Ghana-Burkina Friendship Association inaugurated
at Bawku
Cadres protest against Aheto's nomination.
Salaga youth protest against MP
Pests destroy vegetable industry.
Accra (Greater Accra) 02 August 2000
President Jerry John Rawlings on Tuesday conferred the state
honour of the Companion of the Order of the Star of Ghana (Civil Division) on
Mr. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General, in recognition of his "unwavering
efforts and indomitable spirit towards the achievement of world peace".
President Rawlings decorated the UN chief with a sash and hanged a
medal on his neck, drawing prolonged applause from the audience.
Flagbearers of some of the political parties, top government
officials, diplomats, chiefs and high-ranking military officers were present to
witness the world's top civil servant receiving Ghana's highest award.
The citation said, "your initiative, high sense of duty,
exceptional skill and performance were ingredients that led to your appointment
as Secretary General, the first Secretary General to emerge from the ranks of
the International Civil Service, thus bringing honour and respect to yourself
and Ghana."
President Rawlings said, "Ghana would continue to devote its
resources, inadequate and strained as they are, to manage conflicts in Africa
with a view to removing the factors, which hinder and undermine peace,
security, stability and development.
"We are glad to note signs of a more pro-active and
supportive stance on the part of the international community", he said.
President Rawlings expressed concern about globalisation and liberalisation
and said despite the opportunities offered, the world is confronted with a
global society, which condemns the vast majority of the people of the
developing world to degrading poverty, hardship and disease.
He said this is happening because the global market is driven by
cold calculations of short-term profit. "Consequently, the poor of the
world, particularly Africa, have become poorer and are marginalized and
excluded from the benefits of globalisation."
The President spoke about the crippling debt burden of developing
countries and their lack of access to the international market place and said
efforts to redress these imbalances are still too hesitant and tentative.
He urged the rich countries to do more to remove elements of the
international system, which militate against the advancement of the developing
world, particularly Africa, to save humanity from eventual catastrophe.
The rich countries have less than 20 per cent of the global
population but command 80 per cent of its wealth and resources.
President Rawlings told Mr. Annan: "we in Ghana pledge our
full support to you in your endeavour to promote justice and equity in the
international system. We have faith in your untiring efforts to advance the
course of international peace, justice and development."
Mr. Annan said he had taken great pride in Ghana's progress in
democracy and economic development and "wherever I have travelled I have
only heard praise for our country".
He said Ghana is recognised the world over for its commitment to
multi-lateralism in international affairs and its history of joining forces
with other nations to solve those problems that no state, however small or
large, can solve on its own.
"Today, I believe we as a people stand at an important
juncture. As our democracy is developing strong roots, we must help show the
world that Africa can provide stable, prosperous and lasting democracies
dedicated to the rule of law.
"The upcoming elections will be one test of this important
effort and I am confident that they will take place in a peaceful and orderly
manner," he said.
He said Ghana has the potential to become one of Africa's leaders
in the 21st century by practising good governance, educating the young,
building a sound infrastructure and seizing on the possibilities provided by
globalisation.
"Globalisation has a lot to offer the world but the negative
sides will have to be eliminated."
GRi…/
Otrukpe
(Eastern Region) 02 August 2000
The
chiefs, queenmothers and opinion leaders in the Upper Manya Constituency in the
Manya Krobo District have cautioned against moves to replace Mr. Daniel
Terkpetey Member of Parliament (MP) for the area.
They
have also disassociated themselves from publications caused in the media by a
group purported to be acting on their behalf that the MP has not performed his
job satisfactorily and therefore should be replaced.
Barima
Ahulu, Chief of Fefe and spokesman for the chiefs, said at a meeting at
Otrukpe, near Asesewa, on Monday that they were satisfied with the performance
of the MP and warned that if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) fails to
retain him, it may spell the doom of the party in the constituency.
They
said the allegations being levelled against the MP were baseless and that at no
time had they initiated any moves for his replacement or caused to be published
in any media that he is inefficient.
The
meeting, called at the instance of the chiefs, was to verify from the MP why
his name had been left out of the list of retained NDC MPs and also to distance
themselves from allegations that they were against him.
