DEPUTY ISRAELI AMBASSADOR TO GHANA SPEAKSS

Why Israel is attacking Gaza: Deputy Ambassador explains

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Operation "Protective Edge" – Q&A
 How did it all start?
Between 12 June and 7 July 2014, Hamas and other terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip fired 300 rockets at Israeli civilians. Although Israel showed great restraint and called for the cessation of the rocket attacks, Hamas kept firing them indiscriminately into Israeli towns and cities around the country. No country in the world would accept such a reality, and Israel is no exception.
However, after three weeks of restraint, and the continuation of incessant rocket attacks, Israel was left with no other alternative but to respond in order to restore the safety of its civilian population.
What is Israel's goal?
The main objective of Operation "Protective Edge" is to re-establish stability and quiet for the citizens of Israel once and for all. Israel cannot accept a reality in which millions of its citizens are subject to the whims of radical Islamic terrorist organizations, under immediate threat with as little as 15 seconds to find shelter from incoming missiles.
How does Israel plan to achieve this goal?
The only way to restore quiet to the citizens of Israel is by going after the Hamas aggressors who are entrenched in Gaza. Operation "Protective Edge" is aimed at significantly degrading Hamas' missile capabilities and destroying the terrorist infrastructures directed at Israeli civilians. Israel is not looking for a short-term understanding but wants a long-standing solution for the sake of the safety of its citizens.
What are the targets of the Israeli airstrikes?
As part of the operation, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) is selectively targeting mobile and concealed rocket launchers, Hamas leadership facilities, attack and smuggling tunnels, terrorist compounds, training sites, communications facilities, air defense elements and additional sites used for terror activities targeting Israel, including command and control centers.
What are the long-term objectives of Hamas?
Hamas is similar to other radical jihadi movements like al-Qaeda, ISIS and Boko Haram in its complete intolerance of the presence of non-Muslims in the Middle East. Therefore, it is no surprise that Hamas maintains close operational ties with jihadi terrorists in Sinai, including for weapons smuggling, and is getting weapons and support from Iran.
According to Hamas' ideology, Israel has no place in the world and Hamas' declared goal is the destruction of the Jewish state. This is exemplified in the organization's covenant: "Hamas strives to raise the banner of Allah over every inch of Palestine" [meaning all of Israel, the West Bank and Gaza]. In addition, the organization promotes an antisemitic ideology that glorifies jihad and the killing of Jews.
Why is Hamas shooting rockets at Israeli towns?
Hamas' tactic of firing rockets at Israeli civilian communities did not end when Israel left Gaza completely in 2005, but rather intensified. Because of its commitment to the annihilation of Israel, Hamas views every Israeli man, woman and child as a legitimate target of its terrorist attacks by missiles, suicide bombings, murder and abductions.
Hamas leaders have repeatedly stated that "all of the Israelis are legitimate targets" (Hamas spokesman Sami Abu-Zuhri, 8 July).
In recent years, the Hamas terrorist organization invested heavily in offensive weapons, bringing the number of missiles aimed at Israeli towns to around 12,000.
By firing rockets at densely populated areas in Israel, Hamas terrorists are attempting to cause as many civilian deaths as possible. Hamas' indiscriminate rocket fire is consistent with its ideology, which sees Israeli civilian casualties as military successes.
Why have there been relatively few Israeli casualties so far in this confrontation?
Due to the growing missile threat, Israel invested huge resources in establishing a two-fold defense system for its citizens:
1. Israel developed the "Iron Dome" missile defense system, which throughout this confrontation has provided outstanding protection to Israeli civilians, saving the lives of hundreds or more Israeli civilians.
2. Israel constructed a vast infrastructure of shelters and set up an early warning system enabling its civilians to find quick cover when terrorists launch their missiles.
Were it not for the effective deployment of "Iron Dome" and the shelters, the number of Israeli civilian casualties in this conflict would be very high.
Why have civilians in Gaza been hurt?
The civilian casualties in Gaza are a direct result of Hamas' tactic of using the Palestinian civilian population as human shields for its terrorist activities. Hamas is committing a double war crime by deliberately targeting Israeli civilians while at the same time embedding its weapons, leaders, operatives and infrastructures in the midst of uninvolved Palestinian civilians. Hamas bears full responsibility for the civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.
Moreover, Hamas is also investing all of its resources in acquiring and producing weapons and rockets for attacking Israel, instead of caring for the welfare of the population of Gaza.  
In a show of utter disregard for the safety of its own civilian population, Hamas' Ministry of the Interior in Gaza has instructed residents not to heed Israel's warnings about impending attacks. Hamas also urges residents to actively form human shields, thus deliberately exposing them to grave danger.
What measures is Israel taking to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza?
Israel is doing the utmost to reduce to a minimum the harm caused to uninvolved civilians. It does so by employing stringent target selection procedures, by warning residents about impending strikes using phone calls, text messages and leaflets and by firing warning shots.
Israel does all this despite significant tactical costs, foregoing operational opportunities and refraining from attacking known terrorist hideouts and weapons caches located in dangerous proximity to civilians.
Why is it so difficult to de-escalate the situation?
The main reason it is so difficult to bring an end to the violence is Hamas' lack of motivation to do so.
Hamas' experience so far has shown it that it is not considered by the international community as accountable for its violations of basic morality and of international law.
Are the current events parts of a cycle of violence?
One can be tempted to view this confrontation as the latest round in an imagined "cycle of violence". However, nothing could be farther from the truth since there is no symmetry between Israel and Hamas.
Israel left the Gaza Strip completely in 2005 and has no claims on the territory besides the wish to see it develop as a peaceful and prosperous neighbor. If Hamas and the other terrorist organizations disarmed and stopped their attacks, Israel would have no reason to respond.
Yet instead of developing the Gaza Strip, Hamas violently seized control of the territory, turned it into a terror base and established a terrorist dictatorship whose declared goal is the destruction of Israel......Source Official ghananews.com

