Tema, Nov. 2, GNA – Supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Tema Metropolis have been asked to work hard to enable the NDC to win all the three seats in the area in Election 2012.   Mr Ade Coker, NDC Greater Accra Regional Chairman, made the call when he formally launched the campaign of Mr James Enu, the party’s parliamentary candidate for Tema Central Constituency, during which he introduced the aspirant.   Mr Coker appealed to Mr Enu, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, and NDC parliamentary candidate for Tema West, and Mr Kempes Papa Nii Ofosuware, NDC parliamentary candidate for Tema East, to educate the people about the development projects that were undertaken by the NDC government in area in the last three years.   Mr Ofosu Ampofo said that the NDC is committed to ensuring quality education and asked Ghanaians to retain the party in power.   Mr Ofosuware said he was optimistic that Ghanaians would renew the mandate of the NDC in December.   Mr Enu assured the leadership of the party that he would work hard to win the Tema Central seat.       GNA  ...

  Accra, Nov. 2, GNA – In just nine months this year, telecom operators have spent more than GH¢ 10 million on repairs of cable cuts, a situation that caused rampant disruptions in service delivery for consumers.   This amount is beside the loss of potential revenue to the network operators, damage to their reputation and inconvenience to consumers due to avoidable network downtime.      The period saw over 600 incidents of cuts to telecoms cables. Available information shows that road construction alone accounts for two-third of the cuts in the country.   To pacify consumers for the disruptions in quality of service, some operators went beyond issuing press statements to render apology to rewarding them with free air time.    The National Communications Authority and the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications in their effort to help address the menace are organising a series of stakeholder consultation to find solution to the conflict of who should be held responsible.   At one such meeting on Thursday in Accra, stakeholders engaged in a blame game as to who actually should be held liable for cable cuts and how the cost of damage should be determined.           The workshop, mainly on the Right of Way Management in the country, also discussed the acquisition of permits (in the right of way) for telecom operators to lay their cables.   Two major observations that came up strongly were lack of collaboration and multiple issuances of permit by different bodies to telecom operators, which largely were seen as contributing to the problem of cable cuts.   Other causes of cable cuts apart from road construction are theft, vandalism, illegal mining, gutter dredging, bushfires and excavation works, but which are said to be minor causes.      GNA  ...

Odumase-Krobo, Nov. 2, GNA - The one storey building classroom block for a basic school in the Lower Manya-Krobo Municipality was commissioned at Kodjonya, near Odumase-Krobo on Wednesday for the Kodjonya Millennium Presbyterian School Complex.        The 230,000 Ghana cedis project was financed by MTN Foundation and it include six classrooms, head teacher’s office, computer room, staff common room, store room and a technical drawing unit.        As part of the commissioning ceremony, the MTN Foundation launched the celebration of it’s fifth anniversary in the country.        Speaking at the ceremony, the Lower Manya Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Isaac Tettey Agbo, said, within the last four years, the government had constructed 41 school projects in the municipality.       He said it was expected that the provision of such facilities in both the first and second cycle institutions would help improve teaching and learning in the municipality and positively affect academic performance of students and pupils.       He said the municipal assembly supported the project with 17 computers, an air conditioner for the computer room and furniture, all at the cost of 20,000 Ghana Cedis.      Mr Agbo expressed the appreciation of government and the people of Lower Manya-Krobo Municipality for the numerous support that the MTN Foundation had provided the community including the construction of an access road to their mast in the municipality.      Ms Irene Ayernor, Municipal Director of Education, called on parents to support the education of their wards by providing them with their educational needs and urged the teachers and managers of the school to put in place a maintenance plan to help maintain the building.        She appealed for support for the construction of a befitting office block complex for the Lower Manya-Krobo Education Unit.        Ms Cynthia Lumor, Corporate Services Executive of MTN, who lunched the anniversary, said since it’s establishment five years ago, the foundation had invested over 1.1 million Ghana cedis in various projects in the Eastern Region.       She said as part of the celebration, the foundation would be holding a forum on the theme: “Celebrating Five Years of Sustainable Corporate Social Intervention in Ghana”.        Ms Lumor said in addition to the forum, a number of debates would be organised and some projects would be launched while others would be commissioned to mark the celebrations.        Ms Juliana Maku Baidoo, Headmistress of the Kodjonya Millennium Presbyterian School Complex, said it would be a challenge to teach a class of 40 with 17 computers and therefore appealed for more computers to make the teaching of Information and Communication Technology more interesting to the pupils of the school.     GNA...

