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 31^st December Women’s Movement, Mrs. Betty Mould-Iddrisu, Education Minister and E.T. Mensah, Employment Minister.

Mrs. Mould-Iddrisu, in her remarks, described President Mills as “a man of integrity, humility and a man who has the capacity to lead us.”

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 39^th 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.

Awoshie-Pokuase road project begins

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

By Edmund Mingle
President John Evans Atta Mills yesterday cut the sod for construction work to begin on the Awoshie-Pokuase road in the north-western part of Accra, amidst excitement among the residents of the area.

The 100million euro road project is the first major infrastructure project in the area, which is increasingly sprawling with development.

It involves the construction of a combination of three and two dual carriage lanes on the 15 kilometer road, which will have service lanes, bicycle lanes and walkways.

In addition, transport terminals, markets, sanitation and water supply facilities would be developed along the stretch which begins from Awoshie junction on the Abeka-Mallam road, through Awoshie, Anyaa, Ablekuma, Olebu and Anomorley to Pokuase on the Accra Nsawam road.

The African Development Bank is providing a grant of 63million euros, while the French Development Agency is providing 30million euros and a counterpart funding of 7million euros from the government of Ghana, to finance the three year project.

As a fulfillment of a campaign promise the President made to the residents in the area, the project, is aimed at improving road transport and accessibility to the northwestern corridor on the Accra.

Cutting the sod for the project, which comes ahead his nationwide tour to assess the progress of development projects across the country, President Mills expressed delight that the project was taking off.

“I am happy that we have made a beginning,” he stressed, and charged the contractors to commence work in earnest since the funds were available.

Commenting on the excitement that characterized the event, he thanked the chiefs and residents who turned out in their large numbers to witness the sod cutting, but told them the project was not a favour from the government.

“You deserve this project,” he said, adding that the project was long overdue.

According to him the essence of governance was to improve the welfare of the people by providing facilities and good conditions that can ensure better livelihood and sustainable development.

He also demanded quality works from the contractors and urged them to take appropriate measures to ensure that the residents suffered the least inconvenience from the construction works.

The President called for the cooperation of the residents for a successful
Project and assured them that all those affected by the project would be duly compensated.

“We need your cooperation and support for this project,” he appealed, and promised the chiefs and people of the area of government’s continued assistance to address other development challenges.

Nii Armah Ashitey, Greater Accra Regional Minister, in his address, described the project as a unique intervention of the government to develop the road network in the region.

He explained that the project has a community upgrading infrastructure component which consist of constructing secondary roads, drainage facilities and sanitation facilities along the stretch. END

God won't fail Ghana: declares pastor Adebayo

Wedenesday, March 23, 2011

By Edmund Mingle
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has praised President John Evans Atta for involving God in his governance style, saying God will not fail the nation.
He said the Christian community outside Ghana was highly delighted about the President’s closeness to God, and prayed that all leaders, especially in Africa, would emulate his example.

Pastor Adeboye, who leads one of the largest churches in Africa, said this when he called on President Mills at the Castle yesterday to officially inform him about his church’s crusade in Accra today.

He also commended President Mills for the progress he has led the country to make in his two years in office, and prayed for God’s continued guidance to the government.

“We assure you of our support and prayers,” said Pastor Adeboye, who was accompanied to the Castle by high ranking Ghanaian clergymen including Archbishop Duncan Williams, head of the Action Chapel International and Bishop Charles Agyin-Asare, head of Word Miracle Church International.

Headquartered in Nigeria, the prominent clergyman noted that the church was currently present in 140 nations across the globe, and expressed optimism that many lives would be won for Christ during he crusade in Accra.

Receiving the delegation, President Mills commended Pastor Adeboye for allowing himself to be used by God to spread the gospel.

Reiterating his call for a strong partnership between government and the church, he said the religious community has a crucial role to play in the national development.

Responding to the pastor’s commendation, President Mills said it was important for the nation’s spiritual foundation to be strong so that God would take charge of the nation’s affairs.

