It has become a well-worn ritual among some expatriate companies operating in Ghana - the wrongful dismissals of workers and counter accusations of framing up and verbal abuses.
A former employee of Red Back Mining Company based in Bibiani, Lawrence Adu, is holding a list of complaints ready to appear before the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to prove he had been abused and wrongfully dismissed by the company.
According to a petition lodged with CHRAJ Adu argues that he was sacked because he complained when an expatriate officer, Rob White called him and three other workers (Emmanuel Egpemenyo, Emmanuel Dzokoto and Benjamin) ‘ fuck you monkeys.’
Mr. Adu said, “I can say with all confidence that my appointment was terminated not because I was incompetent but because I reported Mr. Rob White, the Environmental and Safety Manager of Chirano Gold Mines, a subsidiary of Red Back, for insulting (us) four Ghanaians “monkeys”.
In the petition dated May 19, 2005 and copied to Public Agenda, Adu hopes that CHRAJ will look into the circumstances surrounding his appointment and wrongful dismissal and take the appropriate action against the company and Rob White, who abused them.
When the Ghana Chamber of Mines was contacted, its Executive Secretary, Miss Joice Aryeeh confirmed that the complainant petitioned CHARAJ and copied the Chamber of Mines. Miss Aryee added that since CHRAJ had the mandate to handle such cases, the chamber could only wait for CHRAJ to announce its decision. For three weeks now since this paper started investigating the case, the company’s telephone number (072-977710) on the letter head of Adu’s dismissal letter has been busy.
According to his petition Adu was employed as a Caretaker in Red Back Mining’s office in Accra, which doubles as a guesthouse and has worked there diligently, until he was fired for alleged incompetence.
His petition said on April 26, 2005, he and with his three colleagues were working on an ambulance at the company’s office in Accra under the supervision of Mr. Rob White, when suddenly, White flared up and insulted them, “fuck you monkeys”.
He said he initially reported the case to the office manger who told him there was nothing he could about it. “On the same day, I made a formal report to Mr. Francis Agezo, a Ghanaian manager, who confronted White, but he denied ever calling them ‘monkeys’.”
The petition said subsequently, Mr. Norm Baiden, a white geologist questioned all four of them about the insults which they confirmed. But Mr. White once again denied the allegation
According to the petition exactly two weeks after he (Adu), reported the incident, Mr. White returned to Accra and lodged in hotel because the company’s guesthouse was full.
Adu said, two days after Mr. White had left Accra, precisely on May 12, 2005, the office manager called him and told him that White had reported that someone had stolen $600 from his room and that he (Adu) was the suspect.
“I vehemently denied stealing the money. In fact on that particular occasion of Mr. White’s visit he did not lodge at the guesthouse. How then could he lose money from his room?” he asked in the petition.
Adu argued that the office manager was aware Mr. White had many female friends who visited him frequently. “In my view, these girls should be the first suspects”, he argued.
He said the next day the office manager handed him a letter, which stated that he had been fired for incompetence.
“I wish to state that my work and conduct since I started working with Red Back have been impeccable. No guest has ever complained about my work. I have never been queried about my performance or conduct.”
He said even Mr. White had given him gifts for his hard work and subservience in carrying out duties even outside his official hours such as ‘finding girls for him’.
Cases of abuse of Ghanaian workers by expatriate employers abound. A couple of years ago, a Malaysian manager of Ghana Telecom spat on a Ghanaian worker. And quite recently, a Dutch contractor defecated into a bucket and used it to fetch water for his Ghanaian workers to drink. When the crime was uncovered, he was briefly detained and deported.
Section 63, paragraph 4 of the Labour Act 2003, (Act 651) states that a termination may be unfair if the employer fails to prove that: (a) the reason for the termination is fair or the termination was made in accordance with a fair procedure of the act.
After such complaints are made to CHRAJ, they are forwarded to the National Labour Commission which in turn sends a letter to the employer to respond. The commission looks into the matter and subsequently makes a determination. Remedies include re-employment, reinstatement or payment of compensation.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Calling an end to the silence of women
A programme has been designed to involve and encourage women in key positions, (chief executives) to share their experiences on a variety of national issues.
This is because women in these positions have been identified as potential partners for gender advocacy whose rich experiences and expertise have largely been untapped.
Two gender advocacy organizations, Women In Broadcasting, (WIB) and ABANTU for Development are the frontrunners of the campaign. The first in a series of dialogues for 2005, under the theme, “Engendering Peace and Security Issues and Processes in Ghana has been held in Accra.
Participants included women in top positions in the various security institutions, such as the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service, (CEPS), Ghana Immigration and Prison Services, Ghana Police Service and Ghana National Fire Service. Others were media executives and individual entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the dialogue, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Administration, Mrs. Elizabeth Mills Robertson, noted that there is a general lack of security worldwide in the face of threats of war and civil strife, turmoil, natural and man-made disaster.
“It is an indication that man has driven himself to the doldrums of insecurity and fear, and if the right steps are not taken the only legacy we might leave for the future generation will be chaos and anarchy”.
She said Ghana stands out in the West Africa sub-region due to its ability to contain internal conflict, therefore any move to maintain peace and security is laudable.
Mrs. Robertson explained that the 1992 constitution provides for fundamental human rights and freedom and that should be the focal point of any discussion on security.
“The likelihood that peoples’ rights and freedoms would be trampled upon is high. To forestall this, there is the need for sustained education of the masses of our people”.
In this regard, the Deputy IGP called for the need to strengthen the National Commission for Civic Education, (NCCE) to be able to perform its role effectively.
She said the various security agencies, particularly the Ghana Police Service have essential roles to play, saying that the service must adhere to democratic policing principles such as the rule of law, for it to be relevant in a state that so committed to nurturing democracy.
“The police service that is responsible for internal security, need to use its powers according to the rule of law and not in whims and caprices of rulers”. She said the ratio of gender in the security services that had a culture of male domination has improved as a result of women activism and affirmative action.
“There is evidence of gender mainstreaming as both sexes are placed on the same pedestal, but there is still more room for improvement”.
During open forum, participants called for the need to improve police-community relations. They argued that the few women who make strides should be given the necessary recognition.
This is because women in these positions have been identified as potential partners for gender advocacy whose rich experiences and expertise have largely been untapped.
Two gender advocacy organizations, Women In Broadcasting, (WIB) and ABANTU for Development are the frontrunners of the campaign. The first in a series of dialogues for 2005, under the theme, “Engendering Peace and Security Issues and Processes in Ghana has been held in Accra.
Participants included women in top positions in the various security institutions, such as the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service, (CEPS), Ghana Immigration and Prison Services, Ghana Police Service and Ghana National Fire Service. Others were media executives and individual entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the dialogue, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Administration, Mrs. Elizabeth Mills Robertson, noted that there is a general lack of security worldwide in the face of threats of war and civil strife, turmoil, natural and man-made disaster.
“It is an indication that man has driven himself to the doldrums of insecurity and fear, and if the right steps are not taken the only legacy we might leave for the future generation will be chaos and anarchy”.
She said Ghana stands out in the West Africa sub-region due to its ability to contain internal conflict, therefore any move to maintain peace and security is laudable.
Mrs. Robertson explained that the 1992 constitution provides for fundamental human rights and freedom and that should be the focal point of any discussion on security.
“The likelihood that peoples’ rights and freedoms would be trampled upon is high. To forestall this, there is the need for sustained education of the masses of our people”.
In this regard, the Deputy IGP called for the need to strengthen the National Commission for Civic Education, (NCCE) to be able to perform its role effectively.
She said the various security agencies, particularly the Ghana Police Service have essential roles to play, saying that the service must adhere to democratic policing principles such as the rule of law, for it to be relevant in a state that so committed to nurturing democracy.
“The police service that is responsible for internal security, need to use its powers according to the rule of law and not in whims and caprices of rulers”. She said the ratio of gender in the security services that had a culture of male domination has improved as a result of women activism and affirmative action.
“There is evidence of gender mainstreaming as both sexes are placed on the same pedestal, but there is still more room for improvement”.
During open forum, participants called for the need to improve police-community relations. They argued that the few women who make strides should be given the necessary recognition.
MYSTERIOUS DEATHS IN 2005........Four big churches to collapse
Ghana is set to experience the deaths of so many Ghanaians, including top politicians between now and the end of the year according to a prophesy by Prophet Peter Anamoh of the Machaira of the Pneuma Foundation, a non-governmental organization, working on the spiritual and physical needs of Ghanaians.
Propehet Anamoh claims he is a prophet, an apostle, a teacher and an evangelist, and that his prophecies are from God. He did not specify whether the politicians whose days are numbered are from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), other parties or a combination of government and opposition politicians.
“The wages of sin is death. Everyone in Ghana could die including those in authority if Ghanaians do not change their ways or repent”, he told Public Agenda at the paper’s offices at Asylum Down. In addition, he predicted that the so-called men of God who refuse to change will be destroyed like chicken.
He also prophesied that by the end of the year, four big churches in Accra will collapse. He also declined to name the churches when pressed to be specific. He said already statistics of people dying through various means including accidents and other disasters is indicative of the fact that God is not pleased with the people of Ghana.
Prophet Anamoh dismissed claims that Ghana is a Christian nation, saying, “Ghana is rather corrupt, adulterous, evil and unchristian.” According to him, some churches are the most corrupt places where all sorts of immorality take place”. Who can stand the wrath of God?” he asked.
Prophet Anamoh boasts of making some prophecies in December last year, which came true. He is believed to have made a prophecy about the wrangling in parliament prior to the inauguration of President John Agyekum Kufuor on January 7, 2005 which delayed the programme. Again he made a prophecy about the cancellation of Africa’s debts by the G8 countries, which has been fulfilled.
Prophet Anamoh advised Ghanaians to change their attitudes, particularly the extreme politicization of everything in Ghana. “Politics is not division but the expression of different ideas and opinions”, he explained.
Asked whether he had contacted any politicians or policy makers to warn them about the impending doom, he answered, “whenever I get such prophecies, I wait for God to direct me on the next move to take. I am yet to officially approach those in authority”.
He said even though some politicians were contacted in the past, they failed to follow up, apparently due to the fact that some profit seeking prophets demanded money before revealing prophesies.
In his opinion, the righteous man has power and that God expects nothing short of righteousness from Ghanaians. “People should stop their evil and corrupt ways and begin to live for the sake of others”.
He revealed that God plans to use Ghana as the gateway to reach his people in other parts of Africa. He said already God has given Ghana a task to reach out to Liberia and let Liberians see the salvation of God.
“The Machaira of the Pneuma Foundation, (which means sword and spirit), is marching into Monrovia to organize a national repentance for God’s healing to come on the nation”. This will set the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous Liberia before and after the elections in October.
Prophet Peter said in the foreseeable future countries like United States of America will learn democracy from Africa. “Africa will take over the world from Britain and America he prophesied.
Propehet Anamoh claims he is a prophet, an apostle, a teacher and an evangelist, and that his prophecies are from God. He did not specify whether the politicians whose days are numbered are from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), other parties or a combination of government and opposition politicians.
“The wages of sin is death. Everyone in Ghana could die including those in authority if Ghanaians do not change their ways or repent”, he told Public Agenda at the paper’s offices at Asylum Down. In addition, he predicted that the so-called men of God who refuse to change will be destroyed like chicken.
He also prophesied that by the end of the year, four big churches in Accra will collapse. He also declined to name the churches when pressed to be specific. He said already statistics of people dying through various means including accidents and other disasters is indicative of the fact that God is not pleased with the people of Ghana.
Prophet Anamoh dismissed claims that Ghana is a Christian nation, saying, “Ghana is rather corrupt, adulterous, evil and unchristian.” According to him, some churches are the most corrupt places where all sorts of immorality take place”. Who can stand the wrath of God?” he asked.
Prophet Anamoh boasts of making some prophecies in December last year, which came true. He is believed to have made a prophecy about the wrangling in parliament prior to the inauguration of President John Agyekum Kufuor on January 7, 2005 which delayed the programme. Again he made a prophecy about the cancellation of Africa’s debts by the G8 countries, which has been fulfilled.
Prophet Anamoh advised Ghanaians to change their attitudes, particularly the extreme politicization of everything in Ghana. “Politics is not division but the expression of different ideas and opinions”, he explained.
Asked whether he had contacted any politicians or policy makers to warn them about the impending doom, he answered, “whenever I get such prophecies, I wait for God to direct me on the next move to take. I am yet to officially approach those in authority”.
He said even though some politicians were contacted in the past, they failed to follow up, apparently due to the fact that some profit seeking prophets demanded money before revealing prophesies.
In his opinion, the righteous man has power and that God expects nothing short of righteousness from Ghanaians. “People should stop their evil and corrupt ways and begin to live for the sake of others”.
He revealed that God plans to use Ghana as the gateway to reach his people in other parts of Africa. He said already God has given Ghana a task to reach out to Liberia and let Liberians see the salvation of God.
“The Machaira of the Pneuma Foundation, (which means sword and spirit), is marching into Monrovia to organize a national repentance for God’s healing to come on the nation”. This will set the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous Liberia before and after the elections in October.
Prophet Peter said in the foreseeable future countries like United States of America will learn democracy from Africa. “Africa will take over the world from Britain and America he prophesied.
Meet the “action woman” of WAJU
A typical day at the offices of the Women and Juvenile Unit, (WAJU), of the Ghana Police Service, often reveals a crowd of people/complainants in a long queue with majority of them being women.
The complainants have different facial expressions of disappointment, form long queues and patiently wait to have their turn to tell their stories to the “action woman.” Others also visit the unit with fractures and injuries of various kinds.
The “Action Woman” is the Station Officer of the Accra WAJU office, Chief Inspector Rita Narh.
The 55 year-old Chief Inspector has been nicknamed ‘‘Action woman’’ due to the swift manner in which she handles complaints. She was born and bred at Koforidua in the Eastern Region but is a native of New Ningo in the Greater Accra region.
She attained basic education and proceeded to a typing school.
She joined the Ghana Police Service in 1970 and assumed office as Station Officer of WAJU in the year 2001.
My usual visits to WAJU as a journalist to talk to the “action woman” often takes between 45minutes to an hour, before I get the opportunity to talk to her.
Her outfit is so busy that even fellow officers at the unit do not find it easy to approach her. She is just busy all day. Sometimes I sit there and wonder how she gets the chance to visit the restroom when nature demands, let alone have her lunch.
As soon as a complainant with an assault case leaves another enters with a case of defilement, rape or non-maintenance.
As Station Officer, Chief Inspector Rita Narh is responsible for the general management of the unit.
She recalled the low patronage of the unit by the public when she assumed office. However, she said as a result of the public educational campaigns through the media, at the market places, churches, communities and lorry stations, people are beginning to know their rights and therefore visit the unit to lodge complaints.
Like any institution, Chief Inspector Narh says the unit faces certain challenges with reference to logistics particularly transport to make them mobile. ‘‘Our work becomes difficult when complainants are not able to produce witnesses when the need arise. Vital elements to support cases involving rape, such as torn panties, blood stains, sperms etc. are unfortunately washed off. Some victims simply fail to open up, perhaps due to the stigma.’’
She added that even though the volume of cases makes her worn out, she is refreshed by the frequent in house training by the unit and other non-governmental organizations.
In spite of the above challenges, she believes the unit has made successes. ‘‘Through the unit outstanding family disputes have been resolved. The general public is also currently aware of their rights’’, she said.
She said the unit employs a holistic approach to realize its objectives. Consequently, WAJU works closely with the Department of Social Welfare, the International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, (CHRAJ) and the Legal AID Board.
Other collaborators are the Gender Studies and Documentation Centre which provide training for WAJU officials, the Ark Foundation and the Women’s Initiative for Self Empowerment, (WISE) and the Association of African Women Lawyers, (AWLA) that support with counseling and shelter facilities, as well as other civil society organizations.
Chief Inspector Narh told Public Agenda that all services by the unit are free, complainants and their families are treated with respect and courtesy.
She said through her four-year term she has observed that victims and complainants, particularly the women feel uneasy to see their partners/perpetrators persecuted.
She described as unfortunate the attitude by some women who try to abuse the unit and threaten their partners on the least provocation. She cautioned women not to abuse the role of the unit and urged the men to also make judicious use of the unit by reporting cases as soon as possible, as some of them have been doing already.
Chief Inspector Rita Narh believes that domestic violence should be included in school syllabus. She said domestic violence could be reduced and possibly eliminated if the general public is conscious of their rights and limitations. She hopes WAJU would have its own media to make the unit’s outreach programmes easier and effective.
Chief Inspector Narh is a staunch Christian and worships with Deeper Life Bible Church.
She reads books and counsels the junior ranks at her outfit on the need to respect and protect the profession they have chosen, during her leisure time.
The complainants have different facial expressions of disappointment, form long queues and patiently wait to have their turn to tell their stories to the “action woman.” Others also visit the unit with fractures and injuries of various kinds.
The “Action Woman” is the Station Officer of the Accra WAJU office, Chief Inspector Rita Narh.
The 55 year-old Chief Inspector has been nicknamed ‘‘Action woman’’ due to the swift manner in which she handles complaints. She was born and bred at Koforidua in the Eastern Region but is a native of New Ningo in the Greater Accra region.
She attained basic education and proceeded to a typing school.
She joined the Ghana Police Service in 1970 and assumed office as Station Officer of WAJU in the year 2001.
My usual visits to WAJU as a journalist to talk to the “action woman” often takes between 45minutes to an hour, before I get the opportunity to talk to her.
Her outfit is so busy that even fellow officers at the unit do not find it easy to approach her. She is just busy all day. Sometimes I sit there and wonder how she gets the chance to visit the restroom when nature demands, let alone have her lunch.
As soon as a complainant with an assault case leaves another enters with a case of defilement, rape or non-maintenance.
As Station Officer, Chief Inspector Rita Narh is responsible for the general management of the unit.
