Archer in court over SSNIT contributions

The editor-in-chief of The Enquirer newspaper, Raymond Archer has been hauled before court for failing to pay the monthly Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) contributions of his seven workers as required by law.

Mr. Archer who owes SSNIT, the complainant, up to GH¢8,093.66 has also been charged with issuing dud cheques to the complainant.

An Accra Weekend Court presided over by Mr. Mahama Iddrisu, a Circuit Court Judge, last Saturday sentenced the editor to a fine of GH¢5,673.56 or in default spend three months in jail.

The accused person, who was not represented by any counsel, pleaded guilty for failing to pay the SSNIT contributions of his workers but said he was not guilty for failing to pay the penalties accrued from his inability to pay the contributions.

When asked by the judge why he pleaded guilty to the first offence but not the second, which occurred as a result of the first offence, he said he had promised to pay the complainants, so did not understand why he had to be charged with the second offence.

The editor told the court, “I accept responsibility and will pay the money to avoid litigation” but indicated that a number of the workers were no more with the company and he did not have the time to go chasing them to make them pay the complainants.

Subsequently when the trial judge told him he would be sentenced since he had pleaded guilty to the offence of not paying his contributions under the Scheme, he pleaded with the judge to give him and the complainants some time to have the matter settled out of court.

Standing with his hands behind him, he said he paid some money to the complainant sometime ago and as a result would abide by his promise but the judge still sentenced him, saying that once he had pleaded guilty to the offence the law requires that he should be sentenced and therefore would not bend the rules in his favour.

According to Emmanuel B. Boadi, the SSNIT officer who presented the facts of the matter, Archer is the Director of Focal Media Ltd., located at Tesano, a suburb of Accra and was, as required by law, registered with SSNIT with establishment Reg. No. 202J1005.

Mr. Boadi told the court that on November 23, 2007 the complainant inspected the company’s book and discovered that since October 2006 the editor had failed to pay the contributions of GH¢673.50 of the seven workers under him, contrary to sections 22(1) and (2) of the Social Security Law of 1991 PNDC Law 247.

He said the accused person as well owed GH¢2,420.16 for delayed payment, contrary to Section 23 (1) of the law, making the total debt of the establishment as at October 2007 stand at GH¢8,093.66.

Explaining further, the prosecuting officer noted that a demand notice was sent to Archer to pay up by December 2007 and though the period had expired, he still had not paid the amount to liquidate his debts, in spite of calls for him to do so.

Meanwhile Archer has been granted a GH¢3,000 bail and is due to appear in court next weekend following his plea of not guilty for the penalty which had been slapped on him.


Source: Daily Guide

EC admits discrepancies in voter register

The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially admitted that there are discrepancies in the register of voters in the Ashanti Region. Consequently, the commission, in collaboration with the political parties, has formed a nine-member committee to look into the issue and find solutions to the problem to ensure that it does not occur again.

After Sunday’s Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting in Accra, the Director of Public Affairs at the EC, Mr Christian Owusu-Parry, said the committee was made up of two EC members, four representatives of the political parties and one representative each from the Ghana Statistical Service, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the security agencies reports the Daily Graphic newspaper. Recently, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) raised concern over alleged bloated voters’ registers in 13 constituencies in the Ashanti Region.

Just after the EC had denied the allegations, the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) said it had also received similar bloated figures from the EC. According to the register that the GCPP had, which it said was obtained from the EC under a cover letter with reference number CIEC.07/SF.13NOL2/100, dated June 14, 2007 and signed by Mr. Daniel K. Amanyo on behalf of the chairman of the EC, some of the figures from some constituencies in the Ashanti Region were as follows: Ejisu-Juaben, 155,042; Ejura-Sekyedumasi, 84,182; Kwabre East, 124,842; Kwabre West, 77,264; Asante-Akim South, 95,444; Asante-Akim North, 129,046. However, the register given by the EC at the IPAC meeting gave the following figures: Ejisu-Juaben, 78,170; Ejura- Sekyedumasi, 38,114; Kwabre East, 62,733; Kwabre West, 38,802; Asante-Akim south, 47,874; Asante-Akim North, 64,683.

Mr Owusu-Parry said the committee was to ascertain the source of the discrepancies, make recommendations in line with its findings, regulate its own procedures and examine related issues that might be referred to it. The political parties have been requested to submit the names of their four representatives so that the committee could start its work and finish it within two weeks.

When reached for his comments, the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Ohene Ntow, welcomed the decision to set up the committee to go into the issue. "Although this is welcome I think it has taken too long in coming. All the same, it's good that finally we have a committee that involves all the political parties.

I expect that we will get to the button of this matter, clear the issues and quickly establish the veracity and credibility of the voters register," he told the Daily Graphic.The National Organiser of the NDC, Mr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, said the party was satisfied that the EC had accepted that there were discrepancies in the voters register.

He said although the commission declined to give reasons for the inconsistencies, he was hopeful that the committee would come out with the cause and make recommendations as to how to avoid future occurrences. Source: Daily Graphic

John Mahama is the Chosen One

The National Executive Council of the National Democratic Congress has approved, unanimously, the choice of John Dramani Mahama, MP for Bole/Bamboi, as Professor John Evans Atta Mills' running mate for Election '08.

Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, NDC Deputy General Secretary announced the decision of the NDC NEC moments ago at a rather brief press conference at the Kama Conference Centre, Nyaniba Estates, Accra.

Elvis Afriyie Ankrah said the choice was made in conformity with Article 44 of the NDC Constitution and after due consultation.

Prof. Mills is expected to outdoor his vice presidential candidate at a separate function yet to be scheduled.

John Mahama beat several others to the slot after the likes of Mrs Betty Mould Iddrisu, a lawyer; Mohammed Mumuni, Mill's previous running mate; and MP Alban Bagbin were rumoured as favourites.

Mahama Ayariga on the choice of John Mahama

“I believe that everybody accepts the fact of John being able and competent person to pair with Professor John Evans Atta Mills. He has so many qualities, he is an excellent person, he is an excellent material, an excellent gentleman, he has the composure and we believe that he is an excellent choice for running mate.

“I believe that if you listen to a majority of Ghanaians he is very acceptable to them as well and so those were the considerations that went into the choice of John Dramani Mahama as the running mate.

