Accra, Feb. 2, GNA - The Ghana Mineworkers Union (GMU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has requested that Government made it a pre-requisite for companies seeking mining rights to present a community development agenda as part of sustainable development programme.GMU has additionally called on the Government to review the apportionment of mineral revenues to ensure that all communities in which mines operated were allocated adequate funds for development.
This was contained in a resolution adopted by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the GMU at the end of its meeting in Accra.
The resolution said the current nine per cent of royalties paid to District Assemblies and Traditional Stools and Skins should be increased to 60 per cent, and proposed that District Assemblies in mining areas be tasked with specific development agendas with a representative body responsible for monitoring and evaluation.It said this was necessary because infrastructural development in mining communities was generally poor in spite of the very high profit margins of some mining concerns.
The resolution noted that that there was a week linkage between the Mining Sector and the rest of the national economy because huge sums of money were used in importing tyres, safety boots, lime and overalls and other consumables for use in the mining companies, though Bonsa Tyres Company, which had the capacity to produce some inputs was grounded.It consequently called on Government to revisit the public-private partnership policy to resuscitate existing distressed companies and also to create others to service the mining companies and other industries.The resolution also asked the Government to put in place the necessary incentives for investors to partner the Government in achieving the objective.
It called on the Government to review the current heavy leaning on Liberal Foreign Direct Investment policy to a more public-private partnership approach to grow the economy.The resolution expressed concern about the high levels of unemployment in mining communities, saying that this was mainly due to the use of high capacity machines and the lack of employable skills within these communities.It thus requested that the Government impress upon mining companies to dedicate parts of their concessions to small-scale miners to operate under international best practices.
This, the resolution held would provide jobs as well as create peaceful co-existence between small and large-scale operators in the mining sector.The resolution also called on the Government to institute the appropriate incentives which would attract mining companies to invest more in underground mining, which had a less devastating effect on the environment, communities and required more people to work.The GMU said the Government, as a matter of urgency, should remove the Ghana Consolidated Diamonds from the divestiture list and partner a strategic investor to capitalise the company to prevent it from total collapse, in order to save the country as well as the Akwatia community the socio-economic implications of it being divested.
The resolution commended the Government on its efforts to give public sector employees decent wages through the Public Sector Reform Programme but said the Government should expedite action on the initiative and to involve all stakeholders to ensure transparency and ownership.The resolution also noted with concern the current power crisis and the consequent rationing exercise, saying that the effects of this on cost, employment and productivity was enormous.It said while it appreciated various interventions intended to boost power supply in the future, the Volta River Authority and the Electricity Company of Ghana should review the rationing programme to ensure that sectors of the economy which generated high returns were given priority.
2 Feb. 07
Friday, February 2, 2007
Mallam exposes armed robbers
Brakwa (C/R), Feb. 2, GNA-Three out of five suspected armed robbers who attacked a Nissan cigarettes distribution bus and robbed them of an amount of 20 million cedis and later went to a Mallam to treat gun shot wounds have been exposed and arrested by the Breman Asikuma Police.They were Kobena Ofori, Emmanuel Asante and Kwamana Carter.
Mr. Mike Avadatsi, Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District Police commander disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency in an interview on Thursday,He said on January 26 2007, the three suspected armed robbers and two others now on the run, whose names were given as Kofi Kyereboah, leader of the team and Charles Antwi mounted a road block at a point on the Brakwa Mahogow-Brakwa Eshiem road.
Superintendent Avadatsi said when the driver of the bus with registration No. GT575P arrived at the road block, the robbers fired several warning shots and at gunpoint took away 20 million cedis being their daily sales and some quantity of cigarette.
The Police said during the firing some bullets hit Kwamena Carter so Ofori and Asante took him to a Mallam at Brakwa to remove them.He said after telling the Mallam their mission, he managed to send information out to the Police who came to arrest Ofori and Asante.Superintendent Avadatsi said Carter sensing danger came out of the Mallam's room before the police arrived, but he surrendered himself to the police the following day.The three suspects, who later mentioned Kyereboah and Antwi as their accomplices, have been sent to the Regional Police Headquarters in Cape Coast for further interrogations.Meanwhile the police have mounted a search for the two suspects.
02 Feb. 07
Mr. Mike Avadatsi, Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District Police commander disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency in an interview on Thursday,He said on January 26 2007, the three suspected armed robbers and two others now on the run, whose names were given as Kofi Kyereboah, leader of the team and Charles Antwi mounted a road block at a point on the Brakwa Mahogow-Brakwa Eshiem road.
Superintendent Avadatsi said when the driver of the bus with registration No. GT575P arrived at the road block, the robbers fired several warning shots and at gunpoint took away 20 million cedis being their daily sales and some quantity of cigarette.
The Police said during the firing some bullets hit Kwamena Carter so Ofori and Asante took him to a Mallam at Brakwa to remove them.He said after telling the Mallam their mission, he managed to send information out to the Police who came to arrest Ofori and Asante.Superintendent Avadatsi said Carter sensing danger came out of the Mallam's room before the police arrived, but he surrendered himself to the police the following day.The three suspects, who later mentioned Kyereboah and Antwi as their accomplices, have been sent to the Regional Police Headquarters in Cape Coast for further interrogations.Meanwhile the police have mounted a search for the two suspects.
02 Feb. 07
Vice-President asks students to focus beyond curriculum, appreciate events worldwide
Offinso (Ash), Feb.2, GNA - The Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama has called on students to focus beyond their curriculum and seek to appreciate events that happen worldwide.This, he said, they can do through wider reading, the use of Information and Communication technology (ICT) and paying more attention to the processes of government around them.The Vice-President, who was speaking at the Golden jubilee anniversary celebration of Offinso Training College at Offinso on Friday, said by this, they would come out of school as well rounded citizens capable if contributing to the well-being of the larger society.
He said the theme for the celebration: "Quality Teachers Education, the Bedrock for National development" vindicates government's recognition of education as the most important tool for human resource development.Alhaji Aliu Mahama said teachers constitute one of the most important groups of workers within the public sector whose services were very critical, for the re-engineering of society.
To this end, he said the government would not relent in its efforts to ensure that they enjoy acceptable conditions of service commensurate with their calling in this country."The perception that teachers are not important in the scheme of things in the country is erroneous. Without the teaching profession we shall be mortgaging the future of society," he said.The Vice-President advised the students to always resist being influenced by acts of indiscipline such as lack of respect for authority and other acts of vandalism, as is often the case in some of the educational institutions.
The Vice-President had earlier inaugurated a mechanised borehole project provided by the College's Parent/ Teacher Association at a cost of 120 million cedis and also cut the sod for the construction of a six-flat bungalow for teachers of the College.Professor James Adu-Opare, who deputised for Vice-President of the University of Cape Coast called on educational institutions to produce innovative and creative teachers to teach classroom-based action research.He also called on teacher educational institutions to promote beliefs, values and attitudes that make teachers love their work and stressed the need for them to also teach students to learn not to make teaching a subversive activity.Nana Opoku Asiedu II, Principal of the College said the college began with only 32 female students and now had a population of 823 regular students, over 700 Untrained Teacher Training Diploma Basic Education (UTTDB) students, 41 tutors and 50 non-teaching staff members.
He said in accordance with teacher education reforms in the country, the College has transformed from Two-year certificate 'B' through 'A' -Four-year Post Middle, co-educational 'A', Two'-year post Secondary "A", three-year post secondary to the current Diploma in Basic Education Teacher Training status.Nana Asiedu paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers of the Training College particularly, the late Nana Wiafe Akenten II, Offinsomanhene and the late Opanin Kwadwo Krah who offered his personal storey building to house the College free of charge for the first 11 years of its inception.
On the achievements of the College, the Principal said, the College slowly and steadily had trained over 7,000 teachers many of whom have risen to high positions in the public service, in the clergy and in business.He said, on Campus Demonstration School nurtured by the College had grown from nursery to a pace-setter junior secondary school and the school current population was over 1,500.
Dr.Owusu Achaw Duah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Offinso South said he would work in close collaboration with the District Assembly and the management of the College to speed up the development of the College and called on the students and staff to give of their best to lift the image of the College.
02 Feb. 07
He said the theme for the celebration: "Quality Teachers Education, the Bedrock for National development" vindicates government's recognition of education as the most important tool for human resource development.Alhaji Aliu Mahama said teachers constitute one of the most important groups of workers within the public sector whose services were very critical, for the re-engineering of society.
To this end, he said the government would not relent in its efforts to ensure that they enjoy acceptable conditions of service commensurate with their calling in this country."The perception that teachers are not important in the scheme of things in the country is erroneous. Without the teaching profession we shall be mortgaging the future of society," he said.The Vice-President advised the students to always resist being influenced by acts of indiscipline such as lack of respect for authority and other acts of vandalism, as is often the case in some of the educational institutions.
