THE Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Kobina Prah-Annan, has stressed the need for chiefs to undertake income-generating ventures to enable them to raise some funds to carry out development projects.
He said they could also register companies to enable them to carry out projects for organised bodies instead of individual programmes.
That, the Metro Chief said, would enable them to generate some funds for the common good of the people.
He said this when he called on two paramount chiefs in the Twin-City of Sekondi/Takoradi to introduce himself.
He observed that their palaces were in bad condition and needed some rehabilitation.
He donated some money and bottles of schnapps to the traditional council and called for their support to enable him to transform the city.
Pleading anonymity, some members of the assembly said it was wrong for the chief executive to promise chiefs contracts while others said though knowledgeable, he should make more consultations in the course of his work.
“If his free pronouncements are meant to score political points, then he should consider the interest of the larger public, since he would be held responsible for his actions and inaction,” they warned.
Friday, October 30, 2009
DON'T RECLAIM WETLAND FOR PROJECTS (PAGE 30, OCT 30)
THE Friends of the Nation, (FoN),a non-governmental organisation (NGO), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have warned the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) not to reclaim any urban wetland in the metropolis for development.
The two institutions expressed shocked after the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Kobina Prah-Annan, had told Assembly members that he would reclaim wetlands for development by companies.
Mr Prah-Annan said he did not understand why people were looking for land to develop and the wetlands lay wasted.
The Regional Director of the EPA, Mrs Irene Heathcote, said apart from the environmental implications of the intended action of the metropolitan chief executive, the metropolis was below sea level, so blocking wetlands could cause flooding in the metropolis.
Apart from serving as channels in the event of flood, she said, they also served as channels for recharging ground-water-reservoir, breeding grounds for ocean fish stock and avenues for carbon sink, where plants take up pollutants in the air.
She said it was important for the assembly to focus on other areas instead of touching the wetlands.
The regional director said wetlands should not be seen as waste lands but rather as constituting a very important factor of the existence of mankind, such that touching any of them in the metropolis or any other part of the country meant disaster.
A statement signed by the Executive Director of Friends of the Nation, Mr Donkris Mevuta, said the assembly got it wrong by turning its attention to wetlands, which are protected areas.
He said countries which realised the importance of wetlands but were not blessed with them were creating wetlands and regretted that we were trying to reclaim them for some development projects.
He said it was about time proper measures were put in place to ensure that the assembly did not hurt humanity in its moves to secure lands for investors.
The executive director said it was a fact that with the oil find in the region and the strategic position of the regional capital, demand for land would increase but wetlands should not be sacrificed.
The two institutions expressed shocked after the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Kobina Prah-Annan, had told Assembly members that he would reclaim wetlands for development by companies.
Mr Prah-Annan said he did not understand why people were looking for land to develop and the wetlands lay wasted.
The Regional Director of the EPA, Mrs Irene Heathcote, said apart from the environmental implications of the intended action of the metropolitan chief executive, the metropolis was below sea level, so blocking wetlands could cause flooding in the metropolis.
Apart from serving as channels in the event of flood, she said, they also served as channels for recharging ground-water-reservoir, breeding grounds for ocean fish stock and avenues for carbon sink, where plants take up pollutants in the air.
She said it was important for the assembly to focus on other areas instead of touching the wetlands.
The regional director said wetlands should not be seen as waste lands but rather as constituting a very important factor of the existence of mankind, such that touching any of them in the metropolis or any other part of the country meant disaster.
A statement signed by the Executive Director of Friends of the Nation, Mr Donkris Mevuta, said the assembly got it wrong by turning its attention to wetlands, which are protected areas.
He said countries which realised the importance of wetlands but were not blessed with them were creating wetlands and regretted that we were trying to reclaim them for some development projects.
He said it was about time proper measures were put in place to ensure that the assembly did not hurt humanity in its moves to secure lands for investors.
The executive director said it was a fact that with the oil find in the region and the strategic position of the regional capital, demand for land would increase but wetlands should not be sacrificed.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
WOMEN'S CAUCUS IN PARLIAMENT TO ENCOURAGE OTHER WOMEN (PAGE 17, OCT 29)
THE Women’s Caucus of Parliament has joined forces with two other institutions to build the capacity of women in their constituencies.
This is to enable the female members of Parliament to impart some level of confidence into women at the local level in readiness for next year’s local assembly elections.
The capacity building programme is to enable them to take active part in making decisions on socio-economic and political processes that affect their welfare in their districts.
Speaking to more than 60 women at a workshop in the Jomoro District of the Western Region, the discussants urged women to be bold and assertive.
The workshop was funded by the African Women Development Fund Project and facilitated by Women In Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF).
The discussants noted that the recessionary position of women allowed men to have dominance over women across all sectors of the economy for ages.
They also observed that in some districts all members of the assemblies were men, a situation which they attributed to the acrimony and politics of insult, lack of self-confidence and education on the part of women.
The women were taken through gender mainstreaming, good governance, transparency, and preparation towards the district assembly elections, pre and post election-day activities, how to raise funds how to win votes to ensure victory and how to manage defeat.
Mr John B. Baidoo of WILDAF said the Government did well by promising to ensure that women formed 40 per cent of its appointments but expressed regret that the promise had not been fulfilled.
This is to enable the female members of Parliament to impart some level of confidence into women at the local level in readiness for next year’s local assembly elections.
The capacity building programme is to enable them to take active part in making decisions on socio-economic and political processes that affect their welfare in their districts.
Speaking to more than 60 women at a workshop in the Jomoro District of the Western Region, the discussants urged women to be bold and assertive.
The workshop was funded by the African Women Development Fund Project and facilitated by Women In Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF).
The discussants noted that the recessionary position of women allowed men to have dominance over women across all sectors of the economy for ages.
They also observed that in some districts all members of the assemblies were men, a situation which they attributed to the acrimony and politics of insult, lack of self-confidence and education on the part of women.
The women were taken through gender mainstreaming, good governance, transparency, and preparation towards the district assembly elections, pre and post election-day activities, how to raise funds how to win votes to ensure victory and how to manage defeat.
Mr John B. Baidoo of WILDAF said the Government did well by promising to ensure that women formed 40 per cent of its appointments but expressed regret that the promise had not been fulfilled.
COCOA FARMERS WANTS MORE (PAGE 1)
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Takoradi
Cocoa farmers in the Western Region have welcomed the new producer price and novelty insurance package but said 35 per cent price increase was below their expectation.
The farmers warned the current price difference between producers in Ghana and neighboring Cote d’Ivoire coupled with the rate of the CFA-franc against the cedi smuggling would increase.
According to them, the price in that country was GHC180 per 64-kilogramme compared to Ghana where were be paid GHC138.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, a section of farmers across the region said the government had demonstrated its readiness to help them secure good price for their produce but their wished the prices would have been pushed to GHC150 instead of the GHC138.
Those in Akontombra and other Sefwi areas, Mampon-Abotariye, Adum-Bansu, Nzema and Amenfi areas commended the government but wished to price was increased more than the current GHC138.
They also denied any partiality and political interference in the current mass spraying in the region and said some individual farmers were rather demanding that the chemicals and the spraying guns should handed to them.
This according to the farmers that would not be to their interest and asked the government to formulate plans that ensure that annual yield was increased and the bonus promised them paid soon.
Opanyin Francis Tuffour, a cocoa farmer said they were aware of the administrative procedures before the cocoa finally enters the international market.
“But we think the government could do better, even if it will not be price equal with our neighbors we think we deserved GHC150,” he said.
He said the disparities in the prices of the two countries farmers would start selling to the black marketers, who were aggressive in their quest to buy from the country’s farmers.
Asked if he was part of the people who preferred the black market, the said, “I have never tried that, but people who sell their produce to smugglers did not only get the better deal but also the currency of that country which when converted gives them more.”
Another farmer, Opanyin Anthony Kameh said they are happy with the price and appealed to the government to ensure that apart from various interventions the environment should be created for them secure loans from the banks.
Opanyi Kameh said there was the need for special financial package which would enable them access loan like any other corporate institution.
That aside the sacks use in Cote d’Ivoire is bigger than that of Ghana and weigh more than 80-kilogramme therefore if it cost GHC 180 in that country, it is justifiable.
On the mass spraying, Opanyi Kameh said it was important to note that Cocoa Abrabopa Company and the government were doing well, but the spraying a lone was not enough.
He said the government should bellow others to also deal in the chemical so they could buy and spray as and when they wanted.
At Sefwi-Akontombra, the farmers welcomed the new price but denied interference of Member of Parliament for the area.
According to the farmers at Akontombra, mass spraying team visit various farms to spray without looking at one’s tribal, political or other colourisation.
They referred the Daily Graphic to the District Agriculture officer; Mr Nyamekye explained that the team had representative of the chief farmer, women farmer, local task force, assembly member, produce buyers and supervisors.
He said as far as they were concerned, there was not interference in their operations not even from his department.
Cocoa farmers in the Western Region have welcomed the new producer price and novelty insurance package but said 35 per cent price increase was below their expectation.
The farmers warned the current price difference between producers in Ghana and neighboring Cote d’Ivoire coupled with the rate of the CFA-franc against the cedi smuggling would increase.
According to them, the price in that country was GHC180 per 64-kilogramme compared to Ghana where were be paid GHC138.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, a section of farmers across the region said the government had demonstrated its readiness to help them secure good price for their produce but their wished the prices would have been pushed to GHC150 instead of the GHC138.
Those in Akontombra and other Sefwi areas, Mampon-Abotariye, Adum-Bansu, Nzema and Amenfi areas commended the government but wished to price was increased more than the current GHC138.
They also denied any partiality and political interference in the current mass spraying in the region and said some individual farmers were rather demanding that the chemicals and the spraying guns should handed to them.
This according to the farmers that would not be to their interest and asked the government to formulate plans that ensure that annual yield was increased and the bonus promised them paid soon.
Opanyin Francis Tuffour, a cocoa farmer said they were aware of the administrative procedures before the cocoa finally enters the international market.
“But we think the government could do better, even if it will not be price equal with our neighbors we think we deserved GHC150,” he said.
He said the disparities in the prices of the two countries farmers would start selling to the black marketers, who were aggressive in their quest to buy from the country’s farmers.
Asked if he was part of the people who preferred the black market, the said, “I have never tried that, but people who sell their produce to smugglers did not only get the better deal but also the currency of that country which when converted gives them more.”
Another farmer, Opanyin Anthony Kameh said they are happy with the price and appealed to the government to ensure that apart from various interventions the environment should be created for them secure loans from the banks.
Opanyi Kameh said there was the need for special financial package which would enable them access loan like any other corporate institution.
That aside the sacks use in Cote d’Ivoire is bigger than that of Ghana and weigh more than 80-kilogramme therefore if it cost GHC 180 in that country, it is justifiable.
On the mass spraying, Opanyi Kameh said it was important to note that Cocoa Abrabopa Company and the government were doing well, but the spraying a lone was not enough.
He said the government should bellow others to also deal in the chemical so they could buy and spray as and when they wanted.
At Sefwi-Akontombra, the farmers welcomed the new price but denied interference of Member of Parliament for the area.
According to the farmers at Akontombra, mass spraying team visit various farms to spray without looking at one’s tribal, political or other colourisation.
