LEADERS of six religious groups have meet the Vice-President, Mr. Kow Nkesen Arkaah to enter into discussions that would help to resolve the impasse between him and President J.J. Rawlings. The group are the Catholic Bishops Conference, Council of Independent Churches, Federation of Muslim Council and the Christian Council of Ghana. The rest are the Ahmadiyya Muslim Movement of Ghana and the National Pentecostal Council of Ghana.
Rev. David Asante Dartey, General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana who was the spokesman for the group, who briefed newsmen saw they are concerned about the deepening rift between Rawlings and Arkaah and therefore found it necessary to initiate the move to ensure that the prevailing peace in the country is not undermined. He commended the Vice-President for his prompt response to their request to solve the issues to have audience with them. Mr. Arkaah on his part expressed appreciation for the move taken by the group.
It would be recalled that the rift between Rawlings and Arkaah reached an escalating point on December 28 at the last cabinet meeting at which the President was alleged to have assaulted his vice and went on to castigate and blastered him at the Fourth Republic anniversary parade.
TWO terrific strikes by Ghana's super strikers Tony Yeboah and Skipper Abedi Pele in the 19th and 70th minutes of their Group D opening match at the on going African Cup of Nations enabled the Black Stars to break the jinx surrounding competitive matches between the two for the past four years.
The Stars who played a superlative and struck fantastically very, very uncharacteristic of them dictated the pace of the game and deseringly plucked the first goal through Yeboah who turned almost 360 degrees to blast a tailor measured pass from Sam Johnson to end the first half 1-0 in favour of Stars. After this goal the Stars pinned their opponents to the wall and in the half hour, Ivorian goal insider Alain Guoemane denied Ghana the chance to increase the tally when he stretched to tip skipper Abedi's header. Abedi who was making his fourth appearance in the 40 year-old tournament in the 69th minute took on a pass from young Nii Odartey Lamptey in the midfield, drummed Elephants defender Dao Lassina before skipping past Sie to use his unusual right foot to shoot past Guoamane. Meanwhile, Ghana four times African Champisis takes on Tunisia at the plush
Port Elizabeth ask where Ghana is based with Mozambique, Tunisia and Cote d'Ivoire and will play their last qualifying group match against Mozambique on January 25. For the records Simon Addo, Frank Amankwaah, Joe Addo, Sam Johnson, Afo Dodoo, Mallam Yahaya, Yaw Preko, Odartey Lamptey, Abedi Pele, Tony Yeboah, C.K. Akunnor, Ibrahim Tanko stood for Ghana.
A huge depot, storing an arsenal of deadly weapons and ammunitions has been sited in Tema. The sump sits in the heart of the harbour city's industrial areas.
Sited close to the Tema Oil Refinery, the depot is in the same area as VALCO, Eveready, West coast Dying Company, L'air Liquide, among a host of other industries. The Tema Oil Refinery refines all crude oil into petrol, diesel and kerosene for the country and handles a large percentage of our gas needs while VALCO which consumes 50% of power generated by the Akosombo lake, uses powerful furnaces to smelt alumina.
Alleged to belong to the Commando unit, a private army established by the PNDC in 1983 to protect the Rawlings regime, the dump is a veritable time bomb.! The commandos, now christened 64 Infantry Regiment to represent June (6) 4th, comprises personnel trained in all areas of the armed profession. Even though the Commandos Unit has been incorporated into the Ghana Armed Forces to circumvent the Constitutional provision prohibiting the establishment of any private army, the 64thIR is the only unit where the other ranks are permitted to carry side arms even when off duty. One of them, was involved in the Kume Preko carnage of May 11, 1995. The military authorities have since covered up for the 64IR.
