WITH the indiscriminate cutting of trees and apparent shortage of firewood, rural women now face the daunting task of searching for alternative sources of energy.
The Ministry of Energy has, therefore, stepped up efforts at considering gender concerns in the design and implementation of energy policies and projects under the ministry’s medium-term development strategy.
This includes widespread education to shift cultural practices to a more sustainable energy use so as to shift emphasis from the use of woodfuel, which is currently the preferred source of energy, particularly among the low-income rural householders.
Involving gender concerns in the design and implementation of energy policies and projects constitutes national efforts at advancing short and long-term solutions to the myriad of problems of millions women and children who suffer from poverty and diseases as a result of indoor air pollution.
The Energy Minister, Dr Joseph Oteng-Adjei, made this known in a speech read on his behalf at a national validation workshop on gender audit in Accra, during which a draft report on the ministry’s energy policy and programmes was discussed. The workshop, organised by the Ghana Regional Appropriate Technology Industrial Service (GRATIS) Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, was sponsored by Energia Africa.
He said the government would continue to step up improved interventions to encourage kerosene improvement and Liquefied Petroleum Gas programmes aimed at reducing the burden and health hazards on rural women who formed the majority of users of firewood and charcoal as fuel, due to exposure to smoke.
The Regional Coordinator of Energia Africa, Ms Nozipho Wright, noted that about two billion people worldwide relied on inferior fuels for energy, and women and girls who were the managers of household energy were the worst affected as a result of insignificant inputs from policy makers to address their concerns.
She says the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that indoor air pollution, as a major health issue, is the cause of pneumonia, chronic respiratory disease and lung cancer, which are commonly found in women, are as a result of their engagement in more productive activities aimed at generating income to support agriculture, production and education.
She, therefore, called for collaborative efforts by the ministry and its allied bodies, as well as stakeholders in the sector to consider approaches that would enhance income-generating programmes for women.
The Gender and Development Co-ordinator at the GRATIS Foundation and Energia Country Focal Person, Mrs Sabina Anokye, expressed concern about the low representation of women on the board of the ministry and its allied agencies, pointing out that as Ghana geared itself for operation in the oil and gas industry, it was important for stakeholders to partner women and also ensure the utilisation of oil revenue to support priority areas such as education, rural development, water, sanitation, among other measures aimed at reducing poverty, in line with the Millennium Development Goals.
Among other things, the draft report recommends for a review of the country’s regional and international commitments under the United Nations and the African Union and identify sources of support and funding for gender mainstream.
It also calls for incorporation of gender mainstream responsibilities into job descriptions of staff at the Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of the Ministry of Energy, as an well as increase in women’s representation in decision-making positions on boards and committees, in line with the government’s promise of affirmative action.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
EP CHURCH DONATES TO TEMA GENERAL HOSPITAL (PAGE 30, DEC 14)
THE YOUTH Ministry of the Kekeli Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church has donated quantities of assorted items valued at GH¢300 to the Children’s Ward of the Tema General Hospital.
The items, made up of children’s books, babies’ dolls, toiletries, fruits and used clothing, according to the group, are to facilitate the speedy recovery of the sick children on admission.
President of the group, Mr Eli Hini, who presented the items on behalf of the group, indicated that the donation formed part of the group’s social responsibility aimed at giving back to society.
He said children, as the bedrock of society, ought to be provided and cared for as they were being prepared to take over the mantle of leadership in future.
“More so, as the Yuletide approaches and these children find themselves being confined to sick beds, there is a need to show love in order to bring joy to their faces,” Mr Hini remarked.
Ms Mary Maasa, a Midwifery Officer who received the items on behalf of the children, expressed profound appreciation to the group for the kind gesture.
She said the ward, since its construction in 1954, had not witnessed any major renovation, and appealed to the Ghana Health Service and the Government, for that matter, to come to their aid as the structure had over the years continued to deteriorate as the years rolled by.
The ward, which was built to accommodate 20 children, now hosts up to over 65; a situation which she said had put an enormous pressure on the facility, leading to the fast rate at which it was deteriorating.
The ward is also faced with inadequate supply of water, as supply to the facility only flows at night, coupled with the deplorable conditions of sewage systems, a situation she described as having a toll on health delivery.
Ms Amoadua also hinted that a rest room for mothers of the sick children had also been turned into a chest clinic for the hospital, following the absence of inadequate structure, resulting in some mothers sleeping in the open to care for their sick children.
She, therefore, called for support from corporate Ghana and well-meaning individuals to help the facility bring joy to the faces of the sick children.
The group also painted the ward and its surroundings at the cost of GH¢200.
The items, made up of children’s books, babies’ dolls, toiletries, fruits and used clothing, according to the group, are to facilitate the speedy recovery of the sick children on admission.
President of the group, Mr Eli Hini, who presented the items on behalf of the group, indicated that the donation formed part of the group’s social responsibility aimed at giving back to society.
He said children, as the bedrock of society, ought to be provided and cared for as they were being prepared to take over the mantle of leadership in future.
“More so, as the Yuletide approaches and these children find themselves being confined to sick beds, there is a need to show love in order to bring joy to their faces,” Mr Hini remarked.
