We will repeal obnoxious
laws - Akufo Addo
Women's Association urges Ministry alleviate poverty among women
Amnesty to be granted to over
1,000 prisoners
Police
losing confidence in informants – Duku
Seven
vie for B/A Council of State seat
Minister criticises lack of
co-ordination in projects
Edumadze promises good
working environment for development
GBC reporter among
finalists of CNN competition
Do not misuse state funds-
Fobih
Deadline for hand over of
weapons expires
Fourteen people file
nomination for Council of State Elections
President commended on
reconciliation moves
20 million dollars required
for provision of water in Volta Region
Veep calls for technical assistance in rice industry
NPP government committed to
eliminating water-borne diseases – Bartels
CEPS sets committee to
study corruption
We will repeal obnoxious
laws - Akufo Addo
Accra (Greater Accra) 20 February 2001
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Justice, on Monday reiterated government's determination to remove from the statute books all obnoxious laws.
The necessary legislation on such laws would soon be put before Parliament for consideration, he said during a courtesy call on him by members of the National Executive Committee of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) at his office in Accra.
The minister said this would not only help deepen the country's democratic institutions, but also ensure that institutions on the Rule of Law and Human Rights, are respected.
Nana Akufo-Addo assured members of the GBA of a qualitative improvement in the Judiciary and the administration of justice to promote an efficient legal system.
The AG said proposals would soon be submitted to the Chief Justice on the re-establishment of juvenile courts so that that juvenile cases are not dealt with by the tribunals and other lower courts.
Nana Akufo-Addo expressed concern about the land tenure system and said the time has now come for his ministry to take a "radical look" at the system to streamline land acquisition and ensure its proper use.
Mr. Ebow Quashie, President of GBA said proposals would soon be submitted to Parliament to review the Legal Reform Act so that its recalcitrant members can be disciplined or sanctioned.
He expressed the hope that the Minister will abide by his promise to ensure that all laws that impinge on the fundamental human rights of Ghanaians are repealed.
Among those present at the meeting was Mr Osafo Sampong, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
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Women's Association urges
Ministry alleviate poverty among women
Ngleshie Amanfro (Greater Accra) 20 February 2001
Mrs. Gladys Asmah, Minister of Women's Affairs, has been urged to make the alleviation of poverty among rural women a priority if the new ministry is to make an impact.
Madam Grace Azinga, Secretary of the Ngleshie Amanfro Market Women's Association, told the GNA on Monday that since the majority of women live in poor conditions in rural areas, special efforts must be made to help them improve their standard of living and that of their families.
She appealed to the Minister to investigate and ensure that work on a market complex at Ngleshie Amanfro in the Ga District, which was abandoned at an advanced stage, is reactivated to save scarce resources and to enable women in the area to undertake income-generating ventures.
Madam Azinga said the project involving the construction of sheds, stores, a Day-care centre, lorry park and sanitary facilities, among other things, initiated by the District Assembly in 1995 is now at the "mercy of the weather, thieves, criminals, reptiles and rodents".
Five sheds were completed, four of which were roofed, while sanitary facilities and other amenities were provided.
She said that "immediately the fuel service centre component was completed and privatised, the project was stopped".
The Secretary said when members of the association, who were made to pay a committal fee of 50,000 cedis each per shed started using the front of the complex, a directive signed by the District Chief Executive, Mr. Jerry Akwei Thompson, ordered them to "close the makeshift market".
Madam Azinga said the DCE explained that he did not want to undermine his counterpart without elaborating.
She said the project, when reactivated, would enable women in the area to engage in income-generating ventures to support their families while the district assembly would also be able to generate more revenue.
Mr Edward Aryee, assemblyman, who declined to comment on the issue, said the project, when reactivated, would promote economic activity in the area.
He said no reason was given for abandoning the project but felt it was part of efforts to stop the complex from rivaling the Kasoa Market, which is only one-and-a-half kilometres away and in another region.
The assemblyman appealed to the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, to ensure that district assemblies complete projects abandoned in communities to promote the trust of the people in government.
