Kufuor calls for efforts to reduce cross-border crimes
President Kufuor receives
USAID delegation
Asantehene commended for
cordiality among ethnic groups
NPP will make media
partners in good governance
NPP MP pledges salary to
constituency
New standards for personnel managers
JOY FM denies making prejudicial statements against SSNIT
NDC says Rawlings satisfied with Ridge residence
Nii Nortey Dua wins lead in GJA vote
Accra (Greater Accra)
29 Jan 2001
President John Agyekum
Kufuor on Friday called for collective efforts against the proliferation of
small arms and light weapons and a reduction in cross-border crimes within West
Africa.
"We cannot develop
and improve the lives of our people except in an atmosphere of peace and
stability and the absence of violence," he said.
Mr Kufuor was
addressing the diplomatic corps at the State House in Accra during this year's
presentation of New Year greetings from about 43 missions in Ghana.
It also provided a
platform for top public officers and their spouses to interact with the
diplomats and their spouses.
Among the dignitaries
were Vice President Aliu Mahama, Mr Peter Ala-Adjetey, Speaker of Parliament,
Ministers designate, MPs as well as heads of institutions and their families.
President Kufuor stressed Ghana's
determination to continue support for the mandate of UNAMSIL and the expansion
of its role in anticipation of a speedy restoration of peace in Sierra Leone.
He said the government
would also continue to support UN peacekeeping operations to enable Ghanaian
troops to distinguish themselves.
The President appealed
to Liberia and Guinea to use dialogue to resolve their differences in the Mano
River region where many people have died and thousands displaced as a result of
rebel incursions. There should be "understanding and fellow feeling"
in the region, he said.
Mr Kufuor said the
government is committed to the realisation of the vision of ECOWAS for the
rapid development and integration of the economies of the sub-region, which
"makes sense and is a political necessity."
The President said he
would work to remove psychological barriers that linguistic divisions have
placed, hindering co-operation in West Africa.
He said it is because
of the benefits of full integration and co-operation and the envisaged role of
the private sector that a Minister has been nominated to oversee the process.
President Kufuor
re-affirmed Ghana's continued support for the principles of international
organisations like the UN, OAU, Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth.
Mr Kufuor said since
globalisation aims at eliminating discriminatory and harmful trade disputes
among nations while boosting living standards, it is imperative for Africa and
the developing world to train their work force and modernise infrastructure to
be competitive.
He identified
mismanagement, waste and corruption as the core of the economic crisis facing
developing nations and pledged the government's determination to take measures
to correct the flaws.
The government would
put in place prudent and transparent policies to restore the economy to bring
relief and hope to millions of Ghanaians, who have been subjected to
intolerable and humiliating pressures.
President Kufuor noted
that the severe debt burden with an unacceptable annual servicing ration would
make budgeting difficult and called for assistance from the country's
development partners in the short and medium term.
The government is ready
to hold dialogue with bilateral and multilateral partners to consider ways
Ghana would be able to meet its financial obligations without condemning the
people to abject poverty.
Mr Ibrahim Khalil Omar,
Dean of the diplomatic corps and Ambassador of the State of Palestine,
congratulated Mr Kufuor and Vice President Mahama on their assumption of
office.
He said they have taken
office at a time globalisation is fast taking root and stressed the need for a
New World economic order, for which Ghana is an ardent advocate. The Dean of
the Diplomatic Corps expressed the belief that Ghana would continue to
influence the international community to make more sincere and selfless efforts
towards a restructured economic order that would eliminate or minimise negative
factors on primary producing economies.
Mr Omar praised Ghana's
role in international affairs to achieve peace and said "it is our wish
that the New Millennium will bring greater peace, stability and prosperity to
all peoples of the world."
Mr Omar commended
Ghanaians for the peaceful transition. "This year opened with hope,"
he said adding, "for the first time since independence, a democratically
elected government has handed over peacefully to another democratically elected
government in an election, which was free, fair and transparent."
By this feat,
"Ghana has become a shining example for many countries in Africa, Asia and
the third world."
He paid tribute to
former Vice President John Atta Mills for conceding defeat ahead of the final results
and praised former President Jerry John Rawlings for his contribution towards
entrenching democracy in Ghana.
