Story: Michael Donkor
THE six suspects who were arrested in connection with the recent disturbances at Gushiegu in the Northern Region and flown to Accra for screening and prosecution have been released.
They were released after the police had screened them and found no evidence to prosecute them.
The suspects are Mohammed Alidu, 25; Abukari Alidu, 26; Sulemana Alidu, 30; Alhassan Mohammed, 26; Mohammed Imoro, 41, and Alidu Abdulai, 42.
A police source told the Daily Graphic that no witness turned up to testify against them, explaining that according to the laws of the country, a suspect could not be detained for more than 48 hours so they were released.
It urged the public to volunteer useful information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of suspected criminals.
The source said it was only when that was done that crime could be lessened for society to be in peace.
The suspects have consequently returned to their bases in the Northern Region.
The transfer of the suspects to Accra followed an order by the Interior Minister, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, during a meeting with the leadership of the major political parties, the security agents, religious and opinion leaders in Tamale.
The minister was in Tamale to ascertain the security situation in the metropolis and Gushiegu and also examine the level of damage to life and property in the troubled areas.
The violence at Gushiegu was a spill-over from an earlier clash between supporters the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Kpatinga, near Gushiegu, on August 31, 2008.
The NPP supporters were returning home after erecting a party shed, while their NDC colleagues were also on their way home after attending a rally in the same locality.
The situation degenerated further when the supporters of both parties returned to Gushiegu to narrate the incident to their followers, leading to the mayhem that was visited on the town in the morning of Monday, September 1, 2008.
A number of property were destroyed, while some people sustained various degrees of injury in the ensuing violence.
The two parties have blamed each other for being the aggressor.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Government to extend sea defence wall along the coast(Back page) September 19,2008
Story: Michael Donkor,Keta
THE government is to extend the sea defence wall along all the coastal towns in the Volta Region and Ada in the Greater Accra Region.
Consequently, the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces has been tasked to construct culverst in all those identified towns along the coastal areas.
The Minister of the Interior, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, announced this when he paid a working visit to various coastal towns including Dzita, Keta Akplowotorkor and Atokor, all in the Volta Region, to assess the impact of the damage caused by the tidal waves that occured recently in those areas.
According to Dr Addo-Kufuor, the recent tidal waves experienced around the coastal parts of the country was due to global warming resulting from the activities of industrialised countries saying ti was unfortunate that Ghana had to bear the brunt for the action of others.
The mission of government, he noted, was not to apportion blame but to respond to the needs of those who had been adversely affacted and to provide them with relief items.
As part of efforts to alleviate the plight of those affected and to also to find lasting solutions to the problem, he announced a three-pronged approach which will aim at providing those affected with relief items in the short term, tasking the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces to construct culverts in the towns and the long-term plan of extending the Keta Sea Defence wall to the affected areas.
He presented those affected with food items and other items like plastic bowls, cups, mattresses and others.
Mr. Addo Kufuor however cautioned against the removal of rocks which serve as boulders at the seas defence site saying such practice will not augur well for the protection of lives and properties of people in the area in the likely event of flooding.
"As much as government is willing and will do its best to help you, you must also do your best to ensure that you collaborate with government in ensuring that the project, when it begins, moves on smoothly without any problems", he added.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr. Kofi Dzamesi recounted that he had earlier visited the area and provided them with relief items and promised that he would return with the Minister of Interior for him to have a first-hand account of the situation.
The coming of the minister to the area, he said, was ample proof of the committment of government to addressing the needs of people with promptness and concern.
He entreated the people to make judicious use of the items they had been given as they work at getting more items to alleviate their plight.
The Keta Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Edward Kofi Ahiabor assured the people of government's readiness to ensure that their houses that were destroyed were re-built adding that the Minister of Interior had instructed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to supply them with roofing sheets for that purpose.
One of the victims of the flooding incident, Madam Mercy Gadabor, a 52-year old trader recounted she had been awakened at night by the ravages of the sea while sleeping with her grandchildren.
In the process, she said, her goods, properties and fish she had stocked for the lean season were destroyed while the books that her children and grandchildren use at school were also destroyed.
It will be recounted that on Wednesday, 2nd September 2008, hundred of homes were flooded and thousands of people were displaced in the Keta Municipality and other parts of the country due to high tidal waves that swept over the coastal areas.
No casualties were recorded apart from some octogenarians who were trapped in their rooms and had to be rescued by the youth of the area and sent to hospital.
The most affected towns are Dzita, Akplowotorkor and Dakordzi, mostly farming communities, where farms have been overrun by water.
The displaced persons, mainly women and children, were awakened by the currents that flooded their rooms while they were still asleep.
Properties worth thousands of Ghana cedis were destroyed while people have abandoned their homes to seek refuge with families and friends in nearby Anloga, Keta and surrounding towns and villages.
The president, John Agyekum Kufuor then directed the release of GH¢7million to be used in providing relief and assistance for those who were affected in those areas.
THE government is to extend the sea defence wall along all the coastal towns in the Volta Region and Ada in the Greater Accra Region.
Consequently, the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces has been tasked to construct culverst in all those identified towns along the coastal areas.
The Minister of the Interior, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, announced this when he paid a working visit to various coastal towns including Dzita, Keta Akplowotorkor and Atokor, all in the Volta Region, to assess the impact of the damage caused by the tidal waves that occured recently in those areas.
According to Dr Addo-Kufuor, the recent tidal waves experienced around the coastal parts of the country was due to global warming resulting from the activities of industrialised countries saying ti was unfortunate that Ghana had to bear the brunt for the action of others.
