The Accra High Court has thrown out a defamation case brought by COCOBOD Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ransford Anertey Abbey, widely known as Randy Abbey.
The court struck out the case after finding that it was improperly filed, as it was initiated through COCOBOD’s Legal Department instead of a private lawyer.
The decision was handed down on Monday, January 19, 2026, by Justice Halimah El-Alawa Abdul Baasit at the High Court, General Jurisdiction 2, in Accra.
Dr Abbey filed the suit on August 26, 2025, in his capacity as an individual against Kwame Baffoe, also called Abronye, accusing him of making broadcasts and publications that he claimed were defamatory and damaging to his reputation.
The action was pursued in Dr Abbey’s personal capacity, seeking compensation for the alleged harm caused to his reputation by the publications.
Despite this, the writ of summons and statement of claim were prepared and filed by COCOBOD’s Legal Department, with the organisation’s Legal Director representing the plaintiff.
The defendant raised a preliminary objection, arguing that the case was invalid because a state institution’s legal department could not legally act for an individual in a personal defamation matter where the institution was not a party to the suit.
When the case came up for ruling, the defendant’s lawyer chose not to proceed with an earlier application after the court granted that option. Justice Abdul Baasit then went ahead to deliver her ruling.
In an extensive decision, the court stated that defamation is a personal wrong (in personam) meant to protect the reputation of an individual, not that of an organisation.
Justice Abdul Baasit explained that even though the alleged publications were linked to Dr Abbey’s position as COCOBOD CEO, the institution was not listed as a party to the case. For that reason, COCOBOD’s Legal Department had no lawful authority to file the writ or act on behalf of Dr Abbey in his personal case.
“The Plaintiff having sued in his personal capacity ought to procure the service of a private legal practitioner to represent him,” the judge ruled.
The court determined that the participation of COCOBOD’s Legal Department made the writ of summons and statement of claim procedurally flawed, since state legal resources cannot be used for matters of a purely personal nature.
Justice Abdul Baasit therefore struck out the writ of summons and statement of claim in full, declaring them incompetent before the court.
The court also directed that no costs should be awarded against either side.
Meanwhile, legal commentators, including lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor, say the ruling affirms long-established principles on the use of public resources and the role of state legal departments, especially in personal actions brought by public officials.
The decision highlights the clear difference between cases filed in an official capacity for a public institution and those pursued personally, even when the issues relate to an official position.
At the time this report was filed, there had been no immediate response from Dr Abbey or his lawyers on whether a new case would be filed with a private lawyer.
The ruling was delivered in open court and has since been certified as a true copy by the High Court registry.
In September last year, Abronye DC, was referred to the NPP’s National Disciplinary Committee over alleged misconduct. This was contained in a petition submitted by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.
According to the letter, Abronye DC damaged the party’s image and unity, hence the recent development.“Unbecoming of a member” and “gravely detrimental to the image, unity, and integrity of the organisation,” part of the letter read.
The charges against Abronye DC included making derogatory remarks against the party’s flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, where he was said to have stated that ‘even the elephant has more wisdom than Honourable Agyapong.
Additionally, Abronye DC has also been accused of disclosing while manipulating the contents of a disciplinary committee report, which investigated the factors behind the NPP’s lost in the 2024 elections. Although the report by the committee has been withheld from the general public.
In a related development, the New Patriotic Party directed petitions against Deputy Director of Communications, Ernest Owusu Bempah, to the National Council for consideration.
This was announced in a statement released by on Tuesday September 24 2025, after the party said it received several petitions from members demanding his removal from office over a conduct of “grave concern”
“The Party reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding discipline, safeguarding its values, and ensuring that all matters are handled with fairness and transparency” the statement signed by the general secretary Justin Kodua indicated. The National Council is the highest decision-making body between congresses.Reacting to the petitions, Mr. Owusu-Bempah noted “All the statements I have made have been about leadership. I said Kennedy Agyapong will deal with galamsey even if it involves his mother or sister. I did not insult anyone”.
Radio personality and musician Blakk Rasta says he is yet to be formally notified about the lawsuit filed by Shatta Wale and will only decide on his next steps after he is served.
Reacting to the legal action, he expressed appreciation that the dancehall artiste chose to pursue the matter through the courts instead of resorting to extrajudicial means.
“I am happy, so excited. You will be shocked that we will hold hands to go to court. I respect a man who will use the right channel of the law rather than go through the streets,” he said.
Dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah, known in the entertainment industry as Shatta Wale, has filed a GH¢100 million defamation lawsuit against media personality Abubakar Ahmed, popularly called Blakk Rasta, at the High Court in Accra.
The suit follows the publication of a video on Blakk Rasta’s social media platforms, Blakk Empire Media, on December 15, 2025, titled “Shatta Wale, self-confessed king of fraud.”
In his statement of claim, Shatta Wale contends that comments made in the video are false, malicious, and calculated to damage his reputation. He noted that the video attracted widespread public attention within 24 hours of its release, recording more than 150,000 views on Facebook and over 27,000 views on YouTube, alongside thousands of comments and reactions.
According to the writ of summons, the statements allegedly portrayed the musician as a fraudster, a thief, and a morally corrupt individual, allegations he has strongly denied. He further claims that Blakk Rasta accused him of associating with known fraudsters and allowing stolen funds to be channelled through his bank accounts, assertions he describes as defamatory.
Shatta Wale argues that the publication has caused serious harm to his reputation, created distress for his family, fans, and business associates, and negatively affected his career as a public figure.
The plaintiff is asking the court to declare the statements defamatory, order the permanent removal of the video and related content from all social media platforms, and restrain Blakk Rasta from making further defamatory publications.
He is also seeking a public retraction and an unqualified apology to be published on the defendant’s social media pages, as well as full-page notices in the Daily Graphic, Ghanaian Times, and Graphic Showbiz.
In addition, Shatta Wale is claiming GH¢100 million in damages, together with costs.
Singer Wendy Shay has officially filed a complaint with the Ghana Police Service concerning allegations that she is engaged in lesbianism with a young girl she has adopted, known as Tracy Shay.
A young man, in a viral video, alleges that Wendy is acting on a spiritualist’s instructions to engage in inappropriate conduct with the minor.
Wendy is therefore urging the public to help identify the perpetrator so the person can be held accountable.
“The matter has been formally reported to the Ghana Police Service, and active investigations are underway. I have been informed that the individual behind the account has been traced to the United Arab Emirates, where he is currently employed with a construction company. Further steps are being taken through the appropriate channels to ensure he is held accountable for his actions.
“I am cooperating fully with the police and trust the investigation process to bring this matter to a swift and just resolution. I further encourage us all to continue standing against cyberbullying, online harassment, and malicious attacks on innocent people,” the statement shared on November 19, 2025, read.
Legal representatives of renowned gospel musician Evangelist Diana Asamoah also strongly refuted claims suggesting that she is a lesbian.
In a statement addressing a viral video circulating on social media, the legal team dismissed the allegations as slanderous and baseless.
The video, featuring a woman of unknown identity, insinuates that the gospel singer is involved in same-sex relationships.
According to the statement, Evangelist Diana Asamoah categorically denies the claim and maintains that she does not engage in any form of lesbianism.
Her legal representatives have challenged the individual behind the accusations to step forward and provide evidence, indicating their readiness to contest the matter in court.
“In the circumstances, we are throwing a challenge to the lady in the video to own up and justify her vile allegations so we contest her baseless claim in a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement read.
The legal team further urged the public to disregard the video should the accuser fail to substantiate her claims.
This development follows a growing trend of public figures facing unfounded allegations online, raising concerns about misinformation and defamation on social media.
A dancer and member of the DWP Academy, Lisa Quama, has addressed speculations surrounding her style of dressing, firmly stating that her fashion choices do not define her sexuality.
Despite acknowledging her tomboyish style, Lisa strongly dismissed claims that she is a lesbian, emphasizing that one’s choice of clothing does not determine their sexual orientation.
“I am not a lesbian. That is a sexual narrative, but a tomboy is simply someone comfortable in male clothes. Yes! I love men with all my heart,” she clarified on The Delay Show on March 8, 2025
Lisa initially hesitated when asked whether she identified as a tomboy. However, after persistent questioning from the host, she eventually embraced the label.
“I don’t want to say yes… I will never be a boy because I am a girl. I am not dressing like a boy… You know what? I am a tomboy. I have accepted that I am a tomboy,” she admitted.
Her remarks come in response to ongoing social media discussions about her appearance, reinforcing the point that personal style should not be mistaken for one’s sexuality.
Ace Ghanaian Highlife musician and actress Paulina Oduro has hit back at rumors about her sexuality, calling them baseless and absurd.
Addressing the speculation that she is a lesbian, she expressed frustration over such claims, emphasizing that her role as a mother should be enough to dismiss the allegations.
“I had an interview with Delay, and she said people say I am a lesbian,” Oduro recalled during a discussion on Joy Prime on March 26, 2025. “I ended up saying they are very stupid and idiots because I have three kids and an amazing relationship with my partners.”
The veteran musician, who has remained single for some time, noted that her happiness is not dependent on being in a relationship. She asserted that she is emotionally independent and does not need a romantic partner to feel fulfilled.
“I have been on my own for a while. I don’t need a man or another human being to make me happy,” she stated. “You can be who you want to be, but don’t label me because it is something I don’t like.”
Paulina Oduro’s response comes on the back of public scrutiny regarding her relationship status, with some speculating about her sexual orientation. She expressed disappointment that people could fabricate such claims simply because she has chosen to remain single.
With a long-standing career in entertainment, Oduro has built a reputation as a bold and outspoken personality. She made it clear that she refuses to conform to societal expectations or entertain false narratives about her personal life.
The High Court (Commercial Division) has handed down its decision in the case of Shadrach Owusu Agyei versus Mohammed Ismail Sherif, effectively ending the legal battle between the internationally known Ghanaian musician Black Sherif and his former management firm, Charvis Wayne’s Consult.
In a judgment delivered on January 16, 2026, Her Ladyship Justice Afia Adu-Amankwa dismissed most of the claims brought against Black Sherif, ruling that the Plaintiff did not provide sufficient evidence to support the core allegations.
The Court acknowledged that a management contract existed between the parties but held that accusations of withheld revenue, unreported income, and other alleged financial losses were not proven.
It further determined that the Plaintiff failed to properly account for funds as stipulated in the agreement and could not show that contractual obligations were still being performed after the contract had been terminated.
Claims concerning construction projects and other expenses said to have been incurred on Black Sherif’s behalf were also thrown out due to lack of evidence. The Court additionally found that the Plaintiff did not take reasonable steps to limit any losses following the termination of the agreement.
While the Court noted that Black Sherif’s involvement with a third party during the life of the management contract amounted to a technical breach, it stressed that no actual financial harm was established. As a result, nominal damages of GHS 50,000 were awarded to reflect the minor nature of the breach, with all other claims dismissed.
The Court also granted costs of GHS 15,000, restricted to reasonable legal and related expenses.
The ruling brings the dispute to an end, with the Court dismissing the majority of the claims and affirming that Black Sherif did not incur any significant liability.
