350 observers to monitor NDC Special Congress

About 350 international and local electoral monitors would observe the Special National Delegates' Congress of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) slated for December 22 in Accra to elect the Party's presidential candidate for Election 2008.The observers include the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of African Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), local electoral monitors as well as representatives of all political parties in the country and other democratic stakeholders.Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on final preparations for the Congress, Mr Baba Jamal, NDC Deputy General Secretary, explained that the invitation of foreign and local observers to monitor the election of the potential next President of Ghana was to give credence to the Party's vow for democratic values."NDC is demonstrating and setting a new political agenda especially on the selection of a presidential candidate for other parties to emulate us. Therefore, throughout the process, the Party spelt out high standards for all the aspiring candidates; national and regional executives, Members of Parliament and the rank and file,=94 he said. "These standards, we believe, had enhanced internal politicking and projected the Party as a responsible democratic opposition waiting to annex the reins of governance of the country in 2009."Mr Jamal said 1,720 delegates would be attending the one purpose Congress to elect the presidential candidate.The delegates include national and regional executives as well as other special representatives from the constituencies and executives from six foreign branches, who had confirmed their participation. The four candidates contesting the election are Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Former Defence Minister; Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Former Minister of Education; Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, Former Vice President and Mr Edward Annan, a Businessman.On arrangements for security at the Congress, Mr Jamal said the Police Service and other national security agencies had been fully entrusted with the responsibility to ensure the safety of delegates. "The Party has discussed security arrangements with the Police High Command and we expect nothing else than the exhibition of professional standards by the men and women in uniform, who would be deployed on Congress grounds," he said.Mr Jamal said all logistics had been secured for the Congress, adding "we are surely ready for the Congress".He advised delegates, representatives of all the aspirants; the rank and file; local and international observers; representatives of political parties; media and cross-section of the public to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations of the Congress to ensure a successful event.A congress a year ago to elect national executives experienced incidents of violence when some delegates were attacked. Some NDC members led by Dr Obed Asamoah, Former chairman, later broke away to form the Democratic Freedom Party.The NDC has taken a series of steps to ensure that it buries its tag of a party that does not have a democratic culture. Last Tuesday, it organised a ballot to determine the position of the four candidates on the ballot paper, as it took another step to democratise its activities and make its actions transparent. Alhaji Iddrisu would occupy the top of the ballot paper, according to the balloting conducted at the NDC Headquarters by the Electoral Commission.Dr Spio-Garbrah would be at the second spot; Professor Mills would be third while Mr Annan would be the fourth.The four candidates at a family meeting organised by the Party, stressed unity as the most important factor that would ensure victory for the Party in Election 2008.The four who took turns to address a national stakeholders' forum, indicated that upholding the Party's interest was paramount in consolidating intra-party democracy.The forum dubbed: "Family Meeting" was organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs and the Netherlands Institute of Multiparty Democracy as part of efforts to deepen intra-party democracy and to provide a platform to the candidates to sell their vision to the public. Alhaji Mahama said people must be allowed to freely make their choice of a flagbearer, adding that intolerance of other peoples' views would not promote unity in the Party.He said while it was natural for supporters of the various candidates to disagree on issues, they should, however, not fight each other.Dr Spio-Garbrah said there was the need for the Party to build alliances with others to ensure victory in 2008.He pledged his commitment to focus on re-branding and the marketing of the Party to make it attractive and appealing to Ghanaians. Prof. Mills said the success of the Party must be put above any individual interest, adding it was the duty of all to forge oneness before and after the National Delegates' Congress.Mr Annan said he would bring his business acumen to bear on the development and forward march of the Party.
Source:GNA

Inaccurate reportage unethical-Blewu

Mr. Bright Blewu, General Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has said inaccurate reportage, disregard for societal norms and other unethical behaviour were having negative effects on journalism and the GJA as a whole. He said the criticisms and the frequent calls for a stiffer law to punish journalists should remind journalists that they are accountable. Mr. Blewu said these at a day's seminar organised jointly by the Western Regional branch of the GJA and the Ethics and Disciplinary Council (EDC) for journalists and selected radio presenters in the Shama Ahanta East Metropolis and sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It was on the theme: "The Role of Ethics in Journalism". He said journalists could improve their performance by abiding by the code of ethics of the profession and through further education. Mr. Blewu said media accountability formed part of the country's democratic governance and reminded the media to be fair, objective and neutral in the discharge of their duties. He said the media was vital and should continue to contribute towards the growth and sustenance of the country's democratic process. Mr. Blewu reminded radio presenters not to engage in provocative, tribal or ethnic programmes that could lead to conflicts and abuses. Dr. Anthony Bonnah Koomson, Chairman of the GJA EDC, speaking on the "GJA Code, and Common Ethical Violations said the code of ethics must be learnt by all journalists and they should abide by them. He said journalism forms part of good governance and there should be no attempt to license journalists before they practice. "Once journalists licensed, the freedom and independence of the media would be curtailed and manipulation of the media would be easier," he stressed. Dr. Bonnah Koomson reminded journalists to be professional by being thorough in their works to prevent the public from "unnecessarily criticising the journalist". He said journalists must have a value for themselves to enable them to court the respect of others. Dr. Bonnah-Koomson said the frequent display of partisan ideas and opinions by some journalist's exposes their neutrality. Journalism should be all-inclusive and must not ignore or deprive sections of the public access to the media. Dr. Bonnah-Koomson said, "under-cover" journalism must be in the national interest, should not endanger the life of another person and should be done if there is no other way. Mrs. Marian Kyei, a member of the EDC reminded journalists not to abuse or violate rules that could endanger them. She said advertisements placed in children's programmes should be carefully monitored to prevent the children from exploitation and deception. Mrs. Kyei said the content of some children's programmes needs special attention to safeguard the morality of children. She reminded journalists that the National Media Commission (NMC) exists to assist in the settlement of disputes but when journalists ignore them, they could be prosecuted in court.
Mrs Kyei urged all journalists to support the NMC and the GJA to achieve its respective goals of improving journalism standards and professional competencies. Mr. Emmanuel Dentu, Deputy Chairman of the EDC said good taste and decency should be the hallmark of every radio station presenter. He said presently, the use and promotion of obscene songs and language on some radio stations needs to be checked. Mr. Dentu said self-regulation and good sense was needed by all to check obscenity in whatever form. He reminded broadcast journalists to be sensitive to the audience, while monitoring and supervision should become part of every media organisation. Mr. Dentu suggested that private radio stations should dismiss its incompetent staff to avoid lawsuits.GNAGAN/REA18 Dec. 06

NDC Congress will be smooth and peaceful -

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Monday said intelligence information gathered suggested that some non-party elements were planning to foment trouble at its Delegates Congress to be held from December 20 to December 22. A statement issued in Accra and signed by Mr Johnson Asiedu-Nketiah, General Secretary of NDC, said some people who did not belong to the Party had planned to "infiltrate the ranks of the Party members with the aim to create confusion at the Congress”. It is intended to drag the name of NDC into the mud and portray it as a violent party in the eyes of the electorate. It said the NDC was also aware that some journalists of some radio stations have been recruited to blow trivial issues out of proportions just to cause panic and instigate violent reactions from supporters of aspirants. "We appeal to these journalists not to engage in such diabolical act and hope that station managers and presenters will verify complaints and reports from their reporters and callers before broadcasting. "We hope that these efforts would not only ensure a successful NDC congress but also deepen the country's growing democracy," the statement said. It said the National Planning Committee of the Party wished to advise all such detractors, who have the intention of creating violence to disrupt the congress to stay away. The statement said the Party had informed the security agencies about the issue adding that adequate measures had been taken to guarantee the safety of all members. In another development following a meeting the NDC had with the Police Administration on Monday, the Police would be in full control of security at the Congress.GNA

Armed robbery rate drops

Crime statistics indicate that armed robberies have decreased dramatically in the last quarter of this year as compared to last year, the Police confirmed on Monday.The downward trend has been the result of a number of proactive measures put in place by the Police administration.Mr. Albert Kan Dapaah, Minister of the Interior, Minister for National Security, Mr Francis Poku and Mr Isaac Boafo, Deputy Minister of Defence confirmed this when they took turns to address an emergency National Police Commanders Conference in Accra.Mr. Patrick Acheampong, Inspector General of Police said the meeting was to review plans agreed upon in the year and exchange ideas on ways to make the fight against violent crimes more effective.He said, "It is now evident that, we now have a relatively calm nation where most regions experience little or no violent crimes for long periods, compared to the peak period between 1997 and 2001 when violent crimes particularly armed robberies were rampant and common throughout the country".He said, despite the relative calm, areas like Accra, Tema and Kumasi still experienced pockets of violent crimes, hence the meeting. Mr. Acheampong said both operational and administrative concerns would be considered to enablethe police to render greater service of satisfaction to Ghanaians. Giving the overview, Dr. Kofi Kesse Manfo, Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of Operations said in 2005, 1,399 robberies were recorded nationwide, of which Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions recorded over 77 percent, while the rest were recorded in the other eight regions."A comparison of monthly statistics for the years 2005 and 2006 shows a substantial reduction in cases recorded in the first two months and the last quarter of 2006."The first two months showed reduction of 13.3 per cent and 45.2 per cent respectively over those of 2005."Dr Manfo said between March and August this year, there were substantial increases over those of 2005, while the September to November figures for 2006 reduced to an aggregate of 37.4 per cent. He said the Police would not relax on its oars but institute measures like public education, intelligence gathering, cultivation of informants, neighbouring watch on criminals, and selective swoops, among others, to check crime.He said, apart from reinforcing those measures, Regional, Divisional and District Commanders were charged to put in place extra measures to check criminal activities. Dr Manfo said additionally, Police had set up some barriers to make them more operational, whilst patrols were mounted at sensitive installations.He said the Police would continue to seek public assistance in curbing robberies by offering reliable information about suspects and known criminals.In his remarks Mr. K an Dapaah said in spite of the cocaine saga and the shooting incidents at Dansoman and Kotobabi the Police had emerged strongly and commended the Inspector General of Police for his performances up to date.He said as the country approaches the New Year, new challenges might emerge and the Police should wake up to the occasion. Mr. Kan Dapaah said though robbery levels had come down there was the need to educate the public on perception crime in ccordance with the statistics. He said government acknowledged the difficulties the Police faced in terms of logistics and would work to resource the service.Mr. Poku said the challenges were prelude to success adding, "I believe the IGP is capable to handle the security of the state". He said National Security would continue to support the Police with all the intelligence, especially with the approach to the Golden Jubilee anniversary and other major conferences Ghana was to host next year. Mr. Boafo acknowledged the efforts of the Police to maintain law and order despite its logistical constraints, adding that the security agencies would continue to collaborate in the combat against crime.
Source:GNA