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Volume: 2/082 <<>> NMC/C.139/12/1633 <<>> Thursday, 12th December - Tuesday, 17th December, 2013 <<>> PRICE: GH¢2.00

The brouhaha over NPP’s 2016 flag bearership

Tension Mounts @ Airport

ANTI NANA ADDO PLOT W A EXPOSED

As KIA workers • protest against entry

of new competitor through the backdoor

•

S Ghana’s biggest opposition party, the New Pa t ri o t i c Party (NPP) gears itself up for its flag bearership contest sometime next year, factions have already emerged doing in their opponent factions in an attempt to carry the day in respect of having a hold on the flag berership slot of the party.

As a result, there have been plots and

for a showdown with both the Ghana Airport Company Limited (G.A.C L.), the regulator of under wing services at the Kotoka International Airport and the management

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3 Tonnes “Wee” Arrested

p Cont’d on page 2

As Appiah Ofori Insults Apraku, Others, Says “Any NPP Member Against Nana Addo As Flagbearer Is “Stupid”Mafia embark on lying spree ALSO INSIDE:

ORKERS of the two Ground Handling Service Providers at the Kotoka International Airport, A. H. MENZIES & AVIANCE Ghana, are gearing up

REPORT: KOFI ADZIVOR

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HE Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) Division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has intercepted three (3) tones of

wrapped and dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

The substance was intercepted at the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service check point at Asikuma in the Volta Region.

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Mogisu favorite to win N/R Chair position /PAGE 4

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COVER STORIES

Thursday, 12th December, 2013

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GHANA FLAG SHOULD BE NAMED WE are using this piece as our editorial in view of its importance THE time has now come for the unnamed Ghana Flag to be named. Wasn’t it, I presume, an oversight that, the Ghana flag was not given a name when that flag re-placed the United Kingdom Flag called the “Union Jack”.

I sincerely believe Madam Theodosia Okoh, the over 90 years old woman now, who graciously designed the Ghana Flag when Ghana attained Independence on the 6th of March, 1957, will be happy to hear that, the beautiful Ghana Flag has been named the “PEACE FLAG” at long last.

INDEED, I have for some time now, advocated that, the flag should be named the PEACE FLAG, because the clarion call of every Ghanaian is for Peace to prevail in Ghana before, during and after all elections.

IT is therefore no wonder that, the country appropriately established the National Peace Council with Most Reverend Emmanuel Asante as the Chairman. The Council, since its formation, has done everything possible for PEACE to reign in our peaceful country.

I have been prompted to re-visit my advocacy, because when South African President, Jacob Zuma visited the country recently, he mentioned that, “Ghana has been selected to receive the prestigious Africa Peace Award in recognition of its shining example in promoting democracy, good governance, peace and security”.

(Refer to “Daily Graphic” dated November 28, 2013 Page 49). I think that wonderful piece of news must make every Ghanaian proud. Let’s please continue to live in PEACE and UNITY. WOULDN’T it be a joyous moment for Ghanaians all over and the entire world to witness that, our President, John Mahama is in South Africa to receive that Award on behalf of Ghana? Ghanaians must in fact applaud themselves for that great achievement, the most peaceful country in Africa. TO GOD BE THE GLORY! ON that note, I wish every Ghanaian would share in my view that, the National Flag is named the “PEACE FLAG” to crown the enviable title bestowed on our country. Who on earth would not like to visit or do business in a peaceful country? I also believe that, when the Ghana Flag is named as such, it will also be most outstanding at the United Nations when all other National Flags are hoisted.

I am therefore appealing to the authorities or the powers that be to factor the naming of the Ghana Flag into the activities for the President’s journey to and from South Africa for the august PEACE AWARD. MEANWHILE, the “NATIONAL PEACE SONG” that was also divinely revealed to me could be sung during that joyous occasion.

INDEED! GHANA IS A PEACEFUL COUNTRY AND THE WORLD WOULD APPRECIATE THAT OUR FLAG STANDS FOR PEACE LONG LIVE GHANA. PEACE BE UNTO THE WORLD. JOHN Amoah P. O. Box KN 811, Kaneshie-Accra E-MAIL: jamoahus@yahoo.com Tel: 0244062998

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ANTI AKUFO-ADDO PLOT EXPOSED P Cont’d from page 1

counter plots against other factions, all in a move to outwit leading members of opposing factions within the party.

One such plot, The New Independent can confirm, is the move by some leading party gurus, to whip up negative sentiments against Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in a move to scuttle his third bid to lead the party to the 2016 elections.

Among the plot, part of which manifested over the weekend, is the move to paint Akufo-Addo, black in the media to ostensibly discredit him so as to be rejected by the party’s electoral college in the next flag berership contest.

Meanwhile, former Member of Parliament for the people of Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, Hon. P.C. Appiah-Ofori has chastised and described any member of New Patriotic Party (NPP) speaking ill of the party’s 2012 Flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo’s decision to contest the Presidential race of NPP for the 2016 general elections as “Stupid” and “Nonsense”.

Dr. Apraku, addressing a group of past graduates from Tertiary institutions of the NPP in Kumasi, asserted that, party’s leaders deserve to be changed and purportedly

called for a possible revolution if only the NPP hopes to win power, come 2016.

He averred that, after two successive defeats, there is the need for a re-election to “diagnose the causes of the defeat rather than to dream to lead the party again.”

But commenting on the statement made by the former campaign manager of Nana Akufo-Addo in 2008 election, the anti-corruption crusader, on an Accra-based radio network, bemoaned the sad position of some members of NPP who he accused of ganging up against the good intention of Nana Addo to make free SHS Education Policy possible for the poor people in the country.

He warned NPP members against the use of factionalism as a means to win internal power as this tactics, he said, will inure to the benefit of the party and could lead to the chances of the NPP forming the next government, impossible.

Touching on the two electoral defeats suffered by Nana Akufo-Addo at the hands of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Appiah Ofori blamed the first setback on Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, who was the party’s Campaign Manager in 2008, accusing

him (Apraku) of misappropriating monies meant for the campaign. “……Apraku, you were the campaign manager in 2008, what happened to the monies, which were meant for the campaign?….. our defeat in 2008 election was caused by you, because nobody knows what you used the money for…Don’t you feel ashamed to condemn Akufo Addo when you are the cause of his defeat?……. you stand there to talk thrash about Nana Addo; nonsense…

Nana Akufo-Addo will stand again for the Presidency and anybody who thinks otherwise of Nana’s decision to stand (as the party’s flagbearer) is stupid”, he fumed.

He reminded those against Nana’s comeback decision not to lose sight of what the late President Mills went through before he became President; suffering two major defeats yet achieved his goal after being propelled to stand on the ticket of the NDC for the third time. “…those using Nana’s age to measure his ability should come again…President Mugabe of Zimbabwe is 85 years and still remains the President of his country….

Ghanaians should consider the qualities in Nana Akufo-Addo and his ability to deliver on his promises,” he stated.

COVER STORIES

Thursday, 12th December, 2013

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Tension Mounts @Airport P Cont’d from page 1

of the Air Ghana Perishable Center.

According to highly placed sources, the main reason for the seeming confrontation is all about what the workers claim to be a deliberate attempt by some Directors of the Ghana Airport Company Limited and the management of the A.G.P.C center led by Mr. Marwan Traboulsi, a former Advisor and Consultant to Aviance Ghana, to establish a partnership and form a 3rd Ground Handling Operator at the Kotoka International Airport, in addition to Aviance Ghana and AHS Menzies.

According to sources at the Airport, the workers maintain that, it all started at a time when Mr. Marwan Traboulsi was a Consultant and Advisor to Aviance Ghana, in 1995 when he began nurturing the idea of setting up a Ground Handling Service operator at the Kotoka International Airport using his own company, Air Ghana.