A cultural troupe
thrilled the dignitaries with its performance, which added to the grandeur.
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President Kufuor receives
USAID delegation
Accra (Greater Accra) 29 January 2001
President John Agyekum Kufuor at the weekend said his government is determined to restore quality to Ghana's education by focussing on the teacher as the main player.
He attributed the decline in the quality of education in recent times to the divorce of planning from infrastructure growth saying facilities available to the sector have woefully unmatched the fast soaring population rate.
The President was speaking during discussions with a U.S. delegation led by Democratic Congressman, Earl Pomeroy and Republican Congressman, Mark Green on how USAID could help raise Ghana's educational system.
Mr Kufuor lauded the bi-partisanship spirit in U.S. politics and expressed his determination to plant firmly that culture in Ghana as a way to promote tolerance and co-operation.
The president who is yet to finalise his cabinet list gave the assurance that it would comprise people with viable records.
He restated his commitment to an all-inclusive government and deepening of the democratic culture.
He expressed gratitude to USAID for supporting the country's education and hoped it would be sustained.
Mr. Kufuor said it is the desire of his government to build extra-ordinarily close relations with the U.S. for mutual benefit.
At the discussions was Vice President Aliu Mahama who buttressed the importance of education to national development and gave the assurance that whatever assistance is provided to Ghana will be put to optimum use.
Congressman Pomeroy lauded Ghana's peaceful transition, describing it as an "extra-ordinary action" that has made Ghana an example in democracy.
He said there is need for "purposeful and visionary leadership" by the government to meet the aspirations of the people.
Congressman Mark Green said both Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. have enormous confidence in Ghana's future and cited the delegation's visit as a demonstration of its support for Africa.
Ms Kathryn Dee Robinson, U.S. Ambassador described both Congressmen as strong supporters of the African Growth and Opportunities Bill of which Ghana is a beneficiary.
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Asantehene commended for
cordiality among ethnic groups
Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 29 January 2001
Otumfuo Osei Tutu 11, Asantehene, has been commended for the peaceful and cordial relations that exist among people of different ethnic groups and Asantes in the Ashanti region.
Okpekpe Wuokpe Togbe Dagadu the seventh, a Member of the Council of State, observed that such a congenial atmosphere, has paved the way for people of multi-ethnic groupings in the Ashanti region to pursue their social and economic ventures in absolute comfort.
Togbe Dagadu who is also the President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, made the commendation in Kumasi on Saturday, at a meeting with the Ashanti region Branch of the Volta Regional Co-ordinating Council (VCC) and the Ewe Chieftaincy Council in the region.
He called on people of the Volta Region resident in the Ashanti Region, to reciprocate the fatherly care and generosity of the Asantehene, by being law abiding and also respectful of the values and norms of the Asante people.
Togbe Dagadu advised them to contribute in a more practical manner to development of their home towns and their present areas of resident.
He said now that the elections were over, it was imperative for all Ghanaians to bury their political differences, come together and co-operate with the new government to enable it to carry out its mission of national development at all levels.
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NPP will make media
partners in good governance
Accra (Greater Accra) 29 January 2001
President John A. Kufuor on Saturday said the NPP administration will make the media partners in its objective to achieve good governance for the benefit of all sections of society.
Mr Kufuor said to achieve its objective, the administration need to relate and co-operate with all arms of government including the media, which it recognises as the fourth estate
Mr. Kufuor was replying to a toast proposed by the General Secretary of GJA, Mr Bright Blewu at a dinner.
The dinner which was attended by the First Lady, Mrs Teresa Kufuor, the Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, top officials of the NPP and other dignitaries and media practitioners was hosted by Mr B. A. Mensah, an industrialist with his wife, at their residence at the airport residence area in Accra.
The dinner was in recognition of the role played by the media in the promotion of democracy in the country.
Mr Kufuor said his administration will not seek a relationship of convenient with the media, but rather a relationship that will serve the interest of all Ghanaians with all shades of opinion, interest, the unemployed and the disadvantaged in society.
He cautions the media against vicious and self-serving publications, adding that their report and criticism should be motivated by objectivity, patriotism, facts and well- researched issues.
