Mills talks tough; charges leaders to cut ‘parasitic’ colonial cord

Ghana’s president, Prof. Atta Mills, feels indignant about the failure of some African countries to sever, what he terms, their umbilical cords from their colonial masters and, by extension, western powers.

Speaking against recent foreign interventions on the continent, the president suggested that these so-called 'masters' are cruelly usurping the sovereignty of vulnerable African states and imposing their wishes on them.

“Some countries still believe that countries in Africa should be able to dance to their tunes; unfortunately, some of us also find it very difficult to break the umbilical cords that link us to those countries.”

President Atta Mills was speaking to African diplomats at the Ghana Chancery in Ottawa, Canada as part of his trip to that country.

Without mincing words, Prof. Mills told his colleague African leaders that: “We must take bold steps forward to be able to do this.”

Analysts believe the president's assertions were borne out of NATO’s invasion of Libya, which toppled the country’s decades-old leader, Muammar Qaddafi; and the latest threat from UK’s Prime Minister, David Cameron, intimidating countries to respect gay right or face aid cuts.

President Mills, who has defiantly rejected Mr Cameron’s threat, maintained: “What is happening in Africa is not very pleasant, very palatable, and something that we can be proud of.”

Warning that the trend of recent foreign interventions could have serious repercussions on the continent, President Atta Mills asked his colleague leaders to stand up against foreign dictatorship.

“We as African leaders have to sit down and ask ourselves; what have we done wrong? You see, if you allow others to dictate for you, if you allow others to take your destiny in their own hands, you have no control over how they are going to direct you.

"For far too long we listened to others, now it is not the questions of they talking to us, they are now acting the way they see best, which is not always in our best interest.”

International relations expert, Dr. Niyi Alabi commended President Mills for making such a bold statement, and hoped his peers would be enthused about his position.

“I must say [I’m] quite impressed with this kind of approach, because it is the kind of language that I have been expecting from our leaders to at least let the so-called developed world know that we cannot be doing their bidding [and] always going to them cup in hand.”


From: Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Isaac Essel
http://edition.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201111/76889.php

Only willfully blind won’t appreciate 2012 budget - Haruna

The Minister of Communications, Haruna Idrissu, has refuted the numerous tags the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has put on the 2012 government’s financial statement, insisting that the budget is a “progressive” one.

He said the budget statement is a true reflection of the achievements of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government on various fronts and also what the government intends to do for the country in 2012, adding that under the three-year rule of NDC, “there is an improvement in the living standards of Ghanaians”.

“I believe and maintain that only the willfully blind, who will not appreciate that this budget is a progressive one, and it is only the willfully blind, who will not appreciate that this budget creates a lot of space for the private sector growth and deeper participation in the building of our economy, and it is only the willfully blind, who will point out to World Bank, IMF and make assumptions that do not exist.”

The NPP Minority in Parliament have described the budget statement presented by the Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, on Wednesday as ‘propaganda’ ‘recycled promises’ , ‘bye-bye’, or an ‘empty’ budget.

But Haruna Iddrisu speaking on Joy FM's Newsfile Saturday, retorted: “I think that it is important that the minority recognizes that a budget statement does projections, it gives us an estimate of revenue and expenditure and what government will deliver. And what we are saying is that we are managing the economy better, micro economic indicators are very, very progressive and very encouraging.”

He maintained that in terms of fiscal consolidation, the government’s economic management team and the Finance Ministry have done considerably well to improve the micro economic indicators of the country.

For instance, he said, the NPP in its eight-year rule, “struggled” but could not meet the criteria for the West African Monetary Zone’s single currency – ECO. “It is only under this administration that the four major criteria have been met, including sustainability of single digit inflation for the longest period of our country’s history.”

But a member of the communications team of the New Patriotic Party, Yaw Buabeng Asamoah, rubbished the achievements of the government as touted by Haruna Iddrisu.

He said government claims of bringing inflation to single digit does not reflect what is on the ground, saying “demand has been killed” and people are not able to buy due to poor governance.

Touching on the $3 billion Chinese loan government intends to use for massive infrastructural development, Mr. Asamoah was emphatic that the loan will never come to Ghana, describing the government’s effort to secure the loan as a “hoax”.

He explained: “The finance minister can’t sign that loan because he needs the consent of the IMF which he hasn’t got.”



From: Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Isaac Essel
http://politics.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201111/76781.php

Five dead in galamsey disaster

Five illegal miners, popularly referred to as galamsey operators, were trapped to death when an illegal mining pit collapsed on them at a community in the Mpohor/ Wassa East district of the Western Region on Saturday afternoon.

They comprise four women and a man.

Four others have been rushed to the Effia Nkwanta Hospital. Several other illegal miners have also not being accounted for.

Joy News’ Western Regional correspondent Kwaku Owusu Peprah who visited the scene said residents believe more persons have been trapped by the caved pit.

“A lot of them, I am told, are not accounted for; there is suspicion that there could be three or more trapped in the pit.”

He said the five who died were confirmed dead by the police.

The area has been thrown into pandemonium with women and children wailing and searching for missing relatives and loved ones.

Rescue teams were busily looking for survivors or to retrieve more bodies.


From: Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Isaac Essel
http://edition.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201111/76772.php

Don’t be ashamed to beg for help – Kufuor tells govt

Former President J.A. Kufuor has admonished the government to shed off its pride, if any, and call on the international community for help to solve the country’s ‘overwhelming’ sanitation challenges.

He told Joy News Friday, Ghana’s quest to see a healthy and developed society would be a mockery, if proper and pragmatic measures are not put in place to tackle the environmental problems head on.

Former President Kufuor was talking to Joy News’ Sammy Darko about his new international appointment as chairman of the Sanitation and Water for All Partnership. The global institution is an alliance of governments, donors, civil society organizations and agencies working to improve water and sanitation across the world.

Mr. Kufuor said the job he got only this week, provides a good opportunity for him to facilitate donor support in the areas of water and sanitation in Ghana particularly.

He said whilst he’s doing that, government must also make the necessary budgetary allocations to improve the water and sanitary conditions in the country.

“Government [should] try to make the necessary budgetary allocations as well as appeals; if say resources locally are limited, there shouldn’t be any shame in making the appeals to the multinationals, the United Nations itself, or its organs like WHO for support in the supply of portable water as well as sanitary services.”

Sanitation is Crucial

Former President Kufuor said he has often been struck by the piles of rubbish at market places and in the communities, compounded by choked gutters, saying “I see it as a challenge that must be given topmost priority”.

In an effort to solve sanitation problems in the country, he recounted that under his leadership, the government donated an amount to the University of Ghana for studies on environment and sanitation. “The whole idea was for the nation to be availed with a scientific approach in trying to manage the sanitary challenge and also to try to improve upon our environmental situation, the overwhelming challenge of sanitation problem.”

Issues of the environment are crucial, he said, and urged the government to make money available to recruit qualified persons and institutions, warning: “Without a healthy community, talking of economic development reality, it becomes a mockery.”



From: Ghana l Isaac Essel l Myjoyonline.com
http://edition.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201111/76753.php

Benyiwa Doe, DCE fingered in Apayem Kese brouhaha

The Central Regional Minister Madam, Ama Benyiwa Doe, and the Abura Asebu Kwamankese District Chief Executive, William Atta-Mends, have been accused of being behind the youth group trying to foment trouble in the Apayem Kese festival schedule for this weekend.

The aggrieved youth, mainly from Moree, have warned patrons and organizers of the festival that their security cannot be guaranteed as they plan to disrupt the event.

They accuse the Omanhene Okatakyi Amenfi VII of denying them every opportunity to have a substantive chief for the Moree township.

They also claimed the Omanhene had sidelined the people of Moree, striping them of their dignity.

But the Publicity Chairman of the festival planning committee, Kingsley Koffi Kakari Bondzie, told Joy News the group has ulterior motive to scupper plans to honour former President Kufuor for his contribution to the development of the area during his eight-year rule.

He, however, vowed nothing can stop the event.

“Protocol wasn’t observed because we invited former President Kufuor. They have moved away from security, so we know they have ulterior motive behind that…but nobody can stop us.”

The festival is to raise funds to support the Okatakyi Amenfi VII Education Fund, Kakari Bondzie noted.

Prior to the festival, there have been press conferences and counter-press conferences which had generated some tension.

