The Commission of Enquiry, which was established by President John Dramani Mahama to enquire into judgment debt payments and other related matters, will begin public sittings on Wednesday. The Commission, created by Constitutional Instrument (CI) 79, has a period of 12 months beginning 8th October 2012 to submit its report to the Presidency. According to a statement issued by the Commission, the maiden public sitting will take place at the Old Parliament House Building in Accra, opposite the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, and be transmitted live by the state broadcaster, GTV. The Sole Commissioner of the Commission is His Lordship Justice Yaw Appau, a Justice of the Court of Appeal. Mr. Dometi Kofi Sorkpor will serve as Counsel to the Commission. He will be assisted by Mr. Kwabena Owusu Mensah. The Commission’s Terms of Reference (TOR) are: a) To ascertain the causes of any inordinate payments made from public funds in satisfaction of judgment debts since the 1992 Constitution came into force; b) To ascertain the causes of any inordinate payments from public funds and financial losses arising from arbitration awards, negotiated settlements and akin processes since the 1992 Constitution came into force; and c) To make recommendations to the Government for ensuring that, as far as practicable: i. The instances where public funds are utilised to make payments in satisfaction of judgment debts and public debts arising from akin processes are limited; ii. Government does not incur undue financial losses when it does business with private persons or institutions.

By Konrad Kodjo Djaisi A Deputy Director at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Mr. Eric Amaning Okoree, has said that genetically modified organisms have been consumed globally for fifteen years without anybody complaining of any adverse effect.  Mr. Okoree, who is a member of the National Biosafety Committee at the Ministry of Science and Environment, was reacting to concerns that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) could have adverse health effects on consumers of the products in an interview with B&FT. Tracing its adoption in the country, Mr. Okoree said the country ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992 and the convention on biological diversity came out with a protocol on biosafety in the year 2000 known as the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.  Ghana ratified that convention in 2003, in compliance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety which provides countries the opportunity to obtain information before new biotech organisms are imported and acknowledges each country’s right to regulate bio-engineered organisms subject to existing international obligations. Subsequent to that, the Biosafety Act, Act 831, 2011 was passed to enable the country allow the application of biotechnology in food crop production involving genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to enter food production. Mr. Okoree said the sociology behind technology transfer is always accompanied with the perception of adverse implications. He said, as a scientist, he would not accept anything that does not have data to back the assertion -- and therefore would not buy the assertion that GMOs are harmful.  He however conceded that technically, they (scientists) recognise there is a potential adverse effect because they do not want to leave anything to chance. He explained that the process of creating GMOs in the laboratory goes through an elaborate process; and between the laboratory and the open market where the product will eventually find its way, there is quality assurance -- thereby reducing the impact of any perceived risk. When queried about the level of GMO penetration in the country, Mr. Okoree said there isn’t any since any admission into the country would have to be cleared with the National Biosafety Committee -- of which he is the current Secretary. Without the law to establish a regulatory body, Mr. Okoree said it would be a crime to import any GMO product into the country without the express consent of the Committee. However, a long-term study published in September this year on the effects of GMOs showed that one kind of genetically modified product -- Monsanto’s GMO corn -- is not only a health hazard but caused massive cancerous tumours to develop in rats fed on a long-term diet of this corn. There is strong current research showing the adverse effects of GMOs on mammalian metabolism. This study is one of a few, since current research also being carried out in Australia and Canada is showing GMO toxins crossing the barrier from mother to child in pregnant women. The studies showed pregnant women and their children having high quantities of 3-methylphosphinico propionic acid (3-MMPA), a metabolite of gluphosinate (itself a substance used in GMO herbicides) as well as Bt toxin (GMO protein) Cry 1 Ab. Both substances are linked to GMOs. One can find studies that show contact with 3-MMPA can lead to cancer, DNA damage and reproductive health problems. Tanzania’s parliament has recently had a debate and the people of Tanzania, led by responsible parliamentarians, have come to the conclusion that GMOs are not for Tanzania. In West Africa, neighbouring Burkina Faso is currently using biotechnology for farming -- particularly in cotton and vegetable production, while Togo, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Mali and South Africa are also applying the technology. At the passage of the Biosafety Law, the Chairman of the Biosafety Committee said the law was needed to improve the safety of food, improve its yield and ensure its security -- hence the law will ensure that the necessary measures are put in place to address food safety and its security.

IFS Financial Services, a non-bank financial institution, has presented a cheque for GH¢10,000 to Central Aid, a Non-Governmental Organisation in Accra.      The donation, which forms part of its fifth anniversary celebrations, is to support Central Aid, the social arm of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), offer more support to needy but brilliant students. Mr. Kojo Ohene-Kyei, Chief Executive Officer of IFS Financial Services, said the company believes in helping to transform the lives of people in the communities where it operates.   He said the company has over the years supported various health, education and religious programmes.   Mr. Ohene-Kyei said the company has met the minimum capital requirement of the Bank of Ghana (BoG). “We have at this point met the one million minimum capital requirement set by the Bank of Ghana for Finance Houses. This will be formalised before the December deadline.     “As we celebrate the achievements of our past, we are even more poised to position our company as the preferred financial partner through our quality service delivery, endearing relationships with clients and stakeholders, and increased access points,” he added. Mr. Ohene-Kyei added that IFS will continue to deliver innovative financial services that grow the businesses of cherished customers and positively affect their lives. The company also purchased 200 copies of the book titled “Safety for Children”, authored by Dr. Babara Ensua, to support the education of children on sexual abuse. The books were estimated to cost GH¢1,000. Madam Akua Adjei, a Board-member of Centre Aid who received the donation on behalf of organisation, said Centre Aid is a human development-oriented and not for profit organisation that was established 20 years ago to provide support for the needy in the society to enable them develop their spiritual and intellectual potentials.      She said Rev. Dr Mensa Otabil established the NGO to help the youth whose educational realisation could be hindered by financial constraints, and that currently about 322 students have benefitted from the scholarship scheme.         Madam Adjei thanked IFS Financial Services for its donation, saying it will facilitate the Centre’s work. (L-R) Mrs. Adelaide Benneh, Board Chairperson of IFS, and Mr. Kojo Ohene-Kyei presenting the cheque to Madam Akua Adjei and other representatives of Central Aid.

By Juliet AGUIAR, Princess Town To support government in achieving its goal of promoting the tourism industry, Saroma Capital Limited, “an integrated real-estate investment and development incorporated in Ghana”, is to put up a 150-room five-star hotel at Princess Town in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region. Dr. Ayowa Afrifa-Taylor, the Managing Director of Soroma Capital Limited, at a ceremony to commence the project explained that acquisition of the site was in response to a Ministry of Tourism-led investment promotion of coastal sites suitable for the development of resorts in 2006. “Saroma Capital Limited responded to the challenge and has engaged global hotel development experts to deliver a 150-room eco-chic, luxury hotel with business conferencing and family leisure amenities -- the white sandy beach, the wide bay, the thick coconut groves, the mangroves, the lagoon as well as the nearby Fort Groot Fredricksburg make the site a world-class tourist destination,” she said. She pointed out that the hotel will be nestled among coconut groves blending in with the landscape -- the hotel is not a walled enclave but an integrated part of the local community, with walking routes across the beach and from the lagoon open to the community. “Twenty-five acres of land is to be used for the first phase; the second to the fifth phase will be developed in stages and it is expected that the project will be completed within three years,” she said. She said it is expected that about 1,000 people from the community are expected to be engaged in construction of the hotel – “we are also working with the community to establish a trust that will directly hold shares in the hotel company, so that the community will benefit financially from the hotel’s fortunes.” She mentioned the deplorable 18 kilometre road to Princess Town as a challenge, and appealed to the authorities in charge to rehabilitate the road. Mr. Paul Evans Aidoo, the Western Regional Minister in an address read for him, said the project is of a high strategic importance at local, regional, national and continental level. He said in 2011, for the first time in the history of Ghana, over one million tourists arrivals were recorded -- nearly double the number achieved five years ago, and this growth trend is expected to continue. “The construction of the Princess Town Resort in phases is expected to provide training and employment, especially to those living in the Ahanta West District; and as such, the hotel should help reduce poverty, particularly female poverty that is often seen in the rural areas,” he added. He commended the promoter, Soroma Capital, for having the vision, the tenacity and the wherewithal to bring such a project to fruition.

