United States Embassy gets new offices in Accra

25th May: Africa Day

25th May is Africa Day, commemorating the date when the Organization of African Unity was set up in 1963. In July 2002, this organization was replaced by the African Union.
44 years ago today, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, leaders of the few independent countries on our continent, alongside those fighting for the independence of their countries, converged to establish a common front of African corporation, emancipation and prosperity.

This convergence gave birth to the Organization for African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU).
The OAU was committed to the total liberation of all African nations, a united African society based on the principles of egalitarianism, social justice and Pan- Africanism.

This process was led by our founding fathers Kwame Nkurumah, Sekou Toure, Augustino Neto, Julius Mwalimu Nyerere, and Sir Tseretse Khama only but to mention a few nation builders, visionaries and founders of the struggle against imperialism and capitalism.
44 years on, what is the significance of Africa Day?
Source:GHP

Rawlings confers with Togolese President

Former President Rawlings, who is also a member of the African Forum, has paid a one-day working visit to the Republic of Togo today, Thursday 24th May, 2007 to hold discussions with President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo on the situation in Togo with respect to the reforms that have been introduced by the Togolese President sometime ago.

The discussions which were free and fair covered the concerns of Former Presidents in the African Forum for the progress of Togo in the direction of good governance.President Rawlings, accompanied by Mrs Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings and Former Foreign Minister Victor Gbeho, has since returned home.

Source:Victor Emmanuel Smith (Special Assistant and Director of Public Affairs)

President leaves Accra for four-nation tour

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Tuesday left Accra for a four-nation tour of Belgium, Ethiopia, Egypt and Nigeria. His first stop would be Brussels, Belgium where he would hold discussions with the EU Commission's President, Mr Baroso Jose Manuel, on the forthcoming African Union (AU)- European Union (EU) summit in November and the G8 Summit in June this year. President Kufuor would join his colleagues to celebrate the African Union Day in Addis Ababa Ethiopia and then go to Egypt for a three-day state visit.

He would then go to Nigeria to participate in the inauguration of President-elect Yar Ardua on 29th May 2007. President is expected back on 30th May 2007.GNA

Lecturer testifies in Tagor, Abass trial

A Senior Lecturer of the Department of Lingistics, University of Ghana, Dr Kofi Agyekum, on Tuesday told an Accra Fast Track High Court that the recorded conversation on the controversial ACP Kofi Boakye's tape was a natural one. "My Lord the tape recording had not been tempered with," Dr.Agyekum, the eleventh prosecution witness, told the court trying Kwabena Amaming aka Tagor and Alhaji Issa Abass, alleged self-confessed drug barons, held for drug-related offence.

Dr Agyekum, also a specialist in the Akan language, also said that his work was to find the authenticity of the recording, voice attribution, profile of the voices and transcription and translation from Twi to English. Led in evidence Mr Agyemang Duodu, Principal State Attorney, Dr Agyekum said he was approached by the Attorney General to work with J. P. French and Associates in York, London. He said he visited London on two occasions and worked with J. P. French and Associates and later communicated on e-mail with the firm.

Dr Agyekum said as an expert, he worked independently adding, "I worked without showing partially." Highlighting the report he produced, Dr Agyekum said Abass, whom he explained as non-Akan speaking person, was intermittently mixing Twi with Fanti, adding that the other four participants used the correct version of the Akan language. Answering questions under cross-examination by Mr Ellis Owusu-Forjour, counsel for Tagor, Dr Agyekum said before his appointment to work on the recorded conversation, he could not remember commenting on the case. Dr Agyekum, who is also a social commentator, admitted that he did a literal translation on the recorded conversation.

He said he only read about the arrest of the accused persons in the dailies. Answering questions by Mr Osafo Buabeng, counsel for Abbas, Dr Agyekum said he could not remember saying damaging things about the accused persons. He admitted that words like "goods" and "things" could be used interchangeably depending on the context. Dr Agyekum denied that his report was to suit the Attorney General adding, "As an independent expert I was very objective and impartial." Meanwhile, the court has warned two relations of Abass for harassing and verbally assaulting a policeman whom the court directed to take away newspaper, which they were reading in court.

The court asked persons to comport themselves and give respect to the Judiciary if they want to continue attending court proceedings. "Next time, I will deal ruthlessly if anyone who flouts the orders of the court," the court warned. The case of the prosecution is that the accused are self-confessed drug barons who since 2004 had been actively engaged in activities of promoting and establishing various enterprises relating to narcotic drugs.

Tagor has additionally been charged with carrying out prohibited business relating to narcotic drugs, buying and supplying of narcotic drugs, while Abass is being held for carrying out prohibited business relating to narcotic drugs and supplying narcotic drugs. They have pleaded not guilty before the court, presided over by Mr Justice Jones Dotse. They have been remanded in custody. Hearing continues on May 30.GNA

Bird Flu detected in Sunyani?

A suspected case of bird flu at a poultry farm at New Dormaa, a suburb of Sunyani has led to the destruction of a number of birds and poultry products by personnel of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA).

When newsmen got wind of the incident and went to the scene, some laboratory and surveillance personnel of the MOFA from Accra and Kumasi, as well as some officials of the regional veterinary office in Sunyani were seen bringing out "everything" from the farm, including the birds for destruction, while they also disinfected the place.Mr George Dosa, Acting Regional Director of the Veterinary Service Department, who led the exercise, however, told newsmen it was too early to announce to the public as samples of the birds had been taken to Accra for testing and were yet to receive the result.

He said there was no cause for alarm since the personnel monitored the situation at the farm for about a week before the officials were invited to assist in taking the precautionary measures.Mr Dosa decline to disclose the number of birds destroyed as he directed the newsmen to MOFA for further information.Mr Asante Krobea, Regional Director of MOFA, who was on his way to Accra told the Ghana News Agency on phone that the Ministry was waiting for the test result from Accra latest by Monday evening when he could let the public know about the outcome.

He said it was dangerous to put fear in the public without knowing the result of the samples, as it could greatly affect the business of poultry farmers as well as the price of maize. The owner of the farm, an ex-soldier, could not be talked to as he was busily assisting the officials to bring the situation under control.
Source:GNA

AMA postpones arrest of recalcitrant taxi drivers

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) on Monday postponed the arrest of taxi drivers who have failed to wear the prescribed uniforms and those without the embossment on their vehicles. According to the AMA, this is because of submissions made by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council to be given some time to educate its members on the need to comply with the directives.

The AMA assured the public that it would deal with recalcitrant taxi drivers who fail to wear the prescribed sea blue shirt and blue-black pair of trousers and for non-embossment of their cabs when the grace period elapses. A statement issued by the Public Relations Department of the AMA on Monday warned butchers to desist from singeing animal carcasses with vehicle tyres, since the act is harmful to human health. The AMA said its attention had also been drawn to brisk trading activities being carried out within residential premises and backyard of some of residents in the Central Business District.

The statement said majority of these traders who had been relocated to the Odawna Pedestrian Shopping Mall had neglected their malls to trade elsewhere. "Property owners are hereby advised to immediately put an end to all trading activities by petty traders within their premises. Offenders would be prosecuted when arrested," AMA said.GNA

Ghana to host first international management congress

Human resource management practitioners from Africa, the Middle East and Asia will meet in Accra from July 8-13, 2007 for a conference dubbed: "The International Human Resource Congress." The congress, the first of its kind in Ghana, is being organized by the Management School, London, in collaboration with Business Education Examination Council International, Ghana.

A statement signed by Alberta Akosa, an official of Global Media Alliance, said the congress promises to be the largest human resource event of its kind in Africa and would attract directors of personnel of government ministries, leading human resource practitioners, personnel managers and human resource managers from Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Mr. Abubakar Saddique Boniface, Minister of Manpower, Youth and Employment would deliver the keynote address of the Congress to be organised on the theme: "Organizational Performance, Talent Management and Human Resource Strategy".

Mr. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Finance Minister, would be the special guest. The statement said the congress would offer exceptional value and give participants an opportunity to reap professional and business benefits from a rewarding and enjoyable congress "It is an opportunity to update and sharpen the human resource thinking in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The Congress will be an inspirational learning experience with world class speakers," it saidGNA

Justice Amua Sekyi is Dead

Mr Justice Kwaku Etrue Amua-Sekyi, Chairman of the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) has been reported dead. He was 74.A family source disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Friday.