Ms Mary Maasa, a Midwifery Officer who received the items on behalf of the children, expressed profound appreciation to the group for the kind gesture.
She said the ward, since its construction in 1954, had not witnessed any major renovation, and appealed to the Ghana Health Service and the Government, for that matter, to come to their aid as the structure had over the years continued to deteriorate as the years rolled by.
The ward, which was built to accommodate 20 children, now hosts up to over 65; a situation which she said had put an enormous pressure on the facility, leading to the fast rate at which it was deteriorating.
The ward is also faced with inadequate supply of water, as supply to the facility only flows at night, coupled with the deplorable conditions of sewage systems, a situation she described as having a toll on health delivery.
Ms Amoadua also hinted that a rest room for mothers of the sick children had also been turned into a chest clinic for the hospital, following the absence of inadequate structure, resulting in some mothers sleeping in the open to care for their sick children.
She, therefore, called for support from corporate Ghana and well-meaning individuals to help the facility bring joy to the faces of the sick children.
The group also painted the ward and its surroundings at the cost of GH¢200.
Friday, December 11, 2009
ADOM FM ORGANISES BLOOD DONATION EXERCISE (DAILY GRAPHIC,PAGE 29, GRAPHIC DEC 11)
ADOM FM, a-Tema based radio station, last Friday organised blood donation exercise, aimed at stocking the blood banks of the Tema General Hospital and the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
The exercise, which is held bi-annually by the station, is to help augment the two hospital’s reserve towards saving the life of patients who may need blood transfusion in the event of an accident.
This year’s first edition, held in May, saw a total of 700 pints of blood donated to the Tema General Hospital. The second edition, which was held at the Lapaz Main Lorry Park, attracted over 500 participants, who thronged the venue and donated a total of 1,000 pints of blood for the two medical institutions.
The exercise, which was co-sponsored by Evergreen Supermarket and the Kaman Health Services, also received support from PZ Cussons, Voltic Mineral Water, Anchor Gold Acrylic Paint, Kalypo, Fan milk Ghana limited and trusty foods, marketers of Indomie Noodles.
The events and Promotions Manager of the station, Mr Ricky Anokye, told the Daily Graphic that the exercise, which was in its fifth year, was part of the station’s bi-annual programme aimed at giving back to society.
He indicated that the programme, designed as the station’s flagship, was a commitment that went beyond social responsibility, and commended the listening public for their response to the exercise, which was meant to save and protect the country’s human resource.
The Assembly member for the area, Mr John Kwesi Mensah, who also supported the programme by sensitising residents on the need to donate blood in order to save life, commended the station for committing itself to the programme. He challenged corporate institutions not to relent in their efforts at giving back to society and the community within which they operated.
Some participants who travelled from Somanya and Odumase in the Eastern Region to be part of the exercise commended the management of the Multi media Group for their diverse contributions to the socio-economic development of the country.
The exercise saw the station’s seasoned presenters such as Davis ‘Odeneho’ Appiah, Akuma Mama Zimbi and Dr Prekese entertaining participants
The exercise, which is held bi-annually by the station, is to help augment the two hospital’s reserve towards saving the life of patients who may need blood transfusion in the event of an accident.
This year’s first edition, held in May, saw a total of 700 pints of blood donated to the Tema General Hospital. The second edition, which was held at the Lapaz Main Lorry Park, attracted over 500 participants, who thronged the venue and donated a total of 1,000 pints of blood for the two medical institutions.
The exercise, which was co-sponsored by Evergreen Supermarket and the Kaman Health Services, also received support from PZ Cussons, Voltic Mineral Water, Anchor Gold Acrylic Paint, Kalypo, Fan milk Ghana limited and trusty foods, marketers of Indomie Noodles.
The events and Promotions Manager of the station, Mr Ricky Anokye, told the Daily Graphic that the exercise, which was in its fifth year, was part of the station’s bi-annual programme aimed at giving back to society.
He indicated that the programme, designed as the station’s flagship, was a commitment that went beyond social responsibility, and commended the listening public for their response to the exercise, which was meant to save and protect the country’s human resource.
The Assembly member for the area, Mr John Kwesi Mensah, who also supported the programme by sensitising residents on the need to donate blood in order to save life, commended the station for committing itself to the programme. He challenged corporate institutions not to relent in their efforts at giving back to society and the community within which they operated.
Some participants who travelled from Somanya and Odumase in the Eastern Region to be part of the exercise commended the management of the Multi media Group for their diverse contributions to the socio-economic development of the country.
The exercise saw the station’s seasoned presenters such as Davis ‘Odeneho’ Appiah, Akuma Mama Zimbi and Dr Prekese entertaining participants
CLASH OVER MARKET STALLS AT ASHAIMAN (PAGE 29, DEC 11)
RENEWED tension is brewing at Ashaiman as hawkers in the municipality are on a collision course with the municipal assembly.
The hawkers, who were evicted from the streets last Saturday, also faced a stiff opposition from traders at the disputed ‘Kufuor Station’, where the municipal assembly demolished container stores and sheds belonging to occupants of the place.
