By Edmund Mingle
Friday, 30 November 2007
President John Agyekum Kufuor has asked the government of the United States of America to consider going beyond the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to provide support towards developing the industrial potential of the country.
He said it was only by having a developed industrial base that Ghana and other African countries could effectively participate and benefit from the facilities under AGOA.
The President told a Congressional delegation from the US that called on him at the Castle, Osu, in Accra on Tuesday that Ghana is appreciative of the support, but called for support in developing "our industrial minds."
AGOA, a US Trade Act that significantly enhances US market access for currently 39 Sub-Saharan African countries, grants the export of 6,400 duty free commodities from Africa to the US.
But President Kufuor stressed the need for the capacities of industries in Ghana and other African countries to produce more for export to the US market in taking advantage of AGOA.
Touching on security on the continent, President Kufuor, who is also the African Union Chairman, called for cooperation between Africa and the US, especially improving peace keeping operations in conflict zones on the continent, such as Sudan and Somalia.
"Africa truly needs cooperation on the security front," the President said.
He urged the six-member delegation from the US Congress to assist in getting the entire Congress "to appreciate the potential in here" so that Congress will not hesitate to approve any support facility for Africa.
He noted that Africa is lifting herself out of poverty and conflict and will count on the support of her friends such as the US.
Senator James Inhofe, a member of the Armed Services Committee of the US Senate, who led the delegation, commended President Kufuor for contributing to the progress of Ghana and the AU.
He said the delegation earlier met with the Defence Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah to discuss areas of need for the country, and hoped that there would be some collaboration to address the identified challenges.
Also at the Castle was a delegation of African trades union leaders and executives of the newly founded International Trades Union Organisation (Africa Regional Organisation).
Led by Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, the delegation was at the Castle to inform the President of the formation of the new union which is now the main labour union for Africa.
The new union is a merger of two major trade unions namely the International Confederation of Free Trade Union with the African Regional Organisation as its African wing and the World Confederation of Labour, having its African wing as the Democratic Organisation of African Workers Trade Union.
Mr. Adu-Amankwah, told the President that the merger reflects happenings around the globe in which unions are merging to consolidate the labour front and to improve the welfare of workers.
President Kufuor congratulated them on the merger and commended them for the objective of helping to protect and improve the welfare of workers.
He was particularly happy that the merger took place in Ghana, and reminded them of the need to partner government to advance the wellbeing of the labour force saying public-private partnership has become vital for socio-economic development.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
GIFEX Back Next Year
By Edmund Mingle
Friday, 30 November 2007
A 13-member council tasked to plan and promote the Ghana International Furniture and Woodworking Industry Exhibition (GIFEX) for 2008 was inaugurated in Accra yesterday.
GIFEX is an international multi stakeholder exhibition that brings together local and foreign companies and institutions in the timber and wood products industry to promote the development of the industry.
The biennial exhibition, introduced by the Forestry Commission in 1985 but suspended since 1997 due to some challenges, aims at promoting the Ghanaian wood and timber industry towards making the country a hub for quality wood products in West Africa.
The council, chaired by Professor Nii Ashie Kotey, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, constitutes representatives of relevant organisations including the Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD), Ghana Timber Millers Association and Ghana Investment Promotion Council.
In addition, sub-committees on works and services, operations, finance and marketing and public affairs were inaugurated to support the council to plan the event which is expected to take place at the Accra International Conference Centre between October 17 and 27, 2008.
Alhassan Atta, Executive Director of TIDD, inaugurating the council’s sub-committees, urged them to evolve development measures to create awareness about the potentials of the wood industry to contribute immensely to economic growth.
He said it was possible for the country’s wood industry to move from primary processing to a leading secondary processor of wood in the sub-region. To achieve this, he said would require the commitment of all stakeholders in the industry.
He hoped that the Forestry Commission would provide the necessary support and resources to enable the committee to deliver in the interest of the wood industry.
Friday, 30 November 2007
A 13-member council tasked to plan and promote the Ghana International Furniture and Woodworking Industry Exhibition (GIFEX) for 2008 was inaugurated in Accra yesterday.
GIFEX is an international multi stakeholder exhibition that brings together local and foreign companies and institutions in the timber and wood products industry to promote the development of the industry.
The biennial exhibition, introduced by the Forestry Commission in 1985 but suspended since 1997 due to some challenges, aims at promoting the Ghanaian wood and timber industry towards making the country a hub for quality wood products in West Africa.
The council, chaired by Professor Nii Ashie Kotey, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, constitutes representatives of relevant organisations including the Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD), Ghana Timber Millers Association and Ghana Investment Promotion Council.
In addition, sub-committees on works and services, operations, finance and marketing and public affairs were inaugurated to support the council to plan the event which is expected to take place at the Accra International Conference Centre between October 17 and 27, 2008.
Alhassan Atta, Executive Director of TIDD, inaugurating the council’s sub-committees, urged them to evolve development measures to create awareness about the potentials of the wood industry to contribute immensely to economic growth.
He said it was possible for the country’s wood industry to move from primary processing to a leading secondary processor of wood in the sub-region. To achieve this, he said would require the commitment of all stakeholders in the industry.
He hoped that the Forestry Commission would provide the necessary support and resources to enable the committee to deliver in the interest of the wood industry.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Procurement Body Probes Complaints
By Edmund Mingle
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
The Public Procurement Authority (PPA) is probing complaints of unfairness in the tender process by a number of suppliers and contractors.
An Appeals and Complaints Panel, recently set up by the PPA, is probing the complaints of the contractors and suppliers who are not happy with the tender process in which they participated, says Agyenim-Boateng Adjei, Chief Executive Officer of the PPA.
Many of the aggrieved contractors and suppliers, who are said to have lost contract biddings, complain of irregularities in the tender process.
Mr. Adjei told a Meet the Press, session in Accra yesterday that the panel, which has representations, from the Attorney-General’s Office and the Chamber of Commerce, "is tasked to undertake administrative review of cases brought up by aggrieved parties of the procurement process."
Meanwhile, all complaints, "most of which were shrouded in suspicion and lacked clarity, received by the Authority prior to the inauguration of the Panel, have been exhaustively investigated and decisions taken accordingly," he said but did not disclose the outcome of the investigations.
Mr. Adjei, who used the conference to brief the media on the progress of the Authority, reminded all procuring entities of Section 65 of the Public Procurement Act 2003(Act 663) which mandates them to notify all unsuccessful bidders of the award of contracts after the relevant contract is in force, specifying details of the successful winner and the contact price.
"This, we believe, if complied with, will ensure a greater transparency and efficiency in Ghana’s public procurement system," he stated.
Citing challenges to the present public procurement system, he noted that the biggest challenge to the reforms taking place was that the fiscal decentralisation in the public sector has placed procurement responsibility on many public entities, many of whom were not prepared for that role.
"Various studies and reviews of the current state of the public procurement system have revealed that the general lack of professional input in the public procurement and contracting process, has led to the various adhoc arrangement including the use of external expertise at various stages of the procurement process," he said.
For instance, he said the initial assessment of selected entities revealed that majority of practitioners involved in pubic procurement lacked the professional expertise and knowledge of the law governing the practice.
That, he noted, places them at a disadvantage in ensuring that the right practices prescribed by law were adhered to.
To help address this and other challenges, Mr. Adjei said the Authority has developed a three-year strategic plan to develop the capacity of personnel and institutions as well as sensitise all stakeholders about the guidelines and policies for public procurement in the country.
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
The Public Procurement Authority (PPA) is probing complaints of unfairness in the tender process by a number of suppliers and contractors.
An Appeals and Complaints Panel, recently set up by the PPA, is probing the complaints of the contractors and suppliers who are not happy with the tender process in which they participated, says Agyenim-Boateng Adjei, Chief Executive Officer of the PPA.
Many of the aggrieved contractors and suppliers, who are said to have lost contract biddings, complain of irregularities in the tender process.
Mr. Adjei told a Meet the Press, session in Accra yesterday that the panel, which has representations, from the Attorney-General’s Office and the Chamber of Commerce, "is tasked to undertake administrative review of cases brought up by aggrieved parties of the procurement process."
Meanwhile, all complaints, "most of which were shrouded in suspicion and lacked clarity, received by the Authority prior to the inauguration of the Panel, have been exhaustively investigated and decisions taken accordingly," he said but did not disclose the outcome of the investigations.
Mr. Adjei, who used the conference to brief the media on the progress of the Authority, reminded all procuring entities of Section 65 of the Public Procurement Act 2003(Act 663) which mandates them to notify all unsuccessful bidders of the award of contracts after the relevant contract is in force, specifying details of the successful winner and the contact price.
"This, we believe, if complied with, will ensure a greater transparency and efficiency in Ghana’s public procurement system," he stated.
Citing challenges to the present public procurement system, he noted that the biggest challenge to the reforms taking place was that the fiscal decentralisation in the public sector has placed procurement responsibility on many public entities, many of whom were not prepared for that role.
"Various studies and reviews of the current state of the public procurement system have revealed that the general lack of professional input in the public procurement and contracting process, has led to the various adhoc arrangement including the use of external expertise at various stages of the procurement process," he said.
For instance, he said the initial assessment of selected entities revealed that majority of practitioners involved in pubic procurement lacked the professional expertise and knowledge of the law governing the practice.
That, he noted, places them at a disadvantage in ensuring that the right practices prescribed by law were adhered to.
To help address this and other challenges, Mr. Adjei said the Authority has developed a three-year strategic plan to develop the capacity of personnel and institutions as well as sensitise all stakeholders about the guidelines and policies for public procurement in the country.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Assemblies Told To Ensure Effective Management
By Edmund Mingle
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
Kwadwo Adjei-Darko, Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, has asked district assemblies to develop adequate measures towards effective management of their economies.
He said it is possible for the country to attain middle income status and achieve the Millennium Challenges Goals by 2015 "if our district assemblies are able to manage and control their local economies through public-private partnerships."
Opening a seminar on the Commonwealth Local Government Good Practice Scheme in Accra yesterday, he reminded the Assemblies that they have a crucial role to play in the socio-economic development of the country.
The scheme, developed by the Commonwealth Secretariat, provides a platform for local governance practitioners from Commonwealth countries to share ideas towards strengthening local government systems in their respective countries.
He said an important vehicle by which the country hopes to achieve local economic development was the Local Government Service which would facilitate the effective performance of the assemblies.
To that end, he said 30,000 civil servants were being transferred to the Local Government Service to strengthen its human resource and technical base.
Besides, he said, more resources would be made available to the assemblies to ensure improved service delivery and accelerated provision of social amenities.
Mr Adjei-Darko lauded the objective of the scheme and assured that the ministry will continue to collaborate with the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) towards improving Ghana’s local governance.
Mr Carl Wright, Secretary-General of CLGF, in his remarks, said the two-day seminar, which is being attended by participants from Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, will also find ways of developing projects out of the outcomes of the scheme to benefit the assemblies and communities.
He said the seminar would also discuss ways of improving its partnership with the National Association of Local Authorities of Government to enable it to influence the local government policy making process.
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
Kwadwo Adjei-Darko, Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, has asked district assemblies to develop adequate measures towards effective management of their economies.
He said it is possible for the country to attain middle income status and achieve the Millennium Challenges Goals by 2015 "if our district assemblies are able to manage and control their local economies through public-private partnerships."
Opening a seminar on the Commonwealth Local Government Good Practice Scheme in Accra yesterday, he reminded the Assemblies that they have a crucial role to play in the socio-economic development of the country.
The scheme, developed by the Commonwealth Secretariat, provides a platform for local governance practitioners from Commonwealth countries to share ideas towards strengthening local government systems in their respective countries.
He said an important vehicle by which the country hopes to achieve local economic development was the Local Government Service which would facilitate the effective performance of the assemblies.
To that end, he said 30,000 civil servants were being transferred to the Local Government Service to strengthen its human resource and technical base.
Besides, he said, more resources would be made available to the assemblies to ensure improved service delivery and accelerated provision of social amenities.
Mr Adjei-Darko lauded the objective of the scheme and assured that the ministry will continue to collaborate with the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) towards improving Ghana’s local governance.
Mr Carl Wright, Secretary-General of CLGF, in his remarks, said the two-day seminar, which is being attended by participants from Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, will also find ways of developing projects out of the outcomes of the scheme to benefit the assemblies and communities.
He said the seminar would also discuss ways of improving its partnership with the National Association of Local Authorities of Government to enable it to influence the local government policy making process.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Ga Mantse Files ‘No Case’ Suit
By Edmund Mingle, Dodowa
Monday, 26 November 2007
Counsel for the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Tawiah III, on Friday filed a submission of no case, praying the judicial committee of the Greater Accra House of Chiefs at Dodowa to throw out a case in which his eligibility to the stool has been challenged.
The suit is in the name of Nii Owula Kpakpa Blofonyo, the Ga State Akwashong Mantse (supreme warrior).
Making the submission after the panel, chaired by Nii Tetteh Otu II, president of the house, had given him the go ahead, the counsel, Willie Amarfio, argued that the petitioner lacked capacity to bring the case against the Ga Mantse, also called Dr. Jo Blankson.
Nii Blofonyo is challenging the nomination and installation of Dr. Blankson as Ga Mantse, claiming the nomination and installation did not follow Ga custom.
Mr. Amarfio said section 66 of the Chieftaincy Act required that a petitioner should be clothed with authority as a kingmaker to be able to petition for destoolment.
Although the counsel for the panel, Samuel Klayson, reminded him that the petition of Nii Blofonyo was not for destoolment, Mr. Amarfio said upholding the petition would, in effect, result in the destoolment of the Ga Mantse.
"If you cannot appoint, you can not disappoint," he stated, describing the petition as "useless."
He said the petition was deficient in the sense that it was not signed by the petitioner personally for him to vouch for the contents but the panel’s counsel reminded him again that it was not legally wrong for the petitioners counsel to sign for his client.
But Mr. Amarfio countered that the counsel for the petitioner, Adu Gyamfi Boadu, who signed the petition is an Ashanti and therefore knew nothing about Ga custom.
In addition, he said, the petition did not provide names and address of witnesses for the hearing, saying, "We only came here for them to surprise us with their witnesses."
Attacking the petitioner’s capacity, he said the office of Ga State Akwashong Mantse and Asere Akwashongtse do not exist and are not recognised by the Ga Traditional Council, adding that that was why he had not been provided a seat at the Council.
"He should have fought the Ga Traditional Council for disallowing him in the house before attempting to fight the installation of the Ga Mantse," he said.
He said the position of the Akwashong Mantse who led troops to war in the past has become defunct because there were no more wars to fight by the Ga State.
He argued that even if the positions exist, the holders do not have the capacity to make or unmake a Ga Mantse.
He also described as fraudulent a certificate of recognition from the National House of Chiefs tendered in by the petitioner and wondered how the National House of Chiefs could recognise him when the Ga Traditional Council does not.
Counsel for the petitioner is expected to respond to the submission when hearing resumes on December 12.
Monday, 26 November 2007
Counsel for the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Tawiah III, on Friday filed a submission of no case, praying the judicial committee of the Greater Accra House of Chiefs at Dodowa to throw out a case in which his eligibility to the stool has been challenged.
The suit is in the name of Nii Owula Kpakpa Blofonyo, the Ga State Akwashong Mantse (supreme warrior).
Making the submission after the panel, chaired by Nii Tetteh Otu II, president of the house, had given him the go ahead, the counsel, Willie Amarfio, argued that the petitioner lacked capacity to bring the case against the Ga Mantse, also called Dr. Jo Blankson.
Nii Blofonyo is challenging the nomination and installation of Dr. Blankson as Ga Mantse, claiming the nomination and installation did not follow Ga custom.
Mr. Amarfio said section 66 of the Chieftaincy Act required that a petitioner should be clothed with authority as a kingmaker to be able to petition for destoolment.
Although the counsel for the panel, Samuel Klayson, reminded him that the petition of Nii Blofonyo was not for destoolment, Mr. Amarfio said upholding the petition would, in effect, result in the destoolment of the Ga Mantse.
"If you cannot appoint, you can not disappoint," he stated, describing the petition as "useless."
He said the petition was deficient in the sense that it was not signed by the petitioner personally for him to vouch for the contents but the panel’s counsel reminded him again that it was not legally wrong for the petitioners counsel to sign for his client.
But Mr. Amarfio countered that the counsel for the petitioner, Adu Gyamfi Boadu, who signed the petition is an Ashanti and therefore knew nothing about Ga custom.
In addition, he said, the petition did not provide names and address of witnesses for the hearing, saying, "We only came here for them to surprise us with their witnesses."
Attacking the petitioner’s capacity, he said the office of Ga State Akwashong Mantse and Asere Akwashongtse do not exist and are not recognised by the Ga Traditional Council, adding that that was why he had not been provided a seat at the Council.
"He should have fought the Ga Traditional Council for disallowing him in the house before attempting to fight the installation of the Ga Mantse," he said.
He said the position of the Akwashong Mantse who led troops to war in the past has become defunct because there were no more wars to fight by the Ga State.
He argued that even if the positions exist, the holders do not have the capacity to make or unmake a Ga Mantse.
He also described as fraudulent a certificate of recognition from the National House of Chiefs tendered in by the petitioner and wondered how the National House of Chiefs could recognise him when the Ga Traditional Council does not.
Counsel for the petitioner is expected to respond to the submission when hearing resumes on December 12.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Ga youth clash with police
By Edmund Mingle
Thursday 7 June 2007
Ga Mashie, the traditional seat of Accra, was virtually turned into a "war zone" yesterday, when a section of the youth in the area clashed with some police personnel detailed to maintain peace for a customary ceremony to lift the ban on drumming.
The youth, described by the police as “Gbese Palestinians”, burned lorry tyres, threw stones, sticks and petrol bombs at the police who retaliated by firing warning shots and teargas to disperse them.
In the process the back screen of a police vehicle was smashed, while one police personnel was injured in the head.
Six of the youth were arrested.
For about three hours, all trading activities at the nearby Salaga market and other shops came to a standstill as people fled the area for fear of being hit by stray bullets and/or choked with fumes from the teargas that filled the atmosphere. Police reinforcement was called to control the youth who had massed up to prevent the customary rites from taking place.
The angry youth were protesting against the performance of the rite by the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Tawiah III, on a Wednesday,which they considered as an abbration and a sacrilege.
According to them,the beating of the ‘Odadao’ drums is the sole preserve of the Gbese Mantse and performed on Thursdays.
In the absence of the Gbese Mantse, it was the regent in the person of Nii Tetteh Ahinakwa, who should be the officant, they contended.
To give expression to their protest,some unidentified persons on Tuesday night smeared the ceremonial grounds, (Mogya We), one of the hallowed grounds in Ga Mashie, with excreta, apparently to prevent the ceremony from coming off.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service were called in to clearn the place with disinfectants yesterday morning.
About 70 riot-control policemen, some on horse –back, got to the area in the morning to ensure peace. But shortly after their arrival, the commotion began when a woman was arrested by the police as a section of the youth tried to dismantle the tents mounted for the ceremony.
The youth started throwing stones from all directions at the police who also responded with the firing of teargas and warning shots. For more than two hours, the crowd engaged the police who had to call in reinforcement to be able to handle the situation.
Six of the youth were arrested and sent to the Police Station after they were severely beaten by the policemen.
A group of “macho-men” wearing yellow arm and head bands, who were said to have been drafted to ensure that the ceremony came off uninterrupted, joined the fray around mid-day , amidst the chanting of war songs and warnings to opponents of the ceremony not to get close to the grounds.
Some traditional priests and priestesses cleansed the ‘Mogya We’, with a bottle of schnapps and the blood of a ram before the start of the programme at 3 pm, after a two-hour delay.
Around 3:15 pm, the Ga Mantse, Tackie Tawiah III, emerged at the grounds accompanied by Asafoatsemei, (traditional warlords) and police and military personnel.
Nii Adote Obour, the Sempe Mantse, apparently reacting to the concerns of the opponents, said that the Ga Mantse had the prerogative to choose who should perform the rites.
He said the right to perform the rituals had been given to the Gbese stool but because there is currently a controversy over the Gbese stool which has led to the installation of two rival chiefs, the Ga Mantse decided to preside over the event to ensure peace in Gbese.
Touching on the issue of the actual day for the rites, he read from a Ga history book and argued that the Ga Mantse is mandated to perform the rite on a Wednesday, while the Gbese Mantse does his on Thursday.
Nii Tackie Tawiah and the Ga stool chief, Nii Tetteh Ashong, jointly hit the “Odadao” traditional drums to mark the lifting of the ban on drumming which had been in place for the past month.
The lifting of the ban ushers in the Homowo festival of the Gas.
In his brief address before hitting the drums, the Ga Mantse called for peace in the Ga State and warned those who are undermining the peace in the area.
Apparently unhappy with the opponents of the ceremony, he said “trouble should follow those who are against the progress of the Ga state,” and invoked blessings for its well wishers.
Fighting broke out between some members backing the two rival chiefs after the ceremony but it was brought under control by the police.
At the time of going to press, the police were patrolling the area.
Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Gbese Dsaase, said the ‘Odadao’ ceremony will be performed by the Gbese Division today.
Thursday 7 June 2007
Ga Mashie, the traditional seat of Accra, was virtually turned into a "war zone" yesterday, when a section of the youth in the area clashed with some police personnel detailed to maintain peace for a customary ceremony to lift the ban on drumming.
The youth, described by the police as “Gbese Palestinians”, burned lorry tyres, threw stones, sticks and petrol bombs at the police who retaliated by firing warning shots and teargas to disperse them.
In the process the back screen of a police vehicle was smashed, while one police personnel was injured in the head.
Six of the youth were arrested.
For about three hours, all trading activities at the nearby Salaga market and other shops came to a standstill as people fled the area for fear of being hit by stray bullets and/or choked with fumes from the teargas that filled the atmosphere. Police reinforcement was called to control the youth who had massed up to prevent the customary rites from taking place.
The angry youth were protesting against the performance of the rite by the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Tawiah III, on a Wednesday,which they considered as an abbration and a sacrilege.
According to them,the beating of the ‘Odadao’ drums is the sole preserve of the Gbese Mantse and performed on Thursdays.
In the absence of the Gbese Mantse, it was the regent in the person of Nii Tetteh Ahinakwa, who should be the officant, they contended.
To give expression to their protest,some unidentified persons on Tuesday night smeared the ceremonial grounds, (Mogya We), one of the hallowed grounds in Ga Mashie, with excreta, apparently to prevent the ceremony from coming off.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service were called in to clearn the place with disinfectants yesterday morning.
About 70 riot-control policemen, some on horse –back, got to the area in the morning to ensure peace. But shortly after their arrival, the commotion began when a woman was arrested by the police as a section of the youth tried to dismantle the tents mounted for the ceremony.
The youth started throwing stones from all directions at the police who also responded with the firing of teargas and warning shots. For more than two hours, the crowd engaged the police who had to call in reinforcement to be able to handle the situation.
Six of the youth were arrested and sent to the Police Station after they were severely beaten by the policemen.
A group of “macho-men” wearing yellow arm and head bands, who were said to have been drafted to ensure that the ceremony came off uninterrupted, joined the fray around mid-day , amidst the chanting of war songs and warnings to opponents of the ceremony not to get close to the grounds.
Some traditional priests and priestesses cleansed the ‘Mogya We’, with a bottle of schnapps and the blood of a ram before the start of the programme at 3 pm, after a two-hour delay.
Around 3:15 pm, the Ga Mantse, Tackie Tawiah III, emerged at the grounds accompanied by Asafoatsemei, (traditional warlords) and police and military personnel.
Nii Adote Obour, the Sempe Mantse, apparently reacting to the concerns of the opponents, said that the Ga Mantse had the prerogative to choose who should perform the rites.
He said the right to perform the rituals had been given to the Gbese stool but because there is currently a controversy over the Gbese stool which has led to the installation of two rival chiefs, the Ga Mantse decided to preside over the event to ensure peace in Gbese.
Touching on the issue of the actual day for the rites, he read from a Ga history book and argued that the Ga Mantse is mandated to perform the rite on a Wednesday, while the Gbese Mantse does his on Thursday.
Nii Tackie Tawiah and the Ga stool chief, Nii Tetteh Ashong, jointly hit the “Odadao” traditional drums to mark the lifting of the ban on drumming which had been in place for the past month.
The lifting of the ban ushers in the Homowo festival of the Gas.
In his brief address before hitting the drums, the Ga Mantse called for peace in the Ga State and warned those who are undermining the peace in the area.
Apparently unhappy with the opponents of the ceremony, he said “trouble should follow those who are against the progress of the Ga state,” and invoked blessings for its well wishers.
Fighting broke out between some members backing the two rival chiefs after the ceremony but it was brought under control by the police.
At the time of going to press, the police were patrolling the area.
Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Gbese Dsaase, said the ‘Odadao’ ceremony will be performed by the Gbese Division today.
2 Factions clash At Gbese Palace Over Installation
By Edmund Mingle
Monday, 30 April 2007
Warriors have a duty of protecting the people or state against aggression; but on Saturday, members of the warriors clan (Gbese) of the Ga State turned their weapons on each other in a clash over who has the right to occupy the Gbese Mantse’s Palace.
They pelted each other with stones and bottles, and gun shots were also fired.
In the process, the palace was vandalized while a number of residents were injured and taken to hospital.
The clash came in the wake of the installation of a new Gbese Mantse, under the stool name, Nii Ayibonte II, known in private life as Thomas Okine, Chief Executive Officer of Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club.
The Asafo groups were on a procession to celebrate the installation of Mr. Okine as Gbese Mantse and as they approached the palace, the guards allegedly attacked them.
A taxi-cab with registration number GW 7735 U, which conveyed the new chief to one of the royal houses, Arday Akwa We, for the customary rites as part of the installation, was also vandalized by the guards and the driver seriously injured.
The stone and bottle throwing sent elders at the palace fleeing in various directions.
But for the intervention of the police, the palace would have been set ablaze.
Monday, 30 April 2007
Warriors have a duty of protecting the people or state against aggression; but on Saturday, members of the warriors clan (Gbese) of the Ga State turned their weapons on each other in a clash over who has the right to occupy the Gbese Mantse’s Palace.
They pelted each other with stones and bottles, and gun shots were also fired.
In the process, the palace was vandalized while a number of residents were injured and taken to hospital.
The clash came in the wake of the installation of a new Gbese Mantse, under the stool name, Nii Ayibonte II, known in private life as Thomas Okine, Chief Executive Officer of Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club.
The Asafo groups were on a procession to celebrate the installation of Mr. Okine as Gbese Mantse and as they approached the palace, the guards allegedly attacked them.
A taxi-cab with registration number GW 7735 U, which conveyed the new chief to one of the royal houses, Arday Akwa We, for the customary rites as part of the installation, was also vandalized by the guards and the driver seriously injured.
The stone and bottle throwing sent elders at the palace fleeing in various directions.
But for the intervention of the police, the palace would have been set ablaze.
HFC Sets Up Agbogbloshie Branch
By Edmund Mingle
Saturday, 17 November 2007
HFC Bank Limited has opened a new branch at Agbogbloshie in Accra as it steps up its expansion programme to offer micro-finance to small scale enterprises in the country.
The new branch, which is located in one of the largest market centres of the capital, has a "Boafo" Microfiance centre that will operate a microfinance scheme to offer micro business loans and housing finance to low income earners.
The scheme is a joint venture between HFC bank and CHF International, a US based financial service provider, to create an effective platform for the bank to support the development of small scale businesses.Apart from the general universal banking services that the branch will offer, customers would also have access to ATM services.
"The services that we will offer at this branch will be of the highest standard," Asare Akuffo, managing director of the HFC bank, assured clients as he opened the branch.
He believes the location of the new branch would afford the bank the opportunity to provide its full range of universal banking services to clients.
Mr. Akuffo noted that HFC plans to be represented nationwide by the end of 2009, adding that management was pursuing strategies to that effect.
"We can assure our customers and shareholders that the future plans of HFC will ensure that they continue to receive the best products and services," he said.
Michael Osegge, executive director of the scheme, explained that the scheme which was developed by CHF International seven years ago, has so far provided over ¢17 billion micro finance loans to support small scale enterprises throughout the country.
In addition, he said the scheme has assisted in addressing the banking needs of traders and entrepreneurs in the informal sector.
Saturday, 17 November 2007
HFC Bank Limited has opened a new branch at Agbogbloshie in Accra as it steps up its expansion programme to offer micro-finance to small scale enterprises in the country.
The new branch, which is located in one of the largest market centres of the capital, has a "Boafo" Microfiance centre that will operate a microfinance scheme to offer micro business loans and housing finance to low income earners.
The scheme is a joint venture between HFC bank and CHF International, a US based financial service provider, to create an effective platform for the bank to support the development of small scale businesses.Apart from the general universal banking services that the branch will offer, customers would also have access to ATM services.
"The services that we will offer at this branch will be of the highest standard," Asare Akuffo, managing director of the HFC bank, assured clients as he opened the branch.
He believes the location of the new branch would afford the bank the opportunity to provide its full range of universal banking services to clients.
Mr. Akuffo noted that HFC plans to be represented nationwide by the end of 2009, adding that management was pursuing strategies to that effect.
"We can assure our customers and shareholders that the future plans of HFC will ensure that they continue to receive the best products and services," he said.
Michael Osegge, executive director of the scheme, explained that the scheme which was developed by CHF International seven years ago, has so far provided over ¢17 billion micro finance loans to support small scale enterprises throughout the country.
In addition, he said the scheme has assisted in addressing the banking needs of traders and entrepreneurs in the informal sector.
Rocky Dawuni Joins The Red Campaign
By Edmund Mingle
Saturday, 24 November 2007
Rocky Dawuni, Ghana’s reggae star, has joined the Red Campaign, an initiative to mobilise support to improve the welfare of victims of HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Through this association, the reggae superstar has been touring the country and other parts of Africa using his music to arouse public awareness in the disease and the need for increased support for the victims.
"One of the cornerstones of my artistic vision has been the importance of using my artistic voice as a viable tool for social change and development," he told reporters in Accra at the end of a tour of some hospitals and HIV/AIDS projects across the country.
As an ambassador of Red, Rocky will use his music to mobilise support for Red, financiers of the Global Fund that disburses monies for HIV/AIDS initiatives across the globe.
Red, which has become an international trademark, is a concept developed by a group of businessmen and musicians in the United States about two years ago, to mobilise resources to finance the Global Fund set up by the United Nations in support of HIV/AIDS initiatives.
As part of the concept, all signatory companies to Red allocate portions of their profits to the Global Fund, implying that individuals who access the service or products of such companies indirectly contribute to the fund.
Ghana has more than 300,000 people living with HIV including 180,000 women and 22,000 children. In the last 20 years, 1.2 million Ghanaian children have been orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS.
In Ghana, Red money is supporting Global Fund-financed programmes which aim to increase the number of people living with HIV and AIDS on antiretroviral treatment from 2,500 to 35,000, reduce the transmission of HIV from mother to child from 30 per cent to 15 per cent, increase the number of people accessing voluntary counselling and testing services from seven per cent of the population to 30 per cent, increase the number of sites providing services for treatment of opportunistic infections from four to 138 and integrate HIV and TB prevention, care and support activities in 110 districts all by 2010.
Rocky says he first heard of Red last year while in Los Angeles and was immediately drawn to its promise of sustainability in the fight against AIDS.
"Being from Ghana, I have had a direct experience as to how disease, poverty and inaccessibility to treatments are devastating, and I will continue to support Red as far as I believe the concept is beneficial to society," he promised.
The Red model, which is also supporting local African artists and artisans, he believes , provides a blueprint to promote local commerce while also fighting poverty.
He said the energy and promise of Red in converting corporate responsibilities into strengthening Africa, resonated in him during his last Independence Splash concert on March 6.
"It is my belief that, as we help transform lives through conscious and purposeful actions we end up transforming ourselves," he said.
Rocky is already partnering UNICEF and the Carter Center to spread the critical message of clean water and sanitation as part of activities marking Ghana’s Independence Golden jubilee.
Saturday, 24 November 2007
Rocky Dawuni, Ghana’s reggae star, has joined the Red Campaign, an initiative to mobilise support to improve the welfare of victims of HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Through this association, the reggae superstar has been touring the country and other parts of Africa using his music to arouse public awareness in the disease and the need for increased support for the victims.
"One of the cornerstones of my artistic vision has been the importance of using my artistic voice as a viable tool for social change and development," he told reporters in Accra at the end of a tour of some hospitals and HIV/AIDS projects across the country.
As an ambassador of Red, Rocky will use his music to mobilise support for Red, financiers of the Global Fund that disburses monies for HIV/AIDS initiatives across the globe.
Red, which has become an international trademark, is a concept developed by a group of businessmen and musicians in the United States about two years ago, to mobilise resources to finance the Global Fund set up by the United Nations in support of HIV/AIDS initiatives.
As part of the concept, all signatory companies to Red allocate portions of their profits to the Global Fund, implying that individuals who access the service or products of such companies indirectly contribute to the fund.
Ghana has more than 300,000 people living with HIV including 180,000 women and 22,000 children. In the last 20 years, 1.2 million Ghanaian children have been orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS.
In Ghana, Red money is supporting Global Fund-financed programmes which aim to increase the number of people living with HIV and AIDS on antiretroviral treatment from 2,500 to 35,000, reduce the transmission of HIV from mother to child from 30 per cent to 15 per cent, increase the number of people accessing voluntary counselling and testing services from seven per cent of the population to 30 per cent, increase the number of sites providing services for treatment of opportunistic infections from four to 138 and integrate HIV and TB prevention, care and support activities in 110 districts all by 2010.
Rocky says he first heard of Red last year while in Los Angeles and was immediately drawn to its promise of sustainability in the fight against AIDS.
"Being from Ghana, I have had a direct experience as to how disease, poverty and inaccessibility to treatments are devastating, and I will continue to support Red as far as I believe the concept is beneficial to society," he promised.
The Red model, which is also supporting local African artists and artisans, he believes , provides a blueprint to promote local commerce while also fighting poverty.
He said the energy and promise of Red in converting corporate responsibilities into strengthening Africa, resonated in him during his last Independence Splash concert on March 6.
"It is my belief that, as we help transform lives through conscious and purposeful actions we end up transforming ourselves," he said.
Rocky is already partnering UNICEF and the Carter Center to spread the critical message of clean water and sanitation as part of activities marking Ghana’s Independence Golden jubilee.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Ga Mantse Launches Attack On Ghanaian Times
Monday, 15 October 2007
By Lawrence Markwei
THE Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Tawiah III, on Saturday unleashed a verbal attack on Ghanaian Times for what he termed "unfavourable reports" about him.
This was at a durbar at his palace in Accra on Saturday to round off this year’s Homowo festival.
In an apparent reference to his recent trip to Togo, Nii Tackie Tawiah said there is an orchestrated scheme by the media, particularly the Ghanaian Times to ridicule his kingship by peddling falsehoods about him.
He mentioned the Ghanaian Times reporter, Edmund Mingle, who has been covering the proceedings of litigation over the enstoolment of the Ga Mantse, and Charles Neequaye, the Deputy Editor, as perpetrators and brains behind the bad reportage.
"These are Gas who should know better about our tradition and culture but yet they are bent on bringing disunity to the Ga Traditional Area with their kind of scheming," he said.
He added that those who claimed that Gas cannot inherit matrilineally must take a cue from the historical antecedent of Naa Dode Akai I of Obutu whose reign was subsequently transferred to her son to continue.
"My detractors, who have been trying to foment trouble by issuing empty threats of violence and bloodshed if they do not have their way, must know that their efforts will be futile since Gas have realised their evil machinations," he said.
By Lawrence Markwei
THE Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Tawiah III, on Saturday unleashed a verbal attack on Ghanaian Times for what he termed "unfavourable reports" about him.
This was at a durbar at his palace in Accra on Saturday to round off this year’s Homowo festival.
In an apparent reference to his recent trip to Togo, Nii Tackie Tawiah said there is an orchestrated scheme by the media, particularly the Ghanaian Times to ridicule his kingship by peddling falsehoods about him.
He mentioned the Ghanaian Times reporter, Edmund Mingle, who has been covering the proceedings of litigation over the enstoolment of the Ga Mantse, and Charles Neequaye, the Deputy Editor, as perpetrators and brains behind the bad reportage.
"These are Gas who should know better about our tradition and culture but yet they are bent on bringing disunity to the Ga Traditional Area with their kind of scheming," he said.
He added that those who claimed that Gas cannot inherit matrilineally must take a cue from the historical antecedent of Naa Dode Akai I of Obutu whose reign was subsequently transferred to her son to continue.
"My detractors, who have been trying to foment trouble by issuing empty threats of violence and bloodshed if they do not have their way, must know that their efforts will be futile since Gas have realised their evil machinations," he said.
WE WILL NOT BE GAGGED
Editorial
Monday, 15 October 2007
We find it most regrettable that this paper was subjected to an undeserved, vitriolic verbal attack by the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Tawiah III at a durbar in Accra on Saturday.
As we report on this page, the Ga Mantse castigated the Ghanaian Times for what he perceives to be biased coverage of him. This is very unfortunate.
We would have preferred not to have to respond to the attack because we think it unseemly to be engaged in this kind of exchange with a traditional ruler.
However, we are compelled to respond for two reasons: the attack was made at a very public place and news forum. Secondly, he picked on some of our staff by name at a forum where they were not present.
And, given the kind of forum it was, even if they had been present, they could not have defended themselves.
Thus it was very unfair; and very unfortunate.
We bear the Ga Mantse no ill will.
If our reporting is inaccurate, then we expect mistakes to be brought to the attention of the Editor immediately for correction.
Aggrieved persons can also report us to the National Media Commission.
We do not recall that we have received any rejoinder to any of our reports about the Ga Mantse which we have shelved.
Indeed, as recent as the issue of September 18, we published a rejoinder from the Ga Traditional Council on the Ga Mantse’s trip to Togo, but there was nothing in that rejoinder about misrepresentation or factual errors on the part of this paper. There was no complaint about biased reporting.
In the absence of complaints about factual errors, and because our coverage of the succession case at Dodowa is cited, we are inclined to believe that the attack is an attempt to intimidate us and stop us from covering the proceedings.
This would also be unfortunate because it could be interpreted as an attack on press freedom.
The reference to tribe is also regrettable. Media houses and news rooms are staffed by people from every region in the country. What will happen to the media and even national unity if decisions to publish or not are based on where editors and reporters come from or do not come from?
We assure the Ga Mantse that we bear him no malice and our coverage of events in which he is involved should be seen for what they are: matters of news and public interest.
Our errors, if any, should be pointed out to us so that we can correct mistakes at the earliest opportunity.
However, the fact that a news item is unfavourable to someone cannot be reason enough not to publish it. Our duty is to report the news accurately, comprehensively and with fairness.
We take very seriously our duty as a responsible newspaper. We are confident that our readers know us to be a responsible paper that goes the extra mile to present very balanced, accurate reports.
We repeat: there is no malice in our reports on the Ga Mantse.
And, with all due respect, we will not be gagged.
Monday, 15 October 2007
We find it most regrettable that this paper was subjected to an undeserved, vitriolic verbal attack by the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Tawiah III at a durbar in Accra on Saturday.
As we report on this page, the Ga Mantse castigated the Ghanaian Times for what he perceives to be biased coverage of him. This is very unfortunate.
We would have preferred not to have to respond to the attack because we think it unseemly to be engaged in this kind of exchange with a traditional ruler.
However, we are compelled to respond for two reasons: the attack was made at a very public place and news forum. Secondly, he picked on some of our staff by name at a forum where they were not present.
And, given the kind of forum it was, even if they had been present, they could not have defended themselves.
Thus it was very unfair; and very unfortunate.
We bear the Ga Mantse no ill will.
If our reporting is inaccurate, then we expect mistakes to be brought to the attention of the Editor immediately for correction.
Aggrieved persons can also report us to the National Media Commission.
We do not recall that we have received any rejoinder to any of our reports about the Ga Mantse which we have shelved.
Indeed, as recent as the issue of September 18, we published a rejoinder from the Ga Traditional Council on the Ga Mantse’s trip to Togo, but there was nothing in that rejoinder about misrepresentation or factual errors on the part of this paper. There was no complaint about biased reporting.
In the absence of complaints about factual errors, and because our coverage of the succession case at Dodowa is cited, we are inclined to believe that the attack is an attempt to intimidate us and stop us from covering the proceedings.
This would also be unfortunate because it could be interpreted as an attack on press freedom.
The reference to tribe is also regrettable. Media houses and news rooms are staffed by people from every region in the country. What will happen to the media and even national unity if decisions to publish or not are based on where editors and reporters come from or do not come from?
We assure the Ga Mantse that we bear him no malice and our coverage of events in which he is involved should be seen for what they are: matters of news and public interest.
Our errors, if any, should be pointed out to us so that we can correct mistakes at the earliest opportunity.
However, the fact that a news item is unfavourable to someone cannot be reason enough not to publish it. Our duty is to report the news accurately, comprehensively and with fairness.
We take very seriously our duty as a responsible newspaper. We are confident that our readers know us to be a responsible paper that goes the extra mile to present very balanced, accurate reports.
We repeat: there is no malice in our reports on the Ga Mantse.
And, with all due respect, we will not be gagged.
BUDGET FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE
Friday, 16 November 2007
By Edmund Mingle & David Adadevoh
THE 2008 financial statement dubbed "A Brighter Future Budget", is focused on pursuing growth through massive infrastructural development.
More funds are to be pumped into the development of the roads, water and energy sectors which the government believes are critical to the economic take-off of the country.
Presenting the statement yesterday, Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Finance and Economic Planning Minister, said the government will fund all 166 districts to construct and tar 15km of roads in the districts during the year.
The criteria for selection of the roads, will be developed by the end of this year so that implementation of the programme can start at the beginning of 2008.
A projected amount of over GH¢199.2million has been allocated for this initiative, while the financial institutions will be encouraged to pre-finance the projects.
"In addition, an amount of 200 million dollars from the 750 million dollar sovereign bond will be used for the road sector including the dualisation of the Accra-Kumasi highway." He added that 90million dollars from the sovereign bond has already been allocated to build the western corridor of the railway network.
On the water sector, he said, five communities in each of the 166 districts will be provided with good drinking water through various potable water projects estimated at over GH¢7,470,000.
For the energy sector, he said that medium and long term measures have been initiated and 2008 will see the vigorous implementation of those measures.
These include the operationalisation of the Osagyefo Power Barge at Effasu, the execution of the Bui Hydro Electric Power Project and the execution of Hemang and Awisam Hydro Electricity Power on the Pra River.
Others, are the execution of the Hydro Electric Power project on Ankobra River, the Tanoso Hydro Electric Power on the Tano River and The Juale Hydro River on Oti River.
An amount of 460 million dollars out of the sovereign bond proceeds will be spent on the energy sector with focus on the transmission and distribution network, he said.
In addition, government will provide electricity to five communities in each of the 166 districts of the country at an estimated cost of GH¢613,042,980.
Other areas the budget focused on include the management of the potential oil reserves for which a taskforce is to be set up to prepare a master plan for the emerging oil industry.
"The task force will examine the social and economic implications of Ghana becoming an oil-producing country and present proposals that will, among others, ensure that oil revenues will be used for economic diversification for the benefit of all Ghanaians, and to minimise the potential social and economic dislocations associated with oil wealth," he said.
Mr. Baah-Wiredu also announced that the government will in 2008 design a Stabilization Fund to insulate the economy from external shocks, specifically the unpredictability of export earnings from the country’s major exports namely cocoa, gold, timber, and oil in the near future.
The fund, he said, will be invested to ensure its protection as well as its growth.
As part of the objective to develop the long term investor segment of the domestic capital market in order to lengthen the yield curve of the national debt, he said the government will issue, for the first 10-years domestic bond in 2008.
In addition, the government will rationalise the issuance calendar to achieve issue predictability and to encourage secondary trading between issues.
On measures to expand the tax net, the Minister said that the government has decided to abolish import duty and import VAT on all mobile phones and introduce a more effective means of taxing mobile phone usage.
"Consequently, government proposes to impose a specific excise duty per minute of airtime use on mobile phones," he said.
Touching on the challenges the budget is likely to encounter, he said that although the government has made major strides in maintaining macroeconomic stability, continued efforts are still needed to sustain the stability posed by the challenges in maintaining debt sustainability as part of debt management strategy; public sector reform and high wage demands; unpredictability of fuel prices and supply constraints in power.
The minister gave the assurance that as the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission will begin the necessary consultations with key stakeholders and also educate public sector workers, employers association, and organised labour on its recommendations on pay reforms, "the government will ensure that the real income of workers is protected."
He said that measures would be introduced next year to address the problem of decreasing flow of credit to the agricultural sector in recent times.
The measures include tax incentives to financial institutions to increase the flow of credit to the sector and reduce interest rates on agricultural loans to the five per cent ten per cent range as well as lengthen the maturity term of loans to between five and ten years.
Additionally, an Agricultural Investment Fund/Farm Credit Corporation with 100 per cent focus on agriculture to provide a range of financial services such as working capital and long-term loans, insurance, and leasing to the sector would be established.
Touching on spending for the upcoming 2008 general election, he said, the government is resolved not to overspend but ensure discipline and prudence in fiscal management to ensure that the nation does not derail her accomplishments for electoral benefits.
Giving the projections for next year, he said the macroeconomic framework for the 2008 projects a real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of at least seven per cent; an end period inflation rate of between six and eight per cent; an average inflation of seven per cent; accumulation of international reserves of the equivalence of at least three months of import cover; and an overall budget deficit of four per cent of the GDP.
By Edmund Mingle & David Adadevoh
THE 2008 financial statement dubbed "A Brighter Future Budget", is focused on pursuing growth through massive infrastructural development.
More funds are to be pumped into the development of the roads, water and energy sectors which the government believes are critical to the economic take-off of the country.
Presenting the statement yesterday, Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Finance and Economic Planning Minister, said the government will fund all 166 districts to construct and tar 15km of roads in the districts during the year.
The criteria for selection of the roads, will be developed by the end of this year so that implementation of the programme can start at the beginning of 2008.
A projected amount of over GH¢199.2million has been allocated for this initiative, while the financial institutions will be encouraged to pre-finance the projects.
"In addition, an amount of 200 million dollars from the 750 million dollar sovereign bond will be used for the road sector including the dualisation of the Accra-Kumasi highway." He added that 90million dollars from the sovereign bond has already been allocated to build the western corridor of the railway network.
On the water sector, he said, five communities in each of the 166 districts will be provided with good drinking water through various potable water projects estimated at over GH¢7,470,000.
For the energy sector, he said that medium and long term measures have been initiated and 2008 will see the vigorous implementation of those measures.
These include the operationalisation of the Osagyefo Power Barge at Effasu, the execution of the Bui Hydro Electric Power Project and the execution of Hemang and Awisam Hydro Electricity Power on the Pra River.
Others, are the execution of the Hydro Electric Power project on Ankobra River, the Tanoso Hydro Electric Power on the Tano River and The Juale Hydro River on Oti River.
An amount of 460 million dollars out of the sovereign bond proceeds will be spent on the energy sector with focus on the transmission and distribution network, he said.
In addition, government will provide electricity to five communities in each of the 166 districts of the country at an estimated cost of GH¢613,042,980.
Other areas the budget focused on include the management of the potential oil reserves for which a taskforce is to be set up to prepare a master plan for the emerging oil industry.
"The task force will examine the social and economic implications of Ghana becoming an oil-producing country and present proposals that will, among others, ensure that oil revenues will be used for economic diversification for the benefit of all Ghanaians, and to minimise the potential social and economic dislocations associated with oil wealth," he said.
Mr. Baah-Wiredu also announced that the government will in 2008 design a Stabilization Fund to insulate the economy from external shocks, specifically the unpredictability of export earnings from the country’s major exports namely cocoa, gold, timber, and oil in the near future.
The fund, he said, will be invested to ensure its protection as well as its growth.
As part of the objective to develop the long term investor segment of the domestic capital market in order to lengthen the yield curve of the national debt, he said the government will issue, for the first 10-years domestic bond in 2008.
In addition, the government will rationalise the issuance calendar to achieve issue predictability and to encourage secondary trading between issues.
On measures to expand the tax net, the Minister said that the government has decided to abolish import duty and import VAT on all mobile phones and introduce a more effective means of taxing mobile phone usage.
"Consequently, government proposes to impose a specific excise duty per minute of airtime use on mobile phones," he said.
Touching on the challenges the budget is likely to encounter, he said that although the government has made major strides in maintaining macroeconomic stability, continued efforts are still needed to sustain the stability posed by the challenges in maintaining debt sustainability as part of debt management strategy; public sector reform and high wage demands; unpredictability of fuel prices and supply constraints in power.
The minister gave the assurance that as the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission will begin the necessary consultations with key stakeholders and also educate public sector workers, employers association, and organised labour on its recommendations on pay reforms, "the government will ensure that the real income of workers is protected."
He said that measures would be introduced next year to address the problem of decreasing flow of credit to the agricultural sector in recent times.
The measures include tax incentives to financial institutions to increase the flow of credit to the sector and reduce interest rates on agricultural loans to the five per cent ten per cent range as well as lengthen the maturity term of loans to between five and ten years.
Additionally, an Agricultural Investment Fund/Farm Credit Corporation with 100 per cent focus on agriculture to provide a range of financial services such as working capital and long-term loans, insurance, and leasing to the sector would be established.
Touching on spending for the upcoming 2008 general election, he said, the government is resolved not to overspend but ensure discipline and prudence in fiscal management to ensure that the nation does not derail her accomplishments for electoral benefits.
Giving the projections for next year, he said the macroeconomic framework for the 2008 projects a real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of at least seven per cent; an end period inflation rate of between six and eight per cent; an average inflation of seven per cent; accumulation of international reserves of the equivalence of at least three months of import cover; and an overall budget deficit of four per cent of the GDP.
CHINESE POSE NO THREAT - J.H. Mensah
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
By Edmund Mingle
J. H. Mensah, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission and a renowned economist, says contrary to the general perception, China’s increasing presence in the Ghanaian economy does not pose a threat to the country.
Rather, it provides trade opportunities which the country should take advantage of for the benefit of the economy, he said.
Making a contribution at a round-table conference to explore the question of whether there is a need for a special policy to manage Ghana’s dealings with China considering the latter’s increasing presence in the markets, Mr. Mensah, a former finance minister, said he was surprised that "we are all spending time working to fight a threat from China, when actually there is none."
He admitted that there were challenges in developing local industries to compete on the international market, but noted that efforts should be made at addressing such challenges by creating well focused trade development programmes.
"Let us decide on a national agenda to grow the industries," adding that China provides a huge market for the country provided the industries could produce enough to export there.
Ghana’s exports to China include cocoa, timber, aluminium waste and scraps, and vegetable products, while China exports to Ghana textiles, electrical goods, leather products, motor vehicles, bicycles and sewing machines.
The Round-table, organised by the Development Policy Institute, a new research think tank, was to discuss options Ghana could consider to protect her small and open economy against the intrusion of Chinese products, some of which are reported to be inferior.
In a period of 30 years, China has moved from a struggling and largely agrarian economy to be the fourth largest in the world after Germany, Japan and the United States.
Her economy has grown at an annual average of 10 per cent since it launched reforms in 1978 and is projected to overtake Germany by 2008.
The panellists at the round table called for a national trade policy to effectively deal with Ghana’s trade relations with other countries to ensure that the country benefited from such relations.
Tony Oteng-Gyasi, President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), in his presentation noted that the partnership between the two countries should be a win-win situation.
"We need a measured approach to protect our interests in the trade relationship with China and other developed countries," he said.
He called for a restructuring of the Trade and Industry Ministry, saying "the expertise exhibited by modern day trade management activities is not showing at the Ministry."
"We need to manipulate the system to open up China’s market to our advantage," he said, and urged the government "to go at China well prepared with sharpened tools of negotiations."
Nana Akomea, Minister of Manpower, Youth and Employment, who chaired the discussions, described the question of whether Ghana needs a policy on China as a crucial one.
Professor Kwame Karikari, President of the Media Foundation for West Africa, also urged the need to develop measures at taking advantage of China’s surge.
"China will need Africa and we must take advantage of that," he stated.
He suggested a comprehensive trade policy in which issues such as the trade between Ghana and China would be effectively addressed.
Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Executive Director of the Institute and an economist, told the Times that the Institute, which is about a year old, aims at contributing to the creation of effective policies that could drive the socio-economic growth of the country through building capacity for policy analysis.
By Edmund Mingle
J. H. Mensah, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission and a renowned economist, says contrary to the general perception, China’s increasing presence in the Ghanaian economy does not pose a threat to the country.
Rather, it provides trade opportunities which the country should take advantage of for the benefit of the economy, he said.
Making a contribution at a round-table conference to explore the question of whether there is a need for a special policy to manage Ghana’s dealings with China considering the latter’s increasing presence in the markets, Mr. Mensah, a former finance minister, said he was surprised that "we are all spending time working to fight a threat from China, when actually there is none."
He admitted that there were challenges in developing local industries to compete on the international market, but noted that efforts should be made at addressing such challenges by creating well focused trade development programmes.
"Let us decide on a national agenda to grow the industries," adding that China provides a huge market for the country provided the industries could produce enough to export there.
Ghana’s exports to China include cocoa, timber, aluminium waste and scraps, and vegetable products, while China exports to Ghana textiles, electrical goods, leather products, motor vehicles, bicycles and sewing machines.
The Round-table, organised by the Development Policy Institute, a new research think tank, was to discuss options Ghana could consider to protect her small and open economy against the intrusion of Chinese products, some of which are reported to be inferior.
In a period of 30 years, China has moved from a struggling and largely agrarian economy to be the fourth largest in the world after Germany, Japan and the United States.
Her economy has grown at an annual average of 10 per cent since it launched reforms in 1978 and is projected to overtake Germany by 2008.
The panellists at the round table called for a national trade policy to effectively deal with Ghana’s trade relations with other countries to ensure that the country benefited from such relations.
Tony Oteng-Gyasi, President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), in his presentation noted that the partnership between the two countries should be a win-win situation.
"We need a measured approach to protect our interests in the trade relationship with China and other developed countries," he said.
He called for a restructuring of the Trade and Industry Ministry, saying "the expertise exhibited by modern day trade management activities is not showing at the Ministry."
"We need to manipulate the system to open up China’s market to our advantage," he said, and urged the government "to go at China well prepared with sharpened tools of negotiations."
Nana Akomea, Minister of Manpower, Youth and Employment, who chaired the discussions, described the question of whether Ghana needs a policy on China as a crucial one.
Professor Kwame Karikari, President of the Media Foundation for West Africa, also urged the need to develop measures at taking advantage of China’s surge.
"China will need Africa and we must take advantage of that," he stated.
He suggested a comprehensive trade policy in which issues such as the trade between Ghana and China would be effectively addressed.
Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Executive Director of the Institute and an economist, told the Times that the Institute, which is about a year old, aims at contributing to the creation of effective policies that could drive the socio-economic growth of the country through building capacity for policy analysis.
Monday, November 5, 2007
SSNIT Advises Employers On Contributions
By Edmund Mingle
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), has advised employers to ensure that the contributions of their employees are accompanied by the relevant data to enhance the effective processing of their benefits.
It said that many employers were failing to provide the necessary data, including the names and social security numbers of their employees, thereby making it difficult to accredit them with the contributions.
For instance, statistics show that out of 158,779 contributions received in Accra between January and June this year, the contributions of 16,522 were not accompanied by contribution reports.
Henry Van-Hein Sackey, Adabraka branch manager of SSNIT, told an employers’ forum in Accra yesterday, that the unavailability of regular accurate data was hindering the effectiveness of processing the accounts of members.
The forum, which is part of an awareness creation campaign on the responsibilities of employers in the management of data on employees’ contributions, was attended by employers in various companies around Accra Central.
Mr. Sackey, said, inaccuracies in contribution reports, a key factor in the operations of the scheme, could cause delays in the provision of members’ accounts as well as the processing of a member’s claims.
Reverend Kwaku Osei-Bimpong, Public Affairs Manager of SSNIT, said that the scheme is a social insurance and not a savings scheme as percieved by some members.
He said that these members have been making requests for loans on their contributions which have not been granted because granting of loans is not part of the scheme.
He advised members who are declared medically unfit to work, to inform SSNIT on time so as to have their claims processed, explaining that some wait too long after being declared unfit to work, before informing the SSNIT.
End
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), has advised employers to ensure that the contributions of their employees are accompanied by the relevant data to enhance the effective processing of their benefits.
It said that many employers were failing to provide the necessary data, including the names and social security numbers of their employees, thereby making it difficult to accredit them with the contributions.
For instance, statistics show that out of 158,779 contributions received in Accra between January and June this year, the contributions of 16,522 were not accompanied by contribution reports.
Henry Van-Hein Sackey, Adabraka branch manager of SSNIT, told an employers’ forum in Accra yesterday, that the unavailability of regular accurate data was hindering the effectiveness of processing the accounts of members.
The forum, which is part of an awareness creation campaign on the responsibilities of employers in the management of data on employees’ contributions, was attended by employers in various companies around Accra Central.
Mr. Sackey, said, inaccuracies in contribution reports, a key factor in the operations of the scheme, could cause delays in the provision of members’ accounts as well as the processing of a member’s claims.
Reverend Kwaku Osei-Bimpong, Public Affairs Manager of SSNIT, said that the scheme is a social insurance and not a savings scheme as percieved by some members.
He said that these members have been making requests for loans on their contributions which have not been granted because granting of loans is not part of the scheme.
He advised members who are declared medically unfit to work, to inform SSNIT on time so as to have their claims processed, explaining that some wait too long after being declared unfit to work, before informing the SSNIT.
End
Mobile vans for ISD commissioned
By Edmund Mingle
Monday, 05 November 2007
Operations of the Information Services Department (ISD) was boosted on Thursday, with the commissioning of 146 mobile cinema vans for its activities throughout the country.
The vans, equipped with modern cinema and public address systems will enhance the Department’s fleet in public education as part of the government’s national orientation agenda.
They will be distributed to district offices of the ISD to provide information on government policies, entertainment and public education to the citizenry especially in rural areas.
Ms. Oboshie Sai Cofie, Minister of Information and National Orientation, commissioning the vans, said that the vans have a role to play in disseminating information to the public despite improved contribution of the media in that regard.
“We believe this will further strengthen the Ministry’s objective of conveying the government’s messages to every Ghanaian, in a format and language they will understand,” she said.
She said that it is a matter of priority that as the world is developing fast with information technology, every effort should be made to enable the citizenry to become aware, understand and appreciate the efforts of the government in transforming the development of the country.
As part of the operations of the vans which were acquired with funds from the government, the Minister explained that various Ghanaian documentaries, comedies, music video and drama will be showed to ensure a mix of information, entertainment and public education.
Personnel on the vans are also expected to collect feedback forms the public on government programmes for the concerns of the public to be known and addressed.
Elvis Adanyina, acting Director of the ISD thanked the government for the support and advised field officers to maintain the vans efficiently.
That, he said was the only way to reciprocate the assistance of the government.
Monday, 05 November 2007
Operations of the Information Services Department (ISD) was boosted on Thursday, with the commissioning of 146 mobile cinema vans for its activities throughout the country.
The vans, equipped with modern cinema and public address systems will enhance the Department’s fleet in public education as part of the government’s national orientation agenda.
They will be distributed to district offices of the ISD to provide information on government policies, entertainment and public education to the citizenry especially in rural areas.
Ms. Oboshie Sai Cofie, Minister of Information and National Orientation, commissioning the vans, said that the vans have a role to play in disseminating information to the public despite improved contribution of the media in that regard.
“We believe this will further strengthen the Ministry’s objective of conveying the government’s messages to every Ghanaian, in a format and language they will understand,” she said.
She said that it is a matter of priority that as the world is developing fast with information technology, every effort should be made to enable the citizenry to become aware, understand and appreciate the efforts of the government in transforming the development of the country.
As part of the operations of the vans which were acquired with funds from the government, the Minister explained that various Ghanaian documentaries, comedies, music video and drama will be showed to ensure a mix of information, entertainment and public education.
Personnel on the vans are also expected to collect feedback forms the public on government programmes for the concerns of the public to be known and addressed.
Elvis Adanyina, acting Director of the ISD thanked the government for the support and advised field officers to maintain the vans efficiently.
That, he said was the only way to reciprocate the assistance of the government.
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