Supreme Court Upholds Dr. Anane's case

Dr. R.W. Anane Ghana's former Minister of Transportation

By William Yaw Owusu

Wednesday October 31, 2007
The Supreme Court yesterday unanimously ruled that an Accra Fast Track High Court did not err when if quoshed a ruling by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) which cited Dr. Richard W. Anane, former Minister of Transportation for conflict of interest and perjury.

However the five member panel chaired by Justice Georgina Wood, the Chief Justice, granted a certiorari by CHRAJ against the High Court’s decision to interpret ‘Complainat’ in Article 218(a) of the 1992 Constitution in favour of Dr. Anane.

The court explained that the issue of whether or not there should have been an identifiable complainant before CHRAJ proceeded to investigate Dr. Anane fell under Article 130 of the Constitution which was an exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court which the High Court was not permitted to handle.

In this regard the court ordered the Attorney General and CHRAJ which had sought to reverse the High Court’s decision, as well as Dr. Anane, who is an interested party in the suit, to within 14 days, file written legal arguments on the issue of ‘complainant’, for the highest court of the land to decide whether or not there should have been a complainant.

The court asked:‘For a complainant within the meaning of Article 218(a) of the 1992 Constitution to form a basis for investigation by the CHRAJ must it be made by an identifiable individual or corporate body and lodged with the commision or are complaints made through the media and other public regarding violations of fundamental human rights and freedoms, injustice, corruption, abuse of power and unfair treatment of any person by a public officer in the exercise of official duties an adequate basis for the institution of investigation by CHRAJ'.

It adjourned proceedings until November 21, for oral arguments from all the three parties.

Other Justices on the panel were S.A. Brobbey, Dr. S.K. Date-Bah, Julius Ansah and R.T. Aninakwah.

On March 13, the Fast Track Court, presided over by Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, ruled that CHRAJ was wrong in recommending that Dr. Anane, be relieved of his post and quashed the commision’s recommendation that the then applicant be relieved of his position as a Minister of State because he had "brought his power and office into disrepute" after it cited him for perjury, conflict of interest as well as abuse of power and office.

CHRAJ made the recommendations on September 15, last year and further asked Dr. Anane to apologise to the Appointments Committee of Parliament that approved his appointment as a Minister, for lying under oath.

The decisions were reached by the Commission after an 18-month investigation into allegations of corruption, conflict of interest and abuse of power levelled against the former Minister in his dealings with Ms. Alexandria O’Brien, an American with whom Dr. Anane has a child.

Dr. Anane had sought a declaration that the investigation by CHRAJ was "riddled with an irregularity" and a further declaration that there should have been a formal complaint lodged by an identifiable complainant before going ahead to investigate him.

Dr. Anane also prayed the court that another declaration that cited him for perjury was an error and an order of certiorari to quash the commission’s decision.

Dissatisfied with the ruling CHRAJ filed an appeal at the Supreme Court for a certiorari to quash the ruling of the High Court

CHRAJ represented by Nene Amegatcher, had argued that the commission could carry out investigations or initiate its own investigations when there has not been any formal complaint and said the court erred in quashing their decision.

J.K. Agyemang, counsel for Dr. Anane, had said the former Minister was only concerned about the mandatory steps which should have been avoided by CHRAJ in investigating him.

Women Advocates Discuss Peace In West Africa

ECOWAS logo

By William Yaw Owusu

Tuesday, 30 October 2007
A Regional forum on peace building and networking among women’s organisations in West Africa commenced in Accra yesterday with a call on women to resolve against acts that promote conflicts and wars.

"We have to make our position clear that we are not ready to contribute to acts that fuel conflicts. We must be able to point out to our men t hat we and our children are the worst affected in times of conflicts or wars and for that matter we will never be part of anything in this direction," Hajia Alima Mahama Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, said.

The Minister gave the advice when she opened a three-day forum organised by the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre in collaboration with the government of Ghana.

Some 50 representatives from women’s groups in the sub-region are attending the forum which is aimed at examining the needs and experience of women in conflict situations. It will also assess the roles women can play in peace building and post war reconstruction.

The forum will serve as a platform for the establishment of a network for women’s groups to actively participate in post-conflict management in the sub-region.

Hajia Mahama said that in societies where the views and opinions of women and children are respected there is less conflict, adding "we should take steps to make our voices heard so that when the men are going beyond bounds, we can hold them in check".

However, she said, "we should not make gender mainstreaming efforts appear as if we are fighting the men. Rather, it should be seen as a developmental issue which needs the collective effort of both men and women to promote it."

The Minister said with the acceptance of good governance as a key component of democracy, women in the sub-region should take advantage of the situation to contribute towards conflict prevention.

Ms Irene Mahama, Director of the ECOWA Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who represented the Minister said the active involvement of women in peace building and post-war reconstruction stood out as a major challenge to ECOWAS.

"Meeting this challenge will require not only the application and enforcement of the relevant international instruments but also the prioritization of gender equity and equality in the development process of the region."

Aminatta Dibba, Acting Director of the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre said despite the vulnerability of women and children in conflict situations, most women have been able to support and promote peace processes in the sub-region.

She said continued dialogue, consultation and cross cultural exchanges as well as networking are vital avenues for the inculcation of peace and understanding among the people of West Africa.

In this regard, Ms Dibba said the forum will seek to put in place mechanisms to ensure the active involvement of women in peace negotiations, peace building and post-conflict reconstruction process.

AU Ministerial Committee Meets on Union Gov't

Africa Union Flag

By William Yaw Owusu

Tuesday October 30, 2007
The African Union (AU) Ministerial Committee tasked by member countries to enhance the prospect of achieving a Union Government for the continent, met in Accra over the weekend.

It is the second of such series of meetings since the Accra declaration in early July and it came as a direct consequence of a work plan and programme adopted at a consultative meeting in New York, United States in September.

Issues discussed included the identification of the contents of the Union Government concept and its relation with national governments and also looked out for the domains of competence and the impact of the establishment of the Union Government on the sovereignty of member countries.

They also discussed the relationship between the Union Government and the Regional Economic Commissions (REC’s), elaborated on the roadmap together with a timeframe for establishing the Union Government as well as the identification of additional sources of funding for activities of the AU.

The two-day meeting was attended by almost all Foreign Ministers of member countries or their deputies and their entourage. A similar meeting is expected in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the second week in January, 2007, where they will build on the progress made in Accra.

In his welcome address, Mr. Akwasi Osei-Adjei, Ghana’s Foreign Minister and Chairman of the AU Executive Council urged his counterparts to reflect on the preamble of the Accra declaration towards the achievement of a union government.

