TIG Post

Tag: Court

  • 500,000 businesses to be delisted for non-compliance – Registrar of Companies

    500,000 businesses to be delisted for non-compliance – Registrar of Companies

    The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) plans to delist over 500,000 public and private businesses by the end of June 2024 due to non-compliance with filing requirements.

    This delisting will affect more than 8,000 companies limited by shares and over 500,000 business names that have failed to file their annual returns, necessary to maintain good standing.

    Despite receiving numerous notices and reminders through various awareness programs and publications over the past two years, these businesses have not complied.

    Initially, the ORC set a deadline for the end of 2023, but it was extended to provide additional time for public education and compliance.

    According to a press release by the Registrar of Companies, Jemima Mamaa Oware, in Accra on June 3, 2024, companies struck off the register will be prohibited from conducting business under their company name for twelve years, as stipulated by Section 289 (5) of the Companies Act 2019 (Act 992).

    Business names will lose their exclusive rights and become part of the public domain upon deregistration, in line with Section 59(A) of the Registration of Business Names 1962 (Act 151).

    The release also noted that a company’s name can only be restored to the register following a court order, provided there is sufficient cause for such action, as outlined in Section 289 (7) of the Companies Act 992.

    The ORC has stressed the importance of filing annual returns to ensure compliance and transparency within the business community. Failure to comply jeopardizes the legal standing of entities and undermines public trust.

    Defaulting companies and businesses are urged to file their Annual Returns and Renewals as directed by the Registrar of Companies before the validation process concludes on June 30, 2024.

    The ORC encourages all stakeholders to comply in order to maintain the integrity of the business environment and foster trust among investors, consumers, and the public.

    Defaulting companies should visit the ORC’s website to check the list of entities slated for removal from the register.

  • Ato Forson appeals to Chief Justice for live streaming of court hearings in Ambulance case trial

    Ato Forson appeals to Chief Justice for live streaming of court hearings in Ambulance case trial

    Minority Leader and main defendant in the ongoing ambulance trial, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has directed his legal team to formally request the Chief Justice to broadcast the remaining trial sessions.

    This request, communicated in a letter from his attorneys to the Chief Justice on May 30, is motivated by recent accusations of impropriety leveled against Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame.

    Richard Jakpa made a claim last week suggesting that the Attorney-General had urged him to give false testimony against Dr. Ato Forson during the trial.

    In support of Jakpa’s accusations, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) released a 16-minute recording purportedly capturing a conversation between Dame and Jakpa.

    The recording allegedly depicts Dame advising Jakpa on what statements to present in court to implicate Dr. Ato Forson.

    During a press conference on May 28, NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah stated that the recording revealed a coaching session aimed at influencing Jakpa’s testimony.

    Given these developments, Dr. Ato Forson argued that live broadcasting of the trial would ensure transparency and uphold the principles of open justice, enabling citizens to develop informed perspectives and hold those involved accountable.

    “In the wake of the recent exposé concerning the alleged misconduct of the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, I have instructed my lawyers to petition the Chief Justice for the live broadcast of all subsequent proceedings in the Ambulance Trial. This request is motivated by a deep commitment to transparency and open justice, principles that are fundamental to a fair and impartial legal system.”

    “The allegations against the Attorney-General are deeply concerning. If true, they represent a serious breach of public trust and a threat to the integrity of our judicial system. It is imperative that these allegations be thoroughly investigated and that the public be given the opportunity to witness the proceedings firsthand,” he posted on social media.

  • Suit against commercialisation of GMOs thrown out by Court

    Suit against commercialisation of GMOs thrown out by Court

    The High Court in Accra has dismissed claims made by Food Sovereignty Ghana regarding the National Biosafety Authority’s work on genetically modified (GM) products.

    Justice Barbara Tetteh Charway ruled that the plaintiffs did not provide sufficient evidence to support their claims.

    Food Sovereignty Ghana, along with three other groups, sought declarations on whether the necessary processes and laws were followed in the plans to commercialize GMOs.

    They also sought clarification on whether the defendants adhered to domestic and international laws on risk assessment and management concerning the release and commercialization of Bt cowpea and rice.

    However, the court held that the Biosafety Authority had not yet released any GM products for commercialization, as they were still engaged in extensive research and community sensitization.

    Justice Tetteh Charway ordered the labeling of all genetically modified products on the market to inform consumers and requested relevant data on Bt cowpea imported from Nigeria and sold in Ghana.

    The detailed judgment on the case, which was initiated in 2015, will be provided by the court at a later date.

  • Accra High Court jails Nigerian 10 years for drug trafficking

    Accra High Court jails Nigerian 10 years for drug trafficking

    A 32-year-old Nigerian national, Pascal Okafor Ezugwu, has been sentenced to a 10-year prison term by the High Court for attempting to smuggle 90 thumb-sized cocaine pellets weighing 1.54 kg.

    Mr. Okafor Ezugwu was sentenced on Friday, May 3, 2024, to a minimum of 10 years in hard labor and fined ten thousand penalty units. In the event of default, he will serve an additional three years in prison.

    The court also ordered the destruction of the exhibit, to be supervised by all interested stakeholders in the presence of the court registrar, state prosecutors, and the defense counsel.

    Mr. Okafor Ezugwu was arrested on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, by officers of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) at the Kotoka International Airport. He was going through pre-boarding formalities at the departure hall to board a flight to Hanoi, Vietnam.

    A urine test conducted on him revealed traces of narcotic substances. He later expelled a total of 90 thumb-sized pellets during observation by officers, and a field test of the pellets proved positive for cocaine.

    He was subsequently detained and later charged with three counts of narcotic offenses relating to unlawful possession, attempted exportation of narcotic drugs, and money laundering.

    Mr. Ezugwu was arraigned before the Criminal Court Division of the Accra High Court, where he pleaded guilty to all three counts and was consequently convicted on his own plea.

    In a meeting, NACOC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the public from the trafficking and use of illicit drugs, ensuring public safety.

    The Commission emphasized that the possession, usage, and transportation of illegal drugs without lawful authorization remain prohibited under sections 40 (1) and 41 (1) of Act 1019 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020. It urges the general public to be aware of the consequences and risks associated with such activities.

  • Ambulance case: 3rd accused dismisses financial loss to the state allegation in court

    Ambulance case: 3rd accused dismisses financial loss to the state allegation in court

    The third accused in the trial involving Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, a former Deputy Minister for Finance, has strongly asserted that none of the accused individuals were responsible for causing financial loss to the state.

    In his court testimony, Richard Dzakpa, a businessman highlighted that the state had accepted possession of the ambulance without any intention to terminate the contract.

    He further noted that the government had fulfilled its commitment by making payment for the ambulance.

    Mr. Dzakpa maintained that all required accessories were delivered as per the contract specifications, refuting any allegations of deliberate or malicious intent to cause financial loss to the state by the accused persons.

    His testimony provides clarity on the case and emphasizes the need to thoroughly examine all relevant evidence. As the trial progresses, more insights are expected to emerge, leading to a better understanding of the situation.

    “It is clear from the particulars of the offence charged against me that the government has itself admitted that the ambulances were supplied to Ghana. The point here I make is that since it is admitted that the ambulances were indeed supplied to the government of Ghana, it cannot be honestly said that the government sustained financial loss when government: has accepted or taken possession of the ambulances and not indicated no intention whatsoever of terminating the contract.

    “The government actually committed itself to performing the contract by paying for the ambulances as confirmed in the negotiated addendum to the contract.”

    Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Dr. Sylvester Anemana a former Chief Director of the Ministry of Health and Businessman, Richard Jakpa are standing trial in connection with the importation of the 30 ambulances.

  • Govt failed to cooperate with Big Sea to install supplied accessories on ambulances – 3rd accused in Ambulance case tells court

    Govt failed to cooperate with Big Sea to install supplied accessories on ambulances – 3rd accused in Ambulance case tells court

    Richard Dzakpa, a businessman and the third accused in the trial involving Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, a former Deputy Minister for Finance, has pointed to the government’s lack of cooperation as a factor contributing to any deterioration observed in the ambulances.

    During his testimony in court, Mr. Dzakpa emphasized that the government did not cooperate with Big Sea Limited, the company responsible for shipping the ambulances and installing the required accessories.

    In his witness statement, Mr. Dzakpa noted that Big Sea Limited had shipped the necessary accessories as per the government’s request. However, upon arrival, the government did not assist in clearing the accessories or facilitate their installation as outlined in the addendum.

    Mr. Dzakpa’s statements suggest that the government’s failure to cooperate hindered the timely installation of the accessories, potentially leading to any deterioration in the ambulances.

    “I must repeat that in this case the government has not complained that the ambulances were not supplied. The government admits that the vehicles were supplied but complains that what was supplied were without accessories. The government has not rejected the goods, already paid for them and has further actually committed in principle to continue paying for subsequent productions till all the 200 ambulances are supplied.”

    “The government and Big Sea have agreed that Big Sea should supply the accessories of which Big Sea has supplied since 2016, but the government has since and still without terminating the contract refused to cooperate to enable Big Sea to install the supplied accessories agreed in the addendum to the contract by clearing the accessories and notifying Big Sea to proceed to fly down to Ghana and fix the accessories as stated in the addendum.”

    “For the past Seven (7) years government has reneged on implementing the addendum negotiated for by both parties.”

  • Court adjourns treason-felony case involving Barker-Vormawor to May 20

    Court adjourns treason-felony case involving Barker-Vormawor to May 20

    The treason trial of #FixTheCountry convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has been adjourned to May 20 this year.

    The court was expected to decide on jurisdiction following a motion by Barker-Vormawor’s lawyers challenging the constitutionality of the offence and requesting the Judge to refer the issue to the Supreme Court.

    In anticipation of Monday’s proceedings, Barker-Vormawor had rallied members of the #FixTheCountry movement to support him at court.

    However, the trial did not take place as scheduled because the sitting judge is currently undergoing a training programme.

    Barker-Vormawor was arrested and charged after a social media post that police investigators claimed contained a clear intent to subvert Ghana’s constitution.

    He was detained on February 11, 2022, at Kotoka International Airport upon his return from the United Kingdom.

    The case has been adjourned to May 20, 2024, for a determination on the court’s jurisdiction and further proceedings.

  • Ivory Coast court sentences 13 to prison in major cocaine trafficking case

    Ivory Coast court sentences 13 to prison in major cocaine trafficking case


    In Ivory Coast, a court has sentenced 13 individuals involved in a significant cocaine trafficking network to 10 years in prison each.

