A confident-looking President John Agyekum Kufuor on Wednesday addressed his maiden press conference to mark his first 100 days in office, which, he said, has no traditional and cultural significance in Ghana.

"There does not appear to me to be any special significance in our culture of 100 days as a milestone...I am aware that we mark 40 days and as I recall in the two recent previous presidencies, there wasn't even a government in place after 100 days," he told over 100 print and electronic media practitioners both from Ghana and abroad who attended the function at the Castle, Osu.

Mr Kufuor, who was supported by Vice-President Aliu Mahama and ministers, boasted of his government's promotion of unfettered press within the period under review and pledged his commitment to make the interaction with the media a regular feature.

He answered questions on all sectors and asked some of his ministers to give further details when the need arose.

The NPP has said that within the 100-day period, the government declared a zero tolerance for corruption whilst the full complement of ministers including cabinet and regional ministers was in place.

Appointment of the 110 District chief executives is still underway although the appointment of the 30 per cent of the government nominees to the District assemblies has been completed.

Within the period, the government increased the allowances of Ghanaian soldiers on peacekeeping duties by 25 per cent and established fast track courts to reduce the backlog of cases before the law courts within six months.

Petroleum prices were restored to full cost recovery levels, removing the six billion cedis subsidy on the national budget.

Ghana also joined the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative whilst the utility services have been tasked to produce practical and verifiable programmes to improve the quality of services before considering any increase in tariffs.

President Kufuor used the 100 days to visit Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Benin to foster sub-regional integration.

Random sampling of views by the Ghana News Agency on the 100 days of the NPP revealed that the "Positive change" upon which Kufuor came to power can only be meaningful if the national economy is restored to give Ghanaians the true positive change they deserve.

Some members of the public also questioned his pledge of forming an all-inclusive government, saying the shape of government is not a true reflection of that pledge.

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

I did not enjoy any honeymoon during 100 days - Kufuor

Accra (Greater Accra) 19 April 2001

President John Agyekum Kufuor said on Wednesday that the first 100 days of his administration had been characterised by sleepless nights, which necessitated the taking of hard decisions to keep the state machinery running.

"I am told that in countries that have this 100 days tradition, it is meant to mark the end of the honeymoon season that the media give a new administration...I have certainly not been allowed this leisure," he said during his first media encounter at the Osu Castle.

President Kufuor said the period under review had not been business as usual since he was forced to take hold of the structures of government, which had been established, controlled and nurtured by the NDC for 19 years in pursuit of development vision totally different from the NPP.

"The executive arm of government is now truly a real team that thinks together and tries to fashion out solutions and approaches to problems together.

"This is in sharp contrast with the days of ad hoc decision-making that was the hallmark of former times. This process is far from over."

President Kufuor said his administration has created an enabling environment for the rule of law and press freedom being displayed, especially on the airwaves.

"To maintain this freedom, the Police Service is being supported to perform their duties more efficiently, swiftly and purposefully."

According to the President, morale among the service is now high and has also changed public perception about their role.

He said government has also taken steps to withdraw the erstwhile pervasive military presence in society, which gave an impression that the country was either under siege or embattled.

President Kufuor said the new high command of the Ghana Armed Forces has been mandated to make the force more professional to give the needed assistance to the civilian authorities in national emergencies and peacekeeping efforts.

He expressed commitment to the support of the private sector by removing the rigid regulations that impede the smooth performance of the sector.

President Kufuor called for public debate on the streamlining of what he described as "the unrealistic structure of salaries and prices of goods and services" to cut down on corruption and improve on social services.

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

Government officials to declare assets by the end of April

Accra (Greater Accra) 19 April 2001

President John Agyekum Kufuor said on Wednesday that members of his government would declare their assets by the end of April in line with the government's policy of "zero tolerance for corruption!"

He explained that the constitution gives six months for the declaration of assets, which may not be made public.

President Kufuor was responding to questions during his maiden interaction with the press at the Osu Castle to mark his first 100 days in office.

He reacted to a number of issues on the HIPC initiative, the anti-corruption drive of his administration, the minimum wage and other matters of national interest.