Ho, Nov. 02, GNA - Mr Wisdom Aglago, 44, from Juapong in the North-Tongu District was on Friday named the best all-round farmer in the Volta Region.   Mr Aglago, who owned maize, cowpea, cassava and oil palm farms, as well as cattle, local fowls and sheep, had a certificate, polo shirt, a pair of boots, radio, agro-chemicals and a corn mill.   Winners in the 24 other categories had a certificate, bicycle, polo-shirt, pair of boots, radio and agro-chemicals.   Colonel Cyril Necku, (Rtd), immediate past Deputy Volta Regional Minister, was adjudged the best in fish-farming.   Other winners include Wisdom Tenge from Abutia-Adegbleve in the Ho Municipal Area, won for the maize category, Richard Agbenyega, Akrofu, Ho Municipal, rice, Solomon Anyabor, Kparekpare, Krachi-West, cassava, Binya Boateng, Alokpatsa, Nkwanta-South, yam, and George Agbesime, Aglakope, Biakoye District, best fisherman.   Mr John Tsrakasu, Volta Regional Director of Agriculture, said the industrial action by the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOSAG) had affected the organization of the programme.   He said the prizes were tokens but the recognition should urge the winners on to achieve further laurels.   Lovelace Jane Duhoe, the only female among the winners, was the best in ruminants.   Mr Henry Ford Kamel, Volta Regional Minister, said government was continuing to support agriculture directly and indirectly to secure it as a crucial contributor to the national Gross Domestic Product.     GNA...

Tarkwa Banso, (W/R) Nov. 2, GNA - The Tarkwa Nsueam Municipality has awarded Mr William Awuku, a 55-year-old farmer as the best farmer for the area.   In all 17 farmers including three females as against 14 males were awarded.      Mr Awuku, a large scale farmer received a table top refrigerator, packet of roofing sheet, full wax print, mix bellower, sewing machine, four plastic chairs and machetes and two wellington boots as his award.      Madam Ohema Boadu from Essamang was awarded the best maize farmer, Madam Agatha Cobbinah, best woman farmer and Ms Florence Buckman, best fish farmer.        Speaking at the function at Tarkwa Banso in the Western Region on the theme: “Grow more food: strengthening farmer based organisations for market place bargaining power,” Mr Daniel Bentum Essel, Municipal Director of Food and Agriculture, said his outfit had instituted a special award for the best physically challenged farmer.       Mr Osmanu Frank Amissah, a 49 year-old physically challenged farmer received the award for the category to encourage the physically challenged to go into farming.      Mr Essel said although farmers in the municipality are facing lots of problems especially with the selling of their farm products his officers will ensure that they get the best market price for their produce.      Mrs Christina Kobinah, Municipal Chief Executive said lack of shortage facilities and other constraints compel farmers to dispose their farm products at give-away prices which prevent them from gaining optimal profits.      To address the problem, government has over the years, tried to encourage and educate farmers to adopt modern technologies and improve techniques of production.      Mrs Kobinah said this is the only way to increase quality and output to enable them earn more for their product.         She noted that under the Cocoa Disease and Pest Control Programme, the municipal assembly has taken delivery of 1,316 pieces of overall attire and gloves, 45,000 liters of premix fuel, 100 pieces of spraying machine and 4,450 cocoa spraying chemicals to assist cocoa farmers to enable them earn more revenue.     The municipal best farmer, Mr. Awuku on behalf of his colleagues thanked the government for setting aside the day to reward gallant farmers across the nation.       GNA...

Accra, Nov. 2, GNA - The Civil Service Council (CSC) on Friday appealed to the Civil and Local Government Staff Association–Ghana (CLOGSAG) to call off its nationwide strike and return to the negotiating table.   In a statement issued to the Ghana News Agency in Accra signed by Dr Robert Dodoo CSC Chairman said the council is offering to play a leading role in the endeavour.   The Council called on all Civil and Local Government Staff to remain calm, loyal and continue to offer dedicated services to the nation.   The statement explained that the appeal was made during an emergency Council meeting with the leadership of CLOGSAG during which the purported strike was discussed.   According to the statement, the purported strike declared by CLOGSAG came to the CRS as a surprise because on Monday, October 29 the Council met representatives of the leadership of CLOGSAG and heard their concerns.   “There and then, the Council agreed to formally convey the concerns of CLOGSAG to government and had since Tuesday, October 30 done so.   According to the Council, the CLOGSAG leadership agreed to convene a National Executive Committee on Tuesday November 6 to convey the Council’s position to its membership.   CLOGSAG declared an indefinite industrial action last Wednesday, October 31 to pressure government to pay premium to its members, saying, “The strike…is in response to failure on the part of government and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to address outstanding issues with regard to the payment of premium to its members”.   Meanwhile the Greater Accra Regional Secretary of CLOGSAG, Mr Samuel Nii Clottey, said the strike shall remain in force until government gives in to the demand of members.   He acknowledged that though there were “few bad nuts” amongst them who are not observing the directive, the strike is in progress and is expected to pressure government to yield to their demand.   In an interview with the Ghana News Agency Mr Clottey refuted assertion that the association failed to follow due process before embarking on the strike.   He said: “The association has not breached any process pertaining to the labour law on grievances and negotiations before embarking on the industrial action. We followed due processes”.     GNA...

