Adjua (W/R), Oct 16, GNA – Dr. Kofi Sutherland, District Health Director of Ahanta West, has said research had shown that diarrheal diseases could be avoided when people wash their hands with soap regularly. He said research conducted in the United Kingdom showed that people who used credit cards and physical money were at a higher risk of contracting diseases due to transfer of micro-organisms from one source of transaction to the other. Dr Sutherland said in Ghana, hand shake at funerals and other social gatherings, handling of mobile phones, changing of children diapers and visiting places of convenience without washing the hands with soap and running water was a sure way of transmitting diseases. He said this on Monday at the celebration of Global Hand washing Day celeb at Adjua in the Ahanta West District under the theme: “Five Years of Global Hand washing: Going beyond the Fifth Birthday of Children”. He said last year, for instance, there was a cholera outbreak in the district simply because an individual failed to wash his hand with soap and water after using the lavatory and rather dipped it in the well that provided the whole community with  water.   This, Dr Sutherland said, prompted organizers of the Regional celebration to take the event to the district to sensitize them on the need for proper hand washing using soap and water. Mr. Joseph Jonah, Chief Engineer at the Regional Office of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency said the “Truly Clean Hands” campaign to motivate mothers and caregivers of children under five has yielded some results over the years and stressed the need for the gains to be consolidated. He said the Day in Ghana sought to raise awareness on the link between proper hand washing with soap and the prevention of diarrheal and respiratory infections as well as preventing the spread of cholera. Mr. Joseph Dofoyenah, District Chief Executive of Ahanta West, called for sustainable education programmes aimed at reminding the citizenry of the need to keep a clean environment and observe good hygiene. “We need to adopt a new paradigm shift in attitudinal change in the management of our daily lives. Let us encourage each other to practice hand washing with soap,” he said.     GNA ...

  Bimbilla (N/R), Oct. 16, GNA – Some girls in the Nanumba North District have appealed to public officials, especially the District Assembly, to enact bye-laws that would compel communities to create a violence free environment for the full development and progression of the girl-child. The girls also urged the government to ensure the full implementation of all laws that seek to protect the rights and interest of women and girls so they could freely participate in daily activities in their communities without violence and distraction. Representatives of 13 girls clubs in the Nanumba North District made these demands in Bimbilla in the Nanumba North District when they met stakeholders to discuss issues affecting their development. The occasion was part of activities to mark the International Day of the Girl-Child under the theme; “Stop child marriage now: girls have right in education”. Madam Lamnatu Adam, Songtaba Coordinator, said Stop Violence Against Girls Project was creating space for girls to develop their skills and confidence in order to resist and challenge violence so they could stay in school and enjoy their educational rights. She said the celebration of the day had brought to light issues girls in the Nanumba area were facing especially early marriage, teenage pregnancy and girls’ maintenance and added that most parents were irresponsible in the area. She said when the African Child Day was celebrated the girls demanded among others that the District Assembly should institute incentive packages that would encourage enrolment and motivation for girls in school. They also appealed to traditional authorities to bring to book parents and families that engage in child marriages and victims of defilement and make subsequent follow up for their prosecution with police. Madam Adam appealed to the government to build the capacities of Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, CHRAJ, Social Welfare Department, and other relevant institutions to deal appropriately with cases of rape, defilement, child marriage and neglect.     Mr. Iddi Seidu, the Deputy Coordinating Director for the Nanumba North District, said the Assembly had reached consensus on the need to pass the law and added “issues on girls rights violations are being captured to be included in the general bye-laws that the assembly is developing.” He said passing the law was not enough but the girls needed to work on their attitudes’ and report cases of violence to the appropriate institutions for redress. Mr. Patrick Afulani, the District Director of Education in Nanumba North District, appealed to teachers to respect the rights of pupils and avoid corporal punishment and appealed to girls to report any violation or abuse on them to the appropriate authorities.     GNA ...