Women's
groups, assembly and unit committee members and some executive members of the
constituency NDC attended the meeting.
According
to Barima Ahulu, the chiefs are impressed with the MP's programme on
agriculture and education and, therefore, urged the leadership of the NDC to
invite them to present their case or else "the party would lose the
general election in the constituency".
Mr.
Theophilus Dapaah, constituency disciplinary committee chairman, expressed
surprise at the allegations in the papers because no adverse report on the MP
was ever brought before the committee.
Mr.
Terkpetey expressed his gratitude to the chiefs for their concern and promised
his continued service to the constituency.
He
mentioned a number of development projects initiated by him, including the
rehabilitation of classroom blocks, as a testimony of his dynamism, adding:
"it is not true that I am inefficient as my detractors claim".
The
MP said he supported the move by the chiefs to ascertain his fate from the NDC
top hierarchy.
GRi…/
Ho
(Volta region) 02 August 2000
Dr.
Tony Aidoo, Deputy Minister of Defence, said on Tuesday that the call for
regional balance in the Ghana Armed Forces is a recipe for promoting mediocrity
and undermining the compactness of the forces.
Introduction
of regional balance break the Armed Forces into fragmented entities that will
lack the discipline demanded of a professional army.
Dr.
Aidoo, who was addressing soldiers of the Medium Mortar Regiment at Ho as part
of the Armed Forces outreach programme, cautioned the Armed Forces to guard
against any machinations towards causing mischief, especially as the country
moves towards the December elections.
They
should not to allow their loyalty and esprit de corps to be diverted by
attempts to cause disaffection within their ranks, which, he said, is
tantamount to treason.
Dr.
Aidoo gave the assurance that the Ghana Armed Forces' international repute for
professionalism would be maintained at all costs.
With
regard to peacekeeping operations, he said Ghana cannot meet the request by the
United Nations to make a Battalion ready for such operations unless the UN is
ready to finance such a force.
The
government is constrained by financial resources to pre-finance such a force as
it used to do.
Dr.
Aidoo said attempts to keep the Armed Forces away from civil society will not
succeed because apart from its traditional role of protecting the sovereignty
of the country, modern armies have become indispensable instruments for maintaining
internal peace to augment the tasks of civil society.
Major
General Francis Mahama, General Officer Commanding the Southern Command,
pledged the loyalty and professionalism of the Armed Forces.
He
said the Armed Forces will not allow the country to fall into chaos before
being compelled to "raise it from the gutter".
GRi…/
Ho
(Volta Region) 02 August 2000
Dr.
Tony Aidoo, Deputy Minister of Defence, said on Tuesday that the conversion of
some civilian hospitals into emergency military manned hospitals would be
revisited.
The
dispatch with which the authorities of the 37 Military Hospital handled recent
accidents involving students of Aburi Girls Secondary School and a plane crash
provided ample justification for the creation of more such hospitals.
Dr.
Aidoo, who was addressing soldiers of the Medium Mortar Regiment at Ho, said
but for the Military Hospital, it would have been difficult to imagine how
these situations could be handled.
He
said it is in the interest of the civilian population to have such emergency
hospitals to come to their rescue with military precision and later inspected
the regiments' health facilities, which has fallen into a state of disrepair.
GRi…/
Bolgatanga
(Northern Region) 02 August 2000
A
35-year-old night watchman of an electrical fitting shop in Bolgatanga, Ayamga
Awuni, allegedly committed suicide on Monday when his body was found hanging.
by
a wire on the veranda of a 19-year-old apprentice mechanic.
Issah
Issahaq, the apprentice, told the GNA that on Sunday night, he left for his
mother's house, where he usually takes his supper, but could not return early
because it was raining.
On
approaching his veranda, he saw a figure, which frightened him, and therefore
shouted for help.
His
co-tenant responded and when they flashed a torchlight, they realised that it
was Awuni's body hanging. They immediately reported the matter to the
Bolgatanga District Police.
The
body of the deceased has been deposited at the Bolgatanga General Hospital
mortuary for autopsy while the police are investigating the incident.
GRi…/
Cadres
protest against Aheto's nomination.
