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Six New Envoys present credentials to President Akufo-Addo
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Friday, 23rd February, 2024, received the letters of Credence of six envoys at a brief presentation event at the Jubilee House, in Accra.
They are H.E Mr Park Kyongsig, Republic of Korea; H.E. Ms. Polly Ioannou, Republic of Cyprus; H.E. Mr Peter Ryan, Ireland; H.E. Mrs. Annika Hahn-Englund, Republic, Sweden; H.E. Mr Mahlaba Almon Mamba, Kingdom of Eswatini; H.E. Mr David Buom Choa, South Sudan.
Korean Ambassador, H.E Mr Park Kyongsig, emphasised the long-standing ties between Ghana and the Republic of Korea and touched on a range of areas to enhance further ties of cooperation.
Based in Cairo, Egypt, but with a diplomatic mission in Accra, H.E. Ms. Polly Ioannou, of the Republic of Cyprus, said discussions are underway for the possibility of Cyprus to enter into an educational pact with Ghana through scholarship grants on maritime security and other highly advanced security areas.
H.E. Mr Peter Ryan of Ireland, touched on the shared commitments to multi-lateralism between Ghana and Ireland and the dual roles played on the international stage through peacekeeping efforts.
Swedish Ambassador, H.E. Mrs. Annika Hahn-Englund, indicated that, it is her priority to further promote economic and trade relations, and to ensure that Swedish companies in Ghana thrive on the pillars of mutual cooperation and benefit. On multi-lateralism, she also commended Ghana on the successful completion of her term on the United Nations Security Council and encouraged Ghana to push further to reverse the number of political takeovers across the sub-region.
High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Eswatini, H.E. Mr Mahlaba Almon Mamba, conveyed the best wishes of his country to Ghana on the upcoming Independence anniversary and towards a successful hosting of the 13th African Games, as well as, a successful bid for the Secretary General position of the Commonwealth, by Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.
H.E. Mr David Buom Choa, South Sudan pledged to collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in a deliberate effort towards deepening the relations between the two countries.
President Akufo-Addo wished the new envoys well as they begin their tour of duty in Ghana, and pledged to ensure that through them, the friendship and relations between Ghana and their respective countries will be further strengthened.
Source: Presidency.gov.gh
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
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
