Fuel prices go up again, GPRTU ask driver not to increase fares yet
Help regain lost image of Judicial Service - Adinyira
Truth Commission Reminds UN of Africa's Reparation
President asked to help solve Winneba chieftaincy dispute
195 personalities and institutions decorated
President returns from ECOWAS summit
Armed robbers rob ADB of 70 Million Cedis.
Adabre defends government' privatisation policy
Ghana far from ensuring women's rights - Short
Regional Ministers issue communiqué on plight of farmers
Stakeholders' consultation workshop opens at Sunyani
Stop teaching Christianity in schools - Afrikania
Social Welfare advocates Association of Parents of Physically Disabled
Remove practice that dehumanise others - Afrikan Mission told
True Christians should not fear AIDS scare - Minister
Ghanaians advised to join parties based on ideology
Avoid cheating in next century - Rev. Loius
State-owned Media need assistance - Participants
Sunyani District Assembly honours Ahwoi
Kumasi churches pray for a breakthrough in the economic crisis
We will not spare armed robbers and serial killers - Rawlings
Affirmative action to empower women needed - GBA President
Govt has not lost control of economy, President Rawlings
Awoonor calls for religious tolerance
Police caution public against criminal activities.
CEPS officers urged to intensify revenue collection efforts
Fuel prices go up again, GPRTU ask driver not to increase fares yet
Accra (Greater Accra) 13 Dec '99
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union(GPRTU) of the Trades Union Congress , on Saturday appealed to all drivers to continue charging the existing fares until its working committee determines new lorry fares.
A statement issued in Accra and signed by Mr E. K. Gbedemah, National Chairman, said it has information that following the increase in fuel prices last Friday, some drivers have on their own started increasing lorry fares.
"The National Working Committee will in due course examine the increase and all the other factors which determine lorry fares and take a decision on the issue".
It said until otherwise announced by the head office of the Union, "every member should charge the existing fares."
It urged all Regional Secretariats to ensure the strict compliance of this order. The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited on Friday announced new petroleum prices.
Petrol, which was selling at 1,070 cedis a litre, now sells at 1,180 cedis. Gas oil went up from 1,000 cedis a litre to 1,100 cedis with kerosene going up from 750 cedis per a litre to 1,100, while liquefied petroleum gas now sells at 1,400 cedis per kilo, up by 200 cedis.
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Ghana loses much to bushfires
Begoro (Eastern Region) 13 Dec. '99
Mr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Deputy Eastern Regional Minister has stressed the need to re-examine and amend the existing laws on bushfires.
He said this would help to deal swiftly with offenders while traditional rulers, assembly members and the law enforcement agencies in fire prone areas set up task forces to arrest offenders.
The Deputy Regional Minister was launching the Eastern Region bushfire campaign at Begoro in the Fanteakwa district on Friday.
He said the region lost more than four million cubic metres of exportable timber worth 200 million dollars through bushfires last year while the country lost about six billion cedis worth of timber through bushfires between 1992 and 1996.
"Against this background, bushfires now pose the single major threat to long-term productivity, natural wealth and survival of the forest area of Ghana".
Mr Ofosu-Ampofo, who said bushfires were mostly started deliberately for personal reasons through human activities, asked District Assemblies to provide logistics for fire volunteers and establishing sub-committees to combat the problem.
He deplored the reluctance of the police to investigate, arrest and prosecute culprits.
He conceded however that the law on bushfires "as it stands now, does not empower the local authorities, headmen or even assemblymen to cause the arrest and trial of offenders at the local level".
He therefore called for an amendment to the existing law to allow for quicker prosecution of culprits.
The Eastern Regional Fire Officer, Mr Osafo M. Antwi, said this year alone, the region recorded 73 domestic and vehicular fires which destroyed property estimated at about 214.4 million cedis.
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Help regain lost image of Judicial Service - Adinyira
Koforidua (Eastern Region) 13 Dec. '99
An Appeal Court Judge, Mrs Justice Sophia Adinyira, has called on the staff of the Judicial Service to work hard to regain the lost image of the service.
''The Judicial Service has been under constant attack by the public who accuse both the bench and staff of corruption, ineffectiveness, delays and the perversion of the course of justice.''
Mrs Justice Adinyira said this at the inauguration of the Eastern Region branch of the Judicial Service Ladies Association of Ghana (JUSLAG) at Koforidua on Friday.
"We are all to blame as we either actively or passively condone inefficiency, laziness, graft, corruption, wanton destruction and misuse of government property."
Mrs Justice Adinyira therefore called for collective efforts by both the bench and staff of the Judicial Service "to turn around our poor and soiled public image".
She said since the staff of the service deal with sensitive confidential matters, it is important that regular seminars are organised to update their skills.
The Appeal Court Judge called for the procurement of modern equipment for judges saying, "it is frustrating to work with old and obsolete ones".
She appealed to the women in the service to live within their means and avoid being extravagant.
"If you check extravagances, it will help prevent you from indulging in immorality and corrupt deals to finance your expenses.
Mrs Justice Adinyira said the judicial system has not improved with the creation of public tribunals, adding "it has rather added more financial burdens and encumbrances on our national coffers".
She expressed the hope that with the inauguration of JUSLAG in the region," you will immediately gird your loins and put your hands to the wheel to improve efficiency".
