THE NEW GON OBSERVER '.' " •• ' .~ •• , .. " ••• H " .. " ..., . , CONTENTS • • Our Perspective ......-:-. ". ~ , r-~ • The Soccer Fiesta and the People The Soccer Fiesta and the People The 2007 Kenyan Elections: Lessons for the Rest of Africa Emmanuel Debrah 0 4 Altemative Energy in Ghana: Prospects and Challenges A. K. Ofosu Ahenkorah 0 7 CAN (Ghana) 2008: What does it mean for Ghanaians? Ama de-Graft Aikins & Jubilating GhanaIan Soccer Fans · Germany 2006 Yaw Nsarkoh 0 11 There has never been any doubt about stadium was nowhere near full when the importance of football to most Ghana played in the finals at the Accra GHANA 2008: Ghanaians. In 1978 when Ghana hosted Sports Stadium. A Sports Medicine the African Cup of Nations tournament for Perspective the first time, it was in a period when the The second time Ghana hosted other Akwesi Adomakoh 0 15 economy was in a shambles and the African nations to a similar competition people were completely frustrated . At that was in January 2000, when it did so jOintly The Ghana 2008 Africa t ime many Ghanaian professionals were with Nigeria . It was a very different kind Cup of Nations on their way to Nigeria and other places in of competition which came as a surprise Tournament and search of the proverbial greener pastures. to many Ghanaians. It fell upon Ghana International Despite the difficult times, the govern- and Nigeria to host the event because Relations ment and the people of Ghana managed Zimbabwe pulled out as the host at the • Boni Yao Gebe 0 18 to put on a fairly decent show which saw last m inute. It came at a time when the Ghana win the tournament. Many were Black Stars appeared to be too poorly Letters to the those who momentarily forgot about their prepared to make any impact on African Editor 0 26 economic problems when Ghana beat football. It was no surprise when South Uganda in the finals on a hot March Africa kicked Ghana out at the quarter Special Credit : afternoon, courtesy of two goals from final stage in Kumasi, with a heart- Sport Photos from "Pride & Glory, Opoku-Afriyie. The people rejoiced but breaking goal from Nomvete. Considering Black Stars in Germany '06", they were not a very happy people. The that there had been no opportunity to Contributors: Atukwel Okai, Joe Aggrey, Ken Bedlako, competition was not that stiff in 1978, and make a significant investment in the Ebo Quansah, Felix Abayeteye. the people had many other worries. This organisation of the competition, many Edited by Kwasi Gyan·Apenteng. was clearly reflected by the fact that the Ghanaians d id not think too much about -. 2 Founding Members of the the cost of playing host, particularly as we did not get too Ghana Society for Development Dialogue far. So Ghana has had mixed outcomes from hosting Africa's most significant football tournament. Clearly, there is no guarantee that hosting it will bring the desired Emmanuel Ablo Francis Oodoo Ernest Aryeetey Ojabanor Narh outcomes. Alfred Teddy Konu Korantema Adi-Dako It is therefore not surprising that sometimes people ask: Gobind Nankani Adwoa Steel William Steel Ivan Addae-Mensah "is it worth it?" Is it worth the resources that are devoted Kofi Anyidoho Ishmael Yamson to it? Is it worth the time and attention devoted to it' Our Clifford Nii Soi Tagoe Albert Osei perspective is that it may be worth it, if properly Ellen Bortei-Doku Aryeetey Joseph Atsu Ayee organised . It may provide an opportunity to showcase Kweku Appiah Charles Egan Ghana as an emerging investment and tourist destination Isabella Quakyi Anthony Matthews Yaw Nsarkoh Tony Oteng-Gyasi in Africa . It may offer a chance to begin to tackle Helen Nankani Charles Jebuni festering national problems such as poor sanitation, Abena D. Oduro Raymond Atuguba crumbling stadia, unreliable electric power supply, a Ken Ofori-Atta Doris Ablo hospitality industry whose performance leaves much to Angela Lamensdorf Ofori-Atta Yaw Saffu be desired, etc. It can bring relief to frustrated people. It , can divert attention from both national and personal problems. It may bring income to some people. Doing The New Legan Observer 'Creates a platform for the well in a competition hosted by others could also boost discussion of broad development policy issues and national pride, as happened to Ghanaians during the FIFA matters of public interest. The articles are expected to be current and on relevant themes. It is owned by the World Cup tournament held in Germany in 2006. Ghana Society for Development Dialogue (GSDO). Ghanaians have always been proud of their international football achievements. As a people we made an The society is a registered company limited by guarantee impression on Africa long before countries like Cameroon, and is independent of the management of the University Senegal and Cote d1voire began to count. In the early of Ghana, Legan. The members of the society come from part of the 1970s, when the Black Stars played in any diverse professional backgrounds and are motivated solely by the need to develop a vehicle for the articulation tournament, there was seldom any question about Ghana of diverse but well -researched views on Ghana's winning. It was more a question of the number of goals development. to be scored in winning a match . In those days if the Black Stars failed to score more than two goals the numerous supporters felt let down. Ghanaians often Editorial Board boasted to the whole world about the number of times Chairman: Kofi Anyidoho we had won the African Cup, and other African countries Acting Editor: Ernest Aryeetey envied us. In those days we never failed to let the world Editorial Consultant: Korantema Adi-Dako know that we had won the trophy more often than any Economy: Charles Jebuni, Emmanuel Ablo, Abena Oduro Politics: Yaw Saffu, Atsu Ayee other country; that we were the first African nation to SOciety, Culture & Education: Ellen Bortei-Doku Aryeetey, become independent from colonial rule; that we had the Rev. Sam K. Adjepong and Kwesi Yankah most educated middle class renected by the number of SCience and Technology: Ivan Addae-Mensah, Isabella Quakyi Ghanaians working in international organisations. International Affairs: Gobind Nankanl Ghanaian students studying abroad believed they were ordained to top their classes. Design Team By the late 1970s and into the 1980s, however, many of Charles Tachie-Menson, Frederick Mante the claims by Ghanaians were being made with very little All correspondence may be addressed to: confidence. But an opportunity to brag again came when Ghana won the African Cup of Nations in far away Tripoli The Acting Editor New legon Observer in 1982, beating the hosts, Libya, on penalty kicks. This P.O. Box lG 490 achievement was against all odds, considering the Legon national economic and social difficulties at the time, and Tel. 512503 Ext. 109 Fax. 512504 was accomplished with a makeshift team that had been quickly assembled. There is no doubt that in times of Email : newlegonobserver@ug.edu.gh national despair, success at football tournaments has ~ 3 2 • OUR PERSPECTIVE lifted the spirits of Ghanaians very this will be most beneficial in the long Essentially our perspective on the significantly. In 1982 it did so briefly, run if it is designed in such a manner subject of getting the most out of even though it was the only bright as to support the long-term deve- CAN 2008 suggests the need for a spot in a nation that was low-spirited . lopment of the sector. Investors may long term plan for the manage- Success by the Black Starlets (the build hotels, restaurants and other ment of the facilities and related under-17 national team) in the 1990s supporting facilities to support the investments. Organising these always made Ghanaians very proud tournament but they must be tournaments is not only about the and hopeful of a much brighter future convinced that the facility wi ll con- footballers that we will showcase. for a nation that was having problems tinue to be patronised long after the with its senior team. The Starlets of tournament is over. The same logic It is also about the business of the 1990s definitely gave Ghanaians applies to the development of generating employment and pro- what the senior team could not. infrastructure and sports facilities. If it viding livelihoods for thousands in has become essential to develop the short term and long term. It is So football can do wonders for a beautiful modern stadia at Essipong perhaps, not too late to build these people's psyche where politics and and Tamale then the authorities must into the preparation of the lO-Year economics have failed. Unfortunately, also invest in developing football and Development Plan for Ghana the relief that comes from football or other sports in those regions. currently underway at the National Development Planning Commission any other sporting success is (NDPC). The development of temporary, at best. After we have There is no point in building such supporting infrastructure needs to rejoiced and partied in celebration we beautiful stadia if there are no plans be part of the human settlements often wake up the following day to to ensure that local and national development programme under the grim reality of difficult personal football leagues will be properly the plan . circumstances and national deve- organised in order to attract larger lopment choices, often influenced by numbers of spectators. It is the fees bad politics and economics. The big from regular and growing numbers of As we begin hosting 15 African challenge is how to make the effects spectators that will ensure that the nations, more than twice as many as of the sporting success more lasting. facilities can be maintained over a we hosted in 1978, the New Legan How can we use sports to provide long time. And the spectators wi ll only Observer would like to congratulate regular recteatian, fun and livelihoods come to the stadium if the activities the Government of Ghana for having for thousands of people? Currently are well organised and regular. the foresight to think about inviting only a small number of people derive Additionally there must be attractive the Confederation of African Football significant income from their link to sporting events to draw in television (CAF) to bring the 22nd edition of the sports, particularly football. In many and the associated advertising tournament to Ghana. It has created African nations it is the players plying revenue. In the absence of regular an opportunity that will allow the their trade in Europe and Asia who activities, it is likely that various world (or a part of it) to focus on receive the big rewards. From those religious and other groups will ask to Ghana for several weeks. Ghanaians rewards the players have sometimes use the facilities for meetings and should enjoy the tournament and given something back to their conventions. One should not be savour all the main activities for as countries; not all the time though. surprised to find requests for these long as possible. Ghanaians extend a stadia to be used for funerals. hand of friendship and welcome to all Organising a tournament like the CAN the partiCipating teams and other 2008 (African Cup of Nations Ghana visitors. While wishing them all a 2008) offers an opportunity to create great success in the tournament, it employment, if properly planned. should come as no surprise to them Employment is the outcome of that it is our strong desire to see appropriate investment. The most Ghana once again on top of African obvious candidates for job creation football. will be in the hospitality industry. But 3 POLITICS The 2007 Kenyan Elections: Lessons for the rest of Africa Emmanuel Debrah 1 Introduction challenged the incumbent, Raila Parliament in a constituency (Wikipe Odinga of the Orange Oemocratic dia.org,2007). The violence and political turmoi l Movement (ODM) and to some generated over the December 26, extent Kalonso Musyoka of the The overarching question is, why did 2007 Kenyan general elections and Orange Democratic Movement·Kenya the election fail to achieve credibility? their concomitant loss of over 300 (ODM-K) are of major importance. And, what lessons can guide us in the lives have once again reminded us quest for free and fair elections in that the outcome of elections cannot The electoral process Africa? be taken for granted in Africa. Kenya as a country is a bastion of peace and The credibi lity of elections depends Integrity and outcome of the stability in Africa and for it to descend on the quality of the electoral elections into anarchy for about a week shows process. Given the stakes involved in that there may be something funda- winning or losing elections, it is not The disputed election results, are in mentally wrong with the electoral surprising that attention is paid to the part, a testament of a failed election process in many African countries. effectiveness of the election insti- process. The 46.4% votes for Mwai tution that manages the process. The Kibaki as against 44.1% for Raila A brief background to the 1992 Kenyan constitution established Odinga are the bone of contention. elections the Electoral Commission of Kenya The challenge to Kibaki's victory is (ECK) as an independent and that about 300,000 votes were falsely Flawed elections are not new in impartial election commission and credited to him in most remote Kenyan electoral politics The first under Kenya 's electoral system, the constituencies (see Table 1). multiparty elections held in 1992 that president is elected for a five-year According to Odinga, vote rigging in brought Daniel Arap Moi and his term by the people (on the basis of four provinces, namely, Western, African National Union (KANU) to universal adult suffrage). The winner Coast, Upper Eastern and North power and the 1997 elections that of the presidential elections must Eastern Province were responsible for endorsed his second term were secure the largest number of votes the incumbent's election victory (see widely viewed as fraudulent (Narman among all contestants nationwide (in Table 2). Consequently, Odinga 2003 :344). However, the general absolute terms), win at least, 25% of refused to concede defeat to pessimistic view about achieving votes among five of Kenya's eight incumbent Kibaki . credible elections in Kenya gave way provinces, and be elected Member of to optimism when in December 2002 Kenya held its general elections Table 1: Final Election Results which were j udged as "free and fair" by both local and international Candidat. M Kibakl R. OdIl'l93 K. Musyoka J Karan. P Mwu N. Omar K. MatJba D. Ng'ethe N Kukubo observers. This marked an important Votes 4, 584,721 4,352.993 879,903 21 ,171 9,667 8.624 ' .046 5.976 5.927 turning point in Kenya's democratic . 