Accra, Ghana - Vice President John Mahama on Thursday assured labour unions, some of whom are showing increasing agitation over the delay in implementing the single spine pay policy that government remains firmly committed to putting the policy into action. Addressing workers unions and employers at a consultative workshop on the policy in Accra, Vice President Mahama re-echoed the willingness of government to fully implement the policy aimed at removing distortions in public sector wages, to reflect constitutional requirements of equity and equal pay for work of equal worth.
He said government would work assiduously towards "streaming public sector wages with the view to boosting productivity and towards paying decent wages to the working people" with the ultimate goal of making the public sector more "productive, effective and efficient". "This is a statement of fact and my presence here is to allay your fears and remove any cloud of doubt from the minds of public sector employees and their leadership about government's commitment towards ensuring the implementation of the single spine pay policy," he added. The two-day meeting is expected to smoothen grey areas which are believed to have stalled the implementation of the policy, billed by the largest bloc of workers union, the Ghana Trades Union Congress as critical in giving public sector workers a decent wage. Such a move, would pave way for the designing of a 'road map' to guide the implementation of the policy. Vice President Mahama charged the participants to help address major areas of contention and arrive at a consensus on the determination of the base pay and the standardization of allowances and other conditions of service.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Bank of Ghana to introduce new cheque clearing system
Accra, Ghana - The Bank of Ghana is to introduce a new cheque clearing system, "cheque code-line clearing" into banking services with effect from July this year. The electronic-based system which is to make cheque clearing faster was an innovation of the Ghana inter-bank payments solutions system (GHIPSS), a subsidiary of the Bank of Ghana. Mr Richard Mettle Addo, Head of Research and Marketing Department of the ARB Apex Bank, announced these at the 28th annual general meeting of the Gomoa Rural Bank at Apam. He said the cheque code-line clearing and the e-zwich money transfer were part of reforms being made by the Central Bank to make Ghana a cashless economy, which means people would not need to do transactions with fiscal cash. Mr. Addo appealed to Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) to alter their operations to keep in tune with the changing technological and electronic requirements. He commended management and Board of directors of the Gomoa Rural Bank for increasing its capital adequacy ration to 55.79 per cent placing second position among 126 Rural/Community Banks (RCBs) in the country. Mr. Kodwo Konadu Asiamah, Executive Director, Association of Rural Banks, urged directors of RCBs to initiate programmes to encounter the global
economic crunch.
economic crunch.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Ghana has no fiscal policy on Oil, says RWI
Accra, Ghana- New York based Revenue Watch Institute (RWI) has bemoaned the fact that with barely a year to commence commercial oil production off its West Coast, Ghana is yet to put in place a clear policy direction as to how expected oil revenues would be distributed and utilized.
Emmanuel Kuyole, Africa Regional Coordinator for RWI said the country has neither overhauled the agencies charged with overseeing the industry nor published policies on how the discoveries would be used to benefit the country.
Mr Kuyole’s comments highlights pressure in Ghana and outside for government action to help the country escape the so-called “paradox of plenty”, that has left many other resource-rich countries in the grip of graft and mass poverty.
According to him, even though the Ghana has stated clearly its intention to avoid the fate of Nigeria and other troubled resource regions by setting out modalities, before the commencement of commercial oil production for royalties, dividends, corporate taxes and other levies, not much has been achieved in that direction.
Speaking at a training workshop for members of the Institute of Financial and Economic Journalist (IFEJ) , Mr Kuyole explained that current projections by the German Technical Coorporation indicates that Ghana could reap as much as US$ 25 billion over the projected 25 year life span of the Jubilee oil field, for which reason prudent strategies are required ahead of time to ensure such revenues are well utilised.
He expressed concern about the fact that $27 million of annual receipts from the country’s minerals resources had not impacted much on the livelihood of the citizenry since independence, calling for definitive actions to forestall a similar situation with the entry of oil set to generate $1billion in annual revenue.
According to him, even though the past government worked out a draft oil policy, it is far from being a complete document as the current government wants to revise most portions of the text
Upper East, Ghana - Mr Mark Woyongo, Upper East Regional Minister, has appealed to doctors in the region to continue to run full work schedule and not join some of their colleagues who are embarking on work to rule.
He said many communities in the region were poor and had no means to seek private medical care that was not even available.
Mr. Woyongo said this when he visited the Navrongo War Memorial Hospital to assess the conditions prevailing there. "Yours is to save life, and nobody will like to see people die if the situation can be helped, you will surely receive your due when the situation improves, we ask you to bear with us", he urged. He expressed concern about the lack of adequate doctors, particularly specialists, in the region and pledged to liaise with the Ministry of Health to explore the possibility of posting specialists there once every month to help out with special cases. He said there was good accommodation available at Bolgatanga for any doctor posted to the Region.
Currently, the Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga has only two specialist doctors, without any at the District hospitals. Mr Philip Amati, manager of the hospital's laboratory, told the Minister that there was not enough equipment to undertake medical tests. He said HIV related testing equipment, which the hospital received eight months ago, remained uninstalled because the technicians assigned for the job had not yet found time to do so. Mr Amati said the Hospital needed a blood refrigerator for storing blood for later use.
He said many communities in the region were poor and had no means to seek private medical care that was not even available.
Mr. Woyongo said this when he visited the Navrongo War Memorial Hospital to assess the conditions prevailing there. "Yours is to save life, and nobody will like to see people die if the situation can be helped, you will surely receive your due when the situation improves, we ask you to bear with us", he urged. He expressed concern about the lack of adequate doctors, particularly specialists, in the region and pledged to liaise with the Ministry of Health to explore the possibility of posting specialists there once every month to help out with special cases. He said there was good accommodation available at Bolgatanga for any doctor posted to the Region.
