Page 3 May 29/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
A fierce shoot-out between a patrol team of the Ghana Police Service and five armed robbers at dawn yesterday has resulted in the death of one of the robbers.
The deceased, who was identified only as Akwasi, alias Bullet, was occupying the front passenger seat of an Opel Astra taxi-cab which was snatched at gunpoint at Dome Pillar 2, which has become one of the most notorious spots for such armed crimes in the capital.
Three of the robbers narrowly escaped but luck run out for the driver of the cab, Thomas Frimpong, 19, as he was eventually arrested after a hot foot chase.
Frimpong abandoned the cab after it had run into a ditch and in it were found a machete with both sides sharpened, three live cartridges, a pair of pliers and a mobile phone.
Narrating the story to the Daily Graphic, DCOP Kwaku Ayensu Opare Addo, the Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, said one of the robbers boarded the cab from Circle to Dome and just when he was about to alight, four of his accomplices rushed to the cab and forced the cab driver, Abdulai Ibrahim, out.
He said the robbers used the back of the locally made pistol they were wielding to inflict wounds on the head of the cab driver.
The driver was also hit in the face several times to force him to release the cab for their operation.
DCOP Opare Addo said Ibrahim rushed to the Mile 7 Police and reported the incident and when the information was relayed to the patrol team, a search resulted in the discovery of the cab at about 1.30 am.
He said the robbers refused to stop when they were signalled to do so and when the police chased them, they opened fire and the police returned the fire, which resulted in the death of one of them.
DCOP Opare Addo asked anybody who had information about anybody in distress around the area to report to the police for action.
Meanwhile, he said, Frimpong will be made to assist in the investigations to apprehend all those who bolted.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Premix dealers pledge co-operation with task force
Back page May 27/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Ghana Premix Fuel Dealers and Retailers Association (GPDRA) has pledged its commitment to work closely with the government’s task force to check the smuggling of premix fuel out of the country.
It has also resolved to block moves by recalcitrant dealers to hoard the product in order to create artificial shortages in the system only to resell the product above the reduced prices announced by the government.
The president of the association, Mr Philip P.T. Blessman, told the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday that the move was intended to ensure the continuous availability of the product to fishermen in the country.
He said the prices of premix fuel in some neighbouring countries of Ghana were still high, and as such there was the temptation for some dealers to cash in on that situation to make extra money for themselves.
“This, we will do anything to resist and we call on the general public to be on the look out for any such moves and report accordingly for swift and prompt action”, he said.
Mr Blessman said the association appreciated the government’s concern, hence the reduction in the prices of premix fuel to ensure that the prices of fish became affordable on the market.
Following the escalating prices of crude oil and food on the international market, the government announced measures to mitigate the effect on the people by reducing the prices of some selected petroleum products.
From the previous price of 0.8348Ghp per litre of premix fuel, the product now sells at 0.7348 Ghp per litre.
Mr Blessman said the members of the association had been concerned about the increasing prices of the product, saying, “it never made fishermen comfortable because it always made their catch expensive”.
He said the association would make every effort to ensure that the product was available to the fishermen at the announced prices to enable them to get bumper harvest.
Mr Blessman also urged fishermen to do all they could to reciprocate the government’s gesture by ensuring that the reduced price in the fuel was seen in the prices of their catch.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Ghana Premix Fuel Dealers and Retailers Association (GPDRA) has pledged its commitment to work closely with the government’s task force to check the smuggling of premix fuel out of the country.
It has also resolved to block moves by recalcitrant dealers to hoard the product in order to create artificial shortages in the system only to resell the product above the reduced prices announced by the government.
The president of the association, Mr Philip P.T. Blessman, told the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday that the move was intended to ensure the continuous availability of the product to fishermen in the country.
He said the prices of premix fuel in some neighbouring countries of Ghana were still high, and as such there was the temptation for some dealers to cash in on that situation to make extra money for themselves.
“This, we will do anything to resist and we call on the general public to be on the look out for any such moves and report accordingly for swift and prompt action”, he said.
Mr Blessman said the association appreciated the government’s concern, hence the reduction in the prices of premix fuel to ensure that the prices of fish became affordable on the market.
Following the escalating prices of crude oil and food on the international market, the government announced measures to mitigate the effect on the people by reducing the prices of some selected petroleum products.
From the previous price of 0.8348Ghp per litre of premix fuel, the product now sells at 0.7348 Ghp per litre.
Mr Blessman said the members of the association had been concerned about the increasing prices of the product, saying, “it never made fishermen comfortable because it always made their catch expensive”.
He said the association would make every effort to ensure that the product was available to the fishermen at the announced prices to enable them to get bumper harvest.
Mr Blessman also urged fishermen to do all they could to reciprocate the government’s gesture by ensuring that the reduced price in the fuel was seen in the prices of their catch.
Kyebi Water project completed
Page 44 (Lead) May 26/2008
Story & Pic: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Kyebi water supply system has been rehabilitated at a cost of GH¢160,000 to supply potable water to the people.
The project, which was undertaken by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and Aqua Vitens Rand Limited (AVRL), is expected to produce 39,000 gallons of water to serve a population of about 11,400 people.
The Managing Director of the GWCL, Mr Cobbie Kessie, told the Daily Graphic in Accra that the project formed part of measures to address the water problem in Kyebi, known as one of the historical towns in the country.
He said the move also formed part of efforts by the company to rehabilitate old water systems to improve water supply in the country.
Mr Kessie said two boreholes had also been drilled and mechanised for the Abuakwa State College and Kyebi at Oman.
In addition to that, he said repair works had been undertaken on the high-level pressed steel overhead tank to contain 10,000 gallons of water at a time.
Mr Kessie said the companies also provided chemical doers and a standby low lift pumping unit as part of the project.
He said the project was expected to solve, to a large extent, the water problem in the town and expressed the hope that the people would make judicious use of the water, as well as maintain and protect the project to last a life time.
Story & Pic: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Kyebi water supply system has been rehabilitated at a cost of GH¢160,000 to supply potable water to the people.
The project, which was undertaken by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and Aqua Vitens Rand Limited (AVRL), is expected to produce 39,000 gallons of water to serve a population of about 11,400 people.
The Managing Director of the GWCL, Mr Cobbie Kessie, told the Daily Graphic in Accra that the project formed part of measures to address the water problem in Kyebi, known as one of the historical towns in the country.
He said the move also formed part of efforts by the company to rehabilitate old water systems to improve water supply in the country.
Mr Kessie said two boreholes had also been drilled and mechanised for the Abuakwa State College and Kyebi at Oman.
In addition to that, he said repair works had been undertaken on the high-level pressed steel overhead tank to contain 10,000 gallons of water at a time.
Mr Kessie said the companies also provided chemical doers and a standby low lift pumping unit as part of the project.
He said the project was expected to solve, to a large extent, the water problem in the town and expressed the hope that the people would make judicious use of the water, as well as maintain and protect the project to last a life time.
Legon language centre laboratory inaugurated
Education Page May 26/2008
A GH¢100,000 laboratory for the Language Centre of the University of Ghana, Legon has been inaugurated as part of measures by the university to position itself as a centrepiece for language tuition on the continent.
The 30-seater ultra-modern laboratory comes two months ahead of the start of the teaching of Chinese language at the university after the Academic Board had given the nod for the course to commence.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor E.N. Tagoe, who inaugurated the laboratory, said the new laboratory would help the centre to effectively discharge its language teaching responsibilities in a modernised way.
He said traditional classroom teaching had usually offered interaction between the teacher and one student only at a time, leaving the rest of the class idle and often uninvolved in the learning activity.
Professor Tagoe said: “The language laboratory provides language-learning activities and exercises to keep all students actively engaged,” adding that “it also guides and monitors students individually or in groups or pairs, helps students to focus on comprehension and fluency of speech, as well as enrich lesson content by promising access to digital and Internet resources”.
He said considering the very unique features of the laboratory to the university, it represented the modernisation of language teaching and further affirmed the commitment of the university to ensuring quality in its programmes.
Professor Tagoe said the laboratory system was a huge investment the university had made and urged the centre to market its courses to enable the university to derive maximum financial benefits from the investment.
Dr G.S.K. Adika, acting Director of the Language Centre, said the centre was founded in 1970 and part of its concerns had been the teaching of English to foreign students, some of whom came from distant countries such as China, South Korea and Turkey.
He said over the years the centre had to rely on the British Council for such training, but due to the technological advancement the university had to develop its own laboratory.
Dr Adika expressed the hope that the language centre would be able to respond in terms of technology, to the expectations of the global language acquisition curriculum.
Pic (A) Professor Tagoe (right) in a headset as he listens with rapt attention, to a lecture during the trial. On his extreme left is Dr Adika and other guests after the inauguration.
Pic (B) Professor Tagoe cutting the tape to signify the opening of the laboratory. Pic by Charles Benoni Okine
A GH¢100,000 laboratory for the Language Centre of the University of Ghana, Legon has been inaugurated as part of measures by the university to position itself as a centrepiece for language tuition on the continent.
The 30-seater ultra-modern laboratory comes two months ahead of the start of the teaching of Chinese language at the university after the Academic Board had given the nod for the course to commence.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor E.N. Tagoe, who inaugurated the laboratory, said the new laboratory would help the centre to effectively discharge its language teaching responsibilities in a modernised way.
He said traditional classroom teaching had usually offered interaction between the teacher and one student only at a time, leaving the rest of the class idle and often uninvolved in the learning activity.
Professor Tagoe said: “The language laboratory provides language-learning activities and exercises to keep all students actively engaged,” adding that “it also guides and monitors students individually or in groups or pairs, helps students to focus on comprehension and fluency of speech, as well as enrich lesson content by promising access to digital and Internet resources”.
He said considering the very unique features of the laboratory to the university, it represented the modernisation of language teaching and further affirmed the commitment of the university to ensuring quality in its programmes.
Professor Tagoe said the laboratory system was a huge investment the university had made and urged the centre to market its courses to enable the university to derive maximum financial benefits from the investment.
Dr G.S.K. Adika, acting Director of the Language Centre, said the centre was founded in 1970 and part of its concerns had been the teaching of English to foreign students, some of whom came from distant countries such as China, South Korea and Turkey.
He said over the years the centre had to rely on the British Council for such training, but due to the technological advancement the university had to develop its own laboratory.
Dr Adika expressed the hope that the language centre would be able to respond in terms of technology, to the expectations of the global language acquisition curriculum.
Pic (A) Professor Tagoe (right) in a headset as he listens with rapt attention, to a lecture during the trial. On his extreme left is Dr Adika and other guests after the inauguration.
Pic (B) Professor Tagoe cutting the tape to signify the opening of the laboratory. Pic by Charles Benoni Okine
NPA revises prices of gas oil, kerosene, others
Front Page May 24/2008
Story: Albert K. Salia & Charles Benoni Okine
STAKEHOLDERS in key sectors of the economy have expressed the hope that President Kufuor’s address to the nation this evening will provide a boost to the nation’s agricultural and oil industry.
They are keen on what specific subsidies the President would announce to deal with rising oil and food prices.
Players in the downstream petroleum sector said any subsidies on petroleum products would be welcome news, not only for individuals and companies but the oil marketing companies (OMCs) as well.
According to them, subsidies would also help to reduce their cost of operation, as well as help them to stay in business.
The Managing Director of Total, one of the major players in the oil industry, Mr Felix Majekodunmi, said, “We as OMCs will also benefit if the government announces subsidies on petroleum products.”
He said the move would mean that the working capital requirements of the OMCs were going to reduce, adding that “this business of ours require huge financial capital so the subsidies will reduce working capital requirements”.
“We are really suffering at present because we feel the pinch so much. In the first quarter of this year, we posted a 40 per cent loss, compared to the previous year, and this was as a result of the skyrocketing prices of crude oil on the international market,” he added.
He said his company had wanted to reduce its staff strength to be able to cut costs and expressed the hope that the expected subsidies would save the situation.
Mr Majekodunmi said for the past two years the OMCs had not seen any increase in the margins meant for them and,
therefore, denied any suggestions that the OMCs were making more money from increases in crude oil prices on the international market.
According to him, the OMCs were making losses and so any subsidies would benefit them, too.
Mr Victor Alhassan of Star Oil Company also believed that subsidies would impact positively, not only on the economy in general but also on individual stakeholders.
“I would like to wait and see what the subsidies would be like and comment on them thereafter,” he said.
However, he noted that individuals and companies which used to spend more money on transportation and on fuel would be able to breathe a sigh of relief.
Other OMCs, such as Shell and GOIL, were engaged in meetings at the time of going to press and could, therefore, not be reached for their expectations.
While anticipating something substantial from the President’s speech, the President of the Afife Rice Irrigation Co-operative and Marketing Society, Mr Godwin Atokple, said the society expected the President to announce a major support package for farmers.
He said farmers still depended on manual implements for harvesting, which resulted in post-harvest losses and did not enhance growth.
He said the society also expected the President to announce a marketing support of strategic buyers to buy the produce of farmers and for them to be paid promptly.
For his part, the Managing Director of the Irrigation Company of Upper Region (ICOUR), Mr Issah Bukari, said the President should announce a major financial and fuel package for farmers.
He said increasing fuel prices were affecting the ploughing of land for the cultivation of food crops.
Mr Bukari said many farmers had to resort to manual ploughing of the land because they could not afford the use of tractors.
He said President Kufuor should also announce a major package for the upcoming crop season that would involve credit facilities to help farmers to increase their production and market yield.
Mr Bukari said a support package in fertiliser for maize farmers in the northern part of Ghana at this crucial time would go a long way to increase maize yield for the harvesting season.
According to him, the country should not look at the immediate hardships but look into the future because “we cannot tell what will happen before the next farming season”.
Story: Albert K. Salia & Charles Benoni Okine
STAKEHOLDERS in key sectors of the economy have expressed the hope that President Kufuor’s address to the nation this evening will provide a boost to the nation’s agricultural and oil industry.
They are keen on what specific subsidies the President would announce to deal with rising oil and food prices.
Players in the downstream petroleum sector said any subsidies on petroleum products would be welcome news, not only for individuals and companies but the oil marketing companies (OMCs) as well.
According to them, subsidies would also help to reduce their cost of operation, as well as help them to stay in business.
The Managing Director of Total, one of the major players in the oil industry, Mr Felix Majekodunmi, said, “We as OMCs will also benefit if the government announces subsidies on petroleum products.”
He said the move would mean that the working capital requirements of the OMCs were going to reduce, adding that “this business of ours require huge financial capital so the subsidies will reduce working capital requirements”.
“We are really suffering at present because we feel the pinch so much. In the first quarter of this year, we posted a 40 per cent loss, compared to the previous year, and this was as a result of the skyrocketing prices of crude oil on the international market,” he added.
He said his company had wanted to reduce its staff strength to be able to cut costs and expressed the hope that the expected subsidies would save the situation.
Mr Majekodunmi said for the past two years the OMCs had not seen any increase in the margins meant for them and,
therefore, denied any suggestions that the OMCs were making more money from increases in crude oil prices on the international market.
According to him, the OMCs were making losses and so any subsidies would benefit them, too.
Mr Victor Alhassan of Star Oil Company also believed that subsidies would impact positively, not only on the economy in general but also on individual stakeholders.
“I would like to wait and see what the subsidies would be like and comment on them thereafter,” he said.
However, he noted that individuals and companies which used to spend more money on transportation and on fuel would be able to breathe a sigh of relief.
Other OMCs, such as Shell and GOIL, were engaged in meetings at the time of going to press and could, therefore, not be reached for their expectations.
While anticipating something substantial from the President’s speech, the President of the Afife Rice Irrigation Co-operative and Marketing Society, Mr Godwin Atokple, said the society expected the President to announce a major support package for farmers.
He said farmers still depended on manual implements for harvesting, which resulted in post-harvest losses and did not enhance growth.
He said the society also expected the President to announce a marketing support of strategic buyers to buy the produce of farmers and for them to be paid promptly.
For his part, the Managing Director of the Irrigation Company of Upper Region (ICOUR), Mr Issah Bukari, said the President should announce a major financial and fuel package for farmers.
He said increasing fuel prices were affecting the ploughing of land for the cultivation of food crops.
Mr Bukari said many farmers had to resort to manual ploughing of the land because they could not afford the use of tractors.
He said President Kufuor should also announce a major package for the upcoming crop season that would involve credit facilities to help farmers to increase their production and market yield.
Mr Bukari said a support package in fertiliser for maize farmers in the northern part of Ghana at this crucial time would go a long way to increase maize yield for the harvesting season.
According to him, the country should not look at the immediate hardships but look into the future because “we cannot tell what will happen before the next farming season”.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
DVLA to close down 31 driving schools
Page 32 (lead) May 22/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) will start an exercise next Monday to close down driving schools that have failed to meet the set standard.
So far 31 driving schools, said to be using unroadworthy vehicles and untrained staff as driver instructors, have been earmarked for closure.
The Chief Technical Officer of the DVLA, Mr Joseph Amamoo, told the Daily Graphic that the move was in line with the Road Traffic Act of 2004, Act 683 (4) and meant to deal with unscrupulous activities of some driving schools.
The Act, he said, stated that, “The Licensing Authority may, if a registered school no longer complies with the requirement referred to in section (3), suspend the registration of that driving school for such period as it may determine, or disregard or cancel the registration in the prescribed manner”.
He explained that the exercise was also intended to restore sanity in the system, as well as ensure that people did not set up schools to provide sub-standard service to clients.
Mr Amamoo said the DVLA conducted an exercise throughout the country to inspect all the driving schools and came to the conclusion that some of them were not operating according to standards.
He said the DVLA monitoring team also observed that standards set for the operation of driving schools had drastically declined even after persistent education and advice.
