A GNA feature by Clemence Okumah   Accra, Oct. 25, GNA – Presidential and parliamentary aspirants of the various political parties have filed nominations with the Electoral Commission, paving the way for the crucial political contest in Election 2012.   The parties are seriously engaged in electioneering that is characterised by promises, which has been the practice since the inception of multi-party democracy in Ghana.   Ghanaians consider electoral promises by presidential candidates as normal no matter how sceptical they might view them. It is customary for pledges made by prospective parliamentarians to raise eye brows.          Some people hold the view that because parliamentarians do not control the national purse to be able to implement development projects, their promises to improve the standards of living of the people are just political gimmicks to win votes. After all, their basic responsibility is to enact laws for the running of the country, and to support the executive arm of government to administer the nation.   But in practical terms, Ghanaian Members of Parliament (MPs) after elections become overburdened with demands from their supporters and sympathisers, following assurances they made at political rallies. This is to the extent that some MPs pay school fees, water and electricity bills and fund social functions, including funerals, of relatives and well wishers.   Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, a Deputy Minister of Energy, and National Democratic Party (NDC) MP for Ellembele, has dismissed the notion that legislators should not make promises and execute development projects as well.   He said society is dynamic, and the duty of the modern MP should be diverse, and not limited to law- making and other efforts to deepen governance.    “Today’s parliamentarian should be ingenious, establish links, promote peace and unity, and pool human and natural resources for the development of his or her constituency, to raise the people’s standard of living,” Mr Buah told the Ghana News Agency in an interview.            The 46-year-old MP, who is contesting for the Ellembele seat on the ticket of the NDC on December 7, said he had worked tirelessly to bring progress to his people, and pledged to do more if retained in Parliament, through effective leadership and representation.   Mr Buah, a law graduate of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and graduate of Master of Science in Management from Maryland University, USA, said that education is key to national development, and would, therefore, do his best to improve that sector in his constituency.   The Deputy Minister said he would adopt a “Leave no Child Behind” approach for every child in Ellembele to get access to basic and secondary education, collaborate with the district assembly, private sector, national and international groups, to raise funds to upgrade and build educational facilities such as classroom blocks, and promote the learning of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).   Mr Buah said he would initiate measures to motivate teachers to accept transfers to his constituency and remain at post, and give financial support to needy and poor school children, to enable them to complete their education.   On healthcare and sanitation, the MP said he would work with the assemblies and stakeholders to reduce child mortality, spread of HIV and AIDS, provide waste dumping sites, drainage systems, potable water, and make sure that access to health care becomes a right and not a privilege.   Stressing that “a healthy person is a healthy society”, the MP expressed commitment to promote preventive health care, provide elderly care services, and create Ellembele Ambulance Service and a mobile clinic.   Mr Buah noted that “the devil finds work for the idle hand” hence the need for him to liaise with government institutions, national and international organisations, mainly non-governmental organisations, private persons, traditional rulers and the district assembly to create the necessary conditions for investments to create jobs for the youth in the area.   Also of priority is the development of the rich cultural heritage of the people such as Nkroful, the birthplace of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, making the beaches clean, preserving historic castles and other tourist attraction sites to promote tourism.   Under the sleeves of the Ellembele MP is the establishment of the Ellemble Tourism Planning Committee, visitor’s bureau or offices in all the major towns in the constituency, Ellembele Chamber of Commerce and the Ellembele Beautification project.   The MP’s attention was drawn to the fact that his plans for the constituency were grandiose, ambitious and seemed to give meaning to the African proverb, “If nakedness promises you clothing, ask of its name”.   Mr Buah reacted with another indigenous proverb: “If a blind person says he would throw a stone at you, be careful because he might be stepping on one”, meaning he has what it takes to deliver his promises.   The MP said he had provided computers to some basic and senior high schools (SHSs), connected Internet to Nkroful Agriculture SHS, and supported the construction of new ICT centres at Atuabo, Asasetre, ICT training for teachers and students to enhance ICT education in Ellembele District.   Mr Buah negotiated for a fixed quota for qualified Nzema students to enter nurses and teacher training colleges and took care of the cost of their training.   The MP arranged for free mock examination for all public and private candidates of the Basic Education Certificate Examination, registration of remedial students for the West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination, and secured scholarships for undergraduate and post-graduate students.   Mr Buah supported the construction of classrooms blocks and teachers’ quarters in some communities, lobbied to ensure that Kikam Technical Institute was selected as one of only three institutions in Ghana with the capacity to train students in the oil and gas industry.   The MP provided street lights and ensured the construction of new electricity transmission lines to Ellembele and Jomoro districts, as well as the installation of three-phase transformers in some institutions and towns in Ellembele.     Mr Buah ensured the connection of most communities in Ellembele to the national electricity grid and distributed street lamps to the people, the installation of solar energy panels, mobile phone charging and lighting systems in some communities in the northern part of the constituency.   Through the efforts of Mr Buah, some people in the constituency, especially the youth, have received employment through social openings such as Zoomlion, Zoil, Mosquito Spraying Programme and the establishment of small and medium enterprises.   The tarring of Esiama town roads, reshaping of Aiyinase-Nyamebekyere road and a 42- km- road network to link the northern part of the district to the south were made possible through the initiatives of the parliamentarian.             Mr Buah had established Ellembele Mobile Clinic and Community-based Health Planning and Services centres to increase health-care accessibility, initiated Ellembele Health Fund and rehabilitated and refurnished health facilities at Aiyinase.   He had also registered orphans and the aged under the National Health Insurance Scheme, donated medical equipment to Nzema District Hospital, as well as wheel-chairs and crutches to persons with disabilities in the area.   The provision of pipe-borne water and boreholes, KVIP and water closet toilets in communities in Elembele, including Teleku Bokazo, Aiyinase, Esiama, Bakanta, and Teleku-Bokazo were the brainchild of Mr Buah, as well as the building and rehabilitation of community sheds at Bomoakpole, Anwia and Azuleluanu.   Definitely, the role of a modern MP has undergone massive transformation in Ghana, and this calls for more innovation to assist his or her constituents. Apart from being a legislator, the MP is an ombudsman acting as a trusted intermediary between the people and government, and a social worker, addressing the needs of the people.   Mr Buah has demonstrated these potentials for change, and proved that the MP can be a conduit for development. After all, heaven helps those who help themselves.    GNA...

Accra, Oct 25, GNA – Ghana Coach, Kwesi Appiah is relishing the opportunity of playing the Democratic Republic of Congo when the African Cup of Nations begins in South Africa next year.   Ghana will open her campaign against DR Congo in Port Elizabeth in South Africa on January 20,  after both were house in Group B alongside Mali and Niger and the soft-spoken Coach told GNA Sports ‘that game will be very beautiful to watch.’   Appiah believes one factor that could make the opener special is the presence of Congolese  Coach Claude Le Roy who previously guided the Black Stars to a third place finish when Ghana hosted the 2008 African Cup of Nations.   ‘Le Roy has a fair knowledge about the Black Stars especially because he coached the team. But the current crop of players is not the same as those he handled. Only a few of those are in the current team.   ‘The squad is changed a bit with an addition of both new and young players with the style of play a lot different from when he used to be the manager. It is a complete different team but knowing who he is, I can expect a very stiff challenge.’   The Black Stars would attempt to deliver to the nation a fifth continental glory with group fixtures against Mali and Niger and Appiah reckons it will be suicidal to underestimate the two other members.   ‘Mali is a very strong and discipline team. The same can be said of Niger and there will be no time to underrate them because we do not want negative surprises. We have the quality to get out of the group and that is our focus.’   Ghana last defeated Mali 2-0 in a Group D meeting at the 2012 event co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea before succumbing to the Eagles in the third and fourth place meeting later in the tourney which Mali emerged victors.   GNA...

Accra, Oct. 25, GNA – The Coalition of Market Women (CMW) has accused politicians for being responsible for the fire outbreaks in the markets and said politicians took advantage of fire disasters in markets..   A statement signed by Ms Mery Aframea and Daavi Emelia Adzo said: “We the Coalition of Market Women have observed with much worry and disappointment, the political gimmick being played by some politicians in recent times.”   The statement said some politicians had sought to take advantage of any kind of tragedy and misfortune that befalls market women.   It recalled in 2000 there were fire outbreaks in markets across the country few months before the general elections and said they believe “This is just a repetition of what happened in 2000.”   It said some few weeks ago, there was fire outbreak at the Mallam Market and to the amazement of many, the NPP organized for the wife of their flagbearer to visit the scene to obviously score political points. “We also took notice of the NDC, led by the Mayor of Accra at the Mallam market scene, also to obviously score political points.”   It said: “Members of the CMW wish to place on record that this tragedy has brought much sorrow to all market women and for that matter any attempt by politicians to make political capital out of it would amount to insensitivity to the plight of the women.”   The statement appealed to all political parties to stay out of this tragedy and allow the NADMO to do its work in settling people who lost goods.   GNA...

Sunyani, Oct. 25, GNA – Mr Kwaah Abdul Rahaman, Progressive People’s Party (PPP) parliamentary candidate for Nkoranza North, has promised to tackle deplorable roads in the rural farming communities when elected.      He said the area was a major producing centre for maize, yam and cashew but the farmers were facing post harvest losses due to the deplorable roads from their farms to the marketing centres.      Mr Abdul Rahaman, a 21-year-old student and the youngest parliamentary candidate in the Brong-Ahafo Region, made the promise in a telephone interview with the Ghana News Agency in Sunyani.      “I am a 21-year-old Integrated Management Studies student at the University for Development Studies, Wa Campus and confident of winning the Nkoranza North Constituency seat from the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament, Mr Derek Oduro, to become the youngest Member of Parliament.”      However, he said, some of the challenges in his bid were funding, but that he was being assisted by some family members and the party.      Mr Abdul Rahaman said the youth in the constituency faced many challenges mostly in education and gave the assurance that a PPP government would ensure education was made free from the kindergarten to the senior high school (SHS) level.      Other contestants in the constituency are Mr. Kwadwo Adjei Dwemoh, Nkoranza North District Chief Executive for the National Democratic Congress, Mr Daniel Baffoe for the Convention People’s Party and Madam Esther Gertrude Worae for the National Democratic Party.       GNA...

Coaltar (E/R), Oct 25, GNA - Mr Michael Ofori Darko, a former Senior Editor of the Ghanaian Times, was on Wednesday confirmed by the Ayensuano District Assembly as the District Chief Executive (DCE).      All the 37 assembly members present voted for him which represents a 100 percent confirmation.      Mr Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, the Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, commended the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development for creating more districts.     He said it was part of the government’s agenda of “Better Ghana” to improve on the decentralization system and to develop all areas in the country and that the creation of the district would lead the creating of more jobs and the assembly would have its own fund to develop the area.     He appealed to the people to reciprocate the gesture by voting massively for the National Democratic congress (NDC) in the December polls so that they would continue to benefit from the “Better Ghana Agenda.”      Mr Terlabi appealed to the new DCE to cooperate with all the people of the area, especially the chiefs, to bring development to the district.           Mr Darko expressed appreciation to the assembly for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to partner with all to move the district forward.   GNA...

Wa, Oct. 25, GNA – Mr. Cezar Kale, the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, has said the threat to peace in the country is the impending presidential and parliamentary elections.   “Many of us, who are aspiring to lead this country either as President or Members of Parliament, tend to view the impending event as an end in itself and must win, no matter the consequences”, he said.   Mr. Kale was opening a three-day workshop on Peace Building and Conflict Management in Wa.   The workshop, which was organised by Initiative on Conflict Resolution (ICR) with support from the National Peace Council (NPC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is aimed at equipping traditional and religious leaders with the requisite knowledge and skills to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts.   Mr. Kale said President John Dramani Mahama had given his word and continued to reiterate his desire to oversee the most peaceful election since the country returned to constitutional rule.   He appealed to all, especially political parties, to support peace by avoiding intemperate language, violence and rancour in order to help Ghana remain the beacon of hope in Africa.   Mr Kale said there was high demand for land in both rural and urban areas giving rise to land disputes and appealed to traditional rulers and landowners to employ more professional methods of resolving these conflicts rather than relying on age old methods.   Mr. Kale appealed to the Regional Peace Advisory Council to continue with its good work by engaging traditional rulers, youth groups, trade associations and students among others in their peace building initiatives to enable them observe and propagate the peace message.   Mr. Damma Salifu, Founder and Programme Manager of ICR, said religious leaders and institutions could mediate in conflict situations, serving as a communication link between opposing sides and providing training in peacemaking methodologies.   GNA...

Wa, Oct. 25,  GNA – The Upper West Regional branch of the National Youth Authority (NYA) will hold its third edition of the “Youth Achievers Award” on November 01 to honor some personalities who have distinguished themselves in various fields.      The event is being organized by NYA in collaboration with Youth Rights Foundation of Africa, a youth led non-governmental organization,      Mr. Mumuni Sulemana, the Upper West Regional Director of the NYA, told the GNA in an interview on Wednesday.      The ceremony, which coincides with the celebration of the Africa Youth Day, is meant to motivate and inspire young people and other major stakeholders who have contributed towards youth development in the region and in Ghana as a whole.      The awards, special award category and youth policy priority areas category, will see 10 distinguished personalities being honored.      Mr. Sulemana said five people who have contributed to the development of the youth at both regional and national levels will be honored with the special award while five youth would also be honored with policy priority areas award category.      He said a youth endowment fund was launched during the second edition of the award scheme and stakeholders were required to contribute towards the fund to be used in education, entrepreneurial development and skills training.      Mr. Sulemana said the Caravan Project under the NYA would also embark on a peace ambassador project where young people would be expected to educate their colleagues on the need to live in peace during and after the December elections.   GNA...

Kumasi, Oct. 25, GNA – Mr Isaac Osei, New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Subin Constituency in the Ashanti Region, has launched his campaign to seek re-election.   Addressing party faithful in the constituency at a forum recently, Mr Osei enumerated some projects he had undertaken within the constituency since his assumption into office.   They included distribution of 100 computers and printers to public schools; sewing-machines to two vocational institutions; provision of street lights to all electoral areas; building of bio-gas plant and boreholes at Ahmadiyya Senior High School and some selected communities. Others were the provision of scholarships to 220 students; provision of 50 fish ovens to some market women; rehabilitation of a railway bridge and some school blocks among others.   Mr Osei, former Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, answered questions on a wide variety of issues at the forum from party supporters and defended the NPP’s records when in government.   He said the NPP had an enviable track record not only in economic management and infrastructural development, but also in its social policies geared towards mitigating the plight of the people.   “The Free Maternal Healthcare, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), School-Feeding Program, Capitation Grant for basic schools and National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) were all viable programmes designed and implemented by the NPP regime under former President John Agyekum Kufuor,” he said.   Mr Osei said unfortunately all these programmes were now in a mess under the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.   He, however, appealed to the ruling NDC government to make infrastructural development a priority and also called on it to rehabilitate the Yalewa Zongo roads and the Anlo-Fante-Newtown and Afful-Nkwanta drainage systems within the Subin constituency.   He encouraged the NPP supporters to spread the good policy initiatives of Nana Akufo-Addo such as the promise free Senior High School education, strengthening of the NHIS and the creation of jobs.     Mr Osei entreated the supporters to remain vigilant on Election Day to prevent rigging, and also turn-out in their numbers to vote massively for the NPP in ensuring a first-round victory for the party.   GNA...

Akyem Ofaose (E/R), Oct. 25, GNA – Alhaji Bawa Ishmael, Executive Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Zongo Caucus, has underscored President John Dramani Mahama commitment to improving the standards of people living in Zongo communities in the country.   He said the NDC led by President Mahama was committed to uplifting the standards of Muslims and people in the zongo communities through education, health and social infrastructure.   Alhaji Ishmael was addressing members of the Zongo Caucus in Akyem Ofoase, Akyem Ayeribi, Akyem Oda and Akyem Swedru on a tour to round up the the Zongo Caucus national executives’ campaign tour in the Eastern Region.   He said the NDC since 2009 had been paying Arabic teachers through the National Youth Employment Programme to encourage them in the teaching of Islam.   Alhaji Ishmael said President Mahama was raised in the Zongo Community in Kanda in the Greater Accra Region and that there was the need to vote for him as he knows the existing problems of the people living in zongo communities.   He said many supporters of the NDC in the Zongo communities were passive and called on them to vote massively for the party on December 7th, adding, “We have done it before, and we can do it again.”   Alhaji Yussif Captain, National Coordinator of the Caucus, said the NDC government had reduced and stabilized inflation to a single digit for more than one year, a historic achievement in Ghana's economy.   He said the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) free Senior High School (SHS) policy was impossible and that the NDC government in its quest to prioritize education was currently providing free school uniforms, exercise books, increase the capitation grant by 50 per cent and also expand the School Feeding Programme to reach more deprived school.   Alhaji Captain said education remained the bedrock for development, and government was ensuring that basic education became accessible to all children.   Alhaji Baba Kankani, Eastern Regional Co-coordinator of the Caucus, said President Mahama was a peaceful man and was always preaching peace in all his campaigns, adding , “God has already chosen President Mahama because he is a peaceful person and not a person who want to be President through bloodshed as amplified in other people's rallying cry; 'all die-be-dies'.   He said it was important that people in the zongo communities consider this time as their time to lead the country and that President Mahama was the right candidate to be voted for.   Alhaji Seidu Bunyamin, Central Regional Secretary of the Caucus also noted that the 2012 Hajj was smoothly organized by the National Hajj Committee through President Mahama’s support and committed for the Muslims in the country.   He said for the first time in Ghana’s history, 18 return flights had been organized for pilgrims, who went to perform Hajj and also a newly constructed Hajj Village built through the support of Government and cooperate bodies.     Chief Fuseini Iddrisu, Zong Chief of Akyem Ofoase, on behalf of the people said education was important in every society and that the community would vote for the NDC to improve educational infrastructure in the area for their children to be educated.   Chief Abubakari Musah, NDC Zongo Chairman for Akyem Ayeribi, said the community would always vote for the NDC, adding “In every election, we vote the NDC, this year, we would vote it again.”   Chief Mohammed Haruna, Zongo Chief of Akyem Swedru, said since 1992, the Zongo community in area had failed the NDC and that they would continue to support the party as President Mahama was their son.   GNA...

Accra, Oct. 25, GNA - Ms Ruby Sandhu-Rojon, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, has urged Ghanaians to manage political competition in order to avoid potential escalation from peaceful competition to violent conflict.   “This scenario must be avoided with the strongest determination as it would threaten Ghana’s hard-won development gains and affect its international reputation as a beacon of peace in the region and as a preferred place for long-term economic investment and development,” she stated.   Ms. Sandhu-Rojon made the statement at a flag-raising ceremony organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to mark the 67th UN Day in Accra.   Commenting on the message of the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, Ms Sandhu-Rojon said the issues highlighted in the message including the progress that had been achieved across the globe in areas of development, democratization and economic growth as well role the UN had played in supporting this progress, ranging from peacekeeping, emergency relief, development to the provision of justice were reflected in Ghana’s theme for this year’s celebration “sustaining good governance, peace and stability for national development”.   She said this underscored the fact that without peace there was no development, and without development, it was difficult to ensure peaceful coexistence between people.   Ms Sandhu-Rojon noted that Ghana had consistently pursued sustainable development built on peaceful social relations as reflected in its culture of deep mutual respect, clear vision in establishing national peace architecture and her laudable efforts to secure international peace by providing peacekeepers.   “I am happy to see that in Ghana today, there are many very encouraging signs which confirm the political will and the strong commitment of the Ghanaian people to sustain peace at this critical juncture: hundreds of Ghanaian groups, institutions and media houses around the country have been working hard over the last year to promote peace, there are peace marches, peace billboards and advertisements, youth for peace, football for peace and the electoral commission is raising the bar on standards through the Biometric Voter Registration and voter verification” she added.   She also highlighted the Secretary General’s stress on the importance of accelerating the achievement of the millennium development goals and forging an effective and practicable post-MDG agenda.   She announced that Ghana had been chosen as one of 50 countries to organize a national dialogue which would ask the common person on the street or in the rural communities: “what future do you want?” the National development planning commission and the UN would jointly engage civil society organizations and the most vulnerable populations to gather their views. Some consultations would focus on priority themes such as rising income and geographical inequalities, population, malnutrition and food insecurity among others.   According to the secretary general’s message, friendships, partnerships, mutual support and close collaboration were very important as no one leader, country or institution could resolve the world’s problems alone and Ms Sandhu-Rojon called on the friends and partners of the UN in Ghana to work with them to deliver as one and to address the remaining challenges Ghana faces towards the MDG target date and beyond.   Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, reiterated Ghana’s commitment and adherence to the protection and promotion of electoral integrity and deepening of the culture of respect for fundamental human rights and the rule of law as imperatives for good governance and sustainable development, and called on development partners and entire international community to help to realize the vision.   He also called on all Ghanaians to treasure the peace that Ghana was enjoying and to work earnestly towards sustaining it, especially as they prepared for the elections.   Alhaji Mumuni paid glowing tribute to the UN for their role in securing world peace in their 67 years of existence. “It is Ghana’s considered view that in spite of daunting challenges, drawbacks and difficulties facing mankind, the UN remains relevant and constitutes an important time-tested instrument in securing global peace and the advancement of sustainable economic growth and social development” he said.   He added that the UN, in partnership with the government of Ghana, had worked assiduously to address fundamental issues such as development, disaster relief, disarmament and non-proliferation, poverty reduction, HIV/AIDS, Mediation, the promotion of good and democratic governance and conflict resolution.   He also commended Ghanaian peacekeepers, who had worked hard and sometimes sacrificed their lives to help promote peace on missions, and pledged Ghana’s continued commitment to working to promote international peace, security and development.   Mr. Kwashie Klu-Duvor, First Vice Chairman of the Ghana United Nations Students Association (GUNSA), who read a statement on behalf its President , also called on the youth to work towards peace and to embrace any action aimed at ensuring peace, being inspired by the fact that as peace provides good grounds for national development, a better future was assured.   GNA...

Cape Coast, Oct 25, GNA - A Cape Coast Magistrate Court presided over by Mr. Ohemeng Mensah, has sentenced three people to a total fine of GH¢960 cedis for careless and in considerate driving.   The convicts, Dapari Philip, Aboagye Evans Adu and Afadzi Moses all pleaded guilty and were convicted on their own plea.   Philip was fined GH¢780.00 cedis or in default three months imprisonment with hard labour whiles Adu and Afadzi were each fined GH¢180.00 cedis or in default a month each in prison.   Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Samuel Aidoo told the court that on July 24th this year, Philip was driving a Mercedes Benz Articulator truck with registration number WR 1860Q from Takoradi towards Obuasi and that on reaching a section of the road near Ghana National College in Cape Coast, the vehicle developed a fault and he parked by the side of the road with a triangle warning.   He said shortly after, Adu, an electrical engineer who was also driving a Nissan Pick-Up with registration No. GN 7840-12 from Pedu towards Mankessim ran into Philip’s vehicle and one occupant in the vehicle sustained injuries and was rushed to the Central regional hospital for treatment.   Chief Inspector Aidoo said a Yutong mini bus with registration No. GT3718-12, which was being driven by one Roland, also from Takoradi towards Accra with passengers on board, on reaching the accident scene stopped, but  Afadzi, who was also driving a Toyota Pick-Up with registration No. GW552 W closely behind the Yutong bus could not stop and ran into it.   He said Police investigations revealed that Philip’s vehicles tail lights were defective and did not also have reflectors.   He said all the four vehicles were damaged and Tei Konortey, who sustained injuries and was rushed to the Central Regional hospital was later referred to the SSNIT Hospital in Accra for further treatment.   GNA...

Accra, Oct 25, GNA – A three-day Data Journalism Boot Camp aims at empowering journalists to learn how to use government and other public data to build data visualization has opened in Accra on Wednesday.   The workshop is designed to revolutionize the way the media researches and publishes news through data mining, extraction and analytic skills.   It has brought together journalists, website developers and creative designers who are put into working groups to build news driven mobile applications and civic engagement websites to augment the traditional news reportage.   Mr Justin Arenstein, a resource person, said “Participants will learn how to find, extract and analyse public data using powerful forensic tools to tell better informed stories.   He said the best projects would win $2,000.00 as seed grants, to turn prototypes into real newsroom products.   Meanwhile, the Government of Ghana has commenced the Ghana Open Data Initiative (GODI) to make Government data available to citizens for re-use.   The initiative according to authorities would make government more transparent, improve efficiency and spark-off innovation from the demand side for applications to be developed to better serve the citizenry.   Dr Nii Quaynor, Board Chairman of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), was confident that with the type of capacity being giving to the media, it would help journalists to better inform and educate the citizenry.   Mr Seth Joseph Bokpe, a participant, told the Ghana News Agency that the training would empower him to research more to enrich his reportage.    The workshop is in collaboration with the GODI through the NITA, the World Bank Institute, the African Media Initiative and Google.   Other partners include Open Knowledge Foundation, Upande, World Wide Web Foundation, Centre for Investigative Reporting and International Centre for Journalists.   GNA...

Accra, Oct 25, GNA – Political Science students of University of Ghana, have urged politicians to promote peace and eschew hate speeches before, during and after the 2012 elections.   This they said would help the country to enjoy its peace as well as attract more investors into the country to contribute their quota to the development of the nation.   The Political Science Students Association (POSSA) of the University of Ghana made the call at a day’s seminar sponsored by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in Accra on the theme: Environmental policies in the political parties’ manifestos”.    The occasion, which was organised for parliamentary candidates within the Ayawaso West Wagon Constituency in the Greater Accra, was aimed at giving the aspirants the platform to educate the electorate on what they would do for the community when voted into power.   The representatives included the National Democratic Congress (NDC), New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Progressive People’s Party (PPP).   Dr. Isaac Owusu Mensah, Political Lecturer, said politics was not about fight but about the contestation of ideas to win votes from the electorate.   He advised students not to allow themselves to be used as tools for violence.   Dr. Mensah urged the aspirants to fulfill their promises when vote into power.   Mr. Emmanuel Agyarko, NPP Parliamentary Candidate said he would team up with other colleagues to address issue confronting students on campus.   He said the NPP’s promised free Senior High School would come to pass.   He said 40 per cent of the students were incapable of paying fees and assured of judicious use of the state resources to help curb the financial burdens.   Mr. Kwame Awuah, NDC Parliamentary aspirant also assured the constituents of massive infrastructural development when voted into power.     He promised to construct more roads and drainage system to help curb the rampant spread of malaria and cholera.    “I believe when this is done the number of Malaria and Cholera cases arising every now and then will be reduced. I will sacrifice myself for the people of Ayawaso Central Constituency” he added.    Mr. William Dowokpor, PPP Parliamentary aspirant, said the party was capable of creating jobs and this the party’s flagbearer had demonstrated in private life.   He said the PPP would review the Student Loan Trust Fund to make beneficiaries feel comfortable and able to purchase learning materials for sound studies.   Mr Faanu Pamphilious, President POSSA, urged politicians to desist from making promises on paper and move to real actions when vote into power.   GNA...

Bolgatanga, Oct 25, GNA - Mr Stephen Piedu, Chief Inspector of Mines, has stated that the new mining laws would help address hazards in the mining industries.   Speaking at a sensitization workshop on the new laws at Bolgatanga on Tuesday, he explained that the 560 mining regulations had been accepted as one of the best in the world.   He said the new regulations were drawn up taking into consideration the modern trends of technology.   He indicated that the problem of pollution of water bodies, especially by cyanide would be a thing of the past stressing, “mechanisms have been instituted under the new mining law to handle the problem of cyanides.”   He said under the new regulations no second hand machine or equipment would be permitted to be used at mining sites and that operators of such machines apart from being tested for competency by mining companies, would further be certified by the Inspectorate Division before allowing them to work.   “Mercury shall be used only if a person uses a retort. This is one of the requirements of the new mining regulations” the Chief Inspector pointed out.   Mr Piedu lamented the poor sanitation in most mining sites and stated that under the new mining regulations, provision of adequate sanitation facilities had been catered for.   On the issue of competence of small scale miners, he said, small scale operating permit would be issued if the holder has competence or has appointed a competent person to be in charge of mining operation.   “Where the mine employs more than 30 people or explosives are used, work will be done under the supervision of sufficient number of holders of certificate of competence”.   He indicated that unlike the old mining regulations that was drawn in the 1970s and did not make provision for sand winning and stone quarrying, the new mining regulations had added that component to ensure that those activities were conducted in a sound atmosphere.   He noted that plans were far advanced to build the capacity of staff of the Mineral Commission to implement the new regulations effectively to achieve the desired impact.   He impressed upon the traditional authorities, the custodians of the land, to give backing to the implementation of the new mining regulations, saying plans were far advanced to open up large mining activities in the region.   Participants, who attended the sensitization programme, included traditional authorities, small scale miners, assembly members and staff of the Mineral Commission.   They were taken through Act 703 with special emphasis on Mineral Rights and Acquisition, Explosive Regulations LI 2177, Health and Safety Regulation LI 2182 and Best Mining Practices.   GNA...

Bolgatanga, Oct 25, GNA - Participants at a forum organised in Bolgatanga on Tuesday blamed political parties for showing little or no commitment on issues relating to maternal mortality.   The forum organised by the Participatory Action for Rural Development Alternative (PARDA) and the OXFAM Maternal Project, was to create a platform for citizens to engage political parties on what they had done on maternal mortality in the past and what their manifestoes say for elections 2012.   The participants including traditional authorities, assembly members, women groups, and opinion leaders, stressed the need for the various political parties to make the issue of maternal mortality one of the major cardinal principles in their manifestoes.   The participants, who expressed concern about the spate of maternal mortality in the country, called on government and other stakeholders to pay special attention to maternal mortality by providing all the necessary logistics and human resources in the health facilities, especially in the deprived areas.   They complained about the inadequate midwives and doctors in the northern part of the country and indicated the situation was very worrisome when doctors refused posting to the area.       The participants commended the OXFAM Maternal Project being implemented by PARDA in some selected communities in the Upper East Region and said it was yielding positive results as the Traditional Birth Attendants and Community Health Care Committees constituted and empowered by the project to ensure that every pregnant woman visited the health facility to deliver.   The representatives of the political parties, which include the National Democratic Congress, the New Patriotic Party, the People National Convention’s Party, the Convention People Party and the Progressive People Party agreed to issues on the maternal mortality raised and promised to improve upon their contributions towards addressing the problem.   The Country Director of Oxfam, Mr Sebastian Tiah, said the main focus of his outfit was working toward the elimination of the structural causes of poverty, making economic and social justice a top global priority and playing an active role in the global movement for a just world.   He said health was a human right and wondered why women in attempt to exercise their reproductive rights were made to die, stressing that it was unacceptable in this 21st century for a pregnant women to die when giving birth.   He indicated that the reasons for bringing the political parties to the forum was for a platform to be created for the citizens to engage the them  on their stake on maternal mortality.   “Oxfam will continue to provide such platforms even after the election for citizens to engage the duty bearers to demand for their rights”.   The OXFAM Maternal Project, which begun in March 2011 in the region had the first phase ending in March 2012.   It is currently running its second phase and would continue until March 2013. Its core objective is to reverse the spate of maternal and infant mortality in its areas of operation. The project areas include Bolgatanga Municipality, Bawku West and the Kassena-Nankana Districts.   GNA...

Tema, Oct. 25, GNA – Major General Carl Modey, Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has reiterated the need for officers of the authority to exhibit high sense of commitment, dedication and integrity in their profession.   This, he said, would go a long way to change the negative public perception about the personnel of the Service.   Major General Modey made the call in Tema on Tuesday when he inaugurated the Maritime Choir instituted by the Tema Collection of Customs.   Membership of the choir, which includes 70 customs officers cut across the various maritime organisations that do business at the ports.   Major General Modey paid growing tribute to the founding fathers of the choir for their foresight, vision and sacrifice and urged members not only to sing glory God but to also use their lifestyles as agent of change in society.   While advising the choristers to let punctuality be their guide, the Commissioner warned the officers against complacency, saying that would only make the choir become a nine-day-wonder.   Alhaji Adam Ibrahim, Tema Sector Commander of Customs and Chief Patron of the Choir, urged industries and corporate bodies within the metropolis to patronise the choir to enable it achieve its set goals and objectives.   Mr Nestor Percy Galley, former Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, who chaired the function, was optimistic that the choir would use its inspirational and melodious tunes to take off some of the stress maritime workers normally go through.   The choir’s new set of instrument was dedicated to the glory of God.   GNA...

Yendi (N/R), Oct 25, GNA - The National Commission on Small Arms and Light weapons (NACSA), has intensified campaign on public awareness and education against the proliferation and misuse of small arms and armed violence in all ten regions in Ghana.   This sensitization exercise had already been carried out in Odododiodio in Accra, Bekwai and Asawase in Ashanti Region, Yendi and Chereponi in Northern Region.   The Commission will visit Akwatia and Antiwa in the Eastern Region and finally end with Ashaiman and Agbogbloshie all in the Greater Accra Region.   The Acting Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr. Jones Applerh announced this during campaign launch on Small Arms and Light Weapons at Yendi in the Yendi Municipality of Northern Region.   Mr. Applerh indicated that the Small Arms Commission was working to contribute towards conflict prevention during the December 2012 elections by the collaboration with communities working together for peace.   According to the Executive Secretary without doubt small arms remain the key instruments used by disgruntled individuals and group of persons to visit untold hardships and mayhem on human race leading to loss of lives and property every day.   He said in 1991 in Burundi 300,000 people were killed and at least one million displaced with which researchers have put the total economic cost of the conflict at 5.7 billion dollars.   Mr. Applerh said Liberia’s conflict between 1989 and 2003, cost an estimated 250,000 lives and forced more than one million people to abandon their homes and livelihood.   He added that just like Burundi, Liberia’s legacy of conflict affected their socio-economic development and today their country’s level of health care is among the worst in the world.   He noted that these countries were all very peaceful like Ghana except that they failed to recognise what proliferation of guns could do to their society.   Mr. Applerh stated that a whole Commission had been established to deal with guns proliferation with more policemen been recruited over the years with its attendant provision of logistics.   He said a Border Patrol Unit had been put in place by the Ghana Immigration Service for the borders and an amendment section of the Criminal code to make illicit possession of guns a first degree felony instead of a misdemeanor.   He said what that means was that anyone caught with weapons without license could be jailed for life.   The Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Issah Zakaria expressed his gratitude and commendation on behalf of the Chiefs and people of Dagbon for the choice of Yendi as one of the venue for the programme and for the support and training given to artisans particularly blacksmiths to build their capacity in farm implement fabrication instead of small arms.   The theme for the launch of the campaign is “Gun Violence, a threat to Peace Security and Development”.   Mr Zakaria noted that the people of Dagbon had had the bitter experience of violence - chieftaincy conflict in 2001, which brought untold hardship, insecurity and retarded development.   He reminded Ghanaians that the fight against the production, sale and the use of Small Arms was not the business of only the security agencies but the concerted efforts from all and Sundry especially the GPRTU, Blacksmiths, Religious leaders, Governmental and Non-Government Organizations.   He said the Police working on a tip-off for a concealment of large small arms on board of vehicles heading for north on several bus stations and check points. He indicated that this collaboration needed to be strengthened in order to win the campaign against Small Arms.   He said the timing of the launch was most appropriate because of the country's upcoming elections in December.   The Yendi Municipal Police Commander, Mr. George Aboagye called on the people in the area to join hands for the fight against the production and control of small arms and light weapons.   GNA...

Pamdu (B/A), Oct. 25, GNA – Mr Kwadwo Nyame Bosomfo Datiakwa, Kintampo South District Chief Executive has commended the chiefs and people of Pamdu for their selfless spirit of volunteerism towards developmental projects.     Mr Datiakwa said this when he inaugurated a mechanized borehole at the cost GHC18,000 built from the District’s Common Fund for the people of Pamdu in the Kintampo South District.     He asked the people to rally behind the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to continue its good work and that for the past four years it had provided many development projects throughout the country.     “You should turn out in your numbers to vote massively to retain the NDC in power, “he added.     Mr Yaw Effah Baafi, NDC Member of Parliament for Kintampo South said it was necessary for them to maintain the borehole and avoid its pollution.     Mr Baafi promised to provide roofing sheets towards the construction of a place of convenience being undertaken by the community.     Nana Effah Boadum, Chief of Pamdu appealed to the people to desist from politics of insults but to campaign decently for the needed development of the country.     He expressed appreciation to the assembly for the project and gave the assurance that it would be well maintained for the benefit of the people.     GNA ...

Ho, Oct. 25, GNA - Mr Kabral Blay-Amihere, Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC) Thursday called on editors and radio station managers not to allow “serial callers” to set the agenda for public discourse.     “Stop the trend. It is not good for our profession,” he said.     Mr Blay-Amihere made the call at a day’s workshop with media owners and chief executives on professional standards in Ho.     The workshop, under the auspices of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) was on the theme; “Stand Up for Ghana” and it attracted media owners and chief executives from Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta Regions.     Mr Blay-Amihere said “serial callers” gradually were beginning to dictate to the media what it should do, a practice he described as “dangerous” for the country’s democracy.     He called on the editors to be diligent in their gate keeping roles saying the situation was affecting professionalism hence there was the need for editors, programme hosts and producers to play their gate-keeping roles in a professionally.     Professor Kwame Karikari, Executive Director of Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), who gave an overview of the “Media Monitoring Project”, urged journalists not to allow politicians to dictate to them saying “your responsibilities are beyond the politicians’ narrow interests”.     Prof Karikari said the “Media Monitoring Project” was yielding results and that very soon media houses which allowed indecent language to be used through their mediums would be named and shamed.     Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Harruna Attah, a Board Member of the Ghana News Agency, took the participants through “overview of the guidelines for fair and equitable reporting.”     He called for the establishment of research departments in media houses to enhance news reports.     Mrs Charlotte Osei, Chairperson of NCCE, said the country was “too polarized” and was hopeful the “Stand Up for Ghana” project would unite the people.     She said the Commission remained a credible non-partisan institution committed to promoting the understanding and commitment to democracy as well as inculcating in the citizenry awareness of their rights and obligations.      Mrs Osei said it was important for the media to remain focused and exercise its freedom with responsibility.   GNA ...

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