EC postpones upcoming voter registration exercise

The Electoral Commission (EC) has postponed its compilation of a new voter register as a result of the novel Coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, Director of Electoral Services told journalists after an Inter-Party Advisory Committee meeting, Wednesday, that the outfit is collaborating with health experts to decide on a more favourable date.

“We had planned to do the registration on the 18th but because of the pandemic, we can't do it on the 18th, so, we are observing what is happening around Ghana and the global issue...so, when it gets to a time that we think the situation is fertile for us to commence with the registration then we can do it," Dr. Quaicoe explained.

The IPAC meeting was organised in two sets. This was in compliance with the social distancing directive from the President as part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.

The compilation of a new voter register for the 2020 elections was scheduled to begin on April 18, this year. The commission had also expressed hope it will complete the exercise by May 30, 2020.

The exercise which has been assigned a budget of GHS390 million faced opposition from some political parties and civil society organisations.

The Inter-Party Resistance Against the New Voters Register, a coalition of six political parties, kicked against the plan, citing cost, time and credibility as the basis for its opposition.

Regardless, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe justified the plan.

He said: “We have made it very clear that the current biometric system is not good enough for future activities. We are having a lot of challenges with it. In addition to that, a lot of people have found it difficult to have their fingerprints picked up by the machine so we intend to introduce the facial recognition [option] in addition so that if your fingerprint fails, your image will be used for verification.”

Ghana has recorded 68 cases with 3 deaths.

In his 3rd address to the nation, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on March 21 announced measures his government has put in place to fight the pandemic.

Among others, he mentioned that "all our borders, that is by land, sea and air, will be closed to human traffic for the next two weeks, beginning midnight on Sunday. Anybody who comes into the country, before midnight on Sunday, will be mandatorily quarantined and tested for the virus. This closure will not apply to goods, supplies and cargo."

"Secondly, the Ministry of Health will not only step up its contact tracing efforts, but will also see to it that all persons who have been identified as having come into contact with infected persons are tested for the virus. More personal protection equipment are being procured to beef up supplies for our frontline health workers. Fifty thousand additional test kits have been ordered, and are expected in the country very shortly."

Meanwhile, health minister Kwaku Agyeman Manu has announced that the country is expecting about 30,000 protective equipment to aid in the fight against coronavirus.

Rawlings questions shallow media discourse on religion, politics, social issues

Former president Jerry John Rawlings has expressed concern about the “lightheaded” manner religious, social and political matters are portrayed by sections of the media.

He said the practice has contributed to dehumanize and make Ghanaians superficial. “We are doing too much politics with the truth,” he stated.

“Some of us have very little understanding into human nature or into the power of God and yet we want to propagate issues to do with God and godliness and we are reducing the substance and spiritual essence in our humanity,” the former president said at a meeting with the leadership of the Afrikania Mission in Accra on Tuesday.

The former president described as a perpetuation of decay, the situation where the media highlight shallow discourse on religion, politics and social issues, especially on radio and television.

“For the average mind once the TV or radio station carries it then it’s okay. The lightheadedness of what we see or what we hear is degrading us.”

The former president also took a swipe at the NDC for re-invigorating the class structure.

“We the liberators [NDC] have ended up perpetuating a class rule in this country. The PNDC/NDC came to liberate us but the same NDC from Mills’ time to now have ended up restoring and perpetuating the class structure.”

The PNDC, the former President said, was an expression of the will of the people.

“As the Head of State and leader I was not unaware of the aspirations and sensibilities of our people. When somebody wants to replace our culture with another then it better be good and better than what we have but in the name of freedom of worship and expression all manner of foolish things are allowed.”

Mr Rawlings recalled that in 1979 having read an article by Bishop Sarpong recognizing the value of libation, he invited him to join the AFRC. He said he was impressed that an orthodox Catholic priest could recognize the value of libation but the Catholic hierarchy at the time declined the request.

“We should show a little more sense, a little more responsibility when it comes to our relationship with God. What is important is that religion must show a sense of compassion, love and respect for one another. But to take a position that disrespects issues to do with our ancestors is not good enough,” the former President said.

Earlier the Afrikania Mission, led by its Head of Mission, Osofo Komfo Atsu Kove had expressed disquiet about the relegation of African traditional religion at the national level. They bemoaned the refusal of government to allow the pouring of libation at national events and said it was a clear manifestation of the authorities’ lack of reverence for our ancestors.

The Mission said despite several entreaties to resume the pouring of libation at national events because it is our culture, government has for the past eight years turned a deaf ear. Government’s action is provocative and tacitly endorses the attack on traditional shrines and icons by adherents of imported religion, the Mission stated.

The Afrikania Mission said it was unfortunate that at a time when questions are being raised about the lack of recognition of certain religious practices in schools, African traditional religion is described as pagan, idol worship and backward in textbooks.

The group said it was imperative that we sowed seeds of religious tolerance while respecting the right of adherents of African traditional religion to practice their culture.

Andre Ayew confirms Fenerbahce departure; set to return to Swansea City

On-loan Andre Ayew announced his departure from Fenerbahce after Turkish Super Lig ended last Sunday.

The Ghana international sat out the 3-1 home win over Antalyaspor due to injury.

Ayew spoke to Fener's official TV station after the game: ''First of all I want to thank the fans, the club, and the staff. I am leaving this great club with lots of experience. It was a very tough year for us but at least we have managed to finish the season strongly.

''Let’s hope Fenerbahce have a great season in the next campaign. Speaking personally, I have to say that I should have done better. This is a huge club and the memories will remain with me forever.''

Ayew-owned by Championship side Swansea- didn’t impress enough to earn himself a permanent move.

The 29-year-old played 38 games for Fenerbahce in all competitions, scoring just five goals.

Ayew will return to Swansea City but it is likely he will leave the Welsh club in this transfer window.