We are all very happy, as you can see the National Executive Committee has unanimously endorsed the choice of John Dramani Mahama, there has been no dissent at all and everybody is very happy and excited and the party is leaving this room very invigorated, very determined to work towards victory in 2008.”

Ghanaians celebrate Easter

Christians in Ghana are on Sunday celebrating Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the most important Christian festival, and the one celebrated with great joy.

Christians, who only on Good Friday wore black and mourning clothes to commemorate the betrayal, crucifixion and death of Jesus, are jubilant because He has risen from the dead. Many Christians are in white apparel or other bright colours to celebrate Jesus Christ's victory over death through sermons, singing and dancing.Jesus Christ was executed by crucifixion on Friday; His body was taken down from the cross and put in a tomb, according to the Scriptures.An enormous rock was used to seal the entrance and guards were posted there to ensure that no one tampered with the body.

On the following Sunday, some women visited the tomb and found that the rock had been moved from the entrance and the body was not in the tomb.Jesus himself was seen that same day and afterwards by many people. His encounters with his followers after the resurrection embolden them to preach the Gospel.
Source:GNA

Replacement Voter ID Cards begins

The nationwide replacement of lost, defaced or badly damaged Voter Identification Cards started with the usual apathy on Friday as most of the centres in Accra recorded low patronage.

The exercise, which runs from Friday, March 14 to Saturday, March 23 between 0700 hours and 1800 hours daily, including weekends, forms part of preparation by the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure that every eligible Ghanaian participates in Elections 2008.A visit to some of the replacement centres by Ghana News Agency revealed low turnout.

To ensure convenience, replacement centres have been located at least in each Electoral Area for all eligible voters who have these problems to appear personally and provide personal data to the Replacement Officer.According to the EC after the collection of data on applicants, processing and preparation of the new voter ID Cards would take place at the Head Office of the EC.

Appropriate measures would then be put in place to deliver the new cards to applicants before the Revision of the Voters' Register.Applicants who would be unable to have their cards during that period would have the opportunity to do so during the Exhibition of the Voters' Register.

The rationale behind this exercise, according to the EC, is to discourage voters in that category from the temptation of double registration, which is a punishable offence, and offenders are liable for prosecution.The EC said this arrangement did not constitute a transfer of vote.

The EC will put measures in place later for voters who have moved residence to transfer their votes to enable them to vote where they are currently resident.
Source:GNA

Christianborg Crossroad Shooting Incident marked

Wreaths were laid at the Freedom Monument, Osu, on Thursday in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of three ex-servicemen who were gunned down at the Christianborg Crossroads on February 28, 1948, while going to present a petition to the British Colonial Governor, Sir Gerald Creasy.

They were Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe and Private Odartey Lamptey, all members of the Gold Coast Regiment of the Royal West African Frontier Force that fought alongside the allied forces during the Second World War.The colonialists had demobilized them promising to resettle them but had reneged.

Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, Minister of Defence, laid a wreath on behalf of the government and people of Ghana and Lt-Gen J.B. Danquah, Chief of Defence Staff, laid one on behalf of the security services. The Chairman of the Veterans Association of Ghana, Air Vice Marshal Odartey Barnor laid one on behalf of the veterans, while the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Tawiah III, laid one on behalf of traditional rulers.

About 155 men drawn from the Army, Air Force, Navy, the Police and the Veteran Soldiers mounted a parade, which was witnessed by a large crowd.Special prayers were said for the love, dedication and the service the three soldiers rendered to the country. Major E. N. A. Laryea, Chaplain of the Ghana Armed Forces, thanked God for sustaining the country since the colonial era and prayed for peace and stability in Ghana and the world. Nuruddin Atuquaye, an Imam, also prayed for sustenance of peace and stability.

The acting Osu Klottey Wulomo, Nii Lantey Okunkah poured libation. Relatives of the fallen heroes, Ministers, Parliamentarians as well as other important dignities graced the occasion.Ex-WOI Robert Kumah, who read the history said on Saturday, February 28, 1948, a number of ex-servicemen were marching from Accra to Christianborg Castle to present a petition to the Governor on their unpaid war benefits when they were intercepted at the crossroads by a contingent of armed policemen.

The contingent led by British Superintendent, Mr Imray ordered that they dispersed and when they refused to obey, he gave an order to the police to open fire and the three ex-servicemen were killed. The ex-soldiers had fought alongside the allied forces in the Gold Coast Regiment of the Royal West African Frontier Force during the Second World War and had returned home poor and were not paid their gratuities.

After several appeals to the colonial government to consider their plight had failed, the ex-servicemen decided that a direct approach should be made to the British Colonial Governor of the Gold Coast. News about the death of the servicemen spread rapidly, leading to a situation where law and order broke down in Accra and other parts of the country.It encouraged anti-colonial movements to press the British government to institute a committee to investigate the killings and general disorder.

The Committee recommended self-government for the Gold Coast, which subsequently led to the attainment of political independence for the country. 28 Feb. 08

Inmate commercialises police cell

Mr Kofi Ahiabor, presiding over the Awutu District Magistrate Court, has said no inmate could arrogate to himself the status of a land lord in police cells and demand monies from new comers.

Mr Ahiabor said this before imposing a fine of 300 cedis on Kwabena Akyeampong charged with assaulting his fellow inmate, Nana Yaw Kumi, at the Kasoa Police Cells.

In default Akyeampong, who pleaded guilty, will go to jail for six months in hard labour. Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Helena Aidoo, said on February 19, Akyeampong subjected Kumi to severe beatings at the Kasoa Police cells where both them had been kept pending their trial.

She said investigations revealed that Akyeampong was demanding three Ghana cedis from Kumi for being a new comer and the amount would given to a purported leader of the cell.

Statesman Reveals NDC manifesto

The Statesman can exclusively reveal that the 2008 manifesto of the National democratic Congress is ready and if internal wrangling about its unusual 'audacity' and implementation difficulties can be overcome it should be launched soon, at least in parts.

Promising a ‘New Ghana' the NDC manifesto is notably, specifically silent on job creation. Indeed, the word ‘job’ is completely missing from the entire document.The 63-page document is remarkably modest on details but uncharacteristically bold on promises, if compared to the party’s four previous manifestos and numerous national budgets.

