THE government has intensified moves to restructure the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) to become an independent commission with the appropriate structures to enhance the execution of its mandate.
Among the moves are the amendment of Legislative Instrument 1507 of 1990 which established NACOB and the review of the conditions of service for its personnel to the standard befitting NACOB’s new status.
The Minister of the Interior, Mr Cletus Avoka, announced this at the launch of the 2008 International Narcotics Control Report in Accra last Thursday.
He said the move formed part of the government's efforts to fight the drug trade in the country.
He said it had been realised that the board under its current status was handicapped in carrying out its mandate to the fullest.
Mr Avoka said some portions of the Narcotics Control Sanctions and Prevention Law, PNDC Law 236 of 1990 were also being considered for amendment.
He said this was to ensure that drug dealers were hit from the angle where it hurts most, by confiscating the wealth they acquired from drug trafficking.
Mr Avoka said the decision was being informed by the difficulties currently being experienced when it came to the confiscation of property illegally acquired by convicted drug dealers.
He observed that the war on illicit drug trafficking had assumed a sophisticated dimension aided by technological advancement, adding that in view of that, drug law enforcement officers also needed to be properly equipped to enable them to counteract the clandestine activities of perpetrators of drug-related crimes.
Mr Avoka said the ministry would source funding for the procurement of user-friendly equipment and gadgets that could facilitate the detection of concealed narcotic drugs at the entry and exit points of the country.
He said as a ministry, they were more than committed to putting in place co-ordinated structures among the various law enforcement agencies to avoid the existing loopholes that were being exploited by drug dealers.
He said they were determined to eliminate all forms of antagonism among enforcement agencies to combat the hydra-headed drug menace.
A member of the International Narcotics Control Board, Dr Joseph B. Asare, said the report suggested that to ensure a more effective implementation of the international drug control conventions, the board invited governments to consider how best to ensure the efficient functioning of the 1961, 1971 and the 1988 conventions.
He said it also suggested that governments should make greater investments in prevention, especially with regard to youth and vulnerable groups, and to utilise the experiences and best practices tested in a variety of settings.
Dr Asare said the report also invited governments to study the discrepancies between international and domestic law with a view to fulfilling their obligations under the international drug control conventions and in that context, to consider their good faith in pursuing the aims of the conventions.
The Executive Secretary of NACOB, ACP Robert Ayalingo, said the board was procuring a software that would have all shipments coming from South America to the country put on it for monitoring.
He said adequately trained personnel would also be stationed at all the ports to conduct proper checks and scanning of all containers that arrive there.
ACP Ayalingo said the country would soon send some personnel of the Ghana Navy to be trained in Europe on how to monitor and properly search ships suspected to be carrying drugs.
He said Ghana recorded the highest number of arrests of traffickers in 2005, adding that the fight against illicit drug trafficking and abuse was an uphill task that needed concerted and multi-sectoral approach.
The United Nations Country Representative in Ghana, Mr Dauda Toure, called on the government to intensify its steps to address the issue of illicit drug trade in the country.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Road Accident
THE Ministry of Transport has begun consultations with stakeholders to find ways of abating the rampant loss of lives through road accidents in the country.
Agencies involved in the exercise include the Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU), the Fire Service, National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).
Others are the Road Transport Co-ordinating Council, Co-operative Transport Association, Intercity State Transport Company, Metro Mass Transit and representatives of the media.
Addressing a forum on the issue in Accra last Tuesday, the Minister of Transport, Mr Mike Hammah, disclosed that over 90 people had been killed during the week of February 14 to February 20 this year alone.
The accidents, which he described as avoidable, happened on the Atimpoku-Juapong-Aboasa road, the Tamale to Bolgatanga road, and the Kintampo to Tamale road.
As a swift and decisive action to curb the menace, he said his ministry in collaboration with the NRSC conducted an investigation on the factors which contributed to the recent accidents.
He said the investigations revealed that the main causes of the accidents were fatigue, carelessness, poor visibility and speeding.
“As the Minister of Transport, I cannot sit down for this needless road traffic crashes to go on,” he said.
Mr Hammah recommended some directives and called on the NRSC and the other road safety agencies present at the meeting to ensure strict compliance with those directives.
He said all commercial transport operators and haulage companies should introduce log books in their vehicles to monitor the number of hours their drivers drive in a day.
Commercial vehicle drivers, he said, should indicate in their log books when they start a journey, the total number of hours spent, and the kilometres driven.
He said road traffic regulations required that drivers took a mandatory 30 minutes rest after four hours of continuous driving and stop driving after a maximum of eight hours.
He noted that the log books would help drivers to make these calculations accurately in order to prevent fatigue driving, which he said was one of the major factors that contributed to the disturbing statistics on road accidents.
Some medium and long-term interventions to address road safety issues that the minister stated include the introduction of speed cameras on some major highways, installation of speed limits in commercial vehicles, and instant towing of disabled vehicles off roads.
The NRSC and the other road safety stakeholders pledged their support and commitment for the effective implementation of the minister’s directives to curb road accidents.
Later in an interview, the Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), Mr Daniel Avorga, attributed the recent upsurge in vehicle accidents in the country to negative attitudes and ignorance on the part of drivers.
He said for instance, the attitudes of drivers on the roads and ignorance of road traffic laws were some of the factors responsible for the accidents.
Commander Avorga expressed concern about the rate at which accidents were occurring recently, adding that the police would continue to enforce the road traffic regulation to ensure sanity on the roads.
Agencies involved in the exercise include the Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU), the Fire Service, National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).
Others are the Road Transport Co-ordinating Council, Co-operative Transport Association, Intercity State Transport Company, Metro Mass Transit and representatives of the media.
Addressing a forum on the issue in Accra last Tuesday, the Minister of Transport, Mr Mike Hammah, disclosed that over 90 people had been killed during the week of February 14 to February 20 this year alone.
The accidents, which he described as avoidable, happened on the Atimpoku-Juapong-Aboasa road, the Tamale to Bolgatanga road, and the Kintampo to Tamale road.
As a swift and decisive action to curb the menace, he said his ministry in collaboration with the NRSC conducted an investigation on the factors which contributed to the recent accidents.
He said the investigations revealed that the main causes of the accidents were fatigue, carelessness, poor visibility and speeding.
“As the Minister of Transport, I cannot sit down for this needless road traffic crashes to go on,” he said.
