Story: Michael Donkor
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to investigate allegations of the execution of some Ghanaians resident in Libya.
A source close to the ministry said although it had not received any official complaint of the alleged executions, the Ghana Embassy in Libya would investigate the veracity of it.
Some Ghanaians resident in Libya have alleged that their colleagues had been accused of murder, arrested by the Libyan authorities and were being executed one after another.
They have, therefore, called on the government to prevail on the Libyan government to desist from such barbaric acts and bring it to justice.
The men were sentenced to death after being found guilty of the murder of a garage owner in Ghat in south-western Libya in November 1995.
They were named as Charles Joseph Ansah, a mechanic, J.K. Blankson, a mason, and Asare Mustapha Bediako, a petrol station manager, all Ghanaians resident in Libya. According to Ghanaian foreign office sources, the accused were said to be the only foreigners living in the area where the murder took place. All three denied the charges.
The source said the government cared about the welfare of every Ghanaian and gave the assurance that it would not relent in its efforts to address such matters.
It, however, appealed to Ghanaians resident in Libya to exercise restraint and be at peace with one another, as well as their Libyan hosts.
Some Ghanaians are also alleged to have been murdered in The Gambia. After a series of futile investigations into the matter, the government has referred the matter to ECOWAS for further investigations.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Police caution public about victory celebrations (Centre Spread) 22/01/08
Story:Michael Donkor
THE Police Administration has expressed concern with the way Ghanaians celebrated the victory of the Black Stars on Sunday and called on the public to be mindful of the law always.
Speaking in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, the Director of Police Public Affairs Unit, D.S.P. Kwesi Ofori, said it was unlawful for anyone to mount road blocks without authorisation, irrespective of the occasion.
Many major roads were blocked after the Black Stars won the opening match with their Guinean counterparts last Sunday, resulting in heavy traffic jams on the roads.
Some people burnt lorry tyres in the middle of roads while others refused to move away from the roads to allow traffic to move freely.
Some drivers also overloaded their vehicles and drove carelessly in the streets, thereby putting their lives and others’ in danger.
D.S.P. Ofori described the situation as unfortunate and uncalled for and cautioned Ghanaians to desist from such acts.
He said although it was proper for people to jubilate in times of victory, it was important for them to observe the laws of the land and be cautious.
D.S.P. Ofori also cautioned drivers who went into a frenzy and drove carelessly on the roads to realise that careless driving was an offence punishable by the law.
He said any driver caught driving carelessly would be arrested and prosecuted and emphasised that “what was wrong was wrong irrespective of the occasion”. He also said that the police administration would not tolerate that.
D.S.P. Ofori expressed the gratitude of the police to the public for their co-operation and support they gave during the opening match at the Ohene Djan Stadium.
He also commended the visitors to the Ghana 2008 tournament for comporting themselves during the match and urged them to continue doing so.
He said no criminal act was reported during and after the match on Sunday and gave the assurance that the police would endeavour to provide the needed security for all the matches and make the tournament incident-free.
He said, however, that anyone caught for misconduct or doing anything to disrupt the tournament would not be spared.
THE Police Administration has expressed concern with the way Ghanaians celebrated the victory of the Black Stars on Sunday and called on the public to be mindful of the law always.
Speaking in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, the Director of Police Public Affairs Unit, D.S.P. Kwesi Ofori, said it was unlawful for anyone to mount road blocks without authorisation, irrespective of the occasion.
Many major roads were blocked after the Black Stars won the opening match with their Guinean counterparts last Sunday, resulting in heavy traffic jams on the roads.
Some people burnt lorry tyres in the middle of roads while others refused to move away from the roads to allow traffic to move freely.
Some drivers also overloaded their vehicles and drove carelessly in the streets, thereby putting their lives and others’ in danger.
D.S.P. Ofori described the situation as unfortunate and uncalled for and cautioned Ghanaians to desist from such acts.
He said although it was proper for people to jubilate in times of victory, it was important for them to observe the laws of the land and be cautious.
D.S.P. Ofori also cautioned drivers who went into a frenzy and drove carelessly on the roads to realise that careless driving was an offence punishable by the law.
He said any driver caught driving carelessly would be arrested and prosecuted and emphasised that “what was wrong was wrong irrespective of the occasion”. He also said that the police administration would not tolerate that.
D.S.P. Ofori expressed the gratitude of the police to the public for their co-operation and support they gave during the opening match at the Ohene Djan Stadium.
He also commended the visitors to the Ghana 2008 tournament for comporting themselves during the match and urged them to continue doing so.
He said no criminal act was reported during and after the match on Sunday and gave the assurance that the police would endeavour to provide the needed security for all the matches and make the tournament incident-free.
