News
National Chief Imam names Clemence Gyato as Peace Ambassador
National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu on November 28, 2020, named Clemence Gyato as Peace Ambassador.
Gyato, a Master’s Degree holder in Conflict, Peace and Security and currently a PhD student, is renowned among the country’s Zongo youth and lauded for his efforts in conflict resolution, notably in the protracted Alavanyo-Nkonya dispute as well as discord between Hohoe natives and Zongo youth.
Announcing Gyato’s appointment, Sheikh Sharubutu said his office had “monitored Mr Gyato’s involvement in peacebuilding efforts in various parts of the country,” for which reason he was selected.
In his new role, Gyato is expected to amplify and coordinate harmony among the country’s youth, particularly in the build up to the 2020 polls.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Gyato cited a life-changing interaction with a victim of the Somali war whose account led him to the understanding that “no one is safe within a community or society riddled with insecurity. And no one filled with conflict, despair, and anxiety rises to the zenith of any godly profession. So, I set out to do this one thing: be at peace with myself and with all.”
The maxim, Gyato said, had been pivotal to his vision. He observed that his appointment was testament to the fact that, his efforts were being keenly observed by leadership.
“This honour bestowed on me for my little, submarine operations within the peace space is something I will cherish considerably.
“Election-related violence has destroyed many African countries. Ghana has escaped this unfortunate conundrum and it is my expectation that the 2020 elections will be no different”.
“It is time we saw peace neither as a prelude to, nor an addendum to elections. It is an ever-constant pre-requisite for personal, familial, and national progress. Insofar as each person values their peace of mind, it then behoves us to value the peace of our brother, friend, relative, colleague, political opponents, and/ or even perceived enemies,” he said.
Mr Gyato pledged to continue his mission to be at peace with, all, “speak and act peacefully to all men.”
“I undertake to accept diversity as strength and use diversity to build a peaceful society. I undertake to do more towards building a peaceful Ghana,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Ibrahim Cudjoe Quaye, who chaired Gyato’s investiture, Madina MP Hon. Abu-Bakar Saddique Boniface, as well as NDC aspiring Member of Parliament for Madina, Lawyer Francis-Xavier Sosu also pledged peace before and after election 2020.
News
New BoG governor can’t engage in official duties – Afenyo-Markin to Mahama
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin has raised concerns over the assumption of official duties by Dr. Johnson Asiamah as Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
The former Deputy Governor was recently nominated by President John Dramani, on January 31, 2025, to serve as Governor, pending approval by the Council of State.
This follows a formal request by the current Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, to proceed on leave ahead of his retirement on March 31, 2025.
However, in a letter to President Mahama dated February 4, Minority Leader raised serious concerns with Dr. Asiamah’s assumption of office in the absence of the Council of State.
“Your Excellency, it is my considered view that Dr. Johnson Asiamah should refrain from engaging in official duties at the Bank of Ghana until his nomination has been duly approved by the Council of State. While awaiting confirmation, he can seek any necessary briefings outside the formal assumption of office,” the letter noted.
He added, “I trust that due attention will be given to this matter to uphold the integrity of our institutional processes.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Read full statement below
News
Bagbin lifts suspension of four MPs
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has lifted the suspension of four Members of Parliament (MPs) who were suspended after a clash during the vetting session on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
The altercation occurred between Minority and Majority MPs, escalating tensions in Parliament. The disagreement reached a peak after the suspension of the four MPs, triggering a debate over whether the vetting should proceed on January 31, 2025.
Following the suspension, the Minority MPs walked out, leaving only the Majority to continue with the vetting of nominees, including that of MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who had already undergone several hours of questioning by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
The lifting of the suspension comes after a review of the incident. The four MPs – Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Jerry Ahmed Shaib and Alhassan Tampuli – are now expected to resume their parliamentary duties as normal. The move seeks to restore order in Parliament following the disruptions.
This was after both the majority leader and minority leader appealed to the Speaker of Parliament to lift the ban on the four MPs.
Alban Bagbin said, “So I have lifted the suspension order. I do so instantly and takes effect immediately. The affected Hon. Members are permitted now to enter the precincts of the house. I must say they actually complied with the orders.”
He assured that the investigations will continue, and the House will have the opportunity to make a decision.
He commended the security agencies for their support.
Source : Citinewsroom.com