  Accra, Oct. 16, GNA – Mr Kojo Yankah, West Africa Area Developer for Crestcom International said on Monday that Africa needs results-oriented and skill-minded managers to develop and manage businesses and make them successful.     He said Africa was well equipped with intellectuals to handle businesses but it was important to train them to acquire the needed skills that would help transform their businesses to make them attractive.    “When it comes to intellectuals, Africa has them in abundance but with people with the right skills to manage business successfully we are way behind”, Mr Yankah stated in Accra.    Introducing Crestcom International’s Bullet Proof Manager Training Program to stakeholders, including Chief Executive Officers, Human Resource Directors, and Managers, Mr Yankah explained that the programme provided opportunities for managers to exchange ideas.     He noted that in order to manage resources well it was important to give managers the desirable skills, saying managing a company was not that easy since it was associated with appropriate skills that would make it successful.     Mr Yankah said since the training begun, it had had remarkable successes by making a difference in the career development of hundreds of managers in both the public and private sector.    He said the programme had also attracted participants from the banking and non-banking financial organizations found in manufacturing, hospitality and oil industries.     Mr Charles Parsons, Vice President, Business Development for Africa, said Crestcom International was globally represented in more than 50 countries and the Bullet Proof Manager Training was translated in 25 international languages.     He said the programme had helped in transforming the way businesses were done all over the world, adding that over the past 20 years more than 66 per cent of most admired companies had participated in the training as well as other firms of all sizes and fields from around the world.     Mr Parsons said the 12 months training dealt with broad-based management and leadership training and gave managers the full potential to transform lives, serve clients appropriately, and increase retention.     He said the training focused on sales, recruiting, customer service, and management skills development and it was a unique combination of live and video instruction, which emphasized on involvement, participatory teamwork and leadership development.     “Following the training sessions, participants return to work, and are encouraged to integrate what they had learnt with their business objectives, and application methodology, ensuring and driving real results through their companies”, he added.   GNA ...

Accra, Oct 16, GNA - A ten-member Friends of UNFPA delegation from the United States is in the country to acquaint itself with issues confronting women and families and how UNFPA responses support them.   Friends of UNFPA is a US based non-profit organization that advances UNFPA’s global effort by mobilizing funds and action for life saving work by the Fund. The visit to Ghana forms part of the organisation’s annual visit to field offices.   The delegation, which arrived in the country on October 13th, will spend seven working days and will be visiting selected health facilities in Greater Accra, Northern, Upper East and the Central Regions supported under the UNFPA’s fifth Country Programme (2006-2011).   The visiting team paid a courtesy call on the former First Lady, Dr Ernestina Naadu Mills in her office, and commended her courage in championing the course of reducing maternal mortality in Ghana.   Ms Peggy Godwin, leader of the delegation said they had acknowledged the hard work of the former First Lady and urged her on to continue with her dream.   Dr Naadu Mills, in 2010, embarked on a campaign of the nation in the Upper East Regional capital Bolgatanga, to vigorously fight maternal mortality across all corners of the country.   The campaign dubbed ‘Campaign for Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA)’ focused on harnessing all resources possible to end the unfortunate manner women in developing countries particularly Ghana, lost their lives during child birth, as well as increase the awareness on the need for the adoption of anti-natal, delivery and post-natal care by professionals.   The former First lady expressed worry about the fact that most maternal mortality cases recorded were in the very deprived and remote parts of the country.   She said it was unacceptable for any woman to meet her untimely death in the process of giving birth to another life, adding, “the maternal mortality rate is too high and we need to work harder to reduce it in order to meet the MDG 5 by 2015”.   She expressed worry about the frequent strikes embarked on by medical doctors, which sometimes resulted in pregnant women dying and called on all and sundry to assist in diverse ways to make the dream of reducing maternal deaths a reality.   Dr Bernard Coquelin, UNFPA Representative to Ghana commended the former First Lady for her commitment exhibited and said, “The positive impact and results are there for all”.   The delegation and the former First Lady exchanged gifts.   The delegation earlier in the day held a meeting with staff of the UNFPA, Ghana, where they were briefed by the staff on the various areas where UNFPA has offered assistance both financial and technical in key programme interventions.   Some of the areas that UNFPA offers assistance include maternal health, adolescent and youth, Gender and Reproductive Rights, Humanitarian assistance, data for Development & Population Dynamics.       GNA...

Accra, Oct. 16, GNA – Mr Kojo Yankah, West Africa Area Developer for Crestcom International said on Monday that Africa needs results-oriented and skill-minded managers to develop and manage businesses and make them successful.   He said Africa was well equipped with intellectuals to handle businesses but it was important to train them to acquire the needed skills that would help transform their businesses to make them attractive.   “When it comes to intellectuals, Africa has them in abundance but with people with the right skills to manage business successfully we are way behind”, Mr Yankah stated in Accra.   Introducing Crestcom International’s Bullet Proof Manager Training Program to stakeholders, including Chief Executive Officers, Human Resource Directors, and Managers, Mr Yankah explained that the programme provided opportunities for managers to exchange ideas.   He noted that in order to manage resources well it was important to give managers the desirable skills, saying managing a company was not that easy since it was associated with appropriate skills that would make it successful.   Mr Yankah said since the training begun, it had had remarkable successes by making a difference in the career development of hundreds of managers in both the public and private sector.   He said the programme had also attracted participants from the banking and non-banking financial organizations found in manufacturing, hospitality and oil industries.   Mr Charles Parsons, Vice President, Business Development for Africa, said Crestcom International was globally represented in more than 50 countries and the Bullet Proof Manager Training was translated in 25 international languages.   He said the programme had helped in transforming the way businesses were done all over the world, adding that over the past 20 years more than 66 per cent of most admired companies had participated in the training as well as other firms of all sizes and fields from around the world.   Mr Parsons said the 12 months training dealt with broad-based management and leadership training and gave managers the full potential to transform lives, serve clients appropriately, and increase retention.   He said the training focused on sales, recruiting, customer service, and management skills development and it was a unique combination of live and video instruction, Which emphasized on involvement, participatory teamwork and leadership development.   “Following the training sessions, participants return to work, and are encouraged to integrate what they had learnt with their business objectives, and application methodology, ensuring and driving real results through their companies”, he added.     GNA    ...