Mr Amamoo described the situation as disturbing and said the DVLA was left with no other option than to ensure that such recalcitrant schools were taken out of the system to serve as a deterrent to others.
He said some of the schools had relocated to smaller structures after registration, a situation that created a lot of congestion in the classrooms.
“That does not enhance teaching and learning and driving should not be learnt in such a manner because students will not pay attention to what they are being taught,” he said.
Mr Amamoo said some of the schools had also been found to be using wooden structures and containers as classrooms while others used part of their classrooms for computer lessons.
He said in this case, while the driving lectures were underway, the computer class was also in progress.
“How can each of the category of students pay attention to grasp what is being taught? This is highly unacceptable and we will not all allow that to happen,” Mr Amamoo added.
He said the use of unroadworthy vehicles to teach the students posed a serious risk to the life of not only the students but the instructor as well.
Mr Amamoo said he was hopeful that the exercise to be carried out next week would save the lives of innocent but desperate driving students.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) will start an exercise next Monday to close down driving schools that have failed to meet the set standard.
So far 31 driving schools, said to be using unroadworthy vehicles and untrained staff as driver instructors, have been earmarked for closure.
The Chief Technical Officer of the DVLA, Mr Joseph Amamoo, told the Daily Graphic that the move was in line with the Road Traffic Act of 2004, Act 683 (4) and meant to deal with unscrupulous activities of some driving schools.
The Act, he said, stated that, “The Licensing Authority may, if a registered school no longer complies with the requirement referred to in section (3), suspend the registration of that driving school for such period as it may determine, or disregard or cancel the registration in the prescribed manner”.
He explained that the exercise was also intended to restore sanity in the system, as well as ensure that people did not set up schools to provide sub-standard service to clients.
Mr Amamoo said the DVLA conducted an exercise throughout the country to inspect all the driving schools and came to the conclusion that some of them were not operating according to standards.
He said the DVLA monitoring team also observed that standards set for the operation of driving schools had drastically declined even after persistent education and advice.
Mr Amamoo described the situation as disturbing and said the DVLA was left with no other option than to ensure that such recalcitrant schools were taken out of the system to serve as a deterrent to others.
He said some of the schools had relocated to smaller structures after registration, a situation that created a lot of congestion in the classrooms.
“That does not enhance teaching and learning and driving should not be learnt in such a manner because students will not pay attention to what they are being taught,” he said.
Mr Amamoo said some of the schools had also been found to be using wooden structures and containers as classrooms while others used part of their classrooms for computer lessons.
He said in this case, while the driving lectures were underway, the computer class was also in progress.
“How can each of the category of students pay attention to grasp what is being taught? This is highly unacceptable and we will not all allow that to happen,” Mr Amamoo added.
He said the use of unroadworthy vehicles to teach the students posed a serious risk to the life of not only the students but the instructor as well.
Mr Amamoo said he was hopeful that the exercise to be carried out next week would save the lives of innocent but desperate driving students.
Anxiety All Over • As Ghanaians await Prez's intervention in food,fuel
Front (lead) May 22/2008
Story: Albert K. Salia & Charles Benoni Okine
STAKEHOLDERS in key sectors of the economy have expressed the hope that President Kufuor’s address to the nation this evening will provide a boost to the nation’s agricultural and oil industry.
They are keen on what specific subsidies the President would announce to deal with rising oil and food prices.
Players in the downstream petroleum sector said any subsidies on petroleum products would be welcome news, not only for individuals and companies but the oil marketing companies (OMCs) as well.
According to them, subsidies would also help to reduce their cost of operation, as well as help them to stay in business.
The Managing Director of Total, one of the major players in the oil industry, Mr Felix Majekodunmi, said, “We as OMCs will also benefit if the government announces subsidies on petroleum products.”
He said the move would mean that the working capital requirements of the OMCs were going to reduce, adding that “this business of ours require huge financial capital so the subsidies will reduce working capital requirements”.
“We are really suffering at present because we feel the pinch so much. In the first quarter of this year, we posted a 40 per cent loss, compared to the previous year, and this was as a result of the skyrocketing prices of crude oil on the international market,” he added.
He said his company had wanted to reduce its staff strength to be able to cut costs and expressed the hope that the expected subsidies would save the situation.
Mr Majekodunmi said for the past two years the OMCs had not seen any increase in the margins meant for them and,
therefore, denied any suggestions that the OMCs were making more money from increases in crude oil prices on the international market.
According to him, the OMCs were making losses and so any subsidies would benefit them, too.
Mr Victor Alhassan of Star Oil Company also believed that subsidies would impact positively, not only on the economy in general but also on individual stakeholders.
“I would like to wait and see what the subsidies would be like and comment on them thereafter,” he said.
However, he noted that individuals and companies which used to spend more money on transportation and on fuel would be able to breathe a sigh of relief.
Other OMCs, such as Shell and GOIL, were engaged in meetings at the time of going to press and could, therefore, not be reached for their expectations.
While anticipating something substantial from the President’s speech, the President of the Afife Rice Irrigation Co-operative and Marketing Society, Mr Godwin Atokple, said the society expected the President to announce a major support package for farmers.
He said farmers still depended on manual implements for harvesting, which resulted in post-harvest losses and did not enhance growth.
He said the society also expected the President to announce a marketing support of strategic buyers to buy the produce of farmers and for them to be paid promptly.
For his part, the Managing Director of the Irrigation Company of Upper Region (ICOUR), Mr Issah Bukari, said the President should announce a major financial and fuel package for farmers.
He said increasing fuel prices were affecting the ploughing of land for the cultivation of food crops.
Mr Bukari said many farmers had to resort to manual ploughing of the land because they could not afford the use of tractors.
He said President Kufuor should also announce a major package for the upcoming crop season that would involve credit facilities to help farmers to increase their production and market yield.
Mr Bukari said a support package in fertiliser for maize farmers in the northern part of Ghana at this crucial time would go a long way to increase maize yield for the harvesting season.
According to him, the country should not look at the immediate hardships but look into the future because “we cannot tell what will happen before the next farming season”.
Story: Albert K. Salia & Charles Benoni Okine
STAKEHOLDERS in key sectors of the economy have expressed the hope that President Kufuor’s address to the nation this evening will provide a boost to the nation’s agricultural and oil industry.
They are keen on what specific subsidies the President would announce to deal with rising oil and food prices.
Players in the downstream petroleum sector said any subsidies on petroleum products would be welcome news, not only for individuals and companies but the oil marketing companies (OMCs) as well.
According to them, subsidies would also help to reduce their cost of operation, as well as help them to stay in business.
The Managing Director of Total, one of the major players in the oil industry, Mr Felix Majekodunmi, said, “We as OMCs will also benefit if the government announces subsidies on petroleum products.”
He said the move would mean that the working capital requirements of the OMCs were going to reduce, adding that “this business of ours require huge financial capital so the subsidies will reduce working capital requirements”.
“We are really suffering at present because we feel the pinch so much. In the first quarter of this year, we posted a 40 per cent loss, compared to the previous year, and this was as a result of the skyrocketing prices of crude oil on the international market,” he added.
He said his company had wanted to reduce its staff strength to be able to cut costs and expressed the hope that the expected subsidies would save the situation.
Mr Majekodunmi said for the past two years the OMCs had not seen any increase in the margins meant for them and,
therefore, denied any suggestions that the OMCs were making more money from increases in crude oil prices on the international market.
According to him, the OMCs were making losses and so any subsidies would benefit them, too.
Mr Victor Alhassan of Star Oil Company also believed that subsidies would impact positively, not only on the economy in general but also on individual stakeholders.
“I would like to wait and see what the subsidies would be like and comment on them thereafter,” he said.
However, he noted that individuals and companies which used to spend more money on transportation and on fuel would be able to breathe a sigh of relief.
Other OMCs, such as Shell and GOIL, were engaged in meetings at the time of going to press and could, therefore, not be reached for their expectations.
While anticipating something substantial from the President’s speech, the President of the Afife Rice Irrigation Co-operative and Marketing Society, Mr Godwin Atokple, said the society expected the President to announce a major support package for farmers.
He said farmers still depended on manual implements for harvesting, which resulted in post-harvest losses and did not enhance growth.
He said the society also expected the President to announce a marketing support of strategic buyers to buy the produce of farmers and for them to be paid promptly.
For his part, the Managing Director of the Irrigation Company of Upper Region (ICOUR), Mr Issah Bukari, said the President should announce a major financial and fuel package for farmers.
He said increasing fuel prices were affecting the ploughing of land for the cultivation of food crops.
Mr Bukari said many farmers had to resort to manual ploughing of the land because they could not afford the use of tractors.
He said President Kufuor should also announce a major package for the upcoming crop season that would involve credit facilities to help farmers to increase their production and market yield.
Mr Bukari said a support package in fertiliser for maize farmers in the northern part of Ghana at this crucial time would go a long way to increase maize yield for the harvesting season.
According to him, the country should not look at the immediate hardships but look into the future because “we cannot tell what will happen before the next farming season”.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Should public servants contest elections whilein office?
Politics (lead) May 21/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
Leaders of two governance institutions in the country have called for a national debate on whether or not public servants should be included in the list of officials who cannot remain in office and contest in partisan political elections.
This follows the growing interest and participation of some public officials in national politics.
According to the two, public servants served state institutions and, therefore, needed not to display party colours while in office.
Speaking in separate interviews in Accra regarding the subject, Mr Kwesi Jonah, a Research Fellow at the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG) and Professor Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) were of the view that the debate would lead to whether a portion of the 1992 Constitution needed to be amended to include public servants in the list of persons barred from vying for political seats.
Article 94 (3) of the constitution states that “A person shall not be eligible to be a Member of Parliament if he (a) is a member of the Police Service, the Prisons Service, the Armed Forces, the Judicial Service, the Legal Service, the Civil Service, the Audit Service, the Parliamentary Service, the Statistical Service, the Fire Service, the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service, the Immigration Service, or the Internal Revenue Service”.
It is, however, silent on other public office holders.
Processes leading to the December 7 elections have however witnessed increasing numbers of prominent public servants who have, or were about to contest the primaries of political parties, particularly in the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in various constituencies in the country.
Mr Jonah said the possibility of public servants abusing their office by wanting to become parliamentarians was high and needed to be averted, adding that the debate could give the direction as to whether they should or not be included in the list.
He said once people had access to state vehicles, free fuel and also entitled to outstation allowances, among others, they were very likely to be tempted to enjoy such privileges during their campaigns without any benefit to the state.
Mr Jonah also mentioned the high possibility of victimisation of subordinates at the work place, saying that the person vying to become a parliamentarian could easily victimise their subordinates when they noticed any opposition to their bid, which may have a negative effect on productivity.
He said although there was nothing wrong with public servants contesting on the ticket of any political party, the honest thing to do was for them to resign their positions before doing so.
He further suggested that parties bracing up for the December polls could form common grounds and agree on a ‘code of behaviour’ to prevent public servants from openly engaging in partisan political contests while they still occupied their public offices.
He cautioned that the danger the situation posed was the tendency for such office holders to abuse their office, use state resources for their political ends and victimise subordinates who may not tow their political lines.
To Professor Gyimah-Boadi, it was not fair for public servants to hold their positions and at the same time contest the primaries of a political party they supported.
He said the best was for them to resign if they were bent on going ahead with their political ambitions so that others could occupy their positions.
Professor Gyimah-Boadi said the debate began sometime ago but died, and since things had not changed, it would be proper to re-ignite it to solicit the views of the public on the matter in the best interest of the country.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
Leaders of two governance institutions in the country have called for a national debate on whether or not public servants should be included in the list of officials who cannot remain in office and contest in partisan political elections.
This follows the growing interest and participation of some public officials in national politics.
According to the two, public servants served state institutions and, therefore, needed not to display party colours while in office.
Speaking in separate interviews in Accra regarding the subject, Mr Kwesi Jonah, a Research Fellow at the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG) and Professor Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) were of the view that the debate would lead to whether a portion of the 1992 Constitution needed to be amended to include public servants in the list of persons barred from vying for political seats.
Article 94 (3) of the constitution states that “A person shall not be eligible to be a Member of Parliament if he (a) is a member of the Police Service, the Prisons Service, the Armed Forces, the Judicial Service, the Legal Service, the Civil Service, the Audit Service, the Parliamentary Service, the Statistical Service, the Fire Service, the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service, the Immigration Service, or the Internal Revenue Service”.
It is, however, silent on other public office holders.
Processes leading to the December 7 elections have however witnessed increasing numbers of prominent public servants who have, or were about to contest the primaries of political parties, particularly in the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in various constituencies in the country.
Mr Jonah said the possibility of public servants abusing their office by wanting to become parliamentarians was high and needed to be averted, adding that the debate could give the direction as to whether they should or not be included in the list.
He said once people had access to state vehicles, free fuel and also entitled to outstation allowances, among others, they were very likely to be tempted to enjoy such privileges during their campaigns without any benefit to the state.
Mr Jonah also mentioned the high possibility of victimisation of subordinates at the work place, saying that the person vying to become a parliamentarian could easily victimise their subordinates when they noticed any opposition to their bid, which may have a negative effect on productivity.
He said although there was nothing wrong with public servants contesting on the ticket of any political party, the honest thing to do was for them to resign their positions before doing so.
He further suggested that parties bracing up for the December polls could form common grounds and agree on a ‘code of behaviour’ to prevent public servants from openly engaging in partisan political contests while they still occupied their public offices.
He cautioned that the danger the situation posed was the tendency for such office holders to abuse their office, use state resources for their political ends and victimise subordinates who may not tow their political lines.
To Professor Gyimah-Boadi, it was not fair for public servants to hold their positions and at the same time contest the primaries of a political party they supported.
He said the best was for them to resign if they were bent on going ahead with their political ambitions so that others could occupy their positions.
Professor Gyimah-Boadi said the debate began sometime ago but died, and since things had not changed, it would be proper to re-ignite it to solicit the views of the public on the matter in the best interest of the country.
Make tourism, handicrafts more attractive
Back page May 21/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
VICE-President Aliu Mahama has opened the second United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) regional seminar on tourism and handicraft in Accra with a call for measures to make tourism and handicrafts in Africa more attractive to compete on the global market.
“Our success in attracting high spending and middle-income tourists can guarantee patronage of our rich and diverse natural historical and cultural heritage including the patronage of our handicrafts by them,” he added.
That, the Vice-President said, would help create the needed jobs and improve incomes for local communities including the vulnerable groups such as women and the disabled.
The workshop is being attended by more than 100 participants from all over the continent of Africa including Nigeria, Niger, South Africa, Benin, Burkina Faso and Togo.
Participants in the first workshop in Burkina Faso in 2006 agreed that further development of the synergy between handicraft and tourism be pursued as it had the potential to bring major socio-economic benefits to Africa, bind communities together, foster the continuity of local traditions and contribute towards the reduction of poverty.
It was against this background that the Accra workshop is to, among others, continue to examine the partnership between tourism and handicrafts, within the broad framework of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Alhaji Mahama said global trends including soaring fuel and food prices were threatening the economic survival of many nations of which Africa was no exception.
“This trend of affairs would lead to worsening balance of payments, trade deficits, famine and unemployment in most developing countries and, therefore, calls for a concerted effort to put in place appropriate measures to address these challenges,” he cautioned.
The Vice-President said it could not be disputed that with the advent of international tourism and its growth over the years the handicraft industry had not only been rejuvenated but had also become a major source of livelihood for the local people and many communities across the world.
“If the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) statistics indicate that in 2007 international tourists arrival globally grew by six per cent to 900 million, the onus then lies with African countries to formulate pragmatic polices, plans and programmes necessary to help them reap a fair share of this lucrative huge but emerging market,” he said.
Alhaji Mahama said Ghana and many other African countries had the richest, oldest and most diverse handicraft traditions in the world.
In drawing linkages between tourism and handicrafts, the Vice-President said: “Skills have been passed on from one generation to the other in the making of artefact such as gold, jewellery, pottery/ceremics, wood carvings, Kente, basketry, leather works, adinkra, beads and smock making for the patronage of tourists.”
He urged delegates to actively participate in the forum by enriching the needed inputs for the realisation of the desired outcome of the workshop.
Mrs Oboshie Sai Cofie, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, said: ”Handicraft has been part of our culture and I believe we can develop this industry to improve the lives of our people.”
He expressed the hope that during the deliberations, participants would strive to create the necessary policy environment and areas of interoperability and synergy by these sectors to ensure a sustained contribution to poverty reduction in Africa.
Mr Ousmane Ndiaye, UNWTO Regional Representative for Africa, said the organisation was convinced that together, tourism and handicrafts could serve to establish dialogue among peoples and nations of this society that were becoming globalised, and that the synergy of these two sectors could make a strong contribution to poverty reduction and sustainable development.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
VICE-President Aliu Mahama has opened the second United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) regional seminar on tourism and handicraft in Accra with a call for measures to make tourism and handicrafts in Africa more attractive to compete on the global market.
“Our success in attracting high spending and middle-income tourists can guarantee patronage of our rich and diverse natural historical and cultural heritage including the patronage of our handicrafts by them,” he added.
That, the Vice-President said, would help create the needed jobs and improve incomes for local communities including the vulnerable groups such as women and the disabled.
The workshop is being attended by more than 100 participants from all over the continent of Africa including Nigeria, Niger, South Africa, Benin, Burkina Faso and Togo.
Participants in the first workshop in Burkina Faso in 2006 agreed that further development of the synergy between handicraft and tourism be pursued as it had the potential to bring major socio-economic benefits to Africa, bind communities together, foster the continuity of local traditions and contribute towards the reduction of poverty.
It was against this background that the Accra workshop is to, among others, continue to examine the partnership between tourism and handicrafts, within the broad framework of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Alhaji Mahama said global trends including soaring fuel and food prices were threatening the economic survival of many nations of which Africa was no exception.
