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The Megalomaniac Rawlingses - Leave Atta Mills Alone

Politicians all over the world are by no means selfless, nationalistic and altruistic individuals wishing to serve their nations – using the vehicle of political office – as they normally claim in their rhetoric. Rather the contrary: they are megalomaniacs and self-seeking individuals trying to take hold of the apparatuses of state to realise their narrow and selfish goals. Their talk of just seeking to “serve” is a lie; and thankfully, the citizens know this very well.

Vuvuzela & 2010 World Cup: Africans Get Rid of Neocolonial Virus

Ah! Vu Vu Zee La Africa
Oh! Vuvuzela Africa
You are here to stay
Historic pristine horn
Of Xhosa, Zulu, Tshwane

Who Is This Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa?

I have been following the progress the Mills government is making with a very keen interest and have realised how the humble president has influenced and continue to influence some of the young ministers in his government. I must say that some ministers in the government are really upholding the principle of accountability very high and needs commendation. One of such ministers I admire so much is Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

Downpour leaves Afienya flooded

Afienya, June 21, GNA - Afienya in the Dangme West District, was on Sunday hit by flooding, following several hours of heavy rains. Farm lands, houses, shops, recreational centres, fuel stations and vehicles were submerged by water.

Residents of the town, who expressed fear that there could be lost of lives due to the magnitude of the floods, said the rains started at about 0400 hours and ended at around 1200 hours.

We will show our private parts to Veep - Women

The Melee over an inference from John Jinapor, spokesperson for Vice President John Mahama, that Vice President of International Federation of Female Layers (FIDA), Ursula Owusu, is a slut, whore and a prostitute, is getting out of gear as some female demonstrators would be stripping at the Osu Castle over the matter.

Rape Hits Ghana Base In South Africa

A Lady suspected to be one of the numerous soccer fans sponsored by Government to support the Black Stars at the ongoing 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa has allegedly been raped by five heavily built men at the Muzinda Residence, base of the Ghana fans in Pretoria, Daily Guide has gathered.

A Drink for Komfo Anokye

Things did not go as planned this weekend. I had anticipated an afternoon watching the Black Stars wallop a weakened Australian side and then proceed to the Imperial London Hotel in a celebratory mood for the grand dinner of former workers of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. As fate and Asamoah Gyan’s right foot would have it, my mood was not nearly as good as I had expected but that is an issue I intend to revisit later.

Rawlings Calls For Restoration of Justice from Kufuor

There is a saying that “those who live in glass houses don’t throw stones”
but if you live in a fortified mansion, protected by the full state armoury
and even if within a twinkle of an eye, your house gets burnt down without
any trace of the perpetrator and the state can give you a new house without
having to pay a pesewa, it is easy to say whatever you want say. More so, if
you live in a country where almost seventy five percent of the population
are cowards and are proud to disguise it as peace-loving and because of
that they are prepared to put up with any lies you preach to them, it is
always easier to talk as much as you like. Recently, Mr Rawlings said he
wanted justice from Kufuor before he would reconcile with him and that was
when the Asantehene invited them both to his 60th Birthday Service. The
question is why should it become former President Kufuor’s duty to seek
reconciliation with Mr Rawlings?

Rawlings V. Nana Darkwa Baafi Examined Under American Jurisprudence

On February 14, 2010, the residence of Ghana’s former President, Jerry John Rawlings, was gutted by fire. The source of the fire, according to his personal assistance, might be as a result of power fluctuation causing an ignition to some electrical gadgets that set the whole house ablaze. Mr. Rawlings was reportedly at Vume in the Volta Region, about 120 miles away from the capital, Accra, as part of a team on a project to deracinate aquatic weeds in the Volta River.

Floods wreak havoc in southern Ghana

Heavy rains in southern Ghana on Sunday wreaked havoc in the south of the country with several regions sending out distress messages to the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and the military for help.

Several reports from the Eastern, Central and Volta regions says large swathes of land are under water with a number of communities cut from the rest of the country.

Dr. Kwabena Adjei: Please Come Again!

I have listened to Dr Kwabena
Adjei, the chairman of the national
Democratic Congress pour his heart out on the seeming
intra-political
brawl in his party.
Not only am I stunned by his oversimplification of events, I lament over the
untenable rationalization of the politics of attrition going on in
both party and government and an attempt to gloss over the issues.

CEPS killing Ghana

After President Mills’ timely decision to discontinue with a nebulous contract between Government of Ghana and Bankswitch International Ltd, he also expanded the mandate of Ghana Community Network Services Ltd (GCNet) to deploy a valuation module in the Ghana Customs Management System (GCMS) starting from 1st June 2010

Minister's comments are morally offensive

I like the sideshow to the World Cup in South Africa – the dramatic press
conferences; the controversy over whether or not to ban the Vuvuzela and the war of
words between officials. Did you hear how Diego Maradona ripped to shreds Michel
Platini and Pele? You may be missing the fun if you didn’t.
Maradona is reported to have said that Pele should "go back to the museum" and
claimed that Platini, the UEFA president, thinks he "is better than all the rest".
Reports indicate that it was Pele who slated Maradona and accused the Argentine
coach of taking the coaching job because he needed the money.

CJA Mafia Attacks JJ

The unprincipled group, the Committee For Joint Action (CJA) is now an avenue for the de facto Prime Minister in the NDC government, Ato Ahwoi, and his side-kick, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, to launch blistering attacks on Former President JJ Rawlings. Having been exposed as greedy, selfish and hypocrites, the two have chosen to go underground and instead use some members of their CJA Mafia as well as fake historians as proxies to attack Mr. Rawlings and his wife.

Members of the CJA Mafia include Ato Ahwoi, Kwesi Pratt, Omane Boamah, Okudzeto Ablakwa and Kwasi Adu among others. The quack historian is one Colin Essamuah. Daily Postmonitoring reports say the only aim of the CJA Mafia is to smear and denigrate the Rawlingses in a desperate bid to maintain a strangled-hold on some vested interests they currently have in the Atta Mills administration.

NPP Should Not Elect An Asante - Pianim

"I did not support Nana Akufo-Addo in 2008 primaries. I Supported Yaw Osafo Maafo whom I considered to be the most competent of the ministers who served under President Kufuor.

I supported Dan Botwe whom I thought was the most honest among the ministers. But when the party selected Nana Akufo-Addo, we all rallied behind him as the choice of the party and."

The above quote is part of a six page incisive interview the Africawatch magazine had with a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Kwame Pianim. The interview with Mr. Pianim, a distinguished economist and investment consultant is published in the June, 2010 issue of the magazine and currently on sale.

Will Rawlings get the Sack from the NDC Party?

The Rawlingses are suffering a backlash of angry feeling from within their own lawless NDC extended family. The Rawlingses have pushed their luck over and above its elasticity point. There are now apparent cracks in their luck and it is about to snap and surely it will. Former President Rawlings who is indescribably arrogant and intimidating has overstepped the boundaries outside which he can no longer terrorize Ghanaians with impunity. His "One-man-thousand" brouhaha is grinding to a halt amid castigations and unsavoury insinuations from his NDC camp

Kufuor is more NDC than I am – Pianim

It has emerged that the relationship between former President John Agyekum Kufour and Kwame Pianim, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is not the best.

Mr. Pianim, under the Kufour presidency was appointed as the chairman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).

In an interview published in the current issue of the Africawatch magazine, Mr Pianim said ex- President Kufuor telephoned him about proposed increases in tariffs and more or less, accused him “of working for and being a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)”.

¢53 Billion Contract Awards At KMA

THE AWARD of contracts outside the knowledge of the general membership of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has sparked off a controversy between the Presiding Member of the House, Nana Kofi Senyah and the Head of the Metro Co-ordinating Directorate, Mr. Edward Gyem.

The controversy borders on the award of two particular contracts involving about ¢53 billion (GH¢500,300,000.00) among others.

I am not too old, I am still strong -Nana

THE 2008 presidential Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo has passionately appealed to delegates in Brong-Ahafo not to heed to the propaganda about his age that he is too old to be the Presidential Candidate of the party.

“I am not too old, still strong, send me again to fulfill your expectations, because not all persons are worthy messengers,” Nana pleaded with delegates. Speaking to delegates within Brong-Ahafo region on separate meetings, Nana Addo re-echoed that the issue of being too old has become an unfortunate weapon by opponents to thwart his ambition to lead the party to power in 2012, but it would not work, because the voice of the people is the voice of God.

Low productivity and high youth employment pushes Africa's poverty up

Nkroful (W/R), May 24, GNA- Mr. Francis Obeng Boampong, Acting Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), in the Ellembelle district, has observed that Africa's poverty has increased due to low level of productivity and the increase in youth unemployment. He said while some of the developed countries are striving to reduce poverty in their countries, some developing countries are still battling with the payment of heavy international debt.

NDC Foot Soldiers Opens Friendly Fire On Government

His Excellency, Vice President John Dramani Mahama was launching the Centre for Freedom and Accuracy, a non-governmental organization whose Executive Director is Mr. Andrews Awuni, a former press secretary of Ex-President Kufuor and he delivered a speech extempore to vehemently condemn the recent behavior of NDC foot soldiers for indulging in some acts that many described as a violent act that has the potential to dent the image of the party and government. wherever those NDC foot soldiers behaved that way, investigations should have been conducted there first – since there is no SMOKE without fire, because so many negative activities are happening in the Districts.

Rawlings: Ghana's Savior Or Villain?

No leader has ever led a people without having something in common with the people. Also, in order for true leadership to succeed, it needs to have the support of the majority of the people. When Rawlings took over the reins of power in Ghana, Ghana's bureaucracy was in utter shambles. The nation's bureaucracy was riddled with corruption, which undoubtedly was propelling the country towards the abyss. President Limman was, of course, cautioned to act or else. Regrettably, no action was taken to curb this ever increasing vice by his administration. An alternative course of action was, therefore, needed to be taken to save the country from going completely under. Undeniably, democracy is very important. Democracy, needless to say, only matters when it's meaningful to the people. It becomes totally irrelevant, I believe, when it fails the people. Because, then, it could be considered no longer of the people, by the people, and for the people. Thus, the reason for an alternative system of government to be in place, which would properly address the needs of the people.

GIA's $55m Own Goal

A dubious business plan, an otherwise profitable business opportunity, a corrupt and technically inept and bankrupt management, a dodgy financing package and a $55 million debt ridden Ghana International Airlines (GIA).

The Former Head of Maintenance and Engineering for Ghana International Airline (GIA), Mr. Len Hobbs has blown the whistle on the darkest secrets of GIA, giving the nation an inside view on why the airline was doomed before takeoff.

According to a four page document, written by Mr. Hobbs dated January 6, 2009, the US based Aviation Expert revealed that GIA was “guaranteed to fail by launching the company with a management team with extremely limited operational experience, dubious and questionable business and personal ethics, a business plan which was incoherent and incomplete”

What Do You Mean You Don't Want to Have Children?

There are many statements a woman should never utter out loud, even to her closest friends. For Ghanaian women (and I’m sure, other African women), there’s the following: “I don’t want to be a wife,” I don’t want to be a mother,” and “I don’t know how/want to cook!” Any of these utterances even among friends are bound to get you shunned, heavily judged, questioned and labeled by both men and women alike. And even as unacceptable as these statements are, some are more tolerable than others.

Nana Addo: Arrogance And The Culture Of Entitlement

If one sentence could describe Nana Akufo Addo, it will be arrogance and the perception of entitlement to be president. With the exception of President Kufour, who accepted the result of the 1996 elections, and turnout to be the most successful leader in the Dankwah/Busia tradition, the NPP has never accepted the legitimate will of Ghanaians. In 1992 when the party lost by over 20 points in the Presidential election, Nana Akufo Addo lead charge in writing The Stolen Verdict to delegitimize the Rawlings government even though the NPP knew from their heart of heart that there was no way they could win an election against a very popular incumbent head of state.

Naadu Mills: Stop Critizing My Husband

The First Lady, Ernestina Naadu Mills, says it hurts to see her husband, the President being criticized unjustifiably by the opposition party as well as within his party, the NDC. ‘‘Its hurts to see the president being criticized especially when whatever he does, is given the wrong interpretation. You see, sitting in the armchair is not the same as being the pilot and holding the steering wheel. It’s not the same. If you have been a president before, perhaps conditions were different during your time.

Re: Nana Akufo-Addo is insincere

I read with utter consternation the Press Release issued by the novice of a Propaganda Secretary, Richard Quarshiga, titled: “Nana Akufo-Addo is insincere”. My initial reaction was to consign the entire piece into the nearest garbage basket, for really that was the exact place it belonged. However, I was galvanized into taking this action by responding to some of the issues raised in the said release because I felt my stony silence will keep Ghanaians in the dark and give the likes of Richard Quarshiga and others who are precursors to the mindless manipulation of genuine facts and figures the opportunity to do what they know best – the act of deception. We should also not overlook the fact that “Evil thrives when Good People do nothing”

The NDC Government Overpaid 5 Ex-Ministers

Five ex-ministers in the Kufuor administration and the current Minority Leader in Parliament, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, have been ordered to refund a total of GH¢94,080 as overpayment made to them in their ex-gratia computation. The directive, which follows the Auditor-General's Report on the Verification of Payments of emoluments for ex-ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs), drew an angry reaction from the Minority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, when the Daily Graphic contacted him for a response.

Rashtriya Chemicals Said to Plan $1 Billion Urea Plant in Ghana

May 21 (Bloomberg) -- Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd., India’s biggest state-run urea maker, plans to invest $1 billion to set up a facility in Ghana, a government official with direct knowledge of the matter said.

The plant will have the capacity to produce 1 million metric tons of the soil nutrient, the official said in New Delhi, declining to be identified as the information isn’t public. Rashtriya Chemicals plans to secure fuel for the project from Ghana Oil Co., the official said.

Vodafone To Sack 1,300 Workers

UK telecommunication giants, Vodafone, which controversially took over Ghana Telecom, yesterday, took another shocking decision at an emergency meeting with regional managers of the company in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, to sack about 1,300 Ghanaian workers of the company, after it has failed to improve its services to the people.

The move will be a big blow to government’s efforts at reducing unemployment. It also comes on the heels of government announcing that it had created about 1.6 million jobs in the country.

I don’t have an e-mail address – NPP flag-bearer aspirant

Barely 24 hours after New Patriotic Party’s founding member and renowned economist, Kwame Pianim insinuated that some flag-bearer aspirants of the party were not modern and lacked ICT skills, plus some could not even access emails, one of them has owned up.

Kumasi-based Apostle John Kwame Koduah says he has no email account presently because his computer has broken down and that he is getting it fixed.

He told Citi FM “Unfortunately I don’t have one (e-mail address) now, my machine is has broken down and am getting it repaired now...At the moment I don’t have it.”

Malaysia to flood Nigeria with palm oil from Ghana

SUCCOUR has come the way of users of palm oil in Nigeria. Malaysia, the country, which took the oil palm seeds away from Nigeria several years ago, is planning to flood the market from its silos in Ghana.

Besides, some 5,000 metric tonnes of the commodity have arrived at the Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited in the Apapa Port Complex, Lagos.

It was learnt that the commodity was ferried to the terminal a few weeks ago.

The arrival of the MV Cavally vessel came on the heels of reports that Malaysia, the world’s second largest producer of palm oil, had concluded plans to build silos on Tema Beach, Ghana.

The battle for turf between mosquito coils

Menkish Impex Limited, importers and distributors of ‘Heaven’ mosquito coil, last month failed in a lawsuit against rival White Unicorn Trading Limited, distributors of ‘Supreme Black” mosquito coil, when the Commercial Division of the High Court, dismissed their action seeking to get the latter to withdraw ‘Supreme Black,’ claiming it was misrepresenting their brand and deceiving the public

US Embassy Makes U-Turn

The US Embassy in Accra whose refusal of visa to some senior government official sparked a national uproar have rescinded their decision to deny Mr. Atto Ahwoi Visa, Enquirer sources in government have revealed.

According to The Enquirer’s sources, The US Embassy contacted Mr. Ahwoi through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ask Mr. Ahwoi to pick up a new visa form for consideration but Mr. Ahwoi has refused saying, all the information he has is what he provided in his last application.

NDC is Broke yet Elitist Bloodsucking Mosquitoes are Thriving

“The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu

Nketia has stated that the ruling party is currently facing financial difficulties

Drug ring operating within GIA

The Head of Maintenance and Engineering of Ghana International Airline (GIA), Mr. Len Hobbs, has in a damaging document revealed that there was a drug ring operating within the airline, which enjoyed official protection of the management of the airline.

Mr. Hobbs, who is a respected aviation engineer, has said in an exclusive document in the possession of The Enquirer that there were staff of the airline who were working for a drug cartel and who enjoyed official protection from the GIA management.

Oil: Asoma Banda Warns Ghana

The Executive Chairman of Antrak Group, and member of the Council of State, Alhaji Asoma Abu Banda, has cautioned Ghanaians against allowing the production of oil to become the beginning of their problems, rather than a blessing.

NDC MP Busted Over $30,000 Gold Deal

The Member of Parliament for Sene in the Brong Ahafo Region, Felix Twumasi-Appiah, is in trouble, as he faces criminal charges for fraudulent practices with regard to a gold deal.

The loquacious MP has been charged for conspiracy to commit crime and defrauding by false pretences after allegedly taking $30,000 meant for a complainant, from the police. He is on a GH¢200,000 bail while his accomplice, Juan Carlos, a Spanish national, is being held at the CID headquarters.

Slave Trade Blame Game: Give Asante Empire Credit

I sympathize with the Prof. who was demeaned by the community where he lives because of the color of his skin. His anger of this maltreatment by the neighbors who did not recognize his academic credentials may have been a contributing factor for his anger to blme his ancestors and slave trade.

Blame game is not solution to Black African problem in USA or any part of the world. Let us enjoy the success of Black American climaxed by the victory through President Obama, the first Black President of USA.

Legalising “Galamsey” in Ghana

It is both ignoble and depressing to note that one cannot comment on any issue—economical or environmental—without stepping on political toes. But how can one dissuade himself from talking politics when politicians only mount on stage and blurt out promises in the most negligent manner? The spate and upsurge of illegal mining, known in Ghanaian parlance as “Galamsey” is both distasteful and monstrously immoral. And to learn that it became an electoral pledge during the frenzy of the 2008 elections only confirms that the only thing politicians cannot do is to change sexes of humankind! For, promising to allow galamseying in Ghana, a country already suffering from the obnoxious effects of this canker, is tantamount to promising orderliness in an already chaotic hell.

Poverty is a disease that needs remedy

It is often said that poverty is a disease that needed remedy but if one were not careful about what remedy should be applied one might be led into doing things unimaginable. Poverty might lead people into prostitution; teenage pregnancy; illiteracy; child labour and child-trafficking. From all indication these

A Critique by an Avid Reader

He is a hunted hunter, an often criticized critic. Though some of us have had a couple of rejoinders to our articles, Ato Kwamena Dadzie receives more than just rejoinders. On many (I nearly used several) occasions, he himself has become the subject of attack from people who think Ato oversteps his boundaries and has remained a restless torn in their flesh.

Netherlands investment group in Ghana

Global Country for World Peace, a Netherlands investment group, on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Mr. Mahama Ayariga, Deputy Minister of Trade and industry, in Accra.

The group was at the Ministry with officials of the Offinso North District Assembly and Offinso Traditional Council. The group that was introduced as the Assembly's investor friends, made its investment intention known to the Ministry. Mr. Raja Mariano, leader of the delegation, said the group had planned to undertake projects which would include the cultivation of 15,000 hectares of farmlands, in line with Ghana government's vision of modernizing agriculture through mechanized farming.

Government distributes 1,409 school uniforms in Eastern Region

Koforidua, April 29, GNA - Mr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Eastern Regional Minister, said that government's resolve to improve the standards of basic education, particularly in the rural areas, was not a political rhetoric. He said that government would deliver its campaign promise to realize the better Ghana agenda, which was aimed at reducing poverty and strengthening sectors of the economy such as education. Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo made the promise when he distributed 1,409 sets of uniforms for school children in Manya Krobo, Kwahu North and Akyemmansa Districts in fulfillment of government's free uniform policy for school children in deprived areas, in Koforidua.

Water shortage hits Koforidua Municipality

Koforidua, April 29, GNA - Some parts of the Koforidua Municipality have been without water for the past four weeks as residents carry gallons and other containers from one place to another in search of portable water. The most affected areas included Srodae, Betom and Zongo, where residents form long queues to get water from commercial water points or bole holes.

Asantehene Declares his Position on Kumawu Chieftaincy Dispute

The entirety of Kumawuman was thrown into a spontaneous hilarious celebration on the evening of Thursday, 22nd April 2010. It was the day that the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, finally took a bold positive decision on the ostensibly tortuous Kumawuman chieftaincy dispute brought before him immediately after the death of Barima Asumadu Sakyi II, the paramount chief of Kumawuman, in 2007. I am happy for Asantehene to have finally realised the importance of God’s predetermination to liberate the suffering Kumawuman citizens from the hopeless and wicked traditional administration overseen by the “supposed” Ankaase royals. The Asantehene after unnecessarily dilly-dallying, came to the final conclusion that the truth must be allowed to take its course without any further delay or obstruction as contrary hoped for by Kumawuhemaa and her Ankaase royals.

Re: Now Akufo-Addo and Osafo Maafo Call Ashanti’s “Criminals*”

On Monday, 26 April, 2010, an article with the above heading was posted on GhanaWeb and the author, one Mr. Kofi Amankwah (New York) sought to say that I, Yaw Osafo Maafo, had said to delegates in the Agona East constituency that “the persecution of the NPP Ashanti elites is not Akyem peoples business or their concern. The Ashanti’s have their own problems that they have to deal with themselves.”

TOR Grinds To A Halt

Disturbing signals reaching DAILY GUIDE from the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) indicate that the nation’s only refinery could be heading for a total collapse if some urgent and pragmatic decisions are not taken.

DAILY GUIDE is reliably informed that following the imminent collapse, workers are poised to express their displeasure with government’s poor handling of the place over the years.

We shall move into the Jubilee House - Vice President

Vice President John Dramani Mahama has given the assurance that both he and the President would move into the Jubilee House as soon as arrangements were complete.

The media should unite the country-Prof. Karikari

Tamale, April 26, GNA - Professor Kwame Karikari, Executive Director, Media Foundation for West Africa, has appealed to the media to reposition itself and focus on issues of national unity and development. He said the media had the power to either construct or destroy but argued that it should pursue national cohesion through news packaging and dissemination so as to help solve the numerous conflicts in the country. Professor Karikari was addressing a Media Development Forum in Tamale at the weekend which was attended by managers of radio stations from the Upper East, Upper West and Northern Regions on the theme: "The responsibility of the broadcaster in promoting free speech in a democracy." The forum which was under the auspices of the foundation's Ghana Media Standards Improvement Project (GMSIP), was funded by the Royal Danish Embassy in Accra.

B333333: Bleating Thievery Elites Have Gone the Way of GOATS

The Volta Regional Minister, Joseph Amenowode, has stated that he does not take

money or kickbacks from contractors... Mr. Amenowode however said that he will not

hesitate to take goats if they bring them to him. “I always reject envelopes from

people but if you bring me a goat, I will accept them, adding, “Will you have

rejected them if you were in my shoes?”

NPP: Now Akufo Addo And Osafo Maafo Calls Ashanti’s “Criminals”

The essence of Akufo Addo and his Akyem gang’s hatred for the Ashanti’s since 1979 has openly been aired in the Central Region. When this useless Knucklehead 70 –year-old man Akufo Addo starts his latest campaign on Thursday April 22, 2010 in the Central Region, we know that this hatred will be evident again when he begin his tour at Agona East and through the Agona west Constituencies, we’ll know expect more of the same.

Airlines assure passengers of flights

Accra, April 26, GNA - Airlines at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) which were affected by the recent closure of the air-space over Europe, have assured and offered to fly all passengers who were grounded to their various destinations.

"The situation is due to circumstances which were beyond any one's control. From the look of things, I believe all waiting passengers would have joined their various flights within a few days ", an airline official told the Ghana News Agency.

$520m for electricity in 2,200 communities

The government has secured a $520 million loan facility to expedite the extension of electricity to 2,200 communities across the country.

The Exim Bank of the US granted the nation a $350 million loan, while the government contracted $170 million from the China Exim Bank.

Kufuor Insults Rawlings

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, has said in an exclusive interview that Former President Rawlings is quick at mounting the rooftops to proclaim that people are corrupt as if “he is a living saint” adding that, “a lot of the time he sounds hypocritical”

“I don’t think serious people should use him (Rawlings) as a measure of righteousness in our society” he stated.

Mr. Kufuor who withdrew Former President Rawlings’ courtesies for what he considered offensive comments in the international press, was ironically blasting his predecessor in an international magazine - Africa Watch Magazine.

Mpiani & Wereko-Brobby to refund $360,000

Former Chief of Staff and Minister for Presidential Affairs, Mr. Kwadwo Okyere Mpiani, who was the Chairman of the National Planning Committee (NPC) of the Ghana@50 celebrations and his brother-in law, Dr. Charles Wereko-Brobby, Chief Executive Officer of the defunct Ghana@50 Secretariat, and Mr. Sandy Osei Agyemang, Managing Director of United Africa Management Limited (UAML), are to refund an amount of $360,000 (C5.1Billion) in connection with the rental of Largus Forte Hotel during the Ghana @50 celebrations.

President Mills Or President Foot Soldiers? What A Mess.

President Mills is a fine gentleman with the academic credentials to match any President we might have had, maybe except Dr Busiah of blessed memory but his sixteen momths at the Presidency has been disastrious. So far he has not shown any leadership ability and because of that, his Ministers are operating with their own personal policies and agendas. President Mills is a leader who can't make hard decisions because he has this character of wanting to be loved by everybody and this is the reason why he initially was forming committees to come up with solutions that any leader could have made within a matter of hours. He is not carved from any leadership cloth and his years as a Vice-President should have given Ghanaians a clue that, this man is not a leader but a good man.

Is The NPP Warning President Mills To Stop Chasing Them?

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has warned the ruling NDC government and the Attorney-General Madam Betty Mould Iddirisu to desist from what it termed the political persecution of its former ministers of state who have been put before the Fast Track High Court set up during Ex-president Kufuor’s administration to jail all leading members of the NDC as well as former NDC ministers from 2001-2008 with the former first lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings spending the whole eight years going to and from the Fast Track High Court in Accra.

Some Politicians with mental health disorders!

In NPP it has become a fashion, as in many case, for their politicians to turn a blind eyes to modern civilization and looted the country at a rate faster than the flash of detonated warhead because they needed the funds to support their greedy criminal gangs, cult and narcissistic lives. While others do it in order to reward their nearest and dearest or to maintain a lavish lifestyle when their political lives are over. In truth, these crooks have a single and exclusive role to get access to the public purse, and the intoxicating wielding of power. These rogues and robber barons have always doubled as entrepreneurs.

Time to Abolish the BECE

some 351,000 junior high school students herded into examination halls across the country to begin the grueling annual ritual of taking the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Many were those who wished them well, but if we knew the predetermined fate of nearly half of these students, we would weep for them instead and ask very hard questions of ourselves as a nation and of course about our educational system. You see, the BECE is structured in such a way that no matter how hard these students studied, no matter how much their parents paid for extra classes, and no matter who wishes them “good luck”, as has become the tradition every year, about 40% of them are programmed to fail. Period.

President Atta-Mills, So Far You’ve Earned My Thumps Up!

That Ghana is moving backwards, slowly but surely? Really, Mr. Akuffo Addo? I don’t buy this! A world record deficit of 20%, reckless spending on unnecessary buildings and celebrations, two years of unpaid salary to railway workers, nurses and teachers, over 1 billion debt owed to contractors, a record debt at TOR, selling of Ghana Telecom at cheaper price to Vodafone, to name but a few, and yet those same politicians who caused these mess and pain have the audacity to come out and tell Ghanaians that the country is moving backwards, slowly but surely? It is only blind followers of these unpatriotic Ghanaians who will believe in this sermon.

Reality Zone: Lice picking provides jobs in affluent America

I have been away from our motherland for some weeks now. Homesick every now and then, the only way I have kept up with what is going on back home is to stay glued to the internet.

Flicking through one newspaper on line to another and also tuning in to live radio discussions,as well as GTV prime time news, I get to be on top of issues and feel closer to home. Even though the feeling may not be 100 per cent, they fill me in somehow.

Come to think of it, we have indeed moved very far with modern technology, haven’t we? Now from afar, one can watch Akushika reading the news on GTV and Justice Mingle reporting live from a location.

Right To Be Heard; Political Party Foot Soldiers

They are the forgotten lots or loads of political Parties. Many a government gets elected into office without ridding on the backs of these foot soldiers. They were unheard of, but in recent times, their presence has been felt in a rude awakening of seizures, demonstrations and locking out of some government workers.

Inspite of haven being ignored or forgotten by their parties when they assume the reigns of power the behaviour of political party foot soldiers will never right the wrongs of issuing threat of death. This on the part of the foot soldiers should be made to thumple down under the words of condemnation. All well meaning Ghanaians should abhor and frown upon such attitudes with a smack on the face.

Feature

Getting it wrong in opposition; The NPP’s Infantile Trickeries.Nothing in the entire world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity” Matin Luther King

Anybody who’s been in this country since January 2009 has heard the gripe and prangs of the opposition New Patriotic Party. The NPP in opposition is becoming irrelevant to national discourse due to their deliberate distortions of issues and undue politicization of governance.

Personal attacks are all the rage these days in politics. It’s as though anyone coming upon a policy with which he or she disagrees is constitutionally incapable of criticizing the policy without also proclaiming the advocate of the policy is not simply ill-advised, but the lowest form of animal life.

Atta Mills Aka watta Mess aka Dr. Ecomini is a disaster

Dr. Ecomini has failed in all aspects of governance. Right now, the only people egging him on are die hard party men who would support him even if he slapped their mothers! When he was coming to power he promised to solve the water problem but, half way through his governing term, he has done nothing…. He promised to be president of all Ghanaians but, has only been the president of radical hardcore NDC men. The electricity problem you may ask? Chale, it is WORSE! Sanitation? Berima, we are living in more filth than ever before! The Ecomini? The less said the better! I know some radical NDC man is reading this is saying that he is not half way through his term but, consider that most parties do not govern during the last few months and, spend part of that time running for re-election. Thus, “Watta Mess” is really heading closer to half than many NDC members realize.

Can Our Journalist Uphold The Truth?

The issue of ethical decision is one subject that has dogged societies both past and present—from the Ancient Greeks to the postmodern thinkers—and the myriad of professions there are today—from Archeology to Zoology. The practices of journalism and communication are, thus, not insulated from some of the ethical questions that confront all other professions. Consequently, the issue of truth is very central to the practice of journalism. Truth is so fundamental to the practice of journalism to the extent that all other essential considerations—for example, reliability, accuracy, independence, equity, tenacity, and fairness, among others—are cumulatively and intricately linked with it or revolve around this central tenet.

Tullow Says Kosmos to Stay in Ghana Until Production Starts

April 22 (Bloomberg) -- Tullow Oil Plc said Kosmos Energy LLC will remain involved in Ghana’s Jubilee oilfield project until at least the first crude is produced later this year.

The planned sale of Kosmos’s Ghanaian assets, including a stake in the offshore Jubilee field, to Exxon Mobil Corp. has “stalled,” Tullow’s Vice President for Africa Tim O’Hanlon said today in an interview in Paris. The failure to complete the sale hasn’t delayed the development of Jubilee, he said. Kosmos Chief Financial Officer Greg Dunlevy declined to comment.

Kennedy Agyepong to run for President

New Patriotic Party hot head and firebrand, Hon. Kennedy Agyepong has announced today that he is nurturing presidential ambitions. Speaking to Moro Awudu on Citi FM's morning show, the Assin North MP revealed that he is only 50 years and "knows what time it is" so he will be the best president for Ghana. Hon Agyepong would not state specifically when he will run but he was full of confidence that when he does run, he will win.

Dwarf Islands in Afram Plains District to see the first roads.

Dwarf Islands within the Afram Plains District in the Eastern Region are to be connected to the rest of the country through the construction of Forty (40) Kilometres of feeder roads. The area known for its vast fertile lands and the highest concentration of cattle is expected to be opened up for further Agricultural development. The Dwarf Islands which has virtually been cut off from the rest of the Afram Plains is expected to see the first vehicles in the next 12 months.

Kufuor is Angry

Former President Agyekum Kufuor, is boiling with anger over the findings of the Ghana @50 Commission of Enquiry and the trial of two of his closest allies, Dr. Wereko Brobby and Kwadwo Mpiani.

According to the President, all the government is trying to achieve is to try and get at him by persecuting innocent people .

“They can come for me directly, why should they go around and persecute innocent people just to get at Kufuor. If they think Kufuor stole something or did something against the constitution of Ghana, let them come for Kufuor straightaway and stop persecuting people who only tried to serve their country” He said.

Trotro Rumors: Mills RETREAT to Cement His Two-“Tribes” Policy

President Mills and his Cabinet ministers riding in a Castle staff bus to the Kofi
Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre for the retreat. A two-day Cabinet
retreat designed to take stock of the government’s ‘Better Ghana’ agenda has
opened in Accra.

Secrecy in the “Model” of Transparency in Ghana’s Extractive Industry

"The government needs to take strong action to combat the corruption and secrecy that undermine Angolans' rights" - Arvind Ganesan, Director of the Business and Human Rights Program at Human Rights Watch.

It is a total digression from reality to assume that natural resource abundance is a distinctive advantage in the process of economic growth and development. It is a fact that resource rich countries in the African region especially have nothing special to boast of in terms of development of which Ghana is no exception. Again, it is not far from right to say that the documented phenomenon in literature -the “resource curse”- continues to assume scary dimensions in oil-producing economies. Countries including Gabon, Nigeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, come in to fit in the awful pronouncements of the “Paradox of Plenty”.

Atta Mills 1.6 Million Jobs, Qualification And Where To Apply

"At the just-ended Cabinet retreat at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre, the President, Prof. J. E.A. Mills emphasised that the priority of his administration was to ensure that the economy expanded for more jobs to be created for Ghanaians, especially the youth."

President Mills, don't worry about creating jobs for the youth, you've already created enough jobs, 1.6 million of them. These jobs can be had without filling a long application with strigent qualification. All you need is to be an NDC member with names difficult to pronounce. First names like Prosper, Edem and Wisdom are an advantage. These jobs are:

World Bank vindicates NDC, We told you NPP was Reckless

The NDC government now stands vindicated for telling Ghanaians that the nation’s economy at end- 2008 was broke. This was confirmed by the World Bank Country Director, Mr. Ishak Diwan, in an interview with a Ghanaian radio station. Mr Diwan said, “ex- President Kuffour’s led government were irresponsible and reckless in their management of Ghana’s economy”. His comments have ruffled some few feathers within the NPP camp. I know the NPP are intolerant to criticisms. But for these comments to come out at a time when the NPP are seriously looking for the next kangaroo dancer, do not do them any justice. No wonder the knives are out for Mr Diwan’s scalp, for daring to say the truth.

Apor for B.E.C.E. Candidates!

The 2010 batch of candidates writing the Basic Education Certificate Examination is the first to sit the examination under the 2007 Education Reform and the junior high school system. The junior Secondary School concept replaced the middle school system following the 1987 Education Reform. The 2007 Education Reform which implemented recommendations of the Anamuah Mensah Committee on Education changed the name from junior secondary school to junior high school.

NPP: Who Is This Nyaho Tamakloe?

It’s not too soon to conclude that the latest uptick cynicism from Nyaho Tamakloe’s and Gabby Okyere Darko’s political activities represents a serious threat to NPP victory in the 2012 general elections. If anybody wanted to know where cynicism is, cynicism is Nyaho Tamakloe and Gabby Okyere Darko are. They are behind all the negative text messages about Alan Kwadwo Kyeremateng in the media to discredit him for their 70-year-old man Akufo Addo’s political interest. This idiot mafia criminal Gabby Okyere Darko will hear from me soon in my next article including that yellow journalist Kwasi Pratt Jr.

Raymond Archer!.... The Face Of A Lying Coward!

Since Monday, when we published that he had claimed on a radio program that former President Rawlings and his wife had been paid five million dollars by the Atta Mills administration to complete their cocoa factory, Mr. Raymond Archer, the Editor in Chief of the Enquirer newspaper, has been going all out to accuse this newspaper and its editor, Mr. Kenneth Kuranchie, of peddling falsehood.

Mr. Archer has denied flat out ever saying that the Rawlingses had been given five million dollars by the Atta Mills administration!

Vodafone turned one year in Ghana on 16 April

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I’d like to thank you very much for making time to come here as we officially announce the first anniversary of the Vodafone brand in Ghana. For our customers I say, “it’s your time”, this celebration is for them.

I’m sure you are all aware that Vodafone turned one year in Ghana last Friday 16 April. It’s a great moment for us at Vodafone and we want to share this moment with you, our friends in the media.

I will curse Anas to death – CEPS official

He stirred the honest’s nest with his expose of security officials who were captured on video allegedly taking bribe to aid cocoa smuggling along the Western Boarders of the country.

Danger now looms at the ace investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, following threats from some CEPS and other unknown persons whose activities may have been jeopardized by the secret filming.

One of the CEPS officials, now standing trial for complicity in the alleged cocoa smuggling was last week on Metro TV reiterating his intention to curse the people who brought him money ostensibly to “test” him.

“If he had come to test me, then, I will curse him to die,” the CEPS official threatened The New Crusading Guide investigative team which was led by Anas.

Stop the “Money Bag Politics”

…NPP presidential aspirant warns

Ahead of what is turning out to be another heated flagbearership race for the opposition NPP, one of the first persons to declare interest in becoming president says the contest is becoming too expensive to run.

Heart surgeon of international repute, Prof. Kwame Frimpong-Boateng fears if what he calls “moneycracy” in Ghanaian politics is not checked and dealt with, it would deter noble people from going into politics.

Such heated flagbearership contests like the one witnessed in the NPP in the 2008 Presidential and Parliamentary contests bring about what has become known as “Moneycracy or Vote buying syndrome,” in the politics of this country where delegates of political parties are given money before they meet political office seekers to listen to their campaign messages.

Minister Halts Â¢17b Contract

Mr. Paul Evan Aidoo, Western Regional Minister EVEN before the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) could launch a full scale investigation into the questionable circumstance under which a 17billion cedi contract was awarded by the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly (TNMA) to a private company without following due process, the Western regional Tender Committee (WRTC) has quickly moved in to suspend the contract. The WRTC, which is chaired by the regional Minister, Hon. Paul Evans Aidoo, suspended the contract when official report was made to the Regional Tender Committee. A source close to the regional Tender committee confirmed the suspension of the contract.

BOG May Cut Lending Rate as Inflation Slows

Ghana’s central bank will probably reduce its benchmark interest rate tomorrow, the third cut since November, after the inflation rate fell to the lowest in more than two years.

The key lending rate will be lowered to 15 percent from 16 percent, according to three of six economists surveyed by Bloomberg, while one forecast a 2 percentage-point cut and another a 0.5 to 1-point reduction. One analyst expected rates to be left unchanged. The decision will be announced in the capital, Accra, soon after 11 a.m.

Ghanaian electoral chairman arrives in Somalia

HARGEISA — The chairman of Electoral Commission of Ghana, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-gyan, has arrived in Somaliland on Sunday for a five day trip.

Dr. Kwadwo was received by Somaliland’s National Electoral Commission’s chairman, Mr. Isse Hamari in the Somaliland port town of Berbera.

Asantehene Not Above Reproach but Above Insults!

“A Ghanaian journalist and blogger is at the center of a major furore over an article he wrote which has been deemed disrespectful towards the King of Ashanti.

“His critics claim that the king is above reproach but the journalist insists he is only pointing out a wrong.

“In many African countries respect for authority, either based on age or status is a key value and starts from the home to, in some instances how the country is run.

The Brong-Ashanti Divide (Part 2)

The Colonial Government following the Indirect Rule helped the Asantehene to hold these villages and thus on 6th of February, 1948 Nana Akumfi Ameyaw III wrote to the secretary of the Ashanti Confederacy Council that he was unable to comply with the summons to attend the next meeting in Kumasi. The state elders, chiefs and sub- chiefs including three of the chiefs (Tanoso, Tuobodom and Offuman) from the nine villages forbade him to do so.

Volta’s lost voice in the Atta Mills Presidency: An Hon. MP’s cry.

The Volta region is well reputed for its massive support for the ruling NDC; to the extent that it has come to be known and respected as the “NDC world bank”. The term implies that it is a region of huge vote reserves for the NDC party anytime there are elections. Indeed historically, this term “world bank” came to light after year 1996, when the region produced tremendous votes in that election and indeed ever since sustained the extra-broad margins in general elections against other parties every four years.

Alan K Wait & Lie in the Slave Castle: Rejoinder

In the Ghanaweb article dated Saturday 3rd April 2010, titled “Alan K wait & lie in the slave castle’” are assertions from a so- called elementary PhD holder Akudu Ntiriwa Mensema who does not possess any common sense does not know what he is talking about. This impudent, who is also this 70 -year -old man Akufo Addo’s supporter, has the audacity to call Alan Kwadwo Kyeremateng a liar. My answer to your lack of knowledge and your stupid lies on Alan in which you and your Akyem mafia criminal organization has started is this.

Ghanaian in Brazil: Restless in Rio

Ghana’s Vice-President John Mahama is visiting Brazil, one of the countries closest to Africa in many ways, especially geographically and historically. What should he expect? What should Ghanaian’s expect from his trip? Well, I have just (last week) returned from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I hope Mr. Mahama gets to speak with the two youngish Ghanaian brothers I saw hustling and selling on one of the prominent streets of Rio. I had a nice two-week working trip. But I was restless in Rio. Now, I am praying – even hoping – that the same restlessness afflicts the honourable Vice-President of Ghana, as he visits Brazil.

The politics of retrogression

Many a times I struggle to come to terms with the direction of politicking in our beloved Country. What is going on in the country at present will never help the country in turning her fortunes around. We have politicians who know nothing and understand no language than the one of vindictiveness and the settling of scores. And if you have a president, who is not a leader; who just endorses and accepts anything push down on his throat, then the future of the country looks bleak and grim

The Sad Story of a Ghanaian Lady

She smiled as she walked on this pavement of broken dreams

Nobody suspected the longing in heart for home

Nor the truth welled up in her deep brown eyes

She recalls the speed of the flight which landed her here

Here where the sun doesn't shine daily

Here where her beautiful dark skin tone pales in winter

Service providers blamed for near collapse of NHIS

Kumasi, April 9, GNA - Greed, selfishness and unpatriotic conduct of some health care providers, had been identified as the underlying factors for the current financial challenges faced by the National Health Insuran= ce Scheme (NHIS).

30 Million Euros Vanishes Into Thin Air

Authoritative report reaching The Chronicle indicates that the National Identification Authority (NIA) is bleeding financially, due to the missing 30million Euros donated to the outfit by the French government.

According to the information, the money, which was part of the French government’s support towards the NIA process, could not be traced by the management, headed by Dr. William Ahiadzi

Is Ghana ready for a female president

After 53years of independence i like to ask this question which brings about a lot of passion during discussion"IS GHANA READY FOR A FEMALE PRESIDENT?".To some yes yet still to others no.First one would ask which woman or women are capable of leading us.I must say that i support the idea of a female leader because i believe that if we have a woman president,she would think about the well being of the people first before herself.Just look at how are mothers are caring

Hot Mini Skirt At Kwahu Easter

‘HOT’ Miniskirts and skimpy dresses could not be wished away at this year’s Kwahu Easter celebrations as young ladies and even older women paraded the streets of Mpraeso and Obomeng in miniskirts and shorts during the Kwahu Easter festivities.

Before the celebration, a stern warning had been issued by the vice chairman of the Kwahu Development Association (KDA), Kwadwo Oduro Kwarteng, for visitors and citizens of the area to dress properly and not involve themselves in any social vices like prostitution and stealing. But the warning fell on deaf ears.

Alan: The Loose Cannon

“Is it because he has been a member of the Young Executives for a long time? Or because he has been a Minister before, or is it because he had 700 votes? Would the delegates who voted for him follow him?”- Egbert Faibille on Joy Fm’s news file on 26 April 2008.

“I think Alan Kyeremanteng is bluffing the party. The party should not tolerate such bluff”- the late Mr. Da Rocha

President Mills on a Sacred Mission

In a tirade attacking the Customs and Excise Unit, President Evans Atta Mills has cautioned that he will not give up the sacred mission conferred on him by Ghanaians to build a better Ghana and he will get there surely but slowly. Information Minister John Tia debunked recent speculation that the President is not well and cannot travel anywhere.

Such reports are baseless, “The President has been moving across the country. The President thinks that he should do more at home and that is why he is concentrating here. His vice is equally competent and therefore he has confidence in him and can send him anywhere. Who can say that the President is unwell? He is performing his duties, he is all over the country and how can somebody just get up and say that?” Mr Tia said.

Minister expresses disappointment at NDC youth

Tamale, April 8, GNA - Mr. San Nasamu Asabigi, Deputy Northern Regional Minister has expressed disappointment at a session of the youth of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their constant castigation of the government, which he observed undermines performance. He said since he took office as minister there was no day he did not hear complains about acts likely to undermine peace and security from the youth.

Statement by New Patriotic Party

The New Patriotic Party is firmly committed to the Rule of Law and the pursuit of justice. It is our firm belief that if any officer of the party or the government which was formed by it involves or involved himself in any impropriety, that person must not be protected or shielded from facing justice. However, events leading to the investigations and the initiation of prosecution against certain frontline personalities of the party give cause for concern.

It would be recalled that a little over three years ago, the former President of Ghana, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings openly and brazenly called upon the then Kufuor Administration to expand the facilities at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison to accommodate the Ministers and other officials of that Administration who would be thrown into prisons on the assumption of power by the National Democratic Congress of which he is the Founder. The Ex-President persistently and true to his character described, labeled and branded the former Ministers and some key officials of the Kufuor Administration as “murderers”, “thieves” and “corrupt”. He repeatedly made such pronouncements at practically every available local or international forum that he found himself at.

PYF on NDC

We members of the Patriotic Youth Front,wish to express our anger and dismay to the increasing act of vandalism and impunity, of the irate NDC youth across the country,and also the 1.6 million job pseudo been championed by the deputy Minister of Information,Hon Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa.

It is widely known,unemployed youth of the ruling NDC party,since last year, have taken the laws into their own hands by issuing threats to public officials, closing down public offices,lorry station,places of convenience and also pursuing all acts of terrorism, in demand for jobs.

NADMO Alerts Of Swine Flu Pandemic

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Ghana Health Service, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health have warned of a threat of possible outbreak of Influenza H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Ghana.

A statement signed by the NADMO Coordinator, Kofi Portuphy, said the threat was heightened by the recent sporadic outbreaks of the disease in a number of schools in some regions leading to their closure.

Waving of handkerchiefs at church could spread H1N1 Flu

Cape Coast, April 8, GNA - Dr. Joseph Nuertey, Cape Coast Metropolitan Director of Health Services has appealed to the public to take practical steps to curtail the spread of the H1N1 influenza, such as covering one's mouth while sneezing or coughing.

He said the influenza, which was a communicable disease could also be prevented if people adhere to basic hygienic practices such as washing of hands with soap and not waving handkerchiefs in public places including the churches.

2.5m Internet Users In Ghana

THERE has been significant improvement in the communication sector with growth being registered in key areas. Statistics collated this year reveal that, total phone subscriptions went up from 11,570,430 in 2008 to `15,318,225 while internet users climbed from as low as 45,000 last year to 2,500,000 this year.

District APRM meets development partners

Accra, April 6, GNA - District Oversight Committees (DOCs) of the Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) have met development partners to deliberate on the Role of District Oversight Committees in Popular Participation and Decentralization.

A statement from the National APRM Office in Accra named the districts as Mfantsiman in the Central Region and Shama in the Western Region. It said the interaction with German Technical Co-operation (GTZ) and KFW, German Development Bank, sought to discuss the diverse and non-political nature of their membership.

Over 100 participate in Paragliding festival

Atibie (E/R), April 6, GNA - More than 100 foreign tourists and Ghanaians participated in this year's four-day fifth annual paragliding festival, which ended on Monday.

In all, 14 pilots from South Africa; United States of America (USA); Norway; France; Germany and Benin flew the foreign tourists and some Ghanaians from the take-off point on the Odwenanoma Mountains and landed at the Nkawkaw Park.

Serial killings resurface in Suhum

Suhum(E/R), April 6, GNA - An 18-year-old third year Science Student of the Suhum Senior High School (SHS), William Owardie, was found lying dead in a pool of blood behind the Suhum Local Authority school building at the week-end

Pastor appeals to Africans to explore their talents

Accra, April 6, GNA - The Rev Edward Randolph-Koranteng, the President of the Men of Vision and Evangelism (MOVE), has called on Africans to explore their God given talents to end the scourge of poverty and unemployment instead of seeking "manna from heaven". "We have potentials and good things bestowed on us by God that need to be utilize for the benefit of all. For us to be able to unearth these good potential there is the need for us to be creative thinkers, explore the available opportunities, combine faith with work since the two go hand in hand," he said.

Brain Drain Hits Ghana Armed Forces

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is facing a brain drain crisis as many of its fine officers are leaving because they find the Armed Forces unattractive, says Brigadier-General Joseph Nunoo Mensah, National Security Adviser.

He said over the past few years, GAF had lost a number of officers who found no future in the Armed Forces. Brig. General Nunoo Mensah who was speaking at the launch of the golden jubilee anniversary of Ghana Military Academy in Accra on Saturday said there was the need to examine this phenomenon and find solution in order to sustain the military institution.

The Job-Creating Machine Called The Real Estate Industry In Ghana

I have justreturned to Ghana, after 25 years sojourn in the United States, and what
I seemakes me extremely happy for our beloved country! Despite all the buzz aboutoil
in our country lately, I am rather going to focus this article on the oneindustry
that is quietly creating a lot of economic expansion in Ghana and,therefore, lots of
jobs around here – the real estate industry! I intend to simplifythis article as
much as possible and state the facts in real terms for readersto relate to.

Give Discerning Ghanaians A Break Mister “Phantom Patriot”!

Enough is enough! Yes of course, I and many others were amongst your admirers, but needless to say, most of us have come to our senses! Why should I continue to stay at the corner of someone who bamboozled onto the scene under the pretext of eliminating the widespread sleaze and corruption, suffice it to say, he did not even get rid of malfeasances in his own erratic administration, let alone the entire nation! I’m really sorry to admit this, but with all honesty, “Messiah Rawlings” is a “phantom patriot”!

Anatomy of Failure in Ghana

It has more work to do. Apart from its 100-day promise which hit a snag, failed promises and misuse of power are gaining currency, though some of these lapses do not have the government’s backing, but if not checked, they would gradually become an indelible feature in our body politic, while the people’s desire for a better life is suppressed by frustrated elements that support the government.

Can We Make It A Better Ghana?

PRESIDENT MILLS: YES WE CAN! The Ghanaian people are peaceful and happy people. Although a large mass of the Ghanaian families are living and suffering from deprivation of economic necessities, they succeed at the end of the day with something pleasing. Outside the big cities in Ghana, most of the people are completely out of Millennium. Often there is no electricity. The day begins with the appearance of the Sun and leaves no shelter for most people. Most of the rural population is unemployed. A lot of them are self employed, trying to sell something to earn their living.

Wayongo Philosophy and the Question of National Decency

Among the Akan of southern and central Ghana, there is a maxim which loosely translates as follows: “Under almost any circumstance, death must be preferred over humiliation.” For the Akan, therefore, it can hardly be gainsaid that the salient gauge of a civilized society, perforce, includes the level and extent to which the tenets of human dignity and human rights, in general, are both observed and enforced by the statal apparatus. And it is also not for naught that the Akan are fond of saying that:

Ghana Under President Mills: So, What Has Changed?

Well-meaning Ghanaians continue to complain about the inability of the Mills-led NDC government to enunciate and implement policies that will ensure a positive turn-around in national affairs. Genuine concerns have also been expressed that the government doesn’t appear to be doing anything concrete to justify the rejection of the NPP by the electorate. Can President Mills’s government make the difference?

Chief Justice tasks the Judiciary to soar above reproach

Accra, April 6, GNA - The Chief Justice, Mrs Justice Georgina Theodora Wood has tasked members of the Judiciary, to appreciate the immense powers entrusted in them by the State and discharge their duties as expected of them.

