Ghana Protein Limited is a Tema-based Fish meal producer that rode on the wings of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) to help add value to waste churned out daily by the several canneries located in the industrial city. Ama Amankwah Baafi visited the facility and reports
Ghana Protein Limited (GPL) produces fish meal in commercial quantities using fully mechanical system. Within 30 minutes, fish waste goes through a milling system and it is quickly bagged ready to feed animals.
Ghana Protein is sandwiched by most of the canneries in Tema so it can feed on the waste from these canneries, which serves as its raw material. It took one of the investment drives by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) to attract GPL to the country.
During a GRAPHIC BUSINESS visit to the company’s premises, the Head of Administration and Accounts, Mr Anthony Adu-Nketia, recounted officials of the GIPC during a visit to Cote d’Ivoire witnessed a model company of GPL processing fish waste and found it very impressive as it was of quality and of international standard.
Hence, a request was made for the company to replicate the feat in Ghana. That, he said, culminated into the procurement of a 25-acre land from Tema Development Corporation on which they subsequently built a 350-tonne fish meal plant.
“So technically speaking with this capacity of fish meal plant, Ghana can be self sufficient in fish meal production and possibly export to other countries to earn foreign investment,” he stated.
GPL registered as a body corporate under the laws of Ghana in the year 2000, but it was not until September 2007 that it completed all installation works on the site. Test production therefore commenced the same month, while commercial production began in January 2008.
GPL employs the most scientific and hygienic means of production including boiling to kill pathogens, as well as the separation of water from the oil that paves the way for the oil to be used for other things such as omega 3 oils.
Then after pressing, the preparation is dried in an oven and then goes through a milling machine after which it is bagged.
“So within 30 minutes, the raw fish you see with blood is bagged for use,” Mr Adu-Nketia explained.
A 50 kg GPL fish meal contains 60 per cent protein, seven per cent moisture, 18 per cent ash, 10 per cent fat, seven per cent calcium and one per cent salt. They are salmonella and aflatoxin free.
GPL attributed its success to poultry farmers in the country, who he said, accounted for about 95 per cent of their clients. They come from Dormaa Ahenkro in the Brong Ahafo Region, who before GPL came in bought fish meal from Cote d’Ivoire.
In collaboration with Ranaan Fish Feed, a renowned feed producer in Israel, GPL has set up of a fish pellet plant. Hitherto, Ranaan was producing and exporting to Ghana.
“As we speak, they are buying from us after they visited our plant in 2009. And you know the standards in Israel are just as that of US and Europe,” he explained.
GPL believes it has a great future in the country, as its turnover has since inception been rising steadily and now sits in the region of GH₵4.7 million annually.
In spite of these achievements, management of GPL knows they are producing far below capacity as Mr Adu-Nketia intimated “even in the event of producing 10 per cent of our capacity, we have employed 50 people.”
Yet, Mr. Adu-Nketia said accessing raw material averaging about 360 tonnes of fish waste at capacity to process had been challenging, particularly with so called permit granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to individuals to dry fish waste on bear ground.
“We thought that producing unwholesome fish meal as a country was not good so we brought in this five million dollar investment to solve that. But why should we accept fish meal dried on the bear ground as our basic standard,’’ he questioned.
According to him, people engaged in ‘local’ production collect the fish waste, put it in the sun during which birds feed on it, decompose and turn into maggots and wait on for decomposition to take place and as the sun warm up it gets dry up. They then take it to a milling point and afterwards sell.
“So they are only processing fish waste that is decaying. Virtually all the pathogens that came with it are still in there. Mind you it is only when you process fresh that you can get the right protein and fish meal is determined by how rich it is in protein and how it is not contaminated with E. coli or salmonella,” he stated.
He described as unfortunate the situation where some callous local feed producers go further to add sand and some saw dust to the feed before they sell to the unsuspecting farmers.
“Eventually when you process fish waste under such circumstances, before the decaying set in there are high histamine levels and it means you have a bad fish meal that when the birds eat it will affect them. They will have stunt growth, they will not lay eggs and even those who will, will lay very small eggs and eventually you have E.coli and salmonella infection in those eggs which is bad for human consumption,” he added.
GPL said though GIPC that promoted the business did it best to ensure they get other sources of supply it was not successful.
The Chief Executive Officer of GPL, Mr Fabrice Pizano, reiterated that the challenges facing GPL were enormous and frustrating, saying, “Even though we feel very much disappointed, I must say we are not discouraged since we still have confidence in the leadership of the country to assist in finding a lasting solution to our problems”.
He appealed to the sector ministries and state regulatory institutions to collaborate with the GIPC to ensure that no investor will ever feel disappointed in investing in Ghana.
“The current situation leaves much to be desire about the existing Ghanaian regulatory institutions and promotion of investment. The president is the first investment promoter and so we are calling on him to intervene and not let entrepreneurs start crying,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, GPL risks collapsing as the its sole supplier of raw materials, Pioneer Food Cannery (PFC), has served notice of its intension to set up its own fish meal plant.
Consequently, PFC will no longer supply GPL fish waste by October 31.
“It means our investment will go off within a period of four years. Then it becomes a very bad investment spectacle for us as a country especially when the raw material is regulated and cannot be imported,” stated Mr. Adu-Nketia.
Showing posts with label News Feature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News Feature. Show all posts
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Monday, November 28, 2011
Feminism: Building knowledge and refining practice
Feminism is not a word that trips easily off the tongues of Ghanaians. The hostility to the term and the insistence that it is foreign and the several misunderstandings about what feminism stands for, mean that people find it easier or more tactical to call themselves gender activists, gender expert's etc.
But perhaps, as Prof. Dzodzi Tsikata puts it, "If we better understood the traditions of feminism, its evolution over the years, its relevance for us and how we could harness it to transform the lives of women, we would not be so apologetic."
She defines feminism as one set of ideas and a political movement, that is, theory and practice; it analyses the position and situation of women in society; identifies causes and basis of women's subordination and gender inequalities and organises to struggle for gender equity and equality and a transformation of society to remove all forms of oppression.
Prof. Tsikata, who is a member of the Network for Women's Right in Ghana, (NETRIGHT) emphasises that feminist theory without practice is incomplete as is the practice without the theory.
"Even if we choose to locate ourselves more in research and theorising than in the movement or vice versa, it is important that we see the necessity and interconnections of both- the ideas drive action and action generates ideas."
Nana Darkoa Sakyiamah, Programme Officer in charge of Fundraising and Communications who admits to be a feminist to the core, bemoans the misconception of who a feminist is and chastises the media for successfully demonizing feminists.
She explains, "A feminist is simply a person, a feminist could be a man or a woman who recognizes that we live in a society that has placed men in a position of superiority over women (feminists call this system patriarchy), recognizes that this system is unfair and is working to change society so we have a better world for women, men and communities at large. It's that simple."
She debunks the assertion that Ghanaian women in the pre-colonial era did not aspire to leadership positions.
Rather, she says, colonization, the advent of Victorian mores, and religions (Christianity & Islam) also introduced a new norm of what a 'good' woman is...this 'good' woman was presented as a home maker, someone who supported her husband, and was obedient to him.
"If you read about pre-colonial Ghanaian women, or even speak to your grandmothers, or great grandmothers, you will realize that African women have always had agency, have always worked and have always been independent. I think Ghanaian women of today need to re-discover the agency that our great grandmothers had."
Sharing her personal experience, she narrates that she initially became aware of feminism at the age of 19 (now 33), and says it was like the scales had fallen off her eyes.
"Here was an ideology that explained the world in which I found myself, and made so much sense to me. My experience as a feminist has been great. I am part of a community of sisters not just in Ghana, but in Africa and across the Globe. Wherever I travel to, chances are I can connect with a women's group or feminist group there. Feminists are a very supportive bunch of people, and my feminist friends support me, guide me and provide me with solace when needed. I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever in my feminist journey."In her feminist journey so far, Nana says she has started a group for like-minded feminists in Ghana; the group's members are women between the ages of 25-40 in the main and it is called 'Fab Fem.'
She hopes it will be an avenue that Ghanaian feminist women can be part of the wider women's movement. "In my farming community of Kwadarko in Akuapem North district of the Eastern region, I encouraged the community women to form a women's group, so they started 'Boafo Ye Na' to engage in communal gari processing, that's a practical way of bettering the lot of Ghanaian women. I hope to be able to do a whole lot more for Ghanaian women.
In the long term I have political ambitions, but that's a long-term goal." She encourages her fellow Ghanaian sisters to aim for the stars, be bold in their visions, and to go for what they want out of life.
She also advises Ghanaian women to read widely, "read up about different philosophies in life, read about feminism, development, the environment, the Arts...just read...there is so much knowledge out there."
"My Ghanaian sisters should develop an extra curricular life - play sports, learn a new activity, join professional clubs like Rotary, travel within Ghana...take every opportunity to learn and develop yourself further.
"There is a global feminist movement, there are regional movements and national movements and these are all interconnected in a web of feminist knowledge building and practice. As regards the conceptual basis of feminism, she argues that different intellectual traditions have influenced feminist thinking to more or less degrees.
For example, the rights language and rights discourses have been key as have been theorisations citizenship.
She points out that there are fundamental principles in feminism that can be identified and that in relation to African feminism, "the differences and conflicts among African feminists notwithstanding, there exist common features and shared beliefs that undergird their work" and an intractable spirit of engagement that speaks literally thousands of languages across the African continent".
However, Prof Tsikata admits that the challenge though is to determine what is fundamental and what a matter of preference is. "For this, we need certain yardsticks which have to do with not infringing on other person's rights or not excluding certain groups of women."
"To have a movement, we need a bottom line of agreed principles which we believe are fundamental. However, this bottom line should not be so minimal that it does not require us to stand up and be counted in any way. Secondly, it should be significant enough so that our differences will not remove any basis of work and tear us apart."
Speaking at the recent second national feminist forum in Accra,organised by NETRIGHT with support from AWDF, Dr. Rose Mensah-Kutin defined a movement as an organized set of constituents pursuing a common political agenda through collective action.
She outlined some characteristics that should be present and these include a visible constituency base or membership; members collectively working through informal or formal organizations; the use of a variety of actions and strategies; and engaging in internal or external targets in the change process.
She construed that feminism for us today is both an ideological issue and an analytical framework.
"It includes gender equality, but more broadly and fundamentally the transformation of all social relations that oppress, exploit or marginalize any set of people, women and men, on the basis of gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, race, religion, nationality, location, class, caste, or ethnicity."
"A stand against all ideologies and all forms of fundamentalisms that advocate against women's equal rights or against the human rights of any people on any grounds (economic, social, racial ethnic, sexual identity, class, political or religious)."
Some feminist characteristics of a movement she cited were a gendered analysis of the issue/situation for change, a critical mass of women as subjects, feminist values and ideology, women's leadership at all levels and gendered political goals, among others.
She emphasized that collective power was critical; therefore movements were important because of their capacity to create sustained change at levels that policy change alone could reach.
According to her, there were some trends against feminist movement building.
These are co-optation and distortion of feminist ideology, discourse and agendas, example
empowerment; rise of fundamentalisms of all kinds; and the fact that donor money does not support movement-building approaches.
According to her, a feminist process of movement building involved consciousness raising, mass based numbers and a shared political agenda, new knowledge and a new politics of knowledge building and commitment to transforming the practice of power.
"Changes at both formal and informal levels, commitment to transforming our own practice of power and constant renewal and rebuilding is critical," she added.
But perhaps, as Prof. Dzodzi Tsikata puts it, "If we better understood the traditions of feminism, its evolution over the years, its relevance for us and how we could harness it to transform the lives of women, we would not be so apologetic."
She defines feminism as one set of ideas and a political movement, that is, theory and practice; it analyses the position and situation of women in society; identifies causes and basis of women's subordination and gender inequalities and organises to struggle for gender equity and equality and a transformation of society to remove all forms of oppression.
Prof. Tsikata, who is a member of the Network for Women's Right in Ghana, (NETRIGHT) emphasises that feminist theory without practice is incomplete as is the practice without the theory.
"Even if we choose to locate ourselves more in research and theorising than in the movement or vice versa, it is important that we see the necessity and interconnections of both- the ideas drive action and action generates ideas."
Nana Darkoa Sakyiamah, Programme Officer in charge of Fundraising and Communications who admits to be a feminist to the core, bemoans the misconception of who a feminist is and chastises the media for successfully demonizing feminists.
She explains, "A feminist is simply a person, a feminist could be a man or a woman who recognizes that we live in a society that has placed men in a position of superiority over women (feminists call this system patriarchy), recognizes that this system is unfair and is working to change society so we have a better world for women, men and communities at large. It's that simple."
She debunks the assertion that Ghanaian women in the pre-colonial era did not aspire to leadership positions.
Rather, she says, colonization, the advent of Victorian mores, and religions (Christianity & Islam) also introduced a new norm of what a 'good' woman is...this 'good' woman was presented as a home maker, someone who supported her husband, and was obedient to him.
"If you read about pre-colonial Ghanaian women, or even speak to your grandmothers, or great grandmothers, you will realize that African women have always had agency, have always worked and have always been independent. I think Ghanaian women of today need to re-discover the agency that our great grandmothers had."
Sharing her personal experience, she narrates that she initially became aware of feminism at the age of 19 (now 33), and says it was like the scales had fallen off her eyes.
"Here was an ideology that explained the world in which I found myself, and made so much sense to me. My experience as a feminist has been great. I am part of a community of sisters not just in Ghana, but in Africa and across the Globe. Wherever I travel to, chances are I can connect with a women's group or feminist group there. Feminists are a very supportive bunch of people, and my feminist friends support me, guide me and provide me with solace when needed. I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever in my feminist journey."In her feminist journey so far, Nana says she has started a group for like-minded feminists in Ghana; the group's members are women between the ages of 25-40 in the main and it is called 'Fab Fem.'
She hopes it will be an avenue that Ghanaian feminist women can be part of the wider women's movement. "In my farming community of Kwadarko in Akuapem North district of the Eastern region, I encouraged the community women to form a women's group, so they started 'Boafo Ye Na' to engage in communal gari processing, that's a practical way of bettering the lot of Ghanaian women. I hope to be able to do a whole lot more for Ghanaian women.
In the long term I have political ambitions, but that's a long-term goal." She encourages her fellow Ghanaian sisters to aim for the stars, be bold in their visions, and to go for what they want out of life.
She also advises Ghanaian women to read widely, "read up about different philosophies in life, read about feminism, development, the environment, the Arts...just read...there is so much knowledge out there."
"My Ghanaian sisters should develop an extra curricular life - play sports, learn a new activity, join professional clubs like Rotary, travel within Ghana...take every opportunity to learn and develop yourself further.
"There is a global feminist movement, there are regional movements and national movements and these are all interconnected in a web of feminist knowledge building and practice. As regards the conceptual basis of feminism, she argues that different intellectual traditions have influenced feminist thinking to more or less degrees.
For example, the rights language and rights discourses have been key as have been theorisations citizenship.
She points out that there are fundamental principles in feminism that can be identified and that in relation to African feminism, "the differences and conflicts among African feminists notwithstanding, there exist common features and shared beliefs that undergird their work" and an intractable spirit of engagement that speaks literally thousands of languages across the African continent".
However, Prof Tsikata admits that the challenge though is to determine what is fundamental and what a matter of preference is. "For this, we need certain yardsticks which have to do with not infringing on other person's rights or not excluding certain groups of women."
"To have a movement, we need a bottom line of agreed principles which we believe are fundamental. However, this bottom line should not be so minimal that it does not require us to stand up and be counted in any way. Secondly, it should be significant enough so that our differences will not remove any basis of work and tear us apart."
Speaking at the recent second national feminist forum in Accra,organised by NETRIGHT with support from AWDF, Dr. Rose Mensah-Kutin defined a movement as an organized set of constituents pursuing a common political agenda through collective action.
She outlined some characteristics that should be present and these include a visible constituency base or membership; members collectively working through informal or formal organizations; the use of a variety of actions and strategies; and engaging in internal or external targets in the change process.
She construed that feminism for us today is both an ideological issue and an analytical framework.
"It includes gender equality, but more broadly and fundamentally the transformation of all social relations that oppress, exploit or marginalize any set of people, women and men, on the basis of gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, race, religion, nationality, location, class, caste, or ethnicity."
"A stand against all ideologies and all forms of fundamentalisms that advocate against women's equal rights or against the human rights of any people on any grounds (economic, social, racial ethnic, sexual identity, class, political or religious)."
Some feminist characteristics of a movement she cited were a gendered analysis of the issue/situation for change, a critical mass of women as subjects, feminist values and ideology, women's leadership at all levels and gendered political goals, among others.
She emphasized that collective power was critical; therefore movements were important because of their capacity to create sustained change at levels that policy change alone could reach.
According to her, there were some trends against feminist movement building.
These are co-optation and distortion of feminist ideology, discourse and agendas, example
empowerment; rise of fundamentalisms of all kinds; and the fact that donor money does not support movement-building approaches.
According to her, a feminist process of movement building involved consciousness raising, mass based numbers and a shared political agenda, new knowledge and a new politics of knowledge building and commitment to transforming the practice of power.
"Changes at both formal and informal levels, commitment to transforming our own practice of power and constant renewal and rebuilding is critical," she added.
Vigilance not biometric is key to election success -US Prof.
A professor at the University of Florida has said Ghana must think twice and find other ways of cleaning the voter register since that is one of the surest ways to ensure a credible election.
He submits that biometric registration and verification which have become a contentious issue, especially among the leading political parties in Ghana, is not the ultimate. Prof. Daniel Smith, who is also a Research Associate at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Governance (CDD-Ghana), argues that going biometric actually does nothing to prevent electoral malfeasance since it only identifies voters, but cannot solve problems associated with voting.
He adds, "Fraud will not change in biometric registration with all respect. What is necessary is training agents to be vigilant. In many ways, the machine makes even more technical problems and polling agents can still be there."
"It is important to understand that the use of biometric technology will not solve all voter registration challenges. For example, biometrics cannot detect the inclusion of foreign nationals (people from neighbouring countries) or the inclusion of underage voters in the voters' roll. By the same token, biometrics cannot assist in identifying and deleting deceased persons from the database."
He described as misplaced efforts being made to resource the Electoral Commission (EC) to replicate what the National Identification Authority (NIA) has done, saying that a fraction of that money could be used to purchase indelible Indian ink that cannot be washed off.
"Am wondering why the EC cannot reach out to the NIA for their database since that was also biometric involving the use of the thumb."
"I have travelled around the sub region and Ghana seems proud. If Nigeria has it, it means that Ghana has to have it. So far South Africa said they could go biometric but they could not. Even in Florida in USA in 2004 during presidential election, citizens groups called for a manual recount of ballots, but because of computer problems, all voting records from several districts were missing."
Prof. Smith hoped the debates would shift to the real merits of the biometric system.
He was speaking at a roundtable discussion in Accra organised by the CDD under the theme, "Public Opinion Polls in Ghana: Credibility Issues, Politics, Challenges and Prospects."
He spoke on the topic, "Assessing the Credibility of Public Opinion Polls."
The Executive Director of the CDD and Afrobarometer, Prof. Gyimah-Boadi, noted political opinion polling has a checkered history in post-independence Ghana and continued to be so today.
He recalled that the round 3 (2005) and 4 (2008) of the Afrobarometer surveys came out with war stories which were subjected to trenchant attacks by the then opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which treated the study as some form of pro-New Patriotic Party post and pre-election surveys.
Perhaps, he said, all of these were understandable in a country in which traditionally, levels of interest in party politics have been extremely high, particularly in the Fourth Republic where political competition was so intense.
"Politicians, holders and seekers of political power, media pundits and think tanks, for better or for worse, are major opinion makers in Ghana today. They must understand that professionally conducted opinion polling is an enterprise that is vital for injecting the voice of the people in policy making, implementation and evaluation.
"Those politicians and pundits who are motivated to make loud, but ill-informed and innumerate comments on poll figures, those who commission bogus surveys, as well as those who undertake a poll from a purely partisan vantage or material gain inflict needless harm on this nascent industry."
The Executive Director added that wittingly or unwittingly, their actions and utterances created an erroneous impression in the minds of the public that all opinion polls were bogus. Admittedly, he stated, there was no doubt that some so-called public opinion polls in Ghana were bogus.
"We must by all means interrogate the integrity of opinion polls results and / or any statistical data, especially, where they claim to be scientifically objective. Indeed, it is healthy in and of itself. It can help improve general appreciation and knowledge of a branch of social science that is poorly developed in Ghana and help increase its usage."
He, however, said that unbiased research on public opinion was important; without which anyone could claimed that their views and opinions represented those of "the people" and could say their own ideas about Ghanaian attitudes / preferences/ dislikes as the gospel truth.
"Most important, we believe that there are proven ways of doing credible opinion polling, interpreting and interrogating and utilising it appropriately. ....Our experience with Afrobarometer surveys in 20 countries so far and 35 from the current round (5) indicate that multilateral and bilateral development agencies, some smart African governments and now the Mo Ibrahim Foundation do recognise the value of well done scientific opinion surveys such as the Afrobarometer and are willing to invest heavily in it."
Pollster and Editor of the Daily Dispatch, Mr. Ben Ephson, shared his experiences, challenges and prospects of conducting public opinion polls in Ghana.
He pointed out that majority of Ghanaians vote on ethnic lines, but in 2008 some people did not want to vote for President Atta Mills because of personality concerns they had about him.
"On the same grounds of personality, however, some people voted. Therefore the issue of personality voting increased while partisanship decreased."
He advised his fellow media practitioners to be careful of their publications of opinion polls since they have a great impact on their audience' decisions to vote.
He submits that biometric registration and verification which have become a contentious issue, especially among the leading political parties in Ghana, is not the ultimate. Prof. Daniel Smith, who is also a Research Associate at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Governance (CDD-Ghana), argues that going biometric actually does nothing to prevent electoral malfeasance since it only identifies voters, but cannot solve problems associated with voting.
He adds, "Fraud will not change in biometric registration with all respect. What is necessary is training agents to be vigilant. In many ways, the machine makes even more technical problems and polling agents can still be there."
"It is important to understand that the use of biometric technology will not solve all voter registration challenges. For example, biometrics cannot detect the inclusion of foreign nationals (people from neighbouring countries) or the inclusion of underage voters in the voters' roll. By the same token, biometrics cannot assist in identifying and deleting deceased persons from the database."
He described as misplaced efforts being made to resource the Electoral Commission (EC) to replicate what the National Identification Authority (NIA) has done, saying that a fraction of that money could be used to purchase indelible Indian ink that cannot be washed off.
"Am wondering why the EC cannot reach out to the NIA for their database since that was also biometric involving the use of the thumb."
"I have travelled around the sub region and Ghana seems proud. If Nigeria has it, it means that Ghana has to have it. So far South Africa said they could go biometric but they could not. Even in Florida in USA in 2004 during presidential election, citizens groups called for a manual recount of ballots, but because of computer problems, all voting records from several districts were missing."
Prof. Smith hoped the debates would shift to the real merits of the biometric system.
He was speaking at a roundtable discussion in Accra organised by the CDD under the theme, "Public Opinion Polls in Ghana: Credibility Issues, Politics, Challenges and Prospects."
He spoke on the topic, "Assessing the Credibility of Public Opinion Polls."
The Executive Director of the CDD and Afrobarometer, Prof. Gyimah-Boadi, noted political opinion polling has a checkered history in post-independence Ghana and continued to be so today.
He recalled that the round 3 (2005) and 4 (2008) of the Afrobarometer surveys came out with war stories which were subjected to trenchant attacks by the then opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which treated the study as some form of pro-New Patriotic Party post and pre-election surveys.
Perhaps, he said, all of these were understandable in a country in which traditionally, levels of interest in party politics have been extremely high, particularly in the Fourth Republic where political competition was so intense.
"Politicians, holders and seekers of political power, media pundits and think tanks, for better or for worse, are major opinion makers in Ghana today. They must understand that professionally conducted opinion polling is an enterprise that is vital for injecting the voice of the people in policy making, implementation and evaluation.
"Those politicians and pundits who are motivated to make loud, but ill-informed and innumerate comments on poll figures, those who commission bogus surveys, as well as those who undertake a poll from a purely partisan vantage or material gain inflict needless harm on this nascent industry."
The Executive Director added that wittingly or unwittingly, their actions and utterances created an erroneous impression in the minds of the public that all opinion polls were bogus. Admittedly, he stated, there was no doubt that some so-called public opinion polls in Ghana were bogus.
"We must by all means interrogate the integrity of opinion polls results and / or any statistical data, especially, where they claim to be scientifically objective. Indeed, it is healthy in and of itself. It can help improve general appreciation and knowledge of a branch of social science that is poorly developed in Ghana and help increase its usage."
He, however, said that unbiased research on public opinion was important; without which anyone could claimed that their views and opinions represented those of "the people" and could say their own ideas about Ghanaian attitudes / preferences/ dislikes as the gospel truth.
"Most important, we believe that there are proven ways of doing credible opinion polling, interpreting and interrogating and utilising it appropriately. ....Our experience with Afrobarometer surveys in 20 countries so far and 35 from the current round (5) indicate that multilateral and bilateral development agencies, some smart African governments and now the Mo Ibrahim Foundation do recognise the value of well done scientific opinion surveys such as the Afrobarometer and are willing to invest heavily in it."
Pollster and Editor of the Daily Dispatch, Mr. Ben Ephson, shared his experiences, challenges and prospects of conducting public opinion polls in Ghana.
He pointed out that majority of Ghanaians vote on ethnic lines, but in 2008 some people did not want to vote for President Atta Mills because of personality concerns they had about him.
"On the same grounds of personality, however, some people voted. Therefore the issue of personality voting increased while partisanship decreased."
He advised his fellow media practitioners to be careful of their publications of opinion polls since they have a great impact on their audience' decisions to vote.
DUFFUOR KICK-STARTS 2012 CAMPAIGN
Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor on Wednesday kick-started the National Democratic Congress (NDC) political campaign when he presented the 2012 Budget Statement in Parliament.
He insisted that government had significantly delivered on its promise of a better Ghana for Ghanaians, justifying his claim with a seemingly endless list of what he described as achievements. Waxing lyrical, poetical and hilarious, Dr. Duffour told the august House:
"We promised to remove schools under trees, and we are very much on course!
We promised to remove inequities in incomes through the single spine, and we are very much on course!
We promised to move the economy from fragility to robustness, yes we have!
We promised to significantly expand the economy, yes we have!
We promised to arrest inflation, yes we have!
We promised to arrest the rapid depreciation of the Cedi, yes we have! We promised to provide free school uniforms and exercise books, yes we have!
We promised to deliver skills training and jobs to our youth, yes we have!
We promised deeper competition in the telephone industry, yes we have through Mobile Number Portability!"
He stated, "These achievements give us confidence that in the coming years, Ghanaians can continue to trust the NDC Government to faithfully steer the affairs of our dear nation."This indeed is a budget that heralds the march towards the "Better Ghana" and gives hope of a brighter tomorrow and the building of a nation that is truly great and strong."
The theme for the 2012 Budget Statement and Economic Policy is "Infrastructure Development for Accelerated Growth and Job Creation."
According to the Finance Minister, the focus of the 2012 Budget was on the provision of key infrastructure in various sectors of the economy to further stimulate growth, support the private sector to create more jobs and improve the incomes of Ghanaians.
He said the key infrastructural projects to be implemented in 2012 , and which were consistent with the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda (GSGDA) would principally be in the following areas: Electricity, Oil and Gas; Water and Sanitation; Railways, Roads, and Ports; and Health, Education, and Agriculture.
He stated that in order to accelerate the achievement of universal health coverage, government would commence the implementation of the one-time premium payment policy under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
To further improve financial controls and efficiency, the NHIS would pilot capitation as an alternative Provider Payment Mechanism (PPM). Furthermore, the review of the NHIS law would result in a major restructuring of the scheme at the district, regional and national levels.
To further improve financial controls and efficiency, the NHIS would pilot capitation as an alternative Provider Payment Mechanism (PPM). Furthermore, the review of the NHIS law would result in a major restructuring of the scheme at the district, regional and national levels.
Dr. Duffuor said Ghana's economy has witnessed significant growth and stability since 2009. The huge fiscal and external current account deficits that characterized the pre-2009 period have been reduced significantly; inflation has dropped to single-digit levels; the stock of international reserves has risen to over three months of import cover; and the exchange rate has stabilized since August 2009, except for some minor volatility earlier in the year.
Real GDP growth has been very strong while the rebasing and revision of the national accounts saw the country's national income expanded by more than 60 percent, moving the country into a lower middle-income status.
"There has been a significant growth in real GDP from 4.0 per cent in 2009, to 7.7 per cent in 2010 and 13.6 per cent in 2011 on provisional basis, making Ghana one of the fastest growing economies in the world in 2011 "At the end of 2008, the fiscal deficit on cash basis was 8.5 per cent of GDP (14.5 percent of GDP - old series).
As at the end of September 2011, it had been reduced significantly to 2.0 percent of GDP." Inflation which was 18.1 per cent at the end of 2008 now stands at 8.40 per cent in September, 2011.
This single digit inflation, he maintained, was real and had been sustained for the longest period of our economic history, from June 2010 to date. Dr. Duffuor said interest rates have continuously declined since 2009.
This was evidenced by the significant reduction in the yield of the 91-day money market instrument from 24.67 per cent in 2008 to 9.1 per cent in September 2011, making it the lowest recorded money market rate in decades.
Gross International Reserves of US$4.98 billion recorded in October 2011 exceeded 3.0 months of import cover of goods and services, compared to reserves of US$2.0 billion at the end of December 2008.
He said in accordance with provisions of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, Act 805, 2011 (PRMA), the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has, on behalf of Government, lifted oil from the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah four times as at the end of October 2011.
The proceeds from the first three liftings amount to 2,980,720 barrels which realized a total sum of US$337.3 million (GH? 506.0 million). have been received. The proceeds for the fourth lift are expected later in November 2011.
"The total oil revenue received so far has been allocated to the various allowable sources in accordance with the PRMA. A total of US$112 million (equivalent to GHC168 million) has been transferred into the Consolidated Fund as the Annual Budget Funding Amount and is being utilized in the four priority areas as set out in the 2011 Supplementary Budget in accordance with relevant sections of the PRMA."
"An amount of US$54.8 million and US$14.4 million have been transferred into the Stabilization and Heritage Fund accounts respectively in accordance with relevant sections of the PRMA."
Also, in line with Section 7 of the PRMA, an amount of US$156.1 million has been transferred to GNPC as equity financing cost and GNPC s share of net Carried and Participating Interest. Some highlights of the 2012 budget statement are as follows:
MACROECONOMIC FRAMEWORK FOR THE MEDIUM-TERM (2012-14) In fiscal year 2012 and the medium term, government macroeconomic policy will focus on three complementary objectives, namely: - preserving the gains of macroeconomic stabilization and fiscal consolidation achieved since 2009; - creating fiscal space for high-priority investments to spur long-term growth and development; and - maintaining inflation in single digits
To achieve these objectives, fiscal deficits will be kept at levels that can be prudently financed, without crowding out private sector credit, while efforts to fill the country's large infrastructure gaps will be accelerated and kept consistent with the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda (GSGDA).
Over the medium term, economic growth is expected to average 8 percent, reflecting strong expansion in both the oil and non-oil sectors of the economy.
The fiscal deficit reduction will be driven by rising oil revenues, strengthened revenue administration and prudent expenditure management. Monetary policy will be geared at maintaining single-digit inflation, while the balance of payments is projected to remain in surplus, reflecting high commodity export prices, oil production and exports, and continuing portfolio capital inflows To finance infrastructure projects critical to the country's growth and development, a US$3 billion non-concessional but competitive facility from the China Development Bank has been sourced.
The details of the macroeconomic targets for fiscal 2012 are as follows: - Real non-oil GDP growth of 7.6 percent; - Real overall GDP growth of 9.4 percent; - Average inflation of 8.7 percent; - End-period inflation of 8.5 percent; - Overall budget deficit equivalent to 4.8 percent of GDP; and - Gross international reserves of not less than three months of import cover for goods and services. Petroleum Revenues- Outlook for 2012 The total revenue from crude oil sales in 2012 fiscal year is projected at GHC 1,239.82 million based on an estimated average oil price of US$90.00 per barrel and production of 90,000 barrels per day.
This amount comprises royalty payments of GHC 236.87 million, income from government Carried and Participating Interest of GHC 618.84 million, and corporate income tax of GHC384.11 million.
Transfer of oil revenue to the National Oil Company will amount to GHC361.90 million. The benchmark revenue will amount to GHC877.92 million. The proposed 70 percent of the benchmark revenue determined as the Annual Budget Funding Amount will amount to GHC614.55 million. Transfer to the Ghana Petroleum funds will amount to GHC263.28 million.
In line with Section 21(5) of the PRMA, the Annual Budget Funding Amount would be spent in the following four priority areas: - Expenditure and amortization of loans for oil and gas infrastructure; - Road and other infrastructure; - Agricultural modernization; and - Capacity building (including oil and gas) Monetary Sector Outlook Monetary policy in the medium-term will focus on maintaining single digit inflation while responding to volatility in the foreign exchange market.
To this end, Bank of Ghana will continue to deploy its instruments within the inflation targeting framework to preserve the gains of macroeconomic stabilization. Recognizing the crucial role the private sector is expected to play in the country's growth and development process, real credit to the private sector will increase on a sustained basis to an average of 18 per cent per annum over the medium term.
