Do not sit on the fence - Pastor
Accra (Greater Accra) 17 April 2002- The Crown Prince of Orange, Prince Willem-Alexander on Tuesday said the Netherlands would reduce the debt burden of Ghana to facilitate her achieve socio-economic development.
Speaking at a State Dinner hosted in his honour by Vice President Aliu Mahama, Prince Willem-Alexander said Ghana should not be poor in view of her enormous natural resources and the great potential of her people.
The wives of the Vice President and the Prince Hajia Ramatu Mahama and Princess Maxima were among the diners. The Netherlands, Prince Willem-Alexander said, would, therefore, play its part in the European Union to accelerate Ghana's development efforts.
The Prince, with his wife, arrived in Accra on Sunday for a four-day official visit, which has taken him to the Elmina Castle and to Kumasi to pay a courtesy call on the Asantehene. He described the visit as very enjoyable saying that they had been received with smiles and warmth since they arrived in the country.
We have been here for only a few days, but we feel that we have been here for a long time. Mr Vice-President, in short we have become great fans of your country, he said. The Crown Prince of Orange, whose visit has coincided with the celebration of 300 years of bilateral relations between Ghana and the Netherlands, said the relationship had survived the twists and turns of history, becoming very strong.
The Netherlands would continue to support Ghana for the next 300 years, he declared. Vice President Mahama lauded the Netherlands assistance to Ghana over the years to agriculture, rural development, health, and infrastructure development among other areas.
He expressed the hope that the Netherlands's would increase its development aid to Ghana because of the improvement in its macro-economic environment, good governance and sound social policies.
The country provides development aid to only 17 countries, including Ghana, based the beneficiaries' poverty level, macro economic policies, good governance and sound social policies. To complement the contribution of our development partners our government has pursued pragmatic policies that will promote substantial macro-economic stability he said.
We have insisted on fiscal discipline, cutting waster and increasing vigilance in government expenditure. Vice President Mahama said it was significant that the Crown Prince had visited Ghana at the time when Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II is the king of the Asantes.
Formal relations between Ghana and the Netherlands began on 1st November 1701, when the King Willem I of the Netherlands sent a diplomatic mission to congratulate Nana Osei-Tutu I for successfully establishing the Ashanti Kingdom. This led to the signing of a treaty to protect Dutch trade interest in the then Gold Coast.
A cultural performance at the dinner consequently re-enacted part of the history as captured in a book "The two hearts of Kwasi Boachi," written by a Dutch, Arthur Japin. The book is based on events from 1837-1904, during which two sons of the Ashanti King were sent to the Netherlands to study.
One of them lost his identity and got stranded at Elmina on his return 23 years later and died tragically, whereas the other prince, who maintained his identity, spent the rest of his life in the Caribbean.
The diners, who included Chief Justice E.K. Wiredu, members of the Council of State, ministers, chiefs and queen mothers and members of the diplomatic corps, were also entertained with melodious tunes from the Winneba Youth Choir. Prince Willem-Alexander was born on 27 April 1967 and is the first child of Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus.
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Kumasi (Ashanti) 17 April 2002-The rich culture and wealth of the Asante Kingdom were in full display at a colourful durbar of chiefs held in honour of the visiting Crown Prince of Netherlands, Prince Willem Alexander and the wife, Princess Maxima by Asanteman at the Asantehene's Royal Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Tuesday.
As Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, paramount chiefs and chiefs of the Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC) dressed gorgeously in beautiful Kente cloths and adorned with gold ornaments sat under big umbrellas of different shapes and colours, the "Fontomfrom and Atumpan" drums throbbed.
Occasional appellations extolling the exploits of the Asantehene and cluttering of the executioners swords punctuated the air, while some of the chiefs did immaculate traditional dancing to add colour to the ceremony. The Crown Prince and the Princess's visit was to commemorate 300 years of uninterrupted relations between Ghana and the Netherlands.
