Accra, Jan 25, GNA – Activities of non-Ghanaian traders has been slammed for non compliance of the provision of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act.
Illegal operation of non Ghanaian traders slammed
Israel partners AMA to launch early Childhood Development Programme
Accra, Jan. 24, GNA – The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) in partnership with Isreali International Development Agency (MASHAV) on Tuesday launched an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programme in Accra to improve childhood education in Ghana.
Lady Pharmacists Support Dzorwulu Special School
Accra, Jan. 25, GNA – The Lady Pharmacists Association of Ghana (LAPAG), has committed GH¢ 150,000 to provide a flour mill and a structure to accommodate the facility at the Dzorwulu Special School (DSS), a shelter for mentally challenged children.
Nine districts in C/R benefit from 1,000,133 treated bed nets.
Cape Coast, Jan. 24, GNA- The Ghana Health Service (GHS) last December embarked on a “Long lasting insecticide treated nets hang up” campaign in the Central Region where a total of 1,000,133 nets were distributed.The exercise, which began from November 28 to December 9, 2011, was carried out in nine districts in the Region with eight more to cover.Briefing the Press in Cape Coast on the exercise on Tuesday, the Regional Biologist and Malaria Coordinator, Mr. Moses Asante, said the goal of the exercise was to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality rate by 75% by 2015.He noted that the GHS took delivery of the nets, which had been well treated to last over three years from the Department for International Development (DFID) through the UNICEF.He said though the main focus was on pregnant women and children under five years, every household as well as individuals in the Region were considered during the exercise and that the net as well as its hanging were free of charge.Mr. Asante said his outfit was expecting an extra 46,000 treated bed nets which would be soon distributed and hanged in the districts which did not get their allocation.According to him, a total of 133 health staff, 482 sub-district supervisors as well as 10,800 volunteers were trained on the “hang-up” activities.He said the exercise faced some challenges such as shortage of nets, some volunteers giving out the nets instead of hanging them, illegitimate collection of money by some volunteers.Mr. Mensah said these problems were tackled and therefore the exercise went on smoothly.He said the nets could be washed for up to twenty times with mild soap and should not be dried in the sun but should rather be hung under a shade advising that they should be used always to avoid malaria.He cautioned the public not to pay any monies to the volunteers who hang up the nets and that those who demand money should be reported, stressing that the nets were not to be handed over to individuals but rather be hanged in houses.He pleaded with the Media to continue with the public education on the proper use of the nets as well as the practice of good sanitation to avoid malaria.GNA
Need for government to demonstrate strong commitment to fight corruption – GACC
Accra, Jan. 24, GNA – The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has Government to critically look at the processes initiated to investigate the actions of public officials which led to the payment of money to Mr Alfred Agbesi Woyome, a businessman.
MP builds Kindergarten blocks for two communities
Nyinampong (Ash), Jan 25, GNA – The Member of Parliament (MP) for Asante-Mampong, Mr Francis Addai-Nimoh has built two Kindergarten (KG) blocks at Nyinampong and the Patasi-Sesease-Kokoben communities in his constituency at a total cost of GH¢ 24,348.00.
AFAG hits streets to protest government’s handling of the Woyome saga
AFAG demonstration
Pro-opposition pressure group, the Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), is embarking on a street match this morning to protest what it says are economic hardship and corruption under the Mills administration.
Spokesperson, Samuel Awuku, says AFAG is particularly unhappy with government’s handling of the Woyome saga.
He told Joy News the removal of fuel subsidies also smacked of insensitivity on the part of the government.
Myjoyonline.com’s Ernest Dela Aglanu who is at the Obra Spot near the Kwame Nkrumah Circle reports organizers are excited about the numbers turning out for the match.
Dela reports of excited crowds of demonstrators draped in red drumming and dancing.
The Director of Protocol at AFAG, Maame Afua Akoto, told journalists the disorganized state of affairs in the country testified to the gross incompetence of government.
She said the situation is even worse when the incompetence and incoherence in government is cupped by massive corruption, citing the all too familiar Wayome judgement debt scandal.
Miss Akoto said while President Mills at his interaction with editors said he would not be so criminally minded and irresponsible to order the payment made to Mr Wayome, he had failed to take action on those responsible for the payments.
The match is expected to be ignored by government.
Some of the placards carried by demonstrators read: Atta will go; Atta Nie, Wayo Nie; Corruption na Doube Double;
The AFAG demonstration comes just a day after a pro-government group petitioned President Mills to compel former government officials to cooperate with EOCO as it investigates the matter.
