THE National Insurance Commission (NIC) is working in collaboration with the Ghana Insurers Association (GIA) to introduce new guidelines which will bring some sanity into the handling of premium credit in the insurance industry.
However , a premium finance company which will facilitate the sale of insurance products will be required to promote a premium finance company.
The Commissioner of Insurance, Madam Josephine Amoah announced this at the 35th Anniversary celebration of Vanguard Assurance Company Ltd in Accra yesterday.
“On the issue of unhealthy competition, the NIC will conduct special audits and those who fall foul will be sanctioned,” she emphasized.
Madam Amoah speaking on the theme: “35 years of excellence in Insurance Service Delivery” also indicated that work on the introduction of Market Conduct rules as a code of practice was far advanced. And that when completed, the guidelines would help promote transparency, fairness and professionalism in the insurance business, thereby increasing public confidence and patronage of insurance services.
The commissioner said that the NIC has noted with satisfaction, the remarkable progress that Vanguard Assurance was making in the industry and has also taken notice of the fact that Vanguard was not one of the companies the commission received complaints on, which meant that she said, “Vanguard is providing quality service and is treating its clients fairly”.
The Vice President Mr. John Dramani Mahama in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr. Seth Tekpey stated that government was doing everything possible to create the enabling environment for industries to operate.
“By so doing the youth would also be gainfully employed and the now “better Ghana would become the best Ghana,” he said.
The Vice President also said that the insurance industry played and important role in the socio-economic development of the country in terms of providing security.
“If we develop the culture of insuring our properties and liabilities towards third parties, whenever the unforeseen insured events occur, we would grieve alright but at the end of the day we would remember that all is not lost because there is an insurance company like Vanguard Assurance, that would always stand by us,” he commended.
Mr. Mahama lauded the company for their expertise over the past 35 years in building industry d as well as knowledge and understanding of the insurance needs of their valued and loyal customers.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vanguard, Mr. Gideon Amenyedor said the company which was founded by Nana Awuah-Darko Ampem of blessed memory has satisfied its customer’s insurance needs by paying claims promptly of which $3m was paid in 2008.
Mr. Amenyedor also noted that the company has its social responsibilities among other projects such as road safety, health and education.
“The good works of Vanguard did not go unnoticed, the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana had for two consecutive times awarded the company for segmentation, targeting and positioning,” he said.
He added that, through dedication, hard work and a can do spirit, the Ghanaian was capable of building a company to admirable height as demonstrated by the founder.
The Managing Director (MD) of Vanguard Life, Mr. Harold Awuah-Darko also hard the opportunity to outdoor the company which he said was a subsidiary of Vanguard Assurance which was established in compliance with the insurance law 2006, Act 724.
Mr. Awuah-Darko said the company has developed series of life assurance products to enable corporate entities provide valuable employee benefits to optimally meet their changing needs within the limited resources available at the best possible value.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
GUPS HANDING-OVER
The Minister of Education, Mr. Alex Tettey-Enyo has urged student leaders to view their calls to duty as an opportunity to work relentlessly by partnering the government in the quest to make professional as well as tertiary education affordable and accessible.
This he said would help improve professional tertiary education in the country.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Head of Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, Mr. Paul Kofi Krampah at the 7th handing-over and swearing-in ceremony of the Ghana Union of Professional Students (GUPS) in Accra.
“As executives of a union which brings together students of twenty public and private professional and degree awarding institutions in the country, you no doubt have an enormous task in forging and maintaining a clear focus as a strategic stake-holder in tertiary education,” Mr. Tettey-Enyo stated.
He however congratulated the new executives and also indicated that the doors of the ministry was always opened for constructive suggestions from all its stakeholders, in the search for realistic alternatives under the expanding demands on the national purse.
Also, the out-going president of GUPS, Mr. Anthony Abosti Afriyie said the challenge of the youth, universally; to take over from the current generation within the next decade dictated the rapid acquisition of education of education and training especially in the areas of leadership and management.
This he said would be attained through hard work as well as dedication to maker the student front an indispensable factor in the nation-building process, “and as professionals, we need to solidify our status and influence in the affairs of students of this nation,” Mr. Afriyie added.
He also outlined some of the achievements under his leadership which among others included, championing women empowerment where by female appointees formed a third of the government machinery.
Also Mr. Afriyie noted that a Press and Information department was established to harness journalistic expertise.
For his part, the in-coming president of GUPS, Mr. Michael Docyor Yomoh, noted that, although members of the fraternity seemed to have lost faith, “we have started fervently and by the time we hand over next year, we will all have the cause to be proud as members of GUPS,” he said.
Mr. Yomoh also said that his team would build a media-friendly union in addition to inter-personal marketing of the union.
He therefore called on all institutions to pay their dues and contribute towards the programmes and project of GUPS.
The GUPS president also appealed to the Ministry of Education as well as other professional bodies to support them.
“I would also appeal to the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to consider students as a major interest group in matters relating to students and education in the country,” Mr. Yomoh.
The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Lezorkuku constituency, Mr. Ruben Nii Nortey-Duah congratulated the new executives and also advised them to be up and doing in their various positions in order to move active students participation to the next level for the development of the country.
This he said would help improve professional tertiary education in the country.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Head of Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, Mr. Paul Kofi Krampah at the 7th handing-over and swearing-in ceremony of the Ghana Union of Professional Students (GUPS) in Accra.
“As executives of a union which brings together students of twenty public and private professional and degree awarding institutions in the country, you no doubt have an enormous task in forging and maintaining a clear focus as a strategic stake-holder in tertiary education,” Mr. Tettey-Enyo stated.
He however congratulated the new executives and also indicated that the doors of the ministry was always opened for constructive suggestions from all its stakeholders, in the search for realistic alternatives under the expanding demands on the national purse.
Also, the out-going president of GUPS, Mr. Anthony Abosti Afriyie said the challenge of the youth, universally; to take over from the current generation within the next decade dictated the rapid acquisition of education of education and training especially in the areas of leadership and management.
This he said would be attained through hard work as well as dedication to maker the student front an indispensable factor in the nation-building process, “and as professionals, we need to solidify our status and influence in the affairs of students of this nation,” Mr. Afriyie added.
He also outlined some of the achievements under his leadership which among others included, championing women empowerment where by female appointees formed a third of the government machinery.
Also Mr. Afriyie noted that a Press and Information department was established to harness journalistic expertise.
For his part, the in-coming president of GUPS, Mr. Michael Docyor Yomoh, noted that, although members of the fraternity seemed to have lost faith, “we have started fervently and by the time we hand over next year, we will all have the cause to be proud as members of GUPS,” he said.
Mr. Yomoh also said that his team would build a media-friendly union in addition to inter-personal marketing of the union.
He therefore called on all institutions to pay their dues and contribute towards the programmes and project of GUPS.
The GUPS president also appealed to the Ministry of Education as well as other professional bodies to support them.
“I would also appeal to the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to consider students as a major interest group in matters relating to students and education in the country,” Mr. Yomoh.
The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Lezorkuku constituency, Mr. Ruben Nii Nortey-Duah congratulated the new executives and also advised them to be up and doing in their various positions in order to move active students participation to the next level for the development of the country.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
CHURCHES URGED TO INVEST
CHURCHES in Ghana have been advised to focus on the prospects of investment in order to have Christ-like nation.
They are also challenged to work towards loyalty for the development of the nation.
This was announced by Rev. Stephen Wengam at the 25th Anniversary celebration and Thanksgiving service of the Open Door Assemblies of God Church in Accra.
Speaking on the theme: “Arise and Shine in your days of favour”, Rev. Wengam urged the congregation to continuosly walk with God for the rest of their lives in order to renew their commitment with him.
“The more you walk with God, the more intimate you become with him”, he said.
He however commended the church for establishing an educational fund to support needy but brilliant students in the church.
The Head pastor of the church, Rev. James Dontoh also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to people who have contributed to the growth of the church during the past twenty-five years.
“I say the God of love will not forget your labour of love shown towards his kingdom”, he expressed.
Rev. Dontoh said, they were also looking into the future for new territories for the Lord, quality leadership as well as development to meet the demands of the 21st Century church.
For his part, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ablekumah Central Constituency, Mr. Theophilus Tetteh-Tsai told the congregation that the poor drainage system in the area would by 2010 be a thing of the past.
He also appealed the members not to hesitate to report any criminal case to the police since the area was over the years noted for crimes.
“As residents of the constituency, let us all help to improve the constituency through our selfless dedications”, he said.
The General Superintendent of Assemblies of God church, Rev William Dontoh noted that the vision of the church to establish an Educational Fund to support brilliant but needy students in the pursuit of vocational, high school, and tertiary education was a step in the right direction.
He however challenged the church to dram bigger and also pursue greater projects in the years ahead.
“Invest more in missions, train more leaders and make the gospel relevant to your society’s socio-economic development”, he urged.
Rev. Dontoh was optimistic that the Assemblies of God University College would soon commence after attaining accreditation from the National Accreditation Board (NAB).
The Regional Superintendent of A. G. Rev. George Annang also congratulated the members for their relentless efforts to build up the church during the past years.
He therefore asked them to continuously rely on God for strength, wisdom and knowledge for the task ahead.
They are also challenged to work towards loyalty for the development of the nation.
This was announced by Rev. Stephen Wengam at the 25th Anniversary celebration and Thanksgiving service of the Open Door Assemblies of God Church in Accra.
Speaking on the theme: “Arise and Shine in your days of favour”, Rev. Wengam urged the congregation to continuosly walk with God for the rest of their lives in order to renew their commitment with him.
“The more you walk with God, the more intimate you become with him”, he said.
He however commended the church for establishing an educational fund to support needy but brilliant students in the church.
The Head pastor of the church, Rev. James Dontoh also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to people who have contributed to the growth of the church during the past twenty-five years.
“I say the God of love will not forget your labour of love shown towards his kingdom”, he expressed.
Rev. Dontoh said, they were also looking into the future for new territories for the Lord, quality leadership as well as development to meet the demands of the 21st Century church.
For his part, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ablekumah Central Constituency, Mr. Theophilus Tetteh-Tsai told the congregation that the poor drainage system in the area would by 2010 be a thing of the past.
He also appealed the members not to hesitate to report any criminal case to the police since the area was over the years noted for crimes.
“As residents of the constituency, let us all help to improve the constituency through our selfless dedications”, he said.
The General Superintendent of Assemblies of God church, Rev William Dontoh noted that the vision of the church to establish an Educational Fund to support brilliant but needy students in the pursuit of vocational, high school, and tertiary education was a step in the right direction.
He however challenged the church to dram bigger and also pursue greater projects in the years ahead.
“Invest more in missions, train more leaders and make the gospel relevant to your society’s socio-economic development”, he urged.
Rev. Dontoh was optimistic that the Assemblies of God University College would soon commence after attaining accreditation from the National Accreditation Board (NAB).
The Regional Superintendent of A. G. Rev. George Annang also congratulated the members for their relentless efforts to build up the church during the past years.
He therefore asked them to continuously rely on God for strength, wisdom and knowledge for the task ahead.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
INFORPRENEURSHIP 2009, LAUNCHED
THE 2009 Infopreneurship has been officially launched to equip persons in the business sector to be able to improve the economy.
The conference also seeks to address economic issues in Ghana and also to position individuals to be internally relevant.
The Infopreneurship is a gathering of corporate executives, entrepreneurs and upwardly mobile young professionals who seek to explore ways through which information can help them achieve their dreams.
The conference which is in its third year is spearheaded by Legacy and Legacy, which is a human capital development organization.
This year’s conference is on the theme: “International Business and Global Impact”.
The conference was as well to prepare Ghanaian entrepreneurs, students and professionals for the market.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Combert Impressions, Mr. Albert Ocran said the prospects of a global market had challenged all persons in the business industry to be up to expectation.
He stated however that the time had come to break out from geographical and cultural confines and took businesses as well as ideas onto the international scene.
Mr. Ocran said, it behoved on businesses in Ghana to be abreast with global trends and also explore their companies on the international front.
That could be done, he said either directly through foreign investment or indirectly through e-commerce and related internet-based activities.
“Even though the general directions of the conference is about information and wealth creation, each year we highlight a particular dimension of this subject,” he said.
He added that participants would be challenged to think beyond the borders of this country and make themselves and their businesses globally relevant.
This year’s conference kicks start from the 10th to the 11th of August, 2009.
Speakers include, the hosts, Albert and Comfort Ocran, Dr. Mensa Otabil, Mr. Philip Sowah, Prof Pikay Richardson, Mr. Andy Ojei.
Others are, Ms Ama Okyere, Mr. George Babafemi and Mr. Joel Nettey.
The conference also seeks to address economic issues in Ghana and also to position individuals to be internally relevant.
The Infopreneurship is a gathering of corporate executives, entrepreneurs and upwardly mobile young professionals who seek to explore ways through which information can help them achieve their dreams.
The conference which is in its third year is spearheaded by Legacy and Legacy, which is a human capital development organization.
This year’s conference is on the theme: “International Business and Global Impact”.
The conference was as well to prepare Ghanaian entrepreneurs, students and professionals for the market.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Combert Impressions, Mr. Albert Ocran said the prospects of a global market had challenged all persons in the business industry to be up to expectation.
He stated however that the time had come to break out from geographical and cultural confines and took businesses as well as ideas onto the international scene.
Mr. Ocran said, it behoved on businesses in Ghana to be abreast with global trends and also explore their companies on the international front.
That could be done, he said either directly through foreign investment or indirectly through e-commerce and related internet-based activities.
“Even though the general directions of the conference is about information and wealth creation, each year we highlight a particular dimension of this subject,” he said.
He added that participants would be challenged to think beyond the borders of this country and make themselves and their businesses globally relevant.
This year’s conference kicks start from the 10th to the 11th of August, 2009.
Speakers include, the hosts, Albert and Comfort Ocran, Dr. Mensa Otabil, Mr. Philip Sowah, Prof Pikay Richardson, Mr. Andy Ojei.
Others are, Ms Ama Okyere, Mr. George Babafemi and Mr. Joel Nettey.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Vanguard pays claim
VANGUARD Assurance Company Ltd has paid an insurance claim of GHC 86,724 to MTL Bore Holes Ltd on Thursday, in Accra in order to replace a drilling machine which got damaged through an accident.
This was a promise by the company to help its customers in the industry.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vanguard, Mr. Gideon Amenyedor said that, it was the aim of the company to pay insurance claims to customers they insure of which they also pay premiums for damages.
He reiterated that Vanguard would always stand by its clients should the unfortunate happens.
“No body prays for any mishappening, but should it happen, Vanguard would protect its customers,” he expressed, adding that people should take insurance policies in order to prevent any future misfortunes.
Mr. Amenyedor however noted that insurance was a promise to pay claims promptly and that Vanguard Assurance was leaving above its responsibilities.
Also, he said that last year alone, the company paid a claim of GHC 6.5 million to its customers.
He said, business was all about risk, therefore it tries to take care of all insurance needs and also provide excellent services to its customers.
This was a promise by the company to help its customers in the industry.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vanguard, Mr. Gideon Amenyedor said that, it was the aim of the company to pay insurance claims to customers they insure of which they also pay premiums for damages.
He reiterated that Vanguard would always stand by its clients should the unfortunate happens.
“No body prays for any mishappening, but should it happen, Vanguard would protect its customers,” he expressed, adding that people should take insurance policies in order to prevent any future misfortunes.
Mr. Amenyedor however noted that insurance was a promise to pay claims promptly and that Vanguard Assurance was leaving above its responsibilities.
Also, he said that last year alone, the company paid a claim of GHC 6.5 million to its customers.
He said, business was all about risk, therefore it tries to take care of all insurance needs and also provide excellent services to its customers.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
CIMG AWARD
VANGUARD Assurance, the first indigenous company and a member of the Ghana Club 100 has been adjudged the Best Marketing oriented Insurance Company 2008 by the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG).
This is the second time of winning such award.
Speaking with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Mr Gideon Amenyedor said he was very happy for the company to have won the award the second time under his tenure.
He however, said that Vanguard has applied the marketing principles which have eventually caused its brand to occupy a unique position.
He said, Vanguard has become a household name in the insurance industry, of which they would continue to make the necessary changes to meet the demands of the market.
“The industry has become very competitive and the only way to stay above board is to have a differentiating strategy, Mr. Amenyedor noted.
He also expressed the concern that most companies were engaging in price-cutting, and if appropriate measures were not put in place to check the situation, they would not be able to meet their basic obligations of paying claims to their clients.
He stated that, Vanguard was purposed for satisfying their customers needs in the insurance industry, “To whom that much is given, much is received,” he expressed.
The CEO expressed his appreciation to God for giving the both staff and management of Vanguard Assurance the power and grace to work hard to win the award.
He also dedicated the award to its cherished customers and all individuals as well as companies who made their dreams came true.
Mr. Amenyedor also commended his predecessor, Mr. M. E. Baba, for establishing a firm foundation in the company, the Vice-Chairman of Vanguard, Mr Daniel Awuah Darko also for his business expertise as well as Mr. W. Keteke for his professionalism in steering the affairs of the board.
He also thanked all its customers for nominating them for the second time.
This is the second time of winning such award.
Speaking with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Mr Gideon Amenyedor said he was very happy for the company to have won the award the second time under his tenure.
He however, said that Vanguard has applied the marketing principles which have eventually caused its brand to occupy a unique position.
He said, Vanguard has become a household name in the insurance industry, of which they would continue to make the necessary changes to meet the demands of the market.
“The industry has become very competitive and the only way to stay above board is to have a differentiating strategy, Mr. Amenyedor noted.
He also expressed the concern that most companies were engaging in price-cutting, and if appropriate measures were not put in place to check the situation, they would not be able to meet their basic obligations of paying claims to their clients.
He stated that, Vanguard was purposed for satisfying their customers needs in the insurance industry, “To whom that much is given, much is received,” he expressed.
The CEO expressed his appreciation to God for giving the both staff and management of Vanguard Assurance the power and grace to work hard to win the award.
He also dedicated the award to its cherished customers and all individuals as well as companies who made their dreams came true.
Mr. Amenyedor also commended his predecessor, Mr. M. E. Baba, for establishing a firm foundation in the company, the Vice-Chairman of Vanguard, Mr Daniel Awuah Darko also for his business expertise as well as Mr. W. Keteke for his professionalism in steering the affairs of the board.
He also thanked all its customers for nominating them for the second time.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Graduation
PARENTS and guardians have been advised to invest in the education of their children and wards so that they can make meaningful contributions to national development.
Mr Gideon Amenyedor, acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vanguard Assurance Company Limited made the call at the graduation and speech and prize-giving day of the Higher Heights Academy in Accra.
Speaking on the theme: “Role of Parents Towards Education”, he said the youth could make informed decisions if parents and guardians did not discriminate in the distribution of their wealth, but use them for their children’s education.
He said the youth could make informed decisions on issues of interests when they were empowered through quality education.
“Education is the greatest asset and talent must be harnessed through education, Mr Amenyedor stated, adding that parents must bring their children up with the fear of the Lord.
He, however, urged teachers to give off their best to enable the youth attain good leadership skills.
For his part, the Head of Urology Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Dr Samuel Gepi-Attee, who was the Guest of Honour for the occasion, said parents, and teachers must live exemplary lives in order to influence the youth.
He encouraged teachers to strive towards perfection for the physical and mental development of the youth in the country.
“Never be discouraged in your endeavours, study hard to achieve your purpose in life and also obey your parents and teachers, “, Dr Gepi-Attee advised the students.
Other speakers advised parents to provide good learning materials for their children and also asked teachers to create enabling environment for studies.
Mr Gideon Amenyedor, acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vanguard Assurance Company Limited made the call at the graduation and speech and prize-giving day of the Higher Heights Academy in Accra.
Speaking on the theme: “Role of Parents Towards Education”, he said the youth could make informed decisions if parents and guardians did not discriminate in the distribution of their wealth, but use them for their children’s education.
He said the youth could make informed decisions on issues of interests when they were empowered through quality education.
“Education is the greatest asset and talent must be harnessed through education, Mr Amenyedor stated, adding that parents must bring their children up with the fear of the Lord.
He, however, urged teachers to give off their best to enable the youth attain good leadership skills.
For his part, the Head of Urology Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Dr Samuel Gepi-Attee, who was the Guest of Honour for the occasion, said parents, and teachers must live exemplary lives in order to influence the youth.
He encouraged teachers to strive towards perfection for the physical and mental development of the youth in the country.
“Never be discouraged in your endeavours, study hard to achieve your purpose in life and also obey your parents and teachers, “, Dr Gepi-Attee advised the students.
Other speakers advised parents to provide good learning materials for their children and also asked teachers to create enabling environment for studies.
Medical Screening
Open Door Assemblies of God Church, Mataheko branch has organized medical screening and blood donation exercise for both members of the church as well as a cross section of residents in the area.
The edxercise was organized as part of the 25th Anniversary of the church to enhance both spiritual and physical well being of the people in the community.
The head Pastor of the church, Rev. James Dontoh told the Daily Graphic that it was their civil, as well as social responsibilities to serve the community in order to curb some preventable diseases among the people.
He said, it was the first of it kind, but hoped that it would be organized periodically to enhance the health status of the people.
About 100 people took part in the exercise.
They had the opportunity to check Hepatitis B, Hypertension, Blood pressure, among others.
The church also embarked on a clean-up exercise in and around the community to create awareness for the people to keep the community clean.
The chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Mr Ebenezer Jimmy Ackah said the exercise was to communicate to the community as far as cleanliness was concerned.
He also said, the clean-up was to create a platform to minister to the community through evangelism.
He however, advised members to keep their communities free from all sort of communicable diseases.
The edxercise was organized as part of the 25th Anniversary of the church to enhance both spiritual and physical well being of the people in the community.
The head Pastor of the church, Rev. James Dontoh told the Daily Graphic that it was their civil, as well as social responsibilities to serve the community in order to curb some preventable diseases among the people.
He said, it was the first of it kind, but hoped that it would be organized periodically to enhance the health status of the people.
About 100 people took part in the exercise.
They had the opportunity to check Hepatitis B, Hypertension, Blood pressure, among others.
The church also embarked on a clean-up exercise in and around the community to create awareness for the people to keep the community clean.
The chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Mr Ebenezer Jimmy Ackah said the exercise was to communicate to the community as far as cleanliness was concerned.
He also said, the clean-up was to create a platform to minister to the community through evangelism.
He however, advised members to keep their communities free from all sort of communicable diseases.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
KUC Introduces Petroleum Law Course
KINGS University College (KUC) has introduced a postgraduate programme in Petroleum Law to train students in the field of petroleum in view of the oil discovery in Ghana.
The purpose of the programme, among other things, is to create opportunities for Ghanaian students, as well as others in the West African sub-region.
The Founder of the university college, Dr Felix Kwame Semavor, announced this at the inauguration of a 12-member Board of Regents of the college.
He said the KUC had satisfied the necessary requirements needed for the establishment of a university in the country, of which the National Accreditation Board (NAB) was pleased about.
Dr Semavor, who is also the Vice-Chairman of the board, announced that the KUC was expected to enrol its first batch of students in October this year, adding that 250 students were expected to start the academic year in the various disciplines.
He stated that private universities in Ghana were established to sustain the human resource base of the country and reiterated that the future of Ghana, to a large extent, lay in the capabilities of private universities.
“The KUC is geared towards addressing the needs of many students who desire to have both academic and professional qualifications but have to go through long years of preparation,” the founder stressed, and noted that students would receive their academic qualifications after two years of study, coupled with an extra six months of intensive lectures and exams.
The board is under the chairmanship of Dr Mensah Anamuah Otabil, with Dr Semavor as his vice.
Prof Adow Obeng is the Chancellor of the university, while Prof D.N. Rao is its President, with Dr Charles Asembri as Vice-President.
Other members are Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Justice Sophia Akuffo, Ms Akua Sena Dansua, Prof John Bright Aheto, Dr Emmanuel Gbordzoe and Mr Johnson Kanda.
Prof Obeng outlined financial constraints, sustainability and competition from older institutions as some of the challenges facing private universities in Ghana.
He, however, promised that the board would do its best to build a private medium university in sub-Saharan Africa.
The purpose of the programme, among other things, is to create opportunities for Ghanaian students, as well as others in the West African sub-region.
The Founder of the university college, Dr Felix Kwame Semavor, announced this at the inauguration of a 12-member Board of Regents of the college.
He said the KUC had satisfied the necessary requirements needed for the establishment of a university in the country, of which the National Accreditation Board (NAB) was pleased about.
Dr Semavor, who is also the Vice-Chairman of the board, announced that the KUC was expected to enrol its first batch of students in October this year, adding that 250 students were expected to start the academic year in the various disciplines.
He stated that private universities in Ghana were established to sustain the human resource base of the country and reiterated that the future of Ghana, to a large extent, lay in the capabilities of private universities.
“The KUC is geared towards addressing the needs of many students who desire to have both academic and professional qualifications but have to go through long years of preparation,” the founder stressed, and noted that students would receive their academic qualifications after two years of study, coupled with an extra six months of intensive lectures and exams.
The board is under the chairmanship of Dr Mensah Anamuah Otabil, with Dr Semavor as his vice.
Prof Adow Obeng is the Chancellor of the university, while Prof D.N. Rao is its President, with Dr Charles Asembri as Vice-President.
Other members are Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Justice Sophia Akuffo, Ms Akua Sena Dansua, Prof John Bright Aheto, Dr Emmanuel Gbordzoe and Mr Johnson Kanda.
Prof Obeng outlined financial constraints, sustainability and competition from older institutions as some of the challenges facing private universities in Ghana.
He, however, promised that the board would do its best to build a private medium university in sub-Saharan Africa.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Vanguard staff in mass birthday bash
VANGUARD Assurance Company has recognised the hard work and dedication of some staff members whose birthdays fell between April and June this and awarded them for their relentless efforts.
The celebration also formed part of Ghana’s 49th Republican Day anniversary celebration.
The ceremony was organised for the second quarter celebrants of the company numbering about 15.
As part of the celebration, there were recreational activities such as oware, football games and a health walk.
The Acting Chief Executive (CEO) of the Company, Mr Gideon Amenyedor, said the insurance industry had over the years helped people to secure several insurance benefits in respect of their cars, homes and other properties.
He said Vanguard in 2008 paid insurance claims of GH¢ 6.5 million to its customers in the country.
Mr Amenyedor, however, indicated that it was through the selfless efforts and dedication of the staff that the company had come this far, and needed to celebrate and rejuvenate their dedication.
“Let us learn to celebrate our good name as we celebrate the Republic Day,” he said.
He urged other workers of Vanguard to emulate the examples of their colleagues.
Mr Amenyedor said the company was committed to motivating staff members to give off their best.
“We are committed to making them very happy and this is an example of our commitment,” he added.
He said Vanguard Assurance had provided prompt claims payment, competitive pricing and quality customer services to its clients since its inception.
“This is because, we believe our customers deserve the best and are, therefore, always right in choosing to do business with Vanguard Assurance. Vanguard is now the first in foreign travel insurance market, first in taxi market and first in energy market,” he explained.
Mr Amenyedor said the celebration was to send the message to fellow Ghanaians that they should learn to celebrate happy occasions and also mourn unhappy times.
He said as a country, the celebration of birthdays was not encouraged especially at corporate levels while most corporate bodies assisted staff in mourning the dead.
He expressed optimism that the mass birthday celebrations would continue for the rest of the year for other staff members.
The celebration also formed part of Ghana’s 49th Republican Day anniversary celebration.
The ceremony was organised for the second quarter celebrants of the company numbering about 15.
As part of the celebration, there were recreational activities such as oware, football games and a health walk.
The Acting Chief Executive (CEO) of the Company, Mr Gideon Amenyedor, said the insurance industry had over the years helped people to secure several insurance benefits in respect of their cars, homes and other properties.
He said Vanguard in 2008 paid insurance claims of GH¢ 6.5 million to its customers in the country.
Mr Amenyedor, however, indicated that it was through the selfless efforts and dedication of the staff that the company had come this far, and needed to celebrate and rejuvenate their dedication.
“Let us learn to celebrate our good name as we celebrate the Republic Day,” he said.
He urged other workers of Vanguard to emulate the examples of their colleagues.
Mr Amenyedor said the company was committed to motivating staff members to give off their best.
“We are committed to making them very happy and this is an example of our commitment,” he added.
He said Vanguard Assurance had provided prompt claims payment, competitive pricing and quality customer services to its clients since its inception.
“This is because, we believe our customers deserve the best and are, therefore, always right in choosing to do business with Vanguard Assurance. Vanguard is now the first in foreign travel insurance market, first in taxi market and first in energy market,” he explained.
Mr Amenyedor said the celebration was to send the message to fellow Ghanaians that they should learn to celebrate happy occasions and also mourn unhappy times.
He said as a country, the celebration of birthdays was not encouraged especially at corporate levels while most corporate bodies assisted staff in mourning the dead.
He expressed optimism that the mass birthday celebrations would continue for the rest of the year for other staff members.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
JUC Launches a Five-Year Strategic Plan
A FIVE-YEAR Strategic Plan has been officially launched by the Governing Council of Jayee University College (JUC) to handle the fundamental challenges, policies and opportunities of the University College.
The theme for the plan is “Customising Education to Meet Relevant Current Human Resource Needs: Implications for Private Tertiary Institutions”.
The Strategic Plan outlines the history, vision, mission and values of the college that calls for the review of the existing operations and policies with the growing trends of the global education and management world.
In all, a budget of GH¢388,960 has been estimated for the five-year period.
The guest speaker for the ceremony, Prof. Jophus Anamuah-Mensah, who is also the Chairman of the Governing Council of the college, pointed out that education needs in the country were not only restricted to tertiary education but also to the pre-tertiary education as well.
He called on other private tertiary educational institutions to generate synergy between research and education institutions to help solve societal challenges.
The guest speaker urged teachers and students to demonstrate enterpreneurship culture in their activities to become trained leaders in research as well as business industries.
Prof. Anamuah-Mensah called on the government to put in place urgent strategies to enhance the educational systems in the country.
He also appealed to the government to support private tertiary institutions to expand their research policies capable of strategising societal challenges.
“Tertiary education has for a long period provided some sort of education for the youth in the society,” he stated.
He said available data indicated that about 49 private universities in the country had been accredited but noted that most of them lacked qualified human resource and financial resources to train the students.
He, however, said some funding and adequate human resources should be put in place to rebrand these institutions.
For his part, the President of the college, Mr John Emmanuel Donkoh, noted that having met and satisfied the requirements of the National Accreditation Board (NAB), the college had been accredited to run two faculties, that is, Business Administration and Communication Science.
Mr Donkoh stated that the partnership and affiliation with the University of Education, Winneba had brought a sharp growth and development of the college.
“Indeed, it has ensured a progressive transformation in the education of journalists, mass communicators, as well as public relations practitioners in the country,” he said.
“In this era of knowledge economy, there is an urgent need to produce graduates in specialised disciplines. Fortunately, Jayee has trained students to obtain higher education to enable them to contribute more meaningfully to the country’s development,” Mr Donkoh added.
He also said the collaboration had brought about innovation and radically transformed the mode of training of professionals aimed at equipping graduates with specific knowledge for efficiency and effectiveness to expose them to all opportunities of career development.
Mr Donkoh appealed to the government to extend the GETFund facilities to private universities in the country.
He said he was hopeful that the government would further look into the tax relief on educational materials offered to private institutions.
He also appealed to foreign missions and institutions to help establish a multilingual resource centre that would make graduates more linguistically adaptable to the changing global economy.
The Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tetteh-Enyo, who launched the five-year strategic plan, said the government would extend the GETFund facilities to all private tertiary institutions in the country.
He said quality education should be given to the youth to build and sustain a knowledge-based society.
Mr Tetteh-Enyo also said private tertiary universities should not be profit oriented, but rather, they should be guided by achievable development.
He congratulated the governing council on their laudable initiatives.
The theme for the plan is “Customising Education to Meet Relevant Current Human Resource Needs: Implications for Private Tertiary Institutions”.
The Strategic Plan outlines the history, vision, mission and values of the college that calls for the review of the existing operations and policies with the growing trends of the global education and management world.
In all, a budget of GH¢388,960 has been estimated for the five-year period.
The guest speaker for the ceremony, Prof. Jophus Anamuah-Mensah, who is also the Chairman of the Governing Council of the college, pointed out that education needs in the country were not only restricted to tertiary education but also to the pre-tertiary education as well.
He called on other private tertiary educational institutions to generate synergy between research and education institutions to help solve societal challenges.
The guest speaker urged teachers and students to demonstrate enterpreneurship culture in their activities to become trained leaders in research as well as business industries.
Prof. Anamuah-Mensah called on the government to put in place urgent strategies to enhance the educational systems in the country.
He also appealed to the government to support private tertiary institutions to expand their research policies capable of strategising societal challenges.
“Tertiary education has for a long period provided some sort of education for the youth in the society,” he stated.
He said available data indicated that about 49 private universities in the country had been accredited but noted that most of them lacked qualified human resource and financial resources to train the students.
He, however, said some funding and adequate human resources should be put in place to rebrand these institutions.
For his part, the President of the college, Mr John Emmanuel Donkoh, noted that having met and satisfied the requirements of the National Accreditation Board (NAB), the college had been accredited to run two faculties, that is, Business Administration and Communication Science.
Mr Donkoh stated that the partnership and affiliation with the University of Education, Winneba had brought a sharp growth and development of the college.
“Indeed, it has ensured a progressive transformation in the education of journalists, mass communicators, as well as public relations practitioners in the country,” he said.
“In this era of knowledge economy, there is an urgent need to produce graduates in specialised disciplines. Fortunately, Jayee has trained students to obtain higher education to enable them to contribute more meaningfully to the country’s development,” Mr Donkoh added.
