Forum advocates attitudinal change, not constitutional amendment

By Edmund Mingle, Takoradi

Participants at a Western Regional forum on the constitutional review process yesterday agreed that the problem of the 1992 Constitution was of attitudinal rather than interpretation as has been perceived by some Ghanaians.

According to the participants, politicians sometimes interpret some provisions of the constitution to suit their political expediency, and the problem includes mistrust, exclusive governance, nepotism and political polarisation.

A participant making a contribution at the forum

Some participants were of the view that although the constitution did not forbid any government from pursuing an all-inclusive governance, however, the selfish attitude of some Ghanaians have created the winner-takes-all political system, which has become the bane of Ghana’s politics.

The forum, organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), at Takoradi yesterday, aimed at helping the Institute’s Anti Winner-Takes-All (WTA) Advisory Committee to collate views for inputs into the constitutional amendment process.

As one of the series of nationwide consultations, the forum was attended by representatives of political parties, public institutions, civil society groups, traditional and religious leaders, security services, business groups and professional bodies.

Participants also noted that the constitution did not compel a new government to change the heads of public institutions, but the people’s attitude of selfishness, political vendetta and mistrust, has led to the practice becoming a convention.

“No matter how we amend the constitution, these problems would persist if we do not change our attitude,” said a participant, Joseph Kwame Armo, a Counsellor at the Upper Dixcove Traditional Council.

Other contributors believed that Ghana’s democracy has been abused to the extent that democracy has become a threat to the nation’s existence.

They therefore advocated fairness in governance and the interpretation and implementation of the constitution in a manner that would ensure all Ghanaians feel secure.

Participants also expressed worry over the dabbling of chiefs, religious leaders and professors, in partisan politics, describing the trend as a dangerous.

They further bemoaned the situation were politics, which should be a platform to serve, has rather become a lucrative business for some politicians.

Archbishop Palmer-Buckle, Chairman of the WTA Advisory Committee, called for consensus in addressing the problems generated by the Winner-Takes-All system which posed a threat to national cohesion and development.

He said Ghanaians need to collectively agree whether the situation was as a result of “the consitution, its intepretation or the attitude of the people.”  

Sterling Int. Ltd wins Africa Business Award

Sterling International Ltd, Manufacturers of advanced coating systems for the automotive, Industrial and marine industry have received a silver award at the ninth Ghana-Africa Business Awards held in Accra on 30^th May 2014.

Mr. Arun Patil(right) Director of Sterling International Ltd,
receiving the award

The award was in honour of the company’s commitment to quality and the significant contributions it had make to Ghana’s development through trade, investment  and other economic exchanges as captured by New partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) initiative.

Mr. ArunPatil, a Director of the Sterling International, said the company was grateful to the organisers of the award scheme for the honour done it.

He said it would serve as a source of motivation for the company to continue to do its best for its clients and the economy in general.

The Ghana-Africa Business Awards Scheme was instituted under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in collaboration with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana Free Zones Board (GFZB) and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to recognize the contributions of business to the growth and development of the local economy and facilitation of trade between Ghana and counterpart African countries.

This year’s event was graced by some members of the diplomatic community, business executives and political heads.

Mr. ArunPatil (right) Director of Sterling International Ltd, receiving the award from NiiKpobiTetteh

Profile of Dan Abodakpi

Dan Abodakpi for NDC Chairmanship

He has all the attributes needed in a leader to rejuvenate National Democratic Congress.

He is hardworking, highly experienced, knowledgeable, reliable, devoted politician, affable and appeals to the rank and file of the party

It is doubtless that NDC has many credible people, but Ambassador Daniel Kwasi  Abodakpi, one of Ghana’s finest diplomats and astute politicians, stands out as the highly credible to effectively chair the party.

His Vision

He is certain he has the capability to redeem the image of the NDC as the most preferred party in the country, through a rekindling of the spirit of commitment and loyalty and inclusivity for a united party to support government to meet the aspirations of the masses.

With his combined knowledge and vast experience from decades of service in the legislature, diplomatic arena, trade and investment industry and political sphere, Dan Abodakpi, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, is the man to reorganize the party for sustained victory and progress.

His objective to quickly revive the party to secure massive victory at the 2016 elections , and make it the party of choice by reawakening the spirit of loyalty among members, and also attract more members, as well as endear the party to floating voters.

Ambassador Abodokpi, a very decisive and a down-to-earth person, is sure his vast experience would be in handy to steer the affairs of the NDC as the National Chairman.

His successful career has seen his through being a Member of Parliament for Keta for 16 years, Minister of Trade and Industry, Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC) Deputy Secretary for CDRs in 1986, and Ghana’s High Commissioner to Malaysia.

Profile

Daniel Kwasi Abodakpi was born on 27 February 1950.   He had his secondary education at the Takoradi Secondary School.  He continued at the Presbyterian Training College, Akropong for Post Secondary Teacher Training Certificate ‘A’ and thence acquired a Diploma in Science and Education from the Advance Teacher’s Training College in Winneba.  He pursued further studies at various institutions of learning namely :

v Certificate in Leaders in Development : Managing Political and Economic Reform, from Kennedy School of Business (Havard – U.S.A.), June 2001

v Attachment – Universities of Minneapolis and Washington State University, International Visitor Education Programme (Fellow of PHELPS STOKES EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION).

v Attachment – Institute of Social Studies, Moscow – U.S.S.R., 1986

Career Achievement

Prior to his appointment as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ambassador Abodakpi had a long spell in Public Service in Ghana.   Between 1982 and 1986 (during the early years of the 31st December Revolution), Ambassador Abodakpi held various public positions in Ghana including :

v Regional Co-ordinator for the People’s Defence Committee (PDC) and National Defense Committee (NDC) Tema Region in 1982.

v Special Assistant to Political Counselor for Committees for Defense of the Revolution (CDR) (1984 – 1986) with Cabinet status.

Due to his hard work and dedication, Ambassador Abodakpi was appointed Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC) Deputy Secretary for CDRs in 1986, when the post of Political Counsellor was abolished. A position he held until 1991. 

Following, a Ministerial restructuring in 1993, he became the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry. He became the substantive Minister for Trade and Industry from January 1999 to January 2001 before a change of government. Ambassador Abodakpi has also been a Member of Parliament for the Keta Constituency for 16 years from January 1993 to January 2009.

Between 2001 and 2006, he was the Ranking Member in Parliament for Trade, Industry and Tourism.  From 2007 to January 2009 he was the Ranking Member for Employment and Social Welfare. In addition to these appointments, Ambassador Abodakpi served on various Boards and Committees in Ghana including:

Member, Divestiture Implementation Committee (1984 – 2001); Member, Ghana Police Council (1985 – 1987); Member, National Economic Management Team ( 1985 – 2001); Chairman, Ghana Tourist Board (1991 – 2001); Chairman, Ghana Export Promotion Council (1993 – 2001); Member, Board of Directors – Irani Brothers Ghana Ltd.( 1986 – 1993); Co-Chairman, The Trade Investment Programme (1995 – 1999); Chairman, Ghana Freezones Board (1999 – Jan 2001).                                     

At the international level, he was elected the First Vice Chairman of the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva for two consecutive years (1995 to 1997).

Legacy

During his long period in Public Service, Ambassador Abodakpi achieved so much. Among his major achievements, the Ambassador led the introduction and implementation of many initiatives in the trade and social sectors that continue to drive the national economy.

As one of the finest trade and investment experts the nation has had, Ambassador Abodakpi is credited for the:

v Introduction of the Free Zones Programme into Ghana in response to challenge of Trade Liberalization and Globalization with the view to providing appropriate incentive framework for attracting FDI and local investments for job creation and export expansion.

v Introduction the Ghana Trade and Investment Gateway Programme as a comprehensive Trade and Investment facilitation framework aimed at making Ghana the preferred Trade and Investment destination into West Africa.

v Development of the Destination Inspection and Computerised Risk Management in place of Pre-shipment Inspection to romote fast and more transparent port operations and clearance procedures at Ghana’s ports.

v Pioneering the introduction of the Ghana Community Network and Ghana Customs Management systems (GCNET and GCMS) which are unique electronic platforms for managing International trade transactions to maximise customs revenue collections at ports of entry.

v Establishment of the Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF) to help address the problems of cost of credit and credit availability for entrepreneurs involved in Export trade and product development for exports.

v Institution of the National Tourism Award Scheme to motivate practioners in the Tourism Industry.

v Establishment of Ghana’s Diplomatic Mission in Malaysia in pursuit of strong trade and investment ties with ASEAN.

v Construction of infrastructure across country to promote expansion and growth in the traditional kente industry.

v Establishment of Science and Technology Parks in Ghana to towards creating a knowledge economy, as well as mobilizing support for the national industrialization.

