T-pain Storms GH ; makes his first appearance

The weekend has indeed been an entertaining weekend filled with a bunch of performances from various artistes in Ghana and beyond the shores of the country.

The eve of Christmas can go down memory lane as a very memorable day that left an indelible mark in the minds of many Ghanaians who took their chance to join the entertainment train.

The Nappy Boy, T-pain, made his first appearance in Ghana at the “T-pain Live in Ghana” concert at the dome when he stormed the auditorium with some mesmerizing hit songs. Rocking performances from the Nappy boy on the eve of Christmas day thrilled the expectant audience who had trooped into the Dome to catch a glimpse of him.

T-pain performed a variety of songs amidst spectacular dance moves which kept the ecstatic audience on their feet for several hours untiringly. The concert which commenced at 10pm saw other artistes mounting stage to warm the audience who were on tenterhooks awaiting the emergence of T-pain, the king of Auto-tune.

Bra Kelvin Beats exhibited his lyrical fluidity as he took to the stage performing his captivating "Three Headed Beasts" song to the cheers from the audience. He was then followed by Gasmilla who excited the audience with his Azonto antics. The music duo, Keche, also surfaced on the podium smashing their hit song "Sokode".

Just when everybody thought they have had enough from these artistes, the king of the street surprisingly emerged all clad in smock. Kwaw Kese revived the madness syndrome in the patrons as he performed his latest hit, Popping, which fascinated both the young and old present at the Dome.

Buk Bak also drove the jubilant audience back to their heydays as they refreshed their past songs in the minds of the audience who sung along amidst shouts and gestures. Performing their recently made official song "Kolom", Buk Bak totally put the audience on cloud nine.

Whilst the Vision in Progress squad from Nima brought a new variety on stage with songs such as Away and I think I Like am, Nigeria’s Mister Incredible (MI) startled the already thrilled patrons as he performed his electrifying smash hit One Naira among other songs.

Absolutely, T-pain’s mission at the Dome would not have been accomplished without bouncing the entire auditorium. As darkness dawned on the audience, silence prevailed for some minutes before the Nappy boy, T-pain, made an entry onto the platform. Slowly pacing out of his darkened hideout, T-pain stylishly appeared in a black T-shirt with white shades, yellow hat and some glitters which pulled the crowd who could not help but to pluck out their cameras for a snap of him.

T-pain gave a unique rendition of his soothing "5'O'clock", high-pitched "Welcome To My Hood", All Of The Above, All I do is Win and Get Low songs as he danced and sang to the admiration of the crowd.

T-pain Live in Ghana was masterminded by 233 Connect which has proven beyond doubt their capability to outclass their competitors in the entertainment industry.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

What would it have been like if Ghana were to have a boxer for a president?

As the clock ticks on age, it is a soothing feeling to one day have a sip of your favourite drink, spend time with those you care and reminisce about one thing you never would want to blot out from your archives.

Almost every adult in one way or the other has enjoyed the bloom of his youthful days, in fact those days you never discovered who you really were but thought the little you had transformed a greater part of your life.

Recently, several leaders have either been ridiculed or commended when their past life chapters were read to them or come to light in a certain way. Some were footballers turned Presidents, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Lawyers, Journalists, and Doctors. Others were athletes turned Chief Executive Officers, Musicians, Actors and Actresses, and Bankers among other professions.

Sometimes, the question I pose to myself and other people is “What were you then and why have you changed now?” Growing up, I probably was something else but now I am another thing else.

This is what the founding member of the National Democratic Party (NDC) Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, once a gallantry soldier and President of the nation, revived in my mind when he stressed his interest in a sporting discipline like boxing.

Meeting the former Bayern Munich player and Black Stars defender, Samuel Osei Kuffour, at his Ridge office, former President Rawlings revealed what apparently might have been his long-hidden secret to the fanatics of Sammy Kuffour and media personnel that trooped into his Ridge premises.

Aside his administrative duties, Ex-President Rawlings might someday veer into having a bout with Ghana’s heavyweight Champion, Azumah Nelson, in what he said is his lifetime attraction.
“Boxing is something that I have always loved” was few of the words that President Rawlings used to stimulate the strong and strengthen the weak that have a penchant for boxing.

Was he a boxer then? Maybe yes or Maybe no but Mr. Rawlings was surely a fanatic of boxing. Flaunting his experience with world renowned boxer, Mohammed Ali, President Rawlings obviously might have had some boxing tutorials from the invincible Mohammed Ali.

No wonder many call him “Dr. Boom”; with his strong muscles which can fit into the sporting discipline “boxing”, I think “Dr. Boom” is the least expression to modify Ex-President Rawlings’ boxing skills.

If he were in the ring, maybe Manny Pacquiao would not have been blowing his own trumpet because there would have been somebody to knock him out in the fourth round. Call it exaggeration but President Rawlings really has strong ties with boxing and boxing personalities such as Mohammed Ali and Azumah “Zumzum” Nelson.

Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings could not have exhibited his passion for boxing better if he had not groomed people to step into the “shoes” he never wore. One of the handiwork of J.J Rawlings was Azumah Nelson who but for the support from Ex-President Rawlings would not have risen into the boxing arena.

Rawlings’ boxing foresight motivated Azumah Nelson to take the lead over several International boxers to become a world boxing icon.

“With Azumah, I noticed that he was very talented but he was very tenacious, very disciplined hardworking sportsman. He took his boxing extremely serious. He was quick; he was fast; he was strong and he used to come train with us, you know, the Air force boys."

“And during the time we were about to recruit, there was one occasion where he almost wanted to join in as well, you know, the Air force. And I said no, no, no; am not gonna recruit you because I could see a potential world champion in him and I was afraid if we recruit him, he would develop a slight routine mentality which could affect that spontaneous hard fighting spirit of his. I needed him to maintain it. Yes, I think that’s one good judgment I made about him and he went on to prove us right.” he recounted with nostalgia as he went down memory lane.

Anyway, people should not be extremely surprised when they see their receptive erstwhile President, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, in the ring exercising his muscles to give the first blow for the bout to begin.

As usual we must all rumble and rally behind him as Mr. Rawlings envisions another emergence of Azumah Nelson in Ghana.

By Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana.

The Economic Figures in Ghana currently the -best we have seen in 20 years- Veep

Three years into its administration, the ruling National Democratic Congress continues to blame the opposition and then government, the New Patriotic Party for leaving “empty coffers”, hence the reason it has lagged behind in the fulfillment of many of its campaign promises.

Vice President John Dramani Mahama, addressing a forum of NDC youth at the National Theatre in Accra yesterday, said the government has used huge amount of money to defray colossal debt left behind by the NPP, a reason he cited, as having led to the agitations of the NDC foot soldiers.

Nonetheless, he intimated that the government is still on course with her “Better Ghana Agenda” which focuses on stabilizing the economy.

Vice President Mahama explained that the ruling NDC took over the reins of governance at a time when the economy was at the verge of collapse. He continued that the Mills-led government inherited an economy with a deficit of about 22% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which according to him affected the stability of the country.

He discounted the initial economic figure of 9% deficit of GDP purported by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) adding that the huge GDP deficit left by the erstwhile President J.A Kufour and his government depreciated the cedi currency as against the US dollar, hence, sagging the “confidence” of the country.

“As soon as we took over power, the first letter we got was that; oh it’s not 9%, we didn’t know all along but actually the deficit is like about 13 or 14%. But be that as it may, we should be able to tell the truth now. We were faced with an economy where the cedi was falling, inflation was high, interest rate had gone up, and confidence in the economy was shaken. And so even though the official figure given was 13%, when Governor Dufour went to parliament to present the final budget for 2009, he used a figure of 15%. Subsequently we found deficit and arrears that meant that the deficit on the economy was closer to 22%.”

He emphasized that such economic failure on the part of the NPP prolonged the activities set up by the incumbent government to revive the economy. According to him, the money allocated for the projects and promises enshrined in the NDC Manifesto was used to defray the cost in order to stabilize the economy.

Allaying all fears in public domain, he said the Kufour’s regime left Ghana in arrears which the incumbent NDC government has remitted within its three years of administration.
“We put our shoulders to the wheel and decided that we will fix this economy. And with God on our side, we have fixed this economy.”

He praised the government for stabilizing the cedi and achieving a single inflationary digit stressing that the “economic figures” achieved under the administration of President J.E.A Mills are the “best we’ve seen in more than 20 years.”

He was confident the government would be given another mandate into power touting the achievements so far chalked by the government.

By Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

THE VOLTA RIVER book launch reveals the challenges confronting Lower Volta Basin

The Volta River; Electric Power Generation and Poverty at the Crossroads, a book which reveals the bizarre challenges that the people of the Lower Volta Basin face, has been launched at the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church at Osu yesterday.

The 121-page book touches on pertinent issues confronting the people near the two major hydroelectric dams; Akosombo and Kpong. For ages now, the people within the Dam catchment areas have been saddled with certain setbacks.

Notable among the setbacks are the poor and porous roads linking Akuse-Amedeka and the entire Lower Volta Basin, poverty and contaminated streams which according to the Author of the book was uncharacteristic of the community.

Ebenezer Dzabaku, the Author of “The Volta River”, explained that in 1967, the Lower Volta Basin played a significant role in presenting large-scale agricultural opportunities for the people but current scrutiny of the place has proven otherwise.

Addressing an audience at the Ebenezer Presbyterian auditorium, Ebenezer Dzabaku said bringing to bear the challenges confronting the residents of Akuse-Amedeka for prompt resolution inspired him to write the book.

“The Volta River; Electric Power Generation and Poverty at the Crossroads” is the maiden edition of Ebenezer Dzabaku’s writings which outlines the economic potentials of the Lower Volta Basin areas amidst other problems which must be addressed.

The event commenced at 5:10pm amidst cultural displays from the Borborbor cultural group and songs from the Osu Ebenezer Melody.

The Author of the book stressed that operations by the workers of the Akosombo and Kpong dams are detrimental to the community since spillage from the dams has rendered their streams unsafe to drink. He said the activities of the two dams have destroyed several fishing sites of the community.

He underscored the benefits of the Lower Volta Basin saying but for the emergence of the two dams, the Akuse-Amedeka and its environs would have served as tourist sites to attract investors into the vicinity.

Ebenezer Dzabaku indicated that over 18000 fishermen across Akuse-Amedeka were endangered due to the harmful activities of the Kpong hydroelectric dam. He further added that whilst the workers of the dams enjoy luxurious opportunities, the people of the Lower Volta Basin are left in a deplorable state.

He expressed his resentment over the actions by the administrators of the two dams and admonished the residents of Akuse-Amedeka to step up their game against the administrators who have since shown less efforts to develop the community.

“It is time that, we, the people of the Lower Volta Basin are going to get up but we are not going to get up rudely. And we will come and knock their doors, and we expect them to give us a handshake and turn their eyes towards the Lower Volta Basin.”, he said.

He dedicated the book to the first President of the republic of the Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and asked the authorities and government to take a cue from the selflessness of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

He appealed to the government to “think of the people and not the profits”.

The Minister of Tourism, Akua Sena Dansowah, also reiterated government’s commitment to helping the deprived areas of the Lower Volta Basin. According to her, her Ministry and government are aware of the plight of the inhabitants of Akuse-Amedeka and promised that government will soon come to their aid.

The first book was sold at GHC 200 and proceeds from the sales of the book will be used to establish the Lower Volta Basin Educational Fund which aims at addressing the socio-economic challenges of the people.

Present at the event were the Minister for Tourism, Akua Sena Dansowah, the Information and Publicity Officer of the Akuse Volta River Authority (VRA), John Chobbah, the Former National Youth Organizer of the Convention People’s Party, Francis Opai Tetteh among other dignitaries.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

CPP/PNC scoffs UK-based Economic Intelligence Unit 2012 polls

The Communications Director of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Nii Armah Akomfrah, says CPP is highly capable of winning the general elections in 2012 which would threaten the chances of the other political parties.

He says the party has over the time now been working assiduously to rectify the mistakes that might have discouraged electorates to vote the party into power and believes Ghanaians are ready for a new political climate which the CPP promises to offer.

He explains that Ghanaians are jaded with the retrogressive nature of politics in the country and what they need is a party that can introduce “new politics” into the country.

According to him, CPP promises Ghanaians a better livelihood should the party be given the nod into the Presidential seat.

Reacting to a recent poll analysis by a UK-based Economist Intelligence Unit which predicts a slim victory for the ruling NDC government if the 2012 general elections were held today, Nii Armah Akomfrah says Ghanaians should ignore such findings, therefore, doubting the authenticity of the findings.

Polls conducted by the UK-based Economist Intelligence Unit revealed that there could be a run-off voting in 2012 similar to the 2008 elections but predicted a defeat for the NPP Presidential Candidate, Nana Akufo Addo. The Economist Intelligence Unit noted that similar polls conducted during the 2008 elections showed a close race which is an indicative that the 2012 general elections might reveal same results.

Speaking on the Big bite morning show on Xfm 95.1, the CPP Communications Director says the Unit is entitled to its findings but insists it won’t determine the progress of the CPP in 2012.

He however discounted the validity of the unit’s analysis of the 2012 elections saying “…to do a poll about the next election and not seek to ask the respondents about the CPP throws doubt in my mind about the validity of the whole thing.”

He further added that the findings by the Economic Intelligence Unit do not pose any risk to the party due to the structures that the CPP has put in place to consolidate the party towards 2012.

Describing the Unit as “unknown organization”, he said its findings are not different from previous polls conducted by other polling agencies which according to him, should be trivialized.

He was optimistic CPP can be an indomitable force during the general elections and would not let the recent polls serve as hindrance to the party.

Speaking on the same issue, Bernard Mornah, the General Secretary of the PNC, says he will give the Economist Intelligence Unit the benefit of the doubt since the two parties, the polls were conducted on, have elected their Presidential candidates at the expense of the other parties.

Bernard Mornah asserts the Unit’s findings about the 2012 elections are bound to change after the PNC congress. He added the PNC is undertaking measures to revive the party stressing the party’s readiness for 2012.

He described the Unit’s polling results as just “noses” that people have stating that “if wishes were horses, beggars would be the first to ride and so let everybody continue to have their opinions. Let them continue to say what they want to say.”

Touting their achievements, Mr. Mornah said the PNC party has been instrumental to the development of the country. He mentioned the National Health Insurance Scheme, School Feeding Programme among others as the various ideas pushed by the party to address the challenges of the country.

He said the polls are skewed towards certain political parties but strongly believes it won’t translate into votes for the parties involved.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/ Xfm 95.1/ Accra/ Ghana

Nothing stops a Muslim from becoming President- Mustapha Hamid

As this year gradually elapses, the country is gradually plunging herself into the campaign year where all the political parties would be mounting up strategies to overtake its competitors in the wrestle for power.

Recently, the NPP Presidential candidate, Nana Akuffo Addo, has had some of his party functionaries suggesting a suitable running mate for him while others say it is at the behest of Nana Addo to choose who runs with him during the 2012 elections.

The call on the NPP Presidential candidate to select a running mate who could make the dream of the party materialize has brought to light the question of whether a Muslim is best suited for the Vice Presidency or the Presidency.

A while ago, the Islamic Youth Brigade (IYB) issued a statement to this effect stating the need for a political balance among all ethnic groups, tribes, and religions. The group expressed their resentment over the misuse of religion for political gains intimating that it is “alarmed about the bigotry of those who insist that only a Muslim can be selected as a running mate and the tokenism of those who see the selection of a Muslim as a means of capturing votes from the Islamic community.”

