RAWLINGS CAUTIONS NDC HIERARCHY.

Former President Rawlings today charged the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) not to abdicate the responsibility reposed in them by the people of Ghana or risk killing the party.President Rawlings said ‘usurpers’ with parochial interests, had hijacked the Mills administration hell bent on entrenching their positions on the ruling government.The former President who was speaking at the National Executive Committee meeting of the party at the Royal Majesty Hotel at Nungua said some of these ‘usurpers who had been hiding in rat roles’ during the heady days of the electoral campaign, had today surfaced to make themselves decision makers.On the rot left by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), former President Rawlings said the ‘sins’ of the previous administration would not necessarily destroy society. What will destroy society, he intimated is the inability of the NDC to stem the wave of corruption it inherited by not taking drastic actions.“The NDC’s victory was borne out of the corruption of the NPP but when the new government fails to take action to arrest the situation then society crumbles and corruption becomes of the order of the day,” said.Touching again on the people who had reportedly installed themselves at the Presidency, former President Rawlings said some of these people want to destroy the NDC, others want to protect the investment interests of the NPP and a third group are intent on consolidating political and financial power at the expense of the hungry Ghanaians who voted the party into power.President Rawlings said it was imperative that all members of government recognise the fact that they were not elected as independent candidates but as members of the NDC.“We should not be seen to be behaving as if we were elected on our individual merits. We were elected on a party platform because of a certain campaign agenda central to the party’s ideals. If we do not consult and act as if we owe no responsibility to the people of this country and the rest of the party structure then we will be killing the party.”The former President said he was particularly worried that erroneous impressions are being created that he has his men within the current ministerial structure and hence has no reason to complain.“Stories have been told about how my wife also has about six cronies with major appointments. Let me make it clear to you that we were not consulted on majority of these appointments. And even in situations where there have been any consultations at all no effort has been made to give us feedback if counter opinion has prevailed,” he stated.Former President Rawlings enjoined all members of the National Executive Committee to voice out their concerns about the manner the country is being governed because criticism was crucial to the success of any leadership. He cited a meeting during his tenure of government when Tsatsu Tsikata took him on after he had criticised the then GNPC boss.“After the meeting some leading party members came to me pleading on Tsatsu’s behalf and I told them he did the right thing. He had an opinion contrary to mine and he did not hesitate to voice it out. Let us all do the same,” he intimated.In attendance were all high-ranking members of the party including Vice-President John Dramani Mahama, Chairman Kwabena Adjei, General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Majority Leader Alban Bagbin and a host of Ministers and members of Parliament.KOFI GHANABAThe former President took the opportunity to read out a eulogy he gave at the interment of the late Kofi Ghanaba last Saturday. Ghanaba, the Divine Drummer died on December 22 aged 25. Below is a full text of the ex-President’s tribute.“Ghanaba was a great man with a great mind. Insightful, artistic and deadly accurate. Ghanaba was a blunt master. Had he lived to see the mess being made of the December victory he probably would have described it as sliding the country into a political depression and equally bluntly I would have said that is why I am still in Accra.... feeling too embarrassed to go thanking the great people of Ghana. I keep hoping the usurpers would wake up to their shameless and dangerous behaviour. Sadly you are no longer with us to join us find an answer.Fare thee well the Divine Drummer and give our love and respects to Admiral Owusu Ansah and Captain Huppenbauer and the many other quiet warriors who have lived and died for a change that appears to be favouring the wrong than the right.Someday we shall also join you but not until our work is done and the change the nation voted for becomes a reality.
Source:Signed: Kofi Adam

PROSECUTE SEKYI - APPIAH OFORI

The Member of Parliament for Essikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, P.C. Appiah Ofori says the former Speaker of Parliament, Ebenezer Sekyi-Hughes, should be prosecuted for “stealing” state assets.According to the outspoken MP, the former Speaker should have known that he was not qualified to take away the items in his official residence when leaving office.Mr Sekyi-Hughes’ action, he told Citi news, amounts to thievery and the law must be applied accordingly to serve as a deterrent to other office holders.The items which included household items, electrical appliances, carpets, generator, flower pots and pillow cases, estimated over $300,000, were not part of the benefits under the yet-to-be-implemented Chinery Hesse Committee report on emolument for former state officials.By the Chinery-Hesse committee recommendations, Mr Sekyi-Hughes would be entitled to, among other benefits, dental and medical services, a saloon car and an all purpose vehicle to be provided by the state upon retirement.“I am told by Mr. Alban Bagbin, Majority Leader in Parliament, that he carried away everything including even toilet roll, is that right?" Mr Appiah Ofori quipped.“Considering his position and if indeed he did that then he must have disgraced himself, as this bothers on theft. He said that parliament should write to him to return those items, but failure to do so he should be picked by the police and prosecuted, so as to serve as a deterrent to other public servants.Meanwhile, Mr. Bagbin told Joyfm retrieving the items was not the best thing to do under the circumstances because some of them might not be in good shape as of now.“Packing and repacking them could result in breakages,” he explained.
Source:JFM

GHANA-CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION HOLDS SYMPOSIUM.

The Ghana-Caribbean Association have held a symposium as part of its 52nd independence celebration in Accra.The theme for the symposium was "Ghana-Caribbean relations:the past 50 years and beyond" Speaking at the ceremony the president of the Association Dr.Charlotte Gardiner welcomed all Caribbeans and invited particiopants to the program and thanked them for coming.

During the symposium panelists were chosen to represent various countries.Mr.K.B Asante spoke on the Ghanaian perspective while Mr.Clifford Campbell spoke on the Caribbean perspective.Others include MR.Errick Jones who spoke on the perspective of Caricom and Ambassador Victoria Mendez Charles on the the perspective of Trinidad and Tobago.

All speakers made speeches on the close relationship with the Caribbeans for the past years and finding better friendship the years ahead. Speaking on the Ghanaian perspective,Mr.k.B Asante narrated some close partnership with the Carribean during Dr.Kwame Nkrumah turner as the president of Ghana.He shared lasting memories of Ghana and the Caribbean which lead to various developments both in the Caribbean and Ghana. Africari performed some good songs to entertain participants.

BY MICHAL AMEDOR.

KASA HOLDS ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION WITH GHANAIAN JOURNALISTS ON NRE.

Kasa, a non governmental Organisation have held a day round table discussion workshop for Ghanaian Journalists on Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) in Accra. Journalists were drawn from both the print and electronic media based in Accra.The theme for discussion was "Natural Resource And Environment: Media As An Effective Advocacy Partner In Shaping Public Opinion And Influencing Policy". The objectives of the round table workshop is to provide the platform for a constructive discussion on the media’s role in shaping public opinion and influencing policy discussions, thus helping to identify the nature and modalities for active engagement of the media in NRE discussions. Specifically to identify challenges needed to be addressed in order to make the use of the media as an effective advocacy tool in the NRE sector, raise awareness about the opportunities for the media to enhance accountability and sustainable exploitation of mineral and natural resources including forest products and finally stimulate thinking and interest about new partnerships with civil society, that both media and CSOs can work together in a concerted effort to influence policy in the NRE sector.The media and campaign Director,ISODEC Dr.Steve Manteaw who was the lead discussant made a presentation on "the pursuit of good governance in natural resources extraction" which includes, gold mining and the illusive pursuit of development,the change of maximizing benefits from natural extractions,Ghana's EITI and natural resource Governance and some global initiatives to reverse the resource curse syndrome among others. He advised Journalists to do more analysis when writing their stories. Giving an overview of the Kasa Program,madam Sarah naa dedei Abgbey of SNV said Kasa's specific objectives of operation is to promote an evidence based research and advocacy on NREG policy matrice targets and NRE issues in general,strengthen capacities and learning mechanisms,managing and diburse grants and document lessons learned from kasa.Mr. George Sarpong, the Executive Director,Media commission of Ghana led Journalists through a presentation on "media reporting and natyral resource and environment:what makes the news? ".Kasa has also hosted a broader civil society consultation forum on NRE governanace and civil society engagement in the sector January this year. Kasa means "speak".

BY:MICHAEL F. AMEDOR

EX-SPEAKER OF GHANA PARLIAMENT READY TO PAY FOR "STOLEN" ITEMS.

