Abudu, Andani Gates blamable for Yendi violence
Government accepts findings of Wuaku Report
Traffic
congestion boost for commercial drivers
Environment
Ministry to ensure proper demarcation
NPP sends
Christmas message to Ghanaians
Court issue
warrant for arrest of Chief
Omanhene calls for dialogue in settling differences
VR Minister
urges children to appreciate their value
NDC
delegates congratulated for successful congress
Educational
Reforms Review Committee presents report
President
Kufuor commissions KIA Rehabilitated project
Abudu, Andani Gates blamable for Yendi violence
Accra (Greater Accra) 24 December 2002 - The Wuaku
Commission says individuals from both the Abudu and Andani Gates were to blame for the violent incidents at Yendi between 25 and 27 March this year, leading to the
death of the Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II and 30 others.
It, however, exonerated the former Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Malik Yakubu Alhassan,
the former National Security Adviser, Lieutenant-General Joshua Mahamadu Hamidu, Major Sulemana Abubakar
(rtd) and Alhaji Mohammed Aminu
Amadu, a businessman, from any complicity in the disturbances and the killing
of the Ya-Na.
Also free of involvement is the Bolin Lana, Mahammadu
Abdulai the head of the Abudus
in Yendi. These were part of major findings contained
in the Commission's Report to the Government released on Monday.
The Commission said it identified as a major cause of the disturbances
the longstanding chieftaincy dispute between the two gates and the
non-observance of the funeral of the late Mahammadu Abdulai IV.
Other reasons assigned by the Commission for the disturbances included
the illegal stockpiling of arms by both gates and the security services
inability to prevent it. The rest were the hasty lifting of the curfew and the
ban on the celebration of the Bugum Festival by the
then Regional Minister, Prince Imoru Andani and the assault on Ziblim Abdulai by Abudu Youths in the
morning of 25 March.
The Commission in its recommendation asked for the arrest and
prosecution of the alleged killers of the late Ya-Na,
Yidana Sugri and Iddrisu Gyamfo and several other
individuals for their alleged complicity in various other offences.
It has also approved specific measures against some public officials for
dereliction of duty such as the then Regional Minister, Prince Imoru Andani, the Yendi District Chief Executive, Mohammad Habib Tijani, and some security
officials.
The Commission also recommended that Ibrahim Mahama, a lawyer, be
referred to the General Legal Council for necessary action for suborning
witnesses. Other recommendations include upgrading into a garrison the military
detachment in the Yendi area to ensure stability, a
clamp down on and disbanding all private armies operating outside the auspices
of the Ghana Armed Forces and a ban on the celebration of the Bugum Festival until a Ya-Na was
enskinned.
In addition, serious efforts should be made to revive the Dagbon
Traditional Council, made up of all accredited and recognized members,
preservation of the body of the late Ya-Na currently
at the
The Wuaku Commission was established to make
full, faithful and impartial inquiry into the circumstances leading to the
events in the Dagbon Traditional area, to recommend appropriate sanctions for
those responsible or involved in the violence and the resultant deaths and
injuries.
It began sitting on 25 May this year and presented its Report to the
President, John Agyekum Kufuor on November 6.
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Government accepts findings of Wuaku Report
Accra (Greater Accra) 24 December 2002 - The Government on Monday said
it
has accepted the general findings and recommendations of the Wuaku Commission and has instituted criminal proceedings of
murder against Yidana Sugri
and Iddrisu Gyamfo,
"who should be presumed to have killed the Ya-Na",
Yakubu Andani II in the Yendi as recommended in the Wuaku
Commission report submitted to government.
Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo,
Attorney General and Minister for Justice, said in
At a press conference in
Government, Nana Akufo-Addo said, found the
position of the Wuaku Commission on the treatment of
Mr Ibrahim Mahama, a well-known Tamale lawyer, somewhat surprising and
contradictory.
He stated that government was at a loss to the recommendation of the
Commission to refer Mahama to the General Legal Council for necessary action
for suborning witnesses, when the report had implicated him of unlawful
recruitment, sponsoring of warriors and military training for the late Ya-Na.
Nana Akufo-Addo said Government had directed Police
to further investigate the conduct of Mr Mahama for appropriate legal action to
be considered. He said the report found that individuals from both the Andani and Abudu gates blameable for the three-day clash, which took place from 25
to
The Attorney General said the report exonerated Alhaji Malik Alhassan Yakubu, the then Minister of Interior and MP, Lt. Gen.
Joshua Hamidu, the then National Security Advisor, Major (rtd)
Sulemana Abubakar, Alhaji Mohammed Aminu Amadu, a businessman, and the Bolin Lana, Mahammadu Abdulai from any
complicity in the disturbances and killing of the Ya-Na.
