WILDAF ORGANISES CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP FOR FEMALE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT OF GHANA.

The Women in law and Development in Africa has organized a day workshop on budget and gender budgeting for female and some male members of parliament of Ghana. The workshop which took place in Accra is to update female and male MPs on the need for gender budgeting and to use knowledge gained to effectively contribute to budget debates and take critical look at gender in the national budget. The program which is part of “We Know Politics” project is to give support for women in political decision making to go beyond the electioneering campaign by providing the necessary tools that will assist them whilst on the job to be able to deliver effectively. The program will also create the essence of parliamentarians in understanding and appreciating the aid management agenda of Ghana and its impact on the work of women’s right .The final outcome of the MPs workshop is to enhance their knowledge on budget and gender budgeting and MPs making effective contribution to the 2009 budget discussion with a focus on gender. The workshop was attended by 30 MPs made up of 20 female and 10 male MPs.

EX-GRATIA OF PROF.MILLS AS A VICE PRESIDENT FROM 1996-2000

For the past three weeks, the topic of the ex-gratia to be paid in accordance with the Chinery-Hesse report has been the main talking point on radio, television and in the press. On Peace FM’s Kokrokoo Programme this morning 17th February, 2009, the resource persons discussed the topic once again during the discussion the following letter was read by Mr Kwesi Pratt, the Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper.It was a letter sent to Prof. Mills by the NPP government on his entitlement as a Vice President from 1996 – 2000. The letter was written and signed by J.O. Obetsebi-Lamptey, the then Minister for Presidential Affairs and Chief of Staff on April 9, 2001, on behalf of a cabinet sub-committee comprising the Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon Minister for Interior, Secretary to the President and the former Chief of Staff (NDC government).THE LETTER“April 9, 2001Prof. J.E. Atta Mills Accra.Dear Professor Mills,This is further to our meeting last week on your entitlements on leaving office.1. As I informed you, the President has set up a cabinet sub-committee to look into the matter and make recommendations.This is because of the situation created by the “Greenstreet Reports.” To wit:a. The report of June 1998 and approved by Parliamentary committee excluded the Vice President from any retirement benefits with the exception of the ESB/Ex-Gratia payment. This was on the grounds that the Vice President was free to work whilst an ex-President was not, after leaving office.b. The June 2000 “Greenstreet Recommendations” which provided for the Vice President but are apparently not yet approved by Parliament?2. While awaiting the decision of the President on the matter, I am proposing that the government provide you with:a. “one car appropriate for a retired Vice President.”b. A two-man police guard, 24 hours per day: These would guard your residence and/or act as an armed escort.The police personnel would be subject to your veto or selection if possible.I have noted that you have two policemen who have served you since 1996 in whom you have confidence and that these two should be amongst those detailed to you.3. I am assured that the cabinet sub-committee will complete its work in the shortest possible time.4. I also confirm receipt of your diplomatic passport No. D00001560 and your need for a new passport to be able to travel out by 19/4/01.Yours sincerely,J.O. OBETSEBI-LAMPTEY MINISTER FOR PRESIDENTIAL AFFAIRS & CHIEF OF STAFFCc: Hon Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Minister for Interior Secretary to the President Former Chief of Staff (NDC Government)”Critically examining the above letter, the ex-gratia given to Prof. Mills according to the letter was temporary as it states “while awaiting the decision of the president on the matter, I am proposing that the government provide you witha. One car appropriate for a retired Vice Presidentb. A two-man police guard, 24 hours per day”
Source:Peace FM

"WE WILL NOT COOPERATE WITH GOVERNMENT AGAIN"-MPIANI

The NPP has officially backed out of all activities to do with the ongoing transition efforts, former Chief of Staff, Kwadwo Mpiani has said.Mr. Mpiani among other things accused the government transition team led by Mr. P.V. Obeng of painting a bad picture of the former government.He has therefore entreated Ghanaians to treat the final report that would emerge from the government’s transition team as purely one-sided.At a press conference in Accra, Mr. Mpiani who is also the leader of the NPP side of the transition team catalogued a myriad of accusations which he said were tactfully plotted to paint the party black.Joy News' Bernard Saibu quoted Mr. Mpiani as citing the summoning of the Auditor General, Edward Dua-Agyemang to a live media presentation of the Ghana@50 audited accounts presentation which according to him flouted the ethics of accounting procedures, as well as the leaking of what he said were half truths by the government’s transition team to the media as clear cases.The Ghanaian Times newspaper had reported of 39 vehicles which were not accounted for as well as reports of some vehicles which were alleged to have gone missing from workshops.These he said were part of a grand agenda to demonize the NPP.
Source:jfm

