DIFFUSION OF INNOVATION THEORY

Diffusion is the process by which an innovation is communicated through certain channels over time among the members of a social system. Diffusion is a special type of communication concerned with the spread of messages that are perceived as new ideas.

An innovation, simply put, is “an idea perceived as new by the individual.”
An innovation is an idea, practice, or object that is perceived as new by an individual or other unit of adoption. The characteristics of an innovation, as perceived by the members of a social system, determine its rate of adoption.
The four main elements in the diffusion of new ideas are:
(1) The innovation
(2) Communication channels
(3) Time
(4) The social system (context)

For the innovation to be widely accepted by a section of people, it should have some main qualities which include;
Relative advantage, compactibility, complexity, observability, triality.

COMMUNICATION:
Communication is the process by which participants create and share information with one another in order to reach a mutual understanding.

A communication channel is the means by which messages get from one individual to another. Mass media channels are more effective in creating knowledge of innovations, whereas interpersonal channels are more effective in forming and changing attitudes toward a new idea, and thus in influencing the decision to adopt or reject a new idea.

Most individuals evaluate an innovation, not on the basis of scientific research by experts, but through the subjective evaluations of near-peers who have adopted the innovation.

Time:
The time dimension is involved in diffusion in three ways. First, time is involved in the innovation-decision process.

The innovation decision process is the mental process through which an individual (or other decision making unit) passes from first knowledge of an innovation to forming an attitude toward the innovation, to a decision to adopt or reject, to implementation of the new idea, and to
Confirm this decision.

An individual seeks information at various stages in the innovation-decision process in order to decrease uncertainty about an innovation's expected consequences.

The social system
The fourth main element in the diffusion of new ideas is the social system. A social system is defined as a set of interrelated units that are engaged in joint problem-solving to accomplish a common goal.

The members or units of a social system may be individuals, informal groups,organizations, and/or subsystems. The social system constitutes a boundary within which an innovation diffuses. How the system's social structure affects diffusion has been studied. A second area of research involved how norms affect diffusion.

Norms are the established behavior patterns for the members of a social system. A third area of research has had to do with opinion leadership, the degree to which an individual is able to influence informally other individuals' attitudes or over behavior in a desired way with relative frequency.

A change agent is an individual who attempts to influence clients' innovation-decisions in a direction that is deemed desirable by a change agency.





http://www.indiana.edu/~t581qual/Assignments/Diffusion_of_Innovations/pdf/

wikipedia

COALITION URGES PARLIAMENT TO PASS RTI BILL AS A MATTER OF URGENCY.

The Coalition on the Right to Information Ghana, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO)has urged Parliament to as a matter of urgency, pass the Right to Information Bill (RTI). The request is aimed to guarantee citizens’ citizen’s access to information as provided in the Constitution. The non-governmental organisation (NGO) made the appeal at a news conference aimed at sensitizing the citizenry on the latest developments on the RTI Bill in Accra yesterday. Addressing the media, Nana Oye Lithur, expressed disappointment at the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Communications and Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, delay in submitting their report to Parliament. She however, recalled that the RTI Bill which was first laid before Parliament in February, 2010 took over another year to collate views from Ghanaians through regional consultations. Nana Oye Lithur, a human rights advocate, therefore laid the blame on the Select Joint Committee. She said the coalition submitted an option paper to the Joint Committee suggesting specific amendments to the bill. The suggestions included timeliness, appeal processes, exemptions, fees and the issue of an Independent Information Commission (IIC). “The Joint Committee omitted the question of timeliness for disclosure of information upon request, a matter that was major throughout the regional consultations” she added. She also noted that the issue of the IIC brought up some differences as the Joint Committee suggested the Commission for Human Right and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) for that role. She said the coalition’s was of the view that CHRAJ had a three-pronged mandate of tackling anti-corruption, human right and Ombudsman which they thought would make it overburdened, therefore the need for the Commission. She explained that the Joint committee had not informed the Coalition of its findings after regional consultations despite their several requests. Nana Oye Lithur noted that Mr. Cletus Avoka, the Majority Leader in parliament assured the coalition that Parliament would pass the bill before going on recess by July, 2012 adding that, “we have barely 8 working days to the end of July and we have not heard anything.” She further called on the public to guard against any attempt to pass a frail Bill which not reflect true transparency and accountability from public officials. Professor Kwame Kakakari who chaired the function called on citizenry to lobby their respective Members of Parliament to help pass the bill as soon as possible. He hinted that the coalition wanted a quality RTI Bill for Ghanaians. The Vice President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Affail Monney impressed upon the media to consider the RTI Bill as very necessary for their profession. He urged media houses to give it the necessary prominence to ensure that the Bill was passed into law quickly. “The media stand to benefit mostly from this bill as accurate information is very paramount to the profession” he said.

