News
We should find a governance system that unites us, not divides us – Oscar Provencal
Ghanaian actor, Oscar Provencal has called on duty bearers to work towards a governance system that unites rather than divides the nation.
Speaking in an interview with GBC News in the wake of the recent military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of government officials, military personnel, and party executives, Mr. Provencal praised President John Dramani Mahama and his team for the smooth organisation of the state funeral.
He commended the organisers for their swift work within a short period and also described the decision to give the victims a military burial as a good call, noting that the military handled the ceremony professionally.
While acknowledging the good work done, he pointed out inefficiencies in the system, particularly in the initial handling of the crash site.
He said poor management of such sites could compromise forensic investigations, which are crucial in finding out the causes of such accidents.
Mr. Provencal expressed concern over the public’s rush to accident scenes to take pictures and videos, especially in the age of social media, where such content goes viral within seconds.
He urged the public to delete disturbing footage and praised responsible media outlets for their coverage.
However, he urged journalists to reflect on their reporting, stressing the need for sensitivity towards grieving families and capacity building in media practices.
He added that tragedy, which led to the demise of eight gallant men as well as the road accident that killed 15 people should serve as a wake-up call to fix weaknesses in the system.
Mr. Provencal stressed that unity should not only come from tragedy, adding that Ghanaians must live in peace, free from hatred and bitterness, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic differences.
“At the end of the day, politics should not divide us but unite us,” he stressed.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
President Mahama thanks Ghanaians for support after helicopter crash tragedy
President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and the government have expressed deep gratitude to Ghanaians and the international community for the support shown following the helicopter crash of August 6, which claimed eight lives, including two ministers of state.
In a message issued by the Presidency on Monday, the President said the nation was moved by the outpouring of condolences, solidarity, and practical assistance offered during the period of mourning.
He noted that the sympathy messages, attendance at the state funeral, and acts of kindness towards the bereaved families brought comfort in a difficult time.
The statement commended individuals, security personnel, and corporate organisations that worked to ensure that the victims were given what it described as a “dignified and befitting Ghanaian burial.”
“As we return to the duties of resetting Ghana and building the Ghana we want, let us remain united in prayer, comfort one another, and continue to support the families affected by this tragedy,” the statement said.
The President in the statement prayed for the souls of the departed to rest in eternal peace.
Following the conclusion of the state funeral and the burial of all eight victims, the Chief of Staff has directed that flags at public buildings, which had been flown at half-mast in mourning, be restored to full mast with immediate effect.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
President Mahama grants 998 prisoners amnesty
President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to 998 prisoners serving various jail terms across prisons in the country.
The gesture is upon the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State and in accordance with Article 72(1) of the Constitution.
A statement issued by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, in Accra yesterday said the number is out of a total of 1,014 recommended.
Per the statement, 87 persons who were sentenced to death will now be commuted to life imprisonment whiles 51 prisoners who were on life sentence will now have to serve 20 years.
First time offenders to be granted pardon are 787, seriously ill, 33, over 70 years irrespective of offence 36, nursing mothers, 2 and petitions, 2.
BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI
