China 'agrees huge Zimbabwe loan'

Mr Tsvangirai says Western countries have pledged $500m China has agreed to give Zimbabwe a loan of $950m (£573m) to help it revive its battered economy, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has said. Mr Tsvangirai had been criticised by supporters of President Robert Mugabe for failing to get more support during his recent trip to the West. Mr Tsvangirai and Mr Mugabe formed a power-sharing government in February. The government says it needs some $8bn to rebuild the country following years of collapse. "The government through the minister of finance, secured credit lines of almost $950m from China," Mr Tsvangirai said in a news conference. China was one of the few countries to retain economic support for Zimbabwe in recent years. "We will encourage and facilitate more Chinese companies to seek development in Zimbabwe," Chinese official Zhou Yongkang told state news agency Xinhua. 'Enormous support' The prime minister visited the US and Europe earlier this month in an attempt to raise funding for the struggling nation. The US promised $73m in aid while the UK pledged to boost its funding by about $8m, taking its total to $98m for the year. Mr Tsvangirai said he had received pledges totalling $500m during his trip. "The amount of assistance that was raised on my visit to Europe and the United States does not reflect the enormous support we will be able to utilise if we are to fulfil all our political obligations," he said. Mr Tsvangirai has been forced on several occasions to defend his decision to enter a power-sharing government with Mr Mugabe - as the two men spent years as bitter political rivals. The prime minister said he had joined the unity government to save the country from disaster - it was battling a cholera outbreak, while water, health and education services had collapsed. Senior members of Mr Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) on Monday boycotted a cabinet meeting chaired by Mr Mugabe, saying he had treated their party with contempt and disrespect. And the president himself said last week the unity government had so far not lived up to its promises. "Money cannot be found to pay those who are working. Not even the ministers, not the president," Zimbabwe's Herald newspaper quoted him as saying. Mr Mugabe said he had been promised $100 in salary this year - but had so far received nothing. Source: BBC

IGP orders transfer of CID personnel

IGP, Paul Quaye The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye, has ordered the immedi ate transfer of all personnel of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Accra Regional Police Command. The IGP has further ordered the Regional Command to audit all robbery dockets in the last two years to ascertain the status of the cases. The order forms part of the exercise by the Police Administration to re-organise the depart ment and inject more professionalism into its work. Mr Quaye has also asked that a service enquiry be instituted against Detective Lance Corporal, Number 39369, Prince Owiredu Biti­hene of the CID for allegedly releasing a hard­ened criminal on police enquiry bail without due recourse to his superiors. Bitihene is also to be charged as an accom­plice in armed robbery. Sources close to the Regional Police Com mand told the Daily Graphic that Bitihene was alleged to have released Rauf Abass on or before June 12,2009, a day or two after Abass had been arrested together with two others for attacking the Easy Internet Cafe at Tesano at gunpoint and taking away mobile phones, cash and 11 laptops. Bitihene allegedly collected GH¢200 from the suspect's agents, after which he released him on police enquiry bail. The other suspects in the case, Sadat Mohammed and Muntari Adams, are still in cus tody. The sources described the conduct of Biti hene, who was the investigator in the case, as "unprofessional and unpardonable". Sources close to the Office of the IGP told the Daily Graphic Tuesday that the IGP had intelligence report that a suspected armed rob ber, identified as Rauf Abass, had been released by Bitihene. The sources said when Bitihene got to know that the release of Rauf had reached the IGP, he went into hiding until June 22, 2009 when he resurfaced at the office. Bitihene, the sources said, was also referred to the Police Intelligence and Professional Stan dards Bureau (PIPS) tor further investigations. The IGP, the sources said, had given a strong indication that he would deal ruthlessly with any misguided policeman or woman and recalled telling the personnel to either change or be blown away by the wind of change in the Ghana Police Service. They said the IGP wanted to assure the pub lic that the Police Administration's efforts at combating crime, particularly armed robbery, would not spare any officer who was found cul pable in any way. "The IGP is also fighting crime from within by dealing with indiscipline, misconduct or com plicity of personnel in any form of crime," they said. The sources said the IGP, therefore, wanted members of the public to have confidence in the Police Administration to relay any information about suspected criminals to senior police offi cers or to him personally. "The IGP is determined to purge the Police Service and needs the co-operation of the pub lic," they added. Mr Quaye recently announced between GH¢2,000 and GH¢5,000 reward for informants whose information lead to successful arrest and prosecution of criminals. Source: Daily Graphic