The Eastern Regional President of JUSLAG, Mrs Margaret Okyere-Darko, said, the association would work to uplift the image of the female staff of the service.
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Truth Commission Reminds UN of Africa's Reparation
Accra (Greater Accra) 13 Dec. '99
The Afrikan World Reparations and Repatriation Truth Commission (AWRRTC), on Friday reminded the United Nations that "enslavement and colonisation of African People is a Human Rights Abuse," for which it must fight for reparation.
AWRRTC said that, "the very signatories to the UN Charter on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are in fact the nations who enslaved and colonised African people".
"These same nations have never offered an apology nor any form of compensation to African people, for the enormous harm and damage that they have done to Africa and its economies".
Dr Hamet Maulana, Co-Chairperson of AWRRTC was speaking at a forum in Accra on why Africa is demanding in reparation, 777 trillion dollars from Western Europe, the Americas and institutions who participated and benefited from the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and colonialism.
He said, "the damage done through slavery and colonialism of African people is truly the bane and woes of Africa's enormous problems today".
Dr Maulana said "AWRRTC's position and official theme for this year as the UN celebrates the 51st anniversary of the Human Rights Charter is that Enslavement and Colonisation of African people is a Human Rights Abuse, Lest we forget".
Dr Maulana said the AWRRTC "is in progress of assembling an international team of lawyers to pursue 'legal redress' through the courts to make a 'just claim on behalf of African people who are victims of the slave trade and colonialism.
He said: "AWRRTC feels that posterity is judging and filing an indictment against all African people today, for not having the consciousness and courage, to seek redress and compensation, from those nations and institutions who have devastated African economies and its cultural way of life."
Dr Maulana urged Africans to take inspiration from "the women of South Korea and the Philippines, who are in their mid 80s and are receiving compensation from Japan because they were used as comfort and sex slaves by Japanese soldiers in Second World War."
"Also, the German government is settling a four billion dollars claim from its slave labour camps victims of the War."
He appealed to Africans to support AWRRTC in its just demand adding "if we Africans forget the atrocities committed against us in the past through slavery and colonialism, surely, our children will suffer tomorrow".
Dr. Josiah Aryeh, Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Ghana, Legon, declared that the universal declaration of human rights would be meaningless unless it is backed by a "genuine atonement for the blood of black men and women of Africa".
He said; "if the world is serious it must recognise the sufferings inflicted on our peoples and continent without which any talk of human rights would essentially talk of limited rights to sections of humanity only".
"The suffering of the African must be recognised and steps taken towards restitution".
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President asked to help solve Winneba chieftaincy dispute
Winneba (Central Region) 13 Dec. '99
A group calling its self, Concerned Citizens of Winneba, has appealed to President Jerry John Rawlings and the Minister of Interior, Nii Okaidja Adamafio, to help in finding a lasting solution to the protracted chieftaincy dispute in the town.
Mr. Kwasi Arkoh, a spokesman of the group said it is the hope of the members that the Effutu Traditional Area would enjoy peace, unity and co-operation to enhance development.
He was addressing a news conference at Winneba on Friday.
Mr. Arkoh expressed regret that "certain elements" in the area are bent on sowing seeds of discord among the people.
He alleged that the "Black Stool" of Nana Gyankumah, Adontehene of the area has been stolen and said efforts are being made to replace it.
The spokesman said that if nothing is done to contain the situation, the alleged planned installation of a new Adontehene might lead to breech of the peace.
GNA investigations revealed that Nana Gyankumah was destooled by his family for alleged "poor maintenance of the stool". The Registrar of the Traditional Council, the Central Region House of Chiefs and the police were notified.
It further revealed that Nana Gyankumah challenged the action on the grounds that his nomination and installation was carried out jointly by the Tuafo and Dentsifo Asafo Companies together with representatives of his family.
He pointed out that members of the Aburadze Royal family alone could not unseat him.
Nana Gyankumah has threatened to take legal action to seek redress.
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195 personalities and institutions decorated
Accra (Greater Accra) 13 Dec. '99
One hundred and ninety-five personalities and institutions nominated for the Millennium Excellence Awards were decorated with an 18-carat gold brooch each at a nominee cocktail in Accra on Friday evening.
The awards ceremony, which would be held on 30 December, in Accra, would be broadcast live to 115 countries.
They were selected from 35 categories with 20 outstanding statesmen and women for their contribution to the socio-economic development of Ghana in the past 100 years.
People above 18 years did the selection from advertisements in the media including the INTERNET.
The public was also invited to nominate people overlooked by the organisers, Ghana-Classifieds, an INTERNET service provider.
The categories were in fields like culture, sports, business, agriculture, industry, environment, gender issues, architecture, medicine, foreigners, information technology and marketing.
Media houses nominated for the awards include Ghana News Agency for innovative marketing development in promoting the country's image both locally and abroad.
Other media recipients were Daily Graphic, Mirror, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Ghanaian Chronicle and The High Street Journal.
Mr Mike Gizo, Minister of Tourism, said while the awards recognise the historic achievements of Ghana's heroes and heroines and foreign partners, they serve as "lessons of great spiritual significance for the next generation.
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President returns from ECOWAS summit
Accra (Greater Accra) 13 Dec. '99
President J. J. Rawlings returned on Friday night to Accra from Lome, Togo, after attending the 22nd Heads of State summit of the Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS).