His contract at the Liberty Stadium runs until June 2021.

Confusion erupts between EOCO, GRA over trucks carrying rosewood

Three trucks carrying rosewood from Dambai to Tema were intercepted at the Afienya axle weighing point in the Ningo Prampram District of the Greater Accra Region sparking confusion between the personnel from the Ghana Revenue Authority and Economic and Organised Crime Office.

The Counter Intelligence Unit of the GRA first intercepted five 20-footer containers carrying rosewood from Dambai to Tema Port on the Akosombo highway.

The interception comes on the back of a ban on the exportation of rosewoods.

The goods were intercepted at the Afienya Axle weighing point.

Following the arrest, the GRA personnel, who were accompanied by some armed soldiers, requested for the permit covering the consignment which led to some confusion between them and the personnel from EOCO, who emerged to claim jurisprudence over the consignment.

This led to some exchanges between the two units.

According to the GRA officer, who gave his name as Obiri Yeboah, the EOCO officials asked him to release the truck keys to them but he refused to do so with the excuse that, the GRA had to perform due diligence on the trucks at the customs collection point at the airport before it could be handed over to any other agency.

The release of the keys resulted in a confusion between the two parties which nearly became confrontational at a point.

While at it, the axle weighing officials were also demanding payment for the penalty for overloading the trucks carrying the rosewood which amounted to five thousand five hundred Ghana cedis.

This was however not adhered to as the soldiers that accompanied the GRA officials to the scene ordered the truck to move upon the orders from an officer from above whose name was not given to the media.

A security personnel at the Axle Load station, W.O, Musa Tibila expressed his disappointment at the manner in which the trucks were asked to be released without the payment.

He was however quick to add that despite the release, there was an assurance from the GRA that the amount in question would be collected from the owner of the goods and later sent to the head office of the axle loading.

Gov't has blown GHC500m on shady firm - NPP

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the John Dramani Mahama administration of paying GHS500million to a company with no contractual agreement with the state.

According to the party, cabinet has given the go-ahead for the use of the 10 per cent of the District Assembly’s Common Fund allocated to the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) for the illegal payment.

This was revealed by the Policy Advisor of the NPP, Mr Boakye Agyarko, at a news conference at the party’s headquarters in Accra on Wednesday 16 November.

Mr Agyarko said: “This amount is meant to pay for 45,000 workers who are actually on the payroll of the various district assemblies. So, the assemblies are responsible for paying the wages of the 45,000 and not the service provider. This act of corruption is a matter for which Ghanaians must demand and deserve answers.

“We also need to note the fact that the board of the Youth Employment Agency is being asked to take all necessary steps to ratify the sanitation contract for 2013 to 2015. Since this contract has expired and not in operation, why will they ratify it by back dating? They try to justify the necessity by claiming that sanitation activity could not be brought to an abrupt end countrywide. Yet this is not the case for nurses, teachers and other essential service workers who have active ongoing contracts yet have not been paid their salaries, which are many months in arrears,” he added.

Mr Agyarko further disclosed: “This illegal payment for non-existent contract is related to a previous scheme dating back to 2012, the same year that some $2billion of unbudgeted funds were spent in a reckless and corrupt way to fund John Mahama’s election bid,” adding: “The Auditor General’s report on the infamous Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA) highlighted the misappropriation of public funds, fraudulent transfers and illegal payments to various entities linked to friends and families of President John Mahama.”

Aston Villa Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Jordan Ayew.

The 23-year-old forward has signed a five-year deal with the Club and joins from French side Lorient for an undisclosed fee.

The Ghana international arrives at Villa Park following the acquisitions of fellow Ligue 1 players Jordan Amavi and Idrissa Gueye.

Manager Tim Sherwood said: "I'm really pleased to bring Jordan to the football club.

"He is a fantastic young player who is perfectly suited to the Premier League."

Ayew completed his medical at Bodymoor Heath this morning before meeting his new team-mates for the first time.

Akuffo Addo and J. Mahama

Employment and Labour Relations Minister, Haruna Iddrisu says the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is a weak opposition party that cannot contest the Mahama administration in any electoral battle.

Speaking on Radio Gold’s “Alhaji and Alhaji” programme, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu said the NPP is not strong to keep the government in check and ensure that the government does not abuse the mandate that Ghanaians have given her.

“The NPP is a very weak political opposition. And I think that naturally it’s to our advantage. I have always said that President Mahama will always humble Nana Akufo-Addo in any electoral fight…We need a very strong virile opposition to keep the democracy running and to keep government in check, and to control excesses and abuses of government if there are any,” he said.

He further stated that the NPP flagbearer- Nana Akufo-Addo- is no match for President John Mahama so far as elections in the country are concerned.

According to him, President Mahama is not worried about Nana Addo contesting him and will not be threatened by him.

“He is not the President’s worry…The President’s worry is to fix the energy crisis and get the economy back on track but never threatened by the personality or the race of Nana Akufo-Addo,” he stressed.

Ghana's President Dies

John E.A Mills died today at a Military Hospital in Ghana. He was 68. He became Ghana's President in 2009 after winning a general election by a slim margin. His health had generated discussions among many Ghanaians for years until now.

This makes him the first president to have died in office since independence. A statement today, from the chief of staff confirming the death also intimated that the vice president will address the nation in due course.

President Mills returned from the USA after a routine medical check-up.

Kumasi Prophet ‘predicted’ accidents involving Ayariga, Avoka

The accidents involving the two high profile members of government over the weekend have been given spiritual interpretations.

Majority Leader Cletus Avoka and Deputy Education Minister Mahama Ayariga were both involved in separate accidents within a space of 24 hours.

Before the accidents, a Kumasi-based prophet, popularly known as Freeman, is said to have warned President Mills against passing through Bawku during his tour of the three northern regions.

