AFTER eight years of a bitter chieftaincy dispute, Goaso in the Brong Ahafo Region now has a new Omanhene.
Mr Akwasi Bosomprah, a 42-year-old employee of the Ghana Cocoa Board at Koforidua, has sworn the oath of allegiance to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as the new Omanhene with the stool name Nana Akwasi Baffour Bosomprah.
He succeeds Nana Adjei Ampofo, who abdicated the stool in 2000.
At the swearing ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Otumfuo Osei Tutu said Goaso occupied an important part of Asanteman and he would ensure that peace prevailed in the traditional area to facilitate development.
Otumfuo recounted the dispute, which arose during the period of Nana Adjei Ampofo, and said when he ascended the Golden Stool, he decided to find an amicable solution to it.
However, before he could settle the impasse, Nana Ampofo had announced his abdication.
The Asantehene indicated that it was not his intention to destool Nana Ampofo as he might have thought and that he, as Asantehene, was moving to resolve the differences between the Omanhene and the queen of the area, Nana Yaa Akyaa.
Otumfuo expressed the hope that with the resolution of the dispute, unity would prevail among the people.
The Asantehene advised the new Omanhene not to lord it over his people but bring them together to fight for development, especially in the educational sector.
“You must also be wary of women who may try to use all tricks to bring you down,” the Asantehene said.
He pointed out that chieftaincy was not about the wearing of expensive cloths, riding in palanquins, and drumming and dancing but the ability to galvanise one’s subjects to push the development agenda of the traditional area.
When he took the Mponponsuo sword of the Otumfuo to swear the oath of allegiance, the Omanhene said he would be dedicated to the King at all times.
Monday, September 8, 2008
KOTOKO COMPLETE DOUBLE OVER ARSENAL (BACK PAGE)
KUMASI Asante Kotoko completed the double over Berekum Arsenals with a 2-0 victory in their Glo Top 4 match watched by a sparse crowd at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi yesterday.
Having beaten Arsenal 3-0 in the first match at the same venue, Kotoko lived up to their rating as match favourites, with second half goals from slippery Francis Akwaffo and Jordan Opoku.
Akwaffo took his tally to five, making him the leading scorer in the tournament.
Arsenal offered little opposition, but for some near misses Kotoko could have won by a wider margin.
Clean-shaven Osei Bonsu nearly put Arsenal up in the first minute but his overhead drive sailed slightly over the bar. The two sides struggled to settle into the game, failing to get their passes through and wasting the few chances created.
It was Stephen Oduro who electrified the stadium with a magnificent solo run in the 33rd minute only to see the final delivery fly just over the bar.
The experienced midfielder had a similar opportunity five minutes into the second half. He cut through the opposition with another typical run but his attempt to beat keeper Thomas Asare fizzled out.
Before the uneventful first half ended, Arsenal’s Nicholas Acheampong, following a cut he received on his forehead in a fierce action with an opponent, was replaced by Charles Ampiah.
Starting the second half with the introduction of Jordan Opoku and Ofosu Amoah, Kotoko lifted their game and appeared the aggressors.
They penetrated the Arsenal guard in the 46th minute but Kwabena Yaro, a bundle of nerves all afternoon, fired away from just six yards out.
Ofosu Appiah and Akwaffo were relentless on the flanks, cutting through Saliu Muntari, Ahmed Acquah, Akwasi Acheampong and Mohammed Mutalabi.
With Arsenals finding Kotoko too hot to handle, Jordan squeezed a blistering left footer from 20 yards only to hit the post much to the disappointment of the fans. Akwaffo finally answered the calls from the stands when he opened the scores.
The Berekum club fought back fiercely, but getting close to firing range was always a problem. Francis Aggrey came on for Osei Bonsu in the 77th minute for Arsenal while Prince Amponsah replaced Yaro for Kotoko in the 81st minute, but it was Kotoko who probed for another goal, which came their way in the 89th minute through Jordan after a three-man move down the right.
Having beaten Arsenal 3-0 in the first match at the same venue, Kotoko lived up to their rating as match favourites, with second half goals from slippery Francis Akwaffo and Jordan Opoku.
