News
Religious bodies told to resist temptation of partisan politics
The Head of the Etherean Mission Church, Mr Ishmael Tetteh, has called for collaboration among inter-faith religious bodies to create a harmonious and development-focused political environment.
Additionally, he called for a united front, ahead of the December 7 general election, towards a peaceful and progressive future.
Mr Tetteh made the call at this year’s Planetary Liberation Day (PLD) event held over the weekend at the Etherean Mission Church International in Accra under the theme, ‘Inter – Faith Collaboration for Peaceful Election.’
He explained that the inter-faith collaboration among religious bodies in the country, when pursued as a national agenda would provide a unified vision for Ghana’s development, and foster cooperation among political parties and religious bodies.
Furthermore, Mr Tetteh said such agenda would define the nation’s goals, timelines, and required social and spiritual education.
Mr Tetteh stated that a national ‘Think Tank’ comprising seasoned politicians, scientists, ministers, and civil society representatives would identify and promote Ghana’s unique cultural characteristics, heritage, and values.
He emphasised the need to combat divisive politics, by urging voters to be educated on the dangers of ethnic, tribal, and sentimental affiliations.
“As Ghana strives for peaceful elections and progress, citizens are urged to unite behind these principles, embracing their roles in shaping a brighter future,” he emphasised.
The Maaworeehene of the Amanokrom Traditional Area in the Eastern Region, Nana Agyei Obrempong, added that peace was not just a dream but an urgent necessity, so there was the need to maintain it before, during and after the general election.
“I urge leaders and members from diverse faiths to unite in promoting peace and understanding,’’ he added.
He admonished religious bodies to resist temptations of partisan politics and also urged teachers to develop educational programmes on peace in schools and support community development projects.
By Precious Nyarko Boakye
The Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, says Parliament and government officials are working closely with authorities in the Netherlands following the detention of the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Kwame Ohene Frimpong.
Speaking on the matter on Channel One news yesterday, Mr. Dafeamekpor disclosed that the MP was detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam on Sunday while travelling on a private trip.
According to him, Mr. Frimpong personally informed him about the incident around 5 a.m. on the day of the arrest.
He said the issue was immediately escalated to parliamentary leadership and other state officials for intervention.
Mr. Dafeamekpor explained that the Majority Leader, who was in transit at Heathrow Airport in London at the time, travelled to Schiphol to engage the detained MP and better understand the situation.
He added that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ghana’s Ambassador to The Hague, the Attorney General, the Speaker of Parliament and the Clerk to Parliament had all been involved in efforts to address the matter.
According to him, a Ghanaian lawyer based in The Hague and qualified to practise there has also been engaged to represent the MP.
“The lawyer is dealing with the issues, but let me confirm that he is fine,” Mr. Dafeamekpor stated.
He noted that Parliament and the legal team were still waiting for official documents, including an authenticated copy of the arrest warrant and other details from Dutch prosecutors handling the matter.
The South Dayi MP therefore urged the media and the public to avoid speculation until all facts surrounding the case are confirmed.
“We want to urge all the media houses not to be throwing in things that have not been confirmed,” he said.
Mr. Dafeamekpor further explained that Parliament’s involvement was partly because the MP was travelling with a diplomatic passport.
He noted that extradition and detention cases involving political figures are not uncommon internationally, citing examples such as former Chilean leader Augusto Pinochet and Julian Assange.
According to him, authorities are hopeful the matter can be resolved for the MP to return to Ghana safely.
He appealed to the MP’s family, colleagues in Parliament and the public to remain calm while diplomatic and legal processes continue.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana Water Ltd has announced temporary water supply interruptions in several parts of western Accra following technical challenges at the Weija Water Treatment Plant.
In a press release issued on May 13, the company explained that the challenges had affected water production and distribution in some communities.
According to the management of the company, residents in areas including Dansoman, Mamprobi, Mataheko, Laterbiokorshie, Korle Bu, La Paz, MacCarthy Hill, Gbawe, Mallam, Tesano, Darkuman, North Kaneshie, Dome, Achimota, Anyaa and Ablekuma may experience low water pressure and erratic water supply.
Management noted that engineers and technical teams were working to fix the problem and restore normal water supply as soon as possible.
The company advised consumers to store water whenever there is flow in their communities in order to manage the temporary disruption.
It urged essential service providers to contact their Assembly Members or the Ghana Water Ltd Call Centre for assistance.
The company apologized to customers affected by the situation and appealed for calm and cooperation while efforts continue to resolve the challenge.
By: Jacob Aggrey
