Techiman (B/A), Nov. 16, GNA – Oseadeeyo Akumfi Ameyaw IV, Omanhene of Techiman Traditional Area, has appealed to the Government to establish a training college in the area as stipulated in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto when voted into power.   He noted that although the Government had performed creditably in the educational sector, the establishment of more training colleges in the country would train more teachers to fill the vacuum in the educational sector and reduce unemployment.   Oseadeeyo Ameyaw made the appeal when President John Dramani Mahama on a tour in the Brong-Ahafo Region paid a courtesy call on him at the Ohene Ameyaw Palace in Techiman.   He urged government to rehabilitate the Zongo roundabout-Takofiano road, which was in a deplorable state.   Oseadeeyo Ameyaw called on politicians to use decent language in their campaign and avoid personal attacks.   President Mahama urged traditional rulers to preach peace towards free, fair and peaceful Election 2012.   He introduced Mr Alex Kofi Kyeremeh, NDC parliamentary candidate for Techiman North and Mr Adjei Mensah, NDC parliamentary candidate for Techiman South and asked the electorate to vote for them on December 7, for more accelerated development in the area.   GNA...

Offuman (B/A), Nov. 16, GNA – The Government has awarded the 18-kilometre Tuobodom-Offuman road on contract for rehabilitation.   Work is currently progressing steadily on the road.   Mr Joe Gidisu, Minister of Roads and Highways, who announced this, said the two-kilometre Asueyi Junction-Asueyi township road as well as the eight-kilometre Asueyi-Buoyem road had been awarded on contract.   He said these contracts should serve as a testimony that the NDC did not shirk its responsibilities on development.   Mr Gidisu was accompanying President John Dramani Mahama on his four-day campaign tour of the Brong-Ahafo Region.      President Mahama addressing an NDC rally at Offuman in the Tuobodom North District said the NDC had provided many social amenities in the health and road sectors and school infrastructure.   He said NDC believed in quality and affordable education and under its administration removed classrooms under trees after assumption in office, and 1,775 schools had so far been rehabilitated.   President Mahama said government had distributed 43 million exercise books and supplied free school uniforms in addition to the increase in the school feeding programme to one million children throughout the country.   He announced that 250 Junior High Schools (JHS) and 10 Teacher Training Colleges would be built to augment the existing JHS and Teacher Training Colleges in the country, when the NDC was retained in power.   President Mahama noted that the establishment of National Youth Enterprise Projects (NYEP), had increased job stability and development towards reducing unemployment, and the NDC would continue to explore more avenues to help the growth and development of the youth in terms of education and employment.   He asked activists and supporters of the NDC to bury their differences and unite for a resounding victory and extend similar messages to its sympathizers.   Mr Alex Kofi Kyeremeh, Techiman Municipal Chief Executive and NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Techiman North Constituency, said 60 schools, 60 boreholes and two CHIPS compound clinics had been constructed in the community, while efforts were being made to connect 11 communities in the municipality to the national grid.   President Mahama later inaugurated street lights for Techiman township and held another rally at the Zongo Local Authority School Park.   GNA...

Sunyani, Nov. 16, GNA – Participants at a day’s Brong Ahafo Regional Stakeholders meeting has lauded the organizers, the Export Development and Agricultural Investment Fund (EDAIF) for initiating steps to boost the agricultural and agro-processing sector of the country.   The meeting to sensitize the stakeholders on its Agriculture and Agro-Processing Development and Credit Account was held in Sunyani on Friday and attended by more than 120 participants.   They included agro-processors, farmers, representatives of farmer-based organisations and associations, marketers and Designated Financial Institutions (DFIs).   Mr Kwesi Etu-Bonde, Proprietor of Sky-3 Farms at Kintampo in Brong-Ahafo Region and a participant commended EDAIF for the meeting describing it as “good and timely because currently EDAIF package is the best for agri-business development in Ghana”.   However, he pointed out that farmers and agro-processors were not accessing the facility because adequate awareness had not been created among potential beneficiaries.       Mr Etu-Bonde, who owns a 300-acre mango farm at Kintampo and is the 2011 National Best Mango Farmer, expressed the hope that the meeting through the participants and the media would reach the general public, especially farmers and agro-processors to provide impetus to the agriculture and agro-processing industries.   Mr Frank Obeng, Manager of Export Development and Promotion explained the operational guidelines and activities of EDAIF to the participants.   He said specific agricultural activities to be supported include “Provision of credit, refinancing and credit guarantee through DFIs to persons in the agriculture and agro-processing sectors of the economy”.   Mr Obeng said in addition, the facility would cater for “appraisals and studies necessary to determine areas of the agriculture and agro-processing sectors that need intervention and monitoring and evaluation of the interventions”.   The EDAIF Board held a media interaction to educate personnel on the details and essence of the new facility and its benefits to farmers, agro-processors and aggregators (middlemen or marketers).   The EDAIF Act 823 was established in 2011 to replace the Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF) enacted by Act 582 in 2000 to provide financial resources for the development and promotion of the export trade of Ghana.   Act 582 was amended for Act 823 “to include the provision of financial resources for the development and promotion of agriculture relating to agro-processing and agro-processing industry”.   GNA...

Sunyani, Nov 16, GNA – Independent Presidential and Parliamentary Candidates are expected to apply to the Electoral Commission (EC) for copies of the biometric voters register, which would be made available to the political parties by Monday, November 19th, 2012.   This was announced by Mr Ebenezer Aggrey-Fynn, EC Commissioner Responsible for the Brong-Ahafo Region at a seminar for parliamentary candidates in the Region on Friday.   The seminar on the theme: “Enhancing the Credibility of Ghana’s 2012 Elections’- EC-Dialogue with Parliamentary Candidates” was organised in collaboration with KAB Governance Consults and sponsored by DFID.   Mr Aggrey-Fynn said the key to peaceful and successful elections in the country was for winners and losers to accept the results in good faith and pledged that the EC would not countenance any manipulation from anyone.   “It is for the people to determine who rules them, and it is better to live in poverty in your country than to be rich in another country. If there would be any electoral problems, it should not be in Brong-Ahafo Region or any part of the country. If you have any problem let the EC know and we discuss them for peace to prevail,” he added.    Mr Aggrey-Fynn urged the parliamentary candidates to be meticulous in the selection of their agents to the polling stations because they played a significant role in the elections.   He explained that when competent agents were selected they would be able to protect the interests of the candidates much better since most electoral malpractices occurred at the polling stations.   Mr Aggrey-Fynn noted that people had all sorts of agenda during elections and sometimes when agents were required to provide vital information they could not be found, adding “A good agent is ideal”.   On the registration of minors, he observed that most of the constituencies undertook that exercise to justify the creation of new districts and constituencies to shore up their population.   Mr Aggrey-Fynn said the registration and voting by minors and aliens was a major concern to the EC and asked those who encouraged such minors and aliens to register to bow down their heads in shame because their action was corrupting the register, which the Ghanaian tax-payer had spent much money to achieve.   However, he said, the minors and aliens who registered could be prosecuted after being allowed to vote and challenged afterwards, the elderly should stop corrupting children at such tender age because in future they would not be involved in electoral fraud, but armed robbery which would be detrimental to the society, adding “We should endeavour to bring up responsible citizens”.        Mr Aggrey-Fynn expressed concern about some of the parliamentary candidates, who had representatives because there was likely to be misrepresentations from the proceedings at the seminar while their presence could assist them in their campaign to win more votes.   “Your presence could be a source of intelligence or knowledge for your campaign instead of sending a representative.”         He said the inbuilt integrity of the electoral process depended on the transparency in the system and the electorate would have confidence and respect the results. In addition, he said, every information should be made accessible to all the candidates and political parties equally as well as the relevant stakeholders.   Mr Aggrey-Fynn gave the assurance that the EC had established fair principles and procedures, built operational and technical electoral rules that were uniform and would not favour any particular political party or individual.   He pledged the commitment of the EC to conduct Election 2012 without the control or interference from the government or any external or international organisation.   Mr George Gyabaah, Brong-Ahafo Regional Director of EC, said the seminar was to have a dialogue with the parliamentary candidates to further deepen their confidence with the EC as well as update them on the preparations so far made and the other measures being instituted towards December 7.   In addition, it would seek clarification on issues agitating their minds; improve on communication and exchange of information.   Mr Gyabaah urged the parliamentary candidates to take advantage of the opportunity and take active part since the election was about issues and choices and advised them to conduct clean campaign devoid of insults.   He pointed out that power resided with the people and to seek the power from them should be encouraged and not coerced.   GNA...

Accra, Nov 16, GNA - The Ghana Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) and Industry, has expressed grief over the death of the former Vice President of Ghana, Alhaji Aliu Mahama.   A statement issued in Accra and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) by Dr. Seth Adjei Baah, President, GCCI, described the late former Vice President as a distinguished gentleman. He served under former President Kufuor Administration from January 2001 to January 2009.   It said, “We mourn deeply with the widow, Hajia Ramatu Aliu Mahama, the children and the entire family and we wish the people of Ghana great courage and strength in this difficult period.”   The statement said the passing away was unexpected; “we take consolation in the fact that he lived a very simple, selfless, productive life and contributed his quota to the course of Ghana.”   It urged all Ghanaians to use this occasion to unite the nation especially as the country prepare for the general elections next month.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 17, GNA – Mrs Priscilla Mercy Nketsia Akromah, Accra Metropolitan Coordinator of the Non-Formal Education Division (NFED) has advised illiterate parents to take advantage of the national literacy programme to enable them read and write.   Mrs Akromah gave the advice during an incentive awards ceremony organised by NFED and  Ministry of Education for 50 facilitators in Accra.   It was aimed at complementing the efforts of the facilitators since their job is voluntary.   She said through the efforts of the facilitators 1,473 illiterates had gone through 21 months learning process and can now read, write and do calculations.   Others have acquired occupational skills such as tie and dye/batik making, baking, soap and pomade making, corn wine and body lotion production to help them to be self-employed and manage their own businesses.   The Metropolitan Coordinator said since its inception in 1992 the NFED had been able to reduce illiteracy by helping government to achieve higher literacy levels and making the citizenry functionally literate.   Mrs Akromah tasked the beneficiaries to work in their communities to ensure that they reduce poverty through the programme.   She appealed to non-governmental organisations to support the NFED in order to organise more classes.   Mr Alex Kwabena Frimpong, one of the facilitators, expressed his gratitude to NFED for honouring their spirit of voluntarism.   The facilitators received sewing machines, roofing sheets, radio cassette players and bicycles.   GNA...

Tamale, Nov. 17, GNA – The relatives of the late Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Northern Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), and Executives of New Patriotic Party (NPP) are feverishly preparing the grave of the former Vice President in Tamale.   The grave is being prepared in the residence of  Alhaji Mahama at Kalpohin Estate in the Metropolis, where he would be buried on Sunday.   The programme line up for the burial include; arrival of the body at 1200 hours at the Tamale Airport and to be received by the RCC, family members and the party and then sent to the Tamale Central Mosque for prayers before burial.   Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, Regional Minister, NPP stalwarts as well as other political parties and journalists signed a book of condolences.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 17, GNA – The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) on Saturday     described the former late Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama  “as a friend, and staunch believer in democracy and a voice of moderation who could speak across the parapet.       “A man who was always at ease, smiling, no matter the situation; affable and chose his few words carefully and measured in his ways.     “We have no doubt in our minds that these qualities are what enabled him to distinguish himself in every field of endeavour that he found himself, be it in Politics, Private Enterprise or Sports Administration.”     A statement issued by the IEA and copied to the Ghana News Agency explained that its first contact with Alhaji Mahama started with his elevation to the high office of Vice President.     According to the Institute the relationship started in 2006 when the West African Political Parties Programme (WARPP) was initiated,  noting that Alhaji Mahama was instrumental in its success.     “His sage counsel, his behind-the-scenes support and open door ensured that Ghana became a shining example in that Programme, whose main objective was to bring over 20 political parties across the West African sub-region to share experiential knowledge, network among themselves on issues of common interest and form a bulwark against democratic retrogression in West Africa.     “We particularly remember his hospitality and relevant advice when he received a delegation from La Cote d’Ivoire in his residence  on… a weekend.     “He saw the WARPP as shattering the walls of isolation that had previously stood between West African politicians and political parties and asked all present to leverage the benefits of the Programme to ensure that their citizens enjoyed the true fruits of democracy.      “His relationship with the IEA continued till his demise. Indeed his last public appearance was at the first of the IEA's 2012 Presidential Debates in Tamale on Tuesday, October 30.     “There, he graced the Debate with his amiable presence as a distinguished guest. We were indeed expecting him at the Vice Presidential Debate in Takoradi when we were informed that he had been rushed to the hospital.     “In a difficult time like this, our prayers are with the nation and his family. He served his time and he served his nation well.    “May the earth lie lightly on his remains and may God receive his gentle soul into the place of  Eternal Rest. Damirifa Due!”   GNA...

  Accra, Nov. 17, GNA - Former President John Agyekum Kufuor on Saturday signed a book of condolences in honour of  former Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, describing him as a fine gentleman and family member who served well.   Signing the book at the residence of Alhaji Mahama in Accra, President Kufuor said the late former Vice President was going to the bosom of God because he was a gentleman who loved peace.   Other eminent personalities also visited the late Vice President’s residence to console the family and to sign the book of condolences.   They included Archbishop Gabriel Charles Palmer-Buckle, Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop of Accra, Mr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Kumankuma Cherita Sarpong, Vice Presidential Candidate of the Convention People's Party and Mrs Eva Lokko, Vice Presidential Candidate of the Progressive People's Party.   Others were Sheikh I. C. Quaye, Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central and a leading  member of the NPP and Mrs Gladys Asmah, former Minister of  Women and Children Affairs , Dr Kwabena Adjei , Chairman of National Democratic Congress (NDC) , Alhaji Hudu Yahaya, a national Vice Chairman of the NDC,  and Mr Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs.   Mr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive and Naa Professor John S. Nabila, Wurugu Naba  and President of the National House of Chiefs also mourned with the bereaved family.   The fully filled capacity compound was serene  and there was no wailing or music typical of mourning the dead in Ghana.   At about 1436  hours there was Quoranic recital followed with Islamic preaching that centered on death as inevitable in every human life and which necessitates man to prepare adequately during his life time to receive the mercy of the Creator.   As at 1300 hours, a total of 137 individuals, companies and institutions had signed the book of condolences which was opened at 0800 hours.   GNA...

Ziope (V/R), Nov. 17, GNA- Organisers of a political education forum at Ziope at Agortime-Ziope in the Volta Region on Friday ordered that a role-play on political tolerance should be stopped, when it showed bias towards  a political party.      Only minutes into the show being performed by the Ziope-based Nuebueke Cultural Troop the Master of Ceremonies demanded the microphone from the actors and asked them to stop.       Mr Harry Asimah, District Director of National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE),  said the purpose of the forum was aimed at educating the public on the right things to do in the heady days of political rivalry.      He said political opponents are not foes.      The forum, which also focused on promoting democratic citizenship, enhance elections peace, transparency and credibility in Ghana was organised by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), Electoral Commission, Department of Social Welfare, NCCE and the security services.      Christiana Siameh, CDD Representative said the import of the forum was to make the December 2012 General Election better success.     She said CDD is being supported by the EU and the Friedrich Norman Foundation.      Reverend Father Samuel Kuma, Priest of Ziope Catholic Church said some of the challenges for peaceful elections are bias, whipping up of sectional sentiments, such as ethnic and gender.     He called on family heads, to take up the mantle of impressing on their people to respect the laws to ensure peace during the elections.       Rev Fr Kuma said it is important that people respect the rights of others.               Mr Jonathan Okine, District Director of the EC, warned that anybody, including electoral officers and party agents could fall foul of the electoral laws and be prosecuted.     Mr Felix Toya, Deputy Superintendent of the Police, Agortime-Kpetoe District Police Commander said the security services had well-rehearsed procedures to police the polls to make it very successful.      He said defacing of party paraphernalia and use of profane language and taunting of political rivals are offences.      Yexoese Caretakers Group, a drama and dancing group performed a drama piece depicting the dangers of election violence to the admiration of the audience  including Unit Committee members, youth and church groups, community leaders and chiefs.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 17, GNA - The Convention People’s Party (CPP) on Saturday expressed its condolences to the wife and family of the former Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama who died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on Friday, November 16.    A statement issued to the Ghana News Agency by Dr Michael Abu Sakara Foster, CPP Presidential candidate said: “I wish to send my deepest condolences to the wife Hajia Aliu Mahama and the children, then the entire family of our late former Vice President and also to the people of Ghana.”     The CPP said: “Alhaji Aliu Mahama served honorably as Vice President of the Republic of Ghana and served the people of the North throughout his entire life. Ghana has lost an illustrious son and the people of the North have lost an asset.     “May the good Lord grant him eternal life. We shall forever miss him,” the CPP stated.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 17, GNA - The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Saturday said it received the sad news of the death of the former Vice President and a stalwart of the party; Alhaji Aliu Mahama, with dismay.    “We mourn deeply with the widow, Hajia Ramatu Aliu Mahama, the children and the entire family,” NPP said in a statement to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) signed by Mr Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie the party’s General Secretary.    “The late former Vice President distinguished himself as a two-term Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, from 2001 to 2009, singularly held up the party’s fortunes, throughout the country and was well loved by the NPP faithful and his nation,” the statement said.   The party therefore put on hold all campaign activities, from the National to the Constituency level…. “all campaign activities will resume after the burial of the late Alhaji Aliu Mahama”.   The party also directed all party offices should fly their flags at half mast in honour of the late Alhaji Mahama.   Meanwhile Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) has also expressed its condolence to the nation, on the demise of Alhaji Mahama.     In a statement issued to the GNA by Mr Arnold Boateng, AFAG General Secretary said: “As a Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama served the nation with distinction, a feat which endeared him to all including his political opponents.”     “In his capacity as a Vice President, he inspired a generation of Ghanaians across ethnic boundaries. He was a benevolent man who cared and extended a generous hand to the poor and needy.     “Ghana has indeed lost a giant but his good deeds would far outlive him. AFAG is inspired by the hope that, Vice President Aliu Mahama's exemplary life would inspire the youth and the nation to greater deeds.”   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 17, GNA - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Saturday extended its condolence to the family of the former Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama.      The party also expressed its sorrow to New Patriotic Party, NPP for the death of Alhaji Mahama at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.     “In this moment of grieve, the NDC appeal to all Ghanaians to join the government and the NPP to console the bereaved family of the former Vice President,” the NDC stated.    A statement issued by Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, NDC General Secretary and copied to the Ghana News Agency said: “We received the news of Alhaji Aliu’s demise with a shock, after strenuous efforts by doctors at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to help resuscitate and improve his health condition described… as critical.       “It was with great regret that we as a party learned of the passing of former Vice President Aliu Mahama; the NDC and the entire nation is traumatised and heartbroken in view of the fact that his death followed barely five months after the nation lost the former President and leader of the NDC, Professor John Evans Atta Mills.     “Alhaji Aliu Mahama was one of the finest and highly respected figures in Ghanaian politics and, shared some character similarity and traits of former President Mills.”     The NDC noted that former Vice President Mahama was humble, religious and tolerant which earned him admiration from both the young and old across the country’s political divide.     “Alhaji Aliu Mahama will be remembered for his statesmanship and years of dedicated service to Ghana.      “At this time of national mourning, NDC renews its commitment to work alongside the family, the NPP to give the former Vice President a befitting burial.     “It is a great loss to Ghana and the whole nation is in mourning; our heart goes out to his wife, Hajia Ramatu Aliu Mahama, his immediate family, and the rest of the nation.”    The NDC urged Ghanaians to hold together as one people in this time of grief “and let our common love for country and humanity guide us”.     Alhaji Mahama passed away at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital on Friday, November 16 after a short illness.   GNA...

Ajumako (C/R), Nov. 17, GNA – Madam Ama Benyiwa-Doe, Central Regional Minister, has appealed to supporters and sympathisers of National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District, to re-elect Mr Ato Forson as Member of Parliament (MP) to facilitate development.    She made the appeal when she officially introduced the parliamentary candidate at Ajumako Traditional Council.   Madam Benyiwa-Doe asked the chiefs to support the MP to enable him bring more development projects to the area.   Mr Ato Forson expressed appreciation to the chiefs for their continuous support and cooperation during the past four years, which he said had enabled him to undertake numerous development projects to better the lot of the people.   He called on the people to give him the second mandate to enable him complete the task ahead.   The Omanhen of the area, Okokodurfo Ogyeabour Nana Kwamina Hammah Ababio II commended the MP for the good work done, adding that the tarring of the road from Essakyire Junction to Ajumako “which I have seen with my own eyes testifies to your commitment to the welfare and progress of the area”.   He expressed dissatisfaction the snail pace of work on the District Hospital which, he said should have been completed in July 2009.   Okokodurfo Hammah Ababio II therefore called on the government, Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to help speed up the work.   GNA...

Accra, Nov 17, GNA - TOTAL Petroleum Ghana Limited, the three-time CIMG oil marketing company of the year, has rolled out a nationwide campaign to enable vehicle owners and users experience its wide range of quality car care products.   The campaign is to promote TOTAL’s major classes of car care products which include maintenance, performance, and comfort and help people to provide better care for their cars.   The one month nationwide Car Care promotion kicked off with an attention-grabbing activation for all cars at selected TOTAL filling stations around the country and major car parks in Accra.   The initiative, which is the first of its kind, is on the theme: “Keys for a longer life”.   The campaign has specially dressed brand ambassadors ladies positioned at TOTAL filling stations to educate cars users on its various quality car care products.   This was contained in statement issued to Ghana News Agency on Friday in Accra.   Marina Péerez, the Sales and Marketing Manager of TOTAL Petroleum Ghana Limited said the wide array of Total Car Care products was meant to ensure the longevity of all cars and vehicles.   The campaign would be used to communicate directly to the motoring public that TOTAL, with its car care products line, puts the keys for keeping their cars strong and comfortable into their own hands.   Some of the products under the three major classes of Car Care products are the Windshield Cleaner, which ensures crystal clear windscreens; the Cockpit Cleaner which cleans the interior surfaces of the car and keep a pleasant and fresh fragrance in the car; the Hot Country Coolant, for stabilizing the engines’ temperature; and the Auto plus Shampoo, which keeps the cars’ body and paint clean and fresh for many years.   There is also the Stop Puncture, which stops punctures and re-inflates the tires, as well as many other fantastic products for your cars’ treatment including the Radiator Cleaner and the Radiator Sealant.   Total petroleum Ghana Limited therefore urges the general motoring public to take advantage of the campaign to try the efficacy of the Total range of car care products to give a longer life to their vehicles!   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 17, GNA – The Ireland branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Saturday joined Ghanaians to mourn the death of former Vice President Aliu Mahama who passed away at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital on Friday, November 16.   “It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that we learn the sudden death of the former Vice President of Ghana. This is a national tragedy and without doubt, Ghanaians in general and NPP in particular have lost a great asset.   “Unknown to many, His Excellency was very instrumental in our clamour for a Branch Status in Republic of Ireland; and when the Executives of NPP Ireland had the privileged opportunity of meeting him last year in Ireland, our initial impression of him was one who exuded humility, warmth, gentleness, gentility and Godliness.   In statement issued to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, the branch said: “As we mourn our special thoughts and prayers extend to his wife Hajia Ramatu Aliu Mahama, the children and the entire bereaved family. May the almighty Allah receive Him unto his bosom.”   GNA...

Tamale, Nov. 17, GNA - No significant progress has been made towards improving women representation in political decision-making since the institution of the district level elections 16 years ago, Mr Mohammed Alhassan Awal, Director of Northern Sector Action Awareness Center (NORSAAC), has observed.   He indicated that the inadequate or total absence of women in some cases from political decision-making in the country had a negative impact on the entire process of democratization and decentralization.   He made the observation during the launch of a research report on the performance of women candidates in the 2010 district level elections.   The study conducted in 13 electoral areas in the three Northern Regions sought to find out the gender dimension of voters’ choice of the 2010 district level elections and the reason for their choices and the role the candidates played in their efforts to get elected and their perception about their failure.   Other objective of the study, which employed a stratified sampling method, was to find out the role NORSAAC and other civil societies played in their effort to support female candidates during the elections.   Mr Awal said political parties’ internal culture including clientele list parties and patronage-base parties affects the influence of women within the party.   He observed that, “Parties have internal procedures that are poorly defined with rules that ignore women and decision-making is dominated by a cadre of party elites who are for the most part of men. They are the major gate-keepers in determining who will be a candidate”.   Mrs Ekua Amoako, lead researcher, explained that the study, which was conducted in 2011, revealed that negative stereotype and perception about women was a major contributing factor to the poor performance of the women in elections.   She said low level of education of women was also identified as a setback in women’s leadership, which also accounted for their poor performance and participation.   She, however, said during the study a number of respondents expressed their readiness to vote for women.   Mr San Nasamu Asabigi, Deputy Northern Regional Minister, who launched the report, urged the public to vote for women to enable them take up leadership position at all levels of governance.   He said government would in the near future set up a special fund to support the participation of women at the national and district levels of elections.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 17, GNA - The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Saturday opened a book of condolences at the party’s headquarters, Asylum Down, in honour of the late former Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama.     “Party faithful and sympathisers, as well the public, will have the opportunity, from 12pm on Saturday, to pay their last respect to the late former Vice President,” the NPP stated in a statement issued to the Ghana News Agency by Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, NPP National Chairman.     According to the party the Book of condolences will also be opened in all the regional party offices.     The NPP noted that on Saturday evening, a candlelight vigil would be held at the Party headquarters, from 8pm till the next morning.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 17, GNA - The Chief Justice, Mrs Justice Georgina Wood on Friday advised judges to be wary of litigating parties, who would want exploit their relationship with their families to achieve their selfish ends.   She said judges must be quick to take up the challenge of fiercely protecting their family relations from the pressures of influences.   Mrs Justice Wood was speaking at the swearing-in of eight new High Court Judges in Accra.   The new judges have successfully gone through rigorous recruitment process including examinations, assessment of judgments and addresses, interviews and background checks by the national security.   They are Mr Emmanuel Ankamah, Mr Richard M. Kogyapwah, Mr Jerome Noble Nkrumah, Mr George Krofa Addae, Mrs Nana Adwoa Coleman, Mrs Patience Mills-Tetteh, Mrs Naa Adole Azu and Mrs Merley Afua Wood.   Mrs Justice Wood also said families equally had the patriotic duty to assist the judges to protect the sanctity of the high office they occupied by refusing to be a party to any act or omission that undermined the independence of judges.   She said the families by this act were in essence defending and preserving the integrity of the judicial branch of government and by extension, Ghana.   Mrs Justice Wood also charged the judges to treat people who accessed the courts with civility and respect as well as attending to their needs in a timely manner.   She said they must exhibit personal and professional integrity, punctuality, productivity, competence and diligence in the discharge of their duties, which she said would undoubtedly earn them respect and honour of the Bar as well as the general public.   Mr Peter Swenes, Vice President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) commended the new judges for their elevation to the new position.   He said their rise showed the hard work they had put in over the years and as such must not rest on their oars.   He said as justices of the High Court they must bear in mind that their erudite judgments and decisions would endear them to the general public as well as members of the Bar Association.   GNA...

Kumasi, Nov. 17, GNA - The Export Development and Agricultural Investment Fund (EDAIF) has held a regional stakeholders meeting to sensitize prospective export and agricultural investors on how they can secure funds to finance and expand their businesses.           EDAIF is under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and was established by Act 582 on October  4, 2000 to provide financial resources for development and promotion of export trade in Ghana.         The Act was amended on October 25, 2011 to include the provision of financial resources for the development and promotion of agriculture relating to agro-processing.           In an interview after the meeting, Dr. Abdul-Nashiru Issahaku,Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of EDAIF told the Ghana News Agency that the program was to sensitize and create awareness on  the potential benefits of  DAIF and what they can do to boost their business.           He said the investment fund was created to assist Ghanaians who wanted to add value to their   agricultural  produce, adding that  so far  765 projects  totaling about  GHC3million had been provided by EDAIF.           Dr. Abdul-Nshiru said expansion of human resource capacity to be able to respond to the increased volume of application and getting people to know  much about   agro-processing and  credit facility are their major challenge.          "If we are able to add value to our produce, consume it locally and export some, then, it will be a huge way of controlling the balance of trade, create employment and improve the income of Ghanaians."         Dr. Abdul-Nashiru said  EDAIF used  the banks as their intermediaries to provide the funds, adding that lack of properties to be used as a collateral prevented many prospective beneficiaries from accessing the fund, hence, they had put measures in place to eradicate the problem.           He explained that EDAIF had made provision like Exim-guarantee to replace the collateral.       The C.E.O. said EDAIF had made technical provision to bring experts and equipment to train people on how to convert raw produce  into high value  produce.           Dr. Abdul-Nashiru advised the stakeholders to contact EDAIF whenever they were in doubt and needed assistance.   GNA...