Mr Kufuor said public declaration of assets could deter well-meaning Ghanaians from venturing into politics to help in national transformation.

This, he said does not mean that the information to be provided would not be made available to the public when necessary.

Mr Kufuor said his administration has developed a code of ethics for all government officials to ensure that they do not live above the law.

The judiciary would be supported to be efficient and fair in the discharge of its duties to ensure the rule of law, he said.

Reacting to a question about the relationship between his government and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the President expressed the commitment to forge cordial relations with members of the previous government.

He repeated is pledge to accord the former President and the Vice-President the necessary courtesy and honour they deserve.

"We are not at war with the NDC. We want to do civil politics in this country.

Mr Kufuor cautioned members of the former government "not to throw their weight about" and operate within the confines of the law to facilitate harmonious relationship with the NPP.

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

Government to announce new minimum wage by April 23

Accra (Greater Accra) 19 April 2001

A new minimum wage would be announced by next Monday if negotiations between government, employers and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) are successful.

Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Minister of Finance, who announced this in Accra on Wednesday, said three separate meetings have been held already at the Tripartite Committee level.

Answering questions at a press conference addressed by President John Agyekum Kufuor to mark his 100 days in office at the Castle, Mr Osafo-Maafo said while the government is offering to pay 5,000 cedis a day as the minimum wage, the TUC is demanding 6,000 cedis. The present minimum wage is 4,200 cedis.

The Finance Minister pointed out that normally a country should be able to pay wages and salaries from its internally generated income since one cannot go and borrow money to pay wages or use grants.

He said Ghana has a budget deficit of 1.7 trillion cedis and this must be considered before arriving at a minimum wage.

" We have told the TUC what can be paid from the budget and we expect to reach an agreement by next Monday."

The Minister, however, explained that wages must be related to productivity of the worker and suggested a minimum wage that could hold for two or three years to allow for planning by industry, private enterprise and government.

Mr Kwamena Bartels, Minister of Works and Housing said the government is determined to change the trend in the provision of housing units in the country to vertical blocks.

He said within the next four years, it would be possible to own a two-bedroom house costing 7,000 dollars and payable over 15 years."

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

President Kufuor calls for a public debate on pay structure

Accra (Greater Accra) 19 April 2001

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Wednesday called for a public debate on incomes and prices with a view to streamlining the 'unrealistic pay structure' of workers.

He said to ensure smooth supply of basic and critical services, to cut out corruption and remove temptation from public officials, who provide these services, Ghana must accept the challenge to face up to the most basic problem of realistic pricing.

"Not until we face these realities, our economy on the larger scale and our institutions on the smaller scale will be run on the stop-go, ad-hoc and distorted system that has characterised our lives since independence."

President Kufuor, who was addressing a press conference at the Castle to mark his 100 days in office, said, "one of the thorniest problems of our economy is the unrealistic structure of pay and prices.

"Right from what the President is paid, which is 1.9 million cedis (about 280 dollars) a month, to what the labourer gets against what we pay for consumables and utilities are all out of joint."

The 90-minute interaction with President Kufuor, flanked by Ministers of State, Parliamentarians and some executive members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), centred on the state of the economy, politics and social issues.

President Kufuor explained that the government having taken a long-term view of the economic situation globally provided the background for the removal of subsidies on petroleum products.

"In the same vein, we are seeking realistic prices for such basic commodities as water and electricity. Facing up to this challenge will bring along with it the desired productivity and will in turn yield better wages and pricing."

On the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, President Kufuor said government opted for it to give it a respite from debt payments and release available resources for the immediate task of social investment.

The savings made would be used to reduce poverty, promote growth in the rural areas and government on its part would be efficient in managing its finances and would borrow only when it is needed.

"We have started the HIPC negotiations with a view to obtaining the best terms and advantages for this country."

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

Importers rush for their cars seized at Tema Port

Tema (Greater Accra) 19 April 2001

Owners of 540 over aged vehicles confiscated at the Tema Port have begun processing documents for the release of the cars following a new Act of Parliament granting a concession to importers.