Currently, the Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga has only two specialist doctors, without any at the District hospitals. Mr Philip Amati, manager of the hospital's laboratory, told the Minister that there was not enough equipment to undertake medical tests. He said HIV related testing equipment, which the hospital received eight months ago, remained uninstalled because the technicians assigned for the job had not yet found time to do so. Mr Amati said the Hospital needed a blood refrigerator for storing blood for later use.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Re-introduce Service Centres in the distribution of Premix
Sekondi, Ghana– Fishermen groups in the Western Region have called on the government to re-introduce Service Centre in the distribution of premix fuel to ensure fair distribution and effective monitoring.
The Groups: Ghana National Association of Fishermen and Farmers (GNAF), Ghana Co-operative Fishermen (GCF) and Ghana Canoe fishermen Council (GCFC) said, this would end the politicization of premix distribution which had greatly affected the fishing industry.
In a meeting with Ms Betty Bosomtwi-Sam, Deputy Western Regional Minister to find lasting solution to the issues surrounding premix distribution, the group agreed that policies regulating premix distribution should be reactivated.
The policy, according to Mr Kwaw Koomsoon, Regional Secretary, GNAF stipulated that only identifiable and viable fisher groups had the mandate to sell premix fuel and not any individual.
He noted that the Service Centre which was a central point for fisher groups to have easy access to premix fuel had been abrogated over the past eight years while individuals had taken over the sale and distribution of premix fuel.
Ms Bosomtwi-Sam in response to the plea said government would ensure that the appropriate thing was done to bring sanity into the fishing industry.
She therefore charged the group to form a committee with representatives from the oil companies, the fisher associations, the Regional Coordinating Council and the Department of Fisheries to have oversight responsibility.
Ms Bosomtwi-Sam on the other hand abhorred the practice of using light and DDT for fishing and advised the fishermen to stop the practice.
On the Oil Fields, She noted that ocean current around such areas were high and could cost human life and therefore cautioned them not to travel to such areas.
The Groups: Ghana National Association of Fishermen and Farmers (GNAF), Ghana Co-operative Fishermen (GCF) and Ghana Canoe fishermen Council (GCFC) said, this would end the politicization of premix distribution which had greatly affected the fishing industry.
In a meeting with Ms Betty Bosomtwi-Sam, Deputy Western Regional Minister to find lasting solution to the issues surrounding premix distribution, the group agreed that policies regulating premix distribution should be reactivated.
The policy, according to Mr Kwaw Koomsoon, Regional Secretary, GNAF stipulated that only identifiable and viable fisher groups had the mandate to sell premix fuel and not any individual.
He noted that the Service Centre which was a central point for fisher groups to have easy access to premix fuel had been abrogated over the past eight years while individuals had taken over the sale and distribution of premix fuel.
Ms Bosomtwi-Sam in response to the plea said government would ensure that the appropriate thing was done to bring sanity into the fishing industry.
She therefore charged the group to form a committee with representatives from the oil companies, the fisher associations, the Regional Coordinating Council and the Department of Fisheries to have oversight responsibility.
Ms Bosomtwi-Sam on the other hand abhorred the practice of using light and DDT for fishing and advised the fishermen to stop the practice.
On the Oil Fields, She noted that ocean current around such areas were high and could cost human life and therefore cautioned them not to travel to such areas.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Join credit unions to improve living conditions
Mr James Okyere, Techiman Municipal Cooperative Officer has stressed the need for people to join cooperative credit unions to help better their living conditions. He explained that "credit unions offer members investment opportunities" and formed the corner stone to the development of small business enterprises.
Mr Okyere said this at a forum at Werriwa in the Techiman municipality to sensitize the people about the concept of cooperative credit union.
"As there is no financial institution in Werriwa and its environs it is prudent for the people to embrace the concept", he said, adding that people continue to spend their monies, without thinking of improving their living standards. Mr Okyere appealed to the people to cultivate the habit of savings, because such savings could be invested to enhance their livelihood.
Mr Okyere said this at a forum at Werriwa in the Techiman municipality to sensitize the people about the concept of cooperative credit union.
"As there is no financial institution in Werriwa and its environs it is prudent for the people to embrace the concept", he said, adding that people continue to spend their monies, without thinking of improving their living standards. Mr Okyere appealed to the people to cultivate the habit of savings, because such savings could be invested to enhance their livelihood.
Pork sellers complain about low patronage
Takoradi, Ghana - Pork traders within the Sekondi-Takoradi and its environs have complained about low patronage of pork products due to the outbreak of the swine flu in some countries. Madam Esi Nana, a pig feet trader at the Takoradi Central Market, told the Ghana News Agency on Friday that she used to sell half a jerry can of pork feet a day but she now sells five pieces in a day. She said "Tell the press to stop talking too much about the disease because it is really affecting our business."
She called on importers to stop importing pork products to reduce chances of bringing the disease into the country. Mr George Pentsil, Zonal Officer of the Food and Drugs Board in-charge of the Western and Central regions, said the Ministry of Health had alerted all health facilities to be on the look out for symptoms of the disease.
He said there was no cause for alarm adding, "If you care to eat pork products, cook it very well. Sales will improve with time."
She called on importers to stop importing pork products to reduce chances of bringing the disease into the country. Mr George Pentsil, Zonal Officer of the Food and Drugs Board in-charge of the Western and Central regions, said the Ministry of Health had alerted all health facilities to be on the look out for symptoms of the disease.
