Kumasi, Oct 15, GNA - The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has pledged to improve the quality of life and strengthen the economy, if given the mandate to govern the nation in the December polls.      Nana Akomea, the party’s Communication Director, said they would bring more efficiency into the management of the economy and aggressively fight corruption to make the situation of the people better.      They have capable, dedicated, well-experienced and a competent team to make things happen.      He said this when speaking at the campaign launch by the party’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Oforikrom Constituency in Kumasi, Mrs Elizabeth Agyemang.     Nana Akomea accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of corruption, ineptitude and poor performance and said it had proven undeserving of another term.     He called on the electorate to vote massively for Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo and the NPP parliamentary candidates adding that they should vote rightly on December 7, to put the nation back on the path of progress and wealth creation.      Mr Kennedy Agyapong, Member of Parliament for Assin-North, urged all Ghanaians to be vigilant on the voting day to prevent electoral fraud and cheating.      He also called on the police and other security agencies to act firmly and decisively against trouble makers, who he claimed, had plotted to disrupt voting in known strongholds of the NPP.      He advised those with the evil agenda to intimidate and frighten the party and its supporters to have a change of heart, since they would never be allowed to have their way.      Mrs Agyemang urged members and supporters of the NPP to accept to work hard and make the needed sacrifices to assure the party of a resounding victory.      He said it was necessary to step up the house-to-house campaign to canvass for more votes.     GNA ...

Accra, Oct. 15, GNA – The Dansoman Division of the National Fire Service on Monday said it has instituted an investigation into the cause of fire at the Mallam Market in the early hours of Monday.   Mr James Quarshie, Station Fire Officer at Dansoman, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, complained about lack of access in the market which hindered their swift operations to the locate the source of the fire.   He said the combustible material at the market also aided the spread of the fire making it extremely difficult for the fire team to reach the exact spot at about 0615hours.   He said: “we called for immediate re-enforcement due to the density of the fire and advised market women to adhere to fire safety measures and procedures as outlined by regulations.   He though there were no casualties, items destroyed include bags of rice, groundnut, salt, tomatoes and tins of tomatoes, corn, fish, clothes, cartons of eggs and other food stuff.   Also, more than 50 market sheds containing various items were also gutted in the outbreak.   A financial institution, Rich Step Investment, a Susu and Small Medium enterprise had its office destroyed.       An eye witness, one Mr Adams, told the GNA that but for the prompt and timely response of firemen who got to the premises at about 0615hrs a lot more items of traders could have been lost in the process.      He said the fire started around 0555Hrs in one of the sheds, “we thought it was someone who was burning something but before we realised it had spread all over”.   An old woman, Auntie Dora, a salt seller, said she just saw the fire approaching her shed and couldn’t help it as the fire swept through her shed. She appealed to the authorities to quickly come to their assistance.     GNA...

Accra, Oct. 15, GNA – The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has explained that the power outages experienced in parts of Accra over the weekend, were as a result of a delay in returning two of their feeders to service following maintenance work.   A statement signed by Mr Albert Kwasi Quainoo, Head of Public Relations and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the delay resulted in an overload on the remaining three power transformers leading to a loss of power supply to parts of the capital.   He said in the process, one of the GRIDCo transformers was faulted but had been repaired and returned to service and that currently all GRIDCo transformers are in operation.   The statement said “GRIDCo and the Electricity Company of Ghana appreciate the understanding of the consumer during such difficult times”.      GNA...

Accra, Oct 15, GNA – Matilda Nana-Manye Amissah-Arthur, wife of Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, on Monday launched Ghana’s celebration of the Global Hand-washing Day, in Accra with a call on Ghanaians to practice sound sanitation and hygienic practices, to promote health.   She said despite the focus of the day on school children, the programme must sensitise Ghanaians on sound environmental practices at homes, communities, schools, offices and markets.   Mrs Amissah-Arthur said hand-washing with soap should be a way of life for all Ghanaians and that the Global Hand-washing Day formed part of ongoing campaign launched about nine years ago to promote hand-washing with soap.   The United Nations General Assembly, designated the year 2008 as the International Year of Sanitation and in recognition of hand-washing with soap in achieving sanitation agenda of the Millennium Development Goals, the first even Global Hand-washing Day was designated for 15th October 2008.   Global Hand-washing Day has now become a recurring event that revolves around schools and children, with a guiding vision of promoting a local and global culture of hand- washing with soap.   The major aim of the launch was to raise awareness on the importance of hand-washing with soap and ensure sustained behavioural change.   Mrs Amissah-Arthur asked the people to wash their hands with soap to reduce the high incidence of diarhoea.   She called for the prevention of indiscriminate disposal of excreta and the washing of hand with soap to stop diarrhea.     Mrs Amissah-Arthur said, according to the World Health Organisation, globally diarrhoeal diseases kill more than two million children every year.   She said that in Ghana, statistics from the Ministry of Health indicated that diarrhoea was a leading cause of illness and death among children.   Mrs Amissah-Arthur said that the provision of toilets should be complemented by ongoing sanitation activities to maximize the effect of sanitation and hygiene programmes.   She said: “Promoting hand-washing with soap seems like a simple idea, but it has the potential to help Ghanaians lead happier lives,” and performed the symbolic hand-washing.     GNA...

Konongo (Ash), Oct. 15, GNA - The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has postponed its parliamentary primary election in the Asante-Akim North Constituency to October 17.        Mr Fredrick Fredua Anto, the Ashanti Regional Chairman, said the decision by the party’s vetting committee was to allow one of the aspiring candidates to renounce his American citizenship.        The aspiring candidate, Mr Samuel Anyan Kusi, holds a dual citizenship and they want to give him space to do the proper thing.        He said the party’s move was to ensure fairness and avert any post election dispute and appealed to both the delegates and contestants to remain patient as the decision was in the best interests of the party.        Mr Kusi, a Management Consultant, is battling for the NPP’s parliamentary ticket with Mr Kwadwo Baah Agyemang, a Communication Consultant.        The third aspirant Mr Andy Appiah-Kubi, a Lawyer, could not meet the deadline for submission of his nomination papers.     GNA...

Cape Coast, Oct 15, GNA - The Central Regional Secretariat of the Youth Enterprise and Skills Development Center (YESDEC) has since last year September, trained about 1,500 youths out of its target of 2,500 in the various vocations including, hairdressing, tailoring, carpentry and small scale businesses.   Apart from the training, the youth are also given start-up tools to support them in the establishment of their own businesses as part of YESDEC’s aim of helping determined unemployed youth to gain a vocation of their own to stem unemployment and poverty.   At a programme to start the training of 510 beneficiaries in Cape Coast at the weekend, on the theme: “growing new business for young men and women,” Mr Ebo Barton-Odro, Member of Parliament for Cape Coast, encouraged the youth to focus on setting up their own business rather than concentrating on white-color jobs.   He said it was the surest way of solving the unemployment problem in the country and added that skills training for the youth should be encouraged to also check over dependency on the few who were in business.   Mr Odro, who is also the Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, used his personal experience in vocational training, as an example to the youth saying he learnt tailoring as a young man  to encourage them to work hard in whatever vocation or business they found themselves.   They should also work to improve themselves and their own jobs adding that more youths should avail themselves of the opportunity being provided.   The Regional Coordinator of YESDEC, Mr Gyamfi Dawood was of the hope that the training of its 2,500 target would be carried out for more youths to receive vocations such as sewing, carpentry and hairdressing among others.    The Cape Coast Coordinator for YESDEC, Ishmael Abakah, said the start-up kits given to the trainees were to enable them to have a smooth start whilst those who already had their own vocation but did not have enough money to buy equipment were also given the equipment on credit to be paid within 18 months.   Mr Kwaku Adarkwa, Regional Manager of National Board for Small Scale Industries, advised the youths to take the vocation they were learning seriously and take good care of the equipment to be given them in order to make profit to expand.     GNA...

Sampa (B/A), Oct. 15, GNA – Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo, New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate for election 2012, at the weekend pledged to establish more local industries for youth employment when given the mandate.      He said the only way to push the country into middle income bracket was to ensure massive industrial development.      Nana Akuffo-Addo gave the pledge when addressing hundreds of supporters of the party at separate rallies at Sampa, Goka, Seketia, Duadaso number one and two and Suma-Akenkro in the Jaman North District of the Brong-Ahafo Region.      The NPP flagbearer and other party bigwigs including Mr John Alan Kyeremanten and Alhaji Mocta Bamba, NPP National Organiser, are on an eight-day campaign tour in the region.      Nana Akufo-Addo expressed said the single inflation digit being touted by the government had no economic implication on goods and services.      Nana Akuffo-Addo said with the establishment of local industries, the economy would be resuscitated for wealth creation and accelerated national development.      On the free Senior High School education, the NPP presidential candidate said all the various vocational and technical institutions would be revamped to meet current demands.      He said juicy incentive packages as well as better conditions of services had also been designed for teachers to enable them to appreciate their profession and work hard.      Nana Akuffo-Addo advised Ghanaians to ignore the counter accusations adopted by the NDC that the policy was not feasible and vote for the NPP so they would benefit.       GNA...