The vehicles were confiscated to the State by the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) under Act 522 of 1998, which banned the importation of vehicles of 10 years old and above.

Last week CEPS issued notice to all importers to take advantage of the concession which expires on May 31, this year, to clear their vehicles and that any car which was not cleared after that date, shall be confiscated to the State.

Miss Monica Acquah, Public Relations Officer of CEPS at the Collection Unit in Tema, said the vehicles are to be released under the Customs and Excise Concession on Over-aged Vehicles, (Act 598), passed by Parliament on April 6, this year.

She said the owners are required to pay one million cedis as penalty for cars with 1900 CC or below and three million cedis for those over 1900 CC and commercial vehicles.

Importers will in addition, pay import duty and other taxes to be determined by the CEPS.

Miss Acquah said the import duty ranges between five to 20 percent of the Home Delivery Value (HDV) depending on the cubic capacity of the vehicle. She added that this will go up due to depreciation of the Cedi since 1998.

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

New water tariff to come out soon

Accra (Greater Accra) 19 April 2001

The Ghana Water Company Limited is to come out with new water tariffs that takes into consideration the cost of production by May.

The Acting Managing Director, Mr Jonathan Nii Ahele Nunoo on Wednesday said

proposals for an increase from the current six cedis a gallon to 25 cedis have been sent to the Public Utility Regulatory Commission for consideration.

Mr Nunoo made this known when he met twelve engineering students from Benin, Togo, Cote D'Iviore, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali, who are in the country to acquaint themselves with the operations and distribution processes of the GWCL.

The students would also visit the Weija Headworks, Kpong, Akosombo, Tema Main workshop, AMA and other places of interest.

Mr Nunoo said to sell a gallon of water for six cedis is too low compared to the production cost especially when the chemicals are imported with dollars, adding, " We need three times the amount of cedis to be able to buy these chemicals."

Mr Nunoo said there is already a public debate on the provision of utility services just as " Our sister countries are also debating."

He said theft, illegal connections, manual metre reading limitations, inaccuracies and leakage as some of the factors that limit the amount of water supply.

He, however, said Ghana has been able to improve on the problems and this has brought the loss down to 45 per cent and expressed the hope that this would further go down to 25 per cent.

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

UGM has embarked on long leave to support NPP - Wereko-Brobby

Accra (Greater Accra) 19 April 2001

Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby, leader of the United Ghana Movement (UGM), on Wednesday said his party has started a long leave aimed at facilitating the process of supporting the NPP administration to achieve its national development objectives.

"I am not afraid to say that we have taken a long leave. After four years we will review the political situation and see whether we have to contest for political power," he told the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

Dr Wereko-Brobby, who was sharing his views on the first 100 days of President John Agyekum Kufuor's administration, said he decided to take up an appointment as Government Advisor on Energy because he was convinced that the NPP was on course and was therefore obliged to put his talent at the service of the nation.

Dr Wereko-Brobby, who was the presidential candidate of the UGM during the last general election, said he does not want people to believe that he has an inordinate ambition to become the president of Ghana at the expense of national interest.

"I do not agree with critics of the government who supported Kufuor to win the elections but are now at loggerheads with him."

He said this is the time for such politicians to give the government the needed support to carry out its development programmes.

Dr Wereko-Brobby praised President Kufuor for what he described as the confident manner he handled his maiden encounter with the press, saying, "it is a sign of good things to come".

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

Stop purchasing CFC-based refrigerators - EPA warns

Accra (Greater Accra) 19 April 2001

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Thursday advised the public to be cautious in the purchase of Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) based equipment since it would soon phase out in the world.

In a release issued to the GNA, the EPA stated that in accordance with the provisions of the Montreal Protocol, the whole world is to phase out CFCs by 2010.

CFCs are a group of chemical substances used mainly in refrigerators and air-conditioned vehicles as refrigerants and in the foam industry as blowing agents.

As a result of the phasing out of this chemical substance, its supply would soon be restricted and ultimately banned.