“This trend of affairs would lead to worsening balance of payments, trade deficits, famine and unemployment in most developing countries and, therefore, calls for a concerted effort to put in place appropriate measures to address these challenges,” he cautioned.
The Vice-President said it could not be disputed that with the advent of international tourism and its growth over the years the handicraft industry had not only been rejuvenated but had also become a major source of livelihood for the local people and many communities across the world.
“If the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) statistics indicate that in 2007 international tourists arrival globally grew by six per cent to 900 million, the onus then lies with African countries to formulate pragmatic polices, plans and programmes necessary to help them reap a fair share of this lucrative huge but emerging market,” he said.
Alhaji Mahama said Ghana and many other African countries had the richest, oldest and most diverse handicraft traditions in the world.
In drawing linkages between tourism and handicrafts, the Vice-President said: “Skills have been passed on from one generation to the other in the making of artefact such as gold, jewellery, pottery/ceremics, wood carvings, Kente, basketry, leather works, adinkra, beads and smock making for the patronage of tourists.”
He urged delegates to actively participate in the forum by enriching the needed inputs for the realisation of the desired outcome of the workshop.
Mrs Oboshie Sai Cofie, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, said: ”Handicraft has been part of our culture and I believe we can develop this industry to improve the lives of our people.”
He expressed the hope that during the deliberations, participants would strive to create the necessary policy environment and areas of interoperability and synergy by these sectors to ensure a sustained contribution to poverty reduction in Africa.
Mr Ousmane Ndiaye, UNWTO Regional Representative for Africa, said the organisation was convinced that together, tourism and handicrafts could serve to establish dialogue among peoples and nations of this society that were becoming globalised, and that the synergy of these two sectors could make a strong contribution to poverty reduction and sustainable development.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Stock market is best form of raising capital
Business Page May 20/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Manager of First Atlantic Brokers Limited, Mr Kofi Sampong, has stated that capital raised through the stock exchange is the best form of raising funds to support the growth and development of companies.
He therefore asked companies not yet on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) to enlist to be able to raise long-term capital to finance their growth and expansion programmes.
Speaking in an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr Sampong, whose company is the lead brokers for the country’s first free-on-air television station, TV3, said “instead of companies going for loans from the banks, they could rather do their homework well, get their house in order and hit the stock market to raise capital”.
He said with rising interest rates the best option for businesses was to go on the stock market to raise what he described as “free money”.
The GSE has become a major source of raising long-term capital for many companies including banks and corporate bodies such as CAL Bank, Ecobank Ghana, Ghana Commercial Bank, Clydstone, and Goil which have embarked on massive expansion projects to either become or remain market leaders in their respective jurisdictions.
He said growing a company required long-term financing but unfortunately most of the banks and other financial institutions only give short to medium-term loans.
He said where a company had cause to raise additional money, it had an advantage to always go back to the shareholders to raise additional capital to finance an emergency that would eventually lead to growth in the company.
Asked to clarify the perception that companies enlist on the stock exchange and seldom pay dividends, he said shareholders need to bear in mind that the companies raise the money to finance long-term projects and until there were returns, it would be difficult to pay dividends.
He maintained that the stock exchange was the best way to raise capital for expansion and growth and entreated companies to try that avenue and said TV3 had taken the best of decisions to be listed on the GSE.
TV3 is 90 per cent owned by Media Prima Berhad (MPB), the largest integrated media investment group in Malaysia, seeking to reduce its shareholding to a simple majority.
MPB was established on September 23, 2003 and is listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia (the Malaysian Stock Exchange).
The group has diverse interest in both the electronic and print media apart from content development, event management and outdoor advertising.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Manager of First Atlantic Brokers Limited, Mr Kofi Sampong, has stated that capital raised through the stock exchange is the best form of raising funds to support the growth and development of companies.
He therefore asked companies not yet on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) to enlist to be able to raise long-term capital to finance their growth and expansion programmes.
Speaking in an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr Sampong, whose company is the lead brokers for the country’s first free-on-air television station, TV3, said “instead of companies going for loans from the banks, they could rather do their homework well, get their house in order and hit the stock market to raise capital”.
He said with rising interest rates the best option for businesses was to go on the stock market to raise what he described as “free money”.
The GSE has become a major source of raising long-term capital for many companies including banks and corporate bodies such as CAL Bank, Ecobank Ghana, Ghana Commercial Bank, Clydstone, and Goil which have embarked on massive expansion projects to either become or remain market leaders in their respective jurisdictions.
He said growing a company required long-term financing but unfortunately most of the banks and other financial institutions only give short to medium-term loans.
He said where a company had cause to raise additional money, it had an advantage to always go back to the shareholders to raise additional capital to finance an emergency that would eventually lead to growth in the company.
Asked to clarify the perception that companies enlist on the stock exchange and seldom pay dividends, he said shareholders need to bear in mind that the companies raise the money to finance long-term projects and until there were returns, it would be difficult to pay dividends.
He maintained that the stock exchange was the best way to raise capital for expansion and growth and entreated companies to try that avenue and said TV3 had taken the best of decisions to be listed on the GSE.
TV3 is 90 per cent owned by Media Prima Berhad (MPB), the largest integrated media investment group in Malaysia, seeking to reduce its shareholding to a simple majority.
MPB was established on September 23, 2003 and is listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia (the Malaysian Stock Exchange).
The group has diverse interest in both the electronic and print media apart from content development, event management and outdoor advertising.
All eyes on Ghana • Says Italian Ambassador
Spread (lead) May 20/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Italian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Fabrizio De Agostini, has urged presidential candidates and supporters of the political parties contesting the elections not to do anything to jeopardise the goodwill of Ghana in the eyes of the international community.
He noted that all eyes of the international community would be on Ghana to conduct another peaceful, free and fair elections in December.
Mr Agostini — who said this when he paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group Limited, Mr Ibrahim Awal, in Accra yesterday — stressed the need for the prevailing peace and stability to be maintained and not compromised.
He said all the various parties had lined up capable candidates who were poised to take the country to another level.
Mr Agostini said each had outlined policies that had made them attractive to the populace, promising a keen competition in December.
He said it was only appropriate that with the maturity shown now, the elections would be conducted freely and fairly.
"But in all these, the media also has a responsibility to ensure that the unity and stability of the country are intact," he added.
Mr Agostini said the media would have to set the right agenda and do unbiased reporting.
He commended the Daily Graphic and the other publications of the company for their objective reportage.
Mr Agostini expressed the hope that other newspapers in the country would emulate that example in the interest of the country.
He announced that the Italian government would increase its support for small and medium-scale enterprises with $20 million to grow their businesses.
"Last year we gave half of that amount but we are increasing it this year because we also share in the idea that the private sector is the drive behind growth," he said.
He said discussions were underway to finalise the modalities and seal other agreements to get the programme rolling.
Mr Agostini said the Italian government was also interested in Ghana's peace-building efforts and pledged more support in that aspect.
Mr Awal, for his part, pledged the commitment of the company to continue doing what was in the best interest of the country.
He said the newspapers of the company strove to offer the political parties a platform to tell the electorate and Ghanaians at large what they could do to better the lives of Ghanaians and asked all of them to take advantage of the opportunity.
"We as a company believe in democracy and we will continue to use the papers to champion that cause," he added.
Mr Awal said the Graphic Dialogue Series instituted a few years back was meant to offer a platform to promote democracy in the sub-region and noted that this year’s dialogue would also be organised in style.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Italian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Fabrizio De Agostini, has urged presidential candidates and supporters of the political parties contesting the elections not to do anything to jeopardise the goodwill of Ghana in the eyes of the international community.
He noted that all eyes of the international community would be on Ghana to conduct another peaceful, free and fair elections in December.
Mr Agostini — who said this when he paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group Limited, Mr Ibrahim Awal, in Accra yesterday — stressed the need for the prevailing peace and stability to be maintained and not compromised.
He said all the various parties had lined up capable candidates who were poised to take the country to another level.
Mr Agostini said each had outlined policies that had made them attractive to the populace, promising a keen competition in December.
He said it was only appropriate that with the maturity shown now, the elections would be conducted freely and fairly.
"But in all these, the media also has a responsibility to ensure that the unity and stability of the country are intact," he added.
Mr Agostini said the media would have to set the right agenda and do unbiased reporting.
He commended the Daily Graphic and the other publications of the company for their objective reportage.
Mr Agostini expressed the hope that other newspapers in the country would emulate that example in the interest of the country.
He announced that the Italian government would increase its support for small and medium-scale enterprises with $20 million to grow their businesses.
"Last year we gave half of that amount but we are increasing it this year because we also share in the idea that the private sector is the drive behind growth," he said.
He said discussions were underway to finalise the modalities and seal other agreements to get the programme rolling.
Mr Agostini said the Italian government was also interested in Ghana's peace-building efforts and pledged more support in that aspect.
Mr Awal, for his part, pledged the commitment of the company to continue doing what was in the best interest of the country.
He said the newspapers of the company strove to offer the political parties a platform to tell the electorate and Ghanaians at large what they could do to better the lives of Ghanaians and asked all of them to take advantage of the opportunity.
"We as a company believe in democracy and we will continue to use the papers to champion that cause," he added.
Mr Awal said the Graphic Dialogue Series instituted a few years back was meant to offer a platform to promote democracy in the sub-region and noted that this year’s dialogue would also be organised in style.
UWR celebrates silver jubilee
Back (lead) May 20/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Upper West Region is set to begin the celebration of its 25 years of existence from May 23 until May 31, this year to showcase the investment potential of the region, which was created as the 10th region in the country in 1983.
It will also be used to solicit the views and ideas of prominent citizens of the region on how to chart a way forward in lifting the region from its present state of deprivation to become a centrepiece of development in the country.
The Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, announced this when he paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group Limited, Mr Ibrahim Awal, in Accra yesterday.
The region, which used to be part of the then Upper Region, was created to be on its own in 1983 by the regime of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) under the chairmanship of former President Jerry John Rawlings.
Since then, the region has seen some development but has not been largely able to move out of the poverty zone.
Elaborating on the activities lined up, Mr Benson explained for instance that the investment fair had been specially programmed to showcase the huge potentials of the region to attract potential investors.
He mentioned large deposits of clay, which could be used to transform the building industry in the country because of its unique feature of making rooms cooler, and the large mineral deposits such as gold in many other parts of the region.
Mr Benson said the region also had large arable land suitable for the cultivation of many crops and indicated that all these coupled with the peace in the region was a great asset.
He said the region abound with relatively cheaper and problem-free human resource that investors could explore to make good business.
"This region has produced a president for the country and many other leaders and prominent people have served and continue to serve in government and the civil and public services," he added.
Mr Benson said the region was also endowed with many tourists attractions such as the Hippo sanctuary in Wichau.
He noted that the development forum also lined up as part of the celebration would provide an appropriate platform for prominent speakers to chart the way forward.
Mr Benson said what would be discussed and the recommendations thereafter would serve as a blueprint for the development of the region.
He admitted that the region had seen many challenges since it was created and mentioned some as inadequate road infrastructure.
However, Mr Benson was of the view that all these problems could be surmounted if the citizens of the region who had made it in other regions and outside the country could come home to contribute their quota to its development and uplift.
He said the nine-day celebrations would be a major occasion for unity of the region.
Mr Benson paid glowing tribute to former President Rawlings for creating the region and to President Kufuor for not abandoning the region.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Upper West Region is set to begin the celebration of its 25 years of existence from May 23 until May 31, this year to showcase the investment potential of the region, which was created as the 10th region in the country in 1983.
It will also be used to solicit the views and ideas of prominent citizens of the region on how to chart a way forward in lifting the region from its present state of deprivation to become a centrepiece of development in the country.
The Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, announced this when he paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group Limited, Mr Ibrahim Awal, in Accra yesterday.
The region, which used to be part of the then Upper Region, was created to be on its own in 1983 by the regime of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) under the chairmanship of former President Jerry John Rawlings.
Since then, the region has seen some development but has not been largely able to move out of the poverty zone.
Elaborating on the activities lined up, Mr Benson explained for instance that the investment fair had been specially programmed to showcase the huge potentials of the region to attract potential investors.
He mentioned large deposits of clay, which could be used to transform the building industry in the country because of its unique feature of making rooms cooler, and the large mineral deposits such as gold in many other parts of the region.
Mr Benson said the region also had large arable land suitable for the cultivation of many crops and indicated that all these coupled with the peace in the region was a great asset.
He said the region abound with relatively cheaper and problem-free human resource that investors could explore to make good business.
"This region has produced a president for the country and many other leaders and prominent people have served and continue to serve in government and the civil and public services," he added.
Mr Benson said the region was also endowed with many tourists attractions such as the Hippo sanctuary in Wichau.
He noted that the development forum also lined up as part of the celebration would provide an appropriate platform for prominent speakers to chart the way forward.
Mr Benson said what would be discussed and the recommendations thereafter would serve as a blueprint for the development of the region.
He admitted that the region had seen many challenges since it was created and mentioned some as inadequate road infrastructure.
However, Mr Benson was of the view that all these problems could be surmounted if the citizens of the region who had made it in other regions and outside the country could come home to contribute their quota to its development and uplift.
He said the nine-day celebrations would be a major occasion for unity of the region.
Mr Benson paid glowing tribute to former President Rawlings for creating the region and to President Kufuor for not abandoning the region.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
'CPP,PNC merger good but . . .'
Political page May 17/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
A Governance expert of the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), Mr Kwesi Jonah, has said that the alliance between the Conventions People’s Party (CPP) and the People’s National Convention (PNC) will not make any significant impact on the fortunes of the two biggest parties in the country, namely the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to him, although the alliance was an important achievement, the two parties lacked the capacity to undo the two strong parties which had representations and offices in every corner of the country.
Reacting to the alliance of the two most popular Nkrumaist parties in an interview, Mr Jonah, who is a Senior Research Fellow at the IDEG, described the alliance as “psychologically good for the two parties, but not good on the ground”.
He recalled the performance of the two Nkrumaist parties in the previous general election, and said while the CPP had about one per cent, the PNC had about three per cent.
In Parliament, he said, the two parties combined also had only seven parliamentarians, out of the 230, which made them weak when combined.
Mr Jonah said the parties also did not have representations with regard to offices in various parts of the country, and wondered if they could make any inroad in the December general election.
He, however, did not play down on the vim and excitement the new Presidential Candidate of the CPP, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, had brought into the party, saying “he has done well so far to revive the CPP”.
Mr Jonah said the Dr Nduom also brought a lot of enthusiasm into the party, but indicated that it would be difficult for the alliance to invade the support base of the two biggest parties.
On the alliance proper, he said the two parties needed to have the approval of their congresses.
“The leadership of the party cannot just sit to agree to an alliance without the consent of their congresses,” he said.
He said the parties needed feedback from their congresses to be able to inform the Electoral Commission (EC) on what they had arrived at.
Mr Jonah said with the alliance, there should be a common symbol and other information which the EC would work with.
He said since the story was new, he was yet to study the kind of alliance the two parties had entered into to be able to make any further comments.
Mr Jonah, however, reiterated that the alliance was nothing much to change the voting pattern.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
A Governance expert of the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), Mr Kwesi Jonah, has said that the alliance between the Conventions People’s Party (CPP) and the People’s National Convention (PNC) will not make any significant impact on the fortunes of the two biggest parties in the country, namely the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to him, although the alliance was an important achievement, the two parties lacked the capacity to undo the two strong parties which had representations and offices in every corner of the country.
Reacting to the alliance of the two most popular Nkrumaist parties in an interview, Mr Jonah, who is a Senior Research Fellow at the IDEG, described the alliance as “psychologically good for the two parties, but not good on the ground”.
He recalled the performance of the two Nkrumaist parties in the previous general election, and said while the CPP had about one per cent, the PNC had about three per cent.
In Parliament, he said, the two parties combined also had only seven parliamentarians, out of the 230, which made them weak when combined.
Mr Jonah said the parties also did not have representations with regard to offices in various parts of the country, and wondered if they could make any inroad in the December general election.
He, however, did not play down on the vim and excitement the new Presidential Candidate of the CPP, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, had brought into the party, saying “he has done well so far to revive the CPP”.
Mr Jonah said the Dr Nduom also brought a lot of enthusiasm into the party, but indicated that it would be difficult for the alliance to invade the support base of the two biggest parties.
On the alliance proper, he said the two parties needed to have the approval of their congresses.
“The leadership of the party cannot just sit to agree to an alliance without the consent of their congresses,” he said.
He said the parties needed feedback from their congresses to be able to inform the Electoral Commission (EC) on what they had arrived at.
Mr Jonah said with the alliance, there should be a common symbol and other information which the EC would work with.
He said since the story was new, he was yet to study the kind of alliance the two parties had entered into to be able to make any further comments.
Mr Jonah, however, reiterated that the alliance was nothing much to change the voting pattern.
...Its a wake-up call for govt - AGI
Spread May 17/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has stated that the recent global food crisis and its impact on Ghana should be a wake-up call on the government to take the development of the agricultural sector more seriously.
It said Ghana has large acres of arable land which could be fast developed to make the country realise its dream of becoming self-sufficient in food production, adding “there is no longer time to waste or we suffer the consequences”.
In an interview, the Vice-President of the association, Nana Owusu Afari, told the Daily Graphic in Accra that food was one of the most basic necessities of life “and the government should not allow market forces to correct the situation because the trend does not point to a reduction in the nearest future”.
He admitted that the escalating crude oil prices on the international market could affect the cost of agricultural production but noted that Ghana would gain if it is able to develop the sector to be able to feed itself and also export some to take advantage of the soaring prices on the international market.
