The leaders of the Seikwa Traditional Council in the Brong-Ahafo Region have officially invited the government to attend the burial of Nana Kwaku Dwumah Ankoana II, Paramount Chief and President of the Council.

The late Nana Ankoana was shot in the chest by unknown assailants while relaxing on a porch at his private residence in Seikwa on Monday, November 4, 2013.

Mr. Eric Opoku, Regional Minister, led a delegation of chiefs and elders from the traditional area to announce the passing and burial of the late Paramount Chief to Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur at the Flagstaff House in Accra.

Nana Asuma Karikari, Akyeamehene of the Council, presented schnapps and other drinks on behalf of the delegation to the government inviting them to the funeral.

He announced the burial arrangements, which start on Friday, August 15, with the final preparations towards the burial, Saturday August 16, laying in state and firing of muskets, August 17.

There will be sitting in state of Nananom and other dignitaries, and on August 18, the interment of Nana Kwaku Dwumah Ankoana II at the Royal Mausoleum in Seikwa.

He said due to the strong bond between the Tain District and the state, the traditional leaders of Seikwa cannot organise the burial of the late chief without informing the government.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur expressed the condolence of the government to the bereaved family and elders of the council. He said the circumstances under which the late Paramount Chief died was unfortunate, and gave the assurance of the government’s resolve to bring those who committed the dastardly act to book.

Mr. Amissah-Arthur said President John Dramani Mahama had promised to attend the burial of the late chief, after attending that of the late P.V. Obeng on August 15. He also assured them of government support to ensure that the late Nana Ankoana is given a befitting burial.

GNA

News Desk Report

She is seen as one of the vociferous executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), an act she has perfected on Adom FM in Accra, but when she reportedly pounced on an American lady and got her deported for allegedly engaging in child trafficking, little did she know that she has sprung herself into the open jaws of the most powerful state on earth, the US.

This is the story of the National Women’s Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Anita Desoso, who was bounced by the US Embassy in Accra, after she had applied for visa to visit the North American state.

The US embassy is said to be pissed off over the way and manner one of their own, Michelle McGowan, a philanthropist, was bundled out of Ghana over alleged child trafficking charge.

Michelle McGowan came to Ghana to help three children from Kuunchen in the Jirapa district of the Upper West Region, who were suffering from a strange skin disease, upon seeing the picture of the kids on facebook.

Michelle Mcgowan told The Chronicle in January this year, that after sending the tissue samples of the children to the States for diagnostic laboratory analysis, she wanted to begin medical treatment for them and so returned to Ghana, but could not make further progress in her bid.

She, therefore, contacted MTN, who agreed to sponsor part of the package, after she presented a budget in three phases to them.

Michelle would, however, not indicate the full content of her budget, but mentioned a figure around 50,000 dollars.

Later, Togolese international footballer, Emmanuel Adebayor also came into the picture with the aim of helping the same children. This resulted in a battle over the plagued children, forcing the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection to intervene in the case.

How Anita Desoso, who says she hails from Alakple in the Volta Region came into the affairs of the children, is not only turbid but turgid.

Adom FM, however, quoted what the station described as a purported recording of the NDC Woman’s Organizer, produced by  Ms McGowan, where she [Anita] was heard threatening that “…if she dare not call her (Anita) she would be looked for everywhere and dealt with for trying to spoil the name of the President (Mahama)”.

This event and the concomitant deportation of the lady, according to Adom FM, allegedly forced the US to put Anita on ‘no fly list.’

The Public Affairs Department of US Embassy in Accra, according to the radio station, has denied knowledge of the supposed ban.

They claim just like any other Ghanaian who is denied a visa, Ms. Desoso could have suffered the same fate.

When contacted for her side of the story on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Wednesday, the Deputy NADMO Coordinator said she will not comment on the matter.

“The case is now in the hands of God but at the appropriate time I will react,” she added.

A KUMASI-based retired FIFA Referee, Mr. Mike Komla Amedior, has officially launched his bid to contest for the Regional Secretary of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) with a promise, amongst other things, to establish a standing, strong and viable party structures at all times to help run the party at the various levels.

Mr. Amedior, who is also the Ashanti Regional Director of the not-too effective Non Formal Education Division of the Ghana Education Services (GES), is pledging to redeem the image of the party in the eyes of the media and build effective and efficient communication links to help propagate the vision and objectives of the party.

The experienced Sports Administrator told a media briefing that the time had come for the NDC party, which he claims does not enjoy cordial relationship with the media fraternity, to work towards eliminating that prejudice since the media was indispensable in modern democratic dispensation.

Mr. Amedior, who also claims to have held various positions in the party, dating back to the era of the Committee for the Defence of the Revolution (CDR) in the early 90s, says he holds the key to the ruling party’s quest to achieving the 30% voting percentage in the Ashanti Region and is, therefore, appealing to delegates to consider him for the position.

He said with his rich political background, the NDC can be rest assured that the party would be in mature and experienced hands administrative-wise, adding that he would ensure the coordination of all supporting and well meaning groups within the party, such as the students wing, cadres and old guards.

In his 12-point vision resolutions, the retired FIFA Referee is also promising to compile data of all party executives from 1992 to date, and also create a system of internally generating resources at all levels of the party to wean them off financial dependency on party officials.

“I will ensure that the women’s, youth and propaganda wings of the party are energised to work independently and effectively towards party goals; i will also establish a strong link between founding members, patrons, council of elders and opinion leaders in the region and the regional executive to promote adequate consultation on all party matters before implementation,” he noted.

