EE
The combined wealth of the 40 richest Africans is $64.9 billion – more than Thailand’s 40 richest (at $45 billion) but less than Taiwan’s (at $92.7billion). So who made it to the 2011 Africa’s rich list?
FR
wer P
RICHEST
AFRICANS
2011 Page 36
THE GHANA NATIONAL
THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
NEWS
DECEMBER 2011 - JANUARY 2012 www.powernewspaper.com ISSUE 2
PHOTO OF THE YEAR
The day JAK and Rawlings danced to ‘Aben wo ha’ Page 4
THRILLER IN GHANILA 12MONTHS TO GO... Round 1... Page 13
BILL GATES MAD @ FOREIGNERS MILKING AFRICA DRY... Page 35
Aki Weds Page 22
2
FREE NEWSPAPER
DECEMBER - JANUARY
From Editor-In-Chief
The Team Editor-In-Chief Eric B. M. Adu
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Why We’re So
POOR
Ghana Editor Akua Boakye-Yiadom
FREE
Patron J. C. Andoh Contributors As Listed Within Design Easy Media Group
www.ghanaianpower.com
EMPOWERING OUR DEMOCRACY
wer P
UK Editors Akosua Bonsu Henry Osei
GHANA
Parent Company Aduworld Group Contact powernews@live.co.uk
www.powernewspaper.com 24hr Line: +44(0)79 4028 6788
Eric B. M. Adu
For the majority part of my adult life, I’ve emotionally been pondering over why Africa can be so poor with such vast rich natural resources. All we seem to do best is always beg for food and butter from
abroad. Charity for Africa here charity for Africa there! Its heart breaking that majority of the worlds poorest countries today are in Africa. Countries like South Africa, Egypt and Libya are doing us proud in terms of their self sustainability and development. Although in recent years absolute poverty in Africa has shown slight falls, Africa is getting relatively poorer on average. I know the question on your mind is, why? Well, I’ve noticed that financial aid going to African countries has often been mostly emergency food aid needed as short-term help with famines, and any longer-term aid has often been misappropriated for personal wealth by corrupt officials. Moreso, where useful financial aid has been supplied to African countries it has often been in the form of loans with high interest
By: Eric B. M. Adu
P werFM MORE HITZ. MORE POWER.
LISTEN LIVE AT...
JUNE 16, LONDON
rates that poor countries find too expensive a debt burden. Also, Africa’s natural resources have been mostly monopolised by European, American and recently Chinese companies largely milking African countries very dry. Again, civil wars and inadequate government. This may be in part due to many African countries being artificial colonial creations with borders that make sustainable government more difficult. Lastly, the terms of trade set by richer countries tend often to exploit Africa and give unfairly low price for exports of commodities such as cocoa, tea, coffee, and other export products. As Nelson Mandela said: “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity, it is an act of justice”. Thank you and best of 2012.
www.mypowerfm.com
3
DECEMBER - JANUARY
www.powernewspaper.com
FREE NEWSPAPER
NewsAfrica
THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
American Supermodel defends Gadhafi Family, loses job Vanessa Hessler
An American model who has appeared in ads for Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani and L’Oreal lost her biggest client Monday after she defended boyfriend Mutassim Gadhafi and the Gadhafi family in an interview with Italian media. Vanessa Hessler, a blonde, long-legged 23-year-old ItalianAmerican model, said that she had shared a “very beautiful love story” of four years with Mutassim Gadhafi, the 36-year-old son and heir of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi who died with his father in a last stand outside the Libyan city of Sirte on Oct. 21.
Hessler also said that the West had made a mistake in backing the rebels who ended Moammar Gadhafi’s 42-year reign. “We, France and the United Kingdom, financed the rebels but people don’t know what they are doing,” Hessler told Italian magazine Diva e Donna, adding that she is disgusted by what is happening in Libya and that “the Gaddafi family is not how they are being depicted, they are normal people.” On Monday, Telefonica Germany fired Hessler from a job that had made her instantly recognizable to television viewers across
Germany, France and Italy. For several years, Hessler had been known to the public as “Alice,” the onscreen spokeswoman for the company’s “Alice” internet service, but Telefonica declared an immediate end to the relationship with a Tweet. Telefonica said the model’s romantic relationships were “private business,” but the company “cannot accept her comments on the Libya conflict.” Hessler’s Facebook page, however, has been flowing with messages of support from her fans congratulating her on her “courage and honesty”. One fan consoled her on her firing with a picture that reads: “Stand for what is right even if you stand alone.” The model was born to an American father and an Italian mother and spent much of her formative years in Washington, D.C.
Rwanda gives DR Congo back tonnes of smuggled minerals At least 70 tonnes of smuggled minerals seized by Rwandan police is being handed back to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a sign of improved relations between the two neighbours. The minerals include cassiterite, or tin ore, as well as coltan, used in devices such as mobile phones. The return of the materials follows new international regulations aimed at cleaning up the mineral sector. DR Congo’s mineral wealth has been a major factor in years of conflict. Armed groups - local and foreign - have seized control of many mines in the east, bordering Rwanda and few Congolese have
benefited from their country’s vast mineral wealth. Rwanda has twice invaded DR Congo saying it was fighting rebel groups based there but its army has been accused of looting minerals during the conflict in which an estimated five million people died. The handover ceremony at the border is a sign of the greatly improved relations between two countries that have often been bitter enemies.
Mo Ibrahim's message to dictators: "Please retire, otherwise Tahrir square is coming to your country."
African dictators warned: 'Your time is up'
Sudanese billionaire and communications mogul Mo Ibrahim has issued a warning to African leaders clinging to power, saying people are no longer prepared to put up with bad governance on the continent. Ibrahim says the face of Africa has changed and the Arab Spring has shown the world that the younger generation are not afraid to demand change. “There’s a lot of African people who are educated and well informed and that’s a better generation than ours and those people wont take nonsense,” he said. “These are the people that went out in Tahrir Square, Tunis and Libya and bred havoc,” he added. African dictators warned ‘time’s up’ The businessman’s remarks come as his foundation awards its annual prize for good governance and leadership in Africa. I think the quality of leaders coming to Africa now are really improving a lot and what is important
in Africa is the rise in civil society. “The pressure from civil society, I’m sure is going to bring forward and produce more and more wonderful leaders for our future,” he continued. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea and Angola’s President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos are two of the longest running leaders in Africa. Both have been head of their respective countries for 32 years. While Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe has been in power for 31 years since 1980. However, Ibrahim believes that the game is up for leaders who cling to power for 30 to 40-years. His cites Libya’s former leader for 41-years, Moammar Gaddafi, as an example. “The message is clear to all this kind of generation of leadership: gentlemen time is up,” he said. “Please retire, otherwise Tahrir square is coming to your country.” By: Stephanie Busari and Emily Wither
TO ADVERTISE CALL: 07940286788 OR EMAIL: powernews@live.co.uk
4
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power News
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Ghana, Ivory Coast border dispute intensifies…
The day JAK and Rawlings danced to ‘Aben wo ha’ It was a nostalgic and touching feeling at the maiden edition of the “Legends and Legacy Ball” concert at the Accra International conference Centre. Among the several dignitaries who graced the historic event were former Presidents Jerry John Rawlings, his wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor. The event brought lots of unity
and love between the two former First families who are from two opposing sides of the political divide. Even their sitting arrangement said it all. Mr. and Mrs. Rawlings were seated on the right, Daddy Lumba in the middle with ex-president Kufuor and his special aide on the left. The two interacted with each other and even shared jokes in the full glare of and to the delight of the over 2000 people who attended
the show. The climax of it all was when Mr and Mrs Rawlings, and Kuffour took to the stage as the man of the night DL was performing his biggest hit song “Aben wo ha”. Daddy Lumba expressed his excitement and thanked the two former Presidents for setting a good example for the younger generation.
An oil dispute could break out between Ghana and neighboring Ivory Coast if immediate steps are not taken to redefine the boundaries between the two nations. Ivorian authorities have been meeting with some oil companies in Ghana ordering them to stop their operations. Ivory Coast is reportedly laying claim to portions of the huge oil wealth in the deep waters of the Western region of Ghana. In the new development, Ivory Coast is laying claim to much of Tullow Oil’s Jubilee, Tweneboa, Enyenra and Owo discoveries, among others, plus the West Tano1X find and several prospects. Checks indicate that even though talks between Ghana and Ivory Coast have not been concluded, Ivory Coast now plans to develop its own gas processing infrastructure, ostensibly duplicating proposals advanced by Ghana. Officials at that country’s oil company Petroci unveiled a controversial map last week that redraws the maritime border between the two nations, which have been in long-running talks over the disputed area. Meanwhile, the Jubilee Partners have already raised concerns about the boundary problem. Texas-based oil explorer, Kosmos Energy has expressed fears about the development. The oil producer says the future of a portion of its license in the Deepwater Tano Block is uncertain as the issue remains unresolved. Kosmos fears it may lose some of its license if changes are made to the maritime boundary demarcation between Ghana and Ivory Coast. Uncertainty remains with regard to the outcome of the boundary demarcation between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire and we do not know if the maritime boundary will change, therefore affecting Ghana’s rights to explore and develop its discoveries or prospects within such areas.
5
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power News
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Gov’t looses another landmark case, reduce fuel price - Court Orders Women don’t want to enter politics because of how vicious it is -VEEP Vice President, John Mahama is blaming the difficulty in appointing women to frontline positions, especially in political and public offices, on their reluctance to put themselves forward. He acknowledged that this is partly because of the vindictive nature of politics in Ghana but says women must be bold to take up such challenges. According to the Vice President, women can make great impact on poverty reduction, especially at the district assembly, level if they show interest in such elective offices. John Mahama, who is attending the 21st biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, in Perth, Australia, was interacting
with the Ghanaian media. He said “because of the kind of politics we have – it can be quite vicious – and so a lot of women are reluctant to put themselves forward for elective office particularly. We need to encourage more women to come out, to be courageous to come into our politics both at the local and the national level.” Special Adviser to the President, Christiana Amoako Nuamah who is among the delegation called on the media to use their platforms to promote affirmative action. She said the media can play an integral role in changing the way people see women and help in opening up opportunities for women.
THE FRUIT & VEG
PRICE PLEDGE
An Accra High Court (Cocoa Affairs, Court 11) presided over by His Lordship Patrick Baayeh has handed down a heavy judgement on the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) in a case in which three plaintiffs accused the NPA and TOR of inflating fuel prices and using the money for hidden purposes. The plaintiffs, Mr Kwaku Kwarteng (the NPP parliamentary candidate for Obuasi), Mr Abdul Ganiyu of Tamale and Development Data filed a writ in court in September 2009 praying the court to abolish an illegal margin smuggled into the price build-up of petroleum prices by the NPA. The High Court upheld the case of the plaintiffs and ordered the NPA to remove the illegal margins disguised as “ex-refinery differential” from the prices of petrol, kerosene, diesel, LPG and MGL local. The illegal margins imposed on 5th June 2009 were as follows: Diesel 95 GHp per gallon, Petrol - 29 GHp per gallon, Kerosene - 42 GHp per gallon, LPG gas - 08 GHp per kilogram, and MGO local - 69 GHp per gallon. Per the ruling, the NPA are required to announce new fuel prices minus these margins. The High Court further ordered
the NPA to publish in the total amount accrued from the imposition of the illegal margins in the Daily Graphic and Ghanaian Times within four (4) months from the date of the judgement, and pay the amount into the Consolidated Fund. According to Development Data estimates, the amount accrued from the ex-refinery differential from 5th June 2009 and to 28th November 2011 (day of the judgement) comes to GH¢690 million. A cost of five thousand Ghana cedis (GH¢5000) was awarded to plaintiffs. Counsel for plaintiff was Lawyer Alex Abban and that for the Defendants was Dr Dominic Ayene.
A former Director General of the Ghana Health Service has rubbished Ghana’s middle income status, saying it is misleading. Prof. Agyemang Badu Akosa explained the new status announced last year does not reflect the true situation of the average Ghanaian. On the contrary, he said, majority of Ghanaians are living in squalor, and harsh economic conditions, demanding that the true measure of middle income must be human-based and not meaningless figures. He was speaking at a forum organized by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of institution from where Luv FM’s Elton John Brobbey reported, the failed CPP flagbearer in the 2008 elections as saying, “Our burden of disease is so high and it is because we are not fixing the
Prof Agyemang Badu Akosa
Ghana’s middle income status is voodoo economics Akosa wider social determinant. Nobody is fixing environmental sanitation; nobody is fixing personal hygiene; nobody is fixing safe water; nobody is fixing air quality; nobody is fixing the problems of the road, the problems of transportation so the health service sadly feels the pinch from all these areas,” he said. He said the country must take a bold decision to ensure that there is a minimum standard below which no Ghanaian will fall. “On our human development, we are not doing well and we should stop using the fact that telecom companies and oil companies have jagged up our GDP so we are happy to say we are a middle income country. “I am saying let us use our living standard to measure whether we are a middle income country or not and as far as I am concerned, on a human development index, we are not a middle income country,” he stated.
TO ADVERTISE CALL: 07940286788 OR EMAIL: powernews@live.co.uk
6
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power News
The President of Ghana, John Evans Atta Mills has sent a strong warning to political leaders and party supporters who intend to foment or incite conflict in the forthcoming 2012 general elections saying his administration will not tolerate any form of conflict. He said his government will use all the necessary laws available to crush all warmongers ahead of the 2012 elections. Addressing the chiefs and people of Anloga at a grand durbar to mark the Hogbetsotso festival which is being celebrated for the first time after a 13-year absence, President Mills said his government will not tolerate trouble makers whose mission will be to disrupt the peace and tranquility in the country. “I hear people are already beating war drums, let me say this here and now, we will not allow anybody or group of individuals to subvert the peace and tranquility that has taken us years to build. “We will ensure that we apply the laws to the latter. The people of this country can never be taken for granted.
“This country needs peace to be able to develop, we do not want violence or bloodshed”. President Mills, also reiterated his government’s commitment to develop the Volta Region. He said the development of Volta region could only be achieved if Anlos ensure that peace returns to their town. “Anlo cannot develop if there is no peace. Sometimes I ask myself what are we fighting over? We should be fighting over ways of improving the lots of the people of Anlo. What is right is right, and what is wrong is wrong. ” Traditional drumming and dancing, reconciliation processes, games and recreational activities heralded the grand durbar of chiefs and people of the Anlo Traditional Area. The festival is on the theme:”Reconciliation, Peace, Unity and Development, The Way Forward” is significant in many ways, not for the Anlo people alone, but the nation at large and the ancestral home of the Anlos—Togo and Benin.
OSEIKROM
Special Ghanaian Dishes & Afro Caribbean Foods
651 Tottenham High Road, London, N17 8AA
10%
Discount With This Newspaper
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Mills: We will crush all warmongers ahead of 2012 God will never forgive JJ – Boye-Doe A former detainee of the obnoxious Preventive Detention Act (PDA) of 1958, J. S Boye-Doe, has cursed one of Ghana’s expresidents, JJ Rawlings, saying for allegedly supervising over extra-judicial killings during his military regime, God will never grant him mercies. Boye-Doe said the former military leader, who later turned a democratic president after the 1992 elections, has tainted his hands with the blood of innocent lives and since that is against the will of God, he will have no room for clemency. “Anybody who is a murderer I don’t want to hear his name,” the youngest PDA detainee said. “It is even against the will of the Lord to take somebody’s life. You think if somebody kills my son that will give me the joy to live a happy life? ” “He [Rawlings] has broken my heart forever. So many families are suffering because they are fatherless. “JJ Rawlings cannot be forgiven by God. I don’t want to even hear
any explanation from Rawlings because he killed people. “You have no right to take anybody’s life… when it’s a criminal, rapist etc take the person to court,” Boye-Doe charged. The PDA, passed in 1958 by Ghana’s first Parliament under Kwame Nkrumah’s Convention People’s Party government, caused the arrest and detention of several Ghanaians who were believed to have been working against the interest of the State.
P werFM
Boye-Doe, who was 15 at the time of his arrest, was picked up from his home near Mantse Agbonaa in James Town on Christmas Eve 1960 by security personnel and sent to the Usher Fort Prison where he remained until the overthrow of the CPP government on February 24, 1966. Boye-Doe branded the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration as a “government of lies” because it promises and fails to deliver. He stated: “I hate a government that tells lies. The present government is running lies into the ears of people. There are so many issues with water and electricity. “They tell us it will be solved within days and the next day you see the same problem still there. “They must change immediately or else they will be out of government. If you lie to 10, 000 people within six months it will be 20, 000 people because the message may be spreading like wild fire. ” By: Kent Mensah
MORE HITZ. MORE POWER.
LISTEN LIVE www.mypowerfm.com
www.mypowerfm.com
7
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power News
G N I S S I M
4.5 million barrels of Ghana oil - Gaby
Over 4.58 million barrels of crude oil produced from the Jubilee fields are unaccounted for as Kwabena Duffuor, Finance Minister under the ruling National Democratic Congress, and Tullow Oil have on separate occasions stated different production figures for the same period under review. Using the average crude oil price
over the material period of January-September 2011, the missing barrels add up to $493.5 million or $458 million, going by the lower hedging price that the Government bet its crude oil sales on. Paragraph 58 of the 2012 budget presented by Dr Duffuor on the 16th of November 2011 states: “Actual production from January to September 2011 is 17.42 million barrels. It is expected that 2011 will close with an annual oil production of 24.78 million barrels.” However, just a week earlier, on 9th November 2011, a press statement by Tullow Oil, the largest partner in the Jubilee Field project, stated that during the same period under review, “over 22 million barrels of oil have been produced and
Man cuts off his penis as ordered by the Holy Spirit
A 64-year-old retired boxer, George Kofinti, is recovering at the Hohoe Municipal Hospital after severing his penis. According to him, it was in response to an “order by the Holy Spirit”. George Kofinti, popularly called, ‘Who are you?’ was seen naked with a knife, chanting war songs and dancing. He was later seen with blood covering part of his body. His neighbours, suspecting he might be in some difficulty, telephoned the Po-
lice who rushed to the scene. Mr Kofinti was found semi-conscious lying in a pool of blood. They found a cut up of his penis and rushed him to the Hospital for medical attention. Medical Superintendent of the Hohoe Hospital; Dr Edwin Danoo has told the GNA Mr. Kofinti is now in stable condition. But sources close to the GNA reveal the victim suffers occasional mental imbalance, which could have led to the incident.
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
21 oil cargoes have been safely exported.” The disparity in these production figures put out by the NDC government and Tullow Oil has raised further doubts over transparency in the actual volumes of crude oil being lifted from Ghana. Earlier this year, anxiety gripped the nation over allegations of improper accounting of how much oil was being drilled following the reported malfunctioning of flow metres on the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah. This malfunction appeared to have been glossed over by the operators of the FPSO until a leading civil society advocate on oil and
gas of Ibis Ghana, and a fellow of the Danquah Institute, Mohhamed Amin Adam, raised alarm over it in May. It was not until August 2 that the flow metres were fixed. In a related worrying development, despite the fact that new metres have been installed, it is reported that the calibrations on the production line metres of the FPSO have not yet been verified by the Ghana Standards Board. Government has however described as false, reports that some amount of crude oil from the Jubilee Field cannot be accounted for. Government has denied the report. A Ministry of Finance statement in response to the claim however
does not explain a variance in production volumes raised by the Minority in Parliament. Finance Ministry says the two production figures cannot be compared as they relate to different periods. It says whilst that of Tullow represented production since first oil in November last year to November 8 this year, the figure contained in the budget is for the amount of crude produced from the Jubilee Field between January and September this year. Spokesperson on Finance, Dr. Anthony Akoto Osei says government will have to be more transparent in accounting for the country’s crude oil.
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
www.powernewspaper.com
Power News
Okyenhene’s accuser fined 72 sheep...
WIN!
The Okyeman Council has imposed a fine of 72 sheep and 36 crates of schnapps on Odehye Kwame Boateng, the man who accused the Okyenhene, Amoatia Ofori-Panin II of involvement in illegal gold mining in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area of the Eastern Region. He has one week to make good the fines or he will be banished from Okyeman. The Council imposed the fines after Odehye Kwame Boateng failed to attend a meeting at the Ofori Panin Fie Friday scheduled to hear his evidence against the revered Okyenhene, Paramount Chief of the traditional area. Abusuapanin Kwasi Gyekye, who represented Boateng at the meeting, according to Maxwell Kudekor of Asempa FM, told the gathering the accuser had spurned all entreaties to respond to the call to justify his charges on the grounds that he feared his life might be in danger. A member of the Okyenhene’s counsel, Mr. Kwame Acheampong, on Asempa FM, explained that Boateng had been fined 24 sheep and 12 crates of schnapps for failing to recite correctly the great oath of the Akyems, Awukudae ne Kwanyarko, which he rendered Memeneda ne Kwanyarko. The same fine was imposed for his failure to observe rituals that accompany the invocation of the oath (he
should have hurried to the chief’s palace to inform the authorities of whatever challenge he faced and for which he invoked the oath), while a third crime – invoking the bonafide oath of the Okyenhene – also attracted the same fine - 24 sheep and 12 crates of schnapps. Should Boateng fail to meet the deadline and pay the fines, he will be considered a persona no grata in the whole of Okyeman, and nobody would be expected to socialize with him nor attend his funeral, and he cannot be buried in Akyem.
Qoute
”
8
Rawlings is no election machine to be used and dumped after elections
”
JUNE 16, LONDON
HOW TO CLAIM: Just present your copy of Power Newspaper at:
179 POWIS STREET, WOOLWICH, LONDON SE18 6JL (First Come First Serve. Conditions Apply)
Kofi Adams:
9
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power News
NPP was corrupt but Mills is worse – P.C. Appiah
P.C Appiah Ofori, Member of Parliament for Asikuma-OdobengBrakwa, says he is disappointed that corruption has escalated under the watch of President John Evans Atta Mills because he (P.C) had much confidence in President’s Mills’ ability to weed out the canker since the NPP administration was too corrupt to deal decisively with it. According to Mr Appiah Ofori, the NPP was very corrupt and therefore could not adequately fight the corruption. The NPP MP said “During the era of the NPP, corruption flowed like water within the party and so when the NDC took over in 2009, I was excited,” he said. “I was excited because I thought President Mills - with his demeanour - will fight corruption to the lat-
ter.” However, he said he is completely disappointed at the turn of events. Under his leadership, P.C contended, corruption has moved from bad to worse, a situation he considers a threat to the nation’s development. The Global Survey report, according to Transparency International, indicated that Ghana has moved from number 62 of the world’s most transparent nations last year to number 69 in 2011. “I have lost all confidence in Mills. I agree with ex-President Rawlings when he says that the Mills-led government is the most corrupt.”
Address: 425 High Street North, Manor Park, E12 6TL, London, United Kingdom Phone: +44(20) 8472 7777 Fax: +44(20) 8472 3600 Email: info@airlinktravel.com
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
President Mills interacting with some Diplomats in Canada
Mills talks tough; charges leaders to cut ‘parasitic’ colonial cord Ghana’s president, Prof. Atta Mills, feels indignant about the failure of some African countries to sever, what he terms, their umbilical cords from their colonial masters and, by extension, western powers. Speaking against recent foreign interventions on the continent, the president suggested that these socalled ‘masters’ are cruelly usurping the sovereignty of vulnerable African states and imposing their wishes on them. “Some countries still believe that countries in Africa should be able to dance to their tunes; unfortunately, some of us also find it very difficult to break the umbilical cords that link us to those countries.” President Atta Mills was speaking to African diplomats at the Ghana Chancery in Ottawa, Canada as part of his trip to that country. Without mincing words, Prof. Mills told his colleague African leaders that: “We must take bold steps forward to be able to do this.” Analysts believe the president’s assertions were borne out of NATO’s invasion of Libya, which toppled the country’s decades-old leader, Muammar Qaddafi; and the latest threat from UK’s Prime Minister, David Cameron, intimidating countries to respect gay right or face aid cuts.
President Mills, who has defiantly rejected Mr Cameron’s threat, maintained: “What is happening in Africa is not very pleasant, very palatable, and something that we can be proud of.” Warning that the trend of recent foreign interventions could have serious repercussions on the continent, President Atta Mills asked his colleague leaders to stand up against foreign dictatorship. “We as African leaders have to sit down and ask ourselves; what have we done wrong? You see, if you allow others to dictate for you, if you allow others to take your destiny in their own hands, you have no control over how they are going to direct you. “For far too long we listened to others, now it is not the questions of they talking to us, they are now acting the way they see best, which is not always in our best interest.” International relations expert, Dr. Niyi Alabi commended President Mills for making such a bold statement, and hoped his peers would be enthused about his position. “I must say [I’m] quite impressed with this kind of approach, because it is the kind of language that I have been expecting from our leaders to at least let the socalled developed world know that we cannot be doing their bidding [and] always going to them cup in hand.”
10
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
IN
A Ghanaian sex doctor suspended in UK...
THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
TE RV IE W
Power Community
www.powernewspaper.com
Aki Weds A surgeon who uses laser surgery to boost women’s sex lives faces being struck off for damaging five patients. Professor Phanuel Dartey - who has pioneered the use of lasers for cosmetic genital surgery - is due to appear before the General Medical Council next week. The 68-year-old who claims he has helped hundreds of women patients over the last three years, has been suspended for 18 months while his case was investigated.He practised at several major private hospitals in London and two years ago hit the headlines with an injection designed to enlarge the G spot. The jab is said to increase the number of orgasms experienced by a woman by making it easier for their partners to hit the target. But professor Dartey’s main work was in the controversial area of ‘vaginal rejuvenation’ using a laser treatment developed in the USA. His operations cost as much as £6,000. Some doctors believe that such surgery should be banned. Many of Dartey’s patients were women who wanted their sex lives restored following difficult childbirth while others were concerned about the external appearance of their genitals.
Professor Dartey claims that he has been suspended on the basis of one complaint from a patient who had undergone cosmetic surgery on her labia. He said: ‘She wasn’t happy with the aesthetic result of the operation. That can happen. This type of surgery is very personal and I always offer further surgery without charge if the end result wasn’t quite what was wanted.’ But the GMC’s case is that he harmed a number of patients and also worked without medical insurance.He is charged with not obtaining consent for labial surgery from one patient, not telling her about risks and complications and leaving her scarred. He is alleged to have operated ‘inappropriately’ on another lady and with a third failed to manage post surgery complications. Another patient suffered a punctured uterus and fifth was left in pain after ‘inappropriate’ surgery. Professor Dartey said: ‘I was shocked that the GMC decided to suspend me. They have presented no serious evidence that I am a risk to patients.
Nneoma Hope Nwajah, wife of Chinedu Ikedieze popularly known as Aki of Aki and Pawpaw fame has said in interview with the Encomium Mag that she married Aki because of love not money or fame. Below are excerpts of the interview Nneoma, a Mass Communication graduate of Enugu State University, granted during their wedding ceremony last weekend. How did you two meet? Nneoma: We met in Lagos. We worked in a production together. I was a costumier. I have always been seeing him, I just like his lifestyle. So we became friends and from there the journey began.
What was your parent’s reaction when you told them you are getting married to Aki? Nneoma: They were not surprised. My dad was like waoo, you go ahead if he is your choice. Would you say it is a natural love you have for Chinedu? Nneoma: Yes. I just love him naturally. What do you really changed in Chinedu?
want
Nneoma: Nothing to be changed. He is okay for me.
How did you know he was your man?
People believe you are going for his money and celebrity status?
Nneoma: I am not a friend keeping type, but when I meet my friend, I know. We have been friends and I think I saw what I like in a man in him.
Nneoma: That is cheap talk. They can say whatever they want to say. I married Chinedu Ikedieze, I did not marry Aki.
What are the qualities you saw in him? Nneoma: Chinedu is very intelligent and smart.
