News
Parliament condemns systemic racism against blacks
Parliament has condemned what it describes as the systemic and continuous racism against black people in the United States of America (USA), in the wake of murder of George Floyd.
The African-American was killed by a team of police during an arrest in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020.
He died while a police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck for eight minutes, 46 seconds.
The death of George Floyd, who has since been interred close to his late mother in the Houston suburb of Pearland, has sparked global protests with the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter.
Adding his voice to the global condemnation in a statement in Parliament yesterday, the North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the death of the 46-year old must mark the end of the centuries old racism that blacks have endured.
According to Mr Ablakwa who doubles as the Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, “racial injustice is a global issue and affects all of us.”
“A clear message,” he said “must go forth that the black race has had enough.
“From slavery, colonialism, neo-colonialism, economic exploitation to structural and institutional racism, we have simply had enough. Black lives matter! We must force all those knees off our necks!
“We hope US authorities will ensure justice is manifestly done. May this become a watershed moment in history and a positive turning point for blacks in that country.”
The Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, on his part said the murder of the late Floyd must be a wake-up call to all Africans.
He said the global condemnation of police should trigger a change in the use of minimum force because “eight minutes and 46 seconds on the neck of a suffocating person can’t be minimum force.”
Mr Iddrisu, MP, Tamale South said American constitution guarantees the rights and liberties of all citizens and non-citizens and that the leadership of the country must uphold that tenet.
The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, said America as the beacon of democracy must not be seen doing the opposite of what democratic dispensations are supposed to be.
“Why should America that is supposed to be the lead in democratic governance be advertising such heinous and barbaric crimes?
“America needs to do a serious introspection,” he stated.
BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI
News
Government, GoldFields,reach agreement on Damang Mine
The Government of Ghana and Goldfields Ghana Limited have reached an amicable agreement on a transitional plan for the Damang Mine.
The operational modalities of the transition involve issuing a new 12-month mining lease to Goldfields’ subsidiary, Abosso Goldfields Limited, pending parliamentary ratification in
May 2025.
Under the new arrangement, Goldfields will resume open-pit mining during the transition period, safeguarding jobs and conducting feasibility studies to establish Damang’s reserves and mine life.
At the same time, the processing of existing stockpiles will continue under the supervision of a joint management team composed of representatives from the Government of Ghana
and Goldfields. The two parties will work in good faith to secure a successful transition and eventual transfer of a viable mine to Ghanaian ownership.
Both parties have agreed to advance discussions in good faith on the renewal of the lease for the Tarkwa mine, due in 2027, and pledged to work together to enhance Ghana’s
potential in the mining sector as a favourable investment destination,
News
Ophelia Crossland appointed as new Creative Director of Nineteen57
In an exciting turn for Ghana’s fashion industry, celebrated designer Ophelia Crossland has officially assumed leadership of Nineteen57, the iconic menswear brand founded by her husband, Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD).
This transition follows KOD’s recent appointment as Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President—a prestigious national role that reflects his continued service to Ghana on a global scale.
With this new chapter in public service, the reins of Nineteen57 have now passed to Ophelia Crossland, who will take on both the day-to-day operations and creative direction of the brand.
Ophelia Crossland, the CEO and founder of her eponymous womenswear label, brings over a decade of experience in luxury fashion.
Known for her keen eye for detail and mastery in haute couture, her leadership is expected to usher in a new era for Nineteen57—one that blends timeless African sophistication with modern sensibilities for the stylish gentleman.
“Nineteen57 has always stood for bold sophistication and African excellence,” said Ophelia Crossland. I’m excited to build on that legacy and explore new creative horizons with the team,” she said.
The transition marks a defining moment for the fashion power couple—Ophelia taking the creative lead in fashion innovation while KOD serves the nation in his new diplomatic role.
Together, they continue to elevate Ghana’s presence across fashion and governance.
