Driver, arrested,
car impounded over fuel smuggling
Low agricultural
productivity blamed on insufficient financing
Let's protect consumer interest – Scientist
NDC dissatisfied with smear campaign against
its leading members
Minister directs police, military to meet on
weapons
Workers Unions urge government to address
concerns of workers
Techimanhene and people greet Kufuor
Ashietey urges Ghanaians to take to
aquaculture
Narcotics Board
condemns overuse of controlled drugs
Ghana, transit point for cocaine and heroin
- Narcotics report
Accra (Greater Accra) 22 February 2001
Ghana will lose its credit rating with her international donors if she opts for the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative that restructures poor countries to qualify for debt cancellation under certain stringent economic programmes.
"The country will also lose its insurance cover from all international insurance agencies thereby making it highly difficult for Ghana to borrow from the world private capital market," Nana Kodie Asare II, President of the Private Enterprise Foundation (PEF) said on Wednesday.
He was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra in the wake of mixed external pressures on the government regarding the initiative.
While Japan, a major donor, has expressed its misgivings about Ghana opting for HIPC, the U.K, also a major partner, is encouraging the government to go for it.
President John Agyekum Kufuor said in his maiden Sessional Address to Parliament last Thursday that government would issue a definitive policy statement regarding the Initiative.
He added that whatever decision government comes out with will be in the interest of the nation.
Ghana qualified for HIPC in 1998 after the programme was launched in 1996 but opted out.
Nana Asare said, opting for HIPC would make international financial institutions classify Ghana as being unable to service her debts and would therefore not want to take any more risks with the country.
He said Ghana has never reneged on her financial obligations and should not do so now or anytime in the future.
Nana Asare said Ghana falls in the HIPC region but definitely not in the same category as the other 32 African countries that qualify for the Initiative.
"It is a crucial decision which must be taken upon a very careful and thorough analysis. We have to work out the figures properly and weigh the advantages and disadvantages."
On the other hand, should Ghana opt for HIPC, its worry should not only be the Japanese factor, but also benefits that it offers the nation if she has to lose to the Asian country.
"We stand to lose 50 million dollars from the Japanese in the first year of applying to HIPC while we have 200 million dollars cancelled in a year through debt cancellation for about five years", Nana Asare said.
This will free Ghana of about one billion dollars in five years out of the current external debt of nearly six billion dollars.
He said the Initiative appears very attractive with debt cancellation over a number of years. "But you need to show that you are using the freed resources in alleviating poverty and making the quality of life better for the people."
Nana Asare said he has trust in the President and his economic management team to make a very informed choice.
To revamp the national purse, Nana Asare asked government to be mindful of its expenditure in order to make savings for the nation without necessarily opting for HIPC.
"We have to ensure a prolonged revenue generating capacity to create more wealth for the nation," he added.
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Driver, arrested,
car impounded over fuel smuggling
Kadjebi (Volta Region) 22 February
2001
Police at Kadjebi, in the Volta
Region, on Tuesday impounded an Opel saloon car with a quantity of petrol,
allegedly being smuggled to the Republic of Togo.
Joseph Kutu, Assistant
Superintendent of Police (ASP) in-charge of Kadjebi District told the Ghana
News Agency that Kojo Boakye Asuka, 24, believed to be driver of the vehicle is
helping police in investigations.
He said upon a tip off, a team of
policemen way-laid suspected fuel smugglers near the Ghana Togo border at
Menuso.
ASP Kutu said when the team, led
by Detective Inspector Jacob Kudese ordered the car to stop at Menu- Nkwanta,
the driver sped off and the police fired warning shots.
He said soon after, the police
heard a loud noise and when they rushed to the spot, the car was lying on its side with fuel spilling
from the boot.
ASP Kutu said the occupants of the
vehicle escaped, but on a tip-off, Asuka was arrested while undergoing
treatment at the Northern Sector Charity Hospital at Jasikan, apparently as a
result of the accident.
Mr. Kutu said fuel smuggling is
widespread, mostly among the youth, who buy the fuel in cans and smuggle them
to Togo.
He said investigations shown that
a gallon of smuggled petrol sells between 16,000 and 20,000 cedis in Togo.
Mr. Kutu said police have put in
place measures to arrest the situation and appealed to members of Unit
Committees to assist.
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Low agricultural
productivity blamed on insufficient financing
Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 22
February 2001
Major Courage Quashigah (rtd),
Minister of Food and Agriculture, said on Wednesday that inadequate financing
and undeveloped infrastructure are major drawbacks to efficiency in the
agricultural sector.
He said low productivity could
also be attributed to low-levels of the technological know-how of farmers,
especially those in the rural areas who produce the bulk of the country's food.
