SOME Landlords are ejecting their tenants who have different political affiliations other than theirs from their houses in the Accra Metropolis after the final results of the 2008 elections were declared.
The hullabaloos that had spawned in the just ended presidential and parliamentary elections had compelled most landlords to put their tenants under scrutiny and anyone who jubilated against the wish of the landlord would be ejected without giving them prior notice.
These rules has compelled tenants not to disclose their political affiliations, not even talk politics in the house to the hearing of their landlords.
These has become a major issue of concern to many tenants especially, the ejected once in the metropolis.
According to most of these tenants they have been denied their fundamental human rights, especially, freedom of speech and expression.
The Daily Graphic came across a victim in his early forties who gave his name as Kofi Napery, a family man of three children and a spare-parts dealer at the Abossey Okai, a suburb of Accra.
He disclosed that, “because my landlord’s party, thus, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lost the elections, and me being a sympathizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), I have been ejected from my room while the tenancy agreement was still pending”.
According to him, relationship between his landlord and himself was very cordial until the results of the 2008 elections were declared in favour of NDC.
Mr Napery, who gave the name of his landlord as Mr Ametsia, lived at Awoshie, a suburb of Accra. He told Daily Graphic that he has since vacated his room.
Other two spare parts dealers who gave their names only as Mensah and Kwame said they were also asked to vacate their rooms.
However, they have refused to leave because their tenancy agreement was not due.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
MTTU
STATISTICS from the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) indicated that a total number of 50 persons lost their lives while 484 persons sustained various degree of injuries in the Accra Metropolis during the third quarter of 2008.
The records showed that, during the period, 1,378 accident cases were recorded by the MTTU as compared to 1,266 cases during the same period of 2007 in Greater Accra.
Tesano, a suburb of Accra recorded the highest number of accident cases during the period with 437 vehicles involved in various degree of accidents, three persons lost their lives and 51 injured persons.
Odorkor, also in the Accra metropolis recorded 10 deaths and 110 injuries involving 415 vehicles.
The least recorded was Mamprobi with five accident cases and there were no casualties.
In a related development, statistics from the unit indicate that, motor accidents that were reported during the third quarter of 2008 were 3,237 with 4,919 vehicles involved.
Out of these, 355 were fatal, where 519 people died and 2,220 injury persons were recorded.
During the period, Brong Ahafo Region reported the highest death cases with 108 deaths and 457 injuries.
The Upper West region recorded the least accident case according to the MTTU statistics. There were nine deaths while 18 persons sustained injuries.
Speaking to Daily Graphic in an interview, Superintendent Debora Addison-Campbell, the Second in Command of the unit expressed disappointment that, even though there had been series of education to motorists, most especially, commercial vehicle drivers still disobey road signs which claimed most innocent lives in the country.
According to her, most accidents were reported during those festive occasions because, drivers took to drink-driving and over speeding while they remained indiscipline.
She said that, the unit would continue to strictly enforce the road safety regulations and cited areas where they would critically look at, the use of seat belts, use of mobile phones while driving and drink-driving and any driver who default these rules would be prosecuted.
She advised the general public to obey traffic signs and signals in order to prevent pre-matured death. “Discipline on the road is what saves life,” she added.
The records showed that, during the period, 1,378 accident cases were recorded by the MTTU as compared to 1,266 cases during the same period of 2007 in Greater Accra.
Tesano, a suburb of Accra recorded the highest number of accident cases during the period with 437 vehicles involved in various degree of accidents, three persons lost their lives and 51 injured persons.
Odorkor, also in the Accra metropolis recorded 10 deaths and 110 injuries involving 415 vehicles.
The least recorded was Mamprobi with five accident cases and there were no casualties.
In a related development, statistics from the unit indicate that, motor accidents that were reported during the third quarter of 2008 were 3,237 with 4,919 vehicles involved.
Out of these, 355 were fatal, where 519 people died and 2,220 injury persons were recorded.
During the period, Brong Ahafo Region reported the highest death cases with 108 deaths and 457 injuries.
The Upper West region recorded the least accident case according to the MTTU statistics. There were nine deaths while 18 persons sustained injuries.
Speaking to Daily Graphic in an interview, Superintendent Debora Addison-Campbell, the Second in Command of the unit expressed disappointment that, even though there had been series of education to motorists, most especially, commercial vehicle drivers still disobey road signs which claimed most innocent lives in the country.
According to her, most accidents were reported during those festive occasions because, drivers took to drink-driving and over speeding while they remained indiscipline.
She said that, the unit would continue to strictly enforce the road safety regulations and cited areas where they would critically look at, the use of seat belts, use of mobile phones while driving and drink-driving and any driver who default these rules would be prosecuted.
She advised the general public to obey traffic signs and signals in order to prevent pre-matured death. “Discipline on the road is what saves life,” she added.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Coke
THE leading beverage distributing company in Ghana, Coca Cola Bottling Company, Ghana has introduced a new and exciting novelty in trade marketing and product distribution for its cherished consumers within Accra.
The company instituted vending machines onto the Ghanaian market in order to satisfy its customers and consumers.
According to the Head of Public Affairs and Communications, Mr Ike Cudjoe, the machines were placed at selected vantage points in the Accra metropolis within the last quarter of 2008.
He said the concept of the vending machine was to help extend Coca Cola’s distribution to the general public.
Mr. Cudjoe explained that, the distribution would be extended to various parts of the municipalities within the course of the year.
The Coca Cola vending machines have a capacity of 600 cans per loading and dispense all the key brands of the Coca Cola Company that are produced and marketed in Ghana.
The company instituted vending machines onto the Ghanaian market in order to satisfy its customers and consumers.
According to the Head of Public Affairs and Communications, Mr Ike Cudjoe, the machines were placed at selected vantage points in the Accra metropolis within the last quarter of 2008.
He said the concept of the vending machine was to help extend Coca Cola’s distribution to the general public.
Mr. Cudjoe explained that, the distribution would be extended to various parts of the municipalities within the course of the year.
The Coca Cola vending machines have a capacity of 600 cans per loading and dispense all the key brands of the Coca Cola Company that are produced and marketed in Ghana.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Christmas party
THE Apostle General of Royalhouse Chapel International, Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah, for his part, urged Ghanaians to shun discrimination in society.
He said vulnerable children should not be discriminated against but invested in through education.
He further encouraged parents and guardians to provide the school needs of their children and ensure their orderly growth and development.
Addressing a gathering of street children in Accra, Rev Ankrah said the annual affair began seven years ago and meant to touch the less fortunate in society with the power of God.
He said the church had established a scholarship scheme called the Scholarship Foundation Scheme, to help less privileged children from the basic to the tertiary level of education and other vocational institutions in the country.
Rev Ankrah added that since the inception of the scholarship scheme, 250 children had been targeted each year with about 1,000 people having benefited so far.
He was optimistic that their territories would be extended to others in the years ahead.
He called for support from corporate organisations, philanthropists and other agencies to donate their widow’s mite to support a worthy cause.
Rev Ankrah also commended the cordial relationship between the church and the media.
Master Benjamin Tawiah, a second-year Mathematical Science student of Legon, was among the numerous beneficiaries of the church’s scholarship scheme.
He appealed to all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help support the needy and help invest in them for the sake of national development.
He said vulnerable children should not be discriminated against but invested in through education.
He further encouraged parents and guardians to provide the school needs of their children and ensure their orderly growth and development.
Addressing a gathering of street children in Accra, Rev Ankrah said the annual affair began seven years ago and meant to touch the less fortunate in society with the power of God.
He said the church had established a scholarship scheme called the Scholarship Foundation Scheme, to help less privileged children from the basic to the tertiary level of education and other vocational institutions in the country.
Rev Ankrah added that since the inception of the scholarship scheme, 250 children had been targeted each year with about 1,000 people having benefited so far.
He was optimistic that their territories would be extended to others in the years ahead.
He called for support from corporate organisations, philanthropists and other agencies to donate their widow’s mite to support a worthy cause.
Rev Ankrah also commended the cordial relationship between the church and the media.
Master Benjamin Tawiah, a second-year Mathematical Science student of Legon, was among the numerous beneficiaries of the church’s scholarship scheme.
He appealed to all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help support the needy and help invest in them for the sake of national development.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
CORONATION
THE Minister in charge of the Oko Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. E. N Oquaye, has urged presbyters to stand steady in all realms of affairs to avoid any form of conflict among them.
Speaking at the swearing in of 13 presbyters in Accra on Sunday, he urged them to work steadfastly in truth and have good functional relations with their various congregations, no matter their social status or ethnicity.
He advised them to make the welfare of their congregation a priority by showing interest, concern and support for them through visits and prayers for members of their respective churches.
He appealed to the congregation to work collectively and be at peace with each other. "Do what God will endorse, pray and seek divine favour in your endeavours", he added.
The new presbyters, four of them females, who went through series of training and vetting processes would serve a four year term.
They include Mr E.F. Boateng, Senior Presbyter, Mr Ebenezer Lamptey, Church Clerk, Lt Col Rtd Anoba Tetteh, Director of Finance, Emelia Adjei, Asst Sec. and Bro. Patrick Opoku.
Other members are Elizabeth Torgbor, Mr Richter Obodai , Theodora Newman, K.T.K Agban, Mrs Mary Akuoko, Mr Samuel Boateng (Jnr), Mr James Oduro and Michael Ofori Mankata.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, Mr E.F Boateng, the Senior Presbyter of the session, said members were elected every four years to assist the clergy in running the affairs of the church, attend district and presbytery conferences, visit the sick and the aged of the church and also settle disputes among members of the church.
According the constitution he said, members were to serve four year terms in office after which fresh election was held.
Four of them, Mr E.F. Boateng, Mr Richter Obodai, Mrs Mary Akuoko and Mr Samuel Boateng were re-elected for a second term.
Speaking at the swearing in of 13 presbyters in Accra on Sunday, he urged them to work steadfastly in truth and have good functional relations with their various congregations, no matter their social status or ethnicity.
He advised them to make the welfare of their congregation a priority by showing interest, concern and support for them through visits and prayers for members of their respective churches.
He appealed to the congregation to work collectively and be at peace with each other. "Do what God will endorse, pray and seek divine favour in your endeavours", he added.
The new presbyters, four of them females, who went through series of training and vetting processes would serve a four year term.
They include Mr E.F. Boateng, Senior Presbyter, Mr Ebenezer Lamptey, Church Clerk, Lt Col Rtd Anoba Tetteh, Director of Finance, Emelia Adjei, Asst Sec. and Bro. Patrick Opoku.
Other members are Elizabeth Torgbor, Mr Richter Obodai , Theodora Newman, K.T.K Agban, Mrs Mary Akuoko, Mr Samuel Boateng (Jnr), Mr James Oduro and Michael Ofori Mankata.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, Mr E.F Boateng, the Senior Presbyter of the session, said members were elected every four years to assist the clergy in running the affairs of the church, attend district and presbytery conferences, visit the sick and the aged of the church and also settle disputes among members of the church.
According the constitution he said, members were to serve four year terms in office after which fresh election was held.
Four of them, Mr E.F. Boateng, Mr Richter Obodai, Mrs Mary Akuoko and Mr Samuel Boateng were re-elected for a second term.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
IDEG
Civil society organisations are urging all Ghanaians to repeat all the right actions taken prior to the December 7, 2008 election that resulted in a successful exercise on the December 28, 2008 presidential run-off.
They said the December 7 elections passed off successfully because of certain actions and right behaviour put up by Ghanaians and key partners in the electoral process, that minimised the potential of having a failed exercise.
They said these same actions and behaviours needed to be repeated for the December 28, 2008, presidential run-off for Ghanaians to show once again their maturity in the process
These were some of the issues raised at a press conference organised by the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), the Civic Initiative Forum, and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) at the launch of a report on the lessons of the December 7, 2008 elections and how they could be used for another successful run-of.
The CIF is a coalition of civil society organisations in the country committed to ensuring a credible and fair election this year, and IDEG is a policy research and advocacy organisation focusing on democratic consolidation and good governance in the country and the host of the CFI.
Dr Emmanuel Akwetey who read the report highlighted some of the relevant lessons of the December 7 elections that needed to be repeated for a successful run-off.
Strict compliance with the laid down procedures for voting, counting, tabulation of the results, the open and transparent compliance with and the enforcement of procedures, as well as voter awareness of the basic rules elections and their ability to strictly observe them, were all noted as essential and crucial.
He also mentioned the fact that a high level of civic responsibility both on the part of domestic observers and all voters was vital.
He said political parties and the media were most often not credible sources of election, requiring all to listen to the information provided by them critically, while treating them as inconclusive pieces of information that needed to be verified with the certified results of the EC.
He added that the credibility of the EC and the public confidence in its certified results depended heavily on transparency and professionalism with which its officials, particularly those at the highest levels conducted themselves in the management of the elections.
Dr Akwetey said the disposition of candidates to resort to the due process, that is, the courts for the peaceful adjudication of disputes, and the fair, expeditions and fair dispensation of justice by principled judges would all discourage the use of violence as an option to resolving disputes.
The acceptance of the results by the two political candidates was also crucial to peace and stability, while the zero tolerance of violence and the firm, professional and impartial enforcement of law by the security agencies would discourage anyone from taking the law into their own hands.
“For the second round of the December 28, 2008 presidential elections to be as successful as the December 7 elections, all the above lessons together with others should be effectively applied by all stakeholders, before, during and after the elections,” the report said.
He reminded leaders of the two political parties that a key principle of democracy was that whose who contested elections had to respect the legitimate decisions of the people expressed through credible ballot and transparent voting results processing and declaration.
In all the report said December 7 election was successful, however, campaigning for the presidential run-off had begun with some rancour, personality attacks and nasty accusations that needed to be stopped as they could foreshadow tension on the day of voting.
The report congratulated all stakeholders for a job well done on December 7, by asked for a reinforcement of all the positive initiatives that ensured success in the elections.
Present at the press conference were Dr Emmanuel Bombande the Executive Director of the West Africa Network for Peace Building, Ms Florence Denise, the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), representatives from the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) and several other members of the CFI.
They said the December 7 elections passed off successfully because of certain actions and right behaviour put up by Ghanaians and key partners in the electoral process, that minimised the potential of having a failed exercise.
They said these same actions and behaviours needed to be repeated for the December 28, 2008, presidential run-off for Ghanaians to show once again their maturity in the process
These were some of the issues raised at a press conference organised by the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), the Civic Initiative Forum, and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) at the launch of a report on the lessons of the December 7, 2008 elections and how they could be used for another successful run-of.
The CIF is a coalition of civil society organisations in the country committed to ensuring a credible and fair election this year, and IDEG is a policy research and advocacy organisation focusing on democratic consolidation and good governance in the country and the host of the CFI.
Dr Emmanuel Akwetey who read the report highlighted some of the relevant lessons of the December 7 elections that needed to be repeated for a successful run-off.
Strict compliance with the laid down procedures for voting, counting, tabulation of the results, the open and transparent compliance with and the enforcement of procedures, as well as voter awareness of the basic rules elections and their ability to strictly observe them, were all noted as essential and crucial.
He also mentioned the fact that a high level of civic responsibility both on the part of domestic observers and all voters was vital.
He said political parties and the media were most often not credible sources of election, requiring all to listen to the information provided by them critically, while treating them as inconclusive pieces of information that needed to be verified with the certified results of the EC.
He added that the credibility of the EC and the public confidence in its certified results depended heavily on transparency and professionalism with which its officials, particularly those at the highest levels conducted themselves in the management of the elections.
Dr Akwetey said the disposition of candidates to resort to the due process, that is, the courts for the peaceful adjudication of disputes, and the fair, expeditions and fair dispensation of justice by principled judges would all discourage the use of violence as an option to resolving disputes.
The acceptance of the results by the two political candidates was also crucial to peace and stability, while the zero tolerance of violence and the firm, professional and impartial enforcement of law by the security agencies would discourage anyone from taking the law into their own hands.
“For the second round of the December 28, 2008 presidential elections to be as successful as the December 7 elections, all the above lessons together with others should be effectively applied by all stakeholders, before, during and after the elections,” the report said.
He reminded leaders of the two political parties that a key principle of democracy was that whose who contested elections had to respect the legitimate decisions of the people expressed through credible ballot and transparent voting results processing and declaration.
In all the report said December 7 election was successful, however, campaigning for the presidential run-off had begun with some rancour, personality attacks and nasty accusations that needed to be stopped as they could foreshadow tension on the day of voting.
The report congratulated all stakeholders for a job well done on December 7, by asked for a reinforcement of all the positive initiatives that ensured success in the elections.
Present at the press conference were Dr Emmanuel Bombande the Executive Director of the West Africa Network for Peace Building, Ms Florence Denise, the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), representatives from the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) and several other members of the CFI.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Violence
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
Feature: Vida-Pearl Atakpa
THE Criminalization of domestic violence under the Criminal Code 1960 (Act 29) criminalizes assault and battery, incest, rape and defilement of a child, of less than sixteen years (having sex with a woman against her will, using violence or threatening behaviour.)
Domestic Violence is any forceful or serious offensive act that inflicts pain on the woman physically, psychologically and emotionally. It is also a serious evil that tarnishes the image of women in Ghana.
The code further provides protection against demeaning cultural practices such as widowhood rites, which is the type of hurtful rites performed on women especially who have lost their husbands which sometimes cause physical or mental problem.
Early customary servitude (Trokosi) which involves sending young virgin girls to the shrines to atone for crimes or sins committed by their relatives and female genital mutilation, which the act also criminalizes as using very sharp object to cut the cervix of the vagina to prevent the girl from having too much feelings for sex. Early marriage is however another discriminatory act against women in Ghana. It involves forcefully marrying a girl to a man at her early stage, due to the help the man has offered to her parents. This is mostly practiced in the northern part of Ghana.
Domestic violence refers to physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological abuse between marital partners, former partners and other adults who are, or have been in close relationship. Most experts distinguish domestic violence form the mistreatment of the elderly or children. Both men and women may act violently towards each other. But women are more likely than men to be injured or murdered by their partners.
Domestic violence leaves long-lasting effects on it victims and their families. Victims may abuse alcohol or drugs and experience depression, eating disorders, or other types of psychological distress.
There is no single reason for domestic violence. Many offenders have a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Some experience stress caused by unemployment, sexual difficulties, and low job satisfaction. The most abusive offenders tend to have severe emotional problems. Numerous offenders were abused as children.
It has been observed that while a number of perpetrators of such violent acts virtually escape, with varying but lesser degrees of requisite sanction, custodial sentences following protracted court processes leave victims with adequate remedies.
Although Ghana has signed, ratified and adopted several international documents and conventions on domestic violence, such as the Convention on the Elimination of all forms Violence against Women, until recently domestic violence has been given little practical or real legislative attention.
Violence within the domestic situation takes many forms. The regime of customary law appears to permit the right of chastisement for husbands in some ethnic groups. It has led to a prevalence of wife beating in some communities. In some home setting; house helps, the aged, sick and physically challenged members in a family may be abused. A recent national study on violence revealed that one out of three women interviewed had been beaten, slapped and physically punished by a recent partner.
The Domestic Violence Act is to provide victims of domestic violence with a broader set of remedies in the form of protection orders. Legislation on domestic violence will uphold provisions in the constitution on respect for human dignity in Article 15 amongst other human rights provisions. It will also accord with the international commitment and obligations of the Republic under the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) ratified by Ghana in 1986.
The legislation seeks to bring an end to domestic violence in Ghana, targeting in particular the abusive practice of “wife beaters” and men who habitually perpetrate violence against their partners.
A report by the joint committee pointed out that domestic violence and sexual abuse in Ghana constitute a serious social evil which continues to undermine and threaten harmony in the family as a unit of society, with the potential to erode gains made by the country.
The president assenting the Bill into an Act therefore provides the victims of domestic violence with a broader set of remedies, including specific protection orders that will promote human dignity and ensure prompt, cost effective and less traumatic means of redress.
Feature: Vida-Pearl Atakpa
THE Criminalization of domestic violence under the Criminal Code 1960 (Act 29) criminalizes assault and battery, incest, rape and defilement of a child, of less than sixteen years (having sex with a woman against her will, using violence or threatening behaviour.)
Domestic Violence is any forceful or serious offensive act that inflicts pain on the woman physically, psychologically and emotionally. It is also a serious evil that tarnishes the image of women in Ghana.
The code further provides protection against demeaning cultural practices such as widowhood rites, which is the type of hurtful rites performed on women especially who have lost their husbands which sometimes cause physical or mental problem.
Early customary servitude (Trokosi) which involves sending young virgin girls to the shrines to atone for crimes or sins committed by their relatives and female genital mutilation, which the act also criminalizes as using very sharp object to cut the cervix of the vagina to prevent the girl from having too much feelings for sex. Early marriage is however another discriminatory act against women in Ghana. It involves forcefully marrying a girl to a man at her early stage, due to the help the man has offered to her parents. This is mostly practiced in the northern part of Ghana.
Domestic violence refers to physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological abuse between marital partners, former partners and other adults who are, or have been in close relationship. Most experts distinguish domestic violence form the mistreatment of the elderly or children. Both men and women may act violently towards each other. But women are more likely than men to be injured or murdered by their partners.
Domestic violence leaves long-lasting effects on it victims and their families. Victims may abuse alcohol or drugs and experience depression, eating disorders, or other types of psychological distress.
There is no single reason for domestic violence. Many offenders have a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Some experience stress caused by unemployment, sexual difficulties, and low job satisfaction. The most abusive offenders tend to have severe emotional problems. Numerous offenders were abused as children.
It has been observed that while a number of perpetrators of such violent acts virtually escape, with varying but lesser degrees of requisite sanction, custodial sentences following protracted court processes leave victims with adequate remedies.
Although Ghana has signed, ratified and adopted several international documents and conventions on domestic violence, such as the Convention on the Elimination of all forms Violence against Women, until recently domestic violence has been given little practical or real legislative attention.
Violence within the domestic situation takes many forms. The regime of customary law appears to permit the right of chastisement for husbands in some ethnic groups. It has led to a prevalence of wife beating in some communities. In some home setting; house helps, the aged, sick and physically challenged members in a family may be abused. A recent national study on violence revealed that one out of three women interviewed had been beaten, slapped and physically punished by a recent partner.
The Domestic Violence Act is to provide victims of domestic violence with a broader set of remedies in the form of protection orders. Legislation on domestic violence will uphold provisions in the constitution on respect for human dignity in Article 15 amongst other human rights provisions. It will also accord with the international commitment and obligations of the Republic under the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) ratified by Ghana in 1986.
The legislation seeks to bring an end to domestic violence in Ghana, targeting in particular the abusive practice of “wife beaters” and men who habitually perpetrate violence against their partners.
A report by the joint committee pointed out that domestic violence and sexual abuse in Ghana constitute a serious social evil which continues to undermine and threaten harmony in the family as a unit of society, with the potential to erode gains made by the country.
The president assenting the Bill into an Act therefore provides the victims of domestic violence with a broader set of remedies, including specific protection orders that will promote human dignity and ensure prompt, cost effective and less traumatic means of redress.
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