He said there was no cause for alarm adding, "If you care to eat pork products, cook it very well. Sales will improve with time."
Friday, May 8, 2009
Champion the cause of women in agriculture
Accra, Ghana- The Volta Regional Minister Mr Joseph Amenowode has urged the Ghana Trade and Livelihood Coalition (GTLC) to champion the cause of women in agriculture, because of their crucial role in bringing about national food security and stemming poverty.
Speaking at a sensitization forum organized by the Volta Regional chapter of the Coalition, on the government's proposed Youth in Agriculture Project, Mr Amenowode said the Volta Region met all the criteria required for implementing the project and should certainly benefit from it.
The forum was a platform for the relevant government agencies to interact with representatives of peasant farmers groups, from the 18 districts in the Region, on the proposed Youth in Agriculture Project. Mr Amenowode said the government's Youth in Agriculture Project sought to train a number of youths in Agri-business, while others would be supported with inputs to cultivate large hectares of maize, rice and sorghum in 70 districts in the country.
Government would also identify suitable land and negotiate with chiefs and landowners to release them for the project, while modern inputs and irrigation facilities would be provided for the youth to undertake dry season farming. He commended the Coalition for its advocacy role on behalf of peasant farmers, especially its plans to build the capacity of women in agriculture and the problems that confront them.
Speaking at a sensitization forum organized by the Volta Regional chapter of the Coalition, on the government's proposed Youth in Agriculture Project, Mr Amenowode said the Volta Region met all the criteria required for implementing the project and should certainly benefit from it.
The forum was a platform for the relevant government agencies to interact with representatives of peasant farmers groups, from the 18 districts in the Region, on the proposed Youth in Agriculture Project. Mr Amenowode said the government's Youth in Agriculture Project sought to train a number of youths in Agri-business, while others would be supported with inputs to cultivate large hectares of maize, rice and sorghum in 70 districts in the country.
Government would also identify suitable land and negotiate with chiefs and landowners to release them for the project, while modern inputs and irrigation facilities would be provided for the youth to undertake dry season farming. He commended the Coalition for its advocacy role on behalf of peasant farmers, especially its plans to build the capacity of women in agriculture and the problems that confront them.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Imbibe Managerial skills for development-Moderator
Accra, Ghana- The slow pace of development within the society and the church in particular could largely be attributed to the lack of appropriate management skills, Right Rev Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana said on Tuesday.
"The situation calls for the need to review theological courses and blend it with management to make the training of our ministers complete".
Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso made the call at the opening of this years May School of Church Management organised by the PCG to expose ministers of the church to modern dynamics of management to enable them meet the challenges of the century.
He noted that qualitative growth of any church depended on strategic planning and management of resources as well as leadership, adding, "It is therefore not surprising that the church continues to face management oriented problems such as poor project planning.
Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso added that, "the church must re-orient its thinking and avail itself for such management training and practices to be able to catch up with modern trends".
He lauded the initiators of the May school and called for classification of participants as well as decentralization of the cent res of the programme to enable PCG ministers across the country to benefit.
Mr Seth Terkper, Deputy Minister of Finance said it was a laudable initiative which sought to bring ministers abreast with the principles and practice of management in the various forms.
"Indeed the course is very relevant especially in this era of national austerity as well as the global financial and economic crisis", he added.
"The situation calls for the need to review theological courses and blend it with management to make the training of our ministers complete".
Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso made the call at the opening of this years May School of Church Management organised by the PCG to expose ministers of the church to modern dynamics of management to enable them meet the challenges of the century.
He noted that qualitative growth of any church depended on strategic planning and management of resources as well as leadership, adding, "It is therefore not surprising that the church continues to face management oriented problems such as poor project planning.
Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso added that, "the church must re-orient its thinking and avail itself for such management training and practices to be able to catch up with modern trends".
He lauded the initiators of the May school and called for classification of participants as well as decentralization of the cent res of the programme to enable PCG ministers across the country to benefit.
Mr Seth Terkper, Deputy Minister of Finance said it was a laudable initiative which sought to bring ministers abreast with the principles and practice of management in the various forms.
"Indeed the course is very relevant especially in this era of national austerity as well as the global financial and economic crisis", he added.
Imbibe Managerial skills for development-Moderator
Accra, Ghana- The slow pace of development within the society and the church in particular could largely be attributed to the lack of appropriate management skills, Right Rev Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana said on Tuesday.
"The situation calls for the need to review theological courses and blend it with management to make the training of our ministers complete".
Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso made the call at the opening of this years May School of Church Management organised by the PCG to expose ministers of the church to modern dynamics of management to enable them meet the challenges of the century.
He noted that qualitative growth of any church depended on strategic planning and management of resources as well as leadership, adding, "It is therefore not surprising that the church continues to face management oriented problems such as poor project planning.
Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso added that, "the church must re-orient its thinking and avail itself for such management training and practices to be able to catch up with modern trends".
He lauded the initiators of the May school and called for classification of participants as well as decentralization of the cent res of the programme to enable PCG ministers across the country to benefit.
Mr Seth Terkper, Deputy Minister of Finance said it was a laudable initiative which sought to bring ministers abreast with the principles and practice of management in the various forms.
"Indeed the course is very relevant especially in this era of national austerity as well as the global financial and economic crisis", he added.
"The situation calls for the need to review theological courses and blend it with management to make the training of our ministers complete".
Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso made the call at the opening of this years May School of Church Management organised by the PCG to expose ministers of the church to modern dynamics of management to enable them meet the challenges of the century.
He noted that qualitative growth of any church depended on strategic planning and management of resources as well as leadership, adding, "It is therefore not surprising that the church continues to face management oriented problems such as poor project planning.
Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso added that, "the church must re-orient its thinking and avail itself for such management training and practices to be able to catch up with modern trends".
He lauded the initiators of the May school and called for classification of participants as well as decentralization of the cent res of the programme to enable PCG ministers across the country to benefit.
Mr Seth Terkper, Deputy Minister of Finance said it was a laudable initiative which sought to bring ministers abreast with the principles and practice of management in the various forms.
"Indeed the course is very relevant especially in this era of national austerity as well as the global financial and economic crisis", he added.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Otumfuo shows appreciation
Accra, Ghana-The Planning Committee of the 10th Anniversary Celebrations of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, on Thursday express gratitude to the President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, for not only joining Otumfuo and Asanteman to commemorate the event, but for providing various forms of support to make the occasion a memorable one.
In a statement signed by George Bosiako Osei-Antwi, The Media Relations Manager, the Committee similarly thanked former President Jerry John Rawlings, the Chief Justice, Members of the Council of State, current and past Ministers of State, current and past Members of Parliament, and other state dignitaries and security services for their attendance and support.
The Committee also expressed appreciation to Ex- President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah of Sierra Leon, Ex-President Festus Mogae of Botwana, the former Spanish Prime Minister Jos Maria Aznar and Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria.
It also thanked all who contributed in every way to make the 10th Anniversary Celebrations a big success especially the Companies, Institutions and individuals who made donations in Cash and in kind, and spent time and effort to participate in all the various activities.
“While the Committee acknowledges that there was massive enthusiasm for the activities, we observe with regret that some Organizational over-enthusiasm did not allow a large number of people, particularly at the popular stand at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, to enter the gates to watch the events”.
“Arrangement of seats for some invited dignitaries was also abused. The Committee regrets the inconveniences caused in any way to any individuals or Institutions who were affected and prays that this will not be repeated in future.”
In a statement signed by George Bosiako Osei-Antwi, The Media Relations Manager, the Committee similarly thanked former President Jerry John Rawlings, the Chief Justice, Members of the Council of State, current and past Ministers of State, current and past Members of Parliament, and other state dignitaries and security services for their attendance and support.
The Committee also expressed appreciation to Ex- President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah of Sierra Leon, Ex-President Festus Mogae of Botwana, the former Spanish Prime Minister Jos Maria Aznar and Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria.
It also thanked all who contributed in every way to make the 10th Anniversary Celebrations a big success especially the Companies, Institutions and individuals who made donations in Cash and in kind, and spent time and effort to participate in all the various activities.
“While the Committee acknowledges that there was massive enthusiasm for the activities, we observe with regret that some Organizational over-enthusiasm did not allow a large number of people, particularly at the popular stand at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, to enter the gates to watch the events”.
“Arrangement of seats for some invited dignitaries was also abused. The Committee regrets the inconveniences caused in any way to any individuals or Institutions who were affected and prays that this will not be repeated in future.”
Total Ghana supports malaria campaign
Accra, Ghana- Total Petroleum Ghana Limited on Thursday organised a float and children's party across the country to create awareness on the need to prevent malaria.
Mr Jonas Ayi, Executive Director, Human Resource and Communication noted that Total was organising series of educational campaign through out the country on the dangers of malaria.
He noted that the company was spending over GHC 20,000 on the campaign aside other external support adding, "this is in view of the fact that one child dies every 30 seconds of the disease".
Mr Ayi noted "Total Worldwide is focusing its 2009 fight against malaria on children who were the most vulnerable group".
He added that in line with its campaign, a special educative game had been developed to enhance awareness on malaria prevention.
Mr Ayi said Total Ghana would also undertake public education campaign in some selected schools and deprived areas.
"Total is committed to human centered activities and we will continue to undertake such social responsibilities as a contribution to the growth and development of the society", he added
Mr Jonas Ayi, Executive Director, Human Resource and Communication noted that Total was organising series of educational campaign through out the country on the dangers of malaria.
He noted that the company was spending over GHC 20,000 on the campaign aside other external support adding, "this is in view of the fact that one child dies every 30 seconds of the disease".
Mr Ayi noted "Total Worldwide is focusing its 2009 fight against malaria on children who were the most vulnerable group".
He added that in line with its campaign, a special educative game had been developed to enhance awareness on malaria prevention.
Mr Ayi said Total Ghana would also undertake public education campaign in some selected schools and deprived areas.
"Total is committed to human centered activities and we will continue to undertake such social responsibilities as a contribution to the growth and development of the society", he added
Thursday, April 23, 2009
National Child Health Promotion week is here again
Accrai, Ghana - This year’s National Child Health Promotion Week would be launched at Takoradi on Thursday, April 30.
Mr Winfred Wunu, Western Regional Nutrition Officer of Ghana Health Service (GHS) who announced this on Wednesday said it would be under the theme “Follow Your Child’s Growth-Use Your Child Health Records”.
Addressing a press conference at Takoradi, Mr Wunu said the week celebrated in the second week of May every year, was instituted by GHS in 2004 to improve service delivery and coverage of children under five years.
Mr Wunu who represented the Western Regional Director of Health Services said during the week-long celebration existing child health services would be advocated in the Metropolitan, Municipal and Districts.
He explained that the launch would be followed with service delivery in all health facilities from May 4-8 and key services to be offered would include immunisation, Vitamin “A” Supplementation, distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN), growth promotion and birth registration.
Mr Wunu said Vitamin “A” Supplementation was intended to ensure strong and healthy children from six months to five years, and children were expected to be immunised at least five times before they attain a year, while ITNs should be re-treated every six months.
He advised parents and children to sleep under ITNs and regularly weigh their children from birth to five years.
Mr Wunu announced that management of GHS had introduced new child health records cards with information on the new treatment for malaria, other interventions and World Health Organisation (WHO) new growth chart for children.
The growth chart was designed after WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study undertaken in selected countries including Ghana.
Mr Winfred Wunu, Western Regional Nutrition Officer of Ghana Health Service (GHS) who announced this on Wednesday said it would be under the theme “Follow Your Child’s Growth-Use Your Child Health Records”.
Addressing a press conference at Takoradi, Mr Wunu said the week celebrated in the second week of May every year, was instituted by GHS in 2004 to improve service delivery and coverage of children under five years.
Mr Wunu who represented the Western Regional Director of Health Services said during the week-long celebration existing child health services would be advocated in the Metropolitan, Municipal and Districts.
He explained that the launch would be followed with service delivery in all health facilities from May 4-8 and key services to be offered would include immunisation, Vitamin “A” Supplementation, distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN), growth promotion and birth registration.
Mr Wunu said Vitamin “A” Supplementation was intended to ensure strong and healthy children from six months to five years, and children were expected to be immunised at least five times before they attain a year, while ITNs should be re-treated every six months.
He advised parents and children to sleep under ITNs and regularly weigh their children from birth to five years.
Mr Wunu announced that management of GHS had introduced new child health records cards with information on the new treatment for malaria, other interventions and World Health Organisation (WHO) new growth chart for children.
The growth chart was designed after WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study undertaken in selected countries including Ghana.
media urged to promote social stories
Accra, Ghana– The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has tasked the Ghanaian media to devote daily space and airtime for civic education to ensure that citizens were alive to their rights and responsibilities.
“The steady democratic development in the country demands an equally active citizen’s participation and act of responsiveness from both the government and the governed from an informed position.
“It is the wish of the NCCE that as citizens of Ghana, from whom all governments derive their power, we will strive to deepen our civic knowledge, sharpen our civic skills and position ourselves appropriately to participate effectively in governance in order to achieve transparency in governance and strengthen the culture of government accountability,” Mr Baron Amoafo, NCCE Deputy Chairman in Charge of Programmes stated at a press conference in Accra.
Mr Amoafo therefore tasked the media to slot civic education on their daily programme on air and in the newspapers, saying, “This will go a long way to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.”
The press conference organized by the NCCE was to officially launch the ninth Constitution Week celebration, which is on the general theme: “Beyond Elections, Citizens’ Participation and Government Accountability”.
The week starts from April 28 to May 4 throughout the country.
The celebration, instituted by the NCCE, is to enable Ghanaians to participate in discussions, debates, theatre performances and other activities on the constitution to make it "a living document embodied on the mind and heart for the attainment of democracy and good governance".
It is also as a result of an urgent demand for knowledge and information on the constitution to accelerate the growth and sustenance of democracy and constitutionalism in the country.
Mr Amoafo said since 1992, Ghanaians have had the opportunity to exercise their sovereign will and power through elections, in choosing or selecting the president as enshrined in the constitution.
He said the elections have shown that the power to select our leaders such as the president and members of parliament rather resides with the people and that the electorates had the power to vote for a new set of government or retain the government.
Mr Amoafo said the theme would enable the public to consider whether after the elections, the people of this country had any further role to play in ensuring accountability of government.
Mr Kwaku Baa Owusu, NCCE Director of Public Education described Election 2008 as a poll which for the second time in the nation’s political history changed the political administration of the country, and reinforced the national resolve to build a society that was premised on the principles of democracy.
He explained that while democracy remained the preferred system of governance, it was important that as a nation, “we do not limit its essence to practice to elections only”.
“The elections are over, but our democracy is not over. Beyond elections, there are even greater challenges of governance. It is only with effective participation of the citizenry in national affairs at all levels that good governance, whose attributes include transparency and accountability in public and private life, can be ensured.
“The 1992 constitution, in its preamble, demands transparency and accountability. As a nation, therefore, the people have an obligation to permanently engage their leaders on the basis of a principled, democratic arrangement to build a society that respects the virtues of transparency and accountability,” he stated.
Mr Baa Owusu said “it is important that, as citizens, we initiate and implement constructive actions towards ensuring that our leaders do address our needs.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that the right national priorities are set and that our national resources are properly managed in the best interest and welfare of the citizens.
“As citizens, we need to encourage ourselves to be concerned with issues and developments around us. We must ensure that things done in our name and our national resources are properly managed in the best interest and welfare of the citizens”.
“The steady democratic development in the country demands an equally active citizen’s participation and act of responsiveness from both the government and the governed from an informed position.
“It is the wish of the NCCE that as citizens of Ghana, from whom all governments derive their power, we will strive to deepen our civic knowledge, sharpen our civic skills and position ourselves appropriately to participate effectively in governance in order to achieve transparency in governance and strengthen the culture of government accountability,” Mr Baron Amoafo, NCCE Deputy Chairman in Charge of Programmes stated at a press conference in Accra.
Mr Amoafo therefore tasked the media to slot civic education on their daily programme on air and in the newspapers, saying, “This will go a long way to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.”
The press conference organized by the NCCE was to officially launch the ninth Constitution Week celebration, which is on the general theme: “Beyond Elections, Citizens’ Participation and Government Accountability”.
The week starts from April 28 to May 4 throughout the country.
The celebration, instituted by the NCCE, is to enable Ghanaians to participate in discussions, debates, theatre performances and other activities on the constitution to make it "a living document embodied on the mind and heart for the attainment of democracy and good governance".
It is also as a result of an urgent demand for knowledge and information on the constitution to accelerate the growth and sustenance of democracy and constitutionalism in the country.
Mr Amoafo said since 1992, Ghanaians have had the opportunity to exercise their sovereign will and power through elections, in choosing or selecting the president as enshrined in the constitution.
He said the elections have shown that the power to select our leaders such as the president and members of parliament rather resides with the people and that the electorates had the power to vote for a new set of government or retain the government.
Mr Amoafo said the theme would enable the public to consider whether after the elections, the people of this country had any further role to play in ensuring accountability of government.
Mr Kwaku Baa Owusu, NCCE Director of Public Education described Election 2008 as a poll which for the second time in the nation’s political history changed the political administration of the country, and reinforced the national resolve to build a society that was premised on the principles of democracy.
He explained that while democracy remained the preferred system of governance, it was important that as a nation, “we do not limit its essence to practice to elections only”.
“The elections are over, but our democracy is not over. Beyond elections, there are even greater challenges of governance. It is only with effective participation of the citizenry in national affairs at all levels that good governance, whose attributes include transparency and accountability in public and private life, can be ensured.
“The 1992 constitution, in its preamble, demands transparency and accountability. As a nation, therefore, the people have an obligation to permanently engage their leaders on the basis of a principled, democratic arrangement to build a society that respects the virtues of transparency and accountability,” he stated.
Mr Baa Owusu said “it is important that, as citizens, we initiate and implement constructive actions towards ensuring that our leaders do address our needs.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that the right national priorities are set and that our national resources are properly managed in the best interest and welfare of the citizens.
“As citizens, we need to encourage ourselves to be concerned with issues and developments around us. We must ensure that things done in our name and our national resources are properly managed in the best interest and welfare of the citizens”.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
I will discharge my duties with a human touch-Justice Bamford-Addo
Accra, Ghana – The Speaker of Ghana's Parliament, Justice Joyce Bamford-Addo, has said although she wielded a lot of power under the Standing Orders of Parliament, she would endeavour to discharge her duty and make rulings with a human touch.
She said both sides of the House voted for her by consensus and she had since received a lot of support and cooperation from the majority and minority in Parliament.
She was speaking to a delegation of queen mothers from North and South Ketu Districts in the Volta Region who paid a courtesy call on her at Parliament House.
Justice Bamford-Addo said she felt proud for occupying the position as Speaker on behalf of women and would work hard to succeed during her term as Speaker of the Fifth Parliament.
She urged the queen mothers to continue with their work in the communities and stressed their importance in society.
She said both sides of the House voted for her by consensus and she had since received a lot of support and cooperation from the majority and minority in Parliament.
She was speaking to a delegation of queen mothers from North and South Ketu Districts in the Volta Region who paid a courtesy call on her at Parliament House.
Justice Bamford-Addo said she felt proud for occupying the position as Speaker on behalf of women and would work hard to succeed during her term as Speaker of the Fifth Parliament.
She urged the queen mothers to continue with their work in the communities and stressed their importance in society.
Training on Radiation opens
Accra, Ghana– A five-day training Programme for physicists and engineers in the health sector was opened on Monday with a call on participants to adopt both preventive and maintenance habits to avoid rampant breakdown of hospital equipment.
The workshop, organized by the International Atomic Energy Commission and facilitated by the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission engaged participants from African countries including Ghana, Tanzania, Congo, Niger, South Africa, Uganda and Tunisia to enhance their capacity as well as training them on the maintenance of Siemens ECAM Gamma Cameras, (a radioactive equipment used in diagnosing cancers and liver problems among other aliments.)
Dr Mary Boadu, Acting Director, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute at the Commission said the proper maintenance of such cameras was essential to ensure continuous service delivery to patients.
She urged the participants to use the opportunity to exchange ideas and share information that would improve their work in their respective countries.
Dr Boadu said the training, which was a follow-up on a similar one held in South Africa in 2008 would also teach participants to separate operator faults, quality problems and breakdown, check system and software settings and identify system related serial numbers to enhance radioactive operation in their respective countries.
Dr Verna Vanderpuye, Acting Director, National Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital noted that the expensive nature of
the equipment demanded that personnel were trained to carefully operate them.
Mr. Paul Obeng, Course Coordinator said already
the International agency had donated about 10 Gamma
ECAM cameras to African countries adding, “Ghana’s
camera broke down in 2008 and was only repaired in February this year”.
He said the training was imperative to ensure
that respective user countries provided a first line maintenance and diagnostics in case of break down before and outside expertise could be sought.
The workshop, organized by the International Atomic Energy Commission and facilitated by the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission engaged participants from African countries including Ghana, Tanzania, Congo, Niger, South Africa, Uganda and Tunisia to enhance their capacity as well as training them on the maintenance of Siemens ECAM Gamma Cameras, (a radioactive equipment used in diagnosing cancers and liver problems among other aliments.)
Dr Mary Boadu, Acting Director, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute at the Commission said the proper maintenance of such cameras was essential to ensure continuous service delivery to patients.
She urged the participants to use the opportunity to exchange ideas and share information that would improve their work in their respective countries.