"It means for us in Ghana, the servicing of refrigerators and air-conditioners, especially cars, which use CFCs, will be increasingly difficult, the statement said.

The Agency, therefore, advised companies, industries and the public to take this into account and whenever possible purchase non-CFC-based type of refrigerators and air-conditioned vehicles.

The phasing out is to protect the Ozone layer, which keeps widening with the continuous use of CFCs in the world, leading to global warming.

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

Mallam Isa probe report ready - Minister

Accra (Greater Accra) 19 April 2001

Nana Akuffo-Addo, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, on Wednesday said he had received the report from the committee set up to investigate the mystery surrounding the loss of 46,000 dollars entrusted into the care of Mallam Yusif Isa, the sacked Sports Minister.

"It is true I have got it and I'm studying it," he told the Ghana News Agency in a telephone interview in Accra.

Nana Akuffo-Addo said that his outfit would soon come out with the necessary recommendation on the next line of action.

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Ernest Owusu-Poku, instituted a three-man committee headed by Mr Sam Awotwi, Head of Legal and Prosecutions Unit of the Ghana Police Service, to probe circumstances that led to the loss of the money.

The money was meant as bonuses for members of the senior national soccer team, the Black Stars, during their World Cup qualifying match in Sudan.

Mallam Isa claimed that after checking the money in front of officials of the Ghana Football Association in his office, he put it in his luggage, which was sent to the airport and checked in by one of the officials.

The officials, however, denied that the minister put the money in his luggage.

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

Taskforce set up to co-ordinate investigations into financial malpractice

Accra (Greater Accra) 19 April 2001

A special investigation task force has been set up at the Police Headquarters to co-ordinate investigations and enquiries being conducted into various allegations of financial malpractice in certain financial institutions and public bodies.

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice set up the taskforce in consultation with the Minister of the Interior, according to a statement signed in Accra on Wednesday by Ms Elizabeth Ohene, Government Spokesperson.

It is under the chairmanship of Mr W. Sam Awortwi, Commissioner of Police responsible for the Legal Directorate and Prosecutions at the Police Headquarters.

The statement said the Office of the National Security Co-ordinator, the Inspector General of Police, Director of the Bureau of National Investigations, Bank of Ghana, Accountant-General and Auditor-General have been directed to give full support to the taskforce.

The statement said all government ministries and public sector organisations whose services may be required are being asked to give full support to the taskforce.

"The taskforce will make interim recommendations where necessary and prepare dockets if found desirable for the consideration of the Attorney-General as to what civil or criminal action should be taken," it said.

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

Public expresses confidence in President Kufuor's government

Ho (Volta Region) 19 April 2001

President John Agyekum Kufuor's administration has been commended for stabilising the political situation and for establishing public confidence in its capacity to administer the country.

It also received commendation for establishing new structures to deal with areas such as women's affairs, primary and girl-child education and private sector development.

These were views expressed by a cross-section of the public in Ho on the 100 days of performance of the New Patriotic Party government.

The President was, however, called upon to focus his attention more on tackling internal problems, rather than on international politics.

Mrs Hillary Gbedemah, a legal practitioner, called on the government to expedite action on the establishment of the proposed Reconciliation Commission to deal with issues of alleged arbitrariness of the present and the past.

She also suggested that the Commission be made to determine the circumstances under which officials could be asked to proceed on leave, pending investigations into their stewardship to remove suspicions of witch-hunting by the government.

The people also called upon the government to consult the public more often before taking decisions on national issues.

They commended the government for continuing with major projects and programmes initiated by the previous government, which they said, is a positive departure from the past practice where such initiatives were abandoned.

Some public servants were, however, unhappy with the lack of openness on the part of the government in the determination of salary levels.

They called for a review of the Social Security Pension Scheme to fall in line with the Cap 30 Pension Scheme.

The people further advised the government to abide by the 1992 constitution in dealing with officials suspected of malfeasance and to thoroughly investigate the performance of public officials before coming out publicly with press statements.

They also said they expect the government to initiate pragmatic and realistic measures to create jobs, provide free education and abolish the cash and carry system as promised in its electioneering campaigns.