They were accompanied by Mr. Joseph Henry Mensah, the Senior Minister, Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Minister of Information and Presidential Affairs, Hajia Rahmatu Mahama, wife of the Vice President, Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Region Minister, Mr. Asonaba Dapaah, member of the Council of State and Mrs. Grace Ababio, Ghana's Ambassador to the Netherlands.
The Prince and the Princess were all smiles when the Asantehene in line with Asante custom, presented them with a keg of fresh palm-wine and a carton of paramount schnapps to welcome them to Manhyia.
Speaking at the durbar, Prince Alexander said Ghana and the Netherlands should look forward to a common future. He noted that on the global level, peoples of the two countries shared common responsibilities and said the environment has one example.
He hoped his visit would inspire people in Ghana and Netherlands, both young and old to take interest in each other. "We hope they will learn by modern methods like the Internet and seek inspiration for their personal development".
Prince Alexander said the governments of Ghana and his country had agreed on broad and sustainable relationship of development co-operation, pointing out that his visit was therefore, to emphasise the excellent relations that exist between the two nations.
"Nowadays Dutch children eat chocolate that is made from the golden beans, the cocoa beans from this region. Palm oil and gold are still important items in our trade". He noted in addition, that, there are many Ghanaians including Asantes living in his country who contribute substantially to the ties between the two nations.
Prince Alexander extended an invitation to the Asantehene to visit the Netherlands later this year, saying, the people would be happy to welcome him. Otumfuo Osei Tutu expressed satisfaction with the closer relationship that had existed between the two countries for a period spanning three centuries.
He said the Asante-Dutch relations dated back to the beginning of the 18th century when David Nyendael was sent to Kumasi in 1701 and managed to begin a trade, largely in gold and ivory.
The Asantehene noted that education and health were the catalysts for growth and development and therefore, asked friends of Ghana to continue to support the country in those areas. Otumfuo Osei Tutu said Ghana welcomed the immense assistance from friends in the fight to eradicate poverty, disease and ignorance. The Asantehene, who wished the Crown Prince and Princess a blessed and blissful marriage, exchanged gifts with them and later held private discussions with the Prince.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 17 April 2002- Vice President Aliu Mahama on Tuesday appealed to women in the media to promote issues that foster peace and development. He underscored the power of the media saying, what practitioners broadcast or publish could promote peace and development or undermine their achievement.
Speaking to the board members of the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) who called on him at the Castle, Osu, Vice President Mahama lauded the contribution of women towards national development, especially in the rural areas, saying that it was in recognition of this role that the government established a Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs with a Cabinet rank.
"As professional women, you can work much more towards national development, therefore, you should share ideas for the benefit of your individual countries," he said. The eight-member executive of the association, led by its President, Ms Jai Chandiram, are holding their annual general meeting in Accra and planning towards an international conference to be held in Ghana next year.
IAWRT, a non-profit professional organisation of women working in the electronic media, was formed 51 years ago. It aims at improving the skills of its members and harnessing resources to support development.
Ms Chandiram said the association would organise a seminar for about 40 participants on the importance of community radio, networking, gender equity and professional skills.
IAWRT, she said was to institute a competitive award in Ghana to reward professionalism. It has 150 members from various countries, including Ghana, India, Norway, Sweden, United States, South Africa and the Philippines.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 17 April 2002- The Minority in Parliament on Tuesday called on the government to urgently clarify the position of Prince Imoro Andani, former Northern Region Minister, who resigned following last month's Yendi crisis.
"Three clear weeks after his resignation, Mr Andani has been shown on national television at various times carrying out duties of a regional minister," a statement issued in Accra by the Minority Chief Whip, Mr Doe Adjahoe, said. "He was at the airport to receive the ministerial delegation during its visit to Tamale and Yendi to assess the situation," the Minority said.
It said Mr Andani was also shown two days ago receiving the delegation of Imams and Muslim chiefs, during which he received a donation on behalf of displaced persons and also spoke authoritatively on behalf of government.
