Category: National

The Tunisian state, which had acceded to the Rome Convention in 2011 and is now a member of several other international legal conventions on human rights and the principles of criminal justice, has a duty to put into practice the values and principles contained in these agreements by upholding the independence of the judiciary, said the newly elected judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Haykel Ben Mahfoudh. He also called for the adoption of new laws criminalising war aggression and war crimes to bring Tunisia's legal system into line with international law and the Rome Convention. In a statement to TAP on the sidelines of a ceremony held in his honour at the Faculty of Law, Political and Social Sciences in Tunis on Saturday, Ben Mahfoudh said that his election as a Tunisian judge at the ICC was a sign of the Tunisian government's commitment to defend the principles of justice and human rights and to fight impunity, despite the economic, political and social difficulties facing the country. Be n Mahfoudh was elected a judge at the ICC on December 6 last year. He is the first Tunisian to hold this position since the Court was established in 2002. In his speech, the judge underlined Tunisia's commitment to the values of justice and human rights, an issue that was at the heart of Tunisia's election campaign to host the ICC. Tunisia is an active member of the regional legal system and plays a key role in the Arab region with regard to human rights, he noted. "The Tunisian legal system is still waiting for laws criminalising acts of aggression, war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide," he stressed, referring to a draft amendment to the Penal Code prepared between 2017 and 2018. That draft amendment proposes the inclusion of crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Tunisian legal system. He also expressed his firm belief that independence is a key element of his work as a judge, stressing that independence in relation to his country is obvious and poses no problem, as Tunisia, he said, is a country that respects the independence of the judiciary. "As a judge, I do not represent Tunisia, but humanity as a whole and the 123 member states of this Court," he added. Ben Mahfoudh also explained that the concept of independence is defined in relation to the external pressure exerted on the ICC by some non-member countries, which do not see the point of having an Arab-Tunisian judge on the Court and even question the very existence of the Court, considering that it acts against their interests and influence in many regions. In this regard, he stressed the importance of being aware of these pressures and maintaining one's independence and neutrality as a judge, while at the same time working to ensure the credibility of the ICC's decisions in all cases and proceedings through consistency and harmony in its work. Ben Mahfoudh said he would be sworn in next March before taking up his duties in one of the chambers, namely the Pre-Trial Chamber, the Trial Chamber and the Appeals Chamber. The ICC Pre sidency is responsible for appointing new judges to these different chambers, he added. The event was attended by law professors, deans, ministers and officials from the Prime Ministry and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Higher Education. The participants expressed their pride in Ben Mahfoudh's election to the ICC, saying it will help raise Tunisia's profile at the scientific and academic level and strengthen its presence at major international meetings. The guests expressed their pride in the election of Haykel Ben Mahfoudh to the ICC, which will contribute to Tunisia's influence at the scientific and academic level and strengthen its presence at major international meetings. The Prime Minister's Chief of Staff, Samia Charfi Gaddour, took the opportunity to call on academics and researchers to apply for positions in the various international scientific and academic institutions, assuring that the Prime Ministry will support and follow up all applications. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse John Dramani Mahama Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress has announced plans to set up and personally chair an Accelerated Export Development Council to prepare Ghana to become an export-led economy. This move comes alongside his 24-hour economy plan aimed at boosting economic growth and creating job opportunities for the country. Mr Mahama who announced this during his 2024 New Year speech, outlined his vision for Ghana's economic development. He emphasised the importance of boosting export activities, particularly under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. According to President Mahama, the council would promote and support the country's export drive by implementing measures to improve the business environment for exporters and ensure their competitiveness in the global market. In addition to the accelerated export development council, President Mahama outlined his plans to enhance security and public safety, which would require significant recruitment into security services and private security operations. 'This move aims to create a safe and secure environment for businesses to thrive and contribute to the 24-hour economy plan. 'A Mahama government will also provide cheaper and more reliable electricity for businesses that participate in the 24-hour economy. This will be achieved by implementing a tariff system, where companies will benefit from modern smart meters that charge a lesser tariff for power consumed during off-peak hours. President Mahama's vision for a 24-hour economy and the establishment of an Accelerated Export Development Council reflects his commitment to driving economic growth and creating sustainable employment opportunities for the people of Ghana. 'As the country prepares to take advantage of the opportunities presented by regional and continental trade agreements, these initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in positioning Ghana as a leading export-driven African economy. Source: Ghana News Ag ency

All 25 NPP parliamentary aspirants in the Western Region have been approved by the vetting committee to contest the primaries. The primaries, to be held on January 27, would elect the Parliamentary candidates so desired by the delegates to represent their constituencies. ?Mr. Okatakyie Amankwaa Afrifa, the Western Regional New Patriotic Party Secretary (NPP), briefing pressmen after the three-day exercise said none of the aspirants was disqualified. 'The Aspirants met the requirements for which the committee was to look out for: are they well known as party members and also in their Constituencies.' The candidates, he noted, had been cautioned to run a smooth campaign devoid of insults and attack, adding that 'whoever wins the Parliamentary Primaries come January 27 in the various constituencies ought to be supported by those who were not successful to help the Party win the 2024 General Elections as they aspired to break the eight. Meanwhile, Mr. Samuel Ericson Abakah, the incumbent for Shama Constitue ncy, who appeared before the committee on Friday appreciated the manner in which proceedings were carried out. He said all three candidates had the support of each other, therefore whoever would win the primaries would be supported massively to help the party break the eight. Mr. Alex Kofi Agyekum, a former MP, is staging a comeback against the incumbent Mr. John Aboah Sane. He said he had the connections to complete projects he started that had been left to rot by the sitting MP. The vetting committee, chaired by Lawyer Frank Davis, a renowned NPP member, who is also the Chairman of the National Legal and Constitutional Committee, saw to a smooth and fair vetting for all the aspirants. Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ho Municipality is getting a befitting office for its Local Assembly after decades from its days as a Council. The imposing multi-storey would provide more than 80 modern offices, with conference and other spaces, included in the new building making it a fortress for local governance and administration of the region. Stakeholders have commended the speed of execution of the project, which has maintained an unbroken pace since its inception, sometime in 2022, when the Ghana News Agency (GNA) visited the project site. Mr. Divine Bosson, the Municipal Chief Executive, was full of exhilaration as he engaged with the GNA on the site. He said it was presently 90 per cent complete, adding that it was supposed to be handed over somewhere September last year, but for some unforeseen circumstances. 'As you can see, contractors are on site and are doing the finishing works - laying of floor tiles, you can see the POP, everything. Electricity, etc. The way it is now, even if nothing is done about it and they sa y we should move in, Ho Assembly can boast that we have an edifice called an ultra-modern office complex. The MCE, who is fighting to get the popular city a metropolitan status, spoke of how the present office affected the operations of the Assembly. 'I have laid a solid foundation for Ho Assembly to take off to a metropolitan Assembly. What this means is that all this while, people were struggling to work. Go to the offices and see how people are struggling in the offices. The decentralised departments are scattered - Agric is somewhere, others are somewhere. Now with this, we have a one-stop shop. 'When you come to the Assembly, any other department you want to see, you will see them under one roof, What it means is that it facilitates smooth administrative running, and so we are good to go.' The MCE noted the various efforts of his predecessors to get such facility for the regional capital, and said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, the Regional Minster, and various stakeholders deserved praise fo r the realisation. Mr. Bosson said the edifice was made possible through the District Assembly Common Fund, and is projected to cost more than GHC 15 million, when fully done. The project is being executed by Construction Ambassadors, and Engineer Tawiah Acheampong, who is in charge of the site, said it's completion would include external works such as pavings, landscaping, drainage of the area, and perimeter fencing. He said it should be ready by March 2024. Source: Ghana News Agency

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has endorsed parliamentary candidate hopeful of the party for the Bekwai constituency, Lawyer Ralph Poku-Adusei for his selfless dedication. According to Chairman Wontumi Opoku-Adusei's support and contribution has led to the tremendous growth and development of the NPP, particularly in Bekwai. Chairman Wontumi described the vetting of Ralph Poku-Adusei as the most successful among all the candidates who appeared before the Henry Nana Boakye-led Committee. Chairman Wontumi said during the vetting he confidently could say that Opoku -Adusei stood out among the other aspirants. He was optimistic that the delegates in the Bekwai constituency would give him the nod to represent the constituency first in the 7 December 2024 elections and subsequently, as the Member of Parliament for the Bekwai constituency in the 9th Parliament of the 4th Republic from 7 January 2025. The NPP Regional chairman said 'Everybody knows that, I sp eak my mind freely and no one can change that. I love NPP and I love everyone who loves NPP. I can see that lawyer Ralph loves NPP and so I am naturally attracted to you and your good work for the party,' Wontumi said. 'I must say that I am very impressed with how your vetting has gone and I think you are the best among all the candidates and perhaps, in the whole country. I am praying that the delegates in Bekwai will settle on you in the primaries so you can bring your great insights to bear on the party in the Ashanti Region and beyond' According to him 'No one can bribe me or give me anything. As a matter of principle, I don't accept any gifts from anyone so my open endorsement of you is my candid opinion and nothing else. I urge you to continue your good works in Bekwai and the NPP as a whole,' the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, further stated. At the close of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) nominations in the Bekwai Constituency in the Ashanti Region, four candidates successfully filed their nomination forms to contest the party's 27 January 2024 parliamentary primaries. The aspirants are; Ralph Poku-Adusei, Kingsley Opoku Agyemang, COP George Alex Mensah (Rtd) and Henry Opoku Ware. Two other candidates who picked up nomination forms were unable to file. They are Kwabena Nyame and Osei Owusu Afriyie. Ralph Poku-Adusei has declared that he would win 90% of the total votes that will be cast in the upcoming NPP parliamentary primaries in Bekwai on 27 January 2024. Ralph Poku-Adusei said he was confident of securing the massive endorsement of the 985 delegates who are expected to elect a parliamentary candidate for the Bekwai constituency in the run-up to the 7 December 2024 general elections because of the strong relationship he has built with NPP delegates in the constituency over the years. The incumbent member of Parliament (MP) for Bekwai who is also the first deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei Owusu, is no longer contesting after serving four terms as a member of Parliament for the constituenc y. Source: Ghana News Agency

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has successfully vetted and clear 81 out of 85 aspirants to contest the upcoming parliamentary primaries . Three others, including one aspirant for Oda and the DCE for Akuapem South, had been put on hold pending further deliberations while one female aspirant for New Juaben South was disqualified. Mr Haruna Mohammed, Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, told the media that the Vetting was very successful and commended the Regional executives for a yeoman's work done. 'All the aspirants who have offered to represent the party demonstrated knowledge of governance and parliamentary business which we are highly satisfied with,' he added. The three days Vetting saw incumbent Members of Parliament and ministers of state and hundreds of party supporters converging at the Residency, amidst singing and dancing to cheer their preferred aspirants. Ten women, including two incumbents Mrs Abena Osei Asare, MP for Atiwa East and deputy finance minister and Mrs Gifty Twum-Ampofo, MP for A buakwa North and deputy education minister, were among 75 men who are billed to contest in 24 constituencies in the region. All 24 incumbent NPP MPs in the region are facing stiff contest in the upcoming primaries with the exception of Mr Bryan Acheampong, MP for Abetifi and Agriculture Minister and Mr Frederick Obeng Adom MP for Upper-West Akyem who were going unopposed. Mr Sammy Awuku, NLA boss is also contesting the Akuapem North seat unopposed due to the fact that the incumbent MP, Nana Dokua Asiamah-Adjei has switched camp to contest as the parliamentary candidate for Okaikwei North in Greater Accra. Mr Kwadwo Oppong Nkrumah, MP for Ofoase and Information minister, Mr O.B Amoah MP for Aburi and Minister of State and Mr Frank Annor-Dompreh, MP for Nsawam and majority chief whip are all being contested in the bid to secure the parliamentary candidature for 2024. Meanwhile, some veterans of the party in Parliament, including Mr Dan Kwaku Botwe, Okere and Local Government minister, Mr Samuel Atta-Akyea, Abuakwa South, Mr Kwasi Amoako-Atta, Atiwa West and Roads Minister and Nana Adjei Boateng New Juaben North and former Deputy minister have stepped down from the 2024 contest. Source: Ghana News Agency