    Among them is a former Spanish police officer identified as the orchestrator of the smuggling scheme.

    The operation resulted in the seizure of over two tonnes of cocaine in the port cities of Abidjan and San Pedro two years ago.

    In addition to the prison terms, the convicted individuals have been ordered to pay nearly $100 million (£80 million) each in fines.

    Notably, those found guilty include an Ivorian regional councillor and a police commissioner.

    The public prosecutor revealed that the investigation uncovered an extensive drug trafficking network spanning South America, Europe, and Ivory Coast.

    Most of the cocaine was intended for transit to Europe, India, and Australia.

  • 2 Nigerian military officers to appear in court after drone attack killed 85

    2 Nigerian military officers to appear in court after drone attack killed 85

    Two soldiers from Nigeria will go to court for killing 85 people in a drone attack last December. The attack happened in the conflict-ridden north of Nigeria. A rights group is asking for more information and justice for the victims.

    Two people will face military justice for making mistakes that led to civilians being killed. They thought the civilians were terrorists. The Defense Headquarters spokesperson did not give more information.

    The Nigerian military frequently uses air strikes to fight against violent extremists and rebel attacks in the northern part of Nigeria. This has caused harm to innocent people for over ten years.

    Since 2017, the military has accidentally killed about 400 civilians, according to a security firm in Lagos.

    In December, there was a problem with a gun while people were celebrating a Muslim holiday in Tudun Biri village, Kaduna state.

    The Nigerian military needs to give more details about their investigation, pay the victims, and create better ways to prevent accidents from happening again, according to Anietie Ewang, a researcher with Human Rights Watch.

    Ewang said we really need a careful plan to make sure the victims of the airstrikes get fairness and justice.

    Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu said that mistakes that could have been prevented cannot happen again. Rights groups and activists also criticized the attack and asked for more careful monitoring of the military’s actions in war areas.

    One big worry is that there are too many drones in Nigerian security groups and there are no clear rules on when they can be used. This was said by Kabir Adamu, a security expert in Abuja.

    Buba said that the military will be more careful in the future to make sure that people who are not fighting in wars are safe.

  • Injunction against NBA for approving registration of 14 new GM crops dismissed

    Injunction against NBA for approving registration of 14 new GM crops dismissed

    The Human Rights Court 1 rejected the interim injunction request brought by Food Sovereignty Ghana and others against the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) regarding the approval of 14 Genetically Modified (GM) crops for various uses in Ghana.

    Presided over by Her Ladyship, Justice Barbara Tetteh-Charway, the court dismissed the application on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, recognizing the NBA’s thoroughness in fulfilling its legal duty to ensure the safety and regulatory compliance of GM crops in Ghana’s agriculture.

    The NBA recently authorized the commercial utilization of 14 new GM products, comprising eight maize and six soybean varieties.

    However, Food Sovereignty Ghana and others on April 10, 2024 filed the motion for interlocutory injunction to restrain the National Biosafety Committee and 4 others from “releasing into the Ghanaian ecosystem any GM product”.

    The court also emphasized that obtaining information from the NBA beforehand could have prevented the need for the current application.

    This landmark decision represents a crucial step forward for stakeholders in biotechnology and agricultural innovation, underscoring the importance of science-based biosafety systems to enhance producer options, foster consumer trust, facilitate trade, and advance agricultural research and development.

    The verdict on the main issue is slated to be delivered on Friday, May 24, 2024.

    “The NBA wishes to assure Ghanaians that it remains committed to ensuring the safety of modern biotechnology in Ghana as well as continuous engagement with stakeholders in a transparent manner”, the statement from the NBA assured.

  • Injunction application against Ejisu by-election withdrawn

    Injunction application against Ejisu by-election withdrawn

    The High Court in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, has dismissed an injunction application against the by-election in Ejisu after the plaintiff, Emmanuel Gallo, withdrew the case.

    Gallo, the former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), had filed for an interlocutory injunction to stop the Ejisu by-election scheduled for April 30.

    His aim was to halt the election until a lawsuit against the Electoral Commission (EC), which sought to prevent Esther Osei from representing the party in the poll, was resolved.

    Gallo claimed that the party had officially informed the EC of its decision not to participate in the by-election on April 18.

    However, he later withdrew the case, citing calls from notable individuals, including the former party chair and current Paramount Chief of Nandom Traditional Area, Naa Prof. Edmund N. Dele Chii VIII.

    Gallo stated that he withdrew the case to promote cohesion and unity among CPP members.

    “The same introspection the Plaintiff considers to help with the unity and cohesion within the party. Based on these happenings and calls, the Plaintiff prays to withdraw the instant application and the Suit even though it is clear that the Defendant cannot legally conduct the elections with an illegitimate candidate purporting to be a constitutionally elected parliamentary candidate in the Ejisu bye-election. I pray accordingly,” the plaintiff told the court.

    This is after the Convention People’s Party (CPP) clarified that it has not placed any injunction on the parliamentary by-election process in Ejisu.

    In response, the court presided over by Her Ladyship ELLEN L. S. Mireku, said, “The application for Injunction against the Electoral Commission is struck out as withdrawn. The suit is also struck out as withdrawn. No order as to cost.”

    Gallo-vrs.-ECDownload
  • Court grants 1 out of 4 arrested for EC’s stolen BVRs bail

    Court grants 1 out of 4 arrested for EC’s stolen BVRs bail

    An Accra High Court has granted bail to Joseph Blankson Adumadzie, one of the four individuals arrested in connection with the theft of laptops and Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits belonging to the Electoral Commission (EC).

    Adumadzie, a Database Administrator, was granted bail by the High Court last week. His counsel informed the Dansoman Circuit Court that they were in the process of serving the High Court proceedings on the Police to execute the bail, which is why Adumadzie was not present in court.

    Meanwhile, the other three accused persons—Philip Tettey, a 26-year-old casual worker; Benjamin Fienyi, a security man; and Clifford Yeboah, a student—were remanded into lawful custody by the Dansoman Circuit Court.

    At the latest proceedings at the Dansoman Circuit Court, Clifford Yeboah’s lawyer reiterated an application for bail for his client, noting that Yeboah had forfeited his examinations due to the case. The defence counsel pointed out the High Court’s decision to grant bail to Adumadzie.

    The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, objected to bail for the accused persons, citing the nature of the case, which is of national interest. Chief Inspector Wonder highlighted that the Dell Laptop Computers stolen from the EC had not been retrieved and contained important data.

    The court, presided over by Halima Abdul El Lawal Basit, adjourned the matter to May 6, 2024.

    The accused persons have been jointly charged with conspiracy to steal and stealing, while Yeboah has been charged with dishonestly receiving the stolen equipment. All the accused persons have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    According to the prosecution, the theft was discovered during a maintenance exercise on March 9, 2024, when it was noticed that five Dell laptops belonging to the EC had been stolen from the BVR kits. The matter was reported to the National Security, leading to the arrest of the accused persons.

    The prosecution revealed that three HP laptops of the EC were retrieved from Yeboah, and an HP printer and three Biometric Verification Devices (BVD) were retrieved from Fienyi. It was also alleged that Fienyi and Adumadzie planned to steal printers during the relocation of materials from the EC’s old Head Office to a new warehouse in Accra in March 2023.

    Additionally, Tettey was accused of stealing three HP laptops and giving them to Yeboah for repair, while Adumadzie allegedly stole an HP printer and gave it to Fienyi. Fienyi was also said to have taken three BVD printer chargers home.

    The prosecution stated that investigations are ongoing, and they will soon present further evidence to the court.

  • Court rejects R. Kelly’s appeal, upholds 20-Year sentence for child sex abuse

    Court rejects R. Kelly’s appeal, upholds 20-Year sentence for child sex abuse

    A Chicago court denied an appeal by the disgraced R&B singer Robert Kelly, known as R Kelly, to overturn his 20-year sentence for a child sex conviction in a ruling on Friday, April 26, 2024.

    R Kelly, convicted on three charges of producing child sexual abuse images and three charges of enticing minors for sex, argued that Illinois’ old statute of limitations should have been applied, rather than the current law allowing charges while an accuser is still alive.

    The old Illinois statute required prosecuting child sex crime charges within 10 years.

    However, the appeals court dismissed this argument, describing it as an attempt by Kelly to evade charges “after employing a complex scheme to keep victims quiet.”

    Kelly also contended that charges related to one accuser should have been separate from those involving three other accusers due to video evidence central to the Chicago trial.

    Prosecutors asserted that the video depicted Kelly abusing a girl, identified as Jane, who testified for the first time, stating she was 14 when the video was recorded.

    Despite Kelly’s arguments, the three-judge panel from the US appeals court pointed out that jurors acquitted him on seven of the 13 counts, “even after viewing those abhorrent tapes.”

  • J.B Danquah was killed by 3 police officers, not Daniel Asiedu – Counsel tells court

    J.B Danquah was killed by 3 police officers, not Daniel Asiedu – Counsel tells court

    Mr. Yaw Dankwah, the defence counsel in the murder case of former MP for Abuakwa North, J.B. Danquah Adu, has stated that Daniel Asiedu, the first accused person, did not kill the former legislator.

    He alleged that the former MP was killed by three police impersonators who visited his home. According to the counsel, these impersonators disappeared after committing the crime.

    This claim, he said, was supported by the evidence of one Apraku, the security guard who reported the incident to the police via phone calls.

    The counsel further argued that the late MP was tall and well-built, making it unlikely that Asiedu could overpower him.

    “It was the three impersonating officers who overpowered the MP and killed him at his residence … Asiedu cannot overpower the MP physically.

    “Your story suggesting that it was Daniel Asiedu who killed the MP was a fabrication and full of lies.”

    ASP Augustine Nkrumah, the case investigator, stated in court that Daniel Asiedu, the first accused person, was responsible for killing former MP J.B. Danquah Adu. According to the investigator, Asiedu was described as “a terrible person” and capable of committing the murder.

    ASP Nkrumah explained to the court how weapons used in the crime were recovered from Asiedu. He also mentioned the discovery of a T-shirt, a handkerchief soaked in blood, and a knife at the scene, which Asiedu admitted were his.

    The investigator added that Asiedu’s girlfriend, Janet Kyeraa, confirmed to the police that the T-shirt and handkerchief belonged to Asiedu. She also stated that Asiedu gave her a blood-stained knife to clean after the incident.

    ASP Nkrumah informed the court that Asiedu’s slippers were found at the crime scene, and Asiedu identified a catapult and cutter found there as well.

