STRAIGHT TALK: Make Up your mind : FREE QUALITY EDUCATION OR JUST...

STRAIGHT TALK: Make Up your mind : FREE QUALITY EDUCATION OR JUST...: A Ghanaian casting his vote It just about two weeks for Ghanaians to go to the ballot box to elect a leader who is to take up the ne...

Make Up your mind : FREE QUALITY EDUCATION OR JUST QUALITY EDUCATION

A Ghanaian casting his vote

It just about two weeks for Ghanaians to go to the ballot box to elect a leader who is to take up the next administration for the next 4 years.

Some people including me have already made our minds already for the future while first time voters and others have not yet decided.

What have you decided and who will you votes for. Keep it secrete because its your power to do and undo your God given future.

Make the right decision to elect a visionary leader who can develop our MOTHER GHANA. GHANA needs a visionary leader and you count.

Make your future decision NOW

Vote WISELY!!!!!!

Do not KILL for power but PRAY and ask God's BLESSING for a massive win in the 2012 election

Pensioners threaten demo

Sam P. Yalley -Pensions Regulatory Boss

Pensioners who recently retired from active service from various departmental offices under the Controller and Accountant General Department (CAGD) of the Central Region have vowed to stage a massive demonstration should government fail to pay their pension claims.

According to them, CAGD and Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has for the past five months not paid their respective claims to enable them to cater for their families.

“We will not tolerate what the government and SSNIT are doing to us pensioners. This shows they do not respect us. Why should we suffer for Ghana’s development and later be treated as such” they said.

“We are in an election year and we need to make our concerns known so that, they will be addressed as quickly as possible because no one knows what will happen tomorrow” they added.

This, they said have created numerous problems for them, a situation the pensioners stated have led some financial institutions they lend monies from to run after them for their monies.

Dr. Frank Odoom- SSNIT Boss

The pensioners who stormed the office of Daily Guide in Cape Coast on Wednesday said, they have filed all the necessary documents required by the SSNIT yet they have not given their salaries.

A member of the group and former staff of CAGD in Cape Coast, who spoke on condition of anonymity lamented that, on July 20, 2012 he was directed by the Cape Coast office of SSNIT to fill some documents which he did but has since that time not received his claim.

He added that, he was also asked by the office to go to the headquarters of CAGD in Accra to push the documents, which he complied but he was asked to expect his claims in three weeks to no avail.

“I have walked in and out climbing this tall building several times just to take my pension claims and have still not received it. Why! Why! Is it a crime to go on pension? Look at an old man like me always climbing this building is this fair? he quizzed.

The former CAGD officer noted that, he returned to SSNIT office in Cape Coast early Tuesday morning to check for his claim only to be told his claim has not been released.  

From: Desmond K. Dapaah, Cape Coast.

Aboah Cautions Parties Against Machomen

C/R Police Commander(L) in a chat with the Interior Minister (R)

The Interior Minister, William K. Aboah has advised political parties to refrain from hiring the services of ‘macho’ men to create mayhem at the various polling centers on December 7.

According to him, such act is unconstitutional and goes contrary to the election laws.

He noted that security officers at the polling centers would deal drastically with persons who disturb the peace in the country since ‘macho’ men have no stake in the elections.

“Democracy involves cross fertilization of ideas but not exchange of hostilities because of divergent ideological standpoints. Political parties should refrain from acts which may have the propensity to drive the country into any form of communal violence,” he said

The Minister made this known on Thursday at Cape Coast when he interacted with security officers in the region to familiarize himself with strategies of the regional security command to enforce law and order.

The minister, who was on a two-day working visit to the Central region, was accompanied by his deputy, Kobby Acheampong and other administrators from the interior ministry.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Aboah stated that the government would resource all security agencies to improve service delivery without fear or favour.

He stated that Ghanaians had entrusted their hopes in the security services to ensure incident-free elections, a situation he said  would help promote impartiality and integrity to consolidate the democratic gains Ghana had chalked.

Mr. Aboah therefore appealed to them to ensure that their services commensurate with those of government to justify the investment by the tax payer.

The Interior Minister further advised political parties to warn their followers not to stay at the polling centers after casting their ballot.

“Anyone who goes to the polling centers to vote should go back home peacefully since our security operatives will not allow people to stay in the perimeters of the voting premises,” he stated.

Mr. Aboah however assured the security personnel of their full allowances before being deployed to their respective centers to protect the ballot boxes.

He further assured Ghanaians of free, fair and transparent elections, adding that since Ghana is well noted for its democratic practices, his outfit would do every thing possible to maintain the reputation of the country.

