Print Media Review For Oct. 27

THE DAILY GRAPHIC – MONDAY, 27TH OCTOBER, 2003

1.MAMPONG MAKES HEADWAY IN HIV/AIDS TREATMENT – PGS. 1 & 3

The paper reports that, preliminary results of a research project carried out by the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine (CSRPM) at Mampong Akuapem in the Eastern Region to assess the efficacy of herbal medicine in the cure of opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS patients have been positive.

Samples of traditional medicine from five herbalists, which were administered to 96 patients with full-blown AIDS have proved efficacious.

Mr. Stephen Osafo-Mensah, Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the center, disclosed this when briefing dignitaries at an exhibition mounted by the Center at Koforidua

He called on the government to give more attention and support to the center to enable it to advance in the research since it had the potential to reach a cure for the disease.

2.VICE-PRESIDENT CONDEMNS RELIGIOUS FANATICS – PGS. 1 & 3

Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Vice President, has condemned religious fanatics who sow seeds of religious intolerance to disturb the peace of the country.

He said it was wrong for any religious group to look down on other religions on the grounds of doctrine or the claim to superiority over other religious groups.

He was addressing worshipers at the Garrison Methodist/Presbyterian Church at the Burma Camp in commemoration of this year’s harvest of the church in Accra.

He advised that there should be no discrimination against anyone on the basis of sex, religion or belief, ethnic considerations or place of origin.

3.ASAMOAH-BOATENG ELECTED NPP CANDIDATE FOR MFANTSIMAN WEST – PG. 13

According to the paper, Mr. Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, Deputy Minister of Information, has been elected parliamentary candidate to contest the 2004 Seat in the Mfantsiman West Constituency on the ticket of the NPP.

He polled 98 votes as against 35 and three votes by his two other contenders, Mr. S. Ocran and Mr. Isaac Rockson, respectively in the primaries held at Saltpond.

Mr. Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, 45, was a Management Consultant in the UK.

He is one of the founding members of the NPP in the UK.

4.GOVT WILL NOT MEDDLE IN EC …ATTORNEY GENERAL – PG. 13

The government has given the assurance that it would not in any way undermine the independence of the Electoral Commission (EC).

It said the government respected the independence of the commission as it believed in the rule of law and would, therefore, not do anything, which was inconsistent with these principles.

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Papa Owusu Ankomah, gave the assurance in a speech read on his behalf at a lecture at the Ghana Armed Forces and Staff College, Teshie, in Accra.

Referring to the government’s earlier suggestion for the formation of a procurement committee for the EC, he noted, “the government conceded its initial position not because the intention was bad but because public sentiments could prejudice the EC which would be counter productive for our democracy”.

5.NUGS PRESIDENT DIES IN MOTOR ACCIDENT – PG. 17

Prince Abdul Hanan Adams, President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) died in a motor accident at Kibi in the Eastern in the early hours of Saturday.

He was traveling from Accra to Tamale.

Prince Adams was sworn into office about a month ago and only last week, addressed a press conference to demand an increment in the SSNIT Loan for students.

THE ACCRA DAILY MAIL – MONDAY, 27TH OCTOBER, 2003

1. KUFUOR’S ICT LEGACY ….. MAJOR FACELIFT FOR TELECOM – PGS. 1 & 3

The paper reports that, the telecommunications landscape is one industry, which is going to witness a major transformation beginning from the end of this year through a President Kufuor – facilitated loan facility from a financial institution in China.

According to the paper, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Telecommunications Company Mr. Ostein Bjorge who was recently in China, disclosed that the loan facility of $150m would be used to enhance the telecommunication – delivery system in the country.

The paper also discloses that the $150 m facility was secured by the chinese Export Credit Institute and concluded when the President visited China last year.

2. UN OPERATIONS FOR GHANAIAN COPS …UNDISCLOSED NUMBER READYING FOR LIBERIA – PGS. 1 & 3

Although the Police Public Relations Department would not give a specific figure of those being prepared to go for a UN Operation in Liberia, the paper has reliably learnt that some unit commanders have been tasked to submit names of those they wish to be considered for this mouthwatering assignment.

