GRi Press Review 26-01-99
GRi's Paul Osei-Tutu in Accra, reviews the Ghanaian press. The stories have not been verified and therefore we cannot vouch for their accuracy.
The Crusading Guide
'Lives in danger at Korle-Bu, as Chief Administrator endorses purchase & use of bad products', is the front-page banner headline of the Crusading Guide. The story has it that the Chef Executive of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Holdbrook-Smith, has been accused of putting the lives of staff and patients at risk by insisting on the continued use of a disinfectant which had been certified as unsuitable by the Ghana Standard Board.
This very serious allegation forms part of the yearlong dispute about procurement practices at the hospital, which has forced the Minister of Health, Mr Nuamah-Donkor, to institute a committee of enquiry.
The paper says, evidence available to it indicates that Dr. Holdbrook-Smith overruled concerns raised by the Chairman of the hospital's Purchasing Committee and the result of the Standard Board's tests which confirmed that the disinfectant, supplied by a hitherto unregistered supplier, was totally unsuitable to be used for decontaminating solid linen and instruments.
The Guide
Reporting on the Reform Movement's final break from the NDC, the Guide's headline reads 'Shock to NDC'. According to the story, the Great Hall of the University of Ghana will on February 4 hosts the national congress of the Reform Movement of the NDC.
The congress will be a prelude to the eventual formation of a political party to contest the 2000 general elections, the paper said.
The paper said this was made known by Mr. Augustine (Goosie) Tanoh, leader of the Reform Movement, which has shaken the otherwise stable foundations of the NDC at a news conference in Accra on Monday.
The Daily Graphic & Ghanaian Times
The two national dailies, have on their front pages, reports on the visit of, Dr.Francis Okello, the United Nations Secretary General's special Envoy in Sierra-Leone, to Ghana as part of a review tour of the situation in Sierra-Leone.
According to the Daily Graphic, the President Flt. Lt. J.J. Rawlings said that, Ghana would support a sub-regional dialogue if only the rebels in Sierra Leone put an end to the torture and vandalism.
The paper says, the President made this known when he met with Dr. Francis Okello at the Castle in Accra. The President noted that though he is not a great admirer of President Tejan Kabbah, he will not agree to the cutting of women and children into pieces no matter what their concerns are.
The Ghanaian Times repeated the Presidents warning to countries in the sub-region supporting the rebels to desist from the act and rather support the regional force, Ecomog to final solution to the problem.
According to Times, Dr. Okello said the gravity of the problem is not being appreciated and there is the need to take immediate steps to curb the problem. Dr. Okello also touched on the humanitarian issue in the country and pleaded with the international community to assist the civilian populace.
The two papers also highlighted the concerns raised by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. James Victor Gbeho about the gravity of the situation, saying 'Democracy must survive in Sierra Leone and the constitutionally elected government must be supported.
The Independent
The Independent reports that leading football commentator, Kwbena Agyapong, is fuming over Rawlings declaration that the murder of three high court judges and a retired army officer that included his father in 1982 was =91swiftly and thoroughly investigated'.
'I want my father's blood from Rawlings' is the caption carried in a front-page story in which Agyapong challenges President's assertion saying, 'it was far from the truth'.
Kwabena Agyapong who was 20 years at the time of the abduction and murder of his father, Justice Kwadwo Adjei Agyepong, said in a press conference that the Special Investigation Board (SIB) that was set up by the PNDC did not delve deep into the matter.
He said the two Fiat Campagnola Jeeps used for the murderous act that were earlier found packed in front of Mrs Rawlings house and the fact that their keys were picked from the dining table were ample evidence implicating Mr. and Mrs. Rawlings.
Mr. Agyapong wants quick answers to why President Rawling's followed Amartey Quaye to the firing range and why Kojo Yankah was sacked'. Mr. Yankah, then editor of the Peoples Daily Graphic' caused Rawlings trip with Quaye to be published.
Agyapong, the Independent says, is calling for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to establish the truth.
Ghana Palaver
A front-page story of the paper reads 'Don't let selfishness override economic issues'. The story, says Mr. Kwame Peprah, Minister of Finance has asked all those charge with the managing of the economy to have dispassionate discussions in order to achieve a robust and viable economy.
According to the story, Mr. Peprah made this known at the opening of a two-day workshop on the Cocoa Sector Development Strategy in Accra. He said 'I am calling for a dispassionate discussion for the simple reason that the document touches on fundamental issues about how the Cocoa sector has been managed since the establishment of the Ghana Cocoa Board in 1947'.
The paper says, Mr. Peprah said there is now greater and improved awareness and transparency in the way business and institution are managed and urged stake holders not to loose sight of the fact that the on-going reforms have culminated in the liberation of economy.
According to the paper, Prof. George Alhassan Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, a member of the task force attributed the low rate of Cocoa Production to the prolonged 1980 droughts, bush fires, abandoning of Cocoa farms, ageing cocoa trees and inadequate control of pest and diseases and suggested a replanting of destroyed and abandoned farms.
Graphic Sports
The Graphic Sports carried a front-page story in which an Accra High Court is inviting Mr. Ato Ahwoi, Board Chairman of the Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club, and 12 executive members to appear before it.
They have been charged with contempt of court over the transfer of Eugene Addo, former player of the team to a German Club.
Mr. Emmanuel C. Quartey, Chairman of Osu Chapter II supporters union who filed the writ said the executive's action constituted a disregard to the High Court order of June 9, 1998, barring transfers to be effected by hearts, while it played in the local premier league and the Champions League of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
He said in total defiance of the order, the defendants had gone, ahead with the transfer of the said player and resorted to tricks with the view of cheating the club, the Ghana Football Association and Addo of their entitlement.
Mr. Quartey is reported saying that the transfer deed of the defendants sought to undermine the authority and integrity of the High Court.
Also carried on the front page is a story in which Ike Quartey of Ghana predicts a Knockout over his much dreaded opponent Oscarde la Hoya.
The back-page previews the Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko Champion of Champions clash on Wednesday. The Graphic Sports thinks it is a dicey game with the technically advantaged side carrying the day.