The regional secretary aspirant further pledged to encourage and maintain the formation of various caucuses, including Zongo, Northern, Ewe, Krobo and other wings in the country. Mr. Amedior is competing for the position of the regional scribe with the incumbent, Mr. Raymond Tandoh, who has since 2013, been in an acting position following the exit of Mr. Joseph Yamin, now the Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister.

The party is expected to hold its regional conferences in the next two months, subject to the completion of the constituency congresses which have since been suspended as a result of the voters’s registration court case.

By Maame Agyeiwaa AGYEI
(maameagyeiwaaagyei@gmail.com)

The Executive Secretary of the Divestiture Implementation Committee Secretariat, Asakkua Agambila, has been summoned by the Sole Commissioner, Justice Yaw Appau, to appear on Thursday August 7, 2014, to help unravel the mystery behind the Subin Timber Company located at Apowa in the Western Region.

“This is a very serious matter, because this is an issue where somebody wants to take over something that does not belong to him. It appears he has been assisted by the Attorney General’s office, when the Attorney General did not do any due process to know the actual facts involved in this very case, so we will give you the opportunity to get the document that will assist the Commission to unravel the mystery.”

He said this when Mr. Agambila appeared before the Judgment Debt Commission yesterday to submit documents in respect of a case titled: Subin Timber against the Attorney General’s Department, and some alleged fraudulent deals that resulted in an attempt to take over a company that does not belong a particular person.  The companies were Subin Timber Company and Central Logging & Saw Mill, and a timber concession belonging to the late Kofi Ohene.

He told the Commission that he was out of town when he received the subpoena to appear before the Commission within three days. He, therefore, pleaded to be given a few more days to make the documents available. In an overview, the Lead Counsel for the Commission, Dometi Kofi Sorpkor, said the properties, including Subin Timber Company and Central Logging and Saw Mill at Apowa in the Western Region, and a timber concession also located at Senkyire, around Fosu in the Central Region belonging to one Kofi Ohene, were allegedly confiscated by the state in 1982.

According to him, the companies were a joint partnership between the late Kofi Ohene and one Italian national by name Ivo Fiorini, in which the former had 51% shares, and the remaining for the latter. Mr. Sorkpor said after the confiscation, one Daniel Kofi Adobor surfaced before the National Reconciliation (NRC) and claimed that the late Kofi Ohene was his father. He claimed that he was the adopted son of the owner of the companies.

The purpose for his appearing before the NRC was to ask for the return of the confiscated properties to him, but that was not granted. The AG decided to compensate him, though to all intent and purposes he was not the owner of the said companies, and whose father was not the owner of the company, the AG decided to compensate him with GH¢554,000. He added that Mr. Adobor rejected the amount.

According Mr. Sorkpor, Mr. Adobor told the NRC that Mr. Fiorini had obtained a loan of 35 million Deutschmarks to purchase certain machinery for the enhancement of the said company, and, therefore, wanted the company back. The companies were later taken over completely by the state, and renamed Western Timbers, which came under government control. The AG was supposed to appear before the Commission yesterday, in respect of the same matter, because they, to some extent, assisted Daniel Kofi Adobor in his bid to take back the said companies.

The AG is yet to appear before the Commission to uncover its role in respect of this matter.

Take Folic Acid Daily
Before you even try to get pregnant you can take action to have a healthy baby. How? Start taking 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, the amount in most multivitamins. This B vitamin comes in many foods, like leafy greens, citrus, and beans — but most women need a pill to get enough. Folic acid helps prevent serious birth defects that can happen before you know you’re pregnant.

Tune Up With a Checkup
See your doctor a few months before you start trying to get pregnant. Ask about:
*    Vaccines or tests you need
*    Starting a prenatal vitamin
*    How to control any health conditions you may have
*    What medicines you can and can’t take during pregnancy — prescription and over the counter.

Work Toward a Healthy Weight
Being too thin can make it harder to get pregnant. Being too heavy may also cause problems with pregnancy, and puts you at risk for health problems including diabetes and high blood pressure. It can also make labor last longer. Moderate exercise can help you feel your best as you try to get pregnant.

Make Exercise a Habit
Getting in shape can make your pregnancy and delivery easier. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days. Walking, bicycling, and swimming are all great ways to get a workout. Or join a prenatal exercise class.

Eat a Better Balance for Baby
One of the best things you can do is to eat healthy now, before you’re pregnant. Ask your partner to join you. You’ll need plenty of protein, iron, calcium, and folic acid. So stock up on fruits, nuts, vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Cut back on chips, baked goods, soda, and other junk foods that have empty calories.

Create a Baby Budget
You’ll want the best for your little one, so start planning now. Consider formula, baby food, diapers, equipment, pediatrician visits, child care, and baby clothes that are fun and practical. Think about ways to stretch a dollar: gently used baby clothes, family day care, anything that will ease the financial impact.

Watch the Caffeine
Can’t get going without that cup of coffee? It’s OK, but you may want to stop at just one. Some experts recommend that you get no more than 200 mg of caffeine a day while trying to get pregnant and during pregnancy itself. That’s about one 12-ounce cup of coffee or four 8-ounce cups of brewed tea. Decaf or even warm, spiced milk can be a soothing substitute for a regular cup of Joe.

Quit Smoking
If you smoke, now’s the time to quit. Smoking can make it harder for you to get pregnant. And smoking during pregnancy can raise the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage. It also puts your baby at risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Ask your partner to quit, too. Breathing in secondhand smoke is dangerous, and smoking can also decrease male fertility.  If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor.