Source: Joy News
Prestea Huni/Valley MP re-elected by popular acclamation
Samahu, (W/R) Jan. 24, GNA – The Member of Parliament (MP) for Prestea Huni/Valley, Mr Francis Adu Blay-Koffie has been elected unopposed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) delegates to re-contest the seat for the 2012 election.
Politicians should show commitment to peace
Koforidua, Jan. 25, GNA-The Eastern Regional Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Reverend Alex Ofori-Amankwa, has urged politicians to show commitment to peace to ensure that the December General election is held in peaceful atmosphere.
Bag thief jailed for 12 months
Tarkwa (W/R), Jan. 25, GNA – A Tarkwa Circuit Court has sentenced a 24-year-old illegal gold miner, Owusu Aikins, to 12 months imprisonment in hard labour for stealing GH¢ 2,950 Ghana cedis belong to one Audrey Tidari.
Medical Doctor Enstooled as Manwerehene of Owirekyiman Traditional Area
Assin Kushea (C/R), Jan 25, GNA – Nana Prah Agyensem VI, Omanhene of the Owirenkyiman Traditional Area, has advised the youth to desist from violence acts, especially before, during and after the December general elections.
GNAT signs MoU with stakeholders on salary
Accra, Jan. 25, GNA – The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) at a meeting with other stakeholders have agreed to put in place measures that will ensure that newly recruited teachers, who have not been paid since 2010, receive their salaries at the end of March 2012.
UCC Still committed to the training to people – Prof Yankson
Cape Coast, Jan. 25, GNA – Professor Kobina Yankson, Chairman of the University of Cape Coast Anniversary Celebration Committee, has said the university would remain committed to the training of qualified teachers to meet the needs of the nation.
Let us prevent non-Ghanaians from enlist on electoral roll-Gbedemah
Ho, Jan 25, GNA-Mr Kofi Tenasu Gbedemah, a Public Rights Worker, has called for more purposeful inter-agency efforts to prevent non-Ghanaians from registering as voters.
Atwima-Mponua appeals for more health professionals
Nyinahin (Ash), Jan 25, GNA – The Atwima-Mponua District Director of Health Service, Madam Elizabeth Danso Abentwi, has appealed for the posting of more health professionals to the area.She said inadequate midwives, community health nurses and medical assistants was a major challenge that needed to be tackled head-on to enhance health care delivery to the people.She also complained about the lack of residential accommodation and encroachment on lands belonging to health facilities by developers.This was at an annual review meeting held at Nyinahin to assess performance during the past year and discuss ways of improving performance.Madam Danso Abentwi said the district saw significant rise in the cases of malaria, diarrhoea, anaemia, intestinal worm infestation, ulcers and skin diseases at the Out-Patients Department (OPD).Available statistics showed malaria went up to 48,939 cases from the 2010 figure of 43,718.During the same period, patients who reported to the facilities with diarrhoea stood at 3,777 as against the previous year’s total of 2,360.Madam Danso Abentwi praised the health workers for their hard work, dedication and professionalism and said this should be sustained.GNA
NGOs on Health discuss strategies to achieve MDG goals
Wa, Jan. 25, GNA – The Coalition of Non Governmental Agencies (NGO) in Health in the Upper West Region is repositioning itself to become more relevant in health service delivery in the region.The coalition, with the collaboration of the International Medical Monitoring Committee a Danish NGO has started networking and pooling their resources to support the government to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) on Health which relates to maternal and child health.Members of the Coalition are currently brainstorming to find ways of strengthening public-private collaboration for improved sexual and reproductive health service in the Upper West Region at a four-day workshop in Wa.Mr. Osman Kanton, regional chairman of the Coalition, told the participants to build their capacities in their areas of work and improve upon the credibility of their organizations in order to remain relevant.He noted that the country was not doing well in maternal and child health and therefore achieving MDG Four and Five was therefore a task which called for the support of everyone including Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Alhaji Issaku Saliah, the Upper West regional Minister, called for a new outlook to health care delivery in the region so as to achieve the MDG four and five.GNA
NDC demonstrates to compel NPP to cooperate with EOCO
Accra, Jan. 24, GNA – The Concerned Members of National Democratic Congress on Tuesday embarked on a demonstration to ask government to compel the Cabinet of 2005 and 2006 to cooperate with Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) to scrutinize the Woyome judgement debt saga.
NLA to ensure that revenue is not compromised
Accra, Jan.24, GNA – The National Lottery Authority (NLA) on Tuesday said it would continue to work assiduously to ensure that the security of its generated revenue was not compromised and ceded to institutions or persons.