They referred the Daily Graphic to the District Agriculture officer; Mr Nyamekye explained that the team had representative of the chief farmer, women farmer, local task force, assembly member, produce buyers and supervisors.
He said as far as they were concerned, there was not interference in their operations not even from his department.
REASEARCH IMPORTANT TO QUALITY HEALTH DELIVERY
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Takoradi
The Western Regional Minister Mr Paul Evans Aidoo has called for support from all sectors of the economy to support medical research to enrich health care delivery in the country.
He said the current medical practice was evidence-base and research helps to develop centers of clinical excellence and decision making.
Speaking at the Medical Superintendents Group conference, said while the developing countries were struggling with health delivery, “in the developed countries, innovative technologies and investment in research have led to improved health care delivery.”
In Ghana and other developing world, lack of successful research strategies had contributed to the poor health outcomes, he said.
The minister said paucity and lack of research in medical practice in Ghana and other developing countries was even worse in clinical practice.
These developments he said could be attributed to inadequate health personnel, work load and their quest to deliver, finance, and information technology were the main factors.
He said it was sad the medical research was not on the priority list of both the national and institutional levels.
Mr Aidoo said the time had come for the major focus on medical research strategies to improve the country’s health care delivery.
“Come home to the Twin-City of Sekondi/Takoradi, you will realize that, our major medical referral centre, the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital is poorly equipped for the institutionalization of adequate medical research,” he said.
He commended the Regional Health Directorate, Sekondi for initiating moves to set up regional research unit and said it would need all the necessary support to realize its dream.
He said new discoveries and expansion of medical frontiers could only be achieved with a well strategize and medical research.
The Minister said in the wake of numerous challenges their deliberation should focus on teaming up to tackle many of the health problems confronting the nation.
The Western Regional Minister Mr Paul Evans Aidoo has called for support from all sectors of the economy to support medical research to enrich health care delivery in the country.
He said the current medical practice was evidence-base and research helps to develop centers of clinical excellence and decision making.
Speaking at the Medical Superintendents Group conference, said while the developing countries were struggling with health delivery, “in the developed countries, innovative technologies and investment in research have led to improved health care delivery.”
In Ghana and other developing world, lack of successful research strategies had contributed to the poor health outcomes, he said.
The minister said paucity and lack of research in medical practice in Ghana and other developing countries was even worse in clinical practice.
These developments he said could be attributed to inadequate health personnel, work load and their quest to deliver, finance, and information technology were the main factors.
He said it was sad the medical research was not on the priority list of both the national and institutional levels.
Mr Aidoo said the time had come for the major focus on medical research strategies to improve the country’s health care delivery.
“Come home to the Twin-City of Sekondi/Takoradi, you will realize that, our major medical referral centre, the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital is poorly equipped for the institutionalization of adequate medical research,” he said.
He commended the Regional Health Directorate, Sekondi for initiating moves to set up regional research unit and said it would need all the necessary support to realize its dream.
He said new discoveries and expansion of medical frontiers could only be achieved with a well strategize and medical research.
The Minister said in the wake of numerous challenges their deliberation should focus on teaming up to tackle many of the health problems confronting the nation.
WOMEN'S CAUCUS IN PARLIAMENT TO ENCOURAGE OTHER WOMEN
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Jomoro
Women’s Caucus in Parliament has joined forces with two other institutions to build the capacity of women in their constituencies.
This is to enable the women members of Parliament to impart some level of confidence in their fellow women at the local level in readiness for the next year local assembly elections. And also enable them to take active part in socio-economic and political decision making processes in their districts.
Speaking to more than 60 women at a workshop in Jomoro District of the Western Region funded by African Women Development Fund Project and facilitated by Women In Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF), the discussants urged women to be bold and assertive.
The recessive posture of women according to the discussants gave men the dominance over women across all sectors of the economy for ages.
It was also identified that, in some assemblies all members of the district assemblies were all men, a situation attributed to the acrimony and politics of insult, lack of self confidence, education on the part of women.
The women were taking through gender mainstreaming, good governance, transparency, and preparation towards district assembly election, pre and post election-day activities, how to raise fund, how to win votes to ensure victory and how to manage defeat.
Mr John B. Baidoo of WILDAF said government did well by making pronouncement of making sure that up to 40 per cent of women were appointed, but that could not be achieved due to the acrimony and education.
He explained that many women would had love to be part of the decision making processes at the local and national levels, but due to the acrimony, low educational standard and absence of self confidence they shy away.
“The system will change but with time, therefore, the best thing to do is to ensure that we start from the local level to ensure that women are part of the decision making at the local level and those who have qualified were encouraged to take up positions,” he said.
He blamed some cultural and religious practices as some of the problems hindering progress of women, “in some religious organisations, women could not do certain things or stand on a pulpit to speak.”
Mr Baidoo said the focus at the moment was to ensure that parents respected the girl child and to ensure that both male and the female child were assigned equal responsibilities at home.
He said these would ensure that the both children would grow without looking at the other as weaker or stronger but as equal partners.
For her part, the Member of Parliament Jomoro, Ms Samia Yaba Nkrumah thanked African Women Development Fund for the support and urged women not to be intimidated by the dominance of the opposite sex at discussion making positions.
“We do not need to fight to compete to win the presidency for them to show that we have arrived, but even at the assembly level we can make our voices heard,” she said.
She called on the participants to ensure that the girl child was educated and not limited to the kitchen and other household activities.
More than 60 women participated from all electoral areas in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.
Women’s Caucus in Parliament has joined forces with two other institutions to build the capacity of women in their constituencies.
This is to enable the women members of Parliament to impart some level of confidence in their fellow women at the local level in readiness for the next year local assembly elections. And also enable them to take active part in socio-economic and political decision making processes in their districts.
Speaking to more than 60 women at a workshop in Jomoro District of the Western Region funded by African Women Development Fund Project and facilitated by Women In Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF), the discussants urged women to be bold and assertive.
The recessive posture of women according to the discussants gave men the dominance over women across all sectors of the economy for ages.
It was also identified that, in some assemblies all members of the district assemblies were all men, a situation attributed to the acrimony and politics of insult, lack of self confidence, education on the part of women.
The women were taking through gender mainstreaming, good governance, transparency, and preparation towards district assembly election, pre and post election-day activities, how to raise fund, how to win votes to ensure victory and how to manage defeat.
Mr John B. Baidoo of WILDAF said government did well by making pronouncement of making sure that up to 40 per cent of women were appointed, but that could not be achieved due to the acrimony and education.
He explained that many women would had love to be part of the decision making processes at the local and national levels, but due to the acrimony, low educational standard and absence of self confidence they shy away.
“The system will change but with time, therefore, the best thing to do is to ensure that we start from the local level to ensure that women are part of the decision making at the local level and those who have qualified were encouraged to take up positions,” he said.
He blamed some cultural and religious practices as some of the problems hindering progress of women, “in some religious organisations, women could not do certain things or stand on a pulpit to speak.”
Mr Baidoo said the focus at the moment was to ensure that parents respected the girl child and to ensure that both male and the female child were assigned equal responsibilities at home.
He said these would ensure that the both children would grow without looking at the other as weaker or stronger but as equal partners.
For her part, the Member of Parliament Jomoro, Ms Samia Yaba Nkrumah thanked African Women Development Fund for the support and urged women not to be intimidated by the dominance of the opposite sex at discussion making positions.
“We do not need to fight to compete to win the presidency for them to show that we have arrived, but even at the assembly level we can make our voices heard,” she said.
She called on the participants to ensure that the girl child was educated and not limited to the kitchen and other household activities.
More than 60 women participated from all electoral areas in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
CO-OPERATION OF DCES, ECONOMIC PLANNERS IMPORTANT (OCT 24, PAGE 14)
THE non-co-operative attitude of some past and present chief executives is seriously hampering development in various districts in the Western Region, some district economic planning officers have complained.
They made the complaint at their maiden meeting with the Regional Economic Planning Officer and the Western Regional Co-ordinating Council at Sekondi.
Some of the participants, who could not hide their frustrations, urged the current administration not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Responding to the complaints, the regional Economic Planning Officer, Mr J. P Atta-Panyin, said the role of the economic planning officer at the district level could not be underestimated.
He said the main duties of the economic planning officer were to assist their respective districts and substructures in the initiation, formulation of policies, programme/projects and implementing them.
“The district economic planning officers are also expected to initiate action for the preparation of medium term development plans and review all related issues and without the co-operation of the district chief executive, it would be difficult to achieve the desired results,” he said
For her part, the Deputy Western Regional Minister, Ms Betty Bosumtwi-Sam, said each and everyone in the present administration was making sure that the needs of the people were met.
She said that could only be achieved if all districts, agencies and department worked as a team.
“We can not have a divided front and expect to progress. When the people who reposed their trust in us and voted us into power are expecting results we cannot fail them,” she said.
She said district planning officers were expected to provide the assembly with information and data which were necessary for the formulation of district development plans and assist in the evaluation of tenders.
She said it was, therefore, important to work as a team to ensure that development was not thwarted just because two people did not agree.
She said while the newly appointed district chief executives were undergoing various stages of orientation, it was important that the civil servants left politics for the politicians.
“It is your constitutional right to belong to a political party, but at the workplace, you do not have to put on your political colours. Try as much as possible to relegate your political inclinations to the background and work as professionals,” she said.
She urged all to realise that elections were over and that it was time to work for the people of Ghana and reminded the planning officers that as civil servants, they must be careful of what they said and did in order not to send the wrong signals to the public.
They made the complaint at their maiden meeting with the Regional Economic Planning Officer and the Western Regional Co-ordinating Council at Sekondi.
Some of the participants, who could not hide their frustrations, urged the current administration not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Responding to the complaints, the regional Economic Planning Officer, Mr J. P Atta-Panyin, said the role of the economic planning officer at the district level could not be underestimated.
He said the main duties of the economic planning officer were to assist their respective districts and substructures in the initiation, formulation of policies, programme/projects and implementing them.
“The district economic planning officers are also expected to initiate action for the preparation of medium term development plans and review all related issues and without the co-operation of the district chief executive, it would be difficult to achieve the desired results,” he said
For her part, the Deputy Western Regional Minister, Ms Betty Bosumtwi-Sam, said each and everyone in the present administration was making sure that the needs of the people were met.
She said that could only be achieved if all districts, agencies and department worked as a team.
“We can not have a divided front and expect to progress. When the people who reposed their trust in us and voted us into power are expecting results we cannot fail them,” she said.
She said district planning officers were expected to provide the assembly with information and data which were necessary for the formulation of district development plans and assist in the evaluation of tenders.
She said it was, therefore, important to work as a team to ensure that development was not thwarted just because two people did not agree.
She said while the newly appointed district chief executives were undergoing various stages of orientation, it was important that the civil servants left politics for the politicians.
“It is your constitutional right to belong to a political party, but at the workplace, you do not have to put on your political colours. Try as much as possible to relegate your political inclinations to the background and work as professionals,” she said.
She urged all to realise that elections were over and that it was time to work for the people of Ghana and reminded the planning officers that as civil servants, they must be careful of what they said and did in order not to send the wrong signals to the public.
DONT MEDDLE IN PARTISAN POLITICS (PAGE 14, OCT 24)
The Western Regional Co-ordinating Director, Mr David Yaro, has called on civil servants in the region not to meddle in politics but work diligently to ensure the growth of the national economy.
