Trade Minister opens three-day India Show to explore investment
* Source: GNA

A three-day trade show to provide a platform for Indian companies to explore investment opportunities and partnerships in Ghana and other West African countries has opened in Accra.

Dubbed the “India Show”, it aims at providing a networking session for Indian firms with key stakeholders and policymakers, captains of industry, financial institutions, technology services providers among others.

The show, an initiative of the Indian Government, is to brand India to the African shores and offer Indian companies the opportunity to showcase themselves and learn about new trade and investment within the African Region.

The event is being organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and would end on July 11.

Addressing the opening session, Ms Hannah Tetteh, Minister of Trade and Industry said the hosting of the show in Ghana was a vote of confidence in the economy and urged the trade delegation to explore the untapped investment opportunities.

She said such fora could build partnerships and provided platform to discuss the growth and development of businesses, especially the diversification of investment.

She said Ghana and India had a long history of friendship and these could be translated into fruitful partnership in meeting the investments goals in infrastructure and services sectors.

Mr. Anand Sharma, Minister for Commerce, Industry and Textiles of India, said the holding of the show in West Africa was a demonstration of the special place that the sub-region occupied in the heart of India.

“We have come to engage with a clear message that we have come to diversify the engagement,” he said, adding that India was committed to fulfilling its pledges to the African continent.

Mr. Rajinder Bhagat, Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, said India had continued to play a role in Ghana’s drive for development in various sectors of the economy.

He said over the years, India had contributed to Ghana’s human resource development and capacity building through training of personnel under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme.

The High Commissioner said Ghana’s growing profile as an emerging economy provided an opportunity for the business community to invest in that area.

The show includes an India-West Africa Business Forum, exhibition showcasing latest technologies, services and products, Business to Business meetings and cultural extravaganza.

It will focus on agriculture and food processing, information and communication technology, mining and minerals, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, infrastructure and construction, textiles and handicrafts, education, energy and consumer durables.

More than a 200 member Indian delegation are attending the show.


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Malian citizens appeal to President Mills to help bring peace to Mali
* Source: GNA

Malian citizens resident in the Accra have called on President John Evans Atta Mills to intervene in the Malian crisis and help bring peace to the country.

They praised the president for his leadership qualities and his role in bringing peace to Cote d’Ivoire and the ECOWAS Sub-Region.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, the spokesman for the Malians, Mallam Amadu Alhassan said the situation in his country called for prompt military intervention to dislodge the Tuareg rebels and their Islamic allies in the North of Mali.

He expressed unhappiness with the demolishing of historic Moslem Shrines and the taking of the people hostage in Gao and Timbuktu.

Mallam Alhassan said it was important that President Mills contributed to the initiatives of the United Nations Security Council and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and help fast-track the intervention to Mali saying, the Ghana-Mali-Guinea Friendship was created to help in such situations.

He said the Malian Community had confidence in President Mills adding that the key solution to the Malian crises lies with the formation of a government of national unity to bring peace to the country.

He called on Malian citizens in Ghana not to rest on their oars but rather contribute their quota to finding a lasting solution to the political situation in their country.

Mallam Alhassan also appealed to Malian citizens in Ghana to be law abiding in their various communities and participate in developmental projects and socio-economic activities in the communities they reside.


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Ghana Tourism Authority records rising trend in domestic tourism
* Source: GNA

A fact sheet from Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) indicated a rising trend in domestic tourism in 2010.

A summary of 30 tourists sites arrivals and revenue showed that in January, there were 37,340 total arrivals comprising residents and non-residents which attracted a revenue of GH¢118,824.20.

The fact sheet made available to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Monday by Mr. Ben Ohene-Ayeh, Director, Corporate Affairs of GTA, said by the end of the year, the total arrivals were 659,325 recording a total of GH¢1,407,444.99.

Mr. Ohene-Ayeh said the figures for 2011 have not been released.

Ghana International tourist arrivals and receipts also indicated a rising trend within a period of six years with 2005 recording 428,533 arrivals as against 931,224 visitors in 2010

Within the same period under review, 836.09 dollars tourists’ receipts was netted by the country as against 1,875.0 dollars in 2010.

Mr. Ohene –Ayeh urged Ghanaians and the hospitality industry to be more responsive towards the needs of tourists to make the country a safe haven for visitors.

