Veep allays fears of investor community

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

By Edmund Mingle

The Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur yesterday allayed the fears of the investor community about the current political situation in the country, following the opposition’s legal challenge over the election results, saying investor need not worry.

The Vice President in a pose with Trudy Kernighan(second from left)
 and other officials from the Canadian High Commission

“Our election is not in dispute,” he said.

He said there was no need to harbour any fear of uncertainty because the business of government will continue to run in spite of the legal battle, which he was optimistic would end in favour of the government.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur gave the assurance to the investor community during a courtesy call on him by the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Trudy Kernighan at the Flagstaff House in Accra.

According to him, the government does not expect the legal challenge to change anything because the President rightly won the elections.

“We are optimistic it would end in our favour, and for the Court to confirm that the President really won,” he said.

The opposition New Patriotic Party which lost the elections is challenging the results at the Supreme Court, claiming the election was rigged for President Mahama. But the government believes it is an exercise in futility since the claims are false.

 Analysts believe the case could have a negative effect of the economy because of the uncertainty it could create among investors.

 But the Vice President indicates that there is no cause for worry.  He therefore, urged businesses to take advantage of the congenial economic climate to increase their investments in the country, since Ghana’s economic prospects continue to improve.

“Ghana is moving on,” he said, and urged the business players to join the economic progress by exploiting business opportunities.

He urged the present and prospective investors, both within and abroad, not to be discouraged by the court case, and rather be inspired by the country’s positive economic and democratic credentials.

Touching on Ghana’s relations with Canada, the Vice President lauded the continued development assistance from that country in support of Ghana progress.

He cited development interventions supported by the Canadian government through the Canadian International Development Agency(CIDA) in various sectors of the Ghanaian economy, and described the assistance as exemplary.

The Vice President also commended the government of Canada for directing investments to Ghana, and gave the assurance that measures have been instituted to sustain the stability of the economy for the benefits of businesses.

He informed the High Commissioner that the government was aiming at encouraging investors to shift from portfolio investment to direct investment, believing that such a move would help to increase production and generate more jobs for Ghanaians.

Madam Kernighan, for her part, was happy about the strong bilateral ties between the two countries, saying the government of Canada remained committed to its friendship with Ghana because of the benefits that have accrued for their people over the years.

She said because of the growing economic partnership, the government of Canada continued to expand its assistance programme for Ghana, saying the Canada has over the years supported interventions in the areas of education, health, mining, water and business growth.

She announced the impending visit of the Canadian Minister of Trade to Ghana as part of Canada’s efforts to explore emerging opportunities from its economic partnership with Ghana. 

UN agencies must co-ordinate effectively---Veep

Vice President Amissah-Arthur addressing the UN
agency heads, with Ruby Sandhu-Rojon (left), the UN Resident Coordinator

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

By Edmund Mingle
Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has advocated effective coordination between the various agencies of the United Nations in Ghana and the government so as to achieve the desired results of development projects.

He believed  that improved co-ordination between the government and the 26 UN agencies would help to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure efficiency in the implementation of initiatives.

Addressing the Heads of the UN agencies in Ghana at a meeting at the Flagstaff House in Accra yesterday, the Vice President lauded the partnership and collaboration between the government and the agencies, but noted that there was room for improvement.

The meeting was to discuss challenges affecting the work of the UN agencies in the country and to identify ways of enhancing their collaboration with government for the benefit of Ghanaians.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur thanked the UN agencies for their contribution and support offered within the UN’s Development Framework for Ghana, saying the  various initiatives being pursued by the agencies have been very helpful to Ghana.

He assured them of government’s continued commitment to its partnership with the UN, and expressed optimism that the challenges facing the agencies would be adequately addressed.

Ruby Sandhu-Rojon, the UN Resident Coordinator, who led the UN team, said the agencies provide a collective capacity of expertise to support the government in resolving development challenges.

She noted that the UN agencies have been working with the government to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and was happy that the country was making significant strides in achieving a number of the goals in the areas of poverty reduction, food security, health, maternal mortality, education, nutrition, and sanitation.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur (midle) in a group picture with the UN
agency Heads after their meeting. 

“We are looking at how to work together with government to make a difference,” she said.