A member of the NDC Manifesto Committee who spoke to The Statesman yesterday said, "The wider group even finds this manifesto too audacious.”For instance, the NDC intends to use part of an increased military budget to build a “Military Industrial Complex”, for ship building, railways and coaches. Also to be manufactured are light weapons, tanks, drydock, and steel bridges.On the nationally worrying issue of drug smuggling, the NDC’s ‘drug policy’ is curiously skinny. The two-line policy reads: the Narcotics Control Board’s “function shall be upgraded and overhauled to make it more potent to address all its recent shortcomings.

It shall ensure that Ghana is no longer considered a major narcotic drugs transit point as the NPP has turned Ghana into.”However, under Chapter IX (Ministry of Defense), the manifesto manages to find another line to an issue that the opposition party intends to make core to their electoral efforts. “Because of the recent narcotics menace in the country and the country emerging as a drug trafficking transit point, the Navy must be adequately resourced as a matter of urgency and shall be provided with long range radar systems to secure our shoreline and other water bodies.”

Though, the NDC has been actively lobbying Galamseys (unlicensed small-scale miners) to be activists and polling agents, the party’s mining policy is not at all kind to the interests of these local miners. The NDC is fully in support of the status quo. It pledges to provide “a conducive and investment-friendly atmosphere” for mining companies.

The manifesto boldly gives notice of the opposition party’s intention to involve government actively in the country’s industrialization efforts.An Atta Mills government shall establish industries "through public/private partnership."

Some of the industries to be established include cement production plants, aluminium smelter, gold refinery and ornament production, steel industry, copper, car assembly and manufacturing, manganese and bitumen production plants.
The NDC promises that "Ghana’s clothing and textiles and art work industries, as well as artifacts etc. shall be one of the best developed in modern Africa."

But, there is disappointment for those expecting clear egalitarian indicators from a party that claims it has metamorphosed in opposition from iconoclastic neo-liberalism to vociferous social democracy.
The manifesto gives no promise of continuing with the affordable housing scheme. It favours state-provided housing, but recognizes the mortgage opportunities now provided by a stable macro-economic environment. It says the state would build houses and condominiums to "accommodate the junior rank through to the highest [police] officer," while "mortgage facilities shall cover retired police officers."

Ironically, though the NDC has been vehement in its opposition to the NPP LEAP policy of giving free monies to the very needy, their manifesto promises the "setting up of a special mitigation fund." It adds, "A base amount to be determined shall be paid out on a monthly basis to such citizens and not more than three of their children."

The streets would be rid of "mentally deranged persons" under an Atta Mills government.
The NDC would be tough on refuse. Sanitary inspectors "will give spot fines, and or prosecute at sanitary courts."

The days of free parking are numbered. "The District shall provide public and street parking which will be tolled or metered." District Assemblies "shall provide helicopters for pest control, local policing, disaster management, ambulance and rescue operation in their jurisdiction." The NDC Manifesto Committee member who spoke to this paper said that those who prepared the 63-page document, including himself, have been "arrogantly presumptive" that it covered every thing. But, it may still go through some changes as it is seen as too ambitious.

The document is absolutely silent on how the party intends to finance its manifesto promises.
Key pledges in NDC Manifesto
* Houses must be painted every year
* District/Municipal Assemblies shall levy a property tax of 20% which will go to the allodial owners of the land ad infinitum

* Every plot to be sold shall be serviced and not sold in its virgin form
* Govt to purchase land wholesale and sell them free-hold to developers
* TOR will not be sold to the private sector

* Attorney-General shall be independent
* Taxes and insurance charges on petroleum shall be reviewed
* To see Ghana halt, within 8 years, new HIV/AIDS infection
* Progressively do away with open drains
* All medical professionals shall be bonded to work for five years or redeem themselves by paying fines
* All dilapidated classrooms and under-tree learning will be a thing of the past within six years
* Personal housing loan schemes shall be made available to teachers
* Supermarket chains shall be encouraged
* Retail industry to be regulated; reserving a large portion for Ghanaians * Road Traffic Courts, Sanitation Courts in every district * Develop vibrant fibre industry for export * Assist media institutions with credit to acquire newsprint, equipment, etc * 5% of national annual budget will be invested into research
Source:Asare Otchere-Darko

US drops Africa military HQ plan

The US military has decided to keep the headquarters of its new Africa Command in Germany, after only one African nation, Liberia, offered to host it.
Most African countries have been wary of plans to base the command, Africom, on the continent.

Africom's commander, Gen William Ward, said there were no plans to create large US garrisons on the continent.

The military command was created last year to unite responsibilities shared by three other US regional commands.

The US plan had been misunderstood by some African countries, Gen Ward told the BBC.
The key aim of Africom was to build the capacity of African countries for security and peacekeeping, he said.
African doubts

Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua announced in November that he would not allow his country to host an Africom base and that he was also opposed to any such bases in West Africa.
South Africa and Libya have also voiced strong reservations.

Only Liberia, which has historic links to the US, has offered to host it.
There has been concern that Africom is really an attempt to protect US oil and mineral interests in Africa, amid growing competition for resources from Asian economies, says the BBC's Alex Last in the Nigerian capital Abuja.

Then there are fears about the continent being drawn into the US war on terror, our correspondent ads.
Gen Ward said Africom was not about militarisation but consolidating existing operations under one single command, while helping Africans with military training and supporting peacekeeping and aid operations.
bbc

Kufuor swears in two new Ministers

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Friday repeated his resolve to continue to work hard till his last day in office to improve the situation of Ghanaians.

Ministers of State would therefore have to play their expected parts well, he said when he swore in Mr. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, Minister of State, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, and Ms. Vicky Bright, a Deputy Minister at the Office of the President, at the Castle, Osu.

President Kufuor, speaking after administering to them the Oaths of Allegiance, Office and Secrecy, called for total loyalty. To Mr. Mensah-Bonsu, he said he should make sure that Government's business was not delayed or frustrated by Parliament. He should make sure that both sides "come along" with Government for passage of Bills into laws and smooth conduct of the business of state.

Turning to the Deputy Minister, President Kufuor, asked her to work around clock and be above doubt and speculation.

He said as a liaison between the President and the Attorney-General, she should be alert to any matters that might have escaped the office of the Government's Chief Legal Adviser and slipped to his Office.

