News
Asante Akyem District gets new educational complex
Pupils of the Nhyiaeso Basic School in the Asante Akyem District of the Ashanti Region are beneficiaries of a newly constructed six-unit classroom block and staff bungalow.
The MTN Ghana Foundation project valued at GH¢500,000 would serve about 356 pupils in the area and surrounding communities.
The Acting General Manager for the Northern Business District of MTN Ghana, Mr Simon Amoh, recently handed over the facility which comprised a fully furnished staff common room and headteacher’s office.
Mr Samuel Koranteng, Corporate Services Executive and Executive Director of the MTN Ghana Foundation, said MTN Ghana Foundation embarked on the project because of the ‘value it places on education’.
“We believe that children of school going age and those yet unborn equally deserve better opportunities in education at all levels.
“The facility will bring hope and relief to about 184 boys and 172 girls and teachers from Nhyiaeso. It will also serve eight other surrounding communities. We look forward to hearing about high retention in school and increased enrolment,” he said.
A statement following the commissioning indicated that the request for the building was presented to MTN Ghana Foundation board by Ohemeng Tawiah, a journalist working with Joy Fm who chanced upon the school whilst covering a story in the area.
It said pupils in the school had to walk over 20 kilometres to the neighbouring towns to attend school as the existing facilities were in a very poor state.
The provision of the classroom block, the Foundation said, would help eliminate absenteeism on the part of pupils and teachers, and end the long trek pupils had to embark on to access education.
In his remarks, the District Chief Executive, Francis Oti Boateng, commended MTN Ghana for the initiative.
“Comparing this new school with the old dilapidated structure, this is a tremendous improvement. Considering the cost of the structure, it would have taken years for the Assembly to accrue that amount of money to provide such a facility,” he said, and urged other players in the private sector to contribute their quota toward education.
The District Education Director, Madam Mildred Ama Kwakye Agyapong, said the project was a relief and would enhance education in the area, and tasked residents to maintain the facility.
Dignitaries present at the brief ceremony included the Odikro of Nhyiaeso, Nana Kwasi Owusu, the representative of Agogomanhene, Nana Brentuo Asadro Nti, Hon. Andy Appiah Kubi, MP for Asante Akyem North and Mr Jim Aglah, among others.
By Spectator Reporter
News
Prof. Mike Oquaye accuses gov’t of ‘secret trial’ of Chief Justice
Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, has criticised the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) over what he described as the mishandling of the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.
He is unhappy with the constitutional provision requiring the hearing of the Chief Justice’s case to be held in-camera.
“I am concerned about certain issues that I consider vital, particularly the trial in-camera provision. You will ask yourself what the rationale is for that provision in our constitution, what is its purpose, and if we are to give it a purposeful interpretation, where shall we go? The purpose is it to benefit the people of Ghana as a whole, that the Chief Justice must be trial in-camera…”
He added, “From the very beginning, the constitution tells us justice belongs to the people, it emanates from the people, justice belongs to all of us people, one may say that this provision could be advarance to the one that says trial must be done in-camera.” he said in an exclusive interview with JoyNews.
Prof. Oquaye also raised concerns about the transparency and integrity of the process.
He argued that the judiciary must be insulated from political interference, adding that the current handling of the matter risks eroding confidence in the rule of law.
The Chief Justice was recently suspended following allegations of misconduct, after which a formal petition was submitted to President John Mahama, prompting the formation of a committee to investigate the matter.
The proceedings, however, have largely been conducted in-camera, drawing criticism from sections of the public and some legal minds.
While the NDC government maintains that the suspension was carried out in accordance with constitutional provisions, Prof. Quaye argues that the secrecy surrounding the process undermines the principles of accountability and due process.
Source:Myjoyonline.com
News
Committee on Roads and Transport engages Transport Ministry
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Roads and Transport has paid a familiarization visit to the Ministry of Transport and its agencies to perform its legislative oversight and foster collaboration in Ghana’s transport sector.
The visit by the 17-member Committee led by its Chairman, Isaac Adjei Mensah, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Wassa East Constituency in the Western Region, was aimed at getting updates on ongoing projects and foster direct dialogue with agencies under the Ministry’s purview.
The Chairman of the committee described the visit as “a strategic and symbolic gesture” and emphasized the importance of direct engagement with sector leadership to enable informed legislative support.
The Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe outlined some reforms including a framework to regularize commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada by lowering the minimum rider age from 25 years to 21 years, which is near completion and will soon be presented to Parliament.
He also mentioned the reviving of Ghana’s national carrier via a public-private partnership, upgrading airport infrastructure, studying coastal routes to ease road congestion, opening a new DVLA branch in Adenta, and upgrading the Ghana Civil Aviation Training Academy.
The minister also disclosed that the ministry is in the process of procuring new buses for Metro Mass and STC.
The other Members of the visiting Committee were Chiwitey Dari Andrew, Vice Chairperson and MP for Sawla/Tuna/Kalba; Osei Nyarko Kennedy, MP for Akim Swedru and the Ranking Member; Francis Asenso-Boakye, MP for Bantama; Frimpong Kwame Ohene, MP for Asante Akim North; Cudjoe Doyoe Comfort, Ada MP; Marfo Ahenkorah Kofi, MP for Achiase; Mahama Toure Naser, Ayawaso East MP; Ziedeng Anwataazumo Bede, MP for Lawra and Mubarak Seid, MP for Sunyani East.
The Committee also visited the Civil Aviation Authority and the Civil Aviation Training Centre to be acquainted with its functions and operations.
