GHANA is set to incorporate the International Migration Organisation’s model of safety regulations into its statutes following the development of safety and security standards to control transport operations in inland waterways.
The Deputy Transport Minister, Ms Dzifa Attivor, disclosed this at the passing-out parade of 120 Life Guards as part of the Volta Lake Enhancement Project instituted by the ministry in November, 2009.
The programme, put together by Zoil Services Limited, a subsidiary of waste management company Zoomlion, in collaboration with the ministry and its allied bodies, saw the graduates through a two-week programme at the Eastern Naval Command, where they were taken through some basic life-saving programmes such as boat work, survival, foot drill, life-saving skills, voice communication and physical education.
The trainees were drawn from the Northern, Volta, Eastern, Brong Ahafo, Western and the Greater Accra regions.
Ms Attivor said Ghana, as a developing country, had more than 90 per cent of its tonnage of vessels made up of non-conventional ships and vessels.
These vessels, according to the minister, were the only means of transport and livelihood for inhabitants along the Volta Lake.
She said the ministry, as a major stakeholder in the transport business, considered human resource development as a key factor aimed at achieving the government’s development goals, “hence our commitment to improve transportation on the lake to satisfactorily serve the communities towards the enhancement of their social, economic and cultural activities”.
She commended Zoil Services for its determination to help improve the lives of people and charged the graduates to discharge their duties with seriousness as they embraced the crucial expectation of saving lives on the lake.
The General Manager of Zoil Services, Mr Opoku Manu, noted that frequent boat disasters leading to the loss of many lives on the lake necessitated the provision of well-trained life guards at all landing points along the lake to provide emergency life-saving assistance, as well as beef up boat patrols along the lake.
He said the company, in its quest to continually sensitise communities along the lake to ensuring safety, had procured over 10, 000 life jackets for use on the boats.
“It is our belief that the project would not only create jobs for over 2,000 youth, but would enhance the confidence in transporting goods and people across the lake, aimed at increasing economic activity,” he said.
He paid glowing tribute to the government agencies which embraced the policy and provided the needed technical support and encouragement towards the smooth implementation of the programme.
Mr Opoku Manu, on behalf of Zoil Services, presented 100 pieces of plastic chairs and tables and a refrigerator to the command in appreciation of the successful training of the graduates.
The Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Commodore Albert Bentil Addison, called for the sustainability of the programme.
He challenged the implementation agencies of the programme to develop follow-up modules for assessment and subsequent evaluation.
The Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Mr Nestor Paul Galley, and the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Mr Peter Issaka Azumah, were some of the dignitaries that graced the occasion.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
DACOSTA, ANTWI WIN TEMA CAPTAIN'S PRIZE, DAILY GRAPHIC, WED FEB 17, 10 (PAGE 47)
CELEBRITY’s EBO Dacosta and veteran Esther Antwi of the host club emerged winners of the Captain’s Prize tourney played at the Tema Golf Club last Saturday.
Ebo who played on handicap 18, netted a total score of 71, while Esther with handicap 13 returned a net score of 67 in the ladies category to win the topmost prize.
Achimota based S.D Odame who scored 64 to place second, while Managing Director of Cal bank, Frank Adu Jnr netting 74 beating Rev Essau Kwame Amezado on count back to place third.
Beatrice Vetch-Bempong returning a score of 71 place second by demolishing Scratch queen expert Mona Myers Lamptey who net 73 by beating Achimota’s Margaret Anderson on count back to place third.
Emmanuel Kwaku Osei grossing 139 emerged winner in the professional division taking home a cash of GHC400. He was closely followed by Victor Brave Mensah who grossed 141 beating Vincent Torgah on count back. They each received a cash prize of GHC300, with Baba Akologo placing fourth with a gross score of 145.
Achimota’s Mathias Dorfe playing on handicap 16, netted a total score of 64 to emerge winner in the men category B, while Osafo Sampong and Ampiaw Osei scored 70 and 71 to place second and third in that order.
Lady Captain of Celebrity, Briggette Harrington returned a net of 73 beating the Zimbabwean Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs Pavelyn Musaka on count back in the ladies group A.
Club captain, Leonard Kwaku Okyere paid glowing tribute to members of the club as well as visiting golfers for a well attended tournament.
He revealed the club has made significant progress in the development of the course following a greening project launched sometime ago as parts of measures being make to improve facilities at the course.
President of the Ghana Golf Association, Dr F.K Frimpong commended the management of the Club for the momentous improvement of facilities at the site and charged members to be worthy ambassadors towards the promotion of the sports.
He regretted women membership within the golfing fraternity is not encouraging and charged lady golfers to embark on massive campaign that would see younger women taking up membership.
Ebo who played on handicap 18, netted a total score of 71, while Esther with handicap 13 returned a net score of 67 in the ladies category to win the topmost prize.
Achimota based S.D Odame who scored 64 to place second, while Managing Director of Cal bank, Frank Adu Jnr netting 74 beating Rev Essau Kwame Amezado on count back to place third.
Beatrice Vetch-Bempong returning a score of 71 place second by demolishing Scratch queen expert Mona Myers Lamptey who net 73 by beating Achimota’s Margaret Anderson on count back to place third.
Emmanuel Kwaku Osei grossing 139 emerged winner in the professional division taking home a cash of GHC400. He was closely followed by Victor Brave Mensah who grossed 141 beating Vincent Torgah on count back. They each received a cash prize of GHC300, with Baba Akologo placing fourth with a gross score of 145.
Achimota’s Mathias Dorfe playing on handicap 16, netted a total score of 64 to emerge winner in the men category B, while Osafo Sampong and Ampiaw Osei scored 70 and 71 to place second and third in that order.
Lady Captain of Celebrity, Briggette Harrington returned a net of 73 beating the Zimbabwean Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs Pavelyn Musaka on count back in the ladies group A.
Club captain, Leonard Kwaku Okyere paid glowing tribute to members of the club as well as visiting golfers for a well attended tournament.
He revealed the club has made significant progress in the development of the course following a greening project launched sometime ago as parts of measures being make to improve facilities at the course.
President of the Ghana Golf Association, Dr F.K Frimpong commended the management of the Club for the momentous improvement of facilities at the site and charged members to be worthy ambassadors towards the promotion of the sports.
He regretted women membership within the golfing fraternity is not encouraging and charged lady golfers to embark on massive campaign that would see younger women taking up membership.
WE WON'T GO TO NSAWAM, Declares Ashaiman Cell Inmates, DAILY GRAPHIC, MON FEB 22, 10 (PAGE 27)
NINE inmates of the Ashaiman Police cells who were to be transported to the Nsawam Medium Prisons smeared themselves with human excreta while demonstrating in the cells when the ‘Black Maria’ which was to transport them to Nsawam arrived at the station Friday morning.
The inmates cited lack of support from the authority and non-access to food and other resources at their disposal for their action.
According to them, being sent to Nsawam, would deny them daily provision of food, clothing and vital information from their families some of whom resides in the town and its adjourning communities.
The news of the demonstration attracted scores of residents and traders within the community who besieged the frontage of the station to catch a glimpsed of the action.
The action also saw the Black Maria driving away after fruitless efforts on the part of personnel to get the inmates on board.
