…On political, ethnic lines
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted: Friday, July 25, 2008
Years after the Justice Amoah-Sekyi-led National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) submitted its report findings and recommendations, the Ghana National Party (GNP) believes the country is still polarised on political and ethnic lines.
GNP believes that the rational behind the recent national awards by President Kufuor has been defeated by the very fact that it failed to reconcile the nation.
“Ghana National Party views the aftermath of the whole award process as unhealthy and very divisive”, it said.
This was contained in a statement signed by the party’s Deputy General Secretary, Eric Sarpong.
Though Ghana has sunk huge sums of money into the process of national reconciliation, he thinks “The political climate is still volatile and polarised.”
There are also strong indications that the country is polarised along ethnic lines.
This, he said was evident in the fact that the likes of former President Jerry John Rawlings, Professor John Evans Atta Mills and other members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), refused to go for the award.
Whilst admitting that no one could fault them for their individual or collective decision not to go for the awards, the GNP also condemned inferences drawn by the NDC over their protestation of the prosecution of former boss of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Tsatsu Tsikata. The Party holds the view that those who have embezzled state funds should be made to pay for their crimes.
The GNP is alos of the view that the development of the nation has greatly retrogressed as a result of bribery, corruption, stealing and wilful misappropriation of public funds, stressing that “holding people accountable for their selfish misdeeds should not stop attempts at national reconciliation.”
In any event, the party holds the belief that “political opponents are not enemies and must therefore be fairly treated under the norms of the judicial.”
The Ghana National Party considers the amount of US$ 1.5million spent on the purchase of medals for the national awards as not only colossal, but another irresponsible application of state funds that could have otherwise gone into providing the basic necessities of life, like water for the people of Ghana.
It cited the front page story of Friday, July 18, 2008, edition of the ‘Ghanaian Times’ newspaper in which the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr Nicholas Westcott was reported to have presented a cocaine expelling machine to the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) at a estimated cost of 15,000 pounds sterling, as an example of prudent management of funds, emphasising that “this is an example of civilised application of resources.”
Though the GNP finds nothing wrong with awarding medallions to deserving citizens who have excelled in national development efforts in science and technology, research and other disciplines of exceptional marks of service to the nation, it noted that the selection of recipients for the awards could have been limited to a few deserving ones, since in its own words “that could have made the whole exercise more meaningful and competitive, instead of blanket awards.”
It thus stressed the belief that the amount of money used for the exercise would not have risen to the level that created uproar among some Ghanaians, noting that Ghana as a country is well resourced.
“Therefore, we believe that the basics, classified under human survival needs of our people must be a priority. We have failed to establish the infrastructure to provide jobs for our people because governments for the past four decades failed to prioritise the needs of the country. We buy a Presidential plane when we feel like it. We decide to implement an idea as long as a development partner decides to grant us loans”, it emphasised.
Though, there is intense political bickering and animosity between the two major political parties in the country, as a result of some burning issues, including the sale of Ghana Telecom, the Ghana National Party has advised all political parties contesting the 2008 elections to organise a clean and violent-free campaign.
It has further asked the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to assure the people of Ghana that there will be no incumbent manipulation throughout the campaign stage, voting time and the post election period, stressing “let the winner emerge fairly and whoever losses must accept defeat peacefully.”
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Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Journalist bemoans level of politics in Ghana
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted: Thusday, July 24, 2008
Veteran journalist and former Public Relations Officer of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Mr. G. B. K. Owusu has complained about the level of political development in the country.
He believed Ghana’s political atmosphere continues to be polarised by mediocrity, instead of the proper intellectual exercise.
This, he said, run counter-productive to the basic tenets of democracy, since it made politics unproductive and retroactive.
Addressing members of the Young Adult Fellowship (YAF), of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Faith Congregation at Madina Estates, on the topic ‘Christian perspective of politics’, Mr. Owusu, who is currently a media consultant, lamented that after 51 years of independence, and 48 years of attaining Republican status, Ghana’s political seed has not germinated to bear mature fruits.
He has thus charged Ghanaians, to move away from the usual politics of insults, personal attacks and vindictiveness, since it had the tendency of affecting the gains made so far.
He attributed this to selfishness, greed, graft, acrimony, dishonesty, avarice, envy, corruption and tribalism.
This, according to him, was evident in the fact that “matured politicians always buried their differences to move the nation ahead, instead of subverting and condemning every good decision.”
In furtherance of his speech, G.B.K, as he is fondly called, noted that “politics is a science of good governance, and its practitioners must put the nation first, before themselves. It is through this unity of purpose, loyalty, devotion and dedication that our dreams can be translated into reality, and make Ghana a better nation.”
He thus had cause to remind politicians that “so far as they cherished their parties more than the country’s progress, it would not be easy to place the nation forward.”
With its ethical practices and manifestos, he stressed that politics could be likened to the Ten Commandments, given by God to the Israelites.
These practices, according to Mr. Owusu, must aim at righteousness, unity, love, patriotism, respect for authority, compassion, peace and humility.
In effect, he asked politicians to be faithful to the national call, and desist from any dubious acts that would deny the electorate their needs - schools, water, roads, security, hospitals and shelter - advising them to learn from what Jesus Christ told His followers, that He came to give abundant life to all, as stated in John 10:10.
Mr. Owusu deplored the low spirit of patriotism in the country, emphasising that “if we are Ghanaians, and are concerned about development of our nation, then we must emulate what Prophet Nehemiah did, when he sought permission from the King of Susa to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.”
With determination, backed by God’s direction, he noted that Prophet Nehemiah succeeded in mobilizing the Jews to accomplish his mission.
“We need more Nehemiah’s to move the country forward,” he charged.
That notwithstanding, he stated that Ghana’s rich human resources, could be harnessed by all political parties, and not by any single party, saying “sharing of ideas, suggestions and decisions, provides a healthy platform to national growth and progress.”
He exhorted Christians, who have registered, to endeavour to vote on December 7, this year, adding “your vote is your power, but before you do that, listen to aspirants who base their campaign massages on issues, and not personalities and insults. Be mindful of those who engage in mudslinging and threats. Vote for God-fearing people who are matured, honest and respectful.”
Mr. Owusu also advised Christians not to carry politics to the church, by wearing political paraphernalia.
“You can conduct your campaign outside the church, but not inside. Pastors and church agents must also not use the pulpit to promote one political party against another. It is the duty of Christian politicians to always pray fervently for peace, unity, harmony, love and stability,” he noted with caution.
In the final analysis, he expressed hope that one day, all political leaders would meet to pray together, and share a common meal at the Castle, or the Conference Centre.
Posted: Thusday, July 24, 2008
Veteran journalist and former Public Relations Officer of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Mr. G. B. K. Owusu has complained about the level of political development in the country.
He believed Ghana’s political atmosphere continues to be polarised by mediocrity, instead of the proper intellectual exercise.
This, he said, run counter-productive to the basic tenets of democracy, since it made politics unproductive and retroactive.
Addressing members of the Young Adult Fellowship (YAF), of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Faith Congregation at Madina Estates, on the topic ‘Christian perspective of politics’, Mr. Owusu, who is currently a media consultant, lamented that after 51 years of independence, and 48 years of attaining Republican status, Ghana’s political seed has not germinated to bear mature fruits.
He has thus charged Ghanaians, to move away from the usual politics of insults, personal attacks and vindictiveness, since it had the tendency of affecting the gains made so far.
He attributed this to selfishness, greed, graft, acrimony, dishonesty, avarice, envy, corruption and tribalism.
This, according to him, was evident in the fact that “matured politicians always buried their differences to move the nation ahead, instead of subverting and condemning every good decision.”
In furtherance of his speech, G.B.K, as he is fondly called, noted that “politics is a science of good governance, and its practitioners must put the nation first, before themselves. It is through this unity of purpose, loyalty, devotion and dedication that our dreams can be translated into reality, and make Ghana a better nation.”
He thus had cause to remind politicians that “so far as they cherished their parties more than the country’s progress, it would not be easy to place the nation forward.”
With its ethical practices and manifestos, he stressed that politics could be likened to the Ten Commandments, given by God to the Israelites.
These practices, according to Mr. Owusu, must aim at righteousness, unity, love, patriotism, respect for authority, compassion, peace and humility.
In effect, he asked politicians to be faithful to the national call, and desist from any dubious acts that would deny the electorate their needs - schools, water, roads, security, hospitals and shelter - advising them to learn from what Jesus Christ told His followers, that He came to give abundant life to all, as stated in John 10:10.
Mr. Owusu deplored the low spirit of patriotism in the country, emphasising that “if we are Ghanaians, and are concerned about development of our nation, then we must emulate what Prophet Nehemiah did, when he sought permission from the King of Susa to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.”
With determination, backed by God’s direction, he noted that Prophet Nehemiah succeeded in mobilizing the Jews to accomplish his mission.
“We need more Nehemiah’s to move the country forward,” he charged.
That notwithstanding, he stated that Ghana’s rich human resources, could be harnessed by all political parties, and not by any single party, saying “sharing of ideas, suggestions and decisions, provides a healthy platform to national growth and progress.”
He exhorted Christians, who have registered, to endeavour to vote on December 7, this year, adding “your vote is your power, but before you do that, listen to aspirants who base their campaign massages on issues, and not personalities and insults. Be mindful of those who engage in mudslinging and threats. Vote for God-fearing people who are matured, honest and respectful.”
Mr. Owusu also advised Christians not to carry politics to the church, by wearing political paraphernalia.
“You can conduct your campaign outside the church, but not inside. Pastors and church agents must also not use the pulpit to promote one political party against another. It is the duty of Christian politicians to always pray fervently for peace, unity, harmony, love and stability,” he noted with caution.
In the final analysis, he expressed hope that one day, all political leaders would meet to pray together, and share a common meal at the Castle, or the Conference Centre.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Ababba walks to Ethiopia
...to raise funds for malaria control
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted:Tuesday, July 22, 2008
41year old Richard Mosiah Ababba Allen has opted to walk from Ghana to Ethiopia to raise funds to save the lives of Africa’s children.
The walk which covers a distance of 5,400 kilometres begins in August.
It is intended to raise funds to provide affordable homes, orphanages, malaria and HIV/AIDS prevention, schools, hospitals and a host of other beneficial projects.
Dubbed ‘Africa millennium health and peace walk’, the walk which is being organised by a Non Governmental Organisation, Africa’s Welfare and Peace Foundation will take Ababba through several African countries including the war ravaged Sudan to raise a targeted amount of US$1million for its intended purpose.
He will walk through Sudan with a White Flag for his own safety and people's awareness of Unity, for all Africans.The walker man considers this as an opportunity to emphasize his health and peace mission.
Barring any unforeseen circumstance, Ababba, who has been doing these brisk and extensive walks for the past 20years, hopes to complete the walk within two months.
On a good day, Ababba walks 7 kilometres per hour or more.
“As you can see on the above, there is a lot we have to do, to make the lives of thousands of people more desirable, nobody should live in poverty anymore, we living in 2008” Ababba emphasized.As humans, he believes each and everyone can make the difference, with a little contribution to promote this course.
At a press briefing in Accra, President of the Foundation, Jacob Holslag made a passionate appeal to individuals and corporate institutions to help this course to salvage the future of the continent by contributing monies towards the project at the Trade Fair branch of Barclays bank.
“Any donation or help is welcome, donations in the form of the above items or money.We really count on you, without your help we can't do this. Please give what you can so that Africa and her people can show the world that we can do it and claim unity and prosperity for everyone”, he said.
Our aim is to get funding for several projects in Africa for the unfortunate people in the African Countries.The walk is also for promotion of peace, love, stability, unity and awareness for malaria and HIV/AIDS.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted:Tuesday, July 22, 2008
41year old Richard Mosiah Ababba Allen has opted to walk from Ghana to Ethiopia to raise funds to save the lives of Africa’s children.
The walk which covers a distance of 5,400 kilometres begins in August.
It is intended to raise funds to provide affordable homes, orphanages, malaria and HIV/AIDS prevention, schools, hospitals and a host of other beneficial projects.
Dubbed ‘Africa millennium health and peace walk’, the walk which is being organised by a Non Governmental Organisation, Africa’s Welfare and Peace Foundation will take Ababba through several African countries including the war ravaged Sudan to raise a targeted amount of US$1million for its intended purpose.
He will walk through Sudan with a White Flag for his own safety and people's awareness of Unity, for all Africans.The walker man considers this as an opportunity to emphasize his health and peace mission.
Barring any unforeseen circumstance, Ababba, who has been doing these brisk and extensive walks for the past 20years, hopes to complete the walk within two months.
On a good day, Ababba walks 7 kilometres per hour or more.
“As you can see on the above, there is a lot we have to do, to make the lives of thousands of people more desirable, nobody should live in poverty anymore, we living in 2008” Ababba emphasized.As humans, he believes each and everyone can make the difference, with a little contribution to promote this course.
At a press briefing in Accra, President of the Foundation, Jacob Holslag made a passionate appeal to individuals and corporate institutions to help this course to salvage the future of the continent by contributing monies towards the project at the Trade Fair branch of Barclays bank.
“Any donation or help is welcome, donations in the form of the above items or money.We really count on you, without your help we can't do this. Please give what you can so that Africa and her people can show the world that we can do it and claim unity and prosperity for everyone”, he said.
Our aim is to get funding for several projects in Africa for the unfortunate people in the African Countries.The walk is also for promotion of peace, love, stability, unity and awareness for malaria and HIV/AIDS.
NPP is making vain promises
...free secondary education is not achievable
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted:Saturday, July 18, 2008
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has advised Ghanaians to be weary of the promises of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its Presidential Candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The party believes the era of vague promises by politicians was outmoded at birth and for that matter Ghanaians should not allow any individual or group of politician to give them vague promises, stressing that “it must be frowned upon by all Ghanaians.”
This was contained in a statement written and signed by the Eastern Regional Chairman of the party, Julius Debrah.
“I wish to advise Ghanaians to be weary of NPP/Nana Akufo Addo’s sweet promises.”
Mr. Debrah said it became necessary for him to send out this word of advise to Ghanaians because at the recent NPP rally at Kasoa, he heard Nana Addo promising that when elected as President of Ghana, he will make Secondary or High School education in the country absolutely free of charge amongst many other promises.
“Therefore if Nana Addo is promising Ghanaians heaven on earth, I wish to advise Ghanaians not to take such promises at the face value, but rather ask the pertinent questions of how he is going to fund such projects and schemes”, he emphasised.
In making these promises, he noted that what Nana Addo failed to add was “at least a single sentence explaining how he was going to fund such a project.”
According to the Regional Chairman, the answer given by Nana Addo at the recent forum organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) to a questioner who asked him to explain why the NPP promised to make the position of District Chief Executives (DCEs) and Municipal Chief Executives (MCEs) an elective one, but have not been able to implement that policy was an indication that he could not proffer any tangible solution to the country’s teething problems.
Nana Addo’s answer was essentially to the effect that when they got into office, the NPP government realised that it was not feasible to implement it.
For him, the list of such examples are endless, making specific reference to President Kufour’s assertion that he could not reduced the number of his Ministers as promised during his campaign for the 2000 elections.
“A physician who does not diagnose his patient well before prescribing medication can at best be described as a quark doctor-and that is NPP for you”, he emphasised.
At the just ended NPP mammoth rally held at the Kasoa old market, at which it’s Presidential Candidate was outdoored alongside several other Parliamentary Candidates, Nana Akufo-Addo among other things promised to make Secondary or High school education free to complement the efforts of President Kufuor who has managed to make basic education free.
This is what have caught the attention of the members of the NDC who believes Nana Addo’s promises were nothing but mere rhetoric and cheap political talk.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted:Saturday, July 18, 2008
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has advised Ghanaians to be weary of the promises of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its Presidential Candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The party believes the era of vague promises by politicians was outmoded at birth and for that matter Ghanaians should not allow any individual or group of politician to give them vague promises, stressing that “it must be frowned upon by all Ghanaians.”
This was contained in a statement written and signed by the Eastern Regional Chairman of the party, Julius Debrah.
“I wish to advise Ghanaians to be weary of NPP/Nana Akufo Addo’s sweet promises.”
Mr. Debrah said it became necessary for him to send out this word of advise to Ghanaians because at the recent NPP rally at Kasoa, he heard Nana Addo promising that when elected as President of Ghana, he will make Secondary or High School education in the country absolutely free of charge amongst many other promises.
“Therefore if Nana Addo is promising Ghanaians heaven on earth, I wish to advise Ghanaians not to take such promises at the face value, but rather ask the pertinent questions of how he is going to fund such projects and schemes”, he emphasised.
In making these promises, he noted that what Nana Addo failed to add was “at least a single sentence explaining how he was going to fund such a project.”