The late Justice died at home around 0920 hours on Thursday at Takoradi. The source described Justice Amua-Sekyi who was also a Supreme Court judge as a noble man."He has done what everybody would wish in life and served Ghana with integrity", the source said A wife and three children survive him.Funeral arrangements would be announced later.

Ghana Addo Kufuor---not ready to deploy troops in Somalia

Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, Minister of Defence, has stated that the country is not ready to deploy troops to Somalia. Speaking during his recent visit to the Third Battalion of Infantry of the Ghana Army in Sunyani, the Minister, however, commended the battalion's role in internal security, as well as maintaining law and order in the sub-region, particularly along the border with la Cote d'Ivoire.

Dr Addo Kufuor urged the troops to be extra vigilant at the border due to the current situation in that neighbouring country. He said Ghanaians appreciated the support the Garrison had given to the Police in several operations, including "Operation Calm Life", to the Forestry Commission. The Defence Minister appealed to the armed forces to remain loyal to the government and the people in maintaining a political order that would continue to protect the constitution and maintain peace and security. Dr Addo Kufuor noted that the most difficult problem that had confronted service personnel over the years was the lack of adequate accommodation and announced that the Ministry was expending 20 million dollars on an urgent housing scheme for the troops.

Under the scheme, he said, the construction of 18 four-storey blocks, each expected to house 16 families, had already begun in Accra, Takoradi, Tema, Ho and Tamale. The Minister said the Ministry would use 10.5 billion cedis on the renovation and construction of living quarters and other facilities for the Three Garrison in Sunyani. He added that the projects were expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Dr Addo Kufuor noted that the retention of over-aged service personnel due to the lack of funds for their release had been the major cause of the accommodation problem, but announced that the Ministry was seeking 67 billion cedis for the purpose.GNA

Ghanaians Mark Africa Union Day Off Work

The Ministry of the Interior on Thursday reminded the public that, Friday, May 25 is Africa Union Day and a statutory public holiday.

A statement from the Ministry signed by the Minister, Mr Albert Kan Dappah said the holiday should be observed throughout the country.

Freedom of Information law could be expensive if not well-managed

The Freedom of Information Law could prove to be very expensive, if not well-managed, President John Agyekum Kufuor, cautioned in Accra on Wednesday. He said the Government would therefore ensure that adequate ground work had been done before its passage. The Attorney-General, he said, was working out the time-table, the Government needed, to be ready with the law.

President Kufuor was interacting with delegates to the 41st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights at the Castle, Osu. Made up of Human Rights Commissioners of African Union (AU) and representatives of Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations, they are in Accra to deliberate on human rights issues confronting the Continent. President Kufuor spoke of the Government’s determination to put in place the necessary institutions and laws to protect the rights of the people, citing the landmark Domestic Violence Law and the repeal of the offensive Criminal Libel Law.

Without respect for human rights, governance cannot be said to be good and this could hamper investment inflows, he added. President Kufuor, who is the Chairman of the AU, said liberated Africa must therefore uphold people’s rights, which “is the basis of democracy.” He counselled that with the opening up of the world, it was important for the Commission to help deepen the awareness of African societies to the dangers that could arise out of the pursuit of sectional rights.

He noted that, the violation of the rights of minority groups, had been the major cause of most of the friction and conflicts on the Continent and said such pitfalls must be avoided. Mrs Salamatta Sawadogo, Chairperson of the Commission and leader of the delegation, praised President Kufuor for his keen interest in the work of the Commission and said; “We know we can depend on your support to implement the mandate given to us.” She said the decision to hold the Session in Accra was taken to share with Ghana the joy of the 50 years of political independence.GNA

Kufuor's meeting with Kadhafi dispel rumour

Ghana and Libya have pledged greater economic co-operation for their mutual benefit with Libya expressing interest in investing in palm and rubber plantations in Ghana. Consequently, the Ghana/Libya Joint Commission for Co-operation would be meeting in June this year in Libya.This was the outcome of bilateral talks between President John Agyekum Kufuor and the Libyan Leader, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, in Tripoli on Monday.

