Posted to the web July 5, 2006
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
SEVERAL YEARS after leaving the teaching profession, Nana Yeboah AfariObuogyan II, chief of Obo Traditional Area in Kwahu, Eastern Region,has regretted not releasing a publication.He regrets that after 40 years of extensive teaching, he does not havea single publication to his credit."Having taught for 40 long years, I am ashamed I have not written asingle book," he said.Having been the principal and head of several educationalinstitutions, he believes he could have written a couple of books todevelop education in the country.He has therefore stressed the need to inculcate the habit of writingand reading into all children of school-going age to develop andmaximize their potentials in education.Speaking at the launch of 'Octagon', a book on vocabulary to provide amulti-lingua guide for schools and beginners in English, French,Arabic, Hausa, Twi, or Akan, Ga, Ewe and Dagbani, the Chief noted thatit was about time Ghanaians took up the challenge to develop ourlanguages to be accepted by the international community.According to him, there was an urgent need for Ghanaians to committhemselves into studying our local languages and develop them to beaccepted as the English and French languages that have been acclaimedby the international community with most annexing them as their secondlanguages.This, he said, would make teaching and learning much easier sinceGhanaians would feel better and comfortable using their own languagesduring examination periods.Malaysia is one of such countries that have developed its locallanguages to an extent that it translates foreign languages andexamination questions into their local language for better understanding.This is said to be one of the reasons why that country is highlyranked in the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA) examinationin which they score high marks because they better understand and givemore accurate answers.On her part, Mrs. Rosemond Asiamah Nkansah, author of Octagon,reiterated the need for Ghanaians to adopt their own mother languages.According to her, the speaking of 'pidgin English' by Ghanaianstudents was gradually affecting the level of written and spokenlanguage in the country.She said it was evident in the poor writing skills exhibited bystudents of this country lately and also spoke against the poorreading habit of Ghanaian students."The sort of language that people speak nowadays, I don't even know,"she bemoaned. "We want to see our language grow to be acceptedinternationally".
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Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Ghana: Tussle over VP slot in ruling party underway
story by Charles Takyi-Boadu.
Though talks between the National Executive Council of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen have not yet ended to determine whether or not the latter would rescind his earlier decision and stage a comeback to the party, there are, indications of intense lobbying for him to be made the Running Mate of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the party’s Flag bearer.
Party sources have hinted that handlers and supporters of ‘Alan Cash’, the man who resigned from the party a couple of weeks ago have started intense lobbying for him to be given the position of running mate to pacify the soul of the aggrieved defeated Presidential hopeful. Sources close to the NPP have told The Chronicle that this is what has compelled President Kufuor to wade into the affair, since they believe that the exit of Alan, considering the votes he polled at the party’s December congress, has a tendency of affecting its fortunes in the upcoming general elections.
The setting up of a committee to look into his concerns is thus considered an opportunity for Alan to give some conditions for the party’s consideration before he finally rescinds his decision. The lobbying for Alan begun during his supposed ‘thank you’ tour to parts of the Volta region, when some polling station executives in Sogakope, Ho and Hohoe rooted for him to be considered for the position. This, they said was in view of Alan’s overwhelming popularity and ability to attract votes, a quality that cuts across party lines.
Their reason was that this would boost the party’s chances of securing total victory in the 2008 presidential elections in view of his charisma, popularity and vote-winning qualities. For that matter, some of his supporters and handlers are said to have gone to the extent of pushing Alan to ask the leadership of the party to make him Nana Addo’s Running Mate, as a pre-condition for his comeback to the party.Meanwhile, big wigs in the party who the paper spoke to on condition of anonymity have discarded the suggestion, since in their opinions it would be more than a suicide mission for the party to make such a choice.
For them it would be a dangerous precedence and should not be considered. For having resigned from the party when efforts were made to address his concerns, they noted that Alan has proven not to be a thorough bred politician since according to them; he cannot withstand the tests of time. This is what the likes of party big wigs, B. J Da Rocha and Hackman Owusu Agyemang greatly detest and protest against; for an individual to hold the entire Dankwa-Busia tradition to ransom.
When news of Alan’s resignation broke, Hackman was one of the people who was accused of having frustrated the efforts of one of Alan’s supporters who was contesting him in the New Juaben constituency’s Parliamentary primary. Though he expressed regret at Alan’s decision to quit the party, he asked him to stop the blame game and leave the rest of them to work. He did not mince words when he said Alan’s resignation would not in anyway affect the chances of Nana Addo or the party in the upcoming elections.
Just last Friday, another old horse, Mr. B.J Da Rocha who was earlier tasked to mediate the process of bringing Alan Kyerematen back to the party after his infamous resignation, called off Alan’s bluff.For him, it would not only be bad but also a dangerous precedence for the NPP to allow any member to dictate to the party the terms on which he will continue to be a member. In a statement, Mr. Da Rocha noted “I think Mr. Kyerematen is bluffing the party.” For this reason, he asked the party not to tolerate such a bluff.
In his considered view, it would not be in the best interest of the NPP to receive Alan back into the party, since according to him “he will become a disruptive factor in the party, a stumbling block, a loose canon.”Mr. Da Rocha noted with surprise the statement issued by Alan for the reason that he had written to party Chairman, Peter Mac Manu resigning his membership.
Though talks between the National Executive Council of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen have not yet ended to determine whether or not the latter would rescind his earlier decision and stage a comeback to the party, there are, indications of intense lobbying for him to be made the Running Mate of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the party’s Flag bearer.
Party sources have hinted that handlers and supporters of ‘Alan Cash’, the man who resigned from the party a couple of weeks ago have started intense lobbying for him to be given the position of running mate to pacify the soul of the aggrieved defeated Presidential hopeful. Sources close to the NPP have told The Chronicle that this is what has compelled President Kufuor to wade into the affair, since they believe that the exit of Alan, considering the votes he polled at the party’s December congress, has a tendency of affecting its fortunes in the upcoming general elections.
The setting up of a committee to look into his concerns is thus considered an opportunity for Alan to give some conditions for the party’s consideration before he finally rescinds his decision. The lobbying for Alan begun during his supposed ‘thank you’ tour to parts of the Volta region, when some polling station executives in Sogakope, Ho and Hohoe rooted for him to be considered for the position. This, they said was in view of Alan’s overwhelming popularity and ability to attract votes, a quality that cuts across party lines.
