GRi Press Review 24 - 12 - 2001
The
Clergy’s message to all is “Peace, unity vital
“I won’t let the sub-region down” - Chambas
About 90 per cent epilepsy cases treatable - Doctor Andrew
Adade Committee on Water Co. submits report
Cabinet reshuffle but…
What Joshua Hamidu's "order" means
The
Clergy’s message to all is “Peace, unity vital
Religious
leaders have called for the sustenance of peace, unity and democracy as a major
prerequisite for national development.
In their goodwill
messages to Ghanaians on the occasion of Yuletide, the religious leaders
maintained that the pursuit of lasting peace and unity is imperative,
especially at this time that the leadership of the country is on the threshold
of reconciling her people.
The
religious leaders who spoke during separate interviews were of the opinion that
the essence of Christmas should be to promote peace, love and unity among all
sections of the Ghanaian society for greater prosperity, hard work and improved
standard of living in the New Year.
The
Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt Rev.
Dr Sam Prempeh, said it is unfortunate that many people do not recognise the
true significance of Christmas.
He stressed
that the main significance of celebration of Christmas as its festivities
continue to degenerate into fatal accidents and other tragedies, which mar the
essence of Christmas. He stressed that the main significance of the celebration
of Christmas is man’s reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ and this
gift, he said, should inspire humankind to be at peace with God and mortals.
He urged
churches to continuously preach peace for society to realise that peace should
reflect in their day-to-day activities. Reverend Prempeh, therefore, advised
those who have long-standing conflicts, to be guided by the principle of peace
and reconciliation in their quest for justice.
He also
appealed to the people of Bawku to live in peace with each other, adding that,
“so much destruction has occurred already and as a nation struggling for
survival, we cannot afford to lose so much in human and material resources”.
Reverend
Prempeh called on the government to live up to expectation in order not to give
people the opportunity to be disgruntled and harbour ill-feelings to disturb
the peace and stability existing in the country.
“Expectations
are so high and though people are not expecting miracles, government should be
seen to be initiating steps to keep its promises with a clear sense of dedication
and commitment”.
The
President of the Conference of the Methodist Church, Most Reverend Samuel
Asante-Antwi, on his part said, “as a people, we should use the Christmas
season to forgive each other and look forward for a better future”.
Bishop
Asante-Antwi urged Ghanaians to extend love to people during the Christmas
celebrations and beyond and called on all to eschew hatred and recognise the
fact that God’s gift of Jesus Christ is a manifestation that man can live in
peace and tranquillity.
“Many people
have deep-seated hatred for others,” he said, and noted that, “it is only in
unity that mankind can face the seeming hopelessness in the World”.
Bishop
Asante-Antwi said Ghana is grappling with many problems such as the scourge of
HIV/AIDS, and economic difficulties and pointed out that the best way to
address these issues is to extend greater support to the government in its
developmental process.
Apostle A.
Annor-Yeboah, the acting Chairman of Christ Apostolic Church International, said
the only way the country can move forward is for all to accept the kingship of
Jesus Christ and for leaders to recognise the supremacy of God.
He said
examples abound where countries whose leaders had been God-fearing have
exhibited good governance which, in turn, ensured prosperity and accelerated
development.
More…/
The
newly-elected Executive Secretary of the Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS), Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, has pledged to discharge his new
assignment to the best of his abilities.
He said: “I
will not let Ghana and the sub-region down in the discharge of my duties’.
Speaking at the Kotoka International Airport on his return home after the 25th
Summit of ECOWAS where he was elected, Dr Chambas said, “It is amazing. The
good Lord will guide me I go into this job and not to let Ghana down. I shall
live up to expectation”.
He promised
to draw inspiration from Mr Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General, the late Kenneth
Dadzie, an international diplomat, Dr Robert Gardiner, one time Executive
Secretary of the Economic Commission of Africa (ECA) and other hardworking
personalities, towards the objectives of ECOWAS and development in the
sub-region.
He said
Ghana and the sub-region abound in qualified personalities whose experience
could be tapped to enhance development.
He
expressed gratitude to President J.A. Kufuor, the government and people of
Ghana as well as other ECOWAS Heads of State for supporting, sponsoring and
endorsing his candidature. He said President Kufuor worked tirelessly behind
the scenes to ensure that “I am endorsed. This gives me an idea why my
presidential candidate lost to him (President Kufuor)”.
He said
although the government has not stayed in power for long, the rapport it has
built contributed significantly to his elevation.
Dr Chambas,
who is the NDC MP for Bimbilla in the Northern Region, said the recognition of
Ghana’s role in African stability, and economic integration, among others, is
also a major contributory factor for the victory. He called for collective
efforts and support to ensure the attainment of set goals of ECOWAS.
Dr Chambas
was elected in Dakar, Senegal, last Thursday. He beat his 70-year-old
challenger, Professor Albert Tevoedjre of Benin after the third contestant,
Jeggan of Gambia, stepped down at the last minute in favour of Ghana’s
candidature. He takes over from Lansana Kouyate who did not seek re-election.