Mr Kufuor, with laughter, noted that the expectations of the media and Ghanaians of his government were very high, adding that the government is not "enjoying the hundred day honeymoon period as given to presidents of the United State of America, "who we emulate"
He was however, hopeful that at the end of his four-year term the administration will achieve its objectives of good governance and the improvement of the standard of living of Ghanaians.
Mr Kufuor commended the host Mr Mensah, for providing the platform for interaction between the media and members of his administration.
He praised Mr Mensah for his boldness and courage, which he said, spurred him on to survive the difficulty he had encountered in life.
Earlier, Mr Mensah praised the media for their role in informing the electorate during the electioneering campaign to make informed decision.
Quoting Dr J B Danguah and Dr Kwame Nkrumah, in their speeches of freedom, Mr Mensah said, "the new ear has given Ghanaians a sign of relief to enjoy freedom and liberation again.
He expressed the hope that business and commence will boom for national development.
Proposing the toast, Mr Blewu, lauded the opportunity, saying It was the first time a journalist was enjoying such a privilege to propose the toast for a sitting government.
He expressed the hope that the government will reach out to the media and prayed for good health for the president.
Mr. Yaw Sarpong, a gospel artist and his Asumafo Band and Marriott's International entertained the dinners.
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NPP MP pledges salary to
constituency
Accra (Greater Accra) 29 January 2001
Mr Benjamin D K Adu, NPP MP for Okere, on Saturday said he would use his salary for the development of the constituency.
Speaking to the GNA after the dedication of Faith Christian Academy School Complex at Kotobabi, in Accra, he said, "during my pre-elections campaign, I promised to use my salary as an MP to develop my constituency and I still stand by my words."
"The road network in the constituency needs rehabilitation while a second Senior Secondary School (SSS) and a technical school should be provided in the area."
The MP said he would constitute a committee to manage the fund, into which he would put two-thirds of his salary for the construction of an SSS at Amanfro.
He said, "the rest of the money would go into fuel expenses on my tours in the constituency."
Mr Adu, who is the Chief Executive Officer of AWET, an architectural company in Accra, said his gesture is to lead the way for other MPs to commit their salaries towards the development of their areas.
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Tema (Greater Accra) 29 Jan. 2001
The Ghana Institute of Personnel Management has set up a new academic board to review its syllabus to set high professional standards for members.
Mr Austin Gamey, National President of the Association announced this at the annual get-together of the Tema branch of the association.
He said the draft syllabus, which is almost ready would be made available to members for study and suggestion to ensure that their views were fully represented in the document.
Mr Gamey noted that the current labour front, poses new and greater challenges, which require the institute to step up its role in human resource management and to improve relationship with the labour movement.
Mr Dan Acheampong, Personnel and Community Relations Administrator of the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) said the institute seeks "to build the right bridges" for the development of human resource management in Ghana.
He urged members to strive to cope with labour trends in the 21st century and to ensure that any change initiated should aim at moving the people forward.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 29 Jan. 2001
The time has come for civil servants to stand their ground and insist on the right thing in their official responsibilities to ministers of state, Mr Smart Chigabatia, Executive Secretary of the Civil Servants Association (CSA), said on Monday.
He said the new dispensation of changing a government by the ballot box should send a message to politicians that they do not have the final say in the day-to-day affairs of state.
Mr Chigabatia stated this at the second annual send-off party for retired officers of the Civil Service Supply and Materials Management Class Association in Accra.
The occasion marked the presentation of awards to six retired officers for their meritorious services to the civil service.
He explained that during the times of military regimes civil servants, afraid of the gun, kow-towed to all the dictates of state functionaries, "sometimes backbiting to gain favour in the eyes of state officials."
Mr Chigabatia urged civil servants to be assertive since they do all the work in the ministries while the ministers "only sign" documents prepared by civil servants.
He advised members of the association to be professional at post "because the emphasis in the service is now on professionalism."
Mr L. Y. P. Quashigah, Interim Chairman of the Association, said the association is to promote the welfare of members and "not a panacea for the problems of the supply and materials management class."