Black Sherif continues to concentrate on his music career and international commitments as he maintains his presence on the global stage representing Ghana.
The Cruise People Limited has taken legal action against musician Black Sherif, accusing him of breaching a contract they had entered into.
The lawsuit, filed at the High Court, alleges that Black Sherif failed to fulfill the terms of their agreement, which ultimately led to the cancellation of the Afro Cruise Jam concert he was scheduled to perform at in August.
According to the suit, Cruise People Limited had booked Black Sherif for the cruise event and paid half of his booking fee, amounting to $20,000. As part of the agreement, Black Sherif was supposed to provide a video confirming his participation in the event in Greece.
However, the Plaintiff claims that despite assurances from Black Sherif that he would send the video before the media launch on May 19, he failed to do so. Consequently, the company went ahead and paid $18,000 to secure cabins on the cruise and an additional GHS65,000 to Joy FM for the launch on Drive Time.
Due to Black Sherif’s alleged failure to honor the contract, the concert had to be canceled, leading to financial losses and disappointment for Cruise People Limited. The lawsuit seeks to address the breach of contract and the damages incurred as a result.
“The Plaintiff avers that as a result of the Defendant’s willful neglect and or refusal to confirm his musical performance on the Joy FM radio show through the video clip, the paid deposit of $18,000 for the cabins on the cruise ship was lost to the cruise line due to the cancellation of the booking of the cabins since the expected Interests and patronage of the event could not be guarantee,” part of the suit read.
Cruise People Limited emphasized that Black Sherif was fully aware that his failure to fulfill his obligations, specifically confirming his participation in the event, would severely impact the Afro Cruise Jam. The success of the event relied heavily on the Defendant’s announcement of his availability to perform on the cruise ship.
They further asserted that this conduct by Black Sherif constitutes a significant breach of the agreement that was executed on April 18, 2023, rendering the entire agreement ineffective.
As a result of the breach, the organisers of the Afro Cruise Jam are seeking legal recourse. They are asking the court to direct Black Sherif to reimburse the $20,000 booking fee he was initially paid, in addition to seeking $18,000 to cover the expenses incurred in securing cabins on the cruise ship.
In summary, Cruise People Limited is urging the court to hold Black Sherif accountable for his actions and to provide compensation for the financial losses incurred due to the breach of contract.
Again, they are seeking “payment of interest on the $20,000 from the 18th April 2023, up to the date of final payment and an order directed at Defendant to pay Plaintiff $50,000 being lost profits occasioned by Defendant’s breach of the agreement.
Cruise People Limited are also seeking “an order directed at Defendant to pay to Plaintiff the Ghc65,000 which was paid to the Multimedia Group with the sole purpose of advertising the video clip of the Defendant which the Defendant refused to make available, general damages for breach of contract and Costs Inclusive of legal fees.”
Following his arrival in Ghana, Black Sherif was arrested by the police at the Kotoka International Airport for alleged breach of contract. Sources close to the musician confirmed that he had been booked for the Afro Cruise Jam event and had initially paid a deposit of $20,000 out of the total $40,000 booking fee.
According to the same sources, the contract did not specify a requirement for promotional videos to be made for a press launch prior to the event.
In response to the threats of contract cancellation and potential lawsuits, Black Sherif’s agents chose to refund the initial deposit. However, the event organizer insisted on being reimbursed $50,000 instead of the original $20,000 fee that had been paid.
Black Sherif’s agents find this request unfair and inconsistent with their understanding of the agreement.
On the other hand, CEO of Cruise People Limited, Daniel Vanderpuye, maintains that a promotional video was indeed part of Black Sherif’s obligations under the contract. Despite the musician’s failure to provide the video, his team expressed readiness to consider any changes or proposals to the agreement in an email.
However, Mr. Vanderpuye stated that there was no response from Black Sherif’s team for almost two months, during which he made multiple attempts to reach out to them through various channels, but to no avail.
“Gramps Morgan was in Ghana, he called the team and they called his bluff. Papa Logic, Baba Sadiq, and Amakye Dede’s folks all reached out and they called their bluff. I didn’t want to go on this tangent so I used all available human resources to reach out to the team,” he told Kwame Dadzie.
The High Court in Accra has granted bail to former National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Chief Executive Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and nine others, largely maintaining the bail terms set by Criminal Court 3, but with some adjustments to strengthen oversight.
The court, according to Citinews, noted that while the previous charges were withdrawn and replaced with a new 54-count charge sheet, the accused had already complied with many of the earlier bail conditions. It therefore ruled that retaining the original terms, with some modifications, served the “interest of justice.”
Under the updated conditions, Dr. Abdul-Hamid, along with Jacob Kwamina Amuah and Wendy Newman, is required to report to the Court Registrar—not investigators—on the first and last Tuesday of each month.
The Registrar is now expected to file monthly reports on whether the accused are obeying all bail conditions, with the court cautioning that any violation will lead to an immediate bench warrant, even on days the court is not in session.
Meanwhile, the three accused—Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Jacob Kwamina Amuah, and Wendy Newman—continue to hold GH¢2 million bail each, backed by three sureties, one of whom must be a public servant earning at least GH¢5,000 net, while another is required to submit land documents. Their passports are still being held by the court registry.
In addition, the other accused persons, made up of company directors and related entities, remain on GH¢2 million bail each with three sureties, though their required public servant surety threshold has been lowered to GH¢3,000 net monthly income. They are also mandated to report to the registry twice a month until the case concludes.
Before granting bail, the court took the pleas of all 10 accused persons on a new 54-count charge sheet covering offences such as extortion, using public office for profit, money laundering, and conspiracy.
All 10 accused persons pleaded not guilty to each of the charges.
Among those standing trial are former NPA CEO Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, UPPF Coordinator Jacob Kwamina Amuah, NPA staff member Wendy Newman, company directors Albert Ankrah, Isaac Mensah, Bright Bediako-Mensah, and Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah, together with PropNest Ltd., Kel Logistics Ltd., and Kings Energy Ltd.
According to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the First, Second, and Third accused persons allegedly ran an extortion scheme between 2022 and December 2024, collecting GH¢291,574,087.19 and US$332,407 from oil marketing companies and bulk oil transporters.
Investigators indicate that the scheme was initiated by Dr. Abdul-Hamid, carried out by Amuah, and supported by Newman, who is said to have received the funds.
The OSP also claims that part of the money was laundered through the three accused companies to purchase lands, residential properties, fuel stations, and trucks, allegedly to conceal the origin of the funds.
Under the court’s timeline, the prosecution must file all necessary disclosures by January 12, 2026, ahead of the Case Management Conference set for January 19, 2026.
On Wednesday, February 12, the Office of the Special Prosecutor announced that it had launched an investigation into Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid over allegations of GH¢1.3 billion embezzlement from the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund.
Speaking at a press briefing, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng confirmed that his office is probing suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses tied to the misappropriation of funds meant to regulate fuel price stability across the country.
“The OSP has commenced investigations into suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses in respect of an alleged embezzlement of GH¢1.3 billion from the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF) at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).“The investigation primarily targets the following persons: the coordinator of the UPPF, Jacob Amoah; NPA staff Wendy Ashong Newman; NPA staff Freda Tandoh; and a former Chief Executive of the NPA, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid.”
National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab, is standing trial over allegations of large-scale financial misconduct during his time in office. He was arrested on June 25, along with his wife. EOCO granted a GH¢30 million bail to his wife, while he remained in custody pending fulfillment of his GH¢60 million bail condition.The arrest, which took place simultaneously in Accra and Tamale, also led to the detention of a third, unnamed individual believed to be linked to the investigation.
On Tuesday, July 8, the former NAFCO boss was released from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after being detained for 14 days. Abdul-Wahab Hanan was released after meeting a GH¢60 million bail condition backed by two guarantors.
On June 25, Hanan and his spouse were taken into custody over suspected mismanagement of funds while he led the government agency. His wife had been granted bail earlier, set at GH¢30 million.
Earlier reports indicated that Mr. Hanan had met the bail terms; however, he remained in EOCO custody, a situation that drew backlash from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which described the terms as harsh and unfair. A third suspect, an unnamed individual believed to be linked to the investigation, was also detained.
While addressing journalists at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, October 22, as part of the Government Accountability Series, the Attorney General (A-G) and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, revealed a list of luxury assets belonging to the former NAFCO boss.
His assets, according to the A-G, include a five-bedroom house at Chain Homes valued at $1.625 million; a three-bedroom house at Cantonments purchased for $600,000; and multiple plots of land at the Airport Development Area worth $750,000. Other properties include a 17-bedroom boutique hotel in Gumani, Tamale, acquired for $250,000; a four-bedroom bungalow at Dzorwulu, Accra, valued at over GH¢4.14 million; and a 0.32-acre parcel of government land purchased for GH¢307,200.
He added that the recent development was made possible through collaboration with EOCO after several properties and bank transactions were traced to Abdul-Wahab. However, Abdul-Wahab has denied all allegations leveled against him by the Attorney General. In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 22, Mr. Aludiba noted that he has instructed his lawyers to follow up on the allegations.
“I wish to state, respectfully, that these claims are untrue and do not reflect the facts of the matter. I have no involvement in the issues being referred to, and I find the comments deeply unfortunate. I look forward to the opportunity to present my side and to have my day in court, where I am confident that the truth will be made clear,” the statement added.
The bail amount for Osei Assibey Antwi, former Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), has been reduced from GH¢800 million to GH¢623 million by the High Court. However, all other conditions attached to the earlier bail have been maintained.
The adjustment in the bail amount follows an appeal by Osei Assibey Antwi’s lawyers, who pleaded with the Court for a reduction, arguing that the initial amount was impossible to attain.
Osei Assibey Antwi and his former deputy, Gifty Oware-Mensah, are standing trial for their alleged involvement in financial irregularities and procurement breaches during their tenure at the National Service Authority.
Gifty Oware-Mensah has been released after fulfilling the GH¢10 million bail requirement set by the court, while Osei Assibey Antwi remains in custody as he has yet to meet his bail condition. Gifty Oware-Mensah has pleaded not guilty to charges of causing a financial loss of over GH¢38 million to the state.
She faces five counts, while her former boss, Osei Assibey Antwi, faces fourteen charges. In total, the alleged offenses connected to Mr. Antwi are valued at approximately GH¢615,117,744.02. Last month, the court indefinitely adjourned the case after the duo failed to appear before it for a hearing.
Explaining their absence, Mr. Assibey Antwi’s legal counsel noted that his client was busy cooperating with the police on a separate matter in Kumasi. Mrs. Oware-Mensah’s lawyers disclosed that their client was unwell and unable to attend proceedings.
Their charges include willfully causing financial loss to the state, stealing, money laundering, and using public office for profit.The accusations include causing financial loss to the Republic, with the main charge suggesting that Mr. Antwi approved payments of allowances to over 60,000 ghost national service personnel, leading to a total loss of GH¢500,861,744.02.