She recalled the low patronage of the unit by the public when she assumed office. However, she said as a result of the public educational campaigns through the media, at the market places, churches, communities and lorry stations, people are beginning to know their rights and therefore visit the unit to lodge complaints.
Like any institution, Chief Inspector Narh says the unit faces certain challenges with reference to logistics particularly transport to make them mobile. ‘‘Our work becomes difficult when complainants are not able to produce witnesses when the need arise. Vital elements to support cases involving rape, such as torn panties, blood stains, sperms etc. are unfortunately washed off. Some victims simply fail to open up, perhaps due to the stigma.’’
She added that even though the volume of cases makes her worn out, she is refreshed by the frequent in house training by the unit and other non-governmental organizations.
In spite of the above challenges, she believes the unit has made successes. ‘‘Through the unit outstanding family disputes have been resolved. The general public is also currently aware of their rights’’, she said.
She said the unit employs a holistic approach to realize its objectives. Consequently, WAJU works closely with the Department of Social Welfare, the International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, (CHRAJ) and the Legal AID Board.
Other collaborators are the Gender Studies and Documentation Centre which provide training for WAJU officials, the Ark Foundation and the Women’s Initiative for Self Empowerment, (WISE) and the Association of African Women Lawyers, (AWLA) that support with counseling and shelter facilities, as well as other civil society organizations.
Chief Inspector Narh told Public Agenda that all services by the unit are free, complainants and their families are treated with respect and courtesy.
She said through her four-year term she has observed that victims and complainants, particularly the women feel uneasy to see their partners/perpetrators persecuted.
She described as unfortunate the attitude by some women who try to abuse the unit and threaten their partners on the least provocation. She cautioned women not to abuse the role of the unit and urged the men to also make judicious use of the unit by reporting cases as soon as possible, as some of them have been doing already.
Chief Inspector Rita Narh believes that domestic violence should be included in school syllabus. She said domestic violence could be reduced and possibly eliminated if the general public is conscious of their rights and limitations. She hopes WAJU would have its own media to make the unit’s outreach programmes easier and effective.
Chief Inspector Narh is a staunch Christian and worships with Deeper Life Bible Church.
She reads books and counsels the junior ranks at her outfit on the need to respect and protect the profession they have chosen, during her leisure time.
Nerve-jangling defilement cases hit Accra
The Women and Juvenile Unit (WAJU) of the Ghana Police Service has revealed that defilement was the second highest number of criminal cases in the Accra metropolis in the first quarter of the year with 94 cases. These cases mostly involved grown ups having sexual intercourse with minors or children below 18 years.
Abdul Aziz, 32, and resident at Teshie-Nungua estate was on June 6, 2005 sentenced to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour for defilement and indecent assault on a 7 year old girl by a Cocoa Affairs court B1, in Accra, presided by His Highness Kwadwo Owusu.
According to the Accra Station Office of the Women and Juvenile Unit (WAJU), of the Ghana Police Service, Chief Inspector Rita Narh, on June 28, 2005, the victim joined her mother to sell her goods.
She said at about 10 am the victim informed her mother that she was attending nature’s call. While she was returning, she met Abdul Aziz who took her to a nearby bathhouse at Novotel Lorry Park and bathe her.
Afterwards, he inserted his finger into her vagina and later had sex with her in the bathroom. After satisfying himself, he bathe her again and warned her not to inform anybody.
At 3.30pm, the accused later sent the victim to one Alhaji Bariwu at the Novotel Lorry Park to take care of the victim for a while. Alhaji then interviewed the victim and she revealed her ordeal leading to the arrest of Abdul who was detained at the Nima Police station.
The victim was medically examined and treated. The case was transferred to WAJU and after investigations the accused was charged before court. Abdul Aziz pleaded not guilty to both offences of indecent assault and defilement.
He was however tried and found guilty on both counts and sentenced to three years on count 1 and seven years on count 2.
Another 22-year-old resident of Adenta Sakora, Love Ametordzie, was on Friday June 17, 2005, sentenced to 7 years imprisonment in hard labor by a Cocoa Affairs court B1, for defiling a 14 year old girl.
According to the Accra Station Officer of the Women and Juvenile Unit, (WAJU) of the Ghana Police Service, Chief Inspector Rita Narh, on June 5, 2005 the victim was selling fried yam when the accused, Ametordzie bought ¢6,000 worth of yam.
She said Ametordzie thereafter gave the victim ¢20,000 but the victim said she had no change. Ametordzie then instructed the victim to follow him to his house for the money.
When they got to Ametordzie’s house, he ordered the victim to wait outside. The accused then entered his room and allegedly brought out a dagger and threatened his victim to enter his room or else he would stab her to death.
The poor victim had no other alternative than to enter the room. Ametordzie therefore forcibly had sex with her for three days. But on the June 7, 2005, the victim managed to escape home when the accused forgot to lock his door with the key.
A complaint was subsequently lodged at the Madina Police Station from where the victim was sent to the hospital for medical check up. The case was later transferred to WAJU leading to the arrest of the accused. When Ametordzie was put before court, he pleaded guilty to the defilement but denied the other offences. He was however convicted on his own plea
Abdul Aziz, 32, and resident at Teshie-Nungua estate was on June 6, 2005 sentenced to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour for defilement and indecent assault on a 7 year old girl by a Cocoa Affairs court B1, in Accra, presided by His Highness Kwadwo Owusu.
According to the Accra Station Office of the Women and Juvenile Unit (WAJU), of the Ghana Police Service, Chief Inspector Rita Narh, on June 28, 2005, the victim joined her mother to sell her goods.
She said at about 10 am the victim informed her mother that she was attending nature’s call. While she was returning, she met Abdul Aziz who took her to a nearby bathhouse at Novotel Lorry Park and bathe her.
Afterwards, he inserted his finger into her vagina and later had sex with her in the bathroom. After satisfying himself, he bathe her again and warned her not to inform anybody.
At 3.30pm, the accused later sent the victim to one Alhaji Bariwu at the Novotel Lorry Park to take care of the victim for a while. Alhaji then interviewed the victim and she revealed her ordeal leading to the arrest of Abdul who was detained at the Nima Police station.
The victim was medically examined and treated. The case was transferred to WAJU and after investigations the accused was charged before court. Abdul Aziz pleaded not guilty to both offences of indecent assault and defilement.
He was however tried and found guilty on both counts and sentenced to three years on count 1 and seven years on count 2.
Another 22-year-old resident of Adenta Sakora, Love Ametordzie, was on Friday June 17, 2005, sentenced to 7 years imprisonment in hard labor by a Cocoa Affairs court B1, for defiling a 14 year old girl.
According to the Accra Station Officer of the Women and Juvenile Unit, (WAJU) of the Ghana Police Service, Chief Inspector Rita Narh, on June 5, 2005 the victim was selling fried yam when the accused, Ametordzie bought ¢6,000 worth of yam.
She said Ametordzie thereafter gave the victim ¢20,000 but the victim said she had no change. Ametordzie then instructed the victim to follow him to his house for the money.
When they got to Ametordzie’s house, he ordered the victim to wait outside. The accused then entered his room and allegedly brought out a dagger and threatened his victim to enter his room or else he would stab her to death.
The poor victim had no other alternative than to enter the room. Ametordzie therefore forcibly had sex with her for three days. But on the June 7, 2005, the victim managed to escape home when the accused forgot to lock his door with the key.
A complaint was subsequently lodged at the Madina Police Station from where the victim was sent to the hospital for medical check up. The case was later transferred to WAJU leading to the arrest of the accused. When Ametordzie was put before court, he pleaded guilty to the defilement but denied the other offences. He was however convicted on his own plea
Killer food- related diseases on the increase in Ghana
A colleague at work goes to buy fried yam at lunch time. The vendor after serving the immediate consumer does not wash the hand and attempts to serve my colleague with the same hand with which she used to collect money from the other consumer.
My colleague reminds her to wash her hands before serving her and the vendor flares up. Sadly, fellow consumers rained insults on my colleague. Their beef is that it is the order of the day.
The attitude of handling food anyhow and anyway has become part of the Ghanaian. Only few people occasionally question the manner in which food is handled. Such people often receive all kinds of criticisms from fellow consumers apart from the food vendors.
From the Ghanaian farm through the market to the house and finally to the table, food is not handled well. But as humans we cannot do away with food which is central to our existence.
A walk through the major cities of the country, particularly Accra, reveals all kinds of food being displayed uncovered and open with flies sitting on them.
A situation individuals and health experts like the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof. Agyemang Badu-Akorsah has often expressed concern about.
The World Health Organization, (WHO) estimates about 2.2 million deaths are recorded annually from food and water borne diarrhoea diseases.
Statistics from the Greater Accra region indicates that diarrhoea diseases persistently ranked 5th among the 10 top causes of morbidity contributing between 3.6 and 4.2% of out patient attendances over the past 5 years.
Of the top 5 communicable diseases reported, diarrhoea diseases are in the 2nd position. There is microbiological and chemical contamination of food right from the farm to the table.
Many people involved in the cultivation of vegetables especially, often use contaminated water from ponds and drains to water their crops.
A study by the International Water Management Institute on Accra, Kumasi and Tamale in 2004, revealed that all samples of cabbage, lettuce and spring onions contained at least 4000 faecal coli forms per gram being considerably higher for samples from Accra and Tamale.
However, these levels exceeded the International Commission on Microbiological Specification for Food recommended level of weight. Lettuce was the most polluted followed by spring onions.
It is for this that the Ghana Health Service devoted its monthly health promotion programme for the month of June to food safety. The monthly programme aims at educating workers at the ministry and the general public on preventive health.
The decision by the GHS to begin with the ministry community is laudable since courtesy is often said to begin at home. A few months ago, a matron at one of the ministries was ordered to stop serving food because she was caught working on rotten fish, apparently to serve innocent consumers with.
Dr. Edith Clarke, Head of the Occupational Health and Environmental Unit of the Ghana Health Service, (GHS) delivered a talk on the burden of disease from poor food safety practices in Ghana.
She cited poor environmental sanitation and unhygienic handling of food especially among the traditional caterers often known as ‘chop bars’ as alarming.
Most of these ‘chop bars’ she noted have poor drainage and inadequate toilet facilities. She revealed that a study among chop bar operators showed that 20% of them had fungal nail infections, while about 11% had intestinal parasites such as salmonellosis, a typhoid casing bacteria.
Dr. Clarke therefore advised chop bar consumers to examine critically the source of food from such places. She expressed concern over the attitude of some Ghanaians who have resorted to the use of food additives to pig feet, palm oil the famous ‘chofi’ (turkey tail) to make them attractive. ‘‘Even at home people practice poor personal hygiene. They fail to wash their hands with soap after defecation, coughing and sneezing. They are often taken for granted’.
In her opinion, the underlying causes of food related ill-health is complex and so are the interventions to control them. She called for the provision of toilet facilities in both rural and urban areas and intensive education on the need to use them.
For food handlers in institutions such as processing industries and those who serve in public places, measures should be taken to train them on regular updates in food safety practices and called for regular medical screening on them.
With regards to chemical contamination, Dr. Clarke said farmers should be educated on the need to avoid the use of highly toxic pesticides for food crops, fishing and game hunting, for which they have not been approved or licensed in the country.
She said school curricula at all levels should include food safety. ‘‘To be able to achieve lasting results, it is important that sectors like agriculture, Game and Wildlife, Environmental Protection Agency, Metropolitan and District Assemblies and regulatory agencies, all lend a hand to these efforts’ she concluded.
My colleague reminds her to wash her hands before serving her and the vendor flares up. Sadly, fellow consumers rained insults on my colleague. Their beef is that it is the order of the day.
The attitude of handling food anyhow and anyway has become part of the Ghanaian. Only few people occasionally question the manner in which food is handled. Such people often receive all kinds of criticisms from fellow consumers apart from the food vendors.
From the Ghanaian farm through the market to the house and finally to the table, food is not handled well. But as humans we cannot do away with food which is central to our existence.
A walk through the major cities of the country, particularly Accra, reveals all kinds of food being displayed uncovered and open with flies sitting on them.
A situation individuals and health experts like the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof. Agyemang Badu-Akorsah has often expressed concern about.
The World Health Organization, (WHO) estimates about 2.2 million deaths are recorded annually from food and water borne diarrhoea diseases.
Statistics from the Greater Accra region indicates that diarrhoea diseases persistently ranked 5th among the 10 top causes of morbidity contributing between 3.6 and 4.2% of out patient attendances over the past 5 years.
Of the top 5 communicable diseases reported, diarrhoea diseases are in the 2nd position. There is microbiological and chemical contamination of food right from the farm to the table.
Many people involved in the cultivation of vegetables especially, often use contaminated water from ponds and drains to water their crops.
A study by the International Water Management Institute on Accra, Kumasi and Tamale in 2004, revealed that all samples of cabbage, lettuce and spring onions contained at least 4000 faecal coli forms per gram being considerably higher for samples from Accra and Tamale.
However, these levels exceeded the International Commission on Microbiological Specification for Food recommended level of weight. Lettuce was the most polluted followed by spring onions.
It is for this that the Ghana Health Service devoted its monthly health promotion programme for the month of June to food safety. The monthly programme aims at educating workers at the ministry and the general public on preventive health.
The decision by the GHS to begin with the ministry community is laudable since courtesy is often said to begin at home. A few months ago, a matron at one of the ministries was ordered to stop serving food because she was caught working on rotten fish, apparently to serve innocent consumers with.
Dr. Edith Clarke, Head of the Occupational Health and Environmental Unit of the Ghana Health Service, (GHS) delivered a talk on the burden of disease from poor food safety practices in Ghana.
She cited poor environmental sanitation and unhygienic handling of food especially among the traditional caterers often known as ‘chop bars’ as alarming.
Most of these ‘chop bars’ she noted have poor drainage and inadequate toilet facilities. She revealed that a study among chop bar operators showed that 20% of them had fungal nail infections, while about 11% had intestinal parasites such as salmonellosis, a typhoid casing bacteria.
Dr. Clarke therefore advised chop bar consumers to examine critically the source of food from such places. She expressed concern over the attitude of some Ghanaians who have resorted to the use of food additives to pig feet, palm oil the famous ‘chofi’ (turkey tail) to make them attractive. ‘‘Even at home people practice poor personal hygiene. They fail to wash their hands with soap after defecation, coughing and sneezing. They are often taken for granted’.
In her opinion, the underlying causes of food related ill-health is complex and so are the interventions to control them. She called for the provision of toilet facilities in both rural and urban areas and intensive education on the need to use them.
For food handlers in institutions such as processing industries and those who serve in public places, measures should be taken to train them on regular updates in food safety practices and called for regular medical screening on them.
With regards to chemical contamination, Dr. Clarke said farmers should be educated on the need to avoid the use of highly toxic pesticides for food crops, fishing and game hunting, for which they have not been approved or licensed in the country.
She said school curricula at all levels should include food safety. ‘‘To be able to achieve lasting results, it is important that sectors like agriculture, Game and Wildlife, Environmental Protection Agency, Metropolitan and District Assemblies and regulatory agencies, all lend a hand to these efforts’ she concluded.
Squatters brace up for showdown with railway authorities
Squatters along the Odawna
railway lines have said that
unless they are provided alternative shelters they will not vacate the railway lands since they pay rent to some officials of the Ghana Railway Corporation.
Most of the squatters Public Agenda spoke to said they have been living around the rail lines for the past five to twenty years, and called for dialogue between them and the ministry.
They argue that even if Liberians and Sudanese refugees have been given a place to lay their heads, Ghanaians deserve better.
The Ministry of Harbours and Railways last week issued a final warning to the squatters along the country’s rail lines to quit by the end of next month or be forcefully moved.
The ministry says those who fail to quit by the end of this month, (June 2005) will have their property demolished. The Sector Minister Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi said in order to give a human face to the exercise, a committee had been set up to sensitize the squatters on the dangers their activities pose.
According to the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry, Alhaji M.N.D Jawula, the squatters were initially given up to the end of April to quit but said the ministry had decided on humanitarian grounds to extend the deadline to the end of this month.
He reiterated the fact, that the GRC was finding it difficult to attract investors for its rehabilitation works since any potential investor who inspected the lines complained about the presence of the squatters.
But Charles Acheampong speaking for his colleagues said they been living in the area for the past eight years and paying yearly rent of 20,000 cedis to some officials from the Ghana Railway Corporation, (GRC).
“Therefore, any attempt by anybody to forcefully eject us would be unfair and inhuman”, he complained. He told this reporter that before he put up his kiosk along the rail lines, he went to the offices of the GRC and paid an amount of ¢400,000 and was issued with a receipt. Therefore unless an alternative place is provided for us, we do not think that we will move out or give for our structures to be demolished’ he stated.
The Odawna railway area, also known as ‘Odawna estates’, could be described as a neighborhood on its own. There are all kinds of businesses going on there. They range from eating places, popularly known as ‘chop bars’, barbering and ‘shoe makers’ shop, as well as large scale charcoal dealers who come from all corners of the country.
railway lines have said that
unless they are provided alternative shelters they will not vacate the railway lands since they pay rent to some officials of the Ghana Railway Corporation.
Most of the squatters Public Agenda spoke to said they have been living around the rail lines for the past five to twenty years, and called for dialogue between them and the ministry.
They argue that even if Liberians and Sudanese refugees have been given a place to lay their heads, Ghanaians deserve better.
The Ministry of Harbours and Railways last week issued a final warning to the squatters along the country’s rail lines to quit by the end of next month or be forcefully moved.
The ministry says those who fail to quit by the end of this month, (June 2005) will have their property demolished. The Sector Minister Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi said in order to give a human face to the exercise, a committee had been set up to sensitize the squatters on the dangers their activities pose.
According to the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry, Alhaji M.N.D Jawula, the squatters were initially given up to the end of April to quit but said the ministry had decided on humanitarian grounds to extend the deadline to the end of this month.
He reiterated the fact, that the GRC was finding it difficult to attract investors for its rehabilitation works since any potential investor who inspected the lines complained about the presence of the squatters.
