GHANAIAN DIES IN LIBYA

By William Yaw Owusu

Friday April 16, 2010
The alleged inhumane treatment meted out to Africans including Ghanaians in Libya has reared its ugly head once more with the alleged torturing to death of a 37-year old man from Cape Coast in the Central Region by that country’s security agents.

Daily Guide investigations gathered that the man, Kaizer Steven Hemman was picked up on February 15, 2010 and was allegedly tortured to death by blood-thirsty secret agents of the Libyan government.

The deceased’s crime was that he was a close associate of another Ghanaian, Babs Kassim Abdullah (real name Joseph Narh), 56, from La Accra, who had been picked up by the same agents earlier on in January 2, 2010 and is still in detention but also allegedly heavily tortured.

Both are believed to be permanent residents in Libya and worked for Bilfinger and Berger Company which is a subsidiary of Mediterranean Sea Engineering Construction (MSEC) based in Benghazi.

In an exclusive interview with Daily Guide in Accra yesterday, a pastor who spoke on anonymity because he owns a church in Libya said both Kassim and the deceased are members of his church.

He said Kassim worked as Personnel Officer and Camp Manager with badge number 04511in MSEC while the deceased worked in the same company as a Coffee boy who served workers there with coffee.

He said on December 31, 2009, a German called Wilfred Beermann, Commercial Manager and a Libyan called Mahammed Emjawer, Personnel Manager who is also believed to be a secret agent but work with MSEC jointly signed a letter terminating the appointment of Kassim.

The pastor said the letter had indicated that Kassim’s appointment would be terminated on March 31, and added that the two officers were the masterminds of the arrests of the two Ghanaians.

“I made frantic efforts to get my compatriots released but to no avail. I sought the services of a Libyan lawyer but he was afraid to pursue the matter further because he said to me the matter is political.”

“On February 10, 2010, these security agents brought Kassim to his residence to search the whole place after which they placed secret cameras in the house and used it to pick up two more Ghanaians and sent to a deportation camp in Tripoli. When Kassim was brought he looked heavily tortured by these agents”.

“I contacted the Ghana Embassy in Tripoli but they shockingly asked me to go to the Libyan police to report the matter which is a very dangerous thing to do there.”

“Even the Libya police I asked to help me get my compatriots out were afraid to go forward for fear of being tagged anti-Libyan and arrested.”

He said Kassim and the deceased were taken to a dreaded detention facility called Ahmshebi Ahroba in Tripoli.

He also said the deceased was picked up because the agents claimed he had kept a document they were looking for from Kassim but he believes that was a ploy to get Ghanaians and other Africans rounded up in Libya.

“These are people doing genuine work in Tripoli. They have valid permits to live in Libya and have both been there for more than 10 years each.”

“As I speak to you, Kassim is terribly sick and dying slowly but our embassy in Tripoli has not been helpful.”

He said even though he had already contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra over the matter he had not seen “any concrete action taken”, warning “ if the ministry does not act swiftly the Libyans will kill Kassim as they did to the 37-year old Kaizer Steven Hemman.”

Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com

NYEP staff cry foul

Abuga Pele, a former MP is the National Co-ordinator of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP)in Ghana

By William Yaw Owusu

Thursday April 15, 2010
Sixteen supporting staff of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) headquarters were yesterday relocated to other sub metros within the Accra Metropolis under bizarre circumstances.

While the affected staff suspect that it is an attempt by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to subtly dismiss them from the service, Abuga Pele, National Co-ordinator of the NYEP says “it forms part of a restructuring exercise currently underway”.

In a telephone interview with Daily Guide in Accra yesterday, Mr. Pele, a former MP for Chiana Paga said “we are working to strengthen the scheme. There are a lot of staff at our head office doing practically nothing.”

He said “the districts lack quality human resources to make the scheme effective and we want to distribute them to the various districts and sub-metros to get the scheme going.”

Asked whether the affected staff are not victims of the NDC government’s mantra of ‘proceed on leave’, Mr. Pele said “that is very wrong. We are only working to make the scheme effective and as I earlier on explained to you, there are a lot of staff at the headquarters doing nothing.”

“I do not know the affected staff as perceived opposition sympathizers and what we are doing is a restructuring exercise and not the termination of appointments.”

Some of the affected staff have told the Daily Guide that although the decision was clothed in a form of transfers to the districts and sub-metros the action was clearly a dismissal of staff ranging from secretaries to messengers.

Daily Guide learnt that the affected persons were verbally asked to go the district of their choice

Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com

Uneasy Calm At GBC

Mr. William Ampem-Darko is sitting on time bomb as the Director-General of the Ghana Braodcasting Corporation.

By William Yaw Owusu


Tuesady April 13,2010
The woes of Director General (DG) of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), the nation’s premier broadcaster William Ampem-Darko is deepening by the day.

The latest scandal to hit the embattled GBC DG is the allegations of financial impropriety which led the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) to request his interdiction to pave the way for investigations into the matter.

Mr. Ampem-Darko is quoted in various media as saying he was on his way to Sierra Leone for an assignment and ‘would respond appropriately’ on arrival.

He was however quick to point fingers at Professor B.K Aheto, Board Chairman of GBC whom he accused of undermining his efforts to run an effective administration.
Daily Guide’s investigation at GBC indicates there is uneasy calm among staff following the SFO request to interdict Mr. Ampem-Darko.

While some including a number of management members support the move to interdict Mr. Ampem-Darko, others particularly the leadership of the union is strongly against any move to remove him ‘unconstitutionally’.

A section of the GBC staff held a press conference yesterday to appeal to those behind the call for the removal of Mr. Ampem-Darko to use laid down procedures to get him out, warning that they will resist any ‘unconstitutional’ attempt to get rid of their boss.

They said it is the National Media Commission (NMC) which has the constitutional mandate to terminate DG’s appointment if he is found to have abused his office.

The NMC chaired by Kabral Blay-Amihere has confirmed that the SFO has already sent to its outfit, a copy of the petitions asking Mr. Ampem-Darko to step aside for it to investigate allegations of financial impropriety leveled against Mr Ampem-Darko.

A document sighted by the Daily Guide which was purportedly signed by Prof. Aheto with the title “Issues concerning Mr. William Ampem-Darko, Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC)”, is believed to be the basis for which the SFO has initiated its preliminary investigations against the DG.

Prof. Aheto in the statement accused Mr. Ampem-Darko of breaching the GBC board’s decisions, citing President Barack Obama’s visit as a case in point where he stated “Mr. Ampem-Darko did not attach any importance to a letter dated June 2, 2009, which Mr. Koku Anyidoho, Head of Communications at the Castle –Osu wrote to him giving Mr. Nat Lomo Mainoo his express authority to do business with GBC on behalf of the Presidency.”

Another issue raised by Prof. Aheto is the Ghana-Zambia football match television feed which he claimed Mr. Ampem-Darko “ignored a board resolution that was unanimously adopted on June 19, 2009 directing him to liaise with the board chairman where there is an emergency contract to be signed”, accusing him of signing a $40,000 contract with one Justin Addo of JV2iConsult for the match to be telecast live without any witness on August 3, 2009 but could only inform the board on August 12, 2009, when the match could not be telecast live.

Prof. Aheto in the write-up also accused Mr. Ampem-Darko during the Ghana Japan football match television feed which he said “GBC was responsible for the failure of the non-transmission of the match on September 12, 2009 as technicians and engineers of the satellite and microwave link section messed up with the JV2iConsult and his production team in Holland.”

On President JEA Mills’ address to the United Nations 64th Session, Prof. Aheto again claimed “The United Nations feed from the General Assembly was changed to another circuit prior to the speech of President Mills. By the time it was discovered the circuit was incorrect the president of Ghana had completed his remarks. Glocast North America has written to apologize to GBC but the damage had already been caused. GBC did not have the telephone numbers of the relevant personnel [i.e. Mr. Koku Anyidoho] traveling with the President who could have resolved the problem.”

Prof. Aheto further accused Mr. Ampem-Darko of payment of legal fees totaling GH¢35,000 on behalf of Louis Darko, Divisional Union Chairman of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) of the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) of Ghana, in respect of a case which was brought against Ms. Eva Lokko, a former Director General of GBC .

On the debt of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of Ghana 2008, Mr. Ampem-Darko authorized the payment of 20 per cent commission instead of 3 per cent on an amount of GH¢876,000 the LOC of Ghana owed the GBC.

On the Optima Sports Management International, UK Limited versus GBC issue, Prof. Aheto claimed Mr. Ampem-Darko had told the board that he did not know anything about it but available documents indicated the substantive contract between Katamadara Concepts and GBC had been signed by the DG and witnessed by the DDG.

Prof. Aheto again claimed the decision to engage in parallel and duplicate employment of staff did not receive the prior approval of the then Board, adding “Most contract staffs are paid more than permanent staffs. This case is highly unacceptable to the Board.”