The Bank of Ghana will continue to engage the deposit money banks on the determination of base rates in the banking sector, with the view to bringing standardization and transparency into the determination of lending rates.
It is envisaged that there will be a further build-up in Gross International Reserves to an average of US$7.5 billion (estimated around 4.5 months of import cover) over the medium term. Government will build higher benchmark bonds.
Seven-year and 10-year fixed rate bonds will be introduced in 2012 to reduce liquidity in the short-dated instruments and extend the yield curve.
To mitigate the risks of rising floating interest rates for debt servicing, government will hedge the interest rates through swap arrangements to allow for enhanced predictability of debt service planning and forecast.
RESOURCE MOBILISATION AND ALLOCATION FOR 2012 As a result of the rebasing and revision of the national accounts, Ghana became a lower middle-income country. However, this resulted in a reduced tax revenue-to-GDP ratio from 22 percent to 13.1 percent in 2010. This figure is below the average of 15 percent for the sub-Saharan African countries and also below the average of 18 percent for lower middle-income countries. Ghana's estimated tax revenue-GDP ratio outturn of 16.5 percent for 2011 indicates a strong improvement in revenue mobilization and is above the average for sub-Saharan African countries and below the average for lower middle-income countries. Proposed Tax Policy Measures for 2012 The focus therefore of revenue management in fiscal year 2012 is to expand the tax base and improve the efficiency of the tax administration. The following tax proposals will therefore take effect in 2012. Taxation of Professionals and Informal Sector The Self-Employment Income Tax Revenue Enhancing Project has been set up to broaden the tax net. Through this project, the contribution of the self-employed in the domestic tax revenue would improve from the current 4% to a targeted level of 8%. Increase in VAT threshold As part of the continued efforts to improve efficiency in tax administration, Government will raise the VAT registration threshold from an annual turnover of GHC90,000 in 2011 to GHC120,000.00 in fiscal year 2012. Businesses with a turnover of less than GHC120,000.00 over a twelve month period will pay a presumptive tax of 6 per cent of turnover. These taxpayers will fall within the category of small taxpayers and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) will put in place the necessary measures to operationalize the small taxpayer office concept. The increase in VAT threshold does not constitute an increase in the VAT rate. Transfer PricingRecent studies in the mining sector showed that Ghana loses about US$36 million a year through transfer pricing. Together with the GRA we have drafted regulations to strengthen existing tax legislation to deal with taxation of multinational companies and minimize the incidence of abuse of transfer pricing. The regulation will soon be presented to Parliament. Tax Amnesty Government is aware that many companies and individuals are operating outside the tax net. To address this problem, Government is offering amnesty to all such companies and individuals who have evaded taxes. The GRA will embark on a registration and re-registration exercise of tax payers during this period. All tax payers are therefore encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to register. The tax amnesty will start from January 2012 and end on 30th September 2012. Natural Resource Taxation Beginning in the fiscal year 2012, the following changes to the taxation of mining activities will apply: - Following established practice in the extractive industry, and in the oil and gas sector, the corporate tax rate for mining companies will be increased from the current 25 percent to 35 percent; - A windfall profit tax of 10 percent will be collected from all mining companies; and - A uniform regime for capital allowance of 20 percent for five years for mining, as is the case in the oil and gas sector. Ring Fencing The principle of Ring-fencing as applicable to the natural resource sector (petroleum and mining) will be made more explicit. Beginning in fiscal year 2012, cost in one contract area or site will not be allowed to be set off against profits from another (belonging to the same company) in determining chargeable income for tax purposes. This will prevent companies undertaking a series of projects from deducting costs from new projects against profitable ventures yielding taxable income.
He insisted that government had significantly delivered on its promise of a better Ghana for Ghanaians, justifying his claim with a seemingly endless list of what he described as achievements. Waxing lyrical, poetical and hilarious, Dr. Duffour told the august House:
"We promised to remove schools under trees, and we are very much on course!
We promised to remove inequities in incomes through the single spine, and we are very much on course!
We promised to move the economy from fragility to robustness, yes we have!
We promised to significantly expand the economy, yes we have!
We promised to arrest inflation, yes we have!
We promised to arrest the rapid depreciation of the Cedi, yes we have! We promised to provide free school uniforms and exercise books, yes we have!
We promised to deliver skills training and jobs to our youth, yes we have!
We promised deeper competition in the telephone industry, yes we have through Mobile Number Portability!"
He stated, "These achievements give us confidence that in the coming years, Ghanaians can continue to trust the NDC Government to faithfully steer the affairs of our dear nation."This indeed is a budget that heralds the march towards the "Better Ghana" and gives hope of a brighter tomorrow and the building of a nation that is truly great and strong."
The theme for the 2012 Budget Statement and Economic Policy is "Infrastructure Development for Accelerated Growth and Job Creation."
According to the Finance Minister, the focus of the 2012 Budget was on the provision of key infrastructure in various sectors of the economy to further stimulate growth, support the private sector to create more jobs and improve the incomes of Ghanaians.
He said the key infrastructural projects to be implemented in 2012 , and which were consistent with the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda (GSGDA) would principally be in the following areas: Electricity, Oil and Gas; Water and Sanitation; Railways, Roads, and Ports; and Health, Education, and Agriculture.
He stated that in order to accelerate the achievement of universal health coverage, government would commence the implementation of the one-time premium payment policy under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
To further improve financial controls and efficiency, the NHIS would pilot capitation as an alternative Provider Payment Mechanism (PPM). Furthermore, the review of the NHIS law would result in a major restructuring of the scheme at the district, regional and national levels.
To further improve financial controls and efficiency, the NHIS would pilot capitation as an alternative Provider Payment Mechanism (PPM). Furthermore, the review of the NHIS law would result in a major restructuring of the scheme at the district, regional and national levels.
Dr. Duffuor said Ghana's economy has witnessed significant growth and stability since 2009. The huge fiscal and external current account deficits that characterized the pre-2009 period have been reduced significantly; inflation has dropped to single-digit levels; the stock of international reserves has risen to over three months of import cover; and the exchange rate has stabilized since August 2009, except for some minor volatility earlier in the year.
Real GDP growth has been very strong while the rebasing and revision of the national accounts saw the country's national income expanded by more than 60 percent, moving the country into a lower middle-income status.
"There has been a significant growth in real GDP from 4.0 per cent in 2009, to 7.7 per cent in 2010 and 13.6 per cent in 2011 on provisional basis, making Ghana one of the fastest growing economies in the world in 2011 "At the end of 2008, the fiscal deficit on cash basis was 8.5 per cent of GDP (14.5 percent of GDP - old series).
As at the end of September 2011, it had been reduced significantly to 2.0 percent of GDP." Inflation which was 18.1 per cent at the end of 2008 now stands at 8.40 per cent in September, 2011.
This single digit inflation, he maintained, was real and had been sustained for the longest period of our economic history, from June 2010 to date. Dr. Duffuor said interest rates have continuously declined since 2009.
This was evidenced by the significant reduction in the yield of the 91-day money market instrument from 24.67 per cent in 2008 to 9.1 per cent in September 2011, making it the lowest recorded money market rate in decades.
Gross International Reserves of US$4.98 billion recorded in October 2011 exceeded 3.0 months of import cover of goods and services, compared to reserves of US$2.0 billion at the end of December 2008.
He said in accordance with provisions of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, Act 805, 2011 (PRMA), the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has, on behalf of Government, lifted oil from the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah four times as at the end of October 2011.
The proceeds from the first three liftings amount to 2,980,720 barrels which realized a total sum of US$337.3 million (GH? 506.0 million). have been received. The proceeds for the fourth lift are expected later in November 2011.
"The total oil revenue received so far has been allocated to the various allowable sources in accordance with the PRMA. A total of US$112 million (equivalent to GHC168 million) has been transferred into the Consolidated Fund as the Annual Budget Funding Amount and is being utilized in the four priority areas as set out in the 2011 Supplementary Budget in accordance with relevant sections of the PRMA."
"An amount of US$54.8 million and US$14.4 million have been transferred into the Stabilization and Heritage Fund accounts respectively in accordance with relevant sections of the PRMA."
Also, in line with Section 7 of the PRMA, an amount of US$156.1 million has been transferred to GNPC as equity financing cost and GNPC s share of net Carried and Participating Interest. Some highlights of the 2012 budget statement are as follows:
MACROECONOMIC FRAMEWORK FOR THE MEDIUM-TERM (2012-14) In fiscal year 2012 and the medium term, government macroeconomic policy will focus on three complementary objectives, namely: - preserving the gains of macroeconomic stabilization and fiscal consolidation achieved since 2009; - creating fiscal space for high-priority investments to spur long-term growth and development; and - maintaining inflation in single digits
To achieve these objectives, fiscal deficits will be kept at levels that can be prudently financed, without crowding out private sector credit, while efforts to fill the country's large infrastructure gaps will be accelerated and kept consistent with the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda (GSGDA).
Over the medium term, economic growth is expected to average 8 percent, reflecting strong expansion in both the oil and non-oil sectors of the economy.
The fiscal deficit reduction will be driven by rising oil revenues, strengthened revenue administration and prudent expenditure management. Monetary policy will be geared at maintaining single-digit inflation, while the balance of payments is projected to remain in surplus, reflecting high commodity export prices, oil production and exports, and continuing portfolio capital inflows To finance infrastructure projects critical to the country's growth and development, a US$3 billion non-concessional but competitive facility from the China Development Bank has been sourced.
The details of the macroeconomic targets for fiscal 2012 are as follows: - Real non-oil GDP growth of 7.6 percent; - Real overall GDP growth of 9.4 percent; - Average inflation of 8.7 percent; - End-period inflation of 8.5 percent; - Overall budget deficit equivalent to 4.8 percent of GDP; and - Gross international reserves of not less than three months of import cover for goods and services. Petroleum Revenues- Outlook for 2012 The total revenue from crude oil sales in 2012 fiscal year is projected at GHC 1,239.82 million based on an estimated average oil price of US$90.00 per barrel and production of 90,000 barrels per day.
This amount comprises royalty payments of GHC 236.87 million, income from government Carried and Participating Interest of GHC 618.84 million, and corporate income tax of GHC384.11 million.
Transfer of oil revenue to the National Oil Company will amount to GHC361.90 million. The benchmark revenue will amount to GHC877.92 million. The proposed 70 percent of the benchmark revenue determined as the Annual Budget Funding Amount will amount to GHC614.55 million. Transfer to the Ghana Petroleum funds will amount to GHC263.28 million.
In line with Section 21(5) of the PRMA, the Annual Budget Funding Amount would be spent in the following four priority areas: - Expenditure and amortization of loans for oil and gas infrastructure; - Road and other infrastructure; - Agricultural modernization; and - Capacity building (including oil and gas) Monetary Sector Outlook Monetary policy in the medium-term will focus on maintaining single digit inflation while responding to volatility in the foreign exchange market.
To this end, Bank of Ghana will continue to deploy its instruments within the inflation targeting framework to preserve the gains of macroeconomic stabilization. Recognizing the crucial role the private sector is expected to play in the country's growth and development process, real credit to the private sector will increase on a sustained basis to an average of 18 per cent per annum over the medium term.
The Bank of Ghana will continue to engage the deposit money banks on the determination of base rates in the banking sector, with the view to bringing standardization and transparency into the determination of lending rates.
It is envisaged that there will be a further build-up in Gross International Reserves to an average of US$7.5 billion (estimated around 4.5 months of import cover) over the medium term. Government will build higher benchmark bonds.
Seven-year and 10-year fixed rate bonds will be introduced in 2012 to reduce liquidity in the short-dated instruments and extend the yield curve.
To mitigate the risks of rising floating interest rates for debt servicing, government will hedge the interest rates through swap arrangements to allow for enhanced predictability of debt service planning and forecast.
RESOURCE MOBILISATION AND ALLOCATION FOR 2012 As a result of the rebasing and revision of the national accounts, Ghana became a lower middle-income country. However, this resulted in a reduced tax revenue-to-GDP ratio from 22 percent to 13.1 percent in 2010. This figure is below the average of 15 percent for the sub-Saharan African countries and also below the average of 18 percent for lower middle-income countries. Ghana's estimated tax revenue-GDP ratio outturn of 16.5 percent for 2011 indicates a strong improvement in revenue mobilization and is above the average for sub-Saharan African countries and below the average for lower middle-income countries. Proposed Tax Policy Measures for 2012 The focus therefore of revenue management in fiscal year 2012 is to expand the tax base and improve the efficiency of the tax administration. The following tax proposals will therefore take effect in 2012. Taxation of Professionals and Informal Sector The Self-Employment Income Tax Revenue Enhancing Project has been set up to broaden the tax net. Through this project, the contribution of the self-employed in the domestic tax revenue would improve from the current 4% to a targeted level of 8%. Increase in VAT threshold As part of the continued efforts to improve efficiency in tax administration, Government will raise the VAT registration threshold from an annual turnover of GHC90,000 in 2011 to GHC120,000.00 in fiscal year 2012. Businesses with a turnover of less than GHC120,000.00 over a twelve month period will pay a presumptive tax of 6 per cent of turnover. These taxpayers will fall within the category of small taxpayers and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) will put in place the necessary measures to operationalize the small taxpayer office concept. The increase in VAT threshold does not constitute an increase in the VAT rate. Transfer PricingRecent studies in the mining sector showed that Ghana loses about US$36 million a year through transfer pricing. Together with the GRA we have drafted regulations to strengthen existing tax legislation to deal with taxation of multinational companies and minimize the incidence of abuse of transfer pricing. The regulation will soon be presented to Parliament. Tax Amnesty Government is aware that many companies and individuals are operating outside the tax net. To address this problem, Government is offering amnesty to all such companies and individuals who have evaded taxes. The GRA will embark on a registration and re-registration exercise of tax payers during this period. All tax payers are therefore encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to register. The tax amnesty will start from January 2012 and end on 30th September 2012. Natural Resource Taxation Beginning in the fiscal year 2012, the following changes to the taxation of mining activities will apply: - Following established practice in the extractive industry, and in the oil and gas sector, the corporate tax rate for mining companies will be increased from the current 25 percent to 35 percent; - A windfall profit tax of 10 percent will be collected from all mining companies; and - A uniform regime for capital allowance of 20 percent for five years for mining, as is the case in the oil and gas sector. Ring Fencing The principle of Ring-fencing as applicable to the natural resource sector (petroleum and mining) will be made more explicit. Beginning in fiscal year 2012, cost in one contract area or site will not be allowed to be set off against profits from another (belonging to the same company) in determining chargeable income for tax purposes. This will prevent companies undertaking a series of projects from deducting costs from new projects against profitable ventures yielding taxable income.
Affirmative Action is panacea for increasing women numbers in decision-making
It has been established that without mandatory Affirmative Action, expected changes that can lead to an increase in women's representation in national politics will not occur.
Ghana may also miss out on achieving its Millennium Development Goal (MDG 3) target with regard to the proportion of seats held by women in national parliament. MDG 3 mandates all countries to promote gender equality and empower women.
A study has recommended that in the short term, advocacy must continue to explain and build support for legislation on an Affirmative Action Policy (AAP). This is to be spearheaded by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWAC) and Coalition on Affirmative Action legislation.
Professor Takyiwaa Manuh, former Director of African Studies at the University of Ghana, said advocacy efforts need to be based on current statistics on women's representation in politics and national life, Ghana's treaty obligations such as those of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the trends around sub-Saharan Africa and also in West Africa.
She said the advocacy would need to enlist the support of the media by MoWAC and civil society organisations (CSOs) to popularise and disseminate the AAP. Prof. Manuh was making a presentation at the Gender and Development Dialogue series organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and it partners, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Women in Accra.
She spoke on the topic, "Towards Greater Representation of Women in National Governance: An Innovative Approach." Come December 2012, Ghana will hold presidential and parliamentary elections, obviously the last elections before the final assessment of the MDGs in 2015.
The low participation of women in decision-making is listed by MoWAC as one of its key challenges, 15 years after Beijing Platform for Action and also a concern to government, CSOs and development partners working to increase the numbers of women in decision-making.
The UN System's intervention on MDG 3 and Elections project is to support the process with research in the area of increasing women's representation in national governance with a view to sharing best strategies from elsewhere and from Ghana on meeting the MDG 3 target.
Prof. Takyiwaa Manuh disclosed findings are that in contrast to countries in Southern and Eastern Africa, and increasingly in West Africa, which have used some form of legislated affirmative in action, women's representation in Parliament in Ghana is only at 8.2%, well below the UN recommended 30% threshold, and below Ghana's own early promise in the 1960s when women's representation in parliament was above 18%.
She said women aspirants also encounter several constrains and challenges from within their parties and the electorate at large, including lower access to funds. "Analysis of current and past interventions, many are ad-hoc and poorly times, and do not take into account party electoral cycles, including the opening of nominations and the conduct of primaries.
