Accra , Nov 05, GNA -The Bank of Ghana on Monday presented Final Licenses to 90 Microfinance Institutions at a short ceremony in Accra, the first time in the country’s financial landscape that such an event had taken place.   The Bank of Ghana took over the regulation of the Microfinance industry over a year ago, following the unbridled springing up of such institutions throughout the country without supervision.   To date, the Bank  had issued provisional licenses to 249 microfinance institutions out of which the 90 had met the needed requirements for the final licenses.   The breakdown of the 90 companies are 77 Microfinance companies, 11 Money Lending Companies and two Financial Non-governmental organizations.   Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Philip Cobbinah, Deputy Head of the Banking Supervision Department of Bank of Ghana, reminded the successful institutions that the handing over of the licenses came with obligations that must be  met.   Some of the requirements include submission of prudential returns, compliance with the limits on deposits and loans, and prior approval by the Bank of Ghana before the introduction of new products to the market, among others.   Mr Cobbinah warned that the institutions would be fined GH¢12,000 and also risked withdrawal of their licenses on infringement of any of  the regulations.   He said while the Bank of Ghana knew that Microfinance regulation was not going to be a simple process because of the varied array of institutions, there was the need for the parties to help in protecting customers in their effort to maximize profits so as to provide meaningful microfinance services to the poor.   Mr Cobbinah expressed the hope that the partnership would help in the fight against poverty and speed up the pace of economic growth and development.   Mr Kwame Sarpong Osei-Bonsu, Assistant Director of Banking Supervision Department, said the Bank of Ghana was helping the microfinance institutions to enhance their systems and improve corporate governance.   He said while record keeping and controls systems were weak in most of the microfinance institutions, the Bank of Ghana was offering trainings to address the capacity needs as well as stepping up off and on-site supervision to ensure that the institutions operated within the law.   Mr Osei-Bonsu, who is also head of the Non-Deposit Taking (NDT) and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) at the Bank of Ghana (BOG), said the 90 institutions given their final licenses had gone through rigorous approval processes and would be constantly monitored to ensure that their operations were in line with regulations to enhance service delivery and safeguard the public interest.   GNA...

Wa, Nov. 5, GNA -  President John Dramani Mahama stated on Tuesday that the National Democratic Congress government would never toy with the country's educational policies as that is crucial to the growth and development of the youth.   He said dealing with educational issues needed expertise and adequate professional handling rather than adhoc promulgation and implementation.   President Mahama stated this when he addressed students of the Wa Campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS) at Wa as part of his three-day campaign tour of the Upper West Region.   The statement was in reaction to some of the policies various political opponents had promised in their on-going 2012 electioneering campaigns.   ”We do not need to be rushing educational policies just because we want to win elections, but such policies should be backed by concrete logistics that will ensure effective execution”, President Mahama said.   He said the NDC government had over the years been instrumental in the provision of social facilities, including education as evidenced by the establishment of the University for Development Studies, University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa, University of Education in Winneba and many other campuses throughout the country.   The President said the NDC under former President Jerry John Rawlings also established seven Polytechnics that had over the years helped in producing technical and vocational professionals in various fields.   On development projects in the University for Development Studies, President Mahama promised that his administration would increase lecture theatres, hostel accommodation and library facilities that would bring the students and staff closer.   “This system, where most of you are living in private homes and attending lectures is not the best environment for learning and developing your skills, and the provision of such facilities will make the learning environment more congenial”, President Mahama added.   He said government was also advancing plans to make all the campuses autonomous and tasked the management of the campuses to work hard to enable them to create more faculties that would provide them the opportunity to achieve that target.   He tasked Joe Gidisu, Minister for Roads and Highways to support the school to map out the roads on campus and provide the necessary support to tar them for students to enjoy safety and security on campus.   Professor Francis Bachuu, Dean of students of the Wa Campus of the University appealed to government to provide the institution with more infrastructure that would befit the status of a university.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 5, GNA - The Soul Food Ministries International (SFMI), has recently trained 900 youth in Information Communication Technology (ICT), under its “Free for all ICT training initiative”.   Pastor Eddie Letsa, General Overseer of SFMI, said the training was to provide free ICT education for the youth as a means of rendering them employable skills in information technology.   He said the project, which has been in existence for the past three-and-a half years, was a non-denominational training package to educate the youth in various information technological programmes.    Pastor Letsa, who said these to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra on Monday, explained that the church was executing the project to improve the welfare of young people in society.   He said: “SFMI provides training as a way of empowering and providing skills to support people's lives”.   Pastor Letsa said the training was not being conducted for only members of the church, but the members of the  public could take advantage of it and improve on the standards of living.   The training programme which started in 2009 has help students to graduate programmes, including Computer Hardware, Microsoft 2003, Computer Networking, Cisco Certified Network Administration, Linux SLED and SQL.   Pastor Letsa said 4,115 students have benefited from the project since its inception, and appealed to corporate institutions, philanthropists interested in training the youth in ICT to partner the church, to provide employable skill to young people.   GNA...

