THE publication of the pictures of students alleged to have engaged in examination malpractices has incurred the displeasure of some children’s rights groups, notably the Child Rights International (CRI) and another group calling itself the Concerned Citizens, which have condemned the publication as constituting a violation of the rights of the students.
It is the contention of the CRI that the publication, caused by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), would not augur well for the development and future of the affected students.
Indeed, the Children’s Act, 1998 (ACT 560) states in Section 2, Subsection 2 that “the best interest of the child shall be the primary consideration by any court, person, institution or other body in any matter concerned with a child.”
Additionally, the 1992 Constitution, the highest law of the land, recognising the protection of children as paramount and non-negotiable, states in Article 28, Clause 1 (d) that “children and young persons receive special protection against exposure to physical and moral hazards.”
Without any ambiguity, the Constitution, in Article 28 clause 5 states that “For the purposes of this article, “child” means a person below the age of 18.”
The express wishes of the Constitution to give maximum protection to the child vis-à-vis the need for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to protect the integrity of its examinations is what calls for the debate on whether or not it is appropriate to publish the names and pictures of the children involved in examination malpractice.
The first difficulty in the debate is the determination of the ages of affected students. The students were candidates of the November/December 2008 West Africa Senior School Certificate Examinations.
It is reasonable to assume that almost all the students whose pictures and names appeared in the publication completed what used to be known and called senior secondary school.
We are unable to establish whether the affected students are above or below the prescribed age for protection.
However, if the normal educational practice of admitting six-year-olds to Primary One and the fact that November-December senior high school examination is meant for private candidates, including mostly senior high school leavers, then after 12 years of schooling from the basic to the second cycle level, those involved in the examination malpractice are at least 18 years of age, meaning they are no longer children.
On the other hand, the WAEC Law (Act 719) did not make provision for age. This emphasises the importance of protecting the integrity of the examinations and certificates of WAEC.
We do not condone examination malpractices and, therefore, think the malpractices should be punished in ways that can deter other students.
We think the resort to publishing the pictures is to further raise the bar of deterrence to protect the integrity of the council’s examinations and certificates. After all pictures have been introduced to validate its certificates.
We hope a decent balance is struck between the rights of children and the need to preserve the integrity of an important institution like WAEC from recalcitrant students and potential future leaders, whose desire for short-cuts could pose a danger to the future of the country they aspire to lead.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
UNITING BEHIND NKRUMAH'S CENTENARY (SEPT 12, 2009)
ACTIVITIES to mark the historic celebration of the centenary birthday of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, were launched in Accra yesterday amid pomp and pageantry.
The ceremony, which took place at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, in Accra, also witnessed the sod cutting for the renovation of the park, as well as the unveiling of the logo for the celebrations.
Inasmuch as the celebration of Dr Nkrumah’s centenary birthday is most significant, the Daily Graphic finds the presence at the launch of political heavyweights across the political divide, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, among other dignitaries, as most refreshing.
That is because their presence gives a huge national and international recognition to Dr Nkrumah’s stature and the need to celebrate him in a most befitting manner.
Furthermore, the presence of the Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Peter Mac Manu, and the party’s flag bearer in the 2008 elections, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for instance, is a clear indication of the unity of purpose that Ghanaians will accord this historic occasion.
The Chairman of the Kwame Nkrumah Centenary Planning Committee, Prof. Akilagpa Sawyerr, emphasised that unity of purpose when he said in his welcoming address at the launch that in developing the programme of activities, the committee was guided by the need to make the celebration assume a national character, involving all sections of the Ghanaian society.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that such an approach would go a long way to not only ensure the success of the celebration, but also that honouring the memory of such a great personality revered in many parts of the world is not diluted with our own internal wrangling and differences.
This is the time for all Ghanaians, irrespective of their political or ethnic affiliations, to bury their differences and rally behind the planning committee to make the celebration as grand as a man of Dr Nkrumah’s stature deserves.