They further said Muslims are citizens of the country with the right to vote and be voted for and so, they equally deserve to head the state.

Mohammed Dauda Suru, speaking on behalf of the group, reiterated the need for all political parties and the entire citizenry to desist from the weak claim that Muslims are incapable of aspiring for the highest office of the country.

He said that the argument whether a Muslim should be the President-elect of the country should be issue-based but not superficially looked at it from the political lenses. He pointed out that every Muslim should be given an equal chance to run for the Presidential slot and kicked against the discrimination against the Muslim community.

A member of the New Patriotic Party, Mustafa Hamid, says nothing bans a mulsim from occupying the highest office of the land. Basing his point on the secularity of Ghana, he said Ghana consists of a vast bulk of Christians and this consequently might have contributed to the perception that a Muslim cannot vie for the Presidency.

He however discounted such claim describing it as a “superficial” analysis of the Presidential slot. According to him, there is no evidence proving that the Presidential seat excludes Muslims; therefore, it is an indictment on the Muslim community for anyone to say that they cannot run the Presidential race.

He disclosed that without the intervention of the Kuffour-led NPP, Muslims would not have attained the top spot in politics.

“In the NPP, we have made a conscious effort to make Muslims an integral part of our party structure…and therefore for everything that we do, we have the Muslims in perspective.”

“But for the NPP, we would not have had a Muslim swearing by the Quran into the high office of the Vice President of the republic of Ghana. Since actually 1979, the NPP and its antecedent party have actually made it a policy, if you want, an unwritten convention that we will always balance our ticket between the Christian fraternity and the Muslim fraternity.”

To him, Muslims playing the role of the Vice President is a confirmation that a Muslim can one day be voted for into the Presidential seat but would support a 10-year period for any Muslim who aspires to head the country.

He explained that there is no distinction between Islam and the state and as a result, we (Ghanaians) “play out our religion strongly in politics.” Touting Ghanaians as tolerable people, he said Ghanaians have shown love and unity among themselves and for that matter religion should not decide who gets the nod into the castle.

He urged Muslims to do their homework well but not count their luck or misfortune on their religion.

Meanwhile, a group called the GaDangme Youth Association has descended heavily on the NPP MP for Suame and Minority Leader, Osei kyei Mensah Bonsu, for what they say is offensive to the GaDangmes.

In a press statement on December 13, 2011, the group accused the Minority Leader of making certain unpleasant comments on the airwaves which according to them is a dent on their image.

The GaDangme youth stated clearly that no tribe should be underrated in relation to the Presidential race and are demanding an apology from the NPP Minority Leader.

It therefore appears Ghana would have to address these distortions as she thrives on democracy.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

ISODEC Introduces New Monitoring System for Election 2012

The International Social Development Centre (ISODEC) says it is introducing a new system to check election fraud and violence for a peaceful election in 2012.

As part of its concerns for the 2012 elections, ISODEC is initiating an “Election Monitoring” system which forms part of the Centre’s first invention to minimize the fraudulent practices and inconsistencies associated with elections in the country.

ISODEC has brought to the forecourt of its operations the need to maintain a violent-free incident and fair elections in 2012.

Paul Anim, a member of ISODEC, spoke to X fm.

According to him, the centre has instigated the monitoring system to eliminate incidents such as double vote counting, ruin of ballot papers and violence that have since been rife with elections across the country.

The system is in two phases with each phase assuring Ghanaians of fair and transparent elections. The first phase which is termed Web Interface is assigned to give a chronological report about incidents that occur during the elections for a prompt resolution while the second phase referred as Crowd admin comprises election observers and agents tasked with the responsibility of screening the elections off any malpractices.

Paul Anim explained that the system would not exclude the Police Service and the Electoral Commission since these institutions are important to ensuring a peaceful election.

He said ISODEC is committed to ridding the elections of any detrimental incidents that could mar the election results, hence, their decision to initiate this step.

He added that the monitoring system would ensure that Ghana records peaceful and violent-free elections in 2012.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/ X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

US Nato, Hands-off Libya, Hands-off Africa coalition holds Memorial Service for Gaddafi

The “US Nato, Hands-off Libya, Hands-off Africa” coalition together with some Islamic Loyalists will hold a memorial service on December 11,2011 at the Kawukudi Park, Nima, in honour of the late Brother Leader Muammar Al-Gaddafi and the first President of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

The service is aimed at projecting the ideals and legacy that the two powerful leaders of Africa upheld in order to liberate the African continent from the claws of the western world.

The event which is under the theme “Honouring and Continuing the Legacy of Kwame Nkrumah and Muammar Al-Gaddafi” is to educate Africans about the significance in protecting the resources in Africa and kicking against the influence of the western countries.

The Head of Pan-African Improvement Organization, Sekou Mwanza Nkrumah, explained that the coalition has over the years been fighting against the dominance of the western countries over Africa, therefore, empowering people to defend the ideals of the leaders in Africa.

Touting the Libya’s Godfather, Brother Leader Muammar Al-Gaddafi, as one of the leaders who stood for African unity, he said it is about time people stand against imperialist doctrines and western dominion.

He slammed the United States of America stressing their aid to Africa is geared towards exploiting Africa and its resources. He said USA and the Nato Forces’ role in ousting Gaddafi was implicitly to exploit the oil in Libya but not to serve the interest of the Libyan people.

He attributed Africa’s poverty to the western indoctrination and dominance over the natural resources in Africa.

Speaking in an interview with X fm, Sekou Nkrumah expounded that Muammar Gaddafi shared similar aspirations with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah with their focus on African unity, hence, the need for the memorial service.

He urged Ghanaians to rally behind the coalition to become a formidable force against the exploitation from western forces.

The coalition is making efforts to contact the family of Muammar Al-Gaddafi.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Dr Sekou is not anything to be bribed- Benard Mornah

What appeared to be a mutual conversation among three prominent politicians in the country has now turned into a vexed conflict with one accusing the other of bribery and inducement.

Though the truth is yet to be told or maybe never be known, it will go down as the day that the son of Ghana’s first President, Sekou Nkrumah, PNC General Secretary Bernard Mornah, and a former NDC MP, David Lamptey, met to either decide the fate of the ruling NDC or rather deface the opposition NPP through inducement.

The PNC General Secretary, Bernard Mornah, has ostensibly denied earlier claims by Dr. Sekou Nkrumah that Mr David Lamptey, offered him a car and cash which according to him is an attempt to bribe him.

Speaking to Xfm 95.1 on the Big bite this Wednesday, Bernard Mornah described the pronouncements by Sekou Nkrumah as “outrageous and strange” disclaiming any move by the NDC leading member to bribe him.

He wondered why Dr Sekou would put up such a story and claim he was offered a car and cash in order to obviously project the ideals of the NDC towards the general elections in 2012.

"…what kind of language is this? And my understanding is that he actually came out and called Bobie at the other station and told him that he has news for him. I said why do you take things out of proportion?"

"I hear some funny funny stories, then, I ask why would anybody be bribing you, Sekou? Of what relevance?...or you just want to create some imaginary relevance around your field. You don't have it and you don't want people to think that you are worth anything to be bribed. I don't think so", he said.

He explained that on the said day of meeting, the three politicians discussed a variety of issues with no such thing like bribe cropping up in their conversation. He said that David Lamptey invited Sekou Nkrumah to his house to resolve the stalemate between him and his sister, Samia Nkrumah.
He added that no bribe attempts were made to induce Sekou Nkrumah and asked him to be wary of his utterances.

Yet, Sekou Nkrumah insists that he was offered a car and cash to deface the opposition NPP.
He spoke to the host of the Big bite show, Abena Asiedua Tenkorang.

According to Sekou, he was invited to the house of David Lamptey where the bribe was proposed. He asserted, in the middle of their discussion, the NDC member offered him the car and cash which he believes is a form of bribe.