Abokobi, Nov. 2, GNA- Accra-based farmer Lemuel K. Martey of Mannah Farms Limited was on Friday adjudged National Best Farmer for 2012 at a ceremony organised at Abokobi in the Ga East District of Accra.   He is expected to receive a three-bedroom house and a pick-up vehicle.   The First Runner up went to 51-year-old Enoch Elder Tei from the Greater Accra Region, while Ellen Tia, a 28 year-old from the Upper East region was adjudged the Second Runner up.   Kwamina Oboh from the Central Region was the National Best Fisherman.     President John Dramani Mahama commended the farmers for their contributions towards national development.   He pledged that if his Government is re-elected, the administration would hinge Ghana’s economic transformation on agricultural modernisation.   In all, 74 farmers and fishers were honoured for their outstanding contribution to the economy.   The theme for the 28th Edition of the Farmer’s Day Farmer’s Day celebration was: “Grow more food: strengthening farmer based organisations for market place bargaining power”     GNA ...

Accra, Nov. 2, GNA - Sametro Company Limited has filed an injunction against  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Director General, Mr Daniel Amlalo from issuing environmental permits to Keegan Resources Ghana Limited or any person in respect of Esaase concession.   Esaase Concession is located in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region.   The plaintiff, Mr Samuel Gordon Etroo a businessman contended that the said Deed of Assignment on which Keegan founds its interests in the Esaase Concession was not a validly obtained document.   He has therefore issued the substantive writ at the Commercial Court to set it aside on grounds of fraud, and filed for interim injunction.   Mr Etroo who is also the Managing Director of Sametro Company Limited noted that the foundation of the said agreement was without any legal effect as a judgment of the High Court, Accra on March 20, 2007, which was cited as the foundation for the agreement was procured by fraud. Plaintiff noted that the EPA and its Director General published in the Daily Graphic newspaper dated October 17, 2012, a Scoping Report Notification as a prelude to issuing Keegan with relevant licences or permits.   According to the plaintiff the issue of the said permit or license by the Defendants will grant Keegan final authority to commence mining activities on the Esaase concession of the Plaintiff.   He contended that EPA and its Director General’s actions would also undermine his pending suit in the Commercial Division of the High Court and render it worthless.   Mr Etroo explained that Keegan was not entitled to any licence or permit from the Defendant as they procured the Esaase concession fraudulently and also in view of the pendency of the suit and application for interlocutory injunction.   Plaintiff held that the request for the said permit implies that Keegan has completed prospecting and exploration activities and is ready to commence mining activity on the Esaase concession.   He noted that the Defendants would grant permits or licences to Keegan unless halted by the injunctive powers of the court adding, that would cause irreparably damage to his interests in the Esaase concession.   In affidavit in support of the case, Mr Etroo held that he is the Managing Director who holds a 50 per cent shareholder in Sametro Company.   Plaintiff said his company acquired a gold mining concession at Esaase Bontefufuo in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region as per a Deed of Agreement dated July 4, 2005 with the Official Liquidator of Bonte Mines Ltd.   Mr Etroo averred that the said acquisition was approved by the Ministry of Lands, Forestry and Mines and duly registered with the Minerals Commission after the payment of all relevant fees.   “In April 2006, Keegan Resources Ghana Ltd expressed interest in the said Esaase mining concession and after initial discussions with the Managing Director of the Applicant company, it granted Keegan permission to undertake a due diligence on the Esaase mining concession pending final negotiations,” Plaintiff contended.   He said he noticed later that Keegan was still on its site after the agreed time frame for due diligence and upon further enquiries was informed that it had completed an agreement with him for the acquisition of its Esaase gold concession.   Mr Etroo averred that his company had not entered into any agreement for the transfer or assignment of its interests in the Esaase Gold Mining Concession to the Keegan.   Plaintiff said he was later informed that one of its directors had entered into an Option Agreement with Keegan but he had not instructed any director or other official to enter into any binding agreement with Keegan in respect of its Esaase concession to assign its interests.   “That at all material times, Keegan knew that there was a Managing Director of the Applicant but did not at any stage communicate any of the purported agreements being entered into in the Applicant’s name to the Managing Director,” Plaintiff said.   Mr Etroo said a Deed of Assignment dated 26 May 2007 purportedly executed between the Keegan and him for the assignment of its interests in the Esaase Concession was “a grand scheme of fraud perpetrated on the company”.     GNA...

Accra, Nov. 2, GNA – The National Labour Commission (NLC) on Friday issued a Writ of Subpoena Adueces Tecum order 38 rule 10 (1) to Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) to appear before the Commission on Monday.   The Subpoena is in respect of the petition against industrial action of CLOGSAG by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).   A copy of the Subpoena obtained by the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Friday states: “You are commended to attend a hearing at the NLC, Ridge on Monday 5, November at 1100 a.m. fixed for the hearing of the petition.   “Notice of which is hereby given you and from day to day there after as may be needed until the end of the hearing.”   The subpoena was signed by Mr Edward Briku-Boadu NLC Executive Secretary and copied to the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning.   In a related development the Civil Service Council (CSC) on Friday appealed to CLOGSAG to call off its nationwide strike and return to the negotiating table.   A statement to the GNA in Accra signed by Dr Robert Dodoo CSC called on all Civil and Local Government Staff to remain calm and loyal to continue to offer dedicated services to the nation.   The statement explained that the appeal was made during an emergency Council meeting with the National Executive Committee of CLOGSAG in which the purported strike was discussed.   According to the statement, the strike declared by CLOGSAG came to the CRS as a surprise because on Monday, October 29 the Council met representatives of the leadership of CLOGSAG and heard their concerns.   “There and then, the Council agreed to formally convey the concerns of CLOGSAG to government.   According to the Council, the CLOGSAG leadership agreed to convene a National Executive Committee on Tuesday November 6 to convey the Council’s position to its members.   CLOGSAG declared an indefinite industrial action last Wednesday, to pressure government to pay premium to its members, saying: “The strike…is in response to failure on the part of government and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to address outstanding issues with regard to the payment of premium.”   Meanwhile the Greater Accra Regional Secretary of CLOGSAG, Mr Samuel Nii Clottey, said the strike shall remain in force until government gives in to the demand of members to pay premium   He acknowledged that though there were “few bad nuts” amongst them who are not observing the directive, the strike is in progress and is expected to pressure government to yield to their demand.   In an interview with the Ghana News Agency Mr Clottey refuted assertion that the association failed to follow due process before embarking on the strike.   He said: “The association has not breached any process pertaining to the labour law on grievances and negotiations before embarking on the industrial action we followed due processes.”     GNA...

Kumasi, Nov. 2, GNA – “Genesis Farms Limited” at Appiadu near the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology has won the ultimate at this year’s Kumasi Metropolitan farmer’s awards ceremony held at Atwima-Techiman.       The Farm Manager, Mr Anthony Badi won a 21-inch television, bicycle, knapsack sprayer, latex foam mattress, bars of key soap, six cutlasses, a pair of wellington boots and a certificate.          In all, 20 individuals and institutions were rewarded for their singular contribution to the growth of agriculture.         Their prizes included knapsack sprayers, bicycles, latex foam mattresses, cutlasses and wellington boots.         Mr Samuel Sarpong, Metropolitan Chief Executive gave high marks to farmers for their hard work and commitment towards reducing hunger in the country.         For this, he said, the government would continue to provide them with incentives to motivate them to boost production.        Mr Sarpong saluted the award winners and urged them to establish effective working relations with agricultural extension officers to improve their farming practices for increased productivity.        Nana Antwi Brempong, Chief of Atwima, advised the youth to go into farming because it is more rewarding.       GNA...

