GRi Newsreel 19-04-99

Takoradi (Western Region) 19th April

A 13-member executive of the Takoradi Polytechnic chapter of the New Patriotic Party was sworn into office.on Saturday. It has Mr. Francis Ocansey as Chairman with Mr. Simon Asare as the first vice-chairman and Mr. Noble Agyei, second vice-chairman.

Paapa Owusu Ankomah, MP for Sekondi who swore in the executives, urged them to offer able leadership by inspiring and serving the people. He said the Party is counting on them to live up to expectation to enable it to win the 2000 elections.

Mrs. Gladys Asmah, MP for Takoradi, urged them to ensure accountability and probity in their administration. She called on the government to undertake a census and to issue identity cards with photographs to all eligible voters.

Other speakers included Mr. Joseph Abeka, MP for Effia-Kwesimintsim and Mr. Samuel Kwofie, MP for Ahanta West.

Agogo (Ashanti), 19th April 

The Right Reverend Dr Sam Prempeh, Moderator of the synod of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, on Saturday said the church will continue to collaborate with the government in the provision of health care for the poor and the needy.

The church would also ensure that hospitals and clinics provided by the church are sited in the rural areas.

The Rt. Rev. Prempeh was dedicating a 115 million-cedi building built by the Reverend.Ernest Peyer Memorial Foundation for the Agogo Presbyterian Hospital at Agogo in the Asante-Akim North.district.

The building is to serve as residential accommodation for post-graduate students in Ophthalmology who undertake practical training at the hospital and newly-qualified doctors who do their housemanship there.

The 250-bed hospital established by the Basel Missionary in 1931 provides services in general medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and ophthalmology.

Accra (Greater Accra), 19th April 

The former Singer Company building near the Farisco supermarket on the Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, which housed four companies, was on Saturday struck by lightening and burnt down. All equipment, including computers, office files and documents, running into billions of cedis were destroyed. A car parked nearby was crushed by a falling wall. The companies affected include the National Trust Holding Company, BKB Couriers Ghana Limited, and PAO Andahs and Associates, tax and management consultants.

Mr Tonny Lawoe, Greater Accra Regional Fire Commander said at about 1345 hours on Saturday the Ghana National Fire Service was alerted that the former Kingsway building near Farisco on the Circle-Accra road was on fire.

A team of fire fighters and engineers from various fire stations in Accra were immediately dispatched to the place to fight it. The Armed Forces and the Police were there to assist.

He said the building has been burnt completely because by the time the information got to them there was nothing they could do to safe the situation.

Mr Dan Ofori a sales Executive of BKB couriers arrived at about 1500 hours. He looked on helplessly while the items in his office smouldered. He said, "In fact every thing, as you can see is burnt, we just bought new computers, our office equipment and all that is needed in a modern office are gone. We are lucky that we don't keep cash in here.'

Accra (Greater Accra), 19th April 

 Professor Victor Dankwa, of the Faculty of Law, University of Ghana on Saturday, said delays in the administration of justice and lack of co-operation from law enforcement agencies and the judiciary make the realisation of economic and social rights difficult. He said corrupt and incompetent judiciary, expensive litigation, procedural difficulties and lack of legal aid for the poor also constitute challenges to the enjoyment of such rights.

Professor Dankwa, who is also a member of the Governing Council of Africa Legal Aid, was speaking at the closing of a weeklong international workshop on litigating economic and social rights in Africa in Accra. He said political and civil rights are given more attention the world over, at the expense of social and economic rights adding that certain legislative and constitutional structures do not make for easy realisation of the various forms of rights.

Professor Dankwa recommended for the adaptation and the use of appropriate methodologies towards removal of some of the difficulties encountered in the fight against social and economic injustices. He noted that most African governments are signatories to international conventions and treaties governing social and economic rights.

Dr Edward Kwakwa, Assistant Legal Counsel, World Intellectual Property Organisation, Switzerland in summing up the workshop deliberations, said more would be done to eliminate injustice against women and children.

Accra (Greater Accra), 19th April 99 

The Nigerian President-elect General Olusegun Obasanjo said on Saturday that Nigerian ECOMOG troops would not be withdrawn from Sierra Leone without adequate security provisions for that country.

"Neither the head of state (General Abdulsalami Abubakar) nor myself will withdraw troops without making sure that there are sufficient and adequate security to safeguard smooth democratic governance in that country", Gen Obasanjo emphasised shortly before he enplaned for Lome, Togo, on the last leg of his global tour.

He, however, intimated that ECOMOG, which is dominated by Nigerian troops cannot remain in Sierra Leone forever, saying arrangements must be made for them to return home "sooner or later".

He said the situation in Sierra Leone requires a permanent solution and not military solutions. "Military solutions are temporary solutions," he added.

The Nigerian President-elect said he has had the occasion to consult with President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, who indicated that something positive would be done to bring a lasting solution to the crisis.

Gen Obasanjo, who told journalists during his visit to the country last September that he was not going to contest the elections, said he rescinded his decision to satisfy the will of his countrymen."The people of Nigeria called on me as an experienced statesman to intervene and reconstruct with reconciliation. You may say never but cannot do otherwise if the people say ever."

Gen Obasanjo, who takes office next month, said he does not anticipate to face the problem of ethnicity as confronted past governments because his victory cuts across ethnic boundaries.

He said unlike most African leaders, whose support come from their tribe, he was fortunate to have enjoyed a massive support from outside his home. "The support will continue to come through performance... by showing that we are a government for all the people of Nigeria."

When asked what his first hurdle would be after he takes office next month, he replied: "I will pray to God."

During the visit, Gen Obasanjo and his entourage held talks with President Jerry Rawlings and met with a nine-member delegation of the Ga Traditional Council led by Nii Kpobi Tettey Tsuru, La mantse. He also interacted with the Nigerian community in Accra.

Gen Obasanjo was seen-off by President Rawlings.

Tamale (Northern Region), 19th April 

Mr Francis Kofi Brew, Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Water and Sewerage Corporation (GWSC) has said that the maintenance and running of water supply system is the responsibility of the GWSC and not the government.

Government only provides funds for the installation of new equipment, Mr Brew said at a public forum organised by the Tamale concerned citizens association (TCCA) to afford management of utility services in the region to explain the constraints in their operations and how they were being addressed.

There has been growing consumer dissatisfaction with the output of these services especially the GWSC, whose supply of water is characterised by frequent shortages and interruptions.

He said the Japanese-sponsored Tamale water rehabilitation project when completed would increase supply to the municipality from 2.7 million gallons to between 3.5 million and 4.3 million gallons a day.

This would, however, not solve the entire water problem in the municipality, which needs a minimum of nine million gallons a day. Mr Brew said test pumping has started and that the water will be rationed when the rehabilitation is completed to ensure equitable distribution.

Meanwhile, he said, plans are far advanced to secure funding for the expansion of facilities to provide uninterrupted supply to communities within 35 kilometres radius of Tamale.

Mr Brew complained about people's refusal to pay their water bills saying this was a recipe for the collapse of the water supply system in the municipality.

He said the corporation spends about 330 million cedis a month to supply treated water to the municipality but realises only about 80 million cedis from revenue while 60 million cedis is spend a month on electricity.

Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, Member of Parliament for Gukpegu-Sabonjida, said, GWSC cannot insist on the payment of water bills, if the taps are not flowing.

"The people are prepared to pay for what they get and not what they are supposed to get. GWSC should improve on its performance if it wants to meet its revenue targets.

The participants appealed to the GWSC to draw a timetable for the rationing of water and decentralise its revenue offices to facilitate payment of bills, which should be sent to customers regularly.

Nkawkaw (Eastern Region), April 

Management of Holy Family Mission Hospital at Nkawkaw in the Kwahu South District has appealed to the Police and the community to co-operate to stop the rampant stealing at the facility.

Workers at the hospital had wanted to undertake a sit down strike to create public awareness to the rampant stealing after the Police had turned down their application for a peaceful demonstration in the town.

The Senior Medical Officer in charge of the hospital, Dr Kwasi Amuzu said over 11 million cedis, a video deck, remote control, and other valuable items have been stolen on four occasions between February and April this year. He said it is disheartening to know that in spite of the dedicated service the hospital is rendering to the community it has become a target for thieves. He warned that it would be difficult to operate under such circumstances if the community is not prepared to volunteer information to address the situation.

Dr Amuzu said reports have been made to the Police, however, investigations have not yielded any fruitful results.

The District Chief Executive, Mr Opoku Preko, who addressed the Management advised them not to keep huge sums of money at the hospital after the close of work and also increase the number of security personnel at night.

Wa (Upper West), 19th April 

Youth associations in the Upper West region have attributed the high crime rate in the country to lack of skills and job opportunities to enable the youth to put their energies into productive ventures.

"We are getting increasingly frustrated and restless because of lack of skills and jobs which has led to rebellions against authorities and attacks on chiefs and police stations in some parts of the country by the youth", they pointed out.

These concerns were expressed at a youth forum organised by the National Youth Council (NYC) to discuss with district assemblies and youth groups issues affecting the over all development of the youth at Wa on Saturday.

They called for preventive measures to be taken now, to address youth problems to save the country from crime and other anti-social vices, saying, "a mass of marginalized, disgruntled and restless youth will always direct their recreational energies into undesirable pleasures".

The associations asked the government to give recognition to the NYC and its programmes at all levels to enable it to educate the youth on government policies and programmes.

Mr Joe Kpenge, Acting National Co-ordinator of NYC in response to their concerns called on traditional leaders, religious bodies and all youth organisations to help find solutions to problems confronting the youth.

He asked for more funds to be made available for the creation of jobs for the youth at the rural community levels.