Sekou Nkrumah lashed out at Bernard Mornah as he affirmed the incident happened in his (Bernard Mornah) sight. He advised the PNC General Secretary to be careful of his involvement in such bribery stressing that Bernard Mornah is “fortunate” he was not recorded.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

NDC Organiser pooh-poohs AFAG over $20m party headquarters

The Deputy National Youth Organizer of the ruling NDC, Joshua Akamba, says the multi-million dollar edifice purported by the Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) to be erected at Adabraka, a surburb of Accra, is the party’s contributions from previous years.

According to him, the funding of the edifice was sourced from the “pockets” of the NDC members and there is no such thing like corruption associated with the members’ generosity towards providing a well-deserving office for the party.

He described AFAG’s revelations as mere attempts to turn the people of Ghana against the party. Hence, referring to the group as “NPP” AFAG, he said the group is only honouring its bid to the opposition NPP.

He intimated that, during the regime of the former President Kuffour, there was an allegation of monies being distributed to party loyalists and officials at the Castle which was presided by former President Kuffour and therefore questioned AFAG about their role in bringing the truth to bear.

He added that if NPP could purchase two offices in the wink of an eye under the auspices of President J.A Kuffour, then why AFAG’s worry over NDC’s quest to set up its own administrative office.

The Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) yesterday issued a statement revealing the obscure erection of a multi-million dollar edifice at Adabraka which according to the group raises eyebrows. AFAG said they are “surprised at the long silence of anti-corruption agencies, civil societies and the media on the erection of a multimillion dollar edifice at Adabraka, a suburb of Accra which is intended to be the new NDC party headquarters.”

“Though AFAG is not against the acquisition of assets by any political party, the development of this structure at a time that, the ordinary Ghanaian is struggling to make ends meet vis-a-vis the high unemployment levels is absolutely not correct, and a travesty of justice to the Ghanaian tax payer be it directly or indirectly.”

“The Alliance for Accountable governance, recall vividly not so long ago, where the NDC General Secretary explained why he could not submit audited accounts of his party to the electoral commission because of the lack of adequate financial resources to hire an external auditor. On this account, it is worrisome to see to the near completion of this modern office which is estimated at $20 Million (300 billion old Ghana Cedis).”

The group also raised questions about China’s involvement in constructing such multi-million dollar edifice of the NDC but the NDC Deputy National Youth Organizer says China’s role in the construction process is only mutual with no personal gains. He said China and the government of Ghana have so far had a good rapport with China making lots of investments into country.

He explained that AFAG's findings are only a ploy and propaganda mechanism to deface the NDC party.

“…the NPP AFAG is just out to do propaganda. I am building my house; how do you sit down to cost the house for me…Are they the engineers there on our landsite? Are they the architects there? Do they know how much money that we have in our account that we have started doing the party edifice? They don’t know, so, why would they put up a figure?”, he implored.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Government -modern agric policy- to sideline small-scale farmers- Coalition

Ibrahim Akalbila, a member of the Ghana Trade and Livelihood Coalition, says government’s attempt to modernize agriculture is geared towards sidelining peasant farmers which according to him should not be supported.

He claims the new agricultural policy formulated by government excludes the peasant farmers since the policy would only favour the educated elites.

Speaking on the Big bite show on Xfm 95.1, he disclosed that the small-scale farmers contribute about 85% of agricultural productivity and virtually provide a large quantity of agricultural produce in the country.

Ibrahim Akalbila explains that though it is prudent for educated people to be talked into agriculture, it however should not be at the expense of the small-scale farmers. He believes the awareness about how to fertilize crops and undertake the proper steps to ensure a high cocoa production championed by COCOBOD could as well be carried out at the food and crops sector.

According to him, instead of eliminating small-scale farming, certain methods could be adopted into the agricultural sector to boost food and crop production. He suggests government should allocate adequate resources to support agriculture, especially small-scale farming.

He says government should extend her budget to cover agriculture and provide the farmers with the basic needs and technical know-how. This he admits would revive the food and crops sector.

He added that government’s commitment to agriculture is not up to the max claiming that what the government seeks to do is to “skew the little” that the peasant farmers earn and direct it to the benefit of the “so-called graduates”.

Though the Ghana Trade and Livelihood Coalition does not rule out the importance of the farmers’ day, the Coalition however wants government to first create a conducive environment which would benefit all farmers in the country and when this is achieved, government can then award the farmers who excel out of the conducive environment.

Contrary to this, Ibrahim Akalbila says agriculture has not been lucrative and productive enough and as a result only the medium-scale or large-scale farmers benefit from the farmers’ day.
He appealed to the government and appropriate authorities to enhance the agricultural sector and also provide quality service which would include all farmers in the country but not just few ones.

Vice President John Mahama at the just ended farmers’ day celebration announced government’s determination to modernize agriculture to the lot of the farming community and Ghanaians in general saying, “these are the days of modern agriculture… the days hoe and cutlass agriculture are largely over”.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Government called upon to make peasant farmers benefit from farmers' day

Farmers across the country have been toiling each day to get food on our tables so that we have a lot to consume and sell. With agriculture serving as the backbone of the economy, farmers are on a number of times encouraged to work hard as several governments have attempted to revive the agricultural sector.

As a form of motivation, every first Friday in the month of December has been set aside to celebrate the diligent farmers and also award them for their contributions and efforts.
On this note, December 2, 2011, has been declared public holiday in order to commemorate the hardwork of the farmers in ensuring that there is enough food produce to sustain the economy.

In line with the farmer’s day, residents of the Dunkwa-Offin in the Western Region are engaging in a durbar today to appreciate their farmers and also ask them to continue with their good works. According to Samuel Amoako, a Ghanaian student based in South Africa and a resident of Dunkwa-Offin, the durbar would be graced with the presence of paramount Chiefs, government officials, farmers and the residents entirely.

He was speaking with Xfm 95.1 on the benefits of the farmers’ day.

Samuel Amoako intimated that though inhabitants of Dunkwa-Offin are unhappy with the government’s efforts towards boosting the agricultural sector, they however support the celebration of the farmers.

Albeit it is prudent to celebrate Ghanaian farmers, he explained that successive governments have not done enough to better up the lives of the farmers. He said government’s commitment towards food and crop farming does not reflect in the lives of the farmers.

He claimed that even though farmers’ day is observed to honour farmers in the country, it only benefits the affluent since rich people are the ones who can afford to use sophisticated farm implements and as a result the farmers at the grass root are often abandoned.

“We should go beyond just celebrating a day. We should go beyond just awarding about 500 people or 500 farmers across the country and then do something more substantial. Something that would boost production, would encourage the poor farmer, and then would push the poor farmer out of poverty.” he opined.

He advised government to train more extension officers and qualified agricultural personnel to assist the small-scale farmers to expand their productivity. He called on government to provide a better incentive for the farmers saying farmers wish to have value for what they produce.

He however congratulated the farmers in Ghana and admonished government to formulate pragmatic policies to improve the lives of the farmers.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

50% of HIV/AIDS infection emanates from the youth- AIDS COMMISSION

The Director of Technical Services of the Ghana Aids Commission, Dr. Richard Amenyah, has reiterated the need for persons to protect themselves against HIV/AIDS.

Speaking in relation to the World’s Aids Day on December 1, 2011, he said the commission’s objective is to encourage Ghanaians to be wary and ensure a reduction of the disease.

He intimated that nearly 50% of the infections emanate from the youth and asked them to purge themselves from contracting the disease.

He espoused the idea that HIV/AIDS should be prevented since the disease is incurable and added that the Commission aims to reduce the infection by 50% from now to five years.

This year’s Aids day which is titled “Getting to zero, the role of the youth” is centered on the younger generation to stop the widespread of the deadly HIV/AIDS.

“So, we need to have young people highlighted as part of the target groups and then also ensure that we have them at the centre of action to help reach out to other young people to modify their sexual behaviours. And then also contribute to a decline of HIV among young people and then also among adults.” he said.

