Day: January 26, 2024

Accra: The ECOWAS Court has ordered the Togolese Republic to release without delay M. Adam Latif and 13 other inmates, who were arrested in December 2018 amid planned demonstrations and have been detained since then.

The Applicants accused the Togolese Republic of violating their fundamental rights.

Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves, a Judge rapporteur in the judgment delivered by the Court ordered the payment of 30 million francs CFA to each of the Applicants in compensation for the moral damage suffered due to the violation of their rights.

The Court held that the respondent State violated the Applicants’ human right not to be subjected to torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment as well as their right not to be arbitrarily detained.

However, the West African Court declared the respondent not responsible for the infringement of the presumption of innocence, as the Applicants’ allegations did not contain any argument consistent with the meaning of the right to the p
resumption of innocence.

Adam Latif, along with 13 others, had applied to the Togolese Republic, alleging violations of their rights to physical and mental integrity following their arrests by state security forces.

They asserted infringements of their rights against torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, and their rights to the presumption of innocence.

The Applicants had alleged that their arrests occurred amid planned demonstrations in December 2018, spurred by the Togolese authorities’ failure to implement the Global Political Agreement, a reformative accord among the ruling party, the opposition, and civil society and the recommendations of the Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission.

Despite the non-occurrence of the demonstrations, they were apprehended, charged, and subsequently inflicted with the alleged acts for confessions. They argued that these incidents, coupled with the extensive pre-trial detention, compromised their presumption of innocence, and depicted the judicial syst
em’s utilization for political gains.

The Applicants informed the investigating judge of the alleged violations and stressed that an impartial investigation should have been conducted immediately, as per the United Nations Convention against Torture. However, he dismissed their reports and their request for provisional release was systematically rejected, even after interventions of the Court of Appeal.

They told the Court that they sought the intervention of the Minister of Justice and the Head of State to no avail and that they were held in detention for political reasons.

The 14 detainees prayed the Court to order their immediate release and to mandate the Togolese Republic to carry out effective investigations to enable them to initiate prosecutions against the alleged perpetrators of the violations.

They also asked for 250,000,000 FCFA each in compensation for the endured sufferings resulting from the alleged torture, arbitrary detention, and infringement of their rights to the presumption of innocen
ce.

At its September 25, 2023, session, the Court dismissed the Togolese Republic’s defence submitted after a year in disregard of article 35 of the Rule of Procedure of the Court which requires that defences must be lodged within one month after the service of the application.

In its analysis, of the alleged violation of the right to physical and mental integrity and the right not to be subjected to acts of torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, the Court considered that the respondent failed to fulfil its obligations under Article 1 of the African Charter and Article 2 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to protect the Applicants against abuses resulting from the actions of its agents, since ‘it has not demonstrated that it adopted adequate measures to guarantee an independent and effective investigation into the complaint filed by the Applicants.

Also, in the absence of any evidence presented by the respondent to justify that the A
pplicants’ arrests were by national or international law, the Court held that the Respondent violated the applicants’ right not to be arbitrarily detained.

The three-member panel include Justice Edward Amoako Asante, Presiding and Justice Gbéri-bè Ouattara.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Tema: The Tema Regional Office of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), is embarking on a sensitisation campaign to educate residents on bush burning and its effect on power supply.

Mr Louis Nutsugah, the Ada District Manager for ECG, speaking to the Ghana News Agency, said his outfit deemed it important to educate residents on bush fires, as their activities were taking a toll on its facilities, especially electricity poles.

He appealed to those who engaged in bush burning to consider the dangers it poses to the stability of electricity supply to the communities in the district and to desist from it.

He also called on the public to stay alert and watchful in their localities to help caution and apprehend such persons, saying the effects of bush burning could affect every customer of ECG.

He said his outfit was collaborating with the media, Assembly Members, and other stakeholders to help curb bush burning, especially during the harmattan season when controlling fire was very difficult.

The Ada Distric
t Manager acknowledged that bush fires in the area often resulted from unintentional fires set up to clear specific areas in preparation for farming activities but unfortunately end up spreading to other places.

