People, Places and Events
LIBERIA
Decree against rumours
Liberia has issued a decree to protect the public against "the spread of rumours, lies and disinformation.'The decree, issued on July 21 and made public last week in Monrovia, states that anyone who makes allegations against executives or members of the interim government with the intention of damaging their reputation, is guilty of first class felony.
Offenders of the decree can be arrested and detained without bail pending trial.
Attempts to undermine the security of the state, cause civil strife or labour unrest or interfere with electoral process are also punishable under the decree.
National Integration Party
Dr E. Sumo Jones has been elected stand-ard bearer of the National Integration Party, NIP, to canvass for the presidency in the ensuing general elections. Dr Jones was elected recently at the NIP's meeting at a local hotel in Monrovia. The meeting was reportedly attended by a cross-section of Liberian citizens.He said that the motto of his party is: In union lies strength, while its symbol is the unification emblem. NIP was formally organised following the issuance of the guidelines by the Special Elections Commission two weeks ago.
Liberian Action Party
Another group of Liberians have announc- ed their intention to form a political party to be known as the Liberian Action Party, LAP. This brings to 10 the number of political parties that have come up since the ban on political activities was lifted on 26th July this year. The chairman of the organising committee, Counsellor Tuan Wreh, told the press at a local hotel in Monrovia that the LAP is based on the principles to which all Liberians can subscribe.He said that membership to the party is open to all Liberian citizens, 18 years of age and above, irrespective of sex, creed or ethnic origin. Counsellor Wreh gave 12 objectives by which the party will be governed, among them: To guarantee dem- ocracy, to protect private property and freedom of speech, of the press, and of religion and all fundamental rights.
Counsellor Wreh, former legal adviser to the Head of State, said the LAP will pursue a programme of national reconstruction that will provide for social and economic development. The LAP says it will ensure the supremacy of the rule of law and demand accountability by government officials and other persons serving in positions of public trust.
Other members of the organising committee include former Defence Minister, Harry A. Gray Jr, as co-chairman, and former Finance Minister, Aluin Jones, Dr Ibrahima Kaba and Dr P. Nadei Brookley as members.
Order for the arrest of Special Elections Commissioner
The Justice Ministry in Monrovia has ordered one of the Commissioners of the Special Elections Commission to report to the nearest police station without delay. according to the national radio, has been given 24 hours to give himself up or be arrested. No reason was given for the order, but an announcement from the Justice Ministry, signed by the Justice Minister, Jenkins Scotis, has ordered all security personnel to have Mr Nyeplu arrested and carried to the Justice Ministry. Mr Nyeplu was a former Minister of Justice and a former senior defence counsel at the special military tribunal in Monrovia.Call to US to cancel debts
The United States Government has been called upon to cancel all outstanding debts the Liberia Government owes the United States by a top Liberian Government Minister. The Minister said this will be a demonstration of goodwill toward the Second Republic and the traditional relationship between the United States and Liberia.The Minister, Information Minister Alhaji Kromah, made the request when the US Ambassador to Liberia, William Swing, called on him at the Ministry.
He asked the American Government to limit the number of strings attached to financial assistance given Liberia. Minister Kromah expressed the hope that Ambassador Swing will explore possibilities in relaxing US aid regulations so that most of what is given as loans and grants can remain in Liberia in other forms. The information boss commended Ambassador Swing for his performance and described him as one of the most active American Ambassadors ever accredited to Liberia.
For his part, Ambassador Swing said his Government is aware of the concern raised by Minister Kromah. He promised to explore all possibilities of stronger co-operation as Liberia enters the Second Republic, adding that a large portion of US aid comes in the form of grants. He then assured Minister Kromah of his Embassy's co-operation as the Information The Commissioner, Isaac C. Nyeplu, Ministry carries out its national functions.
BURKINA FASO (UPPER VOLTA)
Ministers to work on building site
Head of State, Captain Thomas Sankara has dissolved his government. In a decree announced by the national radio, Captain Sankara dissolved the government with immediate effect. He did not indicate when a new cabinet would be formed and this affords him the opportunity to rule by decrees.Ministers who were sacked in the government reshuffle have been told by President Thomas Sankara to take construction jobs on a building site, news agency reports quoted from Ouagadougou have stated. It is not immediately known if this order is meant to be a punishment.
