Education has never been cheap in Ghana --Minister
Belgium poultry and pork products still being withdrawn
Electoral commission presents certificate to RM
Airport city to be built as part of gateway policy
Teacher and pupils injured in rainstorm
Yankah bans swimming in Lake Bosomtwe
Govt. to revamp coconut sector
World Bank withdrawal affects literacy programme
Veep commissions power at Kete-Krachi
Salaga NDC holds delegate's conference
Mawuli school gets Computer Centre
French Navy ship on visit to Ghana
Rawlings says university education must be relevant
Vice-President calls for unity
Tweneboa elected president of Accountancy Bodies
Bibiani (Western Region) 11 June '99
Thieves broke into three stores and a restaurant at Bibiani in the Western Region on Friday and made away with property worth about 200 million cedis.
The affected traders were Madam Adwoa Badu, Madam Akosua Manu, Madam Rose Mensah and Mr Kofi Mensah, proprietor of Kaduna restaurant.
The Bibiani Police, quoting an eyewitness, told the Ghana News Agency that, about 10 thieves armed with guns attacked a watchman at one of the stores.
They ransacked the stores and the restaurant and bolted with their booty in their standby car.
GRi../
Education has never been cheap in Ghana --Minister
Jachie (Ashanti Region) 11 June '99
Mr Kojo Yankah, Ashanti Regional Minister has said that education has never been cheap in Ghana as was being wrongly claimed by some people.
Parents had had to sacrifice resources to complement government's initiative and contributions at providing quality education for their children, he said.
Mr Yankah was addressing the staff and students of the Jachie-Pramso Secondary School (MIGHTY JAPASS) at Jachie as part of a familiarisation tour of the Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma district.
Mr Yankah told the students that the next millennium would be an era where science, technology and computers would play a dominant role and that it was only the educated and the professionals who could cope with the challenges.
The Regional Minister, therefore, urged the students to take their studies seriously to enable them make positive contributions to national and global development.
GRi../
Belgium poultry and pork products still being withdrawn
Accra (Greater Accra) 11 June '99
The Ministry of Trade and Industry on Thursday said it has been able to withdraw "a lot of" the banned Belgium poultry and pork products containing the cancer-causing chemical dioxin from the market.
''This will help stop wholesalers from selling the products to retailers, therefore making our task a little bit easier'', Mr Samuel Denu, deputy chief commercial officer, said in an interview in Accra.
Mr Denu, spokesman for the committee on unwholesome products at the Ministry, expressed satisfaction about the way wholesalers have co-operated with them since the exercise began a week ago.
He said some wholesalers voluntarily came forward to report the number of the banned products they have sold out and what is left in their stores.
"According to them, they have even sent the rest of the products back to their manufacturers to reclaim their money, which I think is a good idea.''
The committee is made up of members from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ghana Standards Board, Food and Drugs Board and the Custom, Excise and Preventive Service.
GRi../
Electoral commission presents certificate to RM
Accra (Greater Accra) 11 June '99
The Electoral Commission on Thursday presented a provisional certificate to the Reform Movement as a further step in its journey to become a political party.
The Movement, which is a breakaway group from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), would be known as the National Reform Party.
Mr David Adeenze Kanga, Deputy Chairman, in charge of Operations of EC, presented the certificate to Mr Peter Kpordugbe, interim Chairman of the movement.
He asked them to study carefully the Political Parties Law (PPL) and abide by its provisions.
Mr Kpordugbe thanked the Commission for the "quick response" in issuing the provisional certificate and gave the assurance that the party would do what is required of them under the law.
Meanwhile, the Commission, in accordance with section 8(2) of the law (PNDCL 281), has issued a gazette notice informing the public of the application made by the movement.
The notice entreats members of the public to examine the particulars of the organisation within 30 days of the date of the notice and submit any objections they have about the name, aim, objectives, constitution, rules, symbol, slogans or colours of the proposed political party.
Accompanying Mr Kpordugbe were Dr Nat Tandoh, Dr Nii Lante Pessey, both research officers of the movement, and Mr Winfred Osei Owusu, interim National Organiser.
GRi../
Airport city to be built as part of gateway policy
Accra (Greater Accra) 11 June '99
About 17 hectares plot near the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) is to be developed into an "Airport City" with hotels and luxury apartments.
Wing Commander Andy Mensah, Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority told newsmen on Thursday that additional facilities would include shopping malls, showrooms, restaurants and fast-food joints, commercial car parks and health facilities.
Private investors would develop the project, which is part of the gateway programme, on leasehold basis.
Currently, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is developing the road and drainage systems, as well as water, electricity and telephone facilities, at the site at a cost of 10 billion cedis.
He said GCAA is diversifying its source of revenue through the airport commercialisation concept, which would also enhance the comfort of air travellers, promote tourism and facilitate business transactions.
Wing Commander Mensah said the project is scheduled for completion by 2002.
He said the provision of infrastructure would be completed in September this year, and the development of commercial property would commence not long thereafter.
He said 10 local and foreign investors have been selected by open tender to develop the commercial property.
Mr Abu Millah, Board Member of GCAA, said the board would manage the "Airport City" under the supervision of GCAA.
He said the city would generate employment for Ghanaians and income for GCAA through royalties.
GRi../
Teacher and pupils injured in rainstorm
Ashaiman (Greater Accra) 11 June '99
Nine pupils of the Government Primary Number Five School at Ashaiman narrowly escaped death when the roof of two classrooms ripped off and fell on them during a rainstorm on Wednesday.
According to Miss Faustina Bekoe, headmistress of the school, they were rescued by some young, who had taken temporary shelter behind the wall of the school.
They were rushed to a nearby clinic and later referred to the Tema General Hospital. Four of the pupils were admitted whiles five others were treated and discharged.
GRi../
Yankah bans swimming in Lake Bosomtwe
Abono (Ashanti Region) 11 June ’99
Mr Kojo Yankah, Ashanti Regional Minister has placed a temporary ban on swimming in the Lake Bosomtwe.
This follows the numerous incidents of drowning of holiday-makers during "Meet-me there" and other entertainment programmes organised in the lake basin.
He directed that no swimming should be allowed from now till the tourism development conference scheduled in the area from June 17 to 18 is over.
Mr Yankah was addressing a durbar of chiefs and people of Abono as part of his tour of the Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma district on Tuesday.
The Regional Minister asked chiefs along Lake Bosomtwe to abide by the directive and to ensure that visitors do not contravene it.
He said unless frantic efforts are made to stem the spate of drowning in the lake, it will thwart the efforts of the Regional Co-ordinating Council, the district assembly and even the communities themselves from attracting tourists and investors into the lake basin.
He expected that during the tourism development conference, "various avenues will be explored to develop the lake basin".
Meanwhile, a task force would be set up to supervise and regulate activities along the lake basin to guarantee the safety of all tourists and visitors.
Mr Yankah announced that in line with the development of the lake basin, abandoned estate houses constructed by the government for inhabitants of Abono, "will be transferred to the district assembly".
Mr Yankah said the government was making efforts to acquire all lands within 100 yards from the lake for the promotion of tourism in the lake basin.
The Regional Minister stressed that the assembly would discuss the issue of acquisition of the land and the abandoned estate houses and that in all cases, compensation would be paid to owners.
Nana Otuo Antwi-Boasiako II, Abonohene, commended the government for embarking on a number of development projects in Abono and assured the government of the co-operation of the chiefs and people in its programme to develop the lake basin.
The Regional Minister had earlier paid a courtesy call on Barima Adu Gyamfi Poku II, Omanhene of Kuntanase and Obrempon Acheampong Brano II, chief of Ampabame Number One.
Mr Yankah also inspected development projects being executed in the district. They comprised a restaurant, a conference hall and guesthouse at Kokwado.
GRi../
Govt. to revamp coconut sector
Agona-Nkwanta (Western Region)
The government has received a grant of 26.6 million CFA ($4.5 million) from Agence Francaise De Developpment, French Aid Agency, to implement a five-year coconut sector development project in the Western and Central regions.
Mr J.H, Owusu-Acheampong, Minister of Food and Agriculture, made this known at a meeting with farmers in the Ahanta west district at Agona-Nkwanta on Wednesday.
The Minister, on a familiarisation visit to the Western region, said the projects would be implemented in the Jomoro, Nzema East, Ahanta West and Shama-Ahanta East districts in the Western region and in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem and Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese districts of the Central region.
