Ghana Will Continue To Draw Lessons From India – Veep

By Edmund Mingle

Vice President Amissah-Arthur

The Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur says Ghana will continue to draw inspiration from India’s industrialisation, as the country makes efforts to revamp its industrial sector.

According to him, India’s economic development offers valuable lessons for Ghana, and therefore, the government would continue to partner the Indian government in undertaking essential initiatives particularly for the trade and industrial sectors.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur, who said this when the outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr. K. Jeeva Sagar, called on him at the Flagstaff House in Accra yesterday to bid farewell after ending his duty tour of Ghana, stressed that Ghana values its relationship with India.

India, classified as a newly industrialised country, is the seventh-largest economy in the world measured by nominal GDP, and according to the World Bank and IMF, it has the potential to become the third largest economy by the next decade.

The Vice President indicated that Ghana continues to follow the growth of India with keen interest, adding that the relationship with India offers many development opportunities.

He was particularly happy about the enhanced economic relations between the two countries that had led to increased trade and as well as partnerships in the development of Ghana’s agriculture, health, education and industrial sectors.

“We know the bilateral relationship is growing stronger,” he said, and thanked the Indian government for the support advanced to Ghana.

Trade volume between the two countries is projected to increase from the 3billion dollars recorded in 2015 to five billion dollars by 2020, and the Vice President expressed government’s commitment to work towards achieving that target.

Touching on the performance of the outgoing High Commissioner, who is also accredited to Togo, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone, Vice President Amissah-Arthur commended him for his immense contribution towards the strengthening of the ties between the two countries.

He wished him well, and urged him to continue to be an ambassador of Ghana in his future assignments.

Mr Jeeva Sagar (left) presenting a gift to Vice-President Amissah-Arthur

Bidding farewell, Mr. Sagar also commended Ghana for the socio-economic progress over the past few years.

He thanked the government, and particularly the Vice President for the support and cooperation which enabled him to work effectively, adding that the improved bilateral relations would inure to the benefit of the people of the two countries.

“India considers Ghana as a reliable partner,” he said, adding that almost every dimension of the relationship has witnessed significant growth

Touching on trade, he called for more value addition on Ghanaian exports to India so that Ghana could gain more from the balance of trade.

“I leave this country with a sense of fulfillment,” he said, and wished Ghana a successful general election in November.

As a farewell gift, the Vice President presented a traditional stool and kente cloth to the outgoing High Commissioner

Power Tariff Reduction Is Realignment, Not Subsidy----President Mahama

By Edmund Mingle

President Mahama explaining issues at the event

President John Mahama says the provision of the relief package that has resulted in reduction in tariff for electricity consumers, is not a subsidy.

“It is not a subsidy. It is a realignment of the billing system,” he said.

According to him, the realignment has produced tariff reduction relief and also made the bills more transparent by ensuring that consumers get to know what they actually consume.

Addressing a congregation of Muslims after National prayers to mark the Eid-Ul-Fitr celebration at the Black Star Square in Accra, President Mahama was optimistic the relief would help to cushion consumers.

Following recent public outcry over overbilling and abnormal electricity charges, the government directed that the billing system was reviewed to check the irregularities.

In furtherance to that, on July 4, the ECG, after conduction a review and developing new measures, announced a relief package to residential consumers, in which the company described a GHc300million facility provided by the government to make up for ECG’s revenue due to the cut in tariff, as a subsidy.

The news of the said subsidy generated debate among sections of Ghanaians. While some economic analysts feared it would increase the burden on government and defeat efforts in reducing subsidies offered by the government, the some opposition members described the move as a “panicky” measure by the President to secure votes.

But clarifying the issue yesterday, President Mahama believed that people would begin to feel some relief from the power tariff.

Touching on the recent power outages, President Mahama attributed it to power generation problems caused by delays in the crude oil supply from Nigeria which is facing sabotage attacks on its oil installations.

“We are not declaring load shedding and I believe things will normalise,” he said, adding that stringent measures were underway to overcome the challenge.

With regard to the Eid-Ul-Fitr celebration, he congratulated all Muslims for a successful Ramadan, and urged them to continue to pray for the nation and support its development.

He urged them to uphold the peace and love tenets of Islam, saying it was regrettable that extremists and terrorists attempt to destroy the image of the Islamic religion.

