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Give ARC the mandate to transform Ghana – Abu Sakara to Ghanaians
Dr Abu Sakara Foster, co-convener of the Alliance for Revolutionary Change (ARC) and former Convention People’s Party (CPP) flagbearer has called on Ghanaians to give them the mandate in the upcoming 2024 elections to transform Ghana.
He noted that both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in power, and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have become indifferent to the needs of Ghanaians, emphasising the need for Ghanaians to break away from the duopoly.
In an interview on The Point of View on Citi TV, Dr Abu Sakara stated, “It’s time for us to give people an alternative. If there’s been stagnation in the duopoly, it’s time for them to give an alternative where they will be part of it. We have decided to focus on a 7-point agenda, that becomes the basis for any future interventions to form a framework to reform the country and restore it to the path we want to travel on and reset it.
Mr.Sakara said “We believe there has to be transformation both in governance and the economy. The changes we want to see are in quantum leaps that will transform the economy and society. The message to Ghanaians is that you have tried 32 years of this, and this [ARC] is an alternative why don’t you try this for a change? If you give us the mandate we’re going to do A, B, C, and D in a way that will give us a different result from what you have had before.”
Dr. Abu Sakara refuted claims that the ARC members are merely trying to create a king, rather than a third force capable of breaking the duopoly.
“We’re not here for kingmaking, the purpose of this alliance is to be an alternative, political force, now and in the future. So, we’re laying the foundation, if you’re kingmaking, you’re doing it for the moment. But we’re laying the foundation which is why it has taken us time to build it,” he added.
“That is why we didn’t have an alliance of convenience; we had an alliance of Memorandum of Understanding which laid out the vision, objectives and framework, and how it will transcend. This is not just a knee-jerk reaction; it is well thought-out. We believe it is going to provide an alternative to Ghanaians and fulfil their yearning for an alternative of NDC, NPP,” he told host Bernard Avle.
Dr. Abu Sakara voiced his concerns about the ‘winner takes all’ scenario post-election, advocating for reforms to alter this narrative.
On Thursday, April 4, independent presidential candidate Alan John Kyerematen announced a strategic partnership with the National Interest Movement (NIM), led by Abu Sakara, in preparation for the 2024 elections.
This collaboration, dubbed ‘The Alliance for Revolutionary Change (ARC)’, was launched on April 17. The ARC aims to unite Ghanaians from various backgrounds, with a special emphasis on involving the youth and women, in a bid to elect Ghana’s first independent presidential candidate.
Source: Citinewsroom.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.
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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
