GRi Newsreel 06 - 12 - 99

Serious Fraud Office orders interdiction of 14

Accra (Greater Accra), 6^th December 99

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has directed the interdiction of 14 officers of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) for various roles they played in the award and implementation of contracts for the Ghana Industrial Commercial Estates Limited (GICEL) project at Weija.

An SFO press statement signed by Mr. B. A. Sapati, Acting Executive Director, said the SSNIT Board, after preliminary investigations into the award of the contracts, referred it to the SFO for further investigations.

The officers include Mr. Paddy Sawyerr, former GICEL board chairman, Mr. David Quagraine, former Co-ordinator and acting Managing Director, Mrs. Valerie Quarmyne, former General Manager/ Administration and Ms Joana Dickson, Chairperson of the tender committee.

The directive also affected ten other members of the tender committee.

They are Mr. John Narku-Tetteh, Mrs. Pearl Osafo-Adu, Mr. Eric Homadi, Mr. Winlaw Anim-Addo and Mr Daniel Essel.

The rest are Mr. Kop Kerr-Rabbles, Mrs. Souad Yahaya, Mr. Francis Kwantwi, Mr. Samuel Appiah Dadey and Mrs. Akosua Sarpong.

The statement said in 1993, the Board of Directors gave its approval for the GICEL project, which is a pilot scheme for the construction of an industrial and commercial estates at Weija.

The project was to provide enrolment for the vast number of workers in the informal sector into the Trust Pension Scheme.

It said Mr. Henry Dei, then Director General of SSNIT, acting in consort with the GICEL Co-ordinator, Mr. Quagraine, by-passed the GICEL in respect of approvals of payment.

Mr. Dei, it said, approved payments on the project without demanding financial reports "which would have alerted the Trust about the malpractices and the high level of the expenditure on the project".

The initial cost of the project, as envisaged by the consultants who designed the project was 5.66 billion cedis.

"However, it has been determined that the actual cost of the project to date far exceeds the initial board approval" it said, adding "the primary estimate as contained in the design report was not properly established".

The statement said this gave room for variations to be made without approval.

It said, for example, Ben Appiah Electricals increased its quota by 100.65 per cent from 397,959,577.40 to 798,419,154.78 cedis, Tropical Developers increased by 60.97 per cent and Sulana Electrical Engineering, by 76.15 per cent.

The statement said Mr. Dei on several occasions, approved payments for goods and materials for which different and inferior brands were supplied.

On October one, 1996, Mr. Dei gave approval for the supply of Industrial Deep Trough aluminium roofing sheets by Messrs Instyle to the tune of 1,199,985,260.05, "yet Instyle was paid 1,455,345,129.18 for supplying circular corrugated roofing sheets, which was not in the specification for the contract".

The SFO investigations will seek to focus among other things on whether the consultants, the project co-ordinator and contractors, fraudulently made variations for personal benefits, and computed excess monies that went into wrong hands with the view to recovering it.

It will also want to know whether suppliers deliberately supplied poor quality products and different brands at higher prices amounting to over pricing and illegally profiting thereby.

The SFO said it would also find out whether certain key personalities benefited financially from the award of the contracts.

The statement assured the general public that it would recover all the financial losses incurred by the Trust and bring to book all those who caused the loss.

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No new Telecommunication Company - Mahama

Accra (Greater Accra), 6^th December 99

The government has no immediate plans to grant license to any more companies to operate in the mobile telephone sector of the economy, Mr. John Mahama, said in Accra over the weekend.

He said the government does not intend to offer new licences to any companies to operate alongside Ghana Telecom, Western Telesystems Limited (Westel), Scancom Ghana Limited (Spacefon), Celltel Ghana Limited and Millicom Ghana (Mobitel) who are already in the system.

Mr. Mahama said the new directive to limit the number of operators is due to the limited Ghanaian market adding that South Africa, with a larger market has only three providers.

The Minister said, however, that Ghana Telecom has been licensed to operate mobile telecommunication system beginning early next year using the GSM technology.

He said the company has the facilities and the technology saying "there is no need to limit its operations."

Mr. Mahama dismissed the suspicion and perception that Ghana Telecom is intentionally sabotaging efforts of competitors by offering them poor networks.

