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Putin and Kim pledge mutual help against ‘aggression’

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Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un

Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have signed an agreement pledging that Russia and North Korea will help each other in the event of “aggression” against either country.

The Russian president made the announcement following talks with Mr Kim during a lavish visit to Pyongyang, his first since 2000.

Mr Kim said it took their relationship to “a new, high level of alliance”.

The pact cements a rapidly blossoming partnership that has worried the West. It could also have significant ramifications for the world, say observers.

Any kind of mutual defence treaty could possibly see Moscow assisting Pyongyang in a future conflict on the Korean peninsula, while North Korea could openly help Russia in its war on Ukraine.

Mr Kim is already accused of supplying Russia with weapons, while Mr Putin is thought to be giving the North Koreans space technology that could aid their missile programme. The two last met in Russia in September.

On Wednesday they signed a “comprehensive partnership agreement” that included a clause where they agreed to provide “mutual assistance in the event of aggression” against either country, said Mr Putin. He did not spell out what would constitute aggression.

Mr Putin has in recent months faced difficulties on the battlefield in Ukraine, particularly with depleting weapons. During their last face-to-face meeting in September, when Mr Kim visited Russia, the two had discussed military cooperation and were suspected of striking an arms deal. Since then there has been growing evidence that Russia has been deploying North Korean missiles in Ukraine.

In the last few weeks however, the US and other Nato countries have given permission to Ukraine to use Western weapons on Russian soil, in a significant move that Kyiv hopes would turn the tide to its favour.

Mr Putin warned of consequences and earlier this month said he was considering arming adversaries of the West with long-range weapons – something that North Korea has been developing.

He criticised the West’s decision again on Wednesday, saying it was “a gross violation” of restrictions under international obligations.

He also took issue with Western sanctions on Russia and North Korea, saying that they both “do not tolerate the language of blackmail and diktat” and would continue to counter the West’s use of “sanctions strangling” to maintain “hegemony”.

Mr Kim meanwhile praised their treaty as marking a significant and historic moment in their relation. He also expressed “full support and solidarity” for Russia in its war on Ukraine. The treaty is likely to anger Seoul, which had ahead of the meeting warned Russia against going “beyond a certain point”.

Credit: bbc.com

Dr Bawumia congratulates Hasaacas Ladies

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Hassasass

Ghana’s Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has congratulated the winners of the 2023/24 Women’s Premier League Hasaacas Ladies. 

Dr Bawumia is looking forward to hosting the Ghanaian champions as preparations begin ahead of the WAFU Zone B Championship and subsequently the CAF Women’s Champions League.

The Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party charged the team to even go a step further than they did in the inaugural season of the continental championship, where they finished as silver medalists.

“I have taken notice of your stellar performance in the just ended Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League,” he wrote in a letter sent to Hasaacas Ladies.

“Congratulations to the management, technical team, playing body, and fans on your impressive achievement of winning your 5th league title and qualifying to represent Ghana at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, WAFU Zone,” he added.

The Doos defeated rivals Ampem Darkoa Ladies in the final of the Women’s Championship last week to reclaim their title.

Hasaacas Ladies will compete in the WAFU Championship later this year as a qualification tournament for the Champions League.

Credit: ghanasoccernet.com

Best Foods for Healthy Breasts

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Broccoli and Friends

Veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage are high in vitamins A and C. These are antioxidants that may help offset the toxins and carcinogens that can trigger breast cancer. Sauté or blanch these veggies to get the max nutrients. And try to get your antioxidants from food instead of supplements. Some research suggests antioxidant supplements may be risky during breast cancer treatment.

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are known for their omega-3s, but they’re good for your breasts because they have more lignans than any other food. These are plant compounds that have fiber and the antioxidant phytoestrogen. Researchers think phytoestrogen targets estrogen receptors so estrogen-stimulated breast cancer can’t form. Toss flax seeds (not flaxseed oil) into yogurt, oatmeal, salads, soups, smoothies, and muffins.

Turmeric

People have used turmeric to curb inflammation for centuries. And early research suggests it may have two big breast cancer benefits. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, may help stop the spread of breast cancer and lessen the damage of chemotherapy on other parts of your body. But that finding comes from lab studies — more research is needed to see if this will hold true in humans. Eat turmeric in curry dishes, or add it to your soups, scrambled eggs, or warm milk.

Red and Orange Produce

Carotenoids are natural pigments that give tomatoes, carrots, and sweet potatoes their color. Your body converts them to vitamin A, which is important for your eyes. They also help keep your skin healthy. More research is needed, but some studies suggest there may be a link between carotenoids and a lower risk of some types of breast cancer.

Oily Fish

These benefit your breasts with cancer-fighting vitamin D and omega-3. Some lab research shows that omega-3 can stop blood vessels from growing inside a tumor. But more research is needed to know if eating oily fish can lower cancer risk. Focus on salmon, tuna, sardines, anchovies, and mackerel to avoid mercury exposure and get the most nutrients.

Berries

Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are high in immunity-boosting vitamin C. They also contain antioxidants that protect your body from cell damage. Fresh, frozen, or dried, berries are great on their own and easy to add to yogurt, cereal, smoothies, and muffins.

Walnuts

Many studies point to a diet with more plant-based protein than meat to protect your breasts from cancer or lower the risk of it coming back. Try ground walnuts tossed with seasoning to replace ground beef in tacos. One study has shown that eating walnuts helps slow breast tumor growth and may even help lower the risk of breast cancer.

Grapes

Grapes, especially red and purple, have high levels of resveratrol. That’s an antioxidant linked to the prevention of breast, liver, and stomach cancer. Snack on a bunch of grapes right off the vine, freeze them as a cool dessert, or add them to salads. Just keep the skin on: That’s where most of the antioxidants live.

Soy Protein

Years ago, rodent-based research linked soy foods with breast cancer. But updated studies explain that rodents and humans process soy differently. Healthy soy foods like soybeans (edamame), tofu, and tempeh are safe and have phytonutrients — called isoflavones — that may help prevent cancer.

Black Beans

Of all the varieties of beans, these are considered one of the healthiest. Also called turtle beans, their high antioxidant levels may help lower your risk of breast cancer, other types of cancer, and ongoing illnesses. Black beans are also a strong source of ergothioneine, an amino acid that protects your DNA.

Whole Grains

These are a crucial source of bioactive phytochemicals, natural compounds that can help prevent or manage breast cancer. In one study, women who ate whole grains more than seven times a week showed a reduced risk of breast cancer. Sound like a lot? Whole-grain oatmeal, bread, crackers, tortillas, cereals, pastas, and brown rice all count.

Source: webmd.com

 

Spain & Italy go toe-to-toe in Group B

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Spain players

Two of UEFA’s most revered national teams go toe-to-toe in Gelsenkirchen as three-time European Championship winners Spain meet current holders Italy for the fifth tournament in succession. After producing one of the most eye-catching results of the opening round with a 3-0 win over Croatia, Spain may well have revenge on their mind here after suffering elimination at the hands of Italy in the last two Euros finals.

Spain’s opening day victory came on the back of some rampant form in qualifying (W7, L1), although their record against Italy over the years is balanced on a knife edge (W13, D16, L11). Extending that slender all-time H2H advantage would see La Roja qualify for a fifth successive knockout phase with a game to spare, although four of their seven meetings against Italy at the Euros have ended level.

Another stalemate would likely be enough to see both sides through to the knockouts early, but the two-time European champions Italy are unlikely to pull any punches in this one. The Azzurri had to do it the hard way in their opening game, launching a quickfire comeback victory against Albania – after conceding the earliest goal in tournament history – to maintain boss Luciano Spalletti’s hopes of emulating his predecessor in achieving maximum points in the group, just as they did in Euro 2020.

This is Italy’s eighth successive appearance at the finals, and a victory will ensure a fifth straight progression into the knockout rounds. A return of five wins from their last seven matches (D2) should boost hopes of toppling the Spaniards, although they may have to work with narrow margins as they scored two or fewer goals in six of those seven encounters ahead of this.

Credit: flashscore.com

England meet Denmark in Group C

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England vs Denmark

After securing a valuable three points in their opener amidst a sputtering performance, Euro 2024 favorites England now look to lock down a place in the knockout stage as they meet Denmark in Group C play.

The Three Lions were poor on the whole but managed to see out a 1-0 victory over Serbia in their first match of the tournament. Still, the result coupled with poor performances in the pre-tournament friendlies, have some England fans worried about their viability as Euro title contenders.

England have a wealth of attacking talent, but it was Jude Bellingham’s 12th-minute goal that did the business, as the likes of Phil Foden and Harry Kane fell flat. The positives came from the back line as defender Marc Guehi impressed while helping hold Serbia to just a single shot on target.

