Accra, Ghana – Ms Akua Sena Dansua, Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, has called on heads of departments under the Ministry to prioritize their activities to ensure efficiency in service delivery.
She said the ministry would soon undergo re-engineering aimed at bringing all sectors - Department of Children, Department of Women and Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) - among other collaborators to address some teething difficulties that were hampering quality and efficient work.
Ms Dansua said this when she paid a working visit to the departments to assess the working situation as well as find common grounds of making things easier for workers.
She noted: “My success or failure depends on you. Therefore let’s work together in unity to move the ministry forward.”
Ms Dansua noted that capacity building to develop local skills would be enhanced and would also intensify the relationship between district assemblies.
She said the Scheme Level to ratify salary levels among workers was also on course to motivate staff.
“The ministry has initiated a lot of programmes including education of MMDCEs and parliamentarians to have better understanding of women and children’s issues.”
Ms Dansua noted that a budget had been approved for the construction of new MOWAC offices while the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park had been given to a private investor to give it a facelift.
She urged the staff to be serious with their work, saying’ “I urge you to meet deadlines and report back on seminars and workshops you attend.”
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Ghanaian media urged to report more on environment
Accra, Ghana - Out of 7000 news reports sampled by the National Media Commission in 2008, Natural Resource and Environment (NRE) represented only one per cent.
Political related issues recorded 26 per cent; Sports, 24, Drugs, 10 per cent, peace and security, nine per cent; Arts and Entertainment, five per cent; Media and Law recorded three per cent each; Women and Children and Development, two per cent each while Tourism recorded one per cent.
Mr. George Sarpong, Executive Secretary of the Commission, said this when he spoke on the Topic “Media Reporting and the Natural Resource and Environment: What makes the news?” at a day’s capacity building workshop for environmental journalists in Accra.
The workshop was organized by Kasa, an advocacy group on the theme, “Natural Resource and Environment: Media as an Effective Advocacy Partner in Shaping Public Opinion and Influencing Policy” to equip journalists in developing the interest in reporting on those thematic areas.
Kasa is a two-year pilot civil society support mechanism in natural resource management established in 2008 to organize learning lessons to design a longer term capacity building in natural resource and environmental management.
Mr Sarpong explained the higher scores for politics, sports and drugs could mean there were lots of activities relating to those fields but added that the one per cent recorded for NRE issues was not encouraging.
“We knew last year was an election year, lots of drug traffickers were arrested within the period and the hosting of the CAN 2008 could have been the contributing factors,” he said, adding, NRE issues were equal national ones which cut across all regions and urged reporters to give equal coverage to the sector.
The Executive Secretary also decried the over concentration of Frequency Modulation (FM) Stations in the Greater Accra Region and hinted that the NMC would correct the anomalies to ensure fair distribution of air waves across the country.
Mr Sarpong said the over concentration came about because of lack of communication between the Commission and the National Communication Authority (NCA) “but the NMC is now included on the board of the NCA and we hope to use the opportunities to correct those wrongs”.
Dr Steve Manteaw, Media and Campaign Director, ISODEC, said: “the extraction of natural resource in our part of the continent rather brought us total misery and poverty”.
He said: “resources from the natural resources should be used to improve facilities in the mining areas to alleviate abject poverty among the people”.
He, therefore, urged the government to endeavour to maximize benefits from natural resource extraction and minimize the toll on the environment.
Sarah Naa Dedei Agbey, a member of the group, said the goal was to reduce poverty through improved natural resource and environmental governance, build capacity in advocacy, research and communication strategies, among other things. She announced that they would be monitoring news reports on NRE to award media houses that give more prominence to the issues.
Political related issues recorded 26 per cent; Sports, 24, Drugs, 10 per cent, peace and security, nine per cent; Arts and Entertainment, five per cent; Media and Law recorded three per cent each; Women and Children and Development, two per cent each while Tourism recorded one per cent.
Mr. George Sarpong, Executive Secretary of the Commission, said this when he spoke on the Topic “Media Reporting and the Natural Resource and Environment: What makes the news?” at a day’s capacity building workshop for environmental journalists in Accra.
The workshop was organized by Kasa, an advocacy group on the theme, “Natural Resource and Environment: Media as an Effective Advocacy Partner in Shaping Public Opinion and Influencing Policy” to equip journalists in developing the interest in reporting on those thematic areas.
Kasa is a two-year pilot civil society support mechanism in natural resource management established in 2008 to organize learning lessons to design a longer term capacity building in natural resource and environmental management.
Mr Sarpong explained the higher scores for politics, sports and drugs could mean there were lots of activities relating to those fields but added that the one per cent recorded for NRE issues was not encouraging.