The projects would be managed by the Ghana Rubber Estates Limited with a team of experts on coconut including the professional staff of the ministry of Agriculture.
The first component will deal with replanting areas devastated by the Cape Saint Paul Wild Disease (CSPWD), the second will increase the output of existing coconut farms through the use of fertilizer and farm maintenance while the third component will improve the efficiency of traditional processing of coconut oil.
Mr Owusu-Acheampong said the project aims at reviving the coconut sector and to reduce the spread of CSPWD on coconut production.
He said the project has a credit component to be managed by the Agricultural Development Bank in collaboration with selected rural banks for village associations and women in the areas of the project.
At the Ghana Rubber Estate Limited, Mr Henk Zwinderman, the Managing Director, said GREL had since 1992 paid seven billion cedis to farmers under its rubber outgrower purchasing scheme.
Since 1995, more than 400 farmers were assisted to plant 1,200 hectares of rubber and that this would be increased to 2,500 hectares for 450 more farmers, he said.
At the National Oil Palm Limited at Prestea, Mr Owusu-Acheampong urged the management and staff to continue sustaining the company, expected to be divested soon, and commended the management for generating revenue to pay the workers.
GRi../
World Bank withdrawal affects literacy programme
Nuamakrom (Central Region) 11 June '99
The withdrawal of the World Bank's sponsorship for the Functional Literacy Programme has seriously affected the advancement of the programme in many communities in the Twifo Praso, Lower Denkyira districts.
This came to light after a month-long tour of seven literacy zones within the district by officials of the Non-Formal Education Division of the Ministry of Education in the area.
The team, led by Mr G.S.D.Nkrumah, district organiser of the programme, visited 22 communities.
In all the communities toured by the team facilitators complained of lack of logistics even though learners were eager to study.
Addressing opinion leaders, chiefs and stakeholders at Nuamakrom at the end of the tour, Mr Nkrumah appealed to NGOs, philanthropists and well wishers of the programme to assist with lamps and other materials to ensure the success of the programme.
GRi../
Veep commissions power at Kete-Krachi
Kete-Krachi (Volta Region) 11 June '99
Vice President John Evans Atta Mills on Thursday commissioned electric power from the national grid for the people at Kete-Krachi with a call on them to use the facility efficiently to improve on their economic life.
He asked the youth to come together to take advantage of the power by setting up industries to create jobs.
Vice President Mills on the last leg of a four-day working visit to the Volta Region also asked the people to maintain peace to facilitate the development of the area.
The project was undertaken at a cost of 2.2 million dollars provided by the international Development Association of the World Bank and a local component of 570 million cedis from the Ghana government.
Vice President Mills asked the VRA to endeavour to ensure uninterrupted power supply to make the project meaningful.
Alhaji Seidu Iddi, Volta Regional Minister, listed a number of development projects being undertaken in the region.
He said government has solicited the support of GTZ, a German technical assistance agency, to provide water to some district capitals in the region including the Kete-Krachi.
Mr Soraj O. Amadu, Director of Northern Electricity Department of the VRA, on behalf of the Chief Executive commended the government and the community for the political will and co-operation that made it possible for the project to be executed.
Nana Kwabena Oblidjo II, Krachiwura, thanked the government for providing the area with facilities for education, health and telecommunications.
GRi../
Salaga NDC holds delegate's conference
Salaga, (Northern Region) 11 June '99
The Salaga constituency branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has held a delegate's conference to take stock of its activities and to plan campaign strategies for next year's general elections.
The constituency secretary, Mr Sachibu Wakaso, urged the party members to remain united and committed to the aspirations of the party.
He said they should intensify the campaign in their various communities to ensure a total victory for the party in the elections.
Alhaji Yahaya Jakpa, a member of the Peoples Convention Party (PCP), who is said to have joined the NDC, was introduced at the meeting.
Alhaji Jakpa said he had joined the NDC because "I have realised that it is fully committed to the development of the country".
GRi../
Mawuli school gets Computer Centre
Ho (Volta Region) 11 June ’99
The World Bank through its world link pilot project has provided 10 computers each to 14 selected schools for an Internet project.
Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, Director-General of the Ghana Education Service made this known on Wednesday when he commissioned a computer centre for Mawuli school in Ho.