President Kufuor, accompanied by some senior government officials, was in Tripoli for a day's official visit at the invitation of the Libyan Leader.Mr Andrew Awuni, the Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson, told newsmen accompanying the President that the two Heads of State used their meeting, which lasted for over one hour, to discuss co-operation in energy, satellite connectivity and distant education. He said the position of President Kufuor was that economic co-operation was key to the realization of the vision of Union Government of Africa and had been pushing aggressively in this direction.

Mr Awuni said the Libyan Leader said he was more determined to see massive inflow of Libyan investments in Ghana. Already, they are into the hospitality industry in Ghana with investment in the City Hotel in Kumasi.Mr Awuni said the upcoming African Union Summit in Ghana in July and its main agenda, the direction of the Union Government, also came up for discussion.He said President Kufuor updated Colonel Gaddafi on the preparations Ghana was making towards ensuring the success of the Summit.The two Leaders also reviewed the political situation in Zimbabwe and Nigeria.President Kufuor would return to Accra on Tuesday

Cure For HIV/AIDS Found In Ghana/Africa

HIV/AIDS victims can heave a huge sigh of relief since there is now a potent herbal medicine which is reported to be capable of totally curing HIV/AIDS.

"Koankro", the herbal mixture prepared by Mr Kamara Agyapong, Director of Peace Herbal Clinic at Ejisu in Ashanti, has been confirmed by the Clinical Analysis Laboratory of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), as capable and potent in curing HIV/AIDS.

This follows the successful trial tests conducted on two HIV/AIDS positive patients who were put on the herbal preparations by Mr Agyapong two years ago. The tests have confirmed that the two patients are now HIV negative.

The test results which were made available to the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi indicated that, the two patients have been tested negative of both HIV 1 and 2 viruses.

The results, which were released on May 4, this year, show that, the two male patients, aged 39 and 34 now have no HIV virus in their blood cells.

Their negative status has also been confirmed by further test results from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) laboratory and Medilab, a private medical laboratory in Kumasi.

A team of researchers from the Biochemistry Department of KNUST had been conducting a series of investigations into the efficacy and potency of the "Koankro" herbal mixture for some years now. They had already confirmed the efficacy of the preparation in the management of HIV/AIDS. The team initially confirmed that after three weeks treatment with "Koankro", there was significant improvement in the haemoglobin content, while the blood counts and weight of victims improved. That made Mr Agyapong to undertake further research to come out with additional 16 preparations, which are administered to the patients at different stages of treatment.

Speaking to the GNA on the test results, Mr Agyapong indicated that there were currently about 20 patients who were at various stages of treatment, adding that, the breakthrough in the test results had provided further impetus to the herbal preparations for the treatment of the disease.

Source:
GNA

Comment By Blog Owner: Isaac TETTEH

Is this one of the many achievements of our nation’s policy on containing the spread of HIV/AIDS? Does the testing of the herbal formula on these two individuals constitute an adequate sampling of the affected population to make a determination on the effectiveness of the drug?Couldn’t the absence of the virus in the blood of the affected persons or carriers be the result of a compromised result, or a misdiagnosis? Testing two people among many others who are HIV/AIDS positive is not proof of finding a cure. Authors of such articles must re-evaluate the harm they inflict on the Ghanaian society by peddling unnecessary excitement and complacency. We have heard these claims one too many and I am not in the least excited about this. I am an optimist, but I will not be jumping out of my skin on this one. We need a bigger sample size, cross-examination of blood samples, detailed analysis/constitutes of the herbal medicine and much more. Lets also look into commercial production capacities and patent rights. Fact is this sounds exciting, but I am going to take this carefully. I hope this turns out to be true, otherwise sorry mr journalist, you just placed an ad that cannot be verified or proven in print and the FDB must do its job.

Daasebre Gyamena freed!

The jury at the Isleworth Crown Court in London trying ace Ghanaian musician, Daasebre Gyamena for drug offences has returned a not guilty verdict.The 12-member Jury comprising five women and seven men had to receive directions from presiding Judge Mark McDowell to return a majority decision just about 2pm after they repeatedly failed to reach a verdict.An elated in-law of Daasebre, Chris Renty, who was in court to listen to the verdict, could hardly catch his breath as he related the joy of the Ghanaian community that had hoped for the best for Daasebre.