"The problem was not anticipated. Many of the other companies have expanded so fast. We are sorting it out, more larger allocations have been granted and this has resulted in improved services by mobile companies of late."

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Assemblies urged to take bold initiatives

Baatsonaa (Greater Accra), 6^th December 99

Mr. Kwamena Ahwoi, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has urged District Assemblies to invest in areas where they have comparative advantage to enable them to reap maximum benefits.

He said the Tema Municipal Assembly (TMA) has shown through the Tema International Trade Centre project that, with the support of the private sector, a lot can be achieved.

TMA intends to invest 10 billion cedis in the project for the provision of infrastructure while the private sector is expected to build the centre at the cost of about 40 billion cedis.

Speaking to newsmen during a visit to the second Tema Trade and Industry Exposition (TEXPO '99) at Baatsonaa in Accra, Mr. Ahwoi asked other assemblies to emulate the TMA, adding "if you don't do anything, nothing gets done".

"TMA has shown that district assemblies, and for that matter the state, can become vehicles for investment through decisions taken by representatives of the people".

He commended the Assembly for its vision, and said those who were pessimistic about the project should change their minds since the it has become a huge success and a showcase of what other assemblies can achieve through proper planning.

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Do not undermine gains in cotton industry - Minister

Tamale (Northern Region), 6^th December 99

Mr. Joshua Alabi, Northern Regional Minister, has condemned the activities of a "few misguided persons" in the region, who are seeking to undermine the gains achieved in the cotton industry.

He said through the efficient management practices of the Ghana Cotton Company, the industry, which a few years ago was in the doldrums has been revived and become a major source of employment in the region.

Addressing the regional farmers awards day rally in Tamale on Friday, Mr. Alabi said the industry has now attracted a good number of investors.

He regretted that a group, calling itself Concerned Citizens of Tamale, has misconstrued the initiative of the company to open a new ginnery in Bolgatanga to cater for the expansion in the industry.

The group, for the past several days, has through misinformation and threats prevented the company's partners, like the GPRTU from carting seed cotton from the Northern Region to the Bolgatanga ginnery.

Mr. Alabi said this is not the first time that the group has sought to undermine the region's progress and warned that firm action would be taken to protect the interest of the people.

He said the establishment of the ginnery in Bolgatanga is part of the company's expansion programme to ensure that the whole northern sector benefits from the government's investment policy.

The Regional Co-ordinating Council has planned a regional investment forum for early next year to expose the region's investment potential to prospective investors and the activities of the group may send wrong signals to those intending to come.

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Workshop on media in human rights protection ends

Tamale (Northern Region), 6^th December 99

A two-day regional workshop on the role of the media in the promotion and protection of human rights has ended in Tamale with a call on media houses create specialised desks on the subject in order to give it more exposure.

It was organised by the Ghana Chapter of Amnesty International for journalists, trade unionists, policemen, women and human rights groups in Northern Region.

In a resolution, the participants stressed the need for a law on freedom of information and the repeal of criminal libel from the statute books as it poses obstacles to journalists in reporting human rights abuses.

Dr. Yaw D. Fokuo, co-ordinator of the workshop, advised journalists to be conversant with human rights issues to enable them to inform the public better adding that by exposing atrocities and human rights violations, state agencies would be compelled to check their record.

Mr. Tom Brentuo, a resource person said for media practitioners to be able to stimulate and motivate the public, it is necessary for them to study all existing charters and conventions on human rights as well as the constitution.

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Impose levy on crude products - Markin

Koforidua (Eastern Region), 6^th December 99

Mr. Dan Markin, Chairman of the Ghana Highway Authority Board of Directors, has appealed to Parliament to enact a law imposing a levy of 80 cedis per litre on crude oil products to fund improvement of roads.

Mr. Martin, who was speaking after members of the Board had inspected roads in the Eastern Region on Thursday, said the board was also holding discussions with oil companies and hoteliers on what contributions they could make to help improve the country's road network.

Among the roads inspected was the Koforidua dual carriageway under rehabilitation at a cost of four billion cedis by Messrs KASAP.

Mr. J.V. Augustt, Managing Director of Messrs KASAP, said the work was ahead of schedule and barring any financial hindrances, it would be completed within the stipulated time.

He said some structures along the road should be demolished to provide for drainage.

Mr. Kingsford Amoah, Executive Director of the GRFS, said, it was only able to provide 60 percent of the total money due to contractors every year and welcomed the proposed levy since it will expand the Fund's base of revenue collection.

This year, GRFS was expected to raise about 214 billion cedis as against 188 billion cedis in 1998 adding "this is just about 55 per cent of what the GRFS needed this year".

The Chief Executive of the GHA, Mr Bishimu Sakibu, gave the assurance that depending on the availability of funds, the Kwahu Tafo-Adawso road, one of the most deplorable roads in the region, would be rehabilitated.

In another development, Mr. Markin, has appealed to District Assemblies to institute punitive measures against road users whose activities reduce the life span of roads.

He said the heavy government financial investments in the road sector could not be justified if a few road users, such as those who use roads as washing bays, are allowed to continue with their business.

He said other offenders are people who park on the roads, adding that the District Assemblies must stop the practice.

Mr. Markin expressed concern about the activities of people who remove signposts and others who dig trenches across roads saying such people should be made responsible for their actions.

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Hotels in Central region are death traps - Brew

Cape Coast (Central Region), 6^th December 99

About 95 per cent of hotels and restaurants in the Central Region are "death traps" due to the lack of emergency exits or fire escape routes.

This is because hotels are constructed without prior consultation with the Ghana National Fire Service, Mr. Jude Sam Brew, Central Regional Fire Prevention Officer, has said at Cape Coast.

Addressing a workshop organised for the hospitality industry at the Sasakawa centre at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) over the weekend, Mr. Brew said most hotels and restaurants do not have fire detection, protection and control devices like smoke/heat decors, extinguishers and hydra's.

The workshop was to discuss the results of a survey on "Needs Assessment of hotels and restaurants".

It is aimed at helping hospitality industrialists to appreciate the critical needs of hotels and restaurants in order to establish structures for achieving sustainability in the industry.

The survey, which was jointly carried out by the University of Cape Coast, CEDECOM, and the University of Maryland, in the United States, among others, identified inadequate financing as a major cause of inefficiency in the industry.

Mr. Brew said the few establishments which have some sort of fire fighting equipment have little or no knowledge about how fire extinguishers are used adding that "the haphazard arrangement of items also make it difficult to detect the source of fire."

He appealed to the participants to take the appropriate steps to address the situation to ensure more efficiency in the protection of life and property in the industry.

Mr. Sampson Donkor, Regional Manager of the Ghana Tourist Board, advised the participants to adhere to rules and regulations governing their operations to enable them to meet international standards.

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Ghana's political parties Commended

Accra (Greater Accra), 6^th December 99

An American Political Scientist on Thursday commended Ghana and all its political parties for developing solid features for political pluralism in the country.

Professor K. C. Morrison, a renowned lecturer at the University of Missouri, Colombia, USA, said Ghana has young and articulate politicians in all its political parties who respect constitutional rule, a robust and critical media and a fair electoral system.

Prof. Morrison, a visiting lecturer at the University of Ghana, Legon, who has lectured extensively in several universities in Europe and Africa, was speaking at a roundtable discussion in Accra on 'Political parties and democratic consolidation in Ghana's fourth republic'.

Prof. Morrison said one of the solid features about all the political parties is that each and every one of them has a linkage to a tradition while the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has grouped people from the various traditions.

This, he noted, is reflected in the NDC manifesto, which appeals to a cross-section of the people and said the NDC, being the incumbency party, seems to be reflective and attentive to the cries of the people.

Prof. Morrison said although there is a call for the state to fund political parties, there is the tendency for every party to believe that his rival party might use the opportunity to outwit him.

He acknowledged that all political parties need to have "a level playing field", saying, party organisation needs a lot of money, which is quite a problem for the country.

Prof. Morrison said all over the world, the ruling party takes advantage of its incumbency to remain in power.

Professor Ernest Dumor, Chairman for the function, said there was the need to examine why people are unwilling to finance or volunteer to work for political parties.