Upper East Regional correspondent, Joseph Osei said he and other journalists were in a press van as part of the president’s convoy when word came round that a Kumasi-based Prophet had issued a warning that if the president passed through Bawku, he would be killed physically or spiritually.

According to Joseph Osei, the Prophet added that if the president escaped harm, some members of his government will be harmed.

The prophet, who claimed he had been praying for the president for the past two years, insisted that to avert any calamity, the entourage had to organize a prayer session before the president could pass through Bawku but the protocol officers ignored the advice.

The correspondent said, upon receiving the information, the journalists detailed one reporter to prompt the Upper East Regional Minister Mr Mark Wayongo to inform the president of the prophecy but the regional minister rubbished the warning, saying it was a false prophecy.

At this time, the president’s entourage was at Garu. From there the president passed through Bawku enroute to Bolga.

A few kilometres after Zebilla - located between Bawku and Bolga - which is also the constituency of Majority Leader Cletus Avoka, the vehicle of the MP was spotted turned upside-down.

Mr Avoka, who was on his way to his constituency from Bolga had his vehicle tyre burst and the car somersaulted several times.

Then Sunday morning, the accident involving Deputy Education Minister Mahama Ayariga was also reported appearing to lend credence to the prophecy.

Joseph Osei said some members of the entourage believed the prophecy.

Meanwhile the two government officials are responding to treatment.



Source: Joy News/Ghana

Ghana Wins 2 More Medals In Kenya

Ghana clinched two more medals at the ongoing Africa Athletics Championship in Kenya. The men and women’s 4 by 100 meter relay teams both won bronze in the finals respectively.

Aziz Zakari anchored the men’s relay team to third place with a time of 39.31 seconds behind Nigeria and South Africa. The women’s relay quartet made up of Rosina Amenebede, Elizabeth Amolofo, Beatrice Gyaman and Flings Owusu Agyapong, similarly came third in a time of 45.40 seconds behind Cameroun and Nigeria.

Ghana therefore has won three medals at the Championship so far. Sprinter Aziz Zakari earlier won silver in the men’s 100 meters.

Meanwhile, Heptathlete Margaret Simpson is poised to win a Gold medal following the completion of four out of the seven-event competition. The Mauritius based athlete leads the overall table rankings with 3,497 points. She is followed by Janet Wienand of South Africa with 3,289 points and Nigeria’s Patience Okoro in third with 3,277 points.

Message from the President to the Black Stars

The Black Stars have done Ghana and Africa proud and on behalf of the people and Government of Ghana, I congratulate Stephen Appiah and his teammates for a job well done.

In yesterday’s match, there was going to be only one winner, and unfortunately, it was not the Black Stars.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, as a nation, we must not lose sight of the fact that the Black Stars flew high the flag of Ghana and we must be proud of our senior national football team for the honour done us.

We must not nail them for what happened yesterday, rather, let us continue to support them and show our appreciation for what they have achieved.

This team certainly has character and fortitude and there is no gainsaying the fact that they will continue to bring laurels to Mother Ghana.

Coach Rajevac and his technical team gave off their best and Ghana is grateful to them.

Let us rejoice in what we have achieved believing that there are better and joyous days ahead.

To you my fellow Ghanaians, I say a big ayekoo for your excellent and nation-loving support.

The star of Ghana is shining bright and we must take collective pride in putting our nation on a high pedestal.

Stephen Appiah and his teammates have made Ghana proud and we must accord them a heroic welcome, for, they deserve it.


John Evans Atta Mills
(President, Republic of Ghana)

Uruguay beat Ghana 4-2 on penalties

The Black Stars of Ghana faltered and bowed out of the 2010 World Cup after going down 2:4 to Uruguay in a penalty shootout and denying themselves a place in history.

In so doing, the Stars who had played rather gallantly in their second ever World Cup, broke the hearts of millions all over Africa who had supported the team all the way.

90 minutes of regular play plus 30 more in extra time ended in a pulsating one-all, and as though destined to bow out, a 120th minute attack by the Ghanaians had seen a desperate Luis Suarez, with his goalkeeper beaten, push the ball with the hand off the goal line to deny Ghana a winning goal. He took the red card and conceded a penalty for his efforts.

History beckoned, and the Stars’ most potent striker, Asamoah Gyan, who had previously converted twice from the spot in the same tournament, this time lifted his kick and grazed the bar. It was unbelieveable, and just after the miss, Japanese Yuichi Nishimura ended the game.

Asamoah however returned to scoring ways moments later as he opened Ghana’s penalty kicks with a well taken shot.

Skipper John Mensah missed, and so was youngster Dominic Adiyiah whose not so good kicks were saved. And so ended an otherwise sweet story for Ghana and Africa, who will have to wait for the next edition of the tournament to attempt to break the jinx of never going beyond the quarter finals.

Sulley Ali Muntari, making his first starting line-up for the Black Stars, had put Ghana ahead just on the stroke of half-time with a well taken left-footed 39-yard shotat the Soccer City Stadium before Diego Forlan levelled up in the nail-biting encounter. Uruguay will thus play Holland, who defeated Brazil 2:1 early in the day, in the semi finals.

Uruguay mauls Bafana Bafana 3:0

South Africa's World Cup dream is hanging by a thread after Uruguay stunned Bafana Bafana by winning 3-0 and taking a firm grip on Group A.

Diego Forlan gave the South American side a first half lead after his shot deflected off Aaron Mokoena and into the net.

South Africa pushed forward in the second half but their hopes were dashed when Uruguay striker Luis Suarez was brought down in the penalty area by goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, who was sent off.

Forlan converted the resulting penalty past substitute 'keeper Moeneeb Josephs to kill the hosts off and send many South Africa fans heading for the exits.

Alvaro Pereira converted a late third as South Africa desperately tried to salvage something from the game.

Uruguay go top of Group A with four points from their two games. South Africa have a solitary point after two games, and must beat France in their final game to have any hope of progressing to the knock out stages.

France play Mexico on Thursday night in Polokwane. South Africa's final game is against France on Tuesday.


Credit: CNN

Kofi Annan: A source of pride for Africa-World Cup 2010

With the global focus on South Africa, former United Nations secretary-general, and Chair of the Africa Progress Panel, Kofi Annan has teamed up with Côte d'Ivoire striker Didier Drogba to produce a thought-provoking alternative guide to the FIFA World Cup™, 'Scoring for Africa', looking beyond each country's football prospects to how they compare on bigger issues such as life expectancy and carbon emissions.

Here Mr Annan tells FIFA.com of the significance of the guide – and explains why this month's football showpiece can leave a legacy for Africa, describing it as "a tremendous opportunity for the continent as a whole".

‘Scoring for Africa: The Alternative Guide to the World Cup’ can be viewed by clicking on the link to the right.

FIFA.com: The Africa Progress Panel has published 'Scoring for Africa – An Alternative Guide to the World Cup'. What is its purpose?

Kofi Annan: The whole idea was to introduce a development perspective, highlighting some of the issues which unite and divide countries represented on the field. We teamed up with Didier Drogba, the African Player of the Year who is also a UN goodwill ambassador, on this initiative.

The guide provides economic, social and political rankings of the competing countries and has a simple but powerful message. What we are basically saying is that players and fans all understand the importance of fair play and an impartial referee, and by extension we are saying we believe this understanding should not only be limited to the way countries play, run and score against each other but also the way they do business and politics.

As an African, what does it mean to see Africa hosting the FIFA World Cup?
It is wonderful and in some way shows how far the continent has come. You may recall that 50 years ago this year, 17 African countries became independent. They are celebrating their golden anniversary so for it to coincide with the World Cup organised on the African continent for the first time is really a source of pride.

Can the FIFA World Cup leave a legacy in South Africa and even across the entire continent?
The Cup really puts the spotlight on South Africa, which has a chance to shine. I believe it is also a tremendous opportunity for the continent as a whole to show how it has changed for the better and has some positive things to show.

Obviously South Africa has really built up a credible infrastructure which will be used for the future. But I think other African countries will gain from the exposure and I hope in time it will help them with tourism and economic and social development.

Have you discussed the significance of this African FIFA World Cup with the FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter?

I know that Sepp Blatter shares my view that the World Cup being organised in Africa will be a great opportunity to expand economic, social and even political co-operation on the continent. It will also enhance sporting facilities for young people, with pitches being set up for them. I hope this will continue long afterwards and also help them pick up some of the lessons one learns from games – play according to the rules and accept fair play.

You once said that the FIFA World Cup had a greater reach than the UN – what did you mean?
The point I made is that FIFA as an organisation appears much more universal. The UN has 192 member states, FIFA has 209. And once every four years FIFA manages to get the whole globe's attention.

People follow the game fanatically and they know where their team stands. I wish I could get the same concentration elsewhere – I would get governments to compete on human rights, on democracy, on the fight against corruption and for everyone to know how their countries are doing in these areas. By producing 'Scoring for Africa' we are trying to get people to focus beyond the ball on the other issues.

Some people argue the money spent by South Africa on the FIFA World Cup could have been better spent elsewhere. How do you view this argument?

The benefits and the spirit of the World Cup should not be reduced to financial calculations. If we are to measure the financial benefits, many could take some time to become evident. I've talked about the benefits for South Africa and the continent in terms of infrastructure. We are a continent that has a serious infrastructure deficit.

If we had our roads, rails and energy properly organised, Africa would be doing much, much better in trade, not only with ourselves but with the rest of the world. So I think this is a worthwhile investment.

I know there are people in South Africa who are not sure how this will benefit them but if it helps them increase trade and they are able to come together and get to know the other African nations better and co-operate better, it will be worthwhile. When people ask this question it is a bit like saying, 'what would one rugby game make?'.

But we saw the difference a rugby game made for South Africa, bringing the whole nation together – I think on that day they all felt they were indeed a 'Rainbow nation' and I think this is going to be the same for the continent.

Are you a football fan yourself?
Yes, I am a football fan. I love the game and I played it as a young man up to and through my university years. I played on the right wing because I was a sprinter. But now I only sit in the armchair and follow it. I will be going to the Final, hopefully to see an African team play in it.

What are your hopes for your own country, Ghana?
We have a good team but a rather young one. Some of the experienced players are not going to be able to play because of injuries but this is a young team, they have a strong heart and determination and I would not rule them out. I will be rooting for them.

Do you have any predictions about the FIFA World Cup?
Several of the African teams should do well – maybe I am a dreamer but I would love to see one of them in the Final. But there are other strong sides like Italy, Spain, the Brazilians, the Argentinians. England will also have their hopes but I would not be so bold as to predict who will win the Cup.

Finally how important are top footballers as role models?
They have quite an impact on the young and obviously they are constantly in the limelight and the way they comport themselves, the way they respect the rules, their team-mates and opponents all sends a message to the young ones.

Soccer is a wonderful game. It is a team game, it allows room for individual brilliance but the individual must never think he or she is bigger than the team and that is a lesson for life.

Eriksson optimistic over Drogba recovery

Côte d'Ivoire skipper Didier Drogba could be fit to play in his team's opening FIFA World Cup™ clash against Portugal, coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said Friday.

The Chelsea striker, who underwent surgery on his broken right arm six days ago, trained with his teammates but with a sling on his damaged arm. "He's doing well. If the match with Portugal was today or Saturday, he wouldn't be able to play. But as the game is in a few days' time (Tuesday), he could be in the team and play," said Eriksson. "He is feeling better and better each day."

In training, Drogba practised on his own to avoid aggravating the injury. He broke his arm in a friendly match against Japan in Switzerland on June 4.

France, Uruguay draw a blank

An opportunity to seize the initiative in Group A was missed at Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium as France and ten-man Uruguay served up a drab goalless draw.

The earlier stalemate between South Africa and Mexico had presented their section rivals with the chance to claim top spot, but neither did enough to secure three points in a scrappy encounter in which Nicolas Lodeiro picked up the tournament’s first red card.

France’s difficulties at UEFA EURO 2008 and during FIFA World Cup™ qualifying has enabled them to sneak almost unnoticed into this competition, yet they reminded everyone of their considerable potential with some slick early play. Predictably, Frank Ribery was at the heart of the best of their attacking forays, and only Sidney Govou will know how he failed to convert the Bayern Munich winger’s inviting low cross after eight minutes. Ribery looked to have laid on a certain goal, with Govou inside the six-yard box when the ball arrived, but the Lyon player’s right-foot attempt lacked conviction and the ball trickled wide of the far post.

Les Bleus remained in the ascendancy, and Nicolas Anelka – who endured a frustrating evening – might have done better than head over from an intelligently weighted Yoann Gourcuff cross. The presence of Diego Forlan ensured that Raymond Domenech’s side were never able to rest easy, though, and the Atletico Madrid striker underlined his capabilities on 16 minutes with an effort out of nothing. Stepping inside from the left beyond William Gallas, Forlan unleashed a powerful right-foot drive that was heading for the net before Hugo Lloris got across to make a fine save.

Nonetheless, this was an isolated moment of concern for a French side who remained firmly in control, with Abou Diaby dictating the midfield pace. Gourcuff was also impressing, and with 18 minutes played he forced an alert save from Fernando Muslera with an audacious free-kick attempt on goal, inches from the left touchline.

The game fell into something of a lull as half-time approached, but the tempo picked up again after the break, with Forlan blasting over after sneaking in between Gallas and Bacary Sagna. There was precious little penetration, however, and the growing frustration was summed up 12 minutes after the restart when Jeremy Toulalan tried his luck from all of 35 yards, bringing a comfortable save out of Muslera.

France introduced Thierry Henry in an attempt to re-establish their early superiority, but it was Uruguay who should have snatched victory, with Forlan wasting the best chance of the half, blasting wide from an unmarked position 12 yards from goal. Ultimately, however, La Celeste were happy to hold out for a point after second-half substitute Lodeiro earned a second yellow card for an ugly lunge on Sagna.

Organising Committee expresses its condolences to the Mandela Family

Johannesburg, 11 June 2010 - The 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) is saddened to learn of the death of Zenani Mandela, who was killed in a car accident last night.

Zenani Mandela (13 years old) is the great-grand-daughter of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first democratic President.

“On behalf of everyone at the Organising Committee, I would like to express my condolences to the Mandela family. Please know that you will all be in our thoughts today,” said OC Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza.

“Last year Zenani did us the honour of bringing the FIFA Confederations Cup trophy out onto the podium at the final at Ellis Park on 28 June. We are saddened to hear of her tragic passing and will remember her fondly,” said OC CEO Dr Danny Jordaan.

ENDS

Court bars CHRAJ from hearing M&J bribery scandal

An Accra Human Rights Court has restrained the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) from continuing with its investigation into the Mabey and Johnson bribery scandal.

The court upheld arguments by lawyers of the six persons who were the subject of the investigations that comments by the Commissioner of CHRAJ on Metro TV on the matter were prejudicial.Justice Emile Short granted the television station an interview on the issue days after opening public hearings - bedeviled by persistent objections - into the allegations that the six persons received

bribes from the UK construction firm to influence the award of contracts to the company.Lawyers of the accused - Dr Sipa Yankey, Messrs Kwame Peprah, Alhaji Baba Kamara, Alhaji Boniface Abubakar Saddique, Alhaji Amadu Seidu, Brigadier-General Lord Attivor and Dr Ato Quarshie - went to court arguing that the CHRAJ Commissioner had made conclusive pronouncements that amounted to prejudging their clients.They contended Mr Short and the Commission had lost the moral authority to conduct the investigations as they could not be trusted to be fair and impartial in the matter.

The court agreed with the lawyers and ruled that the Commission should excuse itself of the case because the Commissioner’s comments put him in a prejudiced situation.It said other institutions can conduct investigations into the M&J bribery scandal.After the ruling, Nana Ato Dadzie, lawyer for Dr Ato Quarshie, told Joy News’ Sammy Darko that today “is a great day for the law.”

He said his clients’ belief that the Commission was unfair to them had been confirmed by the court in its ruling.Nana Ato Dadzie stated that his clients were willing to submit themselves to any other state agency that chose to conduct further investigations into the allegations.Story by Malik Abass Daabu/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

GSE makes 'worldwide' record

The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) recovery has reached a phenomenal point, once again recording the highest year-to-date returns worldwide; but it seems that many local fund managers that invest on the market are still holding a 'wait and see' attitude.

The GSE's negative 46.58% return last year made it the worst performer among the general poor showing of stock markets across the world - not sparing the many equity-based funds that make their profit on the market.

The gradual recovery of the GSE from the beginning of this year came to confirm analysts' forecast that the market would bounce back to positive returns, but last week Friday's 22.96% year-to-date posted by the GSE – the highest return recorded in the world so far – has beat even the most optimistic forecasts.

Contrary to the norm, not a single fund manager has been able to beat the GSE so far; available updates by Gold Coast Securities (GCS) Research show that the NTHC Horizon Fund, which came closest to the GSE, recorded a year-to-date return of 10.46% for the same period.

Other returns made on equity-based funds were SAS Fortune Fund 10.45%; the newest on the market - the Capital Growth Fund - returned 8.17%; Gold Fund 6.18%; and HFC Equity 5.21%. Anidaso Mutual Fund, the only fund currently managed outside of the capital city, recorded a year-to-date return of 4.96% while Epack, the oldest fund on the market, returned 4.64%.

Some Funds suffered a similar fate in 2008, the year the GSE came top of the world with a 58.05% year-to-date for the year. HFC Equity Fund posted a return of 38.89% that year and Gold Fund recorded 37.32% while the Epack, owing to the abysmal performance of the other African markets where it invests, returned a woeful negative 3.84%.

Historically, fund managers' active participation on the market in the years 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2007 saw them reap huge capital gains for their small fund holders .

Collins Appiah, Head of Research at GCS, the owners of Gold Fund in an interview with B&FT said the passiveness of fund managers this time round could be stemming from the fact' that the" market has just recovered from a deep recession, "and' therefore it is worthwhile that fund managers watch the market for some time before remixing portfolios where necessary," he stated.

Collins, who was optimistic the trend would reverse by close of year, added that last year's recession triggered a wave of redemption by fund holders which continued into the first quarter of this year. "It is the main factor why we have not recorded an impressive performance so far," he said.

The unimpressive performance of the funds - which invest at least 75 percent of their assets on the capital market, stand in comparison to some stocks that have outperformed the GSE.

Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB), which lost 32.73% last year to fall to GH¢0.74, recovered this year to GH¢1.12, representing 1.1 2% year-to-date gain. Cal Bank (Cal) lost 40% last year to GH¢0.20 but has regained to GH¢0.28, to present 40% gain so far. SIC, the biggest insurance firm, also lost 46% last year to GH¢0.27 but has now risen to GH¢0.36, the equivalent of 29.63% year-to-date gain.

Derrick Mensah, also of GCS Research, noted that equity-dominated fund managers in Ghana put not less than 45% of their investments into financial stocks, which has helped to keep their heads above water since the financial stocks have been doing extra well.

"The downside therefore is as a result of the poor showing of the other category of stocks since the year began; such as the brewery, manufacturing and lCT stocks and some of the consumer goods, and distribution and trading stocks," he noted.

According to Collins, these stocks will soon pick up when short-term interest rates and yields on fixed income securities fall further, as expected.

According to him, the benchmark 91-day Treasury bill rate - now at 13.29% - should fall further to single digits by close of year. "If this forecast by the Bank of Ghana is anything to go by, then investors should be paying more attention to the stock market for higher gains and most of these stocks would be beneficiaries," he stated.

He therefore foresees that the current favourable showing of money market funds and balanced funds as compared to equity dominated funds will most likely change in favour of the latter.

Latest updates have quoted a year-to-date return .of 21.58% on the Mfund and 20.41 % on the HFC Unit Trust, both money market funds.

Bright Quaye, also a researcher at GCS, advised investors in mutual funds and unit trusts not to de-invest too quickly at this time because fund managers are experts who are able to take far more informed decisions on their investments than they can do on their own as small fund holders.

"Fund managers are able to diversify their investments on the capital market, which helps to reduce the risk on investments to the barest minimum. As small fund holders, they may not be able to invest in blue chip stocks that earn very high returns, but buying into a mutual fund is an avenue to do so," Bright cautioned.


Source: B&FT

Ghana is in search of banks with excellent records - Prez Mills

President John Evans Atta Mills on Tuesday invited banks with excellent track records and experience to assist in the development of Ghana's oil industry.

He welcomed investors with sound credentials and re-emphasized that government would get everybody on board in the development of the country's emerging oil industry.

President Mills gave the invitation when Mr Peter Sands, Group Chief Executive Officer of Stanchart Bank, who is in the country to assess the performance of the bank, paid a courtesy call on him at the Osu Castle in Accra.

President Mills stressed that government would ensure that the best practices would be followed in the oil industry.

He said government had also put in mechanisms to ensure that there was transparency and sound management of oil proceeds so that the benefits would be felt by all.

President Mills assured the banking and investor community of government's support so that together they would work to overcome the challenges of the industry for mutual benefit.

Mr Sands said Ghana was a very important country for Stanchart and applauded the Government of Ghana in its efforts towards the development of the economy.

He said such sound economic management was what informed Stanchart's choice of Ghana as one of the countries in West Africa to operate.

Mr Sands presented a book on the history on the operations Stanchart to President Mills.


Source: GNA

Ghana is 53-Years-Old Today

Ghana before Independence on March 6,1957 was called Gold Coast. The earliest Europeans to arrive here were the Portuguese in the 15th Century. On their arrival, they found so much gold between the River Ankobra and the Volta and subsequently named it “da Mina”, meaning The Mine. In 1482, the first castle was built in the Gold Coast by the Portuguese at Elmina. This was built to enhance their trading activities especially gold and slavery.

By 1598, the Dutch were in the Gold Coast to also trade. They built forts along the coastal areas notable among them being the Komenda fort. In 1637, they captured the Elmina castle from the Portuguese and that of Axim (Fort St. Anthony) in 1642.

Many other European traders came to the Gold Coast to trade. These included the British, Danes and Swedes. These European traders built several forts along our coastlines. In 1872, the Dutch lost interest in the coast and ceded their forts free to the British. Thus ended a period of Dutch occupation lasting 274 years. By 1874, the British were the only Europeans in the Gold Coast and thus made it a crown colony. This in effect gave them total control.

The British government established their headquarters at Cape Coast Castle. This had been their headquarters since 1662 and is one of the greatest historical sites in the country. It has numerous dungeons which were used to keep slaves before being transported to the Diaspora.

There had been many wars fought between the people of the Gold Coast and the British over governance. In 1874, an army under Sir Garnet Wolseley crossed the Pra River into the Asante territory. The Ghanaians referred to this War as the “Sagrenti War” because they could not pronounce Sir Garnet’s name correctly. The British force, this time proved too strong for the Asante who, after a long and brave fighting, agreed to sign a peace treaty at Fomena. At about the same time the British defeated the Anlo people in the Volta area. On the 12th of September, 1874, the whole of Southern Ghana including Anloland became a British colony. The Capital was removed from Cape Coast to Accra two years later.

After the Second World War (1939-1945), things began to change in the then Gold Coast. The discrimination against educated Ghanaians in the civil service was on the increase and high positions were reserved for whitemen while Ghanaians became hewers of wood and drawers of water. The European and Asian firms were also seriously exploiting the Africans. The Ex-servicemen (Ghanaian soldiers who fought in the World War), helped in another way to expose the weakness of the British. They realized that they performed better than the whites on the battlefield. These Ex-servicemen again saw the struggle for independence in India and Burma where most of them went to fight. They were therefore inspired to struggle against the same British in Ghana after the their return from the war.

The first political party was formed in August 1947 by Paa Grant, Dr. J.B Danquah and others. It was named the United Gold Coast Convention (U.G.C.C). Its slogan was “Self government within the shortest possible time”. The U.G.C.C. therefore invited Dr. Kwame Nkrumah home from his studies to become the full-time General Secretary of the Party. The U.G.C.C. had earlier on criticized the Burns Constitution of 1946 introduced by Sir Allan Burns who was governor by then.

In January 1948, Nii Kwabena Bonne III, a Ga Chief organized a general boycott of all European imports. A series of riots followed the boycott in early February, 1948. The last straw that broke the camel’s back was the famous February 28, 1948 incident. A batch of unarmed Ex-servicemen marched to the Christiansborg Castle on that day to submit a petition to the Governor about their poor conditions. Superintendent Imray, a white police officer, ordered the policemen at the castle to shoot. When the police refused to do so, Imray himself opened fire on the unarmed soldiers at the Christiansborg crossroad. Three of the leaders namely; Sergeant Adjetey, Private Odartey Lamptey and Corporal Attipoe fell dead. Thereafter, riots broke out in Accra. European and Asian stores were looted by the angry mob. The rioters forced open the Central Prison and set free its inmates.

After the riots, the Nationalist leaders in Ghana sent a strong worded cable to the Secretary of State in London. They blamed the Governor, Sir Gerald Creasy, greatly. They called him “Crazy Creasy” because he had failed to handle the problems facing the country. The Secretary of State however blamed the Nationalist leaders for being responsible for the disturbances in the country. Consequently, six of the leading nationalist were arrested and detained. They were popularly referred to as the BIG SIX. These leaders were Dr. J.B Danquah, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Obetsebi Lamptey, Akuffo Addo, William Ofori Atta and Ako Adjei.

The U.G.C.C. which awakened fervent national consciousness in the Gold Coast was what might be described as a liberal group with its slogan of “Self-government in the shortest possible time.” This attitude did not please Nkrumah who wanted “Self-government Now”.

Following disagreement of ideologies, Kwame Nkrumah left the U.G.C.C. and formed a more radical and nationalist party – Convention People’s Party (C.P.P) on June 12th, 1949 with its motto “self-government now”. He was joined by Kojo Botsio, K.A Gbedemah and others.

On 9th January, 1950 the C.P.P organized a nation-wide boycott and strike for workers and the masses. The people refused to buy all British goods. Workers were warned not to cause any trouble. In the cause of the riots however, two policemen were shot dead. On January 21st 1950, Nkrumah and other leading C.P.P members including Kojo Botsio and K.A. Gbedemah were imprisoned at the James Fort Prison, Accra, on charges arising from pursuing what was termed as “Positive Action” against the Government. The imprisonment of Nkrumah made him a hero and martyr in the eyes of the people.

In 1951, the pace was set for general elections. Dr Kwame Nkrumah was in prison when the elections were conducted. He overwhelmingly won the elections and was released by the then Governor, Sir Charles Noble Arden-Clark to head the new government. This however became the British Colony’s first African government. In March 1952, Kwame Nkrumah was designated Prime Minister. He was to appoint a cabinet, which was not to be responsible to the Governor but the Assembly.

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in June 1953 submitted proposals for a new constitution. It was upon those that the April 1954 constitution was introduced making the country virtually self-governing. This new constitution provided for an All-African cabinet from an enlarged legislature. A general election followed in June 1954 from which the C.P.P won 79 out of the 104 seats of the National Assembly.

In 1956, another election was held in response to a pledge by the British Secretary of State for the colonies that if the newly elected legislature, by a reasonable majority, passed a resolution calling for independence; a firm date for the changeover would be announced. C.P.P won 71 out of the 104 contested seats. The British Mandated Togoland also held a plebiscite to join the Gold Coast.

This action opened the way for Ghana’s Independence and on 6th March, 1957, the curtain was drawn on the old order. The country emerged as the first country in Africa, South of the Sahara to regain independence from colonial rule. A new chapter was opened in the history of Ghana. On the eve of Ghana’s independence, Dr Kwame Nkrumah (then Prime Minister) proclaimed at the old Polo Grounds in Accra: “ At long last, the battle has ended and Ghana, our beloved country is free forever.” The nation however became a republic on 1st July, 1960 with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah becoming the first President.

President Mills reshuffles Ministers-Full Statement

President John Evans Atta Mills on Monday reshuffled his Cabinet. A statement from the Office of the President on Monday signed by Mr. Mahama Ayariga, Presidential Spokesperson said Mr. Martin Amidu, had been appointed Minister-designate for the Interior; Mr. John Tia replaces Mrs. Zita Okai-Koi as Minister-designate for Information, whilst Mrs. Okai-Koi becomes the new Minister for Tourism.

