Subject HIPC to public
debate, Government urged
Gov’t asks top officials in
road sector to go on leave
Review
AMA - CCWL agreement - Regional Minister
Aliu
says human development is central point in development
Britain says it is
committed to Accra Metro Health
MP seeks help to expel
Fulani herdsmen
Accra Abattoir Management
warns imitators
Government budget must be
transparent- CBA
Minister warns heads about
corruption
Heads
of departments to sign performance agreement
EPA concerned about impact
of climatic change
New law in the offing to
cater for veterans
Eid-Ul
Adha, Independence Days declared statutory holidays
Subject HIPC to public
debate, Government urged
Accra (Greater Accra) 01 March 2001
Participants at a roundtable discussion on Ghana's debt problem on Wednesday expressed the view that the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative should be subjected to thorough debate for an informed decision to be made on it.
They argued that because concrete evidence of progress in some of the African countries, which have embarked on the initiative is lacking, adequate time should be allowed for more information to enable the public weigh its advantages and disadvantages.
Participants also called for a non-partisan approach by Parliament to the issue so that any decision taken should be in the best interest of the country.
The discussion, organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs, was attended by the Academia, civil society and parliamentarians.
Professor Bartholomew Armah, a Senior Research Fellow of the Institute warned that assumptions under the programme could back fire, especially if resources are not made available as is the case of some countries under the initiative.
He called for a more clear cut policy that will achieve a balance between growth and poverty reduction, saying if this is not done resources that will be made available should the country join the HIPC will go more into financing social development at the expense of productive investment.
Prof. Armah said there is the need to redefine the country's poverty reduction strategy to place emphasis on growth alongside social development, stressing that this is necessary if Ghana is not to slip back to the problems facing it now.
Prof. Nikoi-Kote Nikoi attributed the country's huge debt to more of unnecessary government expenditure, resulting in large budget deficits, which are financed with borrowing from domestic sources.
There is lack of accountability in government expenditure, he said and advocated a constitutional provision that will make achievement of a balance budget a law to prevent excessive government expenditure from taking short term measures and make productive investments possible.
Prof. Nikoi said there is the need for the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Appropriation to do more to ensure that government's expenditure is scrutinised to ensure that it is kept at the minimum.
He said there is also the need to replace short-term debt instruments such as the treasury bills with middle term bonds in order not to strangle the private sector of funds for expansion.
Prof. Nikoi said it is essential to improve on revenue collection by widening the tax net to include the non-public private sector, where salaries are high.
Dr George Appenteng, Executive Director of IEA said the country has battled to service interest on her debts because of unfavourable trade terms.
He said domestic debt servicing has starved the private sector of funds, which are critical for its development.
In another development, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) on Wednesday appealed to the government to open a national debate on the HIPC initiative to allow for some consensus before a final decision is taken on whether or not to join.
"Government should demonstrate its commitment to transparency and its 'all-inclusive' policy right from the beginning," it said.
Speaking at a news conference in Accra, the TUC Secretary-General, Mr Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, said government should not enter into such an arrangement when its full implications on the political, social and economic life of Ghanaians are unknown.
"Again, we urge a consideration of the full implications of what it means to be called 'insolvent' or 'heavily-indebted' and 'poor' to national and international investors, who are interested in Ghana," he said.
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Gov’t asks top officials
in road sector to go on leave
Accra (Greater Accra) 01 March 2001
The board of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) has been dissolved and four top officials of the Departments of Feeder Roads and Urban Roads have been asked to proceed on leave pending the streamlining of the administration of the roads sector.
A press statement signed by government spokesperson, Ms Elizabeth Ohene on Wednesday named them as Alhaji B.L.T Sakibu Chief Executive and Dr Fred Addo-Abedi, Deputy Chief Executive (Development) both of GHA, Mr C.D. Antwi, Director of Feeder Roads and Mr G.J. Brocke, Acting Director of Urban Roads.
The statement said the measures had become necessary because of the alarming situation in which billions of cedis in arrears are owed to contractors.
It said in 1996, on the advice of the donor community, a specialist was invited to undertake a study of the sector and recommend actions to clean the system of mismanagement but the recommendations were not implemented.
"The result is that the mess in the road sector has continued with more and more contracts being awarded thus increasing the size of arrears."