Their reason was that this would boost the party’s chances of securing total victory in the 2008 presidential elections in view of his charisma, popularity and vote-winning qualities. For that matter, some of his supporters and handlers are said to have gone to the extent of pushing Alan to ask the leadership of the party to make him Nana Addo’s Running Mate, as a pre-condition for his comeback to the party.Meanwhile, big wigs in the party who the paper spoke to on condition of anonymity have discarded the suggestion, since in their opinions it would be more than a suicide mission for the party to make such a choice.
For them it would be a dangerous precedence and should not be considered. For having resigned from the party when efforts were made to address his concerns, they noted that Alan has proven not to be a thorough bred politician since according to them; he cannot withstand the tests of time. This is what the likes of party big wigs, B. J Da Rocha and Hackman Owusu Agyemang greatly detest and protest against; for an individual to hold the entire Dankwa-Busia tradition to ransom.
When news of Alan’s resignation broke, Hackman was one of the people who was accused of having frustrated the efforts of one of Alan’s supporters who was contesting him in the New Juaben constituency’s Parliamentary primary. Though he expressed regret at Alan’s decision to quit the party, he asked him to stop the blame game and leave the rest of them to work. He did not mince words when he said Alan’s resignation would not in anyway affect the chances of Nana Addo or the party in the upcoming elections.
Just last Friday, another old horse, Mr. B.J Da Rocha who was earlier tasked to mediate the process of bringing Alan Kyerematen back to the party after his infamous resignation, called off Alan’s bluff.For him, it would not only be bad but also a dangerous precedence for the NPP to allow any member to dictate to the party the terms on which he will continue to be a member. In a statement, Mr. Da Rocha noted “I think Mr. Kyerematen is bluffing the party.” For this reason, he asked the party not to tolerate such a bluff.
In his considered view, it would not be in the best interest of the NPP to receive Alan back into the party, since according to him “he will become a disruptive factor in the party, a stumbling block, a loose canon.”Mr. Da Rocha noted with surprise the statement issued by Alan for the reason that he had written to party Chairman, Peter Mac Manu resigning his membership.
Ghana: Retail trade under siege
Information gathered by The Chronicle points to a looming threat in the country, as the executive and members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) are gearing up for a massive demonstration to hit the streets of Accra in the next couple of weeks.By Ghanaian Chronicle (Ghana), by Charles Takyi-Boadu 11.09.2005
Indications are that members of the association have girded up their loins long ago, for what insiders consider to be probably the worst demonstration ever to hit the capital city over their dissatisfaction with foreigners' invasion into areas of the retail sector of businesses, stipulated under our laws to be the preserve of indigenous Ghanaians.
Though the leadership of the association has refused to either confirm or deny this information through the paper's fact-finding mission, reliable sources close to the leadership have hinted that though the leadership has so far restrained members, they may not be able to contain them for long.
Some shop owners of the association told the paper last week that should the authorities fail to take positive steps in forestalling the unrestrained invasion, nothing can hold them back from taking to the streets.
Sources, hinted that notwithstanding the several attempts by the association and other equally concerned bodies to draw the attention of government and other stakeholders of the dangers indigenous businesses are exposed to, little or virtually nothing has been done to forestall what is predicted to be a doom for the economy.
The influx of these foreigners, mostly from the sub-region and China, into the retail area, according to observers, does not only threaten indigenous businesses but also result in a massive evasion of the country's tax system as well as pose security problems, since most of these foreigners are said not to have valid traveling and working documents to enable monitoring of their activities.
Some of the traders believed that all these activities are being allowed to go on under the pretext of ECOWAS protocols, which contravene our sovereign laws on investment.
The situation has prompted many to raise doubts about the vigilance of government and other security agencies in regulating the activities of foreigners in this country, leading to a feeling of insecurity among traders in none than their own country.
Some traders the paper spoke to, expressed grave concern about the strict security checks and at times abuses that they are taken through anytime they were on business trips to countries like Nigeria and Togo, also ECOWAS member countries.
According to most of them, one was not even allowed to sell products from the Ghanaian market in those countries, let alone go into competition with their indigenous businesses and products, as we allowed them to do in this country, as if there are virtually no laws and statutes protecting indigenous businesses.
"Master, just think of the recent action of the Nigerian government to ban the importation of Ghanaian products into that country, what do you think it was about? Nothing, but to protect national sovereignty and indigenous businesses," said the President of the Ghana Electrical Dealers' Association (GEDA), Mr. J. K. Obeng.
He wondered why the Ghanaian government could, like our neighbours do, enforce the provisions of the investment code, in the interest of local traders, as these activities compound the problem of capital flight we are all complaining about.
Mr. Obeng further indicated that they were not against foreigners trading in Ghana, but that they must find their levels. He said the scale envisaged under our laws for them is as demonstrated by Melcom, Max Mart and a few others, and appealed to the authorities to ensure that others got into that scale of trading, but not to displace the indigenous retailer.
Some of the traders questioned whether the Ghanaian government gives credence to national sovereignty and constitutional provisions or kowtow to unfavorable international protocols, which have severe implications for the economy.
Indications are that members of the association have girded up their loins long ago, for what insiders consider to be probably the worst demonstration ever to hit the capital city over their dissatisfaction with foreigners' invasion into areas of the retail sector of businesses, stipulated under our laws to be the preserve of indigenous Ghanaians.
Though the leadership of the association has refused to either confirm or deny this information through the paper's fact-finding mission, reliable sources close to the leadership have hinted that though the leadership has so far restrained members, they may not be able to contain them for long.
Some shop owners of the association told the paper last week that should the authorities fail to take positive steps in forestalling the unrestrained invasion, nothing can hold them back from taking to the streets.
Sources, hinted that notwithstanding the several attempts by the association and other equally concerned bodies to draw the attention of government and other stakeholders of the dangers indigenous businesses are exposed to, little or virtually nothing has been done to forestall what is predicted to be a doom for the economy.
