In her report, Mrs Justice Wood conveyed to the IGP that following the conviction of the six policemen and four civilians, Justice Mahamadu had received numerous threats to his life.

Consequently, the IGP has directed the Operations Department of the Ghana Police Service to take immediate steps to protect the life, family and property of the High Court judge, according to the Daily Graphic.

Justice Mahamadu convicted the six policemen, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Patrick Kwapong of the Rapid Deployment Force of the Ghana Police Service, and four other civilians to a total of 200 years after they had been found guilty of attacking and robbing a Switzerland-based Ghanaian businessman at a hotel in Accra on February 2, 2009.

The convicts are DSP Kwapong, Chief Inspector Thomas Adu, Sergeant John Agyapong, Corporal Lawrence Dennis Quansah, Lance Corporal Karimu Muntari and Constable Blejumah.

The rest are Aams Amanor, Kwasi Tawiah, Peter Kwame Gyasi and Bismark Ampofo.

The convicts, with the exception of Kwapong, who was charged with conspiracy, were convicted to 20 years each on each count to run concurrently.

Constable Ken Duodu Acheampong and Jeffrey Kwame Atta, alias Kay, who are currently on the run, were tried in absentia.

Responding to the Chief Justice’s complaint, the IGP said he had referred her request to the Police Operations Department to assess the present situation and discuss measures to protect Justice Mahamadu, who sat as a Circuit Court judge.

He said the Police Administration believed in the rule of law and would not tolerate any acts that would discredit the judicial and democratic credentials of the nation.

He explained that although the judge might have an escort, it was important that the threats were assessed on their merit and appropriate steps taken to deal with them.

Quaye said the conviction of the policemen should send a signal to the rest of the personnel that the Police Administration would not tolerate any acts of indiscipline in the service.

Soon after their conviction, some of their family members wailed and vented their anger on the judge and some journalists outside the courtroom.

They openly cursed and rained unprintable insults on the trial judge, who was escorted to his vehicle by court clerks and policemen.

It took the warrant officers of the court, other policemen, prosecutors, among others, to prevent violence between two of the convicts, Ampofo and DSP Kwapong.

Ampofo was eventually dragged out of the courtroom in handcuffs without his grey shirt, which got torn in his bid to attack DSP Kwapong.

This reduces business productivity by as much as 40 percent, the study stated.

“Africa’s Infrastructure: A Time for Transformation” finds that Africa has the weakest infrastructure in the world, but ironically Africans in some countries pay twice as much for basic services as people elsewhere.

This study argues that well functioning infrastructure is essential to Africa’s economic performance and that improving inefficiencies and reducing waste could result in major improvements in African’s lives.

The report estimates that US$93 billion are needed annually over the next decade, more than twice what was previously thought. Almost half of this amount is needed to address the continent’s current power supply crisis that is hindering Africa’s growth.

The new estimate amounts to roughly 15 percent of the continent’s gross domestic product (GDP), comparable to what China invested in infrastructure over the last decade.

The conference brought together over two hundred representatives from business, business-driven organizations and their stakeholders and also connected opinion leaders from mainly Africa and other parts of the world with young professionals.

The occasion also underlined the need for a better integration into the global economy and for the recognition of the bearings of climate change. Participants at the three-day event also presented practical ideas and recommendation for the development of Africa.

During deliberations, participants who also included a large number of Inwent alumni shared their experiences on issues from women empowerment, economic statistics, and effects of the economic crisis on the fragile situation in Sub Saharan Africa among others.

Honestly, the statement that touched me the most from the conference was the fact that: “Africa is rich but Africans are poor.” Indeed, it is an open secret that Africa is rich but the international community has continuously viewed the continent as the poorest and has continuously seen its people as the most poverty stricken in the world. So for me, this truth coming out of such an internationally recognized conference is remarkable.

Going through the conference, I came across the bulk of ideas, solutions and recommendations that emerged from the various working groups of the conference and this I strongly believe should help Africa and its people to determine their own agenda. The energy and enthusiasm exhibited at the conference is an indication that the third Interdisciplinary Alumni Conference to be held in South Africa should be a more practical and focus looking one.

One essential challenge to Africa that was never mentioned in the deliberations was the sustainability of aid inflows to the continent in the mist of this crisis. Believe me or not most African states especially the fragile ones still need aid to help them cope with the crisis. Perhaps it is an indication that Africa is growing out of the aid syndrome.

All in all, it was a very good conference, focused and practical solutions were also given by the participants. I will simply say it was a mark of intellectual and professional friendship, thanks to Inwert.

The resignations come after thecountry, started an investigation last month into accusations that government officials took bribes from bridge manufacturer Mabey & Johnson between 1993 and 2001.

Mabey & Johnson, the first firm to be prosecuted in Britain for overseas corruption, was convicted last month for its dealings in Ghana and Jamaica, and also pleaded guilty to applying for contracts under the Iraq oil-for-food programme in breach of United Nations sanctions.

