Veep commends health workers for promoting health delivery

The Vice President, Alhaji Mahama on Saturday commended the efforts health workers are making towards the promotion of quality health care delivery in the country. He said the contributions of health workers and other service providers were supplementing the government efforts at addressing the welfare needs of Ghanaians.

The Vice President was addressing the management, nurses and staff of the Obuasi Government Hospital as part of his working visit to the Obuasi municipality. The Vice President had earlier inspected a 1.5 billion cedis, 25-bed children's ward being built by the Municipal Assembly for the hospital. Messrs George Senefo-Antwi, the Project Manager and Patrick Thompson, Project Engineer of the Mining and Building Contractors (MBC), the contractor of the project told the Vice President that the project was about 80 per cent complete. Alhaji Mahama commended the management, nurses and staff of the hospital for their contribution towards the health care delivery of the people in the municipality.

"Let us all see how we can bring quality health care to our people", he said. He gave the assurance that the Kufuor administration was doing everything possible to ensure that health workers were motivated to enable them to carry out their good works to the nation. The Vice-President was hopeful that the children's ward was going to add value to the operations of the hospital and further help to improve health care delivery services at the municipality. Alhaji Mahama called on all Ghanaians to embrace the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) since it was the easy way to access affordable health care.

The Vice President said as part of the government's efforts to create jobs for the country's unemployed youth and also support the expansion of the health sector, health extension workers had been engaged under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) and called on the nurses to give them the maximum encouragement and support in their duties.GNA

We will Not Shutdown Akosombo Dam---VRA

Contrary to speculations that the Akosombo Dam would soon be shut down due to declining low water, the Volta River Authority (VRA) on Friday said the two generating units were running reliably.A statement signed for Ms. Abla Fiadjoe, Acting Director of Corporate Affairs, said with the technical analysis carried out and the critical monitoring system put in place, VRA had taken measures to operate the Station with two of the units at a level lower than 235 feet in "a technically safe but professionally cautious manner". "The VRA wished to assure all electricity consumers that and the general public that the two generating units currently at Akosmbo are being operated reliably and that we have no plans to shutdown the Akosombo Generating Station," it said.The statement said the VRA would continue to run the two generating units and review the situation at the end of July. "We wish to stress that this is not the first time the Akosombo Generating Station is being operated at levels below 235 feet," stressed.Going back to history, the VRA said in March 1966 it operated at 234.60 feet and for about three months to as low as 234.0 feet on June 8, 1966 when it reached the lowest ever levels with the units. "This is compared to the 126 Megawatts being produced from each of the units at this time following the successful retrofit of the Akosombo Plant," the statement said.The Authority said it had also taken requisite action to ensure that water for the reservoir, which was not only meant for power generation, was available for other uses, including water supply to the communities in the catchment area downstream Akosombo."The VRA wishes to assure the general public that it has the matter in hand and is with the assistance of Government, implementing various emergency measures which have to date helped to contain the situation albeit at lower than normal water levels," the statement noted. The Authority said it had also taken note of certain public sentiments expressed largely through the media that the VRA was telling a different story to the Government than it was telling the public explaining that: "This is patently false."It said Ghanaians and consumers of electricity on the other hand needed to appreciate the fact they could contribute to improving the situation by adopting serious energy conservation measures. 20 July 07
Source:GNA

Bill to Bring Ghanaians Prisoners Abroad Passed

Parliament on Friday passed the Transfer of Convicted Persons Bill, aka "Amoateng Bill" into law after taking it through the Third Reading.The Bill, yet to receive Presidential assent, would enable Ghanaians convicted outside the country serve their sentences in Ghana and other foreign nationals convicted in Ghana serve theirs in their home countries.

Although debate on the bill was non-partisan, the passage of the bill was preceded by days of heated arguments and sharp divisions. Those against the bill said it was a waste to spend resources on transporting convicted Ghanaian prisoners back home.They argued that the country's prisons were already choked with a large number of prisoners sharing limited facilities. Members who supported the bill, however, countered those arguments, saying convicted Ghanaian prisoners were kith and kin and needed support from fellow countrymen.

A report of the Committee on Legal, Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs presented to the House said: "The Commonwealth Secretariat has proposed a scheme to enact legislation to facilitate the transfer of convicted prisoners to address issues where extradition does not respond to the transfer of convict.""So far not less than 25-member countries of the Commonwealth have enacted legislation in this regard," it added.The Report said President J.A. Kufuor continues to receive persistent request during his visits abroad from citizens abroad for Ghanaian convicts to serve their prison terms in Ghana.

"The introduction of the Bill for consideration of this House was informed by the above stated concerns," it explained. It said the Extradition Act 1960, (Act 22) only permitted a person accused of an offence committed outside Ghana to serve the term of imprisonment in Ghana where the Republic of Ghana has an extradition agreement with the other country."Further to this, the request for extradition of the accused person can only be made where the act or omission in question constitutes an offence in both jurisdictions.The above specified conditions for the transfer of accused or convicted person under the Extradition Act poses severe limitation, the report said.