He explained that when a party won power, its manifesto became the government’s working policy document so he, enjoined heads of departments to study the areas in the NDC manifesto that were in line with their activities and work assiduously to implement them for the benefit of the people.
Mr Yaro said politics should be left for politicians, while civil servants served with dedication for accelerated national development.
He made the call during a tour of all the 17 districts of the Western Region to familiarise himself with the problems confronting the assemblies and explain the role of the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) in facilitating their work to ensure rapid development.
He said apart from promoting, teamwork among the various departments, the RCC also monitored and evaluated projects embarked upon by the assemblies and ensured that the people had value for the taxes they paid.
Mr Yaro used the opportunity to explain government policies to the heads of departments.
He warned civil servants who openly engaged in politics to desist from the practice, since it was against the code of ethics of the service.
The Ellembele District Chief Executive, Mr Daniel K. Eshun, thanked the co-ordinating director and enumerated the numerous challenges confronting the assembly to him.
He appealed to the government to construct an administrative block for the assembly.
Mr Eshun said in spite of the numerous challenges confronting the assembly, it was continuing projects, including the Aiyinase Community Centre, which was abandoned eight years ago, the Asaasetre Market and the construction of teachers’ quarters at Ngalechie.
He explained that when a party won power, its manifesto became the government’s working policy document so he, enjoined heads of departments to study the areas in the NDC manifesto that were in line with their activities and work assiduously to implement them for the benefit of the people.
Mr Yaro said politics should be left for politicians, while civil servants served with dedication for accelerated national development.
He made the call during a tour of all the 17 districts of the Western Region to familiarise himself with the problems confronting the assemblies and explain the role of the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) in facilitating their work to ensure rapid development.
He said apart from promoting, teamwork among the various departments, the RCC also monitored and evaluated projects embarked upon by the assemblies and ensured that the people had value for the taxes they paid.
Mr Yaro used the opportunity to explain government policies to the heads of departments.
He warned civil servants who openly engaged in politics to desist from the practice, since it was against the code of ethics of the service.
The Ellembele District Chief Executive, Mr Daniel K. Eshun, thanked the co-ordinating director and enumerated the numerous challenges confronting the assembly to him.
He appealed to the government to construct an administrative block for the assembly.
Mr Eshun said in spite of the numerous challenges confronting the assembly, it was continuing projects, including the Aiyinase Community Centre, which was abandoned eight years ago, the Asaasetre Market and the construction of teachers’ quarters at Ngalechie.
Friday, October 23, 2009
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CROWD TWIN-CITY (PAGE 30, OCT 23)
The pavements and shoulders of roads in some parts of the Twin-City of Sekondi/Takoradi are crowded with illegal structures, causing serious congestion and hampering the free flow of human and vehicular traffic.
Kiosks have sprung up in almost every corner, clouding the beauty of the city, and efforts by the assembly to clear them have not yielded the desired results.
Due to an increase in economic activities, traders have taken over every available space at the Market Circle. That aside, there is chaos on the street as commercial and private vehicles have resorted to indiscriminate parking on the shoulders of the streets.
Private vehicle owners said parking at unauthorised places was the only way they could enter various business premises to transact business.
Some shop owners have expressed concern about the inability of the assembly to maintain order in the city, and appealed to the assembly to enforce its bye-laws.
The situation is obstructing vehicular and human movement in the metropolis. As a result of the congestion, some drivers have turned corners of some streets into loading points.
The most affected areas are the Market Circle and the areas around the Stanbic Bank.
Scrap dealers have contributed to the problem by removing steel covers of drains, thereby forcing drivers to dangerously maneouvre to avoid running into ditches.
In addition, some of the culverts have become old and weak, posing danger to pedestrians.
The market women have, therefore, appealed to the metropolitan assembly to repair the damaged steel covers of the culverts, as they sometimes accidentally drop their monies and other items into the culvert.
“We pay our daily tolls and it is just right for the assembly to also play its part by addressing our concerns,” they said.
Some residents have contended that if the situation is not checked it would derail all efforts by the assembly to modernise the metropolis.
Kiosks have sprung up in almost every corner, clouding the beauty of the city, and efforts by the assembly to clear them have not yielded the desired results.
Due to an increase in economic activities, traders have taken over every available space at the Market Circle. That aside, there is chaos on the street as commercial and private vehicles have resorted to indiscriminate parking on the shoulders of the streets.
Private vehicle owners said parking at unauthorised places was the only way they could enter various business premises to transact business.
Some shop owners have expressed concern about the inability of the assembly to maintain order in the city, and appealed to the assembly to enforce its bye-laws.
The situation is obstructing vehicular and human movement in the metropolis. As a result of the congestion, some drivers have turned corners of some streets into loading points.
The most affected areas are the Market Circle and the areas around the Stanbic Bank.
Scrap dealers have contributed to the problem by removing steel covers of drains, thereby forcing drivers to dangerously maneouvre to avoid running into ditches.
In addition, some of the culverts have become old and weak, posing danger to pedestrians.
The market women have, therefore, appealed to the metropolitan assembly to repair the damaged steel covers of the culverts, as they sometimes accidentally drop their monies and other items into the culvert.
“We pay our daily tolls and it is just right for the assembly to also play its part by addressing our concerns,” they said.
Some residents have contended that if the situation is not checked it would derail all efforts by the assembly to modernise the metropolis.
Monday, October 19, 2009
DON'T TAKE LOANS FOR THE SAKE OF THEM (PAGE 21, OCT 17)
Members of the general public, especially those in the informal sector, have been advised not to take loans when they do not have any need for them.
During this year’s Financial Literacy Week celebration in Takoradi, players in the financial sector took time to explain various financial issues to members of the general public, especially those in the informal sector.
The traders and those present were also told to plan their loans and not to take more than what they required at a time in order to be able to pay them back.
A representative of bankers, Mr Joseph Dadzie, told the participants to cultivate the habit of saving to ensure that money outside the banking halls was made available to the banks for onward investment.
He explained that if funds were channelled through the banking system, the banks would have more for investment, which would not only earn the saver interest but also improve other businesses in terms of loans for their expansion.
“I would, therefore, encourage you to save more and make use of the banks. But you should make sure you understand which type of saving product will best serve your interest,” he said.
Mr Dadzie took the participation through various procedures at the banks and how they could present themselves to the banks.
He also cleared the wrong perceptions the participants had about saving and investments.
Mr Raymond Amanfo, representing the Bank of Ghana, urged members of the public to pay loans contracted on time to enable the institutions to make them available to others.
He also took his time to explain banking rules to the participants and urged them to make use of the Banking Supervision Department of the Bank of Ghana should they have any problem with the banks.
He said it was the dream of the financial institutions to bring the funds outside the banking halls into the main banking system.
“Therefore, if you are treated in a way that you think is unfair, please just write to the central bank and we will investigate and ensure that the right thing is done,” he advised them.
There were other speakers from the rural banks, loan companies and other investment agents.
During this year’s Financial Literacy Week celebration in Takoradi, players in the financial sector took time to explain various financial issues to members of the general public, especially those in the informal sector.
The traders and those present were also told to plan their loans and not to take more than what they required at a time in order to be able to pay them back.
A representative of bankers, Mr Joseph Dadzie, told the participants to cultivate the habit of saving to ensure that money outside the banking halls was made available to the banks for onward investment.
He explained that if funds were channelled through the banking system, the banks would have more for investment, which would not only earn the saver interest but also improve other businesses in terms of loans for their expansion.
“I would, therefore, encourage you to save more and make use of the banks. But you should make sure you understand which type of saving product will best serve your interest,” he said.
Mr Dadzie took the participation through various procedures at the banks and how they could present themselves to the banks.
He also cleared the wrong perceptions the participants had about saving and investments.
Mr Raymond Amanfo, representing the Bank of Ghana, urged members of the public to pay loans contracted on time to enable the institutions to make them available to others.
He also took his time to explain banking rules to the participants and urged them to make use of the Banking Supervision Department of the Bank of Ghana should they have any problem with the banks.
He said it was the dream of the financial institutions to bring the funds outside the banking halls into the main banking system.
“Therefore, if you are treated in a way that you think is unfair, please just write to the central bank and we will investigate and ensure that the right thing is done,” he advised them.
There were other speakers from the rural banks, loan companies and other investment agents.
Friday, October 16, 2009
PUBLIC ASKED TO REPORT CRIMINAL CASES (OCT 16, PAGE 29)
The Western Regional Police Command has implored the public to report all cases of criminality in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis to police stations in their respective communities.
This request was in response to concerns expressed by the public about the rising cases of criminal activities in the metropolis which threatened their lives.
According to the Western Regional Crime Officer, Mr Victor Agbetornyo, most criminal cases which happened in the metropolis were not reported to the police for the necessary action to be taken.
He said the command had drawn up an elaborate programme to combat crime in the metropolis to guarantee the safety of the people.
“The police have always adopted a proactive approach to combating crime in the metropolis; we have been acting on tip-off to ward off criminal activities in the area,” he said.
Mr Agbetornyo explained that most criminal activities in the metropolis took place when the inhabitants were at work and, therefore, advised residents to take the necessary measures during that period to control the activities of criminals.
He said for crime to be reduced to the barest minimum in the metropolis, the public was duty bound to constantly inform the police about criminal activities in their respective communities.
The Regional Crime officer further explained that the police were restrained by lack of logistics and inadequate human resource, which negatively impacted on their work.
He said since there had been massive influx of people into the metropolis, there was the likelihood that some criminal elements would infiltrate the area to cause mischief.
“The issue of combating crime within the society is a shared responsibility between the public and the police,“ Mr Agbetornyo pointed out.
A victim of a recent robbery attack told the “Daily Graphic” that thieves broke into his main house while he was in the office.
“My neighbours said they saw unusual movements near my house at about 1a.m. They raised an alarm and the people ran away, but they came back in the afternoon when the house was empty and stole my electrical appliances, including my flat screen plasma TV, sound system, three satellite decoders and other valuables,” he said.
This request was in response to concerns expressed by the public about the rising cases of criminal activities in the metropolis which threatened their lives.
According to the Western Regional Crime Officer, Mr Victor Agbetornyo, most criminal cases which happened in the metropolis were not reported to the police for the necessary action to be taken.
He said the command had drawn up an elaborate programme to combat crime in the metropolis to guarantee the safety of the people.
“The police have always adopted a proactive approach to combating crime in the metropolis; we have been acting on tip-off to ward off criminal activities in the area,” he said.
Mr Agbetornyo explained that most criminal activities in the metropolis took place when the inhabitants were at work and, therefore, advised residents to take the necessary measures during that period to control the activities of criminals.
He said for crime to be reduced to the barest minimum in the metropolis, the public was duty bound to constantly inform the police about criminal activities in their respective communities.
The Regional Crime officer further explained that the police were restrained by lack of logistics and inadequate human resource, which negatively impacted on their work.
He said since there had been massive influx of people into the metropolis, there was the likelihood that some criminal elements would infiltrate the area to cause mischief.
“The issue of combating crime within the society is a shared responsibility between the public and the police,“ Mr Agbetornyo pointed out.
A victim of a recent robbery attack told the “Daily Graphic” that thieves broke into his main house while he was in the office.
