Story: Lucy Adoma Yeboah (February 18, 2008)
MANGEL Klicks Company Limited, a Ghanaian company which supplies pharmaceuticals, medical and laboratory materials, has brought into the country a number of portable haemoglobin testing meters to speed up the testing of haemoglobin levels.
Known as STAT-Site Hgb meter, the tool, which is battery operated and fits in the palm of an adult, has the capacity to operate for five years without maintenance.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mangel Klicks Company Limited, Mr Charles Kwamena Ackon, said the purpose of importing the meters was to help individuals and health care facilities to test haemoglobin level quickly without any difficulty.
Mr Ackon said testing with the meter was quick and easy and also reduced personnel training, adding that it was meant for improved performance and with a a single drop of fingerstick blood, the STAT-Site Hgb meter provided precise haemoglobin analysis in seconds for early treatment of patients.
Mr Ackon said the meters had already been tested by officials of the Ministry of Health (MOH) who purchased 100 pieces for a start.
He explained that the meters were to reduce time and other resources used in testing haemoglobin levels in laboratories and stated that since they used no electric power, they were cheaper and also needed less time to operate.
“It is meant to reduce the long queues and longer times spent at laboratories to get ones haemoglobin level tested,” he stressed.
Mr Ackon pointed out that the meters needed no reagents but just a drop of blood on a test card for accurate testing.
He also explained that one meter was sold for GH¢350 with additional batteries in addition to 100 pieces test cards which were also selling at GH¢200.
He said the meters needed no special temperature condition, adding that they could function anywhere including rural areas and by anybody who needed to have his or her haemoglobin tested.
He explained that there was the need for people to know what went on in their blood, since “what happens to the human body is a reflection of what is in the blood”.
He said in addition to health facilities, other groups of people who needed to acquire the meters were security agents who usually worked outside their homes and got injured because of their exercises, ambulance services, pregnant women, children and sickle cell patients.
He said availability of the meters would enable them to do quick tests when the need arose without going through the cumbersome routine at laboratories.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Hundreds give thanks to God for successful Ghana 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008 — Centre Page
Story: Lucy Adoma Yeboah & Rebecca Quaicoe Duho
HUNDREDS of Ghanaians from all walks of life gathered at the Independence Square in Accra last Saturday to give thanks to God for seeing the nation through the successful hosting of the 26th Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
The service, which was organised by the Women’s Aglow International, was also used to honour the mothers of the players of the Black Stars.
In attendance were Ministers of State, ministers of the gospel, mothers of some of the Black Stars players, supporters unions, football fans and the general public who adorned themselves in the national colours of red, gold and green, with the Black Star.
Ministers who attended the programme were the Minister of State in charge of Education, Youth and Sports, Ms Elizabeth Ohene, the Deputy Minster of Education, Mr O.B. Amoah, the Minister of Aviation, Ms Gloria Akuffo, the Minister of Chieftancy Affairs, Mr S.K. Boafo, and the Deputy Minister of Harbours and Railways, Ms Sophia Horner-Sam.
Some government officials who were present were the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mr Kwasi Nyantakyi, and the Chief Operating Officer of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Ghana 2008, Mr Rex Magnus Danquah, both of whom danced and praised God for a successful tournament.
Music was provided by the Police Band and some Ghanaian musicians, notably Grace Ashy, who is well noted for singing in honour of the senior national team.
As the congregation sang, clapped and danced to the glory of God, some among them, including the mothers of some of the players, were seen doing the ‘kangaroo dance’ which featured prominently during the tournament.
The various supporters groups displayed their dancing skills as they danced in special ways unique to each group.
The President of the Women’s Aglow International, Mrs Emelia Boadi Dankwa, and the National Prayer Co-ordinator of the fellowship, Mrs Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, on behalf of the fellowship presented gifts to the mothers of the players who were present.
The mothers present included Madam Mary Donkor, mother of the acting skipper, John Mensah; Madam Comfort Afua Amoate, the mother of the injured skipper, Stephen Appiah; Madam Cecilia Love Amoako, the mother of Baffour and Asamoah Gyan, and Ms Jennie Everett, the mother of Manuel Junior Agogo.
The rest were the mother of Richard and Laryea Kingson, Madam Mary Tsotso, Madam Aba Gyande, the mother of Michael Essien, and Hajia Kande, Sulley Ali Muntari’s mother.
Mrs Jane Acquah, the wife of the late former Chief Justice, was also present.
Also present were One Man Supporter, Mr Abraham Boakye, who is also the President of the Ghana Supporters Union, the President of the Women Supporters Union, Ms Freda Prempeh, Mr Edmund Ackah, the President of the Nation-wide Supporters Union, among others.
Addressing the gathering, Ms Elizabeth Ohene, a Minister of State at the Ministry of Education, who was the guest of honour, congratulated Women’s Aglow on their initiative, saying it was appropriate to give honour where it was due.
She said never in the history of the nation had the country been so united as it did during the 21 days of soccer, saying that the tournament also united the whole of Africa, sending a positive message to the international community.
She said although Ghana did not win the cup, as had been expected by all, the players made the country proud by playing their hearts out to capture the third place.
Ms Ohene said with determination and hard work, the country was able to overcome all obstacles that came its way during the preparatory stages of the organisation of the tournament.
She said although the tourism and hospitality industry did not cash in as much as was expected, the preparation in itself had afforded most hospitality industries to upgrade their facilities, as well as train more people in the industry to be more efficient and serviceable.
Speaking on behalf of the mothers of the players, Ms Everett thanked Women’s Aglow for the honour them.
Story: Lucy Adoma Yeboah & Rebecca Quaicoe Duho
HUNDREDS of Ghanaians from all walks of life gathered at the Independence Square in Accra last Saturday to give thanks to God for seeing the nation through the successful hosting of the 26th Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
The service, which was organised by the Women’s Aglow International, was also used to honour the mothers of the players of the Black Stars.
In attendance were Ministers of State, ministers of the gospel, mothers of some of the Black Stars players, supporters unions, football fans and the general public who adorned themselves in the national colours of red, gold and green, with the Black Star.
Ministers who attended the programme were the Minister of State in charge of Education, Youth and Sports, Ms Elizabeth Ohene, the Deputy Minster of Education, Mr O.B. Amoah, the Minister of Aviation, Ms Gloria Akuffo, the Minister of Chieftancy Affairs, Mr S.K. Boafo, and the Deputy Minister of Harbours and Railways, Ms Sophia Horner-Sam.
