Nsuta (B/A), Oct. 25, GNA – The Yeboah Asuamah Community Day Senior High School (SHS) in the Techiman Municipality admitted 238 students last year to pursue courses in general arts and business.     The 122 boys and 116 girls admitted to the school was the first batch of student intake of the school, established in October 28, last year.     This academic year, it expects to admit about 180 students.     Mr Joseph Nyarko Ameyaw, Headmaster of the school said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Nsuta on Thursday.     He said currently, 11 graduate teachers had been employed by the community, and called on government and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to take over the school.     Mr Ameyaw appealed to the Techiman Municipal Assembly to provide the school with a science laboratory, hostel, furniture, office accommodation, additional classrooms and a school bus.     This he said would improve the community’s vision of solving the problem of education and urged parents within its catchment area and beyond to enroll their children into the school.     GNA ...

Accra, Oct. 25, GNA – Prof Peter Quartey, Head of the Economic Department of the University of Ghana, has said though the Bank of Ghana policy rate declined consistently it has not had any significant effect on the lending rates in the country. He said the macro-economic environment within the country has also been relatively stable during the year and this has impacted the money market rates.  Prof Peter Quartey said this during the Annual General Meeting of the University of Ghana Co-operative Credit Union in Accra on Thursday. “Despite these difficulties, we maintained our interest rate on loans at 27 percent, which is much lower than what prevailed on the financial market, when you factor in monitoring and processing fees charged by the various financial institutions,” said Prof Quartey, who is also the Board Chairman for the Union. He said “our loan approval turnaround rates have been excellent. We have tried to process loans within 48hours and in most cases, less than 24 hours.” Prof Quartey said whilst the Treasury Bill rate and other money market instruments also declined which “negatively affected our earnings” on liquid investments, “the Credit Union paid good returns on savings during the year.” He said whereas average interest rate on savings stood at below 6 percent per annum, the Credit Union paid an average interest of 15 percent per annum on member savings. “These factors made our Credit Union an enviable financial institution within the country,” said Prof Quartey. He said the Management Board of the University of Ghana Credit Union adopted strategies to promote and develop the Union including instituting capacity building efforts, under which there were sponsored seminars and training programs for staff.     He said at the recent Biannual Conference, the University of Ghana Credit Union was judged the best credit union saying “though we pride ourselves as one of the best in the country, our staff always attend meetings in taxis, while others arrive in buses with their names boldly written on them.”     Prof Quartey said at the end of the 2011/2012 financial year, the Union made a net surplus of 920,669.77 Ghana cedis, representing a return of 6 percent on total average asset size, and a 9.3percent growth over the previous year’s surplus. He said the Board adopted operational strategies of deposit mobilization and reviewing loan qualification ratios regularly, leading to an asset growth of 41 percent, between July 2011 and June, 2012. “Despite the difficult operating environment, especially when interests on investments were falling, we managed to pay interests on savings of 15 percent per-annum, as against 13 percent paid last year,” said Prof Quartey. He said that meant “we paid 1,472,117.37 Ghana cedis as interest on savings in 2012, as compared to 857,738.55 Ghana cedis paid in 2011. Prof Quartey said the union’s management was committed to maintaining the conventional practise of paying dividend at the end of each financial year. “In order to maintain a decent return on share investments in the face of increased members’ investments, the Board proposes to increase the dividend payout ratio from 30 percent to 38 percent of the net surplus, which amounts to 349,854.51 Ghana cedis.” He said the numbers of the Union continues to grow, with membership standing at 4,103 presently, as against 3,664 at the beginning of the financial year. Prof Quartey said as part of the Union’s strategic plan for the next financial year, the Board had considered the introduction of Kiddy accounts, current and salary accounts and ATM services.   GNA ...

Accra, Oct. 25 GNA- The Ghana Reinsurance Company Limited (Ghana Re) has held its 40th Anniversary retreat in Accra, with a call on Ghanaians to insure their property to enable them recoup their losses.     The aim of the retreat was to bring unity among partners in Ghana, to help address the grievances of clients and to examine the merits and demerits of phasing out the mandatory cessions becoming a norm in Africa.     Mr Gustav Saale, Managing Director of Ghana Re commended government for its efforts and contribution towards the growth of the company.     He said Ghana Re had chalked out success and trust among clients through its good relationship and the excellent discharge of it responsibilities.      Mr Saak said the company is ready to reach out to new heights in its global networking to meet standards through clients’ suggestions.      He said Ghana Re was formed through the initiative of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, which encouraged developing countries to form local and regional reinsurance companies with the view to create increased local capacity.     Mr Albert Nduna, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Zimre Holding in Zimbabwe advised insurance companies to adopt new ways of educating the public on the need to register their property with the insurance companies to secure them.   “Adopt insurance method that can also provide accurate and fast information to a large number of customers even in the face of dwindling financial resource to improve the work for the nation,” he added.     He said, some insurance companies charge high premium and as a result of that compelled the less privilege ones to withdraw allowing only the rich to enjoy the benefits.     Mr Nduna urged governments withdraw the operating licenses of insurance companies that do not obey the standard as laid down in the insurance Act 2006, Act 724.     He commended Ghana Re for its good work and urged others to emulate.     GNA ...