“We knew last year was an election year, lots of drug traffickers were arrested within the period and the hosting of the CAN 2008 could have been the contributing factors,” he said, adding, NRE issues were equal national ones which cut across all regions and urged reporters to give equal coverage to the sector.
The Executive Secretary also decried the over concentration of Frequency Modulation (FM) Stations in the Greater Accra Region and hinted that the NMC would correct the anomalies to ensure fair distribution of air waves across the country.
Mr Sarpong said the over concentration came about because of lack of communication between the Commission and the National Communication Authority (NCA) “but the NMC is now included on the board of the NCA and we hope to use the opportunities to correct those wrongs”.
Dr Steve Manteaw, Media and Campaign Director, ISODEC, said: “the extraction of natural resource in our part of the continent rather brought us total misery and poverty”.
He said: “resources from the natural resources should be used to improve facilities in the mining areas to alleviate abject poverty among the people”.
He, therefore, urged the government to endeavour to maximize benefits from natural resource extraction and minimize the toll on the environment.
Sarah Naa Dedei Agbey, a member of the group, said the goal was to reduce poverty through improved natural resource and environmental governance, build capacity in advocacy, research and communication strategies, among other things. She announced that they would be monitoring news reports on NRE to award media houses that give more prominence to the issues.
Mills' sanitation club
Accra, Ghana -The Atta Mills Foundation, a pro-democracy Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), in Kumasi, has advocated the formation of sanitation clubs in educational institutions.
The NGO said sanitation issues had become very important in the nation’s development process in recent times and that the formation of such clubs was crucial in sensitizing students, especially the youth to appreciate cleanliness in all their activities.
Togbui Mawufeame Fugah, Life Patron of the Foundation, was not happy that the nation spent a chunk of her resources in curbing filth-related diseases such as malaria, typhoid and cholera, which he said, could have been avoided if the citizenry were sanitation-conscious.
He was briefing the GNA in Kumasi, at the weekend, on the second phase of a massive clean-up exercise to be embarked by the Foundation, next month, to help keep the Kumasi Metropolis clean. The first exercise was held in January this year.
Togbui Fugah said the exercise would cover some principal streets and communities including, the Kumasi Children’s Home and that during the event, choked gutters and garbage would be cleared.
He appealed to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), identifiable groups and residents to join in the exercise by providing equipment to facilitate the work.
Togbui Fugah noted that the exercise also formed part of activities towards the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the enstoolment of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as Asantehene.
The NGO said sanitation issues had become very important in the nation’s development process in recent times and that the formation of such clubs was crucial in sensitizing students, especially the youth to appreciate cleanliness in all their activities.
Togbui Mawufeame Fugah, Life Patron of the Foundation, was not happy that the nation spent a chunk of her resources in curbing filth-related diseases such as malaria, typhoid and cholera, which he said, could have been avoided if the citizenry were sanitation-conscious.
He was briefing the GNA in Kumasi, at the weekend, on the second phase of a massive clean-up exercise to be embarked by the Foundation, next month, to help keep the Kumasi Metropolis clean. The first exercise was held in January this year.
Togbui Fugah said the exercise would cover some principal streets and communities including, the Kumasi Children’s Home and that during the event, choked gutters and garbage would be cleared.
He appealed to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), identifiable groups and residents to join in the exercise by providing equipment to facilitate the work.
Togbui Fugah noted that the exercise also formed part of activities towards the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the enstoolment of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as Asantehene.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Salia goes home
Accra, Ghana- Thousands of mourners from all walks of life on Thursday gathered at the forecourt of the Parliament House to pay their last respect to: a Friend, colleague, father, husband and a comrade- Mr. Edward Salia, 57 and NDC MP for Jirapa Constituency.
Mr. John Evans Atta Mills, President of the Republic of Ghana, Members of the Council of State, the Judiciary, Parliamentarians and members of the Diplomatic Corp were all spotted in their black attire to mourn the late MP.
The atmosphere was that of a forlorn amidst dirges, tribute and eulogies from the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church choir and the Ghana Police Band.
On significant feature was the wearing of smock among sympathizers.
Ms Emmanuella Salia, last of the four daughters of the late MP who read a tribute on behalf of the children recollected fond memories of a good father, “One thing we knew was, never take your home-work to Daddy to sign, you will re-do it a hundred times”.
She promised to keep the strong bond they built as a family, “It will not be broken even in your death”.
Dr Kwabena Adjei, Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, who poetically recited the party’s tribute, said the late MP was an inspiration to all members of the NDC as he was instrumental in its return to power.
“Edward was a friend to all and worked hard to keep the party machinery running even in opposition”, he said.
Mrs. Salia in a tribute to the late husband said “You have achieved so much in your life. Each day, I am reminded by friends and family what a great person you were”.
She added: “I know I will see you again someday and I know by the time I get there you would have achieved greater things there too, see you later”.