Kubease (Ash), Nov 5, GNA – A retired High Court Judge, Mr Justice Kwaku Adu-Gyamfi, has been adjudged the best farmer in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality.         He was presented with a motorbike, knapsack sprayer, a 21-inch television set, a bundle of roofing sheets, cutlasses and certificate as his prize.         Eighteen (18) others were also recognized at a Farmers’ Day celebration held at Kubease.         Mr Kwaku Afrifa Yamoah Ponko, the Municipal Chief Executive, praised them for their hard work and contribution to the growth of the nation’s economy.          The government, he said, would continue to support and introduce incentive packages to make farming rewarding and attractive.           Mrs Beatrice Asante-Mante, the Municipal Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), appealed to the farmers to adopt modern farming practices to increase crop yield and returns.           Mr Justice Adu-Gyamfi appealed to the youth to develop interest in agriculture, the backbone of the economy.   GNA...

Ejuratia (Ash), Nov 5, GNA – Mr Williams Owuraku Aidoo, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Kwabre West, has appealed to the party’s women to become more actively involved in the struggle to recapture political power.           He said they should use their influence to win over more voters for the party in the December elections.     Addressing a rally organized by the constituency women’s wing at Ejuratia, he asked them to step up their campaign activities - reaching out to the people in their homes, markets and lorry terminals with the NPP’s election message.     Mr Aidoo said they should work hard and with passion to help voters to appreciate the tremendous benefits they stood to gain from the free senior high school (SHS) policy, and other initiatives for job creation and health care.     He blamed the present socio-economic hardships faced by Ghanaians on corruption, economic mismanagement and bad political leadership.        Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, the Constituency Chairman, reminded the party’s polling station coordinators to educate the people on the proper way to thumb print the ballot paper.     He said, as law abiding citizens, their members would respect all the rules and regulations governing the elections. They would, however, be vigilant to check electoral fraud and cheating.     Odeneho Appiah appealed to all qualified voters to turn out in their numbers On December 7 to cast their ballot for the NPP presidential and parliamentary candidates.     Ms Beatrice Owusu, the Women’s Organizer, said women were the hardest-hit by the NDC’s bad governance.     She said women had become more vulnerable and the coming elections offered them the opportunity to end the economic suffering and restore hope.    GNA...