Embassy Fair Organised In Accra

A maiden embassy fair has been organised in Accra yesterday for embassies and diplomatic missions in Ghana. The move is to educate the general public about the activities of such institutions.

Organised by Precise Marketing Solutions Limited, the two-day Embassy Fair aims to encourage the embassies to promote their services and show-case their achievements and contributions they had made to the socio-economic development of Ghana

In her opening remarks, the Head of Mission at the African Union (AU) Diaspora African Forum, Dr. Erieka Bennett called on Ghanaians to liaise with the Diaspora community to explore opportunities in Africa for sustainable economic. She said the Diaspora community contributed about 1.2 billion dollars to the economy to help accelerate the pace of economic development.

The South African High Commissioner, Jeanette Ndhlovu explained that South Africans were becoming fond of Ghanaians after the impressive performance of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. “South Africa regards Ghana as a friendly destination for trade and investment especially in areas like Mining and Agriculture” she said.

The Deputy Head of Mission at the Turkish Embassy, Ipek Zeytinoglu, urged businesses to explore business opportunities in Turkey. “We provide the Ghanaian construction industry with some materials as our citizens also buy raw materials from Ghana for further processing” she added.

The Chief Executive Officer of Precise Marketing Solutions, Stephen Gyasi-Kwaw explained that the event was to offer Ghanaians some education by the diplomatic community of their respective country as well as promote the services and facilities they have to offer.

“This event is to help bring the missions together and educate Ghanaians on their operations, showcase their business and investment opportunities in their respective countries” he added He asked Ghanaian businesses and companies to leverage on the opportunity provided by the fair to network in order to tap into the competitive global market.

“Generally, we aim to bridge the information gap between the general public and diplomatic missions in Ghana in visa and travel information and trade and investment advice,” said Mr. Gyasi-Kwaw, adding that the company planned to hold the event annually.

Fire Guts NDC Odododiodio Constituency Office.

Fire on Wednesday gutted the Odododiodio Constituency office of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) near Palladium in Accra. The fire which started around 4pm destroyed the one storey building and damaging properties worth thousands of Ghana Cedis.

When 'The Times got to the scene the police were there to ensure peace and order whiles personnel of the Ghana National Fire battling with the fire. There was also a huge crowd who wanted to catch a glimpse of the incident.

Christopher Tetteh, a victim lamented about the fire outbreak especially not being able to retrieve any of his belonging s and that of the family's. Eyewitness who spoke to Times indicated that nobody was at the office at the time of the outbreak as house occupants were all present at a funeral ceremony of the relative who resided in the house .

The Deputy Public Relations Officer, of the Ghana Fire Service, Prince Billy Anaglate indicated that his men found it difficult to access the place as it was filled with people and vehicles. “There were vehicles and people which made it difficult for us to access the place and interfered in the rapid deployment.

He attributed the difficulty they encounted controlling the fire to the presence of the plastic chairs in the house which he considered very inflammable especially when water is poured on it. When asked if they have enough water to fight the fire, “The number of tankers with two thousand and three thousand water capacities has really help in bringing the fire under control” he noted.

Commenting on the actual cause of the outbreak, he said the cause is not readily known but believes based on the preliminary information gathered indicated that there could be some electrical gadget(s) which was left plugged in the house when the occupants left for a funeral. He therefore assured that investigations would be conducted to unravel the actual cause of the fire outbreak. “There will be investigations which will be done by interviewing people who were before and after the scene and some victims.

Information obtained from these people can assist in arriving at the true cause of the problem” According to him, there were no injuries and casualties.

The Accra Central Divisional Police Commander, Oklu Gyamera cautioned the public to exercise restraint and behave appropriately when such events occur, this he said when not complied to makes their work as well as that of the Fire Service more difficult to handle.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Odododiodio Constituency, Nii Tackie Commey has described the incident as pathetic and rather unfortunate. He said the news of the fire outbreak came as a shock as he together with other constituency executives was sympathizing with the bereaved family of the house.

He noted that the family of the bereaved were dear to his heart and promised to support them in his capacity as MP. “I can’t leave them like that, after the fire service personnel completed their job, I will see what I can do with my widow’s might.” He said. When asked about the burnt constituency office, he said though the office was important, he wants to first concentrate on the victims of the fire outbreak first before tackling their office, he noted. However, the aspiring Member of Parliament for the constituency Nii Lantey Vanderpuye declined to comment on the issues when contacted. END

Youth Must Embrace Entrepreneurship- Musah Mohammed, GM Discovery Int.Group of Companies

The General Manager of Discovery Group of Companies, Musah Mohammed has urged the youth to embrace entrepreneurship and discard the notion that working in a multinational company will make them more successful.

