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Handle the media with care: IGP urges security service
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has called on the security services to handle journalists with care as the country prepares for upcoming elections.
In an address at the International Press Centre, and on the back of a series of calls made by the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, the IGP assured that the police would provide maximum protection for journalists covering election-related activities.
Mr. Yohuno stressed that the media were partners in democracy and should not be treated as outsiders.
The IGP disclosed that 600 specially trained officers had been deployed to Akwatia to ensure peace and order during the by-election, adding that the police would deal decisively with anyone who attempted to disrupt the process.
He further assured that cases involving assaults on journalists, including the Akwatia and Kumasi incidents, were under investigation and would soon be put before court.
He noted that the police were working closely with the Attorney-General’s office to ensure justice is served.
On his part, the GJA President welcomed the assurances but urged the police to match their words with action.
He said the association would monitor court proceedings to ensure journalists who had been assaulted received justice.
Mr. Dwumfuor also drew attention to threats faced by some journalists, especially political talk show hosts, and called for improved protection and rehabilitation support for affected media personnel.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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The Director of the Public Health Division of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and observe good hygiene during the flooding and rainy season to prevent a cholera outbreak.
According to him, although flooding in some parts of the country has subsided, the risk of cholera remains because the conditions that promote the spread of the disease still exist.
“The risk of cholera still exists,” Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe said, explaining that cholera is closely linked to unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation.
Speaking on 3 FM on Thursday, he cautioned the public against becoming complacent a few days or weeks after the floods, stressing that people should continue to be careful about the food they eat and the water they drink.
“I want to urge Ghanaians to be careful what we eat and drink. Let’s not assume that because the flood came last week, we can lower our guard,” he said.
Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe noted that countries with access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation have largely eliminated cholera, adding that Ghana still has challenges in those areas.
He therefore advised the public to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, especially by washing their hands regularly with soap and clean water.
According to him, handwashing remains the most effective and affordable way to reduce the spread of cholera and other infectious diseases.
“The most cost-effective intervention is handwashing with soap and water,” he said.
According to him “That does not depend on whether there are floods or not. Make sure you wash your hands regularly with soap and water.”
He called on Ghanaians to maintain clean surroundings and practise proper sanitation to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks during the rainy season.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Supreme Court has dismissed all four suits challenging the removal of Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkonoo from office as Chief Justice.
The court delivered its rulings earlier this morning, ending the legal challenge at the domestic level.
This follows last week’s judgement by the ECOWAS Court, which also rejected applications seeking to overturn Justice Torkonoo’s removal.
Each of the four cases filed at the Supreme Court argued against the processes that led to Justice Torkonoo’s exit. The court, however, found no legal basis to grant relief and dismissed each application in its entirety.
In a brief statement by the Deputy Attorney-General Jusrice Srem-Sai after the rulings, he expressed appreciation to the legal team.
“Gratitude to our team of State Attorneys and members of staff,” he posted on Facebook, acknowledging their role in defending the state’s position through both ECOWAS and Supreme Court proceedings.
Background
Justice Gertrude Torkonoo was removed from office as Chief Justice following proceedings initiated earlier this year.
The move triggered multiple legal challenges, including four separate suits at the Supreme Court and petitions before the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
Both courts have now ruled against the challengers.
Last week, the ECOWAS Court dismissed the regional applications, and this morning’s Supreme Court decision closes the matter in Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