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NPP reacts to bomber's resignation

Cape Coast (Central Region), 6^th December 99

The Chairman of the Cape Coast Constituency of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Frank Hutchful said on Thursday, that members of the party are not surprised at the defection of Mr. Abdulai Kumah alias Bomber, First Vice Chairman, to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

In a statement in Cape Coast, Mr. Hutchful who is also known as "Oguaa Koto" assured members of the party that the vacuum created by Bomber has been filled by Mr. Mustapha Mohammed alias Saymallah who returned recently from Nigeria.

Mr. Kumah on Wednesday announced his resignation from the party to join the NDC.

Mr. Hutchful said members were not surprised because ever since news broke out that a lawyer friend of Bomber was going to stand as the NDC parliamentary candidate for Cape Coast, "his actions have become suspicious."

"We are not disturbed, we are solid and above all our membership keeps growing owing to mass unemployment and general economic hardships facing the nation".

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TUC agitates for greater representation on SSNIT board

Kumasi (Ashanti), 6^th December 99

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is fighting for greater representation on the Board of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

Mr. Kwabena Owusu Afriyie, Vice Chairman of the TUC, observed that members of the Congress form the majority of contributors to SSNIT and should get greater representation on the Board to influence decisions and programmes for the welfare of workers.

Addressing the Ashanti Regional Council of Labour in Kumasi on Thursday, he regretted that even though TUC members form the bulk of contributors it has only two representatives on the 13-member Board, which does not augur well for its members.

The TUC Vice-Chairman explained that with a bigger say, it would ensure that all the "serious financial borrowing" from SSNIT by the government, are channelled into improving the welfare of workers whose from whose contribution such funds are raised.

Mr. J. Herbert Anquandor, Deputy Head of the Organisation Department of the TUC, advised Unions to re-assess their programmes with the view of adopting new methods to labour issues.

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University students heckle Central Regional Minister

Cape Coast (Central Region) 6 Dec ’99

Authorities of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) on Sunday apologised for the unruly behaviour of some students towards the Central Regional Minister, Lt. Col Charles Kofi Agbenaza and his wife last Saturday.

The student leadership and the UCC authorities led by Prof. S. K. Adjepong, Vice Chancellor, promised to pay for the cost of the repairs of the Regional Minister's vehicle.

Some students, who came to town during a float were said to have met the Regional Minister in town, heckled him and threw dirty water on his wife.

Some of them sat on the bonnet of his car while others banged it and smashed its windscreen amidst shouts of "We shall not pay user fees".

The students were also said to have smashed the windscreen of a vehicle of an unidentified man and beaten up a driver of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and poured dirty water on a GBC correspondent.

Speaking to the GNA at the residency, Col Agbenaza said he had accepted the apology as a father but advised the students against such unacceptable behaviour by people, who are deemed as the future leaders of the nation.

Meanwhile members of the June Four Movement in the region have condemned the misbehaviour of the students.

They warned the students to comport themselves else the masses of the people would rise up against them.

The Movement called on the university authorities to ensure that any future hall week celebration is confined to the university campus.

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New rice varieties introduced

Tamale (Northern Region) 6 Dec ’99

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has introduced four new varieties of rice to be multiplied as a measure to improve the quality of locally produced rice and to revamp the industry.

So far 350 tonnes of the seeds have been produced, which can be planted on 4000 hectares to produce 50,000 tonnes of paddy rice by ICOUR, Kpong Farms and Lowlands Rice Project.

Mr J. H. Owusu Acheampong, Minister of Agriculture announced this at a meeting with rice growers and officials of the Ministry at Tamale on Saturday.

He said it is expected that the programme would within the next four years be able to eliminate total importation of rice.

The Ghana National Procurement Agency presently imports between 300 and 400 metric tonnes of rice.

Mr Owusu-Acheampong noted that if the production of rice were well handled it would not only make profit but would minimise its importation.

He said rice production in Ghana has not seen an improvement in the quality, processing, marketing and consumption because the local farmers have not been able to eliminate foreign materials and improve the colour of the end product.

The Minister said there is the need, therefore, for local rice growers to improve production since the consumption of rice far exceeds all cereals and is the most important source of food security in the country.

Mr Owusu-Acheampong appealed to the farmers to accept the new varieties and plant them during the next farming season. He asked them not to contaminate it with old seeds or plant on old fields, which are already contaminated.