The mission of government, he noted, was not to apportion blame but to respond to the needs of those who had been adversely affacted and to provide them with relief items.
As part of efforts to alleviate the plight of those affected and to also to find lasting solutions to the problem, he announced a three-pronged approach which will aim at providing those affected with relief items in the short term, tasking the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces to construct culverts in the towns and the long-term plan of extending the Keta Sea Defence wall to the affected areas.
He presented those affected with food items and other items like plastic bowls, cups, mattresses and others.
Mr. Addo Kufuor however cautioned against the removal of rocks which serve as boulders at the seas defence site saying such practice will not augur well for the protection of lives and properties of people in the area in the likely event of flooding.
"As much as government is willing and will do its best to help you, you must also do your best to ensure that you collaborate with government in ensuring that the project, when it begins, moves on smoothly without any problems", he added.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr. Kofi Dzamesi recounted that he had earlier visited the area and provided them with relief items and promised that he would return with the Minister of Interior for him to have a first-hand account of the situation.
The coming of the minister to the area, he said, was ample proof of the committment of government to addressing the needs of people with promptness and concern.
He entreated the people to make judicious use of the items they had been given as they work at getting more items to alleviate their plight.
The Keta Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Edward Kofi Ahiabor assured the people of government's readiness to ensure that their houses that were destroyed were re-built adding that the Minister of Interior had instructed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to supply them with roofing sheets for that purpose.
One of the victims of the flooding incident, Madam Mercy Gadabor, a 52-year old trader recounted she had been awakened at night by the ravages of the sea while sleeping with her grandchildren.
In the process, she said, her goods, properties and fish she had stocked for the lean season were destroyed while the books that her children and grandchildren use at school were also destroyed.
It will be recounted that on Wednesday, 2nd September 2008, hundred of homes were flooded and thousands of people were displaced in the Keta Municipality and other parts of the country due to high tidal waves that swept over the coastal areas.
No casualties were recorded apart from some octogenarians who were trapped in their rooms and had to be rescued by the youth of the area and sent to hospital.
The most affected towns are Dzita, Akplowotorkor and Dakordzi, mostly farming communities, where farms have been overrun by water.
The displaced persons, mainly women and children, were awakened by the currents that flooded their rooms while they were still asleep.
Properties worth thousands of Ghana cedis were destroyed while people have abandoned their homes to seek refuge with families and friends in nearby Anloga, Keta and surrounding towns and villages.
The president, John Agyekum Kufuor then directed the release of GH¢7million to be used in providing relief and assistance for those who were affected in those areas.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Gh¢7m for flood victims(front page) September 15, 2008
Story:Michael Donkor
President J.A. Kufuor has directed the Ministry of Finance to release GH¢7m towards the mitigation of the impact of the floods on the people of the three northern regions and Keta in the Volta Region.
The President has also appointed the Minister of the Interior, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, to assume responsibility for the management of the flood situation in these areas, liaising with the regional ministers, the Volta River Authority (VRA) and relevant Municipal and District Assemblies and development partners.
This was contained in a letter signed on behalf of the President by his Chief Advisor, Mrs Mary Chinery-Hesse and issued to the Ministry of Finance, all the regional ministers whose area of jurisdiction were affected by the flood and the relevant authorities.
The letter said a similar flood situation which occurred in 2007 was handled by an Inter-Ministerial Task Force established by the President under the chairmanship of Mrs Chinery-Hesse to co-ordinate the relief efforts on an emergency basis.
It said the task force resolved, as part of its remit, that permanent structures should be put in place as early as possible to obviate the need for ad hoc arrangements, in the event of future floods, especially because of the high probability of recurrence.
The letter said in promoting this with the assistance of development partners, principally the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the capacity of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) had been strengthened.
It said lines of communication had also been established for prompt relay and sharing of information, with the institution of a nascent early warning system to minimise the impact of any floods in the northern regions.
Meanwhile, Dr Addo-Kufuor has despatched a three-man delegation to the three northern regions to meet with the regional ministers, Metropolitan/Municipal/District Chief Executives and NADMO officials in the affected districts to report on items required, and to determine the stock levels of relief supplies in the various warehouses of NADMO.
The acting National Co-ordinator of NADMO and some staff members of the Ministry of the Interior have also been tasked to seek clearance from the National Procurement Authority to organise urgent limited tender for the purchase of the items required.
The Ministry of the Interior has also negotiated with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees for the release of three articulated trucks to transport the items to the affected areas.
President J.A. Kufuor has directed the Ministry of Finance to release GH¢7m towards the mitigation of the impact of the floods on the people of the three northern regions and Keta in the Volta Region.
The President has also appointed the Minister of the Interior, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, to assume responsibility for the management of the flood situation in these areas, liaising with the regional ministers, the Volta River Authority (VRA) and relevant Municipal and District Assemblies and development partners.
This was contained in a letter signed on behalf of the President by his Chief Advisor, Mrs Mary Chinery-Hesse and issued to the Ministry of Finance, all the regional ministers whose area of jurisdiction were affected by the flood and the relevant authorities.
The letter said a similar flood situation which occurred in 2007 was handled by an Inter-Ministerial Task Force established by the President under the chairmanship of Mrs Chinery-Hesse to co-ordinate the relief efforts on an emergency basis.
It said the task force resolved, as part of its remit, that permanent structures should be put in place as early as possible to obviate the need for ad hoc arrangements, in the event of future floods, especially because of the high probability of recurrence.