Denmark opened with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Slovenia, as Christian Eriksen’s emotional early opener was eventually canceled out in the 77th minute. It leaves them desperate for points amid remaining matches against the competition favorites and then a physical and talented Serbia.

Denmark were also unconvincing in their first game and have been less than impressive in recent months overall.

The Three Lions have attacking issues to sort out, but so do their opponents, and talent will win out in this game.

Credit: sportingnews.com

Slovenia take on Serbia in Group C

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Slovenia players

Two Group C teams playing catch-up in the race to qualify for the last 16 of Euro 2024 square off at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Thursday afternoon, as Slovenia take on Serbia.

Both nations, who failed to win their opening group matches, are separated by just one point in the current standings and know that victory here would significantly boost their chances of reaching the knockout rounds.

Ranked 57th in the world by FIFA, Slovenia are still awaiting their first-ever victory at the European Championship as an independent nation after failing to come out on top in any of their previous three matches at Euro 2000, although one of two draws during that tournament was against Serbia (then playing as Yugoslavia).

Slovenia are unbeaten in their last seven international matches in all competitions, but they have only won one of their last four meetings with Serbia.

Serbia are competing at the European Championship for the first time as an independent nation this summer, but they were unable to claim any points from their opening Group C fixture as they were beaten 1-0 by tournament favourites England last Sunday.

Including matches as Yugoslavia/Serbia and Montenegro, Serbia have now won just one of their last 12 European Championship fixtures (D2 L9) and defeat on matchday one leaves them rooted to the foot of Group C, needing at least one victory from their final two group games to realistically give themselves any hope of reaching the knockout rounds.

Serbia’s four points accumulated from two Nations League encounters with Slovenia in 2022 should provide Stojkovic’s men with an element of confidence heading into Thursday’s contest, and they are sure to view this fixture as a must-win match before facing Denmark in their final Group C game on June 25.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Suit against IGP, AG Chief Inspector Gets Bloody Nose In Court

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MAXWELL OFORI
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Dr George Akuffo Dampare, IGP

A Kumasi High Court has dismissed the suit filed against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General, seeking, among others, an order for promotion.

The suit, with the number GJ12/83/23, was filed by Chief Inspector Samuel Krah on July 5, 2023 but the judgement was given on June 14, 2024.

In the over 30-page judgement, the presiding judge, Justice K.A. Gyimah, having weighed the evidence brought forth by the plaintiff and defendant, said “In the light of the above discussions and holdings, I am unable to grant the plaintiff’s claims and the same is dismissed.”

The judge held that if the plaintiff could not run to court for succour after failing to follow laid-down rules and regulations in the police service.

According to the court, it could not grant the relief to compel the Police Administration to promote him, as it was his own personal decision to upgrade himself without the involvement of the police service.

The judgement said that the grant of amnesty promotion by the police service to some personnel, including the plaintiff, was purely an administrative decision, adding that it is within the right of the police administration to do so if the exigencies of the service demand it.

“That does not, however, mean that this court will compel the police service to continue granting amnesty promotion or amnesty admission into the police academy,” the judgement said.

The court, in coming to a conclusion, relied on C.I. 76 and other service instructions, which it said were the rules and regulations regulating promotion in the police service, “and the plaintiff as a serving police officer is bound by the said regulations.

“He (the plaintiff) should, therefore, abide by the said regulations and continue writing the police academy entry examinations, and his perseverance will surely pay off one day.

“If the stars shine on him and he is fortunate to receive a special recommendation too, he should be thankful,” the court added.

The court ordered the first defendant, the IGP, to pay outstanding salary arrears to the plaintiff, as evidence showed he was promoted to Chief Inspector Maximum in July 2021, but was paid salary on that scale from July 2023 to June 2023.

CLAIMS

The court heard the case on six reliefs against the defendants, including an order directed at the 1st and 2nd defendants to promote the plaintiff based on his educational certificates, taking into consideration the years the plaintiff obtained the said certificates.

He sought an order directed at the 1st and 2nd defendants to review the plaintiff’s Advanced Business Certification Examination (RSA Stage III) results slip and Bachelor of Business Management Certificate to allow the plaintiff to gain direct entry into the police academy unreservedly.

The suit also asked for an order directed at the 1st and 2nd defendants to restore the loss of income due to the plaintiff as a result of the 1st and 2nd defendants’ actions in not promoting the plaintiff accordingly.

The plaintiff, Chief Inspector Samuel Krah, sought an order directed at the 1st and 2nd defendants to hand over to him the original copy of his advanced business certification examination, RSA III, which is in the custody of the 2nd defendant.

He asked for costs and legal fees, but the court ordered all parties to bear their own costs associated with the legal trial.

CASE ON PROMOTION

According to the judgement, it was the plaintiff’s case that he was enlisted in the Ghana Police Service in 1997 and passed out as a constable in 1998.

He averred that in 2002, while stationed at Bunkprugu in the Northern Region of Ghana, a complaint was lodged against him, which led to his interdiction for a period of two years, while a formal investigation in respect of the said complaint was ongoing.

It was the case of the plaintiff that, whilst on interdiction, he decided to build his capacity by upgrading himself and therefore enrolled and obtained the advanced business certificate examination RSA III (ABCE RSA III) in the year 2003.

It was his case that, upon the advice of the Attorney General, his interdiction was lifted in 2005.

He argued that it is the norm, practice, and convention of the Ghana Police Service that an officer under interdiction can improve himself and, when interdiction is lifted, can submit any certificate he has obtained for purposes of promotion.

He asserted that after obtaining the ABCE RSA III certification, he applied through the chain of command to be promoted from the rank of Lance Corporal to the rank of Sergeant, but he did not receive any response from the police administration.

The plaintiff, however, asserted that the police administration, at a point in time, requested the original copy of his ABCE RSA III certificate, which he submitted through the usual chain of command, a document the police administration has not returned to him nor was he promoted.

CASE ON ADMISSION

According to the plaintiff, in 2005, the police administration issued a circular for interested and qualified personnel to apply for study leave with pay, and he applied but was not given the study leave.

The excuse was that the course he intended to pursue had not been approved, but he said that was not the case as the course was approved on the list of courses.

He told the court that though he was not granted study leave, he decided to pursue the course on his own and paid his tuition out of his personal resources while performing his usual duties.

Upon successful completion of the programme, he submitted his certificate to the police administration for an academic promotion, but was not considered, despite numerous petitions he had submitted to the police administration.

AMNESTY PROMOTION

The plaintiff stated that the police service issued a directive on February 8, 2021, to all personnel of the service that those who passed out from the training school on or before December 31, 2008, and who had been awarded degrees on or before December 31, 2020, should submit certified copies to the headquarters by February 28, 2021, for a special exercise.

The plaintiff said he complied with the said directive, but the police administration granted promotion on an amnesty basis to some of the personnel without him.

He said that he petitioned the police administration about the issue, but fell on deaf ears up to the date he issued his writ.

According to him, most of his juniors and service mates have all been granted promotion, but he has not.

This, he said, was a violation of his rights as an officer of the Ghana Police Service by the defendants, and he thus prayed the court for the grant of the reliefs listed above.

DEFENCE ON ADMISSION

According to the judgement, the defendants entered their appearance and duly filed their defence, essentially denying the plaintiff’s claim before the court.

The first defendant admitted the interdiction of the plaintiff and the lifting of the same, but noted that after that, “the plaintiff was promoted to be at par with his colleagues.”

The court said the 1st defendant, in response to the plaintiff’s acquisition of the ABCE RSA III certificate, asserted that the plaintiff acquired the said certification for his own personal benefit while on interdiction. As such, the certification has nothing to do with the Ghana Police Service since it was not approved or sanctioned in line with the regulations of the Ghana Police Service.

“The plaintiff was, therefore, not entitled to an academic promotion based on the said certificate,” the IGP defended.

The court said that the 1st defendant informed it that though a circular was issued in 2005 for personnel who were interested to apply for study leave, the plaintiff’s application got to the attention of the police administration only after the deadline when all the applications had been reviewed, approved, or denied with stated reasons.

The first defendant said that study leave with or without pay was not automatically granted, but was regulated by certain factors, including the number of years served and whether or not the course applied for was approved.

According to the 1st defendant, though the plaintiff applied for and was granted study leave with pay in the 2011/2012 academic year, he failed to submit an acceptance letter from the school of his choice to the police administration, adding that “the offer then lapsed.”

DEFENCE ON AMNESTY

The court said the first defendant admitted the grant of amnesty promotion in the year 2021 to some officers of the Ghana Police Service.

This was “underpinned by a policy to absorb graduate junior-ranked officers who [had] not obtained the rank of Chief Inspector Maximum. The 1st defendant further asserted that the plaintiff had been granted amnesty promotion by an incremental jump from Chief Inspector Point One to the rank of Chief Inspector Maximum.”

However, the 1st defendant said that the promotion from Chief Inspector Maximum to Assistant Superintendent of Police and above is the preserve of the Police Council acting on the advice of the Appointments and Promotions Advisory Board.

Legon Don charges Ghana to focus on export market

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Dr George Domfe

A development Economist at the University of Ghana, Dr George Domfe, says until Ghana is able to produce enough for its citizens and export, the local currency, the cedi, will continue to suffer.

Sharing his views at the ABC News’ organised Economic Symposium in Accra, last week Thursday, Dr. Domfe held that the fundamentals of the economy are still weak and until that is changed the cedi will continue to reel under the weight of the US dollar.

“We have not been producing enough for ourselves and for export, and we have been depending so much on foreign products, there is no way we can get out of this situation. We must produce more to balance the situation,” he said.

He also indicated that there was the need for the country to take its industrial development very serious as that is the only way for the cedi to remain strong against the dollar.

He agreed with the statement that when the fundamentals are weak, the exchange rate will expose you.

In his view, the country is not able to withstand the strength of the dollar because of our weak fundamentals.

The Economic Symposium is the first of a series of programs to be held by ABC News in the coming months.

The maiden edition assembled Professor Isaac Boadi, Dr. George Domfe, Dr. Frank Bannor, David Amoateng and Dr. Charles Atuahene as speakers with Dr. Edwin Obodai Provençal as chairman of the occasion.

AG digs into military background of Jakpa

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BERNICE BESSEY
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Godfred Yeboah Dame

Godfred Yeboah Dame, the Attorney-General and Minister Justice, through Yvonne Attakorah Oboubisa, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), has taken his turn to cross-examine Richard Jakpa, by first digging deep into the latter’s military career.

The first question dropped by the prosecution had Mr. Jakpa, 3rd Accused (A3) in the ambulance trial, providing pages of answers to the discomfort of the lawyers of the state.

According to the DPP, Mr. Jakpa was dismissed from the military in 2008 because of insubordination and also that he failed his promotional exams on countless times. Furthermore, A3 was kicked out of the Army as a result of his unsatisfactory conduct.

She also told Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, a Court of Appeal judge, sitting with an additional responsibility of the Accra High Court yesterday, that at the time the Attorney-General filed the charges in December 2021, he did not know A3.

According to her, Mr. Dame did not know he was a family relation of the Supreme Court Justice, Emmanuel Yonny Kolendi, or had ever had any interaction with A3.

The DPP said A3 was the one who first introduced himself to the A-G on Whatsapp, yet he failed to present same, as part of his evidence before the court.

A3, according to the prosecution, sent to the A-G, a total of 68 WhatsApp messages, but Mr. Dame answered only two.

However, A3 said the assertion that he was dismissed from active service was false, but he was rather released off his service. He said dismissal and release off service means different things, as the former connote misconduct, which was not the case.

Furthermore, he said he did not fail his promotional exams and that he was victimised for the sins of his late father, who, during the revolution, released former president Jerry John Rawlings from prison for the June 4th uprising.

A3 indicated that his father was the ACDR secretary of the entire Ghana Armed Forces, which is almost like the political wing of the army that ensured that the revolution survived.

He stated that he passed all his papers, except two, which he was later told by the then General Officer Commanding (GOC)  the Southern Command, Brigadier-General Emmanuel Okyere (rtd) that his ordeals were orchestrated by the former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Joseph Boateng Danquah.

Mr. Jakpa said he won the admiration of Brigadier-General Emmanuel Okyere (rtd), now National Security Adviser to President Akufo-Addo, after having excelled in IQ test, which was meant to declare him insane.

He said, GAF, through a psychological board, headed by one Dr Bruce, brought IQ questions from Cambridge and he scored 95/100.

According to him, not only did he excel in his interviews after graduating from the Military Academy, but was awarded the marksmanship and skills at arm award for his intake.

He further stated that the board reported to the Military High Command that he was super intelligent and whatever challenge he had with passing his exams was human making.

To buttress this point, he said he scored 97.8 in 25 exams he took for his self-sponsored distance private investigation education in Pennsylvania.

It is as a result of these academic excellence that he won the admiration of Mr. Okyere, to disclose why he was not passing his promotional exams.

 

A3 also said he became a target because of the senior officers of the army, because after graduating from the military academy, former president Jerry John Rawlings personally directed that he should be posted from the base workshop to the Gonda Barracks, RCCE Regiment.

Most of the Senior officers, therefore, saw him as a spy and became hostile towards him.

His situation worsened when there was a change of power in the year 2000 and Dr Addo Kufuor became the Minister for Defence.

Since the new government in power did not want him anywhere near the powerful guns at the RCCE Regiment, he was posted to Sunyani, as the Acting Commander of Independent Reconnaissance Squadron, providing support and intelligence for the entire northern part of the country.

During this period, Addo Kufuor visited Sunyani and per the tradition, he was to be briefed by the Commanding officers of the two military units – 3 Infantry Battalion and 2 Independent Reconnaissance Squadron.

He said after the Commanding officer of the 3 Infantry Battalion had finished his briefing and he was to take his turn, the Defence Minister refused to hear him, and ordered that the briefing was given to the other Officer to do, but he refused.

According to him, it is either the minister took the briefing from him or there was no briefing for him at all, because he was handling a separate unit from the 3 Infantry Battalion.

Since it was unlawful command and he refused to obey, the Minister requested that he briefed him for just five minutes, but A3 ended spending 45 minutes.

Jakpa admitted having taken the A-G’s number from his cousin, following Mr. Dame’s intervention in executing the bail bond.

He told the court that he was frustrated by the police after having executed his bail bond of GH¢5 million with three sureties, one to be justified with landed property worth the amount.

A3 said he sent a text message to Justice Kulendi, who at the time was sitting and had to excuse himself to rush to the A-G’s office for the latter’s intervention.

Justice Kulendi called him with his phone and he also had the opportunity to speak to the A-G at that point for the first time.

It was later that A3 was urged by Justice Kulendi to call the A-G and thank him for his assistance.

Following this, A3 also requested that he and the A-G met for private meeting and Mr. Dame responded that he will arrange it through his cousin, Justice Yonny Kolendi.

He also indicated that many of the chats from him that were not responded to by the A-G was because they had a verbal conversation on the matter earlier.

Other matters

Meanwhile, the court has ordered the National Security to fish out the person who recorded part of the court’s proceedings and leaked it out.

The case has been adjourned to Thursday to enable the defence appraised themselves with a document filed by the Prosecution.

 

Peace in Africa benefits Europe as well –Austria diplomat

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BERNICE BESSEY
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Counselllor Guenther Barber, Rep of Austrian Ministry of Defence

Chancellor Guenther Barber, an officer from the Austrian Ministry of Defence says securing peace in Africa has overreaching benefits for Europe as well.

He said just as European decisions have both negative and positive effects on Africa, what happens in Africa also have a mirror effect on Europe, with the reason being that the two continents are divided only by the Mediterranean Sea.

In the same vein, securing and working towards peace of the African continent is crucial for its political stability and development.

He was speaking at the opening of a 10-day workshop, dubbed ‘Political Advisors Course for Peace Support Operations in Africa,” on Monday in Accra.

The programme was sponsored by the Austrian government, as part of its bilateral and multilateral commitment to Africa.

According to him, although Austria is a small and landlocked country in Europe, it is determined to contribute its quota to the peace of Africa and the world at large.

He commented on the happenings in the Sahel region and how much it has brought misunderstanding between the people, ECOWAS and the European Union.

Mr. Barber explained that political advise is a craft and art of understanding what to do in response to conflict situations.

A good political advisor is formed on good assessment and judgement of conflict issues and offering advice that is a cutting edge solution.

Colonel Emmanuel Larbi Sarpong Gyadu, representative of the Commandant, Kofi Annan International Peace Training Centre (KAIPTC) said “the role of the political advisor in a mission was very critical for providing the mission leadership with proper analysis of political developments, trends and emerging issues in the country or region.

“He also makes recommendations on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address those issues.”

He said the role of a political advisor involves negotiation and mediation principles, reporting, briefing, public diplomacy as well as dealing with the media.

“I have no doubt that this training will expose you to internationally-required competencies and standards for Political Advisors and I am certain that it will enable you to better understand the dynamics of conflict and crises management in order to function effectively in Multi-Dimensional Peace Support Operations,” he said.

Col Gyadu urged the participants to take the training seriously, since peace was a critical prerequisite for national, regional and global development.

He emphasised this point by indicating that the absence of peace is anarchy, resulting in stagnation and devastation of societies.

“It is for this reason that this course has been organised to formalise training of Political Advisors for Commanders of Operations and/or Heads of Missions of UN/AU/ECOWAS,” he added.

The participants were made of 16 security and civilians drawn from Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali and Burkina Faso.

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