Three joint
committees formed to oversee transition
Rawlings calls for peaceful transition
Let us all support new government, Adabre
Ghanaians urged to give support to Kufuor
Voltarians advised
to remain calm and peaceful
CPP condemns
assault on Volta Regional Chairman
Northern NDC congratulates NPP
Do not let electoral defeat disintegrate
party – Mintah
Three joint
committees formed to oversee transition
Accra (Greater Accra) 02 January
2001
A Joint Transitional Team composed
of representatives of the out-going government and those of the in-coming
government on Monday agreed at a meeting to form three Joint Committees to
oversee the hand-over and inaugural ceremonies to swear in Mr John Agyekum
Kufuor as the next president of Ghana.
The meeting was co-chaired by
Professor John Atta Mills, Vice-President, and Mr John Kufuor, president-elect and attended by the
running mates of both parties.
This was contained in a communiqué
issued in Accra by the Cabinet Secretariat to inform the public of developments
towards the hand-over to the next administration on the January 7, 2001.
The first Joint Committee, the
communiqué said, will plan activities related to the January 7 inaugural
ceremonies to swear in Mr Kufuor as President and Mr. Aliu Mahama as
Vice-President.
The Inauguration Committee
includes officials from the Office of State Protocol, Office of the Clerk of
Parliament and the Director-General of the Personnel and Administration of the
Ghana Armed Forces.
The communiqué said the meeting
decided that the swearing-in ceremony would be held in the forecourt of
Parliament House on Sunday, January 7, 2001, at a time yet to be determined.
It said the second Joint Committee
would handle matters related to the hand-over of the Office of the President
while the third Joint Committee would be responsible for the transfer of
government Ministries and Departments to the incoming government.
GRi…/
Rawlings calls for peaceful transition
Accra (Greater Accra) 02 January 2001
President Jerry John Rawlings on Sunday congratulated Mr John Agyekum Kufuor for winning the presidency and promised to co-operate to ensure a peaceful transition.
"My government will do everything possible in the short time available to us to make the transition smooth. We will also share with the in-coming government some of our experiences, especially the difficulties."
President Rawlings said this when he addressed security services and voluntary organisations at the El Wak Stadium after they had gone on a route march through some of the streets of Accra to mark the 19th anniversary of the December 31st revolution.
The President, marking the day for the last time as head of state, said the in-coming government would find it difficult to deliver on its election promises and hoped it would use the close "balance of power in parliament to foster positive co-operation in the best interest of our people".
"Let us not try to undermine them but assist them in uniting the spirit of the nation. Let us put our experiences at their disposal. Let us help them so that the foundation we have laid is built on."
President Rawlings said the campaign period leading up to the elections inevitably generated some degree of tension. Some things were said and done which need not have been said and done.
"Now that the elections are over, I expect the tensions and acrimony to subside so that we can all work constructively together for the common good."
He cautioned supporters of political parties, especially those of the victorious side, to behave rationally and avoid violent acts that could easily lead to reprisals from the other side.
"In the days and weeks ahead, some of us will be adapting ourselves to new roles but the foremost consideration of all of us must be...the continued preservation of peace and stability.
"Nothing will come easy, even for the in-coming government. Nevertheless, I remain confident that, with goodwill from all sides, we shall move as a nation," the President said.
President Rawlings spoke passionately about the killing of women in Accra and said the situation calls for the introduction of new scientific methods in police investigations.
This include the use of lie detector test to which he and other members of government will be prepared to submit themselves if need be to prove their innocence.
This was in reaction to allegations by opposition parties that the government was responsible for the killings.
That same test, he went on, or any other method to establish the truth should be applied to those who have made promises that the murders will stop in their time.
"Too many vicious stories have been told about this government and whether we are in or out of office, we have an interest in finding out the identity of those who have cruelly masterminded the murder of so many of our women in cold blood," President Rawlings said.
He said the in-coming government promised the murders would stop if they came to power, adding: "that is not enough. The killers should be found".
President Rawlings commended the security services for their conduct over the years and said their performance in international peacekeeping is a source of pride for the country.
"Please maintain the integrity and honour of your institutions. It is the centre of stability for the country. Remember that your duty is to the whole country and the constitution."
He said he expected them to redouble their efforts at maintaining law and order so as to check the general indiscipline, which has become common in the society.