He was accompanied by Mr James Victor Gbeho, Foreign Minister, Mr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Dan Abodakpi, Deputy Minister of Trade, Mr. Victor Selormey, Deputy Minister of Finance and Mr Osei Kumah, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana.
The two-day summit was dominated by economic and financial issues because of the progress of peace efforts and democratic reforms in conflict areas such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau and Niger.
It reviewed the security situation in the sub- region with the view of consolidating peace and discussed dialogue between ECOWAS and the European Union (EU) to widen the scope of co-operation.
The summit elected Mali as the new Chairman of the 16-member organisation for the next two years.
The President was met on arrival by Professor Atta Mills, Vice President, Lt. General Ben Akafia, Chief of Defence Staff, Mr Peter Nanfuri, Inspector General of Police and some ministers of state.
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Armed robbers rob ADB of 70 Million Cedis.
Tema (Greater Accra) 11 Dec. '99
Six armed robbers today attacked the Mankoadze roundabout branch of the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) at Tema and made away with 70 million cedis.
Four of the armed robbers arrived in a Toyota Land cruiser without a registration number and together with two others waiting around the bank's premises, attacked the bank's bullion van as soon as it parked in front of the bank.
Eyewitnesses said the robbers who were armed with two AK 47 riffles seized a metal trunk containing the amount and immediately started firing shots.
The robbers shouted at shopkeepers around not to get near them. They also fired shots to cut the bank's telephone cables.
The eyewitnesses said the robbers were dressed in mufti and spoke English with a foreign accent. The crime took place at exactly 0830 a.m. Shop owners said they phoned 999 but nobody answered the call.
Mr Joe Danquah, Tema Regional Police Commander in an interview with Journalists said the robbery was carried out in a typical James Bond Fashion.
He said the police suspects an "inside job" looking at the way the crime was executed and "we are definitely going to question some of the bank staff."
Mr Danquah said it has been the daily practice of the bank to collect money every morning from the ADB's main branch at the Tema Fishing Harbour and return what is left at the close of work.
On why there was no policeman accompanying the bullion van, Mr Danquah said policemen on "specific duties" are provided at the request of the banks but the ADB has not made such a request.
Shopkeepers confirmed that it has been the usual practice of the bank to take money in and out without police protection.
The Area Manager of the Bank who refused to give his name to the press refused to comment on this issue saying he can only confirm that there has been a robbery which is being investigated by the police.
On the absence of the policeman on guard duties at the bank at the time of the incident, the Regional Commander said the police are going to investigate why he was not there.
He said the police have already started investigations "which are showing positive results."
Last Tuesday, three armed robbers attacked a shop at community 18 and stole provisions and one million cedis bringing to three the number of armed robberies committed in the Tema Township this week.
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Adabre defends government' privatisation policy
Tanoso (Brong Ahafo) 11 Dec '99
The sudden turn-around of fortunes of many public industries, now in private hands, has justified the government's privatisation policy.
The government would therefore give the necessary support and encouragement to private concerns to enhance their contribution to the growth of the country's economy, the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Mr. Donald Adabre said this when addressed management and workers of Tano Clay Concrete Products at Tanoso, near Sunyani, when Regional Ministers attending a conference in Sunyani toured a number of industries in the Sunyani, Berekum and Asunafo districts.
The company, formerly known as the Tanoso brick and tile Company, owned by the defunct Brong Ahafo regional Development Corporation, was divested about three years ago.
The minister said: "after changing hands, these industries which were almost dead have come back to life and are contributing to the national economy."
Mr Charles Appiah Boateng, the Managing Director, said three years after taking over, the company has increased its labour force from 11 to 60, producing 10,000 high quality bricks and tiles daily.
He said expansion programmes would soon be initiated to offer more employment to the youth in the area as well as to meet the demand for its products.
At Asuo Bomosadu Timber and Sawmill at Berekum, the managing director, Mr. Ernest Apraku told the ministers that the company currently employs 950 workers and exports most of its products.
At Scanstyle Mim Limited, manufacturers and exporters of knocked-down furniture, Mr. Kwamena Ahwoi, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development told the workers that the government appreciates their contributions to sustain the country's economy.
He said with the decentralisation policy, workers have a say, in all issues that affect them and they should therefore seize the opportunity to better their lot.
Mr. Sam Addo-Nortey, management representative, appealed to the government to help keep the company in business by allocating it more concessions.
The ministers also visited the Mim Timbers, now on divestiture, and Oti Yeboah Timber and Plywood Company near Sunyani.
The ministers paid a courtesy call on members of the Mim Traditional Council during which Mr. Adabre advised the people to protect the environment from destruction.
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Ghana far from ensuring women's rights - Short
Accra (Greater Accra) 11 Dec. '99
Ghana has a long distance to cover in ensuring women's full participation in all facets of national endeavour, Mr Francis Emile Short, Commissioner for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) said on Friday.
He said: "combating deep-seated patriarchal stereotypes of appropriate gender roles for women and men in Ghana remains a critical challenge."
Mr Short was giving an overview of the commission's activities since its inception in 1993 at a press conference to commemorate this year's World Human Rights Day in Accra.
He said the commission was horrified and dismayed by the gruesome murders of women in Ghana over the past months.
