Home Blog Page 750

Spotlight

oo v
-
0

You and the Police

oo v
-
0

Attivor’s historical prison account was twisted – Woyome suggests

oo v
-
0
Attivor’s historical prison account was twisted – Woyome suggests
Dzifa-Attivor
Dzifa Attivor

Translated reports that former Transport Minister had entertained fear she would go to jail if the NPP comes to power was inaccurate, Member of Parliament for South Tongu, Kobla Mensah Woyome contends.

Canvassing votes for the MP for Ketu South early this year, Dzifa Attivor who resigned as a minister after the controversial Smarttys bus branding saga, is reported to have accused the NPP of being a tribal party bent on prosecuting only Ewes if it wins the forthcoming general elections.

Speaking in her native language, she referred to the record of the NPP government between 2001 and 2008, and argued the NPP targeted only members of her ethnic group for prosecution.

Her comments attracted avalanche of criticisms from some statesmen including former President Rawlings, himself an Ewe.

But the MP for South Tongu in the Volta Region told TV3’s +275, debate for parliamentary aspirants on Tuesday, Attivor’s critics based their condemnation on a translation, he indicated was poorly done.

“The woman did not say what was transcribed in English,” he strongly argued. “In any case the woman was simply admonishing the people, the audience, through what I will consider a historical account.”

This account, he indicated was appropriate because it will “guide ourselves into the future”.

Mr. Woyome, who is running for a third time as a Member of Parliament said he has “no problem at all” with what Dzifa Attivor said having listened to the tape severally.

“These were things that happened. And as it happened, they ought to be told, they ought to be orally communicated, probably even written for people to come and see later,” he remarked.

But the NPP parliamentary candidate elect for South Tongu, Seth Agbi would not say whether or not Attivor was wrongly attributed in English, but could sense some fears in her.

“If you are not stealing anybody’s fowl when the person is coming you don’t panic,” he started his take on Attivor’s comments with an adage.

“She is afraid of her own shadow,” Seth Agbi pointed out, wondering, “If you have not done anything why should you fear?”

 

Story by Isaac Essel | 3news.com | Ghana

Mahama to hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister

oo v
-
0

Mahama and Japan PMPresident John Dramani Mahama will this week leave Accra for Tokyo where he is expected to hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and sign two new cooperation agreement.

The two are also expected to address a joint press briefing in Tokyo.

Mr. Mahama and his wife, Lordina, will also meet with Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan during the official visit to the Asian country this week.

One of Ghana’s major development partners, Japan has over the years made significant contributions to Ghana’s health, agricultural, infrastructural and social services sectors.

President Mahama and Prime Minister Abe will hold discussions on a number of issues including the next steps by Japan to restore the YEN loan portfolio.

While in Tokyo, President Mahama will meet with African Heads of Mission, address an Investment Forum and meet the Ghanaian Community. He will also grant audience to a number of Japanese officials including the

President of JICA and a Group led by the Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan.

Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama will on her part hold discussions with Mrs. Abe and also address a gathering of the Spouses of African Heads of Mission, leaders of Japanese Women Groups and Female Ambassadors.

Edward Kwabi|3news.com|Ghana

Akufo-Addo tours La Dadekotopon Constituency

oo v
-
0
Akufo-Addo tours La Dadekotopon Constituency

Akufo-add cards

The Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Tuesday, May 16, the second day of his four-day tour of the Greater Accra Region, toured the La Dadekotopon constituency.

In the company of the NPP parliamentary candidate for the constituency, Vincent Odotei Sowah a.k.a ‘Obama’, Nana Akufo-Addo visited popular ‘hot spots’ within the constituency where he interacted with residents, predominantly the youth, who lamented about their inability to find jobs coupled with the rising cost of living and economic hardships prevailing in La.

At ‘Mandela’, the NPP flagbearer’s first port of call in the constituency, he retraced his Ga roots, indicating that “I was born in Swalaba, I grew up here in Accra, and as such there is nothing about the Ga State that I don’t know. I know your concerns because I have lived my life here”.

Akufo-Addo, who also inaugurated a recreational centre in Mandela, explained to the hundreds of youth gathered that this year’s election is about their future.

It is, therefore, imperative he said that they entrusted the fortunes of this nation into the hands of a competent person who will look after their welfare.

“If you look at the circumstances of your family, and you want change, vote for me. All of you here, I believe, want change and it is the NPP that will bring the change you desire. Vote for me to go into Jubilee House and ‘Obama’ into parliament. So please, vote for me and vote for ‘Obama’”, he appealed.

At ‘Agyeman’, another popular spot in the constituency, the NPP flagbearer was confronted with the similar issues akin to that at Mandela.

There also, Nana Akufo-Addo stated that the panacea for the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs required by the teeming masses of Ghanaian youth is a change in government at this year’s polls.