She said the global acclamation of Ghana's track record in sustaining democratic governance and the painstaking efforts and sacrifice from Ghanaians to make that possible was not likely without the legal profession. "Ghanaian history and case law is replete with diverse contribution by judges in the attempt to ensure that the law is effectively employed to safe guard the rights of the people," she said.

Rawlings: Who Born Youths on Rampage against Mills

“Former President and founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flt Lt
Jerry John Rawlings has called on the youth of the party not to allow their sense of
what is right to go waste” (Myjoyonline March 26, 2010).

Ghana’s Public Indiscipline and Violence

The human selection process for political office was supposed to help elect representatives to serve our communities and nation in a democracy. However, for the people of Ghana since independence, as for most African countries, the competition has been one of a struggle for power. What is this power for?

NASPA elects national executive

Kumasi, April 6, GNA - Mr Gabriel Osei was elected President of the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) at delegates congress in Kumasi. Other officers elected included Miss Vera Amenorpe, Secretary, Richard Offei, Financial Secretary, and Issahaku Alhassan, Organising Secretary. Mr Vincent Senam Kuagbenu, Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), counselled the new executive to be united, transparent and accountable in all their activities.

Security forces in Bawku abate blood shed

Bolgatanga, April 6, GNA - The swift intervention of the security agencies in Bawku on Monday prevented a clash between some feuding young men in the Municipality that led to the partial destruction of a bus driven by one Mohammed Yushawu.

Ghanaians must not expect manner to fall -Rev. Koranteng

Accra, April, 6 GNA - Reverend Edward Randolph-Koranteng, President of the Men of Vision and Evangelism (MOVE) has called on Ghanaians to explore their God- given talents to end the scourge of poverty and unemployment instead of seeking "manner from heaven".

"We have potentials and good things bestowed on us by God, which needs to be utilize for the benefit of all. For us to be able to unearth these good potential there is the need for us to be creative thinkers, explore the available opportunities, combine faith with work since the two go hand in hand," he stressed. Rev. Randolph-Koranteng, made the call at this year's annual MOVE conference in Accra. MOVE is a subsidiary organisation under the Harvest International Ministry.

Consumption of dog heads affecting rabies research

Bolgatanga, April 5, GNA - The increase in consumption of dog heads in the Bongo District is said to be hampering research efforts into rabies cases reported at the district hospital in the area.

Dogs suspected to carry rabies popularly known as "mad dogs" among the people, are killed and eaten including the heads that are usually that part that is used to examine the presence of rabies.

The consumption of the dog meat has gone up in recent times in the district with residents now desiring for it during their leisure times. Dog meat is usually not used in preparing meals at home because of the belief that not everyone takes the meat.

Kosmos Energy Apologizes to the Ghanaian government: So what?

BKosmos Energy Apologizes to the Ghanaian government: So what?
In the last few weeks, I have noticed an upsurge in Ghanaian news reports about the discussions between the Ghanaian government and Kosmos Energy. About a week ago, the Ghanaian media reported that Kosmos had apologized to the Ghanaian government. The reason for the apology is unclear as neither Kosmos nor the Ghanaian government has disclosed why or for what Kosmos apologized. While it would be useful to know what Kosmos apologized for, I believe a more important inquiry is: what are the government’s plans for the revenue generated from the oil?

Tano-Subin: The Brong-Ashanti Divide

From time immemorial, the Tano-Subin issue has been a torn in the flesh of the people of Brong Ahafo Region and well meaning Ghanaians. Historical facts have been distorted and doctored by those who have vested interest in the issue to score cheap points and tensions continue to pile up as the years roll by. Generations after generations have been at a lost as to when the matter will come to an end for peace to prevail. That is why we have found it expedient to publish the truth, nothing but the truth about the Tano-Subin issue, following historical facts and figures to buttress the points. It was Sir Winston Churchill, the famous British statesman and writer of the 19th century said “The farther backwards you can look, the farther forward you can see”.

Journey through Hell.

In the Bible, we read about the ordeal the Hebrews went through in the land of Egypt. W e also read that initially they felt they were part of the people and one of them, Joseph even became the “Prime Minister” of the land.
But a new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph arose and set the Hebrews to task. He drummed it into their ears that they were butterflies and should stop deceiving themselves that they were birds. Thus, they were reduced to the level of ‘hewers of wood and carriers of water’.

The dilemma of Ketu-North Constituency- NDC

There is an anonymous quote that “the NDC can only be destroyed by friendly fire”, or will shoot itself in the foot if it is to die. Though these assertions had been debunked time and again, there continues to be shreds of evidence of these possibilities not only at the top echelon of the party, but even down to constituency level e.g. herein Ketu-North.

Council of State member calls for the building of more schools

Sekondi, April 1, GNA - Mr. George Dadzie, a member of the Council of State, on Thursday called on the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to build more basic schools to improve the standards of education in the country.

He said that even though the official policy of the Ministry of Education was that no child should travel more than five kilometres to attend basic school, some children in the Western Region travelled between 10 and 16 kilometres to school.

Statement: AG explains prosecution of Anane, Mpiani and others

The death of Ghana Airways as the national carrier and the birth of Ghana International Airlines as its replacement generated a lot of controversy and public discussions at the time. Despite misgivings that were expressed by a section of the public no attempt was made by the previous government to scrutinize the process. The current government came to meet a situation in which, in spite of the flourish and hype and promises that heralded the birth of GIA, the airline still needed regular support from government.

Boakye Djan gives Mills Thumbs up

Major (rtd) Boakye Djan, a member of the defunct Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) has given President Mills thumbs up for the kind of leadership he has provided the country since he was sworn in as President of Ghana.

He declared President Mills founder of a new NDC, opining that it is his humanity and humility which convinced Ghanaians to elect him as President of Ghana.

Carl Wilson Steals Again!

The Daily Post is up again with more evidence which proves beyond doubt that Carl Wilson is a complete car thief.

Today's verifiable evidence has to do with a Toyota 4-runner station Wagon with chassis number JT3HN87RXX0229291.

The car arrived on-board the vessel, CMA CGM Paulista and was off-loaded to the Golden Jubilee Terminal on 9th August, 2009.

GOPDC's Raw Deal To Farmers

NO COMPENSATION FOR FRUITS LOST TO MILL BREAKDOWN

Sarah Palin to tour Ghana

Failed United States vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, is planning a tour of Ghana to support a yet to be identified political party. President Mills, former presidents Kufuor and

NPP opens nomination for prez aspirants

Accra, March 31, GNA - The National Executive Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday said it had opened nominations for presidential aspirants from Wednesday, March 31 to Friday, May 7. A statement issued in Accra by Mr Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, General Secretary of the NPP, said vetting of aspirants would close on Wednesday, June 2.

Why is Nana Darkwah Arrested for Alleging Rawlings Burned his own Residence?

The fact that Ghana is an emerging democracy does not permit any Tom, Dick and Harry to make preposterous statements with impunity. Every individual in a democratic State is assured of certain fundamental human rights. Among these rights are the right to life and protection, the right to freedom of speech, the right to own property, the right to join any legitimate association of your choice, the right to equal and fair treatment, and so on and so forth.

Is This The Better Ghana We Were Promised?

For some time now, there have been huge public outcries, as to whether Ghana our beloved country, is experiencing a bitter or climbing a better transformational ladder, under the new NDC government. There are some schools of thoughts, who argue, the Mills â€“Mahama led administration, needs ample time, to manifest its better Ghana agenda, since it is a little over a year old. However, I respectfully beg to differ from those assertions. It is a fact, the transitional period is far over and indeed, if the brouhaha about the presidents ineptitude and failure to live up to the expectations of the populace, keeps escalating as the days passes by, then it points out to mean, Ghanaians are much more discerning and wouldnâ€™t want to be taken for a jolly ride.

Kwesi Pratt, Jnr., And The Asanteman Council, What Did He Say Wrong?

Newspaper reports indicate that "The Chief of Nsima in the Ashanti Region, Nana Nkansah Boadum Ayeboafo, has replied Kwesi Pratt Jnr., on some unsavoury remarks he made against the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu last week on a number of radio stations in Accra."

The reports continue that in an interaction with a cross-section of journalists in Kumasi, Nana Nkansah Boadum noted that "the attitude of Kwesi Pratt shows how disrespectful he is to the elderly in society adding that 'if that Pratt does not respect his chiefs, we respect our king and will not sit unconcerned for people like him to show disrespect to our King'”

First Come First Served: AFRC/P-NDC & the Corruption Midstream

“The Committee for Joint Action (CJA) has called on government to immediately prosecute all public officials cited for embezzling about GH¢166.1 million in the 2008 Auditor General’s report” (Ghanaweb March 11, 2010).

Otwea! Kwasi Pratt, Wosee Ne Hwan? Tweakai!

I had never known a so-called social critic who could be bought by a pottage of porridge until now. For an air-ticket to South Africa and some $500.00 pocket change, Kwasi Pratt sold his conscience and became a stooge. Such stomach nonentity who calls himself a senior journalist in Ghana has the nerve to warn the mighty Asantehene just because the latter commented on a public event. Ah! Akom KO!

From A Better Ghana To A Bitter Ghana “ Atta Mills

Most Ghanaians have still not recognized the fact that Prof. Atta Mills always does the opposite of what he says. In his bid to become the president, Prof. Mills in his campaign tour made all sort of promises which he latter termed it as Campaign Promises€. I’m waiting to see when he will make a serious promise. To me, the only consistent thing I found with Prof. Mills and the NDC government is their inconsistency.

Govt Should Stop Creating ‘Propaganda Jobs’

In his State of the Nation address this year, President John Mills admitted that his administration was yet to make any impact in the jobs market but expressed optimism. “As the measures we took to halt the decline in the economy last year such as lower interest rates and increased credit to the private sector begin to translate into a much more conducive employment generation environment, we expect a turnaround in the jobs market. Meanwhile I have directed all sectors to mainstream job-creation into their programmes and Ministers are required by the middle of the year to produce sector blueprints for the creation of jobs.”

Dr Nkrumah Was Not A Dictator

Unarguably, if democracy means absolute freedom, then I would have say that democracy is indeed perfect. Freedom to be or not be is more of an answer than a question. Unfortunately, perfection is an illusion, which makes democracy more or less an illusion in and of itself. Also, some of us would say that democracy is a better alternative to a dictatorship. And my question is; what makes democracy seems better, or even worse than a dictatorship? The notion that the absence of multipartyism means the presence of a dictatorship is utterly false. Further, the presence of multipartyism doesn't in any form, or fashion indicates the presence of democracy. There are certain instances, however, in which democracy could be used to practice dictatorship. Unquestionably, there are also instances, in which dictatorship could be used to practice true democracy. The Greek Philosopher Aristotle once said that democracy has to be absolute before it could prove itself meaningful. Meaning, democracy, in which the freedom to be or not be isn't respected equals to hypocrisy. As you and I know, hypocrisy is the denial of truth, equality and justice.

Ghanaian businesses feature at investment forum in Switzerland

From 24th to 25th March 2010 the 3rd Swiss-African Business Exchange is taking place in Zurich,
Switzerland with Ghanaian businesses presenting their portfolios to potential investors.

These businesses were competitively selected by the Ghana Investment promotion Centre (GIPC) as part
of the Investment Promotion in Sub-Saharan Africa (IPSSA) initiative. IPSSA is funded by the Swiss

It was not only the banku & Okro, .... -Clottey

.... I had a bad day
Joshua “the hitter” Clottey has expressed disappointments in the way Ghanaians are treating him after losing to Manny Pacman Pacquiao in the WBO welter weight bout last week at Cowboy Stadium in Texas.

In an interview on Asempa FM's fire for fire, Clottey said he is so disappointed in Ghanaians for not even considering the predicament he went through before the fight.

Swine flu hits Achimota school

The Achimota School has reported the outbreak of H1N1 Flu otherwise known as the ‘Swine Flu’.

The Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate confirmed the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) in an interview with Asempa News.

The Directorate says the school is strictly monitoring events in the school even though the situation is not that alarming.

Kosmos Energy Has Apologized to Government -Minister

U.S. oil company Kosmos Energy has apologized to the government of Ghana and negotiations are continuing over the sale of the company's stake in a massive oil field here, a senior minister said Tuesday.

Ghana Minister of Energy Joe Oteng-Adjei said Kosmos officials apologized to Ghanaian President John Atta-Mills in early March.

NPP Mafia Hijack NCA

Investigations carried out by our scouts revealed that the poor quality of service being rendered by operators in the mobile telephony sector is traceable to inefficiency of the top echelon of the National Communication Authority. The gross incompetence of the leadership of the NCA, our intelligence uncovered is the result of the political patronage which characterized the appointment of some of the senior officers as they were mostly handpicked without recourse to professional and technical expertise in the industry during the era of the NPP administration.

Another ¢7.4 Trillion Loss By The State

The revelation by the DAILY POST yesterday that Ghana lost Â¢22.4 trillion is just a tip of the iceberg of the quantum of revenue lost by the state as a result of the dubious activities of importers and clearing agents at the Tema and Takoradi Habours. The nation is losing far more than that, our intel sources indicate.

As said in yesterday's publication, the loss of Â¢22.4 trillion between 2003 and 2009 was recorded by only Gateway Services Limited, one of the four Destination Inspection Companies, DICs, in Ghana whose responsibilities it is to assess imports into the country and value them to enable the importers pay the right duties to the state.

Carl Wilson Busted In Multiple Car Thefts

Alex Segbefia's boy, Carl Wilson, has been busted in the web of car stealing.

The lies he told on Asempa Fm yesterday were exposed when National Security operatives at about 4:00 pm arrested a 4Ã—4 Chrysler Pacifica Wagon he illegally sold to one of his cronies.

The Chrysler with identification number 2A8GF78X37F365174 got missing from the Tema port under very obscure circumstances. It was realized that forged documents were used to clear the car from the port on 14TH August, 2009.

The Techiman-Tuobodom Stand Off: Setting The Records Straight

As a result of serious misrepresentations, misinformation lies and deliberate attempt by some people who have vested interest in the Techiman - Tuobodom issue and the Tano-Subin cases to mislead the good people of this country, it has become very necessary for me to set the records straight and leave the rest to posterity.

Akufo-Addo’s Militants Strike Again!

The kapwepwe told us that in no time his militants will be let loose and true to his word, he has let the militants loose. Somehow, for now, the militants have not attempted to bring their foolishness to the doorstep of the NDC.

Since the militants started testing their wee-choked and cocaine-induced militancy, it is Allan Cash’s people who are at the receiving end of the barbaric acts of the militants.

A few weeks ago, the militants stormed the NPP headquarters at Asylum Down and beat up some of Allan’s boys for supposedly insulting the kapwepwe. Before the beating up of Allan’s boys at the HQ, one of the militants almost killed Michael Ampong in the studios of Asempa FM.

Kufuor: "My hands are clean"

FOR THE first time since the controversy surrounding the Kosmos/EO group oil deal broke, former President John Agyekum Kufuor spoke about the issue and denied influencing the award of the contract in favour of the company.

The former president said this exclusively on TV Africa’s Matters Arising programme on Monday night.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has sought to link President Kufuor to the EO Group, a partner of Kosmos, because of his alleged close association with owners George Owusu and Dr. Edusei Barwuah.

Not too smart, Asantehene's Apologists

The rumpus that has been provoked by the Asantehene’s outbursts in response to the problem between the Techimanhene and the Tuobodomhene still rages on. Some of us have written on it and attracted vain threats and misplaced anger from his apologists. In a frontal attack on me, Yaw Opare-Asamoa entitled his tunnel-vision article as “Truth, Facts, and Objectivity” as if he doesn’t know that knowledge is always situated and that there can’t be anything like “Truth” or “Objectivity” in human discourse. Afreh Manu Bernard turned his into a laughable mess with the question “Is the Techimanhene also a Ghanaian?” which speaks volumes for his juvenile mindset.

Political Hypocricy

Every association, organization, group or human relationship has principles, rules regulations upon which it rest. In the same vane states rest on certain pillars which are pivotal to its running. One of these inextricably states linked pillars are institutions. Without strong institution the destiny of any state is shrouded in uncertainty, danger and capriciousness. Obama echoed the same sentiments on his visit to Ghana in 2009. When the will of men rule, anarchy becomes the order of the day and when anarchy become the order of the day, society become hopelessly disorganized, retrogressive and unable to develop. When strong institution rules justice, fairness, orderliness and development become inevitable because the institution has a character of impersonality. Aristotle positedthat no matter how good a man will be he may not be as good as a good law.

Albinos Blood___ Hands of Some Politician

During the 2008 elections in Ghana Sheikh Salawati Imam Rashid a spiritual leader of the salawati mission stated that some politicians not only were able to use animals to be slaughtered and sacrificed, but some human beings were buried alive, including Albinos, deep in the forests”, Nananum, Ladies and Gentleman, the Albinos in Ghana were killed for a political purpose. Their blood is on the hands of some politicians they are the major suspects. They are suspects because of what has transpired in Ghana after the 2008 general elections in which many lives and property were destroyed. In a court of law every criminal is innocent until proven guilty. As a result of this I urge all Ghanaians (mostly the Christians) who have any information about these politicians and their involvement in the killing of our brothers and sisters who are Albinos to come forward. This information will help us to prosecute these criminal politicians who will do anything in voodoo spiritually to engage evil powers to rule this Christian nation of Ghana.

Political Witch Hunting and Corporate Harassment

The poisoning of the Ghanaian business environment continues unabated. Today, locally and around the world, the once vibrant business potential of Ghana has been replaced by a fear amongst entrepreneurs that they invest in Ghana at their own peril. You name a successful corporation in Ghana today, and chances are that it has faced the wrath of the NDC government. This anti-business stance, buoyed by a cynical notion that success in business can only be a result of corrupt practices, has been the driving force behind pure political witch hunting of companies including Norway’s Aker Group, ExxonMobil, Vodafone, Trasaco Realty, Accra Mall, EO Group and others using classical communist tactics. The life blood of every nation’s development is foreign investments; even United States, China and other major players in the international scene depend on them. With the current approach, it would not be long before Ghana becomes a toxic investment destination.

The state of Ghana's Water Resources

The World Water Day is celebrated annually on the 22nd of March. Its main purpose is to address issues relating to water resources, their management and the supply of portable water. In Ghana, portable water coverage is very low—about 45% for rural areas and 70% for urban centers. However, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) aim at halving the number of people without portable drinking water by 2015. Water, undoubtedly is a universal commodity and very important for the survival of mankind. Its use spans from domestic, industrial, agricultural to power generation. The use and importance of water is felt most when our taps cease to flow and our rivers run dry, we suddenly realize that water indeed is life. Sometimes, this tells us why people struggle to their last breath to get even the worse water—from canals and ponds. It is difficult for one to live without water, especially those of us in the tropical zone. It is anticipated that by 2020, the consumptive demand of water would be 5.3 billion m3 of portable water. Would our water supply systems be developed enough to meet this demand?

Ghana Is Ill Prepared For Its Future

The pretty ones are not yet born

NDC is not worthy of Attah Mills

The NDC since it's inception is known to be a radical party. You don't have to walk on water to know this fact. Just a little bit of sagacity will suffice. Their so called founder overtly promotes it. To be recalled, he warned the nation prior to the last election of a replica of Kenyan riots should the NPP win which drew a swift responds from the NPP firebrand ( The Hon. Ken Agyapong). He responded by saying Rawlings will be the first to go down should that happen. Gradually its becoming conspicuous to the owner of the NDC that his foolish councils to Mills is perceived as a used toilet paper by the administration. So what is Rawlings the menace to do?

Is Otumfuo Opoku Ware II Otumfuo Or Otofuo?

Literally speaking, otumfuo translates into powerful monarch; whiles otofuo goes for unscrupulous, conscienceless person. The use of pun in the title above is meant to underscore my surprise at what I see to be double standard used by the Asantehene in the Toubodom crisis. Isn’t it this same Asantehene who played the role of arbiter or peace broker in the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute? Is it true he hired thugs to harass innocent drivers and travelers in Kumasi yet was previously referred to by Bantamahene as “divine”? Why then should he so poorly conduct himself? Why should he try to put a wedge between the Brongs and Ashantis who live like siblings and share so much in common?

Guess Who Is Sneaking Out Of Town

Oil Giant, Shell International is sneaking out of town, after over 70 years of doing business in Ghana, under circumstances that has left its Ghanaian workers in a quandary regarding their future.

Meanwhile, the two expatriate management team of the company, all from neighboring Ivory Coast, has made gorgeous allocations for their ex-gratia, raising eyebrows of staff and local shareholders.

Chief loses life in Tamale, widow falls on the knife of step-son in Yendi

Tamale, March 24,GNA - The Chief of Garezegu, suburb of the Tamale Metropolis, Yakubu Andani, is reported to have been slain on Monday at about 7pm by a group of young men as he rode back home from a visit. Forty six people had been picked up by the police for screening and on them were found four locally manufactured guns and amulets.

I believe in dialogue not war - Oseadeeyo Ameyaw

Techiman, Mar. 24, GNA - Oseadeeyo Akumfi Ameyaw IV, Omanhene of Techiman, has stated that the chiefs and people in the area believed in dialogue and that he would resort to the law courts to seek redress in the Tuobodom issue.

"War has never been the answer, it is not the answer, and in fact will forever not be the answer to the type of crisis that we have all found ourselves in today. Gone were the days when kingdoms engaged each other in wars to settle disputes."

SHC is still in the business of providing affordable housing-MD

Accra, March 24, GNA- Mr. Mark Nii Akwei Ankrah, Managing Director of State Housing Company (SHC) on Tuesday outlined the company's mission to provide affordable and quality housing to Ghanaians.

Soldiers Collapse At Burma Camp!

There is widespread expression of grief; howling and gnashing of teeth within the various barracks across the nation following the decision by government to release (retire) a whopping 1367 soldiers in April this year!

This blog has learned that the matter has caused so much distress that some of the affected soldiers collapsed and had to receive treatment at the 37 Military Hospital, since the release came to them as a complete shock!

This blog can confirm that on say-so of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), that military authorities are ready to release 1,367 over-aged troops comprising the 1978, 1979,1980,1981,1982 and 1983 year groups.

Ghana's Biometric Passport Launched

Ghana is today joining eight of her colleague ECOWAS States to issue Biometric passports to its citizens. It’s expected that the new passport which has high security features will significantly reduce challenges such as theft and other fraudulent activities associated the old passport.

Stepping on the Oil to accelerate industrial growth

The oil and gas industry is known to contribute significantly to the economic growth of countries that produce oil and gas. It is therefore not wrong to anticipate that the development of the oil and gas industry in Ghana will be a source of accelerated growth, poverty reduction and general prosperity to Ghanaians.

Chieftaincy, an Albatross We Can Do Without

Chieftaincy is a revered institution in Ghana, but I belong to a minority of people who think it has outlived its usefulness. It doesn’t matter if it is chiefdom or kingdom, it is simply incongruous with what we want to achieve as a people- Statehood- that is what Ghana stands for. A king is the ruler of an independent State (according to Oxford’s dictionary), while a Chief may be the ruler of a tribe. To the extent that there is only one independent State called Ghana that we belong to, I get amused by the claims to Kingdoms in Ghana. I have heard arguments asserting that one traditional leader is a King and another is not. That might be the case three hundred years ago, but they lost that title from the very moment they couldn’t defend their territories against the white man who merged them with other States and tribes to form what we know today as Ghana. Lesotho and Swaziland are States that exist as kingdoms in Africa today, but the same cannot be said of Ghana. If nations had been created from the former states of Asante, Anlo, Ga, or Okyenman with monarchs at the helms, then we could be talking about kingdoms.

Asantehene Has A Solid Legal Case Against Techimanhene (Part II)

Some of the measures taken by late President Nkrumah are currently criticized because of the devastating consequences on the country in the current era. One such measure is the inclusion of the Ewes in Ghana, which has produced immense problems for the country. The culture of lawlessness and the repeated unlawful overthrow of constitutionally elected governments by Ewes, invariably results in the total cessation of meaningful development projects that have been put in place by the toppled regimes. As if that is not bad enough, invariably a hallmark of the unlawful Ewe regimes is the disenfranchisement of all non-Ewe tribes and the selective but unlawful allocation of the entire resources of the nation exclusively towards the betterment of the Ewe minority, who constitute only eight per cent (8%) of the population.

Asantehene: power and self-restraint

Both as America’s first African-American Secretary of State, National Security advisor, and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Colin Powell, kept an epigram of Thucydides, the Greek thinker, in his offices. In his years in office, Powell has to deal with complex networks in every foreign-policy squabble. Powell has to deal with North Korea and was alone in Europe's defence scheme; he was dove among hawks on Iraq, and an internationalist among isolationists on Kosovo and the Balkans.

Techiman, Tano-Subin & Allegiance To Asante

Many Ghanaians, including those who patronize Ghanaweb, have made various statements since last week concerning the feud between Nana Techimanhene and that of asantehene. Indeed, some of the statements especially on this site, come from some individuals without affiliations with either Techiman or asante and for that matter, do not know the history and the remote causes underlying the conflict between these two traditional entities. Unfortunately, some contributors on this network have swallowed the one-sided story of the issue coming from asantes based on the recent and immediate causes of the conflict as it emanated from the alleged kidnapping ( arrest, adoption?) at Wenchi of the so-called Tuobodomhene at the hands of some citizens from Techiman whose action was informed by the assassination attempt on the Techimanhene alleged to have been instigated by Baffuor Asare of Tuobodom. The bias reportage coming from some ignorant writers on this platform has compelled me to give some historical background to this issue and to put it into its proper context and historical perspective.

1st Sequential Verdict Pronounced on the Kumawu Chieftaincy Case.

The adage, “When a long rope falls into an unwitty hand, it does not take long for a noose to be made to hang himself” is truthfully manifesting in the Kumawu chieftaincy disputation. Kumawuhemaa as foxy and insatiably greedy as she has always been is now about to fall on her own poisoned sword. Truly, one will always be judged on their own words and actions. Did Marc Antonio not say to the audience at the funeral of Julius Caesar, “The evil that men do lives after them?” The hidden evil deeds of Kumawuhemaa, Kumawu Kontrehene and Abenaa Wurukye, alias “Akokohwedee”, have come to light. They are about to be judged according to their words and evil machinations. They are being haunted by their own evilness. Surely, they are ensnared by their misdeeds, lies and arrogance.

What Does Papa “J” And Arthur “K” Have In Common?

Recent political events in this country has earned the country another plus in its democratic governance ratings. Pronouncements and the actions of two personalities in the two major political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) have made political scientists and other pundits to review their notes on politics in Ghana.

A Lull After Who Born Fire: JJ Returns With His Anti-MIILS-isms

“Jerry John Rawlings says he does not know the message of hope to deliver to the people at the next election campaign because of the inability of the NDC government to offer hope to the people and wondered why people see his criticism of President Mills as a personality clash” (Ghanaweb March 17, 2007)

The Interest Rate problem is an Inflation problem

The raging brouhaha between the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and the Commercial Banks regarding lending rates has degenerated into a blame game. While the BoG is faulting the Banks for not reducing lending rates to support the Central Bank’s prime rate reduction, banks are blaming the BoG for high reserve requirements and tight money supply policy. Banks also claim that the economic environment is generally risky and savvy investors are demanding better returns for their money.

Ghana Loses Over ¢22.4 Trillion

Do you know that from 2003 to 2009, the thieving activities of some importers and clearing agents at the Tema and Takoradi Harbours has led to the loss of billions of dollars or trillions of cedis to the state?

Just fancy this; through Gateway Services Limited, GSL, one of the four Destination Inspection Companies, DICs, Ghana lost a staggering ¢22.4 trillion (US$1.607 billion).

How NPP Bled Ghana Of Billions Of Dollars

..... through their importers, clearing agents in cahoots with destination inspection companies

By Livingstone Pay Charlie

Ghana’s Minister of Trade and Industry is squatting on gigantic fraud and corruption left behind by the New Patriotic Party government.

This state of affairs, the Republic can report is a network of clearing agents, importers and Destination Inspection Companies (DICs) that denies the state trillions of cedis in revenue.

Rehabilitation of Eastern and Western Rail line to start soon

Koforidua, Mar 23, GNA- Rehabilitation of the Eastern and Central rail lines will soon begin at the cost of 2 billion dollars, Mrs. Peace Aku Attivor, the Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, has disclosed. Similarly, government had invested 25 million dollars in the Western rail lines mainly to help the mining industry.

Kosmos On Begging Knees

…As Officials Sneak Apologies to Gov't for their Conduct
After many months of muscle-flexing, US Oil firm, Kosmos Energy, finally checked itself, and like a prodigal son, sneaked to the Castle to render an apology to President John Evans Atta Mills and the people of Ghana for their conduct over the years. Impeccable sources say the oil giant met with the President behind closed doors but spent a significant part of the meeting pleading for forgiveness. As usual, President Mills was said to have been very forthright with the group, regarding justice for Ghanaians and the need to play by the rules.

Ghana Get €190m EU Support For Banana Producers

Ghana will access part of a 190 million euro European Union (EU) financial support for banana-producing countries to revamp its banana industry.

Reports reaching ghanabusinessnews.com says the ten countries that are benefitting from this support are all in the Africa-Caribbean-Pacific or ACP countries and three of these are in Africa, including the Ivory Coast and Cameroon.

The EU decided to provide the funds following an agreement reached in December at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva between the EU, ACP and Latin American countries and the US.

Pupil appeals to government to train more ICT teachers

Keta, March 22, GNA - Miss Joana Daglah, a basic school pupil, has appealed to the government to come out with an ICT Instructors' Training Scheme to turn out more qualified personnel to handle the teaching of the=

subject in basic schools. She said many teachers handling the subject were themselves not literate in it and could hardly meet the standards required. Miss Daglah of Ketascho Junior High School was delivering an address= on behalf of children of the Volta Region at the region's version of presidential party for children at Keta.

Ghanaians urged to stop insulting behaviour

Apam, March 22, GNA - The Member of Parliament (MP) for Gomoa West, Mr Francis Kojo Arthur, has urged Ghanaians to desist from insulting their leaders in the name of democratic dispensation. The practice of democracy does not mean one can insult any body, including the President and chiefs and go scot-free, Mr Arthur said. Instead, he said, we must discuss or talk about positive things whic= h could promote national development.

Anyidoho In Hot Waters

The Privileges Committee of Parliament, which has the power of a High Court, will soon invite Koku Anyidoho, President John Atta Mills' Head of Communications at the Presidency to answer contempt charges brought against him for reportedly insulting some leaders of the Minority Caucus in the august House.

Chairman of the Committee and First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Edward Doe Adjaho who announced this on the floor of Parliament on Friday, indicated that the recording of the said insults has been received.

Was Asantehene Right to Threaten to Arrest Techimanhene?

In the present day Ghana, under the President Atta Mills' NDC administration, many are those that are taking undue advantage of their affiliation with the NDC party. The leniency of President Atta Mills has not only been compromised but unravelled to be absolute weakness or a complete senseless wickedness. His administration has once more been allowed to be hijacked by some supposed useless and jobless party fanaticsclaiming to be the party's foot-soldiers. The NDC party has always been portrayed as a party of violence and lawlessness owing to the moronic wicked actions often executed and exacerbated by many of the party's adherents.

Complacency and dangerous partisanship 53 years after independence: a new call!

Open letter to Parliament, the presidency, and the Ghanaian people: Nananom, Adehyie, Nii mei ke naa mei, nysalao (Ewe) etc, I come to you with a passionate plea for us to reflect on where we’ve been and where we are headed. We are so blessed as a nation and yet the leadership that we need to propel us to the heights that we should ascend has been arriving on the slowest train.

The State Of Ghana Before June 4th 1979

Ghana under the late General I. K. Acheampong’s National Redemption Council (NRC) regime from 1972 – 1978 took off very well with the introduction of Operation Feed Yourself (OFY) which led to the production of abundant food nationwide. Col. Frank Benarsko whom Ghanaians described as a man of Action led Ghana Youth to sugar plantations at Asutuare farms etc. to the envy of civilians who hate military rule. The NRC re-instated thousands of civil and public servants who were SACKED by the late Dr. Busia’s Progress Party government just because they served under Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s CPP government which he helped to overthrow violently on 24th February 1966 and power was handed over to him on a silver platter by General Afrifa, Ghana’s Number one Traitor in 1969.

Jake, Delay Appointment Of Deputies Until Flagbearer Is Chosen

The intense lobbying started even before the Sunday thanksgiving service in Kumasi the morning after the National Conference which elected the new national officers of the New Patriotic Party.

Sacrificing Ghana’s tribal unity on the alter of Political Expediency

I had cause to do a write-up in which I passionately discussed some comments made by prominent individuals leading up to the 2008 general elections and highlighted the dangers such comments posed to the tribal unity of our beloved Ghana. Among the individuals whose comments I found disgusting and dangerous to the unity of the country were ex-President Rawlings and then candidate Prof Mills.

For Goodness Sake, Mr. President Sack Betty Mould NOW!!!!

Ever since this writer’s first article expressed concern about the ongoing saga of our non performing, thumb twiddling Attorney General, it has become increasingly clear as the days have gone by that Betty Mould as an AG was a political apparition that should never has seen the reality of the morning sun, but it did.

Prosecution Should Not Be The #1 Priority Of The Government

The Government should NOT consider the prosecution of former government officials and their associates as a matter of urgency as suggested by CJA ( The Committee for Joint Action ).

Biometric passports, middlemen not needed - GIS Officer

Shama, March 22, GNA - The services of middlemen are not needed to process the biometric passports, Mr Frank Nunoo, Assistant Superintendent Officer (ASO) of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at Sekondi has reiterated.

Upper West security situation not the best

Wa, March 22, GNA - Mr Alex Bedie, Upper West Regional Police Commander, has described the 2009 security situation in the region as not the best despite improvement over the previous year.

He cited armed robbery, cattle rustling, sexual offence and chieftaincy dispute as some of the threatening criminal activities that disturbed the peace of the region last year.

Rawlings Stop Hogging the Mic

In my view, Rawlings and Nkrumah are the most recognizable personalities Ghana has produced. I respect Rawlings for handing over power in 2001 without a fight and I also respect his effort to get his party back into power. I remember him being the first public figure to arrive in Tain during the 2008 elections.

GETFund needs holistic review 96 Dep. Finance Minister

Accra, March 19, GNA - Mr Seth Terkpeh, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, on Thursday said the cedi's depreciation worsened the situation of a bad budget practice in the disbursement of the GETFund by the previous administration. He said it was only when the GETFund (Ghana Education Trust Fund) was reviewed holistically that Ghana could find answers to most questions regarding its administration.

Vice President arrives from Indian

During the visit, the Vice President attended the sixth Indian-African Conclave, an event which brought together Indian and African industries and business establishments. Briefing journalists at the airport on arrival, Vice President Mahama, said the two countries had agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of a fertilizer plant in Ghana. He said with the discovery of oil and gas in the country, the MOU was coming at a good time because fertilizer was a by-product of gas. Vice President Mahama said the visit also discussed the need for Ghana and India to form a strategic partnership and added that many strategic decisions in agricultural development, urban transport and energy supply were taken.

Algerian Ambassador Calls On Rawlings

Former President Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings has called on Algeria to lead the continent in resisting the negative aspects of globalisation.

He said if Africa failed to tackle the weaknesses of globalisation they will be entrenched and adversely affect the continent’s economic development.

Government Has Propaganda Unit- Okudzeto Ablakwa

At a time when all manner of noise is being made about the cost that the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) allegedly incurred through the formation of communications teams, the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has done exactly the same thing, by forming its own propaganda unit with the job to boost government’s image!

According to Deputy Minister of Information, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, government has formed its own propaganda outfit, which he describes as a Communications Team to tell its story on radio, television and on other media platforms.

Indians see Ghanaians as soccer legends and great politicians

New Delhi, March 18, GNA - A cross section of Indians the Ghana News Agency (GNA) interviewed in New Delhi and Haryana cities see Ghana as a country of soccer legends and great politicians.

They said that had propelled Ghana to greater heights in the World map. Speaking to highly educated Indians on Wednesday in New Delhi, they said Ghana is a democratic icon in Africa that had turn out great politicians. Whilst those in the lower classes believed Ghanaians are only recognised worldwide in the fields of soccer and boxing.

Mr Krishna Daylt, an industrialist, who had visited Ghana before, said "Ghanaians are great leaders and politicians. With these I am referring to people such as Dr Kwame Nkrumah and Kofi Annan, who have not only made Ghana, but the entire African continent proud."

Tuobodom Conflict is in Our History and Our Future

18th August 1955, the Asantene addresses the Confederacy Council that “the Kumawuhene … did not want anything to do with the National Liberation Movement (NLM), which was fighting for the preservation of our traditions and culture. The Kumawuhene believed that a pipe-borne water supply was of more importance than the preservation of our culture” (Austin, Politics in Ghana, 1946-1960, p.291). This statement was made at the height of conflict between the CPP, which encouraged the Brong chiefs to split from and weaken the Asante Kingdom in order to gain political control over Ashanti and the NLM

Ghana Police – An Ignored Disgrace Of Government

A Call to Decentralize and give power to Towns and Districts.
The police in every civilized modern nation should be an institution for the enforcement of laws and order and policemen should be considered respected members of society. In Ghana the reverse seems to be the case. Police seem to lack respect because they are poor or look poor, and they in turn make matters worse by not fighting enough for their salaries and benefits, but rather set up barriers in towns and highways collecting bribes. In the last few years some were even accused or reported of involvement in drug trafficking cases. What makes it worse is a government that seems not to care!

Before Asantehene Calls For The Removal Of A Minister ....

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is calling for the dismissal of Brong Ahafo regional minister and the regional police commander for accusing the two of being bias and unprofessional in their conduct culminating in needless clashes within the region.

The Brong Ahafo region has been in the news for the wrong reasons following clashes between two chiefs- the Tuobodom chief and that of Techiman of which the clashes were sparked by the arrest of the chief of Tuobodon Nana Baffuor Asare by bodyguards of the chief of Techiman, Oseadeayo Akumfi Ameyaw who later handed him over to the police.

What does Ashantehene want in 21st century Ghana?

What is wrong with this ill-informed Poser? Are we still in Prempeh dark era? Wouldn't someone tell him that the civilised people in Ghana will not tolerate those dark period of â€œDeath Placeâ€. It is about time he puts his thinking cap on and act in accordance with current customs or modes of 21st century civilization. I oppose any role for the so called Ashante kingdom constitution, a medieval body of law, in public life today.

Ghana At 53 With Public Toilets

It beats my imagination that Ghana at 53years is comfortable with the use of public toilets. After moving from the open pit system in the early 40s to the Kumasi Ventilated Improved Pits (KVIPs) in the early 70s, one would have expected that if Ghana were moving very slowly but surely, the KVIP system too should have been phased out by now, to be replaced by public operated Water Closet facilities. This is not to say that there are no public operated Water Closet facilities or private operated facilities available for public use. But that the continuous promotion of KVIPs has outlived its usefulness.

Where Did All Our Morals Go?

Not so long ago the Akan saying that ‘Dinpa yè sen ahonya’ (literal translation: ‘good name is better than riches’ used to be the one useful piece of advice no well-meaning and responsible parent would leave out when giving a pep-talk to a child or ward. As to exactly when this saying got relegated to the background I have no idea. What I know for sure, though, is that in Ghana of today, the saying is no longer relevant. The situation we have now is that: ‘both the mother crab and the baby crab are crawling; so who’s going to teach the other how to walk?’

Come Again, Asantehene!

After staying away from the spotlight for a few months, the Asantehene has returned as if with a special vengeance. He is reported to have asked the President to remove the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister (Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo) and the Regional Police Commander (DCOP Seth Oteng) from post. His reason? For their alleged role in the recent chaos in Tuobodom, a settlement in the Brong-Ahafo Region that owes allegiance to the Asantehene.

The Bestiality of tribal bigotry: A rejoinder

Yes, they say that opinions are like noses, everybody has one; and can differ. I’ve always believed in the statement made by John Wesley in the 18th century (1776), when at the funeral of George Whitefield, he said that we must agree to disagree. For me, that is the beauty and essence of democracy. Most of the conflicts that have ravaged our continent and some parts of Asia could have been avoided if we had simply appreciated this sage of his. That is why I do appreciate the opinions of Mr. Yaw Opare Asamoah (refer: Re: The bestiality of tribal bigotry, 23.2.2010) to my article published on this forum on 2.2.2010, although I disagree with some of the arguments he tried desperately and unconvincingly to put across.

Studying the “Back From Ghana, Life Abroad Sucks” Virus

It was in late September 2007 when I first contracted the awful virus that threatened to question my sanity. It was right after my sister’s wedding in Ghana where I had spent only a week and a half; my shortest trip to Ghana ever. I arrived back in the United States not feeling quite like myself and that’s when I knew something was wrong. I had been afflicted with the disease many Ghanaians are known to catch when they go home for whatever reason – a sudden case of life deficiency.

NPP Vows to Resist Propaganda Trials

THE NEW Patriotic Party (NPP) has stated that current agitations within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the prosecution of government appointees of the previous government for unstated offenses as completely baseless.

The NPP has consequently cautioned that it would fiercely resist, at all levels, any persecutions and politically motivated trials of former NPP ministers and appointees by the NDC government.

"It is nothing, but a product of the campaign of falsehood churned out by the NDC in the build-up to the December 2008 elections," a statement issued by the Communications Director of the party, Mr. Kwaku Kwarteng, has said.

Otumfuo Shakes Mills

The political temperature in the country rose to an unusual level yesterday when the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II put President John Evans Atta Mills on a tight rope by asking him to choose between him and the Techimanhene, a less influential chiefdom, but said to be openly sympathetic to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). President Mills, who had maintained silence since the Tuobodom-Techiman impasse broke out 10 days ago, suddenly woke up to the reality of the unfolding tension, sending his security capos to Kumasi to broker truce.

Ashantis Resolve Not To Do Business With People From Techiman

There is simmering tension in the Ashanti Regional capital city of Kumasi as an irate group of well-built men said to belong to a group calling itself Ashanti Freedom fighters besieged the Techiman Bus Terminal at the Race Course in Kumasi, virtually ransacked the place and subjected drivers, commuters and traders at the race course to a dehumanizing exercise of harassment, intimidation and assault.

The Macho men also prevented passengers from travelling to Techiman because, according to them, the Chief of Techiman had disrespected the Asantehene.

Ghana owes former MPs/organisations for her democratic credentials - Veep

Accra, March 18, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama, on Wednesday said Ghana owed her excellent democratic credentials to the good work of previous parliamentarians and organisations that lent their support. Vice President Mahama in a speech read for him by the Deputy Minister of Health, Mr Rojo Mettle Nunoo, said former parliamentarians were better placed to bear testimony of the organisations and groups whose contributions to parliamentary democracy and good governance had brought the country this far.

Chieftaincy is becoming a major source of conflict in Ghana

The National Security Advisor, Brigadier Nunoo Mensah has told CitiFM that the Chieftaincy institution in Ghana is gradually turning into a major source of conflict and tension in the country and should therefore be modernized to make it more beneficial for the people of Ghana.

His comments follows recent controversies and tensions arising from the utterances of two of Ghana’s most promonent chiefs – the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Ga Mantse King Tackie Tawiah III.

CJA Pushes For Prosecution Of Gh¢166m Embezzlers

The Committee for Joint Action (CJA) has called on government to immediately prosecute all public officials cited for embezzling about GH¢166.1 million in the 2008 Auditor General’s report.

According to the committee, it will be detrimental for government to ignore the call for accountability on the part of public officials, who have engaged themselves in financial malfeasance and blatant thievery, as has been officially captured by the report.

“Government must, as a matter of urgency, prosecute these crooked officials,” a leading member, Mr. Edward Bawah, charged, insisting that “punitive actions ought to be taken against the offending officials in order to deter others from engaging in similar practice.”

GAF to train with US Navy and Marine corps

Accra, March 9, GNA - The Ghana Armed Forces on Tuesday advised the public to cooperate with the forces should they encounter them within specified areas between March 9 and 31, since they will conduct joint training with the United States Navy and the Marine corps.

State Of Whose Nation? ...Ghanaians Wonder

Veep clinches housing deal with South Korea

Accra, March 9, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama has returned from South Korea, where he led a bi-partisan delegation to sign a 10 billion- dollar Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of Ghana for a 200,000 housing- unit project. The project, which starts in April this year and will span five years, is expected to reduce by fifth a crippling national housing deficit pegged at one million units.

Vanco Oil Find – Another EO Handiwork

Ghanaians are slated to be swimming in oil soon. Following the discovery of the Jubilee field by Kosmos Energy which substantially reduced the risk formerly associated to the Tano Basin as “exploration graveyard”, many global exploration companies are now seriously reassessing their understanding of the geology of offshore Ghana. The recent announcement by Vanco Oil about the discovery of oil in the Tano Basin is yet another strong evidence that as a consequence of Kosmos’ discovery in 2007, all the other companies in the basin are encouraged to explore for prospect. That means in a few months, when oil-producing countries are mentioned, Ghana’s name would be right there with the Angolas, the Nigerias, the Equitorial Guineas and so on. As refreshing as that sounds, contextualizing these new discoveries behind all these African countries against Ghana’s leadership reputation on the continent suggests a growth regression that cannot elate anyone. More so if you consider the fact that the one private sector entity most responsible for our current oil fortunes is also the most vilified company in our nation’s history. Did you know that Vanco was led to Ghana by the duo who eventually became the EO Group?

NDC Appointee Blows ¢250 million On Car Key!

At a time when operatives of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) are under pressure to locate the 93.7 percent of defaulters of the Micro Finance and Small Loans Scheme (MASLOC), Bertha Ansah-Djan, the woman appointed by President Mills to go and head the place is on a splurge spending huge amounts of cedis to replace just a car key!

In a no holds barred spending spree similar to that of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Bertha Ansah-Djan has forked out whopping GH¢25,000 (¢250,000,000 Old cedis) to replace the keys to a V8 Land Cruiser which was lost by her driver.

Akufo Addo’s Land Cruiser Rots At National Security!

It’s getting onto a year now that a Toyota Land Cruiser belonging to Nana Akufo-Addo, flag-bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2008 elections was snatched from his driver.

With February ending and as we enter March, the month in which, in 2009, agents from National Security seized the vehicle. As off yesterday, it was still rotting at the Blue Gate in Accra, where it was parked after the seizure.

Nana Addo’s vehicle with registration number GE 1466 Z car was snatched when he was outside the country for holidays following the heated campaign in the 2008 electioneering campaign by a posse of persons who claimed they were National Security operatives.

CPP’s Response to P State of the Nation Address

The Convention People’s Party (CPP) wishes to congratulate President John Evans Atta Mills for faithfully and diligently discharging his constitutional duty to the people of Ghana by delivering his state of the nation address on 26th February 2010 to the Parliament of Ghana. This is further evidence of the growth and strengthening of Ghana’s democracy, which the CPP will continue to support both in opposition and – one day soon – in office. Although we agree with the President that the macro-economy is better now than it was when he took office – inflation has reduced substantially over the past few months and the Cedi has stabilized to the point of even appreciating against major currencies - we remain worried about the Government’s slow pace at addressing some key social issues in the Country.

Council of State member worried about drug abuse among youth

Sunyani, March 2, GNA - Nana George Kofi Dadzie, a member of the Council of State, has called on individuals and organisations to support government in the fight against drug abuse, especially wee smoking among the youth.

He said government's efforts to produce a sound and quality human resource-base required for national development would be a mirage if the issue of drug abuse was not critically tackled. Nana Dadzie made the call at the 15th anniversary and the second speech and prize giving day of Infant Jesus Primary and Junior High School in Sunyani on Friday.

Meridian Port workers on strike

embarked on a sit-down strike, to back their demand for better working conditions.

The workers, who carried placards and chanted war songs at the premises of the company, called on the Auditor-General to audit operations of company.

In a resolution made available to GNA in Tema, the workers complained about the indiscriminate manner in which management of the company approached issues concerning workers' salary.

NHIS clients furious over delay in release of ID cards

Wa, Feb. 16, GNA - Clients of the Wa Municipal Health Insurance Sche= me (MHIS) are furious over the undue delay in the issuance of their membersh= ip Identification Cards (IDs).

According to them it sometimes takes them between five to six months= to get their health insurance IDs instead of the usual three months promised= by officials of the Scheme.

They said they had to make do with some temporal ID cards given to t= hem by the Scheme, which they noted were not comfortable to them because they=

37th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS opens today in Abuja

Accra, Feb. 16, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills arrived in Abuja, Nigeria, on Monday to join other sub-regional heads to open the 37th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). A statement copied to Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Monday evening and signed by the Deputy Information Minister, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said, President Mills was met on arrival at Abuja by the President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas.

Ntim Is Alan What Jake Is To Akufo-Addo -Arthur K

No matter what they say in the media what is on the ground is that the current contest for the NPP national executives is a straight contest for control of the NPP between Nana Akufo-Addo and Alan Kyerematen, who is ably supported by John Kufuor.

Don't ask me why the former president is so determined to work against his former foreign minister and presidential candidate. But, I am urging party delegates to vote for those they themselves believe can do the job but they should do so by being fully aware of the camps behind the candidates.

The real national development planning

If Botswana is to teach Africa one or two things about progress, the nature of development planning in Africa shouldn’t be a contentious issue. The appointment of P.V. Obeng, touted as a de facto Prime Minister in the long-running Jerry Rawlings’ military and civilian regimes, as chair of the newly constituted National Development Planning Commission, raises the nature of thinking that has planned Ghana for the past 51 years.

Mills’ First-Year Performance Report Card - Part 2

Part one of this article looked at the first three areas of assessment of our current government – i.e. the economy, inclusiveness, and job creation. We observed that the economy encompasses all areas put together for a synergistic performance. It did NOT STRICTLY hold the Mills Government responsible for the lack of it because the global economic sluggishness has had some kind of effect on Ghana’s. Although a lot more is expected from the Government regarding effective search for experienced personnel to handle the nation’s departments to produce results, its balanced inclusiveness with women, minorities, and the youth is a positive strategy. However the Government’s inexistence of any job creation strategy has shown its weakness in pursuing prudent policies to benefit Ghana.

Come Again “Dr” Kwesi Mensah Wilson

A lot has been said, written and read about the EO group and there are questions which need to be answered; there are certainly actions which need to be examined, so that the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth can be established. Nothing should be swept under the carpet at this point in time. I personally wish to urge the Ghana Government to be forthright with information they have to set minds at ease, since these issues are very important to the national political discourse and cannot be left in the hands of people like Nana Kofi Amankwaah and “Dr” Kwesi Mensah Wilson. I am not sure if this is not a PR scheme by the EO group.

Regulating Ghana’s Oil and Gas Sector: What should be the parameters?

“We are 298 days away from pumping the first oil and so far everything is on target”- Anthony Djokoto, senior legal adviser at Tullow Oil Ghana Limited.

It’s a recognisable fact that the oil and gas industry is regulated throughout its entire process through diverse environmental, health and safety laws. The issue of regulating the petroleum industry has precisely been the dilemma of many oil-rich countries especially the developing states. Oil extraction, transport, refining and consumption are regulated to describe and evaluate the impacts on human health and biodiversity.

EO Group and Conflict of Interest Law

Using cotton to alleviate poverty in Northern Ghana

Tamale, Jan. 15 GNA - Cotton is a major cash crop cultivated in most parts of the globe including Ghana. It is a soft, stable fibre shrub native to tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world including the Americas, India and Africa. The cultivation of cotton started seven thousand years ago, in the Indus Valley, a place today inhabited by North-western India and Eastern Pakistan. The largest producers of cotton in 2009 were China and India with annual production of approximately 34 million and 24 million bales respectively. Textile industries in these two countries consume up to 80% of what they produce.

Whither are we going, Baba GO slow?

There is only one president in the country. We know who is he, for there can be no other President but John Fiifi Atta Mills. He is a learned Professor of Law. We are aware that the nature of his job calls for a high level of tolerance, discipline, integrity and a high level of moral principles.

In marking his script at end of his one year as President of the country, permit me to state unequivably that his tenure his been a complete disaster. No doubt about it. He has not kept faith with the masses. Everything Professor Mills has done since he took over as Capo of the country is an anathema to the social contract he had signed with Ghanaians.

The 'Sick' Attah Mills still lives while ...

Presidents do fall ill all the time. Sometime in 2004, former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, was whisked to hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties as he addressed a political rally.

Not quite long after that incident, former president of Tanzanian Benjamin Mkapa took ill for several months and even jetted out of his country for medical treatment.

The former Zambian leader, Levy Mwanawasa, died after suffering a stroke while on a medical trip abroad.

Trial of two lawyers starts January 27

The trial of two lawyers who have been accused of forgery and defrauding by false pretence has been scheduled to start on January 27, 2010.

The date was fixed after the Accra Circuit Court gave reasons for refusing an application to stay proceedings in the matter.

The lawyers, Joseph Kwame Owusu Asamani and Ekow Amua-Sekyi, are alleged to have forged a High Court judgement to deprive the complainant, Mr Samuel Etroo, who was once a client of Amua-Sekyi, of his mining concession. .

Earthquake scare wakes Ghana up!

Rumour of an impending earthquake that reverberated across the country woke the whole of Ghana up at dawn Monday January 18, 2010.

While no one seems to know the source of the rumour, friends, families and neighbours made phone calls, sent text messages and knocked on doors to send warnings for people to wake up and leave their rooms.

One of my neghbours called and simply said, “they say there will be an earthquake and everyone should get out of their rooms and sit outside,” without giving further details and there was no time to ask questions as he moved to alert other neighbours who were fast asleep.

Mills Conveys Ghana's Sympathy to Haiti

Accra, Jan. 15, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Thursday conveyed Ghana's sympathy to the Government and people of Haiti, following the devastating earthquake that hit the Caribbean nation last Tuesday.

In a letter addressed to President Rene Preval of Haiti, and released to the press in Accra by the Ministry of Information, President Mills said he had learned with deep shock and sorrow the unfortunate event that had caused massive loss of human lives and destruction to property.

Management of AVRL to solve water problem in Accra

Accra, Jan. 15, GNA - The Management of Aqua Vitens Rand Limited (AVRL), operator of the urban water system on behalf of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), on Friday said it was making efforts to improve the water situation in Accra.

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Rawlings urges NDC delegates to elect people of proven integrity

Accra, Jan. 15, GNA - Ex-President Jerry John Rawlings has called on National Democratic Congress (NDC) delegates to elect people of proven integrity who have paid their dues in the party.

"Let us not be intimidated by people who seek office because they have direct links to so-called powerful people in government or the party. This process is about the strength and structures of the party," he said in a pre-conference message to delegates attending the party's 2010

Quashigah And The Ghana Armed Forces

Since January 5, the name Major Courage Quashigah (rtd) has once again surfaced under media focus and attention but this time, with a shocking disbelieve- Asante Fordjour at the JusticeGhana.com, takes a classified stock of the trials and triumphs of a man whose career image and courage, radiated perhaps not only a threat to his admirers and critics but also, a promise and aspiration to most (young) soldiers that he either instructed or commanded.

Are you in or out.

The reason for this article is to alarm all Ghanaians of how serious Cote d’Ivoire is to destroy our nation during the on-going African Cup of Nations. Secondly, it is to call all Ghanaians to brush off our differences and come together as one nation to conquer the quest ahead of us. Some people may ask, what is this lunatic talking about? You can call me all the names you so desired; however, the mountain is still facing us. It is either we team-up to move it aside or demolish it for good. It is up to us, so are you with me or not? I guess you have no choice!

Suicide Bomber- The Balance of Mind

The 23-year old scion of an affluent family from Northern Nigeria who attempted bombing a trans-Atlantic airliner on Christmas day has left an ugly scar on the beautiful face of the green country and largely cast a slur on the entire continent. It is absolutely unfathomable and incomprehensible how Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab could ignore all the juicy trappings of success and comfort hovering over his head to become a protégé bomber for Al-Qaeda.

Mercy’s love was true and pure love

She came one misty morning when I least expected. She was glowing exceedingly in her new dress. I invited her in and made her felt wanted for the first time in many years. After a long chat about the past she asked if she could relax on my bed. I had no problem with that I said. She got up from the chair where she sat since she arrived and went to the corner of the room. Slowly she took off her clothing leaving her underwear. She walked towards the bed and sat at the edge. Her skimpy dress retracted to her hips as she sat; a chunk portion of her flesh above her knees was bare.

A “Better Ghana” promise turns to A “Better Volta” Agenda

In recent times, many a Ghanaian have written about the dangers of ethnicity and tribalism in the Ghanaian media networks, but it seems all the pieces of advice given by these writers have fallen on death ears of the powers that be. As Conelius Cacho opines; “tribalism directly affects the quality of governance, is conducive to corruption, negatively impacts the availability of investment finance, prevents thousands of skilled indigenes from returning home and encourages many who are trained in the country to emigrate”. In a nutshell, tribalism could lead to civil wars which consume resources, slaughter people, destroy infrastructure, discourage investments and consequently inhibit economic development. Taking Conelius advice into consideration, it behoves on any patriotic citizen to do his utmost best to shun tribalism in any form, at any day and at any point in time. It is therefore ludicrous to see the silence on the part of Ghanaians on the Mills’ political appointments with regard to the gradual ethnic superimposition in our body politic which the erstwhile Kufuor government attempted to bring under control. A cursory examination of the appointments made by the president over the past 12 months reveals that over 50 personalities in the Volta Region alone have been assigned to almost all the sensitive positions in the economy to the neglect of other regions.

Ghana solidarise with Haiti

Accra, Jan. 15,GNA-Ghana has extended her sympathy and solidarity to the people of Haiti following a devastating earthquarke which caused a devastation of unprecedented proportions mostly in the carribean island's capital city of Port au Prince.

"I have learnt with shock and deep sorrow the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti in the early hours of Tuesday, 12th January 2010, causing massive loss of human lives and destruction of property." President Atta Mills stated

Pre-Conference Message By Rawlings

Pre-Conference Message By Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, FOUNDER OF THE NDC TO DELEGATES AT THE 2010 NATIONAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE, TAMALE

On the eve of the 2010 National Delegates Conference of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) I call on all members and sympathisers of the party to appreciate the significance of the congress to the survival of our dear party.

The NDC was founded on July 28, 1992 based on social democratic principles – to uphold social justice and develop a state that served as a true umbrella for the people of Ghana.

Help Locate the Family of the Late Faith Amuzu.

Authorities of the University of Toledo (UT) are asking for help from Ghanaians to locate the family of one Faith Amuzu, a former student who died in a motor vehicle accident in West Virginia over the past weekend. Faith grew up in the Dansoman area of Accra.

Abudu Royal family letter to Asantehene

The Abudu Royal family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to your Committee for the effort you have made to find lasting solution to the protracted conflict in Dagbon. After the last sitting of the Committee on November 6 and 7, the family met to deliberate on the peace process. The family recognized that there is a stalemate in the mediation process as a result of the entrenched position held by our cousins from the Andani family that the funeral of the late Ya-Na Mahamadu Abdulai cannot be perform in the Gbewaa Palace as the funeral of a Ya-Na. The Abudu family wish to reiterate our position that under no circumstances shall the family ever agree to perform the final funeral rites of the late Ya-Na Mahamadu Abdulai in any manner other than the way a Ya-Na’s funeral is perform according to Dagbon custom and tradition. We shall advance here the reasons why we continue to hold this position with strong conviction. We will also attempt to explain to you why the position of the Andani family is untenable and a recipe for future dispute and conflict in the Dagbon kingdom.

MDAs urged to respond swiftly to correspondences from RCC

Ho, Jan. 14, GNA - Mr Joseph Amenowode, Volta Regional Minister, on Wednesday expressed concern about poor communication between some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the Regional Coordinating=

Council (RCC). He has therefore directed all heads of MDAs in the region to prepare=

and submit their 2009 Annual Performance Report to the Regional Coordinat= ing Council (RCC) for collation and submission to the office of the Head of Civil Service.

Mr Amenowode who was speaking at an Annual Get-Together organized by=

Government's directive on TV generates comments

Accra, Jan 14, GNA - Government's directive to Ministries, Departments and Agencies to switch off television sets during working hours has drawn comments from some Ghanaians including Mr Daniel Owusu-Koranteng, Executi= ve Director of Wassa Community Against Mining (WACAM), a non-governmental organisation.

Mills’ men fight Tsikata

Mr Porsper Tao Tsikata, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the yet to be established security company called Mazze Security Group of companies is on a warpath with the President, Prof. John Evans Atta-Mills and some party stalwarts at the office of the President for seizing his license to operate a security company in the country.

Sources say some staffers at the office of the President are strongly against Mr Tsikata’s establishment of a private security company in the country simply because of the sophisticated state of the art security equipments he has imported into the country.

Mills has divided attention – Akomea

A former Information Minister and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Okaikoi South, Nana Akomea, has told this paper that the struggle for control of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has affected the performance of the Atta Mills government.

According to him, President Mills now has divided attention, which is making it impossible for him to focus on the development of the country. In an interview with The Chronicle in Accra Wednesday, Mr. Akomea said whilst trying to fix the multiple challenges facing the economy, President Mills also has to deal with difficulty of containing Mr Rawlings, who is trying to block his re-election as the presidential candidate of the party.

Nyaho-Tamakloe Smells A Rat

Political firebrand Dr Nyaho-Nyaho-Tamakloe has stirred the hornet’s nest again; this time within his own party. In probably his most angry public reaction since losing his bid to become the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the former Ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro said from his position as a founder member, he could see the influence and love of money emerging to subvert the ideals of the party.

UK woman sent £40k to fraudster posing as a soldier

A woman from West Sussex who struck up an online friendship with a man claiming to be an American soldier in Iraq was conned out of £40,000 in an elaborate scam, it has emerged.

The victim, in her 60s, contacted Sussex Police last week after eventually realising the man she thought was a friend had duped her into making wire transfers to various addresses in Ghana.

Muntaka dragged to CHRAJ

The dust as it appears, seems far from settling on the 'Muntaka Gate' as a politica1 pressure group, Progressive Nationalist Forum (PNF) has waded into the lingering controversy; dragging the former Minister of Youth and Sports to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).

The group, in a petition dated 11 January, 2010, and signed by the spokesperson, Richard Kwesi Nyamah, is praying CHRAJ to probe Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak - who is also the Member of Parliament for Asawase constituency in the Ashanti Region - for abuse of office and conflict of interest as well as fraud in the administration of the Youth and Sports Ministry. PNF is also enjoining CHRAJ to look into alleged travel by the former Minister with his girl friend to Germany.

NDC: Dubious Oil Dealings Exposed II

Right now Jerry John Rawlings the NDC founder and his hard- core faction members seem to have only one guiding principle. Everything that Attah Mills and his radical cronies do in the eyes of Jerry Rawlings and his faction members within the NDC is wrong. Even if the masses regard their policies as legitimate, they have not done anything especial but to steal the nation’s money through dubious Kosmos deals.

Kokofu Promotions & Appointments In GAF!

2010 is here! As we brought the eventful 2009 to a close, many of us had hoped that this New Year would herald a difference in our political and social lives, and that we would not return to the humdrum of the life as we already know it.

But as I finally took my seat behind my desk and reviewed the news as they have occurred over the past couple of weeks, I could not fail but acknowledge that my hopes are going to be dashed. If anything, things are going to be worse than they used to be, in Ghana, African and the world.

Is Oil Really Our Last Hope?

The cliché that oil is what turns the wheels of the global economy is not a comic strip. Oil is the lifeblood of, arguably, the single largest industry of the global economy. Chinua Achebe in his popular novel ‘Things Fall Apart’ said he who brings cola brings life. But in the global economy it can well be said that he who brings oil brings life. Oil is everything. It generates a lot of wars around the globe. Even the search of cheap oil before the use of fossil fuel inspired the American classic Moby Dick. The power of oil can make or break even the most advanced economy in the world. It disrupted the world economy in 1973 and almost brought the British economy to its knees. The collapse of the 2008 world economy, which was inevitable, was rather expedited by the unbearable crude oil prices. And our beloved country has never been immune to the oil spot market. It was hit hard by the oil convulsion of the early 70’s and it has consistently, in part, determine the strength of our currency. A substantial portion of the perennial inflationary pressures brought to bear on the national economy can be traced to oil, and I have agonised privately on what can be done to find a cheap source of oil or an alternative to ease up the pressures and to facilitate sustained economic growth.

So Kwabena Adjei too drives around with both Police and Military escorts?

Wonders, they say, shall never end. Otherwise, how do you justify a situation whereby the NDC, which, when in opposition talked about arrogance and indiscipline by the NPP, had its National Chairman, Dr Kwabena Adjei driving against traffic in complete contravention of traffic rules and regulations as contained in the Ghana Highway Code.

The Fallacy of an Alan-Nana Photo Finish: Rejoinder

In the Ghanaweb article dated Monday 11 January 2010,titled The Fallacy of an Alan-Nana Photo Finish, there are assertions from Boakye Agyarko, a senior member of Akufo Addo’s the 70- year- old man campaign planning committee. Agyarko is also a member of Akufo Addo’s Akyem Kyebi Mafia group within the NPP whose agenda was to manipulate the new executive elections to their advantage. This failed miserably. As result of that Agyarko is desperate and has no choice but to lambasted unguarded utterances against Hon: Maxwell Kofi Jumah the Member of Parliament in my constituency is totally politically nonsense.

Is Graphic Afraid Of The Name T.B. Joshua?

I once visited the premises of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd to make inquiries about their advertisement/announcement packages. And at the end of my inquiries, one thing was made very clear to me thus the front-page of the Daily Graphic was only meant for adverts of companies, government agencies and issues of national interest. This meant that no individual would be given the chance to advertise on its front-page regardless of how much one was willing to pay or how important that advert was to the person.

Rawlings: Ghanaians Are Cowards

We Ghanaians are known for our peaceful nature. However, I feel that we have somehow taken our love for peace to the very extreme. We love peace so much so that it has make cowards out of us. I was reading an old conducted interview with Mr Rawlings, in which he candidly confessed that the numerous staged coup d'etats in Ghana wouldn't have been necessary-had the people had the guts to demonstrate. Indeed, Mr Rawlings spoke the truth. See, we Ghanaians are all words and no action. We have had governments in the past, which were unaccountable to the people. Simple because; the people were not brave enough to stand up, and demand accountability from their very own government. Mr Rawlings ruled Ghana for some nineteen odd years. During this reign, Ghanaians were deprived of any participation in the country's affairs. You had the military dictating to the citizenry where they should sit, stand or even take a piss.

Why An All Southern Ticket Will Not Be Good For The NPP Anyday

Speculations in sections of the media tend to favour a perceived Nana/Alan ticket for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for election 2012. Even though it is not yet known if either of them would win to lead the party in the first place! Though, I personally have not taken it serious and realistic I still nonetheless think there is the urgent need for me to also join the “speculations” train in my case with some facts!

Firstly, two things could have sparked this mysterious rumours; either such a ticket for 2012 is the wish of the office of Nana Addo or the campaign office of Alan K. it is an outmoded propaganda theory which was used in the 12th century and I wonder why anybody thinks it is still practical in this 21st century! It is an idea that is dead on arrival! And I wonder where such an idea came from in the first place. If the NPP should attempt such a thing I can bet with my head that, another book would be written again after 2012. Maybe that book would be titled: “Chasing an all southern ticket to the Kwahu Mountains”.

Red Alert! Fake fuel Hits Town

Reports reaching The Independent from some fuel stations countrywide say there is the influx of what can be termed as sub-standard and contaminated fuel on the market, which is being sold to unsuspecting motorists.

Credible information available to The Independent say, the fuel hit the Ghanaian market in December last year and it is still in the system causing problems for fuel attendants country-wide.

KMA implements projects under DDF

Kumasi, Jan.13, GNA - Mr. Samuel Sarpong, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) on Tuesday performed the ceremony for work to begin on th= ree projects under the Assembly's District Development Facility (DDF). These included the construction of a 12-unit classroom block for Sai= nt Louis Senior High School (SHS) a clinic at Apatrapa and a sanitation facility with mechanized borehole for the Boadi basic school.

Kufuor’s Boys Confess @ Kosmos-E.O. Probe

The sweetheart deals in the oil sector, which spotted powerful oil barons, whose footprints leads to the office of former President John Agyekum kufuor, is about to turn sour.

The ‘Kufour boys’ who are about to face about 25 charges, bordering on criminality and blatant falsification of public records in a mad rush to control Ghana’s black gold, are now choking on evidence.

Sources familiar with the workings of the joint investigation between the US government and Ghana has told The Enquirer that despite misleading PR gimmicks in sections of the media, “the culprits in the case are singing like canaries” in the intercontinental probe, which has untied the bolts and knots of the Es and the Os of Ghana’s oil sector.

Stars step up training as competition for position intensifies

Cabinda, Angola, Jan. 13, GNA - The Black Stars of Ghana stepped up their training regimen two clear days ahead of their game against the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire with keen competition among the players for a place in the final eleven as the dominant trait at the training grounds. With two training sessions each day, the players have been very busy with their work out rate and tactical preparations at each session to fine tune themselves for the crucial game which has been described as a make or break affair.

Constitution Review Commission hold maiden meeting

Accra, Jan. 13, GNA - The Constitution Review Commission has assured the public that its operations would be open and transparent in order to afford all Ghanaians the opportunity to contribute to the process. A statement issued in Accra by the Commission after its maiden meeting and signed by Professor Albert K. Fiadjoe, Chairman of the Commission, said "though the Commission is made up of persons from different backgrounds, it is mindful of the mandate given to it by the Constitutional Instrument as an independent body".

Road contractors call on government to increase Road Fund levy

Wednesday appealed to the government to review the Road Fund levy upwards= to enable contractors to undertake more road projects. The association said the current levy of five Ghana pesewas per vehicl= e at toll booths was inadequate as the Road Fund had taken additional responsibility of funding some major road projects.

Each time I go to Ghana, I get angry

By Christmas, I was completely fed up. Peeved, completely riled and exasperated by a fuel-less, power-less and president-less country. So I packed my bags and baggage, and off to Ghana I went.

Two years ago, at about the same period, I had taken a holiday in Ghana, and when I returned, I did a piece with the headline ‘Notes from Accra.’ I romanticized the peace, security and sanity in that country so much that one Nigerian, gripped in the paroxysm of jingoism, sent me an angry text that I should return to Ghana if I loved the place more than my country. So, two days after Christmas, I heeded the advice.

Constitutional Review Process Is Flawed

Early this week (1/11/10), President John Evans Atta-Mills inaugurated a 9-member Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) charged with making relevant suggestions and recommendations to the Ghanaian president for possible implementation in the offing.

Ghana's Investment Climate Poisoned

Between 1994 and 1996 the NDC Government under former President Rawlings embarked on a globetrotting investment promotion tour to bring the Worldâ€™s attention to Investment opportunities in Ghana.

This tour set the stage for massive influx of diasporans to explore investment opportunities in the country.

NDC: Dubious Oil Dealings Exposed – Rejoinder

Dear Countrymen and women, it is indeed with deep pain that I put forward this write-up not because the issues raised by the original writer are factual or makes any sense but the sinister intention behind it. We all woke up on the morning of 01/08/10 to read in the Financial Times how the functionaries of the Kuffuor Administration used their connections with the then Government of Ghana to create an economic empire for themselves without spending a penny.

I have watched Nana Kofi Amankwaah through his articles on Ghanaweb and it is not that I take him serious but my personal feeling is that he has grown from eratic to psychiatric. Kofi Amankwaah’s articles are usually unintelligent, incoherent, and illogical. If he really exists he needs three things:

Oh Ho Kofi Kumado!!!

Honestly, I am at a loss as to what it is that makes some intellectuals behave as if they borrowed their qualifications.

Indeed, during the eight year “lootractic” reign of John Agyekum Kofi Diawuo “50 Cents” Kufuor, a number of intellectuals in Ghana succeeded in tagging themselves as intellectually dishonest persons.

For eight torrid years, certain intellectuals in Ghana sold their bodies, souls and spirits to the NPP regime and watched on whiles Kufuor destroyed the moral fiber of the nation.

Mr President, Your Judgement Stinks…

A good leader should possess impeccable Judgement as one of his many qualities as his decision making will show the kind of person he is, his wisdom and what beliefs and values he holds dear. Our President Atta Mills, in his one year in power has demonstrated that his Judgement stinks and he is not the man he portrayed on the campaign trail to Ghanaians.

What Do You Think About?

I am sure as you read this short thesis, everything is ‘okay’ for those of you in the developed world, but to those of us in the developing world especially Africa, everything is topsy-turvy.

For the few decades God has blessed me with, I have had the misfortune of seeing many African governments rise and fall – and I have witnessed quite some lousy governance styles in my home country in particular.

In fact, as the days go by, our condition continues to deteriorate very fast. What is called equal opportunity does not exist for the ordinary man and everything seems to be built around vampire political systems.

Tyranny of JJ’s 2012 NDC: Mosquito Meets “THE Dr.”

“… of insinuations Mr. Asiedu Nketiah [General Mosquito] has made against
the founder of the party… Rawlings, and… Konadu Rawlings. These seem to be
making him [Asiedu] unpopular among party members…” (Ghanaweb Jan, 9 2010)

Koku & Ayariga To Be Fired!

The looming cabinet reshuffle has already started causing some jittery nights to some Ministers and Aides at the seat of Presidency, as information available to this blog indicates that Messers Mahama Ayariga and Koku Anyidohu, Presidential Spokesperson and Director of Communications respectively are to be fired.

According to sources, the two communicators who speak for the President, last week, placed calls to the phone of a very senior journalist who has very close links with the President and meets him often, to ascertain whether they would be given the sack or not.

Work On Oil Starts

Technical installations have started on the Jubilee Oilfields at Cape Three Points to pave the way for the commercial production of oil and gas by the last quarter of this year.

Consequently, a vessel – Happy River – arrived in the country last week and is expected to build sub-sea structures for the installation of a billion-dollar Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

The EPSO, the size of three football fields, is near completion in Singapore and it is expected to sail to the country in March this year.

I Will Kill You..NPP Chairman Tells Secretary

Some executives of the Ashaiman Constituency of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) are leaving in a state of fear and anxiety following death threats on their lives.

Behind these death threats is alleged to be the chairman of the Constituency, Alhaji Papaye, who is alleged to have hired some thugs known as Al-Qaeda to deal ruthlessly with any executive member who opposes his decision or ideas.

NDC Top Gun Rallies Against JJ, Wife

A head of the national delegates congress of the National Democratic congress (NDC) scheduled to take place in Tamale in the northern region, a member of the party is calling on the delegates to reject contestants perceived to be aligned to the former first couple.

According to Mr Prince Diawuo, who is the Propaganda Secretary of the NDC in the Asunafo North Constituency in the Brong Ahafo Region, candidates known to belong to former President Rawlings and his wife have certain agenda they want to pursue in the party.

Reshuffle: Ministers panic and kick start media war

General panic has engulfed the corridors of power following disclosures that a major Ministerial reshuffle would be announced within the next four weeks.

The panic intensified when President Mills hinted that what has been described as his “Team B” would be replaced by “Team A”. Checks at the Castle show that many Ministers have been rushing to brief the President about their lofty plans for the future in the hope that it will help them dodge the reshuffle. One Minister was almost direct when he reportedly told the President that he needed at least three more years at the Ministry to implement his plan.

NPP Caused Own Defeat -Ntow

… Leaders ignored advice and followed their own agenda
The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Ohene Ntow, has told The Chronicle that if the leadership of the party had listened to his advice, the party would not have lost the 2008 elections.

According to him, his views with regard to the selection of parliamentary candidates of the party in some selected constituencies were ignored, a decision, he noted, which contributed largely to the defeat of the party at the polls.

Tullow Oil looks at listings in Ghana

African-focused oil group Tullow Oil is “investigating the possibility” of listing on stock exchanges in Uganda and Ghana, two countries where it has significant operations.

The statement from the company followed reports in the Ugandan media that the company planned a listing by April this year.

Mills receives envoys from Nigeria and Senegal

Accra, Jan. 12, GNA - Nigeria and Senegal have expressed appreciatio= n to President John Atta Mills for strengthening sub-regional ties. Nigerian Vice President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan expressed admiration= to the leadership style of President Mills and stressed the need for the two=

leaders to work towards strengthening their ties and relationship to new levels. Vice President Jonathan expressed the views in a message delivered b= y Mr. Ojo Madueke, Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs to President Mills at the Castle, Osu. He said it was necessary to re-open the joint Ghana-Nigeria Commissi= on of Trade and Peace which had stalled since 1996 to strengthen ties betwee= n the two nations.

President Mills informed about death of Yagbonwura

Accra, Jan. 12, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills and Vice President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday commiserated with the chiefs and people of Gonja on the death of Yagbonwura Bawa Abudu Doshie, Paramount Chief of Gonja Traditional Area in the Northern Region. They expressed the confidence that a successor would be elected in accordance with laid down customs for peace, as they eulogized the Yagbonwura as an advocate of peace, development, mediator, hero, patriot, leader and trailblazer.

Delegates assured of total peace in Tamale NDC congress

Tamale, Jan. 12, GNA - Alhaji Imoro Issifu Alhassan Umar, the Northern Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), said on Tuesday that there would be peace and security for delegates at the National Congress of the NDC in Tamale.

Elon University supports education in Sokode

Sokode (V/R), 12, GNA - Some staff and students of Elon University in the US have presented teaching and learning materials to support education in the Sokode Traditional Area. The team, led by Professor Brian Digree, also presented GHc 3,500 to develop education in the area.

The team had financed the construction of a three-classroom Senior High School block, a four-classroom Junior High School block for the community and an ongoing kindergarten over the past seven years. The community SHS had also received laptops and microscopes from students from the University. Togbe Fia Koku III, Paramount Chief of Sokode Traditional Area, said the area's eight years' association with the University had enhanced education and small scale businesses.

Two seriously injured in accident on Winneba/Swedru road

Winneba, Jan. 12, GNA - Two people were injured when their private car collided with a Metro Mass Transport Bus on the Winneba/Agona Swedru road on Monday.

Government puts in place several polices to help the youth

Winneba, Jan. 12, GNA - The Effutu Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Nii Ephraim, has said government has put in place polices that will help the youth in its "better Ghana" agenda.

He mentioned some of the policies as the National Youth Policy, National Youth Employment Programme and others.

Man and the Dangerous Hole

Will the NDC Stand or Fall at the Tamale Congress?

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) holds its national delegates congress in Tamale on January 16. The purpose of this congress is clear: to elect national officers to run the affairs of the party and to determine the party’s future fortunes. Considering the current goings-on within the party, it is no exaggeration to say that this congress is more than a make-or-break affair. It holds much for the party and its government. Its outcome will also reflect whether the NDC has come of age in its efforts to facilitate our democratic experiment. I preview this congress in this sense.

LINSOD Laud A-G

As Lawyers in Search of Democracy (LINSOD), we are very much impressed with the highly effective performance of Mrs. Betty Mould Iddrisu in her role for only 8 months in 2009 as the Attorney-General of Ghana. She has been at the receiving end of much criticism. However, for the period under review, we hold the candid view that the facts on the ground do not justify the scathing remark by the media that Ghana’s first woman Attorney-General has been “losing too many cases in Court”. A more constructive criticism, the enzyme that activates democracy, would have applauded her efforts for the period under review.

Africa's Development And Mental Slavery Pt1

Just recently, a friend of mine was in Ghana on a visit. He has been living in Europe for sometime now, and thought it somehow appropriate to return home after all these years. He couldn't believe how Ghana had transformed, when he returned after his three weeks stay. He told me that the country, which he left behind so many years ago is no longer there. Everything has changed, he said. The country is moving forward. Ghana has become more like Europe, he added. I guess that the tarred transportation roads didn't escape his attention. Quite frankly, I didn't ask if whether or not he was happy that our country was developing more and more towards the West. Because I knew for certain that he was obviously pleased. He was full of appraisal of the previous government's exterior developments in the country. He concluded his story by telling me that Ghana has developed for sure. Former President Kufour has done Ghana good, he said.

Yes, Let's Review the 1992 Constitution

Even though criticized at large, President Mills’ government has just taken one giant step that is commendable. It has initiated moves for the 1992 Constitution to be amended, and President Mills inaugurated on Monday a nine-member Constitutional Review Commission for that purpose. This move is encouraging because it tells us that the government is interested in taking bold steps to revamp the main framework within which our democracy functions.

Complaints about the weaknesses in the country’s 1992 Constitution have been heard over the years and calls made for its review. Although some dissenting voices have also been registered on the issue, what has happened over the years reinforces public fears and justifies the demand for a review. Thus, the bold step now taken by the President is well founded. It confirms that something drastic will be done to fine-tune the Constitution to serve new purposes that have emerged since it was first promulgated in 1992.

What Ghanaians and Africans need to know “Beware of the NPP”

Ghana, Nigeria Consider Exchange Of Prisoners

Ghana and Nigeria are considering a Nigerian proposal on a possible exchange of prisoners between the two countries. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni disclosed this in Accra yesterday, when the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Ojo Madueke, paid a courtesy call on him.

He neither elaborated on the issue nor explained its objective. The Minister did also not say how many prisoners are in each other’s country.

We are Clean -Rice importers

Owners of the huge consignment of rice, which arrived into the country on board MV Stefanis and was reportedly considered as unfit for human consumption, have shown some documentation to The New Crusading GUIDE which indicated that some portions of the rice and not the entire consignment were contaminated.

Speaking to The New Crusading GUIDE reporter , Chiraz Gany, categorically denied initial reports that the whole consignment of rice was rejected in two countries before the final arrival in Ghana, since tests conducted by Sierra Leonean Health Authorities indicated that only portions of the UNPL EMATA MYANMAR RICE was found to be bad.

Study finds UNICEF program in West Africa fails

LONDON -- A UNICEF program that spent $27 million to decrease child deaths from disease in West Africa has failed, according to a new study that found a higher survival rate in some regions that weren't included in the program.

The U.N. children's agency pursued strategies like vaccinating children, giving them vitamin A pills and distributing bednets to protect against malaria from 2001 to 2005 in parts of 11 countries.

26 Companies In Cayman Islands Fronting for Kufuor

Your authoritative “The Ghana Palaver” investigations have uncovered 26 companies in the Cayman Island all connected to the Kufuor led New Patriotic Party (NPP). Most of the companies were formed in 2003 and 2009 during the NPP regime.

The Ghana Palaver’s revelation is coming in the wake of United States and Ghanaian officials investigations into the activities of EO, a Ghanaian company connected to the Jubilee oilfields in Ghana. Now it is believed that EO is not the only company fronting for the NPP but also the 26 companies spotted in the Cayman Islands. The names of the companies are being withheld by this newspaper but would be published as soon as Ghana Palaver’s investigations are completed.

Ghana Faces 4yrs Of Hardships

ODEEFUO TAWIAH OF CHURCH OF RABBI PROPHESIES...
The General head prophet of the church of Rabbi Odeefuo Kwabena Tawiah has painted a horrific prophecy in store for the nation in the next four years. Smarting under a 40-day fast as dictated to him by the Lord, Odeefuo Tawiah pointed out that bouts of hunger and famine, water shortages and a generally biting heap of economic hardships will bedevil the nation and render all facets of life most difficult to live.

The Fallacy of an Alan-Nana Photo Finish

In the past few days, several attempts have been made in the press to spin the results of both constituency and regional elections of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in order to hurry public opinion and prevent a true appreciation of the facts. This spin is summed up in the contrived headlines of the Wednesday 6th January, 2010 edition of the Ghanaian Chronicle, which sought to portray a "photo-finish" in a hypothetical race between Nana Akufo-Addo and Alan Kyerematen for the flag-bearership of the NPP.

Quashigah: Appetite for bold thinking

For some time, Ghana’s former Agriculture and Health Minister, Courage Emmanuel Kobla Quashigah, a retired major from the Ghana Armed Forces who died in an Israeli hospital on January 5 at 62, have been in the forefront of the emerging Ghanaian/African enlightenment project. The project, largely undertaken by its advocates pro bono, seeks to appropriate Africa’s traditional values for progress by simultaneously exploiting the enabling parts for policy making and exposing the inhibiting aspects for refinement.

Poor Chalk-People: A Collective Biography of Ghanaian Teachers

*By Akadu Ntiriwa Mensema Ph. D.; Post-Grad. Dipl.

“Mr. Kwadwo Adjei-Dwomoh, Nkoranza North District Chief Executive,
has commended teachers for their invaluable role and contribution to
the production of quality human resource and manpower needed for
national development” (Ghanaweb, Jan 6, 2010).

Re: How Kuffour’s friends got hold of Ghana’s oil

Dr. Kwesi Mensah Wilson

The vindictive and devilish persecution of the EO group orchestrated by the Tsatsu Tsikata controlled NDC is not only an assault on Ghana’s entrepreneurial spirit but also a slap in the face of Ghanaians in the Diaspora. The ongoing political persecution of the EO group is poisoning the investment climate of the country and it must cease forthwith.

After spending decades and money on wild goose chase - turning the GNPC into a SALT winning corporation, now Tsikata is back trying to reap where he has not sown. Through the services of a half-baked, obscure, and almost bankrupt lawyer in California, one Amaniampong, who is receiving $25,000 per month of taxpayers money, Tsatsu Tsikata seeks to malign and criminalize two Ghanaian diasporans who have endured tremendous sacrifices to bring wealth to their country.

EO Group and Conflict of Interest Law.

We welcome and encourage entrepreneurship in Ghana but we must, if we want to avoid graft and corruption, strengthen our Conflict of Interest Laws and not allow our politicians, government agents or appointees and other public officials to use inside knowledge because of their positions to take advantage of Ghanaians. This is the reason we need to investigate the part played by EO Group. This is strictly according to law and not witch hunt. The EO Group acted in contravention of the country’s Conflict of Interest Laws. A public officer or politician is supposed to use the powers invested in him or her to negotiate in the interest and on behalf of the government and the people of Ghana. Dr. Kwame Bawuah Edusei and his cronies acted against the basic tenets of this rule.

The Ghanaian Condition (Part 4)

The saga of Ex-Gratia Payments to former Heads of State,Parliamentarians,Ex-Speaker of Parliament and other State Officials has raised its head again. Mr.Kwesi Pratt Jnr in an article posted on Ghanaweb of Friday the 8th of January strongly suggested that this Ex-Gratia payments should be discontinued with immediate effect.

Kwesi, I could not agree with you more.In my first article on this very topic posted on Ghanaweb on April 5th 2009 I also expressed similar sentiment. With all due respect,the drafters of the 1992 Constitution especially that of Article 71 might have slept on the job. If not how on earth can any reasonable person suggest giving so much to one individual at the expense of the total mass of Ghanaians whose sweat and labour will be used in paying these individuals. Are some Ghanaians more deserving than others?

This End-of-Service Benefits Nonsense Must Stop Now!

By Dr. Michael J.K. Bokor

E-mail: mjbokor@yahoo.com

January 8, 2010

The furore surrounding the payment of End-of-Service Benefits to our politicians seems to defy solution. It may be a test case for us as we continue to seek opportunities to sustain our democracy. But for the fact that money for payment of the ESB comes from the national coffers, no one would be piqued by the furore it has generated. This ex-gratia issue should not continue to dominate public discourse because it doesn’t need to be at the centre stage of our priorities. Yet, it still does because of the lackluster manner in which our politicians handle national affairs.

Angola2010: Ghana-Togo Match Cancelled?

Togo seemed set to withdraw from the African Cup of Nations last night, despite last-ditch negotiations to keep them in the tournament.

In the Angolan enclave of Cabinda – the scene of Friday's ambush which killed three people and left seven injured – a plane sent by the Togolese government sat on the tarmac ready to take the team home.

Gilbert Houngbo, the Prime Minister, had earlier held a news conference in the Togolese capital, Lome, at which he ordered the team home, despite their wishes to continue in the competition as a way of honouring their slain colleagues."If a team or some people present themselves under the Togolese flag, it will be a false representation," he said.

The team's captain and Manchester City player, Emmanuel Adebayor, confirmed that the players had listened to their Prime Minister.

Ghana demands extra security for its players

ACCRA — Ghana is demanding extra security for its players at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola following Friday's deadly attack on the Togolese squad, the government said on Sunday.

Ghana is one of the teams based in the oil-rich enclave of Cabinda, where separatist rebels claimed responsibility for Friday's ambush that left at least two dead and several wounded.

2010 and after would be better years

Accra, Jan. 9, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills, on Friday expressed confidence of better economic times ahead and stated Government's commitment to transparency and best practices in the management of the nation's oil revenue.

Katakyie Addresses Kwesi Pratt and Co.

This writ-up seeks to expose the hypocrisy and opportunistic preoccupation of Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Koku Anyidohu and other mouth-watering guys in the National Disappointed Congress (NDC) who are bent on taking our beloved country to the dark ages through their unguarded pronouncements. According to Abbie Hoffman; the idea that media is there to educate us, or to inform us, is ridiculous because that is about tenth or eleventh on their list. In using the above quote in examining the recent chattering and vituperations by the Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt and the so-called Communications Director at the presidency – Koku Anyidohu, I will not hesitate to describe these two guys as buffoons.

A rejoinder to: Katakyie Addresses Kwesi Pratt and Co.

"This writ-up seeks to expose the hypocrisy and opportunistic preoccupation of Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Koku Anyidohu and other mouth-watering guys in the National Disappointed Congress (NDC) who are bent on taking our beloved country to the dark ages through their unguarded pronouncements"

I wonder what makes you think Kwesi Pratt, Jnr., must not be taken on his word to be CPP but Kweku Baako reamains CPP for you! Any way, why "mouth-watering guys"? Are you a cannibal? Why do they make you salivate? This is quite a curious way of describing human beings, what are you, a vampire? OK, Mr. Insignificant cannibal, allow those of us looking forward to a mouth-watering turkey this Christmas decide between the NPP Administration of President John Agyekum Kufour and President John Evans Atta Mills, not a vampire. We do not use the same judgemental values.

Why It Must Be Salifu Sule For Regional Secretaryship

Some friends monitoring the current constituencies and regional elections of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the northern region specifically wanted my view on who I thought could be very best as regional secretary of the NPP especially as the party was now in opposition and will definitely need a very committed person to man the party in the region.

I honestly knew why I was asked such a question. The two main contestants who filed to contest for the position of regional secretary happen to be persons I know very well. As of the 18/12/09 Clifford Abdallah Braimah and Salifu Sule were the only two persons who filed to contest for that position. On any balance of probability I think either of them is well qualified to occupy that position.

E-Voting in Ghana and the 2012 Elections

A number of Ghanaian individuals have either hinted at or strongly advocated for the use of Biometric/E-Voting machines to become a part of Ghana’s elections, even as early as 2012. Among those who have hinted at the use of Biometric/E-Voting machines in Ghanaian elections are none other than Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan.

Recently the Danquah Institute presented an article online entitled “Ghana can become a war zone in 2012” which caused anger and consternation among some readers. It should be remembered that the “Danquah Institute” is run and led by human beings. The “Danquah Institute” by itself cannot write an article, human beings write articles. Mr. Asare Otchere Darko need not create hysteria, sensationalism or use other propaganda techniques to reiterate his support for E-Voting to be instituted in Ghana.

Our Socialist History and Confusion

On 18 February 1961, Nkrumah, having pronounced that "only socialists can build a socialist society," founded The Kwame Nkrumah Institute of Economics and Political Science, commonly known as the Winneba ideological Institute to indoctrinate people in socialism. The purpose of such a center in Nkrumah's words was "to propagate firmly the essence of African unity in Ghana and throughout the Continent of Africa." He said that trainees should be "made to realize the Party's ideology is a religion and should be carried out faithfully and fervently." Its mission was described by a staff member in the following unequivocal terms: "Since practically all the positions in the State machinery, all the executive positions, were occupied by high officials trained by the British and/or bourgeois mentality, it is quite obvious that in order to implement its programme of socialist construction, the C.P.P. has to train men and women who support the principles of socialism and who can occupy the key positions of the State machinery as well as those in industrial and agricultural enterprises."

Corruption and the President

A lot of discussion has gone on since Mr. Pianim’s insinuation that if a country is corrupt, it’s president (and top leaders) must also be corrupt. Political undertones not withstanding, this was the logic of the June 4th Revolution. Ghanaian’s embraced it wholeheartedly and continue to celebrate it. A few scapegoats were sacrificed, many lost their property and many more suffered indignities all in the name of purging the country of corrupt leaders and by so doing corruption as a whole. Well, thirty years down the lane, corruption is still endemic and we are still blaming our leaders.

ASDA Early Learning Centre celebrates anniversary

Accra, Dec. 21, GNA - Mrs Henrietta Okyere-Twum, Programmes Direct= or of Peace FM, has stressed the need for early childhood development centre= s to be promoted in the education of children. She noted that research by educational experts worldwide have show= n that even before children reached the school going age, they could be tau= ght certain basic things in life through music, dance, play and other art for= ms. Mrs Okyere-Twum was speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration o= f the ASDA Early Learning and Development Centre at Adenta near Accra at th= e weekend.

Girl, 8, Dies From Anal Sex

An eight-year-old class three pupil of Patdorama International School in Kumasi has died as a result of the stomach complications she developed after being allegedly raped through the anus and vagina by a 16-year-old boy in the serene neighborhood of Kwadaso Estate.

Emmanuella Opoku also known as Attaa, who had been hospitalized at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) where she was due for surgery to rectify a damaged fallopian tube, suddenly died on December 15, 2009.

P.C. Accuses Rawlings’ Men of Theft

Paul Collins Appiah Ofori, the controversial Member of Parliament for Asikuma Odoben Brakwa, has accused some close allies of former President Rawlings of stealing state money when they were in office.

According to P.C. Appiah Ofori, this occurred when he personally reported a lumber operating firm called Conglomerate for evading their tax obligation to the then President Rawlings when he was in office.

Kufuor Pays Staff from Own Pocket

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has to date not received his ex gratia, his spokesperson, Frank Agyekum, has said. Consequently, he buys his own fuel, pays his own staff, bears maintenance cost of his vehicles and is using his home as an office,” the spokesperson told the Times in reaction to media reports that some Members of Parliament had been paid their ex-gratia, and the ex-President left out.

I’ve No Presidential Ambition -Jake

THE THREE times Greater-Accra Chairman and the campaign strategist of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey has confirmed that he has dropped his ambition to become the president of Ghana but rather desires to be the national chairman of the party. He noted that if elected as the national chairman, he would strategize and prepare the grounds for whoever the delegates of the party elect as presidential candidate for the 2012 elections.

NDC Will Collapse

He said it was rather unfortunate that in playing his role as the Founder and Former President, some people had misconstrued his actions to mean a deliberate attempt to undermine the presidency and create division within the NDC, a situation Mr. Rawlings stressed would never happen.

BOPP scores 100 per cent in 2009 BECE

Benso (W/R) Dec. 21 GNA - Benso Oil Palm Plantation (BOPP) Basic School scored 100 percent in the 2009 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Oh Mother Ghana! (Part One)

A lot of Politicians and Army Generals have come and gone! They all promised to lead us to our promise land where milk and honey are flowing but instead we still find ourselves in slavely.Our hospitals had been taken over by demonic spirits. As soon as a child is born, his or her destiny is taking away from him or her. Even our homes, these demonic spirits are there.

Father, if it’s possible

This appears to be what President Mills might be saying. I can’t imagine what he is going through, especially within the last two months. The going has been very though, and like Jesus, I think he is saying father, if it is possible, let this “cup”- presidency pass over me. But, folks, you know what? Many a times we don’t know what we ask for until we get it. President Mills, I think was the happiest man on earth when he won the presidency, but at the moment I can confidently say that he isn’t. Unlike Jesus who had the burden of the world on His shoulders- to redeem mankind from sin and eternal condemnation, and thank God He didn’t fail; President Mills has the burden of only Ghana on his shoulders, a burden he can decide to abdicate if he so wishes. Unlike Jesus who singlehandedly had to execute that mandate- go to the cross alone, our president has an administration to help him to carry out the mandate. This means that when the going gets very tough and rough, his helpers- ministers, parliamentarians from his party, party faithfuls, etc. etc. have to assist him to steer the affairs of the country in the right direction.

The Church Now and Then: Any Commonalities? (Part 3)

First of all let me once again thank you all faithful readers for your interest in my articles and for your very insightful comments, which have always spurred me on to continue to address the issues of common concern to contemporary church. To those who have emailed me, I am much grateful. To those who feel my articles are stepping on your toes, I sincerely apologise but do beg to differ that that stepping on people’s toes: launching an open attack on the church or church leaders has never been the motive behind my articles. I will be very contradictory, and who am I to ‘kick against the pricks’, if I would seek to destroy the very thing that I have for all my years worked hard to build. As a Christian, a pastor’s son, a preacher and a conference speaker on church leadership my intension has never been to leave any cracks in the Christian faith. On the contrary it is to help preserve and protect the faith by helping strengthen and cohere the church through addressing some of what I think, are anomalies associated with the practice of the Christian faith (not the tenets of the faith itself) and with the practice of the pastors’ profession and the performance of the church leadership’s role.

Corrupting the Incorruptible: Is it Mother Ghana or Attitudinal Dishonesty?

“Corruption frustrates efforts to alleviate poverty and generates apathy and cynicisms”- Mr. Emile Short, Commissioner of CHRAJ.

The issue of corruption would continue to be the sword of Damocles hanging on the neck of the country if pragmatic measures are not put in place to change the status quo. It goes without saying that the economy of Ghana has seen no significant improvement because of endemic corruption that serves to drain the nation’s already limited resources.

Climate Change and Africa: Moment of peril

To put it in the words of the former Secretary General of the United Nation, Mr. Kofi Annan ´´over the last few years we have seen concerted efforts to tackle poverty and inequality across our planet; the international community came together to agree on the millennium development goals-to spread prosperity, improve help and put our world on a path towards sustainability, but whiles in many areas we have seen progress, climate change threaten to reverse these improvements and dash our hope for a fairer and sustainable world``.

Is This the Kind of Parliament We Want?

When some of us write to condemn some institutions of state as a danger to our democracy, it is not because we love mischief or because we have too much time and too little to do. It is because what we see or hear from those institutions are disgusting. Of all the institutions, our Parliament is quickly creating a very nasty impression for itself and making Ghanaians look foolish for sacrificing their lot to support it. The performance of our Legislature is deplorable and does not justify what is spent on it.

Rawlings Atrocities, Rose Pinkrah And Paul Gyamfi

This is a story about how Rawlings came by the name Paul Gyamfi to seek medical attention in Switzerland and the victims whose lives were destroyed. I was reading the comments on one of the articles on December 18th 2009Â when I came by this article posted by Santo, a well known contributor in the forum and I thought forumers might want to feed their brains and read abou one oft murderer Rawlings atrocities he unleashed on Ghanaians.Â Â Â THANK YOU SANTO FOR A JOB WELL DONE

"Farce or mischief, why would Flt. Lt. Rawlings and his handlers resort to using a false name to sign medical bills that would eventually have to be authenticated by the Government of Ghana before settlement?

Understanding The Black Woman's Rage

Men are from Mars and women are from Venus. This aphorism, albeit subjective, does indeed hold an iota of truth in it. For ages now, women have managed to hold men in their captive with no release in sight. Wars have been fought in the past because of women. Friends have betrayed one another because of women. Somebody once told me that women are the true rulers of this dear old world. I have every reason to believe that this could be true. Women do have such an unbelievable power over men that it hurts. Then again, men are fools and women use this foolishness to their advantage. For instance; a woman knows that in order to keep a man satisfied- all that she has to do is give him food and a proper dose of sex. And that is it really.

Witches Crushed

The ongoing conference of the Association of Witches in West Africa (AWWA) at Hwiawu-Besease in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti region has been disrupted, Daily Guide has gathered.

This was after Nana Subruku, a dreaded fetish at Atwima Twedie near Kumasi, had led a team of 42 fetish priests from the West African sub-region to the town on Wednesday. The fearful-looking traditional worshippers, drawn from neighboring Togo, Mali, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Cote D’Ivoire among others, stormed the town on Wednesday morning clad in their traditional outfits.

Appearing serious and ready for business, Nana Subruku led the traditional worshippers to perform assorted rituals aimed at demobilizing the witches who were busily undertaking their annual spiritual conference.

Bush Fires, threat to GEMP Project

Bolgatanga, Dec 21, GNA - Bush fires, had been identified, as of the major threat that is likely to affect the implementation of the Ghana Environmental Management Project (GEMP), in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions. The five year project, which is funded by the Canadian Government at the cost of 7.2 Canadian dollars, is to strengthen Ghana's Institutions and rural communities, to reverse the land degradation trend in the Northern Regions of Ghana. The Project, in its preliminary stage, would also help in sustainable water and land management systems, to improve food security and reduce poverty in the areas.

Police inaugurates Human Trafficking Unit in Kumasi

Kumasi, Dec. 21, GNA - Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr Frank Adu-Poku, Director General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has called on the public to help clamp down on human traffickers. "It is cruel, inhumane and can be described as a modern day slavery, which robs children and victims of their humanity, dignity, future and sometimes their lives and has to be done away with." DCOP Adu-Poku was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Human Trafficking Unit of the police, in Kumasi, at the weekend. It attendance were officials from the Immigration, Fire and Prisons services as well as the Military and the Customs Excise Preventive Service (CEPS).

SADA would create balanced regional development -Veep

Accra, Dec. 21, GNA - Vice President John Mahama has observed that, the proposed Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) strategic programme, initiated by government, would result in a balanced regional development, across the country.

The Vice President said the programme is already showing remarkable results, even before parliament formally enacts the Programme into law. Mr Mahama made these remarks in Ho, on Saturday, when he opened a two day SADA Parliamentary Caucus Conference, to review and fine tune the objectives of the Programmes developmental agenda into a sustainable strategic plan for the northing part of the country. ... Mr Mahama said several acres of arable lands for varied agricultural initiatives including sugarcane production has been acquired in the north under the programme.

Family War in NPP Turns Dirty

THE race to occupy various positions within the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Western Region, has turned into a dirty family war among three incumbent regional executives of the party, who are engaged in smear campaign against each other.

Mr. Kojo Acquah, Regional Organiser and Anthony K. Sam, Regional Secretary, have allegedly teamed up and are doing everything possible to get rid of the incumbent Regional Chairman, Nana Owusu-Ankomah.

The Regional Chairman was also reported to have engaged in a similar campaign to cause the defeat of the two, during the party congress scheduled to come off on the 30th of this month.

Ghanaians Hungry for NPP – Effah Darteh

The former Member of Parliament for Berekum in the Brong Ahafo Region, and aspiring General Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party, Captain (Rtd) Kwame Nkrabea Effah Dartey has stated that Ghanaians are crying for NPP to come to power in 2012 to save them from the ruling government’s mismanagement of the economy.

“As I speak to you now, Ghanaians are hungry for the return of the NPP into power in 2012 to salvage them from the economic crunch that has been created by the President Mills led NDC government.

A number of people I have spoken to have expressed their readiness to return the NPP into power. It is up to us as a party to re-strategise our campaign programmes and communications and put in place strong leadership to capture political power in 2012”.

What is happening in Ghana?

“People are too busy to write, but love for a country cannot be sacrificed because we either succeed or fail together, and silence is not an option” – Walter Bridge.

News emerging from Ghana presents a scary picture to the international community and can obstruct the quest to deepen democracy, and unite the people for development.

Politicians once again, would not learn to suppress their ego, as they “sermonize” self-importance. The sorry state of government agents in the media highlights a shameful arrangement through which Kwesi Pratt Jnr, a “rent-a-quote” journalist, and others, coordinate a deceptive agenda.

Asare Otchere-Darko, stop being an alarmist

The executive Director of Danquah Institute, Mr. Asare Otchre-Darko, recent press release calling for seminar next year to consider the “viability of E-Voting” in 2012 election was premature.

His article, paper as he calls it, is full of holes and out right lies. First Ghana did not come close “to the kind of election break-down and violence we saw in Kenya and Zimbabwe” as Mr. Otchere-Darko claims in his paper. That is a complete fabrication and should not come from so called policy think thank institute. There was a clear denial of winners both in Kenya and Zimbabwe elections but that was not the case in 2008 election in Ghana.

Let Us Welcome Locally Produced Rice In Our Homes

Hundreds of thousands of people consume rice in the country. Statistics of the 2010 budget statement has shown that the total consumption of rice in the country is about five hundred thousand [500,000] tons of which three hundred and fifty thousand [350,000] tons are imported. It is about time we patronized our locally produced goods. There are many manufactured goods in Ghana and I believe if we patronize our locally produced goods, our country will be more advanced in some few years to come.

The Hypocrisy Of The Npp Party Exposed

Politics is not a gentleman's sport. It has never been and never would be. Politics is a dirty game full of allies and traitors. Those who mistakingly go into politics to make friends-sooner or later discover that there are none in politics. All political parties are manipulative. They say one thing to garner votes, but fulfilling it is something else. In fact, politics was never intended to be a problem solver. It was only intended to address socio-economic issues without offering any tangible solutions to them. Then again, a doctor is only there to prescribe medication to his/her patient/s. A doctor is not a healer.

Are We Not Our Own Enemies?

Some people take a long time to know the reality of the circumstances surrounding them. They are like those who are so blind that even when the gates of heaven are open, they will still go round the building, looking for windows to pass through. The state of affairs of our country today can be likened to this quip because in the midst of plenty, we are still poor. We are still thirsty in the abundance of water.

To me, heaven may not necessarily mean an after-life utopia but any condition of fulfillment. A country that has developed to the extent of providing comfort for its citizens and becoming a beacon or a magnet to attract people from other parts of the world is a heaven-on-earth. And there are many of such countries in the world, most of which do not have a quarter of the human and natural resources that Ghana has. Why are we in Ghana still looking for windows to pass through?

Digesting The Laws Of Ghana: The Role Of The Media

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? – Romans 10:14

Every civilised society finds it necessary to regulate the conduct of its members by making them to refrain from acts that are detrimental to society and by guiding them to perform acts which are beneficial to societal growth and development. The unawareness of the existence of such laws is not an excuse for breaking it. This is because, on the grounds of public policy, a mistake of law - even an honest one is not accepted as a defence. With this broad objective, the concept, ignorance of the law is no excuse is still operative in all civilised states. This maxim captures the general attitude of the law in respect of which mistake of law: ignorance or lack of understanding of the existing law has never been regarded as a defence in a court action or legal enquiry. This maxim is intended to make individuals in a state to make conscious effort of knowing the law. Individuals in a state are therefore obliged to be abreast of that country’s legal system and its development

President Mills Will not Accept Bribes or Kickbacks; Pianim

On December 7, 2009, Mr. Kwame Pianim vouched on a Joy FM Debate Forum (pledging his hand in the fire) that President Mills “will not steal from the people.” To support his assertion, Mr. Pianim added “I have seen him on two occasions give envelopes back and I didn’t see it happen under John the first or John the second.”

Mr. Pianim’s assertion, which received a quick round of applause at the forum, opened the proverbial Flood Gates of Political propaganda and Journalistic commentary. The Ghanaian media, NDC and NPP all dived deep down into the Pianim Jamboree and came up waving only pieces that suited their particular spin. To the ruling NDC, Pianim stated the obvious. Their man, the “Peace King,” is of impeccable character. The fact that Pianim inadvertently cast a long insinuating shadow on the credentials of John the 1st, J. J. Rawlings, NDC founder, first President of the 4th Republic and one man crusader against perceived corruption of Kufour’s government is immaterial to them

Ghana Stocks - Worst of 2009,

... 30% Jump Expected in 2010
Ghana’s benchmark stock index, the world’s worst performer this year and the best of 2008, will rally in 2010 as the country is set to become Africa’s newest oil exporter, according to Exotix Ltd.

The Ghana Stock Exchange’s All-Share Index is likely to climb 25 to 30 percent next year as the west African nation starts producing oil for export, said Christopher Hartland-Peel, a London-based analyst at Exotix, the investment bank focused on emerging markets.

World's first $99 notebook launched in Ghana

A new 7-inch notebook will enable Africans to

browse Internet at an affordable price, according to its manufacturer, Cherrypal, the leading vendor in the green personal computer market.

Named Cherrypal Africa after the company’s community building initiative in Ghana, which provides access to Internet for children who can’t afford it otherwise, the mini notebook is environmentally friendly, using the least amount of power to save electricity and wind energy to power website navigation

Prostitutes Invade Oil-Rich Takoradi

Foreign Ones Fight Locals Over Wealthy Expatriate Patronizers

The BLESSING of oil-find to Ghana has been defiled with the CURSE of loads of prostitutes of all shapes and sizes to the Western regional capital of Takoradi, buttressing the age-old saying that wherever GOD ALMIGHTY cooks his AMPESI, Satan-the-horrible chooses that same place to roast his KOOBI.

The human parasites, known by the derogatory word SISTERS are two of a kind with some parading under the tag LOCALS from the vicinity and other parts of the country on the one side, and FOREIGNERS from neighbouring countries such as next-door Togo, Benin, Nigeria and Cameroun.

Agra Behind “Deaf’ Soccer Visa Deal?

Details are enfolding about the faces and identities of the individuals and group of persons whose wishy-washy visa scandal rocked the nation’s sports a couple of months ago.

Even though the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Sports Council (NSC), Mr. Worlanyo K. Agra is not forthcoming with information as to whether he indeed, facilitated the acquisition of visas for the supposed “deaf’ but hearing footballers who were sent to Australia to represent Ghana in a friendly football match, interest in the matter continues to mount.

Kumasi Pastors In Juju Drama

THE SUAME Police Station in Kumasi was a scene of drama on Saturday afternoon when a 23-year-old pastor used eggs and schnapps to invoke the spirit of the dreaded Antoa river deity and other river gods in the Ashanti region, to strike dead his colleague pastor, Bishop Obinim.

Pastor Frank Annor of Faith Power Ministry at Konongo took that weird action against Bishop Obinim of International God’s Way Church at Kenyase-Bosore right in front of the police station, in the full glare of police officers and hundreds of curious people.

Delegates arrive for Jehovah's Witnesses Convention in Ghana

Accra, Dec. 1, GNA - A number of foreign delegates have begun arriving at the Kotoka International Airport to attend the Jehovah's Witnesses International Convention in Ghana.

The Convention, on the theme: "Keep On the Watch," would be held from December 3 to December 6.

MP calls on President to fulfil his promises

Accra, Dec.1 , GNA - Mr. Alfred Kwame Agbesi, Member of Parliament(MP) for Ashaiman on Monday called on President John Evans Atta Mills, to fulfil his promise to complete renovation works on the Job 600 building to provide offices for MPs.

Jehovah's Witnesses holds international convention in Ghana

Accra, Dec. 1, GNA - Ghana would host the International Convention of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Accra from December 3 to December 6 on the theme: "Keep on the Watch."

Ghana is among the 16 countries in the world selected to host the 2009 convention, which is expected to attract 55,000 people, comprising 2,000 foreign delegates from fellow African countries and Europe.

Bloody Weekend - Murders, armed robbers shot dead

On behalf of BA, I thank you all- Nyamekye-Marfo

Sunyani (B/A) Nov. 13, GNA - Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, on Thursday commended corporate bodies, individuals, financial institutions, chiefs, security agencies and the general public for their support in making the 50th anniversary celebration of the creation of the region a success.

Who is going to run with the next flag-bearer of the NPP in 2012?

Friends and admirers of Nana Obiri-Boahen are urging him to contest the running mate position as required by the party’s new constitutional amendments

The State of Town Planning in Ghana

November 11, 2009 is World Town Planning Day celebration. This is an occasion to reflect on where how we are in building sustainable great communities, and define action plans for the challenges facing mankind. The theme for the 2009 World Town Planning Day celebration is global warming and green house gasses. However, Ghana is still struggling to develop its planning vision to creating livable communities.

Open Letter To Kpone Katamanso Member Of Parliament ....

AND MINISTER DESIGNATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY - HONOURABLE NII LARYEA AFOTEY AGBO

Dear Sir,

Congratulations. I have been out of the Jurisdiction in search of a Job and therefore nearly missed the big news by the skin of the teeth. Fortunately, when I made a stop in Accra yesterday to check on the health status of my folks, I had a wonderful bird whisper to me that you have finally gotten your heart desires. Your nomination as the Minister of State at the Presidency should give you orgasm.

Ghana & Africa “Bedevilled”?

Former Presidents Blaming Bad Leadership.

So who is to Provide the Leadership, then, including Managing Ghana?

By: Kwaku A. Danso

In the APA article published on Ghanaweb of November 7, 2009, at a conference held in Lagos (Nigeria), the former President of Ghana, John Kufuor, who had eight years from 2001 to 2008 to manage Ghana, “has blamed the underdevelopment of the African region on the leadership crisis bedevilling the continent”.

Editorial: Well Done, Mr. President

In line with his campaign promise, President John Evans Atta Mills has put the right facilities in place to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage for Muslims this year.

"I Will Contest NDC Vice Chair" - Rawlings

Former First Lady and wife of ex- president Jerry Rawlings, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings has finally openly declared her intention to contest the ruling party’s first vice chairmanship position.

The National Democratic Congress, NDC which won power in the 2008 elections by a hair’s-breadth goes to congress in December to elect its national executives.

Zita Must Go -NDC MP

Without an iota of reservation, the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Kpone-Katamanso, Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, has reaffirmed his call for the removal from office of the Minister for Information, Mrs Zita Okaikoi.

“I have not changed my mind on Zita. It is a principled position I have taken and being a man of myself (SIC), I have no intention of changing it”, the Kpone-Katamanso MP told the Appointments Committee of Parliament yesterday.

Boy arrested for having sex with a goat

Axim (W/R), 12 Nov., GNA- A-16-year old Ivorian refugee at the Krisan Refugee Camp near Eikwe in the Ellembelle district, has been arrested by the Police for having sex with a female goat.

The suspect, who is a primary 6 pupil and an orphan, has been charged with unnatural carnal knowledge.

Niger Delta Militants Training Ghanaians

Ghana’s oil find if not properly managed could spell crisis comparable to what is happening in Nigeria’s restive Niger Delta region.

A respected legal practitioner and lecturer at the University of Ghana, Law Faculty, Dr. Raymond Atuguba has chillingly revealed that militants in the Niger Delta region, notorious for blowing up oil pipes, kidnapping and demanding huge ransoms and causing unrest in the oil rich Nigerian region have started tripping to Ghana in droves.

Ghana Is A Better Place For Business Than Nigeria

An article in the respected pan African magazine, the African Business Magazine (ABM) has indicated that Ghana has an edge over Nigeria in terms of the ease of doing business.

The article also said Ghana “is fast becoming and investment destination of choice in Africa.”The article stated in part” “Ghana, on the other hand, seems to have strongly entrenched policies that enhance industrial growth, while good governance and prudent economic management have made the country the gateway to Africa. Apart from fast becoming an economic hub of the sub-region, Ghana also offers some of the best travel experience in Africa.

Mills Chirped Promises: Changeless Change In Complaints

Submitted to Ghanaweb on November 9, 2009

Northern Partitioning and Political Expediency – Part 2

By Kwame Okoampa-Ahoofe, Jr., Ph.D.

In this installment of my contribution to the discourse on the controversial question of partitioning Ghana’s Northern Region into “at least” two discrete administrative units, I intend to address the concerns of several of my critics – both those with genuine concerns as well as those who have, for the most part, taken pot-shots at me merely because, somehow, they are of the grossly mistaken belief that only Ghanaians of northern descent have a right to publicly discuss this most critical question verging on our beloved nation’s geopolitical organicity or cohesion.

Smith’s Nonsense (Part 1)

I have tried and don’t want to write about how the military has been politicized under Defence Minister, General Smith and his sidekicks and his role in the release of Col Damoah but he and his puddles keep providing me the opportunity and I will take a swipe at them for once.

I get sick anytime I hear Lt General Smith, in his usual rantings say the media should not politicize the military, the fact is that the military is already politicized and this is not the fault of the media.

Atta Mills: I'm Still Your President

Several days ago, professor Atta Mills was quoted as saying that Ghanaians ought to shut up. In fact, many Ghanaians have been complaining about the slowness, in which the Mills administration has been progressing thus far. Indeed, this presumed statement by the sitting president has annoyed many people. Ghanaians all over the world feel disrespected by this presumed statement by their president. Anyway, whether the president said it or not, the media has taken this presumed statement and gone wild with it. On a personal note, I don't believe that the president did ever say such a thing. In my opinion, the president is too sophisticated and mature for such a statement. He knows very well that the good people of Ghana, who elected him to office are not stupid. Moreover, he understands too well what's expected of him, and what isn't expected of him.

Kwesi Pratt should be the last person to ...

pontificate on the affairs of the country.

My attention has been drawn to a feature article published in the New Punch on Tuesday, 3rd November, 2009 which was given wide publicity during the newspaper review segment by a panelist on Peace FM. I received numerous telephone calls from friends and admirers, both known and unknown ones to tune in to Peace FM and listen to a lively discussion going on on an article I had written. The calls were very persistent and I had to oblige my constituents. At that time I did not know the so-called article that I had written. By the time I tuned in to the station, the programme had almost ended. It had to do with appointments made by the Mills administration which was totally at variance with the Constitution and tilted in favour of one particular tribe and region.

Placing a Call out to Ghanaian "Burgers

Dear Compatriots,

Allow yourselves a few minutes of your precious time to digest the concerns I have raised below. I am a Kumawu citizen resident in the Netherlands. Many a time have those of us living in the Diaspora shown little affection towards the plight of our fellow countrymen back home. Is that attitude intentional, or out of ignorance, or simply sheer wickedness? What is our reason behind such show of nonchalance? Whatever that is, it is absolutely out of character for modern day Africans who are aspiring to attain social and economic parity with the Whites.

Deported mum flees homeland for Ghana

A TERRIFIED mum who was deported from the UK to her Nigerian homeland, despite claiming she would be stoned to death if she returned, has managed to flee to Ghana.

Helen Noah, along with five-year-old autistic son William , who was a pupil at St Anne’s RC School in Greenacres, was flown from Heathrow Airport to Nigeria after UK Border Agency staff raided her Roundthorn Road home last month.

Court orders abortion for girl, 15

A court has ordered that a 15-year-old girl who was defiled by two friends and got pregnant should undergo a legal abortion.
The Circuit Court at Goaso in the Brong Ahafo Region presided over by Mr. Osei Kwame, gave the order with the consent of the girl’s parents to enable her to continue her education, she is in primary six.

Cash Sent To Castle In Packed Vans

The case involving a $2.5billion loan package for Ghana during Jerry Rawlings’ administration, took a new twist yesterday when an Accra-based renowned lawyer, William Adumoah-Bossman, told an Accra Commercial Court that he has in his possession an advisory letter from one Thomas Moss, an agent for the loan from the Hong Kong Trust, which indicated that the money was transferred to Ghana.

Fish Importers Defraud State Of Â¢50 Billion

Information available to The Catalyst indicates that some fish importers at the Tema Fishing Harbour have allegedly defrauded the nation to the tune of over 5 Million Ghana Cedis or 50 billion old cedis by falsifying trade documents, thereby evading appropriate taxes and charges.

The importers, who changed port of lading from Mauritania and Guinea to read Namibia and obtained lower values from Gateway Services Ltd (GSL) instead of BIVAC Ghana Ltd., include Nayak Fisheries Ltd, Paradise Fisheries Ltd, Fasonhog Foods Ltd, Trading FM Ltd, El Shadai Fisheries Ltd., among others.

Government's performance to confound skeptics

Taviefe, (V/R), Nov. 10, GNA-The achievements of President John Evans Atta Mills' administration would confound skeptics who perceive his pace at tackling national issues as sluggish "Professor Mills is meticulous and a man of wisdom." Colonel Cyril Necku, (retired) Deputy Volta Regional Minister, said.

Col. Necku was addressing the centenary celebration church service of the E.P. Church at Taviefe near Ho last Sunday. The theme for the celebration was: "The Lord has done great things for us and we are very glad."

Mills never said Ghanaians were complaining too much

Office of the President, on Monday reacted to media publications that President John Evans Atta Mills had scolded Ghanaians for complaining about the living standards in the country.

Mr Mahama Ayariga, Presidential Spokesperson addressing a press conference at the Castle, Osu said, "The publication that President Mills was angry with the complaints by Ghanaians, and could not take criticisms is not true".

NDC constituency election turns violent

Agona Asafo, (C/R), Nov. 7, GNA - Police reinforcement from Agona Swedru was dispatched to Agona Asafo, in the Central Region to quell the violence, which erupted after the election of Agona East Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The violence started when supporters of Alhaji Gyabiru Ibrahim, who lost the election to Mr Jonathan Kwame Abban, Managing Director of Pioneer Distillery Company Limited, started attacking people on sight at the AME Zion Church premises.

TUC cautions Ghanaians against bogus oil training institutions

Cape Coast, Nov. 7, GNA - The Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) on Friday cautioned the citizenry to guard against the proliferation of institutions claiming to be providing skills training in the oil industry= ..

Mr. Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, Acting Head of the Labour Research and Policy Institute of the TUC, asked the public to report any unaccredited organisation operating in the industry to the authorities, since the brain behind such bodies was to make money rather than offering the requisite knowledge to facilitate the oil business.

African intellectuals still have slave mentality - Soyinka

Accra, Nov. 5, GNA - Professor Wole Sonyinka, a Nobel Literature Laureate, on Thursday said Africa's inability to progress beyond liberation from colonialism was due to the lingering slave mentality of its leaders and intellectuals.
He said even though African countries had long gained independence from western powers, "the slave mentality continues to govern our thinking and our

Police And Thief: The Ghanaian Identity Problem

Growing up in the 90s, a game was common. We played this game of Police and Thief. The bad guy of course was the thief. After much chasing and hiding, it was normal for the police to catch the thief or for the police to shoot and kill the thief. That was based on simple logic, the triumph of good over evil. Even as kids it was very clear to us that evil must be quashed. Looking back into history, I can not really say how it went wrong, but definitely something went wrong.
The police and thief game shows the picture of how the larger society ought to be. The police in this piece are not limited to the men and women of the Ghana Police Service; rather it is Ghana as a state.

A Lesson For Ghana In The Investigation Of Dr. Yankey & Co

Gordon Nuttal was a state Labour Minister for Queensland in Australia. He was found guilty of corruption in July this year, and was given a seven-year jail sentence. Mr Nuttal was elected to State parliament on September, 1992. Before then, he was an organiser for the Electrical Trades Union. He served as Parliamentary Secretary, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries and Minister for Health. In 2006, a Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) began an investigation into a series of “suspicious loans” Mr. Nuttal had received from a mining magnate. He was consequently charged for corruptly receiving cash payments. He was also charged of official corruption in connection with an alleged secret cash payment from a businessman over government project, which never went for tender.

Why Rawlings Cannot Advise Prof Mills I

It was the beginning of the rainy season and so the piece of land adjacent the former District council which now houses the 31st December Women’s Day Nursery was full of weeds. School children in and around the Bole traditional area were dispatched to the chosen durbar ground to weed and sweep. In their numbers, the children weeded, burnt the grass and swept the ground. Tents were raised and chairs were then placed under the tents in readiness for the next day’s event. The rest of the day was then declared a holiday so that the children could have their uniforms washed and ironed so that they could look sharp for our guest.

‘Accra Shopping Mall’- Right Solution: Wrong Location.

As a student of Town Planning in the United Kingdom in the 1980’s, reference was often made about the ideals that underpinned the Town planning Movement. Ideals that were founded on one simple idea: equality.

Ghana’s Funny Banking Requiremirement

It has been said over and again the savings culture of Ghanaians is not all that encouraging. It is estimated that less than 40% of the entire population save their money at the bank, whilst the rest find other means of saving their cash.

Resource Abundance: Is It A Curse Or A Blessing?

Nature has not distributed her resources equally as some countries are naturally endowed with resources whereas others are not. African countries abound in resources such as gold, diamond, crude oil, vast lands inter alia. Examples of such countries include; South Africa, Ghana, DR. Congo, Nigeria, Angola, Rwanda etc. Generally, resources are needed to bring about development and as a result, every country with or without resources need them to develop.

Survival in Sodom and Gomorrah

There is a way in which focusing on the demolition of slums can clog our ears to the cries of its people. Sometimes, all it takes is to listen with our hearts and our feet.

Issifu Alhassan came to Accra ten years ago from Tamale. At the time, his name had been cancelled from the books of the Business Secondary School when he failed to show up after vacation on account of financial difficulties. He was in SS 3.

The Nigeria Bashing Of Ghana Continues

-This Time On Big Brother Africa 2009

Ghana and Nigeria are two countries that are known to be and often called ‘competitive neighbours’. The ‘competition’ gotten greater especially these last years as many companies that used to be based in Nigeria have relocated to and many planning to relocate to Ghana much to the annoyance of the Nigerian government and people.

Tension At Ghana Water Company

By Solomon Davids

As Managers Victimize Workers For Speaking To Ministers

Tension is gradually brewing at Ghana Water Company Ltd.(GWCL), following a recent visit by the two Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Dr. Hannah Bissiw and Alhaji Saani Idi, to the Kpong headworks of Ghana Water Company Ltd. Some employees of the company are being subjected to victimization and intimidation, against the warning the two ministers gave on that day.

World Cocoa Foundation to launch Cocoa Livelihoods Programme in Ghana

Accra, Oct. 15, GNA - Nearly 60,000 Ghanaian cocoa farmers are to benefit from a five-year programme, to improve their livelihoods and inco= me, through training in enhanced farming technologies, learning of new business skills and crop diversification on their farms.

Gomoa- Dunkwa JHS scores zero per cent in BECE

Gomoa Dunkwa (C/R) Oct. 15, GNA - For the past five years, no student of the Gomoa Dunkwa- Achiase District Assembly Junior High School (JHS) in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region, has passed the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

During the period under review, no student had secured aggregate six to 30 to be qualified for short listing for admission to a senior high school. Mr Emmanuel Sagoe, an opinion leader and Spokesperson for the school's Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) disclosed this at Gomoa Dunkwa, when Mr Theophilus Aidoo- Mensah, District Chief Executive (DCE) and some officials of the District Assembly, visited the JHS as part of an inspection tour of some on-going projects in the area.

Fire at Airline House under control

Accra, Oct. 15, GNA - A fire which began at the premises of the "Airline House" at the Kotoka International Airport, on Tuesday, was put out by the Rescue and Fire Fighting Service of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL).

A team from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) also assisted in quenching the fire.

American Paedophile's Case- Judgment today

Tema, Oct. 15, GNA - Judgment would be given by the Tema Circuit Court 'A' on Thursday, October 15, in the case involving a 65-year-old American retired teacher who has been accused of having unnatural canal knowledge with seven minors at Adjomankope near Sege in the Dangme East District. The court presided over by Mrs Lorinda Owusu, at its last sitting on October 9, heard the defence of Patrick Kent Labash, the alleged paedophile and adjourned the case for judgment.

Govt plays down Vodafone report

The government has distanced itself from a report produced by a committee it set up to scrutinise the sale of its telecoms firm to Vodafone.

The report, seen by the BBC, said Ghana Telecom (GT) was sold to the UK-based company for less than it was worth.

It said the sale of GT had been "unconstitutional" and "illegal".

But the communications minister said the committee had overstepped its remit and should wait for the Supreme Court to rule on the legality of the sale.

The Market Encounter – How He Won Her Heart

I promised a love story and here it is. It is rather long, but I like to give glory details. If you stick it out, you will get my point, and hopefully enjoy it. Like I said before, I am not a professional writer, and certainly not the sharpest tool in the box. I am just happy being part of the forum, and doing my best to contribute to the debate. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who have suggested ways in which I could improve my writing skills. Hopefully I will get better with time. All I ask is your support, advice and cooperation.

Mills and Jerry (M&J), the ball is in your court

No individual, no organization, no group under the sun is perfect. Evil can never be eradicated from the face of this evil world. Corruption will be with us as long as we abode this earth, though it can be reduced substantially. In my article titled “Those who live in glass houses” posted on ghanaweb (24.7.2009) and other media networks, I did indicate that corruption is one of the “devils” that have succeeded in bringing our economy to its knees, and also the fight against corruption is a moral one and not just the habit of accusing others of being corrupt when we are ourselves guilty of corrupt practices. This is not to insinuate that people should not say or do nothing to fight this canker, but rather we should realize that corrupt individuals don’t have the moral justification to indict others of being corrupt, and also what is more important in fighting corruption is not mere rhetoric, but rather the enforcement of the rules against corrupt public officials. I mean corrupt officials, when they are found out should be made to face the music! Their abode should be at the penitentiary; they are nation wreckers, selfish, and greedy individuals who don’t deserve mercy. If we will stop defending apprehended corrupt officials who are members of our social group - political parties for example, and allow them to be dealt with according to the laws of the land, the thought of corruption in the minds of many a politician and other public office holders will be reduced drastically.

Africa must adopt best practices to enhance development

Mampong (Ash), Oct. 14, GNA - Dr. Francis Appiah, Executive Secretary of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) has urged African States to adopt policies and best practices that would lead to political stability and high economic performance. Additionally, there should be an aggressive push towards both sub-regional and continental integration. This, he said, would undoubtedly ensure that Governments in Africa behave in a more acceptable manner. Mr. Appiah was addressing a validation workshop organised by the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) for the Asante-Mampong Municipal APRM Oversight Committee.

Vice President defends style of dressing

scathing criticism of a section of the public that the number two personality is too casual with his apparel during important state functions.

Mr John Abdulai Jinapor told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra, that the affable nature of Mr John Dramani Mahama makes it possible for people to tell him during informal discussions at public gatherings, to be grandiose to conform to the trappings of his office.

Vice Chancellor denounces surge of immorality among students

Kumasi, Oct. 14, GNA - Professor Kwasi Kwafo-Adarkwa, Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has denounced the surge of indiscipline among tertiary students, describing it as counter-productive to the nation's socio-economic progress. It was time tertiary students did away with occultism, examination malpractices, addiction to drugs, indecent dressing and all forms of immorality, he stressed.

KNUST honours former Africa CNN Director

Kumasi, Oct. 14, GNA - The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has honoured former CNN Africa Director, Mr Edward Boateng, for his contribution to the growth of the media in Africa. Mrs Vesta Adu- Gyamfi, Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Arts, said the University was proud of Mr Boateng's significant input to the development of the media.

Wechiau Hippo sanctuary celebrates 10 years anniversary

Wechiau (UW), Oct. 14, GNA - Mr. Mahmud Khalid, Upper West Regional Minister, on Monday pledged government's commitment to provide the Wechiau Hippopotamus Sanctuary in the Wa West District, with good infrastructure to befit its status as an international tourist centre. He said provision of facilities such as good roads and drinking water in the community could significantly develop the sanctuary and in the long run make it attractive to international tourists, partners and donor agencies.

Commission to stop fraudulent land title documentation

Accra, Oct. 14, GNA - The Land Commission is taking steps to stop th= e current spate of fraud in land title documentation to protect the public and improve the security of tenure by sticking to a new strategic plan.

A communiqu=E9 issued by the Commission at the end of an orientati= on workshop and signed by its Chairman, Nana Adjei Ampofo said the Commissio= n was being re-branded to improve upon its poor public image. The Commission, which was inaugurated on 21st August 2009, said it would do this through improved staff attitudes; work ethics; client-focus= ed and efficient service delivery in valuation, survey and mapping; documentation and registration of title deeds to meet clients' expectatio= ns.

Kufuor returns home

Accra, Oct. 14, GNA - Former President John Agyekum Kufuor arrived home on Tuesday night after four weeks travel abroad which took him to the United States, Europe and Asia during which he received an honorary doctorate degree and assumed chairmanship of the international peace group, Interpeace.

Spio returns for NDC to deal with furore

Accra, Oct 14, GNA - Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, former National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential aspirant, on Tuesday made an appearance at the party's headquarters in Accra to meet its Chairman over the furore generated by articles he recently serialized in the media and reactions from Mr Ato Ahwoi, a leading member of the Party and Mr Koku Anyidoho, Communications Director at the Castle.

70% of Ghanaian homes have no toilets

About 70 per cent of Ghanaian homes does not have adequate toilet facilities, a study the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) conducted in 2008 established.

Mrs Theodora Adomako-Adjei, Extension Services Coordinator of the CWSA, who announced this in Cape Coast on Tuesday, described the situation as sad and an affront to the campaign against unsanitary conditions. She was speaking at 'a media/children's forum' as part of activities to mark 'global hand washing day', to sensitize school children and media personnel in the Cape Coast Metropolis on the importance of washing hands with soap.

The Mabey And Johnson Reparation Money: I Call For Opinion Polls

I read a story on myjoyonline on the 10thOctober, 2009 which was attributed to one of the deputy ministers of information saying that, government of the National Democratic congress (NDC) of Ghana will not accept the reparation money awarded to Ghana by the Southwark Crown Court after ruling against the Mabey and Johnson Construction Company in the United Kingdom.

It is hugely nonsensical and totally outrageous for the government of the NDC to indicate that, it will not take that reparation money emanating from the ruling of the Southwark Crown Court on the 25thSeptember, 2009.

What are the facts if one may ask? Mabey and Johnson for admitting with empirical evidence in court that, they in the past bribed officials in Ghana to secure some contracts were fined heftily

CHRAJ Must Investigate P.C. Ofori’s Allegations!

A lot has been said and written about the Marbey and Johnson bribery scandal and I do not think there is any new angle from which to analyse the scandal better. What, however, irritates me and sends me writing this piece is how the serious allegation by the Member of Parliament of the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa Constitutuency, Hon. Paul Collins Appiah Ofori, is left to the party level. PC Appiah Ofori has been touted as someone who is dedicated to the fighting of corruption in Ghana. He was the only NPP MP who opposed the GT-Vodafone deal. He has come out to state on countless media platforms that the New Patriotic Party Members of Parliament received a bribe of US $5,000 each before voting for the controversial sale of 70% shares of Ghana Telecom to Vodafone. This anti-corruption campaigner claims he has documents of corrupt practices by the NPP government that, if released, could collapse the party.

A Cry From A Police Officer

Below is a email a Ghanaian Policeman sent to me seeking my assistance to bring it to the forum. I have no first hand knowledge about any of the charges being levelled by this Policeman. I am just assisting a fellow Ghanaian with a problem going on among the Police force.

Kufour: Africa's Enemy Or Friend?

Just about two weeks ago, our former president John Kufour was in the Netherlands to give a speech on African progress and development. The former president is widely revered for his insight on economics. Then again, Kufour is an Oxford university BA degree holder in economics, philosophy and politics, who was subsequently confirmed in accordance with the Oxford traditions with a masters degree by the University. So most naturally, Kufour should be your man if you need any answers regarding economic issues. Also according to some legends, Ghana's economy was in pretty good shape under Kufour's presidency. Here is a man, whose government did manage to increase our nation's GDP from $ 3.94 billion to $16.1 billion within a space of eight years. Moreover, under Kufour's presidency, the fluctuating nature of our nation's currency was somehow stabilized, which of course did contribute to the overall growth of our economy.

Governmental double-speak

What is the difference between the presidency and the information ministry? And what’s the difference between the presidential spokesman and the director of communications at the presidency? These are some of questions that have engaged my mind since John Atta Mills became president – especially with regards to his information management.

Tarzan: Ghanaians were 'poopooing' indiscriminately

The Chief Executive officer of the defunct Ghana@50 Secretariat, Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby says toilet projects embarked upon as part of activities to mark Ghana's golden jubilee celebrations were to help stop people from attending to nature's call indiscriminately.

“Ghanaians were living like animals after 50 years of independence,” he noted.

Gov't Runs away from Vodafone Report

The Government has set up an Inter-Ministerial Review Committee to examine and review the Vodafone Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) concluded with the previous Government and to make appropriate recommendations for consideration.

The Review Committee has since submitted its report to the Ministry of Communications, which has forwarded the report to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice for a legal opinion and advice.

GT sold for only $267M ...Official report reveals

Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Communication Minister Contrary to reports that UK Company, Vodafone Plc bought 70% of Ghana Telecom (GT) for $900 million, it has been revealed that the country received a paltry Two Hundred and Sixty-six Million, Five Hundred and Seventy Dollars ($266.57m) in payment. Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, whose government sold off the national telecommunications company, according to details in the report of the inter-Ministerial review committee on Vodafone, worked against the interest of Ghanaians.

Re-training course for police personnel underway in Winneba

Winneba (C/R), Oct. 13, GNA - The training syllabi for the Police Service are being reviewed with the aim of demilitarizing the personnel to internalize the philosophy of democratic policing, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Paul Quaye, said on Monday. The IGP made this known in an address read for him by the Central Regional Police Commander, DCOP Akyire Kampara, at the opening of a two-week re-training course for 150 police personnel selected from all over the country at the Police Training School in Winneba. He said it is an accepted fact that knowledge decays if it is not sustained through revision and re-training, hence the need for such courses to enhance their professionalism.

Encroachers are taking over your land, Goaso chief warns GBC

Goaso (B/A) Oct. 13 (Credit Daasebre Wiafe) GNA - Nana Kwasi Baffour Bosomprah, the Omanhene of Goaso Traditional Area in Brong Ahafo, has called on the authorities of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation to help stop the encroachment on the land it acquired in the area for a television station. Speaking at a press conference at Goaso, the paramount chief expressed concern that some citizens were encroaching on the land, citing that the building for the station's workers, which was constructed some years ago, was being used as a girls' dormitory for the Ahafoman Senior High School.

Former Ambassador to Japan reacts to media reports

Accra, Oct. 13, GNA - Dr. Barfuor Adjei-Barwuah, former Ambassador to Japan on Monday said the media-led allegation that he diverted an amount of $125,000 meant for two public universities in Ghana was malice-laden and unjustifiable.

At a press conference in Accra in reaction to the allegation, Dr. Adjei-Barwuah declared, "I have been unjustifiably attacked, and regret the way things in Ghana have been politicized.

"I owe the Ghanaian public I served for more than seven years a word as to the veracity or otherwise of the stories published about me by the Daily Graphic and the Enquirer," he said.

Chiefs call for investigation into spillage

Kenyasi (B/A), Oct. 13, GNA - The traditional heads of three communities in Asutifi District have directed the district assembly and management of the Ahafo Project of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) to take samples and conduct test on a man-made pond allegedly polluted to ascertain the extent of damage caused.
The decision by the paramount chiefs of

Extraordinary and fascinating things are happening in our country!

In a stunning reversal of political fortunes, the same class of characters who for eight solid, uninterrupted year not only effectively destroyed the integrity of all vital state institutions, but also, flagrantly violated the rights of innocent Ghanaians and made victims out of others are now the same people claiming the moral and legal high ground! For example, only last year and in their usual breezy arrogance, they proudly cheered Justice Abban and the Supreme Court when they effectively abridged and undermined the right of an accused person to counsel in the scandalous and infamous trial and conviction of Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata. In fact, we get righteously angry when we hear these characters demonizing the BNI for some of its tactics in "denying" them their right to counsel! How can they forget that they "denied" ex-president Rawlings, E.T. Mensah and others this same right? How time flies! And, how convenient!

Who, Me, Accept Responsibility? Not An African Leader!

There we go again. Soldiers running wild and untamed in Africa. In the past week we have been treated to the wicked and “vile violation” (apologies Mrs. Clinton) and slaughter of unarmed civilians by a bunch of armed and uniformed gunmen calling themselves soldiers of the Guinean army. Yes, it happened in Guinea, in a region too familiar with what it is living with pig headed buffoons armed to the teeth. Over 150 young men and women gunned down, bayoneted or clubbed to death for merely participating in a non-violent parade. Countless others (women and girls) are reported to have been abducted and subjected to heinous sexual molestation and abuses. They were stripped naked in public and raped.

In a Pan-African state of mind

I have been feeling nostalgic lately. Nostalgic not in a sort of having-been-there-done-that- kind of way. But in a kind of what-would- Nkrumah-think-about-this kind of way. I guess it’s because I haven’t read anything nourishing in a long time. So much is happening in the world with such speed that there is hardly time for perspective, for context, for reflection. I would be lying if I said I hunger for the works of Achebe, Awoonor, Senghor, Armah, Thiong’o and other African writers of old. But I hunger for their perspective; for the unique African sensibility they brought to things, to the events around them, to the happenings of their time. Times are different, of course.

Armed robbers kill policeman at Filling Station

Tema, Oct. 13, GNA - A 28-year-old policeman of the Tema Buffalo Unit, was shot dead at about 1130 hours on Monday, by five armed robbers at the Excel Filling Station at Klagon near Lashibi.

A Home Finance Company bullion van had gone to the filling station to collect money when the robbers in an attempt to rob the station, shot and killed the police constable, and seized his AK 47 rifle.

‘I Took Cash from Baba Kamara’ -Yankey

The toppled Minister of health, Dr George Adjah-Sipa Yankey, has admitted for the first time that he financially benefitted from Mabey and Johnson (M&J), a United Kingdom(UK) based construction firm accused of bribing Ghanaians officials under the Jerry John Rawlings administration.

...China, Ghana petroleum co in talks

The twin Accra suburbs of Nima and Mamobi are in a state of mourning following the drowning of 13 kids from the areas on Sunday a rare tragedy which many find difficult to come to terms with.

The children, some of them as young as 12, had trooped to the part of the Osu beach facing former Hearts of Oak training ground, otherwise called Borla Beach or Mensah Guinea, to swim when they met their fate.

Fight For Ghana's Oil: Exxon vs China

...China, Ghana petroleum co in talks
... Kosmos To Sell To Exxon Mobil: WSJ
..... GNPC says Kosmos sale bid illegal
... Officials in Ghana says no approval yet
... GNPC ready to buy entire Kosmos stake
... Morgan Stanley hired to advice

New York State Senate Honours Nkrumah

The New York State Senate has honoured Ghana''s first President and Pan-African Icon and Activist, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah with a Legislative Resolution celebrating Nkrumah''s 100th Birthday. The resolution was proposed and led by Senator Bill Perkins of the 30th District of the New York State of the United States of America.

Exxon's reported Ghana move juices deal talk

Reports of a $4 billion acquisition by Exxon Mobil (XOM 69.27, +0.22, +0.32%) in Ghana drew positive comments on the energy sector on Wednesday from Houston-based research firm Tudor Pickering Holt.

Ghana becoming attractive destination for oil investments

With uncertainty still surrounding the outcome of Nigeria’s amnesty deal with militants, the country’s low ranking in the doing business index, poor infrastructure and a controversial industry policy, oil majors are exploring other frontiers in search of stable and secure sources of crude oil.

Women Entrepreneurs attend workshop

Dunkwa-On-Offin (C/R), Oct. 11, GNA - A two-day entrepreneurship training workshop for 50 women micro and small scale entrepreneurs was opened at Dunkwa-On-Offin on Saturday. The workshop, sponsored by Unilever Ghana Foundation, was aimed at improving the capacity of participants.

Saint John Rawlings Of Ghana

Ever since he was compelled by constitutional means to vacate the presidency of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings has taken it upon himself to mount the moral platform to judge governments and personally attack the two presidents who succeeded him. He has consistently attacked the NPP administration of John Agyekum Kufuor as a band of thieves and Kufuor as the “thief-in-chief.” Despite the fact that the party in power is his own party which he is the founder, he has not relented in rallying against the style of John Atta Mills, the current president. We dare to ask why Mr. Rawlings is so self-righteous.

RE – Spio Garbrah; Where “Feigned Loyalty” Means What?

I must confess, I have never observed an incumbent party as intolerant of criticism as the NDC. Let me state emphatically clear, for the record and before I continue that I am not a member of any political party in Ghana, nor a member of the so-called FRIENDS OF SPIO GARBRAH. I could not believe there are hardcore members of the inner-circle of Prof. Mills’s administration who hate Dr. Ekow Spio Garbrah with passion. I’m not quite sure if Mr. Nana Biakoye edited his article before publishing.

What Makes the Sagacious King Solomon Unable to Resolve ProblemsAnymore?

The biblical King Solomon was perpetually overflowing with glittering ideas. He was himself a repository of wisdom. His sagacity could neither be measured nor confined to any one space or problem. It did become, and has always been, the subject of household discussion throughout the four corners of the world. He never ran out of solutions consonant with both intricate and limpid problems.

NPP Should Stop: Nyaho Tamaklo trabalistic Now

If this so called Nayho Nyaho Tamakloe thinks he has the hegemonic power within the NPP organization he should have used it during the 2008 general election to solicit votes for the NPP in his Volta Region. This impudent thinks he can go to any radio station and talk all the nonsense he wants about Alan Kwadwo Kyeremateng and get off scott free; If that is the way he think then he is in bad business.

Students and Politics – Our Selfish and Greedy Student Leaders

Our educational institutions have for years been infiltrated by power hungry students who will do anything to be student leaders. These students’ supremacists joggle for leadership positions through fair or foul means. Paradoxically they do that for their own personal gains. Many of these warped mind student leaders use the bare backs of innocent students to reach the cosy top. After realising their dreams they develop amnesia and like the voracious politicians become oblivious of the withered backs that served as their ladders.

Re: AFAG challenges Mills over M & J bribery

Justice Kutsienyo

Upon thoroughly reading the press statement of the pro-opposition pressure group- the Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) and listening to other purported spokesmen of AFAG, I have found it imperative to issue a rejoinder on the subject matter so as to correct the fallacious assertions and to put issues in the proper perspective.

A Brief Opinion on the Resignation of Dr. Sipa Yankey

10 October 2009

By Georgette Djaba, London

Following a turbulent week of denials, condemnation of the British Justice system, ranting and raving by various officials of the NDC, dubbed the "National Deceivers Congress", we have now been informed that after behind the close discussions with our current President, Asomdwehene, President John Evans Atta Mills and his affable Vice President, John "Obama" Dramani Mahama, two of the people named in the Mabey and Johnson Bribery and Corruption scandal have resigned. We are not breathing a sigh of relief. We do not want a Muntaka style of investigation.

Sustaining the Unsustainable: The case of Decongestion in Kumasi

‘We are starting today and surely we will sustain it. Those who will return will be arrested and prosecuted in court’- Mr. Samuel Sarpong, Kumasi Mayor Obviously, if there is any issue that has broke into full view and as such subjugated headlines in Ghana, it is the decongestion exercise in Kumasi. In no doubt, decongestion in Kumasi and Ghana at large is the most sensitive of all issues at attempts to ensure city aesthetics, an aspect of development to Central Business Districts (CBD) and other areas. Apart from the fact that illegal occupiers of corners of streets who are forced to vacate their place describe the exercise as not having a human face, a lot of politics has been read into it.

GIA crew jailed 8 years for drugs

A Ghana International Airlines cabin crew member Kwaku Asante Ayirebi has been jailed eight years in London for attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK.

Mills Oil Fails To Arrive

FOR THE umpteenth time, the crude oil promised by the Mills-led government has woefully failed to materialize. The country was scheduled to take delivery of crude oil from Nigeria to arrest the acute shortage of petroleum products in the country

M&J Scandal: Akufo Addo draw sword

Nana The 2008 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has advised the Ministers and government officials who have been named in the Mabey and Johnson bribery scandal to step aside, until investigation into the case has been concluded.

Making his first comment on the allegation, during an interview with Citi FM, in Accra yesterday, Nana Addo said if after the investigation no evidence of guilt is found against the Ministers, then they should be reinstated, but if the opposite is the case, then they must be dealt with according to the law. Nana was also not happy with President Mills' decision to ask his Attorney General to investigate the case. He noted that investigative bodies such as the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) or the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) should rather be given the responsibility to look into the case.

Kufuor Was Greedy

By Livingstone Pay Charlie

P. C. Appiah-Ofori, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Asikuma-Odoben Brakwa has described former President John Agyekum Kufuor as a greedy person.

He said the greed of the former President showed when he hijacked negotiations for the privatization of Ghana Telecom without reference to the Divestiture Implementation Committee.

Mr. Appiah-Ofori was speaking in an interview with Radio Gold’s Morning Show anchor, Suhuyini Alhassan.

Deception at TOR

By Livingstone Pay Charlie

The authorities at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) have not told the whole story about the indebtedness of the oil marketing companies and there must be a reason for this.

According to them, 19 oil marketing companies owe TOR a total or more than ¢300 billion (Gh¢36,711,195.73).

Manager Admits Fraud, Bribery of Former IGP and Politicians

Confessions At Psc Tema Shipyard

By Livingstone Pay Charlie The Chief Financial Officer of PSC Tema Shipyard Ltd has admitted diverting the company’s funds into a front company which was used to pay monies to powerful public officials, including the former IGP and leading politicians.

Jubilee House to become a Poultry Farm ?

Mr. Danquah Ekow Smith, Deputy Central Regional Minister has added his voice to the controversial jubilee house, saying that he has plans to import chicken into the edifice and would make sure that President Atta Mills takes very good care of them.

"Yes I am importing chicken into the jubilee house and make sure that the president's dream becomes a reality," he noted.

Why Koku Anyidoho Hates Kufuor

The reason why Koku Anyidoho, the Communications Director at the seat of the Presidency hates President John Kufuor is very simple.

Mr. Anyidoho’s extreme hatred for President Kufuor has more to do with a ‘proxy war’ that he is fighting for his father, Brigadier General Anyidoho (rtd). Brigadier General Anyidoho (rtd) was promoted through Jerry Rawlings’ whole sale promotions on the 6th January 2000 to become a Major General than mere political differences between the NDC and the NPP.

U-20 WC: Ghana Through To Semi Finals

.... meets Hungary in semis
Dominic Adiyiah scored twice Friday to lead Ghana to a 3-2 win over South Korea and a place in the semifinals of the Under-20 World Cup. Ghana led 2-0 inside the first 30 minutes after a goal each from its strike pairing of Adiyiah and Ransford Osei, who have 10 goals between them at the

RE: NPP Demands Financial Accountability from Akufo-Addo

HAVE YOU ANY MIND OF YOUR OWN AT ALL?

To start with, the man’s name is Akufo-Addo and not Akufo Addo and you an alleged UP/NPP/PFP member should be familiar with this basic fact.

I normally do not make it a habit to comment on spurious and bogus articles from faceless cowards and nincompoops like you. I find it interesting that you provide only your name, if it is your name, to this article. I have found reason to say one, two, three words of fact to you because once again I expect a UP/NPP/PFP member to know better. That is if you are an NPP member in the true sense. I expect you to know that our party’s comeback in 2012 is a feat that requires all of us to logically grasp that our only enemy is the NDC, and launching attacks on members of our own party is pedestrian and mediocre, an act that makes you more NDC than NPP.

Spio Garbrah; Where “Feigned Loyalty” Means What?

Ekow Spio Garbrah, the man who thought so highly of himself and thought that the NDC needed him more than he needed the party before the 2006 NDC congress to elect a flagbearer, but ended up being taught a critical lesson in how party loyalty matters, has, out of bitterness, decided to shoot his pen off in the wrong direction.

Mabey and Johnson: Another Test Case for President Mills

Our media in recent times have been grossly dominated with the famous Mabey and Johnson case. Mabey and Johnson, a British International Company that conducts business all over the world, had been dealing with various government agencies and departments. The company under new managers went to court to take a look at the operations and awards of contracts by their predecessor and it came out that, the company in bidding for contracts all over, gave some monies to influential people in the various countries in order to be awarded contracts. Unfortunately, former and present government officials such as Mr.Kwame Peprah, Dr. George Sipa Yankey, Amadu Seidu, Edward Lord Attivor, Dr. Ato Quarshie, Alhaji Baba Kamara and Boniface Siddique were mentioned. We must not be pre-judgmental in convicting the above mentioned names just because their names have come up.

Ghana’s Cult Of Corruption

Virtually every Ghanaian knows and strongly believes that any day Ghana is able to make up its mind to end its obscene and ruinous romance with the stubborn monster called “Corruption”, this country will automatically witness the kind of prosperity no one had thought was possible in these parts. Just imagine the amount of public funds being stolen and squandered daily under various guises by too many public officers and their accomplices, and the great transformation that would happen to public infrastructure and the lives of the citizenry if this organized banditry can at least be reduced by fifty percent!

Time To Amend Our Companies Laws And Company Registration Procedures

When the NPP government came into power in January 2000, one of the objectives it set itself to achieve was to create the necessary enabling environment that would make the private sector, the “engine of economic growth” in the country. I remember Dr Ndoum of the CPP, before the general elections of December 2008, adding that the “engine” alone will not make a vehicle move. He rightly argued that a vehicle needs good wheels underneath its body and a good driver to make it move. I fully agree with him that until the enabling conditions are created in Ghana for real industrial growth to take-off through private sector investment, our current slogans and efforts will be mere dreams.

M&J Bribery Case : A-G Coming With Facts

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu, was expected back from the United Kingdom (UK) last night after acquiring the relevant documents, including transcripts of witnesses, on the trial of Mabey and Johnson (M&J), during which allegations of bribery were made against some top Ghanaian officials.
Mrs Mould-Iddrisu also held meetings with top directors and other high-ranking officials of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in the UK to build data for a thorough investigation into the allegations of corruption made against the Ghanaian officials by directors of M&J, a UK-based construction firm.

Diversity Lottory: Ghana Tops

....as 8,752 win 2010 US DV lottery
Ghana ranked first, in the world, in the number of winners of the US 2010 Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, with 8,752 winning entries. Nigeria was second with 6,006 winning entries Bangladesh came third with a total number of 6,001; Ukraine came fourth with 5,499 winning applicants.Here are the

Nine months of NDC rule

Last week, I think somewhere 10th September, 2009, the government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) through the Ministry of Information met with the media to trumpet its achievements since it took over the affairs of this country some nine months ago.

Ashanti CPP commends President Mills

Kumasi, Sept. 18, GNA - The Ashanti Regional branch of the Convention People's Party (CPP) has commended President John Atta Mills on his bold initiative to immortalize the achievements, spirit and personality of late President Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

Poverty Reduction - Let's Try Mangoes

Accra, Sept. 14, GNA - That agriculture is the mainstay of Ghana's economy and that about 60 per of the population is engaged in it, makes one wonder why it cannot form the industrialization base of the country, where factories are fed with raw materials on a sustainable basis.

Reducing Poverty through Beekeeping

Ho, Sept. 15, GNA - Researchers say the Government's efforts at reducing poverty in the country especially in the rural areas could be given a boost if apiculture or beekeeping were taken as a serious venture.
Not many people know that honey, which is the main product of beekeeping, has other by-products some of which are vital inputs in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Besides those, beeswax, a major by-product of honey making is also used by textile industries as a major raw material, and for candles and polishes too.

¢115.9bn vanish at Songor Salt Project

Songor Salt Project (SSP) at Ada in Greater Accra, once-upon-a-time the showpiece of Ghana's emerging salt industry which has over the years showed prospects as the new economic back bone for the nation is now gasping for its breath of survival.

Reduce powers of DMMCEs and elect them directly - Participants

Tamale, Sept. 17, GNA - Participants at a forum in Tamale called for an amendment of the Local Government Law, Act (462) of 1993, to reduce the powers of District, Municipal and Metropolitan Chief Executives (DMMCEs), to ensure more accountability in local level governance.

Government To Employ 100,000 Youth

Government To Employ 100,000 Youth......

Vodafone reduces broadband installation charge..

Vodafone Ghana has announced a reduction in the installation charge of its fixed broadband service from GH¢90 to GH¢55. The reduction, which started yesterday, will last for a period of three months....

Ghana eyes $1.5b from tourism by end of year .. gears up to host world.

Mon 14 Sep 2009

Ghana's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kwabena Akyeampong, has given a conservative figure of $1.5 billion as revenue the sector hopes to rake into the national kitty by the end of the year 2009. Revenue... (photo: Creative Commons / Stig Nygaard)

President Mills assures Ghanaians of better living conditions

Mankessim (C/R), Sept. 12, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Saturday reassured Ghanaians that his administration would judiciously utilize the nation's resources to improve upon the living conditions of all citizens.

Exopa CEO Busted With Cocaine

Officials of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) have confirmed the arrest and detention of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Exopa Modelling Agency, Mr. Ibrahim Sima, for possession of cocaine.

Support Road Safety Campaign to Reduce Fatalities

Tema — Mr Richard Takyi Obeng, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Abiam Media Road Safety Campaign, has reminded Ghanaians that it was their collective responsibility to help reduce to the barest minimum, the carnage on our roads.

Ghana: Exploring a Lasting Solution to Bawku Conflict

AFTER SEVERAL attempts by successive governments, the security agencies, religious bodies, the National Peace Council, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to find a lasting solution to the almost fifty-year-old conflict in Bawku have failed, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Mark Woyongo, has hinted that he is considering seeking the assistance of the Eminent Chiefs.

Ghana and Israel sign Aquaculture agreement

Accra, Sept. 7, GNA - Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, Minister of Food and Agriculture, on Monday praised Israel's agricultural system, describing it as phenomenal.

Ghana Leads the way

Ever since the head of the mortal remains of the 18th Century chief of Ahanta in the Western region arrived in Ghana, there have been a lot of rancour and hot exchanges among Otumfuo Baidoe Bonsu, the Paramount chief of the area, the delegation that travelled to The Netherlands for the dead chief's head, and the District Chief Exectuve for Ahanta West.