Remove
death penalty – CHRAJ urges
Criminal code to be revised
- AG
Police: Serial killing is
an embarrassment to security service
TUC urges government to
plan increases in petrol prices well
Truck plunges into market,
kills four on the spot
Water shortage in Sunyani
disrupting economic, academic activities
Rights NGOs urged to see
media as allies
American Red Cross
delegation pays courtesy call on Mahami
Armed robbers attack two
houses at Sowutuom
Water
rationing cause of shortage - GWCL
Ministry
will pay attention to disadvantaged - Bannerman
Government to develop rental
housing for workers
Jobs are not for government
but the state - Minister
Gang of thugs imposes reign
of terror at Afrancho
Do not let partisan politics
impede development - Ex-DCE
Save Pomadze Poultry
Enterprise from collapse - MD
About 275
million dollars realised from sale of bushmeat
Kufuor says Independence
Day most important on national calendar
Ghana, Nigeria spearhead good
governance
Frequent changing of
ministers in C/R has affected development-chief
Donors to waive levy on
rural water supply
GJA: We're relieved at AG's
decision on journalists' court case
Bushfire destroys seven
hectares of cocoa farms
More than 500 rendered
homeless
Remove
death penalty – CHRAJ urges
Accra (Greater Accra)
23 February 2001
The Commission On Human
Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on Thursday reiterated its stance
against the death penalty and said it should be removed from the statutes
books.
"When we contrast
the theory with the practice, there is no leaning towards the implementation of
death penalty in Ghana," a Deputy Commissioner, of CHRAJ, Mrs Angelina
Mornah Domakyaareh, she told a three-day Southern Zone Workshop organised in
Accra for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) involved in human rights
activities.
She said: "It is
the Commission's belief that the death penalty, whether by hanging, shooting,
lethal injection or electrocution, is savage, barbaric and amounts to torture
(and) cruelty, and inhuman treatment or punishment."
Mrs Domakyaareh who
spoke on the topic: "The Concept of Fundamental Human Rights and
Freedoms" said CHRAJ is against the death penalty in all cases without
reservation, though some may differ especially in view of the recent spate of
armed robberies and serial killings of women.
The Deputy Commissioner
said the 1992 Constitution absolutely and unconditionally prohibits such
treatments.
According to her,
empirical evidence from countries has shown that the main justification for the
death penalty, namely, the deterrent effect, is not achieved by the executions
of persons sentenced to death.
Criminal justice, Mrs
Domakyaareh said, is a human institution and, therefore, there is the
possibility of a mistake whereby an innocent person could be sentenced to death
and executed.
"And if the
mistake is subsequently discovered, how can adequate compensation be provided?
What quantum can you put on life?" she asked.
The Deputy
commissioner, however, noted that though the courts continue to pass the
sentence of death by hanging, no such executions have been made since 1968.
Touching on the three
most topical issues, democracy, human rights and the environment, Mrs Domakyaareh
said though human rights are the most discussed they are the most misunderstood
concept.
This stems from the
fact that CHRAJ continues to receive petitions or complaints that have no
bearing on human rights issues and the work of the commission, she said
and called on NGOs participating in the
workshop to better articulate the values of human rights in the society.
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Criminal code to be
revised - AG
Accra (Greater Accra) 23 February 2001
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said on Thursday that the Criminal Code will soon be revised.
Opening a three-day international workshop on the International Criminal Court (ICC) in Accra, the Attorney General said the revision of the entire criminal code, now 40 years old, "will allow us to repeal some of its outdated provisions".
"Gender sensitivity will be incorporated while problems of increasingly newer forms of criminal activity will be addressed", he said.
Some 25 participants from 16 African countries are attending the conference, which is on the theme: "Domestic Implementation of the Rome Statute on the ICC."
The ICC, is a permanent court that will investigate and bring to justice individuals who commit the most serious violations of international humanitarian law war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
The court can come into being after 60 countries ratify the Rome Statute. So far, 29 countries, including Ghana, have ratified.
The conference is being organised by "No peace without Justice," an NGO, in collaboration with the Ghana Fellowship of Former Members of Parliament (GHAFFOMP) to sensitise other countries to ratify the statute. The European Union and Canada are sponsoring the conference.
The Attorney General said Ghana's legal system would have to be closely monitored to ensure that some of the offences set out in the Rome Statute are handled under acceptable minimum standards of decency and sensitivity.
"In this connection, the handling of cases involving rape, incest and the like would be closely looked at," he said.
Nana Akufo-Addo said the absence of an ICC has been one of the missing links in the international legal systems.
He stressed that the court is not intended to replace national courts, but to work by their sides and only take over when national judicial institutions are either unwilling or unable to act or may have collapsed.