The influx of these foreigners, mostly from the sub-region and China, into the retail area, according to observers, does not only threaten indigenous businesses but also result in a massive evasion of the country's tax system as well as pose security problems, since most of these foreigners are said not to have valid traveling and working documents to enable monitoring of their activities.
Some of the traders believed that all these activities are being allowed to go on under the pretext of ECOWAS protocols, which contravene our sovereign laws on investment.
The situation has prompted many to raise doubts about the vigilance of government and other security agencies in regulating the activities of foreigners in this country, leading to a feeling of insecurity among traders in none than their own country.
Some traders the paper spoke to, expressed grave concern about the strict security checks and at times abuses that they are taken through anytime they were on business trips to countries like Nigeria and Togo, also ECOWAS member countries.
According to most of them, one was not even allowed to sell products from the Ghanaian market in those countries, let alone go into competition with their indigenous businesses and products, as we allowed them to do in this country, as if there are virtually no laws and statutes protecting indigenous businesses.
"Master, just think of the recent action of the Nigerian government to ban the importation of Ghanaian products into that country, what do you think it was about? Nothing, but to protect national sovereignty and indigenous businesses," said the President of the Ghana Electrical Dealers' Association (GEDA), Mr. J. K. Obeng.
He wondered why the Ghanaian government could, like our neighbours do, enforce the provisions of the investment code, in the interest of local traders, as these activities compound the problem of capital flight we are all complaining about.
Mr. Obeng further indicated that they were not against foreigners trading in Ghana, but that they must find their levels. He said the scale envisaged under our laws for them is as demonstrated by Melcom, Max Mart and a few others, and appealed to the authorities to ensure that others got into that scale of trading, but not to displace the indigenous retailer.
Some of the traders questioned whether the Ghanaian government gives credence to national sovereignty and constitutional provisions or kowtow to unfavorable international protocols, which have severe implications for the economy.
Ghana: Corruption rife in health sector
By Charles Takyi-Boadu and Lisa Boeckers 02.02.2006
Transparency International’s 2006 Global Corruption report has identified the health sector as a corruption prone area with evidence of bribery and fraud across the breadth of medical services.
This is said to have emanated from petty thievery and extortion, to massive distortions of health policy and funding, fed by payoffs to officials in the sector.
The report shines a strong light on the US$3trillion global industry, exposing a maze of complex and opaque systems that are a fertile field for corruption.
The global anti-corruption institution also identified certain characteristics that make all health systems, whether public or private funded and whether located in rich or poor countries, vulnerable to corruption.
In Ghana, for instance, it noted that there is corruption at various stages of the health care process, which is manifested in delivery and access to proper healthcare.
Mr. Daniel Batidam, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), a local chapter of Transparency Internal, who outdoored the report in Accra, wondered why health officials sometimes give patients wrong information in order to line their pockets.
According to him, the situation has led to instances where it has become easy for a patient to be told there are no drugs at a hospitals dispensary, but upon payment of informal fees (bribes), drugs are provided.
He noted that at other times, patients are referred to dispensary of pharmaceutical shops owned by the same doctors and pharmacists who refer them.
Also, he identified the poor management; supervision and fraudulent manipulation of excess hours of work payment, which he said, end up causing huge financial losses to the hospital or public purse.
He cited the instance of health workers registering the time they wait at the hospital to be picked home as extra hours for overtime payment, and that of some workers dodging regular working hours, with excuses, for their personal assignments outside the clinic or hospital and yet registering extra working hours for overtime payments, as typical examples.
He further indicated that top officials overemphasize and over-indulge in construction works in order to generate opportunities to attract contractors, often resulting in kickbacks, praises and favours at the expense of providing optimum hospital requirements and facilities for efficient and effective maintenance of health service delivery.
Often, he noted, a couple of corrupt health suppliers bribe public authorities, such as the Standards Board and the Food and Drugs Board, to enable them to sell fake drugs to hospitals and unsuspecting consumers.
As TI Chief Executive David Nussbaum rightly pointed, “Corruption eats away the public trust in medical community. People have a right to expect that the drugs they depend on are real; they have the right to think that the doctors place a patient’s interests above profits; and most of all, they have the right to believe that the health care industry is there to cure and not to kill”
Batidam however acknowledged mechanisms being put in place by government and other stakeholders to address the problem of corruption, which cuts across all edges in society through strengthening the internal audit system across all ministries and departments that he said are necessary safeguards.
He also acknowledged efforts being made by the Public Procurement Board to help address the problem of corruption in public procurement, stressing that these efforts appear to be yielding modest results.
The procurement law, he said has alerted public servants to realize that flouting it is punishable by a term of imprisonment.
In this regard, Batidam stressed the need for more transparency in the healthcare system, urging government to grant easy access to information on key aspects of health related projects, budgets and policies.
To forestall corrupt practices in the health sector, he said Ghanaians must adopt and enforce codes of conducts for health workers and private sector companies, and provide on-going anti-corruption training.
He also called for the strict enforcement of laws and rules of conflict of interest to ban companies that indulge in corrupt practices from future bidding.
On an even more serious note, recommended the transfer of directors of procurement in MDA’s every two years, not necessarily out of the region but to a different MDA, to minimize the incidence of internal collusion.
To facilitate the prosecution of health workers who engage in corrupt practices, he noted that there must be a robust whistleblower protection for both government employees and private sector employees.
With this, he noted, every body could have confidence in the country’s health delivery system and a value for one’s money.
Transparency International’s 2006 Global Corruption report has identified the health sector as a corruption prone area with evidence of bribery and fraud across the breadth of medical services.
This is said to have emanated from petty thievery and extortion, to massive distortions of health policy and funding, fed by payoffs to officials in the sector.
The report shines a strong light on the US$3trillion global industry, exposing a maze of complex and opaque systems that are a fertile field for corruption.
The global anti-corruption institution also identified certain characteristics that make all health systems, whether public or private funded and whether located in rich or poor countries, vulnerable to corruption.
In Ghana, for instance, it noted that there is corruption at various stages of the health care process, which is manifested in delivery and access to proper healthcare.
Mr. Daniel Batidam, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), a local chapter of Transparency Internal, who outdoored the report in Accra, wondered why health officials sometimes give patients wrong information in order to line their pockets.
