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Address systematic issues surrounding juvenile correction – Child Rights Advocate
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Child Rights Advocate and Politician, Ms Bridget Bonnie, has urged the public to support the reintegration of juveniles back into society after completing their sentences.
She also called for increased attention from policymakers and the public to address systemic issues surrounding juvenile correction such as the right infrastructure and environment.
Speaking during a recent visit to the Junior Girls Correctional Center in Accra to celebrate the reintegration of one of the girls who had completed her sentence, she also urged the children not to allow their past affect their future development.
She added that, “you can live a very impactful lives and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Ghana, if you stay focus and put yourself on the right path.”
“True reintegration means giving them the opportunity to rebuild and thrive. They may be behind walls today, but their dreams and potential deserve a chance,” said Bridget Bonnie.
The visit dubbed “Hope Beyond the Walls” saw Bridget Bonnie and her friends donate essential items including bunk beds, mattresses, sanitary pads, toothpaste, underwear, spaghetti, canned fish, rice, sugar, cooking oil, drinks and water to the center.
“These contributions brought comfort, dignity and a sense of hope to the young girls, and many whom are survivors of abuse or missing children,” she stated.
The team also hosted a party for the girls and children at the center where they shared food and drinks, amidst music and heartfelt conversations, in a bid to create a much-needed atmosphere of warmth, healing and encouragement.
Ms Bonnie also bemoaned the lack of proper educational support and vocational instructors to support the children within the facility.
In his reaction to that, the Regional Minister for Ahafo, Mrs Charity Gardiner, pledged her personal and institutional support to assist the reintegrated young lady in learning a trade and rebuilding her life.
She also expressed her willingness to support broader reintegration efforts for the other girls.
A Psychologist and Youth Advocate Dr Juliet Yayra Tengey, also offered words of encouragement and emotional support emphasising on the power of healing, forgiveness and the importance of self-worth.
“Your past does not define your future. You have every right to dream again and live again,” she stated.
On her part, the Unit Head of the Correctional Center, Madam Vida Naa Ashiokaa Noye, expressed gratitude to Bridget Bonnie and the team.
“It’s not every day that people remember these girls. What you have done today is not just about the donations, it’s about the dignity, love and hope you have restored in them. It means a lot to us and to the girls,” she stated.
She also called for increased attention from policymakers and the public to address systemic issues surrounding juvenile correction and reintegration.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Construction of a major underground stormwater drain along the Dr. Busia Highway within the Kaneshie enclave will commence on September 7, 2026.
The Project Coordinator for the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project, Dr. Kwadwo Ohene Sarfo, announced this at a special media briefing on Wednesday.
According to him, the works will involve the construction of a double-cell underground rectangular drain measuring approximately 10 metres wide and 1.95 kilometres long, stretching from Pamprom Junction to First Light Junction.
The new drain will replace the existing two 1.2-metre diameter pipes, which are inadequate to carry the volume of stormwater in the area.
Dr. Sarfo said the drain will connect at one end to the recently completed section within the Accra Academy campus and at the other end to the existing drain at Pamprom Junction.
He said the construction is expected to run from September 2026 to October 2027.
The project forms part of government’s broader flood prevention and mitigation programme aimed at addressing perennial flooding in Accra.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s National Chairmanship race.
In a statement issued yesterday, Chairman Wontumi who is currently serving a 20-year jail term said his decision was driven by his love for the party and his unwillingness to let his personal circumstances distract the NPP from its rebuilding efforts.
“There are moments in the life of a man when the heart wants to continue, but duty demands sacrifice. Moments when one must quietly set aside personal ambition, not because the dream has died, but because the family he loves must not be made to carry his burden. Today, I find myself at such a painful moment,” he wrote.
He disclosed that after many nights of prayer, sober reflection and consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters, he concluded that his present situation must not become an additional burden on the NPP.
“This is not the decision my heart desired, but sometimes, true love requires us to release what we deeply want in order to protect what we love even more,” he added.
Recounting his years of service, Chairman Wontumi said he had served the party with everything within him, walking through heat and rain, travelling to remote communities and standing with the grassroots in both victory and defeat.
“For many years, I have served the NPP with everything within me… The NPP is not merely a political party to me. It is my family. It is my home. It is a cause to which I have dedicated a significant part of my life,” he stated.
He explained that the party, already carrying the pain of electoral defeat and the huge responsibility of preparing for the future, should not be made to carry his personal weight.
“That is why I cannot allow my present situation or personal ambition to distract the party from the difficult work of rebuilding. I cannot ask the party to carry my weight when it is already carrying the pain of defeat and the enormous responsibility of preparing for the battle ahead. I would rather carry this pain quietly than allow the party I love to suffer because of me,” he said.
He further sympathized with his supporters across the 16 regions, acknowledging that the decision would be painful for many who had sacrificed for his campaign.
“To my teeming supporters across all sixteen regions, I know this message will hurt. I know many of you will read it with tears in your eyes because I understand the sacrifices you have made for this journey,” he said.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