Wreaths were laid by the President on behalf of people of Ghana, the children and wife, Parliament and the NDC.
Most Rev Paul Bemile, Bishop of Wa Diocese who conducted the burial service sprinkled water amidst burning of incense as a last prayer for the departed.
Pall bearers clad from the Ghana Army swing their hands in readiness to aid the departed home.
Mr. John Evans Atta Mills, President of the Republic of Ghana, Members of the Council of State, the Judiciary, Parliamentarians and members of the Diplomatic Corp were all spotted in their black attire to mourn the late MP.
The atmosphere was that of a forlorn amidst dirges, tribute and eulogies from the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church choir and the Ghana Police Band.
On significant feature was the wearing of smock among sympathizers.
Ms Emmanuella Salia, last of the four daughters of the late MP who read a tribute on behalf of the children recollected fond memories of a good father, “One thing we knew was, never take your home-work to Daddy to sign, you will re-do it a hundred times”.
She promised to keep the strong bond they built as a family, “It will not be broken even in your death”.
Dr Kwabena Adjei, Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, who poetically recited the party’s tribute, said the late MP was an inspiration to all members of the NDC as he was instrumental in its return to power.
“Edward was a friend to all and worked hard to keep the party machinery running even in opposition”, he said.
Mrs. Salia in a tribute to the late husband said “You have achieved so much in your life. Each day, I am reminded by friends and family what a great person you were”.
She added: “I know I will see you again someday and I know by the time I get there you would have achieved greater things there too, see you later”.
Wreaths were laid by the President on behalf of people of Ghana, the children and wife, Parliament and the NDC.
Most Rev Paul Bemile, Bishop of Wa Diocese who conducted the burial service sprinkled water amidst burning of incense as a last prayer for the departed.
Pall bearers clad from the Ghana Army swing their hands in readiness to aid the departed home.
Security urged to take swift action
Accra, Ghana– The Right Rev. Dr. Yaw Frimpong-Manso, Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), has appealed to the security agencies to be swift and professional in apprehending trouble makers in the northern part of the country to avoid political coloration.
“Much as we commend government for the prompt action taken to address the situation, we wish to advise all the political parties to desist from any form of action that will aggravate the situation,” he said.
Rt. Rev. Dr Frimpong-Manso, speaking at the annual general meeting of the Council, therefore urged all warring factions to allow the National Peace Council to do its work to ensure lasting solution.
“The peace and unity of the people for development is paramount on government’s agenda,” he said.
He noted that, conflicts in that part of the country were major factors hindering its underdevelopment, saying donors were sometimes unwilling to give their support to projects in that area due to the conflicts.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Frimpong-Manso said the Council would continue to be the voice for the voiceless in advocating peace and social justice where the highest premium would be placed on unity and respect for the dignity of God’s creation.
The Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe, General Secretary, CCG, said the Council would continue to work effectively on its main focus of socio-economic development, gender and human rights.
He called for a review of the CCG Constitution to enable it to meet the challenges of the time.
Rev. Dr. Deegbe mentioned some successes chalked by the CCG as intensification of education on child trafficking; support for HIV/AIDS patients; training and voter education; election monitoring and networking with other civil society players towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
“Much as we commend government for the prompt action taken to address the situation, we wish to advise all the political parties to desist from any form of action that will aggravate the situation,” he said.
Rt. Rev. Dr Frimpong-Manso, speaking at the annual general meeting of the Council, therefore urged all warring factions to allow the National Peace Council to do its work to ensure lasting solution.
“The peace and unity of the people for development is paramount on government’s agenda,” he said.
He noted that, conflicts in that part of the country were major factors hindering its underdevelopment, saying donors were sometimes unwilling to give their support to projects in that area due to the conflicts.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Frimpong-Manso said the Council would continue to be the voice for the voiceless in advocating peace and social justice where the highest premium would be placed on unity and respect for the dignity of God’s creation.
The Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe, General Secretary, CCG, said the Council would continue to work effectively on its main focus of socio-economic development, gender and human rights.
He called for a review of the CCG Constitution to enable it to meet the challenges of the time.
Rev. Dr. Deegbe mentioned some successes chalked by the CCG as intensification of education on child trafficking; support for HIV/AIDS patients; training and voter education; election monitoring and networking with other civil society players towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Today is Social Workers Day
Accra, Ghana- Government was on Tuesday urged to focus attention on the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of society as it grappled with the effects of the global financial crisis.
“We need, as a nation, to act in unity to make sure that resources are made available to the less privileged, vulnerable and disadvantaged, a statement by the Ghana Association of Social Workers in Accra said.
The statement signed by Mr DanielObeng Asamoah, President, said this required that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for the welfare of the less privileged and vulnerable adequately resourced to enable them fulfil their mandates effectively.
The statement forms part of activities marking the third World Social Work Day which fall on March 17. It is under the theme "Social Work and Social Development: the Agenda".
The Day is aimed at bringing to the fore the invaluable contribution of the Social Work profession to Social development and the need to recognize and involve social workers in our developmental efforts.
“Our nation is confronted with a myriad of social problems and as Social Workers our role is to create an enabling environment that makes sure that the average citizen can thrive despite the problems”, the statement added.
It noted that with the global financial crisis unfolding, Ghana would not be spared of its adverse socio-economic effects adding, “We all need to find new ways to cope with this”.
It is our fervent prayer that more of such pro-poor programs will be put added to the existing ones to give meaning to NDC manifesto promise of “investing in people”.
Investing in people this way calls for an improvement in the salaries and conditions of service of all Social Workers, especially those in government employment.
“Indeed investing in Social Work is the surest way of achieving real Social development”, the statement said.
“We need, as a nation, to act in unity to make sure that resources are made available to the less privileged, vulnerable and disadvantaged, a statement by the Ghana Association of Social Workers in Accra said.
The statement signed by Mr DanielObeng Asamoah, President, said this required that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for the welfare of the less privileged and vulnerable adequately resourced to enable them fulfil their mandates effectively.
The statement forms part of activities marking the third World Social Work Day which fall on March 17. It is under the theme "Social Work and Social Development: the Agenda".
The Day is aimed at bringing to the fore the invaluable contribution of the Social Work profession to Social development and the need to recognize and involve social workers in our developmental efforts.
“Our nation is confronted with a myriad of social problems and as Social Workers our role is to create an enabling environment that makes sure that the average citizen can thrive despite the problems”, the statement added.
It noted that with the global financial crisis unfolding, Ghana would not be spared of its adverse socio-economic effects adding, “We all need to find new ways to cope with this”.
It is our fervent prayer that more of such pro-poor programs will be put added to the existing ones to give meaning to NDC manifesto promise of “investing in people”.
Investing in people this way calls for an improvement in the salaries and conditions of service of all Social Workers, especially those in government employment.
“Indeed investing in Social Work is the surest way of achieving real Social development”, the statement said.
Develop the tourism sector to attract foreign exchane
Accra, Ghana – Mrs. Juliana Azumah-Mensah, on Tuesday said the growth of the hospitality industry was imperative in increasing the country’s foreign exchange and thereby enhancing development.
At a meeting with the Project Manager of Ambassador Hotel, Mr Clovis Abi Nade, Mrs Azumah expressed happiness for the hotel’s “come-back”.
“Ambassador Hotel reminds me fond memories in the 60th and 70th where highlife music was the order of the day”.
She urged the project implementation team to employ more local people during and after its completion to offer jobs to them.
Mr Nade, assured the ministry of timely project completion to serve the needs of expatriates and tourists at large.
The Ambassador hotel, a five star deluxe establishment when completed would have 260 rooms, gym, shops, playgrounds, pool side among other facilities.
At a meeting with the Project Manager of Ambassador Hotel, Mr Clovis Abi Nade, Mrs Azumah expressed happiness for the hotel’s “come-back”.
“Ambassador Hotel reminds me fond memories in the 60th and 70th where highlife music was the order of the day”.
She urged the project implementation team to employ more local people during and after its completion to offer jobs to them.
Mr Nade, assured the ministry of timely project completion to serve the needs of expatriates and tourists at large.
The Ambassador hotel, a five star deluxe establishment when completed would have 260 rooms, gym, shops, playgrounds, pool side among other facilities.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Cinderella told in the African way
Accra, Ghana– The National Theatre, Ghana and the National Touring Theatre of Sweden is to produce a film to highlight some of the challenges women and children go through particularly in Africa as well as finding solutions to them.
The project dubbed: “The African Cinderella” tells a story of how step children especially suffer in second marriages. The story brings on board rich Ghanaian cultural heritage in areas of Proverbs, idioms, costume and palatial as well as rural settings to make individuals relate with it.
Efo Kojo Mawugbe, Artistic Director, National Theatre said the project was an artistic product meant for export and therefore would bring best experiences and characters to carry out the various themes: Self Esteem and woman empowerment and child abuse among others.
“This project aims also at teaching and bring back lost values to the society”, he added.
Efo Mawugbe noted that cast in the project were expected to speak three or more Ghanaian languages fluently.
“A memorandum of understanding between the two countries has been signed and we hope to start the ball rolling by March 2, 2010 with a tour across the ten regions of the country aside some tour in Sweden, UK and some Anglophone countries, ”.
Efo Mawugbe said there would be ten performances in every region, with community participation as a tool for discussion and debate, “we are collaborating with Plan International, MOWAC and the ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture among other to ensure it success.
