Hot!
Bugri Naabu said he recommended Dampare to Akufo-Addo for IGP job – Supt Asare
The fourth witness in the probe into the alleged secret plot to remove the IGP has justified his trust in the notion that a former NPP Northern Regional Chairman had the ability to influence the selection of who led the police service.
According to Supt George Asare, he had been told by Daniel Bugri Naabu that he was the one who suggested to President Akufo-Addo that he appoint Dr George Akufo-Dampare to the top job in the police force.
He disclosed this to the Parliamentary Committee on Monday, September 4, 2023.
For him, this stance left no doubt that he could influence the authorities to appoint COP George Alex Mensah as the IGP.
“When we met him, in the course of our conversation, he did indicate that he recommended the current IGP to the President,” he explained.
The subject is a leaked audio in which police officers were heard conspiring to find a replacement for the current IGP, Dr George Akuffo Dampare.
The three police officers supposedly linked to the tape have been invited to assist the Ad-hoc committee’s probe.
Supt Asare is the officer who arranged the meeting between Mr Naabu and COP Alex Mensah.
His voice was one of those heard on the secret recording suggesting IGP Dampare’s action may cause the loss of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 election.
Despite admitting his trust in Mr Naabu’s influence to make COP Alex Mensah an IGP, he told the committee that “if a politician tells you this, as to whether it is true, you leave it as it is.”
“Because I didn’t need any appointment and I wasn’t as well lobbying for anybody,” he added.
The Police officer says the officer was the one who invited him for a discussion on the need for a new IGP.
This ensued on Day 4 of the public sitting which started this morning.
Source:myjoyonline.com
Hot!
ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