64 44' , 02 0.09 0.087 008' 008 0 08 evolution . Mwai Kibaki's defeat of Moi " Source . Wiklpedlll 01'9, 2007 encouraged electoral competition within the body politic (Narman Table 2: Provincial Election Results 2003 :345). As Kibaki's tenure was ProvlrICI coming to an end, he also faced stern competition from his former allies. Of the other eight candidates who Source Wiklpedia 01'9, 2007 I Emmanuel Debrah (PhD) is a lecturer at the Political Science Department, University of Ghana, legon. " 5 4 I • POLITICS valid certificates returned and confirmed should be undertaken immediately and on a priority basis by an agreed and independent person or body" (BBG News, January 4, 2008). Although conflict is inevitable in a democratic competition, it manifests in gigantic fashion when an election outcome is questionable. The incumbent's electoral victory that was overshadowed by violence has denied Kibaki and his supporters the joy of fairly defeating the OPPOSition in an election contest. Whereas post- (L-R) Mwai Kibaki , John Agyekum Kufuor (AU Chairman), and Raila Odinga election conflict is a recurrent theme The EU Election Observation 2008 that he was pressured to in Kenyan politics, what has happen Monitoring (EOM) team and other declare incumbent Kibaki as duly is unprecedented since returning to Western governments have elected . Yet, the chairman and his the democratic path in 1992, with concluded that the election was board of commissioners knew of the anarchists pursuing their victims, flawed because the ECK failed to election fraud that occurred in some mostly women and Children, to a establish the credibility of the tallying constituencies that undermined the religious sanctuary (the Kenya process to the satisfaction of all integrity of the results. What is Assemblies of God church) to parties and candidates. According to puzzling is the chairman's (Samuel massacre their prey (see The Nation the EU EOM, the result for the Molo Kivuitu) claim that he could not be (aI/africa .c om). Admittedly, the post- constituency that was initially exact on who had won the elections violence was largely framed announced as 50.145 votes in favour presidential election! The mal- around ethnic sentiments. Odinga is of President Kibaki was later altered practices in the votes counted and a Luo and other smaller tribes that as 75 .261 votes. The lack of results tallied for some constituencies are historically marginalised have transparency in the tallying process appeared to suggest that ballots cast pitched battle against Kibaki's raised serious problems about the were more than the voter turnout. Kikuyus to revolt against their effectiveness of the election process What is more disturbing is that four hegemony in Kenyan politiCS. The (see voanews 2007; the common- out of the 22 Kenyan election eruption of conflict following the wealth.org 2008). commissioners expressed doubts pronouncement of Kibaki 's victory about the veracity of the election and subsequent swearing into office At the centre of the controversy figures for Kibaki. For instance, Jack have dented Kenya 's democratic surrounding the election results is the Tumwa remarked that he was highly record and erased any gains made in Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK). disappointed in the overall results more than 15 years of a return to Its declaration of Kibaki winner in the (thecommonwealth. org 2008). multiparty politics. elections demonstrated a complete lack of competence to hold credible The call for a re-run of the The lack of fa ith in the courts' ability elections. Its supervision of the presidential polls by an independent to dispense justice may have election has created doubts not only body other than the electoral accounted for the opposition's in its own integrity but its ability to commission again is indicative not continued acceptance of violence as manage free and fair elections. The only in the loss of confidence in the the surest means of redressing their lack of independence and impartiality results but also in the ECK. Kibaki's election grievances. In a clear show became manifest when the chairman own Attorney General, Amos Wako of lack of fa ith in the judicial process, of the ECK admitted on January 2, has noted that, "a proper tally of the Odinga has called for a recount or a ~ 6 5 1 POLITICS - re-run of the whole election. This will and fair elections when an incumbent integrity of the electoral process. The be the surest way of securing the seeks re-election. The belief that in escalating conftict over the election integrity of the 2007 elections and Africa, incumbents do not enter an results pOints to a failed or future ones in Kenya. This is election race and lose has nonexistent means of post-election important because once incumbents encouraged rigging . The mani- conflict resolution in Kenyan 's realise that rigging elections will pulation of the election figures in electoral process. It further shows guarantee their stay in power, there several constituencies in favour of lack of confidence in the Kenyan will be elections, but there will no Kibaki and the apparent weakness of courts that are constitutionally choice (Haugerud 1999:340). the Electoral Commission in dealing saddled with the responsibility of decisively with the outcome signify adjudicating election disputes. This Unable to construct a post-election the overbearing influence of the point may equally be true of Ghana peace whereby his mandate will incumbent in the elections. Also the where some post·elections cases are translate into legitimacy, Kibaki use of force to intimidate the losing still not decided by the courts. This seems hopeful that the only option candidates and their supporters problem of lack of faith in the courts for his continued exercise of further highlights the problem of in resolving post·election disputes sovereignty lies in accommodating incumbency in achieving credible has been addressed, for example, in the oPPOsition in government. But elections and resolving post-election Mexico where an electoral court has while a government of national unity disputes. It suggests that incumbents been specifically established to deal seems appropriate in the immediate with, many resources and control of with problems posed by election term, because it fosters the spirit of executive power, can deploy and use disputes, to guarantee the survival of reconciliation, the government- all forces under their disposal to rig democracy. This is a red ftag for opposition sharing power formula elections and legitimise their stay in Ghana' may be a dangerous recipe for office. multiparty politics as the opposition Thirdly, a durable election process is could melt or dissolve into the ruling Secondly, conmcts are a feature of the one that safeguards the government during the partnership multiparty competition and demo- independence and impartiality of the period, as was the case in Senegal cracy but their prompt resolution is election commission to achieve until 2000. important for securing peace and credible elections. Where election legitimacy, and survival of the results fail to secure the legitimacy of The socia-economic repercussions of political order. Hence mechanisms for the successful candidate, the the post-election conflicts in Kenya dealing with post:election confticts integrity of the election body are incalculable . Women and are important for securing the becomes doubted. The failure of the children, who have been caught up in the web of the election conflict, remain the most vulnerable. The violence has halted brisk business activities. Many shops remain closed, and this has triggered fuel shortages, and prompted the closure of the Nairobi Stock Exchange. Tourists who planned their holidays in Kenya have had to cancel their trips, leading to revenue loss to the Kenyan economy. Conclusions: Lessons Several lessons can be learned from the Kenyan elections. First, they have shown the difficulty in securing free Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong'o (left) and Prof. Ali Mazrui (right), eminent Kenyan intellectuals .... 7 6 - -. - • • POLITICS election machinery was a mani- to dispense a credible election in stability in the political system as the festation of the lack of its Kenya. losing groups would always lean on independence and signals its inability their ethnic groups to foment connict. to hold credible elections. The Fourthly, the outcome of the elections De-emphasising ethnic politics should resoluteness of the electoral com- has exposed the role of ethnicity and go beyond the usual constitutional mission has been demonstrated in local community support in the provisions, because where there is a Kenyans' political structure. The • the Ghanaian situation, where in the weak and non-performing judiciary, face of attempted incumbent Kikuyus' unfiinching support for their ethnic voting will manifest in a intimidation, it has asserted its ethnic incumbent Kibaki was gigantic fashion to paralyse the autonomy by pronouncing on cases comparable to the Luos' attachment election process. Thus there must be that in many instances have been at to Odinga, thereby reducing the appropriate reforms to the electoral variance with the incumbents' election contest to a referendum on system to encourage national parties choices. The lack of confidence and which candidate has the most ethnic to address ethnic voting in a firmness, two essential components backing . Thus electoral politics multicultural and multiethnic societies of an independent election framed around ethnicity risk not as in Kenya and Africa generally. commission, accounted for its failure achieving post-election peace and ECONOMY Alternative Energy in Ghana: Prospects and Challenges A.K. Ofosu Ahenkorah 2 depletion . Recent research and The amount of alternative energy observations have identified the use that can be harnessed in a country of fossil fuels as the main cause of depends on the natural resources global warming or cl imate change. available. In Ghana exploitable Alternative energy could be defined alternative energy resources include as energy that is derived from hydro, solar, biofuels, and wind . sources that do not harm the Ghana has no known sources of environment or deplete the earth's geothermal power. natural resources. Alternative energy can also be defined as energy derived Challenges to Future Energy from non-traditional sources. Development Worldwide Alternative energy resources include solar power, including photo-voltaic Future energy development faces (PV), bio-energy, wind, hydro, t idal great challenges due to an increasing Osagyefo Power Barge and wave power, compressed natural world population, demands for higher gas, geothermal power, fuel cells, standards of living, demands for less The main energy resources that have hydrogen generation and storage. pollution and the fear of depletion of been developed and exploited Nuclear energy is usually excluded fossi l fuels. Without energy, the extensively in the world to date are from this definition although Green world's entire infrastructure co- fossil fuels, coal , oil and natural gas, House Gases are not associated with llapses. The recent shortages in all of finite quantities and subject to nuclear power production. electricity generation, which make up I Dr. A. K. Ofosu-Ahenkorah IS currently the Chief Executive of the Energy CommiSSIon. He was prevIOUSly the Chief Executive of the Energy Foundation. ~ 8 7 ECONOMY only 7% of total energy use, are the nation's balance of payments. or light. In the form of heat it can be reported to have caused considerable With regard to electricity, demand is used to heat water or other media hardship and economic loss. projected to exceed 3,000 MW and which can then be used to drive 4,400 MW in 2015 and 2020 turbines to generate electricity. In the Ghana's Energy Challenge respectively, while overall energy light form it can harnessed through demand is estimated at 26,600 GWh the use of solar photo voltaic panels With an expanding economy and a and 33,000 GWh for those years. which convert the light from the sun growing population, Ghana faces The existing installed capacity for into electricity. Solar Energy has long major challenges in providing the electricity generation of 2,044 MW, been limited by the fact that it required energy in a reliable and made up of 58% hydro, 37% thermal requires mounting expensive panels sustainable manner, bearing in mind plants which use light crude oil as made of silicon and glass on special the environmental and economic fuel, and 5% diesel generators will mountings on a roof. Flexible "thin- impacts of energy production and use have to more than double by 2020 in film" photo voltaics are being as well as the connection between order to meet the local peak power developed and if successful could energy consumption and deve- demand. change the prospects for harnessing lopment. solar energy. Alternative Energy Resources In 2005, energy consumption in Biofuel : Biofuel is any fuel that is Ghana consisted of wood fuel (60%), There are several alternative energy derived from biomass and is electricity (7%) and petroleum fuel resources available in Ghana: classified into solid, liquid and (33%) . Should the Growth and gasecus biofuels. Solid biofuels are Poverty Reduction (GPRS II) targets Wind Energy: its availability firewood and charcoal. Unlike be realised, demand for energy is depends on the geographical position petroleum, biofuel is a renewable expected to rise steadi ly. Wood fuel of a country relative to the equator. energy resource and liquid biofuels consumption is expected to rise from Countries which are farther from the are being developed as an alternative 14 million tonnes in 2000 to 66 equator are known to have relatively to petroleum products. million tonnes by 2020. Such a high wind energy potential as development would put the nation's compared to those which are closer Experience from countries such as dwindling forest reserves under to the equator. Another challenge Brazil, Malaysia and Germany has undue stress. Total petroleum associated with wind energy is that shown that biofuels could be used to demand is projected to grow from the wind does not blow all the time, supplement fossil fuels for about 1.6 million tonnes in 2000 to and the electricity produced during transportation . Brazil has developed about 4.5 million tonnes by 2020. blustery periods cannot be easily "gasohol" which is a blend of gasoline With crude oil prices, a quantum stored. Wind speeds of less than and bio-alcohol. In Malaysia palm oil jump in demand could put a strain on 5m/s (metres per second) are derivatives are used as substitutes considered to be for diesel. India and Mali have too low for extracted plant oils as diesel co mmercial substitutes. Nigeria has launched an exploitation. import-based programme to intro- duce a 10% blend of bio- and fossil Solar Power: fuel. 81ends of up to 10% are The sun is known acceptable worldwide without the to be the most need to modify engines and do not abundant source affect manufacturers' warranties on of energy in the most vehicles. universe. The sun's energy can The key drivers of the increased use Celebrated Ghanaian Novelist Ayi Kwei Armah taking visitors round Solar Panel Installations at the Rooftop of the Per Ankh be harnessed in of biofuels throughout the world are Building in Popenguine, Senegal. Solar Energy provides electricity the form of heat energy security, local agricultural for the entire building. ... 9 8 ECONOMY benefits, climate change mitigation, cases less than half of those of technology developments, which comparable supply side costs. For have made biofuel production and example, the government of Ghana use possible, deliberate energy as part of measures to reduce the diversification and security, and impact of the recent power shortages economic and environmental bene- imported and distributed, free of fits. charge, over 6 million compact • fiuorescent lamps (CFLs). This single Fuel Cells: A fuel cell is an act is expected to reduce peak electrochemical energy conversion demand by over 200MW and save device that converts hydrogen and 1,000MWh of electriCity daily. The oxygen into water, and in the process lamps are expected to pay for produces electricity. Compared with a themselves in energy cost savings in battery which has all of its chemicals less than six months stored inside, and converts these chemicals into electricity and even- The Future of Alternative tually "goes dead", in the fuel cell, Energy: Challenges to the Development chemicals constantly fiow into the cell of Alternative Energy in Ghana so it never goes dead. As long as While the price of petroleum fuel may there is a fiow of chemicals into the be the most tangible issue driving Although opportunities exist for the cell, electriCity fiows out of the cell. public interest in alternative fuels, development and deployment of there are a number of other alternative energy resources several Energy Efficiency and Con- significant factors underpinning this significant challenges that hinder servation : Energy supply and burgeoning industry. Climate change their development exist. uncontrolled consumption have and environmental concerns, desire adverse financial and environmental for energy security, increasing a, Limited Alternative Energy . implications. The best approach to demand for oi l and gas as supplies Resources: In Ghana, alternative energy supply is therefore a diminish, infrastructure constraints energy sources consisting of small to combination of supply and demand (e.g ., refineries), geopolitical mini/microhydro, wind, solar, bio- options that ensure the least concerns (e.g., terrorism, Iraq, Iran, mass and municipal solid wastes economic and environmental resource nationalisation), expanding would only be able to supply between impacts. Energy efficiency improve- government incentives and tax 380 and 500 MW delivering between ments are the most important benefits and the reduced cost of 2,500 and 3,500 GWh competitively. measures to achieve policy objectives many alternative energy sources. As This is just about one-tenth of the related to energy security and global part of total energy consumption, total capacity needed in Ghana by carbon dioxide (C02) emission alternatives are, and will continue to 2020. Alternative energy delivering reductions. Where energy is in short be in the near future, dwarfed by more than 10% of the total national supply, the increased availability of traditional fossil fuels, but they offer energy supply would increase the energy as a result of increased something fossil fuels often do not, cost of generation Significantly. Al l effiCiency of its use leads to direct dramatic growth. Solar and fuel cells economic gains. According to the the hydro sites on the Pra, Ankobra are both expected to be $20 billion and Tano rivers could provide only International Energy Agency reports industries by 2015; wind energy about 425MW of capacity to generate of 2002 energy effiCiency accounts costs have dropped 90% in 20 years, 40 53 about 1,000 GWh. for to per cent emiSSion making it cost competitive with reductions in the long-term pro- traditional fuel sources, and ethanol jections to 2050. Solar-grid electricity capacity is demand is up nearly 100% in just limited largely by capital cost rather four years. The cost of investment in end-use than natural resources. It IS the most efficiency improvements are in most expensive means of generating grid- electriCity. Among the alternatives, ~10 9 , ECONOMY wind may have the largest capacity engineering costs and difficult those championing cellulosic ethanol, for expansion and the best prospects access. The relatively high cost of biodiesel, and biobutanol. Within the to contribute Significantly to grid wind energy is due to the difficult solar market, concentrat ing solar power supply of the country by about access and cost of construction and power systems compete with the 200-300 MW producing about 600 maintenance at heights of SOm and much more popular photovoltaic GWh a year. The highest wind speeds over. systems. The growth of the hybrid recorded at heights of 12m by the automobile market erodes some of Energy Commission in Ghana are c. Returns at Risk: As evidenced by the interest in the more expensive between five and nine metres/sec recent economic activity, oil and gas hydrogen fuel cells market. If one and is available only along the coast are "volatile commodities". Many technology becomes increasingly east of the meridian. industry analysts and executives mainstream, it does so at the contend that today's prices are not expense of another's market share. b. Cost per Kilowatt Hour: One of supported by supply and demand the most critical obstacles to the balance. If those executives are e. Not In My Backyard Syndrome adoption of alternative energy correct and the price of oil drops (NIMBYism): One of the essential sources is their cost to consumers significantly, the relative cost of benefits of alternative energy sources and how that cost compares to the alternative energy will certainly is that they are independent of fossil cost of production of one kilowatt increase, putting the returns to fuels and, as such, provide for hour of energy alternative cleaner living environments. Despite from competing energy com- the appeal of alternative energy, sources Im- panies and there has been a significant backlash proved tech- their Inve- from communities regarding the nology that leads stors at risk. construction of the facilities to the more There seems necessary to produce it. For instance, efficient produ- to be a while citizens of a particular com· ction of energy market per- munity may embrace wind power as from alternative ception that a source of electriCity, they often sources is critical today 's envi- have a negative response to the to ensuring the ronment is prospect of a turbine's siting if it cost compatibility unique - and impacts that community's aesthetics. of alternatives it may well This "Not In My Backyard" (NIMBY) with fossil fuel be - but his- phenomenon presents a challenge to sources and, as tory has organisations attempting to expand such, all costs shown that a or establish capacity. must be add- Bulk Oil Storage Facility drop in hy- ressed if alter- drocarbon f . Intermittent Nature of Alter- natives are to remain or become prices erodes enthusiasm for native Energy and Storage: Many commercially viable. The cost of grid alternative energy. Alternative energy alternative energy sources are often connected solar energy per kWh is offers investors higher returns at a dismissed because they cannot be over US$.30 as compared to higher risk premium than con- stored and because they are often US$0.04/kWh from coal fired fossi l ventional energy. intermittent (e.g., solar, wind) , fuel plants. The cost of solar panels in However when used in conjunction Ghana is about US$7000/kW as d . Competing Technologies: with another alternative fuel source, compared to US$SOO - 1000 for a gas Though no single alternative energy energy can be stored and used to fired thermal power plant. Whilst source, at least in the near future, supplement supply when the sun isn't large hydro power plants could be will displace others, there is intense shining or the wind stops blowing . installed at about US$l,SOO per kW competition to achieve hegemony Excess wind capacity, for instance, (eg. Bui) the installed cost of mini within each individual alternative can be redirected to create energy and micro power plants is about energy market. In biofuels, lobbyists through hydrogen fuel cells which US$3,000/kW, mainly due to high civil for a corn-based solution vie with can, in turn, supply energy when .. 11 10 • • ECONOMY wind ceases. Storing energy in this Ghana produces only about 80,000 of biofuels are not cost competitive fashion is capital intensive at the the 200,000 tonnes of palm oil that it even with crude oi l prices at outset, although the efficiency and consumes annually. Production wi ll US$73.00 per barrel or higher. fiexibility of these "combined cycle" have to be increased before any solutions could make up for the initial marked production of biodiesel could The global market for biofuels is costs over the long-term. be promoted. Jatropha curcas on the politically driven and relies on tax other hand is new and its agronomic rebates and high oil prices. There is Constraints to Biofuel Develop- properties are unknown. Due to its also the potential clash of energy and • ment: single use nature its adoption should food production in terms of land use . Government intervention is driving The development of an alternative to be carefully considered in terms of the biofuel market. A comprehensive an existing fuel requires policy the opportunity cost as against food production. The cellulose part of the va lue chain analysis of an integrated directives and strategies that will biofuel industry is therefore required address the typical constraints that palm tree can also be processed into alcohol and other products. Although to ensure profitability. At current relate to introducing alternatives to existing fuels . the sugar industry has collapsed world market prices for fossil fuel, sugarcane cultivation is still going on price cannot be used as an objective • Feedstock for Biofuel Pro- and is used for the production of for a biofuel industry, except ethanol. duction: alcoholic beverages. A PSI on cassava Conclusion Different feedstocks are used for has seen the establishment of a biofuel production in different cassava processing plant. These Alternative energy can be harnessed countries. The general trend is that crops offer some advantages to to augment energy supply. However, countries choose feedstock plants Ghana in biofuel production . significant cost, technology and which are already in mass production attitudinal barriers need to be in their countries and which have • Cost Competitiveness of surmounted before any meaningful commercial value other than the Biofuel: The biofuel market breakthrough can be achieved. production of fuel. worldwide is not well developed and SOCIETY CAN (Ghana) 2008: What does it mean for Ghanaians? Ama de-Graft Aikins & Yaw Nsarkoh 3 Ghana has received many gifts in her Ghanaian' t-shirts wi th golden jubilee year. The conferring of panache, the hosting of the the African Union (AU) chairmanship 2008 African Cup of Nations on President J.A. Kufour, the nation's (CAN) tournament on hosting of the AU meeting, the Ghanaian soil must be the discovery of oil at cape Three Pointst best gift of all. and the final arrival of ~ains ending stressful months of energy rationing In a New Year's Day article for homes, businesses and industries. in the Daily Graphic Kobby Asmah, Samuel Ablordeppey, But for a football loving nation, still and Kof! Yeboah summarised giddy with the resurgence of national year-long local media senti- pride evoked by the Black Stars ments for the event: world-class performance in the 2006 world cup, still wearing 'Proud to be Ama de-Graft Allons, PhD, IS a Social Psychologist based at the Cambndge University and the Regional Jnstltute for Population StudIeS, Legan. Yaw Nsarkoh IS the Marketing Director for Unllever, Ghana. .... 