The letter said in promoting this with the assistance of development partners, principally the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the capacity of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) had been strengthened.
It said lines of communication had also been established for prompt relay and sharing of information, with the institution of a nascent early warning system to minimise the impact of any floods in the northern regions.
Meanwhile, Dr Addo-Kufuor has despatched a three-man delegation to the three northern regions to meet with the regional ministers, Metropolitan/Municipal/District Chief Executives and NADMO officials in the affected districts to report on items required, and to determine the stock levels of relief supplies in the various warehouses of NADMO.
The acting National Co-ordinator of NADMO and some staff members of the Ministry of the Interior have also been tasked to seek clearance from the National Procurement Authority to organise urgent limited tender for the purchase of the items required.
The Ministry of the Interior has also negotiated with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees for the release of three articulated trucks to transport the items to the affected areas.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Expansion works on terminal reservoir ready November(Metro Page 18) September 13, 2008
Story:Michael Donkor
EXPANSION work on the Accra Terminal Reservoir of the Ghana Water Company Limited which supplies water to the Accra East Region is expected to be completed in November, this year.
When completed, the station is expected to pump water to these areas constantly and effectively.
This was made known by the Terminal Station Manager, Mr Samuel Yeboah, when he conducted the Executive Members of the Public Utilities and Regulations Commission (PURC) who were on a working visit round the station in Accra.
He said work on the project started in March, last year and it involved the installation of new water pumps and the connection of water distribution lines from the Weija Dam site to the station, which initially only received supply from Kpong.
He said the increase in the capacity of the Weija Plant by 15 million gallons formed part of the expansion project.
Mr Yeboah said the areas which fall under the Accra East Region are Adenta, Madina, Peduase, Airport Residential Area, La, Cantonments, Nima, Mamobi and Achimota.
Mr Yeboah said 90 per cent of the expansion work had been completed, adding that the remaining 10 per cent involving the installation of chamber valves and other equipment to fit the new pumps is expected to be completed in November, this year.
Mr Yeboah explained that initially the station could pump water to Peduase, which is on the Akwapim Ridge but with the rapid development and the increase in population, by 1995, the terminal could only pump water to Adenta.
He said on completion of the project, residents in these areas would enjoy improved water supply.
Mr Yeboah said the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited had also connected power from its sub-stations at Madina and Achimota to the station so it would now have constant power supply to work efficiently.
According to him, with the installation of the new pumps, the electricity consumed by the station would also be reduced drastically.
The Communications Manager of the Aqua Vitens Rand Limited, Mr Stanley Martey, said when the project is completed, eight million gallons of water from the Weija Plant would be received at the station to augment the three million from Kpong daily.
He said that would enable the station to pump water to all the areas under it.
The Chairman of the PURC, Prof. Frimpong Boateng, commended the contractors: Ballast Nedan and Royal Hanskoning for the good work they were doing.
He also commended the Electricity Company of Ghana for providing the station with power from two sources and noted that this would ensure continuous power supply to the station.
EXPANSION work on the Accra Terminal Reservoir of the Ghana Water Company Limited which supplies water to the Accra East Region is expected to be completed in November, this year.
When completed, the station is expected to pump water to these areas constantly and effectively.
This was made known by the Terminal Station Manager, Mr Samuel Yeboah, when he conducted the Executive Members of the Public Utilities and Regulations Commission (PURC) who were on a working visit round the station in Accra.
He said work on the project started in March, last year and it involved the installation of new water pumps and the connection of water distribution lines from the Weija Dam site to the station, which initially only received supply from Kpong.
He said the increase in the capacity of the Weija Plant by 15 million gallons formed part of the expansion project.
Mr Yeboah said the areas which fall under the Accra East Region are Adenta, Madina, Peduase, Airport Residential Area, La, Cantonments, Nima, Mamobi and Achimota.
Mr Yeboah said 90 per cent of the expansion work had been completed, adding that the remaining 10 per cent involving the installation of chamber valves and other equipment to fit the new pumps is expected to be completed in November, this year.
Mr Yeboah explained that initially the station could pump water to Peduase, which is on the Akwapim Ridge but with the rapid development and the increase in population, by 1995, the terminal could only pump water to Adenta.
He said on completion of the project, residents in these areas would enjoy improved water supply.
Mr Yeboah said the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited had also connected power from its sub-stations at Madina and Achimota to the station so it would now have constant power supply to work efficiently.
According to him, with the installation of the new pumps, the electricity consumed by the station would also be reduced drastically.
The Communications Manager of the Aqua Vitens Rand Limited, Mr Stanley Martey, said when the project is completed, eight million gallons of water from the Weija Plant would be received at the station to augment the three million from Kpong daily.
He said that would enable the station to pump water to all the areas under it.
The Chairman of the PURC, Prof. Frimpong Boateng, commended the contractors: Ballast Nedan and Royal Hanskoning for the good work they were doing.
He also commended the Electricity Company of Ghana for providing the station with power from two sources and noted that this would ensure continuous power supply to the station.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Speed Up Trials of Remand Cases(Front Page) September 11, 2008
Story: Michael Donkor, Nsawam
THE Ghana Prisons Service has called for the speedy hearing of cases involving remand prisoners at Nsawam Prisons to ease the congestion there.
The Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mr Alex Ansong-Agyepong, who made the call, said the Nsawam Prisons, which had the capacity to accommodate 717 inmates, now accommodated 2,926.
He was speaking during a visit by the Minister of the Interior, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, to the Nsawam Prisons yesterday.
Mr Ansong-Agyepong said the rising number of remand prisoners whose cases were either under investigation or awaiting trials was of grave concern to the service.
He said for example that in December 2002 the remand lock-up was 324 but as of now the number had risen to 1,903, representing 64 per cent of the total inmate population.
He said currently four of the eight housing blocks held remand prisoners.
Mr Ansong-Agyepong said the prisons administration continued to be in contact with other partners in the criminal justice system, especially the police and the Judiciary, with regard to the disposal of these remand cases but their efforts were yet to yield the desired results.
Touching on the reformation and rehabilitation of the inmates, he said a few inmates had made themselves available for a non-formal educational programme introduced at the prisons.
He said the programme, which was in line with the Ghana Education Service guidelines, prepared the inmates for the junior high school and senior high school examinations.
He said Information Communication Technology (ICT) education had also been extended to the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons.
Mr Ansong-Agyepong said the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons had embarked on a serious agricultural drive aimed at achieving food sufficiency to supplement government efforts.
He said the agricultural activities included crop farming, vegetable farming and animal rearing.
Dr Addo-Kufuor commended the prisons officers for the their efficiency and humane manner in which the affairs of the inmates had been managed.
He also commended them for maintaining a clean environment and establishing a good rapport with the inmates.
Dr Addo-Kufuor explained that the number of inmates at Nsawam had swelled because of the addition of inmates from James Fort Prisons.
On the efforts of the governments to improve the service, he said the government had ordered for 130 vehicles for the Ghana Prisons Service.
Dr Addo-Kufuor said out of this number 75 had been delivered.
He appealed to all the inmates to comport themselves well and take advantage of the workshops, educational facilities and the ICT centre to equip themselves for life outside prison.
The Ministry of the Interior presented items that included plastic cups, plates and mattresses to the inmates.
THE Ghana Prisons Service has called for the speedy hearing of cases involving remand prisoners at Nsawam Prisons to ease the congestion there.
The Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mr Alex Ansong-Agyepong, who made the call, said the Nsawam Prisons, which had the capacity to accommodate 717 inmates, now accommodated 2,926.
He was speaking during a visit by the Minister of the Interior, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, to the Nsawam Prisons yesterday.
Mr Ansong-Agyepong said the rising number of remand prisoners whose cases were either under investigation or awaiting trials was of grave concern to the service.
He said for example that in December 2002 the remand lock-up was 324 but as of now the number had risen to 1,903, representing 64 per cent of the total inmate population.
He said currently four of the eight housing blocks held remand prisoners.
Mr Ansong-Agyepong said the prisons administration continued to be in contact with other partners in the criminal justice system, especially the police and the Judiciary, with regard to the disposal of these remand cases but their efforts were yet to yield the desired results.
Touching on the reformation and rehabilitation of the inmates, he said a few inmates had made themselves available for a non-formal educational programme introduced at the prisons.
He said the programme, which was in line with the Ghana Education Service guidelines, prepared the inmates for the junior high school and senior high school examinations.
He said Information Communication Technology (ICT) education had also been extended to the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons.
Mr Ansong-Agyepong said the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons had embarked on a serious agricultural drive aimed at achieving food sufficiency to supplement government efforts.
He said the agricultural activities included crop farming, vegetable farming and animal rearing.
Dr Addo-Kufuor commended the prisons officers for the their efficiency and humane manner in which the affairs of the inmates had been managed.
He also commended them for maintaining a clean environment and establishing a good rapport with the inmates.
Dr Addo-Kufuor explained that the number of inmates at Nsawam had swelled because of the addition of inmates from James Fort Prisons.
On the efforts of the governments to improve the service, he said the government had ordered for 130 vehicles for the Ghana Prisons Service.
Dr Addo-Kufuor said out of this number 75 had been delivered.
He appealed to all the inmates to comport themselves well and take advantage of the workshops, educational facilities and the ICT centre to equip themselves for life outside prison.
The Ministry of the Interior presented items that included plastic cups, plates and mattresses to the inmates.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sex tourism, a criminal offence(Page 34) September 8, 2008
Story: Michael Donkor
A Deputy Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations, Mr Kofi Osei-Ameyaw, has spoken against sex tourism in the country, saying that it is a criminal offence.
He said any tourist found culpable of that offence would be dealt with according to the law.
Consequently, he has asked the public to report such acts to the police or the ministry for immediate action.
Mr Osei-Ameyaw gave the warning when he launched this year's Tourism Day celebration in Accra.
September 27 of every year has been set aside by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to draw attention to tourism and its role in the socio-economic development of countries.
The theme for this year's celebration is: "Tourism: Responding to challenges of climate change".
This year's celebration would be held in Ho in the Volta Region.
Mr Osei-Ameyaw said the government's policy to promote tourism and make it the biggest foreign exchange earner of the country did not mean that the laws governing the sector should be taken for granted.
He said currently, tourism contributed $1.1 billion in foreign exchange earnings to the country.
Mr Osei-Ameyaw said it also contributed four per cent to the gross domestic product (GDP) and created about 22,000 direct formal employment in the country.
He said it was an undeniable fact that Ghana had emerged as a special African tourist destination, drawing people and visitors to experience not only its fascinating cultural diversity, history and natural endowment but also to understudy or enjoy its peace, stability, good governance and hospitality.
He explained that the theme for this year's celebration centred on climate change because tourism contributed between four to six per cent of total emissions world-wide.
He mentioned carbon dioxide emitted from transportation, especially aviation transport, accommodation, energy plants, catering services, tour operations and others as very critical.
Mr Osei-Ameyaw said as part of the preparation towards the celebration, the ministry had outlined a number of programmes aimed at mitigating challenges of climate change at the regional and national levels to commemorate the day.
He said a major national sensitisation seminar on the theme would be held as part of the programme while at the regional level, there would be similar seminars and tree planting exercises.
He said as part of the celebration, there would be a durbar of chiefs in Ho and the launch of a Green School Project.
Mr Osei-Ameyaw explained that the Green School Project was an initiative by the 2008 UNWTO Day Celebration planning committee to encourage schools in member countries to adopt the practice of greening their environments.
He said the initiative would allow participating schools to plant trees around their environments.
He said these would be monitored by inspectors throughout the year and the best school would be given prizes.
Mr Osei-Ameyaw said the project would be a one-year pilot programme for schools in the Volta Region and would need sponsors.
He, therefore, called for interested sponsors to contact the ministry in that respect.
A Deputy Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations, Mr Kofi Osei-Ameyaw, has spoken against sex tourism in the country, saying that it is a criminal offence.
He said any tourist found culpable of that offence would be dealt with according to the law.
Consequently, he has asked the public to report such acts to the police or the ministry for immediate action.
Mr Osei-Ameyaw gave the warning when he launched this year's Tourism Day celebration in Accra.
September 27 of every year has been set aside by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to draw attention to tourism and its role in the socio-economic development of countries.
The theme for this year's celebration is: "Tourism: Responding to challenges of climate change".
This year's celebration would be held in Ho in the Volta Region.
Mr Osei-Ameyaw said the government's policy to promote tourism and make it the biggest foreign exchange earner of the country did not mean that the laws governing the sector should be taken for granted.
He said currently, tourism contributed $1.1 billion in foreign exchange earnings to the country.
Mr Osei-Ameyaw said it also contributed four per cent to the gross domestic product (GDP) and created about 22,000 direct formal employment in the country.
He said it was an undeniable fact that Ghana had emerged as a special African tourist destination, drawing people and visitors to experience not only its fascinating cultural diversity, history and natural endowment but also to understudy or enjoy its peace, stability, good governance and hospitality.
He explained that the theme for this year's celebration centred on climate change because tourism contributed between four to six per cent of total emissions world-wide.
He mentioned carbon dioxide emitted from transportation, especially aviation transport, accommodation, energy plants, catering services, tour operations and others as very critical.
Mr Osei-Ameyaw said as part of the preparation towards the celebration, the ministry had outlined a number of programmes aimed at mitigating challenges of climate change at the regional and national levels to commemorate the day.
He said a major national sensitisation seminar on the theme would be held as part of the programme while at the regional level, there would be similar seminars and tree planting exercises.
He said as part of the celebration, there would be a durbar of chiefs in Ho and the launch of a Green School Project.
Mr Osei-Ameyaw explained that the Green School Project was an initiative by the 2008 UNWTO Day Celebration planning committee to encourage schools in member countries to adopt the practice of greening their environments.
He said the initiative would allow participating schools to plant trees around their environments.
He said these would be monitored by inspectors throughout the year and the best school would be given prizes.
Mr Osei-Ameyaw said the project would be a one-year pilot programme for schools in the Volta Region and would need sponsors.
He, therefore, called for interested sponsors to contact the ministry in that respect.
Protect Ghana's territorial integrity(centre spread) September 6, 2008
Story: Michael Donkor
THE President, Mr John Agyekum Kufuor, yesterday reminded personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) of their constitutional duty to protect the territorial integrity of the country.
He said loyalty to the nation, devotion to duty and honourable conduct were the hallmarks of the military.
President Kufuor was speaking at the graduation parade for regular career course intake 48 and short service commission/special duties course 47 at the Military Academy and Training School at Teshie, near Accra. Seventy-nine cadet officers graduated at the ceremony.
President Kufuor urged the military to cherish its mandate as provided by the constitution, adding that it was the surest way to secure the nation and guarantee its peace and stability.
He said top on the agenda for the GAF was capacity building to enable Ghanaian soldiers to hold their own wherever the line of duty took them.
He expressed happiness that the process of enhanced capacity building started from the Military Academy, where the entry requirements were the same as those for the universities.
President Kufuor said in response to global demands, the government had made heavy investment in information communication technology, which had reflected in the curriculum of the academy.
He said being conscious of the needs of the military, the government had signed agreements with companies in China under which $160 million would be made available for re-equipping the entire armed forces and enhance preparation for international peacekeeping operations.
President Kufuor said other provisions for the betterment of operations of the GAF included 12 Mercedes Benz troop carrying vehicles received from Germany and equipment worth 480,000 euros to boost administration, training and operations.
The others, he said, were equipment received from the United States government to strengthen the maritime capabilities of the Ghana Navy, delivery to the Air Force of two more K8 Jet Fighters from China and the commencement of phased replacement of overaged Fokker and Defender aircraft.
President Kufuor said in addition to these developments, construction of a 500-bed Military Hospital Complex would soon begin in Kumasi to facilitate health delivery for the Northern Command and the people of the middle and northern parts of the country.
He said similar improvement efforts were vigorously being made in the area of troop accommodation in all Garrisons, including the training camps at Asutsuare, Shai Hills, Bundase and Daboya.
President Kufuor commended the Armed Forces and other security services for ensuring peace and security in the country.
He said it was through their efforts that the unfortunate ethnic encounters at Yendi, Anloga, Bawku, and now Tamale, had not got out of hand.