Adukrom (E/R), Oct. 15, GNA - Mr Dan Botwe, Member of Parliament (MP) for Okere, has promised to fund the construction of an Information Communication Technology (ICT) centre at Adukrom.     He said this when the Adukrom community at the weekend handed over a site to a contractor for the construction of the ultra modern ICT centre which is estimated to cost GH¢ 120, 000.     Mr Botwe said since he became MP for Okere, he had assisted a number of communities with development projects and promised to continue in that regard to help raise the standard of living in the area.      He said some of the projects include the construction of a three unit classroom block and a computer room for the Bethel Presbyterian Junior High School (JHS) at Adukrom, the renovation of the Adukrom Health Centre which had not seen any major renovation over the past 20 years, and the construction of a clinic at Apirede.     Others were construction of Asuokaw Primary School, assisting the construction of a six unit classroom block for the Awukugua Methodist Primary School with GH¢5,000 and 100 bags of cement.      Awukugua Seventh Day Adventist Primary School also benefited with 100 bags of cement and GH¢ 5,000 to support the completion of a three unit classroom block for the Junior High School.     Mr Botwe said he had also donated GH¢ 10, 000 to Aseseeso community to complete the construction of a school block which was started by the community and presented a cheque of GH¢ 6,000 to Nanabanyin community for the renovation of a clinic.     The MP said he had so far spent more than GH¢ 75, 000 on scholarships to assist brilliant but needy children in the area at both the Senior High School (SHS) and other tertiary institutions.     Mr Botwe reiterated his commitment to help maintain peace in Okere before, during and after the general election saying everything would be done to ensure that the people in the area continued to enjoy peace and security.     He urged traditional authorities and all other stakeholders to continue to champion the crusade of peace to ensure the development of the society.     The MP said one of his major concerns was to see academic performance of school children in the area going up hence the decision to organize extra classes for pupils and urged parents to see the education of their wards as an investment and support them.      Mr Botwe said it was against this background that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, had promised free SHS education to ensure that every Ghanaian child could at least possess a secondary level education.     He appealed to traditional authorities, parents and all stakeholders in the education sector to support the NPP campaign for free SHS to achieve the intended objective of providing quality education.     Mr Botwe said another ICT centre would also be built at the cost of GH¢ 38, 000 for the people of Awukugua to enhance teaching and learning in the area saying materials for the project were ready and was only waiting for the chiefs to release land for the project to begin.     He appealed to the residents to support the contractor to enable him complete the project on time.     GNA...

