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Democracy Hub Demo: Prosecute law breakers and hooligans- NPP
The National Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is demanding the prosecution of some demonstrators arrested following the Democracy Hub Demonstration over the weekend.
According to them in a statement issued and signed by the National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, they have taken note of the recent arrests made by the Ghana Police Service involving individuals engaged in various acts of vandalism, destruction of property, unlawful assembly, and assault on public officers.
The statement said, the acts were perpetuated by what they describe as some miscreants and hooligans masquerading as demonstrators under the name Democracy Hub.
“We firmly believe that individuals who take the law into their own hands and commit such criminal acts under the guise of a demonstration must be held accountable and face the full rigours of the law in our courts,” the statement added.
They added that that “Law and order are fundamental to the peace and security of our nation, and those who violate these principles should not be exempt from justice In this regard, we call upon all law-abiding and peace-loving citizens to support the police in their efforts to prosecute those involved in these criminal activities.”
The party noted that it is crucial that Ghanaians collectively uphold the rule of law and condemn such unruly behaviour, as it threatens the very foundation of our democracy.
“While we recognise and support the rights of all citizens to engage in peaceful and lawful demonstrations as enshrined in our constitution, however, it is important to emphasize that acts of vandalism, destruction of property, and other unlawful actions must be unequivocally condemned without fear of political, religious, or ethnic repercussions for speaking out against such acts,” the statement added.
According to them “ The Youth Wing of the NPP wishes to emphasize that the non-prosecution of these miscreants who caused ample public discomfort will serve as a motivation for more serious acts to come in the future, as it will develop a culture of impunity.”
“We therefore, throw our full weight behind the police and also urge all well-meaning Ghanaians to also do so. The millions of enraged Ghanaians who watched with horror the destruction of property and attack on the public are waiting for justice from the police,” they added.
“It is important that we establish that no one or group is above the law and that crime is punishable. If this is not done, then it will pave the way for violent clashes in the future as others will also group to protect their property and other interests. We are keenly watching as it pans out.Thank you,” the statement concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Troubled and anxious citizens in Damongo of the Savannah Region have expressed concerns about the number of young people, believed to be under the age of 18, involved in ‘shisha’ smoking in pubs and drinking spots within the township.
Eyewitnesses say the minors were seen patronising nightlife venues, where Shisha smoking happen in the open.
The situation has sparked renewed public concern over the enforcement of child protection laws and regulations governing the operations of entertainment centres in the municipality and country as a whole.
An eyewitness, who spoke to The Spectator on conditions of anonymity for security reasons, noted that the situation was becoming increasingly common.
“This is not a one-off incident. It is becoming very common, but residents like us cannot openly report or speak about it because our lives will be at risk,” he said.
Under Ghanaian law, minors were prohibited from patronising Shisha.
Public health experts have consistently warned that shisha use exposes users to harmful substances that can negatively affect brain development, respiratory health, and overall well-being, particularly among young people.
The residents believe the alleged incidents point to broader challenges relating to youth supervision, substance abuse, and weak enforcement of existing regulations and have called on municipal authorities, security agencies, and regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring of pubs and entertainment centres to ensure compliance with the law.
In an effort to address the menace, Mr Salisu Be-Awurbi, the Savannah Regional Minister, has led public education campaigns, engaged security agencies, and supported enforcement actions to address the rising use of illicit substances in the region.
Wura Kelly Seidu Boresah I, the Chief of Damongo, has also called on all stakeholders including parents, community leaders, institutions, and young people to actively support efforts to curb drug abuse, warning that the rising consumption of hard drugs poses a serious health threat to the future of the youth in the Savannah Region.
He also cautioned individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illicit drugs to immediately desist from the practice, stressing that offenders will face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.
From Geoffrey Buta, Damongo, Savannah Region
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Dr Theresa Baffour, an advocate for ending violence and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SAHM SAHW Foundation, has said that society plays a critical and pivotal role in breaking the cycle of domestic violence.
According to her, domestic violence is a major contributor of making women, who are mostly the victims, mentally derailed and unable to engage in economic activities.
She said this when the foundation called on the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, to solicit support for the initiative by the “Strong and Healthy Minds, Strong and Healthy Women” (SAHM SAHW) to combat domestic violence within the Ga State.
The visit was occasioned by the fact that domestic violence cases have become quite prevalent in the Ga communities and is retarding growth.
According to her, the canker was an impediment to national development because the victims were usually tortured and would have to go through series of therapies to return to the right state of mind.
Dr Baffour mentioned that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) places a mental toll on women, and was, therefore, important to break the cycle through comprehensive mental health support, crisis intervention and empowerment programmes in communities with high rates of GBV.
This intervention, she underscored, would help in empowering the denigrated victim of domestic violence to soundly heal, build and thrive.
Dr Baffour added that the initiative would provide holistic, trauma-informed mental health care and advocacy for young women affected by domestic violence.
According to her, the above statement would create safe spaces for healing and equipping them with entrepreneurial skills for renewed hope and empowered life.
The Ga Mantse pledged his support for the laudable initiative to combat domestic violence and also acknowledged the need to address it in the Ga State.
Further endorsement came from Justice Julia Naa-Yarley Adjei Amoah, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Ga Mantse, as she commended the team of SAHM SAHW Foundation for taking a bold step to end the canker in the Greater Accra.
She added that it was a step in the right direction to save vulnerable women from torture, stress and emotional abuse.
By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah
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