MINING: NPP Provides No Hope

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

By Duke Tagoe

The strategy adopted by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to manage the mining sector in the event that it wins political power does not resolve the problem of why Ghana gains so little from the mining industry.

In fact, the approach of the NPP can be likened to an ostrich that buries its head into a pit of sand in the hope that it has achieved invincibility from the human eye.

Addressing a crowd of supporters at the Manifesto launch of the NPP at the Trade Fair Centre in Accra, Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the NPP, revealed that all his party intends to do if it should get anywhere close to power is to increase the quota of the share of royalties allocated to mining communities by 10 percent.

Royalties are payments made by multinational mining companies to the government as the owner of the land on which a mineral is found. Currently out of the amount received by government in royalties, 10 percent of that is allocated to the mining communities and it is that figure Bawumia and his government intend to increase to 20 percent.

Unfortunately, this piecemeal approach can only be described as cowardice and an insult to the people of Ghana who demand collective ownership of all mineral resources of gold, diamond, salt, manganese, timber, bauxite and the crude oil that is being exploited in the Jubilee and in the newly commissioned Tweneboa, Enyera and Ntomme (TEN) fields.

Available statistics from the project partners indicate that the total amount of crude oilheld in the TEN fields is estimated at300 million barrels with 80 percent oil and 20 percent gas with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) as the least shareholder of 15 percent.

But what did Bawumia really meant when he said: “We will generate resources locally to develop the country” and he needs to explain that because how does a government of the NPP expect to generate those resources when the economic policy of the NPP is that government must not be engaged in production having pursued a vicious programme that ensured thatevery economic activity under the Kufuor administration in which Akufo Addo served in different capacities, was passed on to the bosom of the private sector?

In fact, when the Kufuor government decided to sell the only state owned telecommunication company, Ghana Telecom, in order to pluck a whole in the budget, it was Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo who first suggested that if Ghanaians could not raise the money to buy the company, then private business men from abroad must be allowed to take over.

How much do we really receive in royalty payments and how does Dr. Bawumia and his party intends to develop Ghana from the royalty payments from Newmont, Tullow, Kosmos and Anadarko? And what is it that does not enable Bawumia and his party to propose the increase in the share of the state in our mineral resources and the establishment of a State Mining Company?

Ghanaians do not want royalties from their mineral resources. They want to take over the mining industry in order to create a great nation devoid of joblessness, poverty, and everything that defines a third world state.

The only solution to the myriads of challenges that confronts Ghana today is not merely the change in government but a change from the neo-liberal policies that only seeks to stifle the progress of Ghana andmake it a reservoir for the production of raw materials for the industries in the metropolitan areas of the world.

By Bawumia’s words, every Ghanaian who genuinely seeks genuine change cannot find any semblance of hope in the New Patriotic Party!

Editorial

VENEZUELA!

The people of Venezuela have every right to complain about the economic hardship they face as a direct result of the inability of the Maduro government to effectively counter the imperialist offensive led by the United State of America.

Indeed, it is even within their rights to work for a change of government in Venezuela.

What is clearly unacceptable is the interference of the west led by the United States of America in what is by all standards the internal affairs of a sovereign state.

The US and its allies are not looking for changes in Venezuela which would improve the conditions of life of the people.

They seek change which will enable the imperialist forces to control the destiny of the Venezuelan people.

They want to make Venezuela another Ghana after the 1966 coup or Chile after the overthrown of the Allende government and that is why we express solidarity with the Maduro Government and the progressive people of Venezuela.

GABBY EXPLAINS: Why He Left the NPP to Join the CPP

Gabby Nketsia, Vice Presidential Candidate (CPP)

By Ekow Mensah.

Gabby Nketiah a stalwart of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a right- hand man of former President John Agyekum Kufour says that he is very comfortable in the Convention Peoples Party (CPP).

He said after years of working to improve the electoral fortunes of the NPP he has come to the firm conclusion that the CPP is the vehicle for Ghana’s accelerated development.

In an interview in Accra, Gabby Nketiah said both the NPP and the NDC have woefully failed to deliver on their promises and it is time for the electorate to try the CPP.

Last week, the CPP announced the choice of Mr Nketiah, a businessman and a diplomat as the running mate to its Presidential candidate, Ivor Kobina Greenstreet.

Political watchers say that Mr Nketia was very instrumental in the 2000 and 2004 victories of former President Kufour.

 He is described as a grassroot worker and an extraordinary fund raiser.

 Mr. Nketiah was a member of the CPP in the Nkrumah era but left to assist his friend former President Kufour to win power in 2000.

Sources close to the CPP say that there are several other heavyweights of the NPP who will make declarations in support of the CPP in the weeks ahead.

 At least one of the heavyweights is a former Minister in the Kufour administration.