Mr Markwei Amartefio, consular of Sweden noted that the project was a door-opener to more partnership in the area of business and culture: “Cultural exchanges are very important in political and economic relationship”.
He said it was another area of investment to the country which would attract investors, “I travel to Sweden once very year to patronize their theatre performances and I am looking for a day people from that country will also come just for cinema performances”.
Ms Fransesca Quartey, Director of the Project noted it was using culture as a tool to finding answers to problems that women and children in particular faced.
The project dubbed: “The African Cinderella” tells a story of how step children especially suffer in second marriages. The story brings on board rich Ghanaian cultural heritage in areas of Proverbs, idioms, costume and palatial as well as rural settings to make individuals relate with it.
Efo Kojo Mawugbe, Artistic Director, National Theatre said the project was an artistic product meant for export and therefore would bring best experiences and characters to carry out the various themes: Self Esteem and woman empowerment and child abuse among others.
“This project aims also at teaching and bring back lost values to the society”, he added.
Efo Mawugbe noted that cast in the project were expected to speak three or more Ghanaian languages fluently.
“A memorandum of understanding between the two countries has been signed and we hope to start the ball rolling by March 2, 2010 with a tour across the ten regions of the country aside some tour in Sweden, UK and some Anglophone countries, ”.
Efo Mawugbe said there would be ten performances in every region, with community participation as a tool for discussion and debate, “we are collaborating with Plan International, MOWAC and the ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture among other to ensure it success.
Mr Markwei Amartefio, consular of Sweden noted that the project was a door-opener to more partnership in the area of business and culture: “Cultural exchanges are very important in political and economic relationship”.
He said it was another area of investment to the country which would attract investors, “I travel to Sweden once very year to patronize their theatre performances and I am looking for a day people from that country will also come just for cinema performances”.
Ms Fransesca Quartey, Director of the Project noted it was using culture as a tool to finding answers to problems that women and children in particular faced.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Ghana asked to check sex-tourism
Accra, Ghana- International players in the tourists industry, have advocated the establishment of stringent measures to check sex- tourism and other negative spots, likely to be associated with the fledging tourist business in Ghana.
Mr Pimo Mazurczak, Regional Admissions Director, of the Swiss-based Glion Institute of Higher Education, expressed these views during a day’s seminar for stakeholders in the tourists industry in Ghana.
The resource person who was in the country to whip up the interest of students to take up academic courses in the hospitality industry, was unanimous about the need for the right legislation to nip in the bud any aspect of tourism that is inimical to national interest.
Mr Pimo Mazurczak, Regional Admissions Director, of the Swiss-based Glion Institute of Higher Education, expressed these views during a day’s seminar for stakeholders in the tourists industry in Ghana.
The resource person who was in the country to whip up the interest of students to take up academic courses in the hospitality industry, was unanimous about the need for the right legislation to nip in the bud any aspect of tourism that is inimical to national interest.
I'll resign if....Mumuni
I’ll resign if… – Mumuni
Accra, Ghana – Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, on Tuesday said he would only resign if it was proven that he had committed any act of criminality and or corruption.
He made the statement at a press conference to set the records straight on the meaning of a court judgement against him in a case he filed in the courts seeking damages for defamation against the publishers, editor and a reporter of Daily Guide Newspaper and the auditors who compiled a forensic audit report that sought to incriminate him.
“…Should it be shown or proven that I have stolen a single pesewa of taxpayer’s money or taken a personal benefit whether directly or indirectly or been corrupt or abused my office or been guilty of wrongdoing, I am prepared not only to resign…but also offer myself for prosecution and any penalties prescribed by law,” he said.
A pressure group by name Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), presented a petition to the Appointments Committee of Parliament seeking to stall the appointment of Alhaji Mumuni as Minister.
During his vetting the Minority in Parliament walked out when their effort to seek a suspension of the vetting to await the determination of the court case.
A couple of days ago, the Accra Fast Track High Court dismissed the claims of Alhaji Mumuni and ruled in favour of the defendants and awarded cost against the plaintiff.
Alhaji Mumuni noted that the dismissal of his claim for damages against the defendant did not mean that he had been found guilty of criminal charges, saying that he took the matter to court and not the other way round.
“I have never been charged with any criminal conduct before a court of law nor has any charge been brought against me before the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), so I am a free man,” he said.
Touching on the court judgement itself, he said he had pointed out to the court that, there were important omissions from the record or proceedings based on which the judgement was given, but the court ignored his call for corrections to be made.
He said he had subsequently instructed his lawyers to challenge the court ruling through the legal process.
Alhaji Mumuni said he was not surprised that his political opponents would seek to drag his name in the mud based on a report by Baffuor-Awuah and Associates given that it was the same organizations which conducted forensic audits involving NDC officials like Mr. Dan Abodakpi, Kwame Peprah, Dr. Ato Quarshie and Ibrahim Adam, some of whom ended up in jail.
“I feel like am in a slave ship of the NPP and I am surprised that the NPP will use the audit outfit against their political opponents in such a disgraceful manner,” he said.
He said beside the fact that the said forensic audit was not properly authorized as per the 1992 Constitution, it was also not properly laid before Parliament for eight years.
“If the NPP claims that I have squandered 19 million Ghana cedis, then why have they waited for eight years before they are bringing the matter up,” he said.
Alhaji Mumuni said he was also surprised that the spokesperson for AFAG, who also doubled as counsel for Daily Guide Newspaper in the defamation case, could go to every extent to snub the ethics of his profession and the duty to uphold the integrity of the court and commit such contempt of court by discussing a court case at a press conference.
He assured the public that he was innocent and would go to every extent to prove that.
Accra, Ghana – Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, on Tuesday said he would only resign if it was proven that he had committed any act of criminality and or corruption.
He made the statement at a press conference to set the records straight on the meaning of a court judgement against him in a case he filed in the courts seeking damages for defamation against the publishers, editor and a reporter of Daily Guide Newspaper and the auditors who compiled a forensic audit report that sought to incriminate him.
“…Should it be shown or proven that I have stolen a single pesewa of taxpayer’s money or taken a personal benefit whether directly or indirectly or been corrupt or abused my office or been guilty of wrongdoing, I am prepared not only to resign…but also offer myself for prosecution and any penalties prescribed by law,” he said.
A pressure group by name Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), presented a petition to the Appointments Committee of Parliament seeking to stall the appointment of Alhaji Mumuni as Minister.
During his vetting the Minority in Parliament walked out when their effort to seek a suspension of the vetting to await the determination of the court case.
A couple of days ago, the Accra Fast Track High Court dismissed the claims of Alhaji Mumuni and ruled in favour of the defendants and awarded cost against the plaintiff.
Alhaji Mumuni noted that the dismissal of his claim for damages against the defendant did not mean that he had been found guilty of criminal charges, saying that he took the matter to court and not the other way round.
“I have never been charged with any criminal conduct before a court of law nor has any charge been brought against me before the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), so I am a free man,” he said.
Touching on the court judgement itself, he said he had pointed out to the court that, there were important omissions from the record or proceedings based on which the judgement was given, but the court ignored his call for corrections to be made.
He said he had subsequently instructed his lawyers to challenge the court ruling through the legal process.
Alhaji Mumuni said he was not surprised that his political opponents would seek to drag his name in the mud based on a report by Baffuor-Awuah and Associates given that it was the same organizations which conducted forensic audits involving NDC officials like Mr. Dan Abodakpi, Kwame Peprah, Dr. Ato Quarshie and Ibrahim Adam, some of whom ended up in jail.
“I feel like am in a slave ship of the NPP and I am surprised that the NPP will use the audit outfit against their political opponents in such a disgraceful manner,” he said.
He said beside the fact that the said forensic audit was not properly authorized as per the 1992 Constitution, it was also not properly laid before Parliament for eight years.
“If the NPP claims that I have squandered 19 million Ghana cedis, then why have they waited for eight years before they are bringing the matter up,” he said.
Alhaji Mumuni said he was also surprised that the spokesperson for AFAG, who also doubled as counsel for Daily Guide Newspaper in the defamation case, could go to every extent to snub the ethics of his profession and the duty to uphold the integrity of the court and commit such contempt of court by discussing a court case at a press conference.
He assured the public that he was innocent and would go to every extent to prove that.
Sanitation fighting against the MDGs'
Accra, Ghana- Elias Sory, Director General of the Ghana Health Service said sanitation had become a crisis thwarting the progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), especially in Africa and Asia.
“The root of this unrelenting catastrophe lies in the plain, grim fact that four out of every 10 people in the world do not have access to even a simple pit latrine and nearly two in 10 have no source of drinking water”.
In a speech read on his behalf at the launch of the 28th Health Week Celebration of the University of Ghana Nursing School in Accra, he said the world continued to be off track in meeting the MDG target by half the proportion of people without access to basic sanitation by 2015 and noted that if the trend continued, there would be 2.4 billion people without basic sanitation by the same year.
It was on the theme: “ensuring a Healthy environment, a Way of Promoting National Development- the role of the individual”.
In Ghana, he said a staggering 60 percent of residents in the capital did not have toilets and one wondered how the situation in the districts would be and the precarious health-related effects it brought.
A concerted effort was therefore needed to combat the global poor sanitation phenomena with workable strategies and measures that would address the critical issues related to all aspects of sanitation, he said.
He also called for a purpose driven action such as advocacy for policy change to help mitigate its health related challenges.
The Chief Nursing Officer, Mr. George Kumi Kyeremeh said though efforts had been made by previous government to solve the country’s sanitation problems it still remained a major challenge.
He said there were still chocked gutters, few public toilets with long queues making people defeacate anyhow and polluting the water bodies.
Mr Kyeremeh said it consequences were the high incidence of malaria and the outbreak of cholera in some part of the country.
He also reiterated the need for continuous awareness creation, advocacy to sustain education from junior level as well as the involvement of all stakeholders to sensitize society.
“The root of this unrelenting catastrophe lies in the plain, grim fact that four out of every 10 people in the world do not have access to even a simple pit latrine and nearly two in 10 have no source of drinking water”.
In a speech read on his behalf at the launch of the 28th Health Week Celebration of the University of Ghana Nursing School in Accra, he said the world continued to be off track in meeting the MDG target by half the proportion of people without access to basic sanitation by 2015 and noted that if the trend continued, there would be 2.4 billion people without basic sanitation by the same year.
It was on the theme: “ensuring a Healthy environment, a Way of Promoting National Development- the role of the individual”.
In Ghana, he said a staggering 60 percent of residents in the capital did not have toilets and one wondered how the situation in the districts would be and the precarious health-related effects it brought.
A concerted effort was therefore needed to combat the global poor sanitation phenomena with workable strategies and measures that would address the critical issues related to all aspects of sanitation, he said.
He also called for a purpose driven action such as advocacy for policy change to help mitigate its health related challenges.
The Chief Nursing Officer, Mr. George Kumi Kyeremeh said though efforts had been made by previous government to solve the country’s sanitation problems it still remained a major challenge.
He said there were still chocked gutters, few public toilets with long queues making people defeacate anyhow and polluting the water bodies.
Mr Kyeremeh said it consequences were the high incidence of malaria and the outbreak of cholera in some part of the country.
He also reiterated the need for continuous awareness creation, advocacy to sustain education from junior level as well as the involvement of all stakeholders to sensitize society.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Enact laws to regulate Midwifery
Accra, GHana- Mr Jude Edochie, UNFPA Deputy Representative on Tuesday called on countries with high maternal mortality rate to enact relevant regulations to create the enabling environment for the practice of midwifery.
"The world needs midwives now more than ever to save the lives of mothers and babies", he said at the opening of a two-week conference organised by the UNFPA and the International Confederation of Midwives.
The theme: "Investing in Midwives" was chosen to educate government of member nations on the need to develop that sector of the public health system as a way of promoting reproductive health.
Mr Edochie called on member countries to develop strong and credible professional associations and educational institutions for the training of midwives to raise the standards of practice.
Dr Elias Sory, Director General, Ghana Health Service noted that maternal mortality continued to be a major health problem globally, "We see a mother suffering complications of labour without access to qualified support".
He said an estimated 530,000 of complications of pregnancy and childbirth with over 90 per cent deaths occur in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa each year and suggested midwifery be given the needed attention especially at the community level where most complications occurred to help in achieving the universal access to reproductive health by 2015.
"This is because the presence of a midwife in over 99 per cent pregnancy and birth related cases could lead to a decrease in mortality by 73 per cent. Furthermore, midwives are professionally positioned to address the first two delays in the management of obstetric emergencies".
Dr Sory said the service had outlined a multi-strategic approach for improvements, which included pre-service training of more midwives and their deployment to the community level to provide the needed services.
Mrs Abigail Kyei, Advisor of the International Confederation of Midwifery said the formation of the council’s confederation sought to improve and increase the provision of midwifery services in low-income priority countries by developing the foundations of a sustainable midwifery workforce.
She said the body would also help strengthen and support midwives' professional autonomy to ensure that midwifery education was regulated, designed by midwives as well as supporting midwifery research to enhance evidence-based midwifery practices.
Mrs Kyei said the goals set would enable Ghana to achieve the objective set out by the Millennium Development Goals of reducing Maternal Mortality and Morbidity, Child Mortality, Promoting Gender Equality and Combating HIV, malaria and other diseases.
"The world needs midwives now more than ever to save the lives of mothers and babies", he said at the opening of a two-week conference organised by the UNFPA and the International Confederation of Midwives.
The theme: "Investing in Midwives" was chosen to educate government of member nations on the need to develop that sector of the public health system as a way of promoting reproductive health.
Mr Edochie called on member countries to develop strong and credible professional associations and educational institutions for the training of midwives to raise the standards of practice.
Dr Elias Sory, Director General, Ghana Health Service noted that maternal mortality continued to be a major health problem globally, "We see a mother suffering complications of labour without access to qualified support".