The courts, Nana Akufo-Addo said, are to assist nations to effectively harmonise and implement national laws, and to prosecute criminals who commit atrocities that are specified.
It will also prevent the escape of such criminals to other jurisdictions where the principle of sovereignty would make their prosecution difficult.
The Canadian High Commissioner, Mrs Janet Graham, said the ICC is a central part of Canada's human security policy, and will help to establish a culture of accountability and end impunity.
She said in spite of the international laws against genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, there has been no reliable system to enforce these laws.
"As a result, a few perpetrators have been brought to justice, and this climate of impunity has encouraged others to ignore international laws."
The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey, said the institution of this court would make perpetrators of crimes against humanity "get what they deserve."
Countries participating include, Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Mali.
Others are Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Niger and Guinea.
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Police: Serial killing is
an embarrassment to security service
Accra (Greater Accra) 23 February 2001
Mrs. Jane Donkor, Commissioner of Police in charge of Training and Welfare at the Police Headquarters, on Thursday said the continuing mysterious murders of women, particularly in Accra and other major cities, is an embarrassment to the Police Administration and other security agencies.
"The Police Administration, in collaboration with other security services, has adopted appropriate measures to disentangle itself from the embarrassment that such nation wreckers are causing us." She said.
Mrs. Donkor made the remark during a roundtable discussion held between 17 senior women police officers and the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Gladys Asmah, in Accra.
They were from the Criminal Investigation Department, Fraud Squad, Tema Regional Headquarters, Women and Juvenile Units, Police Hospital, Police Depot, Kaneshie Depot and Tema Court.
The officers suggested that women should adopt extra precautionary measures to avoid falling in the traps of the killers. They must adhere to instructions on safety, including what, where and whom they eat or drink with. They should avoid people who pretend to be strangers and ask for directions.
The Police officers also appealed to organisations and institutions, which run the shift system to consider removing women employees from the night shift.
The Senior Police officers called on the media, Ghana Private Road Transport Union, vehicle owners, hotels and night club operators to help expose the perpetrators.
They called on men to be more protective of their wives, daughters, sisters and mothers.
The officers commended Radio GAR for its public education on safety measures for women and appealed to other FM stations to emulate.
The officers reiterated the call to the public to volunteer information to the police and assured such informants of their safety.
Mrs. Asmah said the government is taking steps to provide the police with logistics to enhance their efficiency and capabilities.
She, however, called for intensification of public education on safety measures by women in the local languages.
Mrs. Asmah also advised women to be wary of fake pastors "who may be wolves in sheep skin".
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TUC urges government to plan increases
in petrol prices well
Accra (Greater Accra) 23 February 2001
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) on Thursday urged the government to be cautious about the proposed increase in fuel prices pointing out that a drastic increase could be devastating.
In a statement on the President's sessional address to Parliament the TUC admitted that the 2.3 trillion cedis debt incurred on petroleum products and the daily six billion cedis debt as a result of subsidy on the product could be devastating.
However, it said, in order to avoid any serious negative socio-economic and political consequences, the increase should be spread over a period.
The statement signed by Mr Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, Secretary-general said: "Furthermore, we urge government to adjust wages and salaries concurrently in order to cushion workers from the effects of the expected inflation that will result from the planned adjustment of petroleum prices."
The TUC asked the President to make a definite financial commitment in the budget to the development of urban mass transport as contained in his address.
This is to ensure that "the already impoverished workers of Ghana who have borne the brunt of the negative impact of structural adjustment policies all these years will not be overburdened with the high prices of fuel".
The TUC expressed regret that the President failed to address the issue of low wages and incomes, especially when so much time and effort was devoted to the need for increases in petroleum prices.
"We are of the view that in a situation where inflation is currently over 40 per cent and higher inflation is expected, the President could have elaborated a bit on how Government is to address this chronic problem in the short to medium term."
The TUC commended the President for the reaffirmation of his government's commitment to the rule of law and to the strengthening of the Executive, Judiciary and Parliament, fairness in its dealings with the citizenry and the distribution of economic opportunities.
The release urged Government to show its commitment to good governance by duly involving all stakeholders in the formulation and implementation of its social and economic policies.
The TUC said it hopes the budget would be a worker-friendly and human-centred one that would begin to address the incidence of poverty.
The statement said it acknowledged the government's concern with regard to the criminal libel law, introduction of a Code of Conduct for members of the executive, support for skill and entrepreneurship development, promotion of modern technology, the private sector and importance of agriculture.
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Truck plunges into market,
kills four on the spot
Tanoso (Brong Ahafo) 23 February 2001
Four people, including an eight-month-old baby girl, died on the spot on Saturday and several others were seriously injured when a Benz truck ran over them at a night market at Tanoso, near Techiman, after colliding with a "207" Benz bus.
