GRi Newsreel Ghana 05 - 10

GRi Newsreel Ghana 05 - 10 - 2000

No fuel sales for foreign vehicles at Aflao

Aflao (Volta Region) 05 October 2000

The Ketu District Security Committee (DISEC) has directed that foreign registered vehicles including diplomatic cars entering the Republic of Togo through the Aflao border should not be served with fuel in and around Aflao.

The Committee also directed that the sale of petroleum products at fuel stations in the district should cease at 22 hours and resume at 05 hours the following day, warning that any dealer who flouts the regulation will be sanctioned.

Mr. Henry Ametefe, Ketu District Chief Executive told the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday that the directive followed the Disec's meeting with fuel station managers on September 26, aimed at curbing the rampant smuggling of the commodity to Togo.

The DISEC, he said also directed the station managers to maintain logbooks to record their fuel supplies for verification by a special task force.

Sale of petroleum products in Jerry cans and drums has been banned unless otherwise directed by the District Director of Agriculture for corn-mill operators, fishermen and urban gardeners, he added.

The Committee has meanwhile, ordered the closure of a petrol dump at Agorko, in Aflao for allegedly selling fuel to smugglers.

Mr. Ametefe said the recent fuel price increase in Togo, where a gallon of petrol now sells at 13,000 cedis, diesel, 12,950 cedis and kerosene 12,000 cedis had made the smuggling of petroleum products from Ghana a lucrative venture.

The DCE accused the filling station managers of allocating large quantities of their consignment of kerosene to agents for sale at 12,000 cedis per gallon instead of the official price of 6,000 cedis.

He said the security agencies in the district have intensified their land and sea patrols and called on the public to report any dubious dealings in fuel products to the police.

Sources close to the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) at Aflao said a number of alleged fuel smugglers have been arrested in the area.

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CPP will provide free education to girl child - Hagan

Accra (Greater Accra) 05 October 2000

Professor George Hagan, presidential candidate of the CPP, on Wednesday said his government would provide free education for the girl-child to the tertiary level.

He said the education of women is the key to the success of affirmative action and political, social and economic emancipation of the female from male dominance.

Prof. Hagan said this at the last of a series of forums organised by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ghana, with sponsorship from DANIDA for the various political parties to talk on their parties' position on affirmative action.

He said the CPP recognises the critical contribution made by women to the Ghanaian society, especially during the struggle for independence.

Prof. Hagan expressed regret that women continue to suffer Discrimination, saying the CPP government would therefore give priority to the attainment of equal rights by women in social, economic and political spheres of development.

He said a CPP government would address national issues such as health, agriculture, development and the provision of modern markets with dormitory facilities to help women.

He said women dominate the informal sector, which must be improved to enhance their conditions

Prof. Hagan noted that the traditional role of women, societal norms customs and practices, which inhibit the social life of women, must be eliminated.

This, he said, calls for the involvement of traditional chiefs and a review of laws.

The CPP presidential candidate noted that there is the need to transform or reject outright certain cultural practices that dehumanise women.

He said a CPP government would also address the issue of house-helps, 'kayayo' and other vulnerable persons in society; it would also enforce a law that would compel persons who engages their services to provide capital to establish them after their service.

He said foster parents must also provide the house-helps with basic education and skills that would enable them to be independent.

Other areas that the CPP presidential candidate said his party would address when given the mandate to govern the country include legislation to protect prostitution, encouragement of women to serve on national boards and the cabinet and the establishment of a woman's ministry.

He advised women to form political, health, religious and other notable professional pressure groups to serve as advocacy group to lobby and where necessary force government and political parties to listen to them.

He asked women to use their demographic and democratic power to chart the political direction of the country.

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Presidential Forum lacked substance-NDC

Accra (Greater Accra) 5 October 2000

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) said on Wednesday that while last week's Presidential Forum appeared to be a novelty, it left much to be desired in terms of real substance.

The party therefore stands by the reasons given by the Minister of Communications on the inability of its flag-bearer, Professor John Atta Mills to participate in the forum, which featured all the other presidential candidates.

This was contained in a press release signed by Mr. George Quaynor-Mettle, National Propaganda Secretary, in reaction to a statement by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) rejecting the reasons assigned by the NDC for the Vice President's non-participation.

The release urged the NPP to concern itself with "the abysmal performance of Mr. Kufuor at the forum, which confirmed his woeful lack of knowledge of the fundamentals of what was required of modern leadership of the country at this crucial point in time."

"Prof. Mills has a record of excellent academic and professional accomplishment and would have excelled himself had he the time to have participated in the forum.

"The NDC flag bearer cannot therefore be said to have been afraid of any the candidates who participated in the forum in terms of presentation or speech delivery."

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NDC condemns smearing of faeces at offices of Guide

Accra (Greater Accra) 5 October 2000

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Wednesday condemned the smearing of premises of the "Crusading Guide" with human faeces in the early hours of Monday.

A statement signed by Mr. George Quaynor-Mettle, National Propaganda Secretary, in Accra noted that such an incident defies common sense and serves as a major drawback to the collective strides for the positive growth of democracy.

"This negative act appears to have created tension and may be part of a ploy to create acrimony in the run-up to the coming elections."

The party, however, expressed reservations about the "creeping tendency" of some people who would readily apportion blame to the NDC or its supporters for the incident.

The statement also called on the general public to assist the law enforcement agencies to track down the perpetrators.

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Stability key requirement for progress - Mills

Accra (Greater Accra) 5 October 2000

Vice President John Evans Atta Mills, presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Wednesday called on voters to return the party to power saying it has travelled the road, learned lessons and has provided infrastructure for take off.

He repeated that the country has enjoyed peace and stability, a theme hat has run through his campaign speeches, saying, the two are vital for progress.

"Without stability, it will be easy for this nation to deviate off its course and leave the main road for side roads that may initially appear to be more attractive, but will ultimately lead us nowhere" he said.

He was speaking when he took his turn at the political broadcasts by presidential candidates on radio and TV to highlight the party's manifesto and programmes for the nation.

The presidential candidates of the People's National Convention Dr Edward Mahama, Great Consolidated Popular Party, Dan Lartey and Convention People's Party, Prof. George Hagan have taken their turn.

Prof. Mills said the NDC has provided the stability required to keep the country on track and appealed to the electorate to renew the mandate of the party to enable him to continue the "good work."

The NDC presidential candidate who used the road to illustrate governance and the achievement of the government said: "looking back over the way we have travelled it is easy to see the milestone we have left behind us.

"Behind us is a network of tarred roads. Kilometres of electricity poles line the route we have walked, bringing prosperity and new standard of living to people along the way."

He said, schools have been established and secondary and tertiary education has enabled many children to realise their full potential. "The country's infrastructure has also improved in leaps and bounds."

The NDC presidential candidate said he used the road to illustrate governance for good reason.

"As a nation the country is well and truly on a road that, if we follow a consistent plan of action, it will lead us to take up our rightful place in the family of nations and our place in the global community."

He said the road would not always be straight and that there would be obstacles as the nation is currently experiencing some difficulties and added: "this can be expected when one blazes a new trail."

Prof. Mills blamed the current reverses suffered by the economy on external pressures saying they were the result of increasing world oil prices and a drop in the price of cocoa. "They are unfortunately facts of life that are inevitable in the new global economy."

He explained that no nation has been spared the hardship brought about by the massive increase in the prices of fuel and drop in the prices of local commodities.

He, however, assured the nation that these problems would pass "when we put in place a government that has the political will and expertise to ensure that the impact of these negative factors is reduced as much as possible."

Prof. Mills restated that the NDC has the political will and the people to ensure that the obstacles are nothing more than temporary roadblocks.

He noted that, the NDC has given the nation the required continuity to achieve its aims to date, and will continue to keep faith with the people through the challenges of the new millennium.

"As a party and government, we have a programme that covers all aspects of national life, we are working hard at maintaining peace, fighting corruption, promoting reconciliation, providing healthcare, housing, water transport and many other things required to build a prosperous nation."

Prof. Mills said Ghanaians have already earned international respect for the country, which is known in Africa and throughout the world as a nation in which people work together to achieve their dreams.

"We have transformed dreams into reality of electricity, housing, health care and a better standard of life."

The vice president said, the NDC has travelled the road, learned from its mistakes and has had the satisfaction of being able to point out tangible things as achievements.

He said having practical experience is another thing all together and this is what the nation needs, "as we cannot afford to do try and error governance."

He said a tangible example of what experience can do was the 1998 energy crisis caused by the devastating drought that left the land dry and the dams incapable of providing hydro electricity.

He said the NDC government met the problem head on and solved it.

"It is easy, especially when you are an opposition politician and have no experience of hands-on government and high office, to point back down the road and with the benefit of hindsight and with no record of delivery to your name say how you would have done things."