Briefing the Daily Graphic on the incidents, the Ashaiman Police District Commander, Supt Peter Kobina indicated, following the death of two inmates of the cell a fortnight ago, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye has ordered an immediate evacuation of inmates to make way for construction of a new cell and subsequent renovation of the old facility.
According to Supt Kobina, seven inmates who were part of 16 remand prisoners in the cell were dispatched a week ago, while further arrangement with the police transport department for the conveyance of the rest nine was schedule for that fateful friday.
‘We were taken aback when inmates rushed into the toilet smearing themselves amidst shouts of we won’t go to Nsawam, upon hearing the sounds of the vehicle in the compound’, he remarked.
He however assured personnel would engage inmates in a persuasive manner so that they would be sent to Nsawam by Monday.
When the Daily Graphic got to the scene at about 12: 00pm, inmates were heard chanting suggestive songs to indicate their unpreparedness to be sent to the Nsawam medium prison.
Inmates who saw the clicks of still cameras in the charge office appealed to media personnel to plead with the authorities to rescind their decision.
Two persons who were on remand at the station on alleged charges of causing harm died while waiting to be put before court.
The two, William Asomani,30 and Issaka Salifu, 38 died from suffocation following excessive heat resulting from congestion in the cells which was holding 45 inmates at the time of the incident although, it was originally built to carry ten inmates at a time.
The occurrence saw the Commissioner of the Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Mr Emile Short and his Deputy, Ms Anna Bossman visiting the cells to get a first hand information on the incident.
The inmates cited lack of support from the authority and non-access to food and other resources at their disposal for their action.
According to them, being sent to Nsawam, would deny them daily provision of food, clothing and vital information from their families some of whom resides in the town and its adjourning communities.
The news of the demonstration attracted scores of residents and traders within the community who besieged the frontage of the station to catch a glimpsed of the action.
The action also saw the Black Maria driving away after fruitless efforts on the part of personnel to get the inmates on board.
Briefing the Daily Graphic on the incidents, the Ashaiman Police District Commander, Supt Peter Kobina indicated, following the death of two inmates of the cell a fortnight ago, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye has ordered an immediate evacuation of inmates to make way for construction of a new cell and subsequent renovation of the old facility.
According to Supt Kobina, seven inmates who were part of 16 remand prisoners in the cell were dispatched a week ago, while further arrangement with the police transport department for the conveyance of the rest nine was schedule for that fateful friday.
‘We were taken aback when inmates rushed into the toilet smearing themselves amidst shouts of we won’t go to Nsawam, upon hearing the sounds of the vehicle in the compound’, he remarked.
He however assured personnel would engage inmates in a persuasive manner so that they would be sent to Nsawam by Monday.
When the Daily Graphic got to the scene at about 12: 00pm, inmates were heard chanting suggestive songs to indicate their unpreparedness to be sent to the Nsawam medium prison.
Inmates who saw the clicks of still cameras in the charge office appealed to media personnel to plead with the authorities to rescind their decision.
Two persons who were on remand at the station on alleged charges of causing harm died while waiting to be put before court.
The two, William Asomani,30 and Issaka Salifu, 38 died from suffocation following excessive heat resulting from congestion in the cells which was holding 45 inmates at the time of the incident although, it was originally built to carry ten inmates at a time.
The occurrence saw the Commissioner of the Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Mr Emile Short and his Deputy, Ms Anna Bossman visiting the cells to get a first hand information on the incident.
ENCROACHERS TAKE OVER MDPI LAND, DAILY GRAPHIC, MON FEB 22, 10 (PAGE 55)
THE Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI) face a possible closure following a notice of being evicted from the temporary structure that houses the institute at the old ministries near the passport office.
The school’s permanent location at Batsoona on the Spintex road has also been at the mercy of encroachers who have undertaken various construction works on the entire 158.184 acres of land that houses an abandoned seven storey office accommodation and lecture theatres leaving only the skeletal administration block in the middle.
This development the school’s board and management believes would go to delay a proposed degree programme which is intended to be rolled out by the institute in September this year.
The land which covers an area of about 63.27 hectors from the community 18 junction through the Tema Trade Fair (TEXPO) along the stretch have seen massive upsurge of office complexes and private homes that adorn the route.
A visit to the site revealed several structures that houses homes while new buildings were also seen springing up on the school's compound, while construction works on auditoriums to house worshippers of the Baptist Methodist Church, Miracle Life Gospel Church and the Victory Bible Church were significantly underway.
Director of the Institute, Dr Martin Yao Zame who took members of the school’s board on a tour of the site revealed the school may be forced to close down temporarily while arrangements are made for a possible relocation to the new site.
He told the board, the 158.184 acre land which was acquired through an executive instrument, (EI 112) by the government in 1974 for the construction of a Sub-Regional Management Development and Productivity Institute, following the formation of ECOWAS in 1975 has over the years not received any attention from successive governments.
Dr Zame said, construction works on the seven storey block which commenced in 1975 by the defunct State Construction Corporation (SCC) was abandoned in 1981 owing to resource constraints as a result of a decline in the economy due to the coup in that year.
According to the director, government in 1998 resumed funding on the building in addition to a three storey hostel facility to accommodate students of which an amount of GHC120, 000 was spent on the abandoned structure.
‘This project again came to a standstill in 2001, following a change in government leading to massive encroachment at the site owing to neglect by the government’, he lament.
According to Dr Zame, the institute initiated several court actions against two major encroachers, namely Esther Quao Momo and Elizabeth Sarpong, however a sudden transfer of the judge sitting on the case as well as a legalisation of their activities by former Attorney General, Nii Ayikwei Otoo led to a demise of the case and the subsequent upsurge of buildings on the school compound.
Board chair, Mr James Creppy regretted, past governments negation to protect the land from such activities in the past has led to the current challenges facing the institute.
He said government in 1975 paid compensations to eight out of the nine claimants to the land leaving out the then Nungua Mantse, Nii Odai Ayiku IV, who was claiming for the Nungua Stool but was in exile at the time payment was effected for the compensational packages.
‘Our visit to this new site was to establish areas where the school’s assets are located as well as get a first hand information on the situations pertaining on the ground’, Mr Creppy said.
He assured a stakeholders meeting would be conveyed immediately to access the situation.
The school’s permanent location at Batsoona on the Spintex road has also been at the mercy of encroachers who have undertaken various construction works on the entire 158.184 acres of land that houses an abandoned seven storey office accommodation and lecture theatres leaving only the skeletal administration block in the middle.
This development the school’s board and management believes would go to delay a proposed degree programme which is intended to be rolled out by the institute in September this year.
The land which covers an area of about 63.27 hectors from the community 18 junction through the Tema Trade Fair (TEXPO) along the stretch have seen massive upsurge of office complexes and private homes that adorn the route.
A visit to the site revealed several structures that houses homes while new buildings were also seen springing up on the school's compound, while construction works on auditoriums to house worshippers of the Baptist Methodist Church, Miracle Life Gospel Church and the Victory Bible Church were significantly underway.
Director of the Institute, Dr Martin Yao Zame who took members of the school’s board on a tour of the site revealed the school may be forced to close down temporarily while arrangements are made for a possible relocation to the new site.