Former Speaker, Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes, has told the Minority Leader, Hon Kyei Mensah-Bonsu that he is ready and willing to pay for all items he took away from his official residence if that decision is taken.Hon Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu tells Citi News Mr Hughes expressed his willingness to pay for the items when he spoke with him to enquire why he had stripped his official residence bare.The Parliamentary Service Board is expected to meet on the matter. The Board would discuss how to retrieve the furnishings and equipment, which, according to Majority Leader Alban Bagbin, amounts to over four billion old cedis.Rt Hon Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes, according to Majority Leader, Alban Bagbin stripped bare his official residence leaving only wall unit air conditions and a doormat.Both Majority and Minority Leaders of Parliament have confirmed to CitiFM that Rt Hon Sekyi House indeed took away virtually everything from his official residence upon leaving office.The two leaders of the House have also hinted Citi News in separate interviews that all the gym equipment and standby generator may be retrieved from the former Speaker.He may however have to pay for the other furnishings.Hon Mensah-Bonsu said it was wrong for the former Speaker to have taken the items away when no inventory had been taken pending a definitive decision by the Board as to whether former speaker's could leave with those items.
Source:CitiFM

ASANTE QUARAN LAUNCHED.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission,Ghana has formally launched the Asante translation of the holy Quaran in Accra.At the launch the head of the Mission Maulvi Wahab Adam said the importance of the translation was to aid all to understand the life and teaching of the Holy Prophet Muhammed . "This will contribute alot to society". The transilation which took approxemately five years was done by Ahaji Yusuf Ahmad Edusei a veteran Ahmadi Muslim missionary and funded by Ahaji Ibrahim Bonsu also a veteran Ahmadi Muslim missionary with an amount of 12,000 pound sterling for publication.He further stated that Harat Mirza Masroor Ahmad,Khalifatu Mashi V,the 5th successor to the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community helped the translation to be pubublished in London. Mr.Wahab retirated that "the Holy Quaran was revealed to the Holy prophet of Islam,Muhammed on whom be peace and blessing of Allah. It is our belief that it is the final revealed law of Allah to man and will provide guidance for man to the end of time.That is why it has been preserved by Allah without a change even of a dot for 1500 years after revalation" .He encourage all Muslims who cannot read the arabic Quaran to use the new Asante Quaran.The Asante Quaran is for sale in all muslim Missionary bookshops throughout the country.

BY: Hann Alseny

CATHOLIC CHURCH COMMENDED FOR ITS VISION-PRESIDENT MILLS.

President John Evans Atta Mills, has commended the wisdom and vision of the Catholic Church, which have helped contributed immensely to the development of the country. He said the church had not only contributed meaningfully to the educational and health sectors but it has also instilled Christian moral values and principles in the citizenry, which have culminated in the total wellbeing of the people.President Mills made the commendation in a speech, read on his behalf, by Mr. Mahmud Khalid, Upper West Regional Minister at the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Nandom Senior High School at Nandom at the weekend.The anniversary was on the theme: "Nandom Senior High School, the cradle of excellence in the era of the new educational reforms and the way forward."President Mills said the wealth and development of any nation was measured on the quality of its educational systems and the products they turned out to take up the developmental challenges of that nation. He said the type of training given to students and pupils at the basic and tertiary education levels must therefore conform to the changing demands of the present system and realities of the time. "Education is a strategic tool in the socio-economic development of the people and government is determined to develop a programme that would create an enabling environment for all children in the country to be provided with education," President Mills said. He said the neglect of basic infrastructural development of schools that resulted in some of them being labelled as "endowed and less endowed schools" and the poor academic performance of the less endowed ones was unfortunate.He said government would work hard to narrow the disparity in development by providing rural schools with logistics to improve their performance and stem migration.President Mills acknowledged the excellent performance of the Nandom Senior High School and said the school was among some of the best schools in the country that were the standards. He appealed to the teachers and students to do more to sustain the excellent performance of the school. He urged former students to continue to support their schools, noting: "without their support many schools would not be what they are today".He appealed to parents to monitor the progress of their children through regular visits to the schools and finding out from teachers the performance of their children. President Mills asked the school authorities to take stock of the challenges of the school and work assiduously to address them. He assured them that the government would take a critical look at some of the needs of the school and provide them to enhance progress. He tasked the Lawra District Assembly to provide a 10-seater- KVIP for the school. The Catholic Bishop of Wa, the Most Reverend Dr. Paul Bemile, said education should address the moral issues of society. "The injection of moral education into the educational system would make our products unique," he said. Mr. Khalid presented a GH¢1,000 to the school on behalf of President Mills.
Source:GNA

GHANA PLAYS BENIN TODAY!!!

Kick-off: Sunday, March 29 2009, 17:00(GMT) Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi.

African powerhouse nation Ghana host Benin in the opening game of the second phase of joint qualifying for both the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2010 African Nations Cup.
Man Under Fire: The pressure is on for Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac, who has made one of the most daring selections by a national coach in recent years. The Serbian kept an entire nation guessing before releasing a list that came as a shock to some fans. The 22-man squad to face Benin in the opening 2010 World Cup qualifier is part of a wider pool of players he will be relying upon during six games that could catapult him to hero status if he eventually achieves World Cup qualification.
Previous coach, Ratomir Djukovitch managed to send the Black Stars to their first ever World Cup finals, and Rajevac is under intense pressure to deliver similar results for the Ghanaian people. The tactician, who doesn’t have much support in the country, is still struggling to integrate himself with the culture and after failing to lead the Local Black Stars to glory in the CHAN tournament in Cote d’Ivoire earlier this month, the fans are calling for him to be sacked.
Benin Looking To Surprise
Ghana have traditionally been slow starters in major competition qualifiers and in 2006 lost their opening final group qualifier against Burkina Faso before recovering to qualify ahead of South Africa. They come up against a Benin side that is, for the most part, based in the French leagues. Only two of the players in the squad picked for this encounter ply their trade in the Benin top flight.
Home advantage will no doubt be a big factor in this game, but the visiting minnows should not be counted on, as they will certainly put up a fight. The clash will be the first meeting between the two sides since Ghana beat Benin 4-2 in the finals of the Zenith Four Nation tourney in Accra in November 2007, a competition proving the fact that Benin can hold their own in Africa.
TEAM NEWSGhanaHearts Midfielder Laryea Kingston has been ruled out for two months with a torn ligament, and will therefore be unavailable. NAC Breda striker Matthew Amoah is also out with an injury to his knee suffered in January. Asamoah Gyan and Michael Essien are back in the squad after recoveries from injury, while defender John Mensah will not recover in time for the game. Junior Agogo and Haminu Dramani were not selected for the Benin game.
Squad: Richard Kingston, Philemon MacCarthy, John Paintsil, Samuel Inkoom, Harrison Affu), Nana Akwasi Asare, Jonathan Mensah, Jonathan Quartey, Isaac Vorsah, Eric Addo, Daniel Yeboah, Rahim Ayew, Moussa Narry, Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, Anthony Annan, Sulley Muntari, Kwadwo Asamoah, Asamoah Gyan, Mathew Amoah, Samuel Yeboah, Prince Tagoe.
Benin
The squad includes the influential trio of Sessgnon Stephane of Paris Saint-Germain, burly striker Razak Omotoyossi of Saudi side, Al Nasr and Maiga Abou of French second division side, US Creteil. The rest of the team is dominated by players from French Lower divisions and has only two local players in Patrice and Salomon Junior.
Squad: Djidonou Yoann, Tardieu Beno, Adenon Khaled, Adjamossi, Agnide Moustapha, Chrysostome Damien, Glele John, Johnson Reda, Salomon Junior, Ahoueya Jocelyn, Angan Pascal, Boco Romuald, Djokoue Patrice, Kobena Nouhoum, Koukou Djiman, Olou Oscar, Tchomogo Seidah, Sessegnon Stephane, Omotoyossi Razak, Pote Micka, Maiga Abou.
PREDICTIONGhana will make the most of home advantage in this game, using the support from their fans to motivate themselves to a win over opposition that, on paper, is inferior to them. Benin will fight in the game, but I feel that anything short of a good win for Ghana is an unlikely prediction. Home advantage will certainly be a tough obstacle for Benin to overcome.Ghana 3-0 Benin

BY:Peter Pedroncelli, Goal.com

THE ORDER OF MERIT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY BESTOWED ON STEPHEN ANTWI.

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Marius Haas, handed over the Order of the Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany to Mr. Stephen Antwi, President of the Ghanaian-German Economic Association (GGEA), bestowed on him by the German Federal President Horst Köhler. The ceremony took place at a Lunch hosted by the GGEA with the Honourable Hanna Tetteh, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Ghana, as guest of honour. Mr. Antwi was honoured for his services rendered as lawyer to the German Embassy as well as for his relentless and successful efforts to promote trade and business between Ghana and Germany , for enlarging the operational basis of the GGEA and turning it into a comprehensive and profitable organization.

SOURCE:GERMAN EMBASSY

U.S AMBASSADOR INAUGURATES PROJECT FOR CAPE COAST SCHOOL OF THE DEAF.