Mr Hammah recommended some directives and called on the NRSC and the other road safety agencies present at the meeting to ensure strict compliance with those directives.
He said all commercial transport operators and haulage companies should introduce log books in their vehicles to monitor the number of hours their drivers drive in a day.
Commercial vehicle drivers, he said, should indicate in their log books when they start a journey, the total number of hours spent, and the kilometres driven.
He said road traffic regulations required that drivers took a mandatory 30 minutes rest after four hours of continuous driving and stop driving after a maximum of eight hours.
He noted that the log books would help drivers to make these calculations accurately in order to prevent fatigue driving, which he said was one of the major factors that contributed to the disturbing statistics on road accidents.
Some medium and long-term interventions to address road safety issues that the minister stated include the introduction of speed cameras on some major highways, installation of speed limits in commercial vehicles, and instant towing of disabled vehicles off roads.
The NRSC and the other road safety stakeholders pledged their support and commitment for the effective implementation of the minister’s directives to curb road accidents.
Later in an interview, the Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), Mr Daniel Avorga, attributed the recent upsurge in vehicle accidents in the country to negative attitudes and ignorance on the part of drivers.
He said for instance, the attitudes of drivers on the roads and ignorance of road traffic laws were some of the factors responsible for the accidents.
Commander Avorga expressed concern about the rate at which accidents were occurring recently, adding that the police would continue to enforce the road traffic regulation to ensure sanity on the roads.
Friday, February 20, 2009
DOVVSU
THE Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service has expressed concern about increases in the reported cases of violence against children and the rate of domestic violence in the Greater Accra Region.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Accra DOVVSU, Chief Inspector Irene Oppong, in an interview with the Daily Graphic, said the unit recorded 552 cases of defilement last year, while assault accounted for 2,122, cases within the same period.
She said in 2007, the unit recorded 2,172 cases of assault, while defilement cases for that period stood at 449.
She said crime statistics indicated that Accra recorded a total number 4,904 crime cases last year, as against 4,481 cases reported in 2007, and that showed an increase of 423 crime cases reported.
Chief Inspector Oppong attributed most of the reported cases in relation to domestic violence to broken homes, and pointed out that deaths of breadwinners in the family also contributed to the problem, considering the nature of the country’s extended family system.
According to her, the DOVVSU would step up efforts to ensure that people committed crimes such as defilement, rape, assault, child trafficking and threat of harm/death were brought to book.
She advised parents to be more responsible and provide their children with the needed care and protection, urging them not to leave their children under the custody of any other person.
She, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders to support the unit with its outreach programmes in order to curb domestic violence.
The Counsellor of the unit, Mr Derek Obeng, appealed to the government to support the full implementation of the Domestic Violence Act by providing the Police Service, the Department of Social Welfare, as well as related agencies with the needed resources and logistics.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Accra DOVVSU, Chief Inspector Irene Oppong, in an interview with the Daily Graphic, said the unit recorded 552 cases of defilement last year, while assault accounted for 2,122, cases within the same period.
She said in 2007, the unit recorded 2,172 cases of assault, while defilement cases for that period stood at 449.
She said crime statistics indicated that Accra recorded a total number 4,904 crime cases last year, as against 4,481 cases reported in 2007, and that showed an increase of 423 crime cases reported.
Chief Inspector Oppong attributed most of the reported cases in relation to domestic violence to broken homes, and pointed out that deaths of breadwinners in the family also contributed to the problem, considering the nature of the country’s extended family system.
According to her, the DOVVSU would step up efforts to ensure that people committed crimes such as defilement, rape, assault, child trafficking and threat of harm/death were brought to book.
She advised parents to be more responsible and provide their children with the needed care and protection, urging them not to leave their children under the custody of any other person.
She, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders to support the unit with its outreach programmes in order to curb domestic violence.
The Counsellor of the unit, Mr Derek Obeng, appealed to the government to support the full implementation of the Domestic Violence Act by providing the Police Service, the Department of Social Welfare, as well as related agencies with the needed resources and logistics.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Street Children
THE Director of Chance For Children (CFC), Mrs Daniela Ruedsueli Sodjah, has stressed the need to provide training opportunities for street children.
Speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration of CFC in Accra, she said children must be given the chance to make valuable contributions to decisions that affect them and also participate in activities that impact positively on their lives.
“Street children in Accra should have the opportunity to take control of their lives through the provision of love, safety, educational opportunities and professional training,” she said.
The CFC is a Swiss-Ghanaian venture which aids street children by providing them with academic opportunities through various supports.
The organisation recruits street children mainly from Agbogbloshie and James Town in Accra and provides them with opportunities to support their growth and development.
It also promotes family ties and instils in the children, respect for individuals, honesty and openness, social responsibility and the ability to help themselves.
The Board Manager of CFC, Mr Paul Amegee, congratulated the CFC for their impressive achievements and pleaded with the public and the government to provide further support to NGOs engaged in charity activities to enable them cater effectively for the underprivileged in the society.
Speaking on behalf of Mr Stephen Adongo, Director of Social Welfare, Mrs Helena Obeng Asamoah, Co-ordinator of the Care Reform Initiative (CRI) at the Department of Social Welfare, said the CRI emphasised that orphanages which were not operating within the standards of the Social Welfare would be closed down by the end of 2009.
The Executive Director of the Association for Children’s Homes and Orphanages (ACHO), Mrs Caroline Aggrey-Fynn, recommended that orphanages should be supported and supervised adequately.
She appealed to the government, religious bodies, corporate organisations and other individuals to support training programmes for existing homes to enable the homes embark on a nation-wide education to sensitise the populace to the importance of adoption, fostering and responsible parenting, adding that, “caring for street children was a collective responsibility”.
For his part, Switzerland’s Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Nicolas Lang, said it was disheartening to see children loitering the streets and reiterated that street children should be supported to be responsible.
He said resources should be sought in order to achieve the laudable initiative of discouraging children from staying on the streets.
The Face of the Universe 2007, Miss Alberta Arhin, who has been collaborating with CFC for philanthropic activities, said many street children left their families because of domestic violence or the breakdown of the family structure.
She added that whilst on the street, many children were exposed to prostitution, drug trafficking and other related social vices.
Speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration of CFC in Accra, she said children must be given the chance to make valuable contributions to decisions that affect them and also participate in activities that impact positively on their lives.
“Street children in Accra should have the opportunity to take control of their lives through the provision of love, safety, educational opportunities and professional training,” she said.