"Whether we are talking about the obscure murders of our women, which I suspect to be politically motivated, or armed robbery and the duping of our people by sophisticated fraudsters or of the persistent flouting of traffic regulations, there is an air of defiance and provocation in the manner in which these acts are perpetrated."
President Rawlings stated: "I am confident that you will do more so that decent men and women can live peacefully and free from unnecessary anxiety".
GRi…/
Let us all support new government, Adabre
Sunyani (Brong ahafo) 02 January 2001
Mr. Donald Adabre, Brong Ahafo regional minister, said on Sunday that finding effective solution to the country's problems should not be the sole responsibility of the incoming government of the New Patriotic Party.
He, therefore, appealed to chiefs and people of the region to rally behind the new government and accord it the needed co-operation to enable it to deliver.
In a New Year message to the people of the region, Mr Adabre said the region lagged behind in many areas, including education, health and resource development, and hoped the incoming administration would tackle ''the unfinished business'' of the NDC government.
He commended the invaluable services of the security agencies as well as the maturity and understanding of the people for the peaceful re-run of the presidential election.
While NPP supporters have every reason to jubilate, he said they should do so within the confines of the law, warning that those who would engage in violent acts and intimidation would have themselves to blame.
GRi…/
Ghanaians urged to give support to Kufuor
Winneba (Central Region) 02 January 2001
Supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have been called upon to heed President Jerry John Rawlings's advice to offer their maximum support to president-elect John Agyekum Kufuor and his government to speed up the socio-economic advancement of the nation.
The Right Reverend Dr. Godfred Zormelo, Senior Bishop's Deputy of the A.M.E Zion Church, who made the call at a New Year church service at Winneba on Monday, described the President's advice as heart-warming, which all NDC
Followers should wholeheartedly accept to ensure national unity.
The Rt. Rev. Zormelo urged Ghanaians, especially Christians and Muslims, to continue to pray for God's guidance and protection for the nation.
He commended Mr Kufuor and Vice-President J.E.A. Mills for their high sense of political maturity and deep sense of understanding, love and commitment to national peace, stability and progress.
The District Chief Executive for Awutu-Effutu-Senya, Mr Daniel William Osardu, in a New Year message at the Church of the Lord Mission at Awutu-Bawjiase, appealed to supporters of the NPP and other opposition parties to regard Mr
Kufuor's victory as one for the entire nation.
He therefore advised them to desist from acts that could undermine the good intentions which both the out-going and the incoming governments have for the nation.
Mr. Osardu described President Rawlings as "John the Baptist" of Ghana who has come to pave the way for workable and progressive democratic governance for the nation.
GRi…/
Voltarians
advised to remain calm and peaceful
Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 02 January
2001
The Ashanti Region branch of the
Voltarians Co-ordinating Council (VCC) has advised its members to remain calm
and avoid the temptation of indulging in any acts likely to mar the cordial
relationship that exists between them and the people of Ashanti.
The VCC asked Voltarians resident
in the region not to allow political and cultural differences to be a stumbling
block to their efforts at co-existing in a peaceful atmosphere with their
hosts.
Mr. Sly Akakpovie, Secretary of
the VCC, gave the advice at an end-of-year meeting of the council in Kumasi on
Friday.
Mr. Young Attipoe, Organiser,
observed that even though the year 2000 was a hectic one with a variety of
problems, it was still imperative for all Voltarians in the region to exercise
maximum restraint in all situations in which they might find themselves.
He urged them to be law-abiding
and respect the norms, values and traditions of their hosts, adding that, in so
doing, they should also try not to entirely forget their own culture.
Togbe S.K. Fugah, regional
chairman of the VCC, expressed the profound gratitude of Voltarians in the
region to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his fatherly care and
concern for its members in Ashanti.
"It is the hope of the VCC
that the candid affection exhibited by the Asantehene towards Voltarians,
coupled with the support and hospitality of the Kumasi Traditional Council and
the Asanteman Council, will continue to grow from strength to strength,"
he added.
Togbe Fugah urged members of the
VCC to make positive use of the warm hospitality accorded them by concentrating
on their work and contributing in a more meaningful manner towards community
development programmes in areas where they reside.
He asked Voltarians to strive at
sacrificing a good portion of their resources towards supporting the education
of their children and cease dissipating their funds on leisure and fashionable
pursuits.