The government of Ghana said in the statement that it would invite the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice to conduct further investigations into allegations against other Ghanaian public officials in the case.

“The President (John Atta Mills) expressed regret at the resignations and was hopeful that the decision to ask CHRAJ to investigate the case would offer a platform for the public officials named in the case to clear their names and hard won reputations,” according to the statement.

London’s Southwark Crown Court was told Johnson & Mabey paid out one million pounds in sweeteners it thought helped it to win contracts worth 60 million pounds, the Press Association reported.

Five of the company’s eight directors stepped down in early 2008 after the firm approached authorities to say it might have engaged in corrupt practices.

“I worry that development aid is decreasing,” Kufuor told NRC Handelsblad. “Of course the donor countries have to monitor case by case to see that the money is well spent. Donor countries have to get their money’s worth.”

One example of a successful project, according to Kufuor, is a school meals programme in his own Ghana. For the past four years Ghana has been aspiring to provide each pupil under 15-years old with one hot meal a day. More than 600,000 children are now part of the programme, which is supported by the Netherlands.

Too docile?

Critics have reproached Kufuor for being too docile towards institutions like the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund (IMF). During Kufuor’s first term Ghana joined the HIPC programme for Heavily Indebted Poor Countries. It provides debt relief and low-interest loans in return for which countries have to bring inflation under control and get their state finances in order. An often heard criticism of the HIPC programme is that the budget cuts that go with it often come at the expense of the poorest citizens of those countries.

“Ghana has become less dependent [on aid] since I came into office,” Kufuor defended himself. “It was thanks to the debt relief that we were able to get a market economy off the ground. Consequently, credit rating agencies like Standard&Poors and Fitch raised our rating. We were able to raise 750 million dollars in government bonds on the international market, which allowed us to invest in health care and the infrastructure.”

Kufuor had to admit that the government bonds have recently taken a hit because of the worldwide economic crisis. Ghana even had to go back to the World Bank for help. But Kufuor is not discouraged. “Compare it to a baby that is learning to walk. It’s try and error. In 2001 Ghana was bankrupt. Last year, when the world’s strongest economies were suffering from the crisis, Ghana still managed 7.3 percent growth.”

Kagame

Kufuor said he agrees with Rwandan president Paul Kagame, who believes the ultimate goal of development aid should be to make itself redundant. But he strongly disagrees with Zambian economist Dambisa Moyo, who also happens to have Kagame’s ear.

Moyo said aid to Africa should be cut entirely because it only leads to inertia and corruption. A graduate from Harvard and Oxford, who has worked at the World Bank and Goldman Sachs, Moyo has become the darling of the critics of development aid since the publication of her book, Dead Aid, earlier this year.

“Mrs. Moyo is not the voice of Africa,” Kufuor said. “She lives in an ivory tower, far away from the reality of Africa. Perhaps she should go back to Zambia to see how much that country still needs help. Maybe then I will pay better attention to her.”

Those who have regained their freedom are 953 first offenders who have served at least half of their sentences, 54 seriously ill prisoners recommended by the Regional Medical Board, nine prisoners aged 70 and above also recommended by the Regional Medical Board, and five nursing mothers who have shown remorse.

Six other prisoners, who were on death row and had served 10 years and above, have had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment.

A statement signed by the Ghana’s Interior Minister, Cletus Avoka, and released in Accra Wednesday did not name them but said President Mills granted the amnesty in accordance with the powers conferred on him by Article 72 of the 1992 Constitution.

Article 72 (1) states inter alia that “the President may, acting in consultation with the Council of State grant to a person convicted of an offence a pardon either free or subject to lawful conditions; or…” The Daily Graphic reported.

The statement said the decision of the President was also based on the criteria laid down by the Prisons Service Council.

It said the Director-General of Prisons had been directed to implement the amnesty.

Reacting to concerns that the first offenders could include armed robbers, the Interior Minister told the Daily Graphic that prisoners convicted of murder, armed robbery, rape, defilement, narcotics, treason, subversion and piracy were not included in the first offenders category.

He explained that those to benefit included those convicted of minor crimes such as stealing and causing harm.

He said those affected were those who were likely not to re-offend based on the assessment of the prison officers and the officers in charge of the Prisons.

Avoka gave the assurance that no hardened criminal would be released as the selection process was meticulous.

As to whether the assessment and selection process would be an avenue for prison officers to mine gold from prisoners and their relatives, a source at the Ghana Prisons Service answered in the negative.

It said oftentimes, prisoners accused prison officers of crimes they knew nothing about and would, therefore, not do anything that could be proven against them.

In an address to the nation on Monday morning to mark the centenary birthday of Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, christened the Founder’s Day, Prof Mills noted that Dr Nkrumah “created one Ghana” that should not be allowed to disintegrate.

“Let this day, my brothers and sisters, be the day we begin to breathe new life into Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of a strong, united Ghana. Let us grab this opportunity and rekindle our sense of national pride and self-worth,” the president said.

Eulogizing Dr Nkrumah, president Mills recounted that Ghana’s first president’s leadership role in projecting Ghana to the outside world as the true black star of Africa and the part he played in liberating most African countries from colonialism is unrivaled.

“We must take a collective pride in celebrating the day, the 100th birthday of the man who led our independent struggle and lit the flame that blazed the liberation struggle of the African continent.

“…we are not celebrating our founder for the sake of doing so, we are celebrating him also for what he stood for and what he gave our dear nation. Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to the development of Ghana and Africa to creating a vision for Ghana, nurturing and forming the life and spirit of our nation are unsurpassed.”

Touching on politics in Ghana, the president was full of praise for Dr Nkrumah for breaking the jinx that portrayed politics as a preserve for the elites and opening its doors to all, including civil servants, teachers, market women, youth and fisher folks among others.

After demystifying politics in Ghana, Dr Nkrumah, Mills remembered, also went ahead to break down ethnic barriers in politics and social life.

President Mills therefore reached out to all Ghana’s to come together, irrespective of one’s political affiliation, religion and ethnic background, and work toward the development of the country.

“We need to measure the greatness of this nation by the extent to which we care for each other. Let us care for each other and by so doing we will care for mother Ghana.”

He noted that the commemoration of the day was in fulfillment of a commitment he made during the electioneering campaign. He reiterated the adoption of Dr Nkrumah’s centenary birthday as a continental event to be included on the African Union’s calendar of special events.

“These two events are unprecedented and speak to the uniqueness and global stature of our own Kwame Nkrumah.”

Various activities are being held across the country to marks Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s birthday.

In view of this, Ghana’s President John Evans Atta Mills will speak to the nation on Monday, September 21, 2009, which marks the 100th birthday of the Founder and first President of Ghana. The broadcast is scheduled to air at 06.00 hrs (6 a.m.) on Radio Ghana and Unique FM.

The day has been declared a public holiday in the country in honour of Dr Nkrumah, one of the most revered black freedom fighters in the world.

The centres of attraction will be Nkroful in the Western Region, the birthplace of Dr Nkrumah, and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum in Accra, where his mortal remains are presently accommodated.

Apart from the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Nkroful, places and projects such as the Akosombo Dam, the Peduase Lodge, Achimota School and the Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO), which strike fond memories of Dr Nkrumah, are expected to attract enthusiastic crowds from far and near, according to the Daily Graphic.

The Vice-President of Ghana, John Mahama, has launched activities for the centenary celebration, which would be climaxed on the African Union (AU) Day on May 25, 2010, when the whole of Africa is expected to celebrate him.

At the 13th AU Summit in Sirte, Libya, this year, African leaders unanimously voted to adopt the centenary birthday of Dr Nkrumah as an AU activity.

Activities to commemorate the occasion include lectures, symposia, exhibitions and cultural performances.

Acknowledged by the BBC as the African of the Millennium, Dr Nkrumah touched the lives of thousands of freedom-loving people in Africa and beyond after leading Ghana to attain political independence from British colonial rule in 1957 and, thereafter, taking a frontline role in the African liberation struggle.

A visionary leader, he was considered by many as peerless and decades ahead of his generation.

According to a former Chairman of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Dr Edmund N. Delle, the difference between Nkrumah and his peers was universality of his person and the manner his messages touched the lives of the suffering and oppressed throughout the world.

On the surface, one will think that Transparent International is all about fighting corruption among politicians and big international organizations but that is truely not the case, they are doing more.

Transparency international is introducing the education watch program which is dimed at improving transparency and accountability in the use of primary education resources in seven countries, namely Ghana, Madagascar, Morocco, Niger, Senegal, Sierra, and Uganda.

In doing so, TI expects to improve access to education, particularly of the poorest members of society, and thus contribute to poverty reduction. Personally, I think such an idea is laudable and could help the poor to not only have access to quality education but equal opportunity in the job market. Education is the key to a successful life and proper education means better life for everyone. Once this initiative by Transparency International is successful, I can bet that we can all tell a different story when it comes to education and the poor.

A politician left to operate freely without any form of checks and balances would ”operate so well” that there would be virtually a thin line between the public good and personal ambitions (selfish interests). So in the case of politicians one cannot go to sleep because there is always the temptation to say that their actions be it good or bad is for the public good.

Then, one will also argue that if an issue is for the public good why do politicians keep them as secrets? Time and time again, the issue of national security has been used as an excuse for keeping secrets by politicians. But ”who cares” for national security if the only thing a politician does is to hide any secret from the public and keep singing the hallelujah songs of national security and the public interest (good).

A researcher, Dr. Manfred Redelfs once said that the objective of investigative journalism is the public good. Well, I cannot agree with you more Dr. Redelfs.

As far as I am concern, I will continue to expose any secret hidden from the public if I have breath and of course I will bear in mind that my actions and inactions will always be in the interest of the public of which I am a patriotic member.