According to the Regional Chairman, the answer given by Nana Addo at the recent forum organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) to a questioner who asked him to explain why the NPP promised to make the position of District Chief Executives (DCEs) and Municipal Chief Executives (MCEs) an elective one, but have not been able to implement that policy was an indication that he could not proffer any tangible solution to the country’s teething problems.
Nana Addo’s answer was essentially to the effect that when they got into office, the NPP government realised that it was not feasible to implement it.
For him, the list of such examples are endless, making specific reference to President Kufour’s assertion that he could not reduced the number of his Ministers as promised during his campaign for the 2000 elections.
“A physician who does not diagnose his patient well before prescribing medication can at best be described as a quark doctor-and that is NPP for you”, he emphasised.
At the just ended NPP mammoth rally held at the Kasoa old market, at which it’s Presidential Candidate was outdoored alongside several other Parliamentary Candidates, Nana Akufo-Addo among other things promised to make Secondary or High school education free to complement the efforts of President Kufuor who has managed to make basic education free.
This is what have caught the attention of the members of the NDC who believes Nana Addo’s promises were nothing but mere rhetoric and cheap political talk.
Friday, July 18, 2008
LEGON IN TURMOIL
...as former students demand removal of VC
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted: Friday, July 18, 2008
Some former students of the University of Ghana, Legon, led by the former President of the Junior Common Room (JCR) of the Commonwealth Hall, Benjamin Akyena Brantuo has called for the removal of the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Clifford Nii Boi Tagoe, on multiple allegations of incompetence.
They alleged among other things that the University of Ghana is currently not only bedevilled with deep-seated corruption but also bedevilled with financial mal-administration that does not only sin against the public good, but stifles academic work.
Speaking at a Press Conference in Accra yesterday, Akyena Brantuo, who was last Friday, July 11, discharged by an Accra Circuit for want of prosecution on allegations of death threats, alleged that University was being ran in a manner he described as dictatorial and reckless, equating how Prof. Tagoe was running the University to mere Boy’s Brigade.
This, he said, was evident in a report commissioned by a Visitation Panel on the finances of the University, which according to him “is at best a disgrace to anybody who has anything to do with the Institution.”
Flanked by Messrs Ebenezer Hutornu and Akuban Amponsah Mensah, all products of the University, Akyena Brantuo quoted portions of the said Report of the Panel which was chaired by Sir Charles Daniels, to support his claims.
Part of the Report noted, “The investigation uncovered little positive to be said about the finance administrative system of the University. The team’s (visitation Panel) view is that the financial administrative system at the University of Ghana is in a very bad state and is not providing anything approaching the services needed by the University, which needs radical change.
Again, the financial administration of the University is a serious hindrance to the work of many of the Departments, Faculties and other units of the University, damaging its teaching, research and the students’ experience, through inappropriate procedures and controls. It is widely seen as secretive, unhelpful and damaging to the University”.
Despite the outward beautification of the Legon campus, he emphasised that conditions within Residential Halls threaten life. He noted that non-Residents as well as Residents pay Hall attachment fees which are increased annually, whilst Residential students pay residential fees as well as advances against anticipated damage to University property, in the sum of about GH¢30 per student.
Though students pay these monies religiously, he stressed that “they always get a raw deal and live in conditions that are not fit for human habitation.”
For these and other reasons, Akyena Brantuo said he was not the least surprised that part of the Panel Report read, “Some members of the committee visited Commonwealth Hall and found it to be in a very poor state .Student numbers were about four times the number that the Hall was designed to accommodate. Hygienic conditions were bad, indeed the toilets were locked up during our visit because of their horrible state and lack of water.
All the students in this overcrowded Hall have to use the surrounding bushes as their toilet. Every available space was utilised for sleeping. These conditions were impacting the students psychologically and some of them were vociferous in their protest.
Lighting in the Hall was inadequate and lights in the corridors were not working. The Dining facility had been converted to reading space. The Panel was told that the other Halls were in a similar shape. The Committee therefore recommended that “the Halls, particularly Commonwealth Hall, should be evacuated and rehabilitated”.
The report further noted, “students are not well represented on the governance of the University…they are not satisfied with the Constitutional role of the Dean of students, and wish to represent themselves in discussions with the University authorities...’ We recommend ‘that the university introduces students’ representation on the council, the academic board, the faculty boards and committees of these bodies as appropriate.”
To say the least, Brantuo noted that “academic content and infrastructure for academic work are the worse victims of these administrative lapses and incompetence of the Tagoe-led administration.”
He buttressed his claim in part of the visitation Panel’s Report which said, “The Panel found during its visits to the Departments and Faculties that there was inadequate classroom and laboratory space for the large number of students. Several Departments complained of decaying lecture halls and teaching facilities and particularly of overcrowding. Faculty members wanted urgent steps to be taken to rehabilitate their facilities...lack of facilities for effective teaching, especially audio-visual aids and public address systems.”
The introduction of the much talked-about ‘in-out-out-out’ Residential policy by the Tagoe-led administration as the panacea to the challenges posed by inadequate accommodation, according to Benjamin Akyena Brantuo, was one which surprised all progressive thinkers, because of the short sightedness of the proposal and the exposure of administrative incompetence in dealing with the challenges of inadequate accommodation and other related issues pose to education. He emphasised that “the level of public support and the massive crowd that demonstrated against the policy amidst police brutalities, clearly indicates what should be expected in the coming days.”
Though the thousands of students who marched to the Vice-Chancellors office and the Castle cross roads, really shook the foundations of the Country, he however, noted that it was the threat to boycott the Semester’s exams that got the University to wake up to the real challenges. That notwithstanding, the former JCR President of Commonwealth Hall said the massive public outcry and rejection of the ‘in-out-out-out’ Residential policy waned and focus on the debate for appropriate accommodation got shifted when Prof Tagoe told the press that he and his Lecturers have been threatened with death.
In what he described as Prof Tagoe’s quest to gag students and impose his will on everybody, Akyena Brantuo noted that “he had prohibited all forms of student gatherings except those of them for which he approves of the agenda. As if that was not enough, his introduction of ‘in-out-out-out’ Residential policy has reduced the campus to only freshmen and women, who know too little to question the system, and a few final year students who are very busy with their academic projects and perhaps are too scared to be in the bad books of the Vice-Chancellor.”
“Students live in fear on the University of Ghana campus and student leaders dare not talk, or they risk their positions in the University. My predicament serves as a great lesson to them”, he stressed.
He thus noted that his subsequent planned arrest and detention effectively alleviated the anxieties and worries of Prof. Tagoe, resulting from student’s protestations against his policies, stressing that “my arrest was also a form of vengeance for being his long standing critic and was done in order to greatly embarrass me and deny me the opportunity to complete my University education.”
Meanwhile, strenous efforts to get Prof. Nii Boi Tagoe’s input into the story proved futile as his ‘Onetouch’ mobile network was said to have been switched off.
There was also no answer to similar calls put to the University’s land lines for possible comments from the Director of Public Affairs.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted: Friday, July 18, 2008
Some former students of the University of Ghana, Legon, led by the former President of the Junior Common Room (JCR) of the Commonwealth Hall, Benjamin Akyena Brantuo has called for the removal of the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Clifford Nii Boi Tagoe, on multiple allegations of incompetence.
They alleged among other things that the University of Ghana is currently not only bedevilled with deep-seated corruption but also bedevilled with financial mal-administration that does not only sin against the public good, but stifles academic work.
Speaking at a Press Conference in Accra yesterday, Akyena Brantuo, who was last Friday, July 11, discharged by an Accra Circuit for want of prosecution on allegations of death threats, alleged that University was being ran in a manner he described as dictatorial and reckless, equating how Prof. Tagoe was running the University to mere Boy’s Brigade.
This, he said, was evident in a report commissioned by a Visitation Panel on the finances of the University, which according to him “is at best a disgrace to anybody who has anything to do with the Institution.”
Flanked by Messrs Ebenezer Hutornu and Akuban Amponsah Mensah, all products of the University, Akyena Brantuo quoted portions of the said Report of the Panel which was chaired by Sir Charles Daniels, to support his claims.
Part of the Report noted, “The investigation uncovered little positive to be said about the finance administrative system of the University. The team’s (visitation Panel) view is that the financial administrative system at the University of Ghana is in a very bad state and is not providing anything approaching the services needed by the University, which needs radical change.
Again, the financial administration of the University is a serious hindrance to the work of many of the Departments, Faculties and other units of the University, damaging its teaching, research and the students’ experience, through inappropriate procedures and controls. It is widely seen as secretive, unhelpful and damaging to the University”.
Despite the outward beautification of the Legon campus, he emphasised that conditions within Residential Halls threaten life. He noted that non-Residents as well as Residents pay Hall attachment fees which are increased annually, whilst Residential students pay residential fees as well as advances against anticipated damage to University property, in the sum of about GH¢30 per student.
Though students pay these monies religiously, he stressed that “they always get a raw deal and live in conditions that are not fit for human habitation.”
For these and other reasons, Akyena Brantuo said he was not the least surprised that part of the Panel Report read, “Some members of the committee visited Commonwealth Hall and found it to be in a very poor state .Student numbers were about four times the number that the Hall was designed to accommodate. Hygienic conditions were bad, indeed the toilets were locked up during our visit because of their horrible state and lack of water.
All the students in this overcrowded Hall have to use the surrounding bushes as their toilet. Every available space was utilised for sleeping. These conditions were impacting the students psychologically and some of them were vociferous in their protest.
Lighting in the Hall was inadequate and lights in the corridors were not working. The Dining facility had been converted to reading space. The Panel was told that the other Halls were in a similar shape. The Committee therefore recommended that “the Halls, particularly Commonwealth Hall, should be evacuated and rehabilitated”.
The report further noted, “students are not well represented on the governance of the University…they are not satisfied with the Constitutional role of the Dean of students, and wish to represent themselves in discussions with the University authorities...’ We recommend ‘that the university introduces students’ representation on the council, the academic board, the faculty boards and committees of these bodies as appropriate.”
To say the least, Brantuo noted that “academic content and infrastructure for academic work are the worse victims of these administrative lapses and incompetence of the Tagoe-led administration.”
He buttressed his claim in part of the visitation Panel’s Report which said, “The Panel found during its visits to the Departments and Faculties that there was inadequate classroom and laboratory space for the large number of students. Several Departments complained of decaying lecture halls and teaching facilities and particularly of overcrowding. Faculty members wanted urgent steps to be taken to rehabilitate their facilities...lack of facilities for effective teaching, especially audio-visual aids and public address systems.”
The introduction of the much talked-about ‘in-out-out-out’ Residential policy by the Tagoe-led administration as the panacea to the challenges posed by inadequate accommodation, according to Benjamin Akyena Brantuo, was one which surprised all progressive thinkers, because of the short sightedness of the proposal and the exposure of administrative incompetence in dealing with the challenges of inadequate accommodation and other related issues pose to education. He emphasised that “the level of public support and the massive crowd that demonstrated against the policy amidst police brutalities, clearly indicates what should be expected in the coming days.”
Though the thousands of students who marched to the Vice-Chancellors office and the Castle cross roads, really shook the foundations of the Country, he however, noted that it was the threat to boycott the Semester’s exams that got the University to wake up to the real challenges. That notwithstanding, the former JCR President of Commonwealth Hall said the massive public outcry and rejection of the ‘in-out-out-out’ Residential policy waned and focus on the debate for appropriate accommodation got shifted when Prof Tagoe told the press that he and his Lecturers have been threatened with death.
In what he described as Prof Tagoe’s quest to gag students and impose his will on everybody, Akyena Brantuo noted that “he had prohibited all forms of student gatherings except those of them for which he approves of the agenda. As if that was not enough, his introduction of ‘in-out-out-out’ Residential policy has reduced the campus to only freshmen and women, who know too little to question the system, and a few final year students who are very busy with their academic projects and perhaps are too scared to be in the bad books of the Vice-Chancellor.”
“Students live in fear on the University of Ghana campus and student leaders dare not talk, or they risk their positions in the University. My predicament serves as a great lesson to them”, he stressed.
He thus noted that his subsequent planned arrest and detention effectively alleviated the anxieties and worries of Prof. Tagoe, resulting from student’s protestations against his policies, stressing that “my arrest was also a form of vengeance for being his long standing critic and was done in order to greatly embarrass me and deny me the opportunity to complete my University education.”
Meanwhile, strenous efforts to get Prof. Nii Boi Tagoe’s input into the story proved futile as his ‘Onetouch’ mobile network was said to have been switched off.
There was also no answer to similar calls put to the University’s land lines for possible comments from the Director of Public Affairs.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
NDC HAS NO CHANCE IN DECEMBER ELECTIONS
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted:Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Director of Campaign for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku has called the bluff of the largest opposition party in the country, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) which claimed it would win the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
To him, the NDC’s claim is a mere political rhetoric because the party stands no chance in the upcoming elections, let alone steering the affairs of Ghana.
This, he said, was evident in the massive turnout at the party’s rally at Kasoa over the weekend.
For him, the numbers that poured onto the rally grounds gave nothing but a firm indication of the belief reposed in NPP and its Flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Dr. Apraku, who happens to be the incumbent Member of Parliament for the Offinso North constituency made these comments in an interview with sections of the press, shortly after the Kasoa rally, at which Nana Addo and several other NPP Parliamentary Candidates were outdoored.
In his opinion, there was no alternative government to the NPP.
He considered the NDC as a big threat to the increasing fortunes of the country's economy, hence Ghanaians will rather desire to retain the NPP in power. “That is why Kasoa was crowded,” he added
According to him, NDC mismanaged the economy when it was in power, a situation that compelled the NPP government to join the Highly Indebted and Poor Country Initiative (HIPC) in 2001, when it assumed the reigns of government.
Since assuming power in 2001, Dr. Apraku said the NPP had demonstrated beyond all doubts that it is the best manager of the country's economy.
“When we talk about the ability to manage the economy of this country, NDC has no chance", he said.
With the current hikes in crude oil and food prices on the global market, Dr. Apraku emphasised that NDC could not have managed the situation and that this would have forced most Ghanaians to starve on the streets.
For him, part of the reasons why many Ghanaians trooped to Kasoa to join the rally was out of their belief for democracy and a government that would allow them to speak their minds,
For this reason, Dr. Apraku reaffirmed his party’s commitment to deliver prosperity in freedom and create a united and respectable society for all.
“Ghana has gained international respect under the NPP government and Nana Akufo-Addo is the man to continue that good work initiated by President Kufuor”, he said.
He enumerated some of the achievements of the of the NPP government which include the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), a programme which he said over 9 million Ghanaians were now benefiting from, the Capitation Grant, the Metro bus system, among a wide range of others.
Considering the fact that education is key to the development of any country, Dr. Apraku said this was what led to the introduction of the Capitation Grant and School Feeding Programmes, which were aimed at enrolling more children of school-going age.
He, however, admonished members and supporters of the party to do their homework well so that the party could diffuse the threats being posed by the NDC.
Posted:Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Director of Campaign for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku has called the bluff of the largest opposition party in the country, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) which claimed it would win the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
To him, the NDC’s claim is a mere political rhetoric because the party stands no chance in the upcoming elections, let alone steering the affairs of Ghana.
This, he said, was evident in the massive turnout at the party’s rally at Kasoa over the weekend.
For him, the numbers that poured onto the rally grounds gave nothing but a firm indication of the belief reposed in NPP and its Flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Dr. Apraku, who happens to be the incumbent Member of Parliament for the Offinso North constituency made these comments in an interview with sections of the press, shortly after the Kasoa rally, at which Nana Addo and several other NPP Parliamentary Candidates were outdoored.
In his opinion, there was no alternative government to the NPP.
He considered the NDC as a big threat to the increasing fortunes of the country's economy, hence Ghanaians will rather desire to retain the NPP in power. “That is why Kasoa was crowded,” he added
According to him, NDC mismanaged the economy when it was in power, a situation that compelled the NPP government to join the Highly Indebted and Poor Country Initiative (HIPC) in 2001, when it assumed the reigns of government.
Since assuming power in 2001, Dr. Apraku said the NPP had demonstrated beyond all doubts that it is the best manager of the country's economy.
“When we talk about the ability to manage the economy of this country, NDC has no chance", he said.
With the current hikes in crude oil and food prices on the global market, Dr. Apraku emphasised that NDC could not have managed the situation and that this would have forced most Ghanaians to starve on the streets.
For him, part of the reasons why many Ghanaians trooped to Kasoa to join the rally was out of their belief for democracy and a government that would allow them to speak their minds,
For this reason, Dr. Apraku reaffirmed his party’s commitment to deliver prosperity in freedom and create a united and respectable society for all.
“Ghana has gained international respect under the NPP government and Nana Akufo-Addo is the man to continue that good work initiated by President Kufuor”, he said.
He enumerated some of the achievements of the of the NPP government which include the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), a programme which he said over 9 million Ghanaians were now benefiting from, the Capitation Grant, the Metro bus system, among a wide range of others.
Considering the fact that education is key to the development of any country, Dr. Apraku said this was what led to the introduction of the Capitation Grant and School Feeding Programmes, which were aimed at enrolling more children of school-going age.
He, however, admonished members and supporters of the party to do their homework well so that the party could diffuse the threats being posed by the NDC.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Africa’s human tragedy reaches cresendo
… Says Togolese Ambassador
… As gov’ts prove incapable of solving poverty equation
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted:Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, who is also the Togolese Ambassador to Ghana, Jean-Pierre Gbikpi-Benissan, has made one of the most astounding statements in recent years.
He strongly holds the conviction that the African human tragedy, which appears to be characterised by poverty and misery, has reached a crucial juncture.
This, according to him, was evident in the fact that individual governments have simply proven incapable of solving the poverty equation on the continent.
He has thus stressed the urgent need, for collaboration between people from all social strata, to fight poverty and misery in all forms in Africa.
Mr. Gbikpi-Benissan made these comments, at a press soiree organised by the International Action Service (IAS), a Pan-African Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), committed to fighting economic and social misery among the youth, promote tourism and the development of rural areas.
“Recognising that the African youth have been the worst victims of this tragedy, and that they stand in danger of unprecedented pessimism, we do hereby resolve to invite the media, to develop a strategy for collaboration with the IAS, in order to save Africa from this cataclysm,” he emphasised.
Indeed, he said the entire diplomatic corps was struck by the desire of the IAS, to restore confidence in the youth for the future, and helping them to succeed in life, in order for them to contribute to the development of the human race, with particular reference to the people on the African continent.
According to him, the African Diplomatic Corps was further moved to throw their weight behind the activities of the IAS, upon realising that it had the tendency of bringing the youth together, with their counterparts in other continents, in a combined effort to improve human conditions generally.
He identified these as the basic elements associated with any reliable, honest and efficient NGO.
For this reason, the Dean proclaimed the IAS as a Pan-African humanitarian organisation for development.
Meanwhile, the organisation has engaged in an initiative, to construct a youth training and job creation centre, with special focus on the rehabilitation and provision of shelter to underaged head porters, popularly referred to as ‘Kayayei’.
The five-year project, which started in the year 2006, is scheduled for completion somewhere in the year 2010.
The youth training job creation centre, to be built in Accra, inclusive of dormitories, at an estimated cost of US$18 million, will be accompanied by extensive training programmes for unemployed youth, in employable skills.
It is also expected to open workshops, and counselling centres in the three northern regions, to stem the exodus of rural-urban drift.
The project has emanated out of series of studies, sponsored by the IAS, which revealed the deplorable conditions in which these teenage, and under-age girl-porters ‘Kayayei’, unemployed and streetchildren live in.
The study revealed that most of these people, who are largely concentrated in Accra and Kumasi, live under very deplorable conditions.
The entire project, which has three components, principally deals with the ‘Kayayoo’ (the female porter) phenomena.
Phase One seeks to provide training, shelter and jobs for the ‘Kayayei’, with Phase Two geared towards constructing youth training centres, where destitute and unemployed youth, will be taken through training in relevant technical and vocational skills, whilst the Third Phase involves intervention procedures in the three northern regions, to halt the obviously high incidence of rural-urban drift.
Already, studies have been conducted to identify the material, and emotional needs of the ‘Kayayei’, unemployed persons and streetchildren, to provide an appropriate response to those needs, whilst counsellors have been consulted to assist in orienting them.
Meanwhile, a 50-acre land has been acquired for the construction of the youth training and job creation centre in Accra, with accents spent in all regional capitals, to facilitate the mobilisation of funds.
The IAS, which has its headquarters in Accra-Ghan,a was founded in the year 2001, by Professor Anthony Ewoc, who doubles as its Executive President, with nationals from seven African countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso, Libya, Cote d’ Ivoire and South Africa.
Among its core aims, it also seeks to undertake rescue activities, for victims of natural and social tragedies, and the recognition and rewarding of deserving leaders, individuals, corporate bodies and countries, who play exemplary roles as models for the youth.
… As gov’ts prove incapable of solving poverty equation
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted:Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, who is also the Togolese Ambassador to Ghana, Jean-Pierre Gbikpi-Benissan, has made one of the most astounding statements in recent years.
He strongly holds the conviction that the African human tragedy, which appears to be characterised by poverty and misery, has reached a crucial juncture.
This, according to him, was evident in the fact that individual governments have simply proven incapable of solving the poverty equation on the continent.
He has thus stressed the urgent need, for collaboration between people from all social strata, to fight poverty and misery in all forms in Africa.
Mr. Gbikpi-Benissan made these comments, at a press soiree organised by the International Action Service (IAS), a Pan-African Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), committed to fighting economic and social misery among the youth, promote tourism and the development of rural areas.
“Recognising that the African youth have been the worst victims of this tragedy, and that they stand in danger of unprecedented pessimism, we do hereby resolve to invite the media, to develop a strategy for collaboration with the IAS, in order to save Africa from this cataclysm,” he emphasised.
Indeed, he said the entire diplomatic corps was struck by the desire of the IAS, to restore confidence in the youth for the future, and helping them to succeed in life, in order for them to contribute to the development of the human race, with particular reference to the people on the African continent.
According to him, the African Diplomatic Corps was further moved to throw their weight behind the activities of the IAS, upon realising that it had the tendency of bringing the youth together, with their counterparts in other continents, in a combined effort to improve human conditions generally.
He identified these as the basic elements associated with any reliable, honest and efficient NGO.
For this reason, the Dean proclaimed the IAS as a Pan-African humanitarian organisation for development.
Meanwhile, the organisation has engaged in an initiative, to construct a youth training and job creation centre, with special focus on the rehabilitation and provision of shelter to underaged head porters, popularly referred to as ‘Kayayei’.
The five-year project, which started in the year 2006, is scheduled for completion somewhere in the year 2010.
The youth training job creation centre, to be built in Accra, inclusive of dormitories, at an estimated cost of US$18 million, will be accompanied by extensive training programmes for unemployed youth, in employable skills.
It is also expected to open workshops, and counselling centres in the three northern regions, to stem the exodus of rural-urban drift.
The project has emanated out of series of studies, sponsored by the IAS, which revealed the deplorable conditions in which these teenage, and under-age girl-porters ‘Kayayei’, unemployed and streetchildren live in.
The study revealed that most of these people, who are largely concentrated in Accra and Kumasi, live under very deplorable conditions.
The entire project, which has three components, principally deals with the ‘Kayayoo’ (the female porter) phenomena.
Phase One seeks to provide training, shelter and jobs for the ‘Kayayei’, with Phase Two geared towards constructing youth training centres, where destitute and unemployed youth, will be taken through training in relevant technical and vocational skills, whilst the Third Phase involves intervention procedures in the three northern regions, to halt the obviously high incidence of rural-urban drift.
Already, studies have been conducted to identify the material, and emotional needs of the ‘Kayayei’, unemployed persons and streetchildren, to provide an appropriate response to those needs, whilst counsellors have been consulted to assist in orienting them.
Meanwhile, a 50-acre land has been acquired for the construction of the youth training and job creation centre in Accra, with accents spent in all regional capitals, to facilitate the mobilisation of funds.
The IAS, which has its headquarters in Accra-Ghan,a was founded in the year 2001, by Professor Anthony Ewoc, who doubles as its Executive President, with nationals from seven African countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso, Libya, Cote d’ Ivoire and South Africa.
Among its core aims, it also seeks to undertake rescue activities, for victims of natural and social tragedies, and the recognition and rewarding of deserving leaders, individuals, corporate bodies and countries, who play exemplary roles as models for the youth.
IT’S A DONE DEAL FOR NDC- Mills
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted:Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Presidential Candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Professor John Evans Atta Mills is confident of being the first occupant of the yet to be completed seat of government, the Flagstaff house.
Having embarked on an extensive campaign across the length and breadth of the country and listened to the concerns of the people, he believes that the good people of Ghana would give him the opportunity to salvage them from their woes.
He has therefore expressed the hope that Ghanaians would translate their sufferings into votes for the NDC to take over the reigns of this country.
Prof. Mills made these comments when a Ghanaian Resident in the United Kingdom, Horace Nii Ayi Ankrah called on him at his Kuku Hill office, in Osu.
Mr. Ankrah, who was accompanied by the Chairman of the UK and Ireland branch of the NDC, Joe Gans Lartey was there to donate vehicles and computers worth GH¢20,000 (¢200million) to Prof. Mills, to support his campaign.
Whilst admitting that the road to the Flagstaff will be keen, the NDC Presidential Candidate noted that he would emerge victorious at the end of the last count.
According to him, everything points to the fact that Ghanaians are fed up with President Kufuor and his New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, since according to him they have not been able to fulfil the numerous promises they made to the electorate prior to assumption of office. Prof. Mills thanked his benefactor for the kind gesture which could not have come at a better time, than when the party needed to reach out to people with their message.
He called on other individuals and corporate entities to emilate the example of Mr. Ankrah and help the NDC to win power again.
On his part, Mr Ankrah, who has also opted to sponsor the walk of an NDC supporter from the Western region to Accra, expressed optimism that his contribution would go a long way to bring the much-awaited victory to the party.
He therefore urged other supporters of the party to come out of their shells, not only to campaign but also fund the party’s campaign, stressing that this time round the NDC was leaving no stone unturned in their quest to assume the reigns of government.
Considering the work done so far, the Chairman of the UK branch of the party, Mr Gans Lartey noted that there was no way that power could slip through the fingers of the party, indicating that the signs are clearly written on the wall.
Present were party kingpins like Alex Segbefia and Koku Anyidoho, Communications Director of Prof. Mills’ campaign team.
Posted:Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Presidential Candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Professor John Evans Atta Mills is confident of being the first occupant of the yet to be completed seat of government, the Flagstaff house.
Having embarked on an extensive campaign across the length and breadth of the country and listened to the concerns of the people, he believes that the good people of Ghana would give him the opportunity to salvage them from their woes.
He has therefore expressed the hope that Ghanaians would translate their sufferings into votes for the NDC to take over the reigns of this country.
Prof. Mills made these comments when a Ghanaian Resident in the United Kingdom, Horace Nii Ayi Ankrah called on him at his Kuku Hill office, in Osu.
Mr. Ankrah, who was accompanied by the Chairman of the UK and Ireland branch of the NDC, Joe Gans Lartey was there to donate vehicles and computers worth GH¢20,000 (¢200million) to Prof. Mills, to support his campaign.
Whilst admitting that the road to the Flagstaff will be keen, the NDC Presidential Candidate noted that he would emerge victorious at the end of the last count.
According to him, everything points to the fact that Ghanaians are fed up with President Kufuor and his New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, since according to him they have not been able to fulfil the numerous promises they made to the electorate prior to assumption of office. Prof. Mills thanked his benefactor for the kind gesture which could not have come at a better time, than when the party needed to reach out to people with their message.
He called on other individuals and corporate entities to emilate the example of Mr. Ankrah and help the NDC to win power again.
On his part, Mr Ankrah, who has also opted to sponsor the walk of an NDC supporter from the Western region to Accra, expressed optimism that his contribution would go a long way to bring the much-awaited victory to the party.
He therefore urged other supporters of the party to come out of their shells, not only to campaign but also fund the party’s campaign, stressing that this time round the NDC was leaving no stone unturned in their quest to assume the reigns of government.
Considering the work done so far, the Chairman of the UK branch of the party, Mr Gans Lartey noted that there was no way that power could slip through the fingers of the party, indicating that the signs are clearly written on the wall.
Present were party kingpins like Alex Segbefia and Koku Anyidoho, Communications Director of Prof. Mills’ campaign team.
Monday, July 14, 2008
ASABEE OUGHT TO BE DISQUALIFIED FOR 'CAMPING & BRIBING
…hearing on Thursday at Accra Fast Track court
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted:Monday, July 14, 2008
The controversy surrounding the Mfantsiman West constituency primary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has taken a new twist, with Information and National Orientation Minister, Mr. Stephen Asamoah Boateng yesterday being denied the opportunity of being introduced at the Kasoa rally by Nana Addo because of a court action.
The Minister has been cited for contempt in a crippling writ filed by Mr. Kweku Paintsil who also joined the incumbent Member of Parliament for the area and eight others, including the regional Chairman, Mr. Bootie Danquah Smith. The court will hear the responses of Mr. Asamoah Boateng on Thursday after his lawyers entered an appearance last week.
The other defendants include the NPP constituency Secretary, K. Duako Mensah and the 1st Vice Chairman of the constituency, Felix Antwi among others.
The aggrieved Parliamentary aspirant is praying the court to impose punitive measures on the defendants for defying the orders of the court.
In an affidavit in support of his application for contempt filed on Friday, July 11, 2008, at an Accra Fast Track High court, Lawyer Paintsil claimed among other things that in spite of an earlier suit which sought to bar Asabee and the other defendants from holding presenting himself as the Parliamentary Candidate of the constituency, the aforementioned individuals have jointly and severally disobeyed the court order.
With the knowledge of a pending court action, he alleged that Mr. Asamoah Boateng has inundated the entire Mfantsiman constituency with his campaign posters, a copy of which he said will be shown to the court on the hearing of this application.
He averred that these posters are intended to demonstrate to the electorate that the incumbent MP is the party’s Parliamentary Candidate for the impending national elections, notwithstanding the court’s action, or that the court action will come to nought.
Lawyer Paintsil deposed to the facts contained in the affidavit, which he said are within his personal knowledge and belief.
He has thus given indications that at the hearing of this application, his Counsel, George Aborgah of Quandzie and Associates shall seek leave to refer to all processes filed in connection with the suit.
On sundry dates and times unknown to him, including Friday, July 4, 2008, Lawyer Paintsil noted that all the defendants visited some towns and communities in the Mfantsiman West Constituency and openly and publicly campaigned for the incumbent by introducing him as the duly elected or nominated candidate of the NPP, for the impending parliamentary election and requested that the electorate should vote for him.
According to him, the activities of the defendants were the subject of various radio and television news reports, including, but not limited to Unique Radio news bulletin of Sunday 6th July, 2008; Radio Central News Bulletin of Monday 7th July, 2008 and the Daily Guide newspaper edition of Tuesday 9th July, 2008, on page 17.
“All the Respondents herein are adamant and have threatened publicly and openly at sundry places and times, to repeat their conduct by introducing Mr. Stephen Asamoah Boateng as the party’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Mfantsiman West Constituency, at a mass political rally scheduled to be held at Kasoa on Sunday, 13th July, 2008,” he emphasised.
For this reason, plaintiff said “I am convinced that the aforesaid conduct of the Respondents constitutes an affront to the administration of justice and the same is in contempt of court, having regard to the fact, inter alia, that the Court has been called upon to nullify the sham elections and order the party to conduct a fresh one, at which the incumbent must be disqualified.”
By their individual and respective conducts, he noted that the respondents are of the view that they are either untouchable or above the laws of Ghana, by reason of their positions that they hold, or as members of the ruling government and have engaged in their various conduct regardless of the consequences, firmly believing that they cannot be punished by any Court.
Lawyer Paintsil therefore believes that the court has powers to bring the respondents and each of them to order and punish them accordingly for their contempt of court, saying “wherefore, and in the circumstances I swear to this affidavit in support of the application to commit the Respondents for contempt.”
On 11th June, 2008, the aggrieved Parliamentary Aspirant commenced an action in the same court against the respondents, seeking against all of them, jointly and severally, a declaration that the purported election held on Monday 25th May, 2008, to elect Mr. Asamoah Boateng as the NPPs Parliamentary Candidate for the Mfantsiman West constituency was a nullity for the several reasons stated in the statement of claim. Consequently, he sought a court order annulling the results of the said election as void.
He also prayed the court for an order restraining Asabee from in any way, whether by advertisement, campaign posters, participating in programmes, mounting political platforms, or howsoever, holding himself out as the party’s nominee or candidate for parliamentary elections in the Mfantsiman West constituency, until final determination of the suit or until the Court otherwise directs.
He also sought an order restraining the NPP from in any way, whether by introduction or involvement in political programmes or presentations or howsoever, holding the incumbent out as its nominee or Parliamentary Candidate for the Mfantsiman West constituency for the impending general elections, until final determination of the suit or further order of the court.