AKUFFO ADDO PICKS NOMINATION FORM

The 2012 presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party,Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo today picked his nomination forms at the NPP headquarters in his quest to lead the party oncemore into the 2016 general elections.News gathered also has it that Messrs Asamaoah Boateng,Kofi konadu apraku had earlier on picked their forms for the same position.Further investigations and research conducted by paino leaks show that majority of party faithfuls and even non NPP memebrs are seriously clammouring for the retention of NANA ADDO as the NPP's presidential candidate bcs of the peaceful nature with which he conducted himself ,before,during and after the 2012 elections and also the supreme court election petittion.Majority of ghanaians think that it is only the Npp under the abled leadership of Nana Addo that can redeem this country from the economic mess that president john mahama has plunged this nation into,so therefore all that Npp faithfuls and ghanaians who want to see President mahama out keep saying in buses,at church,in clubs and in the comfort of their offices and homes is" Sheiiiiiii NADAA", which litearly means" NO NANA ADDO NO VOTE"

SAVE OUR WOMEN FROM THESE MONSTERS

-Use of 'ROHYPNOL' to commit crime-------A woman was taken by 5 men, who according to hospital and police reports, gang raped her before dumping her at a Bus stand! Unable to remember the events of the evening, tests later confirmed the repeat rapes along with traces of Rohypnol in her blood. ... Rohypnol, date rape drug is an essentially a small sterilization pill. The drug is now being used by rapists at parties to rape AND sterilize their victims. All they have to do is drop it into the girl's drink. The girl can't remember a thing the next morning, of all that had taken place the night before. Rohypnol,which dissolves in drinks just as easily, is such that the victim doesn't conceive from the rape and the rapist needn't worry about having a paternity test identifying him months later. The Drug's effects ARE NOT TEMPORARY - they are PERMANENT. Any female that takes it WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO CONCEIVE. The weasels can get this drug from anyone who is in the vet school or any university. It's that easy, and Rohypnol is about to break out big on campuses everywhere. Believe it or not, there are even sites on the Internet telling people how to use it. Please forward this to everyone you know, especially girls. Girls, be careful when you're out and don't leave your drink unattended. (added - Buy your own drinks, ensure bottles or cans received are unopened or sealed; don't even taste someone else's drink) There has already been a report in Nigeria of girls drinks being spiked by Rohypnol. Please make the effort to forward this to everyone you know. For guys - Pls inform all your female friends and relatives, remember you also have sisters. Important news are meant to b passed on pls! Tnx. Dis was sent to me and I feel I shld pass it along. D veracity I can't confirm but prevention they say is beta dan cure! GOD will continue to bless us. Amen...

20 RICHEST GHANAIANS

Twenty Richest People In Ghana For 2013

1. Ibrahim Mahama -$1.9 billion.
2. Alfred Mahama -$1.3 billion.
3. Roland Agambire – $1.1billion 
4. Joseph Agyepong – $1.05billion
5. John Mahama – $900 million
6. Alhaji Azuma Banda – $724 million.
7. Ato Ahwoi – $684 million 
8. Dr. Sam Jonah – $430 Million
9. Haruna Iddrisu – $300million
10. Alex Mould – $282 million 
11. Dr. Kwame Addo Kufuor – $250million. 
12. Tsatsu Tsikata – $245million
13. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah -$112 million.
14. Dr. Kwesi Nduom – $110 million.
15. Ken Agyapong – $104 million
16. Prince Kofi Amoabeng – $98million 
17. Asiedu Nketiah – $89million 
18. Alfred Woyome – $75million 
19. Tony Lithur – 30million
20. Baba Kamara – $ 11million
Source:  Forbes Ghana
The full list of the 20 Richest in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Cote d’ivoire and Morocco would be published in the December 2013 Edition of Forbes Africa

Proliferation of arms in N/R increases

Proliferation of arms in N/R increases – Mahama Shaibu

Secretary to the Yaa-Naa Memorial Lecture Secretariat, Mahama Shaibu has raised alarm that the proliferation of arms in the northern region was dreadful.
According to him, the youth of the area have in their possession sophisticated weapons which must be retrieved at all cost.
Offering a solution to the security threat, Mahama Shaibu called for an immediate, thorough search of homes, especially in the Tamale metropolis to rid the area of arms.
His call came in the wake of recent shootings in Tamale, Bimbila and Chereponi districts in the northern region.
Speaking to Citi News, he anticipated more reprisal attacks in the Tamale metropolis if such weapons are not retrieved.
“Government should make sure that they get the police and military to search every household in Tamale and also involve the services of informants to tell them where the youth bury their weapons so that that will contribute significantly.”

Mahama Shaibu further encouraged security personnel in the area to be independently minded in carrying out their operations.
“It appears to be no active option available for the police; if they go ahead and arrest those who commit crimes, politicians will come and say they should arrest them and if they don’t arrest then the culture of impunity will continue and it will pose as a danger to security in the region.”
He also challenged politicians from the area to stop interfering in the operations of security agencies saying, “I think that the politicians themselves have a role to play in maintaining law and order as far what is happening in Tamale is concerned.”

By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

LETS PRAY FOR OUR BLACK STARS

Who should partner the Baby Jet?