    “During investigations, the knife Asiedu used in stabbing the deceased to death was traced to Asiedu’s room at Agbogbloshie in Accra.

    “When the knife was shown to the first accused person (Asiedu) he admitted to having used that knife on the deceased. Asiedu said he was held by the deceased and he left him helpless in his room,” ASP Nkrumah.

    The case investigator revealed in court that in the deceased’s room, Asiedu asked for forgiveness for the offense he had committed.

    Furthermore, the investigator informed the court that Asiedu demonstrated to the investigation team how he went to the crime scene and perpetrated the crime.

    “My Lord, the exhibits found in the deceased room, Asiedu admitted sending them there.”

  • Man jailed 10 years for using hot cutlasses to burn 13-year-old daughter’s genitals

    Man jailed 10 years for using hot cutlasses to burn 13-year-old daughter’s genitals

    The Tarkwa Circuit Court has sentenced a 47-year-old man to 10 years in prison with hard labour for assaulting his 13-year-old daughter.

    John Ansah, the biological father of the victim, pleaded guilty to charges of causing harm, indecent assault, and female genital mutilation.

    Police Superintendent Juliana Essel-Dadzie stated that the complainant, a supervisor at Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL) and resident of Agona Nkwanta, while Ansah worked as a charcoal producer.

    Ansah, a single parent, lived with his children, including the victim, at Kwapong within the GREL plantation.

    The court heard that Ansah had been abusing the victim, accusing her of having sexual relations with men. On Sunday, March 24, 2024, at about 20:00 hours, Ansah tied the victim’s legs and hands with a rope in their bamboo house.

    He then heated two cutlasses in a fire and pushed them into the victim’s vagina in turns, causing severe burns around her vagina and thighs.

    Despite the victim’s cries for help, Ansah continued torturing her until she became weak. He left her tied up with the rope until the next day when she managed to free herself. Ansah then began monitoring her, fearing she might expose him.

    The court, presided over by Hathia Ama Manu, sentenced Ansah to 10 years in prison with hard labor, condemning his heinous acts of abuse and violence against his own daughter.

  • NDA officials accused of corruption ordered by court to present defence

    NDA officials accused of corruption ordered by court to present defence

    The High Court in Tamale has directed all four accused individuals implicated in the Northern Development Authority (NDA) corruption trial by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to commence their defence.

    The accused persons include Sumaila Abdul-Rahman, the former CEO of the NDA; Stephen Yir-eru Engmen and Patrick Seidu, both former Deputy Chief Executives of the NDA; and Andrew Kuundaari, CEO of A&QS Consortium Limited.

    The OSP initiated investigations in June 2022 into suspected corruption and related offences at the NDA regarding a contract awarded to A&Q’s Consortium for consultancy services under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme.

    The accused face 11 charges related to corruption and procurement violations in the award and execution of contracts for the NDA.

    The presiding judge ruled that the state has established a prima facie case against the accused individuals on all 11 counts, requiring them to present their defence.

    The OSP pressed charges against the four following investigations triggered by complaints lodged by private legal practitioner Mr Martin Luther Kpebu, who requested an inquiry into the operations of the NDA and the actions of its Chief Executive and Board Chairman.

    The investigation uncovered that the accused persons had breached procurement laws and engaged in corrupt practices.

    The investigative findings revealed that Abdul-Rahman, Engmen, Seidu, and Kuundaari manipulated the procurement process to unfairly benefit A&QS in contracts for consultants under the Infrastructure for Poverty (IPEP) project by inflating the approved contract sum from GH₵5,720,000.00 to GH₵10,400,000.00 without proper authorization.

    Moreover, Kuundaari’s submission of invoices for the inflated contract sum was deemed fraudulent.

  • Court decision upholds law limiting parliamentary immunity of intelligence watchdogs

    Court decision upholds law limiting parliamentary immunity of intelligence watchdogs

    The Ontario Court of Appeal has approved a law that restricts members of the spy watchdog from utilizing their special immunity to speak openly.

    A group of politicians from different parties called the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians can see top-secret information.

    Normally, MPs and senators can’t be prosecuted for things they say in Parliament.

    However, people in the watchdog group, called NSICOP, could get in trouble if they share protected information that is not allowed by the rules of the committee.

    This week, a new decision was made that changes a previous decision from the Ontario Superior Court in 2022. The new decision says that Parliament can restrict parliamentary privilege without needing to change the constitution.

    A group of three judges in the Court of Appeal has said that Parliament can restrict freedom of speech and debate as long as it follows the rules set out in the committee’s laws, without changing the constitution.

  • Two jailed by court for stealing over 1,000 bags of rice worth GHC846,000

    Two jailed by court for stealing over 1,000 bags of rice worth GHC846,000

    Two individuals involved in the theft of 1,146 bags of rice valued at GH₵846,000.00 have been sentenced to prison terms by the Tema Circuit Court.

    Abdul Karim Abdul Aziz, a 36-year-old driver, was sentenced to five years each for the two counts of conspiracy to commit a crime and stealing. Ibrahim Mohammed, a 49-year-old transport agent, received a 12-year jail sentence each with hard labour for the same offences. The sentences will run concurrently.

    The court, presided over by Klorkor Okai Mills, issued the sentences after the accused persons were found guilty following a trial in which they pleaded not guilty.

    Chief Inspector Jacob Maalo Kuubal, prosecuting, stated that the complainant, Mr. Emmanuel Quaye Nartey, is a clearing agent, while Aziz is a driver, and Mohammed alias Baba Alhassan is a transport agent.

    According to the prosecution, on July 29, 2023, the complainant engaged Aziz to transport two 20-footer containers containing 1,146 bags of master perfumed rice valued at GH₵846,000.00 from MPS Tema to be delivered at the Trade Pass Commodities warehouse near the slaughterhouse in Tema.

    Prosecution further added that, Aziz, on his way to the warehouse, met Mohammed opposite the 20 bus stop, where they conspired to dishonestly appropriate the rice.

    An accomplice, Abdul Rahman Suleman, is currently on the run.

    Further police investigation revealed that Aziz and Mohammed sent the containers of rice to Prampram, where they were offloaded and sold.

    Mohammed took Aziz to the residence of one Eric Kojo Asiedu, a witness in the case, where Aziz passed two nights, while they looked for buyers.

    Mohammed hired loading boys, including the witness, to offload the 1,146 bags of rice from the containers, and the witness was paid an amount of GH₵200.00 for his services.

    Aziz received an initial amount of GH₵10,000.00 as part of his share of the proceeds and absconded to Tamale, where he met his accomplice, Abdul Rahman Sulemana.

    While in Tamale, Aziz received an additional GH₵100,000.00 from Mohammed through Abdul Rahman Sulemana’s mobile money account as final payment for the sale of the rice.

    Aziz then gave GH₵89,000.00 out of the money received to Sulemana to use in preparing travel documents for him to travel to Saudi Arabia.

    Further police investigation revealed that Aziz abandoned the truck at Tema Community Nine, near Flight Hotel, left the ignition key in the ignition node, and travelled to Tamale, adding that on November 20, 2023, intelligence led to his arrest from his hideout at Wassa Akropong in the Western Region.

    During the investigation, Aziz mentioned that he agreed with Mohammed and Sulemana to divert and sell the rice.

    Witnesses in the case were arrested, and after investigations, the accused persons were charged with the offences and arraigned.

  • Court grants former PPA CEO accused of corruption GHC4m bail

    Court grants former PPA CEO accused of corruption GHC4m bail

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), Adjenim Boateng Adjei, has pleaded not guilty to new corruption charges filed against him by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

    This development occurred after the OSP dropped the charge of misusing public office for personal profit against Adjenim Boateng and his brother-in-law, Francis Kwaku Arhin.

    During a court session on Monday, April 22, Principal Prosecutor Adelaide Obiri Wood stated that the OSP had decided not to pursue the case against the second accused after conducting additional investigations.

    “We have since filed a fresh charge sheet with only the first accused (Adjenim Boateng Adjei), a copy of which was brought to your attention at the last sitting (Thursday).

    “Respectfully, under the circumstances and the reasons given, we humbly pray to withdraw this present case before this honourable court to enable us to commence with the new case,” the Principal Prosecutor said.

    The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) had initially charged the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) with eight counts of using public office for personal profit and indirectly influencing procurement processes to gain an unfair advantage in the award of procurement contracts.

    The charge sheet was filed by the Special Prosecutor at the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra on April 17.

    However, the former PPA boss pleaded not guilty to all eight fresh counts.

    Subsequently, the court, presided over by Justice Marie-Louise Simmons, after taking the plea of the accused, admitted him to bail in the sum of GHȼ4 million. He is to produce two sureties, both of whom are to be justified with landed properties.

    The Court also instructed the Registrar to verify the authenticity of documents with relevant authorities, and the sureties are to provide copies of their Ghana Cards to the Registrar.

  • Court makes U-turn on bench arrest warrant for CID boss, another for contempt

    Court makes U-turn on bench arrest warrant for CID boss, another for contempt

    An Accra High Court has rescinded a bench warrant issued for the arrest of the Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Head of the Legal and Prosecution Unit of the Ghana Police Service (GPS).

    The warrant was rescinded after Superintendent of Police Sylvester Asare, the Head of the Legal and Prosecution Unit, rendered an unqualified apology to the court for failing to appear before it.

    Superintendent Asare informed the court that they were made aware of the court’s order after the warrant had been issued and that it was not their intention to disobey the court’s orders. He also stated that the vehicle in question had been released.

    He further explained that as soon as the Legal and Prosecution Unit heard about the court’s warrant through the media, they got in touch with counsel for the applicant, and the matter was resolved.

    The court had issued the arrest warrant on April 15, 2024, after the two officers failed to appear before it.

    However, Mr. Abraham Arthur, counsel for the applicant, admitted that the vehicle in question had been released to the applicant and commended the trial judge for her handling of the case.

    The trial Judge Justice Lydia Osei- Marfo said “It is hoped that this occurrence would not  happen again,” and rescinded the bench warrant. 

    The trial judge noted that the respondents had purged themselves of the “contemptuous act” and forgave them, stating that the application was struck out as settled. However, the court warned that it would be compelled to call the Police to order if they did not uphold the rule of law, emphasizing that no one was above the law.

    Sureword Global Outreach, a subsidiary company, stated in an affidavit that on November 14, 2023, a customer named Noagbe Julius approached Sure Rental to rent one of its vehicles for a day. Sure Rental agreed to rent a Toyota Fortuner with registration number GN 2925-20 and filled out the rental form for the customer.

