News
‘No more protection from the bench’ – Fifi Kwetey says NPP in fear after CJ’s suspension
The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, says the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is in panic mode because their last line of legal protection is crumbling.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday, May 13, he accused the NPP of fearing the wheels of justice now that Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo, whom they allegedly relied on, is no longer in a position to “shield” them.
“The NPP worries that they feel her departure makes it difficult for them now to feel safe when cases are brought against them,” the Ketu South MP said.
He said, “Because now they are afraid that the person who could possibly be manipulating the system to help them is no more.”
Mr. Kwetey dismissed concerns that the NDC is targeting the Chief Justice for political advantage.
According to him,“We are looking for justice,” he insisted. “Justice simply means that if you truly abuse the system, you should go. If you are guilty, you should be out.”
His comments come in the wake of a prima facie case established against the Chief Justice, whose position is now under serious scrutiny.
Mr. Kwetey was clear that her removal, if proven guilty, must follow due process, but he also emphasised that no one, not even the highest officer in the judiciary, is above accountability.
“If it’s pretty clear that the one who is supposed to be in charge of the justice of our country herself is not able to live up to the high mantra of doing things according to the law, then charity must begin at home,” he argued.
“As far as I’m concerned, if she has done everything okay, there’s no problem. But if there’s a problem and it’s established, then that’s it.”
Responding to a challenge from host Evans Mensah, who asked if the NDC also feared leaving the Chief Justice in place because they might struggle when legal cases go to the Supreme Court, Mr. Kwetey replied: “No, we are looking for justice.”
He added, “This is an instance where a prima facie case has been established against her.”
He praised the integrity of the Council of State and other advisory bodies, saying, “I trust the people who make up the Council of State, including a former Chief Justice of our country, a former Speaker of Parliament. I think those are noble people who will not simply go on a witch hunt.”
He also defended President John Mahama’s integrity and intentions.
“I know John Mahama as a person. He is not a petty-minded person who simply wants to take an innocent person and punish.”
Mr. Kwetey used the moment to reflect on what he sees as a fundamental principle at stake: the moral soul of the country.
“This country’s very soul thrives on what is freedom for its citizens to be able to fulfil their potential…But equally important is the need for justice,” he said.
According to him, “The unleashing of our creativity must go hand in hand with fairness and accountability.”
To Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, this is not about vendetta but about principle. If wrongdoing is proven, justice must be served—even if it reaches the highest levels of the judiciary, he said.
He added that for the NPP, the political fallout from that process may be only beginning.
Source:Myjoyonline.com
News
Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Hot!
Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
