By Ebenezer Hanson
It has been observed that despite the widespread human rights violations on the African Continent, only few cases have been reported to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) for appropriate action. The obvious effect of such inaction is the incessant abuses of the dignity of some Africans in certain countries and under utilization of the capacity of the ACHPR.
Commissioner Ngary Musa Bitaye, member of the Commission with oversight responsibility for Ghana, who disclosed this at a lecture on the work of the ACHPR in Accra, reveals that since the establishment of ACHRP some 20 years ago, the Commission has received only 361complaints.
“Despite the massive human rights violations only few complaints have been received. So far the Commission has received 361 communications, that is, 17 case per year in the 20 years of the Commission’s existence. This is worrisome for a continent notorious for human rights violations,” he stunned his audience, and further revealed that many of the complaints had come mainly from Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
The lecture formed part of collaborative activities between the ACHPR and the Third World Network (TWN) Africa in the promotion and protection of the rights of the people and communities affected by mining sector activities.
Mr. Bitaye, who is also the Chairperson of the African Commission’s Working Group on Indigenous Populations/Communities in Africa, admits that the Commission is indeed unknown to many Africans and work is assiduously underway to address it. He also assured the audience that the ACHPR is also putting in place a follow-up mechanism to assess the implementation of some their recommendations and for investigative purposes.
He, however, stressed that one must exhaust remedies available in their home countries before seeking recourse at the ACHPR. “Without exhausting the local remedies if you come to the Commission you will be wasting your time”.
He reveals that the ACHPR consists of 11 individuals who are elected and could only be removed on the grounds of absenteeism. “After the election members are expected to work in their personal capacity and will do everything to maintain their independence.”
Elaborating on the independence of the Commission, Mr. Bitaye said in recent times the Assembly of Head of States and Governments had tried to interfere with its work but members of the Commission fiercely resisted. “At the last AU meeting, they asked us to remove some portions of our report but we wrote reminding them of the rules it cannot be done”. He adds, “The African Union has surprisingly given us a lot of money with the condition that we should not collect money outside the AU structures. On the other hand the OAU did not give us money and did not interfere in our work as well. ”
Responding to questions, Mr. Bitaye disclosed that the ACHPR might give hearing to a complainant in the event of undue delay in respect of a case before a court in his/her home country. He said although decisions of the ACHPR are not binding they have a strong influence.
The chairman for the occasion and Co-ordinator for TWN Africa, Dr. Yaw Graham, noted that with the new AU, it has become imperative for all stakeholders to work towards the upholding of fundamental human rights and freedoms on the continent.
Mr. Bitaye was on a five-day Promotional Mission to Ghana from September 1-5 during which he was expected to meet with a cross-section of human rights actors in the country, especially those working in the field of human rights: including in particular, relevant government officials, members of parliament, members of the judiciary, the police, civil society organisations, political party leaders, and other individuals or institutions capable of enlightening the African Commission on the human rights situation in Ghana.
At the end of the mission, he discussed the preliminary findings with relevant government authorities and held a news conference on the findings.
In accordance with Article 62 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, States Parties to the Charter are required to submit every two years, a report on the legislative or other measures taken, with a view to giving effect to the rights and freedoms recognised and guaranteed by the Charter. Besides, it receives what it calls shadow reports from NGOs, which are also allowed to attend meetings of the Commission.
The Commission is formed by 11 independent experts who are nationals of State Parties to the Charter who meet for two 15-day sessions each year which are held in April/ May and October/ November. The permanent Secretariat of the Commission is based in Banjul, the Gambia.The African Union was created in 2002, replacing the Organisation of African Unity which was established in 1963 to promote cooperation among the newly independent African States, but which did not have a human rights focus.
The Commission promotes human rights through awareness-raising programmes, sets human rights standards, and interprets articles of the Charter. It also protects human rights through its complaints mechanism which empowers it to receive individual and inter-State complaints alleging human rights violations. The Commission also receives and considers periodic reports that States Parties are required to submit under Article 62 about how they are implementing the Charter.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Beware of Dutch Disease; Prof. Asenso-Okyere warns
By Ebenezer Hanson
Former Vice-Chancellor of the University Of Ghana, Prof. Kwadwo Asenso-Okyere, has advised Ghanaians to beware of the Dutch disease that afflicted the Netherlands when they totally neglected the development of other sectors of their economy following the discovery of gas.
According to him, the retrogressive decision created opportunity for only a tiny minority to enjoy the benefits of the new discovery rendering the vast majority poor.
“There should be holistic development of the economy regardless of the fact we have discovered oil else we risk what the economist call the Dutch disease ”.
He proposes that instead of just releasing funds from the oil revenue into the economy, it should be mobilized into a fund for massive poverty reduction programmes, which would translate into tangible improvement in living standards of the Ghanaians.
The term Dutch Disease was coined in 1977 by The Economist to describe the decline in the manufacturing sector in Netherlands after the discovery of natural gas in the 1960s.
Prof. Asenso-Okyere said these when he delivered a lecture on the theme “Living at the Expense of Future Generations: Innovating for Sustainable Development ” in Accra last Wednesday. The lecture was under the aegis of the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG) and brought together Parliamentarians, academia, policy analysts, mass media, business executives and civil society.
Prof. Asenso-Okyere, who is currently the Director of the Addis-Ababa based International Service for National Agriculture Research (ISNAR), observes that while the size of the world is fixed, world population keeps on increasing while natural resources keep on shrinking.
“ The result is the frequent clashes over pastoral lands, mining concessions and lands in general be it for agricultural or construction purposes. There is also intense pressure on water bodies and if we don’t manage them properly then we would be bequeathing a bleak legacy for coming generations,” he predicts.
He forecasts that if the trend is not reverse those who will bear the brunt are those living in the rural areas because currently, 86 % of those living below the poverty line in Africa are in the rural areas.
Though he admits that Ghana is an emerging successful story with an annual average growth rate of 5.5% over the last few years, he argues the country has to accelerate its growth rate to 7% by 2015 before it could reach middle-income status.
Prof. Asenso-Okyere, who holds a PhD in agricultural economist, lamented those although development growth strategies have improved macroeconomic stability it has also contributed to the widening of the gulf between the rich and poor.
“ The high rate of rural-urban migration is leading to the development of mega cities with a high demand for housing and social services. The increasing urban population, without commensurate employment avenues, has contributed to increased crime while loose lifestyles, especially in the cities have led to a high incidence of diseases,” he adds.
He called for an appraisal of consumption habits and production strategies in order to mitigate the their adverse effects on the environment, and conserve the livelihood of future generations. He points out that “ poverty begets poverty and unless social protection programmes are built into development strategies to assist the poor and vulnerable, we will be recycling poverty from one generation to the other.”
Prof. thus called for the scaling up of social interventions in all countries in Africa and for that matter the School Feeding Programme, the Capitation Grant, National Health Insurance Scheme, among others in Ghana.
He also called for massive reforms in agriculture, education, energy and other key sectors of the economy that would ensure sustainable development and stem rural-urban migration.
During the discussion session, some participants complained about the indiscriminate use of land. “ Farm lands are now being turned into residential areas and if this is not checked the results in the long run would be disastrous, ” a worried participant pointed out.
The CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ms. Joyce Aryee, called for a sustained campaign to change the mindset of the Ghanaian from the wrong notion that the natural resources available to us is infinite “The resources available to humanity is finite and this should be impressed upon then Ghanaian,” she said.
The Chairperson for the event and first Ghanaian female Scientist to be admitted into the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Leticia Obeng, urged all Ghanaians to take our water resources seriously. “ We should always bear in mind that as we use and foul water, it is a limited resource. Though bland and an unacknowledged resource, there is no substitute for water and we must accordingly have respect for it.”
Former Vice-Chancellor of the University Of Ghana, Prof. Kwadwo Asenso-Okyere, has advised Ghanaians to beware of the Dutch disease that afflicted the Netherlands when they totally neglected the development of other sectors of their economy following the discovery of gas.
According to him, the retrogressive decision created opportunity for only a tiny minority to enjoy the benefits of the new discovery rendering the vast majority poor.
“There should be holistic development of the economy regardless of the fact we have discovered oil else we risk what the economist call the Dutch disease ”.
He proposes that instead of just releasing funds from the oil revenue into the economy, it should be mobilized into a fund for massive poverty reduction programmes, which would translate into tangible improvement in living standards of the Ghanaians.
The term Dutch Disease was coined in 1977 by The Economist to describe the decline in the manufacturing sector in Netherlands after the discovery of natural gas in the 1960s.
Prof. Asenso-Okyere said these when he delivered a lecture on the theme “Living at the Expense of Future Generations: Innovating for Sustainable Development ” in Accra last Wednesday. The lecture was under the aegis of the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG) and brought together Parliamentarians, academia, policy analysts, mass media, business executives and civil society.
Prof. Asenso-Okyere, who is currently the Director of the Addis-Ababa based International Service for National Agriculture Research (ISNAR), observes that while the size of the world is fixed, world population keeps on increasing while natural resources keep on shrinking.
“ The result is the frequent clashes over pastoral lands, mining concessions and lands in general be it for agricultural or construction purposes. There is also intense pressure on water bodies and if we don’t manage them properly then we would be bequeathing a bleak legacy for coming generations,” he predicts.
He forecasts that if the trend is not reverse those who will bear the brunt are those living in the rural areas because currently, 86 % of those living below the poverty line in Africa are in the rural areas.
Though he admits that Ghana is an emerging successful story with an annual average growth rate of 5.5% over the last few years, he argues the country has to accelerate its growth rate to 7% by 2015 before it could reach middle-income status.
Prof. Asenso-Okyere, who holds a PhD in agricultural economist, lamented those although development growth strategies have improved macroeconomic stability it has also contributed to the widening of the gulf between the rich and poor.
“ The high rate of rural-urban migration is leading to the development of mega cities with a high demand for housing and social services. The increasing urban population, without commensurate employment avenues, has contributed to increased crime while loose lifestyles, especially in the cities have led to a high incidence of diseases,” he adds.
He called for an appraisal of consumption habits and production strategies in order to mitigate the their adverse effects on the environment, and conserve the livelihood of future generations. He points out that “ poverty begets poverty and unless social protection programmes are built into development strategies to assist the poor and vulnerable, we will be recycling poverty from one generation to the other.”
Prof. thus called for the scaling up of social interventions in all countries in Africa and for that matter the School Feeding Programme, the Capitation Grant, National Health Insurance Scheme, among others in Ghana.
He also called for massive reforms in agriculture, education, energy and other key sectors of the economy that would ensure sustainable development and stem rural-urban migration.
During the discussion session, some participants complained about the indiscriminate use of land. “ Farm lands are now being turned into residential areas and if this is not checked the results in the long run would be disastrous, ” a worried participant pointed out.
The CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ms. Joyce Aryee, called for a sustained campaign to change the mindset of the Ghanaian from the wrong notion that the natural resources available to us is infinite “The resources available to humanity is finite and this should be impressed upon then Ghanaian,” she said.
The Chairperson for the event and first Ghanaian female Scientist to be admitted into the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Leticia Obeng, urged all Ghanaians to take our water resources seriously. “ We should always bear in mind that as we use and foul water, it is a limited resource. Though bland and an unacknowledged resource, there is no substitute for water and we must accordingly have respect for it.”
PNC and NDC alliance? It’ll be betrayal of Hilla Limann, says Ndebugre
By Ebenezer Hanson
Hon. John Akparibo Ndebugre, the firebrand People’s National Congress (PNC) Member of Parliament for Zebilla in the Upper East Region, has declared that a coalition or merger or an alliance between the PNC and National Democratic Congress (NDC) will amount to the betrayal of the ideals of Dr. Hilla Limann, the Founder of the PNC.
According to him, the historical antecedents of the PNC and that of the NDC are diametrically opposed to each other and therefore the two cannot work together.
“ PNC was founded by Dr. Hilla Limann, President of the Third Republic; NDC was founded by Jerry John Rawlings who violently overthrew the Limann administration after which he was detained for quite a while and subsequently consigned to his private house at the Teshie/ Nungua Estates.
“Dr. Limann was denied privileges due a former president under the 1979 Constitution for the whole period till his death and Ex-President Rawlings did not reconcile with Dr. Limann before he died in anguish. So it would amount to betrayal of Dr. Limann ideals to take the PNC to the NDC by way of alliance, coalition or merger, ” he expatiates.
Hon. Ndebugre was, in an exclusive interview with the Public Agenda in Parliament last Tuesday, reacting to a recent statement by Dr. Edward Mahama in the media, which suggested that the PNC would possibly consider forming a coalition with the NDC.
Besides the above reason, Hon. Ndebugre, who worked with the defunct Rawlings-led Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), has three other reasons why the PNC should not align itself with the NDC.
He disclosed that he is one of the several members of the PNC who do not recognize Dr. Mahama as the flagbearer of the PNC because the meeting that purported to have made him a flagbearer was not a duly constituted national congress. “ So congress was invalid and together with others, he is in court challenging that congress.” He admits that he recognizes Dr. Mahama as a member and 2004 flagbearer of the party, member of the national executive and the national standing committee. “ But as a single member of these committees he does not have the capacity to make such a pronouncement,” he stresses.
The Zebilla MP further contends that, granting the congress was duly constituted and Dr. Mahama was properly elected flagbearer he still lacks the capacity to unilaterally declare that he is taking the party into a coalition.
“ A decision to go into a coalition or an alliance or a merger with another party is a very serious policy decision that only the national delegates congress of the party has the capacity to take. If even such a congress was held, no such decision was taken. All he was doing was acting unilaterally and unconstitutionally and such an action cannot be sustained,” emphasizes Hon. Ndebugre.
The last leg of Hon Ndebugre’s four-prong argument is electorally laced. He submits that the PNC remains strong only at the expense of the NDC, and further observes that PNC is strongest in the Upper East and Upper West Regions. He notes that from 1992 to 2004, in both the Presidential or Parliamentary elections, the NDC was the next in contention wherever the PNC won.
He justifies his point statistically. He recalls that in the 2004 Parliamentary elections, he won the Zebilla seat by beating the NDC contestant by barely 15 votes. He said the NDC candidate could have won if he had not; and the trend was similar to the Bolgatanga and Sissala West. Additionally, he pointed out that, the only candidate who contested the Sissala East, which the PNC won, was an NDC candidate.
“A coalition, merger or alliance involves trade offs, and with the NDC being the stronger opponent, where will be the trade off ? ” he asks. He notes that the neither the NPP nor the CPP is in contention in the said constituencies; and it makes sense to engage in a trade off with a party that has a weaker support base in these constituencies.
To him what Dr. Mahama wants to do is to offer the PNC to the NDC to swallow or otherwise absorbed. “ And that will be the greatest betrayal of Dr. Limann.”
Hon. John Akparibo Ndebugre, the firebrand People’s National Congress (PNC) Member of Parliament for Zebilla in the Upper East Region, has declared that a coalition or merger or an alliance between the PNC and National Democratic Congress (NDC) will amount to the betrayal of the ideals of Dr. Hilla Limann, the Founder of the PNC.
According to him, the historical antecedents of the PNC and that of the NDC are diametrically opposed to each other and therefore the two cannot work together.
“ PNC was founded by Dr. Hilla Limann, President of the Third Republic; NDC was founded by Jerry John Rawlings who violently overthrew the Limann administration after which he was detained for quite a while and subsequently consigned to his private house at the Teshie/ Nungua Estates.
“Dr. Limann was denied privileges due a former president under the 1979 Constitution for the whole period till his death and Ex-President Rawlings did not reconcile with Dr. Limann before he died in anguish. So it would amount to betrayal of Dr. Limann ideals to take the PNC to the NDC by way of alliance, coalition or merger, ” he expatiates.
Hon. Ndebugre was, in an exclusive interview with the Public Agenda in Parliament last Tuesday, reacting to a recent statement by Dr. Edward Mahama in the media, which suggested that the PNC would possibly consider forming a coalition with the NDC.
Besides the above reason, Hon. Ndebugre, who worked with the defunct Rawlings-led Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), has three other reasons why the PNC should not align itself with the NDC.
He disclosed that he is one of the several members of the PNC who do not recognize Dr. Mahama as the flagbearer of the PNC because the meeting that purported to have made him a flagbearer was not a duly constituted national congress. “ So congress was invalid and together with others, he is in court challenging that congress.” He admits that he recognizes Dr. Mahama as a member and 2004 flagbearer of the party, member of the national executive and the national standing committee. “ But as a single member of these committees he does not have the capacity to make such a pronouncement,” he stresses.
The Zebilla MP further contends that, granting the congress was duly constituted and Dr. Mahama was properly elected flagbearer he still lacks the capacity to unilaterally declare that he is taking the party into a coalition.
“ A decision to go into a coalition or an alliance or a merger with another party is a very serious policy decision that only the national delegates congress of the party has the capacity to take. If even such a congress was held, no such decision was taken. All he was doing was acting unilaterally and unconstitutionally and such an action cannot be sustained,” emphasizes Hon. Ndebugre.
The last leg of Hon Ndebugre’s four-prong argument is electorally laced. He submits that the PNC remains strong only at the expense of the NDC, and further observes that PNC is strongest in the Upper East and Upper West Regions. He notes that from 1992 to 2004, in both the Presidential or Parliamentary elections, the NDC was the next in contention wherever the PNC won.
He justifies his point statistically. He recalls that in the 2004 Parliamentary elections, he won the Zebilla seat by beating the NDC contestant by barely 15 votes. He said the NDC candidate could have won if he had not; and the trend was similar to the Bolgatanga and Sissala West. Additionally, he pointed out that, the only candidate who contested the Sissala East, which the PNC won, was an NDC candidate.
“A coalition, merger or alliance involves trade offs, and with the NDC being the stronger opponent, where will be the trade off ? ” he asks. He notes that the neither the NPP nor the CPP is in contention in the said constituencies; and it makes sense to engage in a trade off with a party that has a weaker support base in these constituencies.
To him what Dr. Mahama wants to do is to offer the PNC to the NDC to swallow or otherwise absorbed. “ And that will be the greatest betrayal of Dr. Limann.”
Bartels dares Rights Activists over Refugees
By Ebenezer Hanson
The Minister for Interior, Hon. Kwamena Bartels, has dared Human Rights Activists who have threatened court action against the Government for allegedly trampling upon the rights of Liberian Refugees to execute their intention as he ever ready to meet them there.
He says he is at a loss as to why the so-called Human Rights Defenders kept their silence when some of the refugees were violating the rights of their other vulnerable Liberians such as the aged, the sick and children.
“Where were the Human Rights Activists when school prevented from going to school? Where the Rights Activists when these refugees were preventing others from receiving their food ration? Where were they when some the women were stripping naked on the street? ”he demanded answers.
Hon. Bartels was responding to a questioner at a news conference in Accra, who wanted his reaction to court threats from some Human Rights Activists over the recent Liberian Refugee crisis at the Buduburam Refugee Settlement near Kasoa in the Central Region.
On whether all the Liberians would be repatriated including those with Ghanaian spouses, the Minister said they are entitled to apply to be citizens of Ghana by reason of marriage and their requested would be granted if they meet the laid down requirements.
He disclosed that he had not received any report of harassment of Ghanaian women around the Buduburam Refugee Settlement; nonetheless he would ask the Police to investigate an allegation that was brought to his notice.
Similarly, he said he has heard cases of threats of harassment against Ghanaians in Liberia but have not received any report that these threats have been carried out.
He disclosed that Government has decided that all Liberian refugees in Ghana return home “ especially since they themselves have stated categorically that they do not want integration into then Ghanaian society and that they will resist local integration with all their might”.
Government, he said, would no longer tolerate the situation where people who have been given our hospitality continue to undermine the security of the State.
“ Our national security is supreme and shall not be compromised on any account. Refugees have a responsibility to respect our laws as well as refrain from subversive activities against the State, which has given them a home for then last 18 years,” he stressed.
He said it has been agreed that a Tripartite Committee consisting of Ghana, Liberia and UNHCR be established to work out the practical modalities for repatriation of the Liberian Refugees in Ghana. In addition, it has been decide that the Buduburam Settlement be dispersed and settled in smaller communities for the better management and monitoring.
In an interview, Jos Garneo Cephas, a Liberian photojournalist with the Daily Guide said although he shares the concerns of the National Coalition of Human Rights, he thought their intention of taking the Government to court was too hasty a decision.
The Minister for Interior, Hon. Kwamena Bartels, has dared Human Rights Activists who have threatened court action against the Government for allegedly trampling upon the rights of Liberian Refugees to execute their intention as he ever ready to meet them there.
He says he is at a loss as to why the so-called Human Rights Defenders kept their silence when some of the refugees were violating the rights of their other vulnerable Liberians such as the aged, the sick and children.
“Where were the Human Rights Activists when school prevented from going to school? Where the Rights Activists when these refugees were preventing others from receiving their food ration? Where were they when some the women were stripping naked on the street? ”he demanded answers.
Hon. Bartels was responding to a questioner at a news conference in Accra, who wanted his reaction to court threats from some Human Rights Activists over the recent Liberian Refugee crisis at the Buduburam Refugee Settlement near Kasoa in the Central Region.
On whether all the Liberians would be repatriated including those with Ghanaian spouses, the Minister said they are entitled to apply to be citizens of Ghana by reason of marriage and their requested would be granted if they meet the laid down requirements.
He disclosed that he had not received any report of harassment of Ghanaian women around the Buduburam Refugee Settlement; nonetheless he would ask the Police to investigate an allegation that was brought to his notice.
Similarly, he said he has heard cases of threats of harassment against Ghanaians in Liberia but have not received any report that these threats have been carried out.
He disclosed that Government has decided that all Liberian refugees in Ghana return home “ especially since they themselves have stated categorically that they do not want integration into then Ghanaian society and that they will resist local integration with all their might”.
Government, he said, would no longer tolerate the situation where people who have been given our hospitality continue to undermine the security of the State.
“ Our national security is supreme and shall not be compromised on any account. Refugees have a responsibility to respect our laws as well as refrain from subversive activities against the State, which has given them a home for then last 18 years,” he stressed.
He said it has been agreed that a Tripartite Committee consisting of Ghana, Liberia and UNHCR be established to work out the practical modalities for repatriation of the Liberian Refugees in Ghana. In addition, it has been decide that the Buduburam Settlement be dispersed and settled in smaller communities for the better management and monitoring.
In an interview, Jos Garneo Cephas, a Liberian photojournalist with the Daily Guide said although he shares the concerns of the National Coalition of Human Rights, he thought their intention of taking the Government to court was too hasty a decision.
Babgin unamused about Northern Development Fund
By Ebenezer Hanson
The Minority Leader, Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin, says although the Northern Ghana Development Fund as announced in the 2008 Budget Statement is a welcome news, the money allocated is grossly inadequate and government must show more commitment to developing the three Northern Regions than this piecemeal approach.
“ Northern Ghana consists of three regions, the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions and considering the extent of underdevelopment in these three regions, the 250 billion cedis is woefully inadequate for any meaningful work,” Hon. Bagbin was giving his views on the 2008 Budget in an interview with the Public Agenda in Parliament last Thursday.
He described the budget as propaganda spin without substance and that the Finance Minister, Hon. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, was just playing to the gallery. “Look at the number of times he used the expression “a brighter future budget”, it was about ten times; meanwhile the budget did not offer any hope for the future ”.
The 2008 Budget unveils a Special Initiative on Sustainable Development of Northern Ghana. Government has earmarked 250 billion cedis (GH cedis 25.0 million) as seed money for the establishment of a Northern Ghana Development Fund, and it encouraging Development Partners to contribute to the Fund.
Explaining the rationale for the Fund during the presentation of the budget, Hon. Baah-Wiredu observed, “the development gap Northern Ghana and Southern has been a long historical process dating back from the colonial era. The recent floods that affected most of the North have exacerbated the gap.
“ Government of Ghana is preparing a medium to long-term development strategy that will transform the economy and society of Northern Ghana, in a
manner that will ensure that effective utilization of the region’s competitive advantage in food production, adding value to agro-processing, boosting private sector confidence and improving incomes and general living conditions.”
Hon. Mahama Yariga, MP for Bawku Central, also shared the similar concerns. According to him, considering the staggering amounts of $45million and $20 million that have been allocated for the building of a Presidential Palace and renovation of Peduase Lodge respectively, the 25 million Ghana cedis as seed money for the Northern Ghana Development Fund tapers into insignificance.
“ I mean how does justify the higher allocation to the Presidential Palace and that of the Northern Development,” he queried.
But an NPP Standard bearer aspirant and immediate past Finance Minister, Hon. Yaw Osafo-Maafo, considers the creation of the Fund as the greatest thing that happened in this year’s budget and that the Minority got it all wrong.
“ A seed money need not be big, it is for a start. The government has recognized developmental needs of Northern Ghana and it is attacking it frontally. And don’t forget that the Government is inviting development partner to contribute. It is therefore open,” Osafo-Maafo explains.
A statement issued by the Minority on amounts allocated to works on Presidential Palace and Peduase Lodge in relation to poverty levels in Northern stated in part as follows: “ We believe that the NPP Government has gotten its priorities completely wrong. At a time when Ghana has deteriorated in the quality of life in the World Human Development Index, at a time when the GPRS review report shows a worsening trend of key indicators like maternal mortality, child malnutrition, infant mortality and incidence of guinea worm, at a time when per capita income stands at US$390, at a time when 9 out of 10 persons in the Upper east are living in poverty, 8 out of 10 live in poverty in the Upper West region, 7 out 0f 10 in the Northern Region and 6 out of 10 persons in Central Regions are in poverty, at a time when economic infrastructure projects across the country with a short term return on investment are crying for funding, we sincerely believe it is a classic case of misplaced priorities to spend over ¢270 billion on Presidential offices and Residence Complex at this time.
“ This is particularly so after an amount of ¢16 billion was spent between 2001 and 2002 on renovating the castle to make it fit and comfortable as an office and residence for the current President. After such a colossal expenditure we find it a waste for Government to declare the castle not fit for the Presidency and therefore seek to build a whole new complex at this present time. The issue of misplaced priorities is made worse by the NPP Government’s allocation of an additional ¢129 billion, to in their own words “restore Peduase Lodge to its past glory.”
Some of the targets and outlook for 2008 macro framework include a real GDP growth of at least 7 per cent; and end period inflation rate of between 6 and 8 percent; an average inflation of 7 per cent; accumulation of international reserves of the equivalence of at least three months of import cover and an overall budget deficit of 4.0 per cent of GDP.
In line with GPRS II, government’s priorities for 2008 will focus on facilitating growth and reducing poverty throu7gh major infrastructural development.
Government will fund all 166 districts to construct and tar 15kms of roads in the district over the course of the year. The criteria for selection of the roads will be developed by the end of the year so that the implementation of the programme can start at the beginning of 2008. A projected GHC 199,200,000 is allocated for this initiative. Banks and other financial institutions will be encouraged to per-finance and Government resources will be used to pay as revenue incomes in.
In addition, $200 million from the $750 million sovereign bond will be used for the road sector including the dualisation of the Accra-Kumasi highway. $90 million from the sovereign has been allocated to build the Western corridor of the railway network.
An estimated GHC 7,470,000 will be allocated to five communities in each of 166 districts for the provision of good drinking water. District Assemblies will select priority towns or villages to benefit from this initiative.
Major medium and long-term measures have been initiated and these include operationalisation of the Osagyefo Power Barge at Effasu; execution of the Bui Hydro Electric Power Project; Hemang and Awisam Hydro Electricity Power on the Pra River; Hydro Electric Power on Ankobra River; the Tanoso Hydro Electric Power on the Tano River; and the Juale Hydro River on Oti River.
US$460 million out of the sovereign bond proceeds will be spent in the energy sector with focus on the transmission and distribution network.
Government will also provide electricity to five communities in each of the 166 Districts of the country. The total budget for the electrification project is GHC613, 042,980.
GHC819, 712,980 is earmarked for the three priority projects in the 166 Districts in 2008. The private sector through Public Partnership (PPP) will be invited to collaborate with Government to achieve these goals.
Meanwhile, Parliament begins debate on the budget on Tuesday, November 27, 2007.
The Minority Leader, Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin, says although the Northern Ghana Development Fund as announced in the 2008 Budget Statement is a welcome news, the money allocated is grossly inadequate and government must show more commitment to developing the three Northern Regions than this piecemeal approach.
“ Northern Ghana consists of three regions, the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions and considering the extent of underdevelopment in these three regions, the 250 billion cedis is woefully inadequate for any meaningful work,” Hon. Bagbin was giving his views on the 2008 Budget in an interview with the Public Agenda in Parliament last Thursday.
He described the budget as propaganda spin without substance and that the Finance Minister, Hon. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, was just playing to the gallery. “Look at the number of times he used the expression “a brighter future budget”, it was about ten times; meanwhile the budget did not offer any hope for the future ”.
The 2008 Budget unveils a Special Initiative on Sustainable Development of Northern Ghana. Government has earmarked 250 billion cedis (GH cedis 25.0 million) as seed money for the establishment of a Northern Ghana Development Fund, and it encouraging Development Partners to contribute to the Fund.
Explaining the rationale for the Fund during the presentation of the budget, Hon. Baah-Wiredu observed, “the development gap Northern Ghana and Southern has been a long historical process dating back from the colonial era. The recent floods that affected most of the North have exacerbated the gap.
“ Government of Ghana is preparing a medium to long-term development strategy that will transform the economy and society of Northern Ghana, in a
manner that will ensure that effective utilization of the region’s competitive advantage in food production, adding value to agro-processing, boosting private sector confidence and improving incomes and general living conditions.”
Hon. Mahama Yariga, MP for Bawku Central, also shared the similar concerns. According to him, considering the staggering amounts of $45million and $20 million that have been allocated for the building of a Presidential Palace and renovation of Peduase Lodge respectively, the 25 million Ghana cedis as seed money for the Northern Ghana Development Fund tapers into insignificance.
“ I mean how does justify the higher allocation to the Presidential Palace and that of the Northern Development,” he queried.
But an NPP Standard bearer aspirant and immediate past Finance Minister, Hon. Yaw Osafo-Maafo, considers the creation of the Fund as the greatest thing that happened in this year’s budget and that the Minority got it all wrong.
“ A seed money need not be big, it is for a start. The government has recognized developmental needs of Northern Ghana and it is attacking it frontally. And don’t forget that the Government is inviting development partner to contribute. It is therefore open,” Osafo-Maafo explains.
A statement issued by the Minority on amounts allocated to works on Presidential Palace and Peduase Lodge in relation to poverty levels in Northern stated in part as follows: “ We believe that the NPP Government has gotten its priorities completely wrong. At a time when Ghana has deteriorated in the quality of life in the World Human Development Index, at a time when the GPRS review report shows a worsening trend of key indicators like maternal mortality, child malnutrition, infant mortality and incidence of guinea worm, at a time when per capita income stands at US$390, at a time when 9 out of 10 persons in the Upper east are living in poverty, 8 out of 10 live in poverty in the Upper West region, 7 out 0f 10 in the Northern Region and 6 out of 10 persons in Central Regions are in poverty, at a time when economic infrastructure projects across the country with a short term return on investment are crying for funding, we sincerely believe it is a classic case of misplaced priorities to spend over ¢270 billion on Presidential offices and Residence Complex at this time.
“ This is particularly so after an amount of ¢16 billion was spent between 2001 and 2002 on renovating the castle to make it fit and comfortable as an office and residence for the current President. After such a colossal expenditure we find it a waste for Government to declare the castle not fit for the Presidency and therefore seek to build a whole new complex at this present time. The issue of misplaced priorities is made worse by the NPP Government’s allocation of an additional ¢129 billion, to in their own words “restore Peduase Lodge to its past glory.”
Some of the targets and outlook for 2008 macro framework include a real GDP growth of at least 7 per cent; and end period inflation rate of between 6 and 8 percent; an average inflation of 7 per cent; accumulation of international reserves of the equivalence of at least three months of import cover and an overall budget deficit of 4.0 per cent of GDP.
In line with GPRS II, government’s priorities for 2008 will focus on facilitating growth and reducing poverty throu7gh major infrastructural development.
Government will fund all 166 districts to construct and tar 15kms of roads in the district over the course of the year. The criteria for selection of the roads will be developed by the end of the year so that the implementation of the programme can start at the beginning of 2008. A projected GHC 199,200,000 is allocated for this initiative. Banks and other financial institutions will be encouraged to per-finance and Government resources will be used to pay as revenue incomes in.
In addition, $200 million from the $750 million sovereign bond will be used for the road sector including the dualisation of the Accra-Kumasi highway. $90 million from the sovereign has been allocated to build the Western corridor of the railway network.
An estimated GHC 7,470,000 will be allocated to five communities in each of 166 districts for the provision of good drinking water. District Assemblies will select priority towns or villages to benefit from this initiative.
Major medium and long-term measures have been initiated and these include operationalisation of the Osagyefo Power Barge at Effasu; execution of the Bui Hydro Electric Power Project; Hemang and Awisam Hydro Electricity Power on the Pra River; Hydro Electric Power on Ankobra River; the Tanoso Hydro Electric Power on the Tano River; and the Juale Hydro River on Oti River.
US$460 million out of the sovereign bond proceeds will be spent in the energy sector with focus on the transmission and distribution network.
Government will also provide electricity to five communities in each of the 166 Districts of the country. The total budget for the electrification project is GHC613, 042,980.
GHC819, 712,980 is earmarked for the three priority projects in the 166 Districts in 2008. The private sector through Public Partnership (PPP) will be invited to collaborate with Government to achieve these goals.
Meanwhile, Parliament begins debate on the budget on Tuesday, November 27, 2007.
BAAH-WIREDU PICKS A BONE WITH VICTOR SMITH...Over 'cocaine money' and inflation
By Ebenezer Hanson
The Special Aide to ex-President Rawlings, Mr. Victor Smith has stirred a huge debate by publicly asking the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to be skeptical about rate of inflation figures given by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.
His premise for that proposition was that, given the alleged whopping ‘cocaine money’ in circulation in the country, inflation rate figures ought to be higher than the current figures. Presently, the rate of inflation is about 10.8 percent. Smith thus dismissed the downward trend of inflation as cosmetic.
Mr. Smith was reacting to the Minister of Information, Mr Kwamena Bartels’ response to former president Rawlings’ recent comments on national issues.
When the Public Agenda reached him for his reaction, the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Mr. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, described the allegations not only as spurious, but also expose clearly Mr. Smith’s ignorance about how inflation rate is calculated.
To start with, he categorically denied any knowledge of alleged staggering ‘cocaine money’ in circulation in the country, and does not see how that is linked to the calculation of inflation.
Inflation rate, he explained, is determined by the Statistical Service, taking into account the prices of commodities on the market. Therefore if any body is claiming that the inflation figures are doubtful, then that person should be talking about prices of goods and services on the market.
“ If prices of commodities are rising and inflation is low then the figures are doubtful. But if the figures given by the Statistical Service reflect the relative stability of prices of commodities, then I don’t see how anybody could link this so-called ‘cocaine money’ to the downtrend in the rate of inflation. His (Mr. Smith’s) connection between ‘cocaine money’ and accuracy of inflation figures is meaningless. Ghanaians are witnesses to the relative stability of prices on the market,” d the Finance Minister stressed.
Mr. Baah-Wiredu recalled that from a “suffocating” annual rate of inflation of 41% in January in 2001, inflation rate has been reduced to about 10% in 2006. “The rate at which prices used to change almost on a monthly basis before 2001 is no more the case, and today there is a fair level of stability in prices”, he stated.
Last week, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the sixth and final review of Ghana's economic performance under a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) arrangement. Following completion of the review a final loan equivalent about US$39 million was available to Ghana on October 31, 2006.