He is also charged with several counts of theft amounting to GH¢8,256,000, which allegedly occurred between August 2023 and May 2024. Prosecutors allege that Mr. Antwi diverted project funds by authorizing the withdrawal of GH¢106 million from the NSA’s Kumawu Farm Project account on five different occasions without using any of it for the intended purpose.
The state also contends that he engaged in money laundering by transferring GH¢8.26 million into his personal e-zwich account and taking control of the funds despite knowing they were criminal proceeds.
Court documents indicate that Oware-Mensah, who managed the Finance and Procurement units of the NSA, allegedly masterminded a sophisticated scheme centered on the Authority’s “marketplace” platform—a system intended to offer hire-purchase services to national service personnel.
Prosecutors claim she gained control of a private entity, Blocks of Life Consult, and created a list of 9,934 fictitious names within the NSA database. She is said to have then approached the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), falsely asserting that her company had supplied goods to those ghost beneficiaries and required a loan, using their fake allowances as collateral.
This deception allegedly led to a loan arrangement between ADB and the NSA, resulting in GH¢31.5 million being paid directly into her company’s account. Of that amount, she is accused of transferring over GH¢22.9 million to another company where she also served as a director. Investigations revealed that no goods were ever delivered to any service personnel.
Her actions, with interest included, are alleged to have cost the state a total of GH¢38,458,248.87. A couple of months ago, the Attorney-General (A-G) and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, revealed that eight individuals, including three former officers of the National Service Authority (NSA), had admitted to their involvement in the misappropriation of funds at the National Service Scheme (NSS).
Providing an update on the case as part of the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 28, Dr. Ayine disclosed that eight individuals wished to plead guilty in exchange for lighter punishment. He explained that the office intended to file formal charges last week; however, this was postponed following new revelations regarding the ongoing case.
The new evidence, he noted, is tied to a Bank of Ghana account linked to former NSA Director-General, Mr. Osei Assibey, suggesting potential embezzlement involving public funds.
According to him, a total of GH¢189 million was deposited into the account of Mr. Osei Assibey; however, GH¢80 million cannot be accounted for. Furthermore, nearly GH¢2 million was allegedly withdrawn using two cheques that carried Mr. Assibey’s name and account information.
The A-G stated that the office has reached out to the Bank of Ghana, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department for further information and documentation.“The National Service Authority scandal case was due to be filed last week. However, we stumbled upon evidence of malfeasance involving an account at the Bank of Ghana. Out of the GH¢189 million transferred, GH¢80 million cannot be traced.
Two cheques linked to the former Director-General were used to withdraw just under GH¢2 million,” Dr. Ayine stated. He added that some of the accused have shown readiness to provide testimony against their fellow accused, with several vendors and service providers also reportedly willing to support the prosecution as witnesses.
Earlier this year, a non-profit investigative body, The Fourth Estate, released a report into payroll records from 2017 to 2023 and the 2024 National Service Year. The findings revealed serious irregularities within the NSA, uncovering how a 72-year-old Kenyan, Kwame Donkor, was wrongly listed as a beneficiary.
Mr. Donkor was enlisted on the payroll with a photo but without an official ID card, which is unusual. However, the photo belonged to Emmanuel Mutio, a Human Resource Manager at a private IT company in Kenya. The 72-year-old Kenyan had his name appear on the payroll 226 times as a registered beneficiary.
The Fourth Estate initially uncovered the issue in November 2024, but the NSA obtained a court order preventing them from publishing the findings. After the court lifted the injunction, the report was finally released.
In response, President John Dramani Mahama ordered a probe into the matter. Following the President’s directive, the NIB interrogated the former Deputy Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware-Mensah, and Kwaku Ohene Djan, who is also a former Deputy Executive Director of the NSA.
The payroll fraud reportedly costs Ghana GH¢50 million monthly. In May, the Authority interdicted two of its officials in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region.
The High Court in Accra has reversed it decision to arrest Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, who is facing trial by the state for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities(galamsey).
According to his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, their absence was due to misinformation regarding the time trials were expected to start as they thought the case was going to start at 10:00 am, but it started at 9:00 am.
A report by TV3 also said, the judge indicated that even though the time for Tuesday’s trial was not advertised, he expected Wontumi and his lawyer to be in court at 9:00 am, because that is the time the court sitting starts.
To this end, the decision to arrest Chairman Wontumi was reversed on the basis that, he and his lawyer were inadequately informed on when they were expected to show up.
Chairman Wontumi, who is the owner of Akonta Mining Company Limited in the Western Region, is standing trial for allegedly aiding individuals to conduct unlicensed mining operations at the Samreboi concession.
He is on bail of GHC15 million with three sureties granted by the High Court in Accra. During his first court appearance, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay directed that two out of the three guarantors must justify their bail with ownership of land or property within the court’s jurisdiction.
Prosecutors have accused Chairman Wontumi, who doubles as the owner of Akonta Mining, and his co-director, Kwame Antwi, of illegally authorizing mining operations without the necessary licenses. The case relates to activities that took place in 2024. Meanwhile, Wontumi has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Srem-Sai, has asked the court to impose stringent bail conditions to prevent him from fleeing.
“Gold mining is a capital-intensive business, and by their own admission, the accused is a man of substance. It is common knowledge that persons of substance are often greater flight risks,” Dr. Srem-Sai argued.
On Monday, October 6, Chairman Wontumi appeared at the CID with his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, following an order from the Attorney-General (A-G), Dr. Dominic Ayine. On Friday, October 3, Dr. Ayine had threatened to arrest him if he failed to surrender to the CID.
According to the Attorney-General, little progress had been made in investigating the allegations, as key documents were withheld by some officials of the previous administration.
In April, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, revoked Akonta Mining’s license for illegally mining within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.
The Minister noted that the company had extended its illegal activities to both the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves, despite possessing a valid license to operate outside forest reserves.
In response, the company refuted the claims, stating in a press release: “We are not responsible for the activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. That responsibility lies solely with the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.”
The company added that the accusations were “a deliberate attempt by the Minister to tarnish the reputation of the company. The decision by the Minister to publicly accuse us and call for the revocation of our license without any investigation or hearing is not just unfair, it is a clear breach of natural justice and a politically motivated act.”
Chairman Wontumi’s expected reappearance comes amid mounting pressure on the Mahama-led administration to end illegal mining activities in the country. The menace continues to threaten Ghana’s water bodies, food crops, forest reserves, and energy infrastructure.
In a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Friday, October 3, President John Dramani Mahama noted that he can only declare a state of emergency over the issue when his government’s advisors approve it.
According to him, the advisors believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining, including technologies that help neutralize or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies.
President Mahama added that the country could eradicate the long-term problem if it deployed more troops and invested more resources in the fight. “While we are fighting the menace, I am also saying we should uptake technology in order to protect the environment. So yes, let’s fight illegal mining, but at the same time, let’s bring the new technology that will help us protect our environment.
“Now with the elephant in the room, state of emergency, yes, I have the power to do it, but the president acts on the advice of the National Security Council. As of now, this moment, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey. Declaring a state of emergency… I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise, that boss, now we need a state of emergency, I won’t hesitate,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy has issued a stern warning about the potential future repercussions of galamsey if the country fails to find a lasting solution. During a visit to the Anwomaso Thermal Power Station in Kumasi on Wednesday, October 1, Deputy Ranking Member Collins Adomako-Mensah revealed how Ghana’s power installations are being tampered with by illegal miners.
According to him, electricity generation authorities—including the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), the Bui Power Authority (BPA), WAPCO Gas Pipeline, and the Volta River Authority—risk shutting down due to attacks on their infrastructure.
“When we were engaging the other participants, two things came up—one has to do with galamsey, and it is having a heavy, heavy toll on the energy sector, not just about water. GRIDCo complained about galamsey.
“Their pylons, people are digging where they have a lot of their pylons. Yesterday we were at Bui, and the Bui water situation is deteriorating because of the galamsey situation surrounding their water bodies,” he said.
In September, GRIDCo expressed grave concern over the encroachment on its transmission tower sites by galamsey operators, who are digging dangerously close to the foundations.
Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Engineering and Operations, Frank Otchere, stated that maintenance teams now face attacks when attempting to access certain areas.
“Unfortunately, there are some areas that even when our maintenance teams go there, they get shot at. And some of them have had to run away,” he disclosed, adding that the situation has made it impossible for GRIDCo to operate in certain locations without security support.
He added that galamseyers are weakening the towers, which are carefully engineered to withstand immense weight and pressure, and appealed for urgent assistance from national security agencies to protect transmission corridors and avert potential collapses.
“This engagement aims to provide a platform for frank and constructive dialogue between the Government and civil society on the menace of illegal mining, with a view to harnessing collective expertise, perspectives, and solutions to address this national challenge,” the letter stated.
Ongoing research by a forensic histopathologist and former Head of Pathology at KNUST and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Prof. Dr. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, has revealed alarming trends in rising cases of spontaneous abortions among pregnant women in Ghana.
Approximately 500 cases have been recorded, linked to severe contamination of placentas and the presence of heavy metals such as lead and mercury, resulting from galamsey activities. A spontaneous abortion is the unintentional expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus before it is viable.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, September 27, Prof. Sampene warned that galamsey is poisoning unborn babies and endangering mothers. “I have about 500 cases where women go to the hospital and abort their babies because of the concentration of these heavy metals in their placenta,” he disclosed.
According to him, his research involved over 4,000 placentas examined from different regions across Ghana. The results showed dangerous levels of heavy metal contamination on both the maternal and fetal sides. “The placentas are all contaminated, polluted with heavy metals,” he said.
The dangers extend beyond pregnancy losses. Another effect of galamsey is the excessive use of alum to address the increasing turbidity of water. Ghana Water Company Limited, the nation’s largest water supplier, has resorted to using higher concentrations of alum. Prof. Sampene cautioned that high levels of aluminium hydroxide pose serious health risks.
“One of the consequences of excessive alum use is kidney disease, which is already on the rise. Of course, people are talking about turbidity, and then the Water Company is saying that they are using more alum.
“Alum is aluminium hydroxide. When taken at higher concentrations over a long period, it can cause kidney problems, irritate the respiratory tract, and lead to neurological defects. All these things have been proven, and we have to be very careful about them now. This goes apart from the effects we are seeing around,” he explained.
Among recent measures to protect water bodies from illegal miners is the deployment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
The Secretariat includes the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission, and the National Security Secretariat.
Addressing the security forces, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, directed the team to ruthlessly counter galamsey operators as they are enemies of the state.
“Any recalcitrant entering into these zones is not merely a trespasser. They are an enemy of the state. You are to be firm. You are to be resolute. You are to be ruthless. And please, take it from me, you will take no obstructionist instruction from any big man. Remember, the biggest man in Ghana is the President of the Republic, and he’s the one who has sent you,” Mr. Kofi-Buah charged.
Former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo has initiated a court action to prevent the vetting and appointment of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s next Chief Justice.
In her suit filed at the High Court, she is asking for the nullification of all activities carried out by the Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang Committee, which was set up under Article 146 to review petitions seeking her removal from office.
