THE Presidential Candidate of the Convention People’s Party, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, has stressed the need for Ghanaians, particularly CPP supporters, to exercise their franchise during the December polls.
He said, this must be done in a peaceful manner to sustain the peace the country was currently enjoying.
Speaking at a durbar to climax the celebration of this year’s Odwira Festival of chiefs and people of Aseseeso in the Akuapem North District of the Eastern Region, he urged the electorate to consider the various good works of the party in the past and vote CPP into power to revive the country’s economy.
The Chief of Aseseeso, Okatakyie Obuadum Ameyaw V, for his part called for the amendment of the 1992 Constitution to enable traditional leaders partake in the governance of the country.
He said, in its current form, the Constitution does not enable the chieftaincy institution to make any meaningful contribution to the development of the country and suggested an amendment that would provide for an Upper House, which would be made up of some chiefs and eminent citizens in decision-making processes.
“The creation of the Upper House will effectively help to strike a balance between the majority and minority groups in parliament and also promote harmony within the organs of the state,” he stated.
The event, which coincided with the 15th anniversary of Okatakyie Ameyaw’s enstoolment, was also used to raise funds towards the development of the area.
It was attended by a large gathering of people from all walks of life, including the District Chief Executive for Akuapem North, Mr Edward Adu Aboagye, as well as some prominent chiefs from the various traditional areas.Three parliamentary candidates contesting the Okere seat on the tickets of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and CPP parliamentary also attended the function.
The chief expressed deep worry about increasing immorality and other anti-social behaviours among the youth in the area, noting that such attitudes had put so many brilliant young girls and boys into dificulties, thus unable to continue their education.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
HELP EC TO CONDUCT FREE, FAIR POLLS — AKUFO-ADDO (PAGE 17)
THE presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has appealed to the electorate to resist attempts to engage in electoral malpractices to enable the Electoral Commission (EC) to conduct free and fair elections in December.
This, he believed, would enable the country to sustain the peace currently being enjoyed and also help the country maintain its status as a model of democracy on the African continent.
“As stakeholders in nation-building, we must uphold the supreme interest of our peaceful country by resisting any negative influence by some self-seeking politicians to buy our votes and use money to influence our conscience to cheat the electoral process”, he stated.
Mr Akufo-Addo, who made the call at separate rallies at Abomosu, Osino and Begoro in the Eastern Region on Sunday, stated “we must also resist the preaching of tribal politics, failure of which our desire to move forward as one people will be undermined”.
The NPP presidential aspirant, who is on an eight-day tour of the Eastern Region, was accompanied by some of the party’s executives, including Messrs Alan Kyeremanten, Felix Owusu Agyapong, Kwabena Agyepong, Yaw Gyekye Amoabeng, Ms Gloria Akuffo, and Nana Ohene Ntow.
Nana Akufo-Addo said this year’s elections was not a “a do -or- die affair” as percieved by some political parties, particularly the National Democratic Congress, which was making desperate efforts and employing negative strategies to win power.
As part of strategies, he pointed out that the NDC was bent on playing on the people’s diverse ethnic backgrounds and propagate falsehoods to canvass for votes, particularly in the remote parts of the country.
Since such divisive political strategy would not augur well for the peaceful conduct of elections, he appealed to the people to place the supreme interest of the country above that being pursued by some self-seeking politicians.
“In no way should we let this elections lead to any bloodshed as we are not prepared to be refugees in neighbouring countries. This is our home and hence we must resolve to say no to tribal politics,” he emphasised.
Making a comparison between the NPP and the NDC administration, he said the 19 years of misrule by the NDC triggered a severe economic downturn in the country, compared to the solid economic foundation laid by the NPP in its almost eight years reign.
He cited the collapse of several vibrant local industries which led to massive unemployment in the country.
Nana Akufo-Addo who questioned the boldness of the NDC to seek the people’s mandate to steer the affairs of the country again, said “why should we allow our resources to be managed by a group of incompetent people who are only interested in their stomach?”
According to him, as a result of the positive mindset and good economic management of the NPP government, resources that had existed in the country for many years but had eluded previous governments were revealed to the NPP by God.
“The discovery in commercial quantity of oil can best be described as a blessing bestowed on the NPP government by God”, he said, adding “we should therefore vote for the NPP to prudently manage it”
He pledged to prudently channel the resources the from oil into massive development in areas such as industrialisation, infrastructure development, education, health and other social interventions.
As part of measures to provide employment for the people, particularly the youth, Nana Akufo-Addo, expressed the commitment of the NPP under his administration to establish an oil plantation at Begoro and other oil palm growing areas in the region.
This, he believed, would enable the country to sustain the peace currently being enjoyed and also help the country maintain its status as a model of democracy on the African continent.
“As stakeholders in nation-building, we must uphold the supreme interest of our peaceful country by resisting any negative influence by some self-seeking politicians to buy our votes and use money to influence our conscience to cheat the electoral process”, he stated.
Mr Akufo-Addo, who made the call at separate rallies at Abomosu, Osino and Begoro in the Eastern Region on Sunday, stated “we must also resist the preaching of tribal politics, failure of which our desire to move forward as one people will be undermined”.
The NPP presidential aspirant, who is on an eight-day tour of the Eastern Region, was accompanied by some of the party’s executives, including Messrs Alan Kyeremanten, Felix Owusu Agyapong, Kwabena Agyepong, Yaw Gyekye Amoabeng, Ms Gloria Akuffo, and Nana Ohene Ntow.
Nana Akufo-Addo said this year’s elections was not a “a do -or- die affair” as percieved by some political parties, particularly the National Democratic Congress, which was making desperate efforts and employing negative strategies to win power.
As part of strategies, he pointed out that the NDC was bent on playing on the people’s diverse ethnic backgrounds and propagate falsehoods to canvass for votes, particularly in the remote parts of the country.
Since such divisive political strategy would not augur well for the peaceful conduct of elections, he appealed to the people to place the supreme interest of the country above that being pursued by some self-seeking politicians.
“In no way should we let this elections lead to any bloodshed as we are not prepared to be refugees in neighbouring countries. This is our home and hence we must resolve to say no to tribal politics,” he emphasised.
Making a comparison between the NPP and the NDC administration, he said the 19 years of misrule by the NDC triggered a severe economic downturn in the country, compared to the solid economic foundation laid by the NPP in its almost eight years reign.
He cited the collapse of several vibrant local industries which led to massive unemployment in the country.
Nana Akufo-Addo who questioned the boldness of the NDC to seek the people’s mandate to steer the affairs of the country again, said “why should we allow our resources to be managed by a group of incompetent people who are only interested in their stomach?”
According to him, as a result of the positive mindset and good economic management of the NPP government, resources that had existed in the country for many years but had eluded previous governments were revealed to the NPP by God.
“The discovery in commercial quantity of oil can best be described as a blessing bestowed on the NPP government by God”, he said, adding “we should therefore vote for the NPP to prudently manage it”
He pledged to prudently channel the resources the from oil into massive development in areas such as industrialisation, infrastructure development, education, health and other social interventions.
As part of measures to provide employment for the people, particularly the youth, Nana Akufo-Addo, expressed the commitment of the NPP under his administration to establish an oil plantation at Begoro and other oil palm growing areas in the region.
REFRAIN FROM PREACHING VIOLENCE — ASAMOAH (PAGE 15)
THE Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Ofosu Asamoah, has appealed to political leaders and their followers to refrain from preaching violence during thier campaigns.
He said politicians must not perceive this year’s election as a “do-or-die affair” saying “unguided and divisive utterances did not only create tension and panic, but also creates a bad impression about the country to the outside world.”
Mr Asamoah was speaking at a closing ceremony of a three-day capacity building workshop on peace building and conflict resolution in Koforidua on Wednesday.
The event, attended by members of the Eastern Regional Peace Advisory Council, afforded the participants the opportunity to acquire knowledge on topical issues such as identification and analysis of root causes of conflicts in the region, dynamics of conflicts, mediation processes and principles, trust and confidence building, among others.
Mr Asamoah said since peace and respect for the people’s rights were indispensable ingredients to enable the country to achieve a middle income status, the government was making every effort to ensure the conduct of a free and fair election in December.
“Accordingly, the government will not do anything that will mar the peace and stability that we are enjoying”, he said.
He, therefore, expressed the readiness of the government to rely on the members of the Peace Council to help it to maintain the unity and peace currently prevailing in the country.
The deputy regional minister also entreated the members of the Peace Council to use the skills and knowledge they had acquired to help address the various root causes of conflicts to ensure the conduct of violence-free election in the region.
“Let us be guided by the fact that there are people who delight in causing unnecessary commotion and will do all that they can to derail the peaceful elections. We should however not be daunted when these challenges come our way”, he urged the members.
“Such challenges should rather spur us on to move forward. What we will require of you is commitment, neutrality, selflessness and a sense of patriotisms”, Mr Asamoah emphasised.
He gave the assurance that the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council would continue to liaise with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Interior to ensure that the Peace Council was provided with the necessary support to enable it to achieve the purpose for which it was set up.
He said politicians must not perceive this year’s election as a “do-or-die affair” saying “unguided and divisive utterances did not only create tension and panic, but also creates a bad impression about the country to the outside world.”
Mr Asamoah was speaking at a closing ceremony of a three-day capacity building workshop on peace building and conflict resolution in Koforidua on Wednesday.
The event, attended by members of the Eastern Regional Peace Advisory Council, afforded the participants the opportunity to acquire knowledge on topical issues such as identification and analysis of root causes of conflicts in the region, dynamics of conflicts, mediation processes and principles, trust and confidence building, among others.
Mr Asamoah said since peace and respect for the people’s rights were indispensable ingredients to enable the country to achieve a middle income status, the government was making every effort to ensure the conduct of a free and fair election in December.
“Accordingly, the government will not do anything that will mar the peace and stability that we are enjoying”, he said.
He, therefore, expressed the readiness of the government to rely on the members of the Peace Council to help it to maintain the unity and peace currently prevailing in the country.
The deputy regional minister also entreated the members of the Peace Council to use the skills and knowledge they had acquired to help address the various root causes of conflicts to ensure the conduct of violence-free election in the region.
“Let us be guided by the fact that there are people who delight in causing unnecessary commotion and will do all that they can to derail the peaceful elections. We should however not be daunted when these challenges come our way”, he urged the members.
“Such challenges should rather spur us on to move forward. What we will require of you is commitment, neutrality, selflessness and a sense of patriotisms”, Mr Asamoah emphasised.
He gave the assurance that the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council would continue to liaise with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Interior to ensure that the Peace Council was provided with the necessary support to enable it to achieve the purpose for which it was set up.
Monday, October 27, 2008
LET'S DO AWAY WITH CHIEFTAINCY DISPUTES (SPREAD)
THE Krontihene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Osahene Ofei Kwasi Agyeman IV, has appealed to traditional rulers in the area to help address its protracted chieftaincy dispute to foster greater unity and peaceful co-existence among the people.
That, he said, would facilitate the rapid socio-economic development of the area.
“My appeal to all those concerned is that enough is enough. In the name of the Almighty, let us, for a change, consider the good things that unite us and forsake those that divide us,” he said.
Speaking at a grand durbar to climax this year’s Odwira Festival of the Kronti Division, Osahene Agyeman stated that “the dispute has, for 15 years, tarnished our image as a peace-loving and God-fearing people”.
The event, which was used to honour 10 sons and daughters of the area who have excelled in their fields of endeavour and contributed significantly to the area’s development, drew a large gathering of people from all walks of life.
They included the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu; the Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr William Ofori Boafo, who is also the incumbent Member of Parliament for Akropong, and Mr Edward Adu Aboagye, the District Chief Executive for Akuapem North.
Osahene Agyeman noted that many entities in the world today were looking for ways to band them together to facilitate the development of their respective communities and interests.
“It is apparent that a lot of my colleagues in the traditional institution have placed their interests above that of the state,” he lamented, and stressed the need for traditional institutions to come to together and help address development challenges facing their communities.
Osahene Agyeman also called on the people of the Akuapem Traditional Area and Ghanaians in general to think about how they could contribute positively to nation-building, saying, “It is incumbent on all of us to think through our respective roles to ensure that we hold high the interest of Ghana at all times.”
On development, the Krontihene commended the government for constructing the Tetteh-Quarshie-Mamfe highway, which he noted had triggered the gradual transformation of the area.
He, however, appealed to the government to extend the construction to roads from Mamfe to Apirade and Aseseeso to ensure the complete transformation of the Akuapem area into a modern community.
Osahene Agyeman was also grateful to the government for initiating other projects in education, electrification of the rural areas and the provision of health and sanitation facilities and commended Mr Boafo and Mr Adu Aboagye.
For his part, Mr Boafo highlighted the various development initiatives he had implemented in education, health and sanitation and pledged his preparedness to continue that work.
That, he said, would facilitate the rapid socio-economic development of the area.
“My appeal to all those concerned is that enough is enough. In the name of the Almighty, let us, for a change, consider the good things that unite us and forsake those that divide us,” he said.
Speaking at a grand durbar to climax this year’s Odwira Festival of the Kronti Division, Osahene Agyeman stated that “the dispute has, for 15 years, tarnished our image as a peace-loving and God-fearing people”.
The event, which was used to honour 10 sons and daughters of the area who have excelled in their fields of endeavour and contributed significantly to the area’s development, drew a large gathering of people from all walks of life.
They included the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu; the Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr William Ofori Boafo, who is also the incumbent Member of Parliament for Akropong, and Mr Edward Adu Aboagye, the District Chief Executive for Akuapem North.
Osahene Agyeman noted that many entities in the world today were looking for ways to band them together to facilitate the development of their respective communities and interests.
“It is apparent that a lot of my colleagues in the traditional institution have placed their interests above that of the state,” he lamented, and stressed the need for traditional institutions to come to together and help address development challenges facing their communities.
Osahene Agyeman also called on the people of the Akuapem Traditional Area and Ghanaians in general to think about how they could contribute positively to nation-building, saying, “It is incumbent on all of us to think through our respective roles to ensure that we hold high the interest of Ghana at all times.”
On development, the Krontihene commended the government for constructing the Tetteh-Quarshie-Mamfe highway, which he noted had triggered the gradual transformation of the area.
He, however, appealed to the government to extend the construction to roads from Mamfe to Apirade and Aseseeso to ensure the complete transformation of the Akuapem area into a modern community.
Osahene Agyeman was also grateful to the government for initiating other projects in education, electrification of the rural areas and the provision of health and sanitation facilities and commended Mr Boafo and Mr Adu Aboagye.
For his part, Mr Boafo highlighted the various development initiatives he had implemented in education, health and sanitation and pledged his preparedness to continue that work.
Monday, October 20, 2008
AKUAPEM ASONA FAMILY INSTALLS NKOSUOHENE (PAGE 53)
THE General Manager of the Takoradi Thermal Plant II, Mr Osafo Adjei, has been installed as the Asona Family Nkosuohene of the Akuapem Traditional Area under the stool name Nana Osafo Katanka.
Swearing the oath of allegiance to the chiefs and people of the area, Nana Katanka pledged his preparedness to always be at the service of the people.
He outlined education, health and socio-cultural development of the Akuapem Traditional Area as his main priorities, and called for support from the people to facilitate the progress of the area.
“As a development communication specialist and an administrator, I consider my installation as a call to service and an opportunity to meaningfully contribute towards the development of the Akuapem Traditional Area”, the Nkosuohene said.
Swearing the oath of allegiance to the chiefs and people of the area, Nana Katanka pledged his preparedness to always be at the service of the people.
He outlined education, health and socio-cultural development of the Akuapem Traditional Area as his main priorities, and called for support from the people to facilitate the progress of the area.
“As a development communication specialist and an administrator, I consider my installation as a call to service and an opportunity to meaningfully contribute towards the development of the Akuapem Traditional Area”, the Nkosuohene said.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
MTN DONATES TOWARDS AKUAPEM ODWIRA FESTIVAL (PAGE 38)
Mobile telecommunications operator, MTN, yesterday presented a number of items and cash of GH¢1,000 to the Akuapem Traditional Council to facilitate the celebration of this year’s Odwira festival.
The items included GH¢1,000 worth of MTN branded souvenirs and an FWAP machine with airtime estimated at GH¢350 to facilitate communication among the traditional leaders during the celebration and beyond.
Presenting the items, the Corporate Services Executive of MTN, Ms Mawuena Dumor, said since Odwira was one of the most important festivals in the country, MTN was proud to be associated with its celebration.
That, she said, would help to build a good working relationship between the chiefs and people of the area and MTN.
“For us at MTN, important festivals such as Odwira, celebrated by the chiefs and people of Akuapem, contributed to building good relationships,” she stated.
She said MTN believed that building and sustaining meaningful relationships with stakeholders such as traditional authorities was critical to its business success.