He said most graduates in Ghana are over desirous of working in a multinational company which they deem will make them more successful. He added that entrepreneurship was equally a rewarding venture if taken more seriously.

“Most giant economies in the world are built on individual contributions to the state especially the youth. It is time Ghanaian youths recondition themselves to bring innovative ideas and expertise for sustainable national development” he said.

He made this known at a press launch of Discovery Forum organised by the Discovery International Group of Companies, a multinational company with several subsidiaries like Discovery Energy & Minerals Ltd, Discovery Investments Ltd, Discovery Tourism Bang Ltd, Discovery Multimedia, Discovery Hotels and Discovery Micro Finance Ltd.

According to him, the Discovery Forum is the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility which seeks to address the needs and complexities of job creation to currently augment government’s efforts in creating more jobs for the youth for sustainable national development.

“This programme in a period of two years seek to empower the youth in Ghana and enable them be their own masters as well as to help create employment for thousands of youth through their own efforts”

Mr. Musah explained that the company will assist individuals and organisations to access resource and technical support for their private enterprises. This he said will open opportunities for the beneficiaries and how those opportunities can be explored for their career development and private development.

He noted that his outfit will provide 100,000 jobs for the youth in a space of two years with special areas in Agriculture and the Oil and Gas Industry. “Two years from now the forum will create not more than 100,000 jobs for the youth.

This same initiative has been replicated in countries in the sub-region which used to be war and conflict shackled and has helped their economies immensely” he said.

Speaking briefly on the Discovery Beauty Pageant, the Producer of the programme, Edem Srem indicated that the beauty pageant is unique and different from others as it cuts across age, height, language, and academic qualification. He said the pageant is aimed at searching for beauty with creative talents which can be good for investment for human and national development. He added that the pageant will start at the regional levels and the winners of the various regions will compete for an overall national winner.

“The Discovery Pageant comes with attractive packages for various winners”

A CEMETERY, NOW A JOINT FOR SNATCHING......."i was ...a witness".

Anytime you read the news in the dailies or listen on radio, you often here and see reports on someone’s phone or car being snatched. At a point in time, I became so used to hearing these reports with different victims that I considered it a fairy tale.
Consequently, this indicated that property snatching became the order of the day and this deviant bahaviour seemed to have engulfed some youth in the Country.
This “Snatching Fever” that I presumed a fairy tale happened right in my presence one holistic night after we had closed form lectures. The school bus had to convey us to the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and then proceed to our various destinations.
Upon reaching the Kwame Nkrumah Circle bus station, I saw an unusual long queue which made me to panic and not to even think of joining. Around same time, I was spotted by another colleague who has been in the queue for the past 30minutes but has not moved an inch, he then approached me and we decided to trek to Kaneshie hoping we could get easy access to public transport to our respective destinations.
On our way, our conversations was full of nostalgia but when we got to the Awudome Cemetary, an unexpected incident happened, we saw two ladies walking few meters away from us with one holding a luggage and the other carrying a pan.
Surprisingly, we saw a fine dressed man walk towards the ladies and all that we could see is a lady being pushed and the luggage being snatched by the man who dashed into a big gutter leading to a large hole underground heading into the Cemetery.
We had to hurry up to salvage the situation but our efforts proved futile. The victim had to cry with drops of tears from his eyes like water from a tap lamenting that “my whole life is in that bag”.
T o our discovery, the victim was a stranger who hailed from a village in the Eastern Region and is in Accra to visit her boyfriend but had to trek to Kaneshie following the unusual queue at the bus terminal at Circle.
In our own way ,we had to facilitate the communication and transportation of the lady to her boyfriend.
We presumed the snatcher overhead them converse about the valuables in her luggage and her status as a stranger in Accra, but one thing I could not fathom is why these snatchers will use a cemetery as a transit point to snatch properties from their victims, or have they forgotten that it was supposed to be a place to keep mortal remains and has spiritual associations?.
Also, why do we keep hearing incessant snatching of properties and why have state authorities have not put any measures in place to crackdown on these perpetrators.

Mills replies David Cameron; you can't threaten us with gay aid!

President John Evans Atta Mills has called the bluff of UK Prime Minister David Cameron over the latter’s threat to cut aid to countries with anti-gay legislation.

The president, speaking to journalists in response to Prime Minister Cameron’s threat to cut UK aid to African countries which abuse the rights of gay citizens, said Ghana will not capitulate to the United Kingdom or any country for that matter.

He said Ghana will not legalise homosexuality on the say-so of Mr Cameron.

President Mills maintained that Britain cannot tell Ghana what to do on her cultural and moral values.

Ghana, he said, will continue to operate within its constitution regardless of any threats from any country.

The President said Ghana will not accept aid with conditions which have the tendency to destroy the social fabric of the society.

Twelve deaths recorded in Accra floods

Eleven deaths have so far been recorded by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) following the floods that hit parts of Accra in the early hours of Wednesday, October 26.

One more body, bloated, was found floating in the Odawna River Friday, two days after the devastating flood unleashed havoc in the city of Accra.

Three of the deaths were recorded at Adabraka Sahara, two each at
Amanfrom on the Kasoa road, Anyaa Pala Town, Achimota and one each at
Avenor and Insakanaa in Ga South District.

Houses and bridges collapsed whilst drains over flowed its banks in one of the worst floods to have hit the capital in recent times.

Nine people were initially reported dead including a 25 year old marketing student of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Abigail Opoku Adjei.

Meanwhile, the body retrieved at the Odawna river is yet to be identified.

Nana Addo, Jake may suffer Gaddafi's fate if... - NDC activist

A Youth Activist of the ruling National Democratic Congress, Peter Boamah Otukonor says the killing of the Libyan leader, Muammar Al-Gaddafi should be a great lesson for the opposition NPP’s leader Nana Akufo-Addo and its Chairman Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey.

According to him, the two leaders believe in bloodshed, a belief shared by Gaddafi and for which he died.

The Libyan leader was killed Thursday after gun battle in his home town of Sirte but Otukonor believes it is a big lesson to warmongers in the country.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s current affairs programme Kukurantumi, he noted that though Gaddafi was a good leader with all the credentials, he died because he believed in all-die-be-die and that the leadership of the NPP may suffer same fate if they do not take care.

“Look there is an Akan proverb which says anyone who pulls machete dies on the same machete so the NPP who believes in all die-be-die should be careful” he said.

He urged the NPP leaderships to have a second thought of their all-die-be-die statement and work within the rule of law.

He described the killing of the Libyan leader as an attack on Africa with the intention of crippling Africa’s unity.

He said Gaddafi was the only African who belied in the unity of the African nations but his assignation will put fear in the freedom fighters of the continent.

He said the NPP is sowing a bad seed which will come back to haunt them in their declaration of all-die-be-die.

“Look if Nana Addo and Jake do not take care they will die under the violence that they are calling for” he stressed.

Libya needs a constitutional leader - Kufuor

Libya needs a constitutional leader - Kufuor

Muamar Gaddafi

The former president, John Agyekum Kufuor, has called for a constitutional rule in Libya after the death of the Libyan leader Muamar Al Gaddafi.

Speaking on Badwam, a morning show on MultiTV, Mr. Kufuor expressed his condolence to the family of the Libyan leader.

He retorted that “I am not going to say whether he is good or bad because he is now dead and gone, the land belongs to the Libyans who stood up against him, and I believe that the people will handle the country well and look for a suitable constitution that will guide them rebuild Libya and prevent other future eventualities like this.”

Commenting on Gaddafi’s role in the fight for a United State of Africa, Former President Kufuor explained that Gaddafi was very instrumental in the establishment of the African Union but was quick to add that his dictatorial rule on Libyans served as an indictment on the very cause he was fighting for.

According to him, the fact that Gaddafi is dead does not mean other African leaders will not push for the unity of the African continent.

On the contrary, he believes that the success of the AU will largely depend on how each African country will settle and resolve the various challenges that they are facing in their respective countries before pushing for the establishment of a United State of Africa.

He admonished all and sundry not to concentrate on Gaddafi’s death but rather focus on building a new Libya through a constitution.

He also denied rumors that the one time leader of Libya gave him a car during the 2007 AU summit in Accra.

According to Ex-President Kufuor, the late Muamur Al Gaddafi gave him a Benz car as a gift but that was before the 2007 AU summit commenced.

He also added that he gave out the Benz car from Gaddafi to the government when he was leaving office.

Ex-president Kufuor also dismissed claims being purported by the ruling National Democratic Congress [NDC] party that he abandoned doctors on strike to travel outside the country in his administration.

According to him, he was very much involved in the negotiations with the doctors and never took them for granted.

“If anybody says that I turned my back against the doctors, it is not true. Doctors received a much higher pay during my tenure of office, it is the same with the university teachers and soldiers and teachers. They all threatened to go on strike but we handled it with care… in my time, doctors who are professors received over 30 million cedis, the fact that we are not making noise about it does not mean we did not do anything about it.”

