GRi Newsreel 08-03-99

Accra (Greater Accra) 8 March  

President Jerry John Rawlings on Saturday expressed his dissatisfaction with the management of resources at all levels of the education system and called for an improvement.

He said the government accepts that there are imperfections in the education sector.

However, situations where some schools lack materials while the needed items are in warehouses or even find their way into local shops and markets have to be addressed, he said.

At a parade by school children and some voluntary organisations at the Independence Square to mark the 42nd anniversary of Ghana's independence, the President said, "There are imperfections, and while it is right that the government should shoulder its fair share of criticism and responsibility as we endeavour to build a system which will give every child, and not just a privileged few, access to education, there are responsibilities which we must all share.

"Education is not the sole business of government, the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service and the District school authorities. It is the business of all of us."

President Rawlings spoke about the Kushea Junior Secondary School, in the Northern Region which, recorded bad results in the 1997 Basic Education Certificate Examination and said the people of the town could have blamed government.

Instead, the chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, parents and the entire community got together to examine the problem and took steps to correct it. "Whereas in the 1997 examination not a single candidate attained the minimum grade for SSS entry, in 1998, 92 per cent of the pupils qualified. "The people of Kushea solved their problem by coming together with unity of purpose. Any community can do this."

The President expressed regret that many fall short of this ideal even though it would be the most cost-effective way of raising the standards of basic education.

"Let me, therefore, use this occasion to call on all community leaders, chiefs, parents, Assembly Members, Unit Committees and responsible citizens to play their part in ensuring the effective use of our modest education resources."

President Rawlings said the theme for this year's celebration, "Peace, Unity and Development - Challenges of the New Millennium", sends a reminder that development could only take place within a peaceful and stable political and social environment.

He said peace on the domestic front is closely linked with unity and a shared national purpose.

"As Ghanaians, we treasure our rich diversity of culture. We all have our loyalties our respective ethnic roots, our traditional systems, our religious beliefs.

"But unless diversity is held together by an overriding sense of the general good of society and a national vision, it has the potential to threaten our unity."

President Rawlings appealed to Ghanaians to rededicate themselves to their country.

"Together, in peace and unity, we can achieve the national development and prosperity which we wish to hand to future generations" he added.

Similar parades were held in the regional and district capitals.

Accra (Greater Accra) 8 March  

President Jerry John Rawlings on Saturday presented scholarship awards to 10 students who excelled in last year's Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The students, each representing one of the 10 regions, were given 200,000 cedis, 100,000 cedis worth of books and other special awards.

The awards were accompanied by citations read by the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service.

The recipients were Yellu Augustine Dormorvi of Saint Andrews Catholic School, Wa, representing Upper West, Felicia Yiryiel, Mountain Sinai JSS, Bolgatanga (Upper East), Rahaat Moomen of Kanvilli Presbyterian, Tamale,

(Northern), Peter Ofori Ankoma, Holy Spirit JSS, Sunyani (Brong Ahafo)and Yaw Baffour Gyimah of Mamtech JSS, Ashanti Mampong (Asanti).

The rest were Francis Akwasi Adumata-Asamoah, Young Christian JSS, Takoradi (Western), Mensima Quarm Darko of Topp JSS at Twifo Ntafrewaso (Central region), Enam Seshie, Amazing Love JSS, Denu (Volta region), Yvette Wadie Yeboah of Madonna JSS, Koforidua (Eastern region) and Roland Kom-Zuta of Asutsuare Esate JSS, representing Greater Accra.

The students, except two, read core Science courses.

The two were Volta region's Master Seshie who offered Business (accounting option) and Yeboah from the Eastern region who did General Science.

The presentation was done during a colourful parade by first and second cycle schools from both public and private sectors, youth organisations and identifiable groups at the seaside Independence Square.

President Rawlings dressed in a dark suit took the salute from the smartly dressed contingents, including market women associations and GPRTU Wives Association.

The disabled, in their wheel-chairs also took part in the parade, watched by a large gathering including the first lady, Nana Konadu, Vice-President Atta Mills and his wife Naadu, Speaker of Parliament Justice D.F. Annan and Chief Justice I.K. Abban.

Other prominent personalities were Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, Chairman of the Council of State, Senior government officials, veteran and active politicians including MPs, senior civil and public servants, Chiefs and diplomats.

Mr S.A. Odoi Sykes and Mr John Agyekum Kufuor, Chairman and presidential candidate, respectively of the opposition New Patriotic Party, were also present.

The function opened with traditional, Muslim and Christian prayers performed by pupils aged between nine and eleven years.

The opening prayers were followed by "Akwaaba", a cultural pageant reflecting traditions of various ethnic groups. It was performed by children from Kotobabi JSS in Accra and choreographed by Ms Gladys Okyere, a teacher.

