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GJA’s media blackout directive on Hawa Koomson unfair – NPP
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Awutu Senya East has criticized the Ghana Journalists Association’s directive to journalists to avoid covering activities involving the constituency’s Member of Parliament (MP) Mavis Hawa Koomson.
This directive was issued following an attack on a journalist during the NPP’s vetting of parliamentary aspirants in Cape Coast.
The NPP maintains that neither the planning nor execution of the attack involved the MP’s camp, for which reason the directive was unfair.
The journalist, Ohene Kwame David from Cape FM, was allegedly attacked during the parliamentary vetting process.
Following the incident, he stated that his attackers wore t-shirts bearing the name of Awutu Senya East MP Mavis Hawa Koomson and had previously questioned his reporting against the MP on UTV.
David also suggested that his attackers may have mistaken him for his brother, who works at UTV.
In response to these allegations, the MP denied any involvement from her camp and called for a thorough investigation.
Despite this, the GJA issued a directive on Thursday, January 25, 2024, instructing journalists to avoid covering the Awutu Senya East MP.
The Awutu Senya East NPP leadership has described this directive as unjust.
At a press conference, NPP’s Awutu Senya East constituency Secretary, Michael Addy expressed disappointment that the MP’s office had not received any further updates on the investigation after the GJA initially contacted the MP.
He also took issue with a statement made by the GJA president, alleging that the MP associates with individuals who commit violent acts, even at homes and mosques.
Mr. Addy demanded a retraction of this statement and an apology to the MP.
The party has urged the GJA to conduct a more comprehensive investigation before drawing any conclusions.
The NPP claims to have conducted its own internal investigation within the MP’s camp, which found that none of the MP’s team members were involved in the attack.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
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
