Hot!
Anti-LGBTQ Bill: I’m disappointed in President Akufo-Addo – Della Sowah
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Kpando, Della Sowah has expressed her disappointment in President Akufo-Addo over his letter to Parliament.
The office of the President has officially requested Parliament to refrain from transmitting Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values affectionately referred to as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill to President Akufo-Addo for his assent.
The Executive Secretary, Nana Asante Bediatuo has written to Parliament on Monday, March 18, requesting that in light of two pending applications for an order of interlocutory injunction currently before the Supreme Court, the bill should not be transmitted to the President.
According to the letter, it would be inappropriate for Parliament to transmit the bill to the President to append his signature when the Supreme Court had not decided on the matter pending before it.
Responding to this, Della Sowah told thespectatoronline.com that the action of President Akufo-Addo is shocking and a mockery of Ghana’s sovereignty.
According to her, this action by the President is a betrayal of the will of the people of Ghana.
Della Sowah wondered why the President would hide behind a pending interlocutory Injunction application at the Supreme Court to write such a letter to Parliament.
“This letter from the presidency shows a lack of respect for the Separation of Powers as enshrined in our laws,” she said.
Against this backdrop, she said the decision of the Speaker of Parliament not to approve President Akufo-Addo’s ministers as a result of a similar application at the Supreme Court was the way to go.
“I support the decision of the Speaker. The President can not show Parliament and Ghanaians such disrespect and have his way,” she said.
The Speaker of Parliament yesterday told the President that the House can not approve his ministers until the determination of a pending application at the Supreme Court.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Hot!
ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