The Vice-President had earlier inaugurated a mechanised borehole project provided by the College's Parent/ Teacher Association at a cost of 120 million cedis and also cut the sod for the construction of a six-flat bungalow for teachers of the College.Professor James Adu-Opare, who deputised for Vice-President of the University of Cape Coast called on educational institutions to produce innovative and creative teachers to teach classroom-based action research.He also called on teacher educational institutions to promote beliefs, values and attitudes that make teachers love their work and stressed the need for them to also teach students to learn not to make teaching a subversive activity.Nana Opoku Asiedu II, Principal of the College said the college began with only 32 female students and now had a population of 823 regular students, over 700 Untrained Teacher Training Diploma Basic Education (UTTDB) students, 41 tutors and 50 non-teaching staff members.
He said in accordance with teacher education reforms in the country, the College has transformed from Two-year certificate 'B' through 'A' -Four-year Post Middle, co-educational 'A', Two'-year post Secondary "A", three-year post secondary to the current Diploma in Basic Education Teacher Training status.Nana Asiedu paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers of the Training College particularly, the late Nana Wiafe Akenten II, Offinsomanhene and the late Opanin Kwadwo Krah who offered his personal storey building to house the College free of charge for the first 11 years of its inception.
On the achievements of the College, the Principal said, the College slowly and steadily had trained over 7,000 teachers many of whom have risen to high positions in the public service, in the clergy and in business.He said, on Campus Demonstration School nurtured by the College had grown from nursery to a pace-setter junior secondary school and the school current population was over 1,500.
Dr.Owusu Achaw Duah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Offinso South said he would work in close collaboration with the District Assembly and the management of the College to speed up the development of the College and called on the students and staff to give of their best to lift the image of the College.
02 Feb. 07
Ga West ends workshop on "Regenerative Health and Nutrition"
Amasaman, Feb.2, GNA- Mr Eric Busby Quaartey-Papafio, District Chief Executive (DCE) of Amasaman, on Friday expressed worry about the low standards of education in the area, stressing that the district has the infrastructure "but children are just not ready to go school".He therefore, advised parents against spending lavishly on funerals and other ceremonies and instead invest in the education of their children.Mr Quartey-Papafio was speaking in an interview with the GNA after a five-day training of trainers' workshop on "Regenerative Health and Nutrition" for the Ga West District at Amasaman.He advised parents to provide their children with balanced diet since it played a crucial role in their development.Mr Quartey-Papafio expressed regret that some people in the district were underweight due to poor eating habits of women during pregnancy and children right from their infancy to adulthood.He explained that the quality of food children eat in their first five years contributed to their level of Intelligent Quota.Mr Quartey-Papafio said "The district used to be the food basket for the Greater Accra Region " but the youth in this district now moved into sand winning to the neglect farming"
He however, said the district remained a major producer of pineapple, pawpaw, cashew, mango and vegetables.Mr Quartey-Papafio said "Unfortunately, our people produce these fruits and vegetable for sale and export but do not consume them so that they can get nutritional value needed for their proper growth".He commended the government for initiating the project and the school feeding programme.Mr Quartey-Papafio advised matrons and cooks in the districts to update their skills to enable them help solve the underweight problem.
He announced that a steering committee has been inaugurated to collaborate with heads of department in districts to organise a campaign for healthy lifestyle of the people and ensure the sustainability of the programme.Mr Quartey-Papafio appealed to the people to adopt healthy lifestyles by doing more exercises, drinking more water, eating more fruits and eating less meat.Dr Cynthia Kwakye Maclean, Ga West District Health Director, also told the GNA that the poor nutritional status of the district was due to the poor socio-economical situation of the people.She said though much education has been done, "it has been difficult to transform them into action".
Dr. Maclean also attributed the problem to the peri-urban nursing mothers who emulated the lifestyles of nursing mothers in the urban setting who would not want to breast feed their babies after delivery."To them, breastfeeding their babies exclusively would not let their breast look nicer therefore they fail to give the babies the breast milk and we have totally condemned that practice and are ensuring that they do the right thing".
Dr. Maclean called on parents especially mothers to ensure that they feed their children on nutritious diet and not on chunk and fatty foods that will put the health of the children in danger.She commended the Ministry of Health for coming out with a programme aimed at changing the lifestyles of people to renew their strength through what they eat and prevent diseases at the same time.
The workshop was aimed at explaining a new policy by the Ministry of Health that seek to enhance the health status of Ghanaians through the promotion of healthy lifestyles with emphasis on nutrition.It was also to improve health and nutritional status of children towards their physical and mental wellbeing.The project, which was being implemented on pilot basis throughout the country, was under the theme "Renew Your Strength: Prevent Disease". Members of religious groups, traditional birth attendants, school matrons, journalists and officials of non-governmental organizations attended the Amasaman programme.
2 Feb. 07
He however, said the district remained a major producer of pineapple, pawpaw, cashew, mango and vegetables.Mr Quartey-Papafio said "Unfortunately, our people produce these fruits and vegetable for sale and export but do not consume them so that they can get nutritional value needed for their proper growth".He commended the government for initiating the project and the school feeding programme.Mr Quartey-Papafio advised matrons and cooks in the districts to update their skills to enable them help solve the underweight problem.
He announced that a steering committee has been inaugurated to collaborate with heads of department in districts to organise a campaign for healthy lifestyle of the people and ensure the sustainability of the programme.Mr Quartey-Papafio appealed to the people to adopt healthy lifestyles by doing more exercises, drinking more water, eating more fruits and eating less meat.Dr Cynthia Kwakye Maclean, Ga West District Health Director, also told the GNA that the poor nutritional status of the district was due to the poor socio-economical situation of the people.She said though much education has been done, "it has been difficult to transform them into action".
Dr. Maclean also attributed the problem to the peri-urban nursing mothers who emulated the lifestyles of nursing mothers in the urban setting who would not want to breast feed their babies after delivery."To them, breastfeeding their babies exclusively would not let their breast look nicer therefore they fail to give the babies the breast milk and we have totally condemned that practice and are ensuring that they do the right thing".
Dr. Maclean called on parents especially mothers to ensure that they feed their children on nutritious diet and not on chunk and fatty foods that will put the health of the children in danger.She commended the Ministry of Health for coming out with a programme aimed at changing the lifestyles of people to renew their strength through what they eat and prevent diseases at the same time.
The workshop was aimed at explaining a new policy by the Ministry of Health that seek to enhance the health status of Ghanaians through the promotion of healthy lifestyles with emphasis on nutrition.It was also to improve health and nutritional status of children towards their physical and mental wellbeing.The project, which was being implemented on pilot basis throughout the country, was under the theme "Renew Your Strength: Prevent Disease". Members of religious groups, traditional birth attendants, school matrons, journalists and officials of non-governmental organizations attended the Amasaman programme.
2 Feb. 07
Community Trained in regenerative health
Amasaman (G/A), Feb.2, GNA- Speakers at the just ended workshop on regenerative health and nutrition have called on Ghanaians to exercise, eat more fruits and vegetables to help regenerate their bodies.With the alarming statistics of Ghana's expectancy rate at 57, the workshop organised by the Ministry of Health at Amasaman sought to place emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.Topics discussed during the workshop included Mother and childcare, weight management, exercise, people to people ecology, adopting a positive mind during pregnancy, stretching, Ghanaian diet, Meal planning/food combination, method of fortification and massaging.Facilitators from the African-Hebrew Development Agency (AHDA) shared their experiences with participants.
Minister of Health, Major Courage Quarshigah, (Rtd) observed that if Ghanaians would adopt this new way of healthy living in a clean environment coupled with the drinking of lots of clean water as well as exercising regularly, they would prevent diseases and live longer.
He emphasised the need to put health at the centre of economic growth to create wealth, adding that countries like Singapore and Malaysia have been able to achieve it and have doubled their expectancy rate and so can Ghana.He was of the view that a healthy, strong, intelligent and active human capital creates wealth and contributes to an increase in Gross National Product (GDP).
"The health status of any population determines its level of productivity," the Health Minister said.
The Ministry of Health, he said, had developed a new Health Policy that emphasises on health promotion and prevention with the aim of improving the health status of Ghanaians through the promotion of healthy lifestyles with good nutrition.The policy would also improve the health and nutritional status in children; ensure their physical and mental development and lay the basis for a more productive nation in future.Participants were therefore charged to go out as apostles and spread the gospel on healthy lifestyles to improve the health status of Ghanaians.
Mr Prince Immanuel Ben Yehuda, representative of the African Hebrew Development Agency, commended the Government and the Ministry of Health for ensuring a health policy that promoted health and prevention of diseases.The generation of today, he noted, was afflicted with diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes caused by a change in lifestyles could be prevented.He called for the adoption of healthy lifestyles, including positive eating habits, continuous exercise, drinking of more water and eating of fruits and vegetables. Mr. Kofi Adusei, Project Manager of the Regenerative Health and Nutrition at the MOH advised Ghanaians especially those above 40 years to change their diet from animal based to that of plant and stick to healthy lifestyles.He said even though changing a lifestyle was difficult, Ghanaians must try and change and influence others to help regenerate their lives."Be agents of change, practice it, feel it benefits and testify to all" he said adding that each persons' health was in his own hands.