The CFC is a Swiss-Ghanaian venture which aids street children by providing them with academic opportunities through various supports.
The organisation recruits street children mainly from Agbogbloshie and James Town in Accra and provides them with opportunities to support their growth and development.
It also promotes family ties and instils in the children, respect for individuals, honesty and openness, social responsibility and the ability to help themselves.
The Board Manager of CFC, Mr Paul Amegee, congratulated the CFC for their impressive achievements and pleaded with the public and the government to provide further support to NGOs engaged in charity activities to enable them cater effectively for the underprivileged in the society.
Speaking on behalf of Mr Stephen Adongo, Director of Social Welfare, Mrs Helena Obeng Asamoah, Co-ordinator of the Care Reform Initiative (CRI) at the Department of Social Welfare, said the CRI emphasised that orphanages which were not operating within the standards of the Social Welfare would be closed down by the end of 2009.
The Executive Director of the Association for Children’s Homes and Orphanages (ACHO), Mrs Caroline Aggrey-Fynn, recommended that orphanages should be supported and supervised adequately.
She appealed to the government, religious bodies, corporate organisations and other individuals to support training programmes for existing homes to enable the homes embark on a nation-wide education to sensitise the populace to the importance of adoption, fostering and responsible parenting, adding that, “caring for street children was a collective responsibility”.
For his part, Switzerland’s Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Nicolas Lang, said it was disheartening to see children loitering the streets and reiterated that street children should be supported to be responsible.
He said resources should be sought in order to achieve the laudable initiative of discouraging children from staying on the streets.
The Face of the Universe 2007, Miss Alberta Arhin, who has been collaborating with CFC for philanthropic activities, said many street children left their families because of domestic violence or the breakdown of the family structure.
She added that whilst on the street, many children were exposed to prostitution, drug trafficking and other related social vices.
Fight against corruption
RELIGIOUS organisations are coming out with an action plan aimed at fighting corruption within the political, religious and educational institutions in the country.
Consequently, the Christian Council of Ghana, the National Catholic Secretariat and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission are collaborating with the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) to draw up the action plan.
The GII, which initiated the project, yesterday began a two-day workshop in Accra to build the capacity of leaders of the three religious organisations in the fight against corruption.
The ethics workshop is on the theme; “Zero tolerance against corruption campaign: The role of religious bodies in Ghana”.
Topics being discussed include: “Manifestation of corruption in Ghanaian society”, “The role of religious bodies in the fight against corruption” and “Strategies in the fight against corruption”.
The Programmes Manager of GII, Mrs Linda Ofori-Kwafo, said the action plan, which is expected to be ready by the end of the year, would serve as a guide for religious leaders in their educational campaigns against corruption.
She said her outfit would organise workshops in the Eastern, Western and Central regions to get the input of the religious leaders into the action plan.
Mrs Ofori-Kwafo said the GII would monitor implementation of the guidelines in the action plan by the religious leaders.
She said many individuals would be trained to assist in the fight against corruption in their respective mosques and churches.
She said leaders from religious bodies would become members of the GII and also “spread the anti-corruption message through the pulpit”.
The Ameer and Missionary in charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Maulvi Wahab Adam, in a speech read on his behalf by his first deputy, Maulvi M.Y. Yawson, stressed the need for religious organisations to educate their members on the negative impacts of corruption.
He said corruption was one of the elements affecting the effective administration of good governance and economic development.
A representative of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Peter Sefogah, said if religious leaders were educated on corruption, took up the challenge and made it part of their messages, “it will reduce the incidence of corruption”.
He said corruption started from the heart, hence, the need for the people to be talked to through sermons to change their attitudes towards corruption.
The Executive Secretary of Ghana Anti Corruption Coalition, Mrs Florence Dennis, who chaired the function, asked religious leaders to play a more central role in stemming corruption by emphasising values of integrity.
Consequently, the Christian Council of Ghana, the National Catholic Secretariat and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission are collaborating with the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) to draw up the action plan.
The GII, which initiated the project, yesterday began a two-day workshop in Accra to build the capacity of leaders of the three religious organisations in the fight against corruption.
The ethics workshop is on the theme; “Zero tolerance against corruption campaign: The role of religious bodies in Ghana”.
Topics being discussed include: “Manifestation of corruption in Ghanaian society”, “The role of religious bodies in the fight against corruption” and “Strategies in the fight against corruption”.
The Programmes Manager of GII, Mrs Linda Ofori-Kwafo, said the action plan, which is expected to be ready by the end of the year, would serve as a guide for religious leaders in their educational campaigns against corruption.
She said her outfit would organise workshops in the Eastern, Western and Central regions to get the input of the religious leaders into the action plan.
Mrs Ofori-Kwafo said the GII would monitor implementation of the guidelines in the action plan by the religious leaders.
She said many individuals would be trained to assist in the fight against corruption in their respective mosques and churches.
She said leaders from religious bodies would become members of the GII and also “spread the anti-corruption message through the pulpit”.
The Ameer and Missionary in charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Maulvi Wahab Adam, in a speech read on his behalf by his first deputy, Maulvi M.Y. Yawson, stressed the need for religious organisations to educate their members on the negative impacts of corruption.
He said corruption was one of the elements affecting the effective administration of good governance and economic development.
A representative of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Peter Sefogah, said if religious leaders were educated on corruption, took up the challenge and made it part of their messages, “it will reduce the incidence of corruption”.
He said corruption started from the heart, hence, the need for the people to be talked to through sermons to change their attitudes towards corruption.
The Executive Secretary of Ghana Anti Corruption Coalition, Mrs Florence Dennis, who chaired the function, asked religious leaders to play a more central role in stemming corruption by emphasising values of integrity.
Driver Arrested
A DRIVER with an expired temporary registration number from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) was arrested by the police at Kaneshie on Tuesday.
The driver, Mr Jonathan Mensah told the Daily Graphic that, he went for the car from the fitting shop which was being tested.
Officials from the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Police Service, explained that the driver was driving without a licence and also with an expired (DVLA-2008) trade plate DVLA-2052.
According to the police, imported vehicles with temporary registration numbers were supposed to be renewed yearly under DVLA regulations and the driver should have renewed the trade plate before using the vehicle.
They said the driver should have had an itinerary which should have indicated his schedules, adding that most accidents occurred in the metropolis due to reckless driving of drivers with expired number plates.