“The Regional Minister ought to be held responsible [if any confusion ensued] because her utterances on radio have caused a lot to us as citizens; we are hurt.

“So if there should be any anger, it would be directed at the Regional Minister and the District Chief Executive.”

Meanwhile, District Chief Executive, William Atta-Mends, has warned the situation in the area is “very, very dicey” because of a “growing danger” in connection with the festival.

He therefore wants the necessary action taken to avert any unforeseen calamity.

Meanwhile, it is unclear if former President Kufuor would honor an invitation to the Apayem Kese festival at Asebu in the Central region.

Staff at his office refused to confirm or deny his participation when Joy News inquired, even though they say he has received the invitation to honour him.



http://edition.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201111/76731.php
From: Ghana/Myjoyonline.com/Isaac Essel

NHIS: One-time premium in 2012; but NPP says it’s nonstarter

The much hyped campaign promise of the ruling National Democratic to implement a one-time premium under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), after years of no show, may materialized in 2012, if what promised by the 2012 budget statement is executed.

Presenting the 2012 budget statement to Parliament Wednesday, Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor said one-time premium forms part of the NDC government’s commitment to continue the implementation of a number of pro-poor intervention programmes that will provide equal opportunities and improvement in the well-being of Ghanaians.

The scope of the numerous social intervention programmes, he emphasized, will be expanded to benefit a greater number of vulnerable people in the society.

“In order to accelerate the achievement of universal health coverage, government will commence the implementation of the one-time premium payment policy under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).”

Dr Duffuor was hopeful the review of the NHIS law would result in a major restructuring of the scheme at the district, regional and national levels.

Touting the government’s achievements under the health sector, the Finance Minister said to ensure adequate coverage, the Ministry of Health collaborated with the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare where the very poor in society were identified for registration under the National Health Insurance Scheme.

“Major achievements in the area of claims management were made and this included auditing of 28,925,293 claims and the recovering of GH¢471,215 and GH¢755,582 from services and medicines respectively,” he claimed.

The Minister also mentioned the establishment of 276 Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Zones.

Minority Spokesperson on Health, Dr Richard Anane, told Joy News Dzifa Bampoh that the government is only trying to play politics with the NHIS.

He is at a loss why the government put it into the budget, knowing very well that implementing the one-time premium in Ghana is impossible.

He said even though government had made it a campaign promise prior to the 2008 elections, it was advised that the new scheme would create a problem for the NHIS, and thought the government would have taken a cue and done its home work.

“I only think that the government has only shown this in its last budget just because it made a campaign promise, not because it is a practicable alternative. We believe that the health of the people of this nation should not be taken to the platform of politics. It is serious and we want the government to take particular note of it and to do the right [thing].”

He maintained that of all the countries with an insurance scheme, only Australia attempted the one-term premium, and though it is a well endowed country, he said the implementation failed.

http://edition.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201111/76610.php
From: Ghana l Isaac Essel l Myjoyonline.com

That was a "bye-bye budget" - Minority Leader

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Hon Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has pooh-poohed the 2012 budget statement presented by the Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, saying the statement that is supposed to give hope to Ghanaians is ironically, the one to see the NDC out of government.

The 2012 financial statement delivered on Wednesday to Parliament was themed: “Infrastructural Development for Accelerated Growth and Job Creation.”

According Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, Ghanaians should expect to see massive infrastructure development, job creation and sustained economic growth next year. Government also intends to increase its revenue mobilization - for instance, mining companies will be paying more – with oil revenue remaining an important component of the country’s revenue targets.

Dr Duffuor also highlighted some achievements of the NDC government over the past year.

"Madam Speaker, we promised Ghanaians a better Ghana and we have significantly delivered on this promise; we promised to remove schools under trees and we are very much on course; we promised to remove inequities in incomes through the single spine and we are very much on course; we promised to move the economy from fragility to robustness, yes we have; we promised to significantly expand the economy and we have; we promised to arrest inflation, yes we have…”

As usual, this budget has been greeted with a partisan approach, while Dr Duffuor thinks the achievements he enumerated give the government confidence that in the coming years, Ghanaians can continue to trust the NDC government to faithfully steer the affairs of our dear nation, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu and his colleagues in the minority strongly think otherwise.