She further wants the court to overturn all proceedings undertaken by the said Committee and to declare the Presidential Warrant authorizing her dismissal as unlawful and without legal effect.
This legal move comes as Parliament’s Appointments Committee readies to vet Justice Baffoe-Bonnie for the top judicial position.
The lawsuit follows her dismissal from office on September 1, 2025, by President John Mahama, after a constitutionally mandated committee found her guilty of misconduct and stated misbehaviour under Article 146.
That investigation, carried out in consultation with the Council of State, concluded that Justice Torkonoo had violated constitutional requirements, including the misuse of public funds, and therefore recommended her removal.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has been serving as Acting Chief Justice since April 22, 2025, after Torkonoo’s suspension, and was later nominated by the President in September to assume the substantive position.
His elevation was in line with Article 144(6) of the 1992 Constitution, which provides that:
“Where the office of Chief Justice is vacant, or where the Chief Justice is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his office –(a) until a person has been appointed to, and has assumed the functions of, that office; or(b) until the person, holding that office has resumed the functions of that office;as the case may be, those functions shall be performed by the most senior of the Justices of the Supreme Court.”
Appointed to the nation’s highest court in June 2008 by former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has served for over a decade, earning distinction as a seasoned judicial figure and now stepping into a critical leadership role during a sensitive period for the judiciary.
Suspension of the Chief Justice
The change in leadership came after President John Dramani Mahama ordered the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. This action followed the submission of multiple petitions against her, prompting a formal inquiry into her conduct.
A statement signed by the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, and released on Tuesday, April 22, explained that the President’s decision was based on advice from the Council of State, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution.
The statement noted that:”There is a prima facie case for the Chief Justice to respond to.”
Investigation Committee Formed
In light of the development, a five-member committee has been formed to assess the allegations contained in the petitions. The committee was chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, also of the Supreme Court.
Other members include, Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Supreme Court Justice, Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Former Auditor-General, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor, University of Ghana
The committee was tasked with conducting a thorough review to determine the merit of the claims and recommend the next steps in accordance with constitutional procedures.
The five-member committee, backed by Article 146, concluded its investigations last month and recommended that the Chief Justice be removed from office. The President upon the recommendations received from the committee on Monday, September 1 relieved the suspended Chief Justice Getrude Tokornoo of her duties with immediate effect.
The Chief Justice was earlier suspended by President Mahama on Tuesday, April 22, after a prima facie case was established, following separate petitions calling for her removal.
A series of petitions filed against Chief Justice Torkornoo, beginning with one from a group known as Shining Stars of Ghana.
The group alleges she violated Article 144 of the Constitution by personally recommending judges for promotion to the Supreme Court, and further claims she ruled on a case involving the Speaker of Parliament without granting him a hearing, despite his refusal to respond to the suit.
A series of petitions filed against Chief Justice Torkornoo, beginning with one from a group known as Shining Stars of Ghana. The group alleges she violated Article 144 of the Constitution by personally recommending judges for promotion to the Supreme Court, and further claims she ruled on a case involving the Speaker of Parliament without granting him a hearing, despite his refusal to respond to the suit.
The group alleges she violated Article 144 of the Constitution by personally recommending judges for promotion to the Supreme Court, and further claims she ruled on a case involving the Speaker of Parliament without granting him a hearing, despite his refusal to respond to the suit.
Another petition from a police officer who is also a lawyer accuses the Chief Justice of manipulating evidence and abusing her authority, following an incident during a Supreme Court session where he was reportedly reprimanded, arrested, and detained.
However, court records suggest the lawyer’s conduct during proceedings prompted a unanimous caution from the bench, not just the Chief Justice.
A third petition, submitted by a private individual, lists 21 alleged misconducts and four claims of incompetence. Among the accusations is the misuse of public funds—specifically, that she spent over GH¢261,000 and $30,000 on a family trip abroad in 2023 and misused an additional GH¢75,580 and $14,000 during another foreign assignment without proper accountability.
Subsequent reports indicate two more petitions have been added to the list, intensifying pressure on the judiciary.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, in her written response to President Mahama, strongly denied allegations of misconduct and abuse of office brought against her by a senior police officer, describing them as baseless and lacking grounds for her removal from office.
In July, an application for review regarding an ‘abuse of court processes’ by the embattled Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, was dismissed by the Human Rights Division of the Accra High Court.
The court presided over by Justice Amoako on Thursday, July 31, revealed that several claims, such as illegal composition of the committee and wrongful conduct of adversarial proceedings, were already before the Supreme Court.
Justice Amoako argued that relitigating these issues would result in duplication of litigation and abuse of court processes. As such, such claims were dismissed.
The judge also dismissed reliefs such as an order of certiorari to quash the committee’s proceedings and nullify its sittings on the basis that the Chief Justice did not receive a fair hearing, on jurisdictional grounds.
The judicial review application filed on June 9 this year sought nine reliefs, which included a series of declarations that the Article 146 committee set up to probe her removal from office had acted unlawfully.
She wanted the court to prevent the committee from proceeding with its work without providing her with authenticated copies of the petitions seeking her removal and the subsequent responses.
The Chief Justice notes that the president’s purported prima facie determination contained no reasons or justification and was entirely devoid of the elements of judicial or quasi-judicial reasoning expected under the Constitution.
As the proceedings of the Article 146 committee are to be held in-camera in accordance with Article 146(8) of the Constitution, the court noted that it could not inquire into matters raised by the suspended Chief Justice.
In response, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo proceeded to the ECOWAS Community Court in Abuja, Nigeria, seeking compensation worth $10 million over her suspension from office by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama.
This forms part of 10 reliefs being requested. The Chief Justice’s recent suit follows several unsuccessful cases at the Supreme Court this year after her suspension.
The suspended Chief Justice wants the court to ensure she continues to enjoy the paraphernalia and entitlements of her office as the Chief Justice of Ghana pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The measures are;“That the Republic of Ghana suspend the disciplinary/ removal from office as Chief Justice process against the Applicant, pending the hearing and determination of the complaint on the merits.”
“That Ghana refrains from taking any other measures that may harm the rights claimed by the Applicant and /or aggravate or extend the dispute submitted to the Court, or compromise the implementation of any decision that the Court may render.”
“Given the urgency of the situation, the Applicant respectfully requests the Court to hold a hearing on this request as soon as possible, and that the President of the Court ask Ghana to act in order to allow any order that the Court may issue on the Request for Assignment of Precautionary Measures to have its appropriate effect.”
The other reliefs are as follows;
“A declaration that the panel instituted by the Respondent (Ghana) to investigate and determine the allegations of misconduct against the Applicant was not constituted to guarantee its independence and impartiality and as such has violated the Applicant’s human right to fair hearing guaranteed by Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”
“A declaration that the purported suspension of the Applicant as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana by the President of the Respondent State on 22 April 2025, constitutes a violation of her human right to fair equitable and satisfactory conditions guaranteed by Article 15 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”
“A declaration that the purported suspension of the Applicant as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana by the President of the Respondent State on 22 April 2025 has exposed her to public ridicule and odium locally and internationally and the said act constitutes a violation of her human right to dignity guaranteed by Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”
“A declaration that by subjecting the Applicant to an illegal and unfair investigation and trial since April 2025, the Respondent has inflicted injuries on her professional standing and image, thereby ‘exposing her and her family to immeasurable public ridicule.”
“An order to the Respondent Republic to act immediately to prescribe the rule of procedure to govern the investigation of allegations of misconduct against the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana in conformity with the right to fair hearing guaranteed by the Constitution of Ghana and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”
“An order directing the Respondent to immediately lift the suspension and restore the Applicant to full office until the conclusion of fair constitutional proceedings.”
“An order restraining the Respondent from continuing with the purported inquiry for the removal of the Applicant as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana in its current form, until it conforms to fair hearing guarantees.”
“An award of USD 10 million as compensation for moral and reputational damages suffered by the Applicant as a result of her illegal suspension and unfair investigation, and lastly, “Any other relief(s) as the Honourable Court deems just.”
The suspended Chief Justice wants the court to ensure she continues to enjoy the paraphernalia and entitlements of her office as the Chief Justice of Ghana pending the hearing and determination of the case. The applicant has also requested the ECOWAS Court to assign four precautionary measures to the country.Meanwhile, the government’s spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has refuted claims made by Justice Torkornoo, noting that the Chief Justice’s suspension aligns with the constitution.
On Thursday, August 14, the Bar Council of England and Wales and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association called for the immediate reinstatement of Ghana’s Chief Justice by President John Dramani Mahama and the Executive arm of government.
“Immediately and without delay, reinstate the Chief Justice of Ghana to her Office. consistent with both the hitherto strong attachment to the rule of law demonstrated by Ghana and also, the constitutional duties incumbent upon them.
“And afford the Chief justice due and fair process in the investigation and determination of the disciplinary matters brought against her, including but not limited to full and transparent access to that process by her legal representatives,” the group demanded in a joint statement issued on August 14.
Additionally, the group asked the government for a proper and impartial investigation of the disciplinary charges against her, with her lawyers given full and transparent access to the proceedings.
Also both groups demanded the establishment of transparent procedural rules to guide the disciplinary process, including a definite timeframe within which the investigative committee must conclude its work and communicate its decision.
However, Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine has emphasised that his outfit can only intervene after the committee concludes its work and submits a report to President John Dramani Mahama.“The suspension will, therefore, remain in effect until the inquiry committee completes its work and submits its report, to which His Excellency, the President will adhere,” he said.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been detained by the High Court in Accra for failing to meet his bail conditions.
Wontumi spent the night in police custody as efforts to fulfill the bail requirements by the High Court in Accra proved unsuccessful.
On Tuesday, October 9, the High Court in Accra granted him bail of GHC15 million with three sureties. Presiding judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, directed that out of the three guarantors, two must justify their bail with ownership of land or property within the court’s jurisdiction.
Prosecutors have accused Chairman Wontumi, who doubles as the owner of Akonta Mining, and his co-director, Kwame Antwi, of illegally authorizing mining operations without the necessary licenses.
The case relates to activities that took place in 2024. Meanwhile, Wontumi pleaded not guilty to the charges. But the Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Srem-Sai, prayed the court to impose stringent bail conditions, arguing that such measures were necessary to prevent Wontumi from fleeing.
“Gold mining is a capital-intensive business, and by their own admission, the accused is a man of substance. It is common knowledge that persons of substance are often greater flight risks,” Dr. Srem-Sai argued.
On Monday, October 6, Chairman Wontumi appeared at the CID with his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, following an order from the Attorney General (A-G), Dr. Dominic Ayine. On Friday, October 3, Dr. Ayine had threatened to arrest him if he failed to surrender to the CID.
According to the Attorney General, little progress had been made in investigating the allegations as key documents were withheld by some officials of the previous administration.
In April, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, revoked Akonta Mining’s license for illegally mining within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.
The Minister noted that the company had extended its illegal activities to both the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves, despite possessing a valid license to operate outside forest reserves.
In response, the company refuted the claims, stating in a press release: “We are not responsible for the activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. That responsibility lies solely with the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.”
The company added that the accusations were “a deliberate attempt by the Minister to tarnish the reputation of the company. The decision by the Minister to publicly accuse us and call for the revocation of our license without any investigation or hearing is not just unfair, it is a clear breach of natural justice and a politically motivated act.”
Chairman Wontumi’s expected reappearance comes amid mounting pressure on the Mahama-led administration to end illegal mining activities in the country. The menace continues to threaten Ghana’s water bodies, food crops, forest reserves, and energy infrastructure.
In a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Friday, October 3, President John Dramani Mahama noted that he can only declare a state of emergency over the issue when his government’s advisors approve it.
According to him, the advisors believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining, including technologies that help neutralize or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies.
President Mahama added that the country could eradicate the long-term problem if it deployed more troops and invested more resources in the fight. “While we are fighting the menace, I am also saying we should uptake technology in order to protect the environment. So yes, let’s fight illegal mining, but at the same time, let’s bring the new technology that will help us protect our environment.
“Now with the elephant in the room, state of emergency, yes, I have the power to do it, but the president acts on the advice of the National Security Council. As of now, this moment, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey. Declaring a state of emergency… I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise, that boss, now we need a state of emergency, I won’t hesitate,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy has issued a stern warning about the potential future repercussions of galamsey if the country fails to find a lasting solution.
During a visit to the Anwomaso Thermal Power Station in Kumasi on Wednesday, October 1, Deputy Ranking Member Collins Adomako-Mensah revealed how Ghana’s power installations are being tampered with by illegal miners.
According to him, electricity generation authorities—including the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), the Bui Power Authority (BPA), WAPCO Gas Pipeline, and the Volta River Authority—risk shutting down due to attacks on their infrastructure.
“When we were engaging the other participants, two things came up—one has to do with galamsey, and it is having a heavy, heavy toll on the energy sector, not just about water. GRIDCo complained about galamsey.
“Their pylons, people are digging where they have a lot of their pylons. Yesterday we were at Bui, and the Bui water situation is deteriorating because of the galamsey situation surrounding their water bodies,” he said.
In September, GRIDCo expressed grave concern over the encroachment on its transmission tower sites by galamsey operators, who are digging dangerously close to the foundations.
Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Engineering and Operations Frank Otchere stated that maintenance teams now face attacks when attempting to access certain areas.
“Unfortunately, there are some areas that even when our maintenance teams go there, they get shot at. And some of them have had to run away,” he disclosed, adding that the situation has made it impossible for GRIDCo to operate in certain locations without security support.
He added that galamseyers are weakening the towers, which are carefully engineered to withstand immense weight and pressure, and appealed for urgent assistance from national security agencies to protect transmission corridors and avert potential collapses.
“This engagement aims to provide a platform for frank and constructive dialogue between the Government and civil society on the menace of illegal mining, with a view to harnessing collective expertise, perspectives, and solutions to address this national challenge,” the letter stated.
Ongoing research by a forensic histopathologist and former Head of Pathology at KNUST and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Prof. Dr. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, has revealed alarming trends in rising cases of spontaneous abortions among pregnant women in Ghana.
Approximately 500 cases have been recorded, linked to severe contamination of placentas and the presence of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, resulting from illegal small-scale mining activities, also known as galamsey.
A spontaneous abortion is the unintentional expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus before it is viable. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, September 27, Prof. Sampene warned that galamsey is poisoning unborn babies and endangering mothers. “I have about 500 cases where women go to the hospital and abort their babies because of the concentration of these heavy metals in their placenta,” he disclosed. According to him, his research involved over 4,000 placentas examined from different regions across Ghana. The results showed dangerous levels of heavy metal contamination on both the maternal and fetal sides. “The placentas are all contaminated, polluted with heavy metals,” he said. The dangers extend beyond pregnancy losses. Another effect of galamsey is the excessive use of alum to address the increasing turbidity of water. Ghana Water Company Limited, the nation’s largest water supplier, has resorted to using higher concentrations of alum. Prof. Sampene cautioned that high levels of aluminium hydroxide pose serious health risks. “One of the consequences of excessive alum use is kidney disease, which is already on the rise. Of course, people are talking about turbidity, and then the Water Company is saying that they are using more alum. “Alum is aluminium hydroxide. When taken at higher concentrations over a long period, it can cause kidney problems, irritate the respiratory tract, and lead to neurological defects. All these things have been proven, and we have to be very careful about them now. This goes apart from the effects we are seeing around,” he explained. Among recent measures to protect water bodies from illegal miners is the deployment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). The Secretariat includes the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission, and the National Security Secretariat. Addressing the security forces, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, directed the team to ruthlessly counter galamsey operators as they are enemies of the state. “Any recalcitrant entering into these zones is not merely a trespasser. They are an enemy of the state. You are to be firm. You are to be resolute. You are to be ruthless. And please, take it from me, you will take no obstructionist instruction from any big man. Remember, the biggest man in Ghana is the President of the Republic, and he’s the one who has sent you,” Mr. Kofi-Buah charged.
Former Director General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Mr Adu Boahene, along with three co-defendants—including his wife—are slated to make their formal court appearance in 15 days following their alleged involvement in the embezzlement of GH¢49.1 million earmarked for a cybersecurity defence software project.
This was after the High Court in Accra, presided over by Justice John Nyante Nyadu, set July 18 as the date for the trial following a pre-trial hearing yesterday, July 3.
The pre-trial was for the court to address a motion filed by the defendant’s legal team’s request to be granted access to national security accounts dating back to 1992. However, their request was dismissed over inadequate justification by the presiding judge.
In delivering the ruling, Justice Nyadu noted, “The full ruling can be applied for on Monday, July 7,” indicating that further legal proceedings would continue shortly.
Meanwhile, Adu-Boahen’s defense attorney, Atta Akyea, has expressed disappointment over the court’s rejection of their motion for broader financial disclosures. He insists that “Our clients are not common criminals. They deserve a fair trial, and that includes full disclosure of all relevant financial records.”
The court also confirmed that following the conclusion of prosecution disclosures and the Case Management Conference, the prosecution is expected to present its case within two weeks, marking a significant step in the legal proceedings.
Adu-Boahene, along with his co-defendants Angela Adjei Boateng, Mildred Donkor, and Advantage Solutions (a company they own), face a total of 11 charges, including misappropriation of GH¢49 million (approx. $7 million) in state funds, money laundering, stealing, and causing financial loss to the state by diverting funds meant for a cybersecurity defense system into private accounts of their company.
However, the trio have denied all these charges, declaring they are not guilty. They are currently on bail as they await trial.
Background
Adu Boahen was arrested in March this year at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) after allegedly trying to elude authorities using multiple passports.
Attorney-General Dominic Ayine formally charged Mr Adu Boahene and his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, with corruption offences to the tune of GH₵49 million on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
According to the writ filed at the High Court on Wednesday, April 30, Mr Adu-Boahene, who was responsible for overseeing critical national security infrastructure, including contracts with foreign companies, signed a deal with an Israeli company, ISC Holdings Limited, to purchase cyber defence software for $7 million.
In total, Adu-Boahene is alleged to have transferred approximately GHS 49 million (around $7 million) from the NSB’s funds into his personal accounts, falsely justifying these transactions as payments for the cyber defence systems, together with his accomplice.
“Further investigations have revealed that no cybersecurity system of the description in the January 30, 2020, contract was ever received by the Bureau of National Communication or by its successor agency, the National Signals Bureau, or by the Government of Ghana,” court documents indicated.
Adu-Boahene’s wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, is one of three directors of Advantage Solutions Limited, the sole shareholder of BNC Communications Bureau Limited. Mildred Donkor is a former bank relationship officer for Adu-Buahene, his wife, and BNC Communications Bureau Limited.
The AG, during a media address in March, detailed that on February 6, 2020, Adu Boahene authorized the transfer of GHC27.1 million from the National BNC’s account at Fidelity Bank to a private BNC account at UMB. The stated purpose of this transaction was to facilitate the acquisition of cyber defense system software from ISC Holdings in Israel for $7 million.
Further scrutiny of the bank records showed that Mr. Adu Boahene instructed the private BNC to transfer GHC9,537,520, equivalent to $1,750,000 at the time, to ISC Holdings. However, the Attorney-General revealed that “Mr. Adu Boahene fraudulently attached a copy of the government of Ghana ISC contract as well as an invoice, which he held as an invoice issued by ISC Holdings.”
In addition to the initial transaction, two further payments amounting to GHC21 million were transferred from the National BNC Director’s account at Fidelity Bank to the same private BNC account at UMB on March 18 and March 30, 2020. These payments were recorded as funding for the cyber defense system.
However, upon closer examination, it was discovered that although a total of GHC49 million had been moved into the private BNC account—an amount equivalent to $7 million at the prevailing exchange rate—only a fraction of the money had been paid to ISC Holdings, raising concerns about the whereabouts of the remaining funds.
Also, according to court documents, it’s alleged that Adu-Boahene, his wife, and Mildred “ran an elaborate criminal enterprise using A4 (Advantage Solutions Limited) as a holding company through which the stolen funds were funneled and laundered for their own benefit.”
The documents added that as the holding company for several subsidiary companies, including the private BNC, A4 received a substantial portion of the stolen funds, which its shareholders and directors then invested in the business activities of the subsidiaries, including investments in treasury bills, real estate, the manufacturing of fertilizers, and the rental of luxury cars to VIP customers.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has filed a notice of appeal against a High Court ruling that directed the Electoral Commission (EC) to complete the collation and declaration of parliamentary results in four disputed constituencies.
The appeal comes just days before the swearing-in of newly-elected Members of Parliament. The High Court in Accra, on January 6, 2025, ordered the EC to finalize the collation of results for Tema Central, Ablekuma North, Okaikwei Central, and Techiman South, following successful mandamus applications filed by New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidates from the constituencies.
Subsequently, the EC completed the collation for three of the constituencies—Tema Central, Okaikwei Central, and Techiman South—resulting in the NPP winning all three seats on January 5. Patrick Yaw Boamah retained the Okaikwei Central seat with 21,099 votes, overturning a prior declaration in favor of the NDC’s Baba Sadiq.
Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah won Techiman South with 46,663 votes, defeating the NDC’s Christopher Beyere Baasongti, who obtained 43,429 votes. Charles Forson secured the Tema Central seat with 18,870 votes, narrowly defeating NDC’s Ebi Bright.
However, the EC has indefinitely suspended collation in Ablekuma North due to discrepancies from 20 polling stations. The constituency has 62 outstanding polling stations, with 42 already cleared. The returning officer requested 24 hours to validate the results before announcing the final outcome.
The High Court has directed the Electoral Commission (EC) to complete the collation of the two outstanding polling station results for Tema Central.
The decision follows a mandamus application filed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which also includes the constituencies of Okaikwei Central, Techiman South, and Ablekuma North.
The court’s ruling came after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) challenged the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case, but their objection was dismissed.
NPP’s legal team, led by Gary Nimako, argued that the EC should be compelled to finalize the collation process in the affected constituencies, highlighting that the EC failed to complete the collation between December 8, 2024, and January 1, 2025.
