President Rawlings receives former Zambian leader
DANIDA assisting GHA to reduce accidents
Judge calls for out of court settlement of disputes
Ghana Armed Forces reacts to publication
Brong Ahafo executives deny allegations against Mr Kufuor
Accra (Greater Accra) 29 May 2000
President Jerry John Rawlings on Wednesday
urged the two parties in the Zimbabwe land conflict to work towards reaching a
compromise as early as possible in order to restore calm, describing the
present state of litigation where lives and property are being lost as "a
great source of worry."
"It is creating a lot of
nervousness," he told Ex-President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia who paid a
courtesy call on him at the Castle, Osu.
President Rawlings said
personally, he is in a state of dilemma over the conflict because: "After
fighting for independence, the indigenous people should have had their land
back from the colonial masters to feed themselves. But the manner in which they
want to take the land is becoming too costly," the President said.
"There should be a compromise
between the indigenous people and their white brothers, who have tilled the
land all these years."
Ex-President Kaunda, who announced
his retirement from active politics early this year, told President Rawlings
that he has established two non-governmental organizations, the Kenneth Kaunda
Institute for Democracy, which is aimed at uplifting democracy in Africa and
the Kenneth Kaunda Children of Africa Foundation, which is mainly to help in
the education of child orphans, whose parents have died of HIV/AIDS.
He shared President Rawlings’
sentiments on the early resolution of the Zimbabwean land crisis and hinted
that he would be leading a peace mission to that country next week to hold
talks with the white farmers, as well as President Robert Mugabe.
The former Zambian President
commended President Rawlings for effectively leading Ghana to play a meaningful
role to bring peace to the continent and also making kind remarks about him
(Kaunda) at the last OAU summit.
Dr Kaunda, accompanied by close
relatives, arrived in Ghana at the weekend on a private visit to participate in
the launch of the operations of the Amalgamated Network Systems (ANS), a
telecommunications firm in Kumasi.
In another development, the
President received a Togolese government delegation led by the Minister of
Justice, General Memene Seyi, at the Castle Osu.
The delegation, which included the
Minister of the Interior and National Security, General Walla Sizing and Mr.
Koudouvoh Teko, in charge of INTERPOL, delivered a special message from
Togolese leader General Gnassingbe Eyadema.
The contents of the message, which
were discussed behind closed doors, are believed to have focused mainly on
issues relating to the common borders of the two countries.
It also touched on the alleged
assassination of the Gabonese Charge d'Affaires in Togo, as well as recent
developments in the ECOWAS sub-region.
Shortly before the closed-door
meeting, Gen. Seyi said his delegation's presence in Ghana formed part of the
framework of continued consultations among sister countries in the region.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 29 May 2000
The United Ghana Movement (UGM) on
Wednesday called on the government to rigorously enforce motor traffic
regulations and ensure that only sound vehicles ply on good quality roads.
This, the party said, is the best
guarantee for the safety of the people who use the roads, a statement from the
party in Accra said adding that such steps should serve as a pre-requisite to a
rigorous enforcement of motor traffic regulations by a well-trained,
disciplined and committed Police force.
The statement coming after the
accident involving students of Aburi Girls Secondary School last Saturday in
which two people died, said " the
accident has brought home the fact that our roads have become dangerous death
traps for many millions of our people who use them."
It said: "That the accident
involving some of our best and brightest hopes for our country's future served
to dramatise the unnecessary and wanton waste that the carnage on our roads is
doing to dissipate our human resources and our future development as a
nation."
The Party recalled that in 1999,
it issued a public statement asking the government to institute immediate
measures to retest commercial drivers and vehicles to ensure that the roads are
safe.
"Our call was not heeded, and
it is a matter of deep regret that many thousands of road accidents resulting
in senseless and wasteful deaths of several hundreds of people have occurred in
the fifteen months since we made what we believe was a reasonable
suggestion."
It said government's response to
the call was that the necessary legislation was being put before Parliament to
address the issue.
"Sadly, all that seemed to
have happened is that speedier action has been taken to rake in more money from
the suffering motorists while the much needed boost for safety is being pursued
at a pace slower than the proverbial snail can muster."
This has been pursued to the
extent that annual road safety tests and basic checks that must be done to
establish a vehicle's mechanical soundness has been reduced to simply
collecting the fee and issuing the licence without any sort of examination.
The statement said the
government's failure to take adequate steps to ensure safety on the roads
"is another example of misplaced priorities, which have been the hallmark
of the National Democratic Congress's tenure over the last eight years."
It added that this suggestion
should serve to prove wrong those who argue that the opposition does not offer
alternative suggestions and gave the assurance that it would take steps to
ensure, among other things, that every commercial driver's competence is tested
within six months of taking office.
"Additionally, the motor
traffic unit of the Police shall be completely overhauled with its human and
capital resources built up to levels commensurate with the optimal enforcement
of the road traffic regulations of the country", the party said.
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Suhum (Eastern Region) 29 May 2000
The Danish International Development
Agency (DANIDA) is assisting the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), to design and
construct new speed humps to help reduce accidents on the major trunk roads.
The construction of the new humps,
which would begin next year on important inter-sections and major towns
throughout the country would force over-speeding drivers to observe the 50
kilometre per hour speed limit required by law for every driver approaching a
town.
The Chief Executive of GHA, Mr
Bashiru Sakibu, said during an inspection of the Suhum intersection rumple
strip, which was constructed in December last year that the new hump design was
being incorporated in the Takoradi-Agona Junction road, which is under
construction and would be extended to all major roads in the country.
He said the Danish government has
granted 50 million dollars to the GHA for road construction and rehabilitation
for the next five years. The GHA Chief Executive said that the thickness of the
rumble strip would be increased from 21 millimetres to 24 millimetres.
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Mankesim (Central Region) 29 May
2000
Mr. Justice George Acquah, Supreme
Court Judge, on Wednesday called on traditional rulers in the Central Region to
withdraw all chieftaincy disputes pending before the courts for peaceful
settlement to accelerate social and economic development.
He deployed the numerous
chieftaincy and land disputes before the courts and said that resources spent
on them, some of which are over 30 years old, could be used for development
projects.
Speaking at the inauguration of a
24 member Borborkunkunsi Unit Council at Mankesim, Justice Acquah said that
this would help in ensuring lasting peace among the people.
The council made up of chiefs and
opinion leaders from 13 traditional areas has Nana Amonu II, Omanhene of
Anomabu Traditional Area, as the Interim Chairman.
The objective of the council is to
set up an Educational Endowment Fund for needy but brilliant students and to
eliminate obsolete customs and practices that hinder development.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 29 May 2000
Members of the Ghana Traders Union
Association (GUTA) will from Monday, May 29, embark on a one-week strike to
protest the free fall of the cedi against major currencies on the market and
the imposition of a 20.5 per cent special tax on certain categories of goods.
The decision, taken at an
emergency meeting held in Accra on Thursday, followed what the traders
described as the government's insensitivity to problems confronting them.
The traders said the Ministry of
Trade had failed to act on proposals submitted to it by the association after
series of meetings with its executives.
The traders, who wore red bands,
were seeking, among other things, a reduction in the exchange rate of the cedi
against the major trading currencies and the removal of the 20.5 per cent special
tax.
"We are mourning because our
working capital is gradually being eroded," they said. Paa Kofi Ansong,
the Public Relations Officer, said the special tax meant to encourage the
consumption of made-in-Ghana goods to protect Ghanaian industries was misplaced
and should be removed.
He said prices of goods produced
in the country tend to be higher than those of imported ones adding that it was
not the intention of the members to create chaos but to press home their
demands for recognition.
"The business community has
been taken for granted for far too long. It is time for the government to
recognise traders as partners. The
closure of the shops is a signal to the government to consider the issues at
stake and address them accordingly."
Mr. Ansong said members would
consider such options as a freeze on the importation of goods and a refusal to
collect Value Added Tax on behalf of the VAT Secretariat if the government
still maintains its negative stand.
He said attempts by the government
to blame current economic hardships on external factors was plausible, adding
that the country was not the only one reeling under external pressures.
"What is happening now is the
result of unhealthy government policies that have strangled the growth of the
private sector."
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Accra (Greater Accra) 29 May 2000
The Group of African Heads of Missions in Ghana on Thursday laid a wreath at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park (KNMP) in memory of the country's first president as part of celebrations to mark Africa Day.
Mr. W.L. Wood Greaves, Liberian Ambassador in Ghana and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, laid a wreath on behalf of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
Nana Otubuoa Siripi, Director of the KNMP, conducted the diplomats round the historical monument and briefed them on some of the historical events that took place during the time of Dr. Nkrumah. The diplomats also signed the book of condolence.
Mr. Hassane Rabehi, Algerian Ambassador in Ghana, later delivered a speech on behalf of the OAU Chairman, His Excellency Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who is also President of the Democratic People's Republic of Algeria.
He said the OAU has not spared any effort at strengthening the struggle for unity and equity that the late founders started in spite of the rising spate of conflicts among most African countries.
Mr. Rabehi said the Africa Day therefore enshrines the symbol of the struggle waged by Africa to achieve independence, freedom and emancipation of its peoples.
The commemoration of the anniversary each year affords member-countries the opportunity to take stock of the grounds covered, draw lessons from shortcomings and limitations as well as evaluate what needs to be achieved.