He called for unity among Ghanaians to combat the disease since HIV is “no respecter of persons" and advised them to act out their role in ensuring a total eradication of the disease.

Richard Amenyah, in an interview with X fm news team, attributed the high rate of HIV/AIDS to the multiple sex partners and indiscriminate sex which according to him prolong the infections instead of making it ineffective. He further admonished young people to engage in safe sex and also shack up with one partner.

He defused the bad perception about Aids infected persons which usually leads to stigma saying Aids patients can live longer when they are given the proper healthcare. He disclosed that in Ghana, almost 62000 people infected by HIV/AIDS are diagnosed with anti-retroviral drugs which reduce the infection and enable them to stay longer.

Describing it as a “misconception”, he implored Ghanaians to stop discriminating against those who have contracted the disease.

He estimated that about 220000 people have contracted the disease with others oblivious of the virus in their bodies and as a result appealed to every Ghanaian to undergo the Aids test.

According to him, the test is the surest way for a person to know his or her status in order to either reduce further infections or stimulate those who would be negatively tested to apply the necessary measures to remain negative.

He however admitted that the HIV/AIDS campaign can only be successful when every person plays an important role to curb the disease and also said that sex education should be incorporated into the family, schools and religious bodies.

He added the Ghana Aids Commission is launching its “Heart to Heart” campaign to engage the HIV/AIDS infected persons to educate people and the entire society about the predicament.

He said the Commission is ready to partner other organizations to fight against the disease and appealed to the government to keep assisting them.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Bright Akwetey chides Papa Kwesi Ndoum, says he has ambitions to disintegrate the CPP

It seems not only the CPP National Chairperson, Samia Yaba Nkrumah, is discontent with their two-time Presidential candidate, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, who according to her has contravened the constitutional provisions of the Convention People’s Party, as other CPP members also appear to be fuming at the sight of this recent happening.

According to Samia Nkrumah, the actions of the 2008 Presidential candidate discredit the integrity of the national executives, therefore, bringing the name of the party into disrepute. She did not mince words when she claimed that Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom has “relentlessly waged a campaign to demoralize” the party supporters.

It is in the wake of this that Lawyer Bright Akwetey, a Presidential Aspirant of the CPP in 2012, has also expressed disappointment over what he terms “machinations” against the party officials.
Lawyer Bright Akwetey explained that Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom has been nursing a desire to form his own political party since 2007.

He said that after Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom emerged as winner in the 2007 congress, he established a group called “Movement” announcing his interest to split CPP into factions.

“Before the 2007 congress which he won, he formed an organization called Movement and their colour was white. So, anywhere we opened a CPP office, he came to open an office close by for the movement and had the office painted white. He was prevailed upon to abandon his quest for forming his own political party because that has been his ambition…”

He claimed that after Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom clenched victory in 2007, he became prodigal until the party officials “prevailed upon him to come back home”.

He continued that Dr. Paa Kwesi revived his attempt by forming another group named “Movement for Social Justice” in 2008 with its objectives similar to the CPP's. According to him, he (Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom) went every length to duplicate the ideals of the Convention People’s Party.

He added that “the Central Committee decided that everybody should be loyal to one party and, that’s the CPP, to ban the Movement for Social Justice. Paa Kwesi Nduom admitted that he has formed the movement and that he has formed the movement to support him in his political ambition.”

Discounting Dr. Paa Kwesi’s assertion for an early congress, he supported the national executives’ idea of withholding the congress for three months when the necessary internal structures have been laid before the commencement of the Presidential race and advised the newly-elected executives to be wary.

“…the vehicle that will transport you into stardom; into the presidency has a problem with the engine and has a fault or problem with the tyre. And the party is saying that, look, let’s put the engine in order…he is saying No I want to use the vehicle the way it is, then later you can repair it. It doesn’t make sense to me.”, he said.

Lawyer Bright Akwetey claimed that the members of the Movement for Social Justice are Dr. Paa Kwesi's employees who have turned into his “Public Relations Machinery” to exert pressure on the national executives.

He believed the three-month period is a good step to strengthen the party adding that CPP can clench victory in election 2012 provided the foundation is well-laid.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Utility service providers doing their best but…PURC

The Director of Public Relations and External Affairs of the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC), Nana Yaa Jantua, says the commission is unhappy with the intermittent power cuts across several parts of the country.

According to her, the commission expresses worry about the frequent power blackouts in the country saying that there should be a proper communication mechanism in place before an area is unexpectedly cut off power supply. She attributed the cause of this standoff to the dawdling manner in which the utility service providers operate.

"The issue is about speedy response to fault and also communication. If an area is going to experience an outage or they have experienced an outage, there should be some kind of communication to the people for them to know that our power has gone off for such and such a reason", she said.

Interacting with the Big bite morning show host, Abena Asiedua, on Xfm 95.1, the PURC Public Relations Director explained that in order to address the water shortages as well as the electricity constraints, the commission ensures that there is enough monitoring over the companies in charge of these utilities.

She said that the PURC supervises the companies to set up the necessary structures and also ensure that unfortunate occurrences of this defect are avoided.
"...all the installation of the utility, the equipment, the transformers; we go and see how these equipment are performing. We also collect reports on how their performance is. We also have meetings with them..."

She further disclosed that ECG, GWCL and other utility-based agencies, under the instruction of PURC, are obliged to compensate consumers who lose their items due to the unexpected failures.

Nana Yaa Jantua affirmed that some consumers have already been compensated with the utility service providers refunding money to over-billed consumers and therefore asked all consumers to follow suit when their items become defective due to the unfortunate utility faults.

She said whenever this occurs, victimized consumers should report to the Public Utility Regulatory Commission which will make sure they are compensated.

She advised consumers to "ask value for money" and not perceive the services of the Electricity Company, Ghana Water Company, Transmission Company as well as the other utility companies as "favour" since the companies owe them a duty.

Adding to the Commission's roles, she noted that ECG is an interface with the consumers and if the company defaults in its services, it behooves on the commission to sanction them to effectively back up in their services to the country.

Spelling out the rights of the consumers, the PURC Public Relations and External Affairs Director, Nana Yaa Jantua, discounted actions by the utility service providers to disconnect a consumer who is purported to be indebted to them due to his or her inability to foot the bill.

"Even if you owe, there should be a payment plan between you and the utility service provider. They can't just disconnect you.” she said.

She however explained that though there are outages, the performance of the Electricity Company, Ghana Water Company together with the other utility service providers should not be undermined.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/ Xfm 95.1/ Accra/ Ghana

Verification not full-proof to electoral violence- Ben Ephson

The Managing Editor of the Daily Dispatch, Ben Ephson, has ruled out the importance of a verification system as a measure to check vote rigging and violence in election 2012.

According to him, neither the biometric registration nor the electronic verification can eliminate the violence and the multiplicity of voting that have characterized the national elections.

He called for the abrogation of the biometric system of voting suggesting that the money and resources that would be used to instigate the biometric registration could be channeled differently to ensure peace in 2012.

He disclosed to Xfm 95.1 this Friday that even with the biometric registration, there is still the possibility of a person fiddling with the election figures which could equally spell doom for the nation and also advocated that the only option that the 2012 general elections can be free from violence and rigging is when all the stakeholders are vigilant.

He explained that the 30 million cedis estimated for the biometric voting system could be split to employ more hands to assist the Electoral Commission (EC) during the general elections.

"Given the controversy between the two main parties, I belong to the school of thought that we can do away with biometric and verification and we can use a third of that money to do what biometric and verification will do for us. To prevent multiple voter registration, we can quadruple the number of people Electoral Commission hire and then we do one day voter registration throughout the country. That will eliminate voter simplicity or multiple voting.", he opined.

Expanding further, Ben Ephson said that with excessive number of polling agents and supervisors at the various constituencies, people will be deterred from voting twice which would clear off the distortions in the elections.

