Okyeman highlights Kuntunkununku's funeral rites

Sissala DCE meets counterparts from Burkina Faso

Confiscated timber yields 192 million cedis

Bosomtwe Bank to help farmers pay medical bills

Items to fight army worm invasion despatched

Ghana to enact law on chemical weapons

President Rawlings commissions South East Water Project

Mamponteng citizens not happy with lawyer Jantuah

International conference on gender and science opens in Accra

Kibi (Eastern region) 5^th July '99

The body of the late Okyenhene, Osagyefo Kuntunkununku II, who went to the village in the early hours of Wednesday, March 17, 1999, would be laid in state for six days beginning from Monday, August nine at Ofori Panin Fie at Kibi.

Osabarima Kena Ampaw II, Acting President of Okyeman Traditional Council, who announced this at a Press briefing at Kibi, on Saturday said the funeral rites would be climaxed with a thanksgiving and memorial service on the seventh day at Essekeseeho, Kibi.

Osabarima Ampaw, who is also the Adontenhene and Chief of Kukurantumi, formally declared a state of mourning throughout the Akim Abuakwa Traditional Area, beginning from Monday, July five.

This meant that no other funeral rites would be performed in any part of the Akim Abuakwa Traditional Area from Monday July five to Friday August 20.

Osabarima Ampaw appealed to the people to be in mournful, sober, reflective, contemplative and prayerful mood during the period.

He said apart from the opening of a Book of Condolence, the Executive Council, made up of Ankobea, Apesemaka and Kyidom divisions, would sit in state daily to receive friends, who wish to express condolences to Okyeman.

The Adontenhene appealed to all Akims, both at home and abroad, to fully and actively co-operate with the Council to ensure a fitting and successful funeral for Osagyefo Kuntunkununku, former President of the National House of Chiefs and a Member of the Council of State.

Osabarima Dakwa Woe II, Okyeman Gyaasehene, who is traditionally the chief mourner, Oyeeman Wereko Ampem II, Gyaasehene of Akwapim and Mr Fred Ohene-Kena, Minister of Mines and Energy were present at the press briefing.

Others were Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Dr Jones Ofori Atta, a Renowned Economist and some Parliamentarians from the region.

Soon after the function, Top Industries in Accra, manufacturers of plastic chairs, donated 200 chairs and a carton of schnapps all valued at 2.8 million cedis towards the funeral.

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Tumu (Upper West) 5^th July '99

Mr Robert Wavei, Sissala District Chief Executive, on Friday held a meeting with four Burkina Faso Prefects, whose administrative districts share border with the district at Tumu.

The meeting, which was initiated by Mr Wavei, was aimed at affording the five district's political heads the opportunity to discuss and find solutions to common problems.

The Prefects were Mr Jean Moarie Kaula of Leo, Mr Christopher Poda of Boura, Mr Dennis Sawadoga of Bieha and Mr Paul Yameogo of Sapouy.

Issues discussed included cattle rustling along their common border and activities of Fulani herdsmen, who drive their cattle into Ghana through Burkina Faso and the attendant over-grazing and destruction of the environment by the herdsmen and their cattle.

Mr Wavei stressed the need for Burkina Faso to ensure that all cattle destined for Ghana pass through approved routes so that activities of the herdsmen could be monitored.

The DCE also expressed grave concern about the behaviour of some of the herdsmen, who indulge in lawless acts such as raping women, cutting down trees as fodder for their animals and stealing of farm, produce.

Mr Wavei suggested the establishment of a joint afforestation project along the border to check desertification.

He called for inter-cultural and social activities between the Sissalas and Burkinabes to enhance good relationship.

Mr Koula, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, assured Mr Wavei that the concern of the people of Sissala were well noted and that a follow up meeting would be held in Burkina Faso in August.

He called for the promotion of kola nut and salt trade between Ghana and Burkina Faso.

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Kade (Eastern Region) 5^th July '99

District Forestry Department in the Eastern Region realised 192.2 million cedis from the sale of confiscated timber logs and beams from illegal timber operators last year.

Within the same period 50 chainsaw, machines were seized, Mr Hugh C. A. Brown, District Forestry Officer announced at a press briefing at Kade.

Mr Brown said as a result of the intensification of patrols by Forest Guards, the timber task force and co-operation from the communities, illegal felling of timber in the district has gone down drastically.

He said the department gave out more than 100,000 seedlings of trees of different species to individuals and organisations to plant.

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Beposo (Ashanti Region) 5^th July '99

The Bosomtwe Rural Bank has started negotiations with the Saint Micheal's Hospital, at Pramso in the Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma district of Ashanti, to assist cocoa farmers, who are shareholders of the bank to pay their bills.