The road leading to the Volta River Authority office in Tema is blocked and drivers who dare ply it are subjected to inconvenient drills. Contacted on the issue, officials of the Fire Service and Tema Municipal authority denied knowledge of the location of the depot. Experts interviewed however condemned the choice of a highly sensitive area for such a dump which obviously includes explosives. "That thing is a time bomb for the whole of Tema and its environs with an estimated population of 300,000", said a town planning officer. Explaining, he expressed fears of the outcome of either an explosion, or accident at the depot, "it will be an inferno, a conflagration". He said with the depot's proximity to the Oil Refinery, an accident which sparks off a fire outbreak will engulf the whole metropolis in no time. "Even more dangerous will be the toxic fumes that will be let out from certain plants like the Oil Refinery, Eveready etc." He referred to the explosion at the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal, India in the early '80s which has left in its trail thousands of maimed people and other with suspected genetically transferable deformities. Tema has more than 65% of the nation's industries.
NO pun intended, but last week's opening of the NDC dominated Parliament revealed the true colours of the legislature established by the discredited elections of '92. Without any attempt at diplomacy or patriotism, the State Protocol went along with the NDC and showed disdain for Ghana's colours, Red, Gold and Green by festooning the chamber with NDC colours.
Claiming to represent Ghanaians, the NDC parliamentarians sat through a session which was thick on NDC and flimsy on Ghana. Every gesture, symbolic or otherwise, down played the integrity of the state and played up the personality of Rawlings and the NDC. Rawlings himself added insult to injury when he openly boasted about his treason of December 1981. His disrespect and contempt of his own parliament was evident when he derided the liberal government of the Third Republic. Conspicuously absent at the ceremony was his vice president Mr. K.N. Arkaah.
In an interview with the BBC last Friday, Mr. Arkaah said that he was absent from the fourth opening session of Parliament because he did not want to be subjected to any more of the tirades of his president, a situation in which he would not have the chance to reply. He recounted the ordeal he went through at the Independence Square on January 8, where in a speech, Rawlings heaped vituperations on him and so-called provocateurs.
Mr. Arkaah told the BBC that he would attend Cabinet meetings if he is invited. However, he was quite sceptical whether he would be invited to meetings after the December 28 "regrettable event". Constitutionally, however, he said he must be at cabinet meetings. The vice-president in the BBC interview declined to comment on the sudden changes of his security guards. It could, however, be discerned that he is not happy with the new security arrangement.
Mr. Arkaah said some high-level government officials and top echelon clergy had talked to him about streamlining the relations with him and Rawlings. He is quite optimistic about the normalisation of relations with Rawlings that is, with right approach to the problem. Source close to Mr. Arkaah's office also revealed that he did not feel "safe" to be at the fourth opening session, because he was not provided with the security motorcade. The source said Mr. Arkaah has of late has been feeling unsafe since the security personnel was allegedly replaced with a new unit.
When the Statesman talked to Dr. Owusu-Agyekum, Minority Leader and leading member of the NCP, he declined to comment on the issue, saying :the VP is the best person to speak for himself". After reading his 44-page speech, Flt-Lt Rawlings in an extemporised statement appealed to the NDC dominated House to continue to have a constitutional government. He asked them to put aside whatever is evil since the devil uses human beings to operate. Said he: "Right now, they are preparing a new agenda and we must work harder to again beat them.
A very well attended rally organised by the Alliance for Change (AFC) last Friday resolved to purge the nation of the disgrace brought onto it by the December 28th infamy. This is to be crystallised into a massive demonstration dubbed "Si fam preko" if by January 31, Jerry Rawlings has neither resigned nor been impeached by Parliament.
Addressing the charged crowd, Nana Akufo Addo, spokesman for the AFC, resplendent in a black agbada which according to him signified his sadness for Rawlings Assault of Arkaah, announced to thunderous applause the intended march as a show of the people anger. "We shall start from the circle and mass up outside the Castle to tell him 'si fam preko". Nana Akufo Addo challenged Parliament to prove its capability to defend the honour and dignity of the nation by impeaching the fourth President of the nation and the first one to inflict this"eternal shame" on it. He urged the people to unite and strengthen this resolve since Jerry Rawlings is determined to defy the wishes of the people by digging in. "Whoever thinks we are going to have it smooth is deceiving himself".