16 Burnt To Ashes
The burnt bus with the trapped passengers
A TECHIMAN-bound commercial Ford bus and a Daewoo taxi heading towards Berekum in the Brong Ahafo Region yesterday collided, resulting in the death of 16 people including a baby boy on the spot.
All the passengers on the Ford were burnt beyond recognition, except one person who was occupying the front passenger’s seat who managed to escape.
Two other people in the taxi were also burnt, according to an eyewitness.
The Ford passengers were trapped as the door was automatically locked following the head-on collision.
The taxi driver was also trapped by his seat-belt.
The accident occurred around 3pm when the two drivers were travelling on a section of the road which had been engulfed in thick smoke due to bush fires.
According to Kwadwo Nimo, an eyewitness, he had alighted from the Daewoo taxi cab before the accident occurred.
He said soon after getting off at the Kwagyasco farms junction where there was a raging bushfire, he saw the taxi taking off but it soon crashed into the oncoming Ford due to poor visibility in the thickly wafting smoke.
Nimo said following the collision, the taxi veered off the road and fell into the nearby fire and caught fire instantly as it was filled with gas.
Two passengers on board the taxi escaped while one was able to escape from the Ford.
He stated that by the time the Fire Service vehicle got to the scene, the two vehicles and the 16 people were burnt beyond recognition.
Most of the horrified drivers who arrived at the scene attributed the tragedy to the rampant bushfire in the area.
As at the time of filing this story, the police were collecting the remains of the victims to be deposited at the Sunyani Regional Hospital morgue.
The police personnel on the ground were not ready to talk as they said they needed permission from their superiors.
From Vivianna Mensah, Anyakamaso
Atomic Workers Freed
The freed Atomic Energy security men at the Cocoa Affairs Court yesterday
The over 30 security and senior officers of the Atomic Energy Commission who were grabbed by the police for allegedly setting a sales point belonging to a Chinese investor at Dome-Kwabenya on fire, were yesterday given a hero’s welcome to the 28th February Road Courts as their colleague workers cheered them when they arrived in pick-up vehicles.
The workers, who arrived at the court in their hundreds in anticipation that their arrested colleagues would be brought to court for trial, were pleasantly surprised as the suspects were transported from police custody and let off the hook at the court. They sang and chanted, calling the security men and their boss, Felix Adeku, and one Major Samuel Kuleke heroes who had risked their lives to ensure that the right thing was done.
More workers who heard that their colleagues had been released without being tried rushed to the court to show solidarity, openly jubilating that the plans of the Chinese investor had come to naught.
All this while, some of the senior officers including the Director-General, Prof. Edward Akaho and Prof. Francis Allotey, a board member of the commission who were with the workers, said they were informed that the arrested workers would not be charged.
Prof. Akaho did not say much, except that they were waiting for the other workers as some of them were taken to other courts at Osu.
Prof. Allottey, in an interview with the media, urged the government to protect the commission from encroachers as failure to do so would taint the image of Ghana on the international scene.
He said the workers were threatened with guns so they had to defend themselves and ensure that the interest of the organization was protected.
Prof Edward Akaho at the court yesterdayAccording to him, the International Atomic Agency was holding a meeting on the development in Ghana and said the decision to prosecute the workers could affect the way the international community perceived Ghana.
He said the action by the commission was to protect lives and property in case of any eventuality, noting that the commission would not want to be held responsible for anything unpleasant happening to any citizen.
Explaining further, he stated that the land in question belonged to the commission.
It would be recalled that on Monday, Professor Edward E. Akaho, together with 35 other security and senior officers of the commission, were arrested by the police for allegedly setting ablaze a sales point office structure belonging to a Chinese investor at Dome-Kwabenya in Accra.
The office structure belonging to Anaiana International Company Limited, the Chinese company, was razed down by fire following an attack by the men in the early hours on Monday
The commission and the Chinese company are both laying claim to a 164-acre piece of land in the area.
According to the police information, the Atomic Energy Commission officials arrested included Professor Akaho, Major Samuel Kuleke, Chief Security, and Felix Adeku, Administrator.
A police source said the security officers attacked the company on the orders of Professor Akaho.
By Fidelia Achama
NDC Supports Woyome
Hajia Sharifatu
Some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) yesterday demonstrated in Accra in support of the embattled self-styled party financier, Alfred Agbesi Woyome, who has been paid GH¢58million without a contract with government.
The group paraded with similar typed placard messages through the streets of Accra, singing, “I will follow you, Woyome, you are the one I will forever follow.”
