People, Places and Events
GDM demonstration in Germany
Ghana Democratic Movement (West Germany branch) recently held a peaceful protest march in Germany against the government of the Peoples' National Defence Council (PNDC) of Ghana. Members of the movement had come from Dortmus, Hamburg, Kiel, Munich and Moers and Dusseldorf, reports Abubakar Akumfi-Ameyaw.The demonstration, which was the second this year, took the marchers through the principal streets of Dussel- dorf. They carried placards some of which read "Ghana must be saved", "Representative Government Now", "PNDC Away With Kangaroo Courts", "Ghana In Economic, Social And Political Coma", and distributed leaflets about the deplorable state of affairs in Ghana to on-lookers.
A resolution to be presented to the Ghana Consular Officer in Dusseldorf was read at the Roman Catholic Chapel at Albert Street by Kofi Afrifa, the General Secretary of the Movement, while Kankam Boadu, the National Coordinator, delivered a speech scheduled for the afternoon session but had to be cancelled to enable members who had travelled long distances to return home.
CHAD
Reaction to troop withdrawal
The Chad Foreign Minister, Gouara Lassou has revealed that the news of the French- Libyan agreement on the simultaneous withdrawal of their troops from Chad had been a surprise to the Ndjamena (Hissein Habre) Government, which had not been involved in the discussions. He expressed the hope that Libya was not merely retreating in order to pounce better. His Govern- ment wanted firm guarantees that the Libyans would not return.A communique issued by Goukouni Oueddei's GUNT (Transitional government of National Unity) claiming that GUNT had been kept constantly informed of contacts between Libya and France said that it was pleased with the agreement which provided for the simultaneous withdrawal of French and Zairean troops from Chad, together with "Libyan technicians living in Chad".
IVORY COAST
Towards closer ties with Ivory Coast
The Ivory Coast Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Konan Nda, has stressed the need for closer economic co-operation between Ghana and the Ivory Coast to counteract the effects that the poor price for cocoa on the world market may have on their economies.Speaking to newsmen at the end of a day's visit to Sekondi, Mr Nda said the price being offered for cocoa by the industrialised states was not in the best interest of cocoa producers.
He suggested that in order to arrest the situation, producer nations should gear their efforts towards processing their produce before exporting them.
This, the Ambassador observed, would fetch them a better price and enable producer countries to generate more foreign exchange to finance their development projects. that the poor price for cocoa on the world
GUINEA
Rioting over police killing Following the death of a contract worker in Kamasan as a result of assault and battery. inflicted on him by some policemen at the Kamsar police station in Boke prefecture, riots broke out instigated, according to government statement, by former convicts, embittered persons, agitators and drug addicts who... organised groups of agitators in order to incite the people to rebellion.The immediate result was that the police station was attacked, ransacked and documents were destroyed. The home of the police commissioner was ransacked... Thousands of people besieged the mortuary and the gendarmerie, thus preventing the burial of Kefala Cisse till late in the night.
The authorities deployed units of the security forces, gendarmerie and army in order to control the situation. The security forces have arrested 112 agitators. Patrols continue throughout under the command of Capt. Kissi Kamara, the commander in the Fifth Military Zone.
GHANA
Habeas Corpus Act amended
The PNDC has passed a new law, PNDC L.91, making it unlawful for the court to enquire into the grounds by which the detention of a person is authorised. The new law, dated August 6, 1984, and gazetted on August 17, 1984, is an amend- ment to section 1 and 2 of the Habeas Corpus Act 244 of 1964.The sections in question allowed the courts to order the respondent (state) to produce the body of the applicant before the court upon a day and at any hour to be specified in the said order. By the powers of the same sections, the State could be ordered to submit a report in writing to the court stating the grounds of the detention of the applicant.
Crucial role for private sector
The government is determined to improve the private sector for the economy to relieve the state of the burden of having to employ and pay a large percentage of the country's working population.The fact that the public sector employs the bulk of the working population accounts for the government's inability to increase wages to the required levels. The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Mr J.S. Addo, briefing the press on the new exchange rates introduced on August 28, said if the private sector picks up, most of the government employees would be re-deployed into that sector.