“There are no jobs. Even the prepaid electricity bills, people cannot pay. So this year, I am appealing to you to change the Mahama government. It is the NPP who can bring the change you need. That change can only be made complete in La when you vote for ‘Obama’ and Nana. This year, give me your thumb, because I am coming to change Ghana and bring jobs and wealth to every part of the country,” he said.

At La Tenu, a popular community radio station in the constituency, Nana Akufo-Addo urged the people of La not to pay heed to those who will seek to divide them along tribal lines, in order to score cheap political points much to the detriment of the people.

“We are one people, regardless of where we come from. At the end of the day, all we are looking for is prosperity and development. Let us not vote for someone simply because of where he or she hails from. Let us vote for someone who can do the job, someone who will bring jobs to our people,” he stressed

Vincent Odotei Sowah, at ‘Mandela’ and ‘Agyeman’, appealed to the gathering to not to entertain any “skirt and blouse” voting in this year’s election, urging them further to “vote for Nana and Obama, so that in 2017 I can confidently go to the Jubilee House as your representative and bring you your share of development.”

Source: 3news.com|Ghana

Ghana’s economy isn’t growing – Economist

oo v
-
0

EconomyAn economist, Dr Kofi Orlins-Lindsay, says the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) decision to maintain the monetary policy rate at 26 per cent is a clear indication that the economy is not growing as expected.

He said “if the economy was to be growing and livelihoods were being improved, the BoG would have reduced the policy rate.”

The policy rate, which has been maintained at 26 per cent since November last year, is the highest lending rate over a decade now, despite three separate review meetings held by the BoG’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

Dr Orlins-Lindsay told Onua FM that the “the high inflation is the main reason the BoG cannot reduce the lending rate because a low lending rate in this economic climate will push inflation higher than current levels.”

A low lending rate is likely to reduce interest on loans commercial banks give out to businesses to expand their activities. However, businesses complain that access to loan is currently difficult and expensive due to the high interest rates on loans by banks.

The 2016 first quarter Business Barometer Report published by the Association of Ghanaian Industries (AGI) ranked access to credit as the fourth major challenge industry is facing in the country.

High cost of utility, multiplicity of taxes and exchange rate volatility were the only challenges facing businesses that were ahead of access to credit.

Economy under threat?

“Once government aims at achieving single digit inflation, it is likely the BoG will continue maintaining the policy rate at 26 per cent or even possibly increase it if economic conditions demands it,” Dr Orlins-Lindsay said.

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Ghana (BOG) kept its policy rate at 26 per cent because of macro economic conditions that could threaten economic growth and inflation, the BoG said on Monday.

Chairing his first MPC meeting since becoming governor of BOG, Dr. Abdul-Nashiru Issahaku said “in assessing the current economic conditions, the Committee views the risks to inflation and growth as balanced and therefore decided to maintain the monetary policy rate at 26 per cent.

“The Committee remains committed to its price stability mandate and will continue to monitor developments in the economy and take further policy actions, if necessary,” he added

He said “since the last meeting of the Committee, there have been two readings of inflation. Headline inflation rose to 19.2 percent in March, from 18.5 percent in February. The sharp increase in March was largely influenced by the lagged effect of the upward adjustment in transport costs.

“In April, however, inflation declined to 18.7 percent following a slowdown in non-food inflation. The monthly inflation rates also slowed, supported by stability in the exchange rate,” the Governor said.

“There are, however, risks in the inflation outlook. These include unanticipated upward adjustments in utilities and petroleum product prices and possibly second round effects from such adjustments on prices. The slow but persistent pickup in food inflation, since August 2014, is also a source of concern for inflation.”

Moreover, “the growth outlook is broadly positive contingent on sustained improvements in the energy supply, continued stability in the local currency and additional oil and gas production. However, risks such as tight credit conditions and continued tightness in the fiscal stance may moderate the pace of economic activity,” Dr. Issahaku said.

By Nii Okai Tetteh|Onua 95.1FM|3news.com|Ghana

President Mahama lied on corruption claims – NPP

oo v
-
0
President John Mahama
President John Mahama

The New Patriotic Party has rejected President John Mahama’s claim on BBC that he does not put himself in a position to be bribed.

President John Mahama told the BBC last week that he has never taken bribe arguing that he does not put himself in positions that would make him susceptible to corruption, but the NPP described that as “lies”.

A statement issued by the party Monday in response to the President’s claim in that BBC interview cited a number of instances and contracts it said the President directly involved himself, thus making his claim unjustifiable.

“The New Patriotic Party is shocked by the lies peddled by the President during a summit designed to tackle that very canker of corruption. Without honesty and sincerity from the Presidency the fight against the theft of public funds can never be won so long as he remains in office,” it said.

