AMA puts in place measures to forestall flooding in Accra

Numo Blafo, the Public Relations Officer of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, says the assembly is working assiduously to avoid any future recurrence of flood in the Accra metropolis.

According to him, the AMA has since last week Tuesday embarked on a massive clean-up exercise to get rid of the debris that were left as a result of the flood which claimed about 12 lives and threw several people into complete shock.

Speaking on Xfm's Big bite show this Monday, he disclosed that the assembly has put in place measures to mitigate the harmful consequences of the flood and guard against diseases which are associated with filth.

He warned people against cholera which emanates as a result of the heap of refuse especially during flooding situations and implored people to protect themselves against the disease. He was of the view that when people engage in hygienic conditions and desist from dumping solid waste into gutters and drains, the country will be devoid of cholera and floods.

Numo Blafo said that even though the assembly has constructed drainage systems to limit the impact of floods in Accra, this objective cannot be achieved without the cooperation of Ghanaians. He indicated to Xfm 95.1 that inappropriate human activities are a primary cause of floods and therefore believed it is about time Ghanaians become amenable towards the AMA and its operations.

He also outlined that the assembly is embarking on a "house to house" public education to help people undertake steps to avoid the possibility of being inundated by future heavy rainstorms.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Accra Zone of Zoomlion, Robert Tetteh Coleman, says the filth created by last week's flood is "unimaginable" as the company has so far dispatched 120 trucks to various parts of Accra. This exercise he says is to clear the refuse put in a pile on the streets of Accra.

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

Demolition exercises to be rejuvenated to curtail flooding-AMA

The Chairman of the Environmental Committee of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Philip Lamptey has partly blamed yesterday's devastating flood on the negligence of people establishing structures along rivers and other flood-prone areas.

He stated that the setting up of buildings and other structures at unauthorized and inappropriate areas tend to cause these floods and cautioned Ghanaians to turn away from such practices.

In an interview on X fm's Big bite show this Thursday, Philip Lamptey keenly identified that the lives of people should always be protected and that any action which is detrimental to their living conditions must be eradicated.

He also ascribed the abrupt flooding incidents across several parts of Accra to the changes in the climate which have made it almost unpredictable.

The six-hour downpour inundated several places claiming about nine lives while others lost their items worth millions of cedis. The Chairman of the Environmental Committee of the AMA disclosed that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly together with the Natural Disaster and Management Organization (NADMO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has put in place measures to curb the rippling effects of the flood.

He indicated that the Environmental Committee has since dispatched task force from the Rapid Response Unit of the AMA to various affected areas to get rid of the debris that resulted out of the flood. He therefore urged the public to cooperate with the AMA as they embark on this eradication exercise.

"The cries from the public always keep on disturbing us that saying we are destroying people's things but meanwhile all these structures are on the waterway. It is time public has to understand what is happening because we can't sit down and wait for the rain to destroy our things."

He also disputed the claim that the AMA has abandoned the demolition exercise which was aimed at eliminating buildings from unauthorised and inappropriate places but asserted that the exercise will be rejuvenated to avoid any future occurrences.

Philip Lamptey admonished Ghanaians to do the right thing and added that plans are far ahead to support the flood victims.

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

JJ Rawlings lauds Gaddafi but says he made a mistake for his 42 years of reign

The death of Libya's former leader, Muammar Muhammad Al-Gaddafi, has some time now taken over the media and still lingers around the African continent with several people thrown into shock and others expressing their mixed feelings about the treatment meted out to the Libyan leader before he passed away.

Colonel Gaddafi's death has raised fierce criticisms and comments from people across Africa and the next person to add his voice is the former President Flt. Lt. J.J Rawlings.

Former President J.J. Rawlings has lauded the deceased leader, therefore, touting him as a man who had the Libyans’ interest wholeheartedly and brought much fortune to Libya. According to him, Muammar Gaddafi was a good and principled leader who set proper structures to streamline the livelihood of his people.

He further declared that, under the leadership of Col. Gaddafi, Libya underwent a massive transformation which outstripped its boundaries to benefit other countries including Ghana.

He was speaking at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana, Legon to climax the annual SRC week celebrations on Friday.

He said that the Libyan economy gave women the chance to be enrolled into the military and head offices within the military. Likening Col. Gaddafi to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first President, he underlined that the Libyans were provided with virtually free accommodation, electricity and education. He also stressed that Gaddafi's reign gave the black community much freedom and tagged him as a leader who believed in the power of the masses.

Despite his 42 years of rule, J.J Rawlings believed the Libyan Godfather committed a mistake, hence, quoting the scripture "Man should not live by bread alone" to support his premise.

"The mistake he made was that even as he talked it, preached it, provided it; he just could not let go of the empowerment of the people. He still held onto the controls", the former president indicated.

He explained that the Libyan deceased leader was disquiet about the idea that the masses' power could be undermined and held his service in high esteem to the people. President Rawlings disclosed that people's allegiance is bought as their right of choice dwindles and emphasized that people should be on guard and flash out any form of dehumanization.

He described the execution of Col. Gaddafi "more painful and inhuman" and chided the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, for her supposed look and contentment over the death of the Libyan leader.

He expressed no surprise over the execution saying "if you use force or violence and it does not have a cleansing effect, then it will end up perpetuating injustice. If you use force and it does not give justice, you will be perpetuating injustice".

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

Gaddafis death raises mixed reactions from people-VOX POP

Following recent news about the death of Brother leader Muammar Muhammad Al-Gaddafi, some people have raised red flags over the way Colonel Gaddafi was killed while others ask why the westerners played active role in ousting a leader who has brought much fortune to the libyans.

Colonel Gaddafi was killed during a fierce siege at his stronghold, Sirte. Reports say the libyan leader was shot several times in a NATO-led airstrike.

Colonel Gaddafi took over office in 1969 and since then the "Brother leader", as he is popularly called, has reigned in libya without any hope of relinquishing power.

His death comes after the libyans rose against his authority and have been waiting for his day of doom.

Reports about the capture of Africa's would-be "King of Kings" were received with much jubilation from the people of libya as the National Transitional Council (NTC) takes over the mantle of restoring the country.

X fm interacted with some people on the streets of Osu and discovered the sudden death of the libyan leader has plunged several people into total shock.

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

Nothing has changed in the NDC- DFP National Treasurer

It appears the intense uproar against the merger of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and the National Democratic Party (NDC) will not end anytime soon as the next person to register her dissatisfaction is the former National Treasurer of the DFP, Ruby Aba Folson, who says the decision by the party to join the NDC was not collectively taken.

She said, in an interview with Xfm 95.1, that the DFP executives did not involve all the stakeholders of the party before their final migration to their mother party. According to her, she dissented her party's decision and willingness to smoke the peace pipe with its parent party, NDC, on the premise that the NDC harassed them during the Koforidua Congress in 2006.

Her explanation comes after a section of the DFP, yesterday, held a press conference spelling out their disagreement with the decision by the life patron of the party, Dr. Obed Asamoah, to tie the knot with the NDC.

She stated that the move by the DFP doesn't restrain the members from opting out of the bond. She expanded further that a greater number of the DFP members at the various constituencies are opposed to Dr. Obed Asamoah's eagerness to return to the NDC.

The DFP former National Treasurer intimated that the executives and the members of the party couldn't reach a consensus to support their movement to the NDC. "The decision made by the executives of the Democratic Freedom Party which is the DFP that they are going back to their mother party which is the NDC. To me, it wasn't a consensual kind of agreement"

She pledged her commitment to her "mother party", the New Patriotic Party, saying that the circumstances that led to the formation of the DFP have not changed.

Ruby Aba Folson underlined that the harassment that was impinged on the DFP still lingers in the NDC and asked; what has changed in the NDC?

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

Ghanaians should not tag themselves All-righteous nation-Dan Botwe

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Okere, Hon. Dan Botwe, has admonished youths in the country to portray themselves as instruments for peace.

He said that the youth should take over the political climate and make sure they adopt an uncompromising stance in the enhancement of peace and stability.The MP urged them to actively involve themselves in the country's political environment.

Hon. Dan Botwe highlighted on the essence for people in their youthful age to conduct themselves in a decorous manner in order to prevent any possible violent occurences. He keenly cautioned Ghanaians to be wary and not embrace themselves as "All-righteous" peaceful nation.

Hon. Dan Botwe was speaking at the UNESCO Youth for Peace forum held, today,at the British council under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The Youth for Peace forum was under the theme "Our Call: Youth, Ensure Peace" and aimed at helping the youth to develop the skills, behaviours and visions for the promotion of peace. The programme brought together various youth groups to deliberate on the ways that can enhance peace in the country.

Dan Botwe implored the youngsters to get themselves abreast of the electoral system and courageously lash out any government which compromises on peace building and the stability of the nation. He entreated every young person to condemn the politics of insult that has become rampant in the nation and utilize the political platform peacefully without violence.

Expanding further on the measures to building peace, the Member of Parliament for Ayensueno, Ayeh-Paye Samuel, said governments should not condone any wrongdoing but rather met out punitive measures on any government official who engages in corruptible practices.He said that justifying the misconducts of government officials collapses the peaceful frontiers of the country.

Ayeh-Paye Samuel, in reaction to the recent strike by the public sector doctors, stressed categorically that the government should reshuffle the President of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and also device alternative measures to resolve the turmoil in the health sector.

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

Nana Akomea advocates best farming practices on World Food Day

As the country marks World Food Day, today, under the theme "Greening Ghana with coconut", the New Patriotic Party Communications Director, Nana Akomea says, even though government seems to be committed to boosting food supply in the country, there has not been adequate support for the sustenance of food and crops farming.

He indicated that sixty percent of the country's food farmers engage in peasant farming and their use of blunt farm implements makes it difficult for them to compete with their foreign competitors.

Touching on the importation of farm produce, Nana Akomea told host of the big bite on Xfm 95.1, Abena Asiedua, that the country's defunct producing factories should be resuscitated to bridge the gap between the local food farmers and their competitors from the foreign countries.

He also proposed that the government should cut down on the importation of food crops and believed this intervention by a competent government can stimulate a larger supply of food crops into the economy and encourage the domestic farmers to meet the competitive market.

Explaining further, the NPP Communications Director said that guaranteed prices should be imposed on the food crops and also suggested that the government should adopt a different and refined approach in resolving the economic food crises. This, he assured, can eradicate the daunting challenges facing the peasant farmers.

"We need bold, decisive, courageous, transformational leadership in this country which will also apply to food farming", he said. He added that the inadequate storage facilities in addition to the less support for the production of food are a major setback to food farming in the country.

Nana Akomea pledged his party's commitment to supporting local food farming on a large scale which is intended to give the farmers a relief and better improvement of their farming conditions.

He lauded the Ex-President J.A. Kuffour for his role in ensuring that the peasant food farmers experience a major boost in the production of food and crops.

Price swings, upswings in particular, represent a major threat to food security in developing countries. Hardest-hit are the poor. According to the World Bank, in 2010-2011 rising food costs pushed nearly 70 million people into extreme poverty.

“FOOD PRICES – FROM CRISIS TO STABILITY” has been chosen as this year’s World Food Day theme to shed some light on this trend and what can be done to mitigate its impact on the most vulnerable.

In Ghana, the day is being marked under the theme; “Greening Ghana with Coconut” to address the destruction being caused by the “Cape Saint Paul Wilt” disease in coconut plantations, especially along the coast.

The disease has destroyed large acres of coconut plantations along the coasts of Ghana and has seriously affected the livelihood of most coconut farmers in the region.

A deputy Minister of Agriculture in charge of crops, Yaw Effah-Baafi said coconut has so many nutritional values and economic importance, and therefore local farmers needed to be educated and supported so as to help to derive the maximum benefit from the crop.

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

UNESCO URGES YOUTHS IN GHANA TO ENSURE PEACE IN 2012.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO) on the 18th of October will hold a forum dubbed "Youth for Peace" at the British Council Auditorium to enlighten the youth about their fundamental human rights and roles. This event is under the theme "Our Call: Youth, Ensure Peace".

The forum is aimed at mobilizing the youth across the country to deliberate on the necessary measures in ensuring peace within our political ambience.

According to UNESCO, the "Youth for Peace" programme is intended to energize the nerves of the various young masses in the economy to foster peace in the pending general elections.

The organization hopes to engage and educate the youth on their fundamental rights through this platform.

Issues to be broached during the occassion include the ways to resolve a conflict situation and the tolerance and acceptance of cultural diversity.

The programme will bring together dignitaries from several media outlets who will talk on a variety of subjects bordering on politics, peace and employment.

This activity is in partnership with the Youth Bridge Foundation, Youth Empowerment Network Foundation and SpeakAfrica Foundation.

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

Richard Quashigah accuses NPP of inciting labour front unrests

The NDC Propaganda Secretary, Richard Quashigah, has accused the opposition New Patriotic Party of plotting to cramp the style of the ruling government in order to collapse its "better Ghana agenda".

He stated categorically that the New Patriotic Party has compelled some people in certain agencies to agitate against the government.

"We know that the NPP has been going around trying to press some buttons within the various associations, worker groups and all that, trying to get people to make the state ungovernable", he said.

He was also swift to add that the NPP is scheming in order to discredit the ruling government.

Alluding to recent comments by the National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, he said Jake Obetsebi lamptey sought to incite Ivorian Akan rebels to wage war in the country and claimed the NPP is not committed to the welfare of Ghanaians.

Richard Quashigah was speaking on Xfm’s big bite show Thursday morning.

Touching on the recent strike action by doctors in the country, Richard Quashigah appealed to the doctors to keep calm since the incumbent government is making the necessary efforts to resolve the standoff. He disclosed that there are limited resources to effect the Single Spine Salary Structure.

The SSSS was initiated to regulate the emoluments and salaries of workers in the economy but has suffered some financial glitches. This as a result has posed several complications to the implementation of the salary scheme.

Richard Quashigah accused the previous government under the leadership of J.A.Kuffour, of mismanaging the coffers of the economy, adding the introduction of the Single Spine Salary Structure has quadrupled government's debt.

The NDC Propaganda Secretary said the government has the doctors' grievances at heart and is working towards addressing their concerns to ensure that the strike is abrogated. He was empathetic about the plight of patients and implored the doctors to resume work in order to save the lives of the innocuous patients. He declared that the NPP only paid a lip service to the SSSS and left the scheme hollow.

Richard Quashigah indicated that the Labour Commission is holding a meeting with the Fair Wages and Salaries commission in order to resolve the impasse.


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

NDC DFP merger is a mirage

An NDC activist, Brogya Gyamfi Ernest, says the merger between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) is “only a mirage”.

He said the DFP wishes to join the ruling political party but there is no explicit basis for such action stating that the NDC operates within the rigors of the party’s constitution.

The NDC activist mentioned Articles 8 and 9, which spell out the membership and affiliation processes into the party and categorically said the sudden unity between both parties defies the constitutional provisions under these articles.

Brogya Gyamfi Ernest was reacting to the recent move by the Democratic Freedom Party to the National Democratic Party. This action by the DFP has recently become a vexed issue raising doubts about the intentions of the party.

Brogya Gyamfi Ernest said Dr. Obed Asamoah, the life patron of DFP, can only claim to be part of the NDC when the DFP has fulfilled the prerequisites under Article 8. He said the merger is not established in the party’s constitution, hence, annulling the DFP’s attempt to unite with the mother party.

He recounted that the constitution entreats any party or an organization which seeks to fuse with the NDC to firstly establish its membership with the party’s branch. The branch is anticipated to accept the membership before any party can be constitutionally approved. According to him, the DFP has failed to meet this requirement.

Brogya Gyamfi Ernest, in an interview with Xfm 95.1, emphasized that the mandate to a political party to merge with the ruling NDC solely lies with the National Congress. He intimated that no other committee within the party can assume such authority.

He refuted the bond between the NDC General Secretary, Johnson Aseidu Nketiah, and Dr. Obed Asamoah which was marked by the holstering of the NDC national flag.

The NDC activist also confuted the possibility of DFP attaining 2 positions within the National Executive Council and 1 position at the Regional and Constituency levels.

He explained that the party’s constitution provides no room for any disbanded political party to become a member of the NDC except through the laid-down constitutional processes.

He alluded to Dr. Obed Asamoah’s reluctance to throw his weight behind the incumbent President Mills and doubted his significant input into the party.

He revealed that in 2004, an Ashanti delegation comprising the present Deputy National Youth Organizer, Babara Serwaa Asamoah and the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Samuel Ofoso Ampofo met with Dr. Obed Asamoah who was then the national chairman of the party to solicit his assistance.

But Dr. Obed Asamoah refused to make any impact in the campaign process on his understanding that the flag bearer, Professor E.A. Mills, could not amass adequate money to support the party for victory.

He also claimed that Dr. Obed Asamoah and the DFP were the violent people in the party and their separation was a good riddance by the NDC. He cautioned the NDC about the entry of the DFP saying the move does not make any significant bearing on the party’s progress.

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

Atwima Nwabiagya Assembly Members pass vote of no confidence

Some Assembly members of the Atwima Nwabiagya district have threatened to pass a vote of no confidence on their District Chief Executive for what they say are cases of misconduct on the part of the District Chief Executive.

The agitated Assembly members disclosed that the District Chief Executive has been disregarding the District’s procedure in awarding contract at the assembly. They cited he awards contract without the notice of the members of the Assembly.

They further accused him of misappropriation of funds and poorly administering the institutions set off by the assembly.

The members implored the government not to renege on their decision to kick him out of office. They said such misdemeanor dents the performance of the Assembly.

A member of the Assembly, Hon. Enoch Afriyie, endorsed the concerns of the Assembly and called for an emergency meeting. He confirmed the allegation that the District Chief Executive had snatched away a generator supposed to serve the needs of the Assembly.

Hon. Enoch Afriyie stressed they would match the District Chief Executive boot for boot to ensure his removal from office.

The Assembly has forwarded a document to the Electoral Commission and the District Coordination Council of the Atwima Nwabigya to corroborate their claims and appealed to the two regulatory entities to give their misgivings a maximum attention.

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