News
North-East Regional Minister reaffirms commitment to combating insecurities
The North-East Regional Minister, Ibrahim Tia, has reaffirmed his commitment to combating insecurities, including armed robbery by implementing effective measures designed to safeguard lives and property.
He emphasised the importance of a coordinated approach involving law enforcement agencies, community engagement and preventive strategies to enhance security in the region.
The Minister’s remarks come in response to rising concerns about safety and the need for a robust framework to protect citizens.
He urged the community to collaborate with authorities to ensure a safer environment for all.
Speaking to residents and local security officials, Minister Tia recognised the concerns of commuters who often face attacks on major highways.
He assured them that his administration would collaborate closely with the Upper East Regional Minister and security agencies to formulate an effective response to increasing security threats.
“The safety of our citizens is our top priority. We will enhance security operations in high-crime areas, boost police patrols, and set up emergency response teams to address any threats promptly,” he stated
He appealed to the police and other security agencies to beef up security to clamp down on the high rate of indiscipline.
“Indiscipline is gradually rearing its ugly head in our once peaceful and morally respected the region. Its unfortunate our township is drifting away from the way for which it was established by our forefathers. Its time we stamp authority on this anti-social canker,” he stated.
He appealed to residents to be vigilant and assist the police by reporting appropriately any incident they observed by so doing contribute to the prevention of violence.
Mr. Tia used the platform to caution people especially the youth against these illicit acts saying any person or group of persons caught engaging in any criminal activities would be dealt with severely to deter others.
He warned that the days of criminal gangs tormenting residents of the region were over, taking into account the preparedness of the security agencies to deal with the situation swiftly.
The Regional Minister bemoaned the fact that in recent times, a number of lives had been lost through robberies there called on residents to volunteer information to the security agencies in order to apprehend persons who were perpetrating various crimes in the region.
Residents in an interview with the Ghanaian Times were optimistic that these measures would put an end to the frequent attacks and promote safer travel through the region.
By Benedicta Gyimaah Folley
News
Declare a state of emergency in parts of the country affected by illegal mining – Coalition Against Galamsey to Mahama
The Coalition Against Galamsey is asking President John Mahama to declare a state of emergency in areas badly affected by illegal mining.
According to the Convenor of the Coalition, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, the situation has gone beyond control and requires urgent action to save lives and protect the environment.
He explained that the Constitution allows a state of emergency to be declared when the actions of criminals threaten essential resources such as water, safety, and the survival of communities.
He said illegal miners were destroying water bodies and depriving large communities of clean drinking water, which is an “essential of life.”
Dr. Ashigbey stressed that the call was not for the entire country, but only for parts of Ghana where the destruction is severe.
He added that declaring a state of emergency in these areas will give government the legal power to act quickly and decisively.
He also called on the President to provide clear timelines and targets to guide the fight against galamsey.
This, he said, would help demonstrate government’s seriousness and commitment to ending the menace.
The Coalition insisted that declaring a state of emergency was no longer a last resort but an immediate step needed to save Ghanaians and protect the future of the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
The Ghana Bar Association must be non-partisan in the discharge of their duties – Dominic Ayine urges
The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, has called on the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) to remain non-partisan in the discharge of its duties.
He said the credibility of the legal profession would be at risk if the bar allowed itself to be influenced by political interests.
Speaking at the GBA 2025/ 2026 annual general conference, Dr. Ayine reminded members that their first allegiance was to the Constitution and the Republic, not to any government or opposition party.
He stressed that for over three decades, the GBA had played an important role in helping the Supreme Court interpret and enforce the law, but outside the courtroom, its advocacy had often lacked consistency.
Dr. Ayine pointed to past cases such as the 2015 petition against the former CHRAJ Chairperson, Loretta Lamptey, and the 2017 petition for the removal of Electoral Commission Chairperson, Charlotte Osei, where the bar remained silent.
He noted that the association only found its voice during the petition against former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, a stance he said coincided with the position of the opposition.
He questioned why the bar acted differently in those situations, especially since all three cases involved women of repute who held positions in key constitutional bodies.
Dr. Ayine urged the GBA to be the conscience of the republic, saying lawyers must defend the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the rights of citizens regardless of which political party was in power.
He warned against inviting foreign interference in Ghana’s constitutional matters, saying international collaboration should be limited to professional exchanges and not politics.
He further encouraged the GBA to promote integrity among its members, strengthen pro bono services to support the poor, and embrace digital reforms such as e-filing and electronic court records to modernize the justice system.
According to him, the destiny of Ghana is tied to the integrity of the legal profession.
He added that if lawyers stand firm, the country will also stand firm, but if they falter, the republic will stumble.
By: Jacob Aggrey
