Ghanalinx

Phase three of Kotoka International Airport project begins

G.O — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:25:32 +0000

Accra, March 11, GNA – The Minister of Transport, Mr. Mike Hammah on Wednesday cut the sod for the commencement of the phase three of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) development project, estimated at 51 million dollars.

He noted that the construction of a new fire station which formed part of the project was expected to be completed by the end of the year. “The construction of a modern fire station will enable the airport achieve the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recommended response time of not exceeding two minutes to the end of the operational runway in optimum visibility during an emergency,” he said. Mr. Hammah observed that the rehabilitation of the KIA had improved upon the aviation industry in Ghana, adding that the number of airlines at the facility had increased as a result.

He charged contractors on the project to do a “qualitative job that would ensure value for money”.

Mrs. Doreen Owusu Fianko, Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Ltd (GACL), said air traffic projections in Ghana indicated growth in aircraft movement from 15,225 in 2009 to 27,882 in 2024, with its accompanying passenger growth from 980,468 to 2,021,291 in that order, representing an average annual growth of 18 per cent.

She said cargo would grow from 60,550 in 2009 to 130,170 tonnes in 2024, representing 47 per cent growth over the projected period.

Mrs Owusu Fianko said against this back ground, it was necessary to continuously improve technical systems and infrastructure to match growth in the industry.

Touching on an ultra modern fire station under construction as part of the phase three project, she said the GACL placed high premium on rescue and fire fighting service, as enjoined by the provision of Annex 14 to the Convention of ICAO to which Ghana was a signatory.

The KIA phase three development project includes reconstruction of the taxiway pavements, apron pavements, installation of aeronautical ground lighting systems and fuel mains to the new aprons. The rest are construction of a new fire station aswell as apron drainage facilities. 11 March 10

Spanish Government donates computers to Ghana Immigration Service

G.O — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:48:17 +0000

Accra, March 10, GNA – The Spanish Government on Wednesday presented 26 computers with accessories and anti counterfeiting machines valued at about 58,000 Euros to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) in Accra to boost it’s
operations.

Mr. Vicente Garcia Sanjuan, Head of Migration Desk, Office of the Director-General, Migration and International Relationship, Ministry of Interior, Spain who presented the items lauded the excellent and effective collaboration between Ghana and Spain in the fight against illegal immigrants and organised crime.

He noted that while legal migrations opened door to a world of opportunities, illegal immigration was dehumanising and helped groups engaged in human trafficking.

Mr. Sanjuan said criminal groups that engaged in organised crime usually left victims especially women and children in sexual exploitation, marginalisation, social exclusion and slavery. “The migrants sometimes make outrageous commitment, with members of organised crime that tie them or their families for many years,” he added. Mr. Sanjuan contended that it was the duty of authorities to fight against illegal immigrant and reduce the action of organised crime by ensuring that law enforcement agencies enforced laws on migration.

To address illegal migration, he said Spain was also encouraging West African countries through capacity building as well as provision of logistics under the EU AENEAS programme. Mr. Sanjuan said apart from mounting surveillance on the sea borders, it was also building security networks for the exchange of information in the fight against illegal immigration. In fighting against document fraud, he said, Spain had co-financed training courses in Ghana and mentioned the formation of new Centre of Expertise in Migration and Identity Document (CEMID) in the country to check fraud. Mrs. Rebecca Chantel Guinea Stal, Charge d’Affairs of Spain, said provision of the computers was to provide a very practical way for both countries to learn from each other.

Ms. Elizabeth Adjei, Director of Immigration Service, receiving the items said it had benefited from numerous projects from the Spanish Government towards capacity building. She mentioned a two-million Euro facility for the installation of a 14 Digital Boarder Surveillance Equipment around Ghana’s 45 boundaries. Ms. Adjei said the GIS was embarking on reforms and restructuring of its operations especially in human and drug trafficking. She said GIS had received some cases involving identity fraud and impersonation especially among people who want to travel to Europe and the computers would boost their operations and enhance database.

University of Toronto Professor, George Dei Releases New Books

G.O — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:12:37 +0000

Ghanaian-born, University of Toronto Professor, George Dei has just released four new books: The first is Teaching Africa published by Springer, New York [2010] which offers critical perspectives to the study, learning and teaching of Africa and the African experiences. The book [with a Foreword by Professor Molefi Asante of Temple University] challenges problematic portrayals of the African experience. It provides critical insights to understanding the complexities, differences, as well as the shared experiences and histories of African peoples. Written from an African-centred perspective, the book addresses distorted Eurocentric views of Africa, and takes up key questions about the teaching methods and methodologies relating to Africa from an Indigenous African knowledge base. Dei addresses the need for African peoples to reclaim their past, histories, and also interrogate and contest the present, so as to design their own futures.

