Two peacekeepers who were missing after an attack on an African Union-United Nations patrol in Darfur have made a safe return with the assistance of the local population, the joint mission reported today.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for calm in Togo, where the provisional results of the 4 March presidential election were announced on Saturday, and for any grievances to be resolved through the proper channels.

Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore took aim at skeptics who doubt the reality of human-caused climate change, saying he wished it were an illusion but that the problem is real and urgent.

Gore, who has made the fight against climate change his signature issue since leaving the White House in 2001, specifically addressed challenges to the accuracy of findings by the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

“I, for one, genuinely wish that the climate crisis were an illusion,” Gore wrote in an op-ed piece in The New York Times.

“But unfortunately, the reality of the danger we are courting has not been changed by the discovery of at least two mistakes” in reports by the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Gore wrote Sunday in The New York Times. “The overwhelming consensus on global warming remains unchanged,” he says, adding:

In fact, the crisis is still growing because we are continuing to dump 90 million tons of global-warming pollution every 24 hours into the atmosphere — as if it were an open sewer.

Climate skeptics, citing recent snowfall in parts of the East Coast, have mocked Gore. Tycoon Donald Trump says Gore should be stripped of his Nobel Peace Prize for warning about climate change. “It’s going to keep snowing in D.C. until Al Gore cries “uncle,”" Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., wrote on Twitter.

Climate change skeptics have also pointed to errors in the panel’s landmark 2007 report — an overestimate of how fast Himalayan glaciers would melt in a warming world and incorrect information on how much of the Netherlands is below sea level — as signs that the report’s basic conclusions are flawed.

Gore’s defense of the panel’s findings came two days after the United Nations announced that an independent scientific board would review the panel’s work in light of the errors.

Gore says global data show last month was the second-hottest January since surface temperatures were first measured 130 years ago and the last 10 years were the hottest decade since modern records have been kept, the latter the subject of a report released recently by NASA.

He says these rising temperatures have increased evaporation from the oceans, putting more moisture into the atmosphere and thus heavier rain and snow in some areas.

Gore, author of the best-selling An Inconvenient Truth and founder of the Alliance for Climate Protection, acknowledges at least two mistakes in the thousands of pages published by the U.N.’s International Panel on Climate Change or IPCC. He says such research will never be “completely free of mistakes.”

The IPCC, which shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with Gore for a report that called climate change “unequivocal” and “very likely” caused by human activity, announced Saturday that it will seek independent review of its major reports.

A December meeting in Copenhagen that aimed to bring about a global agreement failed to reach this goal, and Gore blamed inaction in the U.S. Senate. Gore says the U.S. Senate needs to pass legislation, already approved by the House, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Because the world still relies on leadership from the United States, the failure by the Senate to pass legislation intended to cap American emissions before the Copenhagen meeting guaranteed that the outcome would fall far short of even the minimum needed to build momentum toward a meaningful solution,” Gore wrote.

Three U.S. senators — Democrat John Kerry, Republican Lindsey Graham and Independent Joe Lieberman — have proposed to restart the process by dumping across-the-board cap-and-trade provisions in favor of sectoral approaches to cutting greenhouse gas provisions.

The new bipartisan bill could target individual sectors and move away from a system used in Europe in which companies would buy and sell the right to pollute, a process that caps and eventually reduces emissions blamed for heating the Earth.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who’s been working with Democrats to craft a compromise, says the current so-called “cap and trade” bill won’t pass.

In an op-ed piece Sunday by The New York Times’ Thomas Friedman, Graham is quoted as saying that Republicans need to support some kind of climate bill even if they don’t believe in global warming.

Graham says the United States needs to reduce its dependence on foreign oil and compete with China for clean energy jobs. He says the GOP needs to regain the support of young Americans, most of whom are concerned about climate change.

Gore says U.S. industry also needs to back a climate bill, but he likens its reluctance to Big Tobacco’s decades-long fight against regulation:

Over the years, as the science has become clearer and clearer, some industries and companies whose business plans are dependent on unrestrained pollution of the atmospheric commons have become ever more entrenched. They are ferociously fighting against the mildest regulation — just as tobacco companies blocked constraints on the marketing of cigarettes for four decades after science confirmed the link of cigarettes to diseases of the lung and the heart.

Source:
USA Today, “Al Gore wishes global warming wasn’t real“, accessed March 2, 2010
Times Colonist, “Al Gore takes aim at climate change skeptics“, accessed March 2, 2010

Live in Small Bitescopyright SM Pratt2008 - 2010

Wen Jiabao and Kim Jong-Il during a Chinese state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The DPRK is demanding direct talks with the US over major issues.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos

China plans industrial system of low-carbon emissions: premier

Xinhua

BEIJING–CHINA will build an “industrial system” and “consumption pattern” with low carbon emissions, Premier Wen Jiabao said in the government work report delivered at the parliament’s annual session yesterday.