By Patrick PAINTSIL The Ghana Insurance Brokers Association (GIBA) has set up an Oil and Gas brokerage company -- GIBA Energy Insurance Limited -- as a specialist oil and gas broker wholly-owned by members of the association to enhance insurers’ participation in the promising oil and gas industry. The venture is a collaborative partnership with government as it reaffirms its commitment to promoting local industry by putting local content participation into law. “The Petroleum (Local Content and Local Participation in Petroleum Activities) Regulations 2012 recognises insurance participation and participation, and particularly emphasises the participation of insurance brokers.  â€œThis is a commendable venture and GIBA will count on the support of government and industry players to position the company as a unified, equitable and pragmatic solution in the call for local companies to provide services to the oil and gas sector. “Section 28 (2) of the Regulations states that “the insurable risks relating to petroleum activity in Ghana shall be insured through a brokerage firm registered in Ghana or, where applicable, a reinsurance broker,” the statement from GIBA reads. GIBA has for the last 24 years after inception contributed to nation-building through the grouping of all individuals, incorporated insurance brokers and consultants in the insurance industry while promoting as well as maintaining and upholding high standards in insurance broking in the country. It has also promoted and encouraged learning and research into all branches of insurance, insurance broking and its related disciplines. The statement said GIBA is currently providing staff of its member-companies the opportunity of acquiring knowledge and skills associated with international risk management and broking practice to empower them provide innovative solutions for potential risk management problems of their clients. “We expect brokers to put on their best caps for professional and ethical behaviour in the discharge of their duties, since sustainability of the insurance industry depends on these,” the statement reads. Meanwhile, GIBA has launched its 25th anniversary celebrations in Accra. The year-long celebration will among other things provide the association a platform to strategise and introduce new ideas for sustainability of the brokerage and insurance industry as a whole, through special training in oil and gas for industry players as well as public lectures on the practice. Some programmes lined up to mark the anniversary,  which will be climaxed in October 2013, include a health walk and medical screening, symposia, fun games, and quiz competitions. There will also be talk-shows on selected TV stations, donation to the Children’s Hospital in Accra, as well as a Dinner-dance and Awards.                                                         

Bank of Africa-Ghana, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, has donated 10 whiteboards and 10 packets of whiteboard markers to the Dansoman Cluster of Schools. This was done in collaboration with Wisewater Foundation, an N.G.O that seeks to improve the educational environment of pupils in Ghana. The ceremony was attended by some officials of Bank of Africa, a representative of Wisewater Foundation, head-teachers, teachers and some pupils of the selected schools. The presentation of items was done at a ceremony held at the school’s auditorium.The C.E.O of Wisewater Foundation, Mr. Emmanuel Amarquaye, explained that his foundation was inspired to take on the task of soliciting for funds from different corporate organisations to purchase whiteboards after he met a teacher who suffers from respiratory problems as a result of prolonged exposure to chalk dust. The use of chalk on blackboards has over the years presented several challenges to teachers and pupils in our educational institutions. Some of these challenges include teachers and pupils suffering respiratory ailments as a result of the inhalation of chalk dust as blackboards are cleaned. Pupils and teachers also suffer eye problems as the chalk dust deposits in their eyes. Many a pupil has had to seek medical help to ensure their poor sight did not inhibit their learning. Combining educational expenses with those for medical remedies puts extreme financial pressures on both teachers and parents, not to mention the discomfort and pain that some of these conditions present. The donation by BOA Ghana brought the total number of sponsored whiteboards to 230. Mr. Godwyll Ansah, head of the Legal department of Bank of Africa, spoke about the Bank’s willingness to support such great causes since education forms part of the bank’s CSR focus. He added: “We are particularly honoured to be part of this programme because we believe our public educational institutions need help. We are all products of such public educational institutions, and we believe they should be adequately resourced to continue being catalysts for social mobilisation in Ghana, as they have been in the past.” The whiteboards and markers were presented to heads of the schools in the cluster. This was immediately followed by a tour of the Special Needs School of the cluster.

CEO of Vodafone Ghana Kyle Whitehill has disclosed that the company loses as much as GH₵2million annually through cable theft and damage to cables through road construction, saying the situation is “very frustrating”. Speaking to journalists on a tour of some sites, the Vodafone boss said in August alone 34 “mega cables” were stolen by people he suspects have worked for the company before. “These are guys who know my network. They probably used to work for us. You have to be able to get into the chamber and you have to know where to cut,” he said. Some of the mega cables, he said, could carry as much as 2500 smaller cables representing the same number of customers. This means that the affected customers are cut off while it could take up to three months to replace a cable. During the tour on Wednesday, November 21, 2012, technicians of the company were seen at various locations in Accra undertaking repair works as a result of cable theft and damages resulting from constructional works. Kenneth Arthur, a Field Telecoms Manager at Vodafone, told journalists that about 28% of the company’s installations around the country have been tampered with at one time or another, leading to over 2,000 customers being cut off for at least a month. In October, Ghana Police arrested two young men who were spotted digging up Vodafone cables at Mile 7 near Achimota -- and the cases are not limited to Accra. “There are places in Tamale we have been told are no-go areas for the police because of hardened criminals in those areas -- so if they are no-go areas for the police, why should we keep putting our equipment there?” Kyle Whitehill said. Bandits dig up communications cables because of their copper content which has a high market value. Vodafone has, in a bid to provide faster service to customers, replaced many of these cables with fibre which is hardly worth anything on the market. However, cable thieves still cut the fibre is search of copper. Meanwhile, Kyle Whitehill said the company has invested GH¢50million to deploy a new and modern technology known as Multi Service Access Nodes (MSANs), which will allow the company to provide “super-fast Internet” to people’s homes.   He said 60% of customers have been moved onto the new service while the remaining 40% are still served by the old copper network. “The evolution of the network has been about getting closer to the customer with this MSANS technology and providing much faster service,” he said. Four years ago, he said, the company had 5,000 customers with fixed broadband service, a figure which has moved to a current level of 79,000.

The Acting Managing Director of Shell Ghana Limited, Mr. Vincent Richter, has said the company is committed to delivering quality petroleum products to its customers in a safe and environmentally responsible way. “In Shell one of our key goals in our health, security, safety and environment policy (HSSE) is to protect the environment. The HSSE policy is to ensure no harm to people and to protect the environment,” he said. Mr. Richter was speaking as at this year’s Shell Customer Contact Day christened “Don’t Mess with the Environment” at the Airport Shell in Accra. The annual event is to afford staff of the company an opportunity to interact with its customers at Shell retail stations across the country. “Over the years, Shell has been at the forefront of technological advancement; providing quality fuels and lubricants to our customers. But beyond this, Shell believes that while responding to customers’ needs, the impact of our activities on the environment should be given priority attention,” he said. He added that his outfit believes the right environmental practices will lead to the elimination or minimisation of avoidable injuries and deaths to make the world a safer place. He said the company’s health safety and environment policy drive is to ensure no harm to people and to protect the environment, saying the company believes that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility for all stakeholders and customers. Over the years, Shell has been at the forefront of technological advancement, providing quality fuels and lubricants as well as convenience shopping and related services to its customers. It has introduced products such as Shell V-Power, Shell Diesel Extra onto the market.Education materials and souvenirs were distributed to motorists.

Montrose-based oil and gas Services Company, Intervention Rentals, has opened a new office in Takoradi following Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International support. The new office was opened by Dr. Lena Wilson, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, who is leading a trade mission of nine Scottish companies to the country. Formed in 2006 to support the local North Sea oil service sector, Intervention Rentals specialises in the rental and ongoing maintenance of Flowline and Flow measurement equipment. Already operating a base in Qatar, this is the second overseas office. Intervention Rentals first recognised the potential market opportunities in Ghana after taking part in two Scottish Development International (SDI) trade missions. It subsequently set up a joint venture with Ghanaian company RDFC Limited, before making the decision to set up the new office. David Laing, Managing Director of Intervention Rentals, said: “We have been looking at the West African market for some time, and with SDI assistance we were able to recognise the huge opportunities the Ghanianan market has to offer our business. Following our second trade mission, we returned with the attitude that we must be established here; and we are very happy to say that today that goal has been achieved. “Thanks to the substantial support we’ve received from Scottish Enterprise and SDI, we are in a strong position to enter the Ghanaian market, maximising the opportunities open to us here.” Scottish Enterprise has worked closely with the company through its account management process, where it works intensively with a company to support its business plan objectives. As well as the trade missions, other ongoing support has helped the company identify routes to market and develop its strategy and explore this new overseas territory. Dr. Lena Wilson, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: “Intervention Rentals is a great example of how the combined support of Scottish Enterprise and SDI can help a business realise new opportunities. Today marks the opening of its second overseas office in under two years, an ambitious step for a small Scottish company. “This forward-thinking company has recognised the synergies that exist between Scotland and Ghana in the oil and gas sector. Ghana has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with expected growth of 13.5 percent. It is becoming more evident that there are real opportunities for Scottish companies to do business in Ghana and across West Africa. “We will continue to work with Intervention Rentals, and other companies like them, to ultimately drive home long-term sustainable growth for the Scottish economy.” The latest oil & gas trade mission this year marks the third successive annual mission to Ghana, which as well as Intervention Rentals has seen a total of 23 companies take part. Other Scottish companies already established in Ghana include Weir Minerals, MSIS Group, Dominion Gas, EnerMech Limited, and Global Energy Group.