“By developing the sector, we could be also solving our huge unemployment problem in the country as well as reducing the rural-urban drift”, he added.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture had, a couple of months ago, allayed the fears of Ghanaians by saying that there was no cause for alarm as the country had enough stocks of food to take care of the people.
However, in spite of the assurance, the prices of food items such as rice and wheat continues to soar locally because most of them are imported.
Statistics from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) have shown that items such as maize, local and imported rice, millet, yam, cassava, plantain, palm oil, tomato, cowpea and groundnut recorded increases ranging between 7.95 per cent and 124.56 per cent within the period.
The figures were arrived at based on reports obtained from all the 10 regional capitals, as well as four other markets in Tema, Obuasi, Mankessim and Techiman by the Statistics, Research and Information Directorate (SRID) of MOFA, out of which tomato recorded the highest variation within the period, with the price of 52kg of the vegetable going up from GH¢24.95 in January to GH¢56.03 in April, representing an increase of 124.56 per cent.
Groundnut recorded the second highest with the price of 82kg of the crop increasing from GH¢65.88 to GH¢72.54, depicting an increase of 69 per cent.
Nana Afari, who is also the owner of one of the biggest poultry farms in the country, Afari Farms, said Ghana had no cause to complain about the rising food costs in the country.
Ghana is considered an agrarian country with more than 60 per cent of its workforce in the agricultural sector. Unfortunately, most of the people in the sector do subsistence farming, due to lack of farming inputs and land for cultivation.
In the interim, Nana Afari has added his voice to calls for a reduction in the tariffs on imported staples such as rice and wheat to meet the pockets of the ‘ordinary’ Ghanaian.
“This increasing cost of food, particularly the imported ones, should be seen as a crisis situation for which reason the government needs to act fast to cushion its citizens”, he said.
The Managing Director of Finatrade Group, a major rice merchant in the country, Mr Nabil Moukarzel, has made a similar call like other economic experts but there has not been any response from government sources.
The argument has been that once the neighbouring countries of Ghana had been able to do so, there was no excuse for the government to continue to delay in taking a similar decision.
The call comes ahead of the setting up of a five-member committee by President Kufuor to make recommendations to the government on how to mitigate the effects of the global food and oil crisis on consumers.
The committee, chaired by Mrs Mary Chinery-Hesse, Chief Advisor to the President, has one week to make its recommendations to the government so that it can act swiftly to reduce the hardship induced by the global economic downturn on Ghanaians.
Nana Afari said the world was in unusual times and the best way around the situation was government intervention which required no further delays.
He said the global trend with regard to crude oil prices was scary and with indications that the prices could hit the $200 mark per barrel by the end of the year, individuals could do nothing about the situation; only the government could.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has stated that the recent global food crisis and its impact on Ghana should be a wake-up call on the government to take the development of the agricultural sector more seriously.
It said Ghana has large acres of arable land which could be fast developed to make the country realise its dream of becoming self-sufficient in food production, adding “there is no longer time to waste or we suffer the consequences”.
In an interview, the Vice-President of the association, Nana Owusu Afari, told the Daily Graphic in Accra that food was one of the most basic necessities of life “and the government should not allow market forces to correct the situation because the trend does not point to a reduction in the nearest future”.
He admitted that the escalating crude oil prices on the international market could affect the cost of agricultural production but noted that Ghana would gain if it is able to develop the sector to be able to feed itself and also export some to take advantage of the soaring prices on the international market.
“By developing the sector, we could be also solving our huge unemployment problem in the country as well as reducing the rural-urban drift”, he added.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture had, a couple of months ago, allayed the fears of Ghanaians by saying that there was no cause for alarm as the country had enough stocks of food to take care of the people.
However, in spite of the assurance, the prices of food items such as rice and wheat continues to soar locally because most of them are imported.
Statistics from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) have shown that items such as maize, local and imported rice, millet, yam, cassava, plantain, palm oil, tomato, cowpea and groundnut recorded increases ranging between 7.95 per cent and 124.56 per cent within the period.
The figures were arrived at based on reports obtained from all the 10 regional capitals, as well as four other markets in Tema, Obuasi, Mankessim and Techiman by the Statistics, Research and Information Directorate (SRID) of MOFA, out of which tomato recorded the highest variation within the period, with the price of 52kg of the vegetable going up from GH¢24.95 in January to GH¢56.03 in April, representing an increase of 124.56 per cent.
Groundnut recorded the second highest with the price of 82kg of the crop increasing from GH¢65.88 to GH¢72.54, depicting an increase of 69 per cent.
Nana Afari, who is also the owner of one of the biggest poultry farms in the country, Afari Farms, said Ghana had no cause to complain about the rising food costs in the country.
Ghana is considered an agrarian country with more than 60 per cent of its workforce in the agricultural sector. Unfortunately, most of the people in the sector do subsistence farming, due to lack of farming inputs and land for cultivation.
In the interim, Nana Afari has added his voice to calls for a reduction in the tariffs on imported staples such as rice and wheat to meet the pockets of the ‘ordinary’ Ghanaian.
“This increasing cost of food, particularly the imported ones, should be seen as a crisis situation for which reason the government needs to act fast to cushion its citizens”, he said.
The Managing Director of Finatrade Group, a major rice merchant in the country, Mr Nabil Moukarzel, has made a similar call like other economic experts but there has not been any response from government sources.
The argument has been that once the neighbouring countries of Ghana had been able to do so, there was no excuse for the government to continue to delay in taking a similar decision.
The call comes ahead of the setting up of a five-member committee by President Kufuor to make recommendations to the government on how to mitigate the effects of the global food and oil crisis on consumers.
The committee, chaired by Mrs Mary Chinery-Hesse, Chief Advisor to the President, has one week to make its recommendations to the government so that it can act swiftly to reduce the hardship induced by the global economic downturn on Ghanaians.
Nana Afari said the world was in unusual times and the best way around the situation was government intervention which required no further delays.
He said the global trend with regard to crude oil prices was scary and with indications that the prices could hit the $200 mark per barrel by the end of the year, individuals could do nothing about the situation; only the government could.
Rail death toll up
Front page May 17/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE death toll in last Thursday’s accident that occurred between Huni Valley and Kuranti on the western rail line has risen from seven to 11, with rescue workers still searching for more bodies believed to have been trapped under the wreckage.
The latest among the dead was described as an elderly woman who passed away in the early hours of yesterday at the Tarkwa Government Hospital. She is yet to be identified by her family.
Reports say all the deceased were unauthorised passengers, mostly traders who were not employees of the Ghana Railway Company (GRC).
About 23 others who received various degrees of injury have either been treated and discharged or still are hospitalised at the Tarkwa Hospital.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic on the tragedy, the Minister of Harbours and Railways, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, wondered why unauthorised passengers got on board a freight train that was not meant for passengers.
He said a committee had been set up to investigate the cause of the accident.
The two freight trains on the western rail line were involved in a head-on collision at about 10 a.m.
The trains, one loaded with bauxite and the other empty, were moving in opposite directions on the same rail line when they collided.
Meanwhile, the township of Huni Valley in the Prestea-Huni Valley District of the Western Region has been thrown into a state of mourning following the tragedy that also claimed a set of twins aged about two and half years, reports Kwame Asiedu Marfo.
Also identified among the dead are five adults made up of four females and a male.
The Western Region Minister Mr A. E. Amoah, and his deputy, Mr Kwasi Blay, and the Western Region Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) M.A. Alhassan, visited the accident scene on Thursday evening.
Many of the people, particularly women who thronged the accident scene, were seen weeping uncontrollably especially when the bodies of the two minors were retrieved from under the wreckage.
According to Mr Joseph Ernest Yalley, the Huni Valley Station Master, there was a break in communication between the Huni Valley and Kuranti Station on the western rail line.
He explained that the Ghana Railway Company had instituted a pilot working system where anytime there was a break in communication, a human being served as a pilot man.
He said the despatch of any train at the two stations depended on the authority of the pilot man.
"The pilot man was with me so I dispatched the train going to Takoradi Port, not knowing that the other station master at Kuranti had dispatched the other train without the authority of the pilot man."
Mr Yalley said the authorities had arranged for breakdown cranes from Dunkwa and Takoradi to clear the wreckage, which he said would take about two days.
One of the accident victims, Hannah Sarpong, who was treated and discharged, said they joined the empty train at Kojokrom near Takoradi, since they found it difficult to get vehicles to their villages along the rail line.
Mr A. E. Amoah said efforts would be made to ensure that the trains were immediately removed from the railway line to make way for other trains.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE death toll in last Thursday’s accident that occurred between Huni Valley and Kuranti on the western rail line has risen from seven to 11, with rescue workers still searching for more bodies believed to have been trapped under the wreckage.
The latest among the dead was described as an elderly woman who passed away in the early hours of yesterday at the Tarkwa Government Hospital. She is yet to be identified by her family.
Reports say all the deceased were unauthorised passengers, mostly traders who were not employees of the Ghana Railway Company (GRC).
About 23 others who received various degrees of injury have either been treated and discharged or still are hospitalised at the Tarkwa Hospital.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic on the tragedy, the Minister of Harbours and Railways, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, wondered why unauthorised passengers got on board a freight train that was not meant for passengers.
He said a committee had been set up to investigate the cause of the accident.
The two freight trains on the western rail line were involved in a head-on collision at about 10 a.m.
The trains, one loaded with bauxite and the other empty, were moving in opposite directions on the same rail line when they collided.
Meanwhile, the township of Huni Valley in the Prestea-Huni Valley District of the Western Region has been thrown into a state of mourning following the tragedy that also claimed a set of twins aged about two and half years, reports Kwame Asiedu Marfo.
Also identified among the dead are five adults made up of four females and a male.
The Western Region Minister Mr A. E. Amoah, and his deputy, Mr Kwasi Blay, and the Western Region Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) M.A. Alhassan, visited the accident scene on Thursday evening.
Many of the people, particularly women who thronged the accident scene, were seen weeping uncontrollably especially when the bodies of the two minors were retrieved from under the wreckage.
According to Mr Joseph Ernest Yalley, the Huni Valley Station Master, there was a break in communication between the Huni Valley and Kuranti Station on the western rail line.
He explained that the Ghana Railway Company had instituted a pilot working system where anytime there was a break in communication, a human being served as a pilot man.
He said the despatch of any train at the two stations depended on the authority of the pilot man.
"The pilot man was with me so I dispatched the train going to Takoradi Port, not knowing that the other station master at Kuranti had dispatched the other train without the authority of the pilot man."
Mr Yalley said the authorities had arranged for breakdown cranes from Dunkwa and Takoradi to clear the wreckage, which he said would take about two days.
One of the accident victims, Hannah Sarpong, who was treated and discharged, said they joined the empty train at Kojokrom near Takoradi, since they found it difficult to get vehicles to their villages along the rail line.
Mr A. E. Amoah said efforts would be made to ensure that the trains were immediately removed from the railway line to make way for other trains.
Friday, May 16, 2008
'Remove tarrifs on food imports'
Back page May 16/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE government has been called upon to remove tariffs on imported staples such as rice and wheat to reduce the high price pressure on local consumers.
Such a move is also expected to halt the increased smuggling of such products across the borders from neighbouring countries such as Cote d’ Ivoire, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Benin, which have reduced tariffs on such imported staples into their respective countries.
The call comes at a time when the Cabinet is seriously considering options to reduce the impact of soaring world prices on staples, such as rice and wheat, and crude oil on the people.
The Managing Director of Finatrade Group, a major rice merchant in the country, Mr Nabil Moukarzel, who made the call when he paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group Limited, Mr Ibrahim Awal, gave the assurance that the company was prepared to reciprocate the move by the government by keeping the prices at reasonable levels to meet the pockets of the ordinary people.
He noted for instance that Nigeria, which used to have up to 100 per cent tariff on imported rice and wheat, had now reduced it to zero to avoid the effect of the high prices of such products on the international market on its citizens.
“Ghana can do same, and as I said earlier, we are ever ready to ensure that the reduction in the tariffs reflect positively on the prices for the people in the country,” he said.
Mr Moukarzel said since many Ghanaians including the very poor relied heavily on rice and wheat products such as bread as their daily meal, it was imperative for them to be saved the ordeal of having to bear the brunt of the worsening world prices on rice and wheat.
On the other hand, he said due to the high prices of the staples, smugglers were having a field day by brining rice and wheat into the country, through unapproved routes.
He said such a practice was not only affecting local importers, who paid taxes to improve the government’s revenue, but also denying the state huge sums in taxes meant to accelerate the development of the country.
Mr Moukarzel said in Cote d’ Ivoire, the staples were selling at 40 per cent less than Ghana, hence the smuggling into the country to compete with those imported through the right channel.
He pointed out that in spite of the fact that Finatrade imported large quantities of rice and wheat into the country, it also supported local rice farmers in many ways including the marketing of their produce.
“Let me point out that the production in the country is not enough to meet the demand so that rice import was necessary,” he added.
However, he noted that the local production could be beefed up to reduce imports and Finatrade was fully committed to any move to that effect.
To show the company’s commitment to that, Mr Moukarzel said Finatrade Foundation, the development wing of the Finatrade Group, was to start a model farm for local rice production on the campuses of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
“We are sinking into that project, GH¢60,000 as seed money and when successful, we are going to replicate that in many parts of the country as our contribution to increase local rice production in the country,” Mr Moukarzel said.
Mr Moukarzel said the company anticipated the increase in world prices for the staples and had, therefore, stocked enough to meet demand into next year.
“If we had stocked just a few and done a replacement to coincide with the soaring world prices, the prices of rice and wheat on the local market would have gone up by between 30 and 40 per cent,” he said.
He used the opportunity to commend the management of the Graphic Communications Group Limited for the role it had and continued to play in supporting democracy and freedom of speech in the country.
Mr Moukarzel made particular reference to the company’s Governance Dialogue series, which provided a platform for governance and economic experts across the country and in the sub-region to dialogue on how to sustain and improve governance and the economy to better the lives of the people.
He said his company was committed to the dialogue and would continue to lend its support to ensure that the dialogue series become one of the major programmes on the country’s calendar.
The Finatrade managing director, who was accompanied by his company’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr John Awuni, also congratulated the management and staff of the company on the first anniversary celebration of Graphic Nsempa, the latest addition to the company’s newspaper stable, and pledged greater support and collaboration to make it a force to reckon with as far as information dissemination and entertainment was concerned.
Mr Awal, for his part, commended the management of Finatrade for its partnership with Graphic and in particular, the support for the governance dialogue series and Graphic Nsempa.
He said the dialogue series, which also had a positive impact on business and economic growth, was important for the development and sustenance of democracy in the country.
Mr Awal said the dialogue series had come to stay as an annual programme on the company’s calendar.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE government has been called upon to remove tariffs on imported staples such as rice and wheat to reduce the high price pressure on local consumers.
Such a move is also expected to halt the increased smuggling of such products across the borders from neighbouring countries such as Cote d’ Ivoire, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Benin, which have reduced tariffs on such imported staples into their respective countries.
The call comes at a time when the Cabinet is seriously considering options to reduce the impact of soaring world prices on staples, such as rice and wheat, and crude oil on the people.
The Managing Director of Finatrade Group, a major rice merchant in the country, Mr Nabil Moukarzel, who made the call when he paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group Limited, Mr Ibrahim Awal, gave the assurance that the company was prepared to reciprocate the move by the government by keeping the prices at reasonable levels to meet the pockets of the ordinary people.
He noted for instance that Nigeria, which used to have up to 100 per cent tariff on imported rice and wheat, had now reduced it to zero to avoid the effect of the high prices of such products on the international market on its citizens.
“Ghana can do same, and as I said earlier, we are ever ready to ensure that the reduction in the tariffs reflect positively on the prices for the people in the country,” he said.
Mr Moukarzel said since many Ghanaians including the very poor relied heavily on rice and wheat products such as bread as their daily meal, it was imperative for them to be saved the ordeal of having to bear the brunt of the worsening world prices on rice and wheat.
On the other hand, he said due to the high prices of the staples, smugglers were having a field day by brining rice and wheat into the country, through unapproved routes.
He said such a practice was not only affecting local importers, who paid taxes to improve the government’s revenue, but also denying the state huge sums in taxes meant to accelerate the development of the country.
Mr Moukarzel said in Cote d’ Ivoire, the staples were selling at 40 per cent less than Ghana, hence the smuggling into the country to compete with those imported through the right channel.
He pointed out that in spite of the fact that Finatrade imported large quantities of rice and wheat into the country, it also supported local rice farmers in many ways including the marketing of their produce.
“Let me point out that the production in the country is not enough to meet the demand so that rice import was necessary,” he added.
However, he noted that the local production could be beefed up to reduce imports and Finatrade was fully committed to any move to that effect.
To show the company’s commitment to that, Mr Moukarzel said Finatrade Foundation, the development wing of the Finatrade Group, was to start a model farm for local rice production on the campuses of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
“We are sinking into that project, GH¢60,000 as seed money and when successful, we are going to replicate that in many parts of the country as our contribution to increase local rice production in the country,” Mr Moukarzel said.
Mr Moukarzel said the company anticipated the increase in world prices for the staples and had, therefore, stocked enough to meet demand into next year.
“If we had stocked just a few and done a replacement to coincide with the soaring world prices, the prices of rice and wheat on the local market would have gone up by between 30 and 40 per cent,” he said.
He used the opportunity to commend the management of the Graphic Communications Group Limited for the role it had and continued to play in supporting democracy and freedom of speech in the country.
Mr Moukarzel made particular reference to the company’s Governance Dialogue series, which provided a platform for governance and economic experts across the country and in the sub-region to dialogue on how to sustain and improve governance and the economy to better the lives of the people.
He said his company was committed to the dialogue and would continue to lend its support to ensure that the dialogue series become one of the major programmes on the country’s calendar.