Dr. Charles Wereko Brobbey,(political Tarzan) urged Ghanaians to demonstrate their disgust at the assault of Vice President Arkaah. Jerry Rawlings, he said, knows that as long as he is president, he is immune from prosecution. He asked "should we wait for him to shoot somebody before we act? to which the crowd responded "Noooooooo" He called for resistance of "the madness of Jerry Rawlings since we cannot tolerate this." Madam Hawa Yakubu, Independent MP for Bawku Central called for the resignation of both Jerry Rawlings and Mr. Arkaah for bringing the presidency into such contempt and ridicule. "In the Northern tradition there is no way a young man can beat up an elder no matter the justification and no chief can remain on his skin after assaulting a subject."
Mr. Johnny Hansen, a leading member of the PCP urged members of the opposition to pressurise their leadership to unite. He referred to examples in Malawi, Zambia and Mauritius to show the success to be chalked from an opposition alliance. Mr. Charles Biney, AFC representative in the US urged Ghanaians to resolve to rectify the dishonour brought to the nation by 'Dr Banza'. He called for unity of effort and resources to send Jerry Rawlings to his 'political grave." Mr. Akoto Ampaw warned against the 'irrational being" who can beat up his vice at a cabinet meeting. He urged the people to shun selfish opposition politicians who are kicking against the alliance. He called for redoubled efforts to kick out Jerry Rawlings who he said, is determined to subvert the widespread desire for a change.
Mr. Kwesi Pratt Jnr. called for an onslaught against the 'charlatans' in the opposition who are so comfortable that they are insensitive to the traumatic experiences of the ordinary man. "We shall deal with them at the appropriate time but let us not allow them to bring the Castle madness into our ranks". Mr. Kakrabah Cromwell said that the conclusion from the massive attendance was the people's resolve not to allow an eccentric man to represent their honour. He bemoaned the example certain members of cabinet are setting through their lies to save their stomachs. He wondered why "suddenly all manner of people are coming out with strange ideas about why the united opposition cannot work together.."
Miss Ella Dove PCP Women's Secretary warned against any attempt to intimidate the opposition since the people are now ready to call the violent bluff of the (P)NDC. Miss Theresa Tagoe NPP Women's Leader challenged Nana Konadu to demonstrate her commitment to public morality by joining the crusade to reverse the December 28 infamy from the minds of the 8-year-olds. She described as a curse on the nation, Jerry Rawlings battery of a man old enough to be his father. The charged assembly which ended with a powerful rendition of the Negro spiritual "We shall overcome," truly demonstrated the people's determination to rid the nation of the Rawlings menace and the cause of its international opprobrium.
Nana Oparebea, High Priestess of Akonedi Shrine at Larteh in the Akuapem District of the Eastern Region was buried on Saturday January 13.
Nana Oparebea, 95, who was the National President of the Traditional Healers Association was laid in state at Larteh since Wednesday January 9. A 12-member delegation from the Amansore Family of Larteh led by Ankobea Opoku Ansah presented drinks to the government to formally inform it of the death of Nana parebea. The drinks which were made up of schnapps, whisky and gin were received by the Eastern Regional Minister Major (rtd) Emmanuel Ted Tetteh. It would be recalled that the high priestess has trained and treated many foreigners from Holland, Germany, USA and France among others as well as others from the African Continent. Indeed Ghana in particular and the world as a whole has lost a giant.
This year's presidential and parliamentary elections will be held on the same day. Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, Electoral Commissioner who disclosed this in an interview said the elections would be held either at the end of November or the first week of December.
He said the actual date would be fixed by the Commission in consultation with the inter-party advisory commission to ensure fair play to all parties. Dr Afari-Gyan also said the date will also adhere to the spirit and letter of the constitution which stipulates that elections should be held 30 days to the dissolution of Parliament and between three to four months to the end of the term of the President.
In 1992, the elections were held on the same day November 3 and that ushered in the Fourth Republic. This brought in its wake speculations and allegations to the effect that the elections were rigged and this led to the appointment of Dr Afari-Gyan.
GHANA exported a total of 545,000 cubic metres of timber last year from which it expects to earn over $200 million. This indicates a higher average unit in timber exports than for 1994 and despite a dull world market for timber last year, export of processed wood products from Ghana continued to increase.
