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STAR-Ghana Foundation, IOM Ghana complete livelihood project in U/E Region
Some hard working women on the field
The Star-Ghana Foundation, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Ghana, have successfully concluded the Community Livelihood Enhancement Project.
The initiative, which run from April to August, aims to bolster social cohesion and promote peace in the border communities of Namoo and Pulmakom.
Alhaji Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation, emphasised the project’s focus on vulnerable groups, particularly women, youth, and men who are susceptible to radicalisation and violent extremism.
At the project’s handing-over ceremony, Alhaji Amadu noted that the construction of two fenced gardens, each measuring 25m by 25m, and fitted with mechanised boreholes were developed to support 55 individuals by offering them plots of land for the dry season farming, to ensure sustainable income sources for the beneficiaries.
According to him, two mechanised boreholes, two 5000-litre water storage tanks, and generator sets were provided to ensure a reliable water supply for both the community and the farms.
This infrastructure is expected to be a vital asset, especially during the dry season, improving agricultural productivity and overall community well-being.
To further empower the beneficiaries, 40 tins of seeds—including onion, pepper, tomato, and hibiscus— were distributed to enable successful dry season farming in a bid to improve food security in the region.
Madam Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, Chief of Mission for IOM Ghana, remarked on the broader impact of the project, stating, “This initiative marks a significant step in addressing communal insecurity and enhancing livelihoods in these vulnerable border communities.”
She praised the active participation of women in the project, commending them for viewing the initiative as their own and for working collectively to ensure its success and urged the women to continue to use the platform to become financially independent.
Mr John Theodore Azam, representing the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, commended STAR-Ghana and IOM Ghana for the timely intervention, acknowledging the positive impact the project has already made in uplifting the socio-economic conditions of the border communities.
The Community Livelihood Enhancement Project forms part of broader efforts by STAR-Ghana Foundation and IOM Ghana to address the root causes of instability and promote lasting peace in vulnerable border communities across the region
From Geoffrey Buta,
Namoo, Upper East Region
News
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
News
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.