The US Ambassador, Mr Donald Teitelbaum on Thursday inaugurated a 5,000- dollar Poultry Farm Project for the Cape Coast School for the Deaf (Cape deaf) as part of the Ambassador's Special Self-Help programme.Mr Teitelbaum said the project would not only benefit the school economically, but also serve as a protein supplement for the daily diet of the students and as practical training in poultry farming. He said the Special Self-Help Programme, which started in 1990 had contributed more than one million dollars to the almost 400 projects executed throughout the country.The beneficiary communities are expected to make substantial contribution towards the success of the projects to ensure its sustenance.Mr Teitelbaum said it was expected that the beneficiary communities would be empowered through increased access to education, health, income generation, vocational training and good sanitation practices. "We are proud to be part of the project; we have a lot of faith in the school and we have the confidence that they will deliver their best to support it," he said.The Headmistress of the school, Ms. Barbara Ennin said the poultry project which was started in 2004 through the support of American University of Rome received support from the US Embassy in 2007. She expressed gratitude to the U.S Embassy for establishing an income generating venture that will earn the school a revolving fund for its agricultural projects and also enhance the knowledge of the students in poultry farming.
Source:GNA

AGRIC MINISTER VISITS FOOSHEGO DAM FOR A MAJOR GERMAN DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION PROJECT.

"We are so happy that our dam is finally repaired" says Amina Ousman from Fooshego village in northern Ghana. "When the dam broke after the heavy rains in September 2007 we called the government to repair it. The German Ambassador came to tell us that there was a project coming to repair our dam. Funny enough, the first person to come was Anthony Dzatse, a sociologist and not an engineer." Anthony is working for the German Development Cooperation Dam Rehabilitation Program in Tamale, financed under a food aid project by the German Government in 2008 with 900.000 Euro. He organized the people before the work could be launched. Fred Machein, water engineer and project of the German Development Service (DED), started afterwards with assessing the damage and planning the repair work.
The organization did not follow the traditional rules of food for work. The people had two conditions: they only wanted maize and they wanted every family to participate, with changing workers. From May to December 2008 15000 people of which 61% were women shared 65000 workdays. Remuneration was about 2 € per day paid in maize according to the purchasing price.
The technology transfer by the project was simple: There were no machines used, only manual labour, even for compaction of the material. Vetiver grass was planted to stabilize the dams; in a second phase the villagers will be informed how to protect the whole catchment area to prevent siltation of the water bodies. Two simple arch bridges were built with advice of a Rwandan engineer to facilitate transportation of agricultural produce to the market.
The project has so far worked on 19 dam sites belonging to 64 communities with a total population of 76000 people who can benefit again from the water throughout the year. The water is used for drinking, other domestic purposes, livestock, fishing, and gardening and thus allows the people to stay in their villages and perform economic activities throughout the year.
By the end of the program in April 2009 the project will have reached about 200.000 people around 35 sites. Amina was talking about "our" dam; this is the most important outcome of the dam rehabilitation program in Northern Ghana. The beneficiary communities understand that they own the dams and are responsible for repair and maintenance. Salamatou Ali adds "when the dam was broken, we had to walk three hours to reach the water, now it is ten minutes".
The Market Oriented Agriculture Programme of the German Development Cooperation under its fisheries value chain will continue to organize the villagers to build sustainable production units based on these water bodies.

SOURCE:GERMAN EMBASSY

CHINESE EXPEDITION IN GHANA

Chinese Expedition to Cross the Sahara Desert

Yunnan Province – People’s Republic of China:

On March 1, 2009, at the Auditorium of the Yunnan Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Kunming, the Chinese Exploration Team of adventurer-explorer Jin Fei Bao and geoscientist Fei Xuan announced their “Expedition to Cross the Sahara Desert”. They will be joined by photographer and journalist Wang Yongji from the New China Agency.This historic expedition marks the first time a Chinese team will be crossing the Sahara from west to east. The team chose Ghana as a starting point due to the long history of good relations between China and Ghana – and for the political stability and hospitality that Ghana is famous for.During this historic journey, the Chinese team (led by China’s famed explorer Jin Fei Bao) will document environmental concerns such as desertification and the preservation of habitat for the protection of plant and animal species. They will also serve as goodwill ambassadors for China and hope to increase awareness among Chinese people of the potential that Africa holds for tourism opportunities and investment.The Ghana portion of the 88-day expedition begins at the shore of the Atlantic Ocean on April 7 in Accra and ends on April 18 when the team enters Burkina Faso. The expedition will cross seven countries in all: Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Algeria, Libya and Egypt, where the journey will end at the Red Sea after a trek of more than 7800 kilometres.Fei Xuan is a member of the Yunnan Committee of the CPPCC and Deputy Director of the Economic Council for the same committee. He is also the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Yunnan Association of Geosciences, and economic management expert for Geological Prospecting and Mining. Jin Fei Bao is based in Kunming and is the owner of a travel and adventure tour agency. Also a member of the CPPCC, he is known for his daring exploits, having faced many challenges in some of the harshest places on the planet. He has climbed Mount Everest and the highest mountains on seven continents, and has journeyed to both the North and South Poles on skis. Crossing the Sahara has been his dream and now becomes his next great adventure. In 2008, Jin Fei Bao and Fei Xuan completed China’s first crossing of Greenland, setting the first Chinese footprints on the icecaps of Greenland, and becoming “Heroes of China” and the pride of Yunnan. The expedition is sponsored by the Hongta Group and the People’s Government of Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province, in association with the Yunnan Committee of China Association for Promoting Democracy. The team will utilise various modes of travel, including vehicles, by camel, trekking and river canoes. The expedition marks a new chapter in Chinese history in the Sahara by covering the longest mileage, crossing the most countries, and marking the first time the desert is being traversed from the west to the east by Chinese.Beginning the trek in the climate and terrain of equatorial Africa will allow the team to observe firsthand the subtle changes in climate and topography as the trek continues north into the Sahel and ultimately into the forbidding landscapes of the great Sahara Desert.During their time in Ghana, the team will meet with some members of the tourism industry and visit many of Ghana’s historical and natural attractions, including the forts at Cape Coast, Kakum Park, Kumasi, Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Kintampo Falls, Mole Park, Sirigu Pottery Village and the Paga Crocodile Pond. The team is particularly excited by this unique opportunity to personally meet so many of Africa’s diverse cultural and ethnic groups as they pursue their quest.
Source:Robert Burch

AMBASSADOR DIAN TRIANSYAH DJANI OF INDONESIA ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD.

BY:HANN ALSENY

The 46th executive session of the UNCTAD's Trade and Development Board (TDB) have unanimously elected Ambassador Dian Triansyah Djani, the Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the United Nations, to the World Trade Organization and other international organizations in Geneva, as President of the TDB for the term of April to September 2009.
The election of Ambassador Djani as the President of the TDB, to replace Ambassador Debapriya Bhattacharya of Bangladesh, was fully supported by the Asian Group of G-77 and China in UNCTAD.
The Session also endorsed the proposal of the Asian Group to have Mr. Jesús S. Domingo from the Permanent Mission of Philippines as the Vice-President, to replace Pakistan.
As President of the TDB, Ambassador Djani’s main task will be to follow up the implementation of the Accra Accord emanating from the UNCTAD XII Conference in Ghana in 2008, which covers the issues of the integrated treatment of trade and development, and the interrelated issues of finance, investment, technology and sustainable development.
As President, Ambassador Djani will chair the Board’s meetings until September 2009. He will also preside over the TDB President’s monthly consultations with members and the bureau, the Public Symposium for Civil Society in May 2009, and the 47th executive session in Africa in June 2009. Ambassador Djani will also participate in the Special High-Level Meeting of ECOSOC with the Bretton Woods institutions, WTO and UNCTAD in New York on 27 April 2009.
Ambassador Debapriya Bhattacharya of Bangladesh had served as President of the TDB since September 2008. "I would like to place on record my deep appreciation for the total commitment, enthusiasm and dedication with which he led UNCTAD's follow-up to Accra," said Mr. Supachai, Secretary-General of UNCTAD.
The Trade and Development Board is the highest intergovernmental body of UNCTAD between Conferences, which has decision-making, policy and governance functions.
SOURCE:UNCTAD

GERMAN PAVILION OFFICIALLY OPENED AT ACHIMOTA HIGH SCHOOL.

BY:MICHAEL AMEDOR.

In the presence of the Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Accra, Mr. Hans Christian Winkler, the Head Mistress of Achimota High School, Mrs. Beatrice Adom and the Director of the German Cultural Institute the Goethe-Institut,
Ms. Eleonore Sylla, the German Pavilion at Achimota High School has been officially opened in Accra.
The Achimota High School, Accra was selected by the German Government as the first school in Ghana to be included in the German Government’s „Partner School Programme" which includes 1000 schools worldwide to foster the presence of the German Language worldwide and improve possibilities of pupils to get access to the German Language. German is the language most widely spoken in the European Union and gives access to the worlds biggest trading partner.
The German Pavilion is equipped with learning materials, audiovisual media and computers and received a financial contribution by the German Government of over 45.000 € (85.000 GHC at current rate).
The German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier launched the "Schools: Partners for the Future" Initiative.
Its goal is to build up a worldwide network of at least 1000 partner schools to support young people's interest and enthusiasm for modern-day Germany, German society and German Language. Additional funds to the tune of 45 million euro have been earmarked for the initiative. It is coordinated and implemented by the Federal Foreign Office– amongst others - in cooperation the Goethe-Institut
The network of German schools abroad and schools offering the German Language Certificate will be strengthened and extended. In addition, cooperation between schools will be expanded to anchor German as a foreign language more firmly in national education systems. We want to develop fruitful and long-lasting ties with Germany and inspire schools, their teachers and pupils to enjoy an open exchange of views and engage in cooperation. For this reason the initiative plans to support many schools with a broad range of services.
By providing additional courses the initiative will help both pupils and teachers to acquire training with a long-term impact. The initiative will thus extend young people's skills, preparing them for study in Germany and a subsequent career. The number of full grants for study in Germany is to be doubled for graduates of German schools abroad and partner schools. The international award programme will allow even more pupils from abroad to experience Germany first hand for several weeks.

SOURCE:GERMAN EMBASSY

PARLIAMENT APPROVES OF FIFI KWETEY.

Parliament Friday night approved the nomination of Mr Fifi Kwetey as a Deputy Minister- designate for Finance and Economic Planning. A heated and prolonged debate heralded his endorsement, which saw the House going into a long voting procedure after the Minority had rejected a head count of members.Moving the motion for the approval of Mr Kwetey, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, Chairman of the Appointments Committee of Parliament said the Committee carried out its duty diligently in accordance to the 1992 Constitution and the Standing Orders of the House with respect to the nomination of Mr. Kwetey.He said the committee, having satisfied itself that the nominee has fully met the requirement of the Constitution and called on members of the House to approve the nomination of Mr Kwetey. The Minority, however, called on the House to reject the nominee based on various reasons.The Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said the integrity of people nominated to hold public office matters should be established and that members of the House should be discerning and consider the interest of the nation by doing what was right and reject the nominee. He said Mr. Kwetey made false allegations against the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government and when his attention was drawn to that he replied that what he said was true and that given the opportunity he would do it again.Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu described Mr Kwetey's rhetoric's as "improper and unfortunate," adding that, the nominee did not show any humility during the vetting, which does not augur well for someone seeking public office.Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, NPP member for Manhyia said the nominee's behaviour during his vetting was not a good example for the youth and the nation as a whole.He said Mr. Kwetey appeared before the Committee "not as an individual but as a party and even refused to swear the oath with the excuse that he does not tell liar.""President Evans Atta Mills even swore an oath not because he was a liar but that it was an onerous obligation to Ghanaians" and advised the President to replace Mr Kwetey with another person.Mr. Isaac Asiamah, NPP-Atwima-Mponua said the nominee told lies to the Committee by saying that, the NPP government had sold the gold reserves of the country, which turnout to be untrue and wondered how such a person could be reward with a position as a Minister of Finance.He called for Mr. Kwetey's rejection to save the nation and Parliament from embarrassment. Mr Dominic Azumah, NDC-Garu-Tempane urged the House to approve Mr Kwetey's nomination and described him as a dynamic, young and decent gentleman. He said Mr Kwetey has learnt his lessons and must be given the chance to exhibit qualities for the benefit of the nation.Mr Inusah Abdulai Fuseini, NDC-Tamale Central said throughout the Minority's argument that Mr Kwetey should be rejected, none of them doubted his qualification to hold the position.He said they only talked about news reports attributed to Mr Kwetey, which the nominee did not invent and cited an example of one of such stories the nominee got from a Daily Graphic report way back in 1996. At a point during the debate, the Minority members started shouting "We want Asaga, we want Asaga," indicating that they preferred Mr Moses Asaga, NDC-Nabdam and former Deputy Minister of Finance to Mr Kwetey. Three other Deputy Ministers were unanimously approved by the House.They are Dr Kwesi Akyem Apea-Kubi, Deputy Minister-designate for Interior; Mrs Dzifa Aku Attivor, Deputy Minister-designate for Transport and Mr Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Deputy Minister-designate for Local Government and Rural development.
Source:GNA

AI LAUNCHES REPORT ON DEATH PENALTY

Amnesty International (AI) Ghana on Tuesday said it was opposed to the death penalty in all cases without exception, regardless of the nature of the crime, the characteristics of the offender or the method used to kill the prisoner.It said the death penalty was the ultimate denial of human rights. It was the premeditated and cold-blooded killing of a human being by the state, adding that this was a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment done in the name of justice.Speaking at the launch of the Death Penalty Statistics in Accra, Mr. Vincent Adzahlie-Mensah, Board Chairman of AI, said: "It is carried out in the name of the nation's entire population and affects everyone. Everyone should be aware of what the death penalty is, how it is used, how it affects them and how it violates fundamental rights."The AI, which has campaigned for the abolition since 1977 publishes statistics on death penalty annually as one of its most important media events despite the fact that over half of the world is moving away from death penalty. Debate is, however, still alive in a number of countries to either retain or introduce the death penalty as a deterrent to crime. According to AI statistics 2,390 people were known to have been executed in 25 countries in 2008.It said 92 countries had abolished the death penalty in law and practice in 2008 and another 10 had also abolished the death penalty for some crimes. In Africa, countries such as Togo, Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire had taken steps to abolish it.The AI Chairman said in May 2008, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommended that Ghana abolished the death penalty. Mr Adzahlie-Mensah said Ms Florence Nakazikwe, Death Penalty Coordinator, Amnesty International Research, had shown that the death penalty was often applied in discriminatory manner and used disproportionately against the poor, minorities and members of racial ethnic and religious communities, especially imposed after a grossly unfair trial.She explained that the death penalty had not been proved to have any deterrent effect.She said China, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the US recorded a high number of state sanctioned killing through beheading, stoning and lethal injections. Mr. Tuinesse Edward Amuzu, Executive Director, Legal Resource Centre, said it was hypocritical to impose the death penalty but not carry out executions. He therefore called on the government to abolish it because it violated the right to life as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.He said the absence of the death penalty was the permanent measure of civilization, human rights awareness and humility. Mr Amuzu said the country's judicial system had too many flaws which made it possible to sentence people to death and not give them room to seek redress.He was of the view that it was better to take freedom away from perpetrators of heinous crimes and leave them to their conscience than take their lives and end it all for them. According to Mr Amuzu, execution did not reduce crimes but rather instigated followers and generations of such people to perpetuate more crimes to atone for such state perpetuated torture and killings.
Source:GNA

PRESS RELEASE ON GERMAN -GHANA ACADEMIC COOPERATION.

The KNUST Business School is hosting a major event highlighting German-Ghanaian academic cooperation in Kumasi on March 24.

In cooperation with the of this renowned institution organize a four-day seminar on the topic of "Managing Africa's Resources Sustainably". This seminar will bring together representatives of business, public institutions and academia to discuss this very topical issue for Ghana’s immediate economic and social development. Academic Professors from Freiberg, Germany will be part of this seminar.

The Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Accra, Mr. Hans Christian Winkler, will be present in Kumasi on March 24 and deliver a speech on recent developments in Germany's scientific cooperation. Germany is more than ever
increasing its scientific cooperation with partner countries in Africa.

Ghana is hosting two major scientific institutions where Germany and Ghana are cooperating very closely with programmes such as the ARPPIS at the University of Ghana, Legon the Center of Excellence in Developmental Studies and the SPRING programme at the KNUST, Kumasi the Center for Spatial Economy in Cooperation with the University of Dortmund.

In 2008 the German Government funded about 250 scholarships to both Ghanaian as well as German individuals through its Academic Exchange Service, DAAD, to foster the mutual cooperation.
All these recent development will be highlighted in a speech by the Director of the Centre of the German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD, Dr. Heike Edelmann-Okinda

SOURCE: GERMAN EMBASSY.

WEIJA DAM FACES SERIOUS DANGER.