It is in this respect that the DAILY GRAPHIC applauds Mr Mac-Manu endorsing the decision taken by the Mills administration to organise the celebration and also declare a holiday in Nkrumah’s honour.
Although Mr Mac Manu is from the Busia-Danquah stable, he acknowledged that Dr Nkrumah was a visionary leader who had worked to unite the country, adding that “this is a national celebration and we must all get involved”.
That is the kind of spirit the DAILY GRAPHIC wishes all Ghanaians to bring to bear on the celebration of the centenary birthday of Dr Nkrumah. Undoubtedly, his personality is bigger than Ghana and under no circumstance must an event meant to celebrate him be made to divide us.
But beyond the celebration, we counsel all Ghanaians to accord all national events the same unity of purpose.
The ceremony, which took place at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, in Accra, also witnessed the sod cutting for the renovation of the park, as well as the unveiling of the logo for the celebrations.
Inasmuch as the celebration of Dr Nkrumah’s centenary birthday is most significant, the Daily Graphic finds the presence at the launch of political heavyweights across the political divide, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, among other dignitaries, as most refreshing.
That is because their presence gives a huge national and international recognition to Dr Nkrumah’s stature and the need to celebrate him in a most befitting manner.
Furthermore, the presence of the Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Peter Mac Manu, and the party’s flag bearer in the 2008 elections, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for instance, is a clear indication of the unity of purpose that Ghanaians will accord this historic occasion.
The Chairman of the Kwame Nkrumah Centenary Planning Committee, Prof. Akilagpa Sawyerr, emphasised that unity of purpose when he said in his welcoming address at the launch that in developing the programme of activities, the committee was guided by the need to make the celebration assume a national character, involving all sections of the Ghanaian society.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that such an approach would go a long way to not only ensure the success of the celebration, but also that honouring the memory of such a great personality revered in many parts of the world is not diluted with our own internal wrangling and differences.
This is the time for all Ghanaians, irrespective of their political or ethnic affiliations, to bury their differences and rally behind the planning committee to make the celebration as grand as a man of Dr Nkrumah’s stature deserves.
It is in this respect that the DAILY GRAPHIC applauds Mr Mac-Manu endorsing the decision taken by the Mills administration to organise the celebration and also declare a holiday in Nkrumah’s honour.
Although Mr Mac Manu is from the Busia-Danquah stable, he acknowledged that Dr Nkrumah was a visionary leader who had worked to unite the country, adding that “this is a national celebration and we must all get involved”.
That is the kind of spirit the DAILY GRAPHIC wishes all Ghanaians to bring to bear on the celebration of the centenary birthday of Dr Nkrumah. Undoubtedly, his personality is bigger than Ghana and under no circumstance must an event meant to celebrate him be made to divide us.
But beyond the celebration, we counsel all Ghanaians to accord all national events the same unity of purpose.
Friday, September 11, 2009
BE MINDFUL OF DAY OF RECKONING (SEP T 11, 2009)
ISSUES of accountability and good governance are very critical principles that all public office holders must strictly uphold.
Indeed, these principles are enshrined in our Constitution that mandates every Ghanaian to hold high these cherished principles.
The DAILY GRAPHIC commends the Asantehene for boldly telling public office holders, including regional ministers and their deputies, to be mindful of the day of accountability when they find themselves out of public life.
We remind everybody of the statement by former American President, Ronald Reagan, when he said: "We must reject the idea that every time a law is broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the precept that each individual is accountable for his actions."
The caution by the Asantehene is timely and very relevant because the advice was given to new ministers of state, who have been entrusted with authority to serve their people instead of lording it over them.
The DAILY GRAPHIC thinks the advice from the Asantehene was not only meant for our political leaders but a call to all Ghanaians, irrespective of whether one finds himself in public life or in private endeavour.
It is sad that as a nation, we have consciously or unconsciously accepted certain vices as virtues.