According to him, the situation has led to instances where it has become easy for a patient to be told there are no drugs at a hospitals dispensary, but upon payment of informal fees (bribes), drugs are provided.
He noted that at other times, patients are referred to dispensary of pharmaceutical shops owned by the same doctors and pharmacists who refer them.
Also, he identified the poor management; supervision and fraudulent manipulation of excess hours of work payment, which he said, end up causing huge financial losses to the hospital or public purse.
He cited the instance of health workers registering the time they wait at the hospital to be picked home as extra hours for overtime payment, and that of some workers dodging regular working hours, with excuses, for their personal assignments outside the clinic or hospital and yet registering extra working hours for overtime payments, as typical examples.
He further indicated that top officials overemphasize and over-indulge in construction works in order to generate opportunities to attract contractors, often resulting in kickbacks, praises and favours at the expense of providing optimum hospital requirements and facilities for efficient and effective maintenance of health service delivery.
Often, he noted, a couple of corrupt health suppliers bribe public authorities, such as the Standards Board and the Food and Drugs Board, to enable them to sell fake drugs to hospitals and unsuspecting consumers.
As TI Chief Executive David Nussbaum rightly pointed, “Corruption eats away the public trust in medical community. People have a right to expect that the drugs they depend on are real; they have the right to think that the doctors place a patient’s interests above profits; and most of all, they have the right to believe that the health care industry is there to cure and not to kill”
Batidam however acknowledged mechanisms being put in place by government and other stakeholders to address the problem of corruption, which cuts across all edges in society through strengthening the internal audit system across all ministries and departments that he said are necessary safeguards.
He also acknowledged efforts being made by the Public Procurement Board to help address the problem of corruption in public procurement, stressing that these efforts appear to be yielding modest results.
The procurement law, he said has alerted public servants to realize that flouting it is punishable by a term of imprisonment.
In this regard, Batidam stressed the need for more transparency in the healthcare system, urging government to grant easy access to information on key aspects of health related projects, budgets and policies.
To forestall corrupt practices in the health sector, he said Ghanaians must adopt and enforce codes of conducts for health workers and private sector companies, and provide on-going anti-corruption training.
He also called for the strict enforcement of laws and rules of conflict of interest to ban companies that indulge in corrupt practices from future bidding.
On an even more serious note, recommended the transfer of directors of procurement in MDA’s every two years, not necessarily out of the region but to a different MDA, to minimize the incidence of internal collusion.
To facilitate the prosecution of health workers who engage in corrupt practices, he noted that there must be a robust whistleblower protection for both government employees and private sector employees.
With this, he noted, every body could have confidence in the country’s health delivery system and a value for one’s money.
Keep your eagle eyes on Ghana`s elections
By Charles Takyi-Boadu Posted: Thursday, May 22, 2008
Professor John Evans Atta Mills, the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) flag bearer aspirant has reiterated his position that no attempt should be made to rig this year’s elections, because he can no more control the emotions of the people should that happen.
He gave the warning when officials of the United States Department of State called on him at his Kuku Hill office in Osu, Accra.
The NDC flag bearer condemned what happened in the year 2004, when the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) called the elections even before the Electoral Commission (EC) finally came out with its verdict and therefore called for a level playing field in the upcoming elections.
Though he assured them of his preparedness to do everything within his mandate to maintain peace before and after the elections, Professor Mills said, “however, it would be difficult to prevail on aggrieved persons this time around if what happened in 2004, by way of the NPP declaring itself winner, repeats itself.”
Prof. Mills, however, assured the State Department that he and his party are committed to fully respect the democratic terrain of Ghana, and would do everything within their power to ensure a non-violent election.
The NDC leader did not hide his misgivings about some happenings regarding the build up to this year’s election, and therefore asked the United States and the International Community to continuously keep an eye on Ghana.
Prof. Mills specifically mentioned the issue of the over 100% growth in voter population between 2004 and 2006 in 13 constituencies in the Ashanti Region.
Explaining his reasons in requesting for international observers to be part of this year’s electoral process, he said it was not for the lack of faith in local observers, but because of the need for all to be on board to make sure Ghana does not go down the slippery path of post election disturbances elsewhere.
“It is a matter of fact that America upholds the tenets of true democracy and it is my hope that you will do whatever it takes to ensure that Ghana’s nascent democracy finds a solid feet to walk on,” he said.
“I have had occasion to ask the Carter Center and other international bodies to keep their focus on Ghana throughout this year, because it is important to closely monitor the whole process and not only what happens on election day” he added.
When given the opportunity to govern this country, the NDC’s flag bearer aspirant said he would be President for Ghana and not President for the NDC and would make sure that opportunities abound for all, and not for a selected few.
With the benefit of lessons learnt elsewhere, he pledged that his government would make sure that Ghana’s oil discovery remains a blessing and not a curse.
On behalf of the United States government, Mr. Thomas Dougherty, the Director of West African Affairs of the United States Department of State, pledged that Washington would support only one group – which is the people of Ghana, and not any political party.
“We will pay attention to what happens in Ghana, but we will stay neutral. Washington will not take sides” said Mr. Dougherty.
Mr. Dougherty also expressed his appreciation to Professor Mills for his commitment to a non-violent election and said his government will do everything it can to impress upon all those who matter in the electoral process, to make sure that there is an even playing field for all parties.
With Professor Mills, was, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, NDC running mate in the last general election.
Mr. Brian W. Shukan, First Secretary and Chief of Political Section, U.S Embassy, Accra accompanied Mr. Dougherty.
Professor John Evans Atta Mills, the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) flag bearer aspirant has reiterated his position that no attempt should be made to rig this year’s elections, because he can no more control the emotions of the people should that happen.
He gave the warning when officials of the United States Department of State called on him at his Kuku Hill office in Osu, Accra.
The NDC flag bearer condemned what happened in the year 2004, when the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) called the elections even before the Electoral Commission (EC) finally came out with its verdict and therefore called for a level playing field in the upcoming elections.
Though he assured them of his preparedness to do everything within his mandate to maintain peace before and after the elections, Professor Mills said, “however, it would be difficult to prevail on aggrieved persons this time around if what happened in 2004, by way of the NPP declaring itself winner, repeats itself.”
