Category: Ghana

Where Is The $80 million Gold From Ghana Seized In Turkey?

Turkey stopped cargo freight flier with Gold from Ghana. Turkey is gradually becoming the busiest hub for gold shipments to the Middle East. The Turkish authorities gave four days in Istanbul to a freighter laden with 1.5 tons (worth $80 million) of gold from Ghana. The plane landed around early January at the airport Ataturk in Istanbul and was arrested for four days with 1.5 tons of gold on board by the authorities.

The Turkish fleet origin, an Airbus A300, cargo aircraft was chartered for transporting Gold from Ghana to Dubai. Other media reported that the machine had come from Algeria. For safety reasons, the Turkish authorities (customs) sealed the aircraft, since the crew had no genuine documents covering their freight on board, they were requested by the Turkish authorities to present required requisite documents.

Not quiet long ago, the Turkish Government was repeatedly criticised and advised from the international community to be watchdogs since large quantities of gold from Turkey in the Islamic Republic were delivered in the past few months despite an international embargo against the Iran.

The Geological Survey Department (GSD) has absolved itself from blame in the on-ongoing investigations into the seizure of an aircraft in Istanbul, Turkey, allegedly carrying 1.5 tonnes (worth $80 million) of gold originating from Ghana and destined for the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The GSD Director, John Agyei Duodu insists his outfit only carried out laboratory analysis on mineral samples and not on gold bars, when speaking to Peacefmonline.com in an interview. The Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) carried investigation into how a shipment described as mineral samples could turn to gold bullion. It will be recalled that sections of the media reported on the supposed gold bars seized at Istanbul-Turkey due to lack of documents. It was widely conjectured that the said shipment was payment by Ghana government in respect of some financial transaction with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Government, in two separate responses, denied any involvement in the use of gold to settle any transaction with the Government of Iran. Following that denial, President John Dramani Mahama directed that the matter be investigated by the security agencies. Even though president John Dramani Mahama had to rush to Turkey, we were later told he went there to commission Ghana Embassy in Istanbul/Turkey.

Before the BNI could come out with its initial findings, sections of the media published that the US$80 million supposed gold bars, have mysteriously changed into thirty (30) boxes of mineral samples weighing 1,500kgs.

The publication further accused state officials at the GSD and Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority of collusion for the detained Gold from Ghana. The publications also questioned why and how state officials at the GSD, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and SG-SSB Bank Limited, with the speed of light, hurriedly prepared and signed for “Omanye” Gold Mining Limited, the company at the centre of the whole DEAL on December 31, 2012, to enable them haul the 30 boxes of so-called mineral samples to Dubai.

The publications further sought to malign the integrity of the GSDsaying the claim on the certificate that the 30 boxes of minerals for laboratory analysis only and are of no commercial value could be a clever means by the Geological Survey Department to outwit tax officials because the regulations mandates Bank of Ghana to collect tax from both the buyers and the sellers.

The absence of proper documentation on the said gold, according to the publication citing experts’ opinion, is said to have accounted for the lie that the gold was on its way to Iran to settle Ghana’s bilateral transactions, leading to the Turkish officials seizing the consignment on board the cargo aircraft chartered from Tripoli-Libya.

Now, figures here, figures there, investigations yesterday, investigations today and investigations tomorrow, fact and the question is! where is the 1,5 tonnes of the Ghanaian Gold, worth $80 million which was temporarily confiscated in Turkey? Was is really a DEAL meant to settle (Ghana) debt in Iran or where ever, a THEFT or an act of CORRUPTION?

FRANCIS TAWIAH (Duisburg – Germany)

via Where Is The $80 million Gold From Ghana Seized In Turkey? | Feature Article 2013-04-23.

April 24, 2013
Turkey eager to invest in Ghana – President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday said about 10 different Turkish business delegations have visited Ghana following his trip to the eastern European country a couple of months ago.

“The continuous visit to Ghana is an indication that Turkey is indeed ready to do business with our country in the coming years,” he said.

President Mahama said this when Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuiye, Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive, led another Turkish delegation to call on him at the Flagstaff House, Kanda.

The delegation, which is in Ghana at the invitation of the Mayor, was paying a reciprocal visit following the Accra Mayor’s recent visit to Turkey to negotiate for sister city relations with the Samsun City of Turkey and other bilateral cooperation.

President Mahama said Accra and other urban areas were becoming congested as a result of the rural-urban drift and, therefore, the establishment of sister-city relations with Turkish cities would provide an impetus for the Ghanaian cities to rapidly expand socio-economic amenities that would absorb the teeming growth.

He mentioned sanitation, housing and water as some of the areas of cooperation that could become beneficial and fruitful to the growth and development of both countries.

