THE GHANAIAN CHRONICLE

"War clouds gather again in the North...Konkombas mass for battle with Nchumuru and others", is the screaming headline of the lead story in the Chronicle which paints an ominous picture. The story says intelligence gathered by the Chronicle and corroborated by the security agencies, hint of drums ominously beating to signal preparation for a renewed ethnic clash between the Konkombas and the Nchumurus. The Chronicle says the theatre of the planned war is the Kete- Krachi area in northern Volta Region. According to the paper, last Tuesday, the Dambai market, the l.argest in the area, registered an unprecedented low attendance of traders who were scared of being caught up in the fighting. Besides, the Chronicle says, local education authorities have been uneasy about the sudden and inexplicable withdrawal of Konkomba children from schools during the last few weeks. The paper says an unusal movement of Konkombas from the Northern Region to the area has also gained intensity in recent days. GRI

In another front page story, the Chronicle says the Ashanti Regional Administration will "descend heavily and harshly" on district chief executives (DCEs) who have "itching palms" and want to tinker with state resources. The Chronicle says the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Daniel Ohene-Agyekum, served notivce when he addressed the national seminar on construction cost reduction for district assemblies at Achiakrom, near Ejisu. "I have no control over other regions but as far as I am concerned, I will not take it easy with any DCE or assemblyman in Ashanti when any irregularities or scandal is detected", the Chronicle quoted the Regional Minister as saying. GRI

The Chronicle in a third front page story reports the inauguration of the National Media Commssion. The paper says after a long delay, the National Media Commssion was inaugurated last Friday by the Chief Justice, Mr I.K. Abban in Accra. The delay according to the Chronicle was due to an injunction order against the two nominees of the Ghana Journalists' Association (GJA). The Chronicle says at the ceremony, 15 out of the 18 members were sworn-in. The paper says the Chief Justice,in an address, advised the commission to be impartial in the discharge of its duties. He urged the members to protect the rights and independence of the media and ensure high journalistic standards among media practitioners, doing so "without fear or favour". The Chief Justice decried the behaviour of some newspapers who refuse to publish rejoinders by persons they have attacked, saying publication of rejoinders can stop individuals from seeking redress at the courts. GRI