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