2 Feb. 07
Minister of Health, Major Courage Quarshigah, (Rtd) observed that if Ghanaians would adopt this new way of healthy living in a clean environment coupled with the drinking of lots of clean water as well as exercising regularly, they would prevent diseases and live longer.
He emphasised the need to put health at the centre of economic growth to create wealth, adding that countries like Singapore and Malaysia have been able to achieve it and have doubled their expectancy rate and so can Ghana.He was of the view that a healthy, strong, intelligent and active human capital creates wealth and contributes to an increase in Gross National Product (GDP).
"The health status of any population determines its level of productivity," the Health Minister said.
The Ministry of Health, he said, had developed a new Health Policy that emphasises on health promotion and prevention with the aim of improving the health status of Ghanaians through the promotion of healthy lifestyles with good nutrition.The policy would also improve the health and nutritional status in children; ensure their physical and mental development and lay the basis for a more productive nation in future.Participants were therefore charged to go out as apostles and spread the gospel on healthy lifestyles to improve the health status of Ghanaians.
Mr Prince Immanuel Ben Yehuda, representative of the African Hebrew Development Agency, commended the Government and the Ministry of Health for ensuring a health policy that promoted health and prevention of diseases.The generation of today, he noted, was afflicted with diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes caused by a change in lifestyles could be prevented.He called for the adoption of healthy lifestyles, including positive eating habits, continuous exercise, drinking of more water and eating of fruits and vegetables. Mr. Kofi Adusei, Project Manager of the Regenerative Health and Nutrition at the MOH advised Ghanaians especially those above 40 years to change their diet from animal based to that of plant and stick to healthy lifestyles.He said even though changing a lifestyle was difficult, Ghanaians must try and change and influence others to help regenerate their lives."Be agents of change, practice it, feel it benefits and testify to all" he said adding that each persons' health was in his own hands.
2 Feb. 07
Go the extra mile to provide maximum security - Mpiani
Accra, Feb. 2, GNA - Mr. Kwadwo Okyere Mpiani, the Chief of Staff and Minister for Presidential Affairs, has called on the security services to go the extra mile to provide maximum security to ensure that the series of historic landmark events lined up between now and 2008 in the country were held successfully.He mentioned the celebration of the 50 years of nationhood, the climax of which, would be on March 6, the African Union (AU) summit to be held in June, and the African Cup of Nations Cup tournament (CAN 2008) among others.Mr Mpiani said the security services should not only give Heads of State and Government from Africa and across the world as well as other dignitaries expected in the country to participate in these events the necessary security protection, but should also make sure that a conducive environment existed to enable them to have a taste of the proverbial Ghanaian hospitality.He was speaking at an end-of-year WASSA held for the VIP Protection Unit at the Castle Gardens on Friday.
The Chief of Staff recognised the sacrifices personnel of the security services have made and continue to make towards the stability and protection of the country's democracy.Mr. Mpani said the President of Ghana was an embodiment of the state and as such his protection was important for the sustenance of the nation's stability.He gave the assurance that the Unit would be given every needed support to facilitate its work and to minimise the risk faced by personnel in the performance of their duties.The Presidential Security Co-ordinator, Lieutenant Colonel E.A. Mensah, cautioned members of security services to avoid complacency, adding that, they should brace themselves up for harder work.He reminded them that the protection of the Presidency was the pivot around which, the nation's security revolved and for that matter, their resolve, posture, alertness, discipline and dedication should be without blemish.Lt. Col. Mensah also asked personnel of the Unit to consider their call to duty at the Presidency as an honour to serve their country.
He stated that, last year was fruitful and praised the security personnel for their resilience and dedication to duty.
He conveyed the Unit's congratulations to President Kufuor on his election as Chairman of the AU, which, he said, was a recognition of his good leadership. "We all share in the joy of his elevation."
02 Feb. 2007
The Chief of Staff recognised the sacrifices personnel of the security services have made and continue to make towards the stability and protection of the country's democracy.Mr. Mpani said the President of Ghana was an embodiment of the state and as such his protection was important for the sustenance of the nation's stability.He gave the assurance that the Unit would be given every needed support to facilitate its work and to minimise the risk faced by personnel in the performance of their duties.The Presidential Security Co-ordinator, Lieutenant Colonel E.A. Mensah, cautioned members of security services to avoid complacency, adding that, they should brace themselves up for harder work.He reminded them that the protection of the Presidency was the pivot around which, the nation's security revolved and for that matter, their resolve, posture, alertness, discipline and dedication should be without blemish.Lt. Col. Mensah also asked personnel of the Unit to consider their call to duty at the Presidency as an honour to serve their country.