He said an estimated 530,000 of complications of pregnancy and childbirth with over 90 per cent deaths occur in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa each year and suggested midwifery be given the needed attention especially at the community level where most complications occurred to help in achieving the universal access to reproductive health by 2015.
"This is because the presence of a midwife in over 99 per cent pregnancy and birth related cases could lead to a decrease in mortality by 73 per cent. Furthermore, midwives are professionally positioned to address the first two delays in the management of obstetric emergencies".
Dr Sory said the service had outlined a multi-strategic approach for improvements, which included pre-service training of more midwives and their deployment to the community level to provide the needed services.
Mrs Abigail Kyei, Advisor of the International Confederation of Midwifery said the formation of the council’s confederation sought to improve and increase the provision of midwifery services in low-income priority countries by developing the foundations of a sustainable midwifery workforce.
She said the body would also help strengthen and support midwives' professional autonomy to ensure that midwifery education was regulated, designed by midwives as well as supporting midwifery research to enhance evidence-based midwifery practices.
Mrs Kyei said the goals set would enable Ghana to achieve the objective set out by the Millennium Development Goals of reducing Maternal Mortality and Morbidity, Child Mortality, Promoting Gender Equality and Combating HIV, malaria and other diseases.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Twenty three to be vetted Deputy Ministers
Accra, Ghana - President John Evans Atta Mills has nominated 23 people in accordance with Article 79 (i) of the 1992 Constitution for consideration by Parliament as Deputy Ministers.
A statement signed by Mr James Bebaako-Mensah, Secretary to the President on Monday named them as: Mr Seth Tekpeh, Deputy Minister for Finance, Mr Fiifi Kwetey, Deputy Minister for Finance, Dr Kwesi Akyem Apea-Kubi, Deputy Minister for the Interior, Mr John Gyetuah, Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Rojo Mettle-Nunoo, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Mrs Elizabeth Amoah-Tetteh, Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Joseph Annan, Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Nartey Siaw-Sappore, Deputy Minister for Communications and Dr Kwabena Donkor, Deputy Minister for Energy.
Others are: Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Deputy Minister for Energy, Mr Henry Ford Kamel, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Kwabena Owusu Acheampong, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Ms Dzifa Peace Aku Attivor, Deputy Minister for Transport, Ms Hawawu Boya Gariba, Deputy Minister for Women and Children's Affairs, Mr Nii Nortey Dua, Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports and Mr Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development.
The rest are: Mr Eric Opoku, Deputy Regional Minister for Brong Ahafo, Mr Baba Jamal, Deputy Regional Minister for Eastern, Mr Kale Ceasar, Deputy Regional Minister for Upper West, Mrs Lucy Awuni Mbun, Deputy Regional Minister for Upper East, Mr Moses Mabengba, Deputy Regional Minister for Northern, Colonel Cyril Neku (Rtd), Deputy Regional Minister for Volta and Ms Betty Bosomtwi-Sam, Deputy Regional Minister for Western.
The statement said President Mills has also nominated for consideration by Parliament, Mr Kwajo Tawiah Likpalimor, Mr Abdudl-Rashid Pelpuo and Alhaji Seidu Amadu as Ministers of State.
A statement signed by Mr James Bebaako-Mensah, Secretary to the President on Monday named them as: Mr Seth Tekpeh, Deputy Minister for Finance, Mr Fiifi Kwetey, Deputy Minister for Finance, Dr Kwesi Akyem Apea-Kubi, Deputy Minister for the Interior, Mr John Gyetuah, Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Rojo Mettle-Nunoo, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Mrs Elizabeth Amoah-Tetteh, Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Joseph Annan, Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Nartey Siaw-Sappore, Deputy Minister for Communications and Dr Kwabena Donkor, Deputy Minister for Energy.
Others are: Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Deputy Minister for Energy, Mr Henry Ford Kamel, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Kwabena Owusu Acheampong, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Ms Dzifa Peace Aku Attivor, Deputy Minister for Transport, Ms Hawawu Boya Gariba, Deputy Minister for Women and Children's Affairs, Mr Nii Nortey Dua, Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports and Mr Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development.
The rest are: Mr Eric Opoku, Deputy Regional Minister for Brong Ahafo, Mr Baba Jamal, Deputy Regional Minister for Eastern, Mr Kale Ceasar, Deputy Regional Minister for Upper West, Mrs Lucy Awuni Mbun, Deputy Regional Minister for Upper East, Mr Moses Mabengba, Deputy Regional Minister for Northern, Colonel Cyril Neku (Rtd), Deputy Regional Minister for Volta and Ms Betty Bosomtwi-Sam, Deputy Regional Minister for Western.
The statement said President Mills has also nominated for consideration by Parliament, Mr Kwajo Tawiah Likpalimor, Mr Abdudl-Rashid Pelpuo and Alhaji Seidu Amadu as Ministers of State.
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