He said it is the duty of the citizenry to contribute their quota to good customer service to guests in the country “in order to promote and uphold the good name of Ghana”.

“A first impression speaks a lot about a person and a country .Therefore there is the need for us as Ghanaians and especially those in the hospitality industry to sharpen our customer care to visitors.”

The Corporate Affairs Director noted that the tourism industry is very competitive hence the need for the players to live up to their responsibilities.

To improve on services in the hospitality industry which Mr. Ayeh said sometimes are not too good, the GTA has been organising workshops and seminars in the regions for the operators to update their skills.


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Rawlingses New Party – NDC Germany comments
* Source: Mensah Dekportor (Hamburg)

Officials of the NDC Germany Communication Team (Chris Mensah and Kalim Abilla) over the weekend maneuvered to invite their comrade Mr. Fred Agbenyo to a cross fire interview on Sankofa Radio (a popular radio station In Stuttgart- Germany)

Speaking on the Radio program, the presenter, Akwasi Owusu asked series of questions pertaining the formation of a new political party (NDP) by former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, together with other former members of the National Democratic Congress.

A member of the Communication Team of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Fred Agbenyo swiftly stated that “NDC as a political party believes in internal multi partisan democracy. All that we pray for is that, Ghanaian electorates shall recognize or access and appreciate the good work of NDC government led by Prof. Atta- Mills”.

He continued “In spite of all, Ghana constitution permits the citizenry of Ghana the freedom of association and gathering in pursuit of a common goal. Therefore, no one can forbid, obstruct or intimidate his or her fellow citizen from this right.”

Mr. Agbenyo referred Listeners to colonial era (pre-independence) of which “UGCC was formed and later the organizers decided to invite Late Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Eventually, disintegration set in and finally, Dr. Nkrumah broke away to form his own party (CPP)”

“Though speculations are that, new party within NDC has been emerged but has not been officially confirmed by our founder or his wife – Nana Konadu.”

Agbenyo lamented :” No one has been ordained to effect victory for NDC except God Almighty. We all joined the campaign trail in 2000 with JJ Rawlings but we lost. Likewise 2004 , luck was not on our side. However, God being on our side, we came out victorious in 2008. “Who caused am”? Efo Agbenyo asked

“Considering our weaknesses, vulnerability and low profiled we never deserved but with God all things are possible” he preached

“We all expect that the same dice would favor us come December 7, general elections. Let me remind you about one thing – JJ Rawlings, President Mills, Asiedu Nketiah and others, they are not immortal or rock on this earth planet. Obviously, their days would be over. New generations shall take over their positions. Therefore all we expect from the party hierarchy is mutual understanding, nourishment and respect for one another so as to pave the way forward otherwise posterity would not forgive us.”

Mr Agbenyo continued “we cannot deny unprecedented characteristics and unique achievements of our beloved party founder. JJ, affectionately known as Junior Jesus, who salvaged Ghana from total collapsed. At the age of 31, he (Rawlings) was crowned as the head of state and commander in chief.” Ghanaians witnessed where, how and adverse direction of our nation by then. Today, most of us are aggrieved, worried and in a state of disappointment in the wake of recent developments within the corridors of our Party founder Mr. JJ Rawlings and his darling wife, Nana Konadu Agyemang - Rawlings.”

Mr Agbenyo minced no words in saying “As an icon and legend, you ought to confine, comport or command highest dignity within the society whereby upcoming generations might come to seek piece of advice and counseling from you. However, it’s rather unfortunate. Our founder’s wife (Mrs Rawlings) – a virtue woman of such stature, one would ask, what might have prompted her to conceive an idea of forming a political party, that aims at disrupting the existing NDC?. Our great party has its own value, constitution and structures by which all members including the executives are bound.”

“It would be recalled that, after the Sunyani national congress, Prof. Mills was given the mandate to lead the party to victory. It was therefore expected from all members to unite as one family and as such subsequent party formation could be possible after the tenure of Prof. Mills.”

“As (Abusuapayin) - referring to Rawlings, chairman of council of elders, leader and founder of a leading political party chooses to take that course, we accept! How could a noble family head that built a mansion to accommodate his own family and later decides to destroy it? It’s unbelievable” – Agbenyo lamented.

Mr. Fred Agbenyo concluded his comments as he called on all Ghanaians to come together as one nation. He used the platform to console all NDC members and sympathizers to remain calm and rally behind Prof. Mills for one touch victory come December 7 general elections.
Repoprt by: Mensah Dekportor (Hamburg)
cmdekportor@gmail.com Tel. +49(176)34165647


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Blame Akufo-Addo for $1.5 billion Galloper debt - NDC
* Source: Joy Online

The Galloper saga has taken a new twist with members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) now demanding the prosecution of New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate Nana Akufo Addo for causing financial loss in his alleged mishandling of the matter as Attorney General.

Last week Joy news secured court documents confirming the vehicle dealer, African Automobile Limited, sued the state in 2005 seeking damages for abrogation of contract, breach of repayment of a Barclays Bank loan and an order to compel government to take delivery of the 87 galloper vehicles said to be growing rusty from non-use.

Government through then Attorney General filed a defence rejecting the claims and also making a counterclaim for the refund of a total of Gh¢13 million being deposits for the vehicles and sanitary supplies.

But the NDC is saying Nana Addo should be blamed for the $1.5 billion debt now hanging around the neck of the state.

Speaking to Joy FM, a member of the government’s communication team, Felix Kwakye Ofosu said following the debates that ensued when the matter broke, and having examined the relevant documentations, and the excuses that former government officials have given, the blame must be laid squarely on the NPP.

According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, AAL fulfilled its part of the bargain by supplying the vehicles but the NPP government deliberately refused to accept the vehicles.

He said although some officials of the former NPP administration had argued that there was no contract between government and AAL over the Galloper vehicles, court record shows that in 2005 they (NPP) made attempts at abrogating a said contract the automobile company had with the government.

But Communications Director of the NPP, Nana Akomea told Joy FM the matter against his flagbearer is not only a “joke” but also “childish”.

Nana Akomea stated that in 2005 when the matter was taken to court, Nana Akufo-Addo was not the Attorney General hence the claims being made by NDC does not stand.

The NPP Director of Communication questioned why the NDC has already taken sides in a matter which is pending in court.

Explaining the court proceeding in 2005, Nana Akomea said that when AAL took government to court, the then government filed a defense and further made a counter claim which stated that AAL has failed to fulfill the terms of the contract and hence sought a refund of monies earlier paid.

He added that AAL in their response to government’s defense explained that they could not fulfill their part of the contract because the NDC government did not pay them timely.

He explained that the cheque the government issued in January 2000 was only cleared in September 2000 a situation they (AAL) explained was worsened by the fluctuating exchange rate hence their inability to fulfill their part of the bargain.

He said the NDC government has a consistent pattern of paying questionable monies in the form of judgement citing those paid to business mogul, Alfred Agbesi Woyome, Construction Piooners (CP), Waterville among others, so the ensuing AAL $1.5 billion claim must be thoroughly analysed.


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Residents of Atebubu are living in fear due to cholera outbreak
* Source: GNA

The chiefs and people of Atebubu in the Atebubu/Amantin District of Brong-Ahafo Region are living in fear following the outbreak of cholera in the area.

From April to June this year, nine people have died while 197 are on admission at the Atebubu Government Hospital receiving treatment. Most of the affected people are children.

Dr. Emmanuel Tenkorang, Deputy Regional Director of Public Health disclosed this when Mr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development and members of the Regional Security Council visited Atebubu on Monday to access the situation.

He explained that the disease was first detected at Zongo Number One, Zongo Number Two and Konkomba line because of the poor hygienic conditions and lack of potable drinking water in those areas.

Dr. Tenkorang said those dead did not report early and advised the people to ensure that they seek early medical treatment immediately they experienced any abnormalities, especially vomiting and diarrhea.

He said an outbreak also occurred in 2010 but the health authority and the District Assembly took immediate measures that brought the situation under control.

Dr. Tenkorang described cholera as “propagated epidemic” that spread very fast and advised the people to always keep their surroundings clean at all times and wash their hands with soap before and after eating.

Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo said the outbreak of the disease was very unfortunate and worrying, indicating that the government had taken immediate measures to avoid its spread.

He commended the Regional Health Directorate and the District Assembly for their quick response to the situation.

Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo tasked the Assembly's task force to enforce the environmental bye-laws to promote good hygiene.

He said the government had earmarked GH?160,000 to rehabilitate the Atebubu water system and that work would soon commence on the project.

Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo later presented 310,000 chlorine tablets and a number of Veronica buckets to be placed at vantage points.

Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, Regional Minister, advised people to always wash their hands with soap immediately after they visit the toilet and also boil their water before drinking as they wait for the government to address the acute water problem in the area.

Nana Owusu Akyeaw Brempong, Chief of Atebubu, expressed concern about the lack of potable drinking water in the area and appealed to the government to come to the aid of the people.

He said the people largely depended on wells and that was why the disease spread very fast among them.


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Join me to build Ghana on a path of selflessness - Dr Abu Sakara
* Source: Joy Online

Dr Abu Sakara, presidential candidate of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) has called on the people of Axim and Ghana at large to join him build the country on a path of selflessness and sacrifice.

He was talking to the Chief of Brawire, Axim, Nana Adusei II and his people Saturday when he visited the Western Region. He was accompanying the party’s parliamentary candidate for Evalue-Gwira Constituency K. Ackah-Quarm to empathize with his fellow constituents following the recent premix fuel tanker explosion that occurred at Brawire, Axim in the Nzema East District of the Western Region. The incident claimed seven lives and injured many.

The CPP presidential candidate told the gathering that the CPP feels what has happened to the people of the area as this was the home of the Party and its Founder.

The Chiefs and Elders of the Town prayed for the flagbearer and wish the CPP well in the December Election with many of the Elders pledging to support the Party in the coming elections.

Dr Sakara later addressed a mini rally of party members and members of the community where he indicated that it is time people show commitment to return the CPP to its proper place in Ghana. He told them that the CPP’s selfless dedication and commitment to nation building has lasted the test of time and what stands the nation in good stead.

He charged members of the Party to start the door –to-door campaign vigorously now to ensure that all and sundry become well informed about the vision and policies of the CPP in order to elect the CPP candidate to parliament and the Presidency to CPP.

Dr Sakara and his team together with hundreds of people within the community visited the accident scene where he stated that while preventing a natural disaster is very difficult, authorities and organization's must put in place precautionary and safety conscious measures with an objective of preventing a disaster in the first place.

He was accompanied by Rodaline Imoru-Ayarna – 2nd National Vice Chair; Hon Kojo Armah; Nii Armah Akomfrah – Director of Communication; Lawyer Supi Bensti-Enchill; Gordon Etroo – Western Regeional Chair, K. Tumi – Regional Organiser, Chris Nkrumah – Regional Youth Organiser; K. Ackah-Quarm – CPP Parliamentary candidate for Evalue-Gwira ; Henry Solor – CPP Parliamentary Candidate for Sekondi and a host of Constituency executives and members.


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Election 2008 disputes wrongly filed
* Source: GNA

Statistical data relating to election disputes instituted after Election 2008 indicates that 70 per cent of the cases were commenced by writ of summons instead of petitions and were accordingly struck out.

“In one region alone as high as 17 writs of summons were filed instead of a petition and were dismissed for wrong procedure as the situation which most often creates the erroneous impression that the Courts were out to frustrate electoral adjudication.

“It is incumbent on Lawyers and people seeking for redress to enter through the right procedure as wrong process would lead to the case being thrown out and potentially increasing tension,” Mr Justice John Bosco Nabarese, First Deputy Secretary of the Judicial Service, said at the weekend.

He said out of the remaining 30 per cent, only a negligible number are still pending at the Courts, stressing that in spite of the challenges the Judiciary is ready to deal with Election 2012 disputes swiftly.

Justice Nabarese said this at a workshop organized by the Legal Resources Centre (LRC), an NGO on Human Rights, which is aimed at strengthening the Judiciary to deal with human rights abuses during Election 2012 and also map-up strategies to build public consensus on electoral disputes.

The LRC also seeks to use the engagement to empower stakeholders to effectively resolve electoral disputes amicable.

Justice Nabarese said the Judiciary is currently in the process of reviewing an elections manual which would list the protocol for bringing a challenge against any election in Ghana.

He explained that the 1992 Constitution provides that the declaration of the Presidential Election might be challenged by a petition to the Supreme Court saying “based on the mandate given by the Constitution, the Rules of Court Committee has made rules of procedure as to what constitutes a petition so far as challenges to the Presidential elections by a petition are concerned.

“Pursuant to Article 64 (1 & 3) any citizen of Ghana who is registered as a voter may present a petition challenging the election of the president to the Supreme Court within 21 days of the declaration of the Presidential results”.

Justice Nabarese said in order to commence a challenge to a parliamentary election, a petitioner must satisfy the High Court that he or she has the necessary capacity to initiate the petition.

“If the Court is satisfied that the petitioner is clothed with the capacity to institute the petition, the court can hear its substance, but if not, the petition should be dismissed for lack of capacity on the part of the petitioner.

“To this end, section 17 of the Representation of the People law, 1992 (PNDCL 284) as amended, provides that an Election Petition may be presented within 21 days from the publication of the results in the Gazette,” he said.

Ms Daphne Lariba Nabila, LRC Acting Executive Director, said in view of legal challenges associated with election disputes, the Centre has embarked on advocating for a specialized legal mechanism to deal with election disputes with the objective of improving the process and eliminating the violence that surrounds potential election disputes.

“To this end we have developed a manual for the benefit of citizens and law enforcement bodies. The right of Ghanaians to peacefully challenge election results and elections offences through the court is a right that is rooted in the Ghanaian Constitution,” Ms Nabila stated.

The manual: “Summarized Manual and Statutes on Elections Adjudication in Ghana,” contains a wealth of information on the legislation and legal mechanisms for dealing with election disputes as they arise.

The manual discusses which courts are empowered to hear which kinds of disputes and which cases may be appealed, who is allowed to bring legal challenges of election results and how they must do so, and contains a summary of particular offences which might occur during an election and may be resolved through the Ghanaian legal system. The project is being sponsored by STAR-Ghana, a multi- donor pooled funding mechanism (Funded by DFID, DANIDA, EU and USAID) to increase the influence of civil society and Parliament in the governance of public goods and service delivery, with the ultimate goal of improving the accountability and responsiveness of government, traditional authorities and the private sector.


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Kumasi: Police gun down armed robber in shoot-out
* Source: Joy Online

A suspected armed robber was Saturday night shot dead in Kumasi when he engaged a police and military patrol team in a shootout.

The deceased Kwaku Asante is believed to be a member of a notorious armed robbery gang in the city.

Three other members of the gang, Kojo Isaac,34, Nicholas Amoah, 20, and Peter Woraye, 20, who were arrested in the swoop are assisting the police in their investigation.

According to the police, the patrol team raided the hideout of the gang upon a tip-off but the robbers opened fire upon seeing the security officers.

The Deputy Public Relations Manager at the Ashanti Regional Police Command, Corporal Gordon Ahianyo told Joy News they need the cooperation of civilians to be able to apprehend societal miscreants who have taken it upon themselves to terrorize residents.


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Kufuor Dodges ¢50 Billion Payment To Konadu
* Source: The Herald

*.....And talks about Woyome at Taifa Rally*

Ex-President John Agyekum Kufuor and ex-Finance Minister Yaw Osafo Marfo, would have come across as first-class acrobats had they decided to go into athletics and not politics where they are exhibiting crass ineptitude.

The two men, last Monday, cleverly dodged their individual roles in the ¢50 billion paid to the 31st December Women’s Movement by the state following their unilateral decision to seize a US$1.8 million Chinese Loan belonging to the Movement, for 8 years, and instead speak about the controversial GH¢51 million paid to Alfred Agbesi Woyome, .

At the campaign launch of Sara Adjoa Sarfo in Taifa-Accra, the two men who, some have argued should be prosecuted for causing a ¢50 billion financial loss to the state, suggested that the John Mills administration was criminally minded in making the payment to Mr. Woyome.

They, however, completely ignored the ¢50 billion paid to the 31st December Women’s Movement, one of the numerous judgment debts left behind by the Kufuor regime, and settled by the Mills administration upon assumption of office in 2009.

An Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Margaret Insaidoo, on March 5, 2008, said in her judgment on the case that “It is sad to say the least that Public Officials who are entrusted with the public good and who are expected to act with utmost good faith will so create a situation which will result in creating financial loss situations for this country.”

But at the Taifa rally, which was to kick-start the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP’s) Dome-Kwabenya Constituency campaign, the former president, rather reprimanded the Mills administration for authorizing the GH¢51 million judgment debt paid to Mr. Woyome, although it had claimed it inherited a shambolic economy from the NPP.

Apart from Mr. Kufuor and Mr. Osarfo Marfo, speakers after speaker attacked the Mills Administration for the payment made to Mr. Woyome.

They include the NPP flagbearer, Nana Akufo Addo, his running mate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Anthony Kabo, Atta Akyea who all spoke about the Woyome scandal, suggesting that the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) had no message for the voters, apart from the Woyome scandal.

Whilst Nana Addo, was emphatic that the payment made to Mr. Woyome could not have occurred under him as the president of Ghana, his running mate Dr. Bawumia stated that the NPP would move the economy of Ghana from “Woyomization to Jobiliazation” when elected.

Mr. Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, several times screamed: “we want our money back”, “we want our money back”, “we want out money back” in reference to the GH¢51 million paid to Mr. Woyome.

The Herald last week revealed how the 31st December Women’s Movement led by ex-First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, creamed nearly GH¢5 million, the equivalent of ¢50 billion (old cedi), off the state as a result of a reckless decision by ex-President John Kufuor to seize a US$1,800,000.00 Chinese Loan facility belonging to the Movement.

It started in 2001, when newly elected President Kufuor instructed his first Finance Minister, Osarfo Maafo, not to release the US$1,800,000.00 loan to the wife of his arch-rival, Mr. Rawlings. And nine years later, Ghanaians who are crying for good drinking water, roads, hospitals, schools and other social amenities had to cough up a massive GH¢4, 991,655.00 by way of judgment debt.

According to documents intercepted by The Herald, the Mills administration had to cough up a massive GH¢4, 991,655.00 on June 3, 2009, to settle Calf Cocoa International Limited in which 31st December Women’s Movement, through Caridem, has 45 per cent stake.

The Kufuor regime was to make payment to Mrs. Rawlings’ movement in 2008, according to a court judgment given by Her Ladyship Justice Margaret Insaidoo of an Accra High Court, on March 5, 2008, but the payment was not done till the Mills administration assumed office in 2009.

Insiders say the US$1,800,000.00 Chinese Loan was not only frozen by the Kufuor regime, but the ex-president also made several unsuccessful attempts to personally hijack the loan for his private benefit.

Mr. Kufuor is said to have once summoned some Chinese officials of Calf Cocoa International Limited into his hotel room in China, during a visit to that country, and told them to abrogate their agreement with Caridem and give him the money to set up a private company which will process raw cocoa beans, and export the products to the Chinese market.

With the Chinese refusal, Mr. Kufuor also refused to release the money to the 31st December Women’s Movement, and instead deployed the state machinery, to engage in a fight with Mrs. Rawlings’ Movement which had legal luminary Tony Lithur, as its lawyer, while Joe Ghartey represented the state.

The Mills government made the payment to Calf Cocoa in respect of an order by an Accra High Court, in March 2008, that the state pay an amount of US$3,550,000.00 including accumulated interest to Calf Cocoa over the decision of the Kufuor government not to pay the US$1,800,000.00 to Calf Cocoa, being the working capital portion of a Subsidiary Loan Agreement (SLA) between Calf Cocoa and the Government of Ghana for the establishment of the cocoa factory.

The SLA was based on an agreement between the Government of Ghana and the EXIM Bank of China in which the Chinese government agreed to give to the Government of Ghana interest subsidised concessionary loan for the purpose of financing industrial projects in Ghana through joint ventures between Ghana and nominated Chinese companies in identified areas.

Calf Cocoa and two other companies were granted this facility. China International Cooperation Company for Agriculture Livestock and Fishery which was nominated by the Chinese Government is the majority shareholder in Calf Cocoa.

The factory was primarily established to add value to Ghana’s raw cocoa through the processing of cocoa beans into cocoa oil, cakes and aromatic products.

The judgment debt was used to replace obsolete equipment, those stolen and other materials required to make the company operational; the company is located at Kpone near Tema, with the capacity to employ thousands of Ghanaians when it is fully operational.

Her Ladyship Justice Margaret Insaidoo in her ruling on March 5, 2008, also said: “Value addition to raw cocoa beans has always been on the economic agenda of this country. The objective of this company is to process Cocoa Beans into Butter and other value added products. The country has recently commissioned cocoa processing plants such as Barry Callibaut and Cadbury and Fry in furtherance of this objective. So why should this project not meet the light of day? Whose fault is it? What went wrong?”