Three of the deceased, who were yam sellers at the market, were identified as Patricia Osei Ampofo, 27; Mary Kwakye, 30; and Amma Amankwah, 28. The name of the baby was not immediately known.
The driver of the bus, Ali Jaraah, who was also seriously injured, was first rushed to Techiman Holy Family Hospital but was later transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, where he has since been on admission.
Most of the injured were treated and discharged at the Techiman Hospital.
Briefing the press at Techiman, Mr Emmanuel A. Yendaw, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), in charge of Techiman, said the Benz truck, belonging to J. Adom Limited, a road construction firm and driven by Mr Kofi Amponsah, was returning from Kumasi with workers.
On reaching Tanoso around 9.30 p.m., the two vehicles collided, forcing the truck to veer off the road into the market.
The Techiman police are meanwhile investigating the circumstances that led to the burning of the truck, which was abandoned by the driver after the accident.
According to Mr Amponsah, he decided to abandon the truck for his safety after the accident, but reported the matter to the police at Techiman.
He debunked rumours that the truck got burnt as a result of a mechanical fault after the accident, since the vehicle was diesel-propelled.
The driver explained that he put off the engine and removed the key before rushing to the police station.
Meanwhile, all the dead have since been buried.
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Water shortage in Sunyani
disrupting economic, academic activities
Sunyani (Brong Ahafo) 23 February 2001
The acute water shortage that has hit Sunyani and its environs is disrupting social and economic activities as well as academic work in educational institutions.
A visit to some schools by the GNA revealed that attendance has dropped considerably while actual classroom work starts very late due to the late arrival of students and staff.
Schoolchildren and women wake up at dawn and walk long distances in search of water for household chores.
Although the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has resorted to water rationing and tanker services, many areas do not benefit from the services.
Officials of the GWCL have attributed the problem to the fact that the company has only one tanker to go round.
It has, therefore, appealed to individuals and organisations who have water tankers to release them to it to enhance its emergency water distribution programme.
The water shortage has been attributed to the drying up of River Tano, the main source of water for the people.
The vast drop in water supply at GWCL head works at Abesim and Acherensua is also attributed to human activities, including farming and bush burning at the banks of the River.
Mr. S.T. Amengor, Brong Ahafo Regional Manager of the GWCL, has said that water supply to Sunyani has been cut from the normal 1.6 million gallons to about 533,000 gallons a day.
The situation has compelled some people to resort to the use of unwholesome water from ponds and other unhygienic sources, making the outbreak of water- borne diseases imminent.
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Rights NGOs urged to see
media as allies
Accra (Greater Accra) 23 February 2001
A senior official of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on Friday urged Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on human rights to see the media as a vital resource for propagating their information.
"Knowing how to work with the media is crucial to the success of your programmes and maintenance of a rewarding relationship," Dr Ken Attafuah, Director of Operations and Chief Investigator of CHRAJ, said.
He was addressing participants at a workshop organised by CHRAJ for the
Southern Zone of Ghana on the theme: "Strengthening the Capacity of NGOs in the
Field of Human Rights."
Dr Attafuah told the participants that if the media is used effectively, it could be "a blessed ally" in promoting their human rights activities, adding that the media can be an instrument of empowerment as well as oppression.
Dr Attafuah told the NGOs that they could work effectively with structures already existing within the communities.
Mrs Chris Dadzie, Chief Legal Officer of CHRAJ, called on the NGOs to get acquainted with human rights values, principles and practices to enhance the society's appreciation of the issue.
She said because most human rights NGOs are not conversant with the constitution and human rights laws, they tend to change their focus often, making their existence less beneficial to society.
Mrs Dadzie advised them to be fair and just in their documentation and pronouncements and avoid exaggerations.
About 70 participants from NGOs in the Greater Accra, Volta, Western and
Central Regions attended the workshop.
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American Red Cross
delegation pays courtesy call on Mahami
Bolgatanga (Northern Region) 23 February 2001
A two-member delegation from the American Red Cross Society on Thursday paid a courtesy call on the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Salifu Mahami.
The delegation, made up of Madam Mariam Patton, leader, and Madam Munigue Petrofsky, was at the residency to brief the Regional Minister on a child survival programme launched a year ago by the American Red Cross (AM-Cross) in the region.
The five-year AM-Cross programme is aimed at addressing childhood diseases, including malaria and acute respiratory tract infection, as well as environmental health education.
Madam Patton who said the delegation will be in the region for two weeks expressed satisfaction with the society, Regional Co-ordinating Council and the Ministry of Health.