He assured the farmers that the processed seeds are comparable to any imported rice and its adoption would increase its consumption and eventually stop its importation.

The Minister said the milling companies are to be strengthened to be able to adequately mill the paddy rice.

He called for collaboration from all stakeholders to achieve the national objective of resuscitating the rice industry and to improve its marketing.

Mr Owusu Acheampong announced that Ministry and Agriculture Development Bank (ADB) was to come out with credit terms for farmers, who patronise the varieties.

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Add value to produce - Deputy Minister

Maame Krobo (Eastern Region) 6 Dec. ’99

District assemblies have been asked to initiate programmes with research institutions to find ways of processing and adding value to traditional crops produced in their areas for local consumption and export.

Such a move would not only increase the volume of non-traditional exports but would also enhance the incomes of farmers, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, made the call at a meeting with the chiefs and people of Maame Krobo, a farming community in the Afram Plains District, during his two-day working visit to the area.

Food crops such as yams, beans and groundnuts, which were produced in larger quantities in the district, could be processed, he said.

The District Chief Executive, Colonel Lord Sarfo said the assembly was exploring avenues with the Ghana Export Promotion Council to export yam and groundnuts, which are produced in large quantities in the district.

He announced that the assembly had voted 60 million cedis to purchase electric poles to extend electricity from the national grid to the town.

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Religious groups urged to work for peace

Anyinam (Eastern Region) 6 Dec ’99

President Jerry John Rawlings has appealed to Christians and other religious groups to work hand in hand with the state to promote peace and tranquillity in the country.

He urged Christians to use their religious platforms to explain the Gospel and at the same time the government’s programmes to their congregations.

This was contained in a speech read on the President’s behalf by Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, at this year's annual convention and fund raising ceremony of the African Faith Tabernacle in aid of school projects at Anyinam on Saturday.

He called on the church to come out with plans, policies and programmes that could help to accelerate the socio-economic and political development of the country.

The President noted that the convention was taking place at a time when the spate of violence, especially among students, was on the increase and urged the churches to help channel the energies of the youth into useful and beneficial ventures.

He congratulated the church for the establishment of schools to complement the efforts of the government and promised a contribution of 50 bags of cement and 500,000 cedis towards the school building projects.

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Kpando and Hohoe to enjoy water supply

Hohoe ( Volta Region) 6 Dec. ’99

Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Presidential Adviser on Governmental Affairs, announced on Saturday that the government has recommended the immediate commencement of the Kpando-Hohoe water supply project at Agbenoxoe in the Kpando District.

The project when completed would serve the people of Kpando and Hohoe as well as towns and villages within a 16-kilometre radius.

Speaking at the fourth Gbidukoza festival of the people of Peki and Hohoe, he said as and when resources become available, the government would step up the pace of development in the region and create conditions to attract investors.

He noted that the establishment of small-scale industries and the promotion of tourism would provide jobs to reduce the drift of the youth to urban centres for employment.

The Government is aware of the effort communities are making in taking their destinies into their own hands, he said, adding that this is evident from the number of festivals celebrated each year throughout the country to initiate socio-economic development and other self-help projects.

Alhaji Iddrisu, who is also responsible for the Ministry of Health, announced that despite the drop in the price of cocoa in the world market, the government would continue to pay cocoa farmers the same price for their produce.

He said the government is making all efforts to bring the economy back on track in the face of global constraints.

The Volta Regional Minister, Alhaji Seidu Iddi, in an address read for him said if communities fail to supplement the government’s efforts "we will be worse off as a nation by way of development".

He said the government derives its support and strength from the people and would therefore not shirk its responsibilities to the people.

Alhaji Iddi advised the people to respect the laws of the land by abstaining from anti-social and criminal activities such as bribery and corruption, drug abuse, serial murders, rape and defilement of young girls.

Togbe Kwadzo Dei XI, Paramount chief of Peki traditional area, appealed to the government to establish a University in the Volta Region by converting one of the training colleges for the purpose.

Togbe Kwadzo Dei said the people of Gbidukor have instituted a 100 million-cedi educational endowment fund to help needy students to pursue their studies at the Junior Secondary School level.

He said that 20 scholarships would initially be offered during the next academic year and appealed to Gbi citizens and friends to contribute to the fund.

