Fisheries Minister orders demolition of structures at Fishing Habour
Vice-President returns home from UN session
"Doctor" Akuffo-Addo placed in custody again
31st December Movement committed to women's welfare-Nana Konadu
Death of two suspects in Police cells to be investigated
NDC condemns proposed increases in water and
electricity tariffs.
Tema (Greater Accra) 16 May 2002 - Mr Tsatsu Tsikata, former GNPC Chief Executive on Monday filed a suit at the Supreme Court to raise preliminary objective against the Attorney-General (AG) representing the Chief Justice (CJ) in a writ challenging the practice direction of the Chief Justice.
In an affidavit in support, Mr. Tsikata pointed out that the Chief Justice and the Attorney-General represent different arms of government and their roles as provided by the 1992 constitution do not allow for second defendant to represent the first defendant.
The facts stated in an affidavit in support of the case filed on 18 March, against the CJ refer to specific acts of first defendant, which he is independently required to answer. Mr Tsikata explained that in the circumstances of this case, there is a real likelihood that the independence of the judiciary, which the constitution seeks to establish, may be undermined by the first defendant being represented by the Attorney-General and a common statement of case filed.
"Since I filed the writ on 2/2002, I have become aware that it was the first defendant who inaugurated the "Fast Track Court" on 31 March 2001, at the time he was not Chief Justice, and the second defendant was invited by the first defendant to the inauguration as a special guest and gave an address on that occasion," he stated.
Mr Tsikata pointed out that the matters that he had placed before the Supreme Court in the writ 2/2002, were in respect of interpretation and enforcement of the constitution and "I did not advert to the personal roles of either of the defendants."
There is clear potential for conflict of interest in the second defendant, a Minister of State and, therefore, part of the Executive, representing the first defendant the head of the judiciary which is required to be independent of the Executive and of any other external influence. That is why, Mr. Tsikata believes, would run counter to the constitutional provisions governing their respective offices for them to seek common causes in this manner.
On 28 March, Mr Tsikata filed a writ challenging the practice direction of the Chief Justice and declaring, among others that, "on a true and correct interpretation of Article 133 (2) of the 1992 Constitutional requirement for there to be a panel of 11 justices of the Supreme Court to hear a review of a decision by a panel of nine justices of the Supreme Court.
He also declared that on a true and correct interpretation of Article 133 (2) of the 1992 Constitution, except in the case of a decision by a panel of five justices of the Supreme Court, there is no requirement of the Chief Justice to add two additional justices of the Supreme Court to hear an application for a review of a Supreme Court decision.
In Another development, when the Supreme Court listed the case Mr Tsatsu Tsikata versus the Chief Justice and Attorney-General to be heard on 14 May 2002, Prof E.V.O. Dankwa, Counsel for Plaintiff wrote to the Supreme Court, reminding it to adhere to the provision which requests at least 14 days of listing before hearing.
In a letter, Tsikata's counsel invoked the provisions of rule (23) of the Supreme Court Rule, 1996, CI 16, which requires that, "the Registrar shall, during each term, publish within the precinct of the court and of the High Court of Justice in each region, at least 14 days before hearing shortlists which shall show the criminal and civil appeals of matters which are to be heard by the court". Plaintiff's sources show that the list of the Supreme Court cases, which includes that of Tsikata, was published on 6 May 2002.
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Tema (Greater Accra) 16 May 2002 - Mr Ishmael Ashitey, Minister of State in-charge of Fisheries on Wednesday directed the demolition of all unauthorised structures at the beaches of the Tema Fishing Habour to bring some order into the area.
The structures are serving as residential places for families as well as hide-outs for criminals and drug addicts, thus posing a security risk. Over the weekend, 135 suspected criminals were rounded up in the area by a joint operation by the police and military.
Mr. Ashitey gave the directives at a meeting with the Tema Chief Fisherman and representatives of fishermen at the Fishing Harbour after inspecting the scene of a fire outbreak that damaged eight canoes, fishing gear and inflicting severe burns on a woman and a man last Monday.
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Accra, May 16, GNA - The Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Wednesday returned home from the United States, after leading a government delegation to attend the 37th United Nations session on children.
He told journalists shortly after his arrival at the Kotoka International Airport that the meeting highlighted the achievements and goals set on children since 1990. Alhaji Mahama mentioned that world leaders, non-governmental organisations and representatives of children from all parts of the world attended the session.
He expressed concern that there was still disparity between children in the developed countries and those in the developing countries and said the meeting resolved to assist children through out the world to realise their potentials.
Alhaji Mahama stated that he briefed the session on efforts being made by Ghana in tackling issues related to children's rights. The Vice-President said he called on the UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan to discuss with him the current socio-economic development in the country. According to Alhaji Mahama, he also briefed the UN Secretary-General on the peace and stability the country was enjoying and on the National Reconciliation Commission.
The Vice-President said he met with the mayor of New Jersey, who indicated his willingness to lead an investment delegation to the country to explore investment opportunities in the areas of pharmaceuticals, agro-processing and tourism.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Mustapha Idris, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Dr Haroun Najeeb and officials of the ministry of foreign affairs, were at the airport to welcome the Vice-President.
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Cape Coast (Central Region) 15 May 2002 - Samuel Akuffo-Addo, the 51 year-old man who allegedly posed as a gynaecologist, dispensed restricted drugs to a woman and later raped her was on Tuesday, remanded again in custody until 21 May by a Circuit Tribunal at Cape Coast.
Akuffo-Addo, alias 'Doctor' who has pleaded not guilty to practicing medicine without authority and dispensing restricted drugs was remanded at the instance of the prosecution, to enable it complete its investigations. At the first hearing a week ago, the Tribunal chaired by Mr Paa Kwesi Aggrey, explained that, it had no jurisdiction to try the rape charge against the 'Doctor' and directed the prosecution to refer it to the Attorney-General's Department for advice.
The prosecution said Akuffo-Addo, was introduced to one Madam Emelia Amewonor Aziabul of Abeka La Paz in Accra, who was in desperate need of a child, "as a very good gynaecologist," by a member of her church, in February this year.
It said that Madam Aziabul began taking "treatment" from the accused, who was "practicing" at Ankamu near Apam junction and that, and that on 27 April during one of such treatment, the "Doctor" asked her to strip naked and lie on a wooden bed in his "clinic". The prosecution alleged that Akuffo-Addo then inserted a drug into her and injected the patient rendering her unconscious. It said she got conscious only to find the "Doctor" having sex with her.
The prosecution said she rushed to Accra and informed her husband and a report was made to the police, adding that, the drugs found at the premises of the accused after his arrest, had been sent to the forensic laboratory for testing.
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31st December Movement committed
to women's welfare-Nana Konadu
Pomase (Central Region) 16 May 2002 - Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, the Former First Lady and President of the 31st December Women's Movement (DWM), on Tuesday said the movement was still active and it would continue to champion the welfare of women in the country.
She, therefore, said the DWM would foster peace and unity and collaborate with the government in enhancing women's development. Nana Konadu, was speaking at a durbar at Pomase, near Anomabu, in the Central Region, at which she was installed the 'Nkosuohemaa', under the stool name of Nana Aba Apaaba VI for her contribution towards the development of the town.
It formed part of activities marking the 20th anniversary celebration of the movement in the region. Nana Konadu said the movement had achieved a lot for women and gave the assurance that it would continue to assist them to become self-reliant.
Nana Konadu expressed regretted that some people were agitating for the banning of the DWM and reminded Ghanaians that the movement was established to promote the socio-economic development of women. She gave the promise that the DWM would continue to provide day care centres and projects such cassava processing and batik and tie-dye production, especially in the rural areas.
Nana Konadu urged members to plant more trees to protect the environment from degradation. She appealed to women to contest the forth-coming district level elections to enable them effectively take part in the decision-making process.
Mrs. Cecilia Johnson, National Secretary of the DWM, commended members for their commitment and support for the movement. She urged them to ensure that the movement survived in its "trying moments," and said, "let us safeguard the good name the movement has struggled to attain."
Mrs. Johnson said the DWM was a non-governmental organisation committed to the socio-economic development of women and called on the public to disabuse their minds that the movement was a wing of the National Democratic Congress. She mentioned that the DWM would assist in national development and will not antagonise any individual or the government.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 16 May 2002 - The Minister of Defence and Acting Minister of the Interior, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor on Tuesday directed the Inspector General of Police to institute a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two suspects in Police custody at Tema Community Two, on Saturday
11 May.
A statement issued in Accra said the police administration had confirmed the deaths of Tetteh (alias TT) and Nabi Suleiman at the police station, moments after their fellow inmates had reported their deteriorating health condition to the authorities. At the time of the incident there were 45 inmates in the cell but the police could not say whether overcrowding had sometime to do with the deaths.
According to the statement, the Minister has established a board to examine the design of Police Cells throughout the country to ensure adequate ventilation and lighting without compromising security, with Mr E.P.D Barnes, Chief Director of the Ministry of Interior, as Chairman.
Other members included Mr. K. D. Arthur, Assistant Commissioner of Police, an architect, Lieutenant Colonel O. B. Akwa, Military Assistant to the minister of defence, Assistant Supredendent of Police, Joseph Ocloo of the police Estate Department and Mr. Charles Dzogbenuku of the Ministry of Defence. The board will initially tour all police stations in the Greater Accra and review the state of cells and make appropriate recommendations and later visit those in the other regions.
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NDC condemns proposed increases in water
and electricity tariffs.
Accra (Greater Accra) 16 May 2002 - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Wednesday condemned the proposed increases in the water and electricity tariffs and Called on the government to reflect on the conditions of Ghanaians because water and electricity were vital to life.
This was contained in a statement in Accra and signed by Dr Nii Josiah-Aryeh, General Secretary of the party. The statement said the rich and poor, institutions and individuals were equally affected by supplies of these utilities and, therefore, high and rising tariffs were bound to impact negatively on households and the margins of returns of companies.
"When passed on to consumers by companies in the form of higher prices,the hikes in tariffs would make the ordinary citizen worse off," it said. The statement said it was a fundamental obligation for the government to mitigate the harsh effects of policies on the weaker members of society and to continually ensure that the activities of private companies did not result in the denial of access to the vital utilities.
The NDC said while expressing its utmost opposition to the privatisation of utilities, it must draw attention to the danger of government developing policies that only resulted in profits to friends in business without regard to the plight of the electorate. It said, "a wall of secrecy seemed to have been erected around the award of contracts for the privatisation of utilities and "for zero tolerance" to be meaningful, we urge government to ensure absolute transparency in contracts for procurement".
The statement said democracy ought to ensure cumulative progress and gains for the people. It said while the NDC was in power, the government systematically spread the benefits of water and electricity to the remotest parts of the country.
"It would be sad if the policies of a successor regime were to result in the reversal of these gains. We are aware of condemnations of the proposed increases by well-meaning Ghanaians. A caring government must respond by intervening to stop the increases," it said.
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