He also said the collaboration had brought about innovation and radically transformed the mode of training of professionals aimed at equipping graduates with specific knowledge for efficiency and effectiveness to expose them to all opportunities of career development.
Mr Donkoh appealed to the government to extend the GETFund facilities to private universities in the country.
He said he was hopeful that the government would further look into the tax relief on educational materials offered to private institutions.
He also appealed to foreign missions and institutions to help establish a multilingual resource centre that would make graduates more linguistically adaptable to the changing global economy.
The Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tetteh-Enyo, who launched the five-year strategic plan, said the government would extend the GETFund facilities to all private tertiary institutions in the country.
He said quality education should be given to the youth to build and sustain a knowledge-based society.
Mr Tetteh-Enyo also said private tertiary universities should not be profit oriented, but rather, they should be guided by achievable development.
He congratulated the governing council on their laudable initiatives.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Appeal for repair of damaged tunnel
RESIDENTS of South McCarthy Hill have appealed to the government to take immediate steps to repair a broken-down tunnel that has led to severe flooding of the area at the least rain showers in recent times.
They feared that the tunnel, which broke down three years ago, had been abandoned, since no effort had been made to repair it.
Their appeal followed last Friday’s rain, which left many homes flooded and caused enormous destruction to properties.
Many residents had to abandon their homes to seek refuge elsewhere.
When the Daily Graphic got to some homes on Saturday morning, many tenants were seen taking the little that they could salvage from the rubble. Others were also trying to drain the water from their rooms.
Mr Owusu Ansah, one of the landlords who spoke to the Daily, said he had lived in the area for the past 12 years and it’s only in the last three years that they began to experience such flooding.
The Chairman of the South McCarthy Hill Residents Association, Nana Asare, also told the Daily Graphic that efforts to get the Municipal Chief Executive (MCEs) and the Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency, Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, to help repair the tunnel had not yielded any fuitful result.
Mr Asare observed that the residents also had a role to play in reducing such incidents and called on them to more co-operative in solving the problem.
"As it is predicted that this year's rain is going to be heavy, I am appealing to residents in the locality to come together to help solve the situation," he stated.
They feared that the tunnel, which broke down three years ago, had been abandoned, since no effort had been made to repair it.
Their appeal followed last Friday’s rain, which left many homes flooded and caused enormous destruction to properties.
Many residents had to abandon their homes to seek refuge elsewhere.
When the Daily Graphic got to some homes on Saturday morning, many tenants were seen taking the little that they could salvage from the rubble. Others were also trying to drain the water from their rooms.
Mr Owusu Ansah, one of the landlords who spoke to the Daily, said he had lived in the area for the past 12 years and it’s only in the last three years that they began to experience such flooding.
The Chairman of the South McCarthy Hill Residents Association, Nana Asare, also told the Daily Graphic that efforts to get the Municipal Chief Executive (MCEs) and the Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency, Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, to help repair the tunnel had not yielded any fuitful result.
Mr Asare observed that the residents also had a role to play in reducing such incidents and called on them to more co-operative in solving the problem.
"As it is predicted that this year's rain is going to be heavy, I am appealing to residents in the locality to come together to help solve the situation," he stated.
Youth leadership seminar to be held at Ada
A youth leadership summer camp is to be organised at the Isaac Hayes NekoTech Centre of Excellence at Ada for students to prepare them for future leadership roles.
The programme would last from July 4 to 19, 2009 and students between the ages of 13 and 16 would participate.
The Ghana MBA of Leadership Camp, as it is known, is an initiative of Channels of Blessings Global Ministry, Youth of Hope and Angels of Hope of the Isaac Hayes Foundation, NekoTech Centre of Ada.
Channels of Blessings Global Ministry is a Christian-centred holistic human development training programme organised in Ada, Tema and Accra.
A statement issued by the programme organisers said the students would be trained in various development areas, including spiritual and special skills development.
It said the students would also study leadership styles of their historic role models.
The summer camp is the first of its kind during which participants would learn about leaders who had made historical impact in the world such as former South African President Mandela Nelson, current President Mills, Vice-President Mahama, US President Barrack H. Obama and his wife, Michelle.
They would also use the opportunity to serve the inmates of the Angels of Hope Orphan Support.
“I realised that there was not much for the development of teenagers outside of school, especially during the summer,” the release quoted Princess Ocansey, Chief Executive Officer of Channels of Blessings Global Ministry and the NekoTech Centre, as saying.
She added, “I see this time as historic for us as a people to have great leaders our children can look up to.”
Ms Ocansey said next year they would invite children of Ghanaians living , as well as teenagers from all over the world, to come to Ghana for the summer camp.
Some of the unique training programmes next year would be chief-making and queen-making, where the students will be trained in the tenets of chieftaincy.
The Isaac Hayes Foundation NekoTech Centre is also a Centre of Excellence dedicated to improving the quality of life of rural communities through education, technology, health, entertainment and economic development.
However, Youth of Hope and Angels of Hope are both NekoTech initiatives for teenagers and orphans respectively to help in their growth, support and development into responsible citizens of our nation.
The purpose of Ghana MBA of Leadership Camp is to distance participating students from the hazards of complex and technology-driven cosmopolitan and metropolitan city life during vacations.
The perfect opportunity Ghana MBA of Leadership Camp offers is to allow social interactions between the students with City Life and the less-privileged or orphans in the village settings devoid of gadgets, machines and technologies.
The programme would last from July 4 to 19, 2009 and students between the ages of 13 and 16 would participate.
The Ghana MBA of Leadership Camp, as it is known, is an initiative of Channels of Blessings Global Ministry, Youth of Hope and Angels of Hope of the Isaac Hayes Foundation, NekoTech Centre of Ada.
Channels of Blessings Global Ministry is a Christian-centred holistic human development training programme organised in Ada, Tema and Accra.
A statement issued by the programme organisers said the students would be trained in various development areas, including spiritual and special skills development.
It said the students would also study leadership styles of their historic role models.
The summer camp is the first of its kind during which participants would learn about leaders who had made historical impact in the world such as former South African President Mandela Nelson, current President Mills, Vice-President Mahama, US President Barrack H. Obama and his wife, Michelle.
They would also use the opportunity to serve the inmates of the Angels of Hope Orphan Support.
“I realised that there was not much for the development of teenagers outside of school, especially during the summer,” the release quoted Princess Ocansey, Chief Executive Officer of Channels of Blessings Global Ministry and the NekoTech Centre, as saying.
She added, “I see this time as historic for us as a people to have great leaders our children can look up to.”
Ms Ocansey said next year they would invite children of Ghanaians living , as well as teenagers from all over the world, to come to Ghana for the summer camp.
Some of the unique training programmes next year would be chief-making and queen-making, where the students will be trained in the tenets of chieftaincy.
The Isaac Hayes Foundation NekoTech Centre is also a Centre of Excellence dedicated to improving the quality of life of rural communities through education, technology, health, entertainment and economic development.
However, Youth of Hope and Angels of Hope are both NekoTech initiatives for teenagers and orphans respectively to help in their growth, support and development into responsible citizens of our nation.
The purpose of Ghana MBA of Leadership Camp is to distance participating students from the hazards of complex and technology-driven cosmopolitan and metropolitan city life during vacations.
The perfect opportunity Ghana MBA of Leadership Camp offers is to allow social interactions between the students with City Life and the less-privileged or orphans in the village settings devoid of gadgets, machines and technologies.
Jayee University College on the rise
Twenty years ago, a private individual, Mr John Emmanuel Donkoh, took up the challenge to support the government’s efforts at providing tertiary education for the nation’s youth.
He started a secretarial school in a wooden structure located at the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) Hall, in Accra, with 18 students. The school was then known as Jayee Institute.
No sooner had the school started, than a new place at Adabraka was secured to make teaching and learning more conducive.
Mr Donkoh in those years was spurred on by the desire to give the youth wandering the streets employable skills they could hold on to for good. That need included addressing a skill or knowledge deficiency that could result in making the youth employable and good citizens.
Many challenges confronted this budding institute through the years but with resolve and zeal the enterprise was bound to succeed.
Jayee introduced other professional courses to make the existence of the school more relevant to the needs of the day.
A lot of thinking, research and support went into the decision to include Journalism, Public Relations and Marketing at the Diploma Level to the existing courses.
The National Accreditation Board (NAB) granted the institution approval to take a step further to commence degree courses, necessitating a change in name to Jayee University College (JUC).
In tandem to its growth, the school, in 1999, moved to its current location, in the plush atmosphere of McCarthy Hill on the Mallam-Kasoa road.
It is now a pride of 61 strong working force of staff and lecturers and about 500 youthful men and women from all over Africa pursuing either degree or diploma courses in Journalism, Public Relations, Accounting, Secretaryship and Management Studies, Bilingual Secretaryship, Human Resource Management and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Because the college finds training to be a cost-effective solution to define need, it has taken into account current job demands and has tailored its courses to meet these demands, earning a success rate of 85 per cent and 75 per cent in external and internal examinations respectively.
Records indicate that as of December 2007, the college had trained about 3,233 students and out of this, 2,791 qualified for Diploma certificate and 210 of them being foreign students.
Today, JUC professionals are either working within the length and breadth of national industry or are pursuing further courses at home or abroad.
It is therefore not surprising that the college over the past few years has been decorated with the “Most Enterprising Institute of the year 2004 Award”, “Ghana Industrial Pinnacle Award (Certificate of Achievement) in 2005” as well as the Noble International Award 2006”.
The new status of JUC has made it imperative to reconstitute the governing body.
The 13-member governing council comprises seasoned professionals in their respective fields and chaired by Professor Jophus Anamuah-Mensah, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba.
In spite of its achievements the management is still resolved to chalk up more succeesses. The management has acquired land at Weija, a distance of two kilometres from the school, to develop into a modern university college, with ultra-modern school block, an administrative block and other facilities to make teaching and learning conducive and responsive to organisational needs.
Because profit-making was not the sole aim of setting up the institution, the college, in response to its corporate social responsibilities, provides assistance to at least five gifted needy students each year. About 140 of such students have benefited from the scheme since 1999.
According to the president of the college, the Communication Science programme was introduced to erase the perception people have that Jayee is still a secretarial school.
He said females were the strength of the school as they performed better than their male counterparts.
He pointed out that JUC has the vision of becoming the best tertiary institution in management and journalism in Ghana.
He started a secretarial school in a wooden structure located at the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) Hall, in Accra, with 18 students. The school was then known as Jayee Institute.
No sooner had the school started, than a new place at Adabraka was secured to make teaching and learning more conducive.
Mr Donkoh in those years was spurred on by the desire to give the youth wandering the streets employable skills they could hold on to for good. That need included addressing a skill or knowledge deficiency that could result in making the youth employable and good citizens.
Many challenges confronted this budding institute through the years but with resolve and zeal the enterprise was bound to succeed.
Jayee introduced other professional courses to make the existence of the school more relevant to the needs of the day.
A lot of thinking, research and support went into the decision to include Journalism, Public Relations and Marketing at the Diploma Level to the existing courses.
The National Accreditation Board (NAB) granted the institution approval to take a step further to commence degree courses, necessitating a change in name to Jayee University College (JUC).
In tandem to its growth, the school, in 1999, moved to its current location, in the plush atmosphere of McCarthy Hill on the Mallam-Kasoa road.
It is now a pride of 61 strong working force of staff and lecturers and about 500 youthful men and women from all over Africa pursuing either degree or diploma courses in Journalism, Public Relations, Accounting, Secretaryship and Management Studies, Bilingual Secretaryship, Human Resource Management and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Because the college finds training to be a cost-effective solution to define need, it has taken into account current job demands and has tailored its courses to meet these demands, earning a success rate of 85 per cent and 75 per cent in external and internal examinations respectively.
Records indicate that as of December 2007, the college had trained about 3,233 students and out of this, 2,791 qualified for Diploma certificate and 210 of them being foreign students.
Today, JUC professionals are either working within the length and breadth of national industry or are pursuing further courses at home or abroad.
It is therefore not surprising that the college over the past few years has been decorated with the “Most Enterprising Institute of the year 2004 Award”, “Ghana Industrial Pinnacle Award (Certificate of Achievement) in 2005” as well as the Noble International Award 2006”.
The new status of JUC has made it imperative to reconstitute the governing body.
The 13-member governing council comprises seasoned professionals in their respective fields and chaired by Professor Jophus Anamuah-Mensah, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba.
In spite of its achievements the management is still resolved to chalk up more succeesses. The management has acquired land at Weija, a distance of two kilometres from the school, to develop into a modern university college, with ultra-modern school block, an administrative block and other facilities to make teaching and learning conducive and responsive to organisational needs.
Because profit-making was not the sole aim of setting up the institution, the college, in response to its corporate social responsibilities, provides assistance to at least five gifted needy students each year. About 140 of such students have benefited from the scheme since 1999.
According to the president of the college, the Communication Science programme was introduced to erase the perception people have that Jayee is still a secretarial school.
He said females were the strength of the school as they performed better than their male counterparts.
He pointed out that JUC has the vision of becoming the best tertiary institution in management and journalism in Ghana.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Jayee University College gets Governing Council
A THIRTEEN-Member Governing Council of Jayee University College (JUC) has been set up to map out strategies to achieve the college's vision.
The council is also to serve as an advisory board for the president and other members of administration.
The council, with Professor Jophus Anamuah-Mensah as chairman has been set up following the granting of accreditation by the National Accreditation Board for the running of tertiary programmes and subsequent change in name from Jayee Institute to Jayee University College.
Other members of the council include, the President of the University College, Mr John Emmanuel Donkoh, Mr William Sam Awotwe, Prof S.O Gyandoh, Mr Asare Bediako, Mr Thomas Ziem, Mr David Newton and Prof Akwesi Asabre-Ameyaw.
The rest are, Mr Steve Bemile, Mr Cobbinah Swanzy, Mr Patrick Ayittah, Mr Ebenezer Kakra Sackey and Dr Isaac Sagoe.
The council is also to help grow the school into a highly respected and prestigious university in Africa.
The president of the college, Mr Donkoh noted that the purpose of the school was to train students to come out as potential citizens in society.
He therefore advised all students to take their studies seriously and "know that your determination today will lead to your success tomorrow", he urged.
The council is also to serve as an advisory board for the president and other members of administration.
The council, with Professor Jophus Anamuah-Mensah as chairman has been set up following the granting of accreditation by the National Accreditation Board for the running of tertiary programmes and subsequent change in name from Jayee Institute to Jayee University College.
Other members of the council include, the President of the University College, Mr John Emmanuel Donkoh, Mr William Sam Awotwe, Prof S.O Gyandoh, Mr Asare Bediako, Mr Thomas Ziem, Mr David Newton and Prof Akwesi Asabre-Ameyaw.
The rest are, Mr Steve Bemile, Mr Cobbinah Swanzy, Mr Patrick Ayittah, Mr Ebenezer Kakra Sackey and Dr Isaac Sagoe.
The council is also to help grow the school into a highly respected and prestigious university in Africa.
The president of the college, Mr Donkoh noted that the purpose of the school was to train students to come out as potential citizens in society.
He therefore advised all students to take their studies seriously and "know that your determination today will lead to your success tomorrow", he urged.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Jayee University College gets IPR Chapter
THE Jayee University College (JUC) chapter of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) was officially inaugurated in Accra on Friday to enable students to be abreast of the profession in the job market.
The ceremony also saw the first batch of seven new executives being inaugurated.
They are, Mr Francis Odonkor, President, Ms Mimmie Ross-Aikins, Vice President and Mr David Okai Sampah, the General Secretary in charge of Administration.
Others are, Nana Boakye James, Treasurer, Ms Portia Love Acheampong, General Secretary in charge of Finance and Messrs Gideon Osei Adamtey and Edward Effah-Brobbery as Public Relations Officer (PRO) and Organiser respectively.
The Executive Secretary of IPR, Ghana, Mr Joseph Dottey, who was the guest speaker for the occasion, noted that about fifty per cent of a person’s reputation was lost if the code of ethics and conducts were not taken in consideration.
He said students learnt different things in school while they practiced other things on the job.
Mr Dottey therefore asked the students to be serious with the code of professional standards so that the practice would not be marred.
“Respect anybody in the public that you deal with, do not look down on the external public and be mindful of how you build your image to become a credible PR practitioner”, he advised.
Mr Dotty urged the students to build their images on honesty and integrity in order to improve the standards of the profession.
Mr Joseph Emmanuel Donkor, Principal of JUC, noted that the purpose of tertiary education was to train students to be able to find their level on the job market to work effectively with their colleagues.
He therefore, congratulated the students who had worked tirelessly to uplift the image of the school.
The Assistant Patron of the Chapter, Mr Ken Awuku, noted that IPR was to help expand the frontier and growth of the profession as well as enhance cordial relationship with members of the society.
Mr Awuku also urged the students to live responsible leadership lifestyles for others to emulate.