The statement said Mr A.K Hammond, GHA Deputy Chief Executive (Administration), is to act as Chief Executive while Mr Martin Mensah, Deputy Director of Feeder Roads takes over as acting Director and Mr Alex Twumasi Boakye, Deputy Director of Feeder Roads moves to Urban Roads as acting Director.
Mr Anthony Essilfie, Deputy Director, of Feeder Roads and Mr S.K. Nunoo, Deputy Chief Executive (Maintenance) of GHA are to move to the Ministry of Roads and Highways as Directors while Mr Joe Lamptey, a Director of the ministry is to act as Chief Director.
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Review
AMA - CCWL agreement - Regional Minister
Accra (Greater Accra)
01 March 2001
The Greater Accra
Regional Minister, Sheikh Ibrahim C. Quaye, on Wednesday called for a review of
the contract between the AMA and City and Country Waste Limited (CCWL) because
of its defects in favour of the company.
The Regional Minister
said he would refer the contract to the Minister of Local Government and the
Attorney General for a review and necessary action.
Briefing newsmen in
Accra after visiting the Kaneshie Market Complex, the Mallam Landfill and the
Waste Management Department at Awudome, he said in spite of the fact that 11
million dollars was spent last year, sanitation management in the capital has
not improved.
He said CCWL charges are
also too high and in conflict with the National Environmental and Sanitation
Programme.
The Regional Minister
said while CCWL charges AMA 30 dollars per tonne of refuse collected it pays
its sub-contractors five dollars per tonne.
He stressed the need for
a free-hand and more resources to enable the Waste Management Department of the
AMA to do its work, adding that a three-day crash programme ending on Saturday
would be launched to clear the mounting heaps of refuse in the city.
The Regional Minister
said an educational programme to encourage traders, market women and other
operators in the city to, at least sweep their areas of operation everyday
after work for the Waste Management Department to collect, would also be
launched soon.
It was announced that
the Mallam Landfill would cease operation within two to three months for a new
one at Oblogo.
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Aliu
says human development is central point in development
Accra (Greater Accra)
01 March 2001
The Vice President,
Alhaji Aliu Mahama, on Wednesday said the government recognises human
development as the central point in the development of a country.
Alhaji Aliu Mahama was
speaking at the launching of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Ghana
Society for the Blind (GSB) in Accra.
The GSB was founded in
1951 as an offshoot of the Royal Commonwealth Society for the blind, now Sight
Savers International.
Its aim is to provide essential
services to the visually impaired to be independent.
Alhaji Aliu Mahama said
the public should encourage people with disabilities to recognise and
understand the important role they play in national development.
Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who
was the quest of honour said the NPP's slogan of "positive change,"
coupled with its vision spelt out in its manifesto will constitute the
benchmark for creating opportunities for the growth of non-governmental
organisations such as the GSB.
He said the blind have
the potential to contribute their quota towards national development if given
the necessary back up, recognition and encouragement.
Alhaji Mahama gave the
assurance that the government will pursue the proposed disability policy
document to its logical conclusion within the shortest possible time.
"In Ghana today,
about 486,000 Ghanaians suffer from some form of visual disability, two thirds
of which live in poverty. We cannot afford to leave this group behind," he
added.
Alhaji Mahama reminded
Ghanaians that persons with visual disabilities need the concerted efforts of
all including, the government, Non-Governmental Organisations, corporate bodies
and civil society.
Mr James M. Sambian,
Executive Director for the GSB said the society is embarking on a capital drive
to raise about one billion cedis to address the needs of the blind.
He said the aim is to
build a complex resource centre to house a computer laboratory, a braille
library, conference rooms, a counselling centre, recreational facilities, a
hostel and a playing ground.
He said it would also
establish regional offices throughout the country in order to bring the
services of the GSB to the doorsteps of its clientele.
Mrs Mary Amadu, Acting
Director of the Department of Social Welfare called on parents with disabled
children not to neglect them.
Persons with
disabilities at the function appealed to the government to give the disabled a
place in Parliament to enable them take part in the decision making
process.
Activities lined up for
the celebrations include the commissioning of a livestock project at Kibi, Fun
walk and a float through the principal streets of Accra.
Alhaji Mahama unveiled
a plague to commemorate the anniversary celebration.
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Britain says it is
committed to Accra Metro Health
Accra (Greater Accra) 01 March 2001
Dr Rod Pullen, British High Commissioner in Ghana, on Wednesday assured communities under the Accra Metro Environmental Health Initiative (AMEHI) of his government's commitment to the project.
He said the 5.7 billion-cedi pilot project is to improve the protection and promotion of environmental health in Accra, particularly the poorest communities of James Town, Usher Town, Sukura, West Maamobi and Old Teshie.
Dr Pullen gave the assurance during a tour of West Maamobi to interact with opinion leaders and have a first hand assessment of the environmental and health needs of the community.
The AMEHI project aims at strengthening the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the communities with the capacity to manage and improve environmental health risks and conditions for the most vulnerable groups.
It will also create the scenario for AMA to play a leading role in community action to improve the environmental health in the city, especially in the allocation of resources.
Dr Pullen, who said he was impressed about the involvement of the community, noted that the participation of opinion leaders and chiefs is laudable for the sustenance of the project after its completion.
He urged opinion leaders to sensitise the community on the hazards of environmental pollution and involve youth groups in their educational programmes.
Mr Humphrey MaCauley, Chairman of Ayawaso Sub-metro, who led the opinion leaders said congestion, inaccessibility, attitudes, culture and education are the major contributing factors to the poor sanitary condition at West Maamobi.
He said with the identification of the problems and the initiation of the AMEHI project the community is ready to embark on a facelift programme.
Mrs Lynda Osafo, Project Co-ordinator, said it is to link agencies and communities together to address environmental and health issues.
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MP seeks help to expel
Fulani herdsmen
Dorminase (Eastern Region), 01 March 2001
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Fanteakwa, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, has appealed to the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council and the Regional Security Committee to expel a group of Fulani herdsmen whose cattle are destroying farms in certain parts of the constituency.
He mentioned the affected areas as Dorminase, Sumuer Number 1, Sumuer Number 2,
Amanfrosu and Dorminase Quarters.
The MP made the appeal at a meeting with farmers, assemblymen and members of the affected communities at Dorminase Quarters on Tuesday to discuss a petition by the communities on the activities of Fulani herdsmen and their cattle in the area.
He appealed to opinion leaders in the area to avoid applying force, saying they must rather engage in dialogue in resolving the problem while efforts are being made to find a permanent solution to the issue.
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Accra Abattoir Management
warns imitators
Accra (Greater Accra) 01 March 2001
The Management of the Accra Abattoir on Wednesday said that it has come to its notice that certain persons are using imitated stamps of the Plant to identify meat products, which they have slaughtered at unhygienic slaughter houses.
A statement issued and signed by Mr. Francis Appoh, Plant Manager said it would take legal action against anyone caught by its mobile inspectors.
It advised members of the public to take advantage of the ultra modern hygienic facilities of the Accra abattoir and the low prices charged to slaughter and butcher their livestock to ensure consumption on only wholesome meat.
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Government budget must be
transparent- CBA
Accra (Greater Accra), 01 March 2001
The government has been asked to prioritise spending at sectors such as health and education where the interest of majority of the people is paramount, in this year's budget.
Mr William Ahadzie, Co-ordinator of the Centre for Budget Advocacy, an affiliate of Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) a local NGO, said these sectors will promote economic development and social welfare in general.
"The allocation of more resources to these sectors impacts more on the lives of the people than the construction of regional airports."
Mr Ahadzie was presenting a paper on 'Public Budgets and Accountability' at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday.
" The budget should generate and equitably allocate wealth and opportunities, reduce poverty and fulfil the rights and dignity of all persons", he said. "It ought to be a tool whereby the government, acting for the people, assemble and manage those resources in accordance with the will and the mandate of the people."
Mr Ahadzie said government policies must reflect in the budget in terms of resources allocated for their implementation and also public policy pronouncements and political promises must be translated into budgetary allocations if they are to be realised.
According to him, the government can operate an open budget when there is transparency, accountability and mass participation at all stages of the budget process while at the same time ensuring the judicious use of resources in adherence to the intentions in the formulation of policy.
Mr. Ahadzie said civil societies have a right to analyse and track policy commitments in government budget and sometimes suggest new policies and ways of funding to the benefit of the larger public.
He said public investment in the education sector would yield higher dividend than any other social sector.
" Education raises productivity, innovation and output. It gives people new skills and empowers them to take new opportunities," he said, adding that many children below five years who die every year from preventable diseases would survive if their mothers receive education.
He said government must invest in people especially at the basic level to sustain economic growth.
Mr Charles Abugre, Executive Director of ISODEC said it is important that credit facilities are provided for the rural poor for the development of programmes, which will eradicate poverty.
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Minister warns heads about
corruption
Sunyani (Brong Ahafo), 01 March 2001
Mr. Ernest Kwaku Debrah, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, on Wednesday asked heads of departments, organisations and institutions in the region to avoid corrupt practices and increase their output for the benefit of the people.
"Any officer who feels that his or her salary is insufficient and must, therefore, supplement it through corrupt practices for survival should look for other avenues," he advised.
The Regional Minister was addressing a maiden meeting with regional heads of departments, organisations and institutions in Sunyani.
He stressed that salaries are not determined by cost of living but by productivity, adding that he hates corruption because "it is a disservice to the nation".
"We can make enough money to sustain ourselves when our negative attitudes towards work change."
Mr Debrah emphasised that honesty and truth based on discipline and loyalty are necessary requirements for their respective outfits, the region, and the country in general to move the nation forward.
He urged the heads to understand that they are charged with the responsibility to achieve a common goal and mission for the wellbeing of the people.
He, therefore, called on them to work as a team with transparency as their guiding principle for the realisation of the objectives of their organisations.
The meeting deliberated on a number of problems affecting the progress and development of the region, and called for pragmatic measures in the short, medium and long term to arrest the situation.
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Heads
of departments to sign performance agreement
Tamale (Northern Region),
01 March 2001
Heads of departments in
the Northern Region are expected to sign performance agreements with the
Regional Co-ordinating Council next month, to ensure effective and efficient
discharge of government business.
The heads will in turn
sign similar accords with their most senior staff at the departmental level, Mr
Ben Bukari Salifu, Regional Minister announced in Tamale on Tuesday.
Addressing a meeting of
heads of department, public boards and agencies, he urged them to be more
client-sensitive to help in the smooth functioning of public business.
He said the NPP remains
committed to its objective of making the private sector the engine of growth
and it is the responsibility of those in the public service to facilitate this
process.
Mr Salifu said:
"we should not lord it over the public and subsequently frustrate
government's efforts to rope in the private sector in national
development."
The Regional Minister
said by virtue of their status as department heads, they are automatically
ex-officio members of the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) and are expected
to offer technical and professional advice to facilitate the development of the
region.
"What this
relationship means is that we have to show commitment and dedication in our
daily working lives."
As heads of the various
decentralised, he said they should be conversant with the relevant legislation
pertaining to their work including the Constitution, the Civil Service Act and
the Local Government Act.
Mr Salifu said they
should also study the NPP manifesto and the President's Sessional Address to
Parliament and to refer to the relevant sections of these policy guidelines to
ensure that whatever departmental instructions they are pursuing fall in line
with the government's action plans.
"As public
officers in the forefront of affairs in the region, it is useful to keep
yourselves abreast with pronouncements and other policy directives emanating
from the seat of government," he said.
The Regional Minister
also spoke about the code of conduct for civil and public servants, which
spells out the appropriate sanctions for violation of its provisions and
cautioned that those who fall short should not turn round to attribute their
deserved punishment to witch-hunting by the authorities.
Mr Salifu commended the
heads for the support and co-operation that they have been giving to the RCC in
the past years, citing the Population and Housing Census and in the general
election during which they readily released their staff and logistics,
especially vehicles, for the two national programmes.
"I wish to urge
you to continue to show this support so that together, we move the country
forward."
The regional heads
expressed their views on a wide-range of issues prominent among which were
inadequate office and residential accommodation and transportation, which
hamper their work.
The Regional Minister
assured them that the RCC would take the necessary measures to address some of
these problems.
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EPA concerned about impact
of climatic change
Accra (Greater Accra), 01 March 2001
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday expressed concern about the slow progress in the negotiations to reduce the impact of climatic changes in the world.