Addressing a press conference to register their protest, the Chairman of the Ashaiman Peace Traders Association, Mr James Mensah, accused the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly (ASHMA) of sacrificing members of the association by making them scapegoats following directives from the queen of Ashaiman Market on the forfeiture of market tolls, if hawkers were not evacuated from the streets.
He expressed regret that the assembly, as the sole owner of the market, would allow an individual to take hostage of its operations, questioned the Municipal Chief Executive’s (MCE) capacity to handle the affairs of the community with an estimated population of 300,000 people.
He also expressed disappointment at the way the assembly handled affairs of the group after a series of meetings with it, which resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding, in which the assembly pledged its commitment to attach a human face to the eviction exercise.
“We were, therefore, taken aback by the MCE’s decision to yield to the selfish desire of the queen of Ashaiman Market into using the military to harrass the group,” Mr Mensah remarked.
He has, therefore, called on the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development and the Member of Parliament for the area, Mr Alfred Agbesi, to call the MCE to order to avert a disaster in the community.
“I can assure you that, should the group decide to embark on a massive demonstration, things may go haywire following the volatile nature of the municipality, hence the need for the MCE and the assembly as an organ of government to remain non-partisan on issues that affect the development of the community.”
“We would vehemently oppose the proposed relocation to the new site if the assembly fails to build a fence to provide security, provide electricity, a warehouse (stores), urinal/wash rooms and toilet facilities, security lights, do proper allocations of sheds, and deploy security personnel to ward off criminals, among other things”.
He has, therefore, called on the assembly to use dialogue and consensus building and stop the radical approach of using soldiers and the police in order to avoid negative consequences.
The MCE, Numo Addison Adinortey, who came to the protest grounds, accompanied by a heavy military security, told the Daily Graphic that the assembly had had a series of meetings with the two trading associations and had thus decided to restructure the place for their activities.
He, however, did not say how soon the restructuring exercise would begin in order to accomodate the hawkers.
Meanwhile, occupants of the site whose stores and sheds were destroyed in the raid are also calling on the assembly to halt the relocation process until all issues are addressed and resolved.
The hawkers, who were evicted from the streets last Saturday, also faced a stiff opposition from traders at the disputed ‘Kufuor Station’, where the municipal assembly demolished container stores and sheds belonging to occupants of the place.
Addressing a press conference to register their protest, the Chairman of the Ashaiman Peace Traders Association, Mr James Mensah, accused the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly (ASHMA) of sacrificing members of the association by making them scapegoats following directives from the queen of Ashaiman Market on the forfeiture of market tolls, if hawkers were not evacuated from the streets.
He expressed regret that the assembly, as the sole owner of the market, would allow an individual to take hostage of its operations, questioned the Municipal Chief Executive’s (MCE) capacity to handle the affairs of the community with an estimated population of 300,000 people.
He also expressed disappointment at the way the assembly handled affairs of the group after a series of meetings with it, which resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding, in which the assembly pledged its commitment to attach a human face to the eviction exercise.
“We were, therefore, taken aback by the MCE’s decision to yield to the selfish desire of the queen of Ashaiman Market into using the military to harrass the group,” Mr Mensah remarked.
He has, therefore, called on the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development and the Member of Parliament for the area, Mr Alfred Agbesi, to call the MCE to order to avert a disaster in the community.
“I can assure you that, should the group decide to embark on a massive demonstration, things may go haywire following the volatile nature of the municipality, hence the need for the MCE and the assembly as an organ of government to remain non-partisan on issues that affect the development of the community.”
“We would vehemently oppose the proposed relocation to the new site if the assembly fails to build a fence to provide security, provide electricity, a warehouse (stores), urinal/wash rooms and toilet facilities, security lights, do proper allocations of sheds, and deploy security personnel to ward off criminals, among other things”.
He has, therefore, called on the assembly to use dialogue and consensus building and stop the radical approach of using soldiers and the police in order to avoid negative consequences.
The MCE, Numo Addison Adinortey, who came to the protest grounds, accompanied by a heavy military security, told the Daily Graphic that the assembly had had a series of meetings with the two trading associations and had thus decided to restructure the place for their activities.
He, however, did not say how soon the restructuring exercise would begin in order to accomodate the hawkers.
Meanwhile, occupants of the site whose stores and sheds were destroyed in the raid are also calling on the assembly to halt the relocation process until all issues are addressed and resolved.
NCCE EDUCATES STUDENTS ON HIV (PAGE 3O, DEC 11)
THE National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has organised an HIV/AIDs sensitisation workshop for students of Our Lady of Mercy Senior High School (OLAMS) in Tema.
The programme was in partnership with UNESCO, which has adopted diverse strategic interventions aimed at reducing the risk of the epidemic among people.
The intervention, which includes the creation of awareness, promotion of abstinence among the youth, promotion of safe sex practice as well as offering care and support for people living with the disease, is to complement the Ghana Aids Commission’s response to the disease.
The Metropolitan Director of the NCCE, Mr Ebenezer Tetteh-Wayo, expressed regret that stigmatisation and discrimination against people living with HIV had retarded the commission’s drive to encourage people to go for counselling and testing.