Ashaiman
(Greater Accra) 02 August 2000
Groups
within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Democratic Peoples Party
(DPP) at Ashaiman in the Greater Accra region, said on Tuesday kicked against
the retention of Mr. Franklin Aheto as their parliamentary candidate because he
is unpopular.
The
groups said in a statement read at a press conference at Ashaiman that they
would continue to resist the imposition of Mr. Aheto on them until he is
changed and warned that the NDC would have itself if their request was ignored.
In
the statement read by Mr. Emmanuel Aheto, a cadre, the groups expressed dismay
and disappointment that the party leadership has decided to ignore the
memoranda and resolutions from various groups about the true situation in the
constituency.
They
said the press conference was a prelude to a demonstration slated for Friday,
August Four to protest the imposition of Mr. Aheto whose performance they
claimed has not bee impressive.
The
statement said the support alleged to have been given him by some of the tribal
heads is not a true reflection of what is on the ground.
The
group criticised the decision of the NDC hierarchy not to organise primaries,
which are part of the party's guidelines and democratic means of nominating
candidates to contest parliamentary elections.
Meanwhile
Mr. Baba Ahmed the constituency Propaganda Secretary has been removed from his
position following Mr. Aheto's endorsement as the parliamentary candidate.
GRi…/
Tamale
(Northern Region) 02 August 2000
Members
of the Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Salaga
Constituency have removed party flags and other paraphernalia displayed in the
constituency in protest against the re-nomination of Alhaji Baba Braimah as
their Member of Parliament.
They
have also handed over musical instruments and other property of the party to
the District Chief Executive, Mr. Jerry Draman Jackson, in protest of Alhaji
Braimah's re-nomination, a petition signed by nine youth ward chairmen in
Tamale on Tuesday said.
"We
were much surprised to learn about the re-nomination of the MP by the party's
National Executive since we have proved through a series of consultations that
Alhaji Braimah cannot lead the party to victory in this year's general
election."
Ward
chairmen from Salaga, Kulaw, Kafaba, Makango, Konkomba, Binjai, Kpembe, Gbung
and Kpalbe endorsed the 10-point petition in which they alleged that the MP is
corrupt and has deprived the constituency of development.
"Alhaji
Braimah does not consult constituents about anything but rather dictates the
commands from some of the top men in Accra who made him an MP."
The
petitioners met the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Seidu Iddi, the Deputy
Regional Minister, Mr. San Nasamu Asabigi, and Alhaji Mahamadu Maida, regional
chairman of the NDC, at the office of the Regional Co-ordinating Council in
Tamale behind closed doors.
In
a related development, NDC supporters in Kandai Constituency, also in the East
Gonja District, met the Regional Minister on Tuesday behind closed doors over
the re-nomination of their MP, Mr. Tawiah Likpalimur.
Last
Saturday, ward chairmen of the party in West Mamprusi also organised a press
conference in Tamale to protest against the confirmation of Mrs. Susan Adams,
MP for the area, as the parliamentary candidates for this year's election.
A
similar protest by NDC supporters in the Sawla-Kalba Constituency in the Bole
District two weeks ago nearly resulted in the assassination of the MP, Mr.
Joseph Bayel.
GRi…/
Accra
(Greater Accra) 02 August 2000
The
Convention People's (CPP) Party on Tuesday said the Inspector General of Police
(IGP) Peter Nanfuri's order to political parties to remove their flags,
billboards and banners from 'unauthorised' areas has no basis in law and is not
intended for public good.
A
statement signed by Dr. Abubakar Alhassan, National Chairman and Leader, said
the IGP failed to designate authorised areas where party symbols may be
displayed.
It
is regrettable that the IGP was arrogating to himself "powers that tend to
give the impression that he is the conductor of political party activities in
the country.
"We
cannot understand how the erection of party flags on trees can constitute an
infringement of the law, warranting the issuing of a statement by the
IGP."
The
statement said if the police have any reason to believe that political parties
are breaking the law, then the due process of law must be adhered to by getting
a judicial order either restraining the parties or punishing them for
infringements of the law.
It
said the CPP is baffled by the fact that the IGP chose to act only when
opposition parties started putting up their campaign materials.
"Why
didn't the IGP act when the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) splashed
the streets, nooks and crannies of Ghana with their election materials?"
In
the light of the need to preserve public order, Dr. Alhassan called on the IGP
to arrange a meeting with all political parties and the Electoral Commission to
discuss the issue.
He
said the party would take the appropriate action, under the ambit of the
constitution and the laws of Ghana, if the police destroy or tamper with any of
the party's campaign materials.
GRi…/
Accra
(Greater Accra) 02 August 2000
A
section of the youth wing of the Ledzokuku Constituency of the National
Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday appealed to the National Executive
Committee of the party to replace the sitting Member of Parliament for the
area.
Making
the appeal at a press conference at Teshie, a suburb of Accra, the youth asked
the Committee to re-examine its imposition of Nii Adjei-Boye Sekan, the
incumbent, on the constituency against the will of the electorate.
They
pointed out that if the leadership of the party does not reverse its
"undemocratic, untenable and parochial decision, a looming catastrophe for
the NDC in the forthcoming elections cannot be averted".
The
youth stated that they have demonstrated their loyalty to "our winning
party all these years and we are, therefore, not prepared to lose election
2000" but warned that should the leadership "take us for granted, the
election results will be a shocker, disastrous and regrettable to the NDC
party".
The
spokesman for the youth, Samuel Laryea, an independent candidate in the last
election, alleged that under the incumbent, who has been MP for eight years,
Teshie has seen no development.
He
further alleged that since the MP has lost touch with the electorate, he has
not been able to unite the people.
Nii
Adjei-Boye Sekan, who is also the Presidential Staffer in charge of Progressive
Voluntary Organisations (PVOs), when contacted, refuted the allegations
levelled against him.
He
said one of the problems facing the NDC is that absolute democracy permeates
the party and he was not surprised about the "underground tactics"
adopted by sections of the supporters of the party to create confusion.
He
denied that he lost touch with the people
saying: "I am one of the few MPs who organises night meetings to
explain government policies and programmes to the electorate.
GRi…/
Tema (Greater Accra) 02 August 2000
Mr. Christian Appiah-Agyei, Secretary-General of the Trades Union
Congress (TUC) said on Tuesday that he would not recommend the abolition of the
Tripartite Committee simply because it has not served workers' interest.
"I disagree with those who call for the abolition of the
tripartite committee because it does not favour them. I advise that members
should suggest innovative measures aimed at improving upon its' performance.
"We need it. If you abolish the system what do you put in its
place,?" he asked and said in countries where the tripartite does not
exist, the people are fighting to get it established.
He said the TUC has submitted its proposals on a new minimum wage
to government but declined to disclose any details since it has not been
discussed yet.
GRi…/
Parties
told to field more women parliamentary candidates.
Kumasi
(Ashanti Region) 02 August 2000
A
retired Army Officer, Major Veronica Rita Akosua Nsafoah, has called on the
political parties to field more women as parliamentary candidates in the
December general election.
She
described the present representation of women in parliament as
"inadequate, unacceptable and disappointing".
Major
Nsafoah who was speaking to newsmen in Kumasi noted that not much could be
achieved in efforts at improving the conditions of women if they continue to
remain at the periphery of political power.
She
therefore asked the leadership of the political parties to give every
encouragement, motivation and support to interested women to contest the
parliamentary seats to enable them to make an impact on policies and decisions
concerning women's well-being.
Major
Nsafoah condemned the recent reported attack on the convoy of the First Lady,
Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, who she said, has greatly helped to promote the
dignity of the Ghanaian woman.
She
called on the security agencies to do all they can to bring to justice those
behind that attack.
GRi…/
Suhum
(Eastern Region) 02 August 2000
The
people of Aponoapene, a farming community in the Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar District,
say they will resist any attempts by timber contractors to fell trees on their
farms.
They
have, therefore, warned the Forestry Department and the District Assembly not
to grant any permit to timber contractors in the area.
Speaking
to the GNA at Aponoapene on Tuesday, the spokesman for the Mankrado and the
Asafoatse, Mr. Eric Adantey, who is also the Unit Committee Secretary, warned
A.G. Timbers, against felling any trees in the area because they have no
authorisation.