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Accra (Greater Accra)
20 February 2001
The British Secretary
of State for International Development, Right Honourable Clare Short, arrived
in Accra on Monday, for a four-day official visit.
Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom,
Minister of Economic Planning and Regional Integration and the British High
Commissioner, Mr Rod Pollen, met her on arrival.
Rt. Hon. Short told
newsmen on arrival that the UK has been watching with keen interest, Ghana's
progress and the recent elections and was impressed with the orderly change of
government.
She said the UK is
ready to assist the new government in its economic programme.
Rt. Hon. Short said
Ghana's immediate economic difficulties are of concern to her government and
expressed the hope that her discussions with government officials could lead to
an agreeable programme of support.
The secretary of State
and the Ghana government will review the current macro-economic and social
issues as well as discuss and plan towards poverty eradication and its impact,
and assess the UK's help to the country.
During her visit Ms
Short will hold discussions with President Kufuor and various ministers,
businessmen and civil society.
She will also deliver a
speech at the Accra International Conference Centre on "Making
Globalisation Work for the Poor," and visit Tarkwa District in the Western
Region.
Dr Nduom said Ghana
appreciates the UK's interest and support and expressed the hope that a
conclusion which would be beneficial to Ghana would be reached, adding that his
economic management team is looking forward to fruitful discussions with her.
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Amnesty to be granted to
over 1,000 prisoners
Accra (Greater Accra) 20 February 2001
More than 1,000 prisoners will soon be granted amnesty, Alhaji Malik Alhassan Yakubu, Minister of the Interior, said in Accra on Monday.
Alhaji Yakubu who said this in reaction to concerns raised by members of the National Executive Committee of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) when they paid a courtesy call to congratulate him on his appointment, said additionally, about 300 others will have their sentences reduced.
These gestures, he said, are aimed at de-congesting the prisons.
The Minister, a lawyer by profession, urged GBA to be more pro-active, and assured it of his administration's support in its endeavours to improve the Judiciary. "We won't do anything to bring the GBA into disrepute," he said.
Alhaji Yakubu reminded the association of its crucial role in ensuring good governance by offering useful suggestions on legal and other pertinent issues in the form of drafts to Parliament for consideration.
"We can only tap the expertise of members of the GBA and we can only work to your satisfaction when you are forthcoming."
Alhaji Yakubu assured the GBA that constructive criticisms of government policies and programmes are always welcome.
Alhaji Yakubu acknowledged concerns expressed by the GBA about the plight of the Police Service and said it is his vision to transform the service into one that "we shall all be proud of".
He said the police would be supplied with logistics and be put into action to stem the tide of the crime wave, especially armed robbery and the murder of women.
The Minister said not only do the activities of land guards infringe on the rights of others, but sometimes they result in injuries and death of innocent people.
While indicating his ministry's determination to study the root causes of the problem, Alhaji Yakubu urged the police to co-operate with the traditional authorities to help find a lasting solution to it.
Mr. Ebow Quashie, President of GBA assured the minister of the association's desire to co-operate with the government to ensure that the rule of law thrives.
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Police
losing confidence in informants – Duku
Abirem (Ashanti Region)
20 February 2001
Mr Ampofo Duku, Deputy
Superintendent of Police (DSP) in charge of Mamponteng District said at the
weekend that the police are losing confidence in informants because many of
them act as "double agents."
He said the police can
no longer rely on most informants because if they do not receive any reward for
tip-offs, they turn around to hint suspects of intended police action.
"When this
happens, suspects escape before police arrive at the scene to arrest them, thus
making the whole exercise a fiasco."
DSP Duku made the
observation during the inauguration of neighbourhood watch committees at Abirem
and Nwamase in the Kwabre District of Ashanti.
He said the police
administration is encouraging the formation of such committees in the
communities to assist in the arrest of criminals.
The District Police
Commander reminded the people that the work of these committees is voluntary
and advised those who intend to seek personal gains through their membership to
quit, since the punishment for such action could be grievious.
Chief Inspector John
Kobina Otoo advised members of the committees not to molest suspects before
handing them over to the police.
They should also ensure
that they provide police with concrete evidence against them including vital
witnesses and exhibits that the police could rely upon to prosecute.
