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Mahama’s selective outrage on judiciary regrettable – Nana B
The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, has strongly criticised the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, following his comments on the Court of Appeal’s ruling in the ambulance case.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, July 30, Mahama hailed the Court of Appeal’s acquittal and discharge of former deputy Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, describing it as a victory for the rule of law.
Mahama expressed his satisfaction with the court’s decision, confirming his long-held view that the case was a form of political persecution. Dr Forson and Richard Jakpa, who were both on trial, were acquitted and discharged on Tuesday, July 30.
The decision has been hailed as a triumph of justice by Minority MPs, who have been steadfast in their support for Dr Forson throughout the trial.
The NDC and Mahama have been critical of the judiciary, accusing the Akufo-Addo government of appointing its cronies.
In a Facebook post dated Wednesday, July 31, Nana B launched a scathing attack on the NDC and Mahama for praising the judiciary because the case was in their favour.
He described their double standards on judiciary matters as “regrettable” and stated that their actions do not bode well for democracy.
Nana B expressed hope that the NDC and Mahama will not change their stance if the Supreme Court reverses the Court of Appeal’s decision.
According to him,“Suddenly, John Mahama and the NDC are singing the praises of the judiciary they have bastardised and maligned for several years. Suddenly, the rule of law is at work because they have won. Suddenly, the court is no longer an appendage of the government. Suddenly, the judges appointed by Akufo-Addo are not partisan.”
He stressed, “The double standards of the NDC is regrettable and does not bode well for our democracy. While we disagree with the decision of the Court, we accept it in good faith and hope Mr Mahama and the NDC do not change their chorus should the decision of the Court of Appeal be reversed by the Supreme Court.”
The Court of Appeal acquitted and discharged Dr Forson, setting aside the order for him to present his defence by the trial Court in the case.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
Troubled and anxious citizens in Damongo of the Savannah Region have expressed concerns about the number of young people, believed to be under the age of 18, involved in ‘shisha’ smoking in pubs and drinking spots within the township.
Eyewitnesses say the minors were seen patronising nightlife venues, where Shisha smoking happen in the open.
The situation has sparked renewed public concern over the enforcement of child protection laws and regulations governing the operations of entertainment centres in the municipality and country as a whole.
An eyewitness, who spoke to The Spectator on conditions of anonymity for security reasons, noted that the situation was becoming increasingly common.
“This is not a one-off incident. It is becoming very common, but residents like us cannot openly report or speak about it because our lives will be at risk,” he said.
Under Ghanaian law, minors were prohibited from patronising Shisha.
Public health experts have consistently warned that shisha use exposes users to harmful substances that can negatively affect brain development, respiratory health, and overall well-being, particularly among young people.
The residents believe the alleged incidents point to broader challenges relating to youth supervision, substance abuse, and weak enforcement of existing regulations and have called on municipal authorities, security agencies, and regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring of pubs and entertainment centres to ensure compliance with the law.
In an effort to address the menace, Mr Salisu Be-Awurbi, the Savannah Regional Minister, has led public education campaigns, engaged security agencies, and supported enforcement actions to address the rising use of illicit substances in the region.
Wura Kelly Seidu Boresah I, the Chief of Damongo, has also called on all stakeholders including parents, community leaders, institutions, and young people to actively support efforts to curb drug abuse, warning that the rising consumption of hard drugs poses a serious health threat to the future of the youth in the Savannah Region.
He also cautioned individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illicit drugs to immediately desist from the practice, stressing that offenders will face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.
From Geoffrey Buta, Damongo, Savannah Region
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Dr Theresa Baffour, an advocate for ending violence and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SAHM SAHW Foundation, has said that society plays a critical and pivotal role in breaking the cycle of domestic violence.
According to her, domestic violence is a major contributor of making women, who are mostly the victims, mentally derailed and unable to engage in economic activities.
She said this when the foundation called on the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, to solicit support for the initiative by the “Strong and Healthy Minds, Strong and Healthy Women” (SAHM SAHW) to combat domestic violence within the Ga State.
The visit was occasioned by the fact that domestic violence cases have become quite prevalent in the Ga communities and is retarding growth.
According to her, the canker was an impediment to national development because the victims were usually tortured and would have to go through series of therapies to return to the right state of mind.
Dr Baffour mentioned that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) places a mental toll on women, and was, therefore, important to break the cycle through comprehensive mental health support, crisis intervention and empowerment programmes in communities with high rates of GBV.
This intervention, she underscored, would help in empowering the denigrated victim of domestic violence to soundly heal, build and thrive.
Dr Baffour added that the initiative would provide holistic, trauma-informed mental health care and advocacy for young women affected by domestic violence.
According to her, the above statement would create safe spaces for healing and equipping them with entrepreneurial skills for renewed hope and empowered life.
The Ga Mantse pledged his support for the laudable initiative to combat domestic violence and also acknowledged the need to address it in the Ga State.
Further endorsement came from Justice Julia Naa-Yarley Adjei Amoah, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Ga Mantse, as she commended the team of SAHM SAHW Foundation for taking a bold step to end the canker in the Greater Accra.
She added that it was a step in the right direction to save vulnerable women from torture, stress and emotional abuse.
By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah
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