She said she hopes to mention the good work of the society in Ghana to other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) back in America.
The Regional Minister observed that the Red Cross Society is the oldest NGO in the region that has rendered selfless services to relieve the people of their suffering.
Mr. Mahami assured the delegation that the Red Cross would be made the umbrella of all NGOs in the region.
Mrs. Theresa Nobiya, Ghana Red Cross Health Facilitator, and members of the regional executive committee accompanied the delegation.
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Armed robbers attack two
houses at Sowutuom
Accra (Greater Accra) 23 February 2001
Armed robbers attacked two houses at Sowutuom, in Accra, at dawn on Thursday, the fourth time they have raided the area in a month, and made away with 1.6 million cedis, a mobile phone and jewellery. They also left in their trail the fractured limbs of an old woman and broken doors.
Residents have, therefore, appealed to the police for protection against the robbers.
The gang, which seemed to be the same people that attacked a fortnight ago, used the same modus operandi, a resident told the Ghana News Agency.
The resident said members of the gang repeated the code name "Poupou, Poupou" several times during the assault.
According to the resident the robbers, who arrived at his house around 0100 hours, jumped the wall and fired shots through the windows. They also hit the main entrance door with a big hammer, which they abandoned.
In another house the robbers took away an unspecified amount of money and left behind a live bullet.
One victim said his car was broken into last Saturday at the Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC) when he went to pick his wife from a wedding, suggesting that the gang must have been trailing him.
He said he lost his car tape, an ATM card, a chequebook plus other valuable documents.
"My little girl also said some strangers came to the house last week and asked of her guardians," he added.
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Water
rationing cause of shortage - GWCL
Accra (Greater Accra)
23 February 2001
The Ghana Water Company
(GWCL) on Thursday dismissed suggestions that the current water shortage in
Accra is an act of sabotage and said it is the result of a sharp population
expansion and limited capacity of the company.
It said the population
of the city is increasing rapidly and the company has the capacity to meet only
50 per cent of demand.
"Contrary to what
is being rumoured, there is no water shortage as such," Captain Victor
Ansah (Rtd), Public Relations Officer of the Accra-Tema Metropolitan Area
(ATMA) division of the company, told the GNA.
He said the company has
embarked on a massive rationing as a result of the city's increased population.
Most parts of Accra
have not had water for the past three weeks resulting in long queues and
transportation of barrels from homes and offices to anywhere that one can find
water.
During a tour of the
city by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), residents in affected areas complained
that they reach their work places late because they have to look for water.
Water closets in
offices and homes cannot be used.
Captain Ansah said over
the years, the Accra-Tema Metropolis has been experiencing rapid development of
new settlements without the corresponding expansion of water supply.
He said without
rationing, certain areas would not have water at all while others enjoy normal
supply.
GWCL's problem is how
to expand and improve upon its service to cope with the increasing demand of
the additional population, he said.
"What we have not
been able to do is to provide the basic technology of taking in raw water from
the source, treating it and distributing it."
Captain Ansah said the
company is arranging with private entrepreneurs to generate enough funds to
enable it to improve its service delivery, adding that the company would be
leased for 25 years to prospective entrepreneurs.
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Ministry
will pay attention to disadvantaged - Bannerman
Accra (Greater Accra)
23 February 2001
The Ministry of
Manpower Development and Employment will pay equal attention to the integration
of the disadvantaged into the mainstream of national development, the minister,
Mrs Cecilia Bannerman, said on Thursday.
A statement signed by
Mr K. O. Darbi, Public Relations Officer, reports the minister as having said
during a familiarisation tour to departments and agencies under her ministry.
She said skilled
manpower is the most important resource that a nation can have which when
neglected can affect development.
Mrs. Bannerman said the
ministry would review the various training programmes run by training
institutions under the ministry in order to meet the nation's manpower demands.
"The ministry will
collaborate with various sectors of the economy and employers to determine the
current and future manpower needs so that proper manpower development could be
effected," she said.
Mrs. Bannerman urged
staff of the Department of Social Welfare to work hard to enable them to
increase productivity.
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Government to develop
rental housing for workers
Accra (Greater Accra) 23 February 2001
Mr Kwamena Bartels, Minister of Works and Housing, on Thursday said the government intends to develop affordable rental housing units for workers.
"The country is urbanising at an alarming rate while the appropriate services such as accommodation which should go with it are lacking or not affordable by the large working class", he said during a call on him by executive members of the Ghana Architects Registration Council and the Ghana Institute of Architects (AGIA) in Accra.
Although the enabling environment has attracted heavy investment in estate development, it is regrettable that most of these housing schemes are not affordable.
Mr Bartels said these developers have also over concentrated on ownership systems to the detriment of the larger population.
