People, Places and Events
OAU
Addis Ababa general declaration
President Nyerere has called on African countries to fight the new form of economic slavery through which developed countries give loans to developing countries to enable them just to pay their debts back. Speaking at the opening of talks with President Kaunda of Zambia at State House, Lusaka, President Nyerere, who is also the OAU Chairman, called on the Organisation's member countries to discuss debt problems with their creditors.The President warned that if African countries were too proud to discuss their debts when discussing economic problems no one outside Africa will consider the issue as important. He said that African countries must hold discussions with their creditors and seek assistance to improve their economies and thereafter be able to pay back their debts.
Meanwhile, the OAU interim Secretary General, Peter Onu, has called for a Marshall plan type conference to mobilise emergency resources for the drought and famine stricken countries of Africa.
While endorsing the recent appeal by the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation to the international community to double its emergency food aid, Dr Onu recommended "a pledging conference of a Marshall plan character be launched with the co-operation of the World Bank and other international organisations for the sake of mobilising emergency resources for the drought and famine stricken countries of Africa."
Dr Onu further recommends a fund- raising campaign for the special emergency fund for drought and famine set up by the OAU last November. The campaign should be undertaken "as soon as possible to include Scandinavian countries, Great Britain, France, West Germany, USA, the Soviet Union and some European countries."
The Secretary General in his report to the Ministerial Council stated that if man does not intervene the current drought and desertification condition of Africa may soon become endemic and irreversible. Saying he was deeply disturbed by the massive displacement of people mainly caused by the deteriorating economic conditions in many African countries, the Secretary General appealed to the United Nations disaster and relief organisations to consider extending its mandate to take care of the welfare of Africa's displaced persons.
Dr Onu reported that emergency food aid cannot be regarded as the lasting solution to Africa's development crisis. He recommended that every tonne of emergency aid should be accompanied by funds to transport it to the starving, as well as one tonne of seeds for planting of crops. The Council of Ministers have agreed to prepare a declaration on Africa's problems and priorities. Proposed by Egypt for submission to the 21st Summit, the 'Addis Ababa general declaration' is a summary of the reports examined by the Ministers during their present session. The objective of the declaration is to sensitise international public opinion to Africa's major problems and highest priorities.
Reports on Middle East
The Council of Ministers has supported a call for an international conference on Palestine in order to prescribe a permanent solution to the Middle East question. In a debate on two reports on the Middle East and the Palestine question presented by interim OAU Secretary General Peter Onu, delegates also attacked the intransigence of the Israeli government.Egypt sadly noted that the Israeli Government has continued to wage its reign of terror against neighbouring Arab states and has adamantly rejected international appeals to withdraw unconditionally from occupied Arab territory. Nigerian Foreign Minister, Dr Ibrahim Gambari, deplored the OAU's impotence in the search for peace in the Middle East.
Libya challenged the sources of the two reports, arguing that the contents did not reflect the true situation in the Middle East. Libya claimed the reports were not presen- ted for unanimous approval of all Arab nations. As a result some events had been highlighted, while others had been completely overlooked in the report. Many delegates said the OAU should take advantage of the presence of the UN Secretary General this week to stress the urgency of holding the international conference.
Arrears of member states
Several African and Arab nations have expressed their desire to improve commitments to Afro-Arab co-operation. Delegates from Algeria, Rwanda, Mauritius, Tunisia and Libya were responding to the report of the OAU Secretary General on relations between the two blocs.The Mauritian Foreign Minister said only 11 percent of all Arab aid to Third World countries found its way to Africa. He suggested the Arabs could help African economy by cancelling the "African debt because Africa is more indebted to the Arab world than to any other bloc.
The Foreign Ministers examined the financial state of the OAU. As at July 14, 1985, the total accumulated arrears of member states stood at 28,000,000 dollars.
Meanwhile, the Secretariat has warned that if the progressive accumulation of arrears continues to erode each budget without any appropriate solution, the activities of the organisation will be paralysed. This will also hamper the implementation of the projects for social and economic development which the organisation has just embarked upon in conformity with the decisions of the heads of state and government.
Qadhafi seeks OAU chairmanship
The head of the Libyan delegation to the Council of Ministers session in Addis Ababa, Meftah Mahdi, has refused to confirm or deny rumours at the conference that Libya would be a candidate for the next chairmanship of the OAU. Libya was, however, undertaking contacts with delegations in Addis Ababa to evaluate the chances of Col. Qadhafi standing as chairman. It is recalled that Col. Qadhafi's previous attempts to become chairman of the organisation nearly resulted in the break-up of the OAU.GUINEA
Borders re-opened and curfew lifted
The leaders of Togo and Ivory Coast, Presidents Gnassingbe Eyadema and Houphouet Boigny have sent messages to President Conte pleading for clemency for Colonel Traore and others involved in the coup attempt two weeks ago. The messages were delivered to Guinean Head of State Brigadier General Conte by the two countries' foreign ministers.All borders have been re-opened and air traffic resumed to and from Conakry, The curfew has also been lifted. A communique broadcast on Conakry radio added: "The CMRN and the Government strongly urge citizens to continue to demonstrate their vigilance, in discipline, so as to prevent any act contrary to the policy enunciated in previous communiques."
In a commentary the New Nigerian described the abortive coup as most unkind and unpatriotic.
The paper pointed out that although the dismissed prime minister, Diarra Traore, and others who masterminded the coup might have legitimate grievances, they have done nothing to show that their intention was Diarra noble. On the contrary, the New Nigerian said their style has shown them as opportunists. It observed that Traore's removal as prime minister appears to be his most probable reason for staging the coup attempt. However, the paper feels that the nation is beyond the object for settling personal scores. The New Nigerian says the reaction of the Guineans is no doubt a welcome relief for Colonel Lansana Conte who, the paper contends, knows more than anyone else that his country's problem is economic.
GHANA
Kojo Tsikata becomes PNDC member
Two new PNDC (Provisional National Defence Council) members have been appointed. They are Mr P.V. Obeng Co- ordinating Secretary and chairman of the Committee of Secretaries, and Capt. Kojo Tsikata, PNDC member responsible for national security affairs and foreign affairs. The appointment of special adviser to the PNDC, held previously by Kojo Tsikata, ceases to exist.Importers to pay special sales tax
All goods imported under the Special Import Licence (SIL) are to attract a 50 per cent special sales tax. This means that importers will have to pay the normal import duty and sales tax in addition to the special sales tax. Before the 1985 budget, importers who utilised the special licence paid import duty and the normal sales tax.The Special Sales Tax is paid before the licence is issued, while the import duty and the normal tax are applied at the time the goods are cleared from the ports.
Challenge to Dzang's nomination as Nandom Na
The judicial committee of the Upper Regional House of Chiefs is expected to rule on a petition filed against the nomina- tion of the former PNDC Secretary for Defence to succeed the late Naa Polku Konkuu Chiri VI, as Nandom Na.The petition was filed by Mr Gbekatuuri Boro, a contestant to the Nandom Skin. Meanwhile, a member of the Nandom Royal Family has held a press conference in Accra at which Rear Admiral Dzang was present, to appeal to the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs to expedite action on the chieftaincy rumpus in Nandom to prevent the area being plunged into a bloody confrontation.
A petition has also been sent to Flt-Lt. Rawlings by the same member of the Royal Family appealing to the PNDC chairman to ensure that justice is not perverted in the area's chieftaincy dispute.
Gains must be consolidated
Colonel G.N. Goumil, Commander of the Second Infantry Brigade Group has said that the modest gains of the government's Economic Recovery Programme (ERP could be consolidated only by ensuring lasting peace, stability and security in the country.He called on members of the Armed Forces to be the watch-dogs of the nation to ensure that all misfits and wrong-doers were expeditiously exposed, brought to book and disciplined.
Colonel Goumil was addressing the annual administrative inspection parade mounted by eight officers and 120 men of the fourth Battalion and four Garrison in Kumasi.
He also called on the bad elements within the Armed Forces to desist from their nefarious acts since "any recalcitrant service personnel who want to disgrace the Ghana Armed Forces by indulging in acts unbecoming of the profession would not be spared.
Colonel Goumil warned the service personnel who take delight in misusing the military uniform to their own advantage to stop forthwith.
The Brigade Commander cautioned them not to be complacent because there is more to be done to bring the military and the civilian closer to enhance the attainment of the desired goals of the on-going revolution.
Bubra now C50 a jug
The retail price per jug of draught beer (Bubra) has been reduced to C50 from £60. The smaller jug sells at C30 instead of C35. The ex-factory price for a keg of Bubra has also been reduced from €1,823.70 to C1,563.A statement issued by the Achimota Brewery Company Limited in Accra said the price reduction follows the recent price adjustment by the government. The statement, however, reminded consumers that the price of bottled beer still remains at C70 per bottle (65ctl) in beer bars and C72 in hotels, discos, restaurants and nightclubs.
C.M.B. to construct feeder roads
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Department of Feeder Roads (DFR) are jointly to undertake the reconstruction of 766 kilometres of feeder roads in four cocoa growing regions in the country at an estimated cost of C27.5 million.The constructional work would be undertaken in the Ashanti, Easton, Brong Ahafo and the Volta Region. Mr B.M. Oppong, Principal Engineer of the DFR who disclosed this in Accra, explained that the project which is being financed by the COCOBOD is aimed at repairing all bad roads in the cocoa growing areas in the country to make the hauling of cocoa easier.
Vetting committee chairman surrenders
Major Kwabena Adutu, Chairman of the Citizens Vetting Committee (CVC) has reported to the police after there had been reports that he was wanted for interroga- tion by the National Investigations Committee.Major Adutu reportedly surrendered himself to the security authorities on June 21 and has subsequently had his assets and bank accounts defrozen.
It is recalled that in the early days of the 'revolution' the citizens vetting committee under the Chairmanship of Major Adutu caused numerous announcements to be made on Radio Ghana authorizing the freezing of the assets of Ghanaians alleged to be guilty of over-invoicing, under- invoicing, diversion of goods, dodging taxes and other forms of crimes against the state.
Second phase of maize shipment
The second phase of evacuation of white maize from Ghana to Mali and Burkina Faso has begun in Brong Ahafo. Under a barter agreement between Ghana and the United States, Ghana is supplying maize to the two countries in exchange for American rice. The first phase of the programme started in Ashanti last month.At a ceremony at Sunyani to mark the occasion, the regional manager of the Food Distribution Corporation, Yiadom Boakye, gave the assurance that the evacuation of the cereals will not affect stockpiles of maize for national consumption. According to him, what is taken away will be replaced by this season's harvest next month.
Mr Boakye disclosed that 126 articulated trucks will be involved in the exercise. The deputy regional secretary, Boakye Boateng, warned the drivers not to take advantage of the exercise to indulge in smuggling.
Rawlings hosts Mali President
President Moussa Traore of Mali has paid a two day visit to Ghana. A dinner was held in his honour at the State House in Accra. Proposing the toast, the Chairman of the PNDC (Provisional National Defence Council), Flt-Lt. Rawlings stressed the need for regular consultations among African states. He said the people of Africa have the primary responsibility to fight and reverse the desperate conditions generated by drought and famine in sub-Saharan Africa, and they undoubtedly have the human capability to do this, especially if they act in concert through regular consultations.Flt-Lt. Rawlings declared: Unless we and those who genuinely seek to aid us address ourselves to the long-term sustainable solutions to our problems, we shall not be able to move forward. The practice of waiting for a crisis and then mobilising emergency food drops for the hungry expose a bitter truth for us, namely that not even the dramas of aid really provide the solution to our distress. They only expose us to the deep cynicism and hypocrisy that often lie behind sweet-sounding sentiments of concern.
Chairman Rawlings hoped that the OAU summit, to be preoccupied with Africa's distressing economic realities, would be a starting point to make the organisation reach the hearts and minds of Africans. What the OAU required now is an approach which will bring the hope to the people. The PNDC Chairman was convinced that such an approach must provide the people better insight and ensure that they do not sacrifice truth on the altar of diplomatic norms and niceties.
He declared Ghana's readiness to take her share of the responsibility for addressing the desperate conditions of the continent.
Flt-Lt. Rawlings commended the progress and achievements of the Ghana- Mali permanent joint commission for co-operation over the last year.
Col. Asase returns from GDR
A three-man delegation led by the political counsellor for the economic development of CDR's (Committees for the Defence of the Revolution), Lt-Col. J.Y. Asase has returned home after a 10-day visit to the GDR. Colonel Asase told newsmen that the visit enabled the delegation to gain an insight into the political administrative machinery of the GDR, from the grass root to the national level.They also visited projects, including a co- operative farm where they were briefed on its operations. Colonel Asase said the delegation was very much impressed by the efficiency of officials and the absence of waste on the project.
