Monday 10 June 2013
KASAPAHENE: “Our victory was won cleanly and fairly” – Mahama
KASAPAHENE: “Our victory was won cleanly and fairly” – Mahama: Ghana’s President, Mr. John Mahama has said his party, the National Democratic Congress, won the 2012 presidential poll “cleanly and ...
“Our victory was won cleanly and fairly” – Mahama
Ghana’s President, Mr. John Mahama has said his party, the National Democratic Congress, won the 2012 presidential poll “cleanly and fairly” and therefore confident the Supreme Court will re-affirm that victory..
“…Our victory was won cleanly and fairly and that justice will be served and cannot come to any other conclusion than acknowledging the very transparent, free and fair victory that we won at the elections and so I’d ask you, while the Court case continues, to continue to strengthen the base of the Party”. Mr. Mahama told party supporters at the Headquarters in Accra to mark the NDC’s 21st anniversary.
He is the First Respondent in the ongoing election petition at Ghana’s Supreme Court, in which the Petitioners, including his arch-political contender, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo are praying the Court to overturn the results.
Nana Akufo-Addo, together with his running mate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the NPP’s national Chairman, Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey claims the elections were fraught with malpractices, statutory violations and gross manipulation which cannot go uncontested.
The Electoral Commission and the governing NDC are the other two Respondents in addition to President Mahama.
Mr. Mahama however remains confident that the Supreme Court will re-affirm his victory at the end of the hearing.
The Court has heard the case for the past one month.
President: John Dramani Mahama
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| Mr Mahama became president when his predecessor died |
Vice-President John Dramani Mahama became interim head of state following the death of President John Atta Mills in July 2012.
Mr Mahama won his first full term in office in an extremely tight election a few months later in December, defeating Nana Akufo-Addo of the opposition New Patriotic Party with only 50.7% of the vote to Mr Addo's 47.7%.
The NPP boycotted his swearing-in, saying he had won fraudulently.
Several foreign observer teams, including those of the African Union and regional body Ecowas, declared the election free and fair.
Mr Mahama is a respected historian, writer and communications specialist. Regarded as a champion of the underprivileged, he has a keen interest in environmental issues, particularly the problem of plastic pollution in Africa. His book, entitled "My First Coup d'Etat" was published in July 2012.
He studied in Ghana and Moscow. Between 1991 and 1995 he worked as an information officer at the Japanese embassy in Accra.
Mr Mahama won his first full term in office in an extremely tight election a few months later in December, defeating Nana Akufo-Addo of the opposition New Patriotic Party with only 50.7% of the vote to Mr Addo's 47.7%.
The NPP boycotted his swearing-in, saying he had won fraudulently.
Several foreign observer teams, including those of the African Union and regional body Ecowas, declared the election free and fair.
Mr Mahama is a respected historian, writer and communications specialist. Regarded as a champion of the underprivileged, he has a keen interest in environmental issues, particularly the problem of plastic pollution in Africa. His book, entitled "My First Coup d'Etat" was published in July 2012.
He studied in Ghana and Moscow. Between 1991 and 1995 he worked as an information officer at the Japanese embassy in Accra.
President Mills died in July 2012He joined the non-governmental organization PLAN International in 1995.
He was elected as a member of parliament in 1996, and served communications minister between 1998 and 2001.
In opposition from 2005 to 2011, Mr Mahama served as parliamentary spokesman for foreign affairs.
Mr Mahama was born at Bole-Bamboi in the Northern Region in 1958. He is married and has seven children.
Ghana arrests Chinese for 'illegal mining'
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| Ghana is one of Africa's biggest gold producers |
At least 124 Chinese nationals suspected of illegal gold mining have been detained in Ghana, officials say. Chinese officials said most of those detained were mining illegally without visas, work and residency permits.
They are negotiating the detainees' release, a spokesman from the Chinese embassy in Ghana said.
The arrests took place in several locations around the country following a call by Ghanaian officials to end unauthorised mining by foreigners.
Officials raided a hotel and areas near mines where the Chinese were living, the embassy said.
'Gold rush'
The arrests are part of an ongoing crackdown on foreign nationals working in small-scale gold mines, reserved by law for Ghanaians, reports the BBC's Akwasi Sarpong from the capital, Accra.
Ghana is expected to repatriate the miners who were arrested in raids in four mineral-rich regions, he says.
A Ghana immigration official told Xinhua news agency that the detainees "were involved in illegal gold mining".
They are being held at an immigration centre in Accra, Chinese officials said.
Yu Jie, spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Ghana, told Xinhua they "have cautioned all the Chinese people in Ghana to strictly abide by the related laws and regulations".
Most of the detained workers flocked to the "Ghana gold rush" from the impoverished county of Shanglin in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Chinese media say.
The issue has been widely discussed in the Chinese media, with some miners reportedly saying they want to leave but face hefty fines.
Ghanaian authorities introduced a ban in April on Chinese engaging in illegal gold mining in the central region of Ashanti, as well as in western and eastern regions, to stop environmental damage.
In October last year, a Chinese boy was killed during a security crackdown on illegal mining.
About 100 Chinese nationals were also detained over illegal mining the same month.
Ghana is Africa's biggest gold producer after South Africa, producing more than 1.6 million ounces in the first half of 2012.
Let him go now: Mandela’s long-time friend tells family
South Africans prayed for Nelson Mandela as he spent a second day in hospital Sunday, suffering a lung infection that has sparked worldwide concerns for the ailing peace icon.
But, a long-time friend of his, Andrew Mlangeni, 87, said his family should let him go.
Mandela’s latest health scare was splashed across the front pages of local newspapers but government officials have released no updates since announcing he was hospitalised in Pretoria early Saturday in a “serious but stable” condition.
The congregation at the Regina Mundi church in Soweto, a flashpoint during the anti-apartheid struggle, prayed for the 94-year-year-old national hero.
“I am coming to church today with Madiba in my thoughts. I want him to get well,” churchgoer Nokuthula Tshibasa, 38, told AFP, using Mandela’s clan name.
It is the fourth hospital stay since December for the Nobel peace prize laureate, who turns 95 next month, after he was discharged in April following treatment for pneumonia.
South Africans are beginning to come to terms with the mortality of their first black president who is revered as the father of the “Rainbow Nation” multi-race democracy.
“I mean Tata is 94. At 94 what do you expect?” said church goer Sannie Shezi, 36, using an affectionate term meaning father.
“He lived his life, he worked for us. All we can say is God help him. If things happen they will happen, but we still love him.”
The Sunday Times carried a front-page picture of the elder statesman smiling and waving under the headline: “It’s time to let him go”.
“We wish Madiba a speedy recovery, but I think what is important is that his family must release him,” long-time friend Andrew Mlangeni, 87, told the newspaper.
The former apartheid era prisoner who was jailed for life alongside Mandela in 1964 said it was clear he was not well and it was possible he “might not be well again”.
“Once the family releases him, the people of South Africa will follow. We will say thank you, God, you have given us this man, and we will release him too.”
Mandela’s third wife Graca Machel has been at his hospital bedside after calling off a trip to London.
Presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj, who also served time with Mandela in Robben Island, said Saturday he was in a “serious” condition, in an unusually sombre description of his state of health.
But he told AFP that Mandela was breathing on his own.
“The truth of the matter is a simple one. Madiba is a fighter and at his age as long as he is fighting, he’ll be fine,” he said.
Mandela is revered as a global symbol of forgiveness after embracing his former jailers following his release from 27 years in prison and his latest hospitalisation triggered outpourings of concern across the globe.
“No one lasts forever. But I really wish there was an exception for Mandela,” said one post on Twitter.
“Can we all just give this Great Man the dignity 2 die in peace if its his time. Has he not given us of all enough #ThankU Tata #Mandela,” said another.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said Mandela was in his thoughts, while the White House has also sent good wishes.
Mandela was receiving care at his Johannesburg home when his lung problems returned. He was admitted to an undisclosed Pretoria hospital at 1:30 am Saturday (2330 GMT Friday) after his condition worsened.
He was diagnosed with early-stage tuberculosis in 1988 and also has had treatment for prostate cancer and suffered stomach ailments.
In December, Mandela spent 18 days in hospital, his longest as a free man.
In March he was admitted for an overnight scheduled check-up before returning that month for 10 days.
Still a powerful symbol of peace and unity, Mandela has not been seen in public since the World Cup final in July 2010.
After serving just one term he turned his energy to AIDS and conflict resolution, before stepping out of the public eye a decade ago at the age of 85.
In March, Zuma appeared to prepare the nation for Mandela’s passing, saying: “In Zulu, when someone passes away who is very old, people say he or she has gone home. I think those are some of the things we should be thinking about.”
Controversial television footage in April showed a frail, distant and unsmiling Mandela being visited at home by ANC leaders, sparking accusations that his party was exploiting him.
The ruling African National Congress — facing elections next year — has lost much of its Mandela shine amid widespread corruption, poverty and poor public services.
His own family has also been locked in a feud over control of various companies.
“Whereas in the beginning we would get extremely anxious, this time our anxiety is tempered with a certain understanding of his age and his frailty. It’s a good healthy balance,” Maharaj said.
But, a long-time friend of his, Andrew Mlangeni, 87, said his family should let him go.
Mandela’s latest health scare was splashed across the front pages of local newspapers but government officials have released no updates since announcing he was hospitalised in Pretoria early Saturday in a “serious but stable” condition.
The congregation at the Regina Mundi church in Soweto, a flashpoint during the anti-apartheid struggle, prayed for the 94-year-year-old national hero.
“I am coming to church today with Madiba in my thoughts. I want him to get well,” churchgoer Nokuthula Tshibasa, 38, told AFP, using Mandela’s clan name.
It is the fourth hospital stay since December for the Nobel peace prize laureate, who turns 95 next month, after he was discharged in April following treatment for pneumonia.
South Africans are beginning to come to terms with the mortality of their first black president who is revered as the father of the “Rainbow Nation” multi-race democracy.
“I mean Tata is 94. At 94 what do you expect?” said church goer Sannie Shezi, 36, using an affectionate term meaning father.
“He lived his life, he worked for us. All we can say is God help him. If things happen they will happen, but we still love him.”
The Sunday Times carried a front-page picture of the elder statesman smiling and waving under the headline: “It’s time to let him go”.
“We wish Madiba a speedy recovery, but I think what is important is that his family must release him,” long-time friend Andrew Mlangeni, 87, told the newspaper.
The former apartheid era prisoner who was jailed for life alongside Mandela in 1964 said it was clear he was not well and it was possible he “might not be well again”.
“Once the family releases him, the people of South Africa will follow. We will say thank you, God, you have given us this man, and we will release him too.”
Mandela’s third wife Graca Machel has been at his hospital bedside after calling off a trip to London.
Presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj, who also served time with Mandela in Robben Island, said Saturday he was in a “serious” condition, in an unusually sombre description of his state of health.
But he told AFP that Mandela was breathing on his own.
“The truth of the matter is a simple one. Madiba is a fighter and at his age as long as he is fighting, he’ll be fine,” he said.
Mandela is revered as a global symbol of forgiveness after embracing his former jailers following his release from 27 years in prison and his latest hospitalisation triggered outpourings of concern across the globe.
“No one lasts forever. But I really wish there was an exception for Mandela,” said one post on Twitter.
“Can we all just give this Great Man the dignity 2 die in peace if its his time. Has he not given us of all enough #ThankU Tata #Mandela,” said another.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said Mandela was in his thoughts, while the White House has also sent good wishes.
Mandela was receiving care at his Johannesburg home when his lung problems returned. He was admitted to an undisclosed Pretoria hospital at 1:30 am Saturday (2330 GMT Friday) after his condition worsened.
He was diagnosed with early-stage tuberculosis in 1988 and also has had treatment for prostate cancer and suffered stomach ailments.
In December, Mandela spent 18 days in hospital, his longest as a free man.
In March he was admitted for an overnight scheduled check-up before returning that month for 10 days.
Still a powerful symbol of peace and unity, Mandela has not been seen in public since the World Cup final in July 2010.
After serving just one term he turned his energy to AIDS and conflict resolution, before stepping out of the public eye a decade ago at the age of 85.
In March, Zuma appeared to prepare the nation for Mandela’s passing, saying: “In Zulu, when someone passes away who is very old, people say he or she has gone home. I think those are some of the things we should be thinking about.”
Controversial television footage in April showed a frail, distant and unsmiling Mandela being visited at home by ANC leaders, sparking accusations that his party was exploiting him.
The ruling African National Congress — facing elections next year — has lost much of its Mandela shine amid widespread corruption, poverty and poor public services.
His own family has also been locked in a feud over control of various companies.
“Whereas in the beginning we would get extremely anxious, this time our anxiety is tempered with a certain understanding of his age and his frailty. It’s a good healthy balance,” Maharaj said.
Source: Thenationng.net
Wednesday 5 June 2013
Porn Movies Invade Tema Station
When I say the only law in enforcement in Ghana is the inability of males to use the washroom of ladies, my comments are deemed harsh.
It has been an open secret over the years that the sale of pornographic materials is still rampant in Ghana. Out of every two Malians, Nigerians or Burkinabe with their bags at their back plying their trade in the sales of movies in Ghana, you will not be surprised to note that they are illicitly selling pirated movies with pornographic movies dominating.
Although I’m not in support of their trade and condemn their actions, I must say their actions in some way must be commended. In the first instance, they are eradicating the early exposure of pornographic materials to reach the young and under-aged of school going age. Secondly, they make it available to the privileged few who would want to have them to spice their sex life.
I know the laws of Ghana prohibits the sales of pornographic materials and its open display, but I must say the enforcers of the law are either sleeping or getting paid by the tax payer for no job done. Recent visits to the Accra-Tema station made some shocking revelations. In the full glare of both the young and adults who troop to the market for various reasons were the open display of the sale of pornographic films.
Whiles some had titles such as “mapouka”, “wild girls’ game” and “soft daddies”, others bore no titles with just the display of busty and plump looking women exposing their breasts and sex organs. To my amazement, the seller who was auctioning the CD sales had a bell and was vocally drawing the attention of on lookers. Amazingly, police personnel who were passing by were smiling to his trade antics instead of enforcing the law.
My question to authorities whose duties are to see to the enforcement of these laws after its enactment is, “what exactly is their duty pertaining to these criminal offences”? Are they only to sit in their air-conditioned offices and drive in fuel guzzling cars to get paid at the end of the month? It’s very pathetic to see music and movie pirates get many years of jail sentences for pirating intellectual properties of others whereas the deeds of others which cripplesand corrupt societal morals are seen as “holy”.
Who isn't a video or audio pirate in one form or the other? Are all the music played in our cars and videos watched in our homes the original copies? Here lies the scenario, where all of us fall culprits, why single out the few culprits whereas those porn selling marketers get “praised” for their deeds.
Playing the devil’s advocate, I will pretend the attention of authorities to nib these acts in the bud have not been drawn to this. I will therefore make the humble appeal to the authorities to troop to the Accra-Tema station as soon as possible and arrest this situation before it escalates. I understand the saying that “A MAN MUST EAT” but a man must not eat at the detriment of others. If such be the scenario, then crime will be made legal and the earth will perish.
Source: Flex
NDC Now Holds "Better Record" Than The NPP - Arthur Kennedy
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| Dr. Arthur Kennedy |
A former Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Arthur Kennedy, has explicitly established that the NPP has now become a party of “violence and intimidation” as compared to the National Democratic Congress party which he and his party members once considered as an undemocratic group.
Making this submission on Okay FM, Dr. Arthur Kennedy revealed that presently, when it comes to a party that can tolerate members who offer differing views, the NDC held a better record then the NPP.
He asserted that gone are the days when the NDC used to gag ‘extreme members’ or handicapped them through intimidation.
With a very heavy heart, Dr. Arthur Kennedy noted that it saddens him to hear other members fiercely pounce on party stalwarts whenever they throw in suggestions.
Citing himself as an example, the former NPP Communications Director said, “anytime I talk, someone comes out to insult me but then I have suffered for the party...But because of our party tradition, I went into exile; I wasted my time, energy and money”.
He ended by describing the recent attack on Dr. Wereko Brobby as an “appalling” approach to resolving a pressing issue.
Source: Chris Joe Quiacoe/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
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