Government would support health sector - Dani-Baah
Accra (Greater Accra) 29 January 2002 - The Board of Directors of the Volta River Authority (VRA) on Monday said it supports the decision of its Chief Executive, Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby to suspend the operation of the Authority's Provident Fund pending the outcome of an enquiry into its administration.
Dr Jones Ofori-Atta, Chairman of the Board, said the enquiry is the source of a report in the Friday, January 25 edition of the Ghanaian Chronicle headlined "Tarzan's Reign of Terror-Worker explosion looms at VRA."
The decision was contained in a resolution passed after an emergency meeting of the Board to consider allegations levelled against Dr Wereko-Brobby over "reckless use of power and bullying tactics of administration" among other things.
The four-point resolution said the Board has an absolute confidence in the Chief Executive and recommended that he interdicted two recipients of a memorandum on the Provident Fund.
They are the Deputy Chief Executive, Resources and Services and the Director of Human Resources. When asked the names of the two, Dr. Wereko-Brobbey said he couldn’t recall their names off-hand.
The two are believed to be the likely sources of leaks to the newspaper on the enquiry into alleged embezzlement of half a billion cedis by a former Administrator of the Fund.
Their interdiction would be done with the assistance of the national security agencies. The Board read the resolution to journalists at a press conference that was delayed for almost two hours.
The Journalists, who were requested to be seated by 10 am, received a series of "we are sorry for the delay" until most of them left.
The last message to the remaining Journalists was that the Board chairman was ill and could not come down to the conference room on the ground floor, from the 11th floor. The Journalists were therefore asked to go to the boardroom on the 11th floor for the conference that finally started at 11:50am.
Dr Ofori-Atta, who noted that the VRA had come under media attack in recent past, also added that such attacks had succeeded in sowing panic on impending shortage of power while some sought to attack the integrity of the VRA and to generate confusion within the workforce.
He said the Board mandated Dr Wereko-Brobby to restructure the organisation to ensure efficiency and above all eliminate corruption. The mandate given to the Chief Executive included the suspension of the Provident Fund as part of measures to ensure that staff contributions were safe while investigations into its administration continued.
"The Board requested the Chief Executive to interdict with immediate effect whoever is found to have leaked official information to the press," Dr Ofori-Atta said. Dr Wereko-Brobby answered questions on other allegations raised in the Ghanaian Chronicle concerning the construction of an executive bathroom attached to his office, 100 days' bash with a live band, his residence at Akuse in the Eastern Region, contract awards among other things.
He said it was not true that he installed a 'Jacuzzi' but rather he took the opportunity of a conversion on the 10th and 11th floors to dismantle a kitchenette that was not serving any purpose to install a shower. This was to enable him to freshen up on occasions when he is required to attend official functions in the evenings.
On the residence at Akuse, Dr Wereko-Brobby said the immediate retired Chief Executive still resided at the Authority's official residence as per the Authority’s rule hence he (Wereko-Brobby) was living in the guesthouse waiting to move into the Accra residence.
GRi../
Send your comments to viewpoint@ghanareview.com
Accra (Greater Accra) 29 January 2002 - Professor Fred T. Sai of the Office of the President, on Monday, blamed political leaders, civil society and authorities who failed to recognise their strength and limitation in governance for interruptions in Africa's democratic development.
"Political failures is not only due to defects in the make-up of such leaders but also to the characteristics of their populations, expectations and conditions the leaders find themselves."
Delivering the first of a series of lecture in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Achimota School under the theme, "Achimota and Nation Building," Prof Sai who is also former Chairman of the National Population Council, also said bad governance in Africa was due to the usurping of the powers of parliament and the judiciary by the executive.
Speaking on "Leadership and Governance, Pillars Of Democracy and Development," he said a good leader must have some education and great deal of wisdom and respect the people, their traditional cultures and aspirations.
The leader must also be willing and ready to learn, consult, be humble intellectually, active and patient. "Impatience with the rate of development and national progress has led some otherwise reasonable leaders to commit human rights violations," Prof Sai said and cautioned against procrastination and indecisiveness.
The leader must be firm and fair, purposeful and inspire the people, Prof. Sai said and spoke against pressure on political leaders to cater for their constituents, saying "we ought to know that the political leaders, from the President through Parliamentarians to District Chief Executives, are not automatically made wealthy by being elected into leadership position".
Professor Ivan Addae-Mensah, Vice Chancellor of University of Ghana, said leaders and human resources of a nation, "depends on the peculiar characteristics of the individual moulded by those of us charged with training the younger generations". He said, "every generation thinks its time was better than the younger one," hence the adage, "the good old days".
Prof. Addae-Mensah noted that, every generation has people of great potential to move society forward and charged educational institutions with rich traditions in leadership training, to re-examine the values of their founders, understand their vision for the country and nurture the up and coming ones to know and appreciate them.
The principles of leadership by example and service to the community are still relevant, he said, adding that, "it is only through selfless service to our fellow human beings, rendered within our capabilities, however, limited that will push this country forward".
The Senior Minister, Mr J. H. Mensah and Professor Alex Kwapong, Chairman of the Council of State and other old and current students attended the lecture.
Other activities planned for the celebration, which would last for a year include a medical outreach day at Anumle, near the school, Art Exhibition, Founders' and Cadet Corp days.
GRi../
Send your comments to viewpoint@ghanareview.com
Accra (Greater Accra) 29 January 2002 - Politically neutral armed forces, which are responsive to democratic control are needed for the realisation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, Minister of Defence, has said.
"If this political philosophy for the military is adopted in all countries on the continent, the much needed congenial atmosphere would be created within which NEPAD could flourish." The Minister stated this at a two-day colloquium on security and NEPAD in Maputo, Mozambique, according to a statement in Accra on Monday.
The NEPAD is an initiative by African leaders to eradicate poverty to ensure sustainable growth and development, in order for the continent to take advantage of globalisation with the support of the World Bank and the Global Coalition for
Africa.
Dr Kufuor observed that, endowed states with weak security attract rebels and bandits who undermine the state and plunder its resources. He called for donor support in rebuilding state institutions including the security services to equip them to play their constitutional roles effectively.
The Minister stressed the need for the harmonisation of support from advanced countries to enhance operations among troops making up ECOMOG, to make it more effective.
Dr Kufuor praised the NEPAD initiative especially its emphasis on democracy, human rights, conflict prevention and management and the need to maintain macro-economic stability through appropriate fiscal and monetary policies.
GRi../
Send your comments to viewpoint@ghanareview.com
Krobo (Ashanti Region) 29 January 2002 - A memorial and thanksgiving service was held at the Krobo Methodist Church near Asante-Mampong on Sunday for the late General Akwasi Amankwaah Afrifa, Chairman of the defunct National Liberation Council (NLC).
General Afrifa was among eight top military officers executed by firing squad by the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC). The mortal remains of General Afrifa was laid to rest in front of his house at Krobo last Saturday.
Delivering a sermon, The Very Rev. John Nana Yaw Aduba, Superintendent Minister of the Mampong Circuit of the Methodist Church commended the late General for the part he played in the restoration of democracy in the country. He said Ghanaians should uphold the democratic culture in the country, adding that they should ensure that the executions of such nature do not recur.
Rev. Adubah said for almost 23 years, the families, widows and children of the executed military officers had lived in pain and anguish and gave the assurance that God would wipe away their tears so that they could live joyous lives.
He said General Afrifa stood for justice and fought oppression, noting that he would always be remembered for his part in bringing about true freedom to the country. Rev. Adubah said General Afrifa was instrumental in the initiation of the Krobo rehabilitation project and the construction of the Methodist Church at Krobo.
GRi../
Send your comments to viewpoint@ghanareview.com
Accra (Greater Accra) 29 January 2002 - An Accra Community Tribunal on Monday ordered the police to send Charles Ebo Quansah, the self-confessed serial killer, to the Nsawam Medium Prisons until his docket at the Attorney-Generals (A-G's) office was ready.
Quansah, also known as Paapa Kobina Ebo, a 36-year-old mechanic, is charged with murder. The tribunal refused to take his plea and is expected to reappear on Monday, July 8. Quansah until Monday was remanded at the James Fort Prison.
Prosecuting, Police Inspector Peter Benneh told the tribunal chaired by Mr Kojo Owusu that the Police was awaiting the docket from the A-G's Office and, therefore, wanted a long adjournment.
The chairman of the tribunal said the long adjournment would enable the tribunal to refrain from frequent postponement of the case. The Police said between 1993 and 2001 Quansah killed women in Kumasi and in three Accra communities in Accra, namely Dansoman, Mataheko and Adenta.
When Quansah was arrested, he was put under Police surveillance for sometime, before he confessed on May 8, 2001. Quansah hails from Komenda in the Central Region. He said he killed his victims by strangulation.
GRi../
Send your comments to viewpoint@ghanareview.com
Tema (Greater Accra) 29 January 2002 - Professor George Ankra-Badu, former Director of Sickle Cell Clinic at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, has called on stakeholders to give equal attention to sickle cell patients and consider subsiding their drugs.
He said sickle cell anaemia was a life-long-disease that required much attention in the form of daily routine drugs and diet but patients could not afford them because of their high cost.
Prof. Ankra-Badu, who was addressing the Tema branch of the Sickle Cell Parents/Patients Association at an annual get-together at Tema, said there was the need for all parents and patients to come together to lay their problem bare before the government for quick attention.
He called on churches, administrators, parliamentarians and all related agencies to help to champion the cause of sickle cell patients to bring changes in their lives as was being done to other diseases.
He debunked the notion that sickle cell patients have shorter life span, saying when given the right drugs, diet and medical advice; patients could live to be over 70 years.
GRi../
Send your comments to viewpoint@ghanareview.com
Sekondi (Brong Ahafo) 29 January 2002 - Mr Joseph Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, said on Friday that the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) was working out a housing scheme for farmers in the region to raise their living standards and to encourage the youth to take to agriculture.
At a meeting with Farmers Day Award Winners in the region at Sekondi, he said, farmers who would benefit from the scheme would be made to pay for the houses by instalments.
Mr Aidoo said the government was doing everything possible to enhance the agricultural sector to make the country self-sufficient in food production and increase earnings from exports of agricultural produce. He urged farmers in the region to take advantage of the heavy rainfall pattern to cultivate rice and crops that required high moisture.
GRi../
Send your comments to viewpoint@ghanareview.com
Accra (Greater Accra) 29 January 2002 - The General Manager of the Ghana News Agency, Mr Robert Kafui Johnson on Monday dismissed alleged corruption charges made against him by a former employee and emphasised that he did not engage in corrupt practices.
In a statement to the media on the allegations published in two editions of 'The Statesman' on January 16 and 22, he described them as" damaging" as they portrayed him as engaging in corrupt practices.
"I have not engaged in over-invoicing or under-invoicing and there is no evidence that suggests that I have," said Mr Johnson, who was appointed by the National Media Commission (NMC) in September 2000.
He said that although he had approached the NMC for redress, he was compelled to set the records straight. "I assure the Ghanaian public that the allegations contained in 'The Statesman's articles are without merit."
Mr Johnson pointed out that the allegations were practically the same as those that were contained in a petition presented by the former employee, Mr Abrams S. Adjei to the then Minister of Media Relations in September last year and published by 'The Guide'.
"It must be noted that 'The Guide' subsequently retracted the publication and rendered an apology to me." The allegations had been investigated by a Committee of the GNA Board and House Union and found to be false. The appointment of Mr Adjei was terminated early this month after the Board discussed the Committee's report.
Mr Enoch Antwi defeated Mr Adjei for the post of Chairman of the local union last year. In respect of the allegation that he slashed salaries of workers when pay increases were given and pocketed the change, Mr Johnson wrote: "It is difficult to imagine how I can slash the salaries of workers out of pay increases they had in 1999, considering that I took up my appointment in September 2000.
"For the salary review last year, I am not aware that any employee's salary has been slashed. Certainly, nobody has brought up any complaint on the issue." On allegations that he was involved in over-invoicing and under-invoicing, Mr Johnson explained that he was not a member of the GNA Purchasing Committee.
He said in his desire to ensure efficiency in procurements, he strengthened the Committee's mandate by giving them formal terms of reference. On the renovation of the General Manager's bungalow at the Cantonments, which Mr Adjei claimed cost over 200 million cedis, he said, prior to his appointment, the GNA Board had already taken steps to salvage it.
The bungalow was in a complete state of disrepair, left at the mercy of squatters and other people. It was an eyesore and the Ministry of Works and Housing expressed concern and indicated that they would repossess it.
