Story: Mary Ankrah
THE Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology has drafted a Hazardous and Electronic Waste Management Bill to manage and control hazardous electronic waste in the country.
When passed into law, it will hold industries, organisations, agencies, stakeholders, individuals and the general public responsible for the disposal of hazardous waste and recycling of materials in the environment.
Speaking at a consultation forum in Accra on Friday, January 27, 2012 to solicit stakeholders’ input in the bill, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ms Sherry Ayittey, said the bill was necessary to ensure a sound waste management and recycling system to save the forests and future generations.
The forum brought together representatives from institutions and agencies including the Ghana Police Service; private waste management companies and civil society organisations.
Discarded electrical and electronic equipment such as computers, mobile phones, refrigerators and television sets are considered to be among the fastest growing waste streams in the world with estimated five to 10 per cent increase in global e-waste annually.
Containers filled with old and broken-down computers, monitors and television sets arrive in Ghana from Germany, Korea, Switzerland and the Netherlands under the false label of "second-hand goods". Exporting e-waste from Europe is illegal but exporting old electronic goods for 'reuse' is a means by which unscrupulous traders profit from dumping old electronic goods on Ghana. The contents of majority of the containers end up in Ghana's scrap metal yards to be crushed and burned by unprotected workers.
At the dumping site, these unprotected workers, many of them children in search of metals that could be sold, often dismantle computers and television sets with stones. The remaining plastic cables and casing is either burnt or simply dumped.
Statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Ghana e-waste assessment on importation of electronic equipment in 2009 revealed that used equipment represent 70 per cent of all electrical and electronic gadgets brought into the country.
The electronic waste usually contains numerous toxic chemicals like lead, cadmium, toxic pollutants and precious materials such as silver, copper, gold, palladium and others.
When cadmium, which is used in soldering, semiconductors, chip resistors and nickel batteries, is inhaled for a long period of time, it accumulates in the kidneys and causes renal failure, damages bones, affects the respiratory system and is linked to the development of high blood pressure and heart disease.
Brominate flame retardants (BFRs) found in the plastic casing of computer monitors and electronic equipment, printed circuit boards, cables and wires also cause increased risks of cancer, liver damage, immune system and endocrine system dysfunction.
It can also harm a developing foetus and reduce the level of hormone thyroxin in exposed animals.
In addition, the present hazardous waste management in Ghana does not only pollute natural resources and endanger people’s health but also affects substantial business opportunity in material recovery and recycling.
Notwithstanding the danger, most valuable metals such as silver, gold, copper, palladium and others found in these equipment could bring revenue for national development.
Ms Ayittey observed that a well-managed e-waste recycling programme could create value for the recycling sector and contribute immensely to the country’s economy.
In a presentation at the forum, Mr John A. Pwamang, the Director of Chemicals Control and Management of the EPA, said among the chemicals which remained a health threat was Barium, which when exposed to humans, caused brain swelling, muscle weakness, and damage to the heart, liver and spleen.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Tuesday, January 31, 2012, Pg. 32.Canadian High C’ssion hands over mammogram machines to Korle-Bu
Story: Mary Ankrah
THE Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) yesterday took delivery of four mammogram machines donated by a group of individuals in Canada, including Ghanaians, to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.
The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mrs Trudy Kernighan, on behalf of the group presented the machines to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the KBTH, Prof Nii Otu Nartey.
The machines are estimated to cost 110,000 Canadian dollars and have been certified by the Canadian Association of Methodologists to be used in the country.
One each of the machines will be given out to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, the Tamale Teaching Hospital and the Volta Regional Hospital in Ho to help in the screening for cancer among women.
The only mammogram machine which was installed in 1992 as part of a Japanese medical equipment package for the KBTH has been overstretched.
Prof Nartey said in order to improve on breast cancer management, it was important that the cancer was detected early.
Therefore, he said, the equipment would greatly enhance physicians’ diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer conditions.
He said since last year, the KBTH had established a new centre to cater for breast cancer and that the Head of the Surgery Department, Prof Joe Nat Clegg-Lamptey, who had undergone training in the United States, would lead the centre.
According to him, breast cancer was the leading cause of death among women and, therefore, the establishment of the centre would help in the treatment and management of the disease to save the lives of women.
Prof Nartey added that the centre would be manned by specialists, ranging from radiotherapists, surgeons, pathologists, among others, to attend to patients, adding that the machine would also help in the training of students at the hospital.
THE Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) yesterday took delivery of four mammogram machines donated by a group of individuals in Canada, including Ghanaians, to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.
The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mrs Trudy Kernighan, on behalf of the group presented the machines to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the KBTH, Prof Nii Otu Nartey.
The machines are estimated to cost 110,000 Canadian dollars and have been certified by the Canadian Association of Methodologists to be used in the country.
One each of the machines will be given out to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, the Tamale Teaching Hospital and the Volta Regional Hospital in Ho to help in the screening for cancer among women.
The only mammogram machine which was installed in 1992 as part of a Japanese medical equipment package for the KBTH has been overstretched.
Prof Nartey said in order to improve on breast cancer management, it was important that the cancer was detected early.
Therefore, he said, the equipment would greatly enhance physicians’ diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer conditions.
He said since last year, the KBTH had established a new centre to cater for breast cancer and that the Head of the Surgery Department, Prof Joe Nat Clegg-Lamptey, who had undergone training in the United States, would lead the centre.
According to him, breast cancer was the leading cause of death among women and, therefore, the establishment of the centre would help in the treatment and management of the disease to save the lives of women.
Prof Nartey added that the centre would be manned by specialists, ranging from radiotherapists, surgeons, pathologists, among others, to attend to patients, adding that the machine would also help in the training of students at the hospital.
DAILY GRAPHIC, Tuesday, January 31, 2012, Pg.20. Education Ministry gets 3 new advisory bodies
Story & Pictures: Mary Ankrah
THREE new advisory bodies have been inaugurated to assist the Ministry of Education to ensure that the right conditions and environment exist for the effective delivery of education in the country.
They are the National Inspectorate Board (NIB), which is made up of 12 members; the National Teaching Council (NTC), which comprises 12 members and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) which has a membership of 21.
These bodies have representatives fromm universities, religious organisations, the Ghana Employers Association (GEA), as well as stakeholders with proven understanding and passion for quality education delivery, and collectively have the responsibility of helping to improve on the academic performance of schools at the pre-tertiary level and raise the learning achievements of learners.
The NIB is responsible for undertaking inspection of schools and evaluation, on a periodic basis, of first and second cycle institutions and also setting and enforcing standards to be observed at the basic and second cycle levels in both public and private educational institutions.
The NTC will advise the Minister of Education on matters relating to professional standing and status of teachers, and teacher education, including the provision of facilities for in-service training and employment of teachers.
It will register teachers after they have satisfied the appropriate conditions for initial licensing and issue the appropriate license and revoke a teacher’s license to teach after establishing a case of gross professional misconduct and periodically review professional practice and ethical standards for teachers and teaching.
The NCCA is expected to determine the goals, aims and structures of courses at the various levels of pre-tertiary education and recommend new subjects that would be necessary for the educational system.
The Head of the Language, Literature and Drama Section of the University of Ghana, Professor Esi Sutherland-Addy, is the Chairperson for the NIB, while Alhaji Rahimu Gbadomosi, a retired Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), is the Chairman of the NTC. The former Vice- Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Professor Jophus Anamuah Mensah, is the Chairman for the NCCA.
Inaugurating the bodies, the acting Minister of Education, Mr Enoch Teye Mensah, said the delivery of education was one of the concerns of government and that the government would continue to provide the necessary resources for the education sector and motivate and reward the nation’s hardworking teachers appropriately.
“It is for this reason that the government has devoted considerable resources to the sector for the provision of adequate physical infrastructure as well as appropriate academic facilities that promote quality teaching and learning,” he stated.
Mr Mensah was confident that with the inauguration of the three new bodies, he had no doubt that education delivery in the country had entered a new phase of progress and excellence.
Present at the inauguration was the Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Mahama Ayariga, among other personalities from various educational institutions and related organisations.
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| The members of the NIB with Mr Enoch Teye Mensah (6th left), the acting Minister of Education, Mr Mahama Ayariga (7th left), the Deputy Minister of Education and Prof. Esi Sutherland-Addy (right), Chairperson for the NIB. |
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| Mr Enoch Teye Mensah (6th left), the Acting Minister of Education and Mr Mahama Ayariga (fifth right), Deputy Minister of Education with members of the NTC |
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| The members of the NCCA with Mr Enoch Teye Mensah and Mr Mahama Ayariga after the inuaguration of the three bodies |
Story & Pictures: Mary Ankrah
THREE new advisory bodies have been inaugurated to assist the Ministry of Education to ensure that the right conditions and environment exist for the effective delivery of education in the country.
They are the National Inspectorate Board (NIB), which is made up of 12 members; the National Teaching Council (NTC), which comprises 12 members and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) which has a membership of 21.