Mr. Enoch Teye Mensah as Minister-designate for Employment and Social Welfare, whilst Mr. Stephen Amoanor Kwao moves to the Office of the President as Minister of State and Mr. Alban S.K. Bagbin, Majority Leader replaces Mr. Albert Abongo as Minister-designate for Water Resources, Works and Housing. Others are Mrs. Juliana Azumah-Mensah, Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs.

Ms Akua Sena Dansua becomes the new Minister for Youth and Sports; Mr. Moses Magbenba replaces Mr. S.S. Nanyina as Northern Regional Minister-designate; Mr. John Gyetuah, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry moves to the Office of the President as Minister of State-designate and Mr. Mahama Ayariga, Deputy Minister-designate for Trade and Industry.

Mr. Inusah Abdulai Fuseini replaces Dr. Kwabena Donkor as Deputy Minister-designate for Energy; Mr. Nasamu Asabigi, Deputy Minister-designate for the Northern Region. The statement said Mr. Cletus Avoka, former Minister of the Interior
and Mr. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, former Minister of Youth and Sports are to be re-assigned whilst Alhaji Iddi Saani is to be replaced as Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing.

HAITI IN RUINS-PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN

Port-au-Prince, Haiti (CNN) -- International aid groups were feverishly trying to get supplies into quake-ravaged Haiti on Thursday to prevent the situation from going from "dire to absolutely catastrophic."

The search-and-rescue efforts are the top priority.

"The ability to get people out of that rubble is paramount," said Jonathan Aiken, a spokesman for the American Red Cross. "You have a very limited time to accomplish that before people die and before you start to get into issues of diseases."

Behind the scenes, a massive coordination effort involving dozens of aid groups, the Haitian government, the United Nations and the U.S. military was under way to get food, water, tents and other supplies to survivors of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake.

Ian Rodgers, a senior emergency adviser for Save the Children, said aid efforts were at a "tipping point."

"People are without water; children are without food and without shelter," he said. "What we will see with the lack of water is the possibility of diarrheal diseases and, of course, that can kill children in a matter of hours if not tended to appropriately.

"It is very possible," Rodgers said, "that the situation can go from dire to absolutely catastrophic if we don't get enough food, medicine and work with children and their families to help them."
In the United States, President Obama promised the people of Haiti that "you will not be forsaken."

"Today, you must know that help is arriving," Obama said.

Precise casualty estimates were impossible to determine. Haitian President Rene Preval said Wednesday that he had heard estimates of up to 50,000 dead but that it was too early to know for sure. The Haitian prime minister said he worries that several hundred thousand people were killed.

The country's infrastructure has been devastated, the scope of the calamity enormous. "The government personnel that would normally lead these types of responses, they themselves have been affected," Rodgers said.

The Haitian government stopped accepting flights Thursday because ramp space at the airport in the capital city, Port-au-Prince, was saturated and no fuel was available, said Federal Aviation Adminstration spokeswoman Laura Brown.

Meanwhile, the pier used for delivery of cargo to Port-au-Prince was "completely compromised" by Tuesday's earthquake, said CNN's Eric Marrapodi. Three ships filled with medical supplies, food, clothing and water were turned away, he said. Roads leading into the city from the dock were bucked about 5 feet high by the earthquake, he said.

Relief agencies are focusing on food, shelter, medical care and communications, all of which will help establish a sense of security, Aiken said. "The people will at least know that the world is paying attention to them."

Supplies and security

A bottleneck of supplies has built up while authorities have tried to get Haiti's main airport functioning. Rubble-strewn roads, downed trees and a battered communications network have hampered humanitarian efforts. Aftershocks continue to jolt the region, causing further fear and panic among residents.

"We're going to have to wait for this pipeline of aid coming in from various places around the world to be set up and put into full gear before Haitians can get all the help that they need," Aiken said. "You're going to start seeing some progress on that today."

While planes were able to bring in the first round of supplies, the question became, Aiken said, "how do you get it to the folks who need it?"

Impact Your World: How you can help

Haiti isn't accustomed to quakes and doesn't have the heavy equipment or specialized machinery to help clear the rubble, Aiken said. Aid groups and government agencies are coordinating to get the equipment in.

"It's basically a matter of clearing out the rubble, making sure that areas are workable, that you have security that can protect these supplies and that you have security in place to help people," Aiken said.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said a contingent of 2,000 U.S. Marines will help the international peacekeeping and police force established after the 2004 ouster of then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

"We'll try to support them as they re-establish authority," Clinton said.

The American Red Cross emptied a warehouse in Panama that had been filled with everything from cooking kits to toiletries to medical supplies and tents. That load of supplies is likely to make it into Haiti on Thursday, Aiken said. "Our effort is immediate relief and supplies."

"The needs are overwhelming at this point in time," Rodgers said. "We are going to be doing our best to respond to that, but obviously that's a big task at hand."

Medical emergency

Hospitals in Port-au-Prince have collapsed, and the few facilities still open can't handle the needs of the injured. The United States and other countries were dispatching medical supplies, facilities and personnel. People who suffered broken bones from falling debris have been unable to get treatment; there's simply too many of them.

"We need medical help," Haitian President Rene Preval said. "Some of the hospitals, they collapsed. The hospitals, they are full, and they put people in the outside."

SOURCE:- cnn

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION PRESS STATEMENT

Government mourns Courage Quashigah Government has expressed deep shock at news of the sudden demise of former Minister for Health Major Courage Quashigah (Rtd) on Tuesday. A statement signed by the Minister for Information, Zita Okaikoi said government wishes to convey its condolences on behalf of Ghanaians to the family of the former Minister. “We are saddened by this disturbing news, coming just days after the country lost the Founder and Leader of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP).” The statement recognized Major Quashigah’s contributions, both as a military officer and politician, to the development of the country.


Hon. Zita OKAIKOI (Mrs.) MINISTER FOR INFORMATION ACCRA