Additionally, he prayed the court for an order directed to the NPP to conduct fresh election to elect a Parliamentary Candidate for the Mfantsiman West constituency and a further order disqualifying Mr. Asamoah Boateng from participating in any such fresh election on account of what he claims to be “his fraudulent electoral practices, including camping delegates and bribing them.”
Ordinarily, Lawyer Paintsil said this case would not have come to court but for the party and Mr. Mac Manu’s adamant refusal to investigate my complaints with regard to the conduct of the said sham election and what appeared to be his (Mac Manu’s) patent bias and collusion with the incumbent in all the matters forming the basis of the court action.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted:Monday, July 14, 2008
The controversy surrounding the Mfantsiman West constituency primary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has taken a new twist, with Information and National Orientation Minister, Mr. Stephen Asamoah Boateng yesterday being denied the opportunity of being introduced at the Kasoa rally by Nana Addo because of a court action.
The Minister has been cited for contempt in a crippling writ filed by Mr. Kweku Paintsil who also joined the incumbent Member of Parliament for the area and eight others, including the regional Chairman, Mr. Bootie Danquah Smith. The court will hear the responses of Mr. Asamoah Boateng on Thursday after his lawyers entered an appearance last week.
The other defendants include the NPP constituency Secretary, K. Duako Mensah and the 1st Vice Chairman of the constituency, Felix Antwi among others.
The aggrieved Parliamentary aspirant is praying the court to impose punitive measures on the defendants for defying the orders of the court.
In an affidavit in support of his application for contempt filed on Friday, July 11, 2008, at an Accra Fast Track High court, Lawyer Paintsil claimed among other things that in spite of an earlier suit which sought to bar Asabee and the other defendants from holding presenting himself as the Parliamentary Candidate of the constituency, the aforementioned individuals have jointly and severally disobeyed the court order.
With the knowledge of a pending court action, he alleged that Mr. Asamoah Boateng has inundated the entire Mfantsiman constituency with his campaign posters, a copy of which he said will be shown to the court on the hearing of this application.
He averred that these posters are intended to demonstrate to the electorate that the incumbent MP is the party’s Parliamentary Candidate for the impending national elections, notwithstanding the court’s action, or that the court action will come to nought.
Lawyer Paintsil deposed to the facts contained in the affidavit, which he said are within his personal knowledge and belief.
He has thus given indications that at the hearing of this application, his Counsel, George Aborgah of Quandzie and Associates shall seek leave to refer to all processes filed in connection with the suit.
On sundry dates and times unknown to him, including Friday, July 4, 2008, Lawyer Paintsil noted that all the defendants visited some towns and communities in the Mfantsiman West Constituency and openly and publicly campaigned for the incumbent by introducing him as the duly elected or nominated candidate of the NPP, for the impending parliamentary election and requested that the electorate should vote for him.
According to him, the activities of the defendants were the subject of various radio and television news reports, including, but not limited to Unique Radio news bulletin of Sunday 6th July, 2008; Radio Central News Bulletin of Monday 7th July, 2008 and the Daily Guide newspaper edition of Tuesday 9th July, 2008, on page 17.
“All the Respondents herein are adamant and have threatened publicly and openly at sundry places and times, to repeat their conduct by introducing Mr. Stephen Asamoah Boateng as the party’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Mfantsiman West Constituency, at a mass political rally scheduled to be held at Kasoa on Sunday, 13th July, 2008,” he emphasised.
For this reason, plaintiff said “I am convinced that the aforesaid conduct of the Respondents constitutes an affront to the administration of justice and the same is in contempt of court, having regard to the fact, inter alia, that the Court has been called upon to nullify the sham elections and order the party to conduct a fresh one, at which the incumbent must be disqualified.”
By their individual and respective conducts, he noted that the respondents are of the view that they are either untouchable or above the laws of Ghana, by reason of their positions that they hold, or as members of the ruling government and have engaged in their various conduct regardless of the consequences, firmly believing that they cannot be punished by any Court.
Lawyer Paintsil therefore believes that the court has powers to bring the respondents and each of them to order and punish them accordingly for their contempt of court, saying “wherefore, and in the circumstances I swear to this affidavit in support of the application to commit the Respondents for contempt.”
On 11th June, 2008, the aggrieved Parliamentary Aspirant commenced an action in the same court against the respondents, seeking against all of them, jointly and severally, a declaration that the purported election held on Monday 25th May, 2008, to elect Mr. Asamoah Boateng as the NPPs Parliamentary Candidate for the Mfantsiman West constituency was a nullity for the several reasons stated in the statement of claim. Consequently, he sought a court order annulling the results of the said election as void.
He also prayed the court for an order restraining Asabee from in any way, whether by advertisement, campaign posters, participating in programmes, mounting political platforms, or howsoever, holding himself out as the party’s nominee or candidate for parliamentary elections in the Mfantsiman West constituency, until final determination of the suit or until the Court otherwise directs.
He also sought an order restraining the NPP from in any way, whether by introduction or involvement in political programmes or presentations or howsoever, holding the incumbent out as its nominee or Parliamentary Candidate for the Mfantsiman West constituency for the impending general elections, until final determination of the suit or further order of the court.
Additionally, he prayed the court for an order directed to the NPP to conduct fresh election to elect a Parliamentary Candidate for the Mfantsiman West constituency and a further order disqualifying Mr. Asamoah Boateng from participating in any such fresh election on account of what he claims to be “his fraudulent electoral practices, including camping delegates and bribing them.”
Ordinarily, Lawyer Paintsil said this case would not have come to court but for the party and Mr. Mac Manu’s adamant refusal to investigate my complaints with regard to the conduct of the said sham election and what appeared to be his (Mac Manu’s) patent bias and collusion with the incumbent in all the matters forming the basis of the court action.
FONAA ROOTS FOR JAWULA
…Asks Nana Addo to stick to ‘yenim wo fri tete’
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted:Monday, July 14, 2008
With just a couple of weeks for the Presidential Candidate of ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to name his choice of Running Mate, his own people, the Executives of the Friends of Nana Akufo-Addo (FONAA) fun club have asked him to stick to his grounds and nominate Lepowura Alhaji MND Jawula as Running Mate.
Their reason is simple, “he has been with the party from the trenches since 1992 and his records and credentials in governance and administration surpasses that of his other colleagues.”
The Executives of the Salaga constituency branch of FONAA including the likes of its Coordinator, Siibu Abudu ‘Jebote’, Secretary, Braimah Soale Rashid, a founding member of the party in Salaga, Mahama Issah and former Constituency Secretary Draman Abdul Wahab made this known at a press briefing in Accra over the weekend.
They recalled how the Lepowura single handedly rented and furnished the Salaga constituency office of the party in addition to 10 bicycles and cash to enable them campaign in the area way back in the year 1992 at a time when his contenders for the position were no where to be found in the activities of the party.
According to them, these and other contributions of Jawula led to his being selected as the NPPs Parliamentary Candidate for the area, stressing that but for the party’s decision to boycott the 1992 Parliamentary elections, he would have been the Member of Parliament for Salaga since his posters and campaign were all over the place.
“So if anybody says he is not an NPP member then that person may not have been with the party from the onset but a latter day saint, he is indeed a true Dankwa-Busia traditionalist.”
“Apart from being a Dankwa-Busia traditionalist, we believe Nana Addo must stick to his believe in the ‘yenim wo fri tete’ slogan to select Lepowura as his choice of Running Mate”, they emphasised.
They further stressed the believe that Jawula has the tendency of bringing more floating votes to the NPP since his popularity and lineage cuts across the political divide in especially the three Northern regions where the ruling party have had a difficult time in convincing getting the votes of the electorates.
The FONAA members have thus cautioned the party against endorsing the candidature of any individual either than the Lepowura since according to them, it has the tendency of affecting the voting pattern and the fortunes of the NPP in the upcoming elections, saying “with Lepowura, we are more than convinced that Nana has less work to do because he is a man of the people.”
In spite of his silent but numerous contributions to the party, the Lepowura is banking his hopes on his 32years proven track record in both public and civil service as an accomplished Administrator to get the position of Running Mate.
His supporters in FONAA believe evidence of his commitment and contributions to national development were reasons behind President Kufuor’s decision to give Jawula a national award alongside several other distinguished Ghanaians.
They have therefore asked Nana Addo to make no mistake in choosing any other person apart from Lepowura MND Jawula as his Running Mate to make the 2008 elections a mere formality.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted:Monday, July 14, 2008
With just a couple of weeks for the Presidential Candidate of ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to name his choice of Running Mate, his own people, the Executives of the Friends of Nana Akufo-Addo (FONAA) fun club have asked him to stick to his grounds and nominate Lepowura Alhaji MND Jawula as Running Mate.
Their reason is simple, “he has been with the party from the trenches since 1992 and his records and credentials in governance and administration surpasses that of his other colleagues.”
The Executives of the Salaga constituency branch of FONAA including the likes of its Coordinator, Siibu Abudu ‘Jebote’, Secretary, Braimah Soale Rashid, a founding member of the party in Salaga, Mahama Issah and former Constituency Secretary Draman Abdul Wahab made this known at a press briefing in Accra over the weekend.
They recalled how the Lepowura single handedly rented and furnished the Salaga constituency office of the party in addition to 10 bicycles and cash to enable them campaign in the area way back in the year 1992 at a time when his contenders for the position were no where to be found in the activities of the party.
According to them, these and other contributions of Jawula led to his being selected as the NPPs Parliamentary Candidate for the area, stressing that but for the party’s decision to boycott the 1992 Parliamentary elections, he would have been the Member of Parliament for Salaga since his posters and campaign were all over the place.
“So if anybody says he is not an NPP member then that person may not have been with the party from the onset but a latter day saint, he is indeed a true Dankwa-Busia traditionalist.”
“Apart from being a Dankwa-Busia traditionalist, we believe Nana Addo must stick to his believe in the ‘yenim wo fri tete’ slogan to select Lepowura as his choice of Running Mate”, they emphasised.
They further stressed the believe that Jawula has the tendency of bringing more floating votes to the NPP since his popularity and lineage cuts across the political divide in especially the three Northern regions where the ruling party have had a difficult time in convincing getting the votes of the electorates.
The FONAA members have thus cautioned the party against endorsing the candidature of any individual either than the Lepowura since according to them, it has the tendency of affecting the voting pattern and the fortunes of the NPP in the upcoming elections, saying “with Lepowura, we are more than convinced that Nana has less work to do because he is a man of the people.”
In spite of his silent but numerous contributions to the party, the Lepowura is banking his hopes on his 32years proven track record in both public and civil service as an accomplished Administrator to get the position of Running Mate.
His supporters in FONAA believe evidence of his commitment and contributions to national development were reasons behind President Kufuor’s decision to give Jawula a national award alongside several other distinguished Ghanaians.
They have therefore asked Nana Addo to make no mistake in choosing any other person apart from Lepowura MND Jawula as his Running Mate to make the 2008 elections a mere formality.
KUFUOR ANOINTS NANA AKUFO-ADDO
…massive rally at Kasoa
By Charles Yakyi-Boadu & George Kyei Frimpong
Posted: Monday, July 14, 2008
President J.A Kufuor has anointed Nana Akufo-Addo as his successor with a call on Ghanaians to judge the New Patriotic Party (NPP) by its records. “Those who are misjudging us have not travelled outside Accra, otherwise they would not be criticising us”, he said at a mammoth rally to officially outdoor Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and all the parliamentary candidates at Kasoa, in the Central region, yesterday.
According to him, if their opponents have been to places such as Kibi, Nkawkaw, Kumasi, Sunyani, Sogakope, Dambai, Worawora, Kete Krachi, Salaga and Tamale, they would have noticed the transformation of the country by virtue of the roads leading to these towns and several others in the country. The President said that Tamale is now the most beautiful city in the whole of Ghana, because of the good work of his government.
The President also referred to the oil discovery by his government, the purchase of the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) and the negotiation with some International companies to establish an aluminium smelter plant in Ghana, among a host of others. He maintained that all these developments witnessed by the country took place within seven and half years. He appealed to Ghanaians to vote for Nana Akufo-Addo to protect the oil that has been discovered and also continued with the good work that his government had initiated.
“The oncoming election is about leadership,” he reiterated.
He observed that although people were claiming that there are hardships in the country, there has never been a case where someone has died of hunger, but rather happiness and peace abound everywhere in Ghana.
President Kufuor advised NPP supporters to trash accusations against Nana Addo and himself that they were not lawyers.
He said Nana Addo’s family formed the bulk of the famous ‘big six’, adding that three of the members were related to Nana Addo. “Someone is saying that Akufo Addo was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but let’s be truthful, who wouldn’t like to be in such a position?” he queried.
He said those who were questioning Nana Addo’s professionalism should ask themselves the qualification they also hold, stressing that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) would be buried once and for all.
The President, who was overwhelmed by the teeming number of the party’s supporters, who turned up at the rally grounds, said he had been in politics for over 40 years but has never seen such a crowd before.
The President continued that when the government assumed power, they reduced the middle-income target from 2020 to 2016, and that the objective could even become a reality before the period they have set. He reiterated his confidence in Nana Addo, since he has worked with him while he was in government and travelled with him to a number of places when he was the Foreign Minister. The President at the end of his speech symbolically handed over a baton, signifying the passing over of the leadership of the party to Nana Akufo-Addo.
After receiving the baton, in the form of an NPP flag, Nana Akufo-Addo thanked God for the love he had shown to the country. According to him, Ghana could not have come this far if not for the mercies of God.
He also took the opportunity to thank President Kufuor and vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama for their exemplary leadership skills which they have both exhibited over the last seven years since they assumed power. These skills, he said, have translated into productive gains for the country.
Considering the trials and tribulations that Ghanaians went through under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, Nana Addo was optimistic that no one would make the mistake of changing the country’s destiny by voting for the NDC. He urged Ghanaians to come out in their numbers on December 7, to endorse him as the successor to President Kufuor, to move the country forward.
He said that the way forward is to establish proper institutional structures for the basic tenets of democracy and good governance to flourish.
“If our country is to prosper, it is because every single child in Ghana will have the opportunity to have good education so that our population will be educated for the skills needed for a modern economy”, he emphasised.
The crowd went gay when he promised to make high school education in the country free, stressing that “if free primary school education has come in the era of Kufuor, then in the era of Akufo-Addo, we are going to have free secondary education in our country.”
He expressed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) determination and commitment to make sure that everybody, either rich or poor, especially the poor, have access to quality education, saying “that is the way we are going to build our nation.”
That notwithstanding, he said he would also make sure that every region in Ghana has a public University.
According to him, the foundation laid by President Kufuor and his administration makes it possible to achieve these targets. Nana Addo stressed the need for Ghana to move away from being a mere exporter of raw materials, stressing, “We now have to begin the process of industrialisation of our country.” In the next 10years, he said, “we are going to change the structure of the Ghanaian economy, so that, instead of being a producer of raw material, we are now going to be a producer of light industrial goods.
Apart from the process of industrialisation, he noted that Ghanaians cannot make it without modernising agriculture.
For that to happen, the NPP Presidential Candidate stressed the need to bridge the gap between the south and the north, emphasising that “I want to be the President that leads the process for bridging the gap between the south and the north so that we can move forward.” He thus promised to make the north, the breadbasket of the entire West African sub-region.
Nana Addo had cause to caution those beating war drums in the country by sending a word of advise to them that no single individual or a group of disgruntled persons destroy the destiny of the country. He also advised his political opponents who are knocking the heads of the various tribes together to stop the practice in the name of peace.
He also had cause to complain about the actions of some politicians who he said are engaged in divide and rule by inciting people and ethnic groups against the other, stressing that “we in the NPP reject the politics of divide and rule, we do not approve of the politics of divide and rule.”
In that regard, he urged all Ghanaians no matter ones ethnic or political background to unite in peace for the development of the nation.
By Charles Yakyi-Boadu & George Kyei Frimpong
Posted: Monday, July 14, 2008
President J.A Kufuor has anointed Nana Akufo-Addo as his successor with a call on Ghanaians to judge the New Patriotic Party (NPP) by its records. “Those who are misjudging us have not travelled outside Accra, otherwise they would not be criticising us”, he said at a mammoth rally to officially outdoor Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and all the parliamentary candidates at Kasoa, in the Central region, yesterday.
According to him, if their opponents have been to places such as Kibi, Nkawkaw, Kumasi, Sunyani, Sogakope, Dambai, Worawora, Kete Krachi, Salaga and Tamale, they would have noticed the transformation of the country by virtue of the roads leading to these towns and several others in the country. The President said that Tamale is now the most beautiful city in the whole of Ghana, because of the good work of his government.