That causes damage to properties, animals, and, in the case of ECG, some wooden electricity poles in bushy areas.

He stated that the ECG had already lost some electric wooden poles in Koluedor Zongo, Tojeh, Hwakpo, and Addo Kope from December 2023 to January 25, 2024.

He said that while customers linked to the burned poles would not have power for a while, the company was also expected to repair the damage caused by the fire, leading to the diverting of resources meant for other developmental projects to ensure the restoration of power supply.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Accra: The place occupied by sport in general and football in particular in Morocco’s diplomatic actions was at the centre of the debates of a ‘radio France’ podcast.

The programme featured Julie Gacon, who invited Yassine El Yattioui, secretary general of the Nej Maroc Think tank, and Abderrahim Bourkia, teacher-researcher at Hassan 1st University and professor of sociology of sport at the Settat Institute of Sports Sciences.

Julie Gacon noted that in addition to its impressive performance during the recent 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Morocco had also become an important interlocutor within the institutions that govern world football.

To highlight the Kingdom diplomatic success, the presenter indicated that Morocco will therefore organize the 2025 African Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup, jointly with Spain and Portugal.

Yassine El Yattioui noted that, thanks to sports diplomacy, the Moroccan football federation participated in the development of African football by financing some sports infrastructure
s in certain African countries, such as Malawi.

‘There are really very deep links now between the two federations to work jointly and simply develop this small country,’ said El Yattioui. Through this, the two countries have forged deep economic partnerships.

Abderrahim Bourkia described football as a powerful tool for bringing people together, particularly through donations and supports for African federations, citing as an example the latest donation from the Moroccan Federation to the Rwandan Federation.

Addressing the question of Morocco’s influence on the African Football Confederation after several years of cold weather, Yassine El Yattioui stressed that the appointment of Faouzi Lakjaa at the head of the Moroccan Federation in 2014 constituted a turning point in relations between the Moroccan federation and CAF, dominated by Issa Hayatou for about 30 years.

Faouzi Lakjaa had worked hard to support the candidacy of the Malagasy Ahmed Ahmed at the head of CAF, particularly through his connections wit
h his West African counterparts.

Faouzi Lakjaa continues also his support to the candidacy of the South African, Patrice Motsepe.

‘The rapprochement between Faouzi Lakjaa and Motsepe also has a political goal. We recall that South Africa is the last faithful support of Algeria in the cause of the Moroccan Sahara. So, isolating Algeria with this support from South Africa will simply allow in the long term to have slightly deeper links between Rabat and Pretoria,’ he underlined.

Abderrahim Bourkia indicated that the diplomatic role is mainly played by Nacer Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs for several years. ‘Faouzi Lakjaa also builds links with these countries through sport and football. We see that many countries in West Africa, Central Africa and East Africa are simply setting up consulates, not in Rabat, but in the Moroccan Sahara cities of Laayoun and Dakhla, the two major cities of Morocco.

Through this diplomatic presence, we simply see that through the prism of football and through the prism of
purely diplomacy led by Nacer Bourita, we see that there are concrete results. So, yes, sport is one of the levers of this progress in Morocco’s diplomacy with international bodies,’ he added.

Source: Ghana News Agency

London: A pilot project between the Ministry of Education and Science and Google is about to start in more than 200 Bulgarian schools. These educational institutions will be able to use the tech giant’s latest tools in education, including those based on artificial intelligence. This was agreed during a meeting between Minister of Education and Science Prof. Galin Tsokov with Google’s regional managers for Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The conversation took place in the framework of the world’s largest exhibition in the field of education – BETT 2024, which is held in London. It was also attended by Deputy Minister of Education and Science Natalia Miteva and Prof. Naiden Shivarov, Director of the National STEM Centre, the press centre of the Ministry of Education and Science reported.

During the meeting the functionalities of some of the tools were presented. Google explained that since 2015 they have been using artificial intelligence functionalities that users often do not even suspect. Now, however,
new solutions are being developed aimed at facilitating and supporting the daily work of teachers. Analysis shows that the tools they have provided schools with so far save teachers an average of ten hours a week, or more than one working day. With the features that these 200 Bulgarian schools will have access to, the time saved will be even greater.

‘Many schools in Bulgaria have had good experience with these products and that is why our country wants to support them and give them opportunities to use the latest solutions on a global level,’ Minister Tsokov stressed. It was agreed that the process could start as early as April, and schools will be selected based on activity.

Minister Tsokov was also a guest at Google’s headquarters in London, which is responsible for more than fifty countries worldwide.

All educational institutions will have access to graphic design studio Canva’s tools completely free of charge, for which an agreement is to be signed between the Ministry of Education and the company. Th
is was agreed during a meeting between Minister Tsokov and representatives of the Australian company. They are a leading visual design platform in the world, and for years they have been developing special features aimed at education. Currently, around 60 million students and teachers worldwide use these functionalities on a daily basis, and the number of students covered exceeds 600,000.

Bulgaria and the Czech Republic will exchange experiences in curriculum development and teaching content. This was discussed during a meeting of Minister Tsokov with representatives of the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and their National Pedagogical Institute. During the meeting, the Czech experience in education was presented. In 2004, they made a major reform, leaving a great deal of autonomy to schools in terms of curricula. Minister Tsokov presented Bulgaria’s policy in this area and expressed interest to continue the dialogue at expert level to discuss good practices that could be applied here.

Digital
ization and the use of artificial intelligence in education will be the main topics on which Bulgaria and Poland will cooperate in the sector. This was agreed during a meeting of Prof. Tsokov with representatives of the Polish Ministry of National Education. The Bulgarian Minister visited the Polish stand at the BETT fair and talked with the companies and institutions participating in the exhibition. In recent years, Poland has invested about EUR 100 million in a platform similar to the Bulgarian Digital Backpack. In this regard, the two sides agreed to share experience which could be useful in finding the best and most workable solutions in upgrading and developing these platforms.

In London, Minister Tsokov also visited the largest Bulgarian Sunday school in Europe – ‘Vasil Levski’. It has 526 pupils, 176 of whom also participate in extra-curricular activities. This year it celebrates 15 years since its establishment and during the visit its head Milena Vezenkova thanked the Ministry of Education for its c
onsistent support over the years.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Aburi: Players in Africa’s automotive industry have called for a strong political will by Africa’s governments to implement policies to enhance the sector’s growth to meet increasing market demand.

During a side event at the ongoing second Africa Prosperity Dialogues in Aburi, Eastern Region, they noted that Africa had the resources and capacity to meet continental demands and export products into other parts of the world.

It is, therefore, important for governments across the continent to be bold about implementing existing automotive policies to support the achievement of the goals of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Specifically, they urged governments on the continent to bab the use of overaged vehicles, increase taxes and duties on imported fully-built cars, and roll out policies on components manufacturing.

That, they said, would create the difference in local manufacturers producing more to meet market demands, and encourage more companies to establish assembling plants across the c
ontinent.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency after the event, Mr Salem Kalmoni, Managing Director, Japan Motors Trading Company Limited, said: ‘We actually have over capacity to assemble and produce cars and other automotive in Africa. What’s needed is a strong political will.’

He noted for example that, though Japan Motors assembling plant in Tema could assemble close to 10,000 cars annually, it only does about 5,000 annually, due to the lack of strong will to implement existing policies.

‘We’ve made a lot of investment and we’re ready to expand; what we need now is the right enabling environment to implement the automotive policies. If that happens, it will boost local assembly plants and make more competitive and make prices of cars and other automotive affordable,’ he said.

Mr Francis Kudjordjie, General Manager, Katanka Automobile, a Ghanaian owned automotive manufacturing company, called for deliberate effort to have a module for manufacturing of various automobiles in Africa, including elec
tric vehicles, bicycles and tricycles.

He said: ‘Assuming that we’ve designed a car particularly for Africa, and we’re producing one million units of that car, we’ll be looking at about five million tyres, millions of lights and other body parts, which we have the capacity to produce.’

‘We have the capacity, the men and resources. What’s is left is the political will of our governments to drive this initiative. If our leaders are willing to do that, in the next five years, we’ll be building our own cars,’ Mr Kudjordjie said.

Dr Theo Acheampong, an Economist, encouraged the players to be keen on advocacy to remove the bottlenecks, noting that the automotive sector is one of the cornerstones for any industrialisation in Africa.

He noted that the establishment of assembling plants and laws, making imported vehicles relatively expensive than locally assembled ones, had sparked interest in people demanding for locally assembled cars.

‘More public advocacy, road and trade shows to be done for people to know th
at these cars have been made in Africa, and they meet all the international safety and quality checks, and cost competitive,’ the Economist said.

‘If we want to create a continent that’s able to create sustainable jobs for its citizens, this is one of the ways to go. We must think about it as an ecosystem, then, we’ll see the synergies and how it translates into economic growth,’ he said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The National House of Chiefs has reiterated the call for effective collaboration between all stakeholders in the fight against illegal mining in the country.

Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the House, who made the call, said effective stakeholder approach was the surest way to tackle the menace which was destroying the country’s natural resources.

He said strong and effective collaboration between traditional leaders, religious bodies, civil society groups, political parties and community members were critical in the fight against the menace.

Ogyeahoho Gyebi was speaking at a meeting of the House with key stakeholders in the mining sector.

They included the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Forestry Commission, Minerals Commission and the Water Resources Commission.

The meeting was to deliberate and help find ways to tackle illegal mining activities in the country.

Ogyeahoho Gyebi pointed out that, though chiefs were doing their best to curtail the problem, their powers were limited.

He said
effective collaboration with the government would strengthen their hands and make their efforts more effective.

‘We can no longer deal with illegal mining with ‘kid gloves’, the fight against the menace is urgent and must be treated with the urgency it deserves’, he stated.

Additionally, the present generation had the responsibility to protect the environment for themselves and posterity.

Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, Okyehene, lamented on the fact that, chiefs did not have the veto powers to stop illegal mining in their communities.

This, he said, had made miners reckless and damaging the country’s natural resources with impunity.

He, therefore, called for a law to be enacted to enable chiefs effectively deprive these illegal miners from exploiting the environment.

Mr.Kwabena Kokofu, Executive Director of EPA, said mineral extraction had tremendous economic impact on the country, thus creating employment to good number of the youth.

He however, said when minerals were not extracted with proper regula
tions, it could have severe negative impact on the country.

Therefore, environmentally sustainable mining should be done to protect the forest and its inhabitants.

Mr Kokofu said harmful substances inimical to human health were being used by these illegal miners and coupled with other activities, had increased the negative effect of climate change.

Mr. Nelson Ahetor, Director of Small Scale and Industrial Mining at the Minerals Commission, said the mining industry was going to be closely regulated and that the Commission was putting in place legal and regulatory framework to guide the industry.

This is to ensure that mining was done in an environmentally sustainable manner for the benefit of the people.

Operations on water bodies and forest mining is strictly prohibited, adding that, geological orientation was also being carried out to ensure best mining practices, across the country.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Accra: The Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions (MELRP) in collaboration with SNV Ghana has organised a day’s sensitisation and awareness creation workshop for over 50 journalists on the National Green Jobs Strategy in Accra.

The National Green Jobs Strategy is a framework developed by the Ministry in collaboration with other stakeholders to minimize job losses and maximise the potential of the green, and circular economy for the creation of decent green jobs in Ghana.

The aim of the workshop was to create awareness and forge a partnership with the media to ensure a just transition from a brown economy to a green economy.

A brown economy is one in which economic growth is largely dependent on environmentally destructive forms of activity, especially fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

Whereas a green economy is an economy that aims at reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities, and that aims for sustainable development without degrading the environment.

Madam Gloria Bortele
Noi, Director, Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, MELRP, in her address, expressed gratitude to their esteemed partners – the SNV, the European Union (EU) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for their commitment and support in the development and implementation of the National Green Jobs Strategy.

‘As concerned citizens, it is imperative that we remain well informed about climate change and its adverse effect on our environment and wellbeing,’ she said.

‘The knowledge on the measures and strategies to combat climate change, will equip us to make informed decisions, especially in matters concerning the sustainability of the environment and labour market.’

Madam Noi noted that in Ghana, the challenges of global warming fueled by human activities and build-up of greenhouse gases had worsened in recent times due to illegal mining activities, commonly known as ‘galamsey.’

She said a policy decision to limit the importation of fossil fuel vehicles in favour of electric vehicles to reduce ca
rbon emissions could adversely affect’ mechanics specialising in fossil fuel vehicle repairs, rendering them jobless overnight.

Hence, collaboration is crucial to mitigate job losses and maximise opportunities in adopting green technologies.

The Director said a sudden shift from a brown economy as they currently have in Ghana to a green economy to mitigate the effect of climate change would render a lot of workers jobless and increase unemployment in the country.

She noted that to secure the future of work for workers in Ghana, the MELR and its social partners developed the National Green Jobs Strategy to ensure a just transition from a brown to a green economy.

‘Creating green job opportunities is a shared responsibility, aiming for policy alignment, coordination, green skills development, and support for green enterprises,’ she stated.

Madam Noi said the media had a crucial role to play in ensuring a sustainable green environment.

She also appealed to the media to intensify education on issues of clim
ate change and requirements for a just transition and that through investigative journalism, the media could bring to light environmental issues which could influence decision-making.

Mr Awudu Damani Musah, Senior Skills Development Advisor, SNV Ghana, said SNV wants to ensure the ‘National Green Jobs Strategy’ project stays and that it benefits Ghana.

Mr Gideon Mankralo, National Project Coordinator, ILO, reiterated the need to give people new skills so that they would fit into the new economy (green economy).

Mr Ernest Berko, Deputy Director, Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, MELRP, said the overall objective of the National Green Jobs Strategy was to support the creation of green jobs through coherent and effective policy coordination of sectoral approaches.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Accra: A dispatch rider who absconded with a Singa motorbike belonging to his boss has been sentenced to three months imprisonment by the Kaneshie District Court.

The Court presided over by Nana Abena Aso Owusu-Omenya considered the fact that Abdul Rasid Iddrisu, an ex-convict, had also been in custody for seven months.

Iddrisu, who was employed by Link Tell Business System as a dispatch rider was said to have been given the motorbike, GHC15,000.00, a Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) cheque book and the company’s receipt book to be sent to Mr Albert Mensah, a witness in the case, but he denied ever receiving the items except the motorbike.

He, however, admitted selling the motorbike because he was hard pressed and pleaded with the Court for leniency.

Police Chief Inspector Apewah Achana had earlier told the Court that Iddrisu, the convict, resided at Amansaman.

The Prosecutor said Mr Ayisi Boateng, the complainant was the Director of Link Tell business system and in May 2023, the company was looking for a d
ispatch rider and within that same period Iddrisu applied for employment and he was given the opportunity to work with the company.

He said Iddrisu after he was given the above-mentioned items and the money, failed to deliver same to the said Mr Mensah and went into hiding.

Chief Inspector Achana said on May 19, 2023, the company’s efforts to find Iddrisu was unsuccessful and a report was made to the Police on June 14, 2023.

He said shortly after, information reached the complainant that Iddrisu had been arrested at Nungua Police Station in a similar offence.

In his caution statement, Iddrisu admitted absconding with the said Singa motorbike, but denied having in his possession the company’s official receipt, the CBG cheque book and GHC15,000.00.

He said a day later, Iddrisu led a team of Policemen to Amasaman-Sonitra where the said motorbike was sold as a scrap and same retrieved by the Police.

The Prosecutor, said Investigation at the scene revealed that Iddrisu sold the motorbike to one Adams at GHC1
00.00.

Chief Inspector Achana said Idddrisu had convinced Adams that his (Iddrisu’s) company voluntarily gave him the motorbike since it was no more in operation.

The prosecution said Adams was invited to report at the station to assist investigation, but he failed and efforts made to arrest him failed.

After investigation Iddrisu was charged with the offence and put before the Kaneshie District Court.

Source: Ghana News Agency