He, therefore, urged estate developers to consider investing in affordable rental housing schemes "which is a lucrative but untapped venture."
Mr Bartels appealed to financial institutions to consider long-term funding for rental housing units to reduce the over dependence on government for such loans.
The minister admitted that it is the ultimate goal of every worker to own a house, but said "the economic conditions are not conducive for the realisation of such goals, hence the need for a rental development scheme now."
"It is laudable for every individual to own a house, but modern economic trends of development must be put in perspective and we must accept the reality that all cannot simply afford to own a house."
Mr Bartels added that even if the financial resources were available other factors such as land would serve as a hindrance.
He deplored the attitude of some architects who charge high fees saying they are disincentives to developers.
This attitude, he said, has led to poor housing planning schemes in some parts of the country and advised the architects to be moderate their charges.
The minister also called for strict adherence to building and housing regulations in the country, He urged the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to compel district assemblies, which award contracts, to enforce rules and regulations on housing.
Mr Bartels was critical about the indiscipline in the housing sector, especially landlords, who convert residential accommodation for commercial purposes thereby putting more pressure on residential accommodation.
He also deplored the attitude of contractors who put up buildings without the appropriate permits.
Mr Ken Ampratwum, President of AGIA, said the institute is preparing a package that will provide shelter for all Ghanaians.
He noted that 80 per cent of people who need accommodation cannot afford to own it and urged the ministry not to make the rental housing unit scheme a promise.
He suggested collaboration between the ministries of works and housing, local government and rural development and environment science and technology for co-ordinated work.
The architects emphasised the need to enforce building regulations and properly scrutinise building plans to ensure that designs are by qualified architects.
The AGIA appealed to the minister to look at the activities of estate developers, those who approve their contracts and their adherence to environmental rules.
The AGIA told the minister that members of the institute are ready to offer voluntary services to the district assemblies to enhance projects undertaken by the assemblies.
Ms Gizella Akushika Tetteh, executive member of AGIA, suggested the creation of green belt zones in the urban areas and the promulgation of enforceable sanitation policies.
She said policies and programmes should not be urban-centred as most rural areas are also developing at an alarming rate.
Ms Tetteh called for the development of shelter towns at the outskirts of cities to entice workers to live there and reduce the over concentration in the cities.
The AGIA suggested that the government should adopt measures to re-direct traffic to preserve the Achimota Forest and other forests in the urban areas.
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Jobs are not for
government but the state - Minister
Accra (Greater Accra) 23 February 2001
Mr Kwadwo Adjei-Darko, Minister of Roads and Highways, on Thursday said the perception of workers that the job they do is for government should be a thing of the past.
"Workers should see themselves as working not for government but for the state," he said. "The state is supreme since governments will come and go," he said during a tour of some agencies under his ministry in Accra.
At the Department of Feeder Roads, Mr Adjei-Darko stressed that the road sector is a very important one and a lot of investment is put into it. Workers in the sector, therefore, have a responsibility to deliver and work as a team.
The minister said: "You must depart from the past. Do not be influenced by party affiliations in decision-making."
Mr. Adjei-Darko urged the directors to work out modalities to streamline promotions in the sector, saying, "one does not need to have a godfather to be promoted."
At the Department of Urban Roads (DUR), the minister called for the provision of bus terminals in all urban road projects.
He said since roads are maintained by the government there is the need to liaise with real estate developers who cut roads to lay utility lines.
Mr. Adjei-Darko asked the staff to be wary of temptations of corruption in the road sector and live beyond reproach.
" Corruption starts with the messenger who needs a tip to inform his superior officer of a customer through the official who is tipped before a file can be located", he said.
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Gang of thugs imposes
reign of terror at Afrancho
Afrancho (Ashanti Region) 23 February 2001
The Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has been called upon to take firm measures to stop a gang of thugs from harassing, molesting and intimidating innocent people at Afrancho in the Kwabre District.
Mr. Kwasi Abeka, leader of the Concerned Citizens Association of Afrancho, cited the assembly member, Mr Nicholas Owusu Afriyie, and the unit committee chairman, Mr Osei Tutu, as some of the people who have fallen victim to the atrocities of the miscreants.
He told the GNA that it is baffling that the Attorney General's office in Kumasi intervened any time members of the gang were arrested by the police and put before court.
Mr. Abeka alleged that the Attorney General's office always calls for the docket on cases involving the gang for study, thereby delaying trials of such nature.
"The inability to bring the suspects to speedy trial only helps to embolden them to visit more acts of violence with impunity on innocent people."
Mr. Abeka claimed that the gang's activities became manifest since the eruption of a chieftaincy dispute in the town in March, last year, following the destoolment of Nana Asumadu Pokka, the Odikro, by his overlord, the Manwerehene.
Nana Poku was accused of selling the Afrancho cemetery land to private estate developers.
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Do not let partisan
politics impede development - Ex-DCE
Apam (Central Region) 23 February 2001
The former Gomoa District Chief Executive, Mr. Kow Anyanful, has appealed to people of the area, especially workers, not to let partisan politics impede the development of the
district.
"Let us make development our political party to which our energies and resources should be directed," Mr Anyanful stressed.
He gave the advice when he addressed heads of departments during his last meeting with them after handing over to Mr Humphrey Dodor, the District Co-ordinating Director at Apam on Thursday.
Mr Anyanful expressed his gratitude to the District Council of Elders, which helped in resolving disputes, chiefs, assembly members and workers for their co-operation, and appealed for similar collaboration with his successor.
"Without your co-operation, we could not have achieved what we have done during my nine-year tenure of office," he said, saying that he was proud of the foundation they had laid.
Mr Anyanful expressed the hope that the new DCE to be appointed Would build on the foundations he laid to accelerate the development of the district.
He commended MPs from the area for their tireless efforts to improve the standard of living of the people and for their co-operation with the assembly.
Mr Dodor thanked Mr Anyanful for his open door policy and frankness, adding that the assembly would miss his valuable suggestions and advice.
Mr Dodor wished him good luck in his endeavours.
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Save Pomadze Poultry
Enterprise from collapse - MD
Pomadze (Central Region) 23 February 2001
The Managing Director of Pomadze Poultry Enterprises Limited (POMAPEL), Mr Jervis Djokoto, has called for the immediate and adequate recapitalisation of the company to save it from total collapse.
He said the recapitalisation of the industry is necessary to cut down the importation of day-old chicks and hatched eggs for distribution to poultry producers and save the nation a lot of foreign exchange.
Mr. Djokoto was speaking to the GNA on the numerous constraints impeding the smooth operation of the company over the years at his office at Pomadze, near Winneba-Junction on Thursday.
He made it clear that the company has the requisite manpower requirements and that, when given the needed capital, it would be able to turn things around to meet all the necessary requirements of poultry farmers in the country and offer adequate employment to people within its catchment area.
Mr. Djokoto recalled some push given by the previous government about 10 years ago for the revival of the company, but said the assistance offered was not enough to sustain the reactivation programme initiated by the management of the industry.
He regretted that because the company has been on the divestiture list for years now, banking institutions were not prepared to offer the needed financial support to it to enable it to embark on a massive and sustainable rehabilitation exercise.
Mr. Djokoto announced that his outfit had sent proposals to the new Minister of Food and Agriculture, saying that if they were given serious consideration and approval, they would go a long way to make the company a real viable enterprise.
He was optimistic that the government would pay serious attention to the plight of the company and do everything within its capability to bring life into the company once more so that it can play a meaningful role in the country's reconstruction efforts.
Meanwhile, the few employees left in the industry have not been paid their salaries for the past year, Mr Djokoto added.
This sad situation, according to the MD, has caused the education of the children of the workers who have held on for all this long period, hoping that the previous government would expedite action on the decision to divest the company.
Mr. Djokoto expressed the hope that the government would also take the non-payment of salaries of the employees into serious consideration and devise effective means of settling the outstanding salary arrears.
He said the settlement of the salary arrears would enable the workers to pay their outstanding rents and see to the education of their wards.
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About 275 million dollars realised from
sale of bushmeat
Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 23 February 2001
About 385,000 metric tonnes of bushmeat valued at about 275 million dollars is sold in the country every year. Okyeame Ampadu-Agyei, Country Director of Conservation International (CI), Ghana, said data from market surveys in Kumasi indicate that hunters, despite the conservation measures, kill all kinds of animals and sell them openly in the market.
He was speaking at a two-day National Stakeholders' meeting on endangered animals under the theme "The bushmeat trade - A threat to bio-diversity conservation" in Kumasi on Thursday.
Okyeame Ampadu-Agyei observed that the closed season for hunting is not observed by hunters. The survey also showed that most of the animal species listed as wholly protected by Ghana Wildlife regulations are regularly hunted and sold in the market.
"Some of these animals, which are totems, are hunted with impunity to the extent that there are some forests without wildlife or animals".
Okyeame Ampadu-Agyei said to address these problems, his outfit would soon embark on an intensive campaign to raise awareness about the bio-diversity crisis hunters create.
"The ultimate goal is to eliminate all possible threats to wildlife arising out of the bushmeat trade."
He appealed to government to ban the killing of highly endangered animals or impose heavy tax system for the exportation of bushmeat.
Okyeame Ampadu-Agyei also suggested that wildlife sanctuaries should be transformed into eco-tourism centres and empower the police to arrest and prosecute hunters and people using dangerous chemicals and fire for hunting.
Baffour Dr Osei Tutu Amofah II, Kronkohene of Kumasi, who chaired the function, stressed the need for an effective monitoring and regulatory system for wildlife to sustain them for posterity.
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Kufuor says Independence
Day most important on national calendar
Accra (Greater Accra) 23 February 2001
President John Kufuor has directed that Independence Day should be celebrated as the single most important event on the national calendar.
A statement from the office of the Chief of Staff on Thursday explained that it is one day that must reconciles and unifies the nation.
It said the President has therefore directed that beginning this year, the event will be observed as one of prayer, thanksgiving, reconciliation and unity.
"To highlight this, there will be Muslim prayers on the Friday preceding Independence Day and a non-denominational Christian service on the Sunday, preceding Independence Day," the statement added. Both events will be held at the Independence Square.
The statement said the celebrations will begin on February 28, the anniversary of the 1948 Crossroads shooting with Veterans' parades in all regions and end on March 6, with the Independence Day parade at the Independence Square.
The statement said the President also directed that the security services will play a more active role in the celebrations, especially during the parade with the massed bands of the Armed Forces in attendance to create a joyous atmosphere.
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Ghana, Nigeria spearhead
good governance
Accra (Greater Accra) 23 February 2001
President John Agyekum Kufuor returned home on Monday after a one-day working visit to the Nigerian capital, Abuja, where he met with his counterpart, Olusegun Obasanjo and other officials on concretising economic co-operation between the two nations.
Briefing reporters on arrival, President Kufuor said his team had fruitful discussions with the Nigerian officials on importing fuel from on terms that would help ease the current difficulties facing the petroleum sector.
On the President's entourage were the Minister of Energy, Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah and the Policy Adviser on Energy, Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby. The others were the Foreign Minister, Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyemang and the Chief Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Annan Cato.
President Kufuor, who described the trip as successful, said the two sides also considered proposals to present joint ventures to enhance their economic ties, as well as the general well being of their people.
"There is always a commitment of the backdrop of Africa," he said, adding that they also discussed working towards a united and peaceful continent and strengthening bilateral relations.
President Kufuor made the trip to Abuja on the Nigerian presidential aircraft specially arranged for him by President Obasanjo.
The Nigerian leader also put an additional jet at the disposal of President Kufuor's back-up team, including journalists, during the return trip. Officials and diplomats said the gesture reflected high levels of not only good neighbourliness between the two but also their resolve to assist each other to move forward.
"It is a manifestation of a new found love between the two countries," Mr Owusu-Agyemang said.
He said the Abuja discussions were open and frank and also explored the possibility of Ghana exporting salt to Nigeria.
The current instability along the Guinea-Liberia border where armed incursions have left in their wake a huge number of refugees also received the attention of the two leaders, Mr Owusu-Agyemang said.
He said the two Presidents expressed their commitment to good governance by giving priority to the interest of their people.
Mr. Kan-Dapaah said through the instrumentality of President Kufuor and President Obasanjo, Ghana obtained more relaxed financial terms for the repayment of fuel imports from that country.
He said Ghana was finding it very difficult to honour her financial requirements because the existing terms were very harsh.
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Frequent changing of
ministers in C/R has affected development-chief
Cape Coast (Central Region) 23 February 2001
The paramount chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, on Wednesday noted that the frequent replacement of regional ministers in the Central Region in the past had hampered its development.
He said as many as 13 regional secretaries and ministers were appointed to the region by the PNDC/NDC government, and expressed the hope that Mr Isaac Edumadze, the new regional minister, had come to stay.
Osabarima Atta was speaking when the Central Regional Minister met with members of the Oguaa Traditional Council.
He assured the minister that the Council would co-operate with, and support him to achieve his development objectives for the region.
Mr. Edumadze said the government acknowledges that chiefs are the custodians of land in the country, and urged them not to engage in any acts that could put the chieftaincy institution into disrepute.
He reiterated his intention to adopt an open-door policy in his administration, saying that he would welcome opinions that could assist in the development of the region.
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Donors to waive levy on
rural water supply
Ho (Volta Region) 23 February 2001
Donors to the water and sanitation programmes in the Volta Region at a day's conference have agreed to waive the five per cent community commitment contribution to water supply projects in guinea worm endemic communities.
Under the Community Water and Sanitation Programme, communities are required to apply to the programme for assistance and contribute five per cent of the capital cost of the construction of the water supply scheme.
The donors are Agence Francaise de Developpement, Canadian International Development Agency, Danish International Development Agency, Department for International Development and the European Union.