Bramkrom (E/R), Nov 5, GNA –More than 300 people in Bramkrom, a village near Pankese in the Eastern Region, were at the weekend given free health screening during the inauguration of a GH¢25,000 health post for the community.   Hitherto, the people had to travel long distances on poorroads to seek medical care either at the nearby Pankese community in the Birim North District or at Nkawkaw.   The health post, which is expected to be fully operational this week, was by the benevolence of Mr Kwaku Bram Larbi, a legal practitioner and a citizen of Bramkrom.   He told the Ghana News Agency that the kind gesture formed part of the contributions he and his other five siblings (the group known as Larbiebi) had pledged to give to the community.   The other siblings included Dr Kwaku Asamoah Larbi, Madam Susuana Nyinaku, Madam Charlotte Larbi and Mr Kwesi Awuku Larbi.   Mr Larbi said the Larbiebi group was committed towards providing quick, accessible and affordable healthcare and free education to the residents in honour of their late parents.   They are the late Opanyin Kwame Obio and Madam Akua Larbi. The health post comprises two consulting rooms, a restroom, a store house, a pharmacy and waiting room, toilet and bathroom facilities and separate accommodation facilities for two nurses.   Nana Kwabena Chartey, the chief of Bramkrom, expressed gratitude to the Larbiebi family for their support and urged other philanthropic individuals to imitate their kind gesture.   He told the GNA that already the family had constructed a classroom block for the kindergarten and primary schools.   Nana Kwabena Chartey said through their support, the community could boast of a Junior High School classroom and a teachers’ bungalow and appealed to the government to provide the residents with electricity and to construct the road to ensure quick access to the community.    He called for a peaceful, free and fair election and urged the political parties to instruct their followers to accept the results.   GNA...

Bibiani (W/R), Nov 5, GNA – A member of the Minerals Commission Board, Mr Awuah Nyamekye, has said there was the need for all to accept to work together to ensure that the social and environmental impacts resulting from mining activities were properly regulated and managed.       He said there should be active collaboration to make sure that mining was carried out in a more responsible manner.       He was speaking at a two-day sensitization workshop on the minerals and mining regulations at Bibiani in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District.       It was the fourth in a series of nationwide forums held to educate and help stakeholders to have better understanding of the new regulations enacted in June.       Mr Nyamekye noted the significant contribution of mining to the nation’s economy and said the new laws were meant to among other benefits strengthen the “local content in our mining industry.”        The sector, in year 2011, contributed 27.6 per cent to the total government revenue.       It also accounted for 45 per cent of total merchandise exports during the period.          Ghanaians, he said, should not only be employed and trained to assume managerial positions in the mining companies to take over from the expatriate staff but that the local industries must also have similar opportunities as the other global businesses to participate in various procurement processes.   GNA...

Mumford (C/R), Nov. 5, GNA – Obrifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobea II. Omanhen of Gomoa Akyempim, has called on Ghanaians to ensure peace before, during and after Election 2012.   He said political violence in some African countries such as Rwanda, Togo, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cote d’Ivoire, should be lessons for Ghanaians to refrain from utterances and activities that could disturb peace.   Obrifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobea made the appeal at the inauguration of the Mumford market, which  was rehabilitated     by the Gomoa West District Assembly at a cost of GHc 94,000.   It coincided with the celebration of the Akwanbo festival of the people of Gomoa Akyempim.   Obrifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobea appealed to the people to report any politician or party supporter, who might ignite violence, to the security agencies.     He appealed to the electorate to vote for presidential and parliamentary candidates who could ensure peace and contribute to development.      