Initially, Ebi Bright of the NDC was declared the winner in Tema Central. However, after a re-collation conducted by the EC, Charles Forson of the NPP was declared the winner. The EC cited threats to its staff in Tema Central as a factor contributing to the delay.
The court further directed the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo-Dampare, to ensure adequate security for the completion of the collation process without disruptions.
An Accra High Court has dismissed a preliminary objection raised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear a mandamus application filed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The NPP’s application seeks to compel the Electoral Commission (EC) to re-collate parliamentary election results in four contested constituencies: Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, and Techiman South. The NDC had argued that the NPP’s request was essentially an election petition in disguise, asserting that once election results have been declared, a mandamus order would be inappropriate.
However, the presiding judge ruled against the NDC’s objection, affirming that the court’s jurisdiction was properly invoked for judicial review to ensure the EC acts in line with the law. This decision allows the court to proceed with hearing the full mandamus application.
The NPP claims that there were irregularities in the original collation of results in the disputed constituencies, while the NDC maintains that the results have already been declared and that re-collation is unnecessary.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused a High Court judge of bias and procedural violations in a contentious ruling that directed the Electoral Commission (EC) to re-collate election results in nine disputed constituencies.
The party claims the ruling undermined their rights and set a troubling precedent for electoral justice in Ghana.
The ruling in question tasked the EC with verifying and re-collating results in constituencies where discrepancies were alleged. While proponents of the decision argued that it enhanced transparency and accountability, the NDC described it as legally flawed, alleging it was issued without granting them the opportunity to defend their case.
“Our ground for this application is that the orders made by the High Court were in breach of the applicant’s rights to be heard,” stated Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, the NDC’s Director of Legal Affairs, during Supreme Court proceedings on December 27, 2024. He continued, “The trial judge demonstrated apparent bias and partiality. There was a non-jurisdictional error of law by failing to exercise the court’s powers under Order 55 Rule 5 (2) of CI 47 to direct the second to sixth interested parties to serve the mandamus application on the applicant, who had an interest in the dispute.”
The NDC argued that the High Court judge failed to follow fundamental legal principles, including ensuring that all interested parties were notified and given the chance to respond. According to Tamakloe, this oversight heavily influenced the case’s outcome and amounted to a breach of natural justice.
The controversy began on December 20, 2024, when the EC proceeded with the re-collation and declaration of parliamentary results in the disputed constituencies despite opposition from the NDC. The party claimed to have obtained a court order to halt the process, but the EC continued, citing the High Court’s directive.
Seven constituencies saw the re-collation completed, with the results largely favoring candidates from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Notably, four seats, Obuasi East, Okaikwei Central, Tema Central, and Techiman South, were re-declared in favor of the NPP after previously being announced as NDC victories. For example, the Obuasi East seat initially declared for the NDC’s Samuel Aboagye was later awarded to the NPP’s Patrick Boakye-Yiadom.
The NDC strongly objected to these developments, asserting that the electoral laws mandate that declared results can only be challenged in court, not through re-collation. They also criticized the EC for proceeding without adequately addressing concerns raised by affected candidates.
The Supreme Court intervened after the NDC filed an application challenging the High Court’s ruling. In a significant decision, the Supreme Court overturned the order for re-collation in four constituencies, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, and Techiman South and instructed a different High Court judge to rehear the cases. Affected MP-elects will now have the opportunity to defend their victories on January 31, 2024.
However, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s directive for the continued collation of results in Nsawam Adoagyiri and Ahafo Ano North, leaving those constituencies under the EC’s purview.
Two constituencies, Ablekuma North and Dome-Kwabenya, remain unresolved, with disputes over incomplete results. In Ablekuma North, for instance, NDC’s Ewurabena Aubynn was declared the winner despite the absence of results from 62 polling stations. Similarly, in Dome-Kwabenya, NDC’s Elikplim Akurugu was announced as the victor over NPP’s Mike Oquaye Jnr, leading to further contention.
The case has reignited debates about electoral integrity, judicial impartiality, and the EC’s role in resolving disputes. With the Supreme Court’s directive for a rehearing, all eyes now turn to the judiciary as it seeks to bring finality to the contentious outcomes of the 2024 general elections.
Ghanaian businessman Benjamin Yemoh Tetteh has filed a lawsuit at the High Court, seeking judicial backing for Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant.
Mr Tetteh asserts that the Speaker’s action aligns with the country’s constitutional requirements.
According to Tetteh, the Members of Parliament in question vacated their seats by submitting nominations to run as independent candidates, thereby breaching the terms of their election.
In his lawsuit, filed on October 25, he has requested that the court prohibit these MPs from participating in parliamentary activities until the case is resolved.
On October 18, the Supreme Court temporarily halted Speaker Bagbin’s declaration of four vacant seats, directing Parliament to allow the affected MPs to continue representing their constituencies and performing official duties.
This suspension will remain in place until the Supreme Court issues a final ruling on the matter.
The stay of execution was sought by NPP MPs through an ex parte application, which enabled the Court to hear the case without involving Speaker Bagbin or Parliament at this stage. The decision to stay the Speaker’s ruling was made by a panel of Supreme Court justices, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, and included Justices Mariama Owusu, Kwame Adibu Asiedu, Ernest Yao Gaewu, and Yaw Darko Asare.
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has dismissed three high-ranking judges he had previously suspended for alleged judicial misconduct, leading to renewed allegations of political interference in the judiciary.
These judges from the Constitutional Court were involved in a presidential petition in 2016, where they rejected Hichilema’s challenge against the election victory of former President Edgar Lungu. They also participated in a contentious ruling that permitted Lungu to run in the 2021 elections, even though he had already served two terms as Zambia’s president.
Their removal follows their unsuccessful attempt to appeal a judicial panel’s recommendation for their suspension.
On Sunday evening, a statement released by the presidency said they had been “removed with immediate effect” following a recommendation by the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC).
“The removal of the judges is in exercise of the powers vested in the President under [the Zambian constitution],” it said.
The three judges – Justice Annie Sitali, Justice Mungeni Mulenga, and Justice Palan Mulonda – have not publicly commented on the matter.
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The JCC had investigated them over allegations of gross misconduct following a complaint by Moses Kalonde, a private citizen.
Last year, the JCC rejected a complaint from lawyer Joseph Busenga, who had petitioned for the removal of the three judges, alleging that they had mishandled the 2016 election petition.
There has been mixed reactions to the dismissal of the judges.
Political tensions have been in rising in Zambia ahead of elections in 2026, when Hichilema and Lungu are expected to face each other for a fourth time.
Social and political commentator Laura Miti says informed Zambians are split between those who feel this is a legal but self-serving move by the president and others who back him.
“My view is that the judges misbehaved spectacularly in the presidential petition in 2016. That being true this comes across as the president exacting revenge for their judgment which is highly concerning,” she told the BBC.
But Makebi Zulu, Lungu’s lawyer in the case, termed the move an “illegality” telling the BBC that “it was executive overreach aimed at interfering with the independence of the judiciary”.
“No judge should be disciplined for carrying out their judicial function,” he said.
Under Zambia’s constitution, all judges, including the chief justice, are appointed by the president upon the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission and with the approval of the National Assembly.
Academic Sishuwa Sishuwa says the “reality is that we will always have the problem of incompetent and unqualified judges as long as the process of appointment is led by the executive.
“It does not matter who is in power,” he posted on X, adding that a “structured and broad-minded approach” is more beneficial than “targeted and individual changes”.
Responding to the debate on Monday evening, the presidency said the decision was in “no way a political decision”, adding that the president was “bound by the constitution to follow” the JCC recommendations.
“The JCC found evidence of gross misconduct by the justices and President Hichilema followed all due process in removing them,” State House Chief Communication Strategist Whitney Mulobela said in a statement.
An Accra High Court has issued an injunction halting the planned three-day demonstration by the pressure groupDemocracy Hub.
The injunction comes in response to concerns raised by the Ghana Police Service regarding the protest’s location near the Jubilee House, the seat of government.
The court’s order, issued on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, bars the group from proceeding with the demonstration, which was scheduled for September 21 and September 23, 2024.
A post shared on X on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, by a user of the app named Kwame Asante stated, “The Ghana Police Service has secured an injunction against the upcoming 3-day #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration, which was scheduled for 21st to 23rd September.”
The Ghana Police Service has secured an injunction against the upcoming 3-day #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration which was scheduled for 21st to 23rd September. pic.twitter.com/jh6J78hzs1
The demonstrationaimed to call on the President and the Economic Management Team to take action on issues related to economic mismanagement and corruption.
Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyire Constituency in the Eastern Region, Frank Annor-Dompreh, has been found guilty of contempt by the High Court in Accra.
Presided over by Justice Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku, the court convicted Annor-Dompreh after he admitted to the offense.
Despite his high profile, the court opted against a custodial sentence, noting that he should have been more aware of proper conduct.
On Tuesday, July 23, Justice Adjin-Doku sentenced Annor-Dompreh to a fine of 600 penalty units, which amounts to GHS 7,200.
The MP was held in contempt for obstructing the work of Court Bailiffs and Police Officerswho were executing orders related to a land dispute.
The High Court judge overseeing the ambulance case involving Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa has advised Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame to withdraw from the trial due to allegations of professional and prosecutorial misconduct.
This advice came after the court refused to order an inquiry and mistrial based on the misconduct allegations against the Attorney-General.
The court directed Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to seek redress with the General Legal Council if he wished to pursue the matter.
Despite objections from the Attorney-General, a phone recording between Richard Jakpa and the Attorney-General was accepted as evidence, even though the Attorney-General claimed it was inadmissible.
This is the first time a court has asked an Attorney-General to step down from a trial.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) released an audio recording allegedly capturing Godfred Dame coaching Richard Jakpa on court testimony, including instructions to discredit Minority Leader Dr. Ato Forson.
This has led the NDC to question Dame’s suitability as the head of the Ghana Bar and his roles as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
Addressing the authenticity of the leaked tape, Jakpa challenged anyone disputing it to produce their own recording as counter-evidence.
In a JoyNews interview before the hearing on June 4, 2024, Jakpa expressed confidence in obtaining justice.
He stressed that his allegations are serious and should be addressed legally.
The tape’s release has sparked significant controversy and raised doubts about the integrity of the legal proceedings against Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who is charged with causing financial loss to the state over ambulance procurement.
The one-storey building, equipped with two courtrooms, will serve Juaben, Effiduase Asokore, Nsuta, Ejura Sekyedumase, and Agona.
The facility includes two Judges’ Chambers, offices for Cashiers and Bailiffs, a docket room, an ADR room, and washrooms for staff and court users. It also features a five KVA Solar Power system and a 40 KVA generator as backup, along with a borehole to ensure a reliable water supply.
In a statement issued by the Director of Communications of the Judicial Service, J.R. Ampong-Fosu, Chief Justice Torkornoo emphasized that access to justice is a critical value for the nation, highlighting the importance of ensuring that all citizens, particularly the vulnerable, can access justice.