He told the board, the 158.184 acre land which was acquired through an executive instrument, (EI 112) by the government in 1974 for the construction of a Sub-Regional Management Development and Productivity Institute, following the formation of ECOWAS in 1975 has over the years not received any attention from successive governments.
Dr Zame said, construction works on the seven storey block which commenced in 1975 by the defunct State Construction Corporation (SCC) was abandoned in 1981 owing to resource constraints as a result of a decline in the economy due to the coup in that year.
According to the director, government in 1998 resumed funding on the building in addition to a three storey hostel facility to accommodate students of which an amount of GHC120, 000 was spent on the abandoned structure.
‘This project again came to a standstill in 2001, following a change in government leading to massive encroachment at the site owing to neglect by the government’, he lament.
According to Dr Zame, the institute initiated several court actions against two major encroachers, namely Esther Quao Momo and Elizabeth Sarpong, however a sudden transfer of the judge sitting on the case as well as a legalisation of their activities by former Attorney General, Nii Ayikwei Otoo led to a demise of the case and the subsequent upsurge of buildings on the school compound.
Board chair, Mr James Creppy regretted, past governments negation to protect the land from such activities in the past has led to the current challenges facing the institute.
He said government in 1975 paid compensations to eight out of the nine claimants to the land leaving out the then Nungua Mantse, Nii Odai Ayiku IV, who was claiming for the Nungua Stool but was in exile at the time payment was effected for the compensational packages.
‘Our visit to this new site was to establish areas where the school’s assets are located as well as get a first hand information on the situations pertaining on the ground’, Mr Creppy said.
He assured a stakeholders meeting would be conveyed immediately to access the situation.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
CEPS UNDER FIRE, Finance Minister Strikes for corruption and non-performance, DAILY GRAPHIC, TUE FEB 16, 10 (LEAD STORY)
THE Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Kwabena Duffour, has taken the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) to task and challenged its leadership and workers to rid the service of its perceived corruption.
In addition to its corrupt image, the minister also chided the service for failure to meet its revenue collection targets, saying nothing could explain the sloppy performance it registered.
The usually calm Finance Minister expressed his frustration during a surprise visit to the service's largest collection point at the Tema Harbour.
He expressed regret at the frequent negative reports of corruption and malfeasance within the service and told the Commissioner of CEPS and the entire staff to be proactive and boldly come up with interventions to raise the sunken image of the service and win back public trust and confidence.
The Commissioner of CEPS, Mr Richard Kumah Lanyon, told reporters later that the inability of the service to meet its revenue collection targets was largely due to issues such as the downward revision of petroleum taxes, exemptions and the global recession that had affected the volume and value of imports into the country.
In his admonition, Mr Duffour had said, "Much as the government accepts that there are logistical and technical challenges hindering your delivery, the growing trend of negative conduct and reportage go on to retard the country's development, thus leaving the citizens in poverty."
He noted that the Tema collection of the service accounted for 55 per cent of the country’s total domestic revenue mobilisation but the service failed to achieve the set target, which he said dwindled massively last year to about 40 per cent, a situation he described as spelling doom for the country's growth.
Dr Duffour was at the port for a day's working visit to familiarise himself with the revenue collection modules of CEPS.
He expressed regret that allegations of corruption, malfeasance and massive fraud in the service continued to make headlines, quizzing, "Why can't you go out and embark on a massive image cleansing exercise that will go into restoring the service’s trust among the public?"
"It always saddens me to see my picture in the papers each time unspeakable publications about the service get to the public, just because 1 am your sector minister," he lamented.
During an interaction with the workers, some of them expressed worry over the outsourcing of some of the core functions of CEPS, such as valuation and classifications, to private companies, a situation they described as having a toll on their set targets and charged the government to revisit the issue to ensure that the country derived maximum benefit from destination inspection.
The minister also paid a courtesy call on the Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Mr Nestor Paul Galley, and assured him of the government's plans to transform the port 'into a hub in the West African sub-region.
Mr Galley told the minister that the implementation of the axle load regulation which began in June 2009 had brought about a drastic reduction in vehicular traffic at the port.
According to him, container toll had also dropped by 10 per cent, thereby affecting the authority's overall profit level and, therefore, the level of dividend to the government.
He called for government's support towards the port's development through the granting of soft loans to facilitate its activities.
In addition to its corrupt image, the minister also chided the service for failure to meet its revenue collection targets, saying nothing could explain the sloppy performance it registered.
The usually calm Finance Minister expressed his frustration during a surprise visit to the service's largest collection point at the Tema Harbour.
He expressed regret at the frequent negative reports of corruption and malfeasance within the service and told the Commissioner of CEPS and the entire staff to be proactive and boldly come up with interventions to raise the sunken image of the service and win back public trust and confidence.
The Commissioner of CEPS, Mr Richard Kumah Lanyon, told reporters later that the inability of the service to meet its revenue collection targets was largely due to issues such as the downward revision of petroleum taxes, exemptions and the global recession that had affected the volume and value of imports into the country.
In his admonition, Mr Duffour had said, "Much as the government accepts that there are logistical and technical challenges hindering your delivery, the growing trend of negative conduct and reportage go on to retard the country's development, thus leaving the citizens in poverty."
He noted that the Tema collection of the service accounted for 55 per cent of the country’s total domestic revenue mobilisation but the service failed to achieve the set target, which he said dwindled massively last year to about 40 per cent, a situation he described as spelling doom for the country's growth.
Dr Duffour was at the port for a day's working visit to familiarise himself with the revenue collection modules of CEPS.
He expressed regret that allegations of corruption, malfeasance and massive fraud in the service continued to make headlines, quizzing, "Why can't you go out and embark on a massive image cleansing exercise that will go into restoring the service’s trust among the public?"
"It always saddens me to see my picture in the papers each time unspeakable publications about the service get to the public, just because 1 am your sector minister," he lamented.
During an interaction with the workers, some of them expressed worry over the outsourcing of some of the core functions of CEPS, such as valuation and classifications, to private companies, a situation they described as having a toll on their set targets and charged the government to revisit the issue to ensure that the country derived maximum benefit from destination inspection.
The minister also paid a courtesy call on the Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Mr Nestor Paul Galley, and assured him of the government's plans to transform the port 'into a hub in the West African sub-region.
Mr Galley told the minister that the implementation of the axle load regulation which began in June 2009 had brought about a drastic reduction in vehicular traffic at the port.
According to him, container toll had also dropped by 10 per cent, thereby affecting the authority's overall profit level and, therefore, the level of dividend to the government.
He called for government's support towards the port's development through the granting of soft loans to facilitate its activities.
HAYATOU MUST GO, GRAPHIC SPORTS, TUE FEB 16, 10 (PAGE 7)
THE GAME of football, a by large measure, unites a nation, and this was brought to bear at the just ended African Cup of Nations tournament, where political divisiveness and accusations from Ghana’s two main political parties, the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) went almost missing.
A check on several competitions played across the continent as well as the topmost competition in the world goes to reiterate this position.
In my candid opinion, to say football is a religion in Africa is an understatement, it is a way of life to the African; hence the massive following it attracts.
It is a game with the power to make feuding persons unite in celebration.
Recent occurrences at the just ended Nations Cup, hosted by Angola, where the Togolese bus was attacked by blood thirsty rebels in the Cabinda region of the country would go into history as a dark day in African Football.