He said, however, that anyone caught for misconduct or doing anything to disrupt the tournament would not be spared.
Friday, January 18, 2008
No Security worries(page 29)
Story:Michael Donkor
THE Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have mapped out strategies to support the Local Organising Committee of the Ghana 2008 fiesta to make it a success.
To this end, the GAF has divided its role during the tournament among its three arms namely the Ghana Army, the Navy and the Airforce.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in an interview at Burma Camp in Accra, the Deputy Director of the Ghana Armed Forces Public Relations Unit, Lt. Col. Mbawuni Atintande, said the army would deploy troops at all the stadia and playing grounds where the participating teams would be training to ensure their safety.
He said the army would also provide escort for the officials of the tournament as they travelled across the country while operation “calm life” which seeks to clamp down on the activities of armed robbers would be intensified.
He said the Armed Forces Band would also play the national anthems of Ghana and other participating countries before and after the start of every match.
Lt. Col. Atintande said the 48 Engineers Regiment would display firework during the opening and closing ceremony.
He said the Recce Regiment would also provide horses some of which would be used for dispersing crowds.
Lt. Col. Atintande said the army would provide medical personnel who would be on the standby at all the stadia to attend to any health matters that would arise.
He said it was only when the issue was very serious and critical that a patient would be carried to the hospital.
Lt. Col. Atintande said the Air Force would provide air transport to carry any casualty to the hospital as well as give support to the army in maintaining security.
The Navy, he said, would also intensify its sea operations to ensure that criminals did not take advantage of the occasion to engage in their nefarious activities at sea.
He said the naval personnel would patrol the territorial waters of the country consistently for any suspicion to be dealt with quickly.
He, therefore, called on the public to co-operate with the GAF to ensure that they have an incident free tournament.
THE Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have mapped out strategies to support the Local Organising Committee of the Ghana 2008 fiesta to make it a success.
To this end, the GAF has divided its role during the tournament among its three arms namely the Ghana Army, the Navy and the Airforce.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in an interview at Burma Camp in Accra, the Deputy Director of the Ghana Armed Forces Public Relations Unit, Lt. Col. Mbawuni Atintande, said the army would deploy troops at all the stadia and playing grounds where the participating teams would be training to ensure their safety.
He said the army would also provide escort for the officials of the tournament as they travelled across the country while operation “calm life” which seeks to clamp down on the activities of armed robbers would be intensified.
He said the Armed Forces Band would also play the national anthems of Ghana and other participating countries before and after the start of every match.
Lt. Col. Atintande said the 48 Engineers Regiment would display firework during the opening and closing ceremony.
He said the Recce Regiment would also provide horses some of which would be used for dispersing crowds.
Lt. Col. Atintande said the army would provide medical personnel who would be on the standby at all the stadia to attend to any health matters that would arise.
He said it was only when the issue was very serious and critical that a patient would be carried to the hospital.
Lt. Col. Atintande said the Air Force would provide air transport to carry any casualty to the hospital as well as give support to the army in maintaining security.
The Navy, he said, would also intensify its sea operations to ensure that criminals did not take advantage of the occasion to engage in their nefarious activities at sea.
He said the naval personnel would patrol the territorial waters of the country consistently for any suspicion to be dealt with quickly.
He, therefore, called on the public to co-operate with the GAF to ensure that they have an incident free tournament.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Tourist Board Sensitises Hospitality Industry to Ghana 2008(Page 14) 14/01/08
Story:Michael Donkor
THE Ghana Tourist Board has embarked on a sensitisation training programme on catering and service delivery for stakeholders in the tourism industry.
Consequently, some managers and owners of hotels in the country have been taken through managerial and hospitality skills to enable them to deliver effective services to visitors who will be coming to the country to watch the Ghana 2008 fiesta.
The Public Relations Manager of the Board, Mr Ben Ohene-Ayeh, in an interview, said service delivery by some stakeholders in the hotel and catering industry was a problem because most of them used unskilled workers who acted as waiters and front officers at their hotels and catering centres.
Mr Ohene-Ayeh said it was in view of this that the Board decided to train stakeholders in the industry to enable them to deliver standard services to guests who would be coming to watch the African Cup of Nations tournament and beyond.
He said the Board was also training food vendors and all those who provided catering services in the regions, which would play host to the tournament.
Mr Ohene-Ayeh said all the regions, except the two upper regions, had been selected as the centres for the training programme.
He noted that ideally the Board should have provided licences to all caterers but because of lack of logistics it had limited the number.
He said at the end of the sensitisation programme, it was expected that the skills of these stakeholders would be enhanced to the level that would enable them to render quality services to the visiting football fans.
Mr Ohene-Ayeh said the programme, which had already started in the Volta Region, had been successful.