Nana Yaw Opoku, chief
of Abirem, pledged his support for the watch committees, and cautioned them to
be dedicated and honest.
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Seven
vie for B/A Council of State seat
Sunyani (Brong Ahafo)
20 February 2001
Seven personalities
with profound credentials in the fields of science, public service, agriculture
and religion, have filed their nominations to contest the Brong Ahafo regional
slot for membership of the Council of State.
They include a
Professor of Science, a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, two Paramount
Chiefs, a former National Best Farmer, an Evangelist and a retired
Educationist.
The Regional Director
of the Electoral Commission (EC) Mr. Amadu Sulley told the Ghana News Agency at
Sunyani on Monday.
He said the contestants
include 66-year-old Prof. David Yeboah-Amankwaa, physicist and an allumini of
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the U.S. and a former
Lecturer at the University of Papua New Guinea.
The two Paramount
Chiefs are Kukuomhene, Osahene Kwaku Aterkyi II, 63, and Nkoranzahene,
Okatakyie Agyeman-Kudom IV.
Completing the list are
Mr. Thomas Ahima, a former national best farmer, Mr. Michael Adusah, retired
Assistant Commissioner and former Paymaster General of the Ghana Police
Service, Mr. Kwaku Oduro, a 51 year old evangelist and a retired educationist,
whose name was not immediately available.
Mr. Sulley said the
region's Electoral College of 26 members, made up of two representatives each
from the 13 District Assemblies would meet on February 27, to elect one of the
contestants.
The Regional Director
said to qualify to contest the election, one should be a registered voter, who
should have stayed in the region for five years over the past 10 years.
"A proposer, a
seconder and 20 other registered voters and citizens of the region should also
have endorsed the nomination."
Mr. Sulley said by law,
contestants are not allowed to vote, but would be given the opportunity to
address the college before voting begins.
"A notice of the
poll will also be pasted at vantage points detailing the pictures and background
of all the contestants to give the public and members of the college a fair
idea about their credentials."
Of the 25 people who
make the Council of State, the President directly appoints 11, 10 are elected
from the regions, with the remaining four being a former IGP, a former Army
Commander, a former Chief Justice and the President of the National House of
Chiefs.
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Minister criticises lack
of co-ordination in projects
Accra, (Greater Accra) 20 February 2001
Mr Kwamena Bartels, Minister of Works and Housing, on Monday criticised the lack of co-ordination between the Korle lagoon dredging project and the Odaw channel project saying, "the two projects might have technical problems if the necessary link up is not taken up immediately."
The Minister, who was on a familiarisation tour of on going projects under his Ministry said the two projects are technically different, lack design link up and have different concrete sizes.
"We cannot afford to halt the Korle Lagoon project in the middle to consider the co-ordination of the two projects since it will cost the country a lot of money. The further we delay, the more it will cost us," Mr Bartels said.
As an immediate step, Mr Bartels said his Ministry and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, which is implementing the Odaw project, must convene a meeting to discuss a possible link up.
Dredging of the Korle Lagoon began last year after donors considered withdrawing funding for the project, which had been on the drawing board for many years.
It is under the name, "Korle Lagoon Ecological Restoration Project" and is being
undertaken by Dredging International of Belgium and the Gulf Dredging and
General Contracting Company of Kuwait.
It will officially take three years to complete but, if it is delayed for any reason including bad weather, the cost might increase by 20 per cent of total project cost, which is 64 million dollars.
The project was to cost Ghana and donors, 39 million dollars after feasibility studies. Detailed design cost now stands at 54 million dollars but this is expected to increase to 64 million dollars to make up for the construction of a 1.5 kilometre out-fall for the disposal of industrial and domestic effluent.
Construction of the out-fall is estimated at 19.97 million dollars.
Mr Bartels however, expressed concern over the high cost of the out-fall and requested for the provision of detailed design and breakdown of cost from the contractors.
Mr Dave Morgan, Project Consultant, took the Minister round to inspect work done so far.
The Minister expressed satisfaction with the work, which is about 80 per cent into the first phase.