The country will work hard to develop low-carbon technologies as well as new and renewable energy resources to actively respond to climate change, Wen said at the session of the National People’s Congress, adding that the development of smart power grids should be intensified.

Other measures to combat climate change include increasing forest carbon sinks and expanding China’s forests by at least 5.92 million hectares in 2010.

He promised that China will participate in international cooperation to address climate change and work for further progress in the global cause.

Premier Wen also addressed energy conservation, environmental protection and the development of a circular economy.

“We will increase our energy-saving capacity by an equivalent of 80 million tonnes of standard coal,” he said.

The daily sewage treatment capacity will increase by 15 million cubic metres and the daily garbage disposal capacity will grow by 60 000 tonnes.

For developing a circular economy, Wen said China will utilise mineral resources, recycle industrial waste, use by-product heat and pressure to generate electricity, and transform household solid waste into resources.

A draft plan for China’s national economic and social development submitted to the NPC yesterday also pledged that the country would formulate and implement policies to meet its action targets for limits on greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, and to promote international talks on countering climate change.

“Both Wen’s work report and the draft plan showcased China’s strong determination to improve energy conservation and reduce greenhouse gas emission,” said Chen Ying, a researcher at the Research Center for Sustainable Development under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Noticing Wen spoke at length of China’s economic restructuring and the transformation of economic growth pattern in his work report, Chen said the two issues were both of “decisive importance” to China’s goals of energy conservation and low carbon emission.

“Technological advancement alone cannot achieve these goals. Not without changes to the economic growth pattern,” she said.

Energy conservation and greenhouse gas emission reduction have become issues of wide public concern in China in the past few years.

In November last year, the Chinese government announced a “voluntary action” before the Copenhagen Conference, to reduce the intensity of carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP in 2020 by 40 to 45 percent compared with 2005 levels, in order to address global climate change.

On March 1, the National Development and Reform Commission also confirmed the government would take concrete actions to develop a low-carbon economy. The country would include the low-carbon targets in the 12th five year plan for national economic development (2011-2015) to build an energy-saving, ecologically friendly society, the commission said.

It would launch a series of technological and fiscal support policies to promote the use of non-fossil, renewable energies including wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and nuclear power, aiming to increase its proportion of primary energy consumption to about 15 percent by 2020 from 9.9 percent at yearend 2009.

But Chen admitted it was too early to rest assured.

“According to the 11th five year plan (2006-2010), China’s per unit GDP energy consumption should be reduced by 20 percent at yearend 2010 compared with 2005 levels,” she said.

However, according to Premier Wen’s work report, from 2006 to 2009, energy consumption per unit of GDP fell only 14.38 percent, she said.

“China’s goal in cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 2020 is very challenging,” Chen said, “We do indeed need step up efforts.” — Xinhua.

Symbolizing the People’s Republic of China’s eagerness to win new friends in Africa, Mao Tse-Tung (right) extends the hand of friendship to Ghana’s President Kwame Nkrumah at a July 28, 1962 meeting in Hangchow, China.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos

China congratulates Ghana on Independence

March 05, 2010

Accra, March 5, GNA - President Hu Jintao has on behalf of the Government and People of the People’s Republic of China extended warm congratulations and best wishes to the President, Government and People of Ghana on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of their independence.

President Hu in a release from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Accra on Friday said, over the years Ghana has made remarkable achievements in various fields in pursuit of her national development agenda; enjoyed political stability; sustainable economic development for many years and played a positive role in safeguarding peace in Africa.

He commended Ghana for properly addressing the challenges of the international financial crisis last year and achieving positive results in stabilizing the economy, maintaining social stability and improving the livelihood of the people.

It said China cherished its traditional friendship with Ghana, which “is currently in good momentum”, adding that this year also marked the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, and “China is willing, in joint effort with Ghana to vigorously put new impetus to the China-Ghana friendship”.

The Independence of Ghana Is Still Meaningless Unless…

On the eve of independence, some 53 years ago, Dr. Nkrumah made one of the most inspirational speeches known in African and World politics. The speech is usually remembered for ‘the often referred to’ statement, “the independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up to the total liberation of Africa”.

This statement was true and relevant at the time it was made and is even more relevant in modern times albeit in a different context. Nkrumah had a blueprint for a united Africa and took steps to ensure that the foregoing statement became a reality.

