We will not hasten to sign EPA – Mahama assures

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FACT 9 years ago

VERY SOON YOU WILL BE BLIND JDM.

VERY SOON YOU WILL BE BLIND JDM.
Zoobie-Zoobie 9 years ago

No!!! He has been bought and paid for. He will sign EPA regardless.

No!!! He has been bought and paid for. He will sign EPA regardless.
insight to the bone 9 years ago

the problem with this northern mentality is that thanks to jj they now all have an unquenchable thirst for power but never to serve in a team or accept their fellow countrymen . just look around in Accra and study the majorit ...
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the problem with this northern mentality is that thanks to jj they now all have an unquenchable thirst for power but never to serve in a team or accept their fellow countrymen . just look around in Accra and study the majority of the businesses owned by these northerners and in the majority of the medium and Small sized businesses you notice they only employ their fellow northerners and practically never employ an Akan . Today in Accra the largest religious building in the country will be the mosque being build on our national park at Nima donated by Turkey confirming the Islamic domination of Ghana. Tribalism mixed with chauvinism and despotism from the north has now equaled the hegemony of the ewes . A.C.C.R.A any criminal can roam about so we have them everywhere now . even at the scholarship secretariat hardly ever is an Akan awarded the privilege to go abroad and study now . The Akans are the majority but because most continue to sleep or blindly trust the other tribes these atrocities are taking place . We look at the political strategy of the NDC and see the typical Hannibal wench when he turned the strengths of the mighty Roman army against themselves as they are doing to the Akans . From the south they use part of the Fantis and from the North the Brongs , from behind we have the chariot onslaught of the Gas Ewes Krobos. Yes the political landscape reflects a war which is only meant to destroy the right of self governance of the God's chosen nation of Africa the Akan . For them its a big deal who leads the NPP but we really don't care as our movement grows stronger by the hour as more and more Akans wake up to reality of this dire situation . We did not ask for this war but we will fight it and be victorious as God is with us . Long live the Republic of Akan
The Change Agent 9 years ago

Your ethnic hatred clouds your reasoning. We are all Ghanians - there is good and bad in every one (tribe).

Stop calling Northerners derogative names - and work together to build a better Ghana for all. Otherwise you end u ...
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Your ethnic hatred clouds your reasoning. We are all Ghanians - there is good and bad in every one (tribe).

Stop calling Northerners derogative names - and work together to build a better Ghana for all. Otherwise you end up with a bunch of greedy, selfish jokers masquerading as "leaders" - who will gladly sell you and your descendants to the white man - whilst you're busy hating on your Northern brothers.
Americano 9 years ago

This guy talks too much. Mr President what have been your achievements so far? You have made your mind already to sign it tell the truth. Mahama "nie" Woyome "nie". You and Woyome are brothers period!

This guy talks too much. Mr President what have been your achievements so far? You have made your mind already to sign it tell the truth. Mahama "nie" Woyome "nie". You and Woyome are brothers period!
PAUL 9 years ago

Mr. Americano should note that the topic under discussion is neither NDC nor NPP,BUT RATHER AN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIR, so if you don't have any reasonable contribution, please don't come here. We are tired of your party affilia ...
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Mr. Americano should note that the topic under discussion is neither NDC nor NPP,BUT RATHER AN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIR, so if you don't have any reasonable contribution, please don't come here. We are tired of your party affiliations.
Zoobie-Zoobie 9 years ago

No!!! He has been bought and paid for. He will sign regardless.

No!!! He has been bought and paid for. He will sign regardless.
GODFRED 9 years ago

IS IT NOT STUPIDITY TO GO ABOUT CAMPAIGNING ON ONE HAND FOR INCREASING PATRONAGE FOR MADE IN GHANA GOODS AND ON THE OTHER HAND INTRODUCING A BIG SHOCK OF COMPETITION FROM EUROPE TO MADE IN GHANA GOODS?
IF ITB IS NOT STUPIDIT ...
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IS IT NOT STUPIDITY TO GO ABOUT CAMPAIGNING ON ONE HAND FOR INCREASING PATRONAGE FOR MADE IN GHANA GOODS AND ON THE OTHER HAND INTRODUCING A BIG SHOCK OF COMPETITION FROM EUROPE TO MADE IN GHANA GOODS?
IF ITB IS NOT STUPIDITY, SOMEBODY SHOULD TELL ME WHAT IT IS.....STUPIDITY
The Change Agent 9 years ago

You're making far too much sense - are you sure you're a Ghanaian?