The police, therefore, advised the general public to be on the look out for drivers who ply the route with expired number plates and report them immediately to the appropriate authorities and also refrain from doing business with such drivers.
The driver, Mr Jonathan Mensah told the Daily Graphic that, he went for the car from the fitting shop which was being tested.
Officials from the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Police Service, explained that the driver was driving without a licence and also with an expired (DVLA-2008) trade plate DVLA-2052.
According to the police, imported vehicles with temporary registration numbers were supposed to be renewed yearly under DVLA regulations and the driver should have renewed the trade plate before using the vehicle.
They said the driver should have had an itinerary which should have indicated his schedules, adding that most accidents occurred in the metropolis due to reckless driving of drivers with expired number plates.
The police, therefore, advised the general public to be on the look out for drivers who ply the route with expired number plates and report them immediately to the appropriate authorities and also refrain from doing business with such drivers.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Road safety
VANGUARD Assurance has embarked on a road safety campaign to draw attention of the public to the spate of recklessness on our roads and how to avoid road accidents.
The campaign is also aimed at educating drivers on the need to drive professionally during and after the Valentine's Day celebration.
The acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vanguard Assurance, Mr Gideon Amenyedor, said human errors, resulting from tiredness, drunkenness and wrong overtaking could be avoided through proper and regular training of drivers.
“In view of this, Vanguard instituted the Vanguard Best Taxi Driver Award Scheme, with the aim of addressing human-related errors,” he stated.
He added that the award started with rigorous training of taxi drivers who were insured by Vanguard on defensive driving, road signs, regular maintenance of vehicles and courtesy towards passengers.
Mr Amenyedor noted that Vanguard collaborated with PHC Motors and Ecobank and gave out 300 Tata Indico cars on hire purchase to drivers who could pay within a reasonable number of years in order to enhance road safety on the roads.
He advised drivers not to drive when tired, not to overtake in a curve, regularly maintain their vehicles and be courteous towards passengers.
The Vice-Chairman of Vanguard Assurance, Mr Daniel Awuah Darko, also reminded drivers to apply safe driving methods to keep road users safe.
He advised all beneficiaries of the scheme to work harder in order to acquire their own cars.
For his part, the Chairman of the Ghana Road Transport Co-ordinating Council, Mr Matthew Hayford, appealed to the management of Vanguard Assurance to extend the scheme to other intra and inter-transport companies in the country to curb fatalities on our roads.
The campaign is also aimed at educating drivers on the need to drive professionally during and after the Valentine's Day celebration.
The acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vanguard Assurance, Mr Gideon Amenyedor, said human errors, resulting from tiredness, drunkenness and wrong overtaking could be avoided through proper and regular training of drivers.
“In view of this, Vanguard instituted the Vanguard Best Taxi Driver Award Scheme, with the aim of addressing human-related errors,” he stated.
He added that the award started with rigorous training of taxi drivers who were insured by Vanguard on defensive driving, road signs, regular maintenance of vehicles and courtesy towards passengers.
Mr Amenyedor noted that Vanguard collaborated with PHC Motors and Ecobank and gave out 300 Tata Indico cars on hire purchase to drivers who could pay within a reasonable number of years in order to enhance road safety on the roads.
He advised drivers not to drive when tired, not to overtake in a curve, regularly maintain their vehicles and be courteous towards passengers.
The Vice-Chairman of Vanguard Assurance, Mr Daniel Awuah Darko, also reminded drivers to apply safe driving methods to keep road users safe.
He advised all beneficiaries of the scheme to work harder in order to acquire their own cars.
For his part, the Chairman of the Ghana Road Transport Co-ordinating Council, Mr Matthew Hayford, appealed to the management of Vanguard Assurance to extend the scheme to other intra and inter-transport companies in the country to curb fatalities on our roads.
SHS Education
THE statement by Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, Education Minister designate to reverse the duration of senior high school (SHS) education from four to three years has attracted mixed reactions from a members of the public.
While some support the idea saying that it would reduce cost on parents, others say it would truncate the smooth implementation of the four-year system which had gradually been accepted.
In separate interviews with the Daily Graphic, they therefore, called for a non-partisan discussion to the issue so as not to jeopardise the future of Ghanaian children.
Some heads of second cycle schools in the country have expressed concern that, there were not enough classroom blocks to lecture a class of about 75 students at a go and if it had to be reversed to three-years, then most of them would not have completed their academic syllabi.
As a result of the inadequate number of the required classroom infrastructure, some of the heads have indicated that they would have to reduce the admission in-take to make room for extra classrooms for the students as a temporary alternative.
The new government under President Mills has indicated its new vision for education, including the making of SHS education three years, instead of the four years under the education reform.
Some teachers suggested that, if the new government would provide laboratory equipment and other study materials for the three years programme, they would however, applaud the initiative.
Students the Daily Graphic interviewed expressed worry that the academic syllabi is too packed and they are unable to complete most of them before they are out of school.
They appealed to the government to maintain the four years so as to complete their syllabi.
While some support the idea saying that it would reduce cost on parents, others say it would truncate the smooth implementation of the four-year system which had gradually been accepted.
In separate interviews with the Daily Graphic, they therefore, called for a non-partisan discussion to the issue so as not to jeopardise the future of Ghanaian children.
Some heads of second cycle schools in the country have expressed concern that, there were not enough classroom blocks to lecture a class of about 75 students at a go and if it had to be reversed to three-years, then most of them would not have completed their academic syllabi.
As a result of the inadequate number of the required classroom infrastructure, some of the heads have indicated that they would have to reduce the admission in-take to make room for extra classrooms for the students as a temporary alternative.
The new government under President Mills has indicated its new vision for education, including the making of SHS education three years, instead of the four years under the education reform.
Some teachers suggested that, if the new government would provide laboratory equipment and other study materials for the three years programme, they would however, applaud the initiative.
Students the Daily Graphic interviewed expressed worry that the academic syllabi is too packed and they are unable to complete most of them before they are out of school.
They appealed to the government to maintain the four years so as to complete their syllabi.
Library Project
A LIBRARY project that has the capacity to seat 80 people has been inaugurated at St Bernadette Soubirous School at Dansoman to support academic work of the students.
The library which has about 7,500 books is expected to help students improve their reading, research and learning in general.
Inaugurating the library, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Accra, Very Rev. Francis Adoboli, cautioned the students to refrain from immoral acts, and concentrate on their studies.
He said God has given each person the free will to either do good or evil, but urged them to appreciate their values in society and exercise their free will and freedom responsibly.