Read the full statement below

President Mahama has said in London (Thursday 12th may 2016) that his government has a good record in fighting corruption. He also added, whiles fumbling, that he has never taken bribe as a human being.
To prove this, he said has never involved himself or his office (the Presidency) directly in any public procurement deal. Again, he suggested that no Minister or appointee of his has been involved in corruption.

The New Patriotic Party is shocked by the lies peddled by the President during a summit designed to tackle that very canker of corruption. Without honesty and sincerity from the Presidency the fight against the theft of public funds can never be won so long as he remains in office.

It is no wonder that that culture of plunging state coffers has actually worsened under President Mahama and would only get worse unless Ghanaians vote him out this year.
We will mention just a few specific contracts in support of our claim that Ghana under President Mahama is experiencing the Golden Age of Corruption and will demand that the President comes clean to the people on whether those claims he made in the United Kingdom last week can stand scrutiny. We will cite just six examples were his own personal involvement is not in doubt.

  • The sole sourced Nation Single Window contract for West Blue

 

  • The GHC3.6 million Smarttys bus branding scandal

 

  • The $88 million Embraer Jet scandal

 

  • The $10 billion STX scandal

 

  • $600m worth of contracts with shady Queiroz Galvao and

 

  • The secret, illegal lodging of $250m in UBA.

 

President Mahama told a blatant lie when he said in London that he does not put himself in a position to be bribed as he does not involve himself and his Office in public procurement.
As fate will have it, on 12th May, 2015, exactly a year ago to the day he granted the BBC interview, the President, through a letter signed by his Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, personally and directly instructed the Minister of Finance “to formally engage West Blue Ghana Limited”, without any competitive tender.

This was the contract for the implementation of the National Single Window for the inspection of goods at the ports. This contract is estimated to be worth more than $300 million over the next five year. By directing his Minister of Finance to give the contract to a particular company the President, by his own logic, had put himself in a position to be offered and receive bribe.

A 15th July 2015 letter from the Ministry of Transport to the Managing Director of Smarttys read:  “We wish to inform you that the Ministry in consultation with the Office of the President has decided to rebrand the buses with the national colours as well as the images of our present and past Heads of State… In view of the decision, you are kindly requested to provide quotations for the re-branding of the buses together with photographs of a rebranded bus for our further action.”

This deal, also directly procured from the Office of the President was done without competitive tender and the cost of this rebranding to the taxpayer has been found to be over 100 percent inflated. By his own logic, can we not say that the President was bribed since he was directly involved in this corrupt and controversial transaction?  Again, no prosecution has come out of this and yet the President is asking Ghanaians to point out which of his Ministers has been involved in corruption.

President Mahama has still not responded to charges from no less a person than Mr Martin Amidu, the then Attorney General, that President Mills had set up an investigation into the procurement of an aircraft from Brazil, a deal led and negotiated  by then Vice  President Mahama in 2010.

It is worth recalling that even though the manufacturer’s quoted prices for an Embraer 190 jet ranged between $28 million to $40 million for one with enhanced accessories, Vice President Mahama negotiated one that was to be sold to Ghana at the flat rate of $55.26 million, which was to be enhanced to the total cost of $88 million to the Ghanaian taxpayer.

This included fitting an extra fuel tank costing $8 million; air staircase costing $1 million and; an in-flight entertainment costing $1.4 million.  The implication of President Mills setting up such a committee to investigate his own deputy, who is now the President, cannot be wished away. It goes to the heart of the integrity and honesty of President Mahama. Did President Mills not suspect that his Vice President was bribed before calling for him to be investigated? It is still surprising to many Ghanaians that such a charge from the then Attorney General has not been refuted neither by President Mahama nor any of the named members of that committee. Where is the report of that committee? Ghanaians need to know.

In the highly controversial and unpatriotic $10 STX housing deal, the Koreans claimed in open court during a dispute among its local partners that they had spent $10 million in Ghana, in what is normally called facilitation fee and related expenses to procure the contract and set up base in Ghana.
Then Vice President Mahama led those negotiations, which were largely done without the knowledge of President Mills.  Up till today, Ghanaians have not been told who got those monies and how the Koreans have been reimbursed if at all.

Currently in Brazil, the President is facing impeachment and executives of some major construction and engineering firms are either in jail or being prosecuted over that matter, including the former President of Queiroz Galvao. This is a company being accused of money laundering, price fixing, and kickbacks, including the payment of $30 million on one contract the ruling party.
Vice President Mahama personally went to Brazil to negotiate deals with Queiroz Galvao and subsequently as President of the Republic, John Mahama has ensured that his Brazilian friends have secured contracts, mainly on sole sourcing, to the total tune of $595,757,009.