Avoid Alcohol
It’s best to stop drinking before you start trying for a baby. In some cases alcohol can make it harder to get pregnant. And drinking during pregnancy itself raises the risk for birth defects and learning problems. What if you had a drink before you knew you were pregnant? One drink is probably not a concern — but since doctors don’t know how much or how little alcohol causes problems, it’s safest to avoid it entirely.

Learn About Maternity Leave and Pay
Check at work about maternity benefits. Some companies offer paid leave after you give birth, or you may be able to use sick time or vacation time. If your job doesn’t offer paid time off, plan now for a budget adjustment. You’ll want enough time to give your newborn baby a great start. Check your health plan, too, to see what medical costs it covers. Is your local hospital on the plan?

From Isaac Akwetey-Okunor, Larteh.

The chief of Larteh in the Akuapem Traditional Area (ATA) in the Akuapem North District of the Eastern Region, Osabarimah Asiedu Okoo Ababio III, has called on the Police to stop the intended installation of one Nana Atta Kumi, as chief of the town to avert a bloody clash in the area.

According to Osabarimah Ababio, who is also the Benkumhene of the Akuapem Traditional council, he has received information that some group of people led by Nana Esi Okoree I, a development queen mother of the area, are about to outdoor a new chief for the area on Sunday, when he (Osabarimah) has not been destooled.

He alleged that Nana Okoree I, in recent times, has been bringing gun wielding young men to Larteh, parading them as Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) operatives.  The supposed BNI operatives, he continued, went to his palace and claimed to have destooled him and subsequently nominated Nana Atta Kumi, who is to be outdoored on Sunday as the substantive chief for Larteh.

Osabarimah explained that, the act of Nana Okoree I and her collaborators was not only illegal but also an affront to the chieftaincy institution and that a development queen mother had no power to destool a chief, even if he has committed  traditional offence.  He has sworn to deal with Nana Okoree I and collaborators, if they should carry out their purported outdooring of Nana Atta Kumi on Sunday, because he is the only chief recognized by the Akuapem Traditional Council.

In a letter sighted by the paper, which is under the headline: “Disturbances at Larteh,” dated August 4, 2014, signed by the Osabarimah Ababio III and copied to the Eastern Regional Minister, Regional Police Commander, Akropong Divisional Police Commander, among others, he warned that he had informed the Asafo group, youth, men and women to stand up against any threat and intimidation by the supposed chief.

Osabarimah Ababio III stated in the letter that: “We (my people and I) say emphatically that anytime she (Nana Okoree I) visits Larteh with the so-called BNI operatives we shall handle them with the contempt they deserve”.  But Nana Okoree I, who is known in private life as Nana Esi Botsio, has called the bluff of the chief as she insists that the chief had been destooled and would go ahead to outdoor Nana Kumi on Sunday.

She denied that the youth, who participated in the Saturday desoolment were BNI operatives. “These are youth of the area who thought the way Osabarimah was steering the affairs of the area was not right”.  To her, she has the support of the kingmakers of the area and would ensure that the outdooring ceremony would go on as planned.

She accused Osabarimah Ababio III of pocking monies that belong to the people of the area without the consent of the kingmakers and elders of the stool.  According to the developmental queen mother, who is affectionately known as Lady Tamara, she had single handedly sponsored the annual Odwira festival celebrated by the chiefs and people of the area for the past 15 years.

She regretted that despite her contributions towards the celebrations, contributions of corporate bodies and individuals within and outside the traditional area to support the festival has not been accounted for by the chief.  Osabarimah Ababio III was last Saturday destooled by the kingmakers and elders of the  Royal Aduana Clan of Larteh Akuapem after he failed to respond to  a summon on July 22, 2014 at the Stool House.

According to the developmental queen mother, the destooled Omanhene had refused to perform outstanding rites that qualify him to be the Aheneasehene and subsequent Akuapem Benkumhene.  To the kingmakers, Osabarimah has further demonstrated gross disrespect to them for not consulting them before he swore an oath of allegiance to the Okuapehene,  Osaeadeeyo Addo Dankwa II with its corresponding false documentation.

By Fatima Adam
(fadam775@gmail.com)

The Chief Executive Officer of Kessben Group of Companies, Kwabena Kesse, was yesterday granted bail by an Accra Circuit court after he had been charged with money laundering and forgery of documents.  

He was granted a GH ¢350 million bail with four sureties, two to be justified, asked to submit his passport to the court registrar and report to the Bureau of National Investigation  (BNI) once every week, between Monday to Thursday. Kwabena Kesse was charged with two counts of money laundering and forgery of documents, to which he pleaded not guilty.  The accused reportedly transferred $127,931,727.65 out of Ghana to dubious locations within a period of 14 months and also forged documents to the bank to facilitate the act.

The accused was picked up on July 29, 2014, together with three officials of the Stanbic Bank, for allegedly facilitating the laundering of the money. The presiding Judge, Mr. Francis Obiri, in granting the bail application said he was sure Mr. Kesse would avail himself for continuation of the trial.  He, however, explained that, the alleged offences of Mr. Kesse does not fall under non-bailable cases, as stipulated by the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and as such was entitled to a bail.

The decision of the court came after the Defence counsel for the businessman, Mr. Karl Adongo prayed the court to grant his client bail. According to him, the accused is an industrialist, businessman and investor in Ghana and would have no reason to leave the country should he be granted bail. Mr. Adongo assured the court that the accused has got reputable men who have pledged to be his guarantor.  “My lord, this is an employer of over 2000 people; he has never committed an offence before. We pray for the court to give us a conditional bail”, he said.