“My neighbours said they saw unusual movements near my house at about 1a.m. They raised an alarm and the people ran away, but they came back in the afternoon when the house was empty and stole my electrical appliances, including my flat screen plasma TV, sound system, three satellite decoders and other valuables,” he said.
Monday, October 12, 2009
INSURANCE SECTOR READY FOR OIL INDUSTRY (PAGE 33, OCT 9)
THE insurance industry is ready for the challenges in the emerging oil and gas industry in the country, the Managing Director of International Energy Insurance (IEI), Ghana, Mrs Roseline Ekeng, has stated.
She, therefore, assured investors in the country’s offshore exploration of the necessary financial support, good turnaround time, relevant expertise and good working relationship with all players in the energy market.
Mrs Ekeng told the Daily Graphic that for the insurance companies to play their part they must ensure that they had a good capital base that could absorb the risks assoicated with the industry and that needed collaboration and syndication among insurance companies.
“For the insurance company to underwrite these risk effectively it requires capacity and competency; this means good capital base and technical know-how of the risks,” she said.
She said IEI would lead the change in the new face in the industry to ensure that the company did not only become the leader but equally positioned to handle the unexpected.
She said apart from oil and gas, the company also had a wide range of products including solid minerals, marine (hull and cargo) aviation; general insurance business such as motor, fire and allied perils, burglary, engineering, goods in transit and general accident.
Mrs Ekeng said the robust capital base that IEI had brought into the country’s market had led to changes in the industry and that IEI had positioned itself for the oil and gas industry. She, therefore, expressed the hope that other players were equally prepared for that
Asked if there was going to be unlimited third-party damage or the same way of doing things, she said her company would ensure that they made more third-party exposures associated with doing business in the oil and gas industry available.
“Our products cater for both offshore and onshore risks as well as general line of insurance business. In addition to oil and gas business we are looking at solid minerals, marine (hull and cargo) and aviation; general insurance business like motor, fire and allied perils, which we are well positioned well for,” the managing director said.
Mrs Ekeng said the company’s focus would be the active execution of corporate social responsibility initiatives which hinges on product development and excellent customer service.
That, she said, would create corporate brand awareness for IEI and make it an insurance company of choice and one of the foremost brands in the country.
She, therefore, assured investors in the country’s offshore exploration of the necessary financial support, good turnaround time, relevant expertise and good working relationship with all players in the energy market.
Mrs Ekeng told the Daily Graphic that for the insurance companies to play their part they must ensure that they had a good capital base that could absorb the risks assoicated with the industry and that needed collaboration and syndication among insurance companies.
“For the insurance company to underwrite these risk effectively it requires capacity and competency; this means good capital base and technical know-how of the risks,” she said.
She said IEI would lead the change in the new face in the industry to ensure that the company did not only become the leader but equally positioned to handle the unexpected.
She said apart from oil and gas, the company also had a wide range of products including solid minerals, marine (hull and cargo) aviation; general insurance business such as motor, fire and allied perils, burglary, engineering, goods in transit and general accident.
Mrs Ekeng said the robust capital base that IEI had brought into the country’s market had led to changes in the industry and that IEI had positioned itself for the oil and gas industry. She, therefore, expressed the hope that other players were equally prepared for that
Asked if there was going to be unlimited third-party damage or the same way of doing things, she said her company would ensure that they made more third-party exposures associated with doing business in the oil and gas industry available.
“Our products cater for both offshore and onshore risks as well as general line of insurance business. In addition to oil and gas business we are looking at solid minerals, marine (hull and cargo) and aviation; general insurance business like motor, fire and allied perils, which we are well positioned well for,” the managing director said.
Mrs Ekeng said the company’s focus would be the active execution of corporate social responsibility initiatives which hinges on product development and excellent customer service.
That, she said, would create corporate brand awareness for IEI and make it an insurance company of choice and one of the foremost brands in the country.
TAKORADI-MP SUPPORTS PROJECT AT POLICE BARRACKS (PAGE 15, OCT 9)
THE Member of Parliament for Takoradi Constituency, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, has gone to the rescue of the Takoradi Central Police barracks.
He has committed part of his share of the MPs Common Fund to the completion of the abandoned bath house and toilet project that had been left unattended to since 1998.
This follows the exposure by the Daily Graphic of the deplorable state of police barracks in the twin-city of Sekondi/Takoradi, where inhabitants did not have places of convenience, bath houses and kitchens.
Wives of the police officers who usually abandon preparing evening meals, especially when the weather look unfavourable. That aside, the officers have contracted carpenters to construct temporary wooden structures to enable them to take their bath.
Others had to queue up at public toilets to attend the call of nature. These, according to the MP, deserve optimal attention.
“I was humbled by the situation and upon a visit to the barracks, I realised there was a project that has been abandoned for years.”
He said with the latest interest in the Western Region, and the twin-city as its regional capital, the services of the Ghana Police Service were very important.
Mr Darko-Mensah said it was important that the people who were entrusted with the security of the people had the peace of mind to operate without any problems.
“It is right that people have solution to their domestic needs, so it does not conflict with the discharge of their professional duties,” he said.
The MP said the service needed improved infrastructure, but it was important that if there would not be a total transformation, there should be improvement in some other areas to provide them with a decent environment to operate.
He said he was in politics to serve the people, and he would do everything possible to ensure that in his little way, he would support his constituency.
Aside provision of the facility at the police barracks, the MP said he would be seeking support to enhance other social services.
“I also have other projects, all aimed at improving the metropolis. I am, therefore, calling for support and understanding among the constituents to ensure that the needed environment is created,” he said.
The MP noted that Ghana had attracted the attention of investors among the comity of nations, and therefore urged people who felt aggrieved to resort to dialogue.
“With that, we should be mindful that our views do not always hold sway. We have to dialogue to ensure that we arrive at the right conclusions,” he said.
He said the metropolis and the region as a whole had a huge potential that needed to be harnessed to the advantage of the people.
The MP said the areas that concerned him most were education, security and the training of people in acquiring employable skills.
He said the future of the country depended on its human resource development, and that the current oil find should also provide the platform for transfer of skills to Ghanaians.
He urged the youth to seek knowledge to ensure that they positioned themselves very well for the job market.
He added that aside the influx of banks and other financial service providers, there would be more, since the oil industry was very “pregnant” with many opportunities, and the only way out was to get oneself ready.
He has committed part of his share of the MPs Common Fund to the completion of the abandoned bath house and toilet project that had been left unattended to since 1998.
This follows the exposure by the Daily Graphic of the deplorable state of police barracks in the twin-city of Sekondi/Takoradi, where inhabitants did not have places of convenience, bath houses and kitchens.
Wives of the police officers who usually abandon preparing evening meals, especially when the weather look unfavourable. That aside, the officers have contracted carpenters to construct temporary wooden structures to enable them to take their bath.
Others had to queue up at public toilets to attend the call of nature. These, according to the MP, deserve optimal attention.
“I was humbled by the situation and upon a visit to the barracks, I realised there was a project that has been abandoned for years.”
He said with the latest interest in the Western Region, and the twin-city as its regional capital, the services of the Ghana Police Service were very important.
Mr Darko-Mensah said it was important that the people who were entrusted with the security of the people had the peace of mind to operate without any problems.
“It is right that people have solution to their domestic needs, so it does not conflict with the discharge of their professional duties,” he said.
The MP said the service needed improved infrastructure, but it was important that if there would not be a total transformation, there should be improvement in some other areas to provide them with a decent environment to operate.
He said he was in politics to serve the people, and he would do everything possible to ensure that in his little way, he would support his constituency.
Aside provision of the facility at the police barracks, the MP said he would be seeking support to enhance other social services.
“I also have other projects, all aimed at improving the metropolis. I am, therefore, calling for support and understanding among the constituents to ensure that the needed environment is created,” he said.
The MP noted that Ghana had attracted the attention of investors among the comity of nations, and therefore urged people who felt aggrieved to resort to dialogue.
“With that, we should be mindful that our views do not always hold sway. We have to dialogue to ensure that we arrive at the right conclusions,” he said.
He said the metropolis and the region as a whole had a huge potential that needed to be harnessed to the advantage of the people.
The MP said the areas that concerned him most were education, security and the training of people in acquiring employable skills.
He said the future of the country depended on its human resource development, and that the current oil find should also provide the platform for transfer of skills to Ghanaians.
He urged the youth to seek knowledge to ensure that they positioned themselves very well for the job market.
He added that aside the influx of banks and other financial service providers, there would be more, since the oil industry was very “pregnant” with many opportunities, and the only way out was to get oneself ready.
RETURN NKRUMAH'S FAMILY HOUSES — ADZOBEA KPENYILE (PAGE 20, OCT 6)
THE family members of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, have called for the de-confiscation of the family houses seized after the 1966 coup.
They expressed the hope that as part of the centenary celebration of Nkrumah’s birthday, his home town, Nkroful, would be given the needed attention by providing it with many social amenities in memory of the late President.
The family head, Mr Adzobea Kpenyile, who made the appeal through the Daily Graphic at Nkroful, said the family houses at Nsuayem and Nkroful had not as yet been released to them and the situation was creating a problem for the family.
He said personnel of the Ghana Police Service were currently occupying one of the buildings at Nsuayem, while the one at Nkroful was being used as a museum.
Mr Kpenyile said at the moment the family members were many and so they needed more residential facilities, hence the appeal.
He stressed the need for the government to rehabilitate the buildings before returning them to the family.
Mr Kpenyile commended the government for its recognition of Dr Nkrumah through the celebration of his centenary.
They expressed the hope that as part of the centenary celebration of Nkrumah’s birthday, his home town, Nkroful, would be given the needed attention by providing it with many social amenities in memory of the late President.
The family head, Mr Adzobea Kpenyile, who made the appeal through the Daily Graphic at Nkroful, said the family houses at Nsuayem and Nkroful had not as yet been released to them and the situation was creating a problem for the family.
He said personnel of the Ghana Police Service were currently occupying one of the buildings at Nsuayem, while the one at Nkroful was being used as a museum.
Mr Kpenyile said at the moment the family members were many and so they needed more residential facilities, hence the appeal.
He stressed the need for the government to rehabilitate the buildings before returning them to the family.
Mr Kpenyile commended the government for its recognition of Dr Nkrumah through the celebration of his centenary.
MARITIME STUDENTS UNDERGO OFFSHORE OIL TRAINING (PAGE 31, OCT 3)
OIL industry players operating offshore in the country’s Jubilee Oil Fields have joined forces to train Ghanaians to properly manage the oil resources for the benefit of the country.
Tullow Oil and Swird Pacific Offshore, West Africa are currently collaborating to offer practical training to 20 students from the Regional Maritime University (RMU) on board Pacific Aurora, an offshore service vessel owned by Tallow.
Tullow has also put Pacific Aurora at the disposal of the RMU, which had hitherto not had a resident training vessel for the training of its students.
At the inaugural ceremony in Takoradi, Tullow assured Ghanaians that with its track record of collaboration with its partners and contractors it would ensure that there were appropriate, sustainable levels of local content in every aspect of its operations.
It would also help equip Takoradi Polytechnic and other selected tertiary institutions in the country to enable them to produce employable manpower for the country’s oil industry.
According to the President of Tullow Oil and the General Manager of the group, Mr Dai Jones, the company also had a training programme with Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) where currently 14 trainees had been sponsored to the UK.