Mr Ivor Greenstreet, the CPP’s presidential candidate says that all men and women who want to contribute effectively to Ghana’s development are welcomed to join his party.

Editorial

WELCOME SIR

The decision by Mr. Gabby Nketiah, a heavyweight of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to pitch his tent in the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) is a most welcome development.

According to Mr Nketia his decision did not come easy.

It is the result of years of soul searching which has finally led to the conclusion that the future of Ghana does not lie in the hands of the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

 First, Mr Nketiah asserts that the NPP is so hopelessly divided that it cannot provide a worthy example for the unification of the country.

Secondly, he believes that both the NDC and the NPP have failed the nation and that the people of Ghana deserve a better choice which is the CPP.

You may disagree with the views of Nketiah but the fact that such a heavyweight in the NPP has left for the CPP is significant.

It is our wish that all those who feel uncomfortable in their political parties would join hands with CPP in its bold confrontation with underdevelopment and poverty. 

MEDIA CORRUPTION: Dr Wilberforce Dzisah Shows the Way

Dr Wilberforce Dzisah

By Duke Tagoe

The Rector of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), Dr Wilberforce Dzisah, is advocating measures to shield the media from corruption.

He said the media had to be shielded from the corruption generated by the political and economic system and facilitated by not only the public, but the private sector.

Speaking at a three-day workshop in Sogakope in the Volta Region on Effective Election Reporting, Dr Dzisah said the unthinking wholesale or what he termed the “catechistic” subscription to the free market was not the best way to secure a fearless media that serves democracy.

The workshop was organised by the GIJ in collaboration with the United States Embassy.

According to Dr Dzisah, although the critical surveillance of government is an important aspect of the democratic functioning of the media, that role had undergone a significant modification in the 21st century.

He said the media had not only compromised itself by its links to big businesses, but had also become a big business.

“The media are assumed to be independent, and to owe allegiance only to the public if they are funded by the public, however, this theory ignores the many other influences that can shape the media, including the political commitments and private interests of media shareholders.”

He, therefore, called for a redefinition of the traditional function of the media within the context of attaining balance and journalistic objectivity at all times and, especially, as the country prepares for the presidential and parliamentary elections in two months’ time.

He added that in spite of the growing conflict between the public and the private sector over the control and ownership of the media, the ethical responsibility imposed on the media by virtue of the professional training of journalists, should be a guiding light without the losing sight of the wider relations of power and the influence exerted through news management.

Dr Dzisah warned that while article 162 of the 1992 constitution insulates the state owned media from governmental control, citizens must be equally worried about the threat presented to the private media by their owners adding that the state was yet to see the benefits of the exercise of the unfettered freedom and independence of the private press by way of a legislation that shields private media from corporate owners.

He also expressed great worry at an emerging trend of individual media companies acquiring most, if not all of a target company’s ownership stakes and assuming dominance and the control of the mass media in ways that did not necessarily serve or compliment the national development effort.

Editorial

DEAD BODIES

Getting rid of dead bodies in a manner which does not harm society is becoming increasing difficult because of the scarcity of land in urban areas.

 In some parts of the world, the cremation of dead bodies is providing some very useful answer to how best to treat them.

 A few individuals in Ghana have offered their bodies for medical research.

 The Insight finds new developments in the handling of dead bodies in Europe most interesting.

Companies have been set up to do this job well and some of them harvest human parts to enable the sick to live longer.

Human bodies are also being put on medical exhibition and the extraction of essential liquids is also taking place should Ghana not begin to think carefully about the disposal of dead human bodies? 

AKUFO-ADDO: Is An American Woman Campaigning for Him – Ask M.J. K Dr. Bokor

Nana Akufo Addo

We already know how the NPP is going about its electioneering campaigns for Election 2016, using everything it comes across to highlight its desperate search for power.

Interestingly, there is a lot happening to give us some comic relief. Talk about the carnival atmosphere in which it operated only to lose Elections 2008 and 2012. The "kangaroo dance" didn't yield the votes to put Akufo-Addo in power.

For Election 2012, we have a number of comedians on board (Agya Koo, etc.) to provide that kick. And we are enjoying the renditions.

We already are conversant with the "Concert Party" that the NPP has reduced itself to. Now that emphasis has been shifted from political mobilization through rallies and face-to-face interactions to the Kalyppo humdrum, what else?

The anxious moments are with us now. I have just come across this material published by Ghanaweb; and I am deeply concerned. Here it is: http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/American-lady-campaigns-for-Nana-Akufo-Addo-476056?video=1

Folks, what impunity of this so-called "American woman" could make her go this way, even to the extent of saying that she doesn't like President Mahama because he is corrupt?