11
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
www.powernewspaper.com
Power Lifestyle
I’m Expensive -
Bishop Duncan Williams
At a time many Ghanaians are complaining about the profligate lifestyle of pastors in the country, the founder and general overseer of Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams, has stated that he is a very expensive pastor. Speaking at the first graduation ceremony of Action Chapel International Bible College in Kumasi over the weekend, Archbishop Duncan Williams said he was so expensive that the perfume he used could not be found on the shelf of any shop in the country. The man of God, ‘Big Papa’, noted that even the rich people in his
church could not put on the kind of attire he wore because they could not afford to buy them. He said because of his expensive lifestyle, he refused to be intimidated by rich people in his church. “No matter how rich you are in my church, I will not allow you to intimidate me with your wealth because you cannot even buy the perfume I use not to talk of the attire I wear,” he told the congregation at the church located at Abrepo. He stated that God had blessed him to the extent that his children were schooling in one of the best
institutions in America, attended by the children of both government officials and the well-to-do in that country. The man of God, who claimed to have international connections that extended to the White House, noted that it was not out of place for men of God to be rich and also enjoy the very best of life. This, according to him, was because God, the creator of heavens and mankind, was expensive, hence the kingdom of God and the streets of heaven are made with pure gold. Archbishop Williams therefore admonished Christians to work above themselves in all fields to enable them to live expensive lifestyles to the glory of the almighty God. “As a Christian, you should wear the best of clothing, drive in expensive cars, and live in comfortable houses so that the glory of God could be seen in your life because the God you worship is very expensive,” he intimated. The renowned man of God indicated that he neither wished to become president of the country nor a top politician because of the insults that accompanied such positions. He said he preferred to remain a pastor where he was held in high esteem by the public than being a president or a top politician where any member of the public could insult him because of his position.
The blind complain they can’t Man, 39, ‘see’ Otumfuo rapes Timothy Korankye - The rapest
By Akan customs and traditions the blind cannot be allowed to come before the Asantehene, paramount chief of the Asante Kingdom. This custom came to light following several failed attempts by the visually impaired to see the king. The Greater Accra President of the Ghana Union of the Blind says they have never been allowed to enter the Manhyia Palace where the Asantehene resides. Michael Asante at a regional congress in Ada, bemoaned what he said is the blatant discrimination against them. “A place like the Ashanti Region, especially to the Otumfuo, being blind person they will never allow you to enter into the Manhyia palace, because it was a taboo for them. “So they have kept that [edict] up to date. This is worrying us in the sense that the chief is a human being and I am a human being. Why can’t I talk to him directly [but I must] talk through somebody before the chief hears?” he told Joy News’ Eastern Region correspondent Benjamin Tetteh. According to him, they have tried several times to meet the Asantehene but all to no avail. Checks at the Manhyia Palace confirmed the frustrations of the visually impaired. Sources at the Palace would not openly comment on the issue except to say that it is a tradition they inherited and are not about to alter.
daughter Police in the Central Region have arrested a 39-year-old man for defiling his own daughter. Timothy Korankye is alleged to have had sex with his daughter, 16, while she was sleeping. His wife, Maame Esi, is said to have reported her husband to the Police after he failed to provide money for the termination of a five-month-old pregnancy resulting from the defilement. The Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DVVSU) are preparing to charge the suspect with incest and defilement. He said the young girl who has dropped out of school because of her present state, revealed that her father threatened her with death if she ever told anybody about her ordeal. She said her father forcibly slept with her once, but because of the threats, she was forced to go to her mother’s friend for help. Police in the region say, Korankye admitted committing the offence in his caution statement with the explanation that his wife of six years had starved him of sex for some time now, and that he slept with his daughter out of desperation. The suspect has been remanded in prison custody.
12
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power News
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
CPP and PNC are jokers Kilson
John B. Mensah the rapist
A 12year old raped by an Assemblyman
The assemblyman of the Kwabrafoso East Electoral Area has been remanded by the police in Obuasi for allegedly sexually abusing a primary three girl of Tutuka Methodist School. John Bright Mensah, popularly known as John B, was remanded into custody after appearing before a judge at the Obuasi Circuit Court. He was charged with two counts of unlawful carnal knowledge of a 12-year-old pupil. The Circuit Court judge, Gilbert Ayisi Addo, remanded him following a plea for more time by Inspector Emmanuel Osei Kumi, prosecutor of the case. John B, an operator of the information centre in Obuasi, was arrested on Thursday afternoon after he surrendered to officers at the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) while in the company of his colleague assembly members. He is alleged to have sexually assaulted the young girl in his room on the afternoon of November 17 and 18 at Kwabrafoso, a suburb of Obuasi. The incident happened when
the victim brought him iced sachet water she was sent to buy. The girl was rendered incapable of walking following the alleged sexual abuse. She has since been operated upon at her pelvic area by medical officers at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi. Before the surgery, the 12-yearold victim was groaning in pain as a result of a bone fracture sustained during the abuse. DSP Sophia Eva Ennim, Obuasi DOVVSU Unit Commander, said the girl was transferred from AGA hospital to KATH after her pain became severe. According to the police officer, the victim failed to disclose her ordeal to the mother because the accused person, John Bright Mensah, warned her she would die if she did. Mother of the victim however detected that her daughter had been sexually abused after the girl began limping.
World’s 7th billionth baby born in Ghana
The First lady made a call at the symbolic identification of the seven billionth baby in Ghana at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra. “This ceremony no doubt presents us with the opportunity to reflect on our population dynamics and their implications for our future generations”, Mrs Mills said. Ghana’s population dynamics are similar to others in Sub-Saharan Africa where sustained population growth had resulted from high fertility rate, young population structure and declining mortality rate. These interrelated factors, the First Lady noted, had effects on the nation’s development such as the provision of schools, health facilities, adequate food supply, affordable and decent housing, and high income earning and an over-all improved quality of life. Ghana’s population had grown four times from 6.7 million in 1960 to 24.2 million in 2010. Between 1984 and 2010 in a period of 26 years, Ghana’s population almost doubled by an ad-
ditional 11.9 people in 1984 that stood at 12.3 million. Between 2000 and 2010, the country’s population grew at an annual rate of 2.4 per cent. The population is expected to double by 2039. “We must pause to consider what the situation would be, regarding infrastructural development, food sustainability and even traffic congestion in our cities” “These are issues we all need to ponder over as we observe the world at seven billion today in Ghana”, the First Lady said. She noted that children were a great source of joy to parents and the community at large but at the same time they could cause all sort of problems and challenges for the mother, the family and the nation as a whole. She congratulated Ghana for having done fairly well in reducing the fertility rate from about seven children per woman in 1960s to four currently.“Yet, by our standards as a middle income country, a total fertility rate of four is still high, the First lady said.
A member of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), Richmond Kilson, has launched a scathing attack on the two Nkrumahist parties for not leaving up to expectation. According to Kilson, instead of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) and the Peoples National Convention (PNC) putting their acts together and improving upon their dwindling electoral fortunes, they are busy fighting themselves. “Parties which had 1.3 and 0 percent (in the 2008 elections) are craving to other political manipulations. It is a shame to be in PNC or CPP” he added. Richmond Kilson’s outburst is on the premise of the never ending bickering in the two parties ahead of the 2012 elections. The PNC is experiencing a long legal tussle between factions within the party which is yet to be resolved. The CPP on the other hand is contemplating whether to organize presidential primaries to elect a candidate to lead the party in 2012 or concentrate on increasing their seats in Parliament. Whiles some members of the party are advocating for early primaries in conformity with the party’s constitution, others insist the primaries to elect a flag bearer should be organised deep into next year.
Joke
Agya Koo recently bought a new automatic car. He drives the car perfectly well during the day but at night the car just won't move. He had tried everything for a week and still no luck he then furiously calls the dealership and they send out a tech. The tech asks are you sure you using the right gears? He says of course I am, Im not stupid I use D for “day” and N for ‘night'
13
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
www.powernewspaper.com
Power Countdown 2012
Many of his critics have called him all sorts of names; Sleeping Bus Driver, Team B Leader, Atta Mortuary Man, Dr Do Little, and so on, but President John Evans Atta Mills of Ghana, proved his critics very wrong and confirmed his popularity by chalking an emphatic electoral victory over Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings in the party’s presidential race. He has therefore set the stage for another electoral duel with Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who himself have suffered similar name calling fate; Drug Addict, Short Man, Womaniser, a Snob and the list goes on. Just like the historic boxing encounter between Ali and Frasier dabbed the ‘Thriller In Manila’, President Mills will once again face Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2012 election ring. Yours truly, without favour will be here to grant you the cherished reader match commentary till the end of the boxing match in December 2012. The two political giants fought each other in the 2008 general election ring that President Mills won with less than 40,000 votes (punches) to help the NDC dethrone the NPP. In the last fight, the battle between the two astute politicians (boxers) was so keenly and closely contested that none of the two candidates was able to clinch a first round victory, with the polls spilling over to two three rounds. Despite winning the first round with a comfortable margin of over 100,000 votes (punches), the NPP could not get the 50 percent plus one votes (punch) needed to take the presidential seat because it lost its majority in parliament, providing ammunition to the NDC to pull a big surprise by leapfrogging the NPP in terms of votes to land an important political upper cut on
Thriller InRounGhanila . . . 1 d Nana’s chin, which saw Prof. Mills become president. The referee Dr. Afari Gyan then ended the fight at round 15. The 2012 rematch is all set and Nana Akufo-Addo has since that defeat sustained his training (campaign) and popularity and has managed to win the NPP’s flagbeareship position again, after comfortably beating Alan Kyerematen in the NPP primaries. BELL GOES…clink! clink! clink! Round 1! ... Les Get Ready To Ramble… The fight inside round 1 is fierce and, Nana Akufo-Addo, who is so eager than ever to reclaim the title belt lost in 2008 seem to be leading the Professor, Nana currently is punching heavily with his nationwide tour dubbed ‘Listening Tour’.
The tour is aimed at, among other things, helping the NPP flagbearer know, at firsthand, the challenges and concerns of the Ghanaian populace so that he can factor them in his policies (punches) and plans for the presidency. The ringside judges including Ex President Rawlings have indicated that Nana Akufo-Addo’s popularity across the country keeps soaring by the day, and Nana looks ready to unseat the NDC government in 2012, but there are 11 more months (rounds) to go. BELL GOES…clink! clink! clink! Round 2! ... To Be Continued In Next Issue Commentary By: Eric B. M. Adu
LONDON
14
DECEMBER - JANUARY
www.powernewspaper.com
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power Profile
THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
African Dream: Ghana's Bill Gates
Patrick Awuah
After living in the United States for two decades and a millionaire before 30, Patrick Awuah decided to go back to his native Ghana and set up the Ashesi University in the capital, Accra. The name of the liberal arts college means “beginnings” in Twi, the widely spoken language of the West African country. When the university opened in 2001 it had 30 students. Ten years later, it has nearly 500. “This began while I was at Microsoft. I’d gone to the United States to attend college and then worked at Microsoft,” Mr Awuah told the BBC series African Dream. “While I was there I became a parent and that event caused me to
reconsider the importance of Africa for my children and their children, so that’s when I really started to think about returning to the African continent and doing something that would help with economic development,” he explained. He said he found Ghana’s educational system relied too much on learning things by heart and not spending sufficient time on building up critical thinking and problemsolving skills. “I felt that if I could get engaged in education and really focus on developing ethical compassionate leaders - that would have a significant long-term impact in this country,” he added. Philanthropy plus tuition fees Mr Awuah started by renting a building where he established an admissions office, a library, a computer lab, a classroom and a cafeteria. At the moment, Ashesi University has nine buildings. The growth was financed through a combination of philanthropy and tuition fees. “The model that we have implemented is that we want to have African money helping to keep this place running, and the African money is earned and comes through tuition so 50-60% of our students pay full tuition. The remainder are getting financial assistance from the college,” he said. The annual operations are run with the tuition money, and what they get through philanthropic donations is used for buying equipment and funding the scholarship programme for students who require financial assistance. “Philanthropy is helping to fund a permanent campus that we’ve begun construction on,” the Ghanaian entrepreneur told the BBC’s Kevin Mwachiro.
He said that the campus project is also partially funded by a loan that the university secured from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), an organisation that is a member of the World Bank Group and promotes sustainable private sector projects in developing countries. Striving for excellence Mr Awuah considers that dreams without action are not very useful. “If you have a dream, you should take action, you should seek to implement it,” he said. “To be successful you have to understand that success is not some endpoint. It’s a process that you’re going through,” he continued. According to him, it is fundamental to do everything with integrity and to aim at achieving one’s very best. “If you proceed that way - that anything with your name on it is going to be absolutely spectacular - then it pushes you to strive for excellence and it pushes you to be successful,” he concluded. Ama - the first daughter of former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan and Titilola Alakija, his 1st wife, got married to a Nigerian, Poju Adedeji, the France based son of Professor Adebayo Adedeji, the Executive Director of the Af-
Ama Annan & hubby
Kofi Annan's daughter weds
rican Center for Development & Strategic Studies (ACDESS), just like Ama’s dad the Professor was formerly with the United Nations.. 42-year-old Ama celebrated her traditional wedding at the Annan’s home in Osu, Accra while
the church wedding took place at Ridge church, Accra and the dinner reception at Ambassador Marverick Hotel, Ghana. Congratulations!!!
Would you pay $8,299 for this phone? Vertu, a division of Nokia, has built a brand around super-luxury cell phones for the Hollywood glitterati and Russian oligarchs of the world. The Vertu Constellation Quest is a beautiful phone, with hand-tooled leather, sapphire keys and other luxury features. But at the end of the day, it’s still just a phone, and not a very advanced one, either. Running Nokia’s dated Symbian operating system and with a tiny 2.5-inch display, it’s decidedly behind the times. For $8,299 you should expect more, and you get more with practically any iPhone or Android phone on the market — most of which are under $600, even without a contract.
15
DECEMBER - JANUARY
www.powernewspaper.com
FREE NEWSPAPER
PowerElection
THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
How can criminals vote in 2012 and Ghanaians in the Diaspora can’t? The President of Ghana, John Evans Atta Mills, has given indications that his administration will ensure that prison inmates exercise their franchise come the 2012 elections. According to the President, the move is in conformity with a ruling given by the Supreme Court, which stipulated that inmates have the right to vote. “The Supreme Court in a recent ruling stated that inmates have the right to vote during elections and I want to assure them that our government would abide by the Supreme Court ruling and therefore
Former A-G charges Mills for ROPAL implementation A former Deputy Attorney General under the J. A Kufuor administration, Kwame Osei-Prempeh, has charged the president to make good his promise of giving Ghanaians living abroad the chance to exercise their franchise for the 2012 general elections. Mr. Osei-Prempeh said, “when the president assumed office, in his first State of the Nation’s ad-
JOPAM
dress in Parliament, he said that he was going to revisit the ROPAL [Representation of the People’s Amendment Law] which has been passed and put up a committee to see how it could be implemented. “Just as the prisoners have the right to vote, Ghanaians who for one reason or the other find themselves outside the shores of this country are entitled to vote. The
D
MORTGAGE & FINACIAL SERVICES
* send MONEY NO commission * buy HOUSES around the world
02084712255
constitution in article 42 does not discriminate against them.” He added: “So the President has done well in saying that the prisoners should vote and is going to empower the Electoral Commission to do that. I believe that Ghanaians outside, who make enormous contribution to this economy are also entitled to vote via article 42 of the constitution.”
