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.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
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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