Day: January 16, 2024

Two Gambian prison officers-Lamin Sanneh and Abdou Jammeh-Monday testified to torture, and poor food and hygiene conditions at Gambia’s central prison- Mile 2-in the crimes against humanity trial of Gambia’s former Interior Minister Ousman Sonko.

Sonko served as police chief under ex-President Yahya Jammeh from 2005 to 2006. In the latter part of 2006, he was appointed minister of the interior, a position he held until 2016.

The Swiss Attorney General’s office, along with 10 plaintiffs from the Gambia, is accusing Sonko of torture, murder, false imprisonment, rape, and deprivation of liberty, allegedly perpetrated against Gambians during the 22-year rule of Gambia’s former dictator Jammeh. Sonko was arrested and charged with crimes against humanity here in Switzerland in 2017 after he sought asylum.

Swiss prosecutors are trying to prove Sonko’s responsibility for torture through his participation in various investigation panels as inspector general or for ordering or abetting abuse as minister of the inte
rior.

Earlier testimonies before the court alleged that Sonko served on the investigation panel following the 2006 foiled coup, which oversaw the torture and interrogation of witnesses by Junglers-a paramilitary hit squad operating under the orders of Jammeh.

On Monday, the trial’s fifth witness, Lamin Sanneh, a prison officer, told the three-member panel of judges that in 2012 torture was widespread in Mile 2, the country’s central prison Jammeh called his ‘five-star’ hotel.

‘Most of the time, the Junglers come there and take inmates to the [National Intelligence Agency], and when they return them, you know that these inmates have gone through something,’ said Sanneh. ‘Some inmates are tortured while they are being taken away. I experienced that also. It is very terrible.’

Ousman’s knowledge of abuse

Sanneh was the personal bodyguard of David Colley, the longtime former director of Gambia’s Prison Services, the institution overseeing Gambian prisons, including Mile 2.

Sonko denied wrongdoing and argued
that he neither exercised administrative nor operational oversight over the prisons. Sonko said that the Security Wing of Mile 2-a barely two-metre square cell with a face-size window tucked near the roof, was often under the control of the military.

‘David Colley has operational and administrative responsibility over prison services and all the prisons in the Gambia. As such, he does not need instructions from me,’ said Sonko in the Monday hearings before the Swiss court. However, Sanneh testified that Sonko and Colley enjoyed a close working relationship and that he had full knowledge of events in the prisons, including Mile 2.

‘Whatever happens at the prison, the director [David Colley] will feed [Sonko],’ with information, said Sanneh. ‘I know the Director will not do anything without the notice of the Minister. Anything going on in the prison, he has to inform him.’

Abdou Jammeh, another prison officer who was arrested in 2016 and held without charge for nine months, shared a similar testimony.

Murde
r of Baba Jobe

Among the series of allegations Sonko is battling in Switzerland is his alleged involvement in the 2012 murder of Baba Jobe, the former majority leader of Jammeh’s APRC’s party.

Jobe was sentenced to a nine-year jail term in 2004 on charges of economic crimes. Barely a year before he was due to be released, Junglers allegedly walked into his room and suffocated him with a pillow, Omar Jallow, a Jungler, testified before the Truth Commission in 2019.

That day, Sanneh said he was asked to guard Colley, who was in the hospital. Colley informed him that military officials were coming for Jobe, and when they came, he should grant them access, he told the court.

In 2018, David Colley told Swiss prosecutors that he got a call from Sonko to grant Jungler Nuha Badgie access to Jobe. Sonko contested Colley’s claim and denied any involvement in the planning and execution of Jobe.

The trial is expected to last until January 30, but the verdict will likely be announced in March. If found guilty, Sonko
could face up to 20 years in prison. The trial continues Tuesday.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Kwahu East Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has held a community engagement session with farmers on the repercussions of fire outbreaks and how collective action can help prevent them.

The event was organised in partnership with the Forestry Commission, Ghana National Fire Service, and National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to raise awareness among the public about preventive measures against bush and domestic fires as the harmattan season approaches.

Ms. Roberta Essilfua Koah, the Director of Kwahu East District NCCE, pointed out the importance of preventing bushfires and domestic fires and highlighted the responsibility of everyone to protect and safeguard the environment.

The various community members were informed about the harmful effects of indiscriminate burning of bushes and its adverse impact on the environment.

She said bushfires could contribute to worsening environmental degradation and pose a threat to farming, agriculture, and human sustenance in t
he long run.

