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I’ve been vindicated by Otumfuo’s action against some of his chiefs – Odike
The founder of the now-defunct United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai Odike, says he feels vindicated following the destoolment of four chiefs by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, over various breaches.
In August 2022, Odike was banished from Kumasi by the Ashanti Traditional Council due to comments he made alleging the involvement or condoning of illegal mining activities by some chiefs.
In an exclusive interview with Citi News, Odike affirmed that the recent actions taken by the Otumfuo validate his previous remarks.
“Today, Otumfuo Osei Tutu’s actions buttress my initial assertion that it is the chiefs who are being used to destroy our environment through land degradation and water pollution. And at that time they misconstrued my claims but when Otumfuo came from his visit he has destooled some of his chiefs… because of their direct involvement in galamsey activities. Now the truth always stands and whenever you hear Odike talking, it is about the truth. It is about the security of this nation, it is about the future of our people.”
“Of course, I feel vindicated, and I am happy because they nearly killed me in my office in Kumasi, and it was all over, CNN captured everything. And today if I were to be in my grave it would be exactly one year but the almighty God who always fought for goodness sent unseen forces to protect me. You see, the leadership of this country is not only political, and religious leadership. Political leadership and the chieftaincy leadership have failed this country.”
“If not all of them are involved in these nefarious activities and bedevilling this country, they have sat aloof and unconcerned for criminals in this country to operate hence the kind of suffering we’re experiencing.”
He emphasized that he owes no one an apology and asserted his intention to make a triumphant entry into Kumasi in the upcoming days.
His purpose is to campaign for votes ahead of the 2024 general elections as leader of the Union Government, a movement he intends to launch after the Electoral Commission banned his party.
Credit: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