These bodies have representatives fromm universities, religious organisations, the Ghana Employers Association (GEA), as well as stakeholders with proven understanding and passion for quality education delivery, and collectively have the responsibility of helping to improve on the academic performance of schools at the pre-tertiary level and raise the learning achievements of learners.
The NIB is responsible for undertaking inspection of schools and evaluation, on a periodic basis, of first and second cycle institutions and also setting and enforcing standards to be observed at the basic and second cycle levels in both public and private educational institutions.
The NTC will advise the Minister of Education on matters relating to professional standing and status of teachers, and teacher education, including the provision of facilities for in-service training and employment of teachers.
It will register teachers after they have satisfied the appropriate conditions for initial licensing and issue the appropriate license and revoke a teacher’s license to teach after establishing a case of gross professional misconduct and periodically review professional practice and ethical standards for teachers and teaching.
The NCCA is expected to determine the goals, aims and structures of courses at the various levels of pre-tertiary education and recommend new subjects that would be necessary for the educational system.
The Head of the Language, Literature and Drama Section of the University of Ghana, Professor Esi Sutherland-Addy, is the Chairperson for the NIB, while Alhaji Rahimu Gbadomosi, a retired Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), is the Chairman of the NTC. The former Vice- Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Professor Jophus Anamuah Mensah, is the Chairman for the NCCA.
Inaugurating the bodies, the acting Minister of Education, Mr Enoch Teye Mensah, said the delivery of education was one of the concerns of government and that the government would continue to provide the necessary resources for the education sector and motivate and reward the nation’s hardworking teachers appropriately.
“It is for this reason that the government has devoted considerable resources to the sector for the provision of adequate physical infrastructure as well as appropriate academic facilities that promote quality teaching and learning,” he stated.
Mr Mensah was confident that with the inauguration of the three new bodies, he had no doubt that education delivery in the country had entered a new phase of progress and excellence.
Present at the inauguration was the Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Mahama Ayariga, among other personalities from various educational institutions and related organisations.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Saturday, January 21, 2012, pg.22. Ministry presents 135 notebook computers to 5 institutions
Story: Mary Ankrah
The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology has presented 135 notebook computers to five institutions in the country.
The beneficiaries are the Methodist University College, the Department of Geographic Information Service unit (GIS) of the University of Ghana, the Ghana Girl Guide Association, the Mathematical Society of Ghana and the Olympiad Team from Durban.
Making the presentation in Accra on Wednesday, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ms Sherry Ayittey, said the presentation was part of the ministry’s initiative to help strengthen Information and Communications Technology (ICT) studies and improve the teaching and learning of science and technology.
“In the Department of Geography, it will help in the teaching of using ICT for special planning and environmental management on the control of pollution in the mining sector,” she added.
Ms Ayittey said computers exposed young people to computer studies and research in order for them to read widely so that they could spend their time profitably by using the computers to study.
She said the ministry was ready to support people who were interested in science and technology and mathematics, adding, “Innovations in science and technology innovation are the only way that can drive the country into a middle-income status.”
According to the minister, last year, the ministry spent about GH¢1 million to locally produce computers and it was one of its policies to support local entrepreneurship, innovation and initiatives.
It is anticipated that this year the ministry will distribute about 2,000 computers to institutions and teacher training colleges across the country.
On behalf of the five institutions, the Principal of the Methodist University, Prof S. K. Adjepong, thanked the government for providing the institutions with computers to improve their access to ICT and pledged that the items would be used for the purpose for which they were provided.
The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology has presented 135 notebook computers to five institutions in the country.
The beneficiaries are the Methodist University College, the Department of Geographic Information Service unit (GIS) of the University of Ghana, the Ghana Girl Guide Association, the Mathematical Society of Ghana and the Olympiad Team from Durban.
Making the presentation in Accra on Wednesday, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ms Sherry Ayittey, said the presentation was part of the ministry’s initiative to help strengthen Information and Communications Technology (ICT) studies and improve the teaching and learning of science and technology.
“In the Department of Geography, it will help in the teaching of using ICT for special planning and environmental management on the control of pollution in the mining sector,” she added.
Ms Ayittey said computers exposed young people to computer studies and research in order for them to read widely so that they could spend their time profitably by using the computers to study.
She said the ministry was ready to support people who were interested in science and technology and mathematics, adding, “Innovations in science and technology innovation are the only way that can drive the country into a middle-income status.”
According to the minister, last year, the ministry spent about GH¢1 million to locally produce computers and it was one of its policies to support local entrepreneurship, innovation and initiatives.
It is anticipated that this year the ministry will distribute about 2,000 computers to institutions and teacher training colleges across the country.
On behalf of the five institutions, the Principal of the Methodist University, Prof S. K. Adjepong, thanked the government for providing the institutions with computers to improve their access to ICT and pledged that the items would be used for the purpose for which they were provided.
Monday, January 23, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Monday, January 23, 2012., pg. 32. New body for dentists inaugurated
Story: Mary Ankrah
FORTY ONE Dentists were last Saturday inducted into the membership of the African Region (Chapter 34) of the International College of Dentists (ICD).
The members were made up of those who had international reputations and were active members of the International Dental Federation (FID), while others were upon recommendation.
The countries included Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroun, Kenya, Uganda and the Caribbean.
At the inaugural and induction ceremony in Accra, the new members were accorded with certificate as fellows of the organisation for their professional achievements and meritorious service to humankind.
The ICD also presented surgical implant motor jointly to the Restorative Dentistry Department, Department of the University of Ghana and Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, the University of Lagos Dental School and the University of Port Harcourt Dental School, River State.
The motor is to be used in training post graduate students of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons who are on resident programme in Korle-Bu and the Ghana Dental School.
It is also to help train students in the other two universities in Nigeria.
While the organisation appointed Prof. Ebenezer Anno Nyako, the Vice Dean of the University of Ghana Dental School, as the Regent of the West Africa Region, Prof. A. E. Obiechina of Nigeria was appointed Vice Regent, with the position of Counselor for the region going to Dr Agbelusi Gbemisola, also of Nigeria.
The ICD members have a responsibility of always being students, continuing to learn and share knowledge with others in the profession.
They are also charged to promote post-graduate study and research in the field of dentist and health
The purpose of the organisation was to promote cordial relations among professionals and help disseminate scientific information.
For his part, the Pro Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Peter Donkor, recommended the fellows to rededicate themselves to the society and humankind.
Prof. Donkor said although Africa was beset with numerous challenges such as diseases and poverty, it was the role of health professionals to help in combating these problems.
He, therefore, urged the fellows to ensure that they had enough dentists in their respective countries and communities that most needed it.
In doing this, he said they must engaged in new partnership with their ministries of health, government, universities, and international collaborators, making research their core activity.
In addition, he encouraged them to also promote ethical practice and extend community outreach services, adding that they have been inducted to serve and further contribute to the development of the society.
The ICD is a leading honorary dental organisation dedicated to the recognition of professional achievements and meritorious service and the continual progression of the profession of dentistry for the benefit of all humankind.
FORTY ONE Dentists were last Saturday inducted into the membership of the African Region (Chapter 34) of the International College of Dentists (ICD).
The members were made up of those who had international reputations and were active members of the International Dental Federation (FID), while others were upon recommendation.
The countries included Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroun, Kenya, Uganda and the Caribbean.
At the inaugural and induction ceremony in Accra, the new members were accorded with certificate as fellows of the organisation for their professional achievements and meritorious service to humankind.
The ICD also presented surgical implant motor jointly to the Restorative Dentistry Department, Department of the University of Ghana and Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, the University of Lagos Dental School and the University of Port Harcourt Dental School, River State.
The motor is to be used in training post graduate students of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons who are on resident programme in Korle-Bu and the Ghana Dental School.
It is also to help train students in the other two universities in Nigeria.
While the organisation appointed Prof. Ebenezer Anno Nyako, the Vice Dean of the University of Ghana Dental School, as the Regent of the West Africa Region, Prof. A. E. Obiechina of Nigeria was appointed Vice Regent, with the position of Counselor for the region going to Dr Agbelusi Gbemisola, also of Nigeria.
The ICD members have a responsibility of always being students, continuing to learn and share knowledge with others in the profession.
They are also charged to promote post-graduate study and research in the field of dentist and health
The purpose of the organisation was to promote cordial relations among professionals and help disseminate scientific information.
For his part, the Pro Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Peter Donkor, recommended the fellows to rededicate themselves to the society and humankind.
Prof. Donkor said although Africa was beset with numerous challenges such as diseases and poverty, it was the role of health professionals to help in combating these problems.
He, therefore, urged the fellows to ensure that they had enough dentists in their respective countries and communities that most needed it.
In doing this, he said they must engaged in new partnership with their ministries of health, government, universities, and international collaborators, making research their core activity.
In addition, he encouraged them to also promote ethical practice and extend community outreach services, adding that they have been inducted to serve and further contribute to the development of the society.
The ICD is a leading honorary dental organisation dedicated to the recognition of professional achievements and meritorious service and the continual progression of the profession of dentistry for the benefit of all humankind.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Thursday January 19, 2012, pg. 28. Teachers in sub-region undergo ICT training
Story: Mary Ankrah
FORTY teachers and school leaders from Ghana and Nigeria are undergoing a five-day training in leadership skills, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovation and integration in teaching and learning.
The training programme falls under the Africa Digital Schools Project “Badiliko” which is the first project to be implemented as part of the new global agreement between Microsoft Partners in Learning (MPIL) and the British Council.
The project, which was officially launched in November 2011, is aimed at improving ICT use in innovative teaching practice, helping teachers to improve their English language skills, and providing content to help educators increase their students’ knowledge and ability to engage in a global environment.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Mahama Ayariga, who officially launched the training programme, said the “Badiliko” project fell into the arm of the UNESCO’s goal of Education For All by supporting the improvement of innovative teaching and learning in Africa.
Mr Ayariga said the project would add value to the quality of education in Ghana, bringing in an international dimension to the classroom.
“The end result will be more widespread and better innovation and use of ICT in schools that would contribute to better achievement of student learning outcome,” he added.
The course modules of the training programme are said to be structures that would equip teachers to become trainers. The teachers would be taken through modules such as managing change, leading effective teaching and learning, ICT skills development, International dimensions and technology, innovative teaching and learning, among others.
It is anticipated that at the end of the course, the teachers would become a digital ambassador for the programme and they would be expected to train other teachers and trainers.
In addition, by June 2012, the project is expected to train over 20,000 teachers while building 80 ICT centres across Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia.
The digital centre would also provide access for students, teachers and the surrounding communities.
Teachers participating in the project were selected in conjunction with the Ministry of Education of Ghana and Nigeria, British Council and MPIL.
Some of the teachers at the training programme expressed their interest in professional development courses that would add to their outcomes.
They said that training in leadership, ICT innovation and integration in teaching and learning would greatly help them to become more effective and efficient in their jobs.
They also noted that basic ICT skills and access to computers and the Internet would further avail to them a large resource of teaching and learning materials, curbing the shortage of teaching and learning materials in schools, a problem that they currently faced.
They also said the knowledge of basic Microsoft Office tools like Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint could be used to simplify lesson preparation and presentation, making work easier for the teacher, and learning more interesting for the learner.
According the British Council and the MPIL, over the next two years, the two companies would each invest $ 1 million in cash, plus staff and in-kind resources to build 80 digital centres across six sub-Saharan countries.
FORTY teachers and school leaders from Ghana and Nigeria are undergoing a five-day training in leadership skills, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovation and integration in teaching and learning.
The training programme falls under the Africa Digital Schools Project “Badiliko” which is the first project to be implemented as part of the new global agreement between Microsoft Partners in Learning (MPIL) and the British Council.
The project, which was officially launched in November 2011, is aimed at improving ICT use in innovative teaching practice, helping teachers to improve their English language skills, and providing content to help educators increase their students’ knowledge and ability to engage in a global environment.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Mahama Ayariga, who officially launched the training programme, said the “Badiliko” project fell into the arm of the UNESCO’s goal of Education For All by supporting the improvement of innovative teaching and learning in Africa.
Mr Ayariga said the project would add value to the quality of education in Ghana, bringing in an international dimension to the classroom.
“The end result will be more widespread and better innovation and use of ICT in schools that would contribute to better achievement of student learning outcome,” he added.
The course modules of the training programme are said to be structures that would equip teachers to become trainers. The teachers would be taken through modules such as managing change, leading effective teaching and learning, ICT skills development, International dimensions and technology, innovative teaching and learning, among others.
It is anticipated that at the end of the course, the teachers would become a digital ambassador for the programme and they would be expected to train other teachers and trainers.
In addition, by June 2012, the project is expected to train over 20,000 teachers while building 80 ICT centres across Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia.
The digital centre would also provide access for students, teachers and the surrounding communities.
Teachers participating in the project were selected in conjunction with the Ministry of Education of Ghana and Nigeria, British Council and MPIL.
Some of the teachers at the training programme expressed their interest in professional development courses that would add to their outcomes.
They said that training in leadership, ICT innovation and integration in teaching and learning would greatly help them to become more effective and efficient in their jobs.
They also noted that basic ICT skills and access to computers and the Internet would further avail to them a large resource of teaching and learning materials, curbing the shortage of teaching and learning materials in schools, a problem that they currently faced.
They also said the knowledge of basic Microsoft Office tools like Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint could be used to simplify lesson preparation and presentation, making work easier for the teacher, and learning more interesting for the learner.
According the British Council and the MPIL, over the next two years, the two companies would each invest $ 1 million in cash, plus staff and in-kind resources to build 80 digital centres across six sub-Saharan countries.
DAILY GRAPHIC, Thursday January 19, 2012, pg. 16. Campaign for Effective Leadership joins PPP
Story: Mary Ankrah & Dominic Moses Awiah
A NEWLY formed group, the Campaign for Effective Leadership, has announced its merger with Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom’s new Progressive People’s Party (PPP) to contest the 2012 general election.
According to the Spokesperson for the group, Mr Sarfo Adams, it comprised seven functional regional and constituency executives of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) in the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Upper West, Northern, Eastern, Volta and Greater Accra regions.
At a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, he said the decision to join the PPP stemmed from the quest to build a formidable political party as a credible alternative to the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party.
“We are looking for a leader who can create jobs, combat crime, the drug trade and corruption, as well as provide better health care and quality education for every Ghanaian,” he stated.
He further said the group believed that those qualities could only be found in Dr Nduom’s PPP.
He noted that Dr Nduom’s appointment by the former President John Agyekum Kuffuor as the Minister of Energy in 2000 and as the Minister for Public Sector Reform in 2004 even though he was not an NPP member proved positive of his qualities as a credible leader.
Mr Sarfo, who was also the former Ashanti regional organiser of the DFP, stressed that the decision taken by the life patron of the DFP party, Dr Yao Obed Asamoah and some members of the party to merge with the ruling NDC was ‘’ a personal decision without any consensus from the party’s executives’’.
‘’ Today, the majority of the DFP supporters across the country have given us the mandate to announce to Ghanaian populace and the NDC that we still hold to our earlier publication that we are not in support of the merger with the NDC’’ he said.
According to him, having accessed to both the past and present government since 1992 up to date, the NDC government lacked the ability to embark on effective policies which can quicken the pace of development.
He, therefore urged the entire nation to look at the works and leadership skills of Dr Nduom and rally behind him in the 2012 general election, adding that‘’ Ghana will be better off under his administration’’.
Mr Mordzinu Benedictus, the 2008 Hohoe North Parliamentary Candidate of DFP, told the Daily Graphic that he would bring more than 2000 supporters to PPP.
He explained that his decision was because the DFP currently had no effective leadership which could empower its members to make any meaningful impact in the political scope in the country, stating that he was sure that the PPP can emerge as one of the influential political parties in Ghana.
Some of the the members included,Sarfo Adams Junior Ashanti -Nii Kwantei Quartey Greater Accra Joachim Bonseu Upper west S.O. Opoku Brong Ahafo Dzodzodzi Micheal Eastern Mordinu Benedictus Volta Adams Justice , North.
A NEWLY formed group, the Campaign for Effective Leadership, has announced its merger with Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom’s new Progressive People’s Party (PPP) to contest the 2012 general election.
According to the Spokesperson for the group, Mr Sarfo Adams, it comprised seven functional regional and constituency executives of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) in the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Upper West, Northern, Eastern, Volta and Greater Accra regions.
At a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, he said the decision to join the PPP stemmed from the quest to build a formidable political party as a credible alternative to the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party.
“We are looking for a leader who can create jobs, combat crime, the drug trade and corruption, as well as provide better health care and quality education for every Ghanaian,” he stated.
He further said the group believed that those qualities could only be found in Dr Nduom’s PPP.
He noted that Dr Nduom’s appointment by the former President John Agyekum Kuffuor as the Minister of Energy in 2000 and as the Minister for Public Sector Reform in 2004 even though he was not an NPP member proved positive of his qualities as a credible leader.
Mr Sarfo, who was also the former Ashanti regional organiser of the DFP, stressed that the decision taken by the life patron of the DFP party, Dr Yao Obed Asamoah and some members of the party to merge with the ruling NDC was ‘’ a personal decision without any consensus from the party’s executives’’.
‘’ Today, the majority of the DFP supporters across the country have given us the mandate to announce to Ghanaian populace and the NDC that we still hold to our earlier publication that we are not in support of the merger with the NDC’’ he said.
According to him, having accessed to both the past and present government since 1992 up to date, the NDC government lacked the ability to embark on effective policies which can quicken the pace of development.
He, therefore urged the entire nation to look at the works and leadership skills of Dr Nduom and rally behind him in the 2012 general election, adding that‘’ Ghana will be better off under his administration’’.
Mr Mordzinu Benedictus, the 2008 Hohoe North Parliamentary Candidate of DFP, told the Daily Graphic that he would bring more than 2000 supporters to PPP.