He wished them a successful conference, saying “I know God will show his majesty” at the crusade.

Define Vehicle Income Tax law-GREDA

Monday March 14, 2011

By Edmund Mingle
Real estate developers across the country have asked the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to clearly define the Vehicle Income Tax (VIT) law, which they say is being misinterpreted against them.According to them, the misinterpretation of the law by the Police was seriously affecting their operations.
They say although the VIT law was binding on only commercial vehicles, the police was demanding estate developers also purchase the stickers for their operational vehicles.
Interacting with journalists at the weekend, a group of managers of real estate firms said the situation was hindering their operations.
Their refusal to heed to the demand of the police, which they deem illegal since it was in contravention of the VIT law, has led to confrontation between the estate developers and the police.In many instances, trucks and water tankers carrying building materials to construction sites have been detained by the police, resulting in delays in operations and additional cost.
“The corporate taxes we pay cover our operations, so why should we be asked to pay VIT again,” they asked. According to them, the cost of the stickers, which sell for GHc 60 every three months, was not a problem to them, but the right thing must be done.
“Our vehicles are not commercial vehicles; we are exempted from the tax,” they noted.

When contacted over the issue, Dr. Alexander Tweneboah, President of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), confirmed the disturbing nature of the matter.
“This is frustrating the operations of our members,” he said.
He said it was important that the GRA clarified the issue to let the developers know if the VIT law binds privately registered vehicles too.
“Otherwise they should educate the police to let them stop harassing our members,” he stated. Asked about the measure the association was adopting to address the issue, he said GREDA was in the process of writing formally to lodge a complaint with the GRA for the necessary clarification.
A notice from the Domestic Tax Revenue Division of the GRA about the purchase of VIT sticker reminded “all Commercial Transport Operators that Vehicle Income Tax (VIT) for the first quarter ( 1st January – 31st March, 2011) are on sale at the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (former IRS) District Offices throughout the country.”
The Vehicle Income Tax, introduced in 2003, is collected from commercial vehicle operators on quarterly basis.
The VIT law makes it obligatory for commercial vehicle operators to buy VIT stickers from any IRS offices on a quarterly basis, and the stickers are required to be pasted on the windscreen of commercial vehicles.
In addition, the law requires the police to undertake monitoring to ensure compliance.

PBC Deputy MD honoured

By Edmund Mingle
The management of Produce Buying Company Limited (PBC) has honoured its Deputy Managing Director, George Kwadwo Boateng on his installation as a chief of Amoaman in the Ashanti region.

The management of the country’s largest licensed cocoa purchasing firm, believes the elevation of Mr. Boateng, who is in charge of Operations, is an honour to the company.

Mr. Boateng, installed under the stool name Nana Agyeman Boateng I, has been instrumental in the growth of the PBC which doubled its returns last year and continuous to post impressive gains in recent months.

To show the company’s appreciation and support, the new chief was presented with a variety of traditional items including traditional umbrellas, sandals, kente cloths and a cash gift from the management and staff.

The items were meant to help him to settle and perform his duties successfully as a chief.

“We are excited to have one of our own to be elevated to such a high position,” said Kojo Atta-Krah, Managing Director of the company.

He commended him for his dedication, loyalty and hard work which has helped to improve the fortunes of PBC, saying he believed such traits earned him the elevation.

In addition, he assured him of the company’s continuous support and cooperation to enable him to deliver for the benefit of the people of Amoaman, and wished him well.

Acheampong Chesco Kennedy, speaking for the Local Union, congratulated the Deputy Managing Director for the achievement and prayed for his success in his new responsibility.

He reminded him of the challenges in the chieftaincy field, but expressed optimism that with his vast experience in business and agriculture sectors, as well as the management of human resources, he would not be found wanting in handling chieftaincy affairs.

Caption
Mr. Boateng (second right) and his wife (right), receiving the gifts from the MD, Mr Atta-Krah (second left) and other members of management