GRi Newsreel Ghana 26 – 03 - 2001

Calm has return to the Buduburam Refugee Camp but signs of the damage caused by Liberian refugees on the Police Post last Saturday was visible when the Ghana News Agency visited the scene on Sunday.

The Police Post, National Mobilisation Program (NMP) and Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) offices, which were housed in the same building, have been vandalised.

There was no visible Police presence as their living quarters was not spared during the destruction carried out by the Liberians, who were venting their anger because the Police had refused to release a suspect in their custody to them.

Mr Edwin Acheampong, Camp Manager, told the GNA that at about 01:30 hours on Saturday, an unknown assailant slashed Thomas Davies, a refugee on the abdomen with a cutlass through a window net in his porch while asleep.

"He started bleeding profusely and was rushed to the 37 Military Hospital, where he was treated and discharged."

At about 04:00 hours, he said, a group of Liberian refugees stopped one Kwame Amoako, a Ghanaian resident in the area who was returning from a wake-keeping at Awutu, a nearby village, and questioned him about his movements at that time of the day.

He took offence of their prying into his affairs and this generated into a scuffle.

The Police, who were close to the scene intervened and took Amoako into custody to enable them to investigate the allegation by the refugees that he was the one who had slashed their compatriot.

When word got to the camp that the suspect had been arrested the refugees rushed to the Police Post to demand that Amoako be released to them to mete out instance justice.

Mr Acheampong said the Police told the refugees that they will investigate the matter but they refused to budge and started making noise so the Police called in re-enforcement from Winneba, and they in turn called for help from Accra.

The Police whisked the suspect to the Winneba Police station after giving warning shots and firing of tear gas to disperse the large crowd that had besieged the Post.

He said when the refugees realised that the suspect had been taken away, they attacked and destroyed the Police Post, NMP and GNFS offices and the living quarters of the Police.

They also blocked the Cape Coast main road causing traffic and destroyed some vehicles that were plying the road at that time.

When news of the blockade got to the surrounding areas Ghanaian residents in Kasoa and Awutu rushed to the camp to attack the Liberians but were prevented by the Police.

Mr. Joseph Myers, Head of the Liberian Welfare Council at the camp described the situation as unfortunate. He blamed some new refugees that have just come to the camp, who, he said, do not want to be law abiding.

Meanwhile when the GNA contacted Davies, who was slashed, he corroborated the story but said he could not identify his assailant, since the incident took place in the dark and he has also been in the camp for only six months.

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Rate of abuse of women very alarming - TAF

Accra (Greater Accra) 26 March 2001

Ninety per cent of violence in this country is perpetrated against women and children, Mrs Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Executive Director of The Ark Foundation (TAF), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) involved in the counselling and rehabilitation of women and children survivors of such ordeals, said on Saturday.

She said research conducted by the National Commission on Women and Development (NCWD) and the Gender Centre indicates that one out of every three women in the country had suffered physical abuse such as rape, battery, domestic and cultural violence among other things.

Mrs. Dwamena-Aboagye was speaking to newsmen at a media encounter to close a five-day workshop that trained counsellors to deal effectively with cases involving women and children, who survive violence and other forms of abuse.

The workshop, organised by the Foundation in collaboration with the Women Initiative for Self-Empowerment (WISE), is the third in a series aimed at assessing the situation, developing strategies and training personnel to implement programmes to combat violence against women and children.

Mrs. Dwamena-Aboagye said a network of organisations involved in women and children's rights would soon be established to provide counselling, financial and material assistance to victims.

She said under the network, professional counsellors would be stationed at all member organisations to provide assistance to survivors of violence.

"When it becomes necessary, we will provide them with legal aid and in some cases, direct them to where they could get financial assistance, shelter and food," she said.

Mrs. Dwamena-Aboagye said, to ensure a sustainable reduction in violence against women, a fourth workshop would be held from April 4 to design a programme on how to effectively counsel abusers of women and children.