Accra, Oct 16, GNA - The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS in collaboration with UNDP on Tuesday opened a five-day conference to deliberate on the role the court could play to entrench and promote human rights and democracy in the sub-region.   The conference would also help the participating judges and jurists to explore more ways in arbitrating electoral conflicts should they occur within the member states.   The conference on the theme: “Human Rights, Democracy and Good Governance: Role of the ECOWAS Court of Justice”, is being attended by legal and judicial practitioners from ECOWAS institutions, other regional courts and some international partners.   Justice Anwa Nana Daboya, President, Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, said many states within the sub-region have made significant gains in the adoption of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights.   “There is also the will of various states and governments to support and hold fast onto democracy which most of the people have embraced”, she said.   She expressed unhappiness over some of the excesses characterizing the election processes of some member countries where ballot boxes have been snatched and politicians, who having lost elections, still find some excuses to stay in power, resulting in conflicts.   Ms Daboya said the conference would lead to the delivering of a communiqué after the various presentations and discussions to help strengthen institutions and entrenched democracy.   Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, in speech read on his behalf, said in spite of the good record of human rights issues and democracy in Ghana, the country’s democratic experiment was still young and faced challenges like any other developing country.   He said the upcoming December elections particularly, presents a huge challenge to Ghana since the whole world was looking up to the country to “once again demonstrate its ability to elect its leaders in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.     He reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring free, fair and transparent elections in December.   Mr Justice William Atugubah, Acting Chief Justice who represented the Chief Justice Theodora Wood, said the track record of the ECOWAS Court of Justice made it imperative on the court to play a role in matters of electoral disputes.   He said the Court could also take up issues of crimes against humanity and give it the necessary jurisdiction within Africa instead of taking those crimes to other courts outside Africa.   Mr Felix Ye, Head of Democracy and good Governance Unit, UNDP Regional Office in Dakar, said despite the efforts by various African governments towards good governance and democracy, no African President was able to win this year’s Mo Ibrahim award on good governance and democracy.   The yearly award is given to immediate past president of an African state for his or her efforts towards issues of human rights, good governance and democracy.   Mr Ye said nine out of 15 states of ECOWAS had ratified the protocol on trans-border corruption and urged others to do same to ensure transparency within the sub-region.     GNA...

Accra, Oct. 15, GNA- The Chiefs and people of  Akwamu  would  hold  a home coming event dubbed ,”Akwanu Nhyiamu Kese”, from 2nd November to 11th  November, 2012 at Akwamufie, in the Eastern Region.   Speaking at a press launch, Mr Godfred Akyea-Darkwa on behalf of the planning committee, said that Akwamu state under his new leadership was organizing the homecoming event to host sons and daughters of Akwamu, home and abroad to m reason in unity on how best they can revive the state.   According to him, under the leadership of Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, the new paramount chief, the Akwamu State, which was in hibernation for about 20 years, has been united and connected to strategic social and business partners and now poised for development.   “There have been a lot of discoveries, Alluvial Gold, Limestone deposits, and a strategic Real Estate Investor was also coming up with modern and state of the art buildings on a 2000 acre land”, he said.   Nana Semanhyia, Gyasewaa Hene of Akwamufie, said that Akwamu state, the citadel of Akan history had unadulterated customs, history which Ghanaians could learn.   “Queenmother Nana Afrakoma II and all chief, elders, planning committee members and the people of Akwamu have agreed to come together to celebrate this  Nhyiamu Kese, first of its kind in 20 years.”   Madam Gifty Ofei, a member of the planning committee, called on women to educate their children on Akwamu history to help revive the state in unity through reconciliation.     GNA...