“MTN also believes that Odwira particularly, embodies the leadership values that MTN holds very dear,” Ms Dumor said, adding, “We are committed to building an enduring relationship with the chiefs and people of the Akuapem Traditional Area.”
For his part, the Chief Marketing Officer of MTN, Mr George Andah, outlined the various MTN activities earmarked for the celebration of this year’s Odwira festival, including a concert, a state dance and a football gala with attractive prizes for the teams that would participate in it.
“We believe this multi-faceted support will contribute to an exciting Odwira celebration,” he explained.
Receiving the items on behalf of the council, the acting Ankobeahene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Nana Awuku Danbaka, thanked MTN for the gesture, which he said would facilitate the celebration of the festival.
The items included GH¢1,000 worth of MTN branded souvenirs and an FWAP machine with airtime estimated at GH¢350 to facilitate communication among the traditional leaders during the celebration and beyond.
Presenting the items, the Corporate Services Executive of MTN, Ms Mawuena Dumor, said since Odwira was one of the most important festivals in the country, MTN was proud to be associated with its celebration.
That, she said, would help to build a good working relationship between the chiefs and people of the area and MTN.
“For us at MTN, important festivals such as Odwira, celebrated by the chiefs and people of Akuapem, contributed to building good relationships,” she stated.
She said MTN believed that building and sustaining meaningful relationships with stakeholders such as traditional authorities was critical to its business success.
“MTN also believes that Odwira particularly, embodies the leadership values that MTN holds very dear,” Ms Dumor said, adding, “We are committed to building an enduring relationship with the chiefs and people of the Akuapem Traditional Area.”
For his part, the Chief Marketing Officer of MTN, Mr George Andah, outlined the various MTN activities earmarked for the celebration of this year’s Odwira festival, including a concert, a state dance and a football gala with attractive prizes for the teams that would participate in it.
“We believe this multi-faceted support will contribute to an exciting Odwira celebration,” he explained.
Receiving the items on behalf of the council, the acting Ankobeahene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Nana Awuku Danbaka, thanked MTN for the gesture, which he said would facilitate the celebration of the festival.
DEEP DITCH ON ADUKROM-ASENEMA ROAD DANGEROUS (PAGE 22)
A DEEP ditch created on a section of the Adukrom-Asenema road in the Akuapem North District of the Eastern Region is posing a serious threat to motorists who ply the road.
The gully, caused by a heavy flow of water from the mountains after a prolonged downpour last week, has made the curvy road portion of the road risky for driving, especially in the night.
The situation is very precarious as there are no signs to warn oncoming vehicles to negotiate the curve with caution to prevent any accident.
Since the recent landslide at Asenema, a farming village, no warning signs had been put in place to warn motorists to be alert, while the affected portion of the road has not been cordoned off.
These came to light when the Daily Graphic visited the farming community on Tuesday, six days after the landslide disaster.
The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) is, therefore, been called upon to immediately place warning signs along the affected portion of the road, while efforts are being made to seal the gully.
The gully, caused by a heavy flow of water from the mountains after a prolonged downpour last week, has made the curvy road portion of the road risky for driving, especially in the night.
The situation is very precarious as there are no signs to warn oncoming vehicles to negotiate the curve with caution to prevent any accident.
Since the recent landslide at Asenema, a farming village, no warning signs had been put in place to warn motorists to be alert, while the affected portion of the road has not been cordoned off.
These came to light when the Daily Graphic visited the farming community on Tuesday, six days after the landslide disaster.
The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) is, therefore, been called upon to immediately place warning signs along the affected portion of the road, while efforts are being made to seal the gully.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
LANDSLIDE VICTIMS TO BE RELOCATED (PAGE 49)
THE government is working closely with related agencies to find a safer environment to relocate the people of Adukrom-Yensi, where a landslide killed three people and destroyed many property last week.
Those who died in the landslide, which followed a heavy downpour, were two adults and a three-year-old boy.
Adukrom-Yensi is a farming village in the Akuapem North District of the Eastern Region.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu, who made this known, said attempts were being made to identify all landslide-prone zones in the area, after which settlers of most of the affected communities would be relocated.
He was speaking during the presentation, on behalf of the government, of GH¢2,500 worth of items to victims of the landslide at Adukrom-Yensi and Asenamase.
The items comprised 40 foam mattresses, 15 bags of rice, 20 pieces of rubber bowls, 45 buckets, 20 rubber cups, 50 rubber plates, 50 mats, three bales of used clothing and gallons of cooking oil.
Mr Affram Asiedu was accompanied by the District Chief Executive for Akuapem North, Mr Edward Adu Aboagye; the NPP parliamentary aspirant for Okere, Mr Dan Botwe; the incumbent Member of Parliament, Mr B. D. K. Adu, and the Eastern Regional Co-ordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation, Mr Michael Ahyiah.
The regional minister urged the community leaders to ensure that the items went to the most affected and pledged the commitment of the government to provide the people with roofing sheets and cement when they were resettled in their new locations.
The Merantiehene of Adukrom-Yensi, Mr Joseph Mantey, said the area had, in the past, been prone to landslides which destroyed large tracts of farmland and livestock.
He said the situation was worsened by the fact that most of the houses were made of mud that could not stand heavy downpours and the huge piles of rock and sand during landslides.
He expressed the hope that the government would fulfil its promise, since the relocation would ensure the safety of the people.
Speaking to the press after the presentation, Mr Aboagye expressed the gratitude of the government to the youth of Adukrom and other surrounding communities for volunteering to support victims of the affected communities.
He attributed the frequent landslides in the area to farming practices along the mountains which had removed the vegetation cover.
He gave the assurance that the district assembly was rehabilitating the seven-kilometre Asenema-Krutia and Bepoase-Asenema roads to ease the carting of farm produce to marketing centres.
Last week Tuesday a landslide trapped Doris Asantewaa, 55, Yaa Oforiwaa, 72, and a three-year-old boy to death.
Those who died in the landslide, which followed a heavy downpour, were two adults and a three-year-old boy.
Adukrom-Yensi is a farming village in the Akuapem North District of the Eastern Region.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu, who made this known, said attempts were being made to identify all landslide-prone zones in the area, after which settlers of most of the affected communities would be relocated.
He was speaking during the presentation, on behalf of the government, of GH¢2,500 worth of items to victims of the landslide at Adukrom-Yensi and Asenamase.
The items comprised 40 foam mattresses, 15 bags of rice, 20 pieces of rubber bowls, 45 buckets, 20 rubber cups, 50 rubber plates, 50 mats, three bales of used clothing and gallons of cooking oil.
Mr Affram Asiedu was accompanied by the District Chief Executive for Akuapem North, Mr Edward Adu Aboagye; the NPP parliamentary aspirant for Okere, Mr Dan Botwe; the incumbent Member of Parliament, Mr B. D. K. Adu, and the Eastern Regional Co-ordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation, Mr Michael Ahyiah.
The regional minister urged the community leaders to ensure that the items went to the most affected and pledged the commitment of the government to provide the people with roofing sheets and cement when they were resettled in their new locations.
The Merantiehene of Adukrom-Yensi, Mr Joseph Mantey, said the area had, in the past, been prone to landslides which destroyed large tracts of farmland and livestock.
He said the situation was worsened by the fact that most of the houses were made of mud that could not stand heavy downpours and the huge piles of rock and sand during landslides.
He expressed the hope that the government would fulfil its promise, since the relocation would ensure the safety of the people.
Speaking to the press after the presentation, Mr Aboagye expressed the gratitude of the government to the youth of Adukrom and other surrounding communities for volunteering to support victims of the affected communities.
He attributed the frequent landslides in the area to farming practices along the mountains which had removed the vegetation cover.
He gave the assurance that the district assembly was rehabilitating the seven-kilometre Asenema-Krutia and Bepoase-Asenema roads to ease the carting of farm produce to marketing centres.
Last week Tuesday a landslide trapped Doris Asantewaa, 55, Yaa Oforiwaa, 72, and a three-year-old boy to death.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES MUST FOCUS ON PRACTICAL TRAINING ...Urges Affram Asiedu (PAGE 11)
THE Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu, has advised private universities in the country to skew their curricula programmes towards the practical training of their students.
This way, he said, they would be producing graduates who would be equipped with the relevant practical entrepreneurial skills to create jobs for themselves and others.