For her part, the Council Member for students chapter cordination, Mrs Mavis Essandoh, advised the students to humble themselves while they listened to their publics in dealing with issues concerning them.
The Student Representative Council president of JUC, Mr Robert Dela Mawunyegah, congratulated the students for their laudable initiatives and advised them to help sustain the chapter.
The ceremony also saw the first batch of seven new executives being inaugurated.
They are, Mr Francis Odonkor, President, Ms Mimmie Ross-Aikins, Vice President and Mr David Okai Sampah, the General Secretary in charge of Administration.
Others are, Nana Boakye James, Treasurer, Ms Portia Love Acheampong, General Secretary in charge of Finance and Messrs Gideon Osei Adamtey and Edward Effah-Brobbery as Public Relations Officer (PRO) and Organiser respectively.
The Executive Secretary of IPR, Ghana, Mr Joseph Dottey, who was the guest speaker for the occasion, noted that about fifty per cent of a person’s reputation was lost if the code of ethics and conducts were not taken in consideration.
He said students learnt different things in school while they practiced other things on the job.
Mr Dottey therefore asked the students to be serious with the code of professional standards so that the practice would not be marred.
“Respect anybody in the public that you deal with, do not look down on the external public and be mindful of how you build your image to become a credible PR practitioner”, he advised.
Mr Dotty urged the students to build their images on honesty and integrity in order to improve the standards of the profession.
Mr Joseph Emmanuel Donkor, Principal of JUC, noted that the purpose of tertiary education was to train students to be able to find their level on the job market to work effectively with their colleagues.
He therefore, congratulated the students who had worked tirelessly to uplift the image of the school.
The Assistant Patron of the Chapter, Mr Ken Awuku, noted that IPR was to help expand the frontier and growth of the profession as well as enhance cordial relationship with members of the society.
Mr Awuku also urged the students to live responsible leadership lifestyles for others to emulate.
For her part, the Council Member for students chapter cordination, Mrs Mavis Essandoh, advised the students to humble themselves while they listened to their publics in dealing with issues concerning them.
The Student Representative Council president of JUC, Mr Robert Dela Mawunyegah, congratulated the students for their laudable initiatives and advised them to help sustain the chapter.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
SRC
THE President of the Students Representative Council (SRC) of the Accra City Campus (ACC) of the University of Ghana, Mr Francis Agilinko, has appealed to university students to strive hard to acquire knowledge that would make them useful to society in future.
He gave the advice when he took over the mantle of office from the outgoing executive of the SRC at a ceremony in Accra.
Other executive members of the SRC who were sworn into office were Mr Stanley Larbi, Vice President; Nana Osei Bonsu, Secretary; Ms Mercy Ankoma, Treasurer, and Ms Marian Markins, Women’s Commissioner.
Mr Akilingo, told the Daily Graphic that under his leadership, the SRC would dialogue with the administration of the university to solve such problems such the restructuring of the academic timetable and high tuition fees.
He said the SRC would also explore opportunities to resuscitate the students loan to enhance the lives of students on campus.
Mr Akilingo, however, said it was regrettable that in this 21st century in Ghana some students still carried chairs from their homes to lecture theatres, and pledged the commitment of his SRC to finding a lasting solution to the problem.
The immediate past SRC President, Mr Steve Abayah, urged the new administration to work together to improve the image of the university, and also advised it to do away with politics, since it had the potential for dividing their front.
He gave the advice when he took over the mantle of office from the outgoing executive of the SRC at a ceremony in Accra.
Other executive members of the SRC who were sworn into office were Mr Stanley Larbi, Vice President; Nana Osei Bonsu, Secretary; Ms Mercy Ankoma, Treasurer, and Ms Marian Markins, Women’s Commissioner.
Mr Akilingo, told the Daily Graphic that under his leadership, the SRC would dialogue with the administration of the university to solve such problems such the restructuring of the academic timetable and high tuition fees.
He said the SRC would also explore opportunities to resuscitate the students loan to enhance the lives of students on campus.
Mr Akilingo, however, said it was regrettable that in this 21st century in Ghana some students still carried chairs from their homes to lecture theatres, and pledged the commitment of his SRC to finding a lasting solution to the problem.
The immediate past SRC President, Mr Steve Abayah, urged the new administration to work together to improve the image of the university, and also advised it to do away with politics, since it had the potential for dividing their front.
Friday, May 8, 2009
UAM
TWENTY-FIVE freshmen and women of the University of Applied Management (UAM) have been officially admitted to the university to pursue various degree programmes.
The occasion marked the commencement of the summer semester for the 2009 academic year.
The Country Director of the university, Prof. Martin Dzambrah, said the school, which was established in Ghana in October, was also associated with universities all over the world.
Prof. Dzambra noted that UAM was committed to its responsibilities of striving for international excellence.
The Country Director noted that UAM was the centre for business competencies, which created and distributed knowledge with practical academic disciplines.
Prof. Dzambrah said UAM was one of the few universities in the country that ran distance learning programmes for its students.
He noted that the university’s education was to enable them to acquire relevant knowledge in certain fields of study and develop analytical minds that would be important to them and society.
An architect, Mr Felix Abbey, who was also the guest speaker for the occasion, advised the students to live above reproach and be good examples of the good moral training that the university inculcated in them.
“Look up to the ultimate for excellence, always strive hard towards your education so as to raise the standard of learning in the country,” he advised.
An MBA student, Mr Gordon Akotey, said the practical teaching methods gave them the knowledge that they would required at their various workplaces.
The university currently has about 35 students pursuing Bachelor and Master’s degree programmes.
The occasion marked the commencement of the summer semester for the 2009 academic year.
The Country Director of the university, Prof. Martin Dzambrah, said the school, which was established in Ghana in October, was also associated with universities all over the world.
Prof. Dzambra noted that UAM was committed to its responsibilities of striving for international excellence.
The Country Director noted that UAM was the centre for business competencies, which created and distributed knowledge with practical academic disciplines.
Prof. Dzambrah said UAM was one of the few universities in the country that ran distance learning programmes for its students.
He noted that the university’s education was to enable them to acquire relevant knowledge in certain fields of study and develop analytical minds that would be important to them and society.
An architect, Mr Felix Abbey, who was also the guest speaker for the occasion, advised the students to live above reproach and be good examples of the good moral training that the university inculcated in them.
“Look up to the ultimate for excellence, always strive hard towards your education so as to raise the standard of learning in the country,” he advised.
An MBA student, Mr Gordon Akotey, said the practical teaching methods gave them the knowledge that they would required at their various workplaces.
The university currently has about 35 students pursuing Bachelor and Master’s degree programmes.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Clean up
VANGUARD Assurance has embarked on a clean-up exercise at the Christian Faith Foster Home at Fafraha, a suburb of Accra, to improve sanitation at the home.
It was the first time the company had organised such an exercise at the home, and it was to help build a maintenance culture for the home as part of the company’s corporate and social responsibility.
The acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vanguard Assurance Company, Mr Gideon Amenyedor, said the company as a business entity was out to partner the government to help the less privileged in the society.
Mr Amenyedor said children and teachers in deprived areas such as Fafraha needed support and that the Vanguard Assurance Company had built a four-classroom block with a modern office complex for the home, and named it after the founder of the company, Nana Awuah- Darko Ampem.
In addition, the company also donated sets of textbooks to the home.
The CEO, therefore, asked administrators of the home to use the books for future references to enhance their horizon.
Members of the foster home expressed appreciation and assured Vanguard that the books would be put into good use.
It was the first time the company had organised such an exercise at the home, and it was to help build a maintenance culture for the home as part of the company’s corporate and social responsibility.
The acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vanguard Assurance Company, Mr Gideon Amenyedor, said the company as a business entity was out to partner the government to help the less privileged in the society.
Mr Amenyedor said children and teachers in deprived areas such as Fafraha needed support and that the Vanguard Assurance Company had built a four-classroom block with a modern office complex for the home, and named it after the founder of the company, Nana Awuah- Darko Ampem.
In addition, the company also donated sets of textbooks to the home.
The CEO, therefore, asked administrators of the home to use the books for future references to enhance their horizon.
Members of the foster home expressed appreciation and assured Vanguard that the books would be put into good use.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Donation
The OSU Regal Shell Services Station has donated items and cash to the Nazareth Orphanage at Nsawam in the Eastern Region.
The items worth GH¢1,000, included used clothing, two bags of rice and two containers of cooking oil.
The Assistant Manager of the station, Mr King-Jonas Quarcoo who presented the items on behalf of the company, said the donation formed part of the station's social responsibility.
He said the items were to supplement the needs of the less privileged in society, adding that the gesture was also its widow’s mite towards meeting the needs of the inmates.
Mr Quarcoo expressed said that the gift would be an annual affair.
The Director of the orphanage, Pastor Ohene Kwasi Akuffo, who received the items on behalf of the inmates, thanked the company for the gesture and said the donation would help to address their needs.
He appealed to the government, individuals and other institutions to come to the aid the orphanage.
The items worth GH¢1,000, included used clothing, two bags of rice and two containers of cooking oil.
The Assistant Manager of the station, Mr King-Jonas Quarcoo who presented the items on behalf of the company, said the donation formed part of the station's social responsibility.
He said the items were to supplement the needs of the less privileged in society, adding that the gesture was also its widow’s mite towards meeting the needs of the inmates.
Mr Quarcoo expressed said that the gift would be an annual affair.
The Director of the orphanage, Pastor Ohene Kwasi Akuffo, who received the items on behalf of the inmates, thanked the company for the gesture and said the donation would help to address their needs.
He appealed to the government, individuals and other institutions to come to the aid the orphanage.
Agreement
THE Ministry of Health and its development partners have signed an agreement to map out strategies to improve the health sector of the country.
The partners are Japan, the United States of America, Germany and Sierra Leone.
The agreement, a yearly initiative undertaken by the ministry to review and assess performance, was reached after discussions were held at a business meeting to reflect commitments of health partners towards improving the health sector.
The Minister of Health, Dr George Sipa-Adjah Yankey, said the health sector had achieved a 30 per cent reduction in under-five mortality rate but noted that non-communicable diseases were assuming alarming proportions and that needed prompt attention.
“We need to strengthen our emergency services and put maternal and child health services as top priorities in line with the focus of the sector for 2009,” Dr Yankey said.
He was hopeful that all issues raised in the agreement would be implemented and properly monitored for the resolution of challenges in the health sector.
For his part, the US Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Donald Teitelbaum, said the development partners were ready to work with the government to help improve the health sector.
He also noted that the joint strategy would create more room to embrace both bilateral projects and multilateral funding in Ghana.
Mr Teitelbaum indicated that the development partners would welcome regular opportunities to interact with the leadership of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
He commended the ministry for its commitment and dedication to improve the health of women and children in the country.
The partners are Japan, the United States of America, Germany and Sierra Leone.
The agreement, a yearly initiative undertaken by the ministry to review and assess performance, was reached after discussions were held at a business meeting to reflect commitments of health partners towards improving the health sector.
The Minister of Health, Dr George Sipa-Adjah Yankey, said the health sector had achieved a 30 per cent reduction in under-five mortality rate but noted that non-communicable diseases were assuming alarming proportions and that needed prompt attention.
“We need to strengthen our emergency services and put maternal and child health services as top priorities in line with the focus of the sector for 2009,” Dr Yankey said.
He was hopeful that all issues raised in the agreement would be implemented and properly monitored for the resolution of challenges in the health sector.
For his part, the US Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Donald Teitelbaum, said the development partners were ready to work with the government to help improve the health sector.
He also noted that the joint strategy would create more room to embrace both bilateral projects and multilateral funding in Ghana.
Mr Teitelbaum indicated that the development partners would welcome regular opportunities to interact with the leadership of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
He commended the ministry for its commitment and dedication to improve the health of women and children in the country.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Zenith Walk
Zenith Bank has embarked on a health walk through some principal streets of Accra to offer its staff, clientele and the general public opportunities to learn, manage and improve their health and lifestyles.
The two-hour walk took participants through the Cantonments Post Office area, the Jubilee House traffic light the Akuafo Roundabout and Silver Star Towers traffic lights before they finally converged at the Aviation Social Centre.
The participants used the event to exercise their bodies to promote good health.
The Managing Director (MD) of the company, Mr Andy Ojei, told journalists that the walk created the opportunity to reduce the stress staff went through in their daily activities.
He said: “Healthy minds live in healthy bodies,” and that occasionally, staff members should exercise to keep their bodies fit and free from illnesses.
Mr Ojei also noted that the health walk was in fulfilment of the company’s responsibilities to its partners and customers.
He expressed optimism that the event would be organised quarterly to improve the health status of the staff.
The Minister of Health, Dr George Sipa-Yankey, in a speech read on his behalf, said exercises helped to reduce the incidents of diseases such as hypertension.
Besides, he said, exercises could increase the life expectancy of people since they would always be healthy.
The two-hour walk took participants through the Cantonments Post Office area, the Jubilee House traffic light the Akuafo Roundabout and Silver Star Towers traffic lights before they finally converged at the Aviation Social Centre.
The participants used the event to exercise their bodies to promote good health.
The Managing Director (MD) of the company, Mr Andy Ojei, told journalists that the walk created the opportunity to reduce the stress staff went through in their daily activities.
He said: “Healthy minds live in healthy bodies,” and that occasionally, staff members should exercise to keep their bodies fit and free from illnesses.
Mr Ojei also noted that the health walk was in fulfilment of the company’s responsibilities to its partners and customers.
He expressed optimism that the event would be organised quarterly to improve the health status of the staff.
The Minister of Health, Dr George Sipa-Yankey, in a speech read on his behalf, said exercises helped to reduce the incidents of diseases such as hypertension.
Besides, he said, exercises could increase the life expectancy of people since they would always be healthy.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Zenith Fair
THE Minister of Communications, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, yesterday launched the Zenith Bank Fair in Accra and noted that the competitive telecommunications environment in the country is facilitating and supporting the provision of financial services.
The fair is aimed at showcasing the products of the bank to its customers and also celebrate relationships with its partners in the business industry.
The minister said to further support the financial sector, an electronic transaction and communications Law had been enacted to provide the enabling environment to enhance e-Banking and e-Commerce in the country.
The government has also initiated moves to facilitate broadband to complete the second phase of the backbone project to make broadband available in all parts of the country to enhance quality and affordable e-services to the citizenry.
He said some banks, particularly Zenith Bank, was taking advantage of it to provide electronic products such as Internet banking, Z-Prompt, Z-Mobile, SMS Banking, e-ticketing and the School Solution.
Mr Iddrisu said the introduction of such e-banking products onto the Ghanaian market offered solutions to the financial needs of the citizenry and increased productivity and efficiency within the banking sector.
“Zenith Bank’s presence in Ghana has not only added to innovation and competitiveness in the banking industry but has brought banking to new heights,” he said.
The minister challenged financial institutions to provide creative and innovative products to address the needs of the banking industry.
Mr Iddrisu urged the Zenith Bank to offer quality service and provide an efficient customer service to enhance customer confidence with its clients.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the bank, Mr Andy Ojei, said the fair, which will be an annual event, was further aimed at creating awareness of the public to its operations.
The fair provided the opportunity for interaction between representatives from other entities such UT Financial Services, Omatex Computers, among others, to also showcase their products.
The fair is aimed at showcasing the products of the bank to its customers and also celebrate relationships with its partners in the business industry.
The minister said to further support the financial sector, an electronic transaction and communications Law had been enacted to provide the enabling environment to enhance e-Banking and e-Commerce in the country.
The government has also initiated moves to facilitate broadband to complete the second phase of the backbone project to make broadband available in all parts of the country to enhance quality and affordable e-services to the citizenry.
He said some banks, particularly Zenith Bank, was taking advantage of it to provide electronic products such as Internet banking, Z-Prompt, Z-Mobile, SMS Banking, e-ticketing and the School Solution.
Mr Iddrisu said the introduction of such e-banking products onto the Ghanaian market offered solutions to the financial needs of the citizenry and increased productivity and efficiency within the banking sector.
“Zenith Bank’s presence in Ghana has not only added to innovation and competitiveness in the banking industry but has brought banking to new heights,” he said.
The minister challenged financial institutions to provide creative and innovative products to address the needs of the banking industry.
Mr Iddrisu urged the Zenith Bank to offer quality service and provide an efficient customer service to enhance customer confidence with its clients.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the bank, Mr Andy Ojei, said the fair, which will be an annual event, was further aimed at creating awareness of the public to its operations.
The fair provided the opportunity for interaction between representatives from other entities such UT Financial Services, Omatex Computers, among others, to also showcase their products.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Computers
JAYEE Institute has launched a three-year computer project to enhance the academic work of students and also increase their knowledge in information and communication technology (ICT).
The project, which costs GH¢18,000, is expected to end with the provision of ICT facilities for all aspects of the instutute’s programmes.
As a first step, 10 new computers have been acquired and dedicated at a ceremony at the institute.
The Rector of the institute, Mr Joseph Emmanuel Donkor, told the Daily Graphic in an interview that due developments in technology, it was necessary to introduce a policy to stock the institute with ICT facilities to enable students to carry out effective research work.
He noted that the goal of the institute was to provide students with quality tuition with emphasis on research as part of its contribution to the development of the human resource base of the country.
He said although the institute was still constrained in terms of space and financing, it hoped to increase the number of computers to ensure that every student of the institute would have access to a computer when the need arose.
He advised students to make good use of the Internet for their research work to enable them submit assignments in time.
The project, which costs GH¢18,000, is expected to end with the provision of ICT facilities for all aspects of the instutute’s programmes.
As a first step, 10 new computers have been acquired and dedicated at a ceremony at the institute.
The Rector of the institute, Mr Joseph Emmanuel Donkor, told the Daily Graphic in an interview that due developments in technology, it was necessary to introduce a policy to stock the institute with ICT facilities to enable students to carry out effective research work.
He noted that the goal of the institute was to provide students with quality tuition with emphasis on research as part of its contribution to the development of the human resource base of the country.
He said although the institute was still constrained in terms of space and financing, it hoped to increase the number of computers to ensure that every student of the institute would have access to a computer when the need arose.
He advised students to make good use of the Internet for their research work to enable them submit assignments in time.
UCOMS
THREE Hundred and Ninety- Four fresh students of the University College of Management Studies (UCOMS) at New Aplaku in the Greater Accra Region were officially admitted into the university last Saturday to pursue various degree programmes.
The ceremony was the second for the university which used to be the Institue of Management Studies (IMS).
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of University of Education, Winneba, Prof Akwasi Asabere-Ameyaw, urged students to exhibit good behavioural patterns and be obedient to authorities.
"As you go through the nurturing period, you need to maintain standards to retain your affiliation and maintain the present faculty," Mr Asabere-Ameyaw advised.
He added that university’s education was to enable them to acquire relevant knowledge in certain fields of study and develop analytical minds which will be important to them and the society.
Mr Asabere-Ameyaw advised those matriculating to live above reproach and to be good examples of the good moral training that the university inculcates in them.
"Always follow laid down channels of communication in resolving differences and misunderstandings that may arise between you and others, avoid taking notes from your colleagues because they may have introduced errors", he urged.
The Principal of the university, Prof Nathaniel Kofi Pecku, said the UCOMS was one of the few tertiary institutions with degree programme in procurement and supply chain management.
"Our programmes continue to provide a broad background and solid foundation during the first two years before specialisation begins in the third year. The various programmes either individually or in combination provide adequate, sound and preferred competencies needed in business organisations and industry," he said.
The staffing position of the college, he said, was satisfactory and of high quality.
Its management, Prof Pecku said, always strived to appoint qualified staff so as to raise the standard of teaching and learning, and that the feed back from the staff suggested that many students were serious with their studies.
"The administration will continue to encourage staff to operate at their maximum. The university will promote in-service programmes which could improve delivery in the lecture room," he said.
The ceremony was the second for the university which used to be the Institue of Management Studies (IMS).
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of University of Education, Winneba, Prof Akwasi Asabere-Ameyaw, urged students to exhibit good behavioural patterns and be obedient to authorities.
"As you go through the nurturing period, you need to maintain standards to retain your affiliation and maintain the present faculty," Mr Asabere-Ameyaw advised.
He added that university’s education was to enable them to acquire relevant knowledge in certain fields of study and develop analytical minds which will be important to them and the society.
Mr Asabere-Ameyaw advised those matriculating to live above reproach and to be good examples of the good moral training that the university inculcates in them.
"Always follow laid down channels of communication in resolving differences and misunderstandings that may arise between you and others, avoid taking notes from your colleagues because they may have introduced errors", he urged.
The Principal of the university, Prof Nathaniel Kofi Pecku, said the UCOMS was one of the few tertiary institutions with degree programme in procurement and supply chain management.
"Our programmes continue to provide a broad background and solid foundation during the first two years before specialisation begins in the third year. The various programmes either individually or in combination provide adequate, sound and preferred competencies needed in business organisations and industry," he said.
The staffing position of the college, he said, was satisfactory and of high quality.
Its management, Prof Pecku said, always strived to appoint qualified staff so as to raise the standard of teaching and learning, and that the feed back from the staff suggested that many students were serious with their studies.
"The administration will continue to encourage staff to operate at their maximum. The university will promote in-service programmes which could improve delivery in the lecture room," he said.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Vanguard
VANGUARD Assurance has embarked on the second phase of a road safety campaign to draw the attention of the public to the recklessness on the country’s roads and how to avoid those accidents.
The campaign is also aimed at cautioning commercial drivers on the need to drive professionally during and after the Easter period.
The acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Mr Gideon Amenyedor, noted that the campaign was aimed at drawing attention to how the carnage on the roads could be prevented or minimised.
Mr Amenyedor said most commercial drivers drove under the influence of alcohol, causing a lot of deaths in the country in recent times.
“We wish to appeal to our commercial drivers to desist from this practice, adding that, if drivers drink, they should not drive”.
He said all drivers, especially commercial ones, must ensure that they took enough rest after work for their bodies and minds to ‘recharge’ for the next day’s work.
“If you drink, don’t drive; if you drive, don’t drink. Also if you are tired, don’t drive and if you drive and get tired on the way, break the journey and take a rest before you continue,” that was the message from Mr Amenyedor.
The Vice-Chairman of the Vanguard Assurance, Mr Daniel Awuah Darko, also reminded drivers to practise safe driving methods to keep road users safe during the Easter period and beyond.
Mr Darko asked drivers to be collectively responsible to all stakeholders in the country.
For his part, the Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Mr Justice Amegashie, said road accidents alone accounted for about 1.6 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Mr Amegashie, however, commended Vanguard Assurance for their leading role in checking the carnage on the road.
The campaign is also aimed at cautioning commercial drivers on the need to drive professionally during and after the Easter period.
The acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Mr Gideon Amenyedor, noted that the campaign was aimed at drawing attention to how the carnage on the roads could be prevented or minimised.
Mr Amenyedor said most commercial drivers drove under the influence of alcohol, causing a lot of deaths in the country in recent times.
“We wish to appeal to our commercial drivers to desist from this practice, adding that, if drivers drink, they should not drive”.
He said all drivers, especially commercial ones, must ensure that they took enough rest after work for their bodies and minds to ‘recharge’ for the next day’s work.
“If you drink, don’t drive; if you drive, don’t drink. Also if you are tired, don’t drive and if you drive and get tired on the way, break the journey and take a rest before you continue,” that was the message from Mr Amenyedor.
The Vice-Chairman of the Vanguard Assurance, Mr Daniel Awuah Darko, also reminded drivers to practise safe driving methods to keep road users safe during the Easter period and beyond.
Mr Darko asked drivers to be collectively responsible to all stakeholders in the country.
For his part, the Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Mr Justice Amegashie, said road accidents alone accounted for about 1.6 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Mr Amegashie, however, commended Vanguard Assurance for their leading role in checking the carnage on the road.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Vanguard B'day
TWENTY-ONE Staff members of the Vanguard Assurance Company whose birthday’s fell within the first quarter of the year celebrated their birthdays in the premises of the company.
The maiden edition of the mass celebration was to help boost the morale of the staff within the corporate society.
The acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Mr Gideon Amenyedor, said staff members had worked hard to find solutions to the insurance needs of their customers, as well as making shining examples for others to follow.
Mr Amenyedor said the company was committed to motivating staff members to give off their best to customers.
“We are committed to making them very happy and this is an example of our commitment,” he added.
He said Vanguard Assurance provided prompt claims payment, competitive pricing and quality customer services to its clients since its inception.
“This is because, we believe our customers deserve the best and are, therefore, always right in choosing to do business with Vanguard Assurance. Vanguard is now the first in foreign travel insurance market, first in taxi market and first in energy market”, he explained.
Mr Amenyedor said the celebration was to send the message to fellow Ghanaians that they should learn to celebrate happy occasions and also mourn unhappy times.
He said as a country, the celebration of birthdays was not encouraged especially at corporate levels while most corporate bodies assisted staff in mourning their dead.
He expressed optimism that the mass birthday celebrations would continue for the rest of the year for other staff members.
The maiden edition of the mass celebration was to help boost the morale of the staff within the corporate society.
The acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Mr Gideon Amenyedor, said staff members had worked hard to find solutions to the insurance needs of their customers, as well as making shining examples for others to follow.
Mr Amenyedor said the company was committed to motivating staff members to give off their best to customers.
“We are committed to making them very happy and this is an example of our commitment,” he added.
He said Vanguard Assurance provided prompt claims payment, competitive pricing and quality customer services to its clients since its inception.
“This is because, we believe our customers deserve the best and are, therefore, always right in choosing to do business with Vanguard Assurance. Vanguard is now the first in foreign travel insurance market, first in taxi market and first in energy market”, he explained.
Mr Amenyedor said the celebration was to send the message to fellow Ghanaians that they should learn to celebrate happy occasions and also mourn unhappy times.
He said as a country, the celebration of birthdays was not encouraged especially at corporate levels while most corporate bodies assisted staff in mourning their dead.
He expressed optimism that the mass birthday celebrations would continue for the rest of the year for other staff members.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Media
MEDIA practitioners question the competence and integrity of all public office holders without being accountable to anybody. The media have become so powerful in recent times that some commentators conclude that the freedom of press and of expression guaranteed by the Constitution has led to the tyranny of the media.
It is generally agreed that a free press is the tool of public criticism. It holds public officials accountable, opening them up to the judgement of people who can decide whether the government is doing good or whether it has anything to hide.
Article 162 Clause 5 of the Constitution states that “All agencies of the mass media shall, at all times, be free to uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of this Constitution and shall uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people of Ghana.”
The activities of the media have come under scrutiny since the December 7, 2008 general election for very obvious reasons. The media play a very critical role in setting the agenda.
Given that by the nature of journalism profession, journalists are entrusted with empowering the citizenry to make informed decisions, it is imperative that they relentlessly pursue fairness and truth in their reportage.
Shortly after the elections, certain media houses pitted brother against sister just on account that they belonged to different political persuasions. Indeed, during that time keen observers of the media scene had cause to worry about the blatant abuse of the code of ethics of journalism.
This provision imposes a heavy responsibility on all journalists to act as watchdogs of the actions of public officials.
The media of Ghana is one of the most free in Africa, and had previously undergone a series of government overthrows by military leaders and periods of severe restriction.
Chapter 12 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana guarentees freedom of the press and independence of the media, while Chapter 2 prohibts censorship. Post independence, the government and media often had a tense relationship, with private outlets closed during the military coups and strict media laws that prevent criticism of government.
The media freedoms were restored in 1992, and after the election in 2000 of John Kufuor the tensions between the private media and government decreased. Kufuor was a supporter of press freedom and repealed a libel law, though maintained that the media had to act responsibily. The Ghanian media has been described as "one of the most unfettered" in Africa, operating with little restriction on private media. The private press often carries criticism of government policy. The media were vigourous in their coverage of the 2008 Ghanian presidential election, and the Ghanian Journalists Association (GJA) praised John Atta Mills on his election, hoping to foster a good media-government relationship.
Unfortunately, sometimes some media practitioners abuse this responsibility imposed on them by the Constitution and engage in acts that are not protected by the laws of the land.
To recall again Mr Cofie’s admonition to the media when he asked, “Is it not painful that the great job some of you sought to do during the general election was marred by the bizarre distortion of facts, broadcast of false information and the undue fuelling of passions by others?”
Other professionals have questioned the moral authority of media practitioners to hold public office holders accountable when such values and principles are missing in the discharge of duty by certain journalists, even including trained ones.
There is still believes in the power of the media to help the people to make informed decisions through independent political agenda setting.
The time has come for the media, particularly its professional body, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), to intensify continuing education of its members and those who do not belong to the association to compel them to respect the ethics, values and principles of the profession.
Great men like Thomas Jefferson had so much faith in the media because of their power to change society for the better. That was why, confronted with his preference for government or media, he declared, “The basis of our government being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”
There is a call on all media practitioners to resolve to respect their code of ethics and other best practices in order to continue to earn the respect of the public to inform them.
A democratic and free society is dependent on the ability of the media to inform, educate and entertain. But if we allow public resentment for the media to mount because we have become “Jacks of all trades but masters of none”, interest groups from politics, the business community and the clergy will gang up to curtail media freedoms.
Let us, therefore, demonstrate to the people we serve that we shall exercise the freedom guaranteed in the Constitution with responsibility.
We should bear in mind that no society makes progress in a state of nature. The press will continue to provide a forum for public debate and public scrutiny of government if journalists respect the cardinal principles of fairness, accuracy and balance in their reportage.
The need for journalists to live up to their role as neutral referees was crucial and a precondition for successful polls.
So important is the media’s role that their task of educating the electorates to help them to make wise political decisions and not to prejudge the issues.
The call to practitioners of the noble profession, which has become known as the Fourth Estate of the Realm in the country.
Rightly so, journalists have a crucial role in shaping opinions and empowering the voting public with information with which to make informed decisions.
The fourth President of the United States, James Madison, an ardent promoter of free press and free society, once noted that “knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives”.
The freedom that has been accorded the media needs to be used responsibly, as there is no absolute freedom. Everybody in society identifies with the media in one way or another and anything the media churns out is likely to make an impact, either negatively or positively, on different segments of society.
It is for this reason that the state endorses the call on the media to play a leading and responsible role in the run up, during and after the December polls.
There is no better time than now for the media to show their readiness to promote peace, reconciliation and development and there is yet no better journalism than development journalism in which even the bleakest incidents, events and behaviours are looked at and shaped from a development perspective.
This will mean that every act of the media will be guided by the overriding interest of promoting the cause of the larger society, a fair balance of exercising responsibility in freedom.
It is only proper for the media to aspire to promote national peace and stability through the use of temperate and refined language.
It is commended that the GJA use the awards ceremony for journalists as the platform to drum support for efforts by other organisations to sensitise the electorate to the need for free and fair polls.
With a few weeks to the highly anticipated polls on December 7, Ghanaians were encouraged to play their roles as responsible citizens and in this national assignment the media cannot afford to distort the peace with irresponsible reportage.
I believe members of the media fraternity joined the peace-loving Ghanaians to work towards successful elections that established Ghana as a model democratic state in Africa.
The Fourth Republic has already witnessed four elections and the Electoral Commission (EC) has played a key role in making those elections successful.
The commission has demonstrated that it has the character and professionalism to appropriately deal with the competing demands from the various political parties.
Even on occasions when it has been unfairly condemned and criticised, it has refused to crumble under pressure.
As the nation drew closer to the December polls, political campaigns got heated and politicians made last minute efforts to woo voters and improve their chances of winning the elections.
In the heat of these campaigns, some politicians made utterances that tend to question the integrity and fairness of the EC, even when such accusations were baseless and could not be substantiated. It is becoming quite evident that the EC is sometimes unfairly drawn into the politics of the day.
Thus any attempt to characterise the EC as a politically bias entity could serve as a potent distraction to the conduct of free and fair elections.
That is why politicians are called upon to guard their utterances and ensure that they avoid casting the media in a bad light and, thereby, erode the confidence of the electorate in it.
Interestingly, some politicians who are always quick to chastise the media are actually the very people who have been implicated in one shameful electoral malpractice or another.
As has been duly acknowledged by all the political parties, the conduct of free and fair elections is not the responsibility of only the media but also all Ghanaians, including political parties, the judiciary, the media, the security agencies and the electorate.
It is, therefore, hoped that this recognition will find greater practical expression and save the media from any further unfair bashing.
The confidence of the people can only be sustained if the media refuse to bow to any pressure from any quarter and rather rededicates itself to the ideals required for free and fair elections.
And, with the rest of the world closely watching us, Ghana, as a peace-loving country, have demonstrated that we are not only determined to consolidate the gains made so far on our democratic journey, but also committed to maintaining our position as a shining example on the continent.
We have confirmed Ghana as a democratic country, which is offering hope to the continent and our conduct yesterday was a positive way of trying to redeem Africa’s image.
Indeed, apart from isolated cases of misunderstandings and physical aggression, there is a lot to commend ourselves for and it will not be in the least misplaced to remark that this is one of the best elections in the country since 1992.
All over the country it was evident that Ghanaians are more than ever enthralled by multi-party democracy which offers the opportunity for the conduct of periodic elections to select those who will represent the best path towards the future.
The Electoral Commission (EC), security agencies, various political parties and candidates, the media, civil society organisations and the electorate all need to be commended for their role in ensuring peaceful and orderly polls.
The massive turnout devoid of the pre-election tension teaches one lesson that through collaborative efforts, we can find solutions to the challenges that confront us.
Electorate are reminded of the challenges of the post-election thrills and disappointment after the declaration of validated results. If these difficulties are not properly managed, our celebrations can be short-lived as the trouble makers can create doubts in the minds of the people about the credibility of the polls.
However, it is believed that the transparent nature of the polls would be a deterrent to anyone who may choose the path of violence to address whatever concerns that may emerge.
A government of the people, by the people and for the people should in essence harness whatever potential is available irrespective of the political affiliation of the individual who has demonstrated ample competence and has requisite qualification for the task ahead.
The use of a tribal card in an election or nation-building can pose a threat to national unity and civility and be inimical to progress. Again, such an approach can engender divide-and-rule tactics and discrimination and feed into the psyche of the electorate the dangerous mindset of “us and them”, the media has a responsibility to set the agenda to eschew such occurences.
The Ghanaian media performed creditably in the last elections and hope that the practitioners will continue to play their gate-keeping role to prevent any situation where they can be used as agents of ethnic politics by politicians.
Elections are not a life-and-death issue. Rather, they are a democratic process of taking a decision and exercising one’s preferences for the ideas and programmes presented by a candidate and a party through the ballot box.
The political parties should continue to be modest in their electioneering and refrain from the use of abusive and intemperate language which can inflame passions. Again, it is expectated that the electorate, the Electoral Commission and the security personnel will once again rise up to the task and live up to the expectation of organising a transparent peaceful election in the future.
We should not do anything to mar the beauty of our development process by playing the ethnic card which can sow seeds of discord and disunity and prepare the grounds for confusion, social upheavals and violence.
We are now on the plateau of giving further impetus to our development and nature has been kind to us to bestow on us resources such as oil to leap-frog our socio-economic transformation.
There can be ownership of and participation in the decision-making process only if the people know their rights and responsibilities in order to hold the government accountable. Indeed, Article 11 of the Constitution states categorically that "The Sovereignty of Ghana resides in the people of Ghana in whose name and for whose welfare the powers of government are to be exercised in the manner and within the limits laid down in the Constitution."
The struggle over who gets what, when and how is largely carried out in the mass media. Reporters and news editors usually deny that they are powerful political actors, claiming they only mirror society; but the "myth of the mirror" is that the media do play key roles in setting the political agenda by determining what news is to be covered, how much, and in what context.
Agenda Setting: This is the real power of the media. The media do not just passively report the news. They select what is to be covered, thereby setting a political agenda. Conversely, media inattention can allow governments to continue ineffective policies or worse. The media can even propel a latent issue into a "crisis" with which government must deal.
The media have effects in setting the political agenda and in helping form new opinions, but they are less effective in changing existing opinions or in changing political behavior.
"Information overload" also diminishes the effects of the media, as does the relative disinterest of many Ghanaians in the political news. Moreover, the public exercises selective perception, mentally screening out information and opinions with which they disagree. The result of the media performing their self-declared watchdog role can be alienation rather than reform.
Diverging political agenda-setting studies concerning the mass media’s impact on society are as old as the media themselves.
Opposing views and conflicting research results have led to different conclusions ranging from minimal-effects to powerful mass media. During the last three decades the notion of agenda-setting has probably provided the most influential and fertile paradigm in media and communications research. The mass media determine the political agenda to boost political attention for issues.
The field of media and political agenda-setting is disparate and undertheorized.
As media and political agenda-setting studies are slowly increasing and the subfield is growing to maturity, such an integrative effort comes timely. Only by confronting, comparing and systematizing the available evidence generated by previous studies can we make inroads in understanding the media’s political agenda-setting power.
Political agenda-setting implies a time gap between issue coverage and issue adoption by political parties.
Both election and non-election periods times are fundamentally different and that behaviour of political actors, and their reaction on media coverage, follows different logics in both periods.
Depending on the political system, the nature of the media agenda, the specific issues, the methodology, the nature of the political agenda, and the period under study, the results of similar studies can vary extensively.
It is obvious, however, that there are crucial differences between public and political agenda-setting.
As a rule government’s political agenda is less flexible, more cemented by previous arrangements and meticulously balanced agreements. Especially when it comes to coalition governments built on a lengthy government agreement, governments’ substantial policy actions are immunized against media impact. Pressures to react and to show leadership especially regarding to crisis situations or negative news might, in contrast, lead government to react swiftly and symbolically. Its better media access guarantees that even minister’s verbal reactions void of any serious consequence can pass the media gates and become news. More or less the opposite applies to parliament. Parliament, however, is an ambivalent institution with majority and minority initiatives mixed. The legislative part of parliaments’ activities, especially the actual passing of new bills, goes probably through even lengthier checked and balanced procedures than governments actions do. But the daily surveillance and monitoring of government is more flexible and, hence, prone to media impact. Procedures are relatively short, and (opposition) MPs are free to raise whichever topic they want. In terms of strong presidential systems, we expect an even more media responsive presidential agenda than for parliaments. Presidential initiatives are normally less constrained by institutional rules - he/she can communicate about anything anytime - nor are presidents bound by their party, by a government agreement or by internal decision making procedures. Moreover, presidents are expected to react on tidings of misfortune, to show leadership and to reassure the nation that they are in charge. Their media access is almost unlimited since they personify the state’s power. In many presidential regimes the president is a generalist policy maker whose competences encompass all policy domains. So we expect presidents to be especially susceptible for media coverage and the presidential agenda to be continuously affected by news’ issue attention. The more presidential systems entrust the president with a lot of powers and the less it contains veto players, the easier and faster a president can induce policy changes. The more powerful the president, hence, the more his instant reactions on media coverage might result in real policy outcomes.
Subject to Article 167 of the 1992 constitution, the National Media Commission (NMC) shall not exercise any control or direction over the professional functions of a person engaged in the production of newspapers or other means of communication.
All state-owned media shall afford fair opportunities and facilities for the presentation of divergent views and dissenting oppinions.
It is generally agreed that a free press is the tool of public criticism. It holds public officials accountable, opening them up to the judgement of people who can decide whether the government is doing good or whether it has anything to hide.
Article 162 Clause 5 of the Constitution states that “All agencies of the mass media shall, at all times, be free to uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of this Constitution and shall uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people of Ghana.”
The activities of the media have come under scrutiny since the December 7, 2008 general election for very obvious reasons. The media play a very critical role in setting the agenda.
Given that by the nature of journalism profession, journalists are entrusted with empowering the citizenry to make informed decisions, it is imperative that they relentlessly pursue fairness and truth in their reportage.
Shortly after the elections, certain media houses pitted brother against sister just on account that they belonged to different political persuasions. Indeed, during that time keen observers of the media scene had cause to worry about the blatant abuse of the code of ethics of journalism.
This provision imposes a heavy responsibility on all journalists to act as watchdogs of the actions of public officials.
The media of Ghana is one of the most free in Africa, and had previously undergone a series of government overthrows by military leaders and periods of severe restriction.
Chapter 12 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana guarentees freedom of the press and independence of the media, while Chapter 2 prohibts censorship. Post independence, the government and media often had a tense relationship, with private outlets closed during the military coups and strict media laws that prevent criticism of government.
The media freedoms were restored in 1992, and after the election in 2000 of John Kufuor the tensions between the private media and government decreased. Kufuor was a supporter of press freedom and repealed a libel law, though maintained that the media had to act responsibily. The Ghanian media has been described as "one of the most unfettered" in Africa, operating with little restriction on private media. The private press often carries criticism of government policy. The media were vigourous in their coverage of the 2008 Ghanian presidential election, and the Ghanian Journalists Association (GJA) praised John Atta Mills on his election, hoping to foster a good media-government relationship.
Unfortunately, sometimes some media practitioners abuse this responsibility imposed on them by the Constitution and engage in acts that are not protected by the laws of the land.
To recall again Mr Cofie’s admonition to the media when he asked, “Is it not painful that the great job some of you sought to do during the general election was marred by the bizarre distortion of facts, broadcast of false information and the undue fuelling of passions by others?”
Other professionals have questioned the moral authority of media practitioners to hold public office holders accountable when such values and principles are missing in the discharge of duty by certain journalists, even including trained ones.
There is still believes in the power of the media to help the people to make informed decisions through independent political agenda setting.
The time has come for the media, particularly its professional body, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), to intensify continuing education of its members and those who do not belong to the association to compel them to respect the ethics, values and principles of the profession.
Great men like Thomas Jefferson had so much faith in the media because of their power to change society for the better. That was why, confronted with his preference for government or media, he declared, “The basis of our government being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”
There is a call on all media practitioners to resolve to respect their code of ethics and other best practices in order to continue to earn the respect of the public to inform them.
A democratic and free society is dependent on the ability of the media to inform, educate and entertain. But if we allow public resentment for the media to mount because we have become “Jacks of all trades but masters of none”, interest groups from politics, the business community and the clergy will gang up to curtail media freedoms.
Let us, therefore, demonstrate to the people we serve that we shall exercise the freedom guaranteed in the Constitution with responsibility.
We should bear in mind that no society makes progress in a state of nature. The press will continue to provide a forum for public debate and public scrutiny of government if journalists respect the cardinal principles of fairness, accuracy and balance in their reportage.
The need for journalists to live up to their role as neutral referees was crucial and a precondition for successful polls.
So important is the media’s role that their task of educating the electorates to help them to make wise political decisions and not to prejudge the issues.
The call to practitioners of the noble profession, which has become known as the Fourth Estate of the Realm in the country.
Rightly so, journalists have a crucial role in shaping opinions and empowering the voting public with information with which to make informed decisions.
The fourth President of the United States, James Madison, an ardent promoter of free press and free society, once noted that “knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives”.
The freedom that has been accorded the media needs to be used responsibly, as there is no absolute freedom. Everybody in society identifies with the media in one way or another and anything the media churns out is likely to make an impact, either negatively or positively, on different segments of society.
It is for this reason that the state endorses the call on the media to play a leading and responsible role in the run up, during and after the December polls.
There is no better time than now for the media to show their readiness to promote peace, reconciliation and development and there is yet no better journalism than development journalism in which even the bleakest incidents, events and behaviours are looked at and shaped from a development perspective.
This will mean that every act of the media will be guided by the overriding interest of promoting the cause of the larger society, a fair balance of exercising responsibility in freedom.
It is only proper for the media to aspire to promote national peace and stability through the use of temperate and refined language.
It is commended that the GJA use the awards ceremony for journalists as the platform to drum support for efforts by other organisations to sensitise the electorate to the need for free and fair polls.
With a few weeks to the highly anticipated polls on December 7, Ghanaians were encouraged to play their roles as responsible citizens and in this national assignment the media cannot afford to distort the peace with irresponsible reportage.
I believe members of the media fraternity joined the peace-loving Ghanaians to work towards successful elections that established Ghana as a model democratic state in Africa.
The Fourth Republic has already witnessed four elections and the Electoral Commission (EC) has played a key role in making those elections successful.
The commission has demonstrated that it has the character and professionalism to appropriately deal with the competing demands from the various political parties.
Even on occasions when it has been unfairly condemned and criticised, it has refused to crumble under pressure.
As the nation drew closer to the December polls, political campaigns got heated and politicians made last minute efforts to woo voters and improve their chances of winning the elections.
In the heat of these campaigns, some politicians made utterances that tend to question the integrity and fairness of the EC, even when such accusations were baseless and could not be substantiated. It is becoming quite evident that the EC is sometimes unfairly drawn into the politics of the day.
Thus any attempt to characterise the EC as a politically bias entity could serve as a potent distraction to the conduct of free and fair elections.
That is why politicians are called upon to guard their utterances and ensure that they avoid casting the media in a bad light and, thereby, erode the confidence of the electorate in it.
Interestingly, some politicians who are always quick to chastise the media are actually the very people who have been implicated in one shameful electoral malpractice or another.
As has been duly acknowledged by all the political parties, the conduct of free and fair elections is not the responsibility of only the media but also all Ghanaians, including political parties, the judiciary, the media, the security agencies and the electorate.
It is, therefore, hoped that this recognition will find greater practical expression and save the media from any further unfair bashing.
The confidence of the people can only be sustained if the media refuse to bow to any pressure from any quarter and rather rededicates itself to the ideals required for free and fair elections.
And, with the rest of the world closely watching us, Ghana, as a peace-loving country, have demonstrated that we are not only determined to consolidate the gains made so far on our democratic journey, but also committed to maintaining our position as a shining example on the continent.
We have confirmed Ghana as a democratic country, which is offering hope to the continent and our conduct yesterday was a positive way of trying to redeem Africa’s image.
Indeed, apart from isolated cases of misunderstandings and physical aggression, there is a lot to commend ourselves for and it will not be in the least misplaced to remark that this is one of the best elections in the country since 1992.
All over the country it was evident that Ghanaians are more than ever enthralled by multi-party democracy which offers the opportunity for the conduct of periodic elections to select those who will represent the best path towards the future.
The Electoral Commission (EC), security agencies, various political parties and candidates, the media, civil society organisations and the electorate all need to be commended for their role in ensuring peaceful and orderly polls.
The massive turnout devoid of the pre-election tension teaches one lesson that through collaborative efforts, we can find solutions to the challenges that confront us.
Electorate are reminded of the challenges of the post-election thrills and disappointment after the declaration of validated results. If these difficulties are not properly managed, our celebrations can be short-lived as the trouble makers can create doubts in the minds of the people about the credibility of the polls.
However, it is believed that the transparent nature of the polls would be a deterrent to anyone who may choose the path of violence to address whatever concerns that may emerge.
A government of the people, by the people and for the people should in essence harness whatever potential is available irrespective of the political affiliation of the individual who has demonstrated ample competence and has requisite qualification for the task ahead.
The use of a tribal card in an election or nation-building can pose a threat to national unity and civility and be inimical to progress. Again, such an approach can engender divide-and-rule tactics and discrimination and feed into the psyche of the electorate the dangerous mindset of “us and them”, the media has a responsibility to set the agenda to eschew such occurences.
The Ghanaian media performed creditably in the last elections and hope that the practitioners will continue to play their gate-keeping role to prevent any situation where they can be used as agents of ethnic politics by politicians.
Elections are not a life-and-death issue. Rather, they are a democratic process of taking a decision and exercising one’s preferences for the ideas and programmes presented by a candidate and a party through the ballot box.
The political parties should continue to be modest in their electioneering and refrain from the use of abusive and intemperate language which can inflame passions. Again, it is expectated that the electorate, the Electoral Commission and the security personnel will once again rise up to the task and live up to the expectation of organising a transparent peaceful election in the future.
We should not do anything to mar the beauty of our development process by playing the ethnic card which can sow seeds of discord and disunity and prepare the grounds for confusion, social upheavals and violence.
We are now on the plateau of giving further impetus to our development and nature has been kind to us to bestow on us resources such as oil to leap-frog our socio-economic transformation.
There can be ownership of and participation in the decision-making process only if the people know their rights and responsibilities in order to hold the government accountable. Indeed, Article 11 of the Constitution states categorically that "The Sovereignty of Ghana resides in the people of Ghana in whose name and for whose welfare the powers of government are to be exercised in the manner and within the limits laid down in the Constitution."
The struggle over who gets what, when and how is largely carried out in the mass media. Reporters and news editors usually deny that they are powerful political actors, claiming they only mirror society; but the "myth of the mirror" is that the media do play key roles in setting the political agenda by determining what news is to be covered, how much, and in what context.
Agenda Setting: This is the real power of the media. The media do not just passively report the news. They select what is to be covered, thereby setting a political agenda. Conversely, media inattention can allow governments to continue ineffective policies or worse. The media can even propel a latent issue into a "crisis" with which government must deal.
The media have effects in setting the political agenda and in helping form new opinions, but they are less effective in changing existing opinions or in changing political behavior.
"Information overload" also diminishes the effects of the media, as does the relative disinterest of many Ghanaians in the political news. Moreover, the public exercises selective perception, mentally screening out information and opinions with which they disagree. The result of the media performing their self-declared watchdog role can be alienation rather than reform.
Diverging political agenda-setting studies concerning the mass media’s impact on society are as old as the media themselves.
Opposing views and conflicting research results have led to different conclusions ranging from minimal-effects to powerful mass media. During the last three decades the notion of agenda-setting has probably provided the most influential and fertile paradigm in media and communications research. The mass media determine the political agenda to boost political attention for issues.
The field of media and political agenda-setting is disparate and undertheorized.
As media and political agenda-setting studies are slowly increasing and the subfield is growing to maturity, such an integrative effort comes timely. Only by confronting, comparing and systematizing the available evidence generated by previous studies can we make inroads in understanding the media’s political agenda-setting power.
Political agenda-setting implies a time gap between issue coverage and issue adoption by political parties.
Both election and non-election periods times are fundamentally different and that behaviour of political actors, and their reaction on media coverage, follows different logics in both periods.
Depending on the political system, the nature of the media agenda, the specific issues, the methodology, the nature of the political agenda, and the period under study, the results of similar studies can vary extensively.
It is obvious, however, that there are crucial differences between public and political agenda-setting.
