Kwabena Bomfeh returns to Supreme Court to stop Cathedral project

The government has been hit with a suit at the Supreme Court, seeking to prevent it from partaking in the construction of the controversial 5,000-seater national cathedral.

A member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), James Kwabena Bomfeh, popularly known as Kabila, filed the suit according to documents sighted by Citi News.

He wants an interlocutory injunction to restrain the government or any of its representatives “from being involved in or taking any steps towards the construction of the Ghana National Cathedral, including the demolition of residences of justices of the Superior Courts.”

Mr. Bomfeh also doesn’t want the government to commence “any civil works for the construction of the Ghana National Cathedral; and/or taking any action, measure or step preliminary or incidental to the construction of the Ghana National Cathedral.”

President Nana Akufo-Addo cut the sod for the construction of the national cathedral for on March 6, 2017, as part of events that marked Ghana’s 60th-anniversary celebration.

Funding for the project is to be sourced from individuals within the Christian community.

Criticism of national cathedral

When President Akufo-Addo cut sod for the construction of the cathedral, critics questioned the need for the facility considering that Ghana was a secular state.

Others said the government was interfering in religious affairs with the project.

Kwabena Bomfeh’s earlier suit

In March 2017, Mr. Bomfeh filed a similar suit at the Supreme Court to challenge the decision to build the cathedral.
 He had argued that Ghana as a secular state must not be seen to be getting involved in religious activities such as building a Christian Cathedral and facilitating Muslims’ pilgrimage to Mecca.

In that writ, he was seeking “a declaration that the decision of the Government of Ghana to purposely endorse, assist, aid, partly sponsor, and/or support the construction of a National Cathedral near the State House of Ghana, for Christian interdenominational church services amounts to an excessive entanglement of the Republic of Ghana and religion and therefore unconstitutional”.
Outcome of previous suit hanging

The first legal action by Mr. Bomfeh did not end with a definite decision. The Supreme Court at its last sitting on the matter in July 2017, adjourned the case sine die (without a specified date).

The seven-member panel of judges presided over by now retired Justice William Atuguba, said the panel was not the one to hear the suit initiated by Mr. Bomfeh.

He had said at the time that a new panel should be put in place to hear the case, and Justice Atuguba accordingly adjourned the case sine die. The Attorney General was represented by Ms Grace Oppong, a principal state attorney, while one Abdul Baasit Aziz Bamba appeared for Kabilla.The plan to relocate judges from their Ridge Roundabout residence in Accra to make way for the construction of the Cathedral attracted more criticism of the project.

Financiers of the cathedral according to government, will pay the temporary accommodation for the judicial staff including judges residing along the area earmarked for the project.

The affected judges are; Justice F. Kusi Appiah, Justice Mariama Owusu, Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, Justice Magaret Welbourne, Justice Saeed Kwaku Gyan, Justice Lawrence L. Mensah, Justice Gbiel S. Suurbareh and Justice Anthony Oppong.

Residents of Atwima Nwanbiagya to prosper - DCE

Michael Awuku Amoah, MCE of Atwima Nwanbiagya

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Atwima Nwanbiagya in the Ashanti Region, Hon. Michael Awuku Amoah is counting on the support of the people and traditional rulers to enable him bring more developmental projects in the area.

"I can see a prosperous Municipal Assembly in the years to come. I can see improvement in the quality of education. I can see improvement in the quality of the life of the people. All these cannot be achieved without your support, encouragement, good counsel and above all your constant prayers".

According to the MCE, his vision for the people is to see the people in the municipality become prosperous in terms of finances, providing good health facilities so they can uphold their dignity and respect in the society through various forms of empowerments.

"Anything short of this will not be acceptable", Hon. Michael Awuku Amoah at a town hall meeting attended by this reporter Kwabena Danso-Dapaah told residents and opinion leaders.

According to him, hundreds of Junior High School (JHS) students in the municipality, mostly females, have already received training in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as part of measures by the government to bridge the gender gap in technology.

"The Ministry of Communication, in collaboration with the Ghana Information Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC) and the [local] Assembly organized the Girls-in-ICT initiative training program", the MCE revealed.

"The objective was to increase the interest of girls in ICT, bridge the gender gap usage and to enhance the advancement of girls in ICT through coding and website development"

According to Hon. Michael Awuku Amoah, prior to the Training, the Assembly renovated an old building in the area to enable philanthropists and the government to supply computers to train more youth in ICT.
Source: Kwabena Danso-Dapaah/ghanaweb

Closure of customs borders would hinder revenue mobilization

Nana Abuko Kofi II, Chief of Asikuma

The Chief of Asikuma, Nana Abuko Kofi II, has raised concerns on the directive by the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, for all Customs border posts in the country to be opened and vehicles allowed to move to and fro without customs interference.

He said that the closure of the border posts would have dire consequences on revenue mobilization, since the country has porous borders which could be used by individuals who smuggle goods into the country to evade tax.

He also expressed dismay at why government would decide to open the borders at the time when the country needs to accrue enough revenue for development.

Nana Abuko Kofi II stated that the re-operationalizing of border posts within the country would help combat smuggling and other transnational crimes as smuggled goods that enter the country through unapproved routes would be intercepted at any of the border posts within the country.

He said “the convergence of all border security services are in Asikuma, but quite recently, immigration is gone, customs have opened their doors, why? I don’t know what is going on.”

“Are we leaving the security of this nation for people to come through porous borders and bring unwholesome and inferior goods to our country. For customs I will only appeal to them that they better stand up, we are losing a lot of revenue because of this directive”, he added.

The Ho Sector Command of the Customs Division, Senyo Tawiah Ameyibor, alluded to that the fact that his Sector has indeed been struggling to achieve 1/8 of what it used to accrue in previous years following the Vice President’s directive on the opening of the border posts within the country excluding the Elubo and Dabala border posts.

“The rate at which we are losing revenue, it is affecting Asikuma collection, we rope in revenue as a much as GhC400,000 every year, but now we cannot even talk about just GhC50,000”, he said.

He, therefore, appealed to traditional authorities to advocate for the re-operationalization of the border post to curb the occurrence of transnational crimes in the country.

“Since it is a directive from the Vice President, we cannot say anything otherwise. But you being the custodian of the town, whatever you say would carry weight, so we would even plead with you to be our mouthpiece to talk on our issue”, he appealed.
Source: Fred Quame Asare/ghanaweb

National cathedral grounds for conflict – Sheikh Aremeyaw

Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shuaib

Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam Sheikh Aremeyaw Shuaib is worried the establishment of a national cathedral as a heritage project may turn out to be fertile grounds for conflict.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on March 6, 2018 unveiled an architectural design for the construction of a national cathedral.

The design, which was inspired by the concept of unity, harmony, and spirituality, is a heritage project to commemorate the 60th independence anniversary of Ghana.

The project has been proposed to be cited on 14 acres of gardens near the Osu Cemetery in Accra, and it will be a gathering place for people of all faiths.

Some judges have already been given eviction notices to vacate their residences to make way for the construction of the structure.

There has since been heated public debate about the need or otherwise of a national cathedral as well as the proposed location for the project.

Speaking on 3FM’s Sunrise Thursday, Sheikh Aremeyaw argued that the project does not reflect the true secular nature of the country but rather favours one religious ground; a situation he fears will breed religious conflict.

“The context is that, okay, you are a secular country, the national Christian cathedral will just give certain image or monument to satisfy only one section of the citizenry. If you do so you sometimes create a foundation for certain kind of conflicts,” he told the host, Winston Amoah
 In his view, an inter-faith edifice would be a better representation of the purpose of the structure than a national cathedral.

According to him, the attainment of Ghana’s independence was a collective effort, won by people of different religious groups who must be given a stake in the celebration of independence through the heritage project.

“Our independence was obtained through certain processes, people participated, it was an aspiration, a national aspiration and we are thankful to God that He gave it to us. So in thanks to God we celebrated our 60th anniversary and out of that we thought that there must be certain heritage projects that will immortalize the desire for independence in our minds
“I thought that that broad aspiration should have been the focus of that every citizen of this country wants of be part of that pride. We must have certain heritage projects celebrating our togetherness,” he advanced.

Sheikh Aremeyaw explained that an inter-faith establishment will further solidify the inter-religious peace Ghana has enjoyed over the years while leaving a monumental legacy for posterity to appreciate“My suggestion is that it would have been better to promote our inter-faith harmony in this country because you give shape and structure to it.

“In this case, you make it a permanent feature of our county, you deepen it, you don’t make it a superficial thing by now creating something structural, give it an image that future generations will point figures at,” he explained.
 Source: 3news.com

I'm not craving to be Mahama's running mate - Spio-Garbrah

Aspiring flagbearer of the NDC, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah

A flagbearer aspirant of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, has denied suggestions that he is craving to be a running mate to former President John Dramani Mahama in the 2020 presidential election.
He said he has not had any meeting with Mr Mahama or any members of his campaign team to discuss the possibility of he becoming a running mate to Mr Mahama.

It was reported recently that Mr Spio-Garbrah had indicated that he would be okay with standing as a running mate to Mr Mahama for the 2020 election.

But Mr Spio-Garbrah told Graphic Online that he was going into the contest to win, and therefore, the suggestion that he would opt out to back Mr Mahama was false.

He said the rumour of he considering to partner Mr Mahama for the election was being ignited by political activists who saw him as a threat in the election.

Mr Spio-Garbrah said the political activists wanted to discourage his international partners from supporting his campaign.

Besides, he said, it was an attempt to create doubts in the minds of his supporters that he would not contest the election.

Winnable candidate

Mr Spio-Garbrah said winning the 2020 election would be a very difficult task for the NDC given the fact that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would have been in office for four years considering the election trend where all parties in power get to go for two continuous terms.

Therefore, Mr Spio-Garbrah said it would take a very strong personality like him with international experience in marketing and communication to lead the NDC to victory in 2020.

He said if he becomes the flag bearer of the NDC, his image as a politician without a corruption tag would also enhance the chances of the party winning the next election.

For more news go to: www.graphic.com.gh

Kofi Annan's remains arrives in Ghana Sept 10, 2018

Kofi Annan served as seventh secretary general of United Nations between 1997 and 2006

The body will be accompanied by his widow Nane Maria Annan, his children and some executives of the United Nations(UN).

This was made known at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, addressed by the Information Minister-designate, Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), will receive the body on behalf of the people of Ghana.

Mr Kofi Annan died in Switzerland on August 18, 2018 after a short illness.

President Akufo-Addo last week proposed a state burial for the late international peace icon, to which his family readily agreed.

The mortal remains of former United Nations Secretary-General, Busumuru Kofi Annan will arrive in Accra, Ghana on Monday, September 10, 2018, for a state burial.

For more news go to: www.graphic.com.gh

Mahama is like coca-cola; you can't damage his brand - Kofi Adams

Kofi Adams, National Organiser of the NDC

The organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Kofi Adams has predicted a landslide victory for former President John Mahama who is seeking to become the party's 2020 presidential candidate.

He said Mahama remains the most marketable product capable of returning the party to power in 2020. Attempts by opponents to paint him black will not wash because the Mahama brand is like coca-cola.

"All other categories of drinks have come. They have done all kinds of adverts to undermine coca-cola but it continues to be coca-cola", he told Joy News' Parker-Wilson.

John Mahama became a one-term president after his attempt to secure a second term in 2016 failed.

His 44.4% polled in the presidential results is now the lowest for an NDC candidate since the inception of the party.
 His announcement of a return makes him the lead candidate for the presidential primaries in December 2018. Mahama faces opposition from as many as 10 aspirants who have expressed intent to lead the party.

From veterans like Naodwli-Kaleo MP Alban S.K Bagbin who has been in Parliament since 1993, former minister under the Rawlings and Mahama era Ekwow Spio-Garbrah who contested for flagbearer in 2006 want to lead the party in 2020.

Former university professor Joshua Alabi is also expected to vie for the position.

But big name Professor Kwesi Botchwey, Ghana's longest-serving Finance minister has dropped hints he will contest after he failed to win the race in 2002.

Kofi Adams is however unmoved by the electoral test John Mahama faces and said it is "so clear" and "vividly written" that Mahama will "win handsomely"



The NDC National Organiser who is seeking to contest a parliamentary seat said John Mahama is like a rock. "If you don't take care you will get damaged".

"Anything below 90% for me will be like an underperformance", he said. "It means our people didn’t do well" Kofi Adams said and expressed confidence the endorsement "will be more than that".

For more news, go to myjoyonline.com

MPs supporting Mahama deny him in private – Spio-Garbrah

Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, former Minister of Trade and Industry,

National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer aspirant Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah says he is unperturbed by the public show of support exhibited by some Members of Parliament for former president John Dramani Mahama.

He said since he – as well as the other aspirants – has not had the chance to be at the helm to appoint such persons, he cannot have similar support.

But he firmly believes that the grassroots will give him the mandate given their views he solicited during his nationwide tour.

Earlier this month, some NDC MPs agreed to raise funds for Mr Mahama to contest the presidential primary of December 7, 2018.

Among the MPs are Edward Bawa of Bongo Constituency, Dr Clement Apaak of Builsa South Constituency, John Jinapor of Yapei Kusawgu Constituency and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa of North Tongu Constituency, who were all appointees of the fourth president of the Fourth Republic.

“So when some MPs come out and say they support any former president who has helped them, I can’t be concerned,” Dr Spio-Garbrah, who was the Minister of Trades and Industry in that government, said on TV3’s New Day on Tuesday.

“I appreciate their position,” he admitted.

“Many of them tell you in private that you know their position and we had to do this.”

He said what he is interested in is the numbers, which is a cardinal factor in winning an election, he analysed.

Therefore, since he has the support of the grassroots, who have same thumb power as the MPs, he is hopeful of emerging victorious.

He, however, stated that he will support any candidate that wins the primary.

For more news go to: 3news.com