Mr Mensah-Bonsu pledged that they would do their best to justify their inclusion and help to move the Government's development agenda forward.

Source:

GNA

Kufuor delivers final State of the Nation address

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Wednesday said human resource development was the natural starting point for the knowledge-based society to which Ghana aspired in order to mainstream itself into globalisation.

Delivering his last State of the Nation address to Parliament, he said on assumption of office, he found the country's education system in a parlous condition.

"From 2001, using resources from the HIPC Fund, Budget Allocation and the GETfund, government launched a programme to rehabilitate broken down educational institutions from basic through secondary to tertiary level."

He said other initiatives which have been implemented include the Capitation Grant, the School Feeding Programme and improved students' loan schemes, all of which have contributed to increased intake of pupils and students through all the levels. President Kufuor said on account of Ghana's school feeding programme, when he was invited to address the Council of the World Food Programme in Rome a week ago and "together with a group of pupils from Ghana, I told the Ghana story".

He said with the story, Ghana's School Feeding Programme had become a model for other developing nations around the world.

President Kufuor said the implementation of the constitutional provision of Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE), which had been captured within the new education reform programme, took off on schedule last September.

He said since the First Republic, various educational programmes had recognized the need for science and technology but had not sown the seed for inculcating the essential disciplines in the pupils. "What this government seeks to do at all levels is to acculturate science in them, so that by the time they leave school, their mindset and outlook will reflect an appreciation of science and technology as a way of life."

Touching on Teacher Training Colleges under the education reform, President Kufuor said the entire 38 Teacher Training Colleges were being upgraded into diploma awarding institutions, across the curricula of learning, from science through arts and ICT.

"Further, 15 of them have been designated science colleges to be steeped even deeper in these subjects to provide specialist education for Science, Mathematics and Technology teachers. Technical and Vocational studies are being highlighted in the Reform.

"Government policy is to build Vocational and Technical institutions in every district, so that the youth will learn to use not only their mind, but their hands as well."

President Kufuor said a Distance Education Programme to upgrade teachers beyond the diploma level had been laid.

"Improved conditions of service are part of the incentives to motivate teachers to deliver quality service," he said, adding that, refurbishing of the universities and teacher training colleges were part of government's policy of attracting and retaining young qualified personnel.

President Kufuor said the burden that used to rest solely on the state for the provision of tertiary education was being lessened by rapidly increasing private tertiary institutions, "some of which are proving very competitive in terms of quality of programme delivery and student intake".

He commended the founders of these institutions as well as the national Accreditation Board for their part in the process. "My appeal is that, the curricula of these private institutions should expand beyond Religion, Business and Social Sciences into Mathematics, Science and Technology in line with government's new educational policy."

Touching on health, President Kufuor said integral to human resource development and the achievement of the UN's Millennium Development Goals was a robust health delivery programme.

"For this reason, government has seen to the rehabilitation of the regional hospitals and district health posts, capacity building within the sector and improvement in the conditions of service of health workers.

"Currently, the main driving force of health delivery is captured in the adage 'prevention is better than cure'," he said. The focus was on disease prevention and promotion of healthy life-styles that included healthy eating, at home and in schools, physical exercise, use of potable water and environmental cleanliness, President Kufuor said.

Ghana prides herself as a beacon of good governance - President

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Thursday said Ghana prided herself as a beacon of good governance and commended Parliament for doing an excellent job in dealing with the issue of corruption, which was an affront to good governance.

He said last year saw the public hearings of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament for the first time and though some of the revelations were mind-boggling, the Committee's proactive stance demonstrated appreciation that concerns about corruption were more helpful when they went beyond mere complaints.

Giving his last State of the Nations Address in Parliament, the President said based on this, the Attorney General's Department had set up an Anti-Corruption Unit to study the recommendations and to prosecute cases that needed to be prosecuted.

He said the Legislature played an important role in the drive for good governance and how to equip the House for its critical role must be of concern to all.

"It is, indeed, a shame that our MPs do not have adequate office room and staff to assist their work," he said, adding that, although he made a promise to provide adequate resources for them in his first State of the Nation address, a loan facility of USD 25 million waiting to be utilised for the purpose was diverted to an apparently more urgent purpose by those who secured it.

The President, however, noted that fresh resources were on hand to refurbish Job 600 for use by the MPs and urged the House to consider preparing a comprehensive budget of its needs for funding in the same way as the Judiciary did.

"In offering this advice to the House, I am tempted to say it is because I care about you."

President Kufuor noted that law and order, an integral part of good governance, also required enforcers in the right numbers proportional to the population. However, compared to the UN ratio of Police to citizen at 1:500, Ghana currently reported a ratio of 1:994.

He said the number of policemen, which stood at 15,983 in 2001 had gained an additional 10,132, adding that, resources lately provided to the police included vehicles, communication equipment, ammunition and uniforms.

The President said, the idea of communities volunteering units for community protection in the past could be revisited. However, that should not be recommendation for instant justice which must be condemned in no uncertain terms.

Source:

GHP

Egypt: African Nations Champion 2008

Defending champions Egypt won a record sixth title with a fully-deserved 1-0 victory over Cameroon at the Ohene Djan Stadium on Sunday.

The defending champions ensured they held on to the trophy when, after a slick passing movement, Aboutraika struck in the 77th minute.

The result was the Pharoahs final act in what has been a hugely impressive campaign in Ghana which saw them build on defeat of the Cameroonians in their opening group game to record victories over Sudan, Tunisia and Ivory Coast in the semi-finals.

The only minor blemish on an otherwise perfect passage to the continental trophy was the 1-1 draw with Zambia.
Egypt were adding the 2008 trophy to their wins in 1957, 1959, 1986 (on penalties against Cameroon), 1998 and 2006 with coach Hassan Shehata joining an exclusive club numbering just two of coaches who have won back-to-back titles.

Stars Failed To Shine

Alain Nkong put Cameroon into the African Cup of Nations by scoring the only goal Wednesday in a 1-0 win over host Ghana.Nkong scored in the 71st minute off a pass from Samuel Eto'o.Cameroon will play either Ivory Coast or Egypt in the final.

They play in the other semifinal match later Thursday. Cameroon defender Andre Bikey was sent off in injury time for pushing a medical worker.

2wo Stars fell on an Eagle

Ghana proved to Nigeruia that when it comes to soccer, there is a difference between pure guts and witt, and loud empty talk. "Agoro Eni fom" is the Ghanaian way of puttin it. For many this is the final before the final. And the game lived up to its billing. In the end Ghana proved their essence in the competition.

Gili hails Ivory Coast's composure in Guinea win

Ivory Coast coach Gerard Gili hailed his players' composure following their 5-0 thrashing of Guinea in the African Nations Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

The Elephants, who will meet either Tunisia or Cameroon for a place in the final, struggled until Didier Drogba scored the second goal on 70 minutes.

It was then all too easy for Ivory Coast, who added three within 13 minutes through a Salomon Kalou double and a Bakary Kone goal.

"It was a very complicated match until our second goal," Gili told reporters.
"Guinea was causing us a lot of trouble and until we doubled our tally, there was a chance for Guinea to equalise in a counter-attack," the Frenchman added.

Ivory Coast opened the scoring in the 25th minute with an Abdelkader Keita goal but then failed to convert their chances, with Aruna Dindane missing an open goal after dribbling past Guinea keeper Kemoko Camara.

"Somehow, we managed to be patient and my players held their composure. They were very thorough and I want to congratulate them for that," said Gili.

"The first half was hard," said centre back Kolo Toure, who was sitting on the substitutes bench"When we were 2-0 up, it became quite easy but before that, I can tell you it was very complicated."

Toure said he should be 100 percent fit again for Thursday's semi-final in Kumasi. (Editing by Rex Gowar)

Ghana 2 Morocco 0

Gyan brothers drop walkout threat

Ghana players Asamoah Gyan and Baffour Gyan threatened to walk out on the Black Stars in the wake of their unconvincing 1-0 win over Namibia.

BBC Sport has learnt the brothers had packed their bags and were ready to leave the team hotel on Saturday but were persuaded to stay by team-mates.Asamoah, 22, was booed during Thursday's match after missing several scoring chances for the host nation.

Some local radio stations in Accra strongly criticised him on Saturday.After hearing the sports discussion programmes, Asamoah decided to leave, and older brother Baffour joined him in solidarity.Asamoah plays for Udinese in Italy's Serie A.

Some radio stations had been going on all morning with personal attacks on Asamoah and in fact we are all sick of thisUnnamed Ghana playerGhana FA spokesman Randy Abbey denied any knowledge of the issue, but two players in the Black Stars camp have confirmed the incident to BBC Sport.A player who spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity said: "We were shocked when we saw Asamoah and Baffour dressed up to leave the national team hotel.

"Some radio stations had been going on all morning with personal attacks on Asamoah and in fact we are all sick of this."Players and coaches came in and we ensured that they stayed with the team."The threat from the Gyan brothers came just a day after Asamoah made an emotional appeal to fans of the Black Stars over Thursday's taunts.Asamoah said: "I'm very sad because Ghanaians know what I can do on the field. The downfall of a man is not the end of his life.

"I have played 22 games for my country and scored 15 goals at my age."So if things are not going well, I expect encouragement from the fans, not criticism."I am working on my play and I will find my rhythm. If things go well it will be better for the team and Ghanaians as well."The Black Stars have been unimpressive despite winning their opening two games in Group A of the tournament.
Source:Ibrahim Sannie for BBC Sport

Egypt spanks Cameroon 4-2 in opening of Group ‘C’ match

Egypt, reigning African Champions, started their title defence with 4 - 2 spanking of Cameroon in the opening Group ‘C’ match of Ghana 2008 played at Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Tuesday.

The Pharoahs of Egypt did not spare the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon when they opened scoring in the 13th minute through a spot kick taken by Abdel Moteleb Abdrabou after Tsafack Nguemo Landry handled the ball in his vital area.
Before Cameroonians could put things together, the Egyptians, who were all over the field, increased the tally in the 14th minute through Abdalla Mohammed Zidan in a combined move with Fathy Abdel Ibrahim.

The Cameroonians accepted the challenge and came close to redeeming a goal but Landry, who had moved deep into the vital area of the Egyptians, shot wide in the 25th minute. The Lions continued to mount forays into the Egyptians territory but a chance that came their way in the 38th minute was squandered.

Zidan was on target again in the 45th minute to end the first half 3 - 0. Back from recess, Coach Otto Pfister of Cameroon introduced Alexandria Billong Song for Landry to tighten the midfield and this paid off as Indomitable Lions improved on their performance. It was, therefore, not surprising when they pulled a goal back in the 50th minute through Samuel Etoo, who nodded home a cross from Geremi Njitap.

They continued to improve on their game as Etoo, who had since the commencement of the game had been policed by the defence of Egyptians, distributed excellent passes. The Egyptians also brought in Mohamed Abouterika for Mansour Zakry Hasan in the 59th minute. In the 63rd minute, Joel Epalle of Cameroon was fouled and a free-kick taken by Njitap was pushed to Etoo but his shot missed the post narrowly.

The Cameroonians tightened their defence and made sure that the Egyptians could not create any more havoc for them while they launched a series of attacks. However, the Egyptians managed to break through the defence and made it 4-1 through Abdrabou Abdel, whose terrific shot caught goalkeeper Carlos Idris Kameni crawling in the 71st minute.

The Pharaohs then on took absolute control of the game but the defence built around Rigobert Song stood gallantly. The Cameroonians came close to redeeming a goal in the 75th minute and Epalle in an attempt to score from Mohamadou Idrissou cross collided with Egyptian goalkeeper Hadary Tawfik El Kamal, which brought about a hold up for them to be treated. Etoo scored from a spot kick awarded the Cameroonians during added time to bring the final score to 4-2 in favour of Egypt.

Zidan of Egypt was crowned the MTN man-of-the match.
Line up: Egypt: Kamal El Hadary, Fathalla Abdou Ibrahim, Mohamed Said Gad, Fathy Abdel Meneim Ibrahim, Abdrabou Abdel Moteleb, Abdalla Mohamed Zidan/El Mohamady Abdel Fatah Aly, Mohamed Abdelnabi Ibrahim, Shawky Aly Salam, Moawad Abdel Wahed/Mohamed Abdel Fattah Ragab, Mansour Zakry Hasan/Mohamed Abou Terika, Elhawty Kamel Gomaa.