The Finatrade managing director, who was accompanied by his company’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr John Awuni, also congratulated the management and staff of the company on the first anniversary celebration of Graphic Nsempa, the latest addition to the company’s newspaper stable, and pledged greater support and collaboration to make it a force to reckon with as far as information dissemination and entertainment was concerned.
Mr Awal, for his part, commended the management of Finatrade for its partnership with Graphic and in particular, the support for the governance dialogue series and Graphic Nsempa.
He said the dialogue series, which also had a positive impact on business and economic growth, was important for the development and sustenance of democracy in the country.
Mr Awal said the dialogue series had come to stay as an annual programme on the company’s calendar.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Gov't releases GH¢19m for NYEP
Page 3 (lead) May 14/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE government has released approximately GH¢19 million to be paid to employees under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP).
The amount covers four months arrears from January to April and it is expected to be paid into the accounts of all the 108,000 employees under the scheme instituted by the government to solve the huge unemployment challenge in the country.
Consequently, the government has reached an agreement with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) to pay in full, all employees under the scheme with effect from this month.
This is expected to end the delays in the payment of employees under the programme since its commencement.
The sector minister, Nana Akomea, told the Daily Graphic that since the payment of the salaries of the workers delayed as a result of the delays in the release of the sources of funds for the programme, ADB had undertaken to pay the money upfront for it to be reimbursed later.
Under the NYEP, 10 per cent each from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Road Fund and 15 per cent from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) is sourced to finance the programme but due to delays in the release into the accounts of the NYEP, payment of salaries have always been in arrears.
But Nana Akomea said with the new arrangement with ADB, there would be no such thing and employees would have their salaries in their accounts at the end of every month from the end of the month.
He said by the agreement, ADB would release GH¢6 million every month for payment to the employees, an arrangement he described as a welcome relief not only to the government but for the sustenance of the NYEP.
On the payment of the social security contributions of those under the scheme, he said the NYEP was not meant to be a permanent job.
"It is a temporary employment programme meant to expose the youth to the job market so that they leave after a while for others to be enrolled," he said.
Nana Akomea noted that it was against this background that the social security contributions could not be paid, adding that "it is expected that when they get permanent employment after the experience gained from the NYEP, their employers will take up the social security contributions on their behalf".
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE government has released approximately GH¢19 million to be paid to employees under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP).
The amount covers four months arrears from January to April and it is expected to be paid into the accounts of all the 108,000 employees under the scheme instituted by the government to solve the huge unemployment challenge in the country.
Consequently, the government has reached an agreement with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) to pay in full, all employees under the scheme with effect from this month.
This is expected to end the delays in the payment of employees under the programme since its commencement.
The sector minister, Nana Akomea, told the Daily Graphic that since the payment of the salaries of the workers delayed as a result of the delays in the release of the sources of funds for the programme, ADB had undertaken to pay the money upfront for it to be reimbursed later.
Under the NYEP, 10 per cent each from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Road Fund and 15 per cent from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) is sourced to finance the programme but due to delays in the release into the accounts of the NYEP, payment of salaries have always been in arrears.
But Nana Akomea said with the new arrangement with ADB, there would be no such thing and employees would have their salaries in their accounts at the end of every month from the end of the month.
He said by the agreement, ADB would release GH¢6 million every month for payment to the employees, an arrangement he described as a welcome relief not only to the government but for the sustenance of the NYEP.
On the payment of the social security contributions of those under the scheme, he said the NYEP was not meant to be a permanent job.
"It is a temporary employment programme meant to expose the youth to the job market so that they leave after a while for others to be enrolled," he said.
Nana Akomea noted that it was against this background that the social security contributions could not be paid, adding that "it is expected that when they get permanent employment after the experience gained from the NYEP, their employers will take up the social security contributions on their behalf".
Mallam/Kasoa toll booth area to be expanded
Back page May 14/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Ministry of Transportation has ordered the immediate expansion of the portion of the Mallam-Kasoa road, around Tuba junction, where new temporary toll booths have been installed.
The sector minister, Dr Richard Anane, asked the Ghana Highway Authority to expand the road from the present two to four lanes to make way for the mounting of permanent toll booths.
The move is to ease the traffic build-up on the road as a result of the mounting of toll booths without any expansion of that portion of the road.
Dr Anane gave the order when he and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), Mr Eric Oduro-Konadu, and some officials visited the toll booths mounted near the new police barrier on the Mallam-Kasoa road.
Unlike last Monday, when the authorities started operating the booths, the traffic situation was slightly better yesterday because some toll collectors were busily selling coupons to motorists outside the makeshift booths mounted on the road.
But some motorists did not take kindly to the situation and while some cast insinuations at the minister and his entourage, others suggested the relocation of the booths.
They argued that the position of the booths near the police barrier was not the best, adding that they were unable to bear what they described as the terrible traffic caused on the road.
Dr Anane said he had taken the criticisms in good faith and apologised for the inconvenience but made it clear that “the booths will not be removed but work is going to begin immediately to expand that portion of the road where the tolls are collected from the present two lanes to four lanes”.
He said by building a toll plaza of about four each on each side, there will be nothing to worry about.
Dr Anane said although minor challenges were anticipated, the magnitude was not expected and gave the assurance that “just as we have managed to do today to reduce the traffic, we will continue to improve the situation until work on the expansion is completed”.
He pleaded with the police to allow the vehicles to pass through when it was a peak period to ease some of the traffic.
Hitherto, after going through the traffic for several hours to pay the toll, the police also stop the vehicles for regular checks, a situation which compounded the traffic.
Dr Anane used the opportunity to sample views of some motorists as to whether they would pay more for using the road.
After they had admitted to do so without hesitation, he said soon after the expansion, the tolls would be increased to a minimum of GH50Gp.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Ministry of Transportation has ordered the immediate expansion of the portion of the Mallam-Kasoa road, around Tuba junction, where new temporary toll booths have been installed.
The sector minister, Dr Richard Anane, asked the Ghana Highway Authority to expand the road from the present two to four lanes to make way for the mounting of permanent toll booths.
The move is to ease the traffic build-up on the road as a result of the mounting of toll booths without any expansion of that portion of the road.
Dr Anane gave the order when he and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), Mr Eric Oduro-Konadu, and some officials visited the toll booths mounted near the new police barrier on the Mallam-Kasoa road.
Unlike last Monday, when the authorities started operating the booths, the traffic situation was slightly better yesterday because some toll collectors were busily selling coupons to motorists outside the makeshift booths mounted on the road.
But some motorists did not take kindly to the situation and while some cast insinuations at the minister and his entourage, others suggested the relocation of the booths.
They argued that the position of the booths near the police barrier was not the best, adding that they were unable to bear what they described as the terrible traffic caused on the road.
Dr Anane said he had taken the criticisms in good faith and apologised for the inconvenience but made it clear that “the booths will not be removed but work is going to begin immediately to expand that portion of the road where the tolls are collected from the present two lanes to four lanes”.
He said by building a toll plaza of about four each on each side, there will be nothing to worry about.
Dr Anane said although minor challenges were anticipated, the magnitude was not expected and gave the assurance that “just as we have managed to do today to reduce the traffic, we will continue to improve the situation until work on the expansion is completed”.
He pleaded with the police to allow the vehicles to pass through when it was a peak period to ease some of the traffic.
Hitherto, after going through the traffic for several hours to pay the toll, the police also stop the vehicles for regular checks, a situation which compounded the traffic.
Dr Anane used the opportunity to sample views of some motorists as to whether they would pay more for using the road.
After they had admitted to do so without hesitation, he said soon after the expansion, the tolls would be increased to a minimum of GH50Gp.
Full Gospel assists Psychaitric Hospital
Metro page May 10/2008
Story : Charles Benoni Okine
THE West Gate Chapter of the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship at the weekend donated items worth GH¢1,100 as its support towards the upkeep of the inmates of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital.
The items which include a giant water tank, bags of rice, cooking oil, toiletries, among others, formed part of activities to mark the chapter’s second anniversary.
Presenting the items, the acting President of the fellowship, Mr Francis Owusu, said due to the call for support by the hospital, members of the fellowship deemed it wise to contribute their widow’s mite towards the upkeep of the inmates.
He said the fellowship had intended to adopt the hospital so as to make annual allocations to support it.
He also expressed the hope that other Christian fellowships would emulate the example of the West Gate Chapter, since that was one of the best ways to demonstrate their true love for Christ Jesus.
Dr Akwasi Osei, Director of the hospital, expressed appreciation of the hospital and the inmates for the gesture.
He mentioned in particular, the giant water tank and said with the unstable water flow in the city, the hospital would now be able to store some water any time it flowed.
Mr Owusu (second right) presenting one of the items to Dr Osei, while other members of the Fellowship and the staff of the hospital look on. Behind them is the giant water tank. Picture: Charles Benoni Okine
Story : Charles Benoni Okine
THE West Gate Chapter of the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship at the weekend donated items worth GH¢1,100 as its support towards the upkeep of the inmates of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital.
The items which include a giant water tank, bags of rice, cooking oil, toiletries, among others, formed part of activities to mark the chapter’s second anniversary.
Presenting the items, the acting President of the fellowship, Mr Francis Owusu, said due to the call for support by the hospital, members of the fellowship deemed it wise to contribute their widow’s mite towards the upkeep of the inmates.
He said the fellowship had intended to adopt the hospital so as to make annual allocations to support it.
He also expressed the hope that other Christian fellowships would emulate the example of the West Gate Chapter, since that was one of the best ways to demonstrate their true love for Christ Jesus.
Dr Akwasi Osei, Director of the hospital, expressed appreciation of the hospital and the inmates for the gesture.
He mentioned in particular, the giant water tank and said with the unstable water flow in the city, the hospital would now be able to store some water any time it flowed.
Mr Owusu (second right) presenting one of the items to Dr Osei, while other members of the Fellowship and the staff of the hospital look on. Behind them is the giant water tank. Picture: Charles Benoni Okine
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Full Gospel assists Psychaitric Hospital
Metro page may 13/2008
Story & Pic: Charles Benoni Okine
THE West Gate Chapter of the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship at the weekend donated items worth GH¢1,100 as its support towards the upkeep of the inmates of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital.
The items which include a giant water tank, bags of rice, cooking oil, toiletries, among others, formed part of activities to mark the chapter’s second anniversary.
Presenting the items, the acting President of the fellowship, Mr Francis Owusu, said due to the call for support by the hospital, members of the fellowship deemed it wise to contribute their widow’s mite towards the upkeep of the inmates.
He said the fellowship had intended to adopt the hospital so as to make annual allocations to support it.
He also expressed the hope that other Christian fellowships would emulate the example of the West Gate Chapter, since that was one of the best ways to demonstrate their true love for Christ Jesus.
Dr Akwasi Osei, Director of the hospital, expressed appreciation of the hospital and the inmates for the gesture.
He mentioned in particular, the giant water tank and said with the unstable water flow in the city, the hospital would now be able to store some water any time it flowed.
Mr Owusu (second right) presenting one of the items to Dr Osei, while other members of the Fellowship and the staff of the hospital look on. Behind them is the giant water tank. Picture: Charles Benoni Okine
Story & Pic: Charles Benoni Okine
THE West Gate Chapter of the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship at the weekend donated items worth GH¢1,100 as its support towards the upkeep of the inmates of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital.
The items which include a giant water tank, bags of rice, cooking oil, toiletries, among others, formed part of activities to mark the chapter’s second anniversary.
Presenting the items, the acting President of the fellowship, Mr Francis Owusu, said due to the call for support by the hospital, members of the fellowship deemed it wise to contribute their widow’s mite towards the upkeep of the inmates.
He said the fellowship had intended to adopt the hospital so as to make annual allocations to support it.
He also expressed the hope that other Christian fellowships would emulate the example of the West Gate Chapter, since that was one of the best ways to demonstrate their true love for Christ Jesus.
Dr Akwasi Osei, Director of the hospital, expressed appreciation of the hospital and the inmates for the gesture.
He mentioned in particular, the giant water tank and said with the unstable water flow in the city, the hospital would now be able to store some water any time it flowed.
Mr Owusu (second right) presenting one of the items to Dr Osei, while other members of the Fellowship and the staff of the hospital look on. Behind them is the giant water tank. Picture: Charles Benoni Okine
Monday, May 12, 2008
TV3 Network ready to go public
Business (lead) May 10/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
TV3 Network, the country’s first free-on-air private television network, has stated that it is ready with its Initial Public Offer (IPO) as its prepares to hit the stock exchange to raise funds to embark on an aggressive expansion of its service across the country.
The IPO, when approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will make TV3 the first media organisation to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange which has been one of the major sources where viable companies raise funds for expansion of their business.
The lead brokers on the deal is the First Atlantic Brokers Limited, one of the country’s finest brokerage companies.
Mr Suhaimi Sheihk Muhammad, Chief Operating Officer of the company told the Daily Graphic in an interview that the television station was more poised than ever to be among the elite companies on the GSE to raise funds to also do a satellite transmission of its programmes and replace most of its equipment which were obsolete.
He will not disclose how much the company was prepared to offload on the GSE but sources said the company which is 90 per cent owned by Media Prima Berhad (MPB), the largest integrated media investment group in Malaysia, is seeking to reduce its shareholding to a simple majority.
MPB was established on September 23, 2003 and is listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia (the Malaysian Stock Exchange).
The Group has a diversified interest in both the electronic (TV and radio) and print media apart from content development, event management and outdoor advertising.
Mr Muhammad said the station had contributed to development and enhancement of television in the country and was ready to take to another level by the close of the year.
“We introduced stiff competition in the industry with our rich and very entertaining programmes which includes the Soap Operas, the toast of every family in the country among others”, he said with confidence.
Mr Muhammad said Ghana had become one of the icons on the African continent in terms of peace and stability and as its prepares to launch itself into the another height with its oil find, television must go along with it, hence TV3s resolve to reach the entire with its service.
The television which is 10 years old is now aired in Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern, Western and central regions of the country and Mr Muhammad expresed the hope that with the funds to raised from the GSE, the television station will be able to extend its coverage to the five remaining regions.
Asked why the company was unable to carry out its plans some four years ago to list on the GSE, he said the first announcement was to get the company prepared for the move.
“We had to change our structure and drastically improve on the way we do things here because to list on the stock, you have to do things right and be prepared to open up for your shareholders to se whatever there is in the company”, he said.
Mr Muhammad said with these in place, the station was now ready to set another pace in the media landscape.
He said those potential investors will have value for money because “we are not going to give our viewers what we thinks is good for them but we will give what they want”, he said.
Mr Muhammad said the station had set up a department to exclusively deal with research and Development (R&D) adding that “we have also commissioned Research International to do a monthly survey for us and we are investing more in that area to be able to give our customers what they want”.
He said when listed on the GSE, Ghanaians, both individuals and corporate will have the opportunity to be a part of the success story of the company.
Mr Muhammad disagreed when asked whether the company was broke, hence its decision to hit the GSE saying, the expenditure for the expansion was enormous and we needed to raise local funds, besides, we want Ghanaians to be part of a station that had lived up to expectation.
The Chief Executive Officer of TV3, Mr Syed Ahmad Zaidi, on his part expressed delight that at log last, the company has been able to get its acts together to realise its dreams of listing on the GSE.
He disabused the minds of a section of the public that the station was offloading part of its stake because it was preparing to sell the company
Mr Kofi Sampong, Manager, First Atlantic Brokers Limited said the station once listed could be checked and put on its toes to do the right things because the shareholders were going to keep an eagles eye on its operations.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
TV3 Network, the country’s first free-on-air private television network, has stated that it is ready with its Initial Public Offer (IPO) as its prepares to hit the stock exchange to raise funds to embark on an aggressive expansion of its service across the country.
The IPO, when approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will make TV3 the first media organisation to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange which has been one of the major sources where viable companies raise funds for expansion of their business.
The lead brokers on the deal is the First Atlantic Brokers Limited, one of the country’s finest brokerage companies.
Mr Suhaimi Sheihk Muhammad, Chief Operating Officer of the company told the Daily Graphic in an interview that the television station was more poised than ever to be among the elite companies on the GSE to raise funds to also do a satellite transmission of its programmes and replace most of its equipment which were obsolete.
He will not disclose how much the company was prepared to offload on the GSE but sources said the company which is 90 per cent owned by Media Prima Berhad (MPB), the largest integrated media investment group in Malaysia, is seeking to reduce its shareholding to a simple majority.
MPB was established on September 23, 2003 and is listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia (the Malaysian Stock Exchange).
The Group has a diversified interest in both the electronic (TV and radio) and print media apart from content development, event management and outdoor advertising.
Mr Muhammad said the station had contributed to development and enhancement of television in the country and was ready to take to another level by the close of the year.
“We introduced stiff competition in the industry with our rich and very entertaining programmes which includes the Soap Operas, the toast of every family in the country among others”, he said with confidence.
Mr Muhammad said Ghana had become one of the icons on the African continent in terms of peace and stability and as its prepares to launch itself into the another height with its oil find, television must go along with it, hence TV3s resolve to reach the entire with its service.
The television which is 10 years old is now aired in Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern, Western and central regions of the country and Mr Muhammad expresed the hope that with the funds to raised from the GSE, the television station will be able to extend its coverage to the five remaining regions.
Asked why the company was unable to carry out its plans some four years ago to list on the GSE, he said the first announcement was to get the company prepared for the move.
“We had to change our structure and drastically improve on the way we do things here because to list on the stock, you have to do things right and be prepared to open up for your shareholders to se whatever there is in the company”, he said.
Mr Muhammad said with these in place, the station was now ready to set another pace in the media landscape.
He said those potential investors will have value for money because “we are not going to give our viewers what we thinks is good for them but we will give what they want”, he said.
Mr Muhammad said the station had set up a department to exclusively deal with research and Development (R&D) adding that “we have also commissioned Research International to do a monthly survey for us and we are investing more in that area to be able to give our customers what they want”.
He said when listed on the GSE, Ghanaians, both individuals and corporate will have the opportunity to be a part of the success story of the company.
Mr Muhammad disagreed when asked whether the company was broke, hence its decision to hit the GSE saying, the expenditure for the expansion was enormous and we needed to raise local funds, besides, we want Ghanaians to be part of a station that had lived up to expectation.
The Chief Executive Officer of TV3, Mr Syed Ahmad Zaidi, on his part expressed delight that at log last, the company has been able to get its acts together to realise its dreams of listing on the GSE.
He disabused the minds of a section of the public that the station was offloading part of its stake because it was preparing to sell the company
Mr Kofi Sampong, Manager, First Atlantic Brokers Limited said the station once listed could be checked and put on its toes to do the right things because the shareholders were going to keep an eagles eye on its operations.
Friday, May 9, 2008
CPP to support locally owned industries
Political page (lead) May 9/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Presidential candidate of the Conventions People’s Party (CPP), Dr Paa Kwasi Nduom, has said a government under his party will implement a consistent and aggressive policy to support industries owned by Ghanaians throughout the country.
The move, he said is to enable them to play their roles an the real engine of growth through the provision of sustainable jobs and living wages and salaries to the people.
Dr Nduom who made the pledge when his party took its turn to brief the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) on the policies and programmes to be implemented when elected into office after the crucial up-coming general elections in December said “the support will come in the form of low-interest rates, government loans and guarantees, tax incentives and technical support to the players in the sector.
The programme which is under the auspices of the AGI is dubbed “Encounter with Presidential candidates” and it is to provide a platform for the various presidential candidates in the country to outline their programmes and policies for the industry to enable it to perform its role as the key job creator and the engine of growth in the country.
Flanked by the party chairman, Mr Naddy Nylander and the General Secretary, Mr Ivor Greenstreet, the CPP Presidential Candidate said ; ”My goal will be to ensure that we have Ghanaian companies who grow big to compete with foreign imports and are strengthened to compete in the international markets”.
“No country has rally developed and prospered significantly on the backs of exporting raw materials to feed factories abroad”, he told the enthusiastic council members of the AGI and added that; “Domestic industries that can compete at home and export products are what we need to break out poverty because they provide sustainable jobs and living wages and salaries”.
Dr Nduom who was spotting a made-in-Ghana shirt to signify his love and support for the growth of Ghanaian industries said his vision for industry and for that matter the country was tied to the goal of ensuring a per capita income of $5,000 or more during his tenure when given the mandate.
His vision is far in excess of the $1,000 per capita the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has proposed by the year 2015 and when members of the council inquired as to how he was going to do it, he replied: “For this per capita goal to be met, industrialisation and the development of the service sector must be accelerated and all this needs abundant energy”.
Dr Nduom said “the key ingredient is a leadership that will work with a sense of urgency to do what needs to be done quickly and very well”.
“One of the main reasons for industrialising along the lies described is to save foreign exchange, which will be released for the import of machinery, equipment and fuel”, Dr Nduom said.
He said can already had a refinery which will reduce the foreign exchange costs of fuel adding that; “By the end of the plan, it is expected that a start will have been made on other industries promising materials for industry such as a basic chemicals industry”.
“The availability of plentiful supplies of relatively cheap electrical power will be an important attraction to industries being set up in West Africa”, he quoted from the famous Seven-Year Development Plan of the first president of Ghana, Osagyefuo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
On the oil find, he said a government under him will ensure hat communities close to the resource will be well developed to enable them feel a part of the oil booty to save the situation where they might feel neglected and take arms to disrupt production as in the case of the Niger Delta in Nigeria.
He said the CPP policy on food production will require energetic, sustained and well-organised efforts over the next four years “to produce what we need and eat what we produce”.
Dr Nduom said this will require the active participation of the government in all aspects of food production including research, planning, production, storage, distribution and financing.
He said the party was working hard to revive the structures that the founder of the party laid and expressed great optimism that the CPP will be the people’s choice to deliver the kind of leadership needed to place Ghana among the comity of nations.
Dr Nduom was later made to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on behalf of the party and the AGI to ensure that when the CPP came to power, it will not neglect players in the industrial sector.
The Vice President of the AGI, Nana Owusu-Afari who is also the owner of Afariwa Farms, expressed gratitude to D Nduom and his entourage for honouring the invitation and wished the CPP luck in its endeavours.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Presidential candidate of the Conventions People’s Party (CPP), Dr Paa Kwasi Nduom, has said a government under his party will implement a consistent and aggressive policy to support industries owned by Ghanaians throughout the country.
The move, he said is to enable them to play their roles an the real engine of growth through the provision of sustainable jobs and living wages and salaries to the people.
Dr Nduom who made the pledge when his party took its turn to brief the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) on the policies and programmes to be implemented when elected into office after the crucial up-coming general elections in December said “the support will come in the form of low-interest rates, government loans and guarantees, tax incentives and technical support to the players in the sector.
The programme which is under the auspices of the AGI is dubbed “Encounter with Presidential candidates” and it is to provide a platform for the various presidential candidates in the country to outline their programmes and policies for the industry to enable it to perform its role as the key job creator and the engine of growth in the country.
Flanked by the party chairman, Mr Naddy Nylander and the General Secretary, Mr Ivor Greenstreet, the CPP Presidential Candidate said ; ”My goal will be to ensure that we have Ghanaian companies who grow big to compete with foreign imports and are strengthened to compete in the international markets”.
“No country has rally developed and prospered significantly on the backs of exporting raw materials to feed factories abroad”, he told the enthusiastic council members of the AGI and added that; “Domestic industries that can compete at home and export products are what we need to break out poverty because they provide sustainable jobs and living wages and salaries”.
Dr Nduom who was spotting a made-in-Ghana shirt to signify his love and support for the growth of Ghanaian industries said his vision for industry and for that matter the country was tied to the goal of ensuring a per capita income of $5,000 or more during his tenure when given the mandate.
His vision is far in excess of the $1,000 per capita the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has proposed by the year 2015 and when members of the council inquired as to how he was going to do it, he replied: “For this per capita goal to be met, industrialisation and the development of the service sector must be accelerated and all this needs abundant energy”.
Dr Nduom said “the key ingredient is a leadership that will work with a sense of urgency to do what needs to be done quickly and very well”.
“One of the main reasons for industrialising along the lies described is to save foreign exchange, which will be released for the import of machinery, equipment and fuel”, Dr Nduom said.
He said can already had a refinery which will reduce the foreign exchange costs of fuel adding that; “By the end of the plan, it is expected that a start will have been made on other industries promising materials for industry such as a basic chemicals industry”.
“The availability of plentiful supplies of relatively cheap electrical power will be an important attraction to industries being set up in West Africa”, he quoted from the famous Seven-Year Development Plan of the first president of Ghana, Osagyefuo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
On the oil find, he said a government under him will ensure hat communities close to the resource will be well developed to enable them feel a part of the oil booty to save the situation where they might feel neglected and take arms to disrupt production as in the case of the Niger Delta in Nigeria.
He said the CPP policy on food production will require energetic, sustained and well-organised efforts over the next four years “to produce what we need and eat what we produce”.
Dr Nduom said this will require the active participation of the government in all aspects of food production including research, planning, production, storage, distribution and financing.
He said the party was working hard to revive the structures that the founder of the party laid and expressed great optimism that the CPP will be the people’s choice to deliver the kind of leadership needed to place Ghana among the comity of nations.
Dr Nduom was later made to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on behalf of the party and the AGI to ensure that when the CPP came to power, it will not neglect players in the industrial sector.
The Vice President of the AGI, Nana Owusu-Afari who is also the owner of Afariwa Farms, expressed gratitude to D Nduom and his entourage for honouring the invitation and wished the CPP luck in its endeavours.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Copyright Society gets new office
Spread, May 8/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
VICE-President Aliu Mahama has advised musicians to refrain from composing political party jingles and songs that can compromise the unity of the country.
He said during this political season, the parties might approach them with huge sums of money but warned that “the profit motive should be secondary to the patriotic call for stability”.
Alhaji Mahama, who gave the advice when he inaugurated a new office building for the Copyright Society of Ghana (COSGA) in Accra yesterday, said during this period, musicians could, instead, play a role by preserving the integrity of the country through music.
“Music as a medium should be used as a tool to draw the attention of policy makers, politicians, civil society and the entire citizenry to the critical social challenges in a non-partisan way,” he said.
“Indeed, our hardworking musicians and other social commentators have kept alive the flame of discussion and sensitisation on social issues like HIV/AIDS, which is commendable,” he acknowledged.
Alhaji Mahama noted, however, that the country’s musicians could do more about issues such as drug trafficking, armed robbery, among others, which posed a threat to the democratic dispensation and social cohesion.
Consequently, he challenged artistes to entertain, educate and inform their audience, while allowing their works to have a liberating influence on society.
“As you are all aware, the high incidence of counterfeiting and piracy has led to the loss of jobs. As artistes, you have not been able to enjoy the full benefits of your labour through such illegal trade malpractice,” he said.
He urged those in the creative industry to fully co-operate with the security agencies and other regulatory agencies to ensure that what was due them was not lost through piracy and counterfeiting.
Alhaji Mahama also asked them to use the inauguration of the new office building as a rallying point for all artistes in the country to unite solidly behind their leadership in order to advance their cause.
On its part, the Vice-President said “the government shall continue to support you so that your labour will not be in vain”.
The Chairman of the COSGA Board, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, said the new office project, which was a four-storey block, was started in 1996 but could not be completed for lack of funds.
He said it was through the efforts of the new COSGA Board that the ground floor of the building had been completed.
Alhaji Buari expressed disappointment at the manner in which the board was being chastised in certain quarters and urged the media to investigate any allegations made against members of the board.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
VICE-President Aliu Mahama has advised musicians to refrain from composing political party jingles and songs that can compromise the unity of the country.
He said during this political season, the parties might approach them with huge sums of money but warned that “the profit motive should be secondary to the patriotic call for stability”.
Alhaji Mahama, who gave the advice when he inaugurated a new office building for the Copyright Society of Ghana (COSGA) in Accra yesterday, said during this period, musicians could, instead, play a role by preserving the integrity of the country through music.
“Music as a medium should be used as a tool to draw the attention of policy makers, politicians, civil society and the entire citizenry to the critical social challenges in a non-partisan way,” he said.
“Indeed, our hardworking musicians and other social commentators have kept alive the flame of discussion and sensitisation on social issues like HIV/AIDS, which is commendable,” he acknowledged.
Alhaji Mahama noted, however, that the country’s musicians could do more about issues such as drug trafficking, armed robbery, among others, which posed a threat to the democratic dispensation and social cohesion.
Consequently, he challenged artistes to entertain, educate and inform their audience, while allowing their works to have a liberating influence on society.
“As you are all aware, the high incidence of counterfeiting and piracy has led to the loss of jobs. As artistes, you have not been able to enjoy the full benefits of your labour through such illegal trade malpractice,” he said.
He urged those in the creative industry to fully co-operate with the security agencies and other regulatory agencies to ensure that what was due them was not lost through piracy and counterfeiting.
Alhaji Mahama also asked them to use the inauguration of the new office building as a rallying point for all artistes in the country to unite solidly behind their leadership in order to advance their cause.
On its part, the Vice-President said “the government shall continue to support you so that your labour will not be in vain”.
The Chairman of the COSGA Board, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, said the new office project, which was a four-storey block, was started in 1996 but could not be completed for lack of funds.
He said it was through the efforts of the new COSGA Board that the ground floor of the building had been completed.
Alhaji Buari expressed disappointment at the manner in which the board was being chastised in certain quarters and urged the media to investigate any allegations made against members of the board.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Govt finances solar systems for rural areas
Back (lead) May 7/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE government has begun financing up to half the cost of solar home systems and solar lanterns for rural communities that have not yet been connected to the national grid.
The financing, which is in the form of grants through the rural banks, is expected to benefit up to 15,000 rural households under the Ghana Energy Development Access Project.
The Deputy Minister of Energy, Mr Kwame Ampofo-Twumasi, announced this in Accra yesterday at the opening of the First Global Business Conference and Development Marketplace Competition for off-grid lighting in Africa.
The conference, which is the first of its kind and being sponsored by the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), among others, is designed to allow investors, private firms, financiers and development agencies to showcase and expand business opportunities in the off-grid lighting market, targeting low income populations in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mr Ampofo-Twumasi said the implementation of the programme had become necessary in view of the importance the government attached to the use of renewable sources of energy to reduce the over-reliance of the national electricity grid, which was not enough to meet demand at present.
“To ensure accelerated increase in rural access, the government has streamlined the National Electricity Scheme to ensure that all outstanding works in 300 communities electrified under the Self Help Electrification Programme (SHEP) would be completed in 2008,” he said.
In addition to that, he said five communities without electricity in every district would be connected to the national electricity grid this year.
Mr Ampofo-Twumasi said the government also intended to establish a Rural Electrification Agency to be solely responsible for providing cost-effective rural electrification options including renewable energy throughout the country.
The Deputy Energy Minister reiterated the resolve of the government to provide all communities in the country with electricity services by the year 2020.
“Currently over 3,000 communities have so far been connected to the national grid under the national Electrification Scheme since its inception in 1989,” he said.
Mr Ampofo-Twumasi said the present electricity access had now reached about 56 per cent, one of the highest in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mr Russell Sturm, Co-Director of the Lighting Africa Sustainable Energy team, in a presentation, said the programme was created to help entrepreneurs across the world innovate and deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable lighting products to the Africa marketplace.
He said working in consultation with the global lighting industry, Lighting Africa sought to reduce key market barriers by working with public and private partners across a variety of sectors to reduce transaction costs, mitigate risks, as well as improve quality and promote commercial responsibility.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE government has begun financing up to half the cost of solar home systems and solar lanterns for rural communities that have not yet been connected to the national grid.
The financing, which is in the form of grants through the rural banks, is expected to benefit up to 15,000 rural households under the Ghana Energy Development Access Project.
The Deputy Minister of Energy, Mr Kwame Ampofo-Twumasi, announced this in Accra yesterday at the opening of the First Global Business Conference and Development Marketplace Competition for off-grid lighting in Africa.
The conference, which is the first of its kind and being sponsored by the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), among others, is designed to allow investors, private firms, financiers and development agencies to showcase and expand business opportunities in the off-grid lighting market, targeting low income populations in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mr Ampofo-Twumasi said the implementation of the programme had become necessary in view of the importance the government attached to the use of renewable sources of energy to reduce the over-reliance of the national electricity grid, which was not enough to meet demand at present.
“To ensure accelerated increase in rural access, the government has streamlined the National Electricity Scheme to ensure that all outstanding works in 300 communities electrified under the Self Help Electrification Programme (SHEP) would be completed in 2008,” he said.
In addition to that, he said five communities without electricity in every district would be connected to the national electricity grid this year.
Mr Ampofo-Twumasi said the government also intended to establish a Rural Electrification Agency to be solely responsible for providing cost-effective rural electrification options including renewable energy throughout the country.
The Deputy Energy Minister reiterated the resolve of the government to provide all communities in the country with electricity services by the year 2020.
“Currently over 3,000 communities have so far been connected to the national grid under the national Electrification Scheme since its inception in 1989,” he said.
Mr Ampofo-Twumasi said the present electricity access had now reached about 56 per cent, one of the highest in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mr Russell Sturm, Co-Director of the Lighting Africa Sustainable Energy team, in a presentation, said the programme was created to help entrepreneurs across the world innovate and deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable lighting products to the Africa marketplace.
He said working in consultation with the global lighting industry, Lighting Africa sought to reduce key market barriers by working with public and private partners across a variety of sectors to reduce transaction costs, mitigate risks, as well as improve quality and promote commercial responsibility.
Use due process to settle disputes
Spread May 7/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
FACTIONS in chieftaincy disputes who will be caught using arms to settle their differences will be made to face the full rigours of the law, the government has declared.
The Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who sounded the warning when the Omanhene of the Prang Traditional Area, Nana Kwadwo Nyarko, called on him in Accra yesterday, said during disputes, factions should use the due process.
He described the use of arms in resolving conflicts in certain parts of the country as unacceptable, saying such a practice gave wrong impressions about Ghana.
He said Ghana was a peaceful country and so the government would not tolerate such conflicts which had the potential to destabilise the its peace, which had become the envy of many on the continent.
Consequently, he urged the National House of Chiefs to intervene in any disturbing chieftaincy matter that was likely to degenerate into conflict.
Alhaji Mahama said it was incomprehensible to believe how people would take up arms to kill their fellow human beings because of issues of chieftaincy.
“We have a peaceful country. Ghana is stable and we are working hard to ensure that this stability and peace are maintained,” he said.
The Vice-President said it was unfortunate that while efforts were being made to consolidate the peace and stability in the country, some people had resorted to the use of arms to foment trouble.
He expressed the hope that the chieftaincy body would intervene in any of such cases to ensure peace in the country.
In his response to a request for the provision of a school bus for the foremost senior high school (SHS) in the Prang area, Alhaji Mahama said the government had imported about 100 buses for distribution to some SHSs and pledged to ensure that at least one of the buses would be released to the school.
On the request for a model school made by the Omanhene, Alhaji Mahama called for patience, saying, “This programme of providing each district with a model SHS is on course. We only appeal for patience, as it is being implemented in phases and every district is bound to have one as planned.”
He said the first phase saw the elevation of 31 schools, explaining that the second phase comprising of 25 schools was in progress.