He stated that, last year was fruitful and praised the security personnel for their resilience and dedication to duty.
He conveyed the Unit's congratulations to President Kufuor on his election as Chairman of the AU, which, he said, was a recognition of his good leadership. "We all share in the joy of his elevation."
02 Feb. 2007
Anglican Church to establish University
Nkoranza (B/A), Feb.2, GNA – The Anglican Church of Ghana is to establish a University College at Nkoranza in the Brong-Ahafo Region, the Venerable Peter Kwadwo Sakyi, Archdeacon of Nkoranza, told the Ghana News Agency.He said the College, to be known as the Anglican Institute of Technology, would be "secular but Christian in character".
The Venerable Sakyi who is also the local Manager of Anglican schools in Nkoranza district, said the Omanhene of the traditional area, Okatakyie Agyeman Kudom IV, had earmarked a six mile-square land on the Nkoranza-Kintampo main road for the
construction of permanent structures for the institution.He said the Omanhene had also arranged for temporary structures
at the defunct project site of the British-American Tobacco Company at Nkoranza.The Archdeacon said the necessary feasibility studies towards the project had been carried out and that the college would start
operating by October this year.
He said the college would focus on science, technology and engineering training and would be committed to research and
development, as well as innovation and dissemination of ideas.Venerable Sakyi said the Church had more than 300 of such
institutions worldwide and that lecturers would be drawn from selected countries to run the Nkoranza college.
He commended the Omanhene for his untiring efforts to ensure success of the educational project, saying the chief promised to
organize his sub-chiefs to raise funds to support it.
02 Feb. 07
The Venerable Sakyi who is also the local Manager of Anglican schools in Nkoranza district, said the Omanhene of the traditional area, Okatakyie Agyeman Kudom IV, had earmarked a six mile-square land on the Nkoranza-Kintampo main road for the
construction of permanent structures for the institution.He said the Omanhene had also arranged for temporary structures
at the defunct project site of the British-American Tobacco Company at Nkoranza.The Archdeacon said the necessary feasibility studies towards the project had been carried out and that the college would start
operating by October this year.
He said the college would focus on science, technology and engineering training and would be committed to research and
development, as well as innovation and dissemination of ideas.Venerable Sakyi said the Church had more than 300 of such
institutions worldwide and that lecturers would be drawn from selected countries to run the Nkoranza college.
He commended the Omanhene for his untiring efforts to ensure success of the educational project, saying the chief promised to
organize his sub-chiefs to raise funds to support it.
02 Feb. 07
IFC commends Ghana for prudent economic reforms
Accra, Feb. 2, GNA – The International Finance Corporation (IFC) the private sector arm of the World Bank (WB) has commended Ghana for implementing prudent economic reforms
leading to the creation of positive business climate in the country.Ghana's ninth position on the "IFC-WB 2007 Doing Business" rankings is highly creditable, Mr Lars Thunell, IFC Executive Vice President, stated at a media briefing in Accra.
The top 10 reformers are, Georgia; Romania; Mexico; China;Peru; France; Croatia; Guatemala; Ghana and Tanzania.Mr Thunell, who is on a three-nation African tour to promote sustainable private sector development, explained that the rankings
were based on simplified business regulations; strengthened property rights; eased tax burdens; increased access to credit and reduction in the cost of exporting and importing.The IFC Vice President as part of the visit had a working tour of
AfroTropic, a cocoa processing company in the Ghana Free Zones enclave, and interacted with toddlers at the Star Avenue Early
Childhood Development School in Accra.
Mr Thunell, accompanied by Ms Imoni Akpofure IFC Country Director, Mr Thierry Tanoh, IFC's Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, noted that in spite of the favourable conditions, there were still significant impediments in doing business.
He identified obstacles such as complicated and costly business start-up procedures and lengthy import and export procedures.The IFC Executive Vice President, therefore, called for further reforms to improve the business environment to encourage a strong private sector development.
Statistics from the IFC-WB 2007 Doing Business rankings obtained by the Ghana News Agency indicated that Ghana, the top reformer in Africa, reformed her trade, tax and property administration. Other reforms were a single window clearance process at customs where traders could now file all paperwork for all agencies at one place; clearance time dropped from seven days to three for imports and from four to two days for exports.Ghana also reduced the corporate tax rate and reconstruction levy for businesses; cutting the overall tax burden from 35.6 per cent to 32.3 per cent of profits and decreased the stamp duty on property transfers from two per cent to 0.5 per cent of the property value.