According
to him, the Mankrado and his elders as well as the Unit Committee are not aware
of any agreement with the contractor and have not given him the go-ahead to
fell timber in the area.
Mr.
Adantey said the village, which is a predominantly cocoa growing community, is
apprehensive of the possible destruction timber firms could cause to their
farms, which would deprive them of their livelihood.
He
recalled a similar incident in 1976 when a timber contractor destroyed almost
the entire cocoa farms in the area and ran away without paying any compensation
to the affected farmers, adding that the people do not want history to repeat
itself.
GRi…/
Sunyani
(Brong Ahafo Region) 02 August 2000
Luck
eluded two suspected car snatchers when a taxicab they had seized at
Sunyani on Sunday caught fire a few hours later at a spot between
Afrisipakrom and Bechem in the Brong Ahafo Region.
They
were fleeing towards Kumasi with the stolen car the incident occurred.
One
of the suspects, John Bonua, 26, from Ainyinase in the Western Region, is in
the grips of the Sunyani police while his accomplice, named only as Billy, is
on the run.
Inspector
Christopher Tawiah, head of the Police Public Relations Unit, told the GNA that
passengers in another taxi saw smoke coming out of the parked taxi with two
people trying hard to put out the fire.
When
they stopped to offer assistance, the two occupants took to their heels. The
Good Samaritans, on reaching Bechem, reported the incident to the police whose
investigations led to the arrest of Bonua.
The
suspect, a driver, told the GNA that he was contacted by Billy to accompany him
to Sunyani to see one Asare who had promised to release his car for commercial
purposes in the Nzema area where they both live.
Billy
decided to rent a room for him at Afrisipakrom, near Bechem. On Sunday, Billy
arrived at Afrisipakrom with the taxi and gave it to Bonua to drive towards
Kumasi.
Police
are still investigating the matter.
GRi…/
Kumasi
(Ashanti Region) 02 August 2000
A
group of NPP supporters in the Old Tafo-Suame constituency have warned that
they would reject any parliamentary candidate imposed on them and have asked
that primaries be held to select a candidate of the people’s choice.
The
group gave the warning when they called at the offices of the GNA in Kumasi to
register their protest against attempts to retain the incumbent Member of
Parliament.
Their
spokesman Mr. Kennedy Gyasi, said the constituency has lost confidence in the
incumbent Mr. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu and rejected a claim by the MP that he has
built a KVIP place of convenience from his share of the MPs common fund at the
cost of 30 million cedis.
He
said the party's supporters are aware of the task ahead of the NPP in trying to
wrest power from the NDC but it should put its house in order and avoid actions
that will bring about disunity and rancour.
Mr.
Gyasi gave the assurance that the group is prepared to work hard to ensure
victory for the party in the constituency and the country in general but said
actions that undermine the party’s interest should be avoided.
According
to him, the group is not interested in any particular candidate, adding, "all
that we want is fair play and transparency".
GRi…/
Accra
(Greater Accra) 02 August 2000
Four
candidates have filed nomination papers to contest the presidential slot of the
National Reform Party at its first annual national delegates congress which
started at the University of Ghana, Legon, on Tuesday.
However
besides Mr. Goosie Tanoh, the names of the others have not been disclosed.
In
an interview with the GNA, Mr. Kyeretwie Opoku, Acting General Secretary, said
the names have been submitted to the Party's National Elections Committee.
Mr.
Opoku said there is no contender for the Chairmanship yet adding that things
would be clearer by Wednesday.
According
to the programme for the four-day congress there will be regional caucuses on
Wednesday to elect National Council Members and discussion of reports of the
General-Secretary and the Auditors.
After
a series of meetings on Thursday the election of the Chairman,
General-Secretary and Presidential Candidate would take place on Friday, and on
Saturday, the flag-bearer will announce his running mate in his acceptance
speech.
Mr.
Opoku said there would be a mammoth rally at James Town on Saturday to climax
the congress where the party's flag-bearer and other national executives would
be introduced. About 1,800 delegates
are expected at the congress.
GRi…/