The people also called for a revamping of the agricultural sector, which, they said, was taking too long.

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

Pioneer Editorial Supervisor to be buried on April 21

Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 19 April 2001

Burial will take place at Techimantia in the Brong Ahafo Region on Saturday, April 21, of Mr Osei Tutu Agyemang, Editorial Supervisor of "The Pioneer".

Mr. Osei Tutu, 68, died at the Agogo Presbyterian Hospital on Saturday, March 25, after a short illness. The funeral rites will take place the same day after the burial.

Mr. Osei Tutu was employed by the Pioneer as a reporter in 1966 and rose through the ranks to become Editorial Supervisor, a position he held until his death.

He also worked with the defunct Ashanti Times at Obuasi, which was managed by the Ashanti Goldfields Company (AGC).

Mr. Francis Kwateng, Ashanti Regional Manager of the Ghana News Agency, in a tribute, described Mr Osei Tutu as a hard-working journalist who established strong links with the Agency.

He said by his death the Pioneer and the journalism profession had lost a dependable and reliable fellow.

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

Rainstorm hits Tunsuase in Techiman District

Techiman (Brong Ahafo) 19 April 2001

More than 10 houses were destroyed at the weekend by a rainstorm, which hit the Tusuanse electoral area of the Techiman District.

Mr Johnson Kwame Acheampong, Assemblyman for Tunsuase who disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency, said more than 50 people were rendered homeless.

Mr Acheampong, who was also a victim, said the Presbyterian Primary and Junior Secondary Schools, Church of Brotherhood, drinking bars, electric and telephone cables were also affected, adding that damage caused was estimated at more than 15 million cedis.

The assemblyman appealed to the government, Techiman District Assembly and the National Disaster Management Organisation to come to the aid of the affected victims who are temporarily putting up with relatives and friends.

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

Acherensua Omanhene in custody over killing a man

Sunyani (Brong Ahafo) 19 April 2001

Professor Agyewodin Adu Gyamfi Ampem 11, Omanhene of Acherensua, was on Tuesday arrested and placed in custody in Sunyani for allegedly shooting and killing one Nii Ato Quansah in a chieftaincy clash at Acherensua.

Nana Adu Gyamfi, who is also Chairman of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Council, injured five other persons in the incident.

The body of Quansah has been deposited at Tepa Government Hospital mortuary while the injured are on admission at the Hwidiem Government Hospital.

They were identified as Yaw Duku, 32; Kwame Donkor, 26; Osei Bonsu, 18; Kwadwo Amponsah, 22; and Emmanuel Barnes, 29.

They are said to be responding to treatment.

Assistant Commissioner of Police G.O. Asante, Deputy Regional Police Commander for Brong Ahafo, told newsmen that for about two months now the youth of the town have been agitating for the destoolment of the chief.

At about 8 p.m. on Tuesday, the Regional Police Command had information that a section of the youth had clashed with the Omanhene and his supporters, which had resulted in the shooting incident.

"Police investigations disclosed that it was the chief himself who shot to kill one and wounded the rest," the Deputy Commander said.

He said the police had not yet retrieved the gun but the place is calm as the police continue to patrol the town.

When asked if the Omanhene would be granted bail, Mr Asante said that would be determined by the court.

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

Ga youth protest against resettlement

Accra (Greater Accra) 19 April 2001

Placard-bearing youth from the Ga-Adangme Youth Association on Wednesday protested against the proposed resettlement of people living in Sodom and Gomorrah, a slum in Accra.

They contended that the settlers do not need to be resettled neither should the squatters be compensated because they had been warned about the place being a project site before they became squatters.

About 20,000 squatters live at Sodom and Gomorrah, an area marked as part of the Korle Lagoon Ecological Restoration project (KLERP).

The youth mounted several placards, some of which read: "Give us back our land - Ga Youth", "Beware of potential bloodshed", "No room for squatters", Ga land keep off".

A public hearing was organised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures, which also relate to the social sensitivity of the project, its implications on Sodom and Gomorrah and other problems such as waste.