The programme would equip the trainees with technical and managerial skills to lead in every aspect of oil industry.
“Today’s cadets programme signals another dimension to our partner effort. We and our partners on the Jubilee Field are providing opportunities for young Ghanaian mariners to acquire the practical training that will equip them not only to add value to their academic programmes but also make them world class resources,” he said.
Mr Jones said, “The Jubilee field is a sea based programme which requires Ghanaians to man the various vessels without which the oil resources cannot be exploited.”
He said as the company was on its promise for first oil next year, “It is crucial that we engage with all stakeholders to address the expectations. One of the expectations is that Ghanaians must fully participate in the industry at all levels of our operations.”
He said Tullow would be in Ghana for the next 30 years and that it would ensure that the real impact of the oil find would be the creation of new business opportunities nationally.
“We at Tullow recognised that entrepreneurial spirit of the Ghanaian and we are looking to their creativity and ingenuity to partner us in overcoming the challenges that we share,” he said.
He said the opportunities did not only exist on the rig but in agriculture as people need to provide for 10 to 12 vessels on the field at any time and other areas such as fresh water, laundry among others.
The Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo commended the training collaboration.
Tullow Oil and Swird Pacific Offshore, West Africa are currently collaborating to offer practical training to 20 students from the Regional Maritime University (RMU) on board Pacific Aurora, an offshore service vessel owned by Tallow.
Tullow has also put Pacific Aurora at the disposal of the RMU, which had hitherto not had a resident training vessel for the training of its students.
At the inaugural ceremony in Takoradi, Tullow assured Ghanaians that with its track record of collaboration with its partners and contractors it would ensure that there were appropriate, sustainable levels of local content in every aspect of its operations.
It would also help equip Takoradi Polytechnic and other selected tertiary institutions in the country to enable them to produce employable manpower for the country’s oil industry.
According to the President of Tullow Oil and the General Manager of the group, Mr Dai Jones, the company also had a training programme with Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) where currently 14 trainees had been sponsored to the UK.
The programme would equip the trainees with technical and managerial skills to lead in every aspect of oil industry.
“Today’s cadets programme signals another dimension to our partner effort. We and our partners on the Jubilee Field are providing opportunities for young Ghanaian mariners to acquire the practical training that will equip them not only to add value to their academic programmes but also make them world class resources,” he said.
Mr Jones said, “The Jubilee field is a sea based programme which requires Ghanaians to man the various vessels without which the oil resources cannot be exploited.”
He said as the company was on its promise for first oil next year, “It is crucial that we engage with all stakeholders to address the expectations. One of the expectations is that Ghanaians must fully participate in the industry at all levels of our operations.”
He said Tullow would be in Ghana for the next 30 years and that it would ensure that the real impact of the oil find would be the creation of new business opportunities nationally.
“We at Tullow recognised that entrepreneurial spirit of the Ghanaian and we are looking to their creativity and ingenuity to partner us in overcoming the challenges that we share,” he said.
He said the opportunities did not only exist on the rig but in agriculture as people need to provide for 10 to 12 vessels on the field at any time and other areas such as fresh water, laundry among others.
The Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo commended the training collaboration.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
TRINIDAD, TOBAGO TO HELP GHANA IN ENERGY SECTOR (PAGE 23, OCT 2)
Trinidad and Tobago has promised to place its expertise and more than 100 years experience in the oil and gas industry at the disposal of Ghana.
The country’s envoy to Ghana, Mrs Victoria Mendez-Charles, gave the assurance when she called on the Western Regional Co-ordinating Council on Wednesday.
She said Ghana had the potential to harness its latest discovery in addition to many of its natural resources to its advantage.
Trinidad and Tobago is said to be one of the wealthiest countries in the Caribbean due to maximum use of its large reserves of oil and gas, the exploitation of which dominates its economy.
She said about 99 per cent of the energy needs of Trinidad and Tobago were gas-powered, while the country exported petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas and chemicals, among other things.
Mrs Mendez-Charles said what Ghana needed at the moment was support to exploit its discovery to build a stronger economy.
She said it was very important that Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago collaborated to ensure that every benefit that would accrue from the oil find benefited the country.
She said her government was seeking to extend its technical expertise to Ghana, describing the country as one of the countries with which they had long-standing relations.
For her part, the Deputy Western Regional Minister, Ms Betty Bosumtwi-Sam, said the government was doing everything possible to ensure that the country’s natural resources were exploited to the benefit of the people of Ghana.
She said the country was ready to partner countries with the right approaches to the exploitation of the resources with maximum respect to laid down rules.
The deputy minister said in the same direction, the government was also setting the pace to ensure that the right environment was created for investors.
The country’s envoy to Ghana, Mrs Victoria Mendez-Charles, gave the assurance when she called on the Western Regional Co-ordinating Council on Wednesday.
She said Ghana had the potential to harness its latest discovery in addition to many of its natural resources to its advantage.
Trinidad and Tobago is said to be one of the wealthiest countries in the Caribbean due to maximum use of its large reserves of oil and gas, the exploitation of which dominates its economy.
She said about 99 per cent of the energy needs of Trinidad and Tobago were gas-powered, while the country exported petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas and chemicals, among other things.
Mrs Mendez-Charles said what Ghana needed at the moment was support to exploit its discovery to build a stronger economy.
She said it was very important that Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago collaborated to ensure that every benefit that would accrue from the oil find benefited the country.
She said her government was seeking to extend its technical expertise to Ghana, describing the country as one of the countries with which they had long-standing relations.
For her part, the Deputy Western Regional Minister, Ms Betty Bosumtwi-Sam, said the government was doing everything possible to ensure that the country’s natural resources were exploited to the benefit of the people of Ghana.
She said the country was ready to partner countries with the right approaches to the exploitation of the resources with maximum respect to laid down rules.
The deputy minister said in the same direction, the government was also setting the pace to ensure that the right environment was created for investors.
AWARDS SCHEME FOR POLICE OFFICERS (PAGE 38, OCTOBER 1)
The Police Administration has instituted an awards and commendation scheme for outstanding and hardworking officers of the Ghana Police Service.
The new District Police Commander of Kwesimintsim, DSP Ayamga Y. Akolgo, who made this known during his maiden meeting with officers of the station, urged police officers to be challenged by the institution of the scheme to exhibit a high sense of professionalism and carve a new image for the service.
"Recommendation under the scheme would be in respect of members of the service who have displayed exceptional zeal, devotion to duty or display of intelligence above the average or those who perform acts of outstanding courage in the execution of their duties”, he said.
DSP Akolgo said policing should be seen as a call to duty, which required every police officer to be duty-conscious and show a high sense of professionalism.
He said the Service Instructions stipulated that commendations, awards and good work should be entered, recorded and taken into consideration when examining the qualification of personnel for promotion.
The district commander said every police officer should be challenged to perform his or her duties, not only with the aim of winning the award but to help change the face of policing in the country.
"We should be seen as law enforcement officers who derive inner satisfaction after placing our expertise at the disposal of our compatriots and performing our duty diligently and professionally in the interest of liberty and country", he said.
DSP Akolgo said the demands on the police to perform kept increasing daily as new challenges emerged, adding that "it is important for us to recognise that policing is a noble career in the world, so we must maintain its integrity and win public confidence."
"In our line of duty we should display a high sense of professionalism, civility in dealing with members of the public and respect the rights of suspects in our operational endeavours. Remember professionalism entails discipline, honesty, fairness, precision in judgement, neat appearance, lawful decisions and operations, and above all, service to country", he advised.
He said perpetrators of crime were always finding new ways of inflicting pain on the public, therefore "we as law enforcers need not sleep as the criminals are well awake and becoming more sophisticated by the day."
DSP Akolgo told the police personnel that "we have a duty to improve our performance and services, to be efficient and effective, as well as act in accordance with standard guidelines and regulations."
He urged the police to adopt a friendly posture and civility towards the public, but remain resolute, firm and tough on criminals, especially violent crime with high propensity to destroy life and property.
The new District Police Commander of Kwesimintsim, DSP Ayamga Y. Akolgo, who made this known during his maiden meeting with officers of the station, urged police officers to be challenged by the institution of the scheme to exhibit a high sense of professionalism and carve a new image for the service.
"Recommendation under the scheme would be in respect of members of the service who have displayed exceptional zeal, devotion to duty or display of intelligence above the average or those who perform acts of outstanding courage in the execution of their duties”, he said.
DSP Akolgo said policing should be seen as a call to duty, which required every police officer to be duty-conscious and show a high sense of professionalism.
He said the Service Instructions stipulated that commendations, awards and good work should be entered, recorded and taken into consideration when examining the qualification of personnel for promotion.
The district commander said every police officer should be challenged to perform his or her duties, not only with the aim of winning the award but to help change the face of policing in the country.
"We should be seen as law enforcement officers who derive inner satisfaction after placing our expertise at the disposal of our compatriots and performing our duty diligently and professionally in the interest of liberty and country", he said.
DSP Akolgo said the demands on the police to perform kept increasing daily as new challenges emerged, adding that "it is important for us to recognise that policing is a noble career in the world, so we must maintain its integrity and win public confidence."
"In our line of duty we should display a high sense of professionalism, civility in dealing with members of the public and respect the rights of suspects in our operational endeavours. Remember professionalism entails discipline, honesty, fairness, precision in judgement, neat appearance, lawful decisions and operations, and above all, service to country", he advised.
He said perpetrators of crime were always finding new ways of inflicting pain on the public, therefore "we as law enforcers need not sleep as the criminals are well awake and becoming more sophisticated by the day."
DSP Akolgo told the police personnel that "we have a duty to improve our performance and services, to be efficient and effective, as well as act in accordance with standard guidelines and regulations."
He urged the police to adopt a friendly posture and civility towards the public, but remain resolute, firm and tough on criminals, especially violent crime with high propensity to destroy life and property.
GAS FACTORY TO PRODUCE MORE JOBS (PAGE 34, SEPT 29)
The gas processing factory to be positioned between Effasu and Atuabo in the Western Region has been identified as one main aspect of the country’s oil find that will create numerous job openings.
The gas processing plant is expected to attract players in the banking, hospitality, insurance, electrical, services, legal, recruitment, technical, agriculture, real estate and other related services that would help address some aspects of employment.
The youth and the skilled labour in the region have, therefore, been urged to get ready to meet the challenge.
Mr Francis Amewudi, an engineer with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, was speaking in response to questions about the gas factory and employment at the last public hearing on the Environmental Impact Assessment and mitigation plan for oil companies at the Jubilee Oil Field Phase One.
The public hearings, which were held at Axim, Agona Nkwanta, Shama, Half Assini and Takoradi, were attended by chiefs and opinion leaders of the various communities who were briefed on the assessment presented by officials of the EPA and other organisations involved in the emerging oil industry.
The EIA deals with the health, social and economic implications of the oil find and future oil drilling in the communities.
He said the gas factory would process gas from the Jubilee fields to power the Aboadze Thermal Plant, Osagyefo Barge as well as for domestic use.
At the commencement of work in the area, he said “there would be the need for the financial sector to provide services to these companies and that would mean improvement of social infrastructure as well as complete transformation of the whole area”.
He said it was important to ensure that the people were ready for job openings that woud be created in the industry. Apart from those who would be employed to work during the setting up of the factory, he said there would be other openings after its completion.