Dr Peter Acquah, Executive Director of EPA, said: "the serious implication of the climate change phenomenon, particularly the extreme changes in the weather pattern, need to be understood by all."
He was speaking at the third working group meeting of the sixth session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in Accra.
The workshop, the first in Africa, aims at approving policy makers' summary of the third assessment report of the group and accept the final report.
About 180 participants from all over the world, including independent experts, government agencies, NGOs and UN agencies are attending the four-day workshop.
The Accra Workshop is expected to review the many technologies and policies that are available for reducing or limiting greenhouse gas emissions in order to minimise future climate change.
Dr Acquah urged the IPCC experts to make their opinion known and understood by the non-scientific community adding: "during the mid-1980s persistent warning from the scientific community based on the precautionary principle prevented the irreparable damage of the ozone layer by mankind."
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) established the IPCC jointly in 1988.
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New law in the offing to cater for veterans
Accra (Greater Accra), 01 March 2001
Vice-President Aliu Mahama on Wednesday said the government plans to review the Legion Decree to give ex-servicemen the support and recognition they deserve for their contribution to national development.
The new law would replace the decree enacted by the erstwhile National Redemption Council in 1974 to cater for the welfare of veterans.
Alhaji Mahama made this known when he reviewed a wreath-laying parade of security personnel and veterans at the Cenotaph to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the 28th February Christianborg Crossroads Shooting Incident which led to the death of three ex-servicemen.
The parade of seven officers and 180 men from the Army, Navy, Airforce, Police as well as a small contingent of the veterans took place at the "Freedom Monument" built in memory of Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe and Private Odartey Lamptey who were killed by the colonial Police.
The three soldiers served in the West African Frontier Force, which fought alongside the British and allied forces in the Second World War.
They were among colleagues marching to the Castle to present a petition to the then Governor, Sir Gerald Creasy, over the payment of gratuity when the colonial police fired upon them.
The incident accelerated the independence movement in the Gold Coast.
Alhaji Mahama said government is determined to preserve the memory of the martyrs, whose death led to the agitation against colonial rule, and rehabilitate their colleagues who are still alive.
"We will take concrete steps to enhance the effectiveness of the Veterans Association of Ghana (VAG) to minister the needs and concerns of our ex-servicemen," he said.
The Vice-President commended the veterans for the sacrifices they made which paved the way for the longstanding contribution of the Armed Forces to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
He drew applause from soldiers when he said the government would increase the allowances of members of the military who undertake these peace operations due to the immense risks involved.
Alhaji Mahama said the Armed Forces, as partners in development, would be given the opportunity to utilise their expertise, especially in the provision of social amenities like bridges.
He laid a wreath on behalf of the government and people of Ghana at the ceremony marked by the singing of dirges and offering of prayers for the fallen heroes.
Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, Minister of Defence, laid another wreath on behalf of the security agencies and Nii Doku Sackey, Chief of Otublohum, laid one on behalf of chiefs.
A large number of people including ministers of state, heads of departments, relatives of the dead soldiers, officials of VAG and senior military and police officers, witnessed the parade.
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Eid-Ul
Adha, Independence Days declared statutory holidays
Accra (Greater Accra)
01 March 2001
Alhaji Malik Al-Hassan
Yakubu, Minister of the Interior, on Wednesday reminded the general public that
Monday, March 5, Eid-Ul-Adha and Tuesday, March 6, Independence Day are
statutory public holidays.
To commemorate the 44th
Independence anniversary celebrations, the Ghana Armed Forces will hold an open
day in all the Garrisons on Saturday between 0800 and 1500 hours.
A statement issued by
the Armed Forces Public Relations Directorate in Accra on Wednesday said it is
also aimed at opening the doors of the military to the general public to
improve military-civil relations.
It said the army will
mark the day with unit skills and equipment displays, parachute jump by the
Airborne Force at Tamale and a tour of selected areas in the barracks,
including the military museum in Kumasi.
In Accra, the 48
Engineer Regiment and Fifth Battalion of Infantry will be opened to the public
and the Air Force will organise an air trip for selected schools at the Air
Force Base in Accra.
There will also be a
sea trip by the Navy for selected schools at the Tema Naval Base.
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