"Credible reports from Tamale also indicate that files are sent to his house to be worked on," the Minority said. It called on the government to urgently rectify the situation by ordering Mr Andani to cease carrying out the duties of regional minister with immediate effect.
It recalled that Mr Andani announced that he was resigning in order not to interfere or hinder investigations into the Yendi crisis. "It would appear, however, that his continued anomalous stay in office has completely defeated that purpose." The Minority said it was concerned about "a general laxity of top government officials in following laid down rules and procedure."
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Accra (Greater Accra) 17 April 2002- Mr Isaac George Amoo, Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wougon, on Tuesday said Parliament would soon come out with legislation on the observation of cultural practices. He said this followed a nation-wide tour by a Parliamentary Joint Committee, which had already collated information on cultural practices and laws in the country.
Mr. Amoo was speaking to the Ghana News Agency after a meeting in Accra between representatives of the Ga Traditional Council, Charismatic Churches, National Catholic Secretariat, Christian Council of Ghana and the Council of Independent Churches.
The meeting was organised by the Permanent Conflict Resolution and Management Committee of the Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinating Council. It sought to draw a consensus between Christians and the Ga Traditional Council on the observation of the annual ban on drumming and dancing by the Ga Traditional Counsel.
Mr Amoo, who chaired the meeting on behalf of Sheikh I.C. Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister, said the services of the National Commission for Civic Education and the Environmental Protection Agency were being sought for public education on noise making.
He said there was the need for peaceful co-existence amongst all residents in both the Accra metropolis and the Greater Accra Region as a whole. Another meeting between the two bodies has been scheduled for 23 April, when a joint declaration by both parties would be made.
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Techiman (Brong Ahafo) 17 April 2002- Three unidentified armed robbers on Tuesday attacked a house in the Goshon International School area of Techiman and in the process shot and injured a 12-year stage four pupil. Master Ampomah Gyabaah Ankomah was rushed to the Techiman Holy Family Hospital where 22 pellets were removed from the ribs and the arm.
Master Ankomah, who has since been discharged told the Ghana News Agency that on 9 April at about 9.30 a.m., he was alone in the house when the masked armed robbers entered. One of them held him hostage while the other two entered their room and ordered him not to raise any alarm.
Master Ankomah said, "looking at the way and manner my parents would lose their property I decided to raise an alarm and shouted, 'thieves, thieves', which made the robbers to take to their heels. He said the one who held him hostage then shot at him but he managed to reach the road-side, where a good samaritan took him to the Holy Family Hospital.
The father, Mr Effah Ankomah of the Baptist Primary School, later confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency and said that a report had been made to the police. The robbers did not take anything from the house along with them, but police are still investigating the case.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 17 April 2002- Government on Tuesday reiterated its call on Israelis and Palestinians to end hostilities in the Middle East conflict. Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the government had also appealed to the two parties to respect all UN resolutions to ensure peace and stability in the area.
Alhaji Idris was briefing newsmen after he accompanied Mr Ibrahim Khalil Omar, Ambassador of the State of Palestine in Ghana, to pay a courtesy call on President John Agyekum Kufuor at the Castle, Osu.
He said Mr Omar, who is also the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Ghana, on behalf of the Corps, expressed their condolences and sympathy to the government and Ghanaians on the loss of lives in the Yendi crisis. Alhaji Idris said the Diplomatic Corps expressed their determination to support government to restore peace and stability in the area as well as other conflict areas in the northern parts of the country.
Mr Omar said with Ghana's experience and reputation in peacekeeping, the Palestinians were looking up to her to play an important role to restore peace in the area. He said Ghana could also assist in the implementation of UN resolutions to bring peace and stability to the Middle East.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 17 April 2002- The African Leadership Forum (ALF) in collaboration with the Foundation for Security Development in Africa (FOSDA) is to organise an African regional conference for Parliamentarians in Accra from 18 to 20 April, 2002.
