News
Mahama’s selective outrage on judiciary regrettable – Nana B
The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, has strongly criticised the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, following his comments on the Court of Appeal’s ruling in the ambulance case.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, July 30, Mahama hailed the Court of Appeal’s acquittal and discharge of former deputy Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, describing it as a victory for the rule of law.
Mahama expressed his satisfaction with the court’s decision, confirming his long-held view that the case was a form of political persecution. Dr Forson and Richard Jakpa, who were both on trial, were acquitted and discharged on Tuesday, July 30.
The decision has been hailed as a triumph of justice by Minority MPs, who have been steadfast in their support for Dr Forson throughout the trial.
The NDC and Mahama have been critical of the judiciary, accusing the Akufo-Addo government of appointing its cronies.
In a Facebook post dated Wednesday, July 31, Nana B launched a scathing attack on the NDC and Mahama for praising the judiciary because the case was in their favour.
He described their double standards on judiciary matters as “regrettable” and stated that their actions do not bode well for democracy.
Nana B expressed hope that the NDC and Mahama will not change their stance if the Supreme Court reverses the Court of Appeal’s decision.
According to him,“Suddenly, John Mahama and the NDC are singing the praises of the judiciary they have bastardised and maligned for several years. Suddenly, the rule of law is at work because they have won. Suddenly, the court is no longer an appendage of the government. Suddenly, the judges appointed by Akufo-Addo are not partisan.”
He stressed, “The double standards of the NDC is regrettable and does not bode well for our democracy. While we disagree with the decision of the Court, we accept it in good faith and hope Mr Mahama and the NDC do not change their chorus should the decision of the Court of Appeal be reversed by the Supreme Court.”
The Court of Appeal acquitted and discharged Dr Forson, setting aside the order for him to present his defence by the trial Court in the case.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
The spokesperson for Okuapehene, Ohenenana B.S. Opoku, has dismissed social media reports that there is insecurity in Okuapemam and for that matter an indefinite ban has been placed on the celebration of this year’s annual Odwira Festival.
Ohenenana Opoku, who is also a member of the Odwira Festival Planning Committee, said Odwira would be celebrated and all the necessary arrangements have been made for a peaceful celebration.
According to him, there is no merit in all the allegations on the media space because there has not been any chieftaincy dispute in any of the divisional heads in the area.
“There is absolute peace in Okuapeman, therefore, all Okuapeman citizens living in Ghana and abroad should come home to celebrate the Odwira Festival.”
In a press briefing at the Okuapeman Palace in Akropong on Friday, Ohenenana Opoku described the allegations as false, stating that all the divisional chiefs have been gazetted and recognised in Ghana’s Chieftaincy records.
He said Okuapemam has been celebrating Odwira Festival for the past five years under the leadership of Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III without any dispute.
He emphasised that Okuapeman constitutes 17 major towns with their own chiefs under Okuapemanhene and that nobody has the right to ban or stop any chief from celebrating it.
Ohenenana Opoku appealed to the people of Ghana to come and enjoy the Akuapem Odwira Festival which is one of the best cultures in Ghana.
In view of that, the Yagbonwura, Bii-Kunuto Jewu Saole, has accepted to grace the festival as the special guest of honour.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Childdren and pregnant women in Ghana are unknowingly being exposed to toxic levels of lead in everyday products, a new study by UNICEF and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revealed.
The nationwide study, which covered all 16 regions, found dangerous levels of lead contamination in items such as cosmetics, food, and household products, posing significant threat to public health, particularly to children and women of childbearing age.
A statement on the report copied to The Spectator in Accra on Monday explained that several commonly used items contained alarmingly high concentrations of lead.
Lead, a heavy metal used in batteries, paints, ceramics, and other industrial materials, is highly toxic even in small quantities.
Experts warn that it can cause irreversible brain damage, developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioural problems in children.
The study stressed that there were no safe levels of lead in the human body.
Traditional eyeliners known locally as kaji kaji or kholi, which many mothers use to brighten their children’s eyes, had contamination levels tens of thousands exceeding permissible limits.
White baked clay, called shire, ayilor, or farinkasa and commonly consumed by pregnant women to ease nausea, also tested positive for lead contamination in about 25 per cent of samples, with the highest rates recorded in the North East and Greater Accra regions.
Ground turmeric, a staple spice used across Ghana, was found to be contaminated in 42 per cent of samples, with particularly high levels in the Greater Accra (84 per cent), Central (75 per cent), and Bono (60 per cent) regions.
Similarly, locally prepared corn-based cereal (Tom Brown) showed lead contamination in 4.4 per cent of samples, mostly from the Eastern Region.
Old plumbing systems and certain cookware were also identified as possible sources of exposure, as lead can leak into drinking water or food during cooking.
The health impacts are severe. Lead exposure can cause anaemia, stunted growth, hearing loss, seizures, and pregnancy complications such as low birth weight and miscarriage.
UNICEF has, therefore, called for immediate national action to address the crisis, calling for public awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of product safety standards, and routine screening for lead exposure, especially among vulnerable groups.
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Government of Ghana and relevant partners to eliminate lead exposure and safeguard the health of every woman and child.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