The Accra Regional Manager of Catholic Schools, Mrs Faustina Opoku Yeboah, launched the school's 30th anniversary which is scheduled for September 1, 2009 and advised the students to make good use of the library by doing thorough research.
She said the anniversary celebration provided the opportunity for stock taking and asked them to endeavour to acquire knowledge by reading constantly.
Mrs Opoku Yeboah appealed to educational authorities, religious bodies, parents and the entire community to show love to their children and invest in their education.
The Headmistress, Mrs Mary Aquiline Cato, said the school aimed at educating children, especially Catholics in and around Dansoman communities.
She urged the students to obey their parents and school authorities.
The school which was established 30 years ago, has a student population of about 1,500.
The Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Mr A. K. Fynn, advised the students to take good care of the books in the library.
The library which has about 7,500 books is expected to help students improve their reading, research and learning in general.
Inaugurating the library, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Accra, Very Rev. Francis Adoboli, cautioned the students to refrain from immoral acts, and concentrate on their studies.
He said God has given each person the free will to either do good or evil, but urged them to appreciate their values in society and exercise their free will and freedom responsibly.
The Accra Regional Manager of Catholic Schools, Mrs Faustina Opoku Yeboah, launched the school's 30th anniversary which is scheduled for September 1, 2009 and advised the students to make good use of the library by doing thorough research.
She said the anniversary celebration provided the opportunity for stock taking and asked them to endeavour to acquire knowledge by reading constantly.
Mrs Opoku Yeboah appealed to educational authorities, religious bodies, parents and the entire community to show love to their children and invest in their education.
The Headmistress, Mrs Mary Aquiline Cato, said the school aimed at educating children, especially Catholics in and around Dansoman communities.
She urged the students to obey their parents and school authorities.
The school which was established 30 years ago, has a student population of about 1,500.
The Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Mr A. K. Fynn, advised the students to take good care of the books in the library.
NLA Donation
THE National Lottery Authority (NLA) has presented a cheque for GH¢10,000 to support the College of Health Sciences Endowment Fund at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
This brings to GH¢20,000 the amount spent by the NLA in support of the fund, which was set up nine years ago by the college to support postgraduate training.
Presenting the cheque, Mr David Lamptey, the Legal and Corporate Affairs Manager of N LA, expressed optimism that the cheque would help to put the college in a better position to train more students.
He said the authority was committed to providing financial support for students of the college to pursue professional training.
Mr Lamptey said the NLA had invested GH¢20,000 within two years to help health professionals to pursue higher studies in their chosen fields to better their lots.
For his part, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Aaron Lante Lawson, said the college had the mandate to train health professionals in the country.
“The college has been in partnership with corporate entities to achieve this objective,” Prof. Lawson noted.
The Deputy Provost, Prof. Andrew Anthony Adjei, said the college had MPhil and PhD students who were doing well through scholarships to go through their studies.
He expressed his profound gratitude to the authority for helping medical students in the country.
The Registrar of the college, Mr Frank K. Yeboah, said the college had set up the endowment fund for future health students.
He, therefore, appealed to other individuals and organisations to support the college.
This brings to GH¢20,000 the amount spent by the NLA in support of the fund, which was set up nine years ago by the college to support postgraduate training.
Presenting the cheque, Mr David Lamptey, the Legal and Corporate Affairs Manager of N LA, expressed optimism that the cheque would help to put the college in a better position to train more students.
He said the authority was committed to providing financial support for students of the college to pursue professional training.
Mr Lamptey said the NLA had invested GH¢20,000 within two years to help health professionals to pursue higher studies in their chosen fields to better their lots.
For his part, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Aaron Lante Lawson, said the college had the mandate to train health professionals in the country.
“The college has been in partnership with corporate entities to achieve this objective,” Prof. Lawson noted.
The Deputy Provost, Prof. Andrew Anthony Adjei, said the college had MPhil and PhD students who were doing well through scholarships to go through their studies.
He expressed his profound gratitude to the authority for helping medical students in the country.
The Registrar of the college, Mr Frank K. Yeboah, said the college had set up the endowment fund for future health students.
He, therefore, appealed to other individuals and organisations to support the college.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Traffic Congestion
DRIVERS plying the Kaneshie-Odorkor-Mallam-Kasoa route have described the traffic congestion on the Mallam-Tetteh Quarshie Highway as unbearable.
They have consequently appealed to the government to speed up the construction of Mallam-Tetteh Quarshie Highway to help ease vehicular traffic on that stretch of road, particularly at Mallam junction.
Sod for work on the highway, which is also referred to as N1, was cut by former President John Agyekum Kufuor last year and it is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion on the corridor when completed in about two years’ time.
Some of the drivers, especially the commercial ones whose daily sales are heavily affected by the congestion, have appealed to road transport organisations to design means of easing the traffic.
Some drivers who are obviously distraught by the current situation said that the traffic jam was worrying as it wasted both time and fuel.
In a bid to ensure the orderly movement of motorists along the congested road, some traffic wardens have positioned themselves at intersections where there are no police personnel, but the drivers said “the presence of traffic wardens has not helped the situation, which occurs throughout the week”.
They were of the view that it was effective collaboration among all motorists that would minimise the congestion.
Mr Alex Amanor, a commercial bus (trotro) driver, expressed the hope that contractors would begin the work and complete the project on schedule.
They have consequently appealed to the government to speed up the construction of Mallam-Tetteh Quarshie Highway to help ease vehicular traffic on that stretch of road, particularly at Mallam junction.
Sod for work on the highway, which is also referred to as N1, was cut by former President John Agyekum Kufuor last year and it is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion on the corridor when completed in about two years’ time.
Some of the drivers, especially the commercial ones whose daily sales are heavily affected by the congestion, have appealed to road transport organisations to design means of easing the traffic.
Some drivers who are obviously distraught by the current situation said that the traffic jam was worrying as it wasted both time and fuel.
In a bid to ensure the orderly movement of motorists along the congested road, some traffic wardens have positioned themselves at intersections where there are no police personnel, but the drivers said “the presence of traffic wardens has not helped the situation, which occurs throughout the week”.
They were of the view that it was effective collaboration among all motorists that would minimise the congestion.
Mr Alex Amanor, a commercial bus (trotro) driver, expressed the hope that contractors would begin the work and complete the project on schedule.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Market Survey
SOME foodstuff sellers at the Mallam,Odorkor and Kaneshie markets,have enumerated a number of factors that have led to an increase in the prices of their foodstuffs.
They said apart from paying high daily market tolls and other taxes, the cost of transporting the foodstuffs from food growing areas to market centres was so prohibitive and that greatly affect them.
They stressed the need for market toll collectors to be properly uniformed so as to make identification easy, stressing that “we are not able to identify them when they come to take money from us, we sometimes pay money to the wrong people” .
The traders expressed this concern when the Daily Graphic paid a visit to the three markets to interact with the traders on their activities and how sales were moving.
“Sales have been very poor after the festivities because of the refusal of some drivers to reduce their fares”, some sellers lamented.
In separate interviews with the Daily Graphic, a pepper seller, Selina Donkor, said before the Christmas festivities, a bag of pepper cost between GH¢ 50 and GH¢ 70, but now, a bag of the same quantity goes for between GH¢ 100 and GH¢ 120.
A rice seller, Victoria Boye said, old stocks have been increased because of the numerous tax placed on imported goods.
Ms Boye added that, the GHp 1 coin was too small and of no value, “An item that should be sold for GH2p was been sold for GH5p, this she said was not good for their pricing”.
A vegetable seller, Naa Oti, appealed to other foodstuff sellers to eschew politicising issues that would degenerate into violence in the country.
On the issue of tax, some of the sellers complained they are taxed between GH¢3 and GH¢5 by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on quarterly basis aside the yearly taxed paid to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the daily tax of GHp 26.
They also stressed the need for government to support farmers with the needed imputs and funds to enable them farm all year round to help reduce the prices of foodstuff in the dry season.
The price of a bag of rice ranges from between GH¢42 and GH¢85, while a create of tomatoes goes for between GH¢100 to GH¢ 240. A sack of onions also costs GH¢100 depending on the size.
They said apart from paying high daily market tolls and other taxes, the cost of transporting the foodstuffs from food growing areas to market centres was so prohibitive and that greatly affect them.
They stressed the need for market toll collectors to be properly uniformed so as to make identification easy, stressing that “we are not able to identify them when they come to take money from us, we sometimes pay money to the wrong people” .
The traders expressed this concern when the Daily Graphic paid a visit to the three markets to interact with the traders on their activities and how sales were moving.
“Sales have been very poor after the festivities because of the refusal of some drivers to reduce their fares”, some sellers lamented.
In separate interviews with the Daily Graphic, a pepper seller, Selina Donkor, said before the Christmas festivities, a bag of pepper cost between GH¢ 50 and GH¢ 70, but now, a bag of the same quantity goes for between GH¢ 100 and GH¢ 120.
A rice seller, Victoria Boye said, old stocks have been increased because of the numerous tax placed on imported goods.
Ms Boye added that, the GHp 1 coin was too small and of no value, “An item that should be sold for GH2p was been sold for GH5p, this she said was not good for their pricing”.
A vegetable seller, Naa Oti, appealed to other foodstuff sellers to eschew politicising issues that would degenerate into violence in the country.
On the issue of tax, some of the sellers complained they are taxed between GH¢3 and GH¢5 by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on quarterly basis aside the yearly taxed paid to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the daily tax of GHp 26.
They also stressed the need for government to support farmers with the needed imputs and funds to enable them farm all year round to help reduce the prices of foodstuff in the dry season.
The price of a bag of rice ranges from between GH¢42 and GH¢85, while a create of tomatoes goes for between GH¢100 to GH¢ 240. A sack of onions also costs GH¢100 depending on the size.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Unilever Scholarship
THE Unilever Foundation for Education and Development (UFED) has presented bursaries worth $5,000 to five postgraduate students of the College of Health Sciences at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
Each of the beneficiaries received a cheque for $1,000. This brings the total amount spent by the foundation on postgraduate students at the college to more than $30,000 over the last six years.
The beneficiaries for the 2008/2009 academic year are: Messrs Wise Chukwudi Letsa, Dominic Selorm Amuzu, John T. Ayivase, George K. Kpentey and Seidu Mahmoud Abdulai.
Presenting the cheques, Mr Andrew E. Quayson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UFED said, the foundation had been committed to providing financial support for students of the college who chose to remain in the country to give back to society what taxpayers had contributed to their professional training.
“That is why to date UFED has invested over $30,000 to help these health professionals to pursue higher studies in their chosen fields to better their lot as well as that of the nation, Mr Quayson stated.
Mr Quayson entreated the beneficiaries to remain in the country to enable the younger ones benefit from whatever they had studied and urged them to continue with their good work to help others in the country through health care delivery.
For his part, the Deputy Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Andrew Anthony Adjei, expressed his profound gratitude to the foundation for helping medical students in the country.
He said postgraduate training played an important role in producing highly efficient and competent graduates.
Prof. Adjei said the college had MPhil and PhD students who were doing very well, adding that most of them were not working but relied on scholarships to go through their studies.
The Deputy Provost, therefore, appealed to the foundation to increase the number of beneficiaries from the package.
Mr Seidu Mahmoud Abdulai, a beneficiary, on behalf of his colleagues, thanked the foundation for the kind gesture and promised that they would remain in the country to help others.
Each of the beneficiaries received a cheque for $1,000. This brings the total amount spent by the foundation on postgraduate students at the college to more than $30,000 over the last six years.
The beneficiaries for the 2008/2009 academic year are: Messrs Wise Chukwudi Letsa, Dominic Selorm Amuzu, John T. Ayivase, George K. Kpentey and Seidu Mahmoud Abdulai.
Presenting the cheques, Mr Andrew E. Quayson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UFED said, the foundation had been committed to providing financial support for students of the college who chose to remain in the country to give back to society what taxpayers had contributed to their professional training.
“That is why to date UFED has invested over $30,000 to help these health professionals to pursue higher studies in their chosen fields to better their lot as well as that of the nation, Mr Quayson stated.
Mr Quayson entreated the beneficiaries to remain in the country to enable the younger ones benefit from whatever they had studied and urged them to continue with their good work to help others in the country through health care delivery.
For his part, the Deputy Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Andrew Anthony Adjei, expressed his profound gratitude to the foundation for helping medical students in the country.
He said postgraduate training played an important role in producing highly efficient and competent graduates.
Prof. Adjei said the college had MPhil and PhD students who were doing very well, adding that most of them were not working but relied on scholarships to go through their studies.