The youth proposed that if any group of people needed resettlement, then it is the people of Bukom who are the indigenous people of Accra.

Mr. Yaw Amoyaw-Osei, Head of the Environmental Assessment and Audit Department of the EPA, addressing the gathering of over 250 people, said the hearing on EIAs is to provide avenues for the involvement of the public, especially those affected by a proposed project.

He said the Legislative Instrument (LI) on EIA and the Ghana EIA procedures provide that where there appears to be adverse public reaction to a proposed project, the agency should hold a public hearing.

The LI also states that where the project involves dislocation, relocation or resettlement of communities or where the agency considers that a project could have extensive and far-reaching effect on the environment, public hearing should be held, Mr Amoyaw said.

The proponents of the project, the Ministry of Works and Housing and the Consultants, International Marine Dredging Consult (IMDC) in the KLERP EIA suggested that all settlers along the banks of the Korle Lagoon be resettled for a proper restoration of the catchment and surrounding area.

Mr. Ben Doe, a consultant of IMDC, urged the government to declare Sodom and Gomorrah a national disaster site and resettle the people.

He said the place is the most deprived in the whole country and "if immediate steps are not taken to resettle the people in that area, the KLERP would be a waste of resources".

Mr. Doe urged the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to encourage voluntary relocation for inhabitants who are predominantly from the Ashanti and three northern regions.

The KLERP, whose total cost is 68 million dollars, aims at restoring the Korle Lagoon to its former ecological conditions bearing in mind the changing circumstances over the years.

The work on the project to be executed within three years has so far gone through the first phase and the first year. About 16 million dollars has so far been spent on it.

Mr. Daniel Amlalo, Director of Operations, EPA, who chaired the public hearing in consultation with other EPA staff, accepted the EIA saying the project is desirable.

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

Government committed to improving hotel industry - Yakubu

Accra (Greater Accra) 19 April 2001

Madam Hawa Yakubu, Minister of Tourism, on Wednesday reiterated the government's commitment to co-operate with investors in the hotel and hospitality industry to improve their businesses.

"Government appreciates anybody who invests in the industry and will do everything possible to assist and promote their activities", she told a delegation from the management of Golden Beaches International who paid a courtesy call on her.

Golden Beaches International is made up of La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Elmina Resort and Busua Beach Resort.

Madam Yakubu said the tourism and hospitality industry is the bedrock of the country and the government is putting up measures to improve the infrastructure of the sector.

She appealed to the delegation to support the staff of the Hotels and Catering Training Institute (HOTCATT) to build up capacity of the institutes.

The Minister said HOTCATT being the only institute in the country needs the necessary push from the private sector, especially those in the hotel business, to achieve its goals.

Mr Klaus Riebensahm, Chief Executive Officer, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, said security and safety on the roads and the high prices of air tickets are the major concerns of the industry.

"If these problems are solved, it would help boost the industry and thereby increase revenue for the country."

He said plans are underway to refurbish the Elmina Resort Beach into a training school for caterers and called for the government's support for the group.

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

Rainstorm hits Salaga, renders 2,000 people homeless

Salaga (Northern Region) 19 April 2001

A rainstorm that hit Salaga in the East Gonja District on Good Friday damaged more than 300 houses and displaced over 2,000 people.

Personal property and foodstuff destroyed by the storm ran into several millions of cedis but there were no casualties.

The worst hit was the Sikafatu Primary School, which had three of its classrooms completely destroyed.

Speaking to the GNA after inspecting the extent of damage, the District Co-ordinating Director, Mr. Humphrey Naboo, appealed to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and benevolent organisations to assist the people to rehabilitate their houses.

He said some of the houses had been so badly damaged that their owners would not be able to repair them immediately in view of the current high prices of building materials.

He expressed regret that the District Assembly could not do much to help the victims because of its current poor financial position.

A survey conducted by the GNA indicated that some of the victims are making efforts to repair their houses.

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

Racecourse land not for sale - Minister

Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 19 April 2001

Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister has warned that the Racecourse land in Kumasi, where traders are being resettled, is not for sale.