Prof. Mills said the opposition can only tell what they think they can do, "talk easily of the Utopia they will deliver, gloss over what they will do to achieve these objectives and simply promise a new society that is problem free."

On the other hand, the NDC has led by results and has provided a tradition of strong leadership and the political will to get things done.

He said, he has been inculcated with this tradition and would, therefore, provide strong leadership and get things done.

Prof. Mills said he has committed his life to the country and its people as amply evidence at the University of Ghana where he taught many of today's business leaders.

"As a senior public servant and vice president, I have had the privilege of being part of policy-making decisions that have been translated into worthy grassroots projects of benefit to the people of Ghana."

He said he has played his part in the NDC government by seeing that, the milestone along the road to prosperity is firmly put in place adding that the achievements over the years have set a firm base for the future.

Prof. Mills said the goals of the NDC have been clearly explained in the party's manifesto and his pledge to the nation in his acceptance speech to contest the presidency.

"I said my goal is for us to work together and achieve the prosperity we require through development and the NDC is undoubtedly the key to this progress."

He said he and the NDC team would continue to work for development and prosperity and pledged to work together with all to achieve the goals for the country.

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Assessment team leaves for Tripoli

Accra (Greater Accra) 5 October 2000

An eight-member team led by Mr. Kofi Totobi Quakyi, Minister responsible for National Security, left Accra on Wednesday for Tripoli, Libya, to assess the conditions of Ghanaians who were engulfed in the recent attacks on Black Africans by Libyans.

A source close to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the mission of the team is to assess the situation with particular attention to the state of the affected Ghanaians.

Based on its findings, the team, drawn from Parliament, Ghana Immigration Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana News Agency and the Armed Forces will be informed on whether the victims should be evacuated home or not.

The source said the Libyan government has already expressed regret over the attacks and indicated its willingness to help in the resettlement and where necessary, evacuation.

It said the number of Ghanaians affected by the attacks has now increased to about 2,000.

The authorities have blamed the attacks, mostly on Nigerians, Nigeriens, Chadians and Ghanaians, on what started as differences between Nigerian and Libyan drug gangs in the Gregarish area.

They said the disagreement heightened when the Nigerians out-manoeuvred their Libyan counterparts in a drug deal in the area noted for drug trafficking and illegal sale of alcohol.

Reports said the displaced Africans, including Ghanaians, at the security camp were living in sub-human conditions.

The overcrowded camp is said to be located on a rubbish dump, a situation that could cause outbreak of an epidemic.

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GIPC to organise Homecoming Summit next year

Accra (Greater Accra) 5 October 2000

The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) is taking the initiative to create and institutionalise a platform that allows for a continuous dialogue and opportunity for the Ghanaian community abroad to interact with their country in productive and mutually beneficial ways.

Consequently, the centre will be organising a summit in Ghana next year for Ghanaians living abroad.

The summit, dubbed Homecoming Summit, is scheduled to be held in Accra from July 2-4 under the theme "Harnessing the Global Resource Potential for Accelerated National Development".

It has the slogan "Motherland Call: Together we create the nation's wealth".

Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi, Chief Executive of the GIPC, announced this when he launched the Homecoming Summit in Accra on Wednesday.

The objectives of the summit, mooted by Vice-President John Evans Atta Mills, are to develop a process for the renewal of confidence of Ghanaians living abroad in their country, enhance dialogue and explore opportunities for productive relations between them and their country.

It is also to identify the means to tap into their acquired capacities for the creation of the national wealth.

About 1,000 Ghanaians are expected to attend the summit, which will provide a forum for interaction between participants, government officials, as well as representatives of public and private institutions and the business community.

It will also concretise such policies as networking opportunities, improving services for Ghanaians abroad and Ghanaian consulates, owning a home in Ghana, dual citizenship as it applies to the Ghanaian abroad, building a database for Ghanaians living abroad and matching job vacancies with available expertise abroad.

Mr. Ahwoi said, over 1.5 million Ghanaians live abroad with a total annual contribution of about 300 to 400 million dollars into the national economy at an informal level.

He, however, regretted that this important contribution is not recognised as a structured resource injection into the mainstream national economy.

"This is contrary to the relationship that exists between some other countries of origin where the citizens abroad are recognised as critical partners in the creation of the national wealth."