The Board Chairman accused the Director General of “shady deals” in respect of the release of Government of Ghana Subvention and closure of fuel dump at BH2 (Old Broadcasting House), saying, “In April 2008 Mr. Ampem-Darko closed down the fuel dump at BH2 where GBC procured and stored fuel at ex-factory (wholesale) prices from GOIL and the Corporation began purchasing petroleum products at ex-pump (retail) prices from GOIL Filling Station adjacent to Golden Tulip Hotel.

Prof. Aheto, among other things, accused Mr. Ampem-Darko of undertaking arbitrary human resource decisions with regards to transfers, appointments, and summary dismissals and further said there were weak controls, disregarded spending limits, and mismanagement of G2 Medical Laboratory (Medlab) Services, as well as preferential treatment of marketing (business), finance and audit staff.

Prof. Aheto accused Mr. Ampem-Darko of mismanagement or incompetence, gross misbehaviour which brings the Corporation into disrepute, did act that brought the employer into disrepute and undermined the integrity of the 1992 Republican Constitution.

“After working closely with the DG for the last five months, April 21 to September 30, 2009, the Board of Directors deems it imperative to recommend the termination of Mr. Ampem-Darko’s appointment after following the due process”.

Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com

Tertiary education needs re-positioning – Prez. Mills

Professor Johns Evans Atta Mills is the President of the Republic of Ghana

By William Yaw Owusu

Tuesday April 13, 2010
President John Evans Atta Mills says the time has come for tertiary education to be “carefully re-positioned by developing forward looking curricula and programmes to meet the development needs of the country.”

He noted that though tertiary institutions are contributing their quota towards the development of the country, there was still a huge developmental gap which needed to be filled, explaining that “the only way to go about this is to position such institutions to produce quality, effective and efficient human resource for this course.”

This was contained in a speech read on behalf of the President by Dr. Joseph Samuel Annan, a Deputy Minister in charge of Tertiary Education at the 3rd graduation of Regent University College of Science and Technology in Accra on Saturday.

In all, over 200 students graduated in various programmes at the ceremony, which was also used to cut the sod to start the development of a 5.827 acre land at McCarthy Hill for the university.

The university, which started five years ago, currently operates in four different satellite campuses in Accra and upon completion, the McCarthy project is expected to absorb all the campuses.

President Mills said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has recognized that for the country to achieve rapid growth there was the need to pursue science and technology and make studies in the field very attractive to students.

Touching on quality leadership, he said those entrusted with positions of authority must exhibit exemplary leadership to bring hope to the people, adding, “People always perceive that it is only those in politics who are leaders. Anybody entrusted with position of authority is a leader and we must strive to lead good and exemplary leadership.”

He reiterated the government’s commitment towards ensuring transparency saying that “politics does not only exist for elections and debates, but for the people. It is alive when the rights of citizens are upheld.

President Mills said the government appreciated the contributions and efforts of private tertiary institutions towards the development of education in the country and commended Regent University College for venturing into the field of science and technology.

Reverend Professor Kingsley Kwabena Larbi, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the University added, “We are committed to helping in the fight against poverty, illiteracy, filth and disease in the country and on the continent. We want to find solutions to the developmental challenges of the country.

He called on the privileged in the society to complement the government’s efforts at improving the standard of living of the people.

Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com

Prof. Larbi further revealed that the university had adopted a model school at a village near Suhum in the Eastern Region as part of its social responsibility.

Prof. Nicholas N.N. Nsowah-Nuamah, chairman of the council of Regent University College, said the university was pursuing science and technology to develop the country.

CJ wants action on judicial reforms

Justice Georgina T. Wood, Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana addressing participants at the ILAC meeting in Accra.


By William Yaw Owusu


Chief Justice Georgina T. Wood says African governments must step up efforts to reform their judicial systems and harmonize laws on the continent to bring about improved human rights and security as well as ensure accelerated development.

“The tremendous benefit derived from cooperation and mutual consolidation of African judicial systems is not difficult to fathom because it will foster trade and ease legal barriers for the people to also explore.”

The Chief Justice was speaking at the 8th annual general meeting of the International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC) in Accra on Thursday.

ILAC which was started in 2002 is a consortium of NGOs providing technical legal assistance to post conflict countries and has more than 40 member organizations representing over three million judges, prosecutors, lawyers and the academia.

Justice Wood said legal challenges inhibiting accelerated development were not peculiar to any one country particularly when the world is developing into a global village saying “collaboration and mutual consolidation of Africa’s judicial system is not an impossibility.”

She said if that was done it would strengthen regional integration and bridge the gap between the regional block and make Africa a powerful force.

She said once government and the people were determined to make constitutional democracy work in Ghana there was the need for all institutions to complement efforts towards the realization of such goals.

Amarkai Amarteifio, Consul General of the Swedish Embassy in Ghana whose government funded the meeting said Ghana and Sweden had played commendable roles in international humanitarian and peace building efforts saying “the ILC’s noble activities needs the support of all governments.”

Paul Hoddinott, Chairman of ILAC said Ghana had been involved in activities of the consortium for many years and was hosting the meeting to recognize her contributions towards the development and enhancement of rule of law and the promotion of human rights.

“Ghana is a beacon and has the best justice system in West Africa. It is a peaceful and stable country. It has a vibrant and welcoming people and it is striving to improve its economy and better the lot of its people.”

Ebo Quarshie, former president of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) and ILAC Local Chairman noted they were working towards the achievement of a strong legal system which will inspire the people.

Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com

JB Danquah’s son lauds military

By William Yaw Owusu

Saturday April 10, 2010
THE SON of the late Joseph Baokye (JB) Danquah, one of Ghana’s statesmen says the military is gradually living up to its professional standards but thinks the police have a long way to go in that pursuit.

J B Danquah Jnr., who is a retired civil servant said “people may have their own issues with the military but I think they are now living up to their constitutional mandate. My concern has been with the police who are still struggling to maintain their professional standards,”

In an exclusive interview with DAILY GUIDE in Accra on Sunday, Mr. Danquah said “the police are still not learning their lessons after over 50 years of independence. They are still in their old ways compared to the military. Political influence is not making them work effectively.”

He cited a recent incident where Kofi Adams, a spokesperson for Ex President Rawlings allegedly ordered the Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, ACP Rose Bio Atinga to arrest a New Patriotic Party (NPP) activist from a radio station as some of the flashpoints that create negative public perceptions about the Ghana Police Service.

He also cited a situation where a police boss could decline to arrest or bring to order rampaging National Democratic Congress (NDC) youth because he/she thinks the issue is purely an internal party matter as some of the unprofessional ways by which the police is managing affairs of the country.

Mr. Danquah said “it the duty of every police officer to take instructions from the Inspector-General and not from politicians because the police hierarchy knows what is best for the nation. The politicians would always like to use them to fulfill their parochial interests and it is up to the police to stand firm and act professionally.”

He said the conduct of ACP Bio Atinga as the Regional Commander of the nation’s capital is woeful and believes she should be relieved of her position -“she has not satisfied me and a lot of people that she can deliver in such a sensitive position,” he added.

“Look at the military of today. They are in the news for their good performance but the police in most cases are in the news for the wrong reasons.”

Mr. Danquah was also not happy about the way the NDC government is managing security in the country saying “there are conflicts here and there and nobody seems to care.”
He criticized the way President Mills appointed the National Security Coordinator, Lt. Col. Gbevlo Lartey (Rtd) to lead his quest to seek re-election saying “the Security Coordinator says he has declined the appointment but I still do not believe this. It is just an attempt to divert public attention.”

He described the NDC government as ‘a disaster’; “they promised us a better Ghana but Ghanaians are still suffering.”

He also had a word for Nana Akufo-Addo and Alan Kyerematen who he says must be able to call their followers to order to ensure the NPP goes into the 2012 general elections with a united front saying “the NPP has a realistic chance of winning the election.

Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com

KONADU TO LEAD NDC ?

Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings is a former First Lady of Ghana

By William Yaw Owusu

Thursday April 8, 2010
With more than two years to go for the 2012 general elections the political barometer seems to have been triggered, waking everyone from slumber.

Yesterday while the president was inspecting the Tema harbour, the man of God who cut the Ofankor witch tree in November 2007 to pave way for the construction of the Accra-Nsawam hit the ground running with news about who leads Ghana in the next few years.

This time around he says God has revealed to him in a vision that President J.E.A. Mills will lose the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primary to Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings wife of Ex President J.J Rawlings in the race for the flagbearer of the NDC towards the 2012 general elections.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Guide in Accra yesterday, Apostle Williams Opoku, leader of Israel Pentecostal Church in Amasaman in the Ga West District of the Greater Accra Region claimed that he saw a revelation: “God has revealed to me that ultimately, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will win the 2012 presidential elections”.

He said he had a vision from God that the political context will be a straight fight between Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Mrs. Rawlings and warned “if the NPP continues to live in disunity, Mrs. Rawlings will make history by becoming the first female President in 2013.

“God has sent me to tell Ghanaians that it is Nana Akufo-Addo and the former First Lady who will be fighting for the presidency in 2012 but ultimately Nana Akufo-Addo will be sworn in as President on January 7, 2013”.

Asked why he was predicting victory for Mrs. Rawlings over President Mills, the man of God said “God became annoyed with President Mills and his people when at his swearing-in on January 7, 2009; they refused to allow religious people to pray at the ceremony.”

“God has predicted that President Mills is going to become a one-time President”.
On the issue of why he was predicting Mrs. Rawlings when the former First Lady had not declared her intentions to contest, Apostle Opoku said “she will join the race later and triumph over President Mills.”

Apostle Opoku when asked if he was not expressing his opinion cloaked as a ‘vision’ maintained that god had spoken to him.

“God has revealed to me and asked me to warn the NPP that the time is not ripe for Mr. Alan Kyerematen. He should not fight Nana Akufo-Addo in this race. He should allow Nana Akufo-Addo to go for the 2012 elections.”

“God says Mr. Kyerematen will definitely be the President of Ghana later, so he should not contest Nana Akufo-Addo now. If he does now Mrs. Rawlings will surprise all of them”.

“If the NPP fights among themselves, God will give victory to the NDC’.
He said “the 2012 general elections is going to be peaceful and the NPP will win it.”

Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com

Ex-Minister Detained

By William Yaw Owusu

Wednesday April 7, 2010
The Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) yesterday interrogated former Deputy Finance and Economic Planning Minister, Professor George Gyan Baffuor, in connection with the Ghana International Airlines Limited (GIAL) saga.

The interrogation, which took place in Accra, lasted over 5 hours.

Prof Gyan-Baffour had earlier been declared missing by the prosecutor at last week’s hearing when in actual fact, he was in the country.

According to sources, Prof Gyan-Baffour was never part of the case and that his name only came up in court, with the acting Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Gertrude Aikins, allegedly using her pen to add his name to the charge sheet.

However, he was formally charged yesterday on three counts of ‘willfully causing financial loss to the state’ by approving monies to GIAL without authority. He is said to have denied the charges.
He is scheduled to appear in court on April 26, 2010.

This brings to five the number of New Patriotic Party (NPP) former government appointees and officials hauled before an Accra fast track High Court by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for allegedly causing financial loss to the state.

The five, together with four other foreigners namely Ralph Atkins, Kirk Heaton, Albert Vitilis, and Bram Bresbury, are being accused of causing financial loss to the state to the tune of about $56 million through the various roles they allegedly played, leading to the formation of the Ghana International Airline (GIA).

In an interview with DAILY GUIDE in Accra yesterday, Patrick Boamah, one of the lawyers of Prof. Gyan Baffuor, confirmed the invitation by the police and said his client was still going through interrogation at the CID Headquarters.

He also confirmed that the issue was in connection with the GIAL but declined to comment further.

DAILY GUIDE gathered that his statement was taken yesterday.

On March 31, when counsel for the accused persons wanted to know who the persons at large were, Ms. Aikins mentioned Ralph Atkins, Kirk Heaton, Albert Vitilis, Bram Bresbury and Prof. George Yaw Gyan Baffuor, a former deputy Minister of Finance.

However, Atta Akyea, counsel for Dr. Akoto-Osei, was quick on his feet to inform the court that Prof. Gyan Baffour was at his mother’s funeral only last week and could not be at large.

Apart from Prof. Gyan Baffuor, who is also the MP for Wenchi, the former Ministers charged are Dr. Richard Anane of Roads and Transport and MP for Nhyiaeso; former Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning Dr. Anthony Akoto-Osei who is also the MP for Old Tafo; former Chief of Staff Kwadwo Mpiani; and former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NPP Sammy Crabbe.

The four have already made an appearance before the court presided over by Justice Bright Mensah.

They faced 13 charges ranging from conspiracy to cause financial loss, causing financial loss and stealing.

Dr. Osei-Akoto was charged with seven counts of causing financial loss to the state and deceit of public officer, while Dr. Anane faced three counts of conspiracy to cause financial loss, willfully causing financial loss and defrauding the State of Ghana through Cabinet approval.

Mr. Crabbe, a minority shareholder in Ghana International Airlines Limited (GIAL), was also charged with causing financial loss to the state, conspiracy to steal and stealing, while Mr. Mpiani was charged with conspiracy to cause financial loss and causing financial loss to the state.

They pleaded not guilty to the offences and have been granted GH¢300,000 self-cognizance bail after their lawyers made bail applications and the case was subsequently adjourned to April 26, 2010.

Prof. Gyan Baffuor, at the time his colleagues were in court, was said to be delivering a lecture organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) in Accra.

Presenting the facts of the case on March 31, Ms. Gertrude Aikins, the acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), told the court that in 2004, following the extremely poor performance of the now defunct Ghana Airways, the Government of Ghana wanted a strategy to turn its fortunes around and word went round about government’s intentions.

According to her, Mr. Crabbe, after some efforts, presented a proposal to government even though no open proposals were made for its reconstruction, and said that a certain Mr. Ashiagbor of PriceWaterHouse Coopers, who was then on the proposal board to seek organisations to resuscitate the ailing national carrier, observed that GIA did not meet the criteria they had set.

She said other competitors like Fidelity Group, KLM and Kenya Airways had sent their proposals as well.

The acting DPP said the mistakes that led to causing financial loss to the state would have been avoided if Dr. Anane and Mr. Crabbe had gone about their activities strictly under the shareholders’ agreement.

She therefore noted that no investor wants to do business with the airline again because it has become “a floating coffin”.

Also see: www.dailyguideghana.com

‘Better Ghana’ at Bank of Ghana

Mr Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur is an Economist and Governor of the Bank of Ghana

By William Yaw Owusu

Wednesday March 7, 2010
THE NDC came into office promising a ‘Better Ghana’ and although it may be struggling to fulfill this promise, DAILY GUIDE has learnt that, staff of Bank of Ghana (BoG) are already enjoying the ‘Better Ghana.’

This is because, contrary to President John Evans Atta Mills’ mantra of austerity measures in anticipation of better times ahead, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Kwesi Bekoe Amissah- Arthur, has awarded himself a whopping 45percent salary increase.

His staff at the bank is also enjoying the same increment.

In addition, a one-month gross salary welcome bonus for the Governor has been put in place.

Furthermore, staffs are also enjoying a 20percent increase in rent allowance, whilst other public service workers were offered a paltry 17 percent.

DAILY GUIDE’s source at the bank says the decision took effect from this month.

At this difficult time, when most Ghanaians do not know where their next meal will come from, the Governor is paying his staff more than they are due, in an apparent attempt to gain the favour of his staff, who are already the highest paid public servants in the country.

Because they thought the decision would raise eyebrows, the BoG waited for the new minimum wage to be announced before implementing its decision.

Interestingly, the BoG took the decision to increase its conditions of service at a time when other workers in the public sector were being compelled by the government to accept a meager 17 percent increment ,thus raising questions about the motive of the high increment.


The new National Daily Minimum Wage announced by the National Tripartite Committee in January, is GH¢3.11 and it took effect from February 1, 2010.

The 17 per cent increment from GH¢2.65 was arrived at after fruitful deliberations between labour unions and employers.

The communiqué, issued at the end of a meeting in Accra, was jointly signed by Stephen Amoanor Kwao, former Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, Rev Dr. Joyce Aryee, Vice President of Ghana Employers' Association and Kofi Asamoah, General Secretary, Ghana Trade Union Congress (GTUC).

"The tax-free threshold has now increased from GH¢240 to GH¢1,008 per annum," it further announced.

The NTC reiterated its commitment to the improvement of incomes and productivity in both the private and public sectors.

Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com

Too much politics in the military – Nunoo-Mensah

Brig. Gen. Joseph Nunoo-Mensah (left) assisting Lieutenant General P.A. Blay, Chief of Defense Staff to unveil the GMA@50 logo. Behind them is Brig. Gen. J.S Nkrumah, president of the anniversary planning committee.

By William Yaw Owusu

Tuesday April 6, 2010
The National Security Advisor, Brigadier General Joseph Nunoo-Mensah (rtd) has admitted that the military is engrossed in active partisan politics which he says is endangering the country’s security and stability.

This is the second time the two-time Chief of Defense Staff is expressing concern about the polarised nature of the country’s security agencies of which the military plays a key role.

“In the face of many challenges in the sixties up to the eighties, our country sailed through these political and military turbulent periods because the officer corps held together and did not allow parochial interests to divide us. Unfortunately today we have allowed politics and other negative tendencies to infiltrate our ranks,” he complained.

Brig. Gen. Nunoo-Mensah said this at the launch of the golden jubilee anniversary celebration of the Ghana Military Academy (GMA) in Accra on Thursday.

Themed, “Beyond 50 years of Excellence: Turning out elite leaders for national and international peace and security,” GMA has outlined series of activities including public lectures, book launch, fun games, panel discussion as well as a parade of all Military Academy Training Schools (MATS) to mark the celebration.

Since its establishment on April 1, 1960, the academy has produced over 3000 military officers both locally and internationally who are now serving in various capacities.

The National Security Advisor said “in the immediate years ahead we need to inculcate new values into the young officers that come out of the Military Academy so that they eschew politics, ethnicity and other divisive tendencies that may confront the military.”

He said the GMA had come a long way from its humble beginnings to attain its present status as a full-fledged academy and had held its own against other renowned academies in Africa and the rest of the world, adding “this celebration is a welcome opportunity for us to carry out an institutional self-introspection, and a performance audit, to chart the way forward into the future.”.

Brig. Gen. Nunoo-Mensah who is also a product of the academy said that the quality of officers produced by the academy had enabled the military to ‘surmount’ what he calls ‘major difficulties’ and ‘kept our profession intact’, adding “there are however new challenges of different nature, some of which pose serious threat to national security and stability.”

He also bemoaned the absence of adequate infrastructural and logistics at the disposal of the academy to enable it train more officers saying “the present infrastructure and logistics leaves much to be desired. The physical structures in the academy are virtually the same that were constructed some 50 years ago, in spite of the fact that intakes have almost doubled.”

He reiterated the need for the military high command to recruit people who are dedicated to the service of the country and also work towards the improvement of the condition of service of personnel in the military to sustain interest in the service.

Lt General Peter Augustine Blay, Chief of Defense Staff said the military was using the anniversary to “chart a new path for the future”, adding “the activities lined up for the celebration would interrogate the performance of the GMA and position it to respond better to the needs of society.”

He said he will continue to strive for a well motivated, cohesive and formidable joint force, with the capacity to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

Brig. Gen. J.S Nkrumah, president of the anniversary planning committee said the GNA needed a lot of infrastructural development and logistics inflow to maintain its envious reputation as one of the leading academies on the African continent.
He appealed to alumni, individuals, organizations to assist the GMA to make the anniversary a memorable one.

Also see: www.dailyguideghana.com

Short bows out

Justice Francis Emile Short is the Commissioner of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ)in Ghana

By William Yaw Owusu

Tuesday April 6, 2010
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has suspended indefinitely, its investigations into allegations of corruption in respect of the operations of the Marbey and Johnson in Ghana.

A terse news release titled ‘Suspension of investigations’ issued in Accra and signed for Akosua Edu, Head of Public Relations on behalf of the Commissioner of CHRAJ, Justice Francis Emile Short said “kindly be informed that the Commission has suspended the above-mentioned investigations indefinitely because of the application for Judicial Review pending in the High Court against the Commission.”

It will be recalled that on March 28, CHRAJ was expected to deliver a ruling on the preliminary objections raised by some lawyers representing the individuals alleged to have received huge sums of bribes from the UK based construction company, Marbey and Johnson (M & J) but could not do so.

The inability of the Commission chaired by Justice Short to deliver the ruling was because counsel for former Finance and Economic Planning Minister under the Jerry Rawlings regime, Kwame Peprah had managed to put a stopper on not just the ruling on the preliminary objection but CHRAJ’s ability to investigate the whole case.

The lawyer, Samuel Cudjoe sought to prohibit CHRAJ from ruling on the matter since he has filed an application at the High Court in which he is seeking to prohibit CHRAJ from investigating the M & J bribery scandal.

The application which was filed on March 26, 2010 bothered on comments the Commissioner was purported to have made on Metro TV which according to Mr. Peprah’s lawyer are prejudiced.

He quoted Article 212 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic which prohibits a Commission from sitting on a case pending before a court to support his claim and therefore prayed the Commission to suspend its ruling until the High Court finally determines the case.

Aside that Mr. Cudjoe still insisted that CHRAJ as a body has no mandate to investigate the M & J bribery scandal and therefore asked it to stay away from delving into the bribery scandal.

Though Justice Short was initially jittery about the lawyer’s concern, he eventually succumbed after Mr. Cudjoe offered reasons with references cases to buttress his point.

Counsel for the rest of the accused with the exception of Dr George Adja Sipa Yankey, Kwame Gyan associated themselves with Mr. Cudjoe’s objection, stressing the belief that a ruling on the subject matter would in one way or the other undermine the decision of the High Court.

The Commission was thus compelled by prevailing circumstance to adjourn sitting until April 7, 2010.

The M&J scandal involves six current and former government appointees including former Finance Minister, Kwame Peprah, now board chairman for Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Alhaji Baba Kamara, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, sacked Minister of state at the Office of the President, Alhaji Amadu Seidu, Dr Ato Quarshie, a former minister of Roads and Highways who received the largest chunk of the bribe money, former Water Resources, Works and Housing Minister, Alhaji Saddique Boniface in the NPP administration, former Minister of Health, Dr. George Adja-Sipa Yankey, and Edward Lord Attivor, currently Acting Managing Director of Intercity STC.

Mr. Attivor was Board chairman of STC at the time he allegedly took the M&J bribe.

The NDC officials who mostly served in Jerry Rawlings administration and carried over to the Atta Mills administration are accused of taking bribes totaling over £750,000, when M&J took up contracts to build bridges in Ghana in the 1990s.

From the mid 1980s until approximately 1996, M&J’s interests in Ghana were represented by one Kwame Ofori, also known as Danny Ofori-Atta who controlled a Ghanaian bridge-building company, and apparently had influence within the circles of the then ruling NDC government.

It is accepted by M&J that through the creation of the Ghana Development Fund (GDF), its executives facilitated corruption on behalf of the company and that they were in (or sought to create) a corrupt relationship with a variety of decision making Ghanaian public officials.

These funds were purportedly for the development of M&J business in Ghana but, in reality, were capable of and were understood to be capable of, being used for corrupt purposes.Mr. Peprah was at that time Minister of Finance.

The role of Baba Kamara and his value as an agent to M&J is made clear in a document authored by a M&J executive, probably prior to July 1996, and sent to its Directors.

Dr. Ato Quarshie, according to the report, received a cheque when he visited London in July 1995 in the sum of £55,000 for supposed ‘contract consultancy’ when he was the Minister of Roads and Highways.

This cheque was drawn on M&J’s Clydesdale Bank account at the Victoria branch in Buckingham Palace Road, and signed by two of the company’s Directors.

It was therefore the case of the prosecution that the payment to Dr. Quarshie and the following payments were but examples of a series of bribes to various ministers and officials.

Other relatively junior officials who were also alleged to have received some of the bribes included Alhaji Abubakar Saddique Boniface, then an ECGD desk officer at the Ministry of Finance.

On or about 29 October 1996 Amadu Seidu, the Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Roads and Highways, received £5000 in his Woolwich account held in St. Peter Port, Guernsey.

Dr. George Yankey the Director of Legal and International Affairs at the Ministry of Finance, received £10,000 in his Midland Bank account in Hill Street, London W1; and Edward Lord Attivor, also received £10,000 in his London bank account.

Interestingly it was the same branch of the Clydesdale Bank which was used by M&J.

Amadu Seidu received a further £5,000 on 7 March 1997, the same date on which Saddique Boniface received a further £2,500.

Although the amount was relatively small, the prosecution noted that it is indicative of the nature of the corruption M&J was then practicing.

M&J's payments to Dr. Yankey were not confined to the payment on or about 24th October 1996, since his Hill Street account received additional £5,000 on 26 August 1998 from M&J.

Following the revelations, Dr. Yankey resigned his position as Health Minister, ostensibly to clear his name in the matter. And in the heat of the brouhaha, Alhaji Amadu Seidu was dropped as Minister of state at the Office of President Mills, even though it was not clear why he was removed.

A potential appointee to the High Commission to Nigeria, Alhaji Baba Kamara, was however confirmed. Dr Ato Quarshie also resigned his position as a chairman of a team tasked to probe the Metro Mass Transit while Lord Attivor and Kwame Peprah have since held on to their positions as STC MD and SSNIT Board Chairman respectively.

Also see www.dailyguideghana.com

We’ll crush Bature

By William Yaw Owusu

Thursday April 1, 2010
A group of women calling themselves Ambition Ladies Fun Club of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Nima, Accra have vowed to ‘crush’ Alhaji Iddrisu Bature, a pro-NDC social commentator if he does not refrain from insults he rains on certain personalities within the ruling party.

At a news conference at the Nima Social Centre in Accra yesterday to counter what they termed as “Bature’s penchant to bring the names of some leading members of the NDC into disrepute”, Hajia Sherifatu Sulley, Chairperson of the group said “we want to tell Bature that he should put a stop to his continuous unguarded utterances on our party leaders or we will face him squarely.”

Asked what they meant by “we will crush him”, Hajia Sherifatu said “once he uses the media to insult our leaders we are going to use the same medium and other channels to disgrace him because he has a lot of cab webs and skeletons in his wardrobe.”

The group said “he claims he is a member of the NDC and comes from the Ayawaso East Constituency but this cannot be true. He is not a member in this constituency or any other in the country.”

“Because he has access to the media he thinks he can insult everybody and get away with it. We would not sit down for Bature to destroy the NDC for us. We are going to fight and stop him!”

They group asked “Can you imagine Bature cursing our former President? He has also started it with Alex Segbefia and we are not going to allow him to continue.”

The group said it wondered why Bature could ask the President JEA Mills to sack Mr. Segbefia when he was helping to check the importation of stolen cars adding “what is Bature’s interest in pursuing the Al-Wahab case when the security agencies have said some of the cars are stolen?”

Hajia Sherifatu said they had documents to prove that the Toyota Camry, Nissan Murano and Dodge Chargar vehicles imported by Al-Wahab from the United States were all stolen.

They further challenged Bature to tell the special role he played in bringing Mr. Segbefia into office as he claimed. Bature had explained that he introduced Segbefia to the media limelight after he made some submissions on the ROPAB bill at the time it came before parliament thereby making him a new entrant to the NDC.

“We are prepared to protect and resist any attempt by any individual, group or entity who will try to undermine the vision of the better Ghana Agenda under the NDC government headed by President Mills”.

They urged the rank and file of the party to dismiss unfounded statements of persons who are not members of the NDC.

Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com

NDC KILLS ‘Big Six’ from Cedi Notes

Cedi is the currency of the republic of Ghana


By William Yaw Owusu

Wednesday march 31, 2010
It may sound funny and petty but credible information sipping in strongly suggests that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government intends to remove pictures of the ‘Big Six’ from the new Ghana Cedi notes.

The decision, if confirmed, is likely to spark another heated political debate between the ruling party and the opposition parties, particularly the New Patriotic Party (NPP) whose government introduced the current Ghana Cedi in July 2007, following a redenomination of the old Cedi.

Daily Guide intelligence has gathered that the government will take advantage of the introduction of the GH¢2 denomination to phase out the existing Ghana Cedis notes with pictures of the ‘Big Six’. According to the information, the phasing out process, which will see a replacement with the portrait of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah alone, is going to be a gradual one.

A source at the Bank of Ghana (BoG) was specific that anytime the government orders the printing of more Ghana Cedi Notes, would mark the beginning of the replacement process, adding that the directive is ‘from above’.

“The pressure is coming from the Castle. There is a calculated attempt to delete the Danquah/Busia/Dombo tradition from the country’s history. As we sit here it is a done deal. All is set for the pictures to be removed”, the source hinted.

When the Daily Guide called Esi Hammond, Public Relations officer of the Bank of Ghana on her mobile phone to enquire about the issue she said “I have no idea. I am not aware of any such decision. I am currently on a holiday. All that I know is we are working on modalities on how to educate the public on the GH¢2 note which will be coming,” she explained.

She later directed Daily Guide to speak to Mr. Alex Bernasko, the Bank’s secretary who is also a member of the committee working on the introduction of the GH¢2 but was told he had been in a long meeting.

The big six, who included Dr. Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana’s First President), J.B Danquah, Edward Akufo-Addo, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey, William Ofori Atta, and Ebenezer Arko-Adjei, were leaders of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), a leading political party in the British colony of the Gold Coast at the time.

They got the name ‘Big Six’ when they were detained by the colonial authorities in 1948 following disturbances which led to the killing of three World War II veterans on the 28th February Crossroads.

They were featured on the front of all the new Ghana Cedi notes (GH¢: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50) by the then NPP government to reward them for their courage and sacrifice.
The then opposition NDC during the redenomination exercise in 2007 campaigned vigorously against the exercise and questioned the prudence in introducing a currency at great cost.

They had accused the Bank of Ghana of not being entirely forthcoming about the cost of the redenomination and claimed too much money had been spent on an effort to merely ease the inconvenience of carrying too much cash around.

"If Ghana's consumer price index stands at an enviable 10. 5 percent, with the cedi showing a low depreciation rate against the major currencies, why redenominate now?" the, NDC's spokesperson on finance at the time and the current Health Minister, Dr. Ben Kunbuor, asked during a press conference in 2007.

Redenomination of the Cedi is not something new in Ghana’s history. The first Cedi was introduced in 1965, replacing the pound at a rate of 2.4 cedi per 1 pound, or 1 pesewa per 1 penny. The first cedi was pegged to the British Pound at a rate of 2.4 cedis per 1 pound.

It was replaced in 1967 by a 'new cedi' which was worth 1.2 first cedis. This allowed a decimal conversion with the pound, namely 2 second cedis per 1 pound. The change also provided an opportunity to remove Kwame Nkrumah’s image from coins and notes.

The second cedi was initially pegged to the British pound at a rate of 2 cedi per 1 pound. However, within months, the second cedi was devalued to a rate of 2.45 second cedi per 1 pound, less than the value of the first cedi. This rate was equivalent to 1 cedi per 0.98 US Dollar and the rate to the dollar was maintained when the British pound was devalued in November 1967.

Further pegs were set of $0.55 in 1971, $0.78 in 1972 and $0.8696 in 1973 before the currency was floated in 1978. High inflation ensued, and so the cedi was re-pegged at ¢2.80 per $1.00.

Inflation continued to eat away at the Cedi's value on the black market. In the early 1980s, the government started cracking down hard on the retail of products at prices other than the official established sale price (price controls).

This had the effect of driving nearly all commerce underground, where black market prices for commodities were the norm, and nothing existed on store shelves. By 1983, the cedi was worth about 120 to one US dollar on the black market, a pack of cigarettes cost about ¢150 (if they could be found), but the bank rate continued at ¢2.80 per $1.00.

With foreign currency completely drying up for all import transactions, the government was forced to begin a process of gradual devaluation, and a liberalization of its strict price controls. This process ended in 1990 with a free float of the cedi against foreign currencies.

Inflation continued until by July 2007, the cedi was worth about 9500 to one US dollar, and a transition to the third cedi was initiated.

In 1979, a currency confiscation took place. New banknotes were issued which were exchanged for old at a rate of 10 old for 7 new. Coins and bank accounts were unaffected.

A second confiscation took place in 1982, when the ¢50 note (the highest denomination) was demonetized. Ghanaians, in theory, could exchange any number of ¢50 notes for coins or other banknotes without loss, but foreigners could not make any exchange. However, many Ghanaians who were hoarding large amounts of Cedis feared reprisal if they tried to convert all of it, and so simply burned a lot of their money.

Many other Ghanaians received "promise payment notes" from the banks, but never received compensation. This confiscation was publicly justified as a means to create a disincentive for the flourishing black market.

However, from a monetary perspective, currency confiscations have the effect of reducing the available cash in the economy, and thereby slowing the rate of inflation. After the ¢50 note confiscation, the ¢20 note was the highest cedi denomination, but had a street value of only about $0.35 (US).

After the ¢50 note confiscation, fears existed that the Government could also confiscate the ¢20 or even the ¢10 notes. This fear, along with inflation running at about 100 per cent annually, started causing Ghanaian society to lose its faith in its own currency.

Some transactions could only then be done in foreign currencies, and other more routine transactions began to revert to a barter economy.

Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com

Apuskeleke Banned At Kwahu Easter

Indecency like this will not be allowed in Kwahu during the easter

By William Yaw Owusu

Wednesday March 31, 2010
Revelers at this year’s Easter celebrations of the chiefs and people of Kwahu in the Eastern Region are at liberty to enjoy themselves but it is not going to be pleasant and comfortable for those who intend to go there ‘for flesh and body’ purposes to show off their naked bodies.

This is because the Kwahu Development Association (KDA) in collaboration with the police and the Kwahu South District Assembly (KSDA) has decided to clamp down heavily on indecent dressing, hooliganism, theft and indiscipline.

At a news conference in Accra on Monday to outline programmes and activities as well as security measures for the festivities, Mr. Oduro K. Gyateng, Vice Chairman of the KDA said “the police has assured us that they will use the Public Order Act to deal ruthlessly with all those whose actions have the tendency to cast a slur on Easter celebrations for the people of Kwahu.”

He said in recent times the dressing and lifestyles of some young ladies who travel to Kwahu for Easter had left much to be desired adding “you see young ladies in hot pants, some showing their breasts and others almost naked on our streets. We are not going to allow them this time around. They should be decent in our society.”

Additionally, Mr. Gyateng said those young men who visit the towns and villages only to engage in stealing and other anti social vices are going to be checked saying “the police has assured us that they are not going to allow any unregistered motor bike on the ridge during the festivities. They use the bikes to commit all sorts of crimes particularly snatching of mobile phones.