" We wish to re-echo our view that this novel and horrific development in the crime scene in Ghana represents a high point in the increasing rate of violence against women in this country."
He said the unpredictable murders put in jeopardy the fundamental rights of women to life, liberty and security of the person, adding the police have up to date not been able to solve any of these gruesome murders.
Mr Short however said the police alone cannot solve these murders without the assistance and co-operation of the general public.
He said the commission would very soon convene a national conference on crime and crime prevention with a special focus on domestic violence against women, child sexual and physical abuse and sexual assault to bring these activities to the barest minimum.
Mr Short commended the government for pursuing a vigorous policy of ensuring greater gender equality in the Ghanaian society.
Mr Short said one of the key inspirations for the independence struggles in Ghana, which lead to the attainment of political independence in March 1957, was the fundamental conviction of the justness of the right to self determination and national sovereignty.
Notwithstanding this primary belief in human rights, Ghana's political history since independence has been marred with repressive laws promulgated under a variety of civilian and military regimes.
This, he said, had served to put a chill on civil and political rights in "our country for a long time".
Mr Short said with the return of the country to constitutional democracy under the Fourth Republican Constitution, where the protection of the basic rights and freedoms of the people were enshrined, significant gains in the human rights field have been achieved.
He said several independent democratic institutions such as CHRAJ, National Commission on Children, National Council of Women and Development and the Electoral Commission has been established to ensure the enforcement of these rights.
On the enhancement of free speech, the Commissioner expressed regret that there continue to be in existence criminal libel and sedition laws despite the increase in radio stations and publishing companies.
Mr Short said such laws must quickly be repealed as they represent a chill on the freedom of expression.
He also called on Parliament to rectify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
''Parliament also needs to consider ratification of the more recent Convention on the establishment of the International Criminal Court''.
Mr Short said to fight for the growth and consolidation of the democratic order, it requires that ''we demonstrate statesmanship in our political discourse, avoid political extremism, show greater political, ethnic and religious tolerance and also learn to appreciate the strengths and virtues of those who differ from us.
''It will also require that Ghanaians find a way of healing the wounds of the past even as we chart a new course of harmony in the next millennium''.
Thirteen students from Primary, Junior and Senior Secondary Schools were given certificates and cash prizes for winning a competition organised by the CHRAJ and United Nations Information Centre on the theme ''The Need to Respect the Rights of Other Persons''.
The first prize winners received a cheque for 150,000 cedis each, second prize winners, 100,000 cedis each and 50,000 cedis each for those in the third position.
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Regional Ministers issue communiqué on plight of farmers
Sunyani (Brong Ahafo), 11th December b99
Regional Ministers on Friday called on the Ministries of Finance and Food and Agriculture to take immediate steps to alleviate the plight of farmers to forestall their exploitation by private buying companies.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of their four-day conference at Sunyani and read by the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Mr. Donald Adabre.
The Ministers said the good intentions of the government in maintaining the producer price of cocoa, in spite of dwindling world market price, is being undermined by some private licensed buying companies.
These companies have taken advantage of the continuous delay in the payment of farmers through the banks since the opening of this year's cocoa season, to offer ridiculously low prices for the produce.
The communiqué commended the initiative to revamp the agricultural sector and called for the introduction of new tools, gadgets and technology to modernise agriculture.
An efficient marketing system should be evolved to sustain the interest of farmers in the industry.
The Ministers noted that the present high unemployment situation continues to be a headache and pledged their support for the measures being taken to solve the problem and to ensure industrial harmony.
The Regional Ministers stressed the need for the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare and other partners to address all problems associated with the implementation of the Ghana Universal Salary Structure, (GUSS), otherwise known as the Price Waterhouse Report.
They pledged to lend their support to views expressed at the national educational forum, particularly the establishment of the educational trust fund, and public and private sector partnership in funding and provision of facilities.
The Ministers also called for the optimum use of budgetary allocations to the education sector to reduce waste and sustain gains under the education reforms programme.
The communiqué said the policy to promote the patronage of made-in-Ghana goods is laudable; however, the present mode of payment for these goods, purchased by ministries, departments and agencies should be revised to ensure prompt payment.
The government's programme to boost private sector participation in housing delivery is satisfactory, the communiqué said, but called for the enactment of a code of practice and regulations for the estate development industry.
The Ministers urged the Ministry of Works and Housing to act on its policy to sell junior staff quarters and bungalows to sitting tenants and transfer the remaining ones to the various district assemblies.
The next Regional Ministers' Conference is scheduled to take place at Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital in April or May 2000.
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Stakeholders' consultation workshop opens at Sunyani
Sunyani (Brong Ahafo), 11th December 99
A four-day stakeholders' consultation workshop on fiscal decentralisation as part of the Public Financial Management Reform Programme (PUFMARP) began at Sunyani on Friday.
It is aimed at discussing the Fiscal Decentralisation Project Team's findings from the assessment and diagnostic phase, to provide a foundation for the design stage.
About 70-selected District Chief Executives, District Co-ordinating Directors, District Finance Officers and District Planning Officers are attending.
Opening it, Mr. Donald Adabre, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, called on the participants to provide a better programme for a Ghanaian brand of fiscal decentralisation to meet the expectations of the people.
He stated that fiscal decentralisation, which is being undertaken by the government, is a complex political, legal, administrative and financial process that require commitment at all levels.