As a rule government’s political agenda is less flexible, more cemented by previous arrangements and meticulously balanced agreements. Especially when it comes to coalition governments built on a lengthy government agreement, governments’ substantial policy actions are immunized against media impact. Pressures to react and to show leadership especially regarding to crisis situations or negative news might, in contrast, lead government to react swiftly and symbolically. Its better media access guarantees that even minister’s verbal reactions void of any serious consequence can pass the media gates and become news. More or less the opposite applies to parliament. Parliament, however, is an ambivalent institution with majority and minority initiatives mixed. The legislative part of parliaments’ activities, especially the actual passing of new bills, goes probably through even lengthier checked and balanced procedures than governments actions do. But the daily surveillance and monitoring of government is more flexible and, hence, prone to media impact. Procedures are relatively short, and (opposition) MPs are free to raise whichever topic they want. In terms of strong presidential systems, we expect an even more media responsive presidential agenda than for parliaments. Presidential initiatives are normally less constrained by institutional rules - he/she can communicate about anything anytime - nor are presidents bound by their party, by a government agreement or by internal decision making procedures. Moreover, presidents are expected to react on tidings of misfortune, to show leadership and to reassure the nation that they are in charge. Their media access is almost unlimited since they personify the state’s power. In many presidential regimes the president is a generalist policy maker whose competences encompass all policy domains. So we expect presidents to be especially susceptible for media coverage and the presidential agenda to be continuously affected by news’ issue attention. The more presidential systems entrust the president with a lot of powers and the less it contains veto players, the easier and faster a president can induce policy changes. The more powerful the president, hence, the more his instant reactions on media coverage might result in real policy outcomes.
Subject to Article 167 of the 1992 constitution, the National Media Commission (NMC) shall not exercise any control or direction over the professional functions of a person engaged in the production of newspapers or other means of communication.
All state-owned media shall afford fair opportunities and facilities for the presentation of divergent views and dissenting oppinions.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Marshallans Donation
FRIENDS of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall of the Adabraka Holy Spirit Cathedral have donated assorted items to the female ward of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital.
The items, worth GH¢2,000, included bed spreads, aluminium cooking utensils, disinfectants, bags of rice and toilet rolls.
The Noble Lady of Court 67, Sister Caroline Akakpo, who presented the items on behalf of the group, said the donation formed part of the association’s social responsibility.
She said the items were to supplement the needs of the ward and that the gesture was also part of its widow’s mite towards meeting the needs of the inmates.
The Senior Nursing Officer of the unit, Ms Edith Bonney, who received the items on behalf of the hospital, thanked the association for the gesture, which she said would go a long way to address the needs of the inmates of the hospital.
She asked members of the association to continue to support the hospital in order to improve upon the living standards of the less fortunate in society.
In a related development, the association organised mass for 15 sick and aged people of the church.
The Deputy Noble Lady, Mrs Elizabeth Bulley, told the Daily Graphic that the service was held yearly for people who could not leave their home to socialise with them and also present them with some awards.
According to her, the Ladies of Marshall visited the aged and the sick at home twice a year, that is, in March and December, to offer them charity.
The items, worth GH¢2,000, included bed spreads, aluminium cooking utensils, disinfectants, bags of rice and toilet rolls.
The Noble Lady of Court 67, Sister Caroline Akakpo, who presented the items on behalf of the group, said the donation formed part of the association’s social responsibility.
She said the items were to supplement the needs of the ward and that the gesture was also part of its widow’s mite towards meeting the needs of the inmates.
The Senior Nursing Officer of the unit, Ms Edith Bonney, who received the items on behalf of the hospital, thanked the association for the gesture, which she said would go a long way to address the needs of the inmates of the hospital.
She asked members of the association to continue to support the hospital in order to improve upon the living standards of the less fortunate in society.
In a related development, the association organised mass for 15 sick and aged people of the church.
The Deputy Noble Lady, Mrs Elizabeth Bulley, told the Daily Graphic that the service was held yearly for people who could not leave their home to socialise with them and also present them with some awards.
According to her, the Ladies of Marshall visited the aged and the sick at home twice a year, that is, in March and December, to offer them charity.
Barclays Partnership
BARCLAYS Bank has entered into a $150,000 partnership agreement with the Junior Achievement of Ghana to harness entrepreneurship skills for young adults in the country.
Consequently, the agreement was initiated to help disadvantaged young adults to work towards financial independence and security as well as supporting access to education.
Speaking at the official launch of the Barclays/Junior Achievement Partnership in Accra, the Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, said the government had initiated a number of interventions to resolve some of the challenges that confront the educational system.
He said, the youth should be made agents of change in local communities to ensure efficiency in the education sector, promote job opportunities and improve growth in the country.
Mr Tettey-Enyo urged Barclays and other corporate bodies to continue to support efforts aimed at developing the educational system in Ghana.
He urged students to take advantage of the training programme to upgrade their skills to get them ready for the job market.
The Minister expressed his appreciation to Barclays Bank for their financial support and partnership with Junior Achievement to enable the programme become a reality.
The Executive Director of Junior Achievement of Ghana, Mr Jefferson Worlanyo Agbai, said, the group was to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in the global economy.
He said, for the past 90 years, Junior Achievement had helped young people by showing them how to generate wealth and manage it and also apply entrepreneurial thinking at the workplace.
Mr Agbai said Junior Achievement had imparted business and economic values to over 3,000 students and the programme sought to reach at least one per cent of the 4.5 million young people by 2013.
He noted that, the initiative would have a positive and profound impact on students’ ability to succeed on the job market.
The Managing Director of Barclays Bank, Mr Benjamin Dabrah noted that the grant would help to bring out the untapped talents of over 80,000 young people whom he said, were future employees and customers of the bank.
We are happy to be working with Junior Achievement, an organisation with a track record and experience to provide what young people need to realise their full potentials, Mr Dabrah stated.
For his part, the American Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Donald Teitelbaum was optimistic that, many young professionals would be great achievers in future.
Consequently, the agreement was initiated to help disadvantaged young adults to work towards financial independence and security as well as supporting access to education.
Speaking at the official launch of the Barclays/Junior Achievement Partnership in Accra, the Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, said the government had initiated a number of interventions to resolve some of the challenges that confront the educational system.
He said, the youth should be made agents of change in local communities to ensure efficiency in the education sector, promote job opportunities and improve growth in the country.
Mr Tettey-Enyo urged Barclays and other corporate bodies to continue to support efforts aimed at developing the educational system in Ghana.
He urged students to take advantage of the training programme to upgrade their skills to get them ready for the job market.
The Minister expressed his appreciation to Barclays Bank for their financial support and partnership with Junior Achievement to enable the programme become a reality.
The Executive Director of Junior Achievement of Ghana, Mr Jefferson Worlanyo Agbai, said, the group was to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in the global economy.
He said, for the past 90 years, Junior Achievement had helped young people by showing them how to generate wealth and manage it and also apply entrepreneurial thinking at the workplace.
Mr Agbai said Junior Achievement had imparted business and economic values to over 3,000 students and the programme sought to reach at least one per cent of the 4.5 million young people by 2013.
He noted that, the initiative would have a positive and profound impact on students’ ability to succeed on the job market.
The Managing Director of Barclays Bank, Mr Benjamin Dabrah noted that the grant would help to bring out the untapped talents of over 80,000 young people whom he said, were future employees and customers of the bank.
We are happy to be working with Junior Achievement, an organisation with a track record and experience to provide what young people need to realise their full potentials, Mr Dabrah stated.
For his part, the American Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Donald Teitelbaum was optimistic that, many young professionals would be great achievers in future.
Friday, March 20, 2009
UCDAG Demonstration
USED Car Dealers Association of Ghana (UCDAG) has organised a demonstration to petition to the government to resettle them to enable the construction of the George Walker Bush Motorway.
Consequently, the demonstration came as a result of information they heard from Peace FM, a private radio station in Accra and publication by the Daily Graphic on March 17, 2009 to vacate the road by Friday, March 20, 2009 to enable the contractor to start construction works.
Some members of the association, told the Daily Graphic that, there was no official letter to that effect and also, the notice came at short intervals with five days ultimatum given them.
The demonstration according to them was not being politicised, but rather they wanted their rights to be respected as citizens of the country.
They said, compensation was agreed to be paid to members, and that, but as at now about 80% of them have not been paid.
“We create employment for about 3,000 people in the country, as well as contribute to about the highest revenue to the government”, they said.
They added that if nothing was done about their petition, they would continue to resist and were even prepared to go court.
Some members of the association noted with concern that, the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) had connived with the Ghana Armed Forces to deploy about 1,000 men to collect all cars from their premises if they refused to move.
According the Chairman of the association, Mr Peter Yeboah, they heard the information from the radio station that, the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) together with the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) issued the final warning that all those Car Dealers in and around the Corridors of the proposed site for the construction of the George Walker Bush Motorway should vacate their garages or else they would be forced to move after the deadline.
Mr Yeboah said, MiDA promised to compensate and relocate them of which they spent over 200 million to design the site plan but later, they were disappointed since they could not get a sizeable land in Accra for them.
For his part, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the association, Rev Solomon Francis Okrah, said, we are aware of the importance for the construction of the motorway but, what will be the effect of not relocating our members, some can be armed robbers, phone snatches and the likes.
They however, petitioned to the government, Ministry of Lands and Forestry, MiDA, and the America government to resettle them to a suitable place, in the interest of on peace.
Consequently, the demonstration came as a result of information they heard from Peace FM, a private radio station in Accra and publication by the Daily Graphic on March 17, 2009 to vacate the road by Friday, March 20, 2009 to enable the contractor to start construction works.
Some members of the association, told the Daily Graphic that, there was no official letter to that effect and also, the notice came at short intervals with five days ultimatum given them.
The demonstration according to them was not being politicised, but rather they wanted their rights to be respected as citizens of the country.
They said, compensation was agreed to be paid to members, and that, but as at now about 80% of them have not been paid.
“We create employment for about 3,000 people in the country, as well as contribute to about the highest revenue to the government”, they said.
They added that if nothing was done about their petition, they would continue to resist and were even prepared to go court.
Some members of the association noted with concern that, the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) had connived with the Ghana Armed Forces to deploy about 1,000 men to collect all cars from their premises if they refused to move.
According the Chairman of the association, Mr Peter Yeboah, they heard the information from the radio station that, the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) together with the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) issued the final warning that all those Car Dealers in and around the Corridors of the proposed site for the construction of the George Walker Bush Motorway should vacate their garages or else they would be forced to move after the deadline.
Mr Yeboah said, MiDA promised to compensate and relocate them of which they spent over 200 million to design the site plan but later, they were disappointed since they could not get a sizeable land in Accra for them.
For his part, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the association, Rev Solomon Francis Okrah, said, we are aware of the importance for the construction of the motorway but, what will be the effect of not relocating our members, some can be armed robbers, phone snatches and the likes.
They however, petitioned to the government, Ministry of Lands and Forestry, MiDA, and the America government to resettle them to a suitable place, in the interest of on peace.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Child right
THE Children’s Rights International (CRI), a non-governmental organisation, has launched the 2009 Easter School for Children in Accra.
The annual event, which started nine years ago, was instituted by the CRI and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), to inculcate in the children a sense of responsibility to participate effectively in issues affecting them.
The theme for this year’s Easter school is: “Growing child participation through service learning”, and it is aimed at involving children in discussing national issues.
The Executive Director of CRI, Mr Bright Appiah, said the Easter school was a medium to promote child participation in the country and also involve them in issues that affect them.
Mr Appiah said: “Child participation ensures and enhances expression of opinion, self-confidence, self-involvement and provides understanding for children to better appreciate issues that affect them,”.
He noted that the Easter school, since its inception in 2000, had provided the platform for children to discuss and share issues.
He expressed optimism that at the end of this year’s school, the Ghanaian child would be factored into the broader decision-making process.
The acting Director at the Children’s Department of the Ministry for Women and Children’s Affairs, Mr Peter Eduful, who delivered the speech on behalf of the minister, Ms Akua Sena Dansua, said the biggest challenge to society was how to raise children and prepare them adequately to take up adult roles and responsibilities and also contribute effectively to future national development.
She said children continued to suffer various forms of discrimination and deprivation including their inability to express their minds freely and participate fully in matters which affected them in the family and society.
She said: “Participation is one of the guiding principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Ghana proudly signed as the first UN nation in 1991.”
She urged children to take their education seriously and also abstain from negative practices such as drinking, patronising pornography, premarital sex and using narcotic drugs.
Speaking on behalf of the acting Inspector of Police (IGP), Mrs Elizabeth Mills- Robertson, the Director of Community Policing, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Florence Arthur, said policemen who violated the rights and freedom of children should be arrested and prosecuted.
She also said children should report any form of violence against them for the necessary action to be taken.
For his part, the Programme Support Manager of Plan Ghana, Mr William Agyekum Acquah, said the unit would support children to be key actors in their own development.
Mr Acquah reiterated that resources should be used to harness the development of the Ghanaian child.
Ghana ratified the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the child. This Convention has a fundamental principle and an internationally agreed framework necessary for ensuring minimum standards for the well-being of the child and to which every child is entitled.
The CRI was registered in 1997 as a non-governmental organisation committed to the principles enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana
The CRI also helps in building the capacity of students to be able to effectively participate in the discussion of issues that bother on the promotion and protection of the rights and welfare of children.
This year’s programme is scheduled to take place in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region from April 18 to 23, 2009.
The annual event, which started nine years ago, was instituted by the CRI and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), to inculcate in the children a sense of responsibility to participate effectively in issues affecting them.
The theme for this year’s Easter school is: “Growing child participation through service learning”, and it is aimed at involving children in discussing national issues.
The Executive Director of CRI, Mr Bright Appiah, said the Easter school was a medium to promote child participation in the country and also involve them in issues that affect them.
Mr Appiah said: “Child participation ensures and enhances expression of opinion, self-confidence, self-involvement and provides understanding for children to better appreciate issues that affect them,”.
He noted that the Easter school, since its inception in 2000, had provided the platform for children to discuss and share issues.
He expressed optimism that at the end of this year’s school, the Ghanaian child would be factored into the broader decision-making process.
The acting Director at the Children’s Department of the Ministry for Women and Children’s Affairs, Mr Peter Eduful, who delivered the speech on behalf of the minister, Ms Akua Sena Dansua, said the biggest challenge to society was how to raise children and prepare them adequately to take up adult roles and responsibilities and also contribute effectively to future national development.
She said children continued to suffer various forms of discrimination and deprivation including their inability to express their minds freely and participate fully in matters which affected them in the family and society.
She said: “Participation is one of the guiding principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Ghana proudly signed as the first UN nation in 1991.”
She urged children to take their education seriously and also abstain from negative practices such as drinking, patronising pornography, premarital sex and using narcotic drugs.
Speaking on behalf of the acting Inspector of Police (IGP), Mrs Elizabeth Mills- Robertson, the Director of Community Policing, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Florence Arthur, said policemen who violated the rights and freedom of children should be arrested and prosecuted.
She also said children should report any form of violence against them for the necessary action to be taken.
For his part, the Programme Support Manager of Plan Ghana, Mr William Agyekum Acquah, said the unit would support children to be key actors in their own development.
Mr Acquah reiterated that resources should be used to harness the development of the Ghanaian child.
Ghana ratified the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the child. This Convention has a fundamental principle and an internationally agreed framework necessary for ensuring minimum standards for the well-being of the child and to which every child is entitled.
The CRI was registered in 1997 as a non-governmental organisation committed to the principles enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana
The CRI also helps in building the capacity of students to be able to effectively participate in the discussion of issues that bother on the promotion and protection of the rights and welfare of children.
This year’s programme is scheduled to take place in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region from April 18 to 23, 2009.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Mills Robertson
SINCE assuming office early this year as the first policewoman to act as Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mrs Elizabeth Mills-Robertson has made known her commitment to wage a relentless war on criminal activities throughout the country.
In furtherance of her pledge, the police undertook an operation to flush out criminals in some parts of Accra soon after she assumed office while she announced her long term commitment to offer maximum security for the nation and sustain the fight against crime, particularly armed robbery.
Assuming office at a time when crime is said to have become very sophisticated, Mrs Mills-Robertson faces a Herculean task but she is counting on the maximum support of officers and men of the service and the cordial relationship between the police and the general public to succeed.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in an interview after she was awarded with an Executive Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management) degree at the 2007/2008 congregation of the University of Ghana, Legon, on Saturday, Mrs Mills-Robertson, re-emphasise her commitment to develop a more cordial working relationship between the police and the public.
She said that was necessary to erode the negative perception of the public about the police and give the police service a positive image to enhance crime detection and prevention.
The acting IGP, who is the first female police head since policing was introduced in the country in the 1800s, is a product of Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast and the University of Ghana, and a Barrister at Law from the Ghana School of Law.
She stated that more police personnel would be deployed to patrol the principal streets of Accra and other business districts in the Accra metropolis as well as other municipalities and districts.
She said her administration would address some of the challenges confronting the police, and mentioned that the issue of accommodation, which affected the efficient operation of some service personnel, would be addressed, stressing that accommodation for service men and women would be improved.
Mrs Mills-Robertson said challenges confronting her were similar to those encountered by women in other key positions, and called for maximum support from officers and men of the service to enhance efficiency.
