Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, known as the Gborbu Wulomo, is a prominent traditional high priest in the Nungua indigenous community, wielding significant spiritual authority.
Gborbu Wulomo has been involved in a controversial ceremony that sparked widespread condemnation.
It was alleged that he “married” a 12-year-old girl, but the Ga Traditional Council clarified that the girl was 16 years old, and the ceremony was a traditional betrothal, not a marriage.
The office of Gborbu Wulomo stated that the girl is considered a property of the Nungua deity.
Here are some lesser-known facts about him:
Leadership Roles:
Born into the Ga community, Gborbu Wulomo has been actively involved in traditional and community affairs from a young age. He served as the assistant secretary of the June 4 Movement (Nungua Branch) from 1980 to 1981, later becoming the secretary.
He has held various leadership roles within organizations like the Nungua Area PDC and Nungua CDRS in the early 1980s. He also served as the chairman of the Krowor Constituency for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after the 2001 elections and was an aspiring NDC regional chairman for Greater Accra in 2014.
Education and Scholarship:
He pursued further education abroad under the Ghana government’s sponsorship, studying Method of Youth Organisation in Bulgaria and obtaining a Diploma in Social Sciences from the Lenin School of Social Sciences in the then USSR (Russia). He contributed significantly to the information, culture, and education sector in the Accra District CDRS from 1984 to 1988.
Sports Enthusiast:
He was actively involved in sports administration, particularly with Accra Hearts of Oak S/C Ltd. Starting as a management member/assistant team manager in 1998, he later became the team manager in 2003 and the operational director. He was appointed chairman of the interim management committee (IMC) of Accra Hearts of Oak S/C Ltd in 2007.
Nine police personnel sustained injuries during an operation in Nandom, Upper West Region, when the service vehicle they were traveling in had an accident on the Nandom-Hamile highway.
The injured officers, including Chief Inspector Fatawu Jangu, Constable Sandra Abdul-Rahman, Constable Rose Amu, and General Constables Felix Amponsah, Emmanuel Asare, Emmanuel Oppong, Christian Antwi, and Ezra Kwaku Lamedeku, are currently receiving treatment at Nandom.
The incident occurred on April 5, 2024, at about 0800 hours, when the team responded to a distress call regarding a potential road blockade by a group involved in the Dagaaba/Sissala conflict in Lambussie.
The police vehicle, driven by the Chief Inspector, was en route to Lambussie through Piina, Suke, and Bugnuo on the Piina-Fermor road to prevent the road blockade.
However, upon discovering that the information was false, the team was returning when the accident occurred at Bu near Nandom on the Nandom-Hamile Highway. The vehicle has been towed to the Nandom Police station for further investigation.
This incident marks the third time in a month that police officers have been involved in a car accident while on duty, with one of the previous accidents resulting in a fatality.
The Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) has issued a warning that the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) may face challenges surviving without government support if funding from the Petroleum Holding Fund (PHF) ceases after 2026, as mandated by the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA).
According to the PRMA, the GNPC is to be funded for 15 years from the start of commercial production of crude oil. After this period, the corporation will no longer receive financial support from the PHF.
This implies that after 2026, GNPC will need to find alternative sources of funding to sustain its operations.
“One way for GNPC to be more resourceful, financially, while promoting autonomy and flexibility, is for the government to desist from imposing additional responsibilities and obligations on the Corporation”, it disclosed in a report titled “The Role of GNPC in the Upstream Petroleum Industry: Challenges and Prospects”.
The report further suggested that to secure funds beyond 2026, the GNPC should engage in communication and collaboration with the state and other stakeholders.
These stakeholders include regulators, investors, customers, employees, suppliers, and communities. This engagement is essential to align expectations and interests, as well as to secure their support and participation in GNPC’s operations.
“While at this, the Corporation also needs to advocate for and influence the policies and regulations that affect their transition, and to demonstrate their contribution and value to society and the economy. It is therefore critical that the Corporation revises its strategy with this condition in mind while conducting its operations”, it pointed out.
According to PIAC’s report, as of the end of 2022, GNPC’s total guarantees and payment receivables stood at $1.14 billion.
These figures include payments and guarantees made on behalf of the Government of Ghana, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), national and local infrastructure projects, and outstanding debts related to gas supplied to the Ghana National Gas Limited Company.
PIAC also noted concerns raised during its public outreach and engagements at the district and regional levels.
Some Ghanaians fear that the Corporation is susceptible to political influence, leading it to undertake quasi-fiscal expenditures and provide advances to other parastatals, activities that are typically the responsibility of the central government.
Manager Pep Guardiola commended Manchester City’s adeptness at “adapting quickly to chaos” in their 3-3 first-leg draw against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.
The reigning champions took an early lead in the second minute when Bernardo Silva skillfully curled a 25-yard free-kick around the wall and past goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
However, deflected goals from Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo saw Real Madrid overturn the deficit at the Bernabeu.
“We were 2-1 down, playing here without much composure,” Guardiola said.
“This game, in the first three seasons together, we’d have lost 4-1 or 5-1 as we were not stable emotionally.”
City, who secured their first Champions League title last season as part of a historic Treble, entered this match with Kevin de Bruyne on the bench. The Belgium midfielder fell ill before kick-off.
Guardiola said: “One of the secrets at the high levels is to adapt quickly to chaos. There is no time to complain.
“You need time to learn and now we are more stable and hopefully in the future we can do better and better.”
City had struggled to create quality chances in the final third until Phil Foden, who had been relatively quiet in the game, found space just outside the area and unleashed a shot into the top corner to level the score.
Shortly after, left-back Josko Gvardiol cut inside and scored with a brilliant right-footed shot, marking his first goal since joining City from RB Leipzig in the summer.
However, Madrid responded with a remarkable volley from Federico Valverde to equalize, setting up an exciting second leg on Wednesday, 17 April, at the Etihad Stadium. City notably defeated Madrid 4-0 in last season’s semi-finals at the same venue.
“We take the result and in one week in Manchester, with our people, it will be sold out and they will help us,” Guardiola added.
🗣️ "We were not stable emotionally"
Pep Guardiola gave his thoughts following Manchester City's 3-3 draw with Real Madrid 🔹 pic.twitter.com/XVHg9Cc0cG
Manchester City and Real Madrid ended their Champions League quarter-final first leg in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
The match was a rollercoaster of lead changes, setting the stage for an exciting second leg in eight days.
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring for City within two minutes, but Real Madrid quickly responded with an own goal from Ruben Dias and a deflected goal from Rodrygo.
City then regained the lead in the second half with goals from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol, only for Federico Valverde’s brilliant volley to equalize for Madrid.
The atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu was intense, with the home fans expecting a tough match against City. However, City surprised everyone with an early goal from Bernardo Silva, taking advantage of a free-kick opportunity.
Real Madrid fought back with two quick goals, thanks to unfortunate deflections off Dias and Akanji. Despite Real’s pressure, City remained composed and dominated possession in the second half. Foden and Gvardiol scored two brilliant goals to put City ahead, but Valverde’s strike ensured a draw for Madrid.
The match ended 3-3, setting up a thrilling second leg at the Etihad Stadium. City will look to continue their unbeaten run in the Champions League, while Madrid will aim to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
All square heading into the second leg, after a thriller in Madrid 🤝
Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has emphasized that the party’s primary concern is not the missing Biometric Verification Device (BVD) but rather the security breach at the Electoral Commission (EC) premises.
He expressed worry over the ease with which individuals could enter the EC premises and potentially steal such crucial electoral equipment.
Gbande highlighted that the EC, as the election oversight body, must ensure robust security measures to safeguard important electoral materials.
Speaking on JoyFM’s Top Story on April 9, he said “These are very critical questions bordering on the credibility of the Electoral Commission and in their own interest let them go and sleep on it and reflect.
“In fact, knowledge is not in one person’s head… in the interest of the commission’s own integrity and credibility that has been put on the line.
“In the first place, we should not have a commission that will fail to protect the machines. We should not have a situation where thieves can enter the warehouse of the Electoral Commission to steal. Knowing how important these machines are, we shouldn’t have gotten there in the first place.”
In March, the NDC reported that seven Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) were missing, but the EC clarified that only five were missing and these did not contain voter data. The EC dismissed concerns about its ability to conduct a free and fair election despite the theft of the five laptops.
Dr. Bossman Asare, the Deputy Chairman of the EC in charge of Corporate Services, reassured that there was no need for alarm as the stolen items did not contain sensitive data. The EC has requested the NDC to provide any information they may have regarding the robbery for proper investigations.
The NDC, however, is hesitant and insists that the EC should have protected the machines better. They are urging the EC to conduct an inventory of the machines to account for them and update the public on the situation.
Mr. Gbande emphasized that the party is not seeking a criminal prosecution but rather seeks to understand how this incident might impact the elections.
“So if you are calling on the NDC to volunteer information who says we are interested in the criminality of it? We are interested in the administration of those machines to the extent that it can jeopardize and compromise the integrity of the exercise. That is what the NDC is talking about,” he added.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Saviour Kudze, has voiced concerns regarding the effectiveness of the 1992 constitution in combating corruption in the country.
During an appearance on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr. Kudze expressed strong reservations about existing legislation, suggesting that it inadvertently fosters corruption rather than preventing it.
He highlighted a key flaw in the legal framework, pointing out that both the giver and the receiver of bribes are equally culpable.
According to Kudze, this approach discourages individuals from reporting corruption, as they may incriminate themselves in the process.
“Our laws on corruption itself facilitate corruption and I am convinced that unless we re-look at them, we will not go far in the fight against corruption. If you have a law that says the giver and taker of corruption are equally guilty how do you expect to fight corruption with such a law?
“Do you think, I’d bribe somebody and go and report that I have given a bribe when I know that they will arrest me and arrest the person as well, charge both of us, and possibly jail us?” he quizzed.
He further continued, “I don’t think that will happen.”
Corruption has long hindered Ghana’s development, despite numerous efforts to combat it. On a Tuesday show, the GBA PRO emphasized the need for a reassessment of existing laws and a shift in societal values.
He lamented the current societal trend, where the pursuit of financial gain often outweighs cherished principles and values. Calling for a reevaluation of societal norms, he stressed the importance of returning to fundamental values as a means to address the underlying causes of corruption.
“And I have also said that it appears as a people we have unconsciously limited our definition of success to material gains. If it is not money then you are not successful. Ask the average Ghanaian, ‘Who is successful?’ and that person will begin to mention material things.
“So I think we have lost our values, and we have to re-look at it because as individuals who make up society if we have principles and values that we cherish, we shouldn’t be having some of these problems.”
Mr. Kudze’s comments followed the Chief Justice, Gertrude Tokornoo’s, articulation of her vision for the judicial arm of government. Her vision includes a thorough review of ethical practices to rebuild integrity within the legal system.
In March 2024, the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) witnessed a surge in its equities market, with several companies recording significant gains.
Scancom Plc (MTN Ghana) and NewGold particularly stood out, achieving new all-time high share prices.
According to the March 2024 Summary of Market Activities, the top performers for the month were NewGold (20.83% increase), Scancom PLC or MTN Ghana (12.86% increase), Unilever Ghana PLC (10.13% increase), Access Bank Ghana PLC (9.88% increase), GCB Bank PLC (0.88% increase), and Ecobank Ghana PLC (0.83% increase).
The GSE Composite Index experienced a notable 7.07% increase in March 2024, bringing the year-to-date gains to 10.41%. Meanwhile, the Financial Stock Index showed a more moderate gain of 0.38%, with a year-to-date gain of 5.25%.
The Ghana Fixed Income Market also saw significant activity, with a total traded volume of 12.61 billion, marking a substantial 126.43% increase compared to the same period last year.
Long-term government securities accounted for 33.26% of the market activity, while short-term government instruments made up 65.84%, and corporate securities comprised the remaining 0.90%.
During a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting with the Bank of Ghana, the Member of Parliament for Buem and a PAC member, Kofi Adams, expressed alarm over Ghana’s rising liabilities, which surged from GHC459 billion in 2021 to GHC810 billion in 2022.