On Africa, the report indicates that the Continent made the top three among reforming regions, after Eastern Europe and the OECD countries.Two-thirds of African countries made at least one reform, whilst Ghana and Tanzania made the list of top 10 reformers on the list of doing business across 175 economies.Other high-ranked countries in Africa are South Africa, 29;
Mauritius, 32; and Namibia, 42. Guinea-Bissau and the Democratic Republic of Congo, ranked 173 and 175, respectively, making them the lowest in the Region.
The top 30 economies are, Singapore; New Zealand; United States; Canada; Hong Kong (China); The United Kingdom; Denmark; Australia; Norway; Ireland; Japan; Iceland; Sweden; Finland; Switzerland; Lithuania; Estonia; Thailand; Puerto Rico;
Belgium; Germany; The Netherlands; Korea; Latvia; Malaysia; Israel; St. Lucia; Chile; South Africa and Austria.
The rankings track indicators of the time and cost to meet government requirements in business start-up; operation; trade;
taxation and closure. They do not track variables such as macroeconomic policy; quality of infrastructure; currency volatility; investor perceptions or crime rates.
2 Feb. 07
leading to the creation of positive business climate in the country.Ghana's ninth position on the "IFC-WB 2007 Doing Business" rankings is highly creditable, Mr Lars Thunell, IFC Executive Vice President, stated at a media briefing in Accra.
The top 10 reformers are, Georgia; Romania; Mexico; China;Peru; France; Croatia; Guatemala; Ghana and Tanzania.Mr Thunell, who is on a three-nation African tour to promote sustainable private sector development, explained that the rankings
were based on simplified business regulations; strengthened property rights; eased tax burdens; increased access to credit and reduction in the cost of exporting and importing.The IFC Vice President as part of the visit had a working tour of
AfroTropic, a cocoa processing company in the Ghana Free Zones enclave, and interacted with toddlers at the Star Avenue Early
Childhood Development School in Accra.
Mr Thunell, accompanied by Ms Imoni Akpofure IFC Country Director, Mr Thierry Tanoh, IFC's Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, noted that in spite of the favourable conditions, there were still significant impediments in doing business.
He identified obstacles such as complicated and costly business start-up procedures and lengthy import and export procedures.The IFC Executive Vice President, therefore, called for further reforms to improve the business environment to encourage a strong private sector development.
Statistics from the IFC-WB 2007 Doing Business rankings obtained by the Ghana News Agency indicated that Ghana, the top reformer in Africa, reformed her trade, tax and property administration. Other reforms were a single window clearance process at customs where traders could now file all paperwork for all agencies at one place; clearance time dropped from seven days to three for imports and from four to two days for exports.Ghana also reduced the corporate tax rate and reconstruction levy for businesses; cutting the overall tax burden from 35.6 per cent to 32.3 per cent of profits and decreased the stamp duty on property transfers from two per cent to 0.5 per cent of the property value.
On Africa, the report indicates that the Continent made the top three among reforming regions, after Eastern Europe and the OECD countries.Two-thirds of African countries made at least one reform, whilst Ghana and Tanzania made the list of top 10 reformers on the list of doing business across 175 economies.Other high-ranked countries in Africa are South Africa, 29;
Mauritius, 32; and Namibia, 42. Guinea-Bissau and the Democratic Republic of Congo, ranked 173 and 175, respectively, making them the lowest in the Region.
The top 30 economies are, Singapore; New Zealand; United States; Canada; Hong Kong (China); The United Kingdom; Denmark; Australia; Norway; Ireland; Japan; Iceland; Sweden; Finland; Switzerland; Lithuania; Estonia; Thailand; Puerto Rico;
Belgium; Germany; The Netherlands; Korea; Latvia; Malaysia; Israel; St. Lucia; Chile; South Africa and Austria.
The rankings track indicators of the time and cost to meet government requirements in business start-up; operation; trade;
taxation and closure. They do not track variables such as macroeconomic policy; quality of infrastructure; currency volatility; investor perceptions or crime rates.
2 Feb. 07
Methodist Church inaugurates Abeadze-Dominase circuit
Abura Dunkwa (C/R), Feb. 2, GNA - The Bishop of the Cape Coast Diocese of the Methodist Church, Right Reverend Isaac Quansah, has asked the leadership of the Church's branches to use the existing administrative procedures towards achieving its mission.