The paper says the international peacekeeping missions like the Liberian one, just unfolding, would offer the opportunity of a lifetime for many of the Cops, fortunate enough to be given the nod.

According to the paper, for many policemen and women, not forgetting their military counterparts, such assignments offer them opportunities to undertake personal projects on their return, which otherwise they would have been unable to do.

NATIONAL DEMOCRAT – MONDAY, 27TH OCTOBER, 2003

1.SACK THE AUDITOR-GENERAL…PROF. MILLS DEMANDS…HE IS TOO OLD – PGS. 1 & 3

Prof. Mills at an NDC Press Conference said, “unfortunately, the Auditor-General’s position, since the Kufuor government came to power, has been encumbered by an overaged official way past retirement who is constantly looking over his shoulder to see when he will be asked to pack and go home.

According to the paper, the foremost and time tested anti – corruption agency that Ghana has, both in terms of pre-empying corruption, through the post – expensive audit system, is the audit service and the office of the Auditor General.

The paper says his already unclear position has further been corrupted by the revelation of the fact that he had been awarded a hefty salary advance which appears to have breached all the rules and which have made it difficult for him to function effectively and stand up to the executive when he must.

2 O.O14 TRILLION WASTED AT VRA – PGS. 1 & 3

The paper reports that it is on record that the VRA fraudulently made a penalty payment of ?14 billion for not lifting crude oil on schedule when the company from which the crude oil was to have been lifted had not invoiced VRA for payment.

According to the paper, this possible fraud, corruption and causing financial loss associated with the VRA’s “Strategic Reserve Plant” which is yet to produce one kilowatt of power ever since it was installed six months ago with rental payment of $10 million which keeps on increasing at a rate of $1.38 million per month is one of the rumours and newspaper allegations of malfeasance yearning for investigation.

The paper questions, “whether President Kufuor will investigate these allegations, or he will dismiss them as allegations from useless newspapers, or ask those making the allegations to take them to the law enforcement agencies.”

THE GHANAIAN TIMES – MONDAY, 27TH OCTOBER, 2003

1.ABOAGYE MENSAH INDUCTED – PGS. 1 & 3

The paper reports that, Dr. Robert Aboagye-Mensah, former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, was yesterday inducted into office as the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana.

Bishop Aboagye-Mensah, the second to hold that post, will serve a six-year term under the constitution of the church.

His induction was performed by the Prelate, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Mbang, Chairman of the World Methodist Council (WMC).

Present at the special induction service organised at the Wesley Cathedral were President Kufuor, Ministers of State, members of the Council of State, MPs, members of the Diplomatic Corps, chiefs, leaders of various religious organizations and heads of various institutions.

2.HIV DRUG TO BE PRODUCED LOCALLY – PGS. 1 & 3

According to the paper, Ghana is to manufacture V-1, an HIV/AIDS drug, to make it available to persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH).

The project is at the instance of the Immunitor Corporation based in Thailand, patent holders and manufacturers of the pill, which has been proven to be an efficacious anti-retroviral vaccine after using the drug, many AIDS patients around the world, especially in Thailand, are said to have been raised up to their feet and relieved of various opportunistic diseases caused by their condition.

Dr. Bairinbaiar Aldar, Director of Scientific Research of Immunitor Corporation, disclosed this in Accra. He is in the country for negotiations with the project’s partners on how to fast-track production.

THE INDEPENDENT – MONDAY, 27TH OCTOBER, 2003

BOARD ROOM WRANGLING AT GHANAIR – PGS. 1 & BK. PG.

The paper reports that, Ghanair’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Philip Owusu last Friday showed his other side to colleague board members when he walked out of a board meeting threatening never to return.

The paper’s information had it that at a board meeting of the airline last Friday at which various issues affecting the airline were on the agenda, Mr. Philip Owusu expressed his frustration at certain actions of board chairman, Dr. E.R.K. Dwomoh.

According to the paper, when matters got to a head, he stormed out of the meeting with two other board members, chasing him to rescind his decision.