They demanded that some leading members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) be compelled to cooperate with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) which has been tasked by President Atta Mills to probe the Woyome scandal.
Prominent in the demonstration was Hajia Sherifatu, the lady who led a similar protest against National Security Coordinator, Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, last year, accusing him of doctoring security reports meant for the President.
The group which calls itself Concerned Members of the NDC failed to attract the large numbers it had expected for the demonstration.
They demanded that former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Nana Akufo-Addo, NPP flagberarer and Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, NPP National Chairman, be hauled before EOCO to answer questions regarding their roles in the controversial Woyome judgment debt scandal.
Former Sports Minister Yaw Osafo Maafo and the then Chairman of the Local Organizing committee of CAN 2008, Dr. Kofi Amoah, have both declined EOCO’s invitation to assist in the President’s ordered probe into the case.
Mr. Osafo Maafo’s court action seeking an order to stop EOCO from compelling him to appear before it has been granted.
The demonstration started at about 10.30am at the Obra Spot, Kwame Nkrumah Circle and wound its way through Farisco, TUC and ending at the Hearts Park within one hour.
Some of the placards they bore read ‘EOCO, Arrest Them’, ‘NPP, You Can’t Dictate To Ghanaians,’ ‘NPP, You Can Run But You Can’t Hide,’ ‘Osafo Maafo, Runaway Man’ and ‘No Way For You Akufo-Addo.’
They presented a petition to a Presidential Staffer, Nii Lantey Vanderpuije.
“It is natural for the criminals in the NPP to quarrel over court judgments which implicate them. But it is not for criminals to determine how they should be investigated. The president must stamp his authority by bringing them to justice,” a portion of the petition read.
Paul Semey, a spokesperson for the group, did not spare organizations such as the National Media Commission, Ghana Bar Association, Ghana Trades’ Union Congress and the Ghana Pentecostal Council which he said had turned a blind eye to the NPP which was hiding behind the media in the face of huge crimes committed against the state.
The group called on Nana Akufo-Addo to resign as a presidential candidate until he purged himself of all the allegations of fraud which led to the huge judgment debt imposed on the state.
They also called on Justice I.O. Amadu, the judge who ruled in favour of Woyome on the infamous judgment debt issue, to stand firm despite vilifications following his ruling on the case.
Nii Lantey Vanderpuije received the petition on behalf of the president and promised the group that the government would act on their request.
In an interview with Africawatch magazine, Mr. Woyome justified the money paid to him by the state, claiming that he only received a little over GH¢51million.
He gave the breakdown of the payments he had so far received from the Controller and Accountant General as GH¢17, 094, 493. 50 on October 5, 2010, GH¢10million on February 11, 2011, another GH¢10million on April 20, 2011 and GH¢14, 188, 897.06 on October 4, 2011, a few days after the shocking reports of the judgement debt payments became an issue.
By Cephas Larbi
Woyome scandal stinks, it’s an albatross on our neck – Allotey Jacobs
Ben Allotey Jacobs
Central Regional Communication Director of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Bernard Allotey Jacobs, says the Woyome scandal is an albatross on the neck of government.
Describing the controversial payment of GHS58 million judgment debt to the NDC financier as stinking, Mr Jacobs admitted: “It has become an albatross on our neck as a party and as a government…”
He was, however, quick to assure Ghanaians that President John Evans Atta Mills is “resolute to unravel this mystery and axe will fall where it must fall.”
Allotey Jacobs was speaking on Peace FM’s current affairs programme Kokrokoo on Wednesday.
He pleaded with Ghanaians not to pay attention to attempts by opposition parties whom he said were trying hard to narrow down the scandal to the president.
Despite the difficulties, Allotey said it was better to entrust the country into Mills’ hand than that of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, leader of the main opposition party, New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He also called on all NDC members to take the wise counsel of Mr Sam Pee Yarley and stay clear of the case and allow the courts to determine Woyome’s innocence or otherwise.
Mills In Crunch Meeting Over Ministers
A day after Education Minister Betty Mould-Iddrisu resigned from her ministerial portfolio, President John Evans Atta Mills and selected members of his cabinet and members of the Council of State went into a crunch meeting to discuss the next line of action to prop up his performance.
The meeting was held at the Peduase Lodge, the presidential facility off the Accra-Aburi road, in the early hours of yesterday.
It lasted a few hours and the president and his team of advisors were back to base in Accra, with President Mills still keeping his cards close to his chest and the issue about the reshuffle still open.