The acting IGP promised to inspire other female police officers to rise to the top and advised them not to rest on their laurels.
In furtherance of her pledge, the police undertook an operation to flush out criminals in some parts of Accra soon after she assumed office while she announced her long term commitment to offer maximum security for the nation and sustain the fight against crime, particularly armed robbery.
Assuming office at a time when crime is said to have become very sophisticated, Mrs Mills-Robertson faces a Herculean task but she is counting on the maximum support of officers and men of the service and the cordial relationship between the police and the general public to succeed.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in an interview after she was awarded with an Executive Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management) degree at the 2007/2008 congregation of the University of Ghana, Legon, on Saturday, Mrs Mills-Robertson, re-emphasise her commitment to develop a more cordial working relationship between the police and the public.
She said that was necessary to erode the negative perception of the public about the police and give the police service a positive image to enhance crime detection and prevention.
The acting IGP, who is the first female police head since policing was introduced in the country in the 1800s, is a product of Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast and the University of Ghana, and a Barrister at Law from the Ghana School of Law.
She stated that more police personnel would be deployed to patrol the principal streets of Accra and other business districts in the Accra metropolis as well as other municipalities and districts.
She said her administration would address some of the challenges confronting the police, and mentioned that the issue of accommodation, which affected the efficient operation of some service personnel, would be addressed, stressing that accommodation for service men and women would be improved.
Mrs Mills-Robertson said challenges confronting her were similar to those encountered by women in other key positions, and called for maximum support from officers and men of the service to enhance efficiency.
The acting IGP promised to inspire other female police officers to rise to the top and advised them not to rest on their laurels.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Transparency
THE 2007 budget was not transparent, an Open Budget Survey and Index for 2008 has revealed.
This was because the government did not produce and disseminate four of the eight key budget documents required by international good practices.
The eight key budget documents included the Executive’s budget proposal, Enacted budget, Citizens budget and In-year report on execution which were made available and transparent and the Pre-budget statement, Mid-year review, Year-end report and Auditor’s report which were not made transparent and publicly available.
The survey which was conducted in 85 countries and aimed at ensuring budget transparency, was a collaboration between International Budget Partnership (IBP) and Civil Society Experts in which seven African countries participated.
The Budget Analyst of the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), Mr Nicholas Adamtey stressed the need for budget documents to be made available to the general public without hindrances.
He suggested that the budget should be made available to the public within a period of two to three months for thorough review and analyses before it is presented to parliament.
This he said, would ensure transparency and accountability for the effective use of public resources, as well as help the citizens of the country make informed decisions about the budget statement.
Mr Adamtey said the survey was not to measure corruption but to measure budget transparency and accountability.
He however added that, lack of transparency created opportunity for corruption and wasteful spending.
The survey stated that, the government of Ghana provided the public with about 49 per cent information on its budget and financial activities during the course of the budget year.
It stated that the budget proposal provided substantial information to the public which meant that citizens had a fairly comprehensive idea of governments plans for taxes and expenditure.
However it stated that, it was difficult to track spending, revenue collection and borrowing during the year, adding that, assessing the budget performance in Ghana was difficult once the budget year was over.
It indicated that a year-end report which was not published, prevented comparisons between what was budgeted and what was actually spent and collected at the end of the year.
“These make it difficult for citizens to hold the government accountable for its management of the public’s money”, the survey stated.
It therefore stated that citizen participation should go beyond improving access to key budget documents and also involve organisations and individuals to participate in budget debates.
This was because the government did not produce and disseminate four of the eight key budget documents required by international good practices.
The eight key budget documents included the Executive’s budget proposal, Enacted budget, Citizens budget and In-year report on execution which were made available and transparent and the Pre-budget statement, Mid-year review, Year-end report and Auditor’s report which were not made transparent and publicly available.
The survey which was conducted in 85 countries and aimed at ensuring budget transparency, was a collaboration between International Budget Partnership (IBP) and Civil Society Experts in which seven African countries participated.
The Budget Analyst of the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), Mr Nicholas Adamtey stressed the need for budget documents to be made available to the general public without hindrances.
He suggested that the budget should be made available to the public within a period of two to three months for thorough review and analyses before it is presented to parliament.
This he said, would ensure transparency and accountability for the effective use of public resources, as well as help the citizens of the country make informed decisions about the budget statement.
Mr Adamtey said the survey was not to measure corruption but to measure budget transparency and accountability.
He however added that, lack of transparency created opportunity for corruption and wasteful spending.
The survey stated that, the government of Ghana provided the public with about 49 per cent information on its budget and financial activities during the course of the budget year.
It stated that the budget proposal provided substantial information to the public which meant that citizens had a fairly comprehensive idea of governments plans for taxes and expenditure.
However it stated that, it was difficult to track spending, revenue collection and borrowing during the year, adding that, assessing the budget performance in Ghana was difficult once the budget year was over.
It indicated that a year-end report which was not published, prevented comparisons between what was budgeted and what was actually spent and collected at the end of the year.
“These make it difficult for citizens to hold the government accountable for its management of the public’s money”, the survey stated.
It therefore stated that citizen participation should go beyond improving access to key budget documents and also involve organisations and individuals to participate in budget debates.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Drivers on Fares
THE between five and 10 per cent reduction in fuel prices will not significantly affect commercial transport fares.
Daily Graphic surveys at some lorry stations in the metropolis show that while generally most trotro fares have been maintained after the reduced fuel prices took effect, some drivers have increased their fares by about 5Gp.
The fare from Mallam to Kasoa before the announced decreases was 70 Gp and is now 75Gp, while that from Mallam to Accra, which was formerly 40Gp is now 45Gp.
Other trotro drivers are running on transit basis. That is, they pick up people at a point and take them half the distance, insist on all passengers getting down and then reload the vehicles again for the other half of the journey.
Passengers, most often struggling to make it to and from work, are thereby forced to pay sometimes double of what they would spend for the journey.
Some taxi drivers said they charged between GH¢3 and GH¢10 for short distance, depending on how heavy traffic was.
Some executive members of the Ghana Road Transport Co-ordinating Council (GRTCC), the umbrella body of all commercial vehicles in the country, said the decreases in fuel prices were negligible and did not significantly change fares of their members.
The practice in the reduction of fuel prices has included consultation between the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and transport owners and drivers’ unions.
Such consultations take place within an 11-member committee made up of two representatives of the National NPA, three representatives of the Ministry of Transport and six representatives of the GTRCC.
The 11-member committee, however, met after the announcement of the price reduction and reached the decision that the price reduction was negligible, while bank interest on loans used to purchase vehicles, station tolls, spare parts for cars and servicing prices were all increasing.
Mr Mathew Hayford, the Chairman of the GRTCC, said drivers were currently barely able to break even with prevailing increases in spare parts, thus the decreases in fuel prices would rather benefit private vehicle owners and corporate organisations and not Ghanaians who used commercial vehicles.
Random interviews conducted at the Mallam-Kaneshie and Agbogbloshie lorry stations showed drivers were not enthused about the reduction in fuel prices, saying that, to them, it was insignificant.
Mr Gideon Akakpo, a driver, said the high oil prices globally was negatively impacting on Ghana, thus the reductions by the government could affect the nation’s economy.
Another driver, Mr John Ayitey, said traffic congestion in the metropolis was very bad and consumed all the fuel he purchased.
Due to that, he could not reduce transport fares, as what he gained in buying fuel at a lesser price was further used in buying more.
Daily Graphic surveys at some lorry stations in the metropolis show that while generally most trotro fares have been maintained after the reduced fuel prices took effect, some drivers have increased their fares by about 5Gp.
The fare from Mallam to Kasoa before the announced decreases was 70 Gp and is now 75Gp, while that from Mallam to Accra, which was formerly 40Gp is now 45Gp.
Other trotro drivers are running on transit basis. That is, they pick up people at a point and take them half the distance, insist on all passengers getting down and then reload the vehicles again for the other half of the journey.
Passengers, most often struggling to make it to and from work, are thereby forced to pay sometimes double of what they would spend for the journey.
Some taxi drivers said they charged between GH¢3 and GH¢10 for short distance, depending on how heavy traffic was.
Some executive members of the Ghana Road Transport Co-ordinating Council (GRTCC), the umbrella body of all commercial vehicles in the country, said the decreases in fuel prices were negligible and did not significantly change fares of their members.
The practice in the reduction of fuel prices has included consultation between the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and transport owners and drivers’ unions.
Such consultations take place within an 11-member committee made up of two representatives of the National NPA, three representatives of the Ministry of Transport and six representatives of the GTRCC.
The 11-member committee, however, met after the announcement of the price reduction and reached the decision that the price reduction was negligible, while bank interest on loans used to purchase vehicles, station tolls, spare parts for cars and servicing prices were all increasing.
Mr Mathew Hayford, the Chairman of the GRTCC, said drivers were currently barely able to break even with prevailing increases in spare parts, thus the decreases in fuel prices would rather benefit private vehicle owners and corporate organisations and not Ghanaians who used commercial vehicles.
Random interviews conducted at the Mallam-Kaneshie and Agbogbloshie lorry stations showed drivers were not enthused about the reduction in fuel prices, saying that, to them, it was insignificant.
Mr Gideon Akakpo, a driver, said the high oil prices globally was negatively impacting on Ghana, thus the reductions by the government could affect the nation’s economy.
Another driver, Mr John Ayitey, said traffic congestion in the metropolis was very bad and consumed all the fuel he purchased.
Due to that, he could not reduce transport fares, as what he gained in buying fuel at a lesser price was further used in buying more.
Health problems
THE Minister of Health, Dr George Sipa Yankey, has called for a by-partisan approach to resolving health issues in the country.
That, he said would ensure progress in the health sector as policies were put in place for the benefit of Ghanaians irrespective of political affiliations.
Dr Yankey said this at his first meeting with the Inter-Agency Leadership Committee (IALC) in Accra last Thursday.
He said programmes were underway to refurbish the health services in the country to deal with problems confronting the ministry and other health institutions.
He, therefore, asked the various agencies to furnish the ministry with the necessary logistics for health issues that needed interventions.
The minister proposed a two-day workshop with the agencies to tackle some of the major problems confronting the ministry, which would include a critical look at some conflicts among these agencies.
Another challenge, he said, was financing which had become a problem due to the world economic crisis but added that the government had initiated measures to generate money for health care in the country.
Sixteen representatives of IALC outlined issues of concern and called on the minister to look at them critically.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr Ken Sagoe, noted that, the hospital was indebted to a tune of GH¢1.4 million which was retarding its progress.
He also mentioned the huge cost of repairs and maintenance and the deterioration of infrastructure.
The Registrar of the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC), Mr F.K. Hlortsi-Akakpo, noted that 100 herbal medicine shops would be licensed as part of their activities.
He expressed concern about the misinterpretation of Act 575, and called on the government to finalise the Legislative Instrument (LI) for the Act.
For her part, the Registrar of the Nurses and Midwives Council (NMC), Mrs Veronica Darko, said the non-existence of a governing board and the increased number of accredited training schools to 81 had created congestion at the council.
Mrs Darko appealed to the government to give more attention to midwifery practice in Ghana.
The Director of the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine, Prof Laud Okine, announced that three new products had been developed for the cure of diabetes, hypertension and HIV/AIDS, while there were plans for a botanical garden for medicinal plants.
The Director of National Ambulance Service (NAS), Dr Ahmed Zakariah, called on the government to fund the service in order to embark on training for additional staff.
The Executive Director of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), Dr Philibert Kankye, said 35 to 40 per cent of patients were being catered for by CHAG to relieve the burdens of other health institutions.
He, however, asked churches to be involved in the provision of quality health services for Ghanaians.
That, he said would ensure progress in the health sector as policies were put in place for the benefit of Ghanaians irrespective of political affiliations.
Dr Yankey said this at his first meeting with the Inter-Agency Leadership Committee (IALC) in Accra last Thursday.
He said programmes were underway to refurbish the health services in the country to deal with problems confronting the ministry and other health institutions.
He, therefore, asked the various agencies to furnish the ministry with the necessary logistics for health issues that needed interventions.
The minister proposed a two-day workshop with the agencies to tackle some of the major problems confronting the ministry, which would include a critical look at some conflicts among these agencies.
Another challenge, he said, was financing which had become a problem due to the world economic crisis but added that the government had initiated measures to generate money for health care in the country.
Sixteen representatives of IALC outlined issues of concern and called on the minister to look at them critically.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr Ken Sagoe, noted that, the hospital was indebted to a tune of GH¢1.4 million which was retarding its progress.
He also mentioned the huge cost of repairs and maintenance and the deterioration of infrastructure.
The Registrar of the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC), Mr F.K. Hlortsi-Akakpo, noted that 100 herbal medicine shops would be licensed as part of their activities.
He expressed concern about the misinterpretation of Act 575, and called on the government to finalise the Legislative Instrument (LI) for the Act.
For her part, the Registrar of the Nurses and Midwives Council (NMC), Mrs Veronica Darko, said the non-existence of a governing board and the increased number of accredited training schools to 81 had created congestion at the council.
Mrs Darko appealed to the government to give more attention to midwifery practice in Ghana.
The Director of the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine, Prof Laud Okine, announced that three new products had been developed for the cure of diabetes, hypertension and HIV/AIDS, while there were plans for a botanical garden for medicinal plants.
The Director of National Ambulance Service (NAS), Dr Ahmed Zakariah, called on the government to fund the service in order to embark on training for additional staff.
The Executive Director of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), Dr Philibert Kankye, said 35 to 40 per cent of patients were being catered for by CHAG to relieve the burdens of other health institutions.
He, however, asked churches to be involved in the provision of quality health services for Ghanaians.
Budget Advocacy
THE 2009 budget has elements of a pro-poor budget, but too far from being a social democratic budget.
Ghanaians have, therefore, been cautioned that any permutations of policy that threaten the core of society would land the country into irreversible and irreparable damage as had been witnessed in other countries.
The budget, therefore, needs to be re-established to balance the economic and social in its political orientation and tax allocation.
This was contained in a press statement prepared by the Centre for Budget Advocacy (CBA) on the 2009 policy and budget statement and read by the Executive Director of the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), Mr Bishop Akolgo, in Accra.
He said the press statement was released in the hope of contributing to a better understanding of the budget for informed public discussion towards the improvement of the quality of the lives of Ghanaians.
He noted that an effective and efficient economy required a stock of goodwill, trust and acceptance, obedience to the law, as well as the presence of institutions that provided social stability and security.
He said citizens inputs into the budget process in the past, though limited, was truncated this year during the preparation of the 2009 budget.
Mr Akolgo called on the government to formalise the public input into the budget process and said the process should go beyond request for input from the public to the situation where the budget process would be publicised to enable stakeholders to participate effectively.
He also said the Right and Access to Information Bill must be passed into law to enable citizens to make informed inputs into the budget and public finance including helping to reduce corruption and mismanagement of public resources.
He said it was important for the government to make loan transactions and grants transparent and involve civil society organisations, businesses, labour groups and Parliament before such loans were contracted.
Mr Akolgo commended the government for seeking to run a transparent, lean, efficient and effective government and recommended that the country’s natural resources management be brought under the discipline of the extractive industry transparency initiative.
He also suggested that immediate steps should be taken to review and adjust the fiscal regime for the extraction of resources.
He said that would help generate revenue to reduce dependence on external loans and provide resources to invest in the productive and social sectors.
Ghanaians have, therefore, been cautioned that any permutations of policy that threaten the core of society would land the country into irreversible and irreparable damage as had been witnessed in other countries.
The budget, therefore, needs to be re-established to balance the economic and social in its political orientation and tax allocation.
This was contained in a press statement prepared by the Centre for Budget Advocacy (CBA) on the 2009 policy and budget statement and read by the Executive Director of the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), Mr Bishop Akolgo, in Accra.
He said the press statement was released in the hope of contributing to a better understanding of the budget for informed public discussion towards the improvement of the quality of the lives of Ghanaians.
He noted that an effective and efficient economy required a stock of goodwill, trust and acceptance, obedience to the law, as well as the presence of institutions that provided social stability and security.
He said citizens inputs into the budget process in the past, though limited, was truncated this year during the preparation of the 2009 budget.
Mr Akolgo called on the government to formalise the public input into the budget process and said the process should go beyond request for input from the public to the situation where the budget process would be publicised to enable stakeholders to participate effectively.
He also said the Right and Access to Information Bill must be passed into law to enable citizens to make informed inputs into the budget and public finance including helping to reduce corruption and mismanagement of public resources.
He said it was important for the government to make loan transactions and grants transparent and involve civil society organisations, businesses, labour groups and Parliament before such loans were contracted.
Mr Akolgo commended the government for seeking to run a transparent, lean, efficient and effective government and recommended that the country’s natural resources management be brought under the discipline of the extractive industry transparency initiative.
He also suggested that immediate steps should be taken to review and adjust the fiscal regime for the extraction of resources.
He said that would help generate revenue to reduce dependence on external loans and provide resources to invest in the productive and social sectors.
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