Prof. Mills, however, assured the State Department that he and his party are committed to fully respect the democratic terrain of Ghana, and would do everything within their power to ensure a non-violent election.
The NDC leader did not hide his misgivings about some happenings regarding the build up to this year’s election, and therefore asked the United States and the International Community to continuously keep an eye on Ghana.
Prof. Mills specifically mentioned the issue of the over 100% growth in voter population between 2004 and 2006 in 13 constituencies in the Ashanti Region.
Explaining his reasons in requesting for international observers to be part of this year’s electoral process, he said it was not for the lack of faith in local observers, but because of the need for all to be on board to make sure Ghana does not go down the slippery path of post election disturbances elsewhere.
“It is a matter of fact that America upholds the tenets of true democracy and it is my hope that you will do whatever it takes to ensure that Ghana’s nascent democracy finds a solid feet to walk on,” he said.
“I have had occasion to ask the Carter Center and other international bodies to keep their focus on Ghana throughout this year, because it is important to closely monitor the whole process and not only what happens on election day” he added.
When given the opportunity to govern this country, the NDC’s flag bearer aspirant said he would be President for Ghana and not President for the NDC and would make sure that opportunities abound for all, and not for a selected few.
With the benefit of lessons learnt elsewhere, he pledged that his government would make sure that Ghana’s oil discovery remains a blessing and not a curse.
On behalf of the United States government, Mr. Thomas Dougherty, the Director of West African Affairs of the United States Department of State, pledged that Washington would support only one group – which is the people of Ghana, and not any political party.
“We will pay attention to what happens in Ghana, but we will stay neutral. Washington will not take sides” said Mr. Dougherty.
Mr. Dougherty also expressed his appreciation to Professor Mills for his commitment to a non-violent election and said his government will do everything it can to impress upon all those who matter in the electoral process, to make sure that there is an even playing field for all parties.
With Professor Mills, was, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, NDC running mate in the last general election.
Mr. Brian W. Shukan, First Secretary and Chief of Political Section, U.S Embassy, Accra accompanied Mr. Dougherty.
MP mounts pulpit to pray for country`s salvation
By Charles Takyi-Boadu Posted: Thursday, April 19, 2007
Mr. Samuel Nii Ayitey Attoh, MP for Trebu AmasamanA MEMBER of Parliament over the weekend mounted the pulpit, praying to God to intervene in the numerous problems that have bedeviled the nation in recent times.
Mr. S.N.A Attoh, The Member of Parliament for Trebu Amasaman was speaking at the dedication of a ¢600 million church complex for the New Life Historic Adventist church at Osofoiman in the Ga West district.
For him, the challenges of Ghana call for rededication of our individual and collective lives to God for redirection.
He premised his statement on the belief that “no nation would be able to succeed without God’s blessing”.
The Legislator thus says if Ghanaians want progress and advancement, they must purify themselves and abhor evil that militates against the nation.
He prayed to God for his intervention and to also let his face shine upon Ghana as a country.
Mr. Attoh took the opportunity to urge Christians to be catalysts and change the lives of people who have not surrendered themselves to Jesus Christ and wallow in sin.
On his part, Pastor Joseph Class-Peters, the Area Pastor of the New Life Historic Adventist church noted that since corruption, fraud, envy and hatred still prevail in the country, it would be extremely difficult for Ghana to develop.
He said this was affecting the fortunes of the country, with resultant development retardation. He noted that it was incumbent on all Ghanaians, especially those in high places and at decision-making levels, to move the country forward.
“It is a pity that despite what the Bible teaches us against stealing, murder, adultery, hatred and envy, some Ghanaians are deeply involved in murdering their brothers and sisters for money,” he said.
He emphasized that most of these acts were committed by some influential people who he accused of stealing monies meant for the development of the country.
Though the country has attained a level of development after 50years of independence, he stressed that there was still more to be done for Ghanaians to live up to the relevance of our independence.
He therefore stated that, it was high time Ghanaians put their efforts together to move the country forward by leaving the past behind them saying, “the time to build this nation is now”.
If Ghanaians unite and work harder than before, he emphasized that the country could become as great as the United States, Britain, Germany and France.
The District Chief Executive for Ga West District, Mr. Quartey Papafio called for a new generation of youth who would lead a crusade to bring discipline to the nation.
For him, what Ghana lacks is the fear of God and discipline hence appealed to church leaders, youth groups and Non Governmental Organizations to rise up to help break the chain of indiscipline and immorality in the country.
Mr. Samuel Nii Ayitey Attoh, MP for Trebu AmasamanA MEMBER of Parliament over the weekend mounted the pulpit, praying to God to intervene in the numerous problems that have bedeviled the nation in recent times.
Mr. S.N.A Attoh, The Member of Parliament for Trebu Amasaman was speaking at the dedication of a ¢600 million church complex for the New Life Historic Adventist church at Osofoiman in the Ga West district.
For him, the challenges of Ghana call for rededication of our individual and collective lives to God for redirection.
He premised his statement on the belief that “no nation would be able to succeed without God’s blessing”.
The Legislator thus says if Ghanaians want progress and advancement, they must purify themselves and abhor evil that militates against the nation.
He prayed to God for his intervention and to also let his face shine upon Ghana as a country.
Mr. Attoh took the opportunity to urge Christians to be catalysts and change the lives of people who have not surrendered themselves to Jesus Christ and wallow in sin.
On his part, Pastor Joseph Class-Peters, the Area Pastor of the New Life Historic Adventist church noted that since corruption, fraud, envy and hatred still prevail in the country, it would be extremely difficult for Ghana to develop.
He said this was affecting the fortunes of the country, with resultant development retardation. He noted that it was incumbent on all Ghanaians, especially those in high places and at decision-making levels, to move the country forward.
“It is a pity that despite what the Bible teaches us against stealing, murder, adultery, hatred and envy, some Ghanaians are deeply involved in murdering their brothers and sisters for money,” he said.
He emphasized that most of these acts were committed by some influential people who he accused of stealing monies meant for the development of the country.
Though the country has attained a level of development after 50years of independence, he stressed that there was still more to be done for Ghanaians to live up to the relevance of our independence.