Representatives of the children read out messages expressing appreciation for the Children's Act recently passed by Parliament, saying it shows the government's commitment to safeguard their future.

They pledged to keep the environment clean and plant and care for trees. They also promised to join the crusade against drug abuse.

"We'll say no to those who will try to lead us astray."

The children expressed concern about the soaring rate of motor accidents which, they said, is being caused by careless driving and disregard for road traffic regulations. They called for severe punishment for culprits.

The children condemned reported ritual killings in some parts of the country.

A copy of the message, read in English, Akan, Dagbani and Ewe, was handed to President Rawlings.

In attendance were the massed band drawn from the army, police, prisons and Fire service in addition to school bands from Keta Roman Catholic School, Ho-Dome R.C., Koforidua GES, All girls R.C JSS, Aflao and Presec, Legon.

Accra (Greater Accra) 8 March

Mr Justice Daniel F. Annan, Speaker of Parliament, has directed all members of parliament to endeavour to attend the scheduled sitting of the House on Monday, March eight. A statement signed by the Acting Clerk of the House in Accra on Saturday said the meeting is at 10:00 hours.

Accra (Greater Accra) 8 March

Five candidates, including a woman and an independent candidate, are to contest the Ablekuma Central seat on March 26.

A statement from the National Electoral Commission in Accra on Saturday said Solomon Bayugo Sulemani, a 41-year-old Librarian, will contest as an independent candidate. Hajia Fati Suraju, a 48-year-old teacher, will contest on the ticket of the Convention Party (CP) while Mr Victor Okulley Nortey, 40, transport owner, will contest on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Fifty-one-year-old football coach Ismail Bawa will contest on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) while Musa Nartey, 42, farmer, is on the ticket of the People's National Convention (PNC).

The seat became vacant following the death of Mr C. Crabbe of the NPP.

Accra (Greater Accra) 8 Mar

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, secretary-general of the Commonwealth, today called on all member states to ensure that music education remains an integral part of their basic school curricula.

This was contained in a statement issued in Accra to mark Commonwealth Day, which falls today.

The day also marks the 50th anniversary of the organisation.

This year's celebration, the last in the millennium is under the theme, 'Music'.

In Ghana, the day will be celebrated under the sub-theme, 'music as a unifying force'.

Chief Anyaoku said "I believe it is time that we ensured music education is, and remains a part of the basic curricula of our school''.

He said that music education sharpens children's ability to understand other subjects, adding that studies have linked music skills with a greater ability to learn other subjects such as reading, writing and arithmetic.

Chief Anyaoku noted that music is a universal means of communication, which is not bound by language.

If well promoted, music could be the most effective unifying tool among the 54 member states of the Commonwealth.

"Listening to music from other countries, open doors to societies we rarely appreciate or fully understand.

To hear the music that others enjoy is a marvellous way to discover our common humanity and to appreciate each others culture," he stated.

In a similar message, Queen Elizabeth II of Britain and head of the Commonwealth, said though the various forms of music indicate diversities in culture, its common tones and harmonies bring us together, "just like the commonwealth."

She announced that the next Commonwealth heads of State and governments conference will take place in South Africa this November, to discuss the challenges of the new millennium and how to face them as a united force.

Another statement issued by the ministry of foreign affairs, called on Ghanaians to salute all musicians "whose noble art comforts, entertains and educates us."

It called on them to take inspiration from the unifying power of music to strive for unity, peace and harmony.

The statement pledged the government's commitment to the promotion of the ideals of the Commonwealth, "which include the pursuit democracy, respect for human rights, affirmative action, non-discrimination and the lessening of income disparities among others."

Four persons were injured and 47 houses were destroyed when a severe rainstorm hit Brenase in the Birim North district of the Eastern Region at the weekend.

More than 500 people were rendered homeless while property destroyed is estimated at over 200 million cedis.

The local Presbyterian Primary School "B" building was the worse affected by the storm.

Nana Amoanbeng Ko the third, chief of the town, appealed to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the district assembly and non-governmental organisations to assist them to rehabilitate, especially,the school building immediately.

He said a rainstorm which ripped-off the Presbyterian primary "A" school building in November last year is currently being rehabilitated by the district assembly.

He said in view of the havoc caused by the rainstorm, the annual festival of the chiefs and people scheduled from March 11 to 17 this year, has been rescheduled.

Meanwhile, about 400 of those rendered homeless are staying with friends and relatives while the rest are lodging at the chief's palace.

The Savelugu/Nanton district assembly spent 1.7 billion cedis of its share of the district assemblies common fund on development projects between 1994 and 1997.

Projects undertaken include a science resource centre for Savelugu senior secondary school, roads and markets, Alhaji Abdulai Harruna, district chief executive announced at the 1999 first ordinary meeting of the assembly at Savelugu.

Alhaji Harruna said this year the assembly has earmarked 95 million cedis from the common fund to support the Savelugu water project, which is largely funded by the United Nations children's fund (UNICEF) and world vision international (WVI), as part of measures to eradicate guinea worm from the district.

The assembly is also in consultation with the ministry of health to upgrade the Savelugu health centre to the level of a district hospital.

Alhaji Harruna said the assembly is considering the institution of a scholarship scheme to help brilliant but poor children to continue their education to the highest level.

Mr A.M. Baba, district co-ordinating director expressed concern about absenteeism pupils and teachers and appealed to all involved to put a stop to the practice.

Alhaji Mumuni Musah, the presiding member, praised the DCE for his examplary leadership since assuming office and urged assembly members to continue to offer him their maximum co-operation.

The new Patriotic Party (NPP) on Monday appealed to the Asanteman Council to ensure a peaceful transition as it deliberates on a successor to the Golden Stool.

This was contained in a statement issued in Accra on the death of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Opoku Ware the second on February 25.

The statement expressed the party's condolences to the Asantehemaa, the Royal Oyoko family, Kumasi Traditional Council and Asanteman Council.

"Painful as Otumfuo's passing away is, we are consoled by the fact that he endeared himself to all and sundry as a worthy ambassador of Ghana and personified all that is rich and revered of our traditions and culture.

It said the Asantehene so blended tradition with style that he ably symbolised Ghana's rich cultural heritage with the challenges of modernism.

"He conducted himself with such dignity, rising above factionalism and partisan politics as required by the Constitution that he was indeed a King and father to all in Ghana.

"As an apostle of peace and reconciliation, Otumfuo's leadership qualities, which saw him through 29 years of occupancy of the Golden Stool, is surely a challenge to the institution of Chieftaincy as it faces the challenges of the pristine and the modern, and partisanship and national unity."

Sunyani (Western Region) 8 March

The 42nd tertiary education institutional network (TEIN) of the NDC, was inaugurated at the Sunyani Polytechnic with a call on members to be abreast with government policies.

Alhaji Kwadwo Maama Adam, deputy regional minister, who inaugurated the network, said this would enable members to counteract any negative propaganda of the opposition.

Ghanaians have come to accept that the NDC government is the only party that could propel the country to achieve greater heights, hence defections from the opposition parties to the NDC fold, he said.

He commended Sunyani Polytechnic members of the TEIN for their bold decision to join the NDC and assured them that the government will implement sound policies for the achievement of objectives as envisaged in the Vision 2020 document.

Mr Ken Gyamfi, NDC deputy national youth organiser, said the ability to harness the potentials of the youth is the surest way to move the country towards.

The NDC, he said recognises the importance of the youth, hence its decision to form networks in tertiary institutions to tap their potentials. Mr Gyamfi urged members to intellectually analyse issues to counteract "the vicious lies of the opposition to discredit the government".

Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 8 March

Nurses at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have given the Ministry of Health up to Friday, March 19, for the payment of their extra duty allowances or they will advise themselves.

A statement issued in Kumasi at the weekend and signed by Mr Solomon Ntri, secretary of the KATH branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses Association (GRNA), said even though doctors have been paid their extra duty allowances, nurses havebeen left out.

It recalled that the Minister of Health, Mr Samuel Nuamah-Donkor himself issued a statement saying that nurses in public sector institutions would also be paid extra duty allowances during the junior doctors strike.

"The GRNA therefore wishes to remind the Minister that the payment of the extra duty allowances must cover every nurse in the public sector health institutions".

Accra (Greater Accra) 8 March

Weak surveillance system is responsible for the continued presence of epidemics in the sub-region, Dr Moses Adibo, a Deputy Minister of Health said on Monday.

Dr Adibo, opening a week's meeting in Accra on disease surveillance in West Africa, said surveillance and data collection on diseases is difficult because the exercise is limited to big health institutions, which do not represent the real situation on the ground.

This is unlike the rural areas where a large number of the population live and early detection of diseases is lacking.

The situation was unacceptable on the eve of the 21st century, he said pointing out that poor surveillance is a problem in disease control.

Eighty participants from Algeria, Burkina Faso, Benin, Cape Verde, Ghana and Nigeria are attending the meeting organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Africa to strengthen the partnership among health workers in integrated disease surveillance.

The participants include Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) managers, data managers and epidemiologists.

Dr Adibo urged health workers to go to the rural areas and involve the people in disease surveillance because they stand in a very good position to give out accurate information on the type of diseases prevalent in their community.

Dr Martin Mandara, WHO representative in Ghana, said recent outbreaks of cerebro-spinal meningitis, yellow fever and cholera have shown that most national surveillance systems are not effective enough to detect outbreaks "let alone to predict them.

" The same goes for the laboratory support for surveillance which is on the whole rudimentary ".

A recent assessment of disease surveillance activities at different levels of the systems in a few selected countries in the African region detected weaknesses at the most crucial levels of the health system, which includes the health facility at the sub-district and the district levels.

Dr Mandara said it is in this direction that the Regional Office decided to carry out surveillance in an integrated manner for the whole of the African region, adding that several potential epidemics have been selected for inclusion in the integrated diseases surveillance programme.

"These include yellow fever, lassa fever, ebola haemorrhagic fever and cholera."

At each level of the health system, four different activities are expected to be carried out, in a sequential manner, to ensure appropriate action. These are, data collection, analysis interpretation and action.

" All these activities are expected to be carried out in an integrated manner for all diseases which are considered major causes of mortality, morbidity and disability in any one country with cross border sharing of information."

An effective disease surveillance system requires that all players work by constantly exchanging data and information, Dr Mandara said.

Accra (Greater Accra) 8 March

The Central Management Board (CMB) of the Salaries and Wages Policy (Price Waterhouse) implementation committee on Monday forwarded a status report to the government and announced that the new salary and wages structure will be released later this month.

Although the CMB did not mention a tentative date for the actual implementation of the new policy, it said any increases resulting from negotiations on the execution of the policy will take effect from January, 1999.

Mr Augustus K. Yankey, Chairman of the Central Management Board told a press conference in Accra that the Controller and Accountant General's Department has started working on the new policy.

Mr Yankey said most of the principal stakeholders which failed to embark on the off-loading exercise at the initial stages have now complied with the off-loading directive.

Some of the stakeholders have raised fundamental questions on the methodology used in the classification and grading structure with others criticising the guidelines for the conversion exercise.

''Care must be taken in the implementation of the new policy to ensure acceptability by all stakeholders'' he stressed and called for understanding and cooperation of stakeholders ''for the work to be concluded to meet the expectations of the people''.

Mr Yankey emphasised that two aspects of the Price Waterhouse recommendations -- correction of disparities in the salary levels in the public services and compensations -- remain critical.

He said the CMB has tried to ensure that the government's determination to translate the report into reality comes to fruition but "I find it extremely important that a thorough work be done on reservations of stakeholders to avoid a situation that will result in one step forward, two steps backwards''.

Mr Yankey said the CMB has received the cooperation and the understanding of the leadership of the Civil Servants Association, Ghana National Association of Teachers, Ghana Registered Nurses Association and the Judicial Services Association of Ghana.

Accra (Greater Accra) 8 March

Ghana marked the International Women's Day, declared some 89 years ago in Finland, with an appeal to the government to ensure good health of women for them to lead a productive and fulfilling life.

Ms Boatemaa Boateng of the National Commission on Women and Development (NCWD), stressed the need for women to control all aspects of their health.

At the ceremony in Accra, Ms Boateng asked women to secure higher standards in order to enjoy their rights fully.

The theme for this year's celebration is ''Women's health for the 21st century''.

Women account for 64 per cent of the illiterate population and this is the reason behind the ignorance of women about dangers to their health.

"Another factor is the unequal power relations in the home, within the community, at the work place and irresponsible parenting, which force girls and women to engage in unwanted sexual relations.

''In effect, this exposes them to sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS, gonorrhoea, unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions".

Ms Margaret Novicki, Director, United Nations Information Centre, said the day has been adopted by the United Nations for all women, often divided by national boundaries and ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, to come together to celebrate as theirs.

Women could look back to a tradition that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development, she said.

It is also a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of women's rights.

"Today, the central organising principle of the work of the UN is that no enduring solution to society's most threatening social, economic and political problems can be found without the full participation and the full empowerment, of the world's women."

Ms Novicki read another speech on behalf of Mr Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary General.

Mr Annan said, in the past, women were excluded from decision making, but now "we have entered a century where the participation of women at senior levels of leadership, national and international, is no longer questioned.

"The world community has identified violence against women in its various forms as a clear violation of human rights and strong actions have been put in place at the international, regional and national levels to confront what should always have been considered unconscionable."

Mr Annan said ''much remains to be done as we stand on the threshold of the new millennium we are confronted by challenges both new and old''.

Poverty among women appears to be deepening as women are over represented among the unemployed and under employed and if employed they are more likely than men to be found in poorly paid, part-time employment or temporary and unsecured jobs.

"On this last international women's day before the new millennium, let us rededicate ourselves to eliminating the discrimination and disadvantages to which women are still subjected.

''Whether in the world of work, in access to health care services, in the provision of social services and social safety nets, in peace-building and reconstruction, or, perhaps most importantly in the home.