Indeed, public and civil servants who retire in dignity and have little material possessions are regarded as failures, who, with all the trappings of office, could not amass wealth to enjoy during their retirement.
The crave for material possessions is driving the Ghanaian society towards what happens in the animal kingdom, where every creature fights for survival.
In our communities, drug peddlers and persons labelled as “connection men” are our heroes. And in our churches and social engagements, the rich are given the front roles, without questioning the sources of their wealth so long as they pay their dues and tithes.
Is it any wonder that teenagers are now engaged in what is popularly called “sakawa” instead of being in school to learn and acquire knowledge for the future?
Such is the extent of depravity in our society today that the public good becomes secondary to personal gain.
Our sense of nationalism has been grossly overshadowed by our selfishness. Unless, we take action to play by the rules, we would face the music, when we are each called upon to account for our deeds.
The DAILY GRAPHIC calls on all Ghanaians to step up the call for the principles of accountability and good governance.
We must insist that things are done right, even if it means dying for the truth, because posterity will one day vindicate us for the principles we stood for.
Article 41 of our Constitution states clearly that the exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from the performance of duties and obligations.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that if all Ghanaians uphold the principles espoused in Article 41, Ghana will be a better place to live in.
Indeed, these principles are enshrined in our Constitution that mandates every Ghanaian to hold high these cherished principles.
The DAILY GRAPHIC commends the Asantehene for boldly telling public office holders, including regional ministers and their deputies, to be mindful of the day of accountability when they find themselves out of public life.
We remind everybody of the statement by former American President, Ronald Reagan, when he said: "We must reject the idea that every time a law is broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the precept that each individual is accountable for his actions."
The caution by the Asantehene is timely and very relevant because the advice was given to new ministers of state, who have been entrusted with authority to serve their people instead of lording it over them.
The DAILY GRAPHIC thinks the advice from the Asantehene was not only meant for our political leaders but a call to all Ghanaians, irrespective of whether one finds himself in public life or in private endeavour.
It is sad that as a nation, we have consciously or unconsciously accepted certain vices as virtues.
Indeed, public and civil servants who retire in dignity and have little material possessions are regarded as failures, who, with all the trappings of office, could not amass wealth to enjoy during their retirement.
The crave for material possessions is driving the Ghanaian society towards what happens in the animal kingdom, where every creature fights for survival.
In our communities, drug peddlers and persons labelled as “connection men” are our heroes. And in our churches and social engagements, the rich are given the front roles, without questioning the sources of their wealth so long as they pay their dues and tithes.
Is it any wonder that teenagers are now engaged in what is popularly called “sakawa” instead of being in school to learn and acquire knowledge for the future?
Such is the extent of depravity in our society today that the public good becomes secondary to personal gain.
Our sense of nationalism has been grossly overshadowed by our selfishness. Unless, we take action to play by the rules, we would face the music, when we are each called upon to account for our deeds.
The DAILY GRAPHIC calls on all Ghanaians to step up the call for the principles of accountability and good governance.
We must insist that things are done right, even if it means dying for the truth, because posterity will one day vindicate us for the principles we stood for.
Article 41 of our Constitution states clearly that the exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from the performance of duties and obligations.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that if all Ghanaians uphold the principles espoused in Article 41, Ghana will be a better place to live in.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
OUR RIGHT TO KNOW (SEPTEMBER 10, 2009)
THE power of the media is captured succinctly by Malcolm X when he says, “The media is the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power. Because they control the minds of the masses.”
The media’s role in democratic governance has been acknowledged worldwide, primarily because our people need accurate, fair, unbiased, timely and relevant information in order to participate in national discourse.
In our effort to promote democratic governance, the media, indeed, must be encouraged in their efforts in deepening democracy in the Fourth Republic.
The last elections pushed the whole country to the brink of chaos, primarily because of the irresponsible acts of some media fellows.
The DAILY GRAPHIC, therefore, commends the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) for providing the platform in Accra yesterday for media practitioners and politicians to assess their role in deepening democracy.
Politicians have also not helped our cause as a nation. Pronouncements on political platforms, which we have all come to accept as “political talk”, where politicians openly castigate one another and inflame tribal sentiments, have been the stock in trade of many of the people who seek our mandate to govern.
Every morning, programmes on radio and television feature politicians and self-acclaimed experts, feeding us with their ignorance, be it on contract law, oil, and gas, marine, economy, energy and any other issue under the sun.
In the end, programmes that ought to inform, educate and offer enlightenment and knowledge poison the atmosphere with half-truths.
Media freedom places upon us a major responsibility to ensure the development of the country. Some have argued for tougher laws to regulate the media landscape but the DAILY GRAPHIC thinks there are enough laws to deal with recalcitrant journalists who flout our codes of ethics with impunity.
Sometimes, as journalists, we need to step back and reflect on our work because the stocktaking will determine whether we should continue with the old ways or make amends for the betterment of society.
The DAILY GRAPHIC cautions against sacrificing our country on the altar of political expediency largely facilitated by gutter journalism that only endangers our society.
Our collective responsibility is to ensure the overall good of our people even as we pursue the multiparty democratic agenda.
For, it will be a tragedy to return to the dark days of the ‘culture of silence’ because journalists have shirked their mandate to exercise the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution with responsibility.
With the right information, the people are empowered to demand accountability from their leaders. The media will thus act as the public watchdog in scrutinising the activities of public office holders, especially our elected leaders.
The media thus holds the key to entrenching good governance in the country, although without other actors such as the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary, democracy cannot endure.
The media’s role in democratic governance has been acknowledged worldwide, primarily because our people need accurate, fair, unbiased, timely and relevant information in order to participate in national discourse.
In our effort to promote democratic governance, the media, indeed, must be encouraged in their efforts in deepening democracy in the Fourth Republic.
The last elections pushed the whole country to the brink of chaos, primarily because of the irresponsible acts of some media fellows.
The DAILY GRAPHIC, therefore, commends the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) for providing the platform in Accra yesterday for media practitioners and politicians to assess their role in deepening democracy.
Politicians have also not helped our cause as a nation. Pronouncements on political platforms, which we have all come to accept as “political talk”, where politicians openly castigate one another and inflame tribal sentiments, have been the stock in trade of many of the people who seek our mandate to govern.
Every morning, programmes on radio and television feature politicians and self-acclaimed experts, feeding us with their ignorance, be it on contract law, oil, and gas, marine, economy, energy and any other issue under the sun.
In the end, programmes that ought to inform, educate and offer enlightenment and knowledge poison the atmosphere with half-truths.
Media freedom places upon us a major responsibility to ensure the development of the country. Some have argued for tougher laws to regulate the media landscape but the DAILY GRAPHIC thinks there are enough laws to deal with recalcitrant journalists who flout our codes of ethics with impunity.
Sometimes, as journalists, we need to step back and reflect on our work because the stocktaking will determine whether we should continue with the old ways or make amends for the betterment of society.
The DAILY GRAPHIC cautions against sacrificing our country on the altar of political expediency largely facilitated by gutter journalism that only endangers our society.
Our collective responsibility is to ensure the overall good of our people even as we pursue the multiparty democratic agenda.
For, it will be a tragedy to return to the dark days of the ‘culture of silence’ because journalists have shirked their mandate to exercise the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution with responsibility.
With the right information, the people are empowered to demand accountability from their leaders. The media will thus act as the public watchdog in scrutinising the activities of public office holders, especially our elected leaders.
The media thus holds the key to entrenching good governance in the country, although without other actors such as the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary, democracy cannot endure.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
LET GUNS REMAIN SILENT IN BAWKU (SEPT 9, 2009)
THE recent acts of lawlessness on the part of some faceless criminals who killed five of our countrymen in Bawku cannot be condoned by law-abiding citizens.