The PRGF is the IMF's concessional facility for low-income countries. PRGF-supported programs are based on country-owned poverty reduction strategies adopted in a participatory process involving civil society and development partners and articulated in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP). This is intended to ensure that PRGF-supported programs are consistent with a comprehensive framework for macroeconomic, structural, and social policies to foster growth and reduce poverty. PRGF loans carry an annual interest rate of 0.5 percent and are repayable over 10 years with a 5½-year grace period on principal payments.
The Executive Board also approved Ghana's request for waiver for the nonobservance of the quantitative performance criterion on the net domestic assets of the Bank of Ghana for end-June 2006.
Following the Executive Board's discussion on Ghana, Mr. Takatoshi Kato, sDeputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, made the following statement:
"Economic performance continued to improve in Ghana during the first half of 2006, supported by strong macroeconomic policy implementation and a favorable external environment. Growth is relatively strong, inflation is falling, and the external position has strengthened considerably, allowing a buildup of international reserves that provides a cushion against shocks. Ghana's program implementation during the PRGF-supported program has been satisfactory.
"Fiscal policy appears on course in 2006 to deliver the targeted reductions in the ratio of domestic debt to GDP. The fiscal consolidation that has occurred during the PRGF-supported program has resulted in a significant reduction in domestic debt service and allowed the crowding-in of private sector investment through continuing declines in interest rates, while increasing poverty-related spending.
"Monetary policy is expected to remain firm, geared toward achieving single-digit inflation. Ghana has made important strides in financial sector reforms, including eliminating the secondary reserve requirement for banks. These reforms will help make the banking system more efficient, and encourage financial deepening and growth of private sector credit.
"The government's economic strategy is now focused on accelerating growth, in the context of a relatively stable macroeconomic framework. Looking forward, the main challenge for Ghana is to find the necessary resources to undertake the investment plan, while preserving debt sustainability. The authorities have indicated they will exercise great caution in contracting new loans, particularly given the risks to the medium-term outlook and continuing vulnerability to shocks." Mr. Kato said.
The Special Aide to ex-President Rawlings, Mr. Victor Smith has stirred a huge debate by publicly asking the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to be skeptical about rate of inflation figures given by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.
His premise for that proposition was that, given the alleged whopping ‘cocaine money’ in circulation in the country, inflation rate figures ought to be higher than the current figures. Presently, the rate of inflation is about 10.8 percent. Smith thus dismissed the downward trend of inflation as cosmetic.
Mr. Smith was reacting to the Minister of Information, Mr Kwamena Bartels’ response to former president Rawlings’ recent comments on national issues.
When the Public Agenda reached him for his reaction, the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Mr. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, described the allegations not only as spurious, but also expose clearly Mr. Smith’s ignorance about how inflation rate is calculated.
To start with, he categorically denied any knowledge of alleged staggering ‘cocaine money’ in circulation in the country, and does not see how that is linked to the calculation of inflation.
Inflation rate, he explained, is determined by the Statistical Service, taking into account the prices of commodities on the market. Therefore if any body is claiming that the inflation figures are doubtful, then that person should be talking about prices of goods and services on the market.
“ If prices of commodities are rising and inflation is low then the figures are doubtful. But if the figures given by the Statistical Service reflect the relative stability of prices of commodities, then I don’t see how anybody could link this so-called ‘cocaine money’ to the downtrend in the rate of inflation. His (Mr. Smith’s) connection between ‘cocaine money’ and accuracy of inflation figures is meaningless. Ghanaians are witnesses to the relative stability of prices on the market,” d the Finance Minister stressed.
Mr. Baah-Wiredu recalled that from a “suffocating” annual rate of inflation of 41% in January in 2001, inflation rate has been reduced to about 10% in 2006. “The rate at which prices used to change almost on a monthly basis before 2001 is no more the case, and today there is a fair level of stability in prices”, he stated.
Last week, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the sixth and final review of Ghana's economic performance under a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) arrangement. Following completion of the review a final loan equivalent about US$39 million was available to Ghana on October 31, 2006.
The PRGF is the IMF's concessional facility for low-income countries. PRGF-supported programs are based on country-owned poverty reduction strategies adopted in a participatory process involving civil society and development partners and articulated in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP). This is intended to ensure that PRGF-supported programs are consistent with a comprehensive framework for macroeconomic, structural, and social policies to foster growth and reduce poverty. PRGF loans carry an annual interest rate of 0.5 percent and are repayable over 10 years with a 5½-year grace period on principal payments.
The Executive Board also approved Ghana's request for waiver for the nonobservance of the quantitative performance criterion on the net domestic assets of the Bank of Ghana for end-June 2006.
Following the Executive Board's discussion on Ghana, Mr. Takatoshi Kato, sDeputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, made the following statement:
"Economic performance continued to improve in Ghana during the first half of 2006, supported by strong macroeconomic policy implementation and a favorable external environment. Growth is relatively strong, inflation is falling, and the external position has strengthened considerably, allowing a buildup of international reserves that provides a cushion against shocks. Ghana's program implementation during the PRGF-supported program has been satisfactory.
"Fiscal policy appears on course in 2006 to deliver the targeted reductions in the ratio of domestic debt to GDP. The fiscal consolidation that has occurred during the PRGF-supported program has resulted in a significant reduction in domestic debt service and allowed the crowding-in of private sector investment through continuing declines in interest rates, while increasing poverty-related spending.
"Monetary policy is expected to remain firm, geared toward achieving single-digit inflation. Ghana has made important strides in financial sector reforms, including eliminating the secondary reserve requirement for banks. These reforms will help make the banking system more efficient, and encourage financial deepening and growth of private sector credit.
"The government's economic strategy is now focused on accelerating growth, in the context of a relatively stable macroeconomic framework. Looking forward, the main challenge for Ghana is to find the necessary resources to undertake the investment plan, while preserving debt sustainability. The authorities have indicated they will exercise great caution in contracting new loans, particularly given the risks to the medium-term outlook and continuing vulnerability to shocks." Mr. Kato said.
Majority & Minority must unite to defuse Executive dominance
By Ebenezer Hanson
An ex-Minister in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration has submitted until the Majority and Minority caucuses in Parliament forge together in unity and assert itself as independent entity, they will invariably be dominated by the Executive in the scheme of things.
Mr. Kwamena Ahwoi, former Local and Rural Development Minister, argues that Parliament has what it takes to wean itself from the Executive influence and yet it has failed to employ the arsenals at its disposal.
“So far as the Majority and Minority will not come together as one to look at issues, the Executive will continue to dominate. It the Parliamentarians that pass the budgets for the Executive; they give approval for all the perks that the members of the executive enjoy. Why can’t they assert themselves? ” he reasoned.
Mr. Ahwoi, currently a Senior Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), was reviewing the book, Executive-Parliament Interface in the Legislative Process (1993-2006): A Synergy of Powers? at the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) in Accra last Wednesday.
He disagrees with the recommendations of the book that the Fourth Republican Constitution of 1992 be amended to preclude the President from appointing Ministers from Parliament. He says the book overlooked the fact that Article 78(1) which enjoins the President to appoint Ministers of State from Parliament is rooted in history.
The article provides that Ministers of State shall be appointed by the President with the prior approval of Parliament from among members of Parliament or persons qualified to be elected as members of Parliament, except that the majority of Ministers of State shall be appointed from among members of Parliament.
Mr. Ahwoi recalled that during the Busia-led Progress Party regime of 1969-1972, the then constitution based on the Parliamentary System of government prescribed that all Ministers must come from Parliament. Accordingly, nobody from the Volta Region was appointed a Minister of State because the party did not win any seat for the region. “The effect of that arrangement was that a whole region was cut off from the governance of the country.”
Similarly, he related how the budget of People’s National Party led by Dr. Hilla Limann was defeated in Parliament in 1981 because Ministers were not in House to inform the debate. The then Third Republican constitution was modeled on the Presidential System of government which sets out clearly an arrangement of clear separation of powers between the Executive and Legislature.
Mr. Ahwoi said the fusion of the Executive and Legislature under the 1992 Constitution was therefore a compromise between the two extreme systems of governance-the Parliamentary and Presidential Systems.
Also reviewing the book, Prof. Mike Oquaye, a former Minister in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration observed that Parliament is polarized because almost every issue in the country has been politicized. “We are all non-accommodating,” he admitted, adding “we must move away from this stance and work towards consensus building”.
To him the current hybrid system of governance is the appropriate and better in that it enables Ministers to provide vital information and data to Parliament which inform and enrich debate and decision making in the House.
In his view the Executive-Parliament Interface in the Legislative Process (1993-2006): A Synergy of Powers? is a well-researched book “whether one agrees with the views or not expressed therein”.
To ensure the sustainability of our nascent democracy, Prof. Oquaye suggested that all stakeholders must respect Supreme Court decisions on electoral matters and Supreme Court must do well to dispose off electoral matter brought before it within two weeks.
The author of the 87-page book, Prof. Kwame A. Ninsin, revealed that the writing of the book stemmed from refutations made by MPs on a conclusion he had made at lecture by Parliament that the institution is subservient to the Executive. “The Parliamentarians claimed the assertion was only a perception in order words it was a rumour”. He said due to this rebuttal the IDEG decided to research into the issue to generate empirical evidence as to buttress the claim.
According to him, the research revealed that was a growing trend in Executive relative to Parliament and the “House instead of asserting itself as a united body representing the people is increasingly abdicating its national duty.” He blames this phenomenon on the hybrid system of government and consequently called for an amendment of the Constitution to separate the Parliament from the Executive.
The Dean of the Faculty of Social Studies, Prof. J. R. Atsu Ayee, who chaired the event and launched the book as well, agreed with Prof. Ninsin that it was time the constitution was amended to ensure a clear separation of powers. He also called for a similar research to be conducted on the relationship between the Executive and the Judiciary.
An ex-Minister in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration has submitted until the Majority and Minority caucuses in Parliament forge together in unity and assert itself as independent entity, they will invariably be dominated by the Executive in the scheme of things.
Mr. Kwamena Ahwoi, former Local and Rural Development Minister, argues that Parliament has what it takes to wean itself from the Executive influence and yet it has failed to employ the arsenals at its disposal.
“So far as the Majority and Minority will not come together as one to look at issues, the Executive will continue to dominate. It the Parliamentarians that pass the budgets for the Executive; they give approval for all the perks that the members of the executive enjoy. Why can’t they assert themselves? ” he reasoned.
Mr. Ahwoi, currently a Senior Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), was reviewing the book, Executive-Parliament Interface in the Legislative Process (1993-2006): A Synergy of Powers? at the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) in Accra last Wednesday.
He disagrees with the recommendations of the book that the Fourth Republican Constitution of 1992 be amended to preclude the President from appointing Ministers from Parliament. He says the book overlooked the fact that Article 78(1) which enjoins the President to appoint Ministers of State from Parliament is rooted in history.
The article provides that Ministers of State shall be appointed by the President with the prior approval of Parliament from among members of Parliament or persons qualified to be elected as members of Parliament, except that the majority of Ministers of State shall be appointed from among members of Parliament.
Mr. Ahwoi recalled that during the Busia-led Progress Party regime of 1969-1972, the then constitution based on the Parliamentary System of government prescribed that all Ministers must come from Parliament. Accordingly, nobody from the Volta Region was appointed a Minister of State because the party did not win any seat for the region. “The effect of that arrangement was that a whole region was cut off from the governance of the country.”
Similarly, he related how the budget of People’s National Party led by Dr. Hilla Limann was defeated in Parliament in 1981 because Ministers were not in House to inform the debate. The then Third Republican constitution was modeled on the Presidential System of government which sets out clearly an arrangement of clear separation of powers between the Executive and Legislature.
Mr. Ahwoi said the fusion of the Executive and Legislature under the 1992 Constitution was therefore a compromise between the two extreme systems of governance-the Parliamentary and Presidential Systems.
Also reviewing the book, Prof. Mike Oquaye, a former Minister in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration observed that Parliament is polarized because almost every issue in the country has been politicized. “We are all non-accommodating,” he admitted, adding “we must move away from this stance and work towards consensus building”.
To him the current hybrid system of governance is the appropriate and better in that it enables Ministers to provide vital information and data to Parliament which inform and enrich debate and decision making in the House.
In his view the Executive-Parliament Interface in the Legislative Process (1993-2006): A Synergy of Powers? is a well-researched book “whether one agrees with the views or not expressed therein”.
To ensure the sustainability of our nascent democracy, Prof. Oquaye suggested that all stakeholders must respect Supreme Court decisions on electoral matters and Supreme Court must do well to dispose off electoral matter brought before it within two weeks.
The author of the 87-page book, Prof. Kwame A. Ninsin, revealed that the writing of the book stemmed from refutations made by MPs on a conclusion he had made at lecture by Parliament that the institution is subservient to the Executive. “The Parliamentarians claimed the assertion was only a perception in order words it was a rumour”. He said due to this rebuttal the IDEG decided to research into the issue to generate empirical evidence as to buttress the claim.
According to him, the research revealed that was a growing trend in Executive relative to Parliament and the “House instead of asserting itself as a united body representing the people is increasingly abdicating its national duty.” He blames this phenomenon on the hybrid system of government and consequently called for an amendment of the Constitution to separate the Parliament from the Executive.
The Dean of the Faculty of Social Studies, Prof. J. R. Atsu Ayee, who chaired the event and launched the book as well, agreed with Prof. Ninsin that it was time the constitution was amended to ensure a clear separation of powers. He also called for a similar research to be conducted on the relationship between the Executive and the Judiciary.
Monday, August 25, 2008
AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION ASSISTS LA IN CLEAN UP EXERCISE
By Ebenezer Hanson
As part of activities marking this year’s “Clean Up the World” event, the Australian High Commission in conjunction with Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation, an NGO, has supported the people of La to clean up the environment.
The September 16 exercise, attracted hundreds of volunteers whom the High Commission assisted with protective clothing and footwear, tools, waste disposal facilities, transportation and promotional materials. The Commission also donated a fogging machine to Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation.
“Clean up the World” activities took place on the same day in over 100 countries around world. The event had its origins in Australia about 15years ago, with ‘Clean up Australia Day’ when over 4000 people worked to clean up Sydney Harbour and its shoreline. This led to the formation of the “Clean up the World ” organization based in Sydney, which has since 1993 helped promote annual clean- up programmes in almost every country in the world.
Addressing the volunteers at he end of the exercise, the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Jonathan Richardson stressed that Clean-up activities are not just about cleaner streets, beaches and public places.
“It is about preventing degradation of the environment, so that harmful chemicals and substances do not get into water sources, in the soil or in the atmosphere. It is also about sanitation-removing rubbish and waste, which serve as breeding ground for malaria and other diseases.
According to him, clean-up is also about civic pride and that communities who get together like this for a common purpose are setting an example for their fellow country men and women not just only in making cleaner cities but for a better environment.
Mr. Richardson also noted that development can only come from the efforts of the people of developing countries through their initiative, their creativity, their organization and their determination to get things done.
Government and agencies from outside can help plant seeds, but ultimately development comes from within.
The Minister for Tourism and Diasporan Affairs, Mr. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey commended the people of La for their huge turnout for the exercise.
He said filthy environment engender health problems and therefore, such activities should not be a nine-day wonder but must be continually done.
The La Mantse Nii Kpobi Tettey Tsuru thanked the Australian High Commission and the Accra metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for providing support in the form of equipment.
The Australian High Commission presented certificates of appreciation to the seven clans of La and other identifiable groups and institutions who are associated with the La Township.
As part of activities marking this year’s “Clean Up the World” event, the Australian High Commission in conjunction with Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation, an NGO, has supported the people of La to clean up the environment.
The September 16 exercise, attracted hundreds of volunteers whom the High Commission assisted with protective clothing and footwear, tools, waste disposal facilities, transportation and promotional materials. The Commission also donated a fogging machine to Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation.
“Clean up the World” activities took place on the same day in over 100 countries around world. The event had its origins in Australia about 15years ago, with ‘Clean up Australia Day’ when over 4000 people worked to clean up Sydney Harbour and its shoreline. This led to the formation of the “Clean up the World ” organization based in Sydney, which has since 1993 helped promote annual clean- up programmes in almost every country in the world.
Addressing the volunteers at he end of the exercise, the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Jonathan Richardson stressed that Clean-up activities are not just about cleaner streets, beaches and public places.
“It is about preventing degradation of the environment, so that harmful chemicals and substances do not get into water sources, in the soil or in the atmosphere. It is also about sanitation-removing rubbish and waste, which serve as breeding ground for malaria and other diseases.
According to him, clean-up is also about civic pride and that communities who get together like this for a common purpose are setting an example for their fellow country men and women not just only in making cleaner cities but for a better environment.
Mr. Richardson also noted that development can only come from the efforts of the people of developing countries through their initiative, their creativity, their organization and their determination to get things done.
Government and agencies from outside can help plant seeds, but ultimately development comes from within.
The Minister for Tourism and Diasporan Affairs, Mr. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey commended the people of La for their huge turnout for the exercise.
He said filthy environment engender health problems and therefore, such activities should not be a nine-day wonder but must be continually done.
The La Mantse Nii Kpobi Tettey Tsuru thanked the Australian High Commission and the Accra metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for providing support in the form of equipment.
The Australian High Commission presented certificates of appreciation to the seven clans of La and other identifiable groups and institutions who are associated with the La Township.
AU’s non-recognition of Somaliland is undermining NEPAD
By Ebenezer Hanson
It has been submitted that the non-recognition of Somaliland by the African Union (AU) is undermining the principles of peace and stability of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
“The principles of NEPAD demand that African States should promote peace and stability, and this is exactly what Somaliland has achieved and consolidated. Consequently, the non-recognition of Somaliland by the AU is undermining the NEPAD,” declared Dr. Iqbal Jhazbhay of the University of South Africa, Pretoria at a symposium on “The African Union and Somaliland in the Horn of Africa”. His topic was “Somaliland: Post-War Nation-Building & the Challenge of International Recognition”.