Private universities must deviate from the traditional university concept of being theoretical and rather structure the content of their courses to meet the country’s development needs, he stated, adding that, “The ability of private universities to emphasise more on practical training instead of theoretical courses will enable graduates to become self-employed when ever they failed to secure positions in the public sector”.
Mr Affram Asiedu made the call when he addressed the 6th matriculation of the Presbyterian University College at Abetifi, and urged private universities to be innovative in their programmes to be able to contribute meaningfully towards the country’s development.
In all, 320 students, comprising 134 females and 186 males, from the three campuses of the university at Akuapem, Asante-Akyem and Abetifi, were matriculated.
“In the wake of the oil find in the country and emergence of a strong industrialised economy with the financial services sector taking centre stage, it is strongly advised that new universities should do well to turn their aspirations towards these new frontiers”, Mr Affram Asiedu stated.
He said, higher institutions in the country should direct their training towards addressing issues such as ignorance, poverty, chronic diseases, high rate of malaria, HIV/AIDS, lack of potable water, as well as such environmental issues as climate change and insanitary conditions.
According to him, the establishment of private universities had come as a relief, as many teeming qualified applicants, who could not get admission to public universities were being absorbed by the private ones.
Mr Affram Asiedu, however, expressed worry about the rate at which many private universities were springing up in the country and therefore urged the National Accreditation Board to endeavour to use the appropriate criteria for the approval or otherwise of such universities.
“Sometimes, it becomes so difficult for some to get affiliated to other universities, thereby jeopardising the future of the students”, he added.
He highlighted the support tertiary institutions had received since the assumption of office of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, to include the conversion of the Tarkwa School of Mines into a fully-fledged university and the establishment of two polytechnics in Wa and Bolgatanga.
According to him, due to the support given to most tertiary institutions, enrolment in public universities had doubled from 40,670 in 2000/2001 to 88,445 in 2006/2007, while that of polytechnics had also risen by more than 50 per cent from 18,470 in 2000/2001 to 28,695 in 2006/2007 academic year.
For his part, the Principal of the University, Professor K. Sraku-Lartey, said the university, which started in 2003 with 55 students, currently had a total student population of 900, comprising 360 females and 531 males.
He pointed out that his outfit aimed at introducing more innovative and demand-driven programmes such as a Faculty of Science and Technology at its Kwahu campus to take care of Information, Communication and Technology, Computer Science and Computer Engineering and expand the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the Asante-Akyem Campus to start a Medical School.
The Principal said very soon a campus would be opened in Tema to cater for workers, who for lack of time could not patronise regular university education.
He said with support of stakeholders, the PUC had embarked on small scale agricultural activity in crops and animal husbandry at its agricultural station in the Afram Plains.
The objective of the project, he noted, was to increase the institution’s capacity to engage in large scale commercial agriculture and also train members of the community to improve their livelihood.
The Kwahumanhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng, appealed to the government, corporate bodies and individuals to help the university to expand its faculties to enable it to admit more students.
This way, he said, they would be producing graduates who would be equipped with the relevant practical entrepreneurial skills to create jobs for themselves and others.
Private universities must deviate from the traditional university concept of being theoretical and rather structure the content of their courses to meet the country’s development needs, he stated, adding that, “The ability of private universities to emphasise more on practical training instead of theoretical courses will enable graduates to become self-employed when ever they failed to secure positions in the public sector”.
Mr Affram Asiedu made the call when he addressed the 6th matriculation of the Presbyterian University College at Abetifi, and urged private universities to be innovative in their programmes to be able to contribute meaningfully towards the country’s development.
In all, 320 students, comprising 134 females and 186 males, from the three campuses of the university at Akuapem, Asante-Akyem and Abetifi, were matriculated.
“In the wake of the oil find in the country and emergence of a strong industrialised economy with the financial services sector taking centre stage, it is strongly advised that new universities should do well to turn their aspirations towards these new frontiers”, Mr Affram Asiedu stated.
He said, higher institutions in the country should direct their training towards addressing issues such as ignorance, poverty, chronic diseases, high rate of malaria, HIV/AIDS, lack of potable water, as well as such environmental issues as climate change and insanitary conditions.
According to him, the establishment of private universities had come as a relief, as many teeming qualified applicants, who could not get admission to public universities were being absorbed by the private ones.
Mr Affram Asiedu, however, expressed worry about the rate at which many private universities were springing up in the country and therefore urged the National Accreditation Board to endeavour to use the appropriate criteria for the approval or otherwise of such universities.
“Sometimes, it becomes so difficult for some to get affiliated to other universities, thereby jeopardising the future of the students”, he added.
He highlighted the support tertiary institutions had received since the assumption of office of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, to include the conversion of the Tarkwa School of Mines into a fully-fledged university and the establishment of two polytechnics in Wa and Bolgatanga.
According to him, due to the support given to most tertiary institutions, enrolment in public universities had doubled from 40,670 in 2000/2001 to 88,445 in 2006/2007, while that of polytechnics had also risen by more than 50 per cent from 18,470 in 2000/2001 to 28,695 in 2006/2007 academic year.
For his part, the Principal of the University, Professor K. Sraku-Lartey, said the university, which started in 2003 with 55 students, currently had a total student population of 900, comprising 360 females and 531 males.
He pointed out that his outfit aimed at introducing more innovative and demand-driven programmes such as a Faculty of Science and Technology at its Kwahu campus to take care of Information, Communication and Technology, Computer Science and Computer Engineering and expand the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the Asante-Akyem Campus to start a Medical School.
The Principal said very soon a campus would be opened in Tema to cater for workers, who for lack of time could not patronise regular university education.
He said with support of stakeholders, the PUC had embarked on small scale agricultural activity in crops and animal husbandry at its agricultural station in the Afram Plains.
The objective of the project, he noted, was to increase the institution’s capacity to engage in large scale commercial agriculture and also train members of the community to improve their livelihood.
The Kwahumanhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng, appealed to the government, corporate bodies and individuals to help the university to expand its faculties to enable it to admit more students.
Monday, October 13, 2008
OKYENHENE ANGRY ...Calls for prosecution of traditional rulers promoting female genital mutilation (LEAD STORY)
THE Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has called for the prosecution of traditional rulers found guilty of promoting female genital mutilation (FGM).
At a durbar at Kyebi over the weekend organised in honour of 50 beautiful women selected for the Exquisite Face of the Universe beauty pageant, the Okyenhene described FGM as outmoded, inhuman and a brutal criminal act against womanhood.
The beauties were at the Ofori Panin Fie to pay a courtesy call on the Okyenhene and other traditional leaders of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area who organised a dinner for them.
The occasion also marked the ninth anniversary of the enstoolment of the Okyenhene.
The IBF World Welterweight Boxing Champion, Joshua Clottey, was also present to show his title belt to the Okyenhene.
According to the Okyenhene, for the country to keep pace with modernity, progressive cultural practices should be kept and enhanced, while those found to be detrimental to the people, especially women and children, be abolished.
“It is for this reason that I call for a strong will and courage to drop outmoded cultural practices which should be completely outlawed,” he stated.
In his opinion, it was also time the world changed its perception of women to enable them to effectively and efficiently play the role expected of them in society.
On education, the Okyenhene said since the world had become a knowledge-driven one, it was important to ensure that every Ghanaian child had access to education to develop his or her potential.
“We believe that for our nation to keep pace with the rest of the world, every child, regardless of his or her geographical location and parental status, should have access to education to enrich his or her mind and enhance his or her God-given potential,” the Okyenhene stated, adding, “No country can fully make use of its resources and wealth without applying the knowledge and ideas of its people.”
On poverty, he said there were too many resources in the country and that Ghanaians should work hard to ensure that their children were provided with the necessary support, just like others in other parts of the world.
He was of the opinion that if the nation was to witness any meaningful development, the country must have a crop of leaders who would be committed to the welfare of the people.
“If we are to ensure the rapid development of our country, we must have selfless leaders who are committed not only to ensuring financial stability for themselves but also the development of their people and country,” Osagyefo Ofori Panin emphasised.
The Okyenhene also bemoaned the practice of polygamy, which he said had contributed to high population growth, with a negative impact on the environment, and appealed to men to develop a preference for monogamy.
He appealed to the beauty queens to be gender ambassadors and help address various issues affecting women and children in their respective countries.
In his welcoming address, the Apagyahene of Akyem Abuakwa, Nana Asante Bediatuo, recounted the achievements of the Okyenhene since he ascended the throne nine years ago.
These, he stated, included the establishment of the Okyeman Environmental Foundation to address environmental issues such as forest reserves and a scholarship scheme to support brilliant, needy children.