From: Desmond K. Dapaah, Cape Coast

"Skirt And Blouse Hits KEEA NDC"

Dr. J.S.Annan (seated Left) and Dr. Ato Quashie (seated Right)

Some  electorate from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) constituency of the Central Region have vowed to vote ‘skirt and blouse’ in the upcoming December 7 general elections.

According to them, the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Dr. Joseph S. Annan, was not a good candidate to contest the seat; therefore they would rather vote for President Mahama and Dr. Ato Quashie, an NDC bigwig in the area contesting as an independent candidate.

DAILY GUIDE observed, after going round the constituency, that posters of Dr. Annan were nowhere to be found, with that of Dr. Quashie and President Mahama splashed in all the communities.

Some electorate who spoke to DAILY GUIDE on condition of anonymity on Tuesday said since they gave the mandate to Dr. Annan in 2008, he had not initiated any developmental projects to transform and better the lives of the people and would therefore reject him in this year’s polls.

Dr. J.S. Annan-K.E.E.A MP

“What has Dr. J.S Annan done for us the people of K.E.E.A and even NDC supporters? He should come out and show us one single development he has embarked on since we voted for him,” they said.

“We rejected NPP for NDC because we thought they (NPP) deceived us especially the fishermen but with Dr. Annan as our MP, it is hell,” they lamented.

They further alleged that since Dr. Annan became MP, there hadn’t been peace amongst the constituency executives; a situation they stated had resulted in Dr. Quashie’s quest to contest as an independent candidate.

The electorates noted that Dr. Quarshie was the best candidate because he could face the NPP aspirant in order not to lose the seat.

Information gathered by DAILY GUIDE indicated that the actions of Dr. Annan had made some NDC gurus in the area to throw their weight behind Dr. Quashie to win the seat.

From: Desmond K. Dapaah, Elmina

Mad Rush For Elmina Gold

There are reports of a major discovery of gold at the Elmina beach.

Reports say scores of residents are scrambling for the so-called discovery while some are carting away sea sand to their homes to protect their expected booty.

Hundreds of people drawn from other regions across the country have trooped to Elmina in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipality of the Central Region to engage in illegal gold mining, popularly known as galamsey.

The people, between the ages of 10 and 50, according to DAILY GUIDE information, started their operations about a week ago when they discovered that the beach around the castle and Ayisa, near the CG Elmina Cold store, which was established to serve as a sardine processing factory, abounded in gold.

Sources revealed that the gold discovery was made when some galamsey operators who had come for a funeral in the area went to the castle and spotted that the sand around the castle had glitter in it.

Other sources hinted that the deposits could probably come from the dredging of the Benya Lagoon which was deposited there when the lagoon was dredged about four years ago.

DAILY GUIDE also gathered that Dredging International, the company that dredged the lagoon, kept a section of the workers from entering a particular area which they now suspected might have contained the gold.

When DAILY GUIDE visited the place, persons from other mining areas in the country were busily washing the sand for gold.

The paper also spotted some gold dealers from Tarkwa, Prestea and other mining communities who had parked their cars to purchase gold from the galamsey operators.

DAILY GUIDE further gathered that the number of operators increased in the night as they used lantern and torch-light in search of gold.

This reporter also observed that fishermen had abandoned their fishing activities to join in the search for gold since they claimed the fishing business was collapsing gradually due to the ban on light fishing.

The operators threatened to clash with the police if they made any attempt to stop them from doing their lucrative business.

Some fishermen have virtually abandoned their canoes and spend the night, with their wives and children on the beach, digging and washing sand in expectation.

“We are not going to sleep,” a fisherman told a Joy FM reporter.

One of the operators who spoke to DAILY GUIDE on anonymity claimed they made close to GH¢15 million a day.

He further added that he sometimes took the gold to the Western Region to sell as other buyers also trooped to the area to buy them.

In an interview with the Omanhene of Edina Traditional Area, Nana Kodwo Conduah VI, he cautioned the operators to put a stop to their activities since it was destroying the area.

He lamented that his summon for the operators to meet him at his palace to find out who gave them the permission to do so did not yield any result.

He therefore asked them to cease operations as soon as possible or face the consequences.

When contacted, the regional director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Owusu Sekyere, said he only had the information on Tuesday morning that illegal mining was going on at Elmina and sent some officers to go and investigate the issue.

Mr Sekyere said the officers had not reported at the office and could not comment on the issue as at the time of filing this report.

He added that the EPA was working in collaboration with many organisations such as the Minerals Commission and the district assemblies, so they could not comment on the issue until they got in touch with stakeholders.