The conference is to discuss recent strategic development initiatives by African countries and the need for the continent as an entity to evolve a series of initiatives to enable it to deal with its own problems based on an African agenda.
Ms Afi Yakubu, Associate Director of FOSDA, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra on Tuesday, that the continent needed an agenda, managed and designed principally to promote and foster African interest with the active involvement of the international community.
She cited the most recent significant Africa's response mechanism as the Conference on Security, Stability Development and Co-operation in Africa (CSSDCA) and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) both of which were to function within the composite framework of the African Union (AU).
Ms Yakubu said the Accra Conference intended to bring together African parliamentarians to discuss, analyse and take a common position on these new initiatives in the hope that it would assist the lawmakers to fashion out a framework for their effective participation.
Mr Ayodele Aderinwale, Executive Director of ALF, said the main objectives of the conference include; establishment of an African network of parliamentarians that would help in advancing the CSSDCA, NEPAD and the AU and create a broad based awareness among key African parliamentarians on the importance and relevance of the three initiatives.
The Conference would also be used to facilitate and strengthen the capacity of the African parliamentarians with a view to developing strategies and modalities for influencing policies and decisions of various governments to reflect the CSSDCA, NEPAD and the AU in national legislation.
It would also serve as a platform to discuss ways of finding lasting solutions to various African problems especially in the areas of conflict, governance, political pluralism and transparency.
Mr Aderinwale said conflict prevention, resolution and management as well as economic development and co-operation would also be on the agenda of the Accra Conference. He said the ALF is an African based non-governmental and non-profit making policy organisation with special focus on issues of good governance and leadership development on the continent.
He said President Olusegun Obasanjo founded it in 1998, while its Governing Council members included Mr Nicephore Soglo of Benin, Mr Toumani Toure of Mali and Mr Desmond Tutu of South Africa.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 17 April 2002- The Accra Water Conference entered its second day on Tuesday with delegates breaking into various working groups to discuss thematic areas that would provide prioritised sets of activities within the framework of an action programme for consideration.
High on the agenda are the areas of infrastructure financing, the relationship between water, poverty and health and water resource management. A key area for the group discussion is how to mobilise new investment in order to bridge the gap between financial availability and needs of the water sector.
It is estimated that Africa would require an annual average investment of 20 billion dollars in the next 25 years to attain the desired water future and for implementing the proposed water resources development "The African water Vision 2025."
The amount is about 11 per cent of the global estimate of 180 billion dollars per year for implementing the proposed global targets in developing countries set at the Second Water Forum in The Hague.
The African vision envisages growth in the target of the provision of safe and adequate water supply and sanitation from 75 per cent of the population by 2015 to 95 per cent by 2025.
It also sees an increase in the irrigated area from 18 million hectares by 2015 and 24 million hectares by 2025 from the current level of 12 million hectares. The working group is expected to explore the merit of an African financial facility and propose implementation modalities and action programmes.
Members are also to identify key issues for consideration by the African Development Bank as member of the Panel on Financing water infrastructure on the "No water, No Future' document with respect to financing water on the continent.
The three-day conference will make inputs that would represent an African position at the World Conference on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg and at the World Water Forum in Kyoto, Japan.
The group on financing water infrastructure is expected to consider the financing requirements covering all aspects of integrated water resources management with priority consideration for water supply and sanitation, agricultural water use and disaster management.
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Offinso (Ashanti Region) 17 April 2002- Mr Kojo Wireko-Brobbey, a member of the Forestry Commission, said at the weekend that Ghana loses about 75,000 hectares of forest annually through uncontrolled degradation and other forms of landuse.
He said while efforts were being made to conserve and protect what was remaining, it was disheartening that illegal forestry operations had rather become more intense in spite of increased public and official outcry against such activities. Mr Wireko-Brobbey said this at a day's workshop on: "Illegal forest operations" at Offinso for stakeholders in the forestry industry.
The workshop was to explain the Timber Resource Management Act 547 of 1999 and the Timber Resources Management Regulations LI 1649, to the stakeholders and agencies responsible for their enforcement to the participants.
He said under the new forest management regime, forest conservation had been re-defined to include collaborative and shared responsibilities for forest management and enforcing forest laws and regulations.
"We of the Forestry Commission, therefore, see this occasion as a time to foster greater partnership between the Ministry of Lands and Forestry and its sector institutions and the law enforcement agencies and all other bodies connected with the judicial processes."
Mr Wireko-Brobbey expressed the hope that the partnership would ensure that the nation's environment, forest and wildlife resources were conserved and protected through education, collaboration and community participation for the mutual benefit of Ghanaians.
Mr John Ekow Otoo, Acting Executive Director, Forest Services Division (FSD) of the Forestry Commission, traced the historical role of traditional authorities in forest management and said the passing of the forest ordinance (Cap 157) in 1927, which created the forest reserves, did not affect the authority of chiefs on the management of non-reserves.
However, he went on, since independence to date the role of traditional authorities in forest management had been declining and was presently limited to consultation in resource allocation and share in benefits from forest resources.
Mr Otoo said legally, the traditional authorities were expected to be part of the team that did field inspection for the allocation of Timber Utilisation Contracts (TUC). Additionally, the traditional authorities were expected to chair the committee that sits to consider objections of landowners to the allocation of their lands.
He said the stool, the traditional council and district assemblies were named as the recipients of the royalties from timber harvesting in the 1992 Constitution. However, disbursement of such revenue was often delayed. Poor collection and illegal activities also reduce payable royalties.
Mr U.K. Armoo, Solicitor/Secretary to the Forestry Commission, said the forestry amendment law sought to deal with illegal timber operators. ''The amended law now empowers the courts to confiscate to the state vehicles and equipment used in illegal timber activities.
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Mampong (Ashanti Region) 17 April 2002 2002- In spite of a directive from the Controller and Accountant-General's Department, as far back as June 2000, to government hospitals not to collect any money on utilities from patients, the management of the Asante-Mampong Government Hospital still collects money on electricity and water from patients.
This situation was raising eyebrows and causing anxiety among the people of the Sekyere West District, who patronise the hospital. Very reliable sources told the GNA, at Mampong, that the Controller and Accountant-General's directive was to reduce the cost of health services for the people.
The sources said, however, that the hospital's administration to date collect electricity charges ranging between 1,000 cedis and 2,000 cedis from patients. As at the end of March, water charges stood between 600 and 1,200 cedis for in-patients and outpatients, respectively.
Another area of concern to the public, the sources said, was the high prices of drugs and other items supplied to patients. For instance, the hospital is supplied with urine bags from the Regional Medical Stores at 2,000 cedis and it sells to patients at 6,000 cedis, representing 140 per cent in excess of the cost price.
The sources said submitted January 2002 returns for sutures procured at the Medical Stores at 35,000 cedis were sold to patients at 60,000 cedis, representing 71.4 per cent increase. They further revealed that injection hydrazine procured from the Medical Stores were sold at the main hospital at 12,000 cedis but were sold at the maternity at 16,000 cedis.
Another drug, Xylocine sold at the main hospital at 5,000 cedis were sold at the maternity wing at 7,000 cedis, thereby increasing the cost to 45.5 percent. The sources said people have got wind of the Controller and Accountant-General's directive on the payment of the utility bills and were demanding from the hospital administration documents on the unauthorised collection and where the money collected had been paid to.
When contacted on the issues, Dr George Acquaye, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, said the he had heard of the matter and would investigate. He said if found to be true, all those involved would be dealt with severely.
Dr Jonathan Addah, the Sekyere West District Director of Health Services also told the GNA when contacted that he had received complaints from people including Mr Solomon Kwabena Sarfo, Member of Parliament (MP) for Mampong and promised to institute investigations into the allegations.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 14 April 2002- UWEN Networking Group, a coalition of persons from the three Northern Regions, on Tuesday called on traditional rulers in the North where there are ethnic conflicts to embrace peace.
"It is unfair for us to consistently remain destructive to the creation of our own wealth and turn round to call on the nation to spend national wealth in the area," it said. In a statement signed in Accra by Mr Boniface Gambila, National Secretary of UWEN, it said conflicts in the three regions had a high tendency of destroying resources in the area.
The group condemned the "inhuman behaviour" in which the Over Lord of Dagomba Traditional Area, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II was assassinated and some of his aides were murdered.
The statement entreated the three regions to focus more on development and the human needs of the people for a better future rather than struggling for power. "Respect for individual, group and community human rights should be learned and practiced in every community and tolerance and patience must be supreme," it said.
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Tamale (Northern Region) 17 April 2002- The Dagbon Traditional Council has placed a ban on traditional drumming and dancing in the Dagbon area until the interment of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, the Over Lord of Dagomba Traditional Area, who was assassinated on 26 March and the subsequent installation of a regent.
A statement issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the Dagbon Traditional Council said: "In accordance with Dagbon custom, no traditional drumming and dancing takes place anywhere in Dagbon on the death of a Ya-Na since the whole of Dagbon is in a state of mourning until his interment and the subsequent installation of a regent."
The statement appealed to the Commander of the Military Taskforce in the area to enforce the ban until a regent is enskinned to run the affairs of the Dagbon Kingdom.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 17 April 2002- An Accra High Court, presided over by Mrs Justice Agnes Dordzie on Tuesday ordered the prosecution to arrange with the Legal Aid Board, to provide a counsel for Charles Ebo Quansah, charged with murder.
The court could not continue with proceedings, because Quansah, a 33 year-old mechanic, who made his maiden appearance at the High Court, said that he did not have a counsel to represent him. Mrs Justice Dordzie, therefore, refused to take the accused person's plea and remanded him in prison custody to reappear on 18 April.
Quansah had earlier been committed by an Accra Community Tribunal to stand trial at the High Court. Mr Anthony Gyambiby, Principal State Attorney, who appeared for the Republic, told the court that though the prosecution was ready, the facts would presented at the next sitting.
Quansah is alleged to have confessed to the killing of eight women in Accra and Kumasi. On 15 March, this year, an Accra Community Tribunal committed Quansah to a High Court to stand trial on the alleged murder of one Akua Serwa, a 24 year-old hairdresser in Kumasi.
In 1996, while serving a prison term for robbery at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons, Quansah met a mate, William Bittar, a Lebanese, who helped him to secure a job in Kumasi.
The accused befriended Serwah in 1996, while in Kumasi, where he allegedly strangled her after a drinking spree at a drinking bar, near the Kumasi Sports Stadium. A Police statement issued on 15 May, last year, alleged that Quansah killed women at Kumasi and Dansoman, Matehako and Adenta all in Accra.
The statement said Quansah, who hails from Komenda in the Central Region, allegedly killed the women by strangulation. He was arrested at his Adenta residence in February last year following intensified investigations into the serial murders including the setting up of a special team made up of experts in crime scene management and interrogation. The Police said Quansah had served jail terms at the James Fort and Nsawam Medium Security Prisons for rape.
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Abuakwa (Ashanti Region) 17 April 2002- Christians have been urged not to sit on the fence but give the necessary support to the government to enable it to execute development plans for the nation. The Reverend K. K. Essel, Area Pastor for Kumasi South of Church of Pentecost, said this in a sermon at Abuakwa.
Rev. Essel said; "the government alone can not provide every need of the people without the support of the people". He advised Christians to live good lives for those who have not seen Christ to copy. The Area Pastor urged Christians to have interest in attending communal labour to develop their localities.
Rev. Essel emphasised the need for Christians to love one another for peace and progress. The Reverend Ohene Sammy, the host Pastor, preached against backbiting, hatred, drug-abuse and immorality and advised the members to take active part in any activity that would be organised within the church to enable the church to grow.
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