Doctors back to work
Doctors at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital were back to work after resolving not to attend to out-patients. The doctors were demanding the release of a colleague who was alleged to have stolen a quantity of drugs from the hospital on August 10. The case, in which an anaesthetist, a pharmacist and three nurses were also involved, went before the Public Tribunal.The hospital administrator Dr O.K. Amoah, explaining the decision of the doctors said that as far back as 1960, anaesthetists had been allowed to carry drugs and other hospital equipment to and from the hospital as a check against pilfering of drugs and the loss of certain equipment at the hospital especially those used in anaesthesia. He added that in this particular case the doctor involved was supplied with the drugs by his head of department for emergency cases and week-end duties.
Tribunal drops charges
The office of the Special Public Prosecutor has said that careful study of the relevant dockets on the doctor and the four para- medical staff of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, concerning the alleged stealing of drugs and medical equipment had revealed that there was no evidence upon which they could be prosecuted.A release issued by the Office of the Co-ordinator, Investigations, Vetting and Tribunals, said the investigations had also revealed that the officers had legitimate custody of the drugs found in their posses- sion with the full knowledge and consent of their superiors.
The release said though charges of stealing could be preferred against the two enrolled nurses involved. It had been decided not to proceed with the charges following an intervention by the Ghana Registered Nurses Association to handle the matter at a professional level.
Detained officials released
Three former senior officials of the Meat Marketing Board detained since May 25, 1984 at the Accra Cantoments Police Station, have been released from custody.They are Mr D.D. Balagumyetime, Chief Executive, Mr A.T. Azupio, Deputy Chief Executive and Mr J.E. Kuutakum, Senior Livestock Officer.
Disclosing this to the Weekly Standard in Accra, a spokesman and one of the three said they were released on August 20, 1984 on the instructions of the PNDC Secretary for Interior.
He could, however, not say who and what were the grounds for their detention as the police had up to the time of their release presented them with no formal charges, an official statement stated that the three had been dismissed from office.
Kugblenu laid to rest
John Kugblenu the editor of Free Press was laid to rest at the Big Ada cemetery on Saturday September 15.Reports spoke about thousands of people being at the burial of the man who had spent the last one year of his life in detention without any charges and died less than a month after having been released.
In the end, John Kugblenu's love for sports proved the most enduring friendship for the Accra Hearts of Oak Football Club of which he was a member and ardent supporter, was represented fully by its big names Messrs H.P. Nyenitei, George Osekere, Alhaji Tinjani etc. Also at the graveside were Mr Tommy Thompson the managing editor of Free Press and Mike Adjei the columnist of the paper, the two people with whom he was detained for a year. The Ghana Journalists Association was not represented at the burial.
PNDC member laid to rest
Burial has taken place at Nandom in the Upper West Region of Naa Polkuu Konkuu Chiiri, Nandon Na and member of the PNDC. He died on Saturday, August 25, at the age of 60 after a short illness.The body of the late Nandom-Na was laid in state from September 6 when it was flown to Nandom for another wake-keeping.
In his memory all flags throughout the country as well as Ghana's missions abroad flew at half-mast from Saturday, Septem- ber 2 to last Saturday, September 8. He left behind five wives and 21 children.
Ghana compensates Lonrho
The Guardian has reported that Lonrho, the giant trading group has agreed compensation with the Ghana Government for its 35% stake in the Ashanti Goldfields Corporation which was nationalised by Ghana in 1972. Lonrho retains a 45% share and continues to manage the mine. The paper did not say what the amount of compensation was.It will be recalled that the late Gen. Kutu Acheampong on seizing power in 1972 introduced a number of measures which he said were aimed at enabling Ghana to capture the 'commanding heights' of the economy. One such measure was the acquisition by the state of 55% interest in all extractive industries.
Plans for Ashanti goldfields
A four-member delegation of the Lonrho Group of companies, led by Mr Tiny Roland, the chief executive were in Accra the government over plans for a major for two days for extensive discussions with expansion programme for the Ashanti Goldfields Corporation.The programme, estimated at 120 million dollars, would enable the AGC to increase gold production from 240,000 fine ounces to 400,000 fine ounces per annum over a five-year period.