He therefore stated that, it was high time Ghanaians put their efforts together to move the country forward by leaving the past behind them saying, “the time to build this nation is now”.
If Ghanaians unite and work harder than before, he emphasized that the country could become as great as the United States, Britain, Germany and France.
The District Chief Executive for Ga West District, Mr. Quartey Papafio called for a new generation of youth who would lead a crusade to bring discipline to the nation.
For him, what Ghana lacks is the fear of God and discipline hence appealed to church leaders, youth groups and Non Governmental Organizations to rise up to help break the chain of indiscipline and immorality in the country.
Asamoah to the rescue
By Charles Takyi-Boadu Posted: Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Germany-based Ghanaian footballer, Gerald Asamoah has offered to support Ghanaian children with heart diseases, whose parents cannot afford to foot their medical bills.
In the interim, he has opted to fly such patients out of the country to receive treatment in Germany, free of charge.
He has thus made a passionate appeal to members of the general public and other philanthropists who are touched by the plight of these innocent children to donate to the Gerald Asamoah Foundation.
Asamoah, who plies his trade with the German Bundesliga side, Schalke 04, made this known when he and his Financial Advisor, Stephan Muller visited the National Cardiothoracic Centre at Korle Bu, in Accra, to have a first hand information of its operations.
His decision to establish the Foundation stemmed from the fact that Asamoah’s football career was nearly jeopardised by a similar heart disease
The medium and long-term objective of the Gerald Asamoah Foundation is to establish a Heart Centre in Ghana.
The visit to the centre was to enable him access whether or not there is indeed the need to establish the Heart Centre or complement the efforts of the Cardio centre. Professor Dr. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, the Director of the centre thanked Asamoah for his thoughtful vision.
To donate to the Foundation, one needs to go to any bank in the country and pay the amount involved into the Deutsche Bank account number-696969500 under the code 50070010.
Germany-based Ghanaian footballer, Gerald Asamoah has offered to support Ghanaian children with heart diseases, whose parents cannot afford to foot their medical bills.
In the interim, he has opted to fly such patients out of the country to receive treatment in Germany, free of charge.
He has thus made a passionate appeal to members of the general public and other philanthropists who are touched by the plight of these innocent children to donate to the Gerald Asamoah Foundation.
Asamoah, who plies his trade with the German Bundesliga side, Schalke 04, made this known when he and his Financial Advisor, Stephan Muller visited the National Cardiothoracic Centre at Korle Bu, in Accra, to have a first hand information of its operations.
His decision to establish the Foundation stemmed from the fact that Asamoah’s football career was nearly jeopardised by a similar heart disease
The medium and long-term objective of the Gerald Asamoah Foundation is to establish a Heart Centre in Ghana.
The visit to the centre was to enable him access whether or not there is indeed the need to establish the Heart Centre or complement the efforts of the Cardio centre. Professor Dr. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, the Director of the centre thanked Asamoah for his thoughtful vision.
To donate to the Foundation, one needs to go to any bank in the country and pay the amount involved into the Deutsche Bank account number-696969500 under the code 50070010.
Making finance work for Ghana/Africa
By Charles Takyi-Boadu Posted: Tuesday, June 17, 2008
A Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MOFEP), Dr Sam Mensah has stressed the urgent need to update the country’s company code and bankruptcy laws.
He believes this has the tendency of making finance work for Ghana as a corporate country.
His concern has emanated out of the fact that these laws have not been subjected to a review for a long period.
Dr Mensah made the call at a partnership forum in Accra under the theme- ‘Making Finance work for Ghana’.
The forum precedes the ‘Making Finance work for Africa’ conference, which begins, today at the La-Palm Royal Beach hotel in Accra.
It brings together more than 250 senior-level financial sector experts from over 30 countries.
At the partnership forum, leaders of Africa and International Institutions, government officials, central banks, prominent researchers and international experts will discuss the priorities for developing African financial sectors.
Among the key issues to be discussed are how to develop the Ghanaian micro-finance and micro-insurance sector, reduce lending risks and develop effective consumer education and financial literacy.
Opening the forum here in Accra, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Professor Gyan-Baffour conceded that while reforms in the financial sector have resulted in expansion and increasing competition in the commercial banking system, it has also been attributed to the fact that the services of Rural and Micro-Finance Institutions (RMFIs) and Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) have not been well suited to the needs and risk profiles of farmers and operators along the agricultural value chain.
“We recognise that while agricultural finance has been problematic worldwide and very few agricultural development banks have succeeded over time in servicing the agricultural sector and becoming self-sustaining, recent years have seen considerable growth in experience and diversification of methodologies”, he emphasised.
In Africa, as in other regions, countries with higher levels of financial development experience better resource allocation, higher GDP per capita growth and faster rate of poverty reduction.
Despite recent growth, African financial systems remain shallow and lack of access to finance by households and firms is a major barrier to business activities, particularly for small enterprises
Ralf Schroeder, Director of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development which champions the partnership for making finance work for Africa emphasised “financial sector development is a strategic driver of growth and employment in Africa. Access and cost of finance are bigger problem for firms in Africa than any other region in the world.”
Available information has it that only 20% of adults in sub-Saharan Africa hold a bank account at a formal or semi-formal institution.
“Poor people need access to financial services to invest in economic activities, in health, education and reduce their vulnerability to household emergencies”, noted the Vice President of the African Development Bank (ADB).
Architects of the effort emphasised that African financial institutions enjoy considerable liquidity.
Thus, strategies to strengthen the financial sector should help to unleash the current potential of African banks and other financial institutions.
Currently, total credit for enterprise and household is estimated to be within the region of 14% of the collective Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Africa, insufficient to ignite accelerated growth and poverty reduction.
An increase to 25% of GDP-a level achieved by many other low-income Countries would translate to more than $70billion of additional investment resources for households and firms.
‘Making finance work for Africa is an increasingly widely shared goal among policy makers on the continent.
Various African governments and development partners recognise that they’re a need to move beyond ‘business-as-usual’ in developing African financial sectors as drivers of private sector development, employment and growth.
Economic growth in Africa appears to be critical to job creation and poverty reduction since it requires stronger and innovative financial institutions.
A Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MOFEP), Dr Sam Mensah has stressed the urgent need to update the country’s company code and bankruptcy laws.
