GRi Newsreel Ghana 03 - 05 - 2001
President Gbagbo arrives for two-day visit
Kufuor calls for reactivation of Ghana-Cote
d'Ivoire Joint Commission
MFWA salutes journalists on World Press
Freedom Day
TUC honours 20 workers in Greater Accra
Kufuor holds bilateral talks with Gbagbo
BNI says it has powers of arrest
District Assemblies to be made partisan
KMA approves of President's nominee
Workshop for African Utility Regulators
opens
Two persons arrested for attempting to sell
AK47 rifle
Lifeguards save
young girl from assailant
President Gbagbo arrives for two-day visit
Accra (Greater Accra) 03 May 2001
Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo arrived in Accra on Wednesday to begin a two-day visit during which he will attend a durbar of chiefs and people to be hosted by the Asantehene in Kumasi.
President Gbagbo, who is leading a 25-member delegation including his Foreign Minister, Aboudramame Sangaie, will hold talks with President John Agyekum Kufuor, meet the African diplomatic corps and address the Ivorian community in Ghana.
President Kufuor and his wife, Theresa, met President Gbagbo, accompanied by his wife, Simone, at the gangway.
Also at the airport were the Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, Minister of Foreign Affairs, senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.
There was a large crowd of the Ivorian community in Ghana, including students who waved miniature Ivorian flags and performed cultural dances to welcome their leader who is visiting Ghana for the first time.
After the initial exchanges, President Gbagbo inspected a military guard of honour mounted by 96 Air Force officers and men, under the command of Squadron-Leader Issah Sadik amidst the firing of a 21-gun salute.
Nai Wulomo poured libation.
In a brief statement, President Kufuor described Cote d'Ivoire as a twin sister to Ghana saying President Gbagbo's visit marks a major turning point in their relations.
"It will make the existing relationship further strong and better."
President Gbagbo expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for the warm reception accorded him.
He said his country and Ghana should co-operate for the wellbeing of their citizens.
President Gbagbo went on a state drive with President Kufuor through some principal streets lined by flag-waving school children.
GRi…/
Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com
Kufuor calls for reactivation of Ghana-Cote
d'Ivoire Joint Commission
Accra (Greater Accra) 03 May 2001
President John Agyekum Kufuor on Wednesday, stressed the need to re-activate the Permanent Joint Commission for Co-operation between Ghana and La Cote D'Ivoire which has remained dormant for a long time.
He said it should provide the "spur for more economic activity and social exchanges between the two countries".
President Kufuor was proposing a toast at a state banquet held in honour of the visiting Ivorian President, Laurent Gbagbo in Accra.
He noted that the Commission should not exist merely on paper but must become dynamic and vibrant institution that would act as a catalyst for daily interaction among the people of both countries.
"This Joint Commission should be proactive enough to take care of the inevitable frictions that will arise between our peoples and address all human rights complaints on both sides, thus putting behind us once and for all some of the unfortunate incidents that have plagued our relations in the past".
President Kufuor said the difference in the lingua franca is an accident of history and must not be allowed to become a stumbling block in communication between them.
"Indeed we should take that as one of the many challenges that must overcome and encourage our young people to learn to speak the two languages left to us by our colonial masters."
He said the visit has provided Ghanaians with the opportunity to reaffirm the ties that bind the people and to explore new areas for further co-operation, adding "it is my firm belief that our common heritage should at all times be seen as the cornerstone for ECOWAS".
President Kufuor observed that the ECOWAS Treaty that was promulgated as the framework for formal relationship within the sub-region, seeks not only to regularise formal contacts, but also to provide the countries with an easier collective platform of dealing with the outside world.
President Kufuor said unfortunately, leaders within the sub-region have tended to lack the political will to transform the vision of the treaty into reality.
"The challenge therefore is to rededicate ourselves towards the attainment of the noble objectives contained in the treaty".
He said the sub-region has been in turmoil, most of the countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea have been plagued with political instability in the last decade, therefore, those enjoying some peace must accept the responsibility to help resolve the conflicts among these countries.
President Kufuor appealed to the government of Cote D'Ivoire to provide refuge to the victims of the conflicts and join Ghana and Nigeria in the spirit of ECOWAS and under the auspices of ECOMOG, to maintain peace in these countries.
"Apart from the human tragedy, these upheavals have served as unnecessary distractions from the real task that face us of trying to improve upon the quality of life of our people".
"We dare not shirk this urgent responsibility and we must accept that when it comes to reputation, outside world does not distinguish much between the islands of peace and stability within a turbulent sub-region".
President Kufuor said the economic advances and investments that all the countries seek from the outside world would not come as long as the sub-region has a reputation for instability.
"The challenges that we face prescribe dialogue and reconciliation as major tools for resolving them".
Replying, President Gbagbo said if both countries come together under strong bonds of friendship and co-operation they would become a strong power in the sub-region.
He commended Ghanaians for their efforts to develop the country and the political stability prevailing.
President Gbagbo said the visit is to strengthen friendly and cordial relations between both countries that would promote democracy in the sub-region and Africa.
GRi…/
Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com
MFWA salutes journalists on World Press
Freedom Day
Accra (Greater Accra) 03 May 2001
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Wednesday said with democratization sweeping across the World, free speech and press freedom being vital ingredient, West Africa cannot afford to isolate itself from what has become acceptable practice and way of life in other parts of the world.
" It is in realization of this that the efforts of the resilient men and women who have dedicated themselves to this fight should be commended"
This was contained in a statement to salute journalists on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
"As journalists in West African sub-region continue to face intimidation and harassment, in the discharge of their lawful and constitutional duties, the MFWA, salutes their courage and fearlessness.
"We note especially, the harrowing experience of journalists and free speech advocates in countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Cote D'lvoire, Sudan and the Republic of Benin who have had to perform their duties in the past under very harsh conditions imposed as a result of their government's distaste for free speech and press freedom", the statement said.
The statement further salutes journalists and free speech advocates in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and The Gambia for standing up to detractors and helping in steering their countries towards the progressive paths of democracy and press freedom.
" To opponents of free speech and press freedom, MFWA encourages them to embrace the concepts especially as according to the theme of this year's celebration, "Press Freedom is everybody's freedom".
The statement said a country can not be said to be free when its press are gagged and citizens jailed or detained for daring to speak out against injustice, corruption and oppression.
GRi…/
Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com
Accra (Greater Accra) 03 May 2001
President Laurent Gbagbo of La Cote D'Ivoire was on Wednesday night honoured with the Companion of the Order of the Star of Ghana (CSG) Ordinary Division.
President John A Kufuor decorated him with the medal at a state banquet held in Accra in his honour as part of his two-day official visit to Ghana.
Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Minister for Foreign Affairs read the citation, which said "the honour is in appreciation of your relentless struggle for true democracy, fundamental rights of your people and good leadership qualities".
"You supported ECOWAS and made progress towards stability in the sub-region. In addition you worked tirelessly to foster bilateral ties between countries and your outstanding leadership led to build bridges of co-operation between the two countries".
Former President, Flt-Lt. Jerry John Rawlings who attended the banquet embraced President Gbagbo for the honour.
Before the function began, Flt-Lt. Rawlings exchanged greetings with the dignitaries and embraced President Kufuor.
GRi…/
Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com
TUC honours 20 workers in Greater Accra
Tema (Greater Accra) 03 May 2001
Sheik I. C. Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister, on Tuesday called on workers to support and co-operate with the government to enable it to achieve its vision of improving upon the standards of living of Ghanaians.
The Minister stated this at Tema, where 20 workers including five women in the Greater Accra Region were awarded for being dedicated to trade unionism, as part of activities marking this year's May Day celebration.
He said the government recognises the importance of the human resource in national development and would do well to harness it.
The Regional Minister said there is the need to provide a congenial and enabling environment that would assist in securing the well being of workers.
It, therefore, behaves members of trade unions to positively participate in the democratic process and to support government efforts at promoting and defending the rule of law.