The expansion programme would be one of the largest investments in the country and in Africa for several years to come…
Briefing the press on the outcome of the meeting, Dr Kwesi Botchwey, Secretary for Finance and Economic Planning, who took part in the discussions, said the two sides touched also on a loan agreement for the expansion programme.
Regular power supply restored
Twenty-four hour supply of electricity has London been restored. An official release said that supplies to VALCO, Togo and Benin would, however, be reviewed in November.The latest forecast by the Volta River Authority is that the inflow into the Volta Lake will at least be equivalent to the average over the years.
The VRA is confident that the water level will be adequate to sustain full power, at least, the Ghana load. However, the release warned that the power crisis was not yet over and that until a final review was made in November, energy conservation measures. were to continue voluntarily even though power was constantly available.
New prices for petrol
The Petrolum Department of the Fuel Ministry has announced new prices for petroleum products. They are Premium, C60, Regular €56, Kerosene C35 and Gas Oil C46.Convicts before tribunal
Two convicts appealing against the judgment of the Tribunals, have appeared before the National Appeals Tribunal.The first case before the Tribunal chaired by Mr Samuel Yaw Anim, was that of Flt- Lt. Robert Kojo Lee, who was sentenced to death by firing squad on December 9 last year for murdering Atsu Bleboo.
After a brief appearance, the case was adjourned at the instance of Mr Johnny Hansen, counsel for Lee who, according to a letter read to the Tribunal could not be present because he was ill.
Forty refused entry to Nigeria
About 40 Ghanaian travellers on a Ghana Airways flight to Lagos were refused entry into Nigeria on their arrival at the Murtala Mohammed Airport by immigration officials.The passengers, mostly traders and the teachers, therefore had to return home aboard the same aircraft on its return journey.
A spokesman for the travellers said at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra that when they arrived at the Murtala Mohammed Airport they were made to declare what currencies they had on them by the immigration authorities.
He said after declaring their currencies those who had travellers' cheques and allowable currency up to 20 naira were refused entry without any explanation. According to the spokesman, only those who had convertible currencies of any amount and those with Nigerian resident permits were allowed entry.
Homowo celebrated in London
The Ga Adangbe Community in London have celebrated the annual Homowo festival that marks the end of the hunger of the Ga people in Ghana.At a get-together at the United Reformed Church in North london, the Chief of the community, Mr Von Cofie, reminded all Gas in the UK that even though they are thousands of miles away from their homeland, should never forget their traditions.
Mr Cofie later sprinkled kpokpos, the traditional food of the Gas on the compound of the Church in the tradition of what the Ga Manche does on the streets of Accra.
NIGERIA
America, Britain show concern over Shagari's detention
The continued detention of Ex-President Shehu Shagari and former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme is being closely monitored by both the British and American governments. A report in the National Concord says that there had been a series of exchange of correspondence between the two governments and the Federal Government since the military take-over of December 31 last year over the issue.The concern exhibited by both governments was understood to have stemmed from their respective desire to ensure that the former president and his deputy were afforded "due process of law". Such an interest was also being developed according to sources, "in keeping with commonly-accepted principles of human rights".
Britain and United States of America are also known to have extended similar interests on the fate of all detained public officers including former civilian governors. Nine former governors have been jailed by special tribunals established by Federal Military Government for offences revolving around misuse of office and official corruption.
Doctors go on strike
All doctors in Nigeria were expected to join the two week resident doctors strike, according to a three-stage time-table announced by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).The NMA has directed consultants to begin discharging patients already on admission in affected hospitals.
According to the time-table, doctors in all teaching and federal specialist hospitals in Lagos State were to withdraw their services. Other government doctors country-wide were also to begin withdrawing their services.
In the third stage, all doctors, including those who work in private hospitals, will stop seeing patients.
This stage is, however, conditioned on government (state or federal) proscribing or banning any of the doctor's unions "or victimise or arrest" any of their officers.
The NMA stance over the strike started by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), came after an extraordinary general meeting held at the Old Great Hall, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Idi-Araba.
The NMA, in supporting its technical organ, the NARD, said it was "taking the bull by the horns," and that it was "dismayed at the Federal Government' attitude towards the demands of NARD".
