Thursday, August 18, 2011
By Edmund Mingle
The governments of Ghana and Botswana yesterday agreed to re-activate their Joint Commission for Cooperation to advance economic partnership between the two nations.
The move was among a number of decisions taken during talks between President John Evans Atta Mills and Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of Botswana, at the Castle in Accra.
President Khama was in Ghana yesterday for a day’s State visit that aimed at strengthening Botswana’s ties with Ghana.
After discussing a wide range of bilateral issues, both Presidents affirmed their commitment to contribute to increased trade and partnership between both countries, which have been adjudged at among the fastest growing economies in the world.
They both agreed that there was a lot their nations could do together, and believe the reactivation of the Commission would create the necessary platform for a more beneficial economic cooperation.
Addressing journalist after their meeting which focused on collaboration in the areas of trade, agriculture, education, democracy and health service delivery, the two leaders gave the assurance their they would not allow the geographical gap between their nations to hinder effective economic cooperation.
President Mills noted that Ghana and Botswana had common development challenges, and that it was critical that they worked together to find common solutions.
“Our friendship should inure to the benefit of our people,” he said.
Reiterating his call for more intra-Africa trade, President Mills noted that Africa has enough resources which “we should work together to explore to the benefit of our people.”
Describing their discussions as a” useful one,” President Mills expressed appreciation for the visit by his counterpart, saying “we cherish our friendship with your country.”
President Khama, for his part, thanked Ghana for accepting to collaborate more with his country, and expressed his government’s commitment to the bilateral relationship.
He lauded Ghana’s economic and democratic progress, saying Botswana continued to draw lessons from Ghana.
President Kham expressed appreciation for the warm reception, and invited President Mill for a visit to his country.
Botswana was about three years ago adjudged the best fastest growing economy in Africa, and Ghana was recently adjudged the fastest growing economy in the world.
Botswana, with a population of about two million people, is one of Africa's most stable countries, and the continent's longest continuous multi-party democracy. It is relatively free of corruption and has a good human rights record.
It is also the world's largest producer of diamonds and that trade has transformed it into a middle-income nation.
END
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Lonrho partners Ghana for oil services port project
Thursday, August 18, 2011
By Edmund Mingle
The government and Lonrho Plc, a multi-national firm have initiated a partnership move which is expected to lead to the construction of an oil services port to provide services to vessels that participate in the nation’s emerging oil industry.
The port is deemed to be critical to the industry since its availability would ensure that oil vessels that visit Ghana’s Jubilee fields secured efficient and timely maintenance services so as to avoid accidents.
In that regard, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on Tuesday between the government and Lonrho for a feasibility study for the project.
Alhaji Collins Dauda, Minister for Transport signed for the government, while Geoffrey White, Chief Executive of Lonrho initialled for his firm which has a vast experience in building of such ports to offer support services in the oil industry.
After the feasibility study which will to take about a year, the two parties would be expected to enter either a public-private partnership or joint venture agreement for the construction of the port.
The government would be required to provide the land area while Lonrho would handle the financial arrangements for the proposed project that would be situated close to the Jubilee field.
“This oil service port is vital for the effective operations in the country’s oil industry,” the Minister said, adding that the port would be dedicated solely to oil vessels.
“This will surely add value to the oil industry,” he stressed. For Lonrho, Mr. White is optimistic that the intended project, which he described as a one-stop-shop for shipyard services, would help the oil industry to contribute more towards advancing the national economy.
“Lonrho's strategy of investing in infrastructure can assist regional development, while adding shareholder value,” he said.
The firm, he said would draw strength from the its experience in other oil producing countries, particularly Equatorial Guinea where it built one of the largest oil service ports in the world, to execute the project in Ghana.
Built by Lonrho Plc, the Luba Freeport in Equatorial Guinea is a logistics centre for the burgeoning oil and gas industries in the Gulf of Guinea. It is a natural deepwater port situated in a large secluded bay providing depths of up to 45 metres on the southern side of Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea.
The Luba port is a joint venture between Government (37 per cent) and Lonrho Plc (63 per cent) and managed by Lonrho. Significantly, Luba is surrounded by open land, and that allows it to have room for expansion, in contrast to most African ports which are seriously congested, “city locked” and have no further land available to cope with the expanding African oil market.
END
Ghana Consolidated Diamonds bounces back
Thursday August, 18, 2011
By Edmund Mingle
The Management of the Great Consolidated Diamonds Ghana Limited (GCDGL) the company that won the bid to take over the affairs of Ghana Consolidated Diamonds (GCD) Limited at Akwatia in the Eastern region, says it is to deliver on its promise of revamping the company for the benefit of the nation.
According to the management, it is adequately prepared to operationalize its multi-dimensional strategy to revive the fortunes of the company which was once the main economic pillar in the region.
“We are ready for the task”, the management said.
GCDGL, will on August 23, officially commence mining operations after winning the take-over bid in which over 18 mining firms contested. GCD went under in 2007, leaving over 800 workers jobless.
The planned revival of the nation's only large scale diamond mine, it is in government’s ambition to revamp the diamond industry to contribute to the nation’s economic growth and advancement.
Describing the bidding for the collapsed company as a challenging venture, the management indicated in a statement, however noted that the outcome demonstrates the government’s confidence in Ghanaian firms to deliver when given the opportunity.
“We will endeavour to deliver on the trust imposed in us to justify the support being given to local firms to participate in the mining industry,” it said.
Apart from the main operations, he said the company has developed a comprehensive plan to ensure that sustainable employment was provided for the host communities.
Like many West African countries, Ghana has diamond resources, but it has yet to become a major producer. In 2009 the country produced 376,371 carats of rough diamonds with a total value of just under $7 million, representing a major decline in diamond production volumes in the country.
The traditional leaders of Akwatia and its surrounding areas have welcomed the new company, describing the commencement of operations as a lease of life for the area.
In a joint statement, the chiefs hoped the restart of operations of the mine would help in saving the local economy from total collapse.
“Ever since Ghana Consolidated Diamond (GCD) Limited closed down its operation in August, leading to the severance of almost a thousand workers, who, while in employment, kept the small town of Akwatia alive and functional the township of Akwatia is steadily and gradually becoming a ghost town hanging on critical life support in need of an urgent new lease of life.
“It is our prayer that the youth and people of Akwatia and the entire country will take advantage of the commencement of the operations of GCDGL to offers the opportunity related; direct and indirect services in other to contribute to socio economic development of the communities in particular and the country in general
END
By Edmund Mingle
The Management of the Great Consolidated Diamonds Ghana Limited (GCDGL) the company that won the bid to take over the affairs of Ghana Consolidated Diamonds (GCD) Limited at Akwatia in the Eastern region, says it is to deliver on its promise of revamping the company for the benefit of the nation.
According to the management, it is adequately prepared to operationalize its multi-dimensional strategy to revive the fortunes of the company which was once the main economic pillar in the region.
“We are ready for the task”, the management said.
GCDGL, will on August 23, officially commence mining operations after winning the take-over bid in which over 18 mining firms contested. GCD went under in 2007, leaving over 800 workers jobless.
The planned revival of the nation's only large scale diamond mine, it is in government’s ambition to revamp the diamond industry to contribute to the nation’s economic growth and advancement.
Describing the bidding for the collapsed company as a challenging venture, the management indicated in a statement, however noted that the outcome demonstrates the government’s confidence in Ghanaian firms to deliver when given the opportunity.
“We will endeavour to deliver on the trust imposed in us to justify the support being given to local firms to participate in the mining industry,” it said.
Apart from the main operations, he said the company has developed a comprehensive plan to ensure that sustainable employment was provided for the host communities.
Like many West African countries, Ghana has diamond resources, but it has yet to become a major producer. In 2009 the country produced 376,371 carats of rough diamonds with a total value of just under $7 million, representing a major decline in diamond production volumes in the country.
The traditional leaders of Akwatia and its surrounding areas have welcomed the new company, describing the commencement of operations as a lease of life for the area.
In a joint statement, the chiefs hoped the restart of operations of the mine would help in saving the local economy from total collapse.
“Ever since Ghana Consolidated Diamond (GCD) Limited closed down its operation in August, leading to the severance of almost a thousand workers, who, while in employment, kept the small town of Akwatia alive and functional the township of Akwatia is steadily and gradually becoming a ghost town hanging on critical life support in need of an urgent new lease of life.
“It is our prayer that the youth and people of Akwatia and the entire country will take advantage of the commencement of the operations of GCDGL to offers the opportunity related; direct and indirect services in other to contribute to socio economic development of the communities in particular and the country in general
END
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Eckankar holds international seminar in Ghana
Monday, August 1, 2011.
By Edmund Mingle
Eckankar Ghana, is set to hold its international seminar in Accra in which more than 6000 members from across the globe are expected to attend.
Described as a soul searching gathering, the prestigious event, slated for August 5 to 7, has the theme, “waking up to the call of soul.”
It’s the biggest event on the Calender of Eckankar, the religion of light and sound which are the manifestations of the voice of God.
The rotational event among Eckankar member countries in Africa, and held in Ghana every eight years, provides the platform to share knowledge towards experiencing the love of God.
Held annually, the topics for the seminar are aimed at rejuvenating belief in the religion and helping participants to face the challenges of life more confidently.
Dr. Samuel Dufu, Regional Representative of the Spiritual Head of Eckankar, briefing journalists on the upcoming event, said they have prepared adequately for the international seminar.
He said the new 6000 capacity Temple is ready while other facilities such as accommodation have been arranged for to ensure the success of the event.
He said apart from Eckankar members, “all others are invited to come and listen to the speakers and experience the love of God.”
On the benefits of the seminar, he explained that the speakers would aid the participants to find keys to happier life and to strengthen their spiritual consciousness with God.
Touching on the perception that Eckankar is a form of occult, Dr. Dufu said that perception was very unfortunate because Eckankar is just like any church in Ghana.
“We are not occult,” he said, adding that “we believe in God as the Almighty and creator of the earth and giver of life.”
The only difference is that Eckankar is a religion of light and sound which are manifestation of God’s voice that guides his people through life.
Eckanker, he said teaches people to have an interrogative mind about life to enable them to discover who they really are so as to aspire to higher creativity.
“We help you to unlock your true potential with the spiritual laws of life,” he said, adding that through spiritual consciousness, one can hear and rely on the voice of God for guidance in life.
He challenged all those who have negative perception about the church to visit them and verify the claims for themselves.
“we stand for the truth, and the truth is the link that connect are religions,” he stressed.
By Edmund Mingle
Eckankar Ghana, is set to hold its international seminar in Accra in which more than 6000 members from across the globe are expected to attend.
Described as a soul searching gathering, the prestigious event, slated for August 5 to 7, has the theme, “waking up to the call of soul.”
It’s the biggest event on the Calender of Eckankar, the religion of light and sound which are the manifestations of the voice of God.
The rotational event among Eckankar member countries in Africa, and held in Ghana every eight years, provides the platform to share knowledge towards experiencing the love of God.
Held annually, the topics for the seminar are aimed at rejuvenating belief in the religion and helping participants to face the challenges of life more confidently.
Dr. Samuel Dufu, Regional Representative of the Spiritual Head of Eckankar, briefing journalists on the upcoming event, said they have prepared adequately for the international seminar.
He said the new 6000 capacity Temple is ready while other facilities such as accommodation have been arranged for to ensure the success of the event.
He said apart from Eckankar members, “all others are invited to come and listen to the speakers and experience the love of God.”
On the benefits of the seminar, he explained that the speakers would aid the participants to find keys to happier life and to strengthen their spiritual consciousness with God.
Touching on the perception that Eckankar is a form of occult, Dr. Dufu said that perception was very unfortunate because Eckankar is just like any church in Ghana.
“We are not occult,” he said, adding that “we believe in God as the Almighty and creator of the earth and giver of life.”
The only difference is that Eckankar is a religion of light and sound which are manifestation of God’s voice that guides his people through life.
Eckanker, he said teaches people to have an interrogative mind about life to enable them to discover who they really are so as to aspire to higher creativity.
“We help you to unlock your true potential with the spiritual laws of life,” he said, adding that through spiritual consciousness, one can hear and rely on the voice of God for guidance in life.
He challenged all those who have negative perception about the church to visit them and verify the claims for themselves.
“we stand for the truth, and the truth is the link that connect are religions,” he stressed.
Ga Mantse opens defence
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
From Edmund Mingle, Dodowa.
Dr Joe Blankson has opened his defence in the longstanding Ga Paramount Stool dispute pending before the Judicial Committee of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs at Dodowa in which a number of people are challenging his purported installation as Ga Mantse.
On Friday, when the committee resumed hearing, the first defence witness Nii Kwei Ashalley Agbafiotse from Bortianor told the panel that Dr Blankson was rightly nominated and installed as Ga Mantse.
Willie Amarfio, lead counsel for Dr Blankson who led the witness in evidence announced that he was the only one they intended “to bring the matter to a close.”
According to Nii Ashalley, who spoke through an interpreter, there are only three ruling houses in Ga Mashie, namely; Tackie Kome We, Amugi We and Teiko Tsuru We.
Explaining the process for the installation of a Ga Mantse, Nii Ashalley said his traditional cloth; representing the mantle of his authority is sent to the ruling house whose turn it is to ascend the throne.
He said the head of that family is informed by the stool elders about the passing away of the Ga Mantse and requested to nominate a candidate from that house to replace him.
In the case of Dr Blankson, he said he was chosen by the head of Teiko Tsuru We, because the family of his predecessor, Nii Amugi, sent the cloth to Teiko Tsuru We after his death in December, 2004.
Witness said when Dr Blankson was nominated by his family head, two others, whose names he did not mention, also announced the claim to the stool.
Therefore, he said a vetting committee, of which he was a member, was set up to select one person among the three claimants.
After the vetting process, Dr Blankson was declared as the most qualified for the position.
Nii Ashalley said he could not recall the contests of the committee’s report nor the exact date for its work because it happened five years ago.
He could also not identify a document showed to him by Mr Amarfio, which is said to be a copy of the committee’s report, saying he is illiterate.
Touching on the authority of Nii Owula Kpakpa Blofonyo, Asare Akwashongtse and Ga State Akwashong Mantse, (Chief Warrior), who filed the main suit against Dr Blankson Nii Ashalley said the office of the Akwashong Mantse, does not exist.
He said the office was abolished since the colonial era and, therefore, Nii Blofonyo had no capacity to sue.
He agreed to a suggestion by counsel that because the office of Akwashongtse is not recognised, there was no need for him to be involved in the installation of Dr Blankson.
The four petitions before the committee challenging the nomination and installation of Dr Blankson as the Ga Mantse have been consolidated into a single suit.
Nii Owula Blofonyo filed the petition on April 4, 2006, against Dr Blankson seeking a declaration that his purported installation as Ga Mantse in March 2006 is contrary to Ga custom, and therefore, be null and void.
Joined in that suit are; Nii Akropong III, Head of Teiko Tsuru We and Nuumo Tette, Ga Wulomo (Chief Priest), now deceased.
From Edmund Mingle, Dodowa.
Dr Joe Blankson has opened his defence in the longstanding Ga Paramount Stool dispute pending before the Judicial Committee of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs at Dodowa in which a number of people are challenging his purported installation as Ga Mantse.
On Friday, when the committee resumed hearing, the first defence witness Nii Kwei Ashalley Agbafiotse from Bortianor told the panel that Dr Blankson was rightly nominated and installed as Ga Mantse.
Willie Amarfio, lead counsel for Dr Blankson who led the witness in evidence announced that he was the only one they intended “to bring the matter to a close.”
According to Nii Ashalley, who spoke through an interpreter, there are only three ruling houses in Ga Mashie, namely; Tackie Kome We, Amugi We and Teiko Tsuru We.
Explaining the process for the installation of a Ga Mantse, Nii Ashalley said his traditional cloth; representing the mantle of his authority is sent to the ruling house whose turn it is to ascend the throne.
He said the head of that family is informed by the stool elders about the passing away of the Ga Mantse and requested to nominate a candidate from that house to replace him.
In the case of Dr Blankson, he said he was chosen by the head of Teiko Tsuru We, because the family of his predecessor, Nii Amugi, sent the cloth to Teiko Tsuru We after his death in December, 2004.
Witness said when Dr Blankson was nominated by his family head, two others, whose names he did not mention, also announced the claim to the stool.
Therefore, he said a vetting committee, of which he was a member, was set up to select one person among the three claimants.
After the vetting process, Dr Blankson was declared as the most qualified for the position.
Nii Ashalley said he could not recall the contests of the committee’s report nor the exact date for its work because it happened five years ago.
He could also not identify a document showed to him by Mr Amarfio, which is said to be a copy of the committee’s report, saying he is illiterate.
Touching on the authority of Nii Owula Kpakpa Blofonyo, Asare Akwashongtse and Ga State Akwashong Mantse, (Chief Warrior), who filed the main suit against Dr Blankson Nii Ashalley said the office of the Akwashong Mantse, does not exist.
He said the office was abolished since the colonial era and, therefore, Nii Blofonyo had no capacity to sue.
He agreed to a suggestion by counsel that because the office of Akwashongtse is not recognised, there was no need for him to be involved in the installation of Dr Blankson.
The four petitions before the committee challenging the nomination and installation of Dr Blankson as the Ga Mantse have been consolidated into a single suit.
Nii Owula Blofonyo filed the petition on April 4, 2006, against Dr Blankson seeking a declaration that his purported installation as Ga Mantse in March 2006 is contrary to Ga custom, and therefore, be null and void.
Joined in that suit are; Nii Akropong III, Head of Teiko Tsuru We and Nuumo Tette, Ga Wulomo (Chief Priest), now deceased.
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