GRi…/
Wa NPP and other
parties celebrate victory
Wa (Upper West) 02 January 2001
Supporters of the NPP, PNC, NRP
and UGM on Monday celebrated the victory of Mr J A Kufuor in last week's
presidential run-off with a procession through the principal streets of Wa.
Unlike the spontaneous jubilation
by the youth, which greeted the result of the run-off last Saturday, the
procession was organised by the regional executives of the five parties.
Thousands of supporters clad in party
apparel marched while others on bicycles, motor cycles and vehicles, chanting
the slogan "asee ho" and party along the route accompanied with brass
band music.
Alhaji Abdudulai Issahaque, Upper
West Regional Chairman of the NPP, advised the supporters to avoid areas, which
could spark trouble and mar the celebrations.
The celebration was, however,
without incidents and even at a point the supporters made way for an NDC
campaign van to pass.
Two children were rushed to
hospital with bruises sustained when a vehicle grazed them.
GRi…/
CPP congratulates
Kufuor on electoral victory
Accra (Greater Region) 02 January
2001
The Convention People's Party
(CPP) on Monday congratulated Mr John Agyekum Kufuor, president-elect, for his
victory and pledged to help his government to improve the lives of Ghanaians
and strengthen democratic institutions.
A CPP statement issued in Accra on
Monday said "this victory was made possible by the sacrifices of the
masses of Ghana who risked their lives, livelihood and comfort in the
resolution of economic, social and political problems.
"Through this victory,
Ghanaians have demonstrated that it is possible within the peculiar
circumstances of Ghana to remove unpopular regimes without exploding mortar
bombs and firing AK 47 assault rifles," said the statement.
It reminded Mr Kufuor of the many
problems ahead, including national security, affordable healthcare and access
to education.
"In the medium term, the
success of the Kufuor administration would be judged by the extent to which it
manages the problems of unemployment and low agricultural and industrial
production."
GRi…/
CPP condemns
assault on Volta Regional Chairman
Accra (Greater Accra) 02 January
2001
The Convention People's Party
(CPP) on Monday condemned the "brutal assault" on Major Agbeko
Sedziafa, its Volta Regional Chairman, and called for investigations into the
matter and other election- related acts of violence.
"We insist that those
responsible for these shameless acts must be punished severely to serve as a
deterrent to others," a statement signed in Accra by Mr Kwesi Pratt Jnr.,
CPP Publicity Committee Chairman, said.
According to the statement, a
formal complaint has been made to the Adidome Police who are yet to effect any
arrest.
The statement said Maj. Sedziafa
was on December 29 last year, attacked at Adidome in the Volta Region by
"about 30 armed hooligans believed to be operatives of the National
Democratic Congress (NDC)". It
alleged that Maj. Sedziafa and two others, who were also attacked, had
attempted to check allegations of election rigging in parts of the region.
The statement said Maj. Sedziafa
is currently on admission at the 37 Military Hospital.
"He has lost his front teeth,
his face is swollen and has suffered a dislocation to his waist bone," the
statement added.
GRi…/
Wamfie (Brong Ahafo) 02 January 2001
Two jubilant supporters of the NPP died on spot while two others were injured at Wamfie on Saturday when a truck loaded with timber run through a procession of the party celebrating its victory in the elections.
The bodies, identified as Adu Gyamfi, 29, and Atta Alex, 23, have been deposited at the mortuary of the Berekum Holy Family hospital, where the injured are on admission.
Briefing the GNA, Mr. Slim Manford, Dormaa District Police Commander said the driver ignored signals to slow down and drove into the procession.
Angry supporters pounced on driver to lynch him but he managed to escape to the police station.
The mob attacked the police station and set it ablaze. They also burnt the truck.
Personnel of the Fire Service rushed to the scene in an attempt to put out the fire.
GRi…/
Northern NDC congratulates NPP
Tamale (Northern Region) 02 January 2001
The executive of the NDC in the Northern Region on Saturday congratulated the NPP on its victory in the presidential run-off.
In a release signed by the Regional Chairman, Alhaji Mahamadu Maida, said the part recognises that an election involves a winner and a loser and as democrats accept the verdict of the people.
He said the NDC considers the final outcome of the run-off as a victory for Ghana's developing democracy.