But Charles Acheampong speaking for his colleagues said they been living in the area for the past eight years and paying yearly rent of 20,000 cedis to some officials from the Ghana Railway Corporation, (GRC).
“Therefore, any attempt by anybody to forcefully eject us would be unfair and inhuman”, he complained. He told this reporter that before he put up his kiosk along the rail lines, he went to the offices of the GRC and paid an amount of ¢400,000 and was issued with a receipt. Therefore unless an alternative place is provided for us, we do not think that we will move out or give for our structures to be demolished’ he stated.
The Odawna railway area, also known as ‘Odawna estates’, could be described as a neighborhood on its own. There are all kinds of businesses going on there. They range from eating places, popularly known as ‘chop bars’, barbering and ‘shoe makers’ shop, as well as large scale charcoal dealers who come from all corners of the country.
Land and forestry sector yet to benefit economy
The potential of the land and forestry sector as important contributors to the national economy has not been realized due to poor management.
Ghana’s total forest cover estimated at 8.2 million hectares at the beginning of the twentieth century currently stands at less than 1.6 million hectares.
It is estimated that Ghana’s forest cover is being degraded at the rate of 65,000 hectares per year.
It is also believed that unless this high deforestation is checked there could be no forest cover within the next few decades. Apart from the environmental benefits that could be permanently lost there would be negative economic effects.
The timber industry would collapse dealing to the loss of millions of direct and indirect jobs.
It is estimated that about 3.7 million cubic metres of timber is harvested annually of which illegal chain saw activities account for about 1.7 million cubic metres, while illegal logging accounts for about 900,000 cubic metres.
The remaining 1.1 million cubic metres is what legal timber is estimated to account for. Despite numerous government policies on the land and forestry sector, there continue to be degradation of the forest due to lack of understanding of these policies.
Therefore, any attempt to reform whatever statutes or policies on land and forestry should include the voice of the people.
They should be allowed to take part in the implementation of these policies as they are meant for them. It is in this vain that the Centre for Democratic Governance, CDD, organized a workshop in Accra to increase government’s responsiveness to civil society in maters of land and forestry policy.
Under the Ghana Land and Forestry Support Facility, (GLFSF), the centre is conducting a diagnostic study to review existing legal and policy initiatives governing land and forestry maters in Ghana. A preliminary report highlighting the weaknesses of the existing initiatives and recommendations with the aim to improve government civil society relations in maters of forestry and land was the subject for discussion at the workshop.
A member of the Project Review Team, Mr. Nayon Bilijo cited unsustainable exploitation, inequitable allocation and utilization of land and forestry resources as some of the factors impeding the state from deriving maximum benefit vested in the sector.
‘‘There is the need for a more transparent allocation of timber resources. The Forestry Commission should implement more fully provisions in the various legislation on the award of Timber Utilization Contracts, (TUCs) through a competitive bidding process. The practice whereby this process is circumvented by recourse to granting of Timber Utilization Permits, Salvage permits and replacement of concessions should be avoided’, he stated.
The Vice Dean of the Economic and Architectural Department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Dr. Daniel Hammond, noted that before the colonial government, land resources were managed by chiefs or leaders in the society, but the scenario has changed.
He said even policies that existed were on adhoc basis. However, today, all policies point to one goal, that is sustainable national development. Dr. Hammond said land ownership has become a major problem. For instance he said, lack of consultation with land owners and chiefs in decision making for land allocation, acquisition, management, utilization and development has generated intractable disputes between the state, the community and the private land owning groups. ‘‘This results in lengthy land acquisition procedures for agricultural, industrial, commercial and residential development purposes due to conflicting claims to ownership’.
Ghana’s total forest cover estimated at 8.2 million hectares at the beginning of the twentieth century currently stands at less than 1.6 million hectares.
It is estimated that Ghana’s forest cover is being degraded at the rate of 65,000 hectares per year.
It is also believed that unless this high deforestation is checked there could be no forest cover within the next few decades. Apart from the environmental benefits that could be permanently lost there would be negative economic effects.
The timber industry would collapse dealing to the loss of millions of direct and indirect jobs.
It is estimated that about 3.7 million cubic metres of timber is harvested annually of which illegal chain saw activities account for about 1.7 million cubic metres, while illegal logging accounts for about 900,000 cubic metres.
The remaining 1.1 million cubic metres is what legal timber is estimated to account for. Despite numerous government policies on the land and forestry sector, there continue to be degradation of the forest due to lack of understanding of these policies.
Therefore, any attempt to reform whatever statutes or policies on land and forestry should include the voice of the people.
They should be allowed to take part in the implementation of these policies as they are meant for them. It is in this vain that the Centre for Democratic Governance, CDD, organized a workshop in Accra to increase government’s responsiveness to civil society in maters of land and forestry policy.
Under the Ghana Land and Forestry Support Facility, (GLFSF), the centre is conducting a diagnostic study to review existing legal and policy initiatives governing land and forestry maters in Ghana. A preliminary report highlighting the weaknesses of the existing initiatives and recommendations with the aim to improve government civil society relations in maters of forestry and land was the subject for discussion at the workshop.
A member of the Project Review Team, Mr. Nayon Bilijo cited unsustainable exploitation, inequitable allocation and utilization of land and forestry resources as some of the factors impeding the state from deriving maximum benefit vested in the sector.
‘‘There is the need for a more transparent allocation of timber resources. The Forestry Commission should implement more fully provisions in the various legislation on the award of Timber Utilization Contracts, (TUCs) through a competitive bidding process. The practice whereby this process is circumvented by recourse to granting of Timber Utilization Permits, Salvage permits and replacement of concessions should be avoided’, he stated.
The Vice Dean of the Economic and Architectural Department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Dr. Daniel Hammond, noted that before the colonial government, land resources were managed by chiefs or leaders in the society, but the scenario has changed.
He said even policies that existed were on adhoc basis. However, today, all policies point to one goal, that is sustainable national development. Dr. Hammond said land ownership has become a major problem. For instance he said, lack of consultation with land owners and chiefs in decision making for land allocation, acquisition, management, utilization and development has generated intractable disputes between the state, the community and the private land owning groups. ‘‘This results in lengthy land acquisition procedures for agricultural, industrial, commercial and residential development purposes due to conflicting claims to ownership’.
There are more women in informal employment than men
A new book ‘The Role of Women in Ghana’s Economy has found that that there are more women in informal economic activities than men in the three economic areas, namely, agriculture, industry and services.
The author, Nora Judith Amu estimates that some 80% of women in Ghana are engaged in various economic activities and they predominate in the informal micro-small to medium scale agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors of the economy.
While the informal sector gives women the flexibility they need to cope with their multiple roles as workers, wives and mothers, the remuneration is highly unstable and therefore their earnings vary from period to period.
Also they lack social security since the informal sector is no well structured to lend itself to the social security contributions and benefits.
Consequently, those in the informal sector retire without any social security thus leaving the burden of caring for them on family and society at large.
Furthermore, women’s work at the informal sector is basically at the subsistence level and thus their income is relatively low compared to their male counterparts in the same sector.
However, their contribution to economic growth and development is not adequately represented because the majority of their activities are in the informal low-growth-low-return areas and are basically subsistent.
Women in most societies play a crucial role as food producers, providers and managers. In rural communities, women are responsible for fetching fuel wood and water for cultivation.
Women are important actors in the food chain and are responsible for food security in Ghana. However, food crops do not have guaranteed prices and rare therefore subject to the vagaries of market prices, which rise and fall with the quantity of harvest per period.
Unfortunately, most of the work that women do are not considered as economic activities but are rather seen as traditional chore to which they are duty bound to perform.
Apart from agriculture women are also active in the industrial sector, hence the concentration of women in manufacturing may be understandable because of the activities carried out in this sub sector which include food and beverages, textiles ad leather, wood products and furniture, chemical and petroleum products and metallic and mineral products and plastics.
According to the author, the participation of women in the services is highly skewed towards the wholesale and retail sub-sector. Very few are found in the relatively more specialized sub-sectors of services. It reflects the general low ambitions for women.
It is important to note that while some women are generally un-ambitious, there are a number of them who as a result of their cultural background and their socialization processes, have been made to believe that cannot aspire for bigger things in life.
Rural women are the most disadvantaged in terms of access to education and pother forms of formal and informal training programmes.
Given such limitations, they are mostly engaged in subsistence farming. Low-income generating activities, while poor urban women operate marginal enterprises in the formal sector.
The author recommends that care needs to be taken to ensure that income-generating activities are profitable and loan products appropriate. Otherwise, women may need to convert savings goods into cash for loan repayment, thus impoverishing themselves further.
The author, Nora Judith Amu estimates that some 80% of women in Ghana are engaged in various economic activities and they predominate in the informal micro-small to medium scale agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors of the economy.
While the informal sector gives women the flexibility they need to cope with their multiple roles as workers, wives and mothers, the remuneration is highly unstable and therefore their earnings vary from period to period.
Also they lack social security since the informal sector is no well structured to lend itself to the social security contributions and benefits.
Consequently, those in the informal sector retire without any social security thus leaving the burden of caring for them on family and society at large.
Furthermore, women’s work at the informal sector is basically at the subsistence level and thus their income is relatively low compared to their male counterparts in the same sector.
However, their contribution to economic growth and development is not adequately represented because the majority of their activities are in the informal low-growth-low-return areas and are basically subsistent.
Women in most societies play a crucial role as food producers, providers and managers. In rural communities, women are responsible for fetching fuel wood and water for cultivation.
Women are important actors in the food chain and are responsible for food security in Ghana. However, food crops do not have guaranteed prices and rare therefore subject to the vagaries of market prices, which rise and fall with the quantity of harvest per period.
Unfortunately, most of the work that women do are not considered as economic activities but are rather seen as traditional chore to which they are duty bound to perform.
Apart from agriculture women are also active in the industrial sector, hence the concentration of women in manufacturing may be understandable because of the activities carried out in this sub sector which include food and beverages, textiles ad leather, wood products and furniture, chemical and petroleum products and metallic and mineral products and plastics.
According to the author, the participation of women in the services is highly skewed towards the wholesale and retail sub-sector. Very few are found in the relatively more specialized sub-sectors of services. It reflects the general low ambitions for women.
It is important to note that while some women are generally un-ambitious, there are a number of them who as a result of their cultural background and their socialization processes, have been made to believe that cannot aspire for bigger things in life.
Rural women are the most disadvantaged in terms of access to education and pother forms of formal and informal training programmes.
Given such limitations, they are mostly engaged in subsistence farming. Low-income generating activities, while poor urban women operate marginal enterprises in the formal sector.
The author recommends that care needs to be taken to ensure that income-generating activities are profitable and loan products appropriate. Otherwise, women may need to convert savings goods into cash for loan repayment, thus impoverishing themselves further.
GT moves to revolutionarise rural communication
A model communication centre developed for rural and peri-urban communities, under an Information Communication Technology, (ICT) project dubbed eCARE, has been envisaged to revolutionarise communication in the rural areas.
eCARE is an acronym for e-commerce and renewable energy. The project seeks to increase access to ICT powered by renewable energy in rural and peri-urban areas of Ghana. eCARE has been a community phone project by Ghana Telecom since February 2005.
The eCARE project is a joint effort of the United Nations foundations, (UNF), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), ARB Apex Bank, Kumasi Institute for Technology and Environment (KITE), Telenor Management Partner, (TMP) and Ghana Telecom, (GT).
Sadly, these rural communication centres will only be available in areas where GT has ONEtouch GSM coverage. In April to October 2004, a pre-feasibility study sponsored by UNF and TMP implemented by KITE, GT and UNEP was carried out.
The Chief Executive officer of GT, Mr. Oyestein Bjorge, noted that even though communication could be a vehicle for development in the rural areas, it is not effective there, thus the need to embrace UNF’s eCARE idea.
‘‘Communication is not a game but a vehicle to bring development. Therefore services by entrepreneurs must be relevant to communities".
According to the project Manager, Anita Skagnaes, local Ghanaian entrepreneurs will be identified, screened and recruited to operate the rural business centres offering ICT service and valued added services enabled by renewable energy.
‘‘The eCARE project will offer streamlined support package to qualified rural entrepreneurs, training, pre-produced eCARE centre, follow up financial support, bulk airtime at affordable prices and discounted equipments with service agreement through project", she stated.
She said rural participants will be required to certify under the eCARE training programme, provide equity and suitable location for placement of eCARE, provide equity and suitable location for placement of eCARE centre, offer rural telephony and other approved services at reasonable rates, as well as cover all operating expenses and amortization.
Currently, the first eCARE demonstration centre is completed while a pilot project is scheduled to start at the end of May with the establishment of three eCARE Rural Business Centres at Nkurakan, Sege and Sogakope in the Accra, Eastern and Volta Regions respectively.
Mrs. Harriet Amisasah Arthur, of the Kumasi Institute for Technology and Environment, said it is time for the country to move communication from the urban centres to the rural areas.
She said there is an enterprise development aspect which seeks to design projects to educate the rural folks as they are not ICT inclined.
She cited India as one of the few countries where eCARE has made an impact. She said here the farmers are able to assess and use information on agriculture processes left by experts
eCARE is an acronym for e-commerce and renewable energy. The project seeks to increase access to ICT powered by renewable energy in rural and peri-urban areas of Ghana. eCARE has been a community phone project by Ghana Telecom since February 2005.
The eCARE project is a joint effort of the United Nations foundations, (UNF), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), ARB Apex Bank, Kumasi Institute for Technology and Environment (KITE), Telenor Management Partner, (TMP) and Ghana Telecom, (GT).
Sadly, these rural communication centres will only be available in areas where GT has ONEtouch GSM coverage. In April to October 2004, a pre-feasibility study sponsored by UNF and TMP implemented by KITE, GT and UNEP was carried out.
The Chief Executive officer of GT, Mr. Oyestein Bjorge, noted that even though communication could be a vehicle for development in the rural areas, it is not effective there, thus the need to embrace UNF’s eCARE idea.
‘‘Communication is not a game but a vehicle to bring development. Therefore services by entrepreneurs must be relevant to communities".
According to the project Manager, Anita Skagnaes, local Ghanaian entrepreneurs will be identified, screened and recruited to operate the rural business centres offering ICT service and valued added services enabled by renewable energy.
‘‘The eCARE project will offer streamlined support package to qualified rural entrepreneurs, training, pre-produced eCARE centre, follow up financial support, bulk airtime at affordable prices and discounted equipments with service agreement through project", she stated.
She said rural participants will be required to certify under the eCARE training programme, provide equity and suitable location for placement of eCARE, provide equity and suitable location for placement of eCARE centre, offer rural telephony and other approved services at reasonable rates, as well as cover all operating expenses and amortization.
Currently, the first eCARE demonstration centre is completed while a pilot project is scheduled to start at the end of May with the establishment of three eCARE Rural Business Centres at Nkurakan, Sege and Sogakope in the Accra, Eastern and Volta Regions respectively.
Mrs. Harriet Amisasah Arthur, of the Kumasi Institute for Technology and Environment, said it is time for the country to move communication from the urban centres to the rural areas.
She said there is an enterprise development aspect which seeks to design projects to educate the rural folks as they are not ICT inclined.
She cited India as one of the few countries where eCARE has made an impact. She said here the farmers are able to assess and use information on agriculture processes left by experts
Kofi Asante’s strategic energy plan back to square one
The President last week pushed aside the Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, Kofi Asante, to pave way for investigations into allegations of corruption levelled against him.
The charges included the chairman, and the Executive Secretary buying vehicles for themselves while there are none for use by technical officers, Mr. Asante gallivanting, leaving the commission with ¢800 million bill on foreign travels for last year alone, paying himself ¢30 million a month as rent allowance and spending ¢500 million on advertising.
But Asante has fought back, saying all the allegations were designed to ridicule the commission and divert attention from the work the commission has done for the country. Mr. Asante who single handedly edits the commission’s official Journal, Energy Review, has strong views which sometimes contradicts government’s policy.
The swift action taken by the government following allegations against Asante in some private newspapers, thanks to the work of some self-seeking ‘whistle blowers’ will go down as ‘extraordinary achievement’ of the Kufuor administration in positive change chapter two.
This is because similar media allegations against other top government officials have not received the same swift response from the president. Could this be a new approach by government to be seen to be acting seriously on such charges by the media and other groups?
But who gains or loses after the ubiquitous Asante was thrown out. No doubt, the energy policies of embattled Asante have earned the Energy Commission, some recognition and Ghana will be the worse for it. Under Kofi Asante’s leadership, the first ever National Strategic Energy Plan for the period 2000—2025 was outdoored a few weeks before he was ousted from office last week. A hundred copies of the Energy Plan which was due to handed to the Minister of Energy, Prof. Mike Ocquaye, on Wedenesday, May 11 before Asante was thrown out were handed over to the minister last Friday. As Asante put it in the note accompanying the 100 copies “nevertheless, the business of the State must continue.”
In the plan, four hydroelectric power dams are to be constructed by the year 2020 to help meet the country’s energy requirement.
The policy objectives of the expansion programme are to ensure security of electricity supply and to ensure universal access to affordable electricity service.
The dams include, the Bui Hydroelectric power dam, which is expected to be operational by year 2012, the Hemang and Juale hydroelectric power dams also expected to be completed by 2015 and the Pwalugu hydroelectric dam in the Upper East region expected to be fully operational by 2020.
The construction of these hydroelectric projects would be contributing towards meeting the long-term energy need of the country. Bui alone is expected to add about 17% of hydroelectric power to the Akosombo hydroelectric generation.
According to the Energy Commission, the hydroelectric power projects would help increase the level of domestic electricity generation resources and help cut back on imported natural gas.
Another important benefit to be derived from these hydroelectric projects is the job creation potentials. As stipulated in the National Strategic Energy Plan, about 543 permanent and non-permanent hands would be required for power plants construction for 2005-2008.