"The Nigerian Medical Association has deliberated extensively on all the matters. and is of the opinion that this is the time for the association to take the bull by the horn and find lasting solutions to the perennial problems affecting health delivery in this country".
Congress backs strike
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has backed the protest for better hospitals.But nurses and midwives, traditionally known as "mercy girls" are to go on working. The strike is over lack of drugs and facilities which doctors say have turned hospitals into "glorified mortuaries".
Ultimatum to striking doctors
The Federal Military Government has called on striking resident doctors to report for normal duty. In a statement the Ministry of Health said it had taken or begun action on all the issues raised by the doctors. In the light of this, the FMG believed that the strike action by the doctors was "not only unethical but also callous and irresponsible",Olowo-Okere said that the situation persisted despite government's assurance that the Kaduna refinery could supply adequate quantities of the material.
Addressing the federation's 29th annual general meeting in Lagos Mr Olowo-Okere said scarcity of bitumen had delayed road projects and caused deterioration on work partly completed in addition to rendering machinery and labour idle on site. He lamented that there were difficulties in obtaining essential building materials, construction plants, machinery spare parts and lubrication oils, as a result of the restriction on imports.
Don't debate chieftaincy
titles Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Brig. Tunde Idiagbon has said in Ibadan that the Federal Military Government was concerned about some traditional rulers who debased their institution by proliferating chieftaincy titles and conferring them on undeserving subjects.In a message to more than 100 traditional rulers attending a national conference on their roles in the government of the country, Brig. Idiagbon said: "By their action, they have unwittingly eroded the importance and reverence attached to the entire chieftaincy institution."
He said that people who had made the least contribution to the society and those "whose sources of wealth are suspended Sawyer. and even known crooks and acknowledged looters of the national coffers are made to be proud recipients of traditional chieftaincy titles.
The Chief of Staff also accused some of the traditional rulers of bestowing the title to serve the cause of nepotism, which he described as a manifestation of indiscipline. He then called on the rulers "to critically re-examine the criteria for awarding the chieftaincy titles to ensure that recipients are truly deserving'. Brig. Idiagbon also told them to ensure that acts prejudicial to the "achievement of true national unity, peace and prosperity are not rewarded with such titles."
In the message, read on his behalf by the Oyo military governor, Lt Col. Oladayo Popoola, Brig. Idiagbon emphasised the determination of the present administration to restore the dignity of the traditional rulers, which he said was lost during the civilian era. He appealed to them to refrain from doing anything that could tarnish their image or embarrass the Government.
Earlier, in an address, the acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Ayo Banjo, said that the conference had offered them an opportunity to re- examine the process of the traditional rulers' involvement in the administration to restore the dignity of the traditional rulers' country. He said that a proper definition of their role should be found to preserve the dignity of their office and make them provide a responsible leadership.
Bishops worried over rising cost in schools
Catholic bishops said the nation would be losing the talent of many poor youths by enacting policies which inflate cost of education. They are optimistic that Federal and state governments will allow churches to participate actively in the running of schools at all levels.A statement issued at the end of their six- day conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said the bishops also urged all catholics to promote virtues of good Christian leadership.
Message to Catholic bishops
Head of State, Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has said in a message to the conference of Catholic bishops of Nigeria held in Port Harcourt that religious groups had a role to play in fostering the philosophy of the War Against Indiscipline.Maj-Gen. Buhari said that the enormity of the socio-economic problems facing the country should be solved by everybody and expressed the hope that government and religious organisations would be involved in the co-operative venture of advancing the cause of social and moral upliftment of the masses.
Maj-Gen. Buhari said that the Government would continue to allow freedom of worship and association, provided such freedom was exercised with due regard to "our laws, national interests and sovereignty".
He also said that the Government would continue to cultivate understanding among different religious groups in the country in order to foster mutual understanding and national consciousness. The message was read on his behalf by the Bishop of Idah, Bishop Ephriam Obot.
In his address to the conference the Bishop of Jos, who is also the vice- president of the Catholic bishops' conference, Bishop Gabriel Ganaka, called on Catholics in the state and the Government to work for the success of the Catholic Institute of West Africa, sited in Port Harcourt.