One decision I found ridiculous is the continent’s football governing body, the Confederation of African Football (CAF’s) decision to ban the Togolese National Team for pulling out of the tournament following the gun attack that saw two persons losing their lives.
The team was also to pay a fine of $50, 0000 for quitting the competition. I believe this is the most disgraceful decision by CAF for the year 2010 which described the Togolese government decision to call the playing body back home and the subsequent declaration of three days national mourning for the departed souls as a political interference in the game.
Perhaps, the technical team that deliberated on the occurrence and recommended the above verdict ought to be thoroughly examined.
The group’s recommendation and CAF’s action can be likened to the Ghanaian ‘Human Rights Activists’ who often go to war when the police shoots and kills an armed robber but go to bed when the story is the opposite where an armed robber turns around and kills the police officer.
One question this group of technical experts and CAF President Issa Hayatou needs to ask themselves is: ‘Would the committe or Mr Hayatou for that matter wait in Angola should their families whom they travelled with to Angola with were shot dead by ‘vicious rebels’ seeking to control the region’s wealth?
Much as I would agree, Mr Hayatou’s term as ‘chief strategist’ of the continental game has seen tremendous improvement in the game, I believe his continued stay in power like greedy corrupt leaders scattered across the African continent who still hold on to power even in their dying moments, may hasten an early demise of our football stars who are making strides to promote unity among war torn countries on the continent through the game cherished by all and sundry.
I totally support the Togolese team captain, Emmanuel Adebayo’s call for Mr Hayatou to be relieved of his post.
A check on several competitions played across the continent as well as the topmost competition in the world goes to reiterate this position.
In my candid opinion, to say football is a religion in Africa is an understatement, it is a way of life to the African; hence the massive following it attracts.
It is a game with the power to make feuding persons unite in celebration.
Recent occurrences at the just ended Nations Cup, hosted by Angola, where the Togolese bus was attacked by blood thirsty rebels in the Cabinda region of the country would go into history as a dark day in African Football.
One decision I found ridiculous is the continent’s football governing body, the Confederation of African Football (CAF’s) decision to ban the Togolese National Team for pulling out of the tournament following the gun attack that saw two persons losing their lives.
The team was also to pay a fine of $50, 0000 for quitting the competition. I believe this is the most disgraceful decision by CAF for the year 2010 which described the Togolese government decision to call the playing body back home and the subsequent declaration of three days national mourning for the departed souls as a political interference in the game.
Perhaps, the technical team that deliberated on the occurrence and recommended the above verdict ought to be thoroughly examined.
The group’s recommendation and CAF’s action can be likened to the Ghanaian ‘Human Rights Activists’ who often go to war when the police shoots and kills an armed robber but go to bed when the story is the opposite where an armed robber turns around and kills the police officer.
One question this group of technical experts and CAF President Issa Hayatou needs to ask themselves is: ‘Would the committe or Mr Hayatou for that matter wait in Angola should their families whom they travelled with to Angola with were shot dead by ‘vicious rebels’ seeking to control the region’s wealth?
Much as I would agree, Mr Hayatou’s term as ‘chief strategist’ of the continental game has seen tremendous improvement in the game, I believe his continued stay in power like greedy corrupt leaders scattered across the African continent who still hold on to power even in their dying moments, may hasten an early demise of our football stars who are making strides to promote unity among war torn countries on the continent through the game cherished by all and sundry.
I totally support the Togolese team captain, Emmanuel Adebayo’s call for Mr Hayatou to be relieved of his post.
Monday, February 15, 2010
TOR WORKERS CALL FOR ACTING MD's REMOVAL, DAILY GRAPHIC, SAT FEB 13, 10 (BACK PAGE)
WORKERS of the Tema Oil Refinery have called for the immediate removal of the Acting Managing Director, Dr Kwame Ampofo, Management and the entire Board of Directors on the grounds of incompetence.
The demand followed an emergency meeting held by the leadership of the workers unions in Tema on Thursday during which a programme dubbed, ‘Operation Save Tema Oil Refinery’, was launched.
Daily Graphic sources close to the union disclosed that, the MD and management failed to clear spare parts imported by the company from Europe for repair works on its plants leading to the subsequent auction of the parts by the Customs Excise and Preventive Service.
The parts according to the source were imported costing several millions of dollars for refurbishment works on the Crude Distillation Unit and the Residual Catalytic Cracker.
The two unions questioned why the parts which were imported into the country in April 2009 were not cleared and kept in a customs bonded warehouse owned by TOR and could be valued for by an assistant commissioner of CEPS who is stationed at the refinery each time TOR decides to use a particular part meant for maintenance.
The source added that, management’s inability to procure crude oil for production works has also seen the CDU and the RFCC being shut down for the past one week, leading to the lifting of finished products to serve the general public.
They also alleged that, the Ghana National Petroleum Authority’s (GNPC) parcels of crude oil through the government to government arrangement from neighboring Nigeria was also being diverted by the corporation to individuals in government.
When contacted on the telephone, Dr Ampofo admitted that the financial difficulties that the refinery was going through which had led to the refusal of financial institutions not granting letters of credit for the procurement of crude oil.
‘If we go ahead to clear the parts with the little resources at our disposal, it would mean, workers will be denied their monthly salary, that is why government has contracted a transaction advisor to restructure TOR’s finances as this shows the company is bankrupt’, he said.
On the shutting down of the two plants, Dr Ampofo denied that it was as a result of non-availability of crude oil.
According to him, they were in the middle of refining parcels of crude oil brought in by GNPC when the ‘work guard compressor' which is attached to the RFCC plant broke down.
The Chief Executive of GNPC, Nana Asafu-Adjaye on the other hand denied that the corporation was diverting crude oil meant for refining to top government officials.
He attributed the hoarding of the crude to the recent fire outbreak that occurred at the loading gantry, which he described as having a toll on the refinery’s delivery as trucks cannot readily load products.
‘I can assure you that no member of the board or for that matter the board chair, Mr Ato Ahwoi have diverted any petroleum product meant for the general public’s consumption as being alledged by the workers’, he remarked.
The demand followed an emergency meeting held by the leadership of the workers unions in Tema on Thursday during which a programme dubbed, ‘Operation Save Tema Oil Refinery’, was launched.
Daily Graphic sources close to the union disclosed that, the MD and management failed to clear spare parts imported by the company from Europe for repair works on its plants leading to the subsequent auction of the parts by the Customs Excise and Preventive Service.
The parts according to the source were imported costing several millions of dollars for refurbishment works on the Crude Distillation Unit and the Residual Catalytic Cracker.
The two unions questioned why the parts which were imported into the country in April 2009 were not cleared and kept in a customs bonded warehouse owned by TOR and could be valued for by an assistant commissioner of CEPS who is stationed at the refinery each time TOR decides to use a particular part meant for maintenance.
The source added that, management’s inability to procure crude oil for production works has also seen the CDU and the RFCC being shut down for the past one week, leading to the lifting of finished products to serve the general public.
They also alleged that, the Ghana National Petroleum Authority’s (GNPC) parcels of crude oil through the government to government arrangement from neighboring Nigeria was also being diverted by the corporation to individuals in government.
