6th November, 2014

The Ghanaian Times describes as unnecessary the new pre shipment inspection introduced by the Ghana Standards Authority GSA. According to the paper, although the target is good, some consumer advocacy groups have expressed misgivings over the initiative. The Times says the pre shipment exercise is carried out by destination inspection companies which operate at all ports of entry in the country. The paper argues that the pre shipment inspection introduced by the GSA could in essence amount to an illegality because it is not backed by law and a duplication of functions and payments of unnecessary levies on imported goods. 

The Daily Graphic says the use of furniture purchased from China for the refurbishing of the parliamentary chamber defeats the government's call for the use of home grown products. The paper thinks there are Ghanaians who have skills that could be harnessed for the production of the furniture, especially at a time where the country is struggling to raise foreign exchange for the stability of the cedis. The Graphic says it was a waste of the country's scarce resources to have sent three different delegations to China, United Kingdom and Italy to check the materials that were used for the refurbishment. It points out that MPs must be bastions of public accountability by providing leadership in the prudent use of the public purse. 

The Today newspaper expresses worry at the continuous delay in starting the premier league.  According to the paper, it appears the GFA is not bothered about while the entire country seems also not to worry about the situation. The owner of the King Faisal FC, Alhaji Karim Grusah has said the GFA over allegations of unfair treatment when the team was relegated. The Today Newspaper says the situation is worsening the already poor patronage of the country's Premier League. It also currently not even clear when the 2014/2015 premier league will kick-off and this has also brought some extra cost to the clubs as they have to pay the salaries of their players and management. The Today Newspaper calls on GFA to as a matter of urgency ensure an out of court settlement of the case between the GFA and King Faisal. This is necessary to ensure the growth of the domestic league which is fast dwindling. 

GBC