Sheik Quaye expressed regret that after 40 years of independence, workers' expectations in terms of adequate reward for their output continues to remain a mirage irrespective of sacrifices and contributions they make to national development.
The Minister, therefore, called upon workers to play a meaningful role in the current crusade against corruption.
He said the TUC must also ensure that resources are managed effectively in the interest of workers and national development, through proper monitoring.
Mrs. Rose Karkari-Annang, Executive Director of Ghana Employers Association, urged workers to resort to dialogue to seek redress to their demands rather than demonstration and violence, which rather prolong and worsen issues.
Madam Francisca Borkor Bortey, TUC Regional Secretary, identified exploitation of workers by employers particularly by expatriates, police brutalities during workers' agitation as some the problems labour faces.
She appealed to the Minister to use his good offices to help find a lasting solution to problems facing workers to ensure industrial peace.
The prizes included television sets, radio cassette recorders and certificates.
The Tema District Council of Labour (TDCL) also rewarded two of its members, Mr Titus Glover and Madam Alfreda Ogoe for their immense contribution to the Council.
GRi…/
Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com
Tema (Greater Accra) 03 May 2001
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) is determined to make Ghanaians accept the ballot box as the only means of changing governments in the country.
Mr. Kwame Antwi, Tema Municipal Director of the NCCE, said this can only be achieved if people are educated to see the Constitution as the supreme law of the country so that they can defend it against all forms of abuse.
Mr. Antwi, who was speaking in an interview with the GNA, however, noted that one major constraint that prevents ordinary people from buying and reading the Constitution is the current high price of 45,000 cedis for a copy.
The interview formed part of the activities marking the first ever National Constitution Week celebrations, which is being observed from April 28 to May 5 to renew the people's commitment to the Constitution and civic matters.
Mr. Antwi said the sudden price hike in the Constitution from 12,500 cedis last year makes it unaffordable to most people, who can read and write due to poverty and, therefore, suggested that it should be made available at a lower price.
The NCCE has abridged versions of the Constitution which is given out free of charge, while it has also been organising seminars and lectures for identifiable groups with the aim of bringing the legal document to their door step.
He said in Tema, the Commission has drawn up a programme targeting social and religious groups so that they would read the Constitution just as they read their Bible or Koran.
Mr. Antwi noted that the most abused article in the Constitution is the aspect on Fundamental Human Rights, either because people do not know their rights and responsibilities, adding that the NCCE is determined to change this gradually.
GRi…/
Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com
Kufuor holds bilateral talks with Gbagbo
Accra (Greater Accra) 03 May 2001
President John Agyekum Kufuor said on Wednesday that the common heritage between Ghana and neighbouring La Cote d'Ivoire should help resolve "the lingering differences that have divided us".
"History tells us that people of the two countries have common ancestral links from Ancient Sudan which have not been altered by colonialism," he said.
President Kufuor was speaking during a brief interaction with visiting Ivorian President, Laurent Gbagbo at the Osu Castle shortly before the two leaders met behind closed doors.
The two countries were represented by high-powered delegations at the meeting. The Ghanaian side included Vice-President Aliu Mahama and Cabinet Ministers.
President Kufuor said the two nations, as members of ECOWAS, have a lot to offer the sub-region if they forged political, economic and social links to promote good neighbourliness.
He said language differences should not be a barrier to efforts to accelerate the common aspirations of the two countries.
He expressed the hope that the visit of President Gbagbo will facilitate the search for improved relations.
President Gbagbo described his visit to Ghana "as a dream come true" since he and President Kufuor succeeded military leaders after democratic elections.
He said changing of governments through transparent elections should be the only way forward for Africa in the 21st century.
President Gbagbo said Ghana and Cote D' Ivoire as leading producers of cocoa and coffee in Africa should consolidate trade relations to determine the pricing of the two commodities.
"If the two states get together we will be the economic and cultural locomotive for West Africa."
President Gbagbo also expressed the need for the two countries to go beyond their language barriers by emulating Europe and other advanced countries, which have improved upon trade links without such differences.
He called for exchange of teachers between the two countries to facilitate the teaching and learning of their common languages instead of relying on Europe.
GRi…/
Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com
BNI says it has powers of arrest
Accra (Greater Accra) 03 May 2001
The Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) said on Wednesday its arrest of Mr Victor Selormey, ex-Deputy Finance Minister, a few weeks ago was "within the law".
In a statement issued in Accra, it quoted Section 40 of the Security and Intelligence Act 1996, Act 526, to support its action.
The portion states: "Subject to the Constitution, an employee of any of the internal intelligence agencies shall in the performance of his duties under this Act have the same rights and powers as are conferred by law on a Police Officer in the performance of his duties and shall have the same protection."
"The BNI was thus acting within the law when its officers arrested Victor Selormey," the release added.
Mr Selormey's arrest by the BNI at the airport triggered a reaction from lawyers who said the state intelligence unit does not have the powers of arrest.
Lawyers said the BNI carries out investigations and then asks the police to arrest the suspect.
The police had said they wanted Mr Selormey for questioning in connection with investigations into a one million-dollar loan by Eximbank and payments made for the computerisation of the courts.
The police issued the statement while Mr Selormey was away from the country asking him to report to them when he returned.
He was arrested at the airport triggering protests about the manner of arrest and putting question marks on the powers of the BNI.
GRi…/
Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com
District Assemblies to be made partisan
Accra (Greater Accra) 03 May 2001
Mr Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, on Wednesday said the non-partisan nature of the district assemblies will be reviewed to ensure that assembly members become more directly accountable to the people.
He also reiterated government's intention to make the position of the District Chief Executive (DCEs) an elected one saying "the appointment process of the DCE will be reviewed to ensure real accountability to the electorate."
Mr Baah Wiredu said this in a speech read on his behalf at the third in the series of forums to mark the celebration of the first National Constitution Week organised by the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE). It is on the theme "The Constitution and You".
Mr. Baah Wiredu said government also intends to increase the District Assemblies Common Fund from the current five per cent of total national revenue to seven per cent.
This, he said, was necessary to ensure that the district assemblies played their constitutional role of providing facilities and job opportunities in districts effectively.
"We expect as a reciprocal gesture that the district assemblies will seriously take on board critical areas of national concern and address them.
"I am referring to critical issues like employment generation, poverty reduction, creation of access to higher education for the disadvantaged in society, improving health delivery and addressing issues of environment."
Mr. Baah Wiredu said his ministry will collaborate with the Controller and Accountant General's Department and the Auditor General to ensure proper management of the common fund, adding that reports of misappropriation would be pursued vigorously under the New Patriotic Party administration.
He said the era of positive change calls for respect for law and order, fundamental human rights and the rule of law, transparency and accountability.
These, he said, call for re-appraisal of values and a positive change of attitude, adding that there was the need to strictly follow the directive principles of state policy set out in the Constitution, if the country is to consolidate its infant democracy.
"Local government, through the district assemblies system and the decentralisation process as a whole, has a vital role to play in promoting and consolidating Ghana's democracy," he said.
Speaking on the topic: "Consolidating Ghana's Democracy - The way Forward", the Rt. Rev. Charles Palmer-Buckle, Catholic Bishop of Koforidua, said for Ghana to achieve true democracy, there was the need to demystify the concepts of democracy and the Constitution.
He said past and current experiences of western democracy attest to the fact that democracy has not yet been perfected as a system of government anywhere in the world.
"In our pursuit of democracy, therefore, we must not sacrifice our cultural values for the western types of democracies which are in themselves varied and imperfect," he said.
Bishop Palmer-Buckle said while it is good to have a written constitution as the final authority in the governance of the country, "we must appreciate the fact that without us, the constitution cannot work, but without the constitution we can work". He cited the United Kingdom as a successful democracy without a written constitution.
He said democracy and the constitution are but just two of the many means to achieve good governance, which include the upholding of national cultural values.
Maulvi A. Wahab Adam, Ameer and Missionary-In-Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission said political, religious and ethnic tolerance are necessary pre-requisites to true constitutional democracy.
He, therefore, urged opinion leaders to assist the NCCE in making the constitution more available and accessible to persons of all levels in all sectors of the economy with the view to increasing knowledge of rights and obligations as a way of ensuring tolerance.
Maulvi Adam urged Ghanaians to take up arms against poverty, saying that democracy can only thrive in an environment of equal opportunities, which allow each citizen to make the best use of his or her God-given talent.
"A poverty-stricken society, therefore, cannot be a place for consolidation of democracy," he said. "The most secure democracy is one that assures the basic necessities of life for its people as a fundamental duty."
Mr. Benjamin Oppong, Deputy Commissioner of Human Rights and Administrative Justice, in charge of operations and legal issues, who presided, said over the past eight years, institutions established under the constitution to ensure good governance had been virtually relegated to the background in the whole process of governance.
He, therefore, urged the new government to put measures in place to restore the constitutionally established institutions to their rightful positions to perform their mandated functions.
Mr Larry Bimi, Chairman of the NCCE, called on Ghanaians to re-examine themselves, and see "to what extent you have upheld, defended and respected the constitution with the view to re-orienting your thinking and attitude towards the 1992 Constitution."
GRi…/
Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com
KMA approves of President's nominee
Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 03 May 2001
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) on Wednesday by a 100 per cent vote approved the nomination of Mr Maxwell Jumah, as Chief Executive of the Metropolis.
All 86 assembly members out of the 87 member-assembly who were present during the voting supervised by the Deputy Ashanti Regional Electoral Officer, Mr Sam Ntow, voted for Mr Jumah.
Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister, said he was overwhelmed by the massive show of support for the new Metropolitan Chief Executive.
He called on the assembly members to ensure effective co-operation with him to facilitate smooth and rapid development of the Metropolis.
Mr Jumah thanked the assembly for the confidence reposed in him and gave the assurance that he would work towards the promotion of teamwork and consensus building to give Kumasi the needed facelift.
He said he would ensure the efficient management of resources of the Metropolis to benefit all residents.
Mr Jumah expressed disquiet about reckless land use, citing illegal development of reserved areas and siting of unauthorised structures.
He, therefore, spoke of his determination to ensure discipline by enforcing regulations, saying "things are going to be different".
Mr Jumah, 51, was born in Kumasi and studied Physical Planning at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Since 1975, he has been living in the United States of America, where he passed through several higher institutions of learning and held various managerial positions.
He has between 1998 and 2000 spent almost all his time in Ghana.
GRi…/
Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com
Workshop for African Utility Regulators
opens
Accra (Greater Accra) 03 May 2001
A two-day workshop for African Utility Regulators to deliberate on consumer issues opened in Accra on Wednesday with a call on regulators to focus more on the safety and environmental impacts of the activities of the utility providers.
Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, Minister of Energy, said some of the processes used by African utilities have negative impact on human health, the eco-systems, property and agriculture.
He said while zero tolerance for pollution will be most desirable in the provision of such services, "it is not feasible with current technology without shutting down much of our utility production activities."
The workshop, which is being organised by the World Bank, the Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility and African Forum of Utility Regulators (AFUR), brings together 34 regulatory bodies and 80 participants from 23 African countries.
It will facilitate co-operation on utility regulation issues in Africa and provide participants the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences on utility regulation with focus on consumers.
The minister asked the regulators not to rush into a change in policy without first considering and analysing it and warned that such attempts to implement policies based on "blind faith" could lead to disastrous outcomes.
Mr Kan-Dapaah said much as African Governments are concerned about privatisation of basic utilities, they have no better alternative, after long years of insufficient investment and drying up of traditional sources of funding.
"In these circumstances, African countries will have no alternative but to fall on private capital," he said. "The role of governments will, therefore, change from that of infrastructure owner and operator to market structurer and service regulator."
The minister said the private sector would only take up the challenge to invest in the public utilities when there is a controlled environment, with a transparent regulatory framework.
It is in this direction to protect consumers and investors that Government has put in place a regulatory framework for the development of the energy sector, he said.
This includes the Energy Commission Act and Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Act.
"It is also government policy to protect the interests of consumers who buy power in the regulated market since they may not on their own have the capacity to negotiate prices with the suppliers of power."
Nana Dr S.K.B. Asante, Chairman of the PURC, said although the regulatory bodies are now in full control of economic regulation, the utilities have not wholly embraced the independent regulator's concept and the importance of the regulator as an intermediary in service provision.
He attributed the resistance to the past monopolistic status of most of the utility providers.
Nana Asante said the regulators have made only modest gains in the aspects of their responsibilities relating to quality and efficiency in service delivery.
He said PURC seeks to achieve improvement in the delivery of services through subsidiary legislation, benchmarking for the performance of the utilities and introducing a process for dealing with consumers' complaints.
GRi…/
Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com
Two persons arrested for attempting to sell
AK47 rifle
Aflao (Volta Region) 03 May 2001
The Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and the Police at Aflao, on Saturday arrested two persons, Hansen Yao Ahiadogo, 27 and Klu Agbodo, 25, when they offered an AK 47 rifle for sale to under-cover security personnel.
Two magazines and 15 rounds of ammunition were also found on them.
Sources close to the security told the GNA at Aflao that the BNI and the Police had a tip off that a young man from Accra was offering for sale an AK47-assault rifle at two million cedis.
The sources said personnel from the BNI and the police together with the informant on Saturday disguised themselves as buyers of weapons from Togo, and engaged the two suspects in a bargain at Viepe, a suburb of Aflao where they were residing.
Other security personnel, hiding in a nearby house, broke into the room and arrested the two suspects after a hectic struggle, which resulted in minor injuries to two of the security personnel.
The sources said preliminary investigations revealed that the weapons belonged to Ahiadogo, who brought them from Malam, in Accra and sought the assistance of Agbodo to sell them.
Mr Samuel Seme Wodah, Keta Divisional Police Commander who confirmed the story said the suspects are in police custody pending further investigations.
GRi…/
Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com
Lifeguards save
young girl from assailant
Accra (Greater Accra) 03 May 2001
Lifeguards on Tuesday saved a
seven-year-old girl, Sabina Appiah, from a possible murderer at the La Beach
area.
Sabina was rescued by a man who
spotted her in the grip of an unknown assailant who had covered her mouth to
prevent her from screaming, according to eyewitnesses.
Little Sabina speaking Ga, told
the GNA on Wednesday that she met the suspect at "Lamptey George" at
La at 0900 hours on her way to her grandmother, who lives near the Trade Fair
Centre.
She said the man held her hand and
promised to take her to her grandmother.
Sabina, having gone to her
grandmother's house many times, realised that the man was taking her to a
different place.
She said when she asked the man
where he was taking her, he replied, "keep quite, we are going to
grandmother."
She said the man carried her on
his shoulders and when they were getting near the sea he covered her mouth with
his hand thus preventing her from speaking.
Mrs Dede Ashifi, the mother of
Sabina, confirmed that her daughter went to visit her grandmother around that
time.
She said she was in the house
around noon when good Samaritans brought the girl who was in tears.
She said Sabina's rescuers told
her that the man managed to escape after being severely beaten by people who
came to the scene.
In another incident, a
six-year-old girl, Ophilia Adoley Addo, was found dead near the La Kpeshi
Lagoon about 200 meters from the Labadi Beach Hotel on Easter Sunday.
Mrs Doris Sanka, Ophilia's
mother told the GNA that the girl left
home at noon on April 16 to her father's house near the Trade Fair Centre but
was found dead under a tree beside the river.
She was naked and her forehead and
cheeks had some abrasions.
The police, however, said they did
not suspect any foul play and a second pathology test would be conducted after
the girl's family rejected the first report.
GRi…/
Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com