Amoada, (W/R), Oct. 16, GNA - The Wassa Fiase Students Union chapter of the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, has donated learning materials to the Amoanda District Assembly Primary and Junior High School in the Prestea Huni Valley District at a cost of GH¢ 700.   The donation, which was made in collaboration with Prestea Sankofa Gold Limited, includes mathematical Sets, exercise books and pens, among others.   The President of the union, Mr. Ebenezer Mensah, who presented the items, said the donation is to enhance the level of education in the school.   He urged the pupils to stay away from illegal mining and focus on their education, because that is the only channel through which they can improve upon their standard of living.   Mr. Mensah appealed to parents to let the education of their children be their number one priority, since it is the only legacy they can leave for their children.   The Headmaster of the school, Mr. Appiah Takyie thanked members of the union, for their kind gesture and called on the Prestea Huni Valley district assembly to provide dual desks and construct a classroom block for the school.     GNA...

Bawku (UE), Oct.15, GNA- A seven member Municipal Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee (MIACC) was inaugurated at the weekend in the Bawku  Municipality to ensure good sanitation in the area.   The members are representatives of the Community Development Agency, Ghana Health Service, the Red Cross, and the Municipal Assembly, the Community Water and Sanitation Agency Ghana Education Service and Ministry of Food and Agriculture.   The committee had been charged to ensure the running of a programme dubbed, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) which is to ensure the provision of potable water, clean environment and the promotion of environmental hygiene in the area.   Mr. Dramani Imurana, Assistant Director in charge of human resource of the assembly, who chaired the committee on behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Abduliah Musah, noted that the area was overwhelmed with poor sanitation and that it is about time clean up and promote good health.   He explained that environmental health was a major priority to the assembly and that it was committed to ensuring the promotion of good sanitation in the area for the wellbeing of the people.   Mr. Emmanuel Nyaaba, Municipal Environmental Health and Sanitation Officer,  lamented on the challenges facing the environmental health sector which include poor supply of fuel for vehicles to help dispose of waste, and the lack of other logistics to manage waste in the area.   He said as a result of the conflict in the area, no development partner such as non-governmental organizations (NGO) interested in sanitation were prepared to come to the area to assist and appealed for support     GNA...

Tarkwa, Oct. 16, GNA - The council of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, has installed Professor Jerry Samuel Kuma as the new vice chancellor of the university.      The former Pro Vice Chancellor, who had served in several positions at the University for twenty seven years, is succeeding the immediate past vice chancellor professor Daniel Mireku Gyimah, whose eight year term of office ended on October 15, 2012.      The ceremony to install Professor Kuma was attended by the Omanhene of the Wassa Fiase Traditional area, Osagyefo Dr. Kwamena Enimil VI, members of the University council, the Municipal Chief Executive Officer of Tarkwa Nsueam, Mrs. Christina Kobinah, vice chancellors of sister Universities, members of the mining fraternity, stakeholders, management and students of the University.   The Chairman of the University Council, Professor Bruce Banoeng-Yakubo said in accordance with the UMaT, Tarkwa Act 2004, Act 677 and the provisions of the statutes, council, at its 39th meeting in September this year approved the recommendations of a search committee and appointed Mr. Kuma as the second Vice Chancellor with effect from October 16. He therefore appealed to the principal officers, deans, heads of department and all others to offer the new chancellor the needed support.      He said in November 2004, the University was established by an Act of Parliament Act (677) and that since then the authorities of the University have endeavored to put the administrative, academic and financial structures of the institution into workable system and to nurse a culture that supports the vision of the University to become a center of excellence for the training of professionals in mining and other related engineering programme.      Mr. Banoeng-Yakubo said having spearheaded the transformation of the then Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology school of mines to become the Western University College and thence to the UMaT, Mr. Gyimah, became the foundation vice chancellor in 2004 steered the affairs of the University.      The chairman said through the able leadership of Mr. Gyimah infrastructure has improved enormously and the number of programmes offered in the University has increased with corresponding increase in the number of academic, administrative and professional staff.      He said the former vice chancellor has earned lots of awards because of his hard work and will receive another award in November,an honorary doctorate degree by the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria for the contributions he has made to the mining industry and University education in Ghana, Africa and the world at large.       The immediate past vice chancellor, Mr. Daniel Mireku Gyimah expressed gratitude to members of the council and management of the University for their supportive leadership and commitment.      According to him, the University started with dilapidated lecture rooms and had no library, auditorium and hostel, but can now boast of a modern auditorium, well equipped laboratory, vice chancellors lodge and offices for all senior members.      Mr. Gyimah said the institution’s teaching staff has improved tremendously to 4 professors, 6 associate professors, 43 lectures, and 89 senior staffs.      The past vice chancellor thanked the government, mining companies and other stakeholders for their financial support as well as the traditional ruler of Wassa Fiase for donating a 26 kilometres of land to the University.      He entreated management of the University to give out their best to the new vice chancellor to ensure that he maintains the strong foundation they have built for the University.      Mr. Gyimah presented an emblem of the University to the authorities of the institution.      The new Vice Chancellor, Mr. Kuma in a brief address explained that he will increase infrastructural development, teacher to student radio and seek for more financial assistance to help execute extra developmental projects to meet the present population of 1,856 students.      Mr. Kuma also promised to put in measures that would enable the University to meet its target of 5,000 students with 40 percent of the total number been females.      The authorities of the University as a sign of gratitude unveiled a bust of the immediate past vice chancellor at the fore court of the University’s auditorium.     GNA...