Mr Adams attributed this increase to mismanagement by the Bank.
Adams highlighted several questionable transactions, including a $12 million payment to MS Power China International Group Limited for the Pwalugu Irrigation Project, despite no visible progress on the project.
He also noted a $2.5 million payment to Morta Engils for the Accra-Tema Motorway project, which was allegedly awarded without a proper contract.
In response, the PAC has requested documentation from the Bank of Ghana to conduct further investigations into these transactions.
“You go to the site now there’s absolutely nothing it’s just a bush with about 25 pieces of blocks on the site but they have been dashed $12 million by this government. Again, another company, MS Motor Angels, was paid almost $3 million, that’s about $2,577,269 for the Tema Motorway extension project. This company had no contract to execute that project and did not do anything on the Tema -Motorway that required payment of, what, $2,577 million to them,” he said.
The PAC has demanded documentation from the Bank of Ghana to investigate these transactions further.
Govt paid Chinese contractor MS PowerChina $11.9 million for no work done on the Pwalugu irrigation dam. Govt further paid morta engils $2.57 million dollars for no work down on the motorway expansion currently been done by MS Maripoma pic.twitter.com/tyjcZvFPrg
In January this year, it was reported that Ghanaian-owned construction company, Maripoma Enterprise Limited, has begun the reconstruction of the 19.5km Accra-Tema Motorway.
The contractor started clearing the road alignment, building his site camp as well as mobilizing equipment and other logistic for the works.
The 19.5-kilometre project involves a 10-lane span from the Tetteh Quarshie roundabout to the Tema roundabout. The project, which has been divided into 3 phases to ensure efficient execution has the construction of the Accra-Tema Motorway as the first phase..
The second phase is from Tetteh Quarshie to Apenkwa, while the third phase is from Apenkwa to Neoplan.
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah during a tour of road projects in Accra.
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, on Tuesday, January 2 2024, toured the project site to inspect ongoing preparatory activities for the works.
The Minister urged the contractor to “maintain excellent traffic management measures in order not to create unnecessary inconvenience to the motoring public”.
Meanwhile, almost five years after sod was cut for work to begin on the construction of the Pwalugu multi-purpose dam, work on the much touted project is yet to commence.
The project, estimated at $993 million, would be the single largest investment ever made by the government in the northern part of the country to address three main issues namely; provision of water for irrigation, generation of electricity, and control of the annual flooding of communities in the Upper East and North East regions.
It is also expected to control the perennial flooding in the five northern regions caused by heavy rains and the spillage of the Bagre dam in Burkina Faso.
A trader at Dome Market has entreated her colleagues and the entire citizenry to rally their support behind the flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia ahead of the 2024 elections.
According to Ohemaa Fosua (also known as Ohemaa Shatta), the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has nothing novel to offer as its presidential candidate, John Mahama, once governed the country.
She believes the ideal step to take is to give Dr Bawumia the mantle to lead and continue the good works done by President Akufo-Addo such as the Free Senior High School policy.
She also threw her support for Mike Oquaye Junior ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections.
A legal representative and brother of Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, has endorsed Irene Naa Torshie Addo as the ideal female candidate to partner with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the December elections.
Ralph Agyapong believes that Kennedy Agyapong would endorse Irene Naa Torshie Addo as well if the party decides to choose a woman as the running mate for the NPP flagbearer.
“I am not biased when it comes to the choice of a woman but if you put your ears to the ground, you will hear testimonies about how she receives people who approach her warmly. I know she and my brother (Kennedy Agyapong) may have some minor issues but if you put up a list of the female contenders he will tell you his choice is Irene,” he told Kwame Nkrumah Tikese of Okay FM in an interview.
Ralph Agyapong highlighted Irene Naa Torshie’s impeccable human relations and age as factors that would give her an advantage over other potential female candidates as a running mate for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming elections.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has yet to announce his choice for a running mate for the 2024 general elections. Among the potential candidates are several male and female party stalwarts, including Irene Naa Toeshie Addo, who currently serves as the Administrator of the District Assembly Common Fund.
There is a growing campaign for Dr. Bawumia to select a female candidate as his running mate, following the choice made by his main contender, former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress, who selected Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate.
However, Ralph Agyapong emphasized that the party should not feel pressured into choosing a female running mate solely because of the opposition’s decision.
President Akufo-Addo has nominated Justice Aboagye Tandoh, the current judge overseeing the GHS217 million ‘causing financial loss’ case involving former Ghana Cocoa Board Chief Executive Dr Stephen Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo, as one of 19 nominees for the Court of Appeal.
Other nominees include His Lordship Justin Dorgu J, Her Ladyship Gifty Dekyem J, His Lordship Kofi Akowah J, His Lordship Gyamfi-Danquah J, and Her Ladyship Olivia Obeng Owusu J.
Also included are Lady Cecilia Davis J, Lord George Krofa Addae J, Lord Alexander Osei Tutu J, Lord Francis Obiri J, Lord Kwasi Boakye J, and Lady Lydia Osei-Marfo J.
Other members of the group, who are not judges, consist of Mariam Agyeman Gyasi Jawhary, Yaa Onyameye Gyakobo, Charles Zwennes, Yaw Oppong, Nathan Parker Yarney, David Boafo, Francis Koffie, and Dr. Poku Adusei.
Justice Aboagye Tandoh has taken over the COCOBOD case, replacing the previous judge, Justice Kwasi A. Gyimah, who was transferred to the Ashanti Region by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.
Justice Gyimah had ruled that the case be held de novo (from scratch) due to complaints of bias against Justice Honyenuga by the accused persons. The Supreme Court later ruled that the case should continue from where Justice Honyenuga left it.
The accused persons have also labeled Justice Tandoh as biased and filed applications for his recusal, which were not granted.
Dr Opuni filed a motion to get Justice Tandoh off the trial, citing a “real likelihood of bias” on the judge’s part. The recusal hearing was scheduled for November 13, 2023, but Justice Tandoh abridged the return date to Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
Justice Tandoh’s nomination for the Court of Appeal comes amidst his handling of the high-profile COCOBOD case, which has seen several twists and turns.
“Even the three clear days have been denied us?” Mr Nutsukpui quizzed, to which the judge declared: “I have exercised my discretion”.
The president makes appointments to the Court of Appeal in consultation with the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board (JAAB), which the Chief Justice of Ghana heads.
Section 3 of Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana states: “Justices of the Court of Appeal and of the High Court and Chairmen of Regional Tribunals shall be appointed by the President acting on the advice of the Judicial Council.”
Akufo-Addo promotes Honyenuga
In March 2020, President Nana Akufo-Addo appointed then-Court of Appeal judge Clemence J. Honyenuga to the bench of the Supreme Court, along with three others: Yoni Kulendi, a private legal practitioner; Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu of the Court of Appeal; and Professor Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, a law lecturer at the Faculty of Law of the University of Ghana, Legon, and President of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences.
They were later vetted and approved by parliament and subsequently sworn into office.
At the time of his appointment, Justice Honyenuga was the trial judge in a controversial case.
Justice Honyenuga, the first judge to preside over the matter, had been handling it for at least two years, going into his third year.
Prior to his promotion, Justice Honyenuga, who also serves as the Paramount Chief of the Nyagbo Traditional Area, faced criticism from the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Volta Region for praising the president and advocating for his re-election, which was seen as a violation of the Judicial Code of Conduct.
Justice Honyenuga, in his welcome address to President Akufo-Addo at a durbar of chiefs and people of the Afajato South District earlier that year, said: “We wish to congratulate you for the excellent manner you are governing this dear country of ours, Ghana, and the significant gains made in the economy in your first term,” adding: “It is true that you have won high admiration, not only in Africa but also in advanced democracies.
“Your flagship programmes like the Free Senior High School, Planting for Food and Jobs, which have increased food production and even led to exports; One District-One Factory, among others, has (sic) increased food production and has (sic) improved the standard of living of many Ghanaians,” he said.
“Indeed,” he added, “for special mention is the Free SHS, which has broken boundaries and has greatly bridged the gap between the rich and the poor,” observing that “this programme has also broken the record, which was held by the first President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who gave free education to our brothers and sisters in the northern part of Ghana.”
The judge cum chief continued: “Your Free SHS programme is unprecedented in the history of Ghana, in a first term, as it covers the whole country.”
“We wish to congratulate you on the excellent manner you are governing this dear country of ours; it is our hope that with your vision and the gains made in your first term, Ghanaians may consider giving you another four years,” he stated.
While being vetted for the appointment, Justice Clemence Honyenuga said if the speech he read on behalf of the chiefs and people of Afadjato a few months prior, which, in his view, was misconstrued as his personal endorsement of President Nana Akufo-Addo, made some people unhappy, then he was sorry for those remarks.
“[For] my part, if, out of political dissatisfaction, some people are unhappy with whatever I am supposed to have said, then I am sorry,” Justice Honyenuga told Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, May 11, 2020, while being vetted.
According to him, he did not endorse the presidency of Nana Akufo-Addo in his personal capacity.
He explained that the media misrepresented him and did not state that the endorsement was not his but a speech he was elected to read on behalf of the chiefs.
The judge also indicated that the assertion that the president visited his traditional area was untrue, as the president visited the Afadjato area, where he was selected to speak on behalf of the traditional leaders.
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has defended the recent passport fee increment.
The announcement has faced strong opposition. However, the MP explained that prior to the adjustment, the printing cost of a passport was GH¢400, with the holder paying GH¢100 while the government absorbed GH¢300. This has been the case since 2016.
Mr. Appiah-Kubi added that the price increase will enable the ministry to generate more revenue to establish additional district offices, reducing the inconvenience of long-distance travel for passport services.
During an interview on Adom TV’s Big Agenda, Mr. Appiah-Kubi argued that the fee increase is justifiable in light of these changes.
“I know a friend who has applied for passport for over a year now and has not received it due to shortage of printing materials. So I am optimistic that this increment will help government to mobilize enough money to buy more printing materials to print passport to curb delay in the issuance of passport to applicants,” he said.
The 6th edition of the National Women’s Summit and Expo, organized by Charterhouse Productions, was a resounding success.
This prestigious event, held in commemoration of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024, was themed “Inspire Inclusion” and provided a platform for women to discuss empowerment and leadership.
Participants were enlightened about the contents of the bill and the progress made towards its passage into law. The Summit aimed to highlight the importance of the bill and rally women from all backgrounds to support its passage.
During the event, a petition was presented by young adolescent girls from Plan International Ghana and the Affirmative Action Bill Coalition to Members of Parliament on the Gender and Children’s Committee.
The petition called on the Parliament of Ghana to prioritize the passing of the Affirmative Action Bill into law.
The petition was received by Hon. Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, MP for Tempane constituency, and Hon. Tina Gifty Mensah, MP for Weija Gbawe constituency.
In her opening speech, the convener of the event and CEO of Charterhouse, Theresa Ayoade, praised the efforts of women in breaking barriers and encouraged the younger generation to be more intentional in pursuing gender parity. She emphasized the Summit’s dedication to advocating for the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill.
“For Advocacy, The NWS is passionate about the passage of the AFFIRMATIVE ACTION BILL and is collaborating with the AFFIRMATIVE ACTION BILL COALITION to advocate for the passage of the bill by Parliament. The NWS is also collaborating with PLAN INTERNATIONAL GHANA on their PAD BANK project aimed at providing female students in rural and deprived areas with sanitary pads so they do not have to miss out on school during periods.”
The petition presented during the Summit aimed to urge the Gender and Children’s Committee in Parliament to expedite the processing of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Bill, 2023. The goal was to ensure that the Bill is laid for second reading before the end of Parliament’s first sitting for the year.
The Affirmative Action Bill seeks to promote gender equality and empower women by ensuring their equal participation and representation in decision-making processes across all sectors. Its enactment into law is seen as crucial to addressing the long-standing marginalization of women in decision-making positions, both in the public and private sectors of Ghana.
Anna Nongnedome Anabre, Project Manager of the She Leads Campaign, a female-led advocacy project in partnership with Plan International, reiterated the urgency of passing the Affirmative Action Bill into law. The campaign has been actively advocating for the Bill’s passage since 2021.
