Ho, May 31, GNA - Mr Isaac Kodobisah, Ho Municipal Chief Executive, has asked those opposed to public officials to spare them the constant insults and proffer constructive suggestions instead. He gave the advice at the inauguration of Unit Committees in the Municipal area. Mr Kodobisah said the municipal area would be better served if those who knew better helped public officials to lay a strong foundation for development so that if that 93better person comes" he or she would have something concrete to build on. He asked: 93If it is just insults and insults then where are we going?" 93We need all of you on board for the development of the Municipality." "On many occasions your telephone would ring and you would reply with courtesy only to be greeted with insults, but as a public official you have to restrain yourself," he told the Unit Committee members. Mr Kodobisah said there were many development projects going on in the municipal area, not just in Ho but many people did not seem to appreciate these. He said the Assembly would, therefore, periodically make available to Unit Committees lists of completed, on-going and proposed projects for the information of the public. 31 May 11=09 =09

NPOL 008 Politics Cabinet Approval Minister of Information briefs media on government business at Cabinet

Accra, May 31, GNA - The Minister of Information, John Tia Akologu, on Tuesday announced that Cabinet had approved credit agreements between government and some financial institutions for onward submission to Parliament for ratification. They were agreements between government and The Trust Bank Ghana to finance supply of electrical cables and conductors for the implementation of Self-Help Electrification Programme, and Social Security and National Insurance Trust for the construction of a 34-court room complex for the Judicial Service. Others were purchase of an Embracer 190 Aircraft, Related Integrated Logistic support package and the construction of a hanger; agreement with Fidelity Bank Ghana to finance the acquisition of Ex-German Naval Boats. In addition, is a $70 million agreement with the International Development Association to finance skills and technology development and a further $50 million to finance the Second Land Administration Project. Mr Akologu was addressing a press conference to highlight government's business at Cabinet between April 20 and May 13, in Accra. The monthly briefing is being instituted by the Ministry to keep the public abreast of government decisions and approval by Cabinet. The decisions would reflect major discussions on the economy, agriculture, infrastructure as well as the social sector and how government was tackling issues towards the achievement of the 93Better Ghana Agenda". Mr Akologu said other agreements approved included a loan with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China of $990 million for the construction of Accra-Tema, Accra-Nsawam and Accra James Town Railway lines on Standard Gauge. Others are a loan facility of $103 million from Citi Bank of South Africa to finance the National Electrification Scheme in Upper East Region. Cabinet has also approved ratification of the statute for the International Renewal Energy Agency, Cinematograph Act 1961 (Act 76), restructuring of the debt, technical, operational and financial diagnostic of Tema Oil Refinery, proposal for a credit facility of $175 million from the World Bank to finance the Local Government Capacity Support Project. Mr Akologu said government would review the Ghana Police Service regulation 2011 to bring the personnel in line with modern day policing to enhance performance. "As a way and in line with government's decision for Ghanaians to patronise Made-in-Ghana goods, Cabinet has decided that State institutions should adopt local cuisine/gastronomy at organised State functions. "A directive to this effect has already been issued to all heads of government departments and agencies for compliance. Cabinet has also given approval to the Marine Pollution Bill and would soon be laid before Parliament," he added. Mr Akologu expressed the hope that information from government to the people would be sustained on regular basis not only to enhance good governance but also to reduce speculations in the media with regard to government activities and programmes. "It is my hope that these interactions will bear fruits as well as strengthen the cordial relationship between the Ministry, media and the public. I call on Ghanaians to show interest in those issues before Parliament," he added. 31 May 11