Mr Theophilus Aidoo-Mensah, Gomoa West District Chief Executive (DCE), said the National Democratic Congress government had executed developments in Mumford and cited a school block for the Catholic Kindergarten, a six-unit classroom block and tarring of town roads.   The DCE said a dam was being constructed at Gomoa Antseadze to supply potable water to communities in Gomoa East, West and Ekumfi Districts.   He appealed to the traders to take good care of facilities at the market and asked them to support the government for more projects.   Mr George Blankson, Commissioner-General of Ghana Revenue Authority, and a citizen of the town, appealed to the electorate to comport themselves during the December 7 polls.   He appealed to the people to pay their taxes promptly and regularly to enable the assembly to generate more funds for development.   Okumtwi Brebo Asamuadu VII, Mankrado of the town, appealed to the government to ensure that work on the water heads project at Antseadze was completed in time.   He appealed to elders and kingmakers of the town to enstool an new chief for development.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 5, GNA – League leaders, Medeama were forced to swallow a bitter pill pushed down their throat by visiting Asante Kotoko, who were chasing a second successive victory in week six of the Glo Premier League played at all eight centres.   The loss cut Medeama’s hold at the summit of the log to a point following Kotoko’s Kofi Nti Boakye stroke of halftime goal to end Medeama's five-game unbeaten run in the league.             The win, Kotoko's second consecutive victory lifts them to fourth on the standings, three points adrift the top.   Kotoko’s victory, their second in three outings since Mas-Ud Didi Dramani took charge of the team is expected to serve the morale booster for the Porcupine Warriors ahead of their envisaged crunch duel with rivals, Hearts of Oak on Sunday, November 18 in Kumasi.   The battle to ready for the super clash fell in place for Hearts who rallied to pluck their first victory in four games. The Phobians dug deep to send visiting Real Tamale United (RTU) home empty.   On a dramatic day that Hearts could even afford to miss from the spot, the victors had to rely on an injury time winner by second half  Edward Affum to wrap up a 3-2 victory at the Accra Sports Stadium.   The victory, acting head coach Ben Adjei's first following the exit of Charles K. Akonnor in mid-week brought Hearts' haul to seven and moved them to ninth on the table.   Making a returning into the team, 'controversial' Laryea Kingston who was introduced in the second half proved decisive in the final goal which was initiated by his in-swing. It was Mahatma Otoo who put Hearts ahead on 16 minute but Abdul Aziz Yusif drew the visitors’ level before RTU made it 2-1 after the break through Salim Sakara.            Iddrisu Moro drew parity for Hearts from the spot in the 86th minute before Afum scored late on in added-on time to hand followers of the ‘Rainbow’ club a justified joy.   Elsewhere, King Faisal ruined a first half missed penalty following their 0-1 defeat to Ebusua Dwarfs in Kumasi. Joshua Akoto  denied Faisal at least a point in the game played at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi having miss kick from the spot in 16 minutes.           Despite the early set back, the homers held on well only to be undone by a 81st minute goal from Francis Morton.   Faisal laboured to recover from the goal which pushed them to tenth on the 16-team log.   Liberty Professionals marked a big leap from the bottom ranks to mid-table after continuing their gradual climb with a 1-0 win at the dreaded Golden City Park, Berekum as guest of Arsenals.   Midfielder kennedy Ashia grabbed his fifth strike in six matches to move atop the scorers’ competition and gift Liberty a second consecutive win in the league.   Amidaus Professionals' impressive beginning to the season was halted yet again by Aduana Stars. The debutants lost 0-2 at the Agyeman Badu Park, Dormaa where strikes from Alex Asamoah and Emmanuel Allan sealed victory for the host.   AshantiGold were 1-0 winners over Heart of Lions at the  Kpando Park. Francis Coffie scored the match winner in the 78th minute to give the Miners all three points and return out of the Lions’ den unscathed.   Tema Youth sweat to pick a point off visiting Berekum Chelsea in their one-all draw game played at the Tema Park.   GNA...

