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Parliament condemns systemic racism against blacks
Parliament has condemned what it describes as the systemic and continuous racism against black people in the United States of America (USA), in the wake of murder of George Floyd.
The African-American was killed by a team of police during an arrest in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020.
He died while a police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck for eight minutes, 46 seconds.
The death of George Floyd, who has since been interred close to his late mother in the Houston suburb of Pearland, has sparked global protests with the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter.
Adding his voice to the global condemnation in a statement in Parliament yesterday, the North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the death of the 46-year old must mark the end of the centuries old racism that blacks have endured.
According to Mr Ablakwa who doubles as the Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, “racial injustice is a global issue and affects all of us.”
“A clear message,” he said “must go forth that the black race has had enough.
“From slavery, colonialism, neo-colonialism, economic exploitation to structural and institutional racism, we have simply had enough. Black lives matter! We must force all those knees off our necks!
“We hope US authorities will ensure justice is manifestly done. May this become a watershed moment in history and a positive turning point for blacks in that country.”
The Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, on his part said the murder of the late Floyd must be a wake-up call to all Africans.
He said the global condemnation of police should trigger a change in the use of minimum force because “eight minutes and 46 seconds on the neck of a suffocating person can’t be minimum force.”
Mr Iddrisu, MP, Tamale South said American constitution guarantees the rights and liberties of all citizens and non-citizens and that the leadership of the country must uphold that tenet.
The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, said America as the beacon of democracy must not be seen doing the opposite of what democratic dispensations are supposed to be.
“Why should America that is supposed to be the lead in democratic governance be advertising such heinous and barbaric crimes?
“America needs to do a serious introspection,” he stated.
BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