THE Ghana Tourist Board has embarked on a sensitisation training programme on catering and service delivery for stakeholders in the tourism industry.
Consequently, some managers and owners of hotels in the country have been taken through managerial and hospitality skills to enable them to deliver effective services to visitors who will be coming to the country to watch the Ghana 2008 fiesta.
The Public Relations Manager of the Board, Mr Ben Ohene-Ayeh, in an interview, said service delivery by some stakeholders in the hotel and catering industry was a problem because most of them used unskilled workers who acted as waiters and front officers at their hotels and catering centres.
Mr Ohene-Ayeh said it was in view of this that the Board decided to train stakeholders in the industry to enable them to deliver standard services to guests who would be coming to watch the African Cup of Nations tournament and beyond.
He said the Board was also training food vendors and all those who provided catering services in the regions, which would play host to the tournament.
Mr Ohene-Ayeh said all the regions, except the two upper regions, had been selected as the centres for the training programme.
He noted that ideally the Board should have provided licences to all caterers but because of lack of logistics it had limited the number.
He said at the end of the sensitisation programme, it was expected that the skills of these stakeholders would be enhanced to the level that would enable them to render quality services to the visiting football fans.
Mr Ohene-Ayeh said the programme, which had already started in the Volta Region, had been successful.
Ghana Armed Forces Receive Patrol Vehicles(Back Page) 11/01/08
Story: Michael Donkor
The government has presented the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) with 33 Toyota Hilux vehicles estimated at GH¢700,000.
The vehicles, which would be used for military patrols, are fitted with long range communication equipment to ensure swift and effective communication among the patrol teams at all times to enhance quick reinforcement and prompt reaction to situations.
At a handing over ceremony at Burma Camp in Accra yesterday, the Minister of Defence, Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, explained that the vehicles were a donation from the government because they were not procured from the normal armed forces budget.
He said the GAF, in conjunction with the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies, had a role to play to ensure that the country enjoyed untainted peace and stability, especially in this election year.
He said it was in this direction that the ministry was very pleased with the move to support them in their numerous internal operations, especially “Operation Calm Life”.
Mr Kan-Dapaah expressed the hope that the vehicles would go a long way to support moves to ensure peace and security in the country.
He said last year, the government made a similar donation of vehicles to the GAF to assist in “Operation Calm Life” duties.
Mr Kan-Dapaah urged all the beneficiaries of the vehicles to continue to apply pragmatic and innovative ideas to surmount any challenges such as robust patrols along the highways, towns and cities to clamp down on armed robbers and other deviants in the society.
The Chief of the Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. J.B. Danquah, said the vehicles had been sprayed in a special military camouflage pattern to send a message to all armed robbers and criminals in the society that the armed forces were poised for swift and decisive action against their anti-social activities.
He appealed to all Ghanaians to volunteer timely and accurate information on criminal activities to the security services to enhance their collective fight against crime.
Lt. Gen. Danquah reminded the security agencies that their collective effort and teamwork in fighting crime was crucial at all times.
The government has presented the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) with 33 Toyota Hilux vehicles estimated at GH¢700,000.
The vehicles, which would be used for military patrols, are fitted with long range communication equipment to ensure swift and effective communication among the patrol teams at all times to enhance quick reinforcement and prompt reaction to situations.
At a handing over ceremony at Burma Camp in Accra yesterday, the Minister of Defence, Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, explained that the vehicles were a donation from the government because they were not procured from the normal armed forces budget.
He said the GAF, in conjunction with the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies, had a role to play to ensure that the country enjoyed untainted peace and stability, especially in this election year.
He said it was in this direction that the ministry was very pleased with the move to support them in their numerous internal operations, especially “Operation Calm Life”.
Mr Kan-Dapaah expressed the hope that the vehicles would go a long way to support moves to ensure peace and security in the country.
He said last year, the government made a similar donation of vehicles to the GAF to assist in “Operation Calm Life” duties.
Mr Kan-Dapaah urged all the beneficiaries of the vehicles to continue to apply pragmatic and innovative ideas to surmount any challenges such as robust patrols along the highways, towns and cities to clamp down on armed robbers and other deviants in the society.
The Chief of the Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. J.B. Danquah, said the vehicles had been sprayed in a special military camouflage pattern to send a message to all armed robbers and criminals in the society that the armed forces were poised for swift and decisive action against their anti-social activities.
He appealed to all Ghanaians to volunteer timely and accurate information on criminal activities to the security services to enhance their collective fight against crime.
Lt. Gen. Danquah reminded the security agencies that their collective effort and teamwork in fighting crime was crucial at all times.
Road Fund Exceed Target(Back Page) 11/01/08
Story: Michael Donkor
THE Ghana Road Fund Secretariat generated a total revenue of GH¢112 million (¢1.12 trillion) at the end of 2007, exceeding its target of GH¢110 million (¢1.1 trillion).
The fund which generates revenue from levies on fuel, vehicle registration fees, road-user fees, road and bridge tolls, ferry tolls and transit fees — is used to meet the maintenance budget of agencies which depend on it.
The agencies are the Ghana Highway Authority, Departments of Urban and Feeder Roads and the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC).
The Deputy Director in charge of Finance and Administration of the secretariat, Mr Francis K. Arthur, in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, said the secretariat paid GH¢101.8 million ( ¢1.018 trillion) to the Ghana Highway Authority and Feeder Roads in 2007 to be used to pay contractors who had undertaken maintenance and rehabilitation works on the country's roads.
He said the budget of these agencies as of 2007 was GH¢101.6 million (¢1.016 trillion) but the secretariat paid about 0.2 per cent above their budget to enable them to meet other expenditures which might have occurred.
Mr Arthur said in 2006, the secretariat bagged GH¢108.4 million (¢1.08 trillion) while its target for that year was GH¢120 million (¢1.2 trillion).
He explained that the secretariat could not meet its target in that year because it made a proposal for increase in road toll which was factored into its target but the proposal was not accepted.
Mr Arthur said the secretariat's target for 2008 was GH¢129 million (¢1.29 trillion).
He said most of the newly constructed roads in the country would have toll booths on them.
He mentioned Adenta-Dodowa, Tema-Sogakofe, Kpando-Worawora, Yamoransa-Takoradi, Nsawam-Ofankor and Anyinam-Nkawkaw as some of the roads which had received cabinet approval for toll booths to be sited on.
He said the secretariat was awaiting parliamentary approval for the booths to be erected.
Mr Arthur debunked rumours that the government used the Road Fund monies to resolve the energy crisis.
THE Ghana Road Fund Secretariat generated a total revenue of GH¢112 million (¢1.12 trillion) at the end of 2007, exceeding its target of GH¢110 million (¢1.1 trillion).
The fund which generates revenue from levies on fuel, vehicle registration fees, road-user fees, road and bridge tolls, ferry tolls and transit fees — is used to meet the maintenance budget of agencies which depend on it.
The agencies are the Ghana Highway Authority, Departments of Urban and Feeder Roads and the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC).
The Deputy Director in charge of Finance and Administration of the secretariat, Mr Francis K. Arthur, in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, said the secretariat paid GH¢101.8 million ( ¢1.018 trillion) to the Ghana Highway Authority and Feeder Roads in 2007 to be used to pay contractors who had undertaken maintenance and rehabilitation works on the country's roads.
He said the budget of these agencies as of 2007 was GH¢101.6 million (¢1.016 trillion) but the secretariat paid about 0.2 per cent above their budget to enable them to meet other expenditures which might have occurred.
Mr Arthur said in 2006, the secretariat bagged GH¢108.4 million (¢1.08 trillion) while its target for that year was GH¢120 million (¢1.2 trillion).
He explained that the secretariat could not meet its target in that year because it made a proposal for increase in road toll which was factored into its target but the proposal was not accepted.
Mr Arthur said the secretariat's target for 2008 was GH¢129 million (¢1.29 trillion).
He said most of the newly constructed roads in the country would have toll booths on them.
He mentioned Adenta-Dodowa, Tema-Sogakofe, Kpando-Worawora, Yamoransa-Takoradi, Nsawam-Ofankor and Anyinam-Nkawkaw as some of the roads which had received cabinet approval for toll booths to be sited on.
He said the secretariat was awaiting parliamentary approval for the booths to be erected.
Mr Arthur debunked rumours that the government used the Road Fund monies to resolve the energy crisis.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
NRSC acquires road safety equipment (back page)
Story: Michael Donkor
THE National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) has acquired variety of modern equipment to enhance its safety campaign on the roads.
The Gh¢60,000 (¢600 million) equipment, which included alcometers, speed guns, reflective jackets and height gauge, will be given to the police to intensify their operations to minimise road accidents.
The Director of Training and Education of the NRSC, Mrs May Obiri-Yeboah, who disclosed this in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, said the gesture formed part of the commission's objective to minimise road accidents during and after the Ghana 2008.
She said the equipment the police had was obsolete and inadequate, hence the commission's resolve to support them.
She noted that 50 per cent of road accidents in the country were due to speeding and said the commission was tackling that in earnest.
Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said it was in this regard that the commission decided to acquire modern equipment for the police to check speeding, overloading and other reckless driver behaviour on the road.
Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said in addition to this, the commission had also mounted radio and television programmes to educate both pedestrians and drivers on safety on the road.