Alhaji Mahama also asked the people of Prang to be patient with the government as efforts were being made to provide them with more potable water and access roads to enable them to live more comfortably.
Nana Nyarko, whose call on the Vice-President was to remind the government of the promises it made to the people some time ago, expressed the hope that the promises would be fulfilled.
He expressed gratitude to the government for what it had done for the people of Prang in the past but noted that the issues about the school, health, roads and water were dear to the hearts of the people.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
FACTIONS in chieftaincy disputes who will be caught using arms to settle their differences will be made to face the full rigours of the law, the government has declared.
The Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who sounded the warning when the Omanhene of the Prang Traditional Area, Nana Kwadwo Nyarko, called on him in Accra yesterday, said during disputes, factions should use the due process.
He described the use of arms in resolving conflicts in certain parts of the country as unacceptable, saying such a practice gave wrong impressions about Ghana.
He said Ghana was a peaceful country and so the government would not tolerate such conflicts which had the potential to destabilise the its peace, which had become the envy of many on the continent.
Consequently, he urged the National House of Chiefs to intervene in any disturbing chieftaincy matter that was likely to degenerate into conflict.
Alhaji Mahama said it was incomprehensible to believe how people would take up arms to kill their fellow human beings because of issues of chieftaincy.
“We have a peaceful country. Ghana is stable and we are working hard to ensure that this stability and peace are maintained,” he said.
The Vice-President said it was unfortunate that while efforts were being made to consolidate the peace and stability in the country, some people had resorted to the use of arms to foment trouble.
He expressed the hope that the chieftaincy body would intervene in any of such cases to ensure peace in the country.
In his response to a request for the provision of a school bus for the foremost senior high school (SHS) in the Prang area, Alhaji Mahama said the government had imported about 100 buses for distribution to some SHSs and pledged to ensure that at least one of the buses would be released to the school.
On the request for a model school made by the Omanhene, Alhaji Mahama called for patience, saying, “This programme of providing each district with a model SHS is on course. We only appeal for patience, as it is being implemented in phases and every district is bound to have one as planned.”
He said the first phase saw the elevation of 31 schools, explaining that the second phase comprising of 25 schools was in progress.
Alhaji Mahama also asked the people of Prang to be patient with the government as efforts were being made to provide them with more potable water and access roads to enable them to live more comfortably.
Nana Nyarko, whose call on the Vice-President was to remind the government of the promises it made to the people some time ago, expressed the hope that the promises would be fulfilled.
He expressed gratitude to the government for what it had done for the people of Prang in the past but noted that the issues about the school, health, roads and water were dear to the hearts of the people.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Prosecute them, urges WANEP
Front page May 6/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE government has been called upon to initiate measures to apprehend and prosecute those behind the renewed rumpuses in Bawku in the Upper West Region and Anloga in the Volta Region.
The Executive Director of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), Mr Emmanuel Bombande, who made the call, said such a move would serve as a warning to others, as well as help to disabuse the minds of the perpetrators that they were untouchable.
Mr Bombande told the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday that the longer the perpetrators were left to walk freely, the more they would create problems that could easily destabilise the entire country.
He said particularly at a time when a general election was drawing closer, those disturbances should be a major cause for concern.
There were reports of renewed fighting in the two areas at the weekend, a situation which has caused the people to live in fear.
In Bawku, for instance, the curfew hours have been reviewed as a measure to bring clashes between the feuding factions to a halt.
The curfew in Anloga was lifted a couple of months ago as a result of the calm that returned to the area after the protracted chieftaincy dispute that claimed many lives, including that of a policeman.
Mr Bombande said the situation at the moment was volatile, a clear indication that security was not firm on the ground, and called for immediate action before things got out of hand.
He urged the government to take a more serious view of the situation and find a lasting solution to the root causes of the problems that usually degenerated into conflicts.
“We have toyed with these disturbances for far too long and we need to sit up to ensure that they do not degenerate into what we cannot solve,” Mr Bombande said.
He regretted that in spite of the security presence in the two areas, there had still been renewed disturbances and wondered whether the security forces deployed there were enough and well equipped to deal with any worrisome situation.
He paid tribute to President Kufuor for inviting chiefs and opinion leaders from Bawku in particular for a discussion that was expected to ensure lasting calm.
Mr Bombande, however, noted that it would have been even more appropriate if the President had involved those who worked to build peace in those areas to share their ideas and also give their side of the story.
Making particular reference to Bawku, he said what was happening was not something for the government to gloss over but one that needed a more comprehensive and tactical approach towards finding a lasting solution to it.
“There are so many examples on the continent which we need to take as guidelines towards sustaining the peace and stability in the country,” he said.
“Nobody ever thought Kenya could go through what happened there in the last few months but it happened and that is why we need not leave anything to chance,” he added.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE government has been called upon to initiate measures to apprehend and prosecute those behind the renewed rumpuses in Bawku in the Upper West Region and Anloga in the Volta Region.
The Executive Director of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), Mr Emmanuel Bombande, who made the call, said such a move would serve as a warning to others, as well as help to disabuse the minds of the perpetrators that they were untouchable.
Mr Bombande told the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday that the longer the perpetrators were left to walk freely, the more they would create problems that could easily destabilise the entire country.
He said particularly at a time when a general election was drawing closer, those disturbances should be a major cause for concern.
There were reports of renewed fighting in the two areas at the weekend, a situation which has caused the people to live in fear.
In Bawku, for instance, the curfew hours have been reviewed as a measure to bring clashes between the feuding factions to a halt.
The curfew in Anloga was lifted a couple of months ago as a result of the calm that returned to the area after the protracted chieftaincy dispute that claimed many lives, including that of a policeman.
Mr Bombande said the situation at the moment was volatile, a clear indication that security was not firm on the ground, and called for immediate action before things got out of hand.
He urged the government to take a more serious view of the situation and find a lasting solution to the root causes of the problems that usually degenerated into conflicts.
“We have toyed with these disturbances for far too long and we need to sit up to ensure that they do not degenerate into what we cannot solve,” Mr Bombande said.
He regretted that in spite of the security presence in the two areas, there had still been renewed disturbances and wondered whether the security forces deployed there were enough and well equipped to deal with any worrisome situation.
He paid tribute to President Kufuor for inviting chiefs and opinion leaders from Bawku in particular for a discussion that was expected to ensure lasting calm.
Mr Bombande, however, noted that it would have been even more appropriate if the President had involved those who worked to build peace in those areas to share their ideas and also give their side of the story.
Making particular reference to Bawku, he said what was happening was not something for the government to gloss over but one that needed a more comprehensive and tactical approach towards finding a lasting solution to it.
“There are so many examples on the continent which we need to take as guidelines towards sustaining the peace and stability in the country,” he said.
“Nobody ever thought Kenya could go through what happened there in the last few months but it happened and that is why we need not leave anything to chance,” he added.
Monday, May 5, 2008
War On Drugs • US to the rescue
Front (lead) May 5/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE United States (US) is to set up a special unit at its embassy in Accra to collaborate with narcotic control agencies in Ghana to help fight the drug trafficking menace in the country .
To be known as the Drug Enforcement Administration, the office will work to stop international drug barons from using Ghana as one of their key transit points for drug trafficking.
The outgoing US Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs Pamela Bridgewater, announced this when she paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), Mr Ibrahim Awal, in Accra.
She said the office, to be opened in a few months’ time, would be fully equipped with the necessary resources and manned by highly trained personnel in narcotics control to work with their Ghanaian counterparts to find a lasting solution to the problem.
She said hitherto, operatives from a similar office in Nigeria were occasionally sent down to Ghana to assist, but “we have decided to open an office exclusively in Ghana to work directly here to fight the drug trafficking problem”.
Mrs Bridgewater said the US had several experiences with regard to drug trafficking and pledged the commitment of that government to ensure that Ghana’s situation did not get worse.
The outgoing Ambassador commended the democratic process and the role of the media in consolidating the process in the country.
She urged the media to continue to play their role as watchdogs with accurate reportage on issues at all times.
“Wherever I find myself, I will continue to have Ghana in my heart and do all I can to solicit whatever support I can get to help build it,” she promised.
Mrs Bridgewater praised the Daily Graphic, the flagship newspaper of the company and leader in the industry, as well as its sister papers, for what she described as the enormous support in terms of coverage the US Embassy in Accra had received and expressed the hope that the same collaboration would exist between the papers and her successor.
She urged the company to use its position in the media landscape to further promote freedom of speech and protect the human rights of the citizenry.
She also used the occasion to propose a toast to congratulate Mr Awal on his first year as the Managing Director of the company.
Mrs Bridgwater, who has served in the US Foreign Service for 27 years, wished the Mr Awal well in all his endeavours and expressed the hope that the Daily Graphic would continue to play a major role in the country’s democratic process.
Mr Awal mentioned the support the US government had given Ghana to grow its economy and the democratic processes.
He mentioned, for instance, the Millennium Challenge Account, from which Ghana was benefiting more than $540 million.
Mr Awal pledged the commitment of the Daily Graphic and its sister papers to provide the right reportage that would further boost democratic principles, not only in the country but in the sub-region as well.
He said the company initiated its governance dialogue series where it provided a platform for experts from the sub-region to share ideas on how to build stability and democracy in the region and noted that the fourth in the series would be held this year.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE United States (US) is to set up a special unit at its embassy in Accra to collaborate with narcotic control agencies in Ghana to help fight the drug trafficking menace in the country .
To be known as the Drug Enforcement Administration, the office will work to stop international drug barons from using Ghana as one of their key transit points for drug trafficking.
The outgoing US Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs Pamela Bridgewater, announced this when she paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), Mr Ibrahim Awal, in Accra.
She said the office, to be opened in a few months’ time, would be fully equipped with the necessary resources and manned by highly trained personnel in narcotics control to work with their Ghanaian counterparts to find a lasting solution to the problem.
She said hitherto, operatives from a similar office in Nigeria were occasionally sent down to Ghana to assist, but “we have decided to open an office exclusively in Ghana to work directly here to fight the drug trafficking problem”.
Mrs Bridgewater said the US had several experiences with regard to drug trafficking and pledged the commitment of that government to ensure that Ghana’s situation did not get worse.
The outgoing Ambassador commended the democratic process and the role of the media in consolidating the process in the country.
She urged the media to continue to play their role as watchdogs with accurate reportage on issues at all times.
“Wherever I find myself, I will continue to have Ghana in my heart and do all I can to solicit whatever support I can get to help build it,” she promised.
Mrs Bridgewater praised the Daily Graphic, the flagship newspaper of the company and leader in the industry, as well as its sister papers, for what she described as the enormous support in terms of coverage the US Embassy in Accra had received and expressed the hope that the same collaboration would exist between the papers and her successor.
She urged the company to use its position in the media landscape to further promote freedom of speech and protect the human rights of the citizenry.
She also used the occasion to propose a toast to congratulate Mr Awal on his first year as the Managing Director of the company.
Mrs Bridgwater, who has served in the US Foreign Service for 27 years, wished the Mr Awal well in all his endeavours and expressed the hope that the Daily Graphic would continue to play a major role in the country’s democratic process.
Mr Awal mentioned the support the US government had given Ghana to grow its economy and the democratic processes.
He mentioned, for instance, the Millennium Challenge Account, from which Ghana was benefiting more than $540 million.
Mr Awal pledged the commitment of the Daily Graphic and its sister papers to provide the right reportage that would further boost democratic principles, not only in the country but in the sub-region as well.
He said the company initiated its governance dialogue series where it provided a platform for experts from the sub-region to share ideas on how to build stability and democracy in the region and noted that the fourth in the series would be held this year.
Rosa: I'm happy with what the Lord has done
Mirror (Front lead) May 3/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
Exactly a fortnight ago when news broke that the Archbishop of the Action Faith International Ministries, Nicholas Duncan-Williams, had remarried to an American trade consultant, the issue generated a lot of debate.
There were many who thought the move by the Archbishop was wrong because he was a man of God. But to others, there was nothing wrong with it.
In an exclusive interview with then Rosa Whitaker, now Rosa Duncan-Williams, as to what her thoughts were about those comments, she told The Mirror: “I do not want to be drawn into this debate.”
“All I can say is that there are many schools of thought by renowned theologians about remarriage. Some very well respected ones speak against remarriage and others speak for it but I will not allow myself to be drawn into the debate,” she added.
Rosa, the founder of The Whitaker Group (TWG), the foremost US consulting firm facilitating trade and investment and business in Africa, said there were many works of God that needed to be fulfilled and it was her resolve to focus on that.
She said she was a happy person and would not allow what the Lord had done to take that happiness away from her.
She said “you will never be happy if you worry about what others say about you”, adding that this was a saying from a renowned speaker on marriage, which guides what she does on this earth.
Speaking in a soft voice and looking well relaxed, she said her works over the past 25 years had been geared towards poverty alleviation on the continent of Africa and noted that her marriage to the Archbishop was a blessing because she found both of them doing something pleasing to God.
“I have been coming to Ghana for many years and met a lot of people while doing my work but I never knew that God had another mission for me,” she said.
Rosa said “marrying the Archbishop is God’s purpose and destiny for me and so far we are a happy couple and by His Grace and faith, it shall be so forever”.
She said with God all things were possible and having to get married to the Archbishop who needed a wife to be with was something arranged and destined by God.
The issue about the Archbishop’s children had been one issue that many had raised and wondered whether Rosa was going to cope with the children who were already grown.
But before the interview, the last born of the Archbishop was all over Rosa as if she was his real mum.
The couple, in their maiden public appearance after their private wedding, had gone to the Baptist School Complex Orphanage in Trotor in the Eastern Region to check on the inmates and pledged to help them with a borehole, and extension of electricity to the school.
In an answer to how she was coping with the children of the Archbishop, Rosa replied: “We have a great relationship. I have told them what I can offer them.”
“I am resolved than ever to create a refuge at home to enable the Archbishop do what the good Lord has blessed him to do.”
Her answers made the reporter curious to know where she and Duncan-Williams met to become a couple today, and she answered thus: “I have been coming to Ghana since 1994 to do my work and I have been attending church anytime I came around. As to where we met, we met on the altar.”
She described her marriage to the Archbishop as a spiritual pursuit.
Rosa was the first-ever Assistant U.S. Trade representative for Africa under the administrations of Presidents George Bush and William Jefferson Clinton.
Prior to founding the TWG, she developed and implemented the famous African Growth and Opportunities Act popularly called AGOA.
With more than 25 years of experience on the African soil, Rosa has an extensive network of contacts in the US government and business community as well as the public and private sectors throughout Africa.
Her job takes her around the globe particularly on the continent of Africa where she serves emerging economies and diverse industries including agriculture, horticulture, apparel, retail, manufacturing, information technology and telecommunications and that makes some wonder whether she is going to have time for the marriage.
“I am well prepared for this marriage and I believe God to make it work even as I do my job, which is about poverty alleviation on the continent,” she said.
She said the two understood each other very well particularly when it came to what their roles were as per their God-given talents and it was the good Lord who was going to guide them on the journey they had set off.
Rosa said she was very instrumental in getting to Ghana Kosmos Energy, the American company that struck oil in the Cape Three Points area of the Western Region, and noted that she was bringing another company that would be in the diamond sector.
“This company will mine the diamonds and process them before export,” she said.
According to her, having a processing plant means that an industry will be established to employ more people to work there.
Rosa pledged her commitment to Ghana and indicated her resolve to do all in her power towards the economic and social uplift of the country.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
Exactly a fortnight ago when news broke that the Archbishop of the Action Faith International Ministries, Nicholas Duncan-Williams, had remarried to an American trade consultant, the issue generated a lot of debate.
There were many who thought the move by the Archbishop was wrong because he was a man of God. But to others, there was nothing wrong with it.
In an exclusive interview with then Rosa Whitaker, now Rosa Duncan-Williams, as to what her thoughts were about those comments, she told The Mirror: “I do not want to be drawn into this debate.”
“All I can say is that there are many schools of thought by renowned theologians about remarriage. Some very well respected ones speak against remarriage and others speak for it but I will not allow myself to be drawn into the debate,” she added.
Rosa, the founder of The Whitaker Group (TWG), the foremost US consulting firm facilitating trade and investment and business in Africa, said there were many works of God that needed to be fulfilled and it was her resolve to focus on that.
She said she was a happy person and would not allow what the Lord had done to take that happiness away from her.
She said “you will never be happy if you worry about what others say about you”, adding that this was a saying from a renowned speaker on marriage, which guides what she does on this earth.
Speaking in a soft voice and looking well relaxed, she said her works over the past 25 years had been geared towards poverty alleviation on the continent of Africa and noted that her marriage to the Archbishop was a blessing because she found both of them doing something pleasing to God.
“I have been coming to Ghana for many years and met a lot of people while doing my work but I never knew that God had another mission for me,” she said.
Rosa said “marrying the Archbishop is God’s purpose and destiny for me and so far we are a happy couple and by His Grace and faith, it shall be so forever”.
She said with God all things were possible and having to get married to the Archbishop who needed a wife to be with was something arranged and destined by God.
The issue about the Archbishop’s children had been one issue that many had raised and wondered whether Rosa was going to cope with the children who were already grown.
But before the interview, the last born of the Archbishop was all over Rosa as if she was his real mum.
The couple, in their maiden public appearance after their private wedding, had gone to the Baptist School Complex Orphanage in Trotor in the Eastern Region to check on the inmates and pledged to help them with a borehole, and extension of electricity to the school.
In an answer to how she was coping with the children of the Archbishop, Rosa replied: “We have a great relationship. I have told them what I can offer them.”
“I am resolved than ever to create a refuge at home to enable the Archbishop do what the good Lord has blessed him to do.”