Mr Alhassan N. Attah, acting Chief Executive of the Forest Products Inspection Bureau (FPIB), disclosed this during the bureau's end-of-year party at Takoradi. He expressed optimism that the wood industry in Ghana would continue to play an important role in the economy, particularly if the country encourages investment in downstream processing. He said that kiln dried and air dried lumber were expected to earn the country $110,480,517.90 from a total volume of 258,398.72 cubic metres representing a 55 per cent and 51 per cent of the total value and volume respectively of wood product exported in 1994.
Other wood products such as veneer, plywood and furniture parts, were expected to earn $82.8 million from a total volume of 188,047 cubic metres, he said, adding that the figure represents 41 per cent and 35 per cent of the total value and volume respectively of all wood products exported the previous year. He noted that one of the factors that continued to hamper the timber trade in the country is the existence of illegal operators who are unwantonly destroying the country's forests. Mr Attah said the FPIB and the Forestry Department last year organised a joint training programmes for their staff to help contain the situation.
Market activities at the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) for the year 1995 recorded moderate strides, despite the high and volatile economic activities that the country went through, according to financial analysts. A total of 56 million shares valued at ¢27.1 billion were traded in as compared to 94 million shares valued at ¢73 billion that were traded in 1994.
The downward slide in the volume and values of shares traded in, according to the analysts, were the general poor economic performance during the period under review. This, according to them, includes the high interest rates, the uncontrollable and high inflation rate, unstable foreign exchange regime and the general slow down of economic activities in all sectors of the economy. The emergence of the 'wonder banks' -- Pyram and R5 Finance companies which saw the shifting of funds from the formal sectors to these illegitimate institutions was also a contributing factor.
Despite this unfortunate economic environment, some equities managed to record some level of capital gains. Notable, among these equities included Ashanti Goldfields Company, Fan Milk Ltd., Guinness Ghana Ltd. Home Finance Company, Mechanical Lloyd Company, Mobil Oil Ghana Ltd., Pioneer Aluminium Factory, Pioneer Tobacco Company and PZ. Equities that recorded negative gains included Accra Brewery Ltd., CFAO, Enterprise Insurance Company, Metalloplastica Company, Standard Chartered Bank and UTC Estates.
According to the analysts, the year 1994 saw intense market activities which ought to have been sustained, but due to the economic malaise, this was not achieved. The year 1995 registered an increase in listed companies from 17 to 19 as well as in the number of brokerage houses from 9 to 12 with 10 actively trading on the floor of the exchange. The period under review saw the private placement of shares in the Home Finance Company (HFC) to selected investors. A total of ¢1.31 billion was raised through the floatation of 13.1 billion shares.
Government also diverted its holdings in the Pioneer Aluminium Factory (PAF) through the floatation of 6.6 million shares valued ¢800 million. The lead managers for these two floatation was Databank Brokerage Ltd (DBL). Merchant Bank Ghana Ltd also led the successful floatation of "Social Security Bank (SSB) in which 15 million shares valued at ¢12.2 billion was raised. Currently on the market for subscription is Top Industries Ltd., manufacturers of plastic wares. This floatation is being led by Gold Coast Securities Ltd. The offer seeks to raise ¢2 billion for the expansion of the company.
Shortly to come to market this year are the Ghana commercial Bank (GCB) and National Investment Bank (NIB). Other financial institutions stated for privatisation are the State Insurance Corporation (SIC) and Ghana Reinsurance Organisation (GRO). There are other private and public companies who are seriously preparing to tap the equity market as the continually high interest rates of banks make bank borrowing very expensive. However, said in the 1994 annual publication of Databank Financial Services, "Ghana is well advanced on the road to developing fully fledged capital market".
GHANA will host the African Under-20 Championship in 1999. This was among a number of decisions taken at the congress of the African Football Confederation (CAF) in Johannesburg yesterday.
Guinea will host the Under-17 Championship that same year, while the 1997 African Under-20 Championship will be played in Morocco. Botswana will host the Under-17 Championship next year, the congress confirmed. Zimbabwe who also won a vote at the congress, will host the |African Nations Cup finals in the year 2000. Zimbabwe will become the second country in the Southern African Region to host the African Championship after South Africa, who hosts this year's tournament starting from tomorrow.
Zimbabwe, site of the All African Games last year, beat Mali in the poll by 28 votes to 12. Burkina Faso were awarded the Nations Cup for 1998 two years ago, but Zimbabwe was also be asked to stand by to host the 1998 edition should Burkina Faso fail to fulfil CAF criteria on stadia land hotel accommodation, a spokesman said. CAF President, Issa Hayatou of Cameroun was re-elected unopposed for a further four-year term as the leader of African soccer.
Mr Justice Daniel Francis Annan, Speaker of Parliament has given indication that Parliament (Legislative) would help solve the impasse and the strained relationship between President Rawlings and his Vice, Mr Kow Nkensen Arkaah. However, the Speaker did not spell out in clear terms what line of action this would take, but assured Ghanaians that it may take the form of a debate.
Justice Annan made this known when a questioner wanted to know what the House was doing about the situation at an open forum organised to expose the public to the workings of Parliament at the National Theatre. However, he stopped short of saying that the Vice President should resign. He indicated that the question of resignation is at the discretion of his cousin.
Outlining the broad basis, Justice Annan said when an electoral alliance breaks down it brings in its wake social, political security and moral problems. Under the alliance, it is the President who nominates his Vice who then rides on the back of the President to power. Consequently, when the alliance breaks down it is difficult to have an opposition within government in power and within Cabinet. He declared: I was elected by the 200 MPs but should there be any reason which I deem I should resign, I'll not say because I was elected by them I should be in office".
The Speaker agreed to a suggestion from a Ghanaian journalist living in Canada, Eric Ampofo, that the issue of dual citizenship should be revisited. Constitutional provisions are not static: "If after three years we feel that the security of the country is threatened for example and we should review some of the provisions we should do so", said the Speaker. A spate of representations on the dual citizenship have been made and it must be looked into. Justice Annan told a questioner that this is an election year but the House will ensure that lack of quorum does not affect its business.
On privatisation, Justice Annan noted that Ghanaians should back the President in his investment drive since Ghana is now on the apex of economic potential list of Africa. "The time has come for all of us to identify our national interests irrespective of whether you are in opposition or in government" he declared. A number of questioners spearheaded by one Petrina Amegashie called for tolerance and commended the government for being able to keep cool in the face of provocation. She cited Ms Hawa Yakubu (Ind-Bawku Central) as an example of those who provoke the government. But the Speaker said the MP is an independent member of the House and unless she flouts the privileges of the House, she can speak her mind.
Justice Annan told another questioner that there is no need for public officials who are being investigated to be interdicted because the enquiry is a fact finding one and since the issues are allegations it will be unfair for such action to be taken against them. Mr J.H. Owusu-Acheampong, Parliamentary Affairs Minister and Leader of the House told a questioner that Parliament has never reduced the budgetary allocation of any ministry. Instead, the House sometimes tries to request for increase in the allocation.
In his introductory remarks, the Deputy Minister of Information, Mr Kojo Yankah said since its inception, the House has been receptive to public criticisms and constructive suggestions. He said the forum has been a useful venture and what is important is that Ghanaians should have a common vision which will propel the country to achieve greater economic heights. Earlier the Speaker had told the gathering that there will be lively debate on this year's budget. He submitted that Parliament should stand for unity in diversity be it on religion, political affiliation or ethnic issues. The House should protect the socio-political infrastructure for the development of all citizens.
Four firms and a non-banking financial institution, yesterday presented assorted materials and cheques totalling ¢89.2 million to the Ghana Trade Fair Authority (GTFA), towards the organisation of the fifth Ghana International Trade Fair scheduled for March 1-11.
The highest donation was made by the Blue Chip Computers which presented a cheque for ¢25 million, a computer and its accessories and bill boards worth ¢12 million, whilst the State Insurance Corporation presented a cheque for ¢25 million in aid of the "Corporate Citizens Awards", to climax the fair. Other donors were Astek Food Processing, a cheque for ¢12 million and products worth ¢700,000; Messrs Vision 2000, a cheque for ¢10 million, with Electromode Computers contributing a UPS equipment worth ¢4.5 million to ensure an uninterrupted power supply during the period.