Though details about the meeting were sketchy, information indicates that it had something to do with the much-awaited cabinet reshuffle. President Mills is said to have earlier met a number of his ministers who are likely to fall, but some are still engaged in intense lobbying using chiefs and priests.
Sources at the seat of government, the Osu Castle, told DAILY GUIDEthe President was likely to release the list of his reshuffled ministers in the course of the week.
But even before the anticipated reshuffle, Employment and Social Welfare Minister, Enoch Teye Mensah has been asked to act as Minister of Education.
A statement from the presidency signed by Communications Director at the Castle, Koku Anyidoho, yesterday said, “Mr. Enoch Teye Mensah has been assigned additional responsibility to oversee the Education Ministry until further notice.”
It acknowledged the president’s receipt of Betty’s resignation letter and thanked her for the services she rendered to the government and people of Ghana during the period she served in the position, and wished her well in her future endeavours.
Betty had resigned under a bizarre circumstance, giving room for speculations, with some attributing it to her involvement in the award of the GH¢58million judgment debt to the self-acclaimed financier of the NDC.
Betty tendered her resignation late Monday evening ahead of the much-anticipated cabinet shuffle which, according to sources, was likely to see her exit from government.
Castle sources said though President Mills had hinted Betty of his decision to remove her as minister and offered her an appointment as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada, she turned down the offer.
According to sources, Betty was scheduled for removal as part of efforts to save the face of government in the Woyome scandal in which she awarded GH¢58million to self-acclaimed financier of the NDC as judgment debt at the time she was the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
This was in spite of the fact that there was no existing contract between the state and Mr. Woyome.
The immediate past Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Martin Amidu, is alleged to have indicted Betty in the alleged concealment of crimes against the people of Ghana in the payment of GH¢58million to Woyome.
He claimed that a colleague minister had hired what he described as “a criminal-minded and rented NDC press” to attack his integrity.
But the appointment of E.T. Mensah as stand-in Education Minister has sparked serious debate among some Ghanaians and even staff of the ministry who think the man would not be up to the task.
Some attribute this to his poor handling of the Employment and Social Welfare Ministry where he is the substantive minister, with a series of labour agitations.
Analysts believe E.T. Mensah does not have the ability to handle the more challenging and delicate Education Ministry.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu/
Dion cancels more Vegas shows on doctor’s orders
Celine Dion forced to pull out of Vegas gigs for next FOUR months due to inflamed vocal chords
Singer Celine Dion has canceled more shows at Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace, citing a virus causing an inflammation of her vocal cords.
Christi Nelson, an official with show producer AEG Live, said Tuesday that the French-Canadian pop superstar has been ordered to rest her voice for six to eight weeks and will resume performances June 9.
“I tried to sing at my sound check last week, and I had no control of my voice whatsoever,” Dion said in a statement. “We thought that after a few days’ rest I would improve, but it wasn’t getting any better.”
The Las Vegas Strip casino spent $95 million building the Colosseum for Dion in 2003, complete with a humidifier to protect her voice.
By Agencies
Equity Bank Rwanda assists the poor build houses
Equity Bank joined residents of Ndera Sector. The SundayTimes / S. Rwembeho.
Over twenty employees of Equity Bank joined residents of Ndera Sector, Gasabo District, during the monthly communal work (Umuganda), to clear land in preparation for the construction of houses for 51 poor families in the area.
The land which is on 12 hectares was identified by Gasabo District authorities as the location where poor people formerly residing in thatched houses would be relocated.
“We want to help in the construction of houses for poor people, as part of our corporate responsibility to contribute to the improvement of the lives of Rwandans,” Athanasie Niragira, the bank’s Business Relations Manager, said.
“We talked to the leaders of Ndera Sector to find out areas where our help would be needed most, and we are now ready to provide either construction material or finances to build these houses”.
The Executive Secretary of Ndera Sector, Alfred Uwayezu, welcomed the assistance, saying that poor residents had greatly benefited.
“The government is always supporting us through its programmes to uplift our people out of poverty. We have been getting assistance from private businesses as well and we are on course to achieving our target of building all the houses this year,” Uwayezu said.
“This land which was officially launched by the First Lady, is already home to a few families whose lives have greatly improved and we are grateful to Equity Bank and all other institutions that are helping us”.
Jean Marie Nzayiturende, 25, is one of the beneficiaries on the land. He already owns a house which is enough to harbour his wife and three children.
“I used to live in a grass thatched house which was always inhabitable during the wet seasons because the roof would leak and the house was always flooded,” Nzayiturende narrated to the Sunday Times.