He explained that his decision was because the DFP currently had no effective leadership which could empower its members to make any meaningful impact in the political scope in the country, stating that he was sure that the PPP can emerge as one of the influential political parties in Ghana.
Some of the the members included,Sarfo Adams Junior Ashanti -Nii Kwantei Quartey Greater Accra Joachim Bonseu Upper west S.O. Opoku Brong Ahafo Dzodzodzi Micheal Eastern Mordinu Benedictus Volta Adams Justice , North.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Wednesday January 18, 2012, pg.28. LEKMA PWDs can now access common fund
Story: Mary Ankrah
Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) at the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly (LEKMA) can now access their two per cent allocation of the District Assemblies’ Common Fund (DACF).
One of the aims of the fund is to reduce poverty among all PWD’s, especially PWD’s in the informal sector who are most often in the majority.
Speaking at a one-day workshop for PWD’s on the guidelines in accessing the PWD’s two per cent of the DACF at the LEKMA, the Member of Parliament for Krowor Constituency and Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Nii Oakley Quaye-Kumah, advised all the PWD’s to start income generating activities for their socio-economic empowerment and development, which is one of the main objectives for establishing the fund.
“Starting your own income generating activities must be supported with an increase in your saving attitudes, as your investment drive, so that you will be able to have some sustainable amount of money to rely on when you grow old,” he said.
Nii Quaye-Kumah, however, cautioned the PWDs not to use the DACF money on extravagant lives, funerals and other irrelevant expenses.
He also entreated Ghanaians to stop treating PWD’s in a way that made them look as if they were second class human beings, whereas they were like any able persons.
“I wish that they are now referred to as differently able persons, instead of referring to them as PWDs”, he added.
In addition, the minister said in order for Ghana to attain its middle income status by 2015, there was the need for the nation and government to empower persons with any form of disability with the necessary skills and training for them to meaningfully contribute their quota to the socio-economic development of their country.
He also encouraged the government through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD), the National Council For Persons with disabilities (NCPD), the Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD), the DFMC’s and all other stakeholders to put in their necessary monitoring mechanisms to ensure that the funds were used for the purpose it was meant for.
He urged that the disability Act of 2006 be well implemented in ensuring that persons with disabilities had access to employment opportunities, health, and sanitation and good and safe drinking water, among others.
“Our district and municipal assemblies all over the country must also refuse to issue building permits for buildings which totally disregard the needs of PWD’s, as part of efforts to enforce the implementation of the Disability Act,” he said.
The minister also appealed to the Ghana Police Service to take into account the special needs of PWD’s during arrests and detentions and especially during confinement.
He encouraged the society and families to show love and compassion to members who were physically challenged so that they would feel part of the society and they would not go on the streets to beg for alms with their children.
Nii Quaye-Kumah also said the United Nation (UN) in its most recent resolution 65/186 would convene a high-level meeting on disability this year with the aim of including all persons with disabilities in development efforts of all member countries in the world.
Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) at the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly (LEKMA) can now access their two per cent allocation of the District Assemblies’ Common Fund (DACF).
One of the aims of the fund is to reduce poverty among all PWD’s, especially PWD’s in the informal sector who are most often in the majority.
Speaking at a one-day workshop for PWD’s on the guidelines in accessing the PWD’s two per cent of the DACF at the LEKMA, the Member of Parliament for Krowor Constituency and Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Nii Oakley Quaye-Kumah, advised all the PWD’s to start income generating activities for their socio-economic empowerment and development, which is one of the main objectives for establishing the fund.
“Starting your own income generating activities must be supported with an increase in your saving attitudes, as your investment drive, so that you will be able to have some sustainable amount of money to rely on when you grow old,” he said.
Nii Quaye-Kumah, however, cautioned the PWDs not to use the DACF money on extravagant lives, funerals and other irrelevant expenses.
He also entreated Ghanaians to stop treating PWD’s in a way that made them look as if they were second class human beings, whereas they were like any able persons.
“I wish that they are now referred to as differently able persons, instead of referring to them as PWDs”, he added.
In addition, the minister said in order for Ghana to attain its middle income status by 2015, there was the need for the nation and government to empower persons with any form of disability with the necessary skills and training for them to meaningfully contribute their quota to the socio-economic development of their country.
He also encouraged the government through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD), the National Council For Persons with disabilities (NCPD), the Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD), the DFMC’s and all other stakeholders to put in their necessary monitoring mechanisms to ensure that the funds were used for the purpose it was meant for.
He urged that the disability Act of 2006 be well implemented in ensuring that persons with disabilities had access to employment opportunities, health, and sanitation and good and safe drinking water, among others.
“Our district and municipal assemblies all over the country must also refuse to issue building permits for buildings which totally disregard the needs of PWD’s, as part of efforts to enforce the implementation of the Disability Act,” he said.
The minister also appealed to the Ghana Police Service to take into account the special needs of PWD’s during arrests and detentions and especially during confinement.
He encouraged the society and families to show love and compassion to members who were physically challenged so that they would feel part of the society and they would not go on the streets to beg for alms with their children.
Nii Quaye-Kumah also said the United Nation (UN) in its most recent resolution 65/186 would convene a high-level meeting on disability this year with the aim of including all persons with disabilities in development efforts of all member countries in the world.
DAILY GRAPHIC, Wednesday January 18, 2012, pg.16. NDC group supports woyome
Story: Mary Ankrah & Dominic Moses Awiah
A concerned group of the National Democratic Party (NDC) has declared its support for Mr Alfred Agbesi Woyome for using the court to secure a lawful settlement judgement debt.
The group expressed their dismay at the refusal by the New Patriotic Party members not to cooperate with the Economic and Organised Crime Office investigations into the Woyome judgement debt case.
At a press conference in Accra, the Secretary of the group, Mr Robert Kpeteme, said the group was happy that EOCO had been commissioned to investigate the payment of the judgement debt and was satisfied that members of the NDC were cooperating with the investigations to unravel the truth, stressing that when these investigations were complete, it would settle the dust surrounding the payment of the judgement debt.
The group called on Nana Akufo-Addo to immediately resign his position as the flag-bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and submit himself to the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for investigations.
Additionally, the group also called on the government to arrest the Chairman of the NPP, Mr Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, for urging former Ministers of States under the Kufuor Administration not to cooperate with the ongoing investigations by EOCO.
“Indeed, Nana Addo, Kufuor, Osafo-Maafo, Kan-Dapaah and the entire cabinet of 2005/2006 must account for their recklessness and irresponsible decisions in government that led to the lost of over a hundred million Ghana cedis as judgement debt,” the group’s Secretary, Mr Robert Kpeteme, said.
The group, therefore, threatened a massive demonstration if the government did not compel the NPP members involved in the case to cooperate with the ongoing investigations.
“Indeed we want to state categorically that if the cooperation of the said persons is not secured by Friday, January 20, 2012, we shall mobilise all the progressive groups in Ghana to embark on a massive demonstration to drive home our message.”
Mr Kpeteme noted that when this was done it would serve as a deterrent to current and future public office holders whose actions would lead to financial loss to the state.
He said the attempt by the NPP functionaries to use the media to cover up their reckless act was a deliberate attempt to bastardise the real facts.
He urged the NPP to stop hiding behind the media and account for their stewardship to Ghanaians, including their role in how the state lost huge sums of money in judgement debt, stating that the sponsored media attacks on Woyome were dangerous.
The group’s secretary also said the motive of the Attorney-General, Mr Martin Amidu, to have resurrected a dead and buried case against Woyome was not clear, particularly when NPP companies and individuals had been paid judgement debts by the same government.
He warned that the Attorney-General must be careful not to try and clean up the mess of the NPP and smear it on his fellow party people.
A concerned group of the National Democratic Party (NDC) has declared its support for Mr Alfred Agbesi Woyome for using the court to secure a lawful settlement judgement debt.
The group expressed their dismay at the refusal by the New Patriotic Party members not to cooperate with the Economic and Organised Crime Office investigations into the Woyome judgement debt case.
At a press conference in Accra, the Secretary of the group, Mr Robert Kpeteme, said the group was happy that EOCO had been commissioned to investigate the payment of the judgement debt and was satisfied that members of the NDC were cooperating with the investigations to unravel the truth, stressing that when these investigations were complete, it would settle the dust surrounding the payment of the judgement debt.
The group called on Nana Akufo-Addo to immediately resign his position as the flag-bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and submit himself to the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for investigations.
Additionally, the group also called on the government to arrest the Chairman of the NPP, Mr Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, for urging former Ministers of States under the Kufuor Administration not to cooperate with the ongoing investigations by EOCO.
“Indeed, Nana Addo, Kufuor, Osafo-Maafo, Kan-Dapaah and the entire cabinet of 2005/2006 must account for their recklessness and irresponsible decisions in government that led to the lost of over a hundred million Ghana cedis as judgement debt,” the group’s Secretary, Mr Robert Kpeteme, said.
The group, therefore, threatened a massive demonstration if the government did not compel the NPP members involved in the case to cooperate with the ongoing investigations.