The report, however, recommended specific measures against the then
Regional Minister Prince Imoru Andani,
the then Yendi District Chief Executive (DCE) Mohamed
Habib Tijani, and some
security officials.
Government, according to the White Paper noted the Commission's
recommendation of a charge of "criminal negligence" against Prince Andani, but said even though his conduct merited censure
and reprimand, Government was unable to accept the recommendation since there
was no evidence that his conduct was motivated buy ill-will or any sinister
design.
The White Paper said the offence of "criminal negligence"
recommended by the Commission's report "is unknown to our law," and
in the "circumstances Government will decide on appropriate action in his
regard."
Also, while the Commission recommended the transfer of the then Yendi DCE, Government in a similar view with the Commission
said he "displayed exceptional leadership qualities during the crisis, and with the Commission". It said with the
Commission's caution in mind, Government would make appropriate decision in his
regard.
The White Paper took note of the operations of Ghana Telecom and
referred the recommendation of demotion of the Area Manager to the management
of Ghana Telecom for review and possible action.
It said Government found generally acceptable the Commission's
recommendation on the measures needed to improve the performance of the
security agencies in emergency situations.
It had taken particular note that key state agencies and utility systems
whose optimal functioning could have contained the situation and saved lives
and property either malfunctioned or were in a state
of disrepair.
Government also accepted the recommendation to as a matter of urgency to
recommend vigorously regulations governing the importation, use and manufacture
of arms in the country.
The White Paper noted that the most poignant of the Commission's
recommendations is that government should make conscious efforts to reconcile
the two royal gates of Dagbon. "This appeal reinforces Government, in its
determination to pursue the goal of reconciliation as the only permanent
solution to the Dagbon crisis.
"It is Government's fervent hope that with the publication of the
Report and this White Paper thereon, all persons of goodwill, especially in the
Dagbon area, will join hands with the Government to bring reconciliation in
Dagbon and the restoration of peace and harmony to that troubled part of our
nation."
The White Paper said the government would not slacken or relax in its
efforts, which will continue in conditions of "scrupulous respect for rule
of law and due process."
Finance Minister Yaw Osafo-Maafo said a recurrent expenditure of ¢1.25bn
were being spent quarterly to maintain the police and military personnel in the
area, in addition to the ¢6.4bn already spent on efforts at maintaining peace
following the crisis.
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Traffic
congestion boost for commercial drivers
Some passengers had
to abandon their vehicles and embark on the journey on foot to their
destinations due to the traffic congestion.
Mr. Kofi Husshie, Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinator
of the National Service told GNA that he had to abandon his vehicle at the
Ms Yaa Oforiwah Acquah, a Deputy
News Editor of the Ghana News Agency said she would rather wait till late
evening before leaving the office due to the traffic.
She said, it took
her almost two hours to drive from Osu
to the offices of the GNA and feared that the situation would be worse when
driving to her Ashongman residence.
Ms Joyce Danso, a journalist described the traffic situation as
serious as she walked from Accra Central to the ministries area.
She said the
traffic was stagnant and "the taxi drivers do not charge below 30,000
cedis from the shortest distances from Accra Central".
"Taxi drivers
were rather having a field day by charging extra fares from the frustrated travelers
who were desperate to reach their destinations," she added
One could hear trotro drivers' mates shout on top of their voices" Nungua, 2,000 cedis, Sakumono
3,000, Madina 2,000 cedis" at the Tema station bus terminal instead of 800
cedis, 1000 cedis and 800 cedis respectively to those places.
A visit to the Tema
Station,
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Environment
Ministry to ensure proper demarcation
This would serve as
a measure to check uncontrolled physical development in the country. These were
disclosed by Professor Dominic Fobih, Minister of
Science and
Environment, when
he cut the sod for the construction of a five-kilometre
access road at
Professor Fobih observed that although human settlement planning
required the preparation of lay-out schemes with the provision of facilities
such as roads, drains, clinics and markets, some land owners unfortunately
chose to ignore such schemes.
"Some of the
officials of the Town and Country Planning Department and their collaborators
also assist individual developers and even land owners after the layout schemes
have been prepared, to re-demarcate these reserved spaces as building
plots," he said.
He observed that
such behaviour resulted in flooding, lack of access roads and congestion, which
worsened sanitary conditions and threatened the health of inhabitants. The
Minister noted that accessibility to all areas was crucial to the government's
vision of transforming the economy into one that would guarantee a decent
standard of living for the citizen as well as a well skilled and enterprising
population.
He said in an
economy that thrived on free market policies and a vibrant private sector,
private sector investment would be attracted to areas that had facilities to
enhance such inputs.