He points out that the issue in question also challenges the AU during the ‘good governance’ era of NEPAD, a context within which Somaliland fits comfortably as a good citizen of the international community.
He said it was ironical that certain countries without the necessary institutions and structures were recognized by the international community while Somaliland with the required structures in place have not been recognized. “ Somaliland has brought into sharp focus the grave mistake of the international community in recognizing countries without the required structures and institutions”.
The event was hosted by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center (KAIPTC) in Accra in conjunction with the University of South Africa, Department of Religious Studies and Arabic with support from Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dr. Jhazbhay said the AU would be doing justice to the sentiments of the people of Somaliland if it establishes a sub committee comprising members from all the five sub regional bodies to analyse the Somaliland case and report back to the continental union for decisive action.
Somaliland is a relatively unknown East African country in the Horn of Africa. She became a sovereign nation in 1947 after breaking the yoke of British colonialism and within its first week of her freedom entered into integration with Somalia. Come 1991, she withdrew from the integration and declared her independence.
On 18th May 2007, Somaliland marked her 16th anniversary of her independence from Somalia. The proclamation of independence was founded on basic requirements of international law, which includes a permanent population, defined territory, a stable system of government and the capacity to enter into international relations with other states.
For 16 years Somaliland has built up and projected a credible domestic political constituency in contrast to its southern neighbour, Somalia, where the United Nations, the African Union and the Transitional Federal Government are struggling to overcome internal divisions and assert national political authority.
However, Somaliland’s success story in establishing and maintaining a functioning constitutional democracy remains a better-kept secret and denied international recognition. Somaliland is vigorously pursuing its moral, if not, legal, case for recognition at the African Union, an effort considered a sine qua non to wider international community.
According to Dr. Jhazbhay, Somaliland has tried to manage extreme Islamic fundamentalism within widely accepted norms and this has reinforced religious and social cohesion within the country.
Speaking on “Somaliland’s Emerging Democracy and Economy:The Way to Consolidation”, Somaliland’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Abdillahi Duale submitted that his country has all that it takes in a any stable and democratic state. Expatiating, he disclosed that in a referendum in May 2001, 97 percent of eligible voters approved the country’s Constitution and affirmed Somaliland’s status as a sovereign and independent state.
Since the referendum there have been three democratic elections: local elections in December 2002, Pre4sidential elections in April 2003 and Parliamentary elections in September 2005.
“ Several countries enjoy de factor relations Somaliland. European governments have signed agreements with Somaliland government for the return of refugees, recognizing not just the reality of the Somaliland administration but also the existence of the necessary peace and stability for the return of failed asylum seekers. Ethiopia has an agreement with Somaliland on they use the port at Berbera. Bilateral and multilateral agencies, including those of the UN, operate effectively in Somaliland.”
He disclosed that an AU fact-finding mission in 2005 acknowledged that Somaliland’s independence does not set a precedent for the redrawing of colonial boundaries in Africa because Somaliland had simply re-declared itself independent state within its former colonial boundaries.
“Somaliland’s principal concern is that any escalation of the conflict between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the Union of Islamic Courts will jeopardize Somaliland’s peace and stability and that Somaliland itself may come under attack. If attacked Somaliland will exercise its right to defend its sovereignty,” Mr. Duale laid bare.
The Foreign Affairs Minister of Ethiopia, Mr. Seyoum Mesfin, said the case of Somalia is a fact on the ground that cannot be wished away, and that dialogue is the way forward out of the stalemate. “The way forward is negotiation and dialogue. We will facilitate dialogue and not force.”
Dr. Kwesi Aning, a lecturer at the KAIPTC, who chaired the event, thanked the speakers for their thought-provoking presentations, and commended participants for their incisive contributions.
It has been submitted that the non-recognition of Somaliland by the African Union (AU) is undermining the principles of peace and stability of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
“The principles of NEPAD demand that African States should promote peace and stability, and this is exactly what Somaliland has achieved and consolidated. Consequently, the non-recognition of Somaliland by the AU is undermining the NEPAD,” declared Dr. Iqbal Jhazbhay of the University of South Africa, Pretoria at a symposium on “The African Union and Somaliland in the Horn of Africa”. His topic was “Somaliland: Post-War Nation-Building & the Challenge of International Recognition”.
He points out that the issue in question also challenges the AU during the ‘good governance’ era of NEPAD, a context within which Somaliland fits comfortably as a good citizen of the international community.
He said it was ironical that certain countries without the necessary institutions and structures were recognized by the international community while Somaliland with the required structures in place have not been recognized. “ Somaliland has brought into sharp focus the grave mistake of the international community in recognizing countries without the required structures and institutions”.
The event was hosted by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center (KAIPTC) in Accra in conjunction with the University of South Africa, Department of Religious Studies and Arabic with support from Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dr. Jhazbhay said the AU would be doing justice to the sentiments of the people of Somaliland if it establishes a sub committee comprising members from all the five sub regional bodies to analyse the Somaliland case and report back to the continental union for decisive action.
Somaliland is a relatively unknown East African country in the Horn of Africa. She became a sovereign nation in 1947 after breaking the yoke of British colonialism and within its first week of her freedom entered into integration with Somalia. Come 1991, she withdrew from the integration and declared her independence.
On 18th May 2007, Somaliland marked her 16th anniversary of her independence from Somalia. The proclamation of independence was founded on basic requirements of international law, which includes a permanent population, defined territory, a stable system of government and the capacity to enter into international relations with other states.
For 16 years Somaliland has built up and projected a credible domestic political constituency in contrast to its southern neighbour, Somalia, where the United Nations, the African Union and the Transitional Federal Government are struggling to overcome internal divisions and assert national political authority.
However, Somaliland’s success story in establishing and maintaining a functioning constitutional democracy remains a better-kept secret and denied international recognition. Somaliland is vigorously pursuing its moral, if not, legal, case for recognition at the African Union, an effort considered a sine qua non to wider international community.
According to Dr. Jhazbhay, Somaliland has tried to manage extreme Islamic fundamentalism within widely accepted norms and this has reinforced religious and social cohesion within the country.
Speaking on “Somaliland’s Emerging Democracy and Economy:The Way to Consolidation”, Somaliland’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Abdillahi Duale submitted that his country has all that it takes in a any stable and democratic state. Expatiating, he disclosed that in a referendum in May 2001, 97 percent of eligible voters approved the country’s Constitution and affirmed Somaliland’s status as a sovereign and independent state.
Since the referendum there have been three democratic elections: local elections in December 2002, Pre4sidential elections in April 2003 and Parliamentary elections in September 2005.
“ Several countries enjoy de factor relations Somaliland. European governments have signed agreements with Somaliland government for the return of refugees, recognizing not just the reality of the Somaliland administration but also the existence of the necessary peace and stability for the return of failed asylum seekers. Ethiopia has an agreement with Somaliland on they use the port at Berbera. Bilateral and multilateral agencies, including those of the UN, operate effectively in Somaliland.”
He disclosed that an AU fact-finding mission in 2005 acknowledged that Somaliland’s independence does not set a precedent for the redrawing of colonial boundaries in Africa because Somaliland had simply re-declared itself independent state within its former colonial boundaries.
“Somaliland’s principal concern is that any escalation of the conflict between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the Union of Islamic Courts will jeopardize Somaliland’s peace and stability and that Somaliland itself may come under attack. If attacked Somaliland will exercise its right to defend its sovereignty,” Mr. Duale laid bare.
The Foreign Affairs Minister of Ethiopia, Mr. Seyoum Mesfin, said the case of Somalia is a fact on the ground that cannot be wished away, and that dialogue is the way forward out of the stalemate. “The way forward is negotiation and dialogue. We will facilitate dialogue and not force.”
Dr. Kwesi Aning, a lecturer at the KAIPTC, who chaired the event, thanked the speakers for their thought-provoking presentations, and commended participants for their incisive contributions.
Friday, August 22, 2008
MPs unveil ECOWAS Parliament to Ghanaians
By Ebenezer Hanson
Although established some 15 years ago, the ECOWAS Parliament has largely remained one of an esoteric entity known only to active politicians and a relatively few political initiates. A cross-section of Ghanaians admits in an interview with the Public Agenda that they are unaware of the existence of such a core governance institution of the West African sub region.
It was for these and other pertinent considerations that informed Ghanaian Members of the ECOWAS Parliament to initiate steps to demystify the Community legislature to Ghanaians by unveiling its vision, mission, achievements and particularly plans to enhance grassroots participation in the election of representatives to the Parliament through universal adult suffrage in all member states.
Hon. Stephen Balado Manu, leader of the eight-member Ghanaian team of the ECOWAS Parliament, responding to questions at a news conference, revealed that through its unsung activities, the Community Parliament contributed substantial input in achieving peace between the feuding parties in countries such as Sierra Leone and Cote d’Ivoire; through its timely intervention it defused the looming crisis in the recent Guinea Bissau.
He said by sending teams to monitor and observe elections, the ECOWAS Parliament has contributed to ensuring peaceful elections in Togo and Liberia and also helping to resolve post elections dispute in Togo.
Hon. Michael Teye Nyaunu, an ECOWAS Parliamentarian, also disclosed that the Community Parliament contributed immensely to the establishment of the West African Power Pool, and subsequently advocated “the export of power by Nigeria and Ghana to Benin and Togo respectively and thereby forestalling the breakdown of their economies”.
He adds that many of the cross-border problems such as migration within the ECOWAS sub region such as differences in legal and trade regimes are being resolved through the initiative of the ECOWAS Parliament.
Dealing with some of the loose ends in respect of some of the questions, Hon. Elizabeth Sackey, another ECOWAS Parliamentarian recalled that the Community Parliamentarian was actively involved in impressing upon Nigeria to rescind its decision regarding the importation of certain products from Ghana. “We have done a lot but all these were not in the public domain”.
Addressing the news conference Hon. Manu disclosed that the ECOWAS Parliament, which has been operating in an advisory capacity, consists 120 seats. Each member state has a minimum of five seats. The remaining seats are then shared on the basis of population. Consequently, Nigeria has 35 seats, Ghana eight, Cote D’Ivoire seven, while Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal, have seats each. The others, Benin, Cape Verde, the Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Togo have five seats.
He said the current Parliament which is in transition at present, functions in advisory capacity. This means that it does not as of now, have legislative powers and its members are not directly elected. Representatives are elected by their National Parliaments to the Community Parliament.
“Notwithstanding these limitations, the ECOWAS Parliamentarian is empowered to consider issues concerning human rights and fundamental freedoms of citizens, interconnection of energy networks, interconnection of communication links between member states, increased co-operation in the area of radio, television and other intra and inter community media links. The ECOWAS Parliament is also consulted on matters relating to the public health policies for the community, common educational policy through harmonization of existing laws,” he clarified.
Hon. Manu revealed that, come 2010 Parliamentarians who will serve at ECOWAS Parliament will be elected individually on their merit. “Polls will be conducted in a manner similar to that of National General Elections and those who will emerge victorious will then become bonafide members of the ECOWAS Parliament for a specific term,” he expatiated.
He said the electoral bodies of respective countries would be responsible for the delineation of national constituencies and at least 30% representation would be reserved for gender considerations.
The other Ghanaian ECOWAS Parliamentarians include Hon. Francis Aggrey Agbotse, Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong, Hon. John Tia, Hon. David Apasera and Hon. Simon Osei Mensah.
Although established some 15 years ago, the ECOWAS Parliament has largely remained one of an esoteric entity known only to active politicians and a relatively few political initiates. A cross-section of Ghanaians admits in an interview with the Public Agenda that they are unaware of the existence of such a core governance institution of the West African sub region.
It was for these and other pertinent considerations that informed Ghanaian Members of the ECOWAS Parliament to initiate steps to demystify the Community legislature to Ghanaians by unveiling its vision, mission, achievements and particularly plans to enhance grassroots participation in the election of representatives to the Parliament through universal adult suffrage in all member states.
Hon. Stephen Balado Manu, leader of the eight-member Ghanaian team of the ECOWAS Parliament, responding to questions at a news conference, revealed that through its unsung activities, the Community Parliament contributed substantial input in achieving peace between the feuding parties in countries such as Sierra Leone and Cote d’Ivoire; through its timely intervention it defused the looming crisis in the recent Guinea Bissau.
He said by sending teams to monitor and observe elections, the ECOWAS Parliament has contributed to ensuring peaceful elections in Togo and Liberia and also helping to resolve post elections dispute in Togo.
Hon. Michael Teye Nyaunu, an ECOWAS Parliamentarian, also disclosed that the Community Parliament contributed immensely to the establishment of the West African Power Pool, and subsequently advocated “the export of power by Nigeria and Ghana to Benin and Togo respectively and thereby forestalling the breakdown of their economies”.
He adds that many of the cross-border problems such as migration within the ECOWAS sub region such as differences in legal and trade regimes are being resolved through the initiative of the ECOWAS Parliament.
Dealing with some of the loose ends in respect of some of the questions, Hon. Elizabeth Sackey, another ECOWAS Parliamentarian recalled that the Community Parliamentarian was actively involved in impressing upon Nigeria to rescind its decision regarding the importation of certain products from Ghana. “We have done a lot but all these were not in the public domain”.
Addressing the news conference Hon. Manu disclosed that the ECOWAS Parliament, which has been operating in an advisory capacity, consists 120 seats. Each member state has a minimum of five seats. The remaining seats are then shared on the basis of population. Consequently, Nigeria has 35 seats, Ghana eight, Cote D’Ivoire seven, while Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal, have seats each. The others, Benin, Cape Verde, the Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Togo have five seats.
He said the current Parliament which is in transition at present, functions in advisory capacity. This means that it does not as of now, have legislative powers and its members are not directly elected. Representatives are elected by their National Parliaments to the Community Parliament.
“Notwithstanding these limitations, the ECOWAS Parliamentarian is empowered to consider issues concerning human rights and fundamental freedoms of citizens, interconnection of energy networks, interconnection of communication links between member states, increased co-operation in the area of radio, television and other intra and inter community media links. The ECOWAS Parliament is also consulted on matters relating to the public health policies for the community, common educational policy through harmonization of existing laws,” he clarified.
Hon. Manu revealed that, come 2010 Parliamentarians who will serve at ECOWAS Parliament will be elected individually on their merit. “Polls will be conducted in a manner similar to that of National General Elections and those who will emerge victorious will then become bonafide members of the ECOWAS Parliament for a specific term,” he expatiated.
He said the electoral bodies of respective countries would be responsible for the delineation of national constituencies and at least 30% representation would be reserved for gender considerations.
The other Ghanaian ECOWAS Parliamentarians include Hon. Francis Aggrey Agbotse, Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong, Hon. John Tia, Hon. David Apasera and Hon. Simon Osei Mensah.
Uprooting Corruption…PNC & CPP promise to separate Attorney-General from Justice Ministry
By Ebenezer Hanson
Efforts over the years to uproot official corruption have, to many financial experts, not yielded the intended fruits, at best only minimal success. But the People’s National Convention (PNC) and Convention People’s Party (CPP) claim they have found the legal hammer to break the jinx, and that is, the need to separate the Attorney-General’s(A-G’s) Department from the Ministry of Justice.
Both PNC and CPP have reasoned in their respective manifestoes that the
A-G who is also the Minister for Justice feels reluctant to prosecute his fellow Ministers even the face incontrovertible evidence. Thus, in the event that they assume the mantle of power to rule this country they will definitely amend the Constitutional provision that gives rise to this arrangement.
“The PNC finds the present provision of Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution which makes the Attorney General (A-G) both a Minister of State as well as the one responsible for the initiation and conduct of all prosecutions of criminal offences unacceptable. By this provision, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) takes direct instructions from the A-G.
“This defeats the fight against corruption, since the A-G cannot effectively prosecute colleague Ministers of State and various government functionaries. A PNC government will seek to amend this constitutional provision, so as to clearly separate the Minister of Justice and his functions from those of the Attorney- General,” declares the PNC in its manifesto.
The PNC further reveals that to facilitate the new arrangement, the A-G and the office of the DPP shall then be made independent, similar to that of the Electoral Commission (EC) or the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE).
“This independent identity that the PNC is seeking will enable the AG to pursue and bring to book every one including Ministers who commit economic and other crimes against the State. In the opinion of the PNC, this is the one of the most powerful and surest ways of fighting and reducing corruption to the barest minimum,” the PNC envisages.
The CPP also makes similar observations in its manifesto. According to the party, corruption in high and low places and the lack of political will to fight it has undermined public confidence in government and cost the nation billions of Ghana cedis through fraudulent practices in government procurement and government projects.
“Today, public officials and their relatives acquire properties far in excess of their known income; key sections of the bureaucracy, such as CEPS, the Police and the judiciary have repeatedly been shown in surveys to be mired in corruption. This further unde4rmines governance and impedes development,” notes the CPP.
It promises that besides resourcing public institutions such as CHRAJ and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the CPP “will implement a broad legislative agenda including the separation of the Minister of Justice from the Office of the Attorney-General to improve governance and fight corruption”.
But the Chief Justice, Mrs. Georgina Wood, appears indifferent about the decoupling of the A-G from Justice Ministry. She told the Appointments Committee of Parliament during her vetting May 2007 for the position of Chief Justice, that she does not think separating the two offices will bring about any spectacular change in as far as the occupants of the two offices are appointed by the same authority. She thinks the most important thing is for the person or persons involved to work according to the rules, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
Meanwhile, one Ahumah Ocansey, writing in the Daily Graphic January this year also argues for the separation of the two offices as well as raising concerns about certain administrative issues. He insists, “It is time Ghana’s Parliament insisted on the separation of the two offices and disallowed the President from merging the two again. It is not good for the effective governance of our country.”
He expatiates that when the Minister for Justice position is separated from the A-G, the office holder would be part of Government and have general jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to the administration of justice in Ghana, to wit: The Judiciary, the Police, Prisons, the A-G’s Department.
He is also of the view that, “With respect to the Judiciary, notwithstanding its independence, it draws its monies from the consolidated fund, so that implies the Government interest of a sort. The expansion of the Judiciary and provision of court buildings and facilities must be the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, not the Chief Justice!”
According to Ocansey, “We have confused roles and duties to such an extent that the Chief Justice is overburdened with perfunctory administrative decisions and work that should not be his or her duty at all. Why should a Chief Justice be looking for accommodation for judges and hiring premises for courts? Is that how to administer a country?”
He proposes that the Ministry of Justice should have all the data it requires from the Judiciary, and then plan ahead for the provision of facilities needed to make the administration of justice in Ghana a smooth and an enjoyable one and not drudgery.
Efforts over the years to uproot official corruption have, to many financial experts, not yielded the intended fruits, at best only minimal success. But the People’s National Convention (PNC) and Convention People’s Party (CPP) claim they have found the legal hammer to break the jinx, and that is, the need to separate the Attorney-General’s(A-G’s) Department from the Ministry of Justice.
Both PNC and CPP have reasoned in their respective manifestoes that the
A-G who is also the Minister for Justice feels reluctant to prosecute his fellow Ministers even the face incontrovertible evidence. Thus, in the event that they assume the mantle of power to rule this country they will definitely amend the Constitutional provision that gives rise to this arrangement.
“The PNC finds the present provision of Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution which makes the Attorney General (A-G) both a Minister of State as well as the one responsible for the initiation and conduct of all prosecutions of criminal offences unacceptable. By this provision, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) takes direct instructions from the A-G.
“This defeats the fight against corruption, since the A-G cannot effectively prosecute colleague Ministers of State and various government functionaries. A PNC government will seek to amend this constitutional provision, so as to clearly separate the Minister of Justice and his functions from those of the Attorney- General,” declares the PNC in its manifesto.
The PNC further reveals that to facilitate the new arrangement, the A-G and the office of the DPP shall then be made independent, similar to that of the Electoral Commission (EC) or the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE).
“This independent identity that the PNC is seeking will enable the AG to pursue and bring to book every one including Ministers who commit economic and other crimes against the State. In the opinion of the PNC, this is the one of the most powerful and surest ways of fighting and reducing corruption to the barest minimum,” the PNC envisages.
The CPP also makes similar observations in its manifesto. According to the party, corruption in high and low places and the lack of political will to fight it has undermined public confidence in government and cost the nation billions of Ghana cedis through fraudulent practices in government procurement and government projects.
“Today, public officials and their relatives acquire properties far in excess of their known income; key sections of the bureaucracy, such as CEPS, the Police and the judiciary have repeatedly been shown in surveys to be mired in corruption. This further unde4rmines governance and impedes development,” notes the CPP.
It promises that besides resourcing public institutions such as CHRAJ and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the CPP “will implement a broad legislative agenda including the separation of the Minister of Justice from the Office of the Attorney-General to improve governance and fight corruption”.
But the Chief Justice, Mrs. Georgina Wood, appears indifferent about the decoupling of the A-G from Justice Ministry. She told the Appointments Committee of Parliament during her vetting May 2007 for the position of Chief Justice, that she does not think separating the two offices will bring about any spectacular change in as far as the occupants of the two offices are appointed by the same authority. She thinks the most important thing is for the person or persons involved to work according to the rules, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
Meanwhile, one Ahumah Ocansey, writing in the Daily Graphic January this year also argues for the separation of the two offices as well as raising concerns about certain administrative issues. He insists, “It is time Ghana’s Parliament insisted on the separation of the two offices and disallowed the President from merging the two again. It is not good for the effective governance of our country.”
He expatiates that when the Minister for Justice position is separated from the A-G, the office holder would be part of Government and have general jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to the administration of justice in Ghana, to wit: The Judiciary, the Police, Prisons, the A-G’s Department.
He is also of the view that, “With respect to the Judiciary, notwithstanding its independence, it draws its monies from the consolidated fund, so that implies the Government interest of a sort. The expansion of the Judiciary and provision of court buildings and facilities must be the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, not the Chief Justice!”
According to Ocansey, “We have confused roles and duties to such an extent that the Chief Justice is overburdened with perfunctory administrative decisions and work that should not be his or her duty at all. Why should a Chief Justice be looking for accommodation for judges and hiring premises for courts? Is that how to administer a country?”
He proposes that the Ministry of Justice should have all the data it requires from the Judiciary, and then plan ahead for the provision of facilities needed to make the administration of justice in Ghana a smooth and an enjoyable one and not drudgery.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Parliament not springboard for joining Executive
By Ebenezer Hanson
The debate over whether the fusion of Parliament and the Executive, the peculiar system of government being practiced in Ghana, has served the ends of democracy by meeting the needs, aspirations and concerns of the people, is becoming an interminable one.
The seeming, unending discourse over this all-important subject and the quality of views it has attracted in recent memory are an indication that either people think the arrangement is unsatisfactory or there is some iota of uneasiness on the part of commentators about this novelty of a system. The issue resurrected during the 2007 the vetting of nominees for ministerial appointments.
Additionally, about two months, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, the flagbearer of the Convention People’s Party, (CPP) has added his voice to the discussion by declaring publicly that in the event that he becomes President, he will sponsor legislation to remove the provision in the Constitution that allows Ministers of State to be part of the Executive.
He reasons, “Parliament must be seen as an important end in itself and not a stepping stone to joining the Executive,” and reveals that he “ will also ensure that Parliamentarians get the necessary office facilities, research administrative support and other resources to enable the legislature to play its important checks and balance role vis-Ã -vis the Presidency”.
The appointment of Ministers from Parliament is a Constitutional requirement provided for under Article 78(1) which states, “Ministers of State shall be appointed by the President with the prior approval of Parliament from among members of Parliament or persons qualified to be elected as members of Parliament, except that the majority of Ministers of State shall be appointed from among members of Parliament.”
A Ghanaian renowned Professor of Political Science, Yaw Saffu, agrees with Dr. Nduom when commenting on the relations between Parliament and the Executive in the Ghana Integrity Report 2004 observes that the 1992 Republican Constitution provides for a mixed system of executive, rather than a wholly presidential system. The majority of the president's cabinet is required to be selected from Parliament. Indeed, with the tight party discipline that characterizes behavior and activities of Members of Parliament, the system often looks more parliamentary than presidential, until one examines the powers of the presidency, which are quite clearly beyond those of any prime minister….”
Prof. Saffu reinforced the point at a the CDD-FNF 4th Annual Liberal saying that the structure has resulted in a “hobbled Parliament” which cannot exercise effective oversight responsibility over the executive. He adds that this novel structure together with the Transitional Provisions constitutes some the “leaven” of the 1992 Fourth Republican Constitution that is begging for amendment.
“MPs are expected to exercise oversight responsibility over the executive. The Constitution also provides that majority of Cabinet Members must be appointed from Parliament. But because of the intense of desire to be appointed a Minister, many MPs tend to be less critical of the policies of the executive in order to be considered by the President for Ministerial position. We now have a Parliament which is bereft of its powers, indeed it is a hobbled Parliament,” he expatiated in an interview with Public Agenda.
In another interview with Public Agenda, Hon. John Tia and Idrrisu Haruna, Minority Chief Whip and Minority Spokesperson on Communications respectively, shared the concerns of Prof. Saffu blaming the Constitution for the flaw. “It is the weakness of the Constitution and until Article 78 is amended we cannot make progress,” submitted Hon. Tia.
Besides, Hon Tia pointed out it is near impossible for an MP to initiate a Private Member’s Bill because any bill which has financial implications on the Consolidated Fund is barred by the Constitution except it emanates from the executive.
He made a clear distinction between the British Parliament and Ghana’s Parliament that although both have Ministers of State, in Britain, unlike Ghana, “it is Parliament that controls the purse; and it controls the purse and it can also institute investigations into anything”. He added that, “In America, like Britain, it is Congress that controls the purse.”
The MP for Asikuma/ Odoben/Brakwa, Hon. Paul Collins Appiah-Ofori, also agrees with Prof Saffu. According to him, many MPs aspiring to be ministers will keep mute over “bad” things and this affects the national interest adversely.
“The path beater does not know whether the path is straight or crooked, it takes an onlooker to point that out. If he listens and corrects it, he takes the credit and not the onlooker. So whoever is in a position of responsibility and considers those who point out mistakes to him or her, as an enemy does not want to succeed,” he waxes philosophically.
He submits that the 1992 Constitution recognizes that “human beings are not God” and therefore vested Parliament with the power to oversee the executive. “Thus if MPs do not want not give effect to the constitutional provision by pointing out the shortcomings of the executive, then such persons are laying the foundation for the destruction of the country. And therefore I invite all MPs to place the national interest above parochial interest; Ghana first.”
An NPP MP, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also attributed the problem to the hybrid nature of the Constitution. “Ghana’s Parliament is still a child at birth; it is a fusion of the British, American and French systems of government.” He observes that Ghana’s legislature has a clearly defined function with autonomy and is suppose to have oversight responsibility over the executive through committees.
“It is regrettable that the Committee Chairmen are usually whipped to toe the line of the executive. If you will recall when there was debate over some monies for the Ghana @ 50 Celebrations only two MPs from the majority side opposed it: Hon. P.C. Appiah-Ofori and Hon. Eugene Atta Agyepong, ” he further explains.
Only days ago, Mr. Joseph Asunka, the Programmes Officer of Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), also called for the amendment of the constitutional provision that allows the government to appoint majority of Ministers from Parliament. According to him, the provision has created a situation where on account of official assignments Ministers of State tend to absent themselves from parliamentary duties.
He contends that, the nation could only derive optimum service from Parliamentarians especially in respect of law making, if the government appoints only a fewer of them as Ministers “In that case the parliament suffers from limited human resources any time such parliamentarians join the executive and the same happens to the executive when such people assume parliamentary duties,” he noted
The debate over whether the fusion of Parliament and the Executive, the peculiar system of government being practiced in Ghana, has served the ends of democracy by meeting the needs, aspirations and concerns of the people, is becoming an interminable one.
The seeming, unending discourse over this all-important subject and the quality of views it has attracted in recent memory are an indication that either people think the arrangement is unsatisfactory or there is some iota of uneasiness on the part of commentators about this novelty of a system. The issue resurrected during the 2007 the vetting of nominees for ministerial appointments.
Additionally, about two months, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, the flagbearer of the Convention People’s Party, (CPP) has added his voice to the discussion by declaring publicly that in the event that he becomes President, he will sponsor legislation to remove the provision in the Constitution that allows Ministers of State to be part of the Executive.
He reasons, “Parliament must be seen as an important end in itself and not a stepping stone to joining the Executive,” and reveals that he “ will also ensure that Parliamentarians get the necessary office facilities, research administrative support and other resources to enable the legislature to play its important checks and balance role vis-Ã -vis the Presidency”.
The appointment of Ministers from Parliament is a Constitutional requirement provided for under Article 78(1) which states, “Ministers of State shall be appointed by the President with the prior approval of Parliament from among members of Parliament or persons qualified to be elected as members of Parliament, except that the majority of Ministers of State shall be appointed from among members of Parliament.”
A Ghanaian renowned Professor of Political Science, Yaw Saffu, agrees with Dr. Nduom when commenting on the relations between Parliament and the Executive in the Ghana Integrity Report 2004 observes that the 1992 Republican Constitution provides for a mixed system of executive, rather than a wholly presidential system. The majority of the president's cabinet is required to be selected from Parliament. Indeed, with the tight party discipline that characterizes behavior and activities of Members of Parliament, the system often looks more parliamentary than presidential, until one examines the powers of the presidency, which are quite clearly beyond those of any prime minister….”
Prof. Saffu reinforced the point at a the CDD-FNF 4th Annual Liberal saying that the structure has resulted in a “hobbled Parliament” which cannot exercise effective oversight responsibility over the executive. He adds that this novel structure together with the Transitional Provisions constitutes some the “leaven” of the 1992 Fourth Republican Constitution that is begging for amendment.
“MPs are expected to exercise oversight responsibility over the executive. The Constitution also provides that majority of Cabinet Members must be appointed from Parliament. But because of the intense of desire to be appointed a Minister, many MPs tend to be less critical of the policies of the executive in order to be considered by the President for Ministerial position. We now have a Parliament which is bereft of its powers, indeed it is a hobbled Parliament,” he expatiated in an interview with Public Agenda.
In another interview with Public Agenda, Hon. John Tia and Idrrisu Haruna, Minority Chief Whip and Minority Spokesperson on Communications respectively, shared the concerns of Prof. Saffu blaming the Constitution for the flaw. “It is the weakness of the Constitution and until Article 78 is amended we cannot make progress,” submitted Hon. Tia.
Besides, Hon Tia pointed out it is near impossible for an MP to initiate a Private Member’s Bill because any bill which has financial implications on the Consolidated Fund is barred by the Constitution except it emanates from the executive.
He made a clear distinction between the British Parliament and Ghana’s Parliament that although both have Ministers of State, in Britain, unlike Ghana, “it is Parliament that controls the purse; and it controls the purse and it can also institute investigations into anything”. He added that, “In America, like Britain, it is Congress that controls the purse.”
The MP for Asikuma/ Odoben/Brakwa, Hon. Paul Collins Appiah-Ofori, also agrees with Prof Saffu. According to him, many MPs aspiring to be ministers will keep mute over “bad” things and this affects the national interest adversely.
“The path beater does not know whether the path is straight or crooked, it takes an onlooker to point that out. If he listens and corrects it, he takes the credit and not the onlooker. So whoever is in a position of responsibility and considers those who point out mistakes to him or her, as an enemy does not want to succeed,” he waxes philosophically.
He submits that the 1992 Constitution recognizes that “human beings are not God” and therefore vested Parliament with the power to oversee the executive. “Thus if MPs do not want not give effect to the constitutional provision by pointing out the shortcomings of the executive, then such persons are laying the foundation for the destruction of the country. And therefore I invite all MPs to place the national interest above parochial interest; Ghana first.”
An NPP MP, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also attributed the problem to the hybrid nature of the Constitution. “Ghana’s Parliament is still a child at birth; it is a fusion of the British, American and French systems of government.” He observes that Ghana’s legislature has a clearly defined function with autonomy and is suppose to have oversight responsibility over the executive through committees.
“It is regrettable that the Committee Chairmen are usually whipped to toe the line of the executive. If you will recall when there was debate over some monies for the Ghana @ 50 Celebrations only two MPs from the majority side opposed it: Hon. P.C. Appiah-Ofori and Hon. Eugene Atta Agyepong, ” he further explains.
Only days ago, Mr. Joseph Asunka, the Programmes Officer of Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), also called for the amendment of the constitutional provision that allows the government to appoint majority of Ministers from Parliament. According to him, the provision has created a situation where on account of official assignments Ministers of State tend to absent themselves from parliamentary duties.
