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3 Nigeriens grabbed for selling unlicensed drugs
The three suspected drug dealers
Public Health Officers of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) have arrested three Niger nationals in Accra for allegedly peddling aphrodisiacs and an unidentified liquid substance purported to be a ‘heart cleanser’.
The suspects, Ibrahim Bashiru, 25, Mohammed Abu Qassim, 27, and Abdul Salam Abass 27, were arrested for retailing unlicensed medications to the public on Friday after a tip-off.
They are currently in police custody assisting with investigations to determine the origin and composition of the substance after which they would be arraigned in court.
Speaking to The Spectatorafter the arrest, the Head of Public Affairs at the AMA, Gilbert Ankrah said the confiscated substance had no proper labelling, details of the manufacturer, and expiry date, adding that the suspects would face the full rigours of the law.
He said initial examinationsconducted by the Head of the Public Health Department of the AMA revealed that there was a potential health hazard associated with the substance.
“During investigation, the liquid substance was poured into a plastic takeaway pack which melted in no time, Mr Ankrah disclosed.
He said the AMA was collaborating with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA)and otherrelevant agencies to assess the risk posed by illicit substances on the market, adding that the AMA would ensurethorough investigations were conducted and take necessary actions to prevent harm to the public.
He assured that the AMA would push for stringent enforcement and proactive measures to protect inhabitants and make the city safe for all.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
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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.