Although some of the steps he took towards achieving a united Africa were criticised, the man went to the extent of getting married to a non Ghanaian to demonstrate his commitment to this cause. I strongly believe when Nkrumah made that statement he was referring to the political and economic independence of Africa.

All African countries are now rid of their respective colonial masters with Africans controlling and governing the affairs of African countries. This was only a step in Nkrumah’s blueprint. The man wanted more than that.

Political instability continues to trouble African countries. And it is understandable why that is so (at least in some cases). Tribalism plays a critical and very sensitive role in African politics. There are all sorts of power sharing agreements across the continent for various reasons. I am sure this was not the political independence Nkrumah visualised.

However, all has not been lost. Some African countries have been able to build a political system that actually works. Botswana is a very good example but Ghana is a better example. Of course it is. If it was not, Obama would not have visited and praised Ghana’s good governance.

However, I am almost certain Nkrumah’s vision will not be realised any time soon because many African countries – if not all – are not economically independent. We depend on foreign aid and loans from developed countries and international financial institutions.

More often than not, we are not in a position to negotiate the terms of these loan agreements and sign these agreements with absolute disregard for the long term effects on our development. Ghana is no exception.

In the past year, I have come across many ambitious young men who have expressed an interest in running for the office of president of Ghana. First of all, it is a good thing to know the youth is interested in the politics of their country.

Secondly, it is an even better thing to know they all have development of the Ghana as an agenda. As I spoke with these ambitious young men, I realised they all had brilliant policies and ideas; that when implemented accordingly, will definitely move the country forward economically and politically.

My only problem with the policies and ideas these ambitious young men spoke of was that the policies and ideas were only with concerned the development of Ghana. This brings me back to the title of this short note – the independence of Ghana is still meaningless unless… Personally, I do not think a united Africa can be achieved. The continent is too large to make that a reality.

Nonetheless, a strongly integrated region is not farfetched. If Ghana manages to become economically independent leaving its neighbours and fellow members of ECOWAS behind, a situation will be created whereby citizens of other ECOWAS countries will end up in Ghana seeking greener pastures. A burden will then be placed on the Ghanaian economy to the detriment of Ghanaians.

Moreover, if any of the ECOWAS countries encounter severe political instability; their citizens will seek refuge in a politically stable Ghana – again, placing a burden on the Ghanaian economy.

I am not saying we should focus on integrating the region and concentrate less on our own development. Instead, the development of the region should be incidental to the development of Ghana. After all, we have nothing to lose if that happens. A strong regional body – similar to the EU – puts both the region and countries within the region at par when negotiating trade agreements and economic policies with the rest of the world.

The concerns of the members of the region and the region as a whole will not only be heard but also taken into account. So on this 53rd Independence Day of Ghana, I reiterate Dr. Nkrumah’s statement with a slight modification – “the independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up to the total economic liberation of West Africa”.

Happy Independence!!!

Written and Edited by:
Kow A. Essuman Esq.
LL.B. Hons (Westminster), PgDip (BPP), LL.M. (Cornell)
Barrister-at-Law (Lincoln’s Inn)
Attorney and Counselor-at-Law (New York)

Parade of School Children Marks Independence Anniversary

Saturday, 06 March 2010 12:21

A parade of school children, made-up of basic and second cycle schools, and gymnastic display climaxed Ghana’s 53rd Independence Anniversary celebrations at the Independence Square in Accra today. The President and Commander of the Ghana Armed Forces, Professor John Evans Atta Mills reviewed the parade.

As early as 6:30am, the contingents and the security personnel started arriving at the parade grounds.

They were followed by the Service Commanders, Inspector General of Police, and the Chief of the Defence Staff. Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of Parliament, Ministers of Parliament, Ministers of State and members of the Council of State.

Former President Kufuor, former Vice President Aliu Mahama, and their spouses, the chairman of the Council of State, Chief Justice and Speaker of Parliament followed in order.

After the arrival of the Vice President, Mr. John Mahama to the parade ground, the contingent 1,860 pupils and 65 teachers immaculately dressed and under the command of Mr. Frank Larnyo, marched briskly on the parade ground.

The arrival of President Mills’ Presidential convoy, led by the Police Mounted Squadron, smartly dressed in blue ceremonial uniform, at the parade ground was greeted with a Fanfare by the Police Band located at the Independence Arch.

The President took the national salute, which was followed by Christian and Muslim prayers offered by pupils from Calvary Methodist Junior High School and Khariya Islamic Schools all from Adabraka. The President, in the company of the Minister for Education, and the Parade Commander, inspected the contingents and lit the perpetual flame. He was assisted by Master Adu Poku, last year’s overall best student of the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination.

