Politics, September 27/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE government has assured the international community that it is constantly monitoring developments in the country in a run-up to the December polls to ensure that the peace the nation has enjoyed over the years is not compromised.
“The government has been able to maintain the peace and stability of the nation since it came to power and had supervised all the general elections under its watch without any rancour, a record we are as determined as ever to uphold again this time”, it said.
The Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama gave the assurance when the new United States of America (USA) Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Donald Gene Teitelbum, paid a courtesy call on him at his office at the Castle, Osu, on Wednesday.
The assurance comes amidst growing concerns about some disturbances in some parts of the country which was sending negative signals and also questioning the readiness of the nation for the December polls.
Alhaji Mahama said the government had been noted for its love for the rule of law and the strengthening of democracy in the country, a feet the US and others in the international community also appreciated.
He said the country had played major roles to bring peace to some of its neighbours such as Cote d’ Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Liberia when they were in conflict.
“These demonstrates our love for peace and that is why we continue to assure the international community and the entire nation that the government was on top of the issues and will ensure that the peace is not compromised,” he added.
The Vice President mentioned the various achievements that the government had chalked over the past seven years saying “the economic stability and progress we brought about is unprecedented and we pride in that”.
He said it was out of these achievements and seriousness to tackle issues that the US recognised the nation and decided to foster an improved relationship between the two countries.
Alhaji Mahama expressed the gratitude of the government to the US government and President George Bush in particular for the recent release of $350 million to Ghana to augment the rural electrification programme.
During his recent state visit to the US, President Kufuor signed an agreement for the release of the money for the project.
“This assistance is laudable and refreshing and we will ensure that the rural poor for whom this assistance is to benefit, has access to electricity in due course”, he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the US government for the release of more than $530 million from the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) to support rural agriculture.
Alhaji Mahama also paid tribute to Mrs Pamela Bridgewater, the immediate past US Ambassador to Ghana for her role in getting Ghana the goodies from her country.
He expressed the hope that Mr Teitelbum would do same to further deepen the relationship between the two countries which had reached an unprecedented height in recent times.
Mr Teitelbum said the American government did not set up the MCA for nothing saying; “It is not something we take for granted and those countries, such as Ghana, who are benefiting from it really deserve it because they have genuinely met the criteria”, he said.
He wished Ghana well in her endeavours particularly in the upcoming elections and added that “we are all in the same boat together because we are also going to the polls soon”.
Mr Teitelbum expressed the hope that Th. winners, both in the US and Ghana will celebrate with all while the losers take the defeat in their strides to ensure continuos peace in the two countries.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Support govt to check influx of fake drugs
Spread, September 27/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, has asked the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana (PMAG) to support government agencies and other stakeholders to prevent the influx of fake or counterfeit drugs into the country and the sub-region.
He said there were some international criminal groups which had taken undue advantage of the globalised world to engage in all manner of fraudulent activities, to the detriment of the genuine ones such as the PMAG.
Alhaji Mahama made the call at the celebration of Pharmaceutical Day, under the auspices of the PMAG, in Accra yesterday. It was on the theme, “Pharmaceutical Manufacturing In Ghana: Building a centre of excellence”.
He said the government was aware of how a vibrant drug production industry would enhance the development of associated service industries in equipment and other accessories and noted that the manner in which the industry was being disturbed was unfortunate.
The Vice-President said there was ample evidence to show that the quality of locally manufactured drugs in terms of their safety and efficiency matched that of those imported into the country.
“However, the local production of these drugs meets only 30 per cent of our requirements,” he said, adding, “This huge gap in local supplies should be seen as an opportunity to grow the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector through investment in manufacturing facilities.”
Alhaji Mahama said the government was pursuing policies under the Trade and Investment Promotion (TIP) programme managed by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Private Sector Development and PSIs which were aimed at removing both internal and external constraints to the development and promotion of locally manufactured drugs.
He recounted the devastating effects of malaria on the people, saying that “available statistics show that malaria alone affects over 17 million people in Ghana”.