He, called on all stakeholders to discharge their responsibilities under the decentralisation arrangement to support the building of a more resilient form of democratic governance in the country.
Mr. Adabre said that government has sunk more funds, including donor assistance, to support the decentralisation process, which is looked upon as an outstanding achievement of the government and should not be toyed with.
The Project Manager of PUFMARP, Mr. Joseph Adda, said that the financial management system of the country has been computerised to ensure easy access to information.
He said district financial officers would be trained to use computers to enhance their efficiency in the controlling of finance at the district level.
Mr Adda appealed to all stakeholders to assist the Ministry of Finance to prudently manage the economy to ensure a better living standard for the people.
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Stop teaching Christianity in schools - Afrikania
Accra (Greater Accra) 13 Dec. '99
The Afrikan Renaissance Mission on Saturday, urged the government to stop the "Christian indoctrination of children in all government funded schools".
It said that, "Christianity has totally failed to instil honesty, morality, disciplines, probity and accountability in the Ghanaian society," which have led to moral decadence, indiscipline and high crime wave.
This was contained in a petition to the government through Professor Kofi Awornor, a Presidential Staffer, at the national convention of the Mission in Accra.
The petition said teachers must stop forcing children to learn and say Christian prayers because it makes them wayward and pre-disposed to crime and immorality.
It asked government to introduce the teaching and learning of African traditional religion as a separate discipline.
The petition said imposing Christianity on children in school discriminates against traditional religion, which does not augur well for freedom of worship.
It called on government to pay reparation to all shrines vandalised during and after colonialism and that traditional priests must be accorded the same recognition it gives to other priests.
"Government must make funds available to the appropriate divine priests and divine priestesses to regroup, re-site or rehabilitate sacred groves and or forests, which were destroyed or desecrated during and after colonial rule in any part of Ghana", the petition added.
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Social Welfare advocates Association of Parents of Physically Disabled
Jachie (Ashanti Region) 13 Dec. '99
Mr Stephen T. Adongo, Ashanti Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare has called for the formation of Association of Parents of the Physically Disabled.
He said such an association would ensure the proper development and survival of the children and people with disabilities.
Mr Adongo was opening the three-day 11th National Delegates Conference of the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled at Jachie in the Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma District.
The Regional Director urged members to ensure that the association became self-reliant instead of relying solely on the government.
The executive should also work to address the problems of non-members and to initiate income-generating ventures to raise funds to finance its programmes.
Mr Charles Appiagyei, National President, appealed to corporate bodies, institutions and individuals to help fund the Association as their social responsibility and to get tax rebate.
Baffour Kwaku Amoateng III, Jachiehene, commended the executive for retaining their post saying it is an indication of good work done.
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Remove practice that dehumanise others - Afrikan Mission told
Accra (Greater Accra) 13 Dec. '99
Professor Kofi Awornor, Presidential Staffer on Saturday, urged members of the Afrikan Renaissance Mission to remove practices or rituals that dehumanises others, particularly women and children.
He said "our gods do not condone operations of any kind, nor was any shrine built on oppressing others prosper".
Prof. Awornor was addressing the national convention of Afrikanians at the Independence Square in Accra on the theme "uniting the shrines to uplift humanity for the next millennium".
He said our religions are built on morality and that we are the people of moral and ethical uprightness.
"We are the people of communal living and fellow feeling and we are the race that open our hearts and homes to others only to be abused and enslaved".
He said it was because of this virtue that we became oppressed and dehumanised as Africans and became the only race without voice.
Nana Akuoko Sarpong, Chairman of the National Commission on Culture (NCC), in a speech read for him said the government supports the development of herbal medicine.
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True Christians should not fear AIDS scare - Minister
Accra (Greater Accra) 13 Dec. '99
The Reverend E. K. Amegbletor, Youth Co-ordinator of the West Volta Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church, Ghana, has said that the AIDS scare should not be a problem for the Christian.
Preaching the sermon at the Ablenkpe EP Church in Accra to mark the end of the annual Delegates Conference of the Christian Youth Builders, on Sunday, he called on Christians to kick against sins such as unlawful sex and other social vices and to follow the teachings of their faith.
Reverend Amegbletor said Christians should rely and put their problems before God because He is ever ready to sustain, strengthen and heal them.
Mr. Emmanuel Danku, President of CYB urged the youth to help expose evil doers such as murderers and armed robbers to the security agencies.
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Ghanaians advised to join parties based on ideology
Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 13 Dec, '99
Ghanaians have been advised to join political parties not just for the affection they have for certain personalities or the leadership, but on the basis of the ideology of the party.
Mr F. A. Jantuah, education secretary of the Ashanti Region branch of the Convention Party (CP), stressed that "it is only when one believes in what the party stands for in its ideology that a member can go all out to work for victory and success for the party".
He gave the advice when he addressed the first review meeting of the Ashanti region executive committee of the party in Kumasi.
The veteran politician said that unlike the CP, which has an ideology that is geared towards the welfare of the people through state ownership and enterprises, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) seem to virtually have similar ideologies that are capitalist-inclined.
The CP ideology could be the better option to stimulate growth and development of the Ghanaian economy, since the Government will have control over profits from the state enterprises, and will plough them back into the sustenance of the economy, he said.
