World Bank pledges support for zero
tolerance for corruption
Ministry warns against consumption of two alcoholic beverages
Public urges early publication of Accra Stadium Disaster report
Government urged to review GPRTU's control of lorry parks
Government believes in due process - Deputy Majority Leader
Investigate the background of Police
Recruits - Contractor
World Bank pledges support for zero
tolerance for corruption
Accra (Greater Accra) 22 May 2001
Mr Peter Harrods, World Bank Representative in Ghana, said on Monday that the zero tolerance for corruption initiative adopted by Ghana has now taken the centre stage of the dialogue between ECOWAS states and their international development partners on efforts to combat poverty.
"Without legal systems that root out and discourage corruption...real development is not possible," he said in a solidarity message at a conference of Ministers of Justice in the Sub-region in Accra to combat corruption.
The two-day conference which is a prelude to the forthcoming second global forum on corruption in the Netherlands is being organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the German government on the theme: "Collaboration against corruption in the sub-region."
The ministers will evaluate ECOWAS anti-corruption provisions, the coalition approach to the promotion of national integrity and come out with a joint declaration on the anti-corruption campaign, which will be presented at the global forum.
Mr. Harrods said the absence of the rule of law and efficient legal systems to regulate commercial transactions in the sub-region would hamper efforts to eradicate poverty.
Mr Christian Nakonz, the German Ambassador, said corruption, which is a global problem, requires a holistic approach to fight it.
"The issue, therefore, is not one of pointing accusing fingers, but rather find ways and means to deal with this complex problem, each country on its own and all of us together," he said.
Mr Alfred Fawundu, UNDP Representative in Ghana, said the global campaign against corruption could only succeed if it is based on strong local initiatives, which promote a multi-stakeholder participatory approach.
Such an approach, he said, should take into consideration a systematic drawing on data and analysis and communication techniques that provide for accurate, transparent and timely information to the public on corruption and how to combat it.
Mr Yaw Asamoa, a representative of the Ghana Integrity Initiative, advocated the need for an independent, impartial and informed judiciary to help combat corruption.
Mrs Leonora Kyeremanteng, of the Ghana Anti-corruption Coalition, said efforts by governments in the sub-region to combat corruption through morality campaigns and punishment of offenders have not been effective due to lack of the political will, poor adherence to the rule and inadequate public sector remuneration.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 22 May 2001
Participants at a seminar on coalition building among the Defence, Interior, Mines and Energy and Environment, Science and Technology committees in Parliament on Monday underscored security as the most critical factor on which hinges the development of the country.
They said as far as possible, the committees should collaborate to ensure that the integrity and security of the country is maintained at all times to enable the citizenry to do their work in an atmosphere of peace and stability.
The seminar on the theme: "Building Bridges: Mining, Environment and Security" was to work out modalities through capacity building for Parliamentarians to enable them to avoid the pitfalls of rigid party-line debates and enhance their ability to take effective action on critical national issues.
It was organised by the Foundation for Security Development in Africa (FOSDA) as part of its activities to help foster security and development policy-oriented research and training in Africa, especially in the sub-region.
General Edwin Sam, Member of the Council of State-designate, said the government's effectiveness, especially at the district level, depends to a large extent on an effective police system.
The current strength of the police service pegged at about 16,000 is abysmally low and can not meet the needs of the over 20 million Ghanaians, he said, adding that this does not augur well for effective monitoring of security.
Gen. Sam underscored the urgent need to increase the number to about 70,000 and to re-train those already on the job, saying the dismal performance of the police in recent times is due to several years of neglect.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 22 May 2001
The Ministry of Trade and Industry on Monday warned against the consumption of two types of alcoholic beverages, which it said, have led to the death of 19 people in La Cote d'Ivoire.
A statement issues in Accra said information reaching the ministry indicates that the government of Cote d'Ivoire has banned the sale of the two drinks - Patis 45 and Whisky JB.
"Tests carried out by the Ivorian State Laboratory revealed a higher percentage content of lethal methanol chemical in both drinks," the statement said.
The statement said the ministry was drawing attention to the potential harm that the consumption of the drinks is likely to cause to the public.