Fiapre (B/A) Oct. 15, GNA – Professor James Hawkins Ephraim, Vice Chancellor, Catholic University College of Ghana (CUCG), on Saturday lauded the premium placed on education by politicians campaigning for the mandate of Ghanaians in the election 2012.          He said “investing in the right kind of education is considered a major vehicle for national development”, hence “some of us are very excited about the prominence given to education as the nation prepares for elections on December 7, 2012”.          Prof. Ephraim, who was addressing a joint seventh congregation and 15th matriculation of CUCG at Fiapre near Sunyani, however, stated that experts in education had cautioned the nation not to make education a “political football”.         The Vice Chancellor said “the pragmatic approach to the issue is for the country to decide on acceptable levels pertaining to access, quality and finance”.         He therefore proposed that Ghanaians asked the aspiring leaders of the nation the same questions “so that from their answers, the nation shall enhance her chances of finding the most suitable solution to our problems”.      Prof. Ephraim reiterated the CUCG remained committed to contributing her quota to the development of the country through the courses being offered as well as the provision of education and training “which enables the students to blend the acquired knowledge with their faith”..      The University graduated 57 students who had fulfilled all the stipulated requirements of the institution whilst it admitted 789 students to undertake various courses, increasing the current student population to 4,097.     The graduates successfully pursued Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in courses such as Public Health Management, Public Health Informatics, Public Health Education, Economics, Management, Computer Science, Banking and Finance, Mathematics with Finance and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Religious Studies.     GNA...

Accra, Oct. 16, GNA - Sheikh Yacoub Abban, General Secretary, Al Sunna Wa Jamaa, on Tuesday said the irresponsible attitude of some Ghanaians towards the environment was partly the cause of changes in rainfall and weather patterns being experienced these days.     "Today you can't discern or tell whether we are in the rainy season or in the dry season all because of climate change",he added.      He said this during an interview at the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) follow-up consultation on climate justice and sustainable peace in Africa and programmme for Christian - Muslim relations in Accra.      Speaking on the topic: Climate Change Reflection Based on the Quran, he said there was the need for human to conserve and preserve the earth's natural resources to ensure its sustenance for all other creatures.      The two day international interfaith conference, which opened on Tuesday, would seek among others things to discuss the role faith based organisations can play in climate change adaptation and mitigation; challenges faced by churches and mosques in climate mitigation and adaptation and to seek the extent the churches and mosques have been working on climate change mitigation and adaptation.      Sheikh Abban said the time was ripe for people to rethink their ways and attitude towards the environment to avoid bringing destruction upon themselves.      He said there was the urgent desire to mitigate the effects of climate change in order to forestall future dangers by minimising the effects of green house gas emission and the depletion of the forest vegetation.      Most Rev Dr Robert Aboagye - Mensah, AACC Vice-President for West Africa, said the AACC would mobilise and engage faith leaders in Africa to use their moral authority to communicate messages that not only gave hope to the affected and the vulnerable communities to take grass-root action on mitigation but also convince global leadership to be sensitive of the plight of climate change victims and accelerate action for mitigation.      Rev Godwin Osiakwa, Clerk of the General Assembly, Evangelical Presbyterian Church, said “the depletion of our immediate atmospheric cover has now reached alarming proportions and climate scientists have warned that if nothing is done to reduce the emission of these poisonous gases, all forms of life on earth will be adversely affected”.      He said climate change is a direct result of human activity due to global warming caused by increased amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.   “The tragic irony of it is that the countries which have done least to cause climate change are those that suffer, most from its impact,” he said.      Mr Oppong Kyekyeku, Chief Programme Officer, United Nations Framework on Climate Change, said there was the need for the judicious use of natural resources saying more needed to be done to reduce green house gas emission.      He said government was actively promoting afforestation programs in an effort to help address the climate change phenomenon.     GNA...

