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UPDN expresses deep disappointment over lack of progress in arresting killers of Ahmed Suale
The United Press for Development Network (UPDN) has said it stands in solidarity with the family, friends, and colleagues of Ahmed Hussein-Suale Divela on this solemn occasion as they mark five years after the killing of the investigative journalist.
UPDN said they remember Ahmed not only for the fearless journalist he was but also for the impact his work has had on fostering transparency, accountability, and ethical journalism.
His killing serves as a stark reminder of the challenges journalists face in their pursuit of truth, a statement said.
Ahmed Suale, 31, an investigative journalist, worked with Tiger Eye PI, the investigative firm established by Anas Aremeyaw Anas, known for its use of undercover journalistic methods to expose corruption and other ills in society.
His murder in Accra in January 2019, shocked many across the media landscape.
“The attack on Ahmed Suale echoes the broader threats against press freedom and the dangers faced by investigative journalists who strive to expose corruption and wrongdoing,” the UPDN statement said.
Source:3news.com
Below is the full statement…
Five (5) Years On: Remembering the Tragic Murder of Investigative Journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale Divela
ACCRA, GHANA TUESDAY JANUARY 16, 2024; Today marks the solemn occasion of the fifth anniversary of the brutal murder of Mr. Ahmed Hussein-Suale Divela, a dedicated member of Tiger Eye P.I. and a fearless investigative journalist. Ahmed Suale lost his life in a callous act of violence on the night of Wednesday, January 16, 2019, sending shockwaves throughout the journalistic community in Ghana and around the world.
Ahmed was shot twice in the chest and once in the neck by faceless assailants riding motorcycles, in what was a blatant attack on press freedom and the pursuit of truth. His untimely death occurred just months after the airing of the ground breaking investigative documentary “Number 12: When Greed and Corruption Become the Norm,” led by the celebrated undercover investigative journalist Mr. Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
United Press for Development Network (UPDN) stands in solidarity with the family, friends, and colleagues of Ahmed Hussein-Suale Divela on this solemn occasion. We remember Ahmed not only for the fearless journalist he was but also for the impact his work has had on fostering transparency, accountability, and ethical journalism.
The tragic events of that fateful night serve as a stark reminder of the challenges journalists face in their pursuit of truth. The attack on Ahmed Suale echoes the broader threats against press freedom and the dangers faced by investigative journalists who strive to expose corruption and wrongdoing.
UPDN expresses deep disappointment and dismay at the lack of progress in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice. We are particularly concerned about the apparent lack of urgency and commitment demonstrated by key authorities in resolving this case.
We call upon the Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department, DCOP Faustina Agyeiwaa Kodua Andoh, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to prioritize the investigation into Ahmed Suale’s murder. It is disheartening to witness the lapse in accountability for such a grave violation of human rights and an attack on the cornerstone of democracy and freedom of the press.
Ghana, often hailed as the shining star of democratic values and free speech credentials in Africa, has seen a decline in its world press freedom ranking. This tragic incident and the subsequent lack of progress in ensuring justice serve as a stain on Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democratic principles. Our current world press freedom ranking is a stark reminder of the urgency needed to address these challenges and restore faith in the nation’s commitment to press freedom.
As the 2024 Parliamentary and Presidential elections approach, UPDN issues a stern warning against any form of press assault and media brutality in Ghana. We firmly believe that when you touch one journalist, you touch all journalists. Our commitment to defending the rights and safety of journalists is unwavering, and we will not countenance any act that undermines the essential role of the media in a thriving democracy.
UPDN calls for immediate and transparent action to bring the perpetrators of Ahmed Suale’s murder to justice, reinforcing the values of democracy, free speech, and press freedom that Ghana has long championed on the African continent.
We remember Ahmed Hussein-Suale Divela with utmost respect and solidarity.
Rest in Peace Soldier
Rest in Perfect Peace Ahmed Hussein-Suale
God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong.
-End-
Signed
Kofi Asante Mensah
(President)
Tel: 024-469-0262
Office: 0302-965-325
National Communication Bureau
Kelvin Malor
(National Organizer)
024-599-5541
Betty Boafo
(Secretary)
024-487-0055
David Albert Quainoo
(South Korea Coordinator)
+821021174780
Eric Nana Prekoh
(Media Relations Coordinator)
024-646-0428
William Hayford Mintah
(Central Region Coordinator)
024-476-6538
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
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