Thus, over half a billion dollars of Ghana’s money  in contracts suspected to be highly inflated have gone to a company that is struggling in its own home state to keep its bosses out of jail. Some of the deals handed over to Queiroz Galvao include the $100 million Tamale International Airport; the $172.6 million Kasoa Interchange; the 74.88 million Euros ($85 million) Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange and; the GHC29.23 million Nima Drainage project.

In the Armajaro case, the Times of London newspaper on 31st October 2010 reported that Armajaro had lobbied then Vice President Mahama and allegedly made payments to get a ban lifted, a ban that had been placed on the company in Ghana after an Anas Aremeyaw Anas investigation into cocoa smuggling though our borders.

Vice President Mahama denied ever lobbying on behalf of the UK company, only to be exposed by a leaked document from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office of UK, which showed him travelling to London specifically to discuss this ban. The British Minister who facilitated this meeting was paid $150,000 by Anthony Ward, the CEO of Armajaro Holdings.
Such was the dirty nature of the deal that British civil servants saw the entire intervention for a British company found culpable in corruption in Ghana, as improper and corrupt and leaked it to the British press. How does President Mahama explain this story against his claim that he has never put himself in a position to be bribed?

In December 2015, again, led by the Office of the President,  $250 million of  proceeds from Ghana’s $1 billion Eurobond, borrowed at a high interest rate of `10.75%, was secretly and illegally lodged at the UBA (Gh). This was done without any competitive bid and behind Parliament, as demanded by the Bank of Ghana Act. No legitimate paper trail has been found to follow this transaction and the deposit, which was used to purchase treasury bills, was for six months, maturing in June 2016.

President Mahama must tell us the level of involvement of his Chief of Staff in this transaction. He must also tell us who were to benefit from the yield of this instrument that was curiously deposited to mature in just six months, conveniently in time for the 2016 elections.

The records available to all Ghanaians show clearly that President Mahama’s government is not only the most tolerant of corruption, but is also neck deep in corruption, and has the worst record in fighting corruption in the fourth republic.The President has claimed that he has never taken a bribe, although he has been offered.A bribe may generally be defined as taking some inducement  (money,  houses, cars, scholarships for children etc) before one performs an official  function or gives some favour to another person or party.

For the question to be put this way, not even officials convicted over corruption charges, nor ministers who have resigned their positions over corruption, will admit to the taking of bribes!
Fact is the main forms of corruption  this NDC government has engaged in have included  a combination of  single sourcing procurement and what a Supreme Court justice termed  “create, loot and share” schemes.

President Mahama in London cited his government’s prosecution of some officials at the National Service Scheme as example of his fight and enforcement of the laws against corruption.
President Mahama should therefore answer to the world why he has not or would not enforce the same laws against corruption in the several other more egregious and blatant cases of naked corruption and theft of taxpayers’ monies?

  • Why are the perpetrators of the payment of GHC52.8 million ($35million) to Mr Woyome still walking free?

 

  • Why are the perpetrators of the payment of over $30 million to Messrs Waterville still walking free?

 

  • Why are those who paid GHC72  million ($36million) to Subah for no work done still walking free and at post?

 

  • Why are those public officials working in his office who perpetrated payments to Rlg and Asontaba in SADA GHC15 million ($9 million) and GHC36 million ($18 million) still walking free?

 

  • Why are the perpetrators of the Smarttys bus branding scandal still walking free, even when the Attorney General had determined that those officials should be prosecuted in accordance with the laws?

 

  • Why are major public contracts done through single sourcing leading to sometimes   200% to 300% inflation of contract prices as complained about by even the sitting minister of local government Mr Collins Dauda?

 

  • Why are those public officials who colluded and perpetrated payments in the Gyeeda scandals of over GHC200 million ($100million) to the same Rlgs,  Azontabas,   Better Ghana Management Services, Zeeras,  etc. still walking free?

 

In this case of Gyeeda,  the government’s own  investigation committee indicted and demanded the prosecution of officials including Ministers of State for bribe taking,  forgery of multiple bank accounts and serial awards of contracts to so called “service  providers,” even as those contracted services were not provided!

President Mahama may want us to believe he is seriously engaged in fighting corruption.  But the glaring cases of naked, bare faced and blatant corruption that have characterized his government have left many Ghanaians in deep shock.

In the words of the Chief Justice of Ghana, corruption today is at a “tipping point”.

In the words of President JJ Rawlings, who is the founder of the NDC and President Mahama’s former boss, corruption today in Mahama’s government is now “endemic.”
Deputy General Secretary of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, dismissed the NPP’s claims as baseless propaganda.
By 3news.com|Ghana

NPP tops use of ‘abusive language’

oo v
-
0
NPP tops use of ‘abusive language’

NPP NDC

The New Patriotic Party has been cited as leading in the use of ‘indecent and offensive’ language on radio in a new report that seeks to name and shame those using intemperate language on our airwaves in the run up to the November polls.