Agona Nsaba (Central Region), 19th April

Mr Kojo Yankah, Ashanti Regional Minister, has commissioned a 67 million-cedi clinic at Agona Nsaba, in the Central region.

The project was financed with money from the district assembly's common fund.

Mr Yankah who is the MP for the area said the clinic, constructed with the district assembly's common fund will help to bring health services to the doorstep of the people.

He said a similar project would soon be commissioned at Agona Mankrong, adding that the Agona district assembly is prepared to provide more amenities for the communities but is hindered by financial constraints.

Mr Yankah appealed to citizens of Agona Nsaba resident outside to donate generously towards development in the town since the government alone cannot provide all the needed facilities.

Nana Odiako Bonsu, Presiding Member of the assembly appealed to the government to expedite action on the construction of a maternity block and to provide accommodation for workers at the clinic and advised the people to plant trees around the clinic to serve as a windbreak.

Accra (Greater Accra) 19 April 

President Jerry Rawlings on Saturday pledged Ghana's co-operation with the incoming Nigerian government for the sustenance of peace and stability in the West Africa sub-region.

The Nigerian President-elect, General Olusengu Obasanjo, would pay attention to the challenges facing the region, notwithstanding domestic issues, he expressed hope. "We do not live in isolation, therefore the peace and stability of others in the region should be of equal concern to us," President Rawlings said to welcome Gen Obasanjo shortly before they went into closed-door talks.

Gen. Obasanjo arrived in Accra early in the morning with a team of politicians and businessmen for a day's visit as part of his global tour.

President Rawlings said it is necessary for leaders of the sub-region, particularly those of Ghana and Nigeria, to provide the right leadership to create the appropriate atmosphere to sustain stability.

He commended Nigeria for its consistent commitment to the challenges over the years saying that country has never abdicated her responsibility not only to her people but also to the entire continent.

President Rawlings congratulated Gen Obasanjo who will assume office next month, for winning the honour and confidence of his people.

He expressed the belief that he is assuming the mantle with a great deal of goodwill and determination to overcome the complexities that go with it in order to build on the foundation laid by Gen Abdusalami Abubakar.

Gen Obasanjo responded that he has always ''regarded Ghana as a true friend and a brother of Nigeria,'' hence the visit.

"My visit is a friendly one and a goodwill one to a brother," he told President Rawlings, adding that he decided to visit Ghana before he assumes the hectic office.

He said he credits every opportunity he has had in life to Ghana as his ''beginning place''.

Gen Obasanjo commended the government and people of Ghana for supporting his country (Nigeria's) throughout its turbulent period.

He also praised Ghana's leadership role in the search for peace and stability in the sub-region.

Gen Obasanjo said while in Ghana, he would discuss bilateral and multilateral issues with the authorities.

Mr James Victor Gbeho, Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed the hope that consultations with the President-elect will boost efforts of Ghana and Nigeria for the advancement of the sub-region.

Hwidiem, (Brong Ahafo) 19 April 

For Helping to prevent armed robbers from stealing two vehicles at Hwidiem in Brong Ahafo and Tepa in the Ashanti region, Mr Eric Buabeng faces death threats.

The 29-year old driver of Stanley Mining Services, a gold prospecting company at Kenyasi in the Asutifi district is alleged to have received the death threats in a letter, written by the leader of the robbers, through the personnel manager of the company.

The robbers in the said letter expressed disgust at a commendation Radio BAR, in Sunyani gave to Mr Buabeng and accused him of interfering with their operations. "We are aware of your weekly visits to your girl-friend at Sunyani and we shall lay ambush for you", the letter said.

On February 18 this year, at about midnight Mr Buabeng saw robbers stealing a car at Hwidiem. He chased them with a company vehicle to Akwasiase near Tepa in the Ashanti region, where he sought the assistance of Custom Officers stationed there to apprehend the robbers.

After a shoot-out the robbers, who were heading towards Kumasi, abandoned the vehicle. When the robbers got to Tepa they stole a passenger bus at gunpoint. Another shoot-out between them and the Officers compelled them to abandon the bus.

The Police at Hwidiem have mounted a search for the robbers.

Accra (Greater Accra) 19 April

Four people are confirmed dead and others reportedly injured when a Takoradi - Accra Night Passenger Train derailed at Obon, in the Eastern region.

Officials of the Ghana Railway Corporation (GRC) could not readily say what had caused the accident and the number of persons who got hurt. At least two have been sent to the hospital, they confirmed, but the dead, three adults and a child are yet to be identified.

Mr. Divine Kwame Ablerdu, Acting Area Manager of the GRC said the bodies have been deposited at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Mortuary.

Information got to the station around 5am that the train run off the rails at about 4am. ''The flash of the news was that there has been a derailment. This sometimes happens and when it occurs, the station sends rescue train to clear the obstruction'', Mr Ablerdu said.

Top GRC officials have since left for the scene.