Ambassador Abodakpi is married to Mrs. Agnes Carboo-Abodakpi, who are are blessed with children and grandchildren.

Abodapki promises dynamic leadership in NDC as he launches chairmanship bid

By Edmund Mingle

Dan Abodakpi, a former Minister of Trade and Industry yesterday declared his candidature for the chairmanship of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), promising a dynamic leadership to revamp the party.

He also pledged to reconnect the party to its mass base to ensure more inclusiveness in the operations of the party.

Mr. Abodakpi (Left) launching his bid at the
 press conference in Accra

Making the declaration at a news conference in Accra, Mr. Abodakpi, a founding member of the party, said his action was in response to a call to improve save the party from drifting from its core values and mass base.

The conference which was attended by a large number of party supporters and elders, had the theme, “Reconnecting to the mass base and core values of the NDC.”

“The decision of Dan Abodakpi to contest for the position of National Chairman of the NDC is not a personal one; it is a decision borne out of an extensive and deep consultation across the broad spectrum of the Party. 

“The call for the NDC to have a new lease of life, has become a very urgent one; and the call cannot be ignored,” he said.

According to him, his mission was “to reconnect the NDC to its original core values and to its mass base via the strengthening of the structures in accordance with the valued principles of genuine participatory democracy and all-inclusiveness.

“My vision is to provide a new dynamic leadership, the pivot around which the collective energies of the party including the energies of the United Cadres Group, shall revolve,” he said.

He explained that after having played a founding role in giving birth to the NDC, and having also worked and sacrificed alongside many other comrades to build the party and see it through its 22 years of existence, “it will be remiss on my part to ignore the call by the rank and file of the party, to position myself to forcefully engage in a selfless role aimed at walking the party back into the hands of the grassroots.” 

“People suffered to build our much-cherished NDC Party; People have suffered a lot of persecution because of their commitment to building and protecting the NDC; People have lost their lives in the process of building the NDC; and we cannot; and must not allow our dear Party to drift away from its mass base and a huge national appeal,” he stressed.

At 22, he said the NDC has many more years of growth ahead, and it was critical for the party to guard against complacency.

He enjoyed massive support from NDC youth groups

Asked about how confident he was about victory, Mr. Abodakpi, who has held many government positions, said he has the backing of the grassroot members, the cadres and elders of the party who are desirous of the best for the NDC.

Responding to a question about whether his incarceration under the NPP government over alleged crimes of causing financial loss to the state, does not affect the credibility of his bid to chair the NDC, Mr. Abodakpi said that action by the NPP government was as a result of political persecution.

He said that “episode” in his life does not raise credibility question because he was wrongly imprisoned together with his colleagues in the NDC, adding that after his release, he continued as an MP and took up various government positions including being appointed Ghana’s Ambassador to Malaysia.

He explained that what happened to him and his colleagues was a political imprisonment, “otherwise I wouldn’t have been allowed into Parliament after my release.”

According to him, he has forgiving those who persecuted him with the aim of destroying the NDC, saying “vengeance is the Lord’s.”

Mr. Abodakpi becomes the first to officially declare is candidature for the NDC chairmanship post ahead of the party’s October congress.

He is expected to face opposition from the incumbent, Dr. Kwabena Adjei and a Vice Chairman, Kofi Portuphy.

President, NEF Participants Commend Veep

By Edmund Mingle

President Mahama (left) with his Deputy, Vice President Amissah-Arthur

Participants at the just ended National Economic Forum, have lauded the immense contribution and performance of Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, whose contribution they say led to the successful consensus achieved at the forum.

According to them, the exemplary contribution and zeal exhibited by the Vice President to develop practicable solutions to the challenges facing the nation, highly motivated the participants to give off their best.

Many of the participants, particularly those who know the Vice President from a distance, said they were surprised at the performance of the Vice, expressing confidence that the President has a good backing.

The participants’ commendation followed President John Mahama’s public appreciation to his deputy for his immense contribution and commitment towards addressing the challenges confronting the economy.

Closing the forum held at Senchi, near Akosombo in the Eastern region after the adoption of the Senchi Consensus which proffered vital practical solutions to the nation’s economic problems, President Mahama renewed his confidence in the Vice President, saying his contribution to national development and leadership demonstrated at the forum, “is not short of exemplary.”

He was confident that his deputy would continue to lead the Economic Management Team, which he said had been emboldened by the Senchi consensus, to develop the pursue the necessary interventions for economic growth.

Dr. Steve Manteaw, Coordinator of the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), said “he gave a very good account of himself.”

According to him, the Vice President’s workaholic nature, incisive knowledge and high level of openness surprised many, adding that he remain active throughout the three day forum to ensure that the outcome was successful.

“I think that he showed a great deal of commitment and dedication to the whole process. He contributed to the discussions and he was deeply involved.

“I’m not privy to what he does when he is out of the public view, but the fact that the person is not in the public view does not necessarily mean he is not working.

“But I can speak to what I’m privy to and that is the fact that he is a very hard working person, very dedicated and committed and a damn good facilitator,” he said.

Kof Asamoah, Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), said said he was in total agreement with the commendation by the President.

He said he considered the performance the Vice President worth emulating, adding that “his determination to get the work done” remained admirable.

 “He actively co-ordinated the whole thing from the very beginning till the end and sometimes into the late night and it was just appreciable that he was on his feet all through from the planning stages. It was quite commendable and encouraging.”

  
According to political analysts, the performance of the Vice President, who work output was in full glare for all the dozens of participants, corrects the negative impression about him.

According to the analysts, although the Vice President is known workaholic in government cycles, his absence from public view gives an impression that he was not working.

That impression, they said may have fuelled speculations that others were been groomed to take up the NDC running mate position for the 2016 elections.

Atuabo Residents Yearn for Free Port Project

From Edmund Mingle, Atuabo

Residents of Atuabo in the Western region have urged Parliament to expedite action on the Agreement for the establishment of the Atuabo Free Port to offer essential services to the oil industry.

According to the residents of Atuabo and surrounding communities, the project offers a lot of promise for job creation and development of the area, indicating that they are eager to host to project.

During an project assessment tour of the communities by journalists at the weekend, traditional and opinion leaders, traders, Assembly members and youths who were interviewed at random, were happy about the economic and job creation prospects from the project.

The Commercial Agreement for the 650million dollar Atuabo Freeport project is currently before Parliament, and its approval would pave the way for construction works to start for the project that is expected to create more than 2,500 jobs.

Lonrho, a British firm is promoting the project, in which the government has a 45 per cent carried interest although the government would not provide any counterpart funding.

The Report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Finance and Roads & Transport, on the commercial agreement among the government, Lonrho Ports Ghana Limited and Atuabo Freeport Ghana Limited in respect of the Ghana oil and gas Freeport project, was presented to Parliament before the House went on recess last month.

During the media tour of the area, the residents, who were keen on having the project, demonstrated good knowledge about the projects and its expected impact on the economy of the area.

John Quarshie, Assemblyman for Atuabo told journalists on the tour that the residents were very eager to have the project.

According to him, although the Ghana Gas project was also in the area, the establishment of the Freeport holds more promise for the residents since they would be jobs for both skilled and unskilled youths.

“We would be highly disappointed if this project does not come on,” he said.

Currently, he said the community members were mobilising themselves into groups such as traders, caterers, fishmongers and artisans to be able to take advantage of the trade and business opportunities that would fall out of the project.

He acknowledged the bureaucratic challenges that was hindering the start of the project, but expressed optimism that Parliament would approve the project for the benefit of the people of the area and Ghanaians in general.

Obaahemaa Nyanda VI, Queenmother of Asamda, an adjoining community that would host an airstrip which is part of the project, believed the Freeport “project is long overdue.”

She is happy about the company’s plans for skills training for the youth in the community to be able to secure jobs at the port, indicating that that would help in the development of the area.

“We are highly supportive of the project,” she said, adding that they were confident the project would contribute to the speedy transformation of the area.

For his part, James Annor Afful, an opinion leader, said the company has so far dealt reasonably with the community, providing adequate information about the project, and believes it would offer mutual benefit to both the company and the community.

“The Lonhro project is for the good of area and the nation,” he said, adding that a plan has been made to use the technical institutions on the region to train indigenes to be able to secure direct and indirect jobs.

Although the project is yet to begin, Josehp Nyamenle Essien, and opinion leader and former headmaster of Nsein Senior High School at Axim, is praying for contracts from the project.

He was hopeful that contracts for catering, transportation and accommodation could be outsourced to the locals for them to derive the desired benefits.

The presentation of the Agreement to Parliament followed recent approval by Cabinet for the project which is expected to make Atuabo the West African hub for the servicing of vessels, especially those operating in the oil and gas industry.

So far preparatory works, which included feasibility studies, acquisition of land, successful community engagement and Environmental Impact Assessment have been completed for a smooth take off of the project.

Although the free zone project is being fully funded by Lonrho without a sovereign guarantee or counterpart funding from Ghana, the government has a 45 percent interest equity stake in the project while Lornho and its international partners hold the remaining 55 per cent.

In addition, as one of the conditions for Cabinet’s approval, the Port’s Governing Board would be chaired by a nominee of the government, while institutions like the Volta River Authority (VRA), Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA)and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust(SSNIT), have stakes in the project.

According to the Agreement, Ghana’s 45 per cent interest consists of 10 per cent carried interest for government and 35 per cent share to be owned by Ghanaian institutions including VRA, GPHA and SSNIT.

In addition, Lonrho would build a Naval base, forwarding bay and barracks at no cost to the government.

Services to be provided by the Freeport to the oil and gas industry include the development of logistics supply bases, offshore fabrications, rig and ship repairs, modification, maintenance and life support operations.

The Atuabo Freeport Complex, which would be operated in collaboration with the Ghana Port and Harbours Authority and other relevant agencies, would provide support services for the offshore oil and gas developments in Ghana as well as providing the infrastructure for companies wishing to offer services to their other Oil and Gas clients in the region.

It supports the government’s Medium Term National Development Policy Framework dubbed “Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda 2011-2013” which calls for spatial planning to encourage developments that bridge the spatial divide between the traditional economic growth points to other locations around the country and relieve the perpetual problem of congestion of the Ports in Ghana. 

The project begun August 2011 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Lonrho and the government for feasibility studies, which was funded by the former.

Lonrho currently operates in 18 African countries in the fields of infrastructure development, transport, agribusiness, hospitality industry and support services.

GPHA Workers' Union Declares Support For Atuabo Free Port Project

Mr. Isaac Klu ( in smock) addressing the press

By Edmund Mingle, Tarkoradi

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) Workers Union yesterday (Wednesday May 14) declared its support for the Atuabo Free Port project in the Western region, saying the project holds a lot of promise for the country.

According to the workers, although they had initial concerns about the project, they were prepared to support it.

A resolution passed AT a meeting of Senior and Junior staff unions 
of GPHA on May 9, and read at a press conference in Takoradi on Wednesday said "We resolve that the unions are no against the development of Atuabo Free Port as misunderstood by sections of the public," they said.

Mr. Isaac Klu, Local Union chairman of Maritime and Dockworkers Union at Tema, who addressed the press, said they raised the concerns against the project initially because they believed any port development or construction of additional port must be the responsibility of GPHA as per the PNDC Law 160 and at worst, in partnership with GPHA to ensure that the public interest is upheld.

Hitherto, the GPHA have kicked against the 650 million dollar Atuabo Free Port (AFP) project which is expected to become a West African hub for the logistics and servicing of vessels and the oil and gas industry. 

The project, in which the government has 45 per cent share, although it will be fully funded by Lonrho and its partners, is currently awaiting Parliament's approval.

Apart from supporting the growth of the oil and gas sector and yielding financial benefits for the State, the project is expected to lead to the speedy development of host communities particularly Atuabo whose chiefs have allocated a large track of land to represent their equity in the project.

"We are not against the Atuabo project, and we are not saying that the people of Atuabo do not deserve this glorious opportunity to be the first to directly develop," Mr. Klu said , adding that they were concerned with how GPHA could be allowed to effectively play a partnership role in the project.

He said they were convinced that the ATUABO FREE PORT LIMITED SHOULD BE OPENED TO MARKET COMPETITIVENESS WITHIN THE REGION, GIVING CUSTOMERS THE CHOICE IN TERMS OF COMPETITIVE SERVICE SATISFACTION AND THE ABILITY TO MEASURE PERFORMANCE LEVELS OF THE GAS AND OIL TERMINALS UNDER THE GHANA PORTS AND HARBORS AUTHORITY.

Explaining the reason for the softening of their stance, Mr Klu explained that based on information from the agreement before Parliament for ratification, the union has detected that the AFP is a Special Oil & Gas facility which would AFP have no adverse effect on è Takoradi and Tema harbours when completed. 

He also said the the worker have found that the initial operational period for the management of the port by the private entity  "is 10 years and not 20 years as we thought."

In additional, he said the unions were aware of the equity structure which favours government, as well as the opportunity for GPHA to participate in the project.

He, however, called for more clarity on the exclusivity issues, saying that although they have been made to understand that the project would not bar competition, proper guidelines needed to developed for the project.