The Resident Coordinator also assured the government of continued assistance and cooperation, indicating that the welfare of the citizenry was of paramount interest to the UN agencies.

“You can count on us,” she assured.

France lauds Ghana's progress

Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur

Thursday, January 24, 2013

By Edmund Mingle
The government of France has lauded the economic and democratic progress made by Ghana, and said it is very confident of the development prospects in Ghana.

In that regard, that country has assured the government of its cooperation in helping to achieve growth targets.

“We do think that Ghana is on a very good track,” said Frederick Clavier, French Ambassador to Ghana during a call on Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur at the Flafstaff House in Accra.
The Ambassador, who conveyed the French government’s happiness about Ghana’s recent successful elections, also noted that his government was prepared to increase French investments in Ghana due to the congenial business atmosphere.

In furtherance of that, he announced that a group of 150 French investors would soon be in Ghana to explore opportunities for increased investment.

He congratulated the President and his government for taking office, indicating that France was prepared to work together with the new government.

He trusted that they would institute the necessary measures to sustain and improve on the economic gains.

On the political front, he said the government of France considered Ghana as a very critical contributor to peace in Africa, and promised active cooperation for improved democracy and peace in countries such as Mali and Cote d’Ivoire.

“We intend to open joint efforts to share ideas towards achieving peace in Mali,” he said.
In addition, he said “France has decided to upgrade its relations with Ghana,” and that Ghana could be assured of its continued support.

In that regard, the Ambassador extended the French government’s invitation to President Mahama to visit that country.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur, responding, thanked the government of France for the development assistance and cooperation.

He was optimistic that bilateral cooperation between the two nations would be expanded to yield more dividends, saying emerging areas of mutual interest would have to be considered.

With regard to the intention to increase French investments in Ghana, he welcomed the move and assured that the government would continue to create a stable economic climate so as to secure the confidence of investors.

“We are confident of the prospects, and we know Ghanaians and our friends like France are behind us,” he said.

Ghana, he said was committed to bilateral relations with France, saying the government was prepared to collaborate in resolving issues emerging from countries such as Mali and Cote d’Ivoire which are also of interest France.
END

Govt. promises to solve soldiers' housing challenges

                                                                                       Monday, January 28, 2013

Soldiers from GAF's special forces unit on parade

By Edmund Mingle & Agnes Opoku Sarpong

The Vice President, Kwesi Amissah Arthur has assured the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) of government’s commitment to deal comprehensively with challenges of accommodation for soldiers.

He said the government acknowledged that in spite of efforts made to address the problem, there were still challenges in the provision of quality accommodation for military personnel.

“This year, the issue of accommodation will be given full attention,” he assured.

Addressing personnel of GAF at this year’s WASSA celebration at Burma Camp in Accra on Friday, Vice President Amissah-Arthur also indicated that emerging challenges regarding the provision of equipment for enhance operations, would be equally addressed.

He commended the personnel of the GAF for their contribution to sustained peace and security in the country, and asked them to be proud of their successful operations in the past year.

“The improved equipment and training available to the Armed Forces paid a significant dividend. You guaranteed us a stable national environment, creating a congenial atmosphere for national peace and development,” he told the soldiers.

In addition, he siiad their effort in international peace support operations continue to give Ghana a very positive image.

He also cited the GAF’s cooperation with the Police in last month’s elections, and the daily joint anti-armed robbery operation, as well as their swift response to disasters relief activities, saying their contributions during 2012 were highly commendable.

“Without your active presence in conflict area, the security situation would certainly have been worse,” he added.

The Vice President also lauded the improved cooperation and understanding between the GAF and the civilian public, but noted that there was room for improvement.

He assured the GAF High Command of government’s continued support and cooperation to enable them to continue delivering on its mandate, and reminded the personnel of the need to remain professional.

Commodore Geoffrey Mawuli Biekro, Chief of Staff at General Headquarters of GAF, in his welcome address, pledged GAF’s renewed commitment to protect the peace being enjoyed by Ghanaians.

“We are ready to put our lives on the line for the people of this country to have peace,” he assured.

He also promised that the military would deliver on its mandate for the meaning development of the nation.

As part of the celebration, two civilian workers-Jonathan Nartey and Vide Adu- who were adjudged best workers for 2012, were awarded.

Also Major Elikem Fiamavle, who won a French essay competition initiated by the Chief of Defence Staff, was honoured.

The essay competition is to encourage the learning of the French by the personnel so that they could easily communication with their counterparts from Francophone countries during international operations.

END

Martey-Newman expresses gratitude

Mr. Martey-Newman(left) receiving a parting gift from the Press Corps

Monday, January 21, 2013 

By Edmund Mingle

John Henry Martey-Newman, the immediate past Chief of Staff at the Presidency has expressed appreciation to the members of the ruling government for the support offered him during his tenure.

 He said the cooperation from the members and other stakeholders contributed significantly to the successful implementation of the better Ghana agenda.

 In addition, he particularly thanked the members of the Presidential Press Corps for actively playing their role in providing the Presidency the platform to communicate with the pubic and also keeping the government accountable to the Ghanaians.

Interacting with a cross section of the members of the Presidential Press Corps who called on him to bid him farewell as he prepares to hand over to the new Chief of Staff, Mr. Martey-Newman said he was very happy to have had the opportunity to serve in that capacity.

He was happy that he had been able to contribute his quota to the better Ghana agenda, but noted that he was able to perform due to the support he enjoyed from all stakeholders.

“I appreciate the support,” he said, and called for similar support for his successor, Prosper Douglas Kweku Bani.

Responding to commendation for good job done by the members of the Press Corps, Mr. Martey-Newman, who was appointed by the late President Mills, thanked God for being his helper.

He reminded people of the need to serve the nation with dedication, loyalty and commitment, saying that was the only for all to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Mr. Martey-Newman urged the media to continue be supportive of the national development agenda, describing the media is critical partners in nation building.

For his part, Samuel Ablordepey, the spokesman for the delegation, thanked the outgoing Chief of Staff for being supportive of the work of the Corps.

He lauded his contribution towards the successes chalked by the Mills-Mahama administration, saying the members of Corps admired him for the hardwork, dedication and discipline.

“The Press Corps wishes you well, and we pray to God to continue to bless and guide you,” he said.

END

President Mahama nominates more Ministers

President John Mahama

In accordance with article 78 of the 1992 Constitution, His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, has nominated the following as Ministers of State designate:

1. Dr. Henry Seidu Daannaa, Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs.
2. Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi, Ministry of the Interior.
3. Hon. Mark Woyongo, Ministry of Defence.
4. Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Ministry of Trade and Industry.
5. Hon. Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.
6. Mr. Nayon Bilijo, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.
7. Hon. Alhassan Azong, Minister of State at the Presidency.
8. Hon Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed, Minister of State at the Presidency.
9. Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, Minister of State at the Presidency.
10. Hon. Fifi Kwetey, Minister of State at the Presidency.
11. Alhaji Limuna Mohammed Muniru, Minister of State at the Presidency.
12. Hon. Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe Ghansah, as Minister of State at the Presidency.
Meanwhile the President has also appointed Mr. P.V. Obeng as a Senior Presidential Adviser at the Presidency.

The following persons have also been designated by the President to Coordinate the implementation of presidential priority projects relating to: the construction of 200 Senior High Schools, 10 Teacher Training Colleges and 1 Public University in the Eastern Region; the Development of ultra modern Regional and Specialist Hospitals; and the development of new International and Regional Airports:
1. Hon. E. T. Mensah.
2. Hon. Alban Bagbin.
3. Hon. Cletus Avoka.
Finally, the President has appointed Ms. Mawuena Dumor Trebah as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre.

Ghana extradites Ble Goude

Sunday, January 20, 2013

By Edmund Mingle

The government has extradited Charles Ble Goude, the fugitive Ivorian youth leader, after his arrest in the country last Thursday.

Ble Goude, who was being sought by his country and the International Criminal Court to answer war crime charges in connection with the electoral violence in Cote d’Ivoire, was sent back to his country on Friday, barely 24 hours after his capture.

Sources at National Security confirmed to the Times that the suspect, who has been in hiding since April 2011, was duly handed over to Ivorian security, and was currently in custody.

The swift extradition surprised his lawyers who were said to be preparing to launch a legal fight against the extraction.

He is the second high-profile Ivorian close to former president Gbagbo to be arrested in Ghana after Justin Kone Katinan, who has been fighting his extradition to Cote d’Ivoire in a Magistrate Court in Accra, since his arrest last year.

Ble Goude, who fled Cote d’Ivoire across its eastern border into Ghana after President Gbagbo, is said to been implicated in human rights crimes during the fighting between supporters of Gbagbo and President Alassane Ouattara, during the disputed elections.

He was apprehended in Ghana during a joint police operation between Ghana and Ivory Coast last Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Ivorian government has explained in a statement that Ble Goude was currently being held in Ivory Coast by Ivorian police authorities in the framework of judicial proceedings already launched against him in Ivory Coast.

He is being accused of running a militia which masterminded the killings of hundreds of people during the civil war resulting from the election dispute in 2010.

But Mr. Ble Goude denies the accusations, claiming that as leader of the Young Patriots group, a political youth wing, he had only organised rallies and meetings, but never run a militia.

In 2006, Mr. Ble Goude was first put under UN sanctions after he was accused of inciting attacks against UN personnel.

Meanwhile, Huma Right Watch has described Ble Goude’s arrest as a significant opportunity to continue the process of accountability for victims of the crises in Cote d’Ivoire.

In a statement, Corinne Dufka, Senior West Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch, also commended Ghana for the action.

“Ble Goude arrest shows that Ghanaian authorities are taking steps to ensure the country will not be used as a safe haven from justice,” Dufka said.

He said Ghanaian authorities now needed to accord Ble Goude his full rights, including ensuring that there was no credible risk of inhuman treatment or torture if they extradited him to Cote d’Ivoire.

END

Ivorian fugitive Charles Ble Goude arrested in Ghana

Friday, January 18, 2013
By Edmund Mingle 
Charles Ble Goude, the fugitive Ivorian youth leader, has been reportedly arrested here in Ghana.

Mr. Ble Goude, a Youth Minister under former President Laurent Gbagbo, has been on the run from his country, which issued an arrest warrant for him.

He was being sought to answer charges in connection with violence linked to Cote d’Ivoire’s disputed presidential election two years ago, which left hundreds dead.

Mr. Ble Goude was implicated by Human Rights Watch in grave crimes committed during the violence linked to the electoral dispute in late 2010 and early 2011, between former President Gbagbo and the current leader, Alassane Ouattara.

It is believed that he is being held at the Bureau of National Investigations, but officials of both the bureau and National Security are tight-lipped over the arrest.

The whereabouts of Mr. Ble Goude was unknown at the time of going to press, but his Netherlands-based lawyer, Nick Kaufman, was reported by the Associated Press (AP) as having been in contact with Ghanaian officials, seeking the legal grounds for the arrest.

Mr. Ble Goude, who was a former leader of the Young Patriots group, an influential youth organization linked to former President Gbagbo, was put under UN sanctions in 2006, accused of inciting attacks against UN personnel, but he denied the claims.

He went into hiding, after the capture in April 2011, of ex-President Gbagbo, who had refused to accept electoral defeat and now faces war crimes charges at The Hague.

Some time before his arrest, Mr. Ble Goude told the BBC from his hiding place outside that he was not running from justice, but from people who were after his life.
"I'm not running from justice... people are looking to kill me," he said.

Known for his vitriolic speeches, Mr Ble Goude is alleged to have mobilised thousands of young men to join the army in the final days of the election dispute.

But he told the BBC that, as head of the Young Patriots group, he only organised rallies and meetings and never ran a militia.

"I am not chief of militia - I've never bought weapons; we went to the streets against those who had weapons, we were bare handed," he said.

He said he was ready to go to the International Criminal Court in The Hague if that was what it would take to clear his name.

Mr. Ble Goude said he was prepared to go home on a number of conditions.

“I want all the prisoners to be freed; I want all those people in exile to come back home with their dignity."

He said there would never be peace in the Cote d’Ivoire unless the different sides of the political divide learnt to live together.

Earlier this month, the Ivorian authorities said they had foiled a plot to overthrow the government organised by pro-Gbagbo supporters who were linked to cross-border raids from Liberia.