February 24, 2014 marked 48 years since Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was overthrown by the National Liberation Council (NLC) under the leadership of General Emmanuel K. Kotoka. This exclusive interview by veteran and seasoned j ... read full comment
February 24, 2014 marked 48 years since Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was overthrown by the National Liberation Council (NLC) under the leadership of General Emmanuel K. Kotoka. This exclusive interview by veteran and seasoned journalist and retired editor of the Christian Messenger, Mr G.B.K. OWUSU, gives an insight into the how and why the coup took place.
OWUSU: Why did you overthrow Dr. Kwame Nkrumah?
KOTOKA: The downward trend in our economic affairs resulting in high cost of living. This is due especially to extravagant use of the country’s funds on prestige projects and generally to maladministration, bribery and corruption, nepotism, special treatment of party activists, injustice, suppression and detention of political opponents and general disregard for the constitution.
OWUSU: Generally the NLC enjoys the support of almost all Ghanaians and peace-loving people of the world but not unnaturally the beneficiaries of Nkrumah would have wished him back as president. What safeguards have the NLC provided as security of the state in such a situation?
KOTOKA: I believe the beneficiaries who would like Nkrumah to come back are very few, indeed. It is well known that though some enjoy his generosity they know in their heart of hearts that what they are earning was undeserved. Although they might be sympathisers, it feels that most of them will do nothing to bring them back. However, normal security measures have been taken to prevent actions of subversion, and any person proved to be subversive will be mercilessly dealt with.
OWUSU: Of what use will Nkrumah’s secret military camps be put?
KOTOKA: Although this has not been fully decided, some may be used by the National Army for training purposes.
OWUSU: Now that the disbanded presidential guards have been absorbed into the Army, what observation have you made in respect of their attitude and deportment since the coup?
KOTOKA: Members of the disbanded presidential guards were recruited from the National Army, whether they liked it or not. Having been absorbed back into the National Army they are actually relieved and are very happy among their old friends.
OWUSU: Conscious of the risk involved in the operation of the coup, did you Sir, make any provision for your family in event it proved futile?
KOTOKA: I did not for one moment think of its failure. At any rate I knew my family and any relative of mine would have been killed in case of failure. Therefore, I made no provision for them.
OWUSU: As the Commander of the Ghana Armed Forces, what are your immediate plans?
KOTOKA: I wish I could tell you; but military plans are always secret.
OWUSU: What changes have you observed in the Ghana press since the fall of Nkrumah?
KOTOKA: The press is now free to publish whatever they like within, of course, the normal regulations. They have been doing so, even to extent of criticising the NLC.
OWUSU: Could you furnish me with the background of the coup?
KOTOKA: No.
OWUSU: Thank you very much for your patience. God bless you and the members of the NLC
the vaccines derive from the herbs could have been a source of economic potentials or NATURAL RESOURCES [a substance in its natural state that will be used to make something else in an industrial process].raw material
the vaccines derive from the herbs could have been a source of economic potentials or NATURAL RESOURCES [a substance in its natural state that will be used to make something else in an industrial process].raw material
CNN News 9 years ago
Vaccines are not make from herbs
Vaccines are not make from herbs
MENSAH. 9 years ago
You are right.
I think he means the cell sap extracted from the herbs(medicinal products) could be formulated into active ingredients,needed for other purposes,as well.
You are right.
I think he means the cell sap extracted from the herbs(medicinal products) could be formulated into active ingredients,needed for other purposes,as well.
The Mask 9 years ago
There are many fields where Ghana lacks the needed expertise. To solve this problem the government of Ghana has over the decades made scholarships available for the needed human resource to be trained abroad. In some cases so ... read full comment
There are many fields where Ghana lacks the needed expertise. To solve this problem the government of Ghana has over the decades made scholarships available for the needed human resource to be trained abroad. In some cases so many people were sent and not even one returned. If you know you are not prepared to work and live in Ghana and would therefore not return do not take the scholarships.
The Takoradi Poly Students who were sacked for applying with fake certificates must be prosecuted in a court of competent jurisdiction. Just sacking them is not enough.