The DAILY GRAPHIC condemns in no uncertain terms the brutal murder of these people, including public servants who are serving the public good in Bawku.
Swift action needs to be taken to deal with these criminal deeds, if peace-loving citizens are to be given space to contribute to nation-building.
The DAILY GRAPHIC finds it extremely difficult to appreciate the recent security lapses in the Bawku area, especially when the area has been under curfew for sometime now.
It is scary that armed men, on their own, can mount roadblocks and shoot to kill innocent citizens without the law catching up with them.
The DAILY GRAPHIC is happy that the Minister of the Interior, Mr Cletus Avoka, has directed personnel of the various security agencies to effect the prompt arrest of all troublemakers in the volatile areas of Bawku.
The culture of impunity can only end in that area, if criminals are dealt with according to the law but not left off the hook because of their connections in society.
Bawku used to be a very vibrant town because of its proximity to the borders of Burkina Faso and Togo and also served as a market area for many people, especially our women in northern Ghana.
However, the increasing acts of lawlessness with political and ethnic under-tones have reduced the town to a pale shadow of the once vibrant town of Bawku.
We have observed that ethnic politics has eaten deep into the social fabric to such an extent that we are prepared to sacrifice the national interest for political or ethnic expediency.
The DAILY GRAPHIC urges the Upper East Security Council (REGSEC) and the national security apparatus to help resolve the Bawku conflict immediately and punish all offenders to send a clear signal to others who have such diabolical intentions.
These criminals do not have a place in our peaceful country because they can destabilise our society and push us down the road of a failed state.
We also call on the media to watch their reportage on the conflict, especially live radio reports, which can inflame passions.
The DAILY GRAPHIC reminds the media fraternity of what happened during Rwanda and Burundi, the genocide that almost cleansed an entire ethnic group, in order that we can learn useful lessons from that experience.
The people of Bawku are brothers and sisters and the time has come for them to resolve to maintain the peace.
We urge the chiefs and their elders in dispute to smoke the peace pipe now.
The DAILY GRAPHIC also appeals to the youth of the area to hold their leaders accountable and commit them to abide by the road map to peace.
The resources being spent by the government to maintain peace in Bawku can be channelled into projects that can improve the lot of the people.
The DAILY GRAPHIC, therefore, makes a passionate appeal to the people of Bawku to look at their deteriorating conditions and resolve to let the guns drop silent immediately in the area.
The DAILY GRAPHIC condemns in no uncertain terms the brutal murder of these people, including public servants who are serving the public good in Bawku.
Swift action needs to be taken to deal with these criminal deeds, if peace-loving citizens are to be given space to contribute to nation-building.
The DAILY GRAPHIC finds it extremely difficult to appreciate the recent security lapses in the Bawku area, especially when the area has been under curfew for sometime now.
It is scary that armed men, on their own, can mount roadblocks and shoot to kill innocent citizens without the law catching up with them.
The DAILY GRAPHIC is happy that the Minister of the Interior, Mr Cletus Avoka, has directed personnel of the various security agencies to effect the prompt arrest of all troublemakers in the volatile areas of Bawku.
The culture of impunity can only end in that area, if criminals are dealt with according to the law but not left off the hook because of their connections in society.
Bawku used to be a very vibrant town because of its proximity to the borders of Burkina Faso and Togo and also served as a market area for many people, especially our women in northern Ghana.
However, the increasing acts of lawlessness with political and ethnic under-tones have reduced the town to a pale shadow of the once vibrant town of Bawku.
We have observed that ethnic politics has eaten deep into the social fabric to such an extent that we are prepared to sacrifice the national interest for political or ethnic expediency.
The DAILY GRAPHIC urges the Upper East Security Council (REGSEC) and the national security apparatus to help resolve the Bawku conflict immediately and punish all offenders to send a clear signal to others who have such diabolical intentions.
These criminals do not have a place in our peaceful country because they can destabilise our society and push us down the road of a failed state.
We also call on the media to watch their reportage on the conflict, especially live radio reports, which can inflame passions.
The DAILY GRAPHIC reminds the media fraternity of what happened during Rwanda and Burundi, the genocide that almost cleansed an entire ethnic group, in order that we can learn useful lessons from that experience.
The people of Bawku are brothers and sisters and the time has come for them to resolve to maintain the peace.
We urge the chiefs and their elders in dispute to smoke the peace pipe now.
The DAILY GRAPHIC also appeals to the youth of the area to hold their leaders accountable and commit them to abide by the road map to peace.
The resources being spent by the government to maintain peace in Bawku can be channelled into projects that can improve the lot of the people.
The DAILY GRAPHIC, therefore, makes a passionate appeal to the people of Bawku to look at their deteriorating conditions and resolve to let the guns drop silent immediately in the area.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
GHANA-ISRAEL RELATIONS (SEPT 8, 2009)
MORE than any other time in our history, globalisation today imposes on us the concept of each being his brother’s keeper, implying that we need co-operation in finding solutions to the many problems confronting the world.
This means that in times of need an entity can fall on the other but, of course, not from sources that would not help the cause of the beneficiary.
It is within this context that the visit to Ghana by the Israeli Deputy Prime Minister, Avigdor Liberman, ought to be placed.
Besides trade and commerce, we need to explore opportunities for partnership in other areas. And since agriculture is the mainstay of our economy, we need strong partnership with countries and organisations that have developed their agricultural sector.
The area Israel occupies, according to geologists, is largely composed of rocks and yet its citizens have been able to till it so well to feed themselves and have some for export.
Sometime ago, the Israelis expressed interest in the irrigation of the Accra plains, but this project did not materialise for unexplained reasons. Again, Israelis were involved in the construction of the underground Accra sewerage system, but this initiative also fizzled out after the overthrow of the Second Republic.
Some of our compatriots have kicked against the visit of the Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and his delegation, citing Israeli policy towards Palestine.
We do not begrudge them for expressing their opposition to the visit, but for how long can we continue to preach isolation instead of adopting the path of dialogue in resolving the Middle East crisis?
While we endorse the right of Palestinians to self-determination, we must avoid any move that denies Israel’s place on earth.
The DAILY GRAPHIC encourages the two states to adopt the path of dialogue as it holds the key to promoting total peace in the Middle East in particular and the world at large.
We are happy that already the two states have recognised the need for dialogue as demonstrated by their adoption of the road map to peace.
The paradox of our circumstance is that while we sing praises to all visiting American Presidents to our country, we are quick to denounce an Israeli Deputy Prime Minister’s visit to Ghana.
In fact, both the US and Israel share the same ideological inclinations with regard to the Palestinian state.
The dynamics of global politics require that we identify our friends with whom we share similar aspirations but this same situation demands that we make friends with nations that can help advance our interests.
After all, Ghana is not at war with Israel, neither is it against a Palestinian state.
Our doors must, therefore, remain open, as a peaceful nation and pioneer in African liberation interested in the total freedom of all oppressed people of the world.
The DAILY GRAPHIC hopes the coming of the Deputy Prime Minister of Israel would mark the beginning of a new chapter in Ghana-Israel relations.
Furthermore, we hope Ghana can explore the rich experiences of Israel in agriculture and other areas so that the arable and fallow lands can be cultivated to feed our people.
Almost all the regions are food baskets but the DAILY GRAPHIC believes that dream can be attained if dams are built to promote all-year-round farming activities. Israeli expertise will be vital in this regard and Ghana stands to gain from the visit of the Deputy Israeli Prime Minister.
This means that in times of need an entity can fall on the other but, of course, not from sources that would not help the cause of the beneficiary.