Takoradi, Nov 5, GNA - The people of the Western Region are waiting anxiously for tomorrow's Vice-Presidential Candidates debate slated for Takoradi ahead of this year's parliamentary and presidential elections on December 7, 2012.   The debate, being organised by the Institute of Economic Affair's (IEA), would afford the vice-presidential candidates for the four political parties that have representation in parliament the opportunity to espouse the policies and programmes of their various political parties.   The competing debaters are Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, running-mate to President John Dramani Mahama of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Madam Cherita Sarpong, running-mate to Dr. Michael Abu Sakara of the Convention People's Party (CPP), Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, running-mate to Nana Akuffo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Madam Helen Sanorita Dzotugbe Matrevi, running-mate to Mr. Hassan Ayariga of the People's National Convention (PNC).   The event would offer them the platform to exhibit their knowledge on issues of national development and how to provide the needed support through partnering with their respective presidential candidates.   In addition, it would afford them the opportunity to point out the weaknesses in the policies and programmes of co-contestants and present alternatives to polices and plans.   When the Ghana News Agency visited Akroma Plaza Hotel in Takoradi, the venue for the event on Monday, preparation works were nearing completion.   The national colours – red, gold and green have been used to decorate the entrance of the hotel. The electronic media were also seen setting up their equipment in readiness to telecast live proceedings of the event.   At the hall for the event the lighting system were being put in place while the podium was beautifully draped with the national colours.   A resident of Takoradi Eric Ackon, believed the debate would be a race between the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) running-mate, Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, who is currently the Vice-President, and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) running-mate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.   "I believe that the remaining two running-mates for the other two parties might not pose much threat to the NDC and NPP running-mates because we've not heard much about them since their nomination as vice-presidential candidates for their parties", he said.   Isaac Kingsley Mensah, the Western Regional Secretary of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), said he expected the debate to dwell mainly on the economy.   He said although the outcome of the debate might not necessarily change the minds of the electorate as to who to vote for, it would be a platform for the political parties to explain their policies and programmes for the state.   Mrs Esther Awortwe-Abban, a trader, said she would vote for a candidate that would give women empowerment a priority in the debate.   GNA...

Cape Coast, Nov. 5, GNA- Members of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) in Cape Coast have also joined their colleagues in the on-going nation-wide strike to press home their demand for payment of market premium following their migration onto the Single Spine Salary Structure.     A visit by the GNA on Monday at about 1200hrs to some of the civil service departments including the Controller and Accountant-General’s Office, Information Services Department and the Department of Community Development revealed that they were complying with the directive.      At the Departments of Information Services and Community Development the offices locked up with no staff in sight whilst staff of the Controller and Accountant General’s Office were at post but not working.     When the GNA called on the Central Regional Office of CLOGSAG to find out whether its members were paying heed to the directive, it was told the GNA that the Secretary had travelled to Accra for a meeting with the national executives but confirmed over the telephone that the strike action was being observed.       CLOGSAG declared an indefinite industrial action last Wednesday, October 31, to put pressure on Government following failure on the part of the Government and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to address outstanding issues with regard to the payment of market premium to its members.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 5, GNA – Wendy Sherman, United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, said Ghana has a proud history of conducting elections in Africa and the World and that Ghana was an example for other African countries to emulate.   She said the US would continue to work with countries that accentuate the intent to continue to work on the three pillars of Bilateral relationship which was economic growth and development, democracy and human rights and regional peace and security.   Under Secretary Sherman made this known at a press briefing in Nairobi, Kenya on Monday which was monitored through a telephone conference by the Ghana News Agency at the US Embassy in Accra.   She said the United States would continue to support countries that were advancing regional security and promoting strong democratic institutions.   Under Secretary Sherman will tour seven African countries which includes South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, Somalia, Kenya, D.R. Congo   She is the highest ranking U.S. official to visit Somalia in more than twenty years, and her visit underscored the U.S. Government's commitment to Somalia's stabilization efforts.   Under Secretary Sherman urged the African leadership to continue to consolidate gains by helping local governance structures emerge through community dialogue and reconciliation.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 5, GNA – Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah on Monday made public his squad for the international friendly against Cape Verde on Tuesday, November 13 in Lisbon, Portugal.   