May 21, 2010
Story: Mary Mensah
A Number of roads within the Accra metropolis will be closed to the public from tomorrow Saturday May 21 to Tuesday 25, 2010, the National Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) has announced.
The roads are the 28th February Road from the headquarters of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) to the Castle Junction, the Osu Cemetery traffic light on the Lokko Street, from the Osu Cemetery on Starlets 95 Road to the Ministries traffic light.
Others are the Castle Road from the AU Circle to the Osu Cemetery traffic light, Liberation Road and the La Beach Road.
According to a statement issued by the MTTU of the Ghana Police Service in Accra yesterday, the closure was intended to ensure easy movement of African leaders and their delegations who were scheduled to visit the country to participate in the activities to commemorate the AU Day, which would also climax the Kwame Nkrumah Centenary Celebrations.
The statement, signed by the Commanding Officer of the MTTU, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Julius Avorga, said from May 25, 2010 from 0800 hours to 1200 hours the 28th February Road from the Multi Stores through old Parliament House traffic intersection to the CEPS headquarters traffic intersection would be closed to traffic and advised motorists intending to use that road during the period to select alternative routes.
The statement said some of the activities for the celebrations would be held at the Accra International Conference Centre, the State House, the Independence Square, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and the Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
It said many heads of state and other international dignitaries were expected in Ghana to take part in the activities lined up for the occasion.
The statement said traffic from the AU Circle towards the Castle Road through the Osu Cemetery intersection would be diverted onto the 2nd and 3rd Avenue roads to take a detour through the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) to link with the Abdul Nassar Road near the British High Commission.
The statement advised motorists from Osu to use the Sir Charles Quist/Kinbu roads. Similarly, it said, traffic flowing from the Lokko Street at Osu towards the Castle Road would be diverted onto the Starlets 95 Road.
It said traffic on the 28th February Road from Accra towards the Independence Square would be diverted onto the Liberia Road at the CEPS headquarters traffic intersection towards the National Theatre intersection.
The statement advised motorists to respect and give way to siren-sounding vehicles.
Meanwhile the statement said extra parking spaces had been arranged on the Supreme Court premises, the old Parliament House and the Cultural centre.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
FIDELITY BANK SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH AFRICA FINANCE CORPORATION (Business Page)
May 21, 2010
Story: Mary Mensah
Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited today signed a $20 million trade finance agreement with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) to facilitate importation of petrolleum products into Ghana.
The Managing Director of Fidelity Bank signed for his company while Mr Andrew Alli, the President and Chief Executive officer of AFC signed for his company.
In an address, Mr Effah expressed satisfaction at his banks partnership with AFC and said the Ghana downstream oil industry is key to the economy.
He said oil-derived products supply 70 percent of Ghana's commercial energy needs and Fidelity Bank is pleased that through this important partnership it will be able to make a significant contribution to the local economy and better enable the delivery of retail petroleum products to the Ghanaian consumers.
On his part, Mr Alli said as a non-oil producing country for now, the Ghanaian Economy is heavily dependent on oil imports which consume a considerable portion of the government's annual budget.
He said this situation will no doubt change for the better once current operational and financial challenges in the oil refining sector are overcome adding that as a private sector-driven organisation AFC is pleased to be able to play a significant role in a trade finance deal of this kind, whose outcome will have positive implications for the local economy.
He said the AFC is an African led financial institution with the mission to improve African economies by proactively creating, developing and financing infrastructure, industrial and financial assets. Among other projects in which it is involvedd,
AFC is the lead investor in Cenpower Generation Company Limited which is implementing the $450 million Kpone IPP project - a 340 megawatt combined cycle gas turbine power plant in Tema, Ghana.
AFC is also the main African participant in a seven year USD$ 750 million syndicated reserve base lending facility to develop the landmark Ghanaians Jubilee Oil Field - West Africa's largest offshore deepwater find in over a decade.
AFC has also invested in and acquired a minority stake in the international firm seven energy limited. Seven Energy through its local subsidiary in Nigeria, Septa Energy Limited, is playing a critical pioneering role in developing gas for domestic use in Nigeria. Its operations are also expected to have a significant and positive effect on other key sectors of the Nigerian economy such as power.
Story: Mary Mensah
Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited today signed a $20 million trade finance agreement with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) to facilitate importation of petrolleum products into Ghana.
The Managing Director of Fidelity Bank signed for his company while Mr Andrew Alli, the President and Chief Executive officer of AFC signed for his company.
In an address, Mr Effah expressed satisfaction at his banks partnership with AFC and said the Ghana downstream oil industry is key to the economy.
He said oil-derived products supply 70 percent of Ghana's commercial energy needs and Fidelity Bank is pleased that through this important partnership it will be able to make a significant contribution to the local economy and better enable the delivery of retail petroleum products to the Ghanaian consumers.
On his part, Mr Alli said as a non-oil producing country for now, the Ghanaian Economy is heavily dependent on oil imports which consume a considerable portion of the government's annual budget.
He said this situation will no doubt change for the better once current operational and financial challenges in the oil refining sector are overcome adding that as a private sector-driven organisation AFC is pleased to be able to play a significant role in a trade finance deal of this kind, whose outcome will have positive implications for the local economy.
He said the AFC is an African led financial institution with the mission to improve African economies by proactively creating, developing and financing infrastructure, industrial and financial assets. Among other projects in which it is involvedd,
AFC is the lead investor in Cenpower Generation Company Limited which is implementing the $450 million Kpone IPP project - a 340 megawatt combined cycle gas turbine power plant in Tema, Ghana.
AFC is also the main African participant in a seven year USD$ 750 million syndicated reserve base lending facility to develop the landmark Ghanaians Jubilee Oil Field - West Africa's largest offshore deepwater find in over a decade.
AFC has also invested in and acquired a minority stake in the international firm seven energy limited. Seven Energy through its local subsidiary in Nigeria, Septa Energy Limited, is playing a critical pioneering role in developing gas for domestic use in Nigeria. Its operations are also expected to have a significant and positive effect on other key sectors of the Nigerian economy such as power.
SIC COMPANY LIMITED IS TO ESTABLISH SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES IN WEST AFRICA (Business Page)
May 20, 2010
Story: Mary Mensah
The SIC Insurance Company Limited is to establish subsidiary companies in the West African Sub Region as part of the company’s strategy of penetrating the international market.
The set-ups will be done in partnership with indigenous companies and resources in those countries in the sub region to achieve maximum impact.
The Chairman of the board of Director Mr Max Cobbina who announced this at the Annual General Meeting of the Company in Accra today said the initial focus will be on Sierra Leone and Liberia.
He said the level of competition in the insurance industry continues to be very keen with the number of registered Non-Life insurance companies standing at 23 and the industry also continues to register the entry of new insurance companies and its expected to make the playing field even more competitive.
He said the company’s operational performance for 2009 slacked as compared to 2008 adding that it mobilised an amount of GH¢56,88 million as gross earned premium income indicating a negative growth of 1.98 per cent over the previous year’s gross earned premium income of GH58. 03 million.
Mr Cobbina said the decline is due to the company’s compliance with the international Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) reporting requirements adding that on a gross premium written basis the company recorded GH¢62.19 million in 2009 as against GH¢56.26 million in 2008, a growth of about 10.5 per cent and the deferred premium income will be released in the year 2010.
He said the company’s profit before tax for the year was GH¢7.68 million as compared to year 2008 figure of Gh¢11.24 million and this represents a drop in the profit before tax of 31.6 per cent.
He indicated that despite the reduced profits the board of directors has proposed a total dividend payment of GH¢3,478,567 the same amount as was paid last year.
The Board Chairman said this translates to approximately 58.11 per cent of net profit after tax made in year 2009 and this works out to Gh¢0,0177 per share the same amount declared and paid in 2008 to valued shareholders.
Mr Cobbina asserted that the board has approve realignment of the operational processes and structure of the company into a bouquet type one-stop shop where the customer will be the utmost focus in the service delivery process.
He said in a bid to bring its services and products to the doorstep of the insuring public the board has agreed to management s proposal to open new offices in Obuasi, Suame and the DVLA office in Kumasi adding that the opening of the Adenta office will be completed this year.
On his part, the Managing Director of the company, Mr Benjamin Acolatse said the year 2009 was a challenging one for many reasons but with the stable economic environment prevailing now it is envisage that the company will push forward more strongly its focus on improved profitability that would ensure improved dividends for shareholders.
He said the primary objective of the company is to provide excellent customer service to its clients and has linked branches and area offices to the Wide Area Network (WAN) and this implies that clients can do business with the company from all its officers no mater where they originally took a policy from.
Mr Acolatse said the company has positioned itself quite well to take advantage of the opportunities that are emerging as a result of the oil and gas find offshore Ghana waters.
He announced that the company has been appointed to be the manger of the oil and Gas Consortium /Pool of insurers that is currently involved in the oil and gas insurance transactions.
The Managing Director said the company has been rated as AA by the Global Credit Rating Company of South Africa and this means the company has a very high claims paying ability, its protection factors are strong and risk exposure is modest.
He said by this rating SIC becomes the highest independently rated insurance company in the country.
Story: Mary Mensah
The SIC Insurance Company Limited is to establish subsidiary companies in the West African Sub Region as part of the company’s strategy of penetrating the international market.
The set-ups will be done in partnership with indigenous companies and resources in those countries in the sub region to achieve maximum impact.
The Chairman of the board of Director Mr Max Cobbina who announced this at the Annual General Meeting of the Company in Accra today said the initial focus will be on Sierra Leone and Liberia.
He said the level of competition in the insurance industry continues to be very keen with the number of registered Non-Life insurance companies standing at 23 and the industry also continues to register the entry of new insurance companies and its expected to make the playing field even more competitive.
He said the company’s operational performance for 2009 slacked as compared to 2008 adding that it mobilised an amount of GH¢56,88 million as gross earned premium income indicating a negative growth of 1.98 per cent over the previous year’s gross earned premium income of GH58. 03 million.
Mr Cobbina said the decline is due to the company’s compliance with the international Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) reporting requirements adding that on a gross premium written basis the company recorded GH¢62.19 million in 2009 as against GH¢56.26 million in 2008, a growth of about 10.5 per cent and the deferred premium income will be released in the year 2010.
He said the company’s profit before tax for the year was GH¢7.68 million as compared to year 2008 figure of Gh¢11.24 million and this represents a drop in the profit before tax of 31.6 per cent.
He indicated that despite the reduced profits the board of directors has proposed a total dividend payment of GH¢3,478,567 the same amount as was paid last year.
The Board Chairman said this translates to approximately 58.11 per cent of net profit after tax made in year 2009 and this works out to Gh¢0,0177 per share the same amount declared and paid in 2008 to valued shareholders.
Mr Cobbina asserted that the board has approve realignment of the operational processes and structure of the company into a bouquet type one-stop shop where the customer will be the utmost focus in the service delivery process.
He said in a bid to bring its services and products to the doorstep of the insuring public the board has agreed to management s proposal to open new offices in Obuasi, Suame and the DVLA office in Kumasi adding that the opening of the Adenta office will be completed this year.
On his part, the Managing Director of the company, Mr Benjamin Acolatse said the year 2009 was a challenging one for many reasons but with the stable economic environment prevailing now it is envisage that the company will push forward more strongly its focus on improved profitability that would ensure improved dividends for shareholders.
He said the primary objective of the company is to provide excellent customer service to its clients and has linked branches and area offices to the Wide Area Network (WAN) and this implies that clients can do business with the company from all its officers no mater where they originally took a policy from.
Mr Acolatse said the company has positioned itself quite well to take advantage of the opportunities that are emerging as a result of the oil and gas find offshore Ghana waters.
He announced that the company has been appointed to be the manger of the oil and Gas Consortium /Pool of insurers that is currently involved in the oil and gas insurance transactions.
The Managing Director said the company has been rated as AA by the Global Credit Rating Company of South Africa and this means the company has a very high claims paying ability, its protection factors are strong and risk exposure is modest.
He said by this rating SIC becomes the highest independently rated insurance company in the country.
BUSINESSMAN ARRESTED FOR FRAUD (Page 3)
May 20, 2010
Story: Mary Mensah
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has arrested a Ghanaian businessman for allegedly defrauding a Nigerian company of $10,834.
The suspect, Lawson Kumi was alleged to have bought equipment from Hitech Nigeria Limited on credit in June, 2008 but failed to pay back.
According to a source at the CID headquarters, the complainant in the case, Dr Onyeonoro Kamanu is the Chief Executive Officer of Hitech Nigeria Limited in Lagos, Nigeria which deals in equipment such as digital cameras, Royal Note Binding machines among others.
It said the suspect, who was an accountant living at Abelemkpe, was also the representative of the Hitech company in Ghana.
He said in 2006, the accused travelled to Nigeria and requested to be appointed the representative of the company in Ghana, as well as parts of other West African ???companies???.
Initially, his request was turned down by the complainant on the grounds that he was not known to the company but after a few days, he was able to convince the CEO that he would be faithful to him.He was finally appointed the company’s representative in Ghana.
In June 2008, the suspect was supplied with four Regiscope Checkcam Cameras all to the tune of $10, 834 on credit with the promise to supply it to a bank in Accra and pay as soon as the bank paid him.
An engineer was sent to Ghana at the expense of the company to install the cameras for the bank and also trained some technicians to maintain it.
After the installation at the bank, the accused went into hiding and has failed to pay Hitech though the bank has paid him.
When all efforts by the complainant to retrieve his money failed, a report was made on April 15, 2010 to the police leading to his arrest and upon interrogation, he admitted to the offence in his cautioned statement and said he sold the machine but made use of the money because times were hard.
The suspected has been arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court presided over by His Lordship Mr D. E. K. Dzakatsey, charged with defrauding by false pretences.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of GH¢20,000 with two sureties. The case has been adjourned to June 9, 2010.