Cameroon: Carlos Idris Kameni, Rigobert Song, Atouba Thimothee, Jeremi Njitap, Samuel Etoo, Macoun Jean, Landry Njuemo Tsafack/Alexandre Billong Song, Joel Epalle, Mohamadou Idrissou, Stephane Etoundi Mbia, Andre Amoujou Bikey.GNA

Ghana 2 Guinea 1

The black Stars of Ghana picked the first three points in the 26th Edition of the African Cup of nations opener, when they struggled against their Guinean counterparts in Accra.

Ghana paraded some of her best talents including the likes of Michael Essien and Suley Muntari Suleys' late minute strike secured the maximum points.

Summary
Scorers: Ghana: Asamoah Gyan 55 pen, Sulley Muntari 89 Guinea: Oumar Kalabane 65 Half-time: 0-0
Ghana: 22-Richard Kingson; 2-Hans Sarpei, 4-John Paintsil, 5-John Mensah; 18-Eric Addo, 8-Michael Essien, 7-Laryea Kingston, 11-Sulley Muntari; 3-Asamoah Gyan (13-Baffour Gyan, 85), 9-Junior Agogo, 20-Quincy Owusu Abeyie (12-Dede Ayew, 76)
Guinea:16-Kemoko Camara; 5-Dianbobo Balde, 12-Alseny Camara, 15-Oumar Kalabane, 21-Daouda Jabi; 2-Pascal Feindouno, 13-Mohamed Sacko, 8-Kanfory Sylla (23-Mamadou Dioulde Bah, 89), 10-Ismael Bangoura; 9-Victor Correa (14-Naby Soumah, 62), 11-Souleymane Youla (19-Karamoko Cisse, 62)
Referee: Eddy Maillet (Seychelles)

Black Stars

English-quartet in camp

Claude Le Roy has welcomed his English-quartet to Ghana’s camp base in Abu Dhabi as the Black Stars steadily get on with preparations for the African Cup of Nations.

Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, John Paintsil(picture) and Richard Kingson joined the team at midnight on Sunday to raise the squad number to 26.

The group of four have so far completed two training sessions with the rest of the team after taking part in both morning and the late afternoon trainings.

The only squad member yet to join in is goalkeeper, Sammy Adjei of Israeli side, Ashdod. Sammy Adjei’s arrival at the Abu Dhabi camp would hand Claude Le Roy a full house as he continues preparations ahead of the competition.

Ghana would get the tournament underway on January 20 at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra, the capital, with a game against Guinea in Group A.

The group also includes Morocco and Namibia.

Ghana squad:

Goalkeepers:

Richard Kingson (Birmingham City, England), Sammy Adjei (Ashdod, Israel), Fatau Dauda (Ashantigold, Ghana)

Defenders:

John Paintsil (West Ham, England), Dan Opare (Ashantigold, Ghana), Nana Kwasi Asare (FC Mechelon, Belgium), John Mensah (Rennes, France), Alhassan Illiasu (FC Saturn, Russia), Francis Dickoh (FC Utretcht, Holland) Hans Adu Sarpei (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Harrison Afful (Asante Kotoko, Ghana)

Midfielders:

Anthony Annan (I.K. Start, Norway), Eric Addo (PSV Eindhoven, Holland), Michael Essien (Chelsea, England), Bernard Kumodzi (Panionios FC, Greece), Laryea Kingston (Hearts, Scotland), Haminu Draman (Locomotiv Moscow, Russia), Moussa Narry (Etoile du Sahel, Tunisia), Stephen Appiah (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Sulley Muntari (Portsmouth, England), Andre Ayew (Olympique Marseille, France), Ahmed Barruso (AS Roma, Italy)

Strikers:

Matthew Amoah (NAC Breda, Holland), Asamoah Gyan (Udinese, Italy), Baffuor Gyan (FC Saturn, Russia), Junior Agogo (Nottingham Forest, England), Quincy Owusu-Abeyie (Celta Vigo, Spain), Kwadwo Asamoah (Liberty Professionals, Ghana).

Source: Ghanafa.org

Upsurge in narcotic in Konongo

hief Superintendent Richard Baduweh, Konongo Divisional Police Commander, has expressed grave concern about the increasing use of narcotic drugs, especially among the youth, in the Konongo Municipality.

He said the practice had become so rampant that the perpetrators were being arrested virtually on daily bases and called for a concerted effort from stakeholders to halt the trend.

Chief Superintendent Baduweh was speaking at a send-off party for the Divisional Crime Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Francis Baah at Konongo at the weekend.

The party which was organised by the Municipal Assembly was in recognition of the dedicated service ASP Baah rendered to the Municipality during his two-year duty tour. The Divisional Commander observed that his outfit would, this year intensify community patrolling to flush out drug peddlers and urged parents to closely monitor their children to prevent them from falling victims to the menace.

He commended personnel of the Community Protection Unit, whose recruitment he said had augmented efforts of the Police to maintain peace in the Municipality.

Mr George Frimpong, Asante Akim North Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), commended the Divisional Command for maintaining peace and order throughout the year and called for a renewed effort to combat crime. He said the Assembly would continue to support the Police in its activities and urged the general public to collaborate with the Police to enable them to perform their duties satisfactorily. ASP Baah expressed his profound gratitude to the Assembly, Nananom, Divisional Command and the general public for the assistance offered him during his tenure.

Source:

GNA

Pan African Parliament President in Ghana

The President of the Pan African Parliament, Dr. Gertrude Mongella, on Monday said there was the need to move the continental body from its current advisory role to a legislative body to speed up the development of Africa through common laws. She said the Pan African Parliament, as it stood now, had only advisory responsibilities but could not continue with that role since the body needed legislative functions and powers to harmonise national laws across the continent by giving legal backing to decisions taken by African Heads of State, as Africa prepared to have a united continent just like the European Union.

Dr. Mongella, who was speaking during a courtesy call on the First Deputy Speaker, Mr Freddie Blay in Accra praised Ghana for entrenching democracy, saying the country was a "big brother" in democracy. She expressed the hope that Ghana would maintain its lead in ensuring a peaceful 2008 general elections.