His application was, however, accepted in good faith by the prosecutor, DSP Abraham Anor, who added that even though granting bail was the court’s discretion, the court should do so on the basis that Mr. Kesse would submit his passport and report to the BNI twice in every week. “My Lord, bail is at the discretion of the court, if the court intends to exercise that discretion in favor of the accused, it is our humble plea that he (Mr. Kesse) deposits his passport to the court and report to the BNI office twice in every week”.

The accused is to reappear on August 20, 2014, for continuation of the trial. The facts of the case, as presented by prosecution are that the accused person, who is a customer of Stanbic Bank, in February 2014, issued fraudulent documents to facilitate the onward transfer of large volumes of foreign currencies to dubious addresses abroad. DSP Anor further told the court that on July 28, 2014, Mr. Kesse was picked up at the Airport after he arrived in the country from abroad.

Instant justice now seems to be gradually gaining ground in Bolgatanga, and if care is not taken, it could cost innocent people their lives.  This year alone, two deaths have been recorded – one at Yikene and the other at Bukere near the National Service flats.
In as much as the perpetrators of this crime might have been venting their anger on suspected criminals because they may have fallen victim, it is important to make the point that in their judgmental action, they could take the live of an innocent person.
Even in instances where the perpetrators grab the suspects red handed, the right way would be to hand them over to the police for due process of the law to be taken, for they never will know if such a suspect is just a single member of a syndicate who would have given further information to the police to clamp down on their accomplices or not.

In the view of those who unleash instant justice, the wheels of justice do not only grind too slowly, but are also manipulated by the very security officers who are supposed to process them for court, and in the end, they (suspected criminals) are left off the hook.  The freed criminals then become hardened, experienced, and when striking again, do so with total disregard for human feelings and lives.

Again, interferences by family members and sometimes so-called respectable leaders in freeing criminals from facing the due process of the law in itself, is a contributory factor that leaves no option for victims of suspected criminals than lynching. In as much as many have condemned instant justice, so do others see it as the best option to treat suspected criminals. What many say is, “wait until you fall victim of their nefarious actions before you appreciate instant justice.”

This is an indication that our Police Service has failed us so much so that we no longer have an iota of confidence in it.  Interestingly, personnel of this service have often condemned instant justice, forgetting that it is as a result of their failure that people no longer have confidence in the service or believe in its personnel. Therefore, in order for us to have instant justice halted, our Police Service must give us the reason why we should have confidence in it by expeditiously, efficiently and professionally dealing with suspected criminals who are arrested.

On the other hand, members of the public must also be mindful that in meting out instant justice, if they are identified and caught, the law will treat them as criminals, and not as victims of any criminal offence.  Just three days ago, an angry mob at Zaare, a suburb of Bolgatanga almost lynched a young man, believed to be in his mid 20s, for allegedly breaking into a house and a store in the area with two others.

He is currently on admission at the emergency unit of the regional hospital. Items stolen from the house included a motorbike, a decoder and a television set.  Those stolen at the store were biscuits, mineral water and other assorted items, but, for the timely intervention of the police, through a call made to them by a Good Samaritan, this man would have been lynched.

In this instance, it is expected that the police will not massage the case and finally release the suspect, as they have done in some cases without meticulous investigations, because it is my firm conviction that if members of the public have confidence in our justice system at all times, they would not take the law into their own hands.

Stories by Bernice Bessey (bbessey@yahoo.com)

A one-day workshop has been organised for stakeholders in the catchment areas of the Weija Dam on how to keep and preserve the Densu River, which serves as a major water source for some parts of Accra and the Central Region.

The workshop, which was under the auspices of the Water Resources Commission to tackle issues associated with water quality monitoring and surveillance, was held at the Miklin Hotel yesterday in Accra. The timely call for the workshop was a result of the alarming rate of urbanization, human settlements, and illegal activities near and around the water body, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo said.

Mr. Afotey Agbo was of the concern that lack of access to clean water and sanitation systems were public health issues that must be dealt with, especially, in the urban centres. He said even though the government had the responsibility to supply water, and also increase the coverage of drinking water supply to every part of the country, it was also necessary that the citizens and assemblies protect it.

“However, if we increase the coverage of water supply, and allow the quality of it to be compromised as a result of our own actions and inactions, especially, within the catchment areas of our water sources, we would be addressing nothing in effect,” he warned. He said the ministry had noted the importance of urbanisation and the challenges associated with it, and had, therefore, embarked on soliciting views on how to balance human settlements, population growth and human activities around the river basin, without damaging water quality.

The Regional Minister said he was happy that the workshop had brought major stakeholders within the catchment areas of the dam to brainstorm on how best to deal and safeguard the country’s water resources to improve the health of the people. “It is in this vein, that I consider this workshop very important in our efforts to confront the challenges associated with the protection and provision of quality water for the citizenry,” he added.

The Water Resources Commission being eager to protect water sources in the country, proposed to the Minister the relocation of toll booth at Tuba in the Ga South Municipality, since activities around it were polluting the dam.

From Michael Boateng, Sunyani.

THE DEPUTY Brong-Ahafo Regional Chief Iman, Alhaji Baaba Seidu, has suggested that if it is permissible for a religious body to govern a country, then the Catholic Church should be allowed to govern Ghana to ensure rapid socio-economic development, unity and peace.

According to Alhaji Baaba Seidu, it is an undeniable fact that the Catholic Church is far beyond any other religious sect in the country, per its enormous contribution towards the socio-economic development, unity and peace. Delivering a goodwill message at the opening of the Second National Pastoral Congress of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sunyani, Alhaji Seidu indicated that the Catholic Church remains an icon of unity for involving and engaging almost every religious sect in the country in all their activities.

He said the consistent healthy relationship the Catholic Church have with other religious bodies and sects has been the magic portion of Ghana’s political stability, thereby enjoying a peaceful atmosphere, despite some economic challenges. Alhaji Baaba Seidu indicated that the rapport between the Catholic Church and Islam in the country is insurmountable, and hoped that it remains as such, to ensure peace and development.

He said the Catholic Church, aside working on the spiritual and moral aspect of life, also support people with the provision of infrastructure and social amenities such as schools, health facilities and potable water, to improving the quality of lives for a complete and sound society.

According to Alhaji Seidu, the Catholic Church in Brong-Ahafo has established the Catholic University College of Ghana, the St. Joseph College of Education at Bechem, the St. Ambrose College of Education at Dormaa Akwamu, the Midwifery and Nurses’ Training Colleges at Berekum and Techiman, several Junior and Senior High Schools, and a number of Hospitals among other equally important social interventions, which is far beyond any religious sect in the region.

He continued that Islam and the Catholic Church stand for peace and development, hence their cordial relationship.  The deputy regional Chief Imam, later in an interview with The Chronicle, vehemently condemned the act of people linking Boko Haram to Islam, saying “Boko Haram” is not Islam, but a group of people who have adopted the Islamic name.”

He wondered how an Islamic group, knowing very well that Islam is for peace would go about doing ruthless things to mankind, “Boko Haram” is not an Islamic group but a rebellious heartless group of people who have adopted an Islamic name just to defame Islam. He called on all Moslems to live peacefully with one another in whatever community they might find themselves, since Islam is for peace and nothing else.

His Eminence Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace on his part indicated that the Catholic Church had lost its leadership role as the definer of Christian identity and value, saying the Pentecostals and Evangelicals had supplanted the Catholic Church as the maker of Christian thought in Ghana.

“TURNING TO the International Monetary Fund, 8 years after Ghana under President Kufuor weaned itself off dependence on the IMF, is a clear admission of spectacular failure on the part of the John Mahama-led National Democratic Congress government.

It is the people of Ghana who are paying for President Mahama’s mismanagement of the Ghanaian economy and the extensive corruption associated with his government.  The hardships and austerity measures that will emerge from the programme will be borne by Ghanaians.\ If, as a country, we have no choice but to fall on the IMF for a bailout, then we must have a good deal. The measures that will be put in place must do the following:

1.    Protect and create jobs, because we need to tackle the widespread unemployment, affecting primarily the youth, that is bedevilling this nation.
2.    Reduce the high cost of living that is affecting everybody.

3.    Reduce the cost of doing business. At the moment, businesses are collapsing and the private sector is suffering. A booming private sector will mean a booming economy, which will, in its wake, create opportunities and employment for many in this country.

4.    In the medium to long term, our main objective is the structural transformation of our economy. This IMF bailout should point in that direction, i.e. the modernisation of agriculture and the industrialisation of the country.  Ghanaians have to measure whatever package/agreement is reached with the IMF by these four criteria. Then we will know whether we have got a good deal or not.”

By Stephen Odoi-Larbi
(stevelarbi404@gmail.com)

IT MAY come to many as a surprise, particularly to taxi drivers, traders and house owners within the Accra Metropolis that the Mayor, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, who once ‘tormented’ their lives, is seeking to enter Parliament to protect and fight for their ‘common good’.

Dr. Vanderpuije, The Chronicle learned, would soon vacate his comfortable seat and contest the Ablekuma Central seat on the ticket of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), in his quest to join the house of honourables. The incumbent NDC MP for the area, Hon. Fritz Baffour, according to deep throat sources within the umbrella family, would not seek for re-election.

Speculations are rife that the former Information Minister has lost touch with his people and has, therefore, decided not to spend his resources into a fruitless campaign. According to inside sources, the no nonsense communicator, who was once a comedian, has no problem with Dr. Vanderpuije, as heir to the Ablekuma South seat, since he considers him (Mayor) as someone who is well resourced for the positio.

Besides that, the area is deemed a safe haven for the NDC, after it was split into two, during the 2012 elections. Dr. Vanderpuije, faced with the challenge of heaped garbage across the city, is reported to be in serious talks with the party’s grassroots support base in the area, in order to win their support for the position.  According to sources, winning the support of the party’s delegates in the constituency has not been easy, as many consider him not a true party man, because of his naturalization as a US citizen.

Bearded Okoe, worried about this phenomenon, is reportedly using high ranking party officials to convince the delegates to support his bid. As things stand now, no candidate within the umbrella family in the area has publicly declared his or her intention to contest the seat, but The Chronicle is well informed that two more candidates are also secretly preparing to give Mr. Vanderpuije a run for his money at the party’s primary election somewhere next year.

The Mayor has long harboured the ambition of entering Parliament, but his US citizenship has been a hindrance. For him to succeed in joining the house of honourables, Dr. Vanderpuije must first renounce his US citizenship.  He is expected to travel outside the country today with his destination not known. It is, however, not clear whether he is travelling to the US to start processes towards renouncing his citizenship or not.

He must as well stand firm to rid the city of filth before leaving his position to pursue his new ambitions, as his failure in supervising the collection of heaps of garbage across Accra has resulted in cholera outbreak.  On August 5, 2014, the Ghanaian Times reported that the number of cholera cases recorded in the Greater Accra Region increased from 500 to 1,733 in just one week, with 20 deaths.

Ghana, after recording more than 10,000 cases in 2011, was ranked as the fifth most cholera endemic country in the world by the World Health Organisation (WHO).Dr. Vanderpuije’s actions and inactions in the fight against filth, coupled with his failed decongestion exercise in the city, has often brought his political clout into question, with many believing that he is only good for the classroom.