It is within this context that the visit to Ghana by the Israeli Deputy Prime Minister, Avigdor Liberman, ought to be placed.
Besides trade and commerce, we need to explore opportunities for partnership in other areas. And since agriculture is the mainstay of our economy, we need strong partnership with countries and organisations that have developed their agricultural sector.
The area Israel occupies, according to geologists, is largely composed of rocks and yet its citizens have been able to till it so well to feed themselves and have some for export.
Sometime ago, the Israelis expressed interest in the irrigation of the Accra plains, but this project did not materialise for unexplained reasons. Again, Israelis were involved in the construction of the underground Accra sewerage system, but this initiative also fizzled out after the overthrow of the Second Republic.
Some of our compatriots have kicked against the visit of the Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and his delegation, citing Israeli policy towards Palestine.
We do not begrudge them for expressing their opposition to the visit, but for how long can we continue to preach isolation instead of adopting the path of dialogue in resolving the Middle East crisis?
While we endorse the right of Palestinians to self-determination, we must avoid any move that denies Israel’s place on earth.
The DAILY GRAPHIC encourages the two states to adopt the path of dialogue as it holds the key to promoting total peace in the Middle East in particular and the world at large.
We are happy that already the two states have recognised the need for dialogue as demonstrated by their adoption of the road map to peace.
The paradox of our circumstance is that while we sing praises to all visiting American Presidents to our country, we are quick to denounce an Israeli Deputy Prime Minister’s visit to Ghana.
In fact, both the US and Israel share the same ideological inclinations with regard to the Palestinian state.
The dynamics of global politics require that we identify our friends with whom we share similar aspirations but this same situation demands that we make friends with nations that can help advance our interests.
After all, Ghana is not at war with Israel, neither is it against a Palestinian state.
Our doors must, therefore, remain open, as a peaceful nation and pioneer in African liberation interested in the total freedom of all oppressed people of the world.
The DAILY GRAPHIC hopes the coming of the Deputy Prime Minister of Israel would mark the beginning of a new chapter in Ghana-Israel relations.
Furthermore, we hope Ghana can explore the rich experiences of Israel in agriculture and other areas so that the arable and fallow lands can be cultivated to feed our people.
Almost all the regions are food baskets but the DAILY GRAPHIC believes that dream can be attained if dams are built to promote all-year-round farming activities. Israeli expertise will be vital in this regard and Ghana stands to gain from the visit of the Deputy Israeli Prime Minister.
GHANA-ISRAEL RELATIONS (SEPT 8, 2009)
MORE than any other time in our history, globalisation today imposes on us the concept of each being his brother’s keeper, implying that we need co-operation in finding solutions to the many problems confronting the world.
This means that in times of need an entity can fall on the other but, of course, not from sources that would not help the cause of the beneficiary.
It is within this context that the visit to Ghana by the Israeli Deputy Prime Minister, Avigdor Liberman, ought to be placed.
Besides trade and commerce, we need to explore opportunities for partnership in other areas. And since agriculture is the mainstay of our economy, we need strong partnership with countries and organisations that have developed their agricultural sector.
The area Israel occupies, according to geologists, is largely composed of rocks and yet its citizens have been able to till it so well to feed themselves and have some for export.
Sometime ago, the Israelis expressed interest in the irrigation of the Accra plains, but this project did not materialise for unexplained reasons. Again, Israelis were involved in the construction of the underground Accra sewerage system, but this initiative also fizzled out after the overthrow of the Second Republic.
Some of our compatriots have kicked against the visit of the Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and his delegation, citing Israeli policy towards Palestine.
We do not begrudge them for expressing their opposition to the visit, but for how long can we continue to preach isolation instead of adopting the path of dialogue in resolving the Middle East crisis?
While we endorse the right of Palestinians to self-determination, we must avoid any move that denies Israel’s place on earth.