Others, he said, included the Okyeman AIDS Foundation to promote safe sex, voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), the institution of an annual Christmas party for children across the country to enable them to learn about their culture, as well packages for children who excelled academically.
Miss Lebanon and Miss Tanzania, on behalf of their colleagues, thanked the Okyenhene and his sub-chiefs for the hospitality and for offering them the opportunity to learn about the rich culture of the Akyems.
At a durbar at Kyebi over the weekend organised in honour of 50 beautiful women selected for the Exquisite Face of the Universe beauty pageant, the Okyenhene described FGM as outmoded, inhuman and a brutal criminal act against womanhood.
The beauties were at the Ofori Panin Fie to pay a courtesy call on the Okyenhene and other traditional leaders of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area who organised a dinner for them.
The occasion also marked the ninth anniversary of the enstoolment of the Okyenhene.
The IBF World Welterweight Boxing Champion, Joshua Clottey, was also present to show his title belt to the Okyenhene.
According to the Okyenhene, for the country to keep pace with modernity, progressive cultural practices should be kept and enhanced, while those found to be detrimental to the people, especially women and children, be abolished.
“It is for this reason that I call for a strong will and courage to drop outmoded cultural practices which should be completely outlawed,” he stated.
In his opinion, it was also time the world changed its perception of women to enable them to effectively and efficiently play the role expected of them in society.
On education, the Okyenhene said since the world had become a knowledge-driven one, it was important to ensure that every Ghanaian child had access to education to develop his or her potential.
“We believe that for our nation to keep pace with the rest of the world, every child, regardless of his or her geographical location and parental status, should have access to education to enrich his or her mind and enhance his or her God-given potential,” the Okyenhene stated, adding, “No country can fully make use of its resources and wealth without applying the knowledge and ideas of its people.”
On poverty, he said there were too many resources in the country and that Ghanaians should work hard to ensure that their children were provided with the necessary support, just like others in other parts of the world.
He was of the opinion that if the nation was to witness any meaningful development, the country must have a crop of leaders who would be committed to the welfare of the people.
“If we are to ensure the rapid development of our country, we must have selfless leaders who are committed not only to ensuring financial stability for themselves but also the development of their people and country,” Osagyefo Ofori Panin emphasised.
The Okyenhene also bemoaned the practice of polygamy, which he said had contributed to high population growth, with a negative impact on the environment, and appealed to men to develop a preference for monogamy.
He appealed to the beauty queens to be gender ambassadors and help address various issues affecting women and children in their respective countries.
In his welcoming address, the Apagyahene of Akyem Abuakwa, Nana Asante Bediatuo, recounted the achievements of the Okyenhene since he ascended the throne nine years ago.
These, he stated, included the establishment of the Okyeman Environmental Foundation to address environmental issues such as forest reserves and a scholarship scheme to support brilliant, needy children.
Others, he said, included the Okyeman AIDS Foundation to promote safe sex, voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), the institution of an annual Christmas party for children across the country to enable them to learn about their culture, as well packages for children who excelled academically.
Miss Lebanon and Miss Tanzania, on behalf of their colleagues, thanked the Okyenhene and his sub-chiefs for the hospitality and for offering them the opportunity to learn about the rich culture of the Akyems.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
EASTERN REGIONAL MINISTER COMMENDED FOR GOOD WORK (PAGE 23)
THE President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, Ologo Darwutey IV, has commended the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu, for helping to resolve some of the protracted chieftaincy disputes in the region.
He noted that his intervention had brought some of the feuding factions together to dialogue and find amicable solutions to their differences.
Ologo Darwutey made the commendation when he held a durbar in honour of the Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, Mr Sampson Boafo at his palace in Somanya.
Mr Boafo was on a four-day working visit to the region to acquaint himself with the various challenges facing traditional authorities and to also solicit their support towards the conduct of peaceful elections in December, this year.
Ologo Darwutey said “Mr Asiedu’s commitment towards the progress of the area since his appointment as the regional minister, had ensured greater unity and peace among the people”.
Ologo Darwutey, who is the Konor of the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area, mentioned the efforts being made by the regional minister, in collaboration with chiefs and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture, which had helped to resolve some of the protracted disputes hindering the rapid development of the affected area.
“Fortunately for us, our joint commitment in resolving chieftaincy disputes in this part of the country, including Yilo Krobo, has fostered greater unity and peaceful co-existence among the people,” Ologo Darwutey stated.
To sustain peace and address other unresolved disputes in the region, he sought the support of other stakeholders from Mr Asiedu and Mr Boafo to handle sensitive issues affecting the chieftaincy institution in the area.
Mr Asiedu expressed his gratitude to Mr Boafo, the chiefs and the Eastern Regional Security Committee (REGSEC) for helping to find solutions to the numerous disputes in the region.
“Our efforts have yielded enormous positive results as some of the feuding factions have compromised their entrenched positions and are prepared to dialogue with each other, a sign of resolving their differences,” Mr Asiedu stated.
He specifically made mention of the disputes between the people of Asamankese and Anum, Kwahu Obomeng, Akwamuwufie and Akyem Oda as some of the disputes being addressed.
Mr Boafo said since the chieftaincy institution played a complementary role of good governance and the promotion of development, the government would continue to lend its support to enable traditional rulers to play their expected roles in society.
He noted that his intervention had brought some of the feuding factions together to dialogue and find amicable solutions to their differences.
Ologo Darwutey made the commendation when he held a durbar in honour of the Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, Mr Sampson Boafo at his palace in Somanya.
Mr Boafo was on a four-day working visit to the region to acquaint himself with the various challenges facing traditional authorities and to also solicit their support towards the conduct of peaceful elections in December, this year.
Ologo Darwutey said “Mr Asiedu’s commitment towards the progress of the area since his appointment as the regional minister, had ensured greater unity and peace among the people”.
Ologo Darwutey, who is the Konor of the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area, mentioned the efforts being made by the regional minister, in collaboration with chiefs and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture, which had helped to resolve some of the protracted disputes hindering the rapid development of the affected area.
“Fortunately for us, our joint commitment in resolving chieftaincy disputes in this part of the country, including Yilo Krobo, has fostered greater unity and peaceful co-existence among the people,” Ologo Darwutey stated.
To sustain peace and address other unresolved disputes in the region, he sought the support of other stakeholders from Mr Asiedu and Mr Boafo to handle sensitive issues affecting the chieftaincy institution in the area.
Mr Asiedu expressed his gratitude to Mr Boafo, the chiefs and the Eastern Regional Security Committee (REGSEC) for helping to find solutions to the numerous disputes in the region.
“Our efforts have yielded enormous positive results as some of the feuding factions have compromised their entrenched positions and are prepared to dialogue with each other, a sign of resolving their differences,” Mr Asiedu stated.
He specifically made mention of the disputes between the people of Asamankese and Anum, Kwahu Obomeng, Akwamuwufie and Akyem Oda as some of the disputes being addressed.
Mr Boafo said since the chieftaincy institution played a complementary role of good governance and the promotion of development, the government would continue to lend its support to enable traditional rulers to play their expected roles in society.
Friday, October 10, 2008
ER POLICE DESTROY 'WEE' FARMS (BACK PAGE)
The Eastern Regional Police Command has so far destroyed 25 acres of Indian hemp farms in some communities in the Yilo Krobo District. The communities include Huhunya, Boti, Nkurakan, Bosomtwi and Sikaben.
In most places marijuana plants and seedlings were intercropped with plantain, maize and cassava.
The destruction was carried out by a team of policemen from the Eastern Regional Command, led by Superintendent John A. Naami.
In addition to the destruction of farms, 48 maxi bags of leaves suspected to be Indian hemp have been seized from various places where they had been hid and warehouses most of them in the mountainous parts of Huhunya.
Briefing the press after a media tour of some of the farms at Huhunya on Wednesday, Superintendent Naami said the operation, which coincided with the wee-growing season, would be intensified to discourage other potential growers from cultivating the plant. He said some of the farmers even destroyed the crop before the special team arrived.
Superintendent Naami said those who were arrested during the operation had been put before court.
Meanwhile, a 25-year-old farmer, Abraham Narh, who allegedly shot and killed his colleague, Stephen Tetteh, 30, on September 24, this year for allegedly refusing to be part of a robbery gang, is in police custody assisting in investigations.
The suspect, who claimed to be working for some of the Indian hemp growers at Huhunya, is currently assisting the police to identify the various Indian hemp farms in the area.