Ms. Koah said there are statutory obligations outlined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, Chapter 6, Article 41(k), of which laws have been put in place to address bushfires and offenders.

She listed several communities, including Abisu No. 1/2, Ankomah, Kwahu Pepease, Kwahu Abetifi, Kwahu Tafo, Borukruwa, Kwahu Tarkwa, Mamfe, Oboyan, Abene, Hweehwee, Suminakese, and Yaw Tenkorang, where there was an on-going education to this effect.

She said the NCCE was determined to cover a wide area to address the issue effectively.

She said the benefits of this educational initiatives will help to discourage individuals from participating in harmful activities and deepen public awareness about the serious risks posed by bushfires.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission at Obuasi in the Ashanti Region has undertaken a massive clean-up exercise at the Horsey Park Lorry Terminal in the town in line with the dictates of Islam, which recognises that; ‘Cleanliness is half of faith.’

The exercise, which formed part of the civic responsibilities of the Mission, was undertaken in collaboration with the Obuasi Municipal Assembly through the New Nsuta Auntie B Electoral Area member.

‘As residents and citizens of Obuasi, it behoves on us to make our communities clean. This is part of our responsibilities, and we are happy to have organised our members to embark on this exercise,’ Maulvi Rashid Mahmood Minhas, Leader of the Mission, said.

He said it was going to be an annual event on the Mission’s calendar to contribute to keeping the environment clean.

The public would also be sensitised on environmental cleanliness to encourage behavioral change in subsequent exercises, he said.

Mr. Ishaque Ibrahim Amfoh, the Circuit Missionary for Obuasi West, empha
sised the benefits of the clean-up exercise, saying it was part of their communal responsibilities.

He said plans were afoot to intensify the campaign to get more people involved in subsequent exercises.

‘While we are cleaning the environment, we are also sensitising the public to get involved whenever there is a clean-up exercise,’ he noted.

This will send signals to bystanders on the need to also contribute to cleaning the environment.’

On the upcoming general election in December, Mr Amfoh said faith-based organisations had a responsibility to ensure a peaceful and successful election.

Apart from praying to God for a peaceful election, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission would also educate its members to stay away from electoral malpractices, he said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Chiefs and people of Akuapem-Mamfe in the Eastern Region have re-enacted an ancient tradition called ‘Asafosa’ at a colourful durbar during this year’s Ohum Festival.

The ancient tradition, where the chiefs and people of Mamfe, divisional chiefs from the Akuapem Traditional Area and dignitaries, drank palm wine from a single traditional pot to relive the traditions of their forebears, was a sight to behold.

As part of the process, which forms part of the activities to celebrate the Ohum Festival, the chiefs and clan heads, as well as the queens and dignitaries each brings a pot containing fresh palm wine, which is poured into a giant pot after which libation is poured.

Osabarima Ansah Sasraku, the Chief of Mamfe and Akuapem Kyidomhene, first drank the palm wine before everyone else was served, amid drumming and dancing.

‘Asafosa’ is a sign that none of the chiefs or people has any ill feeling towards one another and they have all united for a common purpose.

Traditional accounts show that the ritual
was birthed some 500 years ago and was re-enacted 10 years ago by the chiefs and people of Mamfe, which was repeated this year.

The celebration brought together all the divisional chiefs of Akuapem or their representatives and some sub-chiefs from other paramouncies, including Akwamu, indegenes as well as politicians.

Osabarima Ansah Sasraku, who sat in state to exchange pleasantries with the chiefs and visitors, explained that the tradition demonstrated unity and togetherness on which development hinged.

He said education was the bedrock of development, hence the Traditional Council had invested in Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) to ensure that no one was left behind in the pursuit of development.

He expressed gratitude to the Chief Executive Officer of the National Lotteries Authority, Mr Sammy Awuku, for supporting educational infrastructure in the area as well as to MTN and others, who had partnered with the Traditional Council to improve the standards of education in the area.

Mr
Awuku, Nana Adwoa Awindor, Mr Antwi Boasiako, a former Eastern Regional Minister, and Mrs Ivy Owusu, the Regional Director of Education on behalf of the Education Minister, were among those who brought pots of palm wine to support the festival.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Offinsoman Association of Virginia, in the United States of America (USA), has sent a congratulatory message to Nana Dwamena Akenten II, the newly installed Paramount chief of the Offinso traditional area.

