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Okudzeto Ablakwa salutes former CJ Sophia Akuffo
Member of Parliament for the people of North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has saluted former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo and her colleagues for taking part in picketing at the Finance Ministry.
According to him that actions aimed at resisting the government’s plan of adding Pensioners who are bondholders to the current Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) was a bold step which needed some commendation.
The Member of Parliament made the call when Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta on Thursday, February 16, 2023, appeared before them on the DDEP.
He said it was unfortunate that pensioners who decided not to join their colleagues out of the country to seek greener pastures have to be subjected to such harsh conditions.
Against this backdrop, he said, “The former Chief Justice and other pensioners stod up were counted.”
He further queried why Ghana was the only country in Africa undertaking a DDEP and called for the exemption of Pensioners and Individual Bond Holders.
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
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has expressed deep sorrow following the sudden passing of Isaac Batsa, the constituency secretary for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker issued a statement on Tuesday reacting to the news, which has shocked the local political community.
Mr.Awuku praised the late NDC secretary for his bipartisan approach to local governance.
He noted that despite their different political affiliations, Batsa consistently rose above party lines to serve the constituency with diligence.
The MP revealed that the news was particularly shocking given that he had last interacted with Batsa just three days prior on Saturday.
Concluding his statement, Sammy Awuku extended his heartfelt condolences to Batsa’s family, the constituency and regional executives, and the entire NDC fraternity, wishing the deceased peaceful eternal rest.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