KRIF GHANA LIMITED AWRADS ITS LOYAL CUSTOMERS

KRIF Ghana limited one of the leading distributors of money handling equipment, office and school stationary and office equipments have awarded its loyal customers. The awards were in four categories such as: The best customer of the year, best reliable customer, most loyal customer and most delight customer of the year. Twenty one customers who excelled in all the four major categories received major awards with over hundred receiving certificate of appreciation. Speaking at the awards and dinner night at the Alisa hotel in Accra, the chairman of KRIF Ghana Limited Mr. Kennedy Okosun reiterated the company’s determination to be the company where customer service is the first priority and product quality and delivery is paramount. He indicated his outfit’s plans to introduce new brands onto the market this year. Mr.Okosun thanked all customers who had supported the business in the past years and pledge the company’s further strengthening of the existing relationship. The award which took place on the 7th of Februaryuary last year will be repeated every year to further reward customers in the coming years and replicated in Kumasi this year said Mr.Okosun. The occasion was chaired by Mr. Adams Sulley head marketing and client service Agricultural Development Bank with Bishop James Saah the resident Bishop of the Christian Action Faith Ministries who delivered the keynote address

INFLUX OF NIGERIANS IN GHANA.

....influx of Nigerians into Ghana doubled after elections More Nigerians are fleeing to countries like Ghana and Vietnam to escape the harsh economic realities back home, even as some big businesses are gradually folding up and relocating.
The Nigerian paper, LEADERSHIP SUNDAY, learnt that Nigerians now seek refuge in far-flung countries hitherto not considered as lands of "green pasture". Countries like Vietnam, Mozambique, Ethiopia and China are fast replacing the traditionally favorites like the United Kingdom, Libya and the USA. Most of the people leaving are pointing to the lack of electricity and insecurity as the cause of their exodus. Those abroad are also vowing that they won’t return home until conditions become better.Godwin Ukwu (not real name) told our correspondents that he has finished all arrangements to relocate next month. Ukwu said his friends are "making it" in Cameroon and have asked him to join them there.He said: "I’m going to Cameroon to sell beer. My friends are there and they are making it big in their various business. In fact, last Christmas, some of them came home and told us that we are suffering here. For instance, transportation is such a huge problem there. In fact their roads are better than the ones in the East. Besides, my business is suffering as there is no light. Customers will come and they can’t drink my beer because it is not chilled. So, I’m losing customers and business is bad."Another respondent told our reporters that if he has his way, he would flee the country.Speaking to LEADERSHIP SUNDAY, the man who gave his name as John said that Nigeria has become "hell" for him. John is a graduate of six years and has remained unemployed. According to him, every attempt to get a government or private job has failed. He said: "if I have the opportunity, I would leave this country. In fact, in looking for people who would tell me how to get to Libya. At least, I will get a job and my life would be safer," he said.Like most unemployed youngsters in the country, John has tried to be self employed. He said: "my uncle gave me some money recently to start something. So I got a corner shop at Kubwa (In Abuja) to start a barbing salon. Right now, the place has been demolished and I’m looking for another place, but even if I get a place, what about light and water? Through the time I had the saloon, it was generator that powered the business and that is very expensive. Even with the generator some weeks, I will have nothing doing because of fuel scarcity. I really want to leave. I love my country but I can’t go on like this," he lamented.LEADERSSHIP SUNDAY check shows that influx of Nigerians into Ghana doubled after the Presidential election that ushered in a new government there. A Nigerian living in Ghana told correspondents that many of his relatives are pestering him to get them accommodation in Ghana. He said: "I’m amazed at how Nigerians are moving into Ghana these days. You know, in the past it was as if we were stupid leaving here for Ghana, but see what is happening. Each day we see Nigerians trooping in their droves."The Ghana resident, who spoke anonymously, gave reasons why Ghana is becoming attractive: "the truth is that the society works. In Ghana, there is orderliness, not the chaos you have here. There is constant light and this is important for living. There is also security and respect for human rights. If you ask me it is the turn of Nigerians to run to Ghana like the Ghanaians did in the 80’s.Many Nigerians are in Ghana today, intermarrying and looking for ways to become citizens. I don’t think they would want to return unless conditions change in Nigeria," he said.A source in Vietnam, told LEADERSHIP SUNDAY that the Vietnamese government is trying to restrict the influx of Nigerians into the country because of the huge number running there.Libya too has not lost its appeal to Nigerians. In spite of the precarious route, Nigerians daily put their lives on the line to cross over. The journey, mostly done by foot, find Nigerians crossing the Sahara, risking arrest and deadly attacks by patrol team to get to Tripoli, the capital of Libya. Says an official of a prominent government agency concerned with human trafficking, who do not want to be mentioned, " most of the travelers are girls going to engage in prostitution. The men are often their pimps. And no matter the campaign our office is making, the truth is that the rush is still on. We can arrest them or even sensitize them, but what is clear to us is that this is an ongoing war. Sex slaves are still been trafficked abroad. Our agency is helping to stave it off. But no one should be deceived, human trafficking is not going to go away in a long time. The harsh conditions here, coupled with the lure of greener pasture is just too much temptation for many of the girls and their manager to bear. The arrest and pains they suffer during the trips is a little sacrifice they make."An emerging trend also is that of businesses folding up. Dunlop, for instance has folded up and may be relocating to Ghana. Part of the reason for the relocation is the unstable power supply in Nigeria. Checks show s that many businesses are already rethinking their continued stay in the country. South Africa and Ethiopia appear more appealing to such big businesses. Already, major stakeholders in tourism and hospitality business are looking downwards to South Africa- a country getting ready to host the world cup in 2010.
Source:LEADERSHIP SUNDAY