“Besides the death caused by this disease among the youth and the elderly, it also adversely affects productivity and economic output due to loss in man hours,” he added.
Alhaji Mahama proposed a two-prong approach to battle the disease, namely, prevention and treatment.
He described as refreshing the quest of the association to achieve excellence, saying, “By building a centre of excellence, we, as a country, shall become less dependent on others for our healthcare needs, while at the same time developing new medications by harnessing the inherent medical wealth in our plants.”
He urged the PMAG to continue to collaborate with the Food and Drugs Board (FDB), as well as explore avenues for partnering with the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine and other research institutions, to come out with drug formulations and preparations which would require the use of local resources and expertise.
The President of the association, Dr M.A. Addo, complained about what he described as the extremely long bureaucratic process at the ports, for which importers were made to pay high demurrage on their imports.
He said that, and the general lack of low interest funds from the banks, were hindrances to the members of the association, most of whom had the capacity to manufacture drugs to fully meet local consumption and for export to raise foreign capital.
Dr Addo said the members of the association also had the capacity to produce anti malaria drugs to meet local demands and urged the government to re-think its intention to source those drugs from China.
He said should the association get the support it needed from the government, not only would it bring the prices of locally manufactured drugs down but it would also produce to meet the quality and standard of the imported ones.
The Deputy Chief Executive of the FDB in charge of drugs, Mr Ben Botwe, said the board had categorised drugs according to their quality to entice those whose drugs were in the lower categories to work harder to move up.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, has asked the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana (PMAG) to support government agencies and other stakeholders to prevent the influx of fake or counterfeit drugs into the country and the sub-region.
He said there were some international criminal groups which had taken undue advantage of the globalised world to engage in all manner of fraudulent activities, to the detriment of the genuine ones such as the PMAG.
Alhaji Mahama made the call at the celebration of Pharmaceutical Day, under the auspices of the PMAG, in Accra yesterday. It was on the theme, “Pharmaceutical Manufacturing In Ghana: Building a centre of excellence”.
He said the government was aware of how a vibrant drug production industry would enhance the development of associated service industries in equipment and other accessories and noted that the manner in which the industry was being disturbed was unfortunate.
The Vice-President said there was ample evidence to show that the quality of locally manufactured drugs in terms of their safety and efficiency matched that of those imported into the country.
“However, the local production of these drugs meets only 30 per cent of our requirements,” he said, adding, “This huge gap in local supplies should be seen as an opportunity to grow the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector through investment in manufacturing facilities.”
Alhaji Mahama said the government was pursuing policies under the Trade and Investment Promotion (TIP) programme managed by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Private Sector Development and PSIs which were aimed at removing both internal and external constraints to the development and promotion of locally manufactured drugs.
He recounted the devastating effects of malaria on the people, saying that “available statistics show that malaria alone affects over 17 million people in Ghana”.
“Besides the death caused by this disease among the youth and the elderly, it also adversely affects productivity and economic output due to loss in man hours,” he added.
Alhaji Mahama proposed a two-prong approach to battle the disease, namely, prevention and treatment.
He described as refreshing the quest of the association to achieve excellence, saying, “By building a centre of excellence, we, as a country, shall become less dependent on others for our healthcare needs, while at the same time developing new medications by harnessing the inherent medical wealth in our plants.”
He urged the PMAG to continue to collaborate with the Food and Drugs Board (FDB), as well as explore avenues for partnering with the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine and other research institutions, to come out with drug formulations and preparations which would require the use of local resources and expertise.
The President of the association, Dr M.A. Addo, complained about what he described as the extremely long bureaucratic process at the ports, for which importers were made to pay high demurrage on their imports.
He said that, and the general lack of low interest funds from the banks, were hindrances to the members of the association, most of whom had the capacity to manufacture drugs to fully meet local consumption and for export to raise foreign capital.
Dr Addo said the members of the association also had the capacity to produce anti malaria drugs to meet local demands and urged the government to re-think its intention to source those drugs from China.
He said should the association get the support it needed from the government, not only would it bring the prices of locally manufactured drugs down but it would also produce to meet the quality and standard of the imported ones.
The Deputy Chief Executive of the FDB in charge of drugs, Mr Ben Botwe, said the board had categorised drugs according to their quality to entice those whose drugs were in the lower categories to work harder to move up.
Veep leads team to mourn Baah-Wiredu
Page 30, September 26/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, yesterday led a large delegation of government ministers, their deputies and other state functionaries to the official residence of their late colleague and Finance Minister, Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, to mourn with his family.
Immediately the delegation arrived, the large crowd of mourners, which included the Omanhene of the Agogo Traditional Area, Nana Akuoko Sarpong, burst into tears, with some wailing uncontrollably because of the absence of the departed relative and friend.
Typical of Ashantis, the bereaved family and other sympathisers present were clad in black, with red bands around their wrists, heads and feet to signify their mournful state.
Among the ministerial delegation were Mr Kwadwo Mpiani, the Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chief of Staff, Office of the President; Dr Richard Anane, the Minister of Transportation; Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, the Minister of the Interior; Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, the Minister of Harbours and Railways; Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, the Minister of Defence; Mr Kwame Ampofo-Twumasi, the Deputy Minister of Energy; Mrs Gladys Asmah, the Minister of Fisheries; Ms Elizabeth Ohene, Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Science and Sports; Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, Minister of State, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning; Mrs Oboshie Sai Cofie, the Minister of Tourism, and Mr J.H. Mensah, the Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission.
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Paul Acquah, and his deputies and other senior officials of the bank, as well as Mr Ishak Diwan, the Country Director of the World Bank, were also present to express their condolences to the family.
Also present were the running mate of the flag bearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, his wife, Samia, and the General Secretary of the NPP, Nana Ohene Ntow.
After members of the delegation had expressed their condolences to the bereaved family, they proceeded in turns to sign a book of condolence opened for the friends and sympathisers of the late minister to write their last words.
“Kwadwo, rest in peace” were what the Vice-President wrote in the book which was placed in front of a large picture of the late Mr Baah-Wiredu.
In a brief remark prior to the signing of the book, Mr Mpiani told the chief linguist of the Omanhene of Agogo that the death of their colleague was a heavy blow, not only to the government and family but the entire nation as well.
“Before his departure, we saw nothing wrong with him; he did not look sick, so I could simply not believe it when the news hit me in the office on the morning of Wednesday,” he said.
According to Mr Mpiani, he had spoken on telephone with Mr Baah-Wiredu, adding, “Nothing sounded in his voice that he was suffering any ailment.”
He said the President was devastated by the news, just as any other person who knew Mr Baah-Wiredu’s worth.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, yesterday led a large delegation of government ministers, their deputies and other state functionaries to the official residence of their late colleague and Finance Minister, Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, to mourn with his family.
Immediately the delegation arrived, the large crowd of mourners, which included the Omanhene of the Agogo Traditional Area, Nana Akuoko Sarpong, burst into tears, with some wailing uncontrollably because of the absence of the departed relative and friend.
Typical of Ashantis, the bereaved family and other sympathisers present were clad in black, with red bands around their wrists, heads and feet to signify their mournful state.
Among the ministerial delegation were Mr Kwadwo Mpiani, the Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chief of Staff, Office of the President; Dr Richard Anane, the Minister of Transportation; Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, the Minister of the Interior; Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, the Minister of Harbours and Railways; Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, the Minister of Defence; Mr Kwame Ampofo-Twumasi, the Deputy Minister of Energy; Mrs Gladys Asmah, the Minister of Fisheries; Ms Elizabeth Ohene, Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Science and Sports; Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, Minister of State, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning; Mrs Oboshie Sai Cofie, the Minister of Tourism, and Mr J.H. Mensah, the Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission.
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Paul Acquah, and his deputies and other senior officials of the bank, as well as Mr Ishak Diwan, the Country Director of the World Bank, were also present to express their condolences to the family.
