News
Netherlands supports Ghana’s fight against drug trafficking, donates new scanners to NACOC…supports gender-based activism in James Town
The Netherlands government has donated new upscale intrusive scanners to Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) as part of collective efforts aimed at tackling transnational trafficking of illegal drugs through the country’s airports.
The new scanners are expected to significantly boost the commission’s operational efficiency and enhance their ability to monitor and flag high risk cargo and passengers.
At a brief handing over ceremony held at Marriott Hotel in Accra, Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, Mr. Foort van Oosten, indicated that the gesture reflects the Netherlands’ long-standing commitment to partnering with Ghana on security and justice issues, whilst commending the impressive bilateral relations between the two nations.
Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Muntaka, who received the scanners on behalf of government, indicated that the intrusive scanners would support Ghana’s fight against drug trafficking and thanked the Netherlands government for the kind gesture.
“We needed these new intrusive scanners to prevent drug trafficking at our ports; and for the Netherlands government to step in to assist, we are most grateful,” he noted.
He assured the Dutch delegation that the scanners will be used responsibly, adding that they would be operated and maintained by specially trained officers.
In furtherance of the Netherlands’ strong commitment to human rights and the promotion of gender equality, Mr. Foort van Oosten also unveiled the “OrangeCorner Mural” in support of a campaign against gender-based violence in James Town and surrounding communities.
The Orange Corner mural symbolizes resistance against domestic violence, and was born out of a partnership with Act for Change, a youth-focused non-governmental organization that is raising awareness about sexual and gender-based abuses in the community.
Act for Change uses creative arts and participatory theatre to empower young people on gender-based violence.
The campaign will include social media activities and interactive theatre performances for students and community youth leaders.
The 24 Hour Economy Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hunan Architectural Design Institute Group to support the planning of the Volta Economic Corridor.
The agreement aims to guide how land within the corridor will be used, design key infrastructure, and develop systems that will support large scale production.
The partnership will focus on detailed planning to make the area ready for investment and smooth business operations.
The project will include the development of agroecological parks, industrial zones, and transport networks to connect production centres to markets.
According to the Authority, proper planning is critical to building strong economic systems and expanding production across the corridor.
It noted that the collaboration with the Chinese design firm will help lay a solid foundation for industrial growth and long term development within the Volta Economic Corridor.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President of the Ghana Bar Association, Efua Ghartey, has called on judges and lawyers to carry out their duties with humility, fairness, and a strong sense of responsibility.
She made the appeal during the Supreme Court at 150 celebration held at the University of Ghana, under the theme “Honouring the past, celebrating the present and defining the future.”
Addressing participants, she noted that those in the legal profession occupy positions of great power and influence, and must therefore remain humble in the discharge of their duties.
She urged both the bench and the bar to deliver justice without fear or ill will, stressing the need for fairness in handling cases.
Reflecting on the significance of the celebration, she explained that the year 1876 marks not only the establishment of the Supreme Court but also the beginning of formally trained lawyers in the Gold Coast.
The GBA President questioned what Ghana would be without the rule of law, which is upheld by judges and lawyers, adding that the country could descend into a system where only the strongest survive if justice is not properly administered.
She further encouraged legal practitioners to reflect on their responsibilities and remain committed to upholding the rule of law for the benefit of all citizens.
By: Jacob Aggrey