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Clinical Psychologist criticises Maame Dorkono's style

Accra (Greater Accra) 26 March 2001

Mrs. Agnes Addo-Mensah, Head of the Special Education Unit of the Non-Formal Education Division (NFED) of the Ghana Education Service (GES), has criticised the way Ms Grace Omaboe, alias Maame Dorkono, handles cases of violence against women and children on her talk show programme.

She said, "the way Maame Dorkono, handles cases involving survivors of abuse on her popular "Odo ne Asomdwe" talk show on the Accra-based Choice 102.3 FM and Metro TV is unprofessional and usually traumatises the survivors the more".

Speaking in an interview with the GNA, Mrs Addo-Mensah, a Clinical Psychologist, who doubles as a Counsellor at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, said professional counselling ethics require that a counsellor goes as far as empathising with a survivor of abuse and not sympathising as Maame Dorkono does.

She explained that it is wrong for a counsellor to take sides with a survivor and to insist on what steps the survivor took in dealing with an abuser, adding that the counsellor has no right to interfere.

"The way Maame Dorkono exaggerates the implications of abuse to the survivors, who seek her assistance, only intensifies their trauma and leads them to take subjective decisions, which they usually regret later," she said.

"The system of counselling Maame Dorkono applies is very poor and violates all the professional ethics," she stressed.

Mrs. Addo-Mensah said a counsellor could only provide remedy by explaining to survivors what the implications of the abuse are, what the possible means of lasting solution are and then allow the survivor to decide what to do.

She urged radio presenters, who are confronted with cases involving abused women and children to seek professional assistance in handling them.

Mrs. Addo-Mensah said about 50 per cent of 70 cases of abused women she is currently handling involve domestic battery and mental torture by husbands with the rest being those traumatised through rejection by late husband's family members.

"About nine per cent of women inmates at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital are victims of domestic battery and rejection," she said.

Mrs. Addo-Mensah noted that in most of the cases she has handled, survivors preferred traditional domestic settlements to legal ones, adding that some survivors even blame themselves for the attitude of their abusers and end up defending the latter.

"Most women refuse to opt for legal action against their husbands due to the economic and socio-cultural implications involved," she said.

"They prefer to save their marriage, source of income and to prevent the adverse effect of litigation on their children and in-laws."

She urged women under traumatic conditions due to domestic abuse to seek professional assistance early, saying that most cases under review now indicate that those who allow themselves to suffer long end up with very grave physical conditions.

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Government urged to come out with new minimum wage

Mpraeso (Eastern Region) 26 March 2001

The Kwawu-South District Council of Labour (DCL) has called on the government to come out with a new minimum wage to enhance their living standards.

The council said the present minimum wage of 4,200 cedis cannot sustain them due to the depreciation of the cedi, recent increases in fuel prices and the proposed price increases in utility services.

These were contained in a six-point resolution adopted at the first quarterly meeting of the DCL at Mpraeso at the weekend.

The resolution also called for the de-freezing of the end of service benefits (ESB) for civil and public servants, to get adequate remuneration when retiring from active service.

The resolution said since ministers and other top officials of the past government received "huge sums of money" as their ESB, other public and civil servants should also benefit.

They congratulated the government for its positive change concept but urged her to be transparent, since the Trades Union Congress (TUC) was not happy with the government's adoption of the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative.

Mr Harry Pieterson, Eastern Regional Secretary of the TUC, said the congress would continue to give requisite training to its members to help them face the challenges of the times.

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Parliament to debate end of service benefit

Sekondi (Western Region) 26 March 2001

Parliament would soon debate on the restoration of the end-of-service benefits to workers, Mr. John Aidoo, Western Regional Minister who gave the hint at a meeting with Civil Servants in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis in Sekondi on Thursday, said government will implement the decision of Parliament as soon as the go ahead is given.

Mr. Aidoo assured civil servants of government's preparedness to address their problems and urged them to unite and support the government to re-build the country and improve their living and service conditions.

He said he will do everything possible to ensure that civil servants in the region have transport to convey them to and from work.

Mr. Aidoo said he is currently arranging with the management of the Ghana Railway Corporation to provide railway transportation to workers.

