GRi Newsreel Ghana 13 - 07 - 2001
CEPS destroys unwholesome turkey tails
Do not entertain advice to audit donor to
President's house
Survey Department to be made autonomous
Accra (Greater Accra) 13 July 2001
Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Economic Planning and Regional Co-operation, Thursday said the government has introduced an Emergency Social Relief Programme (ESRP) aimed at minimising negative impact of policies intended to stabilise the economy.
He said the government would reduce the harsh measures needed to develop the economy with a relief package for vulnerable groups and deprived communities.
Dr Nduom said this during a working visit to Nima, in Accra to assess the negative impact of the government's policies and how best to assist the inhabitants through the ESRP.
He was accompanied by the Chairman of the National Committee of the ESRP, Mr Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, who is also the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.
Dr Nduom said the government is sensitive to the vulnerable but it needs to adopt some harsh economic policies to "pull the country from the current crisis".
The relief measures would be community initiated aimed at alleviating vulnerability through assessment of each deprived community, he explained adding that the package include, food aid, supply of commodities and sale of other food items at subsidised prices.
Dr Nduom said the Committee would work together with organised groups and other identifiable community based NGOs, farmers, fishermen and market women.
The Minister said the ESRP would be proactive within the scope of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) and focus more on social disasters.
The people of Nima called for the establishment of a Community Senior Secondary School and a face-lift for the area.
They also complained about poor drainage system, lack of good sanitation and a market.
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Koforidua (Eastern Region) 13 July 2001
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is considering a merger of some of its member unions, which perform almost similar functions and fall under a particular category of trade.
The Deputy Secretary General of the TUC in-charge of Operations, Mr Kofi Asamoah, who announced this said the idea of the proposed mergers was not to deny the rights of individual unions, but to avoid fragmentation and duplication of duties.
Mr Asamoah was speaking at the third-quarter Eastern Regional Executive Council meeting of the TUC at Koforidua on Thursday.
He noted that in this era of competition, there was the need for identical trade unions to pool resources to ensure efficient provision of service to its members.
Mr Asamoah identified some of the unions, which could easily be merged as those in the transport industry such as railways, civil aviation, road transport and marine.
He said the leadership of the TUC was currently discussing the forms the merger would take, its objectives and resources needed for effective operation.
He reiterated the call by the TUC to Parliament to institute an enquiry into allegations of malfeasance levelled against the Management of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to ensure that workers were not denied their proper pensions.
Mr Asamoah further called for the review of the SSNIT law and the re-introduction of the End of Service Benefit (ESB) to workers to ensure decent and comfortable retirement.
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Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 13 July 2001
The operations and programmes of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and National Mobilisation Programme (NMP) are to be re-oriented, Brigadier Joseph Odei (rtd), Director of the two organisations has said.
He said the government’s plan to merge the two organisations was to make them more viable and functional.
Addressing co-ordinators and staff of the two organisations from the 18 districts in Ashanti Region in Kumasi, Brigadier Odei asked them to re-double their efforts and work hard.
They could go into tree planting, environmental hygiene, youth in agriculture and other mobilisation programmes.
Brigadier Odei expressed his satisfaction with their activities on the ground especially with the support given to mobisquad engaged in farming and artisanal projects.
The staff would be retrained to perform new functions when the two organisations were merged.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 13 July 2001
The Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) on Thursday destroyed five bags of unwholesome turkey tails at the Mallam Filling Site in Accra.
The turkey tails imported into the country, valued at about ten million cedis and weighed 740 kilograms. The anti-smuggling combat team of CEPS intercepted them three days ago on the Aflao road.
Briefing newsmen, Mr Robert Ralph Hugh Tagoe, Principal Collector at the Preventive Unit of CEPS, said laboratory tests conducted on the turkey tails revealed that their excessive fat content made them unfit for human consumption.
He said before importing consumable goods, clearance must be sought from the Food and Drugs Board. In this case, the importers failed to do that.
