Experts from UN nuclear watchdog agency to visit Iran next week

News Ghana
-
0

Experts from the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will visit Iran next week in an effort to resolve outstanding issues related to the country?s nuclear programme, it was announced today.

Last November the head of the IAEA said there is ?credible? information that Iran is developing a nuclear weapon and had called on the country to agree to a visit by a high-level team to clarify the nature of its nuclear programme.

In a statement issued today in Vienna, where the Agency is based, Director General Yukiya Amano announced the upcoming visit, which will take place from 29 toThe overall objective of the IAEA is to resolve all outstanding substantive issues. 31 January.

?The overall objective of the IAEA is to resolve all outstanding substantive issues,? said the statement.

The team will be led by the Deputy Director General for Safeguards, Herman Nackaerts, and will include the Assistant Director General for Policy, Rafael Grossi.

?The Agency team is going to Iran in a constructive spirit, and we trust that Iran will work with us in that same spirit,? said Mr. Amano.

Iran has repeatedly stated that its nuclear programme is for the peaceful purpose of providing energy, but many countries contend it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

The Security Council has imposed four rounds of sanctions against Iran, citing the proliferation risks of its nuclear programme and its continued failure to cooperate with the IAEA.

View the original article here

Iraq’s execution of 34 people in one day �shocking’ – UN human rights chief

News Ghana
-
0

The United Nations human rights chief said today she was shocked at reports that 34 people were executed in Iraq in a single day last week and called on the country to institute an immediate moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

?Even if the most scrupulous fair trial standards were observed, this would be a terrifying number of executions to take place in a single day,? High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay stated in a news release.

?Given the lack of transparency in court proceedings, major concerns about due process and fairness of trials, and the very wide range of oMost disturbingly, we do not have a single report of anyone on death row being pardoned, despite the fact there are well documented cases of confessions being extracted under duress.ffences for which the death penalty can be imposed in Iraq, it is a truly shocking figure,? she added.

The 34 individuals, including two women, were executed on 19 January following their conviction for various crimes, according to the UN human rights office (OHCHR).

The total number of individuals sentenced to death in Iraq since 2004 is believed to stand at more than 1,200. The total number actually executed since then is not known, although at least 63 individuals are thought to have been executed in the past two months alone.

The death penalty can be imposed in Iraq for around 48 crimes, including a number of non-fatal crimes such as ? under certain circumstances ? damage to public property.

?Most disturbingly,? said Ms. Pillay, ?we do not have a single report of anyone on death row being pardoned, despite the fact there are well documented cases of confessions being extracted under duress.?

She called on the Government to implement an immediate moratorium on the institution of death penalty, noting that around 150 countries have now either abolished the death penalty in law or in practice, or introduced a moratorium.

The High Commissioner also urged the Government ?to halt all executions and, as a matter of urgency, review the cases of those individuals currently on death row.?

View the original article here

NPA to increase prices of LPG, kerosene, premix fuel February 1

Daily Guide Africa
-
0

Gas shortage

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Alex Mould, has said by February 1st LPG, kerosene and premix fuel prices will see a 46%, 93% and 151% respective price increase in accordance with the prevailing ruling of an Accra High Court on January 24.

He said the price increase is the best alternative for the NPA if it is to go through with the court’s option of seeking Parliamentary approval before imposing the ex-refinery differential margin as a tax.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Thursday, the NPA boss said “the only way we can be stopped to do this, if we review the price, is if there is a government intervention. ”

Mr. Mould, however, said the regulatory body in the best interest of Ghanaians, and in consultation with the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Bulk Distribution Companies, Government and the Association of Oil Marketing Companies, has decided to comply with the other option provided by the courts.

He said on January 13 2012, the Authority thus submitted a revised petroleum products pricing formula, which includes the ex-refinery differential margin, to be published in the gazette. He noted therefore that the decision was taken prior to the ruling of January 24th of an Accra High Court.

On the issue of the government subsidy, Mr Mould clarified that government had decided not to subsidise petroleum products from the previous price buildup of $92 to the current price buildup of $110 per barrel of oil.

He noted, however, that “they have put in a hedging mechanism… if prices do go above a $110 then they will be able to have defined revenue should they want to subsidise petroleum products. ”

Source: Citifmonline

Ne-Yo Becomes Motown Vice-President

Daily Guide Africa
-
0

Ne Yo

R&B singer Ne-Yo has become vice president of the legendary music label Motown, it has been announced.

The star’s new role will incorporate producing, song writing, mentoring the label’s artistes and seeking out new talent.

The 32-year-old, who had previously been signed to Def Jam, will also release his fifth studio album this year with Motown.

“I’m honoured that I’ve been given such a prestigious title,” he said.

The singer added he felt “terrified” taking over a role that ‘King of Motown’ Smokey Robinson had previously occupied.

“These are big shoes to fill. But trust, I can handle it,” Ne-Yo said.

Motown’s chief executive officer Barry Weiss said: “This move to Motown will provide new and inspiring challenges for Ne-Yo as both an artiste and a key member of the new senior management team that is taking form at the label in 2012.”

Ne-Yo released four albums with Def Jam, earning a total of 4.3m record sales in the US, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

His debut record, which was released in 2006, featured his first number one single ‘So Sick’.

His 2008 album, ‘Year of the Gentleman’, reached number two in the UK, with the single ‘Closer’ topping the singles chart.

Did Mills Read Through $3 bn Loan Agreement? How Can You Owe Someone ¢4 & Pay ¢7?

Daily Guide Africa
-
0

President John Evans Atta Mills

The Minority in Parliament is claiming that in addition to the principal and interests, the government of Ghana will have to pay close to $2.3 bn more for the $3 billion loan it intends securing from the China Development Bank (CDB).

The Minority argues that this smacks of corruption or a lack of due diligence on the agreement by the Mills’ administration.

NPP MP for Manhyia, Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, who referred to the off-taker agreement before Parliament, said though the principal amount of $3 billion plus interest comes to 4.6 billion dollars, the country is committing nearly 7 billion dollars worth of crude oil to the Chinese.

He wondered if the president was aware of the true cost of the loan to the country.

“When the president was approving this off-taker agreement, where was [his mind]? Did he read [the document]? How can you owe someone 4.6 cedis and pay 7 cedis”? Hon. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh asked.

According to him, it is mind-boggling that for the three years President Mills has been in power, crude oil has never sold below $100 per barrel, yet the government decided to peg the price of the commodity to be sold to the Chinese at $85 per barrel when it entered into an agreement with them.

Additionally, he said, the off-taker agreement on the $3 billion CBD loan provides that the Chinese can lift oil from Ghana for up to 20 years, but the Petroleum Revenue Management Law states clearly that petroleum revenues cannot be collatoralised for more than 10 years.

The Ministry of Finance is yet to respond to the issues raised by the Minority.

Source: Peacfmonline

Castle gives foot soldier, Dr. Asemfofro, two cars

Daily Guide Africa
-
0

Dr. Asemfoforo with his new castle reward car

Mr. Osei Yaw Nketia, otherwise known as Dr. Asemfoforo, a critic of the then ruling NPP government who purportedly mobilized massive support for the NDC during the 2008 elections, has promised to lead foot soldiers to campaign massively for NDC this year because top government officials have given him two vehicles.

His decision is in variance to his earlier position to lead a campaign for the NPP against the NDC because the NDC had been ungrateful to him.

In an interview with Adom News, Dr. Asemfoforo, said he rescinded his decision after he received the two (2) cars; a pick-up from Vice President John Mahama, and a saloon car from Minister of State at the presidency, Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo.

Dr. Asemfoforo says the two cars have rekindled his love for the party so he will campaign for President John Evans Atta Mills.

He started his campaign by saying “President Mills has a kind heart and he will win this year’s election.”

Months ago, Dr. Asemfoforo was widely reported to have been bed-ridden due to ill health and he called for help from the NDC but did not get much of that.

Dr. Asemfoforo

Dr. Asemfoforo claimed he fought for the party when some ministers who now ride in expensive cars were nowhere.

He says he stood for NDC, sometimes at the peril of his life, and yet when he needed help the most he did not get it.

But he said the two cars are satisfactory rewards for his efforts for the NDC.

Meanwhile Hon. Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo has told Adom News he helped Dr. Asemfoforo because, he (Asemfoforo) was so instrumental in bringing the NDC into power during the 2008 elections and felt he has not benefited from the Better Ghana Agenda that much.

Source: Adom News

I Am Ready- Says Frimpong

Daily Guide Africa
-
0

Frank Kwame Gyasi Frimpong ,aka Cabum

Although Frank Kwame Gyasi Frimpong is new on the hiplife/hip-hop music scene, he appears determined to make it to the top despite the delay in releasing his maiden album, ‘Fano Normal’.

He is a great talent and definitely too hot to handle. He has a silky voice and is very good in the studio and on stage, and can thrill fans to a spectacular live-stage performance.

Frank Frimpong, artistically known as Cabum, is seen as a talented musician who has indeed proven beyond all doubts that he has come to stay.

 For many who have had the opportunity to listen to some of his songs, Cabum is not only a prolific singer and a songwriter but he is also a producer and sound engineer.

Although Cabum is young, he told BEATWAVES that his main aim was to reach the top of the ladder, saying, “I am ready to make my presence felt in the music industry. My target is to reach the top of the ladder”.

Cabum is optimistic that his style of play, coupled with the fact that most of his songs are fused with hip-pop and traditional rhythms, would make his album a success when it hits the market.

He has developed a strong passion for hip-hop music and his 10-track album is a great delight to listen to as the lyrics focus on real life issues.

The lyrics of the album and his good vocal power are neatly arranged with good rhythms and danceable beats.

With his presence on the music scene, Cabum has promised to run things in a different dimension with support from Lexis B of Hitz FM.

By George Clifford Owusu

Why hire Bature to do PR when we have a PRO? – Korle-Bu Board Member fumes

Daily Guide Africa
-
0

Alhaji Iddrisu Bature

A Board member of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Eric Attieku has questioned the basis for hiring the services of a private journalist to do a damage control job for the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Prof Otu Nartey.

Mr. Eric Attieku explained that the hospital has a substantive Public Relations Officer, and wonders why a private person should be hired to damage-limitation for the hospital’s CEO.

Mr. Attieku said this in an interview with Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem on Friday following a publication that the Managing Editor for the Al- Hajj newspaper, Alhaji Bature Iddrisu has been hired by the hospital to offer the hospital PR services.

“We have a PRO in the hospital and if there is a need for PR work, I think the PRO is competent enough to do the job, so why engaging the services of Alhaji Bature. Is it for any selfish interest, this is the question we should ask ourselves,” Eric Attieku stated.

The Board member bemoaned the series of false publications carried out by the paper about the hospital.

He noted that Alhaji Bature has no justification in publishing such stories about the hospital, adding he should seek clarification before publishing any material about the nation’s largest health facility.

Mr. Attieku said Alhaji Bature is trying to play on the minds of Ghanaians, claiming to know everything about the hospital.
To him, this does not augur well for Ghana’s premier hospital.

He noted that Alhaji Bature’s assertion that the CEO of KBTH, Prof Otu Nartey has channeled his additional allowance to charity at the hospital may be true, but was quick to add that Prof Nartey, in the first place, was not entitled to any additional allowances.

Mr. Attieku explained that according to the rules governing the operations of the hospital, an employee of the facility cannot be made the Board Chairman for the hospital. Therefore, it is illegal for Prof Otu Nartey to take the top up allowance.

“If one takes illegal money for charity work, does it make the person right”? Eric Attieku asked.

In a sharp rebuttal, Alhaji Bature said he has never taken a pesewa from the CEO of KBTH to do damage control for the hospital.

He said as a seasoned Journalist, he is discharging his duties in a professional manner, devoid of any undue influence.

Alhaji Bature claimed some board members ran to him to explain issues at KBTH with documents and this is why he got himself involved with publications at KBTH.

He said while he has not been promised any money for discharging his professional duty, if ‘something’ is presented to him as a token he will accept it wholeheartedly.

Source: Myjoyonline

More funds required to continue nutrition and health projects in Haiti – UN

News Ghana
-
0

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) reported today that it will continue to distribute food aid to some 1.5 million people each month through its school meals scheme, mother and children nutrition and food-for-work programmes in Haiti, but insufficient funding remains a concern.

Food prices in the country have risen by 50 per cent since 2010, which means that one out of every two Haitians are experiencing some kind of food shortages, WFP?s spokesperson, Ga?lle S?venier, told reporters in Geneva.

The agency?s capacity to respond has been affected by a budget deficit of $18 million for the next six months, she said.

According to Elisabeth Byrs, spokesperson for theLast year, humanitarian agencies received only 54 per cent of the requested $382 million. UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the initial appeal for Haiti in the immediate aftermath of the massive earthquake two years ago that sought $1.5 billion was 75 per cent funded.

Last year, humanitarian agencies received only 54 per cent of the requested $382 million, Ms. Byrs said, urging donors not to forget that the country still faces great humanitarian challenges as one of the world?s poorest country?s even before the quake.

This year, some $231 million is required to continue efforts against the cholera outbreak and to fund other relief programmes, she added.

View the original article here

UN human rights chief welcomes lifting of state of emergency in Fiji

News Ghana
-
0

The United Nations human rights chief today welcomed the lifting of a state of emergency in Fiji, more than two years after it was imposed, calling it a ?step in the right direction? for the Pacific island nation.

?The emergency law has seriously restricted the right to public assembly and freedom of expression, and given the authorities broad powers of arrest and detention,? said Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a statement.

?I welcome the cancellation of the emergency law and encourage the Government to build on this positive momentum with concrete steps to eI welcome the cancellation of the emergency law and encourage the Government to build on this positive momentum with concrete steps to ensure full respect for the rule of law and human rights.nsure full respect for the rule of law and human rights.?

Fiji had committed to lifting the emergency regulations before the UN Human Rights Council during its Universal Periodic Review in 2009, a pledge the South Pacific island nation has now fulfilled, Ms. Pillay noted.

She also took note of Prime Minister Josaia V. Bainimarama?s announcement that amendments have been made to the Public Order Act, voicing hope that those amendments would be in line with international human rights norms and would not in any way replicate the restrictions in the public emergency regulations.

Ms. Pillay, however, expressed concern over recent developments in which critics of the Government have faced criminal charges, arbitrary detention and other forms of intimidation.

?Silencing criticism with such heavy-handed measures is in breach of international human rights standards. I urge the Government to ensure that the rule of law is fully respected and that there is space for civil society to operate without fear,? she said.

?As Fiji begins its constitution-making process and prepares for elections to be held in 2014, I look forward to seeing an environment in which ordinary people and civil society organizations can participate fully.?

She said the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) regional bureau for the Pacific remains ready to support national efforts to further the promotion and protection of human rights in Fiji.

View the original article here

1...49,53849,53949,540...49,614Page 49,539 of 49,614