He told JoyFM; “We were all overjoyed. In fact my wife collapsed onto the floor after the verdict was announced.”Chris said Daasebre had attended the hearing and sat through proceedings with a bowed head and without emotion.He only lifted his head and managed a smile after the verdict was announced.Chris Renty told JOFM Daasebre was expected to return to police custody to complete his discharge processes and could be expected back home by Monday or Tuesday.

The ace musician was arrested last July on suspicion he was importing 100 kilogrammes of cocaine into the United Kingdom.A first trial failed to reach a verdict on two occasions even though prosecutors had insisted he was guilty.A re-trial therefore became obligatory.
Source:jfm

New Headquaters launched for Ghana's Research Department

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Tuesday applauded the security services for the alertness and professionalism that has helped create a stable environment for the country's giant socio-economic and political strides. The progress Ghana is making could not have been achieved without the critical role of the security, he said, at the inauguration of a state-of-the-art new Headquarters building for the Research Department of the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Accra. Work on the five-storey office complex started in June 2003 and was funded by the Government.

The Department, which was established in 1958 by the late President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is a component of the national security system and deals primarily with intelligence for the protection, promotion and enhancement of the country's security and sovereignty. It has however, over the years, been operating in wooden structures. President Kufuor stated that the primary objective for the building was not to beautify the skies of the nation's capital, Accra, but rather, provide modern, functional and congenial environment to boost the institutional image of the Department. He said what Ghanaians were expecting in return was a high-level performance to justify the support.

"Loyalty and commitment, the hallmarks of your Department should never be in doubt", he added. President Kufuor said security was the first law of the Government and that the Government would continue to depend on the input of the security services as it fulfilled its mandate. Mr Francis Poku, the National Security Minister, said the security agencies remained focused and determined to bring peace to the country to ensure the growth of its democracy.

He said the nation's security policy was now based on the rule of law and respect for human rights, fairness to all and de-politicisation. Security operation, he said, has thus been made meaningful to the population and credited this to President Kufuor's self-restraint character. Mr J. K. Mensah, the Director of the Department, said as a national institution, it was non-partisan and pledged to continue to exercise the highest level of professionalism to ensure national peace and security.GNA

Togo bans Ghana poultry

Togo banned poultry from neighbouring Ghana on Wednesday after a case of the deadly H5N1 bird flu was detected there, the agriculture ministry said.A week ago, Ghana became the eighth African country to report a case of the H5N1 bird flu virus in poultry. Some 1,700 birds were culled after the discovery.

Togo authorities on Wednesday asked residents to notify veterinarians of any "sudden and massive poultry or wild bird deaths" and to avoid handling dead birds.The country put a national bird flu plan into action in February 2006, including a national alert system, the formation of medical teams and improved surveillance.In Africa, Ghana, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Djibouti, Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria have all reported cases of H5N1 in poultry.

The World Health Organisation has warned that while humans have so far only caught the H5N1 strain of bird flu through contact with infected birds or their droppings, it could claim millions of lives if it mutates into a form that can be spread among humans.
Source:GHP

China to help build Bui city

Mr. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning on Wednesday said government had allocated 20 million dollars for the construction of a city at Bui in line with the Bui dam project.He said the money allocated for the construction of the city formed part of a 600 million dollars loan to be funded by the Chinese government through a mixed credit facility.

Mr. Baah-Wiredu said lessons from the construction of the Akosombo dam has necessitated that a well-planned city, the likes of Tema, be put in place to accommodate all those who would be displaced due to the construction of the dam."The Bui city with its own university is expected to accommodate over one million inhabitants in the next 30 years," he told Mr Zhang Keyuan, out-going Chinese Ambassador who called at his office to bid him farewell.Mr Zhang, who had been in Ghana for almost four years was being recalled to his home country.Thanking Mr Zhang, through whose effort Ghana was about to implement the Bui Hydro-Electric Power Project, the Minister expressed the hope that Mr Zhang could stay to witness the sod cutting scheduled for June 15.