    Later that day, a police officer reported to Sure Rental that Noagbe Julius had allegedly used the rented vehicle to convey substances suspected to be illicit drugs and had been apprehended and detained at the CID headquarters. The CID then impounded the vehicle without any justification.

    Sure Rental argued that as a rental company, they did not control the activities of customers who had rented their vehicles and therefore could not be held liable for acts committed by such clients. They also argued that the continuous detention of the vehicle was without basis and unlawful, as the vehicle had not committed any crime and was not needed as evidence in court.

    Sure Rental prayed to the court to order the release of the vehicle for the effective running of their business.

  • Court allegedly dismisses Serwaa Amihere’s leaked romantic video case

    Court allegedly dismisses Serwaa Amihere’s leaked romantic video case

    The court has allegedly dismissed the case involving Serwaa Amihere, a prominent figure in Ghana’s media scene, regarding a romantic video.

    Allegations of blackmail against her former partner Henry Fitz and his associates have been withdrawn by the court.

    Initially, reports spread widely accusing them of blackmail, which led to a dramatic police pursuit resulting in the arrest of Edem Savior Ketti and Henry Fitz’s spouse.

    Candylove Kwaykewaa Ababio was apprehended at an undisclosed location, while Edem Savior Ketti was found at his hideout in Dzorwulu.

    However, Henry Fitz managed to evade capture.

    In a surprising turn of events, the court dismissed Serwaa Amihere’s lawsuit against Henry Fitz, his associate, and his spouse due to a lack of substantial evidence.

    This news was relayed by Trouble Carlos, a well-known TikToker and YouTuber, on his official channel, bringing an end to this high-profile legal saga.

    Watch video below:

  • 22-year-old apprentice to serve 8-month jail term for fake missing genital report

    The Awutu Breku District Court has sentenced Emmanuel Agbeshie to eight months imprisonment for assaulting a teacher, claiming the teacher caused his penis to disappear.

    Agbeshie, a 22-year-old apprentice, pleaded guilty to charges including assault, causing harm, publication of false news, and deceit of a public officer.

    The court, presided over by Mrs. Naomi A. A. Kuntour, sentenced Agbeshie to a fine of GHC 2,400 for assault, with a default sentence of four months’ imprisonment.

    He was also sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment for causing harm. Additionally, he was fined GHC 1,200 for each charge of publication of false news and deceit of a public officer, with a default sentence of three months’ imprisonment for each charge. All sentences are to run concurrently.

    Agbeshie was ordered to sign a 12-month bond to be of good behavior upon release from prison. He was further directed to pay all medical bills for the victim, Mr. Charles Bimpong Appiah, and compensate him with GHC 4,800.

    Prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police and Chief Inspector Bernice Wei Kpuusuu, stated that the incident occurred when Agbeshie accused Mr. Appiah of touching him, claiming it caused his penis to disappear.

    Agbeshie then assaulted Mr. Appiah, leading to his arrest by police personnel from the Central East Command Legal Department, who were conducting a sensitization tour in the area.

    Mr. Appiah was taken to the hospital for treatment, where it was confirmed that Agbeshie’s penis was intact.

  • ‘Trotro mate’ remanded for reporting fake story on penis shrinking

    ‘Trotro mate’ remanded for reporting fake story on penis shrinking

    An 18-year-old driver’s mate has been remanded by a District Court in Awutu Bereku in the Central Region for claiming that his penis shrunk after a mason touched his shoulders.

    Emmanuel Arhinful, the driver’s mate, was remanded after a medical examination revealed that his penis was “intact and functioning normally without any deformity.”

    Arhinful has been charged with publication of false news and deceiving a public officer, Corporal Mercy Nyarko Boatemaa, by alleging that his penis shrunk after being touched by the complainant, Prince Zo Brimo.

    Despite denying the charges, Arhinful was remanded into police custody to reappear on April 17, 2024.

    Prosecutors, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Thomas Sarfo and Chief Inspector Bernice Wie Kpuusuu, told the court that the complainant, Prince Zo Brimo, a mason residing at Liberia Camp, was followed by Arhinful while he was on his way to Ofaakor.

    Brimo became alarmed when he noticed Arhinful following him and sought assistance from the Kasoa New Market Police Station.

    During interrogation, Arhinful alleged that his manhood had shrunk after Brimo touched his shoulders at the Kasoa MTN office. He was then issued a Police medical report form for examination.

    The medical report confirmed that Arhinful’s penis was “intact and functioning normally without any deformity.”

    Arhinful was subsequently arrested and cautioned.

  • Two siblings fined GHC1320, for verbally assaulting four police officers

    Two siblings fined GHC1320, for verbally assaulting four police officers

    The Ashaiman Circuit Court has issued fines totaling GH¢1320 to Safianu Osumanu and Aishatu Osumanu, siblings who admitted guilt to five counts of assaulting public officers, offensive conduct, and disturbance of court proceedings.

    Presided over by Mr. Simon Gaga, the court’s decision came after the siblings verbally assaulted four public officers, including janitor Ms. Millicent Zogli, Inspector Henry Tetteh Nartey, Corporal David Kwame Nyong, and Lance Corporal Rebecca Addo, during a civil suit hearing on February 1, 2024.

    The siblings risk a three-month prison sentence if they fail to pay the fines, emphasising the severity of their actions against law enforcement personnel.

    The incident occurred on February 1, 2024, when the siblings, accompanying their mother to court for a civil suit, disrupted proceedings by verbally assaulting the officers and causing a disturbance.

    Safianu, in particular, directed offensive language towards the first complainant, while both siblings resisted the officers’ attempts to maintain order, resulting in their arrest and subsequent court appearance.

  • Police CID files assault case against NSS-side chick who sued First Atlantic banker

    Police CID files assault case against NSS-side chick who sued First Atlantic banker

    The Greater Accra Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has submitted its diary of action detailing an incident involving former National Service Person (NSS) Deborah Seyram Adablah, who allegedly assaulted police officers.

    Additionally, the Regional Police CID submitted entries from the station diary of the officers from the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) who were executing a court order to preserve a vehicle involved in a dispute.

    Detective Sergeant Thompson Ayitey, an Investigator with the Greater Accra Regional CID, testified in court as a Subpoenaed Witness (Court Witness) from the lawyers of Deborah Seyram Adablah. He stated that Adablah obstructed police officers from performing their duties and assaulted them.

    “I did not commence the execution order,” Detective Sergeant Ayitey told the High Court in Accra, adding that, “rather I was the night investigator on the said date when the Regional Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) arrested and brought Deborah Seyram Adablah for obstructing the police officers from executing the order and also assaulting the police officers.”

    Deborah Adablah’s lawsuit for sexual harassment against banker Ernest Kwasi Nimako was dismissed for lack of a reasonable cause of action. However, she is now facing a contempt charge filed by Mr. Nimako.

    Ms. Adablah and her legal team have filed an application seeking to set aside the service and execution of the prohibition order filed on June 15, 2023.

    During a court session on Monday, March 25, 2024, the Court subpoenaed a witness after three documents, including the case docket on Adablah, were tendered in and subjected to cross-examination.

    Lawyer Mohammed Atta, representing Adablah, cross-examined the investigator (witness) and sought to clarify if the witness was the officer who initiated the execution of the preservation order exhibited on May 19, 2023.

    After responding in the negative, that, “I did not commence the execution order,” he explained that, “rather I was the night investigator on the said date when the Regional CTU (Counter Terrorism Unit) arrested and brought Deborah S Adablah for obstructing the police officers from executing the order and also assault on the police officers.”

    During the court proceedings, the witness (investigator) stated that he did not initiate action in the Diary of Action.

    When asked if there were records in the Police Station Diary, the witness responded, “I have in the station diary what transpired when the court bailiff and the police went to execute the court order.”

    Counsel for Adablah argued that according to police standing orders if an order to work is given, the officer tasked should start making entries from the beginning to the end.

    The investigator agreed with Adablah’s counsel, explaining that, “in this case, this order was not directed to me; rather, it was addressed through our legal department to the Regional Commander, who then sent it to the CTU commander for necessary action.”

    The investigator clarified that the evidence he presented in court was after the execution order was carried out.

    He added; “I’m not aware when this order came to the Regional Commander.”

    When Counsel suggested to him that, he had brought the wrong documents to the court, the witness said, “My lord, I tendered what I have or known about.”

    He stated that the officers from the Counter Terrorism Unit worked on the execution order from start to finish.

    However, he informed the Court that he would not be able to answer questions for the Counter Terrorism Unit unless the officers themselves were present.

    In response, Counsel for Adablah requested that, in the interest of justice, the appropriate officers be subpoenaed to answer questions.

    Presiding Judge Justice John Bosco Nabarese ruled that Counsel for the plaintiff must ensure that the latest subpoena is served on the Regional Counter Terrorism Unit, who are reported to have executed the order of preservation, to appear on May 7 for further cross-examination.

    Meanwhile, lawyers for Banker Ernest Kwasi Nimako have filed an application for a summary judgment.

    The case has been adjourned to May 7, 2024.

  • Prove 2 Chinese out of 10 arrested for galamsey are dead – Judge tells Prosecutor

    Prove 2 Chinese out of 10 arrested for galamsey are dead – Judge tells Prosecutor

    The Magistrate of the Sefwi Wiawso District Court, His Worship Eric Baah Boateng, has directed Chief Inspector George Asante Noye, a prosecutor in a case involving the arrest of 10 illegal miners, to provide documentary evidence of the death and cremation of two Chinese nationals at the next court sitting scheduled for April 15, 2024.

    The arrest of the 10 individuals, including four Chinese nationals and six Ghanaians, occurred on December 12, 2023, by staff of the Forestry Commission for engaging in illegal mining in the Krokosua Hills Forest Reserve.

    The Chinese nationals were identified as Men Shi Yu, 30; Weng Yong Cheng, 30; Wen FU Lin, 58; and Lee Pin, 60.

    The Ghanaian suspects were Edward Owusu, 25; Kwesi Frank, 42; Abudu Dramani, 41; and Joe Nabur, 27. Two police officers, Detective Sergeant Yahaya Andrews and Lance Corporal Azantillow, were also involved.

    During the court’s third sitting on March 15, 2024, only the six Ghanaians, including the two policemen, were present, while the four Chinese nationals were absent. The Prosecutor informed the court that two of the Chinese nationals had died and been cremated.