Asamoah Gyan

Ghana face a monster challenge at this year’s World Cup after being drawn in a Group of Death against three-time world champions Germany, Portugal and the United States.
To survive this battle, Africa’s most prolific side in recent times would need to remain ruthless in the final third as there will be little margin for error.
The four-time African champions boast one of the best midfields in world football with talents like Kwadwo Asamoah, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Sulley Muntari, Andre Ayew, Christian Atsu, Mubarak Wakaso and Michael Essien – all capable of dictating play as well as scoring from any direction.
However key to the potency of coach Kwesi Appiah’s side in Brazil is likely to be the dexterity of his central strikers as goal scoring opportunities are certain to come at a premium.
Top striker and skipper Asamoah Gyan is a proven marksman and, if fit, is certain to lead the hunt for goals. Pacy, talented, bullish, and experienced, the 28-year-old – a veteran of two World Cup finals – is at his imperious best when you hand him a big stage.
The question for most would be who earns the right to partner him or deputise for him, if Gyan is unavailable, and Appiah opts for a five-man midfield given the quality of opposition.
So who is leading the race to be Gyan’s second-in-command?
ABDUL MAJEED WARIS
Recent form suggests that diminutive Valenciennes loan star Abdul Majeed Waris is leading the race to be the authentic choice.
Super fast, direct, fearless and deadly in front of goal, this 22-year-old has proven to be capable of handling the big stage. Together with Gyan they orchestrated the 6-1 destruction of Egypt last year, a display that cemented his place in Appiah’s squad.
He also has momentum on his side after netting four goals in seven league games since joining Valenciennes in January from Russian side Spartak Moscow.
JORDAN AYEW
Jordan turns in impressive performances for French top-flight strugglers Sochaux weekly and seven starts in seven games since a loan move from Marseille in January says something of his status at the club.
But the son of the legendary Abedi Pele Ayew has found goals hard to come by in recent times. Just like Waris, he is 22, strong, talented, direct and can hold up play well. He also provides an aerial threat.
In fairness, however, regular switches between the wings and his central role might have affected his goal scoring. Still although recent form counts against him there is no shortage of enthusiasm or ambition in the youngster.
RICHMOND BOAKYE-YIADOM
Unlike Waris and Jordan, Richmond Boakye in not in the squad to face Montenegro in an international friendly next week.
Still, seven caps and two goals could see him return for the final preparations for the World Cup in May. Once hailed as the best number nine in the Italian Serie B, the 21-year-old star is now on loan at Spanish La Liga strugglers Elche from Italian giants Juventus.
He is a big striker, and Boakye can use his strength to hold up play and unsettle defences, with some pace still to burn. His goal against Real Madrid in September suggests he can mix it up with the best. He remains a regular face in the Elche side with nine starts in 19 appearances, scoring three times.


By: Citi Sports Desk

Mahama's free shs announcement 'shambolic',Franklin cudjoe of imani ghana

Mahama’s free SHS announcement ‘shambolic’ – Franklin Cudjoe

Franklin Cudjoe of IMANI Ghana

Franklin Cudjoe of IMANI Ghana says President John Mahama’s announcement of a free Senior High School (SHS) policy is “whimsical.”
“The whimsical nature with which this policy was announced…this was whimsical, it was capricious, it was not thought through, it was just mentioned,” he said.
He also opined that the President’s state of the nation address last Tuesday “was all over the place, lacked coherence.”
The President, John Mahama as mandated by the constitution delivered the state of the nation address to Parliament last Tuesday, during which he announced that his government will from 2015, start the implementation of the free SHS policy.
Sharing his thoughts on the matter on Citi FM’s, The Big Issue, Franklin Cudjoe bemoaned the President’s lack of “recourse to the education sector performance report” adding that the policy is “completely shambolic, there is no coherence.”
IMANI Ghana’s President expressed shock at the misinterpretation of ‘universal access to education’ as stated in Ghana’s constitution to mean ‘free’ by politicians in the country.
He asked, “the fact that universally, we want to end hunger, does it mean every canteen, every chop bar across the world should give food to people free even when they don’t need it?”
Franklin Cudjoe questioned if government plans to pilot the policy to test its effectiveness before it is rolled out nationwide saying, “without any means testing, there is no indication to tell us that we will start off by doing A B C D here, and then we will see whether parents will be happy with it or how we can rationalize; no, nothing.”
According to him, the President made the announcement deliberately to “side track the main issues.”

By: Efua Idan Osam/citifmonline.com/Ghana