Speaking to host Sekou Nkrumah on "Let's talk politics", Ben Ephson outlined that the electoral violence and turmoil that emerge as a result of rigging or cheating could be avoided by having enough trained polling personnel by the EC who would not countenance any foul attempts during the elections.

He proposed that the Electoral Commission should employ the services of foreign observers who would keep an eagle eye on every polling site at the constituencies. He said monitoring of activities at the polling stations by the polling agents as well as the political parties is a significant measure to curb any incident of violence in 2012.

He however vouched for the verification system saying it is the only way to avert multiple voting if the Electoral Commission still goes by the biometric voter registration but would not stick his neck to say that any of these newly-adopted methods would abort the totality of violence in the elections.

In his view, EC should find a common ground to address the rivalry between the opposition NPP and the ruling NDC over the biometric registration.

Alluding to the politics of insults and the sudden acrimony between some members of NPP and NDC, Ben Ephson called on both parties to be decorous in their speech and also implored the media to ensure that those who use it as platform to channel their misgivings and information do so in a constructive manner.

He besought the political parties from perpetrating any act of violence in 2012 revealing that though the tension during the elections in 2000 was highly heightened, the then government under the leadership of the former President, J.J Rawlings, handed over the Presidential mantle peacefully to the NPP.


Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Anyidoho threats are despicable -Anthony Kabo

Just when everybody thought the NPP flagbearer's "All die be die" comment has been laid to rest, it appears his statement which has been touted as "warmongering" is yet to heat up from the opposition bench.

The infamous comment by the NPP Presidential candidate, Nana Akuffo Addo, sparked controversy from all parts of the country with the major blow coming from some functionaries within the ruling NDC government who purported that the "All die be die" slogan intends to induce electorates to wreak violence during the general elections 2012.

In reference to this seditious comment, the Communications Director at the Presidency, Koku Anyidoho, some days ago spoke to a london-based radio station, Focus Radio, issuing a stern caution to the opposition NPP not to perpetrate violence in the 2012 elections or face the rage of the NDC and Ghanaians.

He challenged the NPP's flagbearer to execute his plot if he is brave saying " We will protect the integrity of the elections, we will go to the elections, and Ghanaians will be safe...Let Akufo Addo make any mistake as he professes to be an indigene of Okyeman, Akufo Addo should dare and also to you Gabby; if you are real men, make a wrong move in this country and you will see where power lies."

But some members of the opposition party have strongly criticized the counter-attack on the rank and file of the NPP.

Anthony Kabo, the NPP National Youth Organizer, speaking to X fm 95.1 this thursday, expressed worry about this sudden development and described the utterances by Koku Anyidoho as despicable and one that should be ignored.

He said that if Koku Anyidoho professes to be courageous, he should have made such empty threats on the Ghanaian soil and not show his muscles somewhere else. According to him, Koku Anyidoho's utterance is an indication of bad governance adding that his vague threat is a personal attempt to demonize Nana Akufo Addo.

The NPP National Youth Organizer also pummeled President Mills over his resistance to take strict actions against his appointees who make foul attempt to destabilize the economy. He said the decadence exhibited by the President's appointees is a dent on the Mills-led administration.

He further added that while President Mills acclaims himself as a man of peace asking people to desist from the politics of insult, he has a gang of officials who have clearly defied this order and yet are undertaking their administrative duties with impunity.

'So I am not surprised that if Koku Anyidoho, the man who is supposed to be speaking for the President, speaks this way. Then it goes without saying that this is the kind of thinking that we have with our President and this is the kind of psyche the President is having", he intimated.

He pledged his party's loyalty to protecting their Presidential candidate against every machination from the ruling NDC and reiterated that the party is committed to ensuring free and fair elections which would be devoid of violence in 2012.

Anthony Kabo insisted that the NPP is not perturbed by the recent inflamatory comment from the NDC Communication Director at the presidency.

"...anybody or any sound-minded Ghanaian, young or adult, infact male or female, abled or disabled, skilled or unskilled who has the temerity and the capacity to stand to defend the democratic process in this country will have to be hailed and I don't think that amounts to violence.", he concluded.


Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/ Xfm 95.1/ Accra/ Ghana

Nana Akomea blames successive governments for food problems in Ghana

The Deputy Communications Director of the opposition New Patriotic Party, Nana Akomea, has bemoaned successive governments for their failure to implement a coherent policy on agriculture to move the country from subsistence farming to a commercial one with emphasis on income generation.

In an interview on Xfm’s Big Bite morning show, the NPP Communications Director who doubles as the MP for Okaikoi South wondered why with 60% of the population engaged in food farming, the country still depended on foreign aid while with just 5% of the population engaging in food farming, certain foreign countries tend to be self-sufficient; producing enough food crops to support their economies.

He also decried government's commitment to boosting the agricultural sector with regards to food production saying government has not done enough to transform food farming from its peasant stage into a "Cash activity" which could attract both the old and the youth to invest their energy in the food sector.

He underlined that importation of food produce from other countries can be stifled by ensuring that the prices of food are guaranteed with farmers having value on what they produce.

In contrast however, Nana Akomea said farmers during the bumper harvest watch their produce such as tomatoes perish due to their inability to hoard their commodities. This he said would not help cut down on the high level of importation in the country.

He believed farmers producing largely with an enhanced profit margin would portray the sector as a lucrative venture to attract investors and banks which eventually would lend loans to the farmers to support their livelihood.

A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on November 22, 2011, indicated that food security is key to the survival of every country, hence, the need for governments to incorporate it in their budget. The report titled '"The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2011” further highlighted on the significance in improving both short-term access to food and food production in the medium term in order to achieve a long-lasting boost in food security.

According to the NPP Deputy Communications Director, it is imperative for government to adopt a more refined approach to address the food crisis in the country. Nana Akomea who described the country's food crisis as "shameful” and unacceptable said it is incumbent on the government to put high premium on food farming in the economy and stimulate the farmers to produce more to meet the needs of Ghanaians and the nation at large.

He therefore pledged his party's commitment to improving the agricultural sector to the benefit of the farmers and the entire nation when given the nod in 2012.


Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

People who patronize Okada bikes will be prosecuted too-MTTU

With the influx of motor riders in the country, safety is key and this is why the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) has warned those who use motorcycles as their easiest way of moving to undertake the necessary and lawful precautions.

For awhile now, some motor riders have transformed what was supposed to be for private use into a commercial use, commonly known as "Okada" business, which authorities believe is a threat to the safety of people. It is in the wake of this call that the MTTU yesterday swooped on some motor riders on the street of Mallam-Kasoa arresting 20 unauthorized motor riders and according to the MTTU, these offenders would be arraigned before court.

Following up on this recent incident, Xfm asked the Head of Research and Education of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit, ASP Alexander Obeng, the drive behind the unit's sudden pounce on the illicit motor riders.

According to him, the unit's abrupt operation was not solely targeted at the motor riders who are rendering services on a commercial basis but the attempt was to oust all motor operators who were “un-roadworthy” and were shirking the rules set to check the improper usage of roads in the country.

The MTTU Head of Research and Education elaborated that the action that took place yesterday brought to light certain offences that have been overlooked several times such as motor riders who operate without the required license, the unwillingness of the riders to slip on their helmets, the use of unregistered motorcycles on the road among others.

ASP Alexander Obeng revealed on Xfm's morning show Big bite that even though a bunch of the riders were operating privately, what effected their arrest was the absence of the roadworthy Certificate and license to use the motorcycles on the roads.

Citing Regulation 57 of LI 953, he said that this law prohibits motor riders from commercializing their services and called on the escapees of the swoop to take cue from yesterday's incident. He also admonished private motor operators to comply with the rules and regulations set by MTTU to govern the motorcycles which ply the roads in the country.

"Ghanaians who want to use motorcycles for private purposes should also ensure that they comply with the road law by having their required license A to ride motorcycles and that when they get the motorcycles, they should register with a required number plate and [that] when they mount the motorcycles; they should put on their crash helmet. And before they move too, they should ensure that the vehicle or the motorcycle is roadworthy and would have had motor insurance covering you, and then you should not run rear light and run on the pedestrian walkway.", he advised.

He said failure to conform to the specified road instructions would call for stringent actions which would be meted out to the culprits. He assertively quoted that the ban on the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes took effect in retrospect, during 1974, hence forbidding anybody from perpetuating such offence.

He issued a word of caution to people who patronize those commercial motor bikes saying, when caught, they would be prosecuted under the criminal law Section 20 for abetment of crime.

ASP Obeng of the MTTU indicated that the use of motor bikes on our roads together with other vehicles poses a danger to the safety of Ghanaians and therefore appealed to the appropriate quarters to construct alternative roads to curb the congestion on the roads.


Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Kabila chides government over repetitive budget

Kwabena Bomfeh, the former CPP National Youth Organizer, says the 2012 budget statement is just a repetition of the previous budgets presented on the floor of Parliament.

According to him, the budget statement should have featured new projects and practical steps put in place to abate the socio-economic challenges confronting the citizenry but this he said was not visible in the 2012 budget presentation. He stated that the Finance Minister, Dr. Kwabena Duffour, only sought to recap the already established budgetary points in the previous years.

"The theme of the budget is actually not reflected by the account or if you like the figures and the projects that were outlined in the budget and also that the previous budget was not well appreciated in the current budget. There seems to be a recurrence of most of the things that have been mentioned in the 2009/2010, 2011 budget", the CPP National Youth Organizer told X fm's morning show host, Abena Asiedua.

He cited that highlights of the budget should have made a provision for the construction of the Kintampo-Techiman road which in his view slows down the activities of the inhabitants, hence, doubting the Mills-led administration's commitment to helping the people of Kintampo.
"...particularly the main road that runs through the Kintampo town. It is in bad shape; it's supposed to be a double lane. We are not too sure of the government's commitment to it", he noted.

He however applauded the government for its desire to rehabilitate the railway linking the two towns but was quick to describe the pace of work on the railway as a work done "in the colonial pattern".

He believes the budget statement which was themed "Infrastructure Development for Accelerated Growth and Job Creation' is just a measure to throw dust into the eyes of Ghanaians.
Citing some of the inadequacies in the budget, the former CPP National Youth Organizer said contrary to the NDC's manifesto pledge to quit the imposition of new taxes, the government has rather introduced more taxes which deviates the very purpose why they were voted into power.

Recounting further the inconsistencies in the 2012 budget and economic planning statement, he said that the declaration of a single digit inflationary rate by the Finance Minister is an attempt to hero-worship the Mills' administration instead of addressing the poor living conditions of the citizenry.

He also charged Dr. Duffour with complicity in presenting "false" figures to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which attracted a fine of 36 million dollars, hence, asserting that "The Minister for finance has a record of throwing falsehood and half-truths."

Kwabena Bomfeh, also known as Kabila, outlined that the activities of the ruling government have created economic problems and as a result made the country bankrupt. Supporting his claim with facts, he revealed that the government has since not sourced money to defray its debt to the National Youth Employment Council.

He also called on the government to state precisely what the money allocated to the media would be used for.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

2012 budget should concentrate on productive sectors of the economy- Kwaku Kwarteng

Ahead of the presentation of the 2012 budget and economic policy statement of the Mills-led administration, a member of the opposition NPP, Kwaku Kwarteng, hopes today's budget presentation will put on the ground pragmatic steps to create more jobs.

Speaking to Xfm 95.1 this morning, he said the NPP expects government to set realistic goals which will give relief to underprivileged Ghanaians and ensure a better improvement in their livelihood.

The 2012 budget statement is under the theme "Infrastructure development for accelerated growth and job creation" and is aimed to address the numerous challenges facing Ghanaians and the country.

Pointing out his expectations, the NPP member insisted that government in her budget today should not formulate policies which will impose high taxes on commodities but rather devise means to attract investors into the country.

He queried the Finance Minister if the budget will address the inconsistencies concerning the biometric registration in 2012. The NPP member touched on the country's oil find and advised the government to define ways to boost the country's oil sector.

Meanwhile, the NPP Deputy Communications Director, Samuel Awuku, has asked government to implement policies which will address the economic issues facing Ghanaians and the country at large.

In his anticipation, the budget which will be read by the Finance Minister, Dr. Kwabena Duffour, should resolve the poor conditions in the lives of people, hence, alleviating the high level of poverty in the economy. "We only expect increases in the struggle towards survival as a people and as a country", he noted.

He said that "since 2009, the Mills-Mahama administration...has not presented any budget that has seen or helped, sought or seeking to reduce poverty in our country. What we have seen is an escalation in price..." He asserted that the ruling government in its operations has only added up to the economic hardship that has since been prevalent in the country.

He affirmed that the NDC government has consistently been lazing around and making blanket promises and statements without any tinge of seriousness.

Sammy Awuku reiterated that the failure of the Mills administration to establish the Volta and Brong Ahafo Universities is an addition to the government's ineffectiveness and added the government is clueless about its implementation of the one-time National Health Insurance premium.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Teachers’ Front for Better Ghana Agenda garners support for President Mills

The General Secretary of a nascent teachers' group, Teachers' Front for Better Ghana Agenda (TEFBGA), has admonished Ghanaians and teachers entirely to rally behind the ruling NDC government due to what he believes are practical goals set by the government to promote its better Ghana agenda.

Christian Oppong Frimpong, General Secretary of the Teachers' Front for Better Ghana Agenda, in an interview with Xfm 95.1 debunked the idea that teachers have not seen an improvement in their salary scheme.

According to him, the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) is not a spontaneous action but a process that evolves overtime and demands the cooperation of the teachers to address its inconsistencies. He emphatically underlined that "no teacher will say today that he is not better off than some years ago".

He commended the Mills' administration for living up to their better Ghana agenda stressing that within two years, the incumbent government has undertaken several projects that have put Ghanaians on their toes, thereby, reviving the economy.

Notwithstanding the groups' endorsement of the Mills' administration, he pledged the association's commitment to supporting any other government that assumes office in 2012 and subsequent years. He however defused the notion that the group is an offspring of NDC therefore intimating that the group is a merger of people from different political backgrounds.

According to him, the Teachers' Front for Better Ghana Agenda (TEFBGA) was formed three months ago with the aim of sensitizing teachers and the general public about the governments’ better Ghana agenda.

With over 4000 members across the country, TEFBGA seeks to educate as many teachers as possible including Ghanaians about the activities of the ruling government in order to solicit their support. Explaining further the objectives of the group, the General Secretary said the inception of the association is geared towards enhancing the nation's resources in order to streamline the progress of the economy.

He said that depending on the success that the government has chalked, it is therefore imperative for a group of such nature to be established to project the aspirations of the government and ensure a firm foundation for the country.

Pointing out the association's observations, he cited that President Mills within two years has played a major role in the teachers' welfare and education and was optimistic the government could do well should the entire nation spearhead its better Ghana pragmatic objectives and goals.

He disclosed that under the leadership of President J.E.A Mills, all public colleges have received an average sum of 36000 cedis for child development and research work. This he asserted will help teachers to pursue Masters Degree and PHD in the various disciplines of education.


In terms of teacher trainees' allowance, he intimated that, in 2008, teacher trainees were receiving 55.93 cedis but due to the timely intervention of the Mills-led government, the trainees are taking 300 cedis which indicates a vast increase in their allowance.

Christian Oppong Frimpong hoped the association will extend its membership to other parts of the country and in addition implored all stakeholders in the educational sector together with Ghanaians to support the government's better Ghana agenda.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Ghanaians should be wary of false Prophets-Atta Akyea

Prophecy according to some biblical scholars is supposed to be a promise from God about something that is certain to happen in the future but recent revelations by some self-acclaimed men of God have seemingly turned out to be a contradiction.

Twice this year, the country has seen two Prophets predicting the destruction of the world.

On May 21, 2011, Harold Camping, a radio christian show host, hit the airwaves with his May 21 prophecy of the end of the world, a date that has elapsed without any possibility of the world coming to a standstill. As if this "predict and fail" syndrome was not enough, another Prophet of doom, Peter Anamoh of the Machaira of the Pneuma Foundation staged a crusade in the country to conscientize the general public about the doomsday on November 11.

His hallmark "11-11-11" which was supposed to mark the end of the world became a fiasco last friday when some believers of God and the public awaited the outcome of the Prophet's prediction. This sudden biblical misinterpretation has raised eyebrows as people begin to find a possible means to end such predictions.

It is in the wake of this that the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea, has urged Ghanaians to be wary of people who claim they are ordained "men of God". He attributed these unscriptural prophecies to mere popularity explaining that what such self-esteemed Prophets seek for is a chance to be recognised by the society. He said that such failed prophecies only emanate from people's mindset and as a result should not be taken seriously.

Tounching on the issue of causing fear and panic, Lawyer Atta Akyea described Prophet Peter Anamoh's false prophecy as an "expensive" freedom of speech, hence, doubting the extent to which a person can freely express himself or herself. According to him, a person's freedom of speech should not be defined by peddling falsehood and such attempt, especially when men of God are involved, is a dangerous trend.

He explained that a person is seen to have caused fear and panic when by his or her utterance, he or she causes a false alarm which would be detrimental to the society.

He however said that, even though there is no clear cut line to convict the Prophet on the basis of causing fear and panic, a lawsuit could be filed against the Prophet. He disclosed that if any criminal implication is established against the Prophet's declaration of the doomsday, the Attorney General can take him on in the law court.

Expanding further on the Attorney General's role in prosecuting Prophets and Pastors who give false prophecies, he cited Article 88 which says that every criminal action will be at the suit of the Attorney General, adding that it is incumbent on the Attorney General's Department to lawfully deal with such Prophets and Preachers of God. This he believes will serve as a deterrent to other people who claim to be men of God and also put an end to such unbiblical prophecies.

He further stated that the police service in consultation with the Attorney General can apprehend the Head Prophet of Machaira of the Pneuma foundation should his declaration be deemed criminal.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Xfm/Accra/Ghana

Rawlings can never be Ghana’s best leader; Nkrumah is- Kwaku Baako Jnr

The Managing Editor of the New Crusading Guide, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, has lashed out at Ex President J.J Rawlings for christening himself as the "best leader" ever in the history of Ghana.

Kweku Baako has expressed doubts over the Ex President's self-acclamation stressing that Rawlings' assessment of himself together with his administration comes with a deficit.

Former President Jerry John Rawlings who also doubles as AU envoy to Somalia, in an interaction with a South Africa-based television network, eTV opined that during his nearly 20 years of rule, his ability to strengthen certain institutions like the judiciary and also empower Ghanaians qualifies him as the best Ghanaian leader.

But this proclamation has since created controversy which has left people to wonder why the Ex President would confer such title on himself. Former President J.A Kuffour described his predecessor's comment as "boastful" adding that Ghanaians are the best people to judge.

It is in the wake of this controversy that the Managing Editor of the New Crusading Guide says what Ex President Rawlings sought to do was to "terrorize the judiciary into submission and set up a parallel judicial system". He revealed that Rawlings' reign could not have been the best regime due to the numerous abysmal activities that characterized his leadership.

He further explained that the Ex President's era did not allow public accounts to be audited and as a result, he (Rawlings) could not put into the public domain that his administration empowered Ghanaians. "The worst part if we were to look at the specifics...do you know that from the PNDC time, that is from; let's say the first time public accounts...were brought into the public domain, we had a 10 year period under Rawlings that accounts were not audited?", he said.

Kweku Baako who made this submission on Joy Fm's political show "Newsfile", this Saturday, adjudged Ghana's first republican President Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah as the best leader ever in the history of the country, hence, rating the former President J.A Kuffuor and Dr. Hilla Limann, second and third best respectively.

Meanwhile, Alex Segbefia, the Deputy Chief of Staff, has discounted the claim that "Rawlings is the best leader in Ghana" saying he disbelieves the former President, also a founding member of the NDC, made such contentious comment. Even though he abstained from awarding marks to the erstwhile leaders of the country, he vouched for President Mills on the premise that the President's "religious" posture could win the heart of many Ghanaians.

Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

We are not fools-Andani youth

The youth of Andani have descended heavily on the Deputy Information Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, over his comment that the Andanis can not blackmail the ruling NDC government.

Okudzeto Ablakwa responding to the Andanis' declaration of "No Vote" for the NDC if the murder of their overlord, the late Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, is not brought to justice and the perpetrators napped, said "As for the Andani youth who are threatening and saying that they will not vote for the NDC, I believe that as adults who have attained universal adult suffrage we make the determination on who we vote for at the personal level. I do not think that voting for anybody should be used as blackmail for which people can think they can do anything and threaten you with their votes.”

The embittered youth, in a press statement yesterday, have slammed the Honourable Minister saying the Andanis are not "fools" emphasizing that the Minister should go back to his books. According to them, they voted the ruling NDC into power on the premise that the culprits in the Ya-Na murder case will be caught and justice will take its course.

The Andanis say government has reneged on its decision to find the culprits after giving the nod in 2008.

The youth who are incensed with the Deputy Information Minister described him as an "opportunist' and are demanding an unqualified apology within 48 hours.

Below is the whole statement:

We write with pain and anger over the inept response from government through the Hon. Deputy Minister of information (Okudzeto Ablakwa) to the Andani Youth of Tamale on the issue of Justice for the late overlord of Dagbon.

Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that “As for the Andani youth who are threatening and saying that they will not vote for the NDC, I believe that as adults who have attained universal adult suffrage we make the determination on who we vote for at the personal level. I do not think that voting for anybody should be used as blackmail for which people can think they can do anything and threaten you with their votes.”

Yes, it is true that Andanis have the right to determine who to vote at our personal levels but we (Andanis) are not fools to vote in a vacuum. We vote on issues; issues that affect us. We did not vote for the NDC to appoint small boys into government as a means to educating themselves.

It is about a decade now when our King was murdered in cold-blood. We all know what happened on that sorrowful day of 27th March 2002. The NPP government covered-up using the Wauku Commission of Enquiry and the subsequent white paper issued.

Even though the Wauku Commission recommended that Yidana Sugri and Iddrisu Gyamfo be charged for Murder because they were seen on 27th March holding severed parts of the late Ya-Na, Yakubu Andani II, soon after his killing and "who should be presumed to have killed the Ya-Na", the NDC party disagreed with the entire report confirming our suspicion.

The NDC therefore stated in their 2008 manifesto in item 9 under Law and Justice that they will “Set up a truly non-partisan, competent independent commission on the murder of the Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II and his elders – for long lasting peace in Ghana”. We all know that this has not been done.

Okudzeto should go and read the NDC manifesto before he opens his mouth wide on this issue. Okudzeto is clearly not a leader who even deserves to be in Parliament; not even to represent any group in this country.

Okudzeto is only an opportunist and would not care if the NDC loses power in 2012 and can afford with such responses. After all, Okudzeto has already stated that he will survive for 102 years with NDC in opposition.

He said on metro TV good morning Ghana show hosted by Randy Abbey that “its amazing people continue to think that some of us will be uncomfortable when the NDC loses political power. But some of them forget that some of us are into business. I will be able to survive for 102 years with the NDC in opposition” – Okudzeto Ablakwa (showing his business documents to the TV camera).

We give Okudzeto Ablakwa 48 hours to apologize to the Andani Elders and people or refrain from commenting on issues concerning Dagbon.

Thank you.

Mohammed Ibn Uthman

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana