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No one’s ambitions will be allowed to compromise the Nation’s peace and Security – Pres Akufo-Addo
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, at the inauguration of the Law House delivered a powerful speech underscoring the paramount importance of law enforcement and the rule of law, especially in the context of the upcoming critical election year.
“In so saying, I want to use the opportunity of this platform to reassure the Ghanaian people that the law enforcement agencies of the state, including the Office of the Attorney-General, will do all within their power to ensure that law and order prevail in the country at all times, especially during this critical election year,” President Akufo-Addo asserted.
He emphasised that the ambitions of any political party or presidential candidate would not be allowed to compromise the nation’s hard-earned peace, security, and stability.
“It will not happen,” he declared emphatically.
Highlighting the nation’s robust legal framework, the President made it clear that laws on vigilantism and other relevant statutes would be rigorously enforced to safeguard the tranquillity of the country.
This unwavering commitment, he noted, was owed to the good people of Ghana, who have consistently demonstrated their deep attachment to peaceful democratic values.
The President also reflected on the significance of the Law House’s commissioning.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the commissioning of the Law House is not just a celebration of a new building; it is a celebration of our collective commitment to the rule of law and justice. It is proof of our belief that a strong legal system is essential for the development and prosperity of our nation,” he said.
Looking to the future, President Akufo-Addo called for continuous adaptation and evolution of the legal system to meet the changing needs of society while maintaining a steadfast commitment to justice, fairness, and equality for all.
“The rule of law is not a static concept. It is a living principle that requires constant nurturing and vigilance,” he reminded the audience.
The President’s address resonated with a strong message of maintaining peace, security, and stability in Ghana, a nation renowned as a beacon of democracy on the African continent.
The inauguration of the edifice not only celebrated the new infrastructure but also reinforced Ghana’s dedication to the principles of justice and the rule of law, ensuring that peace and democratic values remain at the core of the nation’s development.
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Youth urged to take proactive stance on ozone depletion
•Mr Joseph Amankwah, first counting from, some officials from EPA and UNDP in group picture with the student
Mr Joseph Amankwah, the Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged the youth to take a proactive stance on issues related to ozone depletion, emphasising that their future would be most affected by its consequences.
Speaking during a student engagement event at the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASS) in Koforidua, he highlighted the critical role young people played in tackling climate-related challenges.
Mr Amankwah explained that human activities, such as the use of certain chemicals, were significantly contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and driving climate change.
He said it was important to educate the youth on these issues, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their families to foster a broader understanding and active participation in climate action.
He urged the education sector to integrate lessons on the ozone layer, the causes of its depletion, and its links to climate change into the curriculum.
The event, organised by the EPA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was designed to foster environmental awareness and promote a sense of responsibility among young people.
Mr Amankwah noted that ozone layer depletion was affecting everyone, including children, as it alters weather patterns and threatens the natural environment.
He highlighted the need for young people to develop ‘green skills’ to adapt to the challenges of climate change and to understand ways to combat it.
He added that World Ozone Day, observed every September, would focus on youth engagement in environmental issues, to help them understand the long-term consequences of ozone depletion and climate change.
Mr Amankwah also discussed the harmful impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a major chemical contributor to ozone depletion.
He explained that household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners were common sources of CFC emissions in Ghana.
Many uncertified technicians work on these appliances, often releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere due to improper handling, he noted.
To address this, he urged appliance repairers to obtain proper certification and training, emphasising that unqualified repairs not only harm the environment but also endangered public health.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman,
Koforidua
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Small-scale miners schooled on health hazards of mining with mercury
Mr Lovelace Sarpong (right) addressing the participants
Some Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners in the Ashanti and Central regions have been sensitised on the potential health dangers humans are exposed to with the use of mercury in gold processing.
The sensitisation which was organised by PlanetGOLD Ghana project was to raise awareness about the negative impacts on the use of mercury in mining activities.
According to the PlanetGOLD Ghana Project Coordinator, Mr Lovelace Sarpong, the use of mercury in artisanal small-scale mining pose health challenges that affects the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs and kidneys; and may be fatal.
Some Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) that benefited from the exercise were Amansie Central, Asante Akim North, Amansie South, Amansie West, Bekwai, and Adansi North in the Ashanti Region, and Upper Denkyira East (Dunkwa-on-Offin) and Upper Denkyira West (Diaso) in the Central Region.
Additionally, he said inorganic salts of mercury were corrosive to the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract, and may induce kidney toxicity if ingested.
He stated that the PlanetGOLD Project has conducted several initiatives to raise awareness on reducing mercury exposure among artisanal and small-scale gold mining actors in the country.
It was to promote mercury-free mining practices in line with Ghana’s obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, support the formalisation of the ASGM sector while advocating the adoption of the CRAFT Code and responsible supply chains, and raise awareness on the availability of mercury-free alternatives.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Area Head for Konongo, Mr Dawood Abbas, underscored the importance of government’s environmental regulations and EPA’s role in ensuring compliance within the ASGM sector.
He encouraged miners to prioritise environmental stewardship to gain community trust and secure a Social License to Operate (SLO) and reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to enforce its commitments under the Minamata Convention.
BY Cecilia Lagba Yada