Send money safely for NO COMMISSION.
enable the Electoral Commission to put in place the necessary machinery and structures to enable inmates to exercise their God-given rights,” President Mills said. President Mills disclosed the NDC government’s resolve to allow prisoners to vote when he commissioned the Ankaful Maximum Prison in the Central regional capital of Cape Coast. The President also indicated that he hopes he will not be commissioning too many prisons and prayed for fewer persons to occupy the prisons.
Mental Patients must vote Group Article 42 of Ghana’s constitution gives the right to vote in elections to people of 18 years or above. It however limits this right to those of sound mind only. But the Mental Health Society wants the voting right to be extended to inmates of mental hospitals in the 2012 general elections. This call was first made by the society following a meeting with the Electoral Commission, the Chief Psychiatrist of the Accra Psychiatrist Hospital and other stakeholders earlier in the year. The issue came up again when EC boss Dr. Afari Gyan at a recent forum said the inmates could only vote after they have been certified by a psychiatrist. Executive Secretary of the Mental Health Society of Ghana, Humphrey Coffie explains that not all inmates of mental institutions are unfit to vote. Head of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Dr Akwasi Osei who supported the call said preventing cured patients at the mental hospitals from voting is a violation of their fundamental human rights.
Andanis vow to vote against NDC in 2012 if... The late Ya Naa Yakubu Andani
The Andani Youth have warned that they will not vote for the NDC in 2012 if government fails to arrest and prosecute the killers of the late Overlord of Dagbon Ya-Na Yakubu Andanii II. They have also warned that they will resist any attempt by government to allow the Abudu family to perform the funeral rites of Naa Mahamadu Abdullah in the Gbewah palace. Addressing a news conference in Tamale on Wednesday, spokesperson for the Andani youth, Chief Salman Sidri also warned the NDC will not be allowed to campaign in Dagbon if they fail to address all outstanding murder issues in Dagbon. Even though the NDC won in Dagbon largely because of the murder of the Ya-Na the group accused the NDC of abandoning the cause to find the murderers of the late Overlord. The Andani Youth group said it is beginning to lose confidence in the NDC government. It said any attempts by the government to use influential chiefs and politician to persuade the youth from carrying their threat to vote against the party will fail.
TO ADVERTISE CALL: 07940286788
16
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power News
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Homosexual jailed seven years for sodomy
Why Ghana Floods Flood modeling analysis and estimated populations at risk from flooding. Flooding is a serious environmental issue affecting Accra, and with rising sea levels it may become an even greater problem. It is expected that an increased level of cyclonic storms to a great extent and storm surges to a lesser extent will be associated with future climate change and may increase flood occurrence in spatial patterns similar to those of the present. Floods currently are usually of short duration and are caused by heavy rains that generally occur in June and July. Significant flood events have been recorded in 1973, 1986, 1995, 1999, 2001, and 2002. Along with property damage, the ability of flood waters to spread pollution from solid waste, industrial waste, and sewage is an important health and environmental issue particularly in poor areas. The Odaw River is the major stream draining central Accra, with its outlet into the Korle Lagoon, while smaller streams lead into lagoons to the east and west of central Accra. Much of the Odaw catchment area is built up and many of the streams are channelized. Rainfall in Accra
occurs in the form of intensive storm events, which cause local flooding. Several factors contribute to the flooding problem. First, the massive growth of the city of Accra has increased the extent of impervious surfaces. Impervious surfaces are materials that prevent infiltration of water into the soils, and include roads, rooftops, sidewalks, bedrock outcrops and compacted soil This leads to increased discharge that overloads drainage channels. Associated with this rapid urbanization are flaws in the drainage network such as undersized, unconnected or improperly channeled drains. In addition, poor development controls, limited garbage collection and disposal block channels and sewers, which slow drainage through the city In addition, field reconnaissance has indicated substantial uncontrolled development occurs in low-lying or unsafe areas – often immediately adjacent to and even directly over drainage channels. Satellite data and GIS were used to develop a simple flood model to understand the impacts and possible property damage and pollutant spread in Accra. Modeled water flow volumes were compared with estimates of channel capacities
to predict which drainage channels would overflow given a certain amount of rainfall. This water would overflow the stream channels and affect the immediately adjacent areas. The populations at risk to flooding in Accra were identified using a simple assumption that only the census enumeration areas (EAs) from the 2000 Ghana Census nearest the stream channels would be affected. The total population of EAs that border the Odaw and its tributary streams is roughly 172,000 people based on the 2000 census. This is a very conservative estimate of the number of people impacted due to current data limitations. In addition, the map displays the slum areas in Accra with the darker grays represent a higher slum index. Approximately 33,000 people live in EAs with the highest slum index. This indicates that a large portion of the population that would be impacted by flooding tend to be the slum dwellers who are often the poorest. With the infilling that may occur as new migrants move into the city core, there is a potential for many more people to be exposed to floods. By David Rain
The Mpraeso Circuit Court, presided over by Mr Kwaku Osei, has sentenced a 28 year-old craftsman to seven years imprisonment with hard labour for having sex with an eleven year-old boy through the anus. The craftsman, Michael Ofori, pleaded not guilty to the charge of having unnatural carnal knowledge of a minor. Prosecuting, Detective Police Inspector Christian Apronti told the court that both the victim and Ofori lived in the same house at Nkawkaw and on 1st July at about 1800 hours, while it was raining, Ofori called the victim into his room and ordered him to sleep on his bed. He said Ofori then warned the victim not to disclose whatever happens between them to anyone in the house.
The prosecutor said Ofori removed the victim’s shorts and had sex with him through his anus. He said later the victim’s mother called him and sent him to go and fetch her some water. He said when the victim bent down to carry the container to go and fetch the water, he felt some fluids flowing out from his anus. Detective Inspector Apronti said, he narrated his ordeal to his younger sister who informed the mother and a report was made to the Police. He said the mother was issued with a medical form to take the son to the hospital for medical examination, where it was confirmed that the victim had been sexually assaulted through the anus. Detective Inspector Apronti said Ofori was later arrested and charged for the offence.
Fetish priest sentenced ten years for raping pregnant woman The Mpraeso Circuit Court has sentenced a 31-year-old fetish priest to 10 years in prison for raping a pregnant woman under the guise of cleansing her of a spiritual attack. The fetish priest, John Tiagbe, had told the victim that if she failed to allow herself to be cleansed, she and her unborn baby would die. The incident was reported to have taken place on the 15th of January this year when Tiagbe asked the pregnant woman to bring a bottle of akpeteshie (a local gin), thread, corn dough and water for the purification rites. Prosecutors informed the court,
presided over by Justice Kwaku Osei that the accused person took the pregnant woman to a farm at Abetikope to perform the rituals; however on reaching the farm, he asked the pregnant woman to have sex with him. When she refused, Tiagbe threatened her with madness and eventually death if she failed to obey. The accused then forced himself on the pregnant woman and forcibly had sex with her on the cassava farm. Justice Kwaku Osei in passing the sentence warned the accused and others to desist from such practice or they will be dealt with just like Tiagbe.
17
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power Tourism
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Ghana listed among top 10 tourism destination for 2012 knowledgment since it hosts varied and unique tourists attractions which could be found nowhere in the world. “In Kumasi, the Addae Kese festival held at Manhyia Palace, pays a dazzling homage to the Ashanti King, Osei Tutu II, the city also hosts the Kejetia Market with its labyrinth of 10,000 stalls and surrounded by communities that are famous for the traditional kente cloth weavers.” The Tourism Authority Boss noted that Ghana’s recognition on the international tourism circles had given impetus to the hard work that was done by his organisation and the citizenry in general over
Frommer travel, a global rating agency in the tourism industry, known for its credibility and authenticity has named Ghana among the top 10 tourism destination for 2012. Mr Julius Debrah, Executive Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), who announced this at a press conference at the weekend, said Frommer reached out to people to find out where they wanted to be in the coming year and Ghana was listed in the top 10 preferred destinations.
the years. Mr Debrah however admitted that there was still more to be done to streamline or sanitise the tourism industry in Ghana and urged the business community to position itself well to take full advantage of the possible massive traffic that would hit the country. “The economic prospects of tourism in Ghana are very great,” he noted. He said with the Legislative Instrument establishing the tourism authority now in the offing, the organisation has started closing down some of the quack tourism ventures in the sector. Mr Debrah also announced
that the Authority would host the African Choral Festival in March 2012 for which more than 200 Americans had confirmed participating. The GTA has embarked on a number of projects to promote Ghana which include e-marketing (electronic marketing) that has helped to increase the tourism traffic to Ghana. “We now have a facebook, twitter and YouTube pages,” he said in addition to a vibrant and interactive website. “We are also using other social media platforms to reach out to as many people as possible,” he said.
He said: “Ghana provided a perfect introduction to African Travel…but for anybody seeking a holistic experience that embraces traditional and contemporary culture as well as beaches and safaris, Ghana’s microcosmic travel circuit is the perfect African Primer.” Frommer serves as a travel guide and one of the best selling travel guides in America. Mr Debrah who expressed excitement over Ghana’s selection said the country deserved the ac-
EMMANUEL FASHIONS
79 West Ham Lane, Stratford, London E15 4PH
ANEPA FOODS
020 8555 4010
WATCH OUT FOR ANEPA FOODS IN YOUR LOCAL SHOPS
18
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
2011 In Perspective
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
2011 IN PICTURES . . . Sunyani: NDC Congress
President Mills won in all 10 regions with a total of 2771 votes; the former first lady received a measly 90 votes. Even her home region of Ashanti region offered her 9 votes, perhaps reflective of an earlier prediction by Deputy Finance Minister Fiifi Kwettey that she “wouldn’t be able to win a parliamentary seat in Ashanti.”
UK: The London Riots, Kids Burn UK
London was burned this summer due to heavy riots, caused when the police shot, 29 year old Mark Duggan in Tottenhum on Thursday. The protest against the police began peacefully, which then turned into a violent night of looting and carnage, burning buildings, vehicles, etc.
Libya: Gaddafi Captured & Killed
Muammar Gaddafi, who ruled Libya from 1969 until August this year, was killed by forces loyal to the country’s new government. Gaddafi 69, was reportedly found hiding in a drain outside Sirte, where he and and others had taken shelter after their convoy was hit by a Nato airstrike as it attempted to escape.
19
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
2011 In Perspective
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Pakistan: Osama Bin Laden Killed
Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks that killed thousands of Americans, was slain Sunday in his luxury hideout in Pakistan in a firefight with U.S. forces, ending a manhunt that spanned a frustrating decade.
Accra: Flood
Several hours of rain in Accra and Tema overnight wreaked havoc on the twin city causing floods, pain, discomfort and deaths to residents.
Accra: Lumba Unites Kuffour & The Rawlings
It was a nostalgic and touching feeling at the maiden edition of the “Legends and Legacy Ball” concert when Mr. Kufuor hit the dance floor with Nana Konadu whiles Rawlings sat watching; bobbing his head in approval. The climax of it all was when the three of them took to the stage as the man of the night DL was performing his biggest hit song “Aben wo ha”.
USA: Michael Jackson’s Doctor, Guilty Of Killing The Super Star
Michael Jackson’s personal physician, Dr Conrad Murray, found guilty of the involuntary manslaughter of the star by a jury in Los Angeles. A panel of seven men and five women took two days of deliberation to reach a verdict. Michael Jackson died on 25 June 2009 from an overdose of the powerful anaesthetic propofol.
20
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power Business Saudi Arabia to invest in Mills’ Better Ghana Agenda
His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud and The mayor of Accra, Alfred Vanderpuije
The mayor of Accra, Alfred Vanderpuije, has called on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to assist in the development and fulfilment of the “Better Ghana Agenda”. According to the AMA boss, he was positive that the Millennium City Agenda would enhance the relationship between the two countries. The mayor was speaking when His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdul Aziz AlSaud paid a courtesy call on him. The mayor said, “on behalf of the people of Accra, I have to say that we are very happy to have you.”
“We look forward to your personal involvement in developing and fulfilling the Better Ghana Agenda through our community upgrading activities. ” The Crown Prince on his part noted that his country’s support was beyond investments. He pledged his support to Ghana saying that “our support covers education, medical and research fields.” The mayor gave the Crown Prince a symbolic golden key indicating that he was always welcome in Accra. He also declared him a citizen of Accra.
TO ADVERTISE CALL: 07940286788
UNCLE SAM
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Ghana Gets B/B Rating From Standard And Poor’s Ghana has been given ‘B/B’ rating of its long-term and short-term sovereign foreign and local currency by the Standard & Poors, an international credit ratings agency. According to the agency, the country’s transfer and convertibility (T&C) assessment also remains at B+. A release issued by Standard & Poors indicated that although Ghana continued to benefit from strong gross domestic product (GDP) growth, strengthening oil production volumes, and a track record of political stability, weak fiscal management highlighted by a widening of the fiscal deficit in 2010 and increased supplier arrears might persist in future. The transfer and convertibility assessment measures the ease at which a country’s currency can be converted into gold or another currency while the sovereign foreign and local currency rating takes into account the economic and financial risk that may affect a country’s creditworthiness as well as the likelihood that a country would receive external support in the event of financial difficulties. The ‘B’ rating given to Ghana’s long term sovereign currency means that the country’s capacity for timely fulfilment of its financial obligations is vulnerable to adverse changes in internal and external
circumstances while the ‘B’ rating of the country’s short-term sovereign currency means that Ghana’s capacity for timely repayment could be affected by unexpected adversities. According to the S&P, the ratings for Ghana were constrained by their view of the country’s continued weak fiscal management, which has contributed to large fiscal deficits and supplier arrears. Similarly, S&P believes the looming elections could further erode fiscal discipline with forthcoming oil revenues possibly used as an excuse to ramp up spending. Accordingly, pressure on government spending, the release said, was likely to be heightened by intense popular demand to improve public services, and by spending pressures associated with the 2012 presidential elections. The ratings are an assessment of a country’s competitiveness in accessing credit on the international market. “In our view, the government’s weak payment culture and fiscal discipline continues to be highlighted by the net new accumulation in 2010 of further arrears amounting to 1.9 per cent of GDP, raising the stock of arrears to an estimated 5.5 per cent GDP at end of 2010,” the report indicated.
Malware warning for smartphones A national computer security campaign is urging smartphone users to do more to protect themselves from unwittingly downloading malware applications. Get Safe Online says that there has been an increase in smartphone malware as the market has grown. Criminals are typically creating Trojan copies of reputable apps and tricking users into installing them. Once on the phone, the app can secretly generate cash for criminals through premium rate text messages. Get Safe Online, a joint initiative between the government, police and industry, said it was concerned that users of smartphones, such as Android devices, were not taking steps to protect their devices. Get Safe Online said fraudsters are designing apps which generate cash secretly in the background without the owner realising until their monthly bill. A typical scam involves an app designed to send texts to premium rate services without the user knowing.
07956222910
21
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power Business
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Is the five telecom companies fined GHC1.2m by NCA justified? The National Communications Authority has imposed a 1.2 million Ghana Cedi fine on MTN, Vodafone, Airtel, Expresso and Tigo for rendering sloppy services to their clients. The punishment of the five Telcos covers the third quarter of this year. It forms part of a strategy by the NCA to ensure that MTN, Vodafone, Airtel, Expresso and Tigo do not take subscribers for granted in their operations. In a report issued by the NCA and published by the Daily Graphic, the Telecoms regulator says Airtel will suffer the heaviest fine of 350,000 Ghana Cedis for experiencing call channel traffic congestion, an offence for which market
leader, MTN, has also been cited. However MTN and Expresso will each pay 300,000 Ghana Cedis. Speaking on the fine, a Deputy Director In Charge of Consumer and Corporate Affairs at the NCA, Mr Mawuko Zormelo, said the NCA wants to ensure that the telecom companies improve their services “for consumers to have absolute value for money.” He said although the telecom companies have invested heavily in infrastructure, more needs to be done. According to him, the NCA is also determined to compel the telcos not only to improve their services but also to take their customer service seriously.
The parameters considered in imposing the penalties, he said, were call drops, call congestion amongst others. Mawuko Zormelo rejected suggestions that the fines are too negligible, maintaining that the purpose of the fine was to achieve the overall objective of improved mobile telephony services to subscribers. The money will go the state, he said.
Mining firms cry over new taxes
Mining firms have described the proposed increase in corporate tax and new tax on their profits as inimical to their operations. Finance minister Dr. Kwabena Duffour announced a 10 percent increase in corporate taxes and 10 percent windfall profit tax for mining firms beginning next year. But the Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr. Tony Aubyn told Joy Business this is worrying for the companies be-
cause the industry is currently over taxed. “You must be careful not to confuse the fact that gold prices have gone up to mean that profits have necessarily gone up because other input prices have also gone up; some of them have even gone up higher than the rate at which gold prices have gone up,” stated. In addition to this, he said the mining companies were also investing heavily on especially com-
munities in which they operate through their Corporate Social Responsibility. Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Tony Aubyn Meanwhile, Traders also say the 2012 budget failed to meet their expectations of a reduction in taxes and duties on items imported. George Ofori is the president of the Ghana Union of Traders Association, GUTA.
22
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
PowerBusiness
Asoma Banda condemns local oil firms
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Asoma Banda
A business mogul Alhaji Asoma Banda has lashed out at Ghanaian companies who front for foreign firms in the oil sector. As part of moves to increase local content in the oil sector, some areas have been reserved for only indigenous companies. However, we have learnt some Ghanaian companies pose as the firms who will execute projects meant for only indigenous outfits and in turn, award the contracts to foreign ones. Alhaji Banda believes that such acts will only deter the economic growth and development of the country. “We are fronting for foreigners who are coming here with noth-
ing,” he said. “The government is always saying local content yet people pose as local content, give it to foreigners and at the end, blame it on the government of the day.” Banda added: “We are the enemies of ourselves and I think that with the members of parliament, I will like to see a Private Members’ Bill in that House. ” Analysts say the move may greatly affect the country’s bid to attain its local target content. Sources close to the sector, on the other hand, say the trend has become a thriving business in the industry. Alhaji Banda said companies involved in such acts should be prosecuted.
WITH POWER NEWSPAPER
BLEMA DANCERS Best Entertainment For All Occassions
Troup
Dance
079 3937 7222 / 020 7607 7685
Dance Drama
School Workshops
WHAT WE DO... We provide educational activities and school workshops ranging from dancing, drumming, dance drama, clay crafting, Tie dye making and storytelling for all levels of schools, disables, young and old people, organisations and all various kinds of individuals.
Fancy Parties Draming Lession
23
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
PowerBusiness
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
COCOBOD exceeds the 1m metric tons cocoa target
Former boss of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Isaac Osei, has congratulated COCOBOD for achieving the one million metric tons of cocoa in the 2010/2011. COCOBOD announced few weeks ago that, cocoa purchases by the Board for the 2010/2011 season was 1.024 million metric tons; a target which has been on the Board’s agenda since 2006. Hon. Isaac Osei gave the commendation when he made a statement on the floor of Parliament to highlight the continuous effort by governments, COCOBOD and other stakeholders to increase cocoa production in the country. The Subin MP, who headed COCOBOD during the NPP regime, stated that, this is welcoming news that gladdens the hearts of all Ghanaians. He said it also implies that when the right things are done, Ghana will move forward. According to him, the attainment of the one million metric tons of cocoa is as a result of the institution of measures such as Cocoa Diseases and Pets Control (CODAPEC) and new hybrid seedlings with special fertilizer application during the Kufuor administration. He explained that, in 1964 Dr. Kwame Nkrumah introduced a mass insecticide spraying campaign that let to production reaching a record of 580,000 metric tons. However Hon. Osei says successive governments failed to capitalize on this and by 1983/84, cocoa output in Ghana receded to lowest point of 156,000 metric tons until NDC (one government) privatized internal marketing of cocoa thereby bringing competition and
enhancing the cocoa industry to some extent. Later in an interview with Asempa News, Hon. Isaac Osei commended cocoa farmers, Haulers, Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana and other partner who helped make the set target a reality. He also commended Kwahu Manhene Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng II who used to be the Board Chairman of COCOBOD and his Board Members as well as the Former Chief Executive officer, Mr. Kwame Sarpong. Hon. Osei however called on the present management and board with Dr. Percival Kuranchie as Chairman, to address the question of production sustainability in the future while dealing with topical issues such as chemical residue, child labour and certification.
Ghana traders must embrace competition - Minister The deputy minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. JS Annan, has challenged Ghanaian entrepreneurs to sharpen their competitive urge to compete rather than vilify foreigners who indulge in their area of business. His comments followed complaints from Ghanaian retailers who say the influx of foreigners in the retail business; particularly Nigerians is pushing them out of
business. Dr. Annan said Ghanaians must develop more competitive approaches towards their businesses in order to match their foreign counterparts boot for boot. “Nigeria is a bigger place, so they [Nigerians] have been dealing with a much more competitive market and they are bringing their practices here,” Dr. Annan noted. “So we, in a sense, have to re-
spond to those practices. ” Some of the Ghanaian traders have clashed with their fellow Nigerian traders at the Kwame Nkrumah circle area after accusing them of using unfair means to get ahead. The deputy trade minister, however, believed that if these foreign retailers have been duly licensed to do business, Ghanaians do not have any choice but to revise their
way of competing in the market place. “As a society and perhaps as a ministry we should be able to deal with what we call the soft areas of business, in other words, how do we address the working attitudes and values we put in business? “Otherwise we will complain and one day, even taxi drivers here will come from Bangladesh,” he stated.
CLAIM NOW! Claim Now!
Have You Been Charged Payment Protection Insurance On Your Loans, Credit Cards & Mortgage?
BCR
BANK CHARGE RECOVERY LTD.
ADDRESS: 425 High Street North, Manor Park, London, E12 6TL
020 8471 2255 / 079 6178 1973 Bank Charge Recovery Ltd is regulated by Ministry Of Justice in respect of claim management activities.
Listen@
P wer www. my power fm . com
FM
Accra Berlin
MORE HITZ MORE POWER Washington
Emirates
Amsterdam
London Beijing
Paris Madrid Hague
25
DECEMBER - JANUARY
www.powernewspaper.com
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power Relationship
THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
What kind of lover are you? Older women dating younger men increases
Experts say there are six different ways you can be in love, and your love style may change over the course of your relationship. Which is your love style? The romantic You love being in love. You may be swept away by your new lover’s looks or other appealing physical attributes -- and disappointed when they change over time. Keep it healthy: Remember that true love doesn’t recede with his hairline, and romance doesn’t have to fade as the relationship matures.
Plan dates, weekend getaways, or just-the-two-of-you vacations to rekindle the spark that ignited your relationship, suggests Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D., a sociology professor at the University of Washington in Seattle. The obsessive You want to spend all your time with your partner. And you constantly worry about your relationship, even when you’ve been together for years. Schwartz says this kind of partner can be overbearing or have highs and lows that drive her
significant other crazy. Keep it healthy: Don’t crowd your lover, Schwartz says. “Realize that too much of a good thing can be too much.” You may need to talk to a counselor who can help you understand why you feel so insecure and help you find ways to put your relationship in perspective. The player You love courtship. “For these lovers, the chase is a lot of it,” Schwartz says. You’re easily bored in long-term relationships, though, and your eye may roam.
Among the Ghanaian communities in London, there’s a new creature stalking the urban jungle-the cougar. This is a term among other vocabulary such as: sugar mum and cradle-snatcher used for a woman in her forties or fifties, on the hunt for younger men. These older women prowl party scenes, clubs, restaurants and even funeral places with predatory instincts looking for younger men in their sexual prime. Yes, life in London and many places abroad life can be very depressing and hectic. However, a discussion of this issue among many Ghanaians show that many older Ghanaian women are getting into this kind of relationship at skyrocket trajectory. This indeed, has become some kind of fashionable trend. What are some of the reasons for this kind of relationship? I did some few research and some say, they fall in love rather than look-
ing at the numerical age gap. Love in London, really? Some claim by dating younger men, they enjoy sexual satisfaction because the younger men are more eager and satisfying in bed. Some older women see this kind of relationship as an ego boost, especially after bitter divorce or split from a boring relationship from men of their own age. Some claim life is too short, so they’ve got to grab the young fruits to grow old gracefully. To some of these older women, they find the young lads as breath of fresh air. Charming! So, this is an issue for different opinions and experiences. I therefore welcome all shades of views, analysis, observations and take as we debate on this issue of Ghanaian cougars and their toy boys. Well, the name cougar is one hell of a wild animal so beware of your comments! Source: Lonto-Boy
GHANA
26
DECEMBER - JANUARY
www.powernewspaper.com
FREE NEWSPAPER
PowerEducation
THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Tullow establishes training centre for locals
School Feeding Programme now feeds over 1.4 million pupils - Adamu The Executive Director of the Ghana School Feeding Programme, S.P. Adamu says the Ghana School Feeding School Feeding Programme (GSFP) has now been upgraded to cater for over 1.4 million pupils across the country. According to Mr. Adama the programme is now focusing on the rural areas rather than the urban centres. The programme, at the beginning of the term, was suspended for re-organization in order to in-
clude more schools, but the CEO says the programme now feed 1.4 million mouths. Speaking on Asempa FM’s Current Affairs Programme, EkosiiSen Monday, he noted that under the re-organization, schools such as Achimota Primary and JHS and the Ministry of Health School have been excluded from the programme. “There are schools which are having less privileged pupils. Nima and Chorkor have also been in-
cluded so we are on the right part” he stressed. He hinted that since 2010 the feeding programme is solely financed by the government of Ghana. “We received 50 million from last year’s budget and 10 million from the supplementary budget so the finances are available to work”. He said the GSFP is hoping that there will be more available funding so that the programme can achieve the purpose under which it was established.
Government’s dream to see more Ghanaians equipped with requite skills to derive maximum benefit from the oil and Gas Sector has been given a major boost with the establishment of the Jubilee Technical Training Centre at the Takoradi Polytechnic. Funded by Tullow Oil and the Jubilee partners, the 3.5 million dollar project will be completed in eleven months. It is expected to churn out world class human resource to meet both local and foreign demand in the oil industry. Sod-cutting has been done for construction work to commence on the centre.
Chief of Staff at Tullow Ghana, Mr Kofi Esson said the decision to establish the centre was buoyed by a study (commissioned by the Jubilee partners) result which showed that “there was underinvestment in practical training at the technical and vocational level as well as lack of investment in the required equipment and facilities; technical training is largely delivered by watching rather than offering opportunities for practical participation for the students.” He added that Tullow remains committed to building local content for the growing industry.
The Ghana Education Service unhappy about canning in schools The Ghana Education Service (GES) has stated it is unhappy with the continuous use of corporal punishment in schools across the country by some teachers. The service said it appeared teachers who engaged in the act do so at the blind side of heads of schools and GES officials. Some child right activists who spoke to Citi News claim there is an increase in the use of corporal
punishment as a means of disciplining students in schools. He said teachers reported to have carried out such an action will be hauled before the service’s disciplinary committee for sanctions. “The use of canes is not something that people delight in doing because why should you use the cane when a child is late to school, why should you use the cane when the child is not doing well? ” Mr.
Adu said. “So maybe you need to look at the methodology that you are using. It is not about the policy but the problem is about the individuals who have been using the corporal punishment. “When the case comes up that somebody has used the cane, we put him before the disciplinary committee. That is what we do,” he added.
27
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
www.powernewspaper.com
Power Health
THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Legalise abortion in Ghana - Rojo The Deputy Minister of Health, Rojo Mettle-Nunoo, is calling for a national debate on the legalisation of abortion. According to him, the increase in maternal death rates is attributed to the practice of illegal and unsafe abortions especially by young mothers hence his call for a national debate on the issue. Mr. Mettle-Nunoo noted that the current maternal mortality, which stands at a frightening 350 deaths per 100,000 live births is detrimental to the development of the nation and affecting Ghana’s chances of achieving the Millennium Development Goal 5. Speaking to Citi News, Mettle-Nunoo explained that young
teenage girls who mistakenly get pregnant must be protected and counseled to abort the pregnancy safely and legally. “The basic fundamental issue I am raising here is that do young mothers, teenagers, children who have no business getting pregnant but get pregnant any knowledge whatsoever that there is a legal framework that entitles them to fair and safe abortion. “In the event that a girl gets pregnant without necessarily wanting that pregnancy if she can be counseled, she can be directed as and when appropriate to some of legal service that would not put her life at risk. ”
NHIS: One-time premium in 2012; but NPP says it’s nonstarter The much hyped campaign promise of the ruling National Democratic to implement a one-time premium under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), after years of no show, may materialized in 2012, if what promised by the 2012 budget statement is executed. Presenting the 2012 budget statement to Parliament Wednesday, Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor said one-time premium forms part of the NDC government’s commitment to continue the implementation of a number of propoor intervention programmes that will provide equal opportunities and improvement in the well-being of Ghanaians. The scope of the numerous social intervention programmes, he emphasized, will be expanded to benefit a greater number of vulnerable people in the society. “In order to accelerate the achievement of universal health coverage, government will commence the implementation of the one-time premium payment policy under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).”
Dr Duffuor was hopeful the review of the NHIS law would result in a major restructuring of the scheme at the district, regional and national levels. Touting the government’s achievements under the health sector, the Finance Minister said to ensure adequate coverage, the Ministry of Health collaborated with the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare where the very poor in society were identified for registration under the National Health Insurance Scheme. “Major achievements in the area of claims management were made and this included auditing of 28,925,293 claims and the recovering of GH¢471,215 and GH¢755,582 from services and medicines respectively,” he claimed. The Minister also mentioned the establishment of 276 Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Zones. Minority Spokesperson on Health, Dr Richard Anane, told Joy News Dzifa Bampoh that the government is only trying to play poli-
tics with the NHIS. He is at a loss why the government put it into the budget, knowing very well that implementing the one-time premium in Ghana is impossible. He said even though government had made it a campaign promise prior to the 2008 elections, it was advised that the new scheme would create a problem for the NHIS, and thought the government would have taken a cue and done its home work. “I only think that the government has only shown this in its last budget just because it made a campaign promise, not because it is a practicable alternative. We believe that the health of the people of this nation should not be taken to the platform of politics. It is serious and we want the government to take particular note of it and to do the right [thing].” He maintained that of all the countries with an insurance scheme, only Australia attempted the one-term premium, and though it is a well endowed country, he said the implementation failed.
TO ADVERTISE CALL: 07940286788 OR EMAIL: powernews@live.co.uk
HAVE YOU BEEN MIS-SOLD LOAN PROTECTION INSURANCE?
CLAIM NOW!
020 8471 2255
28
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
PowerEntertainment
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
I am a witch – Tontoh Dikeh declares
Veteran actress Patience Ozokwor debuts in Hollywood
Hot Nollywood actress, Tontoh Dikeh who has been in the news the past few weeks over the huge tattoo on her back has said the tattoo has deep meanings. The actress initially remained tight lipped over the heated controversy the tattoo has generated in public and media circles with many saying it has an undertone of the devil. Tontoh Dikeh speaking to Nigeriafilms.com on the issue explained that “the tattoo took me 10hours to be done with, while I had a two hour break in-between.” The tattoo is making the news because of its size – which has
taken every inch of space at the actresses’ back – and the devilish connotations the tattoo is alleged to posses. Several interpretations have been given to the image which has her face, hair and hand ‘holding’ two horns. When asked whether the tattoo has any undertone meaning she affirmed by saying, “yes, and it is very deep, I am a witch,” refusing to make further comments on the matter. A source told Nigeriafilms that only strong people carry such tattoo on their body. The person said, “you cannot
see any ordinary human being with this kind of tattoo; this is what I know very much about. Though I am not suppose to say this, I know the society she belongs to, but I am not going to tell you that. If she does not take things easy with herself, she might not like the end of it all, that I assure you of.” Tonto has since her 2006 AMBO days seen a very quick rise to fame in the make-believe industry in Nigeria. She is presently in the United States for Damage US tour and she is expected back in Nigeria in a few days time.
Nollywood veteran actress, Patience Ozokwor popularly known as Mama G has once again scored another feat among her peers in the Nigerian Movie Industry as the renowned thespian has taken her craft to Hollywood. The proud grandmother who seems to have all that one could wish for; a successful career, lovely daughters who has made her a proud grandmother and several awards from across the globe, is presently on set of a new Hollywood feature film titled Turning Point a production of Hekcentrik productions. The movie which is produced and directed by Niyi Towolawi CEO of Hekcentrik productions and co-produced by Egor Efiok, CEO of 4EPR is set in New York and features Hollywood stars like Lauren London, Ernie Hudson, Todd Bridges, Cynda Williams, Joe Estevez. Apart from Patience Ozokwor, the film also features a crop of Nigerian and Ghanaian stars like Jackie Appiah, Enyinna Nwigwe, Igoni Archibong, Chelsea Eze and Ebbe Bassey. The movie has a plot that bothers on the ethnic prejudice among various black communities and what they go through to survive such harsh conditions. The filming which commenced in mid October in America also had the crew visiting Nigeria to shoot some scenes. This is the veteran actress debut international film and sources reveal the role is heavily rewarding - financially.
Jay-Z: I’ll be a principle father Jay-Z wants to do things differently than his father did. Still, the rapper, who’s expecting his first child with wife Beyoncé in February, says the experience of his father walking out on him as a child has him thinking as he faces parenthood. “It makes me a little paranoid because no matter what, I don’t think any person, or any male, goes into a relationship thinking that they’re going to leave or wouldn’t be there,” he tells PEOPLE at GQ’s Men of the Year party at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood. “I think the circumstances a lot of times dictates things, right?” But the music mogul says he is not his father, a subject he also addresses on “New Day” from his new album, “Watch the Throne. “I’m just a different kind of guy,” he says. “I’m a highly principled person. I come from a real place where you had to be a highly principled person,” he continues, “so, I’m pretty confident that I’ll figure it out.” On a lighter note, Jay-Z says he and Beyoncé will lavish their child with luxuries. So will the baby’s diapers be made of gold? “No,” he says, laughing. “Leather!”
29
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power Entertainment
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
I love Nigerian men...Yvonne
I love Nigerian men. Nigerian men are nice people. There are no two ways about it. I appreciate them and they are like brothers to us. When Nigerian men like you, they will walk up to you to tell you so. Sometimes, when I’m in Nigeria, I hardly remember that I’m not in
Ghana except when there is power failure. That’s when it dawns me that I’m in Nigeria. The country is like home to me. The men appreciate what I’m doing presently on screen.
Tema based rapper commits suicide after girlfriend dumps him
The late 'Gabe Small' and his girlfriend who dumped him.
Gabe Small, an upcoming rapper from Tema ended his life in what could be described as infidelity in his relationship. The 21 year old got very emotional when he found out his long time girlfriend had left him for another guy. On 22nd November he updated his facebook status saying “Seeing the one you love love someone else is like having a dove in a cage. ..you love it soo
much,you do everything to make sure its safe and happy but deep within it wants to fly away,soo nothin you do pleases it.....You jux gotto let it go,mourn it as if it was dead and let da pain it left you Go.” It is thought Gabe had suicide thought, so on Sunday before his suicide, he went to chruch to clear his head and wrote on his facebook wall “Cant sleep...OMG Father Lord pls help me....Help me before i go crazy cus lotta things runnin in ma head... Wats wrong with me???Everythin seems Meaningless....Emptyness is my portion now... God help me........Cus if i close my eyes i wet my pillow..... If i open my eyes i see Hell.....You know whats good..Please Help me” he hanged himself days after. Our thoughts are with his family and this sad time.
I'm Engaged -
John Dumelo... page 30
30
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power Opinion
“
“
Our problem has been ineffective and bad leadership because Ghana has all the resources to even become a developed country...
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Okyenhene mad at bad leadership
THE OKYENHENE, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has stated that the recent floods that hit the nation’s capital and parts of the country cannot be described as a natural disaster but a man-made disaster engendered by visionless and insensitive public and government officials. The Okyenhene said that centrality of governance and over concentration of public and socioeconomic activities in the nation’s capital had resulted in the influx of people into the capital for businesses and economic survival, with their attendant socio-economic problems. He said for instance that if the ministries were re-located and spread out in the regional capitals, it would help decongest the capital and also help the economic fortunes of the other regions, while helping the acceleration of the total development of the country. “We started with Malaysia, South Korea and Singapore as developing countries when we gained independence in 1957. But the three countries who described themselves as Asian Tigers, boosted by effective and good leadership, have been able to transform their
countries tremendously and are counted as very formidable countries,” he said, adding that while Malaysia and South Korea Singapore were seriously investing in quality education and sponsoring experts to the US for knowledge acquisition to help transform their economy, Ghana was embroiled in coups and counter-coups. “Our problem has been ineffective and bad leadership because Ghana has all the resources to even become a developed country,” he said. “If we have vision there is no way we will cite the Ministry of Lands and Forestry in Accra,” he noted, adding that there was the need for proper decentralization of governance to help develop the other regional capitals to be like Accra. According to him, everybody wanted to be in Accra because that was where all the ‘opportunities’ were, adding that investors would not like to risk investing in other regions of the country. The Okyenhene was speaking at the first Ghana CEO Business Summit organized by BlackGold, a publishing and capacity building company in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
The summit was held at Koforidua in the Eastern region on Friday for various CEOs of prominent businesses as well as economic players in the country. The summit was attended by renowned chief executive officers in the country. Speakers included former president John Agyeum Kufuor, Dr Joyce Aryee, former CEO of Chamber of Mines, Prof Kenneth Attafuah, Kofi Amoabeng, CEO of Unibank and others. Osagyefuo stressed the importance for CEOs in the country to come together to help influence the direction of governance that would be geared towards improving the lives of Ghanaians. Osagyefo said CEOs must make a strong case for an economic direction of the country that would bring prosperity to all citizens of the country. He also pointed out the need for government to create an enabling environment for local businesses to grow, and also give financial support to local business. He also asked government to make efforts to make education accessible to all Ghanaians since the bedrock of socio-economic development was good education.
I'm Engaged - John Dumelo... When a pretty singer and a handsome actor, both young and single, come together for a make-believe wedding scene on stage, it provides fertile ground for their numerous fans to make guesses about whether they are romantically linked. That’s exactly what has been happening since Saturday, October 29 when John Dumelo, spotting a smart dark suit came on to carry away Becca in a gorgeous wedding dress at the end of the singer’s Forever song during the Red Lipsticks concert at the Dome of the International Conference Centre. “He kissed her for real,”; “She seemed so excited about it all,”; “I’m sure there is something se-
cret between them,”; “They look so compatible” were some of the comments passed by the fans. The two, however, say though they have known each other for about 10 years, there is no secret fire burning in their hearts for each other and that they are simply good friends. According to Becca, she first met Dumelo when they attended vacation classes at Achimota School in Accra. She was then a student at Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast and Dumelo was in Achimota School. “He was already my big brother’s friend and we got along well when we met,” the singer pointed out. “Forever is a love song and my management decided at one of the rehearsal sessions that
we should incorporate a wedding bit to thrill the audience. “There were options on which actor to call but we settled for Dumelo because he is good-looking and a good actor with an appreciable following. He fitted the role best. We were both acting so we had to make it look as real as possible. I’m sorry to disappoint our fans that there is nothing romantic between us.” Dumelo Dumelo also stated that he did not hesitate to play the role when contacted by the singer’s management because of his friendship with her. He said though some people say they look compatible, he was engaged to someone else but Becca remained a very good friend. “My fiancée did not get angry
on hearing all the rumuor about my supposed romantic links with Becca because she was already aware of our close friendship.” Becca denied that she was in a relationship with her manager, Kiki Banson. She said since Banson was the only man people saw around her in public, she understood it when rumours flew around that he was dating her. “The truth is that there are other people in my life but I’m a very private person and I like to keep my love life away from public glare. The public would know who I’m dating at the right time,” the Afro-Pop singer said. Source: Graphic showbiz
Dumelo
31
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power Strange News
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Dog lover hangs himself after pet dies
Stephen Anderson and pet collie Beaky
A former Royal Marine hanged himself the day after having his beloved pet dog death. Steven Anderson, 44, was overcome with grief after apparently deciding his beloved collie Beaky had become too aggressive, an inquest heard. The lorry driver was found hanging from a tree suspended by the dog’s lead, with Beaky’s body in a suitcase nearby. He left a note in his house which read: ‘I have gone to be with Beaky.’ After the hearing in Rotherham, Mr Anderson’s adoptive father, Michael Gawthrop, said: ‘The dog was his life. It was like the son he never had. ‘He just felt that as Beaky got older the dog had become more aggressive and he was worried it might attack people.’
Veterinary nurse Liam Johnson said Mr Anderson, who changed his name by deed poll, brought the collie in to be put down. He came with a large suitcase for the dog’s body which he thought was unusual as most pet owners took their animals home in a blanket. Mr Johnson said he asked the owner why he wanted the dog put down. He said: ‘He told me he was going to Scotland to work and the dog couldn’t be re-homed because it was nasty with kids. ‘He was very upset and was very sincere in explaining the reasons for putting the dog asleep. There was no reason to doubt him.’ Mr Anderson’s former partner, Dawn Daily, a civil servant, said they had been together for seven years but split up in March 2006.
They bought the dog together but Mr Anderson kept Beaky. The couple stayed friends but drifted apart because of his drinking. In late December 2010, he sent a text message saying he was going to have Beaky put down. ‘I thought this was to get a reaction from me but I ignored it,’ Miss Daily said. He later texted to say the dog had been put down and she replied: ‘I hope you are proud of yourself.’ He texted back: ‘My sorrow is as deep as yours. I’m moving south tomorrow and starting a new life.’ The next day, on January 5, golfer Clifford Slater found Mr Anderson’s body hanging from a tree near the 12th hole at Sitwell Park Golf Club, near Rotherham. There was a pair of stepladders, a baseball bat and the suitcase containing Beaky nearby. Papers relating to the visit to the vet’s were found at Mr Anderson’s home in Whiston, Rotherham. PC James Tongue told the inquest he found the home ‘almost empty’ with no furniture and household items boxed up. Mr Anderson’s bank account had been closed and a note indicated he wanted to donate his body for medical research at Sheffield University. The coroner recorded a verdict of suicide.
A Ghanaian pastor ‘Sodomizes’ a 14 year old boy
What a disgrace again… James Ayi a pastor of THE TWELVE APOSTLES CHURCH in OBINIMDA a suburb of Asamankese in the Eastern region of Ghana is reported to have engaged a 14 years old boy in a serious homosexual act. The family of this young boy reported the case to police of Asamankese for investigation. The boy’s name cannot be disclosed for legal reasons. Commenting on this ungodly act, a native of OBINIMDA said, pastor James Ayi called the boy one day and asked him to spend
the night with him at his place (probably for prayers). At around 11:00 pm, the 14 years old boy was asked by the pastor to undress himself. The so called man of God then jumped unto him and started his diabolical work. Are Pastors Of Today Really Pastors Or Just Using The Title? Where does Christianity live us? The boy later told his parents and was taken to the Asamankese Government Hospital for treatment. Dr. Antwi of the hospital later confirmed that the boy has been seriously sodomized.