“Clearly, we have come a full cycle, and we’ve realised that anko yie (it didn’t go well); yenhu so (all is not well), ya'setenamu no ansesa (our lives were not bettered), and to me [it is] bye-bye budget," Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu told Joy FM's Bernard Saibu.

The Minority was the least moved by the enumerated achievements, and also, very much doubted what the budget holds for the nation.

By that conviction, he told Joy News: “To me it is full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”

Although he admitted that the government in 2011 has “done a bit” like the construction of schools “that should translate into good results. What did we see?”

He was highly suspicious of claims by the government to stimulate and generate employment, because, according to him, the manufacturing industry which is expected to play that role “is collapsing”.

K.T Hammond, Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, re-echoed the position of his Minority Leader, saying the statement did not sound like a budget to him, adding “I hope it is the last budget” for the ruling NDC party.


From: Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Isaac Essel
http://politics.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201111/76603.php

STX bounces back; local partners to pay off Korean partners

The local partners of STX Engineering and Construction Company Ghana have provided a settlement package for their Korean partners in a bid to end the wrangling that has stalled the STX housing project.

B.K. Asamoah’s G.K Airport Company Tuesday presented an undisclosed amount, meant to pay off the Koreans, to the Commercial Court hearing the STX case in Accra.

Joy News’ Sammy Darko who was in court during Tuesday’s proceedings reported that the court is set to rule on the “amicable settlement package” on 24 November 2011, which is expected to determine whether the contract involving the two partners would be terminated or not.

Even though information about the package is sketchy, it is believed that B.K. Asamoah’s G.K Airport Company will pay their Korean counterpart every money spent in the course of the partnership.

Snippets of information picked from the court indicate that if the ruling is given in favour of the local partners, the STX housing project will start early December.

G.K Airport Company has also brought in a new investor, Western Form Technology, for the project to commence smoothly.

The project is expected to provide 30,000 housing units across the country at the cost of $1.5 billion for the security agencies.

Later in an interview with Sammy Darko, Chief Executive of STX Engineering and Construction Ghana, B. K. Asamoah, apologised to President Atta Mills for the pain the internal wrangling of the partners might have caused him.

“I want to take this opportunity to first of all apologise to His Excellency the President for any embarrassment caused to him due to this back and forth with the South Koreans.”

Despite the longstanding internal strife, Mr Asamoah is confident the project would meet the deadline.

“It will not have any effect on the time-line,” he explained, “We will expand the membership of the project to engage more Ghanaians so that we can quickly deliver as we did promise.”

The project has the finances secured and technology agreed, he said.

“The issue is not governmental, it is not personal, but it is commercial in nature,” Mr Asamoah stressed.

He insisted that in spite of the fact that the partners have changed, there would not be the need to go back to the government for another approval.


From: Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Isaac Essel
http://edition.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201111/76518.php

Experts disagree with Catholic Bishops on SHS computerised placement

Some stakeholders in the education sector want calls by the Catholic Bishops asking the government to abolish the Computerised School Selection and Placement System to be disregarded.

According to the Minister of Education, Betty Mould-Iddrisu, calls for the abolition of the system are “premature”.

Whilst an Education Policy Analyst, Kofi Asare, thinks the calls cannot provide solutions to challenges bedeviling the system, a former Director of Ghana Education Service, Michael Nsowah says abolishing the system would worsen issues.

Leaders of the Catholic faith, at the end of a five-day conference in Takoradi issued a communiqué, calling on the government to suspend its decision to reintroduce the three-year SHS. The Conference also called for the abolition of the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).

Mr Michael Nsowah, though, pointed out that the 30% quota to localities should largely be blamed for the discrepancies in the selection process; he strongly disapproved that the system should be abolished.

“I think it is something that helped in a very big way and if there are certain challenges, I think we need to look at those challenges and make it work. We cannot go back to the manual because that was fraught with more fraud than we are talking about now.”

According to Kofi Asare, an Education Policy Analyst with Action for Rural Education, the system has suffered some challenges since its inception, but this year’s “problem seems to be quite handful”.

“But I don’t think the solution to the problem is to abolish the CSSPS; it is not the solution… Abolishing it will take us back to the regime which was worse compared to the current regime. So abolishing is out of the options we should be considering at this time.”

