General News
Akosombo dam leakage: We have not removed soldiers from Mepe – GAF
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has denied claims that it has removed military forces from Mepe in the Volta Region as a result of the Akosmobo Dam leak.
According to media reports and social media posts, the troops sent to the region for humanitarian aid operations were removed on the orders of a higher authority.
However, in a statement dated Sunday, October 22, signed by M.A Larbi Naval Captain for Director General, Public Relations, it was regarded as “inaccurate.”
“The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) wishes to debunk some media reports and series of social media posts especially on Twitter (X), claiming that military personnel deployed to Mepe in Volta Region for Humanitarian Relief Operations following the spillage of the Akosmobo Dam, have been withdrawn. GAF wishes to categorically state that the information in circulation is inaccurate and that the personnel have not been given any ‘orders from above’ to withdraw from Mepe or any other community affected by the spillage contrary to the social media posts,” GAF rejected in its statement.
GAF revealed that the activities carried out by its officers take place in stages.
“It must be emphasised that the Humanitarian Relief Operations (Operation Boafo), being conducted by the Ghana Navy’s Riverine Command and the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Army is being executed in phases,” GAF added in its statement.
It stated its commitment to ensure an immediate, equitable, and adequate response, therefore assisting all individuals and communities affected by the spill in collaboration with all stakeholders.
“GAF, therefore, wishes to assure the general public that as recently reported in the media of the thousands of persons rescued and marked efforts being made to support victims, it will not relent in the quest to ensure urgent, equitable and appropriate response and support to all persons and communities affected by the spillage in conjunction with all stakeholders.”
GAF also stated in its statement that its personnel from the Naval Riverine Command and the Army’s 48 Engineer Regiment are still deployed and conducting relief operations (Operation Boafo) in accordance with the circumstances at Mepe, Battor, Sogakope, Adidome, Aveyime, New Bakpa, Big Ada Ada Foah, and the surrounding communities.
“These personnel are armed with ten (ten) Naval Boats and four (four) Engineer Assault Boats.” GAF has saved over 12,000 people since October 13, 2023.”
Samuel Ablakwa, the MP for North Tongu, had earlier reported that military soldiers had departed the region.
He later confirmed the return of the troops.
https://x.com/S_OkudzetoAblak/status/1716074206536839550?s=20
In a post on X, he said, “I am able to confirm that the military did indeed return following the reversal of that devious order from “above.”
“Let’s be clear, the over 12,000 displaced beloved constituents of mine have done nothing wrong to deserve their current VRA-induced predicament — all we ask for is empathy and justice.”
https://x.com/S_OkudzetoAblak/status/1716080707766800648?s=20
General News
The traumatic experience of a Ghanaian bisexual
A Ghanaian man, using the alias Ibrahim for safety concerns, has boldly told his tragic story of being repeatedly assaulted in his community because of his sexual orientation.
Ibrahim, a Muslim, has described being targeted several times by assailants in his community over the years.
According to him, these attacks have become more intense this year as a result of Ghana’s parliament passing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
Ibrahim was attacked just as arguments around the passing of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill heated up, and he was attacked again shortly after the bill was passed in February.
The first incident happened on January 22nd, at about 5 p.m., near the Sen Cinema Mosque in Alajo North, Accra.
Ibrahim was the target of another violent attack four months later, on April 12, 2024, during the 3music Sallafest Concert at Alajo T Junction in Accra.
Ibrahim claims that the assaults were motivated by his sexual orientation, which had previously gone unnoticed in his society.
Ibrahim has resorted to secluding himself within for protection since he lives in constant fear of additional attacks.
He laments the absence of a support network in his village, with just a few understanding people living outside its borders.
However, the dread of repercussions keeps him from finding consolation or company outside of his close environs.
In an exclusive interview, Ibrahim described his terrible sense of loneliness and the psychological toll of the ongoing danger of violence.
He must navigate his everyday existence beneath the shadow of dread, unable to freely interact with the world around him for fear of serious bodily damage.
General News
Power interruptions damage our enterprises; release dumsor schedule – GUTA
The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has joined demands for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to produce a load-shedding schedule, citing the persistent power outages that are badly impacting companies and livelihoods across the nation.
GUTA issued a statement emphasising the considerable impact of the power outages on many sectors, including agriculture, trade, and industry.
According to them, firms are struggling to meet production schedules and prepare for their personnel as a result of the irregular power supply, which raises production costs and degrades living conditions.
Traders, store owners, wholesalers, tailors, dressmakers, electricians, and other artists are also suffering business losses as a result of the “Dumsor phenomenon.”
GUTA is asking for answers from ECG about the true reasons of the unpredictable power outages, measures to resolve the issue, and a deadline for resolution.
They also requested ECG to publish a timeframe for load-shedding so that companies may organise their activities appropriately.
Because of the unpredictability of power outages, many shop owners have turned to generators, which has resulted in rising fuel costs to keep them operating during outages.
General News
The Foreign Affairs Ministry cautions against travelling to Northern Mali
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has advised Ghanaians not to travel to certain areas of Northern Mali.
In an official statement, the Ministry underlined recent security concerns along critical routes connecting Mali and Niger, notably in the Gao and Ansongo regions of Northern Mali.
The Ministry mentioned incidents of terrorist activity targeting travellers along these routes.
“The Ministry remains committed to the safety of Ghanaians and will provide updates on the security situation in the region under reference in due course,” the statement went on to say.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry reminded the people to always prioritise their safety when travelling.
Find the statement below:
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