Mr. Ahwoi therefore called for critical and immediate steps to reconnect "Ghanaians in the Diaspora" to their motherland in significant and structured ways.

He stressed that the summit would not be a mere talking shop with partisan considerations, adding: "its main interest is the country and how to involve our kith and kin in the fortunes and trials of the nation".

Mr. Kweku Sekyiama, Chief Director, Information Services Department (ISD), who chaired the ceremony, said participants would be coming from 12 identified countries where Ghanaians are clustered.

These include the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

He underlined the importance of the summit and said it would add the human expertise needed to transform the natural resources available.

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NMC condemns smearing of offices of Guide with human excreta

Accra (Greater Accra) 5 October 2000

The National Media Commission has joined the chorus in condemning the smearing of human excreta at the offices of the "Crusading Guide" and "Dispatch", describing the act as abominable.

In a statement singed by Mr. Tim Acquah-Hayford, Chairman, the NMC called on the security agencies "to undertake thorough investigations into the matter so that those behind it would be exposed, tried and appropriately punished to serve as a deterrent".

It urged all Ghanaians to condemn the act since it is only meant to intimidate and undermine freedom of expression.

The commission expressed regret that nothing had come out of investigations into similar disgraceful acts committed against the "Ghanaian Chronicle" and the "Free Press".

"Ghanaians need not be exposed to such crude and uncivilised conduct. Such acts tarnish the image of the country and present a distorted picture of the level of media freedom and responsibility prevailing in the country.

"We share the expression of solidarity and support for the management of both papers and the condemnation of the act by the government, GJA, PRINPAG and other institutions and individuals."

Unidentified persons on Monday morning dumped human excreta at the offices of the two private newspapers at Labone in Accra.

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President Mbeki arrives on official visit

Accra (Greater Accra) 5 October 2000

The South African President Mr. Thabo Mbeki arrived in Accra on Wednesday evening to begin a four-day official visit to the country.

Mr. Mbeki and his wife, Zanele and a 37-member business delegation, were met on arrival by the First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, Vice-President John Evans Atta-Mills and his wife Naadu Mills.

Also at the airport to welcome the South African leader were Ministers of State, members of the diplomatic corps, the Inspector General of Police Mr. Peter Nanfuri and the Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General Ben Akafia.

A large gathering of well-wishers thronged the airport to catch a glimpse of Mr. Mbeki amidst drumming, dancing and waving of miniature flags of Ghana and South

Africa as well as flags of the ruling National Democratic Congress party.

The South African Leader flew in from Senegal, Dakar after also attending the 40th independence anniversary of Nigeria as part of his sub-regional tour.

While in the country Presidents Rawlings and Mbeki will hold bilateral talks on a wide range of issues at the Castle Osu.

The two leaders will also embark on a state drive through some principal streets in Accra.

Mr. Mbeki will later visit and lay a wreath at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and launch Ghana-South Africa Business Chamber.

The South African leader will also address Parliament and give a lecture on the topic "African Renaissance, the Challenge of Our Time."

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NPP government to share national cake equitably -Aliu

Techiman (Brong Ahafo) 5 October 2000

Alhaji Mahama Aliu, New Patriotic Party (NPP) vice presidential candidate said on Monday that, an NPP government will not discriminate in the sharing of the national wealth.

He said the NPP has "the best materials" capable of salvaging the country from its present predicaments following almost 20 years of mismanagement.

Alhaji Aliu was speaking during a courtesy call on the Omanhene of Techiman, Osabarima Dotobibi Takyi Ameyaw at which he introduced the party's parliamentary candidates, Mr. Isaac Osei-Antwi and Prince Oduro Mensah for Techiman North and Techiman South respectively.

He described the present economic situation as "hopeless" saying the December elections offer Ghanaians a unique opportunity to vote out the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Alhaji Aliu said the NPP would improve the agricultural sector and offer ready market for agricultural produce to make farming more meaningful and profitable.

The cash and carry system in health care delivery, would be abolished and replaced by a well-thought-out and viable health insurance scheme under a government of the NPP.

Osabarima Ameyaw expressed the hope that supporters of all the political parties would exhibit maturity and tolerance during their campaigns to ensure peace.

He said, "the only thing we are looking for is sustainable development under an atmosphere of peace and stability".

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Odoi-Sykes urges EC to ensure level playing field

Accra (Greater Accra) 5 October 2000

The National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Samuel Odoi-Sykes said at the weekend that it is the primary responsibility of the Electoral Commission (EC) to create an even playing field for all political parties to ensure free and fair elections.

