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
Thursday, August 18, 2011
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.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Mills wins landside
Monday, July 11, 2011
From Edmund Mingle, Sunyani.
With a landslide victory, President John Evans Atta Mills at the weekend obtained the mandate of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in his bid for a second term in office, promising to help in solving the problems that threaten the progress of the party.
He won the party’s presidential primaries at the party’s Special National Delegates Congress in Sunyani, by 2,771 votes representing 96.9 per cent of to beat his only contender in the historic contest, Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings who had only 90 votes, representing 3.1 per cent.
The win at the peaceful congress makes President Mills the second presidential candidate to be elected for the 2012 elections, after the opposition New Patriotic Party chose its flagbearer last year.
Although massive win demonstrated the enormous support he enjoys among rank and file the party, as against the weaned loyalty for the former President Rawlings and his wife, President Mills said the victory is for the entire party.
“This victory is not for any person. It’s for all of us,” he told the Congress in his victory speech.
According to him, the contest for the flagbearship of the party has helped in revealing the issues that need to be addressed to ensure the progress of the party.
President Mills congratulated Mrs. Rawlings, for putting up “such a good fight which has helped us to come to terms with the issues confronting us,” saying “it is important for us to understand each other.”
“Let us leave here a united party. There should be no bickering, no name calling, no divisive tendencies,” he told the Congress which had the theme, “Unity in diversity for a better Ghana.”
Acknowledging that the real battle was for a win in the general elections, President Mills called for unity of purpose, and promised that he would do his part to ensure that progress of the NDC.
He thanked the delegates for the massive support, pledging that he reciprocate by working hard deliver on the party’s promises to Ghanaians so as to justify the party’s request for its retention in power.
“Your support cannot be taken for granted,” he said.
After the declaration of the results, a rather calm Mrs. Rawlings, demonstrated political maturity when she shook the hands of President Mills to congratulated him, after which his husband and Founder of the Party, former President Rawlings, who strongly supported his wife for the contest, also congratulated the victor, amidst loud cheers from delegates.
As expected, the Coronation Park where the event was held went into frenzy after the results were declared, as the rank and file of the party celebrated the victory, and the success of the congress.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Ivorians thank Ghana
By Edmund Mingle
The Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, has called on President John Evans Atta Mills with a special message of gratitude from the government and people of Cote d’Ivoire for Ghana’s support in resolving the recent political crisis that hit the neighbouring country.
“We are very appreciative of the assistance you offered us,” Prime Minister Soro, told President Mills at the Castle in Accra.
The Prime Minister, who was delighted to be visiting Ghana, said the government of Cote d’Ivoire respected the Ghana’s position in the Ivorian crisis, adding they would continue to cherish Ghana’s contribution to the peace process in that country.
Apart from the message of appreciation, Mr. Soro also delivered an invitation to President Mills requesting him to attend the investiture of the Alhassane Quattara, who is internationally recognized as the President-elect of Cote d’Ivoire, on May 21.
The political crisis which recently hit that country as a result of Laurent Gbagbo, the incumbent President’s refusal to hand over power to Mr. Quattara, calming he won the elections held in November.
But after fierce battle between forces backing the two leaders, the crisis seems to be over with capture of Mr. Gbagbo.
According to Mr. Soro, the invitation to President Mills was based on his immense contribution and support to the resolution of the crisis, as well as Cote d’Ivoire’s return to democracy.
Mr. Soro, who indicated that Ivorians were prepared to put the crisis behind them and forge ahdead in unity, denied speculations that some Ghanaian mercenaries were engaged to fight Mr. Quatttara, saying investigations revealed that Ghanaians were not involved.
He gave the assurance that President Quattara and himself would continue to seek wise counsel from President Mills towards building democracy in their country, and described President Mills as “a man of wisdom.”
In addition, he gave assurance that the government would not maltreat captured President Gbagbo, since they believe maltreating him would jeopardize the country’s drive for peace and reconciliation.
President Mills, for his part, thanked the Ivorian government for the invitation, saying it has been the prayer of Ghanaians that Cote d’Ivoire would return onto the path of peace, democracy and development.
“We are prepared to offer any support to help Cote d’Ivoire to return to normalcy,” he said, adding that because of the closeness of the two nations, “whatever affects you affects us.”
He gave the assurance that all efforts made by Ghana to solve the crisis was out of a genuine concern for the people of Cote d’Ivoire, saying the government was fully aware of its limits of intervention in the crisis.
“It’s not for Ghana to decide who should lead Cote d’Ivoire. That decision is for the people of Cote d’Ivoire,” he said.
He urged the people of that country to put the past behind them and be united for progress, saying it was critical to ensure that the country does not disintegrate any further.
“It’s our hope and prayer that Cote d’Ivoire will get back on her feet as soon as possible,” he said, and wished the government and people of the neighbouring nation all the best.
Victory will be ours---Prez Mills
By Edmund Mingle
Friday, May 5, 2011
President John Evans Atta Mills yesterday kicked started his campaign for Presidential slot of ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) high confidence of victory, as he picked nomination forms.
Promising a clean campaign devoid of insults, acrimony, mudslinging and fabrications, President Mills said he was sure of victory at the party’s July 8 congress, and another victory in the 2012 presidential elections.
“Victory shall be ours,” he told a mammoth crowd of jubilant supporters during a mini rally, which was held at party’s Kuku Hill Campaign office at Osu in Accra, where he launched the campaign, after picking his nomination forms.
“You don’t need to worry because I am going to win by a landslide victory,” he said, attracting thunderous cheers from the thousands of enthusiastic supporters gathered at the event.
According to the President, who was clad on white and waving a white piece of cloth to signify victory, he was confident of victory at the July 8 Congress because of a number of factors. These, he said, included the fact that God is on his side, and the fact that the delegates were very discerning and believes they would make a good choice.
President Mills, whose main contender for the presidential slot is former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, in his usual peaceful character, called for a clean campaign devoid of insults.
“The NDC should come out of this exercise fully united,” he said, adding that all would be needed to work for another electoral victory in 2012.
“Let us learn to cooperate with one another,” he said, adding that “the contest is not about who can hurl insults the fastest at others, but who can lift the people out of the quagmire of poverty,” he stressed.
According to him, winning was not the end of the road, adding that the essence of power was to serve the good people of Ghana by improving their welfare. Overwhelmed by the magnitude of the support, President Mills thanked those at the rally, including Ministers, high ranking members of the party, delegates and supporters, saying their sacrifices and contributions were what have built the party to its present status.
He promised to continue executing the better Ghana Agenda, and assured the supporters that he and his team would not disappoint them.
“You know what I am capable of doing,” he said, assuring that his focus would continue to be how to improve the welfare of Ghanaians.
He asked the delegates preparing for the July 8 congress and the supporters of the party not to be swayed by deceit and lies perpetuated by the opposition.
“We should always strive for the truth,” he advised, and promised that he would show his opponents maximum respect.
“I will always pursue values that will unite us as one people, with a common destiny,” he added.
President Mills reminded people who think they are powerful being should be ware that they are only humans, and that the only powerful one, is God almighty.
As part of the campaign launch, President Mills outdoored his National Campaign Team, which is headed by J.H. Acheampong, a former Majority leader in 1993, as well as Regional campaign teams.
As early as 6am, the teaming supporters, clad in party T-shirts and white head bands, converged at the premises of the party office to give moral support to the President, as picked his form, and followed him to the campaign office, where another massive crowd had gathered.
Some of the supporters wielded placards some of which read, “Mills is Ghana’s savior,” “Atta Mills will deliver cadres,” “No challenger,” “You are the best driver,” We are marching forward,” “Atta, a man of integrity,” and “Double, Double,” “ We trust our driver,” and “Cadres declare Atta Mills for 2012.”
Vice President John Dramani Mahami, who chaired the rally, described President Mills as “a gift from God,” and expressed optimism that the party would show appreciation for the gift by renewing his mandate to lead the party to victory in 2012.
Touching on the implication of the internal party competition on the progress of the party, the Vice President noted that the NDC was at the cross roads.
He said because the party belonged to all members, and not the property of any individual, the future of the party would have to be decided by the larger support base of the party through the delegates who would be attending the July 8 congress.
“It is for all of us to decide whether we should open up the party to accommodate more members for the expansion of the party, or whether we should let it remain a small party that is tied to the apron strings of a few individuals,” he said.
The Vice President John Mahama there was no need to prematurely change the driver of a bus in a middle of a journey.
He said in the past, the party had supported, encouraged, its drivers even when the journey appeared to be difficult, insisting calls for his (Mills) change is unacceptable.
Apparently responding to claims by a member of the Konadu campaign team and MP for Lower Manya Krobo that the NDC vehicle is good but the driver has to be changed before 2012, Vice President Mahama said President Mills is a good driver who would surely drive the party to a successful destination.
He said the driver knows the condition of the vehicle, and so he alone could determine the pace of the vehicle, irrespective of the insults hurled at him by the passengers.
“The driver of the bus should be allowed to drive us safely to our destination,” he adding that a trusted driver is not changed in the middle of a journey for an untested driver.
The rally, which gave an indication of the contest between contenders for the NDC presidential slot, attracted many top members of the NDC, who are thought to be been either groomed by former President Rawlings and allies of the Rawlingses.
Notable among them were Sherry Ayittey, Minister of Environment & Science, and Cecelia Johnson, both leaders of the 31st December Women’s Movement, Mrs. Betty Mould-Iddrisu, Education Minister and E.T. Mensah, Employment Minister.
Govt to resource Electoral Commission
By Edmund Mingle
Saturday, May 7, 2011
President John Evans Atta Mills yesterday, gave a firm assurance that the Electoral Commission will be fully resourced to effectively conduct next year’s general elections in a credible manner.
“The government would ensure that the Electoral Commission is provided with all the necessary tools to be able to conduct a very fair and transparent election in 2012,” he stated, in what is his first public statement on the conduct of next year’s elections.
Addressing the 39th Session of the General Council of the Church of Pentecost in Accra, President Mills also assured the Christian community that the government would promote and protect the electoral process in the interest of the nation.
“As the leader of the NDC and President of Ghana, I pledge that I will not do anything that will destroy this nation, and I pray to God for him to be my helper,” he said.
As partners for development, President Mills also urged the churches in the country, to play their role for peaceful elections, by preaching messages of tolerance.He said there was a need not to take the peace in the country for granted, and urged the Christian community to continue to intercede on behalf of the nation toward the sustenance of peace.
“Violence, acrimony and the use of abusive language will only give us minuses,” he said, and urged Ghanaians to live above petty partisan and parochial considerations.
In addition, he reiterated his appeal to the churches shape the moral consciousness of the nation, indicating that as ambassadors of the gospel, they have a cardinal responsibility to uphold the nation’s moral consciousness.
“There is every indication that if we are motivated by acts and deeds that are pleasing to the Lord, we would not fail,” he said.
He lauded the contributions of the religious bodies to national development, particularly in the areas of educational, health, water supply and humanitarian services, saying the government appreciates their partnership.
President Mills assured them that the better Ghana agenda was on course, and that more measures were being pursued to help in improving the welfare of Ghanaians.
“We do not perfection, but I can confidently say that we are doing our utmost best to build a better Ghana,” he told the General Council Session, which is under the theme, “Being led by the spirit of God.”
He thanked the leadership of the Church of Pentecost for the wise counsel it continues to offer the government, and commended it for the various interventions which have gone a long way to complement government’s efforts in improving the education and health sectors.
“May the good works of the Church of Pentecost continue to touch the hearts of Ghanaians, and may you grow from strength to strength,” he stated.
Apostle Dr. Opoku Onyinah, Chairman of the Church, in his address to officially open the session, gave the assurance that the church, which controls about seven percent of the nation’s population, would continue to partner the government to build a better nation that all Ghanaians yearn.
He commended the government for the many socials interventions it was undertaking for the benefit of Ghanaians and prayed for the success of the government.
In addition, he urged leaders of the nation to allow themselves to be led by the spirit of God, since that was the only way through which meaningful success could be achieved.
He also advised politicians to desist from making inflammatory statement which only incite their followers to act violently, and called for political tolerance.
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