It thanked supporters of the NDC for their courage, loyalty and dedication and cautioned them to exercise restraint and to remain calm for a smooth transition.
The statement appealed to the leadership of the NPP to restrain its supporters to avoid acts of intimidation, threats and molestation of NDC supporters.
Much as the NDC appreciates the NPP's right to rejoice and celebrate their victory, "we consider it unfortunate attempts by some supporters of the NPP to use NDC T-shirts and emblems to damage the image of the NDC in their celebrations".
The executives thanked the security agencies and the Electoral Commission for the able manner it conducted the elections.
GRi…/
Do not let electoral defeat disintegrate
party – Mintah
Winneba (Central Region) 02 January 2001
The Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Kofi Mintah, has called on members to remain resolute in their support for the party.
"The defeat in the last general elections should not disintegrate our front; rather it should make us sit up, correct our mistakes and plan for the next elections.
Speaking in an interview with the GNA at Winneba on Saturday, Mr. Mintah urged the party executives at the branches, wards and the constituencies to hold regular meetings to discuss factors that caused the defeat of the NDC and plan for the future.
He expressed concern about the behaviour of some Ghanaians towards the leadership and members of the out-going government, saying: "we should stop discrediting them as if they have not done anything good for the nation".
Mr. Mintah said it is unfortunate that the actions and utterances of some people suggest that since a new government will soon take over power, all our problems will be solved.
He said the incoming government will need the co-operation of members of the out-going government to enhance continuity of programmes.
He therefore cautioned people who are discrediting the out-going government to desist from the habit to enhance mutual co-operation between it and the NPP.
GRi…/
Accra (Greater Accra) 02 January 2001
The year 2000 recorded many major events that affected the political, social and economic lives of Ghanaians.
It began with the scare of breakdown of computers called the Y2K. However, this did not materialise as computers rolled over smoothly from December 31 to January One.
The year ended with historic elections that saw Mr John Agyekum Kufuor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) winning the presidential vote held on December 28 with 56.73 per cent of the votes. He defeated Vice-President John Atta Mills who had 43.27 per cent.
Earlier, the NPP emerged the single biggest party in the 200-member House, wining 99 seats (from 61) while the National Democratic Congress won only 92 (from 133).
The following are some of the events:
January Three:
Opening figures of inter-bank exchange rates of major currencies to the cedi:
Buying Selling (all in cedis)
US Dollar 3,443.82 3,566.18
Pound Sterling 5,573.48 5,775.07
Deutsche Mark 1,782.94 1,846.84
CFA 5.32 5.51
The All-Share Index or the main market indicator that gives the
performance of the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), was 737.16 points.
Change in year------------1 per cent
Market Capitalisation-----3,206.98 billion cedis
Volume Traded-------------3,500
Bids----------------------24,500
Offers--------------------335,950
January Seven:
Parade to mark 7th anniversary of fourth republic
January Eight:
Muslims celebrated Eid-Ul-Fitr
January 10:
President reshuffles cabinet
China's State Councillor, Madam Wu Yi visited Ghana
January 11:
Parliament reconvened and held public forum next day
January 13:
President opened the last session of the Second Parliament of the Fourth
Republic
Mr Peter Hain, British Home Office Minister, paid a two-day visit.
January 14:
University of Cape Coast closed down following impasse over new grading system
January 17:
Bank for Housing and Construction and Co-operative Bank closed down following
financial difficulties.
Cuban Foreign Minister, Angel Dalmah, visited President Rawlings
January 20:
CAF presidency elections held - Issa Hayatou retained position.
Ivorian Military Leader, Gen. Robert Guei visited Ghana.
President Rawlings says his apology does not cover wrongdoers.
January 21:
BHC workers leaders fight for control of the bank and say it is viable because of 3.4 billion profits cedis they made in 1999 as against heavy losses in 1998.
January 23:
2000 CAF tournament begins.
January 24:
President Rawlings becomes 10th person to receive Agri-Cola Award.
January 26:
Supreme Court rules and annuls government appointments of all chief executives and editors of state-owned media.
January 31:
Industrial Workers' Union calls for strike action.
February One:
Some banks close for four hours following strike call by ICU.
Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) shuts down for routine maintenance.
February Six:
Trade team led by the Rev. Jesse Jackson arrived.
