The new indep thur 076

CMYK

COVER STORIES

Tuesday, 19th November, 2013

1

Volume: 2/076 <<>> NMC/C.139/12/1633 <<>> Tuesday, 19th November - Thursday, 12th November, 2013 <<>> PRICE: GH¢2.00

Reverse

2.5%

VAT Hike

Fallout from the 2.5% VAT Increase

• T

Labour groups warn Gov’t

MINORITY CALLS FOR NPP to face ‘REVOLT’ Aluta • HE Polytechnic Teachers Association of Ghana (POTAG), Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) and the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), have demanded the immediate reversal of the 2.5%

increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) passed by Parliament last Friday.

The Minority in Parliament, who walked out of the House last Friday before the bill was passed, yesterday addressed a press con-

p Cont’d on page 3

In the matter of the 2008 & 2012 elections

-S stoerye o pagne 2-

r e k a e p S y t u p e D n o s d n e Desc & lambastes Majority

STORY BY PAA KWESI

T

HE opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is to face a revolt if the party does not change its

way of life and desist from engaging in internal wrangling that have contributed to the twice defeat of the party, angry youth of the party, Patriotic

p Cont’d on page 3

2

COVER STORIES

Tuesday, 19th November, 2013

thenewindependent1@gmail.com

The VAT Increase and What Effects!

LAST Friday, the government, through the Majority in Parliament, increased the VAT rate by 2.5%, a move that sent the Minority out of the House.

THE issue has already become the talk of the country with each Ghanaian looking at how the increase will affect him or her.

BUT as this development goes on, some organized groups have already spoken openly against the increase, and one such group is the Minority in Parliament.

THE Minority at its press conference yesterday, said a lot of things and we on The New Independent need not repeat them, but we are only making a humble appeal to the authorities to take time and read the press statement to see if they could make any sense out of it and adopt some of the suggestions being made.

WE believe that, if this is done, it will go a long way to ensuring maximum co-operation between the two major groups in Parliament.

WE do not want to see a situation where the Minority will use last Friday’s development as an good excuse to stay away from Parliamentary business. They are a major stakeholder and we believe they should be listened to.

ALSO, some groups within organized labour have spoken against the VAT increase, and we again call on the government to look for ways of listening to all divergent views and to attempt to resolve differences over the VAT increase so that, the increase does not turn out to be counterproductive.

Like Us on Facebook.com

/thenewindependent1

MINORITY CALLS FOR ‘REVOLT’ STORY BY S. O. ANKAMAH

T

HE Minority in Parliament has called on Ghanaians to rise up against the 2.5% hike in VAT rate, which they say, was introduced in the House last Friday through the backdoor and by subterfuge means.

They described the action by the Majority as disgraceful, abominable and unacceptable in parliamentary practice.

Subsequently, they called on Ghanaians to resist the hike as it will further lower their already deplorable economic conditions.

Papa Owusu Ankomah, Member of Parliament for Sekondi, made this call at a press conference held by the Minority in Parliament yesterday.

He argued that, on no account should a tax be levied without notice as happened in the House last Friday.

In a charged atmosphere, the Minority, led by its Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, referred to the action of the ruling NDC as disgraceful and shameful to parliamentary democracy and good governance.

The angry Minority also vented their spleen on President John Dramani Mahama and the Second Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ebo Barton Odro, who presided over last Friday’s sitting, describing his conduct of allowing the passage of the VAT increase, through unorthodox parliamentary procedures, as unprofessional and an affront to parliamentary democracy.

“Last Friday, November 15, 2013 President John Mahama caused an increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate by two and a-half percent to be foisted on the nation.

The disingenuous contrivance was supported by the presiding person, Hon. Ebo Barton-Oduro the 1st Deputy Speaker,” the well-laden press statement by the group began on this note.

According to the Minority, the VAT Bill 2013 was introduced to Parliament in July 2013 and ever since it was read the first time, rumours became rife that, the NDC government was poised to increasing the VAT rate.

The Minority told the press conference that, all efforts by himself and other members of the Finance Committee, to find out the veracity or otherwise of the rumours, proved futile until last Friday when it was surreptitiously smuggled in tio the House and subsequent;ly passed.

According to the Minority, the action of the government and the Majority in Parliament, constitute serious breaches of parliamentary and democratic procedures.

They therefore called on Ghanaians to resist this attempt to

increase VAT since it will further worsen their already deplorable economic conditions.

The Minority Leader said, “the confounding events culminating into the introduction of the 2½% increase in the VAT rate are reprehensible and condemnable as they sounded the death-knell of Parliament.”

He accused the Majority of hiding the intention of VAT increase from him, the Minority Leader, as he (Minority Leader) approached him (Majority Leader) to enquire but to which enquiry the former replied in the negative “The Minority Leader upon enquiry from his caucus members engaged his counterpart the Majority Leader, Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor on the veracity of the rumour, but the Majority Leader flatly denied any such intentions on the part of gove r n ment,”

the Minorit y Leader told journalists, wondering if Dr. Kunbuor is indeed “the Minister in charge of Government Business in Parliament.”

He also exposed the Finance Minister over similar move as he accused him too of hiding the intention of VAT increase from him, the Minority “On two other separate occasions, the Minority Leader engaged the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr. Seth Tekper on the persistent rumour. The Minister’s response was that, no such consideration had come before Cabinet and that, he had been informed that, the managers of the National Health Insurance Scheme were the people who were lobbying for that. The Minister firmly assured that, the taxes and levies that had already been introduced were sufficient to rake in enough revenue to lubricate the system and hence government was not minded to increase the VAT rate,” he quoted the Finance Minister as having made this statement to him.

“In the circumstance, the act of increasing the VAT rate last Friday constituted a grotesque betrayal of trust. Parliament thrives on consensus-building. Is the Major-

ity Leader to be taken serious by his colleagues from now on? The motion to increase the VAT rate, which is an imposition of tax, was done on behalf of President Mahama as article 108 provides. The conduct of the Minister of Finance, who earlier assured, on behalf of the President, that, no enhancement of the rate was intended but whose Deputy moved the motion to increase the rate with the Minister sitting beside him, is even more questionable. Is the Minister of Finance or, indeed, President Mahama to be believed by the people of this country from now on?

Has governance been reduced to propaganda, deception and outright lies?” angry Minority Leader fumed.

Attacking the conduct of the First Deputy Speaker, he wondered why he should deprive members from debating the matter.

“It is also important to note the indecent haste with which the Presiding Member curtailed further debate on the proposed amendment by the Minister.

Order 83(3) obligates the 1st Deputy Speaker, after the Minister had moved for the deletion of the 12½% rate, to have invited justification and counter reasons in a renewed debate or consideration and thereafter put the question and if the question was agreed to, only then could he call for what was to be inserted. The transaction of business did not conform to known procedures. It was unorthodox, it was bizarre, it was all a mad rush,” he lambasted the presiding officer for last Friday’s sitting.

He also said, “again, one notes the lightning speed with which the Presiding Member closed further deliberation on the Bill by the House by allowing a motion for the Third Reading of the Bill in flagrant breach of Order 131(1), which provides that, “A Bill having passed through the consideration stage, the Third Reading shall not be taken until at least twenty-four hours have elapsed.” Besides, it is instructive to note that, when the Chairman of the Finance Committee moved his motion for a second consideration, it was in respect of specific provisions in the Bill as Order 130(1) provides, it was not for a reconsideration of the whole Bill.”

The Minority Leader said, for these and other reasons, the Minority was of the view that, the VAT hike should be resisted by Ghanaians.

“It is for this reason why we are calling on Ghanaians to rise up to resist the rule of the oppressors; a President who has no sense of compunction. Why did it become necessary for the hikes in utility tariff rates to be lowered and then the VAT rate to be increased, so suddenly. Is it the case of double speak, Mr. President?” he said.

COVER STORIES

Tuesday, 19th November, 2013

3

Reverse 2.5% VAT Hike P Cont’d from page 1 ference to outline a series of actions they would undertake to oppose the 2.5% VAT increase.

The Minority says it may boycott the budget readings on Tuesday to register opposition to the VAT amended bill.

The passage of the bill, which introduced the rate increase, left Parliament divided with the minority

staging a walkout.

Opposition to the increase is receiving support from many Labour Unions.

The Industrial and Commercial workers Union says, the increase betrays government over its insensitivity to the plight of the poor Ghanaian.

“On this particular matter, ICU feels uncomfortable, because it’s like robbing Peter to pay Paul when you have gone ahead to say

you will subsidise utility tariffs, then you turn your back to come and lay another burden that affects virtually everybody in society,” said ICU General Secretary, Solomon Kotei.

He said, VAT increase will leave the “poor workers” worse off, adding that, government “either is confused or doesn’t know where to make money any longer and the only thing they can do is to increase the burden” on Ghanaian workers.

France Ambassador, July sign three financing agreements with NGOs

F

RÉDÉRIC Clavier, Ambassador of France in Ghana and Amélie July, Director of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in Ghana, representing the French Global Environment Facility

(FFEM/GEF) last Thursday, 14th, signed three financing agreements with three NGOs, A. Rocha Ghana, ATIDEV Initiatives, and West African Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA) Ghana.

The Small Initiative Programme of FFEM

(GEF) is dedicated to supporting NGOs active in the protection of the environment in African countries.

With its local micro-project financing, this programme has executed 100 projects in 25 countries within 7 years and has 50 others,

which are under consideration.

A Rocha receives a grant of 35,000 euros from the Small Initiative Programme (SIP) to help protect Lake Bosumtwi and create a Community Resources Management Area (CREMA).

ATIDEV Initiatives received a grant of 30,700 euros from the SIP to better secure the ecosystems of the Keta Lagoon and sustainably manage them with the involvement of six villages.

For WAPCA, its grant of 33,100 euros is to allow it to continue its conservation efforts undertaken in the Kwabre forest in Western Ghana and Tanoé forest in Côte d’Ivoire, by creating a CREMA and eventually creating a community trans-border reserve to protect the creating a community trans-border reserve to protect the entire zone.

On its part, POTAG also says, the increase is too much.

President of the Association, Francis Atintonu, noted that, “increasing VAT by 2.5% at this present time is uncalled for. It is not necessary.”

The Ghana Federation of Labour that had previously broken ranks with Organized Labour in the protest against utility tariff hikes, says it is totally opposed to the decision to increase the VAT.

Secretary General of the Federation, Abraham Koomson is ready to join forces with the other unions to get Parliament to reverse its decision.

He says, the increase will cripple industry and lead to job losses.

He admits “it is taxes that can be depended on for development but they (government) must also look at the industry, because if the industries are over taxed, they will collapse.”

NPP to face Revolt P Cont’d from page 1 Revolutionary Youth of NPP, have threatened.

The group says, the revolution, which is imminent, will surely hit the party if the party fails to streamline its internal activities to make it more attractive to floating voters.

This threat was contained in a statement issued and signed by Danso Simon Asamoah, President and Joseph Otoo, Secretary.

“If the party does not change its way of life, we, members of the Patriotic Revolutionary Youth of NPP (PRYNPP) do announce our intention to carry out a sweeping revolution in our beloved party, the NPP,” the statement said.

It said, “As a party, the NPP has suffered numerously from a defective and naïve approach to elections in the past, and we believe it’s our responsibility as revolutionary-blooded youth of the party, to undertake a comprehensive and sweeping revolution,” the angry NPP youth noted.

They said, the revolution will hit the NPP like a tsunami before the 2016 general elections.

“This revolution, we believe, is a dire and urgent necessity; in fact, a precondition for victory in 2016,” the statement threatened.

“As youth of the party, we have

taken time to observe that, there must be a radical change in our approach to elections in this country, should our dream of beating the NDC in 2016 be a reality. We contend that, without this comprehensive and sweeping revolution in our approach to elections, we will continue to disappoint the people of this country,” the statement indicated.

The group said, its decision has become necessary as they cannot understand how on earth the party could lose both the 2008 and 2012 elections; after the party comparatively preached the best message and run the best campaign.

“The only available reason for our twin defeats is that, our approaches to these elections were defective, awkward and childish,” the statement said.

To the group, “beating the NDC in presidential elections demands more than what our rank and file know, and have been doing all this while.”

“Our revolution will equip our rank and file with the requisite knowledge of the real things that can and will win us power in 2016. Our revolution will ensure that, we as a party do ‘those things we have always taken for granted’”.

The group is of the view that, “the NPP needs a comprehensive and sweeping revolution, and we assure all stakeholders of our commitment and readiness to carrying it out.”

Kasoa MTTU hit road •Arrest recalcitrant drivers REPORT: CALVIS TETTEH

T

HE Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Kasoa District Police Command headed by Asp Alhassan Bawa has hit the road to arrest recalcitrant drivers who fail to comply by the road regulations act of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit of the

Ghana Police Service.

The exercise which took the form of random stopping of cars both private and commercial on the main Bawdwaise road is meant to reduce the carnages on our roads especially during the festive season of Christmas.

Interacting with this reporter, Asp Alhassan Bawa explained that the rationale behind the exercise is to arrest recalcitrant drivers who fail to abide by the regulations

of the Police and then process them to court.

“It is the duty of the Police to make sure that accidents during these festive season is reduced drastically since the season is noted for lots of accidents because some drivers drive carelessly”.

According to the MTTU Commander, plans are far advanced to organize an outreach program for commercial drivers within the Awutu Senya East Municipality to sensitize drivers on

the need to obey road regulations, among other things.

He hinted that the issue of “spare driver” is one thing that is creating most of the accidents in the municipality adding that most of the “Spare drivers “in a bid to make some monies for themselves and for their car owners, driver hastily in a way to get a lot of passengers since getting more passengers means making more money.

Among some of the

offenses some drivers were charge with included driving without license, defected break light, driving with DV plate, defected smashed side mirror, worn out tie, among other offences.

Cars with registration numbers GR- 1750 -09, AW- 428-12, AW7543-12, and one Pontiac Saloon Car with DV plate were those caught with the above offences.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Alhassan Bawa explained that the

above mentions drivers of the above mentioned number plates would be dealt with accordingly adding that they would be prepared before the Awutu Bereku Magistrate court to answer charges levelled against them.

“Some of them can serve jail terms or possible fine if they are found

guilty of the offences he lamented.

He however called on drivers plying the Kasoa roads during this festive season to exercise maximum caution since doing so will mean safe guarding their lives and that of other individuals as well as making the job of the Police less difficult.

Keep Ghana Clean

4

LOCAL NEWS

Tuesday, 19th November, 2013

Social Accountability In Local Government And Decentralization Workshop Held

BY LOVELACE OPOKU –AGYEMANG

M

R. Felix Agyei Amakye, Lecturer at the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) has said that, social accountability consists of actions initiated by citizen groups to hold public officials, politicians and service providers accountable for their conduct and performance in service delivering , improving people’s welfare and protecting their rights.

He noted that social accountability mechanisms can contribute to improved governance, increased development effectiveness through better service delivery and empowerment.

Mr. Amakye made the suggestion in a speech on social accountability in local government and decentralization in Ghana at a workshop organized by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD) for disable persons held at Adenta in Accra recently . He said that accountability constitutes an obligation for power holders to account for their actions and inactions, adding that public officials must obey the law, rules, procedures against abuse of use of power. Mr. Amakye hinted that public officials must serve the public interest in an efficient, effective and fair manner.

In his welcome address, Mr.Maxwell Agyei Ashon, Research Officer at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development(CDD) said that social accountability should not be an individual effort but a collective action involving all stakeholders in the promotion of good governance.

He noted that it is not for the luxury of it that the 1992 constitution in article2040 requires that local government in their planning, budgeting and execution of other official responsibilities should involved citizens within their jurisdiction.

French Delegation Calls on Energy Minister

A

FRENCH Oil and Gas Industry Trade Mission are in Accra to explore the possibility of investing in Ghana’s oil and gas sector.

GEP-AFTP, the French Oil and Gas Suppliers Council, led by the Business Development Manager, Claude Bouty, on Monday called on the Minister for Energy and Petroleum, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, at the Ministry.

The delegation was accompanied by Madam Cecile Vignaud, Deputy French Ambassador Ghana.

Mr. Bouty said, they are in the country to explore business opportunities in the country, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

According to him, Ghana continues to attract more companies due to its political stability, stating that, they will engage with their Ghanaian counterparts to look at investment opportunities.

He said, the GEP-AFTP represents the interests of about 180 suppliers of equipment and services to the international oil and gas industry, which have a significant activity in France.

Hon. Buah, on his part, said, Ghana’s relationship with France has been solid and is growing stronger, adding that, the record of French companies operating in Ghana is something to be proud of.

He said, the government of Ghana is bent on ensuring transparency in the oil and gas sector and has passed laws to guide operations in the industry.

“We are fully committed to the ideals of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)”, he said.

The Minister further stated that, the country is taking seriously its local content policies and is making sure that, Ghanaians and Ghanaian companies are empowered through capacity development and skills and technology transfer.

He assured the delegation of work together to share common value, and encouraged them to explore business opportunities.

Woman is Perfecter and Straightener ... Churcher exalts Women as She Goes Pastoral And Poetic STORY BY S.O ANKAMAH

T

HE former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Cape Coast, Hon. Christine Churcher, has observed that, woman was perfecter in man in God’s creation, and as such, she is there to straighten the rough edges of man.

She noted that, these attributes are indescribable and factual, since God, in His own wisdom, created woman to complete man.

She regretted that, this complimentary role of the woman, though unavoidable, is most often relegated to the background, likening this role to that of the roots of a tree, which are always buried in the soil.

However, she said, without the roots, a tree cannot survive.

Hon. Churcher made these revelations at the Sasakawa Conference Hall of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), where she was a co – speaker at a Christian programme last Friday.

Under the theme: “Life Class”, the progamme was organised by Breakthrough Family Ministry International, headed by Young and upcoming Pastor, Papa Anaisie Yarquah, in collaboration with the Christine Churcher Foundation, Ghana, and Rev. Dr. Charles Buckman Foundation. London.

The two- day programme had two distinct topics under the theme for the two speakers, Hon Churcher and Rev. Buckman.

Hon. Churcher, the first to speak, talked on “Girl Talk – How real woman gets along in life.”

A charged but well composed Churcher, began her speech by going pastoral and poetic, ie, by singing the popular hymn,

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross “and other Christian songs, only to shift into poetry after this, by reciting Yaa Asantewah’s speech of 1900, amidst eulogy of her, thus holding her listeners spellbound, apparently because, she had not been seen in public for time now.

In what some of her listeners described as one of her best performances, Hon. Churcher described a real woman as one, who can identify her God-given talents and move ahead, to make an impact in life, wherever she finds herself.

By this, she pointed out, that real woman leaves her footprints and marks in the annals of history as did the Yaa Asantewahs, the Biblical Deboras, Ruths and Esthers.

Hon. Churcher stated that, a real woman is the one who prides herself with her feminism, fears no completion, avails herself where she is needed most, and at the right time.

She pointed out that, as pertained in Esther 4:14, a real woman lays her life down for society, knowing very well that, she is in life for a purpose, stressing that, it is against this background that, when she prays and cries out to God, He listens.

According to Hon Churcher, there are more explosive issues in the world and if women keep quiet over them, disaster will strike.

A real woman, she pointed out, is one who acts decisively and promptly. She is one who waters down on burning issues in the society by quenching the fire thereof, relating it to the fire quenching business of a woman, saying, that it is symbolic.

She said, a real woman is like a thermostat that influences the temperature around it, and a thermometer that determines the temperature.

The former MP, who was also a Minster

in Charge of Girl-Child Education in the Kufuor administration, said, a real woman is one who detects her God-given talents to explore it for the minimum benefit of society.

She stands for peace as Debora did, very influential and determined on whatever mission accorded her till success is achieved, citing Delilah’s role to have Samson demeaned. She was however quick to point out that, though this was hard, for the mere fact that, she succeeded, depended on her determination.

A real woman, she said, thinks and plans, does not reveal secrets prematurely, and speaks at the right time despite the circumstances she finds herself in.

She also said, a real woman is a builder and not a quitter, and even under such unfortunate things as breakdown in relationships ie, marriage, she stands firm and wins.

She is kind, loving, merciful, accommodating, and her language has always been “Inspite of”, and not giving up easily and very conscious of quality time, and does not cry over men and trade in her sexuality. Neither does she fight over masculinity instead, she fights for equal rights and opportunities with men, stressing that, man is naturally the head of the family, and that, a family without a head is headless.

She said, the life of a woman does not depend upon the number of men she has moved with, but, by the quality life she has lived.

Hon. Churcher urged women to endeavour to make their men kings, and they will in turn make them queens. She noted that, every woman, like Zacheaus, has a tree to climb to popularity. She can make things happen and shake the foundation of society.

ENTERTAINMENT

Tuesday, 19th November, 2013

5

Peter of P-Square ‘marries’ Lola Omotayo

P

ETER Okoye, one half of Nigerian music group P-Square wedded his long time fiancé, Lola Omotayo at a traditional wedding in Lagos, Nigeria Saturday.

The two already have two kids - Cameron and Aliona.

But Peter proposed to Lola, with a ring and a brand new Range Rover in August this year. The had been dating for seven years.

Saturday’s wedding, which came off at the Ark in Lekki, Lagos, was organised

by Perfect Coordinators.

The outfit is known to have planned several celebrity weddings including that of Naeto C and Nicole Chikwe last year.

Peter and Lola’s wedding attracted some A-List celebrities from Nigeria and the world.

The impressive guest list included, Genevieve Nnaji, Kate Henshaw, May D, Don Jazzy, Dr. Sid, Karen Igho, and football star, Emmanuel Adebayor.

The white wedding will be held next year.

Nadia Buari releases trailer for her directorial debut, DIARY OF IMOGEN BROWN starring Jim Iyke

G

HANAIAN star actress, Nadia Buari has ventured into new area with the new movie, DIARY OF IMOGEN BROWN which does not only see her in the lead role but also sees her taking on the role of Director and Producer for the first time. The movie which is based on real life events, also features her boyfriend, Jim Ikye and her brothers Majeed Sidiku Buari and Jameel Sidiku Buari.

Imogen Brown, a successful business woman who had it all. Such as what most women will wish for, an incredibly beautiful daughter, a great home, a diamond business empire and a handsome boyfriend. Unknowing to her, her envious boyfriend, Tyler Graham, who had been having an affair with two of Imogen’s closest friends, was only interested in her wealth. After many failed attempts of persuading Imogen to marrying him so he could take over her company, he decides to walk out on their six years relationship. In trying to get over the pain of heartbreak, she meets Stanley Coleman who introduces her to all kinds of drugs and as a result becomes an addict. The mind-blowing saga continues.

6

Tuesday, 19th November, 2013

ELECTRICITY COMPANY OF GHANA LTD. IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNMENT OF GHANA SUBSIDY ON RECENT ELECTRICITY TARIFFS The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) wishes to inform its cherished customers that it has taken note of the Government of Ghana's (GoG) commitment and support to offer a subsidy to electricity consumers. The company has reprogrammed its systems and is now ready to apply the subsidy, which will reduce the 78.9% increase in tariffs effective October 1, 2013, by 25% commencing Monday 18thNovember, 2013.

The company wishes to use this opportunity to inform, explain and educate its customers on the application of the subsidy. It must be noted that the gazetted tariff effective October 1, 2013, has not changed, but its impact has been reduced by the GoG subsidy. To this effect, the tariff will be fully administered and associated subsidies refunded to customers during the following month for pre-paid customers and net billing for credit customers.

Application of the subsidy to prepaid (cash based) customers For prepaid customers who deposit money at the time of vending (i.e. E-Cash I, E-Cash II and BXCsmart cash meters), the subsidy applicable to the previous month's consumption will be given to the customer in full at the first deposit of cash in the following month. Beyond the first deposit, other subsequent deposits within the same month will accumulate the associated subsidy and further credit customers in full at the beginning of the following month. Therefore, there will be a cycle of crediting customers (as a result of the subsidy) for previous monthly consumption at the first deposit of cashin each month.For example, if acustomer's monthly consumption is 70 units (which corresponds to a deposit of GH¢25), the customer will receive a subsidy of GH¢5.32on his/her account at the first deposit of cash the following month. The receipt issued at the time of vending shall indicate the amount deposited, the applicable subsidyand the total amount/ credits offered to the customer.

Application of the subsidy to (unit based) prepaid customers Though ECG is phasing out the unit based prepayment metering system, it is acknowledged that a few customers are still on the unit based prepayment metering system (i.e. the PNS meter). At the time of unit purchase for customers onPNS,the subsidy applicable to the month of October, 2013shall be refundedas units to the customer in full at the first purchase of units on or after Monday, 18thNovember 2013. Beyond this purchase, all other subsequent purchases of units will also include the applicable subsidy. For example,acustomer whose consumption is 70 units would have paid GH¢25 but due to the subsidy of GH¢5.32, the customer will now pay GH¢19.68. Therefore the customer receives the subsidy in the form of units.

Application of the subsidy to post-paid customers In the case of customers on credit metering, the monthly bill will apply the tariff in full and further adjust it downward with the applicable subsidy. The bill will show what the customer is required to pay given the approved tariff and also the applicable subsidiesas well as the net bill for the customer. This process will be the sameor repeated each month.

Implementation of the subsidy We wish to further explain that all existing subsidies as well as the recently announced subsidy are all being applied to customers. We wish to emphasize that the implementation of the subsidy shall commence on Monday 18th November, 2013 for prepayment metering customers and subsequently for the post-paid customers.Refunds to be received shall cover consumption for the month of October 2013. Our revised reckoner will soon be published to assist customers to understand the application of the subsidy during vending.

For further explanation and clarification, Customer Relations Officers at our District Offices and Customer Service Centres are on stand-by to provide assistance.

(ECG: The Name Behind Electricity In Ghana )

LOCAL NEWS

Tuesday, 19th November, 2013

7

Media Sensitisation Workshop On Voluntary Partnership Agreement Held

BY LOVELACE OPOKU- AGYEMANG

M

R. Chris Beeko, Director at the Timber Validation Department, Forestry Commission, has said that, Ghana’s forest cover has reduced significantly over the past four decades with much of the forests depleted illegally for timber and the remaining forests heavily degraded.

He said, to combat illegal logging and trade, the European Union (EU) in 2009 signed Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the Government of Ghana to ensure that timber harvested in Ghana for export to EU member countries like Netherlands, Germany, France, Denmark and domestic market come

from legal sources.

Mr. Beeko made the statement when he presented a paper on the Working Group on Forest Certification-Ghana for environmental journalists on media sensitization workshop of VPA in Accra. He disclosed that, the VPA is a bilateral agreement between the EU and timber exporting countries such as Ghana.

He announced that, the VPA aims to improving forest governance and ensure that, the timber imported into the EU countries comply with legal requirements of the partner country Ghana, adding that, the VPA mission is to improve transparency and accountability by ensuring that, timber or timber products imported into the EU countries from Ghana have been legally acquired, harvested, transported and exported in compliance with the legal requirements in Ghana.

Mr. Beeko hinted that, Ghana’s major commitment under the VPA is to ensure that, all timber and timber products leaving its shores to the EU are accompanied by a legality license.

He said, this license is a proof that, the timber or timber products have met the necessary legal requirements of Ghana.

Mr. Joseph Osei, Chairman of the Working Group on Forest Certification-Ghana, who also presented a paper on the media coverage in the forest sector, disclosed that, Ghana has a vibrant media that plays an important role as a channel of communication in the socio-economic and political developments of the country.

He said, the media’s contribution in ensuring good governance and accountability through the provision of adequate informa-

tion has received global recognition, adding that, the media can contribute a lot more to promoting sustainable natural resource management in Ghana, including forest certification issues.

The Chairman pointed out that, forest certification is a market based tool for promoting sustainable forest management, adding, forest certification standards facilitate understanding of requirements of good forest management and guide practical implementation and identification of the means of verification of compliance.

He said, environmental journalists can use forest certification standards to carry out periodic audit of forest utilization with respect to award of rights, enforcement of legislation and management of high conservation value forests for public discussions.

Nakomkope Electoral Area Needs Supports FROM LOVELACE OPOKU - AGYEMANG, NAKOMKOPE NEAR SEGE

Melcom commemorates November 7 Disaster REPORT BY SIMON AGBOVI

7

of November marked the tragic incident that hit the Achimota branch of Melcom, which claimed 13 lives and caused many other injuries on that fateful day.

The sorrowful event saw a memorial service conducted by the Melcom Group of Companies last week across all its branches to signify love and respect for the departed in a move to remember the deceased, whose untimely death was announced after the unfortunate accident.

The ceremony was held at the Melcom Plus at the Kaneshie InTH

dustrial Area, and was led by Mr. Godwin Avenorgbo, Communications Director for Melcom, on behalf of the Chairman for Melcom, Mr. Baghwan Ramchand Kubhchandani, who is currently out of the country.

At the ceremony both management and staff dressed in black and white, sang various hymns and local gospel songs, prayed and observed a minute of silence for the victims of the 7th November disaster.

Mr. Avenorgbo mentioned that, “A year ago today, the very foundations of our business was hit hard by a tragedy of grave consequences, the Achimota branch building”, adding that, it was an unfortunate accident and heart-breaking and that manage-

ment would forever remember the 13 lives lost on that fateful day.”

He said, management has fulfilled all obligations to the victims required by law and has gone further to extend humanitarian support aimed at alleviating the pain of the loss of lives, saying, each child of the deceased is now fully covered under the company’s scholarship scheme and are continuing their education, with exception of one child, whose relatives are yet to submit a school bill for payment.

He stated that, the company has gone further to institute another scholarship scheme for children of their hardworking staff and the first batch is taking effect from November 2013.

H

ONOURABLE Dameh Joseph Azator, Assembly member for Nakomkope Electoral Area, has stated that, the work of an assembly member is to represent the area and to see to it that, there should be some developments in the communities.

He said, he has been an assembly member for the past 12 years and his aims are to develop the area to organize sporting activities to entertain the electorate of the area.

Hon. Azator was speaking to The New Independent newspaper at his area in the Ada West District of the Greater Accra region recently.

The Assembly member mentioned that, his missions are to make sure that, teachers get good accommodation to enable them teach well for the betterment of the area.

He called for a library and an I.C.T. centre for the school to use it for studies and also to promote and encourage his electorate to undertake more development projects.

He appealed to benevolent organizations to come to the aid of the area by assisting them to construct ramps in the commu-

nities.

He hinted that, his objectives for the area are to see to it that, children of school-going age go to school, adding that, brilliant but needy students should be given assistance to further their education.

Hon. Azator stressed that, the challenge facing the area is non-availability of a post office, a clinic, police post, bad roads and school buildings.

The Assembly member said, at the moment, his ambition is to start a kindergarten school at Mataheko-Sege in the area.

He stated that, so far, the area has achieved a lot from him in terms of development projects such as electricity, pipe-borne, street lights, fifteen laptop computers, sharing of mosquito nets to the communities, screening of school children and the entire community for oral hygiene and dental care services, donation of footballs and jerseys for the promotion of sporting activities and JSS block at Nakomkope.

Hon. Azator disclosed that, the way forward for the area is to make sure that, the six-classroom block at Sorkope D/A Primary School should be completed, adding that, the rehabilitation of street lights in the communities must come on and also appealed to benevolent societies in the country to come to the aid of the area by assisting them to construct dams in order to use them to water their farms.

8

BUSINESS NEWS

Tuesday, 19th November, 2013

ProCredit introduces Green Loan for SMEs

S

MALL and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) interested in changing their machinery to energy efficient ones can secure loans to do so beginning next year.

The Green Loan Facility, an initiative of savings and loans company ProCredit, would make this possible.

Managing Director, Sarah Tsien Zetterli tells Joy Business the initiative is aimed at encouraging entrepreneurs to invest more in renewable energy and cut down on the cost of energy.

Interest rates on the Green Loan are negotiable and are lower than

the typical business loan. The loan amounts for the initiative range from 10,000 Ghana Cedis to 4 million Ghana Cedis. Also, repayment can be relaxed for up to 10 years.

Small business owners have been complaining about the high cost of energy and are calling for a reduction.

Although government has reduced utility tariffs by 25 percent, small business owners say it will make no difference in mitigating cost of operation.

Ms. Zetterli says ProCredit decided to take up the challenge to help small and medium enterprises switch to

cheaper sources of energy, hence the Green Loan facility.

“We don’t need to be running generators and buying fuel which is very cost inefficient for business owners...” she added.

Ms. Zetterli was speaking to Joy Business at the end of a business forum held by ProCredit in partnership with Joy FM. The annual forum which was held on Thursday was aimed at educating small business owners on how to cope with taxation and rising energy tariffs.

About 120 small business owners participated in this year’s edition.

Tomato prices on the rise - Survey

T

HERE is relative stability in commodity prices across the various market centres in the country, the Esoko-GNA market survey has shown.

The survey conducted in market centres in Accra and Koforidua showed that except for tomatoes, all other commodity prices were unchanged compared to the same period last week.

At the Koforidua markets, commodity prices have extended their stability for the seventh consecutive week on Friday.

There was, however, a slight increase in the price of tomatoes, which traders attributed to the change in the weather pattern.

The price of a bowl of tomatoes rises to GH¢6.00 compared to GH¢5.00 at the close of the previous week.

Three tubers of yam in the Koforidua market sold for GH¢5.00 while a bunch of plantain is going for GH¢8.00.

At the market centres in Makola,

Tema Station and Osu, prices of commodities were stable with the exception of the price of tomatoes, which is on the increase.

At the Osu Night Market, a trader said a box of fresh tomatoes had gone up to about GH¢400 from GH¢100 some weeks ago.

The trader attributed the vast price difference to recent hike in fuel prices, resulting in high transport charges by drivers.

A tuber of yam is going for between GH¢3.00 and GH¢4.00 depending on the size.

At the Makola and Tema Station markets, the price of tomatoes has jumped to GH¢15.00 from GH¢10.00 in the previous week.

Three tubers of yam are being sold for GH¢10.00 while four fingers of plantain are going for GH¢2.00 down from last week’s price of GH¢4.00.

Prices of red pepper and green pepper are stable at GH¢5.00 and a bowl of beans at GH¢6.00.

))Dave Schummer, Regional Senior Vice President, Africa Operations.

Newmont Ghana Pays GH¢49.6m as third quarter 2013 Tax

N

EWMONT Ghana (Ahafo Mine) has paid the sum of GH¢49,647,796 (US$25,359,064) for the third quarter (July - September) 2013, to the Large Taxpayer Office of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The amount represents Corporate Income Tax of GH¢29, 200,572 (US$14,905,856), Mineral Royalty of GH¢10,560,296 (US$5,407,174), Withholding Tax (WHT) of GH¢3, 617,451 (US$1,854,372) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) of GH¢6, 269,477 (US$3,191,662).

Yet to date September 2013, Corporate Income Tax and Mineral Royalty payments declined by 24% in 2013 as compared to payments made in same period (January – September) 2012. This is due tolowergold prices and other challenges facing the mining industry in recent times.

An official release noted that:

“For the first nine months of 2013 alone, Newmont Ghana has paid a total of GH¢201million ($105m) taxes and to date, the company has made total tax payments of GH¢954M (US$588M) to the GRA since it begun production in July 2006”.