“A successful execution of the task before us will undoubtedly assist our principals, the AU Heads of State and Government, to chart a cause that will enhance the prospect and aspiration of achieving the United States of Africa in our lifetime”.

He said key issues such as the need to accelerate the economic growth and political integration, a common voice for major global issue and the creation of an African common market as well as involving the people in the integration process should be handled in the spirit of “frankness, collegiality and mutual trust”.

Later in an interview, Mr. Osei-Adjei told the Times that the level of development of each member country should not pose a challenge to the quest for a union government, adding “the world is now a global village and Africa cannot afford to miss out in the effort”.

Mr. Aziz Pahad, Deputy Foreign Minister of South Africa said “Clearly, a union government is the way forward for Africa. We have to look at each country’s capabilities and explore the common values as we forge ahead”.

“We cannot build a Union Government on a weak foundation. The objective is not debatable. Those who are better of economically should play a leading role in this effort”.

Ambassador John Shinkaiye, Chief of Staff of at the AU Secretariat in Addis Ababa said “We are working out the modalities to include the harmonization of our activities so that we can accelerate the union government agenda”.

National Tripartite Committee Inaugurated

By William Yaw Owusu

Friday, 26 October 2007
The Minister of Manpower, Youth and Employment, Nana Akomea, has said that despite reports of good governance, economic growth has been painfully slow.

"We are painfully aware that we still have not reached growth levels that would bring the investments to provide employment for the people. This situation calls for urgent and pragmatic measures to meet the challenge of unemployment, especially among the youth."

Nana Akomea was speaking at the inauguration of the National Tripartite Committee in Accra on Wednesday.

The 15-member body, to be chaired by the sector Minister, includes representatives of the government, organised labour and the employers association.

The committee was established under the Labour Act 651 of 2003. Section 13 of the act spells out the tripartite committee’s composition and its functions which include determining the national minimum wage.

The committee also advises on employment and labour issues including labour laws, standards, industrial relations as well as consult with partners in the labour market on matters of social and economic importance to ensure industrial peace.

Mr Akomea said "we are providing for ourselves statutory national institutions to determine the all important minimum wage, maintain fair and equitable application of this wage through a unified pay structure, and head off or minimise labour disputes from becoming flash points or infernos".

He tasked the committee to promote employment issues and thoroughly discuss all aspects of policies that promote employment, adding "the Ministry will provide the necessary support for this committee to help solve the unemployment issue".

Ms Joyce Aryee, Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, who is also an executive member of the Ghana Employers Association (GEA), said the committee will not only focus on minimum wage but also tackle issues that hinder economic well being of the people.

"We want to have a situation where people can be empowered to harness resources of this country for development and create wealth as well, she said."

She described the setting up of the committee as appropriate saying "we are actually realising the dream of many years. We need to work hard this time around."

Mr. Alex Bonney, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), said "organised labour have been looking forward for this committee and we will offer our support for it to function appropriately and effectively."

A representative of the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), which is supporting the programme, said DANIDA will continue to focus on issues related to industrial harmony and peace on the labour front.

Trial Of Haleem Banda Ends

By William Yaw Owusu

Friday, 26 October 2007
THE trial of Haleem Banda, son of business magnate Asuma Banda, charged with threat of death, ended on Thursday at an Accra Fast Track High Court.

The court, presided over by Justice B. T. Aryeetey of the Court of Appeal, ordered both the defence and the prosecution to file their addresses by November 7, after which the court will fix a date for judgement.

Haleem is being tried for threatening to kill Kofi Otchere-Darko, popularly called K.O.D., a radio presenter and his friend Emmanuel Kiki Banson, at an Accra night club on June 12.

Haleem, according to the prosecution, threatened to kill the complainants and fired three gun shots after which he sped off at a night club called "The Office" in Cantonments, Accra.

He has pleaded not guilty to four counts of threat of death and possession of arms and ammunition without lawful authority and has been in police custody since the incident.

The prosecution called seven witnesses while Haleem brought two including Kofi Assuman, a proprietor and travel and tour operator.

Led in evidence by Mr. Addo Attuah, defence counsel, Mr. Assuman yesterday told the court that he was with Haleem at the club when the accused noticed that Banson was chatting with his (Haleem’s) girlfriend.

He said Haleem then attempted to pull the girl away from Banson but he (Banson) pushed the accused aside.

The witness said a heated argument then ensued between the two men and at that moment he heard Otchere-Darko saying on the microphone, "We are not here to fight. We are here to make fun".

"I did not hear threats of death from Haleem. I also did not see him pull a gun," Mr. Assuman said.

He told the court that Banson and Otchere-Darko then left the club and were later followed by Haleem. "I did not go out with them. I stayed inside the room. But when I came out later, I heard that Banson and Haleem fought."

Assuman admitted that Haleem gave him a pump action gun for safekeeping before the incident and said after the incident he handed it over to the police.

Under cross-examination by Mrs. Stella Badu, Principal State Attorney, witness told the court that he was not at the scene of the shooting and he was not aware of any grudge between Haleem and Banson before the incident.

He said when he sent the gun to the police, he did not personally write a statement. It was written by the police and he signed.

Ms Lyela Ghanem, a student, who said she was at the scene of the incident, also gave evidence.

She told the court that she did not personally know Haleem but knew Otchere-Darko as a popular radio presenter.

She said on that day, she was outside the office when Haleem and Banson came out arguing while Otchere-Darko attempted to separate the two.

"All of a sudden, I saw the two fighting and falling in the process."

She also said that she did not hear any gunshots but saw Haleem sped off in his car after the incident.

Since then, she said, she had not seen Haleem.

Soldier Sues GAF

By William Yaw Owusu

Tuesday, 23 October 2007
AN Accra Fast Track High Court yesterday dismissed an application for bail, filed by Squadron Leader John Harrison Indome, who is battling the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), for his voluntary release from the military.

The plaintiff, a pilot, filed the suit against the Attorney–General for an order to direct the GAF to release him voluntarily from the military.

The court, presided over by Justice K.K. Acquaye, did not grant the application because Sqd. Leader Indome was already in "open custody" according to the military authorities when he appeared before the court

In military parlance, open custody is where a soldier who is facing disciplinary action is allowed to move about but is expected to file reports of his whereabouts.

The court further added that he is still in active service in the GAF and had been treated according to military law.

The court said his admission that he is free to move about made the request for bail "unnecessary and misconceived".

Sqd Leader Indome was commissioned as a regular officer and applied for voluntary release last year, citing his right to be released.

While his application was being considered, he allegedly applied for, and obtained employment with the Ghana International Airlines as a civilian pilot.

He then allegedly packed his belongings out of the military accommodation without notice to his superiors and travelled abroad.

After all attempts to trace him failed, the Military Command declared him ‘AWOL’, a military acronym for leaving without permission, which is a criminal offence under the Armed Forces Act 1962 and Armed Disciplinary Regulations C.I.12.

In their affidavit in opposition to his application the GAF said that prior to his disappearance without leave, Sqd. Leader Indome exhibited gross indiscipline, refused to take orders from his superiors and also did not take flight orders.

The GAF said they investigated and charged him and are currently holding him in open custody, pending his appearance before an Armed Forces General Court Marshall.

When he commenced the civil action at the high court, Sqd. Leader Indome contended that he is entitled to his release as of right and, therefore, his disappearance without leave was justified.

He further contended that his "detention" in custody by the GAF is unlawful since it is not sanctioned by law."

On October 18, when the application was to be moved, the court ordered the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall Julius Otchere Boateng, to personally produce Sqd. Leader Indome and to appear before the court to explain the basis of the plaintiff’s detention by the GAF.

Air-Vice Marshall Boateng duly appeared before the court yesterday, and an affidavit in opposition filed by the AG notified the court that Sqd. Leader Indome had already been processed for appearance before a court Marshall in strict compliance with the Armed Forces Act and the Armed Forces disciplinary regulations.

Moving the application for bail, Mr. Tony Lithur, counsel for Sqd Leader Indome said the applicant had applied for voluntary release after 10 years of military service and qualified for it under Article 15 (2) (1) of the constitution.

He said although his client was not in detention, the conditions attached to the open custody policy were very restrictive and did not allow his client free movement.

"There is escort around him all the time. The terms should be reviewed because his is not an "absconding risk."

But Colonel Iddrisu Mahama, who represented the GAF, argued that the conversion of the plaintiff’s status from close custody to open custody was essentially an admission of the plaintiff to bail in military palance.

Ms. Gifty Ofei Sakyibea, Assistant State Attorney who represented the Attorney-General, said to the extent that the plaintiff was a commissioned officer, his recourse lies within military law and therefore he is not entitled in the circumstances of this case, to seek the intervention of the high court, especially when he had not exhausted the grievance redress procedure prescribed under military law.

M.V Benjamin Vessel Owner Opens Defence

By William Yaw Owusu

Saturday October 20, 2007
Joseph Kojo Dawson, whose vessel was chartered to cart 77 parcels of cocaine into the country on Thursday opened his defiance at a Accra Fast High Court. He is charged with four others for the importation of the narcotic drug.

Dawson and his accomplices, Isaac Arhin, 40 Phillip Bruce Arhin, 49, a mechanic Cui Xian Li, 49, a vessel engineer and Luo Yui Xing, 49, both Chinese who were on board the MV Benjamin vessel that allegedly brought the narcotic drug package lost their respective applications for submission of ‘no case’ after the close of the prosecution’s case on Tuesday.

The sixth accused person Pak Bok Sil, a Korean vessel engineer, who was jointly, charged with five was acquitted and discharged for by the court for lack of evidence.

All five men have been charged for the various roles they played in the alleged importation of the cocaine to the Tema Port in April last year.

Sheriff Asem Darke, popularly called “Limping Man,” now at large, allegedly chartered the vessel from Dawson at150,000 dollars under the pretext of towing hi distressed vessel from Conakry, Guinea.

Dawson has pleaded not guilty to using his property for narcotic offences.

Isaac Arhin, Bruce Arhin, Li and Xing have all pleaded not guilty to two counts of engaging in prohibited business as related to narcotic drugs and possessing narcotic drugs unlawfully.

The prosecution called 13 witnesses after which the accused persons filed a submission of no case’ because they believed the prosecution failed to convince,

Led in evidence by D.K. Ameley, his counsel, Dawson told the court that Daohment Company Limited of which he is that Managing Director jointly owned MV Benjamin with a Korean called Bae of Dugon Fisheries in Korea.

He said Bae had given the vessel to him on a hire purchase agreement for 600,000 dollars in 2000 but were able to pay only 100,000 dollars before the vessel was intercepted by the security agencies in April 27, 2006.

He told the court that after sometime when the vessel started giving them problems, Bae who resides in Palmas, Spain asked him to look for a local buyer and later contacted him to say that Sheriff says before the vessel is purchased, he will test it to tow his distressed vessel from Conakry Guinea”, it was Bae who engaged the expatriate crew, a Korean and Chinese, while Daohment Company engaged the local crew.

Dawson told the court that he was a signatory to the charter agreement adding “Sherriff Chartered the vessel to tow his distressed vessel. He did not say that he was using the vessel to cart cocaine”.

He claimed that the 150,000 dollar chart fee was to be given to Bae by Sherrif and added that he did not receive any money from the fugitive.

He also said under the agreement, Sherriff was solely responsible for repairing, crewing and bunkering of the vessel adding “before the agreement we had paid off our crew and Bae had asked a man caked Gorge to look after the vessel at the Takoradi Port.”

Dawson said the chartered agreement was prepared on January 25, 2006 and signed on February 6, 2006.

He claimed that when Sherriff did not pay the charter fee he met him at Community 3, Tema but the fugitive pleaded with him for time because he had spent on lot on the vessel’s repairs.

Dawson again said he was not aware of the departure date of the vessel from the Takoradi Port that, he had met Isaac Arhin in February 2006 at Takoradi and had asked him to notify him anytime Sherriff attempted to move the vessel.

He said when the vessel was submitted intercepted he voluntarily to the National Security Co-coordinator in Tema and also led the officers to arrest Sherriff’s dinner.

He also said when he and the security agent, indulging Ben Ndego, the interdicted Narcotic, attempted to arrest Sheriff the officers asked him to stay bade 200 metres from the fighting house in Tema.

“When I got the news that the vessel had been used to cart cocaine I was not frightened because I knew it was Sherriff who was responsible for that”.

He is expected to be cross-examined by the prosecution on October25.

Court to decide on Abodakpi's application for bail on November 1

By William Yaw Owusu

Friday October 19, 2007
The Court of Appeal will on November 1, decide whether or not to grant bail pending appeal to Daniel Kwasi Abodakpi, the convicted Member of Parliament for Keta.

Abodakpi was jailed 10 years by an Accra Fast Track High Court presided over by Justice Stephen Twerefuor Farkye of the Court of Appeal on February 5 for causing financial loss to the state.

He was said to have illegally authorised the payment of 400,000 dollars to Dr. Frederick Owusu Boadu, a Ghanaian consultant in Texas, United States from the TIP fund.

The eight million dollar TIP fund was set up by the NDC government to promote the non-traditional export sector.

He was originally charged with Victor Selormey, former Deputy Financial Minister who died in the course of the trial.

Abodakpi 57, filed an application for bail pending appeal at the trial court but it was dismissed by Justice Farkye.

He filed a fresh application for bail pending appeal which was moved on October 11 by his counsel, Tony Lithur before Justices B.A. Aryeetey, Samual Marful-Sau and Mariama Owusu.

Mr. Lithur argued that in convicting his client the trial judge gave no consideration to his defence.

He explained, “Abodakpi did not only deny the charges preferred against him, but also led evidence to create doubt in the prosecution’s case which the judge failed to consider”.

He said failure to give due consideration to the defense of Abodakpi represented “a clear error on the face of the record which makes the judgment barred in law.”

Opposing the bail application, Getrude Aikins, Acting Director of Public Prosecution said the order holding Abodakpi is valid and can only be set aside by a higher court of competent jurisdiction.

She said Abodakpi’s argument that the judgment was wrong could only be corrected by the appellate courts adding, “Unless it can be demonstrated that the judgment is indefensible, the court cannot grant bail to the applicant.”

She invited the court not to entertain issues of the substantive appeal in the bail application since what Abodakpi sought to do was not a judicial review.

“I will apply that the substantive appeal be listed so that we can quickly go into the records to hear the appeal and have the matter determined.”

“The conviction must be sustained, having regard to the records,” she submitted.

Ms Aikins further argued that the trial court’s judgment did not occasion any miscarriage of justice saying, “Grant of bail is discretionary. We can go into the appeal so that justice is seen to be done to both parties and not the application alone.”

She said, “There was a material evidence before he was found guilty. There is more than enough evidence on the record to support the conviction.”

Tagor and Abass file their addresses

By William Yaw Owusu

Friday October 19, 2007
An Accra Fast Track High Court has asked the Prosecution in the trial of Kwabena Amaning, alias Tagor, and Alhaji Issah Abass, charged in connection with the missing 76 parcels of cocaine from the vessel MV Benjamin at the Tema Port, to file their address before November 19.

The court, presided over by Justice Jones Dotse of the Court of Appeal, gave the directive after Amaning and Abass had filed their addresses.

The court then adjourned proceedings until November28, to enable both the prosecution and defence to put things together after which a date for judgement will be fixed.

Tagor and Abass were among 14 people recommended for prosecution by the Justice Georgina Wood Committee set up by the Ministry of the Interior last year, to investigate the case of 77 parcels of cocaine brought into the country by M.V Benjamin Vessel, and another quantity of the substance seized from a house at East Legon in Accra in November 2005.

Out of the 77 parcels on the vessel, 76 disappeared at the break waters of the port before security agencies could intercept the vessel.

Tagor is facing four counts of conspiracy, engaging in prohibited business related to narcotic drugs and supply of narcotic drugs.

Abass is charged with three counts of conspiracy, engaging in prohibited business related to narcotic drugs and supply of narcotic drugs.

The two have pleaded not guilty and are in prison custody.

When the case was called yesterday, Mr. Mohammed Attah, counsel for Abass said he was not able to file his address on time because part of the record of proceedings were not ready.

Tagor however filed his address last week.

Mr. Ellis Owusu Fordjuor, Counsel for Tagor told the court that they needed to know the kind of address to be filed by the prosecution in order not to give them undue opportunity.

Justice Dotse then said the court was giving the prosecution until November 19, to file its address.

GBA Calls For Closure Of James Fort Prison

By William Yaw Owusu

Thursday, 18 October 2007
THE Ghana Bar Association (GBA), has called for the immediate closure of the James Fort Prison in Accra and relocation of all its inmates.

They said the prison complex is dilapidated and poses a danger to both inmates and Prison Officers.-

Nii Osah Mills, National President of the GBA, made the call in Accra yesterday at a press conference to announce resolutions passed at their 2007-2008 annual general conference held in Koforidua from October 1 to October 3.

He said that the GBA was ready to put pressure on the government and also support it in the relocation exercise.

He said "the James Fort Prison is an old structure located very close to the sea. There is constant sea erosion of the building and we as a nation cannot fold our arms until there is a major catastrophe".

The GBA suggested the speedy completion of the Ankaful Prison Complex in the Central Region as one of the interventions for the relocation exercise.

Mr Mills said, "whilst we recognise the on-going ‘Justice for All’ programme as a first step towards the decongestion of the prisons, the GBA urges the government to vigorously aim at improving conditions of the inmates of our prisons and officers of Prisons Service."

He called on the government to as a matter of urgency and on humanitarian grounds, increase the daily feeding allowance for the upkeep of prisons and provide medical care and facilities for both inmates and Prison Officers.

Furthermore, the GBA called on the Judicial Service to review the current professional or career magistrates’ training programme and consider enticing lawyers to the bench as Magistrates instead of the Professional Magistrates.

It stressed the need to improve conditions of service for the Police Service to enable the personnel to perform efficiently.

The association condemned the spate of instant justice and mob actions and urged the public to refrain from such acts and allow the law to take its own course.

The GBA also commented on the spate of road accidents and appealed to the National Road Safety Commission and the Ghana Highway Authority to intensify public education on road safety and also ensure that road construction meets international standards.

It urged the National Media Commission to work expeditiously on all complaints before it and maintain up-to-date communication between complainants, the media and the public.

The association expressed sympathy for victims of recent flood disaster in many parts of the country ands urged the government and all aid agencies to redouble their efforts in assisting the victims.

It congratulated Justice Georgina Wood on her appointment as the Chief Justice and promised the Bar’s commitment to ensure an enhanced administration of justice in the country.

African States Share Ideas On Agriculture

By William Yaw Owusu

Wednesday, 17 October 2007
THE 11th annual Africa Forum which provides a platform for decision makers to exchange experiences on policy and programmes in agriculture and rural development, has commenced in Accra.

The five-day event, which is under the theme "Drivers for pro-poor rural growth," is being attended by about 120 participants from almost all the countries in Africa, as well as some European experts.

It is being organised by the German Technical Co-operation (GTZ), in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, under the Market-Oriented Agriculture Programme, which is an initiative of the Ghana-German Development Co-operation.