February Seven:
AGC's New York shareholders file suit against the company's hedging policies.
February Nine:
Budget reading.
Court orders AGC to convene extra-ordinary general meeting on liquidation Crisis.
Oil prices hit a high of 30 dollars a barrel.
February 10:GNA board named Mr Sam Clegg as acting General Manager following National Media Commission's Directive on Supreme Court ruling.
February 12:
Finance Minister Kwame Peprah quit as chairman and board member of AGC.
Government gives 100 billion cedis to Ghana Commercial Bank and Agricultural
Development Bank to be disbursed to customers of BHC and Co-operative Bank.
Parliament approved increases in petroleum tax and levy. Approved levy was 230 cedis/litre for premium petrol and gas oil. Previous levy - 150 cedis per litre.
February 14:
Construction Pioneers sacked 370 workers for illegal strike.
February 19:
Vice-President Mills announces intention to contest NDC Presidential candidacy.
February 20:
Ghana's tennis team, the Golden Rackets, wins Euro/Africa zone four tournament.
February 21:
University for Development Studies closed down due to attack on lecturers by students.
February 23:
AGC got five new board directors.
February 24:
Seventh Trade Fair opens.
NAT 22Events Review 2 Accra
March One:
Floods in Mozambique render people homeless.
Kotoko wins JOT Agyeman Cup.
March Two:
Minister of Foreign Affairs says Congolese opposition led by Pascal Lissouba was
denied access to hold meeting in Ghana.
March Six:
Independence Day.
March Eight:
International Women's Day observed.
Riot in Sekyedumase, two die in chieftaincy dispute.
March Nine:
Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, Electoral Commissioner, his deputy and six others
convicted by a high court for contempt in supervising DPP congress.
March 12:
Minister of Works and Housing gave ultimatum to World Bank to withdraw 100
million dollars over disagreement on award of Accra-Tema water expansion project.
March 14:
Fake Castle official arrested.
March 15:
Vice President succession bill withdrawn from Parliament.
March 16:
Muslims observed Eid-Ul-Adha.
March 17:
President honoured individuals.
March 20:
President travelled to Brunei Darussalam.
President made promotions in armed forces.
Final funeral rites of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II.
March 21:
Listing of houses for census began.
Parliamentary select committee on sports says it spent 96 billion cedis on CAN
2000.
March 24:
Launch of World TB Day.
March 26:
Census began.
Church worshippers prevented from entering Cathedral for non-denominational
service.
March 28:
Vice President attended ECOWAS mini summit in Nigeria for borderless region.
March 29:
OPEC ministers agreed to pump more oil from April - Prices expected to stabilise at 25 dollars/barrel.
March 31:
VAT amendment bill passed - rate moved from 10 to 12.5 per cent.
Parliament ratified Ghana/US investment pact for development of trade.
April One:
Implementation of new WTO valuation method begins.
CEPS introduces ECOWAS community levy.
April Three:
Korle-Bu nurses strike to demand additional duty allowance.
April Seven:
World Health Day launched.
World Dank approved 490 million dollars to support poverty reduction between
2001 and 2003.
April Eight:
President granted amnesty to more than 1,000 prisoners.
April 11:
Ghana Telecom's Malaysian director who spat on driver given 72 hours to leave
Ghana.
April 13:
Church leaders and Ga chiefs meet on noise making.
April 14:
Bakers embark on a week's strike over high flour prices.
April 20:
Mini ECOWAS summit for six member-countries opened on establishment of second
monetary zone.
IRS launched tax education programme for churches - sparked arguments.
April 21:
Good Friday
April 25:
Accra City car park, first ultra modern multi-storey car park, began trial operation.
April 26:
Minister of Finance announced measures to stabilise cedi.
April 27:
AGC commenced redundancy exercise.
April 29:
Prof. Mills elected unopposed as NDC presidential candidate.
May One:
May Day observed.
May Two:
Don Short, Coca-Cola Mid-East and Africa president visited Ghana.
May Three:
World Press Freedom Day.
May Five:
Hunger Project celebrated the African Woman Food Farmer Day.
Aboakyer suspended due to factional dispute.
May Six:
Revision of Voters' register began.
May Eight:
Ban on noisemaking began peacefully.
Firemen protested against bad working conditions.