Accra, Oct. 25, GNA- United Nations Ghana country team, umbrella body of UN agencies operating in the Country on Thursday had a dialogue over its operations with heads, managers and editors of the various media houses in the country.     Madam Ruby Sandhu-Rojon, UN Resident Coordinator, explained that the UN operate in the country through 24 UN agencies which work together to support Ghana to achieve the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).     These agencies whose work is mostly centred in deprived areas of the country work on four thematic areas, which are: Sustainable Environment, Energy and Human Settlement, Food Security and Nutrition, Human Development and Improved Social Services as well as Transparent and Accountable Governance.     The first UN agency to be established in Ghana is the UN Information Centre (UNIC) in 1958. Other agencies include, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNDP, UNAIDS, World Food Programme, FAO, UNIDO, WHO, UNESCO and UN Women, the youngest to be established in 2010.      Madam Sandhu-Rojon explained that a total amount of 531.783.601 dollars had been estimated as resources needed to carry out activities for the 2012 to 2016 UN programmes in the country which covers programmes like climate change, maternal and child health, human and food security.     She said maternal health issues are of major concern despite efforts at curbing high maternal mortality rate.     Madam Sandhu-Rojon expressed the need for Ghana to explore more actions aim at checking the rate.     She urged the media to see the MDGs and other development issues as of higher importance and give them the necessary credence and importance through the promotion, education and sensitisation of the citizens.     Mr Ismail Omer, Country Director, WFP said within the past three years,  his outfit had purchased 22 million worth of food crops like maize and rice, especially from Ghana and distributed them within countries like Liberia and Niger and in support of Ghana’s School Feeding Programme.    The UNDP Country Director, Dr Kamil Kayode Kamaluddeen said there is the need for Ghana to maintain national peace and stability as the country prepares to go to the polls.      A report from the UNHCR indicated that there are about 19,000 refugees and asylum seekers from 29 nationalities in Ghana with 9,200 of them being Ivorians.      Mr Ransford Tetteh, President, Ghana Journalists Association encouraged the media to do more in promoting and disseminating developmental issues.     He urged the media to find ways of making developmental issues attractive and sensational to attract more people.   GNA ...

Accra, Oct. 25, GNA – Police Chief Inspector Charles Adabah, a prosecution witness, has testified at the ongoing trial of Christian Asem Darkey alias “Limping man” at the Accra High Court.     Mr Darkey is alleged to have been the owner of the 77 parcels of cocaine on board the M.V. Benjamin Vessel. Chief Inspector Adabah said he was assigned the task to investigate the issue in October, 2006 after his predecessor Inspector Justice Oppong had started initial investigations into the matter in August of 2006. Mr Darkey, also known as Sherriff, a businessman, is on trial for conspiracy, importation of narcotic drugs, possession of narcotic drugs without lawful authority and undertaking prohibited business relating to narcotic drugs.     He had pleaded not guilty and is currently on remand with the case being adjourned to November 5, 2012. Chief Inspector Adabah said investigations revealed that out of the 77 cocaine parcels on board the MV Benjamin, one was left behind in the vessel but the rest of the 76 parcels were taken away by the accused and his accomplices. He said the parcel left in the MV Benjamin contained 30 slabs and when sent to the Ghana Standards Board for testing, it was revealed that each slab weighs one kilogram. When questioned by Mr George Heward Mills, Counsel for Asem Darkey that there were lapses in the information received by the Police, Chief Inspector Adabah agreed with the Counsel saying that was the reason the Police had to investigate the incident. The Counsel again asked if the witness aware that five out of the 30 slabs missing, the witness said he could not remember that five of the slabs were missing and that everything was intact when it was sent to the Standards Board. Mr Heward Mills also questioned the validity of the claim that the slab found on the M.V. Benjamin was indeed cocaine and Chief Inspector Adabah said though he did not have the opportunity to identify the 76 parcels, witnesses to the affair had testified to that claim at the trial of Joseph Dawson and others leading to their conviction. Chief Inspector Adabah said Justice Anin Yeboah, the trial judge in the Joseph Dawson case, had also ordered that 25 out of the 30 slabs which were tested at the Standards Board be destroyed. On April 26, 2006, intelligence gathered by the security indicated that a shipping vessel, MV Benjamin, carrying 77 parcels of cocaine was on the high seas heading towards the West African Coast and to Ghana. Around midnight the same day, the vessel docked at Tema/Kpone and discharged the parcels, which were off-loaded into a waiting vehicle and taken away. Investigations led to the arrest of some people, who were tried and convicted. During the trial, the name of the accused featured prominently as the importer and owner of the parcels. Further investigations revealed that he chartered the MV Benjamin for $150,000 to bring the narcotic drugs to the country. On Thursday, February 2, the accused was arrested at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital upon a tip-off.   GNA ...