Professor Fobih appealed to land owners to set aside some funds from
the sale of their plots to augment government's efforts to improve
accessibility in all approved planning schemes.
Sheikh I.C. Quaye,
Greater Accra Regional Minister, urged those responsible for the construction
to adhere strictly to the terms and conditions of the contract. "Let me
say that road construction everywhere is an expensive venture. It is important
therefore that we do not compromise on the quality of work to be done."
He appealed to
chiefs and all residents within the area of the project to ensure that they did
everything to ensure that the project was completed on time. He said the
completion of the project on schedule would save the nation large sums of
money.
The construction,
which is estimated at 400 million cedis, forms part of the Town and Country
Planning Department's programme to open up access roads within selected
settlements to improve upon the infra-structural and socio-economic activities
of the local areas.
The roads would
measure a minimum of five kilometres and would be
created in 20 selected settlements with approved planning schemes throughout
the country. They would consist of two districts in each of the ten regions. The
project is being funded by the Medium Term Expenditure Budget of the Town and
Country Planning Department.
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NPP sends
Christmas message to Ghanaians
Accra (Greater
Accra) 24 December 2002- The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Monday said it is the
wish of the party that the positive economic and democratic change, which had
manifested itself in the country would be made to reflect in the celebration of
the second Christmas under the party's administration.
In a message signed
by Mr Harona Esseku, National Chairman, the party said it also believes that
the true meaning of Christmas as the occasion for peace, love and
reconciliation would be made paramount in all the festivities.
"As we plan as
individuals and groups to have fun this Christmas, let us at the same time remember
the deprived among us with doleful eyes and resolve to do things for them,
which will bring smiles on their faces," the message said.
It urged all
Ghanaians to be "willing partners in the building of a healthy and better
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Court
issue warrant for arrest of Chief
Asamankese (Greater Accra) 24
December 2002- The Asamankese Circuit Court has issued
a bench warrant for the arrest of Bafour Pobi Asamaning I, Odikro of Aworasa near Asamankese, for failing to appear before the court to
answer a charge of stealing cocoa beans.
Bafour Asamaning and one other person were arrested four weeks ago
for allegedly stealing cocoa belonging to Mr. Kofi Fulemey.
They were granted Police bail and asked to appear before the Asamankese Circuit court last Wednesday, 18 December but
when the case was called, the Chief and his fellow accused were absent.
The prosecutor,
Detective Inspector Joseph Idan therefore, asked the court,
presided over by Mr S.S. Appiah to issue a bench warrant for their arrest and
the court granted it.
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Omanhene
calls for dialogue in settling differences
Koforidua (Greater
Accra)
He reminded them of
the harm which disunity had done to other communities and advised the people to
realise that, their real enemies were the inadequate
educational infrastructure in the area to prepare them adequately for the
modern job market and inadequate utility services and health facilities.
Daasebre Oti Boateng made the call at the Addae Kese Durbar on Sunday to honour him on the tenth anniversary of his coronation as
the Omanhene of the Traditional Area and in
recognition of his recent appointment as a United Nations Commissioner on the
International Civil Service Commission.
He reminded the
people of the area of cordiality which he extended to them on 2 January this
year, and stressed the importance of that gesture in the sustenance of peace
and unity in the Traditional Area.
Daasebre Oti Boateng enumerated the number
of improvements, which had taken place in the traditional area since his enstoolment, including improvement in the state of the road
network, the telephone system, the electricity supply and the establishment of
two tertiary institutions in the Municipality.
However, he said
the perennial water problem, which faces the people was yet to be resolved. Mr
Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, Member of Parliament (MP) for New Juaben
North and Minister for Foreign Affairs said the government would support all chiefs
who would champion the development of their area.
He said in 4
January next year, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would be going to congress to
elect President John Agyekum Kufuor as its flagbearer for the 2004 presidential
elections.
Mr Yaw Barimah, MP for Koforidua and Minister of Works and Housing
said it was the desire of government to rehabilitate the roads and improve upon
the water supply in the
As part of the
celebration, ten people were awarded prizes for their contribution towards the
development of the Traditional Area and
Among the
dignitaries who attended the festival was President John Agyekum Kufour who presented customarily drinks and two million
cedis to Daasebre Oti Boateng. Mr Owusu-Agyemang and Mr Barima
also presented customarily drinks and two million cedis to Daasebre
Oti Boateng.
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VR
Minister urges children to appreciate their value
Ho (Volta Region)
He was addressing
500 pupils who were hosted to the President's end of year party for children in
the Ho District. Mr Owusu-Yeboa reminded the pupils that they could be
successful in life if only they exercised self-discipline in whatever they do.
