News
Samson’s Take: Compensate 247 victims, punish the criminal wrong against Ashaiman
It has taken too long for such a major urgent matter to receive such attention. In any serious country, the official enquiry would have been completed in a matter of days or weeks, the errant soldiers sanctioned and the poor victims of the egregious human rights abuses adequately compensated.
I insist that what the military did on March 7, 2023 was state-sponsored terrorism against innocent members of the Tulaku and Taifa communities in Ashaiman.
The Report of Parliament’s Committee of Defence and Interior dated November 2023 and now intercepted by Joynews is a good first official admission of wrong, not “excesses” but criminal wrong and unconstitutional harm to people and property by the military.
Hopefully, the perpetrators will face lawful action forthwith to send the right signals. The unform ought to be a symbol of professionalism, protection and not thuggery and impunity against those who pay for the uniform, the gun and those who use them.
The Commander-In-Chief has an obligation to the people and the Constitution he swore to uphold, to make a statement not in mere words but action that accords with his oath and obligation by swiftly letting heads roll; I mean heads of supervisors of the dastardly act.
Hopefully, the victims have been properly accounted for and the compensation will be swift and adequate. In March, we were given 184 as the number of victims. This obviously was only the number detained or abducted and later released by the army. Oliver Barker-Vormawor who mobilized lawyers and paralegals to record what happened to victims found far more than Lawyer Emmanuel Kumadey’s list of 247 adopted by the committee.
Army leaders and those in charge of security of the State told the committee the army moved into Ashaiman “after all intelligence had been gathered” on the killing of the young trooper. Yes, an intelligence operation saw the soldiers, as captured in the report, jumping and scaling walls into homes, breaking doors and waking innocent people from sleep to beat, drag them out into the rain and mud, line them up and flog and inflict serious injuries on them? The police eventually picked up 6 suspects who were not part of the hundreds subjected to torture, cruelty, inhuman treatment and punishment or conditions that detract from their worth with impunity.
This was in violation of the clear provisions of Article 15 of the Constitution. How difficult is it for a state professional security body fully armed to comply with this provision to not violate the dignity of a suspect they arrest, restrict or detain? Criminal suspects are to be presumed innocent until they plead guilty or are found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Shockingly, only a few organisations including Occupy Ghana and CDD Ghana issued statements condemning the wrong and demanding action.
I urge that many rise to defend the Constitution, human rights or even State security organisations will continue to violate fundamental rights and thereby threaten the democratic order. It is disturbing that that many young professionals and the middle class are quiet about the abuse and impunity that threatens democracy.
The CDD’s Emerita Professor Takyiwaa Manuh is not tired of defending human rights and freedoms, even minority rights including respect and equal treatment for LGBTQI+ persons in such a hostile environment. She has been a this since the 80s defending inalienable rights including gender and media freedoms. It was great to see her honoured with the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law 2023.
In observance of International Human Rights Day, 2023, which coincided with the 75th anniversary of the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 11 individuals from around the globe were honored for their exemplary efforts in advancing human rights. The Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law recognizes the dedication of civil society to the preservation of inalienable human rights and the protection of human dignity for all.
On January 22, 2024, at the residence of the French ambassador to Ghana, she was presented with the award during a beautiful event that was held in her honor.
She is Emerita Professor of African Studies at the University of Ghana. She was a Professor of African Studies at the University of Ghana where she also served as Director of the Institute of African Studies between 2002 and 2009. She has also been the Director of the Social Development Policy Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Ethiopia. Professor Manuh received her Ph.D. in Anthropology from Indiana University, Bloomington, and holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Law from the University of Ghana, Legon, and the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Her research interests are in African development; women’s rights and empowerment; contemporary African migrations, and African higher-education systems, and has several publications across these areas.
I give this outline to tell a story that if such an accomplished and illustrious global citizen is still committed to defending human rights and demanding good governance, you have no excuse but all the inspiration you need to do better. Speak up for democracy! And that’s My Take.
By Samson Lardy ANYENINI
For the first time in its seven-year history, the celebrated Guinea Fowl Bazaar has been brought to Accra, marking a significant expansion of an event that has, for the past six years, been a staple in Tamale.
The two-day cultural and culinary festival, held from May 1–2, drew over 500 patrons and featured nearly 20 vendors, to promote Northern Ghana’s rich food culture particularly guinea fowl delicacies.
Hosted by By Faith Catering Services, the bazaar brought together traditional leaders, cultural groups, food entrepreneurs, and government representatives in a display of heritage and enterprise.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Angelo Dogbe, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority underscored the importance of promoting indigenous cuisine as a tool for economic development and cultural preservation. Chiefs from the Northern Region also graced the occasion, lending traditional authority and reinforcing the cultural significance of the festival.
A major highlight of the bazaar was a series of captivating cultural performances representing the diverse tribes of the Northern Region. Attendees were treated to traditional music, dance, and attire, transforming the venue into a lively tapestry of Northern identity and pride.
Vendors expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase their products to a new audience in the capital. Many noted increased visibility, networking opportunities, and strong sales throughout the two-day event.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of By Faith Catering Services, Mrs. Matilda Zenabu Pipio described the Accra edition as a strategic move to broaden the reach of the festival and create new economic pathways for vendors and producers from the north.
She announced plans to make the Accra bazaar an annual event, emphasizing its potential to boost employment, promote guinea fowl production, and introduce more Ghanaians to the unique flavours of Northern cuisine.
She said, the event is a platform for cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and national unity through food.
She commended partners and called on more organisers to support and invest in initiatives like this.
Meanwhile, the organizers of Guinea fowl Bazaar paid a courtesy call to the Editor of Spectator, Mrs. Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo and Mr. David Adadevoh, Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times.
Both editors lauded the initiatives and encouraged the organizers to sustain it.
Organizers for the initiative and called on stakeholders and cooperate bodies to support this good course.
By Geoffrey Buta.
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