The ceremony also marked the launching of the Vision 2000 Raffle, which is being organised to generate funds to sponsor the fair and charity, by Mr D.S. Boateng, Minister of Employment and Social Welfare. The first prize of the raffle is a saloon car which was donated by Vision 2000. The second prize of return ticket to London is sponsored by Ghana Airways. In a speech, the minister stressed the need for organisations to support the fair to boost internal and external trade. He said trade fairs increase the level of productivity in a country and mentioned employment generation as one of such benefits. Mr Boateng commended the firms for their generous contributions to the fair.
THE University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has stated that its decision to resume normal academic work was not influenced by the latest ultimatum issued it by the government. "The UTAG is not cowed by the latest threats issued by the government since we have withstood similar threats in the past", the association pointed out.
Mr D.K. Shadow, National President of UTAG, made these statements at a press conference at Legon yesterday on the rational behind the association's decision to end its nine-month old strike action. The government early this week issued an ultimatum to the UTAG to resume normal academic work by January 15 or face a series of actions. This included as a first step, the withdrawal of salaries for those members of UTAG who persisted in the strike action and other unspecified actions.
According to Mr Shadow, the UTAG in arriving at this decision took into account the belief that the government was not responsive to its demands and, therefore, there was no point continuing with the struggle. The UTAG president said that even though his association had taken the decision to go back to the classroom, it nevertheless wanted it made clear that it had wholly rejected the latest government offer of enhanced salary, which he said, was ¢4.88 million for the professor and $600 book allowance as well as ¢600,000 research allowance offered academic staff of the universities. According to him, "the government offer of ¢4.88 million for a full professor is at variance with an earlier offer contained in the letter of the Speaker of Parliament to the chairman of the technical committee dated December 7, 1995"."The government's offer not only falls short of the agreed salary but puts the effective date at January, 1996" the UTAG president further alleged.
Mr Shadow argued that the allowances in the government's offer already existed and that most of them did not apply to the generality of the members of UTAG. He said that UTAG had in the course of its strike action sought to co-operate with government to find a solution to the impasse and even made concessions. He mentioned the climb down of his association from its initial demand of ¢16 million per annum for a professor at the beginning of negotiations with government, as an example of concessions UTAG had made. According to Mr Shadow, "UTAG's decision to reject the offer but to restore the services withdrawn for the sake of our students, parents... is one that UTAG can live with".
Asked why if UTAG was truly motivated by concerns for the well-being of students, parents and others, it had not taken this step of ending the strike earlier but waited until the latest ultimatum from government before acting, the UTAG president said his organisation realised they could no longer attain the objectives they wanted. Mr Shadow pointed out that UTAG's rejection of the government's offer marks the end of negotiations between it and the government on the issue.
AN 18-member Malaysian investment team currently in the country yesterday suggested that guarantees for the long-term safety of foreign investment in the country be made known to the international investor community to ensure sustained investor confidence.
Mr Amen Shah, a member of the powerful Business Focus Group of Malaysia, told a meeting of the team and the President at the Castle, Osu, that though investors who come to Ghana get convinced that there are prospects for long-term stability and other guarantees, these are not too clear on the international financial market. He said it is important that these are made known on the European and other markets because, investors who come to the country do not provide every dollar themselves and therefore the banks which provide the money should be convinced that their investments are safe.
The team which is in Ghana as a follow-up to the recent investment tour of the Far East by the President is made up of investors from the banking, real estate, power generation, tourism and other sectors. The team led by Mr Tun Daim Zainnudin, Economic Adviser to the Malaysian Government has already held discussions with the relevant Ghanaian authorities on the development of private production of power using the Bui Dam as a test project and collaboration in research and development, particularly in the palm oil, cocoa and other crops. They have also discussed the possibility of developing certain Highways in the country on user pay toll basis. Already, certain roads have been earmarked and the Malaysians have six months to study those roads and determine on which roads to begin the project.