Meanwhile, it said, the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service, the Ghana Standards Board and the Food and Drugs Board have been alerted to take remedial measures to protect the interest of the public to prevent a possible flooding of the market with the products that are cheap on the Ivorian market.
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Sekondi (Western Region) 22 May 2001
A section of the public in Sekondi-Takoradi have called on the government to keep its election promise to bring about a positive change in the country by publishing and implementing the recommendations of the Presidential Commission on the Accra Sports Stadium disaster when it completes its work.
Many respondents surveyed by the Ghana News Agency said the previous government, for reasons best known to it failed to implement recommendations made by committees and commissions it set up.
They expressed the hope that this time around, the report would be implemented to forestall future sports disasters and pave the way for the organisation of international sporting events in the country.
They said the disaster could have been prevented had the recommendations of previous committees on sports and stadium disturbances been implemented.
They asked the government to punish those, who would be implicated by commission.
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Bolgatanga (Upper East) 22 May 2001
Mr Mahami Salifu, Upper East Regional Minister, on Monday called on the Forestry Commission and the Game and Wildlife Department to establish a permanent office in the region in the face of the perennial invasion of farmlands by elephants.
He said in times of emergency the presence of wildlife staff in the area would help to minimise crop losses incurred by farmers, as well as ensure the safety of the elephants.
Mr Salifu was opening a stakeholders' workshop on the conservation of elephants along the Red and White Volta rivers at Bolgatanga.
He noted that for the past 10 years, farmlands along the Volta Basin in the Bawku West and Bolgatanga districts have suffered severe devastation on yearly basis by marauding elephants and each time there is an attack emergency messages have to be sent to Accra or Damongo for rescue.
The Regional Minister said there is evidence that the areas around Tilli and Widnaba in the Bawku West District are the main targets of the elephants.
He said in spite of the destructive tendencies of the elephant everything must be done to ensure its survival because of its contribution towards a balanced bio-diversity.
It was reassuring that stakeholders and the affected communities should come together to discuss various strategies on how to resolve the problem, he said, adding: "It is not a matter of choosing between man and beast but rather developing strategies for peaceful co-existence."
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Ho (Volta Region) 22 May 2001
The Hohoe, Kpando and Ketu District Assemblies on Monday endorsed the President's nominees for the position of District Chief Executives.
Mr James Dogbe 63, Volta Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic (NPP) and a contractor, won the approval of all the 62 members present at the Hohoe assembly, while Mr Seth Akwensivie Asorwoe, 67, a retired Agriculturist, polled 51 out of the 63 votes cast to win the approval of the Kpando District Assembly.
The Ketu District Assembly by 54 votes out of 75 votes cast also approved of the nomination of Mr Linus Coffie, a 48 year-old Science Tutor at the Saint Paul's Secondary School, Denu as its new District Chief Executive.
Mr Dogbe said as DCE he saw himself as a servant of the people and "will ensure that I humbly serve my people and not to lord it over them."
Mr Kwasi Owusu-Yeboa, Volta Regional Minister commended the assembly for endorsing the President's nomination and urged them to support the new DCE for the development of the district.
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Winneba (Central Region) 22 May 2001
The government has been urged to revoke with immediate effect the monopoly given by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to control lorry parks in the country.
Mr J. Yawson Scot and Papa Acquah, leaders of the Senya Breku and Winneba branches of the Ghana Co-operative Transport Union (GCTU), respectively, who made the call at a press briefing at Winneba, said the decision to grant total control of lorry parks to the GPRTU was political and unconstitutional.
"We were all witnesses to the ferrying of NDC supporters from one campaign grounds to another by the GPRTU before the last elections in return for the monopoly granted to it by NDC government.
"There are other transport unions in the country, how can a government single out only one for preferential treatment?"
Mr Scot said the question of who controls the lorry parks would continue to be a flash point of confusion at the lorry parks until justice is done.
The government should, therefore, muster the necessary courage and the political will to right the wrong that the NDC perpetrated against the other transport unions, he said.
About 120 members of the Senya and Winneba branches of the GCTU embarked on a three hour demonstration at Winneba over the use of lorry parks at Winneba and
Senya Breku last week, during which they presented a petition to the Awutu-Effutu-Senya District Assembly.