Mr Tagoe said the operation forms part of a routine exercise by CEPS to discourage people from importing consumable goods without seeking clearance from the appropriate authorities.
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Multi storey car park complex envisaged for
Kumasi
Kumasi (Greater Accra) 13 July 2001
Arrangements have begun for the establishment of a 300 plus multi-storey car parking complex for the Kumasi Metropolis, Mr Maxwell Kofi Jumah, Metropolitan Chief Executive announced on Thursday.
Presenting his first sessional address at a meeting of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), he said negotiations have reached an advanced stage with the Merchant Bank and ECOBANK to fund the project whose, sketch designs have been completed.
Mr Jumah said additionally, Messrs Kesben Travell and Tours private tour operators in Kumasi have also presented proposals to redevelop the sanitary site near the Vanef/STC into multi-storey car park complex and modernised toilet system.
He said most of the on-street parking areas in the central business area were also to be converted into toll parks adding that other parks were being proposed at the Central Market.
Mr Jumah told the assembly that the Central Market project, which has remained on the drawing board for some time now, was to take off and that all the architectural designs have been completed.
It involves creating additional floor space, provision of parking and other facilities that should transform the market into a modern shopping centre, he said.
Mr Jumah added that this project would be pursued alongside others to achieve the objective of decongesting the central business district, adding that already the assembly has received enquiries from possible financiers.
On revenue generation, Mr Jumah hinted at abrogating the contract with some private institutions that collect revenue for the assembly saying that it has not helped the assembly in anyway.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 13 July 2001
Mr Isaac Edumadze, Central Regional Minister has refuted claims by National Democratic Congress (NDC) Central Region Parliamentary caucus that he paid an auditor 30 million cedis to audit the accounts of the Central Regional Development Commission (CEDECOM).
Mr Edumadze, who was reacting to the allegations made Mr Samuel Adu Yeboah, NDC -Agona East, Spokesperson for the Caucus, in Parliament House on Wednesday, told the Ghana News Agency that Mr Foster-Forson, the Auditor, was paid 24 million cedis and not 30 million cedis.
He said the amount was arrived at after the Interim Management Committee, (IMC) headed by Mr Osam Duodu (not the Coach) bargained with Mr Foster-Forson, adding that the mode of payment was also determined by the IMC.
Mr Edumadze explained that CEDECOM was the technical wing of the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) and the Regional Minister was the automatic Chairman of its Board.
He said when he assumed office he discovered that the organisation was not being run properly so he initiated measures to remedy the situation.
Mr Edumadze said according to the Operating Manual of CEDCOM, he has the prerogative of appointing the Members of the Board and the Executive Secretary, adding that he found Mr Foster-Forson very capable of running the organisation hence his appointment.
He said the audit report showed that the former Executive Secretary, Dr Kofi Asmah could not account for 256 million cedis and so he was handed over to the Police.
"The Police have impounded a Benz car and a taxicab belonging to Dr Asmah."
Mr Edumadze said he accommodated Mr Foster-Forson during the auditing period for security reasons, adding, "I could not eat and leave him since he was my guest".
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Do not entertain advice to audit donor to
President's house
Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 13 July 2001
Mr Kwame Badu, who described himself as a concerned citizen of Kumasi has said that the suggestion by Madam Amma Mansah of Teshie in Accra to the Minister of Finance and the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) to audit the books of Kwame Marfo, who donated 41 million cedis to settle the amount spent on the renovation of the private residence of President John Agyekum Kufuor should not be entertained.
Mr Badu commenting on an article by Madam Mansah in the "Ghanaian Voice" said he was happy that Ghanaians at the moment have become tax conscious, which in effect was a good sign for the much-needed domestic revenue mobilisation.
He said as much as the nation and the IRS should be grateful to Madam Mansah it appears, her demand on the Minister and IRS should not be limited to farmer Marfo alone.
Mr Badu recalled that just before the electioneering campaign for the 2000 elections, three Ghanaians bought NDC manifesto for various sums of money, which were higher than what Mr Marfo donated towards the renovation of the President's residence.