Also speaking on the death of Muamur Al Gaddafi was a Language Consultant to the African Union, Dr. Niyi Alabi who questioned Gaddafi’s dictatorship rule in Libya and the way and manner he approached Western influence in Africa.

“It is true that Gaddafi stood up to the west, you don’t stand up to the west and go and bomb innocent people on a plan. It doesn’t make sense, and there is no logic in that. It is true that the west conspired against him, He stood to the west, but I think that his approach and method was wrong.”

Gadhafi: A True Epitome of Bravity.

I was touched and moved by our Social Psychology Lecturer as he adviced that "In life, try to be nice, humble and respect evryone; never look down on others and u will excell in all ya endeavours" this reminds me of the current news making waves in the international media about the death of the acclaimed 'KINGS OF KINGS" if he had been humble enough, i guess he wouldnt have suffered this fate...........Anyway he still remains a man of his own words and an icon in Africa.
" A true son of the Soil....................Lets Africans rise up and fight IMPERIALISM.

Libya plans secret burial for Muammar Gaddafi

Libyan authorities are planning a secret burial for ousted leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi following his capture and death, the BBC understands.

However, it appears there may be a delay in his burial, which under Islamic tradition should take place as soon as possible.

Oil minister Ali Tarhouni told Reuters that Col Gaddafi's body may be kept "for a few days".

Nato is expected to declare an end to its Libya campaign in the coming hours.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said the death of Col Gaddafi meant Nato's military intervention in Libya had reached its conclusion.

"Clearly the operation is coming to its end," he told reporters.

Earlier, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said the Nato operation would end "subject to a few transitory measures in the week to come".

Questions mounting

The BBC's Caroline Hawley in Tripoli says the authorities now have to decide how to deal with Col Gaddafi's death and in particular his burial.

They have said they will conduct a secret burial and there is some speculation that they might even try to bury him at sea, as al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden was buried, to prevent any grave being turned into a shrine, she adds

Mr Tarhouni told Reuters that Col Gaddafi's body - currently in Misrata - was not going to be released for burial immediately.

"I told them to keep it in the freezer for a few days... to make sure that everybody knows he is dead," he said.

Asked about the burial arrangements, he said: "There is no decision yet."

Reuters also quoted an unnamed official as saying there was disagreement within the National Transitional Council (NTC) over what to do with the body.

Meanwhile, questions are mounting as to exactly what happened in Col Gaddafi's last moments following his capture.

Officials have denied he was executed.

Acting Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril said Col Gaddafi had been shot in the head in an exchange of fire between Gaddafi loyalists and NTC fighters following his capture in his hometown of Sirte

Video footage suggests he was dragged through the streets.

An NTC fighter told the BBC he found the former Libyan leader hiding in a drainage pipe and he had begged him not to shoot.

The fighter showed reporters a golden pistol he said he had taken from Col Gaddafi.

Call for inquiry

Senior NTC member Mohammed Sayeh told the BBC he doubted that the colonel was deliberately killed, but added: "Even if he was killed intentionally, I think he deserves this."

He added: "If they kill him 1,000 times, I think it will not pay back the Libyans what he has done. We've lost over 70,000 of our best men because of this monster."

On Friday, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said there should be a full investigation into the way Col Gaddafi was killed.

Navi Pillay's spokesman, Rupert Colville, said mobile phone images showing the former Libyan leader alive when first captured, and then dead, were "very disturbing".

UK-based human rights group Amnesty International called for "a full, independent and impartial inquiry" into the circumstances of Col Gaddafi's death.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, an ally and friend of the colonel, called his death deplorable.

"They murdered him," Mr Chavez told reporters.

However, our correspondents say few Libyans are worried about the manner of their former dictator's humiliating end. They are simply elated that he is gone.

Despite the controversy, celebrations continued late into the night in towns and cities across Libya.

Groups of young men fired guns in the air, and drivers honked their horns in jubilation.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, speaking in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, said Col Gaddafi's death marked the start of a new era for the Libyan people.

The NTC is expected to formally announce the liberation of the country on Saturday in the eastern town of Benghazi.

Nato Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that with the death of Col Gaddafi, an end to the alliance's involvement in the country "has now moved much closer".

"After 42 years, Gaddafi's rule of fear has finally come to an end," he said. "I call on all Libyans to put aside their differences and work together to build a brighter future."

Nato's seven-month campaign of air strikes was carried out under a UN mandate authorising the use of force to protect civilians in Libya.

Nato has carried out some 26,000 sorties and almost 10,000 strike missions.

Col Gaddafi, who came to power in a coup in 1969, was toppled from power in August. He was making his last stand in Sirte alongside two of his sons, Mutassim and Saif al-Islam, according to reports.

A body that officials identified as that of Mutassim has been shown on Libyan TV.

There are conflicting reports as to the whereabouts of Saif al-Islam.

On Friday he was reported to be fleeing south towards Niger, according to a senior NTC commander.

Abdul Majid Mlegta told Reuters that Saif al-Islam was believed to be in a convoy of three armoured vehicles trying to escape NTC forces that overran Sirte on Thursday.

"We are searching for him. The fighters in the region are on full alert," Mr Mlegta said.

Earlier, acting Justice Minister Mohammad al-Alagi told AP news agency that Saif al-Islam had been captured and taken to hospital with a leg wound.

Gadhafi's death should be probed, U.N. agency says

(CNN) -- The circumstances of late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's death are "unclear" and need to be investigated, the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said Friday.

"More details are needed to ascertain whether he was killed in the fighting or after his capture," the agency said.

"There seem to be four or five different versions of how he died. As you are aware, there are at least two cell-phone videos, one showing him alive and one showing him dead. Taken together, these videos are very disturbing."
The last moments of Moammar Gadhafi
Gadhafi was hiding in drainage pipe
Where are Gadhafi's assets?

The agency said it's important that "justice is done" to bring "closure on the legacy of Gaddafi's 42-year despotic rule, and on the bloody conflict this year." It said "human rights must be the cornerstone of all policies and actions" in a new Libya.

"The thousands of victims who suffered loss of life, disappearance, torture and other serious human rights violations since the conflict broke out in February 2011, as well as those who suffered human rights violations throughout Gadhafi's long rule, have the right to know the truth, to see the culture of impunity brought to an end, and to receive reparations," the office said.

"In order to turn the page on the legacy of decades of systematic violations of human rights, it will be essential for alleged perpetrators to be brought before trials, which adhere to international standards for fair trial, and for victims to see that accountability has been achieved."

Mahmoud Jibril, Libya's transitional prime minister, said Gadhafi was captured alive and unharmed on Thursday as troops from the National Transitional Council overran his hometown of Sirte. But a gunbattle erupted between transitional council fighters and Gadhafi's supporters as his captors attempted to load him into a vehicle, Jibril said, leaving Gadhafi with a wound to his right arm.

More shooting erupted as the vehicle drove away, and Gadhafi -- overthrown in August -- was hit in the head, Jibril said, Gadhafi died moments before arriving at a hospital in Misrata, Jibril said, citing the city's coroner.
Libyans celebrate in front of White House
The next chapter in the Arab Spring

Amnesty International urged the NTC "to make public" the "full facts" on Gadhafi's death.

"It is essential to conduct a full, independent and impartial inquiry to establish whether Colonel Gadhafi was killed during combat or after he was captured," the group said on Thursday.

Amnesty urged the NTC "to ensure that all those suspected of human rights abuses and war crimes" get humane treatment and are given fair trials if captured. That includes Gadhafi's family members and his inner circle.

Video reveals Gaddafi's last words

Footage of Colonel Gaddafi’s death shows the last words of the dictator as his oppressive 42-year regime came to a bloody end in Sirte, Libya, on Thursday.

The shocking and brutal images broadcasted across the globe show Gaddafi’s last moments as he was beaten by his National Transitional Council (NTC) captors. The footage contains Gaddafi’s last words as he is heard saying, “This is wrong, this is wrong in Islamic law”. Jostled by rebels he then asks, “Do you know right from wrong?”

[Gallery: Colonel Gaddafi's 42-year rule in photos]

A rebel fighter then says, “Shut up you dog” shortly before his death. Details emerging from Libya suggest that Gaddafi was found in a sewer armed with a golden gun, pleading with NTC fighters for his life. Shouting “Don’t shoot” he is then captured by troops who had gunned down a Gaddafi supporter just outside the sewer.

Amid the confusion, NTC spokespeople have said that the Colonel then died from injuries sustained during a gunfight between pro-Gaddafi supporters and his NTC captors. Footage that has emerged from Libya seems to conflict with these reports however, as Gaddafi is seen bloodied but conscious in the back of a pickup truck surrounded by rebel fighters.

An NTC spokesman confirmed that he died from multiple gunshot wounds but fighters who witnessed the attack say he was shot in the abdomen as well as the head. After his last words, Gaddafi appears unconscious on the back of a pickup truck and is then seen dead on the floor. Fighters posed by the ousted leader’s body for photographs as celebrations erupted across Sirte.

Gaddafi’s son Mutassim was also captured and killed in fighting across the dictator’s hometown. Amateur footage shows him being dragged in similar fashion to his father and later propped up in a vehicle. He was later pronounced dead.