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Agric. Ministry urged to assist farmers to pay back loans

Atonsuagya (Ashanti Region) 6 Dec ’99

Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, Asante-Mamponghene, has urged the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) to take pragmatic measures to address the problems of food processing, storage and marketing confronting farmers.

He attributed the inability of farmers to pay back loans to the Ministry's failure to assist farmers to market their produce.

The Mamponghene said this at the Farmers' day celebration of the Sekyere West district at Atonsuagya in Ashanti.

"It is sad to observe that farmers sell their farm produce, especially the perishable ones, at very low prices due to the unavailability of markets and storage facilities, and this is a disincentive to farmers".

Mr Samuel Akwasi Acheampong, District Chief Executive, called for the establishment of a branch of the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) at Asante-Mampong to enable farmers to obtain loans easily.

In all, 25 farmers were honoured with Mr Adom Bediako emerging as the District's Best Farmer.

For his prize he received a cassette radio, spraying machine, a pair of wellington boots, piece of cloth and five cutlasses.

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Konadu assures women's group of assistance

Yagaba, (Northern Region) 6 Dec. ’99

The First Lady and President of the 31st December Women's Movement, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, has stated that the movement will not relent in its efforts to empower women for socio-economic development.

She said because women are lowly placed, they need a push and support to enable them to contribute meaningfully to nation building.

Nana Konadu said this during the second day of her working visit to the West Mamprusi District at Yagaba where she commissioned a sheabutter extraction mill for the Yagaba Women's Group on Tuesday.

The project, initiated by the Member of Parliament for West Mamprusi, Mrs Susanna Adam, was sponsored by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). It is the seventh mill to be established in the district.

Nana Konadu expressed the hope that, with the acquisition of the mill, the women would increase their production and income base.

She announced that solar panels and a refrigerator would soon be supplied to the health centre at Kobori in the 'Overseas Area' of the district for the storage of vaccines and other drugs.

Nana Konadu urged people in the area to adopt good farming methods and seek advice on the application of chemicals so as not to degrade the environment.

At Wulugu and Wungu where she commissioned two similar projects, the First Lady said the Free, Compulsory Universal Basic Education Programme would not succeed if the people refused to send their children to school.

Nana Konadu said the movement had launched a programme to increase awareness about family planning benefits among its members.

Mr. Joshua Alabi, Northern Regional Minister, said a bridge would be built over the White Volta at Mishio to link the 'Overseas Area', which has the potential for producing food for the three northern regions.

He stressed, however, that development would depend on continued peace in the area, adding that the government spends about 200 million cedis a month to maintain the peace in the Northern Region alone.

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Soldiers wives told to support husbands

Tema (Greater Accra) 6 Dec. ’99

Mrs Douha Smith, wife of the Army Commander on Friday called on wives of soldiers to support their husbands financially, spiritually and materially to enable them to have the peace of mind to give of their best on the job.

To achieve these objectives, however, she asked the unemployed wives of soldiers to learn trades to earn income to cater for themselves and the household as a means of supporting their husbands.

Mrs Smith was the guest of honour at the West Africa Security Social Association (WASSA) at the First Battalion of Infantry (One Bn) Michel Camp.

This year's WASSA was organised by the wives of the soldiers to entertain and feast with their husbands.

She impressed on the wives to create a congenial atmosphere in the homes to attract the husbands to stay together with the family adding that the success of their husbands depended on them.

Mrs Smith, who is a Chief Patron of the Army Wives Association, told the soldiers to remain faithful to their wives in order to build a happy home.

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Assembly to assist farmers to store produce

Tuunayili-Nyankpala, (Northern Region) 6 Dec ’99

The Tolon-Kunbungu District Assembly is to assist farmers to build improved traditional storage facilities under the Village Infrastructure Project (VIP).

It is hoped this will not only help minimise the perennial post harvest losses incurred by farmers, but it will also enable them to withhold stock and sell only when the price is right.

Mr Sule Alhassan, District Chief Executive announced this when he addressed a durbar of chiefs, farmers and workers to mark the celebration of the farmers' day in the district at Tuunayili near Nyankpala on Friday.

Mr Alhassan said the district assembly disbursed a total of 230 million cedis under the poverty alleviation programme to farmers and other needy groups engaged in income generating activities.

Tuu-Naa Abukari Shieni, chief of Tuunnayili and 1998 national award winner in animal traction, advised the youth to embrace farming as a career because it was rewarding.

The district best farmer award went to 25 year-old Jebuni Daanaa of Tingoli, while the best woman farmer award went to Madam Amama Imoro of Saakuba village.

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Norwegian team holds talks on pilot project for disabled

Winneba (Central Region) 6 Dec. ’99

An eight-member team from the Norwegian Association for the Disabled (NAD) on Thursday met officials of the Awutu-Effutu-Senya District Assembly at Winneba to plan for a community-based pilot rehabilitation programme for disabled persons in the district.

The leader of the team, Mr Gunnar Buvik, who is also president of NAD, said his organisation is interested not only in the rehabilitation of disabled persons but also in helping them to acquire vocational skills.

This, he said, would enable the beneficiaries to play an active role in the development and sustenance of the programme.

Mr Abudu Sakara, a Director at the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare, who stood in for the sector Minister, gave the assurance that the government was determined to offer them all the necessary support and co-operation to make their work succeed.

He advised all stakeholders involved in the rehabilitation of the disabled not to relent in their efforts.

Lieutenant Daniel William Osardu, District Chief Executive for the area, announced the formation of budget preparatory team to handle financial affairs of the programme.

Mr Frank Swanzy Essien, District Director of Education, said the University College of Education, Winneba, is training specialists to handle the affairs of the disabled in basic schools.

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NCC official calls for action against irresponsible parents

Awutu-Bawjiase (Central Region) 6 Dec. ’99

The Central and Western Regional Co-ordinator of the Ghana National Commission on Children (GNCC), Mr John Hackman, has called for the institution of drastic measures against irresponsible parents.

He said unless this is done, millions of innocent children shall continue to suffer indignation in the next millennium.

Mr Hackman was educating hundreds of children and teachers on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at a meeting organised by Plan International Ghana at Awutu-Bawjiase.

He said parents who deny their children the right to develop their potentials must be checked because they are "a threat to mankind".

Mr Hackman reminded parents that it is their obligation to ensure that their children get not only the best of their love and attention but are also offered adequate protection.

He praised Plan International for organising the meeting.

Mrs Gladys Avoy, an Assistant Director of Education at the Ghana Education Service (GES), Winneba, advised children to respect their parents and make sure that their rights are not trampled upon.

She urged them to study hard to enable them to make excellent strides in their academic and vocational pursuits.

Mr William Agyekum Acquah, Plan International Programme unit manager for Bawjiase, appealed to school management teams to initiate similar forums to enlighten parents on the need to take proper care of their children.

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Government working out autonomy for Audit Service-Mills

Accra (Greater Accra) 6 Dec. '99

The Government is working out modalities to guarantee the Ghana Audit Service greater autonomy, which will make it independent of the Executive for its financial and resource requirements.

A Bill to this effect is awaiting parliamentary approval after which the adoption of value for money auditing will be formalised while making provision for the establishment of forensic and environmental auditing.

Vice-President Professor John Evans Atta Mills said this at the opening of the 40th Regular Session of the Panel of External Auditors of the UN and the 29th Special Session of the UN Board of Auditors in Accra on Monday.

He said cabinet approved the memorandum on the operations of the Audit Service in July this year.

The Bill reviews existing parliamentary enactment on the Service to provide additional powers to enable the Audit Service of Ghana to be fully independent.

He said the government recognises the fact that any talk about sustainable delivery and probity and accountability will be in vain without a strong audit service, which must be able to ensure propriety and transparency in the management of public funds.

The Session is a period when the auditors of the UN meet to deliberate on their activities and work in the past year, and plot new strategies for the future.

They also look at the books of the UN system and report to the General Assembly.

It is being attended by eight Auditors-General, 25 delegates and 1,180 invited guests.

Vice-President Mills said the removal of vestiges of budgetary and manpower controls from the executive branch are among the actions necessary to effect the new trend.

He said it is the aim of the government to continue playing its role more purposefully within the UN System.

Prof. Mills congratulated Mr Osei Tutu Prempeh, Auditor-General, for his able leadership of the Service. Under his leadership, arrears of unaudited reports since 1998 have been cleared and presented to parliament.

He said the benefit of a technical programme from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has strengthened the Service to undertake more direct auditing of USAID funded projects.

The Service currently has a Wide Area Network linking its head office and all its regional offices by computer, internet, intranet and extranet facilities.

"It is the wish of (the) government that the Audit Service will computerise its operations in such areas as personnel and financial management systems as well as in audit planning process to further enhance efficiency."

Prof. Mills said the government is aware of the deficiencies in the public financial management and the need for greater efficiency, hence the assistance from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and World bank in developing the Medium Term strategy for reforming public financial management system under the PUFMARP.

Mr Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General, in a speech read for him described the body as a vital link in the UN system that has sustained an efficient and transparent operations of the UN finances.

"A healthy system requires accountability and good auditing to succeed," he said.

GRi../

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Mixed reaction in Nkonya about chimps settlement

Nkonya-Ntumda (Volta Region) 6 Dec 6

There is a mixed reaction in Nkonya to the proposal by a United States based Non-Governmental Organisation, Friends of Animals (FoA) to settle some chimpanzees used for scientific experiments in the US at Nkonya-Ntumda in the Jasikan district of the Volta region.

The chiefs and elders of Ntumba have said they are ready to offer sanctuary to the primates provided they are scientifically proven to be free of any health risk to the community and the environment.

These reactions came out during interaction with the chiefs and opinion leaders in the area at the weekend.

Present were Nana Akotia, the second, Mankrado, Nana Kwaku Osei, the fourth, Adontonhene, Nana Okoibea, Queenmother, Nana Ofieye, the stool father, Okyeame Kwaku Owuo, linquist and Nana Anyobodo, odikro of Agyamansu.

Others are Mr J.K. Otumy, opinion leader, Nana Kwadwo Abam, the second, Nkwankwaahene, Mr Mathias Agyaho Yeboah, youth representative, Mr Stephen Dapaa, opinion leader, Mr Timothy Aboegyi, headmaster of L/A JSS and Mr Joseph Otoo, who was the spokesman for the people.

They described misgivings in some circles about the project as a ploy to deny the area benefits to be derived.

They were optimistic that the settling of the chimps in the area will generate employment.

"It will provide foreign exchange and open up our area to tourism," they added.

The people therefore said they endorsed the government's directive for investigation into the health status of the animals as a step in the right direction, to facilitate the beginning of the project.

They told the GNA about an inaugural ceremony, which was held at Ntumda on 8 November last year, after which a number of royal pythons on the Konklobi Island where the animals are supposed to be settled, have been captured and sent away.

Mangoes and bananas have also been planted in the area to serve as food for the primates, the spokesman said.

The people said some seven Americans had come and interacted with them and shown them video documentaries of the animals which are eight.

Meanwhile, some opinion leaders in other Nkonya communities however expressed contrary views on the project.

Among the views expressed were that the presence of the primates could pose a threat to farming activities as the chimps can swim over from the Konklobi Island to the Adjacent farm lands to destroy their farm produce.

A hunter also intimated that the primates are animals, which can easily rape women and couple with the fact that their health status and mental state is unknown, it was not advisable to accept the offer.

Others said since AIDS and Ebola viruses are attributed to the Ape family it will be naive on the part of the community to embrace the project without certified documents to prove that the animals are healthy.

As at the time of the visit, the paramount chief of the area was not available for his comments.

Meanwhile, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the FoA has not yet furnished the agency with the information required for permission to be granted for the project, in spite of a number of correspondences sent to them last year.

Some of the requirements include relocation of the affected fishing settlements, health status of the primates as well as health status of the surrounding communities with respect to possible health risks of the chimps to man.

It will be recalled that an American NGO, Friends of Animals has proposed to settle some chimpanzees that were taken out of Africa for more than 30 years for chemical and bacteriological experiments in the United States in the Volta Region.

President Jerry John Rawlings has directed the Ministry of Lands and Forestry to set up a probe to ascertain health status of the animals.

The Ghana Bar Association and the Ghana Wildlife Society in separate statements called on the government to reject the request because of its suspicious nature.

GRi../

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