The NPP topped the list with 27 instances where its officials and activists used indecent expressions, followed by the National Democratic Congress with 16 cases.

Progressive People’s Party and New Labour Party took the third spot with four cases apiece while the National Democratic Party followed with two cases.

Screen Shot 2016 05 16 at 12.06.05 PM

The Convention People’s Party and the People’s National Convention came next with one case apiece.

The report, which is the result of a two-week monitoring exercise by the Media Foundation for West Africa cited “insulting and offensive comments; unsubstantiated allegations, provocative remarks; and expressions promoting divisiveness” as the language used by affiliates of the seven parties indicted.

Screen Shot 2016 05 16 at 12.04.41 PM

“The most common of these expressions used by political party affiliates were insulting and offensive comments, and unsubstantiated allegations,” the report pointed out

It also named the NDC as the party that made significant unsubstantiated allegations.

“All the four expressions promoting divisiveness that were recorded in the two-week monitoring period were made by affiliates of the NDC,” the report which was released Monday showed.

The report is based on the monitoring of 516 programmes on 40 radio stations across the country between April 18 and 30, 2016. It named officials of political parties, their affiliates and supporters who used abusive languages during the period.

It also indicted some individuals and radio presenters who used abusive language, as well as the radio stations on which those abusive expressions were used.

Radio stations used

“For the radio stations, 18 out of the 40 monitored, recorded incidents of indecent expressions. Accra-based Montie FM topped the list with 22 incidents followed by Oman FM with 15 incidents, and Adom FM and Diamond FM with seven each. All the incidents of indecent expressions recorded on Adom FM were also recorded on Nsawkaw-based Tain FM,” the report said.

“It is regrettable to have programme presenters not only allowing their platforms to be abused by politicians but also being the abusers themselves,” said Abigail Larbi-Odei, MFWA’sProgramme Manager for Media and Democracy.

By Stephen Kwabena Effah|3news.com|Ghana

Twitter @steviekgh

Greenstreet charges politicians to emulate Dr. Limann

oo v
-
0

Greenstreet tour

The presidential candidate of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, has charged politicians in Ghana to emulate the example of former President Dr. Hilla Limann.

He was speaking in Gwolu at the tomb of the late Kouro Hilla Limann III who was President under the Third Republic of Ghana.

Present were Kouro Lawyer Botie Limann IV (paramount chief of Gwolu), Kwabena Bomfeh Jnr, CPP Campaign Strategist, Emmanuel Kwao Ogborjor, CPP National Organiser, Upper West Regional Executives as well as Prof. Edmund Delle, National Chairman and Leader of the party.

Kobina Greenstreet recounted the selflessness, honesty, dedication and intelligence of Dr. Hilla Limann, recalling that he served Ghana with great distinction as a public servant, historian, diplomat and politician.

“Ghana needs leaders like this who come to serve not their own self-interest but the interest of Ghanaians. Leaders of this kind are rare but always live fond memories in the hearts and minds of Ghanaians and generations yet unborn.

On his part, Kouro Lawyer Burktie Limann IV welcomed the CPP delegation and congratulated the leadership of the party for their unity of purpose.

A prayer was said by the linguist of the Gwolu paramountcy to invoke the spirit of the Allah and the Sissala ancestry to lead and guide the CPP presidential campaign to victory come November 7, 2016.

The “Apam Foforↄ” tour then continued to a mini rally in the Gwolu township where the flagbearer was introduced to a large group of excited party supporters.

The next stop of the trail was in Tumu and after greeting the Chiefs another mini rally before the team left for the Upper East Region.

 

Source: 3news.com | Ghana

Ghana Rugby announces national men’s sevens team

oo v
-
0
Ghana Rugby announces national men’s sevens team

Rugby

President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), Mr. Herbert Mensah has announced the Ghana Rugby Men’s Sevens national team that will take part in the Africa Rugby international tournament in Lome, Togo on the 28th of May 2016.

The team is made up of the following twelve players with Mr. Simba Mangena as Head Coach: Dan Hoppe (Idas Sports RFC), Clement Dennis (Griffons RFC), Sani Alhassan (Cosmos Buffaloes RFC), Alex Dorpenyo (Conquerors SC), Seidu Razak (Conquerors SC), Solomon Akumba (Cosmos Buffaloes RFC) , Michael Acquaye (Conquerors SC), Calestus Bosoka (Conquerors SC), Emmanuel Kalos (Conquerors SC), Joseph Mensah (Griffons RFC), Erick Acquah (Griffons RFC) and Nasiru Aminu (Conquerors SC).