    Magistrate Eric Baah Boateng instructed the Prosecutor to bring the sureties for the deceased Chinese nationals to court at the next sitting to provide documentary evidence of their death and cremation. The case was adjourned to April 15, 2024, and has been referred to the Attorney General’s Department in Takoradi for advice.

  • “Aww” – How Kikibees’ ‘innocent’ girlfriend reacted to Court’s ruling

    “Aww” – How Kikibees’ ‘innocent’ girlfriend reacted to Court’s ruling

    Mam Yandey Joof, who stood trial for the death of Benett Agyekum Adomah, also known as Kikibees, has been acquitted by the Madina District Court.

    Joof, a hotelier and the girlfriend of the deceased, as well as the owner of Kikibees Restaurant had been facing a charge of murder in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Kikibee, the owner of Kikibee restaurant.

    Kikibee reportedly exhibited strange behavior at Joof’s apartment. She and a friend rushed him to the hospital, but Kikibee allegedly died shortly thereafter.

    She was cleared of all charges following the recommendation of the Office of the Attorney General.

    The prosecution told the court that “the advice from the Attorney General is ready, and we have been asked to discharge the accused person.”

    Joof, in a state of disbelief, expressed her emotions with a soft “aww” as she wiped her tears.

    Presiding over the court, Susana Nyarkotey announced that based on the advice from the Attorney General dated February 8, 2024, the accused is hereby discharged.

    “They found no fault with you,” the Magistrate said.

    Mam Yandey Joof, currently on GHC200,000 bail, wept uncontrollably as her relatives hurriedly ushered her into a waiting vehicle.

  • We found no fault with you – Court tells girlfriend of the late Kikibees

    We found no fault with you – Court tells girlfriend of the late Kikibees

    Mam Yandey Joof, who stood trial for the death of Benett Agyekum Adomah, also known as Kikibees, has been discharged by the Madina District Court.

    Joof, a hotelier and the girlfriend of the deceased, as well as the owner of Kikibees Restaurant, was discharged based on the advice of the Office of the Attorney General.

    Prosecution told the court that “the advice from the Attorney General is ready, and we have been asked to discharge the accused person.”

    Joof, in a state of disbelief, expressed her emotions with a soft “aww” as she wiped her tears.

    Presiding over the court, Susana Nyarkotey announced that based on the advice from the Attorney General dated February 8, 2024, the accused is hereby discharged.

    “They found no fault with you,” the Magistrate said.

    Mam Yandey Joof, currently on GHC200,000 bail, wept uncontrollably as her relatives hurriedly ushered her into a waiting vehicle.

    She had been facing a charge of murder in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Kikibee, the owner of Kikibee restaurant.

    Kikibee reportedly exhibited strange behavior at Joof’s apartment. She and a friend rushed him to the hospital, but Kikibee allegedly died shortly thereafter.

  • 3 remanded for allegedly attacking firefighters in Kumasi market

    3 remanded for allegedly attacking firefighters in Kumasi market


    Three individuals, identified as Solomon Anaba (18), Akongoli Adoko (18), and Lamamia Ishmael (21), have been remanded by the Kwadaso Circuit Court.

    Their arrest stems from allegations of attacking firefighters at the Racecourse Market in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti region.

    The trio, all laborers, faced charges of conspiracy to commit assault on a public officer and assault on a public officer.

    However, they did not enter pleas during their court appearance.

    Following a request from the prosecutor, ASP Jonas Newlove Adjei, the court opted to remand the accused individuals to facilitate further investigations.

    ASP Adjei cited concerns that granting bail to the accused, who are reportedly squatters, might impede ongoing investigations.

    Presided over by His Honour Stephen Kumi, the court scheduled the accused persons to reappear on March 26, 2024.

    The arrests occurred on March 11, 2024, after the accused allegedly hurled stones and other objects at firefighters from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital fire station, who were combating a blaze at the Racecourse Market.

    During the incident, one firefighter sustained an injury to his nose.

    The Suame Divisional Police Command apprehended the three individuals during the altercation.

  • Zonda Tec Ghana boss fined GHS24k for contempt

    Zonda Tec Ghana boss fined GHS24k for contempt

    Chief Executive of Zonda Tec Ghana Limited and Sinotruk, Mrs. Yang Yang, a prominent Chinese transport and logistics company, has been fined GHS24,000 by the Tema High Court for contempt.

    Justice Patricia Quansah, presiding over the court, also imposed a GHS12,000 fine on the legal representative of Zonda Sinotruck, both facing the threat of imprisonment in case of default.

    The contempt charges were brought forward by Narh Global Services, accusing Mrs. Yang Yang and Zonda Sinotruck of gross disobedience and disregard for a pending breach of contract lawsuit.

    The incident leading to the contempt conviction took place on August 1, 2023, when Zonda Sinotruck allegedly attacked Narh Global’s mine in the Ashanti region, despite ongoing legal proceedings.

    During the attack, workers were reportedly assaulted, the mine manager handcuffed to a stationary vehicle, and essential supplies, including diesel, were seized.

    The court found Mrs. Yang Yang and the legal representative guilty of contempt in its recent ruling.

    Archie Martin Danso Jnr, the lawyer representing Narh Global Services, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, highlighting the effectiveness of the legal system and the judge’s courage in holding Mrs. Yang Yang accountable.

    While acknowledging concerns about other matters, he commended the court for its commitment to justice.

    In the wider legal dispute, Narh Global Services has entered an appearance in the breach of contract suit initiated by Zonda Sinotruck.

    The court has dismissed a motion to strike out the statement of claim and dismiss the suit.

    Furthermore, Narh Global Services has filed a motion for an extension of time to submit a statement of defense, and the case is currently pending before the court.

  • Manhyia NDC organizer weeps and pleads for mercy in court

    Manhyia NDC organizer weeps and pleads for mercy in court

    The Manhyia South Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Mustapha Alhassan, faced charges of threatening violence and death as he shed tears in court, pleading for mercy.

    Accused of directing threats toward Ghana’s Electoral Commissioner and members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the NDC Executive appeared emotional during the court proceedings at the Kumasi Circuit Court KMA, where the decision on bail or remand hung in the balance.

    In the event of a conviction, Alhassan could potentially endure a sentence exceeding 10 years in prison.

    The State, represented by Prosecutor ASP Emelia Owusu Ansah, the Head of Legal and Prosecution Unit in the Ashanti Region, strongly opposed bail for Alhaji Mustapha Alhassan.

    However, the accused’s counsel, Evans Amankwah, urged the court to consider his client as a non-flight risk when requesting bail.

    At a critical juncture, as the prospect of a favorable bail ruling seemed uncertain, Alhassan burst into tears. In a subsequent turn of events, Judge His Honour Abdul-Razak Musah granted bail in the amount of GH¢ 100,000, requiring two justified sureties.

    The court, recognizing the sensitivity of the electoral season, advised individuals, including public officials, to exercise caution in their expressions to preserve the nation’s peace.

    Alhaji Mustapha Alhassan had allegedly been captured in a video challenging the New Patriotic Party to manipulate the elections, threatening a potential conflict even to the extent of causing harm to defend his party’s flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama.

    Following the video’s viral spread on social media, Alhaji Mustapha Alhassan voluntarily reported to the police, provided a statement, and was subsequently granted bail. The court mandated him to report to the police on Monday, February 26, 2024.

  • 21-year-old driver’s mate remanded over robbery and assault

    21-year-old driver’s mate remanded over robbery and assault


    A 21-year-old driver’s mate, Jeffery Johnson, has been brought before an Accra Circuit Court on charges of robbery and causing harm.

    Johnson, along with accomplices who are currently at large, is accused of robbing two individuals of their mobile phones.

    During the robbery, Johnson allegedly stabbed Ebenezer Dapaah, the first complainant, on his right hand before stealing his phone and that of the second complainant, Rosemary Akorli. Johnson pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Presiding over the case, Judge Afia Owusua Appiah remanded Johnson into Police custody until March 7, 2024. Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu led the prosecution, stating that the complainants, Ebenezer Dapaah and Rosemary Akorli, both worked at Papaya Food Company.

    According to Chief Inspector Alorwu, the incident occurred on February 17, 2024, between 1:00 am and 1:30 am, when Johnson and his accomplices arrived at the complainants’ house in Teshie.

    Johnson allegedly stabbed Dapaah and robbed both complainants of their phones valued at GH¢4,200.

    Despite the complainants raising an alarm, Johnson’s accomplices managed to flee with the motorbike while Johnson was apprehended by locals and handed over to the Teshie Police patrol team.

    Upon searching Johnson, the police found one of the stolen phones and the pair of scissors used in the robbery.

  • Ex-president Marzouki sentenced to eight years imprisonment by Tunisian court

    Ex-president Marzouki sentenced to eight years imprisonment by Tunisian court

    A court in Tunisia has given former President Moncef Marzouki an eight-year prison sentence, even though he was not present in court. He was accused of attacking the state security and encouraging people in Tunisia to fight against each other, a court official said.

    Marzouki, who lives in Paris, has been sent to prison for the second time. He was given a four-year sentence in 2021 when he was in absentia.

    Mohamed Zitouna, who speaks for the Tunisian court, said Marzouki was found guilty because of things he said in a speech in Paris that caused trouble, but he didn’t give more information about it.

    Marzouki was the president from 2011 to 2014. He strongly opposes President Kais Saied.

    In 2021, Saied shut down Parliament, fired the government, and started making decisions on his own. Some people, like Marzouki and other leaders of the opposing group, called it a coup.

    The president of Tunisia said that he didn’t do anything wrong when he increased his power in 2022. He claimed it was necessary to stop the country from being chaotic for many years.

    Many leaders of opposition groups were taken by the police in the past year. This includes Rached Ghannouchi, who leads the Islamist Ennahda party, and Abir Moussi, the leader of Free Constitutional.

    Last year, government arrested several well-known opposition leaders for allegedly planning to harm the country’s safety.

    The opposition says that Saied is silencing the media and being a strict ruler. They also think that his changes to the constitution have damaged the democracy that was created after the 2011 revolution.

    Saied said that the accusations against him are not true. He has called his critics bad names like criminals, traitors and terrorists. He also warned that any judge who lets his critics go free will be considered helping them.

  • Accusations of contempt directed at ex-Council of State member amid church property dispute

    Accusations of contempt directed at ex-Council of State member amid church property dispute


    A former member of the Council of State during John Dramani Mahama’s tenure, along with Jacob Asirifi Senior, Enoch Ofori, and Daniel Mensah, now face accusations of contempt by the Saviour Church of Ghana.

    Barima Yaw Kodie Oppong, Esquire, representing the Saviour Church of Ghana, has lodged a motion for contempt of court against these individuals.

    The motion requests the court to mandate the respondents to return all removed evidence of the applicant’s property, including signage and symbols.

    This legal action follows the Saviour Church of Ghana’s victory in a 24-year-long Supreme Court review case, affirming its ownership rights to the contested properties.

    The motion alleges that the respondents impeded court officials from executing a Writ of Possession by assaulting them and church representatives.

    It references an audio recording purportedly featuring Abraham Adusei instructing his followers to modify the church’s properties to assert their ownership.

    The motion contends that these actions constitute contempt of court and seeks appropriate sanctions to deter future disobedience.

  • Court orders arrest of administrator for defrauding businessman of $50,000

    Court orders arrest of administrator for defrauding businessman of $50,000

    The Accra Circuit Court has issued an arrest warrant for a 36-year-old administrator accused of defrauding a businessman of $50,000.

    Mary Dede Doku allegedly collected $50,000 from the complainant in 2021, promising to purchase a 2020 Range Rover Sport but failed to do so.

    Doku, facing charges of defrauding by false pretenses, failed to appear in court for the hearing.

    Her lawyer, Mr. William Newman, informed the court that she had traveled and was not in Ghana.

    Prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Seth Frimpong stated that this was the first time the police had heard of her travel.

    The prosecution requested the court, presided over by Mr. Isaac Addo, to issue a bench warrant for Doku’s arrest.

    The case has been adjourned to March 27, 2024.

    The complainant, Dennis Ahiable Isaac Owusu, resides in Nungua, while the accused is based in the USA.

    In 2021, the complainant expressed interest in buying a vehicle to Doku, who agreed to assist. He gave her $50,000 to purchase a 2020 Range Rover Sport, which she failed to deliver despite repeated demands.

    Doku claimed in 2022 that the dealer had sold the vehicle and promised to refund the money but did not.

    The complainant reported the case to the Auto Theft Unit of the Ghana Police Service, leading to Doku’s arrest.

    In her statement, Doku admitted to collecting $50,000 to purchase the vehicle but claimed to have reported her dealer in the USA.

    During investigations, Doku refunded $20,000, leaving a balance of $30,000, which she has failed to refund despite several attempts by the complainant.

  • Bechem SHS: Court awards GHS100K to 5 final year students who gang-raped 15-year-old girl

    The Duayaw-Nkwanta Circuit Court has granted GH¢100,000 bail with two sureties each to four students from Bechem Presbyterian Senior High School (PRESEC) who are accused of gang-raping a 15-year-old form one student at the school.

    Two additional suspects, Hamida Kyeremaa and another individual whose name is withheld, charged with aiding and abetting the crime, were also granted GH¢100,000 bail with two sureties, one to be justified.

    This decision was made by the court presided over by Justice Akosua Serwaa Sarfo.

    While proceedings were held in camera on Monday, it was learned that the court ordered suspects Agyem Frimpong, Emmanuel Ankama, Osman, Hamida, and the other suspect to remain in police custody until they meet the bail conditions.

    Police are actively searching for another suspect in the case, believed to be the gang’s ringleader.

    DSP Daniel Gadzepke, the prosecutor, stated in a telephone interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that a case management conference would be held in the next hearing for the plea of the suspects to be taken.

    They are scheduled to reappear before the court on Monday, March 18, 2024.

    As of the report filing, DSP Gadzepke mentioned that none of the suspects had been able to meet the bail conditions, and he indicated that they would be remanded to prison if unable to fulfill the terms.

    The alleged gang rape incident occurred on Saturday, February 10, 2024, around 2130 hours, involving five final year students. The victim was reportedly assaulted in a dilapidated structure on the school’s compound after accomplice Hamida lured and handed her over to the perpetrators.

    A medical report from the Duayaw-Nkwanta St John of God Catholic Hospital, as seen by the GNA, confirmed the victim had been raped.


  • Court slaps man with 5-year jail term for killing cousin over side chick

    Court slaps man with 5-year jail term for killing cousin over side chick

    A man, Godwin Kotey, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and has been sentenced to five years in prison for causing the death of his cousin, Fredrick Nii Oko Sackey.

    Initially charged with murder, Kotey changed his plea to manslaughter after negotiations with the state.

    He activated the Plea Bargaining Act and entered into an agreement with the Attorney General to plead guilty to manslaughter for a reduced sentence.

    The confrontation between Kotey and his cousin arose over Kotey’s girlfriend, who had been entrusted to the care of the deceased.

    This altercation resulted in the death of Fredrick Nii Oko Sackey.

    “My Lady, respectfully, we have entered into plea negotiations with the Attorney General, and we would respectfully like to change the plea of the accused person from not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter,” Edwin Hoffman Counsel holding brief of Kwame Appiah told the Court while pointing to section 239(2) of Act 30.

  • Man remanded for stealing GHS292,534 for ailing mother

    A 30-year-old man, Henry Hoyle, accused of embezzling GHC292,534 from his employer, has been remanded into police custody by an Accra Circuit Court. Hoyle admitted to the theft, citing the need to care for his ailing mother as his motive.

    Although he pleaded guilty, Hoyle’s lawyer informed the court that he had already returned some of the stolen money.

    The court, presided over by Isaac Oheneba Kuffour, convicted Hoyle based on his plea but deferred sentencing until the refunded amount is reconciled. The case has been adjourned to February 14, 2024.

    According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Evans Kesse, the complainant, head of the Human Resource Department of an undisclosed company involved in online sales, reported that Hoyle, a former finance associate, had stolen company funds.

    The theft involved transferring money to Hoyle’s personal mobile money numbers, which he used for personal expenses. The company discovered the embezzlement during a random internal financial check in May 2021.

    When confronted, Hoyle admitted to the theft and explained that he used the money to address his mother’s medical needs. In an attempt to conceal his actions, Hoyle disabled the MTN Mobile Money Number service from his contacts.

    However, the court obtained the mobile money statement, revealing fraudulent activities where Hoyle used his personal mobile money numbers as fictitious customers to be reimbursed.

    Investigations disclosed that from December 27, 2018, to May 12, 2021, Hoyle dishonestly appropriated a total of GHC292,534.00 by transferring GHC175,642 and GHC116,892.00 into his personal numbers for personal use.

    The accused further dispersed the embezzled funds by transferring money to other accounts, leading to his arrest and subsequent prosecution.

  • Injunction against NPP Asante Mampong constituency primary dismissed by court

    Injunction against NPP Asante Mampong constituency primary dismissed by court

    Per reports, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is scheduled to conduct a parliamentary primary in the Asante Mampong constituency on February 17, following the dismissal of an interlocutory injunction by the Court of Appeal.

    The plaintiffs, led by Kofi Sarpong, contested the January 27 primary, objecting to the use of the current voter album for the elections.

    However, on February 14, a three-member panel, led by Justice Georgina Mensah-Datsa, rejected the application.

    The Mampong Constituency Secretary of the NPP, Alhaji Agyei Malik, confirmed the court’s decision and stated that the party has informed all relevant stakeholders about the rescheduled primary.

    Mr Malik underscored the importance of party unity, urging both sides to work together.

    He said,“The case was dismissed by the court because the plaintiffs did not produce enough evidence… The party has set 17 February for the conduct of the elections… All relevant stakeholders including polling station executives have been duly informed.”

    “We believe that this is not a win for certain people and vanquish for others… The onus lies on those people claiming victory to extend an olive hand to the other side and bring them on board,” he added.

    However, Emmanuel Osei Abu-Bonsra, counsel for the plaintiffs, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, hinting at the possibility of an appeal.

    He remarked, “I am not satisfied with the ruling, but I respect the decision of the court… We have not exhausted all available channels yet.”

  • Court grants GHS100k bail to 2 individuals allegedly impersonating Ablakwa

    Court grants GHS100k bail to 2 individuals allegedly impersonating Ablakwa

    Two individuals, accused of impersonating Member of Parliament (MP) Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, have been granted GHc100,000 bail after pleading not guilty to six counts of allegedly defrauding unsuspecting Ghanaians.

    Promise Ahorgah, a phone repairer, and Kwaotse Mawuli, a building construction laborer, are accused of creating social media accounts in the MP’s name to solicit funds for victims affected by the Akosombo and Kpong Dam Spillage.

    In court on February 14, 2024, the accused, represented by lawyer Simon Animley, requested bail, which was opposed by Assistant State Attorney Derek Ackah Nyamekye. Despite the opposition, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo granted bail in the sum of GHc50,000 each with a surety, to be justified.

    As part of their bail conditions, the accused must report to the case investigator every Friday in two weeks, and both the accused and their sureties are required to deposit their Ghana Cards with the court registry.

    The individuals were arrested on December 13 and were remanded into the custody of the National Signals Bureau during further investigation.

    The charges include two counts each of defrauding by false pretenses, charlatanic advertisement, and falsely pretending to be a public officer.

    “Holding themselves out as the complainant and causing the general public to wrongly believe they were the complainant, the 1st and 2nd accused persons published the fake and deceitful flyers on social media platforms requesting the general public to make cash donations into their mobile phone numbers 0535623416 and 0535364971 respectively, which each of the accused persons had stated on the fake and deceitful flyers,” the Prosecution.

    “Through their acts of personation and publication of deceitful advertisement with the intent to defraud, the 1s and 2nd accused persons succeeded in causing members of the public to send to them sums of money,” the Court was told.

    According to the prosecution, the accused modified the complainant’s flyer on Facebook, inserting their phone numbers and posing as the MP to deceive the public into making cash donations.

    The accused admitted to the offenses during interrogation, and the investigation is ongoing.

    “Both 1st and 2nd accused persons admitted to the offences when interrogated. Investigation is still ongoing,” the Prosecution said.

  • 50-year-old in court for allegedly defiling 9-year-old 

    50-year-old in court for allegedly defiling 9-year-old 

    A fifty-year-old security guard has been arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defiling a nine-year-old.

    Winfred Nyefene is alleged to have offered the victim GHC2 after his last sexual encounter with the nine-year-old. 

    During the hearing, Nyefene was charged with defilement of which he pleaded not guilty.

    Susana Eduful, the relieving judge, admitted Nyefene to bail in the sum of GHC100,000 with two sureties, one of whom must be a family member and the other a public servant earning at least GHC2,000.