The Contingents then briefly marched off the parade ground to make way for the gymnastic group. The group, dressed in white and traditional wear, some of them carrying fruits performed different art forms to the admiration of the audience.

Their performance was followed by three traditional choreograph dances. They were the Kete dance, a traditional dance of the Akans performed during state functions, durbars and installations of chiefs which was performed by Ablekuma South Metro Schools.

The Labone Senior High School performed the Bamaya Dance, which is also a festive dance among the Dagombas and performed during state functions. The Adjewaa dance, a practically female dance is performed during weddings and child naming among Fantes and was performed by the O’Reilly Senior high school.

The Mass band, made up of the Boys Brigade, Great Lamptey Mills School, Providence, and Mary Mother of God Council, then took their place in front of the presidential dais and played the national anthem amidst 21 gun salute. The Ghana Air force Jets flew over the ground.

All the contingents led by their teachers then smartly marched past the Presidential dais, while Prof John Evan Atta Mills took the salute. The President’s welcomed address was heralded by drum appellation by Mater Victor Nii Amoo and Miss Mavis Nyarko.

President Mills then addressed the large audiences gathered at the parade grounds with his Government’s commitment not to renege on their pledge to give depth, verve, and modern day meaning to Ghana’s educational system which will create opportunities the youth.

He advised the youth to take advantage of the opportunities available, since there is no short cut to success.

Source: ISD (Elorm Ametepe)
Photo: Nana Kwesi Appiah

President Kwame Nkrumah of the First Republic of Ghana in 1962. Ghana was the beacon of national independence and socialism in Africa during this period.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos

Ghana’s 53rd Independence Anniversary And The Need To Reflect …

…..ON THE SELFLESSNESS AND DEVELOPENT IDEALS OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS OF THE NATION

BY MANASSEH AZURE AWUNI, STUDENT JOURNALIST

Some people have argued that the march past to mark our independence has outlived its uniqueness. To them, we either have to find a new way of celebrating our independence or we stop it altogether since at fifty-three there is nothing significant worth celebrating.

Unknown to these unpatriotic pessimists, the school children who take part in the Independence Day parade at all levels take much pride in being part of the day. For those privileged enough to mark the day at the Independence Square, it is an experience of a life time.

Fifty-three years ago, it was this same pride and patriotism which impelled the founding fathers of this nation to forgo their personal comfort to fight for independence. Despites threats to their lives and imprisonment, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and his compatriots chose courage over fear, toil over comfort and democracy over colonialism.

Indeed, it was the likes of Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela and Robert Gabriel Mugabe who introduced democracy to Africa. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, the architect of India’s independence, “the only way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service to mankind.” Indeed Nkrumah lost himself in his selfless service to humankind and like a lamp set on a mountain; the light of his exploits could not and can still not be dimmed by his sworn enemies and detractors.

As we pay tribute to our freedom fighters, the question every Ghanaian needs to pause ponder over is whether this is the nation the founding fathers were prepared to die for. We have lagged behind if we compare our progress to countries like Singapore, Malaysia and India who were not better than us at independence. Both Ghana and Malaysia gained independence in 1957.

At independence, Ghana’s per capita income was 390 US dollars while that of Malaysia was 270 US dollars. After fifty years, Malaysia has a per capita income of over 5000 US dollars while Ghana’s goal of becoming a middle-income country with a per capita income of 1000 US dollars by 2015 still remains a mirage. Ask any Ghanaian the source of our woes, and like well-rehearsed chorus, they are most likely to heap the blame on coup makers and military regimes.

Our collective failure as a nation to make long term economic policies and take advantage of the very resources that have buoyed the economies of many nations is the real cause of our stagnation if not retrogression. One of such resources is oil palm, which was first taken to Malaysia as an ornamental plant, which we are yet to realize its commercial importance and take any meaningful initiative.

It is true that the numerous political detractions are partly responsible for our development woes but much of stagnation stems from our collective actions and inactions. It is not only the coup makers who are to blame for the corruption which is endemic in every sphere of our national life. The coup makers are not responsible for the millions of Ghana Cedis that is spent annually on managing waste.

The coup makers are certainly not responsible for the gross indiscipline on our roads, the growing irresponsibility of public and civil servants and the incurable indiscipline of the youth in whose hands lies the destiny of our dear nation.

In fact, we are all guilty of the broken walls of our dear nation and are therefore all involved in building our mother land. Ghana is the only country we can call our own. It is only in this land that we are all entitled to unfettered freedom.

This is the land of our birth and its progress must be the collective responsibility of all who bear the Ghanaian identity. Happy Independence Anniversary to all, especially the youth, who stand for this cause; and may the good God bless our homeland Ghana.