Dr Boadu said the training, which was a follow-up on a similar one held in South Africa in 2008 would also teach participants to separate operator faults, quality problems and breakdown, check system and software settings and identify system related serial numbers to enhance radioactive operation in their respective countries.
Dr Verna Vanderpuye, Acting Director, National Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital noted that the expensive nature of
the equipment demanded that personnel were trained to carefully operate them.
Mr. Paul Obeng, Course Coordinator said already
the International agency had donated about 10 Gamma
ECAM cameras to African countries adding, “Ghana’s
camera broke down in 2008 and was only repaired in February this year”.
He said the training was imperative to ensure
that respective user countries provided a first line maintenance and diagnostics in case of break down before and outside expertise could be sought.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Rail transport to be developed to address road crashes
Accra, Ghana– Mr Mike Hammah, Minister for Transport, on
Wednesday said rail transport would be developed to address the recent
spate of road accidents.
He said education, enforcement and engineering alone could not fully address the problem of road accidents stressing the need for rail transport
to help cut down on the carnage.
The Minister made the statement when Dr Marius Haas, German Ambassador
to Ghana, and Mr Yannick Aplogan, General Manager of Lufthansa in Ghana,
paid a courtesy call on him in Accra.
Mr Hammah said it was difficult to sustain the country’s road infrastructure and therefore appealed to the German government to cooperate
with Ghana at the bilateral level so that government could access grants
for development.
The Minister said the recent oil find in the country would be a challenge to the transport sector, especially the ports, since the infrastructure was poorly developed for transporting the oil.
He added that, in view of the oil and gas find, the Ministry would
organize a workshop in July, engaging all stakeholders in the transport
industry to discuss the challenges of the oil find on the transport sector.
Dr Haas said the two countries needed to cooperate to identify strategic areas and projects that could be developed.
He urged government to engage the private sector in the development agenda of the government to enable them to access funds to develop various sectors.
Wednesday said rail transport would be developed to address the recent
spate of road accidents.
He said education, enforcement and engineering alone could not fully address the problem of road accidents stressing the need for rail transport
to help cut down on the carnage.
The Minister made the statement when Dr Marius Haas, German Ambassador
to Ghana, and Mr Yannick Aplogan, General Manager of Lufthansa in Ghana,
paid a courtesy call on him in Accra.
Mr Hammah said it was difficult to sustain the country’s road infrastructure and therefore appealed to the German government to cooperate
with Ghana at the bilateral level so that government could access grants
for development.
The Minister said the recent oil find in the country would be a challenge to the transport sector, especially the ports, since the infrastructure was poorly developed for transporting the oil.
He added that, in view of the oil and gas find, the Ministry would
organize a workshop in July, engaging all stakeholders in the transport
industry to discuss the challenges of the oil find on the transport sector.
Dr Haas said the two countries needed to cooperate to identify strategic areas and projects that could be developed.
He urged government to engage the private sector in the development agenda of the government to enable them to access funds to develop various sectors.
The raining season is here again
Accra, Ghana– Easter Monday’s heavy down-pour, which was experienced in most parts of the country is likely to usher in the first and major rainy season, Mr Amos Narh of the Meto the trological Services Department has warned.
Mr Narh, who is in charge of the Department at the Kotoka International Airport, said although atmospheric conditions had not been favourable for some time, the conditions finally changed to precipitate the Monday’s rains.
He said the northern part of the country, however, would experience the rainy season much later than the southern part.
The down-pour measured from 0.2 millimetres within Wa in the northern part of the country to as much as 75.1 millimetres in Ketekrachi in the Volta Region.
Mr Narh advised farmers within the southern part of the country, especially those in Greater Accra, Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions to hold on with their planting of crops until one or two more rainfalls.
He said farmers in the northern part on the other hand could begin planting somewhere in the middle of May, 2009.
Mr Narh said if any one attempted to plant crops earlier than the period advised they risked a situation where the lack of rain fall for a period might result in their crops not being able to survive.
Mr Narh, who is in charge of the Department at the Kotoka International Airport, said although atmospheric conditions had not been favourable for some time, the conditions finally changed to precipitate the Monday’s rains.
He said the northern part of the country, however, would experience the rainy season much later than the southern part.
The down-pour measured from 0.2 millimetres within Wa in the northern part of the country to as much as 75.1 millimetres in Ketekrachi in the Volta Region.
Mr Narh advised farmers within the southern part of the country, especially those in Greater Accra, Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions to hold on with their planting of crops until one or two more rainfalls.
He said farmers in the northern part on the other hand could begin planting somewhere in the middle of May, 2009.
Mr Narh said if any one attempted to plant crops earlier than the period advised they risked a situation where the lack of rain fall for a period might result in their crops not being able to survive.
UNESCO says developing countries had a chunk of illiterate population
Accra, Ghana – The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) said
there were about 774 million illiterate adults in the world with 64 per cent
of the figure being women.
The report also indicated that majority of the illiterate adults were found in developing countries adding, “Illiteracy seems to be a less priority, compared to issues of access and teaching”.
Mr Akwasi Addae-Boahene, Country Director, World University Services
of Ghana, in a statement to launch the Global Action Week on Education
organized by the Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition added that
literacy was one of the most neglected of the six goals of the “Education for All”.
The global theme for the celebration is: “Youth and Adult literacy and Lifelong Learning” but Ghana had adopted “Literacy for All, a Challenge to National Development” to drum home the need for Policy makers to pay attention to the sector.
He said in Ghana nearly 42 per cent of the population was illiterate. Additionally about 50 per cent of women in Ghana were illiterate compared to
33 per cent of men.