He described the activities and ideologies of extremists and

Sheikh Sharabutu, National Chief Imam leading prayers

terrorists, who claim to be acting on the instructions of the Quran as “poisonous propaganda that should be prevented from spreading among our Muslim youth.”

“The violence, bombings, killing of innocent women and children, is certainly not Islam,” he said.

He assured the Muslim community of government’s continuous support to develop their localities, adding that more infrastructure projects, were being undertaken in Zongo communities.

He said due to government’s commitment to enhance the education of Muslim youth, several Muslim communities would benefit from the ongoing 200 Community Day Senior High Schools project.

Touching on the impending general election, President Mahama was confident that it would be conducted peacefully, and urged Muslim youths to avoid being used as “thugs” to cause violence.

In addition, he urged Ghanaians to have faith in the integrity of the Electoral Commission, saying “let’s give the Electoral Commission the peace to do its work.”

Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, National Chief Imam, who led the prayers, also called on all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and successful general election.

In addition, he advised the youth to be vigilant and avoid be exploited by engaging on violence for the benefit of politicians.

Joining the campaign for clean environment, Sheikh Sharabutu, appealed to the citizenry to adopt good environmental and waste disposal practices.

 

He commended waste management commended waste management companies for their efforts to keeping the nation clean, and urged the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to enforce their by-laws in sanitation.

“In this vein we shall be support the efforts of the waste management companies, chiefly Zoomlion Ghana that is collaboration with the Office of the Chief Imam to promote environmental cleanliness,” he said in his address read for him.

As part of the session, special prayers were offered for the progress of the nation.

Radford University Creates Jobs Via Fashion Design Training

By Edmund Mingle

Nana Dwomoh Sarpong,

Radford University College (RUC), the premier tertiary institution to run fashion design graduate programmes in Ghana, says it is determined to create jobs through fashion designing.

The university is believes the country’s fashion industry holds enormous potential that needs to be explored for job creation and income generation.

Currently, dozens of the university’s fashion design graduates have been engaged by international and national fashion companies, while others have established their own businesses that continue to employ many young people.

Nana Dwomoh Sarpong, Executive Chairman of the RUC, speaking to journalists at the university’s third Graduate Fashion Show, held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, said the university has no regrets for introducing the fashion design programme.

He said fashion was a booming industry around the world since humans continue to wear cloths, adding that there was a need for a national plan to tap into that industry through the active training and involvement of the youth.

In addition, he explained that exploring the fashion industry has a huge potential for job creation which would help in addressing graduate unemployment.

He debunked the perception that fashion designing was the preserve of those who are academically weak, saying it rather requires a lot of innovation and creative thinking to be able to survive in that industry.

Such creativity, he said continued be displayed by the university’s fashion students at the annual Graduate Fashion Show that has gained international recognition.

It was glitz and glamour when the products of graduating 2016 students from the Fashion Design Department of RUC, were showcased by models on the runway during the show.

The Graduate Fashion Show, which is aimed at offering the platform for the graduating students to display their talent through their clothing designs, attracted dozens renowned fashion designers, experts, managers of textile firms, fashion lovers, parents and students.

Various samples of clothing lines, including corporate wear for male and female, children’s wear, casual, sports, summer, winter clothes, as well as African wear, wedding and funeral clothes, were showcased to the admiration of the gathering.

Apart from being a platform for the students to showcase their products, the show also provided an opportunity for networking between the graduating students and industry players.

Inesfly, Ahaban supports Children’s Hospital

By Edmund Mingle

Inesfly Africa, the only producer of insecticide paints in Africa, in collaboration of Ahaban Foundation, has advanced its support to the Princess Marie-Louise Children’s Hospital in Accra.

As part of the support package, wards on the second floor of hospital, were treated with Inesfly paints and sprays to wade off mosquitoes and other insects from the wards.

Personnel of Inesfly and volunteers from Ahaban Foundation painting the wards

It forms part of the company’s corporate social responsibility to make health and educational institutions more healthy and protected against insects.

The company’s intervention was implemented through collaboration with Ahaban Foundation, a non-governmental organisation interested in the promotion of the welfare, education and development of children.

Michael Sjodin, Chief Executive Officer of Inesfly Africa, at the beginning the painting exercise, noted that the company was determined to help in eradicating malaria and other vector-borne diseases.

“It is our aim to effect change in the places that need it the most, and working together with other like-minded foundations goes a long way in helping institutions like the children’s hospital,” he said.

Apart from the health sector, he said the company continue to extend its assistance to schools, especially to eradicate malaria and bedbugs that have been troubling various schools.

Lawrence Adams, Founder of Ahaban Foundation, commended Inesfy Africa for swiftly responding to the foundation’s request for help for the hospital, and expressed optimism that the partnership would yield more dividends.

Mrs Doris Antwi, Principal Nursing Officer at the hospital, for her part, thanked the two donors for the assistance, saying it would go a long way in providing a healthy environment for patients and staff.

Citizens Complaints Centre makes strides

By Edmund Mingle

President John Mahama

The Citizens Complaints Centre, established by the President to help in addressing public grievances and fight corruption, is making significant strides as dozens of cases, including extortion and poor service delivery have been resolved.

Since its establishment in February this year, the Centre has handled over106 complaints out of which 52 have been fully resolved, while 19 complaints are under investigation by the Centre, and seven have been referred to the security agencies for investigation.

Statistics from the Centre show that 18 of the cases handled are pending action due to insufficient evidence from complainants.

Also the interventions and investigations of the Unit have led to the retrieval of some monies extorted from citizens by public officials and prosecution.

According to the Centre, most of the complaints that were received by the Centre related to poor services rendered by some public institutions, extortion of money from citizens by individuals and some public and private firms, poor working conditions and legal issues.

Institutions that were mostly complained of were the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Ghana Immigration Service, the Passport Office, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.

The setting up of the Citizens Complaints Unit under the Office of the President, which has opened the Citizens Complaints Centre, is in line with the President Mahama’s resolve to encourage active citizen participation to support the fight against corruption and to enhance the right of citizens to demand better services from state institutions and agencies.

Dr. Clement Apaak, Head of the Citizens Complaints Unit in an interaction with Journalists on the performance of the Centre noted that the 106 cases, which were received between February 25 and May 26, 2016, gave an indication of shortfalls in public service delivery and loopholes that create avenues for corrupt practices.

Touching on some specific cases which dominated, he said some complaints received regarding ECG and GWCL suggests that these institutions constantly billed their customers with abnormal consumption charges.

Dr. Clement Apaak

In the case of Ghana Water Company, evidence provided by some complainants confirmed that some of the Customer Care Assistants do not actually go to the field to read the meters but assume and fabricate the figures on the basis for which they are billed.

In the case of ECG, he said most complaints suggested that some ECG stations have not provided their customers with meters after several months of payments for such meters by the customers.

With regard to complaints about DVLA, Dr. Apaak noted that officials in some regions are reported to be charging unapproved car registration fees from citizens.

Similarly, there were complaints about the charging of unapproved fees at the Tema harbour, he said, adding that “the most reported complaint is in relation to the disappearance of imported goods and items such as cars, and the high duty cost on imported goods, which ends up in the pockets of individuals rather than State coffers.”

“It is important to note that the work of the Unit has led to the successful retrieval of some monies extorted from citizens,” he said, but declined to provide the specifics since some of the cases were still under investigations.

Touching on some of the challenges the Centre faced in its operations, Dr. Apaak said insufficient evidence submitted by some complainants online, sometimes made it difficult to initiate investigation and to follow up.

“The contact lines of some public institutions are dormant. This necessitates trips to those offices for enquiries that could have been done over the phone.

“The Customer Care Assistants in some public institutions are not proactive in the discharge of their duties,” he said.

Explaining the operations of the Centre, where citizens can walk in to file complaints, located in the Public Services Commission Building at Ministries in Accra, he said the centre receives complaints through telephone calls, website and walk-in.

The Complaints Centre can be reached on 0302666007 / 0302666447 / 0302666997 or through its website, www.ghanacitizen.org and located in room 209 in the Public Services Commission Building.

Have Faith In Ghana----President urges citizens

Friday, July 1, 2016

By Edmund Mingle

President John Dramani Mahama has asked Ghanaians to have faith in the country and contribute towards its progress.

He said the development challenges confronting the country, which are not peculiar to Ghana, should not lead people to be pessimistic, saying the future of development prospects remained bright.

Addressing senior citizens at the national luncheon at the Banquet Hall, State House, in honour of senior citizens to mark Ghana’s 56^th Republic Day Anniversary, President Mahama said the nation was on the path to prosperity.