“Newmont Ghana has also made significant contributions to its Ahafo and Akyem communities. In partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Newmont Ghana initiated the Ahafo Linkages Programme (ALP) to create sustainable business opportunities within communities around the Ahafo Mine area.

To date, ALP has trained more than 100 local suppliers and entrepreneurs who contribute to the local economy in the Ahafo mine area.It has also provided about 400 local businesses with nearly USD$39 million in contracts and supporting more than 400 jobs,

excluding direct mine employment.

Recently, MilTrac Ghana Limited, an indigenous Ghanaian company, was adjudged as Newmont Mining Corporation’s 2013 Africa Region Supplier of the Year for its proven commitment to operate safely, reduce operating costs and improve efficiencies. This is the first of its kind in the Africa region.

“Another initiative aimed at equipping locals with employable skills for the youth in our mining area is the Newmont Apprenticeship programme.

This programme has trained and employed over 181locals from Newmont Ghana’s (Ahafo and Akyem) host communities with an average cost of US$17,000 spent on each person during the four-year training period.

We thank all our employees, contractors and other stakeholders for their contributions towards this achievement”.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Polish transport minister quits over $6,600 wristwatch

Tuesday, 19th November, 2013

50 confirmed dead in Russian plane crash

P

A

))Nelson Mandela has become a global icon for freedom and justice

Mandela ‘still unable to speak’

F

ORMER South African president Nelson Mandela is still unable to speak but uses facial expressions to communicate, his ex-wife has told a local newspaper.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela said the 95-year-old remained “quite ill” but she dismissed speculation that he was on a life support machine.

In September Mr Mandela returned home after nearly three months in hospital with a recurring lung infection.

The government has said his condition is critical and sometimes unstable.

He is no longer talking “because of all the tubes that are in his mouth to clear [fluid from] the lungs”, Ms Madikizela-Mandel told South Africa’s Sunday Independent newspaper.

“He can’t actually articulate anything... He communicates with the face, you see. But the doctors have told us they hope to recover his voice.”

“I have heard this nonsense that he is on life support - he is not,” she added.

“It is difficult for him. He remains very sensitive to any germs, so he has to be kept literally sterile. The bedroom there is like an ICU [intensive care unit] ward.”

Mr Mandela has been receiving intensive care at his home in a suburb of Johannesburg, which has been specially adapted for his care.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate is revered around the world for leading the fight against white minority rule and preaching reconciliation with the white community despite being imprisoned for 27 years.

Correspondents say the presidency has been keen to reassure not just the Mandela family but the nation that he is no more vulnerable at home than in hospital. It has called for Mr Mandela’s privacy and dignity to be respected.

PASSENGER plane has crashed at an airport in the Russian city of Kazan, killing all 50 people on board.

The Boeing 737 had taken off from Moscow and was trying to land but exploded on impact at about 19:20 local time (15:20 GMT), officials said.

The Emergencies Ministry said there were 44 passengers and six crew members on the Tatarstan Airlines flight.

Investigators are now looking at whether a technical failure or crew error may have caused the crash.

Among the dead was Irek Minnikhanov, a son of the president of the Russian Republic of Tatarstan, according to the official passenger list.

Aleksander Antonov, who headed Tatarstan’s branch of the Federal Security Service, was also among the passengers.

The victims also included two children.

Russian President Vladimir Putin “expressed his condolences to the relatives of the victims in this horrible disaster”, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted by the news agency Interfax as saying.

A government commission has been set up to investigate the cause, he said.

Reports said the pilot had already tried to land several times before crashing.

The crew had said they were not ready to land because of technical problems, Russian news agencies report.

A journalist who said she had flown on the same aircraft from Kazan to Moscow earlier on Sunday told Russia’s Channel TV that there was a strong vibration during the landing in the Russian capital.

“When we were landing it was not clear whether there was a strong wind, although in Moscow the weather was fine, or some kind of technical trouble or problem with the flight,” said Lenara Kashafutdinova.

“We were blown in different directions, the plane was tossed around. The man sitting next to me was white as a sheet.”

The airport in Kazan - the capital of Tatarstan - has been closed since the accident and is expected to reopen on Monday morning.

Kazan lies about 720km (450 miles) east of Moscow.

The BBC’s Daniel Sandford in Moscow says that although some of Russia’s biggest airlines now have very good reputations, frequent crashes by smaller operators mean the country has one of the worst air safety records in the world.

Keep Ghana Clean

OLAND’S transport minister, a close ally of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, resigned on Friday after prosecutors said he may have broken the law by failing to declare his ownership of a $6,600 wristwatch.

Tusk told reporters he had accepted Slawomir Nowak’s resignation, though he said he would welcome him back to his old job if the investigation cleared him of any wrong-doing.

Nowak, 38, had been tipped by some as a future prime minister. Earlier this year, Polish media reported on how he had a fondness for wearing expensive watches, including Swiss brands such as Hublot and Ulysse Nardin.

At the time, Nowak denied any wrongdoing and said that the watches had been loaned to him or were gifts from his family.

The allegations could dent the reputation for probity that Tusk’s government has established. The government’s popularity has been falling in recent months, according to opinion polls.

On Friday, the prosecutor’s office said it had written to parliament saying there was “justified suspicion” that Nowak had broken the law by failing to disclose ownership of the watch.

“In the course of the investigation it has been determined that Slawomir Nowak has owned a watch purchased for the amount of 20,500 zlotys ($6,600),” the district prosecutor’s office said in a statement.

Nowak is a member of parliament and so has immunity from prosecution. Prosecutors can only take him to court if parliament votes to strip him of his immunity.

Nowak is required by law to disclose all belongings which have a value above 10,000 zlotys. Nowak made no public comment on Friday and the transport ministry declined to comment.

))Slawomir Nowak

9

10

OPINION

Tuesday, 19th November, 2013

“Can Corruption Be Stopped In A Country?”

I

N all of my work with young people, this is one question I have found most outstanding and thought provoking.

It came from a teenage girl who is a student at the D. Twe Memorial High School. She was one of several young people attending a Hi-Y leadership workshop.

Probably, the most potent way to answer the question is to ask “How do people become corrupt?” The Holy Bible says “Bribery corrupts the heart and extortion turns a wise man into a fool” (Ecclesiastes 7:7).

From this verse, it can be inferred that corruption is a habit that can be learned and developed. It starts with smaller acts of dishonesty and then grows over many years to become a habit and a culture, encompassing the lives of individuals and entire communities. And like a cankerworm that eats up striving plants, corruption - if left unchecked - grows teeth and eats through the society to its very core.

Some 32 high school students in Liberia know this very well, and through the YMCA S2C philosophy, many more young people are being conscientised to develop better character and adopt values that will prepare them to assume leadership and make meaningful

contributions to the development of Liberia. As one student put it, “If we, students, do not change our minds and adopt the values of honesty, hard work, integrity and love for country, our generation will be more corrupt than the generation before us.”

The students gathered at the St. Mary Catholic School on Friday on 1st November to discuss leadership skills, civic engagement, and membership in the YMCA among other issues. In a session on “subjects and citizens”, the students pointed out so many situations that put young people in subservient positions thus making them less than citizens who should be concerned about the greater good and actively participating in change processes. The students listed their individual and collective choices as being a critical force in determining their roles and responses to issues around them. For example, there is an emerging subculture of fun and outing among students, sometimes at the expense of their own development. This is known as “Super Friday”, a practice for some high school students to boycott classes on Friday to go out on the beach or to entertainment places where they are alleged to consume cigarettes and alcohol. Students who miss tests or some major

evaluations will resort to bribing unprincipled minded teachers to make up for their absence and deficiency. This is a corrupt practice and it is seriously hampering learning and development of future leaders.

A student leader from the Greater Vision High School made the following observation: “We who have served as class leaders have been corrupt in some ways. For instance, if I were in charge of a class and required to write the names of noise makers for punishment, I would write the names of people who are not my friends; I wouldn’t write the names of my friends, no matter how much noise and disturbance they made. This is injustice and an act of corruption. If we continue it, and eventually we find ourselves in leadership positions, we are likely to be even more corrupt. If we continue in this way, we will always be subjects.”

Nyankun Togba, a Vice Principal at one of the high schools was in attendance. He made the following input. “Young people are made subjects based on how they carry themselves.

If I, your teacher, come to class and begin to solicit money in exchange for grades, some of you students will comply and some will refuse and even condemn the act of soliciting bribes from students. Those of you who comply will

oppose those who refuse and you will say all sorts of derogatory and spiteful things about them. Consider these two groups – those who comply and those who do not comply. Who are the subjects? You students must develop confidence in yourselves and strive for excellence in pursuits to acquire education and skills. Do not allow yourselves to be used as subjects.”

He praised the students to have a burning desire for education and self improvement.

He said S2C is such an important development philosophy and students must get actively involved with the YMCA Hi-Y programs.

The Hi-Y is the extension of the YMCA and brings the organisation into the various schools. Boys and girls join the Hi-Y for fellowship and to develop their leadership skills. The Hi-Y has as its principal objective the development of young people in mind, body, and spirit. Five principles govern the Hi-Y: clean speech, clean scholarship, clean sportsmanship, clean job, and clean living.

Christine Davis Africa Alliance of YMCAs Tel: +27 31 266 4478 Email: news@africaymca.org Website: http://www.africaymca.org

Nigerian traders drag Ghana to ECOWAS Court

N

IGERIAN traders in Ghana have dragged the country to the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice over the enforcement of the Ghana Investment Promotion Council (GIPC) Act. The act, which was revised in July this year, among others, specifies the criteria foreigners would have to meet before they can be allowed to do business in the contry.

It also bars foreigners from trading in the country’s markets.

The petitioners, led by the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) and the Nigerian Union of Traders Association, Ghana (NUTAG), believe the act is in contravention of the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Goods and People and are thus, praying the sub-regional court to intervene and stop Ghana from continuing with its implementation and enforcement.

Ghana, through the ministries of Trade and Industry (MOTI), Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and Justice and Attorney-General, has responded to the matter, urging the court to discard the petition.

The Minister of Trade and Investment at the Ghana Consulate in Lagos, Mr Ben Heh, made this known to the Daily Graphic in Lagos, Nigeria.

“As we speak, the Nigerian traders have sued us in the ECOWAS Court and their issue is that the protocol on the free movement of goods and people allows them to trade in the country without any hindrance,” Mr Heh said, adding that the court action was the least expected by his outfit.

Mr Heh spoke to the paper on the sidelines of the Lagos International Fair, which ran from November 1 to 10.

The Ghana Export Promotion Authority, which is the non-traditional export promotion arm of the MOTI, sponsored some 51 companies from the country to participate in the fair.

Prior to the revision of the new GIPC Act,

Act 478, 1994, in July this year, a task force comprising officials of the MoTI, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) and other stakeholders was formed to strictly enforce the act.

The act, among other things, bars foreigners from engaging in petty trading and retailing, especially in areas designated as markets.

The old act was, however, replaced in July this year with a new one that sought to align the country’s investment laws with modern trends in business.

The new one raised the minimum capital for foreigners wishing to do business in the country from the previous US$300,000 to US$1 million either in cash or goods.

It also seeks to address the rampant repatriation of profits by foreign entities by tying it with technology transfer to locals, while urging that Ghanaian partners in joint ventures own at least 30 per cent equity participation in such entities.

The Nigerian business community sees this as a threat to the ECOWAS Protocol on the free movement of goods and people within the sub-region, hence the legal action.

Already, the business community in Nigeria has thrown its wait behind its compatriots in Ghana.

“Ghana needs to open up to Nigerians like Nigeria is doing. What we are hearing and were told by our High Commissioner (to Ghana) is that whenever Nigerian businesses want to repatriate their profits from Ghana, it doesn’t work and your laws also make it very difficult for them to do business. That shouldn’t be the case,” the Deputy President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and In-

dustry (LCCI), Alhaji Remi Bello, said in a separate interview.

H e added that

Ghana’s investment laws appeared selective and thus served as a deterrent to foreign investments, especially to those from Nigeria.

Mr Heh, however, disagreed, explaining that Ghana was encouraging sanity in the business environment.

On the issue of profit repatriation, he said, “Investments that are legally registered with

the GIPC won’t have difficulty repatriating their profits.”

The current court action by the Nigerian traders follows a series of failed petitions and negotiations initiated by the Nigerian community in Ghana for the implementation of the act to be softened.

An estimated 2.5 million Nigerians are in Ghana, most of whom are into the retailing of mobile phones, computers and other goods and services, mostly in the markets.

The traders, earlier this year, had petitioned their High Commission in Ghana, the National Assembly in Nigeria and the ECOWAS Parliament, which is headed by a Nigerian, to intervene on their behalf.

The Leader of the House of the Nigerian Representatives Committee on Diaspora, Mr Abike Dabiri, was also quoted earlier this year as saying Ghana needed to reverse the implementation of the act or risk running into a diplomatic row with Nigeria.

Those diplomatic manoeuvres, however, failed to yield the desired results, leading to the current court action.

On what Ghana would do, given that Nigeria was a strategic ally of the country, Mr Heh said, “In issues like this, what we normally do is that if the matter is not withdrawn, then we wait to see what comes out of it so we can take it up from there.”

However, indications are that Ghana will argue that the ECOWAS Protocol, which the country signed onto, is not superior to its internal laws, especially given that the GIPC Act does not prevent West Africans from investing in the country but requires them to meet the various investment requirements.

NEWS EXTRA

Tuesday, 19th November, 2013

11

Hunan Electric to Build 555MW Plant in Ghana

))Hon. Buah in a meeting with Hunan officials

T ))Ambulance donated to 37 Military hospital

Melcom Donates to 37 Military Hospital STORY BY SIMON AGBOVI

M

ELCOM Group of Companies has donated a Korean Zonda ambulance to the 37 Military Hospital, which cost $33,000 as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The vehicle was presented by the Melcom Care Foundation, and the gesture was also to mark the birthday of the Chairman of the group, Mr. Baghwan Ramchand Kubhchandani, in a move to give back to society and the community in which it operates.

The Director of Communications, Mr. Godwin Avenorgbo, in his statement said, the gesture is to honour the hard working Doctors, Nurses, Drivers, Lab technicians and Administrative staff of the hospital for the relentless efforts in caring for patients and was also to show gratitude to the Ghanaian public for their support after the November 7, 2012

disaster that hit the Achimota branch.

Melcom Care Foundation is was set up to enable the company give back to society in a more focused manner than before and re-invest into humanity and create a sense of belonging among the members of the communities where it operates.

He said, since its establishment, the foundation has engaged in some developmentl projects such as education sponsorship for brilliant but needy students, supported quite a number of children from the basic to the tertiary level of education, including overseas education sponsorships, adding that, thousands of exercise books were distributed to tertiary institutions, which includes the Legon hall, Students Representative Council (SRC), History Students Association, all of the University of Ghana, Legon and the Regent University College of Technology, among others.

He noted that, funding for health care is being provided to settle medical bills of some needy patients and sup-

ported the building of school blocks and the renovation of existing school buildings at the basic level.

The two daughters of the Chairman, Mrs. Sonya Sadwhani, Director of Brands, and Mrs. Rani Melwani, the Director, helped in presenting documents and keys to the vehicle to the hospital.

Vice Admiral Mattew Quarshie, C.D.S, who is the head of the 37 Military hospital, who received the donation, commended Melcom for the gesture to help improve proper health care.

He said, the hospital as a facility needs more equipment to run successfully, adding that, the facility normally does not involve itself in strike actions, therefore coming under pressure when other hospitals embark on strikes, raising the demand on machines and other equipment, in the management of the hospital.

He appealed to other organizations to aid the hospital t’6o improve health care delivery and also help run quality service in times of difficulties.

Installation of disputed chief in northern town banned as women and children flee

T

HE Police in the Northern Region Monday placed ban on the installation a disputed chief at Wovogu-Gumani in the Sagnerigu District.

There are reports of rising tensions in the area, as residents arm themselves in anticipation of outbreak of violence,

if the installation was not called off.

Scores of residents mostly women and children, correspondents say, have also fled the town.

Joy News correspondent Hashmin Mohammed reported from the community that, the District Security Council (DISEC) took a decision at an emergency

meeting to place the ban on the ceremony.

Pupils and teachers did not show up at the community school due to the fear of outbreak of violence, Hashmin said.

District Chief Executive for Sagnerigu and chairman of the District Security Council, Sorugudoo Alhassan said, the ban was necessary to maintain law

and order.

Mr. Alhassani said the DISEC is not leaving anything to chance.

The District Police Commander DSP Abanga Caesar said police is monitoring the situation.

He said the police were patrolling the various communities to avert any clashes.

HE Minister for Energy and Petroleum, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has said that, Ghana’s quest to be energy sufficient is unwavering and finds expression in the enabling environment created for independent power producers to invest in the country.

According to him, the country is poised to achieve its target of generating 5000MW of power by the close of 2016.

The Minister said this during a meeting with officials from Hunan Electric Power and Hunan Construction Engineering Group Corporation at the Ministry in Accra, adding that, the country’s energy demand was growing fast and needed massive investment.

The Hunan officials are in the country to facilitate their plan to build a 555MW combined-cycle plant at the Domunli power enclave in the Western Region.

According to Cai Pai, Managing Director of the Group, the company’s interest in the country’s energy sector stemmed from the seriousness Ghana attaches to ensuring that, it has enough power generation to meet increasing demand.

He said, the project will be in two phases. The first will be a 370MW plant with the second phase being 185MW plant.

TUC returns to PURC Board

T

HE Trades Union Congress has re-established its membership of the Board of the Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission.

Deputy Secretary-General of the TUC, Dr Yaw Baah, confirmed the move in an interview with Citi FM on Monday.

The Labour Union withdrew its membership of the Board of the PURC during agitations to have utility price hikes cut.

The Union described as unacceptable the 79 per cent increase in electricity and 52 per cent hike in water tariffs and demanded that government should implement the increases in a graduated manner to miniise the impact on workers.

The government constituted a technical committee to look into the demands of the TUC and to make recommendations towards addressing their concerns. The committee submitted its report to the government after two weeks of deliberations but TUC was not impressed with the recommendations.

It threatened nationwide demonstrations and a one day sit down strike by all workers across the country if government failed to intervene to reduce the tariff increases.

The government consequently announced a 25 per cent reduction in electricity prices. In the midst of the agitations the Forum for Governance and Justice described the TUC’s withdrawal from the Board of the regualtor as illegal and proceeded to court in a bid to annul the decision. The case is still pending in court.

Even before the case will be heard, the TUC says it has rescinded its decision to withdraw from the Board and has consequently returned.

Dr Baah explained the withdrawal was to push for certain conditions to be met by government and the PURC and once the workers’ body had been met halfway, there was no need to continue with the boycott of the PURC.

CMYK

12

SPORTS

Tuesday, 19th November, 2013

Ghana Produces First Graduate Boxer

T

HE Ghana Institute of Journalism produced Ghana’s first ever graduate boxer after Sena Agbeko passed out with a 2nd class upper at the institute’s graduation ceremony which come off over the weekend, November 16, 2013.

Popularly referred to as Lord of the Ring by his

folks, the middle-weight champion who is yet to lose a fight after recording 15 knockouts in his 15 appearances in the ring is Ghana’s first boxer to complete tertiary education.

The young Ghanaian boxer earned his Junior High School certificate through Dzorwulu Junior High School and then went ahead to attain a Senior

High School certificate after 3 years of study at Keta Senior High School.

It later took him 5 years to complete a 4 year degree program all because of a dream to become a boxing champion of the world.

In an interview with Radio Univers sports, Sena Agbeko said, “I celebrate my graduation today and hopefully in a few years

time, I will celebrate that world championship in boxing too. 15 - 0, still undefeated is a great feat and i dream of becoming the highly educated boxer in the world”.

Sena is currently managed by K.O management based in the United States of America and he is expected to take to the ring next February.

Boot crazy in Black Stars

))Ghana’s first graduate boxer

Coach Tanko modest after making history with Cameroon

G

HANAIAN coach Ibrahim Tanko is cooling his head on his shoulders after helping Cameroon book a ticket to next year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.

The young trainer made history after becoming the first Ghanaian coach to help a country reach the mundial.

The former Borrusia Dortmund player who is now the assistant coach for the Indomitable Lions, saw his side demolish Tunisia in a convincing 4-1 victory in Yaounde.

Tanko who is likely to be part of the technical team in Brazil for Cameroon

is delighted at his role in helping Cameroon achieve that feat.

“I feel very good, it is not only good for me but for Ghana as well and it’s so great to become the first Ghanaian to help an African nation qualify for the World Cup,” he exclusively told Joy Sports.

“I played my part but the unity among the players also played a major role, we had a very good atmosphere when we came to camp.

“All the players knew what was at stake so they were all determined and at the end we were able to qualify.”

Managing Editor: Edwin Andrew Arthur: 0208178498, Design by: Kekelijohn Crossmedia Solutions: 0244404932. Registered at GPO as a newspaper. Published by Aseda Na Eye Ventures. Office Location: Tabora No. 1, Accra. Postal Address: P. O. Box GP 21558, Accra-Ghana. Email: thenewindependent1@gmail.com, Social Media: www.facebook.com/thenewindependent1