Also present were the running mate of the flag bearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, his wife, Samia, and the General Secretary of the NPP, Nana Ohene Ntow.
After members of the delegation had expressed their condolences to the bereaved family, they proceeded in turns to sign a book of condolence opened for the friends and sympathisers of the late minister to write their last words.
“Kwadwo, rest in peace” were what the Vice-President wrote in the book which was placed in front of a large picture of the late Mr Baah-Wiredu.
In a brief remark prior to the signing of the book, Mr Mpiani told the chief linguist of the Omanhene of Agogo that the death of their colleague was a heavy blow, not only to the government and family but the entire nation as well.
“Before his departure, we saw nothing wrong with him; he did not look sick, so I could simply not believe it when the news hit me in the office on the morning of Wednesday,” he said.
According to Mr Mpiani, he had spoken on telephone with Mr Baah-Wiredu, adding, “Nothing sounded in his voice that he was suffering any ailment.”
He said the President was devastated by the news, just as any other person who knew Mr Baah-Wiredu’s worth.
Veep, Interior Minister visit Katamanto Market
Page 55, September 25/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE government will, from next week Wednesday, begin taking inventory of all the traders who lost their wares to the fire at the Kantamanto Market last Monday.
The exercise, which will be conducted on the premises of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) in Accra, is to afford the government the opportunity to structure the appropriate interventions for the right victims to minimise their pain.
The Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who announced this when he led a high-profile government team to the disaster scene, also said the government would ensure that the right structures with proper layouts were put in place to avoid any future occurrence of the situation.
The Minister of the Interior, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, who was also part of the Vice-President’s entourage, presented 500 bags of cement and 100 packets of roofing sheets to the affected victims.
Fire swept through more than 600 stores and shops at the Kantamanto Market in Accra on Monday night, destroying property running into thousands of Ghana cedis.
Some of the items destroyed included sewing materials, sandals, second-hand goods, audio and video cassettes and discs, shoes, as well as tailoring shops, hairdressing salons, drinking and chop bars.
The fire, which started at 7.00 p.m., raged for many hours before it was brought under control by a contingent of eight fire tenders supported by three water tankers.
When the Vice-President and his entourage arrived at the market, were given a tumultuous welcome.
Some parts of the market were still in flames, while a greater part of the area was covered with smoke.
Electric wires which were half burnt were seen hanging on some poles mounted at the market.
“The government is touched by this unfortunate incident and it is here to solidarise with all those who were affected by the fire,” Alhaji Mahama said.
He extended President Kufuor’s sympathies to the people and gave the assurance that the government would do all it could to ensure that the pain and grief of those affected were minimised.
Dr Addo-Kufuor said the presentation made to the victims was just “first aid”, adding that the government would come up with a plan of what could be done in due course.
The Chief Fire Officer, Mr Felix Fekah, who also addressed the crowd, said the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) would provide two fire hydrants at the market when it was reconstructed to allow fire tenders access to ready water whenever there was a fire outbreak.
He appealed to the traders to avoid cooking within the market, since the slightest spark of fire could spell doom for them.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE government will, from next week Wednesday, begin taking inventory of all the traders who lost their wares to the fire at the Kantamanto Market last Monday.
The exercise, which will be conducted on the premises of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) in Accra, is to afford the government the opportunity to structure the appropriate interventions for the right victims to minimise their pain.
The Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who announced this when he led a high-profile government team to the disaster scene, also said the government would ensure that the right structures with proper layouts were put in place to avoid any future occurrence of the situation.
The Minister of the Interior, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, who was also part of the Vice-President’s entourage, presented 500 bags of cement and 100 packets of roofing sheets to the affected victims.
Fire swept through more than 600 stores and shops at the Kantamanto Market in Accra on Monday night, destroying property running into thousands of Ghana cedis.
Some of the items destroyed included sewing materials, sandals, second-hand goods, audio and video cassettes and discs, shoes, as well as tailoring shops, hairdressing salons, drinking and chop bars.