Accra, Oct. 25, GNA -Work on a National Export Strategy and National Export Development Programme has been completed and implementation would commence after cabinet approval.     The strategy seeks to consolidate the country’s major export markets in Europe and also increase the share of the African markets, especially within countries in the Economic Community of West African States.     “The Strategy also seeks to intensify the production of non-traditional export products across the country such that each district will have at least one major export product,” Ms Hannah Tetteh, Minister of Trade and Industry told journalists on Thursday.    Ms Tetteh, who was speaking at the Meet the Press series in Accra, said a private sector-led initiative conceived and coordinated by the Ministry to develop a Yam Development strategy for the country had begun.     She said the initiative being supported by the International Trade Centre in Geneva and the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture has as its objective to identify strategic high-end mainstream international markets for the country’s yam in the fresh and processed forms, and to restructure and enhance the supply chain to service these markets competitively.     The Minister said government is also working to establish Ghana Trade Centres in selected countries with major market potential to promote exports.     These Trade Centres, she said, would be private sector driven and self-sustaining so as to reduce the burden on government to maintain trade offices overseas.     There are plans to set up 28 centres over a five-year period of which four will be established in Dubai, Turkey, Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea by the end of the first quarter of 2013.     “The Ghana Trade Centres will become the hubs around where the sourcing for buyers for made-in-Ghana goods will take place,” Ms Tetteh said.     She said the centres would also provide market intelligence and commercial representation services to Ghanaian exporters and on behalf of the trade promotion institutions.     Ms Tetteh said government is participating fully in multilateral and regional trade negotiations as well as pursuing bilateral trade arrangements with strategic individual partner countries in order to take advantage of opportunities in key strategic markets, foster business cooperation and technology transfer.     She cited countries such as Turkey, South Africa and the United States as places Ghana is in discussions with to implement bilateral trade and investment agreements.    “The processes outlined...are intended to improve Ghana’s market opportunities and support Ghana’s export development whilst applying disciplines in national regulations that support competitive domestic production to help develop Ghana’s agricultural, industrial and services sectors to compete in global markets,” Ms Tetteh said.        GNA ...

Accra, Oct. 25, GNA – The Acting Chief Executive Officer of Export Development and Agricultural Investment Fund (EDAIF) has observed in Accra that it is important for Ghana to strengthen and build the capacity of farmers to become globally competitive.     Mr Abdul-Nashiru Issahaku, stressed that farmers in the country need to be encouraged and supported by government as well as corporate institutions to add value to their produce in order to be able to compete in the world market.     Mr Issahaku, made the observation when EDAIF presented a tractor with accessories to be presented to the second best farmer worth GH¢80,000 to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) on Thursday, in support of this year’s National farmers Day celebration.     He said recognising the work of farmers in the country was important, and urged other corporate bodies to join the worthy cause of appreciating their good works.     Mr Awere Owusu-Ansah, Executive Director of UniBank, presenting a cheque for      GH¢20, 000 in support of the occasion said the company believes in celebrating the work of farmers as part of their corporate social responsibilities.     “We are celebrating our customers this week and we think it would only be appropriate to also appreciate and celebrate the farmers and encourage them to continue to feed the nation.”      He urged farmers to work very hard in order to earn the recognition of government and corporate bodies.     Other companies including Agrana Ghana Limited also presented Agro chemical, disinfectants and nets worth GH¢ 2,020, and West African Markets Link presented a Tricycle to the Best Cashew Farmer, and a Motorcycle to the Best Cashew Extension Officer.     Mrs Cecelia Erzuah, Director, Finance and Administration of MoFA expressed gratitude to the donors and asked other players in the private sector to come on board to support the 2012 Farmers day celebration to motivate farmers to contribute more towards the development of the economy.      The 28th edition of the Farmers day celebration is slated for November 2 at Abokobi in the Ga East Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, on the theme: “Grow more food: Strengthening Farmer Based Organisations for Market Place Bargaining Power.”       GNA ...

Wassa Asikuma (W/R), Oct. 25, GNA- Twenty acres of cocoa farms has been completely destroyed at Wassa Asikuma and Wassa Nkran in the Prestea Huni/Valley district following a continuous rainfall last Friday.     The destruction of the farms had so far affected about sixty cocoa farmers in the two communities.     The District National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) Coordinator, Mr. Iddirisu Salifu Mohammed revealed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on Thursday when he visited the affected farms together with the Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni/Valley, Mr. Francis Adu-Blay Koffie to see the extent of the damage caused by the recent rain.     He said both incidents happened last Friday evening and it was as a result of a land slide that occurred during the torrential rainfall.     Mr. Salifu Mohammed said the Aboso zonal coordinator for NADMO is currently accessing farms of the affected victims, and that a report will forwarded to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and COCOBOD.     Mr Adu-Blay Koffie said though the district NADMO coordinator is doing all it can to ensure that those affected are catered for; he will put in the necessary measures to speed up that process.     The MP called on the victims to exercise patience and that government, together with the assembly, will do all it can to assist them.     Madam Hannah Danquah, an 80 year-old widow, who was among the affected victims at Wassa Asikuma, appealed to government to come to their aid since cocoa farming was their only source of livelihood GNA ...

Accra, Oct. 25, GNA - The Board and Management of Globacom, the African communications giant, has congratulated Asamoah Gyan, lead striker of the national team, on his elevation to the position of caption of the Black Stars.           In a letter signed by Patrick Awotwi, Head of Business of Glo Mobile Ghana, it said ‘Since 2003 we have followed with admiration the personal flair and passion you continue to infuse into your game and the field of play everywhere you have been called to duty.         However, the quality which has caught our attention the most, has been your unflinching patriotism and selflessness in the service of the national team.’        It said, Gyan’s appointment as captain of one of Africa’s most successful national teams is an endorsement of the vision and confidence that Glo in him as a super sports brand.          “Glo is therefore happy and proud to be associated with you and applauds your laudable contributions towards making the Black Stars a vibrant and united team’, the letter said. The letter noted that over the years, the Black Stars striker has sufficiently demonstrated the qualities of a leader, worthy of taking command of the senior national team and guiding it to ultimate victory at the 2013 African Cup of Nations. “While we wish you best of luck in your new role as captain of the Black Stars, we are happy to assure you that we will stay by you and the Black Stars in this new endeavour’, the letter noted.Globacom Limited is the headline sponsor of the national team, the Black Stars and the Glo Premier League. In February 2011, Gyan was unveiled in Accra as the African telecom giant’s seventeenth Brand Ambassador, joining the network’s impressive line-up of local stars and icons, mostly musicians and movie stars.     GNA ...

Have (V/R), Oct. 25, GNA - Sonja Liggett-Igelmond, a German midwife has presented medical equipment worth 1.2 million Euros to Have Health Centre at Have.      The equipment includes beds, general healthcare and obstetric case management gadgets.    Madam Sonja-Igelmond said while visiting Ghana in October last year, she carried back to Germany a video footage about the drudgeries associated with midwifery services at the Clinic.     She said she showed the pictures in Germany to stimulate compassion among viewers to mobilise the equipment.     Madam Sonja-Igelmond said all the gadgets some of which were transferred from some German health facilities, were in good condition.       Mr Paul Kpai, an Assembly Member for Have, told journalists that, the Liggett-Igelmond-Have Health Centre collaboration was facilitated by the Akpafu Traditional Women’s Birth Attendants Association, a non-governmental organisation.     He said educational materials which were part of the consignment and have since been distributed to school in the Have area, were donations from Liggett-Igelmond’s husband and collections from her (Liggett-Igelmond) daughter’s classmates.     Mr Emmanuel Pewudie, who spoke on behalf of the Association, expressed gratitude to the Madam Ligget-Igelmond for the equipment, some of which had been sent to the Hohoe Government Hospital.    Madam Patience Todzro, who is in charge of the Have Health Centre appealed to government to consider raising the facility into a full hospital with a resident doctor.   GNA ...

Accra , Oct. 25, GNA - The University of Ghana on Thursday inaugurated a two million dollar grant library project; the “Research Commons,”  sponsored by the Carnegie Corporation of New York to enhance academic output of students and researchers of the institution.     The Research Commons, which is located on the first floor of the east wing within the Balme Library, would allow researchers to have among other services, access to a state of the art technology, access to a number of Software in Science and Humanities, Microsoft Office Applications and Hardware facilities such as laptops, laser printing, digital projector and screen as well as scanners.     The facility also offers a comfortable workplace for contemplation, research, preparing and rehearsing presentations and discussions and a relaxed seating area, where a researcher could have a cup of tea or coffee.     The Library, in addition to the grant, was presented with additional seed money of 1.5 million dollars from its benefactors for the initial management of the facility.     Professor Ellis Badu, University Librarian, in an address said the University considers research as a critical part of its strategic plan to develop graduates with high level skills.     The Research Commons therefore attempts to assemble groups and expertise now distributed throughout the various campuses by blending technology with current traditional resources to serve as a centre for a wide range of scholarly activities.     Prof Badu said the attempt to solve a problem over and over again makes research complex and demanding at times, therefore a researcher requires a serene, comfortable and conducive environment “that would encourage him or her to enjoy what he or she is doing.” He explained that the provision of a Research Commons, which is a shared place and environment for people, would also offer support in one central campus location to faculty and graduate students at any point in the complex research process.     Prof Clifford Nii Boye Tagoe, Immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University, who chaired the function, thanked the Carnegie Corporation of New York for their generosity and support to the University and towards enhancing quality education in Ghana.     He said it was gratifying that after several years of hard work a vision has finally come to reality, stressing that, being the first of its kind in the West African Sub-Region, the Research Commons offers students a better opportunity to develop their skills to the highest level.      According to Prof. Aaron Lawson, Provost College of Health Sciences, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, the University felt much indebted to both the US Government and the Carnegie Corporation for the huge support to the institution over the years.     He indicated that the Balme Library remains the nerve centre through which the University revolved, and commended all those who worked tirelessly to make the dream a reality.    Prof Lawson appealed for the judicious use of the facility with a high sense of maintenance culture to ensure its preservation for posterity.     Dr Tade Aina, Representative of Carnegie Corporation, announced that an additional 2.3 million dollar grant has been approved by the Corporation for the University to commence the second phase of the project.     He explained that the Corporation has maintained its support to the University over the years and would do all within its power to help improve upon the standard of tertiary education in the country and in Africa at large.   GNA...

Kumasi, Oct. 25, GNA – Mr Peter  N. Hodgson, Senior Inspector of Mines at the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission in the Ashanti Region, has urged Sand and Stone Contractors and small-scale miners to adhere strictly to the Minerals Act 703 0f 2007.    He said the Commission in its statutory powers would do everything possible to monitor and supervise the activities of such people to bring sanity into the mining sector.    Mr Hodgson was speaking the day’s workshop on sensitization and education on Mineral Rights Acquisition for 90 participants in Kumasi on Wednesday.    The workshop, which was attended by participants including Sand and Stone Contractors Association, Tipper Trucks Union, Quarry Companies and representatives of selected District Assemblies, was aimed at creating a forum for discussing the Minerals Act of 703.    He said some people in the mining sector had failed to adhere strictly to the Minerals Act and hence the need for the Commission to take pragmatic and effective measures to address the situation and revamp the industry.    Mr Hodgson said to ensure efficient operations within the sector, a special Task Force known as the National Association of Sand and Stone Contractors and Tipper Trucks Union, has been established to deal with culprits who failed to comply with the Act.    He said the task force in the Ashanti Region had been able to arrest some companies and people for failing to comply with the Act adding that some of the offences include acquisition of licence, permits, waybills and failure to cover goods carted without tarpaulin.   He said it was also the responsibility of the Task Force to flush out illegal miners in the region and help ensure the protection of the environment.    Mr Samuel A. Dankwa, Environmental Inspector of Mines at the Mineral Commission, said it was important for all to adhere strictly to the Impact assessment and reclamation form of the Environmental Protection Agency.    This, he said, would avoid environmental degradation of lands and ensure that lands were put into good use.    Mr Obeng Damoah, Principal Inspector of Machinery, appealed to employers to ensure that their employees work in a healthy and safe working environment at all times and also put in place the necessary education and training procedures to improve on their performances.     Mr P.K. Donkor, Ashanti Regional Chairman o the Sand and Stone Contractors Association, called on the participants to use the skills and experiences acquired at the workshop to improve on their activities and contribute positively towards the development of the sector.     GNA ...

Dankwakrom (B/A), Oct. 25, GNA – A sod was cut for work to begin on the 11.2-kilometre Chief Camp to Agyeikrom Junction Road in the Asunafo North Municipality of the Brong-Ahafo Region.     The GHC375,098 road is being executed by WABS Construction Company Limited, based in Wenchi and expected to be completed within 10 months.     Alhaji Mohammed Kwaku Doku, Asunafo North Municipal Chief Executive, who cut the sod, said due to the deplorable nature of the road, all economic activities in the area had come to a halt, leading to foodstuffs getting rotten on farms.      He noted that the tarring of the road would facilitate the evacuation of cocoa and other foodstuffs to the marketing centres.     Alhaji Doku said government had put in place measures to construct all major roads in the cocoa producing areas within the municipality.    He said the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) was committed to improving the living conditions of Ghanaians, hence the provision of infrastructure across the country.     Alhaji Doku said the Government in less than four years had performed creditably in terms of infrastructural development in the municipality and mentioned some of the projects provided for the people in the area as potable water, elimination of schools under trees, construction of roads, electricity, clinics and reducing poverty among the people.     He announced that 40 communities in the municipality would soon be connected to the national grid.     Alhaji Doku said although the NDC had performed creditably within such a short period in office, “Its supporters should not be complacent but work harder than before to counter misinformation by its opponents to discredit the party”.     He said to retain the party in power, it was incumbent on its supporters to tackle intra-party differences and intensify their campaign to inform the electorate about their achievement during the past three-and-half years.     Alhaji Doku charged the contractor executing the project to expedite work and finish the project within the scheduled period.     Mr Stephen Abubakar, Brong-Ahafo Regional Manager of Metro Mass Transport (MMT) promised the people of Dankwakrom that the MMT would release a bus to ply the area after the completion of the project to ease the transportation problems facing them.   GNA ...