We are talking about a foreigner who has admitted herself that she is not married to any Ghanaian, but is bold enough to campaign for Akufo-Addo!! If this is not lawlessness of the highest order, what else could be?

How can we sit down in our country to tolerate such an affront from a foreigner?

It doesn't happen anywhere in the world. So, why are we Ghanaians allowing this foreigner to insult our system this way? And Akufo-Addo and his NPP machine are happy with that? If they are not, what is their reaction? Endorsing an illegality just for the sake of votes? And what is the guarantee that what she is doing will fetch votes for Akufo-Addo?

How about President Mahama and the state machinery? Have they seen this video recording? Why no reaction?

Do our laws allow foreigners to do what this so-called "American lady" has done? Why hasn't she been taken to task by now? Are we so cheap in Ghana? Will the United States allow anything of the sort? NEVER!!

Folks, there is need for action here. Otherwise, we are doomed!!

Editorial

EDUCATION

One of the sectors that has seen remarkable improvements under the Mahama administration is education.

 Over the last four years, infrastructural expansion has been phenomenal with the construction of at least 123 new Senior High Schools, at least three more public universities, significant improvements in polytechnic education and the expansion of access to training colleges.

The Insight believes that education is the key to the national development effort to the extent that it equips the people especially the youth with relevant skills.

We highly commend the Minister of Education and her team for doing their jobs well and hope that in the coming years Ghana will be able to provide universal access to free education.

Well done!

ABODAM: He Removes NPP Tag

Kwaw Kese

By Duke Tagoe

Popular hip life artiste, Kwaw Kese, alias Abodam has thrown off the tag of a sympathizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and strongly affirmed his neutrality in Ghanaian politics.

Obviously angry at attempts to portray him as a member or sympathizer of the NPP, Abodam took to social media to proclaim that he is not a member of any political party.

He is the fourth popular Ghanaian personality to have done so in only about five weeks.

Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, Highlife Superstar Amakye Dede and music icon Kwabena Kwabena preceded him.

Although Kwabena Kwabena admits that he has composed and played songs for Nana Akufo Addo, the presidential candidate of the NPP, he insists that he is not a member or sympathizer of the party.

He also claims that he was not contracted by the party to sing for it and he has not received any payments for what he did.

Amakye Dede on the other hand says that his relationship with the NPP is purely a professional one and that he will play for any party which is prepared to pay for his services.

Asamoah Gyan denies any relationship with the NPP and is emphatic that he has not provided financial assistance to the party.

Abodam wants to be seen as a musician who performs for the delight of all Ghanaians.

His fans cut across the political divide.

Editorial

GREENSTREET IS THE MAN

Ivor Kobina Greestreet was democratically and popularly elected as the Presidential Candidate of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) and it is imperative that all party members rally around him.

The principle of democratic centralism dictates that once the party has taken a decision through the democratic process, all party members should support it.

Unfortunately, there are credible reports that some elements in the CPP are deliberately sabotaging the campaign effort of Comrade Greenstreet and the party.

These elements claim that Comrade Greenstreet was not their candidate and that they would only support their own preferred candidate.

This is a big shame because if all party members adopt this attitude the CPP will never come to power.

Let’s bury our differences and support Greenstreet.

NDC TO RE-INTRODUCE CREDIT FOR TEACHERS

Ghana's President John Mahama

By Francis Ameyibor

The next government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2017-2021 under President John Dramani Mahama will re-introduce incremental credit for Science, Mathematics, Technical and Vocational Teachers.

The NDC in its 2016 manifesto said it will continue the expansion of the Untrained Teachers Diploma in Basic Education (UTDBE) Programme to further reduce the number of untrained teachers in the Science and Mathematics education sector.

The analysis of the NDC manifesto is part of the Ghana News Agency project “GNA Tracks Elections 2016,” which seeks to educate the electorate on the various issues raised by political parties and other stakeholders.

The GNA Tracks Elections 2016 project also seeks to ensure gender and social inclusion in national politics and also provide voice for the youth, vulnerable groups, opinion leaders and the broader spectrum of the society to contribute to peaceful elections.

“We will continue to strengthen the teaching and learning of Mathematics and Science and provide special support to motivate teachers and pupils; and enhance the Mathematics, Science and Technology Scholarship Scheme (MASTESS) to support needy students to opt for mathematics and science based programmes at both secondary and tertiary levels.

“We will continue to upgrade equipment for the teaching and learning of Science, Technical and Vocational subjects; continue to provide consumables for effective and efficient use of the Science Resource Centres; and introduce new strategies for attaining the national objective of 60:40 admission ratio in tertiary institutions in favour of the Sciences”.

The NDC said it will establish a unit under the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) to coordinate interventions for linking tertiary education to industry; continue to promote collaborative programmes between industry and tertiary institutions to increase opportunities for practical training and internship.