President Mahama exchanging pleasantries with the senior citizens at the luncheon

But that, he said, would materialise only when the citizenry remain united and discharged their duties faithfully and contribute towards the progress of the country.

“We all have responsibilities to the State, and we need to discharge them faithfully,” he stressed.

He congratulated the senior citizens for their contributions in building the foundation of the country, and reminded the younger generation of its responsibility to protect and build on that foundation.

Touching on the efforts by the government to promote socio-economic growth, he said his administration continue to deploy interventions that would propel Ghana into sustainable development, and called for the support of all.

According to him, a recent World Bank affirmed the government’s expectation that the economy would witness significant growth from the next half of the year.

“Let us stand united in our diversity of religion and ethnicity and all other affiliations,” he said, adding that the interest of the nation should reign supreme over all other considerations.

He said the collective history and aspirations of the country “keeps us connected,” and that all citizens should be concerned about the progress of the country.

In seeking solutions to challenges, he urged the youth to seek counsel from the senior citizens who he described as critical assets to the State since they have a wealth of knowledge gains through experience.

Regarding the nation’s Republican status, he gave the assurance that the government would continue to protect the Ghana’s sovereignty, and also promote the country’s image among the comity of nations.

Mr.　Kojo Yankah, a former Minister of State and Founder of the African University College of Communications, reading a statement on behalf of his college senior citizens, urged Ghanaians to embrace the nation’s 40-year development plan since that was a viable way of securing the future for present and future generations.

He asked the nation to draw lessons from the past in which development projects were abandoned, and avoid tendencies that hinder the growth of local industries.

“The future of this country depends on our individual and collective behavior,” he said.

He also called for the creation of a national and regional Senior Citizens Forum where senior citizens would be able to share ideas to on national issues to promote development.

In addition, he called for the establishment of National Heritage Museum to to preserve and showcase the history and achievements of the country.

Armed Forces Renews Loyalty, As President Swears In New Army Chief

By Edmund Mingle
President John Dramani Mahama, yesterday swore in the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Obed Boamah Akwa, as the Ghana Armed Forces High Command renews its loyalty and preparedness to defend the State.

President Mahama (right) and Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur
with Major-General Akwa after his swearing in

“We assure you of our total loyalty to you as our Commander-in-Chief and the President of this Republic, and we are prepared to undertake any task 24/7 in rain or shine,” said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Marshal Michael Samson-Oje.

The CDS, who led the Generals of the Armed Forces to the Flagstaff House for the swearing in ceremony, also assured the President of their “steadfastness to uphold and defend the Constitution of Ghana under any circumstance.”

Especially being in an election year, he gave the assurance that the military would play its role proactively to ensure the sustenance of peace, adding that any attempt to disturb the peace would be crushed.

He commended the President for the appointment of a new Army Chief and other promotions, and indicated that they were aware of the responsibilities that such promotions come with.

“We pledge to live up to the expectations,” he stressed.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur chatting with
Air Marshal Michael Samson-Oje

In addition, he lauded the increased investment in the military by the government, and noted that the military would reciprocate that gesture by enhancing its operations to serve the citizenry.

President Mahama, swearing in Major-General Akwa, urged the military to heighten its alertness to safeguard the country, especially as the nation prepares for general election later in the year.

“This year is an election year, and it means that we must heighten our alertness.

“While the police and other security agencies would be primarily responsible for election security, the military needs to be on standby to effectively assist at flashpoints."

In addition, he urged the military to effectively protect the territorial integrity of the country, reminding the military that “we live in a sub-region that is becoming increasingly dangerous from the threats of armed pirates, terrorists and robbers, among others.”

Ghanaians, he said, have full confidence in the GAF, and gave the assurance that the government remained committed to investing to enhance operational, infrastructural and welfare conditions in the GAF.

He cited the nationwide project to redevelop the barracks and garrisons, as well as infrastructure projects at the various Regional Commands, and the provision of equipment and logistics were indicative of the commitment of government to revamp the military.

Touching on the appointment of Major-General Akwa, President Mahama described him as a “smart, loyal and professional officer.”

He urged him to continue to be loyal to the State and the Constitution, saying “it is my hope that you carry out your mandate without fear or favour.”

Until his appointment, Major-General Akwa, an Aide-de-Camp to former President Kufuor, was the Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra.