GRi Newsreel 25-11-99

Rawlings asks Council of state to declare position

Accra (Greater Accra) 25 Nov. '99

President Jerry Rawlings on Wednesday swore Odeefuo Boa Ampomsem III, President of the National House of Chiefs, into the Council of State with a call on the advisory body to let its voice be heard on the need to ensure national peace and stability.

President Rawlings said it is imperative for the Council to take a hard look at the nation's past, present and the future with the view to building on the positive strides in terms of socio-political development.

He said the manner and style in which democracy is being practised in the country by some people is beginning to pose a problem adding that he expects the Council to make its position known on the situation.

He also urged the Council to extend its role to cover senior government members and Chief Executives when necessary, saying that some of the setbacks to effective governance could be traced to lack of adequate information.

"We have a serious situation. We should have laid a seed of an indestructible tree by now."

President Rawlings expressed the hope that Odeefuo Boa Ampomsem, who has had nearly 45 years in the paramountcy, would make his wealth of experience available to the Council.

Odeefuo Boa Amponsem, 66, who is also the Dekyirahene, swore the oaths of Allegiance, Secrecy and Office in the presence of Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, Chairman of the Council, Togbi Gabusu II, a member of the council and Nana Akuoko Sarpong, Chairman of the National Commission on Culture.

The President pledged his commitment to always ensure a healthy relationship between the Council and the government, as well as national peace.

Congratulating Odeefuo Boa Amponsem, Alhaji Bawumia restated the role of the Council as an advisory board saying, "we must provide the President with a quality advice."

Mr Nathan Quao, a presidential aide, expressed the hope that he would co-operate with his colleagues in discussing matters constructively.

He described as erroneous the impression that the Council of State has not been effective.

"This is a misconception," he said, adding that the Council is not supposed to take a confrontational stand against the Presidency.

Odeefuo Boa Ampomsem assured the President that the National House of Chiefs would ensure that no negative event occurs to disturb the current peaceful and stable environment.

He said efforts are underway to reduce the spate of chieftaincy disputes before the various Houses of Chiefs with justice, fairness and equity.

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Concerned citizens not demonstration-oriented

Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 25 Nov. '99

The Concerned Citizens Association of Kumasi has said it is concerned primarily with the proper development, growth and welfare of Kumasi and its residents and not a demonstration oriented organization.

The Association said in Kumasi on Tuesday that its "searchlight is not only going to be on Nana Akwasi Agyemang, the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive and the operations of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly but will also focus on exposing all public organizations whose activities retard the development of the metropolis."

Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, Chairman of the Concerned Citizens Association, reiterated the position of the association at a meeting in Kumasi to explain the suspension of its planned demonstration in Kumasi on November 23, 24 and 25.

He said "besides agitations for correction of wrong-doings by some public entities, the association will also embark on sustained programmes to educate traders and other organised groups, on their responsibilities to the state since rights go along with responsibilities".

Mr Victor Owusu, Junior, also of the association, said suspending the demonstration on the pleas of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Nuamah-Donkor, was done in good faith in view of his assurances to address our concerns.

He explained that since the Minister had just assumed office, "it is prudent that we give him too a chance to see how best he could handle our grievances".

"If the Regional Minister fails to expedite action on our concerns as promised, then we will have no other option than reverting to demonstrations".

Mr Owusu said the association was seeking audience with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to brief him on the rationale behind their agitation and their concerns.

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Upper East Ahmadiyya Mission donates to flood victims

Bolgatanga (Upper East) 25 Nov '99

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana has presented 160 bags of maize and 40 bags of rice valued at 7.5 million cedis to the Upper East Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) for distribution to flood victims in the region.

The presentation was made on behalf of Maulvi Wahad Adam, Ameer and Missionary in charge, by the Upper East Regional Missionary, Maulvi Hassan Bashir Annan, in Bolgatanga on Wednesday.

Maulvi Annan said even though the donation was small, it represented the mission's contribution towards alleviating the sufferings of the flood victims.

He expressed the hope that the items would get to the right people and called on other religious groups to come to their aid.

Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, Regional Minister, on behalf of the chiefs and people of the area, thanked the mission for its gesture.

He called on other religious groups to emulate the Ahmadiyya Mission, saying "it is imperative for religious organisations to address both the spiritual and socio-economic needs of the people.

Alhaji Sulemana said in view of Ghana's current economic difficulties, more assistance from the government's social partners would be most welcome.

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