The Deputy Provost, therefore, appealed to the foundation to increase the number of beneficiaries from the package.
Mr Seidu Mahmoud Abdulai, a beneficiary, on behalf of his colleagues, thanked the foundation for the kind gesture and promised that they would remain in the country to help others.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Vanguard Awards
THIRTY-EIGHT-year-old Daniel Teye has been adjudged the overall best agent in the 2008 maiden awards programme by Vanguard Assurance Company Ltd. He took home a laptop.
Two other persons who contributed immensely to raise the standard of the company were recognised and rewarded in different categories for their selfless dedication and hard work.
Mr Prosper Sappah, the first runner-up, won for himself a desk-top computer, while the second runner-up, Mr James E. N.T. Laryea, took home a double-door refrigerator.
Mr Teye has generated a premium income of GH¢ 306,997.94, which earned the company profit for the over three years that he has been with the company.
The acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gideon Amenyedor, who made the presentation at a ceremony in Accra last Wednesday, said the hard work and professionalism displayed by agents such as Mr Teye had enabled the company to achieve recognition nation-wide, adding that the management would continue to assist members of staff who got the opportunity to be pushed to the next level of their professions.
He said Mr Teye had consistently performed in his job since he joined the company three years ago.
“Vanguard Assurance places premium on training its members of staff to enable them to improve their efficiency and pass on excellent services to its clients,” Mr Amenyedor stated, and expressed the hope that the awards would motivate the rest of the staff to work harder to improve their skills.
For his part, the Agency Manager, Mr Joe Ala Adjetey-Din, said the company rewarded its cherished agents for the paramount role they played in the attainment of the company’s objectives.
“Notwithstanding the numerous challenges that our agents are encumbered with in the discharge of their duties, they have shown unimaginable latitude of tenacity, loyalty and, above all, excellent performance over the years,” Mr Adjetey-Din noted.
Two other persons who contributed immensely to raise the standard of the company were recognised and rewarded in different categories for their selfless dedication and hard work.
Mr Prosper Sappah, the first runner-up, won for himself a desk-top computer, while the second runner-up, Mr James E. N.T. Laryea, took home a double-door refrigerator.
Mr Teye has generated a premium income of GH¢ 306,997.94, which earned the company profit for the over three years that he has been with the company.
The acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gideon Amenyedor, who made the presentation at a ceremony in Accra last Wednesday, said the hard work and professionalism displayed by agents such as Mr Teye had enabled the company to achieve recognition nation-wide, adding that the management would continue to assist members of staff who got the opportunity to be pushed to the next level of their professions.
He said Mr Teye had consistently performed in his job since he joined the company three years ago.
“Vanguard Assurance places premium on training its members of staff to enable them to improve their efficiency and pass on excellent services to its clients,” Mr Amenyedor stated, and expressed the hope that the awards would motivate the rest of the staff to work harder to improve their skills.
For his part, the Agency Manager, Mr Joe Ala Adjetey-Din, said the company rewarded its cherished agents for the paramount role they played in the attainment of the company’s objectives.
“Notwithstanding the numerous challenges that our agents are encumbered with in the discharge of their duties, they have shown unimaginable latitude of tenacity, loyalty and, above all, excellent performance over the years,” Mr Adjetey-Din noted.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
VISA CARDS
ZENITH Bank Ghana Limited has launched three Visa Cards to make business transactions easier and safer for customers.
The Visa Prepaid Card, the Visa Debit Card and the Visa Credit Card have been designed to respond to the financial needs of the bank’s clients to make timely payments.
The Managing Director of the bank, Mr Andy Ojei, said at the launch in Accra on Tuesday that the introduction of the cards was to make financial transactions convenient for its clients.
He said the Visa Cards would enable customers to gain access to the Visa network operated in over 150 countries with a network of over 29 million outlets and a million automatic teller machines (ATMs).
"The cards will enable our customers to use their Visa Cards worldwide at ATMs displaying points and also use them for purchases on the Internet.
"The Zenith Visa Credit Cards are simple, reliable and cost-effective way to offer credit to our customers, it is available to customers who operate a current account and who meets the bank's criteria for credit,” Mr Ojei added.
The Zenith Bank managing director urged the public to use the Visa Cards in order to solve problems faced at the forex bureaux and avoid robbery.
The Visa Prepaid Cards are pre-loaded with an amount of money the customer wants to be loaded unto the card, while the Visa Debit Cards are linked to the account of the card holder at the bank.
The Visa Credit Cards, on the other hand, are linked to an account, but with a credit facility to the holder.
The Visa Prepaid Card, the Visa Debit Card and the Visa Credit Card have been designed to respond to the financial needs of the bank’s clients to make timely payments.
The Managing Director of the bank, Mr Andy Ojei, said at the launch in Accra on Tuesday that the introduction of the cards was to make financial transactions convenient for its clients.
He said the Visa Cards would enable customers to gain access to the Visa network operated in over 150 countries with a network of over 29 million outlets and a million automatic teller machines (ATMs).
"The cards will enable our customers to use their Visa Cards worldwide at ATMs displaying points and also use them for purchases on the Internet.
"The Zenith Visa Credit Cards are simple, reliable and cost-effective way to offer credit to our customers, it is available to customers who operate a current account and who meets the bank's criteria for credit,” Mr Ojei added.
The Zenith Bank managing director urged the public to use the Visa Cards in order to solve problems faced at the forex bureaux and avoid robbery.
The Visa Prepaid Cards are pre-loaded with an amount of money the customer wants to be loaded unto the card, while the Visa Debit Cards are linked to the account of the card holder at the bank.
The Visa Credit Cards, on the other hand, are linked to an account, but with a credit facility to the holder.
Monday, February 2, 2009
SPRINGBOARD
“SPRINGBOARD”, an educative and motivational event aimed at providing young professionals with proven tools for peak performance in personal finance, career relationships and spiritual development ended yesterday at the Trade Fair Centre, Accra.
The event was held on the theme: “Igniting 10,000 Dreams Nationwide.”
The conference was expected to motivate participants to address pragmatic issues and techniques to gain deep understanding of the total process of personal development.
Various speakers at the conference told participants to learn how to apply time and pay attention to the development of their careers and skill training programmes.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Combert Impression, Mr Albert Ocran, who spoke on the topic “The Three Traffic Lights of Life” urged the participants to have long-term perception when making decisions and also take their decisions thoughtfully.
