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Woyome for court – report

Nana Esi Monney — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:39:15 +0000

A Daily Graphic report says this morning February 6, 2012 that there are indications that Alfred Agbesi Woyome and a Chief State Attorney Samuel Nerquaye-Tetteh who were arrested last week over the long running GH¢ 51 million judgement payment saga will be put before court today.
The report suggests that the police will seek to remand the two persons in custody to enabe the police continue investigations until charges are pressed against the them.
It also suggests that the probability of the State going to court is to forestall the possibility of Woyome’s lawyers going to court to seek bail under the 48-hour custody rule.
Woyome, the businessman who is embroiled in a GH¢51 million judgement debt payment saga in connection with the 2008 African Cup of Nations, was arrested February 3, 2012 and is being held in detention at the Police Headquarters in Accra.
Mr. Nerquaye-Tetteh however, was arrested following the release of a report after investigations into the matter by the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) which showed that Woyome has paid an amount of GH¢400,000 into his wife, Mrs. Gifty Nerquaye-Tetteh’s account.
Mr. Nerquaye-Tetteh is reported to have advised the former Attorney-General in the matter before court, when Woyome sued the state seeking the judgement debt.
Nana Esi Brew Monney

Kwarasey delighted with his growing confidence at AFCON

Nana Esi Monney — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:37:02 +0000

Ghana goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey says he is happy to be regaining his form after his nervy start at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 24-year-old shot stopper, who is making his tournament debut in Africa’s flagship competition, has been criticized for his role in conceding a goal against Guinea in the final group game.
Some have also questioned the Norway-born keeper’s aerial judgments.
However, Kwarasey saved Ghana’s blushes in the 2-1 quarter-final victory over Tunisia on Sunday and says he is getting to grips with the system.
“It’s normal. This is my first big tournament so it would take time for me to get into the system and today [Tunisia match] was good,” the Ghana goalkeeper said after the game at the Stade de Franceville.
“It was nice to get a good game again because I haven’t felt that I have been on top. Today, it felt good, something is coming back again, so it’s nice.”
He made his debut for the Black Stars in September last year in a Nations Cup qualifier against Swaziland and has gone on to make the number one jersey his own.
The goalkeeper admits that he is a bit baffled with the criticisms leveled at him but accepts them in good faith.
“It takes time but you just have to be bold and jump into it. Today, it was no nonsense and I just had to play well. It was good. I can’t accept certain things but it’s football,” he said.
And he believes the only way to answer his critics is to ensure that he continues to perform well for the Black Stars.
“You have to accept certain things. The only thing I can do is to answer them on the field and I think today, what I did for me is normal and I think I can do much, much better.”

Ghana captain Mensah hopes to be fit for Zambia clash

Nana Esi Monney — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:32:53 +0000

John Mensah prays he recovers from an aggravated injury to lead Ghana in the Nations Cup semi final clash against Zambia on Wednesday.
The Black Stars captain who missed days of training after sustaining a thigh injury in the opening game against Botswana had to come off in the second half in the 2-1 win over Tunisia after feeling pains in the same area.
The 29-year-old who gave Ghana a lot of stability at the back against Tunisia and has even added goalscoring to his attributes at the tournament now emerges a major doubt for the potentially explosive game against the Chipoloplo.
However the Olympique Lyon defender is keeping positive of his playing prospects and says his fate will be determined after sessions with Ghana’s medical team throughout the night.
“I felt something at the same place in the first half and I struggled to finish the game,” he told GHANAsoccernet.com.
“But the more I continue to defend some balls, the more I felt the pain so I told the coach who knows my condition so I had to come out.
“Now I can’t tell (if he will be fit for Zambia) but I am going to see our special physio throughout the night to make sure I will be fine for the next game.
“I however still feel some pains there (thigh) so I can’t risk it for us to concede some goals so I am sure we will have a suitable replacement if I am unable to make it.”

Ayew marveled at strong mentality of bereaved Annan

Nana Esi Monney — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:21:03 +0000

Andre Ayew is amazed at the strong mentality displayed by Anthony Annan despite the death of his mother, Sophia Sampson.

Annan, 25, was informed late Thursday night of the passing away of his mother ahead of Ghana’s crucial Nations Cup quarter final tie with Tunisia.

But the Vitesse Arnhem player managed to pick himself up from his sorrow to help the Black Stars secure a priceless 2-1 over the Carthage Eagles to secure passage into the semi final where Zambia awaits.

And his teammate, Ayew who is part of a team that has resolved to play to honour the memory of the departed is in awe at the manner in which the diminutive holding midfielder had conducted himself so far.

“In this world what is the most important thing is the mum,” he said.

“And for somebody to lose his mum in such a tournament and at such a stage is very difficult.

“He has proved so much mental strength, look at the game he played today. He was everywhere; I think we should give him thumps up because he had shown a lot of character.

“And we dedicate this victory for him and hopefully he is going to continue like that and we will get the cup for him and his mother.”