I can bet my bottom dollar (or should that be Cedi?) that you are not a Ghanaian politician - you have far too much sense!

You're making far too much sense - are you sure you're a Ghanaian?

I can bet my bottom dollar (or should that be Cedi?) that you are not a Ghanaian politician - you have far too much sense!
EZEKIEL 9 years ago

The EPA in it's PRESENT FORM is a "Trojan Horse". DON'T sign it !! The SECOND SELLING OUT of Africa should NOT happen THIS TIME!
DON'T FORGET the Slavery......it was for our own good..TO "TAME THE SAVAGES"!!

The EPA in it's PRESENT FORM is a "Trojan Horse". DON'T sign it !! The SECOND SELLING OUT of Africa should NOT happen THIS TIME!
DON'T FORGET the Slavery......it was for our own good..TO "TAME THE SAVAGES"!!
DONBOLI 9 years ago

John Mahama has putting his brains back in his head. Hannah is a corrupted government office who wants to sell ghana. Ghana and some african countries sign the same agreement in 2000 june in Cotonou. What is wrong with that a ...
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John Mahama has putting his brains back in his head. Hannah is a corrupted government office who wants to sell ghana. Ghana and some african countries sign the same agreement in 2000 june in Cotonou. What is wrong with that agreement to be wanting a new one.
EU still thinks africa belongs to them even after independence.
Keep your brain on John Mahama.
A GHANAIAN 9 years ago

The New International Economic Order was a proposal from developing countries, not the West and yet, these people managed to find loopholes in what we planned ourselves. What would you expect if this time round it is coming f ...
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The New International Economic Order was a proposal from developing countries, not the West and yet, these people managed to find loopholes in what we planned ourselves. What would you expect if this time round it is coming from them. Today and more than ever before, it is the survival of the fittest, period. Recession is staring in the faces of Europe and America and the UN is there to support their interests. When the devil wants serves you with poison, he always makes sure there is a sugar coating around it. Just refuse to sign, period. We all rally behind Nigeria in spite of their seemingly selfish trade practices.
ko 9 years ago

I will vote for him if he doesn't sign this slavery agreement. For once think about the future and not what you will eat today

I will vote for him if he doesn't sign this slavery agreement. For once think about the future and not what you will eat today
The Change Agent 9 years ago

"For once think about the future and not what you will eat today" - very sage advice indeed, but I fear this will fall on deaf ears.

Asking the average Ghanaian (and by extension, their hapless "leaders") to think beyond w ...
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"For once think about the future and not what you will eat today" - very sage advice indeed, but I fear this will fall on deaf ears.

Asking the average Ghanaian (and by extension, their hapless "leaders") to think beyond what to eat today is next to impossible. There is a whole culture based on leaving worrying about tomorrow to some mythical white bearded guy in the sky.

I have grave misgivings about this EPA, but I am also realistic enough to know that it will be signed by this government or the next (in one form or the other).

Why? The feckless "leaders" are too selfish, greedy and lack vision, and the general population is not very intelligent, and can be bought off with "bread and circuses".
OKOROMANSA 9 years ago

YOU BETTER STOP MAKING NOISE AGAIN, MAHAMA. YOU ARE POSITIVE THAT GHANA'S ECONOMY WILL BE STRONG BY THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR. JUST KEEP QUIET AND STOP ANNOYING GHANAIANS. ENOUGH OF VAIN PROMISES FROM A USELESS GOVENMENT THA ...
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YOU BETTER STOP MAKING NOISE AGAIN, MAHAMA. YOU ARE POSITIVE THAT GHANA'S ECONOMY WILL BE STRONG BY THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR. JUST KEEP QUIET AND STOP ANNOYING GHANAIANS. ENOUGH OF VAIN PROMISES FROM A USELESS GOVENMENT THAT CAN'T MAKE ANY GOOD DECISIONS.
Kwame Dompreh 9 years ago

African Ministers of Trade and experts in trade and regional integration have aligned with Nigeria’s position on the trade liberalisation deal with the European Union under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), saying i ...
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African Ministers of Trade and experts in trade and regional integration have aligned with Nigeria’s position on the trade liberalisation deal with the European Union under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), saying it will have a long-term negative impact on the continent’s efforts towards industrialisation and job creation.

