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Ghanaian community in Germany pays fines for 12 prison inmates in Ashanti Region
• Rev. Frimpong Mensah (left), a member of IPCA in Ashanti Region, Rev Supt. Stella Katso (2nd left),
Prison Chaplain, Supt. Bukari (right) and Mr. Owusu Barimah after the presentation
Moved by the example of Jesus Christ in shedding his blood on the cross of calvary for the forgiveness of sins,a Ghanaian community based in Germany in collaboration with the International Prisons Chaplains Association (IPCA) have paid approximately GH¢ 20,000.00 fines to free 12 prison inmates, who are minor offenders from the various prisons in the Ashanti Region.
The fines were paid before Easter. This was made possible by the group through the effective collaboration of IPCA and discussions held with prisons authorities in the region.
In addition to paying the fine, the group has also given the inmates pocket money to enable them to travel to their hometowns.
The group said it had identified IPCA as a credible partner having followed its activities over the period, especially the global advocacy campaign in fighting for the rights of prison inmates, and interacted with some leading members of the association.
The President of IPCA, Ghana, Rev Steve Mensah said the two groups would concentrate on extending their services to cover other regions with emphasis on female prisoners,
and make a strong case in pushing forward the introduction of Non- Custodial Sentences in the country.
He was full of praise for the Germany-based group, especially Mr Kweku Appiah and Mr. Owusu Barimah and the leading members of the Ashanti Region Branch of IPCA together with the Prison authorities.
IPCA has over the years been spearheading the welfare of prison inmates, feted them and provided them with some basic needs.
He said IPCA would monitor the lives of the freed inmates for a couple of months and support them with some basic needs so that they would not go astray and eventually find themselves back in prison, a situation which would put their work in vain.
By Raymond Kyekye
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has expressed deep sorrow following the sudden passing of Isaac Batsa, the constituency secretary for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker issued a statement on Tuesday reacting to the news, which has shocked the local political community.
Mr.Awuku praised the late NDC secretary for his bipartisan approach to local governance.
He noted that despite their different political affiliations, Batsa consistently rose above party lines to serve the constituency with diligence.
The MP revealed that the news was particularly shocking given that he had last interacted with Batsa just three days prior on Saturday.
Concluding his statement, Sammy Awuku extended his heartfelt condolences to Batsa’s family, the constituency and regional executives, and the entire NDC fraternity, wishing the deceased peaceful eternal rest.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