The project had been on drawing board for more than 85 years. "With the engineering, procurement and construction contract already signed between the government of Ghana and the project contractors, the way is paved for work to start on the project soon," Mr Baah-Wiredu said.He said Mr Zhang's duty in Ghana had been one of the most active and fruitful periods in Ghana-China bilateral co-operation initiated in the early 1960s."Your term of office has witnessed an unprecedented expansion of the Chinese Government support to Ghana as China is now Ghana's third largest bilateral development partner," The Finance Minister said. He called for a better trade relationship with an increase in exports from Ghana.Mr Zhang expressed his appreciation to President John Agyekum Kufuor, Ministers of State and the people of Ghana for the hospitable and excellent relationship saying he had enjoyed the nearly four years stay in Ghana.He said he would have wished to stay much longer in Ghana to complete the projects that were initiated during his tenure of office, but promised to encourage his successor to be committed to the completion of all those projects.He named some of the projects as the construction of an office complex for the Ministry of Defence, the rehabilitation of the Peduase Presidential Lodge, the Kumasi Youth Centre project and the Bui Hydro-Electric Power Dam project.He noted that bilateral relations, as well as trade between Ghana and China had deepened over the last three years, including the signing of a number of financial agreements and contracts with the government on various projects."I hope the bilateral relationship would be enhanced to a new level with the new ambassador to be," Mr Zhang said.
Source:GNA

Enact law to check mishandling of the cedi

The Rev Robert Nelson Adayi, Executive Director of Treds Envitech Limited, an environment management company on Tuesday called on the government to enact a law to deal with the mishandling of the Ghanaian currency.This, he said, would curb the practice where citizens treated the currency with contempt by writing on it, mended it with black cellotape and soiled it with oil, defacing it.

Rev Adayi said this when he met with workers at Asamankese in the Eastern Region to educate them on the new currency and how to handle money. "No country mishandles money like Ghana," he said. "All the foreign currencies used in Ghana are always in good shape because the least defect will render the money useless," he added.He said a law to make tattered and defaced notes illegal tender was a sure way of giving the currency some importance and value.

a"This will put fear into the citizens and even the banks which sometimes issue such notes in the name of legal tender." Rev Adayi noted that with new notes to be introduced in July, it was appropriate for government to set up laws to protect the currencies to avoid spending huge sums on reprinting.He therefore advised the workers to handle the new notes with care and pay attention to the various advertisements in the media to enable them to understand the education campaign. 8 May 07
Source:GNA

Kufuor lauds Toure on Mali election victory

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Monday congratulated the Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure on his re-election for a second term. "I believe it is as much a testimony to the maturity of the country's political and democratic institutions under your presidency, as it is a tribute to your personal commitment to the tenets of democracy and transparency, very much appreciated by Africa and the wider international community at this critical period of the continent's history," President Kufuor said in a letter to President Toure.

A press release signed by Mr Andrew Awuni, Press Secretary to the President and Presidential Spokesman, said as President Kufuor, who is the current Chairman of African Union, prepares to welcome Heads of State to Accra for the forthcoming AU Summit, he believes that the overriding themes of debates, the personal and collective commitment of African leaders to the continent's renaissance would very much determine the destiny of the continent for years to come.

It said President Kufuor also looked forward to deepening the long-standing bilateral relations and expanding the frontiers of cooperation between Ghana and Mali to benefit both countries mutually.GNA

Ghana's New Money

Kufuor to visit South Africa on Sunday

President John Agyekum Kufuor, Chairman of the African Union, leaves Accra for Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sunday to attend the opening of the Seventh Ordinary Session of the Pan-African Parliament (PAF).He is scheduled to address the Parliament, the first time ever, by an AU Chairman.A press release signed by the Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Andrew Awuni, said the Session would focus on four major issues - Environment and Climate Change, Peace and Security, NEPAD and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) as well as the Union Government of Africa.

The PAP was established in March 2004 in accordance with Article 17 of the Consultative Act of the AU, as one of its organs provided for in the treaty establishing the African Economic Community signed in Abuja, Nigeria, in 1991.The release said whilst in South Africa, President Kufuor would also hold bilateral talks with his South African counterpart, President Thabo Mbeki and other senior Government Officials. He is expected back home on Wednesday, May 9.
Source:GNA

BOG Starts Circulating New Ghana Money Today

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) will this morning launch the new Ghana Cedis and Pesewas at the Bank’s auditorium, High Street Accra. The introduction of the new currency has become necessary as a result of re-denomination of the Ghanaian currency the cedi, which takes effect on July 1, 2007.

