News
AMA pulls down structures at Jamestown beach for fishing harbour project
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) on Wednesday demolished more than 400 temporary and permanent structures at Jamestown beach to pave way for the construction of a fishing harbour.
The 60 million dollar harbour project is one of the major infrastructure projects of the government.
The Deputy Sub-Metropolitan Security Coordinator of Ashiedu Keteke, WO I Ansah told the Ghanaian Times, the project is expected to commence right after the demolition exercise.
According to him, the project is a Chinese grant and when completed would be of benefit to the whole country.
He said, the project is expected to be completed by the end of next year to enhance national development.
“It was supposed to start this March, but because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; engineers of the project had to wait. So by the end of this week, after we’re done with the demolition exercise, the project would commence,” he said.
WO I Ansah said, the AMA on April 14, 2020, issued a letter to notify the occupants of the structures to vacate the place, but they refused to comply.
“Letters have been distributed around, just that they are refusing to comply, you know how human institutions work, but we’ve no option than to clear the site for the contractor to start work,” he added.
Meanwhile, some of the affected victims who spoke to Ghanaian Times said, they were not informed of the exercise, and complained that, government should have relocated them before embarking on the project.
BY VIVIAN ARTHUR
Minority Leader in parliament, Alexander Osahen Afenyo Markin has raised concerns about the direction of the country one year after the 2024 general election, warning that Ghana’s democracy may be under threat if current governance trends are not checked.
In a statement reflecting on the year since Ghanaians voted for change, he noted that while the New Patriotic Party hoped for victory, the people chose differently and the outcome was respected as the will of the electorate.
He stressed that winning power comes with responsibility and not the freedom to govern without caution.
The Minority Leader argued that the removal of key public officials reflected a worrying pattern.
These included the dismissal of workers from state institutions, the exit of the Chief Justice, and ongoing processes affecting the Electoral Commission leadership and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
He described the development as retribution rather than renewal and questioned the government’s promises on jobs and the 24 hour economy.
Addressing President John Dramani Mahama directly, he urged him to use his rare second return to office to build a legacy of development rather than removals.
He explained that global history shows that leaders who return to power after defeat are few, stressing that such an opportunity should lead to transformation that benefits citizens.
He encouraged the President to invest in technology, artificial intelligence and modern economic growth models to position Ghana for global competition.
He warned that no country will wait for Ghana while others advance through digital innovation.
The statement further pointed to youth unemployment and frustration, noting that campaign foot soldiers who worked hard during elections have been left disappointed.
He warned that ignoring young people could lead to instability.
He urged the media to uphold its watchdog duty by speaking up against constitutional breaches rather than seeking comfort in silence.
He explained that the Minority wants the government to succeed because national progress benefits everyone, not only one political side.
The Minority Leader maintained that although democracy is not perfect, it remains the best system since it allows peaceful correction through elections.
He encouraged citizens to trust the ballot and not violence.
He encouraged President Mahama to resist party hawks and focus on national development, stating that the world is watching how Ghana uses this moment in history.
He called on leaders across the political divide to remember they are custodians of the Republic and must work to protect the nation’s democratic future.
He concluded by urging young people not to lose hope, stressing that change comes through democratic processes, and reminding all leaders that Ghana’s stability depends on responsible governance, unity and development oriented action.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central Kwame Asare Obeng, widely known as A Plus, is calling on young people to take hypertension seriously by checking their blood pressure regularly and taking prescribed medication to prevent sudden deaths and stroke.
In a message shared to the public, the MP noted that cases of young people dying from high blood pressure are rising, even though the condition is preventable.
He mentioned that many refuse to go for checkups, and those who later discover they have hypertension still stop or avoid taking their medication.
He expressed worry that some men refuse treatment because they believe blood pressure drugs affect their sexual performance, a belief he described as misleading.
A Plus stressed that staying alive and healthy should be the priority, adding that complications from uncontrolled hypertension could lead to stroke and long term disability.
He encouraged the youth, especially men, to get their blood pressure tested and take treatment seriously to protect their health and future.
A Plus urged the public to spread the message so more people will take action on their health.
By: Jacob Aggrey