“Local leaders came to me and told me that they had built me a better house, which I immediately appreciated. I now live there with my family; I have cows and goats that were given to me by the government and with that, I’m capable of taking care of my family.
Equity Bank Rwanda officially launched its operations in the country early this month and currently operates ten branches and 15 ATMs.
By Ivan R. Mugisha, The New Times
The AU and the Tragedy of a New Headquarters
The New AU Building Courtesy of Chinadaily.com.cn
On the 28th of January, 2012 African countries will collectively descend to a new low on the global index of state sovereignty, territorial integrity and actual independence of nations. On that day, Chinese President Hu Jintao will be in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to commission the new $124 Million African Union Headquarters built and donated to the continent by China. Termed “China’s gift to Africa”, the edifice was constructed by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation with over 90% Chinese labor.
According to Zeng Huacheng, a special councilor to the AU headquarters project from China’s Ministry of Commerce, “The panoramic view of the conference center is like two hands holding each other, signifying the strenghtening friendship between China and Africa.”
It is to the discredit of the African Union and therefore, every individual and country within that regional body that in 2012, a building as symbolic as the African Union Headquarters is designed, built and maintained by a foreign country, it does not matter which country.
The ancient and modern history of donation of buildings and structures from one nation to another is filled with intrigues and subterfuges, conquests, diplomatic schemings, espionage and counter espionage, economic manipulations, political statements and dominations. The construction of the Trojan horse by Odysseus and its ‘donation’ resulted in the Greek conquest of the ancient city of Troy after 10 years of unending skirmish.
In building the Basilica in Rome – termed the “greatest of all churches of Christendom,” contributions from faithfuls were emphasized rather than donations from friendly nations. Even the gift of the Liberty Statue from France to the United States on occasion of the latter’s independence was a joint effort, whereby over 120,000 Americans led by Joseph Pulitzer contributed funds for the construction of the pedestal in 1885.
In a rare glimpse into the matter, in the book Architecture of Diplomacy, Jane C. Loeffler reveals the underlying diplomatic maneuverings and political ramifications that defines the construction of American embassies all over the world . The author states that building an embassy requires “as much diplomacy as design.” Loeffler enumerates factors seriously considered in the construction of an American embassy building and they include “World politics, American agendas, Architectural politics, cultural considerations, security” and several others.
Common sense dictates that in an era of increasing exploitation of Africa’s natural resources by foreign powers including China, that the African Union, rather than the apparent submission signified by acceptance of the construction of its headquarters by China, will be an organization advocating for fairness in the relationship that exists between the continent and the global powers.
Chinese President Hun Jintao
Should security considerations be included, then the question arises as to how African heads of state and government could hold confidential meetings in a building they have no idea how it was wired. What guarantee do African governments have that every word uttered in the new headquarters in Addis Ababa is not heard in Beijing? What evidence negates the suspicion that all activities in the just completed building are not replayed on a large screen in Beijing as Chinese secret service agents watch?
Culturally, indigenous Bantu culture abhors dependence on others for sustenance. A favorite Swahili proverb of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s is “Mgeni siku mbili; siku ya tatu mpe jembe” which means “treat your guest as a guest for two days; on the third day give him a hoe.” Indigenous African tradition largely abhors dependency of any kind. It is frowned upon for a man not to thatch his rooftops well before the rainy season, or to stay back while others are going to the farm, except he is bedridden. Add this to the logic espoused in Archtitecture of Diplomacy, and one reasonably concludes that it is unacceptable for Africans to accept a building from China that will house what should be the landmark of the continent’s achievements and its aspirations for the future.
Clearly, much indiscretion was exercised by the African Union officials in the acceptance of the offer of a new headquarters from China. The African Union has since deviated from the ideals of its founding fathers when in the 1960s Kwame Nkrumah and other great African leaders sought to establish an organization that would protect the geographical contiguity and territorial integrity of African nations. Emperor Haile Selassie in his historic 1963 speech stated clearly that the Organization was founded because “Africa has been reborn as a free continent and Africans have been reborn as free men. The blood that was shed and sufferings that were endured are today Africa’s advocates for freedom and unity.”
Contrary to his predecessor’s commitment to the continued freedom of the continent from imperial forces, Ethiopian Prime minister Meles Zenawi – currently being accused of selling huge swathes of Ethiopian land to foreign countries – on a tour of the facility boasted of how he single handedly lobbied Chinese officials to build the new headquarters and how he exempted taxes on all Chinese imported construction materials.