Participants are expected to identify the main drivers of change in rural growth as well as look out for factors that hinder efforts for growth and see how best such drivers for change could be supported to do more.

Opening the forum on Monday, Mrs Gladys Asmah, Minister of Fisheries, said agriculture has played a significant role in the performance of the economy and a review of the policies of the sector will add more strength to the country’s economic growth.

She said once the policies have been reviewed, the private sector should be positioned such that, they will be able to take up the challenges in the agricultural sector.

Mrs Asmah said, "agricultural development depends on markets. We need to develop our regional markets to enable us to get access to the global market."

She said Ghana is among the first group of countries that prepared to implement a framework which has been aligned with the agricultural policy of ECOWAS and also added that the government had committed itself to increase budgetary allocations to agriculture to 10 per cent in line with New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) provisions.

The Minister further said "with all these interventions, we have to work towards ensuring that farmers, particularly those in the small-scale sector take advantage to create wealth to raise their standards of living."

Dr Lothar Dlehl, Programme Advisor of GTZ, said "rural development is about people making money, becoming economically independent, informed and articulate players in the economy."

He said the forum will hope to lay the foundation for a more sector specific analysis of the drivers for change in pro-poor rural growth.

This is the second time the forum is being held in Ghana. In 2001, a similar event was held in Accra under the theme: "Sector wide approach – Do they really help the poor?"

Court frees Korean in missing cocaine case

By William Yaw Owusu

Wednesday October 17, 2007
Pak Bok Sil, a Korean vessel engineer who is standing trial with five others for his involvement in the importation of 77 parcels of cocaine on board the vessel M.V. Benjamin was yesterday acquitted and discharged by an Accra Fast Track High Court for lack of evidence.

However the five including Joseph Kojo Dawson, the vessel owner were ordered by the court presided over by Justice Annin Yeboah of the Court of Appeal to open their defence because the prosecution had led sufficient evidence (prima facie case) against each of them.

Apart from Dawson, those expected to open their defence are Isaac Arhin, 49, Phillip Bruce Arhin, 49, a mechanic , Cui Xian Li, 49; a vessel engineer and Luo Yui Xing, 49, all Chinese, who were on board the vessel that brought the narcotic drugs.

All five men have been charged with various roles they played in the importation of the cocaine to the Tema Port in April last year.

It was Sheriff Asem Darke popularly called Limping Man now at large who chartered the vessel from Dawson at 150,00 dollars under the pretext of towing his distress vessel from Conakry Guinea but ended up importing 77 parcels of cocaine.

Dawson has pleaded not guilty to using his property for narcotic offences.
Isaac Arhin, Bruce Arhin, Li and Xing have all pleaded not guilty to two counts of engaging in prohibited business relating to narcotic drugs and possessing narcotic drugs without lawful authority.

The prosecution called 13 witnesses before closing its case after which all the accused filed a submission of 'no case' because they believed the prosecution could not convince the court that they knew about the cocaine.

Bok Sil who was acquitted and discharged had pleaded not guilty to one count of engaging in prohibited business relating to narcotic drugs.

In his short ruling Justice Yeboah said although the prosecution had led evidence that Bok Sil was the person who had repaired the vessel that brought the cocaine the accused had done so in his professional capacity as an engineer.

He said the initial investigator, Detective Inspector Justice Nana Oppong had even told the court during cross examination that Bok Sil repaired the vessel in his professional capacity adding 'It will be unjust for the court to ask him to open his defence since the prosecution has not been able to astablish a case against him'.

'The evidence led by the prosecution leaves clear doubt as to whether Bok Sil knew about the cocaine.The evidence is base on mere suspicion'.

The court said the fact that Bok Sil was tasked to repaire the vessel or had a meeting with another Korean called Killer who is also wanted in connection with the case did not mean that he was aware that the vessel was to cart cocaine.

Ordering the rest to open their defence, Justice Yeboah said 'the prosecution has suceeded in astablishing a case beyond reasonable doubt against the first(Dawson), third (Isaac Arhin), fourth(Phillip Arhin), fifth (Li) an the sixth(Xing) accused persons'.

He said the court was however not required to give reasons for the action taken saying 'If I do it now it will prejudice the trial because they are yet to mount the witness' box'.

Proceedings was adjourned until October 18, for them to open their defence, starting from Dawson.

Court concludes coke trial of three cops.........They are to file their addresses

By William Yaw Owusu

Wednesday October 17, 2007
An Accra Fast Track High Court yesterday concluded the trial of three policemen charged inconnection with the missing 76 kilogrammes of cocaine brouhgt into the country by the vessel M. V. Benjamin.

The court presided over by Justice Annin Yeboah of the Court of Appeal therefore ordered both the defence and the prosecution to file their addresses by November 14, after which the the court will meet the following day to fix a date for judgement.

The three Sergeant Nyarko together with Lance Corporals Dwamena Yabson and Peter Bundorin, are charged in connection with the missing cocaine brought into the country on April 25, last year, by the vessel.

They were alleged to have collected an undisclosed amount in US dollars from Sheriff Asem Darke popularly called Limping Man who is wanted by the police in connection with the importation of 77 parcels of the cocaine, 76 of which were offloaded at the Kpone beach near Tema.

The prosecution led evidence to show that the policemen saw Sheriff at the Kpone beach offloading the cocaine but left him and his accomplices to go.

A fourth policeman, Detective Sergeant Samuel Yaw Amoah, who allegedly played a leading role in the case, escaped soon after he was granted bail by an Accra Circuit court in September, last year.

The accused, all of whom are with the Tema Regional Police Command, have pleaded not guilty to two counts of engaging in a prohibited business related to narcotic drugs and corruption by a public officer.

They are currently in police custody.
When the case resumed yesterday it was Bundorin who entered the witness' box to be cross-examined by Mrs Stella Badu, a Principal State Attorney.

He told the court that at the Kpone beach Nyarko was in police uniform but did not hold a gun, contrary to Nyarko's earlier evidence that he went to the scene with a gun.
He said from where Yabson positioned they could not see the beach and the land cruiser driven by Sheriff and this was also contrary to evidence given by Nyarko earlier on that they could see the vehicle and the beach from their positions.

Bundorin further said they left the scene in a taxi to the Kpone Police Station Junction and did not chase any vehicle contrary to the prosecution's case that the taxi crossed the path of Sheriff's vehicle and insisted to arrest him but was impressed upon by Amoah to follow them to Tema where they collected the money.

He denied going to Sheriff's house with the other policemen and said the only time he met the the fishermen who brought the information about the movement of the canoe was at the identification aprade organized by the Police.

He also cclaimed that he was not given any dollars by Sheriff saying ' I have never handled or seen dollars in my life'.

NADMO

By William Yaw Owusu

Thursday October 11 2007
A bill that seeks to reposition, empower and make the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) more effective has been placed before Parliament for consideration.

When passed, the bill which is in its final stages of reading will requite all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA’s to have emergency contingency plans for disaster prevention.

Dr Kwaku Osei-Akom, Deputy NADMO Co-ordinator in charge of Finance and Administration made this known at a press conference to launch the nation-wide programme of activities to mark World Disaster Risk Reduction Day in Accra yesterday.

The celebration has the theme: “Disaster risk Prevent ion begins at school.”

Dr Osei-Akom said for a long time, NADMO had not been able to respond appropriately to disaster prevention because the law governing its operations is too vague.

For instance, he said, the governing council of NADMO had not lived up to its task due to the workload of members on the board in their respective services and organisations, adding “this new bill has a place for a governing council that will solely devote its time for NADMO activities”.

He also said that the bill will give NADMO the power to compel assemblies and other authorities to prosecute recalcitrant developers who build or develop areas marked as disaster zones.

NADMO will also have the power to compel the prosecution of people who abuse the environment.

“NAMDO for a long time has been ineffective because we do not have too much power to act but all these will soon be things of the past.”

Nana Obiri Boahen, Minister of State of the Ministry of the Interior in his keynote address said there were plans to have disaster risks reduction in integrated into the school curricula.

He said “protecting our children from disaster requires standardized and sustained education in our schools. Integrating disaster risk education into national curricula and building safe school facilities are two factors that can protect resources for development.”

He urged the people to participate fully in the activities and programmes upon by NADMO to prevent disaster.

Dr Stephen Duah-Yentumi, Assistant Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) who read the Secretary-General’s message said “disaster risk reduction is about stronger building codes, sound land use planning better early warning systems, environmental management and evacuation plans as well as education.”

He commended the government agencies and development partners for helping to bring hope to the flood disaster victims in the north and other parts of the country and promised UNDP’s contained support towards the development of Ghana.

Mr Douglas Akrofi Asiedu, acting NADMO Co-ordinator said it will take the commitment and resolve all stakeholders to rebuild parts of the country devastated by the recent floods.

Mrs Oboshie-Sai-Coffie, Minister of Information and National Orientation who moderated the programme called for a sustained public education to alert people on the dangers of living in areas marked as disaster zones.

Abodakpi's appeal fixed for October 11

By William Yaw Owusu

Thursday October 10, 2007
The Court of Appeal yesterday adjourned to Thursday October 11, the case in which Daniel Kwasi Abodakpi, former Minister of Trade and Industry, is appealing against a 10-year conviction imposed by an Accra Fast Court for causing financial loss to the state.

The court could not proceed to hear the motion because just as proceedings commenced, it detected an administrative error in a supplementary affidavit supporting the appeal Abodakpi filed.

Instead of the court’s registry separating the supplementary affidavit from the substantive appeal, it bundled the two process together and this compelled Justice B.T. Aryeetey, who chaired the three member panel, to adjourn the case, for the registry to straighten things up.”

Mr. Tony Lithur, counsel for Abodakpi, who had filed a fresh application for bail pending the appeal for the convicted Member of Parliament for Keta could therefore not move the application due to the lapse.

He said before the bail application could be moved, he will need to first move the motion for the additional grounds in the supplementary affidavit to be admitted by the court after which he could make references to it when moving the bail application.

“When I am moving the bail application I would like to refer to the new grounds raised in our supplementary affidavit but before this can be done the court will have to deal with the supplementary affidavit to amend the substantive appeal motion.”

In his supplementary affidavit to support the application for bail, Abodakpi said he led evidence at the trial to show that the concept of the Science and Technology Park in respect of which Dr. Frederick Owusu Boadu, was tasked to prepare ha d been discussed by him and donors of the Trade and Investment Project Fund in their annual review.

He said evidence by one of the prosecution witnesses during cross examination showed clearly that it was the designation of the late Victor Selormey as former Deputy Ministry of Finance, originally on trial with Abodakpi, that triggered the transfer of funds to Dr. Owusu-Boadu’s account following the change of the title of the study proposal to feasibility study.

Abodakpi further submitted that there was evidence on record that the TIP Funds could not have been used for the preparatory stage of the Gateway Project and also no evidence was led to link him, Selormey and Dr. Owusu-Boadu to any prior meeting to cream money off the state.

He also said in his affidavit that there was no direct evidence on record of the specific intent necessary to prove the charges levelled against him.

Abodakpi who was in court, was jailed 10 years on February 5, in hard labour on seven counts of conspiracy, causing financial loss to the state and defrauding by false pretences by Accra Fast Track High Court.

He was said to have illegally authorised the payment of c400,000 dollars to Dr. Owusu Boadu, a Ghanaian Consultant in Texas, United States, from the TIP fund.

The eight million dollar TIP fund was set up by the NDC government to promote the non-traditional export sector.

He was originally charged with Selormey who died in the course of the trial. Abodakpi, 57, then filed an application for bail pending appeal at the same court where he was convicted but this was dismissed by Justice Stephen Twerefuor Farkye of the Court of Appeal on April 19.

On June 23, the Court of Appeal adjourned sine die (indefinitely) Abodakpi’s appeal application because the panel was not properly constituted.

This was because Justice Annin Yeboah, one of the panel members was said to have been part of a group of judges who dismissed Abodakpo’s submission of “no case” application during the trial and was thus not qualified to be a member of that panel.

On June 27, the court again adjourned sine die from hearing the same application because Mr. Charles Hayibor, then counsel for Abodakpi had notified the court that the records of proceedings at the trial was not complete.

When the case was called the third time in August, Mr. Lithur who had taken over the case alledged that he had evidence that it was Justice Henrietta Abban, member of the panel, who placed a phone call to Justice Farkye to deal with Abodakpi.

Justice Abban subsequently withdrew her representation on the panel.

The General Legal Council is currently investigating the allegation.

The new panel members include Justices Samuel K. Marful-Sau and Mariama Owusu.

Judges Told To Interpret Laws Honestly

By William Yaw Owusu

Monday, 08 October 2007
THE 2007/2008 legal year service has been held with a call on the judiciary to interpret the law honestly.

"Set the records straight," said Rt. Rev. McLean Kumi, Head Pastor of the Tema Joint Church, who was the guest preacher at the special commemorative service, which also marked the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Judicial Service.