Akwaffo took his tally to five, making him the leading scorer in the tournament.
Arsenal offered little opposition, but for some near misses Kotoko could have won by a wider margin.
Clean-shaven Osei Bonsu nearly put Arsenal up in the first minute but his overhead drive sailed slightly over the bar. The two sides struggled to settle into the game, failing to get their passes through and wasting the few chances created.
It was Stephen Oduro who electrified the stadium with a magnificent solo run in the 33rd minute only to see the final delivery fly just over the bar.
The experienced midfielder had a similar opportunity five minutes into the second half. He cut through the opposition with another typical run but his attempt to beat keeper Thomas Asare fizzled out.
Before the uneventful first half ended, Arsenal’s Nicholas Acheampong, following a cut he received on his forehead in a fierce action with an opponent, was replaced by Charles Ampiah.
Starting the second half with the introduction of Jordan Opoku and Ofosu Amoah, Kotoko lifted their game and appeared the aggressors.
They penetrated the Arsenal guard in the 46th minute but Kwabena Yaro, a bundle of nerves all afternoon, fired away from just six yards out.
Ofosu Appiah and Akwaffo were relentless on the flanks, cutting through Saliu Muntari, Ahmed Acquah, Akwasi Acheampong and Mohammed Mutalabi.
With Arsenals finding Kotoko too hot to handle, Jordan squeezed a blistering left footer from 20 yards only to hit the post much to the disappointment of the fans. Akwaffo finally answered the calls from the stands when he opened the scores.
The Berekum club fought back fiercely, but getting close to firing range was always a problem. Francis Aggrey came on for Osei Bonsu in the 77th minute for Arsenal while Prince Amponsah replaced Yaro for Kotoko in the 81st minute, but it was Kotoko who probed for another goal, which came their way in the 89th minute through Jordan after a three-man move down the right.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
SECURITY ELECTION TASK FORCE INAUGURATED IN KUMASI (PAGE 14)
THE Metropolitan Chief Executive of Kumasi, Ms Patricia Appiagyei, has inaugurated the Metropolitan Security Election Task Force with a call on people to co-operate with the authorities to ensure peaceful elections in December.
She warned that the necessary action would be taken against any group of people who attempted to disturb the peace in the metropolis.
The task force comprised representatives of the National Security Council Secretariat, Police Service, Armed Forces, Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service and the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service.
The rest were Defence Intelligence, Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), Bureau of National Communications, Ghana Immigration Service and the Information Services Department.
Apart from the core business of ensuring peace before, during and after the elections, the task force was also tasked to prevent suspicion and ensure credibility and neutrality in their duties.
Ms Appiagyei noted that there was only one country — Ghana — for the people, and it was the duty of all to ensure that the country remained intact after the elections.
"Maintaining peace and safety is indeed a shared responsibility for all Ghanaians", she observed.
The Metro Chief Executive cited how some otherwise peaceful nations degenerated into violence due to the intolerance of politicians and said Ghana could not afford to toe that line.
She said the violence at some of the registration centres during the recent voter registration exercise was indicative of the challenges confronting the task force.
"As a committee, let us collaborate, let us consult and let us apply all the necessary measures to ensure peace", she said.
Ms Appiagyei told the members of the committee that the people would only accept them when they remained impartial in the performance of their duties.
She stated that the fact that people belonged to different political parties should not make them enemies.
She warned that the necessary action would be taken against any group of people who attempted to disturb the peace in the metropolis.
The task force comprised representatives of the National Security Council Secretariat, Police Service, Armed Forces, Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service and the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service.
The rest were Defence Intelligence, Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), Bureau of National Communications, Ghana Immigration Service and the Information Services Department.
Apart from the core business of ensuring peace before, during and after the elections, the task force was also tasked to prevent suspicion and ensure credibility and neutrality in their duties.
Ms Appiagyei noted that there was only one country — Ghana — for the people, and it was the duty of all to ensure that the country remained intact after the elections.
"Maintaining peace and safety is indeed a shared responsibility for all Ghanaians", she observed.
The Metro Chief Executive cited how some otherwise peaceful nations degenerated into violence due to the intolerance of politicians and said Ghana could not afford to toe that line.
She said the violence at some of the registration centres during the recent voter registration exercise was indicative of the challenges confronting the task force.
"As a committee, let us collaborate, let us consult and let us apply all the necessary measures to ensure peace", she said.
Ms Appiagyei told the members of the committee that the people would only accept them when they remained impartial in the performance of their duties.
She stated that the fact that people belonged to different political parties should not make them enemies.
APPRECIATE WHAT GOVT HAS DONE — AMPONSAH (PAGE 23)
THE Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Offinso, Mr F.K. Amponsah, has called on Ghanaians to be appreciative of what the government has done to improve their living conditions within the period of less than eight years and stop the unfounded allegations that tend to negate its good work.
He expressed regret about the negative political and tribalistic comments that sought to negate the good work the government was doing in the municipality and said, "We must show appreciation for what the Kufuor government has done for us".
Mr Amponsah stated this when he addressed separate durbars in some communities around Offinso as part of his tour of the municipality. The tour took him to communities including Asamankama, Saboa, Dentin, Antoa and Agyeimpra and the MCE took the opportunity to explain government policies and programmes to the people.
Among the policies and programmes the MCE touched on were the National Health Insurance Scheme, the School Feeding Programme, the Capitation Grant, the National Youth Employment Programme, and the mass cocoa spraying exercise.
Mr Amponsah said tribal politics was dangerous for national unity and development and stressed that Offinso deserved what was good and not tribal politics.
He announced that the government had secured funds for the rehabilitation of Offinso town roads and the contract had been advertised already.
The MCE also disclosed that the assembly was discussing how to address the water and sanitation problems in the communities.
He said it was disgraceful that a community like Asamankama, which is virtually part of Offinso, uses a stream as their source of drinking water.
Mr Amponsah, who took office about four months ago, warned that he would not tolerate lawlessness and that anyone who decided to take the law into his/her own hands would be dealt with by the law.
He said the assembly had distributed 125 electric poles to some communities to facilitate their connection to electricity.
Mr Amponsah announced that the Anyinasuso–Kyebi road was to be tarred as part of the cocoa roads rehabilitation project and urged the people to rekindle their communal spirit to complement government's efforts at accelerating the development of the communities.
During open forums in the various communities, the people appealed for potable water and KVIP toilets.
He expressed regret about the negative political and tribalistic comments that sought to negate the good work the government was doing in the municipality and said, "We must show appreciation for what the Kufuor government has done for us".
Mr Amponsah stated this when he addressed separate durbars in some communities around Offinso as part of his tour of the municipality. The tour took him to communities including Asamankama, Saboa, Dentin, Antoa and Agyeimpra and the MCE took the opportunity to explain government policies and programmes to the people.
Among the policies and programmes the MCE touched on were the National Health Insurance Scheme, the School Feeding Programme, the Capitation Grant, the National Youth Employment Programme, and the mass cocoa spraying exercise.
Mr Amponsah said tribal politics was dangerous for national unity and development and stressed that Offinso deserved what was good and not tribal politics.
He announced that the government had secured funds for the rehabilitation of Offinso town roads and the contract had been advertised already.
The MCE also disclosed that the assembly was discussing how to address the water and sanitation problems in the communities.
He said it was disgraceful that a community like Asamankama, which is virtually part of Offinso, uses a stream as their source of drinking water.
Mr Amponsah, who took office about four months ago, warned that he would not tolerate lawlessness and that anyone who decided to take the law into his/her own hands would be dealt with by the law.
He said the assembly had distributed 125 electric poles to some communities to facilitate their connection to electricity.
Mr Amponsah announced that the Anyinasuso–Kyebi road was to be tarred as part of the cocoa roads rehabilitation project and urged the people to rekindle their communal spirit to complement government's efforts at accelerating the development of the communities.
During open forums in the various communities, the people appealed for potable water and KVIP toilets.
Friday, September 5, 2008
OSEI-WUSU GOES INDEPENDENT (PAGE 13)
THE battle lines have been drawn in the Bekwai Constituency in the Ashanti Region following the decision by former Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Mr Joe Osei-Wusu, to resign from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to contest the seat as an independent candidate.