The first phase was the construction of a fence wall to secure the property to keep away the squatters and the second phase was the renovation of the main bungalow.
"The Public Works Department (PWD) undertook the renovation at the cost of 100 million cedis. The status and completion reports by PWD are available to anyone, who wishes to see them.
"If the bungalow had not been renovated, the taxpayer, through GNA, would have had to rent a house or bought one for the General Manager as part of his conditions of service approved by the National Media Commission."
On the "refurbishment" of a new office, Mr Johnson said his impending move into a new office was part of a general plan to rationalise the use of office space so as to free up space to rent out as part of the commercialisation programme, adding that other officers had already moved.
The current office being used by General Manager is the GNA Board Conference Room and its location and design are not suited for the needs of a General Manager in terms of security and proximity to the secretary, among other things. The new office had never been occupied.
"The office, as of today, is still bare and without furniture. The air conditioners installed there were donated to GNA as far back as March 1999, about one-and-a-half years before I joined GNA."
Mr Johnson referred to the second story in which 'The Statesman' said he refused to comment on the allegations of slashing workers' salaries and said the newspaper did not print the reasons for which he refused to comment.
He said he told the reporter that they had published a first article about him without contacting him and getting his reaction to Mr Adjei's allegations as demanded by the ethics of the profession and had, therefore, complained through his solicitors to the NMC and had been reliably informed that his complaint had been forwarded to the newspaper for their reaction.
Mr Johnson said GNA is a valuable state institution and he would be the last person to run it down through illegal practices. "GNA is not a waste pipe, neither are its staff, including me, engaged in corrupt practices.
"That GNA is able to produce news and information everyday is a testimony of the commitment and dedication of its staff, who are working with obsolete and ageing equipment and has to do a lot of improvisation to help in national development.... GNA needs help not undeserved condemnation," he said.
GRi.../
Send your comments to viewpoint@ghanareview.com
Accra (Greater Accra) 29 January 2002 - The University of Ghana will on Wednesday launch its Corporate Strategic Plan, which is aimed at developing a "world-class human resources " to meet the country's development needs and global market.
A statement in Accra on Monday said the strategic plan had been drawn up to push forward the university's core function of teaching, research and extension services into the first decade of this century.
"Another key thrust of the plan is to ensure that the University's efforts are focused on producing outputs which its customers will find useful and relevant. "For the corporate world in particular, the objective is to provide it with human capital that will become a source of competitive advantage." The University said it hoped to achieve this through the incorporation of demand-driven courses in the curriculum.
It explained that the plan it is adopting would help to strengthen the links between the quality of its products and the needs of corporate Ghana. "The university needs to take full advantage of the unfolding information and communication technology revolution to enable it become competitive in the new information age," it said.
The statement noted the challenges ahead and said the university was geared towards facing them through the support it expected to receive in the implementation of the programme.
The University mentioned in particular, the problem of the student population that now stood at 15,000. It said the lecture rooms and hostel facilities were originally for 3,000 students.
GRi../
Send your comments to viewpoint@ghanareview.com
Takoradi (Western Region) 29 January 2002 - Mr Moses Dani-Baah, Deputy Minister of Health, on Thursday said government would continue to play its role of ensuring efficient health care delivery after the take-off of the proposed health insurance scheme.
These, according to him would include the provision and maintenance of infrastructure and equipment, training and the payment of salaries and other emoluments of medical and paramedical personnel of health institutions.
"The public should disabuse their minds of the notion that the government will shirk its responsibilities including the provision of facilities to enhance the health sector when the scheme takes-off"
Mr Dani-Baah was addressing a zonal workshop on the proposed health insurance scheme organised for participants from the Western and Central Regions at Takoradi.
It was attended by metropolitan and district chief executives, regional and district co-ordinating directors, representatives of public and private institutions and religious organisations.
Mr Dani-Baah said one main objective of the proposed scheme was to "protect the interest of the poor in society, who cannot pay their health hills and also make basic health care more accessible".
Mr Dani-Baah reiterated the government's determination to phase out the cash and carry system and to replace it with a more humane health financing mechanism and called for patience to enable the authorities to evolve a more efficient and sustainable scheme.
There are about 40 mutual health insurance organisations at various stages of establishment countrywide.
GRi../
Send your comments to viewpoint@ghanareview.com