Police: ‘We will treat vigilante groups like terrorists.

Director-General of Operations of the Ghana Police Service, Dr. Benjamin Agordzo, has issued a stern warning to any vigilante group in the country that will defile its orders before, during and after the November 7 polls.

According to him, any vigilante group that will go against their orders would be “treated as terrorists.”

“We will crash them and treat them as terrorists, if they fail to go by our orders and do their own thing,” he warned.

Dr. Agordzo gave the warning at the National Stakeholders’ Forum on Election 2016, organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) yesterday in Accra.

It was on the theme; “Towards Credible, Acceptable and Violence-Free Elections: The Role of Key Stakeholders.”

According to him, the police administration arrived at that decision after the Talensi by-election.

A research conducted by his outfit, he said, revealed that most of the electoral crimes committed were by these vigilante groups which are sometimes linked to one political party or the other.

And it is for this reason that he said has given concern to the police to ensure that all such vigilante groups are disbanded before the November polls, stressing that “their activities are illegal and criminal.”

The police boss hinted that by the end of May 31, 2016 the Police Administration will assign security personnel to the various flag-bearers who will contest the November 7 General Elections.

According to him, the police force wrote to all the political parties, asking them to submit names of their preferred security personnel to guard their flag-bearers, but none has done that.

“Let me take this opportunity once more to assure the good people of Ghana that the Police Administration is fully prepared to ensure violence-free elections come November 7,” he assured.

We can't negotiate better pay in times of war - TUC

Congress (TUC) has charged Ghanaian workers to help promote peace as the clock winds down to the November 2016 general elections.

According to the Secretary-General of TUC, Kofi Asamoah, if there is war in the country the workers “will not have anyone to negotiate for an increase in pay”.

The TUC boss was speaking at a stakeholder forum to discuss the contribution of organized labor to ensuring a peaceful election.

Mr. Asamoah says everything workers have worked hard for stands to be lost when there is a war. “You will have to leave all your acquired properties to find somewhere to hide”, he said.

He also used the opportunity to call on the Electoral Commission to ensure that its activities are transparent to the political parties.

There is an urgent need for the EC to lessen the tense political atmosphere in the country by being transparent in its activities, he said. He used the opportunity to reiterate organized labor’s commitment to the tenets of democracy.

“We reaffirm our unflinching commitment to democracy”, he said.

The election is often associated with political instability, especially in the West African sub-region.

Meanwhile the Chairman of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Professor Kwame Karikari has criticized the EC for introducing a new logo for the commission, which he indicated, has no bearing on the nation.

Contrasting the two logos, Professor Karikari says the absence of Ghana’s coat of arms on the new logo will make it difficult for Ghanaians to connect to the Commission's function.

'What the EC has designed [logo] does not represent what it is mandated to do by the 1992 Constitution', he said.

Mahama: NHIS won’t die under me

National Health Insurance Scheme logo

President John Mahama has given the assurance that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) will continue to thrive under his administration, adding that the scheme had made a positive impact in health delivery in the country.

Mr Mahama noted that a committee has been set up to restructure the scheme, a move, he said will make it more efficient.

“The National Health Insurance has made a very positive impact on our health delivery and I am going to make sure as president that that scheme does not collapse under my presidency. It is not collapsing, it is giving more service than it has ever done before, and when we do the restructuring, it will make it even more efficient than it has done in its history,” Mr Mahama said on Radio BAR in the Brong Ahafo Region during his Accounting to the People tour Thursday April 28.

“I have set up a committee to restructure the [National] Health Insurance [Scheme]. When it was started, a study was done that showed that if we do not find new sources of income for the National Health Insurance [Scheme], it will collapse. … I think it was 2009. … Since then, we have not found new sources of financing, but the health insurance is still lingering on,” he added.

Mr Mahama denied claims that government owed the scheme since July 2015.

“Government is up to date with its payment. … Government is supposed to owe the health insurance one-quarter. You need to calculate how much is due them, and, so, you need a quarter to be able to calculate how much is due them before you pay. But now every month, government is releasing what is estimated to be due to [the National] Health Insurance [Scheme]. Then, at the end of the quarter, they calculate to see if there is a shortfall or there is an overpayment. If there is an overpayment, it is deducted from the next quarter, and, so, government is up to date,” the president said.

He said the problem with the scheme was its structure, promising that a committee would deal with that problem.

“It is the structure of the [National] Health Insurance [Scheme] itself, we need to restructure it, and that is why I have set up a committee to look at restructuring the [National] Health Insurance [Scheme].

He said the scheme had expanded over the years since the number of outpatients had risen from 597,000 in 2005 to 26 million in 2014.

“In 2005, total outpatient utilisation of the health insurance was 597,000. …In 2014, outpatient utilisation rose to 29.6 million visits. From 597,000 to 29.6 million visits in 2014, you can see the phenomenal increase in utilisation,” explained the president.

“Apart from that claims payments in 2005 amounted to less than GHS8million, if you want to be precise; about GHS7.6 million for the whole of 2005. In 2014, claims payment amounted to GHS1.07 billion. … So, it should show you the magnitude of the expansion that this health scheme has undergone in this short period. So, what we are doing is, we have [set up] a committee to restructure it, so that we can increase efficiency and eliminate fraud.

“I have asked them to fast-track their computerisation, so that we take away as much human discretion as possible, so that we can cut down fraud.

“We need to expand the capitation system to the whole of the country. They have done the pilot, the pilot has been successful, and, so, if we expand the capitation, it will help to reduce the amount of money that is going out and will make it more efficient.

“It will be easy to audit and make sure that the claims are correct, and, so, that committee is undertaking the restructuring. As I speak, the computerisation is being fast-tracked, they are expanding clinical audits of claims and so on and so forth, and, so, we will be able to make this [National] Health Insurance [Scheme] more efficient to be able to serve people.

“…Ghana, when you take the human development index in terms of health care, has made quite significant advances. If you take the UN Human Development Index, we were second only to Cape Verde in terms of access to health care, in terms of rate of reduction of maternal mortality, child mortality, infant mortality, under-five deaths, and all that. So, the National Health Insurance [Scheme] has made a very positive impact on our health delivery and I am going to make sure as president that that scheme does not collapse under my presidency.

“It is not collapsing; it is giving more service than it has ever done before. And when we do the restructuring, it will make it even more efficient than it has done in its history.”

A short life history of DCOP Awuni

 

DCOP Awuni

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Angwubutoge Awuni, 57, the late Eastern Regional Police Commander was born on April 7, 1959, at Bibiani in the Western Region.

He attended Bibiani Secondary School from 1974- 1979, where he obtained the GCE Ordinary Level Certificate. He proceeded to Ghana Institute of Journalism, 1982-1984, where he graduated with a Diploma in Journalism.

He was also a graduate of the University of London, where he had a Diploma in Public Relations in 1987 and Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration – Master of Governance and Leadership from 2009 — 2011

DCOP Awuni joined the Ghana Police Service in 1980 and some of the positions he held include: Director, Police Public Relations; Commanding Officer, Motor Traffic and Transport Unit and Director General, Motor Traffic and Transport Department at Police Headquarters, Accra.

Some of the international working experience comprise United Nation Mission to Namibia 1998-1999, United Nation Mission to Bosnia 2008-2009 and United Nation Mission to Sudan 2004-2005

He attended series of communal courses at Ghana Armed Force Staff College and his referees were: Mr P. K. Acheampong, former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye IGP (Former), Mr Peter Tinganabang Nanfuri IGP (Former) and Nana Owusu-Nsiah IGP (Former)

DCOP Awuni was commissioned to the Senior Officers Core in 1990 and was transferred to the Northern Region as Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), and in 1993 to the Ashanti Region as PRO till 2000 and to Saltpond as District Police Commander that same year.

In 2001 he was a District Commander in Tema, Divisional Commander in Yendi, 2004, Divisional Commander, Ministries, Accra in 2006 and Nima Divisional Police Commander, 2007 - 2009

DCOP Awuni would be buried on Saturday, May 7, in Accra.

According to the Alanga family, there would be wake keeping for DCOP Awuni on Friday, May 6, at 9pm at Police Depot, Tesano, Accra.

On Saturday May 7, his body would lie in state and filing past of the body would commence from 5am to 8am at the National Police Training School, Tesano, Accra.

This would be followed by a burial service from 8am to 11am then after that a private burial ceremony.

The funeral reception continues after burial from – 1pm to 6pm at the National Police Training School, Tesano Accra.

There would be thanksgiving service at 8.30am on Sunday, May 8, at The Christ Apostolic Church, Accra, behind Accra Sports Stadium and near Osu Cemetery.

All friends, colleagues, well-wishers and sympathisers are cordially invited.

DCOP Awuni died at the Police Hospital in Accra on Monday March 14 after a short illness.

Rawlings prays for peaceful election

Rawlings in a meeting with compatriot Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia

Ghana’s former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, has in a meeting with compatriot Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia, expressed the hope that this year’s Presidential and Parliamentary elections will be peaceful.

Mr. Rawlings said the vigilance of the people and the determination of the law enforcement agencies would be key to the success of the elections.

“We will play our part to ask our people to make it as peaceful as possible but I guess what will ensure the peace is to make sure that we all remain vigilant and let’s hope the law enforcement agencies will also be impartial.

“We are not unknown for ensuring peaceful elections but this year’s might prove to be a little complex; that is why we are all praying,” President Rawlings said.

President Pohamba, immediate past President of Namibia who is in Ghana to deliver a series of lectures at the University of Development Studies, Tamale, said it was his prayer also that the elections are conducted in a peaceful atmosphere and the eventual winner accepted by all Ghanaians.

The former Namibian leader, who called on President Rawlings at his office in Accra on Monday, described the former Ghanaian leader as a comrade who had paid his dues to Ghana.

“I am informed you initiated the establishment of the University of Development Studies and I feel greatly honoured to be selected to deliver lectures at such an important university.”

President Pohamba conveyed the best wishes of Namibia’s founding President, Sam Nujoma and current President Hage Geingob to Flt Lt Rawlings. Namibians, he indicated do not forget the special relationship they have with President Rawlings and Ghana.

The former Namibian leader will deliver the fourth in the Africa Leadership Lecture series of the UDS under the theme ‘Genesis and Trajectory of Contemporary Africa Leadership’, on April 27, 28, and 29.

He will be decorated with an Honorary Doctorate Degree on Friday, November 29, 2016. Present at the meeting were Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, UDS Vice Chancellor Professor Gabriel Ayum Teye and the Namibian Ambassador to Ghana, Charles Josob.

Our new logo demonstrates our Independence – EC explains

The Commission says the new logo is its new identity...

The Electoral Commission says its new logo, which has generated hue and cry, represents a unified purpose and vision, and ultimately demonstrates the Commission’s independence.

Ahead of the launch of its five-year strategic plan Tuesday, the Commission explained the elements of the circular logo in a brochure distributed to participants of the event which will also see the EC answer questions on its preparedness for the 2016 elections.

“The whole identity represents a unified common purpose and vision and demonstrates our independence as an institution,” the Commission explained in the brochure.

The new logo, which emerged in April this year, was criticised by Ghanaians, as they wondered why the EC was introducing at an election year. The logo, which comes with blue-black background with what appears to be eight abstract humans with their hands up.

It later came up that the new logo looks like that of a Turkish educational institution; something that caused a section of Ghanaians to demand an explanation from the designers on whether the logo is original, copied or modified for the EC.

Many interpretations were given to the controversial logo with some claiming it is an embodiment a wheel of fortune and that the colours represent the various political parties.

However, the Commission has given a different interpretation of the new logo, which approval is unclear. Prior to its official unveiling, the logo was used in its official brochures.

The EC explains that the circles in the logo represents unity, singular and unified in its purpose which it said is “our democracy”, adding the blue of the circle also represents the stability and independence of the Commission.

“The inward moving arrows reflect all the people of Ghana and equally coming together for the common purpose- the right to select their political leadership,” the Commission added.

The red, gold and green colours, it said, represents Ghana.

Clearly, the explanation is likely to generation further discussions in the coming days.

Kotoko on revival mission against AshGold

Both Kumasi Asante Kotoko and AshantiGold have had their own peculiar issues in the Ghana Premier League in the past weeks. While Kotoko have dropped closer to the relegation zone after two defeats to Berekum Chelsea and WAFA, AshGold’s seven-point gap has now been reduced to two after picking a point in their last two matches.

Sunday’s cracker at the Baba Yara Stadium means a lot to both teams. Kotoko need all three points to halt their poor run and move away from the bottom three. The Miners on the hand are under pressure to save their top spot as Berekum Chelsea continue to mount a hot chase. The last meeting between the two sides ended 2-0 in favour of Asante Kotoko, who made it to the finals of the MTN FA Cup scheduled for late August.

At the Accra Sports Stadium, relegation-threatened Great Olympics will take on Medeama Sc hoping to bag the three points to help them in their relegation escape. The Wonder Boys must be wary of Medeama’s Nathaniel Asamoah, who has fired 15 goals to occupy the top spot on the scorers chart.

High-flying WAFA, make a short trip to Accra to face Liberty Professionals at the Carl Reindorf Park, while Hasaacas host bottom-placed BA United at the Essipong Stadium.

Heart of Lions must begin to pick points in order to survive the stern relegation test. Yusif Abubakar’s charges come up against Wa All Stars in Kpando after falling heavily to Hearts of Oak in the mid-week action.

In Dormaa Ahenkoro, former champions Aduana Stars are favourites against Inter-Allies.

Fresh from a great mid-week action, Hearts of Oak will be seeking to extend the form to the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi, where they are paired with Edubiase FC on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Berekum Chelsea failed to overtake AshGold, at least temporarily, after losing 2-1 to Bechem United in the first week 24 kick-off on Friday.