Preparations for the West Africa international tournament started in earnest when a squad of 25 players assembled in Accra with a technical team under guidance of Mr. Mensah focused on physical conditioning and fitness. Messrs. Simba Mangena (Head Coach of Conquerors SC), Clement Dennis (Player / Coach of Griffons RFC), Amuzuloh Salim (Head Coach of Cosmos Buffaloes RFC) and Dan Hoppe (Idas Sports RFC) put the squad through a rigorous training programme that ended end of April 2016.

Phase II of the preparation started early May when a reduced squad of 16 players started camping in Accra.

The tournament will see six teams compete for top honours in Lome, Togo on 28 May in two pools with Niger, Burkina Faso and Togo in Pool A and Mali, Ghana and Bénin in Pool B. All matches will be played in Lome at the Stade Agoè-Nyivé stadium starting from 11am with the final at 3pm.

In announcing the Ghana national Rugby squad, the Eagles, Mr. Mensah said that Ghana Rugby faces many challenges to get to the stage where it can compete in major international tournaments such as the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Series that played the penultimate Round for 2016 in France over the weekend.

Mensah added, “Ghana Rugby is in a process of rebuilding or rather building from ground levels and it will take dedication and especially patience to get the sport to a stage where it can enter the world stage on a much higher level. Being competitive with limited resources is however very important and a lot of planning and effort has gone into the preparations for the Togo tournament.”

According to Mr. Simba Mangena, who is in charge of the technical team (along with Super Coach Amuzuloh, Captain Black and Dan Hoppe) under Herbert Mensah, preparations are going according to plan and the squad is eager to make all Ghanaians proud of their national Rugby team.

“Rugby and many other minority sports in Ghana are given very little mental and financial support from the sports authorities but we will leave no stone unturned to represent our country at an international level.” Mangena said.

Herbert Mensah also took the opportunity to praise the main sponsors for the Togo tournament, the Gino brands and Interplast, for their unwavering commitment to support the development of Rugby in Ghana.

“The needs for development of Rugby in Ghana by far exceed the available support the sport is getting currently and we hope that a solid and good performance in Togo will not only make the sponsors proud, but will also be the stimulus for the authorities and other potential sponsors to take serious notice of Rugby as a youth development channel and indeed a character builder due to the solid values that underpin the sport,” Mensah said.

 

Source: 3news.com

Baah Acheamfour demands immediate resignation of Akufo-Addo

oo v
-
0
Baah Acheamfour demands immediate resignation of Akufo-Addo

Akufo-Addo beta

Convener of Save NPP Now Kwame Baah Acheamfour has petitioned the international community to ensure that the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) resigns before the 2016 elections.

According to the NPP youth activist, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is not in good standing to lead the party into an election. He cited corruption on the part of Nana Addo as reason for his assertion.

Mr Acheamfour, a known opponent of Nana Addo’s leadership, made this known on Monday, May 16 at a press conference held in Accra.

At the press conference characterised by high security presence, the NPP member said he is committed to seeing a finality to a case he filed at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service last year.

In the said case, Mr Acheamfour accused some party officials of diverting huge funds into private accounts to aid Nana Addo’s campaign.

‘Intolerant militant wing’

He emphasized at the press conference that the move by the elected party officials to have money stashed for his campaign is evident of how corrupt Nana Addo is.

“I cannot comprehend how Nana Addo continues to endorse such acts of financial malfeasance and keep protecting the perpetrators of such embarassing and disgraceful actions,” Mr Acheamfour told journalists.

Known to also be a staunch supporter of suspended national officers Paul Afoko and Kwabena Agyepong, Baah Acheamfour said former president John Kufuor bequeathed to Nana Addo a “harmonious, peaceful, tolerant and united” party.

“Yet all these attributes have been shredded into the bin by Nana Akufo-Addo and his – to borrow the words of Chairman Paul Afoko – his intolerant militant wing within the party.”

Baah Acheamfour is therefore calling on the international community including the United Nations to persuade Nana Addo from standing for elections in Ghana.

He called on Ghanaians not to allow

Separately, efforts by our cameraman to capture scenes of the high security presence resulted in a scuffle between our crew and personnel deployed.

The police officers heckled TV3’s cameraman, demanding deletion of all pictures taken of them.

But for the timely intervention by the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), our reporter said, a fight would have ensued.

By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|3news.com|Ghana

Twitter: @kwame_amoh

Gov’t to introduce unified pension scheme for security agencies

oo v
-
0
Gov’t to introduce unified pension scheme for security agencies

Pension

The Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Haruna  Iddrisu,  has hinted of government’s plan to introduce a unified pension scheme for the country’s security agencies.

The said review, the minister explained, is to ensure a guaranteed continuous security for the personnel of the respective security agencies.

“To ensure a guarantee, continuous income security for the gallant men and women, government will sooner than later announce a unified pension regime for all security agencies in Ghana,” he said.

He said the move is essential if the government  expects officers to remain focused in executing their constitutional mandate of safeguarding the peace in the country.

Mr Iddrisu who is the Member of Parliament for Tamale South said this at the Annual West Africa Security Agencies [WASSA] Celebration of the Northern Command on the Ghana Police Service in Tamale.

WASA which is organized annually by the various security agencies is aimed at fostering brotherly love among officers and to appreciate the work of the gallant men attach to the performance of their duties. Awards were presented to some officers for their gallant performance over the years.

He urged the officers to continue to work to safeguard and maintain the peace in the country especially at this time that Ghana prepares to go to the polls in November this year.

Mr Iddrisu called on the residents  in the area to put an end to what he termed as “needless murders and violence in the name of ethnic and chieftaincy disputes, land litigation and competitive politics”.

He has asked them to focus on fighting poverty rather than fighting themselves, noting the region is the most deprived in Ghana and needs to develop.

By Zubaida Ismail|3news.com|Ghana

Bank of Ghana maintains policy rate at 26 percent

oo v
-
0
Bank of Ghana maintains policy rate at 26 percent

Bank of Ghana

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has kept its policy rate unchanged.

The bank left its key lending rate to commercial banks at 26 percent because of what it sees as threats to economic growth and inflation.
“Since the last meeting of the Committee, there have been two readings of inflation. Headline inflation rose to 19.2 percent in March, from 18.5 percent in February. The sharp increase in March was largely influenced by the lagged effect of the upward adjustment in transport costs.

“In April, however, inflation declined to 18.7 percent following a slowdown in non-food inflation. The monthly inflation rates also slowed, supported by stability in the exchange rate,” the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Abdul-Nashiru Issahaku said at a press conference today.
The next Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting is scheduled for Friday July 15, 2016. The meeting will conclude on Monday July 18, 2016 with an announcement of the policy decision.

Below is the full statement

1. Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to this MPC press briefing. We have concluded our 70thregular MPC meetings, and I present to you the Committee’s decision and highlights of the deliberations.

2. The Committee has decided to maintain the monetary policy rate at 26 percent.

3. Since the last meeting of the Committee, there have been two readings of inflation. Headline inflation rose to 19.2 percent in March, from 18.5 percent in February. The sharp increase in March was largely influenced by the lagged effect of the upward adjustment in transport costs. In April, however, inflation declined to 18.7 percent following a slowdown in non-food inflation. The monthly inflation rates also slowed, supported by stability in the exchange rate.

4. Similarly, core inflation (CPI inflation excluding energy and utility prices) picked up in March largely due to the higher transport costs but has since returned to a declining path. In addition, the latest surveys of businesses, consumers and the financial sector conducted in April reflect declining trends in inflation expectations based on positive perceptions about exchange rate movements and improved energy supply.

5. Recent developments in prices remain in line with our earlier forecasts that inflation will peak in the first quarter of 2016 and decline thereafter supported by continued policy tightness and stability in the local currency. The latest forecast reinforces the earlier forecasts that inflation will gradually decline from the second quarter towards the target band by mid-2017, barring any unanticipated shocks.

6. In the near term, the tight policy stance and stability on the foreign exchange market alongside easing inflation expectations, and generally improving fundamentals should provide additional momentum to the disinflation process over the forecast horizon. The MPC therefore, views the current monetary policy stance as appropriate since inflation levels remain above the medium-term target band of 8±2 percent.

7. There are however risks in the inflation outlook. These include unanticipated upward adjustments in utilities and petroleum product prices and possibly second round effects from such adjustments on prices. The slow but persistent pickup in food inflation, since August 2014, is also a source of concern for inflation.

8. The updated Composite Index of Economic Activity (CIEA) indicated a pick-up in economic activity in the first quarter of 2016, although at a slower pace than a year ago. Indicators that accounted for the growth in the index were industrial consumption of electricity, port activities, cement sales and domestic VAT collections. In addition, the recent confidence surveys for both businesses and consumers reflect positive sentiments supported by relative stability in the cedi and significant improvement in electricity supply.

9. The growth outlook is broadly positive contingent on sustained improvements in the energy supply, continued stability in the local currency and additional oil and gas production. However, risks such as tight credit conditions and continued tightness in the fiscal stance may moderate the pace of economic activity.

10. Government fiscal operations from 2015 through to the first quarter of 2016 showed faster pace of consolidation with outcomes better than projected. The fiscal deficit outturn for 2015 was provisionally estimated at 6.7 percent of GDP, lower than the target of 7.3 percent of GDP. For the first quarter of 2016, the deficit, on a cash basis, was provisionally estimated at 0.4 percent of GDP lower than the target of 1.5 per cent of GDP.

11. Developments in emerging market economies, especially China and Brazil, continue to dampen global growth prospects. In particular, the slowdown in the Chinese economy has adversely impacted global trade, investments and capital flows. Given these prevailing conditions, the global growth outlook remains subdued amid tightening financing conditions, especially in commodity exporting countries including Ghana.

12. These global developments continued to shape the country’s external sector performance. In the first quarter of 2016, the trade deficit widened on account of lower export receipts, especially for oil and cocoa as both price and production volumes declined. However, the overall effect on the current account balance was moderated by lower outflows from the services and income account coupled with improved inward private transfers. The provisional outturn of the current account deficit for the first quarter was 1.2 percent of GDP, compared with 1.9 percent in the same period of 2015.

13. The recent stability in the local currency has continued on the back of tight policy stance and improved inflows. As at 12th May 2016, the cedi had depreciated by 0.3 percent against the US dollar compared with a depreciation of 17.2 percent in the same period of 2015. In the outlook, the tight policy stance is needed to deepen the gains made on the foreign exchange market and strengthen the disinflation process over the forecast horizon.

14. In assessing the current economic conditions, the Committee views the risks to inflation and growth as balanced and therefore decided to maintain the monetary policy rate at 26 percent. The Committee remains committed to its price stability mandate and will continue to monitor developments in the economy and take further policy actions, if necessary.
Source: tv3network.com

Demand a health certificate from your waakye seller; it’s your right

Ayerkie Narnor
-
0

 

IMG_2370

Did you know that every food vendor in Accra according to the AMA Public Health by-law is mandated to have a health certificate that certifies that he or she does not have any communicable diseases and the food prepared and served under healthy conditions?   

Well, the next time you buy your favourite ‘akala and koko’ be sure to ask for a health certificate.

Cholera outbreak in 2014 recorded 17,000 cases with 150 deaths. Most of the cases reported in Accra were prominent in La, Teshie and Osu. It is for this reason that the La Dade Kotopon Municipal Assembly in collaboration with Global Communities, a non-profit organization, embarked on a training and screening exercise for vendors in the La community.

IMG_2388

IMG_2379

IMG_2384

IMG_2415

A Specialist at Global Communities, Emefa Adwoa Baidoo, said 150 vendors are expected to be screened for tuberculosis, typhoid fever, Hepatitis and other communicable diseases to ensure that such diseases are not passed on to the general public.

IMG_2413

IMG_2414

Madam Dora sells waakye (a popular Ghanaian delicacy) close to the La lorry station. She proudly shows off a tag that certifies that she has the mandate to conduct her business. When asked what she had learnt from the training over the years, she spoke clearly with a cocky smile.

“No gum, no painted nails, cover your hair and keep [it] clean.”

IMG_2411

Would you love to have a meal at Madam Dora’s waakye joint?

Perhaps you may sing a different tune.

 

By: Ayerkie Narnor | 3news.com|Ghana

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ghana Red Cross to deploy 60,000 volunteers for elections

oo v
-
0

Media red cross2

The Ghana Red Cross Society will be deploying 60,000 volunteers across the country to respond to health emergencies in the country’s general elections.

Some electorate, after joining queues for long hours to cast their votes on election day do grow weak or faint, and often need immediate medical attention.

The support given to the sick and accident victims remains critical to save lives. First aid is the initial management and assurance given the sick before taken to a health facility.

The Red Cross Society has been at the forefront of administering first aid services to the sick and others in emergency situations.

Ashanti Regional Manager of the Society, Michael Kwame Asante, says volunteers will be on stand-by to provide first aid services at polling stations.

“We want the Electoral Commission or the government to see us as an integral part of the whole process. As they deploy police or the security personnel to the polling stations, if we have one first aider also there, it will give confidence to the staff working and also people that come around,” he stated.

Media red cross2

The organization is also embarking on series of training on administering first aid for key interest groups involved in the election process, including the media and education workers.

Media Training

Media personnel are often the first to receive information of accident emergencies and sometimes also get involved in road accidents whilst on campaign trails of politicians.

But responding to public health emergencies could be a challenge without the basic knowledge and skills to prevent further exposure to injuries and to save lives.

As part of activities to commemorate World Red Cross Day, the Society organized first aid and emergency training for media personnel in the Ashanti region.

Participants, who got exposed to the theory and practice of first aid to help casualties, were excited at the opportunity to learn how to save lives.

Mr. Asante told TV3 the exercise is mainly aimed at empowering the media to save themselves and others in the event of violent infractions and accidents in this electioneering season.

“We are training the journalists so that when they go around following the political campaigns, they’ll have the knowledge to attend to casualties before they are sent to the hospital,” he noted.

The training will be extended to other regions when the pilot is successful.

The Ghana Red Cross Society however says inadequate funding is impeding wide-scale training in first aid application.
Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh | 3news.com

1...749750751...802Page 750 of 802
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv