Wednesday, March 23, 2011
By Edmund Mingle
President John Evans Atta Mills yesterday cut the sod for construction work to begin on the Awoshie-Pokuase road in the north-western part of Accra, amidst excitement among the residents of the area.
The 100million euro road project is the first major infrastructure project in the area, which is increasingly sprawling with development.
It involves the construction of a combination of three and two dual carriage lanes on the 15 kilometer road, which will have service lanes, bicycle lanes and walkways.
In addition, transport terminals, markets, sanitation and water supply facilities would be developed along the stretch which begins from Awoshie junction on the Abeka-Mallam road, through Awoshie, Anyaa, Ablekuma, Olebu and Anomorley to Pokuase on the Accra Nsawam road.
The African Development Bank is providing a grant of 63million euros, while the French Development Agency is providing 30million euros and a counterpart funding of 7million euros from the government of Ghana, to finance the three year project.
As a fulfillment of a campaign promise the President made to the residents in the area, the project, is aimed at improving road transport and accessibility to the northwestern corridor on the Accra.
Cutting the sod for the project, which comes ahead his nationwide tour to assess the progress of development projects across the country, President Mills expressed delight that the project was taking off.
“I am happy that we have made a beginning,” he stressed, and charged the contractors to commence work in earnest since the funds were available.
Commenting on the excitement that characterized the event, he thanked the chiefs and residents who turned out in their large numbers to witness the sod cutting, but told them the project was not a favour from the government.
“You deserve this project,” he said, adding that the project was long overdue.
According to him the essence of governance was to improve the welfare of the people by providing facilities and good conditions that can ensure better livelihood and sustainable development.
He also demanded quality works from the contractors and urged them to take appropriate measures to ensure that the residents suffered the least inconvenience from the construction works.
The President called for the cooperation of the residents for a successful
Project and assured them that all those affected by the project would be duly compensated.
“We need your cooperation and support for this project,” he appealed, and promised the chiefs and people of the area of government’s continued assistance to address other development challenges.
Nii Armah Ashitey, Greater Accra Regional Minister, in his address, described the project as a unique intervention of the government to develop the road network in the region.
He explained that the project has a community upgrading infrastructure component which consist of constructing secondary roads, drainage facilities and sanitation facilities along the stretch. END
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
God won't fail Ghana: declares pastor Adebayo
Wedenesday, March 23, 2011
By Edmund Mingle
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has praised President John Evans Atta for involving God in his governance style, saying God will not fail the nation.
He said the Christian community outside Ghana was highly delighted about the President’s closeness to God, and prayed that all leaders, especially in Africa, would emulate his example.
Pastor Adeboye, who leads one of the largest churches in Africa, said this when he called on President Mills at the Castle yesterday to officially inform him about his church’s crusade in Accra today.
He also commended President Mills for the progress he has led the country to make in his two years in office, and prayed for God’s continued guidance to the government.
“We assure you of our support and prayers,” said Pastor Adeboye, who was accompanied to the Castle by high ranking Ghanaian clergymen including Archbishop Duncan Williams, head of the Action Chapel International and Bishop Charles Agyin-Asare, head of Word Miracle Church International.
Headquartered in Nigeria, the prominent clergyman noted that the church was currently present in 140 nations across the globe, and expressed optimism that many lives would be won for Christ during he crusade in Accra.
Receiving the delegation, President Mills commended Pastor Adeboye for allowing himself to be used by God to spread the gospel.
Reiterating his call for a strong partnership between government and the church, he said the religious community has a crucial role to play in the national development.
Responding to the pastor’s commendation, President Mills said it was important for the nation’s spiritual foundation to be strong so that God would take charge of the nation’s affairs.
He wished them a successful conference, saying “I know God will show his majesty” at the crusade.
By Edmund Mingle
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has praised President John Evans Atta for involving God in his governance style, saying God will not fail the nation.
He said the Christian community outside Ghana was highly delighted about the President’s closeness to God, and prayed that all leaders, especially in Africa, would emulate his example.
Pastor Adeboye, who leads one of the largest churches in Africa, said this when he called on President Mills at the Castle yesterday to officially inform him about his church’s crusade in Accra today.
He also commended President Mills for the progress he has led the country to make in his two years in office, and prayed for God’s continued guidance to the government.
“We assure you of our support and prayers,” said Pastor Adeboye, who was accompanied to the Castle by high ranking Ghanaian clergymen including Archbishop Duncan Williams, head of the Action Chapel International and Bishop Charles Agyin-Asare, head of Word Miracle Church International.
Headquartered in Nigeria, the prominent clergyman noted that the church was currently present in 140 nations across the globe, and expressed optimism that many lives would be won for Christ during he crusade in Accra.
Receiving the delegation, President Mills commended Pastor Adeboye for allowing himself to be used by God to spread the gospel.
Reiterating his call for a strong partnership between government and the church, he said the religious community has a crucial role to play in the national development.
Responding to the pastor’s commendation, President Mills said it was important for the nation’s spiritual foundation to be strong so that God would take charge of the nation’s affairs.
He wished them a successful conference, saying “I know God will show his majesty” at the crusade.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Define Vehicle Income Tax law-GREDA
Monday March 14, 2011
By Edmund Mingle
Real estate developers across the country have asked the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to clearly define the Vehicle Income Tax (VIT) law, which they say is being misinterpreted against them.According to them, the misinterpretation of the law by the Police was seriously affecting their operations.
They say although the VIT law was binding on only commercial vehicles, the police was demanding estate developers also purchase the stickers for their operational vehicles.
Interacting with journalists at the weekend, a group of managers of real estate firms said the situation was hindering their operations.
Their refusal to heed to the demand of the police, which they deem illegal since it was in contravention of the VIT law, has led to confrontation between the estate developers and the police.In many instances, trucks and water tankers carrying building materials to construction sites have been detained by the police, resulting in delays in operations and additional cost.
“The corporate taxes we pay cover our operations, so why should we be asked to pay VIT again,” they asked. According to them, the cost of the stickers, which sell for GHc 60 every three months, was not a problem to them, but the right thing must be done.
“Our vehicles are not commercial vehicles; we are exempted from the tax,” they noted.
When contacted over the issue, Dr. Alexander Tweneboah, President of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), confirmed the disturbing nature of the matter.
“This is frustrating the operations of our members,” he said.
He said it was important that the GRA clarified the issue to let the developers know if the VIT law binds privately registered vehicles too.
“Otherwise they should educate the police to let them stop harassing our members,” he stated. Asked about the measure the association was adopting to address the issue, he said GREDA was in the process of writing formally to lodge a complaint with the GRA for the necessary clarification.
A notice from the Domestic Tax Revenue Division of the GRA about the purchase of VIT sticker reminded “all Commercial Transport Operators that Vehicle Income Tax (VIT) for the first quarter ( 1st January – 31st March, 2011) are on sale at the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (former IRS) District Offices throughout the country.”
The Vehicle Income Tax, introduced in 2003, is collected from commercial vehicle operators on quarterly basis.
The VIT law makes it obligatory for commercial vehicle operators to buy VIT stickers from any IRS offices on a quarterly basis, and the stickers are required to be pasted on the windscreen of commercial vehicles.
In addition, the law requires the police to undertake monitoring to ensure compliance.
By Edmund Mingle
Real estate developers across the country have asked the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to clearly define the Vehicle Income Tax (VIT) law, which they say is being misinterpreted against them.According to them, the misinterpretation of the law by the Police was seriously affecting their operations.
They say although the VIT law was binding on only commercial vehicles, the police was demanding estate developers also purchase the stickers for their operational vehicles.
Interacting with journalists at the weekend, a group of managers of real estate firms said the situation was hindering their operations.
Their refusal to heed to the demand of the police, which they deem illegal since it was in contravention of the VIT law, has led to confrontation between the estate developers and the police.In many instances, trucks and water tankers carrying building materials to construction sites have been detained by the police, resulting in delays in operations and additional cost.
“The corporate taxes we pay cover our operations, so why should we be asked to pay VIT again,” they asked. According to them, the cost of the stickers, which sell for GHc 60 every three months, was not a problem to them, but the right thing must be done.
“Our vehicles are not commercial vehicles; we are exempted from the tax,” they noted.
When contacted over the issue, Dr. Alexander Tweneboah, President of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), confirmed the disturbing nature of the matter.
“This is frustrating the operations of our members,” he said.
He said it was important that the GRA clarified the issue to let the developers know if the VIT law binds privately registered vehicles too.
“Otherwise they should educate the police to let them stop harassing our members,” he stated. Asked about the measure the association was adopting to address the issue, he said GREDA was in the process of writing formally to lodge a complaint with the GRA for the necessary clarification.
A notice from the Domestic Tax Revenue Division of the GRA about the purchase of VIT sticker reminded “all Commercial Transport Operators that Vehicle Income Tax (VIT) for the first quarter ( 1st January – 31st March, 2011) are on sale at the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (former IRS) District Offices throughout the country.”
The Vehicle Income Tax, introduced in 2003, is collected from commercial vehicle operators on quarterly basis.
The VIT law makes it obligatory for commercial vehicle operators to buy VIT stickers from any IRS offices on a quarterly basis, and the stickers are required to be pasted on the windscreen of commercial vehicles.
In addition, the law requires the police to undertake monitoring to ensure compliance.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
PBC Deputy MD honoured
By Edmund Mingle
The management of Produce Buying Company Limited (PBC) has honoured its Deputy Managing Director, George Kwadwo Boateng on his installation as a chief of Amoaman in the Ashanti region.
The management of the country’s largest licensed cocoa purchasing firm, believes the elevation of Mr. Boateng, who is in charge of Operations, is an honour to the company.
Mr. Boateng, installed under the stool name Nana Agyeman Boateng I, has been instrumental in the growth of the PBC which doubled its returns last year and continuous to post impressive gains in recent months.
To show the company’s appreciation and support, the new chief was presented with a variety of traditional items including traditional umbrellas, sandals, kente cloths and a cash gift from the management and staff.
The items were meant to help him to settle and perform his duties successfully as a chief.
“We are excited to have one of our own to be elevated to such a high position,” said Kojo Atta-Krah, Managing Director of the company.
He commended him for his dedication, loyalty and hard work which has helped to improve the fortunes of PBC, saying he believed such traits earned him the elevation.
In addition, he assured him of the company’s continuous support and cooperation to enable him to deliver for the benefit of the people of Amoaman, and wished him well.
Acheampong Chesco Kennedy, speaking for the Local Union, congratulated the Deputy Managing Director for the achievement and prayed for his success in his new responsibility.
He reminded him of the challenges in the chieftaincy field, but expressed optimism that with his vast experience in business and agriculture sectors, as well as the management of human resources, he would not be found wanting in handling chieftaincy affairs.
Caption
Mr. Boateng (second right) and his wife (right), receiving the gifts from the MD, Mr Atta-Krah (second left) and other members of management
The management of Produce Buying Company Limited (PBC) has honoured its Deputy Managing Director, George Kwadwo Boateng on his installation as a chief of Amoaman in the Ashanti region.
The management of the country’s largest licensed cocoa purchasing firm, believes the elevation of Mr. Boateng, who is in charge of Operations, is an honour to the company.
Mr. Boateng, installed under the stool name Nana Agyeman Boateng I, has been instrumental in the growth of the PBC which doubled its returns last year and continuous to post impressive gains in recent months.
To show the company’s appreciation and support, the new chief was presented with a variety of traditional items including traditional umbrellas, sandals, kente cloths and a cash gift from the management and staff.
The items were meant to help him to settle and perform his duties successfully as a chief.
“We are excited to have one of our own to be elevated to such a high position,” said Kojo Atta-Krah, Managing Director of the company.
He commended him for his dedication, loyalty and hard work which has helped to improve the fortunes of PBC, saying he believed such traits earned him the elevation.
In addition, he assured him of the company’s continuous support and cooperation to enable him to deliver for the benefit of the people of Amoaman, and wished him well.
Acheampong Chesco Kennedy, speaking for the Local Union, congratulated the Deputy Managing Director for the achievement and prayed for his success in his new responsibility.
He reminded him of the challenges in the chieftaincy field, but expressed optimism that with his vast experience in business and agriculture sectors, as well as the management of human resources, he would not be found wanting in handling chieftaincy affairs.
Caption
Mr. Boateng (second right) and his wife (right), receiving the gifts from the MD, Mr Atta-Krah (second left) and other members of management
Be Objective-- Prez urges shakeholders in constitutional review
Wednesday March 2, 2011
By Edmund Mingle
President John Evans Atta Mills yesterday opened the National Constitution Review Conference in Accra with a call on all stakeholders participating in the review process to be highly objective analyzing issues for constitutional amendment.
“I urge you all to be very objective and dispassionate as you express your views,” he told the about 2000 conference participants.
That, he said, would ensure that the outcome of the review process could produce a national constitution that would stand the test of time and be in the best interest of all Ghanaians.
The conference, being attended by representatives of organizations and institutions from across the broad spectrum of the Ghanaian society including the Executive, Parliament, Judiciary, political parties, media, security services, traditional rulers, civil society groups, trade unions, professional bodies, business community, academia and legal experts, is aimed at reviewing submissions for amendment of the 1992 fourth Republican Constitution.
Among other things, the conference, which has the theme, “The Constitution, our identity,” is to discuss the over 80,000 submissions received by the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) that have been framed into 12 thematic areas, to help in forming a national consensus on various matters for Constitutional amendment.
Present also the five-day conference were Vice President John Mahama, former President Rawlings and his wife, the Chief Justice, Mrs. Justice Georgina Wood. Former President Kufour and former Vice President Aliu Mahama could not make it due to other pressing issues.
Justifying the reason for the review, President Mills said after 19 years of operating the 1992 Constitution, there was a meeting of minds for the need to reshape the Constitution to make it more responsive to the exigencies of current times.
He thanked the patriot Ghanaians who sacrificed to produce the Constitution which has served the nation very well, saying “it is time for us to strengthen the foundation on which the Constitution is built on.”
The President expressed appreciation to the CRC and its partners for the work done so far, saying the large number of submissions reflected the desire of Ghanaians for a review of the constitution.
He also lauded the comprehensive consultative strategy adopted by the Commission, indicating that it was critical that all views were captured.
In addition, President Mills commended Ghanaians for embracing the review process, and hoped the process would yield the desired results.
Professor Albert Fiadjoe, Chairman of the CRC, thanked the hundreds of Ghanaians and institutions have actively participated in the review process, as well as those who continue to provide constructive criticisms.
He said irrespective of the polarization of many national issues, there the submissions reflected a general view that the review was warranted.
Responding to criticisms that the review was not necessary, Prof. Fiadjoe said the thousands of submissions received from all sectors across the country, defeated that criticism.
“When constitutions fail, countries disintegrate,” he noted, and gave the assurance that the CRC would continue to put in place effective measures to ensure that review process was protected against partisanship.
In addition, he said the Commission operated on the cardinal principle that the review process belonged to Ghanaians, and assured that the submissions to be discussed by the conference were faithful views of Ghanaians.
The thematic areas for discussions focus on national development planning, executive powers, legislative Powers, judiciary, legal Sector, decentralisation and local Government, Independent Constitutional Bodies, Public Services, Traditional institutions, human rights, lands and natural resources, national security, and transitional provisions and territories of Ghana.
The Commission, established by the President and inaugurated on January, 11, 2010, is mandated to among other things, ascertain from Ghanaians, their views on the operation of the 1992 Fourth Republican Constitution and, in particular, the strengths and weaknesses of the Constitution; articulate the concerns of Ghanaians on amendments that may be required for a comprehensive review of the Constitution; and make recommendations to the government for consideration and provide a draft Bill for possible amendments to the 1992 Constitution.
END
By Edmund Mingle
President John Evans Atta Mills yesterday opened the National Constitution Review Conference in Accra with a call on all stakeholders participating in the review process to be highly objective analyzing issues for constitutional amendment.
“I urge you all to be very objective and dispassionate as you express your views,” he told the about 2000 conference participants.
That, he said, would ensure that the outcome of the review process could produce a national constitution that would stand the test of time and be in the best interest of all Ghanaians.
The conference, being attended by representatives of organizations and institutions from across the broad spectrum of the Ghanaian society including the Executive, Parliament, Judiciary, political parties, media, security services, traditional rulers, civil society groups, trade unions, professional bodies, business community, academia and legal experts, is aimed at reviewing submissions for amendment of the 1992 fourth Republican Constitution.
Among other things, the conference, which has the theme, “The Constitution, our identity,” is to discuss the over 80,000 submissions received by the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) that have been framed into 12 thematic areas, to help in forming a national consensus on various matters for Constitutional amendment.
Present also the five-day conference were Vice President John Mahama, former President Rawlings and his wife, the Chief Justice, Mrs. Justice Georgina Wood. Former President Kufour and former Vice President Aliu Mahama could not make it due to other pressing issues.
Justifying the reason for the review, President Mills said after 19 years of operating the 1992 Constitution, there was a meeting of minds for the need to reshape the Constitution to make it more responsive to the exigencies of current times.
He thanked the patriot Ghanaians who sacrificed to produce the Constitution which has served the nation very well, saying “it is time for us to strengthen the foundation on which the Constitution is built on.”
The President expressed appreciation to the CRC and its partners for the work done so far, saying the large number of submissions reflected the desire of Ghanaians for a review of the constitution.
He also lauded the comprehensive consultative strategy adopted by the Commission, indicating that it was critical that all views were captured.
In addition, President Mills commended Ghanaians for embracing the review process, and hoped the process would yield the desired results.
Professor Albert Fiadjoe, Chairman of the CRC, thanked the hundreds of Ghanaians and institutions have actively participated in the review process, as well as those who continue to provide constructive criticisms.
He said irrespective of the polarization of many national issues, there the submissions reflected a general view that the review was warranted.
Responding to criticisms that the review was not necessary, Prof. Fiadjoe said the thousands of submissions received from all sectors across the country, defeated that criticism.
“When constitutions fail, countries disintegrate,” he noted, and gave the assurance that the CRC would continue to put in place effective measures to ensure that review process was protected against partisanship.
In addition, he said the Commission operated on the cardinal principle that the review process belonged to Ghanaians, and assured that the submissions to be discussed by the conference were faithful views of Ghanaians.
The thematic areas for discussions focus on national development planning, executive powers, legislative Powers, judiciary, legal Sector, decentralisation and local Government, Independent Constitutional Bodies, Public Services, Traditional institutions, human rights, lands and natural resources, national security, and transitional provisions and territories of Ghana.
The Commission, established by the President and inaugurated on January, 11, 2010, is mandated to among other things, ascertain from Ghanaians, their views on the operation of the 1992 Fourth Republican Constitution and, in particular, the strengths and weaknesses of the Constitution; articulate the concerns of Ghanaians on amendments that may be required for a comprehensive review of the Constitution; and make recommendations to the government for consideration and provide a draft Bill for possible amendments to the 1992 Constitution.
END
Ghana's UN Representative commissioned
By Edmund Mingle
President John Evans Atta Mills has commissioned into office, Ken Kanda, as Ghana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The commissioning of Ambassador Kanda, who until his appointment was the Director of State Protocol, was characterized by excitement and sadness among both senior and junior presidential staffers as they are happy for his elevation and yet sad that he was leaving them.
As a central figure in the functions of the Presidency, Ambassador Kanda’s appointment is considered as a result of the hardwork and excellent performance during his tenure as Director of State Protocol and his 35 years work in the Foreign Service.
President Mills, after administering the Oaths of Office, Allegiance and Secrecy to commission the new UN Representative, thanked God for providing the nation with a person like Mr. Kanda.
He has been an very dedicated and excellent Ambassador with a lot of professional integrity and loyal to the national duty.
He said although he was not very happy that Mr. Kanda was leaving the Presidency, he takes consolation in the fact he has been appointed a much challenging job for the nation at the UN.
According to the President, he has a lot of confidence in Mr. Kanda, and has no doubt that he would deliver.
He assured him of continuous cooperation and support to ensure the success of his work the UN in New York, and prayed for God’s guidance and blessing for him.
John Henry Martey-Newman, the Chief of Staff, in his remarks, also congratulated Mr. Kanda for his elevation, saying his absence would be felt.
“He is a humble, dedicated and eloquent diplomat who has served the nation with distinction,” he said.
He reminded him of the task ahead but expressed optimism that the new Ambassador would deliver according to expectation.
Mr. Kanda, whose new job would require him to coordinate Ghana’s affairs at the UN and promote the nation at the UN level, in his remarks, thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him and promised that he would not fail him and the nation in general.
He thanked all his colleagues at the Presidency and the Foreign Ministry for the support and encouragement which contributed to his elevation.
He particularly thanked the President for his encouragement and appreciation of their work which he said motivated him and his colleagues to give off their best.
Mr. Kwame Tenkorang-Asamoah, outgoing Ghana’s Ambassador to Japan, will replace Ambassador Kanda as Director of State Protocol.
President John Evans Atta Mills has commissioned into office, Ken Kanda, as Ghana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The commissioning of Ambassador Kanda, who until his appointment was the Director of State Protocol, was characterized by excitement and sadness among both senior and junior presidential staffers as they are happy for his elevation and yet sad that he was leaving them.
As a central figure in the functions of the Presidency, Ambassador Kanda’s appointment is considered as a result of the hardwork and excellent performance during his tenure as Director of State Protocol and his 35 years work in the Foreign Service.
President Mills, after administering the Oaths of Office, Allegiance and Secrecy to commission the new UN Representative, thanked God for providing the nation with a person like Mr. Kanda.
He has been an very dedicated and excellent Ambassador with a lot of professional integrity and loyal to the national duty.
He said although he was not very happy that Mr. Kanda was leaving the Presidency, he takes consolation in the fact he has been appointed a much challenging job for the nation at the UN.
According to the President, he has a lot of confidence in Mr. Kanda, and has no doubt that he would deliver.
He assured him of continuous cooperation and support to ensure the success of his work the UN in New York, and prayed for God’s guidance and blessing for him.
John Henry Martey-Newman, the Chief of Staff, in his remarks, also congratulated Mr. Kanda for his elevation, saying his absence would be felt.
“He is a humble, dedicated and eloquent diplomat who has served the nation with distinction,” he said.
He reminded him of the task ahead but expressed optimism that the new Ambassador would deliver according to expectation.
Mr. Kanda, whose new job would require him to coordinate Ghana’s affairs at the UN and promote the nation at the UN level, in his remarks, thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him and promised that he would not fail him and the nation in general.
He thanked all his colleagues at the Presidency and the Foreign Ministry for the support and encouragement which contributed to his elevation.
He particularly thanked the President for his encouragement and appreciation of their work which he said motivated him and his colleagues to give off their best.
Mr. Kwame Tenkorang-Asamoah, outgoing Ghana’s Ambassador to Japan, will replace Ambassador Kanda as Director of State Protocol.
Ghana supports peace process in Somalia
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
By Edmund Mingle
President John Evans Atta Mills yesterday solicited an urgent support from the international community for the peace process in Somalia saying the situation in that country should not be left to deteriorate.
Opening an international conference to discuss the African Union’s role in the implementation of the Djibouti peace process for Somalia in Accra, President Mills, said the failure of the previous 13 peace agreements should not dampen the resolve of the international community and partners.
Rather, he said it should provide the opportunity for all partners to restrategise and enhance the mechanisms for peace in Somalia which has been destroyed by two decades of civil war.
“This is the time we must thinks about the Somali people,” he said, adding that the situation in Somalia which has resulted in the loss of lives and the suffering of many Somalis, was totally unacceptable.
The Somalia conflict, President Mills noted, posed a threat to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, and therefore efforts should be enhanced to achieve lasting peace that country.
He assured the parties involved in the implementation of the peace process of Ghana’s commitment to contribute to efforts towards the success of the process, and thanked the AU for appointing former President Rawlings as the AU High Representative to Somalia.
He said the former President has a lot of experience and expressed optimism that his involvement in the peace process would a positive impact.
Somalia is currently governed by a transitional federal government whose term is due to expire in August this year for a new government to be formed pending the success of the implementation of the Djibouti peace deal which is aimed at achieving lasting peace in Somalia.
The two-day conference, among other things aims to finding ways of mobilizing support to strengthen the capacity of government institutions towards the effective implementation of the peace process.
Former President Rawlings, in his address, also called for concerted effort among regional bodies towards the implementation of the peace agreement.
He said the factions in the conflict, also need to demonstrate a lot of commitment to the process.
“The process requires more commitment,” he stressed, adding that the tenets of freedom, reconciliation and inclusiveness should guide the all partners in the actualization of the peace agreement.
Sheikh Sharif Hassan Aden, Speaker of the Parliament of Somalia, for is part, thanked Ghana for the importance it attaches to the peace process, and called for international support to strengthen their governance institutions.
He assured all the partners of the transitional government’s cooperation to ensure the successful achievement of peace in Somalia.
He also prayed for the success of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), saying the people of Somalia were eager to have peace restored to their country.
Dr. Augustine Mahiga, UN Special Representative for Somalia, for his part, commended AMISOM for the work done in Somalia so far, especially to restoration of peace in Mogadishu, and assured the Mission of the UN’s continuous cooperation and support.
By Edmund Mingle
President John Evans Atta Mills yesterday solicited an urgent support from the international community for the peace process in Somalia saying the situation in that country should not be left to deteriorate.
Opening an international conference to discuss the African Union’s role in the implementation of the Djibouti peace process for Somalia in Accra, President Mills, said the failure of the previous 13 peace agreements should not dampen the resolve of the international community and partners.
Rather, he said it should provide the opportunity for all partners to restrategise and enhance the mechanisms for peace in Somalia which has been destroyed by two decades of civil war.
“This is the time we must thinks about the Somali people,” he said, adding that the situation in Somalia which has resulted in the loss of lives and the suffering of many Somalis, was totally unacceptable.
The Somalia conflict, President Mills noted, posed a threat to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, and therefore efforts should be enhanced to achieve lasting peace that country.
He assured the parties involved in the implementation of the peace process of Ghana’s commitment to contribute to efforts towards the success of the process, and thanked the AU for appointing former President Rawlings as the AU High Representative to Somalia.
He said the former President has a lot of experience and expressed optimism that his involvement in the peace process would a positive impact.
Somalia is currently governed by a transitional federal government whose term is due to expire in August this year for a new government to be formed pending the success of the implementation of the Djibouti peace deal which is aimed at achieving lasting peace in Somalia.
The two-day conference, among other things aims to finding ways of mobilizing support to strengthen the capacity of government institutions towards the effective implementation of the peace process.
Former President Rawlings, in his address, also called for concerted effort among regional bodies towards the implementation of the peace agreement.
He said the factions in the conflict, also need to demonstrate a lot of commitment to the process.
“The process requires more commitment,” he stressed, adding that the tenets of freedom, reconciliation and inclusiveness should guide the all partners in the actualization of the peace agreement.
Sheikh Sharif Hassan Aden, Speaker of the Parliament of Somalia, for is part, thanked Ghana for the importance it attaches to the peace process, and called for international support to strengthen their governance institutions.
He assured all the partners of the transitional government’s cooperation to ensure the successful achievement of peace in Somalia.
He also prayed for the success of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), saying the people of Somalia were eager to have peace restored to their country.
Dr. Augustine Mahiga, UN Special Representative for Somalia, for his part, commended AMISOM for the work done in Somalia so far, especially to restoration of peace in Mogadishu, and assured the Mission of the UN’s continuous cooperation and support.
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