Tamale, Oct. 15, GNA - Wuni Zaligu Development Association (WUZDA), an NGO, on Monday presented a hand washing facility to Bamba International Complex Academy in Tamale as part of efforts to ensure a hygienic living amongst school pupils.   The presentation of the four water container facility, formed part of WUZDA's activities to commemorate this year's Global Hand Washing Day.   It also brings to 11, the number of basic schools which have benefited from WUZDA offers in the Tamale Metropolis.   The United Nations had set aside October 15, to be observed annually as the Global Hand Washing Day as part of efforts to attain the Millennium Development Goals (seven).   Mr Abdul Karim Ziblim, Programmes Manager of WUZDA, who made the presentation, encouraged pupils to inculcate the habit of regularly washing their hands to stay healthy.   He said a hygienic lifestyle would ensure poverty reduction since individuals would not fall sick and spend resources to seek treatment.   Imam Amin Bamba, Director of Bamba International Complex Academy, who received the items, underscored the importance of cleanliness saying it was necessary for effective human development.   He said the facility would enhance the health of the pupils as it would help to prevent diseases.   Imam Bamba stressed the need for the pupils to wash their hands before and after break periods as well as after visiting the wash room.     GNA...

Tamale, Oct. 16, GNA - ActionAid Ghana has expressed concern about the continues acquisition and grabbing of agricultural lands by multinational companies saying such acts was denying the smallholder farmer of farmlands with a consequence of increasing food insecurity in the country.   It has therefore called on the government to establish legally enforceable regulatory framework that would protect communities from land grabbing and save guard security tenure for women and communities to sustain right to food and livelihood.   Madam Queronica Quarley Quartey, the Right to Food and Climate Change Policy Advisor to ActionAid raised these concerns in Tamale on Tuesday during an interactive forum on land grabbing in commemoration of World Food Day.   The event is being celebrated globally under the theme; “Land grabbing is a threat to food security and rural livelihood: give women farmers secured land”.   The participants of the forum, mostly farmers, were drawn from various parts of the country.       Madam Quartey explained that the land acquisition often involve long-term transfer of land user rights and sometimes ownership from communities to investors resulting in the loss of cultural heritage, saying that, domestic responses should involve strengthening transparent, accountable and accessible national land governance to protect agricultural lands.   She said many thousands of hectares of the country’s lands has for the past few years been acquired by both local and international companies rendering farmers inaccessible to lands for agricultural purposes, cautioning that, if the trend was not halted, the country could face serious food crisis.   She observed that a larger chunk of the lands in the country have been acquired for bio-fuel and jatropha projects, projects she said does not auger well for food production.    Mr. William K. Boakye, Acting Programme Manager of ActionAid said women and smallholder farmers need to be acknowledged for their immense contribution to food security and availability and must be assisted by government to increase production.   “To ensure that farmers contribute their quota to the development of this nation, we must acknowledge their challenges in accessing productive resources and support them….land is one of the most important resources for farmers”, he said.   Mr. Boakye called on the need to secure farm lands for agricultural purposes in the face of rapid urbanization and development to protecting land tenure for individuals and communities and external land investment.   Mr. Bakari Sadiq Nyari, a resource person noted that the country’s lands have been captured in the constitution, placing the individual and the institutions mandated by law to be the sole protectors of the lands in the country, adding that, the constitution gives sovereignty to individuals over their properties.   He called on the government and chiefs to hold lands in their trust in the interest of the people such that they could accrue the benefit of it.     GNA...

Accra, Oct. 15, GNA – An African Delegation would participate in the EmPeace LABS 2012 International Leadership Training Programme from 18th to 26th October, 2012 Jalgaon, India.                              The theme for this year’s Programme is: “Empowerment for Peace through Leadership in Agribusiness and Sustainability; Eradicating Poverty in Rural Areas”.   A statement issued in Accra by Cordie Aziz Member, Executive team University Community Partnership for Social Action Research Network (UCP-SARnet), said it will bring young leaders from around the world to co-design and implement pilot projects that would leverage local natural and human resources in building sustainable communities.   It said Mr Tsonam Cleanse Akpeloo, UCP-SARnet Regional Representative for Ghana, who is also the UCP-SARnet head for Africa, would be leading the African delegation.   The workshop would explore the historical depth and current relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's concept of peace through leadership.   It would also provided assistance and mentoring in implementation of knowledge and skills acquired during the training, as well as in planning and organization of subsequent trainings at a local level.   The statement said through the mutual exchange of ideas and professionally supported mentoring relationships with local and global researchers, innovators, and practitioners, it would build a network of support for young community leaders to make a positive difference in their communities.   It said it would help the young leaders to ultimately contribute to the realization of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and ensuring a more peaceful and stable future.   The leader of the delegation, who is also the winner of the prestigious young entrepreneur of the year award, is expected to make a strong case for Africa.   He would be speaking on issues on using technology to promote sustainable development in areas of Agri-business, water resource management and entrepreneurship.   The delegation comprised of National heads of UCP-SARnet in over 20 African countries and other leaders from the continent.   The training programme organized by Arizona State University in partnership with Gandhi Research Foundation, Jain Irrigation Systems limited and the Center For Community Based Research (USA) would be attended by young leaders from every continent of the world,  working towards the achievements of the MDGs by 2015.      UCP-SARnet is dedicated to the education of the next generation of community leaders by compiling and housing an interactive on-line library of resources and facilitating cross-sector collaborations, networking and multicultural dialogues.     GNA...