Saudi aid for dam project
A financial co-operation agreement has been signed between Burkina Faso and the Saudi Development Fund. Under the terms of the agreement the Saudi Development Fund places 4.690 bn CFA francs at the disposal of the Burkinabe Government for the partial financing of the Kotienga dam project.The loan is repayable in 20 years with a grace period of five years and an annual interest rate of 2%. When this important dam project is finished it will generate 15 MW, irrigate several million hectares of land, and create a fish-pond industry.
GHANA
New tax on wealth
A new tax law known as Wealth Tax has been introduced by the PNDC. It was signed by Flt-Lt. J.J. Rawlings, chairman of the PNDC and took retrospective effect from 1 January, 1983.Under it any individual whose net wealth exceeds 500,000 is liable. The specific items of property covered by this law are buildings, undeveloped urban building plots, uncultivated arable lands, motor vehicles other than commercial vehicles, pleasure boats, yacht and personal or private aircraft.
According to Mr A.D. Kra, Commission- er of Income tax, stool property, one owner-occupied dwelling house, the assess- ed value of which does not exceed C500,000 a farm building situated on the farm to provide accommodation for farm workers or as a storage for farm produce or shelter for livestock are exempted from the net wealth tax.
The commissioner stated that the basis of assessing the tax is first of all to determine the value of the asset or aggregate value of all the assets owned by the assessee as at 1 January each year. Mr Kra indicated that where a property is worth C2 million and the owner has incurred debts amounting C1.2 million in respect of his properties, his chargeable net wealth will be C800.000 and not C2 million. The rates at which tax is chargeable are 0.25 per cent for all properties valued between C500,000 and one million cedis, 0.50 or half percent for those within the range of C1 million but not exceeding C.5 million and one percent for those valued between C1.5 and C2 million, he added.
All other properties within the assessed value ranges of C2.5 million and C3 million will attract net tax of two per cent. Properties exceeding C3 million but not above C4 million will attract a chargeable tax of two and a half per cent, while others within the assessed ranges of C4 million but not exceeding C5 million and beyond will attract three and five per cent tax rates respectively.
Earth tremor havoc
A widow and her five children escaped unhurt when a greater part of their residence in Mateheko was badly damaged from what appeared to be an earth tremor.The incident has made the widow, Mrs Beauty Ocansey and her children feel so insecure that they cannot sleep in the house since the cause of the incident has not been established for them to be on the alert.
Several people living in the area have also expressed their utter surprise and the general feeling of insecurity in the area.
The explosion destroyed a greater part of the roof and ceiling, louvre blades, doors and cooking utensils. It also punched a very big hole in one of the walls. Universities must be part of revolution The leader of Burkina Fasso students on visit to Ghana has suggested that defence committees should be established within the student community in the various universities. This is to ensure that as future leaders, the students are politicised and infused with revolutionary ideas.
The leader of the Burkina Fasso students Mr Bomouni Dieudonne said that during their visit to the country, they noticed that the revolutionary process had not permeat- ed the universities. But as intellectuals, they ought to be properly equipped to educate the broad masses on the revolution and its direction, he said.
Kojo Tsikata in Moscow
A Ghanaian delegation led by Capt. Kojo Tsikata, special adviser to the Provisional National Defence Council, has left for a week's visit to Moscow to review the economic co-operation agreement between the two countries.More return home from Nigeria
Accra radio has reported that over 1,000 Ghanaians living in Nigeria had arrived at Tema harbour from Lagos. The report said they came home voluntarily and, according to some of them, they took the decision after realising "that conditions in Nigeria were getting worse" The arrivals included teachers, artisans, students and professionals."Thank you America for aid"
The Under-Secretary for Education, Mr Kofi Vigbedor, has commended the United States for committing itself to aiding Ghana's social and economic development.The PNDC Government, he said, was keen to see such help centred around the promotion of science and technology to aid the rapid modernisation of the country's agriculture.
Mr Vigbedor was speaking at a ceremony to mark the end of a six week induction course for 37 American Peace Corps Volunteers including 21 women.