Giving the key role of political parties in determining who becomes a candidate in multi-party systems of governance, there has been continuing engagement with them Ghana by the Electoral Commission, development partners and CSO's to encourage them to take actions that can lead to an increase in women's representation in national politics."
She noted that in terms of models, there were several affirmative action guidelines that existed from government directives, the political parties and the international levels (CEDAW, Commonwealth Secretariat, and the Quota Project) which could be harmonized and adopted to local conditions towards a comprehensive Affirmative Action Bill to parliament.
"As the experience of several countries would suggest, constitutional or electoral quotas have been the most successful in increasing women's representation in parliament and national life."
"Given women's numerical majority in Ghana, a conscious strategy of organising women as voters that transcend political divides would strengthen their hand in making demands for increased political representation of women and attention to women's issues as the high unacceptable rates of maternal infant mortality."
The establishment of this league of Ghanaian women voters, Prof. Takyiwaa Manuh recommended should be lead by women CSOs, in concert with larger mass-based women's groups and associations in churches and mosques, trades and vocations.She said such a group would also form the basis for establishing a 'Hawa's List' to raise funds to support women candidates who commit to advancing gender equality and the interests of women. The private sectors as well as individuals must be specifically targeted to contribute to such a fund.
"There must be commitments by the UN country team and other development partners to prioritize interventions on increasing women's representation in parliament and to financially support the process beyond the 2012 elections."
In the long term, (beyond five years), there must be continuing executive and legislative action to ensure parity of women and men in national governance and public life in Ghana. An institute for women in politics must be established with secure funding to support women already in parliament, and women aspirants.
"The institute could be initially nested within one of ting skills and the CSOs and is envisaged as a centre for continuous engagement with women politicians and aspirants to teach them parliamentary practice, debating skills, and constituency building skills and to ensure that increased women's representation in national governance achieves both quantity and quality, the critical mass and critical acts, that strengthen the linkage between representation and transformation, and ensures that politics becomes more gender-responsive."
In the medium term (two to five years), the report recommended among others, that executive action must be taken to implement an AAP across board to achieve 40% representation of women in politics and decision-making that Ghana aspired to in the late 1990's, and which the current government modelled in its party manifesto in election 2008.
Mrs Ruby Sandhu-Rojon, UN Resident Coordinator said it is ridiculous that the number of women in parliaments has gone down, such that out of the 230 members of parliament, less than 10% of them, 19 precisely are women, though women make up 51% of Ghana's population.
"The benefits of having women in politics must be discussed in legislative frameworks. When women are in politics there is development as they respond to basic needs from family to country level."
Other contributors at the forum stated the need to build the critical mass across all sectors of the society.
They said it was important to begin to look at having more Ghanaian women in leadership positions, be it education, politics, etc and not only in politics but everywhere else. There was a consensus to discuss how to have a broader engagement with Ghanaian women that looks at the gender issues first and then politics.
Ms Hilary Gbedemah, Rector of Law Institute deduced the figures in representation of women in politics do not paint picture of real democracy. She believes democracy can only have real meaning when decision-making is by both men and women.
"Where lies democracy when composition of governance does not represent the governed? The trend will not correct itself so we need to think about concrete measures to address the obstacles that lie at the base of these low figures."?
Ghana may also miss out on achieving its Millennium Development Goal (MDG 3) target with regard to the proportion of seats held by women in national parliament. MDG 3 mandates all countries to promote gender equality and empower women.
A study has recommended that in the short term, advocacy must continue to explain and build support for legislation on an Affirmative Action Policy (AAP). This is to be spearheaded by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWAC) and Coalition on Affirmative Action legislation.
Professor Takyiwaa Manuh, former Director of African Studies at the University of Ghana, said advocacy efforts need to be based on current statistics on women's representation in politics and national life, Ghana's treaty obligations such as those of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the trends around sub-Saharan Africa and also in West Africa.
She said the advocacy would need to enlist the support of the media by MoWAC and civil society organisations (CSOs) to popularise and disseminate the AAP. Prof. Manuh was making a presentation at the Gender and Development Dialogue series organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and it partners, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Women in Accra.
She spoke on the topic, "Towards Greater Representation of Women in National Governance: An Innovative Approach." Come December 2012, Ghana will hold presidential and parliamentary elections, obviously the last elections before the final assessment of the MDGs in 2015.
The low participation of women in decision-making is listed by MoWAC as one of its key challenges, 15 years after Beijing Platform for Action and also a concern to government, CSOs and development partners working to increase the numbers of women in decision-making.
The UN System's intervention on MDG 3 and Elections project is to support the process with research in the area of increasing women's representation in national governance with a view to sharing best strategies from elsewhere and from Ghana on meeting the MDG 3 target.
Prof. Takyiwaa Manuh disclosed findings are that in contrast to countries in Southern and Eastern Africa, and increasingly in West Africa, which have used some form of legislated affirmative in action, women's representation in Parliament in Ghana is only at 8.2%, well below the UN recommended 30% threshold, and below Ghana's own early promise in the 1960s when women's representation in parliament was above 18%.
She said women aspirants also encounter several constrains and challenges from within their parties and the electorate at large, including lower access to funds. "Analysis of current and past interventions, many are ad-hoc and poorly times, and do not take into account party electoral cycles, including the opening of nominations and the conduct of primaries.
Giving the key role of political parties in determining who becomes a candidate in multi-party systems of governance, there has been continuing engagement with them Ghana by the Electoral Commission, development partners and CSO's to encourage them to take actions that can lead to an increase in women's representation in national politics."
She noted that in terms of models, there were several affirmative action guidelines that existed from government directives, the political parties and the international levels (CEDAW, Commonwealth Secretariat, and the Quota Project) which could be harmonized and adopted to local conditions towards a comprehensive Affirmative Action Bill to parliament.
"As the experience of several countries would suggest, constitutional or electoral quotas have been the most successful in increasing women's representation in parliament and national life."
"Given women's numerical majority in Ghana, a conscious strategy of organising women as voters that transcend political divides would strengthen their hand in making demands for increased political representation of women and attention to women's issues as the high unacceptable rates of maternal infant mortality."
The establishment of this league of Ghanaian women voters, Prof. Takyiwaa Manuh recommended should be lead by women CSOs, in concert with larger mass-based women's groups and associations in churches and mosques, trades and vocations.She said such a group would also form the basis for establishing a 'Hawa's List' to raise funds to support women candidates who commit to advancing gender equality and the interests of women. The private sectors as well as individuals must be specifically targeted to contribute to such a fund.
"There must be commitments by the UN country team and other development partners to prioritize interventions on increasing women's representation in parliament and to financially support the process beyond the 2012 elections."
In the long term, (beyond five years), there must be continuing executive and legislative action to ensure parity of women and men in national governance and public life in Ghana. An institute for women in politics must be established with secure funding to support women already in parliament, and women aspirants.
"The institute could be initially nested within one of ting skills and the CSOs and is envisaged as a centre for continuous engagement with women politicians and aspirants to teach them parliamentary practice, debating skills, and constituency building skills and to ensure that increased women's representation in national governance achieves both quantity and quality, the critical mass and critical acts, that strengthen the linkage between representation and transformation, and ensures that politics becomes more gender-responsive."
In the medium term (two to five years), the report recommended among others, that executive action must be taken to implement an AAP across board to achieve 40% representation of women in politics and decision-making that Ghana aspired to in the late 1990's, and which the current government modelled in its party manifesto in election 2008.
Mrs Ruby Sandhu-Rojon, UN Resident Coordinator said it is ridiculous that the number of women in parliaments has gone down, such that out of the 230 members of parliament, less than 10% of them, 19 precisely are women, though women make up 51% of Ghana's population.
"The benefits of having women in politics must be discussed in legislative frameworks. When women are in politics there is development as they respond to basic needs from family to country level."
Other contributors at the forum stated the need to build the critical mass across all sectors of the society.
They said it was important to begin to look at having more Ghanaian women in leadership positions, be it education, politics, etc and not only in politics but everywhere else. There was a consensus to discuss how to have a broader engagement with Ghanaian women that looks at the gender issues first and then politics.
Ms Hilary Gbedemah, Rector of Law Institute deduced the figures in representation of women in politics do not paint picture of real democracy. She believes democracy can only have real meaning when decision-making is by both men and women.
"Where lies democracy when composition of governance does not represent the governed? The trend will not correct itself so we need to think about concrete measures to address the obstacles that lie at the base of these low figures."?
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Catholic church prepares to support elections in Africa
The Church has been urged to take active part in the organisation of credible elections in Africa. Indeed, it must create the platform to help Christians find a way to contribute to peaceful elections and democracy in on the continent.Bishop Boniface Ziri, Chairman of the Episcopal Commission of Justice and Peace, Cote d'Ivoire, said the Church must be able to observe elections on the continent for first hand information and not rely on people's opinion. He noted the Catholic Church has always exhorted political parties to understand their roles; that their selfish interest must not prevail over the general interest. "Our ability to do this would be a sign of deeper concern that we have embraced the rule of law. We should not consider ourselves as enemies. We should run away from tribalism and avoid involving ourselves in conflict. "It should be possible for the Church in Africa to make contributions and suggestions to make the system better. Its role before and after elections should contribute to a society where religious, ethnic and political differences should not prevent people from living together."Bishop Ziri was speaking at a workshop in Accra on promoting peaceful elections in Africa. He spoke on the theme, "The Role of the Church in Supporting the Organisation of Peaceful and Credible Elections in Africa". He bemoaned the amassing of wealth by some leaders while the interests of citizens were not catered for; others were manipulating the media to mislead and whether information is reflective of real situation or not was not an issue to them. He regretted that lies have been taken to the highest level coupled with the stealing of natural resources such that people do not trust the system any longer. He said the Church is called upon to stand up and face the situation equally. "We should not neglect any of the issues since that is part of the salvation we need to bring to the people. [We] must remain very closely attached to our people so we can understand them and bring adequate solution and a deeper transformation to them." The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Symposium of Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) jointly organised the workshop in response to the commitment of the Catholic Church and its faith-based associates to actively support actions that ensure peaceful and credible outcomes in the about 22 parliamentary and presidential elections scheduled to take place between now and December 2012 across the continent of Africa. Hence, the workshop was designed as practical learning opportunity built on experience sharing and specialist resource input from a broad section of state and civil society actors. In a welcome address, the Most Rev. Paul Bemile, Episcopal Chairman for Governance, Justice and Peace, Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference, stated the bishops of Africa are unanimous in their position that the common good should always find legal expression in the constitution. He said they have also called on African leaders to conscientiously exercise stewardship and uphold the common good over the interests of family, clan, ethnic group or political party and to protect and promote the social, economic, political and religious rights of every citizen. "For democratic elections legitimize the exercise of power and failure to respect a national constitution, the fundamental law of the country, manipulating the results of free, fair and transparent election, all such acts become unacceptable under any circumstance."As Church, our concern for each person makes it imperative for us to ensure that citizens are not treated as pawns by competing politicians vying for power. They must be seen to be key players in the political governance through their free exercise of their right to vote."He said, it was for these reasons that Episcopal Conference across Africa has been following keenly development across the continent. The Archbishop of Accra and Treasurer of SECAM, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, used the occasion to appeal to experts in good governance to assist institutions such as the Catholic Universities in Africa to establish faculties of political science and set up centres for understanding and implementation of Catholic social teaching. "We have to promote multidimensional programmes of civic education; implement programme to foster the formation of a just social conscience at levels of society; encourage competent and honest citizens to participate in party politics." He emphasized the church must also increase engagement in promoting civic education so the faithful can live out their civic responsibility in an informed manner.He was hopeful that the workshop would provide launching pad for the Church in Africa to find some more answers to those vexing questions that militate against peaceful democratic elections on the African continent.
Big women scaring men away?
Even though Ghana has made great strides in its efforts at getting women elected or appointed to positions of authority, including the appointment of a woman as Chief Justice, a woman as Speaker of Parliament, among other several women ministers and deputy ministers, a major hurdle in the country's feminist push, it appears, has to do with how to make men accommodate successful women.
A survey conducted by the Public Agenda reveals that several high profile Ghanaian women are either single or divorced. Reasons? The men just find it difficult to cope with high profile women. Other less successful men find professional women too formal and intimidating to approach.
Several men Public Agenda spoke to on the subject claimed that for them, a woman's success which is often accompanied by an authoritative posturing is a huge turn-off.
They will simply not have the courage to approach such women, let alone propose to them. Baaley, a journalist at Nsawam, says he will not marry a successful woman because such a woman might not get time for the family.
She will engage in meetings for long hours, and neglect her domestic responsibilities. Others were not certain.
For them a woman's profile or position in society would be considered alongside her personal qualities. Donald Nsoh, a policy analyst for trade, said "I will want to consider some key qualities such as humility and willingness to share.
If she is humble and generous, then we will move on but if she is not then we call it off."To Dennis Nchor marriage is about compatibility and if one finds a woman who shares his beliefs he may marry that person.
To him, the only issue is respect - she has to respect the man.Two out of twenty men interviewed would not be put off by a woman's success. Kwesi Afram, a chartered accountant in Osu, Accra says, "Yes I will marry a successful woman, but this will depend on her age.
The world is fast changing and the men need to adapt to the trend and accommodate successful women.
"Mark Zingbagba, an Accra-based policy analyst, also said, he will marry a successful woman depending on how she views marriage. Some choose not to respect their husbands because they feel they can depend on themselves. But, the women have no apologies to make.
To them, socially constructed roles for Ghanaian women appear steeped in the sub-consciousness of Ghanaian men such that any change that places women in a dominant position creates some discomfort for them. For some men, it is an aberration of the established social order.
Dr. Rose Mensah Kutin, Executive Director of Abantu for Development, argues that a different world is possible but it requires hard work. She says it is important that we challenge certain assumptions about women and the position they hold in society, whether married or unmarried which in reality does not affect their ability to deliver.
There is lack of understanding of the belief in the need to secure rights and opportunities for women equal to those of men, or the concept of feminism by men, particularly when it poses a different picture of what women status in society should be.
Women in power or positions of authority are often perceived as women who can't be controlled and so not suitable for marriage. Meanwhile, most men had no problem competing with women for academic laurels even at the tertiary level.
The problem really is how a woman's career success alters the power relations at both the family and societal levels.In pre-colonial times Ghanaian women were considered primarily responsible for bearing children and bringing them up, cooking, washing, and other house chores.
When women began to acquire education, most of the stereotypical roles of women had to be shared with their husbands or shifted to paid house helps.
This is a convenience that high profile couples have to settle for as women increasingly find it difficult to combine their roles as mothers and professionals.
The transition from a world dominated by men to one in which resources and opportunities are equally accessible to both men and women seems to have caught up rather sluggishly with most Ghanaian men.
Ghanaian men will therefore have to be conscientized to appreciate the fact that, the world as they knew it has moved on and they therefore need to catch up with the trends to maintain Ghana's image as a pace-setter in Africa.
Perhaps, when women's march to positions of authority assumes a level where their appointment to high office ceases to be news society will be better disposed to accommodating them.
The power relations would have been leveled and maybe men will rather than require their subordination from women, see them as equal partners whose views both in the family and society count.
Dr. Dorcas Coker Appiah, Executive Director of Gender Centre, sharing her experiences during the recent second national feminist forum in Accra by NETRIGHT, recalled it took her a long way to be a feminist as the Ghanaian woman is socialized in a different way.
However, she said that education helps one to understand who they are and what it is that they can be or do. "You get to know that you are not inferior to the man. I am a feminist because I know I am equal to the man. We are socialized in a way to accept that as a woman marriage is the key. Whether you are married or not, have children or not, believe in your power as woman."
She believes it is about time the older generation constantly engaged the younger generation and let them know that their value is more than being somebody's wife and look at themselves as being more important.
Dr. Hilary Gbedemah of the Law Institute has argued that it is legitimate for women to claim spaces and that, they can do so whether married or not. "We should realize that we are all complete and equal in our own rights. I don't see how equality can destroy or undermine you. You can be a feminist and a good Christian or religious adherent...the same with culture and so on, and so forth."
A recent media report said at the Legal Aid office, it is recorded that 40% of marriages annually break up within a period of 14 months.
The Head of Ghana Legal Aid, Mr. Earnest Mawuli Adzeke, is quoted as saying that the numbers of women, who apply for separation every week, far outweigh that out of their male counterparts.
Out of 2,786 cases reported in the year 2010, 608 were marital, out of which 420 were advanced by women and 179 by men. Meanwhile, Mrs. Angela Dwamena Aboagye, a renowned lawyer and counselor, says it isn't very surprising since the current trends allow this to be so, even with younger married couples.
"It is really sad and I'm sure the numbers would be more if a customary marriage, which forms the bulk of most Ghanaian marriages, were included." Speaking on Citi FM, an Accra-based radio station, she said that one of the fundamental reasons for divorces were as a result of lack of understanding between couples.