May 12:
BOG withdrew forex bureaux receipt books in line with outlined economic Measures.
May 16:
Political parties adopt code of conduct.
New Ministry of planning, Co-operation and Integration formally established.
BOG sacked 16 staff for misappropriation of over seven billion cedis scandal.
May 17:
World Telecom Day.
Foday Sankoh captured in Sierra Leone.
May 18:
Chief Justice Philip Archer honoured member of Order of the Star of Ghana
(Civil).
May 19:
Produce Buying Company listed on Ghana Stock Exchange.
May 20:
Aburi Girls school bus involved in accident, one student died.
May 21:
Dwarf fans clashed with police in Cape Coast, destroyed stadium facilities.
May 23:
Government gave money for repatriation of Ghanaians affected by religious
conflict in Nigeria.
May 25:
Female condoms launched.
OAU Day marked.
May 26:
Mandela made stopover en route to Switzerland.
Captain Joe Yeboah (Pharmacist) granted pardon after 9 years in prison for shooting a thief.
May 29:
Ghana Union Traders Association staged strike over depreciating cedi.
May 31:
White paper on player transfer probe out - high-ranking officials asked to pay some monies.
June One:
2.5 per cent VAT increase takes off.
Finance Minister holds press conference on cocoa industry.
Cocoa prices went up from 140,625 cedis/bag - 151,755 cedis/bag.
Work on Keta sea defence began.
June Four:
June Four observed.
June Five:
World Environment Day.
Airlink crashed at Kotoka - Six people died on spot.
June Six:
UTAG strikes again for pay increase.
June Eight:
EC said 1,376,638 more names added to voters' register.
June Nine:
Mbeki makes stopover from Sweden.
Beijing+5 conference opened.
June 10:
CPP held national delegates' congress.
June 12:
Junior prison officers demonstrate for improved working conditions and removal of D-G.
June 16:
Emancipation Day launched.
President returned from conflict prevention symposium in Tokyo - Japan.
Telecom workers in Accra and some regions demonstrate for better working conditions.
June 20:
Africa Refugees Day.
June 25:
Thirteen deaths recorded from three boat accidents.
June 27:
Frank Benneh, former diplomat, jailed 20 years.
June 29:
Outbreak of strange disease in Wa secondary schools led to closure of school - 40 students admitted at hospital.
July One:
Government restored confiscated assets of some individuals on 40 years of Republic Day celebration.
July Two:
Murder of another woman (25th victim), women groups threaten to demonstrate.
July Three
Officials said that government will not declare state of emergency on serial killings.
Some women groups converge at Parliament to protest against killings and government offers 300 million cedis for information on the murders.
July Four:
Electoral Commissioner Afari-Gyan said election will cost 22 billion cedis.
July Six:
Libyan leader Gaddafi and UN secretary-general Kofi Annan arrive in Ghana.
President returned from five-day visit to Geneva-Switzerland.
IRS announced it collected 600 billion cedis in half year.
Parliament rejected 0.5 per cent levy on net profit of financial institutions for proposed export and development fund.
July Seven:
Vice President visited China.
Kofi Annan attended 50th anniversary of UN peacekeeping operations.
Ghanair makes maiden flight to Baltimore-USA.
July Nine:
World AIDS confab opened in South Africa.
July 10:
Exhibition of voters' register.
Thirty-sixth OAU summit opened.
Women protest against serial killings.
July 12:
Parliament passed Education Trust Fund Bill.
July 13:
Leading Member of New Patriotic Party, Issaka Inusah quit.
July 14:
Non-Traditional Exports brought in 404 million dollars in 1999.
July 16:
Proposal for Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire and Cameroon agreed to destroy
250,000 tonnes of cocoa to raise prices.
July 17:
Women present petition to Attorney General.
Accra tribunal orders Bank of Ghana to revoke dismissal of Gavor and others for involvement in fraud.
July 19:
ECOWAS defence and security commission meets.
First international confab and exhibition on traditional medicine opened.
July 21:
Attorney General filed appeal against tribunal orders on grounds that the tribunal erred in exercising civil jurisdiction in criminal case involving BOG officials.
Government announced package for former first ladies.
July 25:
Workers demonstrated on minimum wage.
July 27:
Government Statistician announced provisional results of census - put Ghana's
population at 18.4 million.
