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Afenyo-Markin calls for calm after deadly New Winneba clash
The Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called for calm and restraint following the invasion of the New Winneba community which resulted in the loss of lives and injuries.
In a statement issued on Thursday September 17, the MP described the violence that followed the invasion as deeply troubling.
Mr Afenyo-Markin extended his condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He commended the Ghana Police Service for what he described as their prompt response, professional conduct and sustained efforts to restore order and protect lives and property in the area.
The Effutu MP warned that continued tension risks further bloodshed, destruction of property and lasting damage to the relationship between Effutu and Gomoa.
“At this difficult moment, what we need most is calm and restraint. I appeal to all sides, particularly the youth, to refrain from any action that could further escalate the situation,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin stressed that no piece of land is worth a single human life, noting that Effutu and Gomoa have for generations lived as neighbours, intermarried and traded with one another.
“Our ancestors bequeathed us a shared heritage of peace, love and coexistence,” he added.
While maintaining that historical records and judicial determinations have consistently affirmed the rightful claim of the Effutu people to the New Winneba lands, the MP said the path forward must rest on dialogue, the rule of law and mutual respect.
He said land disputes of that nature are best resolved through the Lands Commission, the courts and structured traditional engagement, but never through force or confrontation.
“Effutu’s legitimate interests must be protected. Gomoa’s legitimate concerns must be heard. But neither should be allowed to become a victim of violence,” he stated.
Describing himself as a son of both communities, Mr Afenyo-Markin said he has a solemn duty to speak with care and measured wisdom.
“We owe a duty to those who have lost their lives, to those who have been injured and to the generations yet unborn to ensure that this painful incident does not define the future relationship between our two communities,” he said.
He called on both sides to protect their people, respect one another, uphold the rule of law and pursue dialogue in resolving their differences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has interdicted two staff members of Aduman Senior High School over alleged sexual misconduct against a male student.
The teachers are Mr. Isaac Yankey and Mr. Palance Kwakye.
According to GES, Management received reports of the alleged sexual misconduct involving the two staff members against the male student.
Following receipt of the report, the matter was referred to the Police for investigation. The two staff members have since been arrested by the Police in connection with the alleged incident.
In addition, Management has interdicted the two teachers pending the outcome of the investigations.
The alleged victim has also been provided with psychosocial support to safeguard his well-being.
Management has assured the public that appropriate measures will continue to be taken to ensure that all students learn in a safe environment.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ministry of Health has cautioned the public against a fraudulent fundraising campaign being aired on Ghanaian televisions, which falsely solicits money to support patients seeking surgical treatment through Mercy Ships.
Mercy Ships International, an international Christian organisation providing free surgical care and education across Africa, currently has its hospital vessel, The Global Mercy, docked at the Tema Port.
The vessel is expected to provide free surgeries to more than 2,500 Ghanaians over a 10-month period ending in June 2027.
The Ministry has clarified that patients scheduled for treatment were identified and pre-screened ahead of the vessel’s arrival through a coordinated process involving Mercy Ships and the Ministry, based on established medical and eligibility criteria.
According to them, Mercy Ships is currently operating at full capacity and is not accepting additional patients for the ongoing field service.
The Ministry emphasised that payments or registrations through third parties will not guarantee access to treatment.
The fraudulent broadcast, featuring an organisation identified as ‘HELP Save LIFE Foundation,’ solicits financial contributions through an MTN Mobile Money account.
“The Ministry wishes to state categorically that the campaign is not affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by Mercy Ships,” the statement noted.
They reminded the public that all medical services provided by Mercy Ships are entirely free, and no patient is required to make payments, donations or mobile money transfers to access treatment.
Members of the public have therefore been advised not to make payments, share personal or financial information with individuals claiming to facilitate access to the services, or engage with similar suspicious solicitations.
The ministry encouraged the public to rely solely on official Ministry of Health and Mercy Ships communication channels for accurate information on medical services and patient access.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