Obama's official visit to Kenya

President Barack Obama landed in Kenya on Friday with a mission to strengthen U.S. security and economic ties, but his personal connection to his father's birthplace will dominated the trip that Kenyans view as a native son returning home.

Kenya is a critical Western ally in the battle against the Somali Islamist group al Shabaab, which massacred 148 people in April at a Kenyan university near the Somali border. Obama held talks in Nairobi on security cooperation.

He also spent private time with family members and was part of the global entrepreneurship summit where he delivered a speech.

"Just as anybody is curious about their heritage, visiting Kenya provides him an opportunity to make that personal connection," Valerie Jarrett, a senior aide and family friend of Obama, said in an interview.

We bring you a collection of pictures on the US president's trip

Don’t pay for ambulance services - NAS

 

 

Emergency ambulance services carried out by the National Ambulance Service (NAS) for patients are free, Prof. Ahmed N. Zakaria, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NAS has said.

He explained that the cost of the emergency services were borne by the government irrespective of the status of the patient being offered the service.

Consequently, he had cautioned that under no circumstances should anyone ask patients to pay for a service or should patients or their relations pay for a service.

There have been media reports about some patients complaining that they were asked to pay for the ambulance service before being conveyed to the hospitals.

A case in point was in Tema where during the 2014 annual review meeting of the Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate, some health workers reportedly appealed to the NAS to issue receipts of payment to patients who paid for their services.
According to the health workers, some patients were asked to pay without being issued any receipts.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra, Prof. Zakaria said it was illegal for anyone to charge a patient.

The government, he explained, continued to bear the cost because emergency ambulance service was not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme ( NHIS).

The CEO, however, said efforts were being made to get the emergency ambulance service to be captured under the NHIS to relieve government of the burden.

The NAS was designed to provide an immediate response to patients with life-threatening situations.

Emergency ambulances convey patients to the nearest hospital so that the patient can receive immediate medical attention.

Prof. Zakaria said there had been a systematic improvement in the response time of ambulances to emergency call points.

From 20 minutes in 2009, the response time was reduced to 17 minutes in 2013.
That, however, still fell below the internationally accepted response time of eight minutes.

He pointed out that the survival of a patient was highly contingent on the response time of the emergency team that was why the NAS took great interest in working to further reduce the time.

Reasons the CEO assigned for the failure to meet the internationally accepted response time included wrong directions to incident or accident scenes, inaccessible scenes, bad roads, traffic congestion and disrespect for ambulance sirens.

Against the backdrop, he called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to speed up their street and house naming projects to facilitate the direction to incident centres and eventually improve response time.

Synagogue collapse: IJSER "The International Journal Of Scientific Engineering And Research" contradicts coroner’s verdict

An article published by ‘The International Journal Of Scientific Engineering And Research’ (IJSER) has questioned the verdict of a Lagos State Coroner’s Court ruling the tragic collapse of a building within The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) last year was due to structural failure.

The respected international journal published the article in its July edition, titled, ‘Elimination Of Structural Failure And The Placement Of Chemical Explosives For The Infrasonic Weapon As The Cause Of The SCOAN Building Collapse’, written by a weapons expert Paul Iguniwei.

Iguniwei, who is a lecturer at Kaduna Polytechnic College of Science and Technology, argued that the only viable scientific option to explain the unique nature of the controversial collapse was an ‘infrasonic weapon’.

"Having analysed the CCTV footage, personally visited the scene and made critical observations, I am convinced an exotic kind of weapon employing the infrasonic characteristic was used to cause the collapse of the building," he wrote in the article, available online at IJSER’s website.

"It was deduced that the collapse resulted from a high energy infrasound absorption by the building leading to a high energy resonance of the constituents’ atoms of the building," he further explained.

Upon personal inspection of the ill-fated building site at The SCOAN, the scientist observed that the "foundation columns are still intact, with no stress or cracks on the steel and concrete pillars protruding from the earth", ruling out the verdict of structural failure as a possible cause.

"The CCTV footage showed a collapse that is not consistent with other known buildings which have collapsed as a result of structural failure," he further clarified.

Referring to the groundbreaking research of French scientist, Vladimir Gavreau, Iguniwei explained the scientific evidence behind sound being used as a weapon capable of mass destruction.

"Resonance can be induced electromagnetically by an infrasonic pulse generator, which can establish a link, for instance, to a building like that of The SCOAN that collapsed," he wrote.

"Once this connection occurs, the power level of the generator can be increased, which would automatically transfer the energy to the building. If the power or intensity level is high or very high, the building can suffer a crumbling collapse."

