News
Chinese business man abondons injured Ghanaian worker?
A chinese business man and Managing Director of King of Lion Wire Mesh Weaving Industries at Medie, Samsam junction, in the Ga West Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, Mr. Zhang Yi, is said to have abondoned a severely injured worker to his fate.
After paying the initial hospital bill of GH¢1,000 for the victim, he refused to foot the additional bill of GH¢5,700 to enable him (victim) undergo surgery at the hospital.
The injured worker, Desmond Afanyo, 20, in an interview with “The Spectator” on Monday, said he fell from a dizzying height of the factory on February 16, 2021, on the hard concrete floor while packing finished products, resulting in a fractured left arm.
He said he was rushed to the Nsawam Government Hospital by the company manager, Mr. King Gadzekpo, where he was treated and later referred to the Grace Ville Hospital for surgery but Mr. Zhang Yi refused to pay the GH¢5,700 bill for the surgery to be performed.
The victim, who is an orphan, as he had lost both parents said he was asked by Mr. Zhang Yi to go to the 37 Military Hospital at his own expense and later submit the medical bills for reimbursement.
He said as some one earning only GH¢550 a month from the company, he could never ever afford the cost of surgery and treatment at the 37 Military Hospital so his fractured arm has been left to rot .
When this reporter went to Mr. Zhang Yi on Tuesday to ascertain the veracity of the story, he confirmed, saying that he had done his part and that the failure of Desmond Afanyo to go to the 37 hospital promptly for treatment, meant he was on his own.
But after a lot of engagement with this reporter, Mr. Zhang Yi reluctantly agreed to bear the cost of Desmond Afanyo’s treatment at the 37 Military Hospital.
A Senior Government Labour Officer at the Ministry of Works and Housing confirmed that, Mr. Afanyo made a report to them two weeks ago.
She said Mr. Zhang Yi’s numerous cases of mistreatment of his workers had become a matter of concern to them, adding that, they would do all in their power to seek justice for the affected workers.
She opined that, no Ghanaian businesman or woman working in China would be allowed to treat chinese workers that way by the chinese government.
By Francis Xah
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.