In most places marijuana plants and seedlings were intercropped with plantain, maize and cassava.
The destruction was carried out by a team of policemen from the Eastern Regional Command, led by Superintendent John A. Naami.
In addition to the destruction of farms, 48 maxi bags of leaves suspected to be Indian hemp have been seized from various places where they had been hid and warehouses most of them in the mountainous parts of Huhunya.
Briefing the press after a media tour of some of the farms at Huhunya on Wednesday, Superintendent Naami said the operation, which coincided with the wee-growing season, would be intensified to discourage other potential growers from cultivating the plant. He said some of the farmers even destroyed the crop before the special team arrived.
Superintendent Naami said those who were arrested during the operation had been put before court.
Meanwhile, a 25-year-old farmer, Abraham Narh, who allegedly shot and killed his colleague, Stephen Tetteh, 30, on September 24, this year for allegedly refusing to be part of a robbery gang, is in police custody assisting in investigations.
The suspect, who claimed to be working for some of the Indian hemp growers at Huhunya, is currently assisting the police to identify the various Indian hemp farms in the area.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
PROTECT GAINS ACHIEVED UNDER NPP — BAWUMIA (PAGE 17)
THE Vice-Presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on Ghanaians to protect the gains so far achieved under the New Patriotic Party by retaining it in power.
He said the country was on the verge of economic breakthrough, which called for concerted efforts to resist any act of provocation and violence and contribute towards the conduct of an incident-free election in December.
“We must together say no to any violent act that could trigger bloodshed and destruction of property. We must rather choose peace and unity, which are what we need to ensure the total transformation of the economy,” he stated.
Dr Bawumia, who made the appeal during separate rallies on Saturday, said “we cannot afford to destroy the country that we are trying to build together for ourselves and our for children”.
Dr Bawumia was addressing rallies at various Zongo communities in Koforidua, New Tafo, Kwabeng, Kyebi and Asesewa, as part of his four-day tour of the Eastern Region.
“Our peaceful co-existence and unity, freedom of press, freedom of speech, association and movement as well as the massive infrastructural development and other social interventions such as free health care, free basic education, the School Feeding Programme, the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the free school bus ride are all achievements that we should not take for granted.” he said
The NPP running mate also used his tour to pay courtesy calls on various traditional leaders, including the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, Kpetekple Narh Darwutey Ologo VI, who is also the Konor of the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area, and the surviving 81-year-old wife of the late Dr J. B. Danquah, Ms Elizabeth Pandikor Ologo. He was accompanied by some executives of the party.
Dr Bawumia mentioned the discovery of commercial quantity of oil, and the country earning the reputation as one of the most stable and peaceful countries in the sub-region, as making it a favourable destination for foreign investments.
According to him, although Ghana gained its political independence many years ago, its budget depended on conditionalities of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a situation that denied its “economic and mental freedom”.
However, he pointed out that seven years after the NPP had assumed the administration of the country, the economy had been able to disentangle itself from the IMF conditionalities, an enviable gain that must be consolidated to ensure the country’s total economic freedom.
“When our GDP, 43 years after independence, stood at $3 billion, seven years after the NPP took over, our GDP is now $16 billion,” he said, adding “this is not by chance but by the good economic policies and management of the NPP government”, he stated.
“The resilience of our economy in the past seven years makes one of the first HIPC African country to issue a sovereign bond of $700 million bond on the international market, an enviable record by any account,” Dr Bawumia stated.
According to him, to sustain such significant economic achievements, the government aimed at making education accessible to every Ghanaian to make the economy a knowledge-driven one.
This, he believed, could boost the country’s efforts at eradicating high rate of illiteracy, which had many years been the bane of the country’s slow development pace.
Mr Ampofo Twumasi, Ms Gloria Ofori Boadu, President of Women’s Assistance and Business Association (WABA) and Alhaji Karim Grunsa, Chief Executive Officer of the King Faisal Football Club, urged Ghanaians to critically examine the good works of the NPP government over the past seven years against that of the various previous governments, particularly the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
This, he said, would enable them to make an informed voting decision and vote back the NPP into power to manage the resources and affairs of the nation.
In a related development, Samuel Kyei-Boateng, reports from Akyem Swedru that four leading members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) have called on the Zongo communities to break their 16-year marriage with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and join the NPP in their own interest.
They stressed that the “marriage of convenience” between the Zongo people and the NDC since 1992 had not benefited them in terms of development.
Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP vice-presidential aspirant; Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akyem Oda; Alhaji Boniface Abubakar Saddique, Minister of Works and Housing, and Alhaji Karim Grunsah, the football administrator-turned politician, made the call when they addressed a rally at Akyem Swedru Zongo last week Thursday.
They noted with concern that although the Zongo communities had been loyal and committed to the cause of the NDC, they had never received any reward for their commitment as the party had done nothing to improve their lot.
According to Alhaji Grunsah, considering the kind of work the Zongo people had done for the NDC for quite a long time, that party should have reciprocated their gesture by transforming their communities into “paradise”.
“As an opinion leader in the Zongo community in Kumasi, I know what the NPP government has done during its eight-year rule and the other good things it intends to do if the party is retained in power come December 7, 2008. I urge my brothers and sisters to vote for the NPP in order to enjoy the fruits of your labour,” Alhaji Grunsah stressed.
“I have seen the light, so I don’t want my brothers and sisters to remain in darkness,” he added.
For his part, Mr Osafo-Maafo expressed optimism that the outstanding performance of the NPP government would convince Ghanaians to retain it in power by voting massively for the party.
He noted that the people of Akyem Swedru Zongo had never voted for the NPP since 1992, lamenting, “In 1996, only six people in the area voted for the NPP, while the NDC had more than 600 votes.”
Mr Osafo-Maafo, therefore, advised them to change their voting pattern and endorse the NPP in the December 7 general election.
He stressed that Alhaji Bawumia possessed all the qualities of a vice-president as he was a genius, very competent, a young man, affable, respectful and assiduous.
According to Mr Osafo-Maafo, being a Muslim, Dr Bawumia’s choice is a good balance since the NPP presidential aspirant, Nana Akufo-Addo is a Christian.
Mr Osafo-Maafo, a former Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, stressed that Dr Bawumia, who was 42, was the youngest person to be appointed the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana as all his predecessors were around 60 years of age.
Dr Buwumia enumerated such interventions made by the NPP government as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the Capitation Grant, the School Feeding Programme and the free medical care for pregnant women, in addition to provision of potable water, electricity, school blocks, roads and other development projects.
He, therefore, enjoined the people to retain the NPP in power in order to benefit from more quality projects.
Alhaji Saddique, for his part, stated emphatically that no government since independence, could surpass the NPP as far as the development of the nation and good governance were concerned.
He, therefore, urged all Ghanaians to vote massively for the NPP in order to enjoy development in freedom.
The other members of the campaign team included Mr John Boadu, the National Youth Organiser of the NPP; Mr Kwame Twumasi-Awuah, the Deputy Minister of Energy; Mr Yaw Gyekye-Amoabeng, the Eastern Regional Chairman of the NPP, and Mr Osei-Frimpong, the Special Assistant to Mr Osafo-Maafo.
He said the country was on the verge of economic breakthrough, which called for concerted efforts to resist any act of provocation and violence and contribute towards the conduct of an incident-free election in December.
“We must together say no to any violent act that could trigger bloodshed and destruction of property. We must rather choose peace and unity, which are what we need to ensure the total transformation of the economy,” he stated.
Dr Bawumia, who made the appeal during separate rallies on Saturday, said “we cannot afford to destroy the country that we are trying to build together for ourselves and our for children”.
Dr Bawumia was addressing rallies at various Zongo communities in Koforidua, New Tafo, Kwabeng, Kyebi and Asesewa, as part of his four-day tour of the Eastern Region.
“Our peaceful co-existence and unity, freedom of press, freedom of speech, association and movement as well as the massive infrastructural development and other social interventions such as free health care, free basic education, the School Feeding Programme, the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the free school bus ride are all achievements that we should not take for granted.” he said
The NPP running mate also used his tour to pay courtesy calls on various traditional leaders, including the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, Kpetekple Narh Darwutey Ologo VI, who is also the Konor of the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area, and the surviving 81-year-old wife of the late Dr J. B. Danquah, Ms Elizabeth Pandikor Ologo. He was accompanied by some executives of the party.
Dr Bawumia mentioned the discovery of commercial quantity of oil, and the country earning the reputation as one of the most stable and peaceful countries in the sub-region, as making it a favourable destination for foreign investments.