The meeting was also told that some of the groups already have their personnel in the country studying other possibilities. Some are said to be in the Western Region studying the possibilities of developing oil palm estates. There are also consultants studying the Free Trade Zones and other facilities in the country.President Rawlings thanked the Malaysians for the hospitality accorded to his delegation during his investment tour. He said the collaboration between Ghana and Malaysia has opened up a new horizon for business relations and a booster for South South Co-operation. He assured them of government support in all their endeavours and urged them not to be daunted by problems that they might face at the initial stages. He said Ghana is desirous of translating its commitment to developing the society into reality and can, therefore, benefit from the experience of Malaysia. He cautioned that the government would not tolerate any criminal activity that would hamper the new opportunities opened between Ghana and Malaysia.
Mr Zainnudin, promised that with the government's support, the co-operation between the business communities of the two countries would be fruitful.
THE chief of Akyem Aperade in the Birim South District, Barima Aniagyei Bonsu II, has fled his village and taken refuge at Oda after an alleged threat on his life by a section of the youth. The chief was rescued from the village by a combined team of the Oda and Akyem Swedru police to avoid being lynched by the youth who pursued him with weapons.
A police source which confirmed this to The Mirror at Akyem Oda said a long-standing chieftaincy dispute, which has created factions among the people got heightened last Thursday when a section of the youth demanded that the chief abdicates. The source said the chief, who decided to teach the youth a lesson, travelled to Oda for four "macho" men to confront some young men at the village when most of the youth had gone to farm. It indicated that when majority of the youth heard what had happened, they quickly returned from their farms and attacked the men seriously injuring them in the process.
According to the source, the chief and the "macho" men had to take refuge in the chief's chamber at the palace until about 4.30 p.m. when police personnel from Oda and Akyem Swedru led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Amadu Salifu, came to their rescue. Confirming the story to The Mirror, ASP Salifu said around 3 p.m. on Thursday, he had information that the lives of Barima Bonsu and some "macho" men were in danger so he immediately mobilised policemen and went to their rescue. It took the police more than two hours to rescue the chief and the men to Oda. ASP Salifu said even though no arrests have so far been made, the police have intensified their investigations to identify and apprehend the ring-leaders of the mob action which has resulted in the destruction of property including stool regalia estimated at millions of cedis.
PERHAPS if 52-year-old Nana Yaw Yeboah of Konongo Odumasi had been content in going away with the sack of cocoyams he stole from a neighbour's kitchen at Bima he would have been a free man.But he wasn't. He decided to also steal a fowl from the same house to make his intended meal complete. However, luck eluded him this time when he was given away by the clucking of the fowl and was arrested.
A resident at Bima told The Mirror that, on January 7 this year at about 3.00 a.m., the owner of the cocoyams and the fowl, Kwesi Ketewa, a farmer, was woken up by unusual clucking of his fowls from their coop and therefore decided to go and see what was happening. He found Nana Yaw Yeboah who was holding a sack in one hand and a fowl in the other running away from the hen coop. He raised an alarm and Nana Yaw was apprehended and when the sack was searched it was found to contain a quantity of cocoyams. Ketewa became alarmed and suspected that the cocoyams might have been stolen from his kitchen where he had kept some food items, and when he went to the kitchen to check out, look and behold, the cocoyams were missing.
Yaw Yeboah confessed stealing the cocoyams and the fowl. He was subsequently handed over to the police at Juansa. When the Juansa Police were contacted, the story was confirmed and indicated that the suspect will be put before court as soon as investigations are completed.
Hardworking farmers and fishermen will have access to credit this year on affordable terms as part of measures to make agriculture more productive and rewarding.
President Jerry John Rawlings who gave this assurance in his 100-minute State of the National Address in Parliament, said the government's objective for last year was to stabilise the macro economy and quicken the pace of growth and improve upon living standards of the people. However, the year did not provide the needed momentum. The rate of increase in national output was poor, inflation was high and the value of the cedi fell. The President said local food items should be affordable to the people. He recalled that high prices of food triggered off a spate of salary demands, protracted strikes and demonstrations last year which those he described as "political agitators" took advantage of. Another area in the agriculture sector which will be given urgent attention is the development of small and medium scale irrigation projects and effective use of the existing ones. Furthermore, solutions to high cost of inputs are being studied and measures will be announced in the year.