Mr Osei-Wusu made the formal announcement of his decision last Tuesday at Bekwai and promised to wrest the seat from the incumbent, Mr Kofi Poku-Adusei, who beat him by a single vote in the NPP primary.
However, Mr Poku-Adusei has called the bluff of Mr Osei-Wusu, saying, "The good people of Bekwai will speak in my favour in the election.”
There was jubilation among the supporters of Mr Osei-Wusu when he made the announcement.
Scores of the supporters had met him at Anwiankwanta from where he moved to Bekwai.
Mr Osei-Wusu visited the Omanhene's palace to formally introduce himself to him.
Some of the residents at Bekwai have accused the Omanhene, Nana Karikari Appau II, of showing bias by throwing his weight behind Mr Osei-Wusu.
Mr Osei-Wusu said his decision to contest as independent candidate was premised on calls by the people of the constituency to step in as their MP to facilitate the development of the area.
He said even though he was going independent, he remained a strong believer of the Danquah-Busia tradition and that he would throw his weight behind the NPP when he entered Parliament.
Mr Osei-Wusu stated that the people of the constituency had decided to vote for him in the parliamentary election and Nana Akufo-Addo in the presidential election.
Reacting to Mr Osei-Wusu's decision, Mr Poku-Adusei told the Daily Graphic in a telephone interview yesterday that he was never bothered by the move.
He said Mr Osei-Wusu would be defeated in a big way come December.
Mr Poku-Adusei stated that as an MP, he had led the constituency to achieve an appreciable level of development and expressed the hope that the people would look at his performance and return him to Parliament.
Mr Osei-Wusu made the formal announcement of his decision last Tuesday at Bekwai and promised to wrest the seat from the incumbent, Mr Kofi Poku-Adusei, who beat him by a single vote in the NPP primary.
However, Mr Poku-Adusei has called the bluff of Mr Osei-Wusu, saying, "The good people of Bekwai will speak in my favour in the election.”
There was jubilation among the supporters of Mr Osei-Wusu when he made the announcement.
Scores of the supporters had met him at Anwiankwanta from where he moved to Bekwai.
Mr Osei-Wusu visited the Omanhene's palace to formally introduce himself to him.
Some of the residents at Bekwai have accused the Omanhene, Nana Karikari Appau II, of showing bias by throwing his weight behind Mr Osei-Wusu.
Mr Osei-Wusu said his decision to contest as independent candidate was premised on calls by the people of the constituency to step in as their MP to facilitate the development of the area.
He said even though he was going independent, he remained a strong believer of the Danquah-Busia tradition and that he would throw his weight behind the NPP when he entered Parliament.
Mr Osei-Wusu stated that the people of the constituency had decided to vote for him in the parliamentary election and Nana Akufo-Addo in the presidential election.
Reacting to Mr Osei-Wusu's decision, Mr Poku-Adusei told the Daily Graphic in a telephone interview yesterday that he was never bothered by the move.
He said Mr Osei-Wusu would be defeated in a big way come December.
Mr Poku-Adusei stated that as an MP, he had led the constituency to achieve an appreciable level of development and expressed the hope that the people would look at his performance and return him to Parliament.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
COURT TO HEAR CASE AGAINST INDEPENDENT MP ASPIRANT (PAGE 14)
A KUMASI High Court presided over by Mr Justice Kwame Ansu-Gyeabour, would on September 10, 2008, sit on an application for interim injunction brought by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against an aspiring independent parliamentary candidate for the Ridge Nhyiaeso Constituency, Mr Kwame Owusu.
The party is praying the court to restrain Owusu from using his photograph and that of the NPP flag bearer, Nana Akufo-Addo on his(Owusu's) posters.
It is also praying the court for an order for the withdrawal of all the posters of Owusu, which had the photograph of Nana Akufo-Addo, as well as the award of special and general damages against him.
The Ashanti Regional secretariat of the NPP commenced action at the High Court in Kumasi on October 12, 2008 against Mr Owusu.
However, since according to the plaintiff, Owusu was evading service of writ of summons, they applied for substituted service, which Justice Ansu-Gyeabour, sitting at the court, granted on August 27, 2008.
The judge ordered that postings should be effected at selected points before the application for injunction could be heard.
An affidavit in support of the motion filed by the regional chairman of the party, Mr Yaw Amankwaa, said Owusu wanted to contest as an NPP parliamentary candidate for the Ridge Nhyiaeso Constituency but failed to appear before the vetting committee.
The party went ahead to conduct the primary and re-elected the incumbent, Dr Richard Anane, to contest the seat for the 2008 elections.
It said the defendant (Owusu) was now contesting as an independent parliamentary candidate, and had been using the photograph and the name of the NPP flag bearer to deceive people.
The party is praying the court to restrain Owusu from using his photograph and that of the NPP flag bearer, Nana Akufo-Addo on his(Owusu's) posters.
It is also praying the court for an order for the withdrawal of all the posters of Owusu, which had the photograph of Nana Akufo-Addo, as well as the award of special and general damages against him.
The Ashanti Regional secretariat of the NPP commenced action at the High Court in Kumasi on October 12, 2008 against Mr Owusu.
However, since according to the plaintiff, Owusu was evading service of writ of summons, they applied for substituted service, which Justice Ansu-Gyeabour, sitting at the court, granted on August 27, 2008.
The judge ordered that postings should be effected at selected points before the application for injunction could be heard.
An affidavit in support of the motion filed by the regional chairman of the party, Mr Yaw Amankwaa, said Owusu wanted to contest as an NPP parliamentary candidate for the Ridge Nhyiaeso Constituency but failed to appear before the vetting committee.
The party went ahead to conduct the primary and re-elected the incumbent, Dr Richard Anane, to contest the seat for the 2008 elections.
It said the defendant (Owusu) was now contesting as an independent parliamentary candidate, and had been using the photograph and the name of the NPP flag bearer to deceive people.
KOTOKO TAME LIONS (BACK PAGE)
FRANCIS Akwaffo fetched the first hat trick in the Glo Top 4 tournament as Asante Kotoko ran riot over Kpando Heart of Lions yesterday to stay just one point adrift of leaders Liberty Professionals.
Determined to stage a strong claim for the cup, Kotoko appeared better psyched up for the game, putting much pressure on their opponents to win the game 3-0 at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
Lions had the first opportunity to open the score but when unchallenged from five yards, Osei Morrison blasted the ball away. It was a wake-up call for the home side who launched ferocious attacks in the Lions' area.
Accra based-referee Thomas Nunoo judged Akwaffo to have been fouled in the box in the 15th minute and awarded a penalty to Kotoko.
Lions protested but the referee stuck to his guns and Akwaffo stepped forward to beat keeper Mozart Adjetey.
For a brief moment, the Kotoko defence appeared jittery but Lions failed to capitalise on the situation.
As both sides made substitutions, Kotoko applied the accelerator and were deservedly awarded another penalty in the 53rd minute after Akwaffo was brought down in the box. Once again the player scored from the spot.
Three minutes into added time, Kwabena Yaro cut into the Lions defence and located advancing Akwaffo who wasted no time in rifling the ball past Adjetey.
Stephen Oduro was adjudged the Glo best player for the match.
Determined to stage a strong claim for the cup, Kotoko appeared better psyched up for the game, putting much pressure on their opponents to win the game 3-0 at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
Lions had the first opportunity to open the score but when unchallenged from five yards, Osei Morrison blasted the ball away. It was a wake-up call for the home side who launched ferocious attacks in the Lions' area.
Accra based-referee Thomas Nunoo judged Akwaffo to have been fouled in the box in the 15th minute and awarded a penalty to Kotoko.
Lions protested but the referee stuck to his guns and Akwaffo stepped forward to beat keeper Mozart Adjetey.
For a brief moment, the Kotoko defence appeared jittery but Lions failed to capitalise on the situation.
As both sides made substitutions, Kotoko applied the accelerator and were deservedly awarded another penalty in the 53rd minute after Akwaffo was brought down in the box. Once again the player scored from the spot.
Three minutes into added time, Kwabena Yaro cut into the Lions defence and located advancing Akwaffo who wasted no time in rifling the ball past Adjetey.
Stephen Oduro was adjudged the Glo best player for the match.
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