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New voters’ register: It’s needless, incoherent–Marricke Gane
Marricke Kofi Gane, an independent presidential aspirant, has strongly kicked against the resolution by Electoral Commission (EC) to compile a new voters’ register for the December 7 polls.
He maintained that “it is not necessary for the EC to compile a new voters’ register before conducting a successful election since the existing register was used in 2012 and used for a “successful” district assembly election recently.
Mr Gane, who is a chartered accountant and an international development consultant, described EC’s resolution as needless and incoherent and he underscored the EC could go ahead to do a limited registration for people who just turned 18 years and were eligible to vote rather than compiling a new voters’ register in the face of the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the country.
“Even though the EC is permitted by law to call for a new voters’ register, it should look at the time constraint and consider the safety of Ghanaians, especially in the COVID-19 era, it is a constitutional right for the EC to call for a new voters’ register which I am not opposing but what I am saying is that where we are now it is unreasonable, especially looking at the time constraints and outbreak of COVID-19.
“Secondly, the EC needs to realise that its decision is likely to set in voter fatigue because people are still going through the National Identification Authority card registration, I have a challenge with the reasons the EC gave for not repairing the existing Biometric Verification System (BVS) machines and rather go for a new system.
“The suppliers of the BVS machines might have been gagged from confirming the prices as put across by the EC hence the refusal to speak to the media, I’m seeking to be an independent candidate in the December 7 elections, I’m optimistic civil society organisations have tried reaching out to the suppliers for interpretations of the prices but to no avail because they are believed to have been forbidden.
“It would have been good for BVS machine suppliers to have issued a statement about the development rather than keeping mute and allowing the EC to mislead the public,” Mr Gane bemoaned. -3news.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