Libya interim leaders vow tolerance and respect for law

Libya's new interim leaders have assured world leaders they will build a society full of tolerance and respect for the rule of law.

Speaking at a Paris meeting, National Transitional Council (NTC) head Mustafa Abdel Jalil promised a new constitution and elections within 18 months.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who chaired the meeting, stressed the need for "reconciliation and forgiveness".

He said air strikes would go on as long as ex-leader Col Gaddafi was a threat.

Mr Sarkozy said all 63 nations at the meeting were committed to returning frozen assets to the Libyan people.

Closed-door talks were continuing on Friday between representatives of those nations and Libya's interim authorities to determine how to spend $15bn (£9.25bn) of unfrozen funds.

The focus would be on basic needs, such as medicine, food and water supplies, as well as ensuring security during the transition period before democratic elections, organisers said, with more details expected later.

Col Gaddafi has still not been captured by the interim authorities.

In an audio message broadcast on a loyalist TV channel on Thursday, he vowed he would never surrender.

He was speaking on the 42nd anniversary of his emergence as Libya's leader, which until last year was an occasion for annual celebrations in the country.

This year there were flag-waving celebrations in Tripoli's main square to mark the date - only the flags were the black, green and red colours of the NTC rather than the all-green of the Gaddafi regime, and the square is now known as Martyrs' Square, rather than the Green Square.

Floods: Mills angered by ‘harmful effects of galamsey’

President Atta Mills has expressed fury over the activities of illegal miners, popularly known as galamsey operators, which he blamed for aggravating the flood situation in some parts of the country.

Some districts in the Volta and Eastern regions have ravaged by floods that have so far claimed five lives, submerged several communities, destroyed farm lands and displaced over 5,000 people.

Touring the flood hit areas, President Mills told residents of Akim Oda Zongo in the Eastern Region, Monday, that the lack of concerted efforts to curb galamsey activities in the country has caused serious calamities on innocent people.

“When we started talking about the harmful effect of galamsey, there were people who did not appreciate it” noting that the raging flood is “a practical demonstration of the harmful effects of galamsey. [Hoping] we will therefore get the cooperation of the people.”

Eastern Regional Minister Dr Kwesi Apea–Kubi was equally incensed by the activities of the illegal miners and advocated that law on their activities should be amended and made more stringent for those who flagrantly abused it.

He said the $200 fine imposed on their operations is not punitive and deterrent enough.

The Minister who was briefing the president on his arrival asked that the issue of illegal mining is tackled “seriously” and made non-partisan.

“We need to tighten the law, in terms of enforcement, and also punishment. Currently as it stands, a person who is taken to court for illegal mining is fined $200.”

Dr Apea-Kubi was not happy that offenders are made to pay what in his view a meager amount, and even more worrying to him was the fact that the miners’ equipment are not confiscated, but are allowed to go away with them.

He said the situation has created an unhealthy cycle where authorities arrest and prosecute the miners, but the next day, they return to resume the illegal activities.

Explaining further, he said the miners failed to properly dispose of sand dug whiles searching for the minerals. The sand, he said, are then carried by rains to silt rivers, preventing free flow of water.

He stressed that the floods caused by torrential rains resulting in rivers, especially River Birim, breaking their banks was some of the clear “effects of galamsey”.

He also appealed to the media to avoid playing politics with the situation.

Meanwhile, Eastern Regional NADMO coordinator Ransford Owusu Boateng told Joy News seven districts have been affected by the floods so far.

Mr. Owusu Boateng warned that the Central Region could also experience some flooding if the situation in the Eastern Region is not addressed immediately.

Nadia Buari Says She Is Worried About Michael Essien’s Injury…What Next Is She Worried About?

Nadia Buari has mentioned that as a Ghanaian, she is also worried about the injury of Ghanaian International Football star and ex boyfriend-Michael Essien’s injury and wishes him well… Yes, we are all worried so I guess she can also be worried right?

If she is worried as a Ghanaian, then probably she must also be worried about the fact that she is still SINGLE with no partner since it worries some of us Ghanaians too. Did I say no partner? I should have said no male partner rather right?…

After dropping Nadia Buari for whatever reason, Essien seems to have moved on and is rumoured to have had a cute baby girl with Akosua Puni…

Do you want to know the real reason why Essien kicked the chick out of the foot game? It is shocking and probably it is the same reason why she has still been single since given a red carpet when she thought she was in charge of the game…Maybe, no ideal man is ready to accept that from her….

Anyway, read below for more…..