Meanwhile, the number of Ghanaians serving prison terms outside is not known, however, it is on record that there were about 100 prisoners from Ghana in Thailand prisons in relation to narcotics crimes.Earlier, Members of the House called for urgent response from regulatory bodies and the assemblies to check the activities of food vendors and others who sell consumables.They touched on the way food and drugs were being sold under unhygienic conditions and said it was compromising the health of the public.

They were contributing to a statement by Ms. Akua Sena Dansua, (NDC-North Dayi) on the poor handling of comsumables. Ms. Dansua said exposure of food items and poor handling of foods were compromising the health of everybody in the country. Mr. Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, said the ministry was working at addressing the problem and was set to design markets that enhance the protection of the handling of food in a better way.
Source:GNA/GHP

Ghana Police;Cotract Killings.....TOO EARLY TO SAY THAT

The Police administration on Thursday said it was too early to conclude that the recent spate of murders in the country were cases of 'contract killing' because motives of the killings had not yet been established.

"Investigation has also not been able to establish or suggest the motives for any of these killings. The result of the investigations would help us classify them appropriately", Deputy Inspector General in-charge of operations, Dr. Kofi Kesse Marfo said.

Speaking at the press conference on the current spate of murders in the country in Accra, he said the motive for the killings might be varied citing chieftaincy disputes, economic, land, and political reasons as some of the many motives for 'contract killings'.Dr. Marfo announced a 20 million cedis (GH 200 Cedis) reward for information that will lead to the arrest of the killers.The police he said, was doing everything possible to stem the tide of 'these regrettable incidents' he said, adding that the police were following some interesting leads to their logical conclusion. Citing the murders of Mr Boateng, former Deputy Managing Director of the Ghana Telecom, Mr. Rokko Frimpong, Deputy Managing Director of the Ghana Commercial Bank, Mr Samuel Ennin, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association, Nana Brentuo III, Chief of Nyankumasi- Adansi among others, he noted that some suspects in some of the murders had been put before court and were on remand.

He said for security reasons the police could not make public inroads that had been made until investigations were completed.He mentioned the revamping of community policing activities, intensified patrols, more cordon and searches of known and reported criminal bases, intelligence collection of criminal activities and gangs and increased snap checks as some of the measures being put in place by the police.Dr. Marfo urged people in communities to come out with their peculiar problems that were potential threats to the peace and tranquillity in those areas.The Deputy IGP asked the public to report real threats of death and harm to the police without hesitation but was quick to caution that people should not take advantage of the opportunity to make hoax and frivolous calls."Person who advertently abuse the facility by sending the police on a wild goose chase would be held for deceit of public officer," he said.
Source:GNA

Illegal mining affect nation's image - Aryee

Ms Joyce Rosalyn Aryee, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Chamber of Mines has observed that activities of illegal miners on concessions of mining companies adversely affected the country's image as a safe investment destination. She said such activities also adversely impacted on the companies' ability to contribute to national development.Ms Aryee made the observation during a courtesy call on Mr Abraham Kwadwo Kwakye, Deputy Brong Ahafo Regional Minister in Sunyani.

She suggested that part of the Mining Development Fund should be used to promote small-scale mining to prevent activities of illegal miners."Weaning the youth from illegal mining activities into small-scale mining has been one of the key challenges," she said and called on Government to facilitate the implementation of the law since small- scale mining would generate more jobs.Ms Aryee explained that small-scale mining would not only provide employment for the youth in mining districts but engaged them in lawful commercial enterprise to contribute to national revenue through taxes and reduce environmental degradation.She noted that activities of illegal miners was threatening lives of people in mining areas because the appropriate methods and chemicals were not used in their operations and degrade their operational areas and the environment.Ms Aryee said illegal miners were found in underground operations of AngloGold Obuasi Mine as well as Bondai Shaft in Prestea and appealed to the Brong Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council to collaborate with the Mining Commission to stop the practice in the region.Ms Aryee observed that many benefits could be derived from mining when the appropriate linkages were exploited because the industry created more social and employment opportunities in the development of human resources and other industries in rural communities. However, she called for policies and strategies to deepen the multiplying effects and benefits of the industry because of the positive impact of mineral export earnings on the balance of payment, foreign exchange reserves, monetary policy and business activities in the country.Ms Aryee said mining would continue to play a central role in economic development and called on mining communities to endeavour to implement significant institutional restructuring and corporate principles of co-operative and shared responsibilities in the management of social and environmental issues.She said the Chamber would continue to work with Government, chiefs, NGOs and stakeholders to promote environmental and socially responsible mining operations in the country. Mr Kwakye expressed appreciation for her visit to the region, saying contributions of the mining industry could not be underestimated since its revenue was crucial in the country's socio-economic development process.He urged mining industries not to limit their social responsibilities to mining communities but endeavour to enhance development in other communities outside their operational areas. Mr Kwakye called on the public to co-operate with mining companies for smooth operations. 19 July 07
Source:GNA

Go beyond oil and minerals extraction in Africa - Kufuor

The Sixth African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum opened in Accra on Wednesday with a demand by President John Agyekum Kufuor on private sector operators in the United States (US) to increase their investments in Africa beyond the extractive industries of oil and precious minerals. He identified agro-processing, manufacturing and tourism as some key areas they could put their money into to assist in technology transfer and build the Continent's capacity to become more competitive and effective partners in trade.

