hearing, making it difficult for them to avoid predators or hunt
for prey. Sea turtles and squid may also be harmed, the court papers
state.
The exercises would be performed in waters that contain some of the
nation's richest marine life, including the ocean around the Channel
Islands National Marine Sanctuary, according to the groups.
The area is inhabited by six endangered whale species -- blue, fin,
humpback, North Pacific right, sei, and sperm whales -- and three
marine mammal species listed as threatened, including a type of sea
otter and sea lion, said the groups.
Previously, four similar lawsuits were brought against the Navy
over sonar exercises in other areas, including waters near Hawaii.
In the Hawaii case, a Los Angeles federal judge issued a temporary
restraining order blocking use of the sonar. The lawsuit was settled
four days later when the Navy agreed to safeguards such as not using
the sonar within 25 nautical miles of the Northwestern Hawaiian
Islands Marine National Monument.
Two of the other lawsuits were also successful, and a fourth is
pending, an attorney for the plaintiffs said.
California filed lawsuits on Thursday, urging the U.S. Navy not to use
a type of sonar alleged to harm whales and other marine life.
In separate lawsuits, the California Coastal Commission and several
environmental groups said the Navy is refusing to take simple
measures, such as avoiding whale migration routes, to reduce the
environmental harm from 14 exercises planned through January 2009 that
would use high-intensity, mid-frequency sonar.The Navy's tests "pose
too great a risk to marine species to go forward without additional
protective measures that the Navy refuses to adopt," according to the
litigation filed by the Natural Resources Defence Council and other
groups.
The Navy uses the special sonar to detect quiet submarines.
Environmentalists claim that blasts of sound are loud enough to
permeate thousands of square miles undersea with noise which is
harmful to the marine life.
The groups also accused the Navy of failing to do sufficient
environmental analysis of the sonar exercises, and of not complying
with the Coastal Zone Management Act, which requires the federal
government to follow the state's coastal plan as much as possible.
The environmental groups' portion of the litigation asks a judge to
block the Navy from using the sonar for the exercises "unless and
until that use is in full compliance with federal law".
The Coastal Commission's lawsuit, which was filed separately, asks
that the Navy be ordered to comply with the Coastal Zone Management
Act and other laws, as well as with the safeguards the commission
determined were necessary.
California Coastal Commissioner Sara Wan said her agency tried to
work with Naval officials, but "believes that the Navy has left it no
choice but to take legal action".
In a Feb. 12 decision in which it refused to implement the
commission's requested safeguards, the Navy said it had concluded on
its own that the exercises were consistent with the state's coastal
plan, according to court papers.A Naval representative declined to
comment on the litigation.
The Navy contends the sonar exercises are necessary for national
security. The Scientific Committee of the International Whaling
Commission found in 2004 that evidence "appears overwhelming" that
exposure to the sonar causes whale deaths.
The environmental groups said there is no dispute that the type of
sonar can kill and injure not only whales, which can be left stranded
on beaches, but other species as well.
They contend the sonar can cause marine mammals to lose their
hearing or to abandon their habitat, and can also cause fish to lose
their hearing, making it difficult for them to avoid predators or hunt
for prey. Sea turtles and squid may also be harmed, the court papers
state.
The exercises would be performed in waters that contain some of the
nation's richest marine life, including the ocean around the Channel
Islands National Marine Sanctuary, according to the groups.
The area is inhabited by six endangered whale species -- blue, fin,
humpback, North Pacific right, sei, and sperm whales -- and three
marine mammal species listed as threatened, including a type of sea
otter and sea lion, said the groups.
Previously, four similar lawsuits were brought against the Navy
over sonar exercises in other areas, including waters near Hawaii.
In the Hawaii case, a Los Angeles federal judge issued a temporary
restraining order blocking use of the sonar. The lawsuit was settled
four days later when the Navy agreed to safeguards such as not using
the sonar within 25 nautical miles of the Northwestern Hawaiian
Islands Marine National Monument.
Two of the other lawsuits were also successful, and a fourth is
pending, an attorney for the plaintiffs said.
Mar 23, 07
Trader jailed for unlawful dealing in ammunition
Hohoe, March 23, GNA - A Hohoe Circuit Court on Thursday sentenced
55-year-old Yao Gbonu to 24 months imprisonment for unlawful
possession and dealing in ammunition.
Gbonu pleaded guilty.
Prosecuting Police Chief Inspector Samuel Gbedemah told the Court
that Gbonu was arrested on March 16 at the Hohoe lorry park in an
attempt to smuggle 42 packets of cartridges concealed in a sack
en-route to Chillinga in the Nkwanta district.
Gbonu claimed he did not know the legal implication of the items he
was carrying for sale.
55-year-old Yao Gbonu to 24 months imprisonment for unlawful
possession and dealing in ammunition.
Gbonu pleaded guilty.
Prosecuting Police Chief Inspector Samuel Gbedemah told the Court
that Gbonu was arrested on March 16 at the Hohoe lorry park in an
attempt to smuggle 42 packets of cartridges concealed in a sack
en-route to Chillinga in the Nkwanta district.
Gbonu claimed he did not know the legal implication of the items he
was carrying for sale.
23 March 07
African can achieve food security- UK scientist
Cape Coast, Mar. 23, GNA - Professor Sir Edwin Southern, the founder
of "Kirkhouse Trust," a research foundation in the United Kingdom, on
Friday said Africa could achieve food security with requisite and
adequate research.
He said the Trust was sponsoring some scientists in Burkina Faso,
Cameroon and Nigeria to research into cowpea as part of their
countries' food security programme.
Prof Sir Southern said this when he and the Vice-Chancellor of the
University of Cape Coast (UCC), Reverend Professor Emmanuel Adow
Obeng, inaugurated a molecular biology laboratory for the
UCC.Molecular biology is a branch of biology that deals with the study
of the chemical and physical principles associated with composition,
properties and activities of molecules in living cells.