Rawlings: NDC cannot afford to disappoint the people

Former President Rawlings with the delegation in a group photograph shortly after the meeting. You are ministers of the state and you have a duty to serve the people and state of Ghana. You must not join some of your colleagues who will whitewash the situation and say all is well. Please wake up. J.J. Rawlings Former President Jerry Rawlings has said the Ghanaian public is not amused with the performance of the Government so far and the ruling National Democratic Congress needs to do a lot more to revive its image and restore its credibility. He told a delegation of party officials and ministers in Government from the Volta Region who paid a courtesy call on him at his Ridge residence in Accra Tuesday that the low-keyed enthusiasm among the populace is the direct result of the Government’s failure to take the high moral ground of replacing officials in national administration appointed by the party’s opponent. Ex-President Rawlings said given the scant resources at the disposal of the NDC for election 2008 and the resultant victory, the Ghanaian people gave the party a moral mandate to reverse the corrupt rule of the New Patriotic Party and build a more united and prosperous nation, and it would be very unfortunate if the party loses power again in 2012 because of inaction. He said fortunately, there is time for the government to do what is necessary to convince the populace that the change they voted for is a realistic one. The delegation, led by a member of the Council of State, Dr Bernard Glover, included Mr. Modestus Ahiable, former Regional Minister and NDC Regional Chairman; Mr. Joseph Amenowude, Regional Minister and MP for Hohoe South; Deputy Regional Minister Joseph Kwaku Nayan; Mr. Joe Gidisu, MP for North Tongu; Mrs Juliana Azuma-Mensah, Minister of Tourism; Ms Akua Sena Dansua, Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs and Mr. Francis Ganyaglo, Volta Regional Secretary of the NDC who is also the District Chief Executive for Kpando. Others included Mr. Isaac Kotobisa, Deputy Regional Secretary of the party and Ho Municipal Chief Executive; Mrs Bertha Amenuvor, National Deputy Treasurer of the party and Mr. Courage Danku, Deputy Regional Organiser. Ex-President Rawlings said the decision of President Atta Mills when he assumed office, to maintain some appointees and functionaries of the NPP created the unfortunate impression that nothing had changed and emboldened the opponent to perpetuate the very acts for which they were voted out. He said given the nature of the opponent- politically motivated killings with no trials whatsoever, coupled with a general reign of terror- he is not surprised so-called ‘professional criminals’ are terrorizing the people, explaining that a lot of violent crimes are the designs of political opponents whose aim is to discredit the government and make it unpopular. Rawlings said during the twilight of his presidency when about 34 women were murdered in what became known as ‘the serial killing of women’, he rightly predicted that the killings were going to end if the NPP won power because they would have had no justification to continue the killings after achieving their objective. Trademark Killings He said while there was a general feel initially that some nationals of neighbouring countries could be responsible for the killings, it dawned rather late on him what game the political opponent was up to. “They are at it again. You don’t need to be a mathematician to tell who is doing this. This time they have even extended it to foreign nationals who have invested in the country and when they kill, they disembowel their victims and supposedly take body parts to paint a picture of ritual murders. …The investment climate is so undermined,” he said, explaining that had President Mills acted swiftly and early enough, the opponent wouldn’t have been so emboldened to pick up arms to terrorize the people again. He charged the ministers to assert themselves and to bring their individual characters for which President Mills appointed them to bear on the general direction of governance, encouraging them not to stay mum when things go wrong but to speak out and restore the sanctity of the party. “You are ministers of the state and you have a duty to serve the people and state of Ghana. You must not join some of your colleagues who will whitewash the situation and say all is well. Please wake up.” He also urged the ministers to support and consult one another, explaining that if they unite and work as a team, they would realize they have solutions to the challenges facing the country within themselves. They must also consult their colleagues who held their positions before, because they are knowledgeable in a lot of areas and situations that must be dealt with and which do not require a reinvention of the wheel. Dr. Glover and Messrs Ahiable and Amenowde variously thanked former President Rawlings for his counsel and said the party would eternally be grateful for his encouragement, resourcefulness and forthrightness, urging him not to hold back his observations of the party as it seeks to grow from strength to strength.

Hearts Fans On Rampage

Fans of Hearts of Oak went on rampage after their side lost grounds at the top of the Glo Premier League match on Monday. The angry fans took issues with anything in sight and cast aspersions on Coach Nii Noi Thompson and his backroom staff after drawing 1-1 with All Stars in their outstanding league match. But the heavy security apparatus detailed at the stadium warded off any physical attack. The club has struggled for form in the second half of the league after going five matches without a win. The draw means the this year's is set for a photo-finish after rivals Asante Kotoko closed the gap to two with four matches remaining. source: Ghanasoccernet

NDC chairman: NPP Should Forget 2012

If what the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Daniel Anang is saying, is anything to go by, then the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) must indeed strive to put their house together, before the year 2012 approaches. He believes the NPP, as a party, has no chance to come to power anytime from now, since Ghanaians have lost confidence in them. This, according to him, was evident in what he described as ‘the loot and mess’ the party caused the country before they handed over the reigns of government to they in the NDC. He wondered what informed claims and the belief of some members of the NPP that their party would be returned to power by the year 2012, stressing: “it is either they are living in dreamland, or reeling under the shadows of what I call wishful thinking, so they should stop dreaming and accept the reality that they are far from coming back to power in 2012.” The Regional Chairman made these comments in an interview with the Chronicle on Saturady. “What makes them think they are coming back, the think they can use the six months that we have been in power to judge our four-years mandate?” he asked rhetorically, saying “Ghanaians are not fools, okay! Well, we live to see.” Whilst he admits that things are currently difficult in the country, he noted that the existing situation in Ghana was not the making of the NDC, but the NPP, which virtually left the country in a state of bankruptcy, with a huge debt and deficit to service. That notwithstanding, he indicated that President Mills and his government would give Ghanaians reason to retain the NDC in power after the first four-years mandate, for them to go the full eight-year stretch and beyond. Mr. Anang thus saw the NPP’s claim as a mere rhetoric, which, in his opinion, is far from reaching, saying, “it is always easier to say I can do this, I can do that. They should have done it when they were in power.’ Asked why he was confident his party, the NDC, would go beyond the four-year mandate given them by Ghanaians, the Regional Chairman said: “because we would ensure to repair the damages they caused to Ghanaians, and lead Ghanaians to the road to prosperity.” “We are saying they have damaged the economy, and we are repairing it, would do it, and as we promised Ghanaians, we said that prosperity for all, we said we create an enabling environment, and we said we would create jobs for all. We are sure of fulfilling those four-pronged promises, and once we are able to do this, what makes you think Ghanaians want them to come back,” he emphasised. He thus noted: “we are sure to do that excellently within the four years, and that is what would propel to the eight years and beyond.” For this reason, Mr. Anang believes the NPP should forget election 2012, and rather focus their attention on sealing the seeping cracks and holes in the party, which has been created by internal bickering. He has thus given the party a liberal and unsolicited advice to try and put their house in order, and do an introspection of itself before thinking of either winning or coming to power in the year 2012, when the next elections would be held. It is therefore his belief that the 2012 election was out the question for the NPP, since it does not have what it takes to return to power now. The Chronicle

Armed Robbery On Ascendency in Ghana

If the random survey of listener experience in the hands of armed robbers, conducted by Peace FM, is anything to go by, every indication is that the current spate of armed robbery incidents in the country is becoming more rampant.The live call-in interview with various victims revealed that the robbers do not discriminate in who they attack, be they male or female, high ranking government official or low profile private citizen. Just about five days ago, gunmen snatched a military vehicle from unarmed military personnel in the vicinity of Obuasi.Although the car has been retrieved, the incident points to the fact that the situation warrants serious, urgent attention.Sharing his experience on the Kokrokoo show this morning, Solar Ayew, a businessman who also happens to be the brother of the former captain of Black Stars, Abedi Ayew Pele, disclosed that he was attacked in his house at night. He said his family was hacked down whiles his finger was cut off in the heist. In the end the robbers took away his cash amount of $55,000 dollars. A former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Techiman, Mr. Prince Donyina also disclosed that he was held at gun point in his house and subsequently robbed of cash, laptop computer and other belongings. The senior pastor of Heaven Gate Ministry, Nicholas Osei, popularly known as ‘kumchacha’ also told Peace FM that he was attacked on his way home and his car which contained offering from church snatched from him.. Other victims who also shared their experiences included staff of Peace FM namely, Kofi Kum Bilson, Billy Ocean (afrafrahene) and Akwasi Aboagye. It was revealed that the robbers generally come in groups, often numbering four or more, with each armed. Some lay in wait on their victims at their home gates, pouncing on them as they enter while others attack on roads, using taxi cabs and motorcycles to block their victims" paths. When the attack happens at home, children are not spared. Some unfortunate women get raped while victims"communication links with the outside world are cut, rendering them helpless. The proliferation of guns in the country was mentioned as one of the main causes of the problem. “We are therefore appealing to the government to adopt stricter measures on gun acquisition in the country to help deal with the high incidence of armed robbery and also find a means to protect us”, the victims cried out to government. By: John Nyaaba, (peacefmonline.com)

Muntaka In More Trouble

Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, former Minister for Youth and Sports, is out of the system, but his last public pronouncements on what led to his political demise is likely to halt the entire government machinery, if nothing is done from the apex of political power. The embattled former minister, minutes after he was compelled to resign after his moral lifestyle was questioned by a Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) report, described Chief Directors at the various ministries as an unreliable lot, who should never be trusted.“My fellow ministers, I made myself a sacrificial lamb. In the name of God, that saying that ‘your Chief Director is your chief advisor’ is a fallacy. Don’t just trust anybody,” Muntaka had said. He went ahead to insinuate that the same Chief Directors have now become conduits being used to destroy politicians by framing them up with scandals. But signals filtering in indicate that those insulting statements could henceforth place government in a watertight compartment as some aggrieved directors are not taking things lightly. Though initially viewed as the utterances of a frustrated politician, Daily Guide has reliably gathered that the Asawase MP’s statement has not only sent ripples in government circles, but incurred the wrath of many Chief Directors in the country, some of whom have vowed not to play ball with their political bosses any longer. Some of them told the paper in confidence that they will no longer cover any mess created by any political head, and that if it becomes necessary, they would insist on the presentation of an approved requisition before they even release a pen for the minister to use. Fuming with rage, some of them recalled how they had continued to hold government intact during military coup d’état and political transitions and are dismayed at this slap in the face by Muntaka, adding that the non-response of the Mills Administration is worsening matters. “As Senior Civil Servants, we have put our lives on the line to prevent the country from collapsing by holding the fort whenever there is a political vacuum. Today, we are all being branded thieves by politicians, and surprisingly, government is silent over the allegation. “If we really want to deal with them according to the books, no ministry will function in this country. We have learnt our lessons, and we will act appropriately,” one of them told the paper in an exclusive interview. Another director in a sensitive ministry said there are times some of them save their bosses by doing everything possible to cover the messes the ministers create, and lamented that when for once they are unable to cover the rot, they are branded an unreliable lot. According to him, he had been in the Civil Service for over three decades, and passed through several governments in the past, but had never been so arrogantly insulted by a disgraced politician the way Muntaka did.“This man’s comment is destroying the Civil Service, I can tell you, and if those who put him there fail to act, then it is their cup of tea”. It is recalled that Alhaji Muntaka, after he was entangled in the ‘pampers and khebab’ brouhaha and had no option but to resign, blasted directors of the various ministries and went on to advise his colleagues to be wary of how they deal with them if they want to succeed as politicians. Interestingly however, while Muntaka was advising his former colleagues to be mindful of others, the Office of the President was also appealing to other political appointees to take vital lessons from the immoral behavior of the former minister. In announcing his resignation, the presidential spokesperson, Mahama Ayariga said: “His Excellency the President is dissatisfied with the conduct of the Minister in his decision to embark on the German trip with Ms. Edith Zinayela and in particular in his decision to apply for a visa for her in circumstances that amounted to a mis-description of her official position. The decision of the Ministry to pay for Ms. Zinayela’s visa fee was equally improper. It was an error of judgment on the part of the Minister, from which it is hoped all other appointees will learn. Meanwhile, birds have whispered to Daily Guide that some directors are planning to take the matter up to the Head of Civil Service, Joe Issachar, and possibly register their protest. source: D-Guide

