HIPC is temporary measure to stabilise
economy—Kufuor
Positive Change depends on good partnership
– Kufuor
NDC parliamentarians to insist on good
governance
TUC urges government to affirm commitment to
labour
Gov't urged to
rehabilitate Komenda sugar factory
NCCE urges TUC to
educate workers on Constitution
Stand up against corruption and other acts
of malfeasance
Techiman central market to be expanded
"Qualified
and courageous judges will be appointed to Superior Courts"-Wiredu
Ghana can be
leading agro-based country-Quarshigah
Police learn more
on domestic violence
Multi billion-cedi hotel for Woarabeba
Judge disappointed by Parliament's failure
China affirms
support for Kofi Annan's re-nomination
Civil Servants'
Association calls for healthy employer-employee ties
Kufuor nominates district Chief Executives
for Volta Region
HIPC is temporary measure to stabilise economy—Kufuor
Accra (Greater Accra) 02 May 2001
President John Agyekum Kufuor on Tuesday said HIPC is only a temporary measure to give the government some breathing space to stabilise the economy and launch policies for growth.
"Believe me, faced with all the facts and figures at hand and the constitutional requirement that we produce a budget within two months of coming into office, we had no alternative but to opt for the HIPC initiative," he said in his first May Day address to workers.
The May Day rally at the Independence Square in Accra was held against the background of increasing economic hardships, which were expressed in the numerous placards borne by the workers in which the HIPC issue featured prominently.
This year's celebration was on the theme: "Consolidating Democracy in Ghana. The role of Trade Unions."
President Kufuor said, "taking that decision gave me no joy whatsoever and it was probably one of the most unpleasant tasks I have had to undertake. I have no doubts at all that the HIPC initiative would in fact benefit the economy as a whole and the worker in particular."
He explained that the initiative was imposed on the country by the statistical reality that nobody could dodge and this reality was occasioned by the long years of inefficient governance that was also heavily riddled with corruption.
"Therefore any suggestion of our being subservient to foreign demands is far from the truth. This government is patriotic and concerned about national pride and welfare of the people as any good government."
He expressed the government's determination to create a prosperous nation within which workers should get living and economic wages, investors expect decent returns on their investment while government gets adequate taxation to enable it provide quality services for the sustenance of society.
President Kufuor said the appeal for national debate on realistic wages and income policy should be conducted with the triple aim of higher productivity, incomes and realistic pricing in mind.
He expressed the hope that the debate would be enthusiastically embraced by organised labour and other sectors of society to find the causes of the low wages and the distortions that have bedevilled the provision of utilities and other public services to society.
Mr Alex Bonney, Chairman of the Executive Council of the TUC said the celebration is a symbol of the struggle against oppression and the fight for peace and progress for workers.
Sixteen workers who distinguished themselves during the year were honoured, each receiving a 14-inch colour television set, a certificate and a badge of honour.
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Positive Change depends on good partnership
– Kufuor
Accra (Greater Accra) 02 May 2001
President John Agyekum Kufuor on Tuesday said the creation of wealth to bring a positive change in the lives of Ghanaians would only succeed when good partnership is created among the government, employers and workers.
"The role of government is important to ensure that there exists the proper atmosphere and the structures needed for a growing economy. The role of entrepreneurs is crucial to provide the capital and dynamism needed to move things, but it will all come together when the workers are enthusiastic, supportive and productive."
President Kufuor was addressing a large crowd of workers drawn from 17 affiliate unions of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) at a parade a the Independence Square in Accra to mark May Day.
This year's celebration was observed under the theme: "Consolidating Democracy in Ghana: The Role of Trade Unions."
President Kufuor said the proper functioning of the partnership of the government, the entrepreneur and worker will lift the country from the current unacceptable economic conditions and called for hard work to transform the adversarial inheritance that exists between workers and employers.
He reiterated the aim of the government to ensure fair play among the partners as they combine on the economic playing field to generate the wealth of the nation.
President Kufuor commended workers for the manner in which they received and handled the increases in the prices of petroleum products adding that he was encouraged by the atmosphere in which the tripartite negotiations were held, making it possible to reach a mutually acceptable figure without rancour.
The Tripartite Committee on Monday pegged the new minimum wage at 5,500 cedis from 4,200 cedis, an upward adjustment of 31 per cent.
President Kufuor said the figure will ease the burden of the worker marginally, admitting that it is far from ideal, and added "it is about the best we can do given the very limited economic base we have to support any increases."
The President said he is initiating a debate on prices and wages and expressed the hope that the debate will be embraced by organised labour as well as by other sectors of the society.
He said realistic prices and wages would avert inciting people into criminal activities.
Inscriptions on the numerous placards carried by the workers dwelt on the general harsh economic conditions in the country.
Most of them called on the government to restore the End of Service (ESB).
Some of them read: Utility Bills Too High, HIPC Not Good For Workers, 5,500 cedis is not enough, Give Us Positive Minimum Wage, We are Highly Indebted Poor Workers.
The Police Central Band and Prisons Band provided music.
Prizes were awarded to 16 workers who have distinguished themselves in their various unions. Each award winner received a 14-inch colour television, a certificate and a badge of honour.
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NDC parliamentarians to insist on good
governance
Koforidua (Eastern Region) 02 May 2001
The NDC Parliamentary Caucus has assured the nation that it would offer constructive criticisms that would challenge the NPP government to promote good governance for the betterment of the people.
The Chairman of the Eastern Region NDC Parliamentary Caucus, Mr Samuel Sallas-Mensah, who gave the assurance on Monday, said the opposition would check the government against any policies that it sees as detrimental to the interest of the people and reneging on its campaign promises.
Mr Silas- Mensah was speaking at an encounter with the regional press corps in Koforidua.
He cited the NPP decision to accept the Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) initiative, the promise for 100,000 jobs in 100 days, abolishing the cash-and-carry system and the introduction of the National Reconstruction Levy as some of the policies.
He denied that the NDC was preparing to adopt the HIPC initiative if it had won the 2000 elections, saying due to the "harsh conditionalities" involved, including the removal of subsidies and divestiture of vital state institutions such as banks and the utility services the NDC abandoned the idea.
According to him it would take about six years for the country to benefit from the HIPC, adding that "if it were the NDC it would have negotiated for more favourable terms of debt rescheduling rather than going HIPC in view of the adverse effects on development."
Mr Sallas-Mensah, who is the Shadow Minister for Health, said the 41 trillion cedi national debt should be viewed against the national assets the money was put into.
He said most of the debts are to be paid in 40 years with 10 years moratorium "and the NPP may not pay any of them during its tenure of office."
Mr Sallas-Mensah said interest rate on Treasury Bills has now gone up to 41 per cent and as at Friday, workers had not been paid their salaries.
" This is because the government has to borrow and consult Washington before. Yet they looked on for fuel and utility tariffs to go up astronomically without corresponding salary increase," he said
Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, MP for Fanteakwa assured the electorate of the region that the NDC caucus would do everything possible to get the region's fair share of the national cake.
He commended the government for not abandoning projects initiated by the NDC and cited the Koforidua water problem for which a French loan had been secured.
He urged the government to explore other sources of funding for the Afram Plains irrigation project as well road rehabilitation and water supply in other parts of the region.
Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo said the NDC is concerned about "the orchestrated political vendetta against several public and civil servants perceived to be sympathisers of the NDC by asking them to go on leave."
He said the NDC would support the repeal of the criminal libel law but added that this should go simultaneously with the amendment of the law on the National Media Commission to strengthen its hands to deal with editors who fail to abide by its decisions.
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TUC urges government to affirm commitment
to labour
Accra (Greater Accra) 02 May 2001
The Trades Union Congress on Tuesday urged the government to affirm its commitment in pursuing the interest of labour as an integral part of its determination to lead the country towards development and prosperity.
"We insist on the need to place the interest of labour right in the centre of decision making, to ensure that social policies are formulated alongside economic policies," Mr. Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, TUC Secretary General stated at this year's May Day celebrations in Accra.
He said the social interest of the population should not be considered only after economic policies have been implemented and its impact assessed.