He attributed this year’s flaws to the “seemingly incoherence between data on vacancy available to the Computerised School Selection and Placement Secretariat and the actual vacancies in the senior high schools”.

The Minister of Education Betty Mould-Idrissu has announced that there would be a stakeholders' meeting on Tuesday to iron out all the teething issues concerning the selection process. Mr Asare has, therefore, called on the ministry to take a critical look at the gap to ensure that information on vacancies in schools corresponds with what the secretariat has.

He said after interacting with some parents and education practitioners, the 30% quota was fingered as a contributing factor to this year’s mess.

He noted that the implementation of the system came after the pupils have filled the forms to select their preferred senior high schools; hence the 30% quota was done manually alongside the computerized system.

On the back and forth with the SHS duration, Education Minister Betty Mould-Iddrisu told Joy News the law introducing the four-year SHS system has been amended and there is no turning back.

Kofi Asare has thrown his weight behind Education Minister’s rejection of calls by the Catholic Bishops.

“The timing is even wrong. I think we have crossed the bridge on the debate between three years and four years. There are so many pressing issues in education that we need to discuss, so we should discuss emerging issues in a progressive manner,” Kofi Asare told Joy FM’s Top Story Monday.

Education Policy Analyst noted that it would be inappropriate to revisit the debate, having previously been weakened with political coloration.

He said after the necessary legal amendment has been made to the Education Act 2008, Act 778 to go three years, people should be more concerned with how to put the three years adopted into good use.

“We also realised that Ghana actually was not prepared for the four-year system, which experienced severe inadequate infrastructure, lack of good preparation in terms of curriculum availability and even teachers and so many other things,” Kofi Asare stressed.

But Mr Michael Nsowah maintained he was still in support of the four-year system.


From: Ghana l Isaac Essel l Myjoyonline.com
http://edition.myjoyonline.com/pages/education/201111/76475.php

No award for Kufuor if… - Moree youth threaten

The youth of Moree in the Central Region are up in arms against the Omanhene of the Asebu traditional Area, Okatakyi Amenfi VII, and have threatened to disrupt this year’s Apayem-kese festival.

The youth, who say they are determined to carry out their threat, have created some tension. They are also advising the chiefs and people of the area, as well as tourists that their safety cannot be guaranteed if they decide to participate in the festival scheduled to come off this week.

Joy FM's Central Regional correspondent, Richard Kojo Nyarko, reports that the youth accuse Okatakyi Amenfi of denying them every opportunity to have a substantive chief for the Moree township as he refuses to recognize any chief proposed to him.

They also claimed the Omanhene had sidelined the people of Moree, striping them of their dignity.

Former President J.A. Kufuor is expected to be honoured by the chiefs and people of the Asebu traditional area for what they say is his contributions to peace and rapid development of the area.

But the Youth have vowed to stop the Omanhene of the traditional area from giving any award to the former President in the name of Asebuman.

Isaac Nketia, spokesperson of the youth, warned: “We are therefore cautioning the organisers of the so-called Apayem-Kese, they should not attempt organising any occasion at Moree beach; two, no entertainment should be organised by the organisers of Apayem-kese in Moree. We cannot further guarantee their safety if they failed to adhere to the above.”

The Omanhene of the Asebu traditional Area, Okatakyi Amenfi VII, has however expressed shock at the assertions of the youth.

He told Joy News that Moree was faced with a number of chieftaincy disputes, and disagreed with the youth’s attempt to draw in the entire traditional area in their chieftaincy issues.

He therefore asked the youth to desist from any acts that would raise tension and bring about violence in the area.

He also defended the need for his area to honour former President Kufuor.

“If President Kufuor and his party or government had refused to hand over the reign of administration to the next government [Ghana would not have been a peaceful state]. So that is the issue, the point is we need people who have the nation at heart and who can take the right decisions at the right time to save the nation from destruction.”

From: Ghana /Myjoyonline.com/Isaac Essel
http://edition.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201111/76451.php

Quashigah hits back at Kufuor: You envy Rawlings

The Propaganda Secretary of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) Richard Quashigah has taken a swipe at former President J.A. Kufuor for saying Mr Rawlings’ self-assessment of his era was boastful.