The second book, Learning to Succeed [published by Teneo Press, New York, 2010] comes out of his longitudinal research with ‘high academic achievers’ in the Canadian school system (high school, college and university). The book is relevant given the lessons their schooling success offer in the struggle for educational excellence among all students. The book is a collection of pieces on the study of high academic achievers written with his co-researchers at the university on the Canadian school system. The essays point to the varying conceptions of “high academic achievers” from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds of ‘success’ and ‘failure’, to the learners’ understanding of the role that education and academic success play in enhancing social opportunity, and individual life chances.

The two other books: Fanon and Education: Thinking Through Pedagogical Possibilities published by Peter Lang, New York 2010 [co-edited with Marlon Simmons]; and Fanon and the Counter-Insurgency of Education. also published by Rotterdam: Sense Publishers, 2010 (sole edited by Dei) look at the implications of the ideas of Frantz Fanon for rethinking education [broadly defined] in North America. The books [the other Fanon book 'Fanon and the Counterinsurgency of Education', has Foreword by Ato Sekyi-Otu] take up the challenge of an anti-colonial reading of Fanon, to broach questions of identity, difference and belonging, and the implication for schooling and education. In particular, the two books on Fanon highlight the limitations of Black/African bodies continually seeking currency and validation through a negotiation of White colonial spaces.

Independence Message from NDC-Canada

G.O — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:03:47 +0000

Independence Message from NDC-Canada

Fellow Ghanaians,

We in NDC-Canada are delighted to join fellow Ghanaians across the nation and around the world in celebrating our 53rd Independence Day.
Independence Day is a day to rejoice in our common heritage won for us by the toils and blood of our forefathers. It reminds us of the desire for freedom that inspired our Founding Father, Osaygefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and it is this belief in the universality of freedom that guides our nation and continues to make us proud and strong.
Freedom and Justice as enshrined on our Independence Arc and reaffirmed by the courageous sacrifices Ghanaians of every generation to secure justice and equality for all. We are all forever indebted to all these heroes and on the occasion of Independence Day, we pay special tribute to them. It is our hope that our collective contributions will continue to propel us forward in the right direction to achieve a Better Ghana promised under the leadership of H.E. Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, the President of Republic of Ghana and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
On this Independence Day, as we celebrate our rights and freedoms, we look forward to new limitless possibilities for every Ghanaian and NDC-Canada wishes Ghana a wonderful 6 March 2010,

May God bless Our Homeland Ghana.
(Signed)
Charles N. Nkansah
(Secretary)
Source: NDC-Canada

Factory Bois – Sika Nie (Got money)

G.O — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:43:25 +0000

Hype Records presents Factory Bois with their new single sika nie(got money) from their new album hip hop democracy coming soon. video directed by Big OJ. Videos for ‘my lady 4 life’ and ‘come give me love’ coming soon.

For more videos, refer to our entertainment blogs or subscribe to GhanalinxTv @www.youtube.com/Ghanalinxtv.

‘Halo phenomenon’ Thrills Ghanaians

G.O — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:52:50 +0000

A rare celestial phenomenon occurred in the skies on Wednesday. A huge ring of a red-yellow-green band of halo circled the sun, much to the amazement of many. The phenomenon, referred to as the halo phenomenon, can be sighted around the world wherever the sun can be seen, meteorologists say. The appearance of the massive ring surprised many Ghanaians who have never witnessed it in their lifetime. Explaining the occurrence, the chief forecaster at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), Anthony Sewornuku, said refraction of light through crystals of water in the high clouds causes such a halo. Light from the sun is scattered when it hits the crystals to give such an effect.

Photo credit: Kwaku Chintoh

Toronto’s Ghana@53 Independence Party in Pictures

G.O — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:42:51 +0000

Many came out this year to celebrate Ghana’s 53rd Independence Anniversary. This year, Ghanaians in Toronto celebrated with style at 1001 Night Club. This event was brought to you by Afro Entertainment, Lionpalm Entertainment, Ghanalinx.com and Chaleyfresh Movement. The party included performances from Quabena Maphia, AO Gorman and many more. Below are some of the event photoshoot.

Images courtesy of Alex Yeboah Productions.

For the rest of the photos and to have yours printed, contact AYP @ 416 826 3639

[Show as slideshow]

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Sonnie Badu Live in Concert

G.O — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:41:59 +0000

Amazing Grace Entertainment and The Lamb Of God Presents SONNIE BADU to you

Featuring artist such as:

Cassidy Parlane
Prince Wiredu
Patrick Blaire
Terry & Jackie Of LGMM
Chisom Of LGMM
EOP & AGE
And many more

Regular tickets .
Contact # Abigail 416 575 8565 Ohema Stephanie 416 893 0126 and Millz 416 939 3843

Ex President Kuffour Hails Pres. Mills

G.O — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:08:05 +0000

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has hailed the commitment of President John Evans Atta Mills to invest in the education of the youth and said that would guarantee the country’s future.

Commenting on President Mills’s address to a parade of schoolchildren to mark the 53rd independence anniversary in which the President had assured the nation that the government would motivate teachers and provide the necessary condition to improve teaching and learning, former resident Kufuor said investing in children could “guarantee a responsible and brighter future for the country”.

He stressed that the country’s generation chain would be strengthened if it invested in youth development.

President Kufuor, who was accompanied by his wife, Theresa, described the attendance and the parade by the schoolchildren as “impressive”. Also present at the parade was the former Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama.

Alhaji Mahama indicated that the nation would have a secure future if the youth were given the requisite skills.

He said the splendid conduct of the parade by the children attested to the fact that they could do well in various fields of endeavour if given the necessary support. Meanwhile, religious and political leaders and the youth have described President Mills’s assurance of supporting the education of the youth as a step in the right direction.

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana, the Rt Rev Dr• Yaw Frimpong-Manso, said the President’s focus on the youth was very crucial, since “development cannot be complete without investing in the youth”.

He said there was the need for the youth to be educated to appreciate Ghana’s rich heritage and cultural identity.
That, the Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso said, would make the youth patriotic and responsible and enable them to cherish the country’s cultural values.

He urged Ghanaians to get united and “see one another as one people with a common destiny”. The Most Rev Prof Emmanuel Asante of the Methodist Church of Ghana stressed that investing in children’s education was the only way to secure the country’s future.

The Administrative Manager of the Office of the National Chief Imam, Alhaji Adam Musah Abubakar, said any nation that supported the education of the youth had a secure future. The General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Mr Bernard Mornah, said the youth were the future leaders of the country, hence the need for the government to give them quality education.

He said both the government and teachers had a role in the education of the youth and, therefore, called for collaboration between the government and parents to promote education. He asked the government to give meaning to the promise to invest in the education of the youth by providing the necessary school infrastructure and motivating teachers to give of their best.

He again asked the government to create employment avenues for the teeming youth in the country.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Jomoro, Ms Samia Nkrumah, said although Ghana had attained political independence, it was yet to achieve “economic self-reliance”.

She said investing in education was the core policy of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), adding that supporting the manpower development of the country was the only way in which the country could attain economic independence.

The Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, Mr E.T. Mensah, indicated that the President’s message was timely, as the country was in need of human capital to propel its socio-economic development.

He said what was significant was for the country’s educational institutions to equip the youth with the relevant skills for the job market. Mr Mensah asked the media to play a lead role in supporting the government’s effort at building the capacity of the youth. .

Master Kpormegbe Senanu Apetsi and Ms Akosua Dufie Nyamekye, both winners of this year’s President’s Special Independence Anniversary Awards, said they were happy with government’s assurance to support their education.
They said given the needed encouragement the youth could unearth their potential and become responsible adults.

Ghana Celebrates 53 Years Of Independence

G.O — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:32:40 +0000

As Ghana celebrates 53 years of Independence this Saturday, the ambassador to the United States is hailing the strong bilateral relations between Accra and Washington.

Ambassador Daniel Ohene Agyekum said Ghana is serving as a shining example envisioned by the founding fathers to all of Africa with its embrace of the true tenets of democracy.

“We will be celebrating 53 years of our independence, and this marks quite an important milestone in our history. It is important because Ghana is now at the crossroads of building a society that is democratic and in which each and every individual member of the society is encouraged to play a role,” he said

Led by first President Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah and the other founding fathers, the then-Gold Coast attained its independence from Britain on 6 March 1957, becoming the first black African country south of the Sahara to do so. The name Ghana (warrior king) was legally adopted shortly after independence. Ambassador Agyekum expressed gratitude to the countries that have supported Ghana’s efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions.

“As we celebrate this occasion, we are encouraged by the support that we have received from many friendly countries including the United States of America, where I represent the interest of the government and the people of Ghana. It is important because for the relationship of the U.S and Ghana, we have enjoyed tremendous partnership, a partnership that has enabled us to grow our economy, our infrastructure, and I am saying these in all sincerity,” Agyekum said.

On his first official visit to a sub-Saharan African country last year, President Barack Obama said in a speech to Ghana’s parliament that “the people of Ghana have worked hard to put democracy on a firmer footing, with peaceful transfers of power, even in the wake of closely contested elections. And with improved governance and an emerging civil society, Ghana’s economy has shown impressive rates of growth,” Obama said.

Ambassador Agyekum said President Obama’s visit to Ghana significantly strengthened the countries’ bilateral relations. “The visit of President Obama did greatly enhance this friendship…We can look into the future with optimism and faith, and of course the people of Ghana and our government are extremely grateful for the hand of friendship that the U.S and the support that the people of the United States have extended to the Ghana government and the people of Ghana,” Agyekum said. Shortly after independence, President Nkrumah said Ghana’s independence was meaningless unless it was linked to the liberation of the entire African continent. Political observers say Ghana’s independence was a catalyst for many African nations to demand their freedoms from their colonial masters.