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GPHA commissions 4 new craft …names them after retired staff
A group picture of the retired personnel and their families and some dignitaries
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has commissioned four marine crafts christened after four former members of staff who worked with dedication.
They include a former Director of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Mr Jacob Kwabla Adorkor, a former General Manager for the Fishing Harbour, Kumi Adjei-Sam, a former Director of the Port of Takoradi, Captain Joseph Eric Quansah and a Director of Port of Takoradi, Captain Edmund Deri Ziem.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister for Transport, Mr Frederick Obeng Adom and high profile officers of GPHA.
The boats are made up of two pilot boats named Capt Edmund Deri Ziem, and Kumi Adjei-Sam both deceased and would transport maritime pilots between the shore and the inbound or outbound ships they are piloting.
They would also ensure that pilots could efficiently and safely embark and disembark from vessels as they navigate through the ports and harbours under the jurisdiction of the GPHA.
The security patrol boats on the other hand which adds up to the infrastructure of the institution would enhance port operations and avert threats such as terrorism, smuggling, illegal migration, piracy, and unauthorised access to sensitive areas.
Addressing guests at the commissioning, the Deputy Minister for Transport, Frederick Obeng Adom said the boats would boost the operational capacity of the Ports of Tema and Takoradi, adding that the investment would translate into having more business from clients.
He observed that this would ensure a quick turnaround time for vessels while enhancing GPHA’s capacity to be able to receive modern container vessels and bulk carriers.
The Director General of the GPHA, Mr Michael Achagwe Luguje expressed appreciation to the retired personnel for their commitment and dedication that contributed to the significant achievements of the port community.
He said it was a tradition for the GPHA, to recognize staff whether dead or alive for their hard work and dedicated service.
One of the beneficiary retired staff, Mr. Adorkor thanked the port and urged the youth to take a cue from the gesture and give their best while in service.
In an interview with The Spectator he said, he was happy and proud that one of the crafts had been named after him and three others.
He described it as a rare honour for people to work with an institution and years later invited to be recognised in such an extraordinary way.
He therefore encouraged the youth to do their best even when it looked like no one was watching them because it would pay off at the end of the day.
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