    The court has adjourned the matter to March 13, 2024.

    The court further advised Nyefene to seek the services of a lawyer from the Legal Aid Commission.

    The prosecution argued that the complainant is the mother of the victim, a class four pupil.

    It said the parties in the case are co-tenants residing at Abeka, Accra.

    On January 8, 2024, at about 1800 hours, a witness in the case saw the victim coming from Nyefene’s room.

    The prosecution stated that a witness who had previously observed the victim leave the room became “highly suspicious” and alerted another relative, who then informed the complainant.

    It said the complainant examined the victim, who disclosed that Nyefene had sexual intercourse with her on several occasions, the most recent being January 8, 2024.

    According to the prosecutor, the victim mentioned the most recent incident, in which Nyefene offered her GHc2.00 for having sex with her in his room.

    On January 9, 2024, the Tesano DOVVSU received a report on the matter and issued a medical form for the victim to be examined and treated.

    In the victim’s statement to the police, she indicated that Nyefene had had sex with her on five separate occasions.

    The prosecution said Nyefene was arrested but denied the offence in his caution statement.

  • 66-year-old farmer who shot pilot to death pleads guilty

    66-year-old farmer who shot pilot to death pleads guilty

    In the Eastern Region’s Akim Asuboa near Akim Oda, Joseph Kwesi Effah, a 66-year-old farmer, has pleaded for forgiveness from the family of Prince Kwabena Kumi, a 36-year-old Aeronautic Engineer he mistakenly shot and killed in 2018.

    Initially claiming he mistook the victim for an animal, Effah changed his plea to guilty for manslaughter upon his 2021 arrest.

    At the High Court in Accra, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo sentenced Effah to five years in hard labor.

    The remorseful farmer, a father of 13 and a tailor, knelt and begged for forgiveness from the deceased’s family, expressing deep regret: “I have regretted my actions. It was not my intention for the victim to lose his life.”

    Mr Effah, a member of a neighborhood watch committee for community safety, explained the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    “I have regretted my actions. It was not my intention for the victim to lose his life. I agreed to serve the society and community out of love. I have never had any encounter or fought with anybody”.

    “Sometimes, when it is time for me to go and serve the community, I lock two of my little children in the room to enable me to go and return home safely,” he said to the family while sobbing”.

    “At the time the incident happened, it never occurred to me that a Human being could be at the bush at that time. I am deeply sorry and I plead with the family of the victim who are present in court to forgive me and that it was not intentional.

    “If I had been able to fulfill the bail conditions, I would have gone to see some elders to accompany me to the family of the deceased and render my apology to them,” the Convict pleaded.

    “I am pleading with the family of the deceased present to forgive me and for the court to forgive me as well and that it was not intentional. I am also pleading with the court to help me apologize to the family of the deceased and that it was not intentional”.

    However, the family found his apology difficult to accept, citing the delay in coming forward, as the incident occurred in 2018, and Effah was only arrested in 2021. They shared the profound impact of the tragedy on their lives.

    While the prosecution acknowledged the unintentional nature of the act, they emphasized that it led to the death of a cherished family member.

    The court, considering Effah’s guilty plea and the three years he spent in custody, handed down a five-year prison sentence with hard labor.

    The tragic incident unfolded during a patrol when Effah and a fellow committee member heard a snoring sound in the bush. Believing it was an animal, Effah fired his gun, later realizing he had shot a human being. Despite the recognition of the mistake, they left the scene without reporting it to the police.

    The pathologist determined the cause of death as hemorrhagic shock, severe jaw and chest injuries, and a gunshot at intermediate range. The ballistic report confirmed that the pellets retrieved from the deceased’s body matched those from the guns of the neighborhood watch committee members, including Effah.

    This case serves as a somber reminder of the unintended consequences that can result from negligent actions, even within the context of community safety efforts. Effah’s guilty plea and subsequent sentencing aim to provide some measure of justice for the family of the deceased. The court has adjourned the case to November 16 for a pre-trial hearing.

  • Kenya gas explosion: Court arraigns 4 suspects over fatal incident

    Kenya gas explosion: Court arraigns 4 suspects over fatal incident

    In the aftermath of a gas explosion in Nairobi that claimed six lives and injured nearly 300 individuals, four suspects have been brought before the court in the Kenyan capital.

    The explosion, which occurred last Thursday, involved a lorry carrying gas cylinders that blew up in a densely populated area of the city, igniting multiple fires.

    The primary suspect, identified as Derrick Kimathi, surrendered to the police on Monday. Kimathi, who is the tenant of the property where the blast took place, has denied any involvement in the incident.

    Accompanying Kimathi in court were three officials from the National Environment Management Authority (Nema). While they have not yet been formally charged, authorities are considering multiple charges against them, including murder, abuse of office, and negligence resulting in harm, according to Kenya’s NTV channel.

    The court appearance of the suspects follows a directive from President William Ruto, who ordered the arrest and prosecution of government officials responsible for allowing the illegal operation of the gas plant in a residential area.

    Kimathi’s lawyer, Wandugi Kirathe, stated that his client denied operating an illegal gas filling business at the site of the blast. According to Kirathe, Kimathi asserted that the vehicle involved in the incident was trespassing on his property without his knowledge or consent.

    In addition to the four suspects arraigned in court, authorities are actively pursuing five other individuals, including two Nema employees, the manager of the gas filling plant, and two drivers.

    The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) emphasized that the actions of the suspects resulted in significant physical and emotional suffering for Kenyans affected by the explosion.

    The explosion caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles in the area. Among the casualties were a child and numerous individuals requiring hospitalization. Reports indicate that 271 people were taken to hospitals, including at least 25 children.

    The environmental officials implicated in the incident had been suspended by Nema following allegations of improperly licensing the gas plant.

    Public demands for accountability have intensified, with government agencies facing scrutiny and engaging in blame-shifting over the circumstances leading to the tragic explosion.

  • Driver at Twifo Eduabeng in court for defiling 12-year-old

    Driver at Twifo Eduabeng in court for defiling 12-year-old

    In the Twifo Atti-Morkwa District of the Central Region, at Twifo Eduabeng, a 12-year-old girl was allegedly fondled and licked by a 43-year-old driver, who showed up at the Twifo Praso District Court.

    Chief Inspector Joseph Kusah, the prosecution’s case presenter, stated that on January 3, 2024, at approximately 8 a.m., the accused, George Antwi, who practices herbal medicine, invited the victim to his home for medication due to skin conditions she had been battling.

    Then, after tricking the victim into believing he was giving her medicine, he dragged her into his bedroom, stripped her nude, and forced her onto the bed.

    Subsequently, the accused turned off the lights, covered the windows with curtains, loudly turned on the radio, and started caressing and licking the victim’s vagina. Antwi was unaware that the victim’s two younger sisters had crept into the room and seen what had happened. Antwi threatened to kill them and their parents if they told anyone in the community, hoping to silence them.

    Chief Inspector Kusah informed the court that the kids told their parents about the threat despite it, and they filed a formal complaint with the police and got a medical form.

    He claimed that Antwi was taken into custody and was facing charges of indecent assault and making threats of harm. The accused entered a not guilty plea, and the court, presided over by Maxwell Foli Kpodo, granted him bail in the amount of Gh¢5,000.00 with two sureties.

    The suspect was further ordered by the court to stay inside the jurisdiction until the case was resolved.

  • Court cancels Elon Musk’s $56 billion Tesla compensation contract

    Court cancels Elon Musk’s $56 billion Tesla compensation contract

    A judge in Delaware cancelled a $55. 8 billion pay deal given to Elon Musk by Tesla in 2018.

    A person who owns part of the company said they paid too much and is taking it to court.

    Judge Kathaleen McCormick said the payment was a very large amount that was not fair to the owners of the company. She also said the way the payment was approved had many problems.

    She decided that the contract must be cancelled.

    The agreement on how much money to pay was made in 2018 and was the largest ever in US corporate history. This helped Mr. Musk become the richest person in the world. In November 2023, Bloomberg and Forbes said his money is between $198 billion and $220 billion.

    Tesla’s deal connected Mr. Musk’s pay to how well Tesla’s stock does and how much money the company makes. He doesn’t get paid.

    But the owner of some of the Tesla company, Richard Tornetta, sued to take back the award because he thinks the boss got too much money.

    After many years of fighting in court, a trial started in November 2022. Tesla directors were trying to explain that the big payment to Mr. Musk was meant to make sure he keeps focusing on the company. Musk is known as one of the most active and successful entrepreneurs in the world.

    However, in her 201-page decision published on Tuesday, Judge McCormick stated that the Tesla directors had been influenced by the excitement about Mr. Musk’s celebrity status.

    Furthermore, Musk had a close connection with the Tesla officials who were responsible for discussing the pay award. She mentioned his long relationship with the person in charge of deciding how much people get paid.

    Mr Musk has been doing business with Antonio Gracia for over 20 years, said the judge.

    After the decision was made, Greg Varallo, a lawyer for the Tesla shareholder Mr. Tornetta, said it was a “good day for the good guys,” in an email reported by Reuters.

    Mr Musk posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) saying “Don’t register your company in Delaware”.

    “I suggest setting up a business in Nevada or Texas if you want the shareholders to make decisions,” he said. He asked his followers if Tesla should move its legal headquarters to Texas, where its main office is located.

    The judge’s decision can be challenged in the Delaware Supreme Court.

    Tesla’s stock went down by about 2. 5% in after-hours trading in New York. They are worth 20% less this year than they were before.

    Mr Musk is the boss and a big owner of Tesla. He also has other companies like X, SpaceX, and Neuralink.

    Mr Musk sold a lot of his Tesla shares to buy X. Now he owns about 13% of the company. He wants to own even more.

    When Tesla offered Mr. Musk a pay package in 2018, a lot of people noticed and talked about it. Many shareholders’ advisors suggested not to vote for the plan because they believe it is too generous.

    The package was much larger than the salaries of the top 200 CEOs in America combined in 2021, according to research firm Equilar.

    Brian Quinn, a teacher at Boston College Law School, told the BBC that it was difficult to say that a deal like this is right, because Mr. Musk has a lot of power over the board.

    “He takes care of Tesla as if it’s his own, but he’s not the main owner even though he calls himself the ‘Techno-king of Tesla’,” Professor Quinn explained.

    Mr Musk is worried about Tesla’s investments in artificial intelligence technology.

