ECOWAS Condemns violence in Guinea, appeals for calm

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the mounting death of civilians in Guinea as a result of the recent crisis in the country. "Any loss of life is regrettable but the killing of unarmed civilians is particularly unacceptable.

We express our sympathies to the families of the deceased", said a statement issued on Wednesday by the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja, and made available to the Ghana News Agency. The statement called upon the Guinean Authorities to guarantee the safety and security of its citizens while they express their constitutional rights of freedom of association and free expression.

It said what started as a labour union strike had escalated into a political crisis and that it is evident that the current crisis in Guinea could only be resolved by genuine dialogue amongst all Guinean stakeholders in an atmosphere free of intimidation and violence. "ECOWAS stands ready to work with all Guinean political forces, the government, political parties, civil society, trade unions, etc., in the search for a lasting resolution to the crisis", the statement said.

It said in that regard, the ECOWAS Chairman, President Blaise Compaoré, was engaged in consultations aimed at dispatching a mission to Guinea to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the crisis.GNA

Busumuru Annan arrives back home to a hero’s welcome

Busumuru Kofi Annan, Ghana’s top diplomat and Immediate-Past Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) arrived back home on Tuesday night to a hero’s welcome. Among the huge crowd of people from all walks of life who thronged the Kotoka International Airport to welcome him and his Swedish wife, Nane, were President John Agyekum Kufuor and wife Theresa; Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama and wife Ramatu; the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Sekyi-Huges, Professor Daniel Adzei Bekoe, Chairman of the Council of State; Ministers of State, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Chiefs and religious leaders.




As the Alitalia flight carrying Busumuru Annan touched down at exactly 2210 hours, the people went into frenzy, cheered and waved miniature Ghanaian flags amidst traditional drumming and dancing.



The Former UN Chief and the wife were presented with the “Akwaaba” bouquet by Janet Afriyie Mensah and Susana Manu, when they stepped down from the gangway. He then exchanged pleasantries with President Kufuor and Vice President Mahama after which the President escorted him to do same with the welcoming party accompanied by Kete drumming, an honour reserved for only chiefs.




With that over President Kufuor and Busumuru Annan went into the VVIP lounge, in front of which, two giant portraits of the retired UN Secretary-General had been placed on the walls, for private discussions. Later in brief remarks, Busumuru Annan thanked the entire nation for the support and encouragement, without which, he said he could not have done the job the way he did it. “The journey had been long and I have completed a cycle.”





Born in Kumasi on April 8, 1938, Busumuru Annan joined the UN in 1962, working with the World Health Organisation in Geneva and also served with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. At the UN Headquarters in New York, he held senior positions in diverse range of areas including human resource management, budget and finance and peacekeeping. Busumuru Annan was Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping at a time when nearly 70,000 military and civilian personnel were deployed in UN operations around the world.



He was elected the Secretary-General of the World Body in 1997 and completed his two five-year term on December 31, 2006.GNA

Wa MCE relieved of his post

President John Agyekum Kufuor has relieved the Wa Municipal Chief Executive (NCE), Mr M.A Banda of his position with immediate effect. This was contained in a press release signed by Mr Kwadwo Okyere Mpiani, Chief of Staff and Minister of Presidential Affairs, in Accra on Tuesday.

It said the President has directed that Mr George Hikah Benson, Deputy Regional Minister for Upper West, should act as the MCE of Wa pending the nomination for appointment of a substantive Chief Executive.GNA

Socio-economic devt in Ghana is the best in Africa

The visiting Mayor of London, Mr Alderman John Stuttard, on Tuesday commended Ghana for her impressive political and socio-economic development and stressed the need for the Government to work hard to consolidate the achievements made for the benefit of the citizenry."Ghana's exhibition of good governance, integrity and successful democratic dispensation is the best in Africa in recent times especially among emerging economies," he added.

Mr Stuttard made the commendation during a courtesy call on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.He was accompanied by Mr Gordon Wetherell, British High Commissioner to Ghana and Madam Patricia Appiagyei, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive.Mr Stuttard arrived in Ghana last week with some businessmen and technocrats to explore avenues that would boost co-operation between United Kingdom (UK) and Ghana especially in financial services and education.

He noted that the relationship between Ghana and UK dated back to the pre-colonial era and UK was committed to collaborate with Ghana in all fields of endeavours to further improve on the achievements made in education, financial services and culture.Mr Stuttard said such collaboration, was crucial to eliminate poverty and improve on the living standards of the vulnerable in society and in addition, facilitate Ghana's bid to attain middle-income status by 2015.He commended the Asantehene for his visionary leadership and immense efforts to enhance good neighbourliness among Asantes and other ethnic groups in Ghana, very crucial to consolidate democracy in the country.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu said there was the need for stakeholders to evolve proactive measures that would ensure Ghana's democratic dispensation was enhanced."We should commit resources to ensure stability, employment for the youth and improve upon the prudent management of the economy," he added.The Asantehene noted that with the 50th independence anniversary celebration, there was the need for stakeholders to take stock of the past achievements and brainstorm to accelerate development. He appealed to Mr Stuttard to work hard to strengthen the existing relationship between the City of London and Kumasi Metropolis for their mutual benefit.

Mr Andrew Holmes, Managing Director of Taysec, an international road construction firm, who accompanied Mr Stuttard donated 70 million cedis towards the Otumfuo Education Fund. 23 Jan. 07