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Injured machine operator rejects ¢1,000 compensation
The severely injured worker of Twellium Industrial Company at Adjen Kotoku, Mr. Atsu Bilson, 49, last Thursday rejected GH¢1,000 compensation offered him by the company.
He told The Spectator on Tuesday that he received a phone call from one Mr Karim, Managing Director of Stir Top Company last Thursday to report and collect his compensation.
“To my utmost surprise, Mr Karim, in the presence of a witness, by name Sarim offered to pay me GH¢1,000 (One Thousand Ghana Cedis) as compensation for my injuries, which I flatly rejected,” he said.
The Human Resource Manager of Twellium Industrial Company, Mrs Rita Dick Samels had earlier told this reporter that, Stir Top Agency, a company outsourced to recruit staff on their behalf, had been fully paid insurance, and compensations, that may befall any of their injured workers, in advance.
She was pleasantly surprised to hear that, Mr Karim was offering to pay the victim only a paltry sum of GH¢1,000, as compensation.
Meanwhile, after rejecting the paltry compensation, Mr Karim issued Mr Atsu Bilson with a medical form, to attend hospital for doctors to determine his degree of injuries, and the percentage of compensation that should be paid to him.
It will be recalled that, The Spectator last week published a story in which Mr Atsu Bilson appealed to President Akufo-Addo to intervene and compel Twellium Industrial Company to pay him adequate compensation after sacking him, when he got injured while manning one of the machines that produce the “rush energy drinks and Verna water, etc.”
Mr Atsu Bilson, until his unlawful dismissal, on August 17, 2021, had worked with the company (Twellium) for six years.
By Francis Xah
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