Mr Yusuf Ziya Yilmaz, Mayor of Samsun Metropolis in Turkey, expressed interest in supporting Accra and other cities in Ghana to step up housing projects for the growing population throughout the entire country.

He said Samsun City was well endowed with a number of social facilities and he would help the Accra Mayor to develop similar steps that would enhance the growth and development of the people in the Ghanaian communities.

Dr Oko Vanderpuiye said they would sign a number of agreements that would bring lasting development memories to both countries.

Source: GNA

via Ghana Business News » Turkey eager to invest in Ghana – President Mahama.

March 29, 2013
Government Of Ghana Says Its Digging Deep Into Turkey Gold Affair

ACCRA, Feb 8 – The government of Ghana said here Friday it was digging deeper into the seized gold bars at the Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul, Turkey, last month.

Minister for Information and Media Relations Mahama Ayariga said in a statement the state investigative apparatus, Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), had been tasked to unravel the mystery surrounding the gold deal.

Two Ghanaians, Peter Bedzrah and Fredrick Kojo Essumang, the statement said, had been operating under the corporate identity of “Omanye Gold Mining Ltd” from a house at Tanta Hill, a suburb of the capital, without visible signs of a corporate entity.

The statement said the two, said to have been involved in the transaction to supply gold to one Vahid Moradi Moghaddam, were still being interrogated.

The statement continued that a ULS cargo aircraft (Airbus 300-B4) arrived at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) from Tripoli, Libya, and filled a Landing Clearance Request form indicating it was to lift gold bars as its cargo.

It said the aircraft was handled by Menzies Airline Handling Services from touchdown to departure.

“The cargo departed Accra on 31st December 2012 with the goods which were destined for Dubai but was detained in Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul on 1st January, 2013, because of claims of questionable documentation,” the statement added.

It explained that the consignment had arrived at the KIA for pre-export formalities under two certificates for ‘mineral samples’ and ‘laboratory analysis only and of no commercial value’.

One Thomas Adu signed both forms for the Director of Geological Survey, one dated 31st December 2012, and the other dated 7th January 2013.

The said mineral samples were consigned to an address in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said the statement.

It said while one Isaac Anakwa Asante, Head of Operations of Menzies who inspected the cargo before scanning by Nick TC-Scan reported sighting gold bars, the exporter, Kofi Bedzrah of Omanye Gold Mining Ltd, insisted his company exported gold bars of 1.5 tons with a value of 62,000,000 dollars.

“However, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (CD/GRA) Instructions for the Dispatch of Goods (IDG) form entered the goods as ‘mineral samples’. The pre-departure formalities were endorsed by Kwesi Avemee, a collector of CD/GRA, and Albert Kan Dapaah, a Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) official.

“While mineral samples do not attract tax liability, it was found unusual to have mineral samples shipped in such tonnage,” the statement stated.

Sections of the media reported last month the detention of an aircraft in Istanbul allegedly carrying 1.5 tons of gold originating in Ghana and destined for the Islamic Republic of Iran.

There was speculation in the local media that the said shipment was payment by Ghana in respect of some financial transaction with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Government however distanced itself from the said transaction. Enditem.

Source: Justice Lee Adoboe

via Government Of Ghana Says Its Digging Deep Into Turkey Gold Affair.

February 15, 2013
AMA Ready To Partner Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality

Dr Oko Vanderpuije, Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), has expressed the Assembly’s desire to partner with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality to improve the standard of living of Ghanaians.

Dr Vanderpuije made the assurance when the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) in Turkey, Dr Kadir Tophas paid a courtesy call on him in Accra to express his commitment to strengthen cordial relationship for the benefit of Ghana and Turkey. Dr Vanderpuije said the AMA has drawn up programmes and policies targeted to enable the people to overcome the challenges such as transportation, drainage and sewerage systems.

He said the general urban development of the metropolis was a cardinal part of the Better Ghana Agenda of the government and it was on this premise that he would ensure a strong partnership with Istanbul to make the dream of making Accra a Millennium City come true.

The MCE gave the assurance that the new Accra would see the prevention of further slum development as well as indiscriminate citing of containers and kiosks while the existing structures would be improved.

He said the visit of the Mayor of Istanbul marked the beginning of partnership between the two municipalities adding that; “we have opened today a new chapter and would ensure that this historic visit would not remain a mere declaration since the AMA was resolved to play its role effectively to change the city.”

Dr Vanderpuije praised the Turkish Government and the Istanbul Mayor, Dr Tophas for supporting AMA for more development in Ghana.

Dr Tophas in his response announced a 300-million dollars package for Ghana and indicated that the recent visit by President John Dramani Mahama to Turkey was highly appreciated and had strengthened the cooperation between the two countries.

He said the future of Ghana was bright because of its aim to promote peace, ensure stability and protect its democratic gains.

The Mayor of Istanbul noted that Ghana had made gains in the development of the country and he felt obliged to contribute to the welfare of the people of Ghana.

Dr Tophas said Turkish attached great importance to the development of Ghana hence the need for “my visit to sign a cooperation protocol and make sure the relationship between the two countries become a reality.”

“I will be more than happy to share our development with Ghana and Turkey to find practical and responsible solutions to the city’s numerous challenges,” he said.

Source: GNA

via AMA Ready To Partner Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality – Oko Vanderpuije.

February 5, 2013
Ghana opens Mission in Turkey

President John Dramani Mahama says he hopes the re-opening of the Ghana Embassy in Turkey will strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Speaking at a ceremony in Ankara, Turkey, the President said Ghana and Turkey share a lot in common and is hopeful the new development will cement relations between Ghana and Turkey.

“Recently Turkey is emerging as a world force in politics, economy, culture and society. I am happy that of the historical relation that has existed since Ghana became independence are being raised again to a new level, Ghana shares the same values with Turkey; a strong stable democracy, peaceful with a strong respect for self expression and human rights. Ghana is also considered a beacon of democracy and human and social values in Africa.”

“And so on that basis of the shared values there is a lot that Ghana and Turkey can do together.”

“It will make it easier for the Turkish private sector to acquire their visa in a speedy manner.”

The Turkish Foreign Minister; Ahmet Davutoglu on his part said Ghana has always been one of Turkey’s partners, saying the two countries will continue to share very special relations.

via Ghana opens Mission in Turkey.

January 23, 2013
Ghana to establish new missions in Turkey, China but closes embassy in Serbia

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Alhaji Muhammed Mumuni on Wednesday said in Parliament that Cabinet had approved proposals submitted by the Ministry, to establish new missions in some countries.

These are Ankara, Turkey and a Consulate-General in Guanghou, provincial capital of Guangdong, Southern China.

The Minister explained that this was in view of the economic and commercial potentials that existed in these countries for the mutual benefit of the people.

On Turkey, Alhaji Mumuni said in December 2010, Africa and Turkey adopted the joint implementation Plan 2010-2014 of the Turkish-Africa Partnership, to strengthen the co-operative relationship between African countries and Turkey in inter-government and institutional co-operation, trade and investment, agriculture and agro-business, health, peace and security, infrastructure, energy, transport and tourism.

This followed the declaration of Turkey as one of the strategic partners of African countries by the African Union Summit in January 2008, and also followed by the first Turkey Africa Cooperation Summit in Istanbul in August 2008 to provide momentum to the development of Turkish-African relations.

Alhaji Mumuni noted that Turkey had shown great interest in Ghana with the establishment of a diplomatic mission in Accra, in February 2010, to enhance her relations with Ghana, and established a Consulate in Kumasi to be in-charge of the northern part of Ghana.

He said the turning point of Ghana-Turkey relation was the two-day official visit to Ghana in March 2011 by Turkish President Abdullah Gul, accompanied by a 100-member business delegation.

Alhaji Mumuni said that Turkish Government promised to invest $50 billion towards the realisation of the Turkish-Africa Partnership Agreement, and the implementation of the Joint Implementation Plan of 2010-2014 of the Turkey-Africa Partnership.

He said volume of trade between Turkey and Ghana increased from $175 million in 2009 to $440 million by the end of 2011, and noted that it was estimated that this would increase to $1 billion by 2015.

Alhaji Mumuni noted that of the 54 African Countries that participated in the conference, 11 of them in Sub-Saharan Africa, had established their embassies in Ankara, Turkey and 10 more African countries pledged to follow suit before 2012.

He said the establishment of a Consulate-General in China was due to the large Ghanaian community there.

The Minister said it was also due to the inability of the Ghana Mission in Beijing to cover effectively Guangzhou as a result of the distance between the two cities, the cost involved as well as the inability to establish an Honorary Consulate in the Province because of the Chinese Government’s policy of not allowing Honorary Consulate in main land China.

Alhaji Mumuni said Ghana’s Embassy in China was located in Beijing, the northern part of China, while the city of Guangzhou in the Guangdong Province, located in the southern part of China, was 2000 kilometres from Beijing.

Meanwhile, Serbian Government has requested the closure of its Consulate in Accra due to Ghana’s recognition of Kosovo, and Ghana had no choice than to order the complete closure of her mission in Belgrade.

Source: GNA

via Ghana to establish new missions in Turkey, China but closes embassy in Serbia : Ghana Business News.

March 2, 2012