“Research shows that 10 per cent of the country’s population do not know their status, hence the NCCE’s advocacy for the populace to show love and affection for carriers of the disease,” Mr Wayo remarked.
He said the high incidence of teenage pregnancy among the youth was a test case which showed an indication that condom use was rather low, a situation he described as bad for the commission.
He also cautioned the students against indulgence in heterosexual relations, which he said was not acceptable in the Ghanaian cultural setting.
Mr Tetteh-Wayo said the sensitisation programme was targeted at the various second cycle institutions within the Tema Metropolitan Area, as students in these institutions were in the age brackets within which sexual activity was all time high.
The programme was in partnership with UNESCO, which has adopted diverse strategic interventions aimed at reducing the risk of the epidemic among people.
The intervention, which includes the creation of awareness, promotion of abstinence among the youth, promotion of safe sex practice as well as offering care and support for people living with the disease, is to complement the Ghana Aids Commission’s response to the disease.
The Metropolitan Director of the NCCE, Mr Ebenezer Tetteh-Wayo, expressed regret that stigmatisation and discrimination against people living with HIV had retarded the commission’s drive to encourage people to go for counselling and testing.
“Research shows that 10 per cent of the country’s population do not know their status, hence the NCCE’s advocacy for the populace to show love and affection for carriers of the disease,” Mr Wayo remarked.
He said the high incidence of teenage pregnancy among the youth was a test case which showed an indication that condom use was rather low, a situation he described as bad for the commission.
He also cautioned the students against indulgence in heterosexual relations, which he said was not acceptable in the Ghanaian cultural setting.
Mr Tetteh-Wayo said the sensitisation programme was targeted at the various second cycle institutions within the Tema Metropolitan Area, as students in these institutions were in the age brackets within which sexual activity was all time high.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
TOR WORKERS OBJECT TO GNPC SELLING OIL (PAGE 14, DEC 10)
WORKERS of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) have objected to the decision by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) to divert from its core business of exploration into selling of finished products.
Daily Graphic investigations at the refinery revealed that the ongoing discussions between TOR and GNPC over the 700,000 barrels of crude oil brought into the country last Sunday, are centred on the corporation’s decision to allow TOR to process the crude while the Bulk Oil Storage Transportation (BOST) takes delivery and sells to the Oil Marketing Companies on behalf of GNPC.
This development, according to sources, would see the corporation paying processing fee to the refinery.
The consignment, valued at $62 million, was discharged from the vessel MT Ariadni to avoid demurrage as persistent holding of the vessel could see GNPC paying a penalty of 10 per cent of the total cost of the product per day.
It is alleged that top government officials at the helm of affairs at the corporation would rake in profit margins between GH¢30,000 to GH¢50,000 per stream supply of crude oil processed by TOR should the proposal for payment of processing fee be accepted by the TOR board and management.
Aggrieved workers who spoke on anonymity to the Daily Graphic noted that the decision to make the refinery a tolling facility would among other things deepen the financial woes of the refinery, which had already been declared bankrupt following huge debt deficits that served as an albatross around the neck of successive governments.
“Our decision to embark on an industrial unrest would not change should the government decides to move along with charlatans in the oil industry who would want to subvert TOR’s core function,” a worker remarked.
They have, therefore, appealed to the government to raise sovereign guarantees to help the refinery procure its own crude and also restrain GNPC from interfering in the refinery’s business and concentrate on its core business of exploration.
The source regretted that the government was not attaching any importance to the activities of the refinery, which he described as one of the pivots of the country’s economy.
When contacted on phone, the Director of Exploration and Production of GNPC, Mr Thomas Manu, said the issue was purely a marketing one which ought to be addressed by the Chief Executive Officer of the corporation.
The Chief Executive, Nana Boakye Asafu-Adjaye, could, however, not be reached for his comments as he was reported to be in a meeting as of press time.
Daily Graphic investigations at the refinery revealed that the ongoing discussions between TOR and GNPC over the 700,000 barrels of crude oil brought into the country last Sunday, are centred on the corporation’s decision to allow TOR to process the crude while the Bulk Oil Storage Transportation (BOST) takes delivery and sells to the Oil Marketing Companies on behalf of GNPC.
This development, according to sources, would see the corporation paying processing fee to the refinery.
The consignment, valued at $62 million, was discharged from the vessel MT Ariadni to avoid demurrage as persistent holding of the vessel could see GNPC paying a penalty of 10 per cent of the total cost of the product per day.
It is alleged that top government officials at the helm of affairs at the corporation would rake in profit margins between GH¢30,000 to GH¢50,000 per stream supply of crude oil processed by TOR should the proposal for payment of processing fee be accepted by the TOR board and management.
Aggrieved workers who spoke on anonymity to the Daily Graphic noted that the decision to make the refinery a tolling facility would among other things deepen the financial woes of the refinery, which had already been declared bankrupt following huge debt deficits that served as an albatross around the neck of successive governments.
“Our decision to embark on an industrial unrest would not change should the government decides to move along with charlatans in the oil industry who would want to subvert TOR’s core function,” a worker remarked.
They have, therefore, appealed to the government to raise sovereign guarantees to help the refinery procure its own crude and also restrain GNPC from interfering in the refinery’s business and concentrate on its core business of exploration.