Official opening of Emancipation Day.
July 28:
Parliament went on recess.
July 29:
Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-general arrived.
July 31:
Ghanaian woman deported in jet hired for 50,000 pounds by Britain - expenditure
described as biggest on a single deportee.
August One:
National Reform Party held congress.
World Breast-feeding Day launched.
Ghana declines trial of Foday Sankoh and RUF members in country.
August Three:
Bank of Ghana says shortage of cedi in some banks is due to huge over-the-counter withdrawals by some corporate customers to indulge in speculative purchase of foreign currencies.
August Five:
Bank of Ghana probed circumstances leading to the payment of five billion cedis to one Amadou Senyi on orders of Ghana Cement Works.
Goosie Tanoh elected presidential candidate of the National Reform Party.
August Nine:
President visited Equatorial Guinea.
August 13:
Ghana considered refining crude oil from and exporting to Equatorial Guinea.
August 14:
Ministry of Health set committee to probe negligence at three Accra hospitals.
August 18:
Government proposed 20 per cent increase in minimum wage of 2,900 cedis.
August 21:
New drivers' license launched.
August 23:
Mr Ernest Yaw Owusu-Poku, Commissioner of Police, appointed Director of
Passports while Akwasi Agyemang was made special envoy.
August 25:
Election date changed to December seven following debates on constitutionality of initial date.
August 27:
Two hundred and seventy-seven repatriated Ghanaians returned home from Nigeria.
President left for Tanzania.
Police Homicide Unit investigated circumstances that led to the dumping of 21
human skulls at Teshie composite plant site.
August 29:
Brunei Sultan visited Ghana.
September Three:
Mr Martin Amidu, Deputy Attorney General, named NDC running mate.
September Five:
Serious Fraud Office said it has so far recovered 781 million cedis from 36 cases in 2000. It recovered 3.076 billion cedis from 36 completed cases in 1999.
President Rawlings left for New York to participate in the United Nations Summit.
Liquidated Bank for Housing and Construction and Co-operative Bank assets yield 108 billion cedis.
September Seven:
US gave 200,000 dollars for December general elections.
AGC share price appreciated on New York Stock Exchange from 1.37 dollars - 2.63
dollars and to 2.94 dollars - making a total of 11.9 per cent change.
NPP flag-bearer, John Kufuor, chose Alhaji Aliu as running mate.
National Media Commission appointed chief executives of state owned media, including GNA.
September Nine:
President visited Scotland - continued to Switzerland to undertake surgery.
September 12:
Political parties filed presidential and parliamentary nominations.
NDC's Clend Sowu nominated parliamentary candidate over Foreign Minister Gbeho - the latter goes solo.
September 15:
Ghanaian boxer sent home from Olympic games for over eating.
September 17:
Mr Kwasi Adu-Amankwah elected new Trades Union Congress Secretary General.
September 19:
Danish Princess arrived.
September 20
Belgium Princess Astrid arrived.
Electoral Commissioner said voters' register is in excess of 1.5 million names.
September 24:
Boat sinks off Prampram shore - 10 of 22 rescued.
September 25:
Professor Mills declines to take part in presidential debate.
Fuel shortage hits Accra - calls from certain quarters for government to increase petroleum prices.
Disabled threaten to boycott elections if disability policy is not promulgated by election time.
September 26:
Vice President struck oil deal with Nigeria.
Parliament reconvenes after two-month recess.
September 27:
Freedom Forum, US NGO and GJA organised presidential debate.
NDC warns Gbeho to rescind decision to go solo.
October Four:
President Mbeki arrived.
October Five:
South Africa/Ghana business chamber fiasco with journalists.
World Teachers' Day observed.
October Seven:
First national Telethon held - Choral concert.
October 17:
Sir Roger Moore, film star and UNICEF goodwill ambassador, arrived.
October 19:
First house-to-house National Immunisation day observed.
October 20:
Doctors at Korle-Bu threatened to strike.
October 24:
Parliament adopted two loan agreements, including 37,150,000 dollars loan for
Korle-Lagoon project.
October 25:
Parliament passed securities law to change the name of the Securities Regulatory
Commission to Securities and Exchange Commission.
Minister of Mines and Energy ordered production and sale of salt at the Salt
Development Project Task Force Number Two factory site to stop.
