Hot!
Let’s fight for systems that protect us after retirement – Mubarak Muntaka to colleague MPs
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has highlighted the challenges faced by former MPs, emphasising their vulnerability during times of illness due to the lack of post-retirement salary.
Mr. Muntaka contends that retired legislators often find themselves abandoned without financial support. During a tribute to the late Kwadwo Tawiah Likpalimor, former MP for Kpandai, who recently passed away, Muntaka urged his colleagues to unite in advocating for a system that safeguards the well-being of former parliamentarians after their tenure.
He expressed his concerns, stating, “Nobody is thinking about the family, nobody is thinking about children, nobody is thinking about the pain the family is going through. They are just happy to replace him. So, to each of us sitting here, if you think you are important, I am reminding you that you are not important at all.
Muntaka emphasised the need to foster a sense of unity among MPs and urged them to collectively strive for a system that provides support for former members, particularly in times of illness.
He clarified that the goal is not to request monetary assistance but rather to ensure that the state takes responsibility for the health and well-being of retired parliamentarians.
“Let us build a family here. Let’s be each other’s keeper. Let’s try to fight for a system that can protect us when we leave. We are not talking about giving money to us.
“If we are sick and you have served this chamber for even four years, why can’t the state take care of you?,” he queried.
Source: 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