Efforts made by The Chronicle to contact the Accra Mayor to comment on the story were unsuccessful. All calls to his cell phone were not answered. He did not also return the calls, as at the time of going to press last night.

By  Masahudu Ankiilu Kunateh

Email: mk68008@gmail.com

The newly elected president of the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG), George E. Gyamfi-Osew has pledged to rejuvenate the association and leave it after three years, in bigger and better shape.

Speaking at an investiture ceremony for newly elected officers, Mr. Gyamfi-Osew said this is the time of rejuvenation, adding that the local chapter of CIMG has come a long way. “It is a successful branch with active members, and I believe with the support of the current members they will help me propel the branch to another level.”

He asked members to entice more corporate members into the branch as well as more student memberships.  “We will be undertaking more outreach programmes and make our Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes more active and fun.” He said his tenure will see more members recruited and the association will be more visible to corporate Ghana.

“Institutions like Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and the Ghana Employers Association (GEA) must be members. My legacy will be to leave behind a re-energised and expanded association.”
New executives
The other executives elected included Joe Ala Adjetey Din as Vice Chairman; David Twum- Antwi, Treasurer; Abraham Tettey-Nartey, Secretary; William Mensah, CPD Officer; Yaa Asantewaa Baah, Organising Secretary; Lydianne Antwi, PRO; Doreen Tetteh, Membership Officer; Shirley Odartey-Addo, Student Liaison Officer; John Bosco Kru, Executive Member; and Solomon Adu Atefoe as Ex-Officio Member.

The new team has the vision to change the face of professional marketing practice in Ghana and according to the new chairman, the time to be a professional marketer is now.  The new team also plans to forge strong partnerships with other professional associations in Ghana and the sub- region and with corporate Ghana to ensure better placement of its members, especially those in the public sector.

The Chartered Institute of Marketing is a UK-based professional association with 40,000 members globally. CIM offers professional development to marketing practitioners and publishes a monthly magazine, The Marketer. CIM was founded as the Sales Managers’ Association by 12 sales managers in 1911. In 1921 it was incorporated as ISMA and in 1928 it held its first professional exams.

In 1960 ISMA changed its name to the Institute of Marketing and Sales Management, and in 1968 it became the Institute of Marketing. Three years later, it launched marketing groups for specific industries and moved to its current headquarters. In 1989, it was awarded a royal charter and became known as the Chartered Institute of Marketing. In 1998, it began to award Chartered Marketer status to members.

President’s Profile
George is a Chartered Marketer and holds a Graduate Diploma in International Marketing from the London School of International Business; Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies from London Guildhall University; and an MBA from London South Bank University.   He is a Fellow of Chartered Management Institute, UK and Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK. He is also a Chartered member, Institute of Logistics and Transport, UK.

George, a Management Consultant is currently the Director, Operations at National Lottery Authority.  He is the pioneer Marketing and Sales Director of NLA (2003-2011) and Director – Special Projects (2011-20120, and the immediate past Vice President of Manet International Corporation, real estate developers and owners/operators of Manet Paradise Hotel.   Prior to joining the National Lotteries, George was the Managing Partner of George and Associates, a Business Strategy Consulting firm.

By Fatima Adam
(fadam775@gmail.com)

The Omanhen of Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwasi Atta II, has declared his full support for the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joe Ghartey, who is aspiring to become the 2016 flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The Second Deputy speaker, according to the traditional ruler, has over the years proven to be a honest person. To him, Mr. Joe Ghartey, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Essikado-Ketan is one of the few politicians who speaks the truth and does not renege on his promise.

“I am happy you have come, we will pray for you, you have a good character and because of that I will not hesitate to do anything for you.  I know you will not let me down anywhere.  Since this man started politics, has any one of you heard that he has done something wrong? He has never done anything wrong and will never do anything wrong, I know him”, Osabarima Kwasi Atta II noted.

Osabarima Kwasi Atta II made the above assertion when the 2016 flag bearer aspirant of the NPP, Mr. Joe Ghartey, paid a visit to the traditional ruler at his palace.  He, however, used the opportunity to caution supporters of Mr. Joe Ghartey to be mindful of the comments they make in public and that such comments tarnish the image of leaders.

He said even though it was difficult for the leaders to control their loyalists, especially on issues they must not speak on, the followers should know it gives outsiders the impression that their leaders cannot even control them. He prayed that Mr. Ghartey would be guided by the almighty God in all his endeavors and clears all impediments on his way, saying “because of your truthfulness, victory should be your place”.

Osabarima Kwasi Atta II pledged to do anything humanly possible to support the law maker in achieving his ambition.   “As we move forward, we must comply and unite with him (Mr. Joe Ghartey) to emerge as the winner. I congratulate you and pray that God will be with you”, Osabarima Kwasi Atta II added.

In a normal pregnancy, your ovary releases an egg into your fallopian tube. If the egg meets with a sperm, the fertilized egg moves into your uterus to attach to its lining and continues to grow for the next 9 months.

But in up to 1 of every 50 pregnancies, the fertilized egg stays in your fallopian tube. In that case, it’s called an ectopic pregnancy or a tubal pregnancy.  In rare cases, the fertilized egg attaches to one of your ovaries, another organ in your abdomen, the cornua (or horn) of the uterus or even the cervix. In any case, instead of celebrating your pregnancy, you find your life is in danger. Ectopic pregnancies require emergency treatment.