Mr Johnny Achibra, General Manager of the Bank, who announced this at Beposo, in the Amansie East district at the weekend, said, "the bank would pay the bills and then spread the repayment in such a way that they would not feel the pinch".

Presenting 500,000 cedis, on behalf of the Bank, to the Beposo community towards the construction of a well, he said the bank has initiated a scholarship scheme for children of shareholders, who perform creditably at the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE).

The Bank has already spent over 10 million cedis on the scholarship scheme, he said, and urged the shareholders to avail themselves of the opportunity.

Last year, the bank shared 33.6 million cedis as dividends to its shareholders.

Mr Achibra said the bank is very solvent and asked the people to buy more shares.

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Accra (Greater Accra) 5^th July '99

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and Ministry of Food and Agriculture, on Saturday despatched two trucks loaded with a number of items to fight the army worm invasion in the Upper East Region.

They include 2,000 litres of agro chemicals, 500 pairs of Wellington boots, 300 pairs of gloves and 300 facemasks supplied by the Ministry.

NADMO supplied 10 bales of used clothing, 60 plastic buckets, first aid kits, 24 knapsack sprayers and a quantity of detergents.

Mr Kofi Portuphy, National Co-ordinator of NADMO, said the organisation has already sent experts to the area to assess and assist in combating the invasion.

Meanwhile a team from NADMO Headquarters on Saturday inspected farms in the Dawhenya area of Greater Accra to assess the extent of damage caused by the worms.

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Accra (Greater Accra) 5^th July '99

Ghana is to push the Chemical Weapon Convention (CWC) further with the enactment of legislation on chemical weapons soon.

A draft to this effect is to be put before Cabinet for consideration to promote bilateral trade in chemicals used in pharmaceutical, agricultural, petroleum and allied industries.

This was disclosed to newsmen at the Kotoka International airport by Mr Lee T. Ocran, Deputy Minister of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), after leading a two member delegation to the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties and States to the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in the Hague.

The four day conference was organised by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and attended by 102 states, the United Nations, United Nation Environmental Programme, International Atomic Energy Agency and six non governmental organisations.

Mr Ocran said the convention would enable Ghana to benefit from the exchange of scientific and technological information in the field of chemistry.

" This will eventually have a positive impact on Ghana's science and technological development by training Ghanaian experts in our chemical management".

He said Ghana's membership in CWC would enable her to benefit from the Trans-Boundary movement of chemicals and allied products as well as prepare the nation for meaningful action in the event of any chemical disaster.

Ghana ratified the convention in July 1997 and has fulfilled a number of obligations including the establishment of an Interim National Authority with representation from key stakeholders including MEST, ministries of foreign Affairs, Defence, Trade and Industry, Food and Agriculture, Standards Board and the Customs Excise and Preventive Service.

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Alakple (Volta Region) 5^th July '99

President Jerry Rawlings on Saturday commissioned an integrated water project for three districts in the southern part of the Volta Region with an appeal to the people to adopt a pro-active maintenance culture towards the facility.

The people and Chiefs from the districts used a colouful durbar preceding the commissioning to enstool President Rawlings as a great Chief in recognition of his concern for them under the stool name "Togbe Xornametor I" (Saviour).

President Rawlings said the project, South-Eastern Districts Water Supply, was borne out of government's commitment to improve the socio-economic conditions of Ghanaians.

He, therefore, asked them to pay their bills promptly to assist the Ghana Water and Sewerage Corporation, now Ghana Water Company Limited to function effectively and extend its facilities to more people.

Saturday's commissioning covers the first two phases of the project, which is in three parts.

The first two phases, which were completed last year, involved a daily production of about 1.6 million gallons of water.

The water is pumped over 155 kilometres for distribution through 82 kilometres of pipelines to communities from Sogakope in the South Tongu district through Dabala junction to Keta and from Sogakope to Ada.

The third and final phase is to extend the facility to Aflao in the Ketu South District through Akatsi and Denu.

The entire project commenced in July 1996 with a British grant and loan of 13.5 million pounds as well as a 4.9 billion cedis local component.

President Rawlings, who commissioned a similar facility a week earlier at Tamale, said the two projects reflect government's commitment to the systematic and integrated development.

He outlined other projects lined up for the area and expressed appreciation for the people's sacrifice and patience although some of the projects have been delayed.

President Rawlings spoke about the Keta Sea Defence Project and pledged government's commitment to it saying, "abandoning that project will mean abandoning the people as well as God".

He said the extension of electricity to the project site has just been completed and essential equipment mobilised to the site.

"I believe that the frustration over the seeming delay about the implementation of the project shall surely turn into broad smiles and joy when actual construction work takes off soon."

President Rawlings said the challenges of the next millennium call for positive private sector development and the necessary collaborative and facilitating role of government and the communities.