The service which was held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Accra on Saturday, was under the theme "Strengthening judicial integrity and capability through judicial education."

Rt Rev. Kumi said "there should be transparency in the administration of justice. The judiciary should be seen to be impartial."

"Dispensation of justice should not be seen to be going to the highest bidder. If you are able to avoid such tendencies you will be restoring hope to the poor, the vulnerable and the economically marginalised."

Referring to the National Anthem, he said "from what has gone on over the years, we are our own oppressors but to be able to resist oppressor’s rule we should proclaim our bad past and strive to make Ghana a better place to live in."

Rt. Rev. Kumi said "the time has come for the nation to rise up to achieve true liberation. With poverty, ignorance, diseases, hypocricy, corruption, drug menace dominating the entire society, we cannot call ourselves a sovereign state".

He said the judiciary, through the administration of justice has what it takes to lead the crusade to bring sanity into the system and ensure rapid development of the country.

He, however, cautioned that rapid development will not come if the judiciary is seen to be partial and there is no transparency in the administration of justice.

He said in this age of globalisation where there is booming drug trade, environmental abuse, sophisticated crime, pornography, human rights with no responsibilities, the judiciary will have to position itself in order to overcome all those challenges.

He commended the "Justice for all Programme" being embarked upon by the Ministry of Justice saying, "it signals a beacon of hope and good things to come".

"All those who matter in the administration of justice should endeavour to be part of this programme because it will restore hope to the people".

He urged judges and magistrates to uphold integrity, lead transparent lives and live above reproach for the public to have total confidence in the legal system.

He, on the other hand called on the public to support the judiciary to advance the cause of justice.

In her goodwill message, the Chief Justice, Mrs Georgina Wood, said "as a service delivery institution, we are fully aware that the demand on us, as the guardians of the rule of law has not waved over time."

She said "following the pursuit of democratic governance in Ghana, an even greater burden has been placed on us to maintain a higher standard of efficiency, as the good people of Ghana have become acutely aware of their rights and freedoms as provided in the 1992 Constitution.

"Our collective and re-dedicated will to deliver equitable justice to all, fuelled by a passion for judicial integrity and work, should enable us to discharge our constitutional mandate without too much difficulty".

Judges Told To Interpret Laws Honestly

By William Yaw Owusu

Monday, 08 October 2007
THE 2007/2008 legal year service has been held with a call on the judiciary to interpret the law honestly.

"Set the records straight," said Rt. Rev. McLean Kumi, Head Pastor of the Tema Joint Church, who was the guest preacher at the special commemorative service, which also marked the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Judicial Service.

The service which was held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Accra on Saturday, was under the theme "Strengthening judicial integrity and capability through judicial education."

Rt Rev. Kumi said "there should be transparency in the administration of justice. The judiciary should be seen to be impartial."

"Dispensation of justice should not be seen to be going to the highest bidder. If you are able to avoid such tendencies you will be restoring hope to the poor, the vulnerable and the economically marginalised."

Referring to the National Anthem, he said "from what has gone on over the years, we are our own oppressors but to be able to resist oppressor’s rule we should proclaim our bad past and strive to make Ghana a better place to live in."

Rt. Rev. Kumi said "the time has come for the nation to rise up to achieve true liberation. With poverty, ignorance, diseases, hypocricy, corruption, drug menace dominating the entire society, we cannot call ourselves a sovereign state".

He said the judiciary, through the administration of justice has what it takes to lead the crusade to bring sanity into the system and ensure rapid development of the country.

He, however, cautioned that rapid development will not come if the judiciary is seen to be partial and there is no transparency in the administration of justice.

He said in this age of globalisation where there is booming drug trade, environmental abuse, sophisticated crime, pornography, human rights with no responsibilities, the judiciary will have to position itself in order to overcome all those challenges.

He commended the "Justice for all Programme" being embarked upon by the Ministry of Justice saying, "it signals a beacon of hope and good things to come".

"All those who matter in the administration of justice should endeavour to be part of this programme because it will restore hope to the people".

He urged judges and magistrates to uphold integrity, lead transparent lives and live above reproach for the public to have total confidence in the legal system.

He, on the other hand called on the public to support the judiciary to advance the cause of justice.

In her goodwill message, the Chief Justice, Mrs Georgina Wood, said "as a service delivery institution, we are fully aware that the demand on us, as the guardians of the rule of law has not waved over time."

She said "following the pursuit of democratic governance in Ghana, an even greater burden has been placed on us to maintain a higher standard of efficiency, as the good people of Ghana have become acutely aware of their rights and freedoms as provided in the 1992 Constitution.

"Our collective and re-dedicated will to deliver equitable justice to all, fuelled by a passion for judicial integrity and work, should enable us to discharge our constitutional mandate without too much difficulty".

Speed up trial of criminal cases to halt instnat justice

By William Yaw Owusu

Friday October 5, 2007
The only way to curb the menace of instant justice is for judges and magistrates as well as other stakeholders to ensure expeditious trial of criminal cases.

“To us, one prime concern is the perceived loss of public confidence in the justice delivery system which is making the public to resort to instant justice. Our call is for members to deal with matters before them expeditiously in order to discourage the public from such acts,” says Justice J.B. Akamba, President of the Association of Magistrates and Judges, Ghana (AMJG).

He was speaking yesterday at the association’s Annual General Meeting under the theme “Access to justice – Strengthening judicial integrity and capacity.”

Justice Akamba said, “The bar, the Police and the prosecution, all have a duty to work together for the efficient and speedy handling of criminal cases in particular to save us all from the embarrassment we are beginning to witness in our dear country.”

“We also need to have a critical look at our Criminal Procedure Code with a view to dispose of archaic procedures,” he added.

Justice Akamba, who is also a Court of Appeal Judge, further said, “remanding every suspect without time limits has never solved the problem else the tribunals would have been heroes today. We are in a constitutional dispensation which sets limits for holding suspects.”

He called on the media and other stakeholders to lead a crusade against instant justice and appealed to the public to exercise restraint for justice to take its own course.

Justice Akamba also called on the government to, as a matter of urgency, look critically at the service conditions of judges and magistrates which he described as “not the best.”

The Chief Justice, Mrs. Georgina Wood, in a keynote address, said as part of efforts to decongest the country’s prisons, accused persons will now be remanded only when the law makes the offence committed mandatory.

“Our prisons are over crowded and we may have either wittingly or unwittingly contributed to the situation,” she said.

She urged judges and magistrates to continue to press for high ethical standards and integrity and said that the introduction of judicial case management which also covers Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) was carefully being pursued.

Justice Wood said the Judicial Service will position its training institute to be able to build the capacities of judges and magistrates to ensure efficiency.

She assured that the judiciary would pursue policies that would sustain public interest in the justice delivery system besides seeking the welfare of all staff as well.

Justice Wood paid tribute to her immediate successor, the late Justice George Kingsley Acquah, and said “I will continue with his good vision and ensure that the judiciary lives up to its responsibilities.”

Justice Sophia O. Adinyirah, a Supreme Court Judge, who chaired the meeting said, “we as the custodians and enforcers of the constitution need to constantly remind ourselves that the achievement of the concept of access of justice depends heavily on us in the way and manner we administer justice.”

She said although the staff of the service worked under constrained conditions, they must continue to dedicate themselves “to build a truly independent, competent, efficient and effective judicial system.”

Fourteen judges and magistrates including Justice Dr. Seth Twum of the Supreme Court, retired from the service this year.

$50m Voted To Facelift Roads In Cocoa Areas

By William Yaw Owusu

Thursday, 04 October 2007
THE Cocoa Industry has received a boost of 50 million dollars to upgrade roads in major cocoa growing areas in the country.

Approximately 531 kilometres of roads are to be rehabilitated under the programme aimed at facilitating the evacuation of cocoa beans from the hinterlands to the ports.

Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, made the announcement at the opening of this year’s roundtable conference on cocoa currently underway in Accra.

It is under the theme: "Sustainable world cocoa economy".

The announcement by the Minister comes in the wake of the government’s decision to increase the price of a ton of cocoa from the current price of GH¢915 to GH¢950 with immediate effect.

On October 1, at the World’s Cocoa Day Celebration at Sefwi-Bibiani in the Western Region. President J.A. Kufuor after announcing the increment, instructed the Ghana Cocoa Board to pay bonuses of cocoa farmers in two instalments in July and the latter part of the year, instead of the current system which is paid in September.

The three day annual International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) conference is being attended by about 250 delegates in the cocoa sector across the world.

It is sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Netherlands in collaboration with the Ghana Cocoa Board.

Mr Baah-Wiredu said, as part of efforts by the government to ensure a sustainable cocoa sector, it has increased renumeration of farmers and had also adopted a diseases and pests control programme.

He said the government had adopted responsible production methods through good agronomic practices and also promoted value addition through research and development in the cocoa processing business.

"We are starting a programme to provide decent accommodation for cocoa farmers in their areas of operation because the concept of sustainability encompasses social, economic and environmental dimensions in both production and consumption".

Mr Baah-Wiredu said, "cocoa, over the years, continues to generate more and more dividends economically and nutritionally for all in the cocoa chain. We must all collaborate to ensure a sustainable industry".

Mr Marcel Vernooij, a representative from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, said sustainable development of the cocoa sector is a shared responsibility among stakeholders.

He said, the cocoa sector needs far reaching working policies that will take into consideration the needs of farmers, labourers and the environment at large.

Mr Hagan Streichert of Germany, who is the ICCO spokesperson for consumers said, policy makers in the sector should at all times involve farmers in their deliberations.

"The farmer should be the starting point at any considerable action. His welfare should be paramount to all stakeholders."

Mr Isaac Osei, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, said "in Ghana, we take the question of sustainability quite serious and that is why in our effort to increase production, we are not thinking of area expansion but our strategy is on yield enhancing schemes to increase farmer incomes, efficiency in logistics and enhancement of our quality assurance systems."

Participants are expected to break into groups and finally come out with a policy draft document that will push forward the sustainability of the sector.

SODOM AND GOMORRAH REBUILDS ......After fire outbreak

By William Yaw Owusu

Monday, 01 October 2007
Barely 48 hours after fire devastated parts of Sodom and Gomorrah, a squatters slum near the Agbogbloshie market in Accra, claiming one life, most of the affected residents have started rebuilding their lost homes.

The fire, believed to have started at about 3.15 pm last Friday, destroyed more than 100 homes and property worth millions of cedis, according to the residents.

When the Times visited the scene at 2 pm yesterday, almost all affected residents were busily putting up wooden structures while others were clearing debris to make way for new structures.

While many of them had employed carpenters to build the structures for them, others were doing the building themselves.

One structure was virtually complete and ready for use when this reporter got there.

Carpenters and masons were in high demand while building materials, such as plywoods were selling like hot cakes in the area.

An eyewitness told the Times on Friday that the deceased, a man believed to be a butcher, whose name was not available, was said to be sleeping in his room when the fire swept through it.

He was burnt beyond recognition and the police have since taken his charred remains to the mortuary.

The fire was believed to have started from a popular drinking spot, also used as a brothel and destroyed structures within a stretch of 100 to 200 metres from the banks of the Korle Lagoon to the Agbogbloshie Market’s main road to Arena, Accra.

When firefighters from Accra Central and Cantonments fire stations got to the scene about an hour later, the fire which was aided by the direction of the wind, was still raging but a misunderstanding between residents and the Fire Service personnel made it difficult for the fire to be put out quickly.

Some residents allegedly decided not to co-operate with the fire officers in putting out the fire because they said they arrived late.
Some people even attempted to get hold of the hoses that were being used by the officers to put out the fires themselves. Others pelted the fire tenders with stones.

There were also no access routes to the fire source and the tenders had to be positioned on the main road to fight the fire.

When contacted later, Mr. Ishmael MaCarthy, a Deputy Director in charge of Public Relations at the Ghana National Fire Service, confirmed the story and said it was impossible for fire personnel to move the tenders close to the scene due to the haphazard development in the area.

He said it was unfortunate for the residents to "resort to that kind of behaviour at a time when we needed their cooperation".

The Fire Service will henceforth liaise with the Police Administration during fire outbreaks, he said

On Saturday when the Times visited the scene for the second time, affected residents were seen seaching the rubble to retrieve belongings which were not consumed by the fire.

Abiba Danjumah, 34, a second-hand clothing seller whose house was gutted said she was able to retrieve her bag before the roof caved in.

Kwame Agbeko, a tailor, said he rescued his two daughters aged two and four, moments before the fire got to their house.

But Kwaku Tabindo, popularly called Abotareye, and Kasim Musah, also known as NDC, said they lost everything.

Tabindo said for the past month there had been no supply of electricity to the area due to a faulty transformer. That had compelled people to use naked lights such as candles, a probable cause of the fire outbreak, he said.

This major fire outbreak is the second this year to hit the same area.

On January 19, a fire outbreak occurred there, causing extensive damage.

The settlement has stalled the Korle Lagoon restoration project.