Mr Blay, on his part, touched on the need to harmonise national laws across Africa to ensure free trade and common ties in various areas of cooperation to push the development of the continent forward. Alhaji Alhasan Malik Yakubu, Second Deputy Speaker, who is also a member of the Pan African Parliament, said a strong continental parliament was needed to deal with conflicts and bad governance across the continent.

He praised Dr. Mongella for pushing hard to make the Pan African Parliament meet its desired target of becoming a body with legislative powers to entrench democracy across Africa. Dr. Mongella is expected to call on African Union Chairmn, President John Agyekum Kufuor to brief him on developments within the organisation.

Source:

GNA

My Year of Action

I try not to make personal comments on this blog because I have dedicated it to news. I will therefore keep my New Year's Message very brief.

I wish all who have made it a habbit of reading my posts a happy New Year and one that would see them rise beyond their fears. To all those who contributed directly to the sucesses I have chalked in the year, I say God bless. Its my hope and prayer that you will find your fulfillment in 2008 and beyond.

This blog will continue to be an important hobby of mine and I promise to keep all informed on important issues as I get them. May this year see all of us taking bold and winning decisions! Goood Luck

News of Ghana captain's injury excites die-hard Nigerian fans

Some die-hard Nigerian football fans do not seem to share the disappointment in Ghana at the news that injury problems have ruled Black Stars' captain Stephen Appiah out of the forthcoming Nations Cup, to be hosted by the Ghanaians.Some of the fans interviewed by PANA here Saturday described the news that Appiah would be out of action for two months as ''sweet music'' to their ears, since Ghana is seen as one of the obstacles to Nigeria's quest for an elusive third African Nations Cup title.

Nigerian newspapers also gave a big play to the news, almost to the point of gloating about it.''Well, it is sad, but anything that will weaken the Black Stars is welcome,'' said Ojo Akinola, who described himself as an avid supporter of the Super Eagles.''We (Nigeria) didn't cause Appiah's injury, but if we can benefit from his absence (at the Nations Cup), why not,'' he added.Another fan, Johnson Ajewole, said since Nigeria and Ghana could meet as early as the quarter finals, it would be nice for the Ghanaians not to be in the best form for the competition.

''The Black Stars are a formidable team, and one of the most successful in the history of the Nations Cup. Therefore, no team can afford to underrate them,'' he said.Ghana is in group A of the 26th edition of the four-yearly competition, billed for 20 January-10 February 2008, while Nigeria is in group B.But the two age-long soccer rivals may possibly meet right after the preliminary round (quarter-finals), when the winner of group A is slated to meet the runner-up in group B.

Ghana has a formidable Nations Cup record, having won the competition four times (1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982), second only to Egypt with a record five victories.On the other hand, arch-rival Nigeria has only won it twice (1980 and 1994).

Appiah's Contract To Be Suspended?

According to the Turkish newspaper Milliyet, Fenerbahce has asked for permission from the Turkish Fotball Federation to suspend the contract of Stephen Appiah on health grounds.

The Turkish club is already planning to bring in another foreign player, for next season, to replaced the Ghana national team captain.

Appiah is expected to undergo surgery for a potentially career-threatening injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for at least 3-months.

The Black Stars ace arrived in Turin, last week, for further tests on complications from the surgery he had on his knee five months ago.

Speculation are rife that he might not participate in the African Cup of Nations next month.

Hayatou wants violence-free Ghana 2008

Confederation of African Football, CAF, President, Issa Hayatou has urged football fans across the continent to ensure a violence-free Africa Cup of Nations Scheduled for Ghana next January.

“The Nations Cup remain the greatest and the most crowd pulling carnival on the continent with supporters clubs from the 16 qualified nations coming to add more clamour to it,” he said.

Hayatou, in a message to the just concluded 4th international conference of the African Football and Other Sports Supporters Union (AFOSSU) in Accra, said the conduct of fans could make or mar the continental event.

Tidesports’ source reports that delegates from 10 of the 16 participating countries including Nigeria, attended the conference.

Hayatou was represented by Lepowura Jawura, CAF board member and Vice Chairman, Ghana 2006 LOC.

“Any of the 16 nations that qualified for the final of the competition is also qualified to win the competition. But only one country will emerge winner.

“Participation is more crucial than wining. So win or lose, the participants should relate and rejoice freely with one another,” stressed Hayatou.

He noted that world football would be devoid of glamour without participation of talented African players.

Hayatou lauded AFOSSU’s president, Rafu Oladipo for his effort in promoting violence-free matches, saying “such efforts will not go unnoticed by CAF.

Kofi Nsiah, Secretary-General of Ghana Footbal Association, also acknowledged the commitment of AFOSSU to a successful Nation Cup.

Ghana Supporters Union President, Abraham Boakye wants the leaderships of the various clubs to educate their members on the need to eschew hooliganism during and after the championship.

Earlier, Oladipo had thanked CAF for its support to AFOSSU in a bid to ensuring peace on the continent through football.

The New Face Of Radio Gold

After weeks of sleeplessness and confusing HTML codes, We are happy to announce today that the new Radio Gold website is live. www.myradiogoldlive.com


Personally I feel a great sence of achievment because this has been a project i have always wanted to undertake for a station I am deeply attached to. It is my hope that the Management and staff will take full advantage of this new portal and make the best of it.

Websites have increasingly become an important tool in todays business world and the essence of fully dynamic and easily navigable site cannot be overstated.

As all other websites, this is a work in progress. We will continue to improve it till our listerners are fully satisfied with our output. For now I would like to thank some particular people for making this dream possible: Mr Baffoe-Bonnie, BB Menson,James A Boateng and Tanko Rashid.

A spcial Mention must be made of Stephen Adjei www.Njoyonline.com
James Tadeo of www.Jamestadeo.com and www.ucomgh.com
and my special sunshine on the project, Miss Whitney Tetteh.

Many Thanks to Nikky Aboraa and Mrs. Wendy Bruce Tetteh for providing the needed motivation. For now Enjoy Ghana, either in Ghana or not.

New era dawns for CPP

The Conventions People's Party (CPP) ended its National Delegates' Congress in Kumasi on Monday in a grand style as supporters of successful candidates went into wild jubilation.

