Farmers protest against non-payment for cocoa "purchased"
Tomato farmers appeal for check on tomato imports
New Times Corporation announces changes in Management
NDC pours scorn on NPP's claim
Women urged to speak out against abuse of their rights
Lets take stock of the past, NPP members urged
Telecom companies owe million in regulation fees
Assist CEPS to stop smuggling of cooking oil - Nketiah
Live above parochial interests, Rawlings tells assemblymen
Akuapem water system to be rehabilitated
Emmanuel Presby celebrates 25th anniversary
Government will not reduce producer cocoa price - Atta-Mills
No government can satisfy needs of electorate - Ohene Kena
Two drivers in Police custody over barber's death
GNAT makes suggestions on Vice-President (succession) bill
Farmers protest against non-payment for cocoa "purchased"
Agona Swedru (Central Region) 20 Dec. '99
Some cocoa farmers in the Central Region besieged the offices of the Cocoa Board, in Agona Swedru, to protest against non-payment for cocoa 'purchased' since the buying season began.
They threatened to go on demonstration unless arrangements are made to pay them immediately.
The farmers gave the warning during the launching of the sale of Produce Buying Company shares at Agona Swedru, by the Financial Controller of the Company, Mr Paul Owusu.
The spokesman of the farmers, Nana Kofi Agyekum, Chief Farmer of Agona Nsabah Traditional Area, said if the company does not pay them, they would prevent it from evacuating the cocoa, which it has bought.
"Christmas is just around the corner and our children are putting pressure on us to buy them dresses and other items. How can we buy the PBC shares when we have not been paid?"
Nana Agyekum, who is also the Omanhene of the Nsabah Traditional Area, said private companies are cheating by paying lower than the approved price.
Farmers would lose confidence in the government if nothing were done about the situation, he said.
It was announced that a 350 million dollar-loan had been secured to purchase cocoa at the opening of the buying season but it appears that the money cannot be traced, the Chief Farmer said.
He commended the government for the concern it had shown for farmers over the years and urged it to step in to save them from their present predicament.
Investigations by the farmers have established that money released to the banks to pay them was not enough and that has been the cause of the problem.
Mr Owusu appealed to the farmers to exercise restraint while efforts are being made by the company to find money to pay them.
He said the share offer is an opportunity for the farmers and PBC staff to own a valuable asset and urged them to patronise it.
Mr Daniel Awumey, Regional Manager of PBC asked the management to endeavour to supply more cocoa sacks.
All efforts to get purchasing clerks to state their side of the story proved futile, since none of them was present because it was alleged that the farmers had earlier threatened to attack them.
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Tomato farmers appeal for check on tomato imports
Azimsum (Upper East) 20 Dec. '99
Dry season farmers at Azimsum, a farming community near Bolgatanga, have appealed to the Kassena-Nankana and Bolgatanga district assemblies to institute effective measures to deter tomato traders from buying the commodity from Burkina Faso.
They have suggested that the two district assemblies could liase with personnel of the customs, excise and preventive service (CEPS), and advocate for high import duties on tomatoes being brought into the country from Burkina Faso.
A spokesman Mr Nsoh Asoglaah, made the appeal on behalf of the farmers in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Azimsum.
He said information made available to the farmers in the area is that the tomato buyers, who are mainly from Accra, have decided to purchase the produce from Burkina Faso this year.
"If the importation of tomatoes into the country is not checked, farmers engaged in irrigation farming cannot realise the benefits of their toil and investment."
Mr Asoglaah argued that tomatoes sell cheaper in Burkina Faso because the farmers are given agro-chemicals and other farm inputs free or sold to them at heavily-subsidised prices.
The deputy Minister appealed to the government to subsidise the cost of farm inputs to boost dry-season farming.
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New Times Corporation announces changes in Management
Accra (Greater Accra) 20 Dec. '99
The Board of Directors of New Times Corporation on Friday announced changes in management with Bob Bentil and Gayheart Mensah acting as Editors of 'Ghanaian Times' and 'Evening News' respectively.
The changes take effect from Monday, Third January 2000.
A Statement signed by Mr Torgbor Mensah, Chairman of the Board, said following the expiration on 31 December 1999, of the contract of Mr. O.K. Bonsi as Acting General Manager, the Board has given approval for one of its members to hold temporary responsibility as General Manager pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Executive.
The statement said in line with the approved new organisational structure of the Corporation, the following transfers are approved:
Mr. S.Y. Ocquaye, Head of Marketing, now becomes Head of Technical, Ms. Jane Turkson, Head of Administration, moves over to become Head of Marketing, and Mr. J.F.K. Acolatse, Head of Training, moves up to be Head of Administration.
It said to offer staff a period of mandatory rest after a considerable period of hard work, approval has been given to a planned programme of leave for all staff.
Consequently, at the level of Management, the following are the first batch to proceed on their outstanding leave:
Mr Tom Dorkenoo, Editor, Ghanaian Times, Mrs. Elizabeth Nunoo, Group Editorial Manager, Mr. J.K. Peprah-Ameyaw, Chief Accountant, Mr. Francis Assuah, Editor, Evening News, Mr W.O. Adzomani, Transport Manager, and Mr Eric Quarshie, Deputy Commercial Printing Manager.
Mr Owusu Sarpong, Editor, 'The Spectator', who is already taking his 1999 leave, is to continue and exhaust his outstanding leave.
It announced that in the light of the impending outstanding leave by the first batch of management staff, the following list of relievers is approved:
Mr Robert Bentil, Deputy Editor, is to act as Editor, 'Ghanaian Times', Mr Awudu Ali, Deputy Group Editorial Manager, is to take over as Acting Group Editorial Manager.
It said Mr. S.N. Kweitsu, Financial Accountant, is to act as Chief Accountant, Mr Abi George, Deputy Editor, already acting as Editor, 'The Spectator' and Mr Gayheart Edem Mensah (Deputy Editor) is to act as Editor, 'Evening News'.
Mr Francis Amankwaah, Assistant Manager, Productions, acts as Deputy Commercial/Printing Manager, and Mr Isaac N. Tackie takes over as Acting Transport Manager.
The Board expressed its appreciation to the outgoing Acting General Manager, Mr. Bonsi, for his contribution during his contract appointment, the Local Union and Senior Staff Association executives for their leadership, understanding and co-operation and the staff for their new sense of duty and good work.
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NDC pours scorn on NPP's claim
Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 20 Dec '99
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has denied peddling falsehood in respect of delayed in the payment for cocoa purchases.
This was contained in a statement issued in Kumasi and signed by Mr Philip Edward Kwabena Antwi, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, in reaction to an earlier one by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), last Thursday.
The NPP had alleged that the NDC's propaganda machinery has been peddling falsehood in cocoa growing communities that Mr J. A. Kufuor, NPP's flag bearer, is the cause of the delays in the payment for cocoa bought from farmers.
The NPP statement, signed by its Ashanti Regional Secretary, Mr Yaw Agyei Britwum, accused the NDC of spreading rumours that Mr Kufuor has refused to sign his portion of a cheque for 45 million pounds sterling given by Queen Elizabeth of England to pay for cocoa purchases.
The NDC statement noted, "this was yet another manifestation of the NPP's penchant for politics of lies, mischief and deception" and a desperate ploy to lower the public image of the NDC.
It pointed out that "Mr Kufuor, like all other presidential aspirants of the Minority parties, is only struggling for political power" and that it was unthinkable that the "NDC, the ruling party, would project, associate or invest him with such undue authority".
The statement maintained the party's firm and unwavering commitment to always remain open, honest and sincere to the masses and asked the people to ignore what it described as the "baseless and child's joke of the NPP".
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Women urged to speak out against abuse of their rights
Koforidua (Eastern Region) 20 Dec. '99
Women have been called upon to exercise their constitutional and legal rights by boldly speaking out against violations of such rights.
The vice-president of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ghana, Mrs Ernestina Hagan, gave the advice when speaking on "violence against women" at a one-day mobile clinic organised by the federation at Koforidua.
The clinic formed part of the nation-wide crusade embarked upon by the federation to educate and sensitise the public on violence against women, laws on marriage, children's rights, the Wills Act and the Intestate Succession Law.
Mrs Hagan referred to provisions in the constitution, the scriptures and the criminal code, which demand that women enjoy equal fundamental rights and freedoms with men.
She condemned all forms of discriminatory and dehumanising treatment against women on customary, religious or social grounds, saying that the time had come for society to stop the abuses and the culture of silence under which women suffer.
Speaking on laws on marriage, Ms Emelia Adjepong, mentioned the various forms of marriage in the country and emphasised the need for the registration of all marriages to protect the interest of both spouses and the children.
The New Juaben Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Emmanuel Adu Boateng, who presided, commended FIDA for its efforts to promote gender equality and called for a change in customs and practices that discriminate against women.
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Lets take stock of the past, NPP members urged
Accra (Greater Accra) 20 Dec. '99
The Greater Accra branch of the new patriotic Party (NPP) has held its 6th annual regional delegates congress and Elected officers to run the affairs of the party for the next three years.
Mr Dan Botwe, general secretary of the party, in his opening address said it was time to take stock of what the party has achieved over the years, "to assess whether we are ready to take political power from the NDC or not."
He entreated the branch chairmen to act as leaders and managers of their Constituencies and take the organisation of polling units serious, "since Elections are won or lost at the polling stations."
"You can not shout for success nor create it. One has to work for it through good strategies, comprehensive programmes and be focussed."
In a keenly contested election Mr Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey was retained Unopposed as the regional chairman, while the positions of 1st and 2nd vice Chairpersons were won by Colonel Addae Duah (rtd) and Madam Mina Fosu respectively.
Nii Ayite Boafo was retained as secretary and Laud Commey, assistant Secretary, while Mr Kwasi Atta was elected treasurer.
Mariama Kerley Amui, shrugged off a gallant challenge by Vivian Adoley Gershon to retain her position as women's organiser, whilst Albert Afaglo was elected the youth organiser.
Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey appealed to members of the party to relegate personal interests to the background and avoid petty squabbles and factionalism, which he said would affect the performance of the party.
"Ghanaians are looking up to the NPP for salvation, we can not fail them this time round."
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Telecom companies owe million in regulation fees
Dodowa (Eastern Region) 20 Dec. '99
Ghana Telecommunication Company (Ghana Telecom) and the three mobile phone service providers in the country have not honoured their regulatory fees to the National Communications Authority (NCA).
The service providers are Mobitel, Celltel and Scancom, operators of Spacefon.
While Ghana Telecom and Celltel have made part payment, Mobitel and Scancom have not made any payment for 1997 and 1998.
Mr John K. Gyimah, acting Director General of the National Communications Authority said this at a forum for telecommunications operators at Dodowa.
He did not mention the amount owed by the companies but it is believed that they run into several millions of cedis.
The forum was organised by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Communications to identify problems of the telecommunication operators and evolve strategies to resolve them.
Representatives from Ghana Telecom, Western Telesystems (Westel), Scancom Ghana, Mobitel, Capital Telecom, officials from the Ministry of Communications, members of the Committee and other related organisations attended.
There was no representative from Celltel.
Mr Gyimah regretted that co-operation and competitiveness among the service providers have not been encouraging.
He said Chief Executives of the companies are unable to sit at the same desk to agree on issues while directives from NCA to advance healthy competition among them are ignored.
Mr. Gyimah described the "mal-practices akin to anti-competitive behaviour" and said they are retarding progress at the expense of customers.
Mr Gyimah said protracted negotiations on agreements, delay in the provision of interconnection trunks, inadequate infrastructure facilities, local and international congestion, the slow pace of expansion and improvement in telecommunication facilities have become grave concern to customers.
Mr Divine Kpetigo, Western Regional Head of Ghana Telecom urged NCA to ensure sanity in the sector.
He said Ghana Telecom has invested a lot and has plans to expand its operations.
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Assist CEPS to stop smuggling of cooking oil - Nketiah
Kwae (Eastern Region) 20 Dec. '99
Communities living along the country's borders have been urged to assist the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) to stop the smuggling of cooking oil into the country.
Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, a Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, who was addressing this year's "Farmers and Staff Day" durbar of the Ghana Oil Palm
Development Company (GOPDC) Limited at Kwae in the Birim North district, said local companies are facing stiff competition from smuggled cooking oil.
He said, "the ministry being aware of the unfair stiff competition faced by cooking oil made in Ghana on our local markets from smuggled brands from the neighbouring countries, was determined to deal drastically with the problem".
"The Custom, Excise and Preventive Service, district assemblies and traditional authorities along the country's frontiers should institute measures to stop this economic sabotage".
Mr Nketiah spoke about the collapse of prices of agricultural commodities such as cocoa and palm oil, on the world market, which had greatly affected the economy of the country.
Thirty-five farmers including 11 women and six workers were honoured for their outstanding performance.
The overall best farmer award went to Madam Joyce Nyakyeraa, 50 of Adwafo. She was presented with a power tiller valued at 12 million cedis, two pairs of Wellington boots and four pieces of cutlasses.
Mr Edward Addo of the Corporate Affairs Department won the best worker award. He received a certificate and a sound system.
The Managing Director of the Company, Mr Jean Michel Rousscau said, 153,000 seedlings were raised this year and distributed to 539 farmers for planting on 1,070 hectares at a total cost of one billion cedis.
He said the total planted area under the farmers' scheme is 12,888 hectares in addition to GOPDC's 16,452 hectares.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr Pierra Vandebeeck said, the Company, which started the oil palm out-growers scheme in 1979 with five farmers, now has 400 smallholder farmers with over 1,400 hectares, and 6,000 out-growers,
with over 11,000 hectares oil palm plantation.
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Live above parochial interests, Rawlings tells assemblymen
Sandema, (Upper East) 20 Dec. '99
President Jerry John Rawlings has called on district assemblies to live above parochial interests and act together for the good of their people.
He observed that selfishness and petty internal squabbles have crept into the fabric of the assemblies, and cautioned that if this is not checked, it would impede the nation's forward march in development.
The President's speech was read for him by Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, Upper East Regional Minister, at the annual "Feok" festival of the chiefs and people of the Builsa traditional area in Sandema at the weekend.
President Rawlings said it is a major concern of the government, since the days of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), to close the gap between the rural and urban areas, through the provision of essential amenities.
He said about three-quarters of the country's population live in the rural areas, where the bulk of the nation's wealth is also produced.
It was against this background that the district assembly concept was evolved to provide a platform for the acceleration of development in the rural areas, the President said.
He commended the district assemblies and their lower structures for proving versatile to the tasks and challenges that have confronted them over the years.
"The provision of school infrastructure, clinics, markets and roads by the various district assemblies within their catchment areas is an eloquent testimony of their role in nation-building."
On education, the President gave the assurance that the central government and the district assemblies would continue to provide the necessary infrastructure and operational logistics.
He called on all stakeholders, especially chiefs and parents, to co-operate to ensure the success of the free compulsory universal basic education programme.
President Rawlings urged parents and guardians in the Builsa district, which has the lowest school enrolment rate in the region, to show more concern for their children's education.
The President expressed his sympathy to the chiefs and people of the area, who were hit by cholera and floods during the rainy season, and paid tribute to organisations and individuals who gave assistance to the people.
Sandema-Nab Ayieta Azantilow, paramount chief of the Builsa traditional area, in a welcoming address, commended the government for the sustained effort in providing the people with basic social infrastructure, and for its rapid response to the needs of disaster victims in the area.
Nab Azantilow, however, appealed to the government to assist the people to find a permanent solution to the devastating effects of floods, through the provision of building materials and technical support in the designing of durable houses.
The Feok festival, which features the Builsa war dance prominently, is both a thanksgiving and commemorative traditional festival, dating back to the early 19th century, when the people were said to have defeated the notorious slave raiders, Babatuy and Samosi.
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Akuapem water system to be rehabilitated
Accra (Greater Accra) 20 Dec. '99
The government has secured a 10 million- dollar Spanish loan to rehabilitate the Akuapem water system, Mr. Alex Boadu Akuffo, Deputy Minister of Works and Housing, said at a fund-raising dinner dance organised by the Akuapem Akwantufo Nkabom Kou (AANK) made up of Akuapems resident in Accra.
It was to raise funds for the Nana Addo Dankwa Education Fund for school dropouts and young farmers in the Akuapem area.
Mr. Akuffo said proposal for the disbursement of the loan is to be placed before Cabinet this week adding that after parliamentary approval work would start early next year.
"This project would bring a lasting solution to the water problem from Aprede to Brekusu in the Akuapem districts," he said.
Efforts are being made to secure funding to complete the rehabilitation of roads from Accra to the Akuapem area.
He said the water and road projects when completed would attract people to put residential accommodation in the area to help decongest Accra.
The Deputy Minister asked the district assemblies in the area to enforce building codes strictly.
Mr. Akuffo expressed concern about chieftaincy disputes in the area and appealed to the chiefs to resolve their differences amicably "if we want to attract investors and developers into the area".
He praised the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches for choosing Akropong and Larteh for their universities.
Mr. Enoch Atiemo Budu, Chairman of AANK, called on Akuapems living outside to "return home and support the development in the area".
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Emmanuel Presby celebrates 25th anniversary
Accra (Greater Accra) 20 Dec. '99
The Speaker of Parliament, Justice Daniel F. Annan, has called on churches and society to collaborate with the government to train the youth to become responsible leaders in future.
He expressed concern about the upsurge of child neglect cases with its attendant problem of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases especially AIDS.
Justice Annan was speaking on Sunday at a church service to climax activities marking the 25th anniversary of the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church at Dansoman in Accra.
Justice Daniel F. Annan urged Reverend Ministers should use the pulpit against unethical behaviour in society without fear adding that, "the cross we bear as Christians is hatred. We suffer when we continuously speak the truth."
Churches should be "workshops for dissemination of information on spiritual, social and national issues" and not a place for social gathering, merry making and the collection of dues.
He said parliament was ready to deliberate on memoranda, petitions and other information that would result in proper legislation.
"If the church assumes her rightful role in the body politic of the nation, Christians would be open to a good sense of direction and knowledge of the stark realities of life".
Justice Annan asked Christians to critically examine themselves and to correct their mistakes and said, "invite the Lord to continue to direct our path as we move into the next millennium".
The Rt. Rev Dr Sam Prempeh, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, said the church is going to launch a five Billion-Cedi Developmental Fund to help reduce the number of times collections are taken during church service.
He asked Christians to go all out to "witness the good things the Lord has done" for them to win more souls for Christ.
Other activities, which marked the celebration, were a musical concert, drama, photo exhibition and games.
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Government will not reduce producer cocoa price - Atta-Mills
Akim Achiase (Eastern Region) 20 Dec. '99
The Vice President, Professor John Evans Atta-Mills, has assured cocoa farmers that the government would not reduce the producer price of cocoa inspite of the slump on the world market.
This is to ensure that the standard of living of farmers is not unduly eroded.
These were contained in an address read on his behalf by a member of council of state, Nana Krotwiamansa Agyei-Ampofo, at a durbar of the chiefs and people of Akim-Achiase on Saturday to climax their Ahontan festival.
It coincided with the 50th anniversary of the enstoolment of the Akim-Achiasehene, Osabarima Darku Frimpong II.
The Vice President said a list of communities along high tension electricity lines including Akim-Achiase junction has been compiled for consideration to connect them to the national grid.
He appealed to the chiefs to educate their people on the importance of the population census to be conducted in March, next year.
The exercise is not meant to tax people but rather to facilitate effective economic planning.
Nana Agyei-Ampofo appealed to the National House of Chiefs to address the practice whereby people announce their desire to contest stools when they become vacant by offering drinks and money to Kingmakers.
He said this has now become "a dignified form of bribery and corruption," which is the main course of litigation over the enstoolment of chiefs.
The Deputy Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Alex Akuffo said efforts are being made to solve the periodic water shortage in the area.
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No government can satisfy needs of electorate - Ohene Kena
Koforidua (Eastern Region) 18 Dec '99
A leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has stressed that no government could ever satisfy the needs of the electorate in one or two terms in office.
Mr Fred Ohene-Kena, a former Minister of Energy and Mines, said the best that any government could do was to prioritise the needs of the electorate and match them in relation with available resources in order to solve the most pressing needs gradually.
He was addressing the last quarterly meeting of the executive committee of the Eastern Regional branch of the NDC at Koforidua on Thursday.
Mr Ohene-Kena called on party functionaries to explain NDC's policies to the electorate to ensure that "the party re-captures all the parliamentary seats lost in the region during the 1996 elections".
Mr Alex Akuffo, a Deputy Minister of Works and Housing, pledged the government's commitment to complete all on-going projects next year.
He said the government had already started payment for work done by contractors, noting that even if the government is not able to pay every contractor immediately it would do so later.
Mr Mike Acheampong, a Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, called on party functionaries in constituencies where the party lost the parliamentary seats in the 1996 elections to select marketable candidates for the 2000 elections.
Miss Patience Adow, Eastern Regional Minister, called for early nomination of parliamentary candidates for the constituencies lost in the 1996 elections to enable them to start campaigning.
Mr J.W. Agyekum, the Eastern Regional Secretary, urged the functionaries to be guided by honesty and the interest of the party in the selection of parliamentary candidates for the 2000 elections.
He called on the constituency executive to resolve all inter-party conflicts before the end of the year.
Mr Agyekum stressed the need for discipline within the party and warned that functionaries who would bring the name of the party into disrupt would be dealt with drastically.
He asked the constituency executives to come out with programmes that would keep the wards and branch members busy in the 2000 electioneering campaign.
In a welcoming address, Mr Kofi Saforo, the Eastern Regional chairman, called for unity and teamwork among the members in their efforts to win the next parliamentary and presidential elections.
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Two drivers in Police custody over barber's death
Mampong (Ashanti Region) 18 Dec '99
Two taxi drivers, Francis Kwaku, 19 and Kwadwo Tetteh, 27, are in Police custody over the death of a 75-year-old barber, Mr Kwabena Nketia.
Kwaku and Tetteh in a statement, admitted to causing harm to human life and conspiracy to hide information.
The Police told the GNA that the deceased, Mr Nketia was returning to Mampong on foot after attending a funeral at Krobo when a taxi being driven by Kwaku, from Ejura to Mampong knocked him.
The Police said Kwaku, who had one passenger in his car, stopped to pick the eceased but could not as another taxi driven by Tetteh ran over the deceased.
They then left the deceased at the roadside and conspired to conceal the incident from the Police with the consent of the passenger.
The Police upon a tip-off visited the scene and found the body, which was naked.
Upon further information, the Police picked Kwaku from his hideout and he mentioned Tetteh as his accomplice.
The deceased has since been buried.
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GNAT makes suggestions on Vice-President (succession) bill
Accra (Greater Accra) 18 Dec. '99
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) on Friday expressed concern about the vice-president (succession bill) saying at least two-thirds approval should be obtained in a vote.
"Our concern here is to get at least two-thirds approval for President's nominee and not a simple majority to the high office of the Vice President."
Mr Joseph Ankomah, regional chairman of Western region branch of GNAT, made
these statements at a press conference in Accra to throw more light on the bill
currently before parliament on appointment and removal of the Vice-President.
He said GNAT recommends clause 2(2) which states that "if the Vice-President conducts himself in a manner likely to or in such a manner as to bring him into direct conflict with the President, he shall be deemed to have resigned his office," should be expunged from the bill.
"Generally, we concede that it is most desirable that the Vice-President who is jointly elected by the citizenry is loyal to the President and belongs to the same political party and will pursue the same manifesto with him.
"Alliances and coalition in multi-party democracy aside, it is inconceivable that the president and his vice-president would pursue different agenda whilst they operate the same presidency."
GNAT said it concedes that conflicts may arise but this should be objectively ascertained and not simply on the shims of the President who may invoke the principle of conflict or misconduct as grounds to get rid of his vice-president.
On the appointment of District Chief Executives (DCEs), Mr Ankomah said GNAT is of the view that the existing law should stand.
"Amending the clause to require a simple majority would not necessarily ensure stability in district administration."
Mr Ankomah noted that a presiding member with two-thirds majority approval is more likely to command respect of a significant number of assembly members and exercise control over them than one with a simple majority.
He said the existing law on the election of the presiding members of district assemblies should stand since, in their view, it would facilitate effective deliberations and decision-making in the assemblies.
On the issue of mandatory retirement age of public servants, Mr Ankomah said the proposal if "a fairly good idea" if Parliament would prescribe a mandatory retirement age below 60 years and not below 50 years for officers in any public service.
"We however state that the decision whether or not to go on mandatory retirement at the age of 50 years should be left with the individual organisations so that parliament does not give a caveat in the matter."
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