    “I don’t feel good about making Tesla a leader in AI and robotics unless I have 25% of the voting power,” he said on social media.

    He said the way Tesla’s shareholders are now can make it easy for someone not trustworthy to take over the company, and he wants more say in where it’s heading.

    Mr Musk said he would rather make products somewhere else if that’s not true.

  • Major Mahama case ends, 12 found guilty

    Major Mahama case ends, 12 found guilty

    Twelve individuals, including a former assembly member, have been found guilty of the murder of Major Maxwell Adam Mahama in Denkyira Obuasi, Central Region, on May 29, 2017.

    Major Mahama was lynched by some residents in Denkyira-Obuasi after being mistaken for an armed robber, despite his pleas that he was an officer of the Ghana Armed Forces.

    The verdict was delivered by a unanimous decision of a seven-member panel on Monday, January 29, 2024.

    The individuals found guilty are William Baah (assemblyman for the area), Bernard Asamoah (aka Daddy), Kofi Nyarko (aka Abortion), Akwasi Baah, Kwame Tuffour, Joseph Appiah Kubi, Michael Anim, John Bosie, Akwasi Baah, Charles Kwaning, Emmanuel Badu, and Kwadwo Anim.

    They will spending the rest of their lives behind bars.

    However, Bismark Donkor and Bismarck Abanga, two individuals standing trial alongside the 12, were acquitted and discharged after the jury returned a not guilty verdict in their favor. The charges ranged from murder, abetment to murder, to conspiracy to commit murder.

    Prior to the court’s ruling, the bereaved mother of Major Maxwell Mahama was captured, shedding incontrollable tears.

    The aggrieved mother could not be consoled by relatives present when the court had taken a 30-minute break. It has been over six years since her son’s unfortunate passing.

    In court on Thursday, January 25, 2024, Patrick Anim Addo, counsel for the 13th and 14th accused, began his final address to the jury. The conclusion of his address was scheduled for Monday, January 29.

    When the proceedings resumed on Monday, Justice Mariama Owusu, a Supreme Court Justice serving with additional responsibilities as a High Court judge, instructed that Counsel concludes his final address within the first hour. Subsequently, the court will summarize the entire trial for the jury to retire and return their verdict on the same day.

    Out of the 14 individuals facing trial, three of them—Kofi Nyame (3rd Accused), Bismark Abanga (13th Accused), and Kwadwo Anima (14th Accused)—have chosen to waive their rights not to mount a defense.

    On June 5, 2023, the lawyers representing the 13th and 14th Accused, led by Lawyer Patrick Anim Addo, waived their clients’ rights to give evidence, indicating that they had no further evidence to present, and subsequently closed their case.

    The accused individuals include William Baah (Assembly member of Denkyira-Obuasi), Bernard Asamoah (alias Daddy), Kofi Nyame (also known as Abortion), Charles Kwaning (a.k.a Akwasi Boah), Kwame Tuffour, Joseph Appiah Kubi, Michael Anim, Bismarck Donkor, John Bosie, Akwasi Asante, Charles Kwaning, Emmanuel Badu, Bismarck Abanga, and Kwadwo Anima.

    While William Baah, the Assemblyman, pleaded not guilty to the charge of abetment, the remaining 13 individuals also denied charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder. All of them are currently in lawful custody.

  • Mexico’s $10 billion case against gun manufacturers revived by US appeals court

    Mexico’s $10 billion case against gun manufacturers revived by US appeals court

    A court in the US said Mexico can continue with a $10 billion lawsuit against American gun makers. This starts the legal fight again after it has been going on for a long time.

    The Mexican government says that a lot of illegal guns come into the country from the US because American gunmakers are purposefully selling them.

    In late 2022, a lower court threw out the case, so the Mexican government appealed.

    The group that represents gun makers says it did not do anything wrong.

    The lawsuit includes companies like Smith & Wesson, Glock, Beretta, Barrett, Sturm, and Ruger.

    Mexican officials say that many guns made in the US are brought into Mexico illegally every year. This gives drug gangs lots of weapons to use in their fights with each other and with the government. Some people think there are more than 500,000 weapons made every year.

    Last year, over 30,000 people were killed in Mexico, even though the country has very strict rules about owning guns. The only place in the country where guns are sold is in a military complex in Mexico City.

    The lawsuit was filed in 2021 in a court in Massachusetts. It claimed that the gun companies knew their guns were being sold to criminals and causing violence in the country.

    In 2022, a judge in the United States decided that the gun companies couldn’t be sued for the case because of a law from 2005 called the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. The law protects gunmakers from being sued if their guns are used in a criminal or unlawful way.

    The government of Mexico quickly asked for a review of the law, saying it only applies to injuries in the US and doesn’t protect the seven manufacturers and one distributor from being held responsible.

    On Monday, a US appeals court said that the Mexican lawsuit makes a believable argument that is exempt from the law that only applies to legal gun sales.

    People in Mexico and people who want stricter gun laws in the US said the decision was a win. The Mexican Foreign Minister, Alicia Bárcena, called it “great news” on X, which used to be called Twitter.

    Jon Lowy, the president of Global Action on Gun Violence, said that the ruling is a big step toward making the gun industry take responsibility for the violence caused by guns and stopping the flow of illegal guns to the cartels.

    “The Court agreed that another country has the right to sue the U. S” “Gun companies can no longer hide behind the legal protection they have had since 2005,” he said.

    Larry Keane, who is a leader at a group that represents the US gun industry, supported the companies that make guns.

    Mexico needs to focus on making sure its laws are followed and punishing its own criminals in its own courts. They shouldn’t blame the gun industry for their failure to keep their citizens safe.

  • Akufo-Addo to be dragged to court over refusal to sign Witchcraft Bill and others – Speaker

    Akufo-Addo to be dragged to court over refusal to sign Witchcraft Bill and others – Speaker

    Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has announced that Parliament intends to seek legal interpretation regarding President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s decision to withhold his signature from certain bills passed by the House.

    In the previous year, President Akufo-Addo declined to sign the Criminal Offences Bill of 2022, the Witchcraft Bill, and the Armed Forces Bill of 2023. His rationale for withholding assent was attributed to the financial implications associated with these bills.

    The Speaker of Parliament stated that, in response, Parliament plans to take the matter to court to seek a legal interpretation of the situation.

    “I want to end up by assuring you that I will definitely be in touch with my good friend the president, his excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo even though I disagree with him in his refusal to assent to our bills and I have given notice that we will be in court about this matter,” he said.

    The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, maintains that President Akufo-Addo is not qualified to judge whether the bills in question are constitutional because that is the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. As such, the Supreme Court alone should address any claims of abuse.

    The Ghana Armed Forces Amendment Bill, introduced by MP Francis-Xavier Sosu, was specifically mentioned by President Akufo-Addo as having financial costs related to substituting life in prison for the death penalty.

    The Speaker of Parliament, in an official response to the president, stressed, “The determination of any unconstitutionality is the sole purview of the Supreme Court, not the President. Hence, if there were concerns about Parliament acting beyond its constitutional authority, i.e., acting ultra vires, the appropriate course of action would be an action before the Supreme Court, not an executive declaration of unconstitutionality.”

    “Again, the constitutional discretion vested in the presiding officer of Parliament, as per Article 108 and subject to Article 296, suggests that any allegations of misuse of this discretion should be contested in a court of competent jurisdiction, rather than being pre-emptively adjudicated upon by the President.”

  • Court prohibits Adentan “All-White or All-Black Attire Party” to maintain peace

    Court prohibits Adentan “All-White or All-Black Attire Party” to maintain peace

    Three people have been ordered by an Adentan Circuit Court not to host a “All-white or All-black attire party” on January 1, 2024.

    Michael Ayenu, Dennis Tawiah, and Francis Ayenu are the three.

    In order to prevent conflicts and disturbances of the peace in Adenta, Accra, t

    The court said: “In the interest of upholding and ensuring public peace and order, and in the interest of protecting lives and property, the respondents, Francis Ayenu, Dennis Tawiah and Michael Ayenu; their agents, assigns, workmen, servants and any other person or group claiming through or under them are hereby restrained and or prohibited from organising, holding, carrying-on, executing, throwing or proceeding with the planned “All white/ All black” event/ party or other event name of description they may give it, and as planned for the 1st day of January 2024.” 

    The Adenta High Court received a writ from an interested party named Francis Ayenu, who also filed an injunction against the other partners to stop them from holding any events on December 28, 2023, and January 1, 2024, according to the Police.

    The Police said, however, “even though the processes had been served on the defendant, they went ahead to hold the event on December 28, 2023, in flagrant disregard to the powers and authority of the High Court, Adenta and they are again planning to hold the second event on January 1, 2024, despite the pending injunction.” 

    It said Police intelligence revealed that Francis Ayenu and his group were also planning to organise the same event at the same venue on January 1, 2024, and use “land guards” to disrupt the event of Dennis Tawiah and Michael Ayenu. 

    The Police argued that “if the planned action is executed, there would be a total breach of peace”. 

    The Police, therefore, prayed the court to restrain Francis Ayenu and Dennis Tawiah together with Michael Ayenu and their agents as well as any other person associated with the organisers of the event from carrying out the planned event on January 1, 2024. 

  • Banker in court for stealing money from customer’s account

    Banker in court for stealing money from customer’s account

    In a case before the Tarkwa circuit court, a 30-year-old banker named Edmond Nashiru is facing charges for allegedly dishonestly appropriating money from a customer’s account at Access Bank.

    The accused, who works as a front desk officer at the bank, has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been remanded into prison custody.

    The complainant, Felicity Acquah, a rotational nurse, reported to the police that she received multiple mobile alerts on November 6, 2023, indicating that her savings account at Access Bank had been debited with a total amount of GH￠9,781.00 without her consent.

    Upon seeking clarification from Edmond at the bank, he allegedly informed her that fraudsters had stolen her money. Subsequent police investigation, initiated on November 16, 2023, involved obtaining a court order to compel the bank to provide detailed information on the transaction.

    The bank’s audit department reportedly found that Edmond was behind the theft, using his cell phone to transfer the money to two different MTN numbers.

    Edmond was arrested and, during questioning, admitted to assisting Felicity in installing a banking application on her phone and obtaining her login credentials. He also disclosed that he had enlisted his brother’s help to acquire two Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards for the purpose of depositing the stolen money.

    After completing the transactions, they reportedly discarded the SIM cards to avoid detection.

    The court has adjourned the case to Thursday, December 28, 2023, for further proceedings.