"Most couples get to that point when they just don't get along; their various backgrounds, orientation and ways of dealing with issues come to the fore and begin to cause problems. Sometimes these differences are not resolved properly before the marriage takes place". "The gender power dynamics," she said, "play an important and a more sinister role in marriage breakups.
As more women begin to become more educated, they become more autonomous with what they want to do with their careers, their bodies and their marriage but most men act like they are married to their mothers, in terms expecting their wives to cook, clean, wash, as well as hold on to their careers. This lack of reconciliation between couples imposes a strain on the relationship," she explained.
A survey conducted by the Public Agenda reveals that several high profile Ghanaian women are either single or divorced. Reasons? The men just find it difficult to cope with high profile women. Other less successful men find professional women too formal and intimidating to approach.
Several men Public Agenda spoke to on the subject claimed that for them, a woman's success which is often accompanied by an authoritative posturing is a huge turn-off.
They will simply not have the courage to approach such women, let alone propose to them. Baaley, a journalist at Nsawam, says he will not marry a successful woman because such a woman might not get time for the family.
She will engage in meetings for long hours, and neglect her domestic responsibilities. Others were not certain.
For them a woman's profile or position in society would be considered alongside her personal qualities. Donald Nsoh, a policy analyst for trade, said "I will want to consider some key qualities such as humility and willingness to share.
If she is humble and generous, then we will move on but if she is not then we call it off."To Dennis Nchor marriage is about compatibility and if one finds a woman who shares his beliefs he may marry that person.
To him, the only issue is respect - she has to respect the man.Two out of twenty men interviewed would not be put off by a woman's success. Kwesi Afram, a chartered accountant in Osu, Accra says, "Yes I will marry a successful woman, but this will depend on her age.
The world is fast changing and the men need to adapt to the trend and accommodate successful women.
"Mark Zingbagba, an Accra-based policy analyst, also said, he will marry a successful woman depending on how she views marriage. Some choose not to respect their husbands because they feel they can depend on themselves. But, the women have no apologies to make.
To them, socially constructed roles for Ghanaian women appear steeped in the sub-consciousness of Ghanaian men such that any change that places women in a dominant position creates some discomfort for them. For some men, it is an aberration of the established social order.
Dr. Rose Mensah Kutin, Executive Director of Abantu for Development, argues that a different world is possible but it requires hard work. She says it is important that we challenge certain assumptions about women and the position they hold in society, whether married or unmarried which in reality does not affect their ability to deliver.
There is lack of understanding of the belief in the need to secure rights and opportunities for women equal to those of men, or the concept of feminism by men, particularly when it poses a different picture of what women status in society should be.
Women in power or positions of authority are often perceived as women who can't be controlled and so not suitable for marriage. Meanwhile, most men had no problem competing with women for academic laurels even at the tertiary level.
The problem really is how a woman's career success alters the power relations at both the family and societal levels.In pre-colonial times Ghanaian women were considered primarily responsible for bearing children and bringing them up, cooking, washing, and other house chores.
When women began to acquire education, most of the stereotypical roles of women had to be shared with their husbands or shifted to paid house helps.
This is a convenience that high profile couples have to settle for as women increasingly find it difficult to combine their roles as mothers and professionals.
The transition from a world dominated by men to one in which resources and opportunities are equally accessible to both men and women seems to have caught up rather sluggishly with most Ghanaian men.
Ghanaian men will therefore have to be conscientized to appreciate the fact that, the world as they knew it has moved on and they therefore need to catch up with the trends to maintain Ghana's image as a pace-setter in Africa.
Perhaps, when women's march to positions of authority assumes a level where their appointment to high office ceases to be news society will be better disposed to accommodating them.
The power relations would have been leveled and maybe men will rather than require their subordination from women, see them as equal partners whose views both in the family and society count.
Dr. Dorcas Coker Appiah, Executive Director of Gender Centre, sharing her experiences during the recent second national feminist forum in Accra by NETRIGHT, recalled it took her a long way to be a feminist as the Ghanaian woman is socialized in a different way.
However, she said that education helps one to understand who they are and what it is that they can be or do. "You get to know that you are not inferior to the man. I am a feminist because I know I am equal to the man. We are socialized in a way to accept that as a woman marriage is the key. Whether you are married or not, have children or not, believe in your power as woman."
She believes it is about time the older generation constantly engaged the younger generation and let them know that their value is more than being somebody's wife and look at themselves as being more important.
Dr. Hilary Gbedemah of the Law Institute has argued that it is legitimate for women to claim spaces and that, they can do so whether married or not. "We should realize that we are all complete and equal in our own rights. I don't see how equality can destroy or undermine you. You can be a feminist and a good Christian or religious adherent...the same with culture and so on, and so forth."
A recent media report said at the Legal Aid office, it is recorded that 40% of marriages annually break up within a period of 14 months.
The Head of Ghana Legal Aid, Mr. Earnest Mawuli Adzeke, is quoted as saying that the numbers of women, who apply for separation every week, far outweigh that out of their male counterparts.
Out of 2,786 cases reported in the year 2010, 608 were marital, out of which 420 were advanced by women and 179 by men. Meanwhile, Mrs. Angela Dwamena Aboagye, a renowned lawyer and counselor, says it isn't very surprising since the current trends allow this to be so, even with younger married couples.
"It is really sad and I'm sure the numbers would be more if a customary marriage, which forms the bulk of most Ghanaian marriages, were included." Speaking on Citi FM, an Accra-based radio station, she said that one of the fundamental reasons for divorces were as a result of lack of understanding between couples.
"Most couples get to that point when they just don't get along; their various backgrounds, orientation and ways of dealing with issues come to the fore and begin to cause problems. Sometimes these differences are not resolved properly before the marriage takes place". "The gender power dynamics," she said, "play an important and a more sinister role in marriage breakups.
As more women begin to become more educated, they become more autonomous with what they want to do with their careers, their bodies and their marriage but most men act like they are married to their mothers, in terms expecting their wives to cook, clean, wash, as well as hold on to their careers. This lack of reconciliation between couples imposes a strain on the relationship," she explained.
Men must see feminism as critical to struggle for rights
A renowned legal practitioner, Mr. Akoto Ampaw has encouraged the feminist movement (FM) to be actively involved in the mass struggle for democratic principles and not to work in isolation.
He said the movement must not see itself as different from other democratic struggles. He noted that issues such as the struggles of mining communities clearly have major gender dimensions and so men who are involved in such struggles get a better understanding of the feminist movement.
According to him, men could be feminist in the sense of being part of the movement that challenges the status quo.
"Such a movement is relevant to men in the sense that it forces them to question what they take for granted and affords them the opportunity to look at the possibility of organising society different from how it is organised currently."
"Clearly men who are democratic and committed to society must see feminism as a critical point to the social struggle for rights. The history of social struggle is same as emancipation, so it is important that they recognise the struggle for change can't be complete without dealing with challenges that feminism poses."
Feminism, generally, is belief in the need to secure rights and opportunities for women equal to those of men, or a commitment to securing these.
Mr. Ampaw was speaking as a panelist at the second National Feminist Forum held in Accra and organised by the Network for Women's Right in Ghana (NETRIGHT) with support from the African Women Development Fund (AWDF).
The forum was under the theme, "Exploring the Multiple Forms of Feminism and its Implications for Constructing a Ghanaian Feminist Identity."
The renowned lawyer explained that at the heart of feminism as a movement was a challenge to power and power relations.
Therefore, failure to understand that will lead to many pitfalls in advancing the course of FM in Ghana and worldwide.
He said feminism was consistent with emancipation struggle worldwide.
However, he said it was the fear of loss of power and the privileges and all that went with power, a social course that challenges orthodoxy, that often make men nervous about feminism instead of embracing its emancipation import fully and as a general emancipation struggle worldwide.
He elaborated that feminism seeks to transform those power relations by which men enjoy their position of dominance in society.
Feminism, he said, sought to challenge what men know as normal and even natural and that lack of understanding promoted myths about feminism that were negative.
"The fear expressed sometimes by men is as a result of inadequacies in the men themselves, in that there is a posture of masculinity and when there is a challenge by a woman who is supposed to know her state then it is also a challenge."
"In all this feminism is challenged or feared because it's challenging what we can describe as the way things are done. The status quo which it challenges depends on reproducing the way things are done or should be done.
In that respect, it is important that when we talk about feminism we need to understand that while recognising its autonomy it is related to other struggles for emancipation."
Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo, Director of the Institute of African Studies, corroborated Mr. Ampaw's views on the lack of understanding of the concept of feminism by men, particularly when it posed a different picture what women status in society should be as expressed by "If women take the position of men then what is their role and society will begin to question.
Feminists are perceived as women who can't be controlled and so due to this stigma some women who are aligned with women's rights advocacy suddenly change their status when referred to feminists."
She said it was important for society to dismantle oppressive blocks such as masculinity to be able to understand the system and change it. "
Although every woman is a feminist, when men embrace it, it encourages other women to be part of the struggle. So as we open opportunities for women alternatives ones will open for men."
Another panel member, Mr. Gyekye Tanoh, described feminism as a broad notion, a political tradition that seeks to challenge the position of women in society.
He noted most people get nervous due to the fact that any struggle for change could spill beyond immediate issues as those who are oppressed begin to demand their rights."Feminism poses the question of power, equalisation. It sets the mark or opens the door to possibilities and raises a lot of questions. It deepens our thinking about what we have to do."
He argued that the position of women in society fundamentally was to empower and challenge, therefore they need to struggle for change.
"Feminism has come to change the fact that women are used for reproduction and to stick to their husbands and children at home."Several women rights and gender equality activists in Ghana often shun the label feminists in response to negative portrayals and the so- called western origins of feminist ideas.Even though they carry out actions that resist male dominance they resist being called feminists. Discomfort with the use of the term feminism therefore arises from the superficial insights of its history, traditions and transformative potential.
Dr, Akua Britwum, Convenor of NETRIGHT, recalled that the first feminist forum was used to create space for women activists committed to gender equal social transformation to clarify the meaning of feminism and discussed how it translated into their work.
She said the forum was in response to the call on African women to start formal discussions at the national, regional and international levels on what could constitute a set of guiding feminist ideas and principle.
She said major conclusions reached at the first forum noted the importance of labelling for connecting and developing alliances to facilitate the struggle against different forms of oppression.
According to Dr. Britwum, the second forum was to explore the changing discourses on gender equality and how its implication for the transformative agenda of feminists. ?The aim of the forum is to create awareness of feminist movement in Ghana is to discuss the constraints in setting a strong feminist agenda and the underlying power play in setting and framing our identities as feminists in Ghana.
"We are expecting that the forum will lead to strengthening women's organising and networking to bring about transformatory change. We also look forward to renewed interests of younger actors ready to ensure multigenerational collaboration in the promotion of women's rights through a feminist's agenda."
Participants at the forum included women's rights and gender equality activists from NGOs, academia, labour movements, faith -based organizations, media, persons with disability and young women leaders.
He said the movement must not see itself as different from other democratic struggles. He noted that issues such as the struggles of mining communities clearly have major gender dimensions and so men who are involved in such struggles get a better understanding of the feminist movement.
According to him, men could be feminist in the sense of being part of the movement that challenges the status quo.
"Such a movement is relevant to men in the sense that it forces them to question what they take for granted and affords them the opportunity to look at the possibility of organising society different from how it is organised currently."
"Clearly men who are democratic and committed to society must see feminism as a critical point to the social struggle for rights. The history of social struggle is same as emancipation, so it is important that they recognise the struggle for change can't be complete without dealing with challenges that feminism poses."
Feminism, generally, is belief in the need to secure rights and opportunities for women equal to those of men, or a commitment to securing these.
Mr. Ampaw was speaking as a panelist at the second National Feminist Forum held in Accra and organised by the Network for Women's Right in Ghana (NETRIGHT) with support from the African Women Development Fund (AWDF).
The forum was under the theme, "Exploring the Multiple Forms of Feminism and its Implications for Constructing a Ghanaian Feminist Identity."
The renowned lawyer explained that at the heart of feminism as a movement was a challenge to power and power relations.
Therefore, failure to understand that will lead to many pitfalls in advancing the course of FM in Ghana and worldwide.
He said feminism was consistent with emancipation struggle worldwide.
However, he said it was the fear of loss of power and the privileges and all that went with power, a social course that challenges orthodoxy, that often make men nervous about feminism instead of embracing its emancipation import fully and as a general emancipation struggle worldwide.
He elaborated that feminism seeks to transform those power relations by which men enjoy their position of dominance in society.
Feminism, he said, sought to challenge what men know as normal and even natural and that lack of understanding promoted myths about feminism that were negative.
"The fear expressed sometimes by men is as a result of inadequacies in the men themselves, in that there is a posture of masculinity and when there is a challenge by a woman who is supposed to know her state then it is also a challenge."
"In all this feminism is challenged or feared because it's challenging what we can describe as the way things are done. The status quo which it challenges depends on reproducing the way things are done or should be done.
In that respect, it is important that when we talk about feminism we need to understand that while recognising its autonomy it is related to other struggles for emancipation."
Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo, Director of the Institute of African Studies, corroborated Mr. Ampaw's views on the lack of understanding of the concept of feminism by men, particularly when it posed a different picture what women status in society should be as expressed by "If women take the position of men then what is their role and society will begin to question.
Feminists are perceived as women who can't be controlled and so due to this stigma some women who are aligned with women's rights advocacy suddenly change their status when referred to feminists."
She said it was important for society to dismantle oppressive blocks such as masculinity to be able to understand the system and change it. "
Although every woman is a feminist, when men embrace it, it encourages other women to be part of the struggle. So as we open opportunities for women alternatives ones will open for men."
Another panel member, Mr. Gyekye Tanoh, described feminism as a broad notion, a political tradition that seeks to challenge the position of women in society.
He noted most people get nervous due to the fact that any struggle for change could spill beyond immediate issues as those who are oppressed begin to demand their rights."Feminism poses the question of power, equalisation. It sets the mark or opens the door to possibilities and raises a lot of questions. It deepens our thinking about what we have to do."
He argued that the position of women in society fundamentally was to empower and challenge, therefore they need to struggle for change.
"Feminism has come to change the fact that women are used for reproduction and to stick to their husbands and children at home."Several women rights and gender equality activists in Ghana often shun the label feminists in response to negative portrayals and the so- called western origins of feminist ideas.Even though they carry out actions that resist male dominance they resist being called feminists. Discomfort with the use of the term feminism therefore arises from the superficial insights of its history, traditions and transformative potential.
Dr, Akua Britwum, Convenor of NETRIGHT, recalled that the first feminist forum was used to create space for women activists committed to gender equal social transformation to clarify the meaning of feminism and discussed how it translated into their work.
She said the forum was in response to the call on African women to start formal discussions at the national, regional and international levels on what could constitute a set of guiding feminist ideas and principle.
She said major conclusions reached at the first forum noted the importance of labelling for connecting and developing alliances to facilitate the struggle against different forms of oppression.
According to Dr. Britwum, the second forum was to explore the changing discourses on gender equality and how its implication for the transformative agenda of feminists. ?The aim of the forum is to create awareness of feminist movement in Ghana is to discuss the constraints in setting a strong feminist agenda and the underlying power play in setting and framing our identities as feminists in Ghana.
"We are expecting that the forum will lead to strengthening women's organising and networking to bring about transformatory change. We also look forward to renewed interests of younger actors ready to ensure multigenerational collaboration in the promotion of women's rights through a feminist's agenda."
Participants at the forum included women's rights and gender equality activists from NGOs, academia, labour movements, faith -based organizations, media, persons with disability and young women leaders.
Give women equal participation in climate change decision making
A Gender Expert Mrs. Tutuah Mensah has stated that women and men have a right to equal protection and equal participation in climate change decision making.
She stressed that since health and economic consequences of climate change result in chronic poverty, gender mainstreaming in climate change is necessary.She was speaking at the 4th biennial conference of district assembly women under the auspices of Abantu for Development and ActionAid Ghana.
She spoke on "Critical Gender Issues in the Climate Change Debate." She said that, "Possible interventions include awareness, campaigns, advocacy, research, institutional analysis, establishment of gender and climate change working group and natural resource management policy.
"Climate change is referred to as the long-term fluctuation in precipitation, temperature, wind and all other aspects of the earth's climate. It is currently considered one of the biggest challenges facing the world with 75% of greenhouse emission from developed world and Africa already vulnerable to it.
Several fora on climate change have deduced that climate change and its impact poses a challenge to democratic sustenance as overall objective of democratic governance is to secure equitable development for society.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) an estimated 35% of Ghana's land mass is desert and this is advancing at an estimated 20,000 hectare per year.
Consequently, there will be loss of livelihood for most people in Ghana, since desertification reduces land available for farming activities.
Already, Ghanaian small scale farmers, particularly women in the northern parts are facing displacement from their farm lands to an influx of foreign companies engaged in jatropha and sugar-cane plantation for biofuel production.
UNICEF on the occasion of World Health Day last year cautioned that the impact of climate change could fall disproportionately on women and children.The theme for WH Day 2008 was climate change and health.