Some government officials who were present were the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mr Kwasi Nyantakyi, and the Chief Operating Officer of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Ghana 2008, Mr Rex Magnus Danquah, both of whom danced and praised God for a successful tournament.
Music was provided by the Police Band and some Ghanaian musicians, notably Grace Ashy, who is well noted for singing in honour of the senior national team.
As the congregation sang, clapped and danced to the glory of God, some among them, including the mothers of some of the players, were seen doing the ‘kangaroo dance’ which featured prominently during the tournament.
The various supporters groups displayed their dancing skills as they danced in special ways unique to each group.
The President of the Women’s Aglow International, Mrs Emelia Boadi Dankwa, and the National Prayer Co-ordinator of the fellowship, Mrs Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, on behalf of the fellowship presented gifts to the mothers of the players who were present.
The mothers present included Madam Mary Donkor, mother of the acting skipper, John Mensah; Madam Comfort Afua Amoate, the mother of the injured skipper, Stephen Appiah; Madam Cecilia Love Amoako, the mother of Baffour and Asamoah Gyan, and Ms Jennie Everett, the mother of Manuel Junior Agogo.
The rest were the mother of Richard and Laryea Kingson, Madam Mary Tsotso, Madam Aba Gyande, the mother of Michael Essien, and Hajia Kande, Sulley Ali Muntari’s mother.
Mrs Jane Acquah, the wife of the late former Chief Justice, was also present.
Also present were One Man Supporter, Mr Abraham Boakye, who is also the President of the Ghana Supporters Union, the President of the Women Supporters Union, Ms Freda Prempeh, Mr Edmund Ackah, the President of the Nation-wide Supporters Union, among others.
Addressing the gathering, Ms Elizabeth Ohene, a Minister of State at the Ministry of Education, who was the guest of honour, congratulated Women’s Aglow on their initiative, saying it was appropriate to give honour where it was due.
She said never in the history of the nation had the country been so united as it did during the 21 days of soccer, saying that the tournament also united the whole of Africa, sending a positive message to the international community.
She said although Ghana did not win the cup, as had been expected by all, the players made the country proud by playing their hearts out to capture the third place.
Ms Ohene said with determination and hard work, the country was able to overcome all obstacles that came its way during the preparatory stages of the organisation of the tournament.
She said although the tourism and hospitality industry did not cash in as much as was expected, the preparation in itself had afforded most hospitality industries to upgrade their facilities, as well as train more people in the industry to be more efficient and serviceable.
Speaking on behalf of the mothers of the players, Ms Everett thanked Women’s Aglow for the honour them.
Bush lands 'morrow for 3-day official visit
Monday, February 18, 2008 — Front Page
Story: Kofi Yeboah & Lucy Adoma Yeboah
THE US Presidential Jet, the Air Force One, will touch down at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) at exactly 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, February 19, with President George Walker Bush on board to begin a three-day official visit to Ghana.
His wife, Laura, top American officials and about 80 journalists will be part of the presidential entourage.
The 36-hour visit by President Bush to Ghana will be the fourth leg of his five-nation African tour that has already taken him to Tanzania, Rwanda and Benin, with Liberia wrapping up the tour. It is the second by the American President to Africa.
George Bush’s first visit to Africa in 2003 took him to Senegal, South Africa, Botswana, Uganda and Nigeria.
Issues high on the agenda for discussion between President Bush and his host, President Kufuor, include poverty, HIV/AIDS, the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), African unity and regional security.
“This trip will be an opportunity for the President to review firsthand the progress made, since his last visit in 2003, in efforts to increase economic development and fight HIV/AIDS, malaria and other treatable diseases, as a result of the United States’ robust programmes in these areas,” a White House statement on the visit said.
The statement noted that President Bush would also hold discussions with his hosts about how the United States could help promote democratic reforms, respect for human rights, free trade, open investment regimes and economic opportunity across the continent.
Briefing journalists in Accra last Friday on President Bush’s itinerary, the Head of the Public Affairs Section at the US Embassy in Accra, Mr Chris Hodges, said President Bush would be welcomed at the Jubilee Lounge of the KIA on Tuesday evening.
He said most of President Bush’s engagements would be on Wednesday when he would meet President Kufuor at the Castle, Osu, after which the two Presidents would address a press conference at the Castle.
Mr Hodges said later in the day, President Bush would attend a luncheon with some selected members of the US Peace Corps, after which he would visit the Ghana International School in Accra to interact with the schoolchildren.
He said President Bush would also visit the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre to interact with a section of the private sector who had been exporting products to the US under the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) and attend a State Dinner at the Banquet Hall in the evening.
Mr Hodges said Mrs Bush would also visit a primary school at Mallam, a suburb of Accra, in the morning to interact with the pupils and then visit the Maamobi Polyclinic, where the US government is undertaking a malaria control project, later in the afternoon.
The visit of the 43rd American President to Ghana in particular and Africa in general is very significant in many respects.
First, it comes at a time when America is initiating policies, unprecedented in the history of that country, to commit millions of dollars to support development initiatives in Africa and boost the economies of African countries.
Through AGOA, which opens up the American market to 10,000 products from Africa on quota-free and duty-free bases, and the MCA, which commits about US$5 billion to support various development projects in some developing countries, the Bush administration has re-defined America’s relations with Africa for the better.
In 2003, the US Congress approved $15 billion for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) but in November 2007 President Bush urged Congress to double the money for the global fight against AIDS to $30 billion over the next five years.
That campaign against HIV and AIDS is being undertaken in 120 countries, including 15 in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
According to the White House, as of the end of September 2007, 1.36 million people in those beneficiary countries had received anti-retroviral treatment under the initiative, which is aimed at averting infant infections by treating pregnant women.
“Doubling the funding for PEPFAR will provide treatment for 2.5 million people,” the White House believes.
Ghana has been a major beneficiary of America’s support to Africa in recent times, profiting immensely from the AGOA and MCA initiatives.
Another significance of the visit is that it strengthens diplomatic relations between Ghana and America, relations which have improved tremendously in recent times, exemplified by two official state visits to the US by President Kufuor in 2004 and 2006.
Since the two Presidents assumed office in 2001, they have met seven times at different occasions and places and President Bush’s State Visit to Ghana will be the eighth time the two will be meeting and the first in Ghana.
Political analysts believe that the growing relations between Ghana and the US, especially the profound confidence President Bush has developed in President Kufuor, is premised on the growth of democracy, good governance and the rule of law in Ghana.
The significance of President Bush’s visit to Ghana also lies in the fact that he and his host will end their two-term tenure in office in December this year, for which reason they are expected to share some notes on their stewardship.
Perhaps one significance of the visit that will leave fond memories on the minds of many Ghanaians is the fact that President Bush will be the second sitting American President ever to visit Ghana and, more admirably, the first to sleep in the country.
The first time a sitting American President ever visited Ghana was on March 23, 1998 when President William Jefferson Clinton paid a day’s visit to the country at the start of a historic six-nation African tour.
That visit lasted only 10 hours and President Clinton did not stay overnight. Nevertheless, it was most memorable and historic.
The blue and white Air Force One that flew in the 42nd American President touched down on the tarmac of the KIA at exactly 7:45 a.m. to a tumultuous welcome by an ecstatic crowd that had waited patiently to be part of that historic moment.
President Clinton, accompanied by his wife, Hillary, the Black American civil rights activist, Rev Jesse Jackson, and top US officials, was given a red carpet reception at the airport, amidst a colourful cultural display and a 21-gun salute, after which he and his host, Flt Lt J.J. Rawlings, were driven in the Cadillac limousine through some of the principal streets of Accra.
A large number of Ghanaians and foreigners who had lined up the streets waved miniature Ghana and US flags to cheer the two Presidents.
The two Presidents later held closed-door discussions at the Castle, Osu, on matters related to the strengthening of diplomatic relations between Ghana and the US.
President Clinton also had a private meeting with the staff of the US Embassy in Accra and the US Information Service.
One of the highlights of the visit was a durbar of chiefs from all over the country held at the Independence Square in Accra.
A large crowd, including foreigners from all walks of life, never imagined in the history of the country, converged on the Independence Square to witness the majestic dance of the chiefs in their palanquins and other performances, all enveloped in a colourful and rich Ghanaian culture.
President Clinton was reported to have declared later that in all his life his visit to Ghana was the most memorable, considering the warm reception he had been accorded.
But that was not the only memory the American President took away from Ghana on that visit. Indeed, he made a personal request to take along with him only two Ghanaian newspapers — the Daily Graphic, Ghana’s biggest selling newspaper, and the now defunct High Street Journal, an Accra-based private business newspaper.
Well-informed sources at the US Embassy in Accra said President Clinton gave specific instructions that his choice of quality Ghanaian newspapers should be put on his seat on Air Force One before departing Accra.
Story: Kofi Yeboah & Lucy Adoma Yeboah
THE US Presidential Jet, the Air Force One, will touch down at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) at exactly 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, February 19, with President George Walker Bush on board to begin a three-day official visit to Ghana.
His wife, Laura, top American officials and about 80 journalists will be part of the presidential entourage.
The 36-hour visit by President Bush to Ghana will be the fourth leg of his five-nation African tour that has already taken him to Tanzania, Rwanda and Benin, with Liberia wrapping up the tour. It is the second by the American President to Africa.
George Bush’s first visit to Africa in 2003 took him to Senegal, South Africa, Botswana, Uganda and Nigeria.
Issues high on the agenda for discussion between President Bush and his host, President Kufuor, include poverty, HIV/AIDS, the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), African unity and regional security.
“This trip will be an opportunity for the President to review firsthand the progress made, since his last visit in 2003, in efforts to increase economic development and fight HIV/AIDS, malaria and other treatable diseases, as a result of the United States’ robust programmes in these areas,” a White House statement on the visit said.
The statement noted that President Bush would also hold discussions with his hosts about how the United States could help promote democratic reforms, respect for human rights, free trade, open investment regimes and economic opportunity across the continent.
Briefing journalists in Accra last Friday on President Bush’s itinerary, the Head of the Public Affairs Section at the US Embassy in Accra, Mr Chris Hodges, said President Bush would be welcomed at the Jubilee Lounge of the KIA on Tuesday evening.
He said most of President Bush’s engagements would be on Wednesday when he would meet President Kufuor at the Castle, Osu, after which the two Presidents would address a press conference at the Castle.
Mr Hodges said later in the day, President Bush would attend a luncheon with some selected members of the US Peace Corps, after which he would visit the Ghana International School in Accra to interact with the schoolchildren.
He said President Bush would also visit the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre to interact with a section of the private sector who had been exporting products to the US under the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) and attend a State Dinner at the Banquet Hall in the evening.
Mr Hodges said Mrs Bush would also visit a primary school at Mallam, a suburb of Accra, in the morning to interact with the pupils and then visit the Maamobi Polyclinic, where the US government is undertaking a malaria control project, later in the afternoon.
The visit of the 43rd American President to Ghana in particular and Africa in general is very significant in many respects.
First, it comes at a time when America is initiating policies, unprecedented in the history of that country, to commit millions of dollars to support development initiatives in Africa and boost the economies of African countries.
Through AGOA, which opens up the American market to 10,000 products from Africa on quota-free and duty-free bases, and the MCA, which commits about US$5 billion to support various development projects in some developing countries, the Bush administration has re-defined America’s relations with Africa for the better.
In 2003, the US Congress approved $15 billion for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) but in November 2007 President Bush urged Congress to double the money for the global fight against AIDS to $30 billion over the next five years.
That campaign against HIV and AIDS is being undertaken in 120 countries, including 15 in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
According to the White House, as of the end of September 2007, 1.36 million people in those beneficiary countries had received anti-retroviral treatment under the initiative, which is aimed at averting infant infections by treating pregnant women.
“Doubling the funding for PEPFAR will provide treatment for 2.5 million people,” the White House believes.
Ghana has been a major beneficiary of America’s support to Africa in recent times, profiting immensely from the AGOA and MCA initiatives.
Another significance of the visit is that it strengthens diplomatic relations between Ghana and America, relations which have improved tremendously in recent times, exemplified by two official state visits to the US by President Kufuor in 2004 and 2006.
Since the two Presidents assumed office in 2001, they have met seven times at different occasions and places and President Bush’s State Visit to Ghana will be the eighth time the two will be meeting and the first in Ghana.
Political analysts believe that the growing relations between Ghana and the US, especially the profound confidence President Bush has developed in President Kufuor, is premised on the growth of democracy, good governance and the rule of law in Ghana.
The significance of President Bush’s visit to Ghana also lies in the fact that he and his host will end their two-term tenure in office in December this year, for which reason they are expected to share some notes on their stewardship.
Perhaps one significance of the visit that will leave fond memories on the minds of many Ghanaians is the fact that President Bush will be the second sitting American President ever to visit Ghana and, more admirably, the first to sleep in the country.
The first time a sitting American President ever visited Ghana was on March 23, 1998 when President William Jefferson Clinton paid a day’s visit to the country at the start of a historic six-nation African tour.
That visit lasted only 10 hours and President Clinton did not stay overnight. Nevertheless, it was most memorable and historic.
The blue and white Air Force One that flew in the 42nd American President touched down on the tarmac of the KIA at exactly 7:45 a.m. to a tumultuous welcome by an ecstatic crowd that had waited patiently to be part of that historic moment.
President Clinton, accompanied by his wife, Hillary, the Black American civil rights activist, Rev Jesse Jackson, and top US officials, was given a red carpet reception at the airport, amidst a colourful cultural display and a 21-gun salute, after which he and his host, Flt Lt J.J. Rawlings, were driven in the Cadillac limousine through some of the principal streets of Accra.
A large number of Ghanaians and foreigners who had lined up the streets waved miniature Ghana and US flags to cheer the two Presidents.
The two Presidents later held closed-door discussions at the Castle, Osu, on matters related to the strengthening of diplomatic relations between Ghana and the US.
President Clinton also had a private meeting with the staff of the US Embassy in Accra and the US Information Service.
One of the highlights of the visit was a durbar of chiefs from all over the country held at the Independence Square in Accra.
A large crowd, including foreigners from all walks of life, never imagined in the history of the country, converged on the Independence Square to witness the majestic dance of the chiefs in their palanquins and other performances, all enveloped in a colourful and rich Ghanaian culture.
President Clinton was reported to have declared later that in all his life his visit to Ghana was the most memorable, considering the warm reception he had been accorded.
But that was not the only memory the American President took away from Ghana on that visit. Indeed, he made a personal request to take along with him only two Ghanaian newspapers — the Daily Graphic, Ghana’s biggest selling newspaper, and the now defunct High Street Journal, an Accra-based private business newspaper.
Well-informed sources at the US Embassy in Accra said President Clinton gave specific instructions that his choice of quality Ghanaian newspapers should be put on his seat on Air Force One before departing Accra.
Prepare for Worst Weather - Expert ( Front Page-1b)
Story: Lucy Adoma Yeboah (Saturday, February 16, 2008)
Ghanaian scientist, Dr Emmanuel Amamoo-Otchere, has predicted extreme weather conditions in the country this year as a result of global climatic changes.
An expert in Geographic Information Systems, Dr Amamoo-Otchere said in all the climatic conditions, Ghanaians must prepare for the worst scenario, such as torrential rains, excessive heat, as well as severe dry winds, so they could adapt to them when they came.
In an answer to a question as to why the weather had suddenly become so warm after a brief period of coldness, he said the condition was not peculiar to Ghana but that it was a global phenomenon caused by changes in the climate.
“When the weather becomes hot, it could be too hot, and when it is cold, it could be too cold. When it has to rain, it will rain torrentially, and when the weather is dry, it will be extremely dry,” he pointed out.
He warned of more disasters, such as floods and drought, which he said no one could prevent, adding, however, that they could be managed.
Dr Amamoo-Otchere, who is currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Development Geo-Information Services (DeGeoServ), prescribed interventions such as reforestation and a drastic reduction of carbon emission into the environment to reduce what he termed “the triggers of the change”.
He lamented, however, that in the short term, “nobody can do anything about the situation except to adapt for his or her own good”.
He explained that the earth's climate was dynamic and always changing through a natural cycle, noting that what the world was currently worried about was the fact that the changes occurring today had been fast-tracked because of man's activities.
Until his retirement last December, Dr Amamoo-Otchere was the head of the Centre for Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Services (CERSGIS) at the University of Ghana, Legon. He is well remembered for the precision with which he forecast the eclipse of the sun which occurred in the country on March 29, 2006.
The renowned scientist observed that the climate had not been so harsh years ago, adding that now that mankind had found itself in such a serious situation, “we have to adapt”.
He explained that institutions and groups all over the world were trying hard to adopt coping mechanisms with programmes under “Climate Change and Adaptation”, adding that the World Bank was also working out a Climate Change Risk Management Programme and advising nations to employ it.
Dr Amamoo-Otchere said as a Ghanaian in that field, he had been invited to a workshop in Tanzania in March to deliberate on climate change and vulnerability, saying that “when the climate changes for the worst, it is always the vulnerable, such as women and children, who suffer”.
“When there is no water because of drought, it is either women or children who suffer, since they perform most of the household chores,” he pointed out.
Dr Amamoo-Otchere added that women and children again suffered when there were floods which increased the spread of malaria and water-borne diseases, adding that in such situations, medical bills also went up.
He said it was unfortunate that many of the rich nations did not care about the issue of climate change, since they believed they were rich enough to eliminate the effects of the change.
He said it was not strange that some parts of the country had already experienced rain this year, since the country was entering a transitional weather period.
Ghanaian scientist, Dr Emmanuel Amamoo-Otchere, has predicted extreme weather conditions in the country this year as a result of global climatic changes.
An expert in Geographic Information Systems, Dr Amamoo-Otchere said in all the climatic conditions, Ghanaians must prepare for the worst scenario, such as torrential rains, excessive heat, as well as severe dry winds, so they could adapt to them when they came.
In an answer to a question as to why the weather had suddenly become so warm after a brief period of coldness, he said the condition was not peculiar to Ghana but that it was a global phenomenon caused by changes in the climate.
“When the weather becomes hot, it could be too hot, and when it is cold, it could be too cold. When it has to rain, it will rain torrentially, and when the weather is dry, it will be extremely dry,” he pointed out.
He warned of more disasters, such as floods and drought, which he said no one could prevent, adding, however, that they could be managed.
Dr Amamoo-Otchere, who is currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Development Geo-Information Services (DeGeoServ), prescribed interventions such as reforestation and a drastic reduction of carbon emission into the environment to reduce what he termed “the triggers of the change”.
He lamented, however, that in the short term, “nobody can do anything about the situation except to adapt for his or her own good”.
He explained that the earth's climate was dynamic and always changing through a natural cycle, noting that what the world was currently worried about was the fact that the changes occurring today had been fast-tracked because of man's activities.
Until his retirement last December, Dr Amamoo-Otchere was the head of the Centre for Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Services (CERSGIS) at the University of Ghana, Legon. He is well remembered for the precision with which he forecast the eclipse of the sun which occurred in the country on March 29, 2006.
The renowned scientist observed that the climate had not been so harsh years ago, adding that now that mankind had found itself in such a serious situation, “we have to adapt”.
He explained that institutions and groups all over the world were trying hard to adopt coping mechanisms with programmes under “Climate Change and Adaptation”, adding that the World Bank was also working out a Climate Change Risk Management Programme and advising nations to employ it.
Dr Amamoo-Otchere said as a Ghanaian in that field, he had been invited to a workshop in Tanzania in March to deliberate on climate change and vulnerability, saying that “when the climate changes for the worst, it is always the vulnerable, such as women and children, who suffer”.
“When there is no water because of drought, it is either women or children who suffer, since they perform most of the household chores,” he pointed out.
Dr Amamoo-Otchere added that women and children again suffered when there were floods which increased the spread of malaria and water-borne diseases, adding that in such situations, medical bills also went up.
He said it was unfortunate that many of the rich nations did not care about the issue of climate change, since they believed they were rich enough to eliminate the effects of the change.
He said it was not strange that some parts of the country had already experienced rain this year, since the country was entering a transitional weather period.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Geographic Information System for Salt Industry Launched (Page 31)
Story: Lucy Adoma Yeboah (Friday, February 15, 2008)
GHANA produces an average of 250,000 tonnes of salt per annum in spite of its potential to produce between 2.5 million and 3.0 million tonnes.
This is attributed partly to the lack of a database to assist both local and foreign investors in the industry to set high targets and to achieve them.
At the official launch of the Geographic Information System (GIS) for the Salt Industry in Ghana in Accra, the Minister of Trade, Industry, Private Sector Development (PSD) and President’s Special Initiative (PSI), Mr Joe Baidoo-Ansah, said the government was interested in increased salt production in the country, since it promoted job creation and foreign exchange generation.
“It holds tremendous potential for job creation and foreign exchange generation for our development,” he observed.
Mr Baidoo-Ansah said since the inception of the PSI on salt, the government had undertaken various measures and interventions to address the issue of inefficient production methods, obsolete machinery and equipment, lack of capital, weak production infrastructure and lack of industry data information.
He pointed out that in its desire to further improve on the industry, the ministry contracted the Centre for Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Services (CERSGIS) with funding from the United Nations Children and Education Fund (UNICEF) to establish the GIS to provide information portal for investors and also provide a database for the salt industry in the country.
The Trade Minister said the system would also provide contours on salt producing areas in Ghana, provide detailed information on salt located towns and also provide detailed pictorial presentation on salt industry in the country.
He expressed the hope that the right information which users were comfortable with, would be provided to enable them to made right decisions in their businesses.
A representative from UNICEF, Mr George Ahmed, said Ghana’s consumption of iodised salt, which rose to about 74 per cent in 2004, declined to about 54 per cent in 2006, and called on the authorities to take a look at that problem, since it had health implications.
He said to help in the production of the database under the GIS, the organisation supported the project with $30,000 and expressed the hope that it would improve salt production which many relied on.
In his presentation, the Chief Executive Officer of the Development Geo-Information Services (DeGeoServ), Dr Emmanuel Amamoo-Otchere, said there was the need for investors in the salt industry to study the geographical situation of their areas of operation, since natural phenomena, such as floods, could negatively affect their output.
He, therefore, called on the Ministry of Trade, Industry, PSD and PSI, to collaborate with the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), the Soil Research Institute and the Meteorological Service to provide the appropriate information for investors in the industry to avoid losses.
The acting Co-ordinator of PSI on Salt, Mr Andy Quarshie, pointed out that the GIS was capable of locating areas on the map where salt could be produced, adding that it would benefit investors in the industry.
The chairman for the function, who is also Chairman for the Interim Management Committee of the Songhor Salt Project, Mr Joseph William Biney, called for increase production of salt if the country would want to prevent importation of the commodity to support its petroleum production at the appropriate time.
A member of the National Salt Producers Association of Ghana, Mr Jacob Mintah, called on the experts to break down the information contained in the GIS to enable the ordinary salt producer to understand and benefit from it.
GHANA produces an average of 250,000 tonnes of salt per annum in spite of its potential to produce between 2.5 million and 3.0 million tonnes.
This is attributed partly to the lack of a database to assist both local and foreign investors in the industry to set high targets and to achieve them.
At the official launch of the Geographic Information System (GIS) for the Salt Industry in Ghana in Accra, the Minister of Trade, Industry, Private Sector Development (PSD) and President’s Special Initiative (PSI), Mr Joe Baidoo-Ansah, said the government was interested in increased salt production in the country, since it promoted job creation and foreign exchange generation.
“It holds tremendous potential for job creation and foreign exchange generation for our development,” he observed.
Mr Baidoo-Ansah said since the inception of the PSI on salt, the government had undertaken various measures and interventions to address the issue of inefficient production methods, obsolete machinery and equipment, lack of capital, weak production infrastructure and lack of industry data information.
He pointed out that in its desire to further improve on the industry, the ministry contracted the Centre for Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Services (CERSGIS) with funding from the United Nations Children and Education Fund (UNICEF) to establish the GIS to provide information portal for investors and also provide a database for the salt industry in the country.
The Trade Minister said the system would also provide contours on salt producing areas in Ghana, provide detailed information on salt located towns and also provide detailed pictorial presentation on salt industry in the country.
He expressed the hope that the right information which users were comfortable with, would be provided to enable them to made right decisions in their businesses.
A representative from UNICEF, Mr George Ahmed, said Ghana’s consumption of iodised salt, which rose to about 74 per cent in 2004, declined to about 54 per cent in 2006, and called on the authorities to take a look at that problem, since it had health implications.
He said to help in the production of the database under the GIS, the organisation supported the project with $30,000 and expressed the hope that it would improve salt production which many relied on.
In his presentation, the Chief Executive Officer of the Development Geo-Information Services (DeGeoServ), Dr Emmanuel Amamoo-Otchere, said there was the need for investors in the salt industry to study the geographical situation of their areas of operation, since natural phenomena, such as floods, could negatively affect their output.
He, therefore, called on the Ministry of Trade, Industry, PSD and PSI, to collaborate with the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), the Soil Research Institute and the Meteorological Service to provide the appropriate information for investors in the industry to avoid losses.
The acting Co-ordinator of PSI on Salt, Mr Andy Quarshie, pointed out that the GIS was capable of locating areas on the map where salt could be produced, adding that it would benefit investors in the industry.
The chairman for the function, who is also Chairman for the Interim Management Committee of the Songhor Salt Project, Mr Joseph William Biney, called for increase production of salt if the country would want to prevent importation of the commodity to support its petroleum production at the appropriate time.
A member of the National Salt Producers Association of Ghana, Mr Jacob Mintah, called on the experts to break down the information contained in the GIS to enable the ordinary salt producer to understand and benefit from it.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Ghana 2008 - A Successful Tournament (page 50)
Story: Lucy Adoma Yeboah
In spite of initial fears of problems in the organisation of the 26th Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana has successfully hosted the tournament to the admiration of all.
Just like what happened between July 1, and July 3, 2007, when the country hosted the African Union (AU) conference, visitors to the country at the just ended 26th MTN Africa Cup of Nations, held from January 20 to February 10, 2008, had something good to say about the country and its people.
The tournament ended so well that many foreign journalists who came expecting that there would be many setbacks were forced to settle on stories of fried pork displayed along the streets.
The Daily Graphic reported on Saturday, January 5, 2008 that $157.2 million had as the time been spent on the rehabilitation and construction of the four stadiums for the Ghana 2008 tournament. The amount was said to have exceeded the $152.1 million initially projected by $5.1 million.
The stadiums used for the tournament were the rehabilitated Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra and the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, and the newly constructed ones in Tamale and Sekondi.
Although the money involved in the projects is huge, one is yet to come across any complaints about the figure, a situation that gives us consolation that Ghanaians appreciate good things.
After the country had been cleared by both FIFA and CAF for the commencement of the game, Ghanaians went all out to show to the world that they too had arrived. Now with the tournament over, it is important to relive some of the experiences for the records.
One thing that came out clearly during the tournament was the high level of patriotism expressed by Ghanaians in support of the senior national team.
For the 21 days that the tournament went on, Ghanaians had the best of entertainment which many people still relish. The euphoria was great, so great that not even the climax of the country’s Golden Jubilee celebration on March 6, 2007 could rival it.
A look around our cities, towns, villages or scenes on television, displayed red, gold, green and the black star of the nation’s flag. Everywhere were T-shirts, caps, scarves, neck ties, bangles, mufflers, footwear, drinking cups, key holders and other paraphernalia all made in the national colours. It was really a nice scene.
That was why an elderly resident of Awoshie, a suburb of Accra, clapped loudly and said “never in my 60 and more years in life have I seen so many flags. I am happy to be alive today and proud to be a Ghanaian”.
Going back a bit, some of us remember how critical people were when we were left with some months to begin the tournament. Afraid that we might not be able to host a successful tournament, some people, especially journalists, kept both the government and the members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) on their toes to get the right things done. In fact, there were some who thought we should not have taken that responsibility in the first place.
But in the end, the day arrived and we had to start the game without our Captain, Stephen Appiah, because of a knee injury. Along the line, we had to lose our acting Captain, John Mensah ,through a red card at a crucial stage when we were to meet a strong football country like Cameroun. With all those challenges, we managed to grab bronze to the admiration of many.
Looking at events, one could conveniently say that the ordinary Ghanaian played an important role in the success of the event. We played our part so well that after the event the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mrs Oboshie Sai Cofie, and the acting Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, DSP Kwasi Ofori, among other persons, commended Ghanaians for supporting the team and also keeping the peace.
Like some Ghanaians, I did not show much interest in the events leading to the tournament until I had the opportunity to visit the Ohene Djan Stadium for a programme on disaster management. From there, I realised that the days were getting closer and I began to make the necessary arrangement in my own small way to support the tournament by purchasing some paraphernalia for myself and others.
Tickets to watch the matches was not part of my plans. In fact, I would have rejected it if anybody had volunteered to give me any because I could not imagine myself sitting comfortably to watch a match that involves the national team.
To some of us, especially women, any ball directed to our goal posts meant a goal against us which must be stopped with screams. For that simple reason, some of us refused to watch such games anywhere except in the comfort of our own homes where one could scream as much as one’s voice could allow. In fact, I did not see any of the goals scored against us live. Not even one.
In a chat with some fans after the tournament, I got to know that many were those who, like me, had to watch the games standing so as to get out quickly when a ball moved towards our posts. Though we yearned to watch and applaud our team, our weak hearts did not allow that. We either had to cover our eyes or look away from the game.
In all these, one thing that came out strongly was our love for our players. From toddlers to the very old, names of our national players featured prominently in all that we said during the 21 days and after. Some of us were not surprised when an elderly man, known only as Nana, whose story was published in the Daily Graphic during the tournament, made a bold move to “dash” his granddaughter to Manuel Junior Agogo for a wife.
Many nearly had a heart attack when the Black Stars’ Captain, John Mensah, jumped and fell with his head down from the shoulders of the Nigerian Yakubu. Others broke into tears when he was shown the red card, and when a player booted Michael Essien in the tummy, some of us felt pains in our stomachs. When we saw Richard Kingson scream from a fall, we had to close our eyes and when Bafuor Gyan held his arm in pain after a nasty tackle from an Ivorian player, thousands of arms were involuntarily raised in imaginary pain.
When our boys lost to Cameroun and started weeping, many houses were turned into mourning grounds. In fact, the heart of the nation broke into pieces.
That was why football fans in Kumasi had earned so much praise for according the team a heroic welcome, which lifted the spirit of both the nation and the Stars to win. We saw the fans stand by them and cheer them up when they arrived for the game, and again when some of us saw the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Madam Patricia Appiagyei, and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bantama, Madam Cecilia Dapaah, meet the team at the Kumasi Airport, we knew that the boys were in good hands.
It was worthy to see some fans stand in the rain while the team trained for the next encounter with the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire. No wonder the Black Stars scored their highest goals of four against two.
Can anyone fail to admire the excellent work done by our Stars? Did anybody miss how Essien handled Eto’o during the encounter with the Indomitable Loins? Can you recollect the decisive goals scored by Agogo? How about the powerful shots from Anthony Annan and Quincy Owusu Abayie? Did anybody take note of how seriously Hans Sarpei played all the matches? Did you observe the swiftness with which Draman moved on the field?
In spite of his ill luck, Asamoah Gyan played his heart out and his brother, Bafuor Gyan, was a delight to watch. Young Andre Dede Abedi reminded us of his father and even gave us more. For Richard Kingson, we considered him a “saviour”, and his brother Laryea, he showed so much strength on the field to the admiration of all.
When he did not play when we met the Camerounians, it became clear that our Captain, John Mensah, was really the Rock of Gibraltar. My man of the tournament, Sulley Ali Muntari, showed so much fellow feeling that I was surprised he was not the one who was pushed down by the Cameroun player, Andre Bikey. Sulley was often seen helping injured players on both sides in all the matches we played so he could have easily fallen victim to the “pusher”.
Lest I forget, Eric Addo and John Paintsil did so marvellously well that, when I heard that Paintsil was not well and to be flown to Nigeria for further tests, I prayed for his life.
Did anybody notice Asamoah Gyan move his fingers through Coach Le Roy’s hair? Funny! And also the dancing skills of Kwadwo Asamoah of Asante Kotoko? For the Kangaroo dance, it has become a trade mark of our Stars which others find difficult to copy.
There was a show of good relationship between Coach Le Roy and the boys which came out during his 60th birthday party. And again we all saw him give his jacket to Anthony Annan at a ceremony where he received the Fair Play Player award after the Stars’ encounter with Cameroun.
At this juncture, let me take the opportunity to say ayekoo to all those who played and the others who sat on the bench for making us so proud.
To some of us, the Stars gave us good football and entertainment which will last for a long time. For the criticisms, they should take them in good faith and take consolation in the fact that it was due to people’s passion for the game and their desire to see the nation win.
In an attempt to summarise what went on, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mrs Oboshie Sai Cofie, said, “I was surprised to hear children as young as six years talk about the tournament and discuss what the coach or this or that player did wrong. What can one expect, since we are a country of 22 million coaches?”
In spite of initial fears of problems in the organisation of the 26th Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana has successfully hosted the tournament to the admiration of all.
Just like what happened between July 1, and July 3, 2007, when the country hosted the African Union (AU) conference, visitors to the country at the just ended 26th MTN Africa Cup of Nations, held from January 20 to February 10, 2008, had something good to say about the country and its people.
The tournament ended so well that many foreign journalists who came expecting that there would be many setbacks were forced to settle on stories of fried pork displayed along the streets.
The Daily Graphic reported on Saturday, January 5, 2008 that $157.2 million had as the time been spent on the rehabilitation and construction of the four stadiums for the Ghana 2008 tournament. The amount was said to have exceeded the $152.1 million initially projected by $5.1 million.
The stadiums used for the tournament were the rehabilitated Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra and the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, and the newly constructed ones in Tamale and Sekondi.
Although the money involved in the projects is huge, one is yet to come across any complaints about the figure, a situation that gives us consolation that Ghanaians appreciate good things.
After the country had been cleared by both FIFA and CAF for the commencement of the game, Ghanaians went all out to show to the world that they too had arrived. Now with the tournament over, it is important to relive some of the experiences for the records.
One thing that came out clearly during the tournament was the high level of patriotism expressed by Ghanaians in support of the senior national team.
For the 21 days that the tournament went on, Ghanaians had the best of entertainment which many people still relish. The euphoria was great, so great that not even the climax of the country’s Golden Jubilee celebration on March 6, 2007 could rival it.
A look around our cities, towns, villages or scenes on television, displayed red, gold, green and the black star of the nation’s flag. Everywhere were T-shirts, caps, scarves, neck ties, bangles, mufflers, footwear, drinking cups, key holders and other paraphernalia all made in the national colours. It was really a nice scene.
That was why an elderly resident of Awoshie, a suburb of Accra, clapped loudly and said “never in my 60 and more years in life have I seen so many flags. I am happy to be alive today and proud to be a Ghanaian”.
Going back a bit, some of us remember how critical people were when we were left with some months to begin the tournament. Afraid that we might not be able to host a successful tournament, some people, especially journalists, kept both the government and the members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) on their toes to get the right things done. In fact, there were some who thought we should not have taken that responsibility in the first place.
But in the end, the day arrived and we had to start the game without our Captain, Stephen Appiah, because of a knee injury. Along the line, we had to lose our acting Captain, John Mensah ,through a red card at a crucial stage when we were to meet a strong football country like Cameroun. With all those challenges, we managed to grab bronze to the admiration of many.
Looking at events, one could conveniently say that the ordinary Ghanaian played an important role in the success of the event. We played our part so well that after the event the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mrs Oboshie Sai Cofie, and the acting Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, DSP Kwasi Ofori, among other persons, commended Ghanaians for supporting the team and also keeping the peace.
Like some Ghanaians, I did not show much interest in the events leading to the tournament until I had the opportunity to visit the Ohene Djan Stadium for a programme on disaster management. From there, I realised that the days were getting closer and I began to make the necessary arrangement in my own small way to support the tournament by purchasing some paraphernalia for myself and others.
Tickets to watch the matches was not part of my plans. In fact, I would have rejected it if anybody had volunteered to give me any because I could not imagine myself sitting comfortably to watch a match that involves the national team.
To some of us, especially women, any ball directed to our goal posts meant a goal against us which must be stopped with screams. For that simple reason, some of us refused to watch such games anywhere except in the comfort of our own homes where one could scream as much as one’s voice could allow. In fact, I did not see any of the goals scored against us live. Not even one.
In a chat with some fans after the tournament, I got to know that many were those who, like me, had to watch the games standing so as to get out quickly when a ball moved towards our posts. Though we yearned to watch and applaud our team, our weak hearts did not allow that. We either had to cover our eyes or look away from the game.
In all these, one thing that came out strongly was our love for our players. From toddlers to the very old, names of our national players featured prominently in all that we said during the 21 days and after. Some of us were not surprised when an elderly man, known only as Nana, whose story was published in the Daily Graphic during the tournament, made a bold move to “dash” his granddaughter to Manuel Junior Agogo for a wife.
Many nearly had a heart attack when the Black Stars’ Captain, John Mensah, jumped and fell with his head down from the shoulders of the Nigerian Yakubu. Others broke into tears when he was shown the red card, and when a player booted Michael Essien in the tummy, some of us felt pains in our stomachs. When we saw Richard Kingson scream from a fall, we had to close our eyes and when Bafuor Gyan held his arm in pain after a nasty tackle from an Ivorian player, thousands of arms were involuntarily raised in imaginary pain.
When our boys lost to Cameroun and started weeping, many houses were turned into mourning grounds. In fact, the heart of the nation broke into pieces.
That was why football fans in Kumasi had earned so much praise for according the team a heroic welcome, which lifted the spirit of both the nation and the Stars to win. We saw the fans stand by them and cheer them up when they arrived for the game, and again when some of us saw the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Madam Patricia Appiagyei, and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bantama, Madam Cecilia Dapaah, meet the team at the Kumasi Airport, we knew that the boys were in good hands.
It was worthy to see some fans stand in the rain while the team trained for the next encounter with the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire. No wonder the Black Stars scored their highest goals of four against two.
Can anyone fail to admire the excellent work done by our Stars? Did anybody miss how Essien handled Eto’o during the encounter with the Indomitable Loins? Can you recollect the decisive goals scored by Agogo? How about the powerful shots from Anthony Annan and Quincy Owusu Abayie? Did anybody take note of how seriously Hans Sarpei played all the matches? Did you observe the swiftness with which Draman moved on the field?
In spite of his ill luck, Asamoah Gyan played his heart out and his brother, Bafuor Gyan, was a delight to watch. Young Andre Dede Abedi reminded us of his father and even gave us more. For Richard Kingson, we considered him a “saviour”, and his brother Laryea, he showed so much strength on the field to the admiration of all.
When he did not play when we met the Camerounians, it became clear that our Captain, John Mensah, was really the Rock of Gibraltar. My man of the tournament, Sulley Ali Muntari, showed so much fellow feeling that I was surprised he was not the one who was pushed down by the Cameroun player, Andre Bikey. Sulley was often seen helping injured players on both sides in all the matches we played so he could have easily fallen victim to the “pusher”.
Lest I forget, Eric Addo and John Paintsil did so marvellously well that, when I heard that Paintsil was not well and to be flown to Nigeria for further tests, I prayed for his life.
Did anybody notice Asamoah Gyan move his fingers through Coach Le Roy’s hair? Funny! And also the dancing skills of Kwadwo Asamoah of Asante Kotoko? For the Kangaroo dance, it has become a trade mark of our Stars which others find difficult to copy.
There was a show of good relationship between Coach Le Roy and the boys which came out during his 60th birthday party. And again we all saw him give his jacket to Anthony Annan at a ceremony where he received the Fair Play Player award after the Stars’ encounter with Cameroun.
At this juncture, let me take the opportunity to say ayekoo to all those who played and the others who sat on the bench for making us so proud.
To some of us, the Stars gave us good football and entertainment which will last for a long time. For the criticisms, they should take them in good faith and take consolation in the fact that it was due to people’s passion for the game and their desire to see the nation win.
In an attempt to summarise what went on, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mrs Oboshie Sai Cofie, said, “I was surprised to hear children as young as six years talk about the tournament and discuss what the coach or this or that player did wrong. What can one expect, since we are a country of 22 million coaches?”
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Information Minister Congratulates Ghanaians (page 31)
Story: Lucy Adoma Yeboah
THE Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mrs Oboshie Sai Cofie, has congratulated Ghanaians on supporting and helping to lift the spirit of the national team, the Black Stars, during the just-ended Ghana 2008 tournament.
The Minister said just like many other Ghanaians, she was highly impressed with the performance of the team, which, to some extent, was boosted by the enthusiastic crowd which supported them on and off the field of play.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, the Minister called on the people to continue with their show of patriotism and “not allow it to expire with the end of the game”.
She said it was refreshing to observe that when the team failed to qualify for the finals, people stopped criticising both the players and the coach and rather stood firmly behind them.
Mrs Sai Cofie said in spite of the fact that the national team was not able to win the cup, the excellent performance put up by the players had further pushed the popularity of the nation higher on the world map.
She thanked individuals, groups and institutions which supported the team both in kind and cash, adding, “We as a nation are fortunate to have such a young team which could be built on for the future. The team needs our continued support”.
The minister said Ghana had always been considered as a football-loving nation but never in the history of this country had so much been done for the game, and noted that people had to sacrifice their basic needs to acquire items made in the national colours to support the team.
The Information Minister said one of the reasons why the rest of world had now come to know Ghana without confusing it with Guyana had to do with the Black Star and encouraged the players to continue to answer national calls.
She said although they were faced with so much criticisms when things did not go well with the team, the players should accept that it was due to people’s passion for the game and their desire to see the nation win.
“I was surprised to hear children as young as six years talk about the tournament and discuss what the coach or this or that player did wrong. What can one expect since we are a country of 22 million coaches?” she observed.
Touching on the tournament, Mrs Sai Cofie said though people were not happy with the way some aspects went, especially ticketing, she pointed out that Ghanaians should congratulate each other and accept the fact that there were bound to be problems since the stadia had limited space and could, therefore, not have accommodated all those who had wanted to watch the matches.
On media accreditation, she observed that all was not well when the game began and expressed delight that the initial mistakes were corrected to allow sports journalists who were supposed to cover the event to do their job.
She said it was important to look at the benefit the tournament had brought to Ghana and said there was the need to make use of the physical infrastructure which were put up for the tournament and gain from them.
THE Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mrs Oboshie Sai Cofie, has congratulated Ghanaians on supporting and helping to lift the spirit of the national team, the Black Stars, during the just-ended Ghana 2008 tournament.
The Minister said just like many other Ghanaians, she was highly impressed with the performance of the team, which, to some extent, was boosted by the enthusiastic crowd which supported them on and off the field of play.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, the Minister called on the people to continue with their show of patriotism and “not allow it to expire with the end of the game”.
She said it was refreshing to observe that when the team failed to qualify for the finals, people stopped criticising both the players and the coach and rather stood firmly behind them.
Mrs Sai Cofie said in spite of the fact that the national team was not able to win the cup, the excellent performance put up by the players had further pushed the popularity of the nation higher on the world map.
She thanked individuals, groups and institutions which supported the team both in kind and cash, adding, “We as a nation are fortunate to have such a young team which could be built on for the future. The team needs our continued support”.
The minister said Ghana had always been considered as a football-loving nation but never in the history of this country had so much been done for the game, and noted that people had to sacrifice their basic needs to acquire items made in the national colours to support the team.
The Information Minister said one of the reasons why the rest of world had now come to know Ghana without confusing it with Guyana had to do with the Black Star and encouraged the players to continue to answer national calls.
She said although they were faced with so much criticisms when things did not go well with the team, the players should accept that it was due to people’s passion for the game and their desire to see the nation win.
“I was surprised to hear children as young as six years talk about the tournament and discuss what the coach or this or that player did wrong. What can one expect since we are a country of 22 million coaches?” she observed.
Touching on the tournament, Mrs Sai Cofie said though people were not happy with the way some aspects went, especially ticketing, she pointed out that Ghanaians should congratulate each other and accept the fact that there were bound to be problems since the stadia had limited space and could, therefore, not have accommodated all those who had wanted to watch the matches.
On media accreditation, she observed that all was not well when the game began and expressed delight that the initial mistakes were corrected to allow sports journalists who were supposed to cover the event to do their job.
She said it was important to look at the benefit the tournament had brought to Ghana and said there was the need to make use of the physical infrastructure which were put up for the tournament and gain from them.
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