The first phase involves dredging and landscaping of the lagoon. The second phase involves civil works on construction of pipelines and pumps while the third phase would deal with the outflow into the sea.
There had been concerns by environmentalists on the lack of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) before the start of the project but a donor representative who was with the Minister's entourage said provisional EIA is now ready.
Other aspects of the EIA will be done alongside the project itself to ensure
early completion.
On the issue of the squatters at Sodom and Gomorra, near the Lagoon, Mr Bartels said his Ministry would impress on the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to step up efforts to resettle them.
Mr Morgan refuted allegations that dredging of the lagoon had brought about an increase in mosquito infestation saying, "there is no way mosquitoes can settle on salt water."
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Edumadze promises good
working environment for development
Cape Coast (Central Region) 20 February 2001
Mr Isaac Edumadze, Central Regional Minister, on Monday stressed the determination of his administration to give a free hand to all professionals working in the region to operate
to enable them to give of their best.
Mr Edumadze, told his maiden meeting with heads of the various government departments and district co-ordinating directors, however warned that he would not tolerate activities, which sabotage the objectives of the government.
He told the meeting that, as technocrats, the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) will rely on their ultimate support and co-operation in achieving its developmental objectives, and urged them to be loyal and dedicated in the discharge of their duties.
The minister referred to an earlier call he made for a probe into the activities of district assemblies in the region and pointed out that it is not a call for a witch-hunt but to bring wrongdoers to book.
"We cannot allow people who deliberately mess up the economy to go free. There is the need for accountability in the region," he emphasised.
The minister reiterated the determination of the government to operate an open door policy and announced his intention to adopt a "down-up" approach in administering affairs in the region by consulting and collating the views of people and identifiable bodies.
Edumadze Development 2 Cape Coast Mr Edumadze assured the heads and
co-ordinating directors of the RCC's preparedness to give them the necessary support.
On the development and promotion of basic education, particularly in rural communities, the regional minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, announced that he intends to set up an educational fund in that area to raise about 100 million cedis annually to cater for the education of needy children.
He expressed the hope that similar funds would be set up in other districts.
The head of the Intermediate Technology Transfer Unit (ITTU) in Cape Coast, Mr George Twumasi, called on the RCC to encourage the youth to patronise institutions that promote small-scale entrepreneurship to facilitate employment generation.
The Regional Co-ordinating Director, Mr Ahmed Bin-Salih, assured the minister of the readiness of all heads of departments to support him in realising the developmental objectives of the region.
He urged his colleagues to regard the minister's statement that they would be given a free hand to operate as a challenge for them to deliver the goods.
Other issues raised at the meeting centred on health delivery, environmental protection, agricultural development and education.
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GBC reporter among
finalists of CNN competition
Accra (Greater Accra) 20 February 2001
Mr Manfred Yao Ashiboe-Mensah of Radio Ghana, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, has been chosen among 13 finalists of Cable News Network (CNN) African Journalist of the Year competition.
The competition, now in its sixth year, is held in partnership with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and sponsored by a number of top pan- African companies.
The other finalists are from South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda. The competition received 1,955 entries from 18 African Nations. Last year, 1,150 entries were received.
Dr Doyinsola Abiola, Chairperson of the Independent judging panel, announced this in a release issued in Accra on Monday by American On-line (AOL) Time Warner Company, operators of CNN.
Announcing the finalists, Dr Abiola commented: "It was very rewarding to see such a dramatic rise in the number of entries, and to see new entries from nations such as DRC and Namibia."
She said: "With the two new categories of arts and culture and E-Commerce/Internet having been added, and an increase in entries and entrants, the competition is growing in strength, recognition and qualities."
The CNN African journalist of the year competition is open to African professional journalists/technicians including African freelancers working on the continent for media organisations that are African-owned or principally based in the region or publish in Africa.
The winner will be announced in Johannesburg, South Africa, on March 29.
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Do not misuse state funds-
Fobih
Accra (Greater Accra) 20 February 2001
Professor Dominic Kweku Fobih, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, on Monday told heads of agencies under the ministry that he will hold them personally responsible for any lapses associated with the misuse of state funds in their outfits.
At a meeting with the heads of agencies in Accra, Prof. Fobih asked them to ensure that whatever resources come to them are used for the purposes for which they were allocated.
He said there are reports of staff in some institutions taking on assignments, which normally should have been referred to the institutions.
"We do not want a private enterprise to exist within government agencies," he said.
"We should be seen as performing functions for the government or the state instead of individuals," he added.
"All that I want is that people be more open about what they do and also ensure that the institutions which employed them derive the maximum benefits from their services."
Prof. Fobih urged the agencies to evolve a consultancy scheme, which will make it possible for staff as well as the institutions to benefit.
Those present at the meeting were heads of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and Town and Country Planning Department.
Others were GRATIS, Capacity 21 programme and the Rural Integrated project.
Prof. Fobih said the government will like to see pragmatic and achievable development programmes by all the agencies to ensure that they generate part of their income to support whatever comes from government.
He said due to the poor conditions of service, some agencies have become "training grounds for other richly-endowed institutions."
"Government is concerned about the condition of service in the public service in general and would like to deal with this in a comprehensive manner rather than on an ad hoc basis." Prof. Fobih said.
He urged the heads to advise their staff to exercise patience while government studies the total economic situation and comes out with the appropriate solution.
The Minister praised GRATIS for generating about 50 per cent of its operating costs from its own activities under the commercialisation programme.
He said he has been informed that GRATIS would be self-supporting in the next three years.
The Minister said it has come to the notice of the ministry that the tenure of the governing councils of some agencies such as the CSIR, GAEC and EPA had lapsed, yet they are still holding meetings and taking decisions that are binding on these institutions.
Prof. Fobih directed all such councils to cease their operations pending the appointment of new bodies, saying internal committees can still operate so long as the decisions they take have no policy or financial implications for Government.
The Executive Secretary of the GAEC, Professor John H. Amuasi, on behalf of the agencies welcomed the meeting with the minister and took the opportunity to express dissatisfaction about the poor budgetary allocation to some of the agencies.
He said last year the GEAC, for instance, received nothing from government for its operation.
"Even if we have to commercialise, we need seed money to start with," he said.
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Deadline for hand over of
weapons expires
Accra (Greater Accra) 20 February 2001
The deadline for the handing over of weapons by persons holding them illegally expired on Monday, registering very poor response.
However the Police Administration explained that this might be so because the exercise was essentially aimed at persons in the possession of unlicensed weapons only.
"It is to be noted that weapons which are covered by properly issued legal permits are not included in the category of weapons that are to be surrendered in the retrieval exercise," a police statement said.
The Minister of the Interior issued a two- week ultimatum to people in possession of unregistered weapons or face arrest in the wake of an upsurge in violent crimes, especially armed robbery.
The government said it would embark on an operation to retrieve the weapons when the moratorium ends.
A statement issued by the Police Public Relations directorate on Monday reiterated that "...no action whatsoever will be taken against any person who surrenders any weapons to the Ghana Police Service or the Ghana Armed Forces within the specified two week moratorium."
"It is to be noted that weapons which are covered by properly issued legal permits are not included in the category of weapons that are to be surrendered in the retrieval exercise."
Meanwhile, a volunteer on Monday afternoon surrendered an unlicensed Browning pistol to the police Striking Force unit in Accra.
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Fourteen people file
nomination for Council of State Elections
Koforidua (Eastern Region) 20 February 2001
By the close of nomination last Thursday, 14 people had filed their nominations for election to represent the Eastern Region on the Council of State with the Regional Secretariat of the Electoral Commission.
Prominent among those who filed their nomination included Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa, Okuapehene and President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs; Mr Fred Asante, a former Presiding Member of East Akim District Assembly and immediate past Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP); and Mr. Malone Mac Stephen Yao Boateng, a Panel Member of the Koforidua Community Tribunal and former Regional Chairman of the NPP.
No woman filed a nomination among the 14 contestants among whom was Mr. Ibrahim Nurudeen Mohammed, a 41-year-old teacher of Suhum, the youngest candidate; with Mr. Boateng, 75, as the oldest candidate.
According to Mr Paul Boateng, Deputy Eastern Regional Electoral Officer, 20 people collected the nomination forms but only 14 of them returned them by the close of nomination.
He said one of the nominees is expected to be elected by an electoral college formed by two representatives each from the 15 district assemblies in the Region on February 27 at Koforidua.
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President commended on
reconciliation moves
Koforidua (Eastern Region) 20 February 2001
A private legal practitioner has commended President John Agyekum Kufuor on his decision to establish a national reconciliation body to investigate the wrong-doings of past governments with a view to reconciling the nation.
Nana Addo-Aikins, who is an advocate of national reconciliation and national government, suggested that an independent body other than the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and others, which have limited jurisdiction, must undertake the investigations.
In a statement issued at Koforidua on Monday, Nana Addo-Aikins said such a body should address issues such as inter-party rivalry, ethnic and religious conflicts, and psycho-mental and physical torture suffered by victims of dictatorship and misrule since
independence.
He suggested that membership of such a body must include chiefs, lawyers, victims of torture, political parties, intellectuals and experts.
He also urged the Kufuor administration to consider establishing commissions for constitutional and policy reviews to make the policy of positive change feasible.
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20 million dollars
required for provision of water in Volta Region
Ho (Volta Region) 20 February 2001
The Volta Region requires at least 20 million dollars to enable it to provide water to all rural communities, Mr. Kwasi Owusu-Yeboa, Volta Regional Minister announced at the weekend and appealed to donors to assist the region to achieve its expectations for the rural communities.
Opening a five-day annual sector review conference of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency at Ho, Mr. Owusu-Yeboa said the Volta Region Community Water and Sanitation Programme (VRCWSP), with assistance from the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), had so far provided 1,121 boreholes fitted with hand-pumps in 1,008 communities in the region.
He said, the number represents only 43 per cent coverage of rural communities in the region, which is in dire need of potable water.
Mr Owusu-Yeboah therefore commended the donor agencies for their "sustained interest and deep commitment exhibited in the water and sanitation sector over the years".
He acknowledged the "commendable role played by district assemblies in national development efforts in the past" and said the government intends to consolidate the opportunities for creativity and innovation among local level institutions and organisations.
"I would like to assure you that district assemblies will get even stronger voice and greater support from our government," he added.
The Minister also cautioned that the achievements in the Water and Sanitation sub-sector would be meaningless unless they are understood by the people and anchored in their institutions for long-term management.
He therefore charged organisers of the conference to give the country a model to make investments in the country worthwhile.
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Poku condemns extortion by
police
Accra (Greater Accra) 20 February 2001
Mr. Ernest Owusu Poku, Acting Inspector-General of Police on Monday condemned acts of indiscipline by some junior officers who engage in "shameless" extortion at police stations, barriers, check points and highways.
He warned that the police service has no place for such people and urged personnel to uphold virtues of civility, honesty and respect for authority.
A statement signed by Mr. David Eklu, Assistant Superintendent of Police, said the Acting IGP said this at a meeting in Accra with officers and men of the Police Service from the Greater Accra Region.
Mr. Poku expressed concern about certain negative acts among police personnel and asked senior police officers to step up their supervisory roles as enshrined in the Police Service Act.
He also asked Regional and Divisional Commanders to critically analyse the current trend of upsurge in crime, especially armed robbery and serial killings, and come out with proactive strategies to deal with the situation.
Mr. Opoku said although the police have put in place certain measures to contain the situation, there is the need to involve the public in crime prevention by drawing up plans to strengthen Neighbourhood Watch Schemes.
He assured personnel that government has shown a lot of goodwill in improving the poor facilities in the service and urged them to rededicate themselves to their job.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 20 February 2001
Vice-President Aliu Mahama on Monday called for technical assistance from Japan to revamp the rice industry as part of the policy objectives of government to create national wealth through a vibrant agricultural sector.
He said an improvement of the country's rice production would greatly enhance food production to the enviable level being enjoyed by neighbouring countries like Burkina Faso.
Alhaji Mahama was speaking during a courtesy call on him by the Japanese Ambassador, Mr Hiromu Nitta at the State House.
He praised Japan for including Ghana in the list of six priority countries in Africa for development assistance.
Such a support, he said, should focus on information technology, conflict prevention relief support and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The Vice President spoke about bilateral co-operation, citing the immense assistance Ghana has enjoyed through the Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA).
"JICA is already doing a lot in the road sector. I did some of your stream bridges project when I was a contractor," Alhaji Mahama said.
" I want to see what you can do to get us more grants for new projects," he told the ambassador.
Mr. Nitta congratulated Ghana for organising the last general election in a peaceful manner, saying "it is evidence that democracy has taken root in Ghana."
He said although Japanese assistance to Africa has been reduced to three per cent this year, this change would not affect Ghana.
Mr. Nitta said apart from the economic assistance his country is giving to Ghana the bilateral relations will now extend to trade and cultural co-operation.
He invited President John Agyekum Kufuor to Japan to facilitate these relations.
Mr. Nitta commended President Kufuor for focusing on the growth of the private sector in his sessional address.
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NPP government committed
to eliminating water-borne diseases – Bartels
Ho (Volta Region) 20 February 2001
Mr Kwamena Bartels, Minister of Works and Housing, said on Sunday that the focus of the government in the water sector will be the elimination of guinea worm and Buruli ulcer through the provision of potable water.
"It is the avowed aim of the government to ensure 90 per cent coverage of water delivery. Consequently, every effort would be made within the resources available to ensure that there is an improvement in the status of our rural dwellers."
The minister said this at the opening of the annual sector review conference of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) at Ho under the theme "One year of CWSA Autonomy: Challenges and Opportunities for an Accelerated Transformation of the Sub-sector".
More than 70 participants including stakeholders and donors in the sub-sector are attending the five-day conference.
Mr. Bartels said the government would strengthen the bonds of friendship between Ghana and donor nations and make adequate budgetary provisions to accelerate the provision of water and sanitation facilities in the rural communities.
He called for teamwork and transparency among stakeholders and service providers in realising the objective of eliminating water-borne diseases to justify the investments made towards solving the problem.
He expressed the hope that the meeting would not be another "talk Shop" but an opportunity to strategize and take concrete actions to improve the performance of the water and sanitation sub-sectors.
Mr. Bartels also called on the participants to use the forum as a platform to take a second look at "plans drawn for the past year and also review our approach of doing things, especially in the light of the changes in our country... and the challenges that lie ahead".
Mr. Kofi Asamoah, Chief Executive of the CWSA, in an overview of the agency's performance, said the highlight of the year was the winning of the International Gold Star Award for quality in recognition of the Agency's efficiency and pioneering work in changing the rural landscape of Ghana in the provision of water.
He called for a re-examination of the five per cent community contribution towards capital cost of the project and a policy decision because this is a critical issue facing the agency.
He said there has been an increasing demand for pipe water systems in rural areas with populations of up to 2,500 and above, which has led to falling demand for "point sources".
He therefore appealed to donors and the sector ministry to support the agency with increased investment to enable them to meet the aspirations of the rural communities.
Mr. Asamoah also deplored the refusal of some non-governmental organisations in the sector to conform to standards and guidelines set by the Agency for the delivery of water and sanitation facilities which he said is undermining standards set.
He said the agency would come out with a guideline to enable communities to manage their systems to ensure sustainability.
Mr. Asamoah said in the next five years the agency will focus on attracting more funds into the sector to accelerate the programme, facilitate capacity building and undertake monitoring and evaluation of programme design and development.
Mr. Kwasi Owusu Yeboa, Volta Regional Minister, was pleased that the water sector has "taken the lead in establishing a firm basis for district-based water and sanitation management in Ghana".
"District assemblies, which represent our communities, must increasingly assume responsibility for supporting community initiatives to manage their water supply and sanitation systems better."
The Minister, who was making his maiden address since assuming office last Friday, said the principle of community ownership and management being operated by the CWSA is in line with the government's "insistence on the empowerment of people to determine their development priorities and be accountable for them".
Dr Cecilia Mawusi Amoah, Chairman of the CWSA board, commended the donor community and the private sector for their support and role in the sector and hoped that the partnership would continue to enable the objective of the national community water and sanitation programme to become a reality.
Some of the issues to be tackled by the conference include management options for small town water supply, harmonisation of district capacity building programmes at the district level and hygiene education for effective CWS delivery.
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CEPS sets committee to
study corruption
Accra (Greater Accra) 20 February 2001
The Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) has set up a committee to study the problem of corruption in the service with the view to curbing the canker.
Mr. Sampson Hammond, Acting Commissioner, said on Monday that the initiative is in reaction to the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) report, which puts the Service at the top of corrupt organisations in bribery.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Mr Hammond said the committee is to collate ideas from within and outside the service on the basis of the assertion, look into reasons for corruption, areas of corruption and how it is perpetuated.
It is also to come out with possible ways of averting corruption and launch educational programmes to sensitise officers on the code of conduct for CEPS.
"Management is convinced that the resultant policies to be put in place will go a long way to stem the tide of officers behaving unprofessionally," Mr Hammond said.
"We are about to put in place a code of conduct and work ethics for the guidance of officers."
The Acting Commissioner said the management is fully aware that the service, by its onerous role of collecting, accounting and protecting national revenue, gets into contact with large sections of the society.
CEPS collects more than 50 per cent of Ghana's total revenue.
"With this high profile and visible role, it is obvious that the incidence of bribery and other fraudulent practices become prevalent," Mr Hammond said.
He said the management has studied the report and come to grips with the extent of the problem and noted that studies by consultants have pointed out that serious deficiencies in the operational systems and procedures work to the detriment of revenue and trade facilitation.
Some of the observations state that the current human resource base is not adequately equipped, educated or trained to meet the needs of modern customs organisation.
The service lacks adequate facilities, equipment, vehicles and other resources to meet its commitment effectively.
Mr Hammond said based on these, effective measures such as the introduction of automation, the World Trade organisation Valuation System and the scanning facility at major ports have also been initiated to ensure that the incidence of contacts between staff and importers is minimised.
"Meanwhile, we implore the general public to desist from tempting CEPS staff with indecent offers and must promptly report all officers who abuse their office and demand illegal fees from them," he added.
Mr. Hammond said the alleged 5.2 billion-cedi fraud involving Taj Investment Limited is under investigation and under no circumstance has any member of top management obstructed investigations so far.
Taj, a meat importing company, is being investigated for under-valuing poultry products it imported. This followed protest lodged to a Deputy Commissioner of CEPS by members of the association of meat importers.
The investigation is with special reference to values submitted to the Gateway Services Limited for poultry products.
Mr. Hammond said the suspension of transfer of a senior CEPS official, Mr Boye Quaye is not an attempt to cover-up fraudulent acts but to assist with the investigation.
He explained that recent transfers of senior staff form part of efforts to revamp certain schedules saying, "management will not want to use transfers as punishment or to inconvenience officers."
Mr. Hammond said recent media publications on the alleged fraud and transfers are giving a negative image of the service and asked journalists to crosscheck facts before publishing.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 20 February 2001
The World Bank has pledged to move Ghana's decentralisation programme further and has, therefore, forwarded to the Ministry of Finance a 350,000-dollar decentralisation agreement for endorsement.
Mr Peter Harrold, World Bank Country Director, announced this on Friday when he met with Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.
The Country Director explained that the idea of the decentralisation agreement was to support district assemblies and district development programmes as well as public sector management programmes.
He added that decentralisation will be the theme for the next consultative meeting of the bank.
Mr Baah-Wiredu thanked the World Bank for its assistance to the ministry and expressed the hope that the it would provide further assistance to support the ministry's projects like the Wide Area Network, Computerisation and accommodation for the district assemblies.
He said the government is committed to improving the living standards of the people in the rural areas, especially in the areas of sanitation and provision of all-weather access roads. The government will therefore increase the District Assemblies Common Fund from the current five per cent to seven per cent.
The Minister said government would co-ordinate activities of all Ministries so that there will be no duplication and unjustifiable concentration of projects in one area.
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