He contends that, the nation could only derive optimum service from Parliamentarians especially in respect of law making, if the government appoints only a fewer of them as Ministers “In that case the parliament suffers from limited human resources any time such parliamentarians join the executive and the same happens to the executive when such people assume parliamentary duties,” he noted
Friday, August 15, 2008
GAGGED NPP MP INVOKES CONSTITUTION AGAINST GT SALE
...His colleagues plead with him not to comment on the issue on the floor of Parliament
By Ebenezer Hanson
Despite being prevailed upon by his colleagues not comment on the controversial sale of GT on the floor of Parliament yesterday, Hon. Paul Collins Appiah-Ofori, the NPP MP for Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa in an earlier interview with Public Agenda, pointed out that portions of the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) of the 70% shares of GT to Vodafone are in clear violation of the anti-corruption provisions of the 1992 Constitution.He says until those aspects are deleted, Parliament should not approve the SPA. The anti-corruption campaigner after last Wednesday’s sitting of Parliament cited Articles 6.1.6 and 10.7 as some of the offending portions of the SPA that are null and void in the face of the Constitution. Article 6.1.6 of the Agreement stipulates, “There shall not be any injunction or order that prohibits or restrains the sale of the Shares by the GOG [Government of Ghana] to the Purchaser in Particular or generally.” Similarly, Article 10.7 says “GOG hereby waives and undertakes that it will not at any time bring any claim or prosecution against any member of the enlarged GT Group …. in respect of any act of such member or director relating to Anti-corruption Warranties which arise from or otherwise relates to the period prior to closing.” Hon. Appiah-Ofori submits, “These aspects of the SPA are worrying at least in the face of two articles of the Constitution. Article 35(8) of the Constitution provides in explicit terms that the State shall take steps to eradicate corrupt practices and the abuse of power. And Article 1(2) also states the Constitution shall be the supreme law of Ghana and any other law found to be inconsistent with any provision of this Constitution shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void. Therefore Parliament cannot approve the agreement if there are aspects which violate the Constitution. They must be deleted from the agreement.” The MP’s concerns are shared by the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), an NGO, which cites the same provisions among others as some of the reasons why the GT-Vodafone should be rejected by Parliament. ISODEC says the “No Injunction” clause of Article 6.1.6 amounts to ousting the jurisdiction of the Courts of Ghana. “This is tantamount to a complete ouster of the jurisdiction of the courts of this country in administering justice as far as the Agreement is concerned. By our Constitution, the authority of our Courts to handle or pry into matters legal particularly in relation to the prerogative writs cannot be fettered, not even by Parliament,” ISODEC argued in a document entitled “Vodafone Fact Sheet Highlights-Legal and Economic Issues Arising” . Similarly, on Article 10.7, ISODEC comments thus: “Did the Government understand this provision? When even pick-pockets at Tema Station or Kejetia are not spared for petty thefts, Government which was given the mandate to run the affairs of this country is by this provision sanctioning corruption”. In ISODEC’s view the SPA is against public interest and offends natural justice, equity and good conscience. It serves notice that “Every MP, including the Speaker, who would approve the Vodafone Agreement for implementation, would risk committing a serious breach of faith which may have the potential of culminating to intentionally causing financial loss to the State.” Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament rejected the SPA premising their reasons on several grounds. In their opinion, there has been lack of openness and transparency and that the exclusive and confidential negotiations with Vodafone denied other bidders who could have offered higher values for GT. Again, some of them said they were convinced that GT has been undervalued, and that the enlarged GT being offered for sale does not reflect the financial value and worth of GT, particularly with the inclusion of the fibre assets. For instance, the Minority Spokesperson on Communications, Hon. Iddrisu Haruna, was of the view that the GT University College should be decoupled from the 70% assets sale and aligned to either the University of Ghana or the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
By Ebenezer Hanson
Despite being prevailed upon by his colleagues not comment on the controversial sale of GT on the floor of Parliament yesterday, Hon. Paul Collins Appiah-Ofori, the NPP MP for Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa in an earlier interview with Public Agenda, pointed out that portions of the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) of the 70% shares of GT to Vodafone are in clear violation of the anti-corruption provisions of the 1992 Constitution.He says until those aspects are deleted, Parliament should not approve the SPA. The anti-corruption campaigner after last Wednesday’s sitting of Parliament cited Articles 6.1.6 and 10.7 as some of the offending portions of the SPA that are null and void in the face of the Constitution. Article 6.1.6 of the Agreement stipulates, “There shall not be any injunction or order that prohibits or restrains the sale of the Shares by the GOG [Government of Ghana] to the Purchaser in Particular or generally.” Similarly, Article 10.7 says “GOG hereby waives and undertakes that it will not at any time bring any claim or prosecution against any member of the enlarged GT Group …. in respect of any act of such member or director relating to Anti-corruption Warranties which arise from or otherwise relates to the period prior to closing.” Hon. Appiah-Ofori submits, “These aspects of the SPA are worrying at least in the face of two articles of the Constitution. Article 35(8) of the Constitution provides in explicit terms that the State shall take steps to eradicate corrupt practices and the abuse of power. And Article 1(2) also states the Constitution shall be the supreme law of Ghana and any other law found to be inconsistent with any provision of this Constitution shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void. Therefore Parliament cannot approve the agreement if there are aspects which violate the Constitution. They must be deleted from the agreement.” The MP’s concerns are shared by the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), an NGO, which cites the same provisions among others as some of the reasons why the GT-Vodafone should be rejected by Parliament. ISODEC says the “No Injunction” clause of Article 6.1.6 amounts to ousting the jurisdiction of the Courts of Ghana. “This is tantamount to a complete ouster of the jurisdiction of the courts of this country in administering justice as far as the Agreement is concerned. By our Constitution, the authority of our Courts to handle or pry into matters legal particularly in relation to the prerogative writs cannot be fettered, not even by Parliament,” ISODEC argued in a document entitled “Vodafone Fact Sheet Highlights-Legal and Economic Issues Arising” . Similarly, on Article 10.7, ISODEC comments thus: “Did the Government understand this provision? When even pick-pockets at Tema Station or Kejetia are not spared for petty thefts, Government which was given the mandate to run the affairs of this country is by this provision sanctioning corruption”. In ISODEC’s view the SPA is against public interest and offends natural justice, equity and good conscience. It serves notice that “Every MP, including the Speaker, who would approve the Vodafone Agreement for implementation, would risk committing a serious breach of faith which may have the potential of culminating to intentionally causing financial loss to the State.” Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament rejected the SPA premising their reasons on several grounds. In their opinion, there has been lack of openness and transparency and that the exclusive and confidential negotiations with Vodafone denied other bidders who could have offered higher values for GT. Again, some of them said they were convinced that GT has been undervalued, and that the enlarged GT being offered for sale does not reflect the financial value and worth of GT, particularly with the inclusion of the fibre assets. For instance, the Minority Spokesperson on Communications, Hon. Iddrisu Haruna, was of the view that the GT University College should be decoupled from the 70% assets sale and aligned to either the University of Ghana or the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Monday, August 11, 2008
Fireworks in Parliament over GT
Author: Ebenezer Hanson
Parliament is poised to witness one of the fiercest debates in recent times as the House reconvenes tomorrow to deliberate what some political watchers and financial analysts have termed as the controversial Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) of 70% shares of Ghana Telecom (GT). Vodaphone, reputed to be the world’s leading telephony company, is offering $900 million for 70 % of GT, an amount that critics of the sale have described as a pittance. The submission of the SPA is in accordance with the chapter 13 of the Constitution, which deals with finance. Last month, Parliament put the deal on hold before it went on recess , as its joint Committee of Finance and Communication tasked to examine the proposals felt there were some loose ends, which needed thorough explanation by the government before the agreement is deliberated upon. It will be recalled that the Standard-bearer of the Convention People’s Party, Dr. Papa Kwesi Ndoum, who is also the MP for Komenda, Edina, Eguafo, Abirem (KEEA) Constituency, walked out of the Committee’s meeting because he felt the Chairman was rather being impervious to his views on the matter. Before Parliament went on recess last month, the Minority had contended that the deal could go for more that $ 900 million; it proposed an amount not less than $1.5 billion. Some Minority members have indicated to the Public Agenda that they are armed to the teeth with dossier of information to prove to all Ghanaians why the proposed deal is inimical to the economy; hence, the House should reject it.Nevertheless, Ministers and Spokespersons of the ruling government have spurned the arguments of the Minority because, the intended sale, they claimed, was the best thing that could happen to what they termed the near insolvent GT Company Limited. Only last week, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Hon. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, was reported in the media to have challenged those who are against the purchase to offer credible alternative within 24 hours. Earlier at a news conference, the Minister for Communications, Dr. Benjamin Aggrey Ntim, asked Ghanaians to buy into the sale option, and assured GT workers that they would not be sacrificed on Vodafone’s altar in the unlikely event of retrenchment exercise since a whopping $40 million has been set aside for any severance arrangements. Additionally, he revealed that it has been provided in explicit terms in the SPA that Collective Bargaining Agreement of GT be respected at all times. He discloses that as at December 2007 the total assets of GT was GH¢531 million as opposed to its total liabilities of GH¢558 million, giving a negative net worth value of GH¢27 million. By May 2008 the total assets of GT were GH¢ 552 million as against its total liabilities of GH¢ 586 million resulting in a negative worth figure of GH¢ 34 million, emphasizing that this “should be a source of worry for any investor, government inclusive.”Outside the House, the proposed deal has ignited intense arguments both for and against the deal. The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has kicked against the deal and has responded to the challenge thrown by Hon. Baah-Wiredu. In a statement to the press, the CPP insists that recapitalizations of the company’s operations using part of the $300 million which the government was going to borrow in the name of the company would help to improve the quality of the GT management. The CPP said the government should also prosecute any member of the GT management culpable of any malfeasance, “including the Norwegian management team, for the adverse findings of financial improprieties made against them by the company’s internal auditors”, explaining that the exercise would help the country to recover millions of dollars and invest it in Ghana Telecom. Again, circumstances surrounding the $200 million Iroko bond, which places undue restrictions on GT’s ability to invest and to grow, should be probed to determine whether the management or the board indulged in self-dealing or whether the transaction advisor to the bond issue should be liable for the transaction, which the CPP thought was injurious. The government should also introduce management contracts at GT with performance targets and penalties for non-performance. Those appointed to the GT Board should not be politicians and that the membership should be advertised for potential board members, “who can demonstrate at properly constituted interview panels that they have the experience and competencies to help shape the vision and operations of GT”. The CPP also cautioned the government and supporters of the GT sale not to only refer to the company’s gross debts, but its net debts, which brings out the true position of the company’s indebtedness, having considered GT’s debtors as well. “This yields a much better picture of the financial health of the company and provides the basis for the government to collect all the inter-connectivity arrears and other debts, including those owed by government agencies, for the effective recapitalization of GT,” the statement said.Similarly, a group calling itself concerned citizens against the Sale of GT has taken the issue to the realms of the judiciary praying the court to stop the deal because it is at variance with the interests of the State. The group includes political stalwarts such as Bright Akwetey, Prof. Agyemang Badu-Akosa and Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, all of the CPP fame. “Any Member of Parliament who would vote in favour of the proposed sale is a traitor,” declared Bright Akwetey while speaking on the subject on an Accra-based radio station.The Committee for Joint Action (CJA) has also indicated that they would be in Parliament to demonstrate against the deal, believing that the Parliamentarians will heed to their call and vote against the deal.But the questions on the lips of many Ghanaians are that, will the Majority in its characteristic fashion use its numbers to railroad the deal through Parliament? Or will the Minority stay and debate the issue to the end or will stage a walkout to register its protest as it has done in the past? Or will the Majority and Minority, for once, vote in the same direction on such an issue that has polarized the House? The answers to these questions will be settled tomorrow.
Parliament is poised to witness one of the fiercest debates in recent times as the House reconvenes tomorrow to deliberate what some political watchers and financial analysts have termed as the controversial Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) of 70% shares of Ghana Telecom (GT). Vodaphone, reputed to be the world’s leading telephony company, is offering $900 million for 70 % of GT, an amount that critics of the sale have described as a pittance. The submission of the SPA is in accordance with the chapter 13 of the Constitution, which deals with finance. Last month, Parliament put the deal on hold before it went on recess , as its joint Committee of Finance and Communication tasked to examine the proposals felt there were some loose ends, which needed thorough explanation by the government before the agreement is deliberated upon. It will be recalled that the Standard-bearer of the Convention People’s Party, Dr. Papa Kwesi Ndoum, who is also the MP for Komenda, Edina, Eguafo, Abirem (KEEA) Constituency, walked out of the Committee’s meeting because he felt the Chairman was rather being impervious to his views on the matter. Before Parliament went on recess last month, the Minority had contended that the deal could go for more that $ 900 million; it proposed an amount not less than $1.5 billion. Some Minority members have indicated to the Public Agenda that they are armed to the teeth with dossier of information to prove to all Ghanaians why the proposed deal is inimical to the economy; hence, the House should reject it.Nevertheless, Ministers and Spokespersons of the ruling government have spurned the arguments of the Minority because, the intended sale, they claimed, was the best thing that could happen to what they termed the near insolvent GT Company Limited. Only last week, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Hon. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, was reported in the media to have challenged those who are against the purchase to offer credible alternative within 24 hours. Earlier at a news conference, the Minister for Communications, Dr. Benjamin Aggrey Ntim, asked Ghanaians to buy into the sale option, and assured GT workers that they would not be sacrificed on Vodafone’s altar in the unlikely event of retrenchment exercise since a whopping $40 million has been set aside for any severance arrangements. Additionally, he revealed that it has been provided in explicit terms in the SPA that Collective Bargaining Agreement of GT be respected at all times. He discloses that as at December 2007 the total assets of GT was GH¢531 million as opposed to its total liabilities of GH¢558 million, giving a negative net worth value of GH¢27 million. By May 2008 the total assets of GT were GH¢ 552 million as against its total liabilities of GH¢ 586 million resulting in a negative worth figure of GH¢ 34 million, emphasizing that this “should be a source of worry for any investor, government inclusive.”Outside the House, the proposed deal has ignited intense arguments both for and against the deal. The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has kicked against the deal and has responded to the challenge thrown by Hon. Baah-Wiredu. In a statement to the press, the CPP insists that recapitalizations of the company’s operations using part of the $300 million which the government was going to borrow in the name of the company would help to improve the quality of the GT management. The CPP said the government should also prosecute any member of the GT management culpable of any malfeasance, “including the Norwegian management team, for the adverse findings of financial improprieties made against them by the company’s internal auditors”, explaining that the exercise would help the country to recover millions of dollars and invest it in Ghana Telecom. Again, circumstances surrounding the $200 million Iroko bond, which places undue restrictions on GT’s ability to invest and to grow, should be probed to determine whether the management or the board indulged in self-dealing or whether the transaction advisor to the bond issue should be liable for the transaction, which the CPP thought was injurious. The government should also introduce management contracts at GT with performance targets and penalties for non-performance. Those appointed to the GT Board should not be politicians and that the membership should be advertised for potential board members, “who can demonstrate at properly constituted interview panels that they have the experience and competencies to help shape the vision and operations of GT”. The CPP also cautioned the government and supporters of the GT sale not to only refer to the company’s gross debts, but its net debts, which brings out the true position of the company’s indebtedness, having considered GT’s debtors as well. “This yields a much better picture of the financial health of the company and provides the basis for the government to collect all the inter-connectivity arrears and other debts, including those owed by government agencies, for the effective recapitalization of GT,” the statement said.Similarly, a group calling itself concerned citizens against the Sale of GT has taken the issue to the realms of the judiciary praying the court to stop the deal because it is at variance with the interests of the State. The group includes political stalwarts such as Bright Akwetey, Prof. Agyemang Badu-Akosa and Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, all of the CPP fame. “Any Member of Parliament who would vote in favour of the proposed sale is a traitor,” declared Bright Akwetey while speaking on the subject on an Accra-based radio station.The Committee for Joint Action (CJA) has also indicated that they would be in Parliament to demonstrate against the deal, believing that the Parliamentarians will heed to their call and vote against the deal.But the questions on the lips of many Ghanaians are that, will the Majority in its characteristic fashion use its numbers to railroad the deal through Parliament? Or will the Minority stay and debate the issue to the end or will stage a walkout to register its protest as it has done in the past? Or will the Majority and Minority, for once, vote in the same direction on such an issue that has polarized the House? The answers to these questions will be settled tomorrow.
Dr.Nkrumah would have been a capitalist today
Dr Nkrumah would have been a capitalist todayIf Dr. Kwame Nkrumah were alive, he would be a capitalist much to the surprise of many political novices, Dr. Kwesi Aning, Head of Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution Department of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Accra argues.According to him, Dr. Nkrumah, the first Prime Minister of Ghana who laid the foundations of this country on socialist principles, was a dynamic, intelligent and wise leader who was always in tune with the times and would have employed capitalist tools to build a social welfare State in his efforts to develop a very solid and sound economy.“Dr. Nkrumah was a wise, intelligent and dynamic leader who would employ capitalist tools to build a welfare society if were to be alive. The leadership of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) has misunderstood him and this is regrettable,” he declared. Speaking in an interview with the Public Agenda after he delivered an illuminating paper on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Democratic Governance: Best Practices at the Third Daily Graphic Governance Dialogue in Accra last Wednesday, Dr. Aning explained that Dr. Nkrumah moved in tandem with the times and pursuant to his progressive philosophy would have acted in accordance with the exigencies of the time.He said the CPP has failed to grasp the thinking of Nkrumah and many of what they are propagating today are at variance with what Dr. Nkrumah would have done.The highly patronized two-day Governance Dialogue was on the theme “Effective Democratic Governance: The Role of Stakeholders” and brought together governance experts, politicians, academics, media, bankers, civil servants, the security services, students, Minister and MPs and civil society groups. In his paper, Dr Aning stressed that democratic governance is about conflict management and not resolution, and that until recently Africa was known as a continent of conflict where blatant disregard for existing laws and the use of institutional prerogatives for private goals is considered not only as justified but an indicator of power.He however admits that, “there are increasingly positive signs of the ways prudent democratic governance measures, institutional processes and strategies, governance mechanisms are serving as core vehicle for conflict management.”He also notes that democratic governance plays a vital role in preventing violent conflict and that legitimate and democratic state institutions are key conditions favourable to approaching conflict prevention. “Democratic governance programming that is blind to conflict and peace may have negative, though unintended impacts on development, progress and peace.”Dr. Aning stresses that democratic governance depends on the establishment of a national consensus on norms, the enforcement of those norms and values as a legitimizing regime, and the establishment of new institutions principles as a replacement regime if the former values and institutions are inadequate.“Politics is only useful if values, principles are premised on norms. But I doubt whether those who want to lead us have imbibed these values. Parties have failed us and lessons have not been learnt from the past events. There are no democratic values and if even there are, they only remain rhetorical. What happened in places such as Tamale and Ejura-Sekyedumase are ample evidence that our politicians have not imbibed any lessons”. Commenting on the aberrations that have bedeviled the registration exercise, he said the registration of minors and foreigners is undermining the trust we have reposed in our Constitutional leaders. According to him, many African leaders have signed unto many conventions and documents of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) which spelt out in clear terms some of these values but they have failed to adhere to them. In his view, “the world does not owe Africa anything but we Africans owe ourselves”.The Security Expert submits that claims by Ghanaians that we are tolerant, religious and peace-loving people and therefore election mishaps may not degenerate into full-blown violence is false in the face of evidence.“When there are bad roads, the politicians buy four-wheel drives, if the public schools are performing poorly, they send their children to private schools, if there are poor hospitals, they go to private hospitals but if elections go wrong, they cannot privatize it and citizens will always fight back,” he observes. He therefore envisages a competent and non-partisan electoral body, an impartial judiciary to adjudicate electoral disputes, a viable media, non-partisan security services, establishment of rules and procedures for the elections, and transparency in the balloting and ballot-counting and declaration of results. Author: Ebenezer Hanson & Nyadudzi Aseye
Monday, August 4, 2008
Media must commit its heart to election coverage guidelines
By Ebenezer Hanson
Last Thursday, the ‘Group of Eminent Persons’ led by Adwoa Yeboa-Afari, Editor of Ghanaian Times, presented the draft Guidelines on Election Coverage to the Ghana Journalists Association(GJA). The eminent group deserves tons of commendation considering the gamut of area covered in the eight-page document comprising 20-clearly spelt out guidelines. Equally so, the French Embassy must be praised for sponsoring the document.
The presentation of the guidelines comes at the heels of the outdooring of the Political Parties Code of Conduct 2008 under the joint aegis of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and the various political parties last week. The Code provides the rules and regulations for decorous behaviour on the part of the political parties to ensure free, credible and fair elections.
Although the guidelines are meant primarily for the media and the code essentially for the parties, there is a commonality that runs through both documents and that is: all key actors and stakeholders in the December 2008 general elections, which many political pundits have described as crucial, is conducted in an atmosphere peace in order to preclude any post election dispute as have been witnessed late in Kenya and Zimbabwe.