Others are the International Development Association, Japan International Development Agency (JICA) and the German Bank for International Development.
JICA has pledged 90 million dollars while the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has pledged to agreed to support the programme.
Mr Samuel Antwi Darkwa, Chief Hydro-geologist of the Ministry of Works and Housing, in an interview with the GNA, said there has been a shift in the focus of the guinea worm eradication programme from medical intervention to the provision of potable water to endemic communities.
He said Ghana is one of the countries where the disease is still endemic and is mainly found in the Northern, Brong Ahafo and Volta Regions.
Mr Darkwa said efforts at tackling the menace since 1989 did not yield the desired results as evident in the rescheduling of the eradication target since 1995.
He said this led to a shift in the focus from medical attention to the provision of potable water Mr Darkwa said it has given the approach a multisectoral dimension involving the Ministries of Works and Housing and Local Government and Rural Development.
He hinted that in addition to the provision of water, the CWSA would educate the people on how to prevent the disease.
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GJA: We're relieved at
AG's decision on journalists' court case
Accra (Greater Accra) 23 February 2001
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Thursday said it is relieved by the decision of the Attorney General, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to discontinue the prosecution of two journalist charged with criminal libel.
Nana Kofi Coomson, Publisher of the "Ghanaian Chronicle" and Mr Eben Quarcoo, former Editor of the Free Press, published in their newspapers that the former government dealt in narcotic drugs and used the proceeds to purchase arms and ammunition to cause chaos in case they lost the 1996 elections. A statement signed by the GJA President, Mrs Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie in Accra said:
"The GJA views this gesture by the A-G as the clearest and committed sign that the new government will live up to its promise of repealing all obnoxious laws which are inimical to the practice of journalism in the country."
The GJA urged the government to hasten the process of identifying the numerous outdated laws in the criminal code aimed at criminalising speech.
"It is the conviction of the GJA that Ghana's democracy will prosper only if the media is nurtured to grow in experience and responsibility," the statement said.
The GJA assured the government and the public that it is committed to the promotion of higher standards and responsible use of the media.
"The GJA believes that a fearless, fair and objective media is what is needed to prevent possible abuse of authority and injustice," the statement said.
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Bushfire destroys seven
hectares of cocoa farms
Brakwa (Central Region) 23 February 2001
Bushfire on Tuesday destroyed a total of seven hectares of cocoa farms belonging to two farmers at Edusia and Santen, near Brakwa, in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District of the Central Region.
Narrating the incident to the GNA at Brakwa at the weekend, one of the affected farmers, Madam Yaa Mansah, alleged that some palm wine tapers had caused the fire, which destroyed her two-hectare farm at Edubiase.
However, Madam Lucy Appiah, whose five-hectare farm got burnt at Santen, said she had no idea about who might have set the fire.
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More than 500 rendered
homeless
Fiaso (Brong Ahafo) 23 February 2001
More than 500 people were rendered homeless when fire swept through Fiaso, a farming community in the Techiman District on Monday destroying 58 houses and a community centre.
An ember started the fire, the fourth in recent times, from a burning nut tree that swept through a refuse dump and extended to the village.
There were no human injuries, but extent of damage to property, including personal effects, yam sets, bicycles, furniture, maize, livestock and cash, run into millions of cedis.
Nana Effah Boakye, Krontihene, and Mr James Gyamfi, assemblyman, conducted Mr. S.G. N'lary, District Co-ordinating Director of the Techiman District Assembly, Mr.Kofi Adu, District Co-ordinator, NADMO, Mr Thomas Tuffuor, District Fire Officer round the damaged houses.
Nana Boakye said firemen from the Fire Station at Techiman and Nkoranza arrived with their fire tenders, but the poor layout of the town prevented them from putting the fire under control.
The displaced persons are now putting up with friends and relatives in nearly Forikrom, Asunafour and Ouagadugu.
Mr. N'lary consoled the victims and encouraged them to bear the trauma patiently as it is the work of nature.
He asked them to contain the situation till help comes from the National Disaster Management Organisation.
He advised them to seek the advice of officials of the Town and Country Planning Department when reconstructing their houses, and to create fire belts and plant trees to prevent future incidents.
Mr..Kofi Adu, District Co-ordinator for NADMO, warned them to desist from handling naked fire recklessly and appealed to them to report persons who start bush fires for prosecution.
Mr. Thomas Tuffour, District Fire Officer cautioned group hunters that the practice is a breach of law and offenders would be prosecuted.
The district co-ordinating director and his entourage later visited Kwame Asua village, near Tanoso, also in the Techiman District, which was also razed by fire, rendering 13 people homeless and property estimated at 200 million cedis, including 10 million cedis cash burnt.
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