Incentives will be provided to industries and businesses that provide more room for internships; continue to review curriculum development of tertiary institutions to meet the skills and human capital needs of industry; and support the Ghana Statistical Service to resume the production and publication of the monthly Labour Market Statistics to inform programme choices and accreditation at the tertiary level.

The NDC said it will continue to make entrepreneurship training a key component of the education system.

The NDC said the Government has initiated bills that are designed to respond to the changing dynamics in the education sector, book development, adult education, tertiary education and technical and vocational education.

The following bills are being processed for enactment:

Chartered Institute of Bankers Bill; Education Bill; Library Services Bill; Ghana Book Development Agency Bill; Non-Formal Education Agency Bill; Tertiary Education Research Fund Bill; National Commission for Tertiary Education Bill; and National Accreditation and Qualifications Agency Bill.

Basic Education (comprising Early Childhood Care and Development, Primary and Junior High Schools); Secondary Education (comprising Senior High Schools, Vocational and Technical Schools) and Tertiary Education (comprising Universities, Polytechnics, Specialized institutions and Colleges of Education) as dictated by the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.

The NDC said it would continue to engage private tertiary institutions to focus training on the human resource requirements of the nation; amend the GETFUND Act to extend support to private tertiary institutions engaged in science and engineering training.

Editorial

THESE INTOLERANT PROFESSORS

The intolerance and extremist posturing of some of the so called Professors in the academia can be shocking and sometimes nauseating.

In fact it is getting increasing difficult to make out the difference between these professors and the Islamic State in Syria who one fine morning decided to vandalize the most cherished archaeological remains of Palmyra-a historical ancient city with great significance to human history.

The Insight expresses great regret that a statue erected in memory of Mahatma Ghandi in recognition for his contribution to world peace has been disfigured by some unscrupulous elements that work to undermine the creation of a just society based on the principles of social justice and equality for all.

It is these same elements who schemed with imperial forces to destroy books written by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in a borne fire on the eve of the overthrow of the regime of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. In their own words, those “books were making the African too conscious” and present a threat to imperialism.

For some of these professors, there can be nothing wrong when major streets and land mark areas of our country are named after George Walker Bush, a war criminal who led wars that killed millions of innocent women and children across the world with several other millions maimed.

Indeed, Mahatma Ghandi has a lot of significance for Ghana.

Ghandi’s philosophy of Non-Violence was a critical tool employed by Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah in our struggle for independence from colonial rule and in the liberation struggles of most African states.

Ghandi was also a crucial force in the civil right movement of the United States of America in the search for a freer society devoid of racism and the denigration of the black African in the diaspora.

Ghandi deserves a place in the history of Ghana’s independence struggle and no Professor worth his or her sort must or can contend with that.

SHOCKING? Dr Dzisah Says Media Can Endorse Political Parties

Dr Wilberforce Dzisah, Rector of GIJ

By Duke Tagoe

Dr Wilberforce Dzisah, Rector of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) has said that the media can openly declare its support for any of the political parties.

He said all human activity, including the practice of journalism, is governed by competing ideologies which seek to proffer alternatives to the national development, adding that since political parties were the vehicles designed to bring about those changes, the press could endorse those political parties it believed could bring about the radical and structural transformation their readers or electorate wanted to see.

He, however, warned that the freedom of the press to endorse political parties would amount to an exercise in futility if journalistic objectivity was lost and if reports were “slanted, jaundiced and tainted with the very ills for which we (the media) berate others.”

According to him, Edmund Burke, the British philosopher, parliamentarian, author and political theorist, noted, when he described the media as the fourth estate, that the powers of the media were immense and comparative to the other organs of government.

Dr Dzisah therefore, admonished the media to go behind the veil to establish a sense of legitimacy of the various presidential and parliamentary candidates and the political parties to the benefit of the voter.

In less than three months, Ghanaians will be trooping to the polls to elect either President John Mahama or Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), respectively, to lead the country. They will also be electing 275 parliamentarians into the Fifth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

Dr Wilberforce Dzisah was speaking at a three-day workshop on Effective Election Reporting organized by the Ghana Institute of Journalism in collaboration with the United States Embassy at Sogakope in the Volta Region.

Editorial

WE AGREE!

There can be no compelling reason for Ghana to have a foreign coach for its national football team, the Black Stars.

Indeed there are many Ghanaian football coaches who are far better qualified than the so-called foreign coaches.

It is for this reason that fully agrees with Dr Nyaho Nyaho Tamakloe, former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) that it is time to say good bye to coach Avram Grants.

This coach has failed to bring about any significant improvement in the performance of the Black Stars and his general attitude to Ghana is repugnant.

We urge the Ghanaian football authorities to send Avram Grant home and to recruit a Ghanaian football coach for the job.