Hot!
Counsel’s absence stalls suit against sole administrators for NDDC – Out Source
The absence of the defence counsel within the suit difficult the usage of sole administrators to manage the Niger Delta Development Commission, Ume Kalu (SAN), was on Tuesday stalled at a Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Odighonin Adienbo had on behalf of the Wailing Women of Niger Delta, the Integrity Friends for Truth and Peace Initiative, and others filed the case earlier than the court docket presided over by Justice Isa Dashen in December, 2021, opposing the appointment of sole administrators to run the NDDC.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and NDDC are listed as first and second defendants within the suit marked FHC/YNG/CS/135/2021.
According to the plaintiffs, the idea of sole administrator was alien and opposite to the NDDC Act, which supplies for a constituted board made up of representatives of all states of the area, to handle the affairs of the fee.
When the case was talked about on Tuesday, a lawyer, Samuel Brisibe, instructed the court docket that he was mandated by counsel to the NDDC, Ume Kalu (SAN), to tell the court docket of his absence as a result of cancellation of his flight.
He, due to this fact, appealed to the court docket to adjourn the case to allow Kalu to personally argue the case as he (Brisibe) was not abreast of developments on the matter.
Brisibe additional mentioned that he was solely directed to inform the court docket of the explanations behind Kalu’s absence in court docket.
However, the counsel to the plaintiffs, Goodness Onuoha, frowned on the motive given by Brisibe, including that the defence counsel must have arrived in Yenagoa on Monday forward of Tuesday’s scheduled listening to date.
Onuoha urged the court docket to prevail on the defence to chorus from delaying the dispensation of justice.
Justice Dashen, nevertheless, adjourned the suit to June 28 for continuation of listening to.
He had in March 2022 directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to take away the NDDC from any ministry, together with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This materials, and different digital content material on this web site, is probably not reproduced, printed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in complete or partially with out prior specific written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
Source: punchng.com
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.
Hot!
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