Osu Castle restricted
The public, particularly tourists, have been reminded that the Castle, Osu, and its immediate surroundings, is a restricted area.It is open only to those who have business to transact, and there is no access for tourists or sightseers except for accredited journalists with specific authorisation. A statement from the Police Public Relations Directorate warned that any person found taking photographs in the area will have his camera and film confiscated.
Anniversary celebrations end
A flag hoisting ceremony by the military climaxed activities in Ghana to mark the first anniversary celebrations of the Revolution in Burkina Fasso.The Charge d'Affairs of the Embassy of Burkina Fasso, Mr G.K. Nassa, accompan- ied by Commodore J.D. Oppong, Chief of Naval Staff reviewed a parade mounted by a contingent from the Force Headquarters and a detachment from the Fifth Battalion of Infantry after both had taken the general salute.
Amoah on Cuban Schools
The leader of the Ghanaian children in Cuba on holidays in the country, Master Sebastian Ken Amoah, has assured the nation that their studies at the Isle of Youth are gradually opening up their minds and equipping them to play a meaningful role in the revolutionary changes taking place in the country on their return.He explained that their studies in Cuba are aimed at making them productive and not "consumers of what we have not produced."
Master Amoah was speaking at a welcome ceremony organised by students of the Afienya Youth Leadership Training Institute for him and a colleague.
UK aid for mining industry
The Secretary for Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Kwesi Botchway, and the Acting British High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Roy Dean, have exchanged letters giving £3.3 m worth of aid. The aid is for the mining and timber industries as well as for a water project.Alternative sources of energy in the making
Four Brazilian energy specialists have begun talks with Ghanaian Government officials, on the development of alternative energy sources. The Ghana News Agency quoted Mr Cartos Primentel, the leader of the Brazilian delegation, as saying that Brazil produced no oil and wanted to share with Ghana its experiences in developing other energy sources. He said that Brazil would cooperate with Ghana in researching into the use of alcohol as an energy source and train Ghanaians in energy matters.No doctor at clinic
Three bodies in the Agona District have appealed to the PNDC to upgrade the Swedru Urban Health Centre into a full fledged hospital. A petition sent to the Ministry of Health said the centre which serves 200,000 people within a radius of 50 kilometres has been without a medical officer for the past two years.Consequently, emergency cases have to be referred to the Winneba Hospital since the medical assistant and his staff in charge are not able to treat such cases.
This situation, the petition said, has resulted in the death of many people. The three bodies also complained about lack of drugs and equipment and blamed this on the absence of a qualified medical officer.
MALI
Currency exchange exercise
General Moussa Traore has described Mali's admission to the UMOA (West African Monetary Union) as "a positive result of the efforts to face international commitments with honour and a sense of responsibility, while assuring in a concrete manner the subregional solidarity".He called on party militants and the authorities to inform and mobilise public opinion so that the currency exchange exercise, from Malian francs to CFA francs before 31st August 1984, would go smoothly and swiftly.
Joint commission with Senegal
The sixth ordinary session of the Mali- Senegal joint commission for co-operation has ended in Bamako. The Senegalese delegation was headed by Abdourahmane Toure, the Minister of Commerce, and the Malian delegation was headed by Alioune Blondin Beye, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.. The two countries examined all questions relating to different fields of bilateral co- operation and took the opportunity to define ways and means of strengthening their relationship.They agreed on measures to increase the exchange rate, to intensify co-operation in agriculture by exchanging information, experience and seeds... Maritime pact with Belgium A maritime agreement has been signed at Mali's Ministry of Transport and Public Works between Mali and the Belgium- Luxembourg Economic Union (ULB), aimed at freeing Mali from its land-locked state.
Mali and the ULB would be able respectively to handle 40% of the maritime freight between the two countries while the remaining 20% would go to third parties.
CHAD
Financial agreement with France
Chad and France have signed three financial agreements at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation in Ndjamena. Lassou Gouara, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation, signed for Chad, while Claude Soubeste, the French Ambassador to Chad, signed for his country.The first agreement, which involves a sum of 290m CFA francs, provides for the Government to purchase vehicles for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administrative reform and the Ministry of Finance and Equipment. 64 vehicles will be purchased - 36 for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administrative Reform and 28 for the Ministry of Finance and Equipment.