The Black Stars trainer has handed debut call ups to Inter Milan midfielder Joseph Alfred Duncan and former Asante Kotoko defender, Awal Mohamed, now with South African side Maritzburg United in his 21-man squad.   The relatively unknown Duncan has tasted only four minutes of action for the star-studded Nerazzurri this season whilst centre back Awal has been consistent for the Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit since joining them.   Nana Akwasi Asare of Dutch side FC Utrecht has been invited for the first time since the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.   Right back Samuel Inkoom makes a return into the team and so is striker Richmond Boakye Yiadom. Both players missed out on the second leg of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Malawi in Lilongwe last month.   Also rejoining the team is France-based Jonathan Mensah, who has recovered from an injury.   There is however no place for first choice goalie Adam Larsen Kwarasey with local shot stoppers, Fatau Dauda (Ashantigold) and Daniel Agyei (Liberty Professionals) being called up.   Another omission is midfielder Rabiu Mohamed who plays for French side Evian Thonon Gaillard who gave a good account of himself in the game in Lilongwe.   According to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the encounter, a warm-up for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations will take place at the University of Lisbon Sports Stadium.   Cape Verde, nicknamed Blue Sharks will be making their debut appearance at the continental showpiece event.   The Stars are housed in Group B alongside Mali, Niger and DR Congo.   Full squad;   Goalkeepers: Fatau Dauda (AshantiGold, Ghana) and Daniel Adjei (Liberty Professionals, Ghana)   Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Dnipro, Ukraine), John Paintsil (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Kissi Boateng (Berekum Chelsea, Ghana), Nana Kwasi Asare (Utrecht, Holland), Jonathan Mensah (Evian Thonon Gaillard, France), Awal Mohammed (Maritzburg United, South Africa), Jerry Akamenko (Eskisehirspor, Turkey), David Addy (Vitoria Guimaraes, Portugal)   Midfielders: Joseph Duncan (Inter Milan, Italy) Derek Boateng (Dnipro, Ukraine), Solomon Asante (Berekum Chelsea, Ghana), Albert Adomah (Bristol City, England), Mubarak Wakasu (RCD Espanyol, Spain), Edwin Gyimah (SuperSport United, South Africa), Anthony Annan (Osasuna, Spain) and Christian Atsu (Porto, Portugal)   Strikers: Abdul Majeed Warris (Hacken, Sweden), Richmond Boakye Yiadom (Sassuolo, Italy) and Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain, UAE).   GNA...

Ziope (V/R), Nov. 05, GNA - Farmers who won awards at the Agotime-Ziope District Farmers’ Day celebration have received support from the Assembly to build houses.        The farmers received between 15 and 30 bags of cement each, apart from other items and would be monitored and given other technical assistance to put up residential accommodations for themselves and for rent.       Mr Michael Kobla Adzaho, the District Chief Executive, said this at a durbar to mark day at Ziope.         He said the initiative was to increase the housing stock in the district and make it a preferred destination for nurses, teachers and other public servants.       “We will help the farmers to rent part of these houses out to nurses, teachers and other public servants to raise some money,” Mr Adzaho said.      He said it was unfortunate that irrespective of farmers’ huge contributions to nation building, many continued to live under poor conditions and expressed the hope that the initiative would help improve their living standards. Mr Adzaho commended the youth in the district for embracing farming and said this had reduced youth unemployment in the area.      “I am particularly happy about our youth who are now doing serious farming. Some even walk several miles to fetch water to irrigate their crops. It is very inspiring,” he said.       Mr Adzaho assured the people that the government would soon construct a dam at Ziope to meet water needs of farmers across the seasons in the area.      He advised them to form farmer-based groups so they could access loans to increase their yields.      Ten 10 farmers were awarded with Mr. Mathias Dzebu, 37, emerging as the District Best Farmer.        He farmed groundnut, cassava, yam, cocoyam, tomatoes, garden egg, pepper, sweet potato, plantain and palm oil.       Mr Dzebu also has fowls, guinea fowls, sheep and goats.       He received 30 bags of cement, a bicycle, a pair of Wellington boots, four cutlasses and a half piece of cloth.       Mr Dzebu told the GNA that the challenges facing farmers in the District were bad roads and the absence of a dam to irrigate crops.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 5, GNA – The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has organized a two-day capacity–building workshop for aspiring members of Parliament as part of the Centre’s contribution towards promoting policy issues in the 2012 election campaign.   The workshop, which was organised in collaboration with the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) with support from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa, (OSIWA) ran concurrently in Kumasi and Koforidua.   According to a CDD-Ghana statement to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Monday signed by Ms Theodore Dzeble, Public Affairs Officer of CDD, Ghana, said the workshop was attended by aspiring parliamentary candidates and Members of Parliament from different political parties from selected constituencies across the country.   According to the statement the parliamentary aspirants were taken through interactive sessions on the economy, the role of a Member of Parliament, issues on Gender, the disability law and its compliance, and effective communication skills.   The statement said the Centre would organize debates for parliamentary aspirants in 30 selected constituencies as part of efforts to promote policy issues in the 2012 election campaign and to provide opportunities for the electorate to make informed choices in the December elections.   GNA...

Kwabenakwa (Ash), Nov 5, GNA- Thirty farmers including farmer- based organizations, educational institutions and agriculture extension agents were honoured at this year’s Obuasi Municipal Farmer’s day held at Kwabenakwa near Obuasi.   Mr Micheal Kwasi Anokye, 55, was adjudged the best farmer and for his prize AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine would install a corn mill for him.   He also took home a spraying machine, Wellington boots, cutlasses and bars of key soap.   Mr. Lawrence Nana Bondah Obeng, the assembly member for Anyinam who was the first runner, was given a motor bike, Wellington boots, cutlasses, spraying machine and bars of key soap.   The second runner- up prize went to Mr. Emmanuel Sosu,  had a double- decker fridge, standing fan, spraying machine, Wellington boots and bars of key soap.   Addressing the farmers the Municipal Chief Executive, John Alexander Ackon, announced that the government, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) subsidized over 4000 bags of fertilizer to farmers in the municipality.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 5, GNA - The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee on Monday signed an agreement with INTERPOL, the world’s largest international police organization, to create a group of major sporting event security experts to ensure the safety and security of 2022 FIFA World Cup.   A statement from the Organising Committee copied to GNA Sports said that at a ceremony at INTERPOL’s General Assembly in Rome, the Chairman of Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee’s Security Committee, Sheikh Abdulla bin Nasser Al Thani, met with Ronald K. Noble, Secretary General of INTERPOL, to sanction terms of the agreement that will see the security organisation provide a permanent Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to assist the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee in its planning.   It said the INTERPOL group of major event security experts will bring together specialized law enforcement professionals and security experts from all regions of the world to offer assistance and consultation to the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee on security strategy, framework and practices throughout Qatar to help ensure that the safety and security of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.   The former Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police Service, Janet Williams, who led and oversaw policing protective security planning for the 2012 London Olympic Games, will chair the new Group.   Sheikh Al Thani said: “We recognize that hosting the FIFA World Cup, one of the world’s largest international sporting events, will entail a wide variety of challenges. By working with INTERPOL and its network of 190 member countries, the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee will be able to draw on a pool of expertise from around the world on how best to host a successful and safe tournament while adhering to the highest international standards.   “Together we are committed to identifying further areas of cooperation in which INTERPOL’s global tools and international law enforcement networks can further support our national and regional security. The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee looks forward to close collaboration on other strategic initiatives,” he added.   The Group’s scope of work will also extend to providing advice, guidance and robust training to Qatar's Ministry of Interior in preparing for the security for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, in addition to developing strategic partnerships with international and national partners to help promote security and ensure compliance with major event security standards and best practices.   INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble said that Qatar’s support for the initiative demonstrated its commitment to ensuring the highest standards in event security.   “The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee has shown great leadership in the area of security for its country, its people and the millions of football fans who will visit the region during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and we are delighted that they share INTERPOL’s vision for a safer world.   “INTERPOL’s group of experts and its General Secretariat will work closely with the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, the Ministry of the Interior and our National Central Bureau in Doha during the next ten years as part of a fully collaborative approach to prepare and implement the necessary security framework and practices.   “Already the world leader in international police information exchange, the creation of this group of experts will see INTERPOL become the reference point for all security elements linked to hosting a major event, sporting or otherwise,” concluded the INTERPOL Chief.   Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the first ever in the Middle East.   GNA...

