THE Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS), a Tamale-based NGO, has presented large quantities of assorted reading materials and textbooks to some selected schools in the Northern Region.
The donation of the books in Tamale formed part of the first consignment from the World Bank Book Project for deprived communities.
Among the 14 beneficiary schools was the Savelugu School for the Deaf. Others included the Tamale Girls, St. Anne’s, Tolon and Damongo Senior High schools.
According to the Programme Manager of RAINS, Mr Alhassan Musah, more schools would benefit from the facility upon the arrival of the second consignment which was expected soon.
He indicated that his outfit had supported the educational sector in the region over the years, particularly in the retention and promotion of female education through the provision of teaching and learning materials and the construction of school infrastructure.
The manager expressed appreciation to the World Bank for its intervention and stated that “we aim to get more schools connected to this programme to help promote and improve literacy in schools in this area”.
The Programmes Co-ordinator of RAINS, Madam Mariama Fuseini, called on other stakeholders in the education sector to step up their efforts at improving effective teaching and learning in schools in the region, since recent indicators showed that performance of the schools in the area was fast declining.
The Vice-Chairman of the board of trustees for RAINS, Mr Bukari Sadiq Nyari, advised authorities of beneficiary schools to always make the books available to the students and not keep them on the shelves.
He also implored the students to uphold discipline at all times by making judicious use of their time and gave an assurance that “RAINS would continue to support the development of education as we seek more support from our funding partners”.
On behalf of the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Headmistress of the Tolon Senior High, Madam Alice Damwura Achana, commended the management of RAINS for their remarkable support to the educational sector over the years and pledged to put the materials to their intended use.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
NANA KONADU WANTS NYEP REVIEWED (PAGE 14, JUNE 9, 2010)
Story; Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale.
A former first Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings has called for urgent steps to review the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP).
She noted that although the programme was laudable it fell short of addressing the challenges of the youth in job and wealth creation.
Addressing hundreds of NDC supporters at the Jubilee Park to mark the 31st anniversary celebration of June 4, Nana Konadu who is also a Vice Chairperson of the NDC pointed out that “the NYEP is not working the way it should and we must restructure this aspect of our development agenda for the maximum benefit of the youth”.
According to her, the programme lacked sufficient funding because its funding was not provided largely by central government.
She explained that because it lacked sufficient funding, the programme could not cover a significant number of the teeming unemployed youth in the country.
Nana Konadu equally observed that most of the youth lacked employable skills saying “we must make the youth the center of our development policies”.
She expressed regret that most of the youth in the country were jobless although they had acquired degrees and master degrees from the various universities in the country.
She intimated that the erstwhile Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and the NDC under former President Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings had the vision to create a middle income group between 1982 and the year 2000.
She noted that such a vision was aimed at addressing most of the challenges the youth go through in acquiring jobs and earning decent incomes to ameliorate their sufferings.
Nana Konadu stressed that it was important for the government to give the youth hope by putting in place short, medium and long term programmes.
“Policy makers must understand that 70 percent of the country’s population below 35 years and the only way to make that segment of our population survive is by putting in place programmes that can brighten their future” she advised.
She further stated that “the youth cannot wait for us to discuss their problems while they suffer; in other words policy makers must look at ways of improving their conditions in the short term while implementing the long term programmes.
The former first Lady however entreated the youth to acquire employable skills in masonry, carpentary, dressmaking, batik, tie and dye making and other vocations.
Touching on the June four celebrations she pointed out that the revolution gave opportunity to people to assert themselves and justified the need for its celebration inspite of criticisms against it.
The Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Mr. Kofi Adam said June four “energized people and instilled in them communal spirit”.
He warned against “nation wreckers and political detractors” of the NDC and entreated the rank and file of the NDC to do an in-house cleaning exercise to ensure that the party endeared itself to the electorate.
A former Health Minister in President Rawlings regime, Mr. Samuel Nuamah-Donkor observed that the improvement in infrastructure and basic social amenities like the roads and electricity in the north as well as the construction of first class hospitals in Sunyani, Ho and Cape Coast were clear manifestation of the benefits of June 4.
“The ideals of June 4 which are probity, honesty and accountability are still relevant today” he stressed.
Other speakers at the programme include the Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr. San Nasamu Asabigi, the National Women’s Organizer of the NDC, Hajia Zenabu Mahama, Mr. Herbert Mensah, and other party gurus.
They all lauded the ideals of the revolution and noted that it formed a solid foundation on which the country’s democracy thrived.
A former first Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings has called for urgent steps to review the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP).
She noted that although the programme was laudable it fell short of addressing the challenges of the youth in job and wealth creation.
Addressing hundreds of NDC supporters at the Jubilee Park to mark the 31st anniversary celebration of June 4, Nana Konadu who is also a Vice Chairperson of the NDC pointed out that “the NYEP is not working the way it should and we must restructure this aspect of our development agenda for the maximum benefit of the youth”.
According to her, the programme lacked sufficient funding because its funding was not provided largely by central government.
She explained that because it lacked sufficient funding, the programme could not cover a significant number of the teeming unemployed youth in the country.
Nana Konadu equally observed that most of the youth lacked employable skills saying “we must make the youth the center of our development policies”.
She expressed regret that most of the youth in the country were jobless although they had acquired degrees and master degrees from the various universities in the country.
She intimated that the erstwhile Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and the NDC under former President Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings had the vision to create a middle income group between 1982 and the year 2000.
She noted that such a vision was aimed at addressing most of the challenges the youth go through in acquiring jobs and earning decent incomes to ameliorate their sufferings.
Nana Konadu stressed that it was important for the government to give the youth hope by putting in place short, medium and long term programmes.
“Policy makers must understand that 70 percent of the country’s population below 35 years and the only way to make that segment of our population survive is by putting in place programmes that can brighten their future” she advised.
She further stated that “the youth cannot wait for us to discuss their problems while they suffer; in other words policy makers must look at ways of improving their conditions in the short term while implementing the long term programmes.
The former first Lady however entreated the youth to acquire employable skills in masonry, carpentary, dressmaking, batik, tie and dye making and other vocations.
Touching on the June four celebrations she pointed out that the revolution gave opportunity to people to assert themselves and justified the need for its celebration inspite of criticisms against it.
The Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Mr. Kofi Adam said June four “energized people and instilled in them communal spirit”.
He warned against “nation wreckers and political detractors” of the NDC and entreated the rank and file of the NDC to do an in-house cleaning exercise to ensure that the party endeared itself to the electorate.
A former Health Minister in President Rawlings regime, Mr. Samuel Nuamah-Donkor observed that the improvement in infrastructure and basic social amenities like the roads and electricity in the north as well as the construction of first class hospitals in Sunyani, Ho and Cape Coast were clear manifestation of the benefits of June 4.
“The ideals of June 4 which are probity, honesty and accountability are still relevant today” he stressed.
Other speakers at the programme include the Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr. San Nasamu Asabigi, the National Women’s Organizer of the NDC, Hajia Zenabu Mahama, Mr. Herbert Mensah, and other party gurus.
They all lauded the ideals of the revolution and noted that it formed a solid foundation on which the country’s democracy thrived.
Monday, June 21, 2010
USE DIALOGUE IN RESOLVING DIFFERENCES — BIMI (PAGE 43, JUNE 21, 2010)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tolon
THE Chairman of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr Larry Bimi, has appealed to people in northern Ghana to always use dialogue in resolving their differences when faced with any situation instead of sometimes resorting to violence at the least provocation.
“Whatever the provocation, always try to invoke the spirit of tolerance in you to prevent unnecessary conflicts at your respective communities,” he stressed.
Mr Bimi observed that northern Ghana was among the least developed in the country and that it was only through an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity that the government and investors would be encouraged and attracted to the area to help accelerate its development.
Mr Bimi made the appeal at a day’s workshop on peaceful district assembly elections at Tolon in the Tolon/Kumbungu District in the Northern Region.
The event organised in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was aimed at sensitising the people on the need to ensure violent-free polls during the forthcoming district assembly elections scheduled for later this year.
Participants at the forum included representatives of the various political parties, chiefs and opinion leaders, youth and women’s groups.
Among the topics discussed were electoral processes in Ghana, the district assembly system and an overview of the conflict situation in the district.
The NCCE chairman further admonished Ghanaians to take the elections seriously to deepen the local governance system and also consolidate the nations fledging democracy.
He suggested that the Electoral Commission could engage staff of the NCCE as returning officers during elections since the staff were supposed to be neutral.
That, Mr Bimi stressed, would not only ensure transparency, but would also build confidence in the electorate.
The Tolon/Kumbungu District Director of the Electoral Commission, Mr Iliasu Ewuntomah, entreated political party representatives in the area to always channel their grievances to his outfit for redress instead of sometimes embarking on unorthodox means to address them, which on many occasions, resulted in violence.
He, therefore, urged them to support the commission to ensure a violent-free, fair and transparent elections in the district.
THE Chairman of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr Larry Bimi, has appealed to people in northern Ghana to always use dialogue in resolving their differences when faced with any situation instead of sometimes resorting to violence at the least provocation.
“Whatever the provocation, always try to invoke the spirit of tolerance in you to prevent unnecessary conflicts at your respective communities,” he stressed.
Mr Bimi observed that northern Ghana was among the least developed in the country and that it was only through an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity that the government and investors would be encouraged and attracted to the area to help accelerate its development.
Mr Bimi made the appeal at a day’s workshop on peaceful district assembly elections at Tolon in the Tolon/Kumbungu District in the Northern Region.
The event organised in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was aimed at sensitising the people on the need to ensure violent-free polls during the forthcoming district assembly elections scheduled for later this year.
Participants at the forum included representatives of the various political parties, chiefs and opinion leaders, youth and women’s groups.
Among the topics discussed were electoral processes in Ghana, the district assembly system and an overview of the conflict situation in the district.
The NCCE chairman further admonished Ghanaians to take the elections seriously to deepen the local governance system and also consolidate the nations fledging democracy.
He suggested that the Electoral Commission could engage staff of the NCCE as returning officers during elections since the staff were supposed to be neutral.
That, Mr Bimi stressed, would not only ensure transparency, but would also build confidence in the electorate.
The Tolon/Kumbungu District Director of the Electoral Commission, Mr Iliasu Ewuntomah, entreated political party representatives in the area to always channel their grievances to his outfit for redress instead of sometimes embarking on unorthodox means to address them, which on many occasions, resulted in violence.
He, therefore, urged them to support the commission to ensure a violent-free, fair and transparent elections in the district.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
ANTHONIA AYAMGA WINS MILEAD AWARD (PAGE 11, JUNE 17, 2010)
MISS Anthonia Ayamga has won the MILEAD Fellows Award for an ‘Emerging African Woman Leader for 2010’. She is one of 25 other recipients chosen across Africa.
The fellows are from 20 African countries and the Diaspora with multiple-disciplinary academic, professional and social backgrounds from public, private and non-profit sectors and the media.
The young women who are between the ages of 19-25 were picked from more than 800 applicants after they had gone through a highly competitive selection process and criteria that included outstanding leadership potential and demonstration of commitment to the advancement of women in Africa.
The awardees are to converge on Accra to begin a three-week intensive Leadership Fellow Programme at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, in July.
The programme will enable the fellows to cross-examine concepts of leadership in a broad African context, cultivate the skills and experiences women need to have and excel in leadership positions. It will also enable them gain the requisite knowledge in issues critical to African women and their communities.
The MILEAD Fellows Award is a programme committed to the long-term leadership development and promotion of African’s most promising young women leaders.
After going through a year’s training and mentoring, selected fellows progress through additional phases to equip them to receive and share life-long solidarity and support through the alumni network of the scheme.
The programme is the idea of the Nigeria and U.S.A.- based Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership in Africa. The Initiative was founded in 2004 and aims at engaging, inspiring and equipping young women and girls to become the next generation of leaders who can transform and change institutions that legitimise and perpetuate discrimination against women.
Ms Ayamga, 25, is from the Upper East Region and a graduate of the University for Development Studies (UDS). She is currently undertaking her National Service at the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) in Tamale.
Ms Ayamga, during her childhood, assisted the poor and vulnerable women to realise their full potential and increase their livelihood options. And in her quest to empower women, she worked as a volunteer in many female-centred organisations in the Upper East Region.
According to her, “I am also interested in building a strong foundation for rural and disadvantaged women to claim their rights as I also engage in community development and gender research issues.”
The fellows are from 20 African countries and the Diaspora with multiple-disciplinary academic, professional and social backgrounds from public, private and non-profit sectors and the media.
The young women who are between the ages of 19-25 were picked from more than 800 applicants after they had gone through a highly competitive selection process and criteria that included outstanding leadership potential and demonstration of commitment to the advancement of women in Africa.
The awardees are to converge on Accra to begin a three-week intensive Leadership Fellow Programme at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, in July.
The programme will enable the fellows to cross-examine concepts of leadership in a broad African context, cultivate the skills and experiences women need to have and excel in leadership positions. It will also enable them gain the requisite knowledge in issues critical to African women and their communities.
The MILEAD Fellows Award is a programme committed to the long-term leadership development and promotion of African’s most promising young women leaders.
After going through a year’s training and mentoring, selected fellows progress through additional phases to equip them to receive and share life-long solidarity and support through the alumni network of the scheme.
The programme is the idea of the Nigeria and U.S.A.- based Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership in Africa. The Initiative was founded in 2004 and aims at engaging, inspiring and equipping young women and girls to become the next generation of leaders who can transform and change institutions that legitimise and perpetuate discrimination against women.
Ms Ayamga, 25, is from the Upper East Region and a graduate of the University for Development Studies (UDS). She is currently undertaking her National Service at the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) in Tamale.
Ms Ayamga, during her childhood, assisted the poor and vulnerable women to realise their full potential and increase their livelihood options. And in her quest to empower women, she worked as a volunteer in many female-centred organisations in the Upper East Region.
According to her, “I am also interested in building a strong foundation for rural and disadvantaged women to claim their rights as I also engage in community development and gender research issues.”
PROF HARUNA, NEW UDS VICE-CHANCELLOR (PAGE 3, JUNE 17, 2010)
THE University for Development Studies (UDS) now has a substantive Vice-Chancellor. He is Professor Haruna Yakubu, 55.
According to the acting Registrar of the university, Mr S.M. Kuu-ire, Professor Yakubu has already accepted the offer made to him by the Governing Council of the university. He assumed duty on June 1, this year.
Until his appointment, Professor Yakubu was the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast in the Central Region.
He becomes the third vice-chancellor to head the university, which was established in the 1992/93 academic year. Since the last substantive Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Kaburise, went on retirement in 2007, Professor Kaku Sagary Nokoe had been acting as the VC.
The new VC is a Professor of Physics who had both his Master's and PhD degrees at the Moldova State University, Kishinev, Russia, in the early 1990s.
He later lectured in universities in Italy, Russia and Ghana. Professor Yakubu has about 29 publications to his credit.
Among the positions he holds are: Chairman of the Governing Council of the Centre for Renewable Energy Studies (CRES)-Ghana; executive member, Ghana Solar Energy Society, and fellow member of the Council for Advancement and Support for Education-UK.
Other positions include Associate Member, International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Italy, and a Member of the Governing Council of the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSOA).
According to the acting Registrar of the university, Mr S.M. Kuu-ire, Professor Yakubu has already accepted the offer made to him by the Governing Council of the university. He assumed duty on June 1, this year.
Until his appointment, Professor Yakubu was the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast in the Central Region.
He becomes the third vice-chancellor to head the university, which was established in the 1992/93 academic year. Since the last substantive Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Kaburise, went on retirement in 2007, Professor Kaku Sagary Nokoe had been acting as the VC.
The new VC is a Professor of Physics who had both his Master's and PhD degrees at the Moldova State University, Kishinev, Russia, in the early 1990s.
He later lectured in universities in Italy, Russia and Ghana. Professor Yakubu has about 29 publications to his credit.
Among the positions he holds are: Chairman of the Governing Council of the Centre for Renewable Energy Studies (CRES)-Ghana; executive member, Ghana Solar Energy Society, and fellow member of the Council for Advancement and Support for Education-UK.
Other positions include Associate Member, International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Italy, and a Member of the Governing Council of the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSOA).
NDC WONT RISK SUBSSTITUTING PREZ MILLS-MAHAMA TICKET (PAGE 14, JUNE 16, 2010)
The Minister of Communications, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, has stated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will not risk the substitution of President John Atta Mills and John Mahama as the party’s presidential candidate and running mate respectively in the 2012 general elections.
According to him, it would not be politically prudent to embark on any experimentation and indicated that, so far the government under President Mills has made some significant gains and that if offered additional opportunities could further turn the fortunes of the country around.
“We, therefore, remain resolute that an Atta Mills and John Mahama ticket will not be substituted,” the minister emphasised.
Mr Iddrisu, who is also the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, stated this at the inauguration of an electrification project at Fooshegu , a farming community in the constituency in the metropolis at the weekend.
He noted that, “the NDC will remain in power for a long haul and, therefore, will surely be offered the opportunity for a second term; this however, will only be realised if we bury our differences and unite for the common goal of achieving our better Ghana agenda”.
The minister described the current happenings in the party as a family misunderstanding on the way forward and assured that as “a family, we would soon come out of this internal differences”.
Mr Iddrisu further stated that as a party in power, they needed to be focused and not be distracted in their development agenda in helping to improve the quality of life of the people and that anything short of that would lead to their political demise.
He urged the people to stand firmly by the government as it had lined up a number of programmes to help improve upon their living conditions.
Mr Iddrisu extended a hand of friendship to members of the opposition, some of whom he observed were being attracted to the NDC, following the government’s achievements so far.
The MP announced that some loan facilities would soon be extended to the people; particularly the women folk and advised all those who would be beneficiaries to put such funds to judicious use.
The minister also called on all eligible voters to take advantage of the ongoing exercise by the Electoral Commission to register in their numbers to enable them exercise their franchise during elections.
According to him, it would not be politically prudent to embark on any experimentation and indicated that, so far the government under President Mills has made some significant gains and that if offered additional opportunities could further turn the fortunes of the country around.
“We, therefore, remain resolute that an Atta Mills and John Mahama ticket will not be substituted,” the minister emphasised.
Mr Iddrisu, who is also the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, stated this at the inauguration of an electrification project at Fooshegu , a farming community in the constituency in the metropolis at the weekend.
He noted that, “the NDC will remain in power for a long haul and, therefore, will surely be offered the opportunity for a second term; this however, will only be realised if we bury our differences and unite for the common goal of achieving our better Ghana agenda”.
The minister described the current happenings in the party as a family misunderstanding on the way forward and assured that as “a family, we would soon come out of this internal differences”.
Mr Iddrisu further stated that as a party in power, they needed to be focused and not be distracted in their development agenda in helping to improve the quality of life of the people and that anything short of that would lead to their political demise.
He urged the people to stand firmly by the government as it had lined up a number of programmes to help improve upon their living conditions.
Mr Iddrisu extended a hand of friendship to members of the opposition, some of whom he observed were being attracted to the NDC, following the government’s achievements so far.
The MP announced that some loan facilities would soon be extended to the people; particularly the women folk and advised all those who would be beneficiaries to put such funds to judicious use.
The minister also called on all eligible voters to take advantage of the ongoing exercise by the Electoral Commission to register in their numbers to enable them exercise their franchise during elections.
ALL SET FOR NR POWER PROJECT (PAGE 3, JUNE 16, 2010)
A RURAL electrification project for the Northern Regions estimated at $300 million is scheduled to take off this year.
The initiative is to facilitate socio-economic activities at the beneficiary communities.
At the inauguration of an electrification project for Fooshegu, a farming community approximately six miles from Tamale, the Minister for Communications, Mr Harruna Iddrisu, said $130 million of the amount would be spent on the electrification project in the Northern Region; $90 million on a similar project in the Upper East Region, while $80million would be spent in the Upper West Region.
Mr Iddrisu, also a Member of Parliament for Tamale South, therefore, gave an assurance that by the close of the government’s four-year mandate, majority of communities in those areas would have been connected to the national grid.
He explained that funding for the two-year project was secured from the Chinese Government and “not from the United States Eximbank as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) wanted Ghanaians to believe at one of its recent press conferences”.
Mr Iddrisu, therefore, described the assertion by the NPP that the funding for the project was secured under the tenure of President Kufuor’s administration as misleading.
He, therefore, entreated the NPP to stop the unnecessary politicking of government development projects and reminded them that in any case, “under the directive principles of State policy, the government has the responsibility to continue ongoing projects”.
The MP further explained that the realisation of the Fooshegu project was a dream come true as it formed part of his campaign promises to the people during the 2008 electioneering.
It is the latest of such projects to be undertaken by the MP and several communities have already benefited from the project in the constituency. The minister, however, assured all other needy communities who were yet to get their share of the project to remain calm as efforts were being made to address their needs.
He also said the government had reviewed its policy on self-help rural electrification projects where the people were made to acquire the electrical poles and that now, “the cost of those poles will be borne by the government and the District Assemblies”.
The MP expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Energy and all those who supported in the actualisation of the project.
The initiative is to facilitate socio-economic activities at the beneficiary communities.
At the inauguration of an electrification project for Fooshegu, a farming community approximately six miles from Tamale, the Minister for Communications, Mr Harruna Iddrisu, said $130 million of the amount would be spent on the electrification project in the Northern Region; $90 million on a similar project in the Upper East Region, while $80million would be spent in the Upper West Region.
Mr Iddrisu, also a Member of Parliament for Tamale South, therefore, gave an assurance that by the close of the government’s four-year mandate, majority of communities in those areas would have been connected to the national grid.
He explained that funding for the two-year project was secured from the Chinese Government and “not from the United States Eximbank as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) wanted Ghanaians to believe at one of its recent press conferences”.
Mr Iddrisu, therefore, described the assertion by the NPP that the funding for the project was secured under the tenure of President Kufuor’s administration as misleading.
He, therefore, entreated the NPP to stop the unnecessary politicking of government development projects and reminded them that in any case, “under the directive principles of State policy, the government has the responsibility to continue ongoing projects”.
The MP further explained that the realisation of the Fooshegu project was a dream come true as it formed part of his campaign promises to the people during the 2008 electioneering.
It is the latest of such projects to be undertaken by the MP and several communities have already benefited from the project in the constituency. The minister, however, assured all other needy communities who were yet to get their share of the project to remain calm as efforts were being made to address their needs.
He also said the government had reviewed its policy on self-help rural electrification projects where the people were made to acquire the electrical poles and that now, “the cost of those poles will be borne by the government and the District Assemblies”.
The MP expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Energy and all those who supported in the actualisation of the project.
Monday, June 7, 2010
COUNCIL ENSKINS NEW BUIPE-WURA (PAGE 51, JUNE 7, 2010)
THE Gonja Traditional Council has enskinned a new Buipe-wura, sparking further controversies and tension in the already volatile area that has witnessed some disturbances over the Buipe Skin affair in recent times.
The new Buipe-wura is Tampe-wura Bawa Jewu, with the skin name, Buipe-wura Ewushie Lebu II.
This was contained in a letter signed by the Paramount Chief of the Gonja Traditional Area, Yagbon-wura Tuntunba Borisa Sulemana Jakpa II, and copied to the Central Gonja District Security Committee (DISEC).
According to the letter, the new Buipe-wura was formally enskinned on Saturday, June 5, 2010.
The DISEC has, however, indicated that it will convene an emergency meeting this week to discuss this latest development to fashion out the way forward in the protracted chieftaincy affair.
Following news of the enskinment of the new chief on Saturday, there have been some skirmishes in the town, since the current Buipe-wura, Mahama Abdulai Jinapor, has refused to abdicate the skin, insisting that he is still the rightful claimant to the skin.
Supporters of both sides are said to be arming themselves for a possible showdown, but the heavy military and police presence and patrols in the area seem to have held the factions back.
According to the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Mr Issifu Salisu Be-Awuribe, the situation was currently under control.
He entreated the people to remain calm, as efforts were being made to resolve the impasse.
“I urge that anybody who has any misgiving about the chieftaincy matter should seek the right channels for redress and not take the law into his or her own hands to cause any mischief,” he admonished.
There has between a long-standing disagreement between the Buipe-wura and some members of the Buipe Traditional Council, leading to threats and counter threats from both sides.
The chief had often complained of lack of respect for his authority by some council members.
At the first ordinary meeting of the council at Damongo on May 13, 2010, an attempt was made to mediate in a case between the Buipe-wura and one of his alleged antagonists, Mono-wura Akwasi Piesie, whom the former claimed to have deskinned for gross disrespect to his skin.
The talks, however, turned acrimonious, leading to heated verbal exchanges between the Buipe-Wura and his loyalists, on one side, and the Yagbon-Wura, the other chiefs and their supporters, on the other.
The Buipe-wura was alleged to have subsequently pulled out a gun and fired warning shots.
Following that development, the council declared its intention to deskin the Buipe-wura for what it considered insubordination and gross disrespect to the members.
A five-member committee, under the chairmanship of the Kagbape-wura, was subsequently constituted to manage the affairs of the Buipe Traditional Council until the enskinment of a new chief for the area.
The new Buipe-wura is Tampe-wura Bawa Jewu, with the skin name, Buipe-wura Ewushie Lebu II.
This was contained in a letter signed by the Paramount Chief of the Gonja Traditional Area, Yagbon-wura Tuntunba Borisa Sulemana Jakpa II, and copied to the Central Gonja District Security Committee (DISEC).
According to the letter, the new Buipe-wura was formally enskinned on Saturday, June 5, 2010.
The DISEC has, however, indicated that it will convene an emergency meeting this week to discuss this latest development to fashion out the way forward in the protracted chieftaincy affair.
Following news of the enskinment of the new chief on Saturday, there have been some skirmishes in the town, since the current Buipe-wura, Mahama Abdulai Jinapor, has refused to abdicate the skin, insisting that he is still the rightful claimant to the skin.
Supporters of both sides are said to be arming themselves for a possible showdown, but the heavy military and police presence and patrols in the area seem to have held the factions back.
According to the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Mr Issifu Salisu Be-Awuribe, the situation was currently under control.
He entreated the people to remain calm, as efforts were being made to resolve the impasse.
“I urge that anybody who has any misgiving about the chieftaincy matter should seek the right channels for redress and not take the law into his or her own hands to cause any mischief,” he admonished.
There has between a long-standing disagreement between the Buipe-wura and some members of the Buipe Traditional Council, leading to threats and counter threats from both sides.
The chief had often complained of lack of respect for his authority by some council members.
At the first ordinary meeting of the council at Damongo on May 13, 2010, an attempt was made to mediate in a case between the Buipe-wura and one of his alleged antagonists, Mono-wura Akwasi Piesie, whom the former claimed to have deskinned for gross disrespect to his skin.
The talks, however, turned acrimonious, leading to heated verbal exchanges between the Buipe-Wura and his loyalists, on one side, and the Yagbon-Wura, the other chiefs and their supporters, on the other.
The Buipe-wura was alleged to have subsequently pulled out a gun and fired warning shots.
Following that development, the council declared its intention to deskin the Buipe-wura for what it considered insubordination and gross disrespect to the members.
A five-member committee, under the chairmanship of the Kagbape-wura, was subsequently constituted to manage the affairs of the Buipe Traditional Council until the enskinment of a new chief for the area.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
IMBIBE SPIRIT OF JUNE 4TH (PAGE 13, JUNE 5, 2010)
FORMER President Jerry John Rawlings has observed that the eight-year rule of the New Patriotic Party government has brought about disunity, fear and corruption in the nation.
“They are good at picking slogans such as the Rule of Law but their administration has led us to the mess we have found ourselves in today,” he claimed.
Flt Lt. Rawlings, therefore, urged Ghanaians to imbibe the spirit of June 4th into whatever they did to activate them into action to resurrect the country from the current doldrums.
He was addressing hundreds of NDC party faithful in Tamale to climax the 31st anniversary celebration of June 4th on the theme, “Our Youth Our Future.”
The programme was preceded by a free medical service to some residents of Tamale on Thursday and a float on the major streets of the metropolis yesterday.
Flt Lt. Rawlings noted that the inability of the government to pursue and prosecute perpetrators of heinous crimes in the past was emboldening some people to perpetuate violent crimes in the country today.
He, therefore, urged the government to institute thorough investigations into atrocities committed during the Kufuor administration, “if the government wants to regain integrity and hope”.
The former President also alleged that people who were behind those atrocities were continuing with their misbehaviours and insisted that freedom without justice would be short-lived.
“We will not make progress if our democracy is undermined because we do not cherish freedom and justice,” he indicated, adding that “the beauty of justice is that it cleanses the soul and energises the nation”.
Flt Lt Rawlings further claimed that the government was not performing as expected and that the failure of the NDC party executive to advise the government to be on track was disappointing and unfortunate.
He further described some people’s condemnation of the June 4th event as most unfortunate, stressing that “we are in such a decline that the energy of June 4th is what we should be tapping into instead of condemning it”.
“Freedom and justice is so precious to us that if we as individuals and nation state cannot make the truth the pillar of our existence then we stand condemned in repeating our mistakes,” he added.
He also commended the government for celebrating the centenary of Nkrumah but noted that the nation’s founder would be happier if the government enacted policies and programmes to improve the lives of the people instead of playing into the hands of political opportunists.
“They are good at picking slogans such as the Rule of Law but their administration has led us to the mess we have found ourselves in today,” he claimed.
Flt Lt. Rawlings, therefore, urged Ghanaians to imbibe the spirit of June 4th into whatever they did to activate them into action to resurrect the country from the current doldrums.
He was addressing hundreds of NDC party faithful in Tamale to climax the 31st anniversary celebration of June 4th on the theme, “Our Youth Our Future.”
The programme was preceded by a free medical service to some residents of Tamale on Thursday and a float on the major streets of the metropolis yesterday.
Flt Lt. Rawlings noted that the inability of the government to pursue and prosecute perpetrators of heinous crimes in the past was emboldening some people to perpetuate violent crimes in the country today.
He, therefore, urged the government to institute thorough investigations into atrocities committed during the Kufuor administration, “if the government wants to regain integrity and hope”.
The former President also alleged that people who were behind those atrocities were continuing with their misbehaviours and insisted that freedom without justice would be short-lived.
“We will not make progress if our democracy is undermined because we do not cherish freedom and justice,” he indicated, adding that “the beauty of justice is that it cleanses the soul and energises the nation”.
Flt Lt Rawlings further claimed that the government was not performing as expected and that the failure of the NDC party executive to advise the government to be on track was disappointing and unfortunate.
He further described some people’s condemnation of the June 4th event as most unfortunate, stressing that “we are in such a decline that the energy of June 4th is what we should be tapping into instead of condemning it”.
“Freedom and justice is so precious to us that if we as individuals and nation state cannot make the truth the pillar of our existence then we stand condemned in repeating our mistakes,” he added.
He also commended the government for celebrating the centenary of Nkrumah but noted that the nation’s founder would be happier if the government enacted policies and programmes to improve the lives of the people instead of playing into the hands of political opportunists.
TAMALE POLICE FOIL ROBBERY ATTEMPT (PAGE 29, JUNE 7, 2010)
POLICE personnel in Tamale last Thursday foiled a planned armed robbery expedition in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region where the suspect had targeted banks, filling stations and affluent residents.
However, the suspect’s “recruits” that included some police personnel in Tamale who feigned interest in the operation later led his arrest, thus foiling the operation.
The suspect, Richmond Kankam, alias Kofi Mensah 27, is currently facing trial at the Tamale Circuit Court where he has been remanded in prison custody to reappear on June 2, this month.
Narrating the incident to the media in Tamale, the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, said the suspect was a former employee of the Prudential Bank at the Odum branch in Kumasi.
He said on May 19, the suspect arrived in Tamale to lodge at a Guest house at Gumani, a suburb. On his way to the guest house, Kankam met one Yaw Agbemavor, a former employee of the guest house who assisted him to check in.
The suspect later informed Agbemavor to assist him recruit some strong and brave men in Tamale to help him (the suspect) carry out an operation.
According to the PRO, Yaw informed his brother who later told his friend, a police corporal. The latter also informed his superior officer who advised him to feign interest in the exercise.
When Corporal Prince Ampima went to Kankam, he asked the former to recruit more men. The policeman then invited another colleague and two other civilians.
They were later taken through some training by the suspect including tactical exercises for the robbery. They were taught terminologies such as “wound” and “vanish” meaning kill and bury to erase trace. The robbery was to have taken place in Kumasi at 2 a.m. on June 21.
On the morning of May 20, the suspect including his “recruits” set off to the STC yard enroute to Kumasi where they were to receive their weapons for the operation.
On their way, however, Corporal Ampima directed the cab driver they chartered to the Sakasaka Police Station where the suspect was arrested and placed in custody.
Upon interrogation, the suspect admitted undertaking the training exercise but insisted that it was only a joke.
However, the suspect’s “recruits” that included some police personnel in Tamale who feigned interest in the operation later led his arrest, thus foiling the operation.
The suspect, Richmond Kankam, alias Kofi Mensah 27, is currently facing trial at the Tamale Circuit Court where he has been remanded in prison custody to reappear on June 2, this month.
Narrating the incident to the media in Tamale, the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Chief Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, said the suspect was a former employee of the Prudential Bank at the Odum branch in Kumasi.
He said on May 19, the suspect arrived in Tamale to lodge at a Guest house at Gumani, a suburb. On his way to the guest house, Kankam met one Yaw Agbemavor, a former employee of the guest house who assisted him to check in.
The suspect later informed Agbemavor to assist him recruit some strong and brave men in Tamale to help him (the suspect) carry out an operation.
According to the PRO, Yaw informed his brother who later told his friend, a police corporal. The latter also informed his superior officer who advised him to feign interest in the exercise.
When Corporal Prince Ampima went to Kankam, he asked the former to recruit more men. The policeman then invited another colleague and two other civilians.
They were later taken through some training by the suspect including tactical exercises for the robbery. They were taught terminologies such as “wound” and “vanish” meaning kill and bury to erase trace. The robbery was to have taken place in Kumasi at 2 a.m. on June 21.
On the morning of May 20, the suspect including his “recruits” set off to the STC yard enroute to Kumasi where they were to receive their weapons for the operation.
On their way, however, Corporal Ampima directed the cab driver they chartered to the Sakasaka Police Station where the suspect was arrested and placed in custody.
Upon interrogation, the suspect admitted undertaking the training exercise but insisted that it was only a joke.
Friday, June 4, 2010
SOLDIER, CIVILIAN IN SMGGLING CASE REMANDED (PAGE 3, JUNE 4, 2010)
THE soldier who was arrested for his alleged involvement in the smuggling of contraband goods into the country has been remanded in police custody, together with his civilian accomplice.
The accused, Warrant Officer Class One Nicholas Adiyiah and Kweku Yeboah, appeared before the Tamale Circuit Court on Wednesday, charged with smuggling and evasion, contrary to Section 215 of PNDC Law 330/93. They are to re-appear on June 9, 2010.
A third suspect, one Sule, is, however, on the run.
The two were arrested on board a military vehicle, with registration number 98 GA 27, which was being driven by the Warrant Officer.
The vehicle, which was heading towards Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, was impounded at Buipe in the Central Gonja District of the Northern Region.
Upon a search, about 180 cartons of cigarettes that included brands such as “Gold Seal” and “Business Royal” were found in it.
The exercise was carried out by a combined team of the Special Operations Unit of the Ministry of Finance and the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS).
The team, led by Mr Nelson Abudu, was tasked to move round the various border points and last Friday it had information that a military vehicle was heading towards the Bole/Cote d’Ivoire border post.
The surveillance team tracked the vehicle to the border post at Bangupe, where the goods were being loaded.
The vehicle was tracked and eventually impounded at Buipe.
The accused, Warrant Officer Class One Nicholas Adiyiah and Kweku Yeboah, appeared before the Tamale Circuit Court on Wednesday, charged with smuggling and evasion, contrary to Section 215 of PNDC Law 330/93. They are to re-appear on June 9, 2010.
A third suspect, one Sule, is, however, on the run.
The two were arrested on board a military vehicle, with registration number 98 GA 27, which was being driven by the Warrant Officer.
The vehicle, which was heading towards Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, was impounded at Buipe in the Central Gonja District of the Northern Region.
Upon a search, about 180 cartons of cigarettes that included brands such as “Gold Seal” and “Business Royal” were found in it.
The exercise was carried out by a combined team of the Special Operations Unit of the Ministry of Finance and the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS).
The team, led by Mr Nelson Abudu, was tasked to move round the various border points and last Friday it had information that a military vehicle was heading towards the Bole/Cote d’Ivoire border post.
The surveillance team tracked the vehicle to the border post at Bangupe, where the goods were being loaded.
The vehicle was tracked and eventually impounded at Buipe.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
SOLDIER, CIVILIAN ARRESTED FOR SMUGGLING (1B, MAY 31, 2010)
Story: Zakaria Alhassan.
A combined team of the Special Operations Unit of the Ministry of Finance and the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) in Tamale on Saturday intercepted a Military truck loaded with contraband goods that included some assorted cigarette.
The vehicle with the registration number 98 GA 27 that was heading towards the South, was impounded at Buipe at dawn. It contained over 180 cartons of cigarettes that include brands such as “Gold seal” and “Business Royal.” It was impounded at Buipe at Saturday dawn.
The driver of the vehicle, Warrant Officer Nicholas Adiyiah and his civilian accomplice who is a mechanic, Kweku Yeboah from the Military Brigade in Kumasi are assisting in investigations. The third civilian suspect, one Sule is however on the run.
Briefing the press at the CEPS office in Tamale, the Operations Coordinator of the Unit, Mr. Nelson Awudu who led the team explained that the exercise was carried out upon a tip-off that some Military vehicles were being used to transport contraband goods at some boarder towns in the country.
He said following the information, the team was tasked to move round the various boarder points where they had stationed some of their men.
And that last Friday, they received information from their informants that a Military vehicle was heading towards the Bole/Cote D’Ivoire boarder post.
“Our men then laid ambush while our surveillance team tracked the vehicle to the boarder post at Bangupe at the banks of the Black Volta near Balli at the Bole district where the goods were being loaded into it,” he indicated.
Mr. Awudu however explained that because it was a Military vehicle, “we thought the people in it were probably armed, and so we did not get near it at the time.”
He said they however monitored the movement of the vehicle throughout its journey in the bush from Bole through Sawla, Damongo and to Buipe.
According to the coordinator it was when the vehicle got to Buipe that they called the CEPS Officer in-charge of the Northern Sector, Mr. Ernest Frimpong Nuamah for re-enforcement of personnel.
The vehicle was eventually intercepted and brought to the CEPS headquarters in Tamale.
Upon hearing the information, the General Officer commanding the Northern Command, Brigadier General Chris Ocran came to the CEPS office where he was briefed on the incident by both Mr. Awudu and Mr. Nuamah.
Brigadier General Ocran could not immediately tell the Daily Graphic the immediate action to be taken against the suspects but indicated that it will be treated as a criminal offence and that further investigations will be conducted into the case.
Earlier, the driver of the impounded vehicle who said he is due for retirement in some few months told the press that, he signed for the vehicle to pick his personal effects.
WO Adiyiah however claimed he was later asked by his friend to assist him carry the goods from Bole for a fee.
A combined team of the Special Operations Unit of the Ministry of Finance and the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) in Tamale on Saturday intercepted a Military truck loaded with contraband goods that included some assorted cigarette.
The vehicle with the registration number 98 GA 27 that was heading towards the South, was impounded at Buipe at dawn. It contained over 180 cartons of cigarettes that include brands such as “Gold seal” and “Business Royal.” It was impounded at Buipe at Saturday dawn.
The driver of the vehicle, Warrant Officer Nicholas Adiyiah and his civilian accomplice who is a mechanic, Kweku Yeboah from the Military Brigade in Kumasi are assisting in investigations. The third civilian suspect, one Sule is however on the run.
Briefing the press at the CEPS office in Tamale, the Operations Coordinator of the Unit, Mr. Nelson Awudu who led the team explained that the exercise was carried out upon a tip-off that some Military vehicles were being used to transport contraband goods at some boarder towns in the country.
He said following the information, the team was tasked to move round the various boarder points where they had stationed some of their men.
And that last Friday, they received information from their informants that a Military vehicle was heading towards the Bole/Cote D’Ivoire boarder post.
“Our men then laid ambush while our surveillance team tracked the vehicle to the boarder post at Bangupe at the banks of the Black Volta near Balli at the Bole district where the goods were being loaded into it,” he indicated.
Mr. Awudu however explained that because it was a Military vehicle, “we thought the people in it were probably armed, and so we did not get near it at the time.”
He said they however monitored the movement of the vehicle throughout its journey in the bush from Bole through Sawla, Damongo and to Buipe.
According to the coordinator it was when the vehicle got to Buipe that they called the CEPS Officer in-charge of the Northern Sector, Mr. Ernest Frimpong Nuamah for re-enforcement of personnel.
The vehicle was eventually intercepted and brought to the CEPS headquarters in Tamale.
Upon hearing the information, the General Officer commanding the Northern Command, Brigadier General Chris Ocran came to the CEPS office where he was briefed on the incident by both Mr. Awudu and Mr. Nuamah.
Brigadier General Ocran could not immediately tell the Daily Graphic the immediate action to be taken against the suspects but indicated that it will be treated as a criminal offence and that further investigations will be conducted into the case.
Earlier, the driver of the impounded vehicle who said he is due for retirement in some few months told the press that, he signed for the vehicle to pick his personal effects.
WO Adiyiah however claimed he was later asked by his friend to assist him carry the goods from Bole for a fee.
SEVEN-MEMBER COMMITTEE TO PROBE GHANASCO RIOTS (BACK PAGE, JUNE 3, 2010)
A Seven-member committee has been set up to investigate the circumstances that led to the recent student disturbances at the Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO) in Tamale.
The committee is chaired by Mr Charles K. Nyabo, a retired educationalist. Its terms of reference include the establishment of the extent of damage, identification of the perpetrators and victims and the making of appropriate recommendations to forestall future occAurrence of such riots.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, who inaugurated the committee yesterday, charged the members to submit their report within two weeks.
In another development, the 16 students of the school who were arrested in connection with their alleged involvement in the riots have been granted bail. They are to report back to the police on June 14, 2010 as further investigations continue into their involvement in the matter.
An unspecified number of students who inhaled tear gas fired by the police to disperse the rampaging youth have also since been treated and discharged from the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
Last Sunday, the students went on the rampage destroying school property and some personal belongings of their tutors after accusing the authorities of arbitrarily seizing their mobile phones.
The irate students also accused the authorities of charging them astronomical fees and denying them quality meals.
The authorities have, however, denied the students’ claims and explained that all decisions taken were arrived at after consultations with the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and members of the board of directors.
The school was closed down last Monday following the disturbances.
The committee is chaired by Mr Charles K. Nyabo, a retired educationalist. Its terms of reference include the establishment of the extent of damage, identification of the perpetrators and victims and the making of appropriate recommendations to forestall future occAurrence of such riots.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, who inaugurated the committee yesterday, charged the members to submit their report within two weeks.
In another development, the 16 students of the school who were arrested in connection with their alleged involvement in the riots have been granted bail. They are to report back to the police on June 14, 2010 as further investigations continue into their involvement in the matter.
An unspecified number of students who inhaled tear gas fired by the police to disperse the rampaging youth have also since been treated and discharged from the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
Last Sunday, the students went on the rampage destroying school property and some personal belongings of their tutors after accusing the authorities of arbitrarily seizing their mobile phones.
The irate students also accused the authorities of charging them astronomical fees and denying them quality meals.
The authorities have, however, denied the students’ claims and explained that all decisions taken were arrived at after consultations with the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and members of the board of directors.
The school was closed down last Monday following the disturbances.
SECURITY AGENCIES MUST COLLABORATE (PAGE 13, JUNE 3, 2010)
The National Security Co-ordinator, Lt Col Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, has underscored the need for effective collaboration among all players in the security set-up to ensure continuous harmony and peaceful co-existence at all times.
“Our aim is to ensure that people are able to go about their businesses without fear and with reasonable assurance of safety and to improve our capabilities for preventive action and early engagement,” he said.
LtCol Gbevlo-Lartey was addressing an orientation workshop organised for members of the various security committees from the Northern, Upper East and West regions in Tamale.
The two-day workshop was aimed at defining the roles of the various security committees to ensure a critical appreciation and clear vision of the government’s ‘Better Ghana’ agenda.
It was the third in a series of such seminars. Similar ones had been organised in some of the regions in the southern parts of the country.
Among the topics treated were the better Ghana agenda at the district level - expectations, the role and focus of security committees and leadership at the district level in the better Ghana agenda, and the effective use of bye-laws for the better Ghana agenda.
The Security Co-ordinator further observed that even though national security matters had often generated controversies, “it is about the responsibility to protect; it is about the survival of the republic”.
The Security Co-ordinator explained that security committees were not political since they were constituted with people from various political persuasions.
He, therefore, implored members of the committees to live up to expectation by discharging their duties with impartiality to ensure sustainable peace in their respective communities.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, expressed appreciation to the national security outfit for organising the workshop, which he said was timely.
“This is in view of the increasing number of flashpoints and the commonality of challenges to the three regions; and at a time when there are land disputes and chieftaincy upheavals,” he stated.
The minister, however, said the youth were those mainly used to perpetrate the conflicts because of the unavailability of jobs to engage their energies.
“The situation is not one of despondency and desperation. It is a pointer to the inadequacy of our efforts and the need for us to adopt holistic and more pragmatic strategies to deal with the evils of poverty and conflicts,” he stated.
The regional minister, however, appealed to the National Security Council to step-up their support for the security committees with the needed resources and vehicles to enable them respond rapidly to conflict situations in their respective regions.
“Our aim is to ensure that people are able to go about their businesses without fear and with reasonable assurance of safety and to improve our capabilities for preventive action and early engagement,” he said.
LtCol Gbevlo-Lartey was addressing an orientation workshop organised for members of the various security committees from the Northern, Upper East and West regions in Tamale.
The two-day workshop was aimed at defining the roles of the various security committees to ensure a critical appreciation and clear vision of the government’s ‘Better Ghana’ agenda.
It was the third in a series of such seminars. Similar ones had been organised in some of the regions in the southern parts of the country.
Among the topics treated were the better Ghana agenda at the district level - expectations, the role and focus of security committees and leadership at the district level in the better Ghana agenda, and the effective use of bye-laws for the better Ghana agenda.
The Security Co-ordinator further observed that even though national security matters had often generated controversies, “it is about the responsibility to protect; it is about the survival of the republic”.
The Security Co-ordinator explained that security committees were not political since they were constituted with people from various political persuasions.
He, therefore, implored members of the committees to live up to expectation by discharging their duties with impartiality to ensure sustainable peace in their respective communities.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, expressed appreciation to the national security outfit for organising the workshop, which he said was timely.
“This is in view of the increasing number of flashpoints and the commonality of challenges to the three regions; and at a time when there are land disputes and chieftaincy upheavals,” he stated.
The minister, however, said the youth were those mainly used to perpetrate the conflicts because of the unavailability of jobs to engage their energies.
“The situation is not one of despondency and desperation. It is a pointer to the inadequacy of our efforts and the need for us to adopt holistic and more pragmatic strategies to deal with the evils of poverty and conflicts,” he stated.
The regional minister, however, appealed to the National Security Council to step-up their support for the security committees with the needed resources and vehicles to enable them respond rapidly to conflict situations in their respective regions.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
CEPS WARNS DRUG IMPORTERS (PAGE 29, JUNE 2, 2010)
THE Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) has indicated that the clearance of drugs through any entry point rather than the Kotoka International Airport and the Tema Port are not allowed and that such drugs will be seized.
According to the CEPS, drugs was the most commonly illegally imported goods and that it was only appropriate that prohibitive measures were intensified to safeguard people from patronising uncertified drugs that could jeopardise their health.
A senior CEPS officer at the Tamale Collection point, Mr. Asamoah Ntwum, who stated this also disclosed that the importation of wax prints into the country was limited to the Takoradi Port and that this formed part of measures by the government to protect the local textile industry from collapse.
The officer was speaking at the second importers forum held in Tamale. It was organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Industry in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Board and other stakeholders.
Among the topics discussed were the inspection of high risk goods and their challenges, the role of CEPS in the clearance of counterfeit and substandard goods and the destination inspection scheme-a tool for consumer protection.
Mr Ntwum said as a member of the World Trade Organisation, the CEPS was enjoined to enforce compliance with rules, standards, treaties and conventions of world bodies.
He said it was for these reasons that the CEPS had adopted some of these practices to ensure effective monitoring, tracking and facilitation of international trade, including trade in counterfeiting and substandard goods.
“These include the automation of clearance procedures and memoranda of understanding with La Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso to increase cooperation in monitoring transit goods,” the officer further indicated.
Mr Ntwum added that the CEPS also undertook additional roles as a border agency in using its competencies and authority to examine inbound and outbound cargo as well as detention of goods to enforce the law.
He said public expectation of their ability to combat trade in counterfeit and substandard goods was high, but they were unfortunately constrained in terms of logistics, funding and inadequate personnel but gave the assurance that, “in spite of these constraints, the process of re-engineering all aspects of CEPS’ operations is on course.”
The acting Northern Regional officer of the Ghana Standards Board, Mr. Eric Akoto, said that the board was established to ensure compliance of imported goods with established technical standards to prevent the introduction and distribution of sub-standard products into the Ghanaian market.
He also indicated that since August 2003, the board had been mandated by the Ministry of Trade and Industry to take over the inspection of all “High Risk Goods” that have serious health and safety implications on the consuming public.
“This is to ensure that the designated goods are suitable and safe for use before they are allowed for distribution and sale in the country,” Mr Akoto stated.
The officer however observed that, in achieving their mandate, the board would need to work in close collaboration with other regulatory bodies.
According to the CEPS, drugs was the most commonly illegally imported goods and that it was only appropriate that prohibitive measures were intensified to safeguard people from patronising uncertified drugs that could jeopardise their health.
A senior CEPS officer at the Tamale Collection point, Mr. Asamoah Ntwum, who stated this also disclosed that the importation of wax prints into the country was limited to the Takoradi Port and that this formed part of measures by the government to protect the local textile industry from collapse.
The officer was speaking at the second importers forum held in Tamale. It was organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Industry in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Board and other stakeholders.
Among the topics discussed were the inspection of high risk goods and their challenges, the role of CEPS in the clearance of counterfeit and substandard goods and the destination inspection scheme-a tool for consumer protection.
Mr Ntwum said as a member of the World Trade Organisation, the CEPS was enjoined to enforce compliance with rules, standards, treaties and conventions of world bodies.
He said it was for these reasons that the CEPS had adopted some of these practices to ensure effective monitoring, tracking and facilitation of international trade, including trade in counterfeiting and substandard goods.
“These include the automation of clearance procedures and memoranda of understanding with La Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso to increase cooperation in monitoring transit goods,” the officer further indicated.
Mr Ntwum added that the CEPS also undertook additional roles as a border agency in using its competencies and authority to examine inbound and outbound cargo as well as detention of goods to enforce the law.
He said public expectation of their ability to combat trade in counterfeit and substandard goods was high, but they were unfortunately constrained in terms of logistics, funding and inadequate personnel but gave the assurance that, “in spite of these constraints, the process of re-engineering all aspects of CEPS’ operations is on course.”
The acting Northern Regional officer of the Ghana Standards Board, Mr. Eric Akoto, said that the board was established to ensure compliance of imported goods with established technical standards to prevent the introduction and distribution of sub-standard products into the Ghanaian market.
He also indicated that since August 2003, the board had been mandated by the Ministry of Trade and Industry to take over the inspection of all “High Risk Goods” that have serious health and safety implications on the consuming public.
“This is to ensure that the designated goods are suitable and safe for use before they are allowed for distribution and sale in the country,” Mr Akoto stated.
The officer however observed that, in achieving their mandate, the board would need to work in close collaboration with other regulatory bodies.
CHECK PROLIFERATION OF SMALL/LIGHT WEAPONS — AMEYIBOR (PAGE 22, JUNE 1, 2010)
THE West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA-Ghana) has warned that the country is increasingly becoming fertile grounds for the proliferation of small and light weapons, which if not checked, could create insecurity.
According to the National Treasurer of WAANSA, Mr Francis Ameyibor, most of those weapons entered the country through unapproved routes; a situation that was manifesting itself in the pockets of conflicts being witnessed in some parts of the country, particularly in the north.
He stated that guns in the midst of poverty, unemployment, injustice, frustration, fear and jealousy could easily create violent situations.
“The power to instantly transform tension or anxiety into tragedy is a design characteristic of small arms as guns are designed for the purpose of killing,” the treasurer stated.
Mr Ameyibor was speaking at a news conference in Tamale over the weekend as part of activities to commemorate the global action against gun violence.
The occasion, on the theme: “Action against gun violence, time to act,” was also used to launch the campaign for fewer guns and safer communities initiative.
Mr Ameyibor explained that Small Arms and Light Weapons were those that could be carried and used by one or two persons. They include handguns, assault rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers and explosives.
He further observed that the movement of small arms, including second-hand guns, from one user to another across the world had become a serious threat to human security.
“At the moment, it is impossible to monitor or interrupt this deadly flow of weapons because there are legal requirements to maintain records linking guns to their location or to trace guns used in crime,” Mr Ameyibor stated.
He also mentioned lack of international guidelines on the regulation of gun ownership among citizens and a legally-binding treaty to control the activities of arms brokers as some of the difficulties being encountered.
The Northern Regional Administrator of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr Mahama Mustapha Braimah, urged people to use the alternative dispute resolution mechanism for the prevention and settlement of disputes instead of resorting to the use of arms at the least provocation.
He called for the registration of all guns in the country to make it possible to trace the source of guns and their owners and urged the security agencies to take steps to arrest illegal possessors of weapons.
According to the National Treasurer of WAANSA, Mr Francis Ameyibor, most of those weapons entered the country through unapproved routes; a situation that was manifesting itself in the pockets of conflicts being witnessed in some parts of the country, particularly in the north.
He stated that guns in the midst of poverty, unemployment, injustice, frustration, fear and jealousy could easily create violent situations.
“The power to instantly transform tension or anxiety into tragedy is a design characteristic of small arms as guns are designed for the purpose of killing,” the treasurer stated.
Mr Ameyibor was speaking at a news conference in Tamale over the weekend as part of activities to commemorate the global action against gun violence.
The occasion, on the theme: “Action against gun violence, time to act,” was also used to launch the campaign for fewer guns and safer communities initiative.
Mr Ameyibor explained that Small Arms and Light Weapons were those that could be carried and used by one or two persons. They include handguns, assault rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers and explosives.
He further observed that the movement of small arms, including second-hand guns, from one user to another across the world had become a serious threat to human security.
“At the moment, it is impossible to monitor or interrupt this deadly flow of weapons because there are legal requirements to maintain records linking guns to their location or to trace guns used in crime,” Mr Ameyibor stated.
He also mentioned lack of international guidelines on the regulation of gun ownership among citizens and a legally-binding treaty to control the activities of arms brokers as some of the difficulties being encountered.
The Northern Regional Administrator of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr Mahama Mustapha Braimah, urged people to use the alternative dispute resolution mechanism for the prevention and settlement of disputes instead of resorting to the use of arms at the least provocation.
He called for the registration of all guns in the country to make it possible to trace the source of guns and their owners and urged the security agencies to take steps to arrest illegal possessors of weapons.
GHANASCO, NAVASCO CLOSED DOWN...After student violence (BAACK PAGE, JUNE 1, 2010)
TWO schools — the Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO) in Tamale and the Navrongo Senior High School (NAVASCO) in the Upper East Region — have been closed down following students’ violence there.
In Tamale, the action of the authorities followed a rampage by the students on Monday for the alleged seizure of their mobile phones, while a seven-member committee has been set up to investigate the cause of the rioting at NAVASCO.
After the GHANASCO students had embarked on a massive demonstration and destroyed bungalows and other school properties, the decision to close the school down was arrived at after a meeting of the security committees of the Northern Region, the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, the Ghana Education Service and the school authorities.
The rioters also smashed the windscreens and dented the police light-armoured vehicle, as well as the windscreens of the vehicle used by the Tamale Metropolitan Director of Education and a taxicab belonging to the husband of a female tutor.
Other property destroyed included two motorbikes, one of which was completely burnt. The students also carried away some fowls belonging to some tutors and vandalised the bungalows of some of the tutors, destroying personal belongings in the process, including television sets and sound systems.
The students were also alleged to have broken into the office of the senior housemaster and taken away the mobile phones which had been seized from the students.
A police reinforcement had to fire balls of canister to disperse the stone-throwing rioters, resulting in some of the students sustaining injuries.
Even though calm has returned to the school compound, as of the time of filing this report there was still heavy police presence to avert further disturbances.
So far, 16 students have been arrested in connection with the violence and they are in custody, assisting the police in their investigations.
The Headmistress of the school, Madam Mary Asobayire, who returned to Tamale from Accra on Sunday night after the successful launch of the 50th anniversary of GHANASCO, could not immediately be reached for her comment.
Briefing a fact-finding delegation, led by the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Mark Woyongo, and his deputy, Mrs Lucy Awuni, that toured NAVASCO after the riots, the Assistant Headmaster in charge of Administration, Mr Sixtus Adikwo, said the aggression started at about 10 p.m. on Sunday when he heard students chanting in the direction of the headmaster’s bungalow.
According to him, when he came out and rushed to the school administration block, he found the rioters heading towards the administration block and he tried to stop them.
Mr Adikwo said when he inquired, the students informed him that they were after the life of one teacher who had denied them the opportunity of taking their lunch and supper that day.
He said the rioting students resorted to the throwing of stones and, in the process, broke a number of louvre blades at the administration block.
Some also broke into the office of the senior housemistress, vandalised the office and took away about 40 mobile phones which had been seized from the students by the school authorities. Others bolted with some accounting books meant for sale.
Mr Adikwo also indicated that the rampaging students broke some street light bulbs and even attempted to plunge the entire school into darkness by disconnecting power supply to the school.
He indicated that attempts by the prefects to calm the situation backfired, as the rioting students chased their leaders away and pelted them with stones, adding that the prefects were labelled as traitors.
He said the authorities had no option but to call in the police, after consulting the DCE for the area, who had driven in first to the headmaster’s bungalow, in the course of which one policeman was hit by a stone, injuring him.
Mr Adikwo said following a meeting held separately with the prefects, the staff and the SRC, it was concluded that conditions on the school compound were not safe, hence the proposal for the temporary closure of the school.
According to the District Co-ordinating Director, Mr Edward Abazing, preliminary investigations revealed that there were a number of remote causes to the incident.
One of them, according to him, was the decision by the school authorities to seize students’ mobile phones. He said the students also rejected the payment of postal charges of GH¢1 to enable the school authorities to post terminal reports to their parents.
In Tamale, the action of the authorities followed a rampage by the students on Monday for the alleged seizure of their mobile phones, while a seven-member committee has been set up to investigate the cause of the rioting at NAVASCO.
After the GHANASCO students had embarked on a massive demonstration and destroyed bungalows and other school properties, the decision to close the school down was arrived at after a meeting of the security committees of the Northern Region, the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, the Ghana Education Service and the school authorities.
The rioters also smashed the windscreens and dented the police light-armoured vehicle, as well as the windscreens of the vehicle used by the Tamale Metropolitan Director of Education and a taxicab belonging to the husband of a female tutor.
Other property destroyed included two motorbikes, one of which was completely burnt. The students also carried away some fowls belonging to some tutors and vandalised the bungalows of some of the tutors, destroying personal belongings in the process, including television sets and sound systems.
The students were also alleged to have broken into the office of the senior housemaster and taken away the mobile phones which had been seized from the students.
A police reinforcement had to fire balls of canister to disperse the stone-throwing rioters, resulting in some of the students sustaining injuries.
Even though calm has returned to the school compound, as of the time of filing this report there was still heavy police presence to avert further disturbances.
So far, 16 students have been arrested in connection with the violence and they are in custody, assisting the police in their investigations.
The Headmistress of the school, Madam Mary Asobayire, who returned to Tamale from Accra on Sunday night after the successful launch of the 50th anniversary of GHANASCO, could not immediately be reached for her comment.
Briefing a fact-finding delegation, led by the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Mark Woyongo, and his deputy, Mrs Lucy Awuni, that toured NAVASCO after the riots, the Assistant Headmaster in charge of Administration, Mr Sixtus Adikwo, said the aggression started at about 10 p.m. on Sunday when he heard students chanting in the direction of the headmaster’s bungalow.
According to him, when he came out and rushed to the school administration block, he found the rioters heading towards the administration block and he tried to stop them.
Mr Adikwo said when he inquired, the students informed him that they were after the life of one teacher who had denied them the opportunity of taking their lunch and supper that day.
He said the rioting students resorted to the throwing of stones and, in the process, broke a number of louvre blades at the administration block.
Some also broke into the office of the senior housemistress, vandalised the office and took away about 40 mobile phones which had been seized from the students by the school authorities. Others bolted with some accounting books meant for sale.
Mr Adikwo also indicated that the rampaging students broke some street light bulbs and even attempted to plunge the entire school into darkness by disconnecting power supply to the school.
He indicated that attempts by the prefects to calm the situation backfired, as the rioting students chased their leaders away and pelted them with stones, adding that the prefects were labelled as traitors.
He said the authorities had no option but to call in the police, after consulting the DCE for the area, who had driven in first to the headmaster’s bungalow, in the course of which one policeman was hit by a stone, injuring him.
Mr Adikwo said following a meeting held separately with the prefects, the staff and the SRC, it was concluded that conditions on the school compound were not safe, hence the proposal for the temporary closure of the school.
According to the District Co-ordinating Director, Mr Edward Abazing, preliminary investigations revealed that there were a number of remote causes to the incident.
One of them, according to him, was the decision by the school authorities to seize students’ mobile phones. He said the students also rejected the payment of postal charges of GH¢1 to enable the school authorities to post terminal reports to their parents.
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