In an address, Mr. John Kyeremeh, Regional Chairman of the Civil Servants Association, said Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the Metropolis have not received their subvention for the first quarter of this year and this is hampering their work.

He called on the government to allow civil servants to remain on Cap 30 pension scheme instead of SSNIT pension and to adjust the salaries of civil servants to meet the current economic condition in the country.

The civil servants called on the government to extend the maternity leave of female civil servants from three to six months to enable nursing mothers to exclusively breast-feed their babies.

They appealed for residential accommodation and means of transport.

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World Bank provides $5m to improve health and education in Ashanti

Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 26 March 2001

World Bank has provided five million dollars to help improve educational infrastructure and health care delivery in the Ashanti Region.

The World Bank assisted partnership with traditional authorities project is a joint venture between the Bank, the Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council (ARCC) and Asanteman Council.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, announced this when Mr Callisto Madavo, Vice President of the World Bank, Africa Region, paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Friday.

He explained that the Bank had always dealt with the government and sponsored projects and it is time such assistance was offered to the people at the grassroots level.

The Asantehene observed that with good and pragmatic policies based on the advice of the Bank coupled with efficient and effective work by implementing agencies, national development could be achieved soon.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu noted that all the assistance being offered by the Bank to developing countries could be meaningful when there are more job opportunities to reduce the high unemployment rate, better health care delivery and provision of basic infrastructure such as roads and utilities for development.

He said the success of the joint project initiated at the grassroots level will open the way for more World Bank sponsored projects in the region.

Mr. Madavo said with the new government at the helm of affairs, it is necessary to have a review of all negotiations and agreements made with the past government.

"The World Bank is determined to provide all the needed support to the new government to succeed".

Mr. Peter Harold, World Bank Resident Representative in Ghana, said it is the bank's determination to assist Ghana to overcome the current difficult economic situation.

Mr Harold said "we are sure to provide the needed assistance to ease problems facing the new government in all sectors of the economy.

"We will work on the short term problems and will not forget the medium term problems and continue to assist Asanteman to solve poverty problems facing the people".

Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister, said negotiation has began with the bank to establish satellite markets and lorry parks at some vantage points to ease congestion at the rehabilitated Kejetia terminal.

Nana Boakye-Ansah Debrah, Asokore-Mamponghene and chairman of the nine-member implementation committee of the project, presented their report to the Asantehene and Mr Madavo.

He said 39 selected deprived communities in the region would benefit under the project.

He explained that the project covers the provision of six classroom blocks to each community with stores, libraries, toilet facilities and teachers quarters with borehole and small dispensaries attached to the schools.

It would also involve the rehabilitation of some existing school structures to bring them to required standard.

Nana Boakye-Ansah said the project would again involve traditional authorities mainly queenmothers and elderly women in the campaign against the HIV/AIDS menace.

This health component seeks to strengthen the capacity of traditional authorities to keep track of human resources for development, build local capacity for health information sharing and enhance its capacity to lead in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

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Kasoa Water Problem-Former MP lauds Minister

Kasoa (Central Region) 26 March 2001

Alhaji Babalami Abu Sadat, former Member of Parliament (MP) for Awutu-Senya, has commended the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Kwamena Bartels, for his concern about the water problem facing the residents of Kasoa.

Speaking to newsmen at Kasoa on Saturday, Alhaji Abu Sadat said the Minister's assurance that the problem would be solved by the end of the year when he visited the Weija Water Works recently was heart-warming.

The former MP lamented that the residents of Kasoa, which is developing at a faster pace, buy a bucketful of treated water for 1,000 cedis while that of untreated water costs 500 cedis.

Alhaji Sadat lashed at the Central Regional Administration for not doing much to solve the problem, which had persisted for the past six years.

He, therefore, urged the present administration to give the Kasoa water problem the much-needed attention and ensure that Kasoa is not left out in its annual budgetary allocations.

The former MP said it was also gratifying to note that, as an interim measure, efforts were being made to supply the town with a temporary reservoir.

