News
Student, 20, dies in galamsey pit
The dusty mining town of Manso Akwasiso in the Amansie South District of Ashanti is heavy with grief.
On Tuesday, February 17, the life of a 20-year-old, Evans Allotey—a student, son, and miner—was cut short in a way that has left his community shaken and angry.
Evans, a second-year student at Okomfo Anokye Senior High School, had joined friends at a small-scale mining site when soldiers stormed the area.
Witnesses say the military arrived in three pickups, firing live rounds to disperse miners. In the chaos, Evans fled. His escape ended in tragedy when he stumbled into a deep galamsey pit.
“He could have been saved,” one miner recalled bitterly. “We tried to reach him, but the soldiers fired warning shots to keep us away. We watched him die.”
For residents, the pain is not only in the loss of a promising young man but in the manner of his death.
The Assembly Member of the area, Nsiah Kesse, condemned the soldiers’ actions, calling them “unacceptable” and accused them of overseeing Evans’s death. He further alleged that the military in the area has been deployed for land reclamation at nearby Manso Nyankomase.
The outrage spilled onto the streets as aggrieved residents staged a demonstration on last Wednesday (February 18) to register their displeasure.
Joining them was Nana Kwakye Gyimah Yeboah II, Chief of Akwasiso, who appealed directly to the government, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Minister for the Interior to intervene to end the harassment, restore calm, and deliver justice.
“This is not just about Evans,” the Chief said. “It is about the fear that grips our people every time soldiers arrive. It is about dignity, about the right to live without intimidation,” he lamented.
The death of Evans Allotey, the Chief noted, “is not just one family’s pain. It has become a reminder of the uneasy relationship between local communities and the soldiers sent to control mining.”
He said, “the town is waiting. People want answers. We want justice for Evans. And above all, want peace so life can go on without fear.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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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.