He said contractors and poultry farmers also donated huge sums of money to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the time and queried why Madam Mansah did not ask the Minister of Finance and the IRS to audit them.
Mr Badu said what Madam Mansah was advocating to be done to farmer Marfo should equally apply to all who have also donated previously to other political parties.
He said all Ghanaians, who have the capacity to add to national revenue must be asked to do just that, no matter when the affluence was displayed adding "after all that is what taxation is about".
"Taxes need to be assessed and collected from those very good citizens", Mr Badu added.
Mr Marfo, an ex-Police Officer and a farmer presented 41 million cedis to settle the amount spent on President Kufuor's residence to stem what he called press furore over the renovation, which was to beef up the security there.
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Twifu Mampong (Central Region) 13 July 2001
The Omanhene of Twifu-Mampong Traditional Area in the Central Region, Nana Appiah Nuamah I has appealed to the Government to ensure the payment of compensation to farmers whose farms were acquired for the establishment of the Twifo Oil Palm Plantation (TOPP).
He said the delay in the payment is having negative impact on the social and economic lives of the affected farmers.
Nana Nuamah made the appeal on Wednesday at Twifu Mampong when the District Chief Executive, Mr Abraham Odoom addressed the chiefs and people of the area at the end of his two-day familiarisation tour.
Mr Odoom stressed the importance of education as a tool for socio-economic development and urged the people to send their children to school.
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Lawra (Upper West) 13 July 2001
Mr Sahanun Mogtari, Upper West Regional Minister on Wednesday reminded District Chief Executives in the region that the government's policy of zero tolerance for corruption is not a mere political rhetoric but a code of conduct that would be applied to the letter.
Speaking at the swearing of the new District Chief Executive for Lawra, Mr Sylvanus Ganfaa, he said DCEs like other public office holders would account for their stewardship one time or the other.
Mr Ganfaa took the official oath, oath of allegiance and oath of secrecy administered by Mr Mogtari.
The Regional Minister advised the DCE against the tendency to impose his ideas and policies on the district assembly but gear his efforts at consensus building through consultations to evolve policies and programmes that would be in the best interest of the people.
He said the area councils and committees need to be equipped to function effectively so that they can draw up their own plans based on their felt needs.
Mr Ganfaa promised to pursue an open and transparent policy and called on the decentralised departments to coordinate their activities and work with his administration as a team to find solution to the problems of the district.
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Half Assini (Western Region) 13 July 2001
The Jomoro Constituency New Patriotic Party (NPP) congress convened to elect new executives ended in confusion at Half Assini on Wednesday.
The confusion broke out when Mr George Offoegbu, Second Vice Regional Chairman, attempted to screen the delegates with a list allegedly compiled by Mr S. A. Blay, Interim Constituency Chairman, who was contesting for the post with Mr Francis Nyamea, a businessman.
Supporters of Mr Nyamea protested against the use of the list claiming that it contained names of people, who were not the accredited chairmen and secretaries of polling station branches.
They insisted that the Regional Executive, including Mr Offoegbu, Mr Francis Quansah, Regional Secretary and Mr Kodwo Acuah, Regional Organiser, who were to supervise the election, should use a list compiled before the December 7 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
The other faction mostly from Half Assini, however, insisted that the new list allegedly compiled by Mr Blay should be used for the voting. The argument became rowdy.
When it became evident that the rowdy scene could not be brought under control, Mr Offoegbu called off the elections.
He said the Regional Executive would go round the 151 polling stations in the constituency together with a representative each of Mr Blay and Mr Nyamea to compile a genuine list for the election at a later date.
The congress formed part of a series being organised by the Western Regional Secretariat of the party to elect new constituency executives prior to a regional congress scheduled for Asankrangwa in August.
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Nsawam (Eastern Region) 13 July 2001
Three rivers burst their banks following a recent downpour and rendered homeless more than 700 people in four communities in the Akuapem South District.