The banks, insurance, hospitality and other service providers would require staff and that would be positive for the people.
There would also be an improvement in social infrastructure such as roads and other facilities that would make life comfortable for workers who would be employed.
The upstream petroleum industry, Mr Amewudi said, was very complex, technology based and capital intensive and employed only few technocrats at a time.
He said the greatest news was that Ghana had decided not to flare its gas deposit, but channel it for an onshore gas factory.
He said at the moment there was an ongoing survey to ensure that a good location was found for commencement of work.
Other speakers also described the oil industry as an area that could give birth to several businesses that would impact positively on the fortunes of the country.
The Government and External Affairs Officer for Tullow, Mr Kofi Esson, assured the chiefs and people of the area high environmental standards.
He took time to explain corporate social responsibility, how to handle emergency situations, among others. Officials of Environmental Protection Agency and other officials of the GNPC took turns to answer questions from the public.
The gas processing plant is expected to attract players in the banking, hospitality, insurance, electrical, services, legal, recruitment, technical, agriculture, real estate and other related services that would help address some aspects of employment.
The youth and the skilled labour in the region have, therefore, been urged to get ready to meet the challenge.
Mr Francis Amewudi, an engineer with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, was speaking in response to questions about the gas factory and employment at the last public hearing on the Environmental Impact Assessment and mitigation plan for oil companies at the Jubilee Oil Field Phase One.
The public hearings, which were held at Axim, Agona Nkwanta, Shama, Half Assini and Takoradi, were attended by chiefs and opinion leaders of the various communities who were briefed on the assessment presented by officials of the EPA and other organisations involved in the emerging oil industry.
The EIA deals with the health, social and economic implications of the oil find and future oil drilling in the communities.
He said the gas factory would process gas from the Jubilee fields to power the Aboadze Thermal Plant, Osagyefo Barge as well as for domestic use.
At the commencement of work in the area, he said “there would be the need for the financial sector to provide services to these companies and that would mean improvement of social infrastructure as well as complete transformation of the whole area”.
He said it was important to ensure that the people were ready for job openings that woud be created in the industry. Apart from those who would be employed to work during the setting up of the factory, he said there would be other openings after its completion.
The banks, insurance, hospitality and other service providers would require staff and that would be positive for the people.
There would also be an improvement in social infrastructure such as roads and other facilities that would make life comfortable for workers who would be employed.
The upstream petroleum industry, Mr Amewudi said, was very complex, technology based and capital intensive and employed only few technocrats at a time.
He said the greatest news was that Ghana had decided not to flare its gas deposit, but channel it for an onshore gas factory.
He said at the moment there was an ongoing survey to ensure that a good location was found for commencement of work.
Other speakers also described the oil industry as an area that could give birth to several businesses that would impact positively on the fortunes of the country.
The Government and External Affairs Officer for Tullow, Mr Kofi Esson, assured the chiefs and people of the area high environmental standards.
He took time to explain corporate social responsibility, how to handle emergency situations, among others. Officials of Environmental Protection Agency and other officials of the GNPC took turns to answer questions from the public.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
YOUTH MUST AVOID SHORTCUTS TO SUCCESS — WR MINISTER (SEPT 26, PAGE 13)
The youth of Ghana have been urged not to substitute hard work for the easy way of making money at the expense of their lives and the future of this country.
“There is no short cut to success in life, therefore, if you think that you can substitute hard work for success with “Sakawa” and other social vices then you have got it wrong,” the Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, made these remarks at the annual Kundum Festival at Axim.
The minister said, “Your youthful years are indeed the opportunity you have to prepare yourselves for life’s journey and not for quick money that could lead you into trouble at the end.”
He said the youthful age was a golden opportunity for every individual to utilise opportuinties needed for a stable life.
The Regional Minister said if the youth continued the quest to make quick money at the expense of hard work then the future of the country would be in jeopardy.
“We are in the country which is sovereign today because of the ideals and dream of the people who were once like us, young, energetic, enterprising and patriotic,” he said.
Mr Aidoo said the youth constituted the future of this country, and as much it was important if they were given the needed guidance and attention to enable them to play their rightful roles in society.
He reminded the youth that they held the key to the future of this country, saying “your resort to deviant and easy way of making money would only lead you to a very uncertain future,” he said.
“There is no short cut to success in life, therefore, if you think that you can substitute hard work for success with “Sakawa” and other social vices then you have got it wrong,” the Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, made these remarks at the annual Kundum Festival at Axim.
The minister said, “Your youthful years are indeed the opportunity you have to prepare yourselves for life’s journey and not for quick money that could lead you into trouble at the end.”
He said the youthful age was a golden opportunity for every individual to utilise opportuinties needed for a stable life.
The Regional Minister said if the youth continued the quest to make quick money at the expense of hard work then the future of the country would be in jeopardy.
“We are in the country which is sovereign today because of the ideals and dream of the people who were once like us, young, energetic, enterprising and patriotic,” he said.
Mr Aidoo said the youth constituted the future of this country, and as much it was important if they were given the needed guidance and attention to enable them to play their rightful roles in society.
He reminded the youth that they held the key to the future of this country, saying “your resort to deviant and easy way of making money would only lead you to a very uncertain future,” he said.
SELFISH LEADERSHIP, BANE OF NATION'S DVE — VEEP (SEPT 25, PAGE 16)
THE Vice-President, John Dramani Mahama, has said corruption, selfish leadership, greed and lack of patriotism on the part of political leaders have left the country poorer, decades after the death of its far-sighted leader, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
He said the life of Dr Nkrumah should teach all, particularly those in the public service, to avoid graft, corruption and plundering of the nation’s resources when given the opportunity to serve.
The Vice-President was speaking at a colourful durbar of chiefs and people of the Nzema area as part of the Centenary Birthday Celebration of the country’s first President.
“Today, the unfortunate situation is that the spirit of patriotism and sacrifice is lacking,” he observed.
As a result, Mr Mahama said, such acts had left the people with a deep sense of distrust of their leaders,” he lamented.
“We can only change our nation’s circumstances, if we all put our shoulders to the wheel and give a little shove to move our nation in the direction of progress and prosperity in a transparent and accountable manner,” the Vice-President said.
He said Dr Nkrumah was a selfless leader who valued human dignity, as well as the welfare of mankind above material gains and possession, adding that that was why he was not obsessed with material gains and did not believe in property-owning democracy.
He said the centenary celebration of Nkrumah was a call on all, particularly the youth, to aspire to higher values of sacrifice and commitment to ideals of service to one’s nation.
According to the Vice-President, ideas, good deeds and meritorious service to one’s community and country could leave an enduring legacy after one’s death, which is more fulfilling than corruption and acts that rob the country.
He was not happy with the low level of development in the region and assured the people that the government was doing everything possible to better their lot.
Mr Mahama said the minister of roads and highways was in northern part of the region to assess the conditions of the roads following the recent flooding.
He said the minister would continue to tour various parts of Nzemaland to enable the government to map out strategies to tackle the problem within the short, medium and long term.
The ceremony was attended by chiefs across the region, heads of corporate institutions, district chief executives, members of Parliament and members of the diplomatic corps, and members of various political parties.
He said the life of Dr Nkrumah should teach all, particularly those in the public service, to avoid graft, corruption and plundering of the nation’s resources when given the opportunity to serve.
The Vice-President was speaking at a colourful durbar of chiefs and people of the Nzema area as part of the Centenary Birthday Celebration of the country’s first President.
“Today, the unfortunate situation is that the spirit of patriotism and sacrifice is lacking,” he observed.
As a result, Mr Mahama said, such acts had left the people with a deep sense of distrust of their leaders,” he lamented.
“We can only change our nation’s circumstances, if we all put our shoulders to the wheel and give a little shove to move our nation in the direction of progress and prosperity in a transparent and accountable manner,” the Vice-President said.
He said Dr Nkrumah was a selfless leader who valued human dignity, as well as the welfare of mankind above material gains and possession, adding that that was why he was not obsessed with material gains and did not believe in property-owning democracy.
He said the centenary celebration of Nkrumah was a call on all, particularly the youth, to aspire to higher values of sacrifice and commitment to ideals of service to one’s nation.
According to the Vice-President, ideas, good deeds and meritorious service to one’s community and country could leave an enduring legacy after one’s death, which is more fulfilling than corruption and acts that rob the country.
He was not happy with the low level of development in the region and assured the people that the government was doing everything possible to better their lot.
Mr Mahama said the minister of roads and highways was in northern part of the region to assess the conditions of the roads following the recent flooding.
He said the minister would continue to tour various parts of Nzemaland to enable the government to map out strategies to tackle the problem within the short, medium and long term.
The ceremony was attended by chiefs across the region, heads of corporate institutions, district chief executives, members of Parliament and members of the diplomatic corps, and members of various political parties.
SEVEN HELD FOR DEATH OF YOUNG MAN (SEPT 22, BACK PAGE)
A young man who strayed into a house at Kojokrom in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis, was mistaken for a thief by some residents who allegedly drove a six-inch nail through his head, killing him instantly.
The victim, whose name was given as Awinzelea, was brought by his father from Bolgatanga for medical treatment in Takoradi. He was allegedly tied to an electricity pole by some residents after they had beaten him mercilessly before driving the nail through his head.
Seven suspects have been arrested by the police to help in their investigations into the death of Awinzelea.
Five of the suspects — Francis Adai, 53, and his son, Joseph Adai, 19, Kenneth Quanoo, 38, Isaac Abasa, 28, and John Mensah — are being held for murder.
The other two, a woman, Juliana Coomson, and her son, Victor Achia-Yaw, who witnessed the crime but failed to report to the police, have also been placed in police custody for allegedly concealing crime.
According to the police, the victim had a sickness and his father, who is a security officer at the Ministry of Agriculture in Sekondi, brought him to the metropolis so he could take care of him.
The police said on the night of the incident, the victim went to see his father off to work, and half way through the journey the father asked him to return and that if he went further he might miss his way back to the house.
The police said true to the father’s words, the victim missed his way and found himself on the compound of Addai who asked what he wanted at that time of the night.
“The victim, who could not speak any language, stood there speechless, then Addai and the son and three others whose names were given as Adoko, Atta-Maison and Boaben, a taxi driver, pounced on him shouting thief, thief,” the police said.
“This brought a lot of people to the scene while the suspects continued to beat the victim until he became weak and helpless,” it said.
The victim was then led to the roadside, according to the police, where he was tied to an electricity pole and nailed.
The police said the three other suspects, Adoko, Atta-Maison and Boaben, the taxi driver, were at large and the other seven suspects were in police custody while investigations continued.
When contacted, the Takoradi Central Police Commander, DSP Dela K. Dzansi, urged the public not to take the law into their own hands.
He deplored instant justice and urged the public that when a suspect was apprehended, he should be marched to the nearest police station to ensure that the law took its course.
The victim, whose name was given as Awinzelea, was brought by his father from Bolgatanga for medical treatment in Takoradi. He was allegedly tied to an electricity pole by some residents after they had beaten him mercilessly before driving the nail through his head.
Seven suspects have been arrested by the police to help in their investigations into the death of Awinzelea.
Five of the suspects — Francis Adai, 53, and his son, Joseph Adai, 19, Kenneth Quanoo, 38, Isaac Abasa, 28, and John Mensah — are being held for murder.