Nowadays businesses and government organisations have stopped demanding Secondary School Certificate or Basic Education Certificate.
Each of these certificates are important. For example for many tertiary graduates the only certificate that can tell whether one can speak good English or whether one has adequate knowledge of Mathematics is the Secondary School Certificate.
Similarly the only certificate that can tell whether a tertiary graduate has basic knowledge of Ghanaian history, culture, agriculture and the basic geography of West Africa is the Basic Education Certificate.
Sage 9 years ago
the Government does not like to do things in the right way to help the people of this country but we know things will be better some day. I use herbal products and its very good
the Government does not like to do things in the right way to help the people of this country but we know things will be better some day. I use herbal products and its very good
MENSAH. 9 years ago
Some of the herbal medicines are very good.
I remember,I once bought some in a bus,about twenty six years ago,made for deworming hookworms.
To my surprise,it dislodged more than six hundred pieces from my body.
When I cam ... read full comment
Some of the herbal medicines are very good.
I remember,I once bought some in a bus,about twenty six years ago,made for deworming hookworms.
To my surprise,it dislodged more than six hundred pieces from my body.
When I came to CANADA,my first family doctor,was shocked to see that,I was free of worms,in my body.
He said,this was the first time,he has seen someone from WEST AFRICA,that has no worms in the stomach.
I will encourage the handlers,to be very serious on this training,so something beneficial could be accrued from their formulations.
I pray that God should open their inner minds to discern lots of these herbs,to make many concoctions that will help in healing many diseases and sicknesses.
Watcher 9 years ago
Why could this piece not have asked something more interesting such as talking about all the uses of moringa; soap, cream, ointment, tea, oil, fertilizer, but, perhaps most important as a food source and supplement against ma ... read full comment
Why could this piece not have asked something more interesting such as talking about all the uses of moringa; soap, cream, ointment, tea, oil, fertilizer, but, perhaps most important as a food source and supplement against malnutrition, to say nothing of its export potential? Maybe it or another tree could even be the source of wood pulp needed for the manufacture of sanitary pads and incontinence products (diapers and pull-ups)?
But, when a journalist has the opportunity to talk with Dr. Kofi Annan, why not take the opportunity to ask his opinion on current world events, his thoughts on the 20th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide this year, Boko Haram, relations between Christians, Muslims, and Jews, how Ghana can partner with India on technology such as getting the Aakash tablet into the hands of Ghanaian students or bringing Arunachalam Muruganantham (Menstrual Man) and his sanitary pad machine to Ghana?
Watcher 9 years ago
Search for the article: "A folk remedy for killer Ebola" (Old UK article 9/27/99) which discusses using garcinia.
Wiki states: "Preliminary study of the plant in the 1990s showed signs that it may benefit ebola victims by ... read full comment
Search for the article: "A folk remedy for killer Ebola" (Old UK article 9/27/99) which discusses using garcinia.
Wiki states: "Preliminary study of the plant in the 1990s showed signs that it may benefit ebola victims by slowing down multiplication of the viruses". Also states: "Garcinia kola is traditionally used by African medicinemen who believe that it has purgative, antiparasitic, and antimicrobial properties. The seeds are used for bronchitis, throat infections, colic, head or chest colds, and cough. It is also used for liver disorders and as a chewing stick."
Watcher 9 years ago
I'm also interested in where the nopal or prickly pear cactus could be cultivated and where prickly pear cactus or nopal grows? And, of course, look at their uses and benefits.
I'm also interested in where the nopal or prickly pear cactus could be cultivated and where prickly pear cactus or nopal grows? And, of course, look at their uses and benefits.
Alexander Illi 9 years ago
Where to get seeds or cuttings and so on from such plants.
Plenty of useful plants for food and medicine could be grown in Ghana, but are hard to find.
For example, I have maracuja in my garden/farm, and they grow very, ver ... read full comment
Where to get seeds or cuttings and so on from such plants.
Plenty of useful plants for food and medicine could be grown in Ghana, but are hard to find.