Mr. Rabehi said in spite of the will and commitment of its members to rise to the challenges they are facing, particularly in terms of promoting peace, development and integration, Africa is still the continent where poverty persists due to persistent conflicts.
He appealed to African leaders to consider the implications of war on the people and other member-countries, which have to adjust in order to be able to help the massive flow of refugees and displaced persons.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 29 May 2000
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) on Thursday denied that there is panic and restlessness at the Burma Camp because the "Soldiers' pay cheques bounced".
A statement issued in Accra by the Public Relations Directorate of the GAF described a banner story of the 'Ghanaian Chronicle' headlined "Soldiers' Pay Cheques Bounce" in its May 24 and 25 edition as "untrue and not only misleading but also tainted with untruths intended to incite troops to create disaffection and undermine the morale in the ranks."
The Ghanaian Chronicle story had said Ghanaian soldiers are in a mournful mood as cheques for their pay were dishonoured when they turned up for their "fortnightly pay".
The statement also denied that soldiers of the Armed Forces are paid fortnightly, saying: "Soldiers are paid monthly and not fortnightly". The only difference in the duration of payment is that soldiers are paid in the middle of the month to avoid the congestion that occurs at the end of the month at various banks," it explained.
The GAF, however, admitted that the soldiers did not receive their pay at the normal time of the month due to "well-known technical problems associated with the implementation of the New Ghana Universal Salary Scheme".
It maintained that the troops had been informed of the issue and there was no question of panic or restlessness at the Burma Camp as the newspaper wanted the public to believe.
According to the statement, the problems have been resolved and troops pay cheques are being honoured throughout the country.
The GAF cautioned all media houses to refrain from sensational reportage on the military, especially those that border on the sensitivities of their profession.
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Ghana's building code under revision
Ghana's building code is being revised to incorporate all technological factors to re-enforce the strength of buildings to prevent disasters.
When completed, developers would be compelled to conform to requirements of the code to avoid a situation where buildings reach advanced stages and are demolished due to poor citing.
Mr. Philip Amoako, Deputy Technical Director of the Geological Survey Department said this on Thursday during a campaign to educate students of the Tema Secondary School (TEMASCO) on disaster preparedness at Tema.
He said the Department is currently focusing its education on students because they are good carriers of information to a wider population.
Dr Ofori Quaah, Chief Geologist of the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC), noted that developers have consistently ignored vital building regulations of the country and are sitting buildings at unauthorised places.
That is why all the cities have become choked, particularly Accra, where every available space has been taken by buildings and kiosks.
Dr Quaah, who is also the Chairman of the Geological sub-Committee of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), said for instance, the offices of the Ghana News Agency, the National Theatre and the surrounding buildings in Accra were wrongly sited, because the area has geological problems.
These areas were originally Olympics training grounds, race course and national hockey pitch but have now been filled to capacity.
Due to unavailable open spaces in the communities, he said, there is no place for security in the event of earthquakes and any natural disaster because the safest place to hide is an open place.
Dr Quaah urged developers to attach seriousness to the regulations and to go by them because disasters such as earthquakes that were experienced years ago and the recent past, could re-occur.
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Sunyani (Brong Ahafo Region) 29 May 2000
The Brong Ahafo Region branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has denied that the party's flagbearer, Mr. J.A. Kufuor made derogatory remarks about the Vice-President and Fantis at a rally at Bechem during his recent tour of the region.
"We want to make it clear that during Mr. Kufuor's recent visit to the region, no political rally was held at Bechem and he did not address any gathering in the said town".
The party made the denial in a statement signed by Mr. Kwame Twumasi-Awuah, regional youth organiser and secretary of the regional campaign team and released to the press at Sunyani on Thursday.
The statement said the regional branch is therefore astonished to hear from some NDC activists that Mr. Kufuor addressed a rally at Bechem where he stated that Prof. J.E.A. Atta-Mills and Fantis are comedians.
It said since Mr. Kufuor emerged on the political scene, he has conducted his affairs with great care and maturity and this has made him to win the hearts of many Ghanaians.
"Mr Kufuor is now seen as someone who could free Ghanaians from their economic doldrums, hence the desperate attempt by the NDC to destroy him and the NPP. We want to advise the NDC and its cohorts to desist from tribal politics", the statement said.
The NPP urged the NDC to pursue policies and programmes that would help to alleviate the sufferings of Ghanaians since this is what voters will use as a yardstick during the December elections.
The NPP said nobody would dispute the immense contributions of Fantis to the development of the country adding that the party traces its roots from the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) founded by Paa Grant, a Fanti.
"The NPP does not look down on any tribe in Ghana and strongly believes that every tribe deserves to be accorded respect and treated decently", the statement declared.
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