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Takoradi (Western Region) 22 May 2001,
The Deputy Majority Leader and Deputy Minister of Government Business, Mr Papa Owusu Ankomah said at the weekend that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) believes in the rule of law and due process of the law.
It would, therefore, not do anything in contravention of the law.
Papa Owusu Ankomah was speaking at the inauguration of the Western Regional Branch of Young Executive Forum (YEF) at Takoradi.
He, however, pointed out that the NPP Government would also not allow anybody found to have duped the nation to go scot-free with his or her booty.
Papa Owusu Ankomah said the Government's decision not to indulge in witch hunting must not be misconstrued to mean that people, who are proved to have stolen money from the state coffers, would be free from prosecution.
He indicated that the days when people placed in responsible positions thought they could steal from the state coffers and be covered now belongs to history.
Dr Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Planning and Regional Integration, said the next two years would be used for the foundation building of the country's economy and things would be a bit difficult for Ghanaians.
However, he said, Ghanaians would begin to see positive signs of the stabilisation of the economy after two years and called for the support and co-operation of all towards the achievement of this goal.
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Investigate the background of Police
Recruits - Contractor
Takoradi (Western Region) 22 May 2001
A Takoradi Timber Contractor, Mr Isaac Kofi Nketiah has suggested that the background of those to be recruited into the Police Service should be scrupulously investigated from their hometowns, communities and their former workplaces.
This arrangement for recruitment would go a long way to ensure that only people with good characters are employed as policemen and policewomen.
He was commenting on the performance of the Police in crime control to newsmen in Takoradi on Sunday.
Mr Nketiah, who was once a Police Officer, noted that some criminals and other people with dubious character have found their way into the service and thus tarnishing the image of the Service.
He commended the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Ernest Owusu -Poku and his administration for their untiring efforts leading to the arrest of a suspect believed to be involved in the serial killings of women in the country.
Mr Nketiah urged him and his able men not to relent in their efforts until all those involved in the murdering of women are brought to book.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 22 May 2001
The first Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Ministers of Justice Conference to brainstorm on how to control cross-border corruption and enforce sub-regional protocols to deal with the problem began in Accra on Monday.
The two-day conference, which is a prelude to the forthcoming second global forum on corruption in the Netherlands, is organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the German government on the theme: "Collaboration against corruption in the sub-region."
The ministers will evaluate ECOWAS anti-corruption provisions and the coalition approach to the promotion of national integrity and come out with a joint declaration on the anti-corruption campaign, which will be presented at the global forum.
Vice-President Aliu Mahama who opened the conference tasked the participants to establish effective norms and regulations for dealing with corruption to end the desperate global search for a possible solution to the problem.
He said despite the goodwill the first global forum on fighting corruption held in the US enjoyed, it failed to achieve the desired effect.
"As the second forum in The Hague beckons, this is the appropriate time for us in this region to make sure we have a unified position on the various issues involved.
"We have a responsibility to make our sub-region a place where investors feel comfortable to do business."
Alhaji Mahama cautioned the ministers not to spend time discussing stories and gossip about instances of corruption in the advanced countries and international institutions like the World Bank but rather examine the institutions they have developed to deal with the problem.
"When we have finished providing the basic needs for our people...then we might afford the luxury of indulging in sterile debates about the level of corruption in our countries," he said.
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, said corruption is a major impediment to economic growth, foreign investor confidence and democratic stability in the sub-region hence the need for the conference to adopt and enforce the zero-tolerance approach by Ghana to combat it.
He expressed the hope that the conference would provide members of the community the opportunity to share the diversity of national experiences in controlling corruption to address the crucial issues relating to existing national enforcement mechanisms.
General Sheikh Omar Diara, Deputy Secretary-General of ECOWAS said the conference is a timely initiative to facilitate efforts by Ghana to boost sub-regional integration.
He said widespread corruption in the sub-region is undermining good governance and weakening the democratic values cherished by the people.
Corruption, he said, is also an affront to market economy since it impedes development of enterprises and increases the cost of business transactions.
The acting Chief Justice, Mr Justice Edward Wiredu who chaired the function called on governments in the sub-region to improve on the working conditions of the judiciary to be able to work in good conscience and refrain from engaging in acts that would compromise on their ability to combat corruption.