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Nadia Buari, renowned Ghanaian screen goddess and ex-girlfriend of Chelsea midfielder, Michael Essien, says she is extremely worried about the fitness level of the Ghanaian footballer who she describes as a “fantastic player” and consequently, has sent a “get well quick” message to her former love flame.

Commenting on the niggling knee injuries of her former boyfriend, Nadia said it worries her as any Ghanaian, and wished him a speedy recovery.

“Off course it does worry me as it worries every Ghanaian because, you know, Michael is a fantastic player.

We are all wishing him a speedy recovery, and knowing very well that it is now that the Black Stars need him to qualify for the African Cup of Nations. So ya, we are all very worried, and we all pray for him to get back soon,” said Nadia

It would be recalled that during the administration of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Essien got injured after playing for Ghana.

The then President visited him at his base in London, and present in his (Essien’s) home was Nadia who had Michael’s legs on her laps massaging them.-Source: Herald

NDC has hijacked state media – NPP

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is accusing the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of plotting to hijack the state broadcaster, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) for the 2012 general elections.

A deputy Communications Director of the NPP, Sammy Awuku, told Joy News the party was reliably informed that the NDC was hugely indebted to the state broadcaster following a live coverage it provided the party last year.

“This would be the modus operandi of the NDC as to gradually and slowly walk into 2012. They will like to use the state owned media, to abuse it, to misuse it and to over use it...They are serving notice, this is what they intend doing, last year they started it and they did not pay, this year they have not paid, so it is obvious next year they will not pay.”

He cited the national delegates’ congress of the party held in Tamale last year and the weekend's national delegates’ congress in Sunyani where President Mills was re-elected to lead the NDC for the 2012 elections as cases in point.

“I have reliable information that the NDC has not settled the huge Tamale debt that they left with Ghana Television, and also I can confirm and state on authority that they have also not paid for the extensive coverage given them by the GTV [at Sunyani].”

He accused the NDC of abuse of incumbency and warned that the NPP would not sit unconcerned for the NDC to hijack the state owned media –print and electronic- that he said are being financed and resourced by the “common tax payer”.

He also questioned why Deputy Minister of Tourism, James Agyenim Boateng and Presidential Aide Stan Dogbe were engaged as GBC anchors for the Sunyani congress, even though the state broadcaster has enough experienced commentators to run the show.

James Agyenim Boateng could not confirm or deny if the party had settled its bills with GBC from the Tamale and Sunyani congresses, and directed that such questions could best be addressed by members of the party’s communication team, who are in charge of coverage, and the GBC.

Nevertheless, he said he was involved when President Mills picked his nomination forms at the party’s headquarters, and said GBC was paid for the live coverage.

Responding to his involvement in anchoring the event, Agyenim Boateng said GTV was looking for people in the party with knowledge in the media to handle the occasion, which he willingly accepted it, describing his action as nothing “unusual”.

Mills wins by a landslide

National Democratic Congress delegates voted massively for Preesident Mills in a lopsided contest for the flagbearership of the ruling party.

The president polled a massive 2,771 votes, representing 96.9 per cent of a total of 2,861 valid votes cast.

Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings polled 90 votes or 3.1 per cent of valid votes.

The Electoral Commission supervised the ballots.

President Mills called the results “no victory” for any individual but that with the contest over, the battle for 2012 has begun and called for unity.

He said perhaps the only losers are those who wished the contest had been bloody, but he was humbled by the massive show of support.

More soon.
Source: myjoyonline.com

Konadu's camp raises redflags over conduct of congress.

The Campaign team of former first lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings has questioned the organisation of last Saturday’s National Delegates’ Congress of the National Delegates Congress (NDC) held in Sunyani.

President Mills won the party’s Presidential race in a landslide victory. He polled more than 96 percent of the total votes against Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings who barley scraped a little over 3 percent.

The campaign team of the former first lady has stated that they have some reservations about the entire conduct of the congress and will formally make their concerns public on Wednesday.

Kofi Adams, a member of her campaign team and a deputy General Secretary of the NDC told Joy News the team will forward their grievances to the party headquarters to seek redress and a press conference will be held to reveal issues that went on behind the scenes at the congress grounds.

He said the “ Campaign team considers the results as a choreographed results.”

He however said Mrs Rawlings is very “hearty and hale. She knew what went on so she knew within her that she is victorious. Everybody knew.”

Meanwhile, President Atta Mills has vowed to use his victory to unite the party in winning the 2012 presidential polls.

Pollster and editor of the Daily Dispatch newspaper, Ben Ephson believes the President must translate his words into action.

He said if the President extends the olive branch to Mrs Rawlings, it will help soothe the painful defeat that she suffered at congress and make it a lot easier to unite the party towards 2012.