SIERRA LEONE
Editor released
The country's youngest editor for Wi People newspaper Mr Paul Mohammed Kamara, arrested two weeks ago after his paper alleged that government officials had flown a giant diamond abroad to sell it, has been released by President Siaka Stevens "in the spirit of national reconciliation."NIGERIA
Ban on wage increases
The Federal Government has announced a ban on any general increase in workers' wages and salaries in both the public and the private sectors throughout this year. It however allowed the normal annual increment but banned any adjustment in increm-ental rates in both sectors.According to approved income policy guidelines for 1984, released by the Cabinet Office in Lagos, the ban was in view of the economic difficulties and in support of efforts to solve them. The Government said that change in salaries, wages and fringe benefits would only be allowed in the case of promotion, but that it must not be backdated.
It warned against the revision of fringe benefits now being enjoyed by workers, adding that the payment of bonuses should be restricted to one month basic salary.
The Government advised companies proposing revisions of fringe benefits or the introduction of new ones to submit to the Ministry of Employment Labour and Productivity, their productivity schemes as well as evidence of improvement in production and profit.
On dividend paid to shareholders, the Government said that the withholding tax of 12.5% was to be introduced, but added that it did not apply to pioneer companies.
The Government approved increases of not more than 5% for company products and warned that applications for such increases should be made before the proposed increase. Application of price increases of more than 5%, the Govern- ment said, should be submitted to the secretary and chairman of the Productivity, Prices and Incomes Board at least six weeks in advance.
Masi faces tribunal
Former Finance Minister, Mr Victor Igwe Masi, has appeared before the Lagos Zone of the special military tribunal which is trying former politicians.Charges against Mr Masi are massive bribe demands, involving millions of naira, while he was in public office, as well as conspiracy to unjustly enrich himself.
A Nigerian Army announcement that gave notice of the impending trial said Mr Masi would be charged along with his erstwhile personal assistant, Mr Simon Chukwunonye Nwokoman.
Mr Masi was Finance Minister in the first term of deposed President Shehu Shagari and is the first among the ex-president's lieutenants to face trial for corruption.
NAP leader in court over passport
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Chike Offodile (SAN) has told a Lagos High Court that it would not be wise on the part of the Federal Military Government to allow any political leader to leave the country now.Defending the Federal Military Government's seizure of the passport of the leader of the prescribed Nigeria Advance Party, Mr Olatunji Braithwaite, the Attorney-General said that it would be difficult to release his passport to him "because these are not normal times."
Mr Braithwaite, in a fundamental human rights action instituted on August 6 against the Chief of Army Staff and the Attorney-General of the Federation, is seeking a Lagos High Court order to release government "forthwith" his passport No.1329787 allegedly seized on January 10 this year.
Ajasin acquitted second time
The former Governor of Ondo, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, and two of his former aides have been discharged and acquitted of all the four-count charge of corruptly enriching the proscribed UPN (Unity Party of Nigeria).The aides are the former Commissioner for Trade and Industry, Mrs Mobalaji Osomo, and the former chairman of the State's sports council, Mr Akin Majasan. The judgement delivered by the chairman of the tribunal, Brigadier Charles Ndiomu, stated that the conduct of the accused persons had been improper "but impropriety must be distinguished from dishonesty"
The chairman said that the tribunal believed the evidence of the defence and, therefore, all the charges against them should fail. Brig. Ndiomu then ordered the release of the third accused person, Mr Majasan, but said that he lacked competence to release the other two now in detention under Decree 2 of 1984..
After the judgement, Chief Ajasin thank- ed the tribunal and the Federal Military Government for the fair trial given to them. It is the second time Chief Ajasin has been discharged and acquitted since the inception of the special military tribunals on the recovery of public property.
He had earlier been discharged by the Lagos zone of the tribunal which tried him along with Chief Bola Ige, Bisi Onabanjo, former Governors of Oyo and Ogun respectively for corruptly enriching the proscribed UPN.
Nigerian Bar Association to stage a comeback?