Most often, ectopic pregnancy happens within the first few weeks of pregnancy. You might not even know you’re pregnant yet, so it can be a big shock. Doctors usually discover it by the 8th week of pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies can be scary and sad. The baby probably can’t survive — though in extremely rare cases he or she might. (This is not possible in a tubal pregnancy, cornual or cervical )

So it’s a loss that may take some time to get over. It may comfort you to know that if you have an ectopic pregnancy, you’ll likely be able to have a healthy pregnancy in the future.
Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy

·    Light vaginal bleeding
·    Nausea and vomiting with pain
·    Lower abdominal pain
·    Sharp abdominal cramps
·    Pain on one side of your body
·    Dizziness or weakness
·    Pain in your shoulder, neck, or rectum
·    If the fallopian tube ruptures, the pain and bleeding could be severe enough to cause fainting.
If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, contact your health care provider immediately and go to the emergency room. Getting to the hospital quickly is important to reduce the risk of hemorrhaging (severe bleeding) and to preserve your fertility.

Causes of an Ectopic Pregnancy
One cause of an ectopic pregnancy is a damaged fallopian tube that doesn’t let a fertilized egg into your uterus, so it implants in the fallopian tube or somewhere else.
You might not ever know what caused an ectopic pregnancy. But you are higher risk if you have:
·    Current use of an intrauterine device (IUD), a form of birth control.
·    History of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
·    Sexually-transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea
·    Congenital abnormality (problem present at birth) of the fallopian tube
·    History of pelvic surgery (because scarring may block the fertilized egg from leaving the fallopian tube)
·    History of ectopic pregnancy
·    Unsuccessful tubal ligation (surgical sterilization) or tubal ligation reversal
·    Use of fertility drugs
·    Infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)

Diagnosing an Ectopic Pregnancy
Once you arrive at the hospital, a pregnancy test, a pelvic exam, and an ultrasound test may be performed to view the uterus’ condition and fallopian tubes. If an ectopic pregnancy has been confirmed, the health care provider will decide on the best treatment based on your medical condition and your future plans for pregnancy.

From William N-lanjerborr Jalulah

Residents of Tindonmolgo, a suburb of Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, are now living in fear after a decapitated head of a young man was found in an uncompleted building on Friday, August 8, 2014, wrapped in a tattered white sack.  The head was at the decomposing state when it was found.

The Bolgatanga Municipal Police Command upon receiving the information hurried to the scene and conveyed the head to the Regional Hospital Morgue for autopsy. The female owner of the compound house was subsequently arrested to help the police in their investigations into the matter. Though many residents besieged the scene to catch a glimpse of the human head upon hearing the gory news, some of them could not get closer due the offensive stench that greeted them from the rotting head.

The police on Saturday returned to the scene and exhumed other parts of the body such as the feet, scrotum and penis in separate rooms. Other items found included chain padlock, wing of a bird and pair of slippers. Some items were also burnt in the middle of the yard that looked like the attire of the deceased. The Upper East Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Police Service, ASP Thomas Agbanyo, told The Chronicle that the incident remains a mystery to the Police.

According to him, this was the first time such an incident was reported to the Police in Bolgatanga and said the man could have been murdered somewhere and the body brought to the scene. The owner of the house whose name the Police have withheld is still in Police custody and expected to make her first appearance soon. When asked what charged have been pressed against her, ASP Agbanyo said that will be done on Monday.  Even before the Police commence their investigations into the killing, fear-gripping residents have concluded that it was a ritual killing.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has congratulated all polling agents of the New Patriotic Party for doing a good job in protecting the party’s interests in the ongoing limited voter registration exercise, urging them to remain vigilant in the last few days of the exercise.

Akufo-Addo made this known when he toured 6 registration centres in the Agortime-Ziope, Adaklu, Central Tongu and Akatsi constituencies of the Volta Region on Sunday, as part of the monitoring exercise which has seen him visit so far a few registration centres in the Greater Accra and Central Regions.

Accompanied by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, his running mate in the 2008 and 2012 elections; John Peter Amewu, Volta Regional NPP Chairman; Nii Adjiri Blankson, former Mayor of Accra; Elizabeth Ohene, former Minister of Education; regional NPP executives, and some constituency chairmen of the party in the region, the Afegame E.P. Primary registration centre, located in the border constituency of Agortime-Ziope, was the first centre visited by Akufo-Addo and his team.

Prior to visiting the registration centre, Nana Akufo-Addo paid a call on the Chief of Agortime Afegame, Nene Mawumasro XIV, as a mark of courtesy before proceeding to the registration centre in Agortime Ziope. “The fact that you have travelled to Agortime to see us is very rare. We have been on the other side for a long time without any development or prosperity coming to us. We are going to make the change in 2016 and you will see the difference in the votes you will receive in 2016,” Nene Mawumasro XIV assured Nana Akufo-Addo.

Witnessing at first hand, activities at this registration centre, some ten yards from the Togolese border, Nana Akufo-Addo took time to interact with polling agents of the party and EC registration officials. The NPP polling agents told Nana Addo that “registration has been slow”, as they have recorded a very low turnout since the start of the registration exercise.

Newly elected voters confirmed their eligibility through two residents who already have their names in the voters’ register, the registration officials told Nana Addo. Akufo-Addo urged the NPP agents and EC officials to ensure that only eligible voters are registered in the 10-day exercise.

AngloGold Ashanti has said that it will continue to dialogue with a range of stakeholders in Ghana, as it implements measures aimed at addressing the  long-running underperformance of the Obuasi mine in Ghana.

As part of these consultation efforts, on 18 July, 2014, AngloGold Ashanti submitted its Amended Programme for Mining Operations (APMO) to the Government of Ghana and key regulators for review, and is expected to be followed by a two-month consultation period.  The APMO provides details of the technical, environmental, financial and social aspects of the envisaged transition of the mine.