“On the occasion of the National Women’s summit in celebration of the International Women’s Day, we the Girls and Young Women of the “She leads” Ghana consortium urge the Parliament of Ghana to rise to the occasion and embrace the opportunity to pass the Affirmative Action Bill into law.”
“Across Africa, many countries have made strides towards gender parity in governance, notably through the implementation of affirmative action measures that have increased women’s representation in Parliament. By embracing affirmative action, we can foster a society that is more inclusive and equitable. Let us not merely observe progress from the sidelines but actively shape it, working towards a future where equality and opportunity are accessible to all,” she mentioned.
The Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Bill, 2023, proposes that there should be a minimum representation of 30% for any gender in key decision-making roles in Ghana.
This measure is temporary and aims to progressively increase women’s active participation in public and political life, reaching a minimum of 50% by 2030 in line with SDG 5. The law will remain in effect until gender parity is achieved.
The bill is a response to Article 17(4) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which allows Parliament to enact laws to address social, economic, and educational imbalances. Research indicates a gender imbalance in all areas of Ghanaian life.
The passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Bill is seen as crucial for accelerating progress towards gender equality in Ghana. It acknowledges the vital contributions women make to society and the economy and aims to create an enabling environment that ensures their meaningful participation in decision-making processes.
Five years ago, chaos broke out on Asempa FM’s Political Talk Show, “Ekosisen” when NPP National Youth Organizer Henry Nana Boakye (better known as Nana B) launched an attack against NDC’s Communications Director, Sammy Gyamfi.
It is unclear what triggered the attack but reports claimed Sammy Gyamfi was blasting the NPP for the violence recorded at the Asawasa West Wuogon constituency by-election when he incurred the anger of Nana B.
As Sammy Gyamfi sought to leave the studio after being provoked, Nana B got up from his seat and shoved the head of Sammy Gyamfi.
The youth wing of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) called for the arrest of Nana B. Less than 24 hours after the incident, Nana B offered a heartfelt apology, however, to the listeners of Ekosisen and Ghanaians, but not Sammy Gyamfi.
“Regardless of the repulsive, provocative conduct by the NDC’s National Communications Director on the show which included unacceptable verbal attacks on the President and myself, I am, upon sober reflection, apologising to listeners of Asempa FM and Ghanaians for the manner in which I responded.
“I wish to assure all that, I remain committed to decent, issue-based discourse on our airwaves and that this unfortunate incident will not be repeated,” he wrote in a statement.
To Sammy Gyamfi, Nana B said, “I will also encourage my junior brother, Sammy Gyamfi, to be decorous and respectful in his public utterances during such engagements and to, at all times, respect the high office of the President.”
The youth have been cautioned against consuming pornographic material, particularly on social media platforms, due to its potentially harmful effects on their well-being.
Such content could corrupt their morals and lead them to engage in risky sexual behaviors, increasing their chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or dropping out of school, especially among girls.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Nelson Owusu Ansah, gave this advice during a three-day training seminar in Koforidua, the Eastern regional capital.
The seminar aimed to enhance the knowledge of 70 social media youth leaders and influencers on sexual reproductive health issues.
The event, titled “Youth Reproductive Education through Awareness, Communication, and Health Promotion,” was organized by the NYA in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and other partners.
Its goal was to equip participants with the tools to educate youth, including addressing their sexual reproductive health needs, using their platforms effectively.
Mr. Ansah highlighted that youth often use their mobile phones or their parents’ devices to watch sexual content, which has the potential to negatively impact their future. This behavior could lead to a dependence on pornography and increase the likelihood of engaging in unprotected sex, especially considering that youth make up about 70 percent of the country’s population.
In response to these concerns, the National Youth Authority (NYA), in collaboration with UNESCO, UNFPA, and other partners, organized the seminar for participants.
The aim was to equip them with the knowledge and tools to educate their followers on their respective platforms about the risks associated with watching pornographic material and engaging in reckless sexual behavior.
“These are young people who must be helped, and the best way to engage them is through the same social media platforms they are using to watch all sorts of pornographic material”, Mr Ansah added.
Felix Kwame Yeboah Jr, a blogger from Akim Oda with an estimated 23,000 to 25,000 followers, expressed his intention to leverage his platform to educate youth on the positive aspects of social media.
Abigail Boateng, a blogger from Bono East, stated that she is already utilizing her platform to educate youth on beneficial topics such as trading, reproductive health, and advocacy programs covering various issues.
A member of the team responsible for drafting the manifesto for Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia‘s presidential campaign, Razak Awudulai, has been revealed to have received a significant sweetheart deal worth Ghc250 million from the government.
Awudulai, reportedly a member of the 2024 Manifesto Committee for Dr. Bawumia, had his private company, Spectrum Fibre Limited, single-sourced by the government to construct a data solutions center that already exists.
The Public Procurement Authority (PPA), which single-sourced Spectrum Fibre Limited, stated that the company was to “build a Wide Network (WAN) Connectivity Services and Data Solution Centre for GHS’ 745 sites in all regions on an Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) basis for a 10-year period valued at a colossal US$18,480,125.00.”
However, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who intercepted the letter contracting Spectrum Fibre, noted that the services the PPA asked the company to provide already exist. Furthermore, Spectrum Fibre Limited has no known track record in the area of the project it has been contracted for.
In a statement addressing the revelations, Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa described the arrangement as a sweetheart deal orchestrated by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his government for a close associate.
“Digitalization has become the new conduit for mega looting of billions of taxpayer and donor funds through dubious, duplicative and deadly single-sourced procurements even as conditions in the health sector continue to deteriorate alarmingly.
“Seeing how lucrative the digitalization booty has been so far, a few more crony companies have been invited to the looting party apparently to come “bamba with the big boys” (all royalties paid to Goya Menor & Nektunez),” Hon. Ablakwa wrote.
Describing his efforts to combat corruption through personal vigilance as “Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (SOA) oversight,” the MP revealed that he intercepted documents dated 5th October, 2023, confirming the Public Procurement Authority’s (PPA) approval for the company owned by Razak, who is involved in “special duties” for Dr. Bawumia, to be awarded the contract.
According to the documents, the approval letter was signed by PPA Chief Executive, Mr. Frank Mante, and addressed to the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye.
“The intercepted PPA letter grants the Ghana Health Service approval to single source Spectrum Fibre Company Limited to “build a Wide Network (WAN) Connectivity Services and Data Solution Centre for GHS’ 745 sites in all regions on an Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) basis for a 10-year period valued at a colossal US$18,480,125.00.
“At the current exchange rate, that is a staggering GHS245million,” Hon. Ablakwa wrote.
According to the MP, top officials within Ghana’s health sector that he has spoken with on conditions of anonymity have only expressed outrage over the contract because the US$18.48million (GHS245million) contract is needless.
“These top deep-throat sources say what Spectrum Fibre has been handpicked to do are already contained in the massive US$100million (GHS1.3billion) contract also awarded under an opaque single-source procurement method in 2017 to Lightwave eHealthcare Solutions Limited.”
Already, he added, a similar single-sourced sweetheart deal with a company called Lightwave, has resulted in the colossal sum of GHS595,873,749.23.
“With over GHS595million already paid to Lightwave under this supposedly bankrupt economy, every patriotic Ghanaian would be on the side of these top officials within the health sector who are livid and have legitimately had enough of the needless duplication and reckless dissipation of resources for private gain in the name of digitalization.”
According to Hon. Ablakwa’s revelation, Spectrum Fibre was incorporated in 2017, a period coinciding with the Akufo-Addo government’s assumption of office. This period saw a surge in the establishment of companies by many NPP-affiliated individuals seeking state contracts.
The directors of Spectrum Fibre are Razak Awudulai and Fati Baba.
Spectrum Fibre Limited was incorporated on October 25, 2017, as shown in the attached incorporation details.
Despite being single-sourced for a project, Spectrum Fibre has no track record in carrying out the specific tasks they have been engaged for.
“Further checks reveal that the owner of Spectrum Fibre, Mr. Razak Awudulai is currently serving on Vice President Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia’s 2024 Manifesto Communications Committee. Insiders say he also carries out “special duties” for the Bawumia 2024 campaign.
“Mr. Razak Awudulai was also an appointee of President Akufo-Addo when he served as Managing Director of Go Energy, a subsidiary of GOIL in President Akufo-Addo’s first term. (See appointment letter attached).
“Further digging also reveal that Mr. Razak Awudulai is an MD of another digitalization company known as Broad Spectrum Limited which has been handed over millions of Ghana Cedis under questionable circumstances by the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund,2 Hon. Ablakwa wrote.
Hon. Ablakwa highlighted that the Spectrum Fibre deal did not receive approval from the National Information Technology Agency (NITA). He emphasized that this contravenes Act 771 and disregards the Minister of Communications and Digitalization’s circular of 16th June, 2017.
“It is also to be noted that under the World Bank US$50million eTransform connectivity project, as many as 100 health facilities have already been captured which further exacerbates the wasteful and needless fears raised by stakeholders about the Spectrum Fibre deal.”
Mr Ablakwa has stated his intention to pursue legal action, including dragging those involved in the sweetheart deal to court, due to the legal breaches and wastage involved. He plans to immediately seek legal restraints to stop these blatant data protection violations.
Then, he will also, “Petition the OSP on the corruption related aspects of this latest exposé; and Petition donor partners to carry out a forensic audit into all health digitalization projects being funded by them;
“file a motion in Parliament demanding a much broader bi-partisan enquiry into all digitalization projects. “
The Electoral Commission (EC) has scheduled a by-election in Ejisu for April 30, 2024, following the passing of John Kumah on March 7, 2024.
John Kumah, the 45-year-old MP, passed away after a brief illness, leaving behind a wife and six children.
All nine aspirants seeking to contest in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Parliamentary primary in the constituency were cleared by the vetting committee on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
NPP opened nominations on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, and all nine candidates had filed by the closing date on Thursday, April 4.
The NPP is expected to elect a parliamentary candidate for the constituency on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
Among those vying for the NPP ticket is former President of the Ghana Football Association, Kwesi Nyantakyi.
As of now, no other political party has expressed interest in the by-election. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has stated that it is still deliberating whether to participate.
Businessman Henry Fitz has posted damaging content on his social media accounts following a court summons from the state over his alleged involvement in the non-consensual sharing of an intimate image involving his former lover, Serwaa Amihere.
In one of his posts on Snapchat, Fitz claimed that Nana Aba Anamoah, a friend of Serwaa Amihere, sent a nude video to a friend of his, Stone, to get money to pay her rent.
According to Henry, this video was sent a lustrum ago and got possession of the video because Stone sent it to him.
Reiterating his innocence after being accused of leaking the romantic video involving Serwaa, he noted that if he was behind such an act, he would also leak the said video of Nana Aba.
He also alleged that Nana Aba tried to set him up with Sandra Ankobea, another individual, just to get him to buy her a fridge, betraying Serwaa in the process.
“You Nana Aba, I heard you the who doesn’t want to accept the fact that a video of your goddaughter has leaked. Where was your loyalty when you tried to linked me up with the closest pal of you and Serwah (Sandra Ankobea).
“Even she asked me not to come and confess to you at the point of orgasm, I didn’t even hv my first orgasm with u after that, yet, I came to prove to you my loyalty. U Nana Aba, even when u sent a video of you licking ur books to….I still got it.
“I’ll take it from the top. Nana Aba, I have all chats of you and I from almost 5 years ago, posting chats with your number to confirm it’s actually you is not offences. I am not leaking any videos as well
“But I’m willing to prove you are not the best of friend to Serwaa and your hunger for money is worse than that of a blackmailer,” portions of the posts read.
Henry, together with two others, have been dragged to court by the Republic over the non-consensual sharing of an intimate image.
In a writ sighted by The Independent Ghana, Henry Fitz’s actions and those of Edem Saviour Ketti and Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio are contrary to Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (ACT29) and Section 67(1) (2) of Cybersecurity Act 2020 Act 1038.