According to him, although Ghana gained its political independence many years ago, its budget depended on conditionalities of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a situation that denied its “economic and mental freedom”.
However, he pointed out that seven years after the NPP had assumed the administration of the country, the economy had been able to disentangle itself from the IMF conditionalities, an enviable gain that must be consolidated to ensure the country’s total economic freedom.
“When our GDP, 43 years after independence, stood at $3 billion, seven years after the NPP took over, our GDP is now $16 billion,” he said, adding “this is not by chance but by the good economic policies and management of the NPP government”, he stated.
“The resilience of our economy in the past seven years makes one of the first HIPC African country to issue a sovereign bond of $700 million bond on the international market, an enviable record by any account,” Dr Bawumia stated.
According to him, to sustain such significant economic achievements, the government aimed at making education accessible to every Ghanaian to make the economy a knowledge-driven one.
This, he believed, could boost the country’s efforts at eradicating high rate of illiteracy, which had many years been the bane of the country’s slow development pace.
Mr Ampofo Twumasi, Ms Gloria Ofori Boadu, President of Women’s Assistance and Business Association (WABA) and Alhaji Karim Grunsa, Chief Executive Officer of the King Faisal Football Club, urged Ghanaians to critically examine the good works of the NPP government over the past seven years against that of the various previous governments, particularly the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
This, he said, would enable them to make an informed voting decision and vote back the NPP into power to manage the resources and affairs of the nation.
In a related development, Samuel Kyei-Boateng, reports from Akyem Swedru that four leading members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) have called on the Zongo communities to break their 16-year marriage with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and join the NPP in their own interest.
They stressed that the “marriage of convenience” between the Zongo people and the NDC since 1992 had not benefited them in terms of development.
Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP vice-presidential aspirant; Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akyem Oda; Alhaji Boniface Abubakar Saddique, Minister of Works and Housing, and Alhaji Karim Grunsah, the football administrator-turned politician, made the call when they addressed a rally at Akyem Swedru Zongo last week Thursday.
They noted with concern that although the Zongo communities had been loyal and committed to the cause of the NDC, they had never received any reward for their commitment as the party had done nothing to improve their lot.
According to Alhaji Grunsah, considering the kind of work the Zongo people had done for the NDC for quite a long time, that party should have reciprocated their gesture by transforming their communities into “paradise”.
“As an opinion leader in the Zongo community in Kumasi, I know what the NPP government has done during its eight-year rule and the other good things it intends to do if the party is retained in power come December 7, 2008. I urge my brothers and sisters to vote for the NPP in order to enjoy the fruits of your labour,” Alhaji Grunsah stressed.
“I have seen the light, so I don’t want my brothers and sisters to remain in darkness,” he added.
For his part, Mr Osafo-Maafo expressed optimism that the outstanding performance of the NPP government would convince Ghanaians to retain it in power by voting massively for the party.
He noted that the people of Akyem Swedru Zongo had never voted for the NPP since 1992, lamenting, “In 1996, only six people in the area voted for the NPP, while the NDC had more than 600 votes.”
Mr Osafo-Maafo, therefore, advised them to change their voting pattern and endorse the NPP in the December 7 general election.
He stressed that Alhaji Bawumia possessed all the qualities of a vice-president as he was a genius, very competent, a young man, affable, respectful and assiduous.
According to Mr Osafo-Maafo, being a Muslim, Dr Bawumia’s choice is a good balance since the NPP presidential aspirant, Nana Akufo-Addo is a Christian.
Mr Osafo-Maafo, a former Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, stressed that Dr Bawumia, who was 42, was the youngest person to be appointed the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana as all his predecessors were around 60 years of age.
Dr Buwumia enumerated such interventions made by the NPP government as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the Capitation Grant, the School Feeding Programme and the free medical care for pregnant women, in addition to provision of potable water, electricity, school blocks, roads and other development projects.
He, therefore, enjoined the people to retain the NPP in power in order to benefit from more quality projects.
Alhaji Saddique, for his part, stated emphatically that no government since independence, could surpass the NPP as far as the development of the nation and good governance were concerned.
He, therefore, urged all Ghanaians to vote massively for the NPP in order to enjoy development in freedom.
The other members of the campaign team included Mr John Boadu, the National Youth Organiser of the NPP; Mr Kwame Twumasi-Awuah, the Deputy Minister of Energy; Mr Yaw Gyekye-Amoabeng, the Eastern Regional Chairman of the NPP, and Mr Osei-Frimpong, the Special Assistant to Mr Osafo-Maafo.
Monday, October 6, 2008
SHUN SELF-SEEKING POLITICIANS — BAWUMIA
DR Mahamudu Bawumia, the running mate of the presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has appealed to Ghanaians to shun self-seeking politicians who preach tribalism and hatred as part of their political strategy to win the December elections.
That, he said, would prevent the destruction of the unity and peaceful co-existence that had been experienced in the country for many years.
“As Ghanaians, regardless of our political leanings, we must always guard against divisive politics that aims at destroying our common sense of one people with one country”, he stated.
Dr Bawumia, who made the appeal at separate campaign rallies, stated that “politics is all about the sharing of ideas and exercising of our free will and not about violence and tribal hatred”.
The running mate who is on a four-day tour of the Eastern Region, was speaking during separate rallies at Adeiso, Kade, Asamankese, Akwatia and Adoagyiri.
Dr Bawumia also visited the various Zongo communities and market women and was accompanied by other executive of the party including Mr Saddique Abubakar, Minister of Water Resource, Works and Housing; Mr John Boadu, National Youth Organiser; Mr Yaw Gyekye Amoabeng, Eastern Regional Chairman, and Alhaji Inussah Grusah, Chief Executive Officer of King Faisal Football Club.
In reference to the 2000 and 2004 elections, Dr Bawumia stated that some political parties strongly capitalised on people’s diverse tribal backgrounds to incite some people against other political parties.
That divisive political strategy, he noted, was used to negatively create the impression that on voting for the NPP, certain tribes would be “sacked and sent to their various places of origin since they are not regarded as Ghanaians.
“However, contrary to such negative tribalistic sentiments, when the NPP assumed the administration of the country, no group of people or tribe was ever sacked and sent to their supposed places of origin”, he emphasised.
“Ever since, we have all continued to live and be at peace with each other as Ghanaians”, he stated.
On the economy, the NPP running mate indicated that although the party inherited a weakened economy, good economic policies and management by the NPP had placed it on a robust foundation.
“While Ghana had a GDP of $3 billion after 47 years of independence, its current GDP is $16 billion. This achievement is not by chance but as an outcome of good economic management under President Kufuor’s administration”, he explained.
On education, he pointed out that high rate of illiteracy had remained the bane of the country’s rapid socio-economic development, contrary to the high literacy rate in other nations such as Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea, which were at par with Ghana after its independence.
“Since education remains indispensable to our development, the NPP government, under Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, would aim at making education at the second cycle also free as done at the basic level under President Kufuor’s administration.
He highlighted the various initiatives aimed at making education more accessible to every Ghanaian child, under President Kufuor’s administration, as including the Capitation Grant, free bus rides for schoolchildren, the School Feeding Programme being implemented on a pilot basis in two schools per district and added: “We will also extend this to all public schools under President Akufo-Addo”.
On health, Dr Bawumia mentioned the introduction of the National Health Insurance and free health care for pregnant women as replacement for the defunct cash-and-carry system, which made healthcare delivery inaccessible to the poor.
Other speakers, including Messrs Saddique and Boadu as well as Alhaji Grusah appealed to Ghanaians to assess the good works of the NPP government over the past seven-and-a-half years as against that of the National Democratic Congress, before casting their votes in December.
That, he said, would prevent the destruction of the unity and peaceful co-existence that had been experienced in the country for many years.
“As Ghanaians, regardless of our political leanings, we must always guard against divisive politics that aims at destroying our common sense of one people with one country”, he stated.
Dr Bawumia, who made the appeal at separate campaign rallies, stated that “politics is all about the sharing of ideas and exercising of our free will and not about violence and tribal hatred”.
The running mate who is on a four-day tour of the Eastern Region, was speaking during separate rallies at Adeiso, Kade, Asamankese, Akwatia and Adoagyiri.
Dr Bawumia also visited the various Zongo communities and market women and was accompanied by other executive of the party including Mr Saddique Abubakar, Minister of Water Resource, Works and Housing; Mr John Boadu, National Youth Organiser; Mr Yaw Gyekye Amoabeng, Eastern Regional Chairman, and Alhaji Inussah Grusah, Chief Executive Officer of King Faisal Football Club.