12 11 SOCIETY "Less than two weeks from now all traffic, mostly road and air, from various parts of the African continent and beyond will lead to Ghana for the 26th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament (Ghana 2008), which kicks off on January 20, 2007. It will be an event of immense significance because it comes on the heels of the country's Golden Jubilee celebrations and at the time when interest in the game has soared ... At the continental level, Ghana 2008 also commands historical signi- ficance, coming two years ahead of the historic hosting of the World Cup on African soil, South Africa 2010 ... As the host nation, four-time champions ... Ghana's Black Stars have been tipped among the rished - and still does - on school of all ages, ethnicities and classes favourites to win the trophy for the parks and on any space large enough who make up the complex spectrum fifth time." to contain dribbling; the generation of urban Ghanaian society. 4 that produced the original line-up of In his New Year's Eve media address the Black Stars, such as C.K Gyamfi, Many of our respondents were to the country, President J.A Kufour Aggrey Fynn, and Edward Acquah . football enthusiasts, with formidable singled out the significance of CAN We asked our younger siblings and knowledge of the history and 2008 in the same spirit. In the friends, the teens and twenties technicalities of global football , and regional media - the New African, generation who are being socialised they fully intended to attend some BBC Focus on Africa - analyses of to (seriously) grade a footballing games or to make time to watch Ghana's role as host of CAN 2008 career on the same sheet as the holy them on television. Others did not have mirrored these sentiments. trinity of medicine, engineering and understand the first thing about Ghana 2008, as the event has been law; the generation that consumed football , except to recognise Michael re-christened, is expected to do the recent MTN Soccer Academy on Essien in a recent FanYogo advert. wonders for Ghanaians and for our Metro TV, and partied with the We asked them three questions: national identity. But will it? Few evictees and eventual winner, Gideon commentators and analysts have Baah, at various clubs in Accra . We 1. Is CAN 2008 good for Ghana? moved beyond reporting the talked to our own peers, thirty- 2. Is Ghana prepared for CAN 2008? economics, logistics and politics of somethings, forty-somethings in 3. What are Ghanaians' attitudes and organising the event to probe the academia, industry, buSiness, and the feelings towards CAN 2008? scope and nuances of publ ic arts: the well-heeled generation with expectations and needs. a thoroughly international outlook, We present, and reflect on, their the cohort that thought nothing of responses. We set out to examine what a cross- hopping onto a plane to Germany, section of Ghanaians, living in Accra with a bunch of friends, to root for Is CAN 2008 good for Ghana? and Tema, thought about the impact the Black Stars through quarter-final of Ghana 2008 on their lives and on victory. We also hit the streets and There was a resounding consensus Ghana's image in the world. We talked to familiar strangers: taxi that CAN 2008 was good for Ghana. asked our parents and their friends, drivers, street hawkers, phone-card Yaw Benneh - Amponsah, an Admi- the sixties and seventies generation vendors, artisans, security guards, nistration and Finance Manager for a who grew up in various rural Saturday morning football players mining company, explained the communities where football flou- and their loyal fans - everyday people dominant reason best: • Daily Graphic (2008). 200811 be very excit ing. Soccer, politics & all. (K. Asmah, S. Ablordeppey, K. Yeboah) January 1st. -+13 12 .. , SOCIETY "The hosting of, or participation, in infrastructure then Ghana is prepared road, areas around the stadia in tournament football has been used as for Ghana 2008. Most respondents Kumasi and Tamale. The adequacy of a "coming of age" announcement to described the revamped stadia in our healthcare system came under the world. This was one of the Accra and Kumasi and the new stadia question : did we have enough motivations for Germany's hosting of in Takoradi and Tamale as impressive. medical professionals and resources the last world cup, South Africa Some observed that in contrast to the on hand for minor and major (WC2010) and Beijing's hosting of preparation records of recent African emergencies? Others focused on - the next Olympic games in 2008. hosts, the Ghanaian facilities were of local fans and fe lt the Ghana 2008 is our way of announcing a higher standard, and had been accommodation needs of ordinary to the world that Ghana is now a completed or refurbished ahead of Ghanaians who planned to travel to country that is ready to do business the deadlines. participating cities to watch the with the world hence the enthusiastic games had been marginalised : government backing." But as many noted, a game never "Where are we going to sleep? Since ends at the stadium: its spirit spills the hotels are too expensive I am not Beyond the potential of the over into the streets when jubilant or sure I can watch any games outside tournament to shunt Ghana fully onto despondent fans congregate in bars, Accra ." Andy, a 28 year old barber the world stage, it was good for explained. Meli Salifu, a food Ghana and for Ghanaians economically, culturally and vendor, suggested that "tents politically. The games would should be put up so people bring in an expected one can have affordable places to million foreign football fans sleep". with foreign exchange, creating economic oppor· Security was a concern. There tunities for govern-ment, was fear of the opportunistic banks, and businesses such rise of local criminal activity as those in hospitality, and the influx of 'foreign tourism and travel. These criminal elements', Police were fans were also potential being trained specially to tourists: their experiences provide security during the with the people and tournament on and near landscape of Ghana could football grounds. But to what transform them into Ghana's extent were these new cultural ambassadors. Finally measures sufficient to prevent as Kojo Addae-Mensah, a Ghanaian Soccer Fans in Germany and apprehend petty and big senior manager in one of the crimes - from mobile phone major banks, observed: "Football has restaurants, and parks to carry out snatchings to car-jackings - in the a funny way of bringing people the crUCial post-mortem. Many heart and suburbs of the cities' together irrespective of political agreed that if we extended our Would the police be given enough religious or other social affiliations. If concerns to ancillary services - vehicles to respond promptly to we do well at the tournament, it will hospitality, travel, healthcare, secu- emergency calls? bring Ghanaians together in a rity, media reportage, sanitation stronger bond than we experienced then Ghana is ill-prepared. The local media was commended for during the world cup in 2006." For publicising the tournament and many stronger community bonds Some of our respondents were not providing adequate education on the equalled political stability, which convinced that the hospitality impending event. 'Road map to CAN equalled less risk of civil unrest in an industry could contain the expected 2008', broadcast on the major TV election year. one million visitors. Others wondered stations, was cited as a specific how the visitors would travel example of solid edutainment on Is Ghana prepared for CAN comfortably to the various des- Ghana 2008. However most thought 2008? tinations with major road networks that while camera coverage would be still under construction: the Tetteh great, the local media was ill- The consensus appeared to be that if Quarshie-Aburi road in Accra, the prepared for world-class commentary we limited attention to sporting Nsawam area, the Accra-Kumasi on the games. 13 - SOCIETY But top of the list of collective bugbears was poor sanitation. Every There is frus- single person we interviewed tration too. First believed sanitation would be the because the Achilles heel of Ghana 2008. The wry logist ical ma- observation by Eleanor de-Graft chine appears to Aikins, a 61 year old caterer, that "Se have broken eko bebi wo Nkran ha a, bola na 0 5; down on very ho no, waye de abrosan" (If you go basic things : to some parts of Accra the rubbish is making tickets heaped like a storey building) made avai lable, get- us laugh. But it was followed by t ing souvenirs sober recollection of a cleaner more on the streets in beautiful Accra at the turn of good time and at Independence, when the town affordable .. ... council cleaned streets and gutters prices,5 trans- 4- regularly. Deep disappointment for forming public Laryea Kingston of Black Stars 10 ActIOn current sanitation poliCies was not spaces into a promoting Made-in-Ghana goods the sale preserve of the older visual soccer feast. Caesar Abagali been maximised? Could the success generation. Respondents across a observed in an article in Accra Mail of the Ghana@SO Theatre Classics broad age range viewed sanitation last October that "the necessary fever event be replicated to showcase the policies as reactionary and short- for the competition is lacking and is Ghanaian literary tradition to a new term. Despite the valiant efforts of yet to be generated and have a audience? Zoom lion to "Keep Ghana Clean " and bearing on the people". Two months recent attempts by 'Accra on, the basic things that would But for many, including (even) the Metropolitan Assembly to do the generate 'the necessary fever' were apathetic or frustrated, excitement is same for the capital - clearing still absent for a number of the overriding emotion. There is hawkers of the streets, demolishing individuals. Second, there is the issue excitement because the tournament roadside kiosks - practica l responses of participation . An art promoter is going to be in Ghana, period. For to poor sanitation were viewed as too noted "nobody is being allowed the die-hard football enthusiast this is little too late. access to CAN 2008; instead of more almost as priceless as having vivid people making money only a few will dreams of the Black Stars winning What are Ghanaians' attitudes benefit". This was not a lone view. the world cup. One can actually go to and feelings towards CAN 2008? For some, the lack of transparency the Ohene Djan Stadium, sit with and inability to foster collective thousands of fans, and watch the The feelings of our interviewees, and participation on the part of the Local games kick off with Ghana and of those they associate with, towards Organising Committee (LOC) was Guinea on January 20th . One can Ghana 2008 can best be described as described, wearily, as the bureau- speculate about the chances of the mixed: part apathy, part frustration, cratic way of doing things in Ghana, Black Stars scooping their fifth CAN intruding into growing excitement. rather like the opaqueness of victory and then be there in the final Ghana@SO secretariat activities in 90-odd minutes when this specu- 'Ghana is hard'. This sentiment drove the months leading up to March 6 lation becomes reality. And all the apathy for the event, particularly for 2007 - a long period of information die-hard fans are absolutely women. People seemed to be saying blackout, followed by an avalanche of convinced the Black Stars are going that despite Ghana's macro-economic media publicity on a line-up of elitist to win! stability micro-economic pockets are events. Would the ordinary Ghanaian volatile. People do not have enough benefit from Ghana 2008 many Final reflections .. . money to buy food to feed their asked? Would visitors leave their families, people are worried about hotel restaurants to sample ken key, This is not the first time Ghana has their electriCity and water bills, job fish and pepper, waakye, or roast hosted CAN. In 1963 and 1978 CAN security is dismal in some sectors: plantain and ground nuts at popular was ably hosted on Ghanaian soil ; in 'asetena mu enye', in short . local spots' Had the potential for • CAN t-shirts, according to some Interviewees, cost between GH¢ 18 and GH¢2S. For ~e average ~hanaian ea~ning a minimum dally wage of GH¢ 1.9 this is exorbitant. Kofi, a phone-card vendor, said: ~ If J buy one {t.