Major Quashigah was launching a
16.3 million dollars Food Crops Development Project (FCDP) in Kumasi.
The African Development Bank (ADB)
is contributing 13.6 million dollars, while the remaining 2.07 million dollars
will be provided by the government.
It is aimed at improving the
household food security situation, raise incomes and enhance the nutritional
status of farmers.
The project involves the
cultivation of maize, groundnuts, cowpea and soya-beans in Kete-Krachi and
Nkwanta in the Volta Region, Ejura-Sekyedumasi and Sekyere East in Ashanti,
Nkoranza and Wenchi in Brong-Ahafo and Dagomba and West Gonja in the Northern
Region.
Major Quashigah said with the
establishment of the FCDP Ghana would become a leading agro-based industrial
country by 2010.
The Minister said for the next
five years, the project is expected to yield 6,600 tonnes of maize, 11,700
tonnes of groundnuts and 14,600 tonnes of cowpea yearly from the eight
districts.
He commended the ADB for
supporting small-scale irrigation and cashew projects and expressed the hope
that it would support others such as inland valley rice development and
livestock development.
Mr. S.K. Boafo, Ashanti Regional
Minister expressed concern about some farmers who form themselves into groups
anytime there is a new project to collect loans and refuse to repay.
"This is a very sad
development and I will urge officials of the FCDP to be wary of such
recalcitrant farmers for exclusion and ensure that only poor, needy and honest
farmers benefit."
Mr. Boafo advised officials of the
project to ensure that only "genuine development-oriented non-governmental
organisations responsive to community needs are selected to participate."
The Regional Minister said it is
only through such mechanisms that its success and sustainability could be
guaranteed.
Mr. C.R. Sprencer, Head of the
Agriculture Division of the ADB said to ensure its sustainability, all
stakeholders should be involved in decision-making at every level to make them
as part of the project.
Miss Effie Simpson, Chief Economic
Officer of the Ministry of Finance, called for transparency, proper monitoring
and evaluation and regular auditing, to reflect the use and recovery of loans.
Dr Francis Ofori, Director of Crop
Services, said farm models developed for the project indicate that as a result
of technological improvements to be introduced, the net profit of participating
farmers would increase by about 80 per cent.
Professor Ebenezer Y. Safo, Pro
Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
(KNUST), Kumasi, who presided, asked researchers to make their findings
practically applicable to farmers.
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Let's protect consumer interest – Scientist
Accra (Greater Accra) 22 February 2001
Dr. Emmanuel Lartey, a Scientist, on Wednesday urged the government to institute measures to protect consumer interest in the face of the rapid teething industrialisation process.
"The rate at which young industries are emerging in this country, calls for an official action to protect the consumer from possible shoddy products, health hazards and misleading advertisements," he said.
Dr. Lartey was speaking at the end of the three-day 34th J. B. Danquah memorial lectures, organised by the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS), under the theme; Technology for Development; The case of a Developing Country, Ghana.
He said young industries are likely to have unqualified scientist and personnel whose operations and output are likely to fall short of required standards.
Dr. Lartey said the trade liberalisation policy of the former government has opened up the Ghanaian economy for the importation of many products, a significant portion of which are shoddy and thus exposes the Ghanaian consumer to the dangers that come with them.
He said whilst it is important for developing countries to industrialise and liberalise rapidly to remain competitive in the global economy, there is no justification in limiting consumers in developing countries to "developing" and "underdeveloped" products.
This is because the consequences could be hazardous to the health of the entire nation, adding that there was therefore the need to ensure strict adherence to standards in quality and health requirement in the processing and final products of industrial activities.
Dr. Lartey urged the government to support the Ghana Standard Boards (GSB) to initiate steps to resuscitate the Ghana Consumers' Association (GCA) that was established with GSB sponsorship in February 1969.
"The GCA should then be guided to develop into an active consumer pressure group and work towards the production of a regular publication on the lines of a United Kingdom journal called "WHICH"," he said.
He said the Ghana Standard Boards (GSB) should be revamped to ensure that all stakeholders in the economy, including the GCA, are fairly represented on the board.
"The government must provide financial and moral support to the GSB to make it effective in ensuring quality standards in products and protect the consumers from shoddy industrial products."
Dr. Lartey said there was the need to update national standards documents and ensure their effective enforcement, "if quality standards are to be maintained in this country."
"In that vein, government must encourage industry to opt for patented innovations and technology which have the potential of ensuring the production of goods with the highest quality."
He said ensuring quality standards do not only provide the consumer with choices, but also facilitates competition among producers, enhances marketing processes, eliminates accusations of the producer, improves national production and enhances international trade.
Dr. Lartey called on the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) to offer financial support to the GSB and to the research institutions to provide more innovation for improved productivity.