In reference to the 2000 and 2004 elections, Dr Bawumia stated that some political parties strongly capitalised on people’s diverse tribal backgrounds to incite some people against other political parties.
That divisive political strategy, he noted, was used to negatively create the impression that on voting for the NPP, certain tribes would be “sacked and sent to their various places of origin since they are not regarded as Ghanaians.
“However, contrary to such negative tribalistic sentiments, when the NPP assumed the administration of the country, no group of people or tribe was ever sacked and sent to their supposed places of origin”, he emphasised.
“Ever since, we have all continued to live and be at peace with each other as Ghanaians”, he stated.
On the economy, the NPP running mate indicated that although the party inherited a weakened economy, good economic policies and management by the NPP had placed it on a robust foundation.
“While Ghana had a GDP of $3 billion after 47 years of independence, its current GDP is $16 billion. This achievement is not by chance but as an outcome of good economic management under President Kufuor’s administration”, he explained.
On education, he pointed out that high rate of illiteracy had remained the bane of the country’s rapid socio-economic development, contrary to the high literacy rate in other nations such as Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea, which were at par with Ghana after its independence.
“Since education remains indispensable to our development, the NPP government, under Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, would aim at making education at the second cycle also free as done at the basic level under President Kufuor’s administration.
He highlighted the various initiatives aimed at making education more accessible to every Ghanaian child, under President Kufuor’s administration, as including the Capitation Grant, free bus rides for schoolchildren, the School Feeding Programme being implemented on a pilot basis in two schools per district and added: “We will also extend this to all public schools under President Akufo-Addo”.
On health, Dr Bawumia mentioned the introduction of the National Health Insurance and free health care for pregnant women as replacement for the defunct cash-and-carry system, which made healthcare delivery inaccessible to the poor.
Other speakers, including Messrs Saddique and Boadu as well as Alhaji Grusah appealed to Ghanaians to assess the good works of the NPP government over the past seven-and-a-half years as against that of the National Democratic Congress, before casting their votes in December.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
ST JOSEPH HOSPITAL CALLS FOR SUPPORT (PAGE 59)
THE management of St Joseph Hospital in Koforidua has appealed to the government and other stakeholders to assist the facility to expand in order to provide essential services for its large number of clients.
The Director of the hospital, Rev Bro Johannes B. Torwoe, who made the appeal, stated that the hospital had specialised in orthopaedic and traumatology and could not afford to lose that prestigious position.
Rev Bro Torwoe was speaking at the launch of the hospital’s golden jubilee themed: “We remain your reliable partner in health delivery, today and beyond” at Koforidua on Saturday.
Rev Bro Torwoe said St Joseph Hospital, established 50 years ago to provide humanitarian services to the poor and the needy and had solely depended on foreign donor support in the past.
However, he said, currently most of the hospital’s funding partners had folded up, making the management to run it basically on internally-generated funds.
“In the midst of donor fatigue, which has plagued us for sometime now, we continue to run the hospital with our scarce resources, making it difficult to embark on major projects essential for its effective and efficient running”, Rev Bro Torwoe stated.
He mentioned some of the projects that needed to be undertaken as the training of more orthopaedic surgeons and other health professionals, the construction of more bungalows for doctors, nurses and other health workers, procurement of medical equipment and accessories, among others.
In its drive for excellence in spite of the myriad of problems, the director said, through foreign sponsorship, the management of the hospital was constructing a new Orthopaedic Hospital.
In a speech read on his behalf by Dr Ebenezer Appiah Denkyira, the Director of Human Resource of the Ghana Health Services, the Minister of Health, Major Courage Quashigah (rtd) commended the management and staff of the facility for being persistent in rendering quality services to Ghanaians over the years.
He particularly recalled that when personnel of the various health facilities across the country embarked on a national strike for better conditions of service, those of the St Joseph Hospital stayed at post to provide the needed services to the people, in spite of the challenges facing them.
He pledged the support of the government to provide the necessary assistance to the hospital to enable it to play the role for which it was established.
The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben, Nana Adjei Boateng, commended the management and staff of the hospital, noting that its establishment had brought a lot of relief to both Ghanaians and foreigners alike.
He, however, appealed to the staff of the facility to work hard to turn the hospital into a centre for excellence in the future.
The Director of the hospital, Rev Bro Johannes B. Torwoe, who made the appeal, stated that the hospital had specialised in orthopaedic and traumatology and could not afford to lose that prestigious position.
Rev Bro Torwoe was speaking at the launch of the hospital’s golden jubilee themed: “We remain your reliable partner in health delivery, today and beyond” at Koforidua on Saturday.
Rev Bro Torwoe said St Joseph Hospital, established 50 years ago to provide humanitarian services to the poor and the needy and had solely depended on foreign donor support in the past.
However, he said, currently most of the hospital’s funding partners had folded up, making the management to run it basically on internally-generated funds.
“In the midst of donor fatigue, which has plagued us for sometime now, we continue to run the hospital with our scarce resources, making it difficult to embark on major projects essential for its effective and efficient running”, Rev Bro Torwoe stated.
He mentioned some of the projects that needed to be undertaken as the training of more orthopaedic surgeons and other health professionals, the construction of more bungalows for doctors, nurses and other health workers, procurement of medical equipment and accessories, among others.
In its drive for excellence in spite of the myriad of problems, the director said, through foreign sponsorship, the management of the hospital was constructing a new Orthopaedic Hospital.
In a speech read on his behalf by Dr Ebenezer Appiah Denkyira, the Director of Human Resource of the Ghana Health Services, the Minister of Health, Major Courage Quashigah (rtd) commended the management and staff of the facility for being persistent in rendering quality services to Ghanaians over the years.
He particularly recalled that when personnel of the various health facilities across the country embarked on a national strike for better conditions of service, those of the St Joseph Hospital stayed at post to provide the needed services to the people, in spite of the challenges facing them.
He pledged the support of the government to provide the necessary assistance to the hospital to enable it to play the role for which it was established.
The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben, Nana Adjei Boateng, commended the management and staff of the hospital, noting that its establishment had brought a lot of relief to both Ghanaians and foreigners alike.
He, however, appealed to the staff of the facility to work hard to turn the hospital into a centre for excellence in the future.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
SEVEN HELD OVER INDIAN HEMP (PAGE 31)
SEVEN persons, who were found in possession of a quantity of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp at Akropong, Adukrom and Adawso, both in the Akuapem North District in the Eastern Region, have been arrested by the Akropong police.
The suspects, arrested in a dawn swoop, were found with three mini bags and several wrappers of the dry leaves at various hideouts harbouring criminals.
They are Samuel Okraku, 37; Yaw Ofosu, 42; Kwabena Ofei, 51; Kwame Yeboah, 56; Issifu Mohammed, 26; Mark Arday, 40 and Kwesi Werenkye, 37.
The suspects are currently in police custody assisting in investigations.
The Akropong Divisional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mrs Mina Ayim, told the Daily Graphic that the dawn swoop formed part of efforts at curbing the rampant peddling of drugs in the communities.
This, she believed, would help to rid the area of criminal elements and people with deviant characters.
“In a political season like this, crime prevention remains our prime objective, hence the undertaking of pre-emptive measures to flush out criminals from society to ensure a violence-free elections”, ACP Ayim stated.
The Divisional Commander, who warned criminals of the preparedness of the police to pursue them all out, however appealed to members of the communities to always volunteer useful information that could lead to the arrest of such criminals.
The suspects, arrested in a dawn swoop, were found with three mini bags and several wrappers of the dry leaves at various hideouts harbouring criminals.
They are Samuel Okraku, 37; Yaw Ofosu, 42; Kwabena Ofei, 51; Kwame Yeboah, 56; Issifu Mohammed, 26; Mark Arday, 40 and Kwesi Werenkye, 37.
The suspects are currently in police custody assisting in investigations.
The Akropong Divisional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mrs Mina Ayim, told the Daily Graphic that the dawn swoop formed part of efforts at curbing the rampant peddling of drugs in the communities.
This, she believed, would help to rid the area of criminal elements and people with deviant characters.
“In a political season like this, crime prevention remains our prime objective, hence the undertaking of pre-emptive measures to flush out criminals from society to ensure a violence-free elections”, ACP Ayim stated.
The Divisional Commander, who warned criminals of the preparedness of the police to pursue them all out, however appealed to members of the communities to always volunteer useful information that could lead to the arrest of such criminals.
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