PICTURE SUSPECT SAVED
Picture of suspect saved as Fraudster on Rosemond’s Desktop.
Story: Mary Mensah
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has arrested a Ghanaian businessman for allegedly defrauding a Nigerian company of $10,834.
The suspect, Lawson Kumi was alleged to have bought equipment from Hitech Nigeria Limited on credit in June, 2008 but failed to pay back.
According to a source at the CID headquarters, the complainant in the case, Dr Onyeonoro Kamanu is the Chief Executive Officer of Hitech Nigeria Limited in Lagos, Nigeria which deals in equipment such as digital cameras, Royal Note Binding machines among others.
It said the suspect, who was an accountant living at Abelemkpe, was also the representative of the Hitech company in Ghana.
He said in 2006, the accused travelled to Nigeria and requested to be appointed the representative of the company in Ghana, as well as parts of other West African ???companies???.
Initially, his request was turned down by the complainant on the grounds that he was not known to the company but after a few days, he was able to convince the CEO that he would be faithful to him.He was finally appointed the company’s representative in Ghana.
In June 2008, the suspect was supplied with four Regiscope Checkcam Cameras all to the tune of $10, 834 on credit with the promise to supply it to a bank in Accra and pay as soon as the bank paid him.
An engineer was sent to Ghana at the expense of the company to install the cameras for the bank and also trained some technicians to maintain it.
After the installation at the bank, the accused went into hiding and has failed to pay Hitech though the bank has paid him.
When all efforts by the complainant to retrieve his money failed, a report was made on April 15, 2010 to the police leading to his arrest and upon interrogation, he admitted to the offence in his cautioned statement and said he sold the machine but made use of the money because times were hard.
The suspected has been arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court presided over by His Lordship Mr D. E. K. Dzakatsey, charged with defrauding by false pretences.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of GH¢20,000 with two sureties. The case has been adjourned to June 9, 2010.
PICTURE SUSPECT SAVED
Picture of suspect saved as Fraudster on Rosemond’s Desktop.
INTERIOR MINISTER MEETS PRISON REGIONAL COMMANDERS (Page 24)
May 19 2010
Story: Mary Mensah
The Minister of the Interior, Mr Martin A. B. K Amidu, has stated that the oil find in the country places enormous task on the Prisons Service to ensure the safe custody of the incarcerated as a means of discouraging criminal conduct in the country.
He said the benefits of operating in a safe environment, to the prospective and honest foreign investor, cannot be ignored.
The minister, who was opening the Prisons Regional Commanders conference on the theme: “ Keeping Pace with Modern Penal Administration: Challenges Ahead”, in Accra yesterday, said as key partner in the criminal justice system, the service had the responsibility to enhance its contribution towards ensuring public safety.
He also stressed the need for a critical assessment of the security situation in all the country’s prisons to forestall prison breaks from recurring.
He said the recent jailbreak at the Sekondi Central Prisons, which led to the seizure of weapons and the escape of 10 prisoners, had brought to the fore the challenges the prison service faced in contributing to public safety.
Mr Amidu said criminality had assumed a high level of sophistication and therefore was imperative to hasten to adapt to the changing trends, adding that this called for a review of the human resource development and other training policies to equip the officers to cope with the enormous task on hand.
He asserted that over-crowding in the prisons had reached alarming proportions and the inmate population was over 13, 500 as against an authorised capacity of 7, 875 prisoners.
This situation, he said, was not acceptable to the President of Ghana and it was against this backdrop that the government was pushing for early completion of the Ankaful Maximum Security Prisons. The facility under construction has a capacity to take 2,000 high risk prisoners to ease congestion in other prisons.
He said remand prisoners formed 26 per cent of the inmate population, thus worsening the over-crowding problem and the government was again committed to the “ Justice for All Programme”, which is expected to reduce to, at least, half of the remand prison population by July 2010.
Mr Amidu indicated that the establishment of prisons settlement camps to take custody of low risk prisoners was a priority for the government and would be pursued in earnest.
“ The constitutional injunction of justice and respect for human rights, especially the rights of inmates, demands of you to be circumspect in the treatment of the inmates in custody, ” he said.
He assured the officers and men of the service of the government’s continued commitment to building the capacity of the service to cope with the changing trends in penal administration world-wide.
The Acting Director General of Prisons, Mr Michael Kofi Bansah, said it was evident now that the type of prisoners in custody called for a more sophisticated approach to their handling.
He said the recent jailbreak at the Sekondi Central Prisons drew attention the need to look at the current prison structures, which are colonial vestiges from the 19th Century.
He said it also called for an improvement in the preparation and training of prison staff for intelligence and security duties adding that as a human institution mistakes were bound to occur.
Mr Bansah indicated that a new wind was blowing over Africa and African prisons and correction institutions were searching for better ways to improve on their delivery with the aim of assisting their societies to control crime and improve on the economic and political environment.
Story: Mary Mensah
The Minister of the Interior, Mr Martin A. B. K Amidu, has stated that the oil find in the country places enormous task on the Prisons Service to ensure the safe custody of the incarcerated as a means of discouraging criminal conduct in the country.
He said the benefits of operating in a safe environment, to the prospective and honest foreign investor, cannot be ignored.
The minister, who was opening the Prisons Regional Commanders conference on the theme: “ Keeping Pace with Modern Penal Administration: Challenges Ahead”, in Accra yesterday, said as key partner in the criminal justice system, the service had the responsibility to enhance its contribution towards ensuring public safety.
He also stressed the need for a critical assessment of the security situation in all the country’s prisons to forestall prison breaks from recurring.
He said the recent jailbreak at the Sekondi Central Prisons, which led to the seizure of weapons and the escape of 10 prisoners, had brought to the fore the challenges the prison service faced in contributing to public safety.
Mr Amidu said criminality had assumed a high level of sophistication and therefore was imperative to hasten to adapt to the changing trends, adding that this called for a review of the human resource development and other training policies to equip the officers to cope with the enormous task on hand.
He asserted that over-crowding in the prisons had reached alarming proportions and the inmate population was over 13, 500 as against an authorised capacity of 7, 875 prisoners.
This situation, he said, was not acceptable to the President of Ghana and it was against this backdrop that the government was pushing for early completion of the Ankaful Maximum Security Prisons. The facility under construction has a capacity to take 2,000 high risk prisoners to ease congestion in other prisons.
He said remand prisoners formed 26 per cent of the inmate population, thus worsening the over-crowding problem and the government was again committed to the “ Justice for All Programme”, which is expected to reduce to, at least, half of the remand prison population by July 2010.
Mr Amidu indicated that the establishment of prisons settlement camps to take custody of low risk prisoners was a priority for the government and would be pursued in earnest.
“ The constitutional injunction of justice and respect for human rights, especially the rights of inmates, demands of you to be circumspect in the treatment of the inmates in custody, ” he said.
He assured the officers and men of the service of the government’s continued commitment to building the capacity of the service to cope with the changing trends in penal administration world-wide.
The Acting Director General of Prisons, Mr Michael Kofi Bansah, said it was evident now that the type of prisoners in custody called for a more sophisticated approach to their handling.
He said the recent jailbreak at the Sekondi Central Prisons drew attention the need to look at the current prison structures, which are colonial vestiges from the 19th Century.
He said it also called for an improvement in the preparation and training of prison staff for intelligence and security duties adding that as a human institution mistakes were bound to occur.
Mr Bansah indicated that a new wind was blowing over Africa and African prisons and correction institutions were searching for better ways to improve on their delivery with the aim of assisting their societies to control crime and improve on the economic and political environment.
POLICE TO LAUNCH A FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN (Centre Pages)
May 18, 2010
Story: Mary Mensah
The Police Council will launch a five-year strategic policy in Accra tomorrow, May 19, 2010 aimed at improving the operations of the Ghana Police Service and turning it into a world-class organisation.
Dubbed: “The Strategic National Policing Plan,” it will be launched by the Vice-President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, under the distinguished chairmanship of Professor Kofi Awoonor, Chairman of the Council of State, at the Alisa Hotel, North Ridge in Accra.
The document is a holistic package that will improve all aspects of policing in the country and it is also envisaged that the implementation of the policy will call for retooling and provision of equipment for the service and housing for service personnel.
Another key area that the document may look at is how to partner civil society in general policing matters.
About 500 people are expected to be at the launch.
The Plan, 2010-2014 represents the second formal attempt by the Ghana Police Service to fulfil the combined specification of the strategic objectives, national policing targets and capacity building programmes and activities to be implemented over the medium term of five years and beyond to 2020.
It also seeks to fulfil the vision and mission of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Police Council, the directorate at the Police Headquarters, Regional, Divisional and District Commanders including all staff in the stations and posts of the service and will be implemented with the motto “ To Protect and Serve (Ghanaians) with Honour”.
The purpose of the plan is to enable the Ghana Police Service (GPS) to focus on democratic policing practices, as mandated by the constitution, in serving the communities and the people, first, by reviewing the prevailing socio-economic conditions, stakeholders’ expectations, other environmental factors, the strengths and weaknesses of the service and where the organisation is or fits now.
The need to set such formal direction and targets for the Ghana Police service in its strategic/ National Policing plan as to where the organisation wishes to go.
The specified direction of the plan commits the IGP, Director General, Directors and other service managers to be proactive, anticipate, recognise impending threats and, plan to seize the opportunities available to achieve their objective.
The National Policing plan seeks to institutionalise the culture of democratic, non-coercive policing methods to achieve policing objectives, targets, a and reporting practices, to tackle crime successfully from local to national levels and across borders.
The clearer direction of the Plan provides, “where we are all going, enables all officers to feel part of the team and process, to use their skills to make innovative and effective decisions and motivated staff to put in extra effort to move to the service ahead towards its mission fulfilment”..
It provides a basis for preparation of special purpose plans, like regional, divisional, district plans, financial business plans, human resource plans, equipment and materials procurement plans etc.
The plan finally provides key stakeholders, like the Police Council, Ministry of Interior, funding sources like Government of Ghana and Development.
Story: Mary Mensah
The Police Council will launch a five-year strategic policy in Accra tomorrow, May 19, 2010 aimed at improving the operations of the Ghana Police Service and turning it into a world-class organisation.
Dubbed: “The Strategic National Policing Plan,” it will be launched by the Vice-President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, under the distinguished chairmanship of Professor Kofi Awoonor, Chairman of the Council of State, at the Alisa Hotel, North Ridge in Accra.
The document is a holistic package that will improve all aspects of policing in the country and it is also envisaged that the implementation of the policy will call for retooling and provision of equipment for the service and housing for service personnel.
Another key area that the document may look at is how to partner civil society in general policing matters.
About 500 people are expected to be at the launch.
The Plan, 2010-2014 represents the second formal attempt by the Ghana Police Service to fulfil the combined specification of the strategic objectives, national policing targets and capacity building programmes and activities to be implemented over the medium term of five years and beyond to 2020.
It also seeks to fulfil the vision and mission of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Police Council, the directorate at the Police Headquarters, Regional, Divisional and District Commanders including all staff in the stations and posts of the service and will be implemented with the motto “ To Protect and Serve (Ghanaians) with Honour”.
The purpose of the plan is to enable the Ghana Police Service (GPS) to focus on democratic policing practices, as mandated by the constitution, in serving the communities and the people, first, by reviewing the prevailing socio-economic conditions, stakeholders’ expectations, other environmental factors, the strengths and weaknesses of the service and where the organisation is or fits now.
The need to set such formal direction and targets for the Ghana Police service in its strategic/ National Policing plan as to where the organisation wishes to go.
The specified direction of the plan commits the IGP, Director General, Directors and other service managers to be proactive, anticipate, recognise impending threats and, plan to seize the opportunities available to achieve their objective.
The National Policing plan seeks to institutionalise the culture of democratic, non-coercive policing methods to achieve policing objectives, targets, a and reporting practices, to tackle crime successfully from local to national levels and across borders.
The clearer direction of the Plan provides, “where we are all going, enables all officers to feel part of the team and process, to use their skills to make innovative and effective decisions and motivated staff to put in extra effort to move to the service ahead towards its mission fulfilment”..
It provides a basis for preparation of special purpose plans, like regional, divisional, district plans, financial business plans, human resource plans, equipment and materials procurement plans etc.
The plan finally provides key stakeholders, like the Police Council, Ministry of Interior, funding sources like Government of Ghana and Development.
THREE POLICE PERSONNEL INTERDICTED (page 3)
May 17, 2010
Stro: Mary Mensah
THREE members of the Police Highway Patrol Unit in Accra have been interdicted on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye.
According to the Police Administration, the three — PW Inspector Olivia Asobayere, Corporal Maxwell Boapong and Lance Corporal Charles Quaye — allegedly stole some money belonging to a victim of a motor accident on the Accra-Tema Motorway while on official duty.
After the arrest, detention and interdiction of the suspects, the Police Intelligence and Professional Standards Bureau (PIPS) swiftly investigated the case and recommended that service enquiry should be held into their conduct, while the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) also pursued criminal enquiry into the matter.
A search conducted on the three persons following their arrest revealed some undisclosed amount which had been retained for investigations.
Confirming the action to the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, the Director of Police Public Affairs, DSP Kwesi Ofori, said the response of the Police Administration was to affirm that it would not condone any criminal act from within and that as part of its image-cleansing campaign, no policeman who misconducted himself or herself or acted criminally would be spared.
He indicated that from the beginning of the year to date the Police Administration had interdicted over 30 policemen and women for various acts of misconduct and recalled the challenge from the IGP for personnel to be upright in character and be guided by the principles of integrity, accountability and service excellence.
He said guided by that, the administration would deal ruthlessly with any police officer who worked against public safety and interest, contrary to the mandate of the police to protect and safeguard all persons and their properties and not condone crime.
According to him, the image-cleansing campaign would continue till all the bad lots in the service had been smoked out.
On May 3, 2010, the members of the patrol team were on their routine duties on the Accra-Tema Motorway when they chanced upon an accident victim, a businessman who was travelling on the motorway.
The team assisted the victim and took him to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
But investigations revealed that an amount of money had been taken from the victim after the accident.
Stro: Mary Mensah
THREE members of the Police Highway Patrol Unit in Accra have been interdicted on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye.
According to the Police Administration, the three — PW Inspector Olivia Asobayere, Corporal Maxwell Boapong and Lance Corporal Charles Quaye — allegedly stole some money belonging to a victim of a motor accident on the Accra-Tema Motorway while on official duty.
After the arrest, detention and interdiction of the suspects, the Police Intelligence and Professional Standards Bureau (PIPS) swiftly investigated the case and recommended that service enquiry should be held into their conduct, while the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) also pursued criminal enquiry into the matter.
A search conducted on the three persons following their arrest revealed some undisclosed amount which had been retained for investigations.
Confirming the action to the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, the Director of Police Public Affairs, DSP Kwesi Ofori, said the response of the Police Administration was to affirm that it would not condone any criminal act from within and that as part of its image-cleansing campaign, no policeman who misconducted himself or herself or acted criminally would be spared.
He indicated that from the beginning of the year to date the Police Administration had interdicted over 30 policemen and women for various acts of misconduct and recalled the challenge from the IGP for personnel to be upright in character and be guided by the principles of integrity, accountability and service excellence.
He said guided by that, the administration would deal ruthlessly with any police officer who worked against public safety and interest, contrary to the mandate of the police to protect and safeguard all persons and their properties and not condone crime.
According to him, the image-cleansing campaign would continue till all the bad lots in the service had been smoked out.
On May 3, 2010, the members of the patrol team were on their routine duties on the Accra-Tema Motorway when they chanced upon an accident victim, a businessman who was travelling on the motorway.
The team assisted the victim and took him to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
But investigations revealed that an amount of money had been taken from the victim after the accident.
GOVT TO EQUIP FIRE SERVICE (Centre Spread)
May 7 2010
Story: Mary Mensah
THE Government has sourced funds to provide the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) with fire appliances and equipment to adequately equip all existing fire stations and new ones to be opened.
The loan facility from the Exim Banks of India and America will be used to provide the GNFS with 75 fire tenders, five foam tenders and over 100 fire appliances, including hydraulic platforms.
Many personnel of the service will also be trained within and outside the country as part of the package from the two facilities.
The Chairman of the Fire Service Council and Member of Parliament for Abokobi-Madina Constituency, Alhaji Amadu Sorogho, who announced this at the graduation of the Cadet Course VII in Accra last Friday, said arrangements were also being made by the government to source more funds from other countries in order to support the GNFS with new fire equipment, ambulances and training of personnel in Oil and Gas fires.
He said the Fire Service Council, in collaboration with the management of the service, was finalising the review of the service conditions of the GNFS and very soon the final document would be approved to improve the lives of all fire personnel in the country.
Alhaji Sorogho asserted that the Fire Service Council was also following up on a proposal to the Ministry of the Interior for personnel of the service to go on peacekeeping missions.
He expressed the hope that when the proposal was approved, as many fire personnel as possible would have the opportunity to go on peacekeeping missions like their counterparts in the other security services.
He announced that the World Rescue Organisation and the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation had rated the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) as the first in the area of extrication in the sub-region and second to South Africa in the whole of Africa.
The Member of Parliament said to this end, the service had been invited by the two organisations to participate in the World Extrication Challenge scheduled for Ireland in September, this year.
He said as part of management‘s efforts to ensure higher professional development of personnel, the graduates were put on eight-week practical attachment and taken through routine duties in the various departments of the service.
Alhaji Sorogho, therefore, congratulated the 210 graduates for successfully going through a hectic three-month period of training. He also commended the Commandant and staff of the Fire Academy and Training School for their hard work and commitment.
The Chief Fire Officer, Mr William Brown-Acquaye, said the Fire Academy and Training School was established in 1957 at the old Fire Service headquarters near the Lighthouse at James Town in Accra and was moved to its current location, which used to be the depot for Mobil Oil Ghana Limited, in 1989.
He said the school offered five levels of training - recruit courses, refresher courses, industrial training, cadet courses and career courses.
Mr Brown-Acquaye said the 210 officer cadets who passed out as station officers and group officers had served for periods ranging from 15 to 20 years and that they commenced training on February 7, 2010. The batch is made up of 145 men and 65 women.
Samuel Kofi Sagoe emerged the overall best officer cadet.
Story: Mary Mensah
THE Government has sourced funds to provide the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) with fire appliances and equipment to adequately equip all existing fire stations and new ones to be opened.
The loan facility from the Exim Banks of India and America will be used to provide the GNFS with 75 fire tenders, five foam tenders and over 100 fire appliances, including hydraulic platforms.
Many personnel of the service will also be trained within and outside the country as part of the package from the two facilities.
The Chairman of the Fire Service Council and Member of Parliament for Abokobi-Madina Constituency, Alhaji Amadu Sorogho, who announced this at the graduation of the Cadet Course VII in Accra last Friday, said arrangements were also being made by the government to source more funds from other countries in order to support the GNFS with new fire equipment, ambulances and training of personnel in Oil and Gas fires.
He said the Fire Service Council, in collaboration with the management of the service, was finalising the review of the service conditions of the GNFS and very soon the final document would be approved to improve the lives of all fire personnel in the country.
Alhaji Sorogho asserted that the Fire Service Council was also following up on a proposal to the Ministry of the Interior for personnel of the service to go on peacekeeping missions.
He expressed the hope that when the proposal was approved, as many fire personnel as possible would have the opportunity to go on peacekeeping missions like their counterparts in the other security services.
He announced that the World Rescue Organisation and the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation had rated the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) as the first in the area of extrication in the sub-region and second to South Africa in the whole of Africa.
The Member of Parliament said to this end, the service had been invited by the two organisations to participate in the World Extrication Challenge scheduled for Ireland in September, this year.
He said as part of management‘s efforts to ensure higher professional development of personnel, the graduates were put on eight-week practical attachment and taken through routine duties in the various departments of the service.
Alhaji Sorogho, therefore, congratulated the 210 graduates for successfully going through a hectic three-month period of training. He also commended the Commandant and staff of the Fire Academy and Training School for their hard work and commitment.
The Chief Fire Officer, Mr William Brown-Acquaye, said the Fire Academy and Training School was established in 1957 at the old Fire Service headquarters near the Lighthouse at James Town in Accra and was moved to its current location, which used to be the depot for Mobil Oil Ghana Limited, in 1989.
He said the school offered five levels of training - recruit courses, refresher courses, industrial training, cadet courses and career courses.
Mr Brown-Acquaye said the 210 officer cadets who passed out as station officers and group officers had served for periods ranging from 15 to 20 years and that they commenced training on February 7, 2010. The batch is made up of 145 men and 65 women.
Samuel Kofi Sagoe emerged the overall best officer cadet.
LABOURER THROAT SLIT IN A BIZARRE INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT (Front Page)
May 7, 2010
Story: Mary Mensah
FRANK Nii Okai, a 22-year-old labourer, bled to death when he had his throat slashed, almost severing his head from the body in a bizarre industrial accident at the Allutrade Company Limited, manufacturers of sliding doors, windows and louvre blades in Accra.
Frank, a casual labourer at the factory, which is located at the South Industrial Area in Accra, met his fate on Wednesday when a massive glass he and three others were conveying by hand from a warehouse to the factory broke midway.
An eyewitness told the Daily Graphic that Frank stumbled over a piece of the glass he was holding and fell before the larger part slipped from the hands of his colleagues and crashed on his neck, leaving a gory spectacle of a severely slashed throat and blood.
According to the eyewitness, as the deceased struggled in the pool of his own blood, his petrified colleagues looked on helplessly with others wailing to attract the attention of other workers.
He said the most frightening of the scenes was when the deceased pulled himself from the ground and in his blood-soaked state, ran to the factory gate where he collapsed again before a few brave ones went to his aid by trying to stop the bleeding by tying a shirt to his throat.
He was then put in a vehicle and rushed to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
None of the other three labourers sustained any injury.
The glass was part of the daily consignment the company procures from the Tema Port for the casual labourers to offload from vehicles to the factory’s warehouses to be processed for customers.
Some of the factory workers the Daily Graphic spoke to said they suspected that the particular glass Frank and his colleagues were handling had developed cracks before it arrived on the factory’s premises.
“That is not unusual but what happened yesterday was beyond comprehension; since I started working at the factory I have never witnessed or heard of such an incident, it was scary,” one of them said.
When the Kaneshie Police was contacted, the District Commander, Superintendent Iddrisu Abu Yakubu, confirmed the incident and said it was reported to the station by one Ben Aglah, an accountant of the company.
The commander said a team of police personnel were then dispatched to the scene to begin investigations.
When the Daily Graphic visited the factory some of the workers raised issues with the safety standards prevailing at their workplace and the fact that there was no union to act on their behalf.
They said they worked under very deplorable conditions with no safety measures and there was no union to address their grievances and anytime one complained s/he was sacked from the factory.
But with the Managing Director said to be on a visit to Lebanon and the accountant also out of the country no management member was available to speak to on the issues.
Story: Mary Mensah
FRANK Nii Okai, a 22-year-old labourer, bled to death when he had his throat slashed, almost severing his head from the body in a bizarre industrial accident at the Allutrade Company Limited, manufacturers of sliding doors, windows and louvre blades in Accra.
Frank, a casual labourer at the factory, which is located at the South Industrial Area in Accra, met his fate on Wednesday when a massive glass he and three others were conveying by hand from a warehouse to the factory broke midway.
An eyewitness told the Daily Graphic that Frank stumbled over a piece of the glass he was holding and fell before the larger part slipped from the hands of his colleagues and crashed on his neck, leaving a gory spectacle of a severely slashed throat and blood.
According to the eyewitness, as the deceased struggled in the pool of his own blood, his petrified colleagues looked on helplessly with others wailing to attract the attention of other workers.
He said the most frightening of the scenes was when the deceased pulled himself from the ground and in his blood-soaked state, ran to the factory gate where he collapsed again before a few brave ones went to his aid by trying to stop the bleeding by tying a shirt to his throat.
He was then put in a vehicle and rushed to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
None of the other three labourers sustained any injury.
The glass was part of the daily consignment the company procures from the Tema Port for the casual labourers to offload from vehicles to the factory’s warehouses to be processed for customers.
Some of the factory workers the Daily Graphic spoke to said they suspected that the particular glass Frank and his colleagues were handling had developed cracks before it arrived on the factory’s premises.
“That is not unusual but what happened yesterday was beyond comprehension; since I started working at the factory I have never witnessed or heard of such an incident, it was scary,” one of them said.
When the Kaneshie Police was contacted, the District Commander, Superintendent Iddrisu Abu Yakubu, confirmed the incident and said it was reported to the station by one Ben Aglah, an accountant of the company.
The commander said a team of police personnel were then dispatched to the scene to begin investigations.
When the Daily Graphic visited the factory some of the workers raised issues with the safety standards prevailing at their workplace and the fact that there was no union to act on their behalf.
They said they worked under very deplorable conditions with no safety measures and there was no union to address their grievances and anytime one complained s/he was sacked from the factory.
But with the Managing Director said to be on a visit to Lebanon and the accountant also out of the country no management member was available to speak to on the issues.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
AIRLINE OPERATORS ADVISED TO BE READY FOR GHANA'S OIL (Page 28)
30/4/2010
Story: Mary Mensah
Airline operators have been advised to hold themselves in readiness to provide air travel services which will be occassioned by the commercial production of oil in the country.
The Minister of Transport,Mr Mike Hammah said that the oil find in Ghana would pose a serious challenge to air travel because a lot investors were expected to travel to and from the country to conduct business activities.
At the Board of Airlines (BaRGH) stakeholders forum in Accra, Mr Hammah said government would continue to provide the necessary enabling environment for the air travel industry to enable it grow to internationally accepted levels.
The forum which held biannually provides opportunity to stakeholders in the airline industry to share ideas and to disseminate vital information to strengthen and improve air transport.
He said the commitment of government towards the development of the air travel industry was demonstrated by commitment to implement regional and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) decisions, standards and recommendaded practices expeditiously in spite of obvious challenges and constrants face by developing countries.
“Today without being self pleasing, it could be said that Ghana’s aviation industry was fast growing and perhaps most competitive in the West African sub-region”, he said.
Mr Hammah said the ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority were taking the requisite steps to ensure that Ghana regained its FAA category of status which primarily would enhance operations to the United States of America and also afford passengers with various choices.
He said even though government has done a lot at the Kotota International Airport (KIA) there are a few infrastural issues to be handled to make the airport a much more competitive one adding that neccesary steps are being taking to address the issue of inadequate fuel storage capacity at the airport.
Story: Mary Mensah
Airline operators have been advised to hold themselves in readiness to provide air travel services which will be occassioned by the commercial production of oil in the country.
The Minister of Transport,Mr Mike Hammah said that the oil find in Ghana would pose a serious challenge to air travel because a lot investors were expected to travel to and from the country to conduct business activities.
At the Board of Airlines (BaRGH) stakeholders forum in Accra, Mr Hammah said government would continue to provide the necessary enabling environment for the air travel industry to enable it grow to internationally accepted levels.
The forum which held biannually provides opportunity to stakeholders in the airline industry to share ideas and to disseminate vital information to strengthen and improve air transport.
He said the commitment of government towards the development of the air travel industry was demonstrated by commitment to implement regional and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) decisions, standards and recommendaded practices expeditiously in spite of obvious challenges and constrants face by developing countries.
“Today without being self pleasing, it could be said that Ghana’s aviation industry was fast growing and perhaps most competitive in the West African sub-region”, he said.
Mr Hammah said the ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority were taking the requisite steps to ensure that Ghana regained its FAA category of status which primarily would enhance operations to the United States of America and also afford passengers with various choices.
He said even though government has done a lot at the Kotota International Airport (KIA) there are a few infrastural issues to be handled to make the airport a much more competitive one adding that neccesary steps are being taking to address the issue of inadequate fuel storage capacity at the airport.
GHANA ACHIEVES 67 PERCENT TELEPHONE PENETRATION (PAGE 3)
4/28/10
Story: Mary Mensah
The Contribution of the private sector has enabled Ghana to achieve a 67 per cent telephone penetration with over 15 million subscribers.
This increase poses interesting challenges to the management of the numbering resource and because of this, the National Communications Authority (NCA) has began restructuring the country's numbering plan.
The Deputy Minister of Communications, Mr Gideon Quarcoo, announced this at the opening of a three-day workshop on numbering planning and convergence of numbering which was organised by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in Accra today.
He said numbers had always had an important role in telecommunications and the importance of numbering as a regulatory instrument had increased significantly with fair and transparent access to numbers being an essential part of ensuring a competitive telecommunications market.
He said a properly managed numbering system also created business opportunities in the manner the numbers were used adding that the short code numbers were widely used in Ghana for phone-ins and television transmission.
Mr Quarcoo urged the NCA to endeavour to introduce innovative schemes that would allow individuals to procure numbers to use for other services and share in the revenues to be derived from them.
He said with the experience of the recent global financial difficulties that had hampered investment in the ICT sector, it was necessary for the national regulators to explore areas that would enhance revenue for national development.
He commended the NCA for installing equipment to control and check fraud associated with illegal voice termination in Ghana and assured telecom operators that the measures and initiatives being put in place by the NCA did not hinder commercial freedom encouraged by the ITU and WTO.
He called on the media to take interest in ICT development since the media was an essential partner in the crusade to build a well-informed and knowledgeable society in Africa.
Dr Pasmor Kuranchi, a member of the board of the National Communications Authority (NCA), who chaired the function stressed the need to develop the appropriate capacity within countries to ensure that numbering planning and addressing mechanisms kept pace with the demands being made by users.
He said recent developments in technology seemed to suggest that in the not too distant future, household items such as refrigerators, television sets and lightning systems could all be assessed via the Internet for remote controlling ???.
Dr Kuranchi noted that the development of the ICT sectors in the countries of the sub-region in particular and developing countries in general must be very important to all.
He urged the participants to deliberate further on the issues affecting the regional Internet registry with special focus on the ITU plans for developing countries.
Story: Mary Mensah
The Contribution of the private sector has enabled Ghana to achieve a 67 per cent telephone penetration with over 15 million subscribers.
This increase poses interesting challenges to the management of the numbering resource and because of this, the National Communications Authority (NCA) has began restructuring the country's numbering plan.
The Deputy Minister of Communications, Mr Gideon Quarcoo, announced this at the opening of a three-day workshop on numbering planning and convergence of numbering which was organised by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in Accra today.
He said numbers had always had an important role in telecommunications and the importance of numbering as a regulatory instrument had increased significantly with fair and transparent access to numbers being an essential part of ensuring a competitive telecommunications market.
He said a properly managed numbering system also created business opportunities in the manner the numbers were used adding that the short code numbers were widely used in Ghana for phone-ins and television transmission.
Mr Quarcoo urged the NCA to endeavour to introduce innovative schemes that would allow individuals to procure numbers to use for other services and share in the revenues to be derived from them.
He said with the experience of the recent global financial difficulties that had hampered investment in the ICT sector, it was necessary for the national regulators to explore areas that would enhance revenue for national development.
He commended the NCA for installing equipment to control and check fraud associated with illegal voice termination in Ghana and assured telecom operators that the measures and initiatives being put in place by the NCA did not hinder commercial freedom encouraged by the ITU and WTO.
He called on the media to take interest in ICT development since the media was an essential partner in the crusade to build a well-informed and knowledgeable society in Africa.
Dr Pasmor Kuranchi, a member of the board of the National Communications Authority (NCA), who chaired the function stressed the need to develop the appropriate capacity within countries to ensure that numbering planning and addressing mechanisms kept pace with the demands being made by users.
He said recent developments in technology seemed to suggest that in the not too distant future, household items such as refrigerators, television sets and lightning systems could all be assessed via the Internet for remote controlling ???.
Dr Kuranchi noted that the development of the ICT sectors in the countries of the sub-region in particular and developing countries in general must be very important to all.
He urged the participants to deliberate further on the issues affecting the regional Internet registry with special focus on the ITU plans for developing countries.
48 ENGINEERS REGIMENT RECEIVED COMSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FROM MOD (Centre Spread)
4/26/10
Story: Mary Mensah
THE Ministry of Defence (MoD) yesterday handed over construction equipment to the 48 Engineers Regiment to enhance the execution of various construction projects the unit is currently undertaking.
They include two graders, two payloaders, two back hoe diggers, four tipper trucks and one roller.
Presenting the equipment at a ceremony in Accra, the Minister for Defence, Lt-General J. H. Smith (retd), said the gesture formed part of the government's promise of improving the standards of the Ghana Armed Forces and, to a larger extent, the country as a whole.
He said in his State of the Nation Address, President John Evans Atta Mills promised to establish a new Engineers Regiment in the northern sector of the country to help take up engineering commitments in that area and help facilitate the government’s infrastructure development agenda.
He said that also entailed equipping the 48 Engineers Regiment to become a more vibrant construction-oriented unit in pursuance of the socio-economic development plan of the country.
Lt-Gen Smith said the regiment had made a great impact in the Afram Plains with the construction of feeder roads and various projects in Sefwi Wiawso and its environs.
He hinted that the regiment had been tasked to submit proposed designs for a pilot project to construct classrooms for deprived communities, adding that various proposals were also far advanced with the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing to acquire more contracts for the regiment.
The Commandant of the regiment, Lt Col Mohammed Mustapha, said the regiment had the capability and human resource but was not adequately equipped to enable it to carry out its assigned duties and roles effectively.
He said the regiment had mapped out strategies to use the equipment as the foundation to further equip itself to full capacity.
Story: Mary Mensah
THE Ministry of Defence (MoD) yesterday handed over construction equipment to the 48 Engineers Regiment to enhance the execution of various construction projects the unit is currently undertaking.
They include two graders, two payloaders, two back hoe diggers, four tipper trucks and one roller.
Presenting the equipment at a ceremony in Accra, the Minister for Defence, Lt-General J. H. Smith (retd), said the gesture formed part of the government's promise of improving the standards of the Ghana Armed Forces and, to a larger extent, the country as a whole.
He said in his State of the Nation Address, President John Evans Atta Mills promised to establish a new Engineers Regiment in the northern sector of the country to help take up engineering commitments in that area and help facilitate the government’s infrastructure development agenda.
He said that also entailed equipping the 48 Engineers Regiment to become a more vibrant construction-oriented unit in pursuance of the socio-economic development plan of the country.
Lt-Gen Smith said the regiment had made a great impact in the Afram Plains with the construction of feeder roads and various projects in Sefwi Wiawso and its environs.
He hinted that the regiment had been tasked to submit proposed designs for a pilot project to construct classrooms for deprived communities, adding that various proposals were also far advanced with the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing to acquire more contracts for the regiment.
The Commandant of the regiment, Lt Col Mohammed Mustapha, said the regiment had the capability and human resource but was not adequately equipped to enable it to carry out its assigned duties and roles effectively.
He said the regiment had mapped out strategies to use the equipment as the foundation to further equip itself to full capacity.
ECOBANK GHANA HOLDS AGM (Business Page)
4/23/10
Story: Mary Mensah
ECOBANK Ghana Limited has posted a 67 per cent growth in its profit before tax, which increased from GH¢ 44 million in 2008 to GH¢ 72.68 million for last year.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, Mr Tei Mensah Mante said the sterling performance of the bank amidst stiff competition also let to growth in profit after tax which increased from GH¢ 34 million to GH¢ 597 million within the period under review.
“This performance was driven by growth in our income streams. Interest income increased by 81 per cent from GH¢ 68.7 million to GH¢ 131.4 million,” Mr Mante said.
He added that fees and commissions also grow by 112 per cent from GH¢ 288 million to GH¢ 448.2 million, although operating cost also shot up by 35 per cent.
According to the chairman total assets of the bank also appreciated by 51 per cent from GH¢ 19.7 million in 2008 to Gh¢1.38 billion last year, a phenomenon which Mr Mante was an indication of the banks “strength and capability to remain competitive in the industry.”
He said given these results the board has proposed a dividend of 18 Ghana pesewa per share an increase from 16 Ghana Pesewa per share and this 13 per cent increase for shareholders is in addition to the bonus issue that occurred in the year.
He said globally though the worst of the credit crisis appears to be behind and real recovery has been sluggish in spite of the wide ranging public stimuli programs in all the major economies and unemployment in particularly remains a very challenging problem for all.
He said in view of this the central banks of most developed economies are still pursuing low interest rate policies and LIBOR rates are below 1 per cent adding that the central banks of emerging and developing economies are also cutting rates aggressively.
Mr Mante indicated that the bank has consistently remained amongst the highest performers in the return on equity in the financial industry demonstrating the viability of the bank as a premier destination for investor funds.
The Managing Director of the Bank, Mr Samuel Ashitey Adjei said the local economy remained downbeat with tightly controlled public spending and the management of fiscal policy produced an improvement of most indices over 2008.
He said eventhough commodity prices made good gains in 2009, except for the first quarter of the year inflation has been on the decline during 2009 ending the year just below 16 per cent, the lowest level since May 2008.
Mr Adjei said the real GDP growth rate of 4.5 per cent though modest was to be expected considering that global demand was yet to return to normal levels and that the current GDP was sustained mainly by domestic demand.
He said the risk management strategy of the bank is to build a well diversified and well managed risk portfolio in defined target markets to generate high return on capital adding that Ecobank’s preparation towards full compliance with the Basel II framework for risk management are also far advanced.
He said the bank is more accessible now with nine new branches added in 2009 including the first branch in the Volta region at Aflao and this brings the total branch network to 52 branches countrywide.
“The banking industry will remain increasingly competitive and we believe that market penetration will increase but with strong leverage on our continental network and representative offices in key destinations of commerce, we are confident of outperforming our competition,” he said.
The Managing Director noted that Ecobank remains a leading bank in Ghana with a penchant for innovation and excellent customer service and look forward for a brighter future with their shareholders and other stakeholders to build a solid bank delivering great returns on investments.
Story: Mary Mensah
ECOBANK Ghana Limited has posted a 67 per cent growth in its profit before tax, which increased from GH¢ 44 million in 2008 to GH¢ 72.68 million for last year.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, Mr Tei Mensah Mante said the sterling performance of the bank amidst stiff competition also let to growth in profit after tax which increased from GH¢ 34 million to GH¢ 597 million within the period under review.
“This performance was driven by growth in our income streams. Interest income increased by 81 per cent from GH¢ 68.7 million to GH¢ 131.4 million,” Mr Mante said.
He added that fees and commissions also grow by 112 per cent from GH¢ 288 million to GH¢ 448.2 million, although operating cost also shot up by 35 per cent.
According to the chairman total assets of the bank also appreciated by 51 per cent from GH¢ 19.7 million in 2008 to Gh¢1.38 billion last year, a phenomenon which Mr Mante was an indication of the banks “strength and capability to remain competitive in the industry.”
He said given these results the board has proposed a dividend of 18 Ghana pesewa per share an increase from 16 Ghana Pesewa per share and this 13 per cent increase for shareholders is in addition to the bonus issue that occurred in the year.
He said globally though the worst of the credit crisis appears to be behind and real recovery has been sluggish in spite of the wide ranging public stimuli programs in all the major economies and unemployment in particularly remains a very challenging problem for all.
He said in view of this the central banks of most developed economies are still pursuing low interest rate policies and LIBOR rates are below 1 per cent adding that the central banks of emerging and developing economies are also cutting rates aggressively.
Mr Mante indicated that the bank has consistently remained amongst the highest performers in the return on equity in the financial industry demonstrating the viability of the bank as a premier destination for investor funds.
The Managing Director of the Bank, Mr Samuel Ashitey Adjei said the local economy remained downbeat with tightly controlled public spending and the management of fiscal policy produced an improvement of most indices over 2008.
He said eventhough commodity prices made good gains in 2009, except for the first quarter of the year inflation has been on the decline during 2009 ending the year just below 16 per cent, the lowest level since May 2008.
Mr Adjei said the real GDP growth rate of 4.5 per cent though modest was to be expected considering that global demand was yet to return to normal levels and that the current GDP was sustained mainly by domestic demand.
He said the risk management strategy of the bank is to build a well diversified and well managed risk portfolio in defined target markets to generate high return on capital adding that Ecobank’s preparation towards full compliance with the Basel II framework for risk management are also far advanced.
He said the bank is more accessible now with nine new branches added in 2009 including the first branch in the Volta region at Aflao and this brings the total branch network to 52 branches countrywide.
“The banking industry will remain increasingly competitive and we believe that market penetration will increase but with strong leverage on our continental network and representative offices in key destinations of commerce, we are confident of outperforming our competition,” he said.
The Managing Director noted that Ecobank remains a leading bank in Ghana with a penchant for innovation and excellent customer service and look forward for a brighter future with their shareholders and other stakeholders to build a solid bank delivering great returns on investments.
PERMANENT GARRISONS AND AIRSTRIPS TO BE ESTABLISHED IN ALL REGIONS (Center Lead)
22-04-10
Story: Mary Mensah
Permanent garrisons and airstrips are to be established in the regions where there are none to speed up security response in times of emergency or trouble.
Already a new garrison has been established in Bawku to manage and contain the violence in that part of the country while plans are also underway to have permanent military presence in the Upper West, Central and the Eastern regions.