President Kufuor reminded the cadet officers of the respect the GAF had earned for themselves both locally and at the international level.
He, therefore, urged the graduates to uphold the principles and traditions to which they had been exposed during their training.
The sword of honour was awarded to Army Officer Cadet Suo Quaye Christopher for being the best all-round cadet for the regular career course 48.
THE President, Mr John Agyekum Kufuor, yesterday reminded personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) of their constitutional duty to protect the territorial integrity of the country.
He said loyalty to the nation, devotion to duty and honourable conduct were the hallmarks of the military.
President Kufuor was speaking at the graduation parade for regular career course intake 48 and short service commission/special duties course 47 at the Military Academy and Training School at Teshie, near Accra. Seventy-nine cadet officers graduated at the ceremony.
President Kufuor urged the military to cherish its mandate as provided by the constitution, adding that it was the surest way to secure the nation and guarantee its peace and stability.
He said top on the agenda for the GAF was capacity building to enable Ghanaian soldiers to hold their own wherever the line of duty took them.
He expressed happiness that the process of enhanced capacity building started from the Military Academy, where the entry requirements were the same as those for the universities.
President Kufuor said in response to global demands, the government had made heavy investment in information communication technology, which had reflected in the curriculum of the academy.
He said being conscious of the needs of the military, the government had signed agreements with companies in China under which $160 million would be made available for re-equipping the entire armed forces and enhance preparation for international peacekeeping operations.
President Kufuor said other provisions for the betterment of operations of the GAF included 12 Mercedes Benz troop carrying vehicles received from Germany and equipment worth 480,000 euros to boost administration, training and operations.
The others, he said, were equipment received from the United States government to strengthen the maritime capabilities of the Ghana Navy, delivery to the Air Force of two more K8 Jet Fighters from China and the commencement of phased replacement of overaged Fokker and Defender aircraft.
President Kufuor said in addition to these developments, construction of a 500-bed Military Hospital Complex would soon begin in Kumasi to facilitate health delivery for the Northern Command and the people of the middle and northern parts of the country.
He said similar improvement efforts were vigorously being made in the area of troop accommodation in all Garrisons, including the training camps at Asutsuare, Shai Hills, Bundase and Daboya.
President Kufuor commended the Armed Forces and other security services for ensuring peace and security in the country.
He said it was through their efforts that the unfortunate ethnic encounters at Yendi, Anloga, Bawku, and now Tamale, had not got out of hand.
President Kufuor reminded the cadet officers of the respect the GAF had earned for themselves both locally and at the international level.
He, therefore, urged the graduates to uphold the principles and traditions to which they had been exposed during their training.
The sword of honour was awarded to Army Officer Cadet Suo Quaye Christopher for being the best all-round cadet for the regular career course 48.
Friday, September 5, 2008
The Disturbances at Tamale, Gushiegu, We'll Spare No One (Front Page) September5, 2008
Story:Michael Donkor, Tamale
THE Minister of the Interior, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufour, has ordered that anybody arrested in connection with the weekend’s disturbances in Tamale and Gushiegu should be sent to Accra for screening and prosecution.
According to the minister, who gave the order yesterday, all perpetrators behind the recent mayhem would face the full rigours of the law, irrespective of their ethnic or political affiliation.
He also gave the firm assurance that the government would institute thorough investigations into the disturbances, which claimed three lives and left in its wake massive destruction of property.
The minister was speaking in Tamale at a meeting with political party representatives, religious and opinion leaders, which was also attended by Members of Parliament for Tamale South and North, Mr Haruna Iddrisu and Alhaji Abubakari Sumani respectively.
The minister’s delegation included the Ministers of Defence and Information and National Orientation, Albert Kan Dapaah and Asamoah Boateng.
Also included were the National Security Coordinator, Dr Sam Amoo, the Acting Inspector General of Police, Elizabeth Mills Robertson and some Service Commanders.
Dr Addo-Kufuor expressed shock over the incidents, especially following in the heels of the recent voters registration exercise that recorded some violent scenes in the Tamale metropolis.
‘‘Ghana has come a long way in its development process and it is important that the peace and unity of the country is protected,’’ he indicated, adding that, ‘‘instability and conflicts would erode all the gains made’’.
The minister observed that the general impression of massive numbers of firearms in the hands of private persons, to some extent, was responsible for the instability in the Northern Region.
He therefore appealed to the people to assist the security agencies to retrieve the illegal firearms and to cooperate with the regional peace council to ensure sustainable peace in the region and the country in general.
Dr Addo-Kufour, however, gave a firm indication that ‘‘the government would like to assure the nation that it will take the necessary steps to ensure there is respect for law and order, and that the security and general well-being of the Ghanaian people are protected”.
The minister further stated that the government would strive to ensure that the forthcoming general elections would be conducted in a free, fair and transparent atmosphere.
He affirmed that the sovereign will of the people, regardless of who wins the general elections, would be respected.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, expressed worry that the weekend violence could be ‘‘the beginning of terrible things to come, if the right decisions were not taken’’.
He entreated the people to always resort to modern tools of engagement through dialogue instead of engaging in violent acts at the least provocation.
The minister admonished religious leaders not to relent in their efforts at showing goodwill and offering prayers for sustainable peace, which, he said, the region was in dire need of.
THE Minister of the Interior, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufour, has ordered that anybody arrested in connection with the weekend’s disturbances in Tamale and Gushiegu should be sent to Accra for screening and prosecution.
According to the minister, who gave the order yesterday, all perpetrators behind the recent mayhem would face the full rigours of the law, irrespective of their ethnic or political affiliation.
He also gave the firm assurance that the government would institute thorough investigations into the disturbances, which claimed three lives and left in its wake massive destruction of property.
The minister was speaking in Tamale at a meeting with political party representatives, religious and opinion leaders, which was also attended by Members of Parliament for Tamale South and North, Mr Haruna Iddrisu and Alhaji Abubakari Sumani respectively.
The minister’s delegation included the Ministers of Defence and Information and National Orientation, Albert Kan Dapaah and Asamoah Boateng.
Also included were the National Security Coordinator, Dr Sam Amoo, the Acting Inspector General of Police, Elizabeth Mills Robertson and some Service Commanders.
Dr Addo-Kufuor expressed shock over the incidents, especially following in the heels of the recent voters registration exercise that recorded some violent scenes in the Tamale metropolis.
‘‘Ghana has come a long way in its development process and it is important that the peace and unity of the country is protected,’’ he indicated, adding that, ‘‘instability and conflicts would erode all the gains made’’.
The minister observed that the general impression of massive numbers of firearms in the hands of private persons, to some extent, was responsible for the instability in the Northern Region.
He therefore appealed to the people to assist the security agencies to retrieve the illegal firearms and to cooperate with the regional peace council to ensure sustainable peace in the region and the country in general.
Dr Addo-Kufour, however, gave a firm indication that ‘‘the government would like to assure the nation that it will take the necessary steps to ensure there is respect for law and order, and that the security and general well-being of the Ghanaian people are protected”.
The minister further stated that the government would strive to ensure that the forthcoming general elections would be conducted in a free, fair and transparent atmosphere.
He affirmed that the sovereign will of the people, regardless of who wins the general elections, would be respected.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, expressed worry that the weekend violence could be ‘‘the beginning of terrible things to come, if the right decisions were not taken’’.
He entreated the people to always resort to modern tools of engagement through dialogue instead of engaging in violent acts at the least provocation.
The minister admonished religious leaders not to relent in their efforts at showing goodwill and offering prayers for sustainable peace, which, he said, the region was in dire need of.
The Disturbances at Tamale, Gushiegu, We'll Spare No One (Front Page) September5, 2008
Story: Michael Donkor, Tamale.
THE Minister for the Interior, Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufour has given a firm commitment that government would institute thorough investigations into last weekend’s disturbances in Tamale and Gushiegu that claimed three lives and left in its wake, massive destruction of property.
According to the minister, all perpetrators behind the recent mayhem that would be found guilty would be made to face the full rigours of the law irrespective of one’s ethnic or political affiliation stressing that, without justice and fairness, the country could not advance in its forward march to prosperity.
He has meanwhile ordered that all those arrested in connection with the disturbances should be sent to Accra for screening and subsequent prosecution.
The minister was speaking during a meeting with political party representatives, religious and opinion leaders in Tamale today. Also present were Members of Parliament for Tamale South and North, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu and Alhaji Abubakari Sumani.
The Minister’s delegation included the Ministers for Defence and Information and National Orientation, Messrs Kan Dapaah and Asamoah Boateng.
Also included were the National Security Coordinator, Dr. Sam Amoo, the Acting Inspector General of Police, Elizabeth Mills Robertson and some Service Commanders.
Dr. Addo-Kufuor expressed shock over the incidents especially following in the heels of the recent voters’ registration exercise that recorded some violent scenes in the Tamale metropolis.
‘‘Ghana has come a long way in its development process and it is important that the peace and unity of the country is protected,’’ he indicated, adding that, ‘‘instability and conflicts would erode all the gains made.’’
The Minister observed that the general impression of massive proliferation of firearms in the possession of private persons to
some extend was responsible for the instability in the northern region.
He therefore appealed to the people to assist the security agencies to retrieve the illegal firearms and to cooperate with them including the regional peace council to ensure sustainable peace in the region and the country in general.
Dr. Addo-Kufour however gave a firm indication that, ‘‘the government would like to assure the nation that it will take the necessary steps to ensure that there is respect for law and order, and that the security and general wellbeing of the Ghanaian people are protected.’’
The minister further stated that, the government would strive to ensure that the forthcoming general elections would be conducted in a free, fair and transparent atmosphere.
He affirmed that the sovereign will of the people regardless of who wins the general elections would be respected.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, expressed worry that the weekend violence could be ‘‘the beginning of terrible things to come if the right decisions were not taken.’’
He entreated the people to always resort to modern tools of engagement through dialogue instead of engaging in violent acts at the least provocation.
The minister admonished religious leaders not to relent in their efforts of goodwill and prayers for sustainable peace which he said the region was in dire need of.
THE Minister for the Interior, Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufour has given a firm commitment that government would institute thorough investigations into last weekend’s disturbances in Tamale and Gushiegu that claimed three lives and left in its wake, massive destruction of property.
According to the minister, all perpetrators behind the recent mayhem that would be found guilty would be made to face the full rigours of the law irrespective of one’s ethnic or political affiliation stressing that, without justice and fairness, the country could not advance in its forward march to prosperity.
He has meanwhile ordered that all those arrested in connection with the disturbances should be sent to Accra for screening and subsequent prosecution.
The minister was speaking during a meeting with political party representatives, religious and opinion leaders in Tamale today. Also present were Members of Parliament for Tamale South and North, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu and Alhaji Abubakari Sumani.
The Minister’s delegation included the Ministers for Defence and Information and National Orientation, Messrs Kan Dapaah and Asamoah Boateng.
