Zeepay Ghana Limited has initiated discussions with the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to resolve the temporary suspension of its forex license.
Last week, the Central Bank took this action, citing Zeepay’s failure to use the average interbank exchange rate published by the Ghana Association of Banks and the Bank of Ghana for converting settlement funds into the local currency.
Zeepay faced a fine for breaching sections 3(1) and 15(3) of the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723). However, in an official statement, Zeepay confirmed that ongoing talks are in progress to address and rectify the situation.
The company reassured the public of its commitment to strict compliance with all regulatory guidelines and clarified that its general operational license remains unaffected, ensuring its continued business operations.
“With Reference to the recent Bank of Ghana Notice (Notice No. BG/GOV/SEC/2023/20) dated November 20, 2023, and titled “Fine and Suspension of Forex Licence of Zeepay Ghana Limited”, we write to inform the general public that we are currently in discussions with the Bank of Ghana to resolve the issues raised in the Notice. However, please note that our general operating licence was not expressly impacted by the Bank’s recent decision. We will ensure strict compliance with all regulations and guidelines”, Zeepay said in its statement.
The sanction according to the Bank of Ghana should serve as a strong warning to all participants in the forex market including banks, forex bureaus, forex brokers, Dedicated Electronic Money Issuers (DEMIs), Enhanced Payment Service Providers (EPSPs) and Money Transfer Operators (MTOs) and that they should “adhere strictly to the applicable forex market regulations and guidelines.”
Today, December 1, the 39th National Farmers’ Day celebration is set to unfold at the University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa, Western Region.
The calendar event is meant to celebrate farmers for their invaluable contribution to the development of the country. The theme of the celebration is Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience”.
The pinnacle of the event will be an extravagant dinner, graced by both celebrants and awardees, with President Akufo-Addo serving as the esteemed Guest of Honour.
Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Agriculture, Tanko Bagbara, underscored the ongoing initiatives to make agriculture more enticing for the youth.
He emphasized the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to advancing mechanized agriculture, assuring that substantial resources stand poised for deployment to fortify and uplift the agricultural sector.
“This year’s agriculture will be made dignified, corporate, and attractive for the youth. The ministry is looking at a mechanized form of agriculture with efficiency. An era of Smart farming is the way forward. We are looking for smart solutions effectively and efficiently; to reduce the drudgery that our great-grandfathers deployed. It may be a reason the youth never want to get involved! Planting for Food and Jobs Phase II is the clear path, and yes. All can be involved in hiring labourers,” he told Citi FM in an interview.
“Mechanisation and smart farming are the way forward. The Ministry of Agric is ready to deploy enough resources; agriculture will be made easy for the youth,” he stated.
Additionally, Mr. Bagbara emphasized that comprehensive long-term plans are underway for Ghana to achieve self-sufficiency in fertilizer production, signaling an end to the reliance on imports.
He provided reassurance that the locally produced fertilizer would not only be affordable but also readily accessible for Ghanaian farmers.
A 25-year-old man has been hospitalized after his genitals were severed in a gruesome attack during a violent altercation over a woman.
The incident in Ogongora Village, Amuria District, Uganda, which left Martin Onyait severely injured in his nether regions, has shocked the community.
According to the Monitor, the alleged assailant, Paul Onyala, attacked Onyait on Tuesday evening in a brawl over one Angela Apila’s affections.
According to local leader Julius Otim, Onyait was found naked and unconscious in a pool of blood before being rushed to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital.
At least seven doctors are currently attending to Onyait at the hospital, treating his severe wounds, which include those on his face and neck.
Otim, who was informed about the event by Yuventino Opio, Onyait’s father, acknowledged the seriousness of the wounds received.
Mary Abuko, Onyait’s wife, asserted that she was unaware of her husband’s involvement in any adultery. She claimed that her husband had spent the entire day at home and had only left when his father gave him a call.
Abuko also claimed that Paul Onyala, the suspect, had taken off with Shs500,000 and her husband’s clothing.
Dr. Ben Watmon, the director of the Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, said he would address the situation once he had a thorough report on the victim’s medical status.
When asked for a brief on the case, East Kyoga regional police spokesperson John Tukei stated that he had not yet received information about the incident.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban S. K. Bagbin has urged the Ministry of Education to reconsider its decision to allow Senior High School (SHS) first-year students to report on Monday, December 4, 2023.
He proposes that the reopening date be moved to the first week of January to allow for adequate preparation on the part of both parents and teachers.
The Speaker has invited Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, to appear before the House on Monday, December 4 to brief the House on the reopening date and other matters.
The action comes after Ranking Member on Education and Member of Parliament (MP) for Akatsi North Peter Kwasi Nortsu-Kotoe made a statement regarding the apparent rush to permit the students to return to school on Monday.
The minority-party MPs voiced their concerns about the difficulties parents would face in preparing their kids for school on Monday between Thursday and Sunday.
According to the MPs, it is inexplicable that students had to rush to report on Monday and that school placement was only announced two days ago.
According to the MPs, constituents have called for support and even for changes to be made to their placement.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the MP for North Tongu, made it clear that he had received calls from teachers who were tired and requesting time off.
A Cassava Factory located at Asante Akim in the Eastern Region, as part of government’s One District One Factory (1D1F) has been abandoned and now serves as the habitat for some animals.
In a video shared by one X user, @KyeiMeshack, a resident who appears keenly interested in the programme took his viewers on a tour of the factory.
He noted that the factory which can be compared to a “Chamber and Hall” residence is currently being occupied by rats and other rodents.
The Asante Akim Cassava Factory under 1D1F is now a host for rats and rodents!
The TikToker described the structure as Chamber and Hall Self Contained and argued argued the Factory cannot host the cassava Produce of a single farming community and doubts whether it cannot employ… pic.twitter.com/crPbxnFj55
The One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative is the vision of His Excellency the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to change the nature of Ghana’s economy from one which is dependent on import and export of raw material to one which is focused on manufacturing, value addition and export of processed goods.
These raw materials are largely found in the districts which would have otherwise gone waste.
The initiative as proposed by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is private sector led. Government creates the necessary conducive environment for the businesses to access funding from financial institutions and other support services from Government agencies to establish factories. Ghanaian entrepreneurs will thus own the companies, operate them and bear all the risks and rewards of the projects.
Reports surfacing indicate that the programme has not been successful as government would have wanted. Government promised to provide all districts in the country a factory, but that has not been realised.
Already, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) believes the programme has been flawed as government has failed to secure the necessary funding and partnerships to see to its implementation.
The reopening date for new Senior High School students is still December 4, 2023, according to the Ministry of Education.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) published the 2023–2024 academic calendar, which includes the date for both single-track and double-track students.
The brief time students have to get ready before arriving to school has raised concerns.
However, the academic calendar was made public some weeks ago, according to Kwasi Kwarteng, a spokesman for the Ministry of Education, to enable parents make plans in advance.
“Resumption date for students within the SHS space remains Monday, December 4, 2023. The expectation is that students report on the first day. But let me also hasten to add that, the first-year students who are unable to report on the first day will not automatically lose their slots. Students can report the following day or even the following week, as we have always witnessed. If you look at the academic calendar, it had already been within the public space for some time now and the expectation was that parents, guardians, and even students prepared ahead of time,” he added.
On Friday, Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, encouraged the Ministry of Education to reevaluate the schedule and move it to the first week of January 2024.
Following concerns expressed by the Minority caucus over the short period for students to make preparations in reporting to school, the Speaker of Parliament said: “The house calls on and urges the Minister of Education to reconsider the directive by the Ministry of Education to students and authorities, including teaching and non-teaching staff, to resume academic work on Monday, December 4, 2023.”
“The house proposes for the consideration of the Ministry of Education the first week of January 2023 for the resumption of academic work in these schools. The Minister of Education is directed thereafter to report to brief the house on Monday, December 4.”
The Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP), according to the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), ought to have followed all legal avenues before going to the court of public opinion if it didn’t agree with specific court decisions.
The GBA’s Public Relations Officer, Saviour Kudze, claims that the law permits anyone who disagrees with a decision to file an appeal or request a reconsideration.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Newsnight, he clarified that Kissi Agybeng, the Special Prosecutor, ought to have followed the law because of her background in law.
“Well, the position we [GBA] have is that his approach is not the most appropriate. He is a seasoned lawyer, he has gone to court and the court of first instance had delivered decision not in his favour.
“I would have expected him to exhaust the legal process maybe by filing an appeal against the decision of the court of first instance even up to the Supreme Court and even invoke the review jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.”
Mr. Kudze cited a case involving Dr. Stephen Opuni in which the Attorney General filed a case in the Court of Appeal after Justice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah, a High Court judge, declared that it would be unjust for him to take up a proceeding that was “saddled” with multiple allegations. As a result, the court decided to begin anew and would no longer rely on records gathered since 2017.
In light of this, he argued the OSP ought to have waited to call a press conference until after all legal options had been exhausted.