“Without justice, there can be no order, without order there can be no peace, without peace, there can be no prosperity. And so, for every nation that seeks to go forward, it is critical that access to justice is given to all and sundry, especially, the vulnerable.”
Chief Justice Torkornoo said, “The edifice which has a long history is structured in such a way that the physically impaired can have access to it…. It contains facilities necessary for administration of justice in modern times.”
She urged the staff of the Judicial Service who will be working at the new court to avoid any form of malpractice and to conduct their duties with integrity.
”The Judicial Service that functions with integrity, is the kind of service that the people of Ghana deserve. This is a Service in which Bailiffs do not exploit citizens. It is a Service that Registrars do not exploit citizens. It is a service in which justice delivery is done in an environment of transparency, propriety, independence, competence, diligence and appropriateness,” she said.
Chief Justice Torkornoo paid tribute to her predecessors, Chief Justices Sophia Akuffo and Anin Yeboah, for their roles in making the opening of the new High Court building in Mampong a reality.
She also commended the Paramount Chief of Mampong, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, and the District Assembly Common Fund Administrator, Madam Irene Naa Torshie Addo, for their invaluable support.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, who is also the President of the Mampong Traditional Council, appealed to the Chief Justice to assign more staff to the new court and requested additional courts with the necessary logistics, particularly a Circuit Court.
“I would like to appeal to your good office to provide Mampong with a Circuit Court in addition. The Mampong Courts serve a very wide geographical area, as far as Ejura, Attebubu and Kajeji areas. With the provision of a Circuit Court, therefore, other lower cases could be handled to ease the pressure on the Magistrate Court as it is now.”
On his part, the Mampong Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Thomas Appiah Kubi, praised the Mamponghene “for his generosity in releasing this land for the construction of this edifice” and hoped it would be well maintained.
Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, the Member of Parliament for Mampong, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their significant contributions to the construction of the new courthouse.
The Chief Justice was accompanied by Justice Cyra Pamela C. A. Koranteng, the Judicial Secretary, and other members of the Bench.
The event was attended by the Queen Mother of Mampong, Nana Agyakoma Difie II, heads of institutions and agencies, the clergy, and members of the Mampong Municipal Assembly.
The organizers of the ‘#DumsorMustStop’ vigil have expressed their intention to challenge the injunction initiated by the Ghana Police Service, aimed at obstructing their planned demonstration.
The Ghana Police Service filed an injunction application at the High Court to obstruct the vigil, suggesting the organizers consider changing the protest venue.
Scheduled for Saturday, May 25, the demonstration now faces uncertainty.
In an interview with Citi News, Selorm Dramani Dzramado affirmed the group’s readiness to contest the injunction in court.
“We will not accept any application by the police ex-parte. We will disregard it, and treat it with utter contempt. If the court respects and listens to them and the decision is taken,, you don’t really have a choice. But it’s good you said that it’s on notice. So you’re going to defend in court. You’re going to argue in court. That will be on 24th May. So it’s Friday.”
Actress Yvonne Nelson leads the vigil, reminiscent of a similar action she organized in 2015.
Yvonne Nelson and her team recently met with the Ghana Police Service to notify them of the planned protest, as mandated by law.
Following the meeting, the police objected to the route proposed by Yvonne Nelson’s team, citing concerns about the intended endpoint—Revolution Square—being near the Jubilee House, a security zone.
Moreover, the police raised apprehensions about concluding the protest at midnight.
The protest organizers, however, disagreed, asserting that the endpoint was distant from the Jubilee House, and there were no issues regarding the protest’s end time.
In line with the Public Order Act’s stipulations, the police promptly filed an application on Tuesday, May 21, to halt the demonstration.
Award-winning investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, has purportedly been directed by the High Court in Accra to reveal his identity in open court during the ongoing criminal prosecution of former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi.
As per myjoyonline.com, the court instructed Anas to remove his iconic beads mask before providing testimony against Nyantakyi.
Reportedly, the presiding judge informed Anas that failure to testify without his mask could result in the dismissal of the case.
In May 2023, the High Court previously ruled that the esteemed journalist could testify while wearing his beads mask.
However, Nyantakyi will have the opportunity to view Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ face in private before his testimony.
The court deemed it essential for Mr Nyantakyi, the accused in the criminal trial stemming from the Number 12 documentary exposing corruption in Ghana football, to ascertain Anas’ identity.
This ruling came after Nyantakyi’s legal team requested to see Anas Aremeyaw Anas’s true face to prepare his defense.
Following the court’s decision, Anas expressed concerns that revealing his identity to Nyantakyi could pose significant risks.
The Accra High Court has rejected a plea to compel President Akufo-Addo to receive the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
This comes after a lawsuit was filed by National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor on March 25.
In his suit, the MP sought several declarations and orders regarding the President’s powers under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
Mr. Dafeamekpor asked for a declaration that, according to Article 106(1) and (7) of the Constitution, a President can only assent to or refuse to assent to a bill within seven days, unless the bill has been referred to the Council of State.
He also sought a declaration that the President cannot prevent Parliament from transmitting a bill that has been passed to him.
Additionally, the MP wanted a declaration that a letter dated March 18, 2024, addressed to the Clerk of Parliament and signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, is in contravention of the Constitution, and therefore, the President must withdraw the letter.
However, the Attorney-General, represented by Chief State Attorney Sylvia Adeso, argued that the High Court had no jurisdiction to grant the application filed by Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor.
Justice Ellen Mireku, in her ruling, indicated that the Court has jurisdiction but dismissed the application using her discretionary powers. She noted that two suits filed by private citizens Prof Amanda Odoi and Richard Dela Sky had direct implications on the mandamus application and hence could not approve the reliefs being sought by the South Dayi Member of Parliament.
Regarding the Anti-LGBTQ Bill, Parliament passed the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill on Wednesday, February 28.
The bill punishes those who take part in LGBTQ sexual acts, as well as those who promote the rights of gay, lesbian, or other non-conventional sexual or gender identities with time in prison.
Despite public support for the bill, concerns have been raised, including by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), regarding discrimination and the potential infringement of constitutional freedoms. Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, has defended the bill, stating that it does not violate the laws in the 1992 constitution.
The Finance Ministry has advised President Akufo-Addo against signing the bill, citing potential financial challenges, including the loss of funding from the World Bank.
However, President Akufo-Addo has reassured the international community of Ghana’s commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law, noting that the bill is facing a legal challenge at the Supreme Court, and no action will be taken until a decision is made.
The High Court in Accra has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the Director General (DG) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police and the DG of the Legal and Prosecution Unit of the Ghana Police Service.
This action was taken after the two officials failed to appear in court for contempt proceedings related to a case involving Sureword Global Outreach, as reported by starrfmonline.com.
During Monday’s court session, Counsel for the Application, Abraham Arthur, moved an application for committal for contempt against the CID boss and the legal and prosecution unit DG for not honoring the court’s orders.
“The orders have been carried out but the respondents are not in court,” Arthur argued, the report said.
In response to the submission, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, the presiding judge, expressed disappointment at the respondents’ failure to comply with the court’s directives.
“There is evidence on record to indicate that this court’s orders have been carried out.
“There is affidavit of service which indicates that the order of the court to serve on the IGP through Inspector Boatemaa Juliana, his secretary at Cantonment.”
The case background reveals a dispute over the release of a vehicle, registered as GN2925-20, to Sureword Global Outreach.
Despite a court order issued on January 29, 2024, directing the respondents to release the vehicle, they allegedly refused to comply, leading to the contempt proceedings.
The applicant sought an Order of Committal for Contempt against the respondents, citing their actions as a disregard for the court’s authority and an attempt to undermine the administration of justice.
The court, after exhausting all avenues for compliance, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the CID Director General and the Director General of the Legal and Prosecution Unit of CID of the Ghana Police Service.
The High Court in Accra has taken a decisive step in the ongoing trial involving a private businessman, Richard Jakpa, standing trial with former Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Ato Forson.
The two have been accused of causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the state in a deal to purchase 200 ambulances for the country between 2014 and 2016.
Richard Jakpa was notably absent during the recent court session, where he was expected to continue his testimony after dismissing his lawyer and choosing to represent himself.
His absence prompted Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, a Court of Appeal judge with additional responsibilities as a High Court judge, to issue the bench warrant for his arrest.
“Unfortunately Jakpa dispensed with his lawyer and is yet to get a new one
“We will err on the side of caution and issue a warrant for the arrest of the accused,” the judge said.
Despite a document purporting to be a medical excuse sent to the court clerk via WhatsApp, the judge noted that it lacked sufficient detail about Jakpa’s condition, leading to the decision to issue the warrant.
The charges against Jakpa and Dr. Forson include willfully causing financial loss to the state, abetment to willfully causing financial loss to the state, contravention of the Public Procurement Act, and intentionally misapplying public property.
The case has been adjourned to Tuesday, March 26, this year, pending Jakpa’s arrest and further proceedings.
According to the Attorney General’s facts accompanying the charge sheet, the scandal traces back to 2009 when then-President Prof. John Evans Atta Mills announced plans to purchase new ambulances to enhance the National Ambulance Service’s operations.
Jakpa, acting as a local representative of Big Sea General Trading Limited based in Dubai, approached the Ministry of Health with a financing proposal from Stanbic Bank for the supply of 200 ambulances to the government.
Parliament approved the financing agreement between the government and Stanbic Bank.
The facts also reveal that approvals were sought and obtained for single-sourcing Big Sea for the ambulance supply.
However, subsequent investigations found that 30 of the ambulances purchased at a cost of €2.37 million did not meet the required specifications and were deemed “not fit for purpose.” This discrepancy has led to the serious legal proceedings now underway.
An 18-year-old hairdresser, and seven others, including Sarah Agyei, have been remanded into prison custody by the High Court in Accra.
The charges stem from their alleged involvement in stealing substantial sums of money, including 300,000 euros, and other valuable properties, from the residence of former sanitation minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
Despite being granted bail with stringent conditions, the accused persons failed to meet the requirements, leading to their transfer from police custody to prison custody.
The decision was made by the Court after State Prosecutors, led by Senior State Attorney Akosua Agyepomaa Agyemang, sought the change in custody.
While defence lawyers, headed by Nana Addo Asirifi, opposed the move to allow the accused to fulfil their bail conditions, the Court maintained that once their bail bonds are certified, they can be released.
Notably, the Court made an exception for Sarah Agyei, who is reportedly breastfeeding a nine-month-old baby, allowing her to remain in police cells.
The court proceedings, which were expected to include a Case Management Conference on March 8, faced a setback as some defence lawyers claimed they had not been served with the latest processes filed by the Prosecution on February 2.
The accused, including Patience Botwe and Sarah Agyei, aged 18 and 30 respectively, along with Benjamin Sowah, Malik Dauda, Christiana Achab, Job Pomary, and Yahaya Sumaila, have pleaded not guilty to 31 counts, ranging from conspiracy to steal, stealing, dishonestly receiving, and money laundering. The case took a turn on November 8 when a new charge sheet was filed at the High Court, increasing the counts to 31, including charges of conspiracy, stealing, dishonestly receiving, and money laundering.