However, he said, it was the laying of additional pipe-lines and the completion of expansion works on the Weija Reservoir by the end of the year that would help relieve the residents of Kasoa of their water problem.

Alhaji Abu Sadat appealed to the residents to give the Ministry of Works and Housing maximum co-operation in its bid to find a lasting solution to the problem.

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Applicant for MCE denies allegations

Koforidua (Eastern Region) 26 March 2001

An applicant for the New Juaben Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) position, Mr Henry Okyere Boakye has denied that he was an "ardent card bearing member" of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as alleged by the Koforidua Constituency New Patriotic Party (NPP) Women's Wing.

Reacting to allegations by the Women's Wing in a petition to the President in opposing his application for consideration for the vacant position, he declared; "I am a loyal follower of the Danquah-Busia Tradition from which the New Patriotic Party was formed".

"I have been contributing to the development and progress of the party in the Municipality from the formative stage to date," he claimed.

"I applied for the post because I believe I can unite the people and harness both human and material resources to bring about the necessary development in the Municipality," he said

He admitted that he belonged to "Koforidua Brothers Club," which the women claimed was an "NDC surrogate association that funded its campaign from big contracts awarded to the members".

He said the club was formed 20 years ago as a social and welfare body and was not affiliated to any political party.

Mr. Boakye dismissed the allegation by the Wing that he was being pushed by the Club to enable the members to secure contracts from the Municipal Assembly to recoup their losses, saying the Chief Executive alone could not award contracts since there were rules and regulations governing contract awards.

He appealed to members of the party and applicants to desist from defamation, mudslinging and other "negative acts which will not help any body or the party, adding, "the party will definitely need all members including myself to rally our support behind whoever is selected for the post."

A group of people claiming to represent the Women's and Youth Wings of the

Koforidua Constituency of the NPP last Tuesday held a forum to announce the removal of the Constituency Executive of the party from office over alleged corruption in connection with the MCE nominations.

In their petition to the President read at the forum, the Women's Wing called for the rejection of the application of Mr Boakye, claiming he was among other things, "an ardent card bearing member of the NDC".

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Democracy is beyond elections – Bimi

Accra (Greater Accra) 26 March 2001

Mr Larry Bimi, Chairman of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) says democratic institutions should view democracy beyond elections.

"The growth of democracy in any country depends largely on the aftermath of elections and not the few months to elections."

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Saturday, Mr. Bimi noted that developing countries over concentrate on preparations towards elections to the detriment of democratic institutions that would ensure its sustenance afterwards.

He said the National Constitutional Week celebration is a novelty to sustain and promote awareness among democratic institutions in the country at the regional, district and community levels for the growth of democracy.

The NCCE chairman noted that Ghana has taken a giant stride towards the development and sustenance of democracy, "there is, therefore, the need for all stakeholders to be pulled along to avoid the danger of derailment".

Mr Bimi said democracy thrives on the understanding of the Constitution and the civic awareness of the general public to duties, responsibilities and obligations enshrined therein.

He applauded the support of Ford Foundation; an American non-governmental organisation towards the Constitutional Week celebration but called on local agencies and institutions also to support efforts to promote democracy in the country.

He said funding for the celebration should be paramount to all stakeholders as business could only progress in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity hence the need for the private and public sectors to support efforts to establish a constitutional week.

He said companies should be proud to associate with the project as sponsors, "as this will help create the enabling environment needed for commerce and industry to grow".

Mr Bimi said to establish a well-informed society with democratic rights and good governance, the Commission intends to make the Constitution available and accessible to most Ghanaians through an initial annual printing and distribution of 100,000 copies for a period of five years in English and Ghanaian languages.

The NCCE Chairman reiterated his appeal to the media, both print and electronic to adopt pragmatic programmes, aimed at sensitising and educating the general public on the Constitution and how it affects them.

Mr Bimi urged the media to attach much more interest in the constitutional week and the promotion of its awareness as they did during the presidential and parliamentary elections, "because the survival of democracy is not based only on the conduct of elections."

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Salaga drivers agree not to charge above 15 per cent

Salaga (Northern Region) 26 March 2001

Drivers and vehicle owners at Salaga on Saturday agreed not to increase fares above the 15 per cent of what they charged before the increase in the price of petroleum products.

This decision was reached at a meeting between the District Security Committee and stakeholders in the transport industry in Salaga.

The District Co-ordinting Director, Mr. H. B. Naboo urged them to reduce their fares to conform with what pertained in other parts of the country, since the new prices of petroleum products were fixed after full consultation with all stakeholders in the petroleum and transports industries.

He said increases in fares and charges on luggage would have serious effect on the prices of food items in the market.

He urged the local transport unions to hold regular dialogue with the District Security Committee to enhance the smooth running of the transportation system in the area.

The fares agreed upon at the meting included: Salaga - Tamale - 5,800, Salaga - Bimbilla - 5,000, Salaga - Kpandai - 5,000, Salaga - Makango - 2,300, Salaga - Ekumbipe - 3,000 and Salaga - Kafaba - 2,300 cedis.

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Trokosis freed

Accra (Greater Accra) 26 March 2001

Mr Ali Quaye, Project Officer of International Needs (IN), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) involved in the liberation of Trokosis in the Volta Region, on Saturday said 2,800 out of 5,000 inmates of various shrines have so far been freed.

He said steps are being taken to liberate an additional 150 from Akatsi Minor by the end of the year.

Mr Quaye disclosed this to the GNA in Accra, saying that 60 per cent of those liberated were aged.

He noted that currently most of those liberated were in the process of being rehabilitated by IN.

"The young ones have enrolled at IN vocational centres to learn trades and the elderly have been provided with credit under IN micro credit scheme to go into petty trading."

Mr Quaye said plans are afoot to extend the credit scheme to all liberated Trokosis and their families to assist them survive.

He said as a result of IN public awareness campaign in the areas where, Trokosi is dominant, "victims and their families have adopted the attitude of calling on the IN to assist in the liberation exercise."

"The stiff resistance we used to have mainly from members of the Afrikania Mission has reduced drastically," he said.

"Residents of Trokosi dominant areas no more dread exposing perpetrators of the practice and their shrines."

Mr Quaye said currently there is a strong desire by citizens of the Volta Region to confront outmoded cultural practices, adding that it is hoped that with that mind set, Trokosi would be over within the next few years.

Trokosi is a cultural practice in the Volta Region and parts of Adangme areas of Greater-Accra, under which females are subjected to servitude at fetish shrines to atone for the iniquities of their relatives.

Trokosis according to several published researches, virtually become the slaves of the fetish priest, who use them to satisfy his sexual desires.

Some are subjected to this kind of practice at a very tender age till death or till when the fetish priest feels they are out of use then discard them.

Notwithstanding, efforts by human rights organisations such as the IN and Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to stem the practice, it has persisted, apparently because some pressure groups glorify the practice as the only surviving culture in the Volta region.

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Asunafo sets up committee on HIPC

Goaso (Brong Ahafo) 26 March 2001

The Asunafo District Assembly has set up a five-member committee to educate the people about what Ghana stands to gain by adopting the Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) initiative.

The committee, which is under the chairmanship of the Asunafo District Director of Education, Mr. K. Baryeh Amoaning, would organise public forums in the various communities and visit churches and second cycle schools to carry out its activities.

Mr. S. O. Kusi-Appiah, Asunafo District Co-ordinating Director, who inaugurated the committee said a lot of people are confused, "given the way HIPC is being negatively portrayed by those who are expected to know better.

"It is, therefore, important for education campaigns to be embarked upon to clear the misconceptions about HIPC".

Mr. Kusi-Appiah appealed to Ghanaians to de-politicise the HIPC issue and give the government a chance to salvage the country from its current economic mess.

"Ghanaians should examine and consider what positive steps each one can take to support the government to salvage the national economy".

Mr Kusi-Appiah charged the committee to consider their assignment as a call to national duty and study the advantages and disadvantages of HIPC before embarking on its campaign.

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Distinguished Ghanaian women awarded

Accra (Greater Accra) 26 March 2001

Ghanaian women of distinction were on Saturday awarded for their achievements at a fundraising dinner organised in their honour by the Ghanaian Women Initiative Foundation (GAWIF), a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

Mrs. Theresa Kufuor, First lady, and guest speaker called on all women and women NGOs to close ranks in disciplines where the touch bearers left off.

GAWIF is a movement founded by some concerned women and women organisations to work towards alleviating the plight of Ghanaian women through political and economic empowerment.

It also aims at helping to bring together all women centred NGOs.

Speaking at the dinner, which was also to raise funds for the development of women and children in the country, Mrs Kufuor said women all over have been invisible and unrecognised in economic development.

"All around the globe, women have been considered as children producers and home makers, but it is obvious that the trend is changing," she noted.

Mrs. Kufuor attributed the change in trend to efforts by women leaders in 1975, who impressed on the United Nations to bring about the establishment of the world women's day.

She commended the organisers for their foresight in including Ghanaian women touch bearers of the 20th century in the awards saying, "this will inspire the young ones."

Mrs. Esther Ocloo, Chairperson of the GAWIF, recounted some of the achievements of the movement, which include inspiring about 100 women to contest the 2000 general election.

In the next year, GAWIF would make use of some of its women committees to serve as consultants for women parliamentarians.

The awards were given in four categories: women flagbearers of the 20th century, women of excellence - pioneers in various fields, women in politics and women parliamentarians.

Some of the women who received awards included Professor Florence Dolphyne, first Ghanaian female professor, Squadron Leader Melody Danquah, first woman pilot, Madam Ama Tweneboah, first woman best farmer and Dr Mrs Esther Ocloo, Founder of the Association of Ghana Industries.

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Ghanaians advised against travelling to Libya without papers

Accra (Greater Accra) 26 March 2001

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Ghanaians planning to travel to Libya illegally through unapproved routes to cancel such plans, as it is dangerous and suicidal to undertake such a journey.

A statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Friday warned the general public that any Ghanaian who gets himself or herself involved in such a venture does so at his or her own risk.

The Ministry said that it has come to its notice that in spite of the mass expulsion of illegal immigrants from Libya last year, there is still a steady and alarming build-up of illegal Ghanaian immigrants in cities and towns of Libya.

The statement said information available to the Ministry indicates that about 270 Ghanaians, including some of those who were expelled last year, who have travelled illegally to Libya have been arrested and are being detained in camps in Sheba.

It is also believed that a lot more Ghanaians are currently either undertaking hazardous journeys to Libya through unapproved and uncharted desert terrain or are preparing to do so.

Meanwhile, genuine Ghanaian travellers to Libya should ensure that they obtain proper travelling documents before they embark on their journeys.

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DANIDA provides medical fund for 400 "witches" and aged at Tindang

Tindang (Northern Region) 26 March 2001

The Danish International Development Assistance, (DANIDA) has provided five thousand U.S. dollars as a revolving medical fund for 400 alleged witches and the aged at Tindang in the Yendi District.

The aim is to integrate the 'so called witches" into the communities in the area.

Mr Mahama Asibi Azongo, Yendi District Co-ordinator made this known when he commissioned some facilities at separate functions at Gnani and Tindang.

He said DANIDA has also provided 600 million cedis worth of assorted items including school uniforms 300 blankets and 200 mats to the people of Gnani and Tindang and rehabilitated their "witch-camps."

The District Co-ordinator said DANIDA's efforts at providing shelter, good drinking water, health; education and credit assistance will no doubt help reduce poverty and disease in the area.

Mr. Azongo said the German Development Service is supporting women engaged in cotton spinning and other economic ventures with credit while the American Embassy also provided a cornmill and a rice hauller to the two communities to enhance their income-generating activities.

Mr Azongo appealed to the people not to see the "witches" as outcast but to accept them back into the community.

He urged the people to promote peaceful co-existence with other ethnic settlers, saying "if there is no peace, there can be no development in the area."

Na Zakari Mahama, Chief of Gnani appealed to the government to connect electricity to the "witches" camp to enable them undertake income-generating activities.

He thanked DANIDA and all the other non-governmental organisations that assisted the people and assured them of their good use.

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CPP prepared to offer help to NPP to rule country

Bolgatanga (Northern Region) 26 March 2001

The National Chairman of the Convention People's Party (CPP), Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Alhassan on Thursday declared that the party will offer good criticisms and suggestions to enable the government to solve the country's problems.

Dr. Alhassan explained that the CPP is nationalistic and not parochial and that is why it will continue to give the government good material for appointment for the good of the people, adding, "we shall accept appointments as district chief executives."

The national chairman said this when he addressed party supporters and sympathisers in the Upper East Region at Bolgatanga to thank them for their support during the parliamentary and presidential elections.

Dr Alhassan however said, that did not mean they were surrendering to the NPP because statistics after the elections showed that "the CPP did very well and came second in many constituencies."

He said "we were only bruised but not defeated, and with more commitment, the year 2004 will be for us now that our objective to get rid of the NDC has been fulfilled.

Dr Alhassan said most of the NPP government's policies will not work because they "are out to make the rich more profitable and employment scarce."

The national chairman said it is "madness to import meat" when the country has vast track of land for rearing livestock, adding that government should "look inwards because the solution is here."

He also called on NPP to subsidise agriculture, saying that industry is vibrant and can employ 60 per cent of the people.

The National Organiser of the party, Dr Gamel Nasser, on his part said the ideas Dr Kwame Nkrumah stood for, was confirm in Sirte, Iraq, so many years after his death, saying it is the CPP that still have those ideas.

Dr Nasser said the economic policies of the NPP were the same as the NDC and there is no way the country can come out of its hardship.

Mr. Kwesi Pratt, Chairman of the Publicity Committee, assured members of the party that the CPP is on course despite difficulties.

A veteran politician, Mr Imoro Ayarna said the struggle of CPP has no end, since it is for prosperity and appealed to the national secretariats of the CPP and PNC to merge as one body, stressing that "Kwame Nkrumah can not be divided."

Other national executive members present include Mr. Mike Eghan, First Vice Chairman and Madam Stella Ankomah, Women Organiser.

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TDCL calls for probe into GTMC worker's death

Tema (Greater Accra) 26 March 2001

The Tema District Council of Labour (TDCL), on Friday petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), to initiate investigations into police brutalities, resulting in the death of an employee of the Ghana Textile Manufacturing Company (GTMC).

Mr. Raphael Larnyoh died at the Korle- Bu Teaching Hospital from injuries sustained from alleged beating by the police, deployed to curb an industrial dispute, at the factory on November 28, last year.

A second worker, Kingsford Nyarko lost an eye when he was hit by rubber bullets fired by the police that day, while another worker suffered a twisted knee.

A statement signed by Mr Mohammed Baba Tairo, TDCL Secretary condemned the excessive use of force by the police on the workers.

The TDCL demanded that the perpetrators of this brutality are brought to book and the victims compensated.

The Council further urged the police to treat workers' industrial actions with circumspect and in a more humane manner, since workers are not criminals.

In another statement, the TDCL called on the Minister for Employment and Manpower Development, to intervene in the impasse and ensure the early re-opening of the factory, which has remained closed since November 28, last year.

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Bebako-Mensah for retirement

Accra (Greater Accra) 26 March, 2001

The President, Mr. J. A. Kufuor has accepted a request from Mr. James Bebako-Mensah, Secretary to the Cabinet to proceed on leave, prior to his retirement.

Mr. James Bebako-Mensah has been a Civil Servant for the past thirty-six (36) years and had served in different departments prior to becoming he Secretary to the Cabinet.

A statement issued from the office of the Government Spokesperson said in accepting Mr. Bebako-Mensah’s request, the President thanked him for his years of loyal service to the nation and wished him luck in his future endeavours.

GRi…/

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