The Weija Dam is facing serious threats from the effects of encroachment.The encroachers have built close to the dam, the intake plant and the headworks.This came to light when the Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Albert Abongo, paid a familiarization tour to the dam site on Friday.The visit was to afford the new minister the opportunity to acquaint himself with the condition of the dam.Consequently, he said the ministry would embark on an exercise to educate the communities living near the dam on the need to protect it and to desist from building too close to the dam.Mr Kweku Botwe, acting director of the Ghana Water Company, told the minister that the encroachers were posing serious threat to the Weija dam and as a result, the company was constructing a fence wall around it.He said the 54-kilometre wall, which is 23 per cent complete, will cost the company GH¢6.4 million and is expected to solve the problem of encroachment.The production manager at the Weija head works, Michael Amuakwa, said the residents could be affected seriously in case of spillage, particularly by chlorine gas, due to their proximity to the treatment plant.He said the plant is a strategic asset that should not have people living close to it, and cited the example of Israel where military personnel protect their water treatment plants.Mr Amuakwa said the plant produced 50 million gallons of water daily and said this production would increase to 55 million gallons in June when rehabilitation: works on the plant are completed.He dismissed claims that the plant pumped untreated water to its consumers and noted that the situation was due to the tampering of the GWCL pipelines which caused dirt to enter the lines.
Source:Ghanaian Times

40% OF GHANAIANS HAVE MENTAL PROBLEM.

About forty percent (40%) of the 22 million Ghanaian population, are said to have some kind of mental problem but the country lacks the logistics to solve the problem.In an interview with the Accra-based FM station, PeaceFM, the Chief Psychiatrist of the Accra Psychiatric hospital, Dr. Akwasi Osei, explained that mental ill-health does not refer to those who are insane only, but also to anyone who has a thinking problem or depression.He added that the whole country has only four psychiatric doctors in the public service and that has made mental healthcare delivery problematic and so keeps on increasing.Dr. Osei expressed this sentiment to Peace FM on Monday 23rd March. He said lack of psychiatric doctors to act quickly on minor mental illnesses is what leads to major ones, which are commonly referred to as madness.Besides appealing to the government to help train more psychiatric doctors, Dr. Osei advised Ghanaians to visit the psychiatric hospitals, especially those with depression problems to check their mental status in order to reduce the number of mentally ill people in the country, which currently stands at 40%.
Source:pfm/John Nyaaba

VOLTA REGION READY FOR NATIONAL ATHLETICS COMPETITION

The Volta Regional Sports Development Officer, Mr Gabriel Yao Missodey on Monday affirmed the readiness of the Region to host this year's National Athletics competition. He said all necessary preparations have been made to make the competition a success.Mr Missodey who was speaking to the GNA Spots in an interview at Ho said "arrangements for accommodation and feeding have already been completed to forestall any unforeseen challenges."He said the Region is also prepared to stage a "Host and Win" campaign and called for the support of all from the region. "We've got our 16-member team in place made up of 10 men and six women and we are confident of their capability of guiding the region to chalk sucess in the competition," Mr. Missodey said. Mr Missodey said the Regional Sports Council has instituted measures to keep the team in form by organizing some international competitions with neighbouring Togo.He said the team would be on standby for all national and international competitions and appealed for support from financial institutions and other corporate organizations to support the team and its efforts at reviving sports in the Region.Mr Adolf K. Ladji, Regional Administrative Officer of the Sports Council said the regional team includes Abdul Karimu, Quashie Justice, Kpadangble Mawufemor, Prosper Awasiame and Aborli Michael.The others are Zaccheaus Mamo, Mempene Richard, Gbadago Bless, Fefe Christian and Muhamed Salifu, Mavis Latey, Dortsu Mary, Ahu Celestine, Torbi Patience, Ablormeti Angela and Krah Edith.The competition scheduled for March 29, this year is yet to be confirmed.The competition would include athletes from all the ten regions, security services and the Ghana Universities Sports Association.
Source:GHP

CATHOLIC PRIEST WORRIED ABOUT RAMPANT CURSES IN SOCIETY.

Reverend Monsignor Thomas Manu, Vicar-General of the Konongo-Mampong Catholic Diocese, has expressed concern about the spate of invocation of curses on people by aggrieved persons.He said such an evil act being perpetuated by people including Christians had negative effects on humanity and it was time efforts were made to discourage people from such practices.Addressing members of the Saint Anthony Catholic Church at Ejisu on the effect of curses, Monsignor Manu attributed the increasing rate of deaths and suffering to the invocation of curses and other evil spirits on people by aggrieved persons including Christians. "Invocation of spirit is even condemned by traditionalists, then how come that Christians of today have started embracing it?" he asked. He said he was surprised at the way even some prominent politicians were using invocation to defend their political statements. Monsignor Manu advised Ghanaians, particularly Christians to put an end to such negative behaviour to make Christianity more attractive to others.
Source:GNA

50 GHANAIANS DETAINED IN TURKEY

Fifty Ghanaians who, arrived in Istanbul, Turkey on Friday, ostensibly to attend the ongoing fifth World Water Forum have been detained awaiting deportation to Ghana by Monday.The detainees, mainly barbers, hairdressers and other artisans, were prevented by immigration officials from entering Turkey because they could not provide documentation to back their claim that they were participants at the conference.The detainees could hardly express themselves in the English language even though they had indicated in their passports professions which required proficiency in English. They are said to have arrived in Turkey by Emirate Airlines via Dubai.Turkish Immigration officials confirmed to the Times the detention of the Ghanaians, but declined to give names.A source at the immigration office said the detainees upon interrogation, alleged that a staff of an airline in Accra told them that participants at the forum would be granted visas on entry to Turkey and lured them into paying huge sums of money to take advantage of the situation.A source said the forum was intended for persons and organisations whose work related to water and sanitation and environment in particular. To avoid impostors, each participant was given a secret code and their names entered into a special data."The detainees who flew to Turkey on Emirate Airlines via Dubai are likely to be deported to Ghana tomorrow, March 23", the source said.
Source:Ghanaian Times

NEW COMPANY EMERGES TO BOOST TAX COLLECTION

A new financial institution, christened Marimens Group, has emerged on the Ghanaian market, to help people to file their taxes and facilitate the country's bubbling macro-industry. The company, which was inaugurated in Accra, at the weekend, aims at educating entrepreneurs on record keeping, assist individuals and corporate organisations to invest and to come out with business proposals.The business entity also runs Marimens Institute of Technology, where seminars and training programmes are organised for business managers and leaders. Mr Humphrey Mensah, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company, said in his inaugural address that the company, had the objective of establishing an assured management and technology consultancy, to serve the financial and business development needs of the macro economy."Today we are celebrating a milestone as well as another step forward in the Ghanaian community's effort to nurture a climate that encourages the use and appreciation of intellectualism, accounting, finance, construction, investment and information communication and technology."Mr Mensah said Marimens was committed to provide stellar customer services devoid of bureaucracy. Mr Samuel Ayisi, Barrister at Law at the Bank of Ghana, who chaired the function, said the secret of a fruitful pension lied mainly on investments.He observed that every worker who strives to block all revenue leakages, lead a modest life and cultivate the culture of saving is bound to enjoy a good pension. Mr Ayisi, who gave a lecture on Investment, noted that most Ghanaians spend money on useless things. He said any worker who spent more than he or she earned or was fond of borrowing money, was in the danger of begging during retirement. Mr Samuel Aryee, a Chartered Accountant and Head of Finance at the Adenta Municipal Assembly, also expressed the need for entrepreneurs to be meticulous about record keeping in order to ensure that their businesses are in line with their investment vision.
Source:GNA

KUFUOR INSTITUTE OF LEADERSHIP TRAINING SPEAKS OUT.

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE KUFUOR INSTITUTE OF LEADERSHIP TRAINING ON THE PLANNED DEMONIZATION OF PRESIDENT KUFUOR ON 23RD MARCH 2009