He said the commission should not be seen to be relinquishing its responsibilities to any group of people or individual

Mr. Odoi-Sykes was speaking the launch of the party's election campaign in the La Dade-Kotopon constituency at which its parliamentary candidate, Mr. Godfried Ako-Nai was formally introduced to the electorate.

He criticised the composition of the regional electoral taskforce and doubted its credibility since no party is represented on it.

Mr. Odoi-Sykes advised the party's polling agents to be extra vigilant on election day, adding "elections are won or lost at the polling station".

Mr. Charles Kofi Wayo Parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso East said it was time Ghanaians emancipated themselves from "the culture of terror, destitute and oppression", which has enslaved them over the years.

Mr. Wayo appealed to the electorate to vote massively for the party for a positive change, which the whole country is yearning for.

Mr. Ishmael Ashitey, MP for Tema East urged Ghanaians to question their MPs about what development projects they have used their share of the MP's common fund for before deciding to retain or vote them out.

Mr. Ako-Nai, the parliamentary candidate for the area asked the people to critically examine their situation to see whether they need a change or not.

Mr. Ako-Nai, an accountant, pledged to put his knowledge and experience at the disposal of the constituency so that together with the people they would find solution to the numerous problems facing them.

Other speakers at the function were Mr. Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Ms Vida Dugbatey, of the women's research unit and Nii Ayite Boafo, Regional Secretary.

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British High Commissioner bids farewell

Accra (Greater Accra) 5 October 2000

Vice President John Evans Atta Mills on Wednesday restated that this year's elections would be free, transparent and fair.

"We want the whole world to know that we're going to have free and transparent elections that will once again prove that democracy has come to stay and we are committed to it," he declared.

Vice President Mills gave the assurance when he received Mr. Ian Mackley, outgoing British High Commissioner, who called at the Castle to bid farewell after completing his four-year duty tour.

Prof. Mills expressed Ghana's appreciation to the international community, particularly, the United Kingdom, for their continued support for her development and gave the assurance that resources made available to the country would be used to the benefit of the people.

"I can assure you that we will continue to utilise the resources given us judiciously with the principles of probity and accountability."

He said government is moving towards a new direction of economic dependency and has adopted policies aimed at diversifying into other areas, especially agriculture.

"We need to concentrate on agriculture and must tackle it with all the seriousness it deserves," Prof. Mills said adding that, the country will not only be cutting down on export bills but also reduce the cost of food.

He said over the years, government has tirelessly worked towards developing an environment to improve the macro-economic base.

Vice President Mills noted that the High Commissioner's tour of duty witnessed a lot of high level visits between the United Kingdom and Ghana.

These include the Royal family and other equally significant ones, which have helped a great deal to enhance bilateral ties.

"You certainly have played your part. Indeed, we will miss you," Prof. Mills told the envoy who is leaving for home from where he would probably retire.

Mr. Mackley who began his tour in Ghana five months before the 1996 elections said he was disappointed that he would not be a witness to this year's elections.

"I am certainly leaving Ghana with regrets," he added, citing the Ghana's hospitality and culture as things that he would miss most.

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NRP is no part of NDC, declares Tanoh

Wicheau (Upper West Region) 5 October 2000

Mr. Goosie Tanoh, Presidential candidate of the National Reform Party (NRP) on Tuesday said the party is not an integral part of the NDC, as being peddled by its opponents.

"The NRP is an independent political party standing on its own and does not pay allegiance to any political party''.

Mr. Tanoh was speaking at a rally at Wicheau, in the Wa district in reaction to perception in the area that the NRP is an NDC wing.

He asked the people not to entertain any fears in joining the party because it will never go with the NDC.

Mr. Tanoh said some political parties have started going round offering gifts to buy votes and cautioned the people to be wary of such parties, saying ''to buy somebody's vote means buying the soul, spirit and body of that person and that of his family. The youth will have no future if we should allow gifts to influence the voting pattern".

Mr. Tanoh called on communities to monitor the usage of monies accruing from the valued added tax to ensure that revenue generated for the development of their areas is not misused.

The NRP he said would revamp the agricultural sector to enable farmers to move away from sustenance farming to commercial farming to reverse the country's over-dependence on imported food.

Mr. Mohammed Sanni, Co-National Treasurer of the party appealed to the people to elect those who will go to parliament and work for their interest and not people who will work for their personal interest.

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