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500 shops fined in Ho over COVID-19 non-compliance
An ongoing sensitisation and compliance exercise by the Environmental Health Department, led to the closure of shops and businesses that ignored COVID-19 prevention regulations including social distancing, the installation of hand washing facilities, and the wearing of face masks.
The culprits were charged to pay fines ranging from GH¢150.00 to GH¢500.00 and also guided on how to implement the protocols.
Mrs Sybil Boison, Regional Environmental Health Officer, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that most shops and businesses plainly ignored the directives despite an increase in the community spreading of the virus, hence the deterrent measure.
She said the exercise would be implemented across the Region, adding that the Department would teach the construction of tippy-taps as a cost-free alternative to veronica buckets and other hand washing systems.
The team is also inspecting the health certificates of food vendors, and ensuring that commercial drivers wore face masks and did not carry more passengers than approved.
Mr Peter Pariki, Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) Focal Person for the Region, remarked that the actions being taken were aiding compliance, and that the situation would be monitored for desired results.
He added that the sensitisation efforts required more support, and appealed to the media and other stakeholders to help.
- GNA
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has expressed deep sorrow following the sudden passing of Isaac Batsa, the constituency secretary for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker issued a statement on Tuesday reacting to the news, which has shocked the local political community.
Mr.Awuku praised the late NDC secretary for his bipartisan approach to local governance.
He noted that despite their different political affiliations, Batsa consistently rose above party lines to serve the constituency with diligence.
The MP revealed that the news was particularly shocking given that he had last interacted with Batsa just three days prior on Saturday.
Concluding his statement, Sammy Awuku extended his heartfelt condolences to Batsa’s family, the constituency and regional executives, and the entire NDC fraternity, wishing the deceased peaceful eternal rest.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