NIB BOSS IN COURT FOR WILFULLY CAUSING FINANCIAL LOST.

Daniel Charles Gyimah, Managing Director of the National Investment Bank (NIB), on Friday appeared before an Accra Circuit Court charged with wilfully causing financial loss of 60 million dollars to the state.Gyimah is alleged to have used his bank as a guarantor and issued 30 promissory notes valued at 60 million dollars on May, 2007 to Eland International (Ghana) Limited. The notes were to mature on January 29, this year.This transaction was allegedly conducted without the bank's Board of Directors' consent.Gyimah pleaded not guilty to the charge and he was admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢ 500,000 cedis with four sureties one to be justified. The Court further ordered him to report once every week to the Police. He is reappearing on February 27.Arguing for bail Mr. Ken Brookman-Amissah, who led a team of seven defence lawyers, pointed out that the prosecution's assertion to remand the accused pending further investigations amounted to the breach of his rights.He said the accused who was also a "family man" was ready to help with investigations adding that he was not going to interfere with police investigations.Mr. Brookman-Amissah said from the facts of the prosecution, no loss had been made against the state because no monies had been paid. According him the promissory notes were to mature on January 29, this year noting that it was only two weeks after the date.Mr Brookman-Amissah said Gyimah had surrendered his passport and he was not going to interfere with investigations and prayed the court to grant him bail.Captain Nkrabeah Effah-Dartey, another defence counsel, said the accused, the MD of the Bank, should be admitted to self-recognizance bail because he was a not riff-raff who was going to run away. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Paul K. Frimpong, the prosecutor, told the court that, Gyimah was arrested on Thursday and investigations were ongoing.According to DSP Frimpong if the accused was granted bail, he could interfere with investigations.He said the Police needed more time to complete investigations. When the court enquired from prosecution whether any money have been lost, the prosecutor replied in the negative, adding that the Ministry of Finance had been notified to redeem the notes."The state had not paid any money yet," the prosecutor told the court. The court, presided over Mr D.E.K. Daketsey in granting the MD bail pointed out that it took into consideration that fact that no monies had been paid.According to the court, the Police had not stumbled on any money lost. The prosecution has it that on May 7, 2007 Gyimah unilaterally entered into agreement with Eland International (Ghana) Limited in which he used NIB as a guarantor and issued 30 promissory notes valued at 60 million dollars.The promissory notes were to mature on January 29, this year. The prosecution said during that period, Eland contacted Iroko Security Company Limited and discounted the 60 million promissory notes of 45-million dollars.The prosecutor said after January 29, this year, there was no sign of payment to Iroko hence a swift message was sent to Gyimah to confirm payment.Immediately Gyimah received the message, he ordered International Banking section of NIB to confirm payment and that was done. Meanwhile, the prosecution said most of the major documents covering the transaction between NIB and Eland could not be traced in the bank's records which raised suspicion of a scam.Gyimah, the prosecution said, admitted in a statement having guaranteed the monies on behalf of the bank but made a mistake by not contacting the bank's Board of Directors.
Source:GNA

ONE PESEWA COIN HAS NO USE-SAYS GHANAIANS

The One Ghana Pesewa coin, which was introduced as part of redenomination of the country's currency in 2007 is not easily accepted among the public either for purchases or change, a survey has revealed.The survey, mainly public opinion sampling on the acceptability the One Pesewa coin further revealed many instances where some buyers prefer to let vendors to keep the coin, rather than collect it as change. In few instances, some people even refuse to accept the One Pesewa coin as legal tender, a situation which requires prompt action from authorities to step up education to drum home the fact that irrespective of its value, the coin remains a legal tender.Some people who spoke advocated the withdrawal of the coins from circulation, saying its continuous use as a medium for the transaction of business might create problems.Mrs. Margaret Asante, a shop owner who supported this assertion, said though she accepted the coin from her customers, it was always a problem whenever she issued them as change to others.She said she was keeping a box full of One Pesewa coins rejected by customers and urged Government to initiate steps to address the problem.