  ( A GNA feature by Paul Achonga Kwode )  Tamale, Oct 16, GNA – Political parties that crave to come to power always do so with an agenda crafted in an elaborate campaign promise otherwise referred to as a manifesto. The Oxford Advanced Learner’s dictionary defines ‘manifesto’ as: “a written statement in which a group of people especially a political party, explain their beliefs and say what they will do if they win an election”. Thus it can be argued that the manifesto is the instrument to be used to gauge how true politicians are to their word – and to the People! So, what was the manifesto of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2008 elections which brought them to power and to what extent have these promises been fulfilled this far? In the run up to the 2008 elections, the NDC looked at the prevailing economic, social, health and economic situations and designed its manifesto in conformity with the party’s political ideology at the time, which eventually brought them to power. Technically speaking, Ghanaians accepted their manifesto promises with the hope that the NDC would fulfill the promise to transform their lives and enhance their standards of living. As the 2012 elections draw closer, it will not be out of place to assess the performance of the present government in the almost four years that it has been in power. Again, the NDC manifesto in 2008 was divided into segments such as 100 days, two years and end of first term in office. The NDC promised in the first hundred days to establish a lean but effective and efficient government to curtail ostentation and profligate expenditure; rationalize the ministries and ministerial appointments; and promote service, humility and integrity as principles of government. It further said it will ensure the prompt and effective implementation of existing legislations such as the Persons with Disability Act ( Act 715 of 2006) and the Whistle-blowers Act, (Act 720 of 2006). What is of great interest, perhaps, was the promise on sanitation. The party said it will take bold and comprehensive measures to deal with the appalling filth in the country, and the related health  problems of the people caused by inadequate, inappropriate and ineffective waste management systems and practices -  all in the first 100 hundred days in office. However, Ghanaians will be the best judges on some of those promises as most of the issues are still awaiting fulfillment, especially on the problem of sanitation. The NDC indicated that within two years in office, it will present to Parliament  a co-ordinated programme of economic and social development including agricultural and industrial programmes at all levels, and in all regions of Ghana as required under Article 36 (5) of the Constitution. It also said it will significantly reduce the troubling trends in infant and maternal mortality and review the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to provide coverage for basic healthcare for all. But it appears the fulfillment of these promises too is yet to come to pass. Infant and maternal mortality are still unacceptably high, for instance. It is instructive to note that the government also promised to streamline Public Sector Wages with the view to boosting productivity and paying decent wages for the working people, and to source additional resources from external sources to be able to expand and improve the quality of the School Feeding Programme to cover all primary schools countrywide. “The NDC recognises that in a democracy, the tools of information and communication should be responsibly used to promote national unity and to ensure the stability and security of the state….a plural media such as exists in Ghana today, giving vent to divergent views and opinions, is necessary for a healthy, democratic society.  An NDC Government will safeguard free expression and, when necessary, review any laws that may hinder free speech”, the party pledged. It would also be recalled that they promised to make the career progression and development of journalists issues that would engage the serious attention of an NDC Government, stressing the need for a sponsorship programme for journalists for further training and specialization. “An NDC Government will commence work on the permanent new campus for the Ghana Institute of Journalism at its new site", it added. GIJ till date remains stuck in its old structure. Also, the welfare of Journalists in this country continues to grow worse in spite of the establishment of a Media Development Fund (MDF) that was pronounced during the presentation of this year's Budget to Parliament, with nothing concrete having come out of it yet. By the way, what has become of the MDF? Politicians should watch what they say when they want power in this 21st century and be pragmatic in walking the talk, for there has emerged a new generation of politically-conscious citizenry. Besides, it is not right for them to promise heaven when they know very well they won't be able to deliver on those campaign promises. It has to be acknowledged, however, that even though the ruling government might have fallen short in fulfilling some of its campaign promises made in 2008, it has made some significant gains in the economic, social, health and political sectors of the country. In the economic sphere, it has been able to achieve single digit inflation and has maintained that for close to two years even though its impact on the everyday life of the ordinary Ghanaian remains debatable. Under the NDC's  reign, the country has seen the implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure which has put much money in the pockets of public sector workers, as well as other social interventions. At the launch of the party's Green Book which talks about the achievements of the ruling Government, President John Mahama mentioned a GDP growth of 13.6 per cent, longest sustained single-digit inflation, one million metric tons of cocoa production and the setting up of the Constitution Review Commission, assome of the “unprecedented achievements” of his administration. Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Communications also submitted that under the 'Better Ghana Agenda', a total of 1,250 schools under trees had been eliminated, while two new public universities were being established at Sunyani and Ho and added that the Metro Mass Transit Service had procured additional 350 buses to extend services to many more communities. To put government on its toes, the electorate has a responsibility to continuously remind politicians about the promises they make. Ghana is a rich country endowed with numerous natural and human resources. It is one of the luckiest countries in the world in terms of opportunities, yet poverty remains unacceptably high among many households. Why has development in real terms continued to elude Ghana in spite of its bountiful resources? The answer is obvious, that successive leaders have failed to utilize those resources for the benefit of the country and the people. Civil society's role in advocating for development and championing the rights of groups and individuals has been tremendous but it must be accompanied by the strong voice of the people if it has to achieve the desired objective. The best way to teach the politician to behave well is through voting. Since the people have the right and voice to raise concern about issues affecting their survival, they must exercise that right responsibly and effectively. The politicians must be told in clear terms that they cannot continue to deceive the electorate, so they should watch their words and make realistic promises in the run-up to the forthcoming elections. ...

  Winneba (C/R), Oct 16, GNA - Ghanaians have been asked to vote into power Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the New Patriotic Party (NPP)  flag bearer for Election 2012, to rescue them  from hardship.      The NPP parliamentary aspirant for Effutu Constituency, Mr Alex Afenyo-Markin, who made the call, said the National Democratic Congress government has failed the people and should not be maintained in power.      Mr Afenyo-Markin, a legal practitioner and businessman, based in Winneba, was addressing NPP supporters at separate rallies at Effutu Ansaful, Veterinary and Ateitu,   He gave the assurance that the NPP if vote into power in December would fufil  its manifesto,  improve the livelihood of the citizenry, fairly distribute the national cake to Ghanaians, and help the youth to acquire vocational skills and establish their own businesses.     Mr Afenyo-Markin appealed to the people to ensure free, fair and violent-free polls, and said “elections is not war.”.     GNA ...

  Bisease (C/R), Oct. 16, GNA - The First Anglican Child Development Centre (FACDC) at Ajumako-Bisease on Monday joined millions of people worldwide to celebrate the “Global Hand-washing Day – October 15”. The 5th Global Hand-washing Day celebration is on the theme; “Help more Children Reach Their 5th Birthday” is aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of the importance of hand washing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases.  A statement to mark the occasion showed that 6.9 million children under-five years die each year as a result of complications – pneumonia, diarrhoea, cholera and respiratory infections and that regular hand wash could easily reverse the trend. Practical demonstration took place at the Centre. Addressing the participants Mr Evans Owusu Berning of the Breman Asikuma Catholic Hospital advised members on the importance and advantages of hand washing and described the process as hygienic, easy and affordable way of preventing diseases, worms and infections. The celebration, There was a procession through the principal streets of the town with placards some of which read; “Wash your hands with soap and water, before and after eating”, “Wash your hands after visiting the toilet”, “Prevent eye infection”, and “Clean hands save lives”. The Chairman for the occasion, Rev Fr Myles Abaidoo, the Parish Priest of the St Luke’s Anglican Church, advised all present to accept, embrace and practice hand washing.     GNA ...

  Tema, Oct. 16, GNA – Three pupils of Tema Parents Association School in Community 6 who excelled in an Essay Competition organised by PZ to mark Global Hand Washing Day (GHWD) were yesterday presented with their prizes at a ceremony in the School. Nine-year-old Maame Ohenewaa Baah, a Class Four pupil placed first with Michael Mitchell, 10, of Class Five and Sena Mensah, eight, of Class Three emerging as the first and second runners-up respectively. For their prizes, each award winner received a certificate and some products of the PZ company. Speaking at the function, Mr Eben Akyeampong, Brand Manager of PZ explained that Global Hand Washing Day which falls on October 15 of every year, is a public/private partnership. Mr Akyeampong further explained that the Day was instituted in 2001 to give families, schools and communities in developing countries the power to prevent diarrhoea and respiratory infections by supporting the universal promotion and practice of proper hand washing with soap. He said public/private partnership for hand washing worked explicitly to promote hand washing with soap and recognised that hygiene, sanitation and water were pillars of development. Commenting on Cares, a sanitizer of PZ, the Brand Manager said the product is the biggest and most recognised hand care expert in the UK and several other countries in the world. Mr Akyeampong said Cares kills all germs faster than other brands on the market leaving the hand smelling nice several hours after use. Mr Kwaku Agyekum, Headmaster of the School thanked PZ for celebrating the Day with the pupils. Mr Agyekum pledged the school authority’s preparedness to ensure that the children of the school observe sound hygienic practices to help keep them healthy and strong at all times.     GNA ...

Winneba (C/R), Oct 16, GNA -The Member of Parliament for Effutu, Mr Hike Hammah, has said work on the Safe Landing Fishing Harbour and the Market Complex at Winneba Junction would start soon.   The projects would be completed within three years, Mr Hammah said when addressing supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after a keep-fit exercise in Winneba at the week-end.       He appealed to the people to remain calm and avoid politics of insult, personal attacks and other behaviour that could create problems before, during and after the December elections.           Mr Alloety Jacobs, Central Regional Propaganda Secretary, appealed to NDC members to desist from acts that could tarnish the image of the party.     GNA ...

  Half Assini (W/R), Oct. 16, GNA -The presidential candidate of the Progressive Peoples Party, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, has assured the people in the Jomoro District of employment in oil and gas industry in the area when elected president. He told a rally the party organized at Half Assini that the NPP and NDC ddministrations had been Goliath but he is coming to be David for the country and perform wonders. Dr Nduom said if elected, he would use his political and economic experiences to develop the nation, adding that he has competent people to form the next government. He introduced Mrs Margaret Blay-Kenya, the PPP parliamentary candidate for the area, to the people. The National Chairman of the Party, Mr Brew Hammond, said a PPP government would offer free education from kindergarten to senior high school. Mr Francis Tanoe, Jomoro Constituency chairman of the party, appealed to  politicians to undertake peaceful campaign devoid of personal attack, insults and acrimony.     GNA ...

  Adjua (W/R), Oct 16, GNA – Dr. Kofi Sutherland, District Health Director of Ahanta West, has said research had shown that diarrheal diseases could be avoided when people wash their hands with soap regularly. He said research conducted in the United Kingdom showed that people who used credit cards and physical money were at a higher risk of contracting diseases due to transfer of micro-organisms from one source of transaction to the other. Dr Sutherland said in Ghana, hand shake at funerals and other social gatherings, handling of mobile phones, changing of children diapers and visiting places of convenience without washing the hands with soap and running water was a sure way of transmitting diseases. He said this on Monday at the celebration of Global Hand washing Day celeb at Adjua in the Ahanta West District under the theme: “Five Years of Global Hand washing: Going beyond the Fifth Birthday of Children”. He said last year, for instance, there was a cholera outbreak in the district simply because an individual failed to wash his hand with soap and water after using the lavatory and rather dipped it in the well that provided the whole community with  water.   This, Dr Sutherland said, prompted organizers of the Regional celebration to take the event to the district to sensitize them on the need for proper hand washing using soap and water. Mr. Joseph Jonah, Chief Engineer at the Regional Office of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency said the “Truly Clean Hands” campaign to motivate mothers and caregivers of children under five has yielded some results over the years and stressed the need for the gains to be consolidated. He said the Day in Ghana sought to raise awareness on the link between proper hand washing with soap and the prevention of diarrheal and respiratory infections as well as preventing the spread of cholera. Mr. Joseph Dofoyenah, District Chief Executive of Ahanta West, called for sustainable education programmes aimed at reminding the citizenry of the need to keep a clean environment and observe good hygiene. “We need to adopt a new paradigm shift in attitudinal change in the management of our daily lives. Let us encourage each other to practice hand washing with soap,” he said.     GNA ...

  Bimbilla (N/R), Oct. 16, GNA – Some girls in the Nanumba North District have appealed to public officials, especially the District Assembly, to enact bye-laws that would compel communities to create a violence free environment for the full development and progression of the girl-child. The girls also urged the government to ensure the full implementation of all laws that seek to protect the rights and interest of women and girls so they could freely participate in daily activities in their communities without violence and distraction. Representatives of 13 girls clubs in the Nanumba North District made these demands in Bimbilla in the Nanumba North District when they met stakeholders to discuss issues affecting their development. The occasion was part of activities to mark the International Day of the Girl-Child under the theme; “Stop child marriage now: girls have right in education”. Madam Lamnatu Adam, Songtaba Coordinator, said Stop Violence Against Girls Project was creating space for girls to develop their skills and confidence in order to resist and challenge violence so they could stay in school and enjoy their educational rights. She said the celebration of the day had brought to light issues girls in the Nanumba area were facing especially early marriage, teenage pregnancy and girls’ maintenance and added that most parents were irresponsible in the area. She said when the African Child Day was celebrated the girls demanded among others that the District Assembly should institute incentive packages that would encourage enrolment and motivation for girls in school. They also appealed to traditional authorities to bring to book parents and families that engage in child marriages and victims of defilement and make subsequent follow up for their prosecution with police. Madam Adam appealed to the government to build the capacities of Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, CHRAJ, Social Welfare Department, and other relevant institutions to deal appropriately with cases of rape, defilement, child marriage and neglect.     Mr. Iddi Seidu, the Deputy Coordinating Director for the Nanumba North District, said the Assembly had reached consensus on the need to pass the law and added “issues on girls rights violations are being captured to be included in the general bye-laws that the assembly is developing.” He said passing the law was not enough but the girls needed to work on their attitudes’ and report cases of violence to the appropriate institutions for redress. Mr. Patrick Afulani, the District Director of Education in Nanumba North District, appealed to teachers to respect the rights of pupils and avoid corporal punishment and appealed to girls to report any violation or abuse on them to the appropriate authorities.     GNA ...

  Accra, Oct. 16, GNA – Mr Kojo Yankah, West Africa Area Developer for Crestcom International said on Monday that Africa needs results-oriented and skill-minded managers to develop and manage businesses and make them successful.     He said Africa was well equipped with intellectuals to handle businesses but it was important to train them to acquire the needed skills that would help transform their businesses to make them attractive.    “When it comes to intellectuals, Africa has them in abundance but with people with the right skills to manage business successfully we are way behind”, Mr Yankah stated in Accra.    Introducing Crestcom International’s Bullet Proof Manager Training Program to stakeholders, including Chief Executive Officers, Human Resource Directors, and Managers, Mr Yankah explained that the programme provided opportunities for managers to exchange ideas.     He noted that in order to manage resources well it was important to give managers the desirable skills, saying managing a company was not that easy since it was associated with appropriate skills that would make it successful.     Mr Yankah said since the training begun, it had had remarkable successes by making a difference in the career development of hundreds of managers in both the public and private sector.    He said the programme had also attracted participants from the banking and non-banking financial organizations found in manufacturing, hospitality and oil industries.     Mr Charles Parsons, Vice President, Business Development for Africa, said Crestcom International was globally represented in more than 50 countries and the Bullet Proof Manager Training was translated in 25 international languages.     He said the programme had helped in transforming the way businesses were done all over the world, adding that over the past 20 years more than 66 per cent of most admired companies had participated in the training as well as other firms of all sizes and fields from around the world.     Mr Parsons said the 12 months training dealt with broad-based management and leadership training and gave managers the full potential to transform lives, serve clients appropriately, and increase retention.     He said the training focused on sales, recruiting, customer service, and management skills development and it was a unique combination of live and video instruction, which emphasized on involvement, participatory teamwork and leadership development.     “Following the training sessions, participants return to work, and are encouraged to integrate what they had learnt with their business objectives, and application methodology, ensuring and driving real results through their companies”, he added.   GNA ...

Accra, Oct 16, GNA - A ten-member Friends of UNFPA delegation from the United States is in the country to acquaint itself with issues confronting women and families and how UNFPA responses support them.   Friends of UNFPA is a US based non-profit organization that advances UNFPA’s global effort by mobilizing funds and action for life saving work by the Fund. The visit to Ghana forms part of the organisation’s annual visit to field offices.   The delegation, which arrived in the country on October 13th, will spend seven working days and will be visiting selected health facilities in Greater Accra, Northern, Upper East and the Central Regions supported under the UNFPA’s fifth Country Programme (2006-2011).   The visiting team paid a courtesy call on the former First Lady, Dr Ernestina Naadu Mills in her office, and commended her courage in championing the course of reducing maternal mortality in Ghana.   Ms Peggy Godwin, leader of the delegation said they had acknowledged the hard work of the former First Lady and urged her on to continue with her dream.   Dr Naadu Mills, in 2010, embarked on a campaign of the nation in the Upper East Regional capital Bolgatanga, to vigorously fight maternal mortality across all corners of the country.   The campaign dubbed ‘Campaign for Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA)’ focused on harnessing all resources possible to end the unfortunate manner women in developing countries particularly Ghana, lost their lives during child birth, as well as increase the awareness on the need for the adoption of anti-natal, delivery and post-natal care by professionals.   The former First lady expressed worry about the fact that most maternal mortality cases recorded were in the very deprived and remote parts of the country.   She said it was unacceptable for any woman to meet her untimely death in the process of giving birth to another life, adding, “the maternal mortality rate is too high and we need to work harder to reduce it in order to meet the MDG 5 by 2015”.   She expressed worry about the frequent strikes embarked on by medical doctors, which sometimes resulted in pregnant women dying and called on all and sundry to assist in diverse ways to make the dream of reducing maternal deaths a reality.   Dr Bernard Coquelin, UNFPA Representative to Ghana commended the former First Lady for her commitment exhibited and said, “The positive impact and results are there for all”.   The delegation and the former First Lady exchanged gifts.   The delegation earlier in the day held a meeting with staff of the UNFPA, Ghana, where they were briefed by the staff on the various areas where UNFPA has offered assistance both financial and technical in key programme interventions.   Some of the areas that UNFPA offers assistance include maternal health, adolescent and youth, Gender and Reproductive Rights, Humanitarian assistance, data for Development & Population Dynamics.       GNA...

Accra, Oct. 16, GNA – Mr Kojo Yankah, West Africa Area Developer for Crestcom International said on Monday that Africa needs results-oriented and skill-minded managers to develop and manage businesses and make them successful.   He said Africa was well equipped with intellectuals to handle businesses but it was important to train them to acquire the needed skills that would help transform their businesses to make them attractive.   “When it comes to intellectuals, Africa has them in abundance but with people with the right skills to manage business successfully we are way behind”, Mr Yankah stated in Accra.   Introducing Crestcom International’s Bullet Proof Manager Training Program to stakeholders, including Chief Executive Officers, Human Resource Directors, and Managers, Mr Yankah explained that the programme provided opportunities for managers to exchange ideas.   He noted that in order to manage resources well it was important to give managers the desirable skills, saying managing a company was not that easy since it was associated with appropriate skills that would make it successful.   Mr Yankah said since the training begun, it had had remarkable successes by making a difference in the career development of hundreds of managers in both the public and private sector.   He said the programme had also attracted participants from the banking and non-banking financial organizations found in manufacturing, hospitality and oil industries.   Mr Charles Parsons, Vice President, Business Development for Africa, said Crestcom International was globally represented in more than 50 countries and the Bullet Proof Manager Training was translated in 25 international languages.   He said the programme had helped in transforming the way businesses were done all over the world, adding that over the past 20 years more than 66 per cent of most admired companies had participated in the training as well as other firms of all sizes and fields from around the world.   Mr Parsons said the 12 months training dealt with broad-based management and leadership training and gave managers the full potential to transform lives, serve clients appropriately, and increase retention.   He said the training focused on sales, recruiting, customer service, and management skills development and it was a unique combination of live and video instruction, Which emphasized on involvement, participatory teamwork and leadership development.   “Following the training sessions, participants return to work, and are encouraged to integrate what they had learnt with their business objectives, and application methodology, ensuring and driving real results through their companies”, he added.     GNA    ...

Accra, Oct 16, GNA - The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS in collaboration with UNDP on Tuesday opened a five-day conference to deliberate on the role the court could play to entrench and promote human rights and democracy in the sub-region.   The conference would also help the participating judges and jurists to explore more ways in arbitrating electoral conflicts should they occur within the member states.   The conference on the theme: “Human Rights, Democracy and Good Governance: Role of the ECOWAS Court of Justice”, is being attended by legal and judicial practitioners from ECOWAS institutions, other regional courts and some international partners.   Justice Anwa Nana Daboya, President, Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, said many states within the sub-region have made significant gains in the adoption of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights.   “There is also the will of various states and governments to support and hold fast onto democracy which most of the people have embraced”, she said.   She expressed unhappiness over some of the excesses characterizing the election processes of some member countries where ballot boxes have been snatched and politicians, who having lost elections, still find some excuses to stay in power, resulting in conflicts.   Ms Daboya said the conference would lead to the delivering of a communiqué after the various presentations and discussions to help strengthen institutions and entrenched democracy.   Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, in speech read on his behalf, said in spite of the good record of human rights issues and democracy in Ghana, the country’s democratic experiment was still young and faced challenges like any other developing country.   He said the upcoming December elections particularly, presents a huge challenge to Ghana since the whole world was looking up to the country to “once again demonstrate its ability to elect its leaders in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.     He reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring free, fair and transparent elections in December.   Mr Justice William Atugubah, Acting Chief Justice who represented the Chief Justice Theodora Wood, said the track record of the ECOWAS Court of Justice made it imperative on the court to play a role in matters of electoral disputes.   He said the Court could also take up issues of crimes against humanity and give it the necessary jurisdiction within Africa instead of taking those crimes to other courts outside Africa.   Mr Felix Ye, Head of Democracy and good Governance Unit, UNDP Regional Office in Dakar, said despite the efforts by various African governments towards good governance and democracy, no African President was able to win this year’s Mo Ibrahim award on good governance and democracy.   The yearly award is given to immediate past president of an African state for his or her efforts towards issues of human rights, good governance and democracy.   Mr Ye said nine out of 15 states of ECOWAS had ratified the protocol on trans-border corruption and urged others to do same to ensure transparency within the sub-region.     GNA...