She said leaflets which contained tit bits on road safety were being distributed.
She observed that during the tournament, enthusiastic spectators would travel from one place to another to watch the football match and appealed to motorists to drive with care.
She said their respective teams would need them alive to cheer them on.
Mrs Obiri-Yeboah also appealed to riders of motorbikes to endeavour to use helmets and desist from rough riding on the road.
She appealed to drivers to switch on their headlights whenever the weather was foggy for clearer visibility and reduce their speed to avoid crushing into other vehicles on the road.
THE National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) has acquired variety of modern equipment to enhance its safety campaign on the roads.
The Gh¢60,000 (¢600 million) equipment, which included alcometers, speed guns, reflective jackets and height gauge, will be given to the police to intensify their operations to minimise road accidents.
The Director of Training and Education of the NRSC, Mrs May Obiri-Yeboah, who disclosed this in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, said the gesture formed part of the commission's objective to minimise road accidents during and after the Ghana 2008.
She said the equipment the police had was obsolete and inadequate, hence the commission's resolve to support them.
She noted that 50 per cent of road accidents in the country were due to speeding and said the commission was tackling that in earnest.
Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said it was in this regard that the commission decided to acquire modern equipment for the police to check speeding, overloading and other reckless driver behaviour on the road.
Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said in addition to this, the commission had also mounted radio and television programmes to educate both pedestrians and drivers on safety on the road.
She said leaflets which contained tit bits on road safety were being distributed.
She observed that during the tournament, enthusiastic spectators would travel from one place to another to watch the football match and appealed to motorists to drive with care.
She said their respective teams would need them alive to cheer them on.
Mrs Obiri-Yeboah also appealed to riders of motorbikes to endeavour to use helmets and desist from rough riding on the road.
She appealed to drivers to switch on their headlights whenever the weather was foggy for clearer visibility and reduce their speed to avoid crushing into other vehicles on the road.
Last quarter records more road accidents (page 14)
Story: Michael Donkor
A TOTAL of 13,757 vehicles were involved in accidents throughout the country during the third quarter of 2007 as compared to 12,868 accidents recorded within the same period in 2006.
During the period under review, about 1,071 people were killed in road accidents as against 1,104 during the same period in 2006.
The trend, according to Mrs May Obiri-Yeboah, the Head of Training and Education Unit of the National Road Safety Commission, shows an increase in road accidents and a decrease in casualties.
She attributed the reduction in casualties to “the prudent measures and campaigns mounted by the National Road Safety Commission”.
The Greater Accra Region, she said, recorded the highest number of accidents totalling 7,046, in which 166 people were killed and 1,957 people sustained injuries.
Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said the Eastern Region recorded 1,096 accidents resulting in the death of 160 people and 1,223 persons getting injured while the Brong Ahafo Region recorded 438 accidents with 95 deaths and 369 injuries.
The Central Region recorded 11 deaths and 424 injuries while Volta Region had 624 accidents with 100 deaths and 558 injuries.
Northern Region recorded 193 accidents with 55 deaths and 143 injuries while Upper East recorded 123 accidents with 38 deaths and 81 injuries.
In the Western Region 608 accidents resulted in the death of 87 persons and 486 persons sustaining injuries and Upper West also recorded 63 accidents in which 17 persons were killed and 68 injured.
Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said the commission would intensify its campaign on road safety this year and called on all stakeholders to join the commission in ensuring that the roads were free from accidents.
A TOTAL of 13,757 vehicles were involved in accidents throughout the country during the third quarter of 2007 as compared to 12,868 accidents recorded within the same period in 2006.
During the period under review, about 1,071 people were killed in road accidents as against 1,104 during the same period in 2006.
The trend, according to Mrs May Obiri-Yeboah, the Head of Training and Education Unit of the National Road Safety Commission, shows an increase in road accidents and a decrease in casualties.
She attributed the reduction in casualties to “the prudent measures and campaigns mounted by the National Road Safety Commission”.
The Greater Accra Region, she said, recorded the highest number of accidents totalling 7,046, in which 166 people were killed and 1,957 people sustained injuries.
Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said the Eastern Region recorded 1,096 accidents resulting in the death of 160 people and 1,223 persons getting injured while the Brong Ahafo Region recorded 438 accidents with 95 deaths and 369 injuries.
The Central Region recorded 11 deaths and 424 injuries while Volta Region had 624 accidents with 100 deaths and 558 injuries.
Northern Region recorded 193 accidents with 55 deaths and 143 injuries while Upper East recorded 123 accidents with 38 deaths and 81 injuries.
In the Western Region 608 accidents resulted in the death of 87 persons and 486 persons sustaining injuries and Upper West also recorded 63 accidents in which 17 persons were killed and 68 injured.
Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said the commission would intensify its campaign on road safety this year and called on all stakeholders to join the commission in ensuring that the roads were free from accidents.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Railway Corporation clears cattle at Dome Station(page29)
Story:Michael Donkor
THE authorities of the Ghana Railway Corporation have moved in to clear the weeds and cattle on the Dome railway lines for smooth movement of trains that shuttle between Accra and Nsawam in the Eastern Region.
This was after the Daily Graphic published that cattle have invaded the Dome railway lines, hindering the smooth movement of trains.
When this reporter visited the area three days after the publication, the weeds that had grown between the railway lines had all been cleared while the cattle which were tied on the railway lines had all been removed from there.
There were no cattle also grazing along the railway lines.
This has made the railway lines to be free from obstacles which otherwise can cause an accident.
The heap of garbage close to the lines a few distance from the Dome railway crossing towards Nsawam was yet to be cleared during the follow up visit. If the dumping of refuse there is not stopped, the refuse could spill over to the main railway.
Similar situation resulted in a derailment of a train last year when one of the cattle grazing along the lines suddenly jumped into the lines.
A Daily Graphic team which visited the area last Wednesday saw cattle freely grazing along the railway lines while some were tied to the metal lines.
One Baba Ndah, who claimed ownership of the cattle, told the Daily Graphic he did not see the danger the cattle posed on the railway lines.
He said the cattle had been grazing there for some time now but there had not been any accident.
Ndah said he brought the cattle there for sale because the area was close to the Dome market.
He said there was no place around the market where he could tie the cattle for them to draw the attention of buyers.
Ndah said some people bought the cattle after they had been attracted to them, hence their display there.
When this reporter reminded him of a similar situation which happened last year, Ndah then agreed to reposition the cattle to avoid any danger.
THE authorities of the Ghana Railway Corporation have moved in to clear the weeds and cattle on the Dome railway lines for smooth movement of trains that shuttle between Accra and Nsawam in the Eastern Region.
This was after the Daily Graphic published that cattle have invaded the Dome railway lines, hindering the smooth movement of trains.
When this reporter visited the area three days after the publication, the weeds that had grown between the railway lines had all been cleared while the cattle which were tied on the railway lines had all been removed from there.
There were no cattle also grazing along the railway lines.
This has made the railway lines to be free from obstacles which otherwise can cause an accident.
The heap of garbage close to the lines a few distance from the Dome railway crossing towards Nsawam was yet to be cleared during the follow up visit. If the dumping of refuse there is not stopped, the refuse could spill over to the main railway.
Similar situation resulted in a derailment of a train last year when one of the cattle grazing along the lines suddenly jumped into the lines.
A Daily Graphic team which visited the area last Wednesday saw cattle freely grazing along the railway lines while some were tied to the metal lines.
One Baba Ndah, who claimed ownership of the cattle, told the Daily Graphic he did not see the danger the cattle posed on the railway lines.
He said the cattle had been grazing there for some time now but there had not been any accident.
Ndah said he brought the cattle there for sale because the area was close to the Dome market.
He said there was no place around the market where he could tie the cattle for them to draw the attention of buyers.
Ndah said some people bought the cattle after they had been attracted to them, hence their display there.
When this reporter reminded him of a similar situation which happened last year, Ndah then agreed to reposition the cattle to avoid any danger.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Lt. Gen. Danquah commends media(pag32)
Story: Michael Donkor
THE Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) are to beef up security by increasing the number of troops and military vehicles for patrol to ensure that the country enjoys untainted peace and stability in 2008.
Consequently, new vehicles were acquired in December 2007 for the GAF, while the soldiers have intensified their training in preparation for the tasks to be assigned during the year.
The Chief of the Defence Staff, Lt Gen J.B. Danquah, who disclosed this in an interview in Accra yesterday, said notwithstanding inadequate finance and logistics, the military would play its roles as usual in ensuring that maximum and effective professional approach was applied to all assigned tasks.
He urged personnel at the levels of command and staff to continue to apply pragmatic and innovative ideas to all future tasks in order to surmount the challenges underpinning their future missions.
Lt Gen Danquah said their collective effort and teamwork in that direction were crucial in ensuring that they were able to defend and protect the integrity and sovereignty of the motherland and provide an enabling environment for the progress and development of their beloved country throughout the ensuing year and at all times.
He also entreated all ranks to adhere to laid down regulations and procedures which should not be compromised at any time because “that is what makes the military tick”.
Lt Gen Danquah appealed to all Ghanaians to assist the military, as well as the security agencies, to provide the needed environment for people to go about their duties.
The Chief of the Defence Staff said the GAF had acquired new vehicles which would be used to patrol the highways, while more troops would be provided for “operation calm life” which was to clamp down on armed robbers and other deviants in the society.