-shlrt] for my glrlfnend I Will not be able to eat for a ~ 15 week." Accra Mail (2007). Ghana: Where is the Ghana Can 2008 fever? (c. Abagall) October 17. I 14 I SOCIETY 2000 Ghana shared the honours with last few decades. And so beyond and its strong potential to excel its arch footballing rival, Nigeria. But personal expectations - 'I can't afford during a period when African football 2008 is different, it seems. For the the t-shirts', 'where do I get tickets?', is in its prime, all signal great football pundits, the political elites 'how do I travel to Tamale to watch promise. But as all marketers know, and ordinary Ghanaians featured the games?', 'how can my business and common sense suggests, to here, Ghana's hosting of the 2008 fiourish during the tourist boom?' - score that exhilarating hat trick a games is especially important there are collective aspirations and strong concept must deliver through because it does so in its jubilee year. waves of goodwill. Ghana 2008 must a strong product. Excellent product There is a palpable sense that our pick up where the Black Stars left off delivery yie lds good consumer 50th anniversary has evoked in 2006 and deliver Ghana as an experience and loyalty. A strong collective memories of Ghana's key important global player in football, concept matched with a poor product role in African independence and thereby garnering respect and is the marketer's nightmare. For development projects: "we are the partnership in other geo-political where promise is high and delivery torch bearers of African Unity" as spheres. But the challenges are real weak consumers, and their wallets, Issah Adam, a top-level chartered and clear. fiee. Will our expected one million accountant asserts. If the deep viSitors experience the hospitable, position football occupies in the In marketing there are two important dynamic, cosmopolitan Ghana we African psyche is anything to go by, organising principles: the concept project in our promise? .Will Ghana then our hosting of CAN 2008 in our and the product. The concept 'come of age' on the global stage, in jubilee year makes us 'torch bearers' encapsulates the potential, the soccer, economic and political terms? of Africa 's contribution to "the promise. The product is the concrete Will our sense of national pride soar? beautiful game", a vital extension to output, the deliverable. Expectations In the final weeks leading up to the the great contributions African are created and heightened, usually, tournament the real test will lie in the footballers have made to the through exposure to concepts. concrete steps we take to finish and symbolic and economic fortunes of Ghana's reputation as a peaceful and polish our product. foreign clubs the world over in the open SOCiety, as a growing economy, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY GHANA 2008 - A SPORTS MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE Akwesi Adomakoh' Introduction systems have adapted over the years to the demands of their profession. From the 19th of January, 2008 lenses Sixteen teams, presumably the best in all over the world wi ll be zooming in on Africa, will be parading some of the Ghana. Certainly they will stay focused world's best players and there is no on this country because of the much- doubt that this competition will awaited MTN AFRICA CUP OF overshadow all sporting activities NATIONS. All football-loving fans running concurrently during this expect it to be very exciting and hope period . that their favourite teams will emerge victors. Many factors wi ll determine which team will eventually emerge the This competition is going to be winner but from a sports medicine grueling. It involves a group of well perspective it will be a healthy and well trained athletes whose cardiovascular, drilled team. A lot will depend on the respiratory and musculoskeletal ability of individual players but inputs ~~~~~~~~~--- MedICal Procedure l Or. Akwesi Adomakoh, Sports MedICine PhYSlcian/GP, Trust Hospital. 15 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY from administrators (football fede- trainers draw their programmes and Understanding the roles of each rations and government agencies), take the players through various player and observing them at training coachesl trainers, team physicians, training schedules to get their team sessions will give valuable infor- physical therapists, masseurs, sports 'combat' ready. They also work mation. A good medical history is nutritionists, sports psychologists, closely with the administrators and always advisable and can be obtained podiatrists and referees make crucial the medical team. by taking players through a contributions which influence the questionnaire. Areas to be covered performance of the team. The The Role of the Medical Team include training and competition weather, state of training and pitches history which refers to the position of and suitable accommodation cannot In order to carry out their roles the player, number of training be ignored. effectively the players must be sessions per week and number of healthy and physically fit. They matches played in the previous and Football is a sport played at moderate should not be suffering from any current seasons. Symptoms such as to high exercise intensity levels and form of pathological state which chest pain, dyspnoea (breath- the body relies on anaerobic and would adversely affect their health lessness), palpitations (increased aerobic processes to pre vide the and performance. awareness of heartbeats), arrythmias (irregular rhythm of heart beats), dizziness, syncope (fainting attacks), flu-like symptoms, coughing with or without expectoration, loss of appe- tite, weight loss, sleeplessness and gastrointestinal upset would have to be checked by the medical team. A review of the players past medical history looking at previous heart disease, fainting episodes, bronchitis, asthma, allergies and susceptibility to infections is also important. We should also probe a family history of sudden death, cardiomyopathy (a condition affecting the heart muscle), myocardial infarction (heart attack), Public Health Screening hypertension, strokes and diabetes. A history on their latest vaccinations, needed energy (ATP). Each game, Players generally have minor aches previous and current medical lasting at least 90 minutes, involves and pains because of the nature of treatment and nutritional supple- bursts of intermittent sprinting, the game but to get through such a ments should be noted. We should jogging, walking, jumping, backward competition successfully, the medical also be interested in whether the movements, diving, shooting, team should examine them player drinks alcohol, smokes and crossing and heading the ball. The meticulously to identify chronic and uses any recreational drugs. This is nature of the game is such that there acute injuries and any life- very important since certain drugs are tackles with robust physical threatening conditions. Sudden adversely affect the player's pe- contacts but the players will try as deaths in football have occasionally rformance or may impinge on doping much as possible to be fair in their occurred. PhilO' Donnell is the latest Issues. exchanges. So much skill is exhibited sudden death-related casualty. He and the mental task is very intensive. was a great player for Motherwell A complete physical examination Administrators put together Football Club in Scotland who is should be done and this should structures which make the entire reported to have died from left include a detailed musculoskeletal team (technical, medical and playing ventricular failure in the line of duty (muscle, bone and jOint) assessment. body) function effectively and provide in December 2007. Finally taking blood, urine and stool financial support. The coaches and samples for various laboratory ~17 16 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY investigations as well as resting and exercise electrocardiography and echocardiography are very essential. At the end of the examination the team physician should decide whether a player is eligible for competitive soccer or not. • The psychological traits and preparedness of the player/ team determines response to various situations on and off the pitch and how well they remain focused. The team physician or sports psy- chologist, if available, should know his individual players and have different approaches to them, based on their personality especially when problems arise. Fit, Competitive Ghanaian Footballers Nutrition and fluid replacement are low blood glucose levels can be can be done with water or key issues in a sport like soccer. The prevented by taking carbohydrate/ commercial sport (carbohydrate/ main source of energy is glycogen (a electrolyte drinks of specific electrolyte) drinks. complex polymer of glucose), which concentration. This can make ava- is derived from carbohydrates and ilable an alternate source of fuel The team that has a low incidence of stored mainly in muscle. Muscle during physical activity. injuries is likely to maintain most of glycogen stores decline during the coach 's first choice players and is training and matches and considering During exercise fatigue tends to set likely to perform better. Injuries the fact that each team would play in as the core body temperature cannot be prevented completely but matches after a few days' interval, approaches 40 degrees Celsius. The having a good warm up, adequate the quality of the players' meals and body deals with this situation by stretching exercises and post-training timing should be right to optimize prodUCing sweat which cools the warm-downs are known to improve glycogen stores in muscle. Low levels body by evaporation. This fiuid and fiexibility and prevent injuries. Using of muscle glycogen are associated salt loss must be replaced to prevent protective gear during training and with fatigue and there is evidence dehydration and poor thermo- competitive matches also helps and that increasingly low glycogen stores regulation which ultimately lead to so does the taping of joints in certain as the game nears its end is one fatigue and poor performance. At this situations. However, the team reason why fatigue in football leads time of the year when the weather is physician should be well prepared to to more goals, more injuries, poor hot and dry it poses real challenges deal effiCiently with injuries they may skill and poor decisions late in the to the players and this may be the be confronted with and decide game. Muscle glycogen stores can be reason why matches are scheduled to precisely whether it is safe for players best replaced in between training be played in the evening. Studies to continue with the competition or sessions and matches by high have shown that up to 3% of body not. Even though musculoskeletal carbohydrate meals. A typical meal weight can be lost through sweating injuries are the most common in such eaten during the competition should and it is obvious that this amount of competitions the team physician comprise 65% carbohydrate, 20-25% fiuid cannot be replaced instantly, should have an antiCipated plan to fat and 10-15% protein . Repletion of otherwise this leads to heaviness or manage lacerations, concussions and glycogen stores in muscle is best gastrointestinal problems during other head and neck injuries and done immediately after exercising. matches. The best way to offset this cardiac problems including trauma to When eating is delayed after two loss is to drink fluids pre-match, the chest. He should have a hours glycogen repletion is not as during the match and post-match as systematic plan of diagnosing, rapid. During training and matches well as during training sessions. This instituting first aid or emergency • -+ 18 117' I SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY treatment and evacuation to hospital, game. They ensure that the spirit of competition pitches increase the if needed. Hospitals and emergency fair play reigns supreme. Tackles by incidence of injuries sustained. services should be prepared for such players and consequent injuries and situations. decisions by the referee have Conclusion profound effects on the outcome of Doping control is another area of the game. Team supporters and their Continuing research in sports concern to the medical team and behaviour towards the team either medicine is still probing the many both the technical team and the propel or deflate individual players or unanswered questions in metabolism players should be educated on such the team as a whole. It is obvious and physiology of physical activity. issues. The team physician should that such competitions have a myriad Players, coaches and trainers need to always be abreast with drugs on the of factors interacting to determine be educated on the concepts which doping list and banned methods since the outcome of the game. The are known to improve or retard it is reviewed periodically. He should individual player's characteristics performance. Above all, the com- always have a list of therapeutic determine performance outcomes. petitive spirit is important and this medications which he would submit Hardwork and dedication help the can be done if players refrain from to the doping control officer 48 hours player acquire skill, speed, agility, the use of performance-enhancing before the competition. Referees play strength, decisiveness, focus and drugs. an important role in handling football discipline which are the hallmarks of matches by applying the rules of the a good footballer. Bad training and INTERNATIONAL THE GHANA 2008 