When contacted on the telephone, Dr Ampofo admitted that the financial difficulties that the refinery was going through which had led to the refusal of financial institutions not granting letters of credit for the procurement of crude oil.
‘If we go ahead to clear the parts with the little resources at our disposal, it would mean, workers will be denied their monthly salary, that is why government has contracted a transaction advisor to restructure TOR’s finances as this shows the company is bankrupt’, he said.
On the shutting down of the two plants, Dr Ampofo denied that it was as a result of non-availability of crude oil.
According to him, they were in the middle of refining parcels of crude oil brought in by GNPC when the ‘work guard compressor' which is attached to the RFCC plant broke down.
The Chief Executive of GNPC, Nana Asafu-Adjaye on the other hand denied that the corporation was diverting crude oil meant for refining to top government officials.
He attributed the hoarding of the crude to the recent fire outbreak that occurred at the loading gantry, which he described as having a toll on the refinery’s delivery as trucks cannot readily load products.
‘I can assure you that no member of the board or for that matter the board chair, Mr Ato Ahwoi have diverted any petroleum product meant for the general public’s consumption as being alledged by the workers’, he remarked.
VEEP INSPECTS ROAD PROJECTS IN TEMA, DAILY GRAPHIC, SAT FEB 6, 10 (BACK PAGE)
Work on the 53 kilometer road network in Tema,Ashaiman and Kpone estimated at GH¢30 million has began.
The project which includes 20.10 km asphaltic surface, 33.1 km bituminous surface seal, 18.30 km asphaltic road surface and 15 km of upgrade of unpaved roads is being funded by the government.
The Vice President Mr John Dramani Mahama who inspected the work, disclosed that all traffic lights in the Tema metropolis would also be changed to a new system which would have a back up of 48 hours during power outages.
Mr Mahama noted that the decline nature in revenue estimates from the Ghana Road Fund had complicated the situation, leading to the steady deterioration of the road infrastructure.
He said accessible drainage systems, sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements were also affected by the shortfall.
The Vice President observed that most of the country’s urban areas were facing increasing traffic congestion problems due to factors among which are the deplorable condition of the road network.
He said expenditure on road maintenance was substantial,relative to the overall national budget but it had not yielded expected returns.
He indicated that government deemed it necessary to arrest the situation and save the road networks and the economy from imminent collapse.
Mr Mahama said government was committed to the needs of the vast majority of the Ghanaian and would do all that is within its power legally to make the country a better place after 2012.
He said there would be transparency in the collection of road tolls and that there would be yearly publications of the results of the revenue generated and disbursement from the tolls.
The Minister for Roads and Highways Mr Joe Gidisu who accompanied the Vice President on his rounds said Tema Metropolis has a total road network of 1,331km made up of 572 km paved and 759 unpaved road.
He said after the rains in 2009,there was drastic deterioration in the conditions of the roads in Tema and the Metropolis has only 30 percent of the network in good condition.
He said some critical areas that were identified to be included in the rehabilitation and upgrading project were the central business districts,Tema Oil Refinery (TOR)road, Kpone main road, Ashaiman–Zeenu road, Tema Beach road Meridian roads, Lashibi and Klagon roads in addition to the defective traffic lights.
Mr Gidisu said the Road Fund was servicing a loan facility that was taken from Social Security and National Insurance Trust in 2007 and was optimistic that increment in the tolls would facilitate the repayment of the loan as well as support more of the road maintenance works .
He called on the Assemblies to be proactive in their supervisory roles in the rehabilitation works to achieve the objectives of the investments and appealed to the contractors working on the projects to adhere to the quality specifications since anything short of it will not be tolerated.
The Chiefs and Elders of Kpone and Tema witnessed the ceremony.
The project which includes 20.10 km asphaltic surface, 33.1 km bituminous surface seal, 18.30 km asphaltic road surface and 15 km of upgrade of unpaved roads is being funded by the government.
The Vice President Mr John Dramani Mahama who inspected the work, disclosed that all traffic lights in the Tema metropolis would also be changed to a new system which would have a back up of 48 hours during power outages.
Mr Mahama noted that the decline nature in revenue estimates from the Ghana Road Fund had complicated the situation, leading to the steady deterioration of the road infrastructure.
He said accessible drainage systems, sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements were also affected by the shortfall.
The Vice President observed that most of the country’s urban areas were facing increasing traffic congestion problems due to factors among which are the deplorable condition of the road network.
He said expenditure on road maintenance was substantial,relative to the overall national budget but it had not yielded expected returns.
He indicated that government deemed it necessary to arrest the situation and save the road networks and the economy from imminent collapse.
Mr Mahama said government was committed to the needs of the vast majority of the Ghanaian and would do all that is within its power legally to make the country a better place after 2012.
He said there would be transparency in the collection of road tolls and that there would be yearly publications of the results of the revenue generated and disbursement from the tolls.
The Minister for Roads and Highways Mr Joe Gidisu who accompanied the Vice President on his rounds said Tema Metropolis has a total road network of 1,331km made up of 572 km paved and 759 unpaved road.
He said after the rains in 2009,there was drastic deterioration in the conditions of the roads in Tema and the Metropolis has only 30 percent of the network in good condition.
He said some critical areas that were identified to be included in the rehabilitation and upgrading project were the central business districts,Tema Oil Refinery (TOR)road, Kpone main road, Ashaiman–Zeenu road, Tema Beach road Meridian roads, Lashibi and Klagon roads in addition to the defective traffic lights.
Mr Gidisu said the Road Fund was servicing a loan facility that was taken from Social Security and National Insurance Trust in 2007 and was optimistic that increment in the tolls would facilitate the repayment of the loan as well as support more of the road maintenance works .
He called on the Assemblies to be proactive in their supervisory roles in the rehabilitation works to achieve the objectives of the investments and appealed to the contractors working on the projects to adhere to the quality specifications since anything short of it will not be tolerated.
The Chiefs and Elders of Kpone and Tema witnessed the ceremony.
GOLF: TEMA COUNTRY PRIZE SATURDAY, GRAPHIC SPORTS, FRI FEB 12, 10 (PAGE 11)
THE Tema Country Golf Club would on Saturday play host to the 2009 edition of the Captain’s prize tournament.
The competition which is the club’s second for the year after a successful host of the ladies edition last month seeks to re-enact rivalry among the sport’s top guns.
A released signed by Mr Ebenezer Adablanu, manager of the club indicated the competition which tees off at 7am has been categorized in various handicap.
According to Mr Adablanu, the Men handicap A would play in 1-18, while hole 19-28 would play for handicap B.
while the ladies category, hosts handicap A from 1-20, while B would range from 21-28.
The competition which is open to all golfers from golfing clubs within the Accra and Tema metropolis would see the likes of Achimota based Mathias Dorfe locking horns with the host club’s Emmanuel Tetteh Mensah, while scratch queen expert Mona Myers Lamptey takes on the likes of Lady Scientific, Florence Etwi- Barimah and Celebrity based Briggette Harrington for the honours.
The tourney is being sponsored by the club’s Leonard Kweku Okyere.
The competition which is the club’s second for the year after a successful host of the ladies edition last month seeks to re-enact rivalry among the sport’s top guns.
A released signed by Mr Ebenezer Adablanu, manager of the club indicated the competition which tees off at 7am has been categorized in various handicap.
According to Mr Adablanu, the Men handicap A would play in 1-18, while hole 19-28 would play for handicap B.
while the ladies category, hosts handicap A from 1-20, while B would range from 21-28.
The competition which is open to all golfers from golfing clubs within the Accra and Tema metropolis would see the likes of Achimota based Mathias Dorfe locking horns with the host club’s Emmanuel Tetteh Mensah, while scratch queen expert Mona Myers Lamptey takes on the likes of Lady Scientific, Florence Etwi- Barimah and Celebrity based Briggette Harrington for the honours.
The tourney is being sponsored by the club’s Leonard Kweku Okyere.
KOTOKO IN DAKAR, DAILY GRAPHIC, FRI FEB 11, 10 (PAGE 71)
GHANA’s sole continental campaigners, Kumasi Asante Kotoko were expected to leave Accra last night for Dakar, Senegal for the first leg of their CAF Champions league preliminary round clash with ASC Linguare.
The 26 man contingent, including 18 players was schedule to leave at 11: 30 pm last night for Saturday’s encounter.
The playing squad included, goal keepers Soulama Abudullai and Issac Amoako, defenders Gideon Baah, Prince Boateng, Michael Ofosu Appiah, Prince Anokye and kabiru Moro.
Others travelling with the team were Nii Adjei, Iddrisu Yahaya, Jordan Opoku, Baffour Gyan, Edward Affum, Louis Agyemang, Francis Coffie and Alex Asamoah.
Official sources said Kotoko would have their first training session this afternoon under the guidance of Coach Paa Kwesi Fabin after their expected arrival at dawn today.
Meawhile, Kumasi Asante Kotoko in their build up on Sunday’s match were shocked by a 1-0 by Tema based division one side Emirates SC at the Tema Sports Stadium.
The porcupine warriors gave a false impression about themselves in the first 20minutes but fizzled out after the initial dominance raising concerns about the team’s readiness for the task ahead.
Ghana’s former international star, Baffour Gyan who struggle throughout the match was sent off in the 51st minute for a violent attack on Joel Arthur as nine other players were also booked by the referee.
The 26 man contingent, including 18 players was schedule to leave at 11: 30 pm last night for Saturday’s encounter.
The playing squad included, goal keepers Soulama Abudullai and Issac Amoako, defenders Gideon Baah, Prince Boateng, Michael Ofosu Appiah, Prince Anokye and kabiru Moro.
Others travelling with the team were Nii Adjei, Iddrisu Yahaya, Jordan Opoku, Baffour Gyan, Edward Affum, Louis Agyemang, Francis Coffie and Alex Asamoah.
Official sources said Kotoko would have their first training session this afternoon under the guidance of Coach Paa Kwesi Fabin after their expected arrival at dawn today.
Meawhile, Kumasi Asante Kotoko in their build up on Sunday’s match were shocked by a 1-0 by Tema based division one side Emirates SC at the Tema Sports Stadium.
The porcupine warriors gave a false impression about themselves in the first 20minutes but fizzled out after the initial dominance raising concerns about the team’s readiness for the task ahead.
Ghana’s former international star, Baffour Gyan who struggle throughout the match was sent off in the 51st minute for a violent attack on Joel Arthur as nine other players were also booked by the referee.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
COMPANY ASSIST REMAR FOUNDATION, DAILY GRAPHIC, SAT 6 FEB, 10 (PAGE 18)
MULTI PRO Private Limited, distributors of Indomie Instant Noodles has donated assorted items valued at GHC750 to inmates of the Remar Foundation located in Tema.
The items made up of 50 cartons of Indomie noodles, 400 sets of note one exercise books, crayons, pens and pencils.
Presenting the items, Assistant Sales and marketing Manager of the company, Mr Frederick Kwesi Martinson indicated, his outfit as part of its efforts to reach to institutions and organisations making strides to reduce all forms of destitution, saw the need to reach out to the foundation.
Mr Martinson noted, running a foundation in our part of the world could be a tiresome mission; hence the need for corporate bodies that are making strides to bring sanity to society.
‘For us as an institution, we deemed it necessary to shift away from the culture of profit making once in a while and reached out to the less privileged in the community we operates in’, Mr Martinson remarked.
The Public Relations Manager of the foundation, Mr Joshua Mamphey, who received the items on behalf of the center, expressed profound appreciation to the company for the gesture.
According to him, the foundation is a non profit charitable organisation serves as a correctional facility for children rescued from the streets across various metropolises in the country.
Mr Mamphey noted, the foundation which was incorporated in the country over a decade ago has no permanent structure that houses inmates, a situation he describes having a toll on the centre’s meagre resources and appeal to corporate bodies and well meaning Ghanaians to help the foundation acquire a permanent facility for total reformation of inmates.
Remar foundation founded in 1982 in Spain by Miguel Biez, a philanthropist and a businessman has over the years provided humanitarian assistance to the most needy, abandoned children as well as persons orphaned by HIV and AIDs.
The foundation since its establishment apart from providing support for the above mentioned group has contributed massively towards the education young people who miss out on education owing to poverty.
It which currently has centers in over fifty three different countries worldwide has also been providing assistance to many prisoners across their country of operation.
The items made up of 50 cartons of Indomie noodles, 400 sets of note one exercise books, crayons, pens and pencils.
Presenting the items, Assistant Sales and marketing Manager of the company, Mr Frederick Kwesi Martinson indicated, his outfit as part of its efforts to reach to institutions and organisations making strides to reduce all forms of destitution, saw the need to reach out to the foundation.
Mr Martinson noted, running a foundation in our part of the world could be a tiresome mission; hence the need for corporate bodies that are making strides to bring sanity to society.
‘For us as an institution, we deemed it necessary to shift away from the culture of profit making once in a while and reached out to the less privileged in the community we operates in’, Mr Martinson remarked.
The Public Relations Manager of the foundation, Mr Joshua Mamphey, who received the items on behalf of the center, expressed profound appreciation to the company for the gesture.
According to him, the foundation is a non profit charitable organisation serves as a correctional facility for children rescued from the streets across various metropolises in the country.
Mr Mamphey noted, the foundation which was incorporated in the country over a decade ago has no permanent structure that houses inmates, a situation he describes having a toll on the centre’s meagre resources and appeal to corporate bodies and well meaning Ghanaians to help the foundation acquire a permanent facility for total reformation of inmates.
Remar foundation founded in 1982 in Spain by Miguel Biez, a philanthropist and a businessman has over the years provided humanitarian assistance to the most needy, abandoned children as well as persons orphaned by HIV and AIDs.
The foundation since its establishment apart from providing support for the above mentioned group has contributed massively towards the education young people who miss out on education owing to poverty.
It which currently has centers in over fifty three different countries worldwide has also been providing assistance to many prisoners across their country of operation.
KNUST TO REVOKE AFFILIATION OF INSTITUTIONS - which louts regulations, DAILY GRAPHIC, FRI FEB 5, 10 (PAGE 11)
THE Registrar of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Mr Kobby Yebo-Okrah has warned institutions affiliated to the university that the KNUST would not hesitate to revoke the affiliation of such institutions that flout its set regulations.
Speaking at the 5th matriculation ceremony of Data Link University College in Tema, he said KNUST was a reputable institution and would not allow any educational establishment to dent its image.
He challenged the students to study diligently and be worthy ambassadors of the institute.
Mr Yebo-Okrah pointed out that the KNUST has put in place stringent requirements to be complied by its affiliated accredited institutions and that made it difficult for the growing number of higher institutions of learning seeking to be affiliated.
This according to him was to ensure that institutions that applied to be affiliated to the KNUST have the needed facilities in place for an effective teaching and learning to warrant their association.
Mr Yebo-Okrah noted that non compliance on the part of some young institutions to meet the university’s requirements has witnessed massive withdrawal of some applications while these applicant institutions use the acknowledgement of application letter heads from the university into deceiving prospective students and the general public of being affiliated to the KNUST.
The President of the College, Professor Rose Joshua, said Data Link as an institution is making strides to maintain leadership in higher education through the introduction of courses that are driven by national needs.
‘Our focus this year is to collaborate with the nurses and midwives council to introduce a programme in nursing with special emphasis in palliative, neonatal, midwifery and critical nursing care’, she remarked.
The programme according to her when introduced would aim towards building capacity at the local level so as to minimise the dependence on importation of human resources into the country’s health sector.
She challenged students to avail themselves as the institute made strides to shape a future for themselves and their families.
Out of the 625 students who were matriculated for the 2009/10 academic year, 360 were males while 265 of them were females including 14 foreign students.
Data Link Institute founded by a Ghanaian businessman, Mr Ernest Ansah started as a charitable organisation in 1993 through the distributions of computer and its accessories to less endowed schools across the country and later evolved into a computer training institute in 1996.
The institution in its quest to provide quality information technology education to citizens in 2006 received an accreditation from the National Accreditation Board to run degree programmes in computer science and business administration.
The institute which currently has a total students population of 1268 and runs a combine programme in computer science and information studies is affiliated KNUST.
Speaking at the 5th matriculation ceremony of Data Link University College in Tema, he said KNUST was a reputable institution and would not allow any educational establishment to dent its image.
He challenged the students to study diligently and be worthy ambassadors of the institute.
Mr Yebo-Okrah pointed out that the KNUST has put in place stringent requirements to be complied by its affiliated accredited institutions and that made it difficult for the growing number of higher institutions of learning seeking to be affiliated.
This according to him was to ensure that institutions that applied to be affiliated to the KNUST have the needed facilities in place for an effective teaching and learning to warrant their association.
Mr Yebo-Okrah noted that non compliance on the part of some young institutions to meet the university’s requirements has witnessed massive withdrawal of some applications while these applicant institutions use the acknowledgement of application letter heads from the university into deceiving prospective students and the general public of being affiliated to the KNUST.
The President of the College, Professor Rose Joshua, said Data Link as an institution is making strides to maintain leadership in higher education through the introduction of courses that are driven by national needs.
‘Our focus this year is to collaborate with the nurses and midwives council to introduce a programme in nursing with special emphasis in palliative, neonatal, midwifery and critical nursing care’, she remarked.
The programme according to her when introduced would aim towards building capacity at the local level so as to minimise the dependence on importation of human resources into the country’s health sector.
She challenged students to avail themselves as the institute made strides to shape a future for themselves and their families.
Out of the 625 students who were matriculated for the 2009/10 academic year, 360 were males while 265 of them were females including 14 foreign students.
Data Link Institute founded by a Ghanaian businessman, Mr Ernest Ansah started as a charitable organisation in 1993 through the distributions of computer and its accessories to less endowed schools across the country and later evolved into a computer training institute in 1996.
The institution in its quest to provide quality information technology education to citizens in 2006 received an accreditation from the National Accreditation Board to run degree programmes in computer science and business administration.
The institute which currently has a total students population of 1268 and runs a combine programme in computer science and information studies is affiliated KNUST.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
GAS SHORTAGE HITS TEMA, DAILY GRAPHIC, THUR, FEB 4,10 (PAGE 30)
THERE has been a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Tema and its surrounding communities, leading to long queues at various gas vending station in the metropolis.
The situation which has culminated in long queues at various lorry stations in the metropolis is also leaving tonnes of difficulties on commercial activities and commuters.
When the Daily Graphic visited some vending stations scattered across the metropolis, ‘NO GAS’ signposts had conspicuously been displayed various sales points.
The situation has seen commercial drivers charging exorbitant transport fares on frustrated commuters who are time bound to get too their destinations.
The few vending facilities that have the commodity are however cashing in on sales following long queues of commercial drivers who have travelled from adjourning communities such as Ashaiman, Tema, Afienya in the Dangme West District, Akosombo in the Eastern Region and Juapong in the Volta Region.
At the MacBaron LPG Vending Station off the Tema Aflao road, there were long winding queues of commercial drivers and home users who throng the venue to purchase the commodity.
Some consumers who spoke to the Daily Graphic express frustration at the part of managers of the facilities who have taken advantage of the situation by adjusting the pumps at the expense of the consumer.
Mr Kwame Owusu, a taxi driver told this reporter, he joined the queue at 2am awaiting the arrival of managers of the facility to enable him purchase for the day’s business.
Daily Graphic sources at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) revealed the shortage has nothing to do with the fire outbreak, as management has made all necessary arrangements to ensure a free flow of the commodity onto the market.
The source hinted that, perhaps the cash and carry system introduced by the refinery management as parts of measures rolled out late last year to recoup monies owed it by the refinery might have accounted for the shortage in the system.
Attempts to reach refinery officials for their comments were futile as several calls placed to the Acting Managing Director; Dr Kwame Ampofo’s telephone went answered.
The Public Relations Manager, Ms Aba Lokko could also not reached as her phone indicated switched off or out of coverage area.
The situation which has culminated in long queues at various lorry stations in the metropolis is also leaving tonnes of difficulties on commercial activities and commuters.
When the Daily Graphic visited some vending stations scattered across the metropolis, ‘NO GAS’ signposts had conspicuously been displayed various sales points.
The situation has seen commercial drivers charging exorbitant transport fares on frustrated commuters who are time bound to get too their destinations.
The few vending facilities that have the commodity are however cashing in on sales following long queues of commercial drivers who have travelled from adjourning communities such as Ashaiman, Tema, Afienya in the Dangme West District, Akosombo in the Eastern Region and Juapong in the Volta Region.
At the MacBaron LPG Vending Station off the Tema Aflao road, there were long winding queues of commercial drivers and home users who throng the venue to purchase the commodity.
Some consumers who spoke to the Daily Graphic express frustration at the part of managers of the facilities who have taken advantage of the situation by adjusting the pumps at the expense of the consumer.
Mr Kwame Owusu, a taxi driver told this reporter, he joined the queue at 2am awaiting the arrival of managers of the facility to enable him purchase for the day’s business.
Daily Graphic sources at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) revealed the shortage has nothing to do with the fire outbreak, as management has made all necessary arrangements to ensure a free flow of the commodity onto the market.
The source hinted that, perhaps the cash and carry system introduced by the refinery management as parts of measures rolled out late last year to recoup monies owed it by the refinery might have accounted for the shortage in the system.