Also included were the National Security Coordinator, Dr. Sam Amoo, the Acting Inspector General of Police, Elizabeth Mills Robertson and some Service Commanders.
Dr. Addo-Kufuor expressed shock over the incidents especially following in the heels of the recent voters’ registration exercise that recorded some violent scenes in the Tamale metropolis.
‘‘Ghana has come a long way in its development process and it is important that the peace and unity of the country is protected,’’ he indicated, adding that, ‘‘instability and conflicts would erode all the gains made.’’
The Minister observed that the general impression of massive proliferation of firearms in the possession of private persons to
some extend was responsible for the instability in the northern region.
He therefore appealed to the people to assist the security agencies to retrieve the illegal firearms and to cooperate with them including the regional peace council to ensure sustainable peace in the region and the country in general.
Dr. Addo-Kufour however gave a firm indication that, ‘‘the government would like to assure the nation that it will take the necessary steps to ensure that there is respect for law and order, and that the security and general wellbeing of the Ghanaian people are protected.’’
The minister further stated that, the government would strive to ensure that the forthcoming general elections would be conducted in a free, fair and transparent atmosphere.
He affirmed that the sovereign will of the people regardless of who wins the general elections would be respected.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, expressed worry that the weekend violence could be ‘‘the beginning of terrible things to come if the right decisions were not taken.’’
He entreated the people to always resort to modern tools of engagement through dialogue instead of engaging in violent acts at the least provocation.
The minister admonished religious leaders not to relent in their efforts of goodwill and prayers for sustainable peace which he said the region was in dire need of.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
IOM, 11 others to collaborate on human trafficking(Back page) September 3, 2008
Story: Michael Donkor
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has signed an agreement with 11 institutions in Ghana to start a project aimed at checking human trafficking and irregular migration in the country.
The institutions are the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs (MOWAC), the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB), the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Research and Counselling Foundation for African Migrants, Yankah and Associates and the Ministry of Manpower, Youth and Employment.
The rest are the Ministry of the Interior, Attorney-General's Department, International Labour Organisation, United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The project, dubbed "Capacity-building and awareness-raising to combat trafficking in persons and irregular migration from and through Ghana", would focus on the Western, Central, Greater Accra and Northern regions to raise public awareness on the dangers of the practice.
The Chief of Missions of IOM, Mr David Terzi, who stated that the project was being funded by the Danish government, said Ghana had become not only a transit point but a destination for trafficking and irregular migration.
He said the rural-urban migration and the practice of sending out children to stay with relatives were major sources of exploitation hence the need for concerted efforts to reverse the trend.
Mr Terzi said the project would facilitate the creation of a viable and sustainable protection mechanism among law enforcement officials and non-governmental organisations to provide protection and assistance to victims.
He said the project would, therefore, target different groups within the society and encourage traditional authorities to join in efforts to do away with traditional values and systems that encouraged trafficking.
Mr Terzi called on the law enforcement agencies to step up their efforts to investigate traffickers who acted in the guise of tourism firms, visa brokers and employment agencies.
Mr Terzi said the project would also strengthen the existing co-operation between the IOM and the partner agencies to disseminate information throughout the country to enable potential victims to make informed decisions.
He said the IOM was also working at ensuring that governments did their best to improve socio-economic standards in their countries in order to make it more comfortable for citizens to stay home than to migrate.
Mr Terzi said although complete success might be difficult, the project would help Ghana to take a lead in widening the initiative throughout the sub-region.
Madam Marilin Amponsah, who representative the MOWAC, commended the IOM for the initiative and pledged that her outfit would do all it could to stem the tide against human trafficking.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has signed an agreement with 11 institutions in Ghana to start a project aimed at checking human trafficking and irregular migration in the country.
The institutions are the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs (MOWAC), the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB), the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Research and Counselling Foundation for African Migrants, Yankah and Associates and the Ministry of Manpower, Youth and Employment.
The rest are the Ministry of the Interior, Attorney-General's Department, International Labour Organisation, United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The project, dubbed "Capacity-building and awareness-raising to combat trafficking in persons and irregular migration from and through Ghana", would focus on the Western, Central, Greater Accra and Northern regions to raise public awareness on the dangers of the practice.
The Chief of Missions of IOM, Mr David Terzi, who stated that the project was being funded by the Danish government, said Ghana had become not only a transit point but a destination for trafficking and irregular migration.
He said the rural-urban migration and the practice of sending out children to stay with relatives were major sources of exploitation hence the need for concerted efforts to reverse the trend.
Mr Terzi said the project would facilitate the creation of a viable and sustainable protection mechanism among law enforcement officials and non-governmental organisations to provide protection and assistance to victims.
He said the project would, therefore, target different groups within the society and encourage traditional authorities to join in efforts to do away with traditional values and systems that encouraged trafficking.
Mr Terzi called on the law enforcement agencies to step up their efforts to investigate traffickers who acted in the guise of tourism firms, visa brokers and employment agencies.
Mr Terzi said the project would also strengthen the existing co-operation between the IOM and the partner agencies to disseminate information throughout the country to enable potential victims to make informed decisions.
He said the IOM was also working at ensuring that governments did their best to improve socio-economic standards in their countries in order to make it more comfortable for citizens to stay home than to migrate.
Mr Terzi said although complete success might be difficult, the project would help Ghana to take a lead in widening the initiative throughout the sub-region.
Madam Marilin Amponsah, who representative the MOWAC, commended the IOM for the initiative and pledged that her outfit would do all it could to stem the tide against human trafficking.
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