Culture

Ugandan police halt Bobi Wine’s rallies after three die in ghastly accident

Published

7 months ago

June 1, 2024

The Uganda Police Force on Saturday suspended all rallies organized by the presidential candidate of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Bobi Wine, after three people died in a ghastly accident during a procession along the Kampala-Masaka Highway.

Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, said the decision came after a serious accident which involved a procession of NUP leaders on Friday, at about 10:00 am along the highway near St. Lawrence College, Maya.

Enanga said the accident involved two vehicles and four motorcycles, all of which were part of a motorcade heading to Masaka for NUP’s planned consultative activities.

“The collision resulted in the death of three individuals and left several others injured. The injured parties were transported to nearby medical facilities, which have yet to be specified by the police,” Enanga said.

“The cause of the accident was due to the recklessness of the drivers and riders who were driving at excessive speeds without regard to other road users,” the police spokesman said, adding that the incident underscores ongoing concerns about road safety and adherence to traffic regulations during political events.

“In response to the incident, and following a prior meeting held on May 27 between police leadership and NUP representatives, the Uganda Police Force has decided to put a stop to the party’s activities. During the meeting, both parties reportedly agreed on specific guidelines for conducting NUP’s consultative meetings.”

“The loss of innocent lives was a result of recklessness by the drivers and riders who were driving in excess speed without regard to other road users,” stated Enanga in a press briefing.

He, however, emphasized that the decision to stop NUP’s activities was necessary to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety.

The Uganda Police Force made a call to the public to remain vigilant and observe law and order, warning that anyone acting contrary to public order and safety would be held accountable under the laws of Uganda.

“The safety of Ugandans will always remain our priority,” the statement concluded.

Music star turned politician, Bobi Wine, had held a massive rally in Masaka city where he was welcomed by thousands of supporters with the rally going on until late in the evening.

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Culture

Ghana’s Supreme Court dismisses suit challenging anti-LGBT bill

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana’s Supreme Court has dismissed two separate suits challenging the legality of one of the proposed anti-LGBT legislations awaiting assent into law by the president.

The separate suits were filed by two legal practitioners, Amanda Odoi and Richard Sky, challenging the bill, seeking to declare it illegal and prevent the president from signing it.

The two cases had challenged the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

But in a ruling on Wednesday, the Supreme Court unanimously decided to dismiss the legal challenges to the new anti-LGBT legislation that has been criticised by rights groups.

The controversial bill was passed earlier this year by Ghanaian lawmakers with three years imprisonment for people identifying as LGBT and five years for forming or funding LGBT groups.

While dismissing the cases, presiding judge, Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, who delivered the ruling on behalf of the seven-member panel, said the cases were premature.

“Until there’s presidential assent, there is no act, the two cases were “unanimously dismissed,” she said.

The ruling is the latest blow to the LGBTQ community in Ghana and paves the way for the president to sign into law what many say is one of Africa’s most restrictive piece of anti-LGBTQ legislation.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose term in office ends on 7 January, had delayed signing it pending the outcome of the Supreme Court challenge but the judges said the case could not be reviewed until it had been signed it into law.

It expected that incoming president, John Mahama, will sign the bill into law as he had always expressed his support for the bill during his electioneering campaigns.

Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

3 days ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The iconic Ghanaian Kente, a piece of clothing, has been recognized as a cultural heritage on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The global recognition, according to the UN body, is coming under the 2003 Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights the cultural and historical significance of the vibrant, handwoven textile.

In a citation on its website, UNESCO describes the Kente cloth as “originating from Ghana’s Asante and Ewe communities and renowned worldwide for its bold colors, intricate patterns, and deep symbolic meanings, embodying the creativity and identity of the Ghanaian people.”

Ghana’s Tourism Minister, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, described the recognition as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

“This achievement places Ghana at the forefront of global efforts to safeguard and celebrate cultural traditions,” he noted.

In a statement acknowledging the recognition, Mercer said the “Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, UNESCO, and the artisans, cultural institutions, and traditional authorities who contributed to this milestone.”

“Special acknowledgement is given to the Bonwire and Agotime communities for their enduring role as custodians of the craft.

“As Ghana celebrates this historic moment, MoTAC reaffirms its dedication to promoting and preserving the nation’s rich cultural legacy.”