He continued “Now the OSP may have powers but in enforcing those powers he must also observe procedures. For instance, if you are an employee of an organization and the organization has a handbook or manual that details step-by-step procedures to be observed before dismissing a staff and there is evidence that the staff has misconducted himself and yet they did not follow the procedure before dismissing him, when that dismissal gets to court- the case will go against the organization. So I think that he should have exhausted the legal process before coming out.
“Even if the allegation is that judges have ganged up against his office, once he has evidence, he could have had a process to lead this evidence in the superior court for the court to determine.”
As parliamentary proceedings resumed on Thursday, November 30, 2023, for another attempt to conclude the vote on approving the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, only four legislators from the Majority side were present in the House.
Among them were key figures in the majority leadership, including Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensa-Bonsu, Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin, Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh Dompreh, and Deputy Chief Whip Habib Iddrisu.
The Minority on the other hand, had a substantial number of representatives.
The House was scheduled to approve or reject the budget statement yesterday. Speaker Alban Bagbin held a voice vote, which caused tension between the two sides in the House.
Per the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s remarks on the floor of Parliament, the “Yes” had it on the approval of the budget.
“You are saying that you said you think the” yes” have it and left it at that. Which you normally do. But you went further to indicate firmly that the “yes” have it. “
But the Speaker noted that he expressed his opinion about the “yes” likely having it.
“Honourable members, I did not proceed to say the ‘yes’ have it,” the Speaker said.
The Deputy Minority Leader then challenged the Speaker’s opinion and called for a headcount. The Speaker then called for a headcount vote.
Following the Speaker’s comment, there was disarray in Parliament after a Minority MP called for the removal of John Kumah, Ken Agyapong, and two others, as they were not present at the time the motion for a headcount vote was posed.
The Majority MPs continued to express dissatisfaction, and an agitated Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, announced the withdrawal of the Majority MPs from the chamber.
“We are leaving the chamber for them. Now, do the head count and see if you have the numbers to overturn Mr. Speaker’s ruling,” he said before the NPP MPs left the chamber.
Due to the lack of consensus on the matter, Speaker Alban Bagbin has indicated that the approval or otherwise of the 2024 economic and budget statement will be determined next week.
It is reported that National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama, is considering picking Mr. Kojo Bonsu as his running mate for the forthcoming national general elections scheduled for next year.
According to a well-placed report at the party’s head office, his selection has received massive endorsement from the party’s leadership.
The leadership believes his rich experience as the former Mayor of Kumasi, Ghana’s second-biggest city, is a plus for the party, where it has proven a stronghold for the opposition NPP.
A party faithful who spoke on anonymity condition, per reports, said “This is good for us, the pair is perfect. During his tenure as Kumasi Mayor, he discharged his duty with utter professionalism. He scored full marks, and his legacy is there for all of us to see. The forthcoming elections will be keenly contested, and we need someone like Kojo to ensure we recapture the seat for our great party.”
During his tenure as the National Sports Authority (NSA) boss under the Professor Atta-Mills regime, Kojo Bonsu succeeded in bringing about significant changes in the sports fraternity.
His rich managerial expertise was evident in the day-to-day running of GOIL, where he served as the board chairman. As a Board Member and Managing Director of GOIL, he played a crucial role in the company’s re-branding, transforming it into the largest Oil Marketing Company (OMC) in Ghana. Kojo Bonsu’s business acumen and influence have been instrumental in GOIL’s success.
He is also remembered for his contributions to the football community, particularly for ensuring that kits for teams in the country met high-quality standards during his tenure as the Adidas representative for West Africa.
A policeman with the National Visibility Unit, identified as Constable Ernest Agyemang Darko, has been arrested for engaging in mobile money fraud.
According to the police situational report, Constable Ernest Agyemang Darko, on November 29, 2023, walked into the Kasoa Branch of MTN Ghana to make some transactions.
He ordered payments to the tune of GH¢14,460 but could not provide the corresponding amount after the transactions were made.
Constable Ernest Agyemang Darko was led to the CBG Bank where he claimed to save, but the bank was closed.
The agent then called on police in the area to arrest him, and upon his arrest, Constable Ernest Agyemang Darko confessed in his caution statement that he neither had any money on him nor did he have money in his account at the bank.
However, he took the bold step to order the transactions to be made after he could not stand the pressure from people he owed money he had lost to betting.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has revealed that management will consider revising the reopening date for first-year students in the Senior High Schools (SHS).
According to the Public Relations Officer of the GES, Cassandra Twum Ampofo, her outfit had taken note of the concerns of Pre-Tertiary Teacher Unions regarding the limited time parents had for preparations.
The concerns follow the release of the Computerized Schools Selection Process on November 28, with SHS students expected to start classes on December 4.
Reacting to the concern in an interview with the media, Cassandra Twum Ampofo explained that her outfit had long published the academic calendar for second-cycle institutions. Hence, they assumed parents were prepared. Nevertheless, they would take a second look at what can be done to address the situation.
“Before the release of placement, we had already published the academic calendar so the first December for first years was already cast and so as a parent, if you knew that your child would be going to the boarding house at least you are working within that time frame. We were only waiting for the school placement to be out but in terms of preparation, we knew that they had started.
“But again once they have given us this feedback, management will look at it and whatever comes out of it will be communicated to the public,” she said.
Additionally, the Executive Director at the Institute of Education Studies, Dr. Peter Anti-Partey, urges the GES to postpone the reopening to early next year for parents to adequately prepare.
“Adjust it in such a way that everybody will be a little bit okay. I don’t know how they are going to do this because you cannot move it to the following week. If you move it to the following week, it means the students are about to spend about one week on campus. It does not help because some of them will be traveling so you go to school for one week and you come back home for Christmas. It does not help.
“So, I think that maybe the best option will be either to maintain this or move the reopening of the first years to early next year so that everybody would be prepared for that,” he said.
Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has encouraged the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, not to be disheartened by the challenges he has faced in carrying out his duties.
Mr Kpebu acknowledged the frustrations apparent in the difficulties encountered by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in various legal rulings related to its prosecutions.
Speaking in an interview with Citi FM on Wednesday, November 29, Kpebu called on Ghanaians to rally behind the Special Prosecutor, providing the necessary support to prevent him from considering resignation.
Mr Kpebu expressed his reluctance to entertain the idea of resignation, citing the previous resignation of Mr Martin Amidu, the former Special Prosecutor, as an event he finds difficult to forget.
He urged Mr Agyebeng not to follow suit and applauded him for the strides made in the fight against corruption, highlighting that even in instances of legal setbacks, Mr Agyebeng has achieved success in the court of public opinion by exposing and condemning corrupt practices.
“No, we can’t think about a resignation. That is one thing I still find difficult to forgive Mr Martin Amidu, former, Special Prosecutor. He brought a huge stature to the office and that alone was good. When he resigned it was an anti-climax, but I still find it difficult to let go. I don’t think Mr Kissi Agyebeng should do that,” Kpebu said.
“I think overall, he made progress, see how he has named and shamed people. Even if he loses in court, he shouldn’t forget that in the court of public opinion, we have finished the cases.”
On Wednesday, November 29, the Special Prosecutor addressed journalists, expressing serious apprehensions about the growing pattern of dismissive rulings in corruption cases. He cautioned that such a trend could have severe consequences for the country’s anti-corruption endeavours.
Mr. Agyebeng pointed to four specific cases that illustrate this worrisome trend. Among them was the acquittal of Cecilia Dapaah, a former government official, in a corruption case.
Additionally, he highlighted the court’s refusal to issue an order freezing the estate of former NPP General Secretary, Kojo Owusu Afriyie, despite mounting corruption allegations against his estate.
The Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has refuted allegations made by the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu-Nketia.
The press aide to the minister, Kofi Afena Abrefa, released a statement on Thursday, November 30, rejecting Mr Asiedu-Nketia’s claim that Dr Opoku Prempeh obstructed the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Sunyani, from establishing a medical school during his tenure as Education Minister.
Dr Opoku Prempeh denied the accusation, emphasizing that decisions regarding such matters fall under the purview of the Ghana National Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the National Accreditation Board, not the Education Ministry or the sector minister.
He urged Ghanaians to disregard what he termed “political mischief” by Mr Asiedu-Nketia.
“Energy Minister and former Minister for Education, Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh popularly known as NAPO has become aware of statements attributed to the National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a Ghana Web publication of 30th November 2023, to the effect he as Education Minister, blocked the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Sunyani from obtaining a medical school.”
“Whilst this statement exposes the NDC National Chairman as not well-informed on matters about the subject matter of tertiary education in Ghana, it is important to refute same,” an excerpt of the statement said.
Speaker Alban Bagbin has indicated that the approval or otherwise of the 2024 economic and budget statement will be determined next week.
Parliament was expected to vote on the 2024 budget today, as the order paper of Parliament suggested that a headcount for the approval of the 2024 budget would be conducted.
In Parliament today, the majority of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament were absent. The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, was however present in the chamber.
On Wednesday, the Members of Parliament on the Majority side staged a walkout as the House voted on the 2024 economic and budget statement presented by Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.
The House was scheduled to approve or reject the budget statement. Speaker Alban Bagbin held a voice vote, which caused tension between the two sides in the House.