The projects are also expected to boost Ghana’s energy export potentials. Currently, the Akosombo generation station is also undergoing retrofitting and is expected to increase its installed capacity by about 108 MW to 1020MW by the end of 2005.
This is the first time a national energy plan has been drawn up and being implemented. But unfortunately, the brain behind, Asante, is out of the saddle. And the fear is that once Asante is out, the plan will be put on the shelves to gather dust. This is because past and present governments have a record of shelving development plans when the brains behind them are no more in office. When Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was overthrown in 1966, his 15-year Development Plan was burnt to ashes. The same fate befell the 7-year Development Plan of the Busia government when he was overthrown in 1972.
The 2005 budget, presented to parliament confirmed some key policy initiatives contained in the National Strategic Plan launched by the Energy Commission.
The budget and the energy plan agree on the development of solar energy systems. It is expected that improvement in the sector would link educational institutions that are off the national grid to solar energy. Solar energy has been described by the commission as a renewable energy and is considered environmentally friendly. Again the budget and the energy plan converge on the West Africa Gas Pipeline Project. The Energy Commission has recognized the WAGP, which the budget sees as critical to meeting the energy requirements of the country. By the energy commission’s estimation, the WAGP should be completed latest by December 2006. Unfortunately, the brain behind these good policies is out.
Even though the budget is silent on the specifics, it partly collaborates the commission’s position, as it indicates that the WAGP would be completed within 24 months after the start of the construction and would be delivering gas to Aboadze within the 24-month period.
However, the energy commission has cautioned that although the WAGP is a strategic infrastructure, there are problems and challenges the project poses. Mr. Asante has put up a fierce campaign against the terms of the WAGP, which he suggested need to be renegotiated.
First, the commission states that the gas to be delivered by the WAGP is flared and thus produces greenhouse gas, which is responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer.
Another important element the commission expresses reservation on is the cost. The commission holds the view that if Aboadze’s capacity is not enhanced, the cost of gas could equal that of fuel.
In the WAGP agreement, Ghana is to pay about $88 million a year for gas supply. This, in the commission’s view, would yield only marginal savings with cost of electricity generated almost equaling that of oil based electricity. The commission therefore argues that the benefits should be more substantial for Ghana to dole out scarce resources into such a venture. There are rumours that Mr. Kofi Asante’s outspoken views/reservations about the WAGP project could be a remote factor in his current predicament. The allegations in the media were the immediate cause. This is the bane of many public servants who have dared to defend the national interest.
Obviously, precautions must be taken to protect such pricey ideas of people like Mr. Kofi Asante on critical areas like energy for national development.
The Associate Executive Director of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, Dr. Baffour Agyemang Duah, is forthright in arguing that
the issue goes beyond Kofi Asante and the energy Commission, but is a larger problem of how public boards and commissions are governed in Ghana. In the view of Dr. Agyemang Duah, if Ghanaians do not learn to appreciate good stewardship, many well-meaning people and Ghanaian experts will back away from taking public appointments. Kofi Asante’s plight is an eye opener.
The charges included the chairman, and the Executive Secretary buying vehicles for themselves while there are none for use by technical officers, Mr. Asante gallivanting, leaving the commission with ¢800 million bill on foreign travels for last year alone, paying himself ¢30 million a month as rent allowance and spending ¢500 million on advertising.
But Asante has fought back, saying all the allegations were designed to ridicule the commission and divert attention from the work the commission has done for the country. Mr. Asante who single handedly edits the commission’s official Journal, Energy Review, has strong views which sometimes contradicts government’s policy.
The swift action taken by the government following allegations against Asante in some private newspapers, thanks to the work of some self-seeking ‘whistle blowers’ will go down as ‘extraordinary achievement’ of the Kufuor administration in positive change chapter two.
This is because similar media allegations against other top government officials have not received the same swift response from the president. Could this be a new approach by government to be seen to be acting seriously on such charges by the media and other groups?
But who gains or loses after the ubiquitous Asante was thrown out. No doubt, the energy policies of embattled Asante have earned the Energy Commission, some recognition and Ghana will be the worse for it. Under Kofi Asante’s leadership, the first ever National Strategic Energy Plan for the period 2000—2025 was outdoored a few weeks before he was ousted from office last week. A hundred copies of the Energy Plan which was due to handed to the Minister of Energy, Prof. Mike Ocquaye, on Wedenesday, May 11 before Asante was thrown out were handed over to the minister last Friday. As Asante put it in the note accompanying the 100 copies “nevertheless, the business of the State must continue.”
In the plan, four hydroelectric power dams are to be constructed by the year 2020 to help meet the country’s energy requirement.
The policy objectives of the expansion programme are to ensure security of electricity supply and to ensure universal access to affordable electricity service.
The dams include, the Bui Hydroelectric power dam, which is expected to be operational by year 2012, the Hemang and Juale hydroelectric power dams also expected to be completed by 2015 and the Pwalugu hydroelectric dam in the Upper East region expected to be fully operational by 2020.
The construction of these hydroelectric projects would be contributing towards meeting the long-term energy need of the country. Bui alone is expected to add about 17% of hydroelectric power to the Akosombo hydroelectric generation.
According to the Energy Commission, the hydroelectric power projects would help increase the level of domestic electricity generation resources and help cut back on imported natural gas.
Another important benefit to be derived from these hydroelectric projects is the job creation potentials. As stipulated in the National Strategic Energy Plan, about 543 permanent and non-permanent hands would be required for power plants construction for 2005-2008.
The projects are also expected to boost Ghana’s energy export potentials. Currently, the Akosombo generation station is also undergoing retrofitting and is expected to increase its installed capacity by about 108 MW to 1020MW by the end of 2005.
This is the first time a national energy plan has been drawn up and being implemented. But unfortunately, the brain behind, Asante, is out of the saddle. And the fear is that once Asante is out, the plan will be put on the shelves to gather dust. This is because past and present governments have a record of shelving development plans when the brains behind them are no more in office. When Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was overthrown in 1966, his 15-year Development Plan was burnt to ashes. The same fate befell the 7-year Development Plan of the Busia government when he was overthrown in 1972.
The 2005 budget, presented to parliament confirmed some key policy initiatives contained in the National Strategic Plan launched by the Energy Commission.
The budget and the energy plan agree on the development of solar energy systems. It is expected that improvement in the sector would link educational institutions that are off the national grid to solar energy. Solar energy has been described by the commission as a renewable energy and is considered environmentally friendly. Again the budget and the energy plan converge on the West Africa Gas Pipeline Project. The Energy Commission has recognized the WAGP, which the budget sees as critical to meeting the energy requirements of the country. By the energy commission’s estimation, the WAGP should be completed latest by December 2006. Unfortunately, the brain behind these good policies is out.
Even though the budget is silent on the specifics, it partly collaborates the commission’s position, as it indicates that the WAGP would be completed within 24 months after the start of the construction and would be delivering gas to Aboadze within the 24-month period.
However, the energy commission has cautioned that although the WAGP is a strategic infrastructure, there are problems and challenges the project poses. Mr. Asante has put up a fierce campaign against the terms of the WAGP, which he suggested need to be renegotiated.
First, the commission states that the gas to be delivered by the WAGP is flared and thus produces greenhouse gas, which is responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer.
Another important element the commission expresses reservation on is the cost. The commission holds the view that if Aboadze’s capacity is not enhanced, the cost of gas could equal that of fuel.
In the WAGP agreement, Ghana is to pay about $88 million a year for gas supply. This, in the commission’s view, would yield only marginal savings with cost of electricity generated almost equaling that of oil based electricity. The commission therefore argues that the benefits should be more substantial for Ghana to dole out scarce resources into such a venture. There are rumours that Mr. Kofi Asante’s outspoken views/reservations about the WAGP project could be a remote factor in his current predicament. The allegations in the media were the immediate cause. This is the bane of many public servants who have dared to defend the national interest.
Obviously, precautions must be taken to protect such pricey ideas of people like Mr. Kofi Asante on critical areas like energy for national development.
The Associate Executive Director of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, Dr. Baffour Agyemang Duah, is forthright in arguing that
the issue goes beyond Kofi Asante and the energy Commission, but is a larger problem of how public boards and commissions are governed in Ghana. In the view of Dr. Agyemang Duah, if Ghanaians do not learn to appreciate good stewardship, many well-meaning people and Ghanaian experts will back away from taking public appointments. Kofi Asante’s plight is an eye opener.
WAJU records 842 cases of domestic violence in first quarter
The Women and Juvenile Unit of the Ghana Police Service, (WAJU), handled a total of 842 cases for the first quarter of this year, according to a quarterly report released last week.
The report indicates that women continue to be in the majority of the victims of domestic violence, even though more men are now putting shyness aside and coming up with cases of their wives bashing them.
Out of this number, assault cases ranked high with the figure standing at 421 as at the end of March. In January, assault cases stood at 162, February 122 while March recorded 137.
The second highest case recorded by the unit for the first quarter is defilement with the figure 94. This involves grown ups who have sexual intercourse with minors or children below 18 years.
Cases of threat came third with 85 complaints lodged at WAJU. Abduction cases, which involves keeping a minor and having sex with her recorded 35.
The fifth highest recorded case was rape with the figure at 33 indicating a reduction.
A breakdown of this figure shows that, in January 14 cases of rape were handled by the unit, 12 in February and 7 in March. Thirty-two cases of parents and guardians who to fail to supply basic necessities of health and life were recorded.
The unit received 31 cases of stealing for the period under review.
Nine cases of children exposed to harm were reported to the unit. Just a case each of child abandonment, incest, child stealing, bigamy and compulsion of marriage was received by the unit within the same period, with the latter being predominant among the Muslim community.
Four cases each of criminal abortion, attempted abortion, attempted rape and unlawful ejection complaints were lodged at WAJU. Two cases each of unnatural canal knowledge, canal knowledge of female idiot and intermeddling with property of a deceased were received at the unit.
In an interview with Public Agenda, the Station Officer of WAJU, Madam Rita Narh, noted that the rate of complaints lodged at the unit for the first quarter was higher compared to last year.
This she attributed to the extensive public education by the unit. ‘‘There is no doubt that people are beginning to know their rights’’.
She however, expressed concern about the situation where women currently threaten to report men to the unit at the least opportunity. She cautioned the women not to abuse the role of the unit. Madam Narh urged the men to also make judicious use of the unit by reporting cases as soon as possible, as some of them have been doing already.
In Madam Narh’s opinion, the unit receives long list of complaints, particularly assault cases due to failure by young girls to wait for the necessary marriage rites to be performed on them, before they get involved with a man and get pregnant.
‘‘Imagine someone sleeping on the pavement who gets pregnant with a driver’s mate who sleeps in a car. Obviously they are unable to make ends meet, let alone cater for a child. And this often result in exchanges leading to assault upon confrontation’’.
Secondly, she said there seem to be a breakdown of moral upbringing because children are exposed so much to technological advancement such as watching all kinds of movies/films on television, even at odd hours.
Madam Narh explained that out of curiosity, these children are tempted to try or experience whatever they see. Again, she said certain names and advertisement on some aphrodisiacs in the media connotes negative implications, which makes the children curious.
She called on the churches especially to be involved in the fight for better human rights.
The Women and Juvenile Unit of the Ghana Police Service, (WAJU), handled a total of 842 cases for the first quarter of this year, according to a quarterly report released last week.
The report indicates that women continue to be in the majority of the victims of domestic violence, even though more men are now putting shyness aside and coming up with cases of their wives bashing them.
Out of this number, assault cases ranked high with the figure standing at 421 as at the end of March. In January, assault cases stood at 162, February 122 while March recorded 137.
The second highest case recorded by the unit for the first quarter is defilement with the figure 94. This involves grown ups who have sexual intercourse with minors or children below 18 years.
Cases of threat came third with 85 complaints lodged at WAJU. Abduction cases, which involves keeping a minor and having sex with her recorded 35.
The fifth highest recorded case was rape with the figure at 33 indicating a reduction.
A breakdown of this figure shows that, in January 14 cases of rape were handled by the unit, 12 in February and 7 in March. Thirty-two cases of parents and guardians who to fail to supply basic necessities of health and life were recorded.
The unit received 31 cases of stealing for the period under review.
Nine cases of children exposed to harm were reported to the unit. Just a case each of child abandonment, incest, child stealing, bigamy and compulsion of marriage was received by the unit within the same period, with the latter being predominant among the Muslim community.
Four cases each of criminal abortion, attempted abortion, attempted rape and unlawful ejection complaints were lodged at WAJU. Two cases each of unnatural canal knowledge, canal knowledge of female idiot and intermeddling with property of a deceased were received at the unit.
In an interview with Public Agenda, the Station Officer of WAJU, Madam Rita Narh, noted that the rate of complaints lodged at the unit for the first quarter was higher compared to last year.
This she attributed to the extensive public education by the unit. ‘‘There is no doubt that people are beginning to know their rights’’.
She however, expressed concern about the situation where women currently threaten to report men to the unit at the least opportunity. She cautioned the women not to abuse the role of the unit. Madam Narh urged the men to also make judicious use of the unit by reporting cases as soon as possible, as some of them have been doing already.
In Madam Narh’s opinion, the unit receives long list of complaints, particularly assault cases due to failure by young girls to wait for the necessary marriage rites to be performed on them, before they get involved with a man and get pregnant.
‘‘Imagine someone sleeping on the pavement who gets pregnant with a driver’s mate who sleeps in a car. Obviously they are unable to make ends meet, let alone cater for a child. And this often result in exchanges leading to assault upon confrontation’’.
Secondly, she said there seem to be a breakdown of moral upbringing because children are exposed so much to technological advancement such as watching all kinds of movies/films on television, even at odd hours.
Madam Narh explained that out of curiosity, these children are tempted to try or experience whatever they see. Again, she said certain names and advertisement on some aphrodisiacs in the media connotes negative implications, which makes the children curious.
She called on the churches especially to be involved in the fight for better human rights.
Putting new blood into women’s empowerment, an AWDF initiative
It is common knowledge that resources available for development in Africa has declined and continue to do so. The situation has often been blamed on ineffective leadership on the continent, insufficient capital outflows and non-sustainable efforts to stabilize the economies of most of the countries in Africa.
This has no doubt led to the impoverishment of people in Africa. The need to become financially independent, especially the women of Africa, has become critical to the continent’s empowerment. Thus, initiatives such the African Women Developemnt Fund (AWDF), couldn’t have come at the right time.
In 2003, AWDF awarded a total amount of $1,258,000 to 155 women’s organisations in 31 African countries.
The AWDF in the same year, had two grant-making cycles in May and November, and as a result gave out $410,000 in grants to 42 organisations in 19 countries.
Its 2003 annual report indicates that the fund has continued to make progress with resource mobilization efforts in order to expand the organisation’s resource base.
The fund, not only continues to receive support from its existing donors, but in the year under review, it was able to attract support from new donors as well. However, the report stresses the need to sustain its mobilisation strategies which come with further serious challenges.
The African Women Development Fund is a fundraising and grant-making initiative that supports the work of the African women’s movements. AWDF seeks to transform African women to be able to live in a changed world with integrity and in peace. Most of the AWDF’s fundraising efforts have been targeted at foundations and other funding agencies, but needs to start focusing on individual benevolence too.
On outreach and partnerships, the AWDF participated and made significant inputs for seminars such as the International Human Rights Funders Group Seminar and the Conference of the International Network for Women’s Funds held in Ghana.
Women in general seem to be disadvantaged on all fronts and illiterate women are less likely to know about their rights, thus making them vulnerable to all acts of domestic violence.
With funding from the AWDF, 66 women’s rights groups have been trained in knowledge on laws pertaining to marriage, separation, divorce and constitutional rights, among others. These trainees are now armed with information on both gender and legal issues, which enables them to provide necessary legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, child abuse and unequal distribution of resources.
The fund supported 45 organisations involved in empowering women economically. They, in turn, supported some women groups in the area of agricultural production and processing, to empower them economically so as to be self-reliant. The report states that this has helped the women to be able to meet their basic needs such as paying of children’s school fees, clothing and saving for the future.
The low participation of women in leadership is a major impediment to the building and sustenance of good governance on the continent. With the support of the AWDF, 12 organisations were awarded grants to support certain women groups who have been working to increase women’s participation in governance and leadership.
In Ghana for example, the number of women parliamentarians rose from 18 to about 23 currently, likewise in other African countries. It is assumed that even though it does not address the gender imbalance, it is a step forward in getting women to participate more actively in politics.
Advocacy is considered essential to influence stakeholders and policy makers on women’s health and rights. Research has shown, however, that there is lack of capacity in the area of advocacy on women’s health. Since the media plays a crucial role in the success of advocacy, the AWDF supported the Multidisciplinary African Women’s Health Network, to organise a training of trainers meeting to enhance media skills in advocacy.
The major aim was to bring together all disciplines working in the area of women’s health in Africa to enhance their capacity. All participants on their return held similar programmes and shared skills and knowledge they acquired within their organisations and countries.
A total of $13,000 in grants went to 9 organisations to support their efforts in combating HIV/AIDs on the continent. In the period under review, the AWDF awarded an amount $16,000 during the grants cycles in May and September to 11 organisations in Ghana to support community development projects led by women.
AWDF set up a Special Grants Initiative to create additional source of funding for current or potential AWDF grantees. This is to enable them engage in activities which promote learning and sharing of experiences on local, national and international levels.
The solidarity fund will also support women emergency situations such as in conflicts and other issues that require rapid response. Since its establishment, the solidarity fund has awarded seven organisations a total of $19,000 in five African countries including Ghana.
AWDF again launched a Capacity Building Unit in September in the year under review to support the work of its grantee organisations to enable them enhance their institutional capacity through a variety of strategies such as capacity building, management assistance and peer learning. Joana Foster, Chair of AWDF, says there is money in Africa which could be mobilized to support women in their effort to enhance their capacities to tackle the fundamental causes of women’s poverty and inequality.