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS TOURNAMENT AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Boni Yao Gebe 7 Introduction reputation as a sports loving country. benefits and associated challenges to The 26th edition of the African Cup of A successful holding of the Ghana and Africa as a whole. Nations commences in Ghana this tournament will, therefore, go a long January between the 20th of January way to demonstrate to the inter- and the 10th of February 2008, national community the country's consummating the high pOint of a current credentials as a peaceful and tradition that has lasted over 50 stable country capable of hosting years of positive rivalry within the events of such magnitude. The confines of association football and significance of the tournament from sportsmanship. As should be an international relations perspective expected, all the participating teams should therefore not be in doubt. are putting finishing touches to their What this write·up does is to provide preparations so as to be battle ready a brief historical insight, examine for the three-week long event. The some security related issues with event itself has direct and indirect possible international and national implications for Ghana's image and repercussions as well as the related Ghana 2008 Soccer Stadium Locations ' Dr. Boni Yao Gebe, Research FellOW, Legan Centre for InternatIOnal Affairs (LECIA), University of Ghana, LEGON ~ 20 18 • Winner Institutional Investor of the year Epack Wins African Institutional Investor of the Year (2007)! The Epack Investment Fund (Epack), managed by Databank Asset Management. has been adjudged the Best Institutional Investor in Africa in 2007 ! This was awarded by the Africa Investor (Ai ) Awards on 7th November, 2007 in Lagos, Nigeria. The Ai Awards attract the continent's best and brightest contestants and are seen as the international benchmark for excellence in responsib le investing in Africa. Epack was short-listed under the category of Institutional Investor together with five others namely; Pan Africa Infrastructural Development fund, Public Inves tment Co-operation, Indus trial Development Corpora t i on, Risk Cap ital Facility, Global Commercial Microfinance Consortium and Peregrine . And of course, Epack emerged the undisputed proud winner! What has Epack ach ieved7 Since its inception to date, the number of shareholders has risen from just 5 to over 65,000 while the value of the Fund has increased from a mere e250,000 to over e750 billion today! Since the beginning of 2007, the share price of Epack has risen by 42.88% (as at 14'" November, 2007) while the average annual return on the fund is over 50%. The cumulative return on the fund from incept ion to date is o ver 8,000 (8,133% as at 14th November, 2007). In other words, ¢1 million ced is invest ed in Epack in 1996, would be worth over e80 million t oday. Epack, as a pan·African Equity Mutual Fund has investments in 10 countries across Africa (Ghana, N ig eri a, Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, M auritius, Uganda, Zambia, M orocco and M alawi). As a long4erm fund, Epack invests in under-valued shares of listed companies across Afri can stock markets. The minimum initial investment is GHe5.0 . Thus, through Epack, Databank has helped to expand grassroot access to capital markets in Ghana and many parts of Africa . :x: Databank Epa¢k Leadership Africa'., II I Af,,'"al flUId .--, .... --<_· c .... .r ....-.. ._........., O- ..f'.f.lC..L.. ..... ... IiIUIoIA$I Of'JlC( .n. ...... OPM. Mw ___ OIIce S_ SHl1IrTF<*_< e~ ... f-'Fl.C.E _108&201 r _ PO _3'. s.. .- .- Thea..- eo.-...n.,., ,_ ToIl (2-)>-21) .,_ 10111010 ,.. .:HI) \Zll·2-2J 21»0. - www.d atabankgroup .com 19 , INTERNATIONAL Historical Antecedents From its humble beginnings in the late 1950s, when a majority of African nations had not yet attained political independence, to its contemporary magnificent stature, the African Cup of Nations has been transformed into an exciting and highly competitive international sporting event. In recent times, the hosting of the event has been keenly contested due to the perceived prestige, honour and glory that it - - accords. As prevalent at the World Cup and similar regional soccer tournaments in Europe, Asia and Latin America, there is the perception Black Stars in a Friendly Match that the country can benefit from the the last two editions in 2004 and teams to participate in the more international exposure, tourist 2006 respectively give some lucrative and rewarding Coca Cola attraction and possibly the financial credence to this conclusion. Despite World Cup tournament which just gains that accrue from holding a successful competition .s this emergent dynamic, every recently was made rotational on a country contests the qualifying continental basis. COincidentally, the rounds and the group stages with World Cup will be held on African soil, Increasingly also, in the context of African cup competitions, there is the relentless zeal, expecting to be part thus South Africa in 2010. of the actual competition. After all , illogical deduction that the host each participating country has an A scrutiny of the 2008 tournament nation invariably wins the tourna- equal chance of winning the cup, reveals that there is a di- ment, which has added to its lure and especially in contemporary times attractiveness to the citizens of the sproportionate geographical spread when it is rare to talk of minnows in of the participating teams. West host country. The historical examples the game. An added new attraction is Africa takes the lion share with of Egypt and Ghana in earlier the fact that qualification to the Africa almost half of the 16 competing editions, South Africa in 1996, and Cup of Nations . competition also teams. These are Ghana the host most recently Tunisia and Egypt in guarantees places for the five top country, Nigeria, Cote d1voire, Benin, Sole A(ttnI' OIttrIbItIor.lHTEGRATEO NETTlIG GHANA LTD. TEL: 021 258 8M' D2.441~ Ut· 0201111607 ~ 21 20 INTERNATIONAL Senegal, Mali and Guinea. Southern Organisation and Security element, which is the preparation of Africa has four countries participating for honors, comprising Angola, South The organisation of a successful the psyche of all the citizenry to be hospitable and warmly receiving of all Africa, lambia and Namibia. There tournament puts tremendous are three teams from North Africa pressure on the host to meet an array the visitors without any inkling of intimidation. made up of Egypt, Tunisia and of responsibilities. Among these is Morocco. Competing from Eastern the important factor of national In all these, the onus of responsibility • Africa is Sudan, winners in 1970 and security. Security in this regard lies first and foremost with the Local from Central Africa comes Cameroon entails countering all real or Organising Committee (LOC) in considered as one of the most perceived threats to the success of collaboration with other prinCipal successful partiCipants the the tournament, lives of the citizenry, In stakeholders such as the Ghana tournament.9 national assets and ensuring that the Football Association (GFA), the very integrity of the state is National Sports Council (NSC) and In terms of individual success and the preserved . In the same vein, security other relevant agencies. It must be concomitant prestige, three countries must be extended to all the stated, however, that these activities come up for recognition, namely participating teams and their officials, and preparations are being done on Egypt five-time winners, followed by overall protection of all facilities and behalf of the government of Ghana Cameroon and Ghana with four wins their immediate environs, also which cannot stand aloof or exhibit apiece. In total, the three countries ensuring that the facilities measure indifference. The Ministries of the have won the tournament thirteen up to international standards to Interior and Defence and other times out of the twenty-five previous forestall any mishap. This has been security agencies have critical roles to competitions that were held. A win by aptly demonstrated as the four play in this regard, particularly when any of these three nations at the 26. selected venues for the tournament, it comes to the deployment of edition means their aggregate namely Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi and personnel from the Ghana Police strength matches those of the entire Tamale have all undergone structural Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, the continent. In the case of Ghana, her rehabilitation and refurbishment or as Ghana Fire Service and other successes came in 1963, 1965, 1978 newly constructed arenas. Related to auxiliary services. The experience of and 1982. Two of those wins came as this is the need to provide adequate the country in disaster management hosts of the tournament in 1965 and accommodationl facilities for training in sports-related mishaps, for 1978. The last time Ghana won the and upgrading recreational and instance, the May 2001 Ohene Djan tournament in 1982 was in far away tourist attractions for viSitors, some (then Accra Sports Stadium) disaster Libya when Ghana edged out the of whose itinerary may be completely must serve a useful purpose in this host country through penalty kicks. removed from the main event. Again, regard. Ghana managed to reach the finals there is the important human on other occasions including 1968 when they lost to the eventual winners Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) and 1992 when they were beaten on penalty kicks by Cote d1voire in Dakar, Senegal. The 2000 edition which was co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria (as last minute replacements for the purported host) did not yield any concrete dividend in terms of the ultimate prize. Ghana was shown the exit by South Africa at the quarter·final stage in Kumasi, while Nigeria was also overwhelmed in the final match by cameroon, the winner that year. Body Make-Up Artist Celebrating one of Ghana's Wins during the 2006 World Cup -+ 22 21 • INTERNATIONAL The Ghanaian authorities should not within the selected national stadia Ghana's International Image be complacent into thinking that they and the various pitches earmarked for and Prospects have the wherewithal to supervise a team rehearsals and practice are very three-week long international important. The country has, since the return of tournament without any hitches. It is constitutional rule in 1993, enjoyed worth it seeking the necessary It is important that the issue of the goodwill and respect of the assistance from countries which have international terrorism is given due international community through the held such tournaments in the consideration at the tournament. The cultivation of democratic principles immediate past for the appropriate uncertainties and volatilities asso- and practices in our domestic politics. insight and technical assistance. Most ciated with the current inter-national This has gone a long way in endearing often, poor and uncoordinated crowd system and the trend of large-scale the country to a large segment of the control, arising from extreme violence being perpetrated against international community as a peace- fanaticism and hooliganism, had been innocent populations in other parts of loving society. The decision by the the bane of an effective exercise. The the world should serve as enough Confederation of African Football country must therefore not be lax in warning for this country to be alert. (CAF) that Ghana should host the this department since the lives of One may wonder why Ghana should tournament is also a demonstration of other nationals are also at stake. be a target for an international the trust in the country's leadership, terrorist groups or organisation. Here, maturity and ability to handle a An estimated one million people from the examples of Kenya and Tanzania tournament of such magnitude. One diverse backgrounds and nationa· which suffered from bombings of critical factor in the decision-making lities, including government officials American embassies in Nairobi and process obviously is the stability that and dignitaries, representatives of international agencies and organi- sations, tourists and countless fans of the participating teams will virtually overrun the country and test Ghana's hospitality and resilience at the highest level possible. The priority areas for the country are therefore very clear, particularly on such issues as the prevention of armed robbery, hooliganism and other petty crimes. " Indeed, all the major roads in the sub-region lead to Ghana in the next few weeks since five of our immediate neighbors namely Benin, Cote d1vDire, Guinea, Mali and Nigeria are participating in this tournament with the expectation to emerge the victorious team. This definitely Black-faced German Fans Celebrating Ghana's World Cup Success creates unrealistic expectations, Dar es-Salaam in 1998 are useful" . the country enjoys. Except for the pressure and the possibility for pent The fatalities, casualties and serious intra-ethnic altercations in the up feelings and emotions to overrun destruction that were brought to northern part of the country and the sanity. The three main corridors to the these societies are useful lessons in sporadic and irregular land and country, consisting of the Eastern, this regard. It is therefore important chieftaincy disputes in other parts of Western and Northern entry points that the security agencies work out a the country, Ghana can readily be must therefore receive the necessary detailed plan to prevent any such given the nod of being a stable and reinforcement and vigilance from the eventuality, or at worst a well peaceful country. security forces to tackle all rehearsed criSis-response mechanism. emergences with purposeful alacrity This enviable credential, however, should they occur. All precautionary goes with certain important res- measures by the country's security ponsibilities. Firstly, the citizenry must apparatus to ensure discipline both demonstrate to the international .... 23 22 • INTERNATIONAL • • , - .' again . Should the ' -Unexpected happen, however, the entire nation must accept defeat with grace if only to avoid condemnation and possible opprobrium. The recent events in the country, • particularly the Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebrations, the hosting of the African Union Summit in July and the country's overall stability have proven major magnetic forces in attracting large number of tourists. It is however imperative that the right atmosphere, conditions and infras- tructure are provided to make the tourist want to return even after this tournament is over, Ghana as a country will be benefiCiary through Ghana Black Stars World Cup Team - Germany 2006 the good money that will be spent on community that it can be trusted to this role. It will however be a difficult goods and services if the appropriate host Africa and the rest of the world job if the requisite equipments, environment (good hotels, efficient without any dire conse-quences, The personnel and resources are not in transportation system and courteous proverbial Ghanaian hospitality must place by now. Directly related to the services) are in place. At the centre overflow to the brim, law en- health needs of our visitors is the of the attractions wi ll be the country's forcement agencies must assist in kind of environment that the country cultural display throughout the seeking redress on matters relating projects." While it is not possible to tournament and by other forms of to human rights violations and suddenly transform the Ghanaian social interaction, abuses whether the perpetrator is a landscape into one of quintessential Ghanaian, tourist or a visitor by any cleanliness, everything must be done On the other hand, there is a sense in definition . Enforcement of the law to improve on the general attrac- which Ghanaians must not throw must however not be done so as to tiveness of landmark monuments, caution to the wind. Among the large denigrate the worth of the Ghanaian, sites and scenes that make Ghana an number of visitors to the country are undermine our institutions or dent attractive tourist destination, those that will pose health hazards to our hard - earned international our people. The danger from a reputation . It is thus obligatory on Ghana has a good reputation as a further spread of HIV/AIDS through the part of the Ministries of strong performer at both national the easy mingling of the youth in Information, Tourism, Communi- and club competitions with teams particular with all manner of people is cations, the Ghana Tourist Board, the such as the Black Stars, Kumasi a possibility. Promiscuity and large- relevant Embassies and High Com- Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of scale prostitution around the venues missions to collaborate with the Oak, now household names in most raises the specter of infection even authorities to educate their nationals African countries, The appearance of higher, In a situation where the event and visitors on transportation, the Ghana Black Stars in the 2006 is spread to all the corners of the movement around the 'country, entry Coca Cola World Cup in Germany country, one wonders what and exit pOints and where to seek demonstrated that the country is a precautions and preparations the help when necessary. serious contender for laurels in future health authorities have put in place to events, The deSire to win the coveted avert such a catastrophe. U The Ministry of Health also has the cup to equal the record-setting responsibility to assist all the teams example of Egypt is certainly good Africa and the Sporting World and visitors in general with the motivation and it has certainly necessary medical attention. It is The image of Afr ica in sporting gingered up the authorities and the clear that some of the hospitals have events globally has reached a high entire nation to rally behind the team been earmarked to specifically play pedestal with the successes of her to bring honors to the country once sportsmen and women in soccer, ... 24 23 INTERNATIONAL boxing and athletics. In the particular case of soccer, the topmost leagues in Europe and Asia are now dominated by African talents. On the European soccer scene, for example, recent media reports indicate that many of the top clubs will lose the services of a number of professional players who will feature for their national teams in the Ghanaian tournament. In the case of the English Premier League alone, about 40 of such players are affected as result of the mandatory 14 - day stipulation by FIFA that allows players to join their national teams towards effective preparation and partici· pation, I4 In the recent past, this has generated the "club versus country" controversy with most team A Customised Ghana Flag - World Cup 2006, Accra managers very much hesitant or timing of the African Cup of Nations without their services. unwilling to release their players. must be revisited in terms of its Some players, managers and team organisation, player interest. Modi- Recent pronouncements from the owners have repeatedly demanded fications must be geared toward President of the Federation of that the African tournament should building the confidence of other International Football Associations be shifted to the summer when the stakeholders outside the continent in (FIFA), Mr. Sepp Blatter would seem European leagues are on recess. IS order that the event can win the to suggest that the number of foreign This demand is, however, fraught recognition and importance that the players in the European league is too with a number of difficu lties. The continent attaches to it. many and is somewhat responsible Confederation of African Football for some of the national teams not (CAF) is of the view that this While this remains a serious dent on performing creditably. " According to particular period coincides with the the continent's soccer agenda, it him, it prevents local players being rainy season in most of Africa and must also be said that African players offered enough playing time or therefore is not a conduciv time. themselves have undergone serious recruitment into the clubs in the first Nonetheless, the insistence by CAF institutional discrimination and racial place. I wonder how the competitive on its position, however convincing, abuses outside the continent. There spirit that is introduced into the game does not augur well for under- is no doubt that they measure up to by foreign players hinders the standing among the major stake- other players elsewhere in the world, development of the game instead of holders in the game. talking about the Didier Drogbas, enhancing it. All put together, the Michael Essiens, the Samuel Eto'os CAF, representing the game in Africa Inevitably, some of the African and the Adebayors. The worst and the global body would have to players become victims of the power example of such abuses which dialogue and resolve these pertinent struggle in diverse ways, for instance, connotes racist intentions is the issues and initiate long term policies sustaining serious injuries during taunting on the field of play of African that can help address the defi- such tournaments that require the players with embarrassing sounds ciencies, the worries and fears of intervention of their clubs. Some are that mimic the voice of the monkey. both the players and owners in the unable to hold on to their positions This condition is often contrived by game. due to competition from equally supporters and fans of opposing capable players from other regions. teams who perceive African players Conclusion Unable to regain the confidence of as being the cause of their teams' their managers, they have to look for defeat. It demonstrates the fact that In overall terms, Africa has earned its less glamorous teams, often leading these players are excellent material rightful place in competitive soccer to financial loss. Altogether, the but that the leagues were better globally and the continent's image ~ 25 24 • , INTERNATIONAL can only be enhanced through and promotion of Africa's sporting geographical exactness. tournaments of this kind. With the events. ,0 See the unpublished paper of Timothy next FIFA World Cup competition Attoh of the Ghana Law School on "Armed awarded to South Africa, the It is noteworthy that increasingly, a Robbery and CAN 2008: Security Concerns", number of corporate entities are dated December 2007, Accra Ghana. expectation is that the next two II There was a similar attack on Mombasa in Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, willing to support the events at great 2002 which was linked to the earlier events of beginning with the current one and cost t hrough incentives and 1998. • the next in 2010, the continent's best insurance packages, winning bonuses 11 See Afua Sarpong, nGhana 2008: Little teams might have prepared and sponsorship programs on the Things that Matter." In The Ghanaian Times, themselves adequately to rub continent. " The examples of the Friday, January 4, 2008, p. 23. shoulders with the other glamorous financial support of the com- o The concerns and recommendations of the teams and possibly win the coveted munication conglomerate MTN for President of the National Health Students trophy come 2010. the African Cup of Nations, the Association, Yahans De Heer, Accra, is of financial assistance from the tremendous importance in this regard . See African football associations must Ghanaian mining company, Gold- The Ghanaian Times, Friday, January 4, 2008, p. 7. enhance the technical abilities of fields, the brewing giant, Guinness ,. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), indigenous African coaches and give Ghana Limited, plus the insurance quoted in the Graphic Sports, January 4-7, them the opportunity to compete packages of Gemini Insurance 2008, p. 10. with their foreign counterparts Company (GUCO), all for the Black L~ Whiles a celebrated player such as the through better recognition and Stars of Ghana are efforts that must Togolese Adebayor calls for a time switch, the inducement. The open display of be emulated at all levels across the Ghanaian mid fielder Sulley Muntari and his hostility and confrontation between continent. These initiatives reduce Portsmouth Assistant Manager believe it is the players and administrators, some- the financial burden on governments right thing to do. Taken from the British times at international assignments, and are a proof of corporate social Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) by The misappropriation of funds, with- responsibility (CSR) in the operations Ghanaian Times Tuesday, December 18, 2007, holding of winning bonuses and the of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) p. 30. See also Graphic Sports, quoting MTN canker of favoritism have all affected towards social development. football , December 21 -27, 2007, p. 14. L. The FIFA President demands from the the development of both the game European Union to get a quota on foreign and the commitment of players. Endnotes players within EU teams. See The Ghanaian These are certainly disincentives that Times, Thursday, December 30, 2007, p. 30. can destroy the forward match of the • ACCOfding to the local Organising *. The case of Gemini life InsurallCe Company game and by extension other Committee, it is est1mated that over one (GUCO) sponsorship for the Black Stars to sporting activities on the continent. million tourists and other categories of visitors the tune of 200,000 Ghana Cedis is One would expect FIFA, CAF and will arrive for the CAN 2008. See Dally exemplary in this regard. See The Ghanaian other relevant bodies on the GraphiC, Wednesday, January 2, 2008, p. 46. Times, Thursday, January 3, 2008, p. 31. continent to initiate stringent ' The argument is often made whether Cameroon is not a West African country and regulations towards the protection that its inclusion in Central Africa defies 25 , • LETTERS TO THE EDITOR MONEYCRACY AND DEMOCRACY Dear Editor, fallen so low that the level of poverty and a major risk to our can only be a product of a "failed fiedgling democracy' In my I write to congratulate you on the state" mostly run by failed leaders. opinion, Ghana has no scarcity launch of The New Legon Observer. of potential great leaders. We As a young person who was getting Some of the questions our future must make our politics just almost cynical about my generation's President must answer and indeed attractive to those willing serve seeming apathy and indifference to have the political will and and die for Ghana. issues of scholarly excellence and competence to deal with are: bigger discussion of national How do we get law and order development, I was particularly How do we rid our very to work in bringing true impressed about the inter- democratic institutions meaning to our Freedom and generational representation at your (including the media) of the Justice aspiration? Are we all launch. Well done! perceived cancerous truly the same before the Law? corruption, so they can earn Your maiden edition touched on very the trust, confidence and How do we build a national critical issues that must engage our credibility to function accountability and attention as a people and as leaders. 