Her answers made the reporter curious to know where she and Duncan-Williams met to become a couple today, and she answered thus: “I have been coming to Ghana since 1994 to do my work and I have been attending church anytime I came around. As to where we met, we met on the altar.”
She described her marriage to the Archbishop as a spiritual pursuit.
Rosa was the first-ever Assistant U.S. Trade representative for Africa under the administrations of Presidents George Bush and William Jefferson Clinton.
Prior to founding the TWG, she developed and implemented the famous African Growth and Opportunities Act popularly called AGOA.
With more than 25 years of experience on the African soil, Rosa has an extensive network of contacts in the US government and business community as well as the public and private sectors throughout Africa.
Her job takes her around the globe particularly on the continent of Africa where she serves emerging economies and diverse industries including agriculture, horticulture, apparel, retail, manufacturing, information technology and telecommunications and that makes some wonder whether she is going to have time for the marriage.
“I am well prepared for this marriage and I believe God to make it work even as I do my job, which is about poverty alleviation on the continent,” she said.
She said the two understood each other very well particularly when it came to what their roles were as per their God-given talents and it was the good Lord who was going to guide them on the journey they had set off.
Rosa said she was very instrumental in getting to Ghana Kosmos Energy, the American company that struck oil in the Cape Three Points area of the Western Region, and noted that she was bringing another company that would be in the diamond sector.
“This company will mine the diamonds and process them before export,” she said.
According to her, having a processing plant means that an industry will be established to employ more people to work there.
Rosa pledged her commitment to Ghana and indicated her resolve to do all in her power towards the economic and social uplift of the country.
Minister cautions Railway workers
Page 19 May 3/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Minister of Harbours and Railways, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, has cautioned railway workers against any acts that might bring the operations of the Ghana Railway Company to a halt.
He said any such acts might have a negative impact of revenue inflows and noted that “without the revenue from your operations, your salaries will go into arrears again”.
The minister gave the caution when he met the Interim Management Committee members of the company to inquire and find solutions to renewed agitation on the workers front.
Although the IMC members denied any such agitation and allegation of intimidation on the premises of the company likely to bring work to a halt, Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi told the IMC that, “The ministry has exhausted all its sources of finance and will not be able to raise any monies from any quarters to pay workers when they cease running the coaches which bring in money.”
He said the ministry and the union members including the IMC had come far with finding lasting solutions to the grievances of the union and it was only appropriate for all to allow the Ministerial Committee set up to investigate the issues raised by the union to work in peace.
Workers of the company embarked on weeks of strike action and demanded the removal of the Managing Director of the company, Mr Rufus Quaye, for allegedly misappropriating funds.
They also demanded four months’ salary arrears before resuming work and the ministry had to find tens of thousands of Ghana cedis to settle those arrears to get the workers back to work.
However, according to the minister, reports reaching his office about the conduct of the workers was disturbing and noted that such practices could set back the progress of work done so far.
Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi mentioned for instance, the misunderstandings that arose from the membership of the committee and the subsequent refusal of the union members to allow the committee to sit.
He said the committee had asked for extension of time and that had been granted.
“Let us work according to the letter and spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the union and the ministry to allow the committee to work and submit its report,” he said.
Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi said his ministry and that of Finance and Economic Planning were in discussions for the release of $45 million to start the rehabilitation and maintenance of the railway lines.
“All that amount will be used on the western line because it is more commercially viable and needs more work done on it too,” he added.
The amount forms part of the total of $90 million the government has voted to spend on the railway sector this year.
He said the carting of manganese and bauxite brought a lot of money to the company and all efforts needed to be made to ensure that the process was not halted at any time because the company would lose.
However, just minutes before the meeting ended, the Secretary of the IMC, Mr Daniel Esso, stated that the workers were not going to allow Mr Rufus Quaye into his office at any time.
“We will not even accept him should the committee exonerate him because we simply do not want him as our Managing Director,” Mr Esso added.
After some discussions among members of the IMC however, a representative came back to the meeting to announce that Mr Quaye would be allowed to return to his office when the committee starts work.
The committee is expected to begin work on Monday and has 21 days to complete its work.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Minister of Harbours and Railways, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, has cautioned railway workers against any acts that might bring the operations of the Ghana Railway Company to a halt.
He said any such acts might have a negative impact of revenue inflows and noted that “without the revenue from your operations, your salaries will go into arrears again”.
The minister gave the caution when he met the Interim Management Committee members of the company to inquire and find solutions to renewed agitation on the workers front.
Although the IMC members denied any such agitation and allegation of intimidation on the premises of the company likely to bring work to a halt, Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi told the IMC that, “The ministry has exhausted all its sources of finance and will not be able to raise any monies from any quarters to pay workers when they cease running the coaches which bring in money.”
He said the ministry and the union members including the IMC had come far with finding lasting solutions to the grievances of the union and it was only appropriate for all to allow the Ministerial Committee set up to investigate the issues raised by the union to work in peace.
Workers of the company embarked on weeks of strike action and demanded the removal of the Managing Director of the company, Mr Rufus Quaye, for allegedly misappropriating funds.
They also demanded four months’ salary arrears before resuming work and the ministry had to find tens of thousands of Ghana cedis to settle those arrears to get the workers back to work.
However, according to the minister, reports reaching his office about the conduct of the workers was disturbing and noted that such practices could set back the progress of work done so far.
Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi mentioned for instance, the misunderstandings that arose from the membership of the committee and the subsequent refusal of the union members to allow the committee to sit.
He said the committee had asked for extension of time and that had been granted.
“Let us work according to the letter and spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the union and the ministry to allow the committee to work and submit its report,” he said.
Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi said his ministry and that of Finance and Economic Planning were in discussions for the release of $45 million to start the rehabilitation and maintenance of the railway lines.
“All that amount will be used on the western line because it is more commercially viable and needs more work done on it too,” he added.
The amount forms part of the total of $90 million the government has voted to spend on the railway sector this year.
He said the carting of manganese and bauxite brought a lot of money to the company and all efforts needed to be made to ensure that the process was not halted at any time because the company would lose.
However, just minutes before the meeting ended, the Secretary of the IMC, Mr Daniel Esso, stated that the workers were not going to allow Mr Rufus Quaye into his office at any time.
“We will not even accept him should the committee exonerate him because we simply do not want him as our Managing Director,” Mr Esso added.
After some discussions among members of the IMC however, a representative came back to the meeting to announce that Mr Quaye would be allowed to return to his office when the committee starts work.
The committee is expected to begin work on Monday and has 21 days to complete its work.
Politicians urged to pay taxes on funds raised
Page 19 May 3/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has asked politicians who conduct activities to raise funds to support their political campaigns to make full declaration of what they receive and pay the appropriate taxes to avoid punishment.
It said revenue from such fund-raising events, either in the form of cash or property, directly fell under the Gift Tax and noted that failure to declare such revenue amounted to the gross violation of the country’s tax laws, which was punishable by law.
Sub-section ‘D’ of the Gift Tax Law states that a person who receives a taxable gift should, within 30 days of receipt of the gift, furnish the tax office with a return in writing containing the description and location of the taxable gift, its total value, the full name and address of the donor and any other information required by the tax office.
The call comes in the wake of a number of fund-raising activities being conducted by some parliamentary aspirants in different parts of the country.
The Assistant Commissioner in charge of training at the IRS, Mr W.C. Sefah-Agyebeng, made the call when he answered questions from Daily Graphic in Accra as to whether politicians who raised money to support their individual political activities were constitutionally mandated to declare what they got during such functions and pay the appropriate taxes to the state.
“Whatever they raise at such functions or from any activity, once it does not go into the coffers of the party on whose ticket they are standing but is handled by themselves, they have to declare it so that they can be taxed accordingly,” he said.
Mr Sefah-Agyebeng stated that it would amount to a clear violation of the tax laws should any politician refuse to file his or her tax returns, particularly on activities such as fund-raising.
He could not immediately tell how many politicians had filed their tax returns with the service but noted that there were many out there who were reluctant to do so.
A source within the service revealed to the Daily Graphic that many of the politicians who sought parliamentary seats on the tickets of their parties seldom filed their tax returns, compared to those who run for the Presidency.
It noted that although some openly announced their fund-raising activities, the service was largely reluctant to pursue such politicians on many occasions for what it termed "obvious reasons".
Mr Sefah-Agyebeng was illusive on why the IRS did not pursue such politicians who openly announced their fund-raising activities but reiterated that such offenders, when identified, would not be spared “because the tax laws are explicit and do not discriminate”.
He explained that individual politicians who were raising funds from supporters and sympathisers for their own campaigns, without accounting to their political parties, were classified under the Gift Tax and urged them to be alive to their responsibilities.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has asked politicians who conduct activities to raise funds to support their political campaigns to make full declaration of what they receive and pay the appropriate taxes to avoid punishment.
It said revenue from such fund-raising events, either in the form of cash or property, directly fell under the Gift Tax and noted that failure to declare such revenue amounted to the gross violation of the country’s tax laws, which was punishable by law.
Sub-section ‘D’ of the Gift Tax Law states that a person who receives a taxable gift should, within 30 days of receipt of the gift, furnish the tax office with a return in writing containing the description and location of the taxable gift, its total value, the full name and address of the donor and any other information required by the tax office.
The call comes in the wake of a number of fund-raising activities being conducted by some parliamentary aspirants in different parts of the country.
The Assistant Commissioner in charge of training at the IRS, Mr W.C. Sefah-Agyebeng, made the call when he answered questions from Daily Graphic in Accra as to whether politicians who raised money to support their individual political activities were constitutionally mandated to declare what they got during such functions and pay the appropriate taxes to the state.
“Whatever they raise at such functions or from any activity, once it does not go into the coffers of the party on whose ticket they are standing but is handled by themselves, they have to declare it so that they can be taxed accordingly,” he said.
Mr Sefah-Agyebeng stated that it would amount to a clear violation of the tax laws should any politician refuse to file his or her tax returns, particularly on activities such as fund-raising.
He could not immediately tell how many politicians had filed their tax returns with the service but noted that there were many out there who were reluctant to do so.
A source within the service revealed to the Daily Graphic that many of the politicians who sought parliamentary seats on the tickets of their parties seldom filed their tax returns, compared to those who run for the Presidency.
It noted that although some openly announced their fund-raising activities, the service was largely reluctant to pursue such politicians on many occasions for what it termed "obvious reasons".
Mr Sefah-Agyebeng was illusive on why the IRS did not pursue such politicians who openly announced their fund-raising activities but reiterated that such offenders, when identified, would not be spared “because the tax laws are explicit and do not discriminate”.
He explained that individual politicians who were raising funds from supporters and sympathisers for their own campaigns, without accounting to their political parties, were classified under the Gift Tax and urged them to be alive to their responsibilities.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Move to help poor pay utility tarrif
Page 3 (lead) May 2/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC), Mr Stephen Adu, has advocated policies that will identify ‘poor’ people who genuinely require government subsidies to pay their utility tariffs.
According to him, the present system whereby the payment of subsidies was holistic was not the best way to subsidise the utilities for consumers.
Mr Adu made the suggestion when he answered questions from the media during a news conference to draw the curtain on the 5th Africa Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR) annual conference in Accra on Wednesday.
As a result of the recent increases in the tariffs of the utilities, the government raised the lifeline for consumers of electricity from 50 units to 150 units per month to enable more people to fall within the lifeline.
But Mr Adu said the move was not in the best interest of the state because more people who could afford to pay realistic tariffs had been roped in to pay less, thereby burdening not only the state but the utility companies as well.
“Subsidies are necessary, particularly when one considers the poverty levels in the country and in Africa as a whole, but we also need to ensure that we identify the poor ones among us who cannot genuinely pay and assist them,” he added.
On the utilities being accessible to the people, he described the situation as a worrying phenomenon on the continent in general.
He said investments in utility projects were enormous, to the extent that there was the need for both local and foreign investors to show greater interest in the sector.
As a result of the poverty levels on the continent, investors normally shy away from the sector because of the fear that they may not be able to have returns on their investments.
It was against that background that Mr Adu called for an enabling environment that would attract investors to help improve access to the utilities on the continent.
He admitted that huge capital outlays were involved in the execution of such projects, hence the need for investors to recoup their investments.
However, Mr Adu gave the assurance that the utility commissions on the continent were resolved to ensure that such investors get the returns on their investments by ensuring that the tariffs paid them were enough to secure their investments.
For consumers, he said the utility commissions would protect their interests by ensuring that any such investor did not pass on his inefficiencies in terms of cost to the consumers.
“If investors produce inefficiently, they will incur cost and they would want to pass that on to the consumers. But we will be resolute to ensure that it does not happen,” he said.
Mr Adu said the AFUR had come far and described this year’s conference as a huge success because of the attendance and the quality of delivery by the various speakers.
He expressed the hope that the regulators forum would continue to grow to discharge their duties as expected.
The Chairman of the AFUR, Mr Smundu Mokoena, for his part, mentioned the huge utility infrastructural gap on the continent, which was making access to it difficult.
He said the forum had made proposals, through the various sector ministries, for consideration by the African Union.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC), Mr Stephen Adu, has advocated policies that will identify ‘poor’ people who genuinely require government subsidies to pay their utility tariffs.
According to him, the present system whereby the payment of subsidies was holistic was not the best way to subsidise the utilities for consumers.
Mr Adu made the suggestion when he answered questions from the media during a news conference to draw the curtain on the 5th Africa Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR) annual conference in Accra on Wednesday.
As a result of the recent increases in the tariffs of the utilities, the government raised the lifeline for consumers of electricity from 50 units to 150 units per month to enable more people to fall within the lifeline.
But Mr Adu said the move was not in the best interest of the state because more people who could afford to pay realistic tariffs had been roped in to pay less, thereby burdening not only the state but the utility companies as well.
“Subsidies are necessary, particularly when one considers the poverty levels in the country and in Africa as a whole, but we also need to ensure that we identify the poor ones among us who cannot genuinely pay and assist them,” he added.
On the utilities being accessible to the people, he described the situation as a worrying phenomenon on the continent in general.
He said investments in utility projects were enormous, to the extent that there was the need for both local and foreign investors to show greater interest in the sector.
As a result of the poverty levels on the continent, investors normally shy away from the sector because of the fear that they may not be able to have returns on their investments.
It was against that background that Mr Adu called for an enabling environment that would attract investors to help improve access to the utilities on the continent.
He admitted that huge capital outlays were involved in the execution of such projects, hence the need for investors to recoup their investments.
However, Mr Adu gave the assurance that the utility commissions on the continent were resolved to ensure that such investors get the returns on their investments by ensuring that the tariffs paid them were enough to secure their investments.
For consumers, he said the utility commissions would protect their interests by ensuring that any such investor did not pass on his inefficiencies in terms of cost to the consumers.
“If investors produce inefficiently, they will incur cost and they would want to pass that on to the consumers. But we will be resolute to ensure that it does not happen,” he said.
Mr Adu said the AFUR had come far and described this year’s conference as a huge success because of the attendance and the quality of delivery by the various speakers.
He expressed the hope that the regulators forum would continue to grow to discharge their duties as expected.
The Chairman of the AFUR, Mr Smundu Mokoena, for his part, mentioned the huge utility infrastructural gap on the continent, which was making access to it difficult.
He said the forum had made proposals, through the various sector ministries, for consideration by the African Union.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Accra floods again
Spread April 28/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
A three-hour downpour in Accra yesterday again resulted in flooding in most parts of the city, including parts of Adabraka, the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, New Gbawe and Mallam.
Although there were no reports of death and extensive damage to property, some houses and offices were flooded.
At the Obetsebi-Lamptey Circle, the flood waters completely took over the premises of the Fikoda GOIL Filling Station, bringing business there to a virtual halt.
A tour of the city showed that the premises of PHC Motors, dealers in Tata and Chevy vehicles, and the area around the Royalhouse Chapel were also flooded.
A giant billboard mounted by ddp, an advertising company, also fell onto the road, creating a traffic jam for motorists from the Awudome Cemetery side of the road from the Nkrumah Circle.
The street around the Obetsebi-Lamptey Circle itself was badly flooded, leaving many vehicles stuck in the water, a situation which created temporary jobs for some of the residents around who helped to push the vehicles out of the water for a fee.
Around the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, the situation was not different, with water completely taking over the circle and its surroundings.
The Odaw River was filled with tonnes of floating rubbish which poured into the streets as the river overflowed its banks.
Most of the drains which were too small to contain a lot of water at a time were choked with rubbish, forcing the water to run onto the streets.
At the time of going to press, the flood waters in most of the areas had started to recede and owners of the property were busily cleaning up the mess.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
A three-hour downpour in Accra yesterday again resulted in flooding in most parts of the city, including parts of Adabraka, the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, New Gbawe and Mallam.
Although there were no reports of death and extensive damage to property, some houses and offices were flooded.
At the Obetsebi-Lamptey Circle, the flood waters completely took over the premises of the Fikoda GOIL Filling Station, bringing business there to a virtual halt.
A tour of the city showed that the premises of PHC Motors, dealers in Tata and Chevy vehicles, and the area around the Royalhouse Chapel were also flooded.
A giant billboard mounted by ddp, an advertising company, also fell onto the road, creating a traffic jam for motorists from the Awudome Cemetery side of the road from the Nkrumah Circle.
The street around the Obetsebi-Lamptey Circle itself was badly flooded, leaving many vehicles stuck in the water, a situation which created temporary jobs for some of the residents around who helped to push the vehicles out of the water for a fee.
Around the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, the situation was not different, with water completely taking over the circle and its surroundings.
The Odaw River was filled with tonnes of floating rubbish which poured into the streets as the river overflowed its banks.
Most of the drains which were too small to contain a lot of water at a time were choked with rubbish, forcing the water to run onto the streets.
At the time of going to press, the flood waters in most of the areas had started to recede and owners of the property were busily cleaning up the mess.
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