The source regretted that the government was not attaching any importance to the activities of the refinery, which he described as one of the pivots of the country’s economy.
When contacted on phone, the Director of Exploration and Production of GNPC, Mr Thomas Manu, said the issue was purely a marketing one which ought to be addressed by the Chief Executive Officer of the corporation.
The Chief Executive, Nana Boakye Asafu-Adjaye, could, however, not be reached for his comments as he was reported to be in a meeting as of press time.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
NUNGUA TO GET RURAL BANK NEXT YEAR (DAILY GRAPHIC,PAGE 30, DEC 9)
THE Nungua Traditional Council will from next year begin construction works on a community bank as part of infrastructural development projects initiated by the council.
The project, which is aimed at bridging the development gap in the community as well as provide employment for the youth, is estimated to cost GH¢ 50,000.
The spokesperson for the Nungua stool, Wradi Keeda Bortey, made this known at a press briefing at the palace.
He indicated that the project which is set to take off, is being implemented in collaboration with the development chief, with considerable input from the elders and youth of the community.
Mr Bortey noted that the council was also seeking expert advice on the planned relocation of the Nungua Senior High School to a more specious environment to pave way for a redevelopment of the schools present location into a modern hospital.
He also mentioned a scholarship scheme which had been put together by the development chief of the area, Nii Odaikoi II. The package, which is aimed at equipping brilliant needy youth in the community is to afford them an opportunity develop their intellectual capacity.
“By this programme, our expectations are that the scheme would produce students in the areas of selected professions such as, medicine, information and communication technology (ICT), engineering, among others’’, Mr Bortey remarked.
He also indicated the council’s willingness to release parcels of land to the judicial service for the construction of a court complex to help ease congestion at the various high courts in the capital as well as enhance speedy delivery of justice.
The Nungua Mantse, Odehe Kpakpa King Odaifio Welentsi III, who was present at the briefing expressed regret that the community was still engaged in prolonged chieftaincy disputes, which was retarding the area’s development, and called on all to come on board to help liberate the town from abject poverty.
“I acknowledge the fact that in the absence of peace, it would be impossible for us to accomplish any form of development in Nungua,” he said.
The press conference was attended by eight of the nine accredited clan heads of the community.
The project, which is aimed at bridging the development gap in the community as well as provide employment for the youth, is estimated to cost GH¢ 50,000.
The spokesperson for the Nungua stool, Wradi Keeda Bortey, made this known at a press briefing at the palace.
He indicated that the project which is set to take off, is being implemented in collaboration with the development chief, with considerable input from the elders and youth of the community.
Mr Bortey noted that the council was also seeking expert advice on the planned relocation of the Nungua Senior High School to a more specious environment to pave way for a redevelopment of the schools present location into a modern hospital.
He also mentioned a scholarship scheme which had been put together by the development chief of the area, Nii Odaikoi II. The package, which is aimed at equipping brilliant needy youth in the community is to afford them an opportunity develop their intellectual capacity.
“By this programme, our expectations are that the scheme would produce students in the areas of selected professions such as, medicine, information and communication technology (ICT), engineering, among others’’, Mr Bortey remarked.
He also indicated the council’s willingness to release parcels of land to the judicial service for the construction of a court complex to help ease congestion at the various high courts in the capital as well as enhance speedy delivery of justice.
The Nungua Mantse, Odehe Kpakpa King Odaifio Welentsi III, who was present at the briefing expressed regret that the community was still engaged in prolonged chieftaincy disputes, which was retarding the area’s development, and called on all to come on board to help liberate the town from abject poverty.
“I acknowledge the fact that in the absence of peace, it would be impossible for us to accomplish any form of development in Nungua,” he said.
The press conference was attended by eight of the nine accredited clan heads of the community.
SHELL GHANA OPENS REST STOP FOR DRIVERS (PAGE 38, DEC 9)
SHELL Ghana Limited has opened a modern truck rest stop in Takoradi, aimed at reducing the incidence of road accidents in the country.
The facility, which is to be replicated in Tarkwa, Kumasi, Accra and other major cities in the country, is to afford drivers and transporters the opportunity to take a rest and continue their journeys the following day, while transporting products across the country.
The facility is to afford the company the opportunity to have full control over the products being transported from loading centres from possible dilution and siphoning.
The Managing Director, Mr Omar Benson, announced this at an awards ceremony to reward drivers and transporters of the company in Tema.
He said Ghana had in the past been ranked as the worst performing country in road safety practices in the West African sub-region.
The below performance grading, according to him, saw the company adopting a 12-life-saving rule as part of its programme which was launched sometime ago, aimed at promoting road discipline and safety among its bulk vehicle operators and transporters.
Continuing, Mr Omar indicated that ‘though there were a few minor accidents recorded, the goal zero programmes had been result-oriented as the country now topped as the best performer in road safety in the sub-region.
Elaborating, the MD said Shell, which had been granted an exploration licence in South Africa, had also been exploring business development opportunities in West Africa, with Ghana being the main destination point, although they were yet to identify any project.
He pledged his company’s support to help build the capacity of Ghana’s oil and gas industry.
The Vice-President of Shell in West Africa, Mr Honore Dainhi, commended the transporters for the commitment and dedication displayed in the discharge of their duties.
He said the company’s market share had witnessed a considerable increase in the past months, as a result of the transporters’ loyalty towards the retail business and bulk performance, and urged them to remain focused and adhere to the company’s policies and regulations.
The Distribution Manager of Shell Ghana, Mr Augustine Osei-Bonsu, said the awards ceremony, which was held every year, helped to take stock of the company’s activities.
He said winners of the various categories of awards were selected through a seven-pillar audit outlined by the company.
The ceremony saw 75 transporters and drivers being awarded, with Mr Joseph Horgli winning the Best Transporter Award for the fifth time running.
The facility, which is to be replicated in Tarkwa, Kumasi, Accra and other major cities in the country, is to afford drivers and transporters the opportunity to take a rest and continue their journeys the following day, while transporting products across the country.
The facility is to afford the company the opportunity to have full control over the products being transported from loading centres from possible dilution and siphoning.
The Managing Director, Mr Omar Benson, announced this at an awards ceremony to reward drivers and transporters of the company in Tema.
He said Ghana had in the past been ranked as the worst performing country in road safety practices in the West African sub-region.
The below performance grading, according to him, saw the company adopting a 12-life-saving rule as part of its programme which was launched sometime ago, aimed at promoting road discipline and safety among its bulk vehicle operators and transporters.
Continuing, Mr Omar indicated that ‘though there were a few minor accidents recorded, the goal zero programmes had been result-oriented as the country now topped as the best performer in road safety in the sub-region.
Elaborating, the MD said Shell, which had been granted an exploration licence in South Africa, had also been exploring business development opportunities in West Africa, with Ghana being the main destination point, although they were yet to identify any project.
He pledged his company’s support to help build the capacity of Ghana’s oil and gas industry.
The Vice-President of Shell in West Africa, Mr Honore Dainhi, commended the transporters for the commitment and dedication displayed in the discharge of their duties.
He said the company’s market share had witnessed a considerable increase in the past months, as a result of the transporters’ loyalty towards the retail business and bulk performance, and urged them to remain focused and adhere to the company’s policies and regulations.
The Distribution Manager of Shell Ghana, Mr Augustine Osei-Bonsu, said the awards ceremony, which was held every year, helped to take stock of the company’s activities.
He said winners of the various categories of awards were selected through a seven-pillar audit outlined by the company.
The ceremony saw 75 transporters and drivers being awarded, with Mr Joseph Horgli winning the Best Transporter Award for the fifth time running.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
TOR SHUTS DOWN DISTILLATION PLANT...Due to unavailability of crude oil for refining (PAGE 3, DEC 5)
THE Crude Distillation Plant (CDU) of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has been shut down again following the unavailability of crude oil for refining.
The plant, one of the refinery’s major facilities for processing crude oil into various finished petroleum products, was shut down at 3:45 a.m. last Monday and remained shut as of yesterday.
Daily Graphic sources at TOR explained that an estimated 450,000 barrels of crude which was expected to be delivered to the refinery from Nigeria on November 26, by VITOL SA, the procuring agency, was not delivered due to the refusal by Ghana Commercial Bank to guarantee the Letters of Credit for the purchase.
Uncertainty, therefore, hangs over the hauling of the consignment belonging to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation.
The source said Ecobank Ghana Limited which guaranteed LCs for the 997,000 barrels of crude at a cost of $78 million procured for TOR by Sahara Energy in October, this year, was still in the process of recouping its investments and was, therefore, unwilling to provide further guarantees for the importation of the new crude.
This led to TOR’s management approaching GCB for the necessary guarantee although the $600 million debt it owes the bank is yet to be settled by Ecobank Ghana, which was contracted by the government and the Ministry of Energy to repay the outstanding debt.
The arrangement with GCB was meant to give Ecobank enough time to retrieve its money before providing further guarantees, the source added.
The refinery’s Residual Fluid Catalytic Centre (RFCC), which has a stock of products that can last for at least two weeks, also faces a possible shutdown if TOR’s management is not able to procure additional crude for production.
This new development has led to renewed fears among workers of TOR.
Meanwhile, the vessel MT Aramis which is in Nigeria to load the cargo, according to the source, is still on anchorage in Nigerian waters awaiting the LCs to enable it to cart the cargo.
The acting Managing Director of TOR, Dr Kwame Ampofo, could, however, not be reached for his comment as several calls to his telephone went unanswered.
TOR’s public relations manager, Ms Aba Lokko, also told this reporter when reached on the telephone that she was in a meeting.
The plant, one of the refinery’s major facilities for processing crude oil into various finished petroleum products, was shut down at 3:45 a.m. last Monday and remained shut as of yesterday.
Daily Graphic sources at TOR explained that an estimated 450,000 barrels of crude which was expected to be delivered to the refinery from Nigeria on November 26, by VITOL SA, the procuring agency, was not delivered due to the refusal by Ghana Commercial Bank to guarantee the Letters of Credit for the purchase.
Uncertainty, therefore, hangs over the hauling of the consignment belonging to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation.