Mr Ocran also advised the participants to create a knowledge databank in order to invest in knowledge to be attractive in the international market.
He urged participants to have global perspectives in order to be relevant key players in the world’s competitive career development and business environment.
“Develop your potentials and economic empowerment through a solid strategy of understanding, focus and spiritual development,” he stressed.
For his part, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Rev Charles Palmer Buckle, who spoke on “Cultivating a Positive Outlook in Life”, urged participants to work steadfastly in truth, love and have good functional relations towards one another, no matter their social status or ethnicity.
“Don’t let the day pass by without investing in it. Moreover, don’t blame yourself with all the failures in life,” he advised the participants.
Rev Palmer Buckle told participants to assist in creating the enabling environment for others to effectively discharge their duties with support and encouragement for one another.
Other speakers were the Executive Director of Databank Asset Management Services Ltd, Rev Daniel Ogbamey Tetteh, who spoke on “wealth creation”, and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Yamson and Associates, Mr Ishmael Yamson Bank, who took his turn to speak on “Implications of the Global Credit Crunch and the Oil Discovery.”
The event was held on the theme: “Igniting 10,000 Dreams Nationwide.”
The conference was expected to motivate participants to address pragmatic issues and techniques to gain deep understanding of the total process of personal development.
Various speakers at the conference told participants to learn how to apply time and pay attention to the development of their careers and skill training programmes.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Combert Impression, Mr Albert Ocran, who spoke on the topic “The Three Traffic Lights of Life” urged the participants to have long-term perception when making decisions and also take their decisions thoughtfully.
Mr Ocran also advised the participants to create a knowledge databank in order to invest in knowledge to be attractive in the international market.
He urged participants to have global perspectives in order to be relevant key players in the world’s competitive career development and business environment.
“Develop your potentials and economic empowerment through a solid strategy of understanding, focus and spiritual development,” he stressed.
For his part, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Rev Charles Palmer Buckle, who spoke on “Cultivating a Positive Outlook in Life”, urged participants to work steadfastly in truth, love and have good functional relations towards one another, no matter their social status or ethnicity.
“Don’t let the day pass by without investing in it. Moreover, don’t blame yourself with all the failures in life,” he advised the participants.
Rev Palmer Buckle told participants to assist in creating the enabling environment for others to effectively discharge their duties with support and encouragement for one another.
Other speakers were the Executive Director of Databank Asset Management Services Ltd, Rev Daniel Ogbamey Tetteh, who spoke on “wealth creation”, and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Yamson and Associates, Mr Ishmael Yamson Bank, who took his turn to speak on “Implications of the Global Credit Crunch and the Oil Discovery.”
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Shopping Mall (Circle)
NUMEROUS calls on traders who abandoned their stalls at the Pedestrian Shopping Mall at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra to return to the market seem to have fallen on deaf ears as most of the sheds are empty.
Some of the traders who were selling on the streets (hawkers) told the Daily Graphic that they had decided to sell on the streets and on pedestrian walkways because most of the stalls were not being used by those who really acquired them, and that had unfortunately affected brisk business at the Shopping Mall.
When the Daily Graphic visited the mall on Friday, the place was virtually empty, while a large refuse container overflowing with rubbish was also found at a section of the market.
A group of young men and women have turned parts of the stalls to a place of abode, while others were seen busily smoking.
Other traders who were selling at a section of the next market also complained that their goods were not being patronised, because most customers preferred buying rather from those who sold on the pedestrian walkways.
When they were asked to explain why most of the stalls were empty while a lot of them were crowded outside the market doing brisk business, Mr Kwesi Adu, who dealt in ladies wear, said most of the traders had stalls at other locations in the city, but rented their sheds at the Shopping Mall to food vendors, since business was not booming there.
“If other sellers do not occupy their stalls, I will also not remain here to sell,” he said.
The Chief Co-ordinator of the Pedestrian Shopping Traders Association of Ghana (PESTAG), Mr Isaac Ofosu, indicated that although the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) had carried out a number of decongestive exercises to clear hawkers off the streets, the hawkers resurfaced on the streets after some time. He said: “It is not for any political reason, as some people are rather suggesting, but it is a complete laxity on the part of city authorities and the recalcitrant attitude of the hawkers themselves”, he added.
A footwear seller, Mr Charles Graham, appealed to other sellers on the pedestrian walkways to restock their stalls in order to decongest the city.
He also appealed to the AMA to do a comprehensive refurbishment of the market before they resettling traders.
Some other sellers called on the city authorities to reconsider reconstructing a fence around the mall to make it more visible to the people.
It would be recalled that traders paid between GH¢120 and GH¢240 to the AMA for each stall.
Some of the traders who were selling on the streets (hawkers) told the Daily Graphic that they had decided to sell on the streets and on pedestrian walkways because most of the stalls were not being used by those who really acquired them, and that had unfortunately affected brisk business at the Shopping Mall.
When the Daily Graphic visited the mall on Friday, the place was virtually empty, while a large refuse container overflowing with rubbish was also found at a section of the market.
A group of young men and women have turned parts of the stalls to a place of abode, while others were seen busily smoking.
Other traders who were selling at a section of the next market also complained that their goods were not being patronised, because most customers preferred buying rather from those who sold on the pedestrian walkways.
When they were asked to explain why most of the stalls were empty while a lot of them were crowded outside the market doing brisk business, Mr Kwesi Adu, who dealt in ladies wear, said most of the traders had stalls at other locations in the city, but rented their sheds at the Shopping Mall to food vendors, since business was not booming there.
“If other sellers do not occupy their stalls, I will also not remain here to sell,” he said.
The Chief Co-ordinator of the Pedestrian Shopping Traders Association of Ghana (PESTAG), Mr Isaac Ofosu, indicated that although the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) had carried out a number of decongestive exercises to clear hawkers off the streets, the hawkers resurfaced on the streets after some time. He said: “It is not for any political reason, as some people are rather suggesting, but it is a complete laxity on the part of city authorities and the recalcitrant attitude of the hawkers themselves”, he added.
A footwear seller, Mr Charles Graham, appealed to other sellers on the pedestrian walkways to restock their stalls in order to decongest the city.
He also appealed to the AMA to do a comprehensive refurbishment of the market before they resettling traders.
Some other sellers called on the city authorities to reconsider reconstructing a fence around the mall to make it more visible to the people.
It would be recalled that traders paid between GH¢120 and GH¢240 to the AMA for each stall.
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