News
CNC launches Ebo Whyte Student Drama Competition
The Centre for National Culture (CNC), Accra, has launched this year’s edition of the CNCs Ebo Whyte Student Drama Competition at Accra Academy in Accra.
OrganiSed by the CNC in partnership with Roverman Productions, seven schools were to appear on day one of the zonal competition but four turned up with the others expected to join along the line.
The schools included Accra Academy, Accra Girls Senior High School, Kaneshie Technical Senior High and Ebenezer Senior High Schools all in zone one.
Following a completion of the five zonal competition, emerging finalists from each zone would converge at the National Theatre for the grand finale competition next month.
In an address, the Acting Regional Director for CNC, Mr Eric Ohene- Larbi, said the competition offers a unique opportunity for our young actors and actresses to learn, grow and shine.
He said the competition was a platform where participants were challenge to be bold, to express themselves, and to strive for excellence in the performing arts.
He said “Theatre Arts play a vital role in society and it allows us to tell stories, explore our identities, share our cultures and preserve memories.”
According to him, the mission of the CNC through this initiative is to nurture creative talents, build confidence and inspire critical thinking.
Mr Ohene- Larbi acknowledged the unwavering support of Roverman Production and the Playwright Uncle Ebo Whyte who have stood firmly by the centre since the concept of the competition was rolled out.
Mr Ohene Larbi urged benevolent organisations, individuals and major stakeholders who have the art of drama at heart to support the CNC to enable it promote Ghanaian culture and deepen our cultural heritage.
A student from Accra Academy, Master Daniel Mensah commended the organisers of the programme and urged authorities to sustain it to harness more talents for the entertainment industry.
BY SPECTATOR REPORTER
The Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has defended the conduct of the Minority in Parliament during Tuesday’s chaotic sitting, insisting their actions were to protect what they believe is a violation of parliamentary procedure.
Explaining the incident, he said the Minority was reacting to developments surrounding a letter which allegedly directed that a seat belonging to the MP for Kpandai be declared vacant despite an earlier ruling by the Speaker.
He argued that the Speaker’s ruling should stand unless overturned by a competent court, and described the sudden reversal as shocking and against parliamentary precedent.
Mr Ahmed said the Minority only attempted to make a statement to register their displeasure, but tensions rose when the Majority Leader insisted on responding instead of commenting, which he said was against the rules.
He also denied claims that Minority MPs crossed the aisle, stressing that they remained within their side and only sought the Speaker’s attention.
He further complained that during proceedings, the Mace—the symbol of authority in the House—was not present and Minority microphones were disconnected, making the process one-sided.
He said the caucus intends to continue pushing to ensure that the MP for Kpandai retains his seat, adding that their next steps will be strategic.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Mahama has stated that it is too early for anyone to call for the scrapping of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) despite recent controversies surrounding the institution.
He argued that the office remains an important part of Ghana’s fight against corruption.
He explained that government is strengthening anti-corruption bodies such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office and the OSP, noting that the OSP is the only agency with the power to independently prosecute cases without going through the Attorney General.
President Mahama said many people distrust the Attorney General’s office because it is headed by a government minister, and some fear it may be slow to prosecute its own.
He believes an independent body like the OSP offers stronger accountability, regardless of who is involved.
He admitted that citizens want to see more prosecutions and visible results, but urged the public to give the OSP time.
He encouraged the office to speed up its investigations to show that it remains relevant in the fight against corruption.
By: Jacob Aggrey