Since the time the former president His Excellency, John Agyekum Kufuor handed over power to the NDC government on the 7Th of January, 2009; there have been numerous issues and comments in the public domain trying to tarnish his image and the good reputation he gained both locally and internationally. It all started with the issue of his end of service benefits and entitlements. This became an issue of discussion in various circles in the country. Some group of persons stood on this issue and branded him as greedy and selfish. Immediately after, the issue of his cars which the current government ordered him to return for replacement also became a matter of public discussions and deliberations. Just when this issue was yet to be exhausted, there was a controversy over his private office. Some people who in their selfish interest think they have something against him have tried to use these issues to demonize him.Inspite of all the comments people have been making, we have never heard him make any public statement on any of them. This tells the humility of the man we are talking about, no wonder many call him the ‘Gentle Giant’. But it’s very unfortunate that some people are trying to take the undue advantage of his quietness to trample on his feet.We the executive of the Kufuor Institute of Leadership Training decided not to make any comment on these issues. We thought they are national issues and should be handled by the current government since ex-president Kufuor is a national asset.Until recently a group of young men calling themselves the Ga-Dangbe Youth Association arose from no where to demand the office complex of the former president just because it is situated on their land. We believe it is a deliberate attempt by some individuals or group of persons in the country to embarrass Mr. Kufuor. By looking at the sequence of issues that are unraveling, only heaven knows what will happen next. We see the behaviour of the Ga-Dangbe Youth Association as one of the unfortunate incidents that has taken place in this twenty first century in this country. It was in the traditional days that lands were vested in the hands of families and tribes. In these modern times, huge tracts of land have passed on into private hands. Social changes and continued contact with the western countries and increasingly now with the east have encouraged private ownership of land. This has made it possible to find enclaves of communities that resemble simple society in some part of the country occupied by some particular group of people who are not the original occupantsA typical example in the Ashanti region are Aboabo, Moshie Zongo, Allah Bar, Fante New Town, Anloga and many others where people of either ethnic group predominantly live. Some of these ethnic groups have made properties and even some of them have the power to sell lands. Their chiefs’ are accorded the due respect and their culture and festivals are celebrated in where they are living.We have never heard any Ashanti Youth Association or any group of persons in the region taking the law into their own hands to evacuate these ethnic groups. We do not think such an act will be tolerated by anybody in the country.We hereby strongly condemn the behaviour of the Ga Dangbe Youth Association and say it is uncalled for. On the other part, we commend the swiftness of the Ga-Dangbe Forward Movement for coming out to condemn their brothers’ behaviour. We therefore call on all the youth of this country irrespective of their tribe, religion, political party to condemn any act of such nature. The institute is also sending a word of caution to any one who is hiding behind these groups of persons to put a stop to it. We do not want to point accusing fingers on any political party but if any party thinks this is pay back time, then we believe the money will not be available to pay back.If any politician thinks his intentions is to demonize Mr. Kufuor, its better he or she put a stop to it since it will rather draw us back as developing nation. Any one who thinks president kufuor has done something against him or the country should go to court rather than trying to use all sorts of medium to tarnish the good reputations he has won for himself and the nation locally and internationally. You may disagree with president Kufuor in person or some of his decisions as a president. But the fact of the matter is that he is the only president in the country who entered the presidency through the ballot and left through the ballot. Not to talk of his achievements such as the National Health Insurance Scheme, National Youth Employment Programme, Capitation Grant, School Feeding Programme, National Identification Card, the Discovery of the oil, Building of two Stadia and leading Ghana to the World Cup for the first time, the Bui Dam Project, just to mention a few. There is no doubt that he came to the presidency with relevant and unmatched credentials. Among some of his many attributes are caring, sensitivity, honesty, and due respect for his fellow human beings. He is a good listener, very diplomatic in his dealings with friends and as well as foes. No wonder he has been given the due recognition and attention by the international communities.We believe this is the time we begin to learn something from our leaders especially from our former heads of states while they are alive instead of waiting for them to die before we honour them. We therefore call on everybody in the country irrespective of our religious or political affiliations to give the due respect and honour to our leaders. We hope there are more challenges ahead of us as a nation, only unity and peace can solve them.Nana Kwasi Prempeh (Secretary)
Source:GHP

START NEW BUSINESSES-GIPC.

Mr. Augustine A. Otoo, the Director of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) says Ghanaians should take up the challenges of expanding local businesses and start new enterprises which will create more job opportunities in the country. "Ghanaians should make use of the available resources in the country and even partner with other businesses from around the world," he added.Mr. Otoo said this at a GIPC seminar held in Takoradi under the theme: "Investment Promotion and Ghana's Development in the new Economic World". He said between September 1994 and December 2008, a total of 2,955 projects were registered with an estimated capital of 13,255.15 US dollars. He said foreign investment capital of 12,578.93 million dollars million and 676.22 million dollars was contributed by Ghanaians. He said joint-Ghanaian projects established amounted to 1,587m while wholly owned foreign companies were 1,368. Mr. Otoo noted that, there was an investment incentive of eight percent for non-traditional exports, 22 percent for hotels and 25 percent for other activities.He said, there was a further rebate of 25 percent for manufacturing companies located in regional capitals other than Accra-Tema; and 50 percent for those located outside regional capitals. There are other tax holidays for Agriculture, Agro and Agriculture Businesses, Tourism and others, depending on their location as follows; Accra to Tema-20 percent, other regional capitals-10 percent and outside the regional capital-zero percent. Mr. Otoo advised Ghanaians to embrace any opportunity in business to make Ghana a better place for investments.
Source:GNA

FEW TB PATIENTS REPORT FOR TREATMENT.

Dr. Koku Awoonor-Williams, Upper East Regional Director of Health Services, has expressed concern that only few people infected with Tuberculosis (TB) in the region report to health institutions for treatment.He said 511 of all TB cases representing only 18.1 per cent of the expected TB cases were put on treatment last year. "It means many more people are not reporting and this is very dangerous because one active TB case in a community can infect 10 to 15 people in a year."Dr. Awoonor-Williams was speaking at an advocacy symposium on tuberculosis in Bolgatanga, organized for health workers, traditional leaders, community opinion leaders and representatives of NGOs working in communities in the region as part of activities preceding The National Tuberculosis Day slated for March 24.He said the poor situation called for advocacy event to enable the health sector seek support from all stakeholders to help campaign and unearth TB cases for effective care and management.Dr. Awoonor-Williams said despite the low number of cases reported at health institutions, treatment failures and defaulter rates were less than two per cent and five per cent respectively, a good indication of good TB control programme in the region."Tuberculosis is one disease condition that requires collective efforts by all of us to prevent and control."He appealed to the traditional and community leaders to support the prevention and control campaign of TB by encouraging suspected TB cases to seek early treatment to avoid spreading the disease. Mr. Samuel Anyogdem, Coordinator of the TB and HIV/AIDS Programme of the Regional Health Directorate, assured the public that the health Institutions in the region had effective treatment for TB, only the patients needed to take their drugs regularly without fail.
Source:GNA

GHANA FINANCIAL SERVICES TO BE RE-BRANDED BAYPORT FINANCIAL SERVICES.

"Ghana Financial Services will be soon undergoing a re-branding exercise to be known as Bayport Financial Services". This was diclosed by Mr.Kofi Adu Mensh the Managing Director of Ghana Financial Services at the second edition of the GNAT/GHANAFIN scholarship award ceremony in Accra. "Wherever the Bayport name is found,it epitomises our unshakeable belief in the capacity and will of all people to empower themselves and to shape their own destinies through access to credit and to economic opportunity coupled with self development". He said Bayport promises a more exciting and diverse range of products for clients and the general public.Mr.Adu-Mensah talking on the scholar awards said it was part of his outfits corporate responsibility after operating in country for 5 years to contribute to society hence motivated to partner with Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) to assist ten briliant but needy students each year which started last year. The Scholarship package will cater for their academic fees right from the first year of their senior secondary school education till the successful completion of the scholarship beneficiaries tertiary education. "We shall execute this project with all the zeal and passion it deserves". Our objective is to provide the same opportunity to as many children as possible every year as long as our resources can support. Mr.Adu-Mensah advised beneficiaries of the scheme make the best out of the programme for their own benefit. The ten award winners are selected each from all the ten regions of the country and stand the chance of winning when parents or guardian saves with GHANAFIN as a loyal customer.Ghana Financial Services is a non banking financial institution which started operation in 2003 with 23 branches through out Ghana.

BY:Michael Amedor

TB CONTROL PROGRAM MAKES REMARKABLE SUCCESS IN CENTRAL REGION.

The TB Control Programme has made a remarkable success in the Central Region due to the involvement of chiefs in the programme. Mr Charles Eshun, Regional Tuberculosis Coordinator, said this in a speech read on his behalf by Mr Charles Ampiah, Regional Biomedical Scientist, at a review of the performance of the Omanhene Project at Cape Coast, on Wednesday.The Project was an initiative of the Ghana Society for the Prevention of Tuberculosis (GSPT), the Afro Global Alliance and some chiefs in the Central Region and is aimed at involving traditional rulers in the sensitization, control and management of the disease in the Region.Mr Eshun said in 2006, the Region was able to improve on its cure rate of the disease from 62.8 per cent in the previous year to 74.3 per cent and the defaulter rate dropped from 19.6 per cent to 9.2 per cent. "Presently the cure rate stands at 81.8 per cent whilst the defaulter rate is at 2.9 per cent," the Coordinator stated. He said case detection rate however, continued to be a source of worry to the TB Control Programme in the Region as the rate had dropped from 25 per cent to 23 per cent. He said a measure had been put in place to involve Community and faith based organizations, traditional healers, chemical sellers and other orthodox practitioners in case detection.Dr Nicholas Andrew de Heer, the immediate past President of GSPT, recommended to other Regions to emulate the success story of the Central Region and involve traditional rulers in the fight against communicable diseases. He said their involvement would also reduce stigma attached to such diseases.Dr de Heer, who is now the Chief Consultant of the GSPT, appealed to the district directors to release the Enablers Fund to set up for the control of the disease to the people engaged in its fight. Nana Attapim Kweenu VIII, Mankrado of the Nkusukum Traditional Area, and the Chairman of the Regional Branch of GSPT said the "Omanhene Project" had been formed in 32 out of the 34 paramountcies in the Region and that plans were afoot for the inauguration in the other two branches.Nana Kweenu who is also the chief of Woraba, near Cape Coast, said the branches had trained volunteers to help the chiefs in the campaigning for the eradication of the disease, and appealed to individuals and organizations for funds to help the volunteers. Daasebre Kweby Ewusi VII, President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, appealed to chiefs to take the project seriously.
Source:GNA

10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF MAULD NABIYI MARKED.

The Hamdalla Youth Association of Shukura located in the Ablekuma Central constitutency led by Aliyou Zainul Abideen has marked the 10th Mauld Nayibi (SAW) in Accra. Mauld Nayibi means the celebration of the birthday of Prophet Mohammed.The celebration signify's unity among Islamic Ummah and used by elders to educate the youth.The celebration which falls on every 20th march according to the Islamic calender is specially used for recitation of the holy Quran.

The religious leader of the Association Aliyou Zainul Abideen said the program is also organised to help talk to their forefathers to keep protecting them. "Even though we have held various prayers a special pray will be held in the evening exactly 9:00pm in the presence of the National chief Imam,Shukura Chief Imam and the Member of Parliament for the constituency" he said. Zainul Abideen called on all moslems to observe the celebration and stay pure and holy in the name of the most mercyful and gracious Allah.
BY:MIchael Amedor

T.B ADVOCACY WORKSHOP FOR JOURNALISTS.

A day Tuberculosis advocacy workshop has been held for Journalists in Accra by the National Tuberculosis Program of the Ministry Of Health.The advocacy workshop is part of programs outlinned for this years tuberculosis day which is celebrated 24th March of every year. The objective of TB Day celebration is to educate the general public on the symptoms and treatment of TB,encourage people to get tested at a DOTS clinincs if they have symptoms of TB,encourage family and society support for the affected among others. Journalists were drawn both from the print and electronic media.TB day is celebrated every year through -out the world.The theme for this years commemoration is "I am stopping T.B". Some key empowerment message for the celebrations are, T.B partients can stop it by becoming active participants in their own cure and taking all their anti TB drugs as prescribed,the family has a role to play by supporting patients to achieve cure and helping to dicover more cases in the home,teachers can stop TB by educating their students about the preventable and curable diseases and health workers can also stop TB by staying alert to the symtoms of disease and providing prompt diagnosis and treatment among others.This years celebration will take place at Blogatanga in the Upper East region in connection with all actors of TB.Speaking at the workshop Mr. Felix Afutu said TB was preventable and caused by bacterium called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.In its actions,it first attacts the lungs (pulmonary TB) but it can also affect any part of the body(extra pulmonary TB) .Pulmonary TB is transmitted from a sick patient as a droplet infection through coughing,sneezing and singing. Inhalation of these droplets by an uninfected person may cause infection.The risk of TB increases with the frequency and duration of contact with people who have the disease.Mr. Afutu further stated that TB has been found to be the leading cause of death in HIV infected persons.It causes severe illness and increase progression to AIDS.Briefing the media on the effects of TB in society he said,TB posed serious threat to society both socially and economically. Socially TB patients are ostracized from society because of stigma attached and economically it drain the coffers of Government and the affected person. Madam Cynthia Oware, also made presentations on the role of the media in TB control such as media understanding TB issues,educating and empoering the public.The media can also carry out advocacy activities such as community stories on TB,NGO interventions and good practices among others .Dr. Hanson Nortey also delivered a paper on the emerging issues in TB/HIV,MDR TB.The Mycobacterium Tuberculosis the bacterium that causes TB was first announced by Dr.Robert Koch on 24th March 1882.

BY:Michael Amedor

"2009 EASTER SCHOOL" LAUNCHED -CRI.

Child's Right International a Non Governmental Organisation has formally launched this year's Easter School for children in Accra. Theme for the celebration is "Growing child participation through service learning". Speaking at the launch,the Executive Director of Child's Right International Mr.Bright Appiah said the main objective of Easter school is to promote children's involvment in issues that affects them.It is also to nurture sense of responsibility in every child.Our philosphy as an organisation is that "an adult is a child who has survived" therefore we recognised the need to promote child participation in the growing process of child into adult.He said child participation ensures expression of opinion,self confidence,enhances self involvement and provides understanding for children to better appreciate issues that affect them.Mr.Appiah further stated that "the school has also provided the platform to dicuss and share issues at the national level and issue communique that reflect their own understandin,thinking and suggestions". Outlining activities for this years celebratuion he said,the school will host nine African countries courtesy UNHCR and children form all the regions in Ghana. Issues to be discussed include the right of the child and education,the state of gender of gender base violence against children in schools,the right of children in country of asylum and children as an instrument for community service. Others include Right to maintenance and rehabilitation,the role of the law,investing in childrten to promote investment and championing the rights of children with disability for community development. "Children will also seize the opportunity to discuss election 2008 and conflict in Ghana and share their views and opinions". Mr.Appiah said the expected outcome of the Easter school is for children to have understanding on the issues,participate in the process and issue communique that represent their views and concerns.Easter school was instituted in 2001 by Child's Right International with support from UNICEF. The event is one medium child's Right International uses to promote child participation in the country.

BY:Michael Amedor

ACCREDIT LAW FACULTIES-ATTORNEY GENERAL.

The Attorney General Mrs.Bettey Mould-Idrisu have urged the Ghana School of Law to allow its facultie s to be accredited just like how the National accreditation Board accredit institutions,to enable them run professional programs on behalf of the school. "I guess as you delebrate you will consider my suggestions". She was speaking at the first Law Teachers conference in Accra. "There is undoubtedly the need for us to consider the possibility of the reduction of the law school program from two years to one year,according to which program the law school will concentrate on the teaching of essentially practice oriented courses leaving out the non strictly practice oriented to the faculties or the faculties could teach even the practice oriented courses and the law school acts only as an examining body" she said. Mrs. Iddrisu further added that, a crop of lawyers inbued with the wrong values will negatively affect the development of the nation.In the same vein the right kind of legal knowledge and professional attitude will be an assest to the nation. That is why government will be interested in seeing that the best quality legal education is provided in this country. "Therefore all lawyers with MAs and PHDs should go and teach at the law school as a their national duty to the school to help impact those knowledge in the young ones to help produce vibrant and efficient lawyers". She called for governments total support to the law faculty.

BY:Prince Aseidu

KOJO ANTWI TOPS THEM ALL.

Mr. Kojo Antwi, Ghanaian Afro Pop artiste on Sunday managed to win the overall Best music video out of 12 categories at the 4 Syte music video awards 2008. The event which was organized by 4 Syte studios in collaboration with TV3 saw Kojo Antwi winning a fully connected Zain mobile phone with 1-year free talk time.Mr. Antwi who together with hip-life group Praye who took home 2 awards each added the best directed Music Video to his prize. Praye also won the best group music video and the best storyline music video whiles Gospel Music video went to Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Mr. Rex Omar took home the best award in photography music video, Five Five group for the best in choreography , Reggie Rockstone for 4 syte achievement lifestyle, Becca, Special Effects , Amanzeba, best hi-life music video, Buk Bak best hip-life music video, , and the 4 Syte living legend video award went to Mr. Abraham Ohene- Djan, Chief Executive Officer(C.E.O) of O.M studios. Artistes who performed at the awards included Slim Buster, Ritchie and Asem, Tinny, Wutah, Sisi, Rana, I-0ne and Okyeame Kwame.
Source:GNA

TRAINING WORKSHOP ON UNDERLINING CAUSES OF DEFORESTATION AND FOREST DEGRADATION OPENED.

A two day workshop on underlining causes of deforestation and forest degradation in Ghana is underway in Accra.Speaking at the workshop the CEO of HATOF Foundation Mr.Samuel Dotse said Deforetation had important implications for climate change. "This is because,forest play an important role in the climate system since there are major reservoirs of carbon containing some 80% of all the carbon stored in the soil".He said the alarming trends in global deforestation and forest degradation have spurred many initiatives and actions over the past decades. "Actors of the environment have become more aware of the major role tropical forests play and the important consequences they have in environmental,ecological,economic and socio-cultural settings". Outlining issues on deforestation and forest degradation he said forest was important in the growth of the Ghanaian economy especially the cultural life of her people and the quality of the environment.The Ghanaian forest sector contributes about 80% of foreign exchange earnings and provide livelihood for communitities and people.About 15% of the county's workforce are in both formal and informal sectors, despite its importance,tropical forest are being degraded.Mr. Dotse said the main underlying causes of deforestation and forest degradation are demogrphic,soci-political and economic reasons. " It is important for government to help in formulating policies to solve such pending problems on our environment".He therefore cautioned Ghanains to do more to save the environment especially the forest reserve such as planting of more trees. Mr. Lambert Okrah and Adndrei Laletin delivered solidarity messages in context of the workshop agenda.The workshop will end today to help prepare a report on deforestation and forest degradation.