In a press release, issued on Friday, Mr Quashigah says Mr Kufuor’s take on former President Rawlings was nothing but double standards and sheer envy of his predecessor.

“For him to now describe as boastful President Rawlings’ assessment of his regime's performance smacks of double standard, envy and hypocrisy. It is not lost on us that President Kufuor is the only Ghanaian leader who has so far conferred on himself the highest award of the land while still President; an awards category he himself created.”

The statement further stated: “In fairness, if there is any former leader apart from Nkrumah, worth applauding, then it must be Jerry Rawlings.”


Below is the full statement

KUFUOR’S DOUBLE STANDARD AND ENVY

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has observed with great amusement and shock former President Kufuor’s criticism of his predecessor President Rawlings’ assessment of the Rawlings era as sterling which brought out the best in people. According to President Kufour such self assessment is boastful.

It will be recalled that in 2009 former President Kufuor repeatedly adjudged himself as having done more for Ghana than any other leader Ghana has ever had. At the time he made this statement we urged him not to tickle himself and laugh since his achievements were insignificant as compared to those of Dr. Nukrumah and Mr. Rawlings.

For him to now describe as boastful President Rawlings’ assessment of his regime‘s performance smacks of double standard, envy and hypocrisy. It is not lost on us that President Kufuor is the only Ghanaian leader who has so far conferred on himself the highest award of the land while still President; an awards category he himself created.

We would wish to remind Mr. J. A. Kufuor that since the Nkrumah era or after Nkrumah’s overthrown, this country was left badly bruised, until 1983, when the nation begun registering positive growth under the management of the Rawlings’ PNDC. The Rawlings regime, begun on the threshold of negative economic indicators (the worse economy any regime in Ghana ever inherited). It was a period described in a document published in 2005 by the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) of the University of Ghana, as one of economic decay and attributed it largely to counterproductive policies pursued before. So bad was the situation that, between the period of 1970-1983, real GDP grew at an average rate of 0.81% per annum while the growth of real per capita GDP on average was -8.34%.

It was at such point of suffocation and stagnation from which Ghana was resuscitated with Rawlings as the captain in the coxswain

So sterling were his economic achievements not to mention strengthening of institutions such as the judiciary, and instilling in the Ghanaian people the “can do spirit” that at varied international fora, he was acclaimed as ‘one of few African leaders to resuscitate a collapsed economy.
In fairness, if there is any former leader apart from Nkrumah, worth applauding, then it must be Jerry Rawlings.

Mr. Kufuor must therefore be reminded that no conscious effort of his to obliterate or overshadow Mr. Rawlings’ exemplary achievements will work.

Signed

Richard Quashigah
NDC National Propaganda Secretary


Credit: Joy Online

Kufuor replies ‘boastful’ Rawlings

In a subtle attempt to discredit claims by former President J.J. Rawlings that he is the best ever Ghanaian leader, ex-President J.A. Kufuor has described Mr Rawlings as a man who is full of himself.

Mr Rawlings, who is also an AU envoy to Somalia, stoked a controversy in an interview with a South Africa-based television station, eTV when he asserted that the strengthening of institutions like the judiciary and empowerment of Ghanaians qualified him as the best Ghanaian leader.

“And my leadership, to be quite honest, I don’t know any other type of leadership that want to bring the best out of people…I will cite instances, the progress that was made within the judiciary, when people actually, you know, felt that they owned the political atmosphere,” he stressed.

But in a sharp rebuttal, former President Kufuor has called the bluff of his predecessor for blowing his own trumpet.

Moreover, when asked by Joy News’ Jefferson Sackey if he concurs or holds a contrary view to the claims, Mr Kufuor replied: “Let the people of Ghana say so [that Rawlings is the best leader Ghana has ever had], otherwise it becomes a boastful statement.”

Former President Kufuor, who attracted the accolade ‘Gentle Giant’ during his eight-year rule, further maintained: “I am not prone to boasting, I don’t like that”.

He justified his position with an Akan proverb which says ahwene pa nkasa to wit ones does not need others attention to promote itself, insisting “let the people of Ghana say, over this period, this is the best leader we have had, I will not say I am the best, I won’t say that; it should be the people I led.”

Asked to assess his tenure as the President of Ghana, he remarked: “I did my best for my country.”