From: Desmond K Dapaah, Elmina

Galamsey Operators To Build Kotokuraba Market – Says NPP

Gafaro Seidu

A member of the Communication team of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Cape Coast Constituency, Gafaro Seidu has alleged that the contentious Cape Coast Kotokuraba Market would be built by Chinese 'galamsey' operators.

According to him, the Chinese were among 'galamsey' operators who were arrested for engaging in illegal mining activities in the country.

He claimed the Chinese government lobbied the Ghana Government to build the Kotokuraba Market in order to pardon the operators who were engaged in illegal activities.

Mr Seidu challenged President Mahama to come out with the true identity of the company and the Chinese who were introduced to the people of Cape Coast during the Fetu Afahye celebration last Saturday.

He disclosed this at a press conference on Friday to register their displeasure at the diabolic tactics adopted by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to deceive the people of Cape Coast.

Addressing the press, Mr. Seidu observed that Cape Coasters would not vote for the corrupt NDC government and its Members of Parliament (MP) such as Ebow Barton Odro, MP for Cape Coast to continue the deceit.

According to him, the NDC administration had failed to fulfill its promises, as the late President John Evans Atta Mills pledged to build the Kotokuraba Market and Cape Coast Stadium during the 2011 Action Year.

He therefore charged President Mahama to produce documents and cost involved in the construction of the two projects.

'The constitution did not say President Mahama should travel for 'Thank You' tour but to administer the nation. This tour should have been done by his Vice President and not him.'

'He should have been accompanied by a member from the opposition, wife of the late president and some family members on the tour to other nations but what are we seeing? This is a total waste of our resources,' he stated.

He called on leaders of the Christian Council to encourage the Electoral Commission (EC) not to create the additional 45 constituencies since the move would create mayhem.

On his part, the spokesperson for concerned party activists, a pressure group of the NPP in Cape Coast, Papa Damtse Amoah said they had given the MP of the area a two-week ultimatum to abandon the Cape Coast parliamentary election due to his alleged involvement in the Woyomegate scandal.

He noted that lawyer Oduro is the worse MP the area has ever had since 1992, adding that he had brought shame and poverty to the area.

He added that the former MP for the area, Christine Churcher championed the development of the area and supported small-scale businesses through government interventions.

Once you mention the MP's name, people reply back with judgment debt, he claimed.

From: Desmond K. Dapaah, Cape Coast

Unite For Victory 2012 – Jake

NPP National Chairman- Jake O. Lamptey

NATIONAL CHAIRMAN of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey has appealed to regional and constituency executives of the party in the Central region to set aside their differences to allow the party win the December 7 general elections.

He said due to the conflict, disunity and numerous factions that emerged within the party during the run-up to the 2008 elections, the party lost 11 out of a total of 19 parliamentary seats in the region.

The national chairman disclosed this on Monday when he visited the region to interact with NPP constituency and regional regarding measures they had undertaken to ensure a first round victory for the party.

'If it had not been for the misunderstanding and certain conflicts that existed in the constituency and among some regional executives, the NPP would have won the 2008 general elections. But because we were our own enemies, we lost major seats to our opponents. This is unfortunate,' he told them.

'The NPP in 2008 needed more votes from the Central region because most of our governmental policies benefited and transformed the region. Therefore why should we have lost the seats? We need to unite as one family and work hard to bring NPP back to power in 2013,' he added.

Mr. Obetsebi-Lamptey noted that although the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) used their diabolic tactics to describe the NPP as the most corrupt government in the country, Ghanaians had now realized which government was most corrupt in its administration.

He therefore charged the executives to map out strategies to change the perception of the electorate and disseminate the party's 2012 campaign message of providing free senior high school education to all Ghanaian children.

Mr. Obetsebi-Lamptey was accompanied by NPP General Secretary, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie aka Sir John as well as some national executives.

For his part, Sir John said if the NPP can win the elections; it would depend on the outcome from the Central regional since the region was the route to the party's victory on its 2012 agenda.

He revealed that the NPP lost a considerable number of the votes from the region which gave it a massive victory in 2000 due to the loss of confidence voters had in the party executives.

The general secretary consequently urged the executives to forgive one another and fight for the party's victory since Ghanaians had now realized that the NPP was the only party that could save Ghana and transform their lives.

'If we do not work hard for the party to recapture power, Ghanaians will never forgive us. Everywhere you go you hear people are now yeaning for the NPP to come back. Therefore we need to bury our differences,' he said.