Gleeful at the opportunity for African heads of state to indulge in their lifestyles of conspicuous consumption during meetings and summits, AU Projects Director Fantahun Hailemikael reports that among the several luxuries of the building is a “helicopter landing pad so visiting dignitaries will be flown from the airport.” Of course the dignitaries will be spared the not-so-impressive sight of parts of Addis Ababa. They will be flown from the airport to the AU building and from there to Sheraton Addis, reportedly the best of its kind around the world.
While the African Union might think it has gained from China by moving into its new ultra-modern facility, the reality is that the continent has lost tremendously in all matters worthy of reasonable consideration. The move to reverse the derogatory perception of Africa and Africans by all non-Africans has suffered another major setback. The resultant effect will be the continued political and economic manipulation and domination of the region by the West, and now China, and soon the rest of the non-African world.
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KWAW KESSE ENTERS BIG BROTHER AFRICA HOUSE
Three of Ghana’s most interesting personalities, ‘madman’ Kwaw Kese, comedian Funny Face and barefooted musician Wanlov the Kubolor have expressed their desire to represent Ghana at the seventh edition of the Big Brother Africa reality show.
Organisers of the reality show, M-Net, have announced that they will call for entries for the reality show soon.
Following the new format of the 91-day reality where each participating country presents a known personality and an unknown personality, Kwaw Kese, Funny Face and Wanlov have expressed interest in lifting high the flag of Ghana at the show.
Kwaw Kese revealed to Myjoyonline.com in an interview that he will go for this year’s audition, adding he believes he is the right candidate to represent Ghana for this year’s season.
“If I am given the opportunity I will love to do that. I feel like the originality that people have seen in me will go ahead to bring the cash price home. Once people out there want me to be there, I think I have to start soliciting from now…I will start working on that.” Kwaw Kese, Funny Face and Wanlov eye Big Brother Africa
With his usual hysterical panache, Fanny Face said if he gets the chance, he will love to take part in the reality but stressed that “this is something you just don’t jump straight away to go and do because when you are going [into it], you are going for a long time, three months which will be 90 days and so I think … I need to sit down with my management … because I have got a whole lot of projects for this year.”
He added that the prize money – US$200,000 – is juicy and can’t afford to miss the opportunity to give it a shot should the opportunity present itself. He promised to go into the reality show as an unchanged man: “This is me, I am a Ghanaian. Ghanaians are always proud so if I go there I will represent Ghana, I will be me, I won’t change my identity…”
An Afro-Gypsy musician and member of the FOKN Boiz, Wanlov the Kubolor, also expressed interest in the show saying he will bring an exciting twist to the show to make it an interesting one.
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World Bank Strengthens West Africa with over $1bn in bonds
Prosper Agbenyega
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group is to strengthen domestic capital markets in West Africa by
issuing over $1 billion bonds in Cedis and CFA francs over the next 10 years.
This decision follows approval from Ghana and the eight member countries of the West African Monetary Union (MU) to establish local currency bond programs to strengthen domestic capital markets and support private sector development in the region.
IFC has also gained approval for a local currency bond issue in Kenya and is working with the authorities in Nigeria on a similar approval.
The bonds will be sold in their respective markets to domestic and foreign institutional investors.
IFC bonds according to IFC are rated Triple-A by Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s. It was also indicated that, proceeds from the bonds will fund IFC projects that support private sector development in key areas such as infrastructure and access to finance for small and medium enterprises.
Apesokubians Ready to Die For Their Land
By: Prosper Agbenyega
The Chiefs and youth of Apesokubi Traditional Area of the Volta Region are resolved to use all lawful and available means to defend, protect and preserve their traditional positions, rights and privileges as indigenous inhabitants of the area.
In the light of this, they called for the goodwill and support of all their traditional neighbours and allies who themselves must necessarily feel threatened by the false claims by all Akpossor immigrants residing in the Jasikan, Kadjebi and Biakoye Districts in the Volta Region.
According to them, the claims that these areas formed part of an erstwhile Akpossor Kingdom/Empire which they are determined to reclaim and restore as their homeland, is false.
Speaking at a press conference, Nana Osafo Aquah III, Chief of Apesokubi and Spokesperson for the aggrieved residents indicated that, it was about time worthy and highly esteemed common boundary owners and traditional allies be unalloyed and steadfast in their commitment to their common cause and heritage as the true indigenous inhabitants of the geographical area that used to be called Buem-Krachi District in the colonial era.
According to Nana Osafo Aquah III, they are placing calls on the noble chiefs and patriotic youth of Buem and Tapa Traditional areas to come together to resist fiercely and quickly cause to be terminated any project or development that is calculated to deprive us of our traditional positions, rights and privileges as the indigenous inhabitants of the said traditional areas.