He said the Ferdinand Ayim Memorial Paragliding Festival will go on as planned with an improved security measures and commended all stakeholders for making it possible for the festival to take off, adding “the Nkawkaw Sports stadium has been prepared with an inner lane reserved for landings only, whilst an outer ring has been created with a bandstand for live bands for spectators interested in witnessing the landings from the Atibie take off”.

“Kwahus use Easter to reflect and make projections for the future. We can only help to make this celebration successful. We have put in place adequate safety and security measures to make the people enjoy themselves”, he added.

“The KDA is liaising the chiefs and people, assemblies, development partners and the media to bring accelerated development to Kwahuman. We have also set up the Kwahu Educational Trust fund (KETFund) to provide scholarship for needy students and we believe that with this effort we will complement the government’s effort to bring quality education to the youth”

Mr. Gyateng also said the various towns and villages have outlined series of educational programmes for the people including lessons in HIV/AIDS and other social issues affecting the development of the area.

Prince Kwame Wiafe, a Ghana Tourist Board consultant in charge of hiking said “Kwahus go the ridge to rethink development and not to mess around. The youth must be able to follow what has been done over the years to get the development of Kwahuman on track.”

He said “there is another paragliding window being explored for November and its organization will depend on the success of the April edition. We are identifying other tourism potential s in the area to help create wealth for the people.”

Walter Nesser a paragliding consultant said they would not allow anybody found to be drunk to participate in the flying lessons

Also see. : www.dailyguideghana.com

Dolton Mayor relishes visit to Ghana

Mayor Ronnie C. Lewis was in Ghana for 14 days.

By William Yaw Owusu

Tuesday March 30, 2010
Ronnie C. Lewis, Mayor of the Village of Dolton in Cook County, Illinois in the United States of America has relished his visit to Ghana, describing it as “a lifetime experience which will remain in my memory for a long time.”

“I was in Ghana in 2007 for 10 days but my second visit has been wonderful. We have great people here and I am going to work hard to strengthen the bond of friendship between Dolton and the people of Ghana,” he said.

Mayor Lewis is in the country to monitor and pursue developmental projects that he initiated in some rural areas of the country.

His second visit to Ghana was facilitated by Baafuo Ossei Hyeamann Brantuo VI, the Manwerehene of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is known in private life as Dr. Anthony Ossei.

In an exclusive interview with the DAILY GUIDE in Accra on Sunday, Mayor Lewis, who is an African-American said, “I have a strong feeling that my ancestors came to America from Ghana and I am going to trace it to confirm it.”

“I have experienced Ghanaian culture and received warm receptions from Kings to the ordinary people. Ghanaian culture is very rich and the people are very nice, respectful and hospitable and are able to reach out to everybody.”

“I have learned to have a real affinity for those I have met particularly in the rural areas. Ghana has made an impression on me and I will go back to tell my people that there is a place in Africa where everybody must try to visit.”

Highlighting his development plans for Ghana, Mayor Lewis, who is in the state where President Barack Obama was once a Senator, said he has already initiated two sister-cities projects in Kadjebi in the Volta Region and Mawere in the Ashanti Region that would facilitate the development of such areas.

“I am trying to initiate projects that will be beneficial to the local people. I like to help deprived communities and that is exactly what I am trying to do,” he said.

He said he has already formed a non-profit organization to raise funds for developmental projects in Ghana, saying that “I am getting a borehole expert to come down to help the people.”

“I am initiating exchange programmes for students in deprived communities and I know it will help to promote education among the youth.”

Mayor Lewis, who was made Nkosuohene (Development Chief) at Dodoo in Kadjebi with the stool name Osabarima Annor I, noted that his priorities for the people of Ghana are in areas such as water and sanitation, education and empowerment.

He said the local authorities must work hard to create more jobs to give the people some sense of responsibility and security.

Mayor Ronnie C. Lewis is currently serving his first elected term as Mayor of the Village of Dolton.

He was elected by the residents of the Village of Dolton in April 7, 2009.
He attended Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Education and obtained his Master of Arts Degree in Administration and Supervision from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois.

His agenda for the Village of Dolton includes a strong emphasis on job creation through economic development, improvement in public safety, public participation and core investments in infrastructure.

He welcomed businesses to the Village of Dolton that would revitalize the community.
Mayor Lewis has assisted in bringing quality businesses to the Village of Dolton such as CVS Pharmacy, which opened in 2008 and Food 4 Less in 2009.

Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com

Tata Owners Receive Free Maintenance Checks

By William Yaw Owusu

Monday March 29, 2010
PHC Motors Limited, dealers in Chrysler, BMG, Tata, Jeep and Dodge vehicles has organized a two-day free diagnostic and maintenance exercise for owners of Tata trucks and buses as part of the its social responsibility.

The exercise, which was hugely patronized, was also used to showcase the various models of Tata range of vehicles, parts and accessories and to educate users of the vehicle on basic maintenance tips and road safety guidelines.

Furthermore, the exercise provided a platform for customers of PHC to engage with dealers as well as companies and organizations, including Rana Motors, Sadat Accessories and American batteries, Zenith Bank, SG SSB, Enterprise Insurance and the Ghana National Road Safety Commission who are partners of PHC Motors.

Participants also had the opportunity to undergo free eye screening and blood pressure tests.

In an interview with the CITY &BUSINESS GUIDE at the opening of the exercise at the South Industrial area in Accra on Thursday, Dickson Dick-Samels, Service Reception Manager of PHC Motors, said the exercise was aimed at helping drivers to be conversant with basic maintenance tips to promote road safety.

“We want to help to ensure accident free environment and the basic tips we give them are yielding results,” he added.

He promised the company’s commitment towards the provision of what he described as “total transport experience” for customers.


Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com

‘Nkrumah for young readers’ launched

Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was the first Present of Ghana

By William Yaw Owusu

Saturday March 27, 2010
A 92-page book aimed at rekindling the vision of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President among the youth has been launched in Accra with a call on followers of Nkrumahism to help to explain to the youth what the great man stood for.

The book titled ‘Nkrumah for Young Readers’ which has been explained in simple language interspersed with photographs, was compiled by the Socialist Forum of Ghana (SFG).

Launching it, Professor Kofi Awoonor, Chairman of the Council of State described the late President as “a man of the world who was involved in a global struggle against neo-colonialism.”

“He was very much alert to the forces and power of the West that have persistently moved to undermine the growth of all developing countries particularly Africa.”
“Nkrumah was not going on sightseeing. His agenda for a united Africa was very real. He was not a racial leader as the
West wanted us to believe but a Pan Africanist,” he said.

Prof. Awoonor took a swipe at Great Britain for masterminding the overthrow of Nkrumah and his CPP government and leaving Ghana in an underdeveloped state saying “people always think it is the Americans who helped to overthrow our President; the British were very much involved.”

He said also criticized the divisions and disunity among the various Nkrumahist traditions;“there was a time when a government which claimed to be Nkrumahist ruled this country and we all saw what they did. We now have another government claiming to be social democrats. We are waiting to see what they do.”

“Let us wake up. We have a continent to liberate. The youth need to know what this great man stood for.”

Dr. Yao Graham, a civil society activist was concerned about the intellectual dishonesty that had permeated every fiber of the Ghanaian society saying “the importance of Nkrumah’s legacy is based on historical facts and we should be honest with our history.”

“Unless we tell the whole story it is possible for people to take slices and represent them as facts. He had come from prison to lead the anti colonial resistance struggle but this piece of history is missing.”

“We cannot rely on chance encounters to offer perspectives to those who need it. We should move beyond oral history and set the records straight.”

Alhaji Asoma Banda, a business magnate who chaired the launching said “we always talk about Nkrumah but the youth know very little about him,” promising to go any length to ensure the agenda to sell Nkrumah’s ideals to the youth becomes a reality.

Dr. Nii Lantey Blankson of the SSNIT Hospital in Accra who published the book said “we want to use such avenues to tell the youth about vision and legacy of Nkrumah."

Also see: www.dailyguideghana.com

Let's take IT serious – Ga Mantse

King Tackie Tawiah II is the Ga Mantse

By William Yaw Owusu

Saturday March 27, 2010
The Ga Mantse Nii Tackie Tawiah II says the only way to guarantee the country’s accelerated growth and development is to persist in the pursuit of Information Technology (IT) and make it the backbone of the economy.

“I.T is the only opportunity left to explore the limited avenues that we have as a developing country and we have to pursue it vigorously.”

Nii Tackie Tawiah II was speaking Thursday at a mini durbar held by the Ga Traditional Council in honour of Micheal and Vivien Blair, founders of GS Telecom who have since 2002 been operating the MVBIT Centre to train Ghanaian youth in computer science and technology at highly subsidized rates.

They were at the Ga Mantse’s Palace together with Peter Larson, President of S1 Networks Incorporated, a partner to announce to the king that they had received accreditation to open a tertiary institution called DLI University College to train more people in computer science and business administration.

The MVBITC which has 282 students currently sponsors about 200 Ga youth to pursue Microsoft office suites, website design programming, hardware and networking.
The Ga Mantse said the study of IT is crucial because it is not an individual acquisition but rather serves as a pool where talents are drawn for various sectors of the country’s economy.

“Ghana is doing well to establish herself as the gateway to Africa and the study of IT by the youth should be able to get us there.”

He commended the Blairs and Mr. Larson for their philanthropic work saying “your contribution is augmenting government’s effort to make IT a mainstay of the economy.”
Mr. Blair for his part said his company GS Telecom trains local engineers on satellite and wireless communication systems saying “we want the people to benefit from what you do because we operate here.”

He said Ghana has the potential to explore the IT sector to expand the economy adding “from what I see, the country is on track to getting there.”
He said the new university will focus on ICT to support government’s agenda of making it the backbone of the economy. “We will be interested in quality and not quantity,”he noted.

Rev. Mawuli Dieudonne Tasiame who is the head of the training centre said the university will commence in September adding “we have designed a migration plan to enable those at the centre pursue further education at the university.”

Also see: www.dailyguideghana.com

Kunbuor launches book on decentralization

Dr. benjamin Kunbuor is the Health Minister and a legal practitioner in Ghana


By William Yaw Owusu

Friday March 26, 2010
A BOOK titled “Law and Decentralised Development in Northern Ghana” which seeks to offer some solutions to current problems in the country’s decentralisation process has been launched in Accra.

The book which comes in a beautiful green hardcover was written by the Health Minister, Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor who is also a legal practitioner.

Dr. Kwamena Ahwoi a principal lecturer at GIMPA and an NDC stalwart who reviewed the book during the launch described Dr. Kunbuor’s efforts as “a necessary intervention in our attempts to strengthen our decentralisation process.”

He said “there are very important findings in this book. It provides novel insight into the discourse of democratic decentralisation and its linkages with local development.”

Dr. Ahwoi, a local governance expert himself said the book “provokes a re-examination of the fundamentals of the country’s decentralisation programme and indeed questions whether the authors of the programme led by myself got the fundamentals right to begin with.”

Dr. Ahwoi noted that Dr. Kunbuor had been able to discover that “far from local development being the objective of Ghana’s decentralisation programme, it is in reality a spatial strategy of the state to produce material spaces, appropriate and dominate them as a way out of the crisis of its political economy.”

“He was also able to discover that state legislation on land creates parallel institutions to those of traditional land administration structures, precipitating some of the conflicts in land administration in Ghana.”

Dr Ahwoi further said the Health Minister had found that “the lack of attention by the Ghanaian state to the land question in northern Ghana lies in the policy of previously vesting lands in the state, leading to a situation in which land conflict between the state and local communities were always resolved in favour of the state.”

Another significant revelation by the author was “the absence of the land question in the development discourse of decentralisation programmes of Ghana over the years which confirms that those programmes have failed to appreciate traditional forms of decentralised political formations,” he added.

In Dr. Ahwoi’s estimation, the book had ably described how the country’s decentralisation programme had marginalized the issue of land administration, the exercise of state power in land administration as well as the bottom-up approach to development which had failed to address development concerns pertinent to local communities.

Dr. Kunbuor in his introductory remarks said he focused on decentralisation of the northern regions because of the peculiar nature of development in the area adding “this book has policy ramifications"

Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com

Ace Ankomah wants phone-in programmes restricted

By William Yaw Owusu

Thursday March 25, 2010
Ace Ankomah, a prominent legal practitioner and law lecturer says the country needs urgent legislation that will make it mandatory for radio stations to acquire delayed broadcast equipment to safeguard the peace and unity of the country.

“The National Media Commission (NMC) should push for the enforcement of this legislation without any delay. This ought to be a precedent if we want to live to see the future of this country,” he added.

Mr. Ankomah said it has become necessary to introduce such measures due to the high level of abuse associated with phone-in segments of radio programmes.

The law lecturer was speaking at a media development forum, which was organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), with sponsorship from the Danish Embassy in Accra and under the theme, “Phone-ins: Blessing or curse to freedom of expression.”

The forum, which was carried live on both GTV and Joy FM, formed part of the Ghana Media Standards Improvement Project (GMSIP), which is an occasional platform for media practitioners to share experiences as well as exchange ideas on how to deal with professional challenges to advance the profession.

The programme, moderated by Berefi Apenteng, a former Managing Director of Graphic Communications Group Limited, was structured in such a way that Messrs Ayavana Zananida and Ben Ephson, who are both media practitioners debated for and against radio phone-in programmes respectively, with Mr. Ankomah assessing the legal implications of phone-in radio programmes in the country.

Mr. Ankomah said, “I know some of you would not like me for saying this but the truth is that the NMC is quiet toothless when it comes to checking the media. It is toothless when it comes to revoking the licenses of straying radio stations.”

“Two radio stations went on a Radio Rwanda-like agenda during the 2008 general elections and we should not sit here to say that nothing can happen in Ghana. Ben Ephson says we were lucky nothing happened in the elections, but I will say we are blessed. Phone-ins and text messages are now being concocted. They are being abused and the earlier we take steps to check it the better. We are dealing with the issue of real time communication and we need legislative interventions as soon as possible.”

Mr. Ankomah, who is also helping the GJA on its Ethics Committee, said most of the commentaries on radio stations and other media are “highly defamatory and libelous and if people begin to take up issues with such media outlets they would be in serious trouble.”

The law lecturer stated, “We must think seriously about liability and defamation and we might never find the serial caller but we can easily get to you. The essence is that radio stations have criminal liability.

“It is dangerous for radio stations to say that they are thinking about profit and market share because pockets of the repealed criminal libel law are still there and it can easily get to you.”

“The NMC has the power to compel these stations to acquire the delayed broadcast equipment. If you do not purchase such equipment you should not be allowed to broadcast, period!”

Mr. Ephson, a discussant who spoke against radio-phone-in programmes, said research had shown that almost the same persons are making the phone calls to the various radio stations, adding, “When people phone into radio stations, the moderator of the programme cannot be expected to foresee what the caller will say. He or she at that stage is powerless.”

“If the situation continues in this present form we could get into the Rwanda situation.”

Mr. Zananida, the other discussant who spoke in favour of phone-ins, said radio has come to shape the lives of people and if it is properly managed and coordinated, it would facilitate the development of the country.

The co-ordinator of the media project, Ms. Ajoa Yeboah-Afari noted that the forum presents the opportunity to discuss the media to ensure best practices, indicating that phone-in segments of radio programmes must be managed well for others to take a cue from Ghana.

The moderator of the programme, Mr. Apenteng mentioned that the phone-in concept must be reassessed and corrective measures put in place to facilitate freedom of expression in the democratic dispensation.

Ms Audrey Gadzekpo of the School of Communication Studies called for a broadcasting law that would bring sanity into the system, saying that “before that happens, radio stations should do well to moderate programmes to ensure that the security of the nation is not put in jeopardy.”

There were also useful contributions from a host of participants who attended the forum.


Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com

Trouble at GTV

By William Yaw Owusu

Wednesday March 24, 2010
The impasse between staff of Ghana Television (GTV) and management of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) has taken another twist with the GTV staff storming the National Media Commission (NMC) to present a petition to the Executive Secretary about the situation.

The staff who have since Monday been wearing red armbands want the NMC to intervene and resolve the impasse without any delay to forestall any future altercation between the management and staff.

Presenting the petition, Ebenezer Ampaabeng, a senior newscaster who spoke on behalf of the staff said the GTV staff had been given a raw deal by the management and had not been factored into any decision concerning them taken by the management of GBC.

They said it is never the case that GTV staff are opposed to the “One GBC” project being implemented by management but had only raised legitimate issues concerning the project, adding “when the management proposed the project we all supported it and went for the training together.”

Recounting how the impasse started, the GTV staff said a consultant was engaged to train staff from both radio and television for a six week period but the consultant ended up training all staff on television news production and no radio training.

“Only radio staff benefited from the training. The stuff pertaining radio was missing throughout the six-week training exercise.”

“It has now become a one sided programme and that is what we wanted to explain to them but unfortunately they have gone about calling us all sorts of names.”

They also explained that the new projects needed the application and installation of sophisticated equipment which were yet to be fully operational adding “we are now heading towards a tape less environment and staff needs to be conversant with the new system”

“Because we have been in television production for a long time we anticipated and foresaw the dangers of rushing the project but when we attempted to explain our position to management they refused to listen to us.

The GTV staff said since the impasse started, the Board Chairman of GBC had been on radio accusing them without bothering to find out about the issues they raised or what had happened on Sunday which led to a delay in telecasting midday news.

“Our Board Chairman only listened to the Deputy Director General who came to the studio to enforce the project and did not bother to find out from the Director General what had happened. This is because the Director General had been bale to resolve the impasse and we were satisfied with the outcome.”

“Our Board Chairman is being one-sided. He has been on a radio station threatening sanctions against Titi Anape one of our Editors. We feel he is no longer the umpire we can rely on and that is why we have come to the NMC”.

The GTV staff further accused the management of usurping the powers of the editorial section by drawing schedules saying “for all these years it has been the duty of editorial draws up schedules and we do not understand why all of a sudden management has decided to be drawing schedules for the editorial.”

They also complained that since the impasse began, some GTV staff have been intimidated by some management members who continuously ask the security to pick up anyone who raises dissenting opinion.

They also expressed concern about the way their colleagues from the radio section had politicized a legitimate issue they have raised, adding “ can you imagine our colleagues asking our Director General to confirm whether he was aware if the NPP is behind our agitation?”

Receiving the petition, Kabral Blay Amihere, NMC Executive Secretary commended the GTV staff for “charting the path of dialogue”, saying “ I have already set in motion a process of listening to all sides.”

He said “the NMC will incorporate all the complaints and help to resolve the impasse” adding “we will act with urgency because the longer the problem exist, the more damage it will do for national agenda.

Four grabbed for cannibalizing stolen taxi

By William Yaw Owusu

Wednesday march 24, 2010
A 30 year-old man who allegedly snatched a taxi cab with registration ER 1271 Y from its occupant at Agona Swedru in the Central Region at knife point then brought it to Accra to be sent to Tamale for sale is in the grips of the Nima Police.

The suspect, Jeff Arhin had brought the navy blue and yellow KIA Pride to two brothers, Salifu Adams, 37, a scrap dealer and Tijani Adams, 25, a labourer both at the Konkomba Market in Accra to be sent to Tamale for a customer but the car ended up in the fitting shop of Bright Ankomah, a 31 year-old auto sprayer where it was dismantled.

The four have been cooling off in police cells and are to be processed before a law court today.

Speaking to DAILY GUIDE in Accra Monday, the Nima Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Timothy Yoosa Bonga said the police had intelligence reports on Sunday at about 4 pm that some people were dismantling a cab whose number plate had been removed.

“We quickly dispatched our intelligence team and when they arrived at a place called Spot ‘M’ at Ofankor in Accra, Salifu, Tijani and Ankomah were busily dismantling the cab while Hajara Adams, 28, looked on.”

The police commander said the suspects had dismantled the vital and adjoining parts of the cab and were about to remove the engine when the intelligence team swoop on them.

He said the engine had been fitted with a belt ready to be lifted from the main body of the cab adding “we then picked them up and towed the skeletal vehicle and its parts to our office.”

He said investigations later established that Arhin had snatched the cab from one Rockson Adu-Twum at knife point in Swedru on March 17 around 4:50am then driven it straight to Salifu and Tijani at the Konkomba Market in Accra.

“Arhin, Salifu and Tijani then conspired to send the cab to Tamale to sell it,” he said.

Chief Supt. Bonga said the three set off to Tamale but the cab developed a mechanical fault at Ofankor so they had to send it to Ankomah’s shop to be dismantled saying, “Ankomah consented and assisted with some tools such a pliers.”

The police commander said by the time police arrived Arhin had returned to Agona Swedru but they were able to lure him to Accra to be arrested.

“Our investigators told him that someone was ready to buy the cab so he rushed from Swedru to Accra at 5:00 am this morning for the money.”

Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com

Coalition accuses mining companies of water pollution.

By William Yaw Owusu

Wednesday March 24, 2010
A coalition of civil society groups and environmental protection organizations have expressed concern about the way and manner in which mining companies and other illegal mining operations persistently destroy the environment, water bodies without any punitive action against them.

A news release was issued in Accra to coincide with this year’s World Water Day celebrations, which fell on Monday, March 22 2010.

They therefore called on regulatory agencies “to be proactive in preventing the pollution of rivers by mining operations and to provide timely information on pollution of water bodies to affected communities.

The release was jointly signed by Dialogue and Advocacy for Good Governance (DAGG)-Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Wassa Communities Affected by Mining (WACAM), Youth for Action Ghana (YAG) and the Centre for Environmental Impact Analysis (CEIA).

Others were the Centre for Labour Rights and Community Services (CLARCS), Voices of Tomorrow Leaders Foundation (VOTOLEAF), Center for Public Interest Law (CEPIL), Concerned Farmers’ Association of Teberebie as well as the Concerned Citizens Association of Prestea

It stated, “The negative effects of mining is depriving mining communities of access to clean water and this has implication for the health status of mining communities since the ingestion of cyanide and heavy metals in rivers for long periods could lead to many serious health problems for people living in mining communities.”

“We recognise that access to clean water is a human right and the pollution of rivers by mining operations constitutes a violation of the rights of the mining communities to clean water and environment.”

“The rate at which mining operations are polluting water bodies in Ghana is a source of serious concern and worry. The theme for the celebration of this year’s World Water Day - Clean Water for a Healthy World- aptly reflects the relationship between clean water and the health status of many people who rely on natural water resource to meet their biological, cultural, recreational and household needs.”

“Multinational mining companies in Ghana, including Goldfields Ghana Limited, Golden Star Resources (Prestea/Bogoso) mine, Golden Star Resources (Akyempim) mine, Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine, AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Limited and the defunct Teberebie Goldfields Limited had officially been reported to have spilled large quantities of cyanide into rivers that serve the needs of mining communities.”

“The practice where Ghana Manganese Company used to discharge manganese waste into Bonsa River, which was distributed by Ghana Water Company to consumers in Tarkwa and its environs, became a source of conflict between communities around Bonsa and the company.

“Sometimes, effluents that contain cyanide and heavy metals from the Tailings Storage Facilities of mining companies seep into surface and ground water for a long time.

“The leakage from the tailings storage facility of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Limited for example necessitated the closure of two of such facilities by Ghana EPA in February 2010. Again, the activities of ‘Galamsey’ operators also polluted rivers and water bodies.”

“It is important to cite a few specific examples to buttress the seriousness of the problem of water stress in mining communities. The mining operations of Golden Star Resources (Bogoso/Prestea) Mine had polluted and destroyed six rivers namely, Aprepre, Wurawura, Akyesua, Pram, Nana Nyabaa, Nsu Abena and two rivers at Twigyaa.”

“The operations of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine had polluted about 12 rivers in Sanso and many communities in Obuasi area such as Odumase, Fenaso do not have access to clean water.

Similarly, the cyanide spillage from the Tailings Storage Facilities of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Limited had polluted rivers such as Achofoe, Angonaben and Bromenasu. AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Limited had completely buried various rivers, including Awura, Atibri and Betihini with mine Rock Waste.”

The coalition called on the government and all stakeholders to work hard to protect the country’s environment from destruction by the mining companies.

Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com

GBC boils

By William Yaw Owusu

Tuesday March 23, 2010
Ther appears to be no end in sight to an impasse which started at the state-run Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC)on Sunday.

The deadlock led to a delay of the midday news on Ghana Television (GTV) for about 25 minutes on Sunday.

This is because staff of GTV yesterday wore red armbands to protest the proposed integrated newsroom project being pushed by management for the state broadcaster as part of the restructuring.

Strangely, the proposed project is said to have been jointly endorsed by staff of GTV and GBC Radio to bring standardization and professionalism as well as help to redefine news broadcasting in the country.

Daily Guide sources at the state broadcaster said both departments were supposed to meet at the newly refurbished joint newsroom but staff of GTV allegedly snubbed the meeting.

The source said since the beginning of the month, the corporation had been embarking on an experiment whereby four newscasters each had been selected from the two departments to appear on news-on-the-hour.

Apart from this initiative, the source said all staff whose activities involved news processing, production and newscasting had undergone orientation and training and the GTV staff participated actively in it.

The GTV staff on their part insist that they are not against any effort to bring professionalism and dynamism into the activities of the corporation but were rather concerned about the rush in which management was implementing the project.

They insisted that once news production had gone digital the corporation needed well-trained and IT inclined personnel to handle the production of news.

The source said for instance the Q Series software used in the production of news had just been installed in some of the computers and most staff a were yet to learn how it is used adding “if we rush to push such a noble idea and not allow the staff to be properly trained it will backfire.”

Matters came to a head on Sunday in the afternoon when the Deputy Director-General, Anane Sarpong tried to implement the new project by asking Ms Abigail Larbi of GBC Radio to present the GTV news at midday.

According media reports, the decision led to verbal exchanges between Mr. Sarpong and Titi Anepe, the Editor-in-Chief of GTV who had at that moment scheduled Ms. Barbara Gaisie to present the news.

Mr. Sarpong who is also the co-ordinator of the initiative was said to have threatened to sack the Editor-in-Chief if she flouted his orders and had to rely on the assistance of the police to calm tempers down before Ms. Larbi could finally be made to present the midday news.

Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com