“Indeed we want to state categorically that if the cooperation of the said persons is not secured by Friday, January 20, 2012, we shall mobilise all the progressive groups in Ghana to embark on a massive demonstration to drive home our message.”
Mr Kpeteme noted that when this was done it would serve as a deterrent to current and future public office holders whose actions would lead to financial loss to the state.
He said the attempt by the NPP functionaries to use the media to cover up their reckless act was a deliberate attempt to bastardise the real facts.
He urged the NPP to stop hiding behind the media and account for their stewardship to Ghanaians, including their role in how the state lost huge sums of money in judgement debt, stating that the sponsored media attacks on Woyome were dangerous.
The group’s secretary also said the motive of the Attorney-General, Mr Martin Amidu, to have resurrected a dead and buried case against Woyome was not clear, particularly when NPP companies and individuals had been paid judgement debts by the same government.
He warned that the Attorney-General must be careful not to try and clean up the mess of the NPP and smear it on his fellow party people.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Thursday, January 12, 2012, Pg. 24. Minibus driver killed by fallen container
Story: Mary Ankrah
A driver of a KIA commercial minibus (trotro) died yesterday when a loaded container fell off a truck and landed on his minibus.
The truck was said to be entering the premises of Ayrton Drugs Manufacturing Limited (ADML) at North Kaneshie in Accra to offload medical supplies when the disaster struck, smashing the minibus, with registration number GT 7915 Q, beyond repairs.
Ato Forson, 45, the driver, was said to have defied orders to wait for the truck to enter the ADML yard to pave way for oncoming traffic.
Two persons who sustained minor injuries were rushed to the Holy Trinity Hospital at North Kaneshie.
According to an eyewitness account, Siba Braimah, 31, the driver of the trailer, with registration number GT 3938 V, was about to offload the consignment at the company’s warehouse when the trailer overturned and landed on the 15-seater van.
However, the passengers who had earlier disembarked from the car escaped unhurt when they were informed that the car had to wait for the reversing truck to enter the company’s yard and pave the way for oncoming vehicles.
According to the eyewitness, the truck driver tried several times to get into the company yard but failed to do so due to the hilly nature of the road.
The eyewitness said security men in the ADML yard were controlling other vehicles to wait at a distance to enable the truck to enter the yard before they passed but some of the drivers were impatient.
When the truck driver tried the third time to reverse, his brake failed prompting residents of the area to shout warning to other vehicles around to stay away.
Another vehicle, a KIA Sportage, with registration number GS1043 Z, which was behind the truck, was also hit in the process.
Although the police were at the scene on time, they were unable to help because they had no equipment to pull the cars involved in the accident thereby causing heavy traffic on the road.
When the Daily Graphic got to the scene, three forklifts had arrived to lift the truck and the container from the minibus and from the road.
The badly damaged vehicles have been towed to the Tesano Police Station.
Residents of the area complained that this was the second time such an accident had occurred although the first incident was not as serious as yesterday’s.
Meanwhile the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Police Hospital morgue while the driver of the trailer is assisting the police in investigations.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Wednesday, January 11, 2012, Pg. 28. Mad rush to register vehicles
Story: Mary Ankrah
THE Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has recorded a high turnout of vehicle registration and renewal of driving licenses within the first working days of the year 2012.
Since the beginning of the year, many drivers have been rushing to the DVLA offices in Accra to renew their licenses and register their vehicles.
Some enthusiastic drivers who spoke with the Daily Graphic said they were eager to be among the first to get the 2012 number plate.
Other car owners also said the rush for the registration and renewal of their documents was for them to avoid a brush with the law.
A visit to the DVLA office in Accra last Wednesday and Friday revealed that many drivers and car owners were eager to go through the registration process no matter how long it took them to do so.
The atmosphere at the DVLA offices in Accra was very busy as drivers formed a long queue for the registration and renewal procedures with their vehicles flooding the compound.
The Daily Graphic observed that most of the cars that flooded the DVLA premises were mostly private cars and commercial vehicles, precisely to renew their documents or register their cars.
The middle men also known as the “goro boys” were all over at the entrance, harassing drivers and car owners for passport pictures and to assist them to go through the registration and renewal of their documents easily.
Some of these “goro boys” also go from car to car asking the drivers whether they need any assistance so they could help them.
The vehicles were also inspected after the registration to ensure its roadworthiness on the road and public places.
According to the Greater Accra Regional Licensing officer, Mr. Vincent K. Fiati, the “goro” boys are a threat to the work of the DVLA personnel as they misled drivers and take monies from these drivers and car owners who go to the business of the DVLA.
He said the DVLA have tried many times to get rid of these “goro boys” but all have proved futile. This he said was because the punishment meted to them was not deterrent enough.
He, therefore, advised the general public to be patient to always approach the DVLA rather than going to see these “ goro boys” who would give them fake documents.
“I employ the court that when such cases go to them, the infinity measures should be enough to deter these people who are always thrown in our office”, he added.
Mr Faiti also noted that the DVLA would soon computerize its work and people can therefore access their registration and renewal of document on the internet to make easy access.
According to the DVLA figures, 46,072 vehicles were registered last year in Accra and the figure is expected to be even higer by the end of the year.
THE Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has recorded a high turnout of vehicle registration and renewal of driving licenses within the first working days of the year 2012.
Since the beginning of the year, many drivers have been rushing to the DVLA offices in Accra to renew their licenses and register their vehicles.
Some enthusiastic drivers who spoke with the Daily Graphic said they were eager to be among the first to get the 2012 number plate.
Other car owners also said the rush for the registration and renewal of their documents was for them to avoid a brush with the law.
A visit to the DVLA office in Accra last Wednesday and Friday revealed that many drivers and car owners were eager to go through the registration process no matter how long it took them to do so.
The atmosphere at the DVLA offices in Accra was very busy as drivers formed a long queue for the registration and renewal procedures with their vehicles flooding the compound.
The Daily Graphic observed that most of the cars that flooded the DVLA premises were mostly private cars and commercial vehicles, precisely to renew their documents or register their cars.
The middle men also known as the “goro boys” were all over at the entrance, harassing drivers and car owners for passport pictures and to assist them to go through the registration and renewal of their documents easily.
Some of these “goro boys” also go from car to car asking the drivers whether they need any assistance so they could help them.
The vehicles were also inspected after the registration to ensure its roadworthiness on the road and public places.
According to the Greater Accra Regional Licensing officer, Mr. Vincent K. Fiati, the “goro” boys are a threat to the work of the DVLA personnel as they misled drivers and take monies from these drivers and car owners who go to the business of the DVLA.
He said the DVLA have tried many times to get rid of these “goro boys” but all have proved futile. This he said was because the punishment meted to them was not deterrent enough.
He, therefore, advised the general public to be patient to always approach the DVLA rather than going to see these “ goro boys” who would give them fake documents.
“I employ the court that when such cases go to them, the infinity measures should be enough to deter these people who are always thrown in our office”, he added.
Mr Faiti also noted that the DVLA would soon computerize its work and people can therefore access their registration and renewal of document on the internet to make easy access.
According to the DVLA figures, 46,072 vehicles were registered last year in Accra and the figure is expected to be even higer by the end of the year.
Monday, January 9, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Monday, January 9, 2012, Pg. Children asked to pray for Ghana
Story: Mary Ankrah & Marian Ansah
CHILDREN have been urged to pray for mother Ghana as their contribution towards ensuring peace during this year’s elections.
They have also been asked not only to be advocators of peace in their homes but equally in their schools and communities.
The Mission’s Director of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Gyasi Addo, gave the advice during the children’s prayer festival which was dubbed “Children in the gap for peace for Ghana” held at the National Theatre in Accra at the weekend.
The event brought together children from various schools and churches.
The prayer festival which was held to pray for peaceful elections for this year, was a collaboration of the Children’s Ministry of the Church of Pentecost, the Christian Community in Ghana and the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOWAC).
Apostle Addo said children needed to pray for mother Ghana because God was the author of peace and would use their prayers to make this year’s general elections peaceful.
He noted that anytime there was going to be elections in the country, a lot of unfortunate incidences occurred which even included murders which he said should not happen under any circumstances this year.
The Director stressed the need for continuous prayer as the key to sustaining peace in the country.
”We pray so that God would destroy all forces of darkness and wherever they stand to plan against the nation God would destroy them so that Ghana would have a peaceful election,” he said.
Apostle Addo said Ghanaians had a role to play in ensuring peace in the country, adding that they must love, respect and tolerate each other so that there would be peace.
He expressed concern about the use of abusive language by some people, a practice, which he maintained caused divisions that resulted in conflicts and, therefore, stressed the need for all to be polite and express their views without being abusive.
Paapa Yaw Manu Boateng, a child from the New Testament Assembly of the Pentecost Church, said he had learnt to pray for the peace of Ghana.
“If there is no peace, the children cannot become what God wants them to be. The children of this nation need peace. The government should continue to maintain peace in the country “he added.
For her part, Lydia Asamah of the New Hope Junior High School (JHS) said through the event, she had learnt to pray for the country.
A child from the Bright Future Academy School, Sandra Boateng, said peace brought about development in every country.
She, therefore, advised citizens of Ghana to live in peace and learn to understand each other.
CHILDREN have been urged to pray for mother Ghana as their contribution towards ensuring peace during this year’s elections.
They have also been asked not only to be advocators of peace in their homes but equally in their schools and communities.
The Mission’s Director of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Gyasi Addo, gave the advice during the children’s prayer festival which was dubbed “Children in the gap for peace for Ghana” held at the National Theatre in Accra at the weekend.
The event brought together children from various schools and churches.
The prayer festival which was held to pray for peaceful elections for this year, was a collaboration of the Children’s Ministry of the Church of Pentecost, the Christian Community in Ghana and the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOWAC).
Apostle Addo said children needed to pray for mother Ghana because God was the author of peace and would use their prayers to make this year’s general elections peaceful.
He noted that anytime there was going to be elections in the country, a lot of unfortunate incidences occurred which even included murders which he said should not happen under any circumstances this year.
The Director stressed the need for continuous prayer as the key to sustaining peace in the country.
”We pray so that God would destroy all forces of darkness and wherever they stand to plan against the nation God would destroy them so that Ghana would have a peaceful election,” he said.
Apostle Addo said Ghanaians had a role to play in ensuring peace in the country, adding that they must love, respect and tolerate each other so that there would be peace.
He expressed concern about the use of abusive language by some people, a practice, which he maintained caused divisions that resulted in conflicts and, therefore, stressed the need for all to be polite and express their views without being abusive.
Paapa Yaw Manu Boateng, a child from the New Testament Assembly of the Pentecost Church, said he had learnt to pray for the peace of Ghana.
“If there is no peace, the children cannot become what God wants them to be. The children of this nation need peace. The government should continue to maintain peace in the country “he added.
For her part, Lydia Asamah of the New Hope Junior High School (JHS) said through the event, she had learnt to pray for the country.
A child from the Bright Future Academy School, Sandra Boateng, said peace brought about development in every country.
She, therefore, advised citizens of Ghana to live in peace and learn to understand each other.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Saturday, January 7, 2012, pg.11.Ghana needs commitment to national policy on child labour
 | |
| Children engaged in Child Labour |
Article: Mary Ankrah
OVER the years, Ghana has been part of the global effort to ensure that the rights of children are not abused. In fact Ghana was the first country to ratify the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Furthermore, the country has gone beyond the mere ratification of the Convention to involve institutions such as the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs, the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Attorney General’s Department and others that would facilitate the actualisation of child rights and development.
Article 28 of the 1992 Constitution prohibits labour that is considered injurious to the health, education, or development of the child. Ghana has also signed three key international treaties that ban certain practices of child labour, including the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 182.
Additionally, Ghana has passed its own laws on child labour and these include the Children's Act of 1998 (Act 560) and the Labour Act of 2003 (Act 651) both of which address child labour in detail.
The Children's Act bans all exploitative labour and echoes the 1992 Constitution's prohibition by defining this type of labour as that which denies a child of health, education or development. The Act additionally bans a number of child labour practices listed as "hazardous".
Notwithstanding these laudable achievements, the practice of child labour in their worst forms still persists in the country.
Child work begins to be described as child labour, when the work is likely to interfere with the child’s education, health, physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development; or expose the child to an environment not conducive to his/her development.
The causes of child labour are numerous and poverty is one major factor responsible for the prevalence of child labour in the country. About 55 per cent of the populations live below the poverty line. Therefore, poor households badly need the money that their children earn, since they spend the bulk of their income on food.
Secondly, poor parents fail to appreciate the long-term value of education, and instead opt for the short-term economic gains of child labour. They consider their children’s employment in certain occupations such as farming, carpentry or fishing as an opportunity to learn employable skills. To them, it is an alternative education with much more practical value than formal education.
According to Madam Elizabeth Akanbombire, Head of the Child Labour Unit of the Labour Department, children in Ghana aged between five to 17 are engaged in activities such as domestic work, farming, fishing, street hawking, quarrying, sand winning, animal rearing, prostitution, as porters (“kayayei”), bus conductors and truck pushers. Despite the ban on child labour, the canker continues to persist among the new generation of Ghanaians.
She indicated that the ILO Global Labour Report (2008) showed that the rate of decline in the number of children in child labour has slowed down over the years, with 215 million children in child labour and 115.31 million in hazardous work registering three per cent decline as against 10 per cent in 2004.
Moreover, the Ghana Child Labour Survey (GCLS 2003) conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in 2001 within the framework of the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) indicated that out of the estimated number of 6,361,111 working children in Ghana aged between five and 17, 2.474,545 (39 per cent) engaged in economic activities.
Meanwhile 1,273,294 (20 per cent ) were engaged in child labour and 242,074 (3.8 per cent) were engaged in activities classified as hazardous work such as head portage, child domestic work, commercial or ritual servitude, small-scale mining and quarrying, fishing, commercial agriculture, and commercial sex.
Also, the survey revealed that 57 per cent of these children were in the agricultural sector, 21 per cent account for hawkers, 11 per cent for general labour and 11 per cent for other labour.
The report showed that over 95 per cent of these children did not use protective wears, exposing them to health problems, and 88 per cent were unpaid family workers and apprentices.
However, the Volta Region (33.2 per cent) recorded the highest proportion of child labour, while the Brong Ahafo Region (11.6 per cent ) recorded the least. Western recorded 27.1 per cent, Eastern, 25.4 per cent; Northern, 24.2 per cent; Upper East, 19.1 per cent; Central, 17.1 per cent; Ashanti, 14.8 per cent; Greater Accra, 13.9 per cent, and Upper West, 13.1 per cent.
Thousands of these children live and work on the streets, and their numbers keep increasing. They are often seen selling at the bus stops, under the traffic lights when there is traffic congestion or in chop bars washing plates or carrying loads at the market places as porters, among others.
There is nothing wrong, however in engaging children in work considered to be socially necessary as they acquire basic knowledge, skills, and a sense of responsibility, which could be beneficial to them in future. But work is perceived as harmful when it does endanger the child’s physical, mental, or moral health and development.
There is therefore the need to employ child labour inspectors who will frequently go on the streets, bus stops and places where under-age children could be found selling or engaging in child labour activities. These children should be supported and withdrawn from such practices.
It is recognised that most poor families engaged children in child labour due to lack of understanding and appreciation of the issue. Therefore, private organisations, stakeholders, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the media should aid in promoting informational programmes to create awareness about child labour and child rights in the districts and communities where child labour is intensive.
In the absence of a firm policy implementation by the government, backed by resources and translated into effective action, the best efforts of other partners in the fight against child labour are not likely to make any impact. Therefore, a national policy commitment is key to effectively reducing child labour in Ghana. The government should establish, implement and monitor policies on child labour in the country.
Also, those who fall foul of the law on child labour should be given severe punishments that will severe as deterrents to others. The government should also make the prosecution of violators a priority and the public should help report child labour cases. By so doing, the older generation would be confident to leave this country in the hands of our future generation.
Friday, January 6, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Friday, January 6, 2012, Pg.16. Three explosion victims laid to rest
Story: Mary Ankrah
THE three family members who got burnt in an explosion at a house at Asylum Down in Accra last Tuesday have been buried at the Awudome Cemetery in Accra.
The deceased are David Nii Teiko Ammah, 64, Gifty Ammah, 51, and Phoebe Ammah, 10.
The burial ceremony was conducted at the Ernest Bruce Memorial Methodist Church at Adabraka in Accra.
It was attended by people from all walks of life, including the Greater Accra Regional Minister and Member of Parliament for Osu Klottey, Nii Armah Ashietey, and the Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije.
Nii Ashietey expressed his condolence and that of the government to the bereaved families.
He said the God who gave was the same God who took away what He had given and would console every sorrowful soul and give everyone the strength to stand the situation that had befallen the families.
Mr Ashietey pledged the government’s support for the families.
Mr Vanderpuije also expressed his condolence to the families and said nobody predicted the incident but since it had happened, the government would support the bereaved families.
He prayed that such an incident should not occur again in the two families which were hit by the catastrophe.
He used the occasion to advise Ghanaians to be cautious with electricity and fire and use all possible means to protect themselves so that incidents like that would not occur, adding that “prevention is better than cure”.
On behalf of the government, both the MP and the Mayor of Accra presented GH¢1,000 and some food items to the families to support the burial.
The Head of the David Ammah Family, Oblii Ammah, expressed the profound gratitude of both families to the government and all sympathisers and said the bereaved families appreciated the government’s support.
THE three family members who got burnt in an explosion at a house at Asylum Down in Accra last Tuesday have been buried at the Awudome Cemetery in Accra.
The deceased are David Nii Teiko Ammah, 64, Gifty Ammah, 51, and Phoebe Ammah, 10.
The burial ceremony was conducted at the Ernest Bruce Memorial Methodist Church at Adabraka in Accra.