According to the paper, a stickler for principle, Mr. Owusu will not budge and left for home.

GYE NYAME CONCORD – MONDAY, 27TH OCTOBER, 2003

PLOT TO ASSASSINATE ATTA MILLS? NDC UNDER ATTACK …MILLS’ CAMPAIGN TEAM “STUPID AND CHILDISH” – KWADWO AFARI CLAIM IS “ABSURD AND RUBBISH” – DAN BOTWE – PG1. & BK. PG

The paper reports that, the NPP has fired off its own missiles at the NDC over the recent assertion by the Central Regional branch of the NDC that the NPP masterminded an assassination attempt on its flagbearer, Prof. Mills, last month.

For NPP General Secretary, Mr. Dan Botwe, the claims of the NDC are “absolutely absurd and rubbish”.

In an interview with the paper, he said they form part of NDC plan to frustrate and deceive Ghanaians, adding “killing has never been a tradition of the NPP”.

He consequently urged Ghanaians to treat the NDC claim with contempt, saying he believes that the NDC wants to use strategies of lies and fabrications to derail the NPP’s efforts to retain power in 2004.

But NPP press Secretary, Mr. Kwadwo Afari, who could not understand the basis for the NDC’s allegation, went for broke.

He said if Mills’ campaign team could be so “stupid and childish”, then they are not fit to rule this country and so should not be voted into office in 2004”.

The allegation, he added, is equally “stupid and childish”.

THE HERITAGE – MONDAY, 27TH OCTOBER, 2003

OBED IMPOSES VICE ON MILLS – PG. 1 & BK. PG

The paper reports that, its investigations conducted have revealed that the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Obed Asamoah, is literally imposing the Deputy General Secretary, Baba Jamal, on Prof. Mills as a running mate.

The paper says the NDC’s 2004 Presidential Candidate Atta Mills now has a running mate, even though not freely chosen and still being kept under wraps.

According to the paper’s special “deep throat” at the very center of the NDC, the acceptance of Dr. Asamoah’s man as the running mate of Prof. Mills is a precondition for his support for the Professor’s second attempt to be the capo at the castle, Osu.

THE GHANAIAN VOICE – MONDAY, 27TH OCTOBER, 2003

ALHAJI MUSTAPHA CRIES FOUL – PGS. 1 & 3

Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, Minister of Works and Housing, has cautioned the media to always cross check stories before “rushing” for publication.

According to him, this could avoid a situation where untruth published stories create bad blood between the media and a section of society.

Speaking in an interview with the paper in Accra on the alleged diversion of relief items in his constituency, he described the story as being unfair.

NETWORK HERAL – MONDAY, 27TH OCTOBER, 2003

1.LEGON AUTHORITIES ACCUSED OF APATHY – PGS. 1 & 3

The University of Ghana, Legon SRC, has described as cowardice and incompetence the failure of University authorities invited for an interaction with the student body as part of the SRC Week celebration, to turn up.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Asenso Okyere and other senior officials of the University all failed to turn up to grace the occasion students had seen as an opportunity to put across some pertinent questions to be addressed. Registrar A.T. Konu however arrived late into the programme to answer a few questions from students.

Speaking at the function last Wednesday, SRC President, Peter Nana Asiedu said the failure of the authorities to attend the programme was clear evidence the authorities knew they were not performing. They could not dare to face students.

He blamed the recent withdrawal of students for poor performance on the University authorities saying it was through no fault of most students.

2. BANTAMA UPSET WITH MP – PGS. 1 & 3

According to the paper, Roads and Transport Minister, Dr. Richard Anane’s inability to attend a constituency forum because of “an official assignment” has not gone down well with his constituents. With less than one and half year to the next general elections, the people of the Bantama constituency in Kumasi are gritting their teeth in anger at what they perceive as insensitivity on the part of their Parliamentary representative.

Dr. Anane did not only fail to appear at the first meeting at the Kumasi Cultural Center last Monday, he also failed to appear before his people at a rescheduled meeting organised by the Center for the Development of the People (CEDEP).