Last week, a video of Serwaa Amihere and Henry Fitz lying in bed and kissing emerged online. Many X users criticised Serwaa Amihere and later, Henry Fitz denied leaking the video as alleged by some media houses.
Brief facts of the current case in court.
The complainant in this case, Serwaa Amihere, is a media personality residing at Tse Addo, Accra. Al Edem Saviour Ketti is a filmmaker residing at Adjiringanor, Accra.
A2 Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio is a trader residing Achimota Kingsby Accra. A3 Henry Amponsah @ Henry Fitz now at large.
On the 3rd of December 2023, the complainant’s makeup artist, Colleen Nyin Affel-Som called to inform her that someone had texted her demanding an amount of GHC5,000.00 with the pretext that he had the complainant’s nude pictures.
The said amount should be sent to the MTN mobile money account number →0558247205, which bears the name Edem Saviour Ketti.
On the 2nd of April 2024, another MTN number, 0555252660, called and demanded an amount of GH¢20,000.00 to be sent within a minute, or else he would post the nude videos of the complainant, and he succeeded in taking the ransom still went ahead and posted the nude pictures of the complainant on social media handles.
On the 3rd of April 2024, the complainant filed a complaint with the police, and upon surveillance mounted, Al was arrested at his hideout at Dzorwulu.
During investigations, he admitted to having used his Ghana Card to register the said MTN mobile money account number 0558247205, and gave the same to A2 which she subsequently gave the same number to A3 and since he has been using the said number till date.
Efforts are underway to apprehend A3 to face the law.
The Fourth Estate, a private media organization, has announced its plan to release the full list of scholarship recipients from 2019 and 2020, as revealed by their investigative report.
Speaking to the host of the Citi Breakfast Show, Bernard Avle, Seth Kwame Bokpe, a journalist with the Fourth Estate said “there are a little of over 900 people who benefitted from the secretariat.”
Through their investigation, The Fourth Estate uncovered that influential individuals, as well as children, relatives, and associates of powerful figures, were granted scholarships.
This is contrary to the Scholarship Secretariat‘s primary objective of providing scholarships to academically gifted but financially needy students, both locally and internationally.
Initially denied access to the beneficiary list by the Scholarship Secretariat in March 2021, The Fourth Estate persisted and sought intervention from the Right to Information (RTI) Commission.
The RTI Commission ruled in favor of disclosure, emphasizing the importance of transparency since the scholarships were funded with public money. However, personal information will be redacted before the data is made public.
According to the Scholarship Secretariat’s response to the RTI request, GHS237.5 million and GHS200 million were spent in 2019 and 2020, respectively, covering both foreign and local scholarships.
The Fourth Estate plans to publish the full list soon and make “the value-for-money analysis.”
A significant number of individuals who benefited from the scholarships were known members and activists of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), including a special assistant to the Second Lady, Samira Bawumia.
One particular case involved GBP17,355 being paid for the special assistant to attend a university in the United Kingdom. However, it was discovered that he never physically attended classes on campus and dropped out of the program after only participating in a few online classes from Ghana.
Additionally, there were instances of individuals receiving multiple scholarships. At least 26 people were found to have received multiple scholarships, enabling them to pursue different programs either in two consecutive years or within a single year.
The Fourth Estate, a private media organization, has announced its intention to publish the full list of scholarship recipients from 2019 and 2020, as revealed by their investigative report.
The investigation by The Fourth Estate uncovered that scholarships were awarded to influential individuals, as well as children, relatives, and associates of powerful figures.
This was contrary to the Scholarship Secretariat’s primary purpose of providing scholarships to academically gifted but financially needy students, both locally and internationally.
Initially denied access to the beneficiary list by the Scholarship Secretariat in March 2021, The Fourth Estate persisted and invoked the Right to Information (RTI) Commission.
The RTI Commission ruled in favor of disclosure, stating that since the scholarships were funded with public money, transparency was crucial. However, personal information will be redacted before the data is released.
The Scholarship Secretariat’s response to the RTI request revealed that it had spent GHS237.5 million and GHS200 million in 2019 and 2020, respectively, covering both foreign and local scholarships.
Speaking to the host of the Citi Breakfast Show, Bernard Avle on Citi FM, Seth Kwame Bokpe, a journalist with the Fourth Estate said “There are a little of over 900 people who benefitted from the secretariat and we will be publishing the full list soon and be making the value-for-money analysis.”
Several known members and activists of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were among those who benefited from the scholarships, including a special assistant to the Second Lady, Samira Bawumia.
The special assistant received GBP17,355 for a university program in the United Kingdom but did not physically attend the campus. Instead, the individual dropped out after attending only a few online classes from Ghana.
Additionally, there were instances of multiple scholarships. Approximately 26 individuals received multiple scholarships, enabling them to pursue different programs either in two consecutive years or different programs within a single year.
Deputy National Youth Organizer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Osman Ayariga, has called on the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to investigate Dr. Kingsley Agyemang following the recent scandal involving the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat he heads.
Mr Ayariga’s call for an investigation comes after reports from the Fourth Estate exposed alleged misconduct within the Secretariat under its current leadership.
He has formally petitioned the OSP to thoroughly examine the activities of the Registrar and other staff members regarding the allocation of scholarships. The petition, submitted on Tuesday, April 9, emphasizes the urgent need for this investigation.
Ayariga stressed the importance of ensuring that scholarships are distributed fairly to deserving Ghanaian students, rather than being unfairly allocated based on political connections or wealth.
He urged the OSP to proceed promptly with the investigation to prevent any further misuse of resources within the Scholarship Secretariat.
“It has become necessary to petition your office due to the despicable magnitude of abuse the Scholarship secretariat under the current leadership has exhibited.”
“I am therefore by this petition calling for a full-scale investigation into the activities of the Registrar and associated staff of the secretariat regarding the award of scholarships.”
He emphasised the need for the OSP to swiftly conduct this investigation without delay to prevent any further misappropriation of resources.
“I wish to state that these matters ought to be investigated as a matter of urgency to forestall any future misappropriation of our resources.”
“I, hereby, request that the Registrar be subjected to investigations and be made to step aside pending the outcome of the investigations to prevent interference with the investigative process,” he added.
His demand follows a recent exposé by the Fourth Estate, which revealed disparities in the allocation of scholarships, favouring affluent individuals with connections.
In response to the scandalous expose by the Fourth Estate regarding the arbitrary and biased awarding of scholarships by the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, the Minority in Parliament is demanding the immediate suspension of Dr. Kingsley Agyemang.
The NDC MPs asserted that the investigation findings corroborated by concerned Ghanaians, both domestically and internationally, warrant decisive action.
They contend that such practices are unfair to deserving Ghanaian students who depend on the Secretariat for assistance.
Meanwhile, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, the Registrar of the Scholarship Secretariat, has underscored the immediate requirement for legislation to govern scholarship distribution.
Dr. Agyemang highlighted the challenges officials face in determining eligibility due to the lack of clear legislative guidelines defining criteria for identifying needy individuals.
He emphasised the importance of scholarship legislation to establish transparent eligibility standards and eliminate ambiguity in the allocation process.
Businessman Henry Fitz has posted damaging content on his social media accounts following a court summons from the state over his alleged involvement in the non-consensual sharing of an intimate image involving his former lover, Serwaa Amihere.
In one of his posts on Snapchat, Fitz claimed that Nana Aba Anamoah, a friend of Serwaa Amihere and another media personality, was disloyal to her.
He alleged that Nana Aba tried to set him up with Sandra Ankobea, another individual, just to get him to buy her a fridge, betraying Serwaa in the process.
“You Nana Aba, I heard you the who doesn’t want to accept the fact that a video of your goddaughter has leaked. Where was your loyalty when you tried to linked me up with the closest pal of you and Serwah (Sandra Ankobea).
“Even she asked me not to come and confess to you at the point of orgasm, I didn’t even hv my first orgasm with u after that, yet, I came to prove to you my loyalty. U Nana Aba, even when u sent a video of you licking ur books to….I still got it.
“I’ll take it from the top. Nana Aba, I have all chats of you and I from almost 5 years ago, posting chats with your number to confirm it’s actually you is not offences. I am not leaking any videos as well
“But I’m willing to prove you are not the best of friend to Serwaa and your hunger for money is worse than that of a blackmailer,” portions of the posts read.
Henry, together with two others, have been dragged to court by the Republic over the non-consensual sharing of an intimate image.
In a writ sighted by The Independent Ghana, Henry Fitz’s actions and those of Edem Saviour Ketti and Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio are contrary to Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (ACT29) and Section 67(1) (2) of Cybersecurity Act 2020 Act 1038.
Last week, a video of Serwaa Amihere and Henry Fitz lying in bed and kissing emerged online. Many X users criticised Serwaa Amihere and later, Henry Fitz denied leaking the video as alleged by some media houses.
Brief facts of the current case in court.
The complainant in this case, Serwaa Amihere, is a media personality residing at Tse Addo, Accra. Al Edem Saviour Ketti is a filmmaker residing at Adjiringanor, Accra.
A2 Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio is a trader residing Achimota Kingsby Accra. A3 Henry Amponsah @ Henry Fitz now at large.
On the 3rd of December 2023, the complainant’s makeup artist, Colleen Nyin Affel-Som called to inform her that someone had texted her demanding an amount of GHC5,000.00 with the pretext that he had the complainant’s nude pictures.
The said amount should be sent to the MTN mobile money account number →0558247205, which bears the name Edem Saviour Ketti.
On the 2nd of April 2024, another MTN number, 0555252660, called and demanded an amount of GH¢20,000.00 to be sent within a minute, or else he would post the nude videos of the complainant, and he succeeded in taking the ransom still went ahead and posted the nude pictures of the complainant on social media handles.
On the 3rd of April 2024, the complainant filed a complaint with the police, and upon surveillance mounted, Al was arrested at his hideout at Dzorwulu.
During investigations, he admitted to having used his Ghana Card to register the said MTN mobile money account number 0558247205, and gave the same to A2 which she subsequently gave the same number to A3 and since he has been using the said number till date.
Efforts are underway to apprehend A3 to face the law.
Businessman, Henry Fitz, has allegedly decided not to remain silent and intends to fight until the end despite being declared wanted by the State over his alleged involvement in the non-consensual sharing of an intimate image involving his former lover, Serwaa Amihere.
The businessman is reported to have shared a series of new damaging posts on his social media following the court summons from the state.
In one of his posts on SnapChat, Henry alleged that a friend of Serwaa Amihere, Nana Aba Anamoah, another media personality, was disloyal to her when she allegedly sought to set him up with Sandra Ankobea.
According to him, Nana Aba did so to her “goddaughter” just to get him to get her a fridge.
“You Nana Aba, I heard you the who doesn’t want to accept the fact that a video of your goddaughter has leaked. Where was your loyalty when you tried to linked me up with the closest pal of you and Serwah (Sandra Ankobea).
“Even she asked me not to come and confess to you at the point of orgasm, I didn’t even hv my first orgasm with u after that, yet, I came to prove to you my loyalty. U Nana Aba, even when u sent a video of you licking ur books to….I still got it.
“I’ll take it from the top. Nana Aba, I have all chats of you and I from almost 5 years ago, posting chats with your number to confirm it’s actually you is not offences. I am not leaking any videos as well
“But I’m willing to prove you are not the best of friend to Serwaa and your hunger for money is worse than that of a blackmailer,” portions of the posts read.
Henry, together with two others, have been dragged to court by the Republic over the non-consensual sharing of an intimate image.
In a writ sighted by The Independent Ghana, Henry Fitz’s actions and those of Edem Saviour Ketti and Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio are contrary to Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (ACT29) and Section 67(1) (2) of Cybersecurity Act 2020 Act 1038.
Last week, a video of Serwaa Amihere and Henry Fitz lying in bed and kissing emerged online. Many X users criticised Serwaa Amihere and later, Henry Fitz denied leaking the video as alleged by some media houses.
Brief facts of the current case in court.
The complainant in this case, Serwaa Amihere, is a media personality residing at Tse Addo, Accra. Al Edem Saviour Ketti is a filmmaker residing at Adjiringanor, Accra.