Lawyers may interrupt their boycott of the special military tribunals to defend the former Minister of Finance, Mr Victor Igwe Masi, the Daily Times has reported. The government-owned newspaper said arranging for him to be defended by an the family of the former minister was unnamed team of lawyers.The Nigerian Bar Association ordered a nationwide boycott of political trials when military tribunals were established in May up to protest against the leadership of the tribunals by military men rather than lawyers and the secret nature of the hearings.
Mr Masi and a former aide have appeared before the Lagos zone special military tribunal on a seven-count charge of corruptly demanding and receiving massive sums of money in bribes. Mr Masi could receive a minimum of 21 years in prison for each of the seven counts on which he is charged.
Oieli calls for open government
The National President of the Nigerian Civil Service Union (NCSU), Mr David Ojeli has said that nothing other than an open government would succeed in the country.He told newsmen in Jos, Plateau State that "an open government is based on mutual trust, the fundamental human rights and the right to know what is happening and the inalienable right to the citizenry to criticise government's policy when the need arises."
Mr Ojeli lamented that governments which had ruled the country failed because they made themselves inaccessible and, most of the time ignored public opinion. He said that although the military had good intentions and has committed itself to the welfare of the people they (the government) still needed the support of the masses.
Salt scarcity
Salt, an indispensable ingredient for every meal, has now joined the realm of luxury goods in Kaduna.Sunday New Nigerian Investigations revealed that a bag of salt, which used to sell at between 17 and 25 Naira, now costs 75 Naira.
Newspaper prices to go up
Cover prices of newspaper in the country may go up from 20k to 35k if the Federal Government does not step in to beat down production costs.A hint on the likely hike in price was dropped in Lagos by Mr Segun Osoba, Association of Nigeria (NPAN). president of the Newspaper Proprietors
Mr Osoba, who is also the managing director of Daily Times of Nigeria Limited told the advertising practitioners that a few months ago, newsprint - a major raw material of newspaper houses - imported duty free. But since the beginning of this year, the Department of Customs has been collecting 40 per cent as duty on every ton of newsprint.
Use of credit cards
The Nigerian market has welcomed the use of credit cards. Many business executives now appreciate the advantages a credit card offers, while many hotels and other service companies now accept them.Though the scheme is still young, it has considerable potential. The use of credit cards could be boosted by the recent currency exchange exercise which contracted the cash supply in the economy, and by the decree which prescribe stiff penalties for those who forge cheques.
Reason for action against former politicians
Nigerian radio has told home service listeners that Maj-Gen Buhari had explain- ed the rationale behind the present action against former political office-holders in the country. Addressing a gathering during his tour of Rivers State he had said the measure had become necessary to serve as a deterrent to present and future office- holders.The quantity which formerly sold at 10 kobo now costs 50 kobo, while the measure that once sold at 50 kobo, now cost two Naira.
He had reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to improve the lot of Nigerians through improved agriculture, industrialisation and transport. The Head of State visited the Second Airmobile Brigade officers' mess before returning to
Fatality from austerity
The Sunday Concord has reported that as the biting noose of austerity tightens round the neck of many Nigerians, increasing number of its victims are giving way to desperation, sometimes leaving a trail of Lagos. fatal consequences.Barely a week after a newspaper reported the story of a Kano man who opted for suicide when he discovered that his pregnant wife had given birth to a set of twins, another person, this time a woman, has given up the survival struggle by taking her life.
She is Mama Bola a mother of seven who took a concoction of poisonous substances to end her life a few days ago.
Agreement with Gulf Oil
The NNPC (Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation) has signed a participation agreement with the Gulf Oil Company Nigeria Ltd.NNPC explained that the agreement, which was signed on 1st August, consoli- dated the various participating interest acquired by the Federal Government through the Corporation in the operation of Gulf and the oil mining lease held by it in 1973, 1974 and 1979. By the agreement, NNPC now holds 60% and Gulf 40% interest in the petroleum operations con- ducted by Gulf.
According to the Corporation, the agreement also settles all outstanding issues between the two parties including the "buy- back oil" in 1973 and 1974, the alleged and the consideration for payment by the NNPC for the acquisition of interest in the over-lifting of crude oil from 1976 to 1979 petroleum operations conducted by Gulf.