Tema, Oct. 16, GNA – Three pupils of Tema Parents Association School in Community 6 who excelled in an Essay Competition organised by PZ to mark the Global Hand Washing Day, were yesterday presented with their prizes at a ceremony in the School.   Nine-year-old Maame Ohenewaa Baah, a Class Four pupil placed first with Michael Mitchell, 10, of Class Five and Sena Mensah, 8, of Class Three emerging as the first and second runners-up respectively.   For their prizes, each award winner received a certificate and some products from the company.   Speaking at the function, Mr Eben Akyeampong, Brand Manager of PZ, said Global Hand Washing Day which falls on October 15 of every year, is a public/private partnership to help promote healthy lifestyles.   He said the Day was instituted in 2001 to give families, schools and communities in developing countries the power to reduce and prevent the incidence of diarrhoea and respiratory infections by supporting the promotion and practice of proper hand washing with soap.   He said the public/private partnership is basically to promote hand washing with soap as hygiene, good sanitation and water are recognised as pillars needed for a healthy lifestyle.   Mr Akyeampong said Carex, a sanitizer product of the company, is the biggest and most recognised hand care soap used in the UK and several other countries in the world.   He said Carex kills all germs faster than other brands on the market leaving the hand smelling nice several hours after use.   Mr Kwaku Agyekum, Headmaster of the School, thanked PZ for celebrating the Day with the pupils and pledged the school’s preparedness to ensure that the pupils observe sound hygienic practices to help keep them healthy and strong at all times.     GNA...

Accra, Oct. 15, GNA – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Monday expressed its commitment to the development and improvement of living standards of Ghanaians.   To this end, Mr Kamil Kamaluddeen, UNDP Country Director, said pragmatic measures have been instituted to support government’s effort to improve the lives of the citizenry.   “As Ghana builds its own development solutions, UNDP provides ideas for strategic development projects and capacity building in support of continued efforts to eradicate pockets of extreme poverty, improve gender equality, reverse the spread of HIV and AIDS, promote and protect human rights and enhance environmental management”, he said.   The UN Development Assistance Framework action plan 2012 -2016, launched earlier this year, seeks to invest 470 million dollars in resource towards Ghana’s development agenda for the next five years.   Mr Kamaluddeen made this known during a media briefing to mark UNDP Media Day in Accra.   He assured UNDP’s support to media saying, “I believe they represent a crucial pillar to foster democracy and contribute to the sustainable development of the nation as a whole.   He said UNDP was a reliable partner to every nation to drive and sustain development and improve the quality of life of people.   “On the ground in177 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations”, he said.   He said UNDP had launched four new Information Communication Technology centres in decentralized areas of the country to provide internet access to inhabitants of most deprived areas.   Ms Ruby Sandhu- Rojon, United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, said all the agencies under the UN umbrella worked as “one UN” to deliver a common objective of a better world for all.   She disclosed that the UN and all its agencies present in Ghana would celebrate the UN Day in partnership with the Government of Ghana on October 24. She said the platform would present another opportunity for the UN country team to deepen its collaboration with the media.   Ms. Sandhu-Rojon said the country had made giant strides towards the attainment of some of the major Millennium Development Goals (MDG) targets before the 2015 deadline adding that serious attention should be given in areas like ending maternal mortality and poverty in the northern belt.     GNA...

Ho, Oct. 16, GNA - A group of women attending a three-day sensitization workshop in Ho on the electoral processes ahead of the December polls Tuesday appealed to Former President Jerry John Rawlings to be circumspect in his choice of words in public discourse.      The women said, Former President Rawlings, as a “role model” for both the young and old, in whatever circumstances should avoid being sharp-tongued such as happened recently when he described some people as, “evil dwarfs” and “babies with sharp teeth.”      The workshop, under the auspices of the Electoral Commission (EC), with support from the USAID, was towards building stakeholders confidence in the elections.      The women were drawn from faith and community- based organizations and professional women groups.      Madam Mawunya Demanya, a participant said her group had been praying relentlessly for peace to prevail in the country and therefore advised the country’s leaders and opinion leaders to desist from creating unnecessary tensions.      She described the meeting between Former President Rawlings and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as good gesture for peace building among different groups.       Madam Demanya said though the current political climate was encouraging, it must not be taken for granted and called for concerted efforts from all to retain the peace.      “We are happy that the campaigns are issue-based and we pray that it remains this way for peace to prevail,” Madam Demanya said.      Madam Bless Fiawoo of the Assemblies of God Church, Ho, reiterated the call on media practitioners, especially radio stations, to be circumspect in their reportage and programmes.      Madam Stella Darkey of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association commended the Electoral Commission for sensitizing different groups of people on the electoral processes apart from politicians.      Madam Mansa Dagbe, Ho Market Queen asked women to continue praying for peaceful elections and urged politicians to act responsibly before, during and after the elections.      Madam Saviour Demanya from the Word Miracle Church expressed confidence in the EC to organize peaceful and credible polls.      The group was taken through the electoral processes, from appointment of electoral officers to voting procedures.      They also went through a simulation exercise in voting.      Madam Laurentia Kpatakpa, Volta Regional Director of the EC said similar seminars would be organized for people with disabilities, the media and political parties.     GNA...

Tamale, Oct. 15, GNA – The Northern Regional branch of the Government and Hospital Pharmacist Association (GHOSPA) has appealed to the National Labour Commission (NLC) to expedite action on the matter between GHOSPA and the Fair Wages and Salary Commission (FWSC).   “We will like to express our dissatisfaction about the inordinate delays in passing a final judgment on the issues of market premium and grading structure”.   These were contained in a press release issued in Tamale on Monday and signed by Mr. Frank Kumi, Spokesperson of GHOSPA, Northern Regional Branch. It would be recalled that a nationwide industrial action embarked upon by the members of GHOSPA had to be called off on 24th September, 2012, due to a compulsory arbitration process ordered by the NLC.   The statement said arbitration process which was meant to be a final resolution step between both parties was rescheduled to 10th October, 2012, on grounds that the quorum required of the empanelling of the NLC to pass a final judgment had not been achieved adding ‘NLC again postponed the date of final ruling to 17th October, 2012’.   “Whiles making the NLC aware that we the Northern Region members of GHOSPA are trying to comprehend the convoluted legal process needed to resolve this longstanding issue between GHOSPA and FWSC, we will also like to express our dissatisfaction about the inordinate delays in passing a final judgment on the issues of market premium and grading structure”, it said.   It expressed optimisim that a fair judgment on the issues brought before the NLC shall be finally pass on the set date of 17th October, 2012, in order to avert any preventable future disruption on the labour front.     GNA...

Accra, Oct. 16, GNA – Dr. Michael Abu Sakara Foster, Flag bearer of the Convention People Party’s (CPP) on Tuesday said a government under his leadership from January 2013 will ensure that all past government officials account for their stewardship.   “All government officials found to have made illegal judgment debt payments will be brought to book. A CPP government will not be part of any judgment debt.   “The CPP is against those who claimed to be incorruptible but have not walked the talk,” Dr Sakara stated at a press conference in Accra to highlight some of the policies and programmes of the party towards the December polls.   The press conference was attended by Nana Cherita Akosua Frimpongma Sarpong, CPP’s presidential running mate for election 2012 and other leading members, including the General Secretary, Mr Ivor Kobina Greenstreet and Professor Agyemang Badu Akosah.   Dr. Sakara claimed that over 50 per cent of Ghanaians live in rural areas under deprived conditions while those in the urban areas face atrocious conditions of congestion, poor sanitation and mass unemployment.   He assured Ghanaians that the CPP under his watch will alleviate their suffering through job creation, agricultural modernization and an Information Communication Technology revolution.   He said the CPP government is against the over dependence on foreign development partners such as the International Monetary Fund.   Nana Sarpong in her contribution expressed concern about social injustices in the country, stressing that a “CPP government will not compromise in the pursuit of social justice.   “A CPP Government will ensure equal opportunities for all Ghanaians, as the future of Ghanaians should not be determined by accident but through opportunities created by government”. She noted that a CPP government would initiate social interventions to meet the housing needs of young people.   Nana Sarpong said under Dr. Sakara’s leadership, government will seek the welfare of all Ghanaians, irrespective of one political persuasion, tribal or religious linage or geographical location.   She expressed regret that 55 years after independence, Ghanaian children can not have adequate access to basic education, health, clean drinking water among others.   On sports and education, she emphasized that Opportunity Industrialization Centres will be established in every district to give alternatives to Basic Education Certificate Examination and Senior High School opportunities.   “There must be opportunities for those who are skilled to learn a relevant life skill and also improve their reading, writing and arithmetic skills, at every level of the academic ladder.   “While sporting activities will be revived and made an integral part of education at all levels under a CPP Government,” she stated.   Ms Samia Yaba Nkrumah, CPP National Chairman and Member of Parliament for Jomoro, said the mission of the party was to restore a sense of justice and equity among all Ghanaians.   She also catalogued a number of achievements she has chalked in her constituency as a lone CPP MP.   All others who addressed the press called on the electorates to massively vote for the CPP Presidential and Parliamentary Candidates to form the next government.        GNA...