Nkrumah’s statue unveiled in Addis Ababa

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Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Jan. 29, – President John Evans Atta Mills at the weekend unveiled the statue of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President at the forecourt of the new African Union (AU) building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He was assisted by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, out-going Chairman of the AU, and Dr Jean Ping, Chairman of the African Union Commission, moments after the building was inaugurated.

The building stands at the former site of Ethiopia’s maximum security prisons.

President Mills was the Guest of Honour at the ceremony, which was performed in the presence of a number of African leaders attending the 18th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU.

The ceremony was also attended by Professor Francis Nkrumah, a medical biologist and Madam Samia Nkrumah, Chairperson of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), children of Dr Nkrumah, who were invited by President Mills to the ceremony.

Also in attendance were former President Jerry John Rawlings, Mr Allan Kyerematen of the largest minority New Patriotic Party , Mrs Mary Chinery-Hesse, former Special Advisor to former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Dr Don Arthur of the Office of the President, and Mr Kwesi Quartey, Ghana’s Ambassador to Ethiopia.

The unveiling of the statue was in recognition of the leaders of the 54-nation continental body of the leading role of Dr Nkrumah in the African liberation struggle.

Dr Nkrumah was also founding member of the Organisation of African Unity, now the AU, as well as the Pan Africanist Movement.

The brain behind the statue was Dr Don Arthur, who is also an architect and a sculptor. Work was done on it by Mamphey Developers in Accra, when the Government of Ghana insisted to the AU for the statue to be done in Ghana.

Cast in bronze, the 3.5 metre statue of Dr Nkrumah who was overthrown in a coup in 1966 depicts the late leader wearing a short sleeve shirt in an African design with a pair of trousers and shoes to match.

The first president of Ghana had raised his right hand with a short walking stick in the left hand, with the head raised and looking into the heavens.

Underneath the statue is the inscription: “Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hands unto God, Africa must unite,” a statement on the founding of the predecessor of the AU, the Organisation of African Unity in May 1963.

Shedding tears of joy, Prof Nkrumah told the Ghana News Agency that the unveiling of the statue was a significant honour to the memory of his father and his family.

He described the moment as historic, and said the family was very proud of the recognition given to their father, and proud of being a Ghanaian.

Samia, who said the representation of the family at the ceremony was fair, expressed happiness about the event, describing it as a restoration of the previous recognition given to Dr Nkrumah.

She however called for Africa’s emancipation to go beyond politics to the economic, stressing more intra African trade from the current 10 per cent.

Mr Kyerematen, described the event as historical and very symbolic and called for the review of the notes by people who do not acknowledge Nkrumah as a great African.

He said Nkrumah inspires vision and hope for Ghana and called for more commitment to the national cause as a people with one destiny.

Mrs Chinery -Hesse said the statue of Nkrumah was a symbolic continuation of the journey to free Africa.

She said the lesson that could be learned was for hard work, which would be recognised at the right time.

Dr Don Arthur said the greatness of Nkrumah has led to the celebration, not only for himself, but also to Ghana, Africa and the rest of the world.

African leaders, had in 2009, accepted the proposal of President Mills to declare September 21, the birthday of Nkrumah as Founders Day. GNA

From Benjamin Mensah, GNA Correspondent in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Hundreds of Cape Coast soccer fans celebrate Black Stars victory

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Hundreds of Soccer fans in the Cape Coast Metropolis took to the streets in jubilation over Ghana’s 2-0 victory over Mali in the current African Cup of Nations tournament on- going in Gabon.

Immediately the referee whistled for the end of the proceedings , soccer fans including both old and young went on a carnival through the principal streets of the Metropolis amidst singing and dancing to various kinds of songs.

They were later joined by a fleet of taxi’s and private cars, motor bikes, which tooted their horns to signify the Black Star’s sweet victory over Mali.

Some were also seen in groups discussing the match or listening to discussions on television, while others made it to drinking spots and joints to continue with the celebration,

By the victory, the Stars qualify for the quarter finals of the tournament . GNA

NSU asked to champion the unity of the north

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Mr Caesar Kale, Deputy Upper West Regional Minister has called on members of the Northern Students Union (NSU) to launch a crusade towards uniting people in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions for development.

He said uniting the people of the three northern regions and educating them on issues undermining their development and patching up their differences as well as the disputes amongst them must be the topmost priority of the union.

Mr Kale made the call when he opened the NSU Week Celebration in Wa on Friday.

He urged members of the union to ensure that land and chieftaincy disputes as well as inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic conflicts were addressed amicably to help secure peace for the people.