Information gathered by The New Independent indicate that, sometime in April 2012, the Ghana Airport Company Limited entered into a concession agreement and signed an open ended contract with Air Ghana to manage the Kotoka International Airport Perishable Cargo Centre, a facility financed through the Millennium Development Authority(MIDA) without an expiry date.

This paper gathers from former senior management staff of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and Board members, that long before the signing of the management contract with Air Ghana, Aviance Ghana had made several efforts to erect a modern structure to provide storage facilities for Perishable Cargo as

part of their operations but their request was flatly refused by the Ghana ‘Civil Aviation Authority as far back as 2007.

The workers of AHS Menzies and Aviance Ghana indicated that the latest venture is becoming a source of worry to them because the top management personnel of Air Ghana were all former heads of Aviance Ghana who had left the company for one reason or the other and any form of business partnership will compromise the neutrality and authority of the Regulator.

Speaking to the General Secretary of the Financial Business and Services Employees Union of the Ghana Federation of Labour, Mr. Benjamin Mingle, for the senior staff of Aviance, he confirmed that he was aware of some operational dispute between the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and Aviance Ghana which has even become a commercial dispute currently before the law courts.

However, he intimated that he has been following the developments and attempts to introduce a third Ground Handling operator at the Kotoka International Airport and believes that the controversies that surrounded the award of the management contract and some disagreement over the approval of a third operator at the K.I.A. was the smoking gun that caused the exit of the former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Airport Company.

He said there was a looming danger to the job security of the One thousand workers of both A.H MENZIES and AVIANCE GHANA if a third operator and partner, was brought on board to operate at a small airport like the Kotoka International Airport.

In analyzing the operations at the Kotoka

International Airport, he said currently there are three (3) Ground Handlers: A.H.Menzies, Aviance Ghana And Domestic, Handling while the three Cargo handlers are AVIANCE GHANA A.H.MENZIES and Air Ghana Perishable Centre.

He explained that the total number of passengers handled by the service providers at the Kotoka International Airport are less than Two (2) million, 60,000 metric tons of Cargo and 75,000 aircraft movements as compared to the same size as Brussels Airport in Belgium which handles a total number of over Eighteen million (18) passengers.

The total Cargo tonnage handled is 60 metric tones and Air craft movements are Seventy- Five thousand (75,000) per annum as compared with Aircraft movements of over Two Hundred Twenty-three thousand, a cargo tonnage of 600,000 metric tons and aircraft movements of over two hundred and twenty three thousand ( 223000) He said out of those figures, Aviance Ghana alone with a full time staff strength of Seven Hundred (700) handles less eight hundred thousand (800) passengers, Forty- Five (45) metric tones of total cargo and Air craft movements of Thirty-Six thousand (36000) per annum.

The General Secretary pointed out that the overall effect to a third Ground Handler coming on board will automatically affect service rates to the Airlines, loss of contracts from existing handlers with a massive reduction of labour which will translate into redundancy. ` In a 2013 report published in an aviation magazine, Legislation and The Ramp: IMPACT

OF A THIRD HANDLER, Dr. Chris Smith of the Smith Aviation Consultancy pointed out that low costs have not been achieved solely by improving the processes associated with a turn around but have also been based on cutting the worker salaries, reducing overtime, using seasonal staff with zero hour contracts, refining work patterns by imposing sub- optimum working conditions such as split shifts on employees.

He pointed out that there is limit to how far such approaches can be taken without endangering safety and security and worsening workers conditions and rights.

The report concluded that the introduction of a third handler in even at airports with over 10 million passengers actually further eroded productivity and it may well be impossible to compensate for such further losses of productivity by reducing further labour costs through shorter shifts, zero hour contracts and the like.

“As a Trade Union, it is our commitment to protect the interest of our members and that of the employer therefore we are taking measures to engage both the Ghana Airport Company Limited and Government to discuss the down side of the intended joint partnership of a third Ground Handling Services and the airport regulator, Mr Mingle said..

“No airport authority should be allowed to be competitor, Landlord and Regulator.

This opens up the government to corruption complaints where airlines may be coerced to use the partnered provider by offering Cross Subsidies,” he warned.

“Learn from Mandela” 3 Tonnes “Wee” Arrested

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RESIDENT John Dramani Mahama has urged African leaders to learn from the example of Nelson Mandela and strive to groom the next generation of African leaders.

“We must prepare the next generation of leaders to take over from us. I don’t think that any one person has all the answers to the challenges that our individual countries face,” he said.

In an interview with Christian Amanpour on CNN on Monday, President Mahama stated that one of the lessons African leaders can learn from late President Mandela, was his decision to leave office after one term despite calls from South Africans to continue with the leadership of the country.

He said, this should teach the current group of leaders on the continent to step aside when their work is done and allow others come in and offer their support.

“After he came out of prison, he got elected as the President of South Africa and he did one term in office.

Although, there was a lot of pressure from the Chiefs and the people in South Africa for him to continue and do a second term, he declined.

What it teaches us is that, we come, we play our part and we live it to the next generation,” he said.

President Mahama is expected to join about ninety world leaders including President Obama in Johannesburg today for the Nelson Mandela memorial service.

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The leaves, which in all, weighs 1,308 kilograms, was carefully concealed in jute sacks, Milo tins, Ladies’ travelling bags and cartons in a move to outwit the security.

Two KIA Rhino Trucks with registration numbers, GE 9311-10 and ER 1795 X, were carrying the leaves at the time they were intercepted by the CEPS officers.

Briefing the media at Ho after revealing the dried leaves to the media at Asikuma, an Assistant Commissioner with Customs, Excise and Preventive Service, William Apeadu, sent a strong warning to ‘the illegal business operators’ and added that, the security agencies are aware that, this is their peak season and assured of maximum strategies by CEPS to close in on them.

He then appealed the public to co-operate with CEPS to ensure an environment free off crime.

He also warned vehicle smugglers to be careful, because ‘we will come after them,’ he said in his own words.

))President John Mahama & the Late Nelson Mandela

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LOCAL NEWS

Thursday, 12th December, 2013

Mogisu favorite to win N/R Chair position REPORT: RICHMOND ANDERSON

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LHAJI Mogisu Sibawey one of the few people contesting the First Vice Chairmanship position in the Northern Region is making waves as most party supporters are clamoring for him ahead of other candidates to win the chairmanship position.

Alhaji Mogisu Sibawey who earlier contested for the regional chairmanship position in 2010 under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has a wealth of experience gathered from earlier elections to win the impending one.

He believes that as the party is preparing for elections at the various levels, there is leadership vacuum created and need to be filled by competent people with leadership skills that can galvanize support for the party in the

))Alhaji Mogisu Sibawey

Chiefs must be allowed to work

2016 elections.

“2016 election is a great battle and the future of the party at the region depends on the caliber of people elected to lead the region he added”.

“People with good track record, organizational skill and the one who is the man of the people is what will do the trick for the party in the region”.

According to the Alhaji Sibawey who is a Businessman by profession, he has the tendency to attract floating voters for the party if given the mandate since he has been tried and tested in earlier elections.

The race is keenly being contested as Alhaji Sibawey and some other candidates are vying for Alhaji Rufai Iddi’s the then first vice chairman of the New Patriotic Party position since he is also contesting for the chairmanship position.

Touching on his plans for the constituency, Alhaji Mogisu

Sibawey lamented that he would build a data base of foot soldiers of the party at the region so that at any point in time if there is an opportunity the party can fall on it for support. This he said is unprecedented in the region.

He further stated that his leadership is going to see the twenty five international branches of the New Patriotic Party being linked to the thirty one local branches for both financial and logistical support.

“Under my leadership the number of constituencies would be increased from ten to fifteen “.

“Above all I will bring excitement into the body politics of the region adding that his tenure will see every constituency having an office complex and an administrative staff to see to the day to day running of the constituency.

He however called for support from the delegates to enable him make the party win the 2016 election in the region.

)) Nii Kwashie Gborlor

))Nii Kwashie Gborlor IV, Chief of Ngleshie Amanfro

NEWS DESK REPORT

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HE Chief of N g l e s h i e Amanfro in the Greater Accra region Nii Kwashie Gbor-

lor IV has reiterated the need for Chiefs to have some sort of work they do in addition to serving the stool.

By so doing it prevents the Chiefs from depending on only sale of land as source

of livelihood thereby preventing land guard activities too.

According to him, most land guard activities that is imminent today is as a result of the fact that the Chiefs now a days depend too much on sale of land for their up keep.

He explained that the stool initially should pay the chiefs, but if that is not forth coming once the chief has a personal job he can depend on that for survival.

According to the Chief of Ngleshie Amanfro, the reason why some Chief don’t work is the fact that they have their stool and people to serve, more so they need to have time for their people so if they work it will take greater part of their time.

“That is not to say that they should not work at all Nii Kwashie Gborlor IV added”.

He explained that Paramount Chiefs for instance don’t have to work at all since they have a lot of responsibilities that beckons on them.

“If they even want to work, then they must have their private

jobs they do rather than work for someone”.

Nii Kwashie Gborlor IV rather encouraged chiefs to desire more education rather than any other thing since education is now the yard stick to measure success.

He explained that once a Chief is educated, it sends positive signals to his subjects to also get educated.

It also adds some class of touch to Chieftaincy as a whole he added.

According to Kwashie Gborlor, knowledge is acquired whiles wisdom is given

by God so as a Chief you need to acquire knowledge to the highest level since you serve as a role model to other young ones in society.

God in his infinity mercies will eventually bless you with wisdom in addition to the knowledge acquired to govern your subjects.

He charged all Chiefs to endeavor to educate themselves to fit into the changing trends of society rather than relying on the old system of governance.

))Akwasi Osei Addai

UFP suspends Odike

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HE United Front Party (UFP) has indefinitely suspended its presidential candidate in the 2012 general election Akwasi Addai.

Addai who is popularly known as Odike is reported to have rained curses on the KMA Chief Executive Mr Kojo Bonsu and the Chief of Asokwa,

Nana OfeBaamoah II following a minor dispute.

The party in a statement signed by National Chairman Nana Agyenim Boateng described the action as “appalling and an embarrassment to the image of our dear party.”

The statement said the National Executive Council of the party has unanimously decided

to suspend its 2012 flagbearer “till further notice.”

The statement instructed Odike to hand over all party property in his possession including vehicles used for the 2012 presidential campaign to Mr David Esie Bonya Director of operations.

Odike is yet to comment on his suspension.

ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, 12th December, 2013

Sarkodie to launch ‘Sarkology’ album on Dec 21 with major concert

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Okyeame Kwame Launches New Single “Try Another Time”

ARKODIE, will on December 21 launch his most anticipated third studio album, Sarkology, with a mega concert at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Sarkology, an expansive LP with a mix that boasts of an individual’s artistic delivery carefully honed over the years, is his third effort after ‘Makye’ and ‘Rapperholic’.

According to Sammy Forson, manager of the Duncwills Entertainment label, the launch is expected to be the biggest outdoor event of the year.

The Accra Sports Stadium will come alive, as the BET award winner, Ghana Music Awards artiste of the Year on two occasions, and 4Syte TV’s Most Influential Artiste of the Year 2013, takes to the stage in an unforgettable one-night-only date with his fans.

“This is a fitting end to everything that went into Sarkology. I am excited that we are finally getting to give the album to the fans. This is an album made with the fans in mind,” Sarkodie says.

“December 21 is time for us to make history again.”

Sarkology is a 30-track album, featuring some amazing talents such as Efya, Stonebwoy, Joey B, Raquel, Lil Shaker and Obrafour, as well as Nigeria’s Davido, Banky W, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Vector, South African Rapper AKA, and Senegalese songstress Vivian Chidid.

Shatta Wale, Bisa KB, Tiffany and others join J Martins and Selebobo for ‘City Invasion’ concert in Tamale

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LL is set for the much anticipated city invasion tour with Tamale the northern regional capital being the first to have such an entertaining event. The concert which is set to take place at the Tamale stadium on 28th December is the first of its kind to be organized

by NMJ entertainment now NMJ Ghana.

The Event Manager of NMJ Ghana Akosua Agyemang has assured the people of tamale to expect the best of entertainment this coming Christmas as his outfits seeks to bring quality entertainment to the doorstep of Ghanaians starting with the invasion of Tamale.

“City invasion is a new concept organized by my outfit to bring quality entertainment to everyone especially people outside Accra.

Most shows are based in Accra which in my opinion deprives most regions some level of quality entertainment”

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HE MTN Icon, Okyeame Kwame has launched a new single over the weekend and is set to be selling online through mtnplay.com. gh.

The track, which is titled, “Try Another Time”, features J Martins, a Nigerian known music artiste, which in brief tells the story of never give up in life no matter what the situation is.

The event, which was massively attended by some giants and personalities in the Showbiz industry, saw a cheerful performance from Yasmeen Faisal Helwani, the daughter of late Faisal Helwani, producer and CEO of Bibini music, Stone of Bradez, Raquel and Ok-

yeame Kwame himself.

The event is also to outdoor mtnplay.com.gh a site intended to market the locally made music of the Ghanaian artiste to be sold through mtn.

Mtnplay.com.gh is designed to allow all mobile phone users to download tunes on the internet.

Okyeame Kwame, addressing the event said, the idea of mtnplay. com.gh is to release customers from stress moving from one end to purchase a CD from a shop, therefore making it easy to download songs on the phone, which will cost some amount of credit dedication.

Okyeame believes, that will advance the system and help musicians make money to ease production cost.

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Thursday, 12th December, 2013

Ahead of forthcoming Christmas festivities

Nana Annan cautions against drunk-driving REPORT: BENEDICT KWEKU NKRUMAH, RUSSIA-ACCRA

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ANA Anthony Annan, popularly known as Okofo Okine, head of the Atia Mframa Shrine located at Russia near Accra, has cautioned drivers against drunk-driving as the nation prepares feverishly to celebrate Christmas in the latter part of December.

According to Nana Annan, who is also the Bamuhene of the Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area in the Central Region, he has observed that, most of the accidents that occurred on the highways were preventable.

He noted that, most of them were due to human errors rather than blaming them on the devil. “How would you expect a drunk-driver to reach his destination safely?

Yes, the devil exists, but being extra careful while driving could prevent accidents. We should not blame all our mistakes on the devil and its agen-

cies. The key word here is carefulness.

I would like to caution people who ply our highways to be careful when driving to avoid rampant accidents that happens during Christmas festivities.”

In an interview with newsmen in Accra, Nana Anthony Annan announced that, his annual super special festival was going to take place from Saturday December 7, 2013 to Sunday December 15,2013, adding that, there would be healing of persons with various sicknesses both physical and spiritual.

He also disclosed that, numerous animals, including sheep, cows, goats as well as fowls would be slaughtered as custom demands for Nana Atia Nframa, Nana Leyea, Nana Apranaa (the god of lighting), Nana Abii, Nana jindi, Nana Rajai, Queen Savanna among others.

According to Nana Anthony Annan, his shrine has cured numerous people and called on Ghanaians not to see traditional medicine and healing as being fetish. He also stated that, during the period, he would pray for peace and unity for the country.

Gomoa West honours 28 farmers and fishermen REPORT: BENEDICT KWEKU NKRUMAH, GOMOA BROFO

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HE Gomoa West District Assembly in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, last Friday honoured 28 farmers and fishermen in the district as part of the 29th National Farmers’ Day celebration.

Addressing the farmers at Gomoa Brofo in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region, the D.C.E, Mr. Theophilus Aidoo-Mensah, noted that, the district was endowed with very rich vast land capable of producing large farm produce.

He was however worried that, the land was under-utilized and encouraged people, especially the youth to involve themselves in the farming industry.

Speaking on the theme: Reducing Post Harvest Losses for Sustainable Food Security and Nutrition, Mr. Aidoo-Mensah stated that, the Agriculture Department of the Assembly seeks to achieve the objective of reducing the post-harvest losses by a combination of programmes and

activities such as improved methods of production, harvesting, processing, storage, packing, storage and marketing.

“To achieve sufficiency, different varieties of food must be available at all times, including lean seasons and times of emergency.

The Assembly therefore is undertaking a number of programmes and projects with funding from the Central Government and Donor Agencies to secure food to alleviate poverty and create jobs for the people of Gomoa West District especially the youth.”

The Gomoa West District Chief Executive noted that, “Since food security starts with kind of planting and breeding materials coupled with inputs and cultural practices or technologies of production, with support from the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme, the Assembly is assisting 33 farmers from Gomoa Anyanful and Ohua to multiply 35 acres of Improve Cassava Planting Materials to be distributed to other farmers in the district.”

A 62-year old farmer, Mr. Samuel Emmanuel Aggrey, from Gomoa Eshiem, was adjudged the District Best Farmer

))The French Ambassador and his team with the President of the Association “Back to Roots” and his team

The French Embassy grants GHC67,500 to an association to promote gender’s equality

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HE Ambassador of France Frédéric Clavier last Monday, received Mr Ernest Boachie Duah, a Ghanaian citizen living in France and President of the Association ”Back to Roots”, one of the 40 Ghanaian Associations in France.

Under the framework

of the French politics dedicated to the strengthening of gender’s equality, the French Embassy granted 67, 500 GHC for the first part of the project, “Women in progressive development” of the association.

This project aims at curbing the precariousness in rural areas for the vulnerable and disabled

girls and at promoting their empowerment.

The project consists of the rehabilitation of a professional training centre already existing in Akuakrom (50 km of Kumasi) in the business sectors such as hairstyle, shoes repair store and sewing.

During two years, 90 young people will

be trained in these disciplines, with a specific quota reserved for the disabled women.

They will benefit from opportunities for a vocational integration.

A workshop on the themes of the hygiene, the maternal, infantile and reproductive health has also been proposed for the event.

Estate Developer Goes Wild )) Says participants have no legal capacity

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HE never ending battle over Fetteh stool lands has raised its ugly head once again as the purported and self-styled elders of the famous Abor Twidan Royal Family of Fetteh last Friday held a press conference on the theme Development and other related issues bothering the Fetteh State.

Speaking to the media on the above theme, the self-styled Ebusuapanyin, Kwaw Bediako, who led the team of ‘hungry elders’ veered off from their main focus and started leveling unsubstantiated allegations against 21st Century Construction Ltd, a renowned and well-known Estate Development Company in the country, saying, the company today, out of the lot, is controlling

over 70,000 acres of their land, but conceded that, the land in question was transferred to the CEO of the estate company by the rightful owner of the then Fetteh stool, Nana Abor Awusi XIX, who died in 1998.

Responding to the allegations, the CEO of the company, Mr. Kofi Asmah refuted the claims by the purported elders that, it is inconceivable for one person to own over 70,000 acres of land, which is bigger than the whole of Accra and Kumasi, challenging them to go to court and substantiate their claims with their authentic documents.

He however reiterated the fact that, there is a case before a court of competent jurisdiction, challenging the capacity of the so-called elders of Gomoa Fetteh, who held the purported press con-

ference.

But information reaching this paper indicates that, holding a press conference on an issue, which is in court, amounts to total disregard for court orders, which can result in a Contempt of Court.

A very reliable source close to the estate developer, whose integrity is being questioned, reveals an amount of seriousness attached to these claims and the possibility of going to court to seek redress by citing all the self-imposed elders for contempt.

The CEO of 21st Century construction Ltd, Mr. Kofi Asmah, has however cautioned the media to stay away from this contemptuous act and appealed to customers and the public to ignore the unmerited claims.

Launching!...Launching!!...Launching!!!

Launching of ADEHYE FUN CLUB comes off this 1st January, 2014 at J&J Ceremonial grounds, Russia at 4pm prompt.

Come one come all For more information and sponsorship contact 0234070097, 0246367036, 0547890952

LOCAL NEWS

Thursday, 12th December, 2013

“Easy Access Promo” Ends With Hyundai iX35

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CCESS Bank’s Easy Access Promotion has finally come to a close awarding Mr. Francis Buabeng, a customer at the Sefwi Wiawso branch of Access Bank Ghana, with a sleek Hyundai ix35 car by the Managing Director of the bank.

The elected winner, also known as Nana Katayire Afful, Benkumhene of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area, in his address, expressed his excitement for the award.

He said, “I had no idea that, I had been entered into the Easy Access Promo even though I received notification

on my phone with an electronic voucher. I didn’t believe in lottery and never paid attention to the messages I received on my phone. So I was pleasantly surprised when I received a call last week that, I had won the ultimate prize, I had to quickly call my manager and ask when I can pick up the car.”

In addition to the winners of the Grand Draw, 39 others won prizes, including generator sets, LED, Smart Phones, DVD players and a lot of other prizes, bringing to a total number of 100 winners in the Easy Access Promo with two mini-draws held in Kumasi and Tamale.

Presenting the keys to the

winner, Mr. Ogundimu, MD of Access Bank Ghana, noted that, “Easy Access Bank had lived up to its promise of promoting financial inclusion and deepening the savings culture in Ghana by rewarding loyal customers for their patronage.”

According to him, Access Bank will leverage on its new Business and personal banking strategies that would offer a breath air and satisfaction in the retail and SME market space 2014.

“SME constitutes about 70% of the enterprises in Ghana and part of our plan is to give them entrepreneurial and managerial skills set to ensure that they

grow their businesses in such a way as to contribute to the larger Ghanaian economy. We also want to improve the economic fortunes of women, through our Gender Empowerment model. We will single out women entrepreneurs for support to help create wealth” he said.

He added that, the initiative, among others, will be supported by new technology driven products including, an online platform that will be first in that realm, increase network of branches and strategic alliances with International Development Organizations to deliver the utmost customer service.

More trouble over sale of Merchant Bank

)As ) Labour Unions set to scuttle deal if…

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ORKERS’ unions in the country have served notice of their determination to fight the controversial sale of Merchant Bank to Fortiz Equity Fund.

The Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) has scheduled meetings with other labour unions to scrutinize the deal.

The General Secretary of ICU, Solomon Kotei, says the unions are prepared to reverse the sale if the due diligence currently underway proves that, the acquisition will not be in the interest of workers whose pension funds are held at Merchant Bank.

He said there were serious implications for Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) contributors, workers of Merchant Bank and performance of the bank generally in the sale, hence labour unions were determined to ensure that all the issues are considered before the deal is com-

pleted.

The executive board of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) last month invited SSNIT officials in charge of the Merchant Bank sale to a meeting, demanding answers on the multi-million dollar deal.

The meeting ended inconclusively, as TUC executives expressed dissatisfaction with the answers provided to its questions.

TUC wanted to know whether the takeover would result in any job losses when Fortiz acquires the Bank. The meeting was adjourned for SSNIT officials to return with more details.

The sale of 90 per cent shares of SSNIT in Merchant Bank to private equity firm, Fortiz, has generated a furore with the Executive Director of the Centre for Freedom and Accuracy (CFA), Mr. Andrew Awuni, heading to court to challenge the sale.

Last week lawyer for Fortiz, Tony Lithur challenged the capacity of Andrew Awuni

to bring the case in court seeking to stop the sale.

He argued that Mr. Awuni was not a contributor to SSNIT and, therefore, lacked the locus to challenge the sale in court.

Mr Lithur, however, did not pursue this argument when the case opened Tuesday.

Rather, he maintained that Mr Awuni was neither a trustee nor a board member of Member of Merchant Bank and therefore could not legally oppose the deal.

He described the opposition to the acquisition of the state-owned bank by Fortiz as “busy body political rabble rousing.”

But lead lawyer for Mr. Awuni, Mr. Egbert Faibille, rejected the suggestions of Mr. Tony Lithur.

He said, as a contributor of SSNIT, which is managing the contributions of workers, Mr. Awuni had a duty to ensure that, his contributions and those of other workers were properly managed by SSNIT.

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AngloGold Ashanti Walks its Talks

)) As Communities Take Advantage of Arthur Cade Medical facilities

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NEW pharmacy and multipurpose medical laboratory block at Edwin Arthur Cade Hospital, the AngloGold Ashanti medical facility in Obuasi, has been formally commissioned in Obuasi.

The huge block, part of the company’s modernisation and expansion of the facility, would not only offer access to modern care to the company’s employees and their dependents, but would also extend the same quality medical care to thousands of people in the surrounding communities, who are mostly business people, traders and farmers..

The over 100-bed hospital already is open to the communities, via the government’s NHIS programme.

It also offers comprehensive HIV/AIDs delivery service to people living with the infection in the Obuasi municipality and also offers wide range of referral cases and ambulance services.

The facility, formerly Obuasi Mine’s Hospital, was established in 1930 with one Dr .A. Anthony, an expatriate as the first medical officer. It has a tertiary rating, run and managed by six medical officers, 3 Physicians assisted by an employee population of 199; of which 99 of them are nurses,7 Laboratory staff; 10 Pharmacy staff, 2 Physiotherapists. Others are 3 Radiographists, 3 in Administrative, 24 Janitorial staff, 13 in Catering and 7 in Special Programme, according to Richard Cromwell, the Acting Manager of the facility..

Of the average 15,000 cases treated monthly by the hospital, which is the second biggest medical facility in Ashanti Region, more than 40% of the cases come from non-employees in and around the Obuasi communities.

Mr Cromwell, who also doubles as the Chief Pharmacists of the hospital noted that undoubtedly one of the best medical facilities in the country, the hospital is funded mainly by AngloGold Ashanti, and it is looking forward to sustain and expand its rating and is funding the modernisation and expansion of the hospital’s service delivery, with new projects , including the construction of new records block, re-roofing of medical wards and children’s ward and re equipping of the Hospital laundry as well as conversion of the casualty into a well-equipped emergency care unit.

In his address, Fred Attakumah, Vice President Sustainability, said the Obuasi mine may be going through a myriad of challenges, like other mining companies, AngloGold Ashanti management was walking its talk to ensure that the people in the communities and the Ghanaian society in general benefit from the company’s presence.

As part of its long term strategy, and assuming the availability of funding, the hospital is looking at Intensification of registration of all employees and dependants on the NHIS to generate more income for expansion programmes, setting up a well-resourced and equipped diagnostic centre; exploring the possibility of getting on - site consultants for the various medical disciples, namely orthopaedic surgeon, physician specialists, traumatologists, neurosurgeon gynaecologist and a resident dermatologist, adding that carrying out drug refills to various employee work sites of with certain categories of ailments is also being looked at.

Mr Attakumah commended the hospital’s management, nurses and doctors, past and present, for their professionalism and dedication to duty and urged them to improve their service delivery to make the facility the best in the country.

Madame Akosua Ago, a 74 - year old mother 7, at Wawase, a suburb of Obuasi, who has being using the hospital as” as a family clinic for the past 34 years”, commended the doctors and nurses at the hospital for their dedication and their eagerness to help patients, whether employees or non-employees. “Seven of my children, aged between 46 and 29, were born at the hospital and I still attend that hospital when I am not well.”

A second Alhaji Issa Mukaila, 68, former employer of the mine, started using the hospital when he was 24 years said “AngloGold Ashanti has done well in the country’s medical sector. Expanding and modernising the mine hospital certainly shows that the company cares”.

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BUSINESS NEWS Ecobank Capital raises a USD 500 million PreExport Financing Facility on behalf of Orion Oil Ltd

Thursday, 12th December, 2013

E Kantanka to Begin Commercials 2014 REPORT BY SIMON AGBOVI

I

NDEED Ghana is blessed and gifted with great natural resources and men, such men who stand out of the odd, Apostle Kwadwo Safo, popularly known as “Kantanka”, a truly Ghanaian born, has said.

It has been over eight years since Kantanka came into existence and known for manufacturing and assembling of electronic gadgets, mechanical equipment, cars and others, setting the pace for an industrial take-off, giving indication that, Ghana and African are gifted with talented people to push the continent on a higher pedestal.

Unfortunately, the government of Ghana and engineers have all turned down the proposal to help a genuinely born man Ghanaian to produce locally manufactured gadgets to improve the desire for Ghanaians to “Buy

made in Ghana goods” to reduce high cost for the ordinary Ghanaian.

But God being so good, after a long period of hassle and bustle, finally, products of Kantanka will soon begin to be commercialized, particularly, come 2014.

Sites have been obtained to begin the construction of an assembly plant early next year and to begin full operations and produce 120 to 240 cars, with commercials.

This was revealed during a tour at the site of Apostle Kwadwo Safo, founder of Apostle Safo Suaye Technology and Research Centre (ASSTRC) camp, exhibiting some products to journalists at Gomoa Mpota in the Central region.

Some of its equipment included a distribution board that could serve as a fire detector (Automate change over), engine blocks used in manufacturing the African star cars, gadgets such as Television sets, radio, sound systems and some advanced electronic appliances and aircrafts.

Addressing the press, Apostle Kwadwo Safo also the founder and leader of Kristo Asafo Church (Christ Reformed Church) said, the company is yet to commercialize its products, that have been specially prepared and tested for human consumption.

He mentioned that, over the years, various governments have turned deaf ears to his plea for support for the centre to improve its capabilities to reach the level of producing large quantity for commercial use.

He said, Africa is destined to handle its affairs only when Africans realize the potentials of Africans.

He stated that, most of the equipment are locally manufactured by the centre and by the help of no one, but truly African.

He appealed to the government to come to his aid to help the company produce more for human consumption, and believes would also position Ghana on the African map and on the international market.

COBANK Capital, the investment banking arm of Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African bank, announces that it has successfully raised, on behalf of Orion Oil Ltd (“Orion”), the sum of USD 500 million to be utilised for the prepayment of crude oil cargos to be supplied by Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (The National Oil Company of the Republic of Congo, “SNPC”). The facility comprises a US dollar denominated USD 342 million tranche and a XAF denominated USD 158 million tranche. Ecobank Capital acted as the Mandated Lead Arranger, working with United Bank for Africa (“UBA”) Plc as co-arranging bank.

Participating lenders were Afreximbank, BGFIBank Group, UBA Group, Banque Atlantique Group and the Ecobank Group. The closing ceremony was held in Paris, France on October 26th, 2013.

Orion is a privately held company whose principal activities include the physical trading of crude oil and refined products. The company focuses on the value chain of the oil & gas industry, supplying approximately 100,000 metric tons of refined products each month along the West African Coast and holding interests in oil & gas fields in Congo. Orion entered into a 24-month crude oil allocation program with SNPC, the largest oil & gas company in Central Africa. The proceeds of the debt facility will be used to fund the prepayment of the aforementioned crude oil cargos (amounting to circa USD 100 million per cargo) on a Free on Board basis.

This transaction is the largest loan syndication completed to date in Central Africa solely funded by regional African banks and for an indigenous company. It clearly showcases the increasing interest of regional banks in financing capital intensive oil & gas deals in Sub-Saharan Africa, channelled through the diligent syndication expertise of Ecobank Capital.

Mr. Ikenna Onyejiaka, Acting Managing Director of Ecobank Capital said: “This landmark transaction underscores Ecobank Capital’s capabilities

as a Lead Arranger of syndicated loans, working with Africa’s key financial institutions to provide vital support to Congo’s economic growth, especially at a time when the Eurozone crisis is threatening African businesses’ access to international markets.”

Ms. Foluke Aboderin, Executive Director of Ecobank Nigeria added: “Ecobank is proud to be associated with Orion Oil Limited, truly International Oil Company with a reputable track record. We are indeed excited to have participated in the USD 500 Million Pre-Export Financing with SNPC, Congo. For us at Ecobank, this transaction is undeniably strategic and represents what we are about - leveraging on our large footprint across middle Africa to support viable business for the development of our continent. Our expectations are that we would continue this strategic alliance/partnership with Orion in a manner that is mutually beneficial to both institutions.”

Mr. Georges Wega, Managing Director of UBA Cameroon, said: “UBA Group’s strong participation in this landmark deal underscores our passion to support African businesses and develop the economies of the continent. We look forward to doing more with more African businesses.”

Mr. Jean-Louis Ekra, President of Afreximbank, observed: “Afreximbank is delighted to be part of this transaction which not only supports Orion Oil Ltd in consolidating its position as a leading indigenous player in the oil sector but significantly boosts the capacity of the Republic of Congo to meet the development needs of its citizens. The transaction is a reflection of Afreximbank’s commitment to promoting trade and supporting local entrepreneurs.”

Mrs. Patricia Danielle Manon, Managing Director of BGFIBank Gabon quoted: “Through a notable participation of USD 120 million in funding the Orion transaction, BGFIBank Group, the pre-eminent banking group in Central Africa, reaffirms its willingness to support the development of companies operating in strategic sectors bringing additional growth to African economies.”

Ex-Barclays CEO back with £150m float; plans to buy a bank in Africa

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OB Diamond, the Barclays chief executive who resigned in disgrace last year after the bank admitted rigging interest rates, is close to an audacious return to the City.

The American is putting the final touches to Atlas Mara, a cash shell he has set up with the billionaire entrepreneur Ashish Thakkar to buy a bank in Africa.

The company has not yet zeroed in on a target, but Diamond has lined up £150m in backing. He plans to list in London within a fortnight. Thakkar, 32, is the founder of Mara Group, a conglomerate with operations in 19 African countries.

The float, which is being handled

by Citigroup, will mark a dramatic comeback for Diamond, once dubbed “the unacceptable face of banking”. He stepped down last summer, days after Barclays was fined £290m over the Libor scandal. It was the first bank to admit its role in a global cartel that attempted to rig the interbank lending rate, which sets the charges on trillions of dollars of financial products.

Diamond was a casualty of the furore, but Barclays’ decision to be the first big bank to co-operate with investigators has paid off. Last week a clutch of institutions, including JP Morgan and Deutsche Bank, were fined a total of £1.4bn by the

European Commission for their role in the cartel. RBS was hit with a £324m penalty. Barclays escaped further fines because it was among the first to come forward.

Atlas Mara will be managed by Diamond’s merchant bank, Atlas Merchant Capital, which is based in New York. He has recruited several directors with experience of financial services in Africa.

They include Arnold Ekpe, former chief executive of the well-regarded Ecobank, based in Nigeria, and Jyrki Koskelo, a Finnish national who is a director at Africa Development Corporation, a German-listed investment firm. Koskelo was also a senior executive at the World

Bank’s International Finance Corporation.

Diamond’s legacy continues to divide opinion. The 62-year-old transformed Barclays from a sleepy high street lender into a global investment bank, famously buying a huge part of Lehman Brothers out of bankruptcy in the teeth of the financial crisis. The bank became known for its aggressive tactics.

The then governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King, said that it “sailed too close to the wind”.

In 2010 Lord Mandelson called Diamond “the unacceptable face of banking” after he collected £63m in salary and bonus. The men, who had not met before Mandelson

fired his broadside, have since become friends.

Antony Jenkins, Diamond’s replacement at Barclays, has rapidly undone much of his legacy. He shut the controversial tax-planning arm, stopped trading grain amid accusations that it helped to inflate food prices, and cut thousands of jobs.

Despite his new venture, Diamond is still grappling with the Libor fallout. He will be called as a witness in a trial next year into allegations that Barclays mis-sold interest rate hedges to Guardian Care Homes. The company claims the swaps should be cancelled in light of the bank’s admission that it attempted to manipulate rates.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Thursday, 12th December, 2013

Public guard of honour for Mandela cortege

S ))Jacob Zuma,South, African President

Jacob Zuma Booed At Nelson Mandela Memorial

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ACOB Zuma was roundly booed when he stood up to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela.

As crowds streamed out of the FNB Stadium, those that remained showed their disapproval as the South African President waited to begin his speech.

They were only drowned out by singing and music. When Zuma eventually began to speak, reading studiously from sheets of

A4 paper, the booing subsided.

Earlier, Zuma had already been given a rather hard time by the crowd at the stadium in Soweto.

Every time he appeared on the big screen, or even when was name is mentioned, the crowd furiously booed - sparking cries of outrage on Twitter.

The death of Mandela has been a not unwelcome distraction for Zuma, who has faced repeated calls for his resignation

9

after he was challenged by the country’s security watchdog for spending $20m on security for his personal home - reportedly including a swimming pool and cattle facilities.

Zuma will lead the ANC into elections next year but his popularity in the ANC has dropped, with confidence scores in the party decreasing over the past year.

Nevertheless, the boo-ing was widely condemned by South Africans on social media

OUTH Africans will form a sombre guard of honour Wednesday for the funeral cortege of their iconic leader Nelson Mandela as it passes through the streets of Pretoria on a journey laden with symbolism.

The government has encouraged the public to turn out in force and line the route from the city’s 1 Military Hospital to the Union Buildings where Mandela was sworn in as their first black president nearly 20 years ago.

The procession marks the start of a three-day lying in state, to give ordinary South Africans the chance to say a final, personal farewell to the man who pulled the country into a modern, multi-racial age and away from the toxic era of apartheid.

Although Pretoria’s population has become more diverse in recent years, the capital retains a strong presence of Afrikaners, descendants of the first Dutch settlers who arrived in the 17th century.

The cortege will pass near the onetime home of Paul Kruger, the father of the Afrikaner nation.

“Oom (Uncle) Paul” was the president of the Transvaal, leading a resistance movement against British rule during the first Anglo-Boer War., which began in 1880.

That Afrikaner nationalism later morphed into support the National Party, which introduced apartheid.

The funeral cortege route is also replete with landmarks that carry resonance in Mandela’s own life.

The procession will pass the central prison where he was jailed in 1962 for incitement and leaving the country illegally.

Another landmark is the Palace of Justice, the court where Mandela famously stood trial in 1963-64 for treason and sabotage with 10 other co-defendants.

His conviction and subsequent life sentence marked the beginning of a 27-year jail stint, from which he finally emerged in 1990 as the structure of

apartheid crumbled around its white minority supporters.

The funeral procession will be repeated for three days, ending each time at the Union Buildings -- the seat of government where previous presidents had signed aspects of the apartheid system into law.

The public will be allowed to view the casket each afternoon, before Mandela’s body is transported to his boyhood home of Qunu in the Eastern cape for its eventual burial on Sunday.

The lying in state is expected to be a sombre, subdued affair compared to Tuesday’s celebratory memorial service in Soweto -- the crucible of the anti-apartheid movement.

Tens of thousands of people attended the event in Soweto’s World Cup stadium where US President Barack Obama led foreign tributes to the life and legacy of Mandela, whose appeal and influence spread far beyond his native land.

“It is hard to eulogise any man ... how much harder to do so for a giant of history, who moved a nation towards justice,” Obama told the cheering crowd.

Mandela had been critically ill for months, but the announcement of his death on Thursday at the age of 95 was still a body blow to a country struggling with multiple social and economic challenges.

For many, Mandela -- even a frail, aged and retired Mandela -- represented, while he was alive, a moral beacon that retained the promise of better times ahead.

Current President Jacob Zuma was roundly booed by large portions of the crowd at Tuesday’s memorial service, a sign of growing impatience with Mandela’s successors to deliver on promises of equality and prosperity.

Two decades after the racist apartheid regime was consigned to history, millions of black South Africans remain poor, unemployed and without formal housing in a society that is among the world’s most unequal.

France wants C.Africa elections in second half of 2014

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RANCE wants elections in the Central African Republic to be held “as quickly as possible,” preferably by late 2014, its envoy to the United Nations said Tuesday.

“If the elections could take place in the second half of 2014, in the fall of 2014, that could be positive,” Ambassador Gerard Araud told reporters.

Speaking at UN headquarters in New York, Araud referenced an early

2015 deadline to hold legislative and presidential elections in the troubled nation.

But, he added, “in light of political tensions on the ground, it would be preferable to have elections as quickly as possible, that is to say in the second half of 2014.”

French President Francois Hollande arrived in the Central African Republic’s capital of Bangui late Tuesday amid ongoing efforts to disarm rogue rebels.

France has deployed

1,600 soldiers to the notoriously unstable majority-Christian country, which was plunged into chaos when the mainly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power in a March coup, overthrowing leader Francois Bozize.

The troops are part of a UN-mandated effort to restore order.

What started as rebel looting of villages and towns has degenerated into attacks between Muslim and Christian militias with some UN officials

warning of a possible genocide.

Hollande was due to meet interim president Michel Djotodia, a former Seleka rebel leader.

Although Djotodia disbanded the Seleka, some militiamen went rogue and warlords soon imposed a reign of terror on large swaths of land.

Hollande criticized Djotodia over the weekend, saying he “let things happen” after a wave of sectarian violence left nearly 400 dead.

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OPINION

Thursday, 12th December, 2013

Do Unto Others As Madiba Did Unto You

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EEDS and action speak louder than voice. In triumph, Mandela accepted all rainbows of people in South Africa. If there is any lesson to be learned from Mandela, it’s the act of forgiveness and reconciliation. While Africans finds it easier to forgive others, their sons and daughters, despite their achievements and leadership, are still not fully accepted in the Diaspora. Foreign Idealists that supported Mandela’s cause then ignore equality, liberty and poverty in their countries now.

Celebration of Madiba beyond Africa is a reflection of gratitude that even within his own Party; he overcame race war, hatred and vengeance against those that treated Africans badly. Lest we forget, for each spirit of Mandela, there were those that suffered or died for what he and many achieved. There is not enough space to mention every Oliver Thambo, Albert Luthuli, Steve Biko, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki; and Chief Buthelezi that became a pain in the neck of Mandela.

Whatever we may think about Madiba’s predecessor F. DeKlerk, he persuaded majority of his minority Government to handover and save themselves. African leaders must

also learn and save their minority cronies. Set us free from your corruption, greed and neocolonialism or else!

As destiny’s choice, Mandela never ended up like Nkrumah of Ghana or Lumumba of Congo whose accomplishments were cut short by Western powers that fished out Mandela disguised in driver’s uniform: condemned to spend the following 27 years in the “University of Mandela” prison. Even more surprising is the fact that the same power that betrayed him, expected him to denounce his staunch supporters in the time of need just because they were communists.

Mandela learned and had time to realize that anger, rage and hatred can only be learned from because acting on them destroy us as human beings from within by imploding fine characters into ungovernable pieces of cluster bombs. Our better character can be otherwise used for the furtherance of better life, liberty and economic justice. They are grateful because he did not pay them back in their own coin. He forgave but did not forget their criminal acts.

After discharge from prison, Madiba confessed to close friends that he felt like the loneliest man in the world as a result of estrangement from his biggest fan and supporter Winnie, a rock against Apartheid in

her own right. The difference between great men and those that fell apart is the ability to get up. Life is full of tunnels but only devastatingly surmountable by great men. Mandela survived personal and international adversity escaping Lumumba’s abhorrent death.

Critics of Mandela within Africa claimed he sold out after he became old, frail and declawed. Even if they have a point, those that fought to the last in other African countries have little to show for it. The same leaders became life dictators in their old age.

Some, still dancing to praise singers, while others delude themselves in grandeur as their youths suffer running across the seas and the deserts to get away from their own God-given unrealized milk and honey.

Selling out your own people for pittance is one thing, standing unbowed to neocolonialism is another.

But you have to know how to negotiate your future through the economic valleys of foreign contracts.

Yes, there are more opportunities in South Africa but the status quo only changed colors and added more Party members. If ANC does not change fast, they may lose the popular votes in the next election. Sometimes, parties run out of the spirit of Ubuntu ideals.

South Africans are very proud of Madiba because he knew when

to say no or yes. He handed his second term to the next generation. He lived, imprisoned and died in South Africa. We now know that South African Mbeki was later encouraged to invade Zimbabwe. Give South Africans their due, they refused to start another regional war while too many still ravage the good old Continent.

The scar of war lingers for a long time. Ask any Nigerian, Congolese or Somalia.

When Madiba said he was prepared to fight equally against either white or black domination to achieve justice or die, that was how he lived and die. Another lady that was not so well known, was Housing Secretary in President Jimmy Carter Administration, put it in another way. She did not stop fighting white men domination so that she could be dominated by black men.

Oppressors are oppressors, no matter the color of their skin. South African leaders forgetting how far they’ve come, have not spread the wealth since they are contented in their own riches. Indeed being black oppressor only hid some blatant viciousness as we saw in the last killing of striking miners. If the ruling oppressors were white, there could have been bigger world uproar.

Not yet Uhuru! No matter how big, it takes more than a tree to make a forest. ANC leaders have benefited

>>One Big Happy Comics<<

from a system without economic justice used to oppress them in the past. They have to do better than what we see. Lack of opportunities for South Africans has turned them against their brothers from neighboring countries hoping to cash in at the end of Apartheid.

Other Africans complained that South Africans, were ungrateful for their support. However, their own leaders are worse. They need to complain louder in individual countries.

Africa’s biggest disappointment is Nigeria. Complain as loud as you can about what Nigeria did for South Africa, when respect can only come from celebrating what we have done for Nigeria.

When Obama spoke in South Africa at the celebration of the life of Madiba, his message was: “There are too many people who happily embrace Madiba’s legacy of racial reconciliation, but passionately resist even modest reforms that would challenge chronic poverty and growing inequality. There are too many leaders who claim solidarity with Madiba’s struggle for freedom, but do not tolerate dissent from their own people. And there are too many of us on the sidelines, comfortable in complacency or cynicism when our voices must be heard.”

By Farouk Martins Aresa

Thursday, 12th December, 2013

Ada West District Assembly Celebrates Farmers Day FROM LOVELACE OPOKUAGYEMANG, SEGE

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ONOURABLE Anthony Y. Klokph, District Chief Executive of the Ada West District Assembly (AWDA) has said that, the Ada District has a predominantly agriculture-based economy, much as the country is, saying, it is therefore important to support “our farmers and fishermen in order to better the lives of our people and ensure food security for our country.’’

He noted that, one recurring problem farmers in the district face each year, is heavy losses due to lack of storage and processing facilities.

Hon. Klokph noted that this “forces farmers to sell their produces at low prices and in turn make huge losses, adding that, he always feels sad to see large quantities of tomatoes, pepper and watermelons go waste after farmers had toiled day and night to produce them.

The DCE made these statements when he addressed the 29th Annual District Assemblies Farmers and Fishermen Awards Day Celebration held at Sege in the Greater Accra region recently.

He noted that, in line with this year ‘s-2013 theme for the farmers day celebration; ’’Reducing Post –harvest Losses for Sustainable Food Security and Nutrition’’, plans are underway to develop a comprehensive post – harvest strategy that will address specific commodity challenges and emerging issues confronting the growth of the country’s agriculture sector.

The DCE hinted that it is estimated that Ghana experiences an annual post- harvest loss of between 25 and 30 percent of its total agriculture produce, adding that he will therefore like to use the opportunity to call on all stakeholders to join forces with the government to tackle the issue.

He stressed that reducing post- harvest losses will go a long way to increase food availability which will help in curbing hunger, malnutrition and safeguard the future of farmers in the country, adding that there is also the need to improve the agribusiness and agro- industry to help achieve this. Hon. Klokph observed that another challenge that faced farmers in the district was the irregular rainfall pattern, adding that due to the unpredictable nature of rainfall this year, farmers who planted in expectation of rains suffered heavy

losses. To address this issue, he said the government in collaboration with private stakeholders are working to provide irrigation facility to various communities through the Accra Plains Irrigation Project and announced that AWDA will benefit from this project. Earlier in his welcome address, the District Director of Agriculture, Mr. Reuben Adase, stated that the main goal of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) is to create an environment for sustainable growth and development in the agriculture sector that would ensure food and raw material security, higher employment ,reduction in poverty and the creation of wealth.

He pointed out that food security is the first objective under the Food and Agriculture Sector Development Policy (FASDEP) and that food security means good quality nutritious food , hygienically packaged and attractively presented, available in sufficient quantities all year round and located at the appropriate places at affordable prices.

He said that elements as per the theme of this year’s celebration are food safety, nutritive quality of food, self sufficiency and physical and financial availability, stressing that the element of food safety will be a concern in Ghana’s pursuit of food security and ‘’that although the objective of attaining food security is national it is the poor that are most vulnerable to food insecurity.’’

Hon. Otuteye C. Christian , Member of Parliament(MP) for Ada West Constituency (SEGE) and also the guest speaker for the occasion said that basically we are all farmers here and so nobody should down play with our farming activities, adding we used to have two major seasons for farming, but as we speak now, we do not even have a main season due to the bad weather condition so for that matter, are working to create dams for our farmers to their farms throughout the year and also their animals to have water in the dry season to drink.

He called on the government to speed up work on the Accra Plains Project to enable farmers to do their work throughout the year.

The overall best farmer award went to Mr. Daniel Anim, who received a fridge, one wellington boot and four cutlasses.

In his closing remarks,the Chairman for the occasion ,Mr. G.W. Dotcherty said that we should involved our students to fully participate in agricultural activities to arouse their interest.

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“Am Worried” )La ) Chief Grieves REPORT BY SIMON AGBOVI

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HE Chief of La, Nii Tettey Kpobi Tsuru III, has deeply expressed worries over lands being taken from the people of La by the government and the military.

The chief said, most of the La lands have been taken by the military, including the cemetery used

by the community, adding that, the sewerage water of the military has eventually made way into the lagoon and killed the wildlife, which has become serious issue for the La township to address.

“We have no strength, nor weapons to fight the Ghana Army, but all we can do is to beg government and the military not to be calous to the Ga people, they have taken all our lands and as am speaking now am worried,” Nii lamented.

He made his lamentation at the 29th Farmers day celebration, saying that, La is left with even no land for farming purposes, and appealed to the government to endeavor to address the situation.

He said, the La Township will be happy to receive compensations from government and wished that, part of the compensations will be invested into the trade fair company given the space to be partners to have something to be proud of.

Mahama more committed to fighting corruption than any past president – Apaak

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RESIDENTIAL Staffer, Dr. Clement Apaak, has reiterated President John Mahama’s commitment at fighting corruption in the country.

According to him, John Mahama is the only President in the history of the Fourth Republic, who has actually made the fight against corruption a prerequisite for maintaining his appointees including ministers.

Dr. Clement Apaak was commenting on ex-president Jerry Rawlings’ description of President Mahama as “an easy going person” whose calm demeanor is abused by people around him.

Mr. Rawlings said this while

signing a book of condolence in honour of former South African President, Nelson Mandela at the South African High Commission in Accra Monday.

On Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Tuesday, Dr. Clement Apaak said Mr. Rawlings only expressed his opinion, noting that it was not the true reflection of the current President.

According to him, President Mahama’s cool, calm and collected, thoughtful and philosophical demeanor could not be interpreted as a weakness.

Dr. Apaak indicated that the President has put in place several measures to put his appointees in check in matters of corruption.

This notwithstanding, he said, “his fight against corruption is a collective fight; we must all put our shoulders to the wheel, we must stop being selfish and stop covering up for people because we are related to them and demand accountability from everyone”.

The Presidential Staffer stated that strengthening anti-corruption institutions, setting up public complain centers to report issues of corruption among others are enough proof of President Mahama’s determination to fight the canker.

Dr. Clement Apaak urged critics to quit the “cynicism” and join in the fight for a better Ghana.

CMYK

12

SPORTS

Thursday, 12th December, 2013

SAFA postpones all fixtures for coming weekend

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FRICA Top Sports reported on the presence leaders around the world at the Soccer City Stadium in Soweto, South Africa to pay tribute to the late icon Nelson Mandela .

President Barack Obama of the United States has paid a touching

tribute to Madiba. http://en.africatopsports.com/2013/12/10/ barack-obamas-touching-tribute-to-nelson-mandela/ For the occasion, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has postponed all football fixtures at all levels across the country scheduled for 14-15 December 2013 to a later

date.

‘The entire world is set to participate in what will mostly be the biggest funeral in history and the South African football family will be a big part of it. Services will be held in stadiums all around the country and the football community are asked to join in these prayers and

commemorations.

‘Therefore, following consultations with the President of the Association and the Chair of the Competitions Committee, please be informed that all football fixtures scheduled for 14-15 December 2013 at all levels in the country must be postponed to a later date

as countless football venues around the country will be hosting prayer services honouring Madiba. Most of these venues will be prepared for use on the day before the actual funeral of Madiba and therefore be inaccessible on both days listed above,’ said SAFA CEO, Dennis Mumble.

Ghana defender Boye ready to switch off Cristiano in Brazil

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HANA is expected to suffer the attacking prowess of Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid as the Black Stars are drawn to play successively the USA, Germany and Portugal in Word Cup Brazil group stage.

But defender Ghana defender John Boye of French Ligue 1 Rennes urges his compatriots to relax as he is ready to prevent the

former Manchester United star from netting when Black Stars take Portugal on in Brazil.

‘We are prepared as defenders and I am sure we will handle him (Cristiano Ronaldo),’ the Stade Rennes stopper told Kumasi-based Nhyira FM. ‘We know that he is a big player so for me, if I am marking him, I will also do my best for people to also know that I am a good defender.

‘We will know how to mark him and be with him so that he doesn’t run around with the ball.

‘As defenders, we have to talk to ourselves and concentrate on the game so I am sure all will be fine.’

Injured in October, Boye brought smile to coach Kwesi Appiah -left with none of his key defenders -by returning to training with his French-based side Monday.

Ghana striker Majeed Waris wins Russian Premier League player of the week award

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HANA striker Abdul Majeed Waris has been voted the Russian Premier League player of the week after scoring the match winner for Spartak Moscow in their victory over FK Rostov on Sunday.

The 22-year-old climbed off the substitute bench in the 68th minute to rescue the maximum points for his side in a tight contest to keep his side in contention for the league title.

He employed his quick alertness to beat the Rostov defence to connect home a corner kick from the right.

Despite spending just 22 minutes on the pitch, his entire contribution in the few minutes was rated the best among all players who played in the Premier League over the weekend.

The Black Stars striker is set to leave the Russian side to join a new club as a loanee.

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