He has, therefore, asked all those who have bought land at the Racecourse from any person or group of persons to report such a person or persons to him.

He gave the order when he visited the area where traders are being resettled and learnt that some people were selling the land to the traders.

Mr. Boafo warned that the land is not for sale and would, therefore, deal with those who have arrogated to themselves the authority to sell it.

He gave the Kumasi Metropolitan Authority (KMA) two weeks to put the place into good shape for the traders.

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top

Kpone Council says it was not consulted before appointments were made

Tema (Greater Accra) 19 April 2001

The Kpone Traditional Council (KTC) has petitioned the government to express misgivings about its failure to consult identifiable groups including chiefs before appointing the 30 per cent of the membership of the Tema Municipal Assembly (TMA).

A petition to the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development signed by Nii Tetteh Otu II, Paramount Chief Kpone, said, "the council has always been consulted on issues like this".

It said "as at the time of writing this letter, no formal request has been submitted to us for the submission of its nominees as contained in sub-section 5 (1) d of the Local Government Act, 463 of 1993."

Meanwhile, Justice K. K. Acquaye, a Tema High Court Judge, has sworn into office 25 government appointees including two women to the Tema Municipal Assembly.

The Assembly is to meet again on April 19 to elect a Presiding Member and two representatives to the Greater Accra Electoral College to elect the region's representative to the Council of State.

Last week the 73 assembly members present failed to elect a Presiding Member after two rounds of voting. None of the two contestants, Mr George Aidoo, 62, a government appointee and Mr Ekow Mensah, accountant, 50 failed to obtain two-thirds of the votes as required by law.

GRi../

Return to top

Tagoe calls for Blue Print for physically handicap

Accra (Greater Accra) 19 April 2001

Madam Theresa Tagoe, Deputy Minister Designate for Works and Housing, has advocated a law to ensure that physically challenged persons have free access to all public places and facilities.

She was speaking at a fun-day for the needy organised by the Society for the Needy Foundation (SNF), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) for the physically challenged, orphans and street children at Chorkor White House in Accra.

The Minister designate promised to lead in efforts for Parliament to enact a law to ensure that special facilities are created for them in such places.

Madam Tagoe, who is also the MP for Ablekuma South, called on society to pay more attention to the physically challenged, respect their human rights and provide them with their needs.

"We should not discriminate against them, they are citizens and need access to the places like Parliament House, airport, public buildings and special facilities at public places of convenience. We must accord them the necessary and needed respect as humans".

Madam Tagoe advised parents of such children not to abandon them to beg on the streets.

They should rather be sent to school and given sound education that would enable them to make a living.

Mr Emmanuel Sackey, Executive Director of SNF, said the foundation has acquired land at Ngleshie-Amanfro to house, educate and train the needy.

Negotiations are going on with existing institutions for the physically challenged to include the mentally handicapped.

He said SNF is at the moment assisting 25 needy persons between the ages of six to 45 years old.

GRi../

Return to top

NCCE to educate public on HIPC if...

Accra (Greater Accra) 19 April 2001

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) said on Wednesday it is ready to educate the public on the merits and demerits of the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative if the necessary inputs are provided.

Mr Larry Bimi, NCCE chairman said: "Once Parliament approves a policy it ceases to be an individual or political interest but a state policy for which the commission will vigorously educate the public to understand the need for its adoption and for total support."

Mr Bimi said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra in reaction to a call by Mr S. O. Kusi-Appiah, Asunafo District Co-ordinating Director (DCD), on the Commission to educate the people on what the country stands to gain from the HIPC.

Mr Kusi-Appiah had urged the NCCE to come out of its traditional function of educating the people on the constitution and take up the challenge just as it did during the introduction of VAT.

He had asked the commission to explain the benefits of the initiative to the people, many of whom have not been adequately informed about what it contains.

Mr Bimi explained that NCCE needs a complete package on the initiative to be able to carry out effective national campaign, saying the Commission has not yet been fed with anything on it.

GRi…/

Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com

Return to top