Per the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s remarks on the floor of Parliament, the “Yes” had it on the approval of the budget.
“You are saying that you said you think the” yes” have it and left it at that. Which you normally do. But you went further to indicate firmly that the “yes” have it. “
But the Speaker noted that he expressed his opinion about the “yes” likely having it.
“Honourable members, I did not proceed to say the ‘yes’ have it,” the Speaker said.
The Deputy Minority Leader then challenged the Speaker’s opinion and called for a headcount. The Speaker then called for a headcount vote.
Following the Speaker’s comment, there was disarray in Parliament after a Minority MP called for the removal of John Kumah, Ken Agyapong, and two others, as they were not present at the time the motion for a headcount vote was posed.
The Majority MPs continued to express dissatisfaction, and an agitated Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, announced the withdrawal of the Majority MPs from the chamber.
“We are leaving the chamber for them. Now, do the head count and see if you have the numbers to over turn Mr Speaker’s ruling,” he said before the NPP MPs left the chamber.
In response to Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng’s recent criticism of the judiciary’s attitude toward his office, former Auditor-General Daniel Yao Domelevo expressed concerns that such allegations don’t positively reflect on the judiciary’s image.
Mr Agyebeng, during a press conference on November 29, accused the judiciary of hastily dismissing his office’s cases, describing the trend as troubling and detrimental to the fight against corruption.
Mr Domelevo emphasized that the use of technicalities in court to frustrate anti-graft cases raises questions about the judiciary’s reputation.
“In my considered opinion, it doesn’t reflect positively on the image of the judiciary because some of us are not lawyers so they can pardon us. As the Office of the President used to say, we think when you go to court you must be looking for justice not just a technicalities.
“So when the law is becoming too technical or so – in the words of the National Security Minister, interpreted in one way such that others can think that no, the judiciary is always for one side of the coin I don’t think it augurs very well for them,” he said.
Moreover, Mr Domelevo stressed the importance of the judiciary safeguarding public confidence in their ability to deliver justice.
“I am not saying that they’re wrong every time they take their decisions, but like Honourable Kan Dapaah said the decisions must be such that we can say ‘oh, this one we agree’ and if we normally agree with them and there are some that we don’t agree with we can give them the benefit of the doubt that maybe it is professional, it is technical, we didn’t understand it.
“But when it is a common sense issue and even we think it doesn’t pass the test of common sense then we wonder how a professional will see it in the future. It affects the fight against corruption seriously because mind you, like I said earlier on, once you start fighting corruption, corruption will fight you.
“And the ultimate place that you go when you’re fighting corruption is the court and if you’re not sure the court is going to do the right thing or support what is right then it becomes a problem,” he said.
Domelevo encouraged the Special Prosecutor to persevere in the fight against corruption despite facing numerous challenges.
Former Auditor-General, Daniel Yao Domelevo, has encouraged Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng to stay steadfast in his anti-corruption endeavors.
This comes in response to comments made by Mr Agyebeng during a recent press conference, where he criticized the judiciary for what he perceived as a lack of regard for his office’s authority in swiftly dismissing its cases.
Mr Agyebeng cautioned that Ghana could jeopardize its fight against corruption if the Special Prosecutor’s office doesn’t achieve its objectives.
“As I said, I wasn’t sounding like a prophet of doom but there is doom looming ahead of us, that very soon a murderer will boldly walk to go to seek an injunction. Should I feel frustrated and resign? I took an oath and in my life when I take on the reins to do something, I do it to the best of my ability,’ he stressed.
In an interview with Joy FM, Daniel Yao Domelevo recommended that the Office of the Special Prosecutor collaborate more extensively with various entities, including civil society organizations, in the battle against corruption.
He emphasized that seeking assistance or working in collaboration with others would not impede the effectiveness of the Special Prosecutor’s work.
“Bring the civil society people on board, form partnerships. People think that when you link up or collaborate with other people, it means you are no more independent. I disagree. I don’t think that is the meaning of independence. You can still collaborate with people and do your work as expected of you,” he added.
Mr Daniel Yao Domelevo further encouraged the Special Prosecutor not to resign or abandon the fight against corruption, emphasizing that justice tends to prevail.
“As for resignation or giving up, I will urge him that he should not do that. He should continue fighting. At the end of the day, right will prevail against wrong.”
Over a hundred HIV-positive cases have been recorded since the distribution of self-testing kits in July 2023, according to Programme Manager of the National Aids Control Programme (NACP), Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo.
He noted that the patronage of self-testing kits had been massive, with more than a hundred to two hundred thousand people using the test.
The self-tests have identified a significant number of positive cases, allowing for early detection and intervention in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“We are now collating data from our constituencies….we have picked not less than hundred positive cases, who would have been missed if the self-test kits were not available,” he added.
He noted that the initiative aimed to increase HIV testing, encourage people to know their status, and address the challenge of delayed treatment.
The self-testing initiative supports Ghana’s goal to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target by the end of 2025, which calls for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, 95% of diagnosed individuals to receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on therapy to achieve viral suppression.
At the National Launch of the HIV Self-Testing in Accra, Mr Kwaku Agyeman Manu, the Health Minister, said the availability of the kit was an effort in the quest to create a healthier nation, while bridging the gap in testing coverage among hard-to-reach populations.
He said: “The initiative is receiving massive response and we are happy because it is achieving two things, bringing people into care who otherwise will not have come to the facility for testing as well as linking people to HIV care services for (pre-exposure prophylaxis).
The Programme Manager expressed concern that approximately 80% of individuals who accepted self-testing had never undergone testing before, emphasizing the need for increased advocacy to achieve the first 95 in the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target. The self-testing initiative is part of efforts to create a healthier nation, enhance testing coverage, and address delayed treatment for individuals living with HIV.
The Programme Manager expressed concern that approximately 80% of individuals who accepted self-testing had never undergone testing before, emphasizing the need for increased advocacy to achieve the first 95 in the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target. The self-testing initiative is part of efforts to create a healthier nation, enhance testing coverage, and address delayed treatment for individuals living with HIV.
The Programme Manager advised the public to avoid stigma and to support individuals living with HIV, encouraging them to seek treatment openly. He also urged everyone to take advantage of the currently free initiative to know their HIV status for immediate care and support.
“At this day and age no one should die from HIV because there is treatment, let us all create an enabling environment to support one another,” Dr Ayisi Addo said.
The High Court in Accra has rejected an application for a default judgment filed by National Security Minister Kan Dapaah against Fix the Country convener Oliver Barker-Vormawor.
The defamation suit was based on Barker-Vormawor’s comments alleging that the minister attempted to bribe him to stop his activism.
Mr Kan Dapaah’s lawyers sought a judgment in their favor due to the defendant’s failure to file a defense. The NPP politician sought damages to the tune of GHS10 million and an apology from Olive Barker Vormawor for the alleged defamatory statements.
However, the court instructed the withdrawal of the application, giving Barker-Vormawor two weeks to file his statement of defense.
The founder and leader of the All People’s Congress (APC) asserted that his party, not the National Democratic Congress (NDC), originated the 24-hour economy policy.
Dr. Hassan Ayariga clarified that the policy proposal was included in the APC’s 2020 manifesto, suggesting a three-shift system for companies, businesses, and workers to operate for eight hours each day.
“Sadly, former President Mahama and the NDC are struggling to explain while Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are struggling to understand the 24- hour economy policy because it is not theirs.”
Dr. Ayariga clarified the 24-hour economy and production policy (3-shift system) during a press conference in Accra. This policy has sparked debates among political parties and political scientists.
Former President John Mahama, during a recent campaign tour, mentioned the NDC’s plan to invest in a 24-hour economy for the struggling Ghanaian economy.
Dr. Ayariga explained that the 24-hour production policy involved a three-shift system, with every Ghanaian working eight hours daily.
The shifts would operate from 6 am to 2 pm, 2 pm to 10 pm, and 10 pm to 6 am, creating a 24-hour cycle.
The policy aims to increase productivity, create jobs, and have a vibrant economy day and night. It also offers benefits such as quicker job execution, reduced traffic, and less crime due to employment creation.
Mohammed Maazu Gariba, a third-year student at Saviour Senior High School-Oseim, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison by the Koforidua Circuit Court for stealing electrical wires valued at GH¢59,000.
Gariba, an ex-convict, was apprehended on November 19, 2023, at Akyem Anyinasin after targeting a newly constructed two-story building.
His method involved removing all the electrical wires and burning them to extract the copper. Despite his attempt to conceal the stolen wires in a nearby bush, vigilant individuals caught him, leading to his arrest.
This case is particularly grave as Gariba had a previous conviction for cable theft in 2020, resulting in a 23-month sentence from the Akyem Tafo Magistrate Court.
Due to his recurrent involvement in such criminal activities, the Koforidua Circuit Court imposed a heightened sentence of 14 years on the young student.
Parliament is set to conduct a headcount for the approval of the 2024 budget on November 30, 2023.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, had declared a voice vote in favor of the majority after the budget debate on November 29.
However, the minority challenged the ruling and called for a headcount, leading to a majority walkout. The headcount is expected to take place despite the earlier suspension of sittings.