For example, I have maracuja in my garden/farm, and they grow very, very well.
So many plants with high natural potential are still under-utilised,
and also alternative, sustainable methods of cultivation without "slash and burn", for example groundcover with mucuna-beans (eduah appiah) as improved fallows, Evergreen Agrciculture, Vetiver System (I have Faidherbia and Vetiver on my farm), "Africa's Breadfruit Revolution" ASO.
Also, so many Ghanaian plants, e.g bushes and native trees, are still just titled as useless "weed" (Twi: ehura) and burned down or cut. A lot of those surely have medicinal potential and other useful functions.
There should be Centers for the exchange of rare seeds and plants in Ghana.
Watcher 9 years ago
Drive Aid Ghana has a moringa project and farmers are planting seedlings, I believe. I'm trying to source the others locally.
I also believe we need to tap into the potential of avocado leaves which I seem to have read so ... read full comment
Drive Aid Ghana has a moringa project and farmers are planting seedlings, I believe. I'm trying to source the others locally.
I also believe we need to tap into the potential of avocado leaves which I seem to have read somewhere are a natural source of cortisone.
MENSAH. 9 years ago
ABURI BOTANICAL GARDEN MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP YOU.
Please,contact them.
ABURI BOTANICAL GARDEN MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP YOU.
Please,contact them.
CNN News 9 years ago
Dr Annan could you please provide us with figures to support your claims
Dr Annan could you please provide us with figures to support your claims
NANA BAAH 9 years ago
This is an important field to be looked into: what is needed is the capital/funds to make reseach.
Alternative medicines have been helping in some areas when used correctly.
This is an important field to be looked into: what is needed is the capital/funds to make reseach.
Alternative medicines have been helping in some areas when used correctly.
February 24, 2014 marked 48 years since Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was overthrown by the National Liberation Council (NLC) under the leadership of General Emmanuel K. Kotoka. This exclusive interview by veteran and seasoned j ...
read full comment
the vaccines derive from the herbs could have been a source of economic potentials or NATURAL RESOURCES [a substance in its natural state that will be used to make something else in an industrial process].raw material
Vaccines are not make from herbs
You are right.
I think he means the cell sap extracted from the herbs(medicinal products) could be formulated into active ingredients,needed for other purposes,as well.
There are many fields where Ghana lacks the needed expertise. To solve this problem the government of Ghana has over the decades made scholarships available for the needed human resource to be trained abroad. In some cases so ...
read full comment
the Government does not like to do things in the right way to help the people of this country but we know things will be better some day. I use herbal products and its very good
Some of the herbal medicines are very good.
I remember,I once bought some in a bus,about twenty six years ago,made for deworming hookworms.
To my surprise,it dislodged more than six hundred pieces from my body.
When I cam ...
read full comment
Why could this piece not have asked something more interesting such as talking about all the uses of moringa; soap, cream, ointment, tea, oil, fertilizer, but, perhaps most important as a food source and supplement against ma ...
read full comment
Search for the article: "A folk remedy for killer Ebola" (Old UK article 9/27/99) which discusses using garcinia.
Wiki states: "Preliminary study of the plant in the 1990s showed signs that it may benefit ebola victims by ...
read full comment
I'm also interested in where the nopal or prickly pear cactus could be cultivated and where prickly pear cactus or nopal grows? And, of course, look at their uses and benefits.
Where to get seeds or cuttings and so on from such plants.
Plenty of useful plants for food and medicine could be grown in Ghana, but are hard to find.
For example, I have maracuja in my garden/farm, and they grow very, ver ...
read full comment
Drive Aid Ghana has a moringa project and farmers are planting seedlings, I believe. I'm trying to source the others locally.
I also believe we need to tap into the potential of avocado leaves which I seem to have read so ...
read full comment
ABURI BOTANICAL GARDEN MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP YOU.
Please,contact them.
Dr Annan could you please provide us with figures to support your claims
This is an important field to be looked into: what is needed is the capital/funds to make reseach.
Alternative medicines have been helping in some areas when used correctly.