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North-East Regional Minister reaffirms commitment to combating insecurities
The North-East Regional Minister, Ibrahim Tia, has reaffirmed his commitment to combating insecurities, including armed robbery by implementing effective measures designed to safeguard lives and property.
He emphasised the importance of a coordinated approach involving law enforcement agencies, community engagement and preventive strategies to enhance security in the region.
The Minister’s remarks come in response to rising concerns about safety and the need for a robust framework to protect citizens.
He urged the community to collaborate with authorities to ensure a safer environment for all.
Speaking to residents and local security officials, Minister Tia recognised the concerns of commuters who often face attacks on major highways.
He assured them that his administration would collaborate closely with the Upper East Regional Minister and security agencies to formulate an effective response to increasing security threats.
“The safety of our citizens is our top priority. We will enhance security operations in high-crime areas, boost police patrols, and set up emergency response teams to address any threats promptly,” he stated
He appealed to the police and other security agencies to beef up security to clamp down on the high rate of indiscipline.
“Indiscipline is gradually rearing its ugly head in our once peaceful and morally respected the region. Its unfortunate our township is drifting away from the way for which it was established by our forefathers. Its time we stamp authority on this anti-social canker,” he stated.
He appealed to residents to be vigilant and assist the police by reporting appropriately any incident they observed by so doing contribute to the prevention of violence.
Mr. Tia used the platform to caution people especially the youth against these illicit acts saying any person or group of persons caught engaging in any criminal activities would be dealt with severely to deter others.
He warned that the days of criminal gangs tormenting residents of the region were over, taking into account the preparedness of the security agencies to deal with the situation swiftly.
The Regional Minister bemoaned the fact that in recent times, a number of lives had been lost through robberies there called on residents to volunteer information to the security agencies in order to apprehend persons who were perpetrating various crimes in the region.
Residents in an interview with the Ghanaian Times were optimistic that these measures would put an end to the frequent attacks and promote safer travel through the region.
By Benedicta Gyimaah Folley
News
ORAL Committee presents report, with an estimated value of $20.49billion from 36 cases reviewed
Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee led by Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa officially hands over investigative report to President yesterday.
According to Okudzeto Ablakwa,
ORAL can retrieve $20.49 billion with 36 cases.
The President handed over the re port to the Attorney General and Minister for Justice with a directive to immediately begin investigations into the committee’s findings.
He noted that the findings of the ORAL report call for sober reflection on the massive financial leakages that should have been invested in education, healthcare, infrastructure and social development.
“Ghana is no longer a safe haven for corruption. To those who stand for integrity, accountability, and the rule of law, I assure you that this government remains your steadfast pattern in building a nation where honesty and hard work are rewarded,” President John Mahama.
Presenting a summary of the findings, the Chairman of the Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, also Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, said the value of thirty-six (36) financial cases reviewed is estimated at $20.49 billion.
According to a summary of the report, the cost of land cases alone is estimated at $702.8 million. Mr Ablakwa said the demining revelations vindicate President Mahama from critics of his resolve to pursue economic saboteurs.
The committee received 2,417 complaints in total, including 44 petitions received directly, 924 emails, and 1,493 phone calls.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Sports and Recreation Minister engages GFA on first day at work
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams officially assumed the leadership role of the sector on Monday February 10, 2025.2.10
As part of fist day at work activities, he convened a meeting with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to discuss matters relating to stadium security and the progress of Ghana Football.
The main focus of the meeting centred primarily on enhancing safety and security at the various match venues stemming from the unfortunate incident that rocked the football fraternity resulting in the death of a fan of Asante Kotoko.
The incident took place recently in a league match between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman football club at the Nana Koramansah Park at Nsoatreman.
Briefing the Minister on the status of investigations into the incident, the General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association, Prosper Harrison Addo stated that it was being treated as a criminal matter.
He assured the Minister of the full cooperation of the GFA with the security agencies to help bring the perpetrators to book.
The Minister pointed out the seriousness in losing a fan at a match venue and assured that, anyone found culpable will not be shielded to escape punishment but will be made to face the full rigors of the law.
He went on to outline a number of engagements and steps taken by the GFA, including the suspension of the league, to restore the sanity of the Ghana Premiere League going forward.
According to the General Secretary, the GFA after engaging all its stakeholders have drafted an enhanced safety protocols for the various match venues and this will be made available to the Minister for his input and subsequent implementation.
For his part, the Minister intimated his resolve to find a lasting solution to the issue of hooliganism to improve stadium experience for fans.
Regarding facilities, he directed the Chief Director of the Ministry, together with the GFA, to constitute a team to re-assess the suitability of match venues for league matches across the country to agree on which venues meet the minimum standard per regulations.
He further directed the GFA to step up its “say no to hooliganism” campaign and enhance the education of all football fans, players and officials to comport themselves at match venues to forestall any future occurrence; adding that, he would continue to engage with the GFA regularly to enhance stadium attendance and bring football back to life.
The meeting concluded with the Minister calling for the full cooperation and support of all stakeholders to improve Ghana Football and other sports.
He said that he believed in focusing on finding solutions to the challenges in Ghana sports, rather than apportioning blame.
Source:MOSR