"Our services as a class depends entirely on the professionalism which we shall demonstrate in our duties."
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Accra (Greater Accra) 29 Jan. 2001
Solicitors for JOY FM and Mr Komla Dumor, presenter of the station's Super Morning Show, on Friday disputed a Ghana News Agency news report on the first sitting of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) which is inquiring into the affairs of SSNIT.
In a statement signed by Mr Charles Zwennes, describing the report as misleading, the solicitors said at the sitting on January 19, their client categorically denied having made any prejudicial statements against SSNIT.
The statement said SSNIT was unable to provide any evidence to establish the contrary.
It said: "we have carefully studied the document, and hold firm opinion that this report is inaccurate in its account and misleading in its commentary of the decisions arrived at by the Commission on Friday January 19."
The statement said CHRAJ on January 19 "specifically stated that JOY FM was not to make any statements, which gave the impression that the CHRAJ had come about a final adverse finding against the SSNIT."
"The Commissioner, Mr Emile Short considered the preliminary complaint of SSNIT and came to the finding that any impression created of there having been an adverse finding made against SSNIT would be prejudicial.
"Consequently, the only restriction placed on JOY FM and Mr Dumor by the commission was they desist from giving any impression that an adverse finding had been made against SSNIT by the CHRAJ."
It said CHRAJ agreed with Mr Zwennes that the station was "at liberty to continue in its investigative journalism and publications of all new and relevant information concerning the affairs of SSNIT in pursuance of the discharge of its constitutional function and in the public interest."
"The Commission accepted that any reports and publications on the affairs of SSNIT were of the highest public importance and interest to the workers and people of Ghana.
"The Commission therefore found that any new matters unearthed and published by the Joy FM should also be supplied to the Commission to assist in its investigative inquiry."
The statement said in a reaction to a point of jurisdiction raised by counsel for JOY FM and Mr Dumor, counsel for SSNIT and Mr Charles Asare, Director-General, SSNIT, undertook before the Commission to stay any further High Court proceedings until the final determination of CHRAJ's investigation.
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It said in a statement signed by its general secretary, Alhaji Huudu Yahaya, that the former president has indicated that he does not have the desire to be resettled at any of several other more luxurious locations, which have been the subject of media speculation.
The NDC said it is surprised that notwithstanding this statement, the government has stated that President John Agyekum Kufuor will in due course decide on a permanent accommodation for the former president and his family.
"The party hopes that the ex-president's wishes which were communicated officially to the Joint Transitional Team will be respected and further speculation about the accommodation arrangements for the ex-president be abated," he said.
On the controversial end-of-service benefits for ministers, the NDC said while the beneficiaries expressed their willingness to return the vehicles, they were also of the view that there are issues of principles involved and the need to set the records straight.
"The party believes that any disagreement of the NPP government with executive decisions taken with the full authority of the previous government are best handled through the Joint Transitional Team arrangements rather than through press releases and media wars."
The statement said no official of the former government has received any directives in writing.
"Government, the NDC understands, must rule by executive decisions duly conveyed through constitutionally approved mechanisms rather than by press releases."
The NDC said at a meeting held on Friday, the affected beneficiaries of the car sales said if no steps are taken to resolve the matter amicably through joint discussions and consultation, "they are prepared to challenge the decision of the NPP."
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Accra (Greater Accra) 29 Jan. 2001
Nii Nortey Dua of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) has been elected as Deputy General Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
According to a press release issued by the GJA Election Officer, Mr Mawusi Afele, Nii Nortey had 277 votes as against 110 polled by Mr George Naykene.
Nii Nortey's hightest best performance was in the Greater Accra Region where he polled 228 votes with 138 of those coming from GBC. His worst performance was in the Upper West Region where he had no vote out of the 10 cast. Incidentally, the Upper West Region was where Mr Naykene performed best.
Nii Nortey will join the following National Executive members who were returned unopposed.
Mrs Gifty Affenyi Dadzie President
Mr Yaw Owusu Addo Vice President
Mr Bright Blewu General Secretary
Ms Yaa Oforiwah Acquah Treasurer
Mr Matthew Mac-Kwame National Executive Member
Mr Affail Monney National Executive
Member
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