GRi…/
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About 90 per cent epilepsy cases treatable - Doctor
Andrew
Dr N.B. Andrew, Chief Neurosurgeon and Vice-President of the Tema International Neuro-centre said 80 per cent to 90 per cent of epilepsy cases are treatable with drugs. He has, therefore, called on patients to seek prompt medical attention.
He urged the public to do away with the misconception that the disease could not be treated, saying that a lot of harm was rather done if the disease was kept for a longer period.
Speaking at the end-of-year get together of the staff of Narh-Bita Hospital at Tema, he said that since January 2000 to date, the hospital had attended to over 2,000 patients at the newly established International Neurocentre using modern equipment.
Twenty per cent out of the patients, he said, were foreigners from India, United States, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Liberia, adding that some of them received free treatment because of their poor financial condition.
Dr Andrew said that over 130 surgical operations were performed on ailments like spinal conditions and brain tumour. He said that plans were advanced to install a computer tonograph scanner used in measuring tension in organs, which would be networked into the operating room for surgery.
The staff commended Dr Edward Narh, Medical Director and owner of the hospital, who periodically offered free treatment to poor patients for his immense contribution to the health sector.
Mrs Samuel Evans Ashong Narh, Tema Municipal Chief Executive, stressed the need for the private sector to adopt measures that would make the various establishments viable and sustainable to ensure the growth of the country.
He said that the Golden Age of Business declared by the government required private sector initiative to be the main driving force of the socio-economic development of the nation.
He said that a lot of work was being carried out to ensure the smooth replacement of the "cash and carry" with a national insurance scheme and urged hospitals to encourage corporate bodies that use their services to initiate insurance schemes for their employees.
The Chief Executive implored health workers to undertake outreach programmes in their various communities to educate the public on the harm of contracting the dreaded HIV/AIDS disease as well as the need to keep healthy environment to prevent the spread of diseases.
More…/
Adade Committee on Water Co. submits report
The Justice Adade Committee which was tasked by the government to look into the alleged misappropriation in the purchase of materials and other activities of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) on Friday, presented its report and recommendations to the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Yaw Barimah in Accra.
Before the presentation, the chairman of the Committee, Justice N.Y.B. Adade said that they were tasked to look into the operations of GWCL and were highly selective in their deliberations. He said they also took into consideration complaints from the staff, which
were brought to their attention.
Justice Adade expressed the hope that the government would find the recommendations useful and thanked the government for the confidence reposed in them.
Mr Barimah said the problem with departments and organizations was not lack of resources but rather a problem of how best resources were used judiciously and effectively.
He praised the former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Kwamena Bartels for his concern on how resources were used.
Mr Barimah said the recommendation would help the company to put their house in order and prepare them for their participation in the private sector in water delivery.
He thanked the committee for their work and said the government would spare no effort to shield or victimize anybody but would be guided by the report in any decision to be taken.
Mr Kwamena Bartels said the report would strengthen the hands of the new Minister, government and the GWCL for the execution of their mandate. He urged GWCL to improve on what happened to prevent its repetition in the near future.
GRi…/
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Cabinet reshuffle but…
President JAK will be making his second reshuffle very soon in January 2002. But this time it will not be sweeping. It will be selective. It will affect one or two ministries so that the impression is not created that President JAK's selection team did not do a thorough and definitive job search before appointing certain people who obviously cannot perform.
Those people who have made their profession by making sure that they are always in the press without doing anything worthy will give way to better qualified people to carry through President JAK's four-year national assignment.
More…/
What Joshua Hamidu's "order" means
What General Joshua Hamidu's childish ban on Ex-President J.J. Rawlings visits to public places and government institutions means is that Flt. Lt. JJ Rawlings can never go to government hospitals and the Sports Stadium without the fiat of General Joshua Hamidu.
In fact the ex-President, the charismatic leader and founder of the NDC will have to get Lt-General Hamidu's permission before he can even visit the markets, ministries and public places. Even the road he drives on including gymnasiums like the Aviation Social Centre, the race course, the airports and indeed all institutions that the government has stakes in without cringing his knees before the security coordinator and ask for his permission before setting his feet there.
This ridiculous order comes after J.J. Rawlings, the horse fanatic, has been banned from going to see his own horses at the Burma Camp. He has also been prevented from visiting all military installations in the country including the Air force Officers Mess, which is opened to all former military officers in the Country. Flt. Lt. J.J. Rawlings qualifies to visit those spots because he is a retired Air Force Officer.
With the Hamidu orders, the Flt Lt. has been deprived even of his pastime and a way to mingle with his friends and socialize. He has been restrained from visiting Akosombo and Akuse. In fact, it is believed that the flying school was closed down because of the morbid fear of ex-president Rawlings.
A sort of putting him under house arrest. If this is the kind of courtesy President JAK is talking about then God help this country. A precedent is being set and what is good for the goose is equally appropriate for the gander. It will happen in the future.
GRi…/
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