He was convinced that Ghanaians were largely satisfied and approved of his leadership style, “otherwise they wouldn’t be coming to me for guidance and advice, if they were not satisfied.”

Meanwhile, a governance expert, Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, suggested that former President Rawlings’ claim could be subjective depending on how one views it.

He said even though excesses, especially trampling of human rights, of the revolutionary regime could not be ruled out of his 20-year rule, he contributed greatly to Ghana’s return to constitutional and democratic rule – stabilizing the Fourth Republic – and reforming the economy in the 80s.

“So those issues are there and would always colour and discolour his records,” he told Joy News.

Dr Akwetey called for a “more dispassionate analysis” of his assertion to ascertain its veracity, “but I think he’s made very significant contributions”.

From: Ghana l Isaac Essel l Myjoyonline.com
http://politics.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201111/76285.php

I'm the best leader ever in Ghana's history - Rawlings

Former President Jerry John Rawlings says his nearly 20-year rule can be described as the best ever in the annals of the country's political history.

The former President who is also an AU envoy to Somalia, in an interview with a South Africa-based television station, eTV averred that the strengthening of institutions like the judiciary and empowerment of Ghanaians qualified him as the best Ghanaian leader.

He said, all these were done with a conviction that when Ghanaians are united with a sense of vision, and with a sense of purpose, “no one can take them for a ride”.

He stressed: “And my leadership, to be quite honest, I don’t know any other type of leadership that want to bring the best out of people…I will cite instances, the progress that was made within the judiciary, when people actually, you know, felt that they owned the political atmosphere.”

The programme host challenged him that during the revolutionary period, he sidelined the Ashanti’s and some Ewes, and even disposed off some Akan ministers when he took over power, “causing a great divide in government”.

But Mr Rawlings debunked that assertion and promised to make available “documents and personalities” both from opposition and from within the revolution period to speak for him on those allegations.

The former President said whilst some African countries refer to persons on the other side of the political divide as opposition, “in actual fact...they treat us like enemies”.

Mr Rawlings justified his long stay in power. He stated that he deliberately held onto power so he could empower Ghanaians.

“I lasted for many years not because I was using the coercive machinery, but because we were engaged in empowering the power,” he said, explaining that “Having become empowered, [the people] will demand accountability from you, will demand transparency from you, will demand integrity from you. How many of us in this position are prepared to render accountability to the people?”

“That is the difference.” He continued: “That is why they have a problem with Rawlings, and have to misrepresent it to make it seem as if he is divisive. He is so and so; he is so and so. No! Rawlings believes in accountability, he believes in transparency, he believes in the empowerment of the people.”

Meanwhile, Kofi Adams, the spokesperson of JJ Rawlings, has dared anyone with evidence to come out to accuse his boss of murder during his reign as a military ruler.

Mr. Adams told Citi FM in Ghana that although there were some excesses during the revolution, Rawlings as the junta leader never had a hand in any killing throughout his military rule.

According to Mr. Adams, “not a single person has so far proven that President Rawlings took a knife or a gun, threw or shot somebody to kill that person.”

From: Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Isaac Essel

MP wants ‘notorious’ camp housing ex Ivorian combatants closed

The Eagle Star Refugee Camp could be shut down by December this year after ex-combatants currently being housed there are transferred to other camps.

The need to relocate the camp comes after complaints by the Member of Parliament for Takoradi that the presence of the ex-combatants threatens the country’s security.

Following two unresolved murders at the nearby Ambenu refugee camp, the MP, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, blamed the deaths on the former fighters.

He wants government to as a matter of urgency repatriate the ex combatants.

He told Joy News if the government fails to relocate them, “it is going to be a mess if something goes wrong again. I believe that Ghana is on a time bomb, when it comes to the issue of the ex-combatants refugees from Ivory Coast after the election, and I believe government should work on it as quickly as possible”.

Meanwhile, the Manager of the Ambenu Refugee Camp, Kelly Forson explains to Joy News the UN statutes on refugees do not permit forced repatriation.

He however says there are plans to improve the monitoring of their activities.


By Isaac Essel/ myjoyonline.com

Baba Jamal goofed; Mills had 2nd Class Upper, not 1st Class

President Mills obtained Second Class (Upper) from the University of Ghana contrary to claims by a deputy Information Minister that he had First Class, Communication Director at the the presidency has confirmed.