The Minority has affirmed its intention to oppose the budget approval.
Despite the suspension of sittings, indications on the order paper of Parliament suggest that a headcount for the approval of the 2024 budget will be conducted on the same day. Ernest Norgbey, the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, affirmed the Minority’s decision to once again oppose the approval.
“Well, the same story, we will still kick against the budget. We are ready and poised for the headcount. We are optimistic that all our members will be present today, and we will reject the budget. We are all here but, none of them is available as we speak now.
“There are so many anomalies in the budget, so many taxes we want the government to take away to reduce the burden and sufferings of Ghanaians. Even some of the members of the majority are not in agreement with some of the taxes. We have decided to kick against the budget so that they go and correct the anomalies.” he said.
The Majority of Members of Parliament staged a walkout when Parliament was about to approve the 2024 budget statement.#TV3NewDaypic.twitter.com/8F3Nb9PwTt
The disqualified National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary aspirant in the Odododiodioo constituency, Michael Nii Yarboi Annan, has expressed dissatisfaction with the Functional Executive Committee’s (FEC) decision to disqualify him from participating in the NDC Odododiodioo parliamentary primary.
The FEC, in a statement, stated that he was disqualified based on a report from the Special Committee investigating the violence during the October 13, 2023, parliamentary aspirants’ vetting in the Odododiodioo Constituency.
In response to the decision, Mr. Annan contested its accuracy and indicated that he would seek redress.
“I am a solid person and I don’t take things to heart. I believe that there are laid down procedures that we can use and other avenues that we can use to seek redress if we are unhappy.”
“Clearly, I am unhappy, and I believe that the decision is wrong. And therefore I have also directed my lawyers to work towards that,” he said.
Mr. Yarboi, in a previous statement, also condemned the attack on the party headquarters by some of his aggrieved supporters on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, November 28, a large number of customers from the defunct Gold Coast Securities gathered at the Ministry of Finance premises to demand the release of their frozen funds.
Wearing red attire, approximately 100 aggrieved customers held placards with various messages, including “more than 800 pensioners are dead due to locked-up funds,” “release our money,” “pay us our money,” “our health is deteriorating,” and “act now, Finance Minister.”
Expressing their frustration over the prolonged delay in fund disbursement, the customers stated that they would stage a 32-hour picket at the ministry to draw attention to their plight.
On Wednesday, FixTheCountry convenor, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, shared photos of the customers passing the night sleeping on chairs and, later, mattresses which were provided by the group.
“Yesterday, our fellow citizens who were picketing at the Ministry of Finance over their locked-up Gold Coast securities investments spent the night at the ministry.
“We were so heartbroken by how they are being treated that FixTheCountry took it on to bring them mattresses; and some tea.”
He noted that on Wednesday morning, the customers were provided breakfast.
To have their concerns addressed, Mr Barker-Vormawor, has entreated all and sundry “to join them, tweet, and draw attention to what is happening to them. Their picket continues.”
Yesterday, our fellow citizens who were picketing at the Ministry of Finance over their locked up Gold Coast securities investments spent the night at the ministry.
We were so heartbroken by how they are being treated that FixTheCountry took it on to bring them mattresses; and… pic.twitter.com/BAk6mWpYmc
On Tuesday, November 28, scores of customers of the defunct Gold Coast Securities besieged the premises of the Ministry of Finance to demand payment of their locked-up funds.
Clad in red attire, the aggrieved customers who numbered about 100, held placards with various inscriptions, including “more than 800 pensioners are dead due to locked-up funds,” “release our money,” “pay us our money,” “our health is deteriorating,” and “act now, Finance Minister.”
According to them, they are embarking on a 32-hour picketing at the ministry to express their frustration regarding the undue delay in the payments of their funds.
On Wednesday, FixTheCountry convenor, Oliver Barker Vormawor, shared photos of the customers passing the night sleeping on chairs and, later, mattresses which were provided by the group.
“Yesterday, our fellow citizens who were picketing at the Ministry of Finance over their locked-up Gold Coast securities investments spent the night at the ministry.
“We were so heartbroken by how they are being treated that FixTheCountry took it on to bring them mattresses; and some tea.”
He noted that on Wednesday morning, the customers were provided breakfast.
To have their concerns addressed, Mr Barker-Vormawor, entreated all and sundry “to join them, tweet, and draw attention to what is happening to them. Their picket continues.”
Yesterday, our fellow citizens who were picketing at the Ministry of Finance over their locked up Gold Coast securities investments spent the night at the ministry.
We were so heartbroken by how they are being treated that FixTheCountry took it on to bring them mattresses; and… pic.twitter.com/BAk6mWpYmc
Chief Executive Officer of Alafei Food, Claude Convinver Davit, has accused the Municipal Chief Executive for Yendi, Alhaji Hammed Abubakar Yussif, of masterminding his kidnapping after he levelled corruption allegations against a Minister of State.
The American doing business in Ghana noted that he was kidnapped in March of this year when he was invited to the office of Alhaji Hammed Abubakar Yussif.
Upon arrival, Claude Convinver Davit stated that Alhaji Hammed Abubakar Yussif directed officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) to whish him away and question him on the corruption allegations levelled against a minister.
Recounting the shocking incident in an interview on Talk Time with Kwesi Pratt; Mr Davit said, “He called me into his office to show up and he had about 8 officials of the Immigration Service, the Bureau of National Investigation there and he addressed them, as soon as I sat down, he addressed the Immigration Director in Yendi and said this fellow has been accusing the Minister of Gender of some form of corruption. Take him away and have him interrogated.”
He continued, “At that point, a bigger man than me came behind me, lifted me up by my pants out of the chair I was sitted in. He carried me to the door of his office and I knew I had no choice but to go with the Immigration Service. I had my papers in order so they turned me to the BNI in Yendi and they interviewed me and showed me some videos of an interview I had given on television where I was raising questions about whether President Bawumia was also involved.”
According to the CEO, the BNI then had to release him because “I had not committed any crimes.”
A concerned Claude noted that for seven months, he has been fighting a criminal charge at the Yendi Court for disconnecting a pipe.
Claude Convincer Davit has also accused Member of Parliament for Bantama and former Deputy Chief of Staff, Francis Asenso-Boakye, of bribery allegations.
In a video making the rounds on many social media and mainstream media platforms, Convincer Davit is heard alleging an encounter with the MP in 2017 during which he was impressed upon to part with money in order to be introduced to President Akufo-Addo.
In a statement issued by his media assistant, however, Asenso-Boakye denies the allegation and said he has never met his accuser.
“We wish to state categorically that the allegation is false and evil. Hon Asenso-Boakye does not know the gentleman in question. He has never met him nor had any interaction whatsoever with him.
“It may be recalled that this is not the first time this allegation has been made against the MP by the same person. It became obvious then that there was no iota of truth in the allegation. It gives cause to wonder why the gentleman will repeat the same allegation at this time if not for evil and malicious intentions.
“It bears saying that the repetition of a false allegation does not make it true. It was false then, and it is false today. It is obvious that this is a spurious allegation which has resurfaced as a result of the propaganda machinations of the MP’s political opponents and detractors who wish to court unnecessary public disaffection for him in order to score cheap political points.
“Should the Ghana Police and/or the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) find any weight in the allegation, we strongly suggest then that they invite Mr. Davit to provide further and better particulars.
“By this statement, a notice is hereby served on Mr. Davit to desist from further repeating the allegation anywhere. The MP shall, under legal advisement, take appropriate remedial action should he repeat this false allegation against him.”
The said investor in this video had to go through horror after he spoke out on the curruption in the NPP Government, He was Kidnapped, harassed, sued and abused for speaking up. That's an investor how about a mere Ghanaian?? It's Sad https://t.co/M3xs95G8LZpic.twitter.com/3FPsIxFEoh
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Health has issued a warning to the public against using the government-distributed insecticide-treated nets (mosquito nets) for purposes other than their intended use, such as fishing, garden fencing, and covering refuse.
The Committee emphasized that these nets are specifically designed to prevent malaria by warding off mosquitoes.
Dr. Patrick Boakye-Yiadom, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Obuasi East and Vice Chair of the Committee, cautioned that such inappropriate use exposes communities and households to mosquitoes, undermining the country’s efforts in the fight against malaria.
The warning was conveyed during a working visit to selected schools in the Central Region, where the Committee monitored the ongoing distribution of insecticide-treated nets targeting pupils from class two to six.
The net distribution is a key initiative of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), aimed at eradicating malaria in Ghana.
Dr. Boakye-Yiadom, along with other officials, emphasized the importance of using the nets appropriately to serve their purpose and encouraged pupils to consistently sleep under the nets to collectively prevent malaria and ensure the continuity of their education.
The Committee, in collaboration with the GHS and the Ghana Education Service (GES), expressed its commitment to closely monitor public activities to ensure the proper use of the nets. Dr. Boakye-Yiadom highlighted that malaria remains a significant burden on the economy and education, emphasizing the need to strengthen efforts to eliminate it.