The President also referred to the oil discovery by his government, the purchase of the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) and the negotiation with some International companies to establish an aluminium smelter plant in Ghana, among a host of others. He maintained that all these developments witnessed by the country took place within seven and half years. He appealed to Ghanaians to vote for Nana Akufo-Addo to protect the oil that has been discovered and also continued with the good work that his government had initiated.
“The oncoming election is about leadership,” he reiterated.
He observed that although people were claiming that there are hardships in the country, there has never been a case where someone has died of hunger, but rather happiness and peace abound everywhere in Ghana.
President Kufuor advised NPP supporters to trash accusations against Nana Addo and himself that they were not lawyers.
He said Nana Addo’s family formed the bulk of the famous ‘big six’, adding that three of the members were related to Nana Addo. “Someone is saying that Akufo Addo was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but let’s be truthful, who wouldn’t like to be in such a position?” he queried.
He said those who were questioning Nana Addo’s professionalism should ask themselves the qualification they also hold, stressing that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) would be buried once and for all.
The President, who was overwhelmed by the teeming number of the party’s supporters, who turned up at the rally grounds, said he had been in politics for over 40 years but has never seen such a crowd before.
The President continued that when the government assumed power, they reduced the middle-income target from 2020 to 2016, and that the objective could even become a reality before the period they have set. He reiterated his confidence in Nana Addo, since he has worked with him while he was in government and travelled with him to a number of places when he was the Foreign Minister. The President at the end of his speech symbolically handed over a baton, signifying the passing over of the leadership of the party to Nana Akufo-Addo.
After receiving the baton, in the form of an NPP flag, Nana Akufo-Addo thanked God for the love he had shown to the country. According to him, Ghana could not have come this far if not for the mercies of God.
He also took the opportunity to thank President Kufuor and vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama for their exemplary leadership skills which they have both exhibited over the last seven years since they assumed power. These skills, he said, have translated into productive gains for the country.
Considering the trials and tribulations that Ghanaians went through under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, Nana Addo was optimistic that no one would make the mistake of changing the country’s destiny by voting for the NDC. He urged Ghanaians to come out in their numbers on December 7, to endorse him as the successor to President Kufuor, to move the country forward.
He said that the way forward is to establish proper institutional structures for the basic tenets of democracy and good governance to flourish.
“If our country is to prosper, it is because every single child in Ghana will have the opportunity to have good education so that our population will be educated for the skills needed for a modern economy”, he emphasised.
The crowd went gay when he promised to make high school education in the country free, stressing that “if free primary school education has come in the era of Kufuor, then in the era of Akufo-Addo, we are going to have free secondary education in our country.”
He expressed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) determination and commitment to make sure that everybody, either rich or poor, especially the poor, have access to quality education, saying “that is the way we are going to build our nation.”
That notwithstanding, he said he would also make sure that every region in Ghana has a public University.
According to him, the foundation laid by President Kufuor and his administration makes it possible to achieve these targets. Nana Addo stressed the need for Ghana to move away from being a mere exporter of raw materials, stressing, “We now have to begin the process of industrialisation of our country.” In the next 10years, he said, “we are going to change the structure of the Ghanaian economy, so that, instead of being a producer of raw material, we are now going to be a producer of light industrial goods.
Apart from the process of industrialisation, he noted that Ghanaians cannot make it without modernising agriculture.
For that to happen, the NPP Presidential Candidate stressed the need to bridge the gap between the south and the north, emphasising that “I want to be the President that leads the process for bridging the gap between the south and the north so that we can move forward.” He thus promised to make the north, the breadbasket of the entire West African sub-region.
Nana Addo had cause to caution those beating war drums in the country by sending a word of advise to them that no single individual or a group of disgruntled persons destroy the destiny of the country. He also advised his political opponents who are knocking the heads of the various tribes together to stop the practice in the name of peace.
He also had cause to complain about the actions of some politicians who he said are engaged in divide and rule by inciting people and ethnic groups against the other, stressing that “we in the NPP reject the politics of divide and rule, we do not approve of the politics of divide and rule.”
In that regard, he urged all Ghanaians no matter ones ethnic or political background to unite in peace for the development of the nation.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
MILLS PUTS GHANA FIRST
…promises not to sell GCB, ADB
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008
The presidential candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor John Evans Atta Mills, has promised to put the interest of Ghana, and Ghanaians first ahead of any other consideration, when given the mandate to steer the affairs of the country, in the upcoming elections.
He has thus spoken vehemently against the government’s intention to sell two strategic national assets, being the Agriculture Development Bank (ADB), and the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB).
Professor Mills made these comments, when he met the Steering Committee of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), made up of 17 General Secretaries, and other members of affiliated unions yesterday, at the headquarters of organised labour in Accra.
Asked whether his government will sell the Ghana Commercial Bank and the Agricultural Development Bank, Prof. Mills’ answer was an emphatic ‘no’.
This, according to him, was because agriculture was going to be one of the key policy pivots of his government, and for that matter, ADB in particular would be made to go back to its core mandate of providing credit to the agric sector.
As happened in the days of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the NDC presidential candidate said priority would be given to Ghanaians in all spheres, whiles others will have to wait in the queue.
On the issue of job creation, which has always been the concern of organised labour, he noted that as a party that believes in the welfare and generality of the people, his government would make sure that the state played an active role in job creation.
“We don’t believe that in a situation where there is an unjust world economic order, the state should stay away completely from creating jobs. As social democrats, we believe the state must engage fully in job creation, and must partner the private sector in that regard,” he emphasised.
He recalled how the NDC government got the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to provide houses for workers, across the length and breadth of the country.
“Those who believe in property-owning democracy, chastised us for getting SSNIT to provide affordable houses for workers, but I can assure you that we will go back to that project, and give workers affordable accommodation, and also create jobs in the housing sector. The property owners are in power, and you can see for yourselves the kinds of houses they are putting up, which houses, are far away from the purse of the worker,” Mills stated
That notwithstanding, he promised to give adequate funding to the Labour Commission, to enable it function effectively, especially in the area of dispute resolution, in order to ensure harmonious industrial relations.
Considering the fact that it is the toil of labour that oils productivity, and build the nation’s wealth, he said “I will make sure that I give the Labour Commission what it needs to function effectively.”
On his part, the Acting Secretary General of the TUC, Mr. Kofi Asamoah, said it was his hope that if given the mandate to manage the affairs of the country, Professor Mills and his government would keep to their word, and make sure they don’t sell strategic national assets.
He noted that organised labour also believed the need for the state to play a critical role in job creation, and was grateful that Prof. Mills had given his word, to engage the state in job creation.
“Government has a role in job creation, and labour does not believe that government has no business doing business,” said Mr. Asamoah.
He further stressed the need for continuous social dialogue with labour, commitment to fairness in all negotiations, improved working conditions, as well as openness and transparency in governance.
The TUC extended a special invitation to Prof. Mills, to be present at its quadrennial conference, which is schedule for August.
Professor Mills gave his word that he would join his comrades at the conference, to strategise on how to build a better Ghana.
Professor Mills was accompanied by a crack team, made up of party Chairman, Dr. Kwabena Adjei, Mr. D. S. Boateng and Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, both one-time in charge of the Employment Ministry, Mr. Kofi Aikins, trade unionist and former Chairman of the GPRTU, Ama Benyiwa Doe, NDC Women’s Organiser, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, NDC Deputy General Secretary, Hon Mahama Ayariga, MP, Bawku Central, and Antwi Boasiako Sekyere, Chief of Staff, Office of Professor Mills.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008
The presidential candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor John Evans Atta Mills, has promised to put the interest of Ghana, and Ghanaians first ahead of any other consideration, when given the mandate to steer the affairs of the country, in the upcoming elections.
He has thus spoken vehemently against the government’s intention to sell two strategic national assets, being the Agriculture Development Bank (ADB), and the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB).
Professor Mills made these comments, when he met the Steering Committee of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), made up of 17 General Secretaries, and other members of affiliated unions yesterday, at the headquarters of organised labour in Accra.
Asked whether his government will sell the Ghana Commercial Bank and the Agricultural Development Bank, Prof. Mills’ answer was an emphatic ‘no’.
This, according to him, was because agriculture was going to be one of the key policy pivots of his government, and for that matter, ADB in particular would be made to go back to its core mandate of providing credit to the agric sector.
As happened in the days of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the NDC presidential candidate said priority would be given to Ghanaians in all spheres, whiles others will have to wait in the queue.
On the issue of job creation, which has always been the concern of organised labour, he noted that as a party that believes in the welfare and generality of the people, his government would make sure that the state played an active role in job creation.
“We don’t believe that in a situation where there is an unjust world economic order, the state should stay away completely from creating jobs. As social democrats, we believe the state must engage fully in job creation, and must partner the private sector in that regard,” he emphasised.
He recalled how the NDC government got the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to provide houses for workers, across the length and breadth of the country.
“Those who believe in property-owning democracy, chastised us for getting SSNIT to provide affordable houses for workers, but I can assure you that we will go back to that project, and give workers affordable accommodation, and also create jobs in the housing sector. The property owners are in power, and you can see for yourselves the kinds of houses they are putting up, which houses, are far away from the purse of the worker,” Mills stated
That notwithstanding, he promised to give adequate funding to the Labour Commission, to enable it function effectively, especially in the area of dispute resolution, in order to ensure harmonious industrial relations.
Considering the fact that it is the toil of labour that oils productivity, and build the nation’s wealth, he said “I will make sure that I give the Labour Commission what it needs to function effectively.”
On his part, the Acting Secretary General of the TUC, Mr. Kofi Asamoah, said it was his hope that if given the mandate to manage the affairs of the country, Professor Mills and his government would keep to their word, and make sure they don’t sell strategic national assets.
He noted that organised labour also believed the need for the state to play a critical role in job creation, and was grateful that Prof. Mills had given his word, to engage the state in job creation.
“Government has a role in job creation, and labour does not believe that government has no business doing business,” said Mr. Asamoah.
He further stressed the need for continuous social dialogue with labour, commitment to fairness in all negotiations, improved working conditions, as well as openness and transparency in governance.
The TUC extended a special invitation to Prof. Mills, to be present at its quadrennial conference, which is schedule for August.
Professor Mills gave his word that he would join his comrades at the conference, to strategise on how to build a better Ghana.
Professor Mills was accompanied by a crack team, made up of party Chairman, Dr. Kwabena Adjei, Mr. D. S. Boateng and Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, both one-time in charge of the Employment Ministry, Mr. Kofi Aikins, trade unionist and former Chairman of the GPRTU, Ama Benyiwa Doe, NDC Women’s Organiser, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, NDC Deputy General Secretary, Hon Mahama Ayariga, MP, Bawku Central, and Antwi Boasiako Sekyere, Chief of Staff, Office of Professor Mills.
MILLS ATTACKS MILITARY
...over inhuman treatment of drivers
…says ‘it’s an act of callousness’
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor John Evans Atta Mills, has condemned the action of the soldiers who subjected some drivers around the 37military Hospital to a tormenting physical and mental ordeal, making them to undergo all sorts of inhuman treatment.
Prof. Mills said he was totally dismayed on hearing the story, since he considered it to be “an act of extreme callousness for drivers, no matter the gravity of the traffic offences they might have committed, to be sent to the 37 Military Hospital Mortuary to pack dead bodies and mop the floor.”
According to him, “the Ghana Armed Forces has a reputation that flies high, and a few over zealous men in uniform must not be allowed to destroy the image of such a respected Institution, with acts that border on nothing but extreme cruelty.”
The concern of the NDC Candidate was contained in a statement signed by his Director of Communications, Koku Anyidoho.
“As regards the driver who was forced to fondle the breast of a dead lady, as well the driver who was forced to cuddle a dead baby, our heart goes out to them, considering their very traumatic (which they expressed on various electronic media networks) experience”, he said.
Whilst welcoming the decision of the Military High Command to get to the bottom of the matter and bring those behind the unacceptable act to book, Prof. Mills noted “we respect the Ghana Armed Forces and trust that those who are found blameworthy will be made to face the full rigours of the Army’s disciplinary code.”
In another development, the former Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the Castle, during the last NDC administration, Nana Opoku Acheampong has on behalf of some friends of the party, donated six (6) pickup vehicles to help Prof. Mills’ campaign.
Making the presentation at the Osu Kukuhill, Campaign headquarters of the NDC Presidential Candidate, last Thursday, Nana Opoku Acheampong said he was making the donation with the firm conviction that the vehicles will go a long way to bring victory to the party, in this year’s elections and bring relief to Ghanaians.
“I have had the privilege of working at close quarters with Professor Atta Mills when he was vice President of Ghana, and I can attest personally to his integrity, his capacity for arduous work, his sense of fairness and above all his great love for the people of this country, and his determination to improve their lot”, he emphasised.
Nana therefore urged other Ghanaians who truly have the nation at heart, to contribute to the NDCs campaign to ensure success.
“There is no doubt that Professor Mills will deliver on his promise of building a Better Ghana, and we are happy that we are contributing to give Ghanaians a Better Ghana”, he added.
On his part, Professor Atta Mills expressed appreciation to the donors, adding that the vehicles have arrived at the right time and will be put to good use.
The vehicles have since been distributed, with two going to the Brong Ahafo and Eastern Regions respectively, and one each to the Ashanti and Volta Regions.
…says ‘it’s an act of callousness’
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor John Evans Atta Mills, has condemned the action of the soldiers who subjected some drivers around the 37military Hospital to a tormenting physical and mental ordeal, making them to undergo all sorts of inhuman treatment.
Prof. Mills said he was totally dismayed on hearing the story, since he considered it to be “an act of extreme callousness for drivers, no matter the gravity of the traffic offences they might have committed, to be sent to the 37 Military Hospital Mortuary to pack dead bodies and mop the floor.”
According to him, “the Ghana Armed Forces has a reputation that flies high, and a few over zealous men in uniform must not be allowed to destroy the image of such a respected Institution, with acts that border on nothing but extreme cruelty.”
The concern of the NDC Candidate was contained in a statement signed by his Director of Communications, Koku Anyidoho.
“As regards the driver who was forced to fondle the breast of a dead lady, as well the driver who was forced to cuddle a dead baby, our heart goes out to them, considering their very traumatic (which they expressed on various electronic media networks) experience”, he said.
Whilst welcoming the decision of the Military High Command to get to the bottom of the matter and bring those behind the unacceptable act to book, Prof. Mills noted “we respect the Ghana Armed Forces and trust that those who are found blameworthy will be made to face the full rigours of the Army’s disciplinary code.”
In another development, the former Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the Castle, during the last NDC administration, Nana Opoku Acheampong has on behalf of some friends of the party, donated six (6) pickup vehicles to help Prof. Mills’ campaign.
Making the presentation at the Osu Kukuhill, Campaign headquarters of the NDC Presidential Candidate, last Thursday, Nana Opoku Acheampong said he was making the donation with the firm conviction that the vehicles will go a long way to bring victory to the party, in this year’s elections and bring relief to Ghanaians.
“I have had the privilege of working at close quarters with Professor Atta Mills when he was vice President of Ghana, and I can attest personally to his integrity, his capacity for arduous work, his sense of fairness and above all his great love for the people of this country, and his determination to improve their lot”, he emphasised.
Nana therefore urged other Ghanaians who truly have the nation at heart, to contribute to the NDCs campaign to ensure success.
“There is no doubt that Professor Mills will deliver on his promise of building a Better Ghana, and we are happy that we are contributing to give Ghanaians a Better Ghana”, he added.
On his part, Professor Atta Mills expressed appreciation to the donors, adding that the vehicles have arrived at the right time and will be put to good use.
The vehicles have since been distributed, with two going to the Brong Ahafo and Eastern Regions respectively, and one each to the Ashanti and Volta Regions.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Africa’s youth poised to change continent’s destiny
…after SYPALA 2008
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted:Wednesday, July 9, 2008
At the end of the 2008 Students and Young Professionals Liberty (SYPALA) in Accra, the 40 participants drawn from Ghana, Nigeria and Guinea, vowed to strive to change the destiny of an obviously struggling Africa continent.
The programme was put together by the Imani Centre of Policy and Education, in conjunction with the CATO institute, and the Smith Family Foundation.
Held under the theme ‘Liberty abreast African intellect,’ the programme had as its aim, to develop and maximise the potentials of the teeming youth of the African continent, by deepening their knowledge, and engaging them in scholastic dialogue.
The seminar, which took place from June 22 - June 27, 2008, enabled participants and various speakers to exchange ideas, and broaden their perspectives, by exploring innovative solutions to the foremost challenges facing society.
Among the speakers were the Vice President of the CATO Institute, Tom Palmer, former Chief of Defense Staff, Lt. Gen. Arnold Quainoo (Rtd), former Chief Executive of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transport (BOST), Dr. Kwabena Donkor, among other top brass lecturers, who took participants through a cursory analysis of modern development trends.
They treated topics like civil-military relationship in Africa, energy security, policy monitoring and evaluation and foundations of public policy analysis, and journalism.
Dr. Kwabena Donkor gave an excellent hour-long extempore talk, on Africa's challenges in managing her energy resources, and the record of African governments and private sector entities, in developing pro-industry and pro-commerce energy strategies.
Dr. Donkor has managed a perfect transition, from the high-octane world of top-level business management, to the rarefied environs of Academia, with his customary elegance and skill.
He currently leads curriculum development at Ghana's largest private university, the Central University College, within the MBA Office.
Mr. Kofi Bentil's lecture examined the themes and theses that best exemplify best thinking, on the connection between environmental transformation, and agricultural sustainability, and which transcend hysterical, Malthusian notions of scarcity.
Speaking on the rule of law, Prof. Ken Attafuah, the Executive Director of the Justice and Human Rights Institute, said "there are no persons in the state, who are above the law, no matter their political pedigree, and it is deeply worrying when persons are convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction, and all of a sudden the independence of the judiciary becomes a matter of public ridicule and criticism."
51years after gaining independence from the shackles of colonialism, the Executive Director of Imani, the Centre for Policy and Education and Editor of Africanliberty.org, Franklin Cudjoe, said Ghana still had a few more hurdles to cross.
On his part, the Executive Director of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Cletus Kosiba, said "Ghanaian industries have a huge opportunity to take advantage of markets across the West African Sub region, although the lack of capacity is holding them back.”
He used two revealing examples to show that, indeed, lack of capacity was clipping the wings of SMEs in the country.
Mr. Kwesi Jonah, a leading expert on political economy, engaged the class on the topic "Populism and Participatory Democracy: Why Elections are not enough."
Mr. Jonah based his lecture on the broader context of the co-resurgence of republicanism, referring both to institutions and sovereignty, and public diplomacy as collaborating strands of anti-populist discourse across Africa, as is evident in the recent crises in Kenya and Zimbabwe.
Given the deficit of libertarian thought on the continent, Dr. Tom Palmer gave a good deal of understanding of sound institutions. needed for participants to grasp the workings of a truly free society. One such topic was on the value of property rights.
Dr. Palmer’s tutorial “covered norms (both sociologically and morally),on the history of property, the theory of ownership, theory of institutions, the economics of property/capital, with examples from the Icelandic ITQ system of property in fish, Hernando de Soto’s The Mystery of Capital, and the like.”
Dr. Palmer regularly lectures in America, Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East, on political science, public choice, civil society, and the moral, legal, and historical foundations of individual rights, and has been published widely.
The 2008 Whetstone-Korsah award for emerging went to Susu Allordey. The Whetstone-Korsah Prize (Linda Whetstone & Arku Korsah Award for Emerging Leadership) is named for two great proponents of the free market, and the rule of law in Africa and the World: Linda Whetstone, Board Chairperson of the London-based International Policy Network, and Sir Arku Korsah, West Africa's first Black Chief Justice, whose unflinching support for judicial integrity, led to a famous confrontation with Ghana's socialist first President.
At the end of it, Augusta Kolekang, one of the participants, could not but remark “I must say in all honesty, that it was a great experience, that I will forever recommend to everybody, especially to young people who wish Ghana, and for that matter Africa, becomes a better and prosperous continent to live in, sooner than later.
“The week-long conference has really opened my mind to a lot of things that I would have otherwise not known, if I had not been part of this year's seminar.
“Indeed, what Africa needs at this current socio-political dispensation, is a liberalized socio-economic system, devoid of excessive governmental control, by minimizing political power, whilst upholding the principles of rule-of-law and good governance, so as to create an atmosphere for innovation, which will consequently lead to alleviation of Africa's worst disease, poverty.”
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted:Wednesday, July 9, 2008
At the end of the 2008 Students and Young Professionals Liberty (SYPALA) in Accra, the 40 participants drawn from Ghana, Nigeria and Guinea, vowed to strive to change the destiny of an obviously struggling Africa continent.
The programme was put together by the Imani Centre of Policy and Education, in conjunction with the CATO institute, and the Smith Family Foundation.
Held under the theme ‘Liberty abreast African intellect,’ the programme had as its aim, to develop and maximise the potentials of the teeming youth of the African continent, by deepening their knowledge, and engaging them in scholastic dialogue.
The seminar, which took place from June 22 - June 27, 2008, enabled participants and various speakers to exchange ideas, and broaden their perspectives, by exploring innovative solutions to the foremost challenges facing society.
Among the speakers were the Vice President of the CATO Institute, Tom Palmer, former Chief of Defense Staff, Lt. Gen. Arnold Quainoo (Rtd), former Chief Executive of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transport (BOST), Dr. Kwabena Donkor, among other top brass lecturers, who took participants through a cursory analysis of modern development trends.
They treated topics like civil-military relationship in Africa, energy security, policy monitoring and evaluation and foundations of public policy analysis, and journalism.
Dr. Kwabena Donkor gave an excellent hour-long extempore talk, on Africa's challenges in managing her energy resources, and the record of African governments and private sector entities, in developing pro-industry and pro-commerce energy strategies.
Dr. Donkor has managed a perfect transition, from the high-octane world of top-level business management, to the rarefied environs of Academia, with his customary elegance and skill.
He currently leads curriculum development at Ghana's largest private university, the Central University College, within the MBA Office.
Mr. Kofi Bentil's lecture examined the themes and theses that best exemplify best thinking, on the connection between environmental transformation, and agricultural sustainability, and which transcend hysterical, Malthusian notions of scarcity.
Speaking on the rule of law, Prof. Ken Attafuah, the Executive Director of the Justice and Human Rights Institute, said "there are no persons in the state, who are above the law, no matter their political pedigree, and it is deeply worrying when persons are convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction, and all of a sudden the independence of the judiciary becomes a matter of public ridicule and criticism."
51years after gaining independence from the shackles of colonialism, the Executive Director of Imani, the Centre for Policy and Education and Editor of Africanliberty.org, Franklin Cudjoe, said Ghana still had a few more hurdles to cross.
On his part, the Executive Director of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Cletus Kosiba, said "Ghanaian industries have a huge opportunity to take advantage of markets across the West African Sub region, although the lack of capacity is holding them back.”
He used two revealing examples to show that, indeed, lack of capacity was clipping the wings of SMEs in the country.
Mr. Kwesi Jonah, a leading expert on political economy, engaged the class on the topic "Populism and Participatory Democracy: Why Elections are not enough."
Mr. Jonah based his lecture on the broader context of the co-resurgence of republicanism, referring both to institutions and sovereignty, and public diplomacy as collaborating strands of anti-populist discourse across Africa, as is evident in the recent crises in Kenya and Zimbabwe.
Given the deficit of libertarian thought on the continent, Dr. Tom Palmer gave a good deal of understanding of sound institutions. needed for participants to grasp the workings of a truly free society. One such topic was on the value of property rights.
Dr. Palmer’s tutorial “covered norms (both sociologically and morally),on the history of property, the theory of ownership, theory of institutions, the economics of property/capital, with examples from the Icelandic ITQ system of property in fish, Hernando de Soto’s The Mystery of Capital, and the like.”
Dr. Palmer regularly lectures in America, Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East, on political science, public choice, civil society, and the moral, legal, and historical foundations of individual rights, and has been published widely.
The 2008 Whetstone-Korsah award for emerging went to Susu Allordey. The Whetstone-Korsah Prize (Linda Whetstone & Arku Korsah Award for Emerging Leadership) is named for two great proponents of the free market, and the rule of law in Africa and the World: Linda Whetstone, Board Chairperson of the London-based International Policy Network, and Sir Arku Korsah, West Africa's first Black Chief Justice, whose unflinching support for judicial integrity, led to a famous confrontation with Ghana's socialist first President.
At the end of it, Augusta Kolekang, one of the participants, could not but remark “I must say in all honesty, that it was a great experience, that I will forever recommend to everybody, especially to young people who wish Ghana, and for that matter Africa, becomes a better and prosperous continent to live in, sooner than later.
“The week-long conference has really opened my mind to a lot of things that I would have otherwise not known, if I had not been part of this year's seminar.
“Indeed, what Africa needs at this current socio-political dispensation, is a liberalized socio-economic system, devoid of excessive governmental control, by minimizing political power, whilst upholding the principles of rule-of-law and good governance, so as to create an atmosphere for innovation, which will consequently lead to alleviation of Africa's worst disease, poverty.”
GIVE COCAINE DEALERS STIFFER SENTENCES
...Instead of killing drivers who cart chainsaw logs
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted:Wednesday, July 9, 2008.
A 58 year old resident of Accra-Newtown, Madam Akosua Apeagyei, is advocating for stiffer punishment for drug dealers, especially those in the lucrative cocaine business.
Her concern was that the activities, and operations of these cocaine dealers, are not only denting the image of the country, but also introducing its innocent youth, who form the bulk of the population, to the use and sale of illegal drugs.
She has thus made a passionate appeal, to all categories of judges in the country, to consider the level of threat that the lives of the youth are exposed to, by those involved in the act, and hand down stiffer sentences on them.
This, according to her, would serve as a deterrent to others, who have intentions of going into the drug business.
Madam Apeagyei raised these issues, when she called at the Tesano offices of The Chronicle, to express concern about the killing of illegal chain-saw operators in the country.
Whilst admitting that the activities of illegal chain-saw operators, was affecting the country in one way or the other, she noted that cocaine dealers were worse off, considering the dire effects of their business on the larger population.
She wondered why illegal chain-saw operators are handed heavy sentences, and sometimes killed upon arrest, whilst cocaine barons sometimes manage to go scot-free, without any punitive measures.
The concerned mother said she could not comprehend why some Ghanaians, particularly the youth, even resort to the use of cocaine to allegedly enhance their sexual performance and ability to socialise. Under the current circumstance, Madam Apeagyei noted that Ghana had a big problem with drug abuse, and called for measures, which would effectively deal with the increasing use of drugs, and help treat and rehabilitate users. Latest world reports identifies Ghana, as one of the countries in the West African sub-region, which is being used as a drug trafficking point, for carting cocaine to Europe, as international criminal networks exploit the region’s lack of resources, to combat drug smuggling.
A recent study, carried out by the United Nations, indicated that Africa was increasingly being used by the drug cartels, for the processing and consumption of illicit drugs, as well as money laundering, with African governments grappling with how best to face this new threat.
To put things into a better perspective, seizures of cocaine increased by 18 per cent worldwide and by 4,000% in Ghana, from 2003 to 2004.
Africa, as a whole, for the same period, witnessed a three-fold jump in the amount of cocaine seized, from 1.1 tonnes to 3.6 tonnes.
The staggering statistics, contained in the latest United Nations report on drug trafficking, were presented to a Nairobi law enforcement conference, which gathered anti-narcotic officers from 34 African nations.
Moreover, since the UN study, the quantity of cocaine smuggled into Ghana, which has come to the notice of our local law enforcement officers, is close to the 3.6 tonnes seized in the whole of Africa in 2004.
In November 2005, 588kgs of cocaine were seized, in a raid at a house at East Legon. About 2,310kgs of cocaine were imported to Ghana, and discharged from the vessel, MV Benjamin, which docked in Tema, according to a fact-finding report commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior.
But with high profile cases in recent times, including the US arrest of Eric Amoateng, a then Member of Parliament (MP), and the alleged involvement of Ghanaian police officers in the illicit trade, western custom officers have revised their books, adding Ghana to the list of 'high priority destinations.’
Ghana, for instance, does not have coast guards. The Georgina Wood Committee, which investigated the missing 77 parcels of cocaine (with a street value of approximately $200m) smuggled into the country in April, recommended that a reasonably well-resourced Navy, and an equally well-resourced Air Force, was necessary if the war against the drug trade is to succeed.
It has further recommended the examination of other viable options, for marine and coastal patrol.
An independent, well-resourced service, dedicated to marine and coastal patrols, may prove a better way of ensuring the safety and security of the country’s territorial waters.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted:Wednesday, July 9, 2008.
A 58 year old resident of Accra-Newtown, Madam Akosua Apeagyei, is advocating for stiffer punishment for drug dealers, especially those in the lucrative cocaine business.
Her concern was that the activities, and operations of these cocaine dealers, are not only denting the image of the country, but also introducing its innocent youth, who form the bulk of the population, to the use and sale of illegal drugs.
She has thus made a passionate appeal, to all categories of judges in the country, to consider the level of threat that the lives of the youth are exposed to, by those involved in the act, and hand down stiffer sentences on them.
This, according to her, would serve as a deterrent to others, who have intentions of going into the drug business.
Madam Apeagyei raised these issues, when she called at the Tesano offices of The Chronicle, to express concern about the killing of illegal chain-saw operators in the country.
Whilst admitting that the activities of illegal chain-saw operators, was affecting the country in one way or the other, she noted that cocaine dealers were worse off, considering the dire effects of their business on the larger population.
She wondered why illegal chain-saw operators are handed heavy sentences, and sometimes killed upon arrest, whilst cocaine barons sometimes manage to go scot-free, without any punitive measures.
The concerned mother said she could not comprehend why some Ghanaians, particularly the youth, even resort to the use of cocaine to allegedly enhance their sexual performance and ability to socialise. Under the current circumstance, Madam Apeagyei noted that Ghana had a big problem with drug abuse, and called for measures, which would effectively deal with the increasing use of drugs, and help treat and rehabilitate users. Latest world reports identifies Ghana, as one of the countries in the West African sub-region, which is being used as a drug trafficking point, for carting cocaine to Europe, as international criminal networks exploit the region’s lack of resources, to combat drug smuggling.
A recent study, carried out by the United Nations, indicated that Africa was increasingly being used by the drug cartels, for the processing and consumption of illicit drugs, as well as money laundering, with African governments grappling with how best to face this new threat.
To put things into a better perspective, seizures of cocaine increased by 18 per cent worldwide and by 4,000% in Ghana, from 2003 to 2004.
Africa, as a whole, for the same period, witnessed a three-fold jump in the amount of cocaine seized, from 1.1 tonnes to 3.6 tonnes.
The staggering statistics, contained in the latest United Nations report on drug trafficking, were presented to a Nairobi law enforcement conference, which gathered anti-narcotic officers from 34 African nations.
Moreover, since the UN study, the quantity of cocaine smuggled into Ghana, which has come to the notice of our local law enforcement officers, is close to the 3.6 tonnes seized in the whole of Africa in 2004.
In November 2005, 588kgs of cocaine were seized, in a raid at a house at East Legon. About 2,310kgs of cocaine were imported to Ghana, and discharged from the vessel, MV Benjamin, which docked in Tema, according to a fact-finding report commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior.
But with high profile cases in recent times, including the US arrest of Eric Amoateng, a then Member of Parliament (MP), and the alleged involvement of Ghanaian police officers in the illicit trade, western custom officers have revised their books, adding Ghana to the list of 'high priority destinations.’
Ghana, for instance, does not have coast guards. The Georgina Wood Committee, which investigated the missing 77 parcels of cocaine (with a street value of approximately $200m) smuggled into the country in April, recommended that a reasonably well-resourced Navy, and an equally well-resourced Air Force, was necessary if the war against the drug trade is to succeed.
It has further recommended the examination of other viable options, for marine and coastal patrol.
An independent, well-resourced service, dedicated to marine and coastal patrols, may prove a better way of ensuring the safety and security of the country’s territorial waters.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
ABODAKPI’S LOFTY THOUGHTS ON PRISON LIFE
…calls for immediate reforms
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted: Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Former Trade Minister under the Jerry Rawlings regime and incumbent Member of Parliament for Keta, Mr. Dan Abodakpi yesterday shared some lofty thoughts about his experience at the Nsawam security medium prison with Joy Fm’s ‘Super Morning show host, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.
This was after several weeks of refusing to grant audience to the media to enable him organise a befitting funeral and burial for his late mother, who he drew inspiration from, even when serving his jail term.
Mr. Abodakpi could simply not comprehend why the country’s prisons are still in deplorable conditions since time immemorial.
He also wondered why some of the major politicians in the country have had to serve time in Ghanaian prisons for one reason or the other, and yet they have done very little or virtually nothing to improve the conditions that exist there.
“I was surprised at the conditions I saw and I was surprised also that many people have passed through the walls of those prisons, found themselves in government and have little thought for the conditions there, I think its unfortunate and I am not going to forget that experience. I will impress upon my party to do a lot to improve the conditions in the prisons and I will mount my own personal crusade to ensure that we do all we can to improve the prison conditions,”he said.
He painted a gloomy picture of the conditions that exist in the Nsawam prison where he served one-year three months out of his 10year jail term, which was remitted by President Kufuor.