The laboratory will enable undergraduates of the School of
biological sciences to undertake research in that field.The Trust has
provided equipment, chemicals and consumables worth 20,000 pounds for
the laboratory and is also sponsoring some members of that faculty to
receive training in cowpea genomic in Virginia in the United States.
Prof. Sir Southern said the Trust was sponsoring research
projects in HIV/AIDS and food security, the two major problems in
Africa and expressed the hope that the laboratory would help bring
about solutions to help improve crop yields.Rev. Prof. Obeng thanked
the Trust for its support and repeated calls on science tutors to make
the study of science more interesting and relevant to enhance the
interest of students.He said the study of science and technology is
the bedrock of development and therefore if more students develop
interest in those subjects it would accelerate development.
Rev Prof. Obeng said the Trust would soon sponsor some students
for postgraduate studies in molecular biology and biotechnology to
enable the UCC "have a strong research team" for crop research and
possibly, coordinate the cowpea research programme for Ghana.
23 March 07
of "Kirkhouse Trust," a research foundation in the United Kingdom, on
Friday said Africa could achieve food security with requisite and
adequate research.
He said the Trust was sponsoring some scientists in Burkina Faso,
Cameroon and Nigeria to research into cowpea as part of their
countries' food security programme.
Prof Sir Southern said this when he and the Vice-Chancellor of the
University of Cape Coast (UCC), Reverend Professor Emmanuel Adow
Obeng, inaugurated a molecular biology laboratory for the
UCC.Molecular biology is a branch of biology that deals with the study
of the chemical and physical principles associated with composition,
properties and activities of molecules in living cells.
The laboratory will enable undergraduates of the School of
biological sciences to undertake research in that field.The Trust has
provided equipment, chemicals and consumables worth 20,000 pounds for
the laboratory and is also sponsoring some members of that faculty to
receive training in cowpea genomic in Virginia in the United States.
Prof. Sir Southern said the Trust was sponsoring research
projects in HIV/AIDS and food security, the two major problems in
Africa and expressed the hope that the laboratory would help bring
about solutions to help improve crop yields.Rev. Prof. Obeng thanked
the Trust for its support and repeated calls on science tutors to make
the study of science more interesting and relevant to enhance the
interest of students.He said the study of science and technology is
the bedrock of development and therefore if more students develop
interest in those subjects it would accelerate development.
Rev Prof. Obeng said the Trust would soon sponsor some students
for postgraduate studies in molecular biology and biotechnology to
enable the UCC "have a strong research team" for crop research and
possibly, coordinate the cowpea research programme for Ghana.
23 March 07
Farmers jailed for poisoning river
Sunyani, March 23, GNA - A circuit court at Fiapre near Sunyani on
Thursday sentenced two farmers to a total fine of 10 million cedis for
poisoning River Bisi at Pepewase village in the Sunyani Municipality.
The convicts, Kwaku Besia and Kwadwo Danaa, both pleaded guilty
to the charge of poisoning and were sentenced to a fine of five
million cedis each or in default two years imprisonment.Assistant
Superintendent of Police Martin Defeamekpor told the court that on
March 18, the two persons together with four others now at large, went
on a fishing expedition in the river.
He said the convicts poured a chemical called Rwreko 2.5 EC into
the river, which is the only source of drinking water for the people
in the community, with the intention of killing the fishes.The
prosecutor said some residents in the village arrested Biesia but the
others escaped into the bush. Danaa was identified and arrested when
he later visited Biesia at the police cell in Sunyani.
The court also sentenced Issifu Wedirago, a mason, to two years
imprisonment in hard labour for stealing 275 meters of insulated
cables valued at more than four million cedis belonging to the Volta
River Authority.
Issifu pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing.Prosecuting, Mr
Defeamekpor said on March 1, members of the Zongo watchdog committee
met Issifu carrying the cables.
The committee members challenged him and in an attempt to arrest
him he abandoned the cables and took to his heels but they arrested
him and sent him to the police station.
Thursday sentenced two farmers to a total fine of 10 million cedis for
poisoning River Bisi at Pepewase village in the Sunyani Municipality.
The convicts, Kwaku Besia and Kwadwo Danaa, both pleaded guilty
to the charge of poisoning and were sentenced to a fine of five
million cedis each or in default two years imprisonment.Assistant
Superintendent of Police Martin Defeamekpor told the court that on
March 18, the two persons together with four others now at large, went
on a fishing expedition in the river.
He said the convicts poured a chemical called Rwreko 2.5 EC into
the river, which is the only source of drinking water for the people
in the community, with the intention of killing the fishes.The
prosecutor said some residents in the village arrested Biesia but the
others escaped into the bush. Danaa was identified and arrested when
he later visited Biesia at the police cell in Sunyani.
The court also sentenced Issifu Wedirago, a mason, to two years
imprisonment in hard labour for stealing 275 meters of insulated
cables valued at more than four million cedis belonging to the Volta
River Authority.
Issifu pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing.Prosecuting, Mr
Defeamekpor said on March 1, members of the Zongo watchdog committee
met Issifu carrying the cables.
The committee members challenged him and in an attempt to arrest
him he abandoned the cables and took to his heels but they arrested
him and sent him to the police station.
23 March 07
Ghana to host Conference of Chartered Institute of Logistics
Ghana is to play host to the Annual Council Meeting and Conference of
the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
International from April 29 to May 4.
This is the first time the International Council Meeting and
Conference are being held in Africa.
"It is a privilege and a big recognition of Ghana and especially
the dynamic role being played by the local chapter of CILT (Ghana),"
Mr Cyril Bleasdale, Director General of CILT International said at a
press conference in Accra on Friday.
The press briefing was held to focus the media's attention on the
preparations being made towards the successful holding of the high
profile event.Princess Anne of UK, an Honorary Past President of the
CILT and President John Agyekum Kufuor are expected to grace the
opening session of the conference.
