Page 48: Daily Graphic, December 10, 2008.
Story: Albert K. Salia
THE security agencies have begun road blocks and snap checks throughout the country as part of the post-election operations.
The joint police/military teams, will also intensify day and night operations, while personnel of the Rapid Deployment Force, (RDF) have been put on high alert to deal with any emergencies.
The Director of Police Public Affairs, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Samuel Kwesi Ofori, told the Daily Graphic that the exercise is to make the physical presence of the security agencies felt throughout the country.
He appealed to members of the public not to be intimidated by the road blocks, snap checks and patrols because they are in their interest.
He also reminded members of the public that the Public Order Act had not been relaxed and, therefore, urged any individual or group of persons, as well as organisations seeking to organise any public gathering, demonstration or protests to give notice to the police five clear days ahead.
DSP Ofori said the police would not tolerate any acts of lawlessness during celebrations or protests.
He appealed to Ghanaians not to indulge in acts that could lead to the breach of the law.
According to him, the security personnel will remain vigilant and show the same level of professionalism in their post-election operations.
Prior to last Sunday’s polls, the National Elections Security Task Force,announced a three-phase security arrangements for the country.
Phase One of the security operations, which started on September 8, and ended on December 6, was characterised by intensified political campaigns and preparation and distribution of electoral materials and personnel throughout the country.
It was anticipated that Phase Two, which started from December 7, 2008 and ends tomorrow, Thursday, December 11, 2008, would be characterised by the casting of votes, counting of votes/compilation of results and mounting tension and anxiety associated with the elections, recovery of election materials and personnel, announcement of results and possible conflict.
To deal with the security threats associated with Phase II, personnel of the security services were to be deployed at all polling stations, escort and protect election officers and materials, as well as maintain and restore law and order at all flash points.
The RDFs would be maintained in central positions, monitor situation reports through joint operations rooms, that is, election control centres, maintain close liaison with the Electoral Commission(EC) and intensify day and night patrols.
Phase III, which would span the period December 10 to March 10, 2009, will be characterised by the declaration of results, celebrations, victory rallies, protests or demonstrations by the defeated, trading of accusations and crowd disturbances, a second round presidential election, if necessary, and the possibility of non-acceptance of election results, whether limited or general.
The security services were expected to enhance Operation Calm Life, monitor post-election activities, maintain the RDFs and maintain border security in conjunction with other security agencies and the security forces of neighbouring countries.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Commission urges confidence in polls
Page 32: Daily Graphic, December 7, 2008.
Story: Albert K. Salia
THE Electoral Commission has since the beginning of the year put in place measures to ensure confidence in the electoral system.
Apart from the delay in the re-opening of the voters register and its attendant effect on the voter registration exhibition exercise, as well as the filing of the nominations, the EC had undertaken a number of measures to instil confidence in today’s polls.
The limited voter registration exercise also resulted in multiple-registration and illegal minor registration.
An aspiring Member of Parliament in the Ashanti Region was jailed for double registration, while another in the Western Region is currently facing trial.
Some parents supported the EC during the exhibition exercise to delete the names of their minor children from the list of the electoral roll.
The EC took delivery of essential materials for the elections, namely indelible ink, endorsing ink, validation stamps, stamp pads, thumbprint pads, ballot boxes and materials for the printing of ballot papers 40 clear days before the elections.
It should be noted that from the use of opaque ballot boxes in 1992, the EC had improved the system with the use of transparent boxes, from limited use of photo identity cards to cover all eligible voters.
The EC also printed the ballot papers locally under tight security and also secured the canoes and rechargeable lamps for areas which did not have electricity and also for use in areas where there might be power outages.
The Chairman of the EC, Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, had, on numerous occasions prior to today’s polls, assured the electorate and political parties to discount the idea of rigging because there were adequate safeguards to protect the integrity of the polls.
According to him, the country’s electoral system had built-in mechanisms to make election results verifiable as a result of which “it will be very difficult for anybody to cheat in the elections”.
The EC has also given the assurance that the results of today’s polls will be declared before the 72-hour mandatory period elapses.
That, it said, was to ensure that the anxiety that usually built up after the mandatory 72 hours, which had been blamed for some of the tension and rumours of rigging, would not be the case this year.
The EC had also put in measures to reduce the number of rejected ballot papers.
Rejected ballots accounted for 1.53 per cent or 111,108 of the 7,256,872 votes cast in 1996; 1.58 per cent or 104,214 of the 6,605,084 votes cast in 2000 and 2.13 per cent or 188,123 votes of the 8,813,908 cast in 2004.
One of the measures involves the lines differentiating the pictures and party symbols of the candidates on the ballot papers have been made bolder.
The EC also warned that it would be unlawful for any party agent or any other person to attempt to prevent anyone from voting today.
Also, party agents are not to effect the arrest of anyone on alleged electoral offences.
It said persons who had misplaced their voter ID could also vote provided their names could be found in the voters register.
The EC had also threatened to deal with any EC staff member who would be found to be involved in any act that could undermine the electoral process.
Today’s elections have a large number of observer missions from across the world.
The Carter Centre in the United States of America, the European Union, the Economic Community of West African States and the Commonwealth Secretariat have all sent strong election observer missions to monitor today’s polls.
Story: Albert K. Salia
THE Electoral Commission has since the beginning of the year put in place measures to ensure confidence in the electoral system.
Apart from the delay in the re-opening of the voters register and its attendant effect on the voter registration exhibition exercise, as well as the filing of the nominations, the EC had undertaken a number of measures to instil confidence in today’s polls.
The limited voter registration exercise also resulted in multiple-registration and illegal minor registration.
An aspiring Member of Parliament in the Ashanti Region was jailed for double registration, while another in the Western Region is currently facing trial.
Some parents supported the EC during the exhibition exercise to delete the names of their minor children from the list of the electoral roll.
The EC took delivery of essential materials for the elections, namely indelible ink, endorsing ink, validation stamps, stamp pads, thumbprint pads, ballot boxes and materials for the printing of ballot papers 40 clear days before the elections.
It should be noted that from the use of opaque ballot boxes in 1992, the EC had improved the system with the use of transparent boxes, from limited use of photo identity cards to cover all eligible voters.
The EC also printed the ballot papers locally under tight security and also secured the canoes and rechargeable lamps for areas which did not have electricity and also for use in areas where there might be power outages.
The Chairman of the EC, Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, had, on numerous occasions prior to today’s polls, assured the electorate and political parties to discount the idea of rigging because there were adequate safeguards to protect the integrity of the polls.
According to him, the country’s electoral system had built-in mechanisms to make election results verifiable as a result of which “it will be very difficult for anybody to cheat in the elections”.
The EC has also given the assurance that the results of today’s polls will be declared before the 72-hour mandatory period elapses.
That, it said, was to ensure that the anxiety that usually built up after the mandatory 72 hours, which had been blamed for some of the tension and rumours of rigging, would not be the case this year.
The EC had also put in measures to reduce the number of rejected ballot papers.
Rejected ballots accounted for 1.53 per cent or 111,108 of the 7,256,872 votes cast in 1996; 1.58 per cent or 104,214 of the 6,605,084 votes cast in 2000 and 2.13 per cent or 188,123 votes of the 8,813,908 cast in 2004.
One of the measures involves the lines differentiating the pictures and party symbols of the candidates on the ballot papers have been made bolder.
The EC also warned that it would be unlawful for any party agent or any other person to attempt to prevent anyone from voting today.
Also, party agents are not to effect the arrest of anyone on alleged electoral offences.
It said persons who had misplaced their voter ID could also vote provided their names could be found in the voters register.
The EC had also threatened to deal with any EC staff member who would be found to be involved in any act that could undermine the electoral process.
Today’s elections have a large number of observer missions from across the world.
The Carter Centre in the United States of America, the European Union, the Economic Community of West African States and the Commonwealth Secretariat have all sent strong election observer missions to monitor today’s polls.
Security personnel deployed for polls
Page 3: Daily Graphic, December 7, 2008.
Story: Albert K. Salia
SECURITY personnel were on Friday deployed throughout the country to monitor today’s polls and also ensure law and order during and after the polls.
Under security arrangements, unarmed security personnel will be posted to all the polling stations, while armed personnel drawn from the Rapid Deployment Force of the Ghana Police Service and the military will be stationed at vital locations to move in to restore law and order.
The security personnel are not expected to be engaged in the conduct of the elections but to ensure that there is no violence or disruption of the electoral process.
Prior to that, the government had released more than 600 vehicles to beef up what the security agencies already have to augment their operations.
Specialised police units, such as the Rapid Deployment Force, the Armoured Car Squadron, the Mounted Squadron, the Striking Force and multi-purpose vehicles, will be deployed, together with appropriate military contingents, as part of the rapid response strategy.
A rapid response strategy has been designed, with standby forces in place to react promptly to reinforce and contain any crisis situation.
A national simulation exercise, code-named “Exercise Peace Angel”, was undertaken between November 17 and 18, 2008 to test the preparedness and capability of the security agencies in handling polls-related crises during elections.
It was to synchronise operational plans and procedures and rehearse in a bid to integrate the various functions of security groups, task forces and agencies.
A comprehensive communication plan to cover the whole country for the operations of the elections security task force has been put in place. Equipment for the communication strategy includes VHS radios and a national security communications system.
Some of the challenges associated with elections include clashes at political events, disobedience of the Public Order Act, protests, late arrival of election officers and materials, the general conduct of election officers, party agents, voters and campaigning during voting.
Other problems are the hijacking of results/ballot boxes, protests at polling stations and collation centres, inability to trace names, missing voter ID cards of potential voters, preventing minors/aliens from voting, illumination at polling stations and collation centres, poor routes to polling stations, feeding of polling agents, electoral and security officers, as well as transporting election materials to collation centres.
Issues of post-election problems, including protests regarding rejected ballots, signing of results by polling agents after counting, reaction to results, riot and disorder at the swearing-in ceremony, have all been taken care of by the security agencies, which are operating under the National Elections Security Task Force.
Consequently, a three-phase security arrangement had been put in place to ensure a safe and secure environment for peaceful electioneering before election day and thereafter to ensure post-election peace.
The police are playing a leading role, supported by the other security services, with the Ghana Armed Forces taking over from the police to restore law and order when necessary.
Phase I of the security operations, which started on September 8, ended yesterday, a period characterised by intensified political campaigns and preparation/distribution of electoral materials and personnel throughout the country.
Phase II, which starts from today to December 10, will be characterised by the casting of votes, counting of votes/compilation of results, tension and anxiety associated with the elections, recovery of election materials and personnel, announcement of results and possible conflict and violence.
To deal with the security threats associated with Phase II, personnel of the security services will be deployed at all polling stations, escort and protect election officers and materials, as well as maintain and restore law and order at all flash points.
Personnel of the RDFs will be maintained in central positions, monitor situation reports through joint operation rooms, that is, election control centres, maintain close liaison with the Electoral Commission and intensify day and night patrols.
Phase III, which will span the period December 10 to March 10, 2009, will be characterised by the declaration of results/conceding defeat, victory rallies, protests/demonstrations by the defeated, trading of accusations and crowd disturbances, a second round presidential election, if necessary, and the possibility of non-acceptance of election results, albeit limited or general.
The security services are expected to enhance Operation Calm Life, monitor post-election activities, maintain the RDFs and maintain border security in conjunction with other security agencies and the security forces of neighbouring countries.
According to the Interior Minister, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, adequate security measures had been put in place to ensure peace and stability in the country, stressing that “the elections will be free, fair and transparent”.
He said the Ghana Police Service was spearheading the security arrangements, under the aegis of the National Elections Security Task Force, which comprised other security organisations.
He said under the arrangements, the Ghana Armed Forces would only take over from the police to restore law and order when necessary.
Dr Addo-Kufuor said each polling station would be manned by selected members of the security services to ensure incident-free voting.
Story: Albert K. Salia
SECURITY personnel were on Friday deployed throughout the country to monitor today’s polls and also ensure law and order during and after the polls.
Under security arrangements, unarmed security personnel will be posted to all the polling stations, while armed personnel drawn from the Rapid Deployment Force of the Ghana Police Service and the military will be stationed at vital locations to move in to restore law and order.
The security personnel are not expected to be engaged in the conduct of the elections but to ensure that there is no violence or disruption of the electoral process.
Prior to that, the government had released more than 600 vehicles to beef up what the security agencies already have to augment their operations.
Specialised police units, such as the Rapid Deployment Force, the Armoured Car Squadron, the Mounted Squadron, the Striking Force and multi-purpose vehicles, will be deployed, together with appropriate military contingents, as part of the rapid response strategy.
A rapid response strategy has been designed, with standby forces in place to react promptly to reinforce and contain any crisis situation.
A national simulation exercise, code-named “Exercise Peace Angel”, was undertaken between November 17 and 18, 2008 to test the preparedness and capability of the security agencies in handling polls-related crises during elections.
It was to synchronise operational plans and procedures and rehearse in a bid to integrate the various functions of security groups, task forces and agencies.
A comprehensive communication plan to cover the whole country for the operations of the elections security task force has been put in place. Equipment for the communication strategy includes VHS radios and a national security communications system.
Some of the challenges associated with elections include clashes at political events, disobedience of the Public Order Act, protests, late arrival of election officers and materials, the general conduct of election officers, party agents, voters and campaigning during voting.
Other problems are the hijacking of results/ballot boxes, protests at polling stations and collation centres, inability to trace names, missing voter ID cards of potential voters, preventing minors/aliens from voting, illumination at polling stations and collation centres, poor routes to polling stations, feeding of polling agents, electoral and security officers, as well as transporting election materials to collation centres.
Issues of post-election problems, including protests regarding rejected ballots, signing of results by polling agents after counting, reaction to results, riot and disorder at the swearing-in ceremony, have all been taken care of by the security agencies, which are operating under the National Elections Security Task Force.
Consequently, a three-phase security arrangement had been put in place to ensure a safe and secure environment for peaceful electioneering before election day and thereafter to ensure post-election peace.
The police are playing a leading role, supported by the other security services, with the Ghana Armed Forces taking over from the police to restore law and order when necessary.
Phase I of the security operations, which started on September 8, ended yesterday, a period characterised by intensified political campaigns and preparation/distribution of electoral materials and personnel throughout the country.
Phase II, which starts from today to December 10, will be characterised by the casting of votes, counting of votes/compilation of results, tension and anxiety associated with the elections, recovery of election materials and personnel, announcement of results and possible conflict and violence.
To deal with the security threats associated with Phase II, personnel of the security services will be deployed at all polling stations, escort and protect election officers and materials, as well as maintain and restore law and order at all flash points.
Personnel of the RDFs will be maintained in central positions, monitor situation reports through joint operation rooms, that is, election control centres, maintain close liaison with the Electoral Commission and intensify day and night patrols.
Phase III, which will span the period December 10 to March 10, 2009, will be characterised by the declaration of results/conceding defeat, victory rallies, protests/demonstrations by the defeated, trading of accusations and crowd disturbances, a second round presidential election, if necessary, and the possibility of non-acceptance of election results, albeit limited or general.
The security services are expected to enhance Operation Calm Life, monitor post-election activities, maintain the RDFs and maintain border security in conjunction with other security agencies and the security forces of neighbouring countries.
According to the Interior Minister, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, adequate security measures had been put in place to ensure peace and stability in the country, stressing that “the elections will be free, fair and transparent”.
He said the Ghana Police Service was spearheading the security arrangements, under the aegis of the National Elections Security Task Force, which comprised other security organisations.
He said under the arrangements, the Ghana Armed Forces would only take over from the police to restore law and order when necessary.
Dr Addo-Kufuor said each polling station would be manned by selected members of the security services to ensure incident-free voting.
SECURE POLLS * Prez urges GAF
Front Page: Daily Graphic, December 5, 2008.
Story: Albert K. Salia
PRESIDENT J.A. Kufuor has urged members of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to maintain the high sense of professionalism and impartiality they have exhibited so far and help protect the integrity of the general election on Sunday.
“I urge you not to disappoint the good people of Ghana and the many people world-wide who hold the GAF in high esteem,” the President told the soldiers when he inaugurated the newly constructed Ministry of Defence office complex in Accra yesterday.
He said the military and the other security agencies would be expected to keep law and order and protect the security of the nation during and after the polls.
The four-storey office complex has 120 rooms and will accommodate the Ministry of Defence, the offices of the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Commander-in-Chief of the GAF, as well as other service commanders.
The conference room of the $6.75 million building was named after the Immediate Past Defence Minister, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, during whose tenure the project, as well as many other projects funded by the Chinese Government, was initiated and completed.
President Kufuor commended the GAF for working effectively with the government to protect the sovereignty of the country during his two terms in office, saying that “by playing their mandated role, they enabled governance of the nation to proceed in accordance with the Constitution”.
He said the nation was happy that the GAF had rediscovered their raison d’être and stuck to their mandate as enshrined in the national Constitution, which had contributed to the peace, security and steady development which Ghana was enjoying.
He noted that the military, like any other public sector institution, had received its share of budgetary allocation.
“Work on the Military Hospital has continued. Today, the face of Burma Camp has changed completely from what it was in 2001. There is the Burma Hall Complex, the new accommodation complexes for both officers and men and women. All garrisons around the country are also undergoing massive facelift,” he added.
President Kufuor acknowledged Dr Addo-Kufuor who, as the Minister of Defence for almost seven years, had general oversight of those developments.
He noted that until the onset of globalisation, threats to national security took the form of civil wars, activities of adventurous soldiers and invading armies but current security threats took the form of drug trafficking, illicit dealings in arms, human trafficking, child prostitution and terrorism.
“Taking advantage of ICT, the faceless enemies work with global networks of collaborators who put all nations at risk. There are also problems arising out of natural or man-made disasters which have their own complexities,” he noted.
According to him, different types of expertise were required to deal effectively with those myriad of problems.
That, he said, called for continuing training of the military in a vast array of fields, in close collaboration with civilian expertise.
President Kufuor said it was as a result of these that the government sought to improve educational facilities within the military, resulting in soldiers obtaining masters degrees at the Military Academy, adding that opportunities for the training of soldiers in both local and overseas institutions had been enhanced to cover many disciplines and make the military versatile.
He commended the Ministry of Defence for seeking the support of its counterpart in Britain to develop an enhanced civilian performance in Ghana’s Defence Ministry.
“I would urge both the Minister of Public Sector Reforms and the Head of the Civil Service to explore the possibility of developing the capacity of more civil and public servants to provide some of the specialised services required by the military,” he appealed.
President Kufuor also challenged the country’s universities and management development institutions to develop courses in security and allied fields and help build the capacities of both military and civilian personnel in response to present and emerging challenges.
He commended the Chinese government for its support for Ghana in the past eight years, noting that China had helped Ghana in many areas, particularly infrastructural development.
President Kufuor expressed the hope that the friendship between the two countries would continue to grow to the mutual benefit of the two countries.
The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Yu Wenzhe, described the office complex as a gift from China to Ghanaians in appreciation of the support and friendship of Ghanaians to their Chinese counterparts.
He said China would continue to support Ghana in whatever way possible to deepen the relationship between the two countries.
Story: Albert K. Salia
PRESIDENT J.A. Kufuor has urged members of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to maintain the high sense of professionalism and impartiality they have exhibited so far and help protect the integrity of the general election on Sunday.
“I urge you not to disappoint the good people of Ghana and the many people world-wide who hold the GAF in high esteem,” the President told the soldiers when he inaugurated the newly constructed Ministry of Defence office complex in Accra yesterday.
He said the military and the other security agencies would be expected to keep law and order and protect the security of the nation during and after the polls.
The four-storey office complex has 120 rooms and will accommodate the Ministry of Defence, the offices of the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Commander-in-Chief of the GAF, as well as other service commanders.
The conference room of the $6.75 million building was named after the Immediate Past Defence Minister, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, during whose tenure the project, as well as many other projects funded by the Chinese Government, was initiated and completed.
President Kufuor commended the GAF for working effectively with the government to protect the sovereignty of the country during his two terms in office, saying that “by playing their mandated role, they enabled governance of the nation to proceed in accordance with the Constitution”.
He said the nation was happy that the GAF had rediscovered their raison d’être and stuck to their mandate as enshrined in the national Constitution, which had contributed to the peace, security and steady development which Ghana was enjoying.
He noted that the military, like any other public sector institution, had received its share of budgetary allocation.
“Work on the Military Hospital has continued. Today, the face of Burma Camp has changed completely from what it was in 2001. There is the Burma Hall Complex, the new accommodation complexes for both officers and men and women. All garrisons around the country are also undergoing massive facelift,” he added.
President Kufuor acknowledged Dr Addo-Kufuor who, as the Minister of Defence for almost seven years, had general oversight of those developments.
He noted that until the onset of globalisation, threats to national security took the form of civil wars, activities of adventurous soldiers and invading armies but current security threats took the form of drug trafficking, illicit dealings in arms, human trafficking, child prostitution and terrorism.
“Taking advantage of ICT, the faceless enemies work with global networks of collaborators who put all nations at risk. There are also problems arising out of natural or man-made disasters which have their own complexities,” he noted.
According to him, different types of expertise were required to deal effectively with those myriad of problems.
That, he said, called for continuing training of the military in a vast array of fields, in close collaboration with civilian expertise.
President Kufuor said it was as a result of these that the government sought to improve educational facilities within the military, resulting in soldiers obtaining masters degrees at the Military Academy, adding that opportunities for the training of soldiers in both local and overseas institutions had been enhanced to cover many disciplines and make the military versatile.
He commended the Ministry of Defence for seeking the support of its counterpart in Britain to develop an enhanced civilian performance in Ghana’s Defence Ministry.
“I would urge both the Minister of Public Sector Reforms and the Head of the Civil Service to explore the possibility of developing the capacity of more civil and public servants to provide some of the specialised services required by the military,” he appealed.
President Kufuor also challenged the country’s universities and management development institutions to develop courses in security and allied fields and help build the capacities of both military and civilian personnel in response to present and emerging challenges.
He commended the Chinese government for its support for Ghana in the past eight years, noting that China had helped Ghana in many areas, particularly infrastructural development.
President Kufuor expressed the hope that the friendship between the two countries would continue to grow to the mutual benefit of the two countries.
The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Yu Wenzhe, described the office complex as a gift from China to Ghanaians in appreciation of the support and friendship of Ghanaians to their Chinese counterparts.
He said China would continue to support Ghana in whatever way possible to deepen the relationship between the two countries.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Court dismisses Dan Lartey's application
Page 3: Daily Graphic, December 3, 2008.
Story: Albert K. Salia
THE ACCRA Fast Track High Court yesterday dismissed an application for certiorari and mandamus filed by Mr Dan Lartey of the Great Consolidated Peoples Party (GCPP) to quash the decision of the Electoral Commission (EC) of October 17, 2008 not to accept his nomination papers that could make it possible for him to contest the December 7 presidential election.
The court, presided over by Mr Justice K. A. Ofori-Atta, noted that Mr Lartey failed to fulfil the requirements of the electoral law to contest as a presidential candidate.
It noted that Mr Lartey also failed to produce the statutory declaration and tax clearance certificates to support his application, as well as failed to get two people from each of the district assemblies to endorse his application forms.
Mr Justice Ofori-Atta said Mr Lartey, in his application forms, failed to give his residential address and the name of his polling station.
According to him, Mr Lartey knew at the time of submitting his application forms that the forms were incomplete.
The court, therefore, awarded costs of GH¢1,500 against Mr Lartey.
Mr Lartey was represented by Mr B. B. Quaye, while Mr James Quashie-Idun represented the EC.
The Leader of the GCPP had asked the court to overturn the EC’s decision to disqualify him from contesting the election as a presidential candidate.
He was of the view that the EC had no right to disqualify him from contesting the presidential election.
Story: Albert K. Salia
THE ACCRA Fast Track High Court yesterday dismissed an application for certiorari and mandamus filed by Mr Dan Lartey of the Great Consolidated Peoples Party (GCPP) to quash the decision of the Electoral Commission (EC) of October 17, 2008 not to accept his nomination papers that could make it possible for him to contest the December 7 presidential election.
The court, presided over by Mr Justice K. A. Ofori-Atta, noted that Mr Lartey failed to fulfil the requirements of the electoral law to contest as a presidential candidate.
It noted that Mr Lartey also failed to produce the statutory declaration and tax clearance certificates to support his application, as well as failed to get two people from each of the district assemblies to endorse his application forms.
Mr Justice Ofori-Atta said Mr Lartey, in his application forms, failed to give his residential address and the name of his polling station.
According to him, Mr Lartey knew at the time of submitting his application forms that the forms were incomplete.
The court, therefore, awarded costs of GH¢1,500 against Mr Lartey.
Mr Lartey was represented by Mr B. B. Quaye, while Mr James Quashie-Idun represented the EC.
The Leader of the GCPP had asked the court to overturn the EC’s decision to disqualify him from contesting the election as a presidential candidate.
He was of the view that the EC had no right to disqualify him from contesting the presidential election.
Monday, December 1, 2008
"Prosecute dealers in banned explosives"
Front Page: Daily Graphic, December 1, 2008.
Story: Albert K. Salia
THE committee set up to investigate the Anyaa warehouse fire outbreak on November 17, 2008 has called on the security agencies to embark on swoops across the country to locate, confiscate and prosecute those involved in the trade in banned explosives.
It added that “security agents at the borders must also ensure that banned goods such as firecrackers are not allowed into the country”.
The committee established that the warehouse was stocked with firecrackers and not bombs as had been alleged in certain circles.
“The warehouse probably had poor ventilation, which might have led to accumulated fumes. The goods were highly inflammable and the least exposure to naked fire could have led to the explosion,” it noted.
This were contained in a report issued by the committee set up by the National Security Co-ordinator, Dr Sam G. Amoo, to investigate the immediate cause of the fire and whether there were related remote causes.
The committee, which was under the chairmanship of Mr Frederick Anafi, the Deputy National Security Co-ordinator, was also to investigate if there were any attempts at sabotage or arson, the background of the proprietor of the warehouse in relation to whether the building complied with the building code of Ghana and whether the building had an approved building permit from the district assembly, as well as to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of the claim that land guards kept weapons in the warehouse and whether those arms were moved out during the fire outbreak.
It was also to ascertain the number of deaths recorded during the fire outbreak and to investigate any other issues related to the fire outbreak and submit recommendations for the avoidance of future occurrence.
According to the committee, the investigation could not determine the actual cause of fire, although it identified three possibilities.
Those were exposure to naked light such as candle light, naked light provided by kerosene stove used for cooking nearby or close to the warehouse and dropping of packs of Christmas firecrackers near a truck which was being loaded.
It established that there was no evidence to suggest any sabotage or arson.
The report said the proprietor of the warehouse, Janet Akanni Sarbah, alias Sister Delle, was born to a Nigerian mother, Alice Akanni, 61 and a Ghanaian father, Joseph Akanni.
It said the owner did not comply with the Ghanaian building code and did not obtain any building permit before putting up the warehouse.
“There was no evidence to suggest that land guards kept weapons in the warehouse. The explosion was so intense that even if weapons were kept in the warehouse, it would have been impossible for anybody to go in to retrieve the weapons after the explosion,” it said.
The committee said besides the seven persons who died and seven others still in hospital, one more person was still missing.
It said businesses should be reminded of their duty of care to people who work on or visit their premises.
It said the public must be reminded about the ban on those explosives and also get educated through the media on the dangers associated with the usage of firecrackers and explosives.
The committee reminded building inspectors of their duty to ensure that business premises complied with building regulations.
The committee also interviewed the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, who agreed that what he showed to the public at a press conference after the fire outbreak were the same as the exhibits in possession of the committee, which were indeed Christmas firecrackers.
Story: Albert K. Salia
THE committee set up to investigate the Anyaa warehouse fire outbreak on November 17, 2008 has called on the security agencies to embark on swoops across the country to locate, confiscate and prosecute those involved in the trade in banned explosives.
It added that “security agents at the borders must also ensure that banned goods such as firecrackers are not allowed into the country”.
The committee established that the warehouse was stocked with firecrackers and not bombs as had been alleged in certain circles.
“The warehouse probably had poor ventilation, which might have led to accumulated fumes. The goods were highly inflammable and the least exposure to naked fire could have led to the explosion,” it noted.
This were contained in a report issued by the committee set up by the National Security Co-ordinator, Dr Sam G. Amoo, to investigate the immediate cause of the fire and whether there were related remote causes.
The committee, which was under the chairmanship of Mr Frederick Anafi, the Deputy National Security Co-ordinator, was also to investigate if there were any attempts at sabotage or arson, the background of the proprietor of the warehouse in relation to whether the building complied with the building code of Ghana and whether the building had an approved building permit from the district assembly, as well as to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of the claim that land guards kept weapons in the warehouse and whether those arms were moved out during the fire outbreak.
It was also to ascertain the number of deaths recorded during the fire outbreak and to investigate any other issues related to the fire outbreak and submit recommendations for the avoidance of future occurrence.
According to the committee, the investigation could not determine the actual cause of fire, although it identified three possibilities.
Those were exposure to naked light such as candle light, naked light provided by kerosene stove used for cooking nearby or close to the warehouse and dropping of packs of Christmas firecrackers near a truck which was being loaded.
It established that there was no evidence to suggest any sabotage or arson.
The report said the proprietor of the warehouse, Janet Akanni Sarbah, alias Sister Delle, was born to a Nigerian mother, Alice Akanni, 61 and a Ghanaian father, Joseph Akanni.
It said the owner did not comply with the Ghanaian building code and did not obtain any building permit before putting up the warehouse.
“There was no evidence to suggest that land guards kept weapons in the warehouse. The explosion was so intense that even if weapons were kept in the warehouse, it would have been impossible for anybody to go in to retrieve the weapons after the explosion,” it said.
The committee said besides the seven persons who died and seven others still in hospital, one more person was still missing.
It said businesses should be reminded of their duty of care to people who work on or visit their premises.
It said the public must be reminded about the ban on those explosives and also get educated through the media on the dangers associated with the usage of firecrackers and explosives.
The committee reminded building inspectors of their duty to ensure that business premises complied with building regulations.
The committee also interviewed the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, who agreed that what he showed to the public at a press conference after the fire outbreak were the same as the exhibits in possession of the committee, which were indeed Christmas firecrackers.
LET NO ONE MISLEAD YOU * Into conflict after elections, Palmer-Buckle
Front Page: Daily Graphic, December 1, 2008.
Story: Albert K. Salia
THE Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, the Most Rev Charles Palmer-Buckle, has called on Ghanaians to resolve not to allow anyone to mislead them into conflict after Sunday’s general election.
In a sermon after blessing the St George Catholic Police Church in Accra yesterday, Rev Palmer-Buckle said it was wrong for anyone to compare what happened in Kenya and Zimbabwe to what would happen in Ghana after Sunday’s elections.
“We shall not take guns and we should not allow anyone to lead us into conflict after the polls,” he admonished.
He reminded Ghanaians that in neighbouring Nigeria, although the national elections were disputed, Nigerians did not take to arms or conflict but resorted to the law courts and wondered why people would not want to take to the Nigerian example.
Reaffirming the belief of Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference that the elections would be peaceful and better than previous ones, the Archbishop said Ghanaians were peaceful and would choose the path of peace after the elections.
He noted that if the problems associated with the past four elections did not push Ghana into conflict or war, this year’s elections would not do so either.
The Most Rev Palmer-Buckle said a number of organisations, including civil, political and religious leaders, have been working, calling and praying for peace after the polls and announced that the Catholic Church in Ghana had devoted a nine-day prayer session to the elections beginning from December 1 - 9, 2008.
He said the Bishops Conference was also heartened by the many prayers, prayer-vigils and sessions for peace in Ghana, the demonstrations for peace embarked upon by schoolchildren and women, and by the “peace train” that had been travelling through the country.
The Most Rev Palmer-Buckle, who is the Vice-President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, reminded Ghanaians of the need to express their choice by voting, since refusing to vote was a denial of potential support for social justice and progress.
He said the Catholic Church had therefore decided to hold its church services on Saturday, December 6, 2008, to enable its members to vote on Sunday.
He also noted that voting carelessly or corruptly, whether for a fee or other selfish consideration, could support injustice and retrogression.
He urged media practitioners, both state and private, to aim at being fair, honest, objective and circumspect in their coverage and reportage.
“They should not assume that only their view represents the whole truth. Indeed, we advise all Ghanaians not to allow themselves to be misled by just any publication, but to seek to know the truth and proclaim nothing but the truth,” he said.
The Most Rev Palmer-Buckle reminded politicians that it was in the interest of peace that they should adopt an attitude of forgiveness for the wrongs done them.
The Parish Priest of the church, Rev Fr Superintendent George Arthur, described the Archbishop’s admonition as timely in view of the closeness of the elections.
He commended the former Inspector-General of Police, Mr Peter Nanfuri, under whose aegis the church was started, and all those who had contributed to bringing the building to its present status.
Story: Albert K. Salia
THE Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, the Most Rev Charles Palmer-Buckle, has called on Ghanaians to resolve not to allow anyone to mislead them into conflict after Sunday’s general election.
In a sermon after blessing the St George Catholic Police Church in Accra yesterday, Rev Palmer-Buckle said it was wrong for anyone to compare what happened in Kenya and Zimbabwe to what would happen in Ghana after Sunday’s elections.
“We shall not take guns and we should not allow anyone to lead us into conflict after the polls,” he admonished.
He reminded Ghanaians that in neighbouring Nigeria, although the national elections were disputed, Nigerians did not take to arms or conflict but resorted to the law courts and wondered why people would not want to take to the Nigerian example.
Reaffirming the belief of Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference that the elections would be peaceful and better than previous ones, the Archbishop said Ghanaians were peaceful and would choose the path of peace after the elections.
He noted that if the problems associated with the past four elections did not push Ghana into conflict or war, this year’s elections would not do so either.
The Most Rev Palmer-Buckle said a number of organisations, including civil, political and religious leaders, have been working, calling and praying for peace after the polls and announced that the Catholic Church in Ghana had devoted a nine-day prayer session to the elections beginning from December 1 - 9, 2008.
He said the Bishops Conference was also heartened by the many prayers, prayer-vigils and sessions for peace in Ghana, the demonstrations for peace embarked upon by schoolchildren and women, and by the “peace train” that had been travelling through the country.
The Most Rev Palmer-Buckle, who is the Vice-President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, reminded Ghanaians of the need to express their choice by voting, since refusing to vote was a denial of potential support for social justice and progress.
He said the Catholic Church had therefore decided to hold its church services on Saturday, December 6, 2008, to enable its members to vote on Sunday.
He also noted that voting carelessly or corruptly, whether for a fee or other selfish consideration, could support injustice and retrogression.
He urged media practitioners, both state and private, to aim at being fair, honest, objective and circumspect in their coverage and reportage.
“They should not assume that only their view represents the whole truth. Indeed, we advise all Ghanaians not to allow themselves to be misled by just any publication, but to seek to know the truth and proclaim nothing but the truth,” he said.
The Most Rev Palmer-Buckle reminded politicians that it was in the interest of peace that they should adopt an attitude of forgiveness for the wrongs done them.
The Parish Priest of the church, Rev Fr Superintendent George Arthur, described the Archbishop’s admonition as timely in view of the closeness of the elections.
He commended the former Inspector-General of Police, Mr Peter Nanfuri, under whose aegis the church was started, and all those who had contributed to bringing the building to its present status.
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