KUMASI MARKET
African & Caribbean Food / Money Transfer / Airline Ticket / African Fabrics / Cosmetics / Jewellery CONTACT 74 Peckham High Street, SE15 5ED.
0207 732 2881
0207 732 2881
32
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power Community
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
UK: Killer of Ghanaian Superstar found guilty Carl Beatson Asiedu was stabbed in the heart
A 21-year-old university dropout has been found guilty of killing a children’s TV actor who died from being stabbed in the heart. Carl Beatson Asiedu, 19, who had appeared in CBBC’s MI High, died near Club Life in Vauxhall, south London, in August 2009, the Old Bailey heard. Junior Ademujimi-Falade, of Camberwell, was found guilty of his manslaughter. He was a student at Leicester’s De Montfort University with Mr Asiedu but left after failing exams. Ademujimi-Falade was a friend
of the man suspected of stabbing the victim. The suspect is believed to have fled to Nigeria. Mr Asiedu, the son of a pastor and a midwife, had been performing at Club Life as part of a rap outfit. He was attacked by a group including former school associates who bullied him and who detectives believed may have been jealous of his success. Both Mr Asiedu and his friend Peter Lama were stabbed. Mr Lama survived the knifing. Richard Whittam QC, prosecut-
ing, said: “There has been no suggestion that either of the young men had done anything to invite the violence visited on them. “Sadly the use of knives or other such weapons by young men is all too prevalent.” Ademujimi-Falade was remanded in custody for sentencing on 2 December. Mr Asiedu, who also starred in a Black Police Association anti-knife crime video, had a small role in several episodes of MI High, a children’s programme about youngsters working as spies.
Confidence’s boobs still sparking controversy Most men have a passion for three things: money, good breasts of a woman and a perfectly-shaped pair of female buttocks. It is therefore understandable why a video recording that shows the naked breasts of Confidence Haugen, Chief Executive of the Aphrodisiac Night Club and Ghana’s female representative to the Big Brother Africa Amplified contest, has sparked another controversy in Accra, making the demand for the video very high. While some argue that the breasts appear too firm and rounded to belong to a 37-yearold mother, others say the owner of the breasts may have ‘firmed’ it with some surgical transplant. The debate has been rather fierce and has touched on raw nerves in some instances. The alarming video is believed to have been recorded when Confidence was taking her shower in the Big Brother House, competing for $200,000. She is on record to have admitted that she was aware that there were cameras on the bathhouse. What has spiced up the controversy is the fact that after Confidence was evicted from the House,
she told journalists in Accra that there was no time she stripped naked during the competition, though several housemates stripped before the cameras.Her naked video has therefore generated some interest as her fans are eager to catch a glimpse of it. This is not the first time the breasts of the 37-year-old mother of one have become a subject of news. During her stay in the house, she was captured by the cameras showing her naked boobs and having them fondled by a male housemate, 24—year-old Zues from Botswana. Zues was wearing a pair of boxer shorts and was seated at the edge of the bathtub with his feet in the water. He had his legs parted in a way that his opened thighs served as a perfect seat of comfort for Confidence. Zues had placed his palms on Confidence’ boobs, firmly grabbing her nipples, as she placed her hands on his palms and pushed them further on her breasts. The pair of breast looked ‘heavy’ and younger than what the natural breasts of a 37-year-old should look like. They were round and firm enough to make a gay turn hetero-
Wanzam ‘cuts off’ baby’s penis A 70 year old circumciser, locally referred to us a wanzam, has provided more evidence for the campaign against their practice. Wanzam Abdullah may have to relocate from his Maamobi base here in Accra after his latest act went bad. He is accused of peeling off more than the foreskin of a four month old baby.
sexual. Interestingly, Confidence did not stop to tell the young chap that ‘monkeys play by sizes’ but rather used her palms to press his hands further on her breasts as if to say, “hold my boobs dear”. Before Confidence was evicted, News-One received some rather alarming photos showing the nakedness of the other BBA Housemates. Though the housemates were very much aware that their actions were being streamed to millions of TV viewers all over the world, they damned the consequences and removed their underwear anyway, showing their sex organs and pubic hairs. The photographs also showed both adult males and females bathing together or stripping before each other.
Crime Officer at the Kotobabi Police Command ASP John Koffie told Joy News the wanzam claims he had problems seeing properly. According to the police, the baby was struggling during the circumcision exercise, and with a poor grip from the parents, the wanzam’s knife went overboard cutting a huge chunk of the baby’s penis. “The man has severed the penis, the whole thing is cut off, left with a small piece; the most sensitive part is removed; [albeit] he is able to urinate alright.”
Confidence Haugen, CEO of the Aphrodisiac Night Club
Interview with Confidence on page 37
The certified wanzan with over 20 years of experience, the police said, would be charged for negligently causing harm. The little boy was sent to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for treatment.
33
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
PowerFacts
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Do you know Ghana?
There is archaeological evidence which shows that humans have lived in present-day Ghana since the Bronze Age. But, before the 11th Century the majority of the state known as Ghana today was largely unoccupied. The area of Ghana today has experienced many population movements but, by the 16th Century the major Ethnic groups in Ghana today were firmly settled. By the Early 11th Century the Akan were firmly established in a state called Bonoman for which the Brong-Ahafo Region region is named. The Mole-Dagbane as well as the Mossi states were well established by the 16th century, with the Gonja state being established by the 17th Century. From the 13th century numerous groups emerged from what is be-
lieved to have been the Bonoman area to create several Akan States mainly based on gold trading. These states included Denkyira, Akwamu, Akyem. By the 19th Century most of Modern Ghanaian territory was included in the Empire of Ashanti, one of the most influential states in sub-Saharan Africa prior to colonial rule. The Ashanti government operated first as a loose network and eventually as a centralized kingdom with an advanced highly specialized bureaucracy centred in Kumasi. It is said that at its peak, the Asantehene could field 500,000 troops and had some degree of military influence over all of its neighbours. Early European contact by the Portuguese, who came to Ghana in the 15th century, focused on the
extensive availability of gold. The Portuguese first landed at a coastal city inhabited by the Fante nationstate and named the place Elmina. In 1481, King John II of Portugal commissioned Diogo d’Azambuja to build Elmina Castle, which was completed in 3 years their aim was to trade for Akan gold. By 1598, the Dutch had joined them and built forts at Komeda and Kormantsi. In 1617, they captured the Olnini Castle from the Portuguese and Axim in 1642 (Fort St Anthony). Other European traders joined
in by the mid-17th century, largely English, Danes and Swedes. English merchants, impressed with the gold resources in the area, named it the Gold Coast, while French merchants, impressed with the trinkets worn by the coastal people, named the area to the west “Côte d’Ivoire”, or Ivory Coast. More than thirty forts and castles were built by the Portuguese, Dutch, British and Spanish merchants. The Gold Coast was known for centuries as ‘The White Man’s Grave’ because many of the Europeans who went
there died of malaria and other tropical diseases. After the Dutch withdrew in 1874, Britain made the Gold Coast a protectorate. Following conquest by the British in 1896 until independence in March 1957, the territory of modern Ghana excluding the Volta Region (British Togoland), was known as the Gold Coast. Many wars occurred between the colonial powers and the various nation-states in the area including the 1806 Ashanti-Fante War and the continuous struggle by the Ashanti against the British in many wars. The Ashanti defeated the British a few times but eventually lost with the Ashanti-British War in the early 1900s. Even under colonial rule the chiefs and people often resisted the policies of the British; however, moves toward de-colonization intensified after World War II. In 1947 the newly formed United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) called for “self-government within the shortest possible time.” After rioting increased in 1948, the members of the United Gold Coast Convention were arrested, including future prime minister and president Kwame Nkrumah. Later Nkrumah formed his own party, the Convention People’s Party (CPP) with the motto “self government now.” He began a ‘Positive Action’ campaign and gained the support of rural and working class people. He was again imprisoned for being the leader of a party that caused boycotts, strikes and other forms of civil disobedience. After winning a majority in the Legislative Assembly in 1952, Nkrumah was released and appointed leader of government business. After further negotiations with Britain, on March 6, 1957 at 12 a.m. Nkrumah declared Ghana “free forever”.
TO BE CONTINUED
34
FREE NEWSPAPER
PowerLifestyle
GHANAIANS
www.powernewspaper.com
E L SA
R O F Michael Jackson’s
deathbed...
Auction of singer's belongings includes bed in which he died
It is my belief that Ghanaians have forgotten what excellence is. We have become a nation prepared to praise and award the mediocre. Politicians in the country have noticed this phenomenon and exploit it to the best of their advantage. However the question is can you entirely blame them? After all they are only giving the people what they ask for It always amuses and irks me to see almost an entire village out in force with politicians who have probably driven halfway across the country with an entourage of media men to inaugurate a single bore hole in some remote part of the country. Ghanaians are quick to make a ceremony out of everything, the people have been supressed and tricked into believing they are receiving a favour when it is actually an entitlement Everyone agrees that it is pointless to praise someone for taking care of their children, for staying out of jail or doing something they are supposed to as part of their everyday work. Why then are we ready to sing the praise of politicians for providing us with simple creature comforts such as schools, hospitals, portable water and electricity? Such amenities and social interventions are not a privilege; they are the right of every Ghanaian to have. However a single street light or a school, whose only renovation it has seen in fifty years is a new coat of paint applied, being inaugurated is enough cause for a celebration
or state durbar in our country. Considering the alternative of living in constant darkness or drinking water infested with guinea worm that is probably the reason we are always exceedingly thankful to our political overlords for being so generous as to lavish us with such fine “gifts”. How blessed we are. No elected official is doing Ghanaians a favour by being in office, it’s not like Ghanaians begged them from their jobs to become public servants. So if they cannot serve the public to the best of their ability without expecting to be treated like God’s gift to humanity they should choose the simple option and just quit and go back to their so called well-paying jobs. To aggravate matters, the “gifts” provided are often hand me downs from donors and are mostly subpar and of poor quality. I am not advocating that we just shrug our shoulders and walk away but true accolades should be reserved to those who have achieved something out of the ordinary. Praising everything and nothing only serves to cheapen the praise and make politicians feel good about themselves. Praising people for the little things makes them complacent and prevents them from taking pragmatic steps to solve the innumerable problems we have in our country. So next time you think of heaping praise on some politician for one “good deed” or the other please ask yourself are you praising excellence or mediocrity.
Up for auction … Michael Jackson's deathbed. Photograph: Dan Steinberg/AP
Years after his death, Michael Jackson’s past continues to be parcelled up and sold: a forthcoming auction includes sofas, paintings, and the bed in which the singer died. The items were retrieved from 100 North Carolwood Drive, the house in California’s Holmby Hills where Jackson and his children lived from December 2008 until his death. Although the singer’s estate has forbidden auctioneers from using his name to advertise the sale, there are clues as to the provenance of the items, which include a Maurice Utrillo watercolour, Ludolf Bakhuizen paintings, a Louis XVIstyle mirror, and a queen-sized bed. According to Entertainment Weekly, journalists were on a tour of the estate at the moment when Jackson’s former doctor, Conrad Murray, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter. They were shown a chalkboard with a note from one of the singer’s children: “I (heart) Daddy,” it read, “SMILE, it’s for free.” And another message, allegedly written by Jackson: “TRAIN, perfection, March April. FULL OUT May.” The 50-year-old was due to begin his concert run at
London’s O2 arena in July 2009. In addition to its contents, 100 North Carolwood Drive is itself for sale. With six bedrooms, 10 fireplaces, a cinema, wine cellar and fitness centre, the imitation French chateau is expected to sell for more than $20m (£12.5m). Built in 2000, it covers 54,885 sq ft. “Michael loved this place because it was like Neverland,” explained Martin J Nolan, executive director at Julien’s Auctions. “It was a very happy place where he spent his final days.”
35
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power Opinion
THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Bill Gates: mad @ Foreigners milking Africa’s minerals dry
Mr. William Henry Gates III
Mr. William Henry Gates III, Chairman of software giant Microsoft, is seething with anger over the way and manner oil exploring companies, and those engaged in mining gold and other rich natural deposits, are exploiting their resources to fleece African countries dry. He has, therefore, charged the G20 countries to compel their multi-national companies, exploring for oil and mineral deposits in poor nations in Africa, to publish what they are paying to governments in their countries of exploration. Invited by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to share his experience with heads of the world’s wealthiest countries in Cannes, France, at the weekend, Bill Gates, until recently listed as the richest man on earth, used the occasion to make a case for African nations and other developing countries struggling to build their economies. ‘One way G20 countries could help African nation’s development is by requiring mining and oil companies listed on their stock exchange markets, to publish what they are paying to governments in
www.powernewspaper.com
developing countries. ‘That way, the terms of natural resource deals will be a matter of public record, and citizens in all countries can protect their interests,’ Bill Gates said in a document he read at the meeting, a copy of which has been made available to The Chronicle. Bill Gates’ charge strikes a cord with many nationals in Ghana, especially, complaining about what they say is meager returns for the exploration of oil in the land. Currently, the government of Ghana receives a paltry 13 percent of revenue from oil, which began flowing out of the wells offshore Cape Three Points and other fields in the Western Region, last December. This means that oil exploration firms, Tullow, Anadarko, Cosmos and other multi-nationals rake in a fat 87 percent of the total revenue. The belief is that if this huge disparity is known in the exploiting companies’ home countries, public opinion would force a change in the contractual arrangements. The founder of Microsoft scold-
ed the developed countries for thinking of stabilising the global economy and creating jobs, while promoting policies that impoverish Africa and the rest of the developing world. ‘A real risk, however, is that some of the policies key G20 members are considering risk reducing aid and other investments in growth and development in many of the world’s poorest countries. ‘This would be a huge mistake, because this is precisely the moment when these countries are poised to accelerate the progress of the past decade and become rapidly expanding, stable partners in the global economy,’ Mr. Gates, who is also Chairman of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, told leaders of the rich world. He told the Summit of the rich nations of the earth that he was optimistic about the future development of Sub-Saharan Africa, especially. ‘These countries are using their own resources to lead their own development. The region is on pace to double the size of its
economy in just the next decade, and there are ways for the leaders of Sub-Saharan African countries to channel all their growth, so that it has the great possible impact on the people,’ Mr. Gates stated. He said one way African leaders could accelerate the development agenda was to allocate more resources to poverty reducing priorities like agriculture and health, asking nations which had signed on to the Maputo and Abuja Declarations, committing 10 and 15 percent of their national budgets to agriculture and health, to follow on their declarations. ‘My foundation is offering to work with G20 leaders to create a public-private partnership to help poor countries conduct cost effective studies,’ he said to wild applause. Mr. Bill Gate told his audience that it was not only the amazing potential of Africa that makes him believe the world was in an excellent position to accelerate progress. ‘The last 50 years has seen a huge increase in the number of people who could innovate to solve
difficult problems, as well as the number of countries which could afford to be generous.’ He paid glowing tribute to China, which was making over 10,000 varieties of rice to help small scale farmers in Africa to cope with the impact of climate change, and invited traditional donors to rescind their threat to reduce aid to poor countries. ‘It is their responsibility to continue with their aid generosity,’ he told the G20 leaders. ‘Finally, the private sector can be more involved in development. The private sector is the engine of economic growth and the greatest source of innovation in the world, but it doesn’t always invest in the needs of the poorest, because the incentives aren’t always there.’ He said there were billions of dollars held by philanthropists that could be channeled to aid the poor, and invited the G20 leaders to be catalysts for change in the world’s economic order.
HAVE YOU BEEN SOLD PAYMENT PROTECTION INSURANCE?
CLAIM NOW!
020 8471 2255
36
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power LifeStyle
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Top 5 Richest Africans 2011 Net Worth - $10.1 Billion Source of Wealth - sugar, flour, cement Age - 54 Marital Status - Married, 3 children Country - Nigeria
Nigerian commodities titan Aliko Dangote is also Africa’s cement king. In late 2010, he listed Dangote Cement on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The company integrated Dangote’s cement investments across Africa, including Benue Cement, formerly listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. It’s now the largest company on the Nigerian exchange, with a market capitalization of $10 billion.
Net Worth - $6.5 Billion Source of Wealth - diamonds Age - 66 Marital Status - Married, 1 child Country - South Africa
Africa’s diamond magnate Nicky Oppenheimer made a momentous decision in early November to sell his family’s 40% stake in De Beers,
the world’s largest diamond producer, to mining behemoth Anglo American for $5.1 billion. (Anglo American already owns 45% of DeBeers.) The all-cash deal will mark the end of the Oppenheimers’ control of De Beers, a relationship that began when Nicky’s grandfather, Ernest Oppenheimer, took over the firm in 1927.
Net Worth - $4.75 Billion Source of Wealth - construction Age - 50 Marital Status - Married, 4 children Country - Egypt
Nassef Sawiris runs Orascom Construction Industries, Egypt’s most valuable publicly-traded company, which was founded by father Onsi. The construction and fertilizer company’s shares fell almost one-third during the protests leading up to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s resignation in February. They later rallied to pre-revolution levels, but have slipped again. In addition to a sizable loan, the World Bank’s IFC has made a $50 million equity investment in the company. In October, Sawiris hooked up with Brazilian billionaire Eike Batista’s EBX Group to develop a nitrogen fertilizer plant in Brazil. Sawiris also owns big stakes in cement giant Lafarge, and Texas Industries.
Net Worth - $4.7 Billion Source of Wealth - luxury goods Age - 61 Marital Status - Married, 3 children Country - South Africa
Net Worth - $4.3 Billion Source of Wealth - telcom, banking, oil Age - 58 Marital Status - Married Country - Nigeria
Johann Rupert is South Africa’s luxury goods billionaire. He serves as chairman and chief executive officer of Richemont, a Swiss holding company that controls brands such as Vacheron Constantin, Cartier, Alfred Dunhill, Montblanc and Chloé. In 2010 Richemont acquired online fashion portal Neta-Porter for $343 million. Sales at the Richemont group have grown more than 30% since earlier this year, driven largely by economic resurgence off of recession lows and increased demand for luxury goods in Asia. Rupert also chairs South Africa-based Remgro Ltd and Reinet Investments Manager. The latter was created in 2009 as a home for Remgro’s stake in British American Tobacco after the firm went public. While British American Tobacco still accounts for nearly 85% of Reinet’s net asset value, the firm is taking steps to diversify by investing British American dividend payments across several industries. An avid golfer, Rupert had only played 21 times this year through mid-October due to his busy work schedule.
A reclusive tycoon, Mike Adenuga runs Conoil Producing, the first Nigerian company to strike oil in commercial quantities in the early 1990s. Today Conoil Producing is Nigeria’s largest oil exploration company, producing an estimated 100,000 barrels per day. The “Guru” also owns Globacom, Nigeria’s 2nd largest mobile telecom operator. He made his first million at the age of 26 selling lace and distributing soft drinks, but hit it big through the benefaction of Nigeria’s former military president, Ibrahim Babangida. During Babangida’s regime, Adenuga cornered lucrative contracts to build military barracks and was awarded an oil prospecting license. Notoriously private and extremely security conscious, Adenuga moves with a retinue of bodyguards and gets chauffeured only in bulletproof cars. In Nigeria he is widely believed to be a proxy for the financial interests of former president Babangida.
Link2Home Individual & Joint Account
Live Abroad, Save in Ghana
MUSIGA explains government’s GH¢ 2 million for music industry The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has cleared the air about government’s GH¢ 2 million budget allocation to the Union. According to the Union, the allocation follows a proposal they submitted to government through the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture and Ministry of Trade for financial assistance. Minister of Finance, Dr Kwabena Duffuor in his presentation of the 2012 budget last Wednesday, November 16, announced that government had set aside GH¢ 2 million to MUSIGA for the development of the creative arts industry. The news was not well received by some stakeholders of the industry who have questioned why government singled out the music industry for that amount of money leaving out other sectors like visual arts, performing arts, movies, publishing among others. But spokesperson for MUSIGA, Okyeame Kwame told Adom Entertainment News that the Union presented a proposal to government for funds to facilitate their activities. He said the proposal contained a five point development plan drafted by the Union’s new executives to rebrand the music industry in Ghana. He disclosed that the first project MUSIGA will embark on is to conduct research to assess the contribution of musicians to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Ghana and establish a training centre for young and upcoming musicians to improve their artistic skills. Okyeame Kwame also stated that they will invest in the promotion of music in schools to inculcate creativity in Ghanaian students. He commended the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture and the Trade Ministry for their role in the allocation of the funds. “For the first time after Ghana’s first president Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the incumbent government has shown high interest in the music industry and deserves commendation,” he added.
37
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
PowerInterview
www.powernewspaper.com
Confidence
Secs
with
Power: Hi Confidence, how do you do and thanks the interview?
door with what they want to see and hit them with your intelligence’ and that’s what I did and it worked”
Con: The pleasure is all mine. Power: You have a nice pair. Are they enhanced? Con: Yes they’re. I used to have very little ‘underchester’ and my self esteem was really down and I noticed it when I did Miss Ghana. I was very uncomfortable. I couldn’t fit into those sexy clothes without putting on this bra aid. I didn’t feel whole. I remember somebody gave an advice saying ‘you know you’re a pretty girl and it doesn’t matter how intelligent you are or whatever comes out of your mouth or the kind of business you are in, people are just gonna look at you because you’re pretty. So just walk into the
Power: What do you think of plastic surgery in general? Con: “I love plastic surgery and there’s a lot of good that plastic surgery can do in Ghana … I do have a charity called project smile and what we do is we do plastic surgery for deformities from birth because I believe kids do heal properly and have a better life but now we’re going to add breast cancer to it because they’re all plastic surgery anyway. I want to put a smile on people’s faces” she said. Power: Thank you and we wish you all the best. Con: Pleasure.
THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
FABRICS & SALON
AFRICA QUEEN
848 HIGH ROAD, TOTTENHAM LONDON N17 0EY 020 8801 7431 / 07960 039 704
MACKEREL
07960039704
848 HIGH ROAD, TOTTENHAM, LONDON N17 0EY 020 8801 7431 / 07960 039 704
A F R I K I K O R E S T A U R A N T & BAR 871 OLD KENT ROAD, SE15 1NX 0207 732 4041 / 079 0331 5150 Good at getting stuff done? Excited about the Games and want to celebrate? Then we want you to be a London 2012 Local Leader.
The summer of 2012 will be extraordinary. Across the whole of the UK, millions of people will be part of the celebrations. And at the heart of every celebration will be the person who makes it happen. If that’s you, we want you to sign up and become a London 2012 Local Leader. Being a Local Leader is pretty simple: you just need to have an
idea of how you want to celebrate the Games and then get organising. You can create your own events or get involved with the some of the ideas communities across the UK have suggested to us: check them out below. We’ve also got some handy tips on how to plan your event. Get ready to celebrate in 2012 and help make the Games local!
39
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FREE NEWSPAPER
Power Sports
www.powernewspaper.com THE NEWSPAPER OF REFERENCE
Kingston suffered racial abuse from Arsenal's Arshavin
Midfielder Laryea Kingston has revealed suffering racial abuse from Andrei Arshavin during his time in Russia with Locomotiv Moscow. Arshavin who now plays for English club Arsenal came into contact with Kingston on several occasions plying his trade in the Russian league with Zenite St.Petersburg. And it was during one of such league encounters between Locomotive and Zenit where the Russian captain was said to have called Kingston a monkey three times” on the field of play. “You know Arsenal’s Arshavin…he called me a monkey when I was at Locomotiv Moscow and he (Arshavin) plays for Zenith St. Petersburg,” Kingston told Metro TV’s soccer academy team when asked of his challenges during playing times in Europe. The former Hearts of Oak player went on to recall several instances where African players have suffered similar of even worst abuse in Russia. Kingston’s revelations goes a long way to confirm reports of several racial abuse suffered by blacks especially in North-Eastern Europe. However Russian authorities have initiated moves to curbing this cancer as they build up to host the World Cup in 2018.
D.K Poison: Ghana has failed me
At the height of his professional career, David Kotey Poison, aka D. K Poison, the first Ghanaian to win a world boxing title, was cherished and loved by Ghanaians but since his fortunes plummeted, the one- time hero has been totally forgotten. The Adabraka-born boxer attended the Government Boys School, now Kinbu JSS. D. K Poison became Ghana’s featherweight champion in 1966. He then proceeded to win the African Boxing Union (ABU) featherweight title after stopping Taher Hassan in the first round of their bout to annex the ABU featherweight title in Tunisia. This was after then Head of State; Gen Acheampong, also an avowed sports man, felt there was the need to put Ghana on the world map through sports, particularly boxing. The world title then became the next target for D. K after winning the ABU featherweight title but the authorities thought it was wise to give him a shot at the Commonwealth title which he executed
to perfection by stopping Scottish David Armstrong in the 10th round at the El-Wak Stadium. This paved the way for the young energetic D. K Poison to take a shot at the world title, which he won on 20 September 1975 and became the first Ghanaian boxer in history to win a world title. Unfortunately, he only held the title for a year before losing it to Danny Lopez. On the issue of some outstanding debt owed him by the state, the former world champion refused to comment. He only said, “I think this is my destiny and I feel hurt when I think about it. ” “I love boxing that’s why I got into it he said. I didn’t go into boxing because of the money like we have now all over the world. Back in the days, boxing was taken a lot more serious than it is now. I remember making the trip from Nima where I resided, to Kotobabi for training every day. Source: The Globe
CROSSWORD
I will personally lead campaign against European clubs: Kwasi Nyantekyi
Ghana Football Association President, Kwasi Nyantakyi, wants to lead a campaign by the Confederation of African Football, CAF to deal with the issue of “Club versus Country” over the release of players for the African cup of nations. Ahead of January’s African cup of nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast and Manchester City
defender Kolo Toure has revealed that European clubs, especially the ones in the English premier league discriminate against African players who accept to play for their National teams at the Cup of Nations. Kwasi Nyantakyi who doubles as a CAF Executive member has condemned the actions of these European clubs and is prepared to lead a
SUDOKU
ACROSS 2 Issued edict against Christianity in 250 C.E. 7 Known as the “last true Roman,” killed by Goths in 378 C.E. 8 The last emperor of both the eastern and western the empire. 9 Ordered the death of his brother and co-emperor, Geta. 10 The first “barbarian” (Thracian) to rule as emperor. 11 Died in battle with Constantine at the Milvian Bridge. 15 During his reign, most of Gaul was lost. 16 Built the massive wall in Great Britain. 18 Killed by his own soldiers in 282 C.E. 19 Born a Macedonian peasant, he became emperor in 518 C.E. 20 Stoic philosopher, last of the “five good emperors.”
Bespoke suits
£90
(Normally £250)
DOWN 1 The first of the “five good emperors.” 3 The first Christian Roman Emperor. 4 The last pagan emperor, known as the “Apostate.” 5 Notorious for gluttony, fond of eating flamingo tongues 6 The last Roman emperor in the West, he abdicated the throne in 476 C.E. 12 The first emperor of Rome 13 Famously “fiddled while Rome burned.” 14 His name means “little boot.” 17 Emperor who defeated the Jewish Rebellion in 70 C.E.
campaign to redress this issue. “It’s a very straight forward matter and I will personally take it up before the African Nations cup. I will draw the attention of the CAF president and the general secretary to deal with this issue so that the release of players will not be subjected to any unnecessary and illegal impediments”.
Limited stock. Call:
Fill the grid with 1 - 9 such that the row, column and each block have numbers 1 - 9. Good Luck!
079 4028 6788
Have You Been Charged Payment Protection Insurance CLAIM NOW! On Your Loans, Credit Cards & Mortgage?
Claim Now!
BCR
PPI CLAIM EXPERTS
BANK CHARGE RECOVERY LTD.
AVERAGE CLAIM
£4000! ON PPI
We can assist you to CLAIM 1000s of Pounds in compensation for Mis-Sold Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) taken out within the last 10years on: * Loans * Credit Cards * Store Cards * Hire Purchase * Mortgages * Reclaim Late Fees, Missed Payments, & Over Limit Charges on Credit & Store Cards
PAYMENT PROTECTION INSURANCE EXPERTS
UP TO
£50K!
ON MORTGAGES 020 8471 2255 / 079 6178 1973
www.mybankchargerecovery.com
ADDRESS: 425 High Street North, Manor Park, E12 6TL
Bank Charge Recovery Ltd. is regulated by Ministry Of Justice in respect of claim management activities.