As rightly observed by the eminent persons, the role of the media in the building of democracy, elections inclusive, cannot be over emphasized, and this is “underscored by the prominence and protection in the Fourth Republican 1992 Constitution”.
Article 162(5) provides that “All agencies of the mass media shall, at all times, be free to uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of this Constitution, and shall uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people of Ghana” and Article 163 also enjoins all state-owned media to “afford fair opportunities and facilities for the presentation of divergent views and dissenting opinions.”
The Constitution sets high standards for the media, especially when it comes to political reporting in general and elections in particular. During elections the media play a key role in ensuring that democratic outcomes that reflect the will of the citenzry by enabling them make informed choices at the ballot box.
Additionally, a distinctive role is assigned to state media as indicated in Article 55(11) of the Constitution, “The State shall provide fair opportunity to all political parties to present their programmes to the public by ensuring equal access to the state-owned media.” This obligation is further emphasized under Article 55 (12) which provides that “All presidential candidates shall be given the same amount of time and space on the state-owned media to present their programmes to the people”.
It is from the media that voters receive such election-related information as those relating to candidates, election rallies, debates, campaigns and campaign messages. It is therefore imperative that the media practitioners and institutions ensure accuracy, balance and fairness in their work.
The Group of Eminent Persons did not develop the guidelines unilaterally; it worked in conjunction with the Electoral Commission (EC). The EC, according to the guidelines, concedes that the important complementary work of the media in the political process, and enjoins the media to act responsibly by providing balanced, fair, accurate and timely information on the electoral process.
While the guidelines have come at an opportune time and will ordinarily go along way to help achieve a successful election, the onus rests on the media to make it work. That calls for a hearty media commitment, in whose absence the potentially useful guidelines will remain a mere piece of document “signifying nothing”.
The Ghanaian media history is replete with cases of journalists flouting with impunity and violating with abundant recklessness the GJA Code, National Media Commission’s Guidelines for Political Reporting and relevant Constitutional provisions. Evidence abounds that these journalist committed these acts in order to political cause mischief but in the end they backfire as the orchestration boomerangs.
Thus until journalists resolve in their hearts to firmly commit themselves to the guidelines those with diabolical intentions will run counter to the spirit and letter of the guidelines through their write-ups and pronouncements.
Similarly, it is equally incumbent on politicians to eschew “verbal diahoerroea” in order not to provide the ammunition for the media to embark on a political massacre.
It is this vein that both the NMC and GJA should continue to monitor the media terrain and calling to order aberrant journalist.
Last Thursday, the ‘Group of Eminent Persons’ led by Adwoa Yeboa-Afari, Editor of Ghanaian Times, presented the draft Guidelines on Election Coverage to the Ghana Journalists Association(GJA). The eminent group deserves tons of commendation considering the gamut of area covered in the eight-page document comprising 20-clearly spelt out guidelines. Equally so, the French Embassy must be praised for sponsoring the document.
The presentation of the guidelines comes at the heels of the outdooring of the Political Parties Code of Conduct 2008 under the joint aegis of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and the various political parties last week. The Code provides the rules and regulations for decorous behaviour on the part of the political parties to ensure free, credible and fair elections.
Although the guidelines are meant primarily for the media and the code essentially for the parties, there is a commonality that runs through both documents and that is: all key actors and stakeholders in the December 2008 general elections, which many political pundits have described as crucial, is conducted in an atmosphere peace in order to preclude any post election dispute as have been witnessed late in Kenya and Zimbabwe.
As rightly observed by the eminent persons, the role of the media in the building of democracy, elections inclusive, cannot be over emphasized, and this is “underscored by the prominence and protection in the Fourth Republican 1992 Constitution”.
Article 162(5) provides that “All agencies of the mass media shall, at all times, be free to uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of this Constitution, and shall uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people of Ghana” and Article 163 also enjoins all state-owned media to “afford fair opportunities and facilities for the presentation of divergent views and dissenting opinions.”
The Constitution sets high standards for the media, especially when it comes to political reporting in general and elections in particular. During elections the media play a key role in ensuring that democratic outcomes that reflect the will of the citenzry by enabling them make informed choices at the ballot box.
Additionally, a distinctive role is assigned to state media as indicated in Article 55(11) of the Constitution, “The State shall provide fair opportunity to all political parties to present their programmes to the public by ensuring equal access to the state-owned media.” This obligation is further emphasized under Article 55 (12) which provides that “All presidential candidates shall be given the same amount of time and space on the state-owned media to present their programmes to the people”.
It is from the media that voters receive such election-related information as those relating to candidates, election rallies, debates, campaigns and campaign messages. It is therefore imperative that the media practitioners and institutions ensure accuracy, balance and fairness in their work.
The Group of Eminent Persons did not develop the guidelines unilaterally; it worked in conjunction with the Electoral Commission (EC). The EC, according to the guidelines, concedes that the important complementary work of the media in the political process, and enjoins the media to act responsibly by providing balanced, fair, accurate and timely information on the electoral process.
While the guidelines have come at an opportune time and will ordinarily go along way to help achieve a successful election, the onus rests on the media to make it work. That calls for a hearty media commitment, in whose absence the potentially useful guidelines will remain a mere piece of document “signifying nothing”.
The Ghanaian media history is replete with cases of journalists flouting with impunity and violating with abundant recklessness the GJA Code, National Media Commission’s Guidelines for Political Reporting and relevant Constitutional provisions. Evidence abounds that these journalist committed these acts in order to political cause mischief but in the end they backfire as the orchestration boomerangs.
Thus until journalists resolve in their hearts to firmly commit themselves to the guidelines those with diabolical intentions will run counter to the spirit and letter of the guidelines through their write-ups and pronouncements.
Similarly, it is equally incumbent on politicians to eschew “verbal diahoerroea” in order not to provide the ammunition for the media to embark on a political massacre.
It is this vein that both the NMC and GJA should continue to monitor the media terrain and calling to order aberrant journalist.
Media must uphold election guidelines
The media’s responsibility in the growth and development of democracy any where in the world has never been doubt, particularly during an election. The ‘Word’, both written and spoken, is like a double-edged sword which could be used for either positive ends or adverse goals; that is why freedom of expression and of the press is guided by laws which seek to promote public good.
It was in the light of the above and other pertinent considerations that the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) tasked a Group of Eminent Persons to draft a set of Guidelines on Election Coverage for the upcoming elections in December; an exercise the team completed submitting its report to the GJA last Thursday in Accra. The eight-page document containing 20 guidelines have been commended by those who have had the opportunity to look at the document and hopefully would be accepted by all with marginal modifications.
Watchers of the political landscape have described the December 8 elections as very crucial with so much at stake and with pockets simmering tensions in certain constituencies nationwide. It is to help defuse these potential time bombs and to shepherd the elections to an end whose results cannot be disputed by anyone that the guidelines on election coverage were enunciated.
The Group of Eminent Persons did not develop the guidelines unilaterally; it worked in conjunction with the Electoral Commission (EC). The EC, according to the guidelines, concedes that the important complementary work of the media in the political process, and enjoins the media to act responsibly by providing balanced, fair, accurate and timely information on the electoral process.
While the guidelines have come at an opportune time and will ordinarily go along way to help achieve a successful election, the onus rests on the media to make it work. That calls for a hearty media commitment, in whose absence the potentially useful guidelines will remain a mere piece of document “signifying nothing”.
The Ghanaian media history is replete with cases of journalists flouting with impunity and violating with abundant recklessness the GJA Code, National Media Commission’s Guidelines for Political Reporting and relevant Constitutional provisions. Evidence abounds that these journalist committed these acts in order to political cause mischief but in the end they backfire as the orchestration boomerangs.
Thus until journalists resolve in their hearts to firmly commit themselves to the guidelines, uphold them by employing them in their reportage, and programmes on air those with diabolical intentions will run counter to the spirit and letter of the guidelines through their write-ups and pronouncements.
Similarly, it is equally incumbent on politicians to eschew “verbal diahoerroea” in order not to provide the ammunition for the media to embark on a political massacre. It is in this vein that both the NMC and GJA should continue to monitor the media terrain and call to order aberrant journalists.
It was in the light of the above and other pertinent considerations that the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) tasked a Group of Eminent Persons to draft a set of Guidelines on Election Coverage for the upcoming elections in December; an exercise the team completed submitting its report to the GJA last Thursday in Accra. The eight-page document containing 20 guidelines have been commended by those who have had the opportunity to look at the document and hopefully would be accepted by all with marginal modifications.
Watchers of the political landscape have described the December 8 elections as very crucial with so much at stake and with pockets simmering tensions in certain constituencies nationwide. It is to help defuse these potential time bombs and to shepherd the elections to an end whose results cannot be disputed by anyone that the guidelines on election coverage were enunciated.
The Group of Eminent Persons did not develop the guidelines unilaterally; it worked in conjunction with the Electoral Commission (EC). The EC, according to the guidelines, concedes that the important complementary work of the media in the political process, and enjoins the media to act responsibly by providing balanced, fair, accurate and timely information on the electoral process.
While the guidelines have come at an opportune time and will ordinarily go along way to help achieve a successful election, the onus rests on the media to make it work. That calls for a hearty media commitment, in whose absence the potentially useful guidelines will remain a mere piece of document “signifying nothing”.
The Ghanaian media history is replete with cases of journalists flouting with impunity and violating with abundant recklessness the GJA Code, National Media Commission’s Guidelines for Political Reporting and relevant Constitutional provisions. Evidence abounds that these journalist committed these acts in order to political cause mischief but in the end they backfire as the orchestration boomerangs.
Thus until journalists resolve in their hearts to firmly commit themselves to the guidelines, uphold them by employing them in their reportage, and programmes on air those with diabolical intentions will run counter to the spirit and letter of the guidelines through their write-ups and pronouncements.
Similarly, it is equally incumbent on politicians to eschew “verbal diahoerroea” in order not to provide the ammunition for the media to embark on a political massacre. It is in this vein that both the NMC and GJA should continue to monitor the media terrain and call to order aberrant journalists.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
GT workers won’t be sacrificed on Vodafone’s altar
By Ebenezer Hanson
Retrenchment, redundancy and redeployment of workers have come to characterize privatizations of corporations and other governmental organizations in this country. Expectedly, labour and actors of the industrial front have been nursing anxiety and apprehension over the fate of the 4, 200 workers of Ghana Telecom (GT) in the event of the successful sale of 70% shares of the company to Vodafone International Holdings B.V. for $900million. But these worried stakeholders have been asked not to fret their souls as the interest of the workers has been adequately catered for.
According to the Minister of Communications, Dr. Benjamin Aggrey Ntim, the Government has guaranteed $40 million to take care of separation arrangements, if any, arising out of separation arrangements of the collective bargaining arrangements over the years ahead and that it has been explicitly provided in the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) that Collective Bargaining Agreement of the terms of employment applicable to GT is to be respected at all times.
“In the course of the privatization exercise we have had meetings with the Commercial Workers Union (CWU) and have assured them that in negotiating for the privatization of Ghana Telecom, the Government of Ghana has ensured that the whole exercise is handled in the spirit of openness and transparency. In this regard we have assured the Union that concerns expressed on the security and tenure of staff by the Union, during the earlier meetings we held with them had all been taken on board in the negotiations currently on-going with Vodafone,” he assures the nation at a widely patronized news conference on the proposed sale.
Dr. Ntim further disclosed that Government has initiated steps to “ringefence” all debts so that the $500 million investment to be made in GT by Vodafone will be applied solely to promote expansion of the company. “This in turn will help to secure the full engagement of the workers at all times in a competitive market. This assurance we have also given to workers.”
He was of the view that considering the dire financial straits in which GT finds itself any tardy action regarding the sale will result in the unfortunate situation of making the GT workers redundant. “The implication of this to the workers and their extended families is unthinkable. This is the reason why government is taking steps to protect the interest of workers,” he added.
The current state of GT, according to the Minister, is one of firm in an economic quagmire. In May 2008, negotiations on Vodafone’s bid proposals submitted in February, Government received an updated offer from Vodafone to acquire 70% interest in GT for a total consideration of $900 million on a debt –free, cash basis. This offer corresponds to an Enterprise Value of $1,286 million for 100% of GT. The transfer and management of the National Communications Backbone were thus included in this offer.
It is to be noted that as at December 2007 the total assets of GT was GH¢531 million as opposed to its total liabilities of GH¢558 million, giving a negative net worth value of GH¢27 million. By May 2008 the total assets of GT were GH¢ 552 million as against its total liabilities of GH¢ 586 million resulting in a negative worth figure of GH¢ 34 million. This definitely should be a source of worry for any investor, Government inclusive.
Again, a look at the working capital of GT also reveals a similar trend. In 2007 a negative working capital of GH¢ 188 million was recorded and by May 2008 this had risen to GH ¢199 million. This situation is rapidly leading to GT’s insolvency and a total collapse if no immediate action id taken.
Meanwhile the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in a statement to the media and signed by its Acting General Secretary, Kofi Asamoah, has rejected the proposed deal saying besides it not being in the interest of Ghanaians the deal has been shrouded in secrecy. Consequently, it has called for a national debate on the subject so that the national concerns expressed should be brought on board.
“In our considered opinion the sale of such an important strategic national asset should be subjected to thorough public debate so that some form of national consensus can be forged before a definitive decision is taken. Government has not subjected this deal to public debate. But such an important deal cannot be shrouded in secrecy,” the statement observes.
The TUC also expresses concern about the possible losses of jobs by workers and more especially the strategic nature of such a national asset. “GT is a strategic national asset and, like other state assets, Government should not offer GT shares for sale as if GT was created solely for financial gains without any consideration whatsoever for its social and national security implications.”
The statement recalled that GT was established in 1995 to provide telecommunication services to the people of Ghana in all the regions, districts and communities. The service being provided by GT is not only for financial gains but also it is a very important social service which Ghanaians expect Government to provide in return for the taxes they pay. “We are not convinced that Vodafone, or any other foreign private company, will meet the social obligation of providing communication services to the Ghanaian people in all parts of the country”.
It says multinational companies, like Vodafone, come in for profit and not to fulfill social obligations. And the fact that within 12 months of the signing of the SPA the Ghana Telecom University College is to be hived off is a clear indication of Vodafone’s lack of commitment to social responsibility, and in this case the training of Ghanaians to take control of the telecommunications sector will become history.
Additionally, the TUC was of the view that with barely five months to leave office it was inappropriate for the NPP administration to hurriedly sell such an important and strategic state asset. It said this creates rooms for reversal of agreements by succeeding governments as has happened in other West African countries.
“In an election year such as this, we do not expect Government to enter into such deals which have the potential to spark controversy and social tension,” the statement advised.
“We note the need for recapitalization of GT, which is the argument Government is using as basis for selling its shares in GT, but we also believe that there are other equally, if not more, viable options that can be explored to ensure that GT remains a public enterprise” .
It advises government should therefore explore other options which will ensure that GT remains viable not only economically but at the same time be able to provide communication services to the people of Ghana. “In our view this goal can be achieved only if GT remains a public asset,” the TUC maintains.
Retrenchment, redundancy and redeployment of workers have come to characterize privatizations of corporations and other governmental organizations in this country. Expectedly, labour and actors of the industrial front have been nursing anxiety and apprehension over the fate of the 4, 200 workers of Ghana Telecom (GT) in the event of the successful sale of 70% shares of the company to Vodafone International Holdings B.V. for $900million. But these worried stakeholders have been asked not to fret their souls as the interest of the workers has been adequately catered for.
According to the Minister of Communications, Dr. Benjamin Aggrey Ntim, the Government has guaranteed $40 million to take care of separation arrangements, if any, arising out of separation arrangements of the collective bargaining arrangements over the years ahead and that it has been explicitly provided in the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) that Collective Bargaining Agreement of the terms of employment applicable to GT is to be respected at all times.
“In the course of the privatization exercise we have had meetings with the Commercial Workers Union (CWU) and have assured them that in negotiating for the privatization of Ghana Telecom, the Government of Ghana has ensured that the whole exercise is handled in the spirit of openness and transparency. In this regard we have assured the Union that concerns expressed on the security and tenure of staff by the Union, during the earlier meetings we held with them had all been taken on board in the negotiations currently on-going with Vodafone,” he assures the nation at a widely patronized news conference on the proposed sale.
Dr. Ntim further disclosed that Government has initiated steps to “ringefence” all debts so that the $500 million investment to be made in GT by Vodafone will be applied solely to promote expansion of the company. “This in turn will help to secure the full engagement of the workers at all times in a competitive market. This assurance we have also given to workers.”
He was of the view that considering the dire financial straits in which GT finds itself any tardy action regarding the sale will result in the unfortunate situation of making the GT workers redundant. “The implication of this to the workers and their extended families is unthinkable. This is the reason why government is taking steps to protect the interest of workers,” he added.
The current state of GT, according to the Minister, is one of firm in an economic quagmire. In May 2008, negotiations on Vodafone’s bid proposals submitted in February, Government received an updated offer from Vodafone to acquire 70% interest in GT for a total consideration of $900 million on a debt –free, cash basis. This offer corresponds to an Enterprise Value of $1,286 million for 100% of GT. The transfer and management of the National Communications Backbone were thus included in this offer.
It is to be noted that as at December 2007 the total assets of GT was GH¢531 million as opposed to its total liabilities of GH¢558 million, giving a negative net worth value of GH¢27 million. By May 2008 the total assets of GT were GH¢ 552 million as against its total liabilities of GH¢ 586 million resulting in a negative worth figure of GH¢ 34 million. This definitely should be a source of worry for any investor, Government inclusive.
Again, a look at the working capital of GT also reveals a similar trend. In 2007 a negative working capital of GH¢ 188 million was recorded and by May 2008 this had risen to GH ¢199 million. This situation is rapidly leading to GT’s insolvency and a total collapse if no immediate action id taken.
Meanwhile the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in a statement to the media and signed by its Acting General Secretary, Kofi Asamoah, has rejected the proposed deal saying besides it not being in the interest of Ghanaians the deal has been shrouded in secrecy. Consequently, it has called for a national debate on the subject so that the national concerns expressed should be brought on board.
“In our considered opinion the sale of such an important strategic national asset should be subjected to thorough public debate so that some form of national consensus can be forged before a definitive decision is taken. Government has not subjected this deal to public debate. But such an important deal cannot be shrouded in secrecy,” the statement observes.
The TUC also expresses concern about the possible losses of jobs by workers and more especially the strategic nature of such a national asset. “GT is a strategic national asset and, like other state assets, Government should not offer GT shares for sale as if GT was created solely for financial gains without any consideration whatsoever for its social and national security implications.”
The statement recalled that GT was established in 1995 to provide telecommunication services to the people of Ghana in all the regions, districts and communities. The service being provided by GT is not only for financial gains but also it is a very important social service which Ghanaians expect Government to provide in return for the taxes they pay. “We are not convinced that Vodafone, or any other foreign private company, will meet the social obligation of providing communication services to the Ghanaian people in all parts of the country”.
It says multinational companies, like Vodafone, come in for profit and not to fulfill social obligations. And the fact that within 12 months of the signing of the SPA the Ghana Telecom University College is to be hived off is a clear indication of Vodafone’s lack of commitment to social responsibility, and in this case the training of Ghanaians to take control of the telecommunications sector will become history.
Additionally, the TUC was of the view that with barely five months to leave office it was inappropriate for the NPP administration to hurriedly sell such an important and strategic state asset. It said this creates rooms for reversal of agreements by succeeding governments as has happened in other West African countries.
“In an election year such as this, we do not expect Government to enter into such deals which have the potential to spark controversy and social tension,” the statement advised.
“We note the need for recapitalization of GT, which is the argument Government is using as basis for selling its shares in GT, but we also believe that there are other equally, if not more, viable options that can be explored to ensure that GT remains a public enterprise” .
It advises government should therefore explore other options which will ensure that GT remains viable not only economically but at the same time be able to provide communication services to the people of Ghana. “In our view this goal can be achieved only if GT remains a public asset,” the TUC maintains.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Ghana’s chance to model Africa’s good governance
By Ebenezer Hanson
The General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Rev. Dr. Mensa Otabil, has observed that the forthcoming 2008 general elections present Ghana with the unique opportunity to showcase to the rest of Africa a novelty of good governance.
He says after playing the torch bearer in the liberation of the continent and welcoming a new democratic dispensation, Ghana should blaze the trail in the new order of good governance for Africa, which action will resonate with the country’s status of the Black Star of Africa.
“ …After leading the emancipation effort on our continent and embracing a new democratic dispensation, Ghana has the rare opportunity to model a new way of good governance for Africa. We claim to be Black Star of Africa so let us shine the way forward for the rest of the continent.”
Rev. Dr. Otabil recognizes that, achieving this politically iconic status in Africa does not come on a silver platter but through the conscientious efforts of all political parties and stakeholders of the electioneering process and good governance to pursue best governance practices.
“Political parties must demonstrate that politics is not a game of life and death. They must allow the priorities of our nation and welfare of its people to animate their thoughts and actions so that in pursuing their party’s interest, the nation interest remains pre-eminent,” he advised.
Delivering the keynote address during the launch of the Political Parties Code of Conduct 2008 and the National Enforcement Body last Thursday in Accra, the General Overseer hoped that this year’s election would see a palpable improvement over previous ones in that political discourses would represent a contest of ideas and not belittling opponents and that politicians would resist the temptation to exploit the high levels of illiteracy for cheap political advantage.
“We are now 51 years old as an independent nation. As we grow in age, it must show in our maturity. We must leave our childish behaviours behind and increasingly act with more wisdom, decorum and restraint. We must help the nation to wield its growth in population into economic advantage. These are some of the expectations that we must have of one another,” he exhorted.
He asked Ghanaians to abhor ethnic and partisan allegiances as they limit the country’s human capacity to capture the opportunities in this global village, adding that true national and continental liberation requires the full deployment of all the nation’s massive human and natural resources in a focused manner.
Rev Otabil charged the Rev. Fred Degbe-led National Enforcement Body, the entity tasked with ensuring adherence of the provisions of the Code of Conduct, to uphold the national interest by rising above parochial considerations.
NPP General Secretary, Nana Ohene Ntow, pledged his party’s commitment to the Political Code and promised that the NPP would not engage in any act such as religious or tribal politics which has the potential to derail political process. “NPP commits itself to free, fair and peaceful elections and I urged all parties to do same so that at the end of the day there would be no reason to question the outcome of the elections”.
The NDC National Chairman, Dr. Kwabena Adjei, submitted that all is not well with the country’s democratic process and urge all parties to play by the rules. “And I want to point out that the majority is not always right and that might is not right,” he philosophized.
He reminded gathering that when the NDC “became unpopular it left office quietly after loosing the elections” and hoped that if any other party also becomes unpopular and loses elections it must also leave in like manner.
In a welcome address, a Senior Fellow of IEA, Brig. Gen Francis A. Agyemfra, noted that the 2008 general elections would be unique in terms of its competitiveness and that the possibility of such intense competition degenerating into violence could not be down played; and it was for this reason that the 2008 Political Parties’ Code was crafted to serve as guide to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
He disclosed that the 2008 Political Code was an improvement of that of 2004 but that it departs from the 2004 Code by establishing enforcement bodies both at the national and regional levels. The Regional Enforcement Bodies would monitor breaches of the Code at the various constituencies in the regions and report such breaches to the National Enforcement Body which has the mandate to investigate such breaches where necessary and issue sanctions in the form of reprimands and undertakings from offending parties.
Additionally, the National Enforcement Body has the mandate to also issue reports to alert the security agencies and other relevant bodies for the appropriate actions to be taken should breaches of the code occur.`
The 24-page Political Code of Conduct has provisions on measures to ensure free, fair and credible elections during the 2008 General Elections. It has chapters on Join Communiqué, Preamble, Democratic Imperatives, Campaigning Out-of-Campaign Activities, Elections, Enforcement and Interpretation.
The event, which was under the auspices of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and the Ghana Political Parties’ Programme, attracted representatives of nine political parties, namely, the NPP, NDC, CPP, DFP, PNC, United Love Party, the Eagle Party, Ghana National Party, the United Renaissance Party, officials of the Electoral Commission and National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) among others.
The General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Rev. Dr. Mensa Otabil, has observed that the forthcoming 2008 general elections present Ghana with the unique opportunity to showcase to the rest of Africa a novelty of good governance.
He says after playing the torch bearer in the liberation of the continent and welcoming a new democratic dispensation, Ghana should blaze the trail in the new order of good governance for Africa, which action will resonate with the country’s status of the Black Star of Africa.
“ …After leading the emancipation effort on our continent and embracing a new democratic dispensation, Ghana has the rare opportunity to model a new way of good governance for Africa. We claim to be Black Star of Africa so let us shine the way forward for the rest of the continent.”
Rev. Dr. Otabil recognizes that, achieving this politically iconic status in Africa does not come on a silver platter but through the conscientious efforts of all political parties and stakeholders of the electioneering process and good governance to pursue best governance practices.
“Political parties must demonstrate that politics is not a game of life and death. They must allow the priorities of our nation and welfare of its people to animate their thoughts and actions so that in pursuing their party’s interest, the nation interest remains pre-eminent,” he advised.
Delivering the keynote address during the launch of the Political Parties Code of Conduct 2008 and the National Enforcement Body last Thursday in Accra, the General Overseer hoped that this year’s election would see a palpable improvement over previous ones in that political discourses would represent a contest of ideas and not belittling opponents and that politicians would resist the temptation to exploit the high levels of illiteracy for cheap political advantage.
“We are now 51 years old as an independent nation. As we grow in age, it must show in our maturity. We must leave our childish behaviours behind and increasingly act with more wisdom, decorum and restraint. We must help the nation to wield its growth in population into economic advantage. These are some of the expectations that we must have of one another,” he exhorted.
He asked Ghanaians to abhor ethnic and partisan allegiances as they limit the country’s human capacity to capture the opportunities in this global village, adding that true national and continental liberation requires the full deployment of all the nation’s massive human and natural resources in a focused manner.
Rev Otabil charged the Rev. Fred Degbe-led National Enforcement Body, the entity tasked with ensuring adherence of the provisions of the Code of Conduct, to uphold the national interest by rising above parochial considerations.
NPP General Secretary, Nana Ohene Ntow, pledged his party’s commitment to the Political Code and promised that the NPP would not engage in any act such as religious or tribal politics which has the potential to derail political process. “NPP commits itself to free, fair and peaceful elections and I urged all parties to do same so that at the end of the day there would be no reason to question the outcome of the elections”.
The NDC National Chairman, Dr. Kwabena Adjei, submitted that all is not well with the country’s democratic process and urge all parties to play by the rules. “And I want to point out that the majority is not always right and that might is not right,” he philosophized.
He reminded gathering that when the NDC “became unpopular it left office quietly after loosing the elections” and hoped that if any other party also becomes unpopular and loses elections it must also leave in like manner.
In a welcome address, a Senior Fellow of IEA, Brig. Gen Francis A. Agyemfra, noted that the 2008 general elections would be unique in terms of its competitiveness and that the possibility of such intense competition degenerating into violence could not be down played; and it was for this reason that the 2008 Political Parties’ Code was crafted to serve as guide to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
He disclosed that the 2008 Political Code was an improvement of that of 2004 but that it departs from the 2004 Code by establishing enforcement bodies both at the national and regional levels. The Regional Enforcement Bodies would monitor breaches of the Code at the various constituencies in the regions and report such breaches to the National Enforcement Body which has the mandate to investigate such breaches where necessary and issue sanctions in the form of reprimands and undertakings from offending parties.
Additionally, the National Enforcement Body has the mandate to also issue reports to alert the security agencies and other relevant bodies for the appropriate actions to be taken should breaches of the code occur.`
The 24-page Political Code of Conduct has provisions on measures to ensure free, fair and credible elections during the 2008 General Elections. It has chapters on Join Communiqué, Preamble, Democratic Imperatives, Campaigning Out-of-Campaign Activities, Elections, Enforcement and Interpretation.
The event, which was under the auspices of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and the Ghana Political Parties’ Programme, attracted representatives of nine political parties, namely, the NPP, NDC, CPP, DFP, PNC, United Love Party, the Eagle Party, Ghana National Party, the United Renaissance Party, officials of the Electoral Commission and National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) among others.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
CPP will scrap BECE
By Ebenezer Hanson
Educational experts have increasingly grown alarming about the unacceptable high drop out rates of pupils after basic education and have been grappling with solutions to stem this dangerous social phenomenon.
But the Convention People’s Party (CPP) lays the blame squarely on the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) which is used for the selection and placement of pupils into senior high schools (SHS).
Accordingly, the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, has disclosed that a CPP administration will abolish the BECE when it assumes the realms of power after the December 2008 elections to ensure a that there is uninterrupted flow of pupils the junior high school (JHS) to SHS. “There will be no examination from the basic school level to the senior high school and this will reduce the high drop out the country is confronted with.”
The occasion was the colourful launching of the CPP 2008 Manifesto dubbed “New Dawn, New Vision” in Accra which attracted many party stalwarts and droves of youth.
The decision to scrap the BECE finds expression in the party’s manifesto under its educational policy, an aspect its social policy. “We shall consider abolishing the BECE, which prematurely condemns too many of our children to failure before they have had a chance to prove themselves in life. This should also ensure that the every Ghanaian child gets at least a secondary education, creating a wider and deeper pool of candidates to train the scientists, engineers, architects and other professions that we require to build a 21st century society, ” the manifesto explicitly declares.
The CPP says under a modified and expanded policy, the Accelerated Education Sector Investment Programme (AESIP), educational facilities from kindergarten to the tertiary level will be refurbished and expanded to meet the need of a modernizing society. To the party, “education serves a multiple purpose of aiding the individual to better understand society and nature and to acquire the skills needed to earn a decent living while contributing to national development.”
To meet the expanded educational needs of a growing population; the CPP has revealed that it will in collaboration with the non-state sector, including religious organizations, improve access to education at all levels making secondary education part of basic education and will be made free.
It adds that it will actively promote boarding schools as “a way of reducing the cost of education and at the same time encouraging Ghanaians from all walks of life to live together and know each other before they enter the world of work. This is one of the surest ways of fighting ethnocentrism and creating a common sense of nationhood among our future leaders”.
The CPP, however, says it will review the relevance of the four-year SHS programme and explore the possibility of restoring the three years programme and used the saved resources to improve access and quality. The four year programme was one of the outcomes of the new educational reforms which are in its first year.
It further discloses it will make vocational and technical education a post-secondary course to ensure that those aspiring to pursue such courses are “adequately prepared academically”. And that all vocation and technical schools will be adequately resourced under the Accelerated Education Sector Investment Programme to be introduced by the CPP.
Similarly, the party further observes that notwithstanding steady increases in teacher salaries in recent years, discontentment has caused many teachers to leave the profession for other lucrative jobs. To curb this trend, the CPP promises to reduce income taxes for teachers in addition to other incentives, who work in rural areas and places designated as deprived. Additionally, it will also improve working conditions of teachers, including timely payment of salaries for new and current teachers and home-ownership packages.
The Chairperson of the Manifesto Committee, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, revealed that under a CPP regime, teachers will use one year to do their first degree programme for after teaching for two years following their diploma course at the training colleges. “Why should a teacher who had done a three diploma programme use another three or four years to obtain his first degree leaving the classroom vacant? It should be possible for him to achieve that within a year under a comprehensive programme.”
When Public Agenda spoke to some educationists and teachers on the propriety or otherwise of the proposed abolition of BECE, they were of the view that the policy can only work if the number of SHS correspond with the number of JHS. Currently, there is a shortfall in the number of SHS and unless this yawning gap is bridged it will be practically impossible to implement that policy.
“Assuming the BECE is abolished and about 600 JHS students have chosen a particular SHS which has vacancy for only 200 students; in the absence of examinations, the school should have some means by which they can select the 200 students. If this is not provided the school would be compelled to devise some criterion to achieve that,” one teacher explained.
Educational experts have increasingly grown alarming about the unacceptable high drop out rates of pupils after basic education and have been grappling with solutions to stem this dangerous social phenomenon.
But the Convention People’s Party (CPP) lays the blame squarely on the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) which is used for the selection and placement of pupils into senior high schools (SHS).
Accordingly, the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, has disclosed that a CPP administration will abolish the BECE when it assumes the realms of power after the December 2008 elections to ensure a that there is uninterrupted flow of pupils the junior high school (JHS) to SHS. “There will be no examination from the basic school level to the senior high school and this will reduce the high drop out the country is confronted with.”
The occasion was the colourful launching of the CPP 2008 Manifesto dubbed “New Dawn, New Vision” in Accra which attracted many party stalwarts and droves of youth.
The decision to scrap the BECE finds expression in the party’s manifesto under its educational policy, an aspect its social policy. “We shall consider abolishing the BECE, which prematurely condemns too many of our children to failure before they have had a chance to prove themselves in life. This should also ensure that the every Ghanaian child gets at least a secondary education, creating a wider and deeper pool of candidates to train the scientists, engineers, architects and other professions that we require to build a 21st century society, ” the manifesto explicitly declares.
The CPP says under a modified and expanded policy, the Accelerated Education Sector Investment Programme (AESIP), educational facilities from kindergarten to the tertiary level will be refurbished and expanded to meet the need of a modernizing society. To the party, “education serves a multiple purpose of aiding the individual to better understand society and nature and to acquire the skills needed to earn a decent living while contributing to national development.”
To meet the expanded educational needs of a growing population; the CPP has revealed that it will in collaboration with the non-state sector, including religious organizations, improve access to education at all levels making secondary education part of basic education and will be made free.
It adds that it will actively promote boarding schools as “a way of reducing the cost of education and at the same time encouraging Ghanaians from all walks of life to live together and know each other before they enter the world of work. This is one of the surest ways of fighting ethnocentrism and creating a common sense of nationhood among our future leaders”.
The CPP, however, says it will review the relevance of the four-year SHS programme and explore the possibility of restoring the three years programme and used the saved resources to improve access and quality. The four year programme was one of the outcomes of the new educational reforms which are in its first year.
It further discloses it will make vocational and technical education a post-secondary course to ensure that those aspiring to pursue such courses are “adequately prepared academically”. And that all vocation and technical schools will be adequately resourced under the Accelerated Education Sector Investment Programme to be introduced by the CPP.
Similarly, the party further observes that notwithstanding steady increases in teacher salaries in recent years, discontentment has caused many teachers to leave the profession for other lucrative jobs. To curb this trend, the CPP promises to reduce income taxes for teachers in addition to other incentives, who work in rural areas and places designated as deprived. Additionally, it will also improve working conditions of teachers, including timely payment of salaries for new and current teachers and home-ownership packages.
The Chairperson of the Manifesto Committee, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, revealed that under a CPP regime, teachers will use one year to do their first degree programme for after teaching for two years following their diploma course at the training colleges. “Why should a teacher who had done a three diploma programme use another three or four years to obtain his first degree leaving the classroom vacant? It should be possible for him to achieve that within a year under a comprehensive programme.”
When Public Agenda spoke to some educationists and teachers on the propriety or otherwise of the proposed abolition of BECE, they were of the view that the policy can only work if the number of SHS correspond with the number of JHS. Currently, there is a shortfall in the number of SHS and unless this yawning gap is bridged it will be practically impossible to implement that policy.
“Assuming the BECE is abolished and about 600 JHS students have chosen a particular SHS which has vacancy for only 200 students; in the absence of examinations, the school should have some means by which they can select the 200 students. If this is not provided the school would be compelled to devise some criterion to achieve that,” one teacher explained.
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