The fire, which started at 7.00 p.m., raged for many hours before it was brought under control by a contingent of eight fire tenders supported by three water tankers.
When the Vice-President and his entourage arrived at the market, were given a tumultuous welcome.
Some parts of the market were still in flames, while a greater part of the area was covered with smoke.
Electric wires which were half burnt were seen hanging on some poles mounted at the market.
“The government is touched by this unfortunate incident and it is here to solidarise with all those who were affected by the fire,” Alhaji Mahama said.
He extended President Kufuor’s sympathies to the people and gave the assurance that the government would do all it could to ensure that the pain and grief of those affected were minimised.
Dr Addo-Kufuor said the presentation made to the victims was just “first aid”, adding that the government would come up with a plan of what could be done in due course.
The Chief Fire Officer, Mr Felix Fekah, who also addressed the crowd, said the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) would provide two fire hydrants at the market when it was reconstructed to allow fire tenders access to ready water whenever there was a fire outbreak.
He appealed to the traders to avoid cooking within the market, since the slightest spark of fire could spell doom for them.
Govt mourns
Page 3, September 25/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE government says it has received with deep shock and sorrow the sudden demise of the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, in South Africa after short illness.
The visibly grief-stricken Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who is acting as President in the absence of President Kufuor, said “it is really a sad piece of news to us and we simply do not know what to say about it”.
“The cause of death and other information surrounding this news is scanty and we are waiting for the full facts,” he added.
His comments were in response to the expression of condolences from the new United States of America (USA) Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Donald Gene Teitelbum, who was at the Castle to pay a courtesy call on him.
He would not comment further on the announcement of the sudden death of the Finance Minister, whom many revered and cherished for his affable character.
Mr Teitelbum described the Finance Minister as a brilliant, intelligent and knowledgeable minister who was on top of his job.
“We grief and mourn with you and we hope you accept our deepest condolences for this loss,” he added.
And on the premises of the Castle, workers, including the presidential security, cleaners, cooks and fuel attendants, were standing in groups discussing the death of one of the country’s most revered minister and the first minister to be appointed by President Kufuor when he assumed the reigns of government in 2001.
Those who could simply not hold back their tears were seen wiping their faces in grief while others narrated how his human relations made him the toast at every function.
Meanwhile a release from the Office of the Chief of Staff said President John Agyekum Kufuor had been informed about the sad story.
The release signed by the Chief of Staff and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Mr Kwadwo Mpiani, said: “He (the President) has expressed shock about this sudden death, and has requested that his condolences should be extended to his elderly mother, his wife, children and the rest of the family”.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE government says it has received with deep shock and sorrow the sudden demise of the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, in South Africa after short illness.
The visibly grief-stricken Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who is acting as President in the absence of President Kufuor, said “it is really a sad piece of news to us and we simply do not know what to say about it”.
“The cause of death and other information surrounding this news is scanty and we are waiting for the full facts,” he added.
His comments were in response to the expression of condolences from the new United States of America (USA) Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Donald Gene Teitelbum, who was at the Castle to pay a courtesy call on him.
He would not comment further on the announcement of the sudden death of the Finance Minister, whom many revered and cherished for his affable character.
Mr Teitelbum described the Finance Minister as a brilliant, intelligent and knowledgeable minister who was on top of his job.
“We grief and mourn with you and we hope you accept our deepest condolences for this loss,” he added.
And on the premises of the Castle, workers, including the presidential security, cleaners, cooks and fuel attendants, were standing in groups discussing the death of one of the country’s most revered minister and the first minister to be appointed by President Kufuor when he assumed the reigns of government in 2001.
Those who could simply not hold back their tears were seen wiping their faces in grief while others narrated how his human relations made him the toast at every function.
Meanwhile a release from the Office of the Chief of Staff said President John Agyekum Kufuor had been informed about the sad story.
The release signed by the Chief of Staff and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Mr Kwadwo Mpiani, said: “He (the President) has expressed shock about this sudden death, and has requested that his condolences should be extended to his elderly mother, his wife, children and the rest of the family”.