Nearly 10 million children under age five die every year of largely preventable diseases. Many of the main global killers of children including malaria and diarrhoea are sensitive to changes in temperature and rainfall, and could become more common if weather patterns change.
In addition, women and children tend to be disproportionately affected by hurricanes and flooding, which climate change experts say will increase in intensity and frequency in coming years.
The destruction of homes, schools and health centres resulting from natural disasters reduce services available to families.Climate change experts also predict that warming and shifting rains could impact crop production, which could reduce food availability.
In 2006, some 36 per cent of children globally were either moderately or severely underweight.
Last year, report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) found that malnutrition and associated disorders, including those relating to child growth and development, could increase as the global climate changes. Reduced supplies of clean water in some areas could also add to the burden on rural women and girls, who are usually responsible for collecting water for cooking and washing.
"The voices of women and children must be heard and their needs assessed as part of the international response to prospective changes to the environment, and they must have access to the knowledge and tools necessary to protect themselves and their communities", said Ann M. Veneman, Executive Director of UNICEF.
An Official of the EPA Mr. Emmanuel Arthur explaining climate change on Ghana's water resources, said there will be a reduction in freshwater flows between 15-20% for the year 2020 and 30-40% for year 2050 in all the basins.
"Irrigation water demand was to increase to about 40% and 150% for 2020 and 2050 due to climate change respectively and 5% and 17% without climate change.
Hydropower generation is seriously being affected by climate change leading to about 60% reduction in available water in all basins by 2020, this crisis currently being experienced nationwide."
He said Ghana as a developing country can only reduce her vulnerability to the impact of climate change by managing her natural resources and population in a sustainable manner.
He emphasised that Ghana should meet the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
She stressed that since health and economic consequences of climate change result in chronic poverty, gender mainstreaming in climate change is necessary.She was speaking at the 4th biennial conference of district assembly women under the auspices of Abantu for Development and ActionAid Ghana.
She spoke on "Critical Gender Issues in the Climate Change Debate." She said that, "Possible interventions include awareness, campaigns, advocacy, research, institutional analysis, establishment of gender and climate change working group and natural resource management policy.
"Climate change is referred to as the long-term fluctuation in precipitation, temperature, wind and all other aspects of the earth's climate. It is currently considered one of the biggest challenges facing the world with 75% of greenhouse emission from developed world and Africa already vulnerable to it.
Several fora on climate change have deduced that climate change and its impact poses a challenge to democratic sustenance as overall objective of democratic governance is to secure equitable development for society.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) an estimated 35% of Ghana's land mass is desert and this is advancing at an estimated 20,000 hectare per year.
Consequently, there will be loss of livelihood for most people in Ghana, since desertification reduces land available for farming activities.
Already, Ghanaian small scale farmers, particularly women in the northern parts are facing displacement from their farm lands to an influx of foreign companies engaged in jatropha and sugar-cane plantation for biofuel production.
UNICEF on the occasion of World Health Day last year cautioned that the impact of climate change could fall disproportionately on women and children.The theme for WH Day 2008 was climate change and health.
Nearly 10 million children under age five die every year of largely preventable diseases. Many of the main global killers of children including malaria and diarrhoea are sensitive to changes in temperature and rainfall, and could become more common if weather patterns change.
In addition, women and children tend to be disproportionately affected by hurricanes and flooding, which climate change experts say will increase in intensity and frequency in coming years.
The destruction of homes, schools and health centres resulting from natural disasters reduce services available to families.Climate change experts also predict that warming and shifting rains could impact crop production, which could reduce food availability.
In 2006, some 36 per cent of children globally were either moderately or severely underweight.
Last year, report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) found that malnutrition and associated disorders, including those relating to child growth and development, could increase as the global climate changes. Reduced supplies of clean water in some areas could also add to the burden on rural women and girls, who are usually responsible for collecting water for cooking and washing.
"The voices of women and children must be heard and their needs assessed as part of the international response to prospective changes to the environment, and they must have access to the knowledge and tools necessary to protect themselves and their communities", said Ann M. Veneman, Executive Director of UNICEF.
An Official of the EPA Mr. Emmanuel Arthur explaining climate change on Ghana's water resources, said there will be a reduction in freshwater flows between 15-20% for the year 2020 and 30-40% for year 2050 in all the basins.
"Irrigation water demand was to increase to about 40% and 150% for 2020 and 2050 due to climate change respectively and 5% and 17% without climate change.
Hydropower generation is seriously being affected by climate change leading to about 60% reduction in available water in all basins by 2020, this crisis currently being experienced nationwide."
He said Ghana as a developing country can only reduce her vulnerability to the impact of climate change by managing her natural resources and population in a sustainable manner.
He emphasised that Ghana should meet the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Implement quota to increase women participation in governance
A gender expert has said that parity in Ghana's parliament by 2050 can only be achieved through women's quota.
Worldwide, quotas are said to have significantly increased women's participation and representation in both elective and appointive political decision-making positions.
Thus, it can be established in a country's constitution or its electoral law or can be voluntary on the part of political parties or governments.
The Country Director of ActionAid Ghana, Mrs. Adwoa Kwarteng-Kluvitse noted that quotas accelerate women's ascension to political power and are effective while work to change societal attitudes and behaviour is ongoing.
"Quotas are not discriminatory. Quotas compensate for the historical exclusion of women from politics. All forms of affirmative action including quotas must be supported in Ghana", she stressed.
She was speaking at the 4th biennial conference of district assembly women under the auspices of Abantu for Development and ActionAid Ghana.
In spite of the several UN Charters, Convention signed and ratified by Ghana that call for 30 to 40 % female representation at all levels of power and governance , implementing the conventions has at snail pace, if any at all.
Only a handful of women are appointed as District and Municipal Chief Executives and as regional ministers which is indicative of the fact that Ghanaian women are not being given the chance to fully participate or be at the top hierarchy of decision-making.
Mrs. Kwarteng-Kluvitse cited lack of legislative framework to promote women in decision making and leadership as a major reason for the low participation of Ghanaian women in politics.
Likewise, she stated societal beliefs about women's roles, women's less access to education, employment and to sources of income.
She said that clearly there is an uneven playing field of which women have to compete to access political power and leadership.
Therefore, she stressed there is an urgent need for interventions to address this imbalance.
"Quotas or other forms of affirmative action can respond to the problem. Quotas are temporary, compensatory and 'fast track' measures to address historical injustices and the exclusionary practices of political institutions and societies that discriminate against women in electing and appointing political leaders," she explained.
In the 1996 parliamentary elections, out of 59 women who contested, 18 (30%) were elected, constituting 9% of 200 MPs, in 2000, the number of female candidates increased to 101 but the number elected was 19 (18.8%), constituting 9.5% of 200 MPs.
In 2001, 19 women went to the third Parliament of the Fourth Republic, while in 2005, 25 were elected to Parliament.
The number of women that contested in 2004, was 104, including 14 sitting MPs, out of which 25 (24%) were elected constituting 10.9% of 230 MPs.Presently, 20 women are in the Fifth Parliament.
Available data shows that so far only 15 (20%) out of 75 ministers are women, three out of 25 members of the Council of State, one woman on the Police Council and none on the Economic Advisory Council.
It would be recalled that the manifestoes of the various political parties during last year's electioneering campaign, contained different sections on gender and women empowerment. But out of the 170 appointments only 11 are women, representing 6.47%. Three were rejected.
Ghana is not faring better either regarding female representation in Parliament. Information provided by National Parliaments to the Inter-Parliamentary Union as at 31st May 2008 compares data from 188 countries put in perking order taking into account the number of seats in the parliament; the number occupied by women and expressed in percentages.
Rwanda tops the list with 48.8% of the parliament constituting women followed by Sweden 47%, then Cuba 43.2%.
Ghana comes a distant 99th with 10.9% of our parliament made up of women. Obviously women are not getting there and women's rights activists are not enthused. Gender is directly linked to broad national issues, and needs to be addressed when discussing country wide problems, according to Dr. Rose Mensah-Kutin, Head of ABANTU for development.
"The forum's main focus is to increase women's participation in decision-making and broad national issues like oil, climate change, transportation and social security. Women need to increase their knowledge of and participation in key national issues", said Mensah-Kutin.
She said the lack of commitment to women's rights and the pursuit of a neo-liberal economic agenda limit possibilities for inclusiveness, and accountability to marginalized groups.
"The state seems to be shrinking its responsibility of ensuring the well being of its citizens, particularly women." She believes that the local governance system needs to shift policy and legal frameworks to comply with gender-responsive principles.
With the review of the Local Government Act, Mensah-Kutin urged the assemblywomen to speak out their concerns. Affirmative action must be taken in representation in district assemblies, traditional authorities and religious bodies.
"The aim of the conference is to build on efforts at ensuring that women continue to play an effective role in all governance processes in Ghana by arguing for the promotion of gender responsiveness in all aspects of the national decision-making process," stated Mensah-Kutin.
Minister for Women and Children Affairs, Ms Akua Sena Dansua lamented that Ghanaian women make up more than half of the country's population, but fill less than ten percent of Parliament and District Assemblies seats.
She believes it is important for women to be represented in District Assemblies, and become involved with local planning, budgeting and monitoring activities.
"MOWAC is working on a project to identify at least twenty potential women leaders in each district some of whom would be prepared to contest for the 2010 District Assembly election as well as the 2012 General election" she disclosed.
She urged the assemblywomen to support these candidates through sensitization and role modeling in your churches, market and work places.
"We need to surmount the challenges that have restrained women from active participation in decision-making for so long."
Worldwide, quotas are said to have significantly increased women's participation and representation in both elective and appointive political decision-making positions.
Thus, it can be established in a country's constitution or its electoral law or can be voluntary on the part of political parties or governments.
The Country Director of ActionAid Ghana, Mrs. Adwoa Kwarteng-Kluvitse noted that quotas accelerate women's ascension to political power and are effective while work to change societal attitudes and behaviour is ongoing.
"Quotas are not discriminatory. Quotas compensate for the historical exclusion of women from politics. All forms of affirmative action including quotas must be supported in Ghana", she stressed.
She was speaking at the 4th biennial conference of district assembly women under the auspices of Abantu for Development and ActionAid Ghana.
In spite of the several UN Charters, Convention signed and ratified by Ghana that call for 30 to 40 % female representation at all levels of power and governance , implementing the conventions has at snail pace, if any at all.
Only a handful of women are appointed as District and Municipal Chief Executives and as regional ministers which is indicative of the fact that Ghanaian women are not being given the chance to fully participate or be at the top hierarchy of decision-making.
Mrs. Kwarteng-Kluvitse cited lack of legislative framework to promote women in decision making and leadership as a major reason for the low participation of Ghanaian women in politics.
Likewise, she stated societal beliefs about women's roles, women's less access to education, employment and to sources of income.
She said that clearly there is an uneven playing field of which women have to compete to access political power and leadership.
Therefore, she stressed there is an urgent need for interventions to address this imbalance.
"Quotas or other forms of affirmative action can respond to the problem. Quotas are temporary, compensatory and 'fast track' measures to address historical injustices and the exclusionary practices of political institutions and societies that discriminate against women in electing and appointing political leaders," she explained.
In the 1996 parliamentary elections, out of 59 women who contested, 18 (30%) were elected, constituting 9% of 200 MPs, in 2000, the number of female candidates increased to 101 but the number elected was 19 (18.8%), constituting 9.5% of 200 MPs.
In 2001, 19 women went to the third Parliament of the Fourth Republic, while in 2005, 25 were elected to Parliament.
The number of women that contested in 2004, was 104, including 14 sitting MPs, out of which 25 (24%) were elected constituting 10.9% of 230 MPs.Presently, 20 women are in the Fifth Parliament.
Available data shows that so far only 15 (20%) out of 75 ministers are women, three out of 25 members of the Council of State, one woman on the Police Council and none on the Economic Advisory Council.
It would be recalled that the manifestoes of the various political parties during last year's electioneering campaign, contained different sections on gender and women empowerment. But out of the 170 appointments only 11 are women, representing 6.47%. Three were rejected.
Ghana is not faring better either regarding female representation in Parliament. Information provided by National Parliaments to the Inter-Parliamentary Union as at 31st May 2008 compares data from 188 countries put in perking order taking into account the number of seats in the parliament; the number occupied by women and expressed in percentages.
Rwanda tops the list with 48.8% of the parliament constituting women followed by Sweden 47%, then Cuba 43.2%.
Ghana comes a distant 99th with 10.9% of our parliament made up of women. Obviously women are not getting there and women's rights activists are not enthused. Gender is directly linked to broad national issues, and needs to be addressed when discussing country wide problems, according to Dr. Rose Mensah-Kutin, Head of ABANTU for development.
"The forum's main focus is to increase women's participation in decision-making and broad national issues like oil, climate change, transportation and social security. Women need to increase their knowledge of and participation in key national issues", said Mensah-Kutin.
She said the lack of commitment to women's rights and the pursuit of a neo-liberal economic agenda limit possibilities for inclusiveness, and accountability to marginalized groups.
"The state seems to be shrinking its responsibility of ensuring the well being of its citizens, particularly women." She believes that the local governance system needs to shift policy and legal frameworks to comply with gender-responsive principles.
With the review of the Local Government Act, Mensah-Kutin urged the assemblywomen to speak out their concerns. Affirmative action must be taken in representation in district assemblies, traditional authorities and religious bodies.
"The aim of the conference is to build on efforts at ensuring that women continue to play an effective role in all governance processes in Ghana by arguing for the promotion of gender responsiveness in all aspects of the national decision-making process," stated Mensah-Kutin.
Minister for Women and Children Affairs, Ms Akua Sena Dansua lamented that Ghanaian women make up more than half of the country's population, but fill less than ten percent of Parliament and District Assemblies seats.
She believes it is important for women to be represented in District Assemblies, and become involved with local planning, budgeting and monitoring activities.
"MOWAC is working on a project to identify at least twenty potential women leaders in each district some of whom would be prepared to contest for the 2010 District Assembly election as well as the 2012 General election" she disclosed.
She urged the assemblywomen to support these candidates through sensitization and role modeling in your churches, market and work places.
"We need to surmount the challenges that have restrained women from active participation in decision-making for so long."
Can the National Food Buffer Stock Company offer any relief for farmers?
Ghanaian farmers may no longer experience post harvest losses. The government has through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) set up the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to ensure food security and to insulate farmers against losses resulting from anticipated increases in production.
Most often the excess foodstuffs Ghanaian farmers produce for the market go to waste and experts say such a situation do not aid economic development for a developing country.
"There is no coordinated system in place to help them store excess food and it's enough demotivating factor for the farmers who toil to get us food. We also experience shortages in the supply of some foodstuffs. Some products are on the market for a while and disappear, so this company will ensure that food is available throughout the whole year", Chief Executive Officer of NAFCO, Mr. Eric Osei-Wusu explained.
In an interview with Public Agenda in Accra, he explained that the rationale behind this buffer stock is to deal with post harvest problems.
He noted there are no stocks in Ghana so in case of drought or other natural disasters it will become difficult to feed the displaced in society and that NAFCO will ensure emergency food preparedness in case of crisis.
He disclosed that through the World Food Programme (WFP), Niger is buying food from Ghana so in case such a situation happens in Ghana, the impact will not be heavily felt since there will be a buffer stock.
NAFCO also has the following mandate; to manage government's emergency food security, to purchase, sell, preserve and distribute food stuff, to mop up excess produce from all farmers in order to reduce post harvest losses resulting from spoilage due to poor storage, thereby protecting farm incomes and to facilitate the export of excess stock.
It is also expected to guarantee farmers an assured income by providing a minimum guaranteed price and ready market, to expand demand for food grown in Ghana by selling to all state institutions such as the military, schools, hospitals, prisons, etc., to employ a buffer stock mechanism to ensure stability in demand and supply and to carry out such other activities that are incidental to the attainment of the above objects or such other duties as may from time to time be assigned by the Minister of Food and Agriculture.
Mr. Osei-Wusu stated that another major reason for setting up the buffer company is that agents from neighbouring countries like Burkina Faso, Niger and Cote D'Ivoire buy food cheaply from Ghanaian farmers during bumper harvest and when there is shortage come back to sell to the people.
He is very hopeful that NAFCO will be able to salvage this situation. On the issue of pricing, he maintained that in spite of the fact that there is no price control in Ghana the company employs a guarantee pricing mechanism that takes into consideration every factor that goes into production.
"This minimum guarantee price is simply the cost of inputs into the farm plus a 15 percent profit. This doesn't restrict the farmers to at all circumstances sell their products to us. If the farmer believes the market is good, he or she can go ahead and sell, but when there is no market, we will offer this minimum guaranteed price to them. This is just to ensure that farmers are not pushed into bankruptcy".
The CEO said that for now the major distribution process will be state agencies, saying that they are in talks with the agencies such as government hospitals, the various security agencies and educational institutions.
He admitted that storage facilities are not enough, though they can be found in all regions except Greater Accra with most of them found in the Brong Ahafo region.
The company, he said, has bought large quantities of paddy rice and is in the process of milling them for storage.
Asked if NAFCO is a replica of the former Ghana Food Distribution Corporation (GFDC) under General Acheampong's regime, Mr. Osei-Wusu said they have similar traits but then some differences exist. GFDC, he observe, did retailing, whilst NAFCO will not be engaged in that.
However, he said the company will learn from past mistakes of the GFDC. Apart from NAFCO, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in line with its mandate to increase the productivity of the Ghanaian farmer has introduced a number of interventions.
These include; the introduction of block farms program which made it possible for mechanization and extension services to be spread out to cover a large acreage and a large number of farmers, increased subsidization of fertilizers and improved seeds and the injection of more tractors and other farm machinery and equipment for increased mechanization.
It is being claimed that these interventions coupled with good weather conditions over the last cropping season has led to a larger than anticipated increase in the production of cereals.
Most often the excess foodstuffs Ghanaian farmers produce for the market go to waste and experts say such a situation do not aid economic development for a developing country.
"There is no coordinated system in place to help them store excess food and it's enough demotivating factor for the farmers who toil to get us food. We also experience shortages in the supply of some foodstuffs. Some products are on the market for a while and disappear, so this company will ensure that food is available throughout the whole year", Chief Executive Officer of NAFCO, Mr. Eric Osei-Wusu explained.
In an interview with Public Agenda in Accra, he explained that the rationale behind this buffer stock is to deal with post harvest problems.
He noted there are no stocks in Ghana so in case of drought or other natural disasters it will become difficult to feed the displaced in society and that NAFCO will ensure emergency food preparedness in case of crisis.
He disclosed that through the World Food Programme (WFP), Niger is buying food from Ghana so in case such a situation happens in Ghana, the impact will not be heavily felt since there will be a buffer stock.
NAFCO also has the following mandate; to manage government's emergency food security, to purchase, sell, preserve and distribute food stuff, to mop up excess produce from all farmers in order to reduce post harvest losses resulting from spoilage due to poor storage, thereby protecting farm incomes and to facilitate the export of excess stock.
It is also expected to guarantee farmers an assured income by providing a minimum guaranteed price and ready market, to expand demand for food grown in Ghana by selling to all state institutions such as the military, schools, hospitals, prisons, etc., to employ a buffer stock mechanism to ensure stability in demand and supply and to carry out such other activities that are incidental to the attainment of the above objects or such other duties as may from time to time be assigned by the Minister of Food and Agriculture.
Mr. Osei-Wusu stated that another major reason for setting up the buffer company is that agents from neighbouring countries like Burkina Faso, Niger and Cote D'Ivoire buy food cheaply from Ghanaian farmers during bumper harvest and when there is shortage come back to sell to the people.
He is very hopeful that NAFCO will be able to salvage this situation. On the issue of pricing, he maintained that in spite of the fact that there is no price control in Ghana the company employs a guarantee pricing mechanism that takes into consideration every factor that goes into production.
"This minimum guarantee price is simply the cost of inputs into the farm plus a 15 percent profit. This doesn't restrict the farmers to at all circumstances sell their products to us. If the farmer believes the market is good, he or she can go ahead and sell, but when there is no market, we will offer this minimum guaranteed price to them. This is just to ensure that farmers are not pushed into bankruptcy".
The CEO said that for now the major distribution process will be state agencies, saying that they are in talks with the agencies such as government hospitals, the various security agencies and educational institutions.
He admitted that storage facilities are not enough, though they can be found in all regions except Greater Accra with most of them found in the Brong Ahafo region.
The company, he said, has bought large quantities of paddy rice and is in the process of milling them for storage.
Asked if NAFCO is a replica of the former Ghana Food Distribution Corporation (GFDC) under General Acheampong's regime, Mr. Osei-Wusu said they have similar traits but then some differences exist. GFDC, he observe, did retailing, whilst NAFCO will not be engaged in that.
However, he said the company will learn from past mistakes of the GFDC. Apart from NAFCO, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in line with its mandate to increase the productivity of the Ghanaian farmer has introduced a number of interventions.
These include; the introduction of block farms program which made it possible for mechanization and extension services to be spread out to cover a large acreage and a large number of farmers, increased subsidization of fertilizers and improved seeds and the injection of more tractors and other farm machinery and equipment for increased mechanization.
It is being claimed that these interventions coupled with good weather conditions over the last cropping season has led to a larger than anticipated increase in the production of cereals.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Red Alert , Pedophiles all oer
The number of defilement cases in Ghana appears to be increasing, with a reported incident of forced sexual intercourse with a minor appearing almost daily in the media.
Expert s say the rampant cases of defilement across the country could pass as pedophilia, when assessed which is being disguised as defilement.
The Acting Chief Psychiatrist of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Dr. Akwasi Osei told Public Agenda that although pedophilia is against the law in Ghana, it is not treated as such; instead it is treated as defilement. If we really realize that some of these people are actually pedophiles, then the first point of call should be somebody requiring psychiatric treatment, Dr. Osei emphasized.
According to Dr. Akwasi Osei, Ghana has overlooked this aspect of sex crimes for far too long and it is important to take it into consideration now. For now, Ghana is only scratching the face of the matter, he said.
In the first two months of this year, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service (DOVVSU) reported 77 cases of defilement.
March figures have not yet been computed.Last year, the Accra Division of DOVVSU recorded 552 reported cases of defilement, up 81.3 percent from the 449 reported in 2007. In 2008, defilement cases ranked third among all crimes.
The Western Regional office of DOVVSU last year recorded a total of 2,071 general cases, 133, or .06 percent, of which were cases of defilement, defined as corrupting the chastity of or debauching, violating or raping.
But Eric Appiah Okrah, a child protection specialist at UNICEF in Accra, cautioned that although the number of sexual assaults against children would appear to be on the rise, in reality it may just be that more people are reporting the crime because of increased education on the issue.
"As more people get to be aware of this and the consequences on future child development, then the likelihood is that more cases are reported to the police and come into the limelight," Mr. Okrah said, adding that getting people to report the crime in some regions of the country is still an up-hill battle.
"It is shrouded in a kind of secrecy. You realize in the rural areas in several quarters that (the topic of) sexuality is a no-go area and so when it happens there is a tendency to treat it in-house within the family because of the stigma and disgrace it could bring to the family."
The fact that some perpetrators of defilement are arrested several times for the crime has raised concern as to whether the nation is really dealing with pedophiles and Ghana is refusing to name the criminals as such.
Pedophilia is defined as an obsession with children as sex objects. Overt acts, including taking sexually explicit photographs, molesting children, and exposing one's genitalia to children are all crimes.
Pedophilia is also commonly treated as a mental illness, and the pedophile is often released onl to repeat the crimes or escalate the activity to the level of murder.
Dr. Osei said Ghana is criminalizing all offences, including defilement, some of which may be a psychiatric condition and not a criminal condition.
Dr. Osei explained that since pedophilia is a subconscious personality development or a psychological makeup a person forms as he grow up, perpetrators of defilement need to be assessed to determine if they are really pedophiles.
An assessment can include talking to relatives and friends about the persons history, he said. He admits, though, that certainly a good number of defilers found may actually be pedophiles, as pedophilia is just one of the abnormal types of sexual activity.
He added that other abnormal sexual activity include a preference for animals, feces, etc. However, Dr. Osei said that others may be defiling under-aged females not for sexual pleasures, but because they have been fed with the wrong information.
"Some people think that if you are HIV positive and you go in for a young girl or a virgin, you could be cured. Others also do it just because they want to have an adventure."
He added that although it is not impossible, pedophilia is difficult to treat, as such persons need to be taken through a whole kind of behaviour therapy.
"Generally, there are lots of loopholes in our system. Unlike developed countries, there are no security psychiatric units within the prisons which provide reformed training and psychiatric treatment."
Consequently, he said, such convicts come out of prison only to repeat their crime."Dr. Osei called for a revision of the law so that such people can be assessed.
He said it is dangerous for Ghana to be putting a good number of people in prison as criminals while ignoring psychiatric treatment, which is a disservice to the perpetrator and society at large.
Proper methods of handling such cases need to be put in place, he said.
"The idea is not to imprison the person because he has committed a crime, but we need to revise our laws and deal with it as (a mental illness). The fact is that if you assess and he is found to be a pedophile then you treat him as such."
Dr. Osei said he hopes that when the National Identification System becomes operational and the biometric data of the citizenry imputed, it will help Ghana to solve the problem.
A source at the Accra office of DOVSSU told Public Agenda that the unit is unable to keep track of perpetrators of defilement after their conviction because there is no mechanism to do so. Complicating the matter is the poor addressing system in the country as a whole.
"It makes things difficult because after their release from prison society needs to be aware of their history so they can be alert," said the source, who asked not to be identified.
More stringent laws and greater enforcement of those laws, said Mr. OKrah, will discourage pedophile and become a deterrent to the crime.
A legal associate at the Centre for Public Interest Law, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, argued that the issue is not about what to call the sexual deviancy, rather, he said, the most important thing is that there is a law that prohibits pedophilia with a seven-year minimum penalty and 25-year maximum confinement.
"Although there have been bold attempts by officialdom to deal with the issue, it could be better."
Mr. Okrah agrees, adding that overall Ghana is doing a "good" job in addressing the issue of defilement.
"We have laws on defilement and rape that are there. Now we have specialized enforcement institutions (DOVVSU, the police anti-human trafficking division) which have a bias for the victim. However, it's one thing establishing such institutions and making laws and it's another thing to provide the resources," he said.
"The government needs to strengthen the institutional capacity not only in terms of logistics but the human resources, in terms of training, for them to be able to detect the issues. So, when I say that Ghana is doing well, there is a lot of room for improvement.
"Meanwhile, reports of defilement are reported almost daily in the nation's newspapers.
The Daily Guide newspaper reported last month that a 24-year-old fisherman allegedly defiled a 7-year-old girl at New Takoradi in the Western Region.
In another report, the newspaper reported that 44-year-old Eric Engman was arrested by Nima Police in Accra for allegedly defiling five girls ranging in age from 6 to 8.And Public Agenda in its Friday edition published a report of a 20-year-old man, Yaw Nyatseh of Sankore, near Kukuom in the Asunafo South district, who was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in hard labour for defiling two teenagers.
Public Agenda also reported that a 24-year-old man was sentenced to seven years imprisonment in hard labour after pleading guilty to a charge of defiling a 10-year-old pupil.
In a 2005 United Nations survey of 2,011 women from throughout Ghana, 6 percent of the women said they had been defiled before.
Seventy-eight percent of the perpetrators, the women in the survey reported, were either close relatives, acquaintances or family friends.In the same survey, of the 1,035 males who participated, 52 percent said men have sex with very young girls because of weak morals.
Fourteen percent thought that men who do that are opportunists, 13 percent said the men lack self respect and 8 percent thought that such men are not normal and may have psychological problems.
The survey, "Violence Against Women: The Ghanaian Case," was coordinated by the United Nations' Division for the Advancement of Women.
Expert s say the rampant cases of defilement across the country could pass as pedophilia, when assessed which is being disguised as defilement.
The Acting Chief Psychiatrist of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Dr. Akwasi Osei told Public Agenda that although pedophilia is against the law in Ghana, it is not treated as such; instead it is treated as defilement. If we really realize that some of these people are actually pedophiles, then the first point of call should be somebody requiring psychiatric treatment, Dr. Osei emphasized.
According to Dr. Akwasi Osei, Ghana has overlooked this aspect of sex crimes for far too long and it is important to take it into consideration now. For now, Ghana is only scratching the face of the matter, he said.
In the first two months of this year, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service (DOVVSU) reported 77 cases of defilement.
March figures have not yet been computed.Last year, the Accra Division of DOVVSU recorded 552 reported cases of defilement, up 81.3 percent from the 449 reported in 2007. In 2008, defilement cases ranked third among all crimes.
The Western Regional office of DOVVSU last year recorded a total of 2,071 general cases, 133, or .06 percent, of which were cases of defilement, defined as corrupting the chastity of or debauching, violating or raping.
But Eric Appiah Okrah, a child protection specialist at UNICEF in Accra, cautioned that although the number of sexual assaults against children would appear to be on the rise, in reality it may just be that more people are reporting the crime because of increased education on the issue.
"As more people get to be aware of this and the consequences on future child development, then the likelihood is that more cases are reported to the police and come into the limelight," Mr. Okrah said, adding that getting people to report the crime in some regions of the country is still an up-hill battle.
"It is shrouded in a kind of secrecy. You realize in the rural areas in several quarters that (the topic of) sexuality is a no-go area and so when it happens there is a tendency to treat it in-house within the family because of the stigma and disgrace it could bring to the family."
The fact that some perpetrators of defilement are arrested several times for the crime has raised concern as to whether the nation is really dealing with pedophiles and Ghana is refusing to name the criminals as such.
Pedophilia is defined as an obsession with children as sex objects. Overt acts, including taking sexually explicit photographs, molesting children, and exposing one's genitalia to children are all crimes.
Pedophilia is also commonly treated as a mental illness, and the pedophile is often released onl to repeat the crimes or escalate the activity to the level of murder.
Dr. Osei said Ghana is criminalizing all offences, including defilement, some of which may be a psychiatric condition and not a criminal condition.
Dr. Osei explained that since pedophilia is a subconscious personality development or a psychological makeup a person forms as he grow up, perpetrators of defilement need to be assessed to determine if they are really pedophiles.
An assessment can include talking to relatives and friends about the persons history, he said. He admits, though, that certainly a good number of defilers found may actually be pedophiles, as pedophilia is just one of the abnormal types of sexual activity.
He added that other abnormal sexual activity include a preference for animals, feces, etc. However, Dr. Osei said that others may be defiling under-aged females not for sexual pleasures, but because they have been fed with the wrong information.
"Some people think that if you are HIV positive and you go in for a young girl or a virgin, you could be cured. Others also do it just because they want to have an adventure."
He added that although it is not impossible, pedophilia is difficult to treat, as such persons need to be taken through a whole kind of behaviour therapy.
"Generally, there are lots of loopholes in our system. Unlike developed countries, there are no security psychiatric units within the prisons which provide reformed training and psychiatric treatment."
Consequently, he said, such convicts come out of prison only to repeat their crime."Dr. Osei called for a revision of the law so that such people can be assessed.
He said it is dangerous for Ghana to be putting a good number of people in prison as criminals while ignoring psychiatric treatment, which is a disservice to the perpetrator and society at large.
Proper methods of handling such cases need to be put in place, he said.
"The idea is not to imprison the person because he has committed a crime, but we need to revise our laws and deal with it as (a mental illness). The fact is that if you assess and he is found to be a pedophile then you treat him as such."
Dr. Osei said he hopes that when the National Identification System becomes operational and the biometric data of the citizenry imputed, it will help Ghana to solve the problem.
A source at the Accra office of DOVSSU told Public Agenda that the unit is unable to keep track of perpetrators of defilement after their conviction because there is no mechanism to do so. Complicating the matter is the poor addressing system in the country as a whole.
"It makes things difficult because after their release from prison society needs to be aware of their history so they can be alert," said the source, who asked not to be identified.
More stringent laws and greater enforcement of those laws, said Mr. OKrah, will discourage pedophile and become a deterrent to the crime.
A legal associate at the Centre for Public Interest Law, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, argued that the issue is not about what to call the sexual deviancy, rather, he said, the most important thing is that there is a law that prohibits pedophilia with a seven-year minimum penalty and 25-year maximum confinement.
"Although there have been bold attempts by officialdom to deal with the issue, it could be better."
Mr. Okrah agrees, adding that overall Ghana is doing a "good" job in addressing the issue of defilement.
"We have laws on defilement and rape that are there. Now we have specialized enforcement institutions (DOVVSU, the police anti-human trafficking division) which have a bias for the victim. However, it's one thing establishing such institutions and making laws and it's another thing to provide the resources," he said.
"The government needs to strengthen the institutional capacity not only in terms of logistics but the human resources, in terms of training, for them to be able to detect the issues. So, when I say that Ghana is doing well, there is a lot of room for improvement.
"Meanwhile, reports of defilement are reported almost daily in the nation's newspapers.
The Daily Guide newspaper reported last month that a 24-year-old fisherman allegedly defiled a 7-year-old girl at New Takoradi in the Western Region.
In another report, the newspaper reported that 44-year-old Eric Engman was arrested by Nima Police in Accra for allegedly defiling five girls ranging in age from 6 to 8.And Public Agenda in its Friday edition published a report of a 20-year-old man, Yaw Nyatseh of Sankore, near Kukuom in the Asunafo South district, who was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in hard labour for defiling two teenagers.
Public Agenda also reported that a 24-year-old man was sentenced to seven years imprisonment in hard labour after pleading guilty to a charge of defiling a 10-year-old pupil.
In a 2005 United Nations survey of 2,011 women from throughout Ghana, 6 percent of the women said they had been defiled before.
Seventy-eight percent of the perpetrators, the women in the survey reported, were either close relatives, acquaintances or family friends.In the same survey, of the 1,035 males who participated, 52 percent said men have sex with very young girls because of weak morals.
Fourteen percent thought that men who do that are opportunists, 13 percent said the men lack self respect and 8 percent thought that such men are not normal and may have psychological problems.
The survey, "Violence Against Women: The Ghanaian Case," was coordinated by the United Nations' Division for the Advancement of Women.
Swedish-Norwegian Co-orporation Fund
It was put up after the Second World War.
In spite of its limited size, the fund has been able to do a lot for students from Sweden and Norway.
According to Mr. Klingberg the fund is a sign of goodwill and so is the Voksenaasen centre. He said the source of the fund is mainly from trading activities between the two countries. He disclosed that until 1975, Voksenaasen was managed through the fund and was more of a cultural centre and not commercial guest centre.
"When they build out to a hotel, they switched to a professional operator; therefore the fund withdrew its support. But then, it still sends money for cultural activities".
In spite of its limited size, the fund has been able to do a lot for students from Sweden and Norway.
According to Mr. Klingberg the fund is a sign of goodwill and so is the Voksenaasen centre. He said the source of the fund is mainly from trading activities between the two countries. He disclosed that until 1975, Voksenaasen was managed through the fund and was more of a cultural centre and not commercial guest centre.
"When they build out to a hotel, they switched to a professional operator; therefore the fund withdrew its support. But then, it still sends money for cultural activities".
A tale of two Scandinavian nation: Norway and Sweden
History has it that Sweden and Norway had previously been united under the same crown on two occasions, from 1319 to 1343, and briefly from 1449 to 1450 in opposition to Christian of Oldenburg who was elected king of the Kalmar Union by the Danes.
The Act of Union, which was given royal assent on 6 August, 1815, was implemented differently in the two countries. In Norway it was a part of constitutional law known as Rigsakten, and in Sweden it was a set of provisions under regular law and was known as Riksakten.
Norwegian history and culture were glorified in the literature of the period. Norwegian farm culture served as a symbol and focus of nationalistic resistance to the forced union with Sweden. A growing sense of nationalism also influenced political affairs.
(Derry, T.K. (1973), A History of Modern Norway 1814-1972. Clarendon Press, Oxford).
Following growing dissatisfaction with the union in Norway, the parliament unanimously declared its dissolution on June 7, 1905.
This unilateral action met with Swedish threats of war. A plebiscite on August 13 confirmed the parliamentary decision by a majority of 368,208 to 184.
Negotiations in Karlstad led to agreement with Sweden in September 23 and mutual demobilization. Both parliaments revoked the Act of Union October 16, and King Oscar 11 of Sweden renounced his claim to the Norwegian throne and recognized Norway as an independent kingdom on October 26.
The Norwegian parliament offered the vacant throne to Prince Carl of Denmark, who accepted after another plebiscite, had confirmed the monarchy. He arrived in Norway on November 25, 1905 taking the name Haakon VII.In an interview, Michael Klingberg, Programme Manager of the Voksenaasen, described the historical relationship between Sweden and Norway as a longstanding one dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
He said that Sweden and Norway governments were under the same king because there was no parliament at that time.
He recalled that the two countries separated in 1905 and that Norway celebrated its 100th birthday in 2005 but Sweden chose to mark it.
He said during the separation, there was a tensed situation but not armed struggle though there was military buildup from both sides but then everything was smooth.
According to him, relations between the two Scandinavian nations have been more intense than before since 1905.
However, in terms of development, he observed that Norway was quite richer in the 1920s trading in forestry and other similar products but Sweden developed industrially. He said although by the Second World War both countries were developed they were not very rich.
"Norway took off in the early 1970s because of the oil as the richest even in the world. Sweden doesn't seem to have that industrial advantage anymore due to world decline generally."
He noted there are more commonalities but also there exist some differences between the citizens of the two. For instance people in cities from both countries may be the same but people in rural towns in both countries may differ.
He recalled that traditions of industrialization in Sweden differ from that of Norway because the latter had only three classes and not nobility."Sweden in 18th and 19th century had a class of nobility that even spoke French so it was more culturally-oriented than Norway. Consequently, Sweden had lots of inspired writers, musicians, painters, etc but it had its the bad side, they exploited the rural folks."
He said Norway has only one castle but Sweden has several remaining of the nobility. However, he said in the last century traditions have merged and Norway has come to grips with culture.
Mr. Klinberg emphasized the countries were converging and that there were more commonalities that differences. He said there are more big companies / brand names in Sweden than Norway such as Volvo.
Swedes are said not to be bureaucratic in decision-making, they make room for consensus building; Norway on the other hand the top guided approach is the other of the day and can easily be opposed by those affected.
He said while Norway is not part of European Union but Sweden.
On the other hand Sweden is not part of NATO but Norway is, indicating some of the political differences between the two.
Karl Einar Ellingsen, General Manager of Voksenaasen, said among the Nordic countries Sweden is the main land since it has a population of about nine million whereas Norway, Denmark and Finland has about half each.
He said Sweden produces a lot except oil and fish, commodities in which Norway dominates. However, unemployment rate in Sweden is higher than in Norway and that financially, the latter is in good standing than the former.
On Swedish-Norwegian Co-operation (SNC), Karl Einar described it as complementary and not that of a competition.
"The cooperation between the two countries is good and because we have different kinds of industry financing situation is different."
He added, "I wish we could be one country because we are so alike, though I don't know how that could happen."He emphasized that the two countries need to co-operate more at the international level, particularly on Africa.
Michael Klingberg also said SNC is very strong pervading all sectors.
"We are each other's biggest trading partner. Of course we are two separate countries with different laws so in some circumstances it makes difficult to take decisions. We are only limited by laws and different finance systems."
In his opinion, there are always sectors where co-operation could be enhanced; examples are research and development in academia where investment could be increased.
The Act of Union, which was given royal assent on 6 August, 1815, was implemented differently in the two countries. In Norway it was a part of constitutional law known as Rigsakten, and in Sweden it was a set of provisions under regular law and was known as Riksakten.
Norwegian history and culture were glorified in the literature of the period. Norwegian farm culture served as a symbol and focus of nationalistic resistance to the forced union with Sweden. A growing sense of nationalism also influenced political affairs.
(Derry, T.K. (1973), A History of Modern Norway 1814-1972. Clarendon Press, Oxford).
Following growing dissatisfaction with the union in Norway, the parliament unanimously declared its dissolution on June 7, 1905.
This unilateral action met with Swedish threats of war. A plebiscite on August 13 confirmed the parliamentary decision by a majority of 368,208 to 184.
Negotiations in Karlstad led to agreement with Sweden in September 23 and mutual demobilization. Both parliaments revoked the Act of Union October 16, and King Oscar 11 of Sweden renounced his claim to the Norwegian throne and recognized Norway as an independent kingdom on October 26.
The Norwegian parliament offered the vacant throne to Prince Carl of Denmark, who accepted after another plebiscite, had confirmed the monarchy. He arrived in Norway on November 25, 1905 taking the name Haakon VII.In an interview, Michael Klingberg, Programme Manager of the Voksenaasen, described the historical relationship between Sweden and Norway as a longstanding one dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
He said that Sweden and Norway governments were under the same king because there was no parliament at that time.
He recalled that the two countries separated in 1905 and that Norway celebrated its 100th birthday in 2005 but Sweden chose to mark it.
He said during the separation, there was a tensed situation but not armed struggle though there was military buildup from both sides but then everything was smooth.
According to him, relations between the two Scandinavian nations have been more intense than before since 1905.
However, in terms of development, he observed that Norway was quite richer in the 1920s trading in forestry and other similar products but Sweden developed industrially. He said although by the Second World War both countries were developed they were not very rich.
"Norway took off in the early 1970s because of the oil as the richest even in the world. Sweden doesn't seem to have that industrial advantage anymore due to world decline generally."
He noted there are more commonalities but also there exist some differences between the citizens of the two. For instance people in cities from both countries may be the same but people in rural towns in both countries may differ.
He recalled that traditions of industrialization in Sweden differ from that of Norway because the latter had only three classes and not nobility."Sweden in 18th and 19th century had a class of nobility that even spoke French so it was more culturally-oriented than Norway. Consequently, Sweden had lots of inspired writers, musicians, painters, etc but it had its the bad side, they exploited the rural folks."
He said Norway has only one castle but Sweden has several remaining of the nobility. However, he said in the last century traditions have merged and Norway has come to grips with culture.
Mr. Klinberg emphasized the countries were converging and that there were more commonalities that differences. He said there are more big companies / brand names in Sweden than Norway such as Volvo.
Swedes are said not to be bureaucratic in decision-making, they make room for consensus building; Norway on the other hand the top guided approach is the other of the day and can easily be opposed by those affected.
He said while Norway is not part of European Union but Sweden.
On the other hand Sweden is not part of NATO but Norway is, indicating some of the political differences between the two.
Karl Einar Ellingsen, General Manager of Voksenaasen, said among the Nordic countries Sweden is the main land since it has a population of about nine million whereas Norway, Denmark and Finland has about half each.
He said Sweden produces a lot except oil and fish, commodities in which Norway dominates. However, unemployment rate in Sweden is higher than in Norway and that financially, the latter is in good standing than the former.
On Swedish-Norwegian Co-operation (SNC), Karl Einar described it as complementary and not that of a competition.
"The cooperation between the two countries is good and because we have different kinds of industry financing situation is different."
He added, "I wish we could be one country because we are so alike, though I don't know how that could happen."He emphasized that the two countries need to co-operate more at the international level, particularly on Africa.
Michael Klingberg also said SNC is very strong pervading all sectors.
"We are each other's biggest trading partner. Of course we are two separate countries with different laws so in some circumstances it makes difficult to take decisions. We are only limited by laws and different finance systems."
In his opinion, there are always sectors where co-operation could be enhanced; examples are research and development in academia where investment could be increased.
GUTS gives a helping hand to drug addicts
Formerly an evangelistic centre, GUTS Foundation in Drammen, South of Oslo, has become a rehabilitation center for people addicted to drugs and desiring to stop.
The Church of Philadelphia, a Pentecostal movement, is now managing the centre.
In an interview Audun Langgaard, who doubles as a social worker and a youth pastor in the church, explained to Public Agenda that recruitment was based on recommendation by the various districts / commune who then bore the financial responsibility for the upkeep of persons admitted at the centre.
"People here don't come from the streets but contact their communes to see if they can get help. The commune then assesses and takes a decision because it costs a lot to cater for each person admitted here, about 23, 000 Norwegian Kroner (NOK) approximately 4062.9223 US dollar to."
He said when such persons are brought to the centre; they investigate their history / background, ask for goals of the commune and that of the addicts themselves and try to achieve them so they can be on their own when they go out. In the last three months, their rooms have been full of inmates and there are others on waiting list.
Thus the centre is now embarking on an infrastructural expansion in order to accommodate more people. According to Audun, the ages of patrons of the centre, all males, often range between the ages of 18 to 55 years. He said plans are underway to get a place for couples who come for rehabilitation.
He attributed the upsurge in number of inmates to of a new policy by the various communes to remove drug addicts from the streets and better their lots. The centre has an interesting mix of workers, youth, adults, Christians, house mums and people who have a history of drugs.
Typical of a Christian centre, there is an attempt to inculcate the inmates with Christian principles and so a pastor comes around every Tuesday to share the Word of God with them. Patrons here can after two months go out on their own to start life.
"That is our main goal for them. Others also go for further treatment after here if it is necessary and if their communes can afford".
People who are admitted to GUTS can only go out during the first two weeks under supervision, afterwards when they behave well then they are allowed to go on minor trips. Family members are allowed to visit them and they also permitted to visit them if they behave themselves very well.
Audun disclose that the centre employs stiffer rules on what goes out and comes in at all times adding that there have been positive examples of people living at the centre for three months and not using drugs.
"We carry out a drug test on all of them each week." He seems not perturbed about perceived risks involved in what he and his colleagues are doing there. In his opinion, most of the people who behave violently do so because they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. "If we behave well when they are mad then there can be no problems. I have been threatened and screamed at but then it is not them, something else is pushing them so I'm not bothered. I see it as part of my ministry."
He stressed that people's ability to reform will always be about them and what they want, therefore if they want to take the big choices at the right time and resist temptation it will work for them.
He advised that people need to learn to take small steps, be decisive and avoid people with questionable characters.
"Here we also help them to build new and healthy relationships and not the same old drug companies they have. They also learn how to see themselves from broad perspectives; doing basic things like cleaning their own apartments among others".
He added that the fundamental issue is to make them understand why they need to do the things required of them. Abuse of narcotic drugs can mean the illegal or excessive use of drugs.
In Ghana and other parts of Africa marijuana, also known as Indian hemp, is the most commonly used illicit drug. It is estimated that 4.7% of the global population, aged 15 to 64 years, or 185 million people, consume illicit drugs annually.
Majority of teenagers are influenced into taking drugs by their peers when they are made to believe that it can enhance their capacity to learn. Smoking of marijuana affects the lungs.
The injecting of heroin into the body causes the spread of HIV among the users when one is infected, because they share the syringe used in taking in the drug. Users of narcotic drugs more often than not end up in psychiatric hospitals and find it difficult to recover.
Drug addiction causes societal unrest and all forms of social vices. It is hoped that Ghana's new mental health law when passed will include a package to rescue persons addicted to drugs.
The Church of Philadelphia, a Pentecostal movement, is now managing the centre.
In an interview Audun Langgaard, who doubles as a social worker and a youth pastor in the church, explained to Public Agenda that recruitment was based on recommendation by the various districts / commune who then bore the financial responsibility for the upkeep of persons admitted at the centre.
"People here don't come from the streets but contact their communes to see if they can get help. The commune then assesses and takes a decision because it costs a lot to cater for each person admitted here, about 23, 000 Norwegian Kroner (NOK) approximately 4062.9223 US dollar to."
He said when such persons are brought to the centre; they investigate their history / background, ask for goals of the commune and that of the addicts themselves and try to achieve them so they can be on their own when they go out. In the last three months, their rooms have been full of inmates and there are others on waiting list.
Thus the centre is now embarking on an infrastructural expansion in order to accommodate more people. According to Audun, the ages of patrons of the centre, all males, often range between the ages of 18 to 55 years. He said plans are underway to get a place for couples who come for rehabilitation.
He attributed the upsurge in number of inmates to of a new policy by the various communes to remove drug addicts from the streets and better their lots. The centre has an interesting mix of workers, youth, adults, Christians, house mums and people who have a history of drugs.
Typical of a Christian centre, there is an attempt to inculcate the inmates with Christian principles and so a pastor comes around every Tuesday to share the Word of God with them. Patrons here can after two months go out on their own to start life.
"That is our main goal for them. Others also go for further treatment after here if it is necessary and if their communes can afford".
People who are admitted to GUTS can only go out during the first two weeks under supervision, afterwards when they behave well then they are allowed to go on minor trips. Family members are allowed to visit them and they also permitted to visit them if they behave themselves very well.
Audun disclose that the centre employs stiffer rules on what goes out and comes in at all times adding that there have been positive examples of people living at the centre for three months and not using drugs.
"We carry out a drug test on all of them each week." He seems not perturbed about perceived risks involved in what he and his colleagues are doing there. In his opinion, most of the people who behave violently do so because they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. "If we behave well when they are mad then there can be no problems. I have been threatened and screamed at but then it is not them, something else is pushing them so I'm not bothered. I see it as part of my ministry."
He stressed that people's ability to reform will always be about them and what they want, therefore if they want to take the big choices at the right time and resist temptation it will work for them.
He advised that people need to learn to take small steps, be decisive and avoid people with questionable characters.
"Here we also help them to build new and healthy relationships and not the same old drug companies they have. They also learn how to see themselves from broad perspectives; doing basic things like cleaning their own apartments among others".
He added that the fundamental issue is to make them understand why they need to do the things required of them. Abuse of narcotic drugs can mean the illegal or excessive use of drugs.
In Ghana and other parts of Africa marijuana, also known as Indian hemp, is the most commonly used illicit drug. It is estimated that 4.7% of the global population, aged 15 to 64 years, or 185 million people, consume illicit drugs annually.
Majority of teenagers are influenced into taking drugs by their peers when they are made to believe that it can enhance their capacity to learn. Smoking of marijuana affects the lungs.
The injecting of heroin into the body causes the spread of HIV among the users when one is infected, because they share the syringe used in taking in the drug. Users of narcotic drugs more often than not end up in psychiatric hospitals and find it difficult to recover.
Drug addiction causes societal unrest and all forms of social vices. It is hoped that Ghana's new mental health law when passed will include a package to rescue persons addicted to drugs.
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