This, he said, would create a harmonious relationship for all key players to sustain the steadily growth of the church and also ensure holistic propagation of the gospel.Bishop Quansah said this when inaugurating a newly-created Abeadze-Dominase circuit of the church, which also marks the dedication of a new manse and induction of Superintendent Minister, Very Rev. Benjamin Kwesi Armah as head of the circuit.The event was attended by a large number of people, including representative of the Abeadze Traditional Council and senior members of the Methodist church from Cape Coast.
Rt. Rev. Quansah recalled the dedicated services rendered by the early missionaries, which led the consolidation of Christianity and establishment of many schools to promote education in the country.He entreated members of the Church to let their Christian values reflect in their daily activities and cautioned them not to use poverty as an excuse to indulge in robbery and other anti-social vices against the state.Very Rev. Armah thanked the Church for elevating him and promised to work hard with the leaders and entire membership of the circuit to realise their set goals.
02 Feb. 07
This, he said, would create a harmonious relationship for all key players to sustain the steadily growth of the church and also ensure holistic propagation of the gospel.Bishop Quansah said this when inaugurating a newly-created Abeadze-Dominase circuit of the church, which also marks the dedication of a new manse and induction of Superintendent Minister, Very Rev. Benjamin Kwesi Armah as head of the circuit.The event was attended by a large number of people, including representative of the Abeadze Traditional Council and senior members of the Methodist church from Cape Coast.
Rt. Rev. Quansah recalled the dedicated services rendered by the early missionaries, which led the consolidation of Christianity and establishment of many schools to promote education in the country.He entreated members of the Church to let their Christian values reflect in their daily activities and cautioned them not to use poverty as an excuse to indulge in robbery and other anti-social vices against the state.Very Rev. Armah thanked the Church for elevating him and promised to work hard with the leaders and entire membership of the circuit to realise their set goals.
02 Feb. 07
Government rehabilitates seven major roads in Wa West District
Wechiau (UW), Feb. 2, GNA - The Government last year rehabilitated seven major link roads to boost transportation in the Wa West District of the Upper West Region at a total cost of about 8.2 billion cedis, Mr Daniel Dari Kuusogno, the District Chief Executive said at Wechiau.The roads, which got the face-lift are, Wechiau-Buo-Kunkyiri, Yizie-Bankpama, Kandeu-Gurungu, Dormon-Congo, Vieri-Tanvari, Wechiau-Tokali and Dorimon-Wechiau.
To improve accessibility to and from the district, two steel bridges were under construction at Yizie and Vieri, he added, in an interview with newsmen on the progress of the new district at Wechiau, the district capital.He said under the District Wide Assistance Programme, two modern day-care centres had been constructed at Dorimon and Wechiau, while Kukipali and Meteu communities each benefited from a three-unit classroom block and KVIP. The Assembly last year disbursed a total of 245 million cedis to small business groups and individuals under the Productivity Improvement, Employment and Income Generation, commonly known as the Poverty alleviation Fund of which the bulk of the beneficiaries were women.The DCE said hey also received 100 million cedis from the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs for the same purpose, through the Agricultural Development Bank.
Under the Youth Employment and Job Creation Programme, 300 youths have been registered for community protection, Auxiliary Health Care had 104, and catered for 100 with 252 going for Agricultural Business while 415 went into Community Education and Teaching Assistants, and 26 in Waste Management and Sanitation.In addition, Vacation jobs module catered for 98 youths, Internship and Industrial Attachment, 78, Trade and Vocation, 1000 and Volunteer services, 200.
02 Feb. 07
To improve accessibility to and from the district, two steel bridges were under construction at Yizie and Vieri, he added, in an interview with newsmen on the progress of the new district at Wechiau, the district capital.He said under the District Wide Assistance Programme, two modern day-care centres had been constructed at Dorimon and Wechiau, while Kukipali and Meteu communities each benefited from a three-unit classroom block and KVIP. The Assembly last year disbursed a total of 245 million cedis to small business groups and individuals under the Productivity Improvement, Employment and Income Generation, commonly known as the Poverty alleviation Fund of which the bulk of the beneficiaries were women.The DCE said hey also received 100 million cedis from the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs for the same purpose, through the Agricultural Development Bank.
Under the Youth Employment and Job Creation Programme, 300 youths have been registered for community protection, Auxiliary Health Care had 104, and catered for 100 with 252 going for Agricultural Business while 415 went into Community Education and Teaching Assistants, and 26 in Waste Management and Sanitation.In addition, Vacation jobs module catered for 98 youths, Internship and Industrial Attachment, 78, Trade and Vocation, 1000 and Volunteer services, 200.
02 Feb. 07
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