31st World Maritime Day marked
Page 30, September 24/2008
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, has asked the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) to submit a draft legal instruments and sanctions regime for ratification to enable the government to introduce sanity into the shipping industry.
The move, the Vice-President said, would also afford the authority the opportunity to effectively regulate and co-ordinate all stakeholders in the maritime industry and eliminate what he described as the “unnecessary functional overlaps and conflicting objectives in public sector agency operations”.
Alhaji Mahama made the call in a speech read on his behalf by Mrs Mary Chinery-Hesse, the Chief Advisor to the President, at the celebration of the 31st World Maritime Day under the auspices of the GMA in Accra.
As part of activities lined up by the GMA to commemorate the day, there will be a three-day workshop, beginning today, on the theme, “Building partnership for the prevention and protection of marine pollution and effective oil spill response”.
The Vice-President explained that the introduction of the legal instruments and sanctions regime was necessary “because shipping lines are beginning to abuse the system by introducing unjustifiable charges, such as container administrative fees and several others which pose an unnecessary burden on our importers and exporters”.
“This trend, I must say, is adversely affecting government’s efforts aimed at making Ghana an investment destination in the sub-region,” he added.
The Vice-President used the occasion to justify why the GMA was set up, saying, “The government, like many other developing countries, depends almost exclusively on international shipping for the carriage of over 90 per cent of the country’s international trade.”
He said the trend of globalisation and privatisation was becoming pervasive and irreversible, thereby imposing structural and policy changes and challenges which needed to be analysed and effectively managed by a specialised professional body such as the GMA to provide inputs for incorporation in the maritime sub-sector of the national strategic development framework.
In spite of its challenges, Alhaji Mahama commended the management of the GMA for halting the perennial trend in frequent accidents and considerable loss of human lives and property on the Volta Lake, with collaboration from the Ghana Navy, since January 2007.
The Vice-President also mentioned the organisation of the national workshop on safety and navigation of non-convention crafts and inland waterway vessels to further improve safety of transportation on the country’s inland waters.
Alhaji Mahama pledged the government’s commitment to support the authority’s ongoing efforts to install and operate the Vessel Monitoring Information Systems (VMIS) which would put it in a better stead to effectively manage the country’s maritime domain.
The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes, who chaired the function, appealed to the GMA to expedite action on eliminating unnecessary functional overlaps of agencies within the industry which most often increased the cost of doing business at the ports.
He urged the management of the GMA and other stakeholders in the industry to remain focused on their objectives of creating a vibrant maritime industry to support the government’s development efforts.
The Minister of Harbours and Railways, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, said the GMA, in collaboration with the IMO, had organised a national training workshop for its marine surveyors to enable it to fulfil effectively Ghana’s flag and port state responsibilities of inspecting and surveying Ghanaian and foreign ships to ensure their sea worthiness and compliance with international standards.
“The authority has collaborated effectively with the Regional Maritime University for seafarers to be trained on the basis of IMO courses and in relevant international conventions such as the IMO international convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers as amended in 1985,” he added.
The Director-General of the GMA, Mr Peter Issaka Azumah, pledged the commitment of the authority to work expeditiously on the relevant instruments and draft legislation for consideration by Parliament at its next sitting.
Story: Charles Benoni Okine
THE Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, has asked the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) to submit a draft legal instruments and sanctions regime for ratification to enable the government to introduce sanity into the shipping industry.
The move, the Vice-President said, would also afford the authority the opportunity to effectively regulate and co-ordinate all stakeholders in the maritime industry and eliminate what he described as the “unnecessary functional overlaps and conflicting objectives in public sector agency operations”.
Alhaji Mahama made the call in a speech read on his behalf by Mrs Mary Chinery-Hesse, the Chief Advisor to the President, at the celebration of the 31st World Maritime Day under the auspices of the GMA in Accra.
As part of activities lined up by the GMA to commemorate the day, there will be a three-day workshop, beginning today, on the theme, “Building partnership for the prevention and protection of marine pollution and effective oil spill response”.