Cape Coast, Oct. 25, GNA – One Kwabena Mensah has appeared before a Cape Coast Magistrate’s Court for allegedly killing Madam Aba Botwewaa, his 100-year old Grandmother.     The court presided over by Mr Ohemeng Mensah, however refused to take the plea of the accused who was showing signs of insanity and rather ordered that he should be sent to the Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital for examination.   The accused is to reappear on November 21.   Prosecuting Police Inspector Daniel Badu told the court that at about 0330 hours on October 19 the accused assaulted her grandmother whom he lived in the same house at Akraman, a village near Anomabo and bolted.    He said, the old lady managed to crawl out of her room and knocked on the door of his son, Mr Kweku Afful who lives in the same house and he in turn called a sibling Mr Edmond Ato who rushed her to Saltpond Hospital where she died on arrival.     Mensah’s two uncles lodged a complaint at the police station leading to his arrest.     GNA ...

A GNA feature by Belinda Ayamgha Accra, Oct. 25, GNA – It started as a goodwill visit on October 1 to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Ghana and the South American state of Argentina. An Argentine navy ship, ARA Fragata Libertada, with more than 300 crew from Argentina, berthed at the Tema harbour as part of a West African tour to train Ghanaian navy personnel. Also on board were military personnel from Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela. After all, Ghana and Argentina have enjoyed cordial ties since the agreement for the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries was signed on the November22, 2005. Ghana’s embassy in Brazil has concurrent accreditation to Argentina whose embassy in Abuja also has concurrent accreditation to Ghana. The two countries have been involved in various projects together including a proposed agreement on scientific and technical cooperation, which is being studied by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. But this pleasant visit of the ship has turned into a diplomatic embarrassment and strained relations between Ghana and Argentina following the detention of the ARA Fragata Libertada at the Tema harbour on the orders of the Accra High Court, which upheld a motion by NML to detain the ship because Argentina owes the company money it is refusing to pay. Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration summed up Ghana’s views when he said the seizure of the ship and subsequent issues had caused an embarrassment to the government of Ghana, especially as it had come at Ghana’s behest. “The Ghana government is not at all happy about it,” he told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview in Accra. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and Ministry of Defence agreed to receive the ship for its goodwill and training mission following a request through diplomatic channels. Clearance was then obtained for the ship to stop in Ghana from October 1-4, 2012. But NML had been tailing the ship and immediately pounced when it saw the opportunity. Mr Ace Ankomah, counsel for NML, filed an ex-party motion at the High Court requesting for an order restraining the ship until and unless the Argentine government provided sufficient security in the form of depositing a percentage of a judgement debt it owed the plaintiff. This was upheld despite arguments by Argentina’s lawyer, Mr Larry Otoo, that the ship enjoys immunity from attachment under international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Therefore on Wednesday, October 24, 297 crew members of the ship disembarked and flew back to the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, on board a chartered Air France Boeing 777 plane sent by the Latin American country. The ship is still at the Tema harbour with only a skeleton crew on board. For more than three weeks, the ARA Fragata Libertada story was one of the biggest in the world media, but it hardly got any mention in the local media, save for when the case was determined by the High Court or when the Argentines made a comment. Probably, it is because of the seeming complex nature of the case and also the virtual news “blackout” imposed by the Ghanaian authorities. Background to the suit Sometime in October 1994, the Republic of Argentina concluded a Fiscal Agency Agreement (FAA) with the Bankers Trust Company, a New York banking corporation, under which Argentina issued a securities and bonds for purchase by the public. The plaintiff, NML Capital purchased two series of the bonds on February 3, 2000 (12%) and July, 21, 2000 (10.25%), making them the beneficiary owners the bonds. When Argentine Government defaulted on the bonds, the plaintiff sued and obtained judgment in the United States District Court for the Southern District in New York against the defendant to recover the amount due. (The principal amount was 284,184,632.30 dollars, plus interest of 48,95,940.91 dollars). On May 15, NML Capital commenced an action in the English High Court suing for the debt obligation imposed on Argentina by the New York judgment. In both cases they relied on a particular provision in the FAA as the basis for invoking the jurisdiction of those courts, as in the High Court of Ghana. NML Capital is a subsidiary of the US hedge fund Elliott Associates, which did not take part in a restructuring of Argentina's 95 billion dollars debt in 2001. This restructuring gave the country's creditors about one-third of their money back. Instead, it is trying through the courts to get back all the money it is owed. So NML has been seeking to seize property of Argentina and had been tailing the navy ship. How Ghana handled the issue Various diplomatic moves were made to resolve the matter. The Argentine Embassy in Abuja with concurrent accreditation to Ghana called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs to draw his attention to the seized frigate and to lodge a strong complaint on the matter. They later sent another delegation including the Deputy Foreign Minister and Defence Minister to engage Ghana’s Foreign Ministry, with the view that they could use executive powers to release the ship. However, the ministry of Foreign Affairs advised them to file an application at the court to set aside the order, explaining to them that it could not exercise any executive powers to release the frigate because Ghana worked with the rule of law and separation of powers. The judiciary is independent and the executive has no power over the case and thus could not do anything about the seizure. As a sign of goodwill, the Director of the Legal Bureau of the Foreign Ministry, Mr Ebenezer Apraku, accompanied by Principal State Attorney, Mrs Grace Awul, were in court to announce that they were holding watching brief for their respective ministries in the capacity of Amici Curiae (Friends of Court). Mr. Apraku drew the attention of the court to the practice of Foreign Ministries and or Defence Ministries, representing the executive arm of government, to confirm the status of the vessel as a warship and to advise that a refusal to recognize the sovereign immunity of a foreign state would harm Ghana’s foreign relations. They cited the ex-parte case of Peru (1943), where the court, after the intervention by the Department of State arguing the immunity of Peru, had agreed to release a vessel, in support of their submission. The representatives of Argentina expressed their appreciation for the representation of the government of Ghana at the court and for the submission intended to persuade the court to abate the embarrassment. But Argentina is clearly angry with Ghana and has been issuing threats to take the matter to the UN Security Council. The Fragata case has also claimed the head of Argentina's navy chief Admiral Carlos Alberto Paz has stepped down. Alhaji Mumuni has dismissed the threat saying that Ghana has not been officially notified of the move to take the matter to the UN. “It is an empty threat and we are not in the least bothered about it,” the Minister said. “It is true that as a nation and, particularly this ministry, we feel very embarrassed about it, especially given the fact that this trip was arranged through diplomatic channels and we have excellent relations with Argentina. But there’s nothing we can do about it because we are a nation of laws,” Alhaji Mumuni said. He said the NML had simply invoked the law and a court of competent jurisdiction had ruled on it and they could not interfere in that process. “Even if they take us before any adjudicatory body, we have a ready answer - it is a court that acted and we have no control over that,” Alhaji Mumuni said. “The court discounted their claims to immunity saying they had waived those rights and once you waive your rights, you cannot just claim it back. Ghana has not broken any laws, absolutely not. These are purely commercial transactions,” he stated. Effect on bilateral relations Alhaji Mumuni emphasized that Ghana did not expect the matter to mar Ghana-Argentina relations, which had been cordial because Ghana had done nothing wrong. “They have appreciated the fact that the state of Ghana has committed no wrong. It’s just that the law decided to work. We were very courteous to them and have provided the needs of the crew,” he said. Current status and the way forward Alhaji Mumuni said Argentina had filed an appeal against the ruling of the court. On allegations of violations of the human rights of the crew resulting from the court decision not to allow the vessel to bunker, Alhaji Mumuni explained that representatives of Argentina had brought the matter to the attention of the Ministry and requested that the ship should be allowed to take enough fuel daily to run it. However, he had told them that as long as the vessel was on attachment, it was in the custody of the court and therefore such a request should be made to the court for it to make an order to that effect. “If we decided to go ahead and refuel the vessel, even though the court did not permit that, we would be in violation of the court, which amounts to contempt of court. So you simply go to court and bring it to its attention and the court will always do what is reasonable. I don’t know whether they went to court or not to have that order made,” Alhaji Mumuni said. “What happens to the vessel now is at the pleasure of the court,” he concluded. GNA ...

Kumasi, Oct. 25, GNA – The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) on Thursday took delivery of 100 high-density mattresses valued at GH¢12,000.00 to provide some comfort for inpatients.     It was a donation from a New-York based non-profitable organization, “Asafo-Fante-Newtown USA Incorporated.     Mr Yaw Adjei Sechere, its Founder and Chairman, handing over the gift at a ceremony in Kumasi, said he was confident that it would significantly help to prevent the situation where some patients slept on the bare floor due to the shortage of beds.     He pledged the supply of medical equipment to the facility to complement the government’s effort at improving the quality of care for the sick.     They would also be visiting orphanages in the metropolis to provide them with support.     Mrs Patience Yeboah Ampong, Director of Nursing Services, said they were grateful for the donation.     She said it would reduce the burden of buying mattresses at “very high cost,” and assured that the mattresses would be used for the intended purpose.       GNA ...

Kumasi, Oct. 25, GNA – The Ghana Baptist University College (GBUC), this year, admitted 405 new students to pursue various degree and diploma programmes.     These include theology and ministry, business, accounting, marketing, banking and finance, human resource management and entrepreneurship.     Professor Edwin Kwame Wiredu, Chairman of the Governing Council, speaking at the matriculation ceremony for the freshmen in Kumasi, underlined the need for them to remain focused and disciplined.     He said it should not be lost on them why they were in the university and must work hard on their books.     “You need to take advantage of the opportunity and make the most of it to realize your dreams,” he noted.     Prof Wiredu advised the students to abide by the rules and regulations of the institution and avoid the temptation to cheat in examinations.     They should always channel their grievances to the authorities for redress.     The Reverend Dr Steve Asante, the Chancellor, advised the students to demonstrate good character traits.     GNA ...

Jachie (Ash), Oct. 25, GNA –The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of the Jachie-Pramso Senior High School (SHS) has built a GH¢38,000.00 boys’ dormitory block for the school. It has, additionally, provided a GH¢32,000.00 classroom block for the school.     Mr Paul Agyei Boakye, the Headmaster, who conducted the Ghana News Agency (GNA) round to inspect the projects, said the PTA’s contribution to the improvement of the academic environment had been significant.     That to a large measure, had assisted to enhance the performance of the school, he noted.    For two years running, 2011 and 2012, the school scored 100 per cent passes in the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).     Two hundred and ninety-five (295) students out of the 336 presented for the 2011 examination, scored eight passes, with 41 getting seven passes, and one person securing six passes.     For this year’s WASSCE, 326 out of the 369 candidates came out with eight passes, 41 with seven passes, and two with six passes.     Mr Boakye expressed satisfaction with the high level of discipline among both the teachers and students.     Their only source of discomfort had to do with the bad nature of roads in the school.     He said the road becomes soggy whenever it rained and needs to be fixed.   GNA ...

Accra, Oct. 25, GNA – Accra Polytechnic has admitted 3,781 students for the 2012/2013 Academic Year.     Out of the number, 2376 representing 62.8 per cent have registered with the School of Business and Management Studies; 795 with School of Applied Sciences and Arts and 610 were enrolled at the School of Engineering.     Dr Sylvester Achio, Rector of the Polytechnic, said at the 20th matriculation ceremony in Accra that this year’s selection exercise was very competitive and different from the previous period.     He said the selection of the qualified applicants was done by the Admission Board while the scrutiny of the result slips and the determination of qualified candidates was carried out by the Executive Committee.    “Management wishes to assure the public and remind the few students who managed to sneak through the selection process with fake results that the effort to weed out unqualified applicants is on-going and will continue even after this matriculation ceremony,” he said.     Dr Achio said Management was committed to introduce new academic programmes that would ensure gender balance in enrollments ad and remove stereotyping that makes some programmes unattractive.     He said the Polytechnic would mount Bachelor of Technology (BTECH) degree programmes in some departments during the 2013/2014 academic year.     Dr Achio said: “We will soon be admitting the third cohort of students to the BTECH programme in Fashion Design and Textiles and the second batch of students to the BTECH Science Laboratory Technology programme.”    He asked the fresh students to eschew all social vices and organise their lives profitably to overcome the academic obstacles diligently and lay a very good foundation for themselves.  Dr Achio advised the students to avoid alcoholism, drug abuse, unbridled sexual activities, indecent and offensive dressing, adding that the school would not compromise on the enforcement of its rules and regulations.     Professor Joshua Alabi, Accra Polytechnic Council Chairman, said the school is poised to provide service, academic excellence and the necessary opportunities for students to excel and urged the freshmen and women to take advantage of the environment to better their lots.    “Dear fresh students, the Polytechnic strives to maintain an atmosphere of honesty in all its activities. In doing this, we desire that as you sign the covenant of admission, you would conform to all rules and regulations of the Polytechnic.    “I hope that your three years stay in Accra polytechnic will help draw out the very best in you as the astute Engineer, Entrepreneur, Businessman and women that you so wish to become in future,” he added.    Mr Edwin Mends-Brew, the Vice Rector, urged the students to work hard to excel in their various disciplines.   GNA ...

Suhum, Oct. 25, GNA - Mr Samuel Attakyea, Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa South, has constructed a bridge over river Bone at the cost of GHC 30.000.00 from his share of the MPs Common Fund.     Mr Alex Antwi, Assembly member for Apedwa, disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), when he took newsman round to inspect the bridge on Thursday.     He said river Bone links Apedwa to the Gyanobeese electoral area.     Mr Antwi said the construction of the bridge had come as a relief to the people since the area gets flooded during the raining season and the river overflows its banks.     He said anytime the area gets flooded, people living at the other side of the river are not able to cross to Apedwa for several days.     Mr Antwi cited an example two years ago when three people who attempted to cross the river were drowned.     GNA ...