Jimeta riots investigation report
The judicial panel set up by the Federal Military Government (FMG) to probe the Jimeta religious riots has submitted its report to the Head of State, Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari at Dodan Barracks.Economic ties with Romania
Head of State, Maj-Gen. Buhari, during a meeting in Lagos with the visiting Romanian Deputy Prime Minister, lon Nicolae has said that the Federal Military Government was willing to strengthen its economic ties with Romania.Lawyers told to charge less fees
Kaduna Military Governor, Air Commodore Mu'azu, has advised lawyers in the country to do away with foreign gowns and wigs.Air Commodore Mu'azu told members of the state branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, who visited him in his office, that he believed that lawyers could wear traditional gowns and still argue their cases.
He said that he could not see why Nigerian lawyers should continue to cling to wig and gown which were alien to the Nigerian culture.
Air Commodore Mu'azu said that the present administration believed in the rule of law and told the lawyers to reduce the fees being charged to enable the common man to have access to legal representation. Earlier, the chairman of the state branch of the association, Mr Ademola Ajal, had suggested that the judiciary should be self-accounting to make it more efficient.
Fela's bail rejected
Members of Fela Anikulapo Kuti's Egypt 80 band have completed two performances in California. The band, which included Fela's son, Femi, gave its performance at the University of California, Berkely Campus.In Hollywood, the band also took part in the 1984 world music festival. Fela could not travel with his band following his arrest by officials of the Customs and Excise Department for allegedly attempting to export 1,600 pounds Sterling from the country. He appeared before the Federal High Court and was granted bail.
The judge ordered Fela to deposit his passport with the court and adjourned the case until September 25. But in another. development, the Afro Beat King is to remain in prison custody till September 25.
This was the order of the chairman of the Port Harcourt Zone of the Exchange Control Anti-Sabotage Tribunal, sitting in Lagos, Mr Justice Okoro Idogo.
Fela had pleaded not guilty before the three-man tribunal for attempting to export 1,600 American dollars (about N1,720) on September 4 this year without permission of the Minister of Finance before the order for his remand was made. Pleading on his behalf, his counsel and long time friend, Mr Kanmi Ishola Osobu prayed the tribunal to grant him bail.
Mr Osobu told the tribunal members that as a mirror of the society, it should take into consideration an earlier bail granted Fela by a competent court over the same issue.
Bail, Mr Osobu contended, was in law, the right of any person standing trial on a criminal charge.
Opposing bail, a senior state counsel in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr Philip Okolo, said the tribunal should look at the nature of the charge, security, punishment it carried and the character of the accused (Fela) himself when considering the issue of bail.
"It is a very serious offence touching on the economy of the country," Mr Okolo stressed.
Adopt constitutional approach
The Kano State Military Governor, Air Commodore Hamza Abudullahi has said in Kano that student unionism in higher institutions of learning, particularly in the universities could be healthy if students adopted a constitutional approach to issues instead of resorting to violence.He told a delegation of the Committee of Registrars of Nigerian Universities who visited him that while it was the responsibility of government to provide adequate education for students, the universities also had the responsibility of turning out responsible citizens who could be looked upon as future leaders. "I do not subscribe to the idea where students take laws into their own hands. because of grudges against the system," he said.
More pilgrims than reported
Nigeria topped the table of non-Arab pilgrims to this year's Hajj. A Saudi Arabia Pilgrims statistics reported in the Punch says of the total 50,975 pilgrims from the African sub-continent, 23,655 are Nigerians. According to the paper this was 3,655 above the publicised Federal Government figure of 20,000 pilgrims. Nigeria was followed by Guinea (4,430), Senegal (3,442), Chad (3,264), Ethiopia (3,159), Mali (2,151) and South Africa (1,765). Others are Ivory Coast (1,072) and Tanzania (1,074). Countries whose pilgrims were fewer than 500 included Togo (259), Cabon (289), Zaire (8), Zambia (37), Madagascar (30), Mauritius (272), Uganda (94) and Benin (447).From Europe and America, 6,274 pilgrims performed the Hajj, with Britain having 3,108. In the Arab world, the total number of pilgrims was 441,017, with Egypt (133,070) having the largest number followed by Yemen (85,279).