The Vice-President explained that the introduction of the legal instruments and sanctions regime was necessary “because shipping lines are beginning to abuse the system by introducing unjustifiable charges, such as container administrative fees and several others which pose an unnecessary burden on our importers and exporters”.
“This trend, I must say, is adversely affecting government’s efforts aimed at making Ghana an investment destination in the sub-region,” he added.
The Vice-President used the occasion to justify why the GMA was set up, saying, “The government, like many other developing countries, depends almost exclusively on international shipping for the carriage of over 90 per cent of the country’s international trade.”
He said the trend of globalisation and privatisation was becoming pervasive and irreversible, thereby imposing structural and policy changes and challenges which needed to be analysed and effectively managed by a specialised professional body such as the GMA to provide inputs for incorporation in the maritime sub-sector of the national strategic development framework.
In spite of its challenges, Alhaji Mahama commended the management of the GMA for halting the perennial trend in frequent accidents and considerable loss of human lives and property on the Volta Lake, with collaboration from the Ghana Navy, since January 2007.
The Vice-President also mentioned the organisation of the national workshop on safety and navigation of non-convention crafts and inland waterway vessels to further improve safety of transportation on the country’s inland waters.
Alhaji Mahama pledged the government’s commitment to support the authority’s ongoing efforts to install and operate the Vessel Monitoring Information Systems (VMIS) which would put it in a better stead to effectively manage the country’s maritime domain.
The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes, who chaired the function, appealed to the GMA to expedite action on eliminating unnecessary functional overlaps of agencies within the industry which most often increased the cost of doing business at the ports.
He urged the management of the GMA and other stakeholders in the industry to remain focused on their objectives of creating a vibrant maritime industry to support the government’s development efforts.
The Minister of Harbours and Railways, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, said the GMA, in collaboration with the IMO, had organised a national training workshop for its marine surveyors to enable it to fulfil effectively Ghana’s flag and port state responsibilities of inspecting and surveying Ghanaian and foreign ships to ensure their sea worthiness and compliance with international standards.
“The authority has collaborated effectively with the Regional Maritime University for seafarers to be trained on the basis of IMO courses and in relevant international conventions such as the IMO international convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers as amended in 1985,” he added.
The Director-General of the GMA, Mr Peter Issaka Azumah, pledged the commitment of the authority to work expeditiously on the relevant instruments and draft legislation for consideration by Parliament at its next sitting.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Marketing Ghana's oil
Graphic Business (Energy page lead) September 23/2008
Artilce: Charles Benoni Okine
THE news about the oil find in Ghana by Kosmos Energy from Texas, United States of America (USA) and Tullow of Britain, has attracted international players in the industry. The find is being trumpeted by government officials everywhere because of its potential of helping to positively affect the economic fortunes of the country.
In spite of this, there is the talk about the ‘black gold’ being either a curse or a blessing depending on how the resource is managed in terms of the proceeds. It therefore, came as welcome news, when the government first organised the National Oil and Gas forum in February, where it assembled experts from many countries with the resource , to offer pieces of advice on how they have been able to manage the oil and how proceeds from the oil sales were being used to help the people.
But it is imperative to note that Ghana is not the only country in the world that has oil and gas. There are many others, even on the continent of Africa with billions of barrels of oil reserves and were producing the resource for the international market.
Nigeria has had some challenges with its resource as militants continue to fight the government for their share and in Angola, the present stability had made it a safe haven for many investors of the industry.
Marketing refers to the management process which identifies, anticipates and supplies customers’ requirements efficiently and profitably. Marketing has to be sustained if a brand or a product is to be ingrained in the minds of customers.
In the case of Ghana’s oil, it is important that even before the resource is produced, marketing is done in a way that investors’attention on Ghana will not wane.
At a recent forum at the British Council in Accra on Ghana’s oil, it was made clear that the marketing of the country’s oil find needed to be intensified and sustained to attract the cream of investors in the field.
The forum was attended by high profile British investors who agreed that marketing of Ghana’s oil was necessary and must be done now.
The call is not out of place because it is clear that many of the investors who used to pitch camp in Nigeria, are gradually moving to Angola not only because of the recent peace existing in that country but because of the marketing of the oil wealth of that country.
Ghana’s oil is also said to be in commercial quantities with some estimates putting it at about 3 billion barrels. But the oil will remain untapped if the right investments are not made to have it tapped.
Experts have said that Ghana’s oil is rich but its location in the most complicated of rocks therefore required tact and expertise or the whole of the gulf will be endangered with its spillage.
The cost of exploration per day has been estimated at about $700,000 and this is expected to rise when more wells are drilled.
Ghana has relative peace and has enjoyed a lot of stability over the last 25 years and more. The economy has gone through a lot of transformation and today it is able to withstand some of the shocks from the international market. The management of the economy is improving and gradually the sharing of the national cake is becoming proportional.
There are some agitations presently in the areas where the resource has been found but the government will come out with laws to ensure that there is transparency, equity and accountability when it comes to its sharing .
What else can a country market to attract investors if these factors are not enough to guarantee their investment.
There shouldnot be any time wasting; marketing needs to be done intensely and rightly to boost greater international confidence and Ghana will gain.
Artilce: Charles Benoni Okine
THE news about the oil find in Ghana by Kosmos Energy from Texas, United States of America (USA) and Tullow of Britain, has attracted international players in the industry. The find is being trumpeted by government officials everywhere because of its potential of helping to positively affect the economic fortunes of the country.
In spite of this, there is the talk about the ‘black gold’ being either a curse or a blessing depending on how the resource is managed in terms of the proceeds. It therefore, came as welcome news, when the government first organised the National Oil and Gas forum in February, where it assembled experts from many countries with the resource , to offer pieces of advice on how they have been able to manage the oil and how proceeds from the oil sales were being used to help the people.
But it is imperative to note that Ghana is not the only country in the world that has oil and gas. There are many others, even on the continent of Africa with billions of barrels of oil reserves and were producing the resource for the international market.
Nigeria has had some challenges with its resource as militants continue to fight the government for their share and in Angola, the present stability had made it a safe haven for many investors of the industry.
Marketing refers to the management process which identifies, anticipates and supplies customers’ requirements efficiently and profitably. Marketing has to be sustained if a brand or a product is to be ingrained in the minds of customers.
In the case of Ghana’s oil, it is important that even before the resource is produced, marketing is done in a way that investors’attention on Ghana will not wane.
At a recent forum at the British Council in Accra on Ghana’s oil, it was made clear that the marketing of the country’s oil find needed to be intensified and sustained to attract the cream of investors in the field.
The forum was attended by high profile British investors who agreed that marketing of Ghana’s oil was necessary and must be done now.
The call is not out of place because it is clear that many of the investors who used to pitch camp in Nigeria, are gradually moving to Angola not only because of the recent peace existing in that country but because of the marketing of the oil wealth of that country.
Ghana’s oil is also said to be in commercial quantities with some estimates putting it at about 3 billion barrels. But the oil will remain untapped if the right investments are not made to have it tapped.
Experts have said that Ghana’s oil is rich but its location in the most complicated of rocks therefore required tact and expertise or the whole of the gulf will be endangered with its spillage.
The cost of exploration per day has been estimated at about $700,000 and this is expected to rise when more wells are drilled.
Ghana has relative peace and has enjoyed a lot of stability over the last 25 years and more. The economy has gone through a lot of transformation and today it is able to withstand some of the shocks from the international market. The management of the economy is improving and gradually the sharing of the national cake is becoming proportional.
There are some agitations presently in the areas where the resource has been found but the government will come out with laws to ensure that there is transparency, equity and accountability when it comes to its sharing .
What else can a country market to attract investors if these factors are not enough to guarantee their investment.
There shouldnot be any time wasting; marketing needs to be done intensely and rightly to boost greater international confidence and Ghana will gain.
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