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NDC dissatisfied with smear campaign
against its leading members
Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 22 February 2001
The Ashanti regional executive of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed dissatisfaction about what it called the "smear campaign" being waged against some leading members of the party in the region.
"We are nauseated and irritated by the vile and vicious campaign to incite public anger and hatred against certain individuals just because they belong to certain associations of the NDC."
This was contained in a press statement issued by the party and signed by Alhaji Awudu Ariff, the regional organiser in Kumasi.
It said that framing up and telling lies about people on the basis of political differences is most dishonourable.
The statement mentioned in particular a rumour currently gaining currency in Kumasi and parts of the region that the NDC regional chairman, Mr Philip Edward Kwabena Antwi, organised "machomen" to cause confusion at voting centres during the last elections.
The party dismissed the rumour as "not only lacking in the truth but wicked and devious".
The statement also distanced the party from all unlawful acts before, during or after the elections.
"We have had enough of this game of dirty politics, insults and vicious personal attacks and should be given the peace of the mind."
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Minister directs police, military to meet
on weapons
Accra (Greater Accra) 22 February 2001
Alhaji Malik Al-hassan Yakubu, Minster of the Interior, on Wednesday directed that the police and the armed forces should meet to work out modalities for the retrieval of unlicensed weapons.
The directive follows the low response to a two-week moratorium to people with unlicensed weapons to surrender them to the authorities for an incentive package, which ended on Monday.
Speaking in a telephone interview with the Ghana News Agency, Alhaji Yakubu said a technical team is expected to submit a report to him on the next line of action on Thursday.
He said specific strategies would be adopted to ensure that the ultimate objective of the order is achieved.
The minister said in former conflict areas like parts of the Northern region where there is an existing ban on possession of guns, the ministry would adopt special retrieval strategies.
Alhaji Yakubu said: "Those people will be reluctant to submit them (weapons), because they just came out of a conflict situation, but we will find a way to deal with it."
On areas like Alavanyo in Volta region, known for gun manufacture, he said an intelligence team will be sent there to ascertain whether the manufacturers are conforming to laid-down regulations on the brands they can manufacture.
He said anyone found not to be conforming to the law would have his licence revoked.
Alhaji Yakubu said the ministry is now collating the number of weapons submitted during the moratorium.
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Workers Unions urge government to address
concerns of workers
Winneba (Central Region) 22 February 2001
Sixty representatives of 10 national workers unions in the Winneba District on Wednesday called on the government to take the necessary steps to address the numerous concerns of workers in the country.
The meeting was organised by the Awutu-Effutu-Senya District Council of Labour to appraise its performance over the past year.
In a resolution, the workers also asked the government to restore the End of Service Benefits (ESB) to workers immediately and unconditionally.
While the workers congratulated the new government on its victory in the recent elections, they also commended the new leadership of the TUC and urged them to pursue good policies that would enhance national development.
The resolution also demanded that the government should take immediate steps to review the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) pension law with the view to improving the lot of pensioners, adding "SSNIT should provide every contributor his or her statement of account every quarter".
It also expressed concern about the spate of serial killings of women and armed robberies in the country and asked the government to tighten the national security network to stem such crimes that make life and property of the citizenry unsafe.
Besides, the workers asked the government to not only increase the logistics supply to the security agencies to enhance their efficiency but to also embark on mass transfers within the police service.
The resolution further called on the minister of education to organise workers' forums at the workers' college to discuss benefits for workers.
They suggested that a branch of the college should be opened at Winneba.
In an address, the district chairman of the council, Nana Bonney advised Ghanaian workers to be loyal to the government and committed to their respective functions to ensure increased productivity and economic progress in the coming years.
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Techimanhene and people greet Kufuor
Techiman (Brong Ahafo) 22 February 2001
The chiefs and people of Techiman Traditional Area have congratulated President John Agyekum Kufuor and Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on their election to the highest offices of the state.
A statement signed by the Omanhene, Osabarima Dotobibi Takyia Ameyaw, on behalf of the traditional council, expressed appreciation to the president for appointing Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, a citizen of the town, as Minister of Education, which they deem a great honour for the district and the region as a whole.
The chiefs and people assured the president of their goodwill, support and prayers throughout his tenure in office, and called on Ghanaians to support Mr. Kufuor in his efforts to revamp the economy.
It added that the traditional area would continue to stand firmly by President Kufuor and his government to implement policies and programmes for the betterment of all Ghanaians.
The statement also commended the Ex-President Jerry John Rawlings for the able manner in which he facilitated the smooth transfer of power saying that it is "a rare and unique development in the turbulent politics of Africa".