The source said Ecobank Ghana Limited which guaranteed LCs for the 997,000 barrels of crude at a cost of $78 million procured for TOR by Sahara Energy in October, this year, was still in the process of recouping its investments and was, therefore, unwilling to provide further guarantees for the importation of the new crude.
This led to TOR’s management approaching GCB for the necessary guarantee although the $600 million debt it owes the bank is yet to be settled by Ecobank Ghana, which was contracted by the government and the Ministry of Energy to repay the outstanding debt.
The arrangement with GCB was meant to give Ecobank enough time to retrieve its money before providing further guarantees, the source added.
The refinery’s Residual Fluid Catalytic Centre (RFCC), which has a stock of products that can last for at least two weeks, also faces a possible shutdown if TOR’s management is not able to procure additional crude for production.
This new development has led to renewed fears among workers of TOR.
Meanwhile, the vessel MT Aramis which is in Nigeria to load the cargo, according to the source, is still on anchorage in Nigerian waters awaiting the LCs to enable it to cart the cargo.
The acting Managing Director of TOR, Dr Kwame Ampofo, could, however, not be reached for his comment as several calls to his telephone went unanswered.
TOR’s public relations manager, Ms Aba Lokko, also told this reporter when reached on the telephone that she was in a meeting.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
AGRO-BASED INDUSTRIALISATION TO PROPEL COUNTRY TO MID-INCOME STATUS (PAGE 31, DEC 2)
THE Director of Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (SME) and Technology at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr Johnson Adasi, has said the government’s strategy of stimulating significant growth to achieve middle-income economy is largely expected to occur through agro-based industrialisation led by the private sector.
He indicated that experiences from the rapidly emerging economies of the world attested to the fact that while the development of agriculture, manufacturing and services in sequence created a sustainable momentum for growth the primary value to drive this purpose was absent.
Mr Adasi made the remarks at the relaunch of Process Foods and Spices Limited, also known as SAMBA FOODS in Tema.
He expressed regret that Ghana, as a country, had not been able to implement extensive and comprehensive reforms that could transform the macro-economy, investment climate, legal and regulatory environment.
He said in order to re-position Ghana on a solid trail for industrial growth, the country needed to redefine the above mentioned factors.
The Zimbabwean Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs Pavelyn Musaka, noted that the development agenda of a nation lay in agriculture and industrialisation, and challenged policy makers to move away from paying lip-service and rather take progressive decisions that could help improve the lives of the ordinary people in society.
The Chief Executive of SAMBA Foods, Mrs Leticia Osafo-Addo, said lack of finance, subversion and diversion of fund-loans, inadequate managerial skills and the lack of ready market for locally made products were the stiff challenges that impeded the growth of local industries.
She indicated that her outfit, in spite of these challenges, rose above the storm and expanded until insufficient cash flow hit them following the failure of a governmental agency, their major client, to pay for goods supplied to it for almost two years, leading to a partial closure of the factory.
She expressed regret that although government after government preached the gospel of private-public sector partnership, the same entities were doing very little to rescue agro-based companies that ran into problems.
Mrs Osafo-Addo said the resuscitation of her factory from a long slumber should serve as a test case for small-scale businesses, and challenged managers of such entities to remain focused.
She appealed to the government to provide regulations at the macro-level that would motivate financial institutions which were the major financiers of business projects to develop better relationships with small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) thereby complementing their efforts at developing the country.
She also called for an intervention by the Ghana Standards Board, Food and Drugs Board, Food Science Department and other stakeholders in order to make black pepper, ‘Shito’ a national product that could be identified with Ghana when it was mentioned; just as Mercedes Benz was linked to Germany.
The immediate past President of the Association of Ghana Industries, Mr Oteng Gyasi, expressed regret that SMEs in agro-business, which were supposed to spearhead the country’s development agenda, had been relegated to the background and called for collaborative efforts by stakeholders to reverse the trend.
Chief Executive Officer of GhanaMade, Mrs Comfort Aniagyei, who are the marketers of SAMBA products, called on Ghanaians to develop a passion for the consumption of made-in-Ghana products since that was the needed catalyst for the achievement of the country’s development goals.
He indicated that experiences from the rapidly emerging economies of the world attested to the fact that while the development of agriculture, manufacturing and services in sequence created a sustainable momentum for growth the primary value to drive this purpose was absent.
Mr Adasi made the remarks at the relaunch of Process Foods and Spices Limited, also known as SAMBA FOODS in Tema.
He expressed regret that Ghana, as a country, had not been able to implement extensive and comprehensive reforms that could transform the macro-economy, investment climate, legal and regulatory environment.
He said in order to re-position Ghana on a solid trail for industrial growth, the country needed to redefine the above mentioned factors.
The Zimbabwean Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs Pavelyn Musaka, noted that the development agenda of a nation lay in agriculture and industrialisation, and challenged policy makers to move away from paying lip-service and rather take progressive decisions that could help improve the lives of the ordinary people in society.
The Chief Executive of SAMBA Foods, Mrs Leticia Osafo-Addo, said lack of finance, subversion and diversion of fund-loans, inadequate managerial skills and the lack of ready market for locally made products were the stiff challenges that impeded the growth of local industries.
She indicated that her outfit, in spite of these challenges, rose above the storm and expanded until insufficient cash flow hit them following the failure of a governmental agency, their major client, to pay for goods supplied to it for almost two years, leading to a partial closure of the factory.
She expressed regret that although government after government preached the gospel of private-public sector partnership, the same entities were doing very little to rescue agro-based companies that ran into problems.
Mrs Osafo-Addo said the resuscitation of her factory from a long slumber should serve as a test case for small-scale businesses, and challenged managers of such entities to remain focused.
She appealed to the government to provide regulations at the macro-level that would motivate financial institutions which were the major financiers of business projects to develop better relationships with small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) thereby complementing their efforts at developing the country.
She also called for an intervention by the Ghana Standards Board, Food and Drugs Board, Food Science Department and other stakeholders in order to make black pepper, ‘Shito’ a national product that could be identified with Ghana when it was mentioned; just as Mercedes Benz was linked to Germany.
The immediate past President of the Association of Ghana Industries, Mr Oteng Gyasi, expressed regret that SMEs in agro-business, which were supposed to spearhead the country’s development agenda, had been relegated to the background and called for collaborative efforts by stakeholders to reverse the trend.
Chief Executive Officer of GhanaMade, Mrs Comfort Aniagyei, who are the marketers of SAMBA products, called on Ghanaians to develop a passion for the consumption of made-in-Ghana products since that was the needed catalyst for the achievement of the country’s development goals.
NPP FACTION IN TEMA WEST TO RUN PARALLEL ADMINISTRATION (PAGE 17, DEC 2)
SIX of the 10 executive members of the Tema West Constituency of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who boycotted the recently held constituency elections have declared their intention to run a parallel administration with the newly elected executive.
At a press conference, which was well attended by party members in the constituency, the Second Vice-Chairman, Dr Martin K. Antwi, who was the spokesperson, said “as friends of truth and enemies of lies, the group believes in principles, fair play and justice”.
The press conference was also attended by Constituency Secretary, Mr Osei-Wusu, the organiser, Francis Porebo, women’s Organiser, Christie Mohammed, Financial Secretary, Barima Abankwah, and the Youth Organiser, Mr Mills.
The group rejected the outcome of the recent polls that saw 66-year-old John Kwame Awuah being elected as chairman.
They also pointed accusing fingers at the former Chairman, Mr Paul Sampana-Azure, and MP for the area, Ms Irene Naa Torshie Addo, who they said had subverted the process of electing polling station executives by intimidating members into accepting their selected persons.
Dr Antwi said the recent “selection and not election of polling station executives by people seeking their parochial interest does not only go to tarnish the image of the party within the constituency, but would go a long way to cost the party of the seat in the 2012 general elections”.
Continuing, Dr Antwi said “although we do not have silver and gold, we have common sense and good judgment in abundance, and would not allow ourselves to be enticed into compromising unacceptable conducts”, he remarked.
They expressed regret that the regional executives of the party sat down and looked on helplessly, allowing the shameful conduct of selections which breached the laid-down rules and modalities outlined by the general secretary.
They also expressed disappointment that various petitions on the said conduct forwarded to the national and regional executives fell on deaf ears as officials resorted to buck-passing, blame-game and pretence to signify all was well within the constituency.
Quoting a phrase from the famous Nigerian writer, Chinua Achebe, Dr Antwi said, “since national executives have decided to fly without perching, they would, in 2012, shoot without missing”.
At a press conference, which was well attended by party members in the constituency, the Second Vice-Chairman, Dr Martin K. Antwi, who was the spokesperson, said “as friends of truth and enemies of lies, the group believes in principles, fair play and justice”.
The press conference was also attended by Constituency Secretary, Mr Osei-Wusu, the organiser, Francis Porebo, women’s Organiser, Christie Mohammed, Financial Secretary, Barima Abankwah, and the Youth Organiser, Mr Mills.
The group rejected the outcome of the recent polls that saw 66-year-old John Kwame Awuah being elected as chairman.
They also pointed accusing fingers at the former Chairman, Mr Paul Sampana-Azure, and MP for the area, Ms Irene Naa Torshie Addo, who they said had subverted the process of electing polling station executives by intimidating members into accepting their selected persons.
Dr Antwi said the recent “selection and not election of polling station executives by people seeking their parochial interest does not only go to tarnish the image of the party within the constituency, but would go a long way to cost the party of the seat in the 2012 general elections”.
Continuing, Dr Antwi said “although we do not have silver and gold, we have common sense and good judgment in abundance, and would not allow ourselves to be enticed into compromising unacceptable conducts”, he remarked.
They expressed regret that the regional executives of the party sat down and looked on helplessly, allowing the shameful conduct of selections which breached the laid-down rules and modalities outlined by the general secretary.
They also expressed disappointment that various petitions on the said conduct forwarded to the national and regional executives fell on deaf ears as officials resorted to buck-passing, blame-game and pretence to signify all was well within the constituency.
Quoting a phrase from the famous Nigerian writer, Chinua Achebe, Dr Antwi said, “since national executives have decided to fly without perching, they would, in 2012, shoot without missing”.
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