He also indicated that there have been certain disturbing developments in Apesokubi Traditional Area including a police/military swoop in the area on 17th January 2012, which was generally believed to be politically motivated. However in that swoop, 26 persons were arrested.
The arrest came as a result of an alleged setting ablaze of a car and a young man was also reported to have been killed in Apesokubi around December 27, 2011.
“Following the foregoing tragic incidents, Mr. Akattah Louis, the DCE for Biakoye District, was reported to have made certain public comments in connection with the said incidents. Most of the reported public utterances on the said incidents by Mr. Akattah Louis were not only accusatory and irresponsible but also plainly false and mischievous as same were his own dishonest fabrications that had the tendency to cause a serious breach of law and order in Apesokubi Traditional Area,” Nana Acquah said.
“In his said public comments, Mr. Akattah Louis accused the Police of partisan and unprofessional conduct in their handling of the said tragic incidents. Specifically, he made the following allegations: – That the reported tragic incidents were part of systematic acts of aggression by the “settler Akans” calculated to annihilate the “indigenous Akpossors” in the “Akpossor traditional area” in the Volta Region; That the Police were bias and unprofessional in their conduct of investigations in that the Police were protecting and defending the “settler Akans” against the “indigenous Akpossors,” he added.hat the reported tragic incidents took place in “Akposso-kubi” in “Akpossor traditional area” in the Volta Region and that the Paramount Chief of the area is an “Akpossor.”
He mentioned that the foregoing comments by the said DCE pose a serious threat to peace and order in Apesokubi Traditional Area and are generally perceived as an expression in support of an ongoing treasonable project by the Akpossor immigrants in Apesokubi to extend the erstwhile Akpossor traditional state in French Togoland/Republic of Togo into British Togoland/Republic of Ghana.
Nana Acquah noted that the advocates and sponsors of the said “Akpossor project” claim that the areas constituting Jasikan, Kadjebi and Biakoye Districts in the Volta Region of Ghana originally formed part of the said Akpossor traditional state and that the purpose of the “Akpossor project” is to claim and restore the so-called erstwhile “Akpossor territory” to Akpossors as their homeland, using Apesokubi for the regrouping of the Akpossor immigrants from French Togoland/Republic of Togo.
“We have absolutely no doubt in our minds that the said “Akpossor project” has dire consequences and implications for the true indigenous people of Buem State and Jasikan District as originally known, and so we hereby invite all concerned to take note and act appropriately,” he stressed.
He averred that the people of Apesokubi Traditional area cannot afford to engage in any form or manner of trade-off in relation to our priceless legacy won for them through the blood and toil of their fathers.
Lydia Forson, Katawere and Nadia light up Fashion 101
Hit television show Fashion 101 gets exciting each passing episode, and this weekend’s, the fourth of some 13 to be screened in the coming days, lived up to the billing.
This week’s episode, which had a tall list of Ghanaian celebrities come up for scrutiny on what they wore to some public events, was as exciting as the first.
Start actresses Lydia Forson, Nadia Buari and Nikki Samonas got a thumb up from the panel, while veteran local actor Ebenezer Donkor, otherwise known as Katawere, failed to impress during the Star Watch segment.
Katawere, who wore what could virtually pass for an animal skin material to the Ghana Movie Awards, was according to hostess Sandra, “committing a crime against nature”; while Chester Annie, Matilda Payne and Cindy Appiagyei thought he could have done better, adding that his outfit was more of a decoration of himself than a fashion statement.
“You can decorate your house, car and any other object but it is simply out of place to decorate your body, and this is what he did,” says Cindy Appiagyei.
While Sandra insisted that Nadia was her best dressed for the week, Cindy, Chester and Matilda, voted in favour of Lydia Forson.
Other celebrities who had their outfits subjected to scrutiny on episode 4, included Blak Kofe, Agya Koo, Mimi, Helen Asante and Shirley Frimpong Manso, who also won the praise of the panel members.
This week’s make-over segment took an exciting twist when Naana, a holiday-bound young lady, had celebrated swim suit designer Aya Morrison, give her a perfect wardrobe of sleek suits for her stay in the Bahamas, while make-up artiste Mamess also gave her a fresh new look.
With nine more episodes yet to air before the end of Season 1, Fashion 101 is proving to be the television show Ghana’s Fashion industry has been waiting for, just as the producers promised.
The 30-minute show airs 8:30 am, every Saturday on TV3. It is executive produced and presented by Sandra Ankobiah.
