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Ningo-Prampram sea defense project nears completion
In a bid to address the devastating effects of tidal waves along the coastal belt, the government, about three years ago, began the construction of a sea defence wall on the shores of the Ningo-Prampram District.
The about $69m project, under the Ningo-Prampram Coastal Protection Project, is meant to protect the five-kilometre stretch from tidal waves, beach erosion and flooding.
When completed, it would among other things, protect the livelihoods of the people, and boost domestic tourism in the Ningo-Prampram area – one of the tourist destinations in the country.
A recent visit to the site saw engineers putting finishing touches, indicating that the project could be completed by the end of December, this year.
When the Works and Housing Minister, Mr Francis Asenso-Boakye, paid a visit to the site in July, Mr Kwasi Sarpong Osei, Project Manager of Messrs Bridge Global Consolidated Limited, the construction company undertaking the project, stated the readiness of the company to go by the project schedule.
Mr Osei said about 2.6-kilometres out of the total five-kilometres sea defence project, had been completed, adding that the remaining 2.4 kilometres would be finished in due time.
He, however, appealed to the government to expedite the release of funds to fast-track work on the project.
The aerial shots captured by the reporter depict the extent of work completed at the site. Some residents have so far expressed satisfaction at the project and are hopeful that it would bring them some relief as they go about their daily activities.
Coastal erosion and flooding which continue to affect the communities along the coast could be traced to the impact of human activities, climate change and rise in sea-levels.
By Geoffrey Buta
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
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.