He believes this has the tendency of making finance work for Ghana as a corporate country.
His concern has emanated out of the fact that these laws have not been subjected to a review for a long period.
Dr Mensah made the call at a partnership forum in Accra under the theme- ‘Making Finance work for Ghana’.
The forum precedes the ‘Making Finance work for Africa’ conference, which begins, today at the La-Palm Royal Beach hotel in Accra.
It brings together more than 250 senior-level financial sector experts from over 30 countries.
At the partnership forum, leaders of Africa and International Institutions, government officials, central banks, prominent researchers and international experts will discuss the priorities for developing African financial sectors.
Among the key issues to be discussed are how to develop the Ghanaian micro-finance and micro-insurance sector, reduce lending risks and develop effective consumer education and financial literacy.
Opening the forum here in Accra, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Professor Gyan-Baffour conceded that while reforms in the financial sector have resulted in expansion and increasing competition in the commercial banking system, it has also been attributed to the fact that the services of Rural and Micro-Finance Institutions (RMFIs) and Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) have not been well suited to the needs and risk profiles of farmers and operators along the agricultural value chain.
“We recognise that while agricultural finance has been problematic worldwide and very few agricultural development banks have succeeded over time in servicing the agricultural sector and becoming self-sustaining, recent years have seen considerable growth in experience and diversification of methodologies”, he emphasised.
In Africa, as in other regions, countries with higher levels of financial development experience better resource allocation, higher GDP per capita growth and faster rate of poverty reduction.
Despite recent growth, African financial systems remain shallow and lack of access to finance by households and firms is a major barrier to business activities, particularly for small enterprises
Ralf Schroeder, Director of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development which champions the partnership for making finance work for Africa emphasised “financial sector development is a strategic driver of growth and employment in Africa. Access and cost of finance are bigger problem for firms in Africa than any other region in the world.”
Available information has it that only 20% of adults in sub-Saharan Africa hold a bank account at a formal or semi-formal institution.
“Poor people need access to financial services to invest in economic activities, in health, education and reduce their vulnerability to household emergencies”, noted the Vice President of the African Development Bank (ADB).
Architects of the effort emphasised that African financial institutions enjoy considerable liquidity.
Thus, strategies to strengthen the financial sector should help to unleash the current potential of African banks and other financial institutions.
Currently, total credit for enterprise and household is estimated to be within the region of 14% of the collective Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Africa, insufficient to ignite accelerated growth and poverty reduction.
An increase to 25% of GDP-a level achieved by many other low-income Countries would translate to more than $70billion of additional investment resources for households and firms.
‘Making finance work for Africa is an increasingly widely shared goal among policy makers on the continent.
Various African governments and development partners recognise that they’re a need to move beyond ‘business-as-usual’ in developing African financial sectors as drivers of private sector development, employment and growth.
Economic growth in Africa appears to be critical to job creation and poverty reduction since it requires stronger and innovative financial institutions.
PAUL ANSAH’S MEMORY INVOKE PASSIONS
Saturday, June 14, 2008
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
If there is anything that academicians, professional journalists and Ghanaians alike remembers the late Professor Paul Archibald Vienney Ansah (PAVA) for, it would obviously not only be his style and penchant for writing but also his advocacy for quality journalism standards in the country.
This call was re-echoed at the Christ the King hall in Accra on Thursday during the 15th anniversary celebration of the man who has severally been described as the ‘uncommon man’.
Speaker after speaker stressed the urgent need for an improvement in falling standards in both the theory and practice of journalism in Ghana.
The likes of Archbishop Charles Palmer-Buckle, Professor Ivan Adae-Mensah, Ebow Daniels, Dr Doris Dartey and George Woode all emphasised that if he were to be alive, PAVA would have indeed frowned at the standard of journalism in the country since he had always had cause to complain about the theory and practice of journalism in the country.
This was indeed evident in some of his numerous articles in which he launched blistering attacks on the crop and style of journalism in Ghana.
In one of such articles titled ‘the mass media, yesterday, today and tomorrow’, he remarked “the quality was uneven, presentation was poor, there was more gossip and speculation than straight reporting or analysis, the language continued to be inelegant and dramatically offensive, headlines and pictures bore no relation to the accompanying story. Sometimes one saw a categorical and affirmative statement in a headline, while there was only speculation or a guessing game. Logic was stood on its head and it looked as if the editors had declared war on journalistic ethics or decorum.”
Considering the fact that the trend have not changed for the better in modern day journalism practice, various speakers at the forum thus called on the all stakeholders, including the Accreditation Board and journalism institutions to fashion out mechanisms to make amends.
They also talked of the need for specialisation in journalism study and practice.
Present at the forum, were academicians from all walks of life who thronged the event venue to join in the celebration.
Also present was the wife of PAVA, Mrs. Stella Ansah, who by virtue of her relation with him, he preferred to describe as ‘the resident dictator’, ‘my mother in-laws daughter’ and ‘the resident Kwesi Botchwey’.
The late Paul Ansah’s last daughter, Dr Esi Ansah was also there to eulogise the one and only persons whose influence she said had a bearing on the lives of not only members of his family but those who shared his lofty thoughts in principle.
The close bond between the late former President Dr. Hilla Limann also drew his surviving wife and former first lady, Fulera Limann to the occasion.
Many of those who underwent Paul Ansah’s tutelage during his days at the School of Communication were also present to share fond memories of his hay days.
Considering his achievements in life, each and every one of the speakers stressed the need to immortalise the late Paul Ansah with something significant.
There were wide suggestions for a memorial lecture to be held in his honour annually whilst others thought of a Foundation in his stead.
In the end, ace journalist, Kwaku Sakyi-Addo saw the need to name an institution after PAVA, and with his contributions to the University of Ghana’s School of Communication suggested that the school be named after him.
Instead of merely calling it the School of Communication, he proposed that the school be called Paul Ansah School of Communication.
The current Director of the School of Communication, Dr Audrey Gadzekpo took the proposal in good faith and emphasised that she would communicate it to the Vice Chancellor and University Council for consideration, with the hope that it would be accepted.
The late Paul Ansah was born on February 20, 1938 and died on June 14, 1993 after battling with his health for a long but short time.