Attempts to reach refinery officials for their comments were futile as several calls placed to the Acting Managing Director; Dr Kwame Ampofo’s telephone went answered.
The Public Relations Manager, Ms Aba Lokko could also not reached as her phone indicated switched off or out of coverage area.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
POTTER, ARKUTU WIN COCA COLA MONTHLY MEDAL, DAILY GRAPHIC, TUE, FEB 2, 10 (PAGE 47)
THE Managing Director of Holiday Inn Hotel, Mr Bruce Potter and veteran Joy Arkutu won the maiden Coca Cola monthly medal competition played last Saturday at Celebrity Golf Course.
Potter, who played on handicap 18, netted a total score of 63, while Joy, with handicap 13 scored 67 in the ladies category to win the topmost prize.
Joel Nettey who scored 64 to place second, while Competition Secretary, Oswald Amuzu picked his second trophy in his golfing life, netting 65 to place third.
Esther Antwi placed second in the ladies division scoring 72, while visiting Bob Evans returned a net of 67 to take home the giant trophy in place for visiting guests.
The launched which preceded the competition received a big boost from the soft drink giant Coca Cola which will be sponsoring the monthly event until the end of the year.
The club’s president, Dr Kobina Quansah believes the deal has come at the right time and would enhance the club’s youth development policy.
Dr Quansah paid glowing tribute to members of the club as well as visiting golfers, charging them to bring ideas on board to help in hosting the President’s Putter competition later in the year.
Club Captain, Pierre Coussey revealed although the club has made significant progress in its development, members would not relent on their efforts towards making the sports an acceptable one to all classes of people.
He commended the management of Coca Cola for their support and hinted they are ready to enter into long term mutually beneficial corporate relationships with well established blue chip companies.
The winners were presented with trophies and assorted products from Coca Cola.
Potter, who played on handicap 18, netted a total score of 63, while Joy, with handicap 13 scored 67 in the ladies category to win the topmost prize.
Joel Nettey who scored 64 to place second, while Competition Secretary, Oswald Amuzu picked his second trophy in his golfing life, netting 65 to place third.
Esther Antwi placed second in the ladies division scoring 72, while visiting Bob Evans returned a net of 67 to take home the giant trophy in place for visiting guests.
The launched which preceded the competition received a big boost from the soft drink giant Coca Cola which will be sponsoring the monthly event until the end of the year.
The club’s president, Dr Kobina Quansah believes the deal has come at the right time and would enhance the club’s youth development policy.
Dr Quansah paid glowing tribute to members of the club as well as visiting golfers, charging them to bring ideas on board to help in hosting the President’s Putter competition later in the year.
Club Captain, Pierre Coussey revealed although the club has made significant progress in its development, members would not relent on their efforts towards making the sports an acceptable one to all classes of people.
He commended the management of Coca Cola for their support and hinted they are ready to enter into long term mutually beneficial corporate relationships with well established blue chip companies.
The winners were presented with trophies and assorted products from Coca Cola.
Monday, February 1, 2010
TEMA ERUPTS OVER STARS' WIN, DAILY GRAPHIC, SAT JAN 30, 10 (PAGE 31)
SPONTENOUS reaction greeted the Black Stars one nil victory over arch rivals Super eagles of Nigeria in Tema.Minutes after the final whistle went off to end proceedings, scores of jubilant soccer enthusiastic poured out onto the streets amidst celebration.The frontage of the Community 7 post office was turned into a mini carnival grounds as ecstatic supporters dance to music from giant loud speakers mounted at BIGGIES pub, a popular drinking spot located within the vicinity.These activities impeded vehicular movement along the community 7 and 8 stretch as cars toot their horns to join in the celebration. The main motor link connecting Tema to Accra was not speared as enthusiastic crowd wielding Vuvuzelas, whistles, miniature drums and all manner of paraphernalia took charged as the police make fruitless effort to control the crowd whose activity contributed to a heavy build up on the stretch.The frontage of Adom Fm, a Tema based radio station was not speared as residents around community 2, 5 and 3 processed through the principal streets before gathering at the premises of the station amid singing and shouts of “Oseee Black Stars”.Football fans who spoke to the Daily Graphic commended the youthful team for the bravery they have exhibited so far in the competition.At Ashaiman, residents were seen busily dancing to brass band music at the frontage of the main Lorry Park, while motor riders rode dangerously to and fro the municipality.Business there saw a major boost as food vendors and sachet water sellers were seeing busily cashing in on sales.District Police Commander, Superintendent Peter Kobina express concern at the recklessness display by drivers and motor riders and caution, the law enforcement agency would deal with offenders who use the victory to misconduct themselves.
'MAKE PRINCIPLES OF DESCIPLINE PRIORITY' DAILY GRAPHIC, SAT JAN 30, 10 (PAGE 19)
THE National Chief Imam, Sheik Nuhu Sharabutu has challenged the country’s leaders to make the principles of discipline among their followers a priority.He indicated indiscipline over the years has led the country on the threshold of underdevelopment, a situation he described as having a serious implications on the nation’s quest to attain its set millennium development goals. Sheik Sharabutu speaking through an interpreter made the appeal in Ashaiman where he outdoored the newly elected Fulani chief, Alhaji Issah Barry for the alien herdsmen community in the Ashaiman municipality.He regretted the failed Christmas day bomb attack by the 23year old Nigerian, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who has been described as a devout Muslim goes to portray the Islamic religion as a violent one, and challenged the youth in Muslim dominated communities to be guarded by the virtues and principles of peace which are the core values of the religion.Minister of State at the presidency and Member of Parliament for Kpone-katamanso, Nii Laryea Afortey Agbo challenged the electorate to be bold enough to demand accountability from office holders they elect to manage the nation’s resources on their behalf.In his words, Nii Laryea said, “nobody sits an exams to become a Politian, rather people cue to cast their votes to elect them, hence the need to put the people’s interest first’. He pledged his commitment to institute a scholarship scheme to cater for needy but brilliant children who are out on the streets owing to excessive poverty that has held back their kept them from the walls of the classroom, and challenged the people to make education of their children a major priority. Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Mr Alfred Agbesi charged the new leader to make discipline his top most concern, as the canker within their domain was retrogressing the community’s development.Mr Agbesi also express regret at the recent decongestion exercise embarked upon by the municipal assembly that has witnessed various military brutalities meted out hawkers and charged the assembly to revise the exercised aimed towards restoring sanity to the municipality.The new chief, Alhaji Issah Barry in his address regretted the low level of education in Muslim communities was a considerable factor to underdevelopment of these dwellings, and pledged his commitment to help address develop approaches that would go into changing the trend.The 71year old businessman, express profound appreciation to the Fulani community for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to put interventions aimed at improving the lives of the people. The District Police Commander, Superintendent Peter Kobina, regretted the practice shielding criminals in the community by opinion leaders and politicians is one major factor that has impacted negatively on policing in the municipality and challenged residents to continually support the police towards making the community safe for their dwelling. He also charged the new leader to institute an alternative means of settling disputes among his subjects as not all matters arising out of petty arguments can be treated as a police related issues.Member of Council of State, Hajia Hajara Ali, as well as the ambassadors of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali were some dignitaries that graced the ceremony.
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