‘‘We are aware of money in individual hands and within institutions and communities. The challenge is how to access these funds in a structured manner so African women can set up their own philanthropic institutions which will give long-term impact on their lives”, she stated. She emphasized the independence, self-worth and the sense of ownership of a strategic initiative such as the AWDF that comes with individual giving, however small but regularly.
She urged everyone to come on board, be part of the AWDF and put their monies where their hearts are.
The Executive Director of the fund, Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, says the fund’s commitment to the dynamic use of physical, intellectual and creativity by African women that allows for women’s agency, productivity, self-discovery, awareness raising and building of much needed confidence.
She believes that as a fund that emerged from the African women’s movement itself, its key responsibility is to ensure that these objectives continue to thrive and voices become clearer and more articulate.
This has no doubt led to the impoverishment of people in Africa. The need to become financially independent, especially the women of Africa, has become critical to the continent’s empowerment. Thus, initiatives such the African Women Developemnt Fund (AWDF), couldn’t have come at the right time.
In 2003, AWDF awarded a total amount of $1,258,000 to 155 women’s organisations in 31 African countries.
The AWDF in the same year, had two grant-making cycles in May and November, and as a result gave out $410,000 in grants to 42 organisations in 19 countries.
Its 2003 annual report indicates that the fund has continued to make progress with resource mobilization efforts in order to expand the organisation’s resource base.
The fund, not only continues to receive support from its existing donors, but in the year under review, it was able to attract support from new donors as well. However, the report stresses the need to sustain its mobilisation strategies which come with further serious challenges.
The African Women Development Fund is a fundraising and grant-making initiative that supports the work of the African women’s movements. AWDF seeks to transform African women to be able to live in a changed world with integrity and in peace. Most of the AWDF’s fundraising efforts have been targeted at foundations and other funding agencies, but needs to start focusing on individual benevolence too.
On outreach and partnerships, the AWDF participated and made significant inputs for seminars such as the International Human Rights Funders Group Seminar and the Conference of the International Network for Women’s Funds held in Ghana.
Women in general seem to be disadvantaged on all fronts and illiterate women are less likely to know about their rights, thus making them vulnerable to all acts of domestic violence.
With funding from the AWDF, 66 women’s rights groups have been trained in knowledge on laws pertaining to marriage, separation, divorce and constitutional rights, among others. These trainees are now armed with information on both gender and legal issues, which enables them to provide necessary legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, child abuse and unequal distribution of resources.
The fund supported 45 organisations involved in empowering women economically. They, in turn, supported some women groups in the area of agricultural production and processing, to empower them economically so as to be self-reliant. The report states that this has helped the women to be able to meet their basic needs such as paying of children’s school fees, clothing and saving for the future.
The low participation of women in leadership is a major impediment to the building and sustenance of good governance on the continent. With the support of the AWDF, 12 organisations were awarded grants to support certain women groups who have been working to increase women’s participation in governance and leadership.
In Ghana for example, the number of women parliamentarians rose from 18 to about 23 currently, likewise in other African countries. It is assumed that even though it does not address the gender imbalance, it is a step forward in getting women to participate more actively in politics.
Advocacy is considered essential to influence stakeholders and policy makers on women’s health and rights. Research has shown, however, that there is lack of capacity in the area of advocacy on women’s health. Since the media plays a crucial role in the success of advocacy, the AWDF supported the Multidisciplinary African Women’s Health Network, to organise a training of trainers meeting to enhance media skills in advocacy.
The major aim was to bring together all disciplines working in the area of women’s health in Africa to enhance their capacity. All participants on their return held similar programmes and shared skills and knowledge they acquired within their organisations and countries.
A total of $13,000 in grants went to 9 organisations to support their efforts in combating HIV/AIDs on the continent. In the period under review, the AWDF awarded an amount $16,000 during the grants cycles in May and September to 11 organisations in Ghana to support community development projects led by women.
AWDF set up a Special Grants Initiative to create additional source of funding for current or potential AWDF grantees. This is to enable them engage in activities which promote learning and sharing of experiences on local, national and international levels.
The solidarity fund will also support women emergency situations such as in conflicts and other issues that require rapid response. Since its establishment, the solidarity fund has awarded seven organisations a total of $19,000 in five African countries including Ghana.
AWDF again launched a Capacity Building Unit in September in the year under review to support the work of its grantee organisations to enable them enhance their institutional capacity through a variety of strategies such as capacity building, management assistance and peer learning. Joana Foster, Chair of AWDF, says there is money in Africa which could be mobilized to support women in their effort to enhance their capacities to tackle the fundamental causes of women’s poverty and inequality.
‘‘We are aware of money in individual hands and within institutions and communities. The challenge is how to access these funds in a structured manner so African women can set up their own philanthropic institutions which will give long-term impact on their lives”, she stated. She emphasized the independence, self-worth and the sense of ownership of a strategic initiative such as the AWDF that comes with individual giving, however small but regularly.
She urged everyone to come on board, be part of the AWDF and put their monies where their hearts are.
The Executive Director of the fund, Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, says the fund’s commitment to the dynamic use of physical, intellectual and creativity by African women that allows for women’s agency, productivity, self-discovery, awareness raising and building of much needed confidence.
She believes that as a fund that emerged from the African women’s movement itself, its key responsibility is to ensure that these objectives continue to thrive and voices become clearer and more articulate.
The haggling over domestic violence continues
A domestic relationship could be defined as an association among a group of people at the same place permanently. Examples of people in a domestic relationship could include people who are or were married, engaged, living together, have had or are expecting a child together, (including a foster child), and people who are related to one another including parents.
House helps and people who provide refuge or shelter for others could also be within the scope of domestic relationships.
Violence that normally occurs among these groups of people is termed as domestic violence. Domestic violence although a major human rights violation in Ghana, is said to be prevalent as research shows that it cuts across all sectors of society and all age groups as well as sexes.
Statistics reveal that over 90% of the victims of domestic violence are women and children. Violence in the domestic situation could take many forms. The era of customary law appears to permit the right of punishment for husbands in some ethnic groups. It has led to a prevalence of wife beating in some communities.
In the home setting for instance, house helps, the aged, sick and physically handicapped members may be abused. A recent national study on violence revealed that one in three women interviewed had been physically abused by a current or most recent partner.
This situation is regarded as detrimental to victims and society as a whole. Until recently, domestic violence was not given the needed attention although Ghana has signed, ratified and adopted several international documents on conventions such as the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Violence Against Women and the one on the Rights of the Child.
Over the past three years, the issue of domestic violence has attracted all kinds of debates in Ghana. Campaigners are of the opinion that the law in Ghana currently is inadequate in dealing with domestic violent crimes, and are therefore calling for a legislative instrument that is expected to remedy all these anomalies.
Proponents believe it could contribute significantly to sensitize victims on subjects that constitute domestic violence and institutions responsible for handling such cases. The drafted bill therefore defines domestic violence to include any threats or acts of physical, emotional or verbal harm that take place within a previous or existing domestic relationship.
Expected to come under consideration by Ghana’s parliament is the domestic violence bill to provide legal framework for dealing with domestic violence. The bill is purposely targeted at improving the situation of women and children who are frequent victims of domestic violence. The issue of domestic violence is gradually becoming a social evil considering the number of complaints of abuse and assault cases reported at the Women and Juvenile Unit of the Ghana Police Service and other institutions that deal with such issues. Deaths have sometimes occurred and the need for special protection has become necessary.
Many non-governmental organizations have in the last few years been advocating for the domestic violence bill to be passed. The campaign was intensified in the 2004 election year but was not forwarded to parliament by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs despite pressure from the campaigners. The issue has since attracted much criticism. But the Ghanaian society in which culture often plays a major role, has subjected proponents of the bill to various criticisms.
Even the church, which is expected to protect the rights of members have not lived up to the task. So many biblical scholars in the past have made statements about women that turn to push them to the background. One of such men of God is John Knox, (1505-1572), who said, ‘‘Woman in her greatest perfection was made to serve and obey man’. Again thirteenth century theologian Thomas Aquinas stated, ‘‘the woman is subject to the man, on account of the weaknesses of the nature, both of mind and the body. Man is the beginning of woman and the end, jus as God is the beginning and the end of every creature’.
The contribution of the church towards ensuring the rights of people could not be overlooked since it is the core of the family. It is in this light, that a forum was held in Accra, to bring Christian leaders from churches together to discuss the draft Domestic Violence Bill, which seeks to address the gaps in the current legislation. They also examined related issues of gender in relation to Christianity. It was organised by the Ark Foundation Ghana, a non-governmental organisation that focuses on women and children’s rights protection. The inter-church leadership forum brought together leaders in the church who are involved in counseling and other activities that border on human relations.
The Executive Director of Ark Foundation, Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, said such forums are much needed because most of the victims of domestic violence and gender inequality are Christians. ‘‘Everything about gender is a big challenge which Christians must get involved in because gender refers to the home’, she noted.
The Director of the Institute of Local Government Studies, Esther Offei-Aboagye, who presented a paper on gender and Christianity, noted that the topic is frightening and vast. Therefore, she said gender issues should not be isolated from relations between sections of the population such as ethnicity, marginalization and vulnerability. Ms Offei-Aboagye noted that gender should not only be related to women as all persons are entitled to have life and have it abundantly. ‘‘All must be supported to have access to things they need equitably and efficiently. It is imperative to do so to equip them to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country’.
She recounted that issues of gender are not static but dynamic, as roles that men folk used to play have changed. These, she said are influenced by age, education, religion and political affiliation. She decried the instance of stereotyping women in certain situations, saying that it does not give them the opportunity to progress. Ms Offei-Aboagye explained that gender and Christianity have certain tenets such as equality, equity and empowerment in common; therefore Christianity and promoting gender equity should not be contradicted.
The church leaders who participated at the forum admitted that even though the church is the only means by which the world could be liberated, it has not lived up to its task, as biblical teachings are normally not related to life. They held the view that the church should become a louder voice to effect the transformation needed otherwise, the laws passed will not make any impact. They also advised the women to take their own initiatives and wait to be approved by the men. The leaders emphasized the need to build the lives of people rather than cathedrals. They also resolved to influence sermons in their denominations to include issues on gender and domestic violence.
A representative from the National Coalition of Domestic Violence, Adolf Awuku Bekoe, noted that the state’s response to fighting violence at the home has not been effective because there are efforts to protect the home, but are only fighting violence on the streets. To him, domestic violence is a manifestation of unequal power relationships and called for the need for a legislative framework to help deal with the problem.
House helps and people who provide refuge or shelter for others could also be within the scope of domestic relationships.
Violence that normally occurs among these groups of people is termed as domestic violence. Domestic violence although a major human rights violation in Ghana, is said to be prevalent as research shows that it cuts across all sectors of society and all age groups as well as sexes.
Statistics reveal that over 90% of the victims of domestic violence are women and children. Violence in the domestic situation could take many forms. The era of customary law appears to permit the right of punishment for husbands in some ethnic groups. It has led to a prevalence of wife beating in some communities.
In the home setting for instance, house helps, the aged, sick and physically handicapped members may be abused. A recent national study on violence revealed that one in three women interviewed had been physically abused by a current or most recent partner.
This situation is regarded as detrimental to victims and society as a whole. Until recently, domestic violence was not given the needed attention although Ghana has signed, ratified and adopted several international documents on conventions such as the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Violence Against Women and the one on the Rights of the Child.
Over the past three years, the issue of domestic violence has attracted all kinds of debates in Ghana. Campaigners are of the opinion that the law in Ghana currently is inadequate in dealing with domestic violent crimes, and are therefore calling for a legislative instrument that is expected to remedy all these anomalies.
Proponents believe it could contribute significantly to sensitize victims on subjects that constitute domestic violence and institutions responsible for handling such cases. The drafted bill therefore defines domestic violence to include any threats or acts of physical, emotional or verbal harm that take place within a previous or existing domestic relationship.
Expected to come under consideration by Ghana’s parliament is the domestic violence bill to provide legal framework for dealing with domestic violence. The bill is purposely targeted at improving the situation of women and children who are frequent victims of domestic violence. The issue of domestic violence is gradually becoming a social evil considering the number of complaints of abuse and assault cases reported at the Women and Juvenile Unit of the Ghana Police Service and other institutions that deal with such issues. Deaths have sometimes occurred and the need for special protection has become necessary.
Many non-governmental organizations have in the last few years been advocating for the domestic violence bill to be passed. The campaign was intensified in the 2004 election year but was not forwarded to parliament by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs despite pressure from the campaigners. The issue has since attracted much criticism. But the Ghanaian society in which culture often plays a major role, has subjected proponents of the bill to various criticisms.
Even the church, which is expected to protect the rights of members have not lived up to the task. So many biblical scholars in the past have made statements about women that turn to push them to the background. One of such men of God is John Knox, (1505-1572), who said, ‘‘Woman in her greatest perfection was made to serve and obey man’. Again thirteenth century theologian Thomas Aquinas stated, ‘‘the woman is subject to the man, on account of the weaknesses of the nature, both of mind and the body. Man is the beginning of woman and the end, jus as God is the beginning and the end of every creature’.
The contribution of the church towards ensuring the rights of people could not be overlooked since it is the core of the family. It is in this light, that a forum was held in Accra, to bring Christian leaders from churches together to discuss the draft Domestic Violence Bill, which seeks to address the gaps in the current legislation. They also examined related issues of gender in relation to Christianity. It was organised by the Ark Foundation Ghana, a non-governmental organisation that focuses on women and children’s rights protection. The inter-church leadership forum brought together leaders in the church who are involved in counseling and other activities that border on human relations.
The Executive Director of Ark Foundation, Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, said such forums are much needed because most of the victims of domestic violence and gender inequality are Christians. ‘‘Everything about gender is a big challenge which Christians must get involved in because gender refers to the home’, she noted.
The Director of the Institute of Local Government Studies, Esther Offei-Aboagye, who presented a paper on gender and Christianity, noted that the topic is frightening and vast. Therefore, she said gender issues should not be isolated from relations between sections of the population such as ethnicity, marginalization and vulnerability. Ms Offei-Aboagye noted that gender should not only be related to women as all persons are entitled to have life and have it abundantly. ‘‘All must be supported to have access to things they need equitably and efficiently. It is imperative to do so to equip them to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country’.
She recounted that issues of gender are not static but dynamic, as roles that men folk used to play have changed. These, she said are influenced by age, education, religion and political affiliation. She decried the instance of stereotyping women in certain situations, saying that it does not give them the opportunity to progress. Ms Offei-Aboagye explained that gender and Christianity have certain tenets such as equality, equity and empowerment in common; therefore Christianity and promoting gender equity should not be contradicted.
The church leaders who participated at the forum admitted that even though the church is the only means by which the world could be liberated, it has not lived up to its task, as biblical teachings are normally not related to life. They held the view that the church should become a louder voice to effect the transformation needed otherwise, the laws passed will not make any impact. They also advised the women to take their own initiatives and wait to be approved by the men. The leaders emphasized the need to build the lives of people rather than cathedrals. They also resolved to influence sermons in their denominations to include issues on gender and domestic violence.
A representative from the National Coalition of Domestic Violence, Adolf Awuku Bekoe, noted that the state’s response to fighting violence at the home has not been effective because there are efforts to protect the home, but are only fighting violence on the streets. To him, domestic violence is a manifestation of unequal power relationships and called for the need for a legislative framework to help deal with the problem.
NRC report should serve as an early warning device
Government is encouraging Ghanaians to make the report of the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC), an early warning device, so as to enable them to identify actions and persons likely to attempt to reverse the trend of constitutional democracy.
The report, the government insists, “is necessary because prevention is always better than cure”. The findings of the commission reveal that abuses committed during the period of reference of the NRC were not only confined to unconstitutional governments, even though they recorded higher than democratically elected ones.
According to the report presented by Ayikoi Otoo, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, majority of these abuses could be attributed to the military, the police and the prisons service, as they stood out as the main perpetrators.
It states that a greater proportion of the executions happened in Accra and Kumasi, with violations mainly against adult males. The report identifies economic hardships and bankruptcy as some of the major long-term effects of the violations.
The report explained that “some of the petitioners are only looking out for the truth and not any form of compensation, while others are also asking for apologies from people such as the sitting President and certain public institutions that were involved”.
The report again proposed a national monument engraved with names of the victims to be built. It also asks for a scholarship scheme to be put up for wards of victims or persons such as those who were disabled, those who disappeared and traders whose goods were seized and businesses destroyed.
The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mr. Ayikoi Otoo, stressed that “the government accepts the general recommendations made by the commission to the effect that the best way to prevent the misuse of the Ghana Armed Forces, the Police Service and the Prisons Service, is to ensure that there is transparency, fairness and the highest level of professionalism, in the recruitment, training and deployment of these forces”.
“Government remains committed to the decentralization of all public institutions. Government, therefore, considers the recommendation regarding the decentralization of the Police Command as a proposal for the future. But for now, the critical areas for attention are the manpower, resources and improvement in working conditions, as well as instilling a sense of professionalism and integrity and respect for human rights in the members of the service”, Mr. Otoo emphasized.
He said government endorses and accepts the recommendations of the Commission wholly and will implement them vigorously. In the minister’s view, the outpouring of goodwill towards the commission’s work, in the face of some bitter criticisms, is testimony to the fact that even though we disagree on the strategy, we all want healing and reconciliation for this country.
He announced government’s direction to the Education Ministry to make copies of the report available to all school libraries, including the private schools.
President John Agyekum Kufuor inaugurated the commission on May 6, 2002, under the National Reconciliation Commission Act 2002 (Act 611).
It was to help Ghana design a new strategy to promote national reconciliation among the people by recommending appropriate measures to ensure redress for persons who have suffered any injury, hurt, damage, grievance or who have in any other manner been affected by violations and abuses of their human rights, as a result of activities of public institutions and persons holding public offices during periods of unconstitutional government.
A Retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice Kweku Etrew Amua-Serkyi, chaired the nine-member commission.