From: Desmond K. Dapaah, Cape Coast

Respect Patients – Nurses Told

Madam Cecilia Mensah addressing the graduants

PRINCIPAL OF the Cape Coast Nursing and Midwifery Training College (CCNTC), Cecilia Mensah has expressed worry over how some nurses in the country insulted and disrespected patients that visit various health care facilities.

She noted that their insolent attitude had contributed to the deaths of many patients and in her view, this had gradually tarnished the reputation of the nursing and midwifery profession.

Mrs. Mensah was speaking at a graduation and home coming ceremony in Cape Coast for student nurses who completed their certification programme at the CCNTC.

The occasion themed “The role of nurses and midwives in the promotion of quality health care in Ghana in the 21^st Century,”   formed part of the college’s silver jubilee anniversary.

The principal noted that although trained nurses were from diverse backgrounds, they tended to forget the oath they had sworn to render the best health care to patients no matter where they may find themselves.

“This is not what the founder of nursing did. She had time and patience to visit and serve all her patients. We need to emulate such behavior to recuperate the good lost image,” she said.

Mrs. Mensah further appealed to government and healthcare stakeholders to help the school expand in order to enroll more students.

She revealed that due to the lack of accommodation and unavailability of certain facilities to train students, the school now operated at two separate campuses, a situation she said had continuously increased their expenditure.

Addressing the gathering, a retired Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Sarah Nyampong said the practice of nursing and midwifery across the globe had undergone a drastic paradigm shift from using outmoded physical strategies of caring for the sick to the use of modern technology.

According to her, the 21^st century required nurses to embark on serious and thorough research to broaden their knowledge.

“Now that you have internet facilities at your work places, phones and homes, you need to deepen your knowledge by looking out for nursing books to increase your talent and know the new methods used in treating diseases at faster rates,” she said.

She noted that because nursing and midwifery constituted the largest work force in the health sector, there was the need for government to equip various health training colleges with sophisticated material to intensify teaching and learning in these areas.

The Central Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Samuel Quashie also called on government to support nursing training colleges with e-learning and exchange programs with foreign health institutions in order to increase the provision of quality health care.

 From: Desmond K. Dapaah, Cape Coast

Rickets Wins Oguaa South NDC Primary

Kweku Ricket with Microphone

Kweku Rickets Hagan, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of World Trade Center in Accra, has won the bid to contest for the Cape Coast South parliamentary seat on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The Cape Coast South Constituency is yet to be approved by Ghana's Parliament, when it passes the Constitutional Instrument (CI 73).

The 49-year-old, who competed against the Cape Cost Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Anthony Agyir Aikins, polled 230 votes, as against Aikins' 58 votes, out of 288 total valid votes.

Addressing the teeming crowd after the declaration, Mr. Rickets thanked the delegates for their support and urged everyone to rally behind him to win the seat for the NDC.

According to him, this was the time for the party to unite and develop strategies to send the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to the bush.

He therefore promised to defend the party's constituency and asked the electorate in Cape Coast South Constituency to vote for him and the party.

On his part, the Cape Coast MCE declared his full support to Mr Hagan and promised to make resources available for him to win the seat.

At Awutu Senya East Constituency, the District Chief Executive, Adams Nuhu, beat Baba Lamin who was previously with then President John Mahama's office.

Mr. Nuhu polled 88 votes to overpower Baaba Lamin who had 52 votes.
From Desmond K. Dapaah, Cape Coast

Economy Is In Mess – Nduom

Dr. Nduom-- PPP founder

The presidential hopeful and founder of the Progressive People's Party (PPP), Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom has emphatically stated that the deteriorating economy of the country could only be salvaged if Ghanaians give the PPP the mandate.

He noted that the country, which has abundant natural resources, is currently in dilemma, adding that Ghana would have a better economy if the necessary measures are put in place.

He attributed Ghana's developmental problems to ignorance, selfishness, partiality and greed on the part of some leaders who consider their selfish interests, a situation he said has led the nation to under-development.

Dr. Nduom disclosed this at Apam in the Gomoa West District of Central Region during a nationwide tour of the Central region as part of his campaign.

Addressing the gathering at Apam, the Presidential hopeful hinted that PPP will focus on four thematic areas aimed at increasing the standard of living of Ghanaians.

According to him, the party will introduce a free educational policy from the kindergarten to the Senior High School (SHS) level.

He expressed worry about the poor educational system in the country after 55 years of independence, adding 'some pupils of school-going age cannot have access to free and quality education in this country but the PPP has a better policy to help Ghanaians realize their dreams.

Dr. Nduom observed that the fishing industry has contributed massively to the growth of the Ghanaian economy and needs effective remedy to prevent it from collapsing.

Dr. Nduom, who born and bred in a fishing community, indicated that with the provision of affordable outboard motors, financial assistance and other fishing equipment, the fishing industry will be revived.

'I am from a coastal community, I schooled and have lived most of my life there, I know and understand the intricacies in the fishing industry, therefore I will revive the industry when you vote PPP into power,' he said.

From Desmond K. Dapaah, Apam

KEEA MP Chased Away

Dr, J.S Annan -- K.E.E.A MP

Drama unfolded at Elmina-Zongo on Friday when the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) constituency in the Central Region, Dr. Joseph S. Annan, who went to the area to present roofing sheets to some constituency members was chased out.

The unforeseen action, according to DAILY GUIDE information, happened in the evening when the MP went to the area in fulfillment of a promise he made one Summah to provide the people with roofing sheets to roof a deteriorated shed.

An eyewitness who spoke to DAILY GUIDE on condition of anonymity said the MP arrived at the place around 4:00 p.m. in his green Toyota Land Cruiser.

The source hinted that the MP has been warned not to step in the Zongo community to campaign.
According to the source, immediately the MP alighted from his car, one Baba Karime from a well-known National Democratic Congress (NDC) house in the area came out and begun insulting the MP, while other family members joined, hooting at him.

He added that the MP, sensing danger from the massive crowd which approached him from behind, quickly ordered his boys to move from the area to save their lives.

DAILY GUIDE could state on authority that the people hooted at the MP for almost 20 minutes.
DAILY GUIDE further gathered that this was the third time Dr. Annan, who is the deputy minister of Trade and Industry, had been shamed and hooted at in the area since he assumed office.

Information had it that NDC members in the area claimed to have lost confidence in the MP due to his awful relationship with them.

DAILY GUIDE investigations have revealed the irate NDC members who hooted at the MP belonged to the faction of Dr. Ato Quashie, a former MP in the area.

Dr. Quashie was vigorously preparing to contest the KEEA seat independently since he felt he was cheated in the recent primary in which Dr. Annan emerged winner.

DAILY GUIDE investigations had it that posters and bill boards of Dr. Quashie were ready and would soon come out.
 From: Desmond K. Dapaah, Elmina

Chief Beheaded Over Coconut

Suspect withe he head of the chief

Preliminary investigations have indicated that the Ebusuapanyin of Narkwa Asona Royal Family of Ekumfi Narkwa in the Central Region, Nana Kojo Eguasiah, was killed and beheaded last week over coconut.

The 50-year-old Ebusuapayin’s horrifying death led to communal violence in the area, as the Fantes clashed with Ewe settlers, during which three people from the community were killed and several houses set ablaze.

The suspect was apprehended after the deceased’s cellphone was traced to his sister.

Speaking at a press conference in Cape Coast yesterday, Central Regional Police Commander DCOP Stephen Andoh Kwofie said the late Ebusuapanyin had a scuffle with Kweku Mensah, a 37-year-old farmer and coconut seller, whom the deceased allegedly caught stealing coconut from his farm.

According to DCOP Andoh Kwofie, the deceased grabbed Mensah on his farm and after an exchange of words, they engaged in fisticuffs during which Mensah killed the old man, cut off the head and buried the dismembered parts on the farm.

He added that the suspect buried the head deeper into the ground next to the body to hide his crime.

The police commander further revealed that three days ago, his outfit was informed that the phone of the deceased was in possession of Mensah’s younger sister, Aba Koba, 30, so they mounted a search and traced the duo to Ekumfi Narkwa.

He stated that Mensah was subsequently arrested on Sunday and confessed to killing the deceased upon police interrogation.

DCPOP Andoh Kwofie alleged that Mensah informed his sister about the murder and his sister in turn advised him not to tell anyone about it.

He added that Mensah handed over to Koba the deceased person’s phone, which he took after murdering the Ebusuapanyin.

The police hinted that during their investigations, they called the Ebusuapayin’s phone and Koba answered it, but denied she was called Aba Koba and also gave them a wrong house address in order to prevent the police from tracing her.

DCOP Andoh Kwofie stated that Koba was however located at her hideout and arrested on Monday.

The police team sent Mensah to the farm where he retrieved the decapitated head of the deceased.

The police commander urged the public to assist them in arresting the killers of Kojo Munkoh and Saani, who lost their lives during the subsequent violence.

It would be recalled that last Tuesday, the headless body of Nana Kojo Eguasiah was found buried in a shallow grave after several hours of search on his own farm.
From: Desmond K. Dapaah, Cape Coas

Police Mad At Swedru Chief

DCOP Andoh Kwofie

The Central Regional Police Command has expressed worry about how the chief of Agona Swedru in the Agona West District of the Central Region, Nana Botwe, has resorted to the use of media platforms to tarnish the hard worn reputation of police and public officers in the region. According to the police, Nana Botwe’s allegation that the police in the area were conniving with criminals to increase crime rate, thus the need for the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Paul Tawiah Quaye to transfer all of them, was totally out of place. Addressing a press conference in Cape Coast to react to the chief’s allegation, which was published in Daily Guide on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, the Central Regional Police Commander, DCOP Stephen Andoh Kwofie, revealed that the police were there to ensure peace and order in the area and not to indulge in criminal activities with miscreants who dealt in drugs and cyber crimes. The police chief added that the chief was rather the one who pleaded for bail for criminals who had been arrested by the police in the area. He added that the chief’s allegation was to get back at the police for refusing to give his residence 24-hour police protection when he asked for it sometime ago. He added that the chief was probably infuriated by the police refusing a drink he offered them. He challenged Nana Botwe to come out and mention the names of the said police personnel who had connived with criminals in the area. He warned that should Nana Botwe refuse to do so, he would be arrested and charged with aiding and abetting criminals since he had on many occasions come to the Swedru District Police to bail criminals who had been arrested. DCOP Andoh Kwofie added that a decision by the police and the District Chief Executive in the area to introduce community policing to ensure total peace was rejected by the chief, adding that they were therefore surprised the same man turned round to accuse the police of conniving with criminals. He said the IGP had not received any complaints concerning his personnel at Agona Swedru and would therefore not transfer them unless there was evidence on the chief’s allegation. He however urged Nana Botwe to support the police in arresting criminals who were disturbing residents of the area. The acting Divisional Police Commander at Agona Swedru, ACP Owusu Donyinah, revealed that Nana Botwe on one occasion stormed the police station and ordered the release of some criminals who were arrested for vandalizing a recreational center. He added that the chief categorically stated that if the said criminals were not released, he would sleep there with his followers, a situation which forced the divisional commander to release them.

Source: Desmond K. Dapaah, Cape Coast

No Seats For NPP At Fetu Afahye

The NPP disappointed gurus Drama unfolded at this year’s Oguaa Fetu Afahye Festival celebrated by the chiefs and people of Cape Coast when New Patriotic Party (NPP) gurus who were delegated by the party’s flagbearer, Nana Akufo Addo, to witness the occasion were not offered seats. The disappointed gurus included former Member of Parliament (MP) for Mfantseman West Stephen Asamoah Boateng aka Asabee, former Attorney General Joe Ghartey, aspiring MP for Cape Coast Alfred Kodwo Thompson, as well as the Central regional secretary of the party, Kwamena Duncan. Briefing Daily Guide, an eyewitness said the gurus, dressed in their black and white kente cloths, arrived at the durbar grounds around 12:30pm. They then got seated but unfortunately, one of the traditional chiefs told them to vacate the seats since they only made provision for former President John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo. The delegation, which looked disappointed, according to Daily Guide source, had no option but to look for seats elsewhere but again, they were asked to vacate them. They finally found seats in the midst of the crowd, a situation which, according to information, compelled people who observed the scene to lambast the planning committee.Addressing the gathering, President John Dramani Mahama expressed worry over the death of the late President John Evans Atta Mills and promised to ensure that all projects embarked on by the late president are duly completed. He thanked the people of Cape Coast for the rousing support they gave him when he visited the town during his ‘Thank You Tour’. Speaking on the theme for the occasion, ‘The Asafo Companies, The Past, Present And The Future’, President Mahama called on the traditional council and leaders of the various Asafo companies to outline strategies to educate and enlighten the youth on the cultural practices and customs of the area. He also called on the youth to desist from acts of commotion to ensure total peace before, during and after the December general elections. On his part, the Omanhen of Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, charged President Mahama to honour his promise by constructing the Kotokuraba Market complex and the Cape Coast Stadium before he left office. Osabarima also appealed to parents and members of the various Asafo companies to involve their children in all traditional activities in order for them to know their roots as Africans. The paramount chief asked President Mahama to consider Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur as his running mate in memory of the late President Mills. Later, President Mahama cut a tape to officially name some streets in the area after President Mills. DAILY GUIDE can state on authority that this year’s festival recorded low patronage. The paper also observed that chiefs were not made to be carried in palanquins because certain rituals were not performed due to the death of the late president as most of government officials were spotted wearing black and red attires since the durbar coincided with the 40 days celebration of the late president. It will be recalled that last year’s Oguaa Fetu Afahye Festival celebration was nearly marred when NPP gurus who attended the festival at Jubilee Park were prevented by a special aide to the late president, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, from going to exchange greetings with the chiefs. The gurus were also not recognised.

Source: Desmond K. Dapaah, Cape Coast

Kennedy Cautions EC

Kennedy Agyapong addressing NPP supporters at Elmina

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for the Assin North Constituency in the Central Region, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has cautioned the Electoral Commission (EC) not to employ any diabolic tactics to rig the December 7 general elections.

Mr Agyapong alleged that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party had connived with the EC not to recharge the biometric registration and verifications machines to its fullest in order to deter voters from voting, especially at the NPP's strongholds.

He made the statements over the weekend when the NPP parliamentary candidate for the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Constituency, Dr. Nana Ato Arthur, launched his 2012 campaign.

The launch, which attracted thousands of NPP supporters from the constituency, was well attended by national, regional and constituency executives.

Addressing the crowd, Mr. Agyapong alleged that the ruling party had mobilized some youth who had lodged at Gemani, a fishing community in the South Dayi District of the Volta Region and were being trained to act as national security officers to disturb the upcoming elections.

He noted that the NPP had put in place the necessary strategies to face the NDC who had planned to rig the election.

Mr Agyapong therefore urged Ghanaians not to be scared of the bad intention of NDC but have confidence and vote for NPP, the party which had their welfare at heart.

Mr. Agyapong revealed that the most corrupt government Ghana had ever had was the Mills-Mahama administration which had seen old and young ministers looting the nation for their selfish interest without thinking of the poor Ghanaian.   

'See how President Mahama and Ofosu Ampofo are misusing state resources. They have ransacked our coffers for their own personal gains and their small boys like Okudzeto Ablakwa and others are following. We need to vote against them in this election, else our resources will get lost,' he said.

Mr. Agyapong said the people of Elmina had voted for the NDC in particular since 1992, yet they had not seen any developmental projects to transform the area.

The MP therefore urged people in the area to vote for the NPP in the upcoming elections to enable them to reconstruct the deplorable Benya Bridge.

On his part, Dr. Ato Arthur appealed to the electorate to vote for him to continue his massive developmental projects.

He noted that since the constituency was well noted for its tourist and agricultural attractions, he would ensure that all the needed trimmings were provided, with support from the constituents.

From: Desmond K. Dapaah, Elmina

Nduom Party Sacks KEEA Candidate

Weak Bridge Scares Elmina Commuters

The Elmina weak Bridge

THE ELMINA Bridge also known as the Benya Bridge in the Central region has become a deathtrap and residents are now scared to use it.

The bridge which links residents in the area to surrounding communities is dilapidated and looks like it could cave in at any moment.

The rusted bridge which was built in the 1990s to ensure the free flow of tourists and people from the town to the first Portuguese Castle built in the country is fast losing its essence.

It seems the current government and the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipal Assembly are not committed to rehabilitating the bridge which generates revenue for the assembly as it serves as the main link for tourists wishing to visit the Elmina Castle and forts.

Currently, both the foot path and access road for vehicles on the bridge are completely rusted, forcing residents to close the foot path to prevent any unforeseen occurrences.

The residents are now compelled to use the vehicular path which   poses a threat to life since anyone could be knocked down by a car especially during the night.

Information gathered by DAILY GUIDE indicates that recently a resident had his leg trapped in a hole in the bridge and sustained injuries.

The residents have therefore called on President John Mahama to come to their aid and build a new bridge for them since that is the only route to the fishing market.

According to them, although the late President Mills never visited them while in office, he promised to rehabilitate the bridge and hoped the current president would to fulfill that promise.

“If the bridge is not reconstructed as early as possible we will not vote for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party and the MP,” they stated.

 From: Desmond K. Dapaah, Elmina

Nduom Party Sacks KEEA Candidate

Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom

Information reaching  DAILY GUIDE   indicates that the elected parliamentary candidate of the Progressive People's Party (PPP) in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA), Lawyer Kojo Annan has been prevented from contesting the December polls.

DAILY GUIDE  gathered that his posters and billboards, which were erected in the constituency, had been damaged while others had been removed.

A source told the paper that the beleaguered parliamentary candidate was sacked because he was not a resident of the area.

The source further hinted that the constituency executives, who anticipated the lost of the seat, passed a vote of no confidence in Mr. Annan.

DAILY GUIDE  learnt that a letter explaining the dismissal of the candidate had been sent to the founder and presidential hopeful of PPP, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, who is native of the area.

The source hinted that the constituency executives had contacted Doreen Mansah Manieson, who is based in the United State of America (USA) to contest the KEEA parliamentary seat.

A PPP constituency executive, Emmanuel K. Mosses, in an interview with  DAILY GUIDE , corroborated the story.

He added that the decision to change Lawyer Annan was taken by the constituency executives.

On her part, Mansah Manieson stated that the constituency executives, at recent meeting, decided to give her the chance to capture the seat.

Madam Manieson, a resident of the area, launched her campaign over the weekend. 

From: Desmond K. Dapaah, Elmina

Coup Plotters Grabbed!

The suspect with their weapons

The Central Regional Police Command yesterday arrested two Ivorians and a Ghanaian in a Cape Coast hotel, linking them to an alleged plot to stage a coup d’état in Cote d’Ivoire.

The two Ivorians (names withheld), who are being held for further investigations, are a 27-year-old ex-sergeant in the Ivorian Army and a 40-year-old cook, who is a politician. Their Ghanaian counterpart is a 73-year-old former naval Captain with the defunct Black Star Line, Nana Emisa Mbrah.

Nana Mbrah, according to the police, is a native of Cape Coast.

Addressing the media on Monday, the Regional Police Commander, DCOP Stephen Andoh Kwofie, said on September 13, 2012, his outfit had information about two Ivorians lodging in a hotel in Cape Coast and who had held several meetings to procure arms to destabilise the Ouattara government.

According to him, it was agreed at the meeting by the two Ivorians that the arms they needed from their suppliers should include rifles and ammunition.

The police then organised some men in the early hours of Friday, September 14, 2012 to swoop on the hotel by disguising themselves as suppliers of the said arms.

He noted that the Ivorians requested that the disguised police should allow them to inspect the arms and ammunitions which were stocked in a vehicle.

The police commander added that during the inspection, the police quickly arrested the suspects and retrieved five AK 47 rifles and an assortment of ammunition.

Upon interrogation, the two Ivoirians mentioned the name of their Ghanaian counterpart, Mr. Mbrah, who is alleged to have a stake in the coup attempt.

DCOP Andoh Kwofie revealed that a thorough investigation and surveillance had been mounted nationwide to track down the remaining suspects.

From: Desmond K. Dapaah, Cape Coast

NPP Warns NDC Over Attacks

Mr. Ekow Sarbah addressing some youths of YPM

A pressure group affiliated to the Cape Coast branch of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has sent a strong warning to the leadership of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Central Region, asking it to advise its supporters to refrain from tearing and removing NPP posters.

The group, which called itself the 'Young Patriotic Movement' (YPM), also threatened to stage a massive demonstration against the diabolic tactics of the NDC should their leadership fail to call the supporters to order.

Addressing a press conference organised yesterday at the Oguaa NPP campaign office, the vice chairman and spokesperson for the group, Emmanuel Ebo Sarbah disclosed that YPM was worried about the tactics the NDC had employed to cause mayhem in the Cape Coast North and South constituencies.

According to him, some NDC supporters had begun destroying posters of NPP, the party's flags in town, attacking die-hard NPP sympathisers during keep-fit exercises as well as attacking their members who paste the posters.

'What the NDC supporters are doing is a recipe for chaos and it needs to stop now else it will lead to a serious battle between the two parties,' he stated.

He revealed that a loyal member of YPM, Justina Monko, was seriously beaten by an NDC sympathiser at Ntsin, a suburb of Cape Coast, while on a keep-fit exercise last week Sunday.

He noted that this plus other four cases of assault had since been reported to the Central Regional Police Command for the necessary action to be taken.

Mr Sarbah stated that since the NPP, together with its leadership, believed in democracy and rule of law, they would not take the law into their own hands, but seek appropriate measures to salvage the situation.

'Our flagbearer, Nana Akufo Addo has made it clear that he would not want to govern a divided country. We will not do anything to contradict that but help him achieve his vision for Ghana's progress,' he said.

Mr. Sarbah however urged the Central regional executives of the NDC to run a clean, issue-based campaign devoid of insults as the NPP was doing.

He was optimistic that once the NPP had credible presidential and parliamentary candidates in the region, they would not engage themselves in any election violence but rather go down to grassroots members to sell the party's policies and ideologies and canvass for more votes for victory in the December elections.

From: Desmond K. Dapaah, Cape Coast