However, there are regional disparities across the rural and urban divide: the proportion of the population that is illiterate in Greater Accra is 21 per cent, while Ashanti is 40 per cent. Brong Ahafo, 54 per cent meanwhile the three northern regions has over 76 per cent.
Mr. Addae-Boahene noted that the literacy rates at the basic level continued to decrease thus affecting the ability of pupils to perform.
The Global Action Week 2009 which will be observed in Ghana from April
20-25 would be used to pressurize government to place literacy policies at
the centre of education systems and development and create awareness on the
need for families to whip up interest in reading and writing.
there were about 774 million illiterate adults in the world with 64 per cent
of the figure being women.
The report also indicated that majority of the illiterate adults were found in developing countries adding, “Illiteracy seems to be a less priority, compared to issues of access and teaching”.
Mr Akwasi Addae-Boahene, Country Director, World University Services
of Ghana, in a statement to launch the Global Action Week on Education
organized by the Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition added that
literacy was one of the most neglected of the six goals of the “Education for All”.
The global theme for the celebration is: “Youth and Adult literacy and Lifelong Learning” but Ghana had adopted “Literacy for All, a Challenge to National Development” to drum home the need for Policy makers to pay attention to the sector.
He said in Ghana nearly 42 per cent of the population was illiterate. Additionally about 50 per cent of women in Ghana were illiterate compared to
33 per cent of men.
However, there are regional disparities across the rural and urban divide: the proportion of the population that is illiterate in Greater Accra is 21 per cent, while Ashanti is 40 per cent. Brong Ahafo, 54 per cent meanwhile the three northern regions has over 76 per cent.
Mr. Addae-Boahene noted that the literacy rates at the basic level continued to decrease thus affecting the ability of pupils to perform.
The Global Action Week 2009 which will be observed in Ghana from April
20-25 would be used to pressurize government to place literacy policies at
the centre of education systems and development and create awareness on the
need for families to whip up interest in reading and writing.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
NSRC to train volunteers to manage crash victims
Accra, Ghana- The National Road Safety Commission (NSRC) is in the process of training volunteers in accidents prone areas on Post Crash management to mitigate the deaths toll and disability.
Mrs May Obiri-Yeboah, Director, Planning and Programmes of NSRC added, "For it has been found that improper and unprofessional handling of crash victims could further worsen their plights".
Speaking at a sensitization forum organized by the Ghana Mental Health Association (GMHA) in collaboration with GPRTU and the NSRC, Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said government was also considering building Trauma Centres on major highways as a more efficient approach to dealing with emergencies on the road.
The theme: "Mental Health and Road Crashes" was chosen to create awareness on psycho-social effect of crashes as well as it economic and cost implications on the individual, families and the nation as a whole.
Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said 1600 people died annually of road crashes and over 1000 injured. The cost of crashes to the country is estimated at 165 million dollars.
"Indeed it will be difficult to divorce mental health from road crashes as the resultant trauma, stress and distress suffered by the crash victims may have serious implication for mental stability", she added.
She noted that road safety was a shared responsibility, "and we are counting on your support to achieve the vision of making our roads transportation the safest in Africa".
Dr Akwasi Osei, Chief Psychiatrist, Accra Psychiatric Hospital called on the DVLA to include Epilepsy Test in addition to eye before licensing any driver.
He reiterated that 90 per cent of crashed were born out of human errors and advised drivers in particular to stay away from drugs and alcohol.
Dr Osei noted that Ghana was ranked second in terms of crashes adding, "Though Ghana is always first, it doesn't have to be first in crashes".
Rev Godson Akpalu, President of GMHA said actions of the driver on the road was important in ensuring safety adding, "With all the improvement made on our road safety assurance scheme, we expect drastic reduction in the number of accidents".
He added that the mental condition of drivers was therefore imperative.
Rev Akpalu urged drivers to be discipline especially on the road.
Mrs May Obiri-Yeboah, Director, Planning and Programmes of NSRC added, "For it has been found that improper and unprofessional handling of crash victims could further worsen their plights".
Speaking at a sensitization forum organized by the Ghana Mental Health Association (GMHA) in collaboration with GPRTU and the NSRC, Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said government was also considering building Trauma Centres on major highways as a more efficient approach to dealing with emergencies on the road.
The theme: "Mental Health and Road Crashes" was chosen to create awareness on psycho-social effect of crashes as well as it economic and cost implications on the individual, families and the nation as a whole.
Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said 1600 people died annually of road crashes and over 1000 injured. The cost of crashes to the country is estimated at 165 million dollars.
"Indeed it will be difficult to divorce mental health from road crashes as the resultant trauma, stress and distress suffered by the crash victims may have serious implication for mental stability", she added.
She noted that road safety was a shared responsibility, "and we are counting on your support to achieve the vision of making our roads transportation the safest in Africa".
Dr Akwasi Osei, Chief Psychiatrist, Accra Psychiatric Hospital called on the DVLA to include Epilepsy Test in addition to eye before licensing any driver.
He reiterated that 90 per cent of crashed were born out of human errors and advised drivers in particular to stay away from drugs and alcohol.
Dr Osei noted that Ghana was ranked second in terms of crashes adding, "Though Ghana is always first, it doesn't have to be first in crashes".
Rev Godson Akpalu, President of GMHA said actions of the driver on the road was important in ensuring safety adding, "With all the improvement made on our road safety assurance scheme, we expect drastic reduction in the number of accidents".
He added that the mental condition of drivers was therefore imperative.
Rev Akpalu urged drivers to be discipline especially on the road.
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