He said without the support of Ghanaians, all those measures would be in vain and consequently urged Ghanaians to provide timely information on criminals to the security agencies for appropriate steps to be taken.
Lt Gen Danquah assured the public of their anonymity if they provided the security agencies with information on criminals.
He said 2007 was an auspicious year in the history of both the GAF and the country, explaining that 2007 had been
loaded with so many activities, being the Jubilee Year, which had various security implications and expressed his gratitude to all Ghanaians for their support and co-operation in the management of peace and security in the country.
On behalf of the Military High Command, he wished President J.A. Kufuor, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the GAF, the government and the people of Ghana the best during the year and assured them that the military would continue to assist to protect the Constitution.
THE Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) are to beef up security by increasing the number of troops and military vehicles for patrol to ensure that the country enjoys untainted peace and stability in 2008.
Consequently, new vehicles were acquired in December 2007 for the GAF, while the soldiers have intensified their training in preparation for the tasks to be assigned during the year.
The Chief of the Defence Staff, Lt Gen J.B. Danquah, who disclosed this in an interview in Accra yesterday, said notwithstanding inadequate finance and logistics, the military would play its roles as usual in ensuring that maximum and effective professional approach was applied to all assigned tasks.
He urged personnel at the levels of command and staff to continue to apply pragmatic and innovative ideas to all future tasks in order to surmount the challenges underpinning their future missions.
Lt Gen Danquah said their collective effort and teamwork in that direction were crucial in ensuring that they were able to defend and protect the integrity and sovereignty of the motherland and provide an enabling environment for the progress and development of their beloved country throughout the ensuing year and at all times.
He also entreated all ranks to adhere to laid down regulations and procedures which should not be compromised at any time because “that is what makes the military tick”.
Lt Gen Danquah appealed to all Ghanaians to assist the military, as well as the security agencies, to provide the needed environment for people to go about their duties.
The Chief of the Defence Staff said the GAF had acquired new vehicles which would be used to patrol the highways, while more troops would be provided for “operation calm life” which was to clamp down on armed robbers and other deviants in the society.
He said without the support of Ghanaians, all those measures would be in vain and consequently urged Ghanaians to provide timely information on criminals to the security agencies for appropriate steps to be taken.
Lt Gen Danquah assured the public of their anonymity if they provided the security agencies with information on criminals.
He said 2007 was an auspicious year in the history of both the GAF and the country, explaining that 2007 had been
loaded with so many activities, being the Jubilee Year, which had various security implications and expressed his gratitude to all Ghanaians for their support and co-operation in the management of peace and security in the country.
On behalf of the Military High Command, he wished President J.A. Kufuor, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the GAF, the government and the people of Ghana the best during the year and assured them that the military would continue to assist to protect the Constitution.
Ghana Armed Forces to beef up security (page 38)
Story: Michael Donkor
THE Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) are to beef up security by increasing the number of troops and military vehicles for patrol to ensure that the country enjoys untainted peace and stability in 2008.
Consequently, new vehicles were acquired in December 2007 for the GAF, while the soldiers have intensified their training in preparation for the tasks to be assigned during the year.
The Chief of the Defence Staff, Lt Gen J.B. Danquah, who disclosed this in an interview in Accra yesterday, said notwithstanding inadequate finance and logistics, the military would play its roles as usual in ensuring that maximum and effective professional approach was applied to all assigned tasks.
He urged personnel at the levels of command and staff to continue to apply pragmatic and innovative ideas to all future tasks in order to surmount the challenges underpinning their future missions.
Lt Gen Danquah said their collective effort and teamwork in that direction were crucial in ensuring that they were able to defend and protect the integrity and sovereignty of the motherland and provide an enabling environment for the progress and development of their beloved country throughout the ensuing year and at all times.
He also entreated all ranks to adhere to laid down regulations and procedures which should not be compromised at any time because “that is what makes the military tick”.
Lt Gen Danquah appealed to all Ghanaians to assist the military, as well as the security agencies, to provide the needed environment for people to go about their duties.
The Chief of the Defence Staff said the GAF had acquired new vehicles which would be used to patrol the highways, while more troops would be provided for “operation calm life” which was to clamp down on armed robbers and other deviants in the society.
He said without the support of Ghanaians, all those measures would be in vain and consequently urged Ghanaians to provide timely information on criminals to the security agencies for appropriate steps to be taken.
Lt Gen Danquah assured the public of their anonymity if they provided the security agencies with information on criminals.
He said 2007 was an auspicious year in the history of both the GAF and the country, explaining that 2007 had been
loaded with so many activities, being the Jubilee Year, which had various security implications and expressed his gratitude to all Ghanaians for their support and co-operation in the management of peace and security in the country.
On behalf of the Military High Command, he wished President J.A. Kufuor, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the GAF, the government and the people of Ghana the best during the year and assured them that the military would continue to assist to protect the Constitution.
THE Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) are to beef up security by increasing the number of troops and military vehicles for patrol to ensure that the country enjoys untainted peace and stability in 2008.
Consequently, new vehicles were acquired in December 2007 for the GAF, while the soldiers have intensified their training in preparation for the tasks to be assigned during the year.
The Chief of the Defence Staff, Lt Gen J.B. Danquah, who disclosed this in an interview in Accra yesterday, said notwithstanding inadequate finance and logistics, the military would play its roles as usual in ensuring that maximum and effective professional approach was applied to all assigned tasks.
He urged personnel at the levels of command and staff to continue to apply pragmatic and innovative ideas to all future tasks in order to surmount the challenges underpinning their future missions.
Lt Gen Danquah said their collective effort and teamwork in that direction were crucial in ensuring that they were able to defend and protect the integrity and sovereignty of the motherland and provide an enabling environment for the progress and development of their beloved country throughout the ensuing year and at all times.
He also entreated all ranks to adhere to laid down regulations and procedures which should not be compromised at any time because “that is what makes the military tick”.
Lt Gen Danquah appealed to all Ghanaians to assist the military, as well as the security agencies, to provide the needed environment for people to go about their duties.
The Chief of the Defence Staff said the GAF had acquired new vehicles which would be used to patrol the highways, while more troops would be provided for “operation calm life” which was to clamp down on armed robbers and other deviants in the society.
He said without the support of Ghanaians, all those measures would be in vain and consequently urged Ghanaians to provide timely information on criminals to the security agencies for appropriate steps to be taken.
Lt Gen Danquah assured the public of their anonymity if they provided the security agencies with information on criminals.
He said 2007 was an auspicious year in the history of both the GAF and the country, explaining that 2007 had been
loaded with so many activities, being the Jubilee Year, which had various security implications and expressed his gratitude to all Ghanaians for their support and co-operation in the management of peace and security in the country.
On behalf of the Military High Command, he wished President J.A. Kufuor, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the GAF, the government and the people of Ghana the best during the year and assured them that the military would continue to assist to protect the Constitution.
Dome railway line turns into kraal(Page 44)
Story:Michael Donkor
cattle have invaded the Dome railway lines, hindering the smooth movement of trains that shuttle between Accra and Nsawam in the Eastern Region.
Similar situation resulted in a derailment of a train last year when one of the cattle grazing along the lines suddenly jumped into the lines.
A Daily Graphic team visiting the area saw cattle freely grazing along the railway lines while some were tied to the metal lines.
One Baba Ndah, who claimed ownership of the cattle, told the Daily Graphic he did not see the danger the cattle posed on the railway lines.
He said the cattle had been grazing there for some time now but there had not been any accident.
Ndah said he brought the cattle there for sale because the area was close to the Dome market.
He said there was no place around the market where he could tie the cattle for them to draw the attention of buyers.
Ndah said some people bought the cattle after they had been attracted to them, hence their display there.
When this reporter reminded him of a similar situation which happened last year, Ndah then agreed to reposition the cattle to avoid any danger.
There was a heap of garbage close to the lines a few distance from the Dome railway crossing towards Nsawam. If the dumping of refuse there is not stopped, the refuse could spill over to the main railway.
The area is also weedy, attracting herdsmen to bring their cattle and sheep there to graze, making the situation more dangerous.
cattle have invaded the Dome railway lines, hindering the smooth movement of trains that shuttle between Accra and Nsawam in the Eastern Region.
Similar situation resulted in a derailment of a train last year when one of the cattle grazing along the lines suddenly jumped into the lines.
A Daily Graphic team visiting the area saw cattle freely grazing along the railway lines while some were tied to the metal lines.
One Baba Ndah, who claimed ownership of the cattle, told the Daily Graphic he did not see the danger the cattle posed on the railway lines.
He said the cattle had been grazing there for some time now but there had not been any accident.
Ndah said he brought the cattle there for sale because the area was close to the Dome market.
He said there was no place around the market where he could tie the cattle for them to draw the attention of buyers.
Ndah said some people bought the cattle after they had been attracted to them, hence their display there.
When this reporter reminded him of a similar situation which happened last year, Ndah then agreed to reposition the cattle to avoid any danger.
There was a heap of garbage close to the lines a few distance from the Dome railway crossing towards Nsawam. If the dumping of refuse there is not stopped, the refuse could spill over to the main railway.
The area is also weedy, attracting herdsmen to bring their cattle and sheep there to graze, making the situation more dangerous.
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