Accra, Nov 4, GNA - Black Stars' Andre Ayew has been short listed among ten players to compete for this year's Confederation of African Football (CAF) Player of the Year award scheduled for Accra next month.           Ayew emerged the only Ghanaian in the shortlist expected to be pruned to three before the 2012 edition of the plum event that celebrate the continents best performer for the year under review.       Other Black Stars players, Emmanuel Agyeman Badu and Kwadwo Asamoah who made the initial 34 could not advance according a communiqué from CAF.        The CAF technical and the media committees select players for the annual event formerly won by the ‘maestro’, Abedi Pele.         This is the second time Ayew has come this far having placed third behind Seydou Keita and Yaya Toure at the last edition also held in Accra last year.         The 10 nominees include Didier Drogba (Cote d’Ivoire), Alexander Song (Cameroon), Demba Ba (Senegal), Gervais Lombe Yao Kouassi (Cote d’Ivoire), John Obi Mikel (Nigeria), Younes Belhanda (Morocco), Christopher Katongo (Zambia) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon).       The list, according to CAF will be passed on to head coaches and technical directors of the affiliated National Associations to cast their votes for the first three.       The top three would be announce in the last week of November before the final announcement of the winner at the event billed for December 20 in Accra.        In other categories, trio, Emmanuel Clottey, Harrison Afful, Solomon Asante  all missed out on the shortlist for the Player of the Year (based in Africa) award.       Other awards to be contested for on the night are National Team of the Year, Women’s Footballer of the Year,  Women’s National Team of the Year, Club of the Year,  Most Promising Talent of the Year, Coach of the Year, Referee of the Year,  Legend Award, Fair Play Award, Platinum Award and Africa Finest XI.   GNA...

Kumasi, Nov 5, GNA - Mr Eric Assuman has been elected the National Chairman of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) Staff Union.   This was at the Union’s quadrennial delegates’ conference held in Kumasi.   Other elected officers included Mr Elvis Mahama, first Vice Chairman, Ms. Pearl Addo, Second Vice-Chairman, Mr Justice Awitor, Secretary, Mr Sulemana Bayensu, Assistant Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Anderson, First Trustee, and Mr Paul Oppong, Second Trustee.   They would serve for a term of four years.   Inducting them into office, Mr Richard Amparbeng, General Secretary of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), urged them to work with the sense of purpose and accountability, dedication to duty and respect for democracy.   He said he was happy with the significant role the NCCE was playing in the nation’s political development, despite being under resourced.   He called on the new executive members to do more to make the Union strong and vibrant.   Mr Assuman pledged they would not disappoint their colleague workers.   GNA...

Accra, Nov 4, GNA - Ghana has booked a date with Cape Verde for an international friendly on Tuesday, November 13 in Lisbon, Portugal.             GNA Sports can confirm that the Black Stars would assemble in the Portuguese capital for the friendly which Ghana would be using as the final international brush up ahead of the 2013 African Cup of Nations.           The choice of opposition, according to information pieced together by GNA Sports was influenced by the team's the Stars will meet at the competition which would be for the last time held in even years. Ghana is pitted in Group B alongside Niger, DR Congo and Mali for the first phase of the biannual gathering.   Stars coach, Kwesi Appiah is expected to use the game to find tune his squad and also study new players for a place in his squad. Cape Verde booked their place at the continental showpiece after stunning Cameroon in the qualifiers.           It will be the first meeting between the two sides after the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.   GNA...