Taking his turn at the Meet-the-Press series in Accra yesterday, the Minister of Defence, Lieutenant General J. H. Smith, said plans were also far advanced to provide every military person with a personal weapon.
He said the government was actively trying to secure funding for the purchase of a new fleet of armoured vehicles, engineer equipment, personal weapons and gear and naval boats among others for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to enable them to respond quickly to situations.
Lt Gen Smith said the nation’s ability to create safe and secured environment to facilitate the oil and gas exploration would depend on the ability of the Ghana Air Force to establish air dominance over the areas of operations.
He indicated that Ghana had been relatively stable over the past few years but might not be insulated completely from the lingering northern conflict, drug trade, armed robbery, the exploitation of marine resources by foreign poachers and environmental degradation, which underscored the need to come up with strategies to secure the new oil and gas industry.
He said the Gulf of Guinea suffered from pervasive insecurity, which resulted in financial losses of $2 billion a year.
Lt. Gen. Smith said the maritime security should be well resourced by way of provision of surveillance equipment and the enforcement of relevant international conventions to which Ghana was signatory.
“The Ghana Armed Forces at all times should be professionally ready to meet the envisaged threats of chieftaincy disputes, land disputes, ethnic conflicts coup d’etat, natural disasters, among others, to safeguard our national interest,” the minister said.
On the way forward for the GAF, the minister stated that the Defence Ministry had designed a three-phased programme to revamp the GAF by the year 2025.
Already, he said, a board was in place to work out the technical details and the cost component.
He said Ghana’s contribution towards global peace and security was demonstrated by its massive participation in external peacekeeping operations.
So far there are five troops participating in La Cote d’ Ivoire, Liberia, DR Congo, Chad and Lebanon.
Additionally there are military observers and skeletal staff officers in other peacekeeping operations.
Brigadier General Smith said currently 3,250 troops were deployed for peace support operations in the five listed missions.
To that end, he said, regular pre-operations training were routinely organised at the Bundaase Training Camp to coincide with the rotation schedules of the UN missions.
He asserted that serious efforts were being made to improve the logistical and infrastructure base of the ministry to provide some descent living and office accommodation for the military personnel.
He said the ministry would improve upon the combat readiness of the Army, Navy and the Air Force through the provision of major and strategic equipment requirement and conduct intensive sea and air patrols in the country’s territorial waters and air space especially the fisheries grounds and the newly discovered oil fields to protect the nation’s maritime assets.
“The Ministry of Defence (MOD) you see operating from the square has already expanded its vision and its horizons into influencing change, acting as a force for good in the region and strengthening the maritime dimensions of Ghana’s security. MOD is mentally and physically engaged in forging partnership that ensures the effective security and public safety of Ghana,” he said.
He said his vision for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) since he assumed office was to shift it from its old familiar paradigm into an energetic and useful force that was ready to confront the newer frontiers of defence in the 21st Century.
Story: Mary Mensah
Permanent garrisons and airstrips are to be established in the regions where there are none to speed up security response in times of emergency or trouble.
Already a new garrison has been established in Bawku to manage and contain the violence in that part of the country while plans are also underway to have permanent military presence in the Upper West, Central and the Eastern regions.
Taking his turn at the Meet-the-Press series in Accra yesterday, the Minister of Defence, Lieutenant General J. H. Smith, said plans were also far advanced to provide every military person with a personal weapon.
He said the government was actively trying to secure funding for the purchase of a new fleet of armoured vehicles, engineer equipment, personal weapons and gear and naval boats among others for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to enable them to respond quickly to situations.
Lt Gen Smith said the nation’s ability to create safe and secured environment to facilitate the oil and gas exploration would depend on the ability of the Ghana Air Force to establish air dominance over the areas of operations.
He indicated that Ghana had been relatively stable over the past few years but might not be insulated completely from the lingering northern conflict, drug trade, armed robbery, the exploitation of marine resources by foreign poachers and environmental degradation, which underscored the need to come up with strategies to secure the new oil and gas industry.
He said the Gulf of Guinea suffered from pervasive insecurity, which resulted in financial losses of $2 billion a year.
Lt. Gen. Smith said the maritime security should be well resourced by way of provision of surveillance equipment and the enforcement of relevant international conventions to which Ghana was signatory.
“The Ghana Armed Forces at all times should be professionally ready to meet the envisaged threats of chieftaincy disputes, land disputes, ethnic conflicts coup d’etat, natural disasters, among others, to safeguard our national interest,” the minister said.
On the way forward for the GAF, the minister stated that the Defence Ministry had designed a three-phased programme to revamp the GAF by the year 2025.
Already, he said, a board was in place to work out the technical details and the cost component.
He said Ghana’s contribution towards global peace and security was demonstrated by its massive participation in external peacekeeping operations.
So far there are five troops participating in La Cote d’ Ivoire, Liberia, DR Congo, Chad and Lebanon.
Additionally there are military observers and skeletal staff officers in other peacekeeping operations.
Brigadier General Smith said currently 3,250 troops were deployed for peace support operations in the five listed missions.
To that end, he said, regular pre-operations training were routinely organised at the Bundaase Training Camp to coincide with the rotation schedules of the UN missions.
He asserted that serious efforts were being made to improve the logistical and infrastructure base of the ministry to provide some descent living and office accommodation for the military personnel.
He said the ministry would improve upon the combat readiness of the Army, Navy and the Air Force through the provision of major and strategic equipment requirement and conduct intensive sea and air patrols in the country’s territorial waters and air space especially the fisheries grounds and the newly discovered oil fields to protect the nation’s maritime assets.
“The Ministry of Defence (MOD) you see operating from the square has already expanded its vision and its horizons into influencing change, acting as a force for good in the region and strengthening the maritime dimensions of Ghana’s security. MOD is mentally and physically engaged in forging partnership that ensures the effective security and public safety of Ghana,” he said.
He said his vision for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) since he assumed office was to shift it from its old familiar paradigm into an energetic and useful force that was ready to confront the newer frontiers of defence in the 21st Century.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
AFRICOM COMMANDER COMMENDS GHANA MILITARY
23/05/2010
Story: Mary Mensah
THE Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General William E. Ward has commended Ghana's military for supporting critical peacekeeping operations in Africa and other parts of the world.
Ghana is currently the seventh largest peacekeeping contributing nation and has contributed in bringing peace to the global community.
According to General Ward, Ghana was serving as the host of two major international activities: The African Partnership Station which was going on now and an annual exercise known as Africa Endeavour, which will take place in August this year.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Inspector General’s Conference hosted by AFRICOM at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre at Teshie in Accra.
The purpose of the conference was to share with African military eadership, United States experience in establishing Inspector General (IG) systems as models of defence oversight, and to illustrate how the work of the IG contributes to the defeat of crime and corruption in the military context.
It was attended by representatives from 23 African and European countries and also provided a forum to discuss U.S, Africa and French IG systems.
The Commander indicated that Africa Endeavour was a multinational initiative that encouraged interoperability and information exchanges among African nations.
He said it will also assist the African nations to link their communications network in the deployment planning for regional peace support, peacekeeping, humanitarian, disaster relief operations and enhance and contribute to the work of the African Union to establish Regional African Standby forces.
"It is important to me that our African partners understand our intentions, our intentions are not to create arms of the US military in Ghana or anywhere else in Africa. Our desire is to assist African nations in achieving a more secure and stable environment and do those things they ask of us to achieve their goals", he noted.
On the issue of establishing a base in Africa, General Ward made it clear that the US was not seeking to establish its headquarters or base in Ghana or anywhere else in Africa adding that "my headquarters is in Germany and that is where it will be for the foreseeable future".
General Ward expressed satisfaction at the bilateral relationship between the United States and Ghana and said militaries from the two countries had conducted numerous events and activities through the years.
On his part, the Commandant of the KAIPTC thanked General Ward for his address which will be beneficial to all present.
He said those ideas will advance the course of the various nations in terms of good governance, accountability and professional military conduct.
General Ward later paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt Gen Peter Blay at the general headquarters and the Minister of Defence, Lt Gen J. H. Smith to discuss issues relating to regional, military, safety and security, partnerships, peacekeeping, training models and programmes.
Story: Mary Mensah
THE Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General William E. Ward has commended Ghana's military for supporting critical peacekeeping operations in Africa and other parts of the world.
Ghana is currently the seventh largest peacekeeping contributing nation and has contributed in bringing peace to the global community.
According to General Ward, Ghana was serving as the host of two major international activities: The African Partnership Station which was going on now and an annual exercise known as Africa Endeavour, which will take place in August this year.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Inspector General’s Conference hosted by AFRICOM at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre at Teshie in Accra.
The purpose of the conference was to share with African military eadership, United States experience in establishing Inspector General (IG) systems as models of defence oversight, and to illustrate how the work of the IG contributes to the defeat of crime and corruption in the military context.
It was attended by representatives from 23 African and European countries and also provided a forum to discuss U.S, Africa and French IG systems.
The Commander indicated that Africa Endeavour was a multinational initiative that encouraged interoperability and information exchanges among African nations.
He said it will also assist the African nations to link their communications network in the deployment planning for regional peace support, peacekeeping, humanitarian, disaster relief operations and enhance and contribute to the work of the African Union to establish Regional African Standby forces.
"It is important to me that our African partners understand our intentions, our intentions are not to create arms of the US military in Ghana or anywhere else in Africa. Our desire is to assist African nations in achieving a more secure and stable environment and do those things they ask of us to achieve their goals", he noted.
On the issue of establishing a base in Africa, General Ward made it clear that the US was not seeking to establish its headquarters or base in Ghana or anywhere else in Africa adding that "my headquarters is in Germany and that is where it will be for the foreseeable future".
General Ward expressed satisfaction at the bilateral relationship between the United States and Ghana and said militaries from the two countries had conducted numerous events and activities through the years.
On his part, the Commandant of the KAIPTC thanked General Ward for his address which will be beneficial to all present.
He said those ideas will advance the course of the various nations in terms of good governance, accountability and professional military conduct.
General Ward later paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt Gen Peter Blay at the general headquarters and the Minister of Defence, Lt Gen J. H. Smith to discuss issues relating to regional, military, safety and security, partnerships, peacekeeping, training models and programmes.
GICEL makes part payment to SSNIT
23/05/2010
Story: Mary Mensah
THE Ghana Industrial Commercial Estates Limited (GICEL) yesterday made a final payment of GH¢ 94,978 to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in Accra.
This brings to GH¢ 694, 978 total payments so far made to SSNIT by GICEL.
Presenting the cheque at a ceremony, the board chairman of GICEL Mr Kwesi Asemone Edjah thanked the board and management of SSNIT for their support to GICEL during its difficult formative years.
He said the current picture of GICEL shows a vast improvement from what it was 10 years ago when the company was in distress but now it is able to meet all its corporate responsibilities.
The Board Chairman said even though it had been an uphill task GICEL is now firm on the ground and this came about as a result of a new marketing strategy which was adopted in 2007.
He said this new strategy focused on improving the visibility of the estate through effective advertisements and collaboration with the tenants association on the state.
Mr Edjah said this was aimed at attracting manufacturing companies to the estate and improving the marketing of the products and services of the tenants.
Consequently, he said at the end of 2009, 33 per cent of the occupants were into manufacturing as compared to 13 per cent in 2003, adding that GICEL also aggressively pursued tenants who defaulted in their rent payments, repossessed facilities from absentee and absconded tenants and allocated same to new tenants.
“We will also be expanding our operations to the other regions so that SME’s in other communities could also benefit from the Weija experience and be part of the SSNIT informal sector”.
He indicated that GICEL intends to present its future development programmes in the form of strategic plan soon for 2010-2014 and hope they could count on SSNIT’s support.
In 2004, he said SSNIT in conjunction with GICEL took a decision to disentangle itself from the day to day management of the company by appointing a substantive managing director for the GICEL board.
He said by dint of hardwork and strict financial controls and good governance, GICEL Weija had developed into a distinct viable estate which hosts over 400 small and medium scale manufacturing enterprises and small artisans and provides a one stop shop for the businesses to interact and share common ideas.
Receiving the cheque, Dr Frank Odum, Director General of SSNIT thanked GICEL for honouring its promise and said the success of GICEL had brought the informal sector into the SSNIT fold.
He said SSNIT funds were long term investments whose returns it became difficult sometimes to wait for, but this achievement shows that SSNIT was on track.
Story: Mary Mensah
THE Ghana Industrial Commercial Estates Limited (GICEL) yesterday made a final payment of GH¢ 94,978 to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in Accra.
This brings to GH¢ 694, 978 total payments so far made to SSNIT by GICEL.
Presenting the cheque at a ceremony, the board chairman of GICEL Mr Kwesi Asemone Edjah thanked the board and management of SSNIT for their support to GICEL during its difficult formative years.
He said the current picture of GICEL shows a vast improvement from what it was 10 years ago when the company was in distress but now it is able to meet all its corporate responsibilities.
The Board Chairman said even though it had been an uphill task GICEL is now firm on the ground and this came about as a result of a new marketing strategy which was adopted in 2007.
He said this new strategy focused on improving the visibility of the estate through effective advertisements and collaboration with the tenants association on the state.
Mr Edjah said this was aimed at attracting manufacturing companies to the estate and improving the marketing of the products and services of the tenants.
Consequently, he said at the end of 2009, 33 per cent of the occupants were into manufacturing as compared to 13 per cent in 2003, adding that GICEL also aggressively pursued tenants who defaulted in their rent payments, repossessed facilities from absentee and absconded tenants and allocated same to new tenants.
“We will also be expanding our operations to the other regions so that SME’s in other communities could also benefit from the Weija experience and be part of the SSNIT informal sector”.
He indicated that GICEL intends to present its future development programmes in the form of strategic plan soon for 2010-2014 and hope they could count on SSNIT’s support.
In 2004, he said SSNIT in conjunction with GICEL took a decision to disentangle itself from the day to day management of the company by appointing a substantive managing director for the GICEL board.
He said by dint of hardwork and strict financial controls and good governance, GICEL Weija had developed into a distinct viable estate which hosts over 400 small and medium scale manufacturing enterprises and small artisans and provides a one stop shop for the businesses to interact and share common ideas.
Receiving the cheque, Dr Frank Odum, Director General of SSNIT thanked GICEL for honouring its promise and said the success of GICEL had brought the informal sector into the SSNIT fold.
He said SSNIT funds were long term investments whose returns it became difficult sometimes to wait for, but this achievement shows that SSNIT was on track.
PMMC to add value to raw gold (Centre Spread)
23/05/2010
Story: Mary Mensah
The Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) will from next year add value to raw gold by converting it into jewellery before exporting it to maximise returns.
Consequently, the PMMC is to partner with other international jewellery companies for the project to take off on schedule.
The Managing Director of the Company, Mr Reuben Damptey made this known in Accra when the Parliamentary Select Committee for Employment, Social Welfare and State Owned Enterprises paid a familiarisation visit to the PMMC.
He said the company decided to seek a joint ventureship due to the expense involved in the purchasing of the machinery besides the international jewellers have a ready market for the products.
He indicated that already the company had received proposals from companies in Turkey, Egypt and Italy which will be critically examined before submitting a proposal to the board of directors for adoption.
Mr Damptey said the company will maintain its hand -crafted and traditional designs but will also produce other new designs for the market.
He said over the years PMMC have contributed towards the foreign exchange earnings of the country and added that gold exports for 2009 amounted to $75.48 million as against $32.87 million in 2008 representing an increase of 129 per cent.
He said Diamond export has seen consistent growth over the years until it was hit by the 2008 global financial crises which contributed to the continued reduction in the market price of the product whilst the local cost of production went up significantly leading to downward trend in the company’s exports.
The Managing Director said diamond exported by the company amounted to $7.32 million in 2009 as against $20 million in 2008 but revenue from production and sale of gold jewellery has increased consistently and total revenue realised in 2009 amounted to GH¢2, 237, 349.
Mr Damptey said between 2002 to 2009 the company has paid GH¢520,336 as dividend to government and have also met their corporate tax obligations.
He said socially the impact of the company has been felt by the creation of about 500,000 jobs in the small scale mining sector, employment of jewellers in Accra and setting the pace for the growth of the jewellery industry in the country among others.
He said the PMMC is faced with a number of challenges which include keen competition, the upsurge of jewellery shops arround the country selling mainly imported jewellery among others.
The leader of the Committee, Prince Jacob Hayibor, who is Member of Parliament for Hohoe North said the commiittee decided to visit the company to have an insight into their operations in order to be well informed.
He said the mandate of the committee was deruived from Article 103 of the 1992 constitution and order 184 of the standing order of parliament and has 20 members and their duty is to review and study on a continues basis the operations of state enterprises with a view to determining their economy and eficiency.
Mr Hayibor said praised the board and staff of the PMMC for their hard work and dedication and urged them to work even harder in order to meet their aspirations.
Story: Mary Mensah
The Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) will from next year add value to raw gold by converting it into jewellery before exporting it to maximise returns.
Consequently, the PMMC is to partner with other international jewellery companies for the project to take off on schedule.
The Managing Director of the Company, Mr Reuben Damptey made this known in Accra when the Parliamentary Select Committee for Employment, Social Welfare and State Owned Enterprises paid a familiarisation visit to the PMMC.
He said the company decided to seek a joint ventureship due to the expense involved in the purchasing of the machinery besides the international jewellers have a ready market for the products.
He indicated that already the company had received proposals from companies in Turkey, Egypt and Italy which will be critically examined before submitting a proposal to the board of directors for adoption.
Mr Damptey said the company will maintain its hand -crafted and traditional designs but will also produce other new designs for the market.
He said over the years PMMC have contributed towards the foreign exchange earnings of the country and added that gold exports for 2009 amounted to $75.48 million as against $32.87 million in 2008 representing an increase of 129 per cent.
He said Diamond export has seen consistent growth over the years until it was hit by the 2008 global financial crises which contributed to the continued reduction in the market price of the product whilst the local cost of production went up significantly leading to downward trend in the company’s exports.
The Managing Director said diamond exported by the company amounted to $7.32 million in 2009 as against $20 million in 2008 but revenue from production and sale of gold jewellery has increased consistently and total revenue realised in 2009 amounted to GH¢2, 237, 349.
Mr Damptey said between 2002 to 2009 the company has paid GH¢520,336 as dividend to government and have also met their corporate tax obligations.
He said socially the impact of the company has been felt by the creation of about 500,000 jobs in the small scale mining sector, employment of jewellers in Accra and setting the pace for the growth of the jewellery industry in the country among others.
He said the PMMC is faced with a number of challenges which include keen competition, the upsurge of jewellery shops arround the country selling mainly imported jewellery among others.
The leader of the Committee, Prince Jacob Hayibor, who is Member of Parliament for Hohoe North said the commiittee decided to visit the company to have an insight into their operations in order to be well informed.
He said the mandate of the committee was deruived from Article 103 of the 1992 constitution and order 184 of the standing order of parliament and has 20 members and their duty is to review and study on a continues basis the operations of state enterprises with a view to determining their economy and eficiency.
Mr Hayibor said praised the board and staff of the PMMC for their hard work and dedication and urged them to work even harder in order to meet their aspirations.
GOVT HAS SET UP NATIONAL FOOD BUFFER STOCK COMPANY (Front Page)
19-03-10
Story: Mary Mensah
A novelty entity known as the National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO) has been set up by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) to purchase, preserve, sell and distribute foodstuffs in the country
The company, solely and fully owned by the government, will guarantee farmers an assured income by providing a minimum guaranteed price and a ready market for their produce.
It will also boost agricultural production that will make Ghana the bread basket of the sub-region and ensure the security of farmers and insulate them against losses resulting from the anticipated increases in production.
Inaugurating the board of NAFCO at a ceremony in Accra, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, who is also the chairman of the board, said the mandate of NAFCO, among others, was to mop up excess produce from all farmers in order to reduce post-harvest losses resulting from spoilage due to poor storage and thereby protect farmer incomes.
He indicated that the government, recognising agriculture as the mainstay of the economy, had decided to stop paying lip service to the efforts of farmers by the introduction of initiatives that would boost agricultural production in the country.
Mr Ahwoi said that would help to expand the demand for food grown in Ghana by selling to all state institutions, such as the military, schools, hospitals, prisons, among others.
He said the operations of the company would ensure the stability of food prices, employment creation, the establishment of emergency food reserves, macro-economic stability and increase foreign currency revenue.
He said according to statistics, in 2009 the total domestic production of maize amounted to 1,619, 600 metric tonnes, as against the demand of 1,197, 000 metric tonnes, indicating a surplus of 145,000 metric tonnes which needed to be stored.
Mr Ahwoi said in times past, such surplus went to waste.
The minister said NAFCO would mop up excess food supply and release it to the market at appropriate times to ensure continuous food supply and thereby stabilise food prices.
He said the concept would increase employment, guarantee prices and provide ready market for food items to motivate farmers to increase food production and also others to go into farming.
“It will also sustain the block farming concept within the Youth in Agriculture programme and result in the creation of more employment avenues for the youth of the country," he stated.
Mr Ahwoi charged members of the board to ensure that the company was managed in a manner that would make everybody proud.
Other members of the board are Dr Sam Mensah of SEM Group Limited; Mr Eric Osei-Owusu, a business/consultant and Managing Director of NAFCO; Mr Kwesi Boamah, the acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA); Mr Charles Ofori, Mrs Magdalene Ewurasi Apenteng, a director of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, and Mr Kweku Bram-Larbi.
Mr Osei-Owusu, who spoke on behalf of the other members, pledged to work hard and ensure the success of the company, adding that for now the company would rely on cereals and add perishables as time went on.
Story: Mary Mensah
A novelty entity known as the National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO) has been set up by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) to purchase, preserve, sell and distribute foodstuffs in the country
The company, solely and fully owned by the government, will guarantee farmers an assured income by providing a minimum guaranteed price and a ready market for their produce.
It will also boost agricultural production that will make Ghana the bread basket of the sub-region and ensure the security of farmers and insulate them against losses resulting from the anticipated increases in production.
Inaugurating the board of NAFCO at a ceremony in Accra, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, who is also the chairman of the board, said the mandate of NAFCO, among others, was to mop up excess produce from all farmers in order to reduce post-harvest losses resulting from spoilage due to poor storage and thereby protect farmer incomes.
He indicated that the government, recognising agriculture as the mainstay of the economy, had decided to stop paying lip service to the efforts of farmers by the introduction of initiatives that would boost agricultural production in the country.
Mr Ahwoi said that would help to expand the demand for food grown in Ghana by selling to all state institutions, such as the military, schools, hospitals, prisons, among others.
He said the operations of the company would ensure the stability of food prices, employment creation, the establishment of emergency food reserves, macro-economic stability and increase foreign currency revenue.
He said according to statistics, in 2009 the total domestic production of maize amounted to 1,619, 600 metric tonnes, as against the demand of 1,197, 000 metric tonnes, indicating a surplus of 145,000 metric tonnes which needed to be stored.
Mr Ahwoi said in times past, such surplus went to waste.
The minister said NAFCO would mop up excess food supply and release it to the market at appropriate times to ensure continuous food supply and thereby stabilise food prices.
He said the concept would increase employment, guarantee prices and provide ready market for food items to motivate farmers to increase food production and also others to go into farming.
“It will also sustain the block farming concept within the Youth in Agriculture programme and result in the creation of more employment avenues for the youth of the country," he stated.
Mr Ahwoi charged members of the board to ensure that the company was managed in a manner that would make everybody proud.
Other members of the board are Dr Sam Mensah of SEM Group Limited; Mr Eric Osei-Owusu, a business/consultant and Managing Director of NAFCO; Mr Kwesi Boamah, the acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA); Mr Charles Ofori, Mrs Magdalene Ewurasi Apenteng, a director of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, and Mr Kweku Bram-Larbi.
Mr Osei-Owusu, who spoke on behalf of the other members, pledged to work hard and ensure the success of the company, adding that for now the company would rely on cereals and add perishables as time went on.
NEWMONT OPENED LOCAL VENDER SUPPLIERS SUMMIT (Business Page)
23/05/2010
Story: Mary Mensah
NEWMONT Ghana has opened a local vendor registration programme and suppliers summit in Accra to expand its local supplier database and develop business relationships with qualified local manufacturers, service providers, consultants and trading companies.
The summit was also to provide information to prospective local vendors on how Newmont does business in Ghana and to unveil its local sourcing policy.
During the last quarter of 2009 Newmont Ghana, with the full support of the Africa Regional Leadership Team (ARLT), made a decision to develop a Local Sourcing Policy and it was intended that the policy would set out the company’s commitment to local sourcing, but also interface with the broader industry initiative and this was approved by the ARLT on February 8, 2010.
Mr Simon Blamires, an official of Newmont Ghana said currently there are 521 local suppliers doing business with the company and Newmont intend to empower them and to help the economy to grow.
He said trade between the local Ghanaian companies and Newmont stands at $150 million but plans are far advance to increase this amount to either $200 million or $250 million.
He said Newmont intend to enhance local capability by increasing the capital base of the local companies so that they can compete with international companies.
Mr Blamires indicated that throughout the world, and particularly in developing countries, the Social License under which mining companies operate is changing besides the key objective of the Government of Ghana is to increase both the use and development of local manufacturers, suppliers, contractors and consultants.
He said the above objective is required by law and in the investment agreements of several companies including Newmont it is a commitment of this government to the people of Ghana adding that the mining industry is a critical component of the Ghanaian economy and a primary user of many local suppliers and vendor businesses and it is our intention that this increases.
He stated that throughout 2009 Newmont’s SCM group has been working with the Chamber of Mines and the Minerals Commission to develop a local sourcing policy for the industry adding that this work is continuing and a second draft of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is expected to be circulated to all stakeholders for review by the end of March 2010.
Mr Blamires said Newmont intends to be the most respected mining company in Ghana in terms of optimising the value of in-country spend and the development of sustainable local businesses.
“To deliver price and quality competitive goods and services, safely and in a timely manner to meet the needs of the business on a “lowest total cost” basis whilst providing transparent opportunities for Local Companies to secure contracts”, he said.
He asserted that Newmont will continually striving to increase the amount of expenditure with and the sustainability of local companies; maximizing the contribution of Newmont Ghana’s mining activities to the broader Ghanaian economy; supporting capacity building and partnering with Local Companies on a broader front with industry groups, NGOs, vendors and investors so as to develop long term sustainable businesses.
Story: Mary Mensah
NEWMONT Ghana has opened a local vendor registration programme and suppliers summit in Accra to expand its local supplier database and develop business relationships with qualified local manufacturers, service providers, consultants and trading companies.
The summit was also to provide information to prospective local vendors on how Newmont does business in Ghana and to unveil its local sourcing policy.
During the last quarter of 2009 Newmont Ghana, with the full support of the Africa Regional Leadership Team (ARLT), made a decision to develop a Local Sourcing Policy and it was intended that the policy would set out the company’s commitment to local sourcing, but also interface with the broader industry initiative and this was approved by the ARLT on February 8, 2010.
Mr Simon Blamires, an official of Newmont Ghana said currently there are 521 local suppliers doing business with the company and Newmont intend to empower them and to help the economy to grow.
He said trade between the local Ghanaian companies and Newmont stands at $150 million but plans are far advance to increase this amount to either $200 million or $250 million.
He said Newmont intend to enhance local capability by increasing the capital base of the local companies so that they can compete with international companies.
Mr Blamires indicated that throughout the world, and particularly in developing countries, the Social License under which mining companies operate is changing besides the key objective of the Government of Ghana is to increase both the use and development of local manufacturers, suppliers, contractors and consultants.
He said the above objective is required by law and in the investment agreements of several companies including Newmont it is a commitment of this government to the people of Ghana adding that the mining industry is a critical component of the Ghanaian economy and a primary user of many local suppliers and vendor businesses and it is our intention that this increases.
He stated that throughout 2009 Newmont’s SCM group has been working with the Chamber of Mines and the Minerals Commission to develop a local sourcing policy for the industry adding that this work is continuing and a second draft of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is expected to be circulated to all stakeholders for review by the end of March 2010.
Mr Blamires said Newmont intends to be the most respected mining company in Ghana in terms of optimising the value of in-country spend and the development of sustainable local businesses.
“To deliver price and quality competitive goods and services, safely and in a timely manner to meet the needs of the business on a “lowest total cost” basis whilst providing transparent opportunities for Local Companies to secure contracts”, he said.
He asserted that Newmont will continually striving to increase the amount of expenditure with and the sustainability of local companies; maximizing the contribution of Newmont Ghana’s mining activities to the broader Ghanaian economy; supporting capacity building and partnering with Local Companies on a broader front with industry groups, NGOs, vendors and investors so as to develop long term sustainable businesses.
POLICE ADMINISTRATION EXPRESS GRAVE CONCERN (PAGE 3)
Story: Mary Mensah
The Police Administration has noted with grave concern the activities of some unscrupulous persons and criminals who are using the name of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye to defraud prospective investors living in the Diaspora.
These criminals operating under the guise of the Advance Fee Fraud Scam (419), have manage to defraud their victims of moneys running into several thousands of dollars.
The Director of the Police Public Affairs Directorate, DSP Kwesi Ofori said these scammers use the name, picture and office of the IGP and have even created an identical police website all in an effort to dupe their victims.
He said the criminals also purported on their website that they are agents of the police who have been tasked by the government to act on behalf of the police.
He said some of them uses addresses, emails and post office boxes that are not for the police or not in existence.
DSP Ofori said the Police Administration will like to distance itself from the activities of these criminals and appealed to all well meaning Ghanaians and foreigners to be wary of the activities of these con-men or criminals.
He stressed that the police administration does not have agents working for it besides it has worked very hard over the years to put the name of the police very high and for such criminals to use the name outside the jurisdiction of the country to defraud is a very serious offence.
“This criminal activities has been a source of great worry to the administartion and we will co-operate with our international partners like the Interpol, West African Police and other sister police forces in Europe and America in order to arrest them and bring them to book”, he stated.
He indicated that the official police website is www.ghanapolice.info and want the public to take note of that.
DSP Ofori warned the criminals to desist from acts that will tarnish the image of the police and said when arrested they would be severely dealth with according to the tenents of the law.
He also appealed to anybody with information about the activities of these criminals to report to the police.
The Police Administration has noted with grave concern the activities of some unscrupulous persons and criminals who are using the name of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye to defraud prospective investors living in the Diaspora.
These criminals operating under the guise of the Advance Fee Fraud Scam (419), have manage to defraud their victims of moneys running into several thousands of dollars.
The Director of the Police Public Affairs Directorate, DSP Kwesi Ofori said these scammers use the name, picture and office of the IGP and have even created an identical police website all in an effort to dupe their victims.
He said the criminals also purported on their website that they are agents of the police who have been tasked by the government to act on behalf of the police.
He said some of them uses addresses, emails and post office boxes that are not for the police or not in existence.
DSP Ofori said the Police Administration will like to distance itself from the activities of these criminals and appealed to all well meaning Ghanaians and foreigners to be wary of the activities of these con-men or criminals.
He stressed that the police administration does not have agents working for it besides it has worked very hard over the years to put the name of the police very high and for such criminals to use the name outside the jurisdiction of the country to defraud is a very serious offence.
“This criminal activities has been a source of great worry to the administartion and we will co-operate with our international partners like the Interpol, West African Police and other sister police forces in Europe and America in order to arrest them and bring them to book”, he stated.
He indicated that the official police website is www.ghanapolice.info and want the public to take note of that.
DSP Ofori warned the criminals to desist from acts that will tarnish the image of the police and said when arrested they would be severely dealth with according to the tenents of the law.
He also appealed to anybody with information about the activities of these criminals to report to the police.
TWO GHANAIANS ARRESTED AT KIA FOR POSSESSING NACORTICS
23/05/2010
Story:Mary Mensah
The Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) has arrested two Ghanaian-born Dutch nationals and a Nigerian for allegedly possessing substances suspected to be cocaine at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
The three were arrested on arrival at the KIA from Brazil on board a South African Airlines and when their luggage was searched, the substances were found hidden in it.
The Head of Operations at NACOB, Mr Dickson Akatsa, told the Daily Graphic in an interview that about 11:30 p.m. on March 8, 2010, operatives of NACOB arrested the three persons as they were going through arrival formalities.
He said the first person to be arrested was Alice Akosua Effah, 53. When her luggage was searched, three parcels of a whitish substance suspected to be cocaine weighing 7.8 kilos were found hidden in it.
He said Alice, a Ghanaian-born Dutch national resident in Amsterdam, upon interrogation, told the officials that one Natasha, a Brazilian also living in Amsterdam, had introduced her to the trade.
She claimed that on February 18, 2010, the said Natasha took her to Brazil to buy the drugs. She said she was introduced to a Ghanaian by name Kwabena, resident in Brazil, who supplied them with the drugs to be delivered to an unnamed person in Accra for a fee of $8,000.
On the same day, Mercy Vivian Quao, 52, also a Ghanaian-born Dutch citizen resident in Amsterdam who was on the same flight with Alice, was found to have concealed four kilos of a substance suspected to be cocaine in her luggage.
Upon interrogation, she stated that one Ghanaian woman by name Akosua, also living in Amsterdam, had sponsored her to Brazil where one Kojo, a Ghanaian resident in Brazil, gave her the drugs to be delivered in Accra for a fee of $10,000.
Mr Akatsa said the third person was a Nigerian by name Charles Emeka Ngige, 46, who was taken through a body scanner on suspicion that he had injected illicit drugs.
He said it was detected that he had foreign materials in his stomach and upon interrogation, he admitted swallowing 80 pellets of a drug suspected to be cocaine.
Ngige claimed that another Nigerian, by name Jude, domiciled in Brazil, gave him the drugs to be given to another person in Lagos for a fee of $3,000.
Mr Akatsa indicated that Ngige had since expelled all 80 pellets, all of which tested positive for cocaine.
He said all the arrested persons would be arraigned, while samples of the drugs would be sent to the Ghana Standards Board for further examination.
Story:Mary Mensah
The Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) has arrested two Ghanaian-born Dutch nationals and a Nigerian for allegedly possessing substances suspected to be cocaine at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
The three were arrested on arrival at the KIA from Brazil on board a South African Airlines and when their luggage was searched, the substances were found hidden in it.
The Head of Operations at NACOB, Mr Dickson Akatsa, told the Daily Graphic in an interview that about 11:30 p.m. on March 8, 2010, operatives of NACOB arrested the three persons as they were going through arrival formalities.
He said the first person to be arrested was Alice Akosua Effah, 53. When her luggage was searched, three parcels of a whitish substance suspected to be cocaine weighing 7.8 kilos were found hidden in it.
He said Alice, a Ghanaian-born Dutch national resident in Amsterdam, upon interrogation, told the officials that one Natasha, a Brazilian also living in Amsterdam, had introduced her to the trade.
She claimed that on February 18, 2010, the said Natasha took her to Brazil to buy the drugs. She said she was introduced to a Ghanaian by name Kwabena, resident in Brazil, who supplied them with the drugs to be delivered to an unnamed person in Accra for a fee of $8,000.
On the same day, Mercy Vivian Quao, 52, also a Ghanaian-born Dutch citizen resident in Amsterdam who was on the same flight with Alice, was found to have concealed four kilos of a substance suspected to be cocaine in her luggage.
Upon interrogation, she stated that one Ghanaian woman by name Akosua, also living in Amsterdam, had sponsored her to Brazil where one Kojo, a Ghanaian resident in Brazil, gave her the drugs to be delivered in Accra for a fee of $10,000.
Mr Akatsa said the third person was a Nigerian by name Charles Emeka Ngige, 46, who was taken through a body scanner on suspicion that he had injected illicit drugs.
He said it was detected that he had foreign materials in his stomach and upon interrogation, he admitted swallowing 80 pellets of a drug suspected to be cocaine.
Ngige claimed that another Nigerian, by name Jude, domiciled in Brazil, gave him the drugs to be given to another person in Lagos for a fee of $3,000.
Mr Akatsa indicated that Ngige had since expelled all 80 pellets, all of which tested positive for cocaine.
He said all the arrested persons would be arraigned, while samples of the drugs would be sent to the Ghana Standards Board for further examination.
ELECTRICITY DEMAND REDUCED (page 30)
23/05/2010
Story: Mary Mensah
ELECTRICITY demand in the country reduced by 124 megawatts in 2008 as a result of the mass adoption of the Compact Florescent Lamps (CFLs) as the standard electricity device and the phasing out of the incandescent filament bulbs.
This translates into an annual cash savings of $33 million to the economy and carbon savings of 105,000 tons per annum.
The Chairman of the Energy Commission, Professor Abeeku Brew-Hammond, told the press in Accra on Tuesday that Ghana had been able to avoid the use of one thermal electricity generating turbine as a result of the CFLs programme.
He announced that the Energy Commission had approved a project to enforce minimum energy performance standards for refrigerators and deep freezers.
To this end, he said only refrigerating appliances that met the minimum energy performance standards would be placed on the Ghanaian market.
He said the appliances had to be labelled appropriately to enable the purchaser to know in advance the annual electricity consumption of the product before the first retail purchase.
He said the commission had also submitted a draft Energy Renewable Law to the Minister of Energy for onward submission to the Cabinet and final passage by Parliament and had also made progress in the establishment of a Ghana Energy Renewable Fund (GREENfund).
He said the commission had launched a pilot project on solar and wind grid-connected systems with a commitment of up to GH¢100,000 from the Energy Fund and the first set of eight projects should be completed by the end of April, 2010.
Prof. Brew-Hammond announced that the National GRID Code to guide the operations of the Electricity Transmission Utility (ETU) was completed and launched in February, this year and the Natural Gas Transmission Utility Operator had also been appointed.
The chairman said the commission was the government’s energy policy advisor and would make national energy policy recommendations to the Minister of Energy for the efficient, economic and safe supply of electricity, petroleum products and natural gas having due regard to the national economy.
He said since its establishment in 1998, the commission had, as of July, 2009, made major accomplishments and mentioned the enactment of 11 pieces of legislation on technical and operational rules and standards of performance of public utilities engaged in the supply and distribution of electricity and natural gas, among others.
Prof. Brew-Hammond mentioned the passage of Renewable Energy Law, the completion of the Woodfuels and Biofuels Policy and Legislative Framework, the establishment of the GREENfund, completion of Grid-connected solar and wind pilot projects and the establishment of a National Data Processing and Information Centre as some of the commission’s targets for 2010 and beyond.
For his part, Mr Alfred Ofosu Ahenkorah, Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, explained the shortage of LPG gas in the country and said gas was imported into the country every week and that the recent problem the country faced demanded an expanded storage facility.
He said 50 per cent of the gas went to the transport sector and vehicles fitted with cylinders had to go for periodic checks to ensure the safety of passengers.
Mr Ahenkorah said as soon as the Jubilee Fields started production it would generate a lot of gas and plans were far advanced to encourage the use of gas.
Story: Mary Mensah
ELECTRICITY demand in the country reduced by 124 megawatts in 2008 as a result of the mass adoption of the Compact Florescent Lamps (CFLs) as the standard electricity device and the phasing out of the incandescent filament bulbs.
This translates into an annual cash savings of $33 million to the economy and carbon savings of 105,000 tons per annum.
The Chairman of the Energy Commission, Professor Abeeku Brew-Hammond, told the press in Accra on Tuesday that Ghana had been able to avoid the use of one thermal electricity generating turbine as a result of the CFLs programme.
He announced that the Energy Commission had approved a project to enforce minimum energy performance standards for refrigerators and deep freezers.
To this end, he said only refrigerating appliances that met the minimum energy performance standards would be placed on the Ghanaian market.
He said the appliances had to be labelled appropriately to enable the purchaser to know in advance the annual electricity consumption of the product before the first retail purchase.
He said the commission had also submitted a draft Energy Renewable Law to the Minister of Energy for onward submission to the Cabinet and final passage by Parliament and had also made progress in the establishment of a Ghana Energy Renewable Fund (GREENfund).
He said the commission had launched a pilot project on solar and wind grid-connected systems with a commitment of up to GH¢100,000 from the Energy Fund and the first set of eight projects should be completed by the end of April, 2010.
Prof. Brew-Hammond announced that the National GRID Code to guide the operations of the Electricity Transmission Utility (ETU) was completed and launched in February, this year and the Natural Gas Transmission Utility Operator had also been appointed.
The chairman said the commission was the government’s energy policy advisor and would make national energy policy recommendations to the Minister of Energy for the efficient, economic and safe supply of electricity, petroleum products and natural gas having due regard to the national economy.
He said since its establishment in 1998, the commission had, as of July, 2009, made major accomplishments and mentioned the enactment of 11 pieces of legislation on technical and operational rules and standards of performance of public utilities engaged in the supply and distribution of electricity and natural gas, among others.
Prof. Brew-Hammond mentioned the passage of Renewable Energy Law, the completion of the Woodfuels and Biofuels Policy and Legislative Framework, the establishment of the GREENfund, completion of Grid-connected solar and wind pilot projects and the establishment of a National Data Processing and Information Centre as some of the commission’s targets for 2010 and beyond.
For his part, Mr Alfred Ofosu Ahenkorah, Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, explained the shortage of LPG gas in the country and said gas was imported into the country every week and that the recent problem the country faced demanded an expanded storage facility.
He said 50 per cent of the gas went to the transport sector and vehicles fitted with cylinders had to go for periodic checks to ensure the safety of passengers.
Mr Ahenkorah said as soon as the Jubilee Fields started production it would generate a lot of gas and plans were far advanced to encourage the use of gas.
NIGERIAN WOMAN ARRESTED FOR DEALING IN N)ARCOTICS (Page 3
23/05/2010
Story & Pictures: Mary Mensah
A 41-year-old Nigerian woman has been arrested by officials of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) for importing 80 kilogrammes of substances suspected to be heroin from Iran into the country.
The suspect, Nmerika Enock, had concealed the drug in eight huge metal blocks which, she claimed, were spare parts for vessels.
She was arrested at the Aviance Cargo Village, where she had gone to clear the eight metal blocks.
According to Mr Dickson Akatsa, the Head of Operations at NACOB, the board had identified some countries as sources of drugs and was, therefore, always thorough in its investigation of people or goods arriving from those countries.
He said on March 4, 2010 NACOB officials at the Aviance Cargo Village spotted eight metal blocks which had been imported from Iran whose covering papers indicated that they were gear boxes for the Hyundai Grace mini-bus.
He said the address of the consignee, when verified, turned out to be false so the cargo was set aside for a thorough inspection and she was arrested when the suspect showed up to clear the cargo the following day.
Mr Akatsa said upon interrogation, the suspect claimed to be a trader who dealt in spare parts and that the metal blocks were spare parts for vessels which she imported from Iran to be supplied to a customer whose name she could not mention.
He said the blocks were suspected to contain illicit materials so one of them was opened in the presence of the suspect and it turned out to contain a powdery substance and a field test conducted proved that it was heroin.
The suspect was then arrested, together with the eight packages, to the offices of NACOB for further investigations.
Mr Akatsa said when the remaining metal blocks were cut open by welders, they were each found to contain 10 parcels of heroin.
Enock told interrogators that she lived in Nigeria and had arrived the previous day in Accra to clear the cargo for somebody in Lagos.
The officials did not believe her story and when they persisted in interrogating her, she claimed she lived at Ofankor.
She then took NACOB officials to a house at Ofankor, where sources said she used to live about two years ago but she had not been seen in the area since she left there.
After several hours of interrogation, the suspect broke down and informed the officials that she lived in Tema with her accomplice boyfriend, Felix Odyh. She took them to house number D9 in Community 16.
On arrival in the house, according to Mr Akatsa, NACOB officials detected that Felix had packed some valuables out of the house and left in an Infinity Four Runner vehicle, with registration number Abuja BK -5333-YAB.
The NACOB officials also found five of the metals boxes that had previously been cleared from Aviance and the contents removed.
Mr Akatsa said importation documents found in the house showed that between 2008 and the time of her arrest, the suspect and her boyfriend had succeeded in importing and clearing 14 of the metal blocks into the country.
He said upon further interrogation, the suspect said after clearing the goods from Aviance, they used a huge metal device like a crane to dismantle the metal blocks and then sent their contents to one Daniel in Abuja through a certain Maxwell in Lagos.
Investigations are continuing into the case, after which the suspect will be arraigned.
CAPTION : Suspect Nmerika Enock, a 41-year-old Nigerian, with the metal blocks and some of the substances.
Story & Pictures: Mary Mensah
A 41-year-old Nigerian woman has been arrested by officials of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) for importing 80 kilogrammes of substances suspected to be heroin from Iran into the country.
The suspect, Nmerika Enock, had concealed the drug in eight huge metal blocks which, she claimed, were spare parts for vessels.
She was arrested at the Aviance Cargo Village, where she had gone to clear the eight metal blocks.
According to Mr Dickson Akatsa, the Head of Operations at NACOB, the board had identified some countries as sources of drugs and was, therefore, always thorough in its investigation of people or goods arriving from those countries.
He said on March 4, 2010 NACOB officials at the Aviance Cargo Village spotted eight metal blocks which had been imported from Iran whose covering papers indicated that they were gear boxes for the Hyundai Grace mini-bus.
He said the address of the consignee, when verified, turned out to be false so the cargo was set aside for a thorough inspection and she was arrested when the suspect showed up to clear the cargo the following day.
Mr Akatsa said upon interrogation, the suspect claimed to be a trader who dealt in spare parts and that the metal blocks were spare parts for vessels which she imported from Iran to be supplied to a customer whose name she could not mention.
He said the blocks were suspected to contain illicit materials so one of them was opened in the presence of the suspect and it turned out to contain a powdery substance and a field test conducted proved that it was heroin.
The suspect was then arrested, together with the eight packages, to the offices of NACOB for further investigations.
Mr Akatsa said when the remaining metal blocks were cut open by welders, they were each found to contain 10 parcels of heroin.
Enock told interrogators that she lived in Nigeria and had arrived the previous day in Accra to clear the cargo for somebody in Lagos.
The officials did not believe her story and when they persisted in interrogating her, she claimed she lived at Ofankor.
She then took NACOB officials to a house at Ofankor, where sources said she used to live about two years ago but she had not been seen in the area since she left there.
After several hours of interrogation, the suspect broke down and informed the officials that she lived in Tema with her accomplice boyfriend, Felix Odyh. She took them to house number D9 in Community 16.
On arrival in the house, according to Mr Akatsa, NACOB officials detected that Felix had packed some valuables out of the house and left in an Infinity Four Runner vehicle, with registration number Abuja BK -5333-YAB.
The NACOB officials also found five of the metals boxes that had previously been cleared from Aviance and the contents removed.
Mr Akatsa said importation documents found in the house showed that between 2008 and the time of her arrest, the suspect and her boyfriend had succeeded in importing and clearing 14 of the metal blocks into the country.
He said upon further interrogation, the suspect said after clearing the goods from Aviance, they used a huge metal device like a crane to dismantle the metal blocks and then sent their contents to one Daniel in Abuja through a certain Maxwell in Lagos.
Investigations are continuing into the case, after which the suspect will be arraigned.
CAPTION : Suspect Nmerika Enock, a 41-year-old Nigerian, with the metal blocks and some of the substances.
IGP CAUTIONS PAULICH AGAINST FALSE ALARMS
23/05/2010
Story: Mary Mensah
THE Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Paul Quaye, has cautioned the public against raising false fire alarms and bomb threats.
He indicated that some unscrupulous people were taking advantage of the increasing spate of fire outbreaks in the country to create panic and anxiety in the minds of people by raising false alarms.
Speaking at the annual WASSA celebration of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra, the IGP noted that those threats seemed be to spreading across the country, adding that they were a matter of grave concern which demanded professional solutions.
Mr Quaye, therefore, called on detectives to elicit information that would identify those faceless and unscrupulous individuals whose stock-in-trade was the dissemination of those misleading threats.
He said the Ghana Police Service, and for that matter the CID, had a duty to stop those ill-intended alarmists before permanent damage was inflicted on the security image of the country.
He observed that the corporate image of the police had sunk low and noted that it required a Herculean task and effort to redeem it.
The IGP said 2010 was a year of image redemption for the police and went on to state that the police had focused on activities that would do away with all negative perceptions about the service, whether real or imagined.
He advised the personnel to turn around in the manner in which they treated suspects and accused persons in custody and also eschew corrupt practices and the tendency to accept money to influence the bail of suspects in custody.
He said personnel who disregarded those cautions and got themselves entangled with corrupt practices would not be treated with kids’ gloves, neither would they be shielded by the administration.
Mr Quaye said two current major interventions embarked upon by the police in the provision of state-of-the art equipment for the police were aimed at turning the fortunes of the CID around immensely.
He explained that the establishment of a DNA laboratory and an automated fingerprint identification system were two conspicuous components that could boost scientific investigations and the operational effectiveness of the CID.
For his part, the Director-General of the CID, Mr Frank Adu-Poku, said statistics from the court unit indicated that 518 cases were prosecuted, with 170 convictions, while 322 cases were still undergoing prosecution.
He announced that the CID Headquarters was receiving a facelift, with the beautification of the compound and plans to renovate the building.
“As detectives, we must avoid acts, omissions or commissions that will drag the image of the Police Service in the mud. We must respect the rights of suspects and prisoners and be very civil to the public whose support and co-operation have brought us far,” he stated.
Story: Mary Mensah
THE Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Paul Quaye, has cautioned the public against raising false fire alarms and bomb threats.
He indicated that some unscrupulous people were taking advantage of the increasing spate of fire outbreaks in the country to create panic and anxiety in the minds of people by raising false alarms.
Speaking at the annual WASSA celebration of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra, the IGP noted that those threats seemed be to spreading across the country, adding that they were a matter of grave concern which demanded professional solutions.
Mr Quaye, therefore, called on detectives to elicit information that would identify those faceless and unscrupulous individuals whose stock-in-trade was the dissemination of those misleading threats.
He said the Ghana Police Service, and for that matter the CID, had a duty to stop those ill-intended alarmists before permanent damage was inflicted on the security image of the country.
He observed that the corporate image of the police had sunk low and noted that it required a Herculean task and effort to redeem it.
The IGP said 2010 was a year of image redemption for the police and went on to state that the police had focused on activities that would do away with all negative perceptions about the service, whether real or imagined.
He advised the personnel to turn around in the manner in which they treated suspects and accused persons in custody and also eschew corrupt practices and the tendency to accept money to influence the bail of suspects in custody.
He said personnel who disregarded those cautions and got themselves entangled with corrupt practices would not be treated with kids’ gloves, neither would they be shielded by the administration.
Mr Quaye said two current major interventions embarked upon by the police in the provision of state-of-the art equipment for the police were aimed at turning the fortunes of the CID around immensely.
He explained that the establishment of a DNA laboratory and an automated fingerprint identification system were two conspicuous components that could boost scientific investigations and the operational effectiveness of the CID.
For his part, the Director-General of the CID, Mr Frank Adu-Poku, said statistics from the court unit indicated that 518 cases were prosecuted, with 170 convictions, while 322 cases were still undergoing prosecution.
He announced that the CID Headquarters was receiving a facelift, with the beautification of the compound and plans to renovate the building.
“As detectives, we must avoid acts, omissions or commissions that will drag the image of the Police Service in the mud. We must respect the rights of suspects and prisoners and be very civil to the public whose support and co-operation have brought us far,” he stated.
Alhassan Appoints as Deputy IGP
23/05/2010
Story: Mary Mensah
The President, John Evans Atta Mills, in consultation with the Police Council, has appointed Commissioner of Police (COP) Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan as the Deputy Inspector General of Police.
Fourteen other senior police officers have also been promoted from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP).
All appointments took effect from February 1, 2010.
Before his appointment, Mr Alhassan was the Director General in charge of Administration and was once Commissioner of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).
On his return from Liberia, he was made the Western Regional Police Commander before taking appointment as the Director General at the headquarters.
Mr Alhassan was also once in charge of the Southern Command Operations.
The 14 others are Mr Daniel Julius Avorga, Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), Prosper Kwame Agblor, once head of Interpol and now head of Interpol Regional Bureau for West Africa in Abidjan, Robert Adibura Ayalingo, the in-charge of CID Operations and Timothy Aquamor Ashley, Director of PIPS.
The others are Mr David Nenyi Ampah-Bennin, Volta Regional Police Commander, Mr Ransford Moses Ninson, Deputy Regional Police Commander, Brong Ahafo Region, Mrs Beatrice Zakpa Vib-Saziri, Police Attaché at the Ghana Mission in the United Kingdom, George Akuffo Dampare, Director of Finance, and Yaagi Akuribah, Chief Staff Officer.
The rest are Mr Roy Ayinibisa Amuni, Mark Robert Azu, Second in Command in the Central Region and now on UN Mission in Sudan, William Jib Kwanair, Railway and Port at Tema, Ms Mina Ayim, Divisional Commander, Akropong, and Albert Onwona-Agyemang, Head, Police Education Unit, whose promotion took effect on January 1, 2010.
Pictures of Alhassan saved in today’s file 2/03/ 2010 as Alhassan Deputy IGP.
Story: Mary Mensah
The President, John Evans Atta Mills, in consultation with the Police Council, has appointed Commissioner of Police (COP) Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan as the Deputy Inspector General of Police.
Fourteen other senior police officers have also been promoted from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP).
All appointments took effect from February 1, 2010.
Before his appointment, Mr Alhassan was the Director General in charge of Administration and was once Commissioner of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).
On his return from Liberia, he was made the Western Regional Police Commander before taking appointment as the Director General at the headquarters.
Mr Alhassan was also once in charge of the Southern Command Operations.
The 14 others are Mr Daniel Julius Avorga, Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), Prosper Kwame Agblor, once head of Interpol and now head of Interpol Regional Bureau for West Africa in Abidjan, Robert Adibura Ayalingo, the in-charge of CID Operations and Timothy Aquamor Ashley, Director of PIPS.
The others are Mr David Nenyi Ampah-Bennin, Volta Regional Police Commander, Mr Ransford Moses Ninson, Deputy Regional Police Commander, Brong Ahafo Region, Mrs Beatrice Zakpa Vib-Saziri, Police Attaché at the Ghana Mission in the United Kingdom, George Akuffo Dampare, Director of Finance, and Yaagi Akuribah, Chief Staff Officer.
The rest are Mr Roy Ayinibisa Amuni, Mark Robert Azu, Second in Command in the Central Region and now on UN Mission in Sudan, William Jib Kwanair, Railway and Port at Tema, Ms Mina Ayim, Divisional Commander, Akropong, and Albert Onwona-Agyemang, Head, Police Education Unit, whose promotion took effect on January 1, 2010.
Pictures of Alhassan saved in today’s file 2/03/ 2010 as Alhassan Deputy IGP.
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