It was attended by people from all walks of life, including the Greater Accra Regional Minister and Member of Parliament for Osu Klottey, Nii Armah Ashietey, and the Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije.
Nii Ashietey expressed his condolence and that of the government to the bereaved families.
He said the God who gave was the same God who took away what He had given and would console every sorrowful soul and give everyone the strength to stand the situation that had befallen the families.
Mr Ashietey pledged the government’s support for the families.
Mr Vanderpuije also expressed his condolence to the families and said nobody predicted the incident but since it had happened, the government would support the bereaved families.
He prayed that such an incident should not occur again in the two families which were hit by the catastrophe.
He used the occasion to advise Ghanaians to be cautious with electricity and fire and use all possible means to protect themselves so that incidents like that would not occur, adding that “prevention is better than cure”.
On behalf of the government, both the MP and the Mayor of Accra presented GH¢1,000 and some food items to the families to support the burial.
The Head of the David Ammah Family, Oblii Ammah, expressed the profound gratitude of both families to the government and all sympathisers and said the bereaved families appreciated the government’s support.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Tuesday, January 3, 2012, Pg. 39. Metropolitan Insurance to introduce more products
Story: Mary Ankrah
METROPOLITAN Insurance Company (MET) has rebranded its corporate identity with a new logo and slogan, and unveiled these to clients, insurance brokers and stakeholders in the insurance industry.
Apart from the new logo and brand name, the company will maintain all its services and introduce more products and new packing to reflect its new tagline “Inspiring Confidence”.
Officials of MET said the reason for rebranding the company was to make its services more flexible, by giving financial certainty to its clients.
It is also to offer more efficient and convenient services to its customers to enable them to reach their goals.
At a ceremony in Accra to introduce the rebranded company, dubbed “ A time with MET”, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Mr Kwame-Gazo Agbenyadzie, said by offering the most “competent services to its clients through the most flexible methods, the brand will surely remain one that clients and partners can depend on in times of need”.
The Commissioner of Insurance, Mrs Nyamikeh Kyiamah, used the occasion to assure insurance practitioners that “the National Insurance Commission will continue to promote and protect the interest of all players.
She was, however, quick to add that “we shall not hesitate to crack the whip when the need arises”.
She further expressed the commission’s concern about the management of premium debtors and the industry as a whole and added that the commission was taking the necessary steps to address the canker which had plagued the industry for years.
In his remarks, the Board Chairman of MET, Sir Sam Jonah, assured all stakeholders that the board would continue to exercise its oversight responsibility and ensure that the company was financially sound to honour all its legitimate obligations at all times.
Since 1997, MET has consistently maintained its position among the top five insurers on the insurance market and is recognised for its contributions to the growth of the industry.
It has also won Ghana Re’s best cedant award since its establishment in 2010 and was accorded a ‘A’ rating in 2010.
Recently, the company introduced MET2U, a door-to-door service that brings sales executives to the doorsteps of customers so that they can enjoy service from the comfort of their homes and offices.
MET actively participates in both the Ghana Oil and Gas and Agricultural Insurance Pools.
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| The CEO, Mr Kwame-Gazo Agbenyadzie (left); Mrs Lynda Odro, Operational Manager (2nd left); Mrs Nyamikeh Kyiamah, the Commissioner of Insurance (2nd right), and Mr Albert Ayeson-Ghansah, Chief Fiance Officer (right). |
Story: Mary Ankrah
METROPOLITAN Insurance Company (MET) has rebranded its corporate identity with a new logo and slogan, and unveiled these to clients, insurance brokers and stakeholders in the insurance industry.
Apart from the new logo and brand name, the company will maintain all its services and introduce more products and new packing to reflect its new tagline “Inspiring Confidence”.
Officials of MET said the reason for rebranding the company was to make its services more flexible, by giving financial certainty to its clients.
It is also to offer more efficient and convenient services to its customers to enable them to reach their goals.
At a ceremony in Accra to introduce the rebranded company, dubbed “ A time with MET”, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Mr Kwame-Gazo Agbenyadzie, said by offering the most “competent services to its clients through the most flexible methods, the brand will surely remain one that clients and partners can depend on in times of need”.
The Commissioner of Insurance, Mrs Nyamikeh Kyiamah, used the occasion to assure insurance practitioners that “the National Insurance Commission will continue to promote and protect the interest of all players.
She was, however, quick to add that “we shall not hesitate to crack the whip when the need arises”.
She further expressed the commission’s concern about the management of premium debtors and the industry as a whole and added that the commission was taking the necessary steps to address the canker which had plagued the industry for years.
In his remarks, the Board Chairman of MET, Sir Sam Jonah, assured all stakeholders that the board would continue to exercise its oversight responsibility and ensure that the company was financially sound to honour all its legitimate obligations at all times.
Since 1997, MET has consistently maintained its position among the top five insurers on the insurance market and is recognised for its contributions to the growth of the industry.
It has also won Ghana Re’s best cedant award since its establishment in 2010 and was accorded a ‘A’ rating in 2010.
Recently, the company introduced MET2U, a door-to-door service that brings sales executives to the doorsteps of customers so that they can enjoy service from the comfort of their homes and offices.
MET actively participates in both the Ghana Oil and Gas and Agricultural Insurance Pools.
DAILY GRAPHIC, Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Back Page. Accident at Abeka
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| Toyota Tundra at the police station |
Five persons died while five others sustained serious injuries in an accident which occurred at about 4 a.m. today (Friday) at Abeka, in Accra when they were returning home after a socialisation event.
The accident occured when a Toyota Tundra with registration number GR 2938 on which they were travelling hit an electricity pole and somersaulted several times.
The driver of the vehicle was said to have attempted to drive past two vehicles parked on opposite sides of the road but in the process lost control of the car which hit a light pole and somersaulted.
The dead have been identified as Ishmael Sefiaru, Razak Haruna , Zakari Suleiman, Nazar Awudu and Mohammed Abass. Their bodies have been deposited at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital mortuary awaiting autopsy.
The injured, Ibrahim Inusa, Emmanuel Aggrey, Taifique Sani and Iddris Yusif, are on admission at the hospital.
Two of the victims , Sani and Aggrey told the Daily Graphic on their hospital bed that they had gone to Karldorf, a popular drinking spot and entertainment centre at Abeka to drink but on their way back to Fadama, they saw two vehicles parked on opposite sides of the road.
They said in an attempt to drive between them, the driver of the Toyota Tundra lost control, hit the light pole, the shed of a food vendor, some shops nearby and somersaulted.
They said because the driver of the Tunsdra was speeding, he easily lost control and as some of those on board were sitting in the bucket of the truck, they were thrown out when the vehicle somersaulted with some landing in a manhole pit along the road.
They added that the vehicle was overloaded.
According to Muhammed Sani, a resident of Abeka Free Pipe, he heard a scream while in the bathroom and quickly came out to see what was going on only to find four of the victims in the manhole pit beside his house.
He added that the two were dead while two were trying to come out friom the pit.
The others, he added, were lying on the street.
The badly damaged vehicle has been taken to the Tesano Police Station.
A Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Tesano Polioce Station said the police would investigate the accident and advised all drivers especially the youth to avoid speeding and overloading to reduce accidents on the road.
In another development, two passengers were killed on the spot and a number of others sustained various degrees of injury when a 207 Mercedes Benz bus crashed into a truck near the KNUST Police Station on the Kumasi-Ejisu road yesterday, writes Kwame Asare Boadu, Kumasi.
The dead were not immediately identified but their remains have been sent to the morgue while police investigations continue.
The injured persons were rushed to various health facilities for medical attention.
An eyewitness told the Daily Graphic that the accident occurred about 5.45 a.m. when the weather was foggy.
According to him, the speeding 207 bus was overtaking another vehicle when it ran into the fully loaded moving truck.
Police and Fire personnel rushed to the scene to help save lives but they had a hectic time trying to cut through the mangled bus to remove some of the trapped occupants.
Monday, January 2, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Monday, January 2, 2012, Front page & pg. 3. Ghanaians mark 2012 with church services
WATCH-NIGHT services were held in churches in many parts of the country, amid singing and dancing, to herald 2012.
Many people also stayed in their homes, while others were at drinking spots and tourists centres to await the dawn of the new year.
As soon as it struck midnight, revellers welcomed the year with the blaring of sirens, tooting of car horns, shouts of joy and firing of firecrackers in homes and on the streets.
Worshippers in churches greeted the new year with shouts of ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘Glory to God’, amidst singing and dancing to gospel tunes.
The theme for most of the watch-night services was the need for Ghanaians to be thankful for what God had done and continued to do for them and pray for a peaceful and successful 2012 general election.
Ghanaians were also urged to stay away from indiscipline, insulting behaviour and violence and avo
id being used by politicians to achieve their selfish interests.
At the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka, Accra, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, the Most Rev Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, urged Christians not to dwell on the bad things that happened in the past year but thank God for the good things that happened in their lives, reports Rebecca Kwei.
Quoting the Scriptures, he said all things worked for the good of those of who loved the Lord and so it was important to thank God for good health, the gift of life, family and friends, freedom to worship and the relative peace the country was enjoying.