Mr. Adu-Amankwah suggested that the government should build a framework of engaging labour and business in taking economic decisions to be able to accommodate each other.
"This is essential for forging real social partnership that can be brought to bear on the making of economic and social policies around which we can contribute."
He reiterated the TUC's disappointment with the government on its decision to join the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative without adequate consultations.
He said, "the trade union movement cannot accept without undue peril to its good fortunes the notion that the set of policies promoted and championed by IMF and the World Bank have no viable alternatives."
Mr Adu-Amankwah emphasised that the rise of various social and political movements at international, regional and national levels point to the existence and possibilities for co-ordinated action at these levels to affect the direction of public policy.
Mr. Adu-Amankwah expressed regret that the crisis of debt repayment that faced the government early in its administration was not utilised as the occasion for promoting discussion about fundamental issues regarding the nature of Ghana's economy.
He decried the country's relationship to the IMF and the World Bank as well as other donor countries in the face of its obviously weak position in the global economy.
He said by failing to discuss the HIPC initiative with other social partners, the government missed the opportunity to use the debt repayment and the enthusiasm that a public debate would have engendered to mobilise the people to sacrifice for the nation.
Mr. Adu-Amankwah said despite over 15 years of IMF/World Bank Structural Adjustment policies, there has not been any structural transformation of the economy.
The TUC said the negative impact of these policies has led to major challenges for the trade unions arising from growing unemployment and underemployment, and low and declining real incomes.
The labour movement, Mr. Adu-Amankwah said re-affirms its commitment to human development objectives whose broad themes include economic growth and high standard of living and long and healthy life.
Others are high level of knowledge and access to information as well as meaningful participation in decisions at all levels, which he said will be an important reference point for all interventions in national economic and social policy decision making.
Mr. Adu-Amankwah, said the TUC grudgingly accepted the 5,500 cedis minimum wage on the premise that the government will control inflation and stabilise the macro economy.
He said that the TUC would hold government to its target especially in the coming months when the economic and social situation of the country can be assessed from the impact of its policies.
He said TUC would insist that the government places incomes at the centre of rewards to labour and integrate it with social protection for all workers.
"We shall demand to see the material benefits of our sacrifices and we call on government to rise up to its task."
Mr. Adu-Amankwah said TUC will remain vigilant and hold the government to its campaign promises to lead the country and to consolidate democracy with a positive change as well as prosperous well-being of the entire population.
He renewed the TUC's call for the End-of-Service Benefit to be restored to enable workers improve the conditions under which they retire.
He further called for a parliamentary enquiry into the operations of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust, a change in the social security law and a new labour law.
Mr. Adu-Amankwah pledged the support of labour in the crusade to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS with a call on workers to respond seriously to the government's initiatives.
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Gov't urged to
rehabilitate Komenda sugar factory
Komenda (Central Region) 02 May
2001
An appeal has been made for
rehabilitation of the Komenda sugar factory to provide employment for the youth
in the area.
Nana Esiedu II, newly installed
Abranehene of the Komenda Traditional Area, who made the appeal, expressed
regret that the factory, which can take 4,000 persons, has been left to ruins.
Nana Esiedu, known in private life
as Mr Kofi Ackon-Annan, a Bursar at the Saint Augustines College at Cape Coast
was speaking during his installation at Komenda.
He appealed for rehabilitation of
the Vrodenburgh Castle, which was built by the Dutch, to serve as a tourist
attraction.
Nana Esiedu, expressed concern
about power outages and poor water supply in the area and appealed to the
utility companies to improve their services in the town.
He urged Assembly Members to
encourage people in their electoral areas to respond to calls for communal
labour as a means of improving environmental sanitation in the area.
The Omanhene of the area, Nana
Kodwo Kru II, called on parents to heed the call for girl-child education and
invest in the education of their children instead of spending money on
unprofitable ventures.
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NCCE urges TUC to
educate workers on Constitution
Accra (Greater Accra) 02 May 2001
The National Commission for Civic
Education on Tuesday called on organised labour to institute intensive civic
education programmes on the 1992 Constitution to enable workers to learn about
their rights and responsibilities.
