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.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
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.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Palace Ready April: 9 Months before inauguration of next President(Front Page)
Story: Michael Donkor
THE new $50-million Presidential Palace at the Flagstaff House will be ready nine months before the inauguration of the next President of Ghana.
The manager of the project, Mr Ashfaque Husein of Shapoorji Pallonji, confirmed to the Daily Graphic yesterday that the facility would be ready for habitation and handed over to the government in April next year.
That is nine clear months before the inauguration of the next President, an event scheduled for January 7, 2009.
A visit to the project site revealed that 90 per cent of the work has been completed and the workers were giving finishing touches to the Very Important Personality (VIP) areas, interior decorations, villa furnishing, landscaping and road works.
Some workers were also spotted busily laying tiles bearing the Adinkra and Gye Nyame symbols on the walls of the presidential office, while the roads at the palace were being constructed
The central airconditioners were being fixed, while the roofing for the old presidential palace was being changed.
At the Presidential Villa, the workers were plastering the walls and laying some blocks.
Mr Husein said when completed, the palace would comprise the President’s office, the Vice-President’s office and offices for their supporting staff.
He said it would also have a banquet hall and an underground water tank, while the old Presidential Villa would be turned into a museum.
Mr Husein said there would be a commercial building which would be used for other activities such as banking services.
He noted that what might delay the completion of work on the project might be the relocation of some personnel of the security services who were housed in some buildings there.
Mr Husein explained that the buildings were to be pulled down for landscaping.
He said landscaping took time because it involved the planting of green grass, which took time to grow.
He appealed to the authorities to relocate the personnel occupying those buildings quickly to enable the workers to move into the landscaping aspect.
THE new $50-million Presidential Palace at the Flagstaff House will be ready nine months before the inauguration of the next President of Ghana.
The manager of the project, Mr Ashfaque Husein of Shapoorji Pallonji, confirmed to the Daily Graphic yesterday that the facility would be ready for habitation and handed over to the government in April next year.
That is nine clear months before the inauguration of the next President, an event scheduled for January 7, 2009.
A visit to the project site revealed that 90 per cent of the work has been completed and the workers were giving finishing touches to the Very Important Personality (VIP) areas, interior decorations, villa furnishing, landscaping and road works.
Some workers were also spotted busily laying tiles bearing the Adinkra and Gye Nyame symbols on the walls of the presidential office, while the roads at the palace were being constructed
The central airconditioners were being fixed, while the roofing for the old presidential palace was being changed.
At the Presidential Villa, the workers were plastering the walls and laying some blocks.
Mr Husein said when completed, the palace would comprise the President’s office, the Vice-President’s office and offices for their supporting staff.
He said it would also have a banquet hall and an underground water tank, while the old Presidential Villa would be turned into a museum.
Mr Husein said there would be a commercial building which would be used for other activities such as banking services.
He noted that what might delay the completion of work on the project might be the relocation of some personnel of the security services who were housed in some buildings there.
Mr Husein explained that the buildings were to be pulled down for landscaping.
He said landscaping took time because it involved the planting of green grass, which took time to grow.
He appealed to the authorities to relocate the personnel occupying those buildings quickly to enable the workers to move into the landscaping aspect.
Call on security agencies to remain vigilant(Page 14)
Story: Michael Donkor & Victor Kwawukume, Ho
THE Minister of National Security, Mr Francis Poku, has charged security agencies to remain alert and be ready to ward off attempts by deviant persons to forment trouble as the nation enters 2008.
Mr Poku observed that next year would be a challenging year as the much-acclaimed peaceful status of the country would be rigorously put to test, saying “the security agencies must remain poised for protecting and sustaining the image of the country”.
He said the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, during which 16 teams, together with thousands of supporters are expected in the country, in addition to the United Trade Congress, also scheduled for Ghana during which 40 Heads of State, in addition to 5,000 delegates would be attending, posed a very formidable task which the security must deal with.
“We have a duty to keep the country peaceful so as to receive all these visitors and to ensure that all these activities go on successfully in an atmosphere of absolute peace,” he stressed.
Mr Francis Poku was addressing this year’s West African Soldiers Social Activity (WASSA) of the 66 Artillery Regiment in Ho over the weekend. It was on the theme “66 Artillery Regiment: A Partner in National Development”.
