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Government praises Church of Pentecost for sheltering Ghanaians during South Africa attacks
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The Government has commended the Church of Pentecost for opening its branches in South Africa to Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks that claimed the lives of two citizens.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the commendation during a visit to the leadership of the church today.
He disclosed that more than 500 Ghanaians were given shelter in three major branches of the church for two months and two weeks.
According to him, many of the affected persons had hoped conditions in South Africa would improve and therefore did not request evacuation during the first phase of the operation.
However, the worsening situation left them stranded and in need of immediate assistance.
Mr Ablakwa noted that the church provided accommodation, food and other basic support to the displaced Ghanaians. He added that some church services were suspended to make room for those seeking refuge.
He indicated that a final group of Ghanaians currently staying at the church’s largest branch in Johannesburg would be evacuated on Sunday. Two additional evacuation rounds are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
“After Sunday, the churches will be free to conduct services and continue their work,” he stated.
The minister conveyed the appreciation of President John Dramani Mahama and the Government to the church for what he described as a remarkable humanitarian intervention.
He observed that the Church of Pentecost had supported Ghanaians during previous crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Mr Ablakwa described the church’s response as an example of national solidarity and humanitarian service, saying the Government remained grateful for its continued support to citizens in difficult times.
The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Nyamekye expressed appreciation for the acknowledgement, saying it was in order.
He also recounted some horrific experience during his stay in South Africa.
“I almost died in South Africa, and my luggage was stolen at the airport,” Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye revealed.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has announced plans to introduce a new Bill to strengthen the legal framework for the discipline of lawyers in Ghana.
In an address read on his behalf by the Deputy Attorney-General at the opening of the 2026 Conference of the Ghana Bar Association, Dr. Ayine disclosed that the Bill is headed to Cabinet for review and approval before being laid before Parliament.
The proposed law, to be called the Legal Profession (Practitioners Standards Board) Bill, is expected to transform and strengthen the regulatory framework for disciplining lawyers to safeguard the rights of practitioners and promote public confidence in the profession.
According to the Attorney-General, when passed, the Bill will establish an independent Disciplinary Committee with clear rules of procedure and proposals on proportionate sanctions.
He explained that this marks a progressive departure from the existing framework where the Disciplinary Committee both investigates and adjudicates complaints. The Bill also proposes clear and strict procedural timelines for resolving grievances to avert prolonged deliberations that frustrate both clients and lawyers.
Secondly, Dr. Ayine noted that under the current framework, Superior Court judges sit on the Disciplinary Committee whose decisions, as quasi-judicial decisions, are subject to reviews and appeals in the same courts where these judges preside.
The new Bill seeks to eliminate this conflict of interest by creating a separately constituted Board composed of lay non-lawyers and professional representatives with guaranteed tenure.
The Attorney-General added that the Bill seeks to separate professional discipline from executive, judicial or competitive interference to ensure that disciplinary mechanisms are not weaponized against lawyers by clients, the Bench, or the State.
The introduction of the new law forms part of efforts by the Attorney-General to introduce reforms into the legal profession aimed at revolutionizing legal practice and training. It follows the passage of the Legal Education Act, 2026, which is currently at the implementation stage.
News
Gov’t did not approve market near school — Stan Dogbe clears air on Ahafo Ano South market siting
Deputy Chief of Staff, Stan Xoese Dogbe has reacted to a viral video raising concerns about the siting of a market close to a school in the Ahafo Ano South District of the Ashanti Region.
In a post responding to the video, Mr. Dogbe said he has been in contact with the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who he said is on top of the situation and has long since halted the construction process.
According to him, the decision to designate the said land near the school for the market was not a government decision.
“Once the development was brought to the RCC’s attention, the regional minister immediately asked that the process be stopped,” he stated.
Mr. Dogbe explained that the community currently has no available land space for the construction of the model market, which necessitated their choice of the location near the school.
He noted however that the community has been asked to find another, more suitable piece of land for the project to commence.
“We thank all for the interest in developmental issues in our communities,” he added.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
