Tuesday, February 28, 2012

NPP responds to missing state files

Deputy Minister of Information, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has claimed the NDC government’s actions have been constrained by the unavailability of official documents.
Mr Ablakwa blamed officials of the former government for taking away these documents.

But the communications director of the NPP, Nana Akomea says the assertion by Okudzeto Ablakwa is another twist in the great cover up that the government is attempting over the Woyome scandal.

He explains that officials at the Ministries have archived at their office and that Ministers cannot remove archived documents.

He recalled that during the transition team’s work in first quarter 2009, the team met with political office holders and Chief Directors and documents made available for the team’s work.

Nana Akomea therefore stated that it is strange that more than 3 years later, the nation is being told about some missing documents hampering governments work



Meanwhile, the NPP Member of Parliament for Subin constituency, Mr Isaac Osei says it is very strange that NDC is giving excuse of missing stated files.
CUE: ISO ON FILES
But the NDC Member of Parliament (MP) for Shama, Mr. Gabriel Kodwo Essilfie says the missing filesis a clear indication that the former government has hidden some gargantuan crimes that they feared that it will be discovered.

GHANAIANS RETURNS BACK TO LIBYA

Some Ghanaian returnees from Libya are said to be on their way currently back to the once-troubled Libya.
So far about 15 Ghanaian returnees have arrived in the capital Tripoli and have secured jobs and accommodation.
One of Ghanaian returnees Martin Adjei, who is on his way to Libya confirmed that 7 people had left the country today through the desert.
He says though some of his colleagues have gone missing and confirmed dead that will not stop them on their quest for greener pastures in Libya.
Martin Adjei told Adom news they don’t care about the risk involved in returning.

Last year large numbers of Ghanaian migrants were repatriated after militants fought and overthrew the Libyan Leader Gaddafi but some of these Ghanaians say they are returning because life is so unbearable in Ghana after their return.
The hard economic conditions in the country had over the past few months had prompted us to return to Libya where the economic situation is far better, Adjei added.

After Bangladeshis, Ghanaians represented the second largest group of stranded migrants who were evacuated with Malians and Sudanese following suit.
Story: Samuel Mantey/Adom news/Ghana

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

ECG to roll out load shedding schedule soon

The Public Relations Officer of the Electricity of Ghana, Mrs Gloria Dua-Sakyi says the ECG will soon roll out the roster for the load shedding exercise across the country.
She noted that load shedding will occur during the peak period at 6 pm to 10 pm each day during the exercise.
She stated that the cause of the load shedding exercise is due to the closure of the supply valve by the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAGPC) which has stopped of flow of Gas to Ghana.
This is said to have affected the output of gas fired thermal generating plants in the power system.
Ms Gloria Dua-Sakyi however stated that ECG cannot give timelines as to when the exercise will end.

Monday, February 20, 2012

IGNORE WAR MONGERS AND TROUBLE MAKERS DURING ELECTIONS

The President of Africa Peace Initiative, a peace building network, Mr Kwame Frimpong has advised Ghanaians to be mindful of trouble makers and war mongers whose interest is to create political turmoil as such people have nothing good to offer the world except poverty, famine, abuse of human rights and other negative social vices in this electioneering year.

Mr Frimpong `is of the view that Africa is in a state of poverty and political instability because Africans have not been so much conscientise about the idea of world peace and its impact on nation building.

He further intimated that Ghana has been referred to as beckon of hope for Africa and it is one of the reasons why the nation cannot fail the world in this year's presidential and parliamentary elections.

He therefore called on all to eschew violence to promote free and fair elections as Ghanaians march to the polls come December 2012.

If us a break….Allotey Jacobs Replies Nana Addo and Kufour

The Central Regional Communication Director of the NDC, Mr Bernard Allotey Jacobs has replied former President Kufour statement that the ruling National Democratic Congress has no solution to problems facing Ghanaians.

Allotey Jacobs expressed his disappointment in Mr. Kufour for making such statements at the rally grounds especially when Ghanaians are witnesses to the records and achievement of President Mills.

The outspoken member of the communications team of the NDC, Allotey Jacobs questioned the source of funds for the mammoth rally held on Saturday.

Former President Kufour said the persistent bitter complaints by a section of Ghanaians concerning the high standard of living in the country for the past three years, is a reflection of his claim.

But Allotey Jacobs accused John Kufour for making mockery of democracy by abusing the use of party platform to talk about issues rather than engaging in politics of insults.

Responding to Nana Addo’s claim that President Mills has failed to exhibit leadership qualities since he assumed power, Allotey Jacobs says President Mills’ good moral leadership qualities is the best for the country.

He says leadership is not about muscles, insults, arrogance and fondling of women breast but those with moral and intellectual qualities.
He stated that President Mills among the presidential candidates has the best moral character to lead the country.

Allotey Jacobs says Ghanaians will vindicate the NDC in the December elections

Friday, February 17, 2012

Common sense is the source of my wealth- Kennedy Agyapong

New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Assin North, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has put to an end speculation surrounding the source of his wealth.
He stated that common sense, hardwork, determination, commitment are his open secrets to enviable wealth.
He has revealed that his millionaire club status began when he coordinated 1987 USA lotteries which was the first of its kind in the country. According to him, the money he got from the proceeds helped him to invest in other interests.
He said he made his first capital through an Amnesty programme. Speaking to Adom news, Mr Kennedy Agyapong at the age 30 he had 9 houses in the country.
Recalling his struggle to fame, the outspoken MP said in 1995 he brought the American Lottery in Ghana the following year he sent 2500 to the US. He said averagely he got in returns 55,000 dollars, he boasted.
He admitted that though he has a poor background, he began selling items like PK chewing gum, chocolates on the streets in Accra. He recalled that during that time he sold items to his classmates who were traveling abroad to further their education.
After completing his 6th form, he started trading in spare part from Accra to Lagos. He remarked that all the struggles on the streets has paid off through hardwork and taking risk.
Kennedy Agyapong stated that he has lost count of his wealth as they are too much for him to recollect.
Commenting on how much he is wealth, he directed that the exact figure is better known to his cousins and close family relatives but that he cannot remember.
The outspoken MP, at age 50 bought Rolls Royce at whopping 249,708.00 pounds sterling, in April last year for the vehicle.
He has promised himself to buy a private jet at 55.

Story: Samuel Mantey/Adom news/Ghana

ANKAFUL PRISONS WILL NOT EMPTY IF UNEMPLOYMENT IS NOT WELL TACKLED

The General Secretary of the Peoples National Convention (PNC), Mr. Bernard Monnah has linked unemployment to the increasing cases of mental health and crime in the country.
He has therefore called for immediate action to be taken to deal with the issue; adding that unless an action is taken to stem the menace out, the nation will continue to see an increasing number of mental cases and criminals at the Ankaful Prison Complex in the Cape Coast.
He disagreed with president Mills that the crime has reduced, rather he urged president Mills to deal with those who abuse power.
During President Mills’ state of the Nation address he disclosed that despite the construction of the ultra modern Ankaful prison, it remains empty due to the reduction in crime cases.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

SANJA NANJA DEMANDS OFFICIAL LETTER FOR REELECTION NOTIFICATION

The winner of the Atebubu NDC primaries, Mr Sanja Nanja says he is unaware of the directive for elections to be held again in the constituency.
He says he is yet to be officially informed on the issue and say until then he still remains the winner.
Earlier the constituency Chairman, George Kyei Mensah said officials have annulled results of the Atebubu Amantin primaries which saw Sanja Nanja declared winner.
But Mr Sanja Nanja stated that he until official letter is written he is still the candidate for constituency.

Meanwhile, one of the candidates Samson Owusu Boateng confirmed that they held a meeting with the executives of the party on the decision to go for a re-election.

The incumbent MP for Atebubu, Mr Emmanuel Owusu Manu says the candidates have all agreed to with the directive for a re-election therefore the delegates are to comply.
Mr Emmanuel Owusu Manu fingered his opponent for plotting with the executives to boycott the elections.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