Mr Poku observed a disturbing trend where non-resident indigenes of some towns and villages went to their areas using their wealth in formenting trouble.
According to him, such people used their wealth to distort the history of their localities, re-invent the history of their communities so that they could become chiefs.
He called on the security agencies to be wary of such persons and be prepared to nip their intents in the bud before they generated any conflict, thereby engendering insecurity in the country.
He, however, advised the rich ones to use their wealth to promote the development of their communities instead of creating tension.
Mr Poku commended the 66 Artillery Regiment for their immense contribution to national security and enhancement of the image of the Ghana Army in international operations.
He said they had exhibited good neighbourliness and enhanced civil-military relations, adding that their principles must be emulated by all.
Mr Poku also showed gratitude to the wives and family of the soldiers for the supportive roles they had played and continued to play in the success stories of the regiment.
The Commanding Officer of the 66 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Kotia, speaking on the theme, said the regiment had continued to capture civil-military relations as an important focus.
“I am happy to announce that there exists a good relationship between the military and the civil society in the Ho Municipality and the region as a whole,” he recounted.
He said their services were more society-oriented, and that such facilities in the barracks as schools and playing fields continued to be open to civilians. He said that had helped to strengthen and develop a good working relation in the community.
“I, therefore, wish to call on the civil society and the population as a whole to see the military as partners in development and not as agents of destruction. A solid and sustained civilian-military relations are, therefore, an important ingredient to good governance,” he emphasised.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, praised the preparedness and the prompt response of the regiment any time it was called upon to act.
He also commended the role it played in the recent clashes at Anloga, and pledged the continued assistance of the Volta Regional Co-ordinating Council (VRCC) to enhance the output of the regiment.
THE Minister of National Security, Mr Francis Poku, has charged security agencies to remain alert and be ready to ward off attempts by deviant persons to forment trouble as the nation enters 2008.
Mr Poku observed that next year would be a challenging year as the much-acclaimed peaceful status of the country would be rigorously put to test, saying “the security agencies must remain poised for protecting and sustaining the image of the country”.
He said the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, during which 16 teams, together with thousands of supporters are expected in the country, in addition to the United Trade Congress, also scheduled for Ghana during which 40 Heads of State, in addition to 5,000 delegates would be attending, posed a very formidable task which the security must deal with.
“We have a duty to keep the country peaceful so as to receive all these visitors and to ensure that all these activities go on successfully in an atmosphere of absolute peace,” he stressed.
Mr Francis Poku was addressing this year’s West African Soldiers Social Activity (WASSA) of the 66 Artillery Regiment in Ho over the weekend. It was on the theme “66 Artillery Regiment: A Partner in National Development”.
Mr Poku observed a disturbing trend where non-resident indigenes of some towns and villages went to their areas using their wealth in formenting trouble.
According to him, such people used their wealth to distort the history of their localities, re-invent the history of their communities so that they could become chiefs.
He called on the security agencies to be wary of such persons and be prepared to nip their intents in the bud before they generated any conflict, thereby engendering insecurity in the country.
He, however, advised the rich ones to use their wealth to promote the development of their communities instead of creating tension.
Mr Poku commended the 66 Artillery Regiment for their immense contribution to national security and enhancement of the image of the Ghana Army in international operations.
He said they had exhibited good neighbourliness and enhanced civil-military relations, adding that their principles must be emulated by all.
Mr Poku also showed gratitude to the wives and family of the soldiers for the supportive roles they had played and continued to play in the success stories of the regiment.
The Commanding Officer of the 66 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Kotia, speaking on the theme, said the regiment had continued to capture civil-military relations as an important focus.
“I am happy to announce that there exists a good relationship between the military and the civil society in the Ho Municipality and the region as a whole,” he recounted.
He said their services were more society-oriented, and that such facilities in the barracks as schools and playing fields continued to be open to civilians. He said that had helped to strengthen and develop a good working relation in the community.
“I, therefore, wish to call on the civil society and the population as a whole to see the military as partners in development and not as agents of destruction. A solid and sustained civilian-military relations are, therefore, an important ingredient to good governance,” he emphasised.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, praised the preparedness and the prompt response of the regiment any time it was called upon to act.
He also commended the role it played in the recent clashes at Anloga, and pledged the continued assistance of the Volta Regional Co-ordinating Council (VRCC) to enhance the output of the regiment.
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