Abuses that characterised subsidies in the past will be removed. Moreover, every effort will be made to create an economic environment which is supportive of the agricultural sector. Efficient practices and techniques will be spread and encouraged. President Rawlings noted that the practice of providing incentives which induces farmers to cultivate more land at the expense of productivity can be environmentally dangerous. Farming should be made more efficient, effective and profitable. On cocoa, the President said that improved efficiency by COCOBOD has increased revenue from export duty.
The target of ¢154 billion for 1995 will be exceeded by ¢20 billion when the final figures are available. The President devoted the last 10 minutes of his address to urge the MPs not to relent in their effort toward victory, during the elections in November. Illustrating how he is confident of victory for the NDC, he said the NDC Government will be around to ensure that the Black Stars after their victory in South Africa, will be in France in 1998. He declared: "Victory will be ours in November and we will meet here again in January next year".
THE Attorney-General is to brief Parliament in the course of the year on certain provisions of the constitution which need to be amended. The move is to enable members and the general public to begin discussions to ensure that any revision to be done would be in accordance with the Constitution. President Jerry Rawlings gave this hint when he opened the Fourth Session of Parliament in Accra yesterday. The President recalled his first sessional address in 1993, in which he drew attention to some areas of the constitution which would require review or clarification. He said lately, a number of difficulties have arisen which the framers of the constitution did not foresee or envisage. He was apparently referring to the crisis created by the vice-president's defection to the opposition while he constitutionally remains a member of Cabinet. He said that while there is the need to uphold the fundamental principles of the constitution, Ghanaians must endeavour to make it a living document by ensuring that it remains responsive to the needs of the country. On last year's conflicts in some parts of the Northern Region, the President said whilst there is reason for satisfaction at the return of normalcy, there should be no room for complacency. He said every effort must be made to continue tactful and principled dialogue and to avoid provocative statements. The President called on all Ghanaians to heed the call for tolerance and mutual respect for each other's beliefs. President Rawlings also expressed concern about undiscipline in land use and said beside the fact that it mortgages the country's future, it could also lead to violent clashes. He, therefore, called on agencies involved in land use to enforce discipline in the sector. The President indicated that there will be amendment to the Public Services (Negotiating Committee) Law to extend provisions to the universities and other tertiary institutions.
THE government will this year divest itself of some of its shares in the state-owned print media houses -- Graphic Corporation and the New Times Corporation -- which produce national dailies.
President Jerry John Rawlings who announced this in his state of the nation address said the move is to recapitalise the houses to enable them to meet challenges of modern communication technology. He said the government acknowledges the contributions of those media which have kept it on its toes with constructive and productive criticism. However, he expressed the hope that those who find it hard to distinguish between freedom and licence will show more social responsibility in the years ahead.On broadcasting, he said a policy framework will be made public in the course of the year. Even though healthy competition and greater creativity are now on the airwaves, there has been some concern about some of the materials reaching the various homes.
THE proposed Five-Year Development Plan will now have to be ready by the end of the year. The plan which is the genesis of the Vision 2020 document which sets out how Ghana could become a middle income country by early part of the next century was expected to come into effect this month. President Jerry John Rawlings said because Parliament could not complete its study until few weeks ago, the National Development Planning Commission has a lot of work to do to catch up on the schedule by the last quarter of the year. He called on Ghanaians to help in any frustration which would scare foreign investors. The "go and come, go and come" attitude must give way to serious business so that the investors will see how serious we are, President Rawlings said. Higher working ethics and efficiency will be required from the working people to enable the country to remain competitive on the global market. He recounted how South East Asians are capturing the world market with their palm oil production, for example, and said Ghana has a lot to learn from them. He was confident that this year will see a substantial burst of industries and export trade.
President Rawlings declared that this year the government will work with the private sector in an even more vigorous and collaborative manner to build on the international goodwill that his trade and investment promotional efforts have generated within the context of Vision 2020 and the Free Trade Zone programmes. Under the Free Zone programme, the President said the objective will be to attract foreign direct investment into export sector of the economy, encourage foreign joint ventures and create jobs for the working people. He also told regulatory institutions such as Customs and Immigration who are the first points of contact with foreign entrepreneurs to undergo orientation. Besides, utility agencies such as water, power, postal and telecommunication services need to render better services, he said.