Scarcity of building materials
The Federation of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors has reported a scarcity of bitumen in the country. The president of the federation, Mr E.O.Ministers' European tours
The Minister of External Affairs, Dr Ibrahim Gambari, has concluded a three- day official visit to France. The Minister was also scheduled to pay a brief visit to West Germany to hold talks with his West German counterpart, Mr Genscher.Meanwhile, the Minister of National Planning, Chief Michael Adigun, has also left Lagos for Belgrade to attend the sixth session of the Nigeria-Yugoslavia joint commission on economic, scientific and technical co-operation. He is also expected to attend similar talks between Nigeria and Romania in Bucharest on September 20, and between Nigeria and Bulgaria in Sofia on September 24. He is expected back home on September 30.
LIBERIA
New President for university
The University of Liberia, closed last month following students' unrest, now has a new president. The Liberian leader Mr Samuel Doe has appointed the country's former Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Mr Joseph Morris, to head the institution whose impromptu closure was sparked off by the arrest of a prominent lecturer, Dr Amos Dr Sawyer, with former Deputy Head of State Gen. Nicholas Podier and several other persons, were accused of plotting to oust Mr Doe from office. The other appointment made by Mr Doe was that of Thomas Koon, former assistant professor, as vice-president of the university.Mr Koon and other members of the insti- tution's governing body, were sacked by the Liberian leader in the wake of the students' protests.
New appointments
Head of State, Dr Samuel Kanyon, has made two new appointments at the Executive Mansion. Those appointed are Mr Moses P. Harry Snr, advisor on national and international affairs, replacing Mr Jackson F. Doe who is now managing director of the National Ports Authority.Also appointed was Councellor David Y. Nyen Snr as advisor to the Head of State on local affairs. He replaces Mr James Y. Gbattie, who is now a member of the Interim National Assembly.
In separate letters to the appointees, the Head of State urged them to perform their prospective duties with great diligence and faithfulness.
Minister warns against dictatorship
Information Minister, Alhaji Kromah, has warned that Liberians are not prepared to accept any form of dictatorship or rubber stamp government whether it is socialistic, capitalistic. Americo-Liberianistic or tribalistic.According to the Daily Observer news- paper, Minister Kromah, who made the remarks, was apparently referring to recent political developments in the country. He also cautioned Liberians, including govern- ment officials and private citizens, to exercise what he called social responsibility for the survival, continuity and prosperity of the nation.
Minister Kromah recalled that Liberians' rejection of dictatorship was demonstrated on April 12, 1980 when 17 soldiers risked their lives to, as he put it: Change the status quo that was controlled and dominated by a century-old oligarchy....
Minister Kromah was speaking at the Information Ministry during a commission- ing ceremony for former Deputy Information Minister, Mr James Z. Eesiah, who now goes to Tel Aviv, Israel, as Minister- Counsellor in charge of press and public affairs in the Middle East, The Information Minister said it was clear that the one-party system was unacceptable and would never be accept- able to the Liberian people, adding that Liberia was founded on the major premise of freedom and liberty.
GABON
President's denial of Botha visit
President Omar Bongo has referred to an interview published by the Senegalese newspaper Le Soleil cited by AFP concerning a possible visit by the South African President to Gabon and said his words had been "distorted by AFP".He said he had never received a request by Pieter Botha to visit Gabon, but if he wished to do so, he must "have with him solutions capable of achieving a just and lasting peace in southern Africa" which took into account UN Resolution 435 on Namibia and the Lusaka multi-party conference accords.
Review of the economy
Oil production in Gabon is expected to rise by 14% this year while cocoa and coffee harvests are likely to fall, making the country more dependent than ever on its oil exports.Last year, oil earnings contributed 44% to the Gross National Product, Oil and its by-products made up 83.6% of all exports and provided 64.3% of national income. Despite its prosperity, Gabon cannot feed its relatively small population and has to import 85% of its food.
The Gabonese Finance Minister estimates that the country should produce around 9m tons of oil this year, compared to 7.9m tons last year.