Despite significant progress in reducing malaria’s burden in Ghana, the Committee stressed the importance of continuous efforts and support for the National Malaria Elimination Programme.
Dr. Paul Boateng from NMEP noted that the distribution of nets has significantly contributed to the reduction of malaria and associated mortalities over the years. Last year’s malaria rate was around 8.6%, compared to approximately 14% four years ago, showcasing the positive impact of various interventions and efforts by GHS and NMEP.
“Last year, Ghana recorded a little over five million confirmed cases of malaria and 151 malaria-related deaths, but that has been an improvement on the situation over the years,” he said.
Dr Boateng said that starting next year, they would intensify actions towards eliminating malaria from Ghana by 2028 and that they should be able to eliminate malaria in at least 21 districts, mainly in the Greater Accra Region.
Some X users have reacted to the incident. While some questioned why one would decide to be gay, others could not comprehend why the group demanded to know the mobile money details of the victim in question.
The assault on alleged gays in Ghana is a new phenomenon in Ghana. It is believed that such incidents have heightened as the country seeks to pass into law the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill, drafted in August 2021, which seeks to criminalise the activities and promotion of the LGBTQ community.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Catholic Bishops has warned against the abuse of members of the LGBTQ community.
“The intrinsic dignity of each person must always be respected in word, in action and in law. Homosexuals must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. According to Pope Francis, the homosexual person needs to be “respected in his or her dignity and treated with consideration, and ‘every sign of unjust discrimination’ is to be carefully avoided, particularly any form of aggression or violence” (Amoris Laetitia 250). Families with LGBT members need “respectful pastoral guidance” from the church and its pastors so that gays and lesbians can fully carry out God’s will in their lives (Amoris Laetitia 250)” the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ letter to Parliament read.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops is however in support of the passing of the bill into law.
Starting from December 1, 2023, Mobile Money (MoMo) agents across Ghana will implement a temporary measure, limiting cash withdrawals to a maximum of GH¢1,000 per transaction.
This decision aims to secure fair compensation for their services and was jointly announced by four MoMo Associations: the Northern MoMo Agents Association of Ghana (NOMAAG), the Mobile Money Advocacy Group (MOMAG), the Mobile Money Agents Association Ghana (MMAAG), and the ABAG.
“Our goal is to ensure fair compensation for the dedicated agents. During this period, we will continue to actively engage with service providers to address the commission review concerns raised,” a part of the statement read.
The unions threatened to take further actions should there be no favourable adjustment within a month.
“We urge you to join us in mobilizing support for fair compensation to Mobile Money Agents. Your cooperation and solidarity are pivotal in ensuring the sustainability of MobileMoney services in Ghana,” the statement concluded.
This legislative instrument aims to control the importation of 22 specific strategic products, including sugar, rice, poultry, and tripe.
On Tuesday, Parliament postponed the laying of the instrument for the third time, providing the Minister an opportunity to discuss amendments with the Minority caucus.
The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has urged Parliament to endorse the legislative instrument to aid the government’s efforts in reducing the country’s importation levels.
Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League knockout stages as Group B winners with a commanding 6-0 victory over French club Lens at Emirates Stadium.
The Premier League leaders only needed a point to advance to the last 16 after PSV Eindhoven’s comeback win at Sevilla earlier that evening. Mikel Arteta’s team delivered an emphatic performance with first-half goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard. Jorginho, coming on as a substitute, completed the scoring with a late penalty.
Despite the one-sided nature of the match, the joyous atmosphere was marred when visiting fans threw a lit flare at home supporters after Saka’s 23rd-minute goal.
With first place in the group secured, Arteta can now rotate his squad for the next match in Eindhoven, given the luxury of having already advanced to the knockout stages.
Arsenal dominated from the start, and Lens struggled to keep up. Havertz opened the scoring in the 13th minute, followed by goals from Jesus and Saka. Martinelli added a fourth with a brilliant finish, and Odegaard volleyed home a fifth before halftime.
Arsenal continued to control the game in the second half, and Jorginho’s late penalty sealed the comprehensive victory. The result allows Arteta to rest key players in the upcoming matches, providing flexibility during a busy December schedule.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr. Mike Oquaye Jnr, has formally announced his intention to contest against Sarah Adwoa Safo in the upcoming Dome-Kwabenya parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Dr. Oquaye disclosed his candidacy during an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM, conducted on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.
Expressing his dedication to the cause of residents of Dome-Kwabenya, Dr Oquaye stated, “When it’s time to pick up forms and file nominations, I’ll be there to represent you.”
“I want to inform the people of Dome-Kwabenya, through your medium, that as soon as there’s an opening for picking up forms and filing of nomination, I, Michael Oquaye Jnr., will stand to represent the people of Dome-Kwabenya.”
The incumbent Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has reaffirmed her intention to seek re-election for the seat. If both candidates, Sarah Adwoa Safo and Dr. Mike Oquaye Jnr, are approved by the party to run, it would mark their third consecutive contest.
Adwoa Safo emerged victorious in the two previous elections, securing a win in the most recent instance in June 2020 with a narrow eight-vote margin.
Her recent ambition to run again might be unsuccessful as some residents are opposed to her retainment due to her long-absence in 2022 due to family issues.
But Adwoa Safo has apologised for neglecting her parliamentary duties and has pledged to do more.
Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has shot down claims suggesting that he has close relations with individuals in the LGBTQ community.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate aspirant for the Ningo-Prampram Constituency, John Mantse Akwetey, has alleged that the incumbent MP, Sam Nartey George, is not being entirely honest with Ghanaians in his quest to have Parliament pass the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
In an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on Wednesday, November 29, monitored by The Independent Ghana, John Mantse Akwetey accused Sam George of having close affiliation with a member of the LGBTQ community.
According to Mr Mantse Akwetey, Sam George’s campaign manager is a homosexual. He referred to the residents of Prampram as the source of this information.
“When we talk about LGBTQ, I don’t want to go there. But the sort of hypocrisy Sam George exhibits is overwhelming. Ask everybody in Prampram who Sam George’s campaign manager is and his sexual orientation.
“It is an open secret in the town of Prampram. Everybody knows it. So when you see a character like Sam George, jumping from place to place,” Mr Mantse Akwetey said.
Despite being informed of the risk of defaming an individual, Mr Akwetey reiterated his allegation.
“Send your reporters to Prampram and make your own judgement. I’m sitting on live television and I’m telling you. Sam George’s hypocrisy is untold. Your personal person is a known gay in Prampram. Why don’t you deal with his first?” he stressed.
But Sam George noted that such an individual does not exist as he manages his campaign independently. Also, during an interview on JoyNews on Thursday, November 30, he said: “Yesterday I got calls about the ranting made here. I think you should have stopped him midway. But that said, he made unsubstantiated claims about individuals. You should have asked him to name names.”
“Let me say emphatically here. There is no one in Ningo-Prampram who doesn’t know me. I don’t have campaign managers. I’ve never had campaign manager in 2015 when I contested E. T. Mensah, not in 2016 when I contested Sylvester Tetteh, not in 2019 when I contested Michael Tetteh, not in 2020 when I contested Alex Martey and not in 2023. I run my campaign myself. I am my own head of security.”
He described Mr Mantse as a “liar, dishonest person who cannot bear the title Honourable”.
Mr Sam George added; “He is attacking me because he thinks it will give him some legitimacy in the NPP. He wants my attention
The Ningo-Prampram MP has noted that he is engaging his legal counsel to know the best action to take against Mr Mantse.
This is not the first time such a claim has been made, and Sam George admitted this fact.
Michael Tettey Kwetey, a former Ningo-Prampram NDC Parliamentary aspirant also made such a claim ahead of the NDC Parliamentary primaries that saw him lose to Sam George.
“In his campaign, a known gay is the chairman of his campaign. All his political meetings are held in the residence of that known gay,” he said.
Mr Kwetey also alleged that a lesbian is also a part of Sam George’s campaign team.
According to Sam George, Mr Kwetey and himself were summoned by the leadership of the NDC, where Mr Kwetey was asked to provide evidence for his claim. Sam George noted that his contender failed to do so and was directed to render an unqualified apology.
Sam George is one of the sponsors of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill. He has been vocal on calls for the immediate passing of the bill that seeks to criminalize and impose severe penalties on the practice and promotion of homosexuality.
In his fight against the LGBTQ community, Sam George has been accused by Ghanaian musician Wanlov the Kubolor of being sponsored by an American organization to advocate for anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Ghana.
The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill was laid in the house on March 30, 2023, by the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.
Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has expressed concern over what he perceives as a pattern of dismissiveness and regression from certain members of the judiciary regarding the efforts of the OSP.
Mr Agyebeng pointed to four specific instances where the court, in his view, made troubling pronouncements favoring suspects under investigation for corruption and corruption-related cases handled by his office.
“We do not force feed cases; we do not force feed our prosecutions. It is our belief that it is not a matter of us going beyond our mandate but rather a case of hasty dismissiveness and lack of regard because if you take the four cases I tabled out over a period of time spanning from July 2022 to Monday, there is a troubling trend.
“In one of the cases, I said a judge injuncted us from arresting a person. Mind you, we were not in court. We had declared the person wanted as a fugitive from justice, there was absolutely no enquiry as to why we believed that the person was a fugitive from justice so it is not as if we breached the law.
“No one asked us why we declared the person wanted. Then we were served with an injunction order that we cannot arrest the person meanwhile we know that in our law no one has the right not to be arrested. You cannot say you are granting a person a right not to be arrested.
“So when we receive judicial decisions like that it makes us assume that we are being prevented from arresting someone who is a fugitive from justice,” he said.
Addressing reporters at a press conference convened in Accra on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng emphasized that, in his view, the challenge stems from the court’s perceived disregard for the investigations rather than any violation of the law on the part of his office.
“No one has the right in Ghana not to be investigated and the statutory power to be investigated for corruption and corruption-related offenses is that of the OSP, so if a judge seeks to injunct or prohibit an investigation, the judge is arrogating the power of the OSP to himself by deciding who should be and who should not be investigated, but it is not the duty of the court to do that.
“Wait let us bring before you the body of our investigation as evidence and if you look at it and you decide that the evidence does not show up to the standard of proof required in criminal cases then you can dismiss it but don’t prevent us from doing our work, from investigating. It is dangerous.
“As I said I wasn’t sounding as a prophet of doom but there is doom looming ahead of us that very soon a murderer will boldly walk to court to seek an injunction,” he said.
Kissi Agyebeng’s statements come in response to a series of rejections of requests and applications made by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in its ongoing anti-corruption efforts.
In a notable instance, the Accra High Court dismissed the OSP’s plea in July 2022 to freeze the assets of the late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, also known as Sir John, the former CEO of the Forestry Commission. The OSP had taken this action as part of an investigation into the acquisition of state lands and properties outlined in Sir John’s will.
Agyebeng expressed concern about potential risks if the courts persist in obstructing or restraining investigations. He warned that individuals, including those involved in serious crimes like murder, might increasingly seek injunctions to shield themselves from prosecution.
Highlighting the challenges faced since assuming the role of Special Prosecutor, Agyebeng cited a recent court ruling that halted an investigation into the Labianca tax case. The court nullified adverse findings made by the OSP against Col. Damoah and Adu-Kyei, accusing them of misconduct in granting tax waivers to Labianca Company, owned by Council of State member Eunice Asomah-Hinneh.
Despite the court’s decision, Agyebeng affirmed his commitment to pursuing the case, expressing worries about the potential negative precedent established by frequent court interventions in his investigative work.
Former President and New Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has announced that his two sons, Sharaf and Shahid Mahama, are currently single.
He shared this personal note during a visit to the Shai-Osudoku District Hospital on his 65th birthday, Wednesday, November 29th, 2023. He
Accompanied by his wife and three children, Mahama took the opportunity to make charitable donations to the hospital and extend a courtesy visit to both the staff and patients.
In his address to the hospital personnel and supporters present, Mahama expressed gratitude to his wife and children for their enduring love and support over the years.
In a light-hearted moment, he playfully mentioned his sons by name and humorously disclosed their current relationship statuses.
“Sharaf Mahama is here, Shahid Mahama is here too, and then Farida (the baby of the family) is also here. So I want to thank you again, and for those who want to know, he’s single (points to Sharaf), he’s single (points to Shahid),” he said.
Despite the Minority’s assertion that the 2024 budget and economic statement haven’t been passed, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and the Majority in Parliament maintain that the approval process was successfully concluded.
This disagreement stems from the Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of a voice vote in favor of the majority.
During the approval process on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, the Majority caucus staged a walkout in Parliament. Following the conclusion of the budget debate, the Speaker of Parliament initiated a voice vote to determine the approval or rejection of the policy document.
The Minority MPs contested the Speaker’s ruling, claiming that the 2024 budget had received majority approval through the voice vote and insisted on a headcount. This decision led to dissatisfaction among the Majority MPs, prompting them to walk out of the parliamentary session.
The Majority MPs argue that the Speaker had already ruled in their favor during the voice vote, rendering the subsequent headcount unnecessary in their view.
Addressing journalists after the walkout by the Majority, the Finance Minister said, “At the end of the day, the Speaker put it to vote twice, and he declared that the ‘ayes’ have it. That means the budget, in my view, has been passed. Later, there was a challenge, which has not been resolved. So far as I know and believe, we have the 2024 budget passed until such time that they resolve whatever they want to resolve.”
The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who expressed fury about the Speaker’s actions, pointed out, “You were all there; you heard the Speaker loud and clear. Why should a Speaker beat such a hasty retreat from what he has said? In this case, he said the ‘ayes’ have it. Then you have the Speaker making a sudden U-turn that he didn’t add that the ‘ayes’ have it. He just expressed an opinion. And that’s most unfortunate. So, we think that the proper thing should be done.”
“We agreed to the headcount; what was he waiting for? For good about 30 minutes, he was not doing anything. What kind of attitude is this? That is why we left the chamber. Five MPs of the Minority were not here, so all that he was doing was to buy more time to enable them to find a way into the chamber.”
On Sunday, November 26, the owner of a jewelry shop in Opera Square, Accra, experienced a heartbreaking moment when she discovered her shop had been burglarized.
The shop owner was brought to tears upon realizing that all her jewelry, including two gold bars, and a sum of money had been stolen.
A video circulating on social media depicted the shocking scene, revealing that the thieves had forcefully entered by breaking through the concrete walls of the shop. In their illicit endeavor, the culprits traversed through three different shops to carry out the theft.
Last Sunday, a jewelry shop owner was reduced to tears at Opera Square in Accra, after a shocking discovery when she opened her shop.
She found that all her jewelry, including two gold bars and money had been stolen by thieves who evidently gained access by smashing through the… pic.twitter.com/OlB3kqOlxU
The Minority in Parliament is poised to resist the approval of the 2024 budget once again today.
During the presentation of the economic policy and budget statement by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta on Wednesday, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin called for a voice vote, with the majority prevailing.
However, the Minority, seeking greater transparency, opted for a headcount, prompting the Majority caucus to stage a walkout during the approval process.
Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, addressing the media, emphasized that the fate of the 2024 budget still hangs in the balance, and they anticipate defeating its approval once more today.
In contrast, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and the Majority in Parliament maintain that the 2024 budget was indeed passed after the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, declared the outcome of the voice vote. Despite the Minority’s stance that the budget and economic statement haven’t been passed, the Majority contends that due process was followed in the approval process.
Addressing journalists after the walkout by the Majority, the Finance Minister said, “At the end of the day, the Speaker put it to vote twice, and he declared that the ‘ayes’ have it. That means the budget, in my view, has been passed. Later, there was a challenge, which has not been resolved. So far as I know and believe, we have the 2024 budget passed until such time that they resolve whatever they want to resolve.”
The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who expressed fury about the Speaker’s actions, pointed out, “You were all there; you heard the Speaker loud and clear. Why should a Speaker beat such a hasty retreat from what he has said? In this case, he said the ‘ayes’ have it. Then you have the Speaker making a sudden U-turn that he didn’t add that the ‘ayes’ have it. He just expressed an opinion. And that’s most unfortunate. So, we think that the proper thing should be done.”
“We agreed to the headcount; what was he waiting for? For about 30 minutes, he was not doing anything. What kind of attitude is this? That is why we left the chamber. Five MPs of the Minority were not here, so all that he was doing was to buy more time to enable them to find a way into the chamber.”
On Wednesday, November 29, the Rapid Response Unit of the Forestry Commission executed a crucial operation in the Anwiaso East Forest Reserve, situated at Manse near Diaso in the Bibiani Forest District within the Western North Region.
The primary objective of this operation was to eradicate illegal miners who had infiltrated the reserve with heavy machinery, causing extensive damage to the forest cover and contaminating water bodies through their unauthorized mining activities. It is suspected that these operations were supported by certain political figures within the district.
In a strategic and unexpected move, the Armed Unit of the Commission swiftly intervened, resulting in the apprehension of 10 individuals involved in illegal mining activities. Furthermore, the team dismantled two excavators and two heavy-duty electrical plants that were being utilized at the illegal mining site.
For security reasons, the detained suspects were transferred to the Dunkwa Police Station initially. Subsequently, they will be transported to the appropriate police jurisdiction in the Western North Region to face legal consequences.
Samuel Darko-Akonor, the Coordinator of the Rapid Response Unit at the Forestry Commission Headquarters, issued a stern warning to all potential offenders, urging them to cease such criminal activities. He emphasized that the unit remains vigilant and fully prepared to combat such threats, ensuring the protection of the forest and water bodies from further degradation.
These matters include the government payroll, state lands, and the proposed partnership between Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and Tema Energy and Processing Limited.
Kissi Agyebeng, the Special Prosecutor, stated that the OSP has the mandate to investigate and prosecute specific cases of suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses, as well as recover the proceeds of corruption and corruption-related offenses, which fall under these cases.
He made the announcement at a press conference on November 29, 2023.
Touching on the payroll, he said, “The assessment and investigation are especially aimed at isolating and removing non-existent names, recovering wrongful payments and the prosecution of persons suspected to be culpable for any offences.”
Kissi Agyebeng, the Special Prosecutor, mentioned that to carry out the corruption risk analysis, his office is collaborating with the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, and a joint project team has already been formed.
The assessment will be conducted in two phases, with the first phase covering the Ghana Education Service and health institutions, followed by Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
The investigations will encompass all banks and individuals on the government payroll. Additionally, the management of Tema Oil Refinery has been directed to suspend the proposed partnership agreement, ongoing negotiations, and operations with Tema Energy and Processing Limited until further notice.
Again, touching on state lands, he said “OSP has commenced an investigation into the appropriation, investigating state lands, stool lands and other vested lands to find sale and lease of state-owned land or properties to individuals and cooperate bodies since 1993.”
Gospel musician Joe Mettle has joined other showbiz personalities in donating to victims of the Akosombo Dam Spillage at Mepe in the Volta Region.
As part of his annual ritual called ‘Love Gift,’ Joe visited communities, worshipped with them, and donated items to the less privileged.
In Mepe, the ‘Ye Obua Mi’ singer donated food items, camp tents, medical reliefs, water, and clothes. He also offered words of encouragement to the people, urging them to repose their trust in the Lord during these challenging times.
“It’s a difficult time for those affected by the floods. Through the ‘Love Gift’, we hope to provide some comfort and help them get through this challenging period,” he said.
Receiving the items on behalf of the community was Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for the North Tongu in the Volta Region.
“We are deeply touched by Joe Mettle’s generosity. His ‘Love Gift’ initiative is a testament to the power of community spirit and compassion. On behalf of the people of Mepe, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Joe Mettle for his kindness and support during this challenging time,” he said.
In the meantime, Joe Mettle is preparing for his annual Christmas concert on December 25, 2023 at the Assemblies Of God, Cedar Mountain Chapel International at East Legon in Accra.
The Members of Parliament on the Majority side staged a walkout as the House voted on the 2024 economic and budget statement presented by Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.
The House was scheduled to approve or reject the budget statement today. Speaker Alban Bagbin held a voice vote, which caused tension between the two sides in the House.
Per the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s remarks on the floor of Parliament, the “Yes” had it on the approval of the budget.
“You are saying that you said you think the” yes” have it and left it at that. Which you normally do. But you went further to indicate firmly that the “yes” have it. “
But the Speaker noted that he expressed his opinion about the “yes” likely having it.
“Honourable members, I did not proceed to say the ‘yes’ have it,” the Speaker said.
The Deputy Minority Leader then challenged the Speaker’s opinion and called for a headcount. The Speaker then called for a headcount vote.
Following the Speaker’s comment, there was disarray in Parliament after a Minority MP called for the removal of John Kumah, Ken Agyapong, and two others, as they were not present at the time the motion for a headcount vote was posed.
The Majority MPs continued to express dissatisfaction, and an agitated Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, announced the withdrawal of the Majority MPs from the chamber.
“We are leaving the chamber for them. Now, do the head count and see if you have the numbers to over turn Mr Speaker’s ruling,” he said before the NPP MPs left the chamber.
Meanwhile, the Speaker has suspended today’s sitting.
The Minority in Parliament has alleged a deadlock in Ghana’s negotiations for the second tranche of the $3 billion credit facility from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
According to the Minority Caucus, there is a disagreement between the government and the International Creditors’ Committee concerning the cut-off point for the external debt required in the debt restructuring exercise to secure the next tranche of $600 million from the IMF.
Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson made this allegation in his concluding remarks during the 2024 budget debate in Parliament on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.
“Mr. Speaker, it will interest you to know that there is a deadlock in the negotiation between Ghana and the International Creditors Committee (ICC) made up of China and the Paris Club 50. There is a major disagreement on the cut-off point, regarding the external debt that must be excluded from the restructuring. Mr. Speaker, I do not need to sound the alarm that at this point, Ghana is between a rock and a hard place.”
“Ghana will need to decide either to accept the cut-off date as proposed by the International Creditors Committee and get the IMF Board to approve our USD600 million second tranche or refuse to accept.”
Dr. Forson explained that if Ghana accepts the International Creditors’ Committee (ICC) cut-off point, it would result in more debt being excluded from the debt restructuring. This would require the immediate inclusion of that debt in the budget for servicing.
“The moment we begin the servicing of our external debt, everything in this budget will change,” he added.
Ghana had previously secured a $3 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address challenges in its ailing economy, including high debt, inflation, and a depreciating cedi. The country had already received the first tranche of $600 million from the Bretton Woods Institutions. In October 2023, the IMF indicated that it was awaiting the outcome of Ghana’s engagement with its bilateral creditors before releasing the next tranche of the $3 billion bailout package.
Mr Ayariga contends that the bill violates certain provisions in the government’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He argues that if the bill is presented in Parliament, it could jeopardize the existing deal between the government and the IMF, which is a crucial aspect of the country’s financial commitments.
Mr Ayariga, a former Information Minister, questions whether the Minister of Trade, Kobina Tahir Hammond, consulted with his counterpart in the Finance Ministry before pursuing such legislation.
He suggests that the lack of coordination within the government reflects a state of confusion, portraying the administration as being disorganized and lacking a cohesive approach.
“The proposed Export and Import (Restrictions on Importation of Selected Strategic Products) Regulations, 2023 offends clear provisions of the IMF Bailout Agreement,” he said in a press statement issued on Wednesday, November 29.
Already, six business associations have also submitted a petition to Parliament urging the House to reject the import restrictions bill.
The Joint Business Consultative Forum, comprising associations such as the Ghana Union of Traders Associations (GUTA), Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG), Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Chamber of Automobile Dealership Ghana (CADEG), and Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), argue that the bill if enacted, would have detrimental effects on their businesses.
The petition, dated Sunday, November 26, outlined concerns that the legislation could negatively impact the prices of goods, disrupt the free flow of goods, and potentially harm businesses.
The Minister for Trade and Industry is seeking to pass an (L.I) to restrict the importation of some strategic products.
The National Media Commission (NMC) has written to the National Communications Authority (NCA), to withdraw the licenses of Onua TV and Onua FM.
The NMC stated in its letter that its request stems from the fact that “the two stations have become the soundtrack to hateful rhetoric carefully orchestrated to incite ethnic division, provoke mutiny in the armed forces and prey upon the youth for insurrection against the state.”
According to the NMC, the two stations have “systematically sought to subvert critical national institutions including the Council of State and the Ghana Armed Forces in a manner that constitutes clear and present danger to the public interest.”
The National Media Commission (NMC) asserted that, given the circumstances, imposing a fine would not be adequate.
A letter signed by the Executive Secretary, George Sarpong, to the NCA said, “Article 164 of the Constitution subjects media rights to laws that are reasonably required in the interest of national security and public order among other things. In line with that, section 13(e) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008, (Act 775) empowers the authority to suspend a frequency authorisation where “the suspension or revocation is necessary … in the public interest.”
“We also confirm in terms of section 13(f) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008, (Act 775), that the imposition of a fine will not be sufficient under the circumstances considering the dangerous nature of the content, the persistent defiance of advice, the presenter’s unprofessional practice, management’s incapacity in implementing regulatory rules and the Board’s nonchalance in supervising the stations.”
“Such stereotyping and tribal bigotry if unchecked will ultimately lead to ethnic conflict, undermine national cohesion and destabilize the state.”
Meanwhile, the management of Onua FM/TV has sued NMC for alleged harassment.
The management of Onua TV/Onua FM has filed a perpetual injunction against the National Media Commission (NMC) at the High Court in Accra.
The injunction aims to restrain the commission from taking any steps that would adversely impact the media operations of the company and its associates.
Onua TV/Onua FM is seeking several declarations from the court, including the assertion that certain orders issued by the Commission to Media General subsidiaries are unlawful.
Management believes that the “conduct of the NMC in refusing to give the stations an opportunity to be heard before imposing sanctions on them is a breach of the law and of natural justice.”
The legal action follows the NMC’s extension of a deadline for Onua FM/TV and Captain Smart to apologize over comments deemed “inciteful.”
The National Media Commission (NMC) accused Captain Smart of directly insulting the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and other Commanders of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) as “beasts” in a recent broadcast. The NMC further claimed that Captain Smart had accused these officers of embezzling funds meant for soldiers on peacekeeping operations without providing any evidence to support the allegations.
In response, the NMC gave Onua TV/FM and Captain Smart until November 19, 2023, to retract the insults and issue apologies to the CDS and his commanders, apologize to the Ghanaian public for the use of vulgar language, and implement measures to curb the station’s dangerous behavior while enhancing its regulatory compliance capacity.
However, Onua TV/FM reportedly failed to address these directives in their letter dated November 21, 2023.
Onua TV/Onua FM asserts that the NMC has engaged in politically tainted harassment, and the legal suit is a response to such attempts.
The company, in a statement dated November 29, argued that the NMC, by its actions, has constituted itself into a “complainant, a prosecutor, and a judge… and from its actions cannot now be trusted to be a fair and impartial arbiter in any case against Onua TV/Onua FM.”
