Former President to attend Ortega's inauguration

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has accepted an invitation from President-elect of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega Saavedra to attend his inaugural ceremony, which takes place in Managua, Nicaragua on January 10, 2007. Daniel Ortega served as Nicaraguan President from 1985 to 1990.

Defeated by Barrios de Chamorro in the 1990 presidential election, Ortega remained an important figure in Nicaraguan opposition politics, loosing the 1996 and 2001 presidential elections before winning the 2006 election.

A statement issued by Mr. Victor Smith, Special Assistant and Director of Public Affairs said Former President Rawlings, who leaves Accra on Sunday, January 7 and will be away for one week.

Ghanaians Eager For Ban On Smoking In Public Places

Fifty-eight-year-old Ghanaian civil servant Kwaku Anku has been a smoker for over 40 years. Despite knowing the dangers of cigarettes, he has no intention of kicking the habit. After all, he says, his grandfather was a smoker and he lived to the ripe old age of 84.

Anku respects the sensibilities of non-smokers and chooses not to light up in the workplace, but he does smoke in bars and restaurants, but maybe not for much longer.

Ghana's chief anti-smoking campaigner, the director-general of the country's health service, Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, is stepping up a campaign to ban smoking in public places as a bill to ban smoking in public places continues to gather dust.Akosa is threatening to march on the seat of government with a signed petition over the government's failure to act on smoking."Eighteen months is too long for the bill to be with cabinet," says an exasperated Akosa, who is also calling for a ban on tobacco advertising and the imposition of higher taxes on cigarettes.

A survey by the Ghana Health Service conducted in October and November 2006 revealed that 96 per cent of Ghanaians are in favour of legislation on tobacco control.Studies show that some 14.3 per cent of pupils in junior secondary schools have tried smoking before the age of 18 and a whopping 45 per cent of residents in the three northern regions, Northern Region, Upper East Region and Upper West Region, are addicted to smoking.

The government may have developed cold feet on a smoking ban because of the large amount of taxes it collects from British American Tobacco (BAT), the sole cigarette manufacturer in Ghana.For example, BAT, which has some 90 per cent of the Ghanaian tobacco market, contributed about 5.9 per cent of Ghana's GDP between 1986 and 1990 and saved the government 1.7 million dollars during the same period as 80 per cent of raw materials were produced locally, instead of it being imported.

The company employed, before the decision late last year to close down the factory, some 245 staff in 10 stations in various tobacco producing areas and about 20,000 retailers.Some 1,300 farmers and their families depend for a living on tobacco with their total income in 2003, the most recent year for which figures are available, amounting to some 2.1 million dollars.But BAT is closing down its plant in Ghana in what it has described as an ongoing drive to minimize costs of production.

Tony Okwoju, corporate affairs manager at BAT in Ghana, says the company will now sell products imported from its subsidiaries.BAT Ghana is also the single biggest private company in afforestation, having planted about 4.5 million trees on nearly 3,800 hectares of plantation.Some of it is designed to help cure its tobacco from fuelwood.

Heat from the wood is used to cure the tobacco, hence the need to replace wood that is cut for the purpose.The company is also promoting water protection programme in several areas throughout the country and awards scholarships to university students.But, as Akosa warns, "Smoking kills and there is no way we should allow people to buy death."
Source:DPA

DFP to establish Gari Factories

The Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) has plans to produce Gari in large quantities for export to generate adequate revenue for the country when given the mandate to rule the nation.Apart from the immense economic returns the nation would get, the move would help solve the unemployment problem confronting the nation as it would offer millions of the jobless youth in the regions permanent employment.

To ensure the fulfilment of this dream, the party plans to provide each of the ten regions, a giant Gari Processing Factory and encourage cassava growers to produce more to feed the proposed industries by offering them a better deal.Mr. John Amekah, Deputy General Secretary of the DFP said these when he addressed a cross-section of people, including farmers, fishermen and DFP regional executives at Awutu-Panim, near Ayensuako, in the Central Region.

The meeting was to explain the aims and objectives of the party to people in and around Awutu-Panim, who are mostly cocoa and food crops farmers.Mr. Amekah attributed the failure of the Ayensu Starch Factory at Awutu-Bawjiase to lack of proper planning by the initiators, adding that when DFP takes over the administration of the country and set up the proposed Gari factories, cassava growers would be worth their salt.

He said that the country could produce millions, if not billions of tonnes of gari to famine-threatened African countries annually to generate enough revenue to cushion her economy, adding that if succeeding governments had thought of it and initiated moves towards that decades ago.Besides, the commodity could also be exported to some Western and Middle-East countries for greater economic returns if proper feasibility studies were carried out in those countries to secure a lasting market for the commodity.