According to him, there is a rich human resource in the prison, since all the varying discipline that one can think of could be found there, which are not being utilised for the good of the country.
“I know countries like Japan, etc, which make use of the prison inmates, there is a carpentry workshop in Nsawam which is completely neglected, no equipment, nothing, so they cannot produce, they should be able to produce even furniture for themselves, but go to the prison, the desk that they sit on is the desk that was produced in the 1960’s by the Nkrumah regime.”
When he got to the prison on 5th February 2006, the Keta MP who was granted a Presidential pardon said there was not even a single computer in there, and stressing that the tailoring shop is nothing to write home about.
He noted that it was only recently that the prison took delivery of some sowing machines.
Currently, he said he was in discussions with some people who share similar thoughts with him to soon come out with concrete proposals for these reforms to be undertaken.
“The Prisons Service itself, for me is the forgotten cussing of the security services, the morale in the Prisons Service is still low, infrastructure within the service especially in the prisons, the environment within which the officers work are so demoralising that in fact something needs to be done to bring back the spirit, if those Institutions are supposed to be reforming”, he emphasised.
Asked how he was treated in prison, Mr. Abodakpi said “quite well, like every other prisoner, no special privileges, I may say but I was shown due respect by the officers and inmates, by everybody.”
The situation in the various prisons in the country, as have been variously told by prison-graduates is nothing worth writing home about.
Whilst appreciating the kind gesture of President Kufuor in granting him a pardon, Mr. Abodakpi still insists on his innocence.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted: Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Former Trade Minister under the Jerry Rawlings regime and incumbent Member of Parliament for Keta, Mr. Dan Abodakpi yesterday shared some lofty thoughts about his experience at the Nsawam security medium prison with Joy Fm’s ‘Super Morning show host, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.
This was after several weeks of refusing to grant audience to the media to enable him organise a befitting funeral and burial for his late mother, who he drew inspiration from, even when serving his jail term.
Mr. Abodakpi could simply not comprehend why the country’s prisons are still in deplorable conditions since time immemorial.
He also wondered why some of the major politicians in the country have had to serve time in Ghanaian prisons for one reason or the other, and yet they have done very little or virtually nothing to improve the conditions that exist there.
“I was surprised at the conditions I saw and I was surprised also that many people have passed through the walls of those prisons, found themselves in government and have little thought for the conditions there, I think its unfortunate and I am not going to forget that experience. I will impress upon my party to do a lot to improve the conditions in the prisons and I will mount my own personal crusade to ensure that we do all we can to improve the prison conditions,”he said.
He painted a gloomy picture of the conditions that exist in the Nsawam prison where he served one-year three months out of his 10year jail term, which was remitted by President Kufuor.
According to him, there is a rich human resource in the prison, since all the varying discipline that one can think of could be found there, which are not being utilised for the good of the country.
“I know countries like Japan, etc, which make use of the prison inmates, there is a carpentry workshop in Nsawam which is completely neglected, no equipment, nothing, so they cannot produce, they should be able to produce even furniture for themselves, but go to the prison, the desk that they sit on is the desk that was produced in the 1960’s by the Nkrumah regime.”
When he got to the prison on 5th February 2006, the Keta MP who was granted a Presidential pardon said there was not even a single computer in there, and stressing that the tailoring shop is nothing to write home about.
He noted that it was only recently that the prison took delivery of some sowing machines.
Currently, he said he was in discussions with some people who share similar thoughts with him to soon come out with concrete proposals for these reforms to be undertaken.
“The Prisons Service itself, for me is the forgotten cussing of the security services, the morale in the Prisons Service is still low, infrastructure within the service especially in the prisons, the environment within which the officers work are so demoralising that in fact something needs to be done to bring back the spirit, if those Institutions are supposed to be reforming”, he emphasised.
Asked how he was treated in prison, Mr. Abodakpi said “quite well, like every other prisoner, no special privileges, I may say but I was shown due respect by the officers and inmates, by everybody.”
The situation in the various prisons in the country, as have been variously told by prison-graduates is nothing worth writing home about.
Whilst appreciating the kind gesture of President Kufuor in granting him a pardon, Mr. Abodakpi still insists on his innocence.
Monday, July 7, 2008
The clock is ticking Mr. President (Opinion)
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
People hate me for the strong opinions I hold about raging issues in the country, but as a product of the world acclaimed Economist and ‘no-nonsense’ socio-political commentator, Professor George Ayittey I guess that is what I take delight in doing.
Others have even gone to the extent of asking what political colours I bear but I don’t think my political inclination has anything to do with the views I share each passing day instead my inability to keep quiet long as the tenets of democracy hasn’t changed but still guarantees free speech, for which I’m grateful for.
Today, I want to talk about the soaring economic conditions in the country.
I’m not too sure whether President Kufuor is still with us here in the Ghana.
If he is, then I’m not too sure what kinds of voices he been listening to though he claims and is touted to be a listening President.
Probably, he is only listening to the voices of his peers in high ranking positions in the country, those I prefer to call, the Bourgeoisies and not those of us they often describe as the masses or the down trodden or better still the Proletariats.
Indeed, if he should have been listening to the voices of the masses, he would have long made amends in the economy to pacify the souls of the so-called ‘ordinary Ghanaians’.
For the last couple of months, getting to one year, I have heard people making grievous comments about the state of the economy and the harsh condition which they continue to live in under the very government of the NPP, which promised to put monies in their individual pockets.
Much as I understand that putting money in ones pocket does not take its literal sense but has everything to do with pragmatic economic policies which would translate into employment creation and low interest rates, I strongly believe that the current situation in the country accounts for the incessant cries by the people.
It appears the NPP government is virtually repeating the same mistakes committed by the NDC when it was in power until it tasted the wrath of the people.
Now, what I see the NPP as doing is listening to its own voice and not that of any other person as we are made to believe.
Though President Kufuor has made some modest gains for the country since he assumed the reigns of power, I dare say that his last days appears to be what people say ‘dangerous’.
Everything seem to be getting out of hand, from the issue of increasing utility charges without a commensurate service delivery through to the soaring food prices and transportation fares and that of workers wages and salaries.
Though I understand there is very little the government can do about on the issue of the soaring oil prices globally, I still think there is a way out since every coin has two sides.
I’m not too sure whether the NPP government is afraid of subsiding the prices of fuel and utilities since it could amount to shooting itself in the foot for the reason that the government once said it could not continue to subsidise or decrease the prices of goods and service especially when the prices are determined by global market forces.
That is where I think something might be wrong with those steering the affairs of the nation.
If the men at the horse back have not realised what time it is, somebody should tell them that the clock to election 2008 is ticking like nobodies business.
The voice of the people is one that should send a clarion call on the NPP and its hawks of war to re-strategise and make amends since it has the tendency of changing the fortunes of the upcoming elections.
I’m not too sure since I happen not to be in government to know what is going on but there is one thing that I know for a fact; that is the voice of the people is one that smacks off fear of insecurity for the NPP government if it indeed wants to retain its grips to government.
Well, I may be wrong because I hear the President is a deep thinker and takes a long time before taking a decision.
I can’t afford but to pray that he does not fall asleep in his slumber since he would obviously regret blinking his eyes.
Is Nana Akufo-Addo still around and in the Presidential race? I’m not too sure whether he is still interested in the bid for the Flag Staff house.
I don’t really know what he has been hearing on his numerous campaign trails to the regions because from the prevailing circumstances, I can say without fear that his chances of winning the upcoming elections ‘one touch’ as he claims appears to be either 50-50 or even bleak considering the prevailing economic conditions in the country.
By the way, nobody should call me to ask what statistics I have to buttress my claims because I interact with the people every now and then and as such have perfect understanding of the situation on the ground and message the people are sending.
If Nana Addo really wants to take over from President Kufuor, I think he and the NPP as a party should probably gird their loins to talk down President Kufuor and his government to liberalise the economy since people are whining over their living conditions or better still the cost of living.
Unless something is done within time to salvage the situation, let somebody tell President Kufuor and the NPP of which he hopes to bequeath a legacy to be on the look out since Professor Mills and the NDC has a firm grips on the grounds.
The return of the living-dead; that is the coming back of the NDCs old war horses and chariots from the Reform party should tell the NPP that the NDC is not as dead as they think but leaving ‘no turn unstoned’, oh, sorry ‘leaving no stone unturned’ as it is gunning for the top notch.
For me, I can work and survive under any government that comes to power, provided it does not do anything that would prevent me from being a jagged edge or double edged cutlass to bar me from speaking my mind at will, except not to trample on the rights of others as guaranteed in the constitution of the republic.
Mr. President, now the ball is not just in your court but you have an option of choosing to play it or leaving it for your opponents to come for it.
I have spoken my mind, if you don’t agree with me, speak yours and lets strengthen the good tenets of democracy.
Long live Ghana!.
People hate me for the strong opinions I hold about raging issues in the country, but as a product of the world acclaimed Economist and ‘no-nonsense’ socio-political commentator, Professor George Ayittey I guess that is what I take delight in doing.
Others have even gone to the extent of asking what political colours I bear but I don’t think my political inclination has anything to do with the views I share each passing day instead my inability to keep quiet long as the tenets of democracy hasn’t changed but still guarantees free speech, for which I’m grateful for.
Today, I want to talk about the soaring economic conditions in the country.
I’m not too sure whether President Kufuor is still with us here in the Ghana.
If he is, then I’m not too sure what kinds of voices he been listening to though he claims and is touted to be a listening President.
Probably, he is only listening to the voices of his peers in high ranking positions in the country, those I prefer to call, the Bourgeoisies and not those of us they often describe as the masses or the down trodden or better still the Proletariats.
Indeed, if he should have been listening to the voices of the masses, he would have long made amends in the economy to pacify the souls of the so-called ‘ordinary Ghanaians’.
For the last couple of months, getting to one year, I have heard people making grievous comments about the state of the economy and the harsh condition which they continue to live in under the very government of the NPP, which promised to put monies in their individual pockets.
Much as I understand that putting money in ones pocket does not take its literal sense but has everything to do with pragmatic economic policies which would translate into employment creation and low interest rates, I strongly believe that the current situation in the country accounts for the incessant cries by the people.
It appears the NPP government is virtually repeating the same mistakes committed by the NDC when it was in power until it tasted the wrath of the people.
Now, what I see the NPP as doing is listening to its own voice and not that of any other person as we are made to believe.
Though President Kufuor has made some modest gains for the country since he assumed the reigns of power, I dare say that his last days appears to be what people say ‘dangerous’.
Everything seem to be getting out of hand, from the issue of increasing utility charges without a commensurate service delivery through to the soaring food prices and transportation fares and that of workers wages and salaries.
Though I understand there is very little the government can do about on the issue of the soaring oil prices globally, I still think there is a way out since every coin has two sides.
I’m not too sure whether the NPP government is afraid of subsiding the prices of fuel and utilities since it could amount to shooting itself in the foot for the reason that the government once said it could not continue to subsidise or decrease the prices of goods and service especially when the prices are determined by global market forces.
That is where I think something might be wrong with those steering the affairs of the nation.
If the men at the horse back have not realised what time it is, somebody should tell them that the clock to election 2008 is ticking like nobodies business.
The voice of the people is one that should send a clarion call on the NPP and its hawks of war to re-strategise and make amends since it has the tendency of changing the fortunes of the upcoming elections.
I’m not too sure since I happen not to be in government to know what is going on but there is one thing that I know for a fact; that is the voice of the people is one that smacks off fear of insecurity for the NPP government if it indeed wants to retain its grips to government.
Well, I may be wrong because I hear the President is a deep thinker and takes a long time before taking a decision.
I can’t afford but to pray that he does not fall asleep in his slumber since he would obviously regret blinking his eyes.
Is Nana Akufo-Addo still around and in the Presidential race? I’m not too sure whether he is still interested in the bid for the Flag Staff house.
I don’t really know what he has been hearing on his numerous campaign trails to the regions because from the prevailing circumstances, I can say without fear that his chances of winning the upcoming elections ‘one touch’ as he claims appears to be either 50-50 or even bleak considering the prevailing economic conditions in the country.
By the way, nobody should call me to ask what statistics I have to buttress my claims because I interact with the people every now and then and as such have perfect understanding of the situation on the ground and message the people are sending.
If Nana Addo really wants to take over from President Kufuor, I think he and the NPP as a party should probably gird their loins to talk down President Kufuor and his government to liberalise the economy since people are whining over their living conditions or better still the cost of living.
Unless something is done within time to salvage the situation, let somebody tell President Kufuor and the NPP of which he hopes to bequeath a legacy to be on the look out since Professor Mills and the NDC has a firm grips on the grounds.
The return of the living-dead; that is the coming back of the NDCs old war horses and chariots from the Reform party should tell the NPP that the NDC is not as dead as they think but leaving ‘no turn unstoned’, oh, sorry ‘leaving no stone unturned’ as it is gunning for the top notch.
For me, I can work and survive under any government that comes to power, provided it does not do anything that would prevent me from being a jagged edge or double edged cutlass to bar me from speaking my mind at will, except not to trample on the rights of others as guaranteed in the constitution of the republic.
Mr. President, now the ball is not just in your court but you have an option of choosing to play it or leaving it for your opponents to come for it.
I have spoken my mind, if you don’t agree with me, speak yours and lets strengthen the good tenets of democracy.
Long live Ghana!.
AKOTO AMPAW TACKLES ATTORNEY GENERAL
…says his comments are misleading
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Accra-based legal practitioner, Akoto Ampaw a.k.a ‘Sheshe’ has taken on the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Joe Ghartey over his comments about the ongoing debate on the Freedom of Information Bill.
He disagreed with the proposal of the A-G for the provision of certain limitations under the Bill for the purposes of what he (the Attorney General) claims to be the security of the state.
For him, this comment by Mr. Ghartey was misleading since for according to him, it is the public interest that matters, stressing “because sometimes government may hide under the context of the security of the state to do things that are clearly illegal.”
Instead, he noted, “we should insist on limitations in the public interest and not the rarely difficult context of the security and safety of the state.”
Mr. Akoto Ampaw made these comments at a one-day seminar put together by the National Media Commission (NMC) in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) foundation at the Coconut Grove Regency hotel in Accra under the theme ‘the state of freedom and independence of the media in 2007’.
The problem of the Bill, according to him, was not that of extensions since there would tend to be the need for exemptions.
In his view, these kind of exemptions would serve as an obstacle for journalists or other individuals and corporate entities from having access to information from the offices of the President, his Vice and the security agencies, emphasising “that doesn’t meet the constitutional terms of exemptions or limitations that are reasonably required for the protection of its interest under the Right to Information Bill.”
In other words, the learned fellow said, “information in the President’s office, the Vice President’s office, in the hands of national security or defence, must also be put to the test.”
Where it is to be exempted, he stressed that it should not just be for the reason that it is coming from the office of the President, but “because it is necessary to exempt that information based on public interest considerations or …”
Lawyer Akoto Ampaw has thus charged civil society organisations to start tackling the issue of such ‘blanket’ exemptions in the draft Bill before it is finally passed into law.
In other areas where the exemptions are formulated, he noted that they are not subject to…public requirement.
“Our concern with the Bill is that they should be formulated in such a way as to meet the constitutional requirement for the qualification of this very important right”, he prescribed.
He also had cause to raise questions about the institution mandated to enforce the implementation of the Bill when it is finally passed into law.
Under the current circumstance, as prescribed in the draft Bill, the Attorney General is mandated to carry out this obviously controversial responsibility of enforcing the law.
Many analysts including the former Executive Secretary of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) have equally had cause to raise doubts about this implausible role to be played by the A-G, a situation some have likened to conflict of interest, considering the A-Gs position as a Chief State Prosecutor.
Consistent with the practice elsewhere that such laws exist, the lawyers said there is the need to establish an independent Commission to protect that right whilst educating people on the tenets of the Freedom of Information law.
“And it’s to be noted that the Attorney General’s office, currently, is incapable of performing even its core functions of prosecution in criminal matters and representing government in civil matters, so to add this very huge additional responsibility to it, it is not expected that the Bill, when passed into law would have any effect”
Friday, July 4, 2008
In the battle of fate and credentials
Jawula lays claim to veep slot
…says `my ambition is to be a loyal Vice President`
By Charles Takyi-Boadu Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2008
One of the three names which have popped up as likely choice of Running Mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming elections, Lepowura M.N.D Jawula, appears to be miles ahead of his other compatriots in the obviously keenly contested race.
In a race which appears to be one of fate and credentials, aides close to the Lepowura have said that he is banking his hopes on his extensive credentials in both the public and civil service, to come up tops among the list of names being paraded.
Though he had earlier turned down an interview request by this reporter, the Lepowura finally agreed to speak after extensive demands.