Kennedy: Ghana Is Moving Backwards

The Director of Communications for the presidential candidate of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2008 general elections, Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy, believes the country’s image has sunk to its lowest ebb in recent times. Ghana’s economy is believed to be suffering a major setback, which is gradually affecting investor confidence in the country. In an interview with The Chronicle last Tuesday, the party stalwart noted “even Africa, as a place to invest, Ghana has dropped from our position to fourteen,” stressing that during the Kufuor and NPP era, the country became the best place in Africa to invest and do business. Apart from that, he noted, that one of the most significant things was the spirit of the people, indicating that people were no longer optimistic and hopeful, when you talk to them about the economy of Ghana. If one should ask ordinary people whether they are more hopeful or less hopeful just before the elections, or when the NPP was in power, he emphasised that one would come to the realisation that people are less hopeful, “it is something that should worry us.” He believes the free-fall of the value of the cedi against the United States Dollar, and most of the world’s major trading currencies, d contributed to the situation to a large extent. Meanwhile, Dr. Arthur Kennedy believes that a lot of the success of countries was due to psychology, stressing “when people are hopeful and optimistic, things go better, and I think probably the silver-lining is how well the Black Stars (the senior national football team) are doing.” Whilst he admits that it is not as though the government had done something bad, the NPP kingpin emphasised that people were not comfortable with the way and manner in which some things, including the harassment of members of the opposition NPP, the rejuvenation of the Dagbon and Bawku crises, were being handled. “It is just that people don’t feel about how some things are being done, because they have had serious omissions, things like the way the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) has done its job, has been very bothersome to a lot of people,” he said. Whatever the case may be, Dr. Arthur Kennedy believes there is always hope, indicating “if the President starts doing things differently, there is still hope, for example, you know, I think when you pick up from the BNI stuff, when people are supposed to operate within the law and ask for accountability, and people are corrupt, they should be prosecuted, but I do not think that it is the place of the BNI or the Security Coordinator to be announcing imminent prosecutions.” Once he does that, he believes “it undermines the integrity of decision, because then what he is telegraphing is that prosecutorial decisions are being made by political operatives, so people can reasonably be said to be having an axe to grind with other people.” Asked whether he had any level of confidence in the President, Dr. Arthur Kennedy said “I don’t.” Though he sees President Mills as a ‘fine person’, he stressed: “we don’t look at people’s reputations and say that things are alright, we need to look at what is happening. “When we look at the celebration of June 4th, the things that the BNI is doing to people, you get the feeling, and I hope I’m wrong, that this is a very decent guy who does not appear to be in control often times.” That notwithstanding, he wished President Mills well in his endeavours, with the hope that he is able to change the perception people and investors are having about him and his government. source: The Chronicle

Asabee's Wife Due For Court On Thursday

Wife of former Information Minister, Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, is to be hauled before court Thursday for allegedly assaulting and obstructing a security officer from performing his duty. Zuleika Asamoah-Boateng on June 17, 2009 reportedly struggled with officers of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) who went to the Kotoka International Airport to stop her husband from traveling outside the country. She snatched her husband’s passport from one of the officers and yelled at the officers for violating her husband's rights. A Deputy Information Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa hinted the woman could be prosecuted. “The BNI officers took a serious view of Mrs Asamoah-Boateng’s conduct,” he added. The former Information Minister has confirmed receipt of a writ to appear before court Thursday. He would not discuss details.

Kwesi Pratt: The Attorney General Is Wrong

The managing editor of the Insight newspaper, Mr. Kwesi Pratt has called on the Attorney General, Mrs. Betty Mould Iddrisu to retract her statement that the former Minister of Youth and Sports, Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak cannot be prosecuted since he had done nothing wrong and had been cleared of all corruption charges. Speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show, Mr. Pratt said although he was not asking the Attorney-General to prosecute Hon Muntaka, he was of the opinion that she should not deny that the former Minister is guilty of some of the crimes. According to him, Hon. Mubarak himself admitted to using state money to finance his girlfriend’s trip to Germany and Cote d’Ivoire and also bought pampers and mouth gaggle for his baby. He added that Hon. Muntaka faked his girlfriend’s identity and passport by changing documents to make it look like she was working at the Sports Ministry which he used to defraud the German Embassy to acquire a visa for her - and that alone, he said, smacks of fraud, and therefore warrants prosecution. Mr Pratt was speaking about today’s Independent newspaper lead story captioned, "Muntaka Won’t Face Court”. The paper explained that Mrs. Mould Iddrisu had said the allegations brought against. Muntaka that he had caused financial loss to state had been dismissed by the BNI. And that had left her with nothing to prosecute him for.In addition, the social commentator urged the Zongo communities in the country to put aside tribalism when it comes to the development of the country and allow the government to operate smoothly. This, he said in direct reference to a peacefmonline news story filed last Friday titled "NDC Chairman And Leaders Resign", which reported that leaders and sympathizers of the NDC party at Asawase, a Zongo community in the Ashanti region had resigned from the party and embarked on a demonstration following the resignation of Hon. Muntaka Mubarak on June 25, 2009 after he had been cleared of all charges. By John Nyaaba, peacefmonline

Malik Baaku dismisses calls for Mills impeachment

Kweku Baaku Jnr, Editor-In-Chief of the New Crusading Guide The Editor-In-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Kweku Baaku Jnr has dismissed calls for the impeachment of the President John Evans Atta Mills. An NPP sympathizer, Frances Essiam accused the president of subverting the constitution and called for a possible impeachment, following a presidential fiat to the IGP, Paul Quaye to provide logistics and security for demonstrators. The Police had been granted a court injunction to prevent the Alliance for Accountable Governance from embarking on their intended demonstration on Thursday July 2, 2009. Malik Baaku in an interview with Citi News said a call for an impeachment is an “exaggerated point to make.” “I don’t think it will stand the test of any judicial proceedings. It won’t fly anywhere," he said. But the ace journalist is not impressed either with the circumstances under which the President intervened. He said the action is in flagrant violation of the Public Order Act which took years of struggle to enact. Under the act, the police and demonstrators must at all times see the judiciary as their ultimate arbiter, without any interference from the executive. “There is a reason why you don’t want executive intervention, because today we may have a good president who may be saying as for me I believe in this, so let everybody do it. Police get around and let it happen. Tomorrow you have a bad president who will not do the same, or the same good president may at different times do different things. “We do not want to have a situation where the fundamental right to assembly and demonstrating is at the behest or pleasure of any executive authority.” He described the action by the President as “unnecessary and should have been avoided.” He said the action does not even help the case of the police saying “if the Presidential directive is to be accepted, then what it means is that truly truly, the police’s position, the things they sent to court are not sustainable. It is not in the police interest,” he lamented. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com

Dr Mahama gives up presidential ambition

Dr Edward Mahama, PNC leader Email Print Have Your Say ( 9 ) Four-time flagbearer of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Dr Edward Mahama, has been reluctant to confirm reports he would not contest the flagbearership a fifth time. Dr Mahama has however told Joy FM the party’s flagbearer position is open to members who want to contest when the party goes to congress. The flagbearer is already calling for early congress. Joy News sources say Dr. Mahama officially announced at the party’s meeting on Friday that he would not contest the flagbearership. It is not clear if he was pressured to take the decision as some members have sought to blame him for the PNC’s misfortunes at the polls. But speaking to Joy News’ Sampson Ladi Ayenini, Dr Mahama said comments suggesting he is giving up the position are speculative. Asked why he would not confirm or deny the reports, the flagbearer responded: “I live a day at a time,” and would want congress to decide. General Secretary of the PNC, Benard Mornarh, has however confirmed to Joy News Dr Mahama has hinted giving up his presidential ambition. "Dr Mahama is not available for election 2012," Mr Mornarh told Joy News Editor Matilda Asante. He played down speculations that the flagbearer was prevailed upon by some high-ranking members of the party to step down. Reports were rife during the run-up to the 2008 presidential election that Dr Mahama was having troubles with some party members including former Member of Parliament (MP) for Zibilla, John Ndebugri. Dr Mahama has however hinted that although he is no longer interested in leading the party to polls, he would be available for other party duties. Story by Fiifi Koomson/Myjoyonline.com

Frances Essiam calls for Mills impeachment

Frances Essiam, an avowed critic of the ruling NDC and a sympathizer of the New Patriotic Party has called for legal action to be taken against the President John Evans Atta Mills.

According to her, the President subverted the constitution by ordering the IGP to provide security for a demonstration organized by the Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), in spite of court order restraining the group.

AFAG penciled July 2, 2009 for their intended demonstration over what they say is the harsh economic conditions imposed by the government.

But the police opposed the date for the demonstration, and called for a postponement, something the pressure group was not ready to accept.

Consequently, the police sought a court order and which was granted, to restrain the pressure group from embarking on their intended demonstration.

Hours after the court order, the President issued a statement to the IGP ordering him to provide security for the intended demonstration.

Ms Essiam told Citi News the President usurped the powers of the judiciary with his fiat.

She called for legal remedies to be taken against the President and an impeachment if it is possible.

She said nobody should be made to get away for flouting the constitution, much less the president who is an embodiment of the highest law of the land.

In a rebuttal the spokesperson to the President, Mahama Ayariga said the President’s action was not illegal.

He contended the president’s order was to the police and not the court, adding the police forms part of the executive arm of government and whose activities fall within the domain of the president.

He explained President Mills only asked the IGP to provide the police with the logistical support in order for the demonstrators to carry out their constitutional right.

The spokesperson was shocked that the protesters have rather called off their intended demonstration and are calling for the president's impeachment.

According to him, Ghanaians should rather be happy to have a President who is interested in promoting the fundamental human rights of its citizens.

Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com

Lens editor apologises for calling parliament "den of thieves"

Lens editor apologises for calling parliament "den of thieves" The Editor of the Lens News Paper Kobby Fiagbe has apologized to Parliament for bringing the name of the house into disrepute. The paper on its June 3, 2009 edition described parliament as a “den of thieves.” He accused some members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Communication of extorting GH¢ 1000.00 from telecommunication networks in the country. A member of that Committee and the Minority Chief Whip, Frederick Opare Ansah outraged by the publication filed a complaint before the leadership of parliament for appropriate remedies. After a hearing held in camera on Tuesday, Mr Fiagbe admitted apologizing for the publication. The remorseful editor said the publication was not intended to malign the House of Parliament. “I rendered an unqualified apology to the generality of parliament because I have been given to understand and I believe that understanding is true that the publication created the impression of the whole of parliament as a den of thieves. First of all that was not the impression we sought to create by the publication and to the extent that we erroneously created that impression, we are very very apologetic and we rendered an unqualified apology to parliament on that matter,” he told Joy News parliamentary correspondent, Araba Coomson. On the substantive allegations, the editor said he is reluctant to give details but hinted “things will unfold” when the case is recalled. The case has been adjourned indefinitely. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com