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Ashietey urges Ghanaians to take to
aquaculture
Accra (Greater Accra) 22 February 2001
Mr. Ishmael Ashietey, Minister of Agriculture Responsible for Fisheries, on Wednesday called on Ghanaians to take to aquaculture to offset the shortfall in the national fish requirement.
He noted that only 400 out of the 800 metric tons of fish required to feed country was realised last year, and therefore called for immediate measures to arrest the situation.
The minister stressed that the only alternative at the moment to stem the shortfall is to turn to aquaculture or fish farming.
Mr. Ashietey said these at his maiden meeting with directors, heads of sections and personnel of the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Accra.
He said available statistics indicate that "our fish stock in the sea as well as rivers has been depleted due to over-fishing and usage of unapproved nets, which catch both adult and young fishes".
He called for measures to build the depleted fish stock, and charged the Monitoring Control and Surveillance Division (MCSD) of the ministry to put in place effective mechanisms to protect the fish resources of the country.
"It is our primary responsibility to see to it that the protein needs of every Ghanaian are met and we have to work toward that," he added.
He commended canoe fishermen for providing 70 per cent of the country's fish requirements and promised to provide them with the necessary support.
Mr. Ashietey appealed to fishermen to bear with the government in case of an increase in the price of premixed fuel because the economy has got to a stage where all must help.
Mr. Adjei Lomo, Deputy Director of Fisheries in charge of Inland Fishing and Aquaculture, said Ghana has the capacity to make it in the area of aquaculture due to its infrastructure, expertise and conducive environment.
He referred to India, Israel and Jamaica, which export 400 metric tons tilapia species from the Akosombo Volta Lake every year to Europe.
"What we need now is policy review and institutional support to take off," he stated.
Mr. Emmanuel Mensah, Head of Marine Fisheries Management Division, called on the authorities to ban fishing at the estuaries to save the laid eggs and breeding ground for the young ones.
Mr. George Anyane, acting Director of Fisheries, who chaired the function, thanked the minister for his visit, saying the concerns raised would be given a second look.
The minister had earlier held a closed door meeting with the directors and divisional heads of the ministry.
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Narcotics Board
condemns overuse of controlled drugs
Accra Greater Accra 22 February
2001
The widespread over use of controlled
drugs to treat psychological problems caused by social pressures continues to
be of a growing concern, the International Narcotics Control Board said in its
report for 2000.
The report launched in Accra on
Wednesday by the Minister of the Interior, Alhaji Malik Alhassan Yakubu, said
the over consumption of narcotics and psycho-tropic substances is a problem
that governments, health-care professionals, pharmaceutical companies and
consumers need to look critically at.
The report attributed the
over-consumption to easy availability of such drugs in developed countries,
while there is under supply of the much-needed narcotic drugs for medical
purposes in developing countries.
"Sales promotion is often not
addressed to physicians but to the public thus not respecting restrictions on
advertising of internationally controlled drugs," the report said.
"Ethical norms for medical
drug promotion has been developed. However, certain companies tend not to
observe these norms."
The report said the board is
concerned that preference is being given to quick solutions, whereas long-term
negative effects are often disregarded or under-estimated.
"It is alarming that a
considerable amount of the patients suffering from social pressures were
treated with psycho-tropic substances without having been diagnosed for having
a real mental or physical disorder."
The report called on government to
establish effective national and international safeguard mechanisms.
It also proposed an international
consultative mechanism bringing together health experts and communication
technology specialists to deal with the problem.
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Ghana, transit point for cocaine and heroin
- Narcotics report
Accra (Greater Accra) 22 February 2001
The 2000 annual report of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has said Ghana is increasingly being used as a transit point for the smuggling of cocaine and heroin.
The 79-page document launched in Accra on Wednesday by the Minister of the Interior, Alhaji Malik Al-Hassan Yakubu, said this trend is partly the result of improved interdiction efforts in Nigeria.
The report said the abuse of drugs, especially psycho- tropic substances, appears to be on the rise in most African countries.
"The number of women and children abusing drugs is increasing and the age of people turning to drugs for the first time is falling," the report said.
It said in 1999, seizure of cannabis, heroin and psycho-tropic substances increased significantly in Africa, as compared with 1998. The seizures of cocaine, however, declined, it said, but gave no figures.
Alhaji Yakubu said the fact that Ghana has become a major transit point, "is a disturbing trend that should engage the attention of all the security agencies involved in interdiction."
He urged the security agencies and the drug controlling bodies to bear in mind that the cultivators of drugs, the trafficker and the user are constantly finding ways to beat the law by designing new methods in their trades.
"We can, therefore, live up to our responsibility if we regularly review our modus operandi and evaluate results."
Alhaji Yakubu said: "No one should be allowed to benefit from drugs, considering its devastating effects on individuals and society at large." He pledged government's commitment to the fight against drugs saying "we would play our positive part."
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