News
NPP demands immediate release of two TikTokers arrested by Ghana Police
The National Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has condemned the arrest and detention of two TikTokers, Fante Comedy and AY, as well as social media activist Sir-Obama Pokuase, describing the move as an attack on free speech.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 13, the group said the three were arrested over comments made in a viral video, which police deemed unsuitable.
It argued that the comments, while unsavoury, were opinions the individuals were entitled to under Ghana’s constitutional guarantee of free speech.
The NPP Youth Wing expressed shock that the Ghana Police Service would, in its words, “waste resources” to arrest young citizens who had no capacity or intent to cause harm, while failing to take action against what it called “worse reckless comments” from members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the past.
It accused the police of adopting a partisan approach and acting as a tool for the executive, questioning why there was intolerance toward NPP supporters.
The group pointed to an alleged violent attack on MP for Awutu Senya East, Hawa Koomson, and other NPP members during the Ablekuma North Constituency rerun, claiming that the perpetrators, whom they described as NDC members, were still free.
Calling the arrests “shamelessly biased” and “undemocratic,” the NPP Youth Wing demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Fante Comedy, AY, and Sir-Obama Pokuase.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
President Mahama thanks Ghanaians for support after helicopter crash tragedy
President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and the government have expressed deep gratitude to Ghanaians and the international community for the support shown following the helicopter crash of August 6, which claimed eight lives, including two ministers of state.
In a message issued by the Presidency on Monday, the President said the nation was moved by the outpouring of condolences, solidarity, and practical assistance offered during the period of mourning.
He noted that the sympathy messages, attendance at the state funeral, and acts of kindness towards the bereaved families brought comfort in a difficult time.
The statement commended individuals, security personnel, and corporate organisations that worked to ensure that the victims were given what it described as a “dignified and befitting Ghanaian burial.”
“As we return to the duties of resetting Ghana and building the Ghana we want, let us remain united in prayer, comfort one another, and continue to support the families affected by this tragedy,” the statement said.
The President in the statement prayed for the souls of the departed to rest in eternal peace.
Following the conclusion of the state funeral and the burial of all eight victims, the Chief of Staff has directed that flags at public buildings, which had been flown at half-mast in mourning, be restored to full mast with immediate effect.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
President Mahama grants 998 prisoners amnesty
President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to 998 prisoners serving various jail terms across prisons in the country.
The gesture is upon the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State and in accordance with Article 72(1) of the Constitution.
A statement issued by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, in Accra yesterday said the number is out of a total of 1,014 recommended.
Per the statement, 87 persons who were sentenced to death will now be commuted to life imprisonment whiles 51 prisoners who were on life sentence will now have to serve 20 years.
First time offenders to be granted pardon are 787, seriously ill, 33, over 70 years irrespective of offence 36, nursing mothers, 2 and petitions, 2.
BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI