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has expressed concerns about Ghana’s lithium agreement, stating that despite reports indicating its favorability, the long-term impact will be detrimental to the country.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, recently signed an agreement with an Australian company for Lithium mining in the Central Region.
Speaking in her capacity as a Distinguished Scholar at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) in Accra, Madam Sophia Akuffo emphasized the need for the government to establish a local company for Lithium mining instead of relying on foreign companies.
“The Republic of Ghana should establish a Ghana Lithium Company. The Ghana Lithium Company should be commissioned to develop the entire value chain, from mining raw lithium to the manufacture of batteries and other products in Ghana.”
“Current international best practices and a local refinery must be established before extraction commences so that there will be no excuses such as ‘we haven’t finished building the refinery, therefore, we are, as usual, exporting raw products,’” she said.
Ghana’s status as one of the leading cocoa exporters may be jeopardized by encroachment issues if immediate actions are not taken, warns a recent report from the Fair Trade Ghana Network.
The report highlights the threat posed by real estate developers encroaching on cocoa-growing areas, potentially leading to a loss of Ghana’s prominent position in cocoa exports to neighboring countries.
The President of the Fair Trade Ghana Network, Florence Blankson, expressed concern about the existing challenges such as deforestation and illegal mining activities that already affect cocoa farmers.
She emphasized the need for the government to escalate efforts in addressing the issues plaguing the cocoa sector.
Speaking at the 6th Annual General Meeting of the Fair Trade Ghana Network, Blankson criticized the perceived lack of proactive measures by the government and called for more effective engagement with stakeholders in the sector to ensure sustainability.
“The “galamsey” is an issue, felling down of trees are also issues and some real estate developers are taking over cocoa farmlands and if we don’t take care, very soon we may lose our position as one of the exporters of cocoa globally”.
“When we went around the water bodies they were all like tea and I wonder where we are going with this”, she said.
According to Statista, the export value of cocoa beans and cocoa products from Ghana in 2022 was approximately $2.3 billion, reflecting a 19.0% decrease from the previous year. The highest export value within the observed period occurred in 2021, reaching around $2.84 billion. Cocoa beans and cocoa products play a pivotal role in Ghana’s economy, constituting a significant percentage of the country’s total exports.
The Fair Trade Ghana Network is an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture and handicraft production in the fair trade environment in Ghana. It operates as a national network encompassing fair trade certified farmers, handicraft producers, and hired labor organizations.
In a departure from his usual energetic demeanor since officially assuming the role of fighting corruption, Kissi Agyebeng displayed a rare moment of frustration during a recent press conference organized by the Special Prosecutor’s Office.
Known for projecting readiness for action, Agyebeng’s demeanor at the press conference indicated that, at present, his commitment to uproot corruption is sustained mainly by his patriotism.
He gathered a team of journalists to highlight the challenges he faces within the judiciary, hindering his efforts to prosecute cases successfully. According to Mr Kissi Agyebeng, catastrophe lies ahead should the OSP’s fight against corruption be continually impeded.
“As I said, I wasn’t sounding like a prophet of doom but there is doom looming ahead of us, that very soon a murderer will boldly walk to go to seek an injunction. Should I feel frustrated and resign? I took an oath and in my life when I take on the reins to do something, I do it to the best of my ability,’ he said on Wednesday.
This comes in the wake of the dismissal of certain requests and applications made by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in its ongoing efforts to combat corruption.
In July 2022, an Accra High Court rejected a request by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to freeze the assets of the late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, known as Sir John, the former CEO of the Forestry Commission. This decision came after the OSP had initially frozen all of Sir John’s assets as part of an investigation into the acquisition of state lands and properties mentioned in his will. Despite the OSP’s application to the court for confirmation of the freezing order, Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe dismissed the case.
Similarly, in June, another Accra High Court instructed the OSP not to proceed with executing an arrest warrant against former Presidential staffer Charles Bissue. The court not only restrained the OSP from applying for an additional arrest warrant but also prohibited the publication of notices declaring Mr. Bissue as wanted within the 10-day period of the interim injunction.
Further instances of dismissal included the case involving former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah. In August, the Financial and Economic Division of an Accra High Court directed the OSP to return all funds seized from the former minister and clarified that it could not confirm the freezing of her bank accounts and other properties.
Lastly, a High Court in Accra annulled a report by the OSP implicating two individuals in the Labianca case, Colonel Kwadwo Damoah and Joseph Adu Kyei.
The report accused them of misconduct in connection with favorable tax treatment granted to Labianca Company. However, the High Court ruled that the OSP had exceeded its authority in making adverse findings, and an order of prohibition was granted to prevent further investigation into Damoah and Kyei in connection with the Labianca case. The court also imposed costs of GHC 10,000 against the OSP.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has hit hard at the judiciary, questioning recent decisions on cases filed by the office.
Kissi Agyebeng says the court's position is stifling the fight against corruption.
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has expressed frustration over the challenges faced by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in fighting corruption in the country.
This comes in the wake of the dismissal of certain requests and applications made by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in its ongoing efforts to combat corruption.
“In one of the cases, I said a judge injuncted us from arresting a person. Mind you, we were not in court. We had declared the person wanted as a fugitive from justice, there was absolutely no enquiry as to why we believed that the person was a fugitive from justice so it is not as if we breached the law.
“No one asked us why we declared the person wanted. Then we were served with an injunction order that we cannot arrest the person meanwhile we know that in our law no one has the right not to be arrested. You cannot say you are granting a person a right not to be arrested.
“So when we receive judicial decisions like that it makes us assume that we are being prevented from arresting someone who is a fugitive from justice. What if we were not investigating corruption? What if the person was a suspected murderer or a suspected armed robber? The person will be running around in the street with an injunction not to be arrested.
“This is not a breach of law by the OSP, this is dismissiveness of his work” Mr. Agyebeng stressed.
Mr Agyebeng foresees doom, but he remains committed to finishing what he has started- thereby shutting down hopes for his resignation.
“As I said, I wasn’t sounding like a prophet of doom but there is Doom looming ahead of us, that very soon a murderer will boldly walk to go to seek an injunction. Should I feel frustrated and resign? I took an oath and in my life when I take on the reins to do something, I do it to the best of my ability,’ he said on Wednesday.
Court dismissing cases involving the OSP
In July 2022, an Accra High Court rejected a request by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to freeze the assets of the late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, known as Sir John, the former CEO of the Forestry Commission. This decision came after the OSP had initially frozen all of Sir John’s assets as part of an investigation into the acquisition of state lands and properties mentioned in his will. Despite the OSP’s application to the court for confirmation of the freezing order, Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe dismissed the case.
Similarly, in June, another Accra High Court instructed the OSP not to proceed with executing an arrest warrant against former Presidential staffer Charles Bissue. The court not only restrained the OSP from applying for an additional arrest warrant but also prohibited the publication of notices declaring Mr. Bissue as wanted within the 10-day period of the interim injunction.
Further instances of dismissal included the case involving former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah. In August, the Financial and Economic Division of an Accra High Court directed the OSP to return all funds seized from the former minister and clarified that it could not confirm the freezing of her bank accounts and other properties.
Lastly, a High Court in Accra annulled a report by the OSP implicating two individuals in the Labianca case, Colonel Kwadwo Damoah and Joseph Adu Kyei.
The report accused them of misconduct in connection with favorable tax treatment granted to Labianca Company. However, the High Court ruled that the OSP had exceeded its authority in making adverse findings, and an order of prohibition was granted to prevent further investigation into Damoah and Kyei in connection with the Labianca case. The court also imposed costs of GHC 10,000 against the OSP.
Following the disqualification of Michael Nii Yarboi, an aspiring parliamentary candidate in the Odododiodioo Constituency, enraged supporters have vandalized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) head office in Accra.
Protestors dumped refuse in front of the party’s headquarters, obstructing the road and causing traffic disruptions. Additionally, some supporters hurled bricks at the NDC head office, resulting in damage to several windows.
The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the National Democratic Congress officially disqualified Michael Nii Yarboi from participating in the party’s upcoming parliamentary primary in the Odododiodioo Constituency.
This decision was based on a report submitted by a Special Committee investigating the violence that occurred during the parliamentary aspirants’ vetting on October 13, 2023, in the Odododiodioo Constituency.
An eyewitness who spoke to Citi News on condition of anonymity said “According to them, they want an MP called Don and they have taken him out of the contest. Meanwhile, he is the one who has been helping the community for a very long time. Especially sending the youth in the community to school. They said he is sponsoring almost 13 or 18 students in university and SHS, so he is the one they want and not the other two because the other two according to them are incompetent.”
“One was given the nod as an assemblyman but couldn’t fulfil his promises and was given another chance to be a secretary but left the country for abroad and was back to seek the MP position. And the second one was an MP for Amasaman, and he couldn’t fulfil his promises there and wants to come to this constituency to make amends.”
Law enforcement has intervened to restore calm in the midst of the tumultuous situation at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) head office.
Headquarters of Hooligans Party, NDC has been vandalised by their hooligan supporters pic.twitter.com/wfuquHkiv0