Information available to Myjoyonline.com from the Office of the President indicates that Koku Anyidoho has been directed by the president to correct the misinformation.

Professor Mills had a Bachelor’s Degree and Professional Certificate in Law in 1967 from the University of Ghana. Many reports of the president’s scholastic acumen suggest that he obtained a First Class from school.

A deputy Minister of Information Baba Jamal this week buttressed claims that President Mills had a first class, and used that as a basis to cast aspersion at NPP flag-bearer Nana Akufo-Addo, who had a Third Class in Economics in the same year at the same university, arguing that Prof. Mills would make a better president than Nana Addo.

The NPP flag-bearer, addressing the Tertiary Education Students Conference (TESCON) of the NPP at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi last week, called for visionary leaders who think big, act big and do big things to develop the country.

But according to Baba Jamal, the NPP flag-bearer does not have the moral right to talk about intelligence and vision when he obtained a Third Class from the University.

“It is a statement of fact that they (Mills and Nana Addo) sat in the same classroom but one had First Class and the other had Third Class,” he added.

“Prof Mills had his doctorate degree at the age of 27 years, he taught law for 25 years and was the boss of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for ten years whiles Nana Addo was just a lawyer,” he said on Asempa FM’s programme Thursday, insisting there are light years between the two leaders in terms of abilities and capacity to deliver.

But Myjoyonline.com checks at the presidency indicates that Baba Jamal got his facts wrong.

"His Excellency Professor Mills as a matter of fact had a Second Class (Upper Division),” a source told Myjoyonline.com on Saturday.

Communications Director at the Presidency Koku Anyidoho told Joy News that the President has admitted obtaining a Second Class Upper and has subsequently directed that the anomaly put out by his deputy Information Minister, Baba Jamal, be corrected as soon as possible.

A member of the opposition New Patriotic Party Mike Ocquaye Jnr had doubted that President Mills had a First Class. He earlier dared the President and his supporters to provide proof that he indeed obtained a First Class at the University of Ghana.

Speaking on Joy FM’s news analysis programme Newsfile Saturday, Mike Ocquaye Jnr maintained: “Baba Jamal, I put it to you that President Mills did not get a First Class. I am reliably informed that he did not get a first class; he got a 2:1, Second Class Upper.”

“So why do you come and lie to Ghanaians that he got a first class,” he quizzed.


by Isaac Essel / myjoyonline.com
http://politics.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201111/76026.php

Mills’ first class degree in dispute

A staunch member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NDC) is daring the President, John Evans Atta Mills, to provide proof that he indeed obtained a first class at the University of Ghana.

Professor Mills had a Bachelor’s Degree and Professional Certificate in Law in 1967 at the University of Ghana. Many reports of the president’s scholastic acumen suggest that he obtained a first class in his undergraduate degree.

Lending credence to that, Deputy Minister of Information Baba Jamal cast aspersion on NPP’s flag-bearer Nana Akufo-Addo, who had a Third Class in the same year at the same university, arguing that Prof. Mills would make a better president than Nana Addo.

But his position has come under intense criticisms, especially from persons who commented on his assertion on myjoyonline.com.

Adding his voice to the avalanche of condemnations on Joy FM’s news analysis programme Newsfile Saturday, Mike Ocquaye Jnr of the NPP averred that incontrovertible information available to him indicated that claims that President Mills had a first class were false.

“Baba Jamal, I put it to you that President Mills did not get a first class. I am reliably informed that he did not get a first class; he got a 2:1, second class upper.”

He therefore challenged Prof Mills and those who hold views contrary to his to provide evidence to support what has widely been publicised.

“So why do you come and lie to Ghanaians that he got a first class,” Mike Ocquaye wondered and demanded: “Go and bring that [first class] certificate and let us see. Now the president’s certificate is going to be the subject of public scrutiny because of the irresponsible statement by Baba Jamal.”

Nevertheless, he pointed out that getting a third class doesn’t make one a less better politician.

“President Rawlings, did he go to university? And now Nana Addo got a third class in economics, a subject he may not have enjoyed in university...Nana Addo therefore switched to law, and since then he has shown the excellence.”

by Isaac Essel / Joy Online