The other two, a woman, Juliana Coomson, and her son, Victor Achia-Yaw, who witnessed the crime but failed to report to the police, have also been placed in police custody for allegedly concealing crime.
According to the police, the victim had a sickness and his father, who is a security officer at the Ministry of Agriculture in Sekondi, brought him to the metropolis so he could take care of him.
The police said on the night of the incident, the victim went to see his father off to work, and half way through the journey the father asked him to return and that if he went further he might miss his way back to the house.
The police said true to the father’s words, the victim missed his way and found himself on the compound of Addai who asked what he wanted at that time of the night.
“The victim, who could not speak any language, stood there speechless, then Addai and the son and three others whose names were given as Adoko, Atta-Maison and Boaben, a taxi driver, pounced on him shouting thief, thief,” the police said.
“This brought a lot of people to the scene while the suspects continued to beat the victim until he became weak and helpless,” it said.
The victim was then led to the roadside, according to the police, where he was tied to an electricity pole and nailed.
The police said the three other suspects, Adoko, Atta-Maison and Boaben, the taxi driver, were at large and the other seven suspects were in police custody while investigations continued.
When contacted, the Takoradi Central Police Commander, DSP Dela K. Dzansi, urged the public not to take the law into their own hands.
He deplored instant justice and urged the public that when a suspect was apprehended, he should be marched to the nearest police station to ensure that the law took its course.
Veep eulogises Kwame Nkrumah and says..GHANA WORTH DYING FOR (LEAD STORY, SEPT 21)
STORY: Kwame Asiedu Marfo & Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Nkroful
Vice-President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the government’s decision to celebrate the life of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, is a demonstration to the current generation that the country is worth dying for.
He noted that Dr Nkrumah might not have been alone in the struggle to attain independence for Ghana, “but in every struggle it is the ideals of an individual that bring the strands of the struggle to the intended climax”.
He said such was the case of Dr Nkrumah when he brought the dreams and aspirations of the nation to the expected end.
Speaking to the chiefs and people of Nkroful in the Ellembelle District as part of the centenary celebration of Dr Nkrumah’s birthday, Vice-President Mahama said it was within this context that the debate over whether it was prudent to celebrate Nkrumah alone ought to be conducted.
He said gone were the days when the possession of anything that had to do with Nkrumah was a crime, adding that Nkrumah’s place in history had been affirmed by his being voted the man of the century and being acclaimed worldwide.
The Vice-President said it was not in doubt that Kwame Nkrumah was at the forefront of the nationalist struggle for the country’s independence and self-determination for Africa’s liberation struggle.
“He laid a solid foundation by providing our nation with infrastructural facilities and social amenities which are still visible today and attest to the vision he had for Ghana,” he said.
“As we speak, a product of his vision, the Akosombo Dam, is still the contributor of the chunk of the country’s energy needs, and that is the man we are talking about and celebrating today,” he said.
The Vice-President said Nkrumah was not just an individual but an institution in Africa and to Africans in the Diaspora, saying “his contribution to African political thought and the dignity of Africans will remain lasting memories and legacies for generations yet unborn”.
“The schools, roads, ports, health facilities, the Akosombo hydro project and his vigorous industrialisation and agricultural programmes continue to form the foundation upon which successive governments have depended.”
He said it was against this backdrop that the ideals of Nkrumah should be immortalised.
A representative of the planning committee, Prof. Agyeman Badu Akosa, thanked the chiefs and people of Nzema for giving Ghana, Africa and the world such a great son.
Vice-President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the government’s decision to celebrate the life of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, is a demonstration to the current generation that the country is worth dying for.
He noted that Dr Nkrumah might not have been alone in the struggle to attain independence for Ghana, “but in every struggle it is the ideals of an individual that bring the strands of the struggle to the intended climax”.
He said such was the case of Dr Nkrumah when he brought the dreams and aspirations of the nation to the expected end.
Speaking to the chiefs and people of Nkroful in the Ellembelle District as part of the centenary celebration of Dr Nkrumah’s birthday, Vice-President Mahama said it was within this context that the debate over whether it was prudent to celebrate Nkrumah alone ought to be conducted.
He said gone were the days when the possession of anything that had to do with Nkrumah was a crime, adding that Nkrumah’s place in history had been affirmed by his being voted the man of the century and being acclaimed worldwide.
The Vice-President said it was not in doubt that Kwame Nkrumah was at the forefront of the nationalist struggle for the country’s independence and self-determination for Africa’s liberation struggle.
“He laid a solid foundation by providing our nation with infrastructural facilities and social amenities which are still visible today and attest to the vision he had for Ghana,” he said.
“As we speak, a product of his vision, the Akosombo Dam, is still the contributor of the chunk of the country’s energy needs, and that is the man we are talking about and celebrating today,” he said.
The Vice-President said Nkrumah was not just an individual but an institution in Africa and to Africans in the Diaspora, saying “his contribution to African political thought and the dignity of Africans will remain lasting memories and legacies for generations yet unborn”.
“The schools, roads, ports, health facilities, the Akosombo hydro project and his vigorous industrialisation and agricultural programmes continue to form the foundation upon which successive governments have depended.”
He said it was against this backdrop that the ideals of Nkrumah should be immortalised.
A representative of the planning committee, Prof. Agyeman Badu Akosa, thanked the chiefs and people of Nzema for giving Ghana, Africa and the world such a great son.
I WILL NOT CONTEST AGAIN — LEE OCRAN (PAGE 14)
The former vociferous Member of Parliament for Jomoro Constituency in the Western Region, Mr Lee Ocran, has announced that he will not contest the Jomoro Parliamentary seat again.
He made the announcement after he presented 2,800 bags of cement to be distributed among flood victims in the Jomoro and Ellembelle constituencies.
“It is not that I have lost interest in the seat because I was not re-elected, the point is that when I was contacted to contest, I told the people I will contest the seat for only two terms win or lose,” he said.
Mr Ocran said he wanted younger members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the constituency to contest so he would use his experience to back them.
Mr Ocran said “I have been in politics since 1979 and have contributed enough to the development of politics in the country”.
“As a matter of fact if not because of my new job as the High Commissioner to South Africa I would have contested for an executive position in the party that will help position the NDC strongly,” he said.
He told the people in his constituency that, his strength in Parliament would not be missed because there were others in the constituency that would ensure that the voices of the people were heard.
“Before Lee Ocran went to Parliament, there was Francis Amelema, very vocal and I can assure you that those who will come after me would be more than me,” he said.
He reminded the people that the 2,800 bags of cement, was his own personal effort and not from his party, therefore it should not be politicised.
“This is not NDC cement and it is not from the government, this is Lee Ocran cement, therefore, it should not be politicised,” he said.
“I did not go to Parliament for personal gains, I represent the people, and I share all that I have with them, I want to be remembered as the man who shares all he has with his people and committed to their needs,” he said.
Mr Ocran called for unity and understanding, and said he was not peeved because he lost the election, “Change is good; it gives people the chance to compare.”
He said democracy meant tolerance of divergent views to ensure that at the end of the argue and expression of all forms of views people came up with workable ideas that would make the country stronger.
Mr Ocran called on the youth to take advantage of the slightest opportunity to empower themselves through education, “all of us have a role to play, let us acquire the skills that would enable us to handle the future without any difficulties.”
He urged them not to direct their strength and skill in to any activity that would create a bad image for themselves.
He made the announcement after he presented 2,800 bags of cement to be distributed among flood victims in the Jomoro and Ellembelle constituencies.
“It is not that I have lost interest in the seat because I was not re-elected, the point is that when I was contacted to contest, I told the people I will contest the seat for only two terms win or lose,” he said.
Mr Ocran said he wanted younger members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the constituency to contest so he would use his experience to back them.
Mr Ocran said “I have been in politics since 1979 and have contributed enough to the development of politics in the country”.
“As a matter of fact if not because of my new job as the High Commissioner to South Africa I would have contested for an executive position in the party that will help position the NDC strongly,” he said.
He told the people in his constituency that, his strength in Parliament would not be missed because there were others in the constituency that would ensure that the voices of the people were heard.
“Before Lee Ocran went to Parliament, there was Francis Amelema, very vocal and I can assure you that those who will come after me would be more than me,” he said.
He reminded the people that the 2,800 bags of cement, was his own personal effort and not from his party, therefore it should not be politicised.
“This is not NDC cement and it is not from the government, this is Lee Ocran cement, therefore, it should not be politicised,” he said.
“I did not go to Parliament for personal gains, I represent the people, and I share all that I have with them, I want to be remembered as the man who shares all he has with his people and committed to their needs,” he said.
Mr Ocran called for unity and understanding, and said he was not peeved because he lost the election, “Change is good; it gives people the chance to compare.”
He said democracy meant tolerance of divergent views to ensure that at the end of the argue and expression of all forms of views people came up with workable ideas that would make the country stronger.
Mr Ocran called on the youth to take advantage of the slightest opportunity to empower themselves through education, “all of us have a role to play, let us acquire the skills that would enable us to handle the future without any difficulties.”
He urged them not to direct their strength and skill in to any activity that would create a bad image for themselves.
TULLOW ASSURES FISHERMEN OF MUTUAL CO-EXISTENCE (SEPT 19, 2009, BACK PAGE)
TULLOW Oil has assured fishermen that its offshore operations will not mean the end of their centuries-old vocation that has been feeding the country and its people for time immemorial.
At a public hearing at Shama and Sekondi/Takoradi in the Western Region, Tullow Oil officials took time to explain to the fishermen that they could go about their fishing activities without any difficulties.
They said what was important was co-existence to ensure that Tullow and the fishing communities contributed to the development of the country.
Speaking to a large crowd, made up of fishermen groups and representatives of all other sectors of the local economy, Mr Kofi Esson, Government and External Affairs Officer of Tullow Oil, said the company had put enough measures in place to ensure that no accident occurred.
He said the public hearing was important because it afforded the stakeholders the opportunity to iron out issues for clarity and understanding of one another.
With regard to fishermen, he said they had created safety zones that would guide them to ensure that their operation did not create any problem.
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, we at Tullow do not want you to think that the oil discovery and the operations offshore would mean the end of your activities,” he said.
The fishermen thanked Tullow for the opportunity and the time to explain issues bothering them and allay their fears.
They also assured the company that they would do everything possible to ensure that they both operated peacefully at sea.
Some participants also lauded the corporate social responsibilities of the company and urged it to fulfil those promises to open up the communities.
At a public hearing at Shama and Sekondi/Takoradi in the Western Region, Tullow Oil officials took time to explain to the fishermen that they could go about their fishing activities without any difficulties.
They said what was important was co-existence to ensure that Tullow and the fishing communities contributed to the development of the country.
Speaking to a large crowd, made up of fishermen groups and representatives of all other sectors of the local economy, Mr Kofi Esson, Government and External Affairs Officer of Tullow Oil, said the company had put enough measures in place to ensure that no accident occurred.
He said the public hearing was important because it afforded the stakeholders the opportunity to iron out issues for clarity and understanding of one another.
With regard to fishermen, he said they had created safety zones that would guide them to ensure that their operation did not create any problem.
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, we at Tullow do not want you to think that the oil discovery and the operations offshore would mean the end of your activities,” he said.