“Are you not worried that anytime there is trouble a northern boy is fingered ?
As students you need to protect your future and not allow anybody to jeopardize your life for you,” he said.

Mr Kale charged the students not to relent in their efforts to help address the poverty and under-development challenges in the area through education.

On development of the three northern regions, the Deputy Regional Minister said government had allocated GH?30 million to the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority and working hard to source for more funds to support it.

He called on the people to have patience with the government, saying already the Mils Administration had provided a lot of educational infrastructure, health facilities, potable water, electricity and other social amenities to the people.

Mr Kale announced that two new senior high schools would be opened at Funsi and Gwollu in September while in the health sector, constructional work on five polyclinics are expected to be completed by April this year.

He said 400 communities in the region would be connected to the National Electricity Grid to enhance cottage industry among the people.

Mr Hafiz Bin Salih, Regional Second Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, who chaired the occasion, said lack of commitment to the course of the union must be a source of worry to all.

He said the establishment of ethnic and district based unions had weakened the mother union and asked the students to address these challenges to make the body more vibrant.

He warned the students not to gamble with their ages during the biometric voter registration exercise because it could cause them their early retirement from government work. GNA

FDB cautions public against fake Hords Brown Gold Cocoa Powder

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The Food and Drugs Board (FDB) on Saturday said it has noticed through its post-market surveillance activities of the distribution and sale of fake hords brown gold cocoa powder on the market.

A statement issued in Accra cautioned the public to be alert, saying the fake product bears features similar to the original product except that the plastic container does not bear the name hords embossed on the bottle neck.

It said Buchberger Enterprise, located at Baatsonaa on the Spintex road was identified as the producer of the fake hords brown gold cocoa powder, and one Patrick Amankwah-Edusei, the owner, has been arrested for further investigations by the police for producing a fake product from an unlicensed facility and under unhygienic conditions contrary to provisions of the Food and Drugs Law, 1992 (PNDC L 305B).

The operations of Buchberger Enterprise have also been suspended and raw materials, packaging materials as well as finished products found on the premises have been detained for destruction, the statement said.

Activities of Buchberger Enterprise pose a great public health risk as products from the facility have not been evaluated by the FDB and confirmed safe for human consumption.

Retailers and consumers in general who might have received supplies of the counterfeit product or had purchased samples for sale or use are advised to look out for the embossed HORDS logo on the plastic bottle neck.

Any Hords Brown Gold Cocoa Powder found without the embossed logo should not be used as its quality and safety cannot be guaranteed and the FDB should be immediately notified.

The public is also urged not to hesitate to bring to the attention of the FDB any person or persons who may be involved in the production or sale of any fake food product. GNA

Jomoro Youth demonstrate against re-location of Gas Project

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A large number of the youth in the Jomoro District of the Western Region on Friday went on a two-hour peaceful demonstration at Beyin, to register their protect against the relocation of the Domunli Gas Project.

The demonstrators dressed in mourning clothes with read bands held placards some of which read:“ Jomoro friendly for Gas Project”, Ghanaians know of only Domunli Gas Project”, “No conflict between farmers and Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC) ” and Let the Gas flow Jomoro”.

Mr Mark Asmah Arthur, President of the Jomoro Youth Association read GNPC technical geodetic report calling for the re-location of the project.

The Omanhene of Nzema; Awulae Annor Adjaye III, said a source on the internet indicated that plans are far advance in re-locating the project from Jomoro to Atuabo in the Ellembelle District.

Awulae Adjaye, who is also President of the Traditional Council, said the people of Jomoro would not agree on the re-location of the project.

He said excuses being given by stakeholders of the Gas Project that the Domunli area is sandy and not suitable for the project would never be accepted by the chiefs and people of the area.

The Omanhene said the Geological Survey conducted feasibility studies some years ago at Atuabo and Domunli found the area ideal for the project.

The District Chief Executive for Jomoro, Mr Sylvester Dadieh said he had no information from the President or the Regional Minister on the relocation of the Gas Project.

He therefore appealed to the people of Jomoro to exercise restraint over the issue.

Dr Sipah Yankey, Chief Executive of the Domunli Gas Project, said on assumption of office five months ago, he found a GNPC document recommending the re-location of the project from Jomoro to Atuabo.

He said he has ordered fresh feasibility studies to be conducted at Atuabo and Domunli to determine the final site for the project.

The MP for Jomoro, Madam Samia Yaba Nkrumah in a report read for her said moving the project from one Nzema community to another without proper reasons, would bring conflict. GNA

Dr Mustapaha Ahmed retains Ayawaso East seat

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Dr Mustapha Ahmed, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East, on Saturday was re-elected to represent the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2012 General Election.

He polled 236 out of the 471 total votes cast to beat his closest rival, Mr Naser Mahama Toure who got 185 votes, while the third candidate, Mr Gedel M. Ahmed got 30 votes and the fourth candidate obtained 18 votes.

The election, which was supervised by the Electoral Commission under heavy police presence, registered two spoilt ballot papers.

In his speech after the elections, Dr Ahmed out-going Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, now Deputy Minister designate for Environment, Science and Technology thanked the delegates for the confidence repose in him.

The Minister urged supporters of all the contestants to throw to unite to strategise on how to canvas for votes to enable the NDC to retain the seat.

He noted that there was the need for unity and consensus building to promote the supreme interest of the party which is above any individual’s personal ambition.

The losing candidates in their speeches conceded defeat and pledged their full support for the winner to enhance the party’s chance of winning the seat in the impending elections.

Other dignitaries present at the function were Mr Kobina Ade Coker, Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NDC and Mr Harry Zakkour, Chairman of the Korle-Klottey Constituency of the party. GNA

CPP re-schedule date for filling of flagbearer forms

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The Convention People’s Party (CPP) on Friday re-scheduled the date for filling of nomination forms from for presidential aspirants due to the dynamic development within the Nkrumahist front for a common agenda for Election 2012.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview in Accra, Mr Ivor Kobina Greenstreets, CPP General Secretary explained that the party and the People’s National Convention (PNC) have proactively advanced in negotiations for fielding parliamentary and presidential candidates for the general election.

He said in view of the current realities on the Nkrumahist front the National Leadership considers it prudent to suspend the processes leading the CPP’s Flag bearership contest to pave the way for a common candidate.

The CPP on January 4, opened nominations for its flag bearer for the 2012 presidential election, closing on Friday January 27.

Two leading members Mr Bright O Akwetey and Dr Foster Abu Sakara have picked nominations to contest for the slot.

Mr Bernard Monah of the PNC confirmed to the GNA the advancement the two parties have achieved over a short period under the new CPP leadership.

He said the two parties are optimistic of adopting a common platform for Election 2012.

Source: GNA

Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative receives German award

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Bamboo bike

Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative, an environmental NGO, has been adjudged winner of the 2011 Impact Business Award for climate change adaptation activities.

The award instituted by German Federal Ministry for Economic Corporation is reserved for organizations that apply innovative technology to improve the environment.

Ms Bernice Dapaah, Executive Director of the Initiative told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi on Friday that the award came with a cash prize of 5,000 Euros.

The NGO would also have the opportunity to share their experience at the 15th International Business Forum to be held in Germany in September this year.

Ms Dapaah said her organization had been helping to build the capacity of the rural population with little or no educational background to manufacture and assemble bicycles using bamboo.

They are also into tree planting and sensitization of the people on issues about climate change.

Ms Dapaah said the Initiative, a project of Bright Generation Community Foundation, would this year roll-out massive tree planting in the Atwima-Nwabiagya District to help sustain the eco-system.

This is a response to climatic change, resulting in floods and other extreme weather conditions.

So far, they had nursed 5,000 seedlings and this would be planted at Achiase-Amoamang.

Ms Dapaah underlined the need for comprehensive approach to climate change and its integration into development planning.

She said climate change is taking a huge toll on development which called for concerted effort to tackle it through activities like tree planting.

Source: GNA

$200m African Union new headquarters opened

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New AU building with Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s statue. Photo credit: AU

Mr Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the Chinese People’s Consultative Council, on behalf of President Hu Jintao, on Saturday afternoon inaugurated a new African Union Conference and Office Complex building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Described as the city’s tallest building, the almost 100 meter 20- storey building, which dominates the skyline of Addis Ababa, was a gift from the Chinese Government, estimated at a cost of $200 million to the AU.

Constructed by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), within Sino-African relations, the project is China’s largest-scale aid project for Africa in decades after the construction of the Tanzania- Zambia Railway.

The centre covers a construction area of some 50,000 square meters, and will house a 2,550-seat big conference hall, a 650-seat medium conference hall, five press conference rooms and two VIP rooms, among other facilities.

Ghana’s President; John Evans Atta Mills, who would be delivering the keynote address at 18’th Ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, together with leaders of other countries of the 54-nation continental body, witnessed the inauguration of the edifice.

After the inaugural ceremony, Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng handed over the golden key of the conference hall and office complex, to Mr Qinglin, who in turn handed it over to out-going AU Chairman and President Teodoro Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, and subsequently to Dr Jean Ping, the AU Commission Chairman who is seeking re-election for another four -year term.

Dr Ping in the inaugural address paid tribute to the founding fathers of the Union and praised the efforts of his predecessor former Mr Omar Alpha Konare, who mooted the idea for a new building and Ethiopian Premier Ato Meles Zenawi for the land for the complex.

He said the building underscores the relations between China and Africa, and also represents the solidarity among nations.

Out-going Africa Union Chairman President Mbasogo, paid tribute to the Chinese President, noting that China had been Africa’s largest trading partner in recent years.

He described the project as reflection of the New Africa, and emphasised the need for more intra African trade.

The African Union Conference Centre Project was one of the eight measures announced by President Hu Jintao at the Bejing Summit of the forum on China Africa Co-operation in 2006.

The project was started in February 2009 and completed in December 2011. It involved 1,200 Chinese and Ethiopian workers.

Most of the materials used came from China, which further paid for the furniture to allow what it called “immediate use of the facility”.

Source: GNA

Lawyer in alleged money laundering act pleads for variation of bail terms

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A lawyer allegedly involved in aiding money laundering activities, Charles Owusu Juanah, on Thursday prayed for a variation of the bail granted him by the Financial Division of the Fast Track High Court.

Juanah was last week granted bail in the sum of $4 million with two sureties, one of which is to be justified.

His alleged accomplice, Victor Amoah, was admitted to bail under same bail terms.

They were also ordered to report to the offices of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) daily.

Mr George Heward-Mills, counsel for Juanah, who moved a motion for variation of bail on Thursday, noted that the bail condition was burdensome as such they were unable to meet it.

He prayed the Court to vary the bail term so his client could meet the conditions.

The Court obliged and ordered that Juanah should be admitted to bail in the sum of four million dollars with three sureties one to be justified. The justification, the court said should be a deed title worth 2.5 million dollars deposited at the Court’s Registry.

Victor Amoah, the second accused, has however managed to execute his bail.

In the case Nana Kwaku Agyei, the third accused, who was remanded at the last sitting, was granted bail in the sum of four million US dollars, with three sureties.

Agyei, through his counsel, Mr Joseph Turkson, submitted to the Court a medical report of his (Agyei’s) health status and prayed the court to admit him to bail.

Mr Edward Cudjoe, a State Attorney, in response to the bail, noted that the conditions under which the Court granted bail was proper with regard of the seriousness of the offence.

Mr Cudjoe said if Amoah had managed to execute the bail, it was only fair that Juanah met the conditions as well.

He informed the court that he had seen the medical report on Agyei.

The Court adjourned the matter to February 2, saying it would commence hearing whether prosecution was ready or not.

The accused persons have pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy and aiding and abetting money laundering activities before the trial judge, Mr Justice John Ajet-Nasam.

They were accused of obtaining, through money laundering activities, $3.5 million from a Dubai-based businessman, Mohammed Shafiq, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Jampur Group, and his agents.

Juanah, who is alleged to be the principal architect, is said to have collected the $3.5 million from the GT Bank headquarters about 9:45 p.m. on November 17, 2011 after luring Mr Shafiq and his agents into the country to establish business dealings in gold.

The prosecution said when Mr Shafiq and his agents arrived in Ghana, they were told that the gold had been lodged in a vault at the SG-SSB Bank and were made to pay $3.5 million before it would be released.

It said the money was lodged in an account at the Abeka branch of the GT Bank and the alleged gold subsequently handed over to the buyers.

The prosecution further stated that when Mr Shafiq and his agents decided to verify the authenticity of the 135 kilogrammes of gold after it had been delivered, only five kilogrammes was found to be authentic.

It said when Mr Shafiq and his agents complained and threatened to lodge a complaint with the police, Juanah allegedly warned them not to dare, as they would be incarcerated for transacting an illegitimate business as illegal immigrants.

According to the Prosecution, Mr Shafiq and his agents quickly left the country for Dubai and were advised to lodge a complaint with the National Security, which referred the matter to EOCO.

Investigations had so far revealed that Juanah drafted the contract agreement for the transactions and acted as solicitor for both the buyer and the seller, while Amoah, a friend of Juanah and Agyei, acted as consultant to Mr Shafiq and his agents, the Prosecutions said.

Source: GNA

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