He said the extremely low salary and the obsolete equipment the judiciary uses in Ghana are not conducive to check corruption.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 22 May 2001
A five-member Tanzanian government delegation led by the Minister for Water, Mr Edward Lowassa on Monday began a meeting with Ghanaian officials to study how the country intends to involve the private sector in the water delivery system.
They will discuss methods being adopted for private sector participation, whether the government intends to do outright sale, lease or management contracts.
Methods of involving private investor/operator in the delivery of water supply and sewerage disposal service for low income and rural households and the level of competition that will be allowed will be discussed.
The meeting will also discuss the regulatory framework and institutions developed for economic and technical regulation of the water and sewerage sector.
The Ghanaian side led by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Kwamena Bartels, includes the Directors of Works and Housing, Directors of the Ghana Water Company, Director of the Water Sector Restructuring Secretariat and members of the Ghana Water Commission.
Other members of the Tanzanian team include the Attorney General, Mr Andrew Chenge and the Director of the Dar-Es-Salaam Water Company.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 22 May 2001
Ghana needs more than two billion dollars to revitalise its water systems, Mr Kwamena Bartels, Minister of Works and Housing, said on Monday.
Speaking to a five-member delegation from Tanzania, which is in the country to study the way Ghana is going about the privatisation of the water sector, Mr Bartels said Business Unit A, which comprises Greater Accra, Volta, Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions, needs about 1.7 billion dollars.
The other five regions need about 480 million dollars to revitalise the water process, he said.
The wide disparities in the amount is because Accra-Tema alone utilises about 60 per cent of the country's water requirements.
The Tanzania Minister for Water, Mr Edward Lowassa, is leading his delegation.
Mr Bartels said the government's ability to invest in the delivery of urban water supply has been decreasing "and if the private sector is not involved now, it will be difficult for the government to catch up with the rate of urbanisation." He said Accra-Tema alone needs about 90 million gallons of water daily, out of which only 60 million gallons are being supplied now.
"Expansion work is being carried out at the Weija Water Works to inject an additional 22 million gallons, which still will not meet the demand," Mr Bartels added.
Mr Bartels said investment to bridge the gap in the delivery of water is beyond the reach of government now.
The problem facing the government in the supply of water is that the public perceives the sector as belonging to them, hence their refusal to pay.
"We have all carried the notion since the colonial era that every one can steal from (the) government. The better you are able to steal without being caught, the more acclaimed you are as a hero.
"We need to change this attitude and do things in a way for all of us to see that we are all part of government and if the government loses, the country loses," Mr Bartels said.
He said the demand of water could not wait for the re-orientation of the people hence the need to invite private participation now.
Most of the systems, which carry water to the urban centre, have either broken down or are operating at very low levels, he said adding "there is the need to inject in more capital immediately."
He expressed the hope that by the end of the year or within the first quarter of next year, the private sector participation would be in place.
Mr Lowassa said the delegation decided to come to Ghana because of the success story about Ghana's recovery programme adding, "we believe we have a lot to learn from you."
He said Tanzania also has problems with its billing and hence the need for the two countries to collaborate to find ways of solving the problem.
"Our countries must pay for water and the question which we have to deliberate about is can they afford to pay?"
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Accra (Greater Accra) 22 May 2001
Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, on Monday said the government is in the process of constituting the over 16,000 unit committees to complete the decentralisation programme.
He said the necessary mechanisms are being worked out to elect about 240,000 people within the various communities to form the unit committees.
Mr Baah-Wiredu said this during a courtesy call on him in Accra by the Director of Sister Cities of Louisville, USA, Dr Susan J. Herlin.
The Sister Cities is a collaborative link-up between cities for economic and social development through exchange programmes, studies and visits.
The minister said development of systems and structures of the decentralisation concept would accelerate national growth and strengthen democracy through grassroots participation in the highest level of decision-making.
Mr Baah-Wiredu said the country needs to develop its democratic structures simultaneously across-board with the involvement of the district assembles, urban and town councils and zonal units.
The nation would absorb the talents, resources and expertise of retired officers as well as professionals within the communities to develop their community, he said.
The minister challenged district assembles to be more innovative in generating and attracting domestic investment to their communities.
He said local businessmen could be identified and encouraged to enter rural income generating activities and establish small-scale industries.
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