In a congratulatory message to
workers on May Day, the NCCE said, "it is only when workers develop a very
high level of civic consciousness that the necessary foundation would be laid
for a virile constitutional democracy and socio-economic prosperity."
It urged the leadership of the
Trades Union Congress (TUC) to further consolidate the democratic skills of
participation, dialogue, negotiation, consultation and compromise through
constitutional awareness programmes at the regional and district levels of
labour.
It noted that globalisation with
its resultant, modernisation, privatisation and technological advancement in
automation, poses challenges of unstable economic environment at both national
and local levels, which is likely to impact negatively on workers of developing
countries.
"There is, therefore, an
urgent need for organised labour and the NCCE to design programmes and
strategies to insulate workers against the negative forces of modernism,"
it said.
The NCCE invited workers to fully
participate in the activities of the Constitutional Week with the same passion
they attached to the celebration of May Day, saying that civic education should
be seen as a shared responsibility.
It said the Commission sees the
TUC as one of its most important collaborators in the business of
conscientising workers and the public at large.
It said the knowledge gained from
civic education programmes could make every worker willing and prepared to
defend the Constitution against all forms of violation.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 02 May 2001
President Laurent Gbagbo of Cote
D'Ivoire arrived in Accra on Wednesday for a two-day official visit.
President John Agyekum Kufuor and
some senior members of his government met the Ivorian President on arrival at
the Kotoka International Airport.
President Gbagbo went on a state
drive through selected streets of Accra. He will interact with members of the
Ivorian Community and meet with heads of African Diplomatic Missions.
He would also hold bilateral talks
with his Ghanaian counterpart at the State House and on Thursday travel to
Kumasi, where the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II would host him at a grand
durbar.
President Gbagbo would return home
on Thursday.
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Stand up against corruption and other acts
of malfeasance
Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 02 May 2001
Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister, on Tuesday called on workers to accept the challenge of standing up against corruption, mismanagement and all forms of malfeasance at their workplaces.
This, he said, is necessary to promote judicious use of resources and advance the cause of the country's development.
Mr Boafo, who was addressing a well-attended workers rally to mark this year's May Day at the Jackson's Park in Kumasi, re-affirmed the government's firm disposition towards forging closer partnership with employers and workers as the country moves towards the creation of a golden age of business.
The Regional Minister advised private employers to desist from the unhealthy practice of ill-treating their employees, saying, "this is unacceptable and would not be tolerated".
Mr Kwasi Adu-Amankwaah, Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), in an address read for him, expressed concern about the behaviour of employers, who refuse to acknowledge the rights of workers.
He called on the Ghana Employers Association to bring its influence to bear on such employers.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 02 May 2001
The Police said on Tuesday that they are looking for Mr David Kudom Worae, alias Leslie Blankson, a Director of Agyapomaa Societal Needs International an NGO, following allegations that he has defrauded a number of people and organisations.
Mr Richard Baduweh, Director of Police Public Relations, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra that a number of police stations have had the suspect on their wanted list for the past two years.
The NGO was last Saturday inaugurated at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Accra. Mr Baduweh said the police had information that Mr Worae would be attending the inauguration last Saturday and laid ambush to arrest him, but he did not turn up.
He said the suspect is believed to be involved in illegal clearing of goods and visa racketeering, among other crimes.
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Techiman central market to be expanded
Techiman (Brong Ahafo) 02 May 2001
The Techiman central market is to undergo a 1.6 billion cedi expansion involving the construction of six more stalls and other structures.
Speaking at a contract-signing ceremony at Techiman on Friday, Alhaji Osman Yakubu, Zonal Co-ordinator of Village Infrastructure Project (VIP) for Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions, said six contractors would undertake the project.
VIP is providing 90 per cent of the cost, whilst the community is to bear 10 per cent. Work is to be completed within six months.
Alhaji Yakubu said VIP's main objective is to assist in improving the quality of life of rural people by providing infrastructure, adding that the Techiman market has assumed international status, hence the assistance.
Alhaji Yakubu advised the contractors to adhere to the specifications of the contract, to ensure quality work, and appealed to the Techiman District Assembly to supervise the project to ensure that it is completed on schedule.