The Most Rev Palmer-Buckle said those who loved God saw His hand at work even in the midst of challenges and tragedies, adding, “In all things, give thanks to God, and even if you do not understand, pray that God will help you see with His eyes that He loves you.”
At the Calvary Methodist Church, Tema Community 3, the Minister in charge, Rev Ebenezer Douglas Bruce-Tagoe, advised Ghanaians, especially Christians, to have patience in all situations, since God had His own way of manifesting His love and grace for mankind, reports Albert Sam.
He said those who waited upon the Lord and lifted high His name and that of His Son Jesus Christ would have His protection and defence in a more righteous way.
Albert K. Salia reports from the St Peter’s Catholic Church, Osu, that the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Dominic Amegashiti, who based his New Year Homily on Deuteronomy 31:6, urged Ghanaians, particularly Christians, not to live in fear in the New Year, as the blessings of God would be poured upon them in abundance.
He urged them to be strong and courageous, as God would not forsake them, stressing, “Whatever we lost in 2011 will be regained in 2012. All the disappointments will be turned into divine appointment.”
Seth J. Bokpe reports that in a sermon based on Psalm 26 and on the theme: “2012, My Year of Divine Encounter”, Rev Dr Francis F.K Abotchi, the Parish Pastor of the Trinity Parish of the Global Evangelical Church at Kotobabi in Accra, called on Christians to renew their commitment to God in order to achieve their dreams.
“Delay is not denial. God will help realise your dreams, but you will have to commit your time, talents and resources because God will not put fire where there is no sacrifice,” he said.
In a rather rare message on New Year’s eve, Rev Dag Heward-Mills, the Founder and Presiding Bishop of the Lighthouse Chapel International, shared 25 reasons why it was important for Christians to contribute to the building of the church, Samuel Doe Ablordeppey reports.
He said the church, with all its flaws and mistakes, was God’s most important priority and, therefore, needed Christians and businesses to align their visions to what the Lord was doing in that direction.
“It is the best vision to align yourself with building and growing the church, which is the first priority of Christ, as every other thing grows out of the church,” he told an assembly of over 5,000 worshippers at The Quodesh, the global head office of the LCI.
At the Mount Olivet Methodist Church, hundreds of worshippers, many of whom were none members of the church, thronged the church premises to bid farewell to 2011 and to welcome the new year, Charles Benoni Okine reports.
In his short message before midnight, Mr Tim Acquah-Hayford, a local preacher in the church, called on Christians to ensure that they worked hard towards making their New Year resolutions a reality.
“You do not need to come here again next year same time to repeat the same resolutions,” he said, adding that resolutions were very important because of the impact they had on the lives of Christians.
Alice Aryeetey reports that at the St Peter’s Methodist Church, Odorkor, the Resident Minister, Rev Ebenezer Agyemang Badu, in his sermon, urged all Ghanaians to be very prayerful in the New Year.
He urged Ghanaians to pray for peace as the country entered an election year.
“Act according to the will of God in order to enjoy God’s mercies and let Him fulfill the promises He made for you,” he said.
The Anglican Archbishop of the Province of West Africa and Bishop of Accra, the Most Reverend Dr Justice O. Akrofi, in a New Year message, called on Ghanaians to pursue peace, justice, righteousness, reconciliation, truth and true compassion as the new year beckoned, reports the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
He explained that those values were needed for every nation or community to honour and uphold because any country that did not honour and uphold those values would be a ground for confusion, violence and destruction, thereby undermining the well-being of humanity.
The Most Rev Akrofi noted that 2012, being an election year, could generate heat and controversy and, therefore, urged Ghanaians to put into their minds those values which could contribute to the peace and security of all and sundry.
Mary Ankrah reports from the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) Cathedral in Accra that the priest, Isaac Asare, entreated the congregation to refrain from sin and practise righteousness so that they would receive the full blessings of God.
He said God was ready to help His children if only they obeyed and abided in His Word.
He said the congregation would be able to achieve success in 2012 if they relied on the strength and mercies of God and lived upright lives.
Many people also stayed in their homes, while others were at drinking spots and tourists centres to await the dawn of the new year.
As soon as it struck midnight, revellers welcomed the year with the blaring of sirens, tooting of car horns, shouts of joy and firing of firecrackers in homes and on the streets.
Worshippers in churches greeted the new year with shouts of ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘Glory to God’, amidst singing and dancing to gospel tunes.
The theme for most of the watch-night services was the need for Ghanaians to be thankful for what God had done and continued to do for them and pray for a peaceful and successful 2012 general election.
Ghanaians were also urged to stay away from indiscipline, insulting behaviour and violence and avo
id being used by politicians to achieve their selfish interests.
At the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka, Accra, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, the Most Rev Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, urged Christians not to dwell on the bad things that happened in the past year but thank God for the good things that happened in their lives, reports Rebecca Kwei.
Quoting the Scriptures, he said all things worked for the good of those of who loved the Lord and so it was important to thank God for good health, the gift of life, family and friends, freedom to worship and the relative peace the country was enjoying.
The Most Rev Palmer-Buckle said those who loved God saw His hand at work even in the midst of challenges and tragedies, adding, “In all things, give thanks to God, and even if you do not understand, pray that God will help you see with His eyes that He loves you.”
At the Calvary Methodist Church, Tema Community 3, the Minister in charge, Rev Ebenezer Douglas Bruce-Tagoe, advised Ghanaians, especially Christians, to have patience in all situations, since God had His own way of manifesting His love and grace for mankind, reports Albert Sam.
He said those who waited upon the Lord and lifted high His name and that of His Son Jesus Christ would have His protection and defence in a more righteous way.
Albert K. Salia reports from the St Peter’s Catholic Church, Osu, that the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Dominic Amegashiti, who based his New Year Homily on Deuteronomy 31:6, urged Ghanaians, particularly Christians, not to live in fear in the New Year, as the blessings of God would be poured upon them in abundance.
He urged them to be strong and courageous, as God would not forsake them, stressing, “Whatever we lost in 2011 will be regained in 2012. All the disappointments will be turned into divine appointment.”
Seth J. Bokpe reports that in a sermon based on Psalm 26 and on the theme: “2012, My Year of Divine Encounter”, Rev Dr Francis F.K Abotchi, the Parish Pastor of the Trinity Parish of the Global Evangelical Church at Kotobabi in Accra, called on Christians to renew their commitment to God in order to achieve their dreams.
“Delay is not denial. God will help realise your dreams, but you will have to commit your time, talents and resources because God will not put fire where there is no sacrifice,” he said.
In a rather rare message on New Year’s eve, Rev Dag Heward-Mills, the Founder and Presiding Bishop of the Lighthouse Chapel International, shared 25 reasons why it was important for Christians to contribute to the building of the church, Samuel Doe Ablordeppey reports.
He said the church, with all its flaws and mistakes, was God’s most important priority and, therefore, needed Christians and businesses to align their visions to what the Lord was doing in that direction.
“It is the best vision to align yourself with building and growing the church, which is the first priority of Christ, as every other thing grows out of the church,” he told an assembly of over 5,000 worshippers at The Quodesh, the global head office of the LCI.
At the Mount Olivet Methodist Church, hundreds of worshippers, many of whom were none members of the church, thronged the church premises to bid farewell to 2011 and to welcome the new year, Charles Benoni Okine reports.
In his short message before midnight, Mr Tim Acquah-Hayford, a local preacher in the church, called on Christians to ensure that they worked hard towards making their New Year resolutions a reality.
“You do not need to come here again next year same time to repeat the same resolutions,” he said, adding that resolutions were very important because of the impact they had on the lives of Christians.
Alice Aryeetey reports that at the St Peter’s Methodist Church, Odorkor, the Resident Minister, Rev Ebenezer Agyemang Badu, in his sermon, urged all Ghanaians to be very prayerful in the New Year.
He urged Ghanaians to pray for peace as the country entered an election year.
“Act according to the will of God in order to enjoy God’s mercies and let Him fulfill the promises He made for you,” he said.
The Anglican Archbishop of the Province of West Africa and Bishop of Accra, the Most Reverend Dr Justice O. Akrofi, in a New Year message, called on Ghanaians to pursue peace, justice, righteousness, reconciliation, truth and true compassion as the new year beckoned, reports the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
He explained that those values were needed for every nation or community to honour and uphold because any country that did not honour and uphold those values would be a ground for confusion, violence and destruction, thereby undermining the well-being of humanity.
The Most Rev Akrofi noted that 2012, being an election year, could generate heat and controversy and, therefore, urged Ghanaians to put into their minds those values which could contribute to the peace and security of all and sundry.
Mary Ankrah reports from the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) Cathedral in Accra that the priest, Isaac Asare, entreated the congregation to refrain from sin and practise righteousness so that they would receive the full blessings of God.
He said God was ready to help His children if only they obeyed and abided in His Word.
He said the congregation would be able to achieve success in 2012 if they relied on the strength and mercies of God and lived upright lives.
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