Mr. Amekah described as untrue, the perception by some leading politicians that no political group can solve the numerous socio-economic problems facing the nation single-handedly.He maintained that, "the mere fact that the two leading political parties, NDC and NPP have, as yet, not been able to secure the right antidote for the country's economic woes, does not imply that no political group could do so".

The Deputy General Secretary said that the DFP has got the answer for the country's economic and other predicaments and asked the electorate to give the DFP the nod in the forthcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections in 2008.He said the DFP would unite the people, irrespective of their political, religious and ethnic backgrounds, to ensure effective national cohesion and progress all the time.

Professor E. S, Okyne, a founding member of the DFP, who chaired the function, also assured Ghanaians of the party's determination to salvage the nation from its socio-economic predicament. 07 Jan. 07
Source:GNA

One Cedi will be worth One US dollar -JAK

In July this year, one Ghana Cedi would be equivalent to one US dollar after the denomination of the Ghanaian currency.

This was declared by President John Agyekum Kufuor at the national rally of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which was organized at Koforidua on Sunday to run off the three-day national delegates' conference of the NPP.

He explained that, the denomination of the cedi was arrived at, as a result on the enhancement of the value of the cedi and said that was achieved through good governance.President Kufuor said the day was exactly six years since he was sworn into office as the President of the country when the economy of the country was in very difficult situation and it was not easy to get petroleum products to buy in the country.

He said his government had to work very hard to get the country's economy to where it is currently without arresting or detaining some of the citizens of the country or seizing their properties.President Kufuor said, currently, the problem facing the economy of the country was insufficient energy, adding that the Government of China had agreed to provide funding for the construction of the Bui Dam and very soon, the Ministers of Energy, Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General would travel to China to sign the agreement to that effect.

He said the provision of more energy would lead to industrial growth and the generation of employment for the youth.The President said the NPP has four generations of devoted members, which was a sign of blessing and that the party would never die.The President called on the members of the party not to allow the "deceitful ones" to lead them astray and declared that the campaign of the party towards the 2008 elections had started.

The Vice-President, Aliu Mahama urged the delegates to move out in unity and start the campaign towards victory in 2008.The Foreign Minister, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed appreciation to the effect that the members of the National Democratic Congress(NDC) were saying that, the 2008 elections would be contested on comparing the achievements of the NDC government against that of NPP.He questioned the records of the NDC and wanted to know if the "record of arrest and beating of people" was what the NDC want to compare with that of the NPP.

The Minister of Local Government and Environment, Mr Asamoah Boateng said for four years as the Vice-President of Ghana, Professor John Evans Atta-Mills, the Presidential candidate of the NDC could not have the street leading to his hometown tarred but it was President Kufuor who had the road tarred.The Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations, Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey in a graphic representation, said the NPP government had started the construction of a seven storey building to provide accommodation for all Ghanaians and had reached the second story.

He warned that if Ghanaians make a mistake to deny the NPP the opportunity to continue with the building, Ghanaians would loose the opportunity to get accommodation.
Source:GNA

Don’t give in to negative propaganda-President Kufuor

President John Agyekum Kufuor has told the rank and file of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) not to give in to negative propaganda, to create a gap between them and the Government. “Everything is going for us. We cannot give in to complaints and cynicism when the fruits of our labour are maturing and are ready for harvest.”

They should therefore remain steadfast, work hard and continue to sacrifice to put Ghana in the ranks of advancing nations of the world. President Kufuor was addressing an annual delegates conference of the party held at the EREDEC Hotel in Koforidua on Saturday.

Held under the theme: “Moving Forward in Unity”, it provided the chance for the party to evaluate its performance and chart a pragmatic course to present itself to the electorate with a united front. More than 2000 delegates from all the 230 constituencies in the country attended. There were also representatives from the party’s overseas branches in the United Kingdom, Italy, United States of America, Canada and Germany.

President Kufuor said the Government’s achievements were tremendous and were something the party members should be proud of and take credit for. He said for the first in decades, the national reserves have exceeded Two Billion dollars, multi-lateral inflows would also be over 317 million dollars this year as a result of the 100 percent debt forgiveness, with the economy stabilising and inflation verging on single digit.

Besides, evidence of infrastructure development was showing throughout the country and that there had also been the introduction of interventions like the National Health Insurance Scheme, the capitation grant, National Youth Employment Placement Programme and the Venture Capital among others. “Let us be telling our success story to the world. Nobody can tell it better than ourselves.”

President Kufuor however, reminded them that they could ruin things for themselves, if they did not hold in check certain negative tendencies, citing for example, the many complaints about the activities of party members aspiring to be flagbearers. He said, in a benign manner, he has monitored the movements of Ministers with presidential ambitions, while keeping close watch on their respective ministries to ensure that they performed the duties expected of them. He declared that none of them would be allowed to wreck the party’s chances to retain power in the year 2008.