When the redenomination takes effect, ¢100,000 would represent the current ¢1,000,000.00 and ¢10,000 the current ¢100,000, while the current ¢10,000 would be the same as ¢1.00 within the new currency.According to the Ghana Central Bank however, the quantity and quality of goods that an equivalent of the money in circulation now can purchase would be the same as what the new cedi currency which would be launched tomorrow would be able to procure, hence the refrain that has run through adverts aired and played on air for some months now.Officials of the bank say the added advantage of the new currency is that it would be less cumbersome to carry and also enhance business transactions while maintaining the value of the Ghanaian cedi.

As to whether the new currency would match up with the major currencies of the world, Esi Hammond of the Public Relations Unit, Bank of Ghana asserted that the rate of exchange would still be determined by the market foraces of demand and supply. “It is not the redenomination or re-calibration of the cedis that would check prices and thus influence inflation but the interplay of sound macro-economic practices.Fiscal discipline is needed and when monetary policies go haywire that brings about inflation, but when government does its part and does not overspend, that checks rise in inflation which has been kept steady for a while,” the BoG official stated.
Source:GHP

Princess Ann's Visit in Pix

Bird Flu Surfaces In Ghana

Ghana's first case of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu has been confirmed by local laboratories and a U.S. naval laboratory in Egypt, a World Health Organisation official said on Wednesday.
Some 1,600 birds had already been incinerated at the infected chicken farm 20 km (13 miles) east of the capital Accra near the port of Tema, Dr Harry Opata, WHO disease prevention and control officer.

Earlier this week, officials said they were investigating a suspected outbreak of the disease in birds around the prot city of Tema. Though H5N1 had been documented elsewhere in the region, Ghana had not previously had a case confirmed, said Dr. George Amofa, head of public health for Ghana's Health Ministry.

Sophia Twum-Barimah, a spokeswoman for WHO in Accra, said the virus was first detected by a Ghanaian lab and then confirmed by an Egyptian research center.
H5N1 has killed at least 172 people worldwide since it began its spread through Asian poultry in 2003, according to WHO. Most human deaths come from contact with infected birds, but experts fear H5N1 could mutate into a form that spreads easily among people.
Africa's most populous nation, Nigeria, was the first on the continent to report an outbreak of the disease last year. Outbreaks have also been reported in Cameroon, Djibouti, Egypt, Niger, Ivory Coast, Sudan and Burkina Faso.

Ghana had stepped up surveillance to try to prevent incursion of the disease: banning imported poultry and related products from Asia and some neighboring countries, including Nigeria and Ivory Coast.The virus is particularly worrisome in Africa, where poverty and poor health care means disease spreads quickly.In January, a young woman became the first Nigerian to die from H5N1. Djibouti and Egypt have also reported infections in humans and eleven people have died of the disease in Egypt.
Source:GHP

Ghana's May Day in Pictures

2006 HIV Prevalence rises

The 2006 National HIV Prevalence rate is 2.22 (3.2 per cent), an increase in the 2005's prevalence rate of 2.21 (2.7 per cent).A global decision by the United Nations Reference Group on HIV Estimates and Projections comprising WHO, UNAIDS, Future Institutes, United States Census Bureau and the World Bank indicated that a new methodology be used to find the national prevalence rate for HIV by putting together the Demographic Health Survey, Sentinel Survey and the Population Survey to arrive at the National Prevalence.

"With the new methodology, Ghana's HIV Prevalence rate for 2006 is 2.22", Dr Nii Akwei Addo, National Programme Manager of the National AIDS Control Programme said on Monday at the "National Dissemination of the 2006 HIV Sentinel Survey Report, Estimates and Projections of HIV/AIDS in Ghana".He noted that all countries, including Ghana would henceforth calculate their prevalence rate using the new model. The 2006 sentinel survey, saw Eastern region leading with 4.9 per cent followed by Western, Ashanti, Greater Accra, Upper East, Volta and Brong Ahafo with 4.3, 3.7, 3.4, 3.2, 3.0, and 2.8 per cents respectively.Northern region recorded the lowest of 1.3 per cent whilst Central and Upper West Regions recorded 2.5 each respectively.Agomenya, which recorded a decline in 2005 with 6.0 per cent, reverted to its position as the site with the highest prevalence with 8.4 per cent with Nalerigu recording the lowest with 1.0 per cent.