The Institute of Computer Technology (ICT) a United Kingdom Non-Governmental Organisation provided 45 computers and accessories at a cost of 90,000 dollars while the school's Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) contributed 24 million cedis to set up the centre.
Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi said the project would allow for computer appreciation, literacy and networking for students.
He urged government, private enterprises and other donor agencies to make every effort to ensure that pupils in junior and senior secondary schools become computer literate by 2020.
He intimated that each of the 110 science resource centres would have six computers to accelerate computer learning.
Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi called on PTAs to establish computer centres in their schools and congratulated the ICT and all others who contributed towards the establishment of the Mawuli Computer Centre.
Mr Jeff Tomlinson, director of ICT, said the aim of the institute is to provide computer education to schools in developing countries at a minimal cost.
The ICT would be responsible for tuition, maintenance, replacement and upgrading of the computers.
Mr Flavian Degbor, acting headmaster of Mawuli school, said with the establishment of the centre, computer lessons would be compulsory for every student but warned that all beneficiaries would have to pay for tuition.
GRi../
French Navy ship on visit to Ghana
Tema (Greater Accra) 11 June '99
A French Naval frigate, F. S. Ventose, under the command of Commander Christian Canova, berthed at the Tema Port on Thursday to begin a four-day visit to Ghana.
Mr Terence Wills, Counsellor of the French Embassy in Ghana and Commander J. H. Amoah, Command Operations Officer, Tema Naval Base welcomed the ship and its 87 member crew.
The frigate, which is normally based in the Caribbean, where it carries out mainly humanitarian operations, is currently in West Africa for a two-month duty tour on humanitarian support for the West African Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).
Commander Canova told newsmen, on board the vessel, that during the tour, the ship would support French interest in the sub-region.
He said while in Ghana, officers and men of the vessel would hold discussions with senior Navy officers and engage in social activities with their Ghanaian counterparts.
GRi../
Rawlings says university education must be relevant
Accra (Greater Accra) 11 June ’99
President Jerry John Rawlings said on Thursday that developing countries could lift themselves from the doldrums if the content of their university education is made relevant to their needs.
" University education must not alienate graduates from their people.
University graduates must be mission-minded and must be prepared to serve their people'', he said when he granted audience to Dr. K.Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
Dr. Amoako was the guest speaker at a conference of the International Association of University Presidents, which opened in Accra on Wednesday.
The theme of the conference is " African Universities, the private sector and civil society: Forging partnership for development".
President Rawlings said it was unfortunate that developing countries continue to lose their best brains from the universities to advanced countries.
" Immediately they collect their degrees, they line up at embassies for visas".
Therefore, university education should not limit itself to paper qualifications, students must be educated to realise the need to serve society and their qualification must be relevant to the needs of society, he stated.
Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, Deputy Minister of Education, spoke about conflicts in some African countries and said universities in Africa must come out with programmes to address conflicts.
Dr. Amoako said the conference would review the problem of funding in universities in Africa as the world approaches the next millennium.
Prof. George Benneh, President of the Association of African Universities said the association had met several times and had done a lot of paper work.
''This is the time for action'', he said.
GRi../
Vice-President calls for unity
Jasikan (Volta Region) 11 June ’99
Vice-President John Atta Mills on Wednesday addressed a colourful durbar of chiefs and people of Buem traditional area and urged them to unite for development.
Vice-President Mills, on a tour of the northern part of the Volta Region, said it was necessary for the people to co-operate with government in unity in order to address their development needs.
He had addressed similar gatherings at Ho, Kpandai and Kadjebi while that of Hohoe was rained off shortly after its commencement.
GRi../
Tweneboa elected president of Accountancy Bodies
Accra (Greater Accra) 11 June '99
Mr Francis D. Tweneboa, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ghana (ICAG), has been elected President of Accountancy Bodies in West Africa (ABWA).
A statement from ICAG in Accra on Thursday said the election took place at the Fifth Congress of ABWA in Abuja, Nigeria.
ABWA, is a regulatory body, which aims at harmonising and ensuring effective professionalism in the practice of accountancy in the sub-region.
Mr Tweneboa, who is the General Manager of the Ghana Stock Exchange, would hold the post, which rotates from country to country, for two years.
GRi../