In a statement signed by Mr Jimmy Owusu Kwarteng, the spokesperson of the Association and made available to the Ghana News Agency, it commended the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his wisdom, foresight and decisive judgment in the selection of the right person to occupy the stool, to calm tension and violence.

It said eighteen royals applied for the position of the ‘Offinsomanhene’ and after thorough investigations and interviews, Nana Dwamena Akenten II, was unanimously selected and enstooled.

He succeeded Nana Wiafe Akenten III, who passed on to glory in 2023.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has blamed the acute water shortage in the Cape Coast Metropolis and surrounding areas on the persistent power outages.

‘We cannot promise when full water supply will resume because we do not have control over the power issues,’ the GWCL has said.

‘The system is struggling to build pressure for the right capacity to pump water to all places due to the intermittent energy supply.’

‘This explains why all the taps are not flowing in hilly areas, basically due to low pressure.’

Nana Yaw Barima Banie, the Central/Western Regional Public Relations Officer of GWCL, refuted claims that the situation arose from the perennial water scarcity in the city.

The ancient city has been battling occasional water supply cuts, but the situation has aggravated in recent times in communities such as Abora, Second Ridge, Apewosika, Ayitsewdo, and parts of Ekon.

Residents told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the situation was badly affecting their finances, health, and hygiene.

Daily,
many are seen on the streets carrying yellow (Kufuor) gallons, with some packed in cars, criss-crossing the city searching for quality water, at least for domestic use.

For drinking water, residents have resorted to buying bottled and sachet water, with all manner of sachet water brands taking over the market.

The situation appears a golden opportunity for tricycle riders (Pragia or Aboboyaa) as they cash in with exorbitant charges for various water delivery services.

A household of five at Second Ridge, Westend, said it bought 10 gallons of water for GHC60 every three days.

‘The situation is disheartening. We have not had our taps running for nearly a month and GWCL has refused to tell us the reasons,’ Madam Justina Araba Twum, a member of the household, said.

‘Just consider the amount of fuel for moving around town searching for water that should flow ceaselessly.’

At Apewosika, Mr Reginald Tetteh Amartey, Manager of a hostel, described the water situation as a wreck on their investment.

In all of th
at he said the GWCL kept bringing exorbitant water bills that were mind-boggling to say the least.

‘For some months, my facility does not get regular supply of water, yet they keep giving us high bills, which keep rising,’ Mr Amartey said.

‘We buy water, GHC1000 every two weeks, so how do we sustain the organization? Something must be done to rectify the situation to sustain business.’

Despite paying her monthly water bills, Madam Dorinda Arthur, a Homeowner at Abomination Wells, bemoaned the perennial rationing of tap-water that had bedevilled the community for years.

Madam Arthur, who is a former employee of the GWCL, said the situation had drained her hard-earned meagre income, particularly at this time of the year.

Another resident at Ntotoo near the Cape Coast Castle, Mr Emmanuel Odoom, said: ‘As I speak to you, I have not had my bath. I am compelled to bathe around midday daily because I cannot afford to buy water twice daily.’

Other residents lamented the country’s economic hardship, which had co
mpounded the situation and left them grappling to live within their monthly budget.

The situation, they said, had compelled them to patronise the services of water-tanker drivers, whose charges were exorbitant.

Whilst access to potable water is a basic right for all, a staggering 14 percent of Ghana’s urban population is left with the stark reality of acquiring it from private entities.

They called on the government to help rectify the situation, especially at a time when the spotlight is on the global move to attain Goal Six of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Source: Ghana News Agency

A child and vulnerable persons-centred charity project has supported the Nazareth Home for God’s Children at Sang in the Northern Region with assorted items to enhance the care of the children.

The ‘Hearts of Hope Project’ donated assorted food items, detergents, clothing, shoes and water as part of its humanitarian services in helping the needy.

Miss Cynthia Lamisi Anaba, the Founder and Project Coordinator of the Hearts of Hope Project, who presented the items at the weekend, stressed the importance of helping the needy in society.

She said the project had been mobilising resources to support the needy throughout the country in line with the slogan of the project: ‘Bringing Hope to Children with Special Needs’.

The charity project, established in 2023, aimed at working to put smiles on the faces of needy children hence the donation to the Nazareth Home for God’s Children at Sang.

She expressed gratitude to the all the donors, and said as a project, powered by love, compassion and unwavering dedication
, served as a beacon of hope for many vulnerable and less privileged families.

Miss Anaba said fostering a society that embraced diversity and celebrated every child’s potential, Project H2H advocated a brighter and more inclusive world for children with special needs, one filled with opportunities, understanding and acceptance.

‘At H2H, we believe that every child, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.’

‘We are committed to fostering an inclusive and compassionate community where these children can thrive and be celebrated for their unique strengths’, she said.

Reverend Sister Stan Teresa Mumuni, the Founder of Nazareth Home for God’s Children, expressed appreciation to Miss Anaba and her team for their support, acknowledging the donors for putting smiles on their faces.

She said every support, no matter how small, would help improve the conditions at the orphanage and appealed for more of such assistance to help cater for the children.

T
he Hearts of Hope for Children with Special Needs is a charitable project that was born out of a vision to create a more compassionate and inclusive society for children with special needs.

Founded by a group of passionate individuals, including parents of children with special needs, educators, and healthcare professionals, the project strived to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children and their families.

As a non-profit project, it relied on the generous support of donors, volunteers, and corporate partners to sustain its programmes.

Rev. Sis. Mumuni, a Ghanaian Nun of the Marian Sisters of Eucharistic Love (MASEL) Congregation, had become a beacon of hope for children with special needs.

She founded the Nazareth Home for God’s Children at Sang in the Yendi Diocese of the Northern Region to welcome and cater for those ‘rejected’ children with deformities, irrespective of their religion, class or ethnic background.

Currently, the orphanage houses about 120 children who are in dire n
eed of support in terms of food, clothing, education sponsorship, vocational training, and volunteers, among other things.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Thirty-six top companies in the fossil fuel industry and their funders made over US$420 billion in ‘surplus’ profits in the 24 months before July 2023, a new ActionAid report has shown.

The report showed that taxing these extraordinary profits, referred to as windfall profits, could generate funds to boost public spending, especially for key areas such as education and climate action.

Windfall profits are often attributed to external context changes and are considered a ‘surplus’ above the regular and expected profits.

A tax of 90 per cent on the windfall profits of these 36 firms could generate as much as US$382 billion in revenue, the report, launched as world leaders meet at Davos for the World Economic Forum, showed.

This amount is almost 20 times more than the US$21 billion provided by donors for climate adaptation in 2021.

‘The scale of profits that fossil fuel companies and their bankers are making in the wake of global crises is truly astounding, especially when compared to the hardships that th
ese crises have brought upon regular people around the world,’ ActionAid Secretary-General Arthur Larok said.

‘Windfall profits taxes make sense. They can bring in significant revenue for climate action and social services, while taxing only the extraordinary corporate profits,’ she added.

The ActionAid research is an analysis of the profits of the top 14 fossil fuel companies and top 22 financial corporations by value on the stock market.

The research covers the 200 largest companies by market capitalisation, and only the companies within that group that operate within the fossil fuels and financial sectors.

In the 24 months to July 2023, the firms made US$1,218 billion in profits. Windfall profits from this amount comes to US$425 billion.

Fossil fuel company profits in the 12 months before July 2023 were up by an astounding 278 per cent compared to the average in the period between 2017/2018 and 2020/2021.

Both the fossil fuel and the financial industries have been making extraordinary profits in rece
nt years, widely attributed to the impact of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and high interest rates adopted by many countries in response to growing inflation.

ActionAid’s research in 2023 found that banks alone had poured over US$3.2 trillion into fossil fuels in the Global South since the Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015, making them complicit in climate damage.

At COP27, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asked governments to tax the windfall profits of fossil fuel companies and redirect that money to those impacted by climate change.

Over one year later, only some EU Member States, the UK, and a few Latin American countries, have introduced some forms of temporary and often limited windfall taxes on fossil fuel companies.

ActionAid, therefore, called on high-income country governments to consider the urgent introduction of windfall profits taxes, preferably on all sectors, and at a minimum covering fossil fuel and financial sectors.

Also, ActionAid calls for the implementa
tion of permanent excess profits taxes, and cooperate in international platforms to ensure coordination, coherence and exchange of best practices in the implementation of such taxes.

‘Direct the revenue from windfall profits taxes towards international climate finance, including the recently agreed upon Loss and Damage Fund; and/or towards public services and social protection systems to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals in developing countries, where there are well documented shortages of funding, especially in education and health,’ the research further recommended.

Source: Ghana News Agency