He became known for the brunt opinions he expressed in most of writings and articles in especially The Ghanaian Times and The Ghanaian Chronicle.
PAVA was described in various terms as a reputed scholar, communicator, journalist, critic, devout Christian, an uncompromising advocate of democracy, freedom and justice, generous, humorous, pedantic, but also defiant and choleric.
His death in 1993 created a big void in journalism and dented the writer’s crusade against oppression and dictatorship in Africa.
From 1968 when he assumed the editorial seat of the ‘Legon Observer’ until his death, the name Paul Ansah became perhaps the most revered epitome of incisive journalism in Ghana.
By June 14, 1993 when he died, PAVA, over a quarter of a century had succeeded in perfecting a paradigm in Ghana’s journalistic tradition. Write-and-be damned was its hallmark, and ‘Going-to-Town’ its colloquial shibboleth.
Avid readers of his column in the then Ghanaian Chronicle for which he wrote in his last years eventually got used to the ominous prelude of his weekly sojourns to town, the following being a typical example: “I am hereby serving notice that I am going to town. What this means is that those who have a weak heart or a weak stomach are forewarned not to read beyond this point. Notice is hereby also served that those who think they need standby dictionary should reach for it, because I shall be going to my repertoire or arsenal…
There were two things that the ‘Monday Morning Terror’ as he was popularly referred to liked passionately but vowed never to participate in and as rightly put it “I will always sing, but will never join a choir, and I will always talk and write politics but will never join a political party.”
By Charles Takyi-Boadu
If there is anything that academicians, professional journalists and Ghanaians alike remembers the late Professor Paul Archibald Vienney Ansah (PAVA) for, it would obviously not only be his style and penchant for writing but also his advocacy for quality journalism standards in the country.
This call was re-echoed at the Christ the King hall in Accra on Thursday during the 15th anniversary celebration of the man who has severally been described as the ‘uncommon man’.
Speaker after speaker stressed the urgent need for an improvement in falling standards in both the theory and practice of journalism in Ghana.
The likes of Archbishop Charles Palmer-Buckle, Professor Ivan Adae-Mensah, Ebow Daniels, Dr Doris Dartey and George Woode all emphasised that if he were to be alive, PAVA would have indeed frowned at the standard of journalism in the country since he had always had cause to complain about the theory and practice of journalism in the country.
This was indeed evident in some of his numerous articles in which he launched blistering attacks on the crop and style of journalism in Ghana.
In one of such articles titled ‘the mass media, yesterday, today and tomorrow’, he remarked “the quality was uneven, presentation was poor, there was more gossip and speculation than straight reporting or analysis, the language continued to be inelegant and dramatically offensive, headlines and pictures bore no relation to the accompanying story. Sometimes one saw a categorical and affirmative statement in a headline, while there was only speculation or a guessing game. Logic was stood on its head and it looked as if the editors had declared war on journalistic ethics or decorum.”
Considering the fact that the trend have not changed for the better in modern day journalism practice, various speakers at the forum thus called on the all stakeholders, including the Accreditation Board and journalism institutions to fashion out mechanisms to make amends.
They also talked of the need for specialisation in journalism study and practice.
Present at the forum, were academicians from all walks of life who thronged the event venue to join in the celebration.
Also present was the wife of PAVA, Mrs. Stella Ansah, who by virtue of her relation with him, he preferred to describe as ‘the resident dictator’, ‘my mother in-laws daughter’ and ‘the resident Kwesi Botchwey’.
The late Paul Ansah’s last daughter, Dr Esi Ansah was also there to eulogise the one and only persons whose influence she said had a bearing on the lives of not only members of his family but those who shared his lofty thoughts in principle.
The close bond between the late former President Dr. Hilla Limann also drew his surviving wife and former first lady, Fulera Limann to the occasion.
Many of those who underwent Paul Ansah’s tutelage during his days at the School of Communication were also present to share fond memories of his hay days.
Considering his achievements in life, each and every one of the speakers stressed the need to immortalise the late Paul Ansah with something significant.
There were wide suggestions for a memorial lecture to be held in his honour annually whilst others thought of a Foundation in his stead.
In the end, ace journalist, Kwaku Sakyi-Addo saw the need to name an institution after PAVA, and with his contributions to the University of Ghana’s School of Communication suggested that the school be named after him.
Instead of merely calling it the School of Communication, he proposed that the school be called Paul Ansah School of Communication.
The current Director of the School of Communication, Dr Audrey Gadzekpo took the proposal in good faith and emphasised that she would communicate it to the Vice Chancellor and University Council for consideration, with the hope that it would be accepted.
The late Paul Ansah was born on February 20, 1938 and died on June 14, 1993 after battling with his health for a long but short time.
He became known for the brunt opinions he expressed in most of writings and articles in especially The Ghanaian Times and The Ghanaian Chronicle.
PAVA was described in various terms as a reputed scholar, communicator, journalist, critic, devout Christian, an uncompromising advocate of democracy, freedom and justice, generous, humorous, pedantic, but also defiant and choleric.
His death in 1993 created a big void in journalism and dented the writer’s crusade against oppression and dictatorship in Africa.
From 1968 when he assumed the editorial seat of the ‘Legon Observer’ until his death, the name Paul Ansah became perhaps the most revered epitome of incisive journalism in Ghana.
By June 14, 1993 when he died, PAVA, over a quarter of a century had succeeded in perfecting a paradigm in Ghana’s journalistic tradition. Write-and-be damned was its hallmark, and ‘Going-to-Town’ its colloquial shibboleth.
Avid readers of his column in the then Ghanaian Chronicle for which he wrote in his last years eventually got used to the ominous prelude of his weekly sojourns to town, the following being a typical example: “I am hereby serving notice that I am going to town. What this means is that those who have a weak heart or a weak stomach are forewarned not to read beyond this point. Notice is hereby also served that those who think they need standby dictionary should reach for it, because I shall be going to my repertoire or arsenal…
There were two things that the ‘Monday Morning Terror’ as he was popularly referred to liked passionately but vowed never to participate in and as rightly put it “I will always sing, but will never join a choir, and I will always talk and write politics but will never join a political party.”
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