The telephone system in the Keta District is being upgraded to make it more effective while work progresses to extend the national grid to the people of Kome.

He also mentioned some roads that were under construction. These include the Seva-Anyako stretch and the Agortoe road.

"We must rid the communities of laziness, apathy and care-free attitudes. We must look to the future with hope, and resolve to work hard towards achieving that objective."

In an address read on behalf of Togbe Kporku III, Dufia of Alakple, he thanked the President for his timely response to their cry for help during last year's drought.

He also expressed appreciation for the water facility saying they were amazed with it.

Togbe Kporku condemned what he termed rumours by the opposition that the people and chiefs from the southern districts have disowned the President as a citizen of Anlo because he failed to address their developmental needs.

He referred to the large gathering at the ceremony, saying it signified that the people had nothing against the president, adding, "the rumour is one of the many lies fabricated to suit themselves.

The Chief cautioned that, "those who have ears to hear, let them hear that we the people of Anlo, and for that matter the Ewes, have come to realise and accept the truth. That because of the nature of the Rawlings revolution, there

was the need for some one to sacrifice in order to set an example of leadership that we are all looking for."

"We know that altruism, service to others, is the secret key that has opened the door of success, and brought peace and stability to the people of Ghana", Togbe Kporku said.

He added that the Anlos are proud to be identified with the source of this peace, which has prevented the wave of ethnic killings as it is happening in other sister countries.

The Chiefs and people have also declared their support for Vice-President John Evans Atta Mills' as the next President and called on him and other members of the Executive to "glorify" President John Rawlings by turning attention to the development of the area.

They expressed appreciation for the individual efforts of Mr Godwin Anagbo, a citizen, in the development of the area.

Togbe Kporku announced the communities' plan to honour Warrant Officer I Andreas Tettey, the President's personal security guard, for his "steadfastness and loyalty" over the years.

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Mamponteng (Ashanti Region) 5^th July '99

Citizens of Mamponteng in the Kwabre district of Ashanti say they have had enough of " the divide and rule tactics of Mr F.A. Jantuah, a Kumasi-based lawyer which has retarded progress and development of the town."

They said they are no more prepared to countenance any retrogressive actions and shall act accordingly and decisively " if such anti-development activities against the community persist."

In a statement issued after a general meeting at Mamponteng attended by more than 1,000 residents including chiefs, assembly and unit committee members, they said they are alert to resist any action of either Mr Jantuah or his agents designed to frustrate the construction of a community centre for the town being funded by the 31st December Women's Movement.

The statement is in reaction to a court action by Mr Jantuah seeking an interim injunction to restrain the Movement and others from putting up a community centre for the town.

"We wish to make it categorically clear to Mr Jantuah and his cohorts that they shall be held responsible for any loss of life should they persist with their diabolical attempts at creating confusion in the Mamponteng community".

The statement said the citizens are grateful to the 31st December Women's Movement and pledged to stand firmly behind it in ensuring the completion of the project.

Mr Jantuah is not immediately available for his comment.

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Accra (Greater Accra), 5^th July 99 –

The Ninth International Conference of the Gender and Science and Technology Association (GASAT) opens in Accra today with about 300 participants from 40 countries in attendance.

The conference will discuss obstacles to the removal of barriers to equal opportunity in education and employment openings, especially to jobs in science and technology Mrs. Georgina Quaisie, conference conveyor, told a press conference in Accra.

The conference, under the theme: "From Policy to Action in Gender Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the 21st Century", is sponsored by a number of organisations, including USAID, UNICEF, UNESCO and the ministry of education.

Participants will examine action that has been taken since the first women's conference at Beijing to close the gender gap in science-related fields.

GASAT, which is made up of people with gender concern in science and technology, aims at creating awareness for women and girls towards their advancement in science and technology.

It also aims to bring together educators, researchers, policy makers and other users of products of science and technology.

Mrs. Quaisie said the conference is expected to raise the awareness of women's contribution to the management of the environment, the world's natural resources and wastes, and develop collaborative research and action on projects involving local, national and international networks.

Current issues concerning mathematics and science education policy will be assessed and programmes developed to improve upon them both in Ghana and elsewhere.

Other issues are gender equity in science and technology education, making science responsive to the needs of society, relating better with local knowledge systems and addressing ethical issues in science and technology.

Mrs. Quaisie said GASAT 12 years ago opened a technology clinic for girls, which is well patronised adding that women's knowledge in science needs to be broadened since they are not only doing women's job but are gradually moving into other areas.

Mrs. Cecilia Pomery, Director, Girls Science Education Unit under GES, said girls' participation in science has increased in recent times.

She said there are trained teachers in every district, provided with manuals to help make science more girl-friendly.

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