Disabled students want LI to enforce Disability ACT

Nana Esi Monney — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:08:20 +0000

Disabled students of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), have appealed to Government to put in place a Legislative Instrument to enforce the National Disability ACT (ACT 715) of 2006 to enable them access free education.
Mr. Mark Akubire Attia, President of the Association, made the appeal when he addressed a forum to celebrate the world Disability Day at Winneba last Friday.
It was under the theme: “Together for development for Better World including persons with disability on development.”
They also appealed to the Government, political parties and the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure that this year’s elections were conducted in a transparent, free and peaceful manner chaos.
The President said when conflict erupted, it was person’s with disability who suffered the most and stressed the need for a peaceful elections devoid of any trouble.
Mr. Attia also emphasized the need for the Government to employ sign language interpreters in all agencies and departments, especially in the law courts, Police stations and health facilities for their counterparts, the hearing impaired to access proper and fair judgement.
Source: GNA

Tunisia coach names three Black Stars players to mark out of the game

Nana Esi Monney — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:04:38 +0000

Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi says Andre Ayew, Sulley Ali Muntari and Asamoah Gyan as the major threats to his team and he will map out strategies to neutralise them when they clash on Sunday.
Tunisia are hoping not to be outdone by the individual brilliance of the Black Stars of Ghana in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final in Franceville.
A magical long-range effort by Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu ensured Ghana drew 1-1 with Guinea on Wednesday to finish top of their group.
Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi, who watched the game, picked Andre Ayew, Sulley Ali Muntari and Asamoah Gyan as the major threats to his team.
“Ghana have (Andre) Ayew, Muntari and Gyan. We have to be mindful of these players,” warned Trabelsi Saturday during a press briefing at the team’s training base in Bongoville, about 40 kilometres from Franceville.
“I know them very well as I know the other players in their squad. But I’m also sure that (Goran) Stevanovic, the coach of Ghana, also knows all my 23 players because today in football nothing is hidden.
“We play as a team, while they often rely on the brilliance of their individual players to make the difference for them.”
He added: “Ghana boast of a very rich and proud tradition in football and we respect this, but Tunisia too have a pedigree.

“We therefore expect a keen contest on Sunday with both teams having an equal chance of advancing to the next stage of this competition.
“But we are ready for this match and we hope to make the people of Tunisia proud.”
Tunisia last reached the semi-finals in 2004, when they hosted and won the tournament.
They were stopped in the quarter-finals of the 2006 and 2008 competitions by Nigeria and Cameroon respectively and failed to go past the first round at Angola 2010.

UNCTAD to train Ghanaian officials

Nana Esi Monney — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:01:46 +0000

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) will train 28 middle port managers in Ghana under its Module 4 TrainForTrade programme starting February 6-10, 2012.
The training programme which is in collaboration with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) will focus on the future challenges to Ghanaian ports.
According to the UN trade agency, the Module aims to “improve trainees´ understanding of strategies to create new competitive advantages for the port; reinforce port safety and improve the health of staff members; put into place environmental protection policies and implement quality management.”
The training will be delivered by local instructors – many of them successfully trained by the UNCTAD/TrainForTrade during the previous cycle of the programme, it indicated.
The training, funded by the Iris Aid, will be held in Takoradi.

PNC expels Dr. Somtim Tobiga

Nana Esi Monney — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:00:15 +0000

Two members of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Dr Somtim Tobiga and Mr Bernard Bame-Ime, have summarily been dismissed by the National Executive Committee of the party for persistent misconduct.
The expulsion follows resolutions adopted by the party’s congress at Sunyani to dismiss members whose actions bring the image of the party into disrepute based on Article 14c of the PNC constitution.
“These persons and their agents and associates have consistently defined the collective decisions of the party, disregarded the internal organs, refused to submit to the arbitration, and ignored several decisions of the law courts of Ghana,” chairman of the congress Dr Sule Gariba announced.
“The two, Dr Somtim Tobiga and Mr Bernard Bame-Ime, have consistently perpetuated activities that have brought the party into disrepute including seizing by force the party’s headquarters, locking out the party’s legitimate offices and staff, unlawfully installing an interim management committee, and action unwarranted and unrecognized by the constitution of the People’s National Convention (PNC),” he declared and prayed to delegates to adopt the decision, and it was unanimously supported by the party’s congress.
Other resolutions adopted by the congress included the rights to vote at elections and be elected into office which was amended and expanded.
Persons who vie for positions at the constituency level must have at least spent 12 months in the party, 24 months for regional executives and 48 months for national offices – one must also be in good standing to be eligible.
The constitution also allows the NEC to appoint persons to unelected positions.
The congress also adopted a resolution which combined the post of a national chairman with that of the party leader. The flag-bear who used to be the leader of the party will now perform duties leading to his or her election as the president of the Republic of Ghana.
Congress also agreed to have two deputies for the following national positions: General Secretary, National Organiser, Treasurer, Women’s Organiser and National Youth Organiser.
The chairman of the party’s congress would now have additional powers to act as the returning officer and endorsed candidates elected at congress, and liaise with the EC on behalf of the party.
Source Myjoyonline.com

MAXAM donates video conferencing equipment to UMAT

Nana Esi Monney — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:56:48 +0000

MAXAM, an internationally renowned provider of blasting products, services, and technical assistance for the global mining, quarrying and construction sectors, has donated video conferencing equipment worth 75,000 dollars equivalent of GHS120, 000 to the University of Mines and Technology (UMAT) in Tarkwa.
The CEO of MAXAM, Jose Sanchez-Junco who was supported by other MAXAM executives and workers to commission the facility, said it formed part of the company’s corporate social responsibility as a mining service company in Ghana.
According to the Chairman and Group CEO of MAXAM, excellent service to their clients is the company’s hallmark globally, and this demands a high calibre of professionals to deliver the service.
“It is for this reason that MAXAM invests in the development of human resource through support to training institutions. It is our expectation that the equipment donated will go a long way to enhance the quality of learning in the University and advance the exchange of knowledge via video conferencing with other higher institutions of learning”.
MAXAM also runs a programme known as the Young Engineers & Scholarship Programme (YESS Programme). The programme, which is structured to encourage University education for future professionals within MAXAM by training them to become international operations engineers, has so far benefited three Ghanaian mining engineers from the University.
Mr. Sanchez-Junco noted that aside the support to educational institutions and health facilities, specifically the Tarkwa Government Hospital, MAXAM, has contributed immensely to Ghana’s economy. He aid between 2009 and 2011, MAXAM paid taxes to the tune of US$ 5,685, 715.34 to the Government of Ghana. Maxam last year saw a revenue of 30.7 million dollars.
Nana Prah Agyinsem V1, the Chief of Assin Kushea in the Central Region, and one of the Directors of MAXAM Ghana, a subsidiary of the Maxam Group, urged students of the leading Science University in the sub-region to take advantage of the opportunities provided by MAXAM to become better in their various fields.
The Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMAT) Professor Jerry Yaw Kumah expressed University’s profound appreciation to MAXAM, stating that the video conferencing equipment will play a key role in the transfer of knowledge to enhance academic work.
“Anything that will lead to education where we may not have the person we want to talk to directly on campus, then obviously we are going to make use of this facility. When it comes to conferences, one can contribute to it wherever in the world through the equipment. When it comes to distance education, this unit can also be very instrumental in getting lectures to students. For instance, a lecturer here can deliver a lecture to students in Spain. In all, any aspect of education where you would want to relay information to another destination where there is distance between you, this equipment will make it possible and easier” he explained.
Professor Kumah however appealed to MAXAM to assist in the installation, maintenance and running of the equipment since its internet cost would be higher due to the quality of speed required for its usage.

MAXAM has been present in Ghana since the early 1990s. In 1994, MAXAM Ghana Limited (also known as MAXAM Ghana), was established as the local subsidiary of the MAXAM Group. It employs over 140 highly-skilled professionals.
In Ghana, MAXAM runs a state-of-the-art facility at Iduapriem, which provides products to AngloGold Ashanti Mine in Tarkwa.
On the wider African continent, MAXAM has number of subsidiaries in other mining countries, and operates in more than 40 countries and sells its products in over 100 countries.

Nana Esi Brew Monney

Three children succumb to lethal bacteria

Nana Esi Monney — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:50:38 +0000

Three of five children infected by staphylococcus aureus, a lethal bacteria, have died at the emergency block of the Children’s ward of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
The two surviving children are responding to available treatment.
Prof Afua Hesse, Director of Medical Affairs at the hospital, said on Friday it was still not clear what caused the bacteria infection as the infected children came from outside the hospital.
This was made known when the Parliamentary select committee on Health visited the ward and also interacted with the management staff of the hospital.
According to the Professor, measures had been taken to limit the spread of the infection to other children.
She noted that the ward was being fumigated to ensure that all the germs were killed as the bacteria was an environmental bug.
“There is no cause for alarm because the Out- Patient clinics are running except that we are not admitting patients at the moment.”
Prof Hesse said postmortem would be carried out to ascertain the cause, adding that “this particular infection does not respond to any anti-biotic”.
Prof Nii Out Nartey, CEO of the hospital, said a new emergency centre for children is to be constructed soon, adding that the National Health Insurance Scheme had given GH1.5 million for the project scheduled to start in three month.
He said the emergency block could cater for only 15 patients but now the number had increased to about 50 that called for a new centre.
Rev. Prof Andrews Seth Ayettey, Board Chairman of the hospital, said research was not keeping pace with the disease’s resistance, saying since 1948 that anti-biotics were developed, there had not been any research into the causes of new infections and the type of anti-biotic treatment to be used.
Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka-Mubarak, Member of Parliament for Asawase and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee, said the issue had been a worry to members of Parliament hence the visit for first hand information.
Source: GNA