October 27:
Mass funeral organised for victims of marine accident.
Police investigate reported abduction of Minister of Sports' son.
October 29:
Ghana Journalists Association awards night.
President Rawlings involved in motor accident - four bodyguards dead.
October 30:
Government denies receiving compensation for Libyan evacuees.
Fourth poverty level report launched suggesting that overall poverty declined
considerably in the 1990s but the incidence of extreme poverty is still high.
Police hunt for driver who caused motor accident.
Tema Metropolitan Assembly and Ghana Highway Authority agree to block 24
unapproved routes and links to the Tema - Accra Motorway.
October 31:
Ministry of Food and Agriculture lifted ban on movement of pigs in and out of
Accra.
November Two:Nutifafa Kuenyehia elected new chairman of National Media
Commission.
National minimum daily wage increased to 4,200 cedis from 2,900 cedis.
November Five:
Driver who allegedly caused President Rawlings' motor accident arrested.
November 14:
Takoradi Aboadze Thermal plant formally commissioned.
November 25:
Bank of Ghana Governor pegs monthly average depreciation of cedi since September at 2.4 per cent. It was 7.2 per cent for the first eight months of the year.
November 29:
Four Presidential candidates boycott IEA presidential debate.
Ministry of Trade and Industry banned beef importation from Europe.
Ghana Textile Manufacturing Company closed down after workers locked up management staff.
Ghana National Petroleum Company announced resumption of oil drilling at Saltpond.
December one:
World AIDS Day.
Government asked Dr Oti Boateng, Former Government Statistician, to respond to Serious Fraud Office findings on misappropriation of funds.
Tsatsu Tsikata, Chief Executive of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation,
appointed energy adviser.
Brigadier Djangmah, head of Prison Service, recalled to Ministry of Interior.
December Two:
New Patriotic Parliamentary candidate in December election died.
December Four:
Supreme Court rules against sole use of photo ID in general elections amidst
protest from some political party supporters - Police use tear gas to restore order resulting in some injuries.
Bank of Ghana Governor says domestic debt rose to 5,797.3 billion cedis at the end of 1999. It was 875.5 billion cedis in 1995.
External debt also rose to 5.9 billion dollars from 3.4 billion dollars for the same period.
December Five:
Electoral Commission organised special voting.
December Six:
President Rawlings broadcast on the eve of presidential and parliamentary elections.
Ministry of Trade and Industry banned importation of beef products from Germany, France and Spain following outbreak of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Mad Cow disease) in those countries.
December seven:
Ghanaians go to the polls.
Post-election violence in Bawku - curfew imposed next day.
December Eight:
Daniel Dawutey Chakitey, driver who allegedly caused President's motor accident, died in prison custody - family civil society calls for inquest into death.
December 10:
Electoral Commissioner gives unofficial results of presidential and parliamentary elections giving the NPP the lead in both elections. NPP had 99 seats, NDC 92, PNC 3, CPP 1 Independent 4. Election in one constituency postponed because of death of NPP candidate. In presidential, Mr Kufuor and President Mills to contest in run-off.
December 11:
TV3 crew assaulted by NDC supporters.
December 12:
Electoral Commission fixed December 28 for presidential run-off.
December 17:
Champion club, Accra Hearts of Oak, win CAF champions league cup for the first time.
December 18:
Thirtieth victim of serial killing found at Spintex road.
December 19:
IGP said he would not resign following calls by a section of the public that he
should resign because his outfit is unable to arrest the killers of women.
December 20:
Electoral Commission admits discrepancies in election result.
This reduces the percentages of the NPP and the NDC candidates.
December 22:
Women groups demonstrate to present petition to the President against murder of
women after the 30th victim.
December 27:
Muslims celebrate Eid-Ul Fitr.
December 28:
Electoral Commission holds presidential run-off.
December 29:
The following are the closing inter-bank rates for major currencies against the
cedi.
Currency Buying Selling
US Dollar 6,779.00 6,994.55
Pound Sterling 10,129.18 10,458.25
Deutsche Mark 3,224.11 3,327.79
CFA 9.62 9.92
December 30:
Result of Presidential run-off after 199 constituencies.
Kufuor - 3,576,771 (56.73 per cent)
Mills - 2,728,241 (43.27 per cent)
GRi…/