A2 Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio is a trader residing Achimota Kingsby Accra. A3 Henry Amponsah @ Henry Fitz now at large.
On the 3rd of December 2023, the complainant’s makeup artist, Colleen Nyin Affel-Som called to inform her that someone had texted her demanding an amount of GHC5,000.00 with the pretext that he had the complainant’s nude pictures.
The said amount should be sent to the MTN mobile money account number →0558247205, which bears the name Edem Saviour Ketti.
On the 2nd of April 2024, another MTN number, 0555252660, called and demanded an amount of GH¢20,000.00 to be sent within a minute, or else he would post the nude videos of the complainant, and he succeeded in taking the ransom still went ahead and posted the nude pictures of the complainant on social media handles.
On the 3rd of April 2024, the complainant filed a complaint with the police, and upon surveillance mounted, Al was arrested at his hideout at Dzorwulu.
During investigations, he admitted to having used his Ghana Card to register the said MTN mobile money account number 0558247205, and gave the same to A2 which she subsequently gave the same number to A3 and since he has been using the said number till date.
Efforts are underway to apprehend A3 to face the law.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has swiftly responded to allegations made by the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) regarding ECG’s alleged non-compliance with load management instructions.
In a letter dated March 28, 2024, GRIDCo expressed concerns about ECG’s lack of adherence to load management directives from GRIDCo’s System Control Centre (SCC), suggesting that ECG’s actions could jeopardize the country’s power generation.
ECG, while emphasizing its commitment to working with GRIDCo and maintaining operational cohesion within the electricity value chain, expressed shock and concern over the allegations. According to ECG, GRIDCo’s portrayal of the situation lacks context and fails to acknowledge the operational challenges faced by ECG.
As outlined in ECG’s response, the main issue is about the timing and adequacy of load management requests received from GRIDCo. While ECG acknowledges receiving directives to drop loads at specific Bulk Supply Points (BSPs), it highlights discrepancies in the timing of these requests and their impact on operational planning.
ECG stressed the importance of GRIDCo providing advance notice of load management requests to enable effective planning and execution without unduly impacting customers.
“We however wish to reiterate our request that the Notice to our System Operators for load management should be received before 3:00pm for peak load and 4am for off-peak load management or to be received 24 hours ahead in each case, as what is happening now is no longer an emergency operation but seemingly a routine daily activity,” the letter signed by ECG’s Chief Executive, Ing. Ebenezer Kofi Essienyi said.
ECG provided detailed statistics on load management requests received from GRIDCo between January and March 2024.
They demonstrated instances where requests were received shortly before peak or off-peak periods, limiting ECG’s ability to plan and inform customers adequately.
“It is a fact that GRIDCo routinely directs ECG’s System Operators to drop load at some of our Bulk Supply Points (BSPs), but the issue has been the inadequacy between the time these requests are received and the time these requests must be effected to sustain the integrity of the power system and also for ECG to inform its customers.
“It is worthy to note that, between January and March 2024, sixty-four (64No.) requests were received from GRIDCo for load management. Out of this, forty (40No.) were for peak periods (18:00 – 24:00 hrs) and twenty-four (24No.) for off-peak (06:00 – 18:00 hrs) load management. “Out of the forty (40no.) peak load requests, thirty-five (35No.) (88%) of them were received within an hour to the peak period. There were only five (5No) (12%) instances where ECG received the request within 2-3 hours of the peak period. “Out of the Twenty-Four (24No.) off-peak load requests, three (3No) (13%) of them were received within 30 minutes to the off-peak period while the remaining Twenty-One (21 No.) (87%) instances were received far into the off-peak period,” the power distributor said.
ECG also highlighted specific incidents in March 2024 where operational challenges within its network led to a lower compliance rate with GRIDCo’s load management directives.
The power distributor reiterated its commitment to collaborate with GRIDCo and other stakeholders to ensure transmission system stability.
Member of Parliament for the Tema West constituency, Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah, has voiced concern about the prolonged power crisis that has affected Ghana in recent months.
Ahenkorah noted that the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) had successfully maintained a stable power supply for over seven years.
Speaking on United Television’s (UTV) ‘Adekye Nsroma’ on the energy crisis being faced by the country, the legislator said, “I’m really hurt. I’m really hurt in the sense that we’ve been in government for seven and a half years, yet we never had any issues with our energy sector. How can we be facing these challenges six months before elections?”
Carlos Ahenkorah expressed satisfaction with the actions taken by the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament to investigate the challenges facing stakeholders in the energy sector.
However, he expressed disappointment with the outcome of the meeting, stating that it should have provided clarity on the specific issues plaguing the energy sector to all Ghanaians.
He said, “The chairman for the energy committee has done well in convening the energy sector stakeholders’ engagement meeting. But unfortunately, the story does not give us that joy. The reason why I’m saying this is that the outcome of the meeting did not tell us whether the problem is a production problem, distribution problem, or funding problem.
“I was expecting them to come out with a communiqué telling us exactly what is happening and what could be the cause of the challenges we are facing in the energy sector.
“Whatever it is, I am worried and hurt because we have been able to keep the light on for seven years. Why are some people trying to expose us to the National Democratic Congress?” Carlos Ahenkorah quizzed.
He further added that “it is as if someone does not want Bawumia to be president. I don’t care to know if it is a sabotage or not, but my worry is why will we keep the lights on for seven years and only to be faced with this six months to the elections?”
He questioned the rationale behind what could be the possible reason for the erratic power outages, adding, “Why will anyone want to do this? If it is monetary, let’s get plans to solve these challenges. We should not give the NDC the chance to castigate us.”
He further suggested that the Ministry of Finance should collaborate with the Ministry of Energy to find a lasting solution to the recurring power outages that have plagued the country year after year.
“In all fairness, let your people understand that if we want NPP to win the 2024 election, if we want Bawumia to win the elections, then we don’t have to give NDC the chance to equalise,” he added.
Sports journalist Patrick Osei Agyemang, better known as Countryman Songo, has issued an apology to Black Stars assistant coach John Paintsil, following the defamation lawsuit filed against him.
Countryman Songo, one of the defendants in the lawsuit, made the apology during his show on Adom TV on Monday, April 8, 2024.
Expressing remorse for his actions, Countryman Songo admitted that his remarks against the Black Stars assistant coach were misguided.
He acknowledged that his emotions had clouded his judgment, leading to his inappropriate comments.
“God said we should be straightforward so if you realize that you’ve wronged your brother, just apologize. I want to apologize to John Paintsil for some things that didn’t go well. He’s a deputy Black Stars coach. I said certain things that didn’t sit well with him and it worried him,” Songo said.
He added, “Sometimes when you get angry you say things that you later regret because you didn’t handle things well. So I want to tell him I am sorry and I ask for his forgiveness because after all football is the reason we are in this industry.”
John Paintsil filed a defamation lawsuit against four sports journalists and three media entities, seeking GH¢80 million in damages.
The journalists named in the lawsuit are Veronica Commey, Saddick Adams, Christopher Nimley, and Patrick Osei Agyemang, popularly known as Countryman Songo.
The media entities served with the writ are Omni Media Limited, Angel Broadcasting Network, and Multimedia Group. They have been given eight days to respond and appear in court.
John Paintsil faced criticism following his appointment as deputy coach of Ghana’s senior national team. He had previously attracted public ire for condemning some journalists, including those named in the suit, for organizing a protest against the Ghana Football Association and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The protest aimed to highlight the poor state of football and sports in Ghana and to urge regulatory bodies to address the issues.
However, Paintsil defended the GFA and the ministry, arguing that the protest lacked merit.
During his team’s 2-1 defeat to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final, Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo received a red card for elbowing an opponent.
Ronaldo, aged 39, was dismissed on the 86th minute for allegedly swinging his elbow twice into the chest of Ali Al Bulayhi, causing him to fall to the ground.
After the incident, Ronaldo was seen raising his fist towards the referee before leaving the field. This marks Ronaldo’s first red card since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022.
— Kalounji Ntale 👨🏿🦲 🇺🇬 (@KalounjiNtale) April 9, 2024
At the time of the expulsion, Al-Nassr was trailing 2-0, with goals scored by Salem Al-Dawsari and Malcom, while former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane managed to pull one back in stoppage time.
Three-time champions Al-Hilal will face Al-Ittihad in the final on Thursday. Al-Ittihad secured their spot in the final by defeating Al-Wehda 2-1 in the earlier semi-final, with goals from former Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema and Morocco forward Abderrazak Hamdallah.
Despite being declared wanted by the State over his alleged involvement in the non-consensual sharing of an intimate image involving his former lover, Serwaa Amihere, Henry Fitz has allegedly decided not to remain silent and intends to fight until the end.
The businessman is reported to have shared a series of new damaging posts on his social media following the court summons from the state.
In one of his posts on SnapChat, Henry alleged that he had a sexual encounter with Serwaa Amihere a day after his wedding in 2019.
“You trying so hard to look clean but what’s clean about being present at my wedding. And fucking me the next day? Don’t you think I’ve not already taken a backlash from my wife on that? The wages of sin is death, you and I should both be thankful to God we are not dead,” a part of the post read.
He claimed that Serwaa saw him as a gold mine and brought in all her tools to exploit him.
Henry further stated in his post that his wife later discovered his affair with Serwaa, which almost led to the end of his marriage.
He also warned Serwaa to stop attacking him, threatening to retaliate fiercely if she continued.
Take a look at the screenshot below to know more…
Henry, together with two others, have been dragged to court by the Republic over the non-consensual sharing of an intimate image.
In a writ sighted by The Independent Ghana, Henry Fitz’s actions and those of Edem Saviour Ketti and Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio are contrary to Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (ACT29) and Section 67(1) (2) of Cybersecurity Act 2020 Act 1038.
Last week, a video of Serwaa Amihere and Henry Fitz lying in bed and kissing emerged online. Many X users criticised Serwaa Amihere and later, Henry Fitz denied leaking the video as alleged by some media houses.
Brief facts of the current case in court.
The complainant in this case, Serwaa Amihere, is a media personality residing at Tse Addo, Accra. Al Edem Saviour Ketti is a filmmaker residing at Adjiringanor, Accra.
A2 Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio is a trader residing Achimota Kingsby Accra. A3 Henry Amponsah @ Henry Fitz now at large.
On the 3rd of December 2023, the complainant’s makeup artist, Colleen Nyin Affel-Som called to inform her that someone had texted her demanding an amount of GHC5,000.00 with the pretext that he had the complainant’s nude pictures.
The said amount should be sent to the MTN mobile money account number →0558247205, which bears the name Edem Saviour Ketti.
On the 2nd of April 2024, another MTN number, 0555252660, called and demanded an amount of GH¢20,000.00 to be sent within a minute, or else he would post the nude videos of the complainant, and he succeeded in taking the ransom still went ahead and posted the nude pictures of the complainant on social media handles.
On the 3rd of April 2024, the complainant filed a complaint with the police, and upon surveillance mounted, Al was arrested at his hideout at Dzorwulu.
During investigations, he admitted to having used his Ghana Card to register the said MTN mobile money account number 0558247205, and gave the same to A2 which she subsequently gave the same number to A3 and since he has been using the said number till date.
Efforts are underway to apprehend A3 to face the law.
The Ghana Tertiary Education Committee (GTEC) has instructed all universities to stop operating satellite campuses located on Senior High School (SHS) premises and other unauthorized sites.
This directive comes as GTEC deems such activities unlawful, as these universities are operating beyond their accredited facilities.
Head of GTEC’s Institutional Accreditation Department, Harry Kwame Opoku, revealed in an interview with Citi News that several universities, including the University of Cape Coast, have begun to comply with the directive.
“It has come to the attention of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission that public institutions are operating campuses at the premises of senior high schools, junior high schools, and non-tertiary centres, non-tertiary institutions, the centres of non-tertiary institutions, which we thought was bringing out the quality of education.
“So when this came to our attention we invited the vice-chancellors of these institutions to talk and find a way out of this problem.
They have done so by signing a memorandum of understanding to ensure they adhere to the order.
“So what we did was to give some MoU for the vice-chancellors to come over and sign toward cessation of this activity. So what we have done is that for students who have already been admitted to these centres, they will be sorted out.”
Harry Kwame Opoku added that “We are going to give them a four-year plan to teach the students. We have directed that these institutions do not admit or do not engage in fresh admission of students. We are also going to conduct an academic audit based on all the expenses.”
A member of the new alliance known as the Alliance For Revolutionary Change (ARC), Dr. Michael Abu Sakara Foster, holds the belief that a man who cannot be faithful to his wife cannot be faithful to his country.
According to him, a man’s home is where he demonstrates his authority and manages affairs. Therefore, if a man cannot remain faithful to his partner, he questions such an individual’s commitment.
“I believe that if you cannot be faithful to your woman, you cannot be faithful to a nation. That is your core, that is house and how you run your household and the commitment you have to it tells me about the commitment you can have to the nation,” he said.
Alan Kyerematen‘s Movement for Change (M4C) has revealed its partnership with the National Interest Movement (NIM) for the upcoming 2024 elections.
Led by former Convention Peoples Party (CPP) flagbearer Dr. Michael Abu Sakara Foster, the National Interest Movement will join forces with M4C under the banner of the Alliance For Revolutionary Change (ARC).
According to a statement from the Movement for Change Secretariat, the alliance will officially launch on April 17, 2024.
The statement also noted that the alliance aims to elect the first Independent Candidate as President of the Republic of Ghana, marking a significant shift from the dominance of the two major political parties, the NDC and NPP.
The Global Fund has halted the shipment of critical medical supplies to Ghana, citing delays in clearing previous donations that are stuck at the Tema Port.
This suspension includes urgently needed antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients.
The Africa Center for Health Policy Research and Analysis (ACHPR&A) has expressed deep concern over the government’s failure to expedite the release of these donated supplies.
In a JoyNews interview on Monday, April 8, Dr. Thomas Anaba, Executive Director of ACHPR&A, strongly criticized the government’s slow approach in addressing the issue of clearing vital health commodities. Dr. Anaba emphasized the urgent nature of the situation, noting that even a visit from a delegation of the Global Fund yielded no progress.
The delays have also raised concerns within the Ghana AIDS Commission and a coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) focusing on HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
In response to the prolonged detention of essential medical supplies, the CSOs have announced plans for a protest scheduled for April 17.
“A 12-member delegation from the Global Fund paid a working visit to this country to follow up on the locked-up commodities. Despite all their efforts, they did not make any headway and the commodities still remain uncleared at the ports.”
“They have therefore indicated that Ghana risks losing all Global Fund Support if the government fails to act on the matter. To start with, they have already suspended all commodity shipments to the country until the ones at the ports are cleared.”
“This development has dire consequences for the hundreds of thousands of our compatriots on free medications donated by Global Fund.”
President Akufo-Addo has approved a new law, the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2024 (Act 1115), which aims to revise and consolidate all existing laws concerning wildlife and protected areas in Ghana.
Sponsored by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Act was passed by Parliament on July 28, 2023, and received presidential assent on March 1, 2024.
The Wildlife Resources Management Bill had been pending for more than 15 years, having been presented to the fifth, sixth, and seventh Parliaments before finally being passed by the Eighth Parliament on July 28, 2023.
This information was conveyed in a statement issued by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, on Monday, April 8, 2024.
“Among others, the new law brings Ghana’s wildlife law in conformity with existing policies in the sector and provides for the implementation of international conventions on wildlife to which Ghana is a signatory. It provides for a new management structure to give legal backing to the involvement of local communities in wildlife management through the creation of Community Resources Management Areas (CREMAs) and provide higher penalties and sanctions regime for wildlife offences, deterrent enough to protect our wildlife resources.”
“The law also provides for the implementation of several international wildlife conventions to which Ghana is a signatory, such as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitats (RAMSAR), 1971, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, (CITES), 1973, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (BONN), 1979, as well as several indicators in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he stated.
Mr. Jinapor emphasized his ministry’s commitment to the effective implementation of this crucial legislation. He stated that the goal is to efficiently and progressively preserve and manage Ghana’s wildlife resources. This effort, he emphasized, is guided by principles of transparency, integrity, and utmost good faith, ultimately benefiting all Ghanaians.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has set a deadline of April 30 for nine listed equities on the local bourse to submit their audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, to the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE).
These include Kasapreko Plc, Daakye Trust Plc, E.S.L.A Plc, Camelot Ghana Plc, Clydestone (Ghana) Plc, Quantum Terminals Plc, and CalBank Plc.
Additionally, Fan Milk Plc and GOIL Plc have until April 10 and April 22, 2023, respectively, to submit their audited financials.
A notice by the GSE said; “Ghana Stock Exchange announces for the information of the general investing public that for various reasons, the following companies have been granted extension of time by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to submit their audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.”
Minister for Interior-designate, Henry Quartey, has assured the Police Service of the government’s immense support ahead of the country’s upcoming polls.
During a visit to the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, on Monday, April 8, he assured the Police that the necessary resources to strengthen their capacity for a smooth electoral process will be provided.
The Minister-designate also praised the police service for their outstanding efforts in maintaining the security and peace of the nation.
“This is an election year, and by the grace of God, we will ensure free, fair, transparent elections before, during, and after the 2024 elections. That we will not interfere in the elections. We will allow a free, fair, and transparent election. And also, just to let you know the government will continue to retool the Police Service.
“It means before the elections we shall do our best to give the Ghana Police Service more accoutrement to be able to discharge your duties professionally.”
He issued a stern warning against the spread of hate speech and fear-mongering online ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Mr Quartey emphasized the importance of maintaining public safety and order.
Highlighting the prevalence of inflammatory content on social media, Mr Quartey emphasized that those engaging in such behavior would face legal consequences. He made it clear that individuals inciting violence or panic would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The MP for Ayawaso Central urged citizens to be cautious in their speech and actions to avoid disrupting public peace. While supporting the principles of free speech and association, Mr Quartey emphasized the importance of responsible communication to prevent the spread of fear and unrest in the community.
“I know that we have passed a law in Parliament against false publications. Social media has become a space where everybody threatens everybody and says anything anyhow. As IGP, you have the powers with you. People sit in the comfort of their rooms and they threaten. Anybody who makes those remarks, we will go after you because that is what the law says.
“Your statements and your actions should not incite the public. It must not create fear and panic in the public. Free speech, free association, free movement, but we must be guided by our statements not to create fear and panic.”
Minister for Interior-designate, Henry Quartey, has issued a stern warning against the spread of hate speech and fear-mongering online ahead of the 2024 general elections.
During a visit to the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, on Monday, April 8, Quartey emphasized the importance of maintaining public safety and order.
Highlighting the prevalence of inflammatory content on social media, Mr Quartey emphasized that those engaging in such behavior would face legal consequences. He made it clear that individuals inciting violence or panic would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The MP for Ayawaso Central urged citizens to be cautious in their speech and actions to avoid disrupting public peace. While supporting the principles of free speech and association, Mr Quartey emphasized the importance of responsible communication to prevent the spread of fear and unrest in the community.
“I know that we have passed a law in Parliament against false publications. Social media has become a space where everybody threatens everybody and says anything anyhow. As IGP, you have the powers with you. People sit in the comfort of their rooms and they threaten. Anybody who makes those remarks, we will go after you because that is what the law says.
“Your statements and your actions should not incite the public. It must not create fear and panic in the public. Free speech, free association, free movement, but we must be guided by our statements not to create fear and panic.”
The Minister-designate also praised the police service for their outstanding efforts in maintaining the security and peace of the nation. He assured them of the government’s commitment to providing the necessary resources to strengthen their capacity for a smooth electoral process.
Additionally, he urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to carry out his duties impartially and without bias.
“This is an election year, and by the grace of God, we will ensure free, fair, transparent elections before, during, and after the 2024 elections. That we will not interfere in the elections. We will allow a free, fair, and transparent election. And also, just to let you know the government will continue to retool the Police Service.
“It means before the elections we shall do our best to give the Ghana Police Service more accoutrement to be able to discharge your duties professionally.”
The April 2024 World Bank Africa Pulse Report indicates that Ghana’s economy is expected to experience a slowdown in growth in 2024, despite anticipated improved economic activity.
The report forecasts a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of about 2.9% for Ghana in 2024, a decrease from nearly 5.0% in 2023 and an expected increase to 5.0% in 2025.
Ghana, along with 14 other African countries, is projected to record a deceleration in growth in 2024. The country is also expected to contribute 0.10% to the regional GDP growth by the largest economies in the region.
In contrast, growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to accelerate to 3.4% in 2024 and further to an average rate of 3.9% in 2025–26.
This rebound in growth is attributed to large countries in the region recording growth rates lower than their performance in the first two decades of the century.
The report highlights that in 2024, growth is anticipated to accelerate in nearly 70% of Sub-Saharan African countries (32 countries). However, growth rates in about half of these countries (17 countries) are projected to be below their average growth in 2000–19.
Ghana’s economy recorded a 2.9% GDP growth in 2023, surpassing the revised 1.5% forecast by the Finance Ministry but slower than the 3.1% growth recorded in 2022. The Industry sector contracted by 1.2% in 2023, compared to 0.6% GDP growth in 2022, though it remains the largest sector of the economy. The decline in the Industry sector’s GDP was primarily due to the 10.9% and 9.9% contractions in the Electricity and Construction subsectors, respectively, in 2023, with Mining and Quarrying being the only subsector that experienced growth (2.5%).
An 18-year-old student of Adanwomase Senior High School, Gabriel Osei Kwame, has been convicted for robbing a teacher, Matilda Boatema, and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with hard labor by a Circuit Court at Old Tafo in the Ashanti Region.
The judge, His Honour Festus Nukunu, imposed the sentence after Gabriel pleaded guilty to the robbery charge, as per section 149 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act (Act 29) of 1960.
The incident occurred on the morning of March 4, 2024, at about 7:30 am, when Gabriel assaulted Matilda with a jackknife near her residence in Adanwomase. He robbed her of her Infinix Hot 9 smartphone valued at 700 cedis, cash amounting to 570 cedis, as well as rice, stew, and some documents.
Matilda reported the robbery to the Asonomaso police, who responded promptly. They found her bag abandoned in a nearby bush, though the phone and cash were missing. The police gathered evidence from the scene for further inquiry.
On March 25, Matilda identified Gabriel in the company of a friend in Adanwomase, leading to his arrest. Initially, Gabriel denied any involvement in the robbery but later confessed to the police. He admitted to robbing the complainant and disclosed that he sold the stolen phone at Adum PZ for 250 cedis.
State prosecutor, Inspector Alfred Aruk, informed the court that Gabriel was unable to assist the police in recovering the phone. Following the investigation, he was charged with robbery and brought before the court.
In an interview on Newsfile, Dr. Adusei argued that certain provisions of the bill violate the 1992 Constitution.
He specifically pointed out that aspects of the bill aim to punish individuals who oppose the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals, as well as dictate what is deemed acceptable in terms of sexual behavior. Dr. Adusei emphasized that penalizing individuals for advocating for less severe penalties for those involved in same-sex activities is unacceptable.
Based on his analysis, Dr. Adusei concluded that the current form of the bill would likely face constitutional challenges if passed into law.
“If you look at the tenure of the bill, you don’t need anyone to tell you that it won’t meet a constitutional test going forward. When you get a law in which adverbs and other descriptive words are used to qualify nouns and verbs, it tells you there is something wrong. So the use of the word ‘proper’ in the name of the law in itself should tell you that there is something wrong.
“What is proper in this world when scholars over the years have established that going into people’s private affairs in that nature is not the right thing to do. What infringes on the rights of those persons is that you are now saying they cannot decide to live their private lives if it doesn’t come into the public sphere. If someone is being liberal and says you can’t maltreat this person, then that person is also committing a crime. That is way out of order. “
“The bill in its current state, even if it is passed as law, will not be able to survive the threshold of constitutionality when it goes to the Supreme Court of Ghana.”
On the show, Dr Poku Adusei stated categorically he holds the position that gay rights are not human rights. But he was quick to add that having a legislation in order to make the fight against the LGBTQ community constitutional, is not the way to go.
“I won’t say homosexuality and its related activities is human right. I will not accept that. However, I will not also accept a situation in which you can also say that I’m legislating to antagonize and infringe the rights of certain individuals who have certain orientations that way it will be unconstitutional. It is so overboard that you are now telling us that these are the proper values of our humanity. That way, you are mistaken,” he said.
Dr Poku Adusei urged Ghanaians to refrain from describing groups and individuals against the said bill as promoters of same-sex related activities.
According to him, pointing out the flaws in the Anti-LGBTQ Bill is not the same as encouraging individuals to engage in homosexuality.
“We should not lose sight that the group with Akoto Ampaw and Professor Takyiwaa Manu and the rest who are advocating against the bill are in no way saying that they are supporters of lesbianism and gayism. That is one thing Ghanaians must understand. It doesn’t mean they will go and take their kids that they should convert from heterosexual relationships into homosexuality.
“They are rather saying that the route you are taking is a wrong one,” he added.
His comment came after Private legal practitioner, Akoto Ampaw who is a member of the Coalition of Lawyers, Academics and other Professionals that submitted a memorandum requesting that Parliament throws out the Anti LGBTQ Bill, has faced criticism from members of the public for standing against the bill.
According to Mr Ampaw, the bill is in direct conflict with a number of constitutionally-protected fundamental freedoms and human rights and the coalition’s position has no relation with members’ personal preference for same-sex activities.
“Our position as a group is that every person who is a human being is entitled to certain basic rights and that what the bill is doing is launching an assault on the rights of a particular group in our society.
“Our position has nothing to do with our personal preference or not for homosexual activities. Our position is a principled position that we take to defend the rights of every person in Ghana and subject to the public interest.”
Henry Fitz, a former lover of media personality, Serwaa Amihere, together with two others, have been dragged to court by The Republic over the non-consensual sharing of an intimate image.
In a writ sighted by The Independent Ghana, Henry Fitz’s actions and those of Edem Saviour Ketti and Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio are contrary to Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (ACT29) and Section 67(1) (2) of Cybersecurity Act 2020 Act 1038.
Last week, a video of Serwaa Amihere and Henry Fitz lying in bed and kissing emerged online. Many X users criticised Serwaa Amihere and later, Henry Fitz denied leaking the video as alleged by some media houses.
Henry, officially known as Henry Amponsah, noted that some unscrupulous individuals who are out to get Serwaa might have leaked the video after she misplaced her phone.
But court documents reveal that the three individuals did demand an amount of GH¢20,000.00 to be sent within a minute, or else Serwaa’s nude videos would be posted.
On the 3rd of December 2023, Serwaa Amihere’s makeup artist, Colleen Nyin Affel-Som called to inform her that someone had texted her demanding an amount of GHC5,000.00 with the pretext that he had her nude pictures.
The said amount should be sent to the MTN mobile money account number →0558247205, which bears the name Edem Saviour Ketti.
Serwaa is said to have sent the money, yet still, the group went ahead and posted nude pictures of the media personality on social media handles.
On the 3rd of April 2024, the complainant filed a complaint with the police, and upon surveillance mounted, Edem was arrested at his hideout at Dzorwulu.
During investigations, he admitted to having used his Ghana Card to register the said MTN mobile money account number 0558247205, and gave same to Candylove which she subsequently gave same number to Henry and since he has been using the said number till date.
Efforts are underway to apprehend Henry to face the law.
Henry Fitz, a former lover of media personality, Serwaa Amihere, together with two others, have been dragged to court by The Republic over the non-consensual sharing of an intimate image.
In a writ sighted by The Independent Ghana, Henry Fitz’s actions and those of Edem Saviour Ketti and Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio are contrary to Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (ACT29) and Section 67(1) (2) of Cybersecurity Act 2020 Act 1038.
Last week, a video of Serwaa Amihere and Henry Fitz lying in bed and kissing emerged online. Many X users criticised Serwaa Amihere and later, Henry Fitz denied leaking the video as alleged by some media houses.
Henry, officially known as Henry Amponsah, noted that some unscrupulous individuals who are out to get Serwaa might have leaked the video after she misplaced her phone.
But court documents reveal that the three individuals did demand an amount of GH¢20,000.00 to be sent within a minute, or else Serwaa’s nude videos would be posted.
Serwaa is said to have sent the money, yet still the group went ahead and posted the nude pictures of the media personality on social media handles.
Brief facts of the current case in court.
The complainant in this case, Serwaa Amihere, is a media personality residing at Tse Addo, Accra. Al Edem Saviour Ketti is a filmmaker residing at Adjiringanor, Accra.
A2 Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio is a trader residing Achimota Kingsby Accra. A3 Henry Amponsah @ Henry Fitz now at large.
On the 3rd of December 2023, the complainant’s makeup artist, Colleen Nyin Affel-Som called to inform her that someone had texted her demanding an amount of GHC5,000.00 with the pretext that he had the complainant’s nude pictures.
The said amount should be sent to the MTN mobile money account number →0558247205, which bears the name Edem Saviour Ketti.
On the 2nd of April 2024, another MTN number, 0555252660, called and demanded an amount of GH¢20,000.00 to be sent within a minute, or else he would post the nude videos of the complainant, and he succeeded in taking the ransom still went ahead and posted the nude pictures of the complainant on social media handles.
On the 3rd of April 2024, the complainant filed a complaint with the police, and upon surveillance mounted, Al was arrested at his hideout at Dzorwulu.
During investigations, he admitted to having used his Ghana Card to register the said MTN mobile money account number 0558247205, and gave same to A2 which she subsequently gave same number to A3 and since he has been using the said number till date. Efforts are underway to apprehend A3 to face the law.
Henry Fitz, a former lover of media personality, Serwaa Amihere, is currently on the run as the police mount a search to arrest him over his involvement in a non-consensual sharing of an intimate image involving Serwaa.
Henry, together with two others, have been dragged to court by the Republic over the non-consensual sharing of an intimate image.
In a writ sighted by The Independent Ghana, Henry Fitz’s actions and those of Edem Saviour Ketti and Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio are contrary to Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (ACT29) and Section 67(1) (2) of Cybersecurity Act 2020 Act 1038.
Last week, a video of Serwaa Amihere and Henry Fitz lying in bed and kissing emerged online. Many X users criticised Serwaa Amihere and later, Henry Fitz denied leaking the video as alleged by some media houses.
Henry, officially known as Henry Amponsah, noted that some unscrupulous individuals who are out to get Serwaa might have leaked the video after she misplaced her phone.
He is reported to have disclosed how he gave Serwaa Amihere GH2,500 daily for about 5 months. He threatened to expose more sensitive issues should he be accused of leaking the romance video.
Brief facts of the current case in court.
The complainant in this case, Serwaa Amihere, is a media personality residing at Tse Addo, Accra. Al Edem Saviour Ketti is a filmmaker residing at Adjiringanor, Accra.
A2 Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio is a trader residing Achimota Kingsby Accra. A3 Henry Amponsah @ Henry Fitz now at large.
On the 3rd of December 2023, the complainant’s makeup artist, Colleen Nyin Affel-Som called to inform her that someone had texted her demanding an amount of GHC5,000.00 with the pretext that he had the complainant’s nude pictures.
The said amount should be sent to the MTN mobile money account number →0558247205, which bears the name Edem Saviour Ketti.
On the 2nd of April 2024, another MTN number, 0555252660, called and demanded an amount of GH¢20,000.00 to be sent within a minute, or else he would post the nude videos of the complainant, and he succeeded in taking the ransom still went ahead and posted the nude pictures of the complainant on social media handles.
On the 3rd of April 2024, the complainant filed a complaint with the police, and upon surveillance mounted, Al was arrested at his hideout at Dzorwulu.
During investigations, he admitted to having used his Ghana Card to register the said MTN mobile money account number 0558247205, and gave the same to A2 which she subsequently gave the same number to A3 and since he has been using the said number till date.
Efforts are underway to apprehend A3 to face the law.
Henry Fitz, a former lover of media personality, Serwaa Amihere, together with two others, have been dragged to court by The Republic over the non-consensual sharing of an intimate image.
In a writ sighted by The Independent Ghana, Henry Fitz’s actions and those of Edem Saviour Ketti and Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio are contrary to Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (ACT29) and Section 67(1) (2) of Cybersecurity Act 2020 Act 1038.
Last week, a video of Serwaa Amihere and Henry Fitz lying in bed and kissing emerged online. Many X users criticised Serwaa Amihere and later, Henry Fitz denied leaking the video as alleged by some media houses.
Henry, officially known as Henry Amponsah, noted that some unscrupulous individuals who are out to get Serwaa might have leaked the video after she misplaced her phone.
He is reported to have disclosed how he gave Serwaa Amihere GH2,500 daily for about 5 months. He threatened to expose more sensitive issues should he be accused of leaking the romance video.
Brief facts of the current case in court.
Complainant in this case, Serwaa Amihere, is a media personality residing at Tse Addo, Accra. Al Edem Saviour Ketti is a filmmaker residing at Adjiringanor, Accra.
A2 Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio is a trader residing Achimota Kingsby Accra. A3 Henry Amponsah @ Henry Fitz now at large.
On the 3rd of December 2023, the complainant’s makeup artist, Colleen Nyin Affel-Som called to inform her that someone had texted her demanding an amount of GHC5,000.00 with the pretext that he had the complainant’s nude pictures.
The said amount should be sent to the MTN mobile money account number →0558247205, which bears the name Edem Saviour Ketti.
On the 2nd of April 2024, another MTN number, 0555252660, called and demanded an amount of GH¢20,000.00 to be sent within a minute, or else he would post the nude videos of the complainant, and he succeeded in taking the ransom still went ahead and posted the nude pictures of the complainant on social media handles.
On the 3rd of April 2024, the complainant filed a complaint with the police, and upon surveillance mounted, Al was arrested at his hideout at Dzorwulu.
During investigations, he admitted to having used his Ghana Card to register the said MTN mobile money account number 0558247205, and gave same to A2 which she subsequently gave same number to A3 and since he has been using the said number till date. Efforts are underway to apprehend A3 to face the law.
President Akufo-Addo is facing renewed accusations from some members of the public, who allege that he is trying to stack the courts of Ghana with members of his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
These accusations stem from his reported nomination of justices for the Court of Appeal.
According to dailyguidenetwork.com, a list of 20 individuals, including 12 High Court judges and 8 prominent legal practitioners, has been shortlisted for appointment as justices of the Court of Appeal of Ghana.
Similar criticism was directed at the president, especially from members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), including former President John Dramani Mahama, during his previous judicial appointments.
It is important to note that appointments to the Court of Appeal are made by the president in consultation with the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board (JAAB), headed by the Chief Justice of Ghana.
According to Section 3 of Article 136 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, a person must have high moral character, proven integrity, and not less than twelve years’ standing as a lawyer to be qualified for appointment as a Justice of the Court of Appeal.
The following is a brief profile of the lawyers reportedly nominated for appointment as justices of the Court of Appeal.
Mariam Agyeman Gyasi Jawhary
Lawyer Mariam Agyeman Gyasi Jawhary is the Managing Partner of the Totoe Legal Service and has been a lawyer in good standing for over 30 years.
Gyasi Jawhary’s profile on the website of her firm indicates that her areas of expertise include conveyancing, land litigation, family law, corporate and commercial, as well as labour law.
She is said to have previously worked as a part-time lecturer at the Ghana School of Law, teaching Law of Evidence, Labour Law and Conveyancing and Drafting. She also worked as an Administrator /Mediator for the Kumasi Legal Aid Centre for FIDA-GHANA on a volunteer basis for 6 years, between 1997 and 2003, while still engaged in active legal practice.
She has also held several positions at the Ghana Bar Association, including National Assistant Secretary of the association for 6 years (2012 to 2018), member of the National Bar Council, member of the Executive Committee of the Ashanti Branch of the association, and the representative association on the Ashanti Regional Lands Commission for 8 years (2009 to 2018).
Yaa Onyameye Gyakobo
Yaa Onyameye Gyakobo was admitted to the Ghana Bar Association in 1994, marking nearly 30 years of legal practice.
She currently serves as a Senior Associate at Ansah-Obiri Legal Consult. Her previous roles include Legal Officer at the Divestiture Implementation Committee, Associate at Wuowoti Chambers, Vidal Buckle & Co, and Associate at Ayawaso Chambers, Amarteifio & Co.
In addition to her legal practice, Onyameye Gyakobo is actively involved in the Ghana Bar Association, where she currently holds the position of Assistant Secretary. Over the years, she has served in various capacities within the association, including as National Assistant Public Relations Officer, Financial and Social Security Head of the Greater Accra Regional Bar, and member of the GBA Electoral Committee.
Charles William Zwennes
Charles William Zwennes serves as the Head of Chambers at Gaisie Zwennes Hughes & Co, a position he has held since 1996, according to his LinkedIn profile.
He is a Barrister-at-Law of England & Wales and a Barrister & Solicitor of the Superior Courts of Ghana. Zwennes is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitration in London.
His academic qualifications include a professional certificate in Petroleum and Energy Law from the University of Dundee, an LL.M in Company Law and International Finance Law from UCL, and an LL.B in law from the University of Kent.
Yaw Oppong
Yaw Oppong serves as the Director of Legal Education at the Ghana School of Law (GSL) and is a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Ghana. Additionally, he is the Managing Partner of Ampofo, Oppong and Associates.
He has extensive experience in legal education and has lectured at various universities in Ghana, including Central University. Currently, he holds the position of senior lecturer at the Ghana School of Law.
Yaw Oppong earned his first degree in law from the University of Ghana and qualified as a Barrister-at-Law from the Ghana School of Law, Makola – Accra, Ghana. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Oil and Gas Law (LLM) from the Faculty of Law, University of Ghana, Legon. Moreover, he is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London.
Nathan Parker Yarney
Nathan Parker Yarney was admitted to the Ghana Bar Association in October 1999, marking over 25 years of legal practice.
He currently practices law and mediation at Kobaka Chambers, a firm he established in October 2006. Prior to founding his practice, Nathan worked at Paintsil, Paintsil & Co, and Ama Harding Chambers.
His educational background includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Banking Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College (now Queen Mary University of London), an LL.M (ADR) from the University of Ghana, and an LLB (Hons) degree from the Ghana School of Law, Accra.
David Acheampong Boafo
David Boafo is a Senior Partner at S.K. Boafo and Company, where he has been since 1995. He was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 1994 and enrolled on the Roll of Lawyers in 1995, amassing 25 years of legal experience.
His areas of specialization include commercial practice, civil litigation, land matters, and administration of estates.
David Boafo currently serves as the National Secretary of the Ghana Bar Association and previously held the position of President of the Ashanti Region Branch of the association.
From 2013 to 2016, he was a member of the General Legal Counsel, representing the Ghana Bar Association. Additionally, he served as the Head of the Legal Department of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club.
Francis Koffie
Francis Koffie is a Managing Partner at Koffie & Partners (Law Conclave) Lawyers and a lecturer at the Ghana School of Law. He is also the President of the Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA).
Having earned his law degree from the Ghana School of Law, Francis Koffie has been actively involved in legal practice and education. He also served on the five-member committee established by the government to investigate the fire that engulfed the Kejetia Market in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, in March 2023.
Dr. Poku Adusei is the Head of Legal at the National Communications Authority. With over 21 years of legal experience, he was called to the Ghana Bar Association in 2003.
Previously, Dr. Adusei served as the Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority from September 2017 to March 2019. He has also been a lecturer at the University of Ghana School of Law, teaching subjects such as Intellectual Property Law, Private International Law, Company Law, and Land Law.
Dr. Adusei holds a Ph.D. in Law from McGill University in Canada. He also possesses a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Degree and a Qualified Certificate in Law.
In January 2012, movie producer and director, Dickson Iroegbu released a gay movie titled “Law58” which caused ripples in Nigeria.
The movie told the story of the practice of homosexuality in Nigeria, its consequences on traditional African society and it starred popular actor, Anayo Modestus Onyekwere MFR popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo.
According to reports, Dickson initially contacted Desmond Elliot and Mike Ezuruonye for the film but they rejected the offer.
In the movie, Kanayo O. Kanayo and Mcmaurice Ndubueze play gay lovers. Kanayo gets furious after he catches his lover in bed with another man.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0Hpq8pHUfk
The movie was released a short period Nigerian lawmakers passed a bill against the practice of same sex marriage in Nigeria, putting a 14-year jail term on those caught involved in the act.
Homosexuality has been regarded as un-African and as an abomination. It is generally regarded as an element of Western culture that has been transported into Africa.
The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana and the Transport Operators of Ghana have jointly announced an increase in transport fares, effective Saturday, April 13, 2024, in response to the recent surge in petroleum prices.
In a statement issued on Monday, April 8, 2024, they outlined the following adjustments: a 15% increase for short-distance or intracity transport, a 20% increase for intercity or long-journey transport, a 15% hike for taxi services, and an increment from GHC 10.00 to GHC 15.00 fare for short-distance taxi hire services.
The decision was motivated by the noticeable lack of government intervention in reducing the price of petrol, vehicle spare parts, and lubricants, despite ongoing economic challenges.
“Twenty (20) percent for intercity or long journey transport, 15 percent for taxi transport and an increment from GHC 10.00 to GHC 15.00 fare for short distance taxi hire services.”
“Just as it may have been noted by most Ghanaians the government appears to be indifferent regarding any reduction in the price of petrol as well as those of vehicle spare parts and lubricants. Also, the prevailing economic difficulties and other factors are worsening the living conditions of transport owners and drivers,” they stated.
They, therefore, urged Ghanaians to take note of the increment and cooperate with transport operators.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW
Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana-C-DAG)/Transport Operators of Ghana
April 8, 2024
Joint Press Statement
NOTICE OF TRANSPORT FARE INCREMENT
A recent increment in the price of petrol has necessitated an upward adjustment in transport fares as follows.
1. 15 percent increment for short distance or intracity transport.
2. 20 percent for intercity or long-journey transport
3. 15percent for taxi transport and
4. An increment from GHC 10.00 to GHC 15.00 fare for short-distance taxi hire services.
This increment shall take effect from Saturday, April 13, 2024.
Just as it may have been noted by most Ghanaians government appear to be indifferent regarding any reduction in the price of petrol as well as those of vehicle spare parts and lubricants.
Also, the prevailing economic difficulties and other factors are worsening the living condition of transport owners and drivers.
We are therefore urging all Ghanaians to take note of the increment and cooperate with transport operators. Thank You.
Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, has clarified remarks attributed to him during the #OccupyBoG protest in October last year.
Dr. Addison stated that the term “hooligans” was not used by him but was instead attributed to him by a foreign media house that initially covered the story.
During his appearance before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Parliament on Monday, April 8, 2024, Dr. Ernest Addison clarified that the term “hooliganism” was an interpretation by the media house and not an accurate representation of his words.
“This is what I am coming to say that those who know me and know my character…you have not heard a single word of a recorded message with me describing parliamentarians in that manner. This was some foreign journalist’s description of the conversation we had and I disowned it,” he stated.
The #OccupyBoG demonstration, which took place in October 2023, involved a coalition of minority parliamentarians, NDC supporters, and various interest groups.
They were demanding the resignations of Dr. Addison and his deputies over allegations of economic mismanagement and unauthorized currency printing.
Dr. Addison had responded to the protest by referring to the demonstrators as “hooligans” and stating that neither he nor his deputies would resign.
However, in an interview with the international business website Central Banking, he later characterized the NDC-led protest as “completely unnecessary.”
Two years ago, the Director of Legal at the National Communications Authority (NCA), Dr. Poku Adusei, suggested that members of the Concerned Mobile Network Subscribers use fax, telegrams, gong-gong, and talking drums if they choose not to re-register their SIM cards.
His comment comes after the group announced plans to boycott the ongoing SIM card re-registration exercise and set February 8 for a nationwide protest called ‘No Calls Day’.
The Concerned Mobile Network Subscribers argued that there is no law in Ghana requiring subscribers to re-register their SIM cards and have demanded the withdrawal of the NCA’s directive for re-registration by March 31, 2022.
However, Dr. Adusei countered this claim in a Facebook post, stating that Legislative Instrument 2006, Legislative Instrument 2111, and Executive Instrument 63 mandate the re-registration of SIM cards. He suggested that if the group refuses to comply, they may resort to traditional means of communication.
“We pray they resort to the use of fax, telegram, gong-gong, and talking drum henceforth.”
“Claims that there is no law that requires SIM cards to be registered or re-registered is bogus to say the least. What law was their original SIMs registered under? Or they bought pre-registered SIMs? Even pre-registered SIMs are registered in someone’s name. Re-re…means there existed a law for the initial re-. Too many luminaries and agendapreneurs in this land. Concerned whoever should go and read L.I 2006, L.I. 2111 and E.I. 63 and come again,” he said in a Facebook post.
Dr. Poku Adusei, speaking to Emefa Apawu on Joy FM’s Newsnight, noted that the system used for the re-registration will be improved to accommodate the increasing numbers of subscribers in the future.
“Going forward, the system will be improved and it’s being improved so it is going to deliver the outcome that we want but when lawyers speak in absolute terms as if they know all the laws of this country, I have pointed them to what they didn’t know and they should not talk about people’s stature in society,” he said.
Two years ago, a faction identifying itself as the Concerned Citizens of Okyeman criticized Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for alleged deception during the 2020 general elections.
The group accused Otchere-Darko, a prominent member of the ruling NPP, of manipulating them into demonstrating against former President John Dramani Mahama, only to disregard them following the election victory.
In a Facebook post dated Friday, May 27, 2022, the Okyeman Youth for Development, one of the participating groups in the demonstration, expressed disillusionment with Otchere-Darko’s leadership, asserting that they had been abandoned after serving his interests.
The statement cautioned NPP delegates against blindly following Otchere-Darko’s directives and urged them to prioritize competence and trustworthiness in their decision-making processes.
The 2020 demonstration organized by these groups was sparked by Mr. Mahama’s sharing of an article on Facebook that labeled certain government officials involved in the controversial Agyapa deal as ‘Sakawa-Akyem boys’, inciting outrage among NPP members and other factions during the election campaign.
Protestors gathered in Asamankese, donning red and black attire and brandishing placards condemning what they perceived as tribalism from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and expressing support for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
President Akufo-Addo, addressing the issue during a meeting with the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference in August 2020, condemned the ethnocentric remarks while urging a cessation of such divisive language in politics.
In a statement issued on Monday, April 8, ASEPA’s Executive Director, Mensah Thompson, revealed that ASEPA had received a whistleblower alert from a TOR insider about a meeting between TOR management and the Chinese-owned Sentuo Oil Refinery Ltd. The meeting was allegedly to discuss the sale of the national refinery to Sentuo.
“The meeting we were informed lasted from 10 am to 1 pm at the premises of the TOR after which there was a large celebration at Sentuo Oil Refinery Ltd to celebrate the outcome of the supposed meeting. The said meeting till now has not been reported in the media neither has Tema Oil Refinery issued an official statement on the matter,” it added.
In response, ASEPA has announced its intention to invoke the Right to Information Law to compel both TOR and Sentuo Oil Refinery to disclose the nature of their relationship. ASEPA seeks clarification on whether TOR has been sold to Sentuo, if Sentuo has assumed management of TOR, or if certain aspects of TOR’s operations have been transferred to Sentuo.
“The RTI request would also demand from the management of TOR to disclose to the general public the content of the April 4th meeting between both parties and what the ramifications are for the future of TOR,” it added.
ASEPA emphasized that as a public institution, TOR has a duty of care to the citizens. Therefore, it must ensure the highest level of transparency required under Ghanaian law in all its operations and management.