BY:Michael Amedor.

DUTCH TO RETURN GHANA'S KING HEAD.

The head of a Ghanaian king executed by Dutch colonists in the 1830s is to be returned to its homeland for burial, say authorities in the Netherlands.Badu Bonsu II, leader of the Ashanti tribe, is believed to have been decapitated in retaliation for the killing of two Dutch emissaries.The Leiden museum, which has been storing the head, said it hoped it could now have a dignified burial.Ghana had said the king would not be at rest if the head remained where it was.King Bonsu is thought to have been executed after the two officials were killed during a rebellion against European rule in the country, hanging their heads on his throne as a trophy.At some point, the king's head was taken from Ghana to the Netherlands, and has been kept in a jar of formaldehyde at the Leiden University Medical Centre ever since.Author Arthur Japin told Dutch media last year that he once saw the head while researching a historical novel."He's got a little ring beard, his eyes are closed as if he's sleeping," said Mr Japin."My first thought was, this is not fitting."After hearing of the head's location in 2008, Ghana filed a request for its return, saying if it remained unburied the king would be incomplete and therefore "hunted in the afterlife".'Good thing'Now, a Dutch culture ministry spokesman has said the museum has decided to "restore the head to Ghana" as a matter of dignity."This is a king," Freek Manche told the AFP news agency, emphasising its importance.The museum said in a statement that officials had been in contact with Ghana to arrange for the careful return of the preserved head.They said they had not allowed any photographs to be taken out of respect for the human remains.The BBC's Will Ross in Accra says respect for the dead has huge cultural significance in Ghana.Ghanaian historian Prof Addo-Fening told the BBC that the museum's decision was "very, very important"."When people die and their bodies are not found and buried, it leaves a lingering fear that they will not find rest with their ancestors until this is done," he said."As he was a king, putting his head on display would amount to some form of humiliation for his people - but they now have an opportunity to show some reverence to their late king before they bury him.""I imagine that this will be a a good thing for the psyche of the community," he said.Museum spokesman Marleen van't Oever told AFP that no date had yet been arranged for the return but it was "likely to be in the long term".The museum's move follows decisions by other western museums to return items taken during colonial times or explorations.In 2006, the University of Aberdeen in Scotland returned to New Zealand the preserved heads of nine tattooed Maori tribesman seized in the 19th Century.The same year, Britain's Natural History Museum returned the remains of 18 indigenous people taken from Australia.

SOURCE:BBC

"WE WILL PROSECUTE THEM ALL"-JJ AND MILLS

THE FOUNDER of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings (JJ) has backed President John Atta Mills’(JAM) threat to prosecute officials in the NPP government and other state functionaries found to have stolen money from state coffers.He said the declaration by the President, cautioning all Ghanaians, irrespective of their political affiliations, was an indication that the President would not allow such rot to be swept under the carpet.President Mills on Tuesday warned that nobody should take his leniency to be his weakness, and that he would deal decisively with people found to have dipped their hands into state coffers.According to ex President Rawlings, though the decision was late in coming, it would nonetheless help to send a strong signal to all Public Office holders. Mr. Kofi Adams, the spokesperson of the NDC founder, who conveyed this message in a telephone interview with The Chronicle yesterday, declared his boss’ unflinching support for President Mills’ crusade, and also dismissed allegations that his boss ever incited the citizenry against the administration of the then President Kufuor.“A lot of rot had happened under the NPP administration and it is his candid view that action should be quickly taken to bring the perpetrators to book through the due process. It is, therefore, re-assuring and refreshing that President Mills has spoken that nobody should take his kindness to be his weakness,” he said.Mr. Adams asserted that it was the view of the NDC founder that President Mills should take a decisive action against those who have stolen state money and should not be allowed to walk free. “A lot has happened at Ghana Ports Habours and Authority; a lot has happened at Ghana @50 and many other places.Mr. Rawlings is expecting that justice must be done in that respect. Justice must be done to the people of Dagbon over the murder of Ya-Na and others, and that of Alhaji Mobila. Mr. Rawlings is of the view that President Mills must deal with these allegations expeditiously. This has been his concern all the time,” he said.He stressed that his boss was of the notion that ‘nation looters must not be allowed to continue to enjoy what they have looted; they must be dealt with according to the laws of the land.Mr. Adams dismissed the assertions that the former President also undermined Mr. Kufuor’s government, saying that he only offered constructive criticisms.He said there was no point in time when the NDC founder incited people against the presidency, compared to what the NPP is currently doing.“The former President has never incited anybody. He only fairly criticised the NPP administration. He did not incite or show disrespect to the NPP government,” the ex President’s spokesperson said. He was also of the opinion that the NPP members were just trying hide behind their actions by attempting to undermine institutions and authorities.Mr. Adams further explained that when his boss spoke about positive defiance, he was not inciting anybody, except re-emphasizing what is in the constitution, adding that when Mr. Rawlings was reported to have urged service commanders not to respect any unlawful orders, he was not inciting people as the NPP members are claiming.According to him, the NPP in opposition is rather trying to undermine all government structures and procedures, in an attempt to pollute the minds of Ghanaians that any action taken by President Mills would amount to witch-hunting.“It is refreshing to hear the President speak to remind all Ghanaians that there is only one President. It is also indicative that he will not allow wrongful acts against the state to be swept under the carpet,” said Mr. Adams.
Source:Chronicle

U.S AMBASSDOR CALLS ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER.

BY:Michael Amedor F.

The United States of America Ambassador to Ghana H.E Donald Teitelbaum has payed a curtesy call on the Minister of Local Government and rural development in Accra. Holding talks , Mr.Teitelbaum said it was important for local level needs to be strengthen, a great area of emphasis of the U.S government.There is also the need to form believers of local people and most of all knowing their needs.The Ambassador further called for the greater mobilization for the state to generate its own revenue and make impact on the ground by empowering people and to help government provide for them.He finally pledged America's total support to Ghana. The Minister of Local Government and rural development Mr. Joseph Chireh called for the need to really get local government properly stuffed. "There is the need in developing local assemblies and MDAs and have a broad consultative forum involving all political parties in helping share idea at the local level to further deepen Ghana's democracy". Mr. Chireh further added that,the acceleration of the frame work for ecentralization was of immense benefit to the country.He thanked Ambassador Donald Teitelbaum for his kind visit.

SOURCE:The Ghanaian Reactor

GRNA NOT SATISFIED WITH SINGLE SPINE SALARY STRUCTURE-GENERAL SECRETARY.

The General Secretary of The Ghana Registered Nurses Association (GRNA) has disclosed to The Ghana Reactor Online that his outfit is not in support of the new Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) . "The new salary structure does not consider 100% of our needs" .

The General secretary who with held his name said even though they were not satisfied with it the various discussions with government on the new salary structure he was optimistic everything would be in right position.He decleared solely that,the GRNA have no ideas of staging any demonstrations,"we will only do so depending on the situations" . In the same vain he added that when documents are altered in their disadvantage they will protest.

Source:Ghanaian reactor online

STATE FUNERAL HELD FOR THE LATE EDWARD SALIA .

A state funeral for the late Edward Kojo Salia, former MP for Jirapa constituency in the Upper West Region was held this morning at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra. Present at the service were President John Evans Atta Mills, Vice President John Mahama, the Chief Justice Mrs. Georgina wood, the Speaker of Parliament, Mrs Joyce Banford Addo, the Chief Justice Mrs. Georgina Wood, the Chairman of the Council of State Professor Kofi Awoonor, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries.In a tribute read by the Minister of Transport, Mike Hammah, President Mills recounted the numerous projects Mr Salia initiated while he was a Minister of State and his contribution to the NDC’s success.President Mills noted that the late Minister served his country to the best of his ability and hoped others would emulate his hardwork.The Catholic Bishop of Wa diocese, Most Rev. Bamile in a sermon noted that death is inevitable, but the most important thing is for one to know Christ before death. He added that life is not about how much wealth one has or how far one’s name travels.The Most Rev. Bamile expressed the hope that the election to be conducted in the Jirapa constituency where the late Minister served would be peaceful, stressing that, the scramble for the constituency should not be a do and die affair.Tribute were read for the wife, Mrs. Mary Salia, the Chairman of the NDC, Dr. Kwabena Adjei, the Speaker of Parliament and the youngest daughter Emmanuella Salia for the children.
Source:GBC