The report, the government insists, “is necessary because prevention is always better than cure”. The findings of the commission reveal that abuses committed during the period of reference of the NRC were not only confined to unconstitutional governments, even though they recorded higher than democratically elected ones.
According to the report presented by Ayikoi Otoo, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, majority of these abuses could be attributed to the military, the police and the prisons service, as they stood out as the main perpetrators.
It states that a greater proportion of the executions happened in Accra and Kumasi, with violations mainly against adult males. The report identifies economic hardships and bankruptcy as some of the major long-term effects of the violations.
The report explained that “some of the petitioners are only looking out for the truth and not any form of compensation, while others are also asking for apologies from people such as the sitting President and certain public institutions that were involved”.
The report again proposed a national monument engraved with names of the victims to be built. It also asks for a scholarship scheme to be put up for wards of victims or persons such as those who were disabled, those who disappeared and traders whose goods were seized and businesses destroyed.
The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mr. Ayikoi Otoo, stressed that “the government accepts the general recommendations made by the commission to the effect that the best way to prevent the misuse of the Ghana Armed Forces, the Police Service and the Prisons Service, is to ensure that there is transparency, fairness and the highest level of professionalism, in the recruitment, training and deployment of these forces”.
“Government remains committed to the decentralization of all public institutions. Government, therefore, considers the recommendation regarding the decentralization of the Police Command as a proposal for the future. But for now, the critical areas for attention are the manpower, resources and improvement in working conditions, as well as instilling a sense of professionalism and integrity and respect for human rights in the members of the service”, Mr. Otoo emphasized.
He said government endorses and accepts the recommendations of the Commission wholly and will implement them vigorously. In the minister’s view, the outpouring of goodwill towards the commission’s work, in the face of some bitter criticisms, is testimony to the fact that even though we disagree on the strategy, we all want healing and reconciliation for this country.
He announced government’s direction to the Education Ministry to make copies of the report available to all school libraries, including the private schools.
President John Agyekum Kufuor inaugurated the commission on May 6, 2002, under the National Reconciliation Commission Act 2002 (Act 611).
It was to help Ghana design a new strategy to promote national reconciliation among the people by recommending appropriate measures to ensure redress for persons who have suffered any injury, hurt, damage, grievance or who have in any other manner been affected by violations and abuses of their human rights, as a result of activities of public institutions and persons holding public offices during periods of unconstitutional government.
A Retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice Kweku Etrew Amua-Serkyi, chaired the nine-member commission.
PROPHET PLAYS HIDE AND SEEK WITH THE LAW
An Accra based ‘Man of God’, Prophet Oscar Arthur, on Thursday, April 21, 2005, failed to show up at a family tribunal at the Kaneshie District Magistrate Court, where his estranged wife has sued him to demand for her pound of flesh.
But when the case was called at the Kaneshie District Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, April 21 the prophet was absent.
The wife of the prophet, Mrs. Abigail Arthur, accuses the Man of God of ‘irresponsibility and immorality’. Mrs. Arthur told Public Agenda that she went to the family tribunal as a last resort, when her husband (the prophet), who initially reported her at WAJU rather failed to turn up to the hearing.
Prophet Arthur is the head and founder of the Covenant Home Chapel International located at North Kaneshie. After proceedings, the court decided it would serve him with a bench warrant on April 27 to compel him to appear on Thursday April 28.
Mrs. Arthur alleges that her husband has for some time now been engaged in extramarital affairs with a number of ladies in their church.
Narrating her story to the Public Agenda, Mrs. Arthur said they have been married for the past six years and before they wedded the prophet told her the Holy Spirit had asked him to marry her and they entered into courtship. ‘‘At the time I met him, he was sleeping in somebody’s provision kiosk, in fact he always had to wait for the person to finish selling before he went to bed’, she said.
She alleged that during their three-year courtship, she eloped with the prophet to Senya-Breku in the Central Region to begin their ministry, even though her mother wanted her to learn a vocation as she had just completed school.
Mrs. Arthur said her mother who had been searching for her, for a long time upon a tip off, went to their hiding place but they managed to convince her that they were doing the work of the lord. She recalled that things were very difficult for them as they sometimes fed on raw gari without sugar.
She said through the support of her mother and an uncle who is abroad they managed to relocate at their current place in Accra.
She said three years after their wedding about six years ago, Prophet Oscar’s attitude changed towards her. Mrs. Arthur said three weeks after the birth of their first-born, Prophet Oscar suggested they move out of her mothers house to an apartment offered by a church member who was supposedly traveling abroad. But she said three months after their stay; the Good Samaritan (a lady) was still around.
According to her their new landlady could just enter their bedroom without knocking, even when the prophet was only in his brief. ‘‘The lady was always the person prophet asked of anytime he came back from town and the prophet could go to the lady’s room at any time for long hours claiming to be having a discussion with her, ‘she stated.
She alleged that the prophet subjected her to severe beatings anytime she complained, resulting in a miscarriage on one occasion. She said the prophet did not change his attitude but always denied anytime she reported him to some pastors and elders of the church, as well as some renowned men of God like Bishop Charles Agyin-Asare, General Overseer of the Word Miracle Church International. Mrs. Arthur said the prophet could go out for a whole week without informing her and only came back claiming he went to seek the face of God.
She said that when she conceived their second born the Prophet refused to cater for her because he said he was not expecting any pregnancy. Even three years after the baby girl was born, the Prophet has refused to take responsibility claiming that the baby is an albino whiles she is not.
She said she once discovered under his car seat socks and tissue soaked with sperms. ‘But when I confronted him, he said he had spiritual attacks while waiting on the lord’ and therefore discharged’, she said. She said her husband, the prophet, promoted one of his lover’s from an ordinary church member to an usher and to later his personal secretary and for the past three and half years now the prophet has never eaten at home.
She regretted that most of the elders who supported her whenever she complained about the behaviour of the prophet to them were sacked, while most of the pioneers have left the church. ‘Things have been very difficult for me so much so that there are times when I have had to sew my torn panties and under wears over and over again before I could wear them, while my husband I’ve toiled with, enjoys with some ladies in the church’ she said.
She said somewhere last year, the prophet informed some elders of the church about his intentions to divorce her by August last 2004 because she was growing lean.
However the prophet failed to pursue the matter but took his wife to the Women and Juvenile Unit of the Police Service, (WAJU), to ban her from going to his house. She said she has since been receiving money for food and upkeep of the last child through WAJU.
Then the surprise! She said she decided to go to his house one day when the money was no longer forthcoming. ‘When I got to the house I found a lover of the prophet known as Joyce, lying on the prophet’s bed in only her pants.” It resulted in a fight and the lady lodged a complaint at WAJU claiming I attempted to murder her when prophet invited her to cater for his first child who is living with him’ she explained. But the prophet and his alleged lover have since failed to show up after his wife was invited to WAJU.
An elder of the Church, who has been with the church for over three years, confirmed the story by Mrs. Abigail Arthur but pleaded anonymity. According to the elder, he traveled outside the country and only came back to hear rumours of immorality about the prophet. He said he decided to conduct his own investigatioins into the matter especially when he realized that the Prophet’s wife, Mrs. Arthur was growing lean.
The elder said his suspicion was confirmed when one evening at about 9 pm he saw the pastor in the company of a lady at his office, only for the prophet to give an explanation that the lady was giving him computer lessons. He said the church executives called the prophet to a meeting when they received information about his decision to leave his wife. But he said the prophet refused to give his side of the story at the meeting.
This, the elder said compelled the executives to direct him to pay a compensation of ¢2 million to his wife but he refused. The elder stated that the activities of the prophet have compelled almost all the old members of the church to leave for other churches, leaving only new members.
Mrs. Abigail Arthur is currently perching with a friend because the prophet went to their landlord and collected the remaining rent advance on their former apartment.
Public Agenda has gathered that Prophet Oscar Arthur has on two occasions collapsed while delivering a sermon and had to cut short what is usually a long sermon.
But when the case was called at the Kaneshie District Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, April 21 the prophet was absent.
The wife of the prophet, Mrs. Abigail Arthur, accuses the Man of God of ‘irresponsibility and immorality’. Mrs. Arthur told Public Agenda that she went to the family tribunal as a last resort, when her husband (the prophet), who initially reported her at WAJU rather failed to turn up to the hearing.
Prophet Arthur is the head and founder of the Covenant Home Chapel International located at North Kaneshie. After proceedings, the court decided it would serve him with a bench warrant on April 27 to compel him to appear on Thursday April 28.
Mrs. Arthur alleges that her husband has for some time now been engaged in extramarital affairs with a number of ladies in their church.
Narrating her story to the Public Agenda, Mrs. Arthur said they have been married for the past six years and before they wedded the prophet told her the Holy Spirit had asked him to marry her and they entered into courtship. ‘‘At the time I met him, he was sleeping in somebody’s provision kiosk, in fact he always had to wait for the person to finish selling before he went to bed’, she said.
She alleged that during their three-year courtship, she eloped with the prophet to Senya-Breku in the Central Region to begin their ministry, even though her mother wanted her to learn a vocation as she had just completed school.
Mrs. Arthur said her mother who had been searching for her, for a long time upon a tip off, went to their hiding place but they managed to convince her that they were doing the work of the lord. She recalled that things were very difficult for them as they sometimes fed on raw gari without sugar.
She said through the support of her mother and an uncle who is abroad they managed to relocate at their current place in Accra.
She said three years after their wedding about six years ago, Prophet Oscar’s attitude changed towards her. Mrs. Arthur said three weeks after the birth of their first-born, Prophet Oscar suggested they move out of her mothers house to an apartment offered by a church member who was supposedly traveling abroad. But she said three months after their stay; the Good Samaritan (a lady) was still around.
According to her their new landlady could just enter their bedroom without knocking, even when the prophet was only in his brief. ‘‘The lady was always the person prophet asked of anytime he came back from town and the prophet could go to the lady’s room at any time for long hours claiming to be having a discussion with her, ‘she stated.
She alleged that the prophet subjected her to severe beatings anytime she complained, resulting in a miscarriage on one occasion. She said the prophet did not change his attitude but always denied anytime she reported him to some pastors and elders of the church, as well as some renowned men of God like Bishop Charles Agyin-Asare, General Overseer of the Word Miracle Church International. Mrs. Arthur said the prophet could go out for a whole week without informing her and only came back claiming he went to seek the face of God.
She said that when she conceived their second born the Prophet refused to cater for her because he said he was not expecting any pregnancy. Even three years after the baby girl was born, the Prophet has refused to take responsibility claiming that the baby is an albino whiles she is not.
She said she once discovered under his car seat socks and tissue soaked with sperms. ‘But when I confronted him, he said he had spiritual attacks while waiting on the lord’ and therefore discharged’, she said. She said her husband, the prophet, promoted one of his lover’s from an ordinary church member to an usher and to later his personal secretary and for the past three and half years now the prophet has never eaten at home.
She regretted that most of the elders who supported her whenever she complained about the behaviour of the prophet to them were sacked, while most of the pioneers have left the church. ‘Things have been very difficult for me so much so that there are times when I have had to sew my torn panties and under wears over and over again before I could wear them, while my husband I’ve toiled with, enjoys with some ladies in the church’ she said.
She said somewhere last year, the prophet informed some elders of the church about his intentions to divorce her by August last 2004 because she was growing lean.
However the prophet failed to pursue the matter but took his wife to the Women and Juvenile Unit of the Police Service, (WAJU), to ban her from going to his house. She said she has since been receiving money for food and upkeep of the last child through WAJU.
Then the surprise! She said she decided to go to his house one day when the money was no longer forthcoming. ‘When I got to the house I found a lover of the prophet known as Joyce, lying on the prophet’s bed in only her pants.” It resulted in a fight and the lady lodged a complaint at WAJU claiming I attempted to murder her when prophet invited her to cater for his first child who is living with him’ she explained. But the prophet and his alleged lover have since failed to show up after his wife was invited to WAJU.
An elder of the Church, who has been with the church for over three years, confirmed the story by Mrs. Abigail Arthur but pleaded anonymity. According to the elder, he traveled outside the country and only came back to hear rumours of immorality about the prophet. He said he decided to conduct his own investigatioins into the matter especially when he realized that the Prophet’s wife, Mrs. Arthur was growing lean.
The elder said his suspicion was confirmed when one evening at about 9 pm he saw the pastor in the company of a lady at his office, only for the prophet to give an explanation that the lady was giving him computer lessons. He said the church executives called the prophet to a meeting when they received information about his decision to leave his wife. But he said the prophet refused to give his side of the story at the meeting.
This, the elder said compelled the executives to direct him to pay a compensation of ¢2 million to his wife but he refused. The elder stated that the activities of the prophet have compelled almost all the old members of the church to leave for other churches, leaving only new members.
Mrs. Abigail Arthur is currently perching with a friend because the prophet went to their landlord and collected the remaining rent advance on their former apartment.
Public Agenda has gathered that Prophet Oscar Arthur has on two occasions collapsed while delivering a sermon and had to cut short what is usually a long sermon.
Plastic Waste wahala
I once boarded a commercial vehicle to a village some miles away from the nation's capital Accra. It was a Sunday and there was this man neatly dressed sitting by me in the vehicle. Apparently he was thirsty and bought a sachet of water along the road.
After gulping down the liquid content, the gentleman told a lady sitting by the window to open it wide enough to enable him throw the empty sachet away, but the lady resisted saying that the authorities have warned that we should not litter the environment.
Apparently, the gentleman did not see the logic in what the lady said, and stated that, ‘as for me I will stop littering the road only when it has been tarred’.
I felt so worried as to what the future holds for our dear motherland where waste management is concerned.
The only thing I could tell the man was that, by the time the road is tarred, you would have died of a disease like malaria or diarhoea, because of the filth.
Certainly, he may not be the only one walking about with this mentality. Many are the people who feel that keeping our environment free of waste is not their business.
The whole country is gradually being swallowed up by waste.
Plastic waste particularly has become a social problem Ghana is trying to deal with. They range from polythene bags, ice cream and biscuit wrappers, and sachet water bags, which is the most visible.
Almost all the major gutters in the country are currently choked with plastic waste. This has resulted in Ghana recording high rate of malaria even in the 21st century.
Woe betide any one who does not watch out and step on a plastic bag because they have become chamber pots for people to ease themselves and throw them in the gutters.
Statistics released by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, (AMA) Waste Management Department and other waste management bodies indicate that about 9000 tonnes of waste goes into the system daily, out of which 315 tonnes plastic is related, while about 100 tonnes of this is light plastic which constitute 1.1%.
The issue of plastic waste disposal, which is getting out of hand in Accra, has in recent times generated all kinds of discussion. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Alan Kyeremanten has been moved to invite all people involved in plastic manufacturing, sachet water producers and plastic waste recyclers to discuss various environmental issues in relation to indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste with particular reference to sachet water bags.
From these discussions emerged the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association. The AMA has also held several discussions with players in the plastic sector to devise means to solve the canker.
The AMA last year even threatened to ban the production of sachet water bags, when the producers failed to honour their obligation to pay a ¢450 million a month, to help manage the waste.
The government is currently proposing the introduction of heavy tax or levy of ¢11,000 per kilogramme on plastics.
But the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association, (GPMA), holds the opinion that there should be 0.1% sanitation levy on all imports at the point of entry into the country, and a surcharge of 0.75% on all plastic products at the point of first sale, while exports should be exempted.
The association suggests that the VAT Service could be empowered to regulate the collection. According to the President of the GPMA, Mr. Ebo Botwe, their estimates indicates this will generate at least ¢1.25 billion per month.
‘We appreciate the problem of plastic waste, essentially, water sachet that litters the streets and the environment. However, penalizing the plastics manufacturing industry in this way is not the solution. The issue of litter on the streets is not restricted only to Accra. It is a national issue, which occurs in every city, town and village. Litter is seen as a problem caused by specific materials rather than aberrant consumer behaviour. Litter results from irresponsible social attitudes. Solution must be geared towards the consumer. This is a major problem and must be seen on a national level’, Mr. Botwe emphasized.
At a press briefing in Accra, the association has also suggested that 50% of the funds to be collected should be spent on; public education through advertisements in the media on the importance of keeping the environment clean, create awareness of the existing law on keeping a clean environment and maintaining waste disposal containers at vantage points to collect refuse.
The GPMA has also recommended a review of its proposed charges after three years. The association believes that if the government should persue the implementation of the proposed levy, its members and non-members will be forced to shut down operations, which could lead to loss of employment, loss of revenue and lead to inflation.
To the GPMA, the closure or collapse of the plastic manufacturing industry in Ghana will not solve the plastic waste disposal problem, because consumers have developed a taste for them and would switch onto import substitutes.
The association says the answer to finding a lasting solution to the problem of plastic waste is by engaging in discussions with all players involved, in order to evolve a practical programme to alleviate the problem.
It is common knowledge that the stakes for our country in plastic industry are very high. It currently provides direct employment to an estimated total of 14,200 Ghanaians with over 25,000 dependants and feeds over 2,000 allied industries with its products as raw materials for packaging.
The attempt therefore to clean up ones segment should not result in throwing the baby out of the window with the bath water.
After gulping down the liquid content, the gentleman told a lady sitting by the window to open it wide enough to enable him throw the empty sachet away, but the lady resisted saying that the authorities have warned that we should not litter the environment.
Apparently, the gentleman did not see the logic in what the lady said, and stated that, ‘as for me I will stop littering the road only when it has been tarred’.
I felt so worried as to what the future holds for our dear motherland where waste management is concerned.
The only thing I could tell the man was that, by the time the road is tarred, you would have died of a disease like malaria or diarhoea, because of the filth.
Certainly, he may not be the only one walking about with this mentality. Many are the people who feel that keeping our environment free of waste is not their business.
The whole country is gradually being swallowed up by waste.
Plastic waste particularly has become a social problem Ghana is trying to deal with. They range from polythene bags, ice cream and biscuit wrappers, and sachet water bags, which is the most visible.
Almost all the major gutters in the country are currently choked with plastic waste. This has resulted in Ghana recording high rate of malaria even in the 21st century.
Woe betide any one who does not watch out and step on a plastic bag because they have become chamber pots for people to ease themselves and throw them in the gutters.
Statistics released by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, (AMA) Waste Management Department and other waste management bodies indicate that about 9000 tonnes of waste goes into the system daily, out of which 315 tonnes plastic is related, while about 100 tonnes of this is light plastic which constitute 1.1%.
The issue of plastic waste disposal, which is getting out of hand in Accra, has in recent times generated all kinds of discussion. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Alan Kyeremanten has been moved to invite all people involved in plastic manufacturing, sachet water producers and plastic waste recyclers to discuss various environmental issues in relation to indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste with particular reference to sachet water bags.
From these discussions emerged the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association. The AMA has also held several discussions with players in the plastic sector to devise means to solve the canker.
The AMA last year even threatened to ban the production of sachet water bags, when the producers failed to honour their obligation to pay a ¢450 million a month, to help manage the waste.
The government is currently proposing the introduction of heavy tax or levy of ¢11,000 per kilogramme on plastics.
But the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association, (GPMA), holds the opinion that there should be 0.1% sanitation levy on all imports at the point of entry into the country, and a surcharge of 0.75% on all plastic products at the point of first sale, while exports should be exempted.
The association suggests that the VAT Service could be empowered to regulate the collection. According to the President of the GPMA, Mr. Ebo Botwe, their estimates indicates this will generate at least ¢1.25 billion per month.
‘We appreciate the problem of plastic waste, essentially, water sachet that litters the streets and the environment. However, penalizing the plastics manufacturing industry in this way is not the solution. The issue of litter on the streets is not restricted only to Accra. It is a national issue, which occurs in every city, town and village. Litter is seen as a problem caused by specific materials rather than aberrant consumer behaviour. Litter results from irresponsible social attitudes. Solution must be geared towards the consumer. This is a major problem and must be seen on a national level’, Mr. Botwe emphasized.
At a press briefing in Accra, the association has also suggested that 50% of the funds to be collected should be spent on; public education through advertisements in the media on the importance of keeping the environment clean, create awareness of the existing law on keeping a clean environment and maintaining waste disposal containers at vantage points to collect refuse.
The GPMA has also recommended a review of its proposed charges after three years. The association believes that if the government should persue the implementation of the proposed levy, its members and non-members will be forced to shut down operations, which could lead to loss of employment, loss of revenue and lead to inflation.
To the GPMA, the closure or collapse of the plastic manufacturing industry in Ghana will not solve the plastic waste disposal problem, because consumers have developed a taste for them and would switch onto import substitutes.
The association says the answer to finding a lasting solution to the problem of plastic waste is by engaging in discussions with all players involved, in order to evolve a practical programme to alleviate the problem.
It is common knowledge that the stakes for our country in plastic industry are very high. It currently provides direct employment to an estimated total of 14,200 Ghanaians with over 25,000 dependants and feeds over 2,000 allied industries with its products as raw materials for packaging.
The attempt therefore to clean up ones segment should not result in throwing the baby out of the window with the bath water.
MARRIAGES ON THE EDGE OF HELL
Marriage has taken a beating across the country in the last few years. The long queues of estranged husbands and wives at the offices of the Women and Juvenal Unit of the Ghana Police Service (WAJU) with long lists of complaints, sums up the fear that most marriages in Ghana are ‘no longer for better or for worse’ or ‘till death separate us.’
In fact the growing numbers of divorce cases at the courts and complaints of beatings and rape at WAJU have brought marriages, once thought to be made in heaven to the edge of hell, where they are easily torn apart by meddling mothers’ and fathers’ in laws and sisters’ and brothers’ in laws.
The Station Officer of the WAJU office in Accra, Rita Narh, told Public Agenda that an average of 50 complainants, comprising both men and women visit WAJU daily to lodge complaints. She says a large proportion of 30% of these complaints border on non-maintenance, specifically involving fathers refusing to accept responsibility for the upkeep of their children and wives.
Madam Narh disclosed that about 20 husbands now report cases of battering and assault by their wives at the unit every day. She stated that since the establishment of the unit, the trend or the rate at which husbands and wives lodge complaints has increased as a result of the intensive educational campaigns the WAJU and other human rights organizations were carrying out. ‘It is obvious that people are beginning to know their rights’, she emphasized and urged both men and women to report cases on time to enable WAJU to counsel them to ensure peace in the homes.
Public Agenda has been following a rather sad story at Tesano Police Station and the Accra offices of WAJU of how a University of Ghana graduate, Stephen Gyeabour Danso has been reduced to a punching bag by his estranged wife, Rita Akyaa who has two children with Danso.
Things got to a head in September last year during a slight misunderstanding when Akyaa slapped Danso and hit him with a bar of metal. Enraged, Danso pushed Nancy down and she allegedly feigned a collapse.
Danso was arrested by the Tesano Police on a charge of murder because the Medical Doctor on duty at the Achimota Hospital pronounced her dead on arrival without examining her properly. Later Akyaa regained consciousness when she was being conveyed to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
When the storm settled, both Danso and Akyaa agreed to divorce, with Danso accepting to compensate Nancy with ¢2 million and additional monthly maintenance allowance of ¢400,000.
Akyaa resurfaced last three weeks after accepting the package and dumped the two kids on Danso, who is currently doing his national service in Accra. She Akyaa was on rampage the next day and this time entered Danso’s room and destroyed all his property and attacked Danso’s new found lover in his absence.
The Tesano Police arrested her and made her to sign a bond that barred her from quarrelling with Danso. But last Sunday April 17, the unrepentant Akyaa in the company of two ‘macho’ men stormed Danso’s residence and gave his new found lover another round of sound beatings.
Akyaa was rearrested by the Tesano Police and hauled to the Greater Accra office of WAJU on Wednesday April 20, where on seeing Danso, she pounced on him and gave him dirty slaps in the full glare of the WAJU police. The police were contemplating putting her in police cells, but considered the plight of her 17 month old baby. Danso told Public Agenda that he restrained himself for the sake of the children. Akyaa and Danso are scheduled to appear before the Social Welfare Section of WAJU on the 28th of April, 2005.
Danso’s story (and those other women being molested by their husbands) is just one of the numerous marital problems being handled by WAJU everyday
In fact the growing numbers of divorce cases at the courts and complaints of beatings and rape at WAJU have brought marriages, once thought to be made in heaven to the edge of hell, where they are easily torn apart by meddling mothers’ and fathers’ in laws and sisters’ and brothers’ in laws.
The Station Officer of the WAJU office in Accra, Rita Narh, told Public Agenda that an average of 50 complainants, comprising both men and women visit WAJU daily to lodge complaints. She says a large proportion of 30% of these complaints border on non-maintenance, specifically involving fathers refusing to accept responsibility for the upkeep of their children and wives.
Madam Narh disclosed that about 20 husbands now report cases of battering and assault by their wives at the unit every day. She stated that since the establishment of the unit, the trend or the rate at which husbands and wives lodge complaints has increased as a result of the intensive educational campaigns the WAJU and other human rights organizations were carrying out. ‘It is obvious that people are beginning to know their rights’, she emphasized and urged both men and women to report cases on time to enable WAJU to counsel them to ensure peace in the homes.
Public Agenda has been following a rather sad story at Tesano Police Station and the Accra offices of WAJU of how a University of Ghana graduate, Stephen Gyeabour Danso has been reduced to a punching bag by his estranged wife, Rita Akyaa who has two children with Danso.
Things got to a head in September last year during a slight misunderstanding when Akyaa slapped Danso and hit him with a bar of metal. Enraged, Danso pushed Nancy down and she allegedly feigned a collapse.
Danso was arrested by the Tesano Police on a charge of murder because the Medical Doctor on duty at the Achimota Hospital pronounced her dead on arrival without examining her properly. Later Akyaa regained consciousness when she was being conveyed to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
When the storm settled, both Danso and Akyaa agreed to divorce, with Danso accepting to compensate Nancy with ¢2 million and additional monthly maintenance allowance of ¢400,000.
Akyaa resurfaced last three weeks after accepting the package and dumped the two kids on Danso, who is currently doing his national service in Accra. She Akyaa was on rampage the next day and this time entered Danso’s room and destroyed all his property and attacked Danso’s new found lover in his absence.
The Tesano Police arrested her and made her to sign a bond that barred her from quarrelling with Danso. But last Sunday April 17, the unrepentant Akyaa in the company of two ‘macho’ men stormed Danso’s residence and gave his new found lover another round of sound beatings.
Akyaa was rearrested by the Tesano Police and hauled to the Greater Accra office of WAJU on Wednesday April 20, where on seeing Danso, she pounced on him and gave him dirty slaps in the full glare of the WAJU police. The police were contemplating putting her in police cells, but considered the plight of her 17 month old baby. Danso told Public Agenda that he restrained himself for the sake of the children. Akyaa and Danso are scheduled to appear before the Social Welfare Section of WAJU on the 28th of April, 2005.
Danso’s story (and those other women being molested by their husbands) is just one of the numerous marital problems being handled by WAJU everyday
GCB pensioners ask for 70% basic salary as allowance
The Former Solicitor of the Ghana Commercial Bank, Mr. Anthony Norvor, has told an Accra Fast Track Court 5, that he acted on the instructions of the bank, when he submitted to the Judgment of the Court of Appeal on February 22nd 1999, on a suit filed by the bank’s Pensioners’ Association.
The Ghana Commercial Bank Pensioners Association had filed a suit against the bank demanding that they be paid 70 % of basic salary as pension allowance. The position of the bank is to pay 70% of basic salary existing at the time the retired employees left office, while the pensioners’ association is requesting for pensions based on current existing salary structure.
Mr. Norvor disclosed this when he appeared at the Fast Track Court on April 15, 2005, following a subpoena.
He explained that a day before he formally submitted to the judgment, he contacted the Chief Legal Officer of the bank, Mr. Seth Dwomor, to ascertain his opinion to submit to the judgment in respect of the first relief, that is a declaration that plaintiffs are entitled to be paid their pension rights in accordance with the defendant’s Board of Directors Amendment decision on February 27, 1999, to save time.
He said Mr. Dwomor then took him to the then Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Bray, who in turn invited other people to discuss the issue exhaustibly.
Mr. Norvor said he was instructed that he should submit to judgment in respect of relief one, which he announced to the court the next day and then informed the bank about the proceedings.
Not satisfied, the Ghana Commercial Bank filed an appeal against the Pensioners Association to contend that the submission to judgment on 22nd February 1999 by the bank’s former solicitor was fraudulent and a void.
Mr. Justice Victor Ofoe who is the Judge sitting on the case adjourned it to May 19th for judgment.
Mr. Anthony Norvor acted as the solicitor for the Ghana Commercial Bank since the suit against the bank by its retired employees commenced in 1995. Currently, a Kumasi-based legal practitioner, Mr. Kwasi Afrifa, is the solicitor for the bank, while Dr. Ekow Daniels is for the pensioners association.
The Ghana Commercial Bank Pensioners Association had filed a suit against the bank demanding that they be paid 70 % of basic salary as pension allowance. The position of the bank is to pay 70% of basic salary existing at the time the retired employees left office, while the pensioners’ association is requesting for pensions based on current existing salary structure.
Mr. Norvor disclosed this when he appeared at the Fast Track Court on April 15, 2005, following a subpoena.
He explained that a day before he formally submitted to the judgment, he contacted the Chief Legal Officer of the bank, Mr. Seth Dwomor, to ascertain his opinion to submit to the judgment in respect of the first relief, that is a declaration that plaintiffs are entitled to be paid their pension rights in accordance with the defendant’s Board of Directors Amendment decision on February 27, 1999, to save time.
He said Mr. Dwomor then took him to the then Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Bray, who in turn invited other people to discuss the issue exhaustibly.
Mr. Norvor said he was instructed that he should submit to judgment in respect of relief one, which he announced to the court the next day and then informed the bank about the proceedings.
Not satisfied, the Ghana Commercial Bank filed an appeal against the Pensioners Association to contend that the submission to judgment on 22nd February 1999 by the bank’s former solicitor was fraudulent and a void.
Mr. Justice Victor Ofoe who is the Judge sitting on the case adjourned it to May 19th for judgment.
Mr. Anthony Norvor acted as the solicitor for the Ghana Commercial Bank since the suit against the bank by its retired employees commenced in 1995. Currently, a Kumasi-based legal practitioner, Mr. Kwasi Afrifa, is the solicitor for the bank, while Dr. Ekow Daniels is for the pensioners association.
Corruption scare at Ghana Education Service
A group of teachers has accused some officials of the Ghana Education Service, (GES) of taking bribe and filling the list of teachers approved for study leave with their favourites.
According to the aggrieved teachers, some unqualified people bribe their way through at the expense of more qualified ones.
“Teachers, who fall outside the criteria of selection, bribe some members of study leave approval committee to have their way through at the expense of the more qualified ones. Some teachers claim they paid ¢800,000, others said ¢600,000 to pave their way through. According to them much of the job is done at the computer room where people's names are replaced with less qualified names. In fact, this act needs to be discouraged through your media”, a letter sent by the aggrieved teachers to Public Agenda said.
But officials at the head office of GES have denied the allegations, insisting that the selection process is strictly done in accordance with policy guidelines. The Assistant Public Relations Director of GES, Mr. Paul Kofi Krampah told Public Agenda that the criteria for selection include a number of years in service and subjects on high demand with consideration given to people from deprived areas.
He explained that the GES Council comes out with the provisional list after consultation with its partners which are distributed to all the regions after which a supplementary list to fill in the provisional one is also issued.
Krampa said the service does not do the selection solely, but in consultation with its partners, such as, the Ghana National Association of Teachers, (GNAT), and its regional directors of education.
He said the quota for each period is based on the requirement from the regions, with mathematics, English and science on high demand. The current quota stands at 3000, although the volume of applications ranges 10,000 to 20,000.
Krampa revealed that some tertiary institutions like the University College of Education, Winneba, offer access courses to some teachers, which often lead to subsequent admission.
He described as unfortunate the notion by some of these teachers that they are entitled to study leave with pay by the service, even though they do not go through the formal study leave application process.
‘There is no nepotism, and there is no bribery in the study leave application process. No one can tamper with anything at the computer room. The service is adhering strictly to the guidelines’ he stated adding that applying for a study does not automatically qualify a teacher to go on study leave.
According to the aggrieved teachers, some unqualified people bribe their way through at the expense of more qualified ones.
“Teachers, who fall outside the criteria of selection, bribe some members of study leave approval committee to have their way through at the expense of the more qualified ones. Some teachers claim they paid ¢800,000, others said ¢600,000 to pave their way through. According to them much of the job is done at the computer room where people's names are replaced with less qualified names. In fact, this act needs to be discouraged through your media”, a letter sent by the aggrieved teachers to Public Agenda said.
But officials at the head office of GES have denied the allegations, insisting that the selection process is strictly done in accordance with policy guidelines. The Assistant Public Relations Director of GES, Mr. Paul Kofi Krampah told Public Agenda that the criteria for selection include a number of years in service and subjects on high demand with consideration given to people from deprived areas.
He explained that the GES Council comes out with the provisional list after consultation with its partners which are distributed to all the regions after which a supplementary list to fill in the provisional one is also issued.
Krampa said the service does not do the selection solely, but in consultation with its partners, such as, the Ghana National Association of Teachers, (GNAT), and its regional directors of education.
He said the quota for each period is based on the requirement from the regions, with mathematics, English and science on high demand. The current quota stands at 3000, although the volume of applications ranges 10,000 to 20,000.
Krampa revealed that some tertiary institutions like the University College of Education, Winneba, offer access courses to some teachers, which often lead to subsequent admission.
He described as unfortunate the notion by some of these teachers that they are entitled to study leave with pay by the service, even though they do not go through the formal study leave application process.
‘There is no nepotism, and there is no bribery in the study leave application process. No one can tamper with anything at the computer room. The service is adhering strictly to the guidelines’ he stated adding that applying for a study does not automatically qualify a teacher to go on study leave.
Selling on the streets does not augur well – Kufuor tells hawkers
President John Agyekum Kufuor says the persistent demands by hawkers who were affected by the recent decongestion exercise by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, (AMA), to sell at the same locations does not augur well for them.
He said the intention of the AMA is not to dispossess them, but to facilitate free movement of people and vehicles.
President Kufuor was answering a question posed by the National Organizer of the United Petty Traders Association, Samuel Nketia at the recent people’s assembly.
Nketia had expressed his disappointed at the fact that the president’s opening address did not state anything on the decongestion exercise and the fate of the victims. President Kufuor said although the traders are self-employed and therefore laudable, they were doing so at the wrong places.
He said it is unfortunate that the AMA failed to show them alternative places to settle, although he agreed on the need to do so. He assured the hawkers that he has been talking with the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Sheikh I.C Quaye and AMA Chief Executive, Stanley Nii Adjiri Blankson, to hasten their efforts to resettle the hawkers.
The areas proposed for the resettlement include the area near the Ghana Commercial Bank headquarters and the old PWD market that was burnt down some years back. President Kufuor urged them to move there to trade so as not to feel dispossessed, adding that people will buy from them wherever they relocate.
He said the intention of the AMA is not to dispossess them, but to facilitate free movement of people and vehicles.
President Kufuor was answering a question posed by the National Organizer of the United Petty Traders Association, Samuel Nketia at the recent people’s assembly.
Nketia had expressed his disappointed at the fact that the president’s opening address did not state anything on the decongestion exercise and the fate of the victims. President Kufuor said although the traders are self-employed and therefore laudable, they were doing so at the wrong places.
He said it is unfortunate that the AMA failed to show them alternative places to settle, although he agreed on the need to do so. He assured the hawkers that he has been talking with the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Sheikh I.C Quaye and AMA Chief Executive, Stanley Nii Adjiri Blankson, to hasten their efforts to resettle the hawkers.
The areas proposed for the resettlement include the area near the Ghana Commercial Bank headquarters and the old PWD market that was burnt down some years back. President Kufuor urged them to move there to trade so as not to feel dispossessed, adding that people will buy from them wherever they relocate.
Disabled Insist on their right to see ministers
Two disabled men, Effa Barnes, a blind man and Tsawodzi George a cripple took the recent Peoples’ Assembly by storm and protested loudly about the attitude of ministers and their secretaries who have declared a total black out for the disabled in the country.
He said they continue to face all sorts of roadblocks in their bid to meet with ministers and discuss issues with them. “Anytime we go to the ministries to see the ministers, the secretaries tell us they are not there, when we know they are there”, Barnes complained to President Kufuor.
This was after the MCs for the occasion , Nana Ohene Ntow and Oboshie Sai had signaled the end of the programme after President Kufuor had provided answers to last set of questions. Not to be outdone by the intimidating atmosphere, Barnes and George hung around the microphone, hoping the MCs’ eyes would catch them. As president Kufuor rounded up his delivery, George (crippled in both legs) hopped across to the organizers and demanded the right for the disabled to ask the president a question. They were eventually allowed to do so.
According to Barnes, secretaries to various ministers only attend to them whenever they visit their offices even though they sometimes suspect the ministers to be present. ‘We the disabled in Ghana have been neglected for a long time and I think it is time we did something to change our situation’, he asked.
Answering the question, President John Agyekum Kufuor advised ministers of state to make themselves available to all people in the society including the disabled.
When Mr. George Tsawodzi, who is also disabled and the Director of Smart Vision Farm in the Volta Region, took his turn, he asked the president to assist him to purchase a tractor to help him on his farm.
Narrating his story, he said his farm got burnt some time ago and he was only given some household items by the National Disaster Management Organization, (NADMO). He said he has since been trying to put the farm back in shape, but still having difficulties, particularly with regards to accessing credit from the bank to purchase a tractor.
In response, President Kufuor promised to offer him any form of assistance he might need in relation to acquiring the said loan.
Also close to the hearts of the disabled and physically challenged is the delay in the passing of the Disability Bill. Contributing at a forum on the 2005 budget recently Chris Kesseih of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled said the 2005 budget did not highlight the plight of the disabled. Kesseih wondered why the government was dragging its feet on the Disability Bill arguing that the bill will create the enabling environment for them to contribute their quota to national development.
Last year, members of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled held a demonstration which was climaxed by the presentation resolutions to the then Deputy Attorney General Gloria Akuffo and the Minister for Manpower Development and Employment, Yaw Barimah.
Meanwhile the numbers of the disabled on the streets keep increasing each day. Whereas some are perceived to have genuine reasons for being on the streets, others are apparently in the business just for selfish gains. Poverty and incapability are often assigned as the major and genuine reasons for begging by the disabled. The business seems to be brisk particularly in the capital city.
As a result, most of them travel from other regions to do business in Accra. Whereas majority of them have genuine reasons to be on the streets, others are there for their own selfish gains.
Majority claim to be breadwinners in their homes and some claim that although they have learnt some form of vocation, they are on the streets because they lack capital.
A significant feature about begging business currently is the use of aids or assistants. Children as young as four years are being used as begging assistants. Perhaps the sudden interest in the business could be attributed to the alleged huge wages these assistants are given at the close of day.
Interestingly, the beggars in Accra do have choices. Majority of them often times reject monies offered to them in silver coins, while others choose to beg only from people in private vehicles.
But in recent times, special schemes have been introduced to equip these beggars with vocational skills, which they are expected to use for income generation. A lot the beggars say they are too old to be trained. The few who take up such training say they are unable to use their skills because of lack of capital.
It is common knowledge that even people who look capable to work have chosen to be on the streets because of the huge amount of money they make. The activities of these beggars are not only an eye sore, they create panic as they parade the busy roads even when there is intense vehicular traffic. Others who operate on the pavements apart from generating human traffic are equally exposed to dangers such as being run over by a car.
These beggars are also guilty of littering the environment of streets. People give to them for various reasons. While some see it as a religious duty, others give out of pity. Some Ghanaians seem to be upset about the situation and have attributed it to the increasing number of beggars on the streets to the failure by parliament to pass a bill on the rights of the disabled.
He said they continue to face all sorts of roadblocks in their bid to meet with ministers and discuss issues with them. “Anytime we go to the ministries to see the ministers, the secretaries tell us they are not there, when we know they are there”, Barnes complained to President Kufuor.
This was after the MCs for the occasion , Nana Ohene Ntow and Oboshie Sai had signaled the end of the programme after President Kufuor had provided answers to last set of questions. Not to be outdone by the intimidating atmosphere, Barnes and George hung around the microphone, hoping the MCs’ eyes would catch them. As president Kufuor rounded up his delivery, George (crippled in both legs) hopped across to the organizers and demanded the right for the disabled to ask the president a question. They were eventually allowed to do so.
According to Barnes, secretaries to various ministers only attend to them whenever they visit their offices even though they sometimes suspect the ministers to be present. ‘We the disabled in Ghana have been neglected for a long time and I think it is time we did something to change our situation’, he asked.
Answering the question, President John Agyekum Kufuor advised ministers of state to make themselves available to all people in the society including the disabled.
When Mr. George Tsawodzi, who is also disabled and the Director of Smart Vision Farm in the Volta Region, took his turn, he asked the president to assist him to purchase a tractor to help him on his farm.
Narrating his story, he said his farm got burnt some time ago and he was only given some household items by the National Disaster Management Organization, (NADMO). He said he has since been trying to put the farm back in shape, but still having difficulties, particularly with regards to accessing credit from the bank to purchase a tractor.
In response, President Kufuor promised to offer him any form of assistance he might need in relation to acquiring the said loan.
Also close to the hearts of the disabled and physically challenged is the delay in the passing of the Disability Bill. Contributing at a forum on the 2005 budget recently Chris Kesseih of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled said the 2005 budget did not highlight the plight of the disabled. Kesseih wondered why the government was dragging its feet on the Disability Bill arguing that the bill will create the enabling environment for them to contribute their quota to national development.
Last year, members of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled held a demonstration which was climaxed by the presentation resolutions to the then Deputy Attorney General Gloria Akuffo and the Minister for Manpower Development and Employment, Yaw Barimah.
Meanwhile the numbers of the disabled on the streets keep increasing each day. Whereas some are perceived to have genuine reasons for being on the streets, others are apparently in the business just for selfish gains. Poverty and incapability are often assigned as the major and genuine reasons for begging by the disabled. The business seems to be brisk particularly in the capital city.
As a result, most of them travel from other regions to do business in Accra. Whereas majority of them have genuine reasons to be on the streets, others are there for their own selfish gains.
Majority claim to be breadwinners in their homes and some claim that although they have learnt some form of vocation, they are on the streets because they lack capital.
A significant feature about begging business currently is the use of aids or assistants. Children as young as four years are being used as begging assistants. Perhaps the sudden interest in the business could be attributed to the alleged huge wages these assistants are given at the close of day.
Interestingly, the beggars in Accra do have choices. Majority of them often times reject monies offered to them in silver coins, while others choose to beg only from people in private vehicles.
But in recent times, special schemes have been introduced to equip these beggars with vocational skills, which they are expected to use for income generation. A lot the beggars say they are too old to be trained. The few who take up such training say they are unable to use their skills because of lack of capital.
It is common knowledge that even people who look capable to work have chosen to be on the streets because of the huge amount of money they make. The activities of these beggars are not only an eye sore, they create panic as they parade the busy roads even when there is intense vehicular traffic. Others who operate on the pavements apart from generating human traffic are equally exposed to dangers such as being run over by a car.
These beggars are also guilty of littering the environment of streets. People give to them for various reasons. While some see it as a religious duty, others give out of pity. Some Ghanaians seem to be upset about the situation and have attributed it to the increasing number of beggars on the streets to the failure by parliament to pass a bill on the rights of the disabled.
GCB pensioners fear they would die and leave their money
A leader of the Ghana Commercial Bank Pensioners Association, Mr. Seth Duncan has lamented that some members of the association, had to agree to receive their monies either in bulk or by monthly payments because of the fear of dying and leaving the money behind.
Mr. Duncan said most of the members are aging and have therefore decided to accept their pensions based on the use of internal mechanisms used in paying retired personnel. Mr. Duncan was testifying at an Accra Fast Track High Court. The Ghana Commercial Bank has filed an appeal against the Ghana Commercial Bank Pensioners Association, seeking to annul the previous ruling that compels the bank to pay pensioners over 100 billion cedis.
On Friday, March 18, 2005, the Former Managing Director of the Ghana Commercial Bank, Mr. Bray who was subpoenaed to testify at the Fast Track High Court appeared. He said he had a contract with the bank from 1999 to 2001 and did not take an extension, but proceeded to Ghana Airways as the Acting Chief Executive Officer.
He said the issue between the bank and the pensioners association has been a long outstanding one, as the pensioners are requesting for pensions based on current existing salary structure, but at the time the pensioners left office that structure was non-existent.
He said the bank felt that if their request should be granted it would be unfair. Mr. Bray said he was aware that the case ended in court but he was not in office at that time. He said he ever held discussions with the former solicitor of the bank, Mr. Norvor, who submitted to judgment, but then it was an internal matter.
He said he recollects that the former solicitor submitted to judgment based on the salary of pensioners. He said he agrees to the fact that the solicitor said he acted on instructions, because the solicitors’ understanding was that it would be based on 70% and not the existing one.
The next to appear to testify on the same day was a former Director of Administration of the Ghana Commercial Bank, Mr. Kingsley Abraham Benneh.
When asked whether he performed any duty in relation to the dispute on March 17, 1997 he said he was aware of the dispute between the bank and the pensioners association. So he signed for the out of court settlement with the understanding that the bank would pay the pension of 70 percent of the basic salary and not the consolidate one. The case was adjourned to Tuesday, March 22, 2005.
Mr. Duncan said most of the members are aging and have therefore decided to accept their pensions based on the use of internal mechanisms used in paying retired personnel. Mr. Duncan was testifying at an Accra Fast Track High Court. The Ghana Commercial Bank has filed an appeal against the Ghana Commercial Bank Pensioners Association, seeking to annul the previous ruling that compels the bank to pay pensioners over 100 billion cedis.
On Friday, March 18, 2005, the Former Managing Director of the Ghana Commercial Bank, Mr. Bray who was subpoenaed to testify at the Fast Track High Court appeared. He said he had a contract with the bank from 1999 to 2001 and did not take an extension, but proceeded to Ghana Airways as the Acting Chief Executive Officer.
He said the issue between the bank and the pensioners association has been a long outstanding one, as the pensioners are requesting for pensions based on current existing salary structure, but at the time the pensioners left office that structure was non-existent.
He said the bank felt that if their request should be granted it would be unfair. Mr. Bray said he was aware that the case ended in court but he was not in office at that time. He said he ever held discussions with the former solicitor of the bank, Mr. Norvor, who submitted to judgment, but then it was an internal matter.
He said he recollects that the former solicitor submitted to judgment based on the salary of pensioners. He said he agrees to the fact that the solicitor said he acted on instructions, because the solicitors’ understanding was that it would be based on 70% and not the existing one.
The next to appear to testify on the same day was a former Director of Administration of the Ghana Commercial Bank, Mr. Kingsley Abraham Benneh.
When asked whether he performed any duty in relation to the dispute on March 17, 1997 he said he was aware of the dispute between the bank and the pensioners association. So he signed for the out of court settlement with the understanding that the bank would pay the pension of 70 percent of the basic salary and not the consolidate one. The case was adjourned to Tuesday, March 22, 2005.
Men are now trooping to WAJU with long lists of complaints
Contrary to public perception that the Women and Juvenile Unit of the Police service, (WAJU), is highly patronized by women, men are said to be currently going there in their numbers.
According to the Station Officer, Rita Narh, the unit records about twenty cases by men every week. Most of the cases involve wives battering their husbands.
She said while some of the men often visit the unit with their genitals squeezed, broken or bitten, others come with their cheeks bitten off.
John Biney, 43, a mason residing at Israel, a suburb of Accra, surprisingly showed up at the unit on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 to report a case of battering by a woman.
Narrating his ordeal to the officer, Biney said he has been in relationship with the accused, Evelyn Abudey, 32, for over three years.
He said although the necessary rites were not performed, relatives from both sides were aware of their relationship.
Biney said Evelyn moved in with him after a disagreement ensued between her and her father. He said although he supported Evelyn financially to run her provision kiosk, she was often impatient and insulted him publicly whenever he was unable to give her money.
They separated as a result of Evelyn’s outrageous behaviour. He said even though he had only one child with Evelyn, he used to cater for two other children Evelyn had with different man.
However, he said Evelyn withdrew the only child between them from school, claiming that Biney did not perform the formal naming ceremony. Biney however explained that he performed the ceremony without any of his family members present, saying that they refused to come because Evelyn had insulted her mother.
He said he reported the case to the Commissioner for Human Rights and Administrative Justice, (CHRAJ) to intervene to give his child the opportunity to go to school. But Evelyn failed to show up when she was invited.
He said it was when he was instructed to present an invitation to Evelyn when she subjected him to severe beatings, squeezing his neck and leaving his clothes torn.
According to the Station Officer, Rita Narh, the unit records about twenty cases by men every week. Most of the cases involve wives battering their husbands.
She said while some of the men often visit the unit with their genitals squeezed, broken or bitten, others come with their cheeks bitten off.
John Biney, 43, a mason residing at Israel, a suburb of Accra, surprisingly showed up at the unit on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 to report a case of battering by a woman.
Narrating his ordeal to the officer, Biney said he has been in relationship with the accused, Evelyn Abudey, 32, for over three years.
He said although the necessary rites were not performed, relatives from both sides were aware of their relationship.
Biney said Evelyn moved in with him after a disagreement ensued between her and her father. He said although he supported Evelyn financially to run her provision kiosk, she was often impatient and insulted him publicly whenever he was unable to give her money.
They separated as a result of Evelyn’s outrageous behaviour. He said even though he had only one child with Evelyn, he used to cater for two other children Evelyn had with different man.
However, he said Evelyn withdrew the only child between them from school, claiming that Biney did not perform the formal naming ceremony. Biney however explained that he performed the ceremony without any of his family members present, saying that they refused to come because Evelyn had insulted her mother.
He said he reported the case to the Commissioner for Human Rights and Administrative Justice, (CHRAJ) to intervene to give his child the opportunity to go to school. But Evelyn failed to show up when she was invited.
He said it was when he was instructed to present an invitation to Evelyn when she subjected him to severe beatings, squeezing his neck and leaving his clothes torn.
Police arrest more fraudsters
One Eric Apkavi has been arrested by the police for attempting to defraud an alcoholic beverage manufacturer resident at Mankesim in the Central region to the tune of ¢11.3 million.
Eric was arrested at the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange where he had gone to deliver a suitcase containing parcels of saw dust to his victim as millions of money for the purchase of land.
A source at the police headquarters told Public Agenda that the complainant began to receive purported strange foreign calls from one Emmanuel Kweku Abeiku who claimed he needed a parcel of land to put up a hotel in Mankesim. Emmanuel told his victim he wanted him to supervise the project for him.
Emmanuel later told his victim he wanted to send down money for the project but the charges will be too expensive. Therefore, he asked his victim for his jacket size to enable him, (Emmanuel) conceal the money in it and send it through diplomatic courier service.
Emmanuel called his victim again and directed him to contact one Ben in Accra for the parcel. The complainant told the police when he contacted Ben he told him to come along with ¢11.3 million as handling charges and meet him at the Tetteh Quarshie interchange, since he, (Ben) claimed he was doing delivery around that area.
However, he warned complainant not to open the parcel until he gets back to Mankesim. Complainant became suspicious and alerted the police who laid ambush and arrested suspect Eric Apkavi when he handed over the suitcase containing saw dust.
In another development, the police has arrested a Nigerian Joseph Ohia resident in Ghana and a Ghanaian David Adjei and charged them with preparation to defraud. They were arrested at a house at Tema Community 18 upon a tip off.
Two others Alex and Sony Achiba also Nigerians are currently on the run and police have mounted a search for them. A search by the police found a bag full of US dollar bills suspected to be fake.
Joseph admitted that he asked David to bring the bag from Dansoman as he was expecting to deliver the bag to a Japanese the following day. David claimed the bag was given to him by a Nigerian for safe keeping.
Eric was arrested at the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange where he had gone to deliver a suitcase containing parcels of saw dust to his victim as millions of money for the purchase of land.
A source at the police headquarters told Public Agenda that the complainant began to receive purported strange foreign calls from one Emmanuel Kweku Abeiku who claimed he needed a parcel of land to put up a hotel in Mankesim. Emmanuel told his victim he wanted him to supervise the project for him.
Emmanuel later told his victim he wanted to send down money for the project but the charges will be too expensive. Therefore, he asked his victim for his jacket size to enable him, (Emmanuel) conceal the money in it and send it through diplomatic courier service.
Emmanuel called his victim again and directed him to contact one Ben in Accra for the parcel. The complainant told the police when he contacted Ben he told him to come along with ¢11.3 million as handling charges and meet him at the Tetteh Quarshie interchange, since he, (Ben) claimed he was doing delivery around that area.
However, he warned complainant not to open the parcel until he gets back to Mankesim. Complainant became suspicious and alerted the police who laid ambush and arrested suspect Eric Apkavi when he handed over the suitcase containing saw dust.
In another development, the police has arrested a Nigerian Joseph Ohia resident in Ghana and a Ghanaian David Adjei and charged them with preparation to defraud. They were arrested at a house at Tema Community 18 upon a tip off.
Two others Alex and Sony Achiba also Nigerians are currently on the run and police have mounted a search for them. A search by the police found a bag full of US dollar bills suspected to be fake.
Joseph admitted that he asked David to bring the bag from Dansoman as he was expecting to deliver the bag to a Japanese the following day. David claimed the bag was given to him by a Nigerian for safe keeping.
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