5ustainably? Or are we performance culture to get the The recognition by all contributors expecting too much here organs of state and even the that ours is a country at the cross- because the very political private sector perform in line roads after a patchy history in search system to select Presidential with our long term national of greatness. We must definitely do aspirants is itself perceived to development interests' things differently. be fr2~:J.1~· :'\.t.:; damning corruption? I am confident in the future of Ghana As we enter 2008, let us hope that j udging from the progress we have our Presidential aspirants will seize How do we sanitise our made since 1993, albeit at a slow the platform to offer quality and political system to produce pace. For the future, let us stretch robust debate on some of these true, hard-working, selfless our political leaders (hopefully we will critica l issues to achieve the dream of leaders with virtue and vision? produce good ones' ) to their limits, a developed Ghana. Ours should be a Ghana definitely is not for the for Ghana deserves nothing short of truly new African civilisation in which highest bidder. The so-called the best' As Martin Luther King lnr. Ghana and other countries must 'Moneycracy" creeping into our said, let us confront the future with provide leadership. Standards have body politic is most dangerous "fierce urgency now", Long live New Legon Observer; long live the Ghana Civilisation project! Yaw Twum Asante Legon December 11, 2007 26 • LETTERS TO THE EDITOR • HYDROPONICS ... Dear Editor, an important ingredient in i. these politicians went to prison for hydroponics. Unless of course what this alleged offence after the 1981 I have read and thoroughly enjoyed Uncle Ebow wrote was the Civil coup, tried by a tribunal whose sense the article written by Mr Ebow Daniel Servant's contribution to the "Ghana of justice or legitimacy was highly • entitled "The Ghana Dictionary Dictionary Project", that is, the civil questionable. Project (Corruption Revisited)". As servant himself did not even know usual Uncle Ebow writes on very the actual definition of what he ii. The politicians defended them- serious issues with his witty light- claimed he took the money for. selves during their trial, and rightly heartedness, making the reader so, that the one million dollars laugh while still pondering over the Secondly, in the first paragraph of the allegedly taken, was actually ne- serious issues being discussed . third column of page 23, Uncle Ebow gotiated for by them and USED to discusses the issue of an alleged rehabilitate and resettle the soldiers However, even though I come from bribe taken by some old politicians who had staged the 1979 coup and Ka wano paa do (shut up your during the "Third Republic", for which were refUSing to hand over power to mouth) in Cape Coast, I cannot they went to prison. What Uncle the duly elected government of Dr. simply keep my mouth (or is it my Ebow fails to mention is that Umann unless they were "properly computer) shut on two issues and adequately settled", Since the touched on by Uncle Ebow, especially then elected government had still not if The New Legon Observer is to live been sworn in, they could obviously up to its reputation of accurately not use public funds to get rid of informing and properly educating its these soldiers and take the reins of readers. power. In paragraph one, second column The only avenue open to them was to page 24, Ebow says a certain look for funds elsewhere, and their Principal Secretary, (a very senior good old friend Savundra readily civil servant) in his attempt to explain obliged, but for reasons I am not in a that money he took in 1966 was no position to expatiate on . There are bribe but was the giver's contribution records to prove that every member to conduct experiments in of the then AFRC received his due "HYDROPONICS, which is the science share. The politicians said they only of growing tomatoes or other vege- received a fraction of the said one tables WITHOUT THE AID OF million dollars as their "consultancy WATER" (emphasis mine). I am not fees" for negotiating the loan, which too sure whether Uncle Ebow was was to be repaid once the elected directly quoting what the Principal government was legitimately sworn Secretary said in court or was giving in. But in the atmosphere of the post his own definition of "Hydroponics". 1981 coup, staged by one of these But as far as I am aware, same soldiers who had allegedly also "HydroponiCS" is exactly the opposite received his share of the settlement of what Ebow wrote in his article. It funds, no such argument could be is defined in various dictionaries (Not tolerated in the tribunals that were the yet to be published Ghana one) set up to t ry the politicians. as "the art or practice of growing vegetables or other plants IN A I ronica lly 20 odd years after, we are CHEMICAL SOLUTION WITHOUT hearing of persons who were deeply SOIL". Water is therefore very much Water Propagated Bamboo involved in both the 1979 and 1981 27 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR military regimes, and of reports Kenya elections must have left a sour are indirectly telling us that the describing monies they have taken taste in many people's mouths. In the Chairman of our own Pan-African from a certain foreign industrial midst of all the violence, no less a organisation, the African Union, has conglomerate to ensure for them person than the AU Chairman is less clout to attempt mediation in an monopolistic rights in that particular requested by his peers to attempt to African crisis than the Deputy Foreign industrial sector, as "consultancy initiate some form of African Minister of the United States! If this is fees". How fast the world goes round mediation, and he is told in no not Neo-colonialism in full force, then when it comes to justifying corrupt or uncertain terms by the disputed I do not know what else is. But what unethical behaviour! winner, President Kibaki , through his do we expect in a situation where any Finance Minister, that the AU small fry from America or Europe can Yours sincerely, Chairman is not welcome in Kenya gain audience with our African because the matter is an internal leaders within 24 hours of setting Buronyi Brookman Kenyan one that does not merit foot on our soil with any vague Richardson intervention by the AU. President promise of bringing in investment or Kawaanopaado Kufuor'$ intended visit is therefore development' What do we expect Cape Coast aborted. Then Archbishop Desmond when people will fall head over heels Tutu, an African with a colossal moral to install inSignificant visitors to our 4th January 2008 stature, goes to Nairobi with the shores as "Nkosuohene" whenever intention of trying to talk to the two they are on any innocuous tangential protagonists. He manages to meet visit to our countries, when our own and talk to the opposition leader citizens can take literally weeks or The AU and the Raila Odinga, but it takes him two full months to get an appointment with days to manage to have audience their own President or even a Aftermath of the with President Kibaki , at which Minister? Nkrumah and his fellow Kenyan Elections meeting nothing fruitful is achieved. fighters for Africa's freedom and 24 hours later there is an dignity must be turning in their announcement that the Assistant graves if they have any strength left Dear Editor Secretary of State of the United in them to observe what is going on States in charge of African Affairs, a in Africa from wherever they may The cold shoulder given AU Chairman poSition equivalent to that of our currently be. President l.A. Kufuor by the Kenyan Deputy Foreign Minister, is to visit authorities in the aftermath of the Kenya. He gets there within hours of Just as I was writing this letter, I the announcement and immediately heard on the BBC that President gets full audience with the opposition Kufuor is to attempt another leader Raila Odinga, followed a few mediatation visit to Kenya, And guess hours later by a long meeting with what - the visit is being facilitated by President Kibaki himself. this same American Assistant Secre- tary of State' I hope this time round For God's sake what has become of he will get the respect he deserves as the pride and dignity of Africa that the current AU Chairman. our former leaders like Nkrumah, •• - Nyerere and Kenyatta built' Any of Yours Sincerely, these leaders will either have told this - American official to "go to hell" or Kwame Elea 0""'. handed her over to her counterpart, P. O. Box LG 588 , Legon '- " < •• a Deputy Foreign Minister, to deal ~ with. She will not have been given 6th January 2008 any direct audience with the Presideot, and at so short a notice. In effect the two protagonists in Kenya 28 __ --------------------------------------------------------1 , LETTERS TO THE EDITOR THE "RED TAPE" AT THE CASTLE Letter from Atsu Aryee It is an undeniable fact that the (astle, Osu, the seat of government, • is a security zone and therefore a restricted area. This gives it an "awesome" posture, which thankfully has been reduced by Kufuor's New Patriotic Party (NPP) government through making it more accessible to the general public. Doing business at the Castle can, however, be sometimes frustrating, especially when one is a first time "visitor", because of what can be The Castle . Osu referred to as "red tape". The first other particulars to be taken. On non-expert in security matters, one is sense of frustration is noticed when satisfying that one is a "visitor", an completely at sea as to why letters one is driving along the road identification tag is given while one's should be sent to receptions inside approaching the Castle. There is a mobile phone is collected and the Castle itself when there is an roundabout, which is not clearly returned after the "visit". All letters "outer" reception . marked, thus making one to drive belonging to the Chief of Staff and through the stretch of road which is Minister for Presidential Affairs are The Castle, as the seat of reserved only for use by the collected at the first " inner" reception government, has grown to become a President. This normally attracts while those for the Secretary to the bureaucracy in itself, which is stern warning of "go and sin no (abinet are deposited at the second understandable, given the complexity more" from the security personnel "inner" one. Is it possible that, of government business. This after one has alighted at the car park depending on the addressees, there notwithstanding, bureaucratic "red in front of the (astle. may be several other "inner" tape" (not in its pejorative sense) is receptions for speCific letters to be one of the many ways of organising One's frustration increases when one deposited. work in the public sector to bring tries to transact business such as together the work of many indi- simply delivering a letter either to the This episode of the "visitor" to the viduals in order to achieve purpose Chief of Staff and Minister for castle raises a number of questions far beyond the capabilities of any Presidential Affairs or the Secretary which demand answers. First, why single individual. Its values of to the Cabinet. The "outer" reception should a mundane business of effiCiency and responsiveness are the at the car park is not clearly marked delivering letters find the "visitor" key measures of the success of any and one is forced to ask some inside the Castle? Is it to bring organisation, including the operations workers about its location . On effiCiency and effectiveness in the of the (astle. entering the office and the letter is operation of government? Secondly, shown to the receptionist, one is told why should letter(s) not be collected Atsu Aryee, Professor of Political to send the letter to the "inner" at the "outer" reception? Is it a Science and Dean, Faculty of reception, which is inside the castle. security risk or is there a previous Social Studies, Legon. At the Castle the "visitor" meets a bad experience of leaving letters security official who will ask that there? Thirdly, is entering the (astle 7th January, 2008 he/she sees another official in an to deliver letters not a security risk in adjoining room for his/her name and itself, which can be avoided? As a 29 INVITATION FOR ARTICLES Articles are invited on politics, policy, economics, science and technology, society, education, the law, sports, arts and culture and any subjects that will contribute towards raising the level of discourse in Ghana's development dialogue. From:~ Humorous and satirical articles and articles with an international or regional perspective will be regularty • Airport Shell featured . • University Bookshop, Legon Good illustrations, photographs and well executed cartoons are particularly welcome. • MaxMart at A&C Shopping Mall, EastLegon Artides must be no less than 500 words and no longer than 1500 words. • Media Phannacy, East Legon Please submit soft copies of articles by e·mail to : • KOALA, Osu newlegonobserver@ug.edu,gh • Circle, Accra • News Vendors Association of Attention Acting Editor, The New Legon Observer, Ghana, Circle for nationwide letters to the editor must have the full name, address and contact details of the sender. distribution • All TOTAL (Bonjour) Shops Articles will be accepted if they satisfy the quality and relevant conditions set by the Editorial Board . 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