The fishermen thanked Tullow for the opportunity and the time to explain issues bothering them and allay their fears.
They also assured the company that they would do everything possible to ensure that they both operated peacefully at sea.
Some participants also lauded the corporate social responsibilities of the company and urged it to fulfil those promises to open up the communities.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
GOVT SECURES GRANT TO CONSTRUCT ELUBO TOWN ROADS (SEPT 16, PAGE 20)
THE Government has secured a Japanese grant for the construction of town roads in Elubo in the Jomoro District in the Western Region.
The project, which is under the District Capital Road Improvement Project, would cost more than GH¢500,000 and would take a year to complete.
Under the project, roads in the town would be tarred and the drains constructed.
At the sod-cutting ceremony for the commencement of the project, the Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, called on the chiefs and people of Elubo to co-operate with the contractor to expand and construct the drains.
He urged them to remove containers on the shoulders of the road to pave way for the contractor to complete the work on schedule.
The minister said an inspection of the various areas that would be covered under the project, kiosks and extension of structures had taken the greater part of the roads.
Mr Aidoo said even though that was due to the long neglect of the town roads, the co-operation of the people was the only lifeline towards the early completion of the project.
“I must be honest with you that your refusal to go back for the road to be constructed could be a setback for the development of the town; funding for the project covers a period of one-year and any delay means the Government would have to dole out more money,” he said.
The minister used the opportunity to urge the chiefs and people in the area and the region to settle all chieftaincy disputes and ensure that development did not elude the people.
“Many of the letters and discussion with the people had to do with chieftaincy, my people, let me tell you that there cannot be development in the situation we found ourselves,” he stressed.
“Development is one very expensive commodity and on high demand, and it would not wait for us to decide in a distant future before it comes, we take the path of peace now to ensure that we grab as much as we can,” Mr Aidoo said.
For his part, the former Member of Parliament for the area, Mr Lee Ocran, who sourced for the grant from the Japanese government with counterpart funding from the Government of Ghana, said his dream was to ensure that the area was developed to an appreciable level.
Mr Ocran used the opportunity to bid his people farewell, saying that he will work hard as Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa.
The project, which is under the District Capital Road Improvement Project, would cost more than GH¢500,000 and would take a year to complete.
Under the project, roads in the town would be tarred and the drains constructed.
At the sod-cutting ceremony for the commencement of the project, the Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, called on the chiefs and people of Elubo to co-operate with the contractor to expand and construct the drains.
He urged them to remove containers on the shoulders of the road to pave way for the contractor to complete the work on schedule.
The minister said an inspection of the various areas that would be covered under the project, kiosks and extension of structures had taken the greater part of the roads.
Mr Aidoo said even though that was due to the long neglect of the town roads, the co-operation of the people was the only lifeline towards the early completion of the project.
“I must be honest with you that your refusal to go back for the road to be constructed could be a setback for the development of the town; funding for the project covers a period of one-year and any delay means the Government would have to dole out more money,” he said.
The minister used the opportunity to urge the chiefs and people in the area and the region to settle all chieftaincy disputes and ensure that development did not elude the people.
“Many of the letters and discussion with the people had to do with chieftaincy, my people, let me tell you that there cannot be development in the situation we found ourselves,” he stressed.
“Development is one very expensive commodity and on high demand, and it would not wait for us to decide in a distant future before it comes, we take the path of peace now to ensure that we grab as much as we can,” Mr Aidoo said.
For his part, the former Member of Parliament for the area, Mr Lee Ocran, who sourced for the grant from the Japanese government with counterpart funding from the Government of Ghana, said his dream was to ensure that the area was developed to an appreciable level.
Mr Ocran used the opportunity to bid his people farewell, saying that he will work hard as Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa.
JOMORO ENDORSES EIA ...In preparation towards oil drilling (SEPT 16, PAGE 31)
THE chiefs and people of the Jomoro District in the Western Region have endorsed an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and mitigation plan prepared as part of steps towards the commencement of oil drilling at the Jubilee oil fields in 2010.
They, however, called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other state agencies that would be appointed to monitor environmental issues not to succumb to corruption and greed at the expense of the nation and its people.
At the first hearing at the district capital, Half-Assini, Awulae Annor Adjae III, Paramount Chief of Western Nzema Traditional Area, said the likely problem that might arise was the inability to implement the plan.
“There were the same problems during the inland exploitation of gold and other mineral resources in Tarkwa, Prestea and other parts of the country but the same EIA laws did not work for the people in our side of the world,” he said.
Awulae Adjae said the people of the area were not against the exploitation, but good laws that would protect the interest of the nation, fishermen, the environment, coastline and purity of the air, among others.
He said aside the oil companies, other investors that would be moving to the district to invest should not lure people into selling huge parcels of lands to them.
“We will use our land as equity. Therefore, do not even think you will make things work differently; we cannot live today and eat into the future of the generations unborn, we have carefully managed to preserve our heritage for them,” he said.
In his presentation before the remarks and series of questions and comments, the Country Representative of Tullow, Mr Kofi Esson, said the group, made up of Tullow Ghana and its partners, Kosmos, Anadarko, Hese, Sabre, EO Group and others, was committed to the culture, values, as well as local and international laws governing the environment and the industry.
“We are committed to embracing value and diversity, respecting laws and customs, as well as setting high standard for environmental safety through responsible and prudent management of the country’s natural resources,” he said.
Mr Esson said Tullow and its partners would also build a partnership for sustainable economic and social development of the country.
Mr Esson said the EIA was important since it described the project, evaluated the potential risks and impacts, as well as described how best these would be managed.
In 2007, gas and oil was discovered about 60 nautical miles from the shores of Effasu and 135 nautical miles from Sekondi/Takoradi.
They, however, called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other state agencies that would be appointed to monitor environmental issues not to succumb to corruption and greed at the expense of the nation and its people.
At the first hearing at the district capital, Half-Assini, Awulae Annor Adjae III, Paramount Chief of Western Nzema Traditional Area, said the likely problem that might arise was the inability to implement the plan.
“There were the same problems during the inland exploitation of gold and other mineral resources in Tarkwa, Prestea and other parts of the country but the same EIA laws did not work for the people in our side of the world,” he said.
Awulae Adjae said the people of the area were not against the exploitation, but good laws that would protect the interest of the nation, fishermen, the environment, coastline and purity of the air, among others.
He said aside the oil companies, other investors that would be moving to the district to invest should not lure people into selling huge parcels of lands to them.
“We will use our land as equity. Therefore, do not even think you will make things work differently; we cannot live today and eat into the future of the generations unborn, we have carefully managed to preserve our heritage for them,” he said.
In his presentation before the remarks and series of questions and comments, the Country Representative of Tullow, Mr Kofi Esson, said the group, made up of Tullow Ghana and its partners, Kosmos, Anadarko, Hese, Sabre, EO Group and others, was committed to the culture, values, as well as local and international laws governing the environment and the industry.
“We are committed to embracing value and diversity, respecting laws and customs, as well as setting high standard for environmental safety through responsible and prudent management of the country’s natural resources,” he said.
Mr Esson said Tullow and its partners would also build a partnership for sustainable economic and social development of the country.
Mr Esson said the EIA was important since it described the project, evaluated the potential risks and impacts, as well as described how best these would be managed.
In 2007, gas and oil was discovered about 60 nautical miles from the shores of Effasu and 135 nautical miles from Sekondi/Takoradi.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
GAS FACTORY PROMISES MORE JOB
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Esiama
The gas processing factory to be positioned between Effasu and Atuabo in the Western Region has been identified as one main aspect of the country’s oil find that would create numerous jobs.
The gas processing plant is expected to create jobs in the banking, hospitality, insurance, Electrical Services, legal services, recruitment and technical services, agriculture, real estate and other related service that would help address some aspects of request for employment.
The youth and the skilled labour in the region have therefore been urged to get ready to meet the challenge.
According to Mr Francis Amewudi, an engineer with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation was responding to question about the gas factory and employment at the last public hearing on environmental impact assessment and mitigation plan for oil companies at the Jubilee Oil Field.
He said sitting the gas factory which would process gas from Jubilee fields to power Aboadze Thermal Plant, Osagyefo Barge and for domestic as well as export which would transform the community.
When work started at the area, he said “there would be the need for financial sector to provide services to these companies and that would mean improvement social infrastructure as well as complete transformation of the whole area.”
He said what is important was to ensure that the people were ready for job openings in the often. Apart from those who would be employed to work during the setting up of the factory, he said there would be other opening after its completion.
The banks, insurance, hospitality and other service providers would require staff and that would positive for the people.
There would also be an improvement in social infrastructure such as roads and other facilities that would make life comfortable for workers that would employed.
The upstream petroleum industry, Mr Amewudi said was very complex, technology based and capital intensive which employs only few technocrats at a time.
He said the greatest news was that Ghana had decided not to flare the its gas deposit, but channel for multi-billion dollar onshore gas factory.
He said at them moment there is a survey going on to ensure that good location was found for the commencement of work.
Other speakers also described the oil industry as heavily pregnant institution that could give berth to several businesses and to affect the country positively.
For his part, Government and External Affairs Officer for Tullow, Mr Kofi Esson assured the chiefs and people of the areas of the high environmental standard.
He took time explain the corporate social responsibility, how to handle emergency situations among others. Officials of Environmental Protection Agency and other officials of GNPC took turns to answer questions from the public.
The gas processing factory to be positioned between Effasu and Atuabo in the Western Region has been identified as one main aspect of the country’s oil find that would create numerous jobs.
The gas processing plant is expected to create jobs in the banking, hospitality, insurance, Electrical Services, legal services, recruitment and technical services, agriculture, real estate and other related service that would help address some aspects of request for employment.
The youth and the skilled labour in the region have therefore been urged to get ready to meet the challenge.
According to Mr Francis Amewudi, an engineer with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation was responding to question about the gas factory and employment at the last public hearing on environmental impact assessment and mitigation plan for oil companies at the Jubilee Oil Field.
He said sitting the gas factory which would process gas from Jubilee fields to power Aboadze Thermal Plant, Osagyefo Barge and for domestic as well as export which would transform the community.
When work started at the area, he said “there would be the need for financial sector to provide services to these companies and that would mean improvement social infrastructure as well as complete transformation of the whole area.”
He said what is important was to ensure that the people were ready for job openings in the often. Apart from those who would be employed to work during the setting up of the factory, he said there would be other opening after its completion.
The banks, insurance, hospitality and other service providers would require staff and that would positive for the people.
There would also be an improvement in social infrastructure such as roads and other facilities that would make life comfortable for workers that would employed.
The upstream petroleum industry, Mr Amewudi said was very complex, technology based and capital intensive which employs only few technocrats at a time.
He said the greatest news was that Ghana had decided not to flare the its gas deposit, but channel for multi-billion dollar onshore gas factory.
He said at them moment there is a survey going on to ensure that good location was found for the commencement of work.
Other speakers also described the oil industry as heavily pregnant institution that could give berth to several businesses and to affect the country positively.
For his part, Government and External Affairs Officer for Tullow, Mr Kofi Esson assured the chiefs and people of the areas of the high environmental standard.
He took time explain the corporate social responsibility, how to handle emergency situations among others. Officials of Environmental Protection Agency and other officials of GNPC took turns to answer questions from the public.
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