Mr Samuel G,.A. N'lary, District Co-ordinating Director, expressed the hope that the construction of the market would help the assembly to improve its revenue generation.
Mr N'lary said the assembly would ensure the early completion of the project, adding, "we will not do anything to draw back the execution of the work".
Mr Kwaku Minka Fordjour, District Director of Agriculture, urged the surrounding communities to take advantage of Ministry of Agriculture's programmes such as roots and tuber, and food crop development projects, to increase yield and said the facility would serve as market for their crops.
Mr Owusu Yeboah, Managing Director of Gyeabour Commercial Enterprise, one of the contractors, promised that project would be done according to schedule.
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"Qualified
and courageous judges will be appointed to Superior Courts"-Wiredu
Accra (Greater Accra) 02 May 2001
The Acting Chief Justice, Mr
Justice Edward K Wiredu on Monday said under the new administration, the
Judiciary would be purged to ensure that qualified and courageous judges are
appointed to the superior courts.
"In the past some superior
court judges had acted rather parochial in the bid to save their jobs", he
told a forum organised as part of activities marking the celebration of the
Constitution Week in Accra.
He urged members of the judiciary
to eschew political partisanship and display a sense of fairness, firmness and
courage to "dispense justice without fear of favour".
The Acting Chief Justice said
judges should also be versed in the law, so that their rulings and declarations
would be authoritative to stand the test of time.
This, he said, would give meaning
to the "confidence and independence of the judiciary".
Mr Justice Wiredu suggested that
the 1992 constitution should be translated in various local languages and
dialects to enable greater number of Ghanaians to gain knowledge of its
provisions and promote the growth of the country's infant democracy.
He expressed the hope that the
theme for the weeklong celebration, "The constitution and you", would
promote constitutional awareness in the society with the view to empowering
citizens to defend it.
The Acting Chief Justice said the
celebration would also give Ghanaians the chance to re-assess the constitution
in order that the necessary amendments could be suggested for reforms.
He said despite a few areas, which
need to be modified and amended, the "Constitution can be said to be quite
satisfactory legal document, which has established effective institutions and
organs for the smooth administration of the country".
Mr Justice Wiredu gave the
assurance that under the present government, the judiciary, through its powers
of judicial review, would ensure that the constitution undergoes the necessary
amendments.
"After only eight years of
its existence, the 1992 Constitution is still young and needs to undergo a
series of modifications and amendments to be able to stand the test of
time".
Touching on Review Powers of the
Judiciary, the Acting Chief Justice said under the 1992 Constitution, the
Supreme Court has been given "unfettered powers to review Legislative
enactments and Executive actions which are considered to be inconsistent with
the constitution".
"In carrying out the
functions of review, there is no doubt that the judiciary will provide
effective checks and balances necessary for the working of all the democratic
institutions in the country", he added.
Mr Justice Wiredu said such
functions would also lead to the removal of obsolete and bad laws from the
statute books, sustain the rule of law and prevent dictators from emerging in
society.
Speaking on the topic,
"Judicial Review as a Tool for Constitutional Amendment, Mr Justice George
K. Acquah, Justice of the Supreme Court, said the practice of judicial review
is associated with controversy.
He said many jurisdictions,
governments and legislatures do not welcome the prospect of their action being
nullified by the judiciary.
He said disputes as to the
constitutionality of the action taken by the Legislature or Executive
frequently generate bitter confrontations between state organs that tend to
threaten the constitutional order itself.
Mr Justice Acquah noted that the
practice of judicial review began in the US where although the constitution
makes no express provision for it, evidence indicates that many people
anticipated that the courts established by the constitution would exercise such
powers.
He said the jurisdiction obviously
then involves the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions, and the
extent to which the exercise of this jurisdiction can serve as a tool for
constitutional amendment.
It also depends largely on the
"jurisprudential attitude of the individual judge engaged in the exercise
of the interpretation", he added.
Mr Justice Acquah noted that
although the 1969 and 1979 Constitutions had limited duration due to their
abrogation by coup d'etats, there were few constitutional cases decided, that
played a major role in laying down useful principles for judicial review in the
country.
He said although most of the cases
were controversial and created a bitter confrontation between the judiciary and
the affected organs of government, they nonetheless, exhibited the genuine
philosophical differences within the judiciary.
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Ghana can be
leading agro-based country-Quarshigah
Wenchi (Brong Ahafo) 02 May 2001
Major Courage Quarshigah (rtd),
Minister of Food and Agriculture, (MOFA) has reiterated the government's
commitment to work for Ghana to become a leading agro-based country in Africa.
Addressing farmers and staff of
the Ministry during a working visit to Wenchi at the weekend, the Minister said
the provision of warehouses in communities would be given priority to enable
farmers to obtain fair prices.
The processing of farm produce
such as tomatoes at farm gates and on the fields will also be given serious
attention for farmers to reap the benefits of their labour, he added.
Major Quarshiegah said a machine
designed to help process tomatoes at farm gates would soon be introduced to
farmers to increase productivity.
Major Quarshigah urged staff of
MOFA to work closely with farmers so as to help increase agricultural
production to feed the increasing population, adding, "any country that
cannot produce to feed its people is a useless country".
Giving an overview of the MOFA,
Mr. Emmanuel Asante Krobea, the District Agricultural Officer, said apart from
measures taken to increase agricultural production, the district is engaged in
other projects to help improve the living standards of the people.
Mr. Kwaku Yeboah Asuamah, Chairman
of the Wenchi District branch of Ghana National Association of Farmers and
Fishermen (GNAFF), appealed to the government to open-up the rural areas by
providing access roads, and to revamp the Wenchi tomato factory.
He called for a management board
to handle cashew industry and a guaranteed minimum price for the crop.
The Minister, was accompanied by
the Chief Director of MOFA, Dr Francis Ofari.
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Police learn more
on domestic violence
Sunyani (Brong Ahafo) 02 May 2001
A Deputy Commissioner of Police
(DSP), Mr Selwyn Bart Mettle, Brong-Ahafo Regional Police Commander, on Monday
emphasised that physical violence on children subject them to traumas and
affect their intellectual and emotional development.
That leaves them with deranged
personalities that make them unable to fit well into society and consequently,
end up as criminals, he added.
Opening a one-week workshop on
domestic violence for detective police officers in the Brong Ahafo Region, Mr.
Mettle expressed the hope that the workshop would help the police to appreciate
that domestic violence is a crime that needs attention to bring out the guilty
ones to face the law.
The workshop, which is under the
auspices of African Women Lawyers Association
(AWLA), is sponsored by Danish International Development Agency
(DANIDA).
It will introduce the participants
to international standards of domestic violence, and create awareness among the
police on Ghana's commitment on domestic violence.
He urged the police to encourage
the general public, especially victims and the disadvantaged, especially women
and children to contact the service for assistance.
Miss Edna Kumah, Executive
Secretary of AWLA and Project Co-ordinator, said the association was prompted
to undertake the project due to frequent media reports on domestic violence.
"Sometimes women and children
are even maimed, hence we want domestic violence to be treated as a
crime".
"The police must, therefore,
be adequately equipped to deal with it seriously as most of such cases are
considered as trivial issues, allowing offenders to go unpunished," Miss
Kumah added.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 02 May 2001
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Monday urged businessmen, industrialists and all employers to plough back into welfare schemes a significant proportion of their profits to enhance the living conditions of workers.
In a May Day message signed by Alhaji Huudu Yahaya, General Secretary of the party in Accra, the Party expressed regret that, "by sheer coincidence, this year's celebration of the annual event comes at a time that there is a steep rise in the cost of living in the country. This is occasioned by an unprecedented percentage increase in fuel prices and the cost of utility services".
The NDC notes that; “these and the decision of the current NPP administration in declaring Ghana a HIPC country, with its concomitant negative economic effects stand to erode the purchasing power of organised labour".
The message said: "As a party which has always factored the interests of workers in its socio-economic policies, the NDC extends its solidarity to artisans, traders, fishermen, farmers and all other working class people of Ghana and join them in their struggle for decent living and total economic, political and social emancipation".
