News
Shai Osudoku Assembly not forcibly taking lands for construction of Dodowa market
The Shai Osudoku District Assembly in the Greater Accra Region would not forcibly take over anyone’s land for the construction of the Dodowa market.
However, any family or individual whose property falls within the construction zone and have valid proof of ownership would be adequately compensated, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Daniel Akuffo, has said.
According to him, “Ghana has both statutory and customary land tenure systems that run together, adding Article 267 of the 1992 Constitution makes it clear that chiefs and family heads are the custodians of such lands and have authority to enforce right and obligation to any land that has been granted”.
Mr Akuffo said these at a media briefing on Thursday at Dodowa to highlight the assembly’s position on the re-construction of the Dodowa market following media reports that the assembly has forcibly taken over land belonging to the people to construct the market.
The assembly, he explained shall, under no circumstance deny any rightful owner of a piece of land in the Dodowa market.
“As a public institution regulated by legal framework, we are to ensure that payment of any public money to a third party for whatever purpose, must follow provisions of the Public Financial Management Act 2016, Act 921, the Public Financial Management Regulation 2019, LI 2378 and other related enactments,” he added.
Mr Akuffo stated that payments of compensation cannot be made unless all the processes were exhausted and all encumbrances cleared for the compulsory acquisition of the site measuring 16.680 acres pending the issuance of the Executive Instrument (EI) by government for the payment of the compensation.
The DCE said funding had been secured to transform the aged market into a modern one that would serve the interest of the people, as such this opportunity must not be lost.
He therefore advised those peddling falsehood and hoisting red flags around the market to desist from such acts and submit their documents for processes of verification and payment to begin.
Mr Akuffo also denied any knowledge about crop compensation but promised to pay when the right documents were presented.
“All temporal permits issued for container placement has been revoked and stressing that no money has been collected by the assembly for stores allocation on the yet to be constructed market,” he added.
Mr Akuffo urged property owners to stop engaging criminals as land guards and warned that anyone caught would not be spared adding, “no one would be allowed to use personal interest to disturb the peace the area was enjoying.
FROM LAWRENCE VOMAFA -AKPALU, DODOWA
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