He said their duty
to the country as children is to take their lessons seriously and avoid bad
companies and habits. "I wish to assure you that government will not shirk
its responsibility to our children. Everything possible will be done to ensure
that each Ghanaian child obtains the required support and protection from the
state", Mr Owusu-Yeboa told them.
Mr Williams Fiati,
In their message to
the President, the children called for a law against child trafficking in the
country and its vigorous enforcement to completely eradicate the practice.
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NDC
delegates congratulated for successful congress
Kumasi (Ashanti
Region) 24 December 2002- Professor J.E.A. Mills and Dr Kwesi
Botchwey, the two candidates who contested the National Democratic Congress
(NDC) flagbearership as well as delegates who attended
Saturday's special national congress have been commended for the matured manner
in which they conducted themselves and for accepting the outcome of the
elections.
Togbe S.K. Fugah, Chairman of the
Togbe Fugah was speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in
He acknowledged
that in every election, there must be a winner and loser and for that matter, Professor
Mills who emerged victorious should perceive it as a victory for the entire NDC
and strive to work in collaboration with Dr Botchwey.
He said the mere
fact that Dr Botchwey mustered courage to contest the flagbearership
of the NDC alone was a great achievement, which has further added honour to the party's democratic dispensation and should
therefore be lauded.
Togbe Fugah strongly advised that with the congress now over, it
was imperative for the Council of Elders of the party and the founder of the party
in particular, ex-President J.J. Rawlings to work as a team and device strategies
that will make the party more united than before.
"The general
elections in 2004 is a much bigger battle which we the NDC can only hope to
fight and win when we are genuinely united", Togbe
Fugah added.
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Educational
Reforms Review Committee presents report
Receiving the
report, President Kufuor said education was the key to the future and the key
must be strong and wholesome. He said the Committee initially was given four
months to complete its work because of the urgency of the work to fashion out a
policy that would review and modernise the country's
educational system.
President Kufuor
said the Ministry of Education and stakeholders in the education sector would
study the report and make the necessary recommendations to government. Professor
Jophus Anamuah-Mensah,
Principal of the University College of Education, Winneba (UCEW) and Chairman of
the Committee, presenting the report said it was an opportunity for the
Committee to serve the nation.
Among issues
discussed by the Committee, inaugurated on 17 January this year were the
quality of education in the country, quality and funding for expansion of
education in the rural areas.
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President
Kufuor commissions KIA Rehabilitated project
Accra (Greater
Accra) 24 December 2002- President John Agyekum Kufuor on Monday appealed to the
management of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to adhere strictly to
the maintenance programme of equipment, machinery and facilities at their
disposal to prolong their life-span.
He urged users of
the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to exercise
the greatest care in the use of the equipment and the facilities, adding"
the nation can only continue to be proud of the airport if our pride is translated
into the everyday use and care of the facilities".
President Kufuor
made the appeal when he unveiled a plaque to commission the second phase of the
KIA rehabilitation project in
All the projects
being financed with external sources and GCAA's own resources
have been completed with the exception of the electronic and telecommunication
facilities yet to begin.
The first phase of
the project completed in 1993 at an estimated cost of 28 million pounds
sterling from external sources and government component of three billion cedis,
included rehabilitation of the runway, control tower and visual aids.
Others were the
installation of new navigation aids, new power system for the airport and
construction of a new freight terminal. President Kufuor asked the GCAA to
ensure the infrastructure provided and the machinery installed operated properly
and maintained to retain the Category One Status
He said the
security operations and features should also be adhered to rigorously, adding
"the rate of efficiency of the services to which this modern and
impressive infrastructure will be put, will decide if this port will indeed
become the "gateway of the Sub-Region" to which the nation aspires".
Dr Richard Winfred
Anane, Minister of Roads and Transport said the completion of the project
marked another milestone in government's efforts to provide and improve upon
the transport infrastructure opening the country for accelerated economic
activity in support of the government's Golden Age of Business.
He said
government's policy in the transport sector was to establish a modern efficient
and sustainable transport network to integrate the different modes of transport
and provide the travelling public a wider choice of
quicker, safer and more reliable transportation.
The Minister
announced that the
He said the
creation of an aviation-hub could be achieved when there was a strong, viable
and efficient national carrier and therefore appealed to the management of the
Ghana Airways to endeavour to demonstrate a strong commitment
to help GCAA achieve its mission.
Mr Keith Abernethy,
Commercial Manager of Skanska Africa, contractors on
the project commended the workers and consultants for completing the work on
scheduled.
He later presented
a symbolic key on the project to Nii Baddoo to signify completion of the first part of the Phase
II of KIA rehabilitation project. President Kufour
later toured some parts of the rehabilitated project.
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