Mr Jantuah described the government's Vision 2020 document as a "sham", since it would have no meaningful impact on the growth and proper development of the economy.
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Avoid cheating in next century - Rev. Loius
Tema (Greater Accra) 13 Dec. '99
The Reverend Father John Louis of the Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church at Tema, said on Sunday that as the second century comes to an end, Ghanaians must live according to the teachings of Christ Jesus.
Ghanaians must be committed to the society and pray unceasingly for peace and prosperity of the nation as a whole.
Rev. Father Louis was preaching the sermon to inaugurate a new branch of the Catholic Church at Community Eleven in Tema.
He called on Ghanaians to enter the next millennium determined to work for unity and joy and be prepared to avoid cheating while helping one another in time of need.
He asked Ghanaians to do away with all negative attitudes and to enter the 21st century with positive behaviour to ensure peace.
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State-owned Media need assistance - Participants
Accra (Greater Accra) 13 Dec. '99
Participants at a two-day workshop on Political reporting on Saturday, urged the government and donor agencies to support the state owned media through the National Media Commission (NMC) to discharge their duties more effectively.
They noted that the state owned media especially Television must be adequately supported to provide comprehensive coverage of activities of parties.
A statement in Accra signed by Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, Executive Secretary of NMC said that the participants stressed that since the state owned media have a responsibility to provide equal access to all parties, they must be supported.
The workshop was organised by NMC in collaboration with the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) and the Electoral Commission with the support of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
Representatives from the media and political parties attended it.
They stressed the need for the media to provide fair, balanced and objective reports and to ensure access to all the parties.
The participants urged NMC to update its guidelines on political reporting and called on journalists to respect the guidelines and code of ethics of GJA.
Mr David Kanga, Deputy Chairman of EC, stressed the need for objectivity, fairness and balance in media work and commended the participants for recognising the need to respect the ethics of their profession and the guidelines on political reporting.
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Sunyani District Assembly honours Ahwoi
Sunyani (Brong Ahafo) 13 Dec. '99
The Sunyani District Assembly has honoured the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Kwamena Ahwoi, for his pioneering role in the decentralisation process and meritorious services to local government administration.
A citation accompanying it and signed by the District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo stated that Mr Ahwoi's vision and exploits as the sector minister has brought an unprecedented level of development.
"As the architect of PNDC Law 207, which gave birth to the district assembly concept culminating in the establishment of the district assemblies common fund, you have helped in the execution of numerous projects, which have enhanced the people's standard of living".
The Minister was honoured at a special awards reception in his honour at Sunyani on Friday.
The citation said as a result of his innovation and wise guidance, Mr Ahwoi has been the Minister for that sector for 11 years making him the longest serving Minister of the Ministry since its creation in 1959.
It mentioned the establishment of 45 new districts in 1988 and two institutes of local government studies as some of the specific things he has done to improve local government administration.
"The numerous water projects, clinics, classrooms and places of convenience which are scattered all over the country were executed as a result of the efforts of this doyen of local government," it stated.
Mr. Ahwoi was particularly commended for his efforts at reducing rural poverty through the poverty alleviation fund scheme, which has further enhanced the welfare of Ghanaians.
"Your Achievement as a Minister and contribution to local governance have been legendary and attracted international recognition no wonder you received the 1999 United Nation's Habitat Scroll of honour awards last October," it added.
Also honoured by the assembly were the two Deputy Ministers of the Ministry, Mr Francis Korbieh and Mrs Cecilia Johnson.
Mr Nyamekye-Marfo said the Minister and the two deputies deserve the commendation of all Ghanaians for ensuring devolution of power to the grassroots through the district assembly concept.
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Kumasi churches pray for a breakthrough in the economic crisis
Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 13 Dec '99
Mr Samuel Nuamah-Donkor, Ashanti Regional Minister, on Friday called on the Christian
community to pray for divine intervention to salvage the country from its present economic crisis.
He said the nation is in difficult times and needs the prayer of all since "it is only God who can work miracles."
Mr Nuamah-Donkor was speaking at a day of prayer and thanksgiving organised by churches in Kumasi at the Wesley Methodist church, under the theme, "The peace, development and stability of the nation".
"God has a purpose for everyone and it is appropriate that we all trust in Him to solve the nation's problems, for without faith no one can please God."
The Regional Minister recalled the civil strife in Sierra Leone and other African countries and noted that Ghana has been spared such calamities because of the constant prayers of Christians.
He expressed regret, that families and communities have been torn apart over political differences, and said: "we should stand united as a country to be able to move Ghana forward."
"The nation's welfare does not rest on the shoulders of President Rawlings alone; it needs the collective effort of all, since no group of people or party has all the answers to Ghana's problems."
Mr Nuamah-Donkor commended the churches for their unity and co-operation and gave the assurance that there are bright prospects for Ghana.
Rt. Rev Kwaku Asamoah-Okyere, Methodist Bishop of Kumasi, said the idea to hold the day was mooted by the Regional Minister, who appointed a planning committee.
The day is aimed at bringing the churches together to pray for continued peace, stability and economic prosperity in the country, he said.
"Ghana has remained stable because of unity of purpose, and the prayers of churches."
Rev. Asamoah-Okyere expressed the hope that God would shower blessings on the nation for a breakthrough in the current economic crisis.
Dr Ebenezer Appiah-Denkyira, Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, expressed concern about the spread of AIDS and buruli ulcer, but hoped that every effort would be made to save the situation.
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We will not spare armed robbers and serial killers - Rawlings
Accra (Greater Accra) 13 Dec. '99
President Jerry John Rawlings on Saturday declared total war on armed robbers and serial killers of women in the country.
These couldn't continue, he said, adding that he would not hesitate to sign any sentence passed on perpetrators of such nefarious and gruesome acts.
President Rawlings was speaking at a massive rally of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the Kawokudi Junction in Accra.
He said the battle to flush out armed robbers, murderers and other criminals should not be left in the hands of the police alone, and urged all Ghanaians to assist the Service.
The President said the year 2000 would be a busy one, but gave the assurance that it would not deter the government from spending more time on important national assignments that would help to improve the lives of the people.
"We are not going to spend time on rallies at the expense of the state next year. We will concentrate on development."
President Rawlings said the NDC government has survived because of honesty and accountability, and that the strength of the government is in the truth.
He denounced the use of negative propaganda strategies and media campaigns aimed at soiling the hard won reputation of the country "in the eyes" of the outside world and investors.
President Rawlings said; "the best the opposition can do is NDC's minimum" and advised supporters of the Progressive Alliance to remain vigilant.
He said Ghana is in the process of building a solidified nation state like America. "We will all have to work towards it and I hope it will be Professor Mills or somebody else from the Progressive Alliance to lead the process."
The President cautioned supporters of the NDC and all Ghanaians not to gamble with the process, saying "if we make a mistake of putting the wrong party in power they will turn the clock."
Vice President Prof. Mills said it is only the NDC government that has shown determination to solve the problems of the country.
"NDC has been given the mandate to rule and will have no time to concentrate on useless things."
Prof. Mills said the politics of arrogance, lies and deceit would not help the country and advised NDC supporters not to allow themselves to be deceived by anybody.
He said the government needs peace and unity to accelerate the development of the country.
Mr Kwamena Ahwoi, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development said the provision of good roads and other infrastructural facilities are manifestations of the good works of the government.
Alhaji Huudu Yahaya, General Secretary of the NDC appealed to members and supporters of the NDC not to be complacent but should rather work hard.
He said about 66 executives and members of the Ga South Constituency of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have defected to the NDC.
Nineteen executives and 240 members of the Peoples National Party in Ashaiman Constituency have also joined the NDC.
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Affirmative action to empower women needed - GBA President
Takoradi (Western Region) 13 December '99
The President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Mr. Ebo Quarshie, has called for affirmative action towards the empowerment of women.
In this regard, he suggested that the government, individuals; organisations and corporate bodies must take steps to consciously institute a "Quota system" for women in certain positions.
Mr. Quarshie made the call when he spoke on "Women empowerment in the next millennium", at a seminar organised by the Peoples' Educational Association (PEA) at the Takoradi Workers' College at the weekend.
He asked men to change their attitude of always underrating women and to see them as partners and not as "driver's mate".
Job stereotyping must not be encouraged and banks must treat men and women equally when it comes to the granting of loans.
Mrs Sweetie Sowah, Western Regional Treasurer of GBA, who spoke on the law on wills, said women could also make wills for their husbands.
Married couples should prepare their will to save their children from undue maltreatment by family members.
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Govt has not lost control of economy, President Rawlings
Bawku(Upper Eastern) 13 Dec '99
President Jerry John Rawlings has assured Ghanaians that the government has not in anyway lost control over the economy.
Efforts are being made to manage the temporary dislocation in a manner that would make the nation derive the best out of the situation, the President at the annual "Samanpiid" festival of the chiefs and people of the Kusaug traditional area at Bawku.
In an address read for him by Hajia Fati Seidu, Deputy Upper East Regional Minister,
he said: "What is more important in our present predicament is for all of us to appreciate that the current state of our economy is not the making of government or any individual person but accentuated by exogenous factors which we have no control over."
President Rawlings explained that the global economic order has been unfavourable to most developing countries and that in the case of Ghana "this has been worsened by a further drop in the prices of the country's major foreign exchange earners, cocoa and gold."
He said these problems notwithstanding, the government has not been daunted in anyway from providing quality life for all and sundry.
On the agricultural front, President Rawlings said the Bawku East district alone benefited from 12 out of 44 dams constructed in the region under phase one of the upper East Land Conservation and Smallholder Rehabilitation Project (LACOSREP).
He said in order to consolidate the gains of LACOSREP one, the government has signed a 11.5 million-dollar loan agreement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to implement the second phase of the project (LACOSREP TWO) from 1999 to 2004.
Of 36 additional dams to be built in the Upper East region under LACOSREP two, nine would be sited in the Bawku East district to boost Agricultural production.
President Rawlings said as part of the government's commitment to the development of education, it approved a total of 3.1 billion cedis for the rehabilitation of educational infrastructure and construction of new ones in the region during the year.
Projects targeted included the rehabilitation of a two-storey classroom block and another two-storey dormitory block at Bawku secondary school at a cost of 130 million cedis.
About 110 million cedis would be spent to connect electricity to Bawku Secondary Technical School from the national power grid, he said.
President Rawlings said although it is the avowed commitment of the government to ensure that all children of school-going age receive education through the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) programme, "it has become apparent that the full burden of tertiary education cannot be borne by (the) government alone."
"It is out of this state of affairs that the concept of cost-sharing between (the) government, parents, students and others has been born. The government would not shirk its responsibility in this direction, but it is imperative that you meet us in a way in this endeavour."
He said some parents and students would genuinely find the system of cost-sharing extremely difficult and therefore called on district assemblies to establish educational funds to support needy students.
President Rawlings acknowledged the developmental efforts of the Bawku East district assembly which, as at the end of October this year, mobilised 384.8 million cedis from local revenue sources to support development projects.
He commended the people for the relative peace and stability which the district has enjoyed in the past decade and urged them to work relentlessly towards the sustenance of this atmosphere of tranquillity.
"let us all in unison harness our diversities into formidable strengths for the development of our district and the nation at large."
The Bawku Naaba, Asigri Abugrago Azoka the second, expressed his people's appreciation to the government for coming to their aid during the armyworm and flood disasters.
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Awoonor calls for religious tolerance
Sekondi (Western Region) 13 Dec. '99
Professor Kofi Awoonor, Presidential Aide, has called for religious tolerance particularly among Christians.
He said the universe is the domain of all God's children and that "in Christ there is nothing like north, south, east or west".
Professor Awoonor made the call at the 70th anniversary celebration of the Sekondi-Takoradi District branch of the Evangelical Presbyterian (E. P.) Church at Sekondi on
Sunday.
He said Christianity must accept that God's mercy is available to all his children whether they are Jews, Hindus, Moslems or African Traditionalists and must enjoy God's infinite love, which spreads its wings over all people wherever they are.
He deplored the attitude of some churches, particularly some charismatic church leaders, who "presume that they alone possess God's grace or comprehend God's will".
Professor Awoonor said that these "leaders condemn every other faith, speak in contemptuous tone of all others and proclaim themselves to be holy, pure and the elect of God".
He pointed out that evangelism that brings people to Christ remains a legitimate part of the Christian mission, "but when it is done from a position of social superiority and spiritual arrogance, it will not find favour in the eyes of God".
Professor Awoonor expressed regret that some churches are plagued with division, quarrels, horrible manifestation of greed and maligning one another, dragging one another to court and accusations and counter accusations.
He observed that there are acts of oppression in the churches, especially against women, adding that the church is becoming instrument of power in the hands of the rich.
Professor Awoonor, therefore, advised church leaders to learn the humble ways of the early founders of the church: "we expect to hear humble words, words of love, compassion and understanding from the mouth of the bishops, and all the exalted presidents and moderators of the Christian orthodox churches".
"Many of the statements and pastoral letters from these exalted princes of the church sound arrogant, pompous and without charity", he added.
Mrs. Esther Lily Nkansah, Western Regional Minister, urged the main-line churches to develop new initiatives that would attract the youth, win, teach and establish them firmly in the body of Christ.
The moderator of the E.P. Church, Right Reverend J. Y. Ledo advised Ghanaians, particularly Christians not to embark on any expensive Christmas celebrations that would land them in debts.
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Police caution public against criminal activities.
Accra (Greater Accra) 13 Dec '99
Mr Cephas Kwashivie Agbelie, Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, on Monday assured the public of the police's readiness to bust criminal activities this Yuletide.
He said the activities of tricksters (azaa people), pick pockets and porters popularly known as "Kaya Yoo" have been understudied and measures have been taken to nip their activities in the bud.
Mr Agbelie said as Christmas approaches and the city filled with shoppers, criminals take advantage of such situations to reap " an undeserved harvest.
"These criminals use dubious means to rob innocent victims of their moneys and goods".
For instance, some of them create unnecessary quarrels and squabbles to draw the attention of passers-by who end up being robbed."
Mr Agbelie advised the public especially rural folks who come to the city during such seasons not to get carried away by such tricks.
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CEPS officers urged to intensify revenue collection efforts
Ho (Volta Region) 13 Dec. '99
Mr Nii Okine Adjei, Commissioner of Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) has urged its personnel to work towards effective revenue collection, accounting and transparent service delivery to facilitate trade and investment in the country.
He said the ability of the service to collect its mandatory 50 per cent of total government revenue must never be in doubt because ''our inability to achieve this will go a long way to dislocate government projections and the economy at large''.
This was contained in a speech read for him by Mr Edward Noi, Deputy Commissioner of CEPS in charge of operation at this year's CEPS Volta Regional Awards Ceremony.
Mr Adjei said some vital operational areas of the Service would be reviewed.
These are risk management, profiling, selectivity, CEPS Management Law (PNDCL 330) and post clearance audit.
Mr I. Opoku-Ntiamoah, Volta Regional Sector Commander of the Service said the challenges the service will face in the new millennium will be to ensure that procedures and processes do not impede international trade.
Honuta Border post was adjudged the best overall station in the region for exceeding its revenue target of 130 million cedis in 1998 by six million cedis.
It is about to realise its 1999 target of 148.6 million cedis by collecting 130.2 million cedis as at the end of October.
Tinjase was adjudged the most improved station for increasing its revenue collection from 500,000 cedis in 1988 to 6.67 million cedis as at the end of October.
Mr Billey Kwame Anartey, Assistant Collector at Ho won the Senior Officers' Award while Mr Robert T. K. Asiamah of Nyive station won the Junior Officers' Award they were special prizes.
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