Abokobi (GAR), Nov. 2, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama on Friday pledged that his Government would transform Ghana’s economy using agricultural modernisation as a tool, when re-elected for another four-year term.   He added that Government would implement the Food and Agricultural Development Policy and the Medium Term Agriculture Sector Investment Plan as the two main strategies to achieve agricultural modernisation.   Speaking at the 28th National Farmers’ Day Celebration organised at Abokobi in the Ga East District of Accra, President Mahama said the strategy would include transformation of the agricultural sector from a resource-based to a technology-based industry and would lay emphasis on irrigation agriculture.   He added that the Government would provide subsidies for improved seeds, grade breeder and stocks, pesticides, fertilisers, machinery and other inputs.   President Mahama said promotion of selected crops for food security and exports, establishments of industries with backwards linkages to agricultural resource base, construction of storage facilities, silos, cold storage units and modern markets in strategic locations to minimise post-harvest losses, would be other strategies his Government would adopt.   “Implementation of the Ghana Commercial Agricultural Programme, particularly as it relates to strengthening investment promotion infrastructure, facilitating secure access to land, and securing public private partnerships and smallholder linkages in the Accra plains, the Savannah Accelerated Development Project Zone, Afram Plains and other deprived areas,” he added.   President Mahama noted that his Government had achieved a lot in the agricultural sector adding that “productivity enhancing strategies including timely availability of needed farm inputs, opening up of marketing opportunities and scaling up credit support for agricultural purposes,” were responsible for the achievements.   He said rice production had increased from 181,000 metric tonnes of milled rice in 2008 to 295,000 metric tonnes in 2010, stressing that it was a 63 per cent increase over the 2008 figure.   President Mahama said: “Ghana now produces 53 per cent of her rice requirement locally up from 30 per cent in 2009 and has reduced rice imports by 30 per cent.   “Maize production has increased from 1.5 million metric tonnes in 2008 to 1.9 metric tonnes in 2010 and 1.7 million metric tonnes in 2011; cassava rose from 11.4 million tonnes in 2008 to 14.2 million metric tonnes in 2011,” he added.   President Mahama said the cotton industry which had collapsed had been revived adding that in 2010 and 2011 season, 200,000 hectares of land was cropped by 23000 farmers to produce 17000 metric tonnes of seed cotton with an estimated lint production of 6655 metric tonnes.   He said that fish production increased by 17 per cent from 100,935 metric tonnes to 118,504 metric tonnes.   “Of the meat production poultry increased by 32 per cent from 31,056 metric tonnes in 2008 to 41,008 metric tonnes in 2011.”   President Mahama said: “Fish production increased by 1.3 per cent from 416,552 metric tonnes in 2008 to 421,898 metric tonnes in 2011 of which aquaculture production increased from 7,200 metric tonnes in 2009 to 19,091 metric tonnes in 2011.”   He added that export earnings from fish and fishery products increased from 158 million dollars to 256 million dollars for the same period.   President Mahama commended farmers and fishers for their hard work, which contributed towards the achievements.   Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, Minister of Food and Agriculture said government had resourced the Ministry to undertake critical interventions including land administration and management, agricultural mechanisation, fertiliser subsidy programme, national buffer stock company, youth in agriculture block.   He said the interventions would open up the sector to modern business culture and technology adoption and to make Ghana’s agriculture and farmers competitive in the global market.   Mr Ahwoi commended the 80 sponsors for their contribution and support towards the celebration.   Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, Greater Accra Regional Minister called for capacity building programmes for farmers and fishers to enable them compete globally.   Meanwhile an Accra-based farmer Lemuel K. Martey of Mannah Farms Limited was adjudged the National Best Farmer for 2012.   He is expected to receive a three-bedroom house and a pick-up vehicle.   The First Runner up went to 51-year-old Enoch Elder Tei from the Greater Accra Region, while Ellen Tia, a 28 year-old from the Upper East Region was adjudged the Second Runner up.   Kwamina Oboh from the Central Region was the National Best Fisherman.   In all, 74 farmers and fishers were honoured for their outstanding contribution to the economy. The theme for the 28th Edition of the Farmer’s Day Farmer’s Day celebration was: “Grow more food: strengthening farmer based organisations for market place bargaining power”.     GNA...

Accra, Nov. 2, GNA – The government on Friday dismissed the New Patriotic Party’s claims as a credible alternative in the area of affordable housing saying the opposition party had “a cruel and unconscionable record” in the sector.   A statement issued in Accra by Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the attempt by the NPP “to whitewash its sordid reputation in housing would not be allowed to stand”.   Following is the full text of the statement:   “Government has observed with amusement attempts by the New Patriotic Party to position itself as a credible alternative in the area of affordable housing and housing for other vulnerable groups.   “We have also taken notice of the vilification and name calling of President John Dramani Mahama by Mr. Boakye Agyarko at a press conference on this subject area yesterday. “Indeed, the observation is true that it is those who live in glass houses who love to throw stones.  We are absolutely amazed that the NPP will gather courage to pontificate on housing, more so housing for the vulnerable.   “This latest attempt by the NPP to whitewash its sordid reputation in housing would not be allowed to stand.  The truth will be told and the good people of this country would be constantly reminded of the NPP’s cruel and unconscionable record in housing and how the NPP systematically contributed to the current massive housing deficit the country is grappling with as it went down in Ghana’s history as the only party that ruled for 8 years without completing a single affordable housing flat and yet completed many land and bungalow grabs for itself.   “First of all, it is important to remind Ghanaians that the latest addition to the many freebies being promised by the desperate NPP Presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo in this year’s election in terms of free housing for Kayayei’s is not exactly strange.  In the NPP’s 2000 manifesto, the NPP promised on page 20 that ‘slums shall be replaced with apartment houses with modern conveniences, which will be cost-effective and environmentally friendly.’  After eight years of NPP rule, not only were the slums left unattended, more slums emerged as one of the terrible legacies of the eight year period of the NPP in which Nana Addo at all material times was a prominent cabinet Minister.   “We will not allow the NPP to run away from their true and incontrovertible record in housing.  That record is still fresh in the minds of Ghanaians. It is how the NPP focused attention on housing themselves rather than housing the ordinary people of Ghana.  In eight years, did the NPP not see the kayayeis?  What about the other vulnerable groups?  Did Nana Addo, Mr. Agyarko and the NPP just arrive in Ghana to see the vulnerable for the first time?   “Rather than fulfill their own manifesto promise in 2000 of ‘converting slums to apartment houses with modern conveniences’, they spent all the 8 years grabbing state bungalows and prime lands for themselves.   For instance, it has now become engrained in Ghana’s history that but for Ghanaians voting for the NDC in 2008, the new Foreign Ministry at the Airport Residential Area situated on the International Students Hostel Land would not have been there.  That beautiful edifice which will serve all governments, all generations and the State of Ghana would not have been constructed.  Rather, that prime land in such a choice location would have been hosting the private mansions of the following people who paid paltry sums to claim ownership of that land which had hitherto belonged to the people of Ghana: 1.    Freddie  Worsemau Blay Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament 2.    Akua Kuenyehia Dean of the Faculty of Law, Legon; NPP supporter nominated by Kufuor to the  International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. 3.    Akwasi Osei Adjei NPP Minister for Foreign Affairs (2007-2009) 4.    K. T. Hammond NPP MP for Adansi Asokwa 5.    Ben Owusu Mensah Formerly  Director-General of the GPHA 6.    Osei Kuffuor   7.    Frank Mpare Secretary to Cabinet under NPP 8.    K. K. Sarpong NPP Ex- MD of TOR 9. Esther Obeng Dapaah NPP MP for Abrem 10. Ambassador Kobina Wood NPP Functionary 11. Irene Addo NPP MP 12. Oboshie Sai Coffie Former Minister of Tourism 13. Dr. Abu Sakara Forster CPP Vice-Presidential Candidate (2008) 14. Hajia Alima Mahama NPP Former Minister for Women and Children “As many Ghanaians are aware, Airport Residential Area was just a tip of the iceberg.  Cantonments, Switchback Road and Ridge Residential Area in the Greater Accra Region were the other spoils of NPP bigwigs and those with intimate connections to them.  I intend however to also exhibit evidence of what transpired in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region: ITEM   ALLOTEES PLOTS NO.   LOCATION   ACREAGE   FEES PAID (GH¢ ) YEAR OF ALLOCATION 1 Barima Kwaku Duwa 4 Residency Link ridge Res Area   Premium 1,000.00 2004 2 Asiedu Poku/Micheal Adubofour & Louisa Aduboufour 020 Circular Road Ridge Res Area 0.31 Premium 800.00 2004 3 John Agyekum Kuffour 8 Residency Link Ridge Res Area 1.42 Premium 4,000.00 2004 4 Nana Kwabena Oduro & Adwoa Birago 026 Circular Road Ridge Res 0.39 Premium - 2004 5 Sampson Kweku Boafo 4 Acacia Close Ridge Res Area 0.42 Premium 1,000.00 2004 6 Prof. Yaw Boafo 2 Acacia Close Ridge Res Area 0.46 Premium 1,000.00 2004 7 Alhaji Haji Ibrahim BAryeh 022 Circular Road Ridge Res Road 0.38 Premium 1,000.00 2004 8 Kwadwo Okyere Mpiani 1 Acacia Close Ridge Res Area 0.33 Premium 1,000.00 2004 9 Charles Osei 07 New Lands Ave. Ridge Res Area 0.46 Premium 5,000.00 2004 10 K. Owusu- Poku 013 Circular Road Ridge Res Area 0.35 Premium 1,000.00 2004 11 Urban Roads - Danyame - - - 2004 12 Cecelia Appaigyei 1 Militia Ave Ridge Res Area 0.28 Premium 1,000.00 2004 13 Baffour Owusu Asare Amankwatia V/Kwaku 2 Militia Ave Ridge Res Area 0.28 Premium 1,000.00 2004 14 Anthony  Gambrah 5 Militia Ave Ridge Res Area 0.31 Premium 1,000.00 2006 15 Cecilia Dapaah 7 Militia Ave Ridge Res Area 0.28 Premium 1,000.00 2006 16 Akwesi Biahene 9 Militia Ave Ridge Res Area 0.29 Premium 1,000.00 2006    ...

Bolgatanga, Nov. 2, GNA - Mr Mark Woyongo, Upper East Regional Minister has noted that the region’s over-dependence on local farming tools, poor marketing network, coupled with erratic rainfall pattern makes agriculture less lucrative, despite huge investments in the sector.   He said government had initiated measures and programmes to support the concept of Farmer Based Organisations (FBOs) to enhance accelerated agriculture growth and enable members to access credit from financial institutions to purchase farm inputs. Mr Woyongo made the observation during the regional celebration at Paga in the Kassena Nankana West District on the theme: “Growing more food- strengthening farmer based organisation for market place bargaining power.” He said government in its bid to modernise agriculture and enhance food security had introduced the Block Farming Programme, a component of the Youth in Agriculture programme to promote the production of some selected crops, in order to create jobs for the youth and improve food security. “Under the 2012 Block Farming programme, the region achieved 1,100 hectares of rice, 2,750 hectares of maize and 140 hectares of soya beans,” he said. Mr Woyongo said the programme had employed more than 6,000 farmers, comprising 3,700 males and 2,300 females. During the 2012 major cropping season, the region took delivery of 315,000 bags of fertilisers under the Fertilizer Subsidy Programme through authorized and licensed input dealers. He said under the Northern Rural Growth Programme, the region cultivated about 1,000 hectares of maize and soya beans, with a total number of 130 farmer groups engaged. Mr Cletus Achaab, Regional Director of Agriculture, commended government for its support in the agricultural sector since it is the backbone of the economy and contributes more than 32 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Mr Thomas Addah Dalu, District Chief Executive said agriculture is a vital tool for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and eliminates extreme poverty and hunger. “Agriculture contributes to development as an economic activity since it can be a source of growth for the national economy by providing investment opportunities for the private sector and a prime driver of agriculture-related industries,” he said.   He appealed to the people of the area to continuously practice good personal hygiene and maintain a clean environment by weeding around their dwellings, saying “a clean environment enhances good health and lead to increase in economic production”. Mr Awintoma Akande, a 40 -year old farmer from Tilli, in the Bawku West District, and 2010 National Best Millet Farmer was adjourned the Regional Best farmer.        GNA  ...

Accra, Nov. 02, GNA – The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department’s (CAGD) on Friday called on employees who have complaints in respect to the October 2012 salaries to report to CAGD Payroll Clinics in the Regions and Districts.    CAGD in a statement to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said such complainants can also contact the Clients Service Office at the Headquarters for the necessary action.     The statement said the attention of CAGD been drawn to the effect that some employees on the Government of Ghana (GoG) payroll, particularly staff of the Ghana Education Service (GES), have complained about the alleged unjustified reductions in their net salaries for October 2012.    It said an investigation of the allegation by a team constituted by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning revealed that: “The payment of the 2010-2011 Single Spine salary arrears which were enjoyed by public sector staff from October 2011 was largely completed in July 2012”.    The statement said “the payment of 2012 arrears resulting from the 18 per cent salary increase for 2012 was also completed in September 2012. Thus, at the end of October 2012, SSSS arrears (2010-2011) and the 2012, 18 per cent salary increase arrears were no longer available for public sector employees who have been paid all such arrears”.    It explained that “in September 2012, the total amount of 34.9 million Ghana cedis which was paid to GES staff as arrears was no longer available in October 2012”.    According to CAGD some staff of GES experienced significant declines in their net salaries because of their commitments under third party deductions such as servicing of loans which were honoured.    The statement said the CAGD historical information of staff on such third party deductions was updated and the necessary deductions had been duly effected and this could have “resulted in the alleged unjustified reduction in net salaries for October 2012”.    It said “an employee with a basic salary of GH¢1, 481.39 at the end of September 2012 did not suffer any loss in basic salary at the end of October 2012 and similarly, the gross salary of this staff was maintained at GH¢1, 703.60 for September and October 2012.     The statement explained that “this employee, however, who serviced an existing loan to the tune of GH¢76.14 at the end of September 2012 serviced his/her loan facility at GH¢218.74 in October 2012 and this is due to the coming into effect of an additional loan contracted earlier.     With this, the statement said, an amount of GHc403.50 paid to this staff as arrears in September 2012 was no longer available at the end of October 2012.     “Consequently, the net salary of this employee which stood at GH¢1, 639.10 at the end of September 2012 justifiably became GH¢1,000.41 at the end of October 2012 due mainly to the servicing of the additional loan and the non availability of the arrears for this staff”.     GNA ...

Nkawie (Ash), Nov. 02, GNA – Mr Samuel Kofi Tetteh, a 38-year old farmer at Akomadan-Afrancho in the Offinso North District was on Friday adjudged the Ashanti Regional best farmer.      This was at the 28th national farmers day celebration held at Nkawie in the Atwima-Nwabiagya District.      He received a corn mill, motorized spraying machine, sewing machine, knapsack sprayer, bicycle, pair of wellington boots, 10 cutlasses, a radio cassette recorder, herbicides and a certificate as his prize.     Tetteh has cultivated 75 acres of maize, 10 acres of tomatoes, 15 acres of yam, 20 acres of cassava, 10 acres of cocoa, 20 acres of oil-palm 10 acres of teak plantation, four acres of cowpea and owns 22 cattle, 100 birds, nine grass-cutters and 100 snails.        Twenty (20) other farmers were also honoured at the ceremony for their tremendous contribution to agricultural development in the region.     They were presented with certificates, knapsack sprayers, wellington boots cutlasses, radio cassette recorders and herbicides.     Mr Mohamed Issah 46, from Kodie in the Afigya Kwabre District emerged best regional fish farmer, with Mr Osei Yaw Johnson, 35, from Agona in the Sekyere South, as the best youth farmer.     The two, received deep freezers, cast net and bicycles in addition to the other items given to all the award winners.     Dr Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, the Regional Minister, underlined the need to strengthen farmer based organizations through market place bargaining power to enable them to provide the food requirements of the country.     He said using farmer-based-organizations to increase access to technology, inputs and market was the key to agricultural modernization and a sure way to improving human capacity for increased production and rural incomes.      The Minister spoke of government’s determination to improve food security and farmers income and encouraged them to come together in order to benefit from various government interventions in the sector.     Mr Emmanuel Eledi, the Regional Director of Agriculture, appealed to farmers to adhere to the advice by the agricultural extension agents to increase production.         GNA ...

Akaaso (WR), Nov. 02, GNA  - Twenty-eight  farmers in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District were on Friday, recognized at a ceremony held at Akaaso, for their contribution to the development of agriculture in the area.     Mr Oppong Nkrumah, 55, was adjudged the overall best farmer and for his prize, he carried away a tricycle, cutlasses, pair of wellington boots and a certificate.    Other award winners received refrigerators, gas stoves, television set and agricultural inputs.    Mr Joe Adansi Bonda, the District Chief Executive (DCE), encouraged them to form organizations to enable them to resist cheating by middlemen.    He said farmer-based-organizations could play a key role in tackling bottlenecks in the marketing of agricultural products.    He urged the award winners to sustain their hard work and urged them to take advantage of the expertise of agricultural extension officers to boost crop yield and returns.   GNA ...

Ampabame Number -Two (Ash),  Nov. 02, GNA - A fifty-five year old widow and mother of four, Madam Akua Tiaa, from Nweneso Number-Two, on Friday emerged as the best farmer in the Atwima-Kwanwoma District.    She received a 21-inch television set, knapsack sprayer, radio set, piece of wax print, mist blower, a bicycle and certificate.    Eighteen others were also recognized for their unique performance in various fields of agriculture and were also presented with certificates, knapsack sprayers, pieces of wax print and radio sets.    Mr Anthony Nyame, District Chief Executive (DCE), commended the farmers for their hard work, dedication and commitment to feed the nation.    He gave the assurance that the government would continue to support the agriculture sector to enable it to create more jobs and ensure food security.    He appealed to the farmers to adopt modern farming practices to improve production.    Madam Tiaah called on the youth to engage themselves in farming as it had high returns.   GNA ...

      Koforidua, Nov. 02, GNA - Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN) Ghana has presented 4,000 Ghana Cedis, a drink hamper and assorted MTN souvenirs to the chiefs and people of New Juaben in support of the celebration of the Akwantukese festival .       Presenting the items, Mr Samuel Adjei Saah, Senior Manager of South Eastern Business District of MTN, said MTN is offering an 11 minutes of free calls to any MTN number to all its subscribers within the next two months in commemoration of the 11 million subscribers milestone.     He said as part of the offer, those who browse on the MTN network, would receive a discount of 50 percent each time they purchase an internet bundle and 20 percent discount on pay- as-you-go service for the customers of the network.      Mr Saah said the network has also introduced the MTN 1188 directory service which provides the contact information of over 30,000 institutions and companies in the country to anybody just by dialling  1188.      He said MTN has made it a duty to support traditional celebrations across the country each year to keep alive the values and principles that identify Africans.      Receiving the items, Daasebre Oti Boateng, Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditonal Area, said the Akwatukese festival was introduced 15 years ago to commemorate the celebration of his fifth year of enstoolment as the Omanhene of New Juaben.        He said the festival was to unite the people and enhance the history and cultural development of the people of New Juaben.       Daasebre Oti Boateng said he did not come to meet the festival but he crafted it in line with the culture and tradition of the people and so nobody has the authority to prescribe how the festival should be celebrated.      On behalf of the chiefs and people of New Juaben, he expressed his appreciation to MTN for the donation.      Accra Brewery Limited also presented water and assorted drinks to support the organization of the durbar of chiefs to crown the festival on Saturday, November 3, 2012.              GNA ...

Adutor (V/R), Nov 02, GNA - Emmanuel Agbesa, 45, from Adidokpe was adjudged the best all-round farmer in the South-Tongu District during the Farmer’s Day Celebration at Adutor on Friday.     He got for his prize, a motorbike, pair of boots, spraying machine and five cutlasses.     Each of the fifteen other winners in the various categories got a bicycle, spraying machine, pair of boots and cutlasses.     Mr Daniel Amelorku, South-Tongu District Chief Executive (DCE), told the Ghana News Agency that government’s efforts to expand agricultural production in the area was being hampered by land litigation.     GNA ...

Akaaso (W/R), Nov. 02, GNA - A former police officer, Mr Oppong Nkrumah, 54, has emerged as the best farmer for the Bibiani-Anhwaiso-Bekwai District.     He took home a motorized tri-cycle donated by Chirano Gold Mines Limited, cutlasses, bars of soaps and a certificate.     Mr Jospeh Adansi-Bornah, the District Chief Executive for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai , said the farmers day celebration which was instituted 28 years ago, was aimed at encouraging farmers to give off their best.     He said farmers had continued to play significant roles in the promotion of food security and stabilization of the country since time immemorial and all must work hard to complement the efforts of Ghanaian farmers.     Mr Bornah reminded the youth to venture into farming and make their contributions towards the rapid economic development of the country.     He commended the Chirano Gold Mines Limited and Noble Gold Mines for their continual support to various communities and the district assemblies and its allied agencies.     GNA ...