Additionally, they should also look at the re-location of industries and outsourcing Information Communication Technology (ICT) contracts to the Region. The programme ends in 2015 and this, President Kufuor said, must be extended by five years to give Africa space to take full advantage of the opportunity. "Given the time constraint and the very serious capacity challenges, we must admit, Africa can hardly exploit the benefits of this huge initiative anywhere to the full. "I will therefore appeal, first to the US Government to extend the time of AGOA to 20 years, then to the countries in Africa as well as our development partners in the US to design and implement a specific and efficacious vehicle targeted at empowering African nations in terms of capacity building." President Kufuor said AGOA benefits must not be seen only from the perspective of the African.

He quoted the statement made by US President George Bush, while signing the AGOA Acceleration Act in 2004: "When America sells to Africa, it means employment for somebody in America" and said the programme, should, therefore, work both ways to everyone's advantage. President Kufuor noted that AGOA complemented by the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) assured Africa of America's goodwill. The three-day forum is providing the platform for Trade Ministers from the 39 AGOA qualified countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, representatives of the private sector, Civil Society groups and US officials to discuss ways of increasing US-Africa trade. The theme is: "As Trade Grows, Africa Prospers: Optimising the Benefits under AGOA." AGOA, a legislative initiative, opens up the US market to eligible countries to export over 6,400 duty-free and quotation-free products, estimated at more than 10 trillion dollars without reciprocity. Imports from Africa under this initiative totalled 44.2 billion dollars in 2006, a five-fold increase over 2001, when the programme began.

The increase involved mostly crude oil and apparel exports. The Head of the US Delegation, Ms Susan Schwab, said her country, was determined to serve as a strategic partner with Africa and would not stop, until the Continent has realised its enormous potentials. She noted that if the Region could increase its share of the global trade, which stood at two per cent, by a single percentage, it would be generating 70 billion dollars annually. This would be about three times the amount of development assistance it has been receiving. Ms Schwab spoke of the need for enhanced intra-African trade and South-South trading and re-affirmed the US commitment to reducing agricultural trade distortions. Ms Schwab, who is the Trade Advisor to President Bush, described the future of Africa as full of hope saying, there was now a new breed of political leaders, who were determined to turn the economic fortunes of the Continent around.

Mr Allan Kyerematen, Minister of Trade, in a welcoming address called for a conscious effort to coordinate and tailor US technical assistance programmes to support the capacity requirement of African countries to implement AGOA related activities. There was also the need to reinforce measures to draw more foreign direct investment from US companies to the continent. Mr Kyerematen, who is also responsible for Industry, Private Sector Development and President’s Special Initiative, suggested the establishment of an AGOA Fund and other financial instruments to support small and medium scale enterprises.

US President Bush in a pre-recorded message to the forum said this was a time of promise to the people of Africa and that the US would stand with the Region.GNA

Saudi Embassy hands over medical supplies to MOH

The Saudi Arabian Government on Wednesday handed over about six tonnes of medical supplies to the Ministry of Health to support health care delivery. The supplies included antibiotics; cough syrups; oral re-hydration salts (ORS); surgical antiseptics; measles vaccines and painkillers.

Mr Sameer Mahmoud Aggad, Ambassador of the Royal Saudi Arabia, said the presentation formed part of a free two-week medical outreach programme organised by the Saudi Government. The 20-member health team had camped at Nima in Accra for the past two weeks where it provided general health care and other specialized services such as Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) and paediatrics. He said the team, which included three women gynaecologists and a paediatrician, treated about 200 people daily during their two-week programme.

Mr Aggad stated that the medical outreach programme and the presentation of the drugs signified the strong relationship that existed between the two countries and pledged his country's support to assist Ghana in ensuring quality health care delivery. Major Courage Quashigah (rtd), Minister of Health, thanked the Saudi Government for the gesture and appealed to the Ambassador to negotiate for a possible exchange programme between the two countries to ensure expanded knowledge of health professionals from both countries.

He commended the Embassy for being the first donor country to abide by the rules spelt out in the donation manual of the Ministry. "Previously, the Ministry was receiving expired drugs and obsolete equipment, which became a nuisance so we decided to come out with a donation manual to guide benevolent organizations who want to donate such items to us and the Saudis have followed the instructions in the manual and we are grateful," the Minister said.GNA