Cuba's sports aid
Cuba is to send four experts to Ghana to assist in the country's sports development programme. A statement by the Ministry of Youth and Sports said two of them will be attached to the National Sports Council and the others will teach at the specialists' training college at Winneba for two years.It explained that the decision of the Cuban authorities to help Ghana is the outcome of a two-week tour of that country by the Secretary, Mr Amarkai Amarteifio, in fulfilment of protocol agreements between the two countries. According to the statement, three places will also be reserved at the Cuban superior institute of physical education for Ghanaian students.
Exam papers vanish
First year law students of the University of Ghana had one examination paper postponed for two weeks because when the students reported for the paper, the examination questions could not be traced.According to the Ghanaian Times the University authorities had no idea where the paper, set, printed and packed in Ghana, was kept until the day of examination.
BURKINA FASO
Visit of Libyan delegation
A working session between the delegation of the Libyan revolutionary committees and that of the Committees for the Defence of the Revolution (CDR) of Burkina Faso has ended with Comrade Pierre Ouedraogo, National Secretary General of the CDRs and the leader of the Burkinabe delegation, saying that the purpose of the meeting was to set up an organisational framework which will enable permanent contacts between the movement or revolu- tionary committees of the two countries.TOGO
Committee to investigate ECOWAS accounts
Leaders of West Africa's 16-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have set up a special commission to investigate the "disappear- ance" of about 1.7 million dollars from the accounts of the organisation. Sources among delegations at the just-ended ECOWAS summit in Lome however refused to speculate that they might have been embezzled.NIGERIA
Army reserve scheme
The Nigerian Army is planning to launch a reserve scheme. The Director-General of Army Reserve, Recruitment and Resettle- ment, Brigadier J. Onoja hinted that the proposed reserve unit would be composed of civilian volunteers who would avail themselves of the opportunity for military training and military operations during war time, among others.He pointed out that the future develop- ment of the army would be closely linked- up with the development of the proposed reserve scheme.
Brigadier Onoja was highlighting the activities of his directorate, during celebrations marking the 122 anniversary of the Nigerian Army.
He disclosed that his directorate had already initiated proposals for relevant legal backing for the scheme to the appropriate authorities.
Lawyer pleads for Fela's release
An open letter of appeal has been sent to the Federal Military government (FMG) for the release of two members of the Kuti family who are now in detention.The two members of the family are Afro Beat musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and his brother, medical practitioner, Dr Beko Ransome Kuti.
The letter, sent to the Head of the Federal Military Government, Major- General Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Major- General Tunde Idiagbon from a law firm, the 'People's Chambers', urged the government to order the release of the two brothers from detention.
The letter, signed by Mr Kanmi Isola Osubu, who is the family lawyer, and dated July 6, stated: "As lawyer and friend to Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, I hereby humbly request the Head of the Federal Military Government, Major-General Mohammadu Buhari to order the release from prison of Fela Anikulapo Kuti."
Students lock up university
Students at the University of Ibadan last week sealed off the gates leading to the institution.As early as 8 o'clock on July 11, all the gates leading to the institution had been blocked with vehicles, uprooted trees and blocks.
The students also boycotted the remaining sessional examination. Their action followed the expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum given to the Federal Government and the authorities of the institution to release their detained leaders. They also went on a hunger strike the previous Wednesday to back up their demand.
Visitors into the institution, including journalists were not allowed in. Meanwhile, armed policemen were keeping vigil at the campus.
Muslim awards declared void
Muslim title awards recently made to some people in Ibadan, Oyo State, have been declared null and void by the league of Imams and Alfas in Oyo, Ondo and Ogun StatesIn a communique issued at the end of a three hour meeting held in Ibadan, the Imams and Alfas regretted that the award of such titles was now being commercialised at an increasing rate.
The league noted that the scramble for Muslim title awards, started soon after the of Yorubaland were made to Alhaji Azeez awards of Aare Musulumi and Baba Adinni Arisekola and Alhaji M.K.O. Abiola respectively.
It warned those who might want to use Muslim titles to achieve political or other ambitions, and stressed that under no circumstances would Islamic title awards be "sold or paid for by anybody, be it Imam or Chief Imam".
Invitation to visit Cameroon
Nigeria has reaffirmed that she will always hold consultations with other African countries in order to harmonise views on African and international issues. The Head of State, Gen. Buhari, said this in Lagos while receiving a message from President Paul Biya of Cameroon. General Buhari thanked the Cameroonian leader for extending an invitation to him to visit Cameroon.Delivering the message, the Cameroonian Foreign Minister, Mr William Eteki Mboumoua, expressed the hope that Nigeria would continue to treat matters affecting their two countries with understanding.
Why government proscribed NMA
Minister of Health, Emmanuel Nsan has said that the Federal Government took its decision to proscribe the NMA during the recent doctors crisis in order to remove the people.Dr Nsan made the explanation while disruptive influence of certain misguided addressing the 27th meeting of the National Council of Health at Akure.
He said it was never the intention of the government to play down the role or importance of any particular professional group.
Dr Nsan, however, noted that following the decisive action taken by the FMG to end the crisis, everything was now under control.
The minister thanked all state Ministers of Health and other well meaning people for the various roles they played to bring the crisis to a speedy end.
Why judiciary was purged
The retiring Chief Justice of the Federation, Mr Justice Sodeinde Sowemimo, has said that the Judiciary was purged so as to make the common man have greater confidence in the bar and the bench. He pointed out that the purge exercise had to be carried out to enable the judiciary to continue enjoying the trust and confidence of the average Nigerian.Justice Sowemimo contended that the judiciary needed to have fearless lawyers and judges, who would help to ensure a bright future for the country.
He was of the firm opinion that unless the judiciary, "as the mainstay of government," consisted of bold and fearless individuals "the future of the country would not be regarded as absolutely stable."
Chief Justice Sowemimo argued that since members of the judiciary were men of integrity, "they should not be placed in a position where they go abegging or seek directorship of companies after retirement."
Protest to the Ivory Coast
Nigeria has protested to the Ivory Coast concerning hooliganism at the West African Football Union cup match in Abidjan on July 14. A report on Lagos radio said the match had been abandoned after 23 minutes when Ivorian fans invaded the pitch and attacked Nigerian players. It was also reported that homes of Nigerian residents in Abidjan had been attacked, and worse, that police had joined in the "brutalisation" of the Nigerian players.No disagreement with Saudi Arabia
Petroleum and Energy Minister Professor Tam David-West has stated in Vienna that Nigeria neither planned to leave the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) nor had any disagreement with Saudi Arabia as rumoured in oil circles.Addressing newsmen in the Austrian capital where the OPEC ministers met, imminent withdrawal from OPEC in which David-West denied stories of Nigeria's he said "we feel comfortable".
He surmised the stories were part of "efforts to destabilise the (oil) market." David West similarly stressed that there were no grounds for disagreement with Saudi Arabia, a country he described as "one of the best friends of Nigeria." In answer to a question on his reportedly strained relationship with the Saudi Oil Minister, Sheik Yamani, the Nigerian Minister said: "We exchange notes and have a warm personal friendship."
“Let me take my own life"
A condemned armed robber pleaded with a tribunal at Onitsha to be allowed to take his life rather than face a firing squad.Twenty-five year old Michael Okeoye, alias Michael Chukwu, said: "Since the end result is death for me, I sincerely beg the robbery and fire arms tribunal to save me the anguish of death by public execution.
His request was, however, turned down by the tribunal, which maintained that sentence for condemned armed robbers has no alternative.
Michael was found guilty by the Anambra State Robbery and Firearms Tribunal (Onitsha zone) of robbing at gun point one Mr Gregory Okeye of a Nissan bus at Ogidi Idemili Local Government Area on November 23, 1983.
Delivering judgement the tribunal chairman, Mr Justice Achi-Kalu, described the accused as a young man with many tongues and lips.
"In one breath, the accused claimed that he had no other profession than trading, and in another he claimed to be a professional driver " the chairman added.
Give direct loan to graduates
Federal Military Government has been urged to impress upon banks to accept university degree certificates as collateral security for granting loans to fresh graduates. Such a measure by the banks will enable graduates to respond positively to government's calls that they should go into self-employment or joint business ventures.This suggestion was made in Lagos by youth corpers at their passing-out parade ceremony. The corps members were reacting to last year's call by the Head of State, Major- General Muhammadu Buhari, that fresh ex-corpers should not look upon government always for employment.
Retrenchments affect everyone
Minister of Information, Group Captain Emeka Omeruah, has told journalists in Lagos that four of his relations had been retrenched from work.He identified one of them as a holder of a master of science degree, but declined to give his name.
He called on the press to help the Federal Government in educating unemployed people to take to other legitimate means of livelihood.
Group Captain Omeruah said the current retrenchment exercise now going on in the country "is affecting everybody directly or indirectly"
He said that the press should also help to reorientate the society, most especially people who are now jobless because the current exercise also affected ministers.