The ministers spoke during the Extra-ordinary Session of the Conference of African Union Ministers of Trade in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Wednesday.

The meeting was convened to discuss Africa’s common position ahead of the October 1 deadline for signing of the EPA with the EU; the establishment of the Common Free Trade Area (CFTA) by 2015; extension of African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by the American Government for 15 more years; and Africa’s strategic response to World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations, among others.

While reiterating Nigeria’s position on EPA, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said, “Nigeria’s position on EPA is very clear. Africa is on the rise. It is a very big and strategic market for any trading partner. That is what the EU wants from us but Africa must jealously protect what it has.

“We should leverage our abundant natural resources and large market to develop our industries; create jobs for our people; increase intra-African trade and achieve regional integration. We must not be in a hurry to give away what we have. We must not sign an agreement without first of all carrying out a robust economic analysis of the overall impact the agreement will have on the region, our children and future generations.”

Zambian Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Mr. Robert Sichinga, said he agreed with Nigeria’s position, noting that rather than jeopardising their industrialisation and job creation drive by hastily signing the EPA, African countries should work towards enhancing regional integration and intra-African Trade through value addition of their abundant raw materials, “especially in the areas where they have competitive and comparative advantage.”

He said, “Just like Nigeria has pointed out, before we sign the EPA, we should consider the impact on our children and the future of the continent in terms of industrialisation, job creation and regional integration. I want to state that as long as we have not appended our signatures to the agreement, then there is no agreement. Also, I believe that it is better not to sign an agreement at all than to sign a bad one.”

The African Union Commissioner for Trade and Industry, Mr. Fatima Haram, also agreed that signing the EPA would have a negative impact on Africa’s industrialisation, job creation and regional integration of African countries.

Haram said, “Just as Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, has pointed out, industrialisation is an issue that is very critical to the economic and political survival of African countries. If we sign the EPA as it is today, it is going to be difficult for us to integrate because of different Custom Areas.

“Let us be realistic and look at our statistics. The population of Africa is growing very rapidly. Statistics shows that more than 50 per cent of our population are between 18 and 30 years. If we sign the EPA, how do we create the jobs that we require for our growing population; how do we stop the illegal migration of our youths to developed countries?”

Similarly, the Minister of Trade and Private Sector Promotion, Republic of Niger, Mr. Alma Oumarou, said there was the need for African countries to realistically evaluate the impact of EPA before signing.

“We support the position of Nigeria on EPA and should also take a cue from what they have done in terms of carrying out a study on the impact assessment of the implications of signing the EPA,” he said.

Aganga, however, stressed that it was also very important not to do anything that would undermine Africa’s regional integration.
“Whilst it is important to look into the October 1, 2014, deadline for the signing of EPA, we should also fully examine the impact of the withdrawal of market access by EU after this deadline. If it is necessary, Africa should look at ways of compensating member countries that will suffer losses as a result of this withdrawal. We must not be in a hurry to sign an EPA if it will not be in the overall best interest of the continent,” he said.
The Change Agent 9 years ago

Never thought I'd say this, but Nigeria, (sentient) West African's are proud of you and your stance.

You may have problems at home, but you still have your dignity - something the average Ghanaian wouldn't recognize if it ...
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Never thought I'd say this, but Nigeria, (sentient) West African's are proud of you and your stance.

You may have problems at home, but you still have your dignity - something the average Ghanaian wouldn't recognize if it punched him in the face.
MOGADISHU 9 years ago

YOU ARE TOOLS OF THE NPP, THE MAIN AGENT OF NEO-COLONIALISM IN GHANA. YOU ARE NO PATRIOTS. WHAT YOU ARE DOING IS PLAYING POLITICS. WHY DIDN'T YOU ADVISE KUFUOR YOUR PAYMASTER NOT TO INITIAL THE AGREEMENT?

YOU ARE TOOLS OF THE NPP, THE MAIN AGENT OF NEO-COLONIALISM IN GHANA. YOU ARE NO PATRIOTS. WHAT YOU ARE DOING IS PLAYING POLITICS. WHY DIDN'T YOU ADVISE KUFUOR YOUR PAYMASTER NOT TO INITIAL THE AGREEMENT?
The Change Agent 9 years ago

Whilst our futures are being effectively sold (yet again) to the white man - all you an do is to fight along tribal and political parties.

You know (just a thought), but perhaps some Ghanaians really need to be sold off as ...
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Whilst our futures are being effectively sold (yet again) to the white man - all you an do is to fight along tribal and political parties.

You know (just a thought), but perhaps some Ghanaians really need to be sold off as slaves.
TEE 9 years ago

MAHAMA INCOMPETENT FOOL. HE HAS NO SESNCE PERIOD

MAHAMA INCOMPETENT FOOL. HE HAS NO SESNCE PERIOD
Goateater 9 years ago

Instead of explaining the pros or cons of the EPA, our prez says he 'will

Instead of explaining the pros or cons of the EPA, our prez says he 'will
Goateater 9 years ago

Instead of explaining the pros or cons of the EPA, our prez says he 'will not hasten' to sign. In order words, he will take his time - but will eventually sign it. Though every notable national institution is against this ins ...
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Instead of explaining the pros or cons of the EPA, our prez says he 'will not hasten' to sign. In order words, he will take his time - but will eventually sign it. Though every notable national institution is against this insidious agreement, the prez seems oblivious to common sense. Some leadership indeed.
no mercy 9 years ago

Mr Mahama don´t sell Ghana,you have stollen
Ghanians Gold,your brother is having
Jet-liner,you are thief

Mr Mahama don´t sell Ghana,you have stollen
Ghanians Gold,your brother is having
Jet-liner,you are thief
DusTY-FooT-pHiloSophER 9 years ago

No Comment.

No Comment.
Antiochus - London 9 years ago

This big lair has signed the pact already. He is just throwing dust into our eyes.

This big lair has signed the pact already. He is just throwing dust into our eyes.
Spiky 9 years ago

In all this EPA saga, what is the NPP's official position on the issue? Do they approve of it that Ghana and ECOWAS should sign it or not? Silence speaks volumes, and I will be surprised if they (NPP) are against signing the ...
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In all this EPA saga, what is the NPP's official position on the issue? Do they approve of it that Ghana and ECOWAS should sign it or not? Silence speaks volumes, and I will be surprised if they (NPP) are against signing the EPA, given their historical links with the west. If my suspicions hold true then there is no basis debating the issue: NDC or NPP in power amounts to the country being sold for peanuts, and Prof. Watson could not have drawn a better conclusion than he did: Africans have not responded intelligently to their problems and as such do not deserve the kind of social policies designed by the west for their citizens!
foxnews 9 years ago

Good question,where are all those journalist in the likes of kwesi pratt,kweku beeko and the rest who goes on radio stations and make alot of noise.Go get Alan kyeremanteng,Akuffo Addo and Mahama to give answers but they choo ...
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Good question,where are all those journalist in the likes of kwesi pratt,kweku beeko and the rest who goes on radio stations and make alot of noise.Go get Alan kyeremanteng,Akuffo Addo and Mahama to give answers but they choose to make noise on radio every day.
EZEKIEL 9 years ago

That's a REALLY good question. WHAT IS THE STAND OF NPP ON EPA ?? Now, they are QUIET and when the govt signs and they come to rule in 2030, they'll say they were AGAINST THE EPA all along!!
We know them. They know it ALL BE ...
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That's a REALLY good question. WHAT IS THE STAND OF NPP ON EPA ?? Now, they are QUIET and when the govt signs and they come to rule in 2030, they'll say they were AGAINST THE EPA all along!!
We know them. They know it ALL BETTER to even taking us to HIPC !!!
Ceeboy Dangerman 9 years ago

NPP are business minded and surely support the EPA.You know what; silence means POSITIVE. But do you realize that EPA is all about give and take. All this within the laws of the our land. So lets do business, put in place me ...
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NPP are business minded and surely support the EPA.You know what; silence means POSITIVE. But do you realize that EPA is all about give and take. All this within the laws of the our land. So lets do business, put in place measures that benefit us and stop the talking unnecessarily. The benefits of EPA in the long term is far better than nothing.

We will not hasten to sign EPA – Mahama assures

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