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Prospectus Matters: …Parents, pupils rush for books and stationery as retailers cash in
• Wooden and metal boxes waiting for their owners
Bookshops and stalls at the Central Business District were packed during the first and second weeks of January as academic activities resumed after the long holidays.
Parents, pupils rushed to procure teaching and learning materials as quickly as they could while some middle men and women also tried to earn “commission” by referring customers to designated bookshops.
The escalating prices, however, did not deter clients who were bent on securing all items on the prospectus once and for all.
Parents who interacted with The Spectator said they were deferring purchase to a later day as the cash available was not enough for long list they had brought to the market.
Some students who came on their own said the ‘rush hour’ partly contributed to the high prices of the books on display. But for the retailers, the prevailing economic conditions meant they also had to add slight margins in order to break even and settle debt owed their suppliers.
While exercise books and text books were selling fast, retailers of mattresses and wooden boxes (Chopbox) were somewhat recording low sales as fresh boys and girls entering secondary schools had not started placing their orders
By Lizzy Okai
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
