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Dzaasetse of Asere Kotopong underscores significance of traditional rulers
Dzaasetse of Asere Kotopong, Nii Amarkai III has underscored the significance of traditional rulers in the country, focusing more on development than spending so much on disputes.
According to him, many chiefs in the country were “wasting” valuable resources on legal issues relating to chieftaincy disputes, describing it as totally needless.
The renowned traditional ruler gave the advise over the weekend when he met some chiefs within the Ga State in Accra shortly after arriving for the United States of America (USA).
He said “let us place some respect on chieftaincy in this jurisdiction especially, by ensuring we make it a priority to stop fighting over certain issues. Let us remain united against poverty and underdevelopment by shifty focus from disputes.”
“The monies spent on court cases could be invested and spent on scholarships for needy people. It is time for our chiefs to become more productive than ever,” he added.
Nii Amarkai revealed that so far his outfit had provided scholarship to more than 200 young people to study nursing and Information Communication Technology (ICT).
He said education would continue to remain one of his topmost concerns for the youth, adding that but for a scholarship he received from a philanthropist after losing his parents when he was just nine years old, he would not have grown to become a successful literate and leader “this is the reason why I am very passionate about education, I believe strongly that it is a tool that can liberate people from poverty.”
Touching on the need parents to also contribute their quota towards adding values to the lives of their children rather than spending money on funerals and other social activities, he reiterated that an investment the education of children was crucial as it laid the foundation for their future success, helps develop critical thinking skills, fosters personal growth, and contributes to the overall well-being and progress of society.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU
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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
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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.