President Kufuor told the delegates, that the choice of candidate to lead the party was not about who was more knowledgeable or better resourced. Rather, the search was for a leader who appreciated the party’s time-tested values and traditions, could hold the party together and has the humility to hold himself accountable to the party and the nation. “We must remember that parties by themselves do not choose a President. It takes the nation at large to do that. That is why we must look for the person who is acceptable to a sizeable portion, indeed majority of the citizenry”, he added.

Mr Joseph Henry Mensah, Chairman of the National Planning Commission and a stalwart of the party, said the most important task facing the NPP now was to build up the party’s machinery and to get itself battle ready at all levels. The priority is the message and the machine to keep the party in power, come 2008 and not the Presidency. He said the rank and file should feel sufficiently enthusiastic and work their hearts out.

Mr Mensah said it was regrettable that, the aspirants have not heeded the advice, not to rush into campaigning. There were fraternal messages from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), People’s National Convention (PNC), Convention People’s Party (CPP), Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP).GNA

NPP set for 3-day National Conference

All is set for the formal opening of the three-day national delegates conference of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), being held at the EREDEC Hotel, Koforidua in the Eastern Region under the theme 'Moving forward in unity'.

Delegates who began arriving on Friday have completed the registration formalities and are now ready for a successful conference that is billed to rejuvenate the NPP to face the challenges ahead.

President J.A. Kufour and his Vice, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, were yet to arrive at the conference venue at the time of filing this story, although National Executives and other leading members of the 'Kukrudu' fraternity are already seated on the dais.Others, who have taken their seats include Ministers of State, Regional Executives of the party, Members of Parliament of the ruling party, District Chief Executives (DCEs), diplomats and traditional rulers.

Drumming took a centre stage at the conference grounds this morning as various kente ensembles enliven the largely partisan crowd with intricate dancing and singing.Of particular interest is the canvassing being undertaken by supporters of various aspiring candidates for the Presidential slot of the NPP who were seen stomping round the conference venue for their preferred candidates.

Prominent in this lively but unofficial campaigns, are a group donning Tee shirts that proclaims the Vice-President while could also one could also instant delegates rooting for Dr Konadu Apraku, former Minister responsible for Regional Integration.Other contenders include Mr Dan Botwe, former Information Minister, Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing who all had supporters displaying their banters.

Supplementing the atmosphere were vendors of kinds selling wares including confectionaries, local artifacts, party paraphernalia and food.Traffic was heavy and it was difficult getting access to the EREDEC hotel from the Nana Kwaku School Complex, and the Police as a temporary measure closed vehicle access to sections of the conference grounds.

Commuters are now being re-directed to the Betom by-pass to re-join the Galloway route to destinations such as the Koforidua Polytechnic, New Juaben Secondary Commercial and Atekyem suburbs of the municipality.The morning events are devoted to the formal opening of the conference and shall include speeches by President Kufuor, Mr J.H. Mensah, the Senior Minister, and the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and the Majority Leader in Parliament, Mr Felix Owusu-Agyepong.

More speeches on the progress of the party will be offered by the Ministers of Finance, Youth and Employment, Health, and Agriculture later in the day.Also to do presentations are the General Secretary of the NPP, the National Treasurer and the National Chairman, who is to address the faithful on the state of the party, to be followed by a plenary session.

Sunday's activities will include an inter-denominational service to be held at the conference venue, adoption of conference resolutions and a rally at the Koforidua Jackson Park.
Source:GNA

Essien wins BBC African award

Ghana midfield icon, Michael Essien has been voted the 2006 British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) African Footballer of the Year.

The hard tackling and intelligent midfielder polled 66% of the 12, 000 votes ahead of Mohamed Aboutrika of Egyptian giants, Nadi Al Ahly and his Chelsea team mate Didier Drogba, an Ivorian.
Aboutrika and Drogba polled 30 and four percent of the total votes cast respectively.

Essien's win, according to information monitored by the GNA Sports was based on his outstanding performance in the 2006 Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup held in Germany.

Known as the "Bison" for his strength and powerful style of play, Essien was instrumental in the success of Ghana at the Mundial, ensuring the team's progress to the second round of the 32-nation tournament.

The midfielder has also played a pivotal role for Chelsea in the English premiership and the UEFA Champions League and is regarded as one of the club's best midfielders and indeed, one of the best for the position in the world.

Essien, who is also vying for the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Africa Footballer of the Year goes into the contest with slight advantage over his opponents, Drogba and Samuel Eto'O Fils of Barcelona and Cameroon due to the award.
Source:BBC