“My ambition is to be a loyal Vice President cut in the mould of Dick Cheney. If all goes well in the 8years, I should be 67years and preparing to get back to chieftaincy and be the pride of the institution”, he said.
If given the nod, Alhaji Jawula as he is fondly called has indicated his preparedness to sacrifice his position as a chief and resign from the civil service to partner the party’s Flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to win the upcoming elections on the ticket of the NPP.
With 32years of both civil and public service experience under his sleeves, he said “I can bring these experience to bear on the Flagbearer, for the national interest.”
Asked what makes him unique among the tall list of names being paraded as probable candidates for the vice Presidential slot of his party, Lepowura said “my affability, tact, diplomacy and sometimes my toughness are legendary, and appreciated by those who come into close contact with me.”
Jawula, who is currently 59years has spent a good 14years out of the total of his 32years of his public and civil service serving in various capacities in the Northern region in the entire Mamprusi and Dagomba areas where most people reject postings.
Years later, he found himself at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning where he also served for 13years, rising through the ranks of Deputy Director to Director and then proceeded to the position of Head of General Administration.
He was later sent to the Ministry of Habours and Railways, where he served as Chief Director for another 3years and subsequently transferred to his present Health Ministry, where he has been serving for the past 2years as Chief Director.
In the area of football, he has been Chairman of the Real Tamale United (RTU) football club for several years and known to be the unifying factor for the splinter groups in the club.
He also progressed from being mere member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to Vice Chairman and subsequently the substantive Chairman.
As FA Chairman, Lepowura organised successful national leagues and championships.
It was during his tenure as FA Chairman that Accra Hearts of Oak won the champions league and the super cup.
He also succeeded in leading Ghana to Ecuador in 1995, where the Starlets won the world under-17 championship and also won the African under-20 championship in 1999.
In the latter part of his reign as FA Chairman in 2001, Jawula’s administration fetched Ghana a silver medal at the world under-20 level in Argentina.
He was the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in 1999 and 2000 and vice Chairman of the LOC of the just-ended CAN 2008 soccer fiesta.
He was a leading member of the Bid committee that brought the cup of nations to Ghana.
For these and other achievements, the President, John Agyekum Kufuor has decided to honour him with the ‘Order of Volta’ category of national awards.
It therefore comes as no surprise that Alhaji Jawula was given a civil service meritorious award in 1999.
Aside these, he is accepted by both royal gates of Yendi, the Andanis and Abudus, which has afforded him the opportunity of Chairing several meetings which both sides have participated in.
As a thorough bred rural practitioner with 32years of both public and civil service experience up his sleeves, the Lepowura seem to be miles ahead of the other competitors, whose civil and public service combined, obviously comes nowhere near that of Jawula. He has experienced governance at both the rural and urban levels, hence he understands the plight of the people.
Jawula was born in ‘Cowlane’ in Accra to a Ga mother.
He is of Hausa and Ga stock and a leading member of the famous Shardow family of Accra.
He has both Zongo and authentic Ga origins.
“Being of royal lineage, I believe I bring another dimension of interest from the traditional authority of Ghana, to the partnership between me and Nana particularly, as Nana is known to show deep respect and reverence to traditional authority”, he said.
…says `my ambition is to be a loyal Vice President`
By Charles Takyi-Boadu Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2008
One of the three names which have popped up as likely choice of Running Mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming elections, Lepowura M.N.D Jawula, appears to be miles ahead of his other compatriots in the obviously keenly contested race.
In a race which appears to be one of fate and credentials, aides close to the Lepowura have said that he is banking his hopes on his extensive credentials in both the public and civil service, to come up tops among the list of names being paraded.
Though he had earlier turned down an interview request by this reporter, the Lepowura finally agreed to speak after extensive demands.
“My ambition is to be a loyal Vice President cut in the mould of Dick Cheney. If all goes well in the 8years, I should be 67years and preparing to get back to chieftaincy and be the pride of the institution”, he said.
If given the nod, Alhaji Jawula as he is fondly called has indicated his preparedness to sacrifice his position as a chief and resign from the civil service to partner the party’s Flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to win the upcoming elections on the ticket of the NPP.
With 32years of both civil and public service experience under his sleeves, he said “I can bring these experience to bear on the Flagbearer, for the national interest.”
Asked what makes him unique among the tall list of names being paraded as probable candidates for the vice Presidential slot of his party, Lepowura said “my affability, tact, diplomacy and sometimes my toughness are legendary, and appreciated by those who come into close contact with me.”
Jawula, who is currently 59years has spent a good 14years out of the total of his 32years of his public and civil service serving in various capacities in the Northern region in the entire Mamprusi and Dagomba areas where most people reject postings.
Years later, he found himself at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning where he also served for 13years, rising through the ranks of Deputy Director to Director and then proceeded to the position of Head of General Administration.
He was later sent to the Ministry of Habours and Railways, where he served as Chief Director for another 3years and subsequently transferred to his present Health Ministry, where he has been serving for the past 2years as Chief Director.
In the area of football, he has been Chairman of the Real Tamale United (RTU) football club for several years and known to be the unifying factor for the splinter groups in the club.
He also progressed from being mere member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to Vice Chairman and subsequently the substantive Chairman.
As FA Chairman, Lepowura organised successful national leagues and championships.
It was during his tenure as FA Chairman that Accra Hearts of Oak won the champions league and the super cup.
He also succeeded in leading Ghana to Ecuador in 1995, where the Starlets won the world under-17 championship and also won the African under-20 championship in 1999.
In the latter part of his reign as FA Chairman in 2001, Jawula’s administration fetched Ghana a silver medal at the world under-20 level in Argentina.
He was the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in 1999 and 2000 and vice Chairman of the LOC of the just-ended CAN 2008 soccer fiesta.
He was a leading member of the Bid committee that brought the cup of nations to Ghana.
For these and other achievements, the President, John Agyekum Kufuor has decided to honour him with the ‘Order of Volta’ category of national awards.
It therefore comes as no surprise that Alhaji Jawula was given a civil service meritorious award in 1999.
Aside these, he is accepted by both royal gates of Yendi, the Andanis and Abudus, which has afforded him the opportunity of Chairing several meetings which both sides have participated in.
As a thorough bred rural practitioner with 32years of both public and civil service experience up his sleeves, the Lepowura seem to be miles ahead of the other competitors, whose civil and public service combined, obviously comes nowhere near that of Jawula. He has experienced governance at both the rural and urban levels, hence he understands the plight of the people.
Jawula was born in ‘Cowlane’ in Accra to a Ga mother.
He is of Hausa and Ga stock and a leading member of the famous Shardow family of Accra.
He has both Zongo and authentic Ga origins.
“Being of royal lineage, I believe I bring another dimension of interest from the traditional authority of Ghana, to the partnership between me and Nana particularly, as Nana is known to show deep respect and reverence to traditional authority”, he said.
CADG to establish university college
By Charles Takyi-Boadu Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2008
The Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) has indicated plans to establish a university college.
This is intended to aid the department in churning out fully-qualified professionals for its activities and operations.
This was contained in a communiqué issued after its just-ended annual delegates conference in Kumasi, capital of the Ashanti Region.
It has thus indicated its readiness to consolidate the gains, made under the Budget Public Expenditure Management Systems (BPEMS). “Whereas the government and citizens accept that the financial administration Act, makes the CAGD responsible for the management of public funds, and accounting in the public sector, we the delegates of this conference, on behalf of the Controller and Accountant General’s Department, shall consolidate the gains made on the BPEMS, treasury-re-alignment, Integrated Personnel Payment Data (IPPD2), Department Manuals Implementation to achieve our mission and that of the nation as a whole”, they resolved.
In effect, they have resolved to exhibit the highest level of professionalism, in the discharge of their duties, and perform their work in accordance with the generally accepted principles of accounting, stressing “we shall provide client-focused, transparent, timely and cost-effective financial management services to the government and the public.”
They have also resolved to constantly update, and make information readily available to all stakeholders, on the department’s website. Management has also resolved to give fair hearing to staff, who are alleged to have misconducted themselves, before action is taken, stressing that it would continue to lay emphasis on the department’s capacity-building programmes.
That notwithstanding, the department has also given its word, to sustain and continue to ensure that reports and financial statements, are submitted on timely basis, as required by the financial laws, whilst collaborating with management of district assemblies, to enhance good working relations, between accounting staff and staff of district assemblies, for better service delivery.
“The department shall ensure adequate staffing at all levels of its operations,” they noted, emphasising that “we will adhere to internal control systems, with the view to minimising unacceptable practices at Ministries Departments and Agencies and MMDAs.”
Management of the department have resolved to rationalise all personal emoluments on government payroll, and control the persistent increase in personal emoluments, by migrating subvented organisations, including the military and police service, onto the government payroll, whilst pursuing the welfare of its staff.
In view of prevailing circumstances, the conference recommended that management should continue to improve the conditions of service of staff.
The Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) has indicated plans to establish a university college.
This is intended to aid the department in churning out fully-qualified professionals for its activities and operations.
This was contained in a communiqué issued after its just-ended annual delegates conference in Kumasi, capital of the Ashanti Region.
It has thus indicated its readiness to consolidate the gains, made under the Budget Public Expenditure Management Systems (BPEMS). “Whereas the government and citizens accept that the financial administration Act, makes the CAGD responsible for the management of public funds, and accounting in the public sector, we the delegates of this conference, on behalf of the Controller and Accountant General’s Department, shall consolidate the gains made on the BPEMS, treasury-re-alignment, Integrated Personnel Payment Data (IPPD2), Department Manuals Implementation to achieve our mission and that of the nation as a whole”, they resolved.
In effect, they have resolved to exhibit the highest level of professionalism, in the discharge of their duties, and perform their work in accordance with the generally accepted principles of accounting, stressing “we shall provide client-focused, transparent, timely and cost-effective financial management services to the government and the public.”
They have also resolved to constantly update, and make information readily available to all stakeholders, on the department’s website. Management has also resolved to give fair hearing to staff, who are alleged to have misconducted themselves, before action is taken, stressing that it would continue to lay emphasis on the department’s capacity-building programmes.
That notwithstanding, the department has also given its word, to sustain and continue to ensure that reports and financial statements, are submitted on timely basis, as required by the financial laws, whilst collaborating with management of district assemblies, to enhance good working relations, between accounting staff and staff of district assemblies, for better service delivery.
“The department shall ensure adequate staffing at all levels of its operations,” they noted, emphasising that “we will adhere to internal control systems, with the view to minimising unacceptable practices at Ministries Departments and Agencies and MMDAs.”
Management of the department have resolved to rationalise all personal emoluments on government payroll, and control the persistent increase in personal emoluments, by migrating subvented organisations, including the military and police service, onto the government payroll, whilst pursuing the welfare of its staff.
In view of prevailing circumstances, the conference recommended that management should continue to improve the conditions of service of staff.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
HOW TO SOLVE BAWKU CRISIS
...Bombande, Aning prescribe solution
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Two experts in the area of security and peace-building, Mr Emmanuel Bombande and Dr Kwasi Aning believe there is more to the increasing violence in Bawku and its surrounding areas than what most Ghanaians think.
Though they both trace the root cause of the problems in the area to its historical antecedents in the colonial and post-colonial era, they believe that the advent of modern party politics and the role of central authority has further deepened the woes of Bawku, thereby resulting in a situation where the undercurrents far outweighed the issue of chieftaincy dispute.
In separate interviews with The Chronicle, each of them made a cursory analysis of the underlying factors that has inflamed passions in the area and prescribed probable solutions which could help to resolve the age-old crisis.
The Executive Director of the West African Network for Peace-building, Mr Emmanuel Bombande believes the issue of the Bawku crisis is far away from mere chieftaincy since that has long been resolved through Supreme Court of the land.
He rather attributes the problem to what he described as a vicious cycle, with each of the communities and individuals who have lost a relative wanting to avenge the death of the relation.
“That vicious cycle is re-enforced every time that somebody is killed”, he noted adding that “the continuing attempt to revenge killings, has now brought us to a web of violence in which we need to break that chain”For him, it is only when we break that chain that anything related to the substantive issue in terms of peaceful co-existence can be discussed.
Because of what he described as an ineffective peace-keeping effort in the Bawku area, Mr Bombande said “the violence in terms of its vicious has not ended and that’s where we need to begin to end the vicious cycle so that the communities can sit down and have an understanding of their history.”
In that history, he emphasised that there is unity since it has succeeded in making natives of the area inter-marry. “The people must now accept that chieftaincy should be viewed as a traditional institution that can unite them and not separate them through a history that was not necessarily their own decision.”
Dr Kwasi Aning who happens to be the Head of Conflict Prevention Management and Resolution Department (CPMRD) of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra, believes the problem have further been inflamed by the purposes of power and economics, coupled with the issue of arms cartel.
He has thus stressed the urgent need to identify those driving the forces and make them to face the full rigours of the law. “The manner in which we have attempted to resolve this crisis has been very faulty, in terms of the speed with which we are always desperate to rope in the President.”
In conflict resolution, he emphasised that the President must be the last to be roped in considering his position as the ‘father of the nation’ and the respected authority that his office has.
Considering the fact that there are multiple mechanisms of resolving chieftaincy disputes, which has not been exhausted, he said it was unfortunate to bring the two feuding chiefs to the seat of government.
Dr Aning also has problem with the quality of analysis that the District and Regional Security Council have sent to the National Security Council on the basis on which solutions on the situation are being drawn.
For a conflict which has been going on since time immemorial, he noted that we ought to have identified, arrested and prosecuted those who are benefiting from this crisis, stressing that “our inability to do this means that our analysis and understanding of this conflict is not very good.”
“But you also do understand that in this part of the world, the last thing that politician listen to are academics, so I don’t expect people to listen to me, so the conflict is going be with us for quite sometime”, he said.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Two experts in the area of security and peace-building, Mr Emmanuel Bombande and Dr Kwasi Aning believe there is more to the increasing violence in Bawku and its surrounding areas than what most Ghanaians think.
Though they both trace the root cause of the problems in the area to its historical antecedents in the colonial and post-colonial era, they believe that the advent of modern party politics and the role of central authority has further deepened the woes of Bawku, thereby resulting in a situation where the undercurrents far outweighed the issue of chieftaincy dispute.
In separate interviews with The Chronicle, each of them made a cursory analysis of the underlying factors that has inflamed passions in the area and prescribed probable solutions which could help to resolve the age-old crisis.
The Executive Director of the West African Network for Peace-building, Mr Emmanuel Bombande believes the issue of the Bawku crisis is far away from mere chieftaincy since that has long been resolved through Supreme Court of the land.
He rather attributes the problem to what he described as a vicious cycle, with each of the communities and individuals who have lost a relative wanting to avenge the death of the relation.
“That vicious cycle is re-enforced every time that somebody is killed”, he noted adding that “the continuing attempt to revenge killings, has now brought us to a web of violence in which we need to break that chain”For him, it is only when we break that chain that anything related to the substantive issue in terms of peaceful co-existence can be discussed.
Because of what he described as an ineffective peace-keeping effort in the Bawku area, Mr Bombande said “the violence in terms of its vicious has not ended and that’s where we need to begin to end the vicious cycle so that the communities can sit down and have an understanding of their history.”
In that history, he emphasised that there is unity since it has succeeded in making natives of the area inter-marry. “The people must now accept that chieftaincy should be viewed as a traditional institution that can unite them and not separate them through a history that was not necessarily their own decision.”
Dr Kwasi Aning who happens to be the Head of Conflict Prevention Management and Resolution Department (CPMRD) of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra, believes the problem have further been inflamed by the purposes of power and economics, coupled with the issue of arms cartel.
He has thus stressed the urgent need to identify those driving the forces and make them to face the full rigours of the law. “The manner in which we have attempted to resolve this crisis has been very faulty, in terms of the speed with which we are always desperate to rope in the President.”
In conflict resolution, he emphasised that the President must be the last to be roped in considering his position as the ‘father of the nation’ and the respected authority that his office has.
Considering the fact that there are multiple mechanisms of resolving chieftaincy disputes, which has not been exhausted, he said it was unfortunate to bring the two feuding chiefs to the seat of government.
Dr Aning also has problem with the quality of analysis that the District and Regional Security Council have sent to the National Security Council on the basis on which solutions on the situation are being drawn.
For a conflict which has been going on since time immemorial, he noted that we ought to have identified, arrested and prosecuted those who are benefiting from this crisis, stressing that “our inability to do this means that our analysis and understanding of this conflict is not very good.”
“But you also do understand that in this part of the world, the last thing that politician listen to are academics, so I don’t expect people to listen to me, so the conflict is going be with us for quite sometime”, he said.
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