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Ablekuma North Election Rerun Violence: conduct prompt, transparent investigations – Catholic Bishops urge Government
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has strongly condemned the violence that occurred during the recent election rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency, calling on the government to take immediate steps to ensure justice is served.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 22, and signed by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the Bishops urged the state to carry out prompt, thorough, and transparent investigations into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable.
“We unequivocally condemn all forms of electoral violence, especially the brutalisation of citizens, including journalists,Such acts violate human dignity and threaten the foundation of our democracy” the statement said.
The Bishops stressed that impunity should not be allowed to fester, as it undermines public trust and promotes a culture of lawlessness.
They called on the government to implement the recommendations of past commissions of enquiry into electoral violence, so that Ghana can learn from the past and make necessary reforms.
According to the conference, elections are not a show of power but a platform for sharing ideas.
They appealed to political parties and their supporters to exercise restraint and put the nation’s peace above partisan interests.
The Bishops also urged the Electoral Commission to deepen engagement with stakeholders to build public confidence in the electoral process.
They called on the security services to act with professionalism and fairness when dealing with election-related conflicts.
By Jacob Aggrey
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Street Academy distributes learning material to over 200 pupils
The Street Academy in Accra last weekend distributed exercise books, pens and other learning material to over 200 pupils from the Academy and neigbouring children within the vicinity.
The gesture was an annual activity of the Academy to commemorate its ‘Back-to-School’ programme aimed at equipping children with essential school supplies as they prepare for the new academic year.
Held at the precincts of the Academy, it brought smiles to the faces of the children most of whom were drawn from the streets.
Each beneficiary was presented with items such as notebooks, exercise books, pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, rulers, mathematical sets, and other school essentials, ensuring they were well-prepared to begin their studies with confidence.
Speaking to the media, the Founder and Director of the Street Academy, Ataa Lartey, expressed joy and appreciation over the support the Academy continues to enjoy from institutions and individuals.
According to him, some of these donations cannot be possible if individuals, corporate and religious bodies fail to support.
Ataa Lartey extended special gratitude to a Director of the Academy and a philanthropist, Nii Boye Abbey, who donated the items to the Academy for onward distribution to the needy children.
Mr Abbey presented the stationery worth GH¢68,000 to the Academy as part of his 61st birthday celebration for onward distribution to the needy children.
“We are grateful to Mr Abbey especially and other donors. His presentation went far to support the Academy’s ‘Back to School’ project that supports the children’s return to school.”
He thanked the media for the extensive publicity given to the Academy’s programmes over the years and expressed hope that this support would grow even stronger in the years ahead.
“We believe that as you sow into the lives of these children, God will continue to bless and reward you abundantly,” he said.
The Street Academy is a sports and culture organisation that draws children from the street and support them with education and teach others with skills in various sectors including sports to make an earning for themselves.
It is known for its commitment to providing education and skills training for street children and underprivileged youth and it continues to serve as a beacon of hope in the community, transforming lives through education, sports, and arts.
By Spectator Reporter
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CSOs applaud outgoing IMF representative Dr Medina
CIVIL society organisations (CSOs) in Ghana have commended the outgoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative, Dr. Leandro Medina, for his commitment to fostering open and inclusive dialogue throughout Ghana’s ongoing IMF-supported Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.
At a farewell event organised in Accra by the Economic Governance Platform (EGP), CSO leaders praised Dr. Medina for sustaining constructive engagement between the IMF and local stakeholders, a move they said had strengthened Ghana’s policy discourse and enhanced transparency in the programme implementation.
Professor Godfred A. Bokpin, an economist at the University of Ghana (UG), described Dr. Medina as tolerant and accommodating of diverse perspectives.
“We have, at times, disagreed openly with the IMF, but you never closed the door on engagement. These interactions sharpened our thinking and practice.
You are leaving at a time when Ghana’s macroeconomic indicators are beginning to improve, a testament to the collaboration we have seen under your leadership,” he said.
The Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), Mrs Beauty Emefa Narteh, lauded Dr. Medina’s inclusive approach, which she noted built on the foundation laid by his predecessor.
“You sustained and strengthened the momentum of civil society engagement with the IMF. This was evident when CSOs were the first stakeholders the IMF Managing Director met during her visit to Ghana last year,” she added.
Mr Abdul Karim, Coordinator of the EGP, also applauded Dr Medina’s openness, saying; “Your commitment to include our perspectives in IMF-related discussions is deeply appreciated.”
Similarly, Mr Benjamin Boakye, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), commended the outgoing representative for deliberately creating space for CSO participation during each review mission.
“You ensured there was room for dialogue before every review, strengthening our ability to contribute meaningfully to policy discussions,” he noted.
Reacting, Dr Medina expressed gratitude to the CSOs for the partnership built over the past years.
“Effective collaboration does not require agreement on every issue. Even in our differences, we found common ground to advance Ghana’s economic progress,” he said.
The farewell event was graced by key figures from civil society and academia, including Dr. Kojo Asante of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Mrs Mary Awelana Addah of Transparency International Ghana, and Dr Steve Manteaw of the Civil Society Platform on Oil and Gas (CSPOG).
By Abigail Annoh
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