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Docket on gun-wielding chief sent to AG’s Dept. for advice
The docket of the Chief of Domanafo who allegedly ran amok and opened fire on a 19-year-old boy has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice.
The boy was said to have been accused by the chief for insubordination.
Chief Superintendent of Police, Sulley Ibrahim, Mampongteng Divisional Police Commander, told this paper, here in a follow-up to the incident.
He said the gun used by the Chief, Nana Owusu Kwarteng, is in the custody of the police, adding it had been licensed.
A sister paper of the Spectator, The Ghanaian Times, reported the incident in its Tuesday, April 28, 2020 edition that the chief was said to have invited the teenager and (Loveline Antwi), to his palace following a fight, but the boy declined to go.
The chief who was said to have armed himself with a gun, rushed to the house of the teenager, fired two warning shots before blasting the chest of the boy, on that fateful Thursday (April 23, 2020).
Speaking to The Spectator here on phone, the victim’s father, Nana Kwame Frimpomg, linguist of the Offinso Paramountcy, claimed that the chief after the shooting, picked the boy, who was bleeding profusely, into his own car to the Ankaase hospital but was asked to send him to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
He said the chief went to the Mamponteng Police station to report that he had shot a suspected robber.
According to the father, the victim’s sister was sent to buy some items but some three boys, said to be from the palace, were trailing her.
He said in the process the victim bumped into the scene and the sister told him of what was going on.
The victim, the father said, inquired from the boys why they were trailing her but that resulted in a fight but they were separated by some neighbours.
When a word got to the chief about the brawl, the chief sent some young men to the house of the teenager inviting him to the palace.
The boy declined to go because it was late and the mother of the boy told those sent that she would bring him (boy) along the following day.
The chief got furious as he was informed, so he armed himself and rushed to the boy’s place resulting in the shooting incident.
He was said to have fired two warning shots to scare the household before entering the house.
Chief Superintendent Ibrahim, further confirmed that the chief was detained on Thursday and later released on an enquiry bail.
The police also confirmed that the chief reported a robbery case that led to the shooting.
From Kingsley E.Hope, Kumasi
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