The APMO, required under Section 45 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 Act 703, will include a detailed Feasibility Study to determine future scope, cost and economics of the Obuasi mine. This will form the basis for future investment decisions. “Addressing the underperformance at Obuasi remains a key objective for us,” Fred Attakumah, Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Ghana said.

“We’re committed to engaging with the Government of Ghana, our employees and the other important local and regional stakeholders throughout this process, as we work to return this key asset to sustainable, long-term profitability for the benefit of all constituencies.” Obuasi mine’s production has been in decline since 1995, reaching a 30-year low of 239,000oz in 2013, necessitating a major intervention to address significant operational and cash flow challenges that the mine faces, in order to secure its long-term future.

The restructuring and repositioning of the Obuasi mine, which remains dependent on key consent, is likely to result in a substantial reduction in the mine’s operations and a significant workforce, which has continued throughout this year.  AngloGold Ashanti is in close dialogue with its workforce and their organised labour representatives to assist with financial planning ahead of redundancy payments, and is also assisting affected employees to find other employment, where possible.

Further fundamental changes at Obuasi mine are aimed at systemically addressing legacies, infrastructure, development constraints and cash outflows are being implemented, while surface production, exploration drilling and decline development remain ongoing.  This work includes initiatives to reduce the footprint of the operation and consolidate infrastructure, lower operating costs by introducing a mechanised mining approach in the future, together with the refurbishment and automation of the processing plant.

The Obuasi Deeps Decline project, which started in July last year, reached an important milestone this month, completing the decline from the surface to below the 17 Level, which is more than a third of the total decline project.  “This has shown what is possible at Obuasi mine and is a good precursor to the mine that we’d like to develop,” Mark Morcombe, Senior Vice President, Ghana, said.   “While this is a good result, there is still a long way for us to go and we need the support of our employees, our host communities and the local and national government.”

From Alfred Adams, Sekondi.

A joint police-military team has arrested six suspected armed robbers for their involvement in the robbery of GH¢600,000 belonging to a gold dealer at Tarkwa.

The suspects, according to the Western Regional Police Commander, DCOP Isaac Alex Quainoo, were also involved in the robbery of another GH¢1.5 belonging to an Indian gold dealer, also at Tarkwa. DCOP Quainoo told journalists in Sekondi that his outfit has so far retrieved seven vehicles suspected to have been bought from the proceeds of their criminal activities.

Another five suspected robbers, according to the Police Commander, who also took part in the robbery are on the run.  Meanwhile, Police personnel drawn from the Drug Enforcement Unit of regional Police Command on Tuesday clamped down on narcotic drug peddlers and other suspected criminals at Enchi in the Aowin District.

During the operation, 21 suspects, including seven women, were arrested. One of the women suspects, who was pregnant, delivered prematurely.  The Regional Police Commander, DCOP Isaac Alex Quainnoo, told the press that for now, the police were screening the suspects after which those found to be culpable would be put before court.

By Maame Agyeiwaa Agyei
(maameagyeiwaagyei@gmail.com)

THE CHAIRMAN for the Commission of Inquiry into the performance of Black Stars at the just ended FIFA World 2014, Justice Senyo Damefe, an Appeal Court Judge says the commission was set up by the President of the Republic of Ghana and that he (Mahama) is the only person who can stop their (commission) work. “We would not be intimidated by anybody,” he said.

He was speaking at the Commission’s inaugural sitting in Accra yesterday. With him were ace Sport analyst, Moses Foh Amoaning, Kofi Anokye Owusu Darko, members of the commission, and the Counsel attached to the Commission, Jonathan Acquah.  Justice Damefe said that constitutionally, it was only the President who can set up a Commission and not a Minister, therefore, the perception that it was the Minister of Sports who set up the Commission should be disregarded.

He observed that the Commission of Inquiry was an inquisitorial and an adversarial body and they were not here to fight anybody. Justice Damefe revealed that he received a letter from Ghana Football Association (GHA), addressed to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and copied to the Commission, signed by the Deputy Secretary General of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), Marcus Curtner.

However, he did not disclose the content of the letter, adding that at the appropriate time, the Commission would respond to it. He said the Commission was not set up to discuss FIFA, but there were some agitation as to whether it would start proceedings or not, because of FIFA. Justice Damfe said Ghana is a sovereign state and the highest law of the land is the constitution and that the commission has the support of the law to do an independent work.

He also lamented on an incident that happened in the Ashanti Region, where one presenter on a Kumasi based radio station was giving bad reportage that the members of the Commission were in Kumasi, squandering Ghana’s taxpayers’ money. The three member commission organized two separate seminars for the media in Accra and Kumasi last Thursday and Friday to educate journalists on media law and defamation libel. He cautioned the media to desist from bad reportage, which could mar the process of the Commission.

He again said the commission will be operating under the powers of a High Court, in accordance with Articles 278,279 and 280 of the 1992 Constitution and, therefore, could cite people for contempt, it can subpoenaed among others. Four institutions were supposed to appear before the Commission yesterday, namely Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MoFEP), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bank of Ghana and Ministry of Youth and Sports.

However, all but one did not appear. The Commission, therefore, adjourned to Wednesday August 13, 2014, to enable them prepare fully.  Mr. Amoaning on his part cautioned the media to refrain from bad reportage because the Commission was not there to punch holes into issues or do anything but to put dignity and sanity into institutions of state. On the report made on a Kumasi based radio, he said he had requested for the tape and that appropriate measures would be taken at the right time.