Deputy Foreign Minister pays tribute to UN Peacekeepers

By Iddi Yire, GNA

Accra, May 29, GNA - Mr Thomas Mbomba, a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has paid tribute to United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers on their day of recognition and commended them for the contributions towards the maintenance of global peace.

The Deputy Minister gave the commendation during a flagraising and wreath laying ceremony in Accra in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on the theme: "Peace Begins With Me: 75 Years of UN Peacekeeping."

This year's theme recognises the service and sacrifice of peacekeepers, past and present, including more than 4,200 who have given their lives under the UN flag. 

Mbomba said it was a great pride and honour to pay tribute to the remarkable achievements of the UN Peacekeepers who had selflessly dedicated themselves to the cause of peace, security, and stability across the globe.

As one of the pioneering Troop Contributing Countries of the UN peacekeeping efforts, Ghana recognises the key role that the UN plays in the maintenance of international peace and security. 

"We have volunteered approximately 100,000 uniformed personnel as well as civilians in various capacities in more than 35 UN Missions around the world," Mr Mbomba said.

"Our uniformed personnel have served with pride and distinction since the 1960s, working in diverse and challenging conflict and post-conflict situations". 

Their contributions had not only brought hope to conflict-affected regions but had also brought honour and pride to the nation.

He said for 75 years, UN peacekeepers had played a vital role in saving lives, protecting civilians, and rebuilding communities torn apart by conflict. 

The Deputy Minister said those brave men and women had faced immense challenges and danger while striving to achieve extraordinary outcomes. 

He said their unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and dedication deserve their utmost admiration and gratitude.

Ghana had witnessed firsthand the impact of its peacekeepers in restoring stability, promoting dialogue, and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance. 

Mr Charles Abani, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, reaffirmed that the UN would continue to be a reliable partner in the agenda for peacekeeping adding: "I call on everyone; man, woman, young and old, to join the global movement for peace.”

“Let us become the catalyst for peace and change makers. Achieving peace is a goal for all."

Mr Dominic Nitiwul, the Defence Minister, in a speech read on his behalf, urged member nations to recommit themselves to the noble ideals of the UN and forge a future where generations could live in a world of lasting peace.

GNA

Selorm Dzramado to contest as independent candidate

By Iddi Yire, GNA

Accra, May 29, GNA - Mr Selorm Dramani Dzramado, a political activist, has declared his intention to contest the Tongu Central parliamentary seat as an independent candidate in the 2024 general election.

Mr Dzramado announced his intention on Monday in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency.

"I declare to run as an independent parliamentary candidate for Central Tongu in the upcoming 2024 general election after giving it enough thought and consulting with a wide range of people within and outside the constituency," he said.

"As a selfless political activist who has consistently held governments accountable for 23 years, I have exceptional understanding of the real challenges the residents of Central Tongu Constituency are facing as well as the effective solutions to those challenges."

Mr Dzramado said his leadership would be echoed in forward-thinking ideas and the 'servant leadership' principle, which prioritised the needs of the group over the interest of the individual.

"I shall soon articulate my vision and objectives for the residents of Central Tongu when I officially launch my campaign."

Kwadaso MP cuts sod for construction of reproductive and child health block

Professor Kingsley Nyarko, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kwadaso, has cut the sod for work to commence on a reproductive and child health block for the Nwamase Health Centre.

The project, comprising of a ward, two-unit office with washroom, is being executed by Nana Banahene Company Limited, a local contractor in the Kwadaso Municipality.

It is expected to be completed within six months, with funding from the central government.

Prof. Nyarko, addressing residents of Nwamase during the sod-cutting ceremony, said he remained committed to making health care accessible to the people of Kwadaso.

He noted that the project when completed, would help enhance healthcare delivery in the area and beyond.

Currently, the health centre has inadequate space for reproductive and child health services, making it difficult for effective and efficient health delivery.

The MP asked the people to remain patient and support him to continue to bring more development projects to the Municipality.

Mrs Grace Billi Kampitib, the Kwadaso Municipal Director of Health Services, said the project was timely and commended the MP for the intervention.

According to her, the project would have a great impact on healthcare delivery in the area and urged the contractor to work within the stipulated time for the contract.

Mr Richmond Agyenim Boateng, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said the Assembly would supervise and support the contractor to ensure speedy completion.

 

Accident claims four lives at Akatsi Yaluvi-Junction on Aflao Highway

 By Agbaxode Emmanuel, GNA

Akatsi (V/R), May 26, GNA - Four people on Friday lost their lives in an accident at Akatsi Yaluvi Junction stretch of the Accra-Aflao Highway. 

The deceased, Rita Foli and Dzodzi Agbemenya, both residents of Torve within Akatsi South, and two other unidentified males, were crushed by a Lexus 4x4 vehicle with registration number UW 200-22.

Chief Superintendent Isaac Baah, the Akatsi South Municipal Police Commander, who confirmed the fatal accident to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said Rita Foli, onboard a tricycle with registration number M-19- GW 467 died on the spot.

The remaining two unidentified males; one on board the tricycle and the other riding the motorbike, and Dodzi, who was riding the tricycle, were pronounced dead upon arrival at the St Paul’s Hospital at Akatsi.

Mr Baah said the tragedy, which happened at about 0800 hours, involved a Lexus 4x4 vehicle, an unregistered Boxer-type motorbike, a tricycle, and one stationary tipper truck.

He said investigations were ongoing to establish the cause of the accident.

However, Assistant Divisional Officer Grade II, Mr Clemence Kponyo, the Akatsi South Municipal Operations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, during their rescue operation, disclosed to the GNA at the scene of the accident that the Lexus vehicle was moving from Accra towards Aflao.

The five passengers onboard escaped unhurt when the accident occurred.

He said the driver in charge of the Lexus, in an attempt to swerve an object, hit the motor rider before running into the tricycle, and finally hitting the tipper truck in the process.

The tipper truck driver, who sustained some injuries, is currently receiving treatment, whilst the bodies of the deceased had been deposited at the St Paul’s Hospital Morgue awaiting autopsy, Mr Kponyo said.

GNA