The supporters of the winning candidates, who were clad in red, white and green colours of the party trooped unto the streets of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), venue for the congress, singing and dancing to brass band music. The congress marked a new era in the history of the CPP as many of the long-serving National Executives were torpedoed by the 1,901 delegates, who cast their ballots in an election supervised by the Electoral Commission (EC).

In the race for the Party's presidential slot for Election 2008, Mr George Opesika Aggudey, who had led the party for two consecutive elections, polled only 139 votes, representing 7.3 per cent of the total ballot cast.

In his stead, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom won a "onetouch" victory when he polled 1,022 votes representing 53.76 per cent of the valid votes cast. He was followed by Professor Agyemang Badu Akosa, who got 644 votes representing 33.87 per cent.

The others were Dr Kwaku Osafo, who polled 48 votes representing 2.52 per cent; Mr Bright Akwetey had 37 votes representing 1.95 per cent and Dr F.W.A. Akufo had 11 votes representing 0.57 per cent of the valid votes cast. The total valid votes cast were 1,901. Dr Edmund Delle, who had over the years represented the Party as the National Chairman and Leader, also lost in the contest for the position as he polled 392 votes as against the 1,017 votes by Mr Ladi Nylander; while Mr Iddrisu Egala was voted as the Deputy National Chairman with 500 votes.

The National Vice-Chairmanship position went to Dr Abu Sakara after he had polled 481 votes with Mr Eric Benyako being given the mandate as First Deputy National Vice-Chairperson when he poled 295 votes whilst Madam Araba Bensti-Enchil polled 277 votes to be elected as Second Deputy National Vice-Chairman.

In the contest for the General Secretary, Mr Ivor Greenstreet polled 942 votes to be elected to the position and Mr Mike Nii Ahele Nunoo had 299 votes to be given the mandate as First Deputy General Secretary. Mrs Evelyn Alamisi Anabilla was voted the National Organiser after she had polled 778 votes and Mr Africanus Amankwaa-Appiah polled 508 votes to be elected as the First Deputy National Organiser while Nana Kwaku Domfeh, had 379 votes to get the mandate as Second Deputy National Organizer.

Mr James Bomfeh and Mr Francis Opae-Tetteh had 1,054 votes and 857 votes to be elected as National Youth Organiser and Deputy National Youth Organizer, respectively.

In the race for the National Women's Organizer, Hajia Hamdatu Haruna had 1,282 votes to get the nod with Mrs Rose Anim polling 631 votes to be elected as Deputy National Women's Organiser.

Mr Mike Eghan had 828 votes to become the National Treasurer while Naa Kordai Asimeh polled 468 votes to be elected as First Deputy National Treasurer, with Dr Adolf Lutterodt being elected Second Deputy National Treasurer

The congress was generally peaceful and well-attended by a host of party supporters, sympathizers and activists as well as observers. Dr Delle promised that the old Executives would continue to collaborate with the new one for the sustenance of the Party's programmes and development projects.

He urged the old Executives to bury their differences and contribute their quota to enhance the Party's chances of winning next year's elections.

Dr Nduom thanked the Party for the confidence reposed in him and promised to evolve new strategies to ensure that it wrested power from the New Patriotic Party next year. EKB

Source:

Watch Out For the All New Radio Gold Web Site

http://s185239493.onlinehome.us/www_myradiogoldlive_com/
This is a temporal link. We will be Live soon!!!

"Yeewuo Demo" Draws Thousands onto streets

The committee for Joint Action, CJA, today organised one of its biggest domonstrations ever in Accra, Dubbed 'Yeewuo', meaning, we are dying. Thousands of protestors turned out for the street march which ended at the Hearts park in the heart of Accra. Reports picked up by our reporters indicate that the law enforcement agencies had virtually nothing to do as all protestors went about their march in a peacefull manner. These Pix were taken by just before the arch begun.

Police to Demonstrators------Be Carefull!!

The Ghana Police Service on Monday said it would not tolerate any act of violence by any person to create tension before, during and after the Committee for Joint Action's (CJA) demonstration on Tuesday December 11.A statement signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr K. A. Opare-Addo said the Regional Police Command had information that some individuals intended to carry arms to defend themselves during the CJA march.

The statement said the Police would supply protective facilities for the demonstration, tagged "peaceful" by the CJA and advised demonstrators to obey the rules of the game and not to create any situation to destroy a supposed peaceful demonstration."Protagonists of arms carrying during the demonstration must be said to be prophets of doom and are warned to desist from any acts that will go to incite demonstrators against the Police and other law abiding citizens of the Metropolis", it said.

The DCP Opare-Addo, who is the Greater Accra Regional Commander of Police, said the Command had not received any notice from a group that claimed to be opposed to the CJA demonstration scheduled for Tuesday and would not tolerate any counter demonstrators.He advised the group to reconsider their decision and desist from the act.
Source:GNA

Nkrabea May Stop Npp Congress

Retired Captain Nkrabeah Effah Darteh, disqualified from contesting the New Patriotic Party’s presidential candidature, is expected to file court processes seeking among other things, to place an injunction on the Congress by close of work Tuesday.

Effah Darteh is aggrieved that the vetting committee set up by the NPP disqualified him, and to worsen his plight, his appeal to be reinstated was dismissed by the party’s Executive Committee.

Worse yet, he feels bitter that while his appeal was pending before the Executive Committee, the party went ahead to conduct a ballot for the other 17 contestants to plan an outdooring rally recently held at Kasoa.

He says he was not even invited to appear before the Executive Committee that sat over his appeal.

Sources close to the old soldier say the action of the party presupposes the decision to disqualify him had long been taken and his appeal was therefore an exercise in futility even though he was given assurances that the matter would be reconsidered.

Persons close to Nkrabeah told Joy News that even though he was prepared to withdraw from the race, pressure from his supporters to clear his name of the charges levelled against him, has motivated his decision to go to court.

Substantially, his suit against his party would dwell on the constitutionality of treason crimes he is supposed to have committed in 1981, and for which the party believes disqualifies him for the post, however, Nkrabeah intends to fight his image redemption battle at every available avenue.

To begin with, he would apply to the High Courts, failing which he would proceed to the Court of Appeal and then to the Supreme Court, if need be.

And the danger for the party: He would seek an injunction over the congress hoping that he would be reinstated to contest the post.