5 LESSONS FROM GABON/EQUATORIAL GUINEA

Success has many fathers but failure is an Orphan- English Proverb

The Africa Cup of Nations is finally over and normal businesses are back in place. Most soccer analyst just like Ghanaians have a learnt a lot of lessons in the competition.
Many thought the last co-host in the African Cup of Nations competition was the perfect time Ghana could have ended the 30 year Trophy drought but the least said the better.
For now Asamoah Gyan, Prince Tagoe, Adam Kwarasey and Coach Goran Stevanovic have received their fair share of ‘national cake’ of insults and accusations.
So I don’t want to re-visit that issue to muddy the waters. All I can say is that we are waiting for the GFA to hold their press conference on February 22 to announce a new local coach for the black stars!
The 28th edition of the Nations Cup was full of lessons depending which angle your lens is focused. As Henry Ford ones said "Don't find fault, find a remedy." Below are the 5 lessons that can be learnt from the tournament.
1. Don’t Despise Small Begins
Sometimes I asked if Dede Ayew and Kwadwo Asamoah were the same players in the Black Stars during the 2008 nations cup? The two boys received a lot of criticism during that time. But just 4 years down the lane the boys are in demand. Indeed, the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.
2. Don’t get too comfortable
Most penalty kicks that were saved in the 2012 nation’s cup occurred just when the player got too comfortable for the kick. Getting too comfortable hinders growth and hinders success. Getting too comfortable will prevent you from climbing to the top of the mountain and if you are the top, it will stop you from touching the sky. Always get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. All the pre-tournament favorites Senegal, Cote D’ Ivoire and Ghana lost because at some point they got too comfortable to challenge themselves.
3 Prepare adequately
The black stars failed to prepare adequately for the tournament but relying on past victories and history as enough motivation. As the saying goes, if you fail to prepare you prepare to fail. Ghanaians just like the Black Stars were full of themselves and forgot to prepare at hand for the tournament. Coach Plavi decided to focus on Diaspora players while paying little attention to the local league. By now he should know that the Nations Cup is for Africans and Africans knows how to win to it!
3. Foresight and long term benefits
Kalusha Bwalya once said “You think you are clever, I will sort you out. You are messing around with a wrong guy.” The Zambia FA boss has yielded the results of having the foresight and long term goals. The team began building a winning team in Ghana 2008. The same team members have been playing together for the past three to four years under Coach Herve Renard (once physical trainer of the black stars). Having foresight and long term plans tastes sweet atlast.

5. Taking Risk
Ghana line up 23 men for the tournament without a striker and wondered how they were going to annex the trophy. As Christopher Opoku will put it- it would have been one of the wonders of the world if Ghana won the cup. The reason why doctors and psychologist, physiotherapist were in the black stars camp was because of Captain John Mensah and Asamoah Gyan. The two boys were just nursing their injuries, half fit and needed to be rested or other options chosen for the tournament.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Don’t blame Asamoah Gyan; sack the lazy coach- Christopher Opoku

Sports Analyst, Christopher Opoku has called on Ghanaians not to blame Asamoah Gyan for Black Stars defeat to the Chimpolopolo (Copper bullets) of Zambia.
He says Coach Goran Stevanovic should be blamed for ill-preparation ahead of the tournament. The coach does not spend time to watch the local talents in the country but always focus on the international players who sometimes cannot play well, he stressed.
According to him, Ghana should not have qualified to the semis finals considering the poor preparations and the caliber of players that were selected for the tournament.
Speaking in an interview with Adom news, Christopher Opoku also blamed the FA head by Kwesi Nyantekyi for the lack of foresight. He says the coach went in the competition with virtually no striker went in the competition with virtually no striker because Asamoah Gyan was half fit and there was no replacement for him.
Comparing both sides, he says 50 per cent of the Zambians have played together since 2008 Nations Cup, this consistency has helped developed the team all round, he added.
According to him, the Chipolopolo team is reaping the benefit of consistent team building and coercion.
Metro TV sports Editor stated that lack of adequate preparation by the Black Stars was also a contributing factor to the abysmal performance of the stars.
On the way forward, Christopher Opoku says the FA should appoint a local coach for the senior national team because the foreign coach have not succeed with the national team in terms of winning tournaments.
He stress that with financial and moral support to the local coach, the black stars win trophies.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Minority calls on President Mills to resign immediately

Minority Members in Parliament are calling on President Mills to resign from his executive duties in his involvement with the payment of GHC58 million judgment debt.
They are also calling on him to reinstate former Minister of Attorney General, Martin Amidu immediately.
The Member of Parliament for Bosomtwi constituency in the Ashanti Region, Simon Osei Mensah says the fact that Executive Director of EOCO, Mordey Akpadzi stated that President Mills, on two occasions, asked that Mr. Woyome should not be paid and twice, that directive was violated and the payments made indictates that President Mills should be questioned.
According to Simon Osei Mensah, the President was not honest with the people of Ghana with the payment of GHC58 million judgment debts.
Simon Osei Mensah says there will be a serious leadership crisis in the country if President Mills is at post.
Speaking to Adom news, the Member of Parliament for Amenfi East, Joseph Boahen Adu says the ECOCO reports suggest weakness in President Mill’s leadership style.
He says if the President on two occasions directed the judgment debt should not be paid and it was paid by the Attorney General then it means that President Mills should also be questioned.
He says the reports vindicated former ministers who refused invitation by Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO).
On the Majority Side, the Member of Parliament for Adenta Constituency, Mr Adu Asare says it’s a shame that Minority is passing judgment while investigation has not been concluded.
He says there are technical issues involved and therefore Ghanaians should be patience to study the merit and demerit on the issue.
Adu Asare says people should not blame President Mills but rather wait till investigations are over.
Story: Samuel Mantey/Adom news/Ghana

Thursday, February 2, 2012

CPP CALL ON AMA TO USE MODERN WAYS TO MODERNIZE THE CITY

The Communications Director of the Convention Peoples Party, Nii Armah Ankomfrah is calling on the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to strategize modern methods in modernizing the capital.
He says the barbaric way of chasing hawkers on the streets and recent demolition has cause injuries and sometimes avoidable death to innocent individuals.
Nii Armah Ankomfrah says the CPP appreciate effort by the AMA to make the city one of the best but advise the assembly to consider modern ways in regulating their laws.
He made these statements when the CPP youth partnered traders to demonstrate against the AMA at Circle, Accra.

President Mills call on EOCO to publish Woyome report

President Mills has directed Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) to publish the details of the report on the controversial Woyome judgment debt in the interest of the nation.

He says this will put out to an end the different versions of the story and bring out the truth in the matter.

He made these statements when the Economic and Organised Crimes Office submitted its report on the controversial Woyome judgment debt to him after weeks of investigations.

President Mills also express this disappointment for those who failed to response to the invitation by EOCO.


President Mills also directed the Minister of Attorney General and Justice, Ben Kumbour to study the report and advise him on the next step to take.



Minister of Attorney General and Justice, Ben Kumbour promised the president that they will look at the report and act appropriately.

ATITI LARWAH DENIES THREATS

The Director of Operations for Naa Torshie Campaign, Atiti Ati Larweh has denied that he issued threats on the Chairman for an NPP splinter group, Redemption Movement for Tema West, Dr. Martin Antwi.
He admitted that there was an exchange of words but never threats against the chairman.
Atiti Ati Larweh made these statements to Adom news soon after he was bail at the Community 2 police station. He also denied that he was put in cells by the police as been speculated.

Atiti Ati Larweh stated that he is picked on because of his position as the manager in charge of Naa Torshie campaign.
He says he is never perturbed with the recent situation but that very soon the perpetuators will be put to book.

JOHN PAINSTIL’S MOTHER CONFIRMS LOST SON

The mother of John Painstil, Juliana Duaba has confirmed that they performed burial service for John Painstil’s brother 25 years ago after receiving information that he was dead.
According to her, the ‘found’ Kow Baah Painstil is the elder’s son of her husband Kofi Inkoom from another mother.
Speaking exclusively to Adom news, she narrated that they got information through friends that Kow Baah Painstil lost his life during the conflict in Gabon.
She stated that the family is happy that they have found their lost son. She revealed that John Painstil has promised to bring back his brother home after the tournament.

GOVERNMENT OPTIMISTIC OF STARS VICTORY TONIGHT

The outgoing Deputy Minister of Sports, Nii Nortey Dua says he is optimistic for the Black Stars against the "National Elephant" of Guinea.
He says government’s optimism has resulted in a decision to increase their winning bonus and a visit of a government official to the stars camp before today’s match.
Government has followed with keen interest in the tournament prompting a visit to the camp by the vice president earlier.
Nii Nortey Dua says government has put in place all the necessary measures to ensure total motivation of entire team.
He says the players can rake in an excess of a 100,000 dollars each if they win the cup to end 30 year nation’s cup drought.
He urged Ghanaians to support the team in prayers.