The DAILY GRAPHIC encourages the two states to adopt the path of dialogue as it holds the key to promoting total peace in the Middle East in particular and the world at large.
We are happy that already the two states have recognised the need for dialogue as demonstrated by their adoption of the road map to peace.
The paradox of our circumstance is that while we sing praises to all visiting American Presidents to our country, we are quick to denounce an Israeli Deputy Prime Minister’s visit to Ghana.
In fact, both the US and Israel share the same ideological inclinations with regard to the Palestinian state.
The dynamics of global politics require that we identify our friends with whom we share similar aspirations but this same situation demands that we make friends with nations that can help advance our interests.
After all, Ghana is not at war with Israel, neither is it against a Palestinian state.
Our doors must, therefore, remain open, as a peaceful nation and pioneer in African liberation interested in the total freedom of all oppressed people of the world.
The DAILY GRAPHIC hopes the coming of the Deputy Prime Minister of Israel would mark the beginning of a new chapter in Ghana-Israel relations.
Furthermore, we hope Ghana can explore the rich experiences of Israel in agriculture and other areas so that the arable and fallow lands can be cultivated to feed our people.
Almost all the regions are food baskets but the DAILY GRAPHIC believes that dream can be attained if dams are built to promote all-year-round farming activities. Israeli expertise will be vital in this regard and Ghana stands to gain from the visit of the Deputy Israeli Prime Minister.
This means that in times of need an entity can fall on the other but, of course, not from sources that would not help the cause of the beneficiary.
It is within this context that the visit to Ghana by the Israeli Deputy Prime Minister, Avigdor Liberman, ought to be placed.
Besides trade and commerce, we need to explore opportunities for partnership in other areas. And since agriculture is the mainstay of our economy, we need strong partnership with countries and organisations that have developed their agricultural sector.
The area Israel occupies, according to geologists, is largely composed of rocks and yet its citizens have been able to till it so well to feed themselves and have some for export.
Sometime ago, the Israelis expressed interest in the irrigation of the Accra plains, but this project did not materialise for unexplained reasons. Again, Israelis were involved in the construction of the underground Accra sewerage system, but this initiative also fizzled out after the overthrow of the Second Republic.
Some of our compatriots have kicked against the visit of the Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and his delegation, citing Israeli policy towards Palestine.
We do not begrudge them for expressing their opposition to the visit, but for how long can we continue to preach isolation instead of adopting the path of dialogue in resolving the Middle East crisis?
While we endorse the right of Palestinians to self-determination, we must avoid any move that denies Israel’s place on earth.
The DAILY GRAPHIC encourages the two states to adopt the path of dialogue as it holds the key to promoting total peace in the Middle East in particular and the world at large.
We are happy that already the two states have recognised the need for dialogue as demonstrated by their adoption of the road map to peace.
The paradox of our circumstance is that while we sing praises to all visiting American Presidents to our country, we are quick to denounce an Israeli Deputy Prime Minister’s visit to Ghana.
In fact, both the US and Israel share the same ideological inclinations with regard to the Palestinian state.
The dynamics of global politics require that we identify our friends with whom we share similar aspirations but this same situation demands that we make friends with nations that can help advance our interests.
After all, Ghana is not at war with Israel, neither is it against a Palestinian state.
Our doors must, therefore, remain open, as a peaceful nation and pioneer in African liberation interested in the total freedom of all oppressed people of the world.
The DAILY GRAPHIC hopes the coming of the Deputy Prime Minister of Israel would mark the beginning of a new chapter in Ghana-Israel relations.
Furthermore, we hope Ghana can explore the rich experiences of Israel in agriculture and other areas so that the arable and fallow lands can be cultivated to feed our people.
Almost all the regions are food baskets but the DAILY GRAPHIC believes that dream can be attained if dams are built to promote all-year-round farming activities. Israeli expertise will be vital in this regard and Ghana stands to gain from the visit of the Deputy Israeli Prime Minister.
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