Month: September 2013

Mr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, a Deputy Minister for Information and Media Relations, on Thursday said that the 2012 election petition verdict has revived business confidence in the country.

He said the eight months of political litigation might have frightened the business community that had the intentions of investing in the country, but with the verdict given, the businesses would now be encouraged.

Mr Mohammed said these during the daily media briefings at the Flagstaff House, Kanda,

He said the petition had also impacted negatively on productivity as some people during the litigation might have spent time watching the proceedings on television while others listened on radio.

Mr Mohammed said the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (Television) spent about GH¢ 3.5 million on the live broadcast of the election petition, although that was beneficial to the public.

He said some Western Countries had evacuation plans for their nationals.

Mr Mohammed said government was focused on fulfilling all its election promises and would garner available resources to execute development projects.

He said Cabinet would later in the day hold a meeting to assess the impact of the petition, and discuss bills, including those on Property Rights and Ghana Library Service that had been on the drawing board for long.

On sports, the Deputy Minister on behalf of the Government wished the national team, the Black Stars, success in their encounter with the Zambian national team in Kumasi on Friday.

He said their success would not only qualify the country to their three successive World Cup finals, but would also climax the serene environment that had engulfed the country after the election petition verdict.

GNA

Re-wiring of the Koforidua Central Market is almost complete, Hon. Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah, Member of Parliament for New Juaben South has disclosed.

The project which is collaboration between the Member of Parliament and the Municipal Assembly is a proactive measure adopted by the two stakeholders to avoid fire outbreaks.

Mr. Assibey-Yeboah said they learnt their lesson from the unfortunate experiences of the numerous markets that got bent during the first six months of the year. According to him, since the causes of those fires were traced to electrical faults, they deemed it important to replace old wires many of which have been exposed due to illegal connection and long existence.

The MP noted that by far, the exercise is more economical because if this is not done and the unfortunate happens the cost of damage will be too expensive to deal with. Stakeholders he noted are also concerned about protecting the lives of traders as well as their businesses.

He said but for the delays in releasing common fund to the assemblies, a lot more would have been accomplished by now as the project is being carried out despite huge areas that government is yet to disburse.

Dominic Shirimori/Ghanamps.gov.gh

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central Constituency, Mr Mahama Ayariga, has called on the youth of the area not to resort to violence in seeking redress even to issues that might be considered paramount to the development of the area.

He indicated that appointments and nominations to Chief Executive positions in the Republic were the sole preserve of President John Dramani Mahama and, therefore, called on his constituents to respect the President’s decision.

Mr Ayariga was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in reaction to some unpleasant incidents that had occurred in Bawku in recent times where members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) protested violently against the President’s nominee, Mr Amadu Issah Wabu Karimu for the post of Municipal Chief Executive for the area.

The youth had, among other things, accused the MP of influencing the nomination of Mr Karimu whom they claimed was a “political flirt” who hopped from one political party to the other, alleging further that the nominee rejoined the NDC only in February 2013.

Mr Ayariga denied having any influence in the nomination of Mr Amadu Issah Wabu Karimu for the position of Municipal Chief Executive for Bawku as was being speculated, and appealed to the residents to exercise restraint as violent protests had the potential to mar the peace of the area.

The MP who is also the Minister of Information and Media Relations, urged his constituents to work to sustain the prevailing peace in the area at all times, and to refrain from resorting to violence in matters that could be resolved internally and amicably.

He indicated that what Bawku needed most was strong will by individuals and groups to maintain the peace and forge ahead to bring about the development that had eluded the area in the past, and said government’s vision for Bawku was to ensure that the area prided itself once again as the business hub of northern Ghana.

GNA

Member of Parliament for the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency,Adwoa Safo has congratulated the 2012 presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo for accepting the Supreme Court verdict on the election petition.

According to her, “Akufo-Addo’s quick, timely and apt response in accepting the judgement of the Supreme Court is what saved the nation from imminent collapse by dousing the apparent tension that had engulfed the nation.”

In a press release, Adwoa Safo said “Akufo Addo’s impeccable record of service to the nation was once again clearly shown when he forthrightly accepted the final mandatory judgement of the Supreme Court which was jaundiced with so much ambiguities and confusions.”

“Nana Addo is a well-deserved true statesman and an icon of peace whose exemplary leadership has helped to shape the nation’s democracy to what it currently is.”

Adwoa Safo also admonished politicians to “desist from mudslinging their political opponents just for the purpose of achieving their selfish parochial interest.”

She also said “Nana who has been a target of scorn and contempt by his political opponents, was badly labelled and branded as a violent person as they persistently threw dirt on his snow-white well deserved and impeccable public and service record. Today this same man, whom many had perceived to be violent as a result of how his political opponents had branded him, has saved the country from chaos.”

“Even though the Supreme Court judgement is rather unfortunate and surprising, I urge all political leaders, members, supporters and sympathizers of political parties to have faith in the Lord and believe in the fact that He does His things in His own time.”

She therefore called on all Ghanaians to reflect and forge forward in unity as the country adequately prepares for 2016.

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Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon,Emmanuel Agyako Kyeremanteng  has said the Supreme Court would demonstrate how equitable it is, if it hauls counsel for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the just ended 2012 election petition case, Tsatsu Tsikata for spewing out contemptuous statements.

According to him, the entire country sits and awaits the Supreme Court’s action the same as it descended heavily on the NPP General Secretary, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie aka Sir John when he was found to have been in contempt of the court by way of his comment against Justice William Atuguba.

Mr Tsatsu Tsikata on a TV programme over the weekend, two days after the court ruled in his client’s (NDC) favour singled out Justice Annin Yeboah, one of the 9 Judges who sat on the case for attack, accusing him of doing the bidding of the NPP and President Kuffour who appointed him to the Supreme Court.

He asserted that due to Justice Annin Yeboah’s bias, he consistently voted against the NDC in the landmark case. Mr Tsikata’s comment has incurred the wrath of section of the public who described the comments as reckless, irresponsible and condemnable.

Speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo programme on Monday, Hon. Emmanuel Agyako Kyeremanteng   stated that as the Supreme Court must give meaning to the saying that justice is blind, by making Tsatsu Tsikata to pay for his unsavoury utterances.

He said by Mr Tsikata’s unwarranted attack on Justice Annin Yeboah, he has opened up the other judges to unnecessary attack and denigration by the public, adding that it will be unfair as a country to treat our judges.

Kwadwo Anim/Ghanamps.gov.gh

The Member of Parliament for Bortianor-Ngleshie-Amanfrom Constituency in the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, Hon. Bright Edward Kodzo, has revealed that the whale found lifeless at the Kokrobite sea shore will have its bones extracted, preserved and used for tourism purposes.

According to him, measures are currently underway to bury the mammal in order to prevent any stench from polluting the fresh air in the area and its environs.

Hundreds of people trooped to Kokrobite yesterday to catch a glimpse of the strange creature believed to be a whale found dead on the sea shore at Koklobite.

News about the weird mammal broke in the early hours of yesterday when fishermen in the area found it while returning from their fishing expedition.

This brings to two, the number of such strange creatures found dead on Ghana’s shores in the last three days.

The first mysterious sea creature also suspected to be a dead whale was reportedly found at Jomoro on the shores of the Ahanta Beach in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.
Kokrobite beach is a popular rendezvous for fun lovers as well as holiday makers.

Postmortem

Meanwhile, Hon. Kodzo in an interaction with Ghanamps.gov.gh said although he had invited a team from the Environmental Protection Agency as well as the Fisheries commission to carry a postmortem on the huge mammal, it was however difficult because the mammal was already dead and on the verge of decomposing.

The MP explained that for the postmortem to be effective, the mammal should have been alive or died not too long ago.

“I believe the whale might have outlived its lifespan or encountered a problem in the aquatic environment or marine pollution leading to its death,” he intimated.

Bumper harvest

The indigenes have however expressed happiness over the death of the mammal ascribing that, to them, it was a sign of good omen since it could mean a bumper harvest of fishes this year.

Godwin Allotey Akweiteh/GhanaMps.gov.gh

Government has expressed its gratitude to the Labour Unions in the country for their acceptance of the ten percent rise in workers’ base salary for the 2012/2013 fiscal year.

The Government announced the pay rise last week after intense deliberations with labour unions and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.

Addressing the media at the Flagstaff House on Tuesday, a Deputy Minister of Information and Media Relations, Mutala Mohammed said it is the hope of the government that the cordial relationship that exists between labour and government will continue.

“Government is commending labour for acceptance of the 10% increase in base rate of 2012/2013” Hon Murtala said.

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Serious plans are underway to begin the extension of road project from Tuna in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo district through Jalajo to directly link Nalerigu in the East Mamprusi district, Member of Parliament for Yunyoo, Joseph Bipoba Naabu has disclosed.

He contended that the road construction from Namong-Tuna which was completed not long ago needed to be extended further to preferably link Nalerigu to connect these two areas.

World Bank has considered undertaking the road construction from Tuna No. 2 to Jalajo, whiles Jalajo bridge project would also be constructed by the Ministry of Roads and Highways in collaboration with the MP, and the District Chief Executive for the East Mamprusi district assembly.

He said as the situation is at the moment, it is slightly uneasy for Konkombas and the Mamprusi’s to use the access road to Nalerigu through Nankpanduri because of the conflict that erupted sometime back in the area, hence the only alternative route is to reconstruct the Tuna-Jalajo-Nalerigu stretch so residents can go about their various activities without fears.

According to him, the Jalajo bridge project is capital intensive since is one of the biggest bridge project ever to be embarked within the area. He said if the bridge project is therefore not constructed it will obviously be impossible to link Nalerigu from Tuna.

He said he was seriously engaging the Minister for Roads and Highways on the project and has even visited the site with him to inspect the project under consideration indicating that he has been assured on the possibility for that project to begin immediately funds are ready to push works on the bridge project.

Jonathan Jeffrey Adjei/Ghanamps.gov.gh

Member of Parliament for Nabdam, Boniface Gambila has blamed former President John Atta Mills and President John Dramani Mahama for the rot uncovered at the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA).

He said both leaders must be held responsible for sitting idle and allowing public officials appointed to this state agency to engage in corrupt deals that have robbed the country of huge sums of monies which could have been used to further develop the country.

Government is to recover over GH¢200 million, constituting unlawful payments, from service providers with the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA).

It is to refund an amount of GH¢2.4 million to the state. The company is also to refund over US$2 million it took from GYEEDA but did not render any service.

The Better Ghana Management Service, a subsidiary of Zoomlion Company Limited, is also to refund money to the state, according to the report.

The company was paid GH¢58.1 million to train GYEEDA beneficiaries, a training described as unnecessary by the committee training but it failed to provide the service. It also overcharged the state by about GH¢9 million for garbage collection tricycles it purported to have supplied GYEEDA beneficiaries.
Better Ghana Management Service is also expected to refund GH¢67.1 million to government.

The worst culprit, according to the report, is Zoomlion Ghana Limited. The company is said to have overcharged the state for tricycle and motorbike to the tune of GH¢74.2 million.

The report says; “the management fee schedule provided by Zoomlion, suggests a serious misuse of the public purse and was based on erroneous mathematics”.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Burning Issues programme on Monday, Hon. Boniface Gambila who is also the Deputy Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Youth and Sports asserted that the huge monies embezzled were used to fuel the political campaigns of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) party in the run up to the general elections.

‘’You can see that most of the huge monies withdrawn and over expended in the deal was carried out in the last quarter of 2012 during the elections, and so the responsibility lies with former President Mills and current President John Mahama, every leader knows the authority level of any officials he/she appoints, the monies are too big. He said’’.

Kwadwo Anim/Ghanamps.gov.gh

Minority Chief Whip, Dan Kwaku Botwe has said the concession by Nana Akufo Addo on his loss of the 2012 election petition at the Supreme Court, does not stop the New Patriotic Party(NPP) from seeking a review of the verdict delivered by the court.

According to him, the NPP’s constitution has vested power in the National Executive Council (NEC) of Party to take decisions that are binding and supersedes any individual stance of any party member on any decision irrespective of the person’s stature in the party.

The Presidential Candidate of the NPP, Nana Akufo Addo who was the first petitioner in the case in which the election and validity of President John Mahama was being contested at the Supreme Court, was quick to concede defeat by calling President John Mahama to congratulate him on his victory after the Court dismissed the case of the petitioners.

But barely 48 hours after the verdict the General Secretary of the NPP, Lawyer Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, has announced the possibility of the party seeking a review of the matter once the committee set up by the party to study the judgment is done with its work. This move by the party has got some political watchers claiming that indecision has plagued the party as its Presidential candidate and the party are singing different tunes and has been described as signs of worrying times for the party.

However speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana show on Tuesday, Hon. Dan Botwe who is also the former General Secretary of the NPP disagreed with that assertion, adding that the NPP knows what it is about and will take out by a decision which will be in the best interest of the party.

‘’ The party we all follow has structures which we all respect, he’s made a statement, he knows he is the creature of the party and he submits himself to the party, we have a national council we say this is the decision, lets study it in detail after that we can advise whether we can use any of the other petitioners apart from Nana Akufo Addo to seek a review, that is the party’s decision for now’’ he said.

Hon. Dan Botwe who is also the MP for Okere said it may well be that if the party studies the findings of the committee and it’s satisfied with the judgment as put the Supreme Court, the NPP would have no option than to stay put with the court’s verdict.

Kwadwo Anim/Ghanamps.gov