The Accra Conference, which is on the theme: "Humanitarian
Logistics and Sustainable Development," will focus on maintaining
standards, ensuring accessibility, education and road safety.
Mr Bleasdale said sound logistics and well-managed transport
infrastructure were key to the development of any economy.It is in
this direction that the Institute has been focusing on professional
development through training and quality assurance.He lauded the
existing association the Institute has with the Ghana Institute of
Management and Productivity (GIMPA).
Mr Teete Owusu-Nortey, Honorary Secretary of CILT (Ghana), said
over 300 delegates from 30 member countries of the CILT International
worldwide would attend the conference.
He said renowned local and international speakers well versed in
the issues under discussion would deliver papers as well as lead
discussions to further enhance the knowledge of participants.
Besides, the Conference would also provide networking
opportunities for participants to learn from best practices to enable
them to improve on existing situation across the world.
Mr Owusu-Nortey said the conference would be an excellent
opportunity for those in the logistics and transport sector to join in
the conference and called on them to register in time as those without
accreditation would not be able to access the conference grounds
because of security reasons.
the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
International from April 29 to May 4.
This is the first time the International Council Meeting and
Conference are being held in Africa.
"It is a privilege and a big recognition of Ghana and especially
the dynamic role being played by the local chapter of CILT (Ghana),"
Mr Cyril Bleasdale, Director General of CILT International said at a
press conference in Accra on Friday.
The press briefing was held to focus the media's attention on the
preparations being made towards the successful holding of the high
profile event.Princess Anne of UK, an Honorary Past President of the
CILT and President John Agyekum Kufuor are expected to grace the
opening session of the conference.
The Accra Conference, which is on the theme: "Humanitarian
Logistics and Sustainable Development," will focus on maintaining
standards, ensuring accessibility, education and road safety.
Mr Bleasdale said sound logistics and well-managed transport
infrastructure were key to the development of any economy.It is in
this direction that the Institute has been focusing on professional
development through training and quality assurance.He lauded the
existing association the Institute has with the Ghana Institute of
Management and Productivity (GIMPA).
Mr Teete Owusu-Nortey, Honorary Secretary of CILT (Ghana), said
over 300 delegates from 30 member countries of the CILT International
worldwide would attend the conference.
He said renowned local and international speakers well versed in
the issues under discussion would deliver papers as well as lead
discussions to further enhance the knowledge of participants.
Besides, the Conference would also provide networking
opportunities for participants to learn from best practices to enable
them to improve on existing situation across the world.
Mr Owusu-Nortey said the conference would be an excellent
opportunity for those in the logistics and transport sector to join in
the conference and called on them to register in time as those without
accreditation would not be able to access the conference grounds
because of security reasons.
23 March 07
Court fines farmers for poisoning river
Sunyani March 23, GNA – A circuit court at Fiapre near Sunyani on
Thursday sentenced two farmers to a total fine of 10 million cedis for
poisoning River Bisi at Pepewase village in Sunyani Municipality.The
convicts, Kwaku Besia and Kwadwo Danaa, both pleaded guilty to the
charge of poisoning and were sentenced to a fine of five million cedis
each or in default two years imprisonment.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Martin Defeamaphor told the
court, presided by Mr. Owusu Gyamfi that on March 18, this year the
two persons together with four others, now at large, all residents of
Nyanprase village in Wenchi district embarked on a fishing expedition
in the river.He said the convicts poured a chemical called Rwreko 2.5
EC into the river, which is the only source of drinking water for the
people in the community, with the intention of killing the fishes.The
prosecutor said some residents in the village arrested Biesia but the
others escaped into the bush.ASP Defeamaphor said Biesia was handed
over to the police.Danaa was identified and arrested when he later
visited Biesia at the police cell in Sunyani.In another development
the court sentenced Issifu Wedirago, a mason, to two years
imprisonment in hard labour for stealing 275 meter insulated cables
valued at more than four million cedis belonging to the Volta River
Authority.
Issifu pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing and was sentenced
accordingly.
Prosecuting, ASP Defeamaphor said on March 1 this year, members
of the Zongo watch dog committee on their usual rounds at dawn met
Issifu carrying the cables.
The committee members challenged him and in attempt to arrest him
he abandoned the cables and took to his heels but they arrested him
and sent him to the police station.
Thursday sentenced two farmers to a total fine of 10 million cedis for
poisoning River Bisi at Pepewase village in Sunyani Municipality.The
convicts, Kwaku Besia and Kwadwo Danaa, both pleaded guilty to the
charge of poisoning and were sentenced to a fine of five million cedis
each or in default two years imprisonment.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Martin Defeamaphor told the
court, presided by Mr. Owusu Gyamfi that on March 18, this year the
two persons together with four others, now at large, all residents of
Nyanprase village in Wenchi district embarked on a fishing expedition
in the river.He said the convicts poured a chemical called Rwreko 2.5
EC into the river, which is the only source of drinking water for the
people in the community, with the intention of killing the fishes.The
prosecutor said some residents in the village arrested Biesia but the
others escaped into the bush.ASP Defeamaphor said Biesia was handed
over to the police.Danaa was identified and arrested when he later
visited Biesia at the police cell in Sunyani.In another development
the court sentenced Issifu Wedirago, a mason, to two years
imprisonment in hard labour for stealing 275 meter insulated cables
valued at more than four million cedis belonging to the Volta River
Authority.
Issifu pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing and was sentenced
accordingly.
Prosecuting, ASP Defeamaphor said on March 1 this year, members
of the Zongo watch dog committee on their usual rounds at dawn met
Issifu carrying the cables.
The committee members challenged him and in attempt to arrest him
he abandoned the cables and took to his heels but they arrested him
and sent him to the police station.
23 March 07
PBC repositions itself for growth – Board Chairman
Accra, March 23, GNA - The Produce Buying Company (PBC) Limited on
Friday assured shareholders that concrete steps had been taken to
improve operational efficiency in order to enhance the company's
profitability.
Nana Timothy Aye Kusi, Board Chairman, said everything was being
done to cut down on the losses and return the company on to the path
of making profits.The company in the 2005/06 financial year recorded a
net operating loss of 12.6 billion cedis, representing a slight
improvement over the previous year's loss of 31 billion cedis. No
dividend was declared.
"Both the Board and Management are determined to boost the
company's revenues and at the same time reduce operating cost to
ensure sustained profitability," Nana Kusi told shareholders at the
sixth annual general meeting of the company in Accra.
As a first step, a new approach to cocoa purchasing operations
had been adopted at the beginning of the 2006/07 main season with the
aim to reduce shortages and also to make the districts and regions
more manageable.He explained that the new method was a strategy
adopted to ensure that shortages and other related costs were kept to
the barest minimum.
Efforts are also being made to diversify the revenue base through
freight earnings by the company's articulated trucks and in this
direction the company has acquired a medium term loan to commence its
planned replacement of some of its old and dilapidated tractors,
cargos and articulated trucks.Nana Kusi said the company would
continue to expand the frontiers of its field operations in major
cocoa growing areas to stem the intense competition in the internal
cocoa market in the ensuing years.
The programme has already started with the creation of two new
regional offices and three operational districts in the Western
Region.Nana Kusi said with an all-time record figure of 740,548 tonnes
of cocoa production for the 2005/06 crop year, PBC recorded a slight
increase of cocoa purchased by eight per cent from 225,358 tonnes of
the previous year to 242,473 tonnes in year under review.
The company's market share for the year stood at 33 per cent.On
performance the company recorded a turnover of 2.486 trillion cedis,
an increase over the previous figure of 2.304 trillion cedis in
2004/05 due to increase in volume of cocoa delivered.
Cost of sales, he said, increased by 7.1 per cent from 2.077
trillion cedis to 2.225 trillion cedis, due to increase in volumes
delivered.Total expenses increased by 4.7 per cent from 277.350
billion cedis to 290.350 billion cedis.
Shareholders expressed their unhappiness about the failure of the
company to pay them dividend for two continuous years and called for
efficient management to ensure that shareholders duly received what
was due them.
Friday assured shareholders that concrete steps had been taken to
improve operational efficiency in order to enhance the company's
profitability.
Nana Timothy Aye Kusi, Board Chairman, said everything was being
done to cut down on the losses and return the company on to the path
of making profits.The company in the 2005/06 financial year recorded a
net operating loss of 12.6 billion cedis, representing a slight
improvement over the previous year's loss of 31 billion cedis. No
dividend was declared.
"Both the Board and Management are determined to boost the
company's revenues and at the same time reduce operating cost to
ensure sustained profitability," Nana Kusi told shareholders at the
sixth annual general meeting of the company in Accra.
As a first step, a new approach to cocoa purchasing operations
had been adopted at the beginning of the 2006/07 main season with the
aim to reduce shortages and also to make the districts and regions
more manageable.He explained that the new method was a strategy
adopted to ensure that shortages and other related costs were kept to
the barest minimum.
Efforts are also being made to diversify the revenue base through
freight earnings by the company's articulated trucks and in this
direction the company has acquired a medium term loan to commence its
planned replacement of some of its old and dilapidated tractors,
cargos and articulated trucks.Nana Kusi said the company would
continue to expand the frontiers of its field operations in major
cocoa growing areas to stem the intense competition in the internal
cocoa market in the ensuing years.
The programme has already started with the creation of two new
regional offices and three operational districts in the Western
Region.Nana Kusi said with an all-time record figure of 740,548 tonnes
of cocoa production for the 2005/06 crop year, PBC recorded a slight
increase of cocoa purchased by eight per cent from 225,358 tonnes of
the previous year to 242,473 tonnes in year under review.
The company's market share for the year stood at 33 per cent.On
performance the company recorded a turnover of 2.486 trillion cedis,
an increase over the previous figure of 2.304 trillion cedis in
2004/05 due to increase in volume of cocoa delivered.
Cost of sales, he said, increased by 7.1 per cent from 2.077
trillion cedis to 2.225 trillion cedis, due to increase in volumes
delivered.Total expenses increased by 4.7 per cent from 277.350
billion cedis to 290.350 billion cedis.
Shareholders expressed their unhappiness about the failure of the
company to pay them dividend for two continuous years and called for
efficient management to ensure that shareholders duly received what
was due them.
23 March 07
Poverty, an obstacle to socio-economic progress of Ghana
Savelugu (N/R), March 23, GNA - Poverty is perhaps the most single
major obstacle to the socio-economic progress of the country, Alhaji
Alhassan A. Atori, Savelugu-Nanton District Chief Executive, has
said."Poverty represents the greatest economic, social and health
crisis of our time" he said and lauded the government and civil
society organisations' interventions aimed at increasing women's
access to micro credit and economic opportunities.
Alhaji Atori said this at the official launch of a 54 million
cedi micro-credit project for 60 rural women in the Savelugu-Nanton
District on Thursday that was on the theme: "Improving the livelihood
status of rural women for improved quality lives".Each of the women
received 500,000 cedis with 20 per cent as interest and payable in
three years' time.
The Women Service Foundation (WSF), a Netherlands based NGO is
sponsorship the project with funds from Heinz, Impress, Districon,
Soroptimist Club Eemsmond and Friends and Family of Femke in
Netherlands through Northern Ghana Volunteer Association (NORGHAVO).
Alhaji Atori commended the WSF for bringing the credit facility to
women in the district to enable them to reduce endemic poverty that
had plagued their social and economic progress.He advised the NGO not
to disburse the funds either on chieftaincy or political party lines
since that had the potential of denying the real needy people from
having access to the facility.
Mr. Alhassan Amadu, the Northern Regional Population Officer,
urged the women not to see the credit facility as an end in itself but
it should be a means to an end if they use the money
judiciously.Mr.Sulemana Abdul-Samed, Executive Director of WSF, said
the NGO's overall aim was to have a poverty free society through the
provision of education, good health, women empowerment and gender
equality.
"Reducing poverty conditions and increased wealth, well-being and
participation of women in good governance, peace building and conflict
transformation is our goal", he said.
Miss Femke Van Doorn, a WSF Volunteer, said the NGO would focus on
supporting the women with micro credit and provide them with education
to turn their businesses into profitable ventures.
major obstacle to the socio-economic progress of the country, Alhaji
Alhassan A. Atori, Savelugu-Nanton District Chief Executive, has
said."Poverty represents the greatest economic, social and health
crisis of our time" he said and lauded the government and civil
society organisations' interventions aimed at increasing women's
access to micro credit and economic opportunities.
Alhaji Atori said this at the official launch of a 54 million
cedi micro-credit project for 60 rural women in the Savelugu-Nanton
District on Thursday that was on the theme: "Improving the livelihood
status of rural women for improved quality lives".Each of the women
received 500,000 cedis with 20 per cent as interest and payable in
three years' time.
The Women Service Foundation (WSF), a Netherlands based NGO is
sponsorship the project with funds from Heinz, Impress, Districon,
Soroptimist Club Eemsmond and Friends and Family of Femke in
Netherlands through Northern Ghana Volunteer Association (NORGHAVO).
Alhaji Atori commended the WSF for bringing the credit facility to
women in the district to enable them to reduce endemic poverty that
had plagued their social and economic progress.He advised the NGO not
to disburse the funds either on chieftaincy or political party lines
since that had the potential of denying the real needy people from
having access to the facility.
Mr. Alhassan Amadu, the Northern Regional Population Officer,
urged the women not to see the credit facility as an end in itself but
it should be a means to an end if they use the money
judiciously.Mr.Sulemana Abdul-Samed, Executive Director of WSF, said
the NGO's overall aim was to have a poverty free society through the
provision of education, good health, women empowerment and gender
equality.
"Reducing poverty conditions and increased wealth, well-being and
participation of women in good governance, peace building and conflict
transformation is our goal", he said.
Miss Femke Van Doorn, a WSF Volunteer, said the NGO would focus on
supporting the women with micro credit and provide them with education
to turn their businesses into profitable ventures.
23 March 07
Residents of Penteng defy government orders
Penteng (Ash), March 23, GNA - Residents of Penteng in the
Afigya-Sekyere District have said they would not abandon farming in
the Penteng forest reserve unless the government paid promptly
compensation due them after their large hectares of farm lands had
been taken from them.
The compensation, they claimed, formed part of an agreement they had
with government when they were directed to abandon farming activities
some 30 years ago to enhance the sustainability of the forest reserve
which falls within the Barekese Dam catchments area.The residents said
this at a meeting with officials of the Ghana Water Company Limited
(GWCL) at Penteng near Agona on Thursday.The meeting was organised by
the GWCL to sensitise the residents to desist from farming in the
forest reserve and formed part of programmes by the GWCL to
commemorate the World Water Day.
Afigya-Sekyere District have said they would not abandon farming in
the Penteng forest reserve unless the government paid promptly
compensation due them after their large hectares of farm lands had
been taken from them.
The compensation, they claimed, formed part of an agreement they had
with government when they were directed to abandon farming activities
some 30 years ago to enhance the sustainability of the forest reserve
which falls within the Barekese Dam catchments area.The residents said
this at a meeting with officials of the Ghana Water Company Limited
(GWCL) at Penteng near Agona on Thursday.The meeting was organised by
the GWCL to sensitise the residents to desist from farming in the
forest reserve and formed part of programmes by the GWCL to
commemorate the World Water Day.
Nana Kofi Atta, Krontihene of Penteng, took a swipe at the Ministry of
Finance and Economic Planning, Land Valuation Board, Lands Commission
and GWCL for their blatant refusal to facilitate the payment of the
compensation.This, he said, was quite unfortunate and a breach of
trust on the part of government.
"In the event of the compensation not being paid, residents would
have no other option than to go back to their lands in the forest
reserve and farm so as to make ends meet".
Nana Atta accused government of being evasive about the payment
of the compensation, saying, "On so many occasions we have demanded
our money but to no avail even though we had long submitted all
relevant documents and claims to the appropriate quarters".
He said other communities within the dam's catchments area whose
farmlands were taken from them had long been duly compensated, "Yet
that of Penteng still remains in a mystery".
Mr Robert Obeng Boateng, Ashanti Regional Chief Manager of the
GWCL, said the delay was as a result of inaccuracies in the
documentations and that the Land Valuation Board is trying to resolve
it.He appealed to the residents to exercise restraint whiles measures
were stepped up to have their compensation paid to them.
"You should endeavour to henceforth put a stop to all farming
activities in the forest for the sustainability of the forest reserve
and maintenance of the Barekese Dam", he said.
Mr Boateng, who conducted newsmen round some of the encroached
areas of the forest reserve, called for drastic measures to be taken
to deter recalcitrant residents from carrying out farming activities
in the reserve.
23 March 07
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Madam Hawa Yakubu Is Dead
Reliable reports reaching us , says that the "Iron Lady" of Ghana Madam Hawa Yakubu is dead. We would keep you updated.
About Madam Hawa Yakubu
To the body politics of women, a soon to be trailblazer had been born. In the tropical darkness of sub-Saharan
Africa a soon to be torchbearer and a doyen of Ghanaian politics was born. Tarkwa a medium size mining town in the western region of Ghana was proud to have accommodated the new born child in 1948, the year of great political awakens and consciousness towards independence. She is a native of Pusiga in the Bawku district in Ghana.
Her firm resolve to make it in life was that a keen sense of purpose must not easily be overcome by difficulties, her lovely
mother a CPP activist was next to the infamous "Kulungugu"bombing, this showed how politics had taken roots in the family.
So it wasno surprise when she took to politics like mother like daughter. Her mother was the women's organizer of the CPP in her district, at a very young age she was elected unopposed to the local council and at the time a new constitution was being written in 1979, she was elected unopposed to the constituent Assembly to help in the drafting of that important document for Ghana, the youngest person to be so honored, and the only one out of five people to be elected with the rest getting their positions by appointment.
She has exuded traits of martyrdom with such optimistic temperament, boldness and persistent action culminating into stardom and making her a paragon of society, with humility as her tramp card she has bridged the gap between the aged and the young, the incumbent and opposition, the hopeful and the faint hearted and a comforter for the destitute in society. She has come close to death on several counts, when the hallowing storms of doubt and fear assailed she managed to prevail by the living words of God and the prayers of many people. Take a walk with us as we delve deep into the beginnings of the woman behind the "Positive Change" enchantment which the ruling New patriotic party (NPP) used as it's catch call slogan to win power in the 2000 elections, on the wheels of the slogan "Positive Change" many votes were delivered to NPP and in reminiscing time across memory lane we also trace her contributions to the body politics of Ghana, ECOWAS, Africa and the world at large.
The woman who has survived the Mamprusi and Kusasi skirmish, the conflict prone area of Bawku says bigotry and prejudice are the worst things a man could be guilty of, from her many a help has gone to people, and as a source of inspiration observers and admirers, have seen a great leader; tanned, well tailored in command and on her way to make a better world through the art of politics.
Read more on Madam Hawa Yakubu 's Website
Ghana Hawa Yakubu
Flyover to be named after Paa Grant
Accra, March 20, GNA - Government is to name the flyover at Alajo on the Kwame Nkrumah-Achimota road after George Alfred Grant (Paa Grant) as part of a number of steps towards recognising the nations heroes.The President has further directed the Ministry of Tourism, Local Government to rehabilitate the image and underscore the contribution Paa Grant made to the struggle for independence of the Gold Coast.Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing made this known in response to a statement of Tribute to George Alfred Grant by Mr Lee Ocran, NDC-Jomoro.
Mr Owusu-Agyeman said Paa Grant as one of the prominent nationalists will be given due recognition, adding that he played a significant role in developing Ghana democratic history.Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Public Sector Reform described Paa Grant as one of the many Ghanaians who sacrificed their lives for the country.
"He dedicated a lot of his finances to the development of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) and lent his reputation to the emancipation of the country."He noted Paa Grant as a devoted and selfless politician and businessman in the arena of politics.
"We salute him and his colleagues, since he did not do this single-handedly as others have tried to impute."
Mr Kojo Armah, CPP-Evalue Gwira said a country that does not recognize its heroes was not worth dying for and argued that people such as Paa Grant must be given their due. "By this the youth of the country would know how the history of the country came about and thereby get inspired to do more for the country. We must do well not to erase their memories in our history."
Mr Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning said Paa Grant had foresight to inspire the people.
He expressed concern that Paa Grant's hometown and grave site had been left in shambles and in a despicable state.
"In other countries such as Greece and other parts of Europe, sites and graves of such people are developed and given worthy images and are huge source of revenue for development," he said stressing, "this is what we must work at and build monuments and also develop the grave sites of national heroes to generate additional revenue for the state."
Mr Alban Bagbin, Minority Leader in his contribution said Paa Grant contributed immensely to the development and growth of the Aborigines Rights Protectionist Society, "he supported them financially being a timber merchant who did not use his wealth for himself alone.
"He should be considered the father of democracy in Ghana having invited J.B. Danquah and Dr Kwame Nkrumah from his own finances into the country to fight the colonial masters."Mr Ocran in his tribute said Paa Grant was worried about the political situation in the Gold Coast, especially the lack of opportunities for the Gold Coasters and the need to emancipate the people.
"Through his business operations, the suppression of the aspirations of the indigenous people became very clear to him."
He singled out Pa Grant as the father of politics having formed the first political movement in 1947 to fight for independence for the Gold Coast and received support from colleagues like R.R. Blay a prominent lawyer in Sekondi.Mr Ocran said Paa Grant has not been accorded the honour he deserved even though a street has been named after him in Tema and a statue built in Takoradi; "but I believe he deserves better."
20 March 07
Mr Owusu-Agyeman said Paa Grant as one of the prominent nationalists will be given due recognition, adding that he played a significant role in developing Ghana democratic history.Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Public Sector Reform described Paa Grant as one of the many Ghanaians who sacrificed their lives for the country.
"He dedicated a lot of his finances to the development of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) and lent his reputation to the emancipation of the country."He noted Paa Grant as a devoted and selfless politician and businessman in the arena of politics.
"We salute him and his colleagues, since he did not do this single-handedly as others have tried to impute."
Mr Kojo Armah, CPP-Evalue Gwira said a country that does not recognize its heroes was not worth dying for and argued that people such as Paa Grant must be given their due. "By this the youth of the country would know how the history of the country came about and thereby get inspired to do more for the country. We must do well not to erase their memories in our history."
Mr Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning said Paa Grant had foresight to inspire the people.
He expressed concern that Paa Grant's hometown and grave site had been left in shambles and in a despicable state.
"In other countries such as Greece and other parts of Europe, sites and graves of such people are developed and given worthy images and are huge source of revenue for development," he said stressing, "this is what we must work at and build monuments and also develop the grave sites of national heroes to generate additional revenue for the state."
Mr Alban Bagbin, Minority Leader in his contribution said Paa Grant contributed immensely to the development and growth of the Aborigines Rights Protectionist Society, "he supported them financially being a timber merchant who did not use his wealth for himself alone.
"He should be considered the father of democracy in Ghana having invited J.B. Danquah and Dr Kwame Nkrumah from his own finances into the country to fight the colonial masters."Mr Ocran in his tribute said Paa Grant was worried about the political situation in the Gold Coast, especially the lack of opportunities for the Gold Coasters and the need to emancipate the people.
"Through his business operations, the suppression of the aspirations of the indigenous people became very clear to him."
He singled out Pa Grant as the father of politics having formed the first political movement in 1947 to fight for independence for the Gold Coast and received support from colleagues like R.R. Blay a prominent lawyer in Sekondi.Mr Ocran said Paa Grant has not been accorded the honour he deserved even though a street has been named after him in Tema and a statue built in Takoradi; "but I believe he deserves better."
20 March 07
UN Peace-building Commission visits Sierra Leone
Accra, March 20, GNA - A delegation from the United Nations Peace-building Commission, the body created in 2005 to focus on reconstruction, institution-building and the promotion of sustainable development in post-conflict countries, kicked off its first-ever mission to a country on its agenda on Monday when a team arrived in Sierra Leone. On the trip, which runs until March 25, the group intends to evaluate the situation in the country and identify obstacles to peace-building, the Secretary-General's spokesperson, Michele Montas, told reporters.
The seven-member delegation will also aim to see how the Commission "can best support national peace-building efforts" and "bring increased attention to ongoing peace-building efforts in Sierra Leone," she added in a statement issued in Accra by the UN Information Centre on Tuesday.Mr Frank Majoor of the Netherlands is leading the delegation, and its other members include Alpha Ibrahima Sow, Ambassador of Guinea; Leslie Christian, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ghana; Amir Muharemi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Croatia; Piragibe dos Santos Tarrago, Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil.
Representatives from India, China and the European Commission will be joining the delegation in Freetown, the capital.
Earlier this month, Sierra Leone, ravaged by an 11-year civil war, received $35 million from the UN Peacebuilding Fund, established from voluntary contributions to aid countries, which have recently emerged from war from slipping back into conflict.In another development, Lovelore Munlo, the Registrar for the Special Court for Sierra Leone, announced last week that he is leaving his position, saying "the time has come to move on."
Mr. Munlo became interim Registrar October 2005, and was appointed Registrar last February by the Secretary-General.
During his tenure, the Special Court concluded an agreement with the Government of the Netherlands and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to allow the Special Court to try former Liberian President Charles Taylor in The Hague.
20 March 07
The seven-member delegation will also aim to see how the Commission "can best support national peace-building efforts" and "bring increased attention to ongoing peace-building efforts in Sierra Leone," she added in a statement issued in Accra by the UN Information Centre on Tuesday.Mr Frank Majoor of the Netherlands is leading the delegation, and its other members include Alpha Ibrahima Sow, Ambassador of Guinea; Leslie Christian, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ghana; Amir Muharemi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Croatia; Piragibe dos Santos Tarrago, Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil.
Representatives from India, China and the European Commission will be joining the delegation in Freetown, the capital.
Earlier this month, Sierra Leone, ravaged by an 11-year civil war, received $35 million from the UN Peacebuilding Fund, established from voluntary contributions to aid countries, which have recently emerged from war from slipping back into conflict.In another development, Lovelore Munlo, the Registrar for the Special Court for Sierra Leone, announced last week that he is leaving his position, saying "the time has come to move on."
Mr. Munlo became interim Registrar October 2005, and was appointed Registrar last February by the Secretary-General.
During his tenure, the Special Court concluded an agreement with the Government of the Netherlands and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to allow the Special Court to try former Liberian President Charles Taylor in The Hague.
20 March 07
321 youths benefit from NYEP
Kuntanse, (Ash), March 20, GNA- A total of 321 youths in the Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma District have benefited from the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) instituted by the government this year.They included 101 youths in agriculture, 50 trained as teaching assistants, 25 in waste management, 60 employed under the community protection module and 85 as health extension workers.
Mr David Manu NYEP Co-ordinator in-charge of the District, who announced these at the launch of a two-month training workshop for 85 health extension workers at Kuntanase on Monday, said they would receive six months theoretical and practical training at the Pramso Catholic hospital.He commended the Government for instituting the programme and expressed the hope that it would not only reduce unemployment but also enhance health care delivery in the country.
Mr Bright Addai Mununkum, the District Chief Executive, said the trainees would be given monthly allowances and asked them to take the workshop seriously to enable them to acquire the needed skills to enhance their work.Dr Mrs Agatha Akua Bonney, District Director for Health Services, said the programme was the only way to beef up the nursing strength in the country.
20 March 07
Mr David Manu NYEP Co-ordinator in-charge of the District, who announced these at the launch of a two-month training workshop for 85 health extension workers at Kuntanase on Monday, said they would receive six months theoretical and practical training at the Pramso Catholic hospital.He commended the Government for instituting the programme and expressed the hope that it would not only reduce unemployment but also enhance health care delivery in the country.
Mr Bright Addai Mununkum, the District Chief Executive, said the trainees would be given monthly allowances and asked them to take the workshop seriously to enable them to acquire the needed skills to enhance their work.Dr Mrs Agatha Akua Bonney, District Director for Health Services, said the programme was the only way to beef up the nursing strength in the country.
20 March 07
Driver absconds, six others fined for traffic offences
Hohoe, March 20, GNA- Mr Emmanuel Ayando, a 28-year-old driver, who appeared before a magistrate's court at Hohoe for various traffic offences absconded from the premises before the case was called.Ms Janet Awo Bakudie, the presiding Judge of the court issue a bench warrant for his arrest. The court, however, imposed a total fine of 28 million cedis on six other drivers for parking at unauthorised places.
The convicts who pleaded guilty were Adu Nuhu, Kpodo Modzaka, Yaw Ayola, Mohammed Abdulai, Awutey Bless and Eric Ofori were fined four million cedis each or serve a six month jail term in default.Abon Ishaw Kagna another driver who pleaded not guilty was however, granted bail to re-appear on April 3, this year.
Chief Inspector Emmanuel Kpodo told the court that on March 13, 2007, the Police Motor Transport and Traffic Unit undertook an operation at the main entrance to the Hohoe market and the main lorry station and found the drivers culpable of the offence.
March 20, 07
The convicts who pleaded guilty were Adu Nuhu, Kpodo Modzaka, Yaw Ayola, Mohammed Abdulai, Awutey Bless and Eric Ofori were fined four million cedis each or serve a six month jail term in default.Abon Ishaw Kagna another driver who pleaded not guilty was however, granted bail to re-appear on April 3, this year.
Chief Inspector Emmanuel Kpodo told the court that on March 13, 2007, the Police Motor Transport and Traffic Unit undertook an operation at the main entrance to the Hohoe market and the main lorry station and found the drivers culpable of the offence.
March 20, 07
Trading beside drains, refuse containers dangerous
Takoradi, March 20, GNA- An epidemic is likely to break out in the Shama Ahanta East Metropolis (SAEMA) after the March 15 fire that engulfed the Takoradi Central Market.
Soon after the disaster, traders converted available spaces around the market into trading spots and were currently selling fresh and iced fish, meat products, vegetables, and cereals among others.
The traders started operating along open drains at Takoradi Market Circle exposing consumers to health hazards after the March 15 fire that destroyed several shops, stalls and stores in the market.
A visit to the market by the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday indicated that several women some with babies behind their backs were busily selling goods in the sun, near open drains and refuse containers.
Shop owners whose shops and trading stores were outside the main market were doing brisk business while their counterparts who operated within the market loiter around aimlessly hoping that the market would be re-opened to enable them resume their operations.
Security personnel closed the market on the night when the disaster occurred because some unknown persons started looting and breaking into shops.
Presently a bulldozer was removing the debris while personnel of the electricity company limited (ECG) are also working to restore electric power to the market.
An electricity pole was burnt during the fire and would be replaced while dangling cables were also likely to be removed to prevent electrocution when the market is finally opened.
Mr. Anthony E. Amoah in an interview said a 12-member committee had been established to investigate the cause of the fire and would submit their report by March 29.
Nana Ekow Abban, Western Regional Fire Officer said the non availability of water sources, the in-accessible nature of the market and congestion of stores, sheds, stalls limited the operations of the fire service.
He said these not withstanding, the GNFS managed to extinguish the fire, which lasted for almost four hours.
On March 15 around 1830 hours, fire swept through portions of the Takoradi market and damaged properties worth billions of cedis.
The fire was finally brought under control around 2300 hours and there were no casualties.
The fire quickly spread to other parts of the market where cooking oil, palm oil, cooking utensils, rubber products, foodstuffs and cloths, fowls, animals, shoes, bags and cereals among others.
He noted that fire personnel and tenders from the Agona Ahanta, Shama, Takoradi and Sekondi joint
Shop and stall owners who heard of the fire outbreak besieged the market, broke their structures and retrieved some of their goods, wares and documents to prevent them from being destroyed while anxious onlookers surrounding the market and stood helplessly watching the destruction of properties.
Some criminals, pickpockets and other miscreants forced several stores open and looted the wares while others who pretended to be porters carried away any item they carried. Two of such criminals who were arrested for stealing some quantities of wax prints were severe whipped.
Several women were seen weeping, throwing themselves on the ground and attempted to enter into their fire-gutted shops.
The various securities agencies within the metropolis had to be called in to restore law, order and prevent any further looting.
They cordoned off the outer perimeter of the market circle and prevented the movement of goods and also prevent the women, men and children from entering
the market.
20 March 07
Soon after the disaster, traders converted available spaces around the market into trading spots and were currently selling fresh and iced fish, meat products, vegetables, and cereals among others.
The traders started operating along open drains at Takoradi Market Circle exposing consumers to health hazards after the March 15 fire that destroyed several shops, stalls and stores in the market.
A visit to the market by the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday indicated that several women some with babies behind their backs were busily selling goods in the sun, near open drains and refuse containers.
Shop owners whose shops and trading stores were outside the main market were doing brisk business while their counterparts who operated within the market loiter around aimlessly hoping that the market would be re-opened to enable them resume their operations.
Security personnel closed the market on the night when the disaster occurred because some unknown persons started looting and breaking into shops.
Presently a bulldozer was removing the debris while personnel of the electricity company limited (ECG) are also working to restore electric power to the market.
An electricity pole was burnt during the fire and would be replaced while dangling cables were also likely to be removed to prevent electrocution when the market is finally opened.
Mr. Anthony E. Amoah in an interview said a 12-member committee had been established to investigate the cause of the fire and would submit their report by March 29.
Nana Ekow Abban, Western Regional Fire Officer said the non availability of water sources, the in-accessible nature of the market and congestion of stores, sheds, stalls limited the operations of the fire service.
He said these not withstanding, the GNFS managed to extinguish the fire, which lasted for almost four hours.
On March 15 around 1830 hours, fire swept through portions of the Takoradi market and damaged properties worth billions of cedis.
The fire was finally brought under control around 2300 hours and there were no casualties.
The fire quickly spread to other parts of the market where cooking oil, palm oil, cooking utensils, rubber products, foodstuffs and cloths, fowls, animals, shoes, bags and cereals among others.
He noted that fire personnel and tenders from the Agona Ahanta, Shama, Takoradi and Sekondi joint
Shop and stall owners who heard of the fire outbreak besieged the market, broke their structures and retrieved some of their goods, wares and documents to prevent them from being destroyed while anxious onlookers surrounding the market and stood helplessly watching the destruction of properties.
Some criminals, pickpockets and other miscreants forced several stores open and looted the wares while others who pretended to be porters carried away any item they carried. Two of such criminals who were arrested for stealing some quantities of wax prints were severe whipped.
Several women were seen weeping, throwing themselves on the ground and attempted to enter into their fire-gutted shops.
The various securities agencies within the metropolis had to be called in to restore law, order and prevent any further looting.
They cordoned off the outer perimeter of the market circle and prevented the movement of goods and also prevent the women, men and children from entering
the market.
20 March 07
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