Iguniwei posited that although it is rare for infrasonic weaponry to be used, there is currently a lot of research ongoing into its capabilities.

In his concluding remarks, he noted, "Certainly our science tells us that infrasound weaponised with a high enough intensity can cause vibrations to structures at the atomic level causing the kind of destruction we saw happen at The SCOAN premises."

The International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Research describes itself as ‘a one-stop, open access source for a large number of high quality and peer reviewed journals in all the fields of science, engineering and technology’.

According to their website, the journal only publishes an average of 20% of article submissions it receives. Its editorial board comprises of 12 respected scientists from nations such as United States, Portugal, Indonesia, Turkey, Egypt, Sri Lanka and Iran.

It would be recalled that Lagos State Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe ruled the collapse was as a result of ‘structural failure’, a verdict The SCOAN strongly opposed, insisting the building was ‘sabotaged’.

Ghanafest 2015 The Best Yet?

The best place on earth to spend the last weekend of July this year is definitely Chicago, Illinois. Why do we say this? The Ghana National council, GNC, and the Ghanaian youth in Chicago have lined up a highly attractive entertainment package that is too good to be ignored! First it is rumored that no other persons than the first couple of Ghana, His Excellency, President Mahama and First Lady, Lordina Mahama, heard about this enthralling package and they immediately changed their itinerary to make sure they are in Chicago for Ghanafest! Wow, so why not you and I? Ghanafest is the mother and the most spectacular of all African cultural events in the diaspora! No wonder the Ghanaian youth in Chicago cunningly spiced up the Ghanafest weekend with their own schedule of impressive activities!





The weekend kicks off with one of the greatest song writers of Ghana, Bisa K. Dei featuring in a pre-Ghanafest show at the Koncrete, 1675 N Elston, Chicago IL from 10 pm to 3 am on Friday July 24 2015. Bisa K Dei features on hits songs such as Odo Carpenter, Person to Person, Azonto Ghost, Mansah Metanfo, Madanfo, Give it to Baba and many more!



The gigantic one is Ghanafest, at the Washington Park, near the University of Chicago. The scenery at the park will take attendees of Ghanafest to Ghana! Yes, you will be in Ghana without a passport and a visa! Why not? The rumor in town goes that the President of the Republic of Ghana will be at Ghanafest 2015 with some Ministers of state, and other dignitaries! Chiefs and Queens from Ghana; local Chicago Chiefs and Queens and their royal cortege will depict a typical African Royal Durbar. Ghanaian celebrity drummer who plays five man drums alone and co-star with Paul Simon in the past, Okyerema Asante, and the popular Ghana Dance Ensemble will delight attendees with an expected epic performance! Smart Frimpong and the Nyansapo Band will not be denied a place at this majestic gathering! They are also expected to put up a memorable show as the President of Ghana and the First Lady look on!

There will be traditional Ghanaian food and cuisine! Up and coming Ghanaian artist, Solomon Adufah will be working on the canvass at Ghanafest. ABC news documentary film crew who are making a documentary on Mr. Adufah will be at his stand. Ghanafest attendees are therefore guaranteed once in a lifetime Ghanafest experience.It will be Kikiki!



The Emcees for the occasion are Jennifer Nartey, and Tulip Tulip from High Life Radio in Virginia. D.J Master Pee and others will be at their best as usual!



The after Ghanafest party will feature Bisa K Dei again at the Chika Hall, 435 N Bolingbrook Dr., Bolingbrook, IL. From 10 pm to 3:30 am.

On Sunday July 26 2015, the Ghanaian youth in Chicago have scheduled an all-white BBQ get together at 6300 S. Cornell, Chicago IL. The event starts at 2 pm and ends at 10 pm. Food and drinks will be free!





Top deejays like DJ bonsu , DJ chieff , DJ odikro , DJ akuaa from Wshington DC and DJ iamdjzaga all the way from Ohio are lined up to thrill you over the weekend!

How can you not afford to be there? Pack your bags and head to Chicago! It's a weekend you and your family cannot afford to miss out on! Meet you there!

Tetegu grateful for traffic light

The chiefs and people of three communities have commended the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) for installing a traffic light at Tetegu Junction, which has drastically reduced road accidents at the intersection.

Hitherto, no day passes without accidents being recorded, some of them fatal.

This compelled the three communities—Tetegu, Oblogo and MacCarthy Hill—to send a request to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, through the GHA, to take
remedial measures to stop the carnage at the junction.

Mr Edmund Cudjoe, the Assembly member for Oblogo -Tetegu in the Ga South Municipality, who disclosed this to the Daily Graphic, also commended the chief executive of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), the director of road safety and police commander at Weija for their concern and swift response to the request for safety measures to be put in place to protect lives and property at Tetegu Junction.

He also commended Nii Kojo Sammy Danso, Chief of South West MacCarthy Hill; the Tetegu stool and the Ga South Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Jerry Akwei Thompson, for spearheading the installation of the traffic lights.

Mr Cudjoe said the traffic lights had helped to check the rampant road accidents, adding that since the installation more than two months ago, no fatal accident had been recorded.

He said that was not the first time the GHA had assisted residents in the Ga South Municipality, citing the construction of a steel bridge at Tetegu and the gravelling of the road from the Tetegu Junction to Tetegu. The drainage system in the area is also in good shape.

Vote for right people to bring progress – NCCE

The Afigya-Kwabre District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr. Wilberforce Zangina has appealed to voters in the upcoming district level poll to make the right choices by electing candidates who would bring them development.

He said they should “not give their votes just to anybody but to those they are convinced would best represent their interest, hopes and aspirations.”

Making the call through the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Kodie, he said “the yardstick should be the individual’s own personal record”.

He said it was important for all to recognize that the caliber of candidates chosen by the people would to a large extent determine the performance of the assemblies and the unit committees.

That is why they need to exercise correct judgment.

Mr. Zangina rallied the people to show interest and to actively participate in the elections to strengthen local governance to transform their living conditions.

He said the chronic voter apathy that had characterized the district level elections must change.

They must display the same level of enthusiasm shown during the presidential and parliamentary polls to make it successful.

He asked everybody to take their civic responsibilities seriously and these include exercising their right

Tagging gov't critics NPP is NDC strategy –MP

The Chairman of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee says it is a political strategy of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to smear all government critics.

Mr. Kwaku Agyemang-Manu said this strategy of the NDC is designed to cow all critical masses and silence them into docility whilst it mismanages the country’s economy without being held accountable.

“In my work as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, I have met civil society people who have vowed not to talk because they will be tagged politically if they do,” he said.

The Member of Parliament for Dormaa Central was speaking on Joy FM and MultiTV’s news analysis programe, Newsfile Saturday, July 25, 2015.

He was discussing the controversy generated by a meeting of eminent religious leaders and some leaders of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the residence of former president John Agyekum Kufuor.

The meeting was called by the former president to calm the raging tensions and rancorous disagreements in the opposition party.

The selection of the General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Pastor Mensa Otabil, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Martey, and the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. Charles Palmer-Buckle has generated controversy.

Presidential Staffer, Dr. Clement Apaak, just like many NDC spokespersons, said the three religious leaders have exposed their affiliation to the opposition party.

He said their acceptance to attend the meeting confirms long-held suspicions that they are adherents of the NPP.

Clement Apaak argued that it was no coincidence that the most ardent critics of the government’s actions have been these three leaders.

But Mr. Agyemang-Manu dismissed the assertions as nothing but the same old tired strategy of the NDC to discredit all major critical voices in the country and render them impotent by simply tagging them NPP.

There is no basis to call the eminent religious NPP simply because they were invited by former president Kufuor to mediate a dispute between members of the NPP.

“When I have a problem, I will go to my pastor or my priest,” so there is nothing strange about inviting religious leaders to mediate a disagreement between party members, he argued.

The Dormaa MP said, “The NDC knows that they have mismanaged the economy and have lost the confidence of the people so what they are interested in doing now is to say NPP is not ready for power.”

“The wish of the NDC that NPP disintegrates before the 2016 elections will never happen,” he asserted firmly.

Nigeria: war against terror renamed 'peace by force'

Following his declaration last week that his command of the Nigerian Army and strategy to deal with the Boko Haram terrorism menace will be pursued by action rather than talking, Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Buratai has renamed the code name for the war on terror from “Operation Zaman Lafiya” to “Operation Lafiya Dole” signaling his determination to attain peace by force in the North East.

General Buratai who was addressing troops at the 103 Battalion headquarters located in Konduga, Borno State, warned that he would not tolerate any act of indiscipline or cowardice from any soldier. He also exhorted Commanders to be more proactive and respond promptly to distress calls.

Soldiers speak to people standing away from houses burnt by Boko Haram Islamists at Zabarmari, a fishing and farming village near Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria, on July 3, 2015. Several female suicide bombers in northeast Nigeria blew themselves up amid panicked villagers fleeing a Boko Haram attack, killing scores, the army and witnesses said on July 4. The latest carnage in series of attacks that have claimed more than 200 lives in just three days happened on Friday night in Zabarmari village, 10 kilometres (six miles) from the city of Maiduguri, the birthplace of the jihadist group. AFP
COAS’s vision
Towards this end, the COAS informed the troops of his vision and the resolve to end the activities of Boko Haram terrorists and assured them of the Federal Government’s support, adding that all necessary equipment and facilities would be provided to actualize the defeat of the insurgency.

A statement in this regard signed by Colonel Sani Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, read; “As part of the efforts to rejig and add renewed vigour to the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country especially in the North East, the Nigerian Army has decided to rename the Operation Zaman Lafiya” to “Operation Lafiya Dole” which mean “Peace by Force.”

“The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Major General Tukur Yusufu Buratai made this known at 103 Battalion of Nigerian Army based in Konduga, Borno State at the weekend.

“The COAS had hit the ground running shortly after taking over the command of the Army by travelling to the northeast to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr prayers with troops in the frontlines.

“During the Sallah period he visited quite a number of units and troops, interacted with them and personally assessed the operations himself.

“The COAS also used the occasions to inform the troops of his vision and the resolve to end the activities of Boko Haram terrorists.

“He also assured them of the Federal Government’s support and that all necessary equipment and facilities would be provided to actualize the defeat of the insurgency.

“He commended them for their resilience, bravery and dedication and enjoined them to take the initiative and be more proactive.

“He charged that troops should do more by pursuing and destroying Boko Haram terrorists within the bound of Rules of Engagement.

“In line with his vision, some of the identified challenges in the frontline were proactively addressed through specific directives.

“During the visit he also took meals with the troops and paid courtesy calls on the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Shehu of Borno and the Deputy Governor of Borno State during which he stated his mission and also thanked them for their support to the troops.”

Continuing, Usman said: “Based on the new thinking, the code name “Operation Lafiya Dole” which means “Peace by Force” is to send a strong and final warning signal to the terrorists that they cannot derail the wheel of peace in the north east or any part of Nigeria.

“He assured people of Yobe, entire northeast and Nigeria of the determination of the Nigerian army to successfully end the Boko Haram terrorists’ activities.

Fraudsters using COAS’s name on Facebook
Meanwhile the Army authorities have disclosed that fraudsters are using the Chief of Army Staff’s name on Facebook.

In a statement, the army said: “It has come to our knowledge that some unscrupulous and criminal elements have started using the name of the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Major General T.Y. Buratai through Facebook platform requesting for friendship, extort and defraud unsuspecting members of the public.”

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) bans 6 'manpower' drugs

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revoked marketing authorisation permits for the sale and distribution of six vitality herbal medicines for men.

The products are Rockman Capsules, manufactured by RockCare Clinic; Angel Natural Capsules by Angel Herbal Products Industry and Tinattet Be4 Be4 Capsules by Tinattet Marketing Co. Ltd.

The others are Adom Gentleman Power Capsules, manufactured by Dependable Pharmacy; Laud P Capsules by the Stephen Gyan Herbal Centre and Mars for Men, imported by Joe D.D. Ventures.

All the products were found to have been adulterated with Vardenafil, a synthetic pharmaceutical ingredient used in the formulation of prescription-only medicine for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Vardenafil is closely related in function to Viagra.

Ironically, checks by the Daily Graphic indicates that some of the banned sex ‘drugs’ have FDA certification.

But some players in the herbal preparation industry question the move by the FDA saying that unless the certification was fake the FDA had to answer some questions.

Notice

The FDA has subsequently served notice to the above-mentioned companies to immediately halt all advertisement of the products and cooperate with the authority to recall those already on the market.

A statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the FDA, Mr Hudu Mogtari, and issued by the authority in Accra yesterday said the use of Vardenafil might have serious health implications such as cerebro-vascular hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) which could lead to stroke.

“It could even cause heart attack, palpitation and serious cardiovascular events, including sudden cardiac death,” it said.

Explaining further, Mr Mogtari said the adulteration of the products could also lead to sustained erection and the resultant factor could be impotence.

“Kidney failure, problems with sight and hearing can also not be ruled out,” he said.

He cautioned the public against the continued patronage of the herbal medicines.
Market recall

Mr Mogtari said the authority had put in place a monitoring mechanism to ensure that the producers, distributors and marketers did not sell the products on the blind side of the FDA.

He also hinted of possible sanctions against the manufacturers and distributors of the six products.

The FDA was also appealing to the public to provide information on persons dealing in the products, as well as others which could endanger public health and safety, he added.

BDCs are 'heroes' of petroleum pricing - ACEP

The African Center for Energy Policy (ACEP) has lauded the Bulk Oil Distributing Companies (BDCs) for publishing the fuel price indicators.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, the Executive Director at ACEP, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam described the BDCs as “heroes” of the petroleum pricing regime.

“I think that the heroes of this deregulation are the BDCs because of their ability or decision to publish the XPI [Ex-refinery price index] and I think that we should acknowledge that because without it we cannot be able to do our analysis,” he said.

Government at the beginning of June deregulated the pricing of petroleum products.

But some stakeholders have criticized the move saying it could breed cartels.

However, the publication of the price indicators by the BDCs showed that the recent reduction in fuel prices by the OMCs should have been 25%.

Dr Adam further urged the BDCs to continually publish the price indicators to ensure that Ghanaians are not cheated.

“I will like to urge them not to give up, they should continue to publish that statement as a public duty to us, so that we can continue to monitor the prices and to be sure that the OMCs are passing on to us the reductions the BDCs are giving to the OMCs.”

ACEP had earlier threatened to sue the OMCs and the BDCs for exploiting consumers through price manipulations.

This, according to them, is because there are problems with the computation of the ex-pump prices announced by the OMCs.

NPP should learn to forgive and forget NDC guru says

Former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Ekumfi, George Kuntu Blankson has admonished the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to learn how to forgive each other.

Mr Blankson is of the view that when executives of the party continue to involve themselves in ‘unnecessary’ internal wrangling, it will only hinder their chances of a good showing in the 2016 general elections.

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“NPP is in opposition and will continue to be in opposition because they are just not ready to learn and forget about the past, and when that happens, they can never move ahead,” he stated.

NPP has been rocked in recent times by a series of internal fights, leading to a call, in some quarters, for the resignation or firing of the National Chairman and General Secretary.

Chairman Paul Afoko and General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong have been accused of being the cause of the problems in the party and do not deserve to still be in such sensitive positions.

The latest to add his voice to the calling is a founder member of the party, George Ayisi Boateng.

He has advised the Presidential Candidate of the NPP not to fully trust the two executives because they have not demonstrated sufficient commitment to helping the party win power in 2016.

But Mr. Kuntu Blankson on Adom FM on Tuesday opined that such utterances from a leading member does not augur well for the party, and could lead to further divisions in the party.

"In every country, there is the need for opposition and governing party and so if the NPP continue like this, there wouldn’t be any competition and so they should learn how to forgive and forget.

“The two executives have been elected by delegates and so there is no way they can leave their post unless they are voted out and so it would be better for them to forget about the past and move ahead if they really want power” he asserted.

Mahama's gov't can't control fuel prices. BDC Boss says

Fuel prices have soared up close to 15 percent at various fuel stations in the country.

The new price adjustments though vary from one station to the other.

Shell pump station at Asylum Down disclosed there was a 50.5 pesewas increase in the price of petrol, up from 3 cedis 47.4 pesewas to 3 cedis 97.9 pesewas per liter; gentlelevelsblogspot reports.

Diesel prices have reportedly increased by 36 pesewas per litre.

Following the new fuel increments, host of Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" interviewed the Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors, Senyo Hosi; who indicated that the current administration cannot control the impact of the oil price increments.

He revealed that previous administrations have all tried to stem fuel price increases but have failed in the process.

According to him, the Government of Ghana must however intervene and draw up a program to check the mass transportation of fuel into the country.

To him, it is about time the government puts up a refinery in the nation to augment Ghana's oil discovery.

He also believes the fuel price fluctuations can be curtailed if the government works effectively to cut down the impact.

“You can’t control. In Rawlings’ time, it wasn’t possible. Kufuor’s time, it wasn’t possible. Atta Mills’ time, it wasn’t possible. Under this regime, it’s also not possible. So, you must know that this is the situation. So, what can we do? Mass transportation, what is government’s programme for it?

“As a consumer, I’m not speaking as CEO. No, I’m speaking as a Ghanaian.”

President should see real challenges in our Prisons – Rev. Wengam

 One of the best football commentators in Africa, Kwabena Yeboah, was on Thursday, July 2, 2015, sworn-in as the new President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG).

The event which was psychedelically marked at the Alisa Hotel, North Ridge- Accra- was well attended by patrons, past executives, past presidents of SWAG as well as some important dignitaries.

Delivering his speech, Kwabena Yeboah, who is cultured with words and adjectives wowed the crowd when he described the members on the high table as men of perspicacity and sagacity.

“The challenge for sports journalism in Ghana is greater today than ever with our growing print and electronic media. While we can pursue our individual dreams, we rise or fall together as one united front,” Kwabena Yeboah noted.

Kwabena Yeboah is going to steer the affairs of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana for the next four years.

The new SWAG is made up of; Mr. Kwabena Yeboah (President), Maurice Quansah (Vice President), William Dodzi Erzah (General Secretary), Thomas Boakye-Agyemang (Dep. General Secretary), Charles Osei Asibe (Executive Member), Larry George Botchway (Executive Member), Rosalind Amoh (Treasurer).