HIV type 1 has since the discovery of the virus in 1986 been the strain with the highest proportion of more than 90 per cent of the infections. HIV type 11 throughout the years has accounted for not more than 1 per cent but showed a slight increase in 2006 survey.The highest prevalence was recorded in the 25 to 29 year group with 4.2 per cent and 40 to 44 year group with 3.3 per cent. The 30 to 34 year group recorded the second highest level of HIV infection with 3.7 per cent with 15 to 19 year group recording the lowest HIV infection with 1.4 per cent.Dr Addo explained that the 15 to 24 age group alone contributed 30 per cent to the total HIV positive cases whilst persons below the age of 35 years contributed 88 per cent of the total positive samples. The new infections were mostly recorded in the 15 to 24 age group. He called for an escalation in efforts to reduce prevalence in the younger age group adding, "it will be the key to reducing the over all prevalence".

He noted the over all HIV prevalence could be said to be at the stabilisation stage with prevalence reverting to the levels recorded in 2004 having dropped for two continuous years at 3.1 and 2.7 in 2005 adding that "analysis by the sentinel sites showed that the prevalence at site level was far from being stable".Dr Addo explained that as access to treatment was increasing, prevalence would rise and said the prevention component of the national response be given higher attention to balance the effect.Mr Silas Quaye, Programme Officer of National AIDS Control Programme said Sexually Transmitted Infections, which had been identified as a co factor in HIV infection and testing for syphilis had been part of the HIV sentinel survey in Ghana since 2004.

He said syphilis prevalence for 2006 saw a decline from 3.6 in 2005 to 3.3 and 5.6 in 2004 with Asikuma Odoben Brakwa in the Central Region leading with 20. 8 per cent.Akim Oda, Assin Fosu, Cape Coast, Sewfi Asafo and Asunafo followed with 19.2, 18.5, 16.4, 16.4 and 12.0 per cents respectively. North Tongu (rural) for the second time has recorded 0.0 per cent. He said syphilis in rural areas were higher than urban areas whilst prevalence was higher in the older age groups of 40 to 44 year group representing 8.1 per cent than the younger age group of 25 to 29 representing 4.6 per cent.Central, Eastern, Western and Ashanti Regions have the highest syphilis prevalence in Ghana and said infection levels needed further investigation especially with its relationship with Yaws and HIV. 30 April 07

God will expose killers of Ya-Na -Kufuor

President Kufuor has repeated his innocence in the events leading to the death of the Overlord of the Dagbon Traditional Area, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II and some of his elders.Speaking at the palace of the Regent of Gukpe-gu Ziblim Abdulai, Kufuor said he has not rested since the Dagbon crisis.

President Kufuor who is on a two-day visit to the northern region to assess the extent of the damage caused by last weekend’s rainstorm expressed regret that the murder of the Ya-Na has sown mistrust between him and some of his Dagomba friends.Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II and forty others died on March 2002.President Kufuor called on Ghanaians to “begin to trust each other and find a way forward for Dagbon.”“I am waiting for the day when God in his wisdom would expose those who committed the crime,” he declared.

The President’s comment followed an apology by the regent regarding the inability of the Andani family to visit him to show their gratitude for his role in the burying of the Ya-Na.Regent Ziblim Abdulai thanked the President for the numerous projects being carried out in the region and called for more.He asked President Kufuor to consider renovating the Tamale Teaching Hospital which is in dire need of help.In response, President Kufuor said the government has signed a 45 million euro contract with the Dutch government to rehabilitate the hospital. He disclosed that the hospital needs about 70 million dollars to have a facelift.

President Kufuor who described the hospital as a disgrace blamed successive governments for allowing it to degenerate to that level.He chastised the Tamale concerned citizens for embarking on a demonstration describing it as a pretence march conducted to score political points.
Source:JOY ONLINE