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First Nearly Zero Energy building commissioned in Ghana
Mrs Alhassan with other dignitaries commissioning the building
The Energy Commission (EC) in partnership with Germany International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) has commissioned a nearly zero energy building in Accra.
Being the first of its kind in the country, the building will consume only as much energy it generates, meaning it will produce its own energy for consumption and very little from the national grid.
Commissioning the building on Friday, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy, Mr Herbert Krappa, whose speech was delivered on his behalf by the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Mrs Lydia Seyram Alhassan, said the facility represented a remarkable achievement and a critical step forward in the nation’s journey toward sustainable renewable energy solutions.
“This building stands as a beacon of progress, a powerful testament to what is possible when we turn our shared vision into reality and it is a symbol of commitment, innovation, and the boundless potential of working together toward a common goal,” he said.
Furthermore, Mr Krappa said the building embodies national commitment to addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions.
The building, he said would serve as an Energy Academy and a dynamic hub of knowledge.
The Minister encouraged the EC to go beyond the theoretical foundations taught in traditional academic settings and seize the opportunity to explore innovative technologies, engage in pioneering research, and develop solutions that would define the future of energy for the country and beyond.
The Executive Secretary of EC, Mr Oscar Amonoo-Neizer, said with the Nearly Zero Energy Building, the commission aims to reduce the country’s carbon footprint, use renewable resources efficiently, and serve as a beacon of what could be achieved through foresight, planning, and commitment.
Being fairly cheap, he said the building stood as a testament to the potential of sustainable energy practices to transform the way they design, construct, and operate spaces.
The Cluster Coordinator at GIZ, Mr Tangmar Marmor, said the building has to inspire a drastic change in the building sector in the country to adapt to the low consumption building materials and buildings.
BY CECILIA LAGBA YADA
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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.