The party also commended the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Organisation of African Trades Unity (OATUU) and the World Federation of Trades Union (WFTUC) for creating a conducive industrial harmony as a requisite for industrial and technological advancement in Ghana, Africa and elsewhere in the world.
May 1st, has been set aside as an international solidarity day in commemoration of the working class struggle for their rights which basically aims at improving their living standards.
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Multi billion-cedi hotel for Woarabeba
Winneba (Central Region) 02 May 2001
Mr Mike Allen Hammah, Member of Parliament for Effutu, would leave the country today, for the United Kingdom to finalise arrangements with CONTITRADES Limited, a UK-based firm for the construction of a multi-billion cedi 200-room hotel at Woarabeba, near Winneba.
The trip is at the instance of the representatives of the company, who visited the country last year to discuss the possibility of investing in the hotel business in Ghana.
Mr Hammah said the trip would take him to the United States of America for more contacts with investors in that country, who have also expressed their determination to invest in the Effutu constituency to create jobs for the unemployed in the area.
He said CONTITRADES has also expressed its desire to establish a fishing net manufacturing factory in the area to help boost the country's fishing industry.
Mr Hammah explained that his efforts to lure investors to the Effutu constituency was in fulfilment of his electioneering campaign to provide employment opportunities for the people in the area.
He further disclosed that plans have been completed for the construction of a landing beach project to take off soon, adding that fund for the project has been approved by Parliament.
Mr Hammah advised leaders of various fishing groups in the area to make their views known when officials of the firm, which would be implementing the project approach them for a suitable site.
Meanwhile, the MP has called for the co-operation and understanding of the people to ensure the success of various development projects the nation is undertaking in the constituency.
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Judge disappointed by Parliament's failure
Sunyani (Brong Ahafo) 02 May 2001
Mr Justice Paul Kudjo Gyaesayor, Supervising High Court Judge of Sunyani, on Monday described as disappointing, Parliament's failure to enact the appropriate laws to give greater meaning and effect to the 1992 Constitution.
For instance, the Constitution, in Article 22, section three, enjoins Parliament to pass laws to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of property acquired by a couple before divorce, but it has failed to do so, nine years after its promulgation, he observed.
"The net result is that there are several cases before the courts where women have been divorced but have not been given a share of the property they helped their husbands to acquire because Parliament has not enacted a law to this effect".
Mr Justice Gyaesayor said this in Sunyani during the Brong Ahafo Regional launch of "the constitutional week", which has been instituted by the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) to create public awareness about the Constitution.
He explained that in the absence of such specific laws to give bite to provisions in the constitutions, judges are compelled to "invoke the inherent jurisdiction of the courts and this does not augur well for the administration of justice".
The Supervising High Court Judge, therefore, urged members of Parliament to critically study the constitution and perform their duties therein so that the right laws could be passed to enable Ghanaians to benefit fully from the Constitution.
"There are a lot of areas where Parliament must pass laws to give effect to certain provisions and articles in the Constitution to enhance the administration of justice in the country".
Mr Gyaesayor likened the Constitution to "a skeleton" and said it is the responsibility of Parliament to add "meat" to it by the passage of good laws for the effective governance of the people.
Mr Gyaesayor underscored the need for the executive, legislature and the judiciary to operate strictly within the powers conferred on them by the Constitution to forestall conflicts.
Mr Ernest Akobuor Debrah, Regional Minister, called on the NCCE to purge itself of its partisan image, which over the years has undermined its effectiveness in carrying out its educational campaigns on the Constitution.
People's knowledge of the Constitution is crucial to national stability and development because it is only when they are conversant with its provisions that they would be committed to its preservation, he said.
"A deeper understanding and knowledge of the Constitution as the basic instrument of good governance will engender loyalty in all of us to accept it as our own and encourage us to defend and resist its abuse or violation".
Mr Debrah particularly called on the youth, security services, judiciary and legislature among other bodies, to make the study of the Constitution a habit so as to enhance its preservation.
A Sunyani-based lawyer, Mr Emmanuel Asafo-Adjei, who spoke on "constitutionalism - Ghana's experience under the Fourth Republican Constitution", said a constitution is both "a legal document and a social testament" that guides the governance of a country.
He asked Ghanaians not to view the NDC's constant resort to the Supreme Court as "an irritant", but an indication of the growth of the country's democracy in terms of people's readiness to use constitutional means to resolve national matters.
Mr Kusi Aboraah, Regional Director of the NCCE, said until Ghanaians make it their habit to read the Constitution on a daily basis, they would continue to be ignorant about its relevance.
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China affirms
support for Kofi Annan's re-nomination
Accra (Greater Accra) 02 May 2001
The Chinese government has
expressed its support for Mr. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General's bid for
re-nomination.
A statement issued from the
Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday said Mr Tang Jiaxuan the Chinese Foreign
Minister has sent a letter of support to the Secretary General.
"Since assuming office,
Secretary General Kofi Annan, has made great efforts at maintaining peace,
promoting development, strengthening the role of the United Nations and
safeguarding the authority of the Security Council, the statement noted.
It said China has always stood for
strengthening the role of the UN and held the view that it is the most
important and authoritative inter-governmental international organisation in
the world.
The statement also said the UN has
played an irreplaceable role in such areas as safeguarding peace and promoting
development world-wide.
"China stands ready to work
together with various countries and the Secretary General in a joint effort to
enhance the role of the UN in the new century and contribute more to world
peace and development".
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Civil Servants'
Association calls for healthy employer-employee ties
Accra (Greater Accra) 02 May 2001
The Civil Servants' Association of
Ghana on Tuesday urged the government to promote a healthy employer-employee relationship
with its partners in the supreme interest of the nation.
It also called on the government
to back its words with "positive action", especially in the areas of
wages and salaries, housing, transportation and national health insurance
scheme.
In a message to mark May Day,
which falls on Tuesday, the association said: "We believe that with a
united front, Ghanaian workers could effect a change in this country with or
without HIPC (Highly Indebted Poor Countries)."
The theme for the celebrations is:
"Consolidating democracy in Ghana. The role of Trade Unions."
The government's decision to opt
for the HIPC initiative has come under criticism from the Trades Union Congress
and some political parties which say that it would, among other things, worsen
the conditions of workers because of conditions attached to it by the World
Bank and International Monetary Fund.
The association said it notes with
pride the achievements of the civil service, which are largely due to the
individual and collective efforts of civil servants and the peaceful transition
of political power to a new government.
It said power has been handed over
to a government "which has come to fulfil the long cherished aspirations
of civil servants for improved conditions of service."
The association said, as social
partner of government it sees the occasion as an opportunity to rededicate its
commitment to the service of the nation.
This, it said, is important
"at this point in time when all workers are required to contribute to
speed up the national development process for positive change in the economic
conditions of the people."
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Accra (Greater Accra) 02 May 2001
The family of the late former Vice President Kow Nkensen Arkaah has formally informed President John Agyekum Kufuor of his death and arrangements for his funeral.
A statement by Ms Elizabeth Ohene, Government spokesperson on Monday said the late former Vice President's body will be cremated in Atlanta, USA where he died last week in accordance to his wishes.
His funeral, memorial and thanksgiving service will be held simultaneously at the Ridge Church in Accra on Friday, May 4, starting at 1300 hours.
According to the bereaved family, there will be no wreath laying, also in-line with Mr Arkaah's wishes.
President Kufuor expressed the condolence of the government to the bereaved family and assured them that the government will assist in whatever way to ease their shock and pain.
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Kufuor nominates district Chief Executives
for Volta Region
Accra (Greater Accra) 02 May 2001
The President, Mr John Agyekum Kufuor has made further nominations for the appointment of District Chief Executives.
A statement issued in Accra on Monday said the nominees include N.M.K. Ahiadome North Tongu, Daniel Kwaku Eworyi South Tongu, S. Akwensive Asorwor, Kpandu and Kofi Adjei Ntim for Kadjebi.
Others are James K. Dogbe, Hohoe, Michael K.S. Aglah, Keta, Mawutor K. Goh, Ho, S.N.K. Blagodzi Nkwanta, L. Godman Koffie, Ketu, and N. Coffie Negble, Akasti.
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