The Densu, Mateta and Boonwema Rivers also damaged 40 houses at Amoahkrom, Adoagyiri Zongo, Gyankrom, and Adoagyiri and destroyed property running into several million cedis.
Meanwhile, the victims have appealed for aid from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and non-governmental organisations.
A spokesman for the victims, Mr George Omane, said at Adoagyiri on Thursday when the Member of Parliament for South Akuapem District, Mr. Seth Wiafe Danquah, and the District Chief Executive, Mr. Andrew Yaw Nyarko-Adu, visited the four communities to assess the extent of damage caused by the flood.
Mr. Omane hinted that the district assembly would soon form an interim committee to assess the extent of damage and how best to assist the victims.
Nana Adu Korkor II, Chief of Adoagyiri and Ankobeahene of Akim Kotoku Traditional Area, told the GNA that this was the second time that flood had destroyed houses and personal property in the area.
He expressed the hope that the government and non-governmental organisations would help settle the victims.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 13 July 2001
Ghana, the European Commission and Messrs Norelec of France on Thursday signed a 60.73 billion cedi grant from the European Development Fund for the extension of electricity to 110 communities in the Western Region.
The project, which is being executed under the Self Help Electrification Programme will last for four years and is expected to boost growth in commercial small-scale businesses and enhance the welfare and well being of people in communities in 11 beneficiary districts.
It involves the construction of 295 kilometres of 11 and 33-kilo volts lines, construction of 280km of low voltage lines and installation of 127 distribution substations and 9,000 customer services.
The communities are to provide 2.6 billion cedis as counterpart funding, either in cash or through supply of wooden low-tension poles.
The Minister of Finance Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo signed for Ghana while Mr Robert De Raeve, Charges D'affaires of the EU initialled for the commission.
Mr Osafo-Maafo said the EU support for the project is in line with the government's national electrification scheme, which aims to extend electricity to all parts of the country.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 13 July 2001
Mr. Ernest Owusu-Poku was on Thursday officially ushered in as the Inspector General of Police at a parade at the Police Headquarters in Accra.
Sixty-one officers and men took part in the colourful parade where they displayed their dexterity in quick and slow step marching, drawing rounds of applause from watchers, including senior police officers and a cross section of the public.
The Council of State last week approved the nomination of Mr. Owusu-Poku who has been in acting capacity for the past six months.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Owusu-Poku said he is committed to offering quality leadership to ensure that the service achieves its objectives and called on officers to pool their resources to meet the challenges of law enforcement.
“By my confirmation the government has demonstrated its confidence in my administration and this must be reciprocated by working hard to curb crime”, he said.
" Let us again endeavour to discharge our duties efficiently despite the logistics and manpower constraints and keep on the momentum. These problems should not deter us from achieving the objectives of the profession and particularly in sustaining peace, law and order."
He said even though the security situation has improved considerably since he took office, armed robberies continue to afflict the citizenry and called for support of the public to deal with the security threats.
Mr. Owusu-Poku said the tragedy at the Accra Sports Stadium on May 9 where police fired teargas resulting in the death of 126 people should serve as a lesson and guide to the Police in their behaviours and actions.
He commended the previous government and his predecessor Mr. Peter Nanfuri, for their endeavours to achieve the objectives of the service.
The IGP said the people of Ghana would be watching how the police under his administration would perform and challenged police officers to live above reproach and to public expectation.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 13 July 2001
Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines on Wednesday said plans are under way to grant the Geological Survey Department (GSD) autonomy to make it distinct from the Civil Service.
He said a proposal submitted after a World Bank study in 1997 and other surveys by the department showed that the GSD would function effectively if it stands on its own.
The minister announced this when he interacted with management and staff of the GSD during a visit to acquaint himself with its operations in Accra.
Dr. Afriyie said the government would release money to the department to enable it to carry out its field assignments that were halted because of lack of funds.
"The government is committed to the development of the human resource base of the department'', he told the staff who, he said, would benefit from scholarship schemes and foreign trips to learn and share experiences with their counterparts in other parts of the world to enhance their performance.
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