The accused persons have been facing legal proceedings since July 6, 2023, and the court has set the next hearing for March 15.
State Prosecutors have also filed an application to restrict the accused from disposing of properties in their custody.
The Ho High Court has handed down life sentences to three individuals following their conviction on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and abetment of crime.
A panel of seven jurors, tasked with deliberating the case, unanimously reached a guilty verdict on all three counts against the defendants.
The trio was implicated in the shooting deaths of four individuals at the Omanhene Palace in Pai Kantanka, Oti Region, amid a chieftaincy dispute in 2019.
Upon hearing the verdict, two of the convicted individuals, Kwabena Aduam and Amanpene Gyane, broke down in tears in the courtroom, while Kwabena Asante, who had been in custody, displayed little emotion.
The families and friends of Aduam and Gyane, who had been out on bail, were overcome with grief, while relatives of the deceased celebrated the court’s decision, expressing gratitude for the dispensation of justice.
In delivering the judgment, His Lordship Justice George Buadi noted inconsistencies in witness statements and cross-examination involving all three defendants.
“They tried to act clever by pleading alibi but evidence from the investigator proved beyond reasonable doubt that they indeed committed the crime”, he said.
In response to the verdict, Senior State Attorney Moses Asampoa expressed gratitude to the court, particularly the jurors, for upholding the principles of justice. He emphasized that the decision would serve as a deterrent to individuals contemplating taking the law into their own hands.
Background
The perpetrators stormed the chief’s palace armed with locally manufactured shotguns and opened fire in broad daylight, resulting in the death of one individual on the scene.
Three others sustained severe injuries and were rushed to Worawora Government Hospital for treatment but succumbed to their injuries while undergoing medical care.
Following extensive investigations, the police apprehended two suspects within the town. After several months, they arrested Asante, who had fled to neighboring Togo.
The region has been plagued by a series of chieftaincy disputes despite a court ruling confirming Nana Diawuo Bediako II as the rightful chief, a decision that has been officially recognized by the National House of Chiefs.
The 18-year-old implicated in the alleged Kasoa ritual murder case has contradicted the assertions made by State Prosecutors, denying that he and the 15-year-old juvenile planned to seek spiritual powers for wealth.
The second accused has also contested allegations suggesting that he had discussions with the first accused about a potential trip to the Volta Region for spiritual assistance if the priest in Amasaman did not meet their expectations.
Both teenagers face charges of conspiracy and the murder of 10-year-old Ishmael Mensah Abdallah before the High Court in Accra, under the jurisdiction of Justice Lydia Osei Marfo.
While the 15-year-old juvenile (1st Accused) has admitted to the offense, stating that they “committed the crime together,” the 18-year-old (2nd Accused) has denied the charges.
Currently, State Prosecutors, led by Nana Adoma Osei, are subjecting the 18-year-old to cross-examination to scrutinize the credibility of his testimony before the High Court, presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo.
The High Court in Ho has dismissed two applications put forth by the petitioners in the SALL Election petition.
These applications sought to withdraw an initially filed application for judgment on admissions and a substantive application for judgment on admissions made by the Electoral Commission.
As the court prepared to deliver its ruling on a motion for judgment based on admissions made by the first respondent, the Electoral Commission, it faced an interruption due to a late application by John Peter Amewu to enter a late appearance and to stay the court’s ruling.
The court granted approval for the late entry application but rejected the application to halt the court’s ruling.
Subsequently, the petitioners, represented by their lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata, filed a motion to withdraw their application for judgment based on the admission made by the EC.
The court ruled that the admissions made by the EC only provide grounds for the court to issue orders, not judgments.
Consequently, the application for judgment based on admissions was dismissed, and the court adjourned to March 15, 2024, to determine the course of legal arguments or a full trial regarding the merits of the petitioners’ case and the reliefs sought.
The lead counsel representing three of the 12 individuals who were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Major Maxwell Mahama has announced their intention to challenge the verdict.
Theophilus Kafui Donkor, the legal representative, stated that his clients firmly believe that the judge provided incorrect guidance to the jury, which, in their view, had an impact on the unfavorable verdict.
Consequently, they have instructed him to pursue the matter at a higher judicial level through an appeal process.
Speaking on JoyFM’s Newsnight, the lawyer said, “My clients are not satisfied with the directions that the judge gave to the jury so they have instructed me to appeal the decision on their behalf.
“So in simple terms, my clients are not satisfied with the decision of the court and they indeed are going to challenge it on appeal.
“They believe strongly that they have a good case in this matter. So, I think the three wise men will decide otherwise in their favour.”
The lawyer emphasized that despite the accusation that all 14 individuals had participated in planning the killing, two of them were acquitted. This fact forms a crucial part of his belief in the potential success of the appeal.
While the legal process unfolds, the 12 convicted individuals have commenced serving their sentences at Nsawam Prison in the Eastern Region.
The tragic incident leading to the death of Major Maxwell Mahama occurred when he was attacked by an enraged mob in Denkyira Obuase, Central Region, while carrying out his official duties as a detachment commander on May 29, 2017.
In recognition of his service, Major Mahama was posthumously promoted to the rank of Major on June 5, 2017.
The Delta State High Court in Effurun has rejected the preliminary objections raised by Nigerian-American singer Davido and his company, Davido Music Worldwide Limited.
The objections challenged the court’s jurisdiction in handling a breach of contract suit brought by Brownhill Investment Company Limited regarding the annual ‘Warri Again Concert.’
Trial judge Justice Nduka Obi dismissed both the objection related to the breach of contract case and another objection involving a defamation case against Davido Music Worldwide and Israel Afeare.
In the breach of contract case, the court dismissed arguments by the defendants, asserting that it was not a debt recovery case and was premature.
The court agreed with the claimant’s counsel, stating that the reliefs sought indicated a breach of contract action, not requiring a prior letter of demand.
Regarding the defamation case, the court affirmed its territorial jurisdiction, noting that the claimant’s residence in Delta State during the alleged online defamatory statements establishes the state’s authority to hear the cases.
The court has adjourned to hear all the cases against the defendants. Efforts for an out-of-court settlement were mentioned in court, but the claimant asserted no concrete arrangements were made, as the defendants sought terms unacceptable to the claimant.
Brownhill Investment Company Limited, the claimant, seeks N2 billion (over $150 million) in general damages against Davido.
The Accra High Court is set to expedite the trial of Nana Appiah Mensah, the CEO of the now-defunct Menzgold Ghana Limited, also known as NAM1.
During the Case Management Conference on Tuesday, December 12, Presiding Judge Justice Ernest Owusu-Daapah expressed the intention to conclude the proceedings by March 2024.
Facing 39 counts, including allegations of defrauding customers, selling gold, operating an unlicensed deposit-taking business, and money laundering, NAM1 maintains his plea of not guilty.
The court session also revealed the opportunity for plea bargaining, yet NAM1’s lawyer, Kwame Akuffo, stated that his client has not considered this option.
Director of Public Prosecution Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa confirmed the state’s plan to call 11 witnesses to substantiate their case. The trial is scheduled to commence on December 20, 2024.
Post-court session, Frederick Forson, Spokesperson for the Aggrieved Customers of Menzgold, expressed satisfaction with the court’s handling of the case.
The High Court has approved a two-week adjournment requested by prosecutors from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) citing “certain developments” in the ongoing case.
Former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffuor, have filed an application for an interlocutory injunction against the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
In their application, the couple argues that the OSP’s re-seizure of their money initially confiscated on July 24 and the subsequent freezing of their bank accounts on September 5, 2023, are unfair and unlawful.
During the court session on Tuesday, December 5, 2013, Justice Joseph Adu Agyemang Owusu revealed that Counsel for the Respondent (OSP), Esther Fafa Tetteh, had sought a two-week adjournment due to “certain developments” affecting the case.
Justice Agyemang Owusu adjourned the case after meeting with the parties in his chambers at the request of Esther Fafa Tetteh, a Prosecutor from the OSP.
Both Cecilia Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffuor, were present during the court proceedings, while the Special Prosecutor was absent.
The High Court, under the presidency of Justice Joseph Adu Agyemang Owusu, has rescheduled the case to January 9, 2024.
Subject matter
The former Minister contends that her application for judicial review is prompted by the Special Prosecutor’s prejudicial and arbitrary conduct since the commencement of investigations into alleged corruption and corruption-related offenses involving her and her husband.
She emphasized that the legal action aims to prevent any further violation of her constitutionally guaranteed rights and to safeguard the relevance of her application for judicial review.
“It is imperative that the Respondent is restrained from continuing his investigation pending the determination of my said Application.”
“I am advised by Counsel that I have property and personal rights that need to be protected by this Honourable Court and that an order of injunction should be granted against the Respondent to prohibit and restrain him from further violating my rights until the determination of this matter.
“I am advised by Counsel that damages will be inadequate to compensate me if this application for an injunction is not granted and judgment is subsequently entered in the Applicant’s favour.
“I am further advised by Counsel and verily believe same to be true that considering the facts of this case and all surrounding circumstances it is just, convenient, proper, and necessary for this Honourable Court to exercise its discretion in my favour and grant this application,” she argued.
Reliefs
According to the application for an interlocutory injunction, the former monster and her attorneys are requesting the following relief.
(a). A declaration that the Respondent’s re-seizure of the money (initially seized from the Applicant’s home on 24/07/23) and re-freezing of Applicant’s bank accounts respectively on 5th September 2023 is unfair, unreasonable, capricious, arbitrary, and ultra vires the Respondent’s statutory powers under Act 959 relative to the constitutional provisions of Articles 23 and 296 of the Constitution, 1992.
(b) An Order for the Respondent to release the money reseized on 5th September 2023 to the Applicant and to unfreeze her bank accounts.
(c) An Order prohibiting the Respondent from continuing the investigation of the Applicant and her husband for corruption or corruption-related offences.
(d) Any such further or other Orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit.
The High Court in Accra has turned down a plea from Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, seeking permission to be absent from court proceedings on Tuesday, November 21, to participate in the 2024 Budget Review.
Dr. Forson, alongside Dr. Sylvester Anemana, a former Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, and private businessman Richard Dzakpa, is facing trial for an alleged willful causing of financial loss to the state in a €2.37 million ambulance transaction. Dr. Forson concluded presenting his defense on Thursday, November 16.
Following the closure of Dr. Forson’s case, Dr. Anemana, the former Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, commenced presenting his defense and is currently undergoing cross-examination.
The court, presided over by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, a Justice of the Court of Appeal serving as an additional High Court judge, had initially adjourned the proceedings to Tuesday, November 21.
However, Dr. Forson, represented by his lawyer, Godwin Edudzie Tamekloe, who stood in for lead counsel Dr. Abdul Aziz Bamba, requested permission for his absence during this period. The court rejected the request.
“My Lady, just before your pen rise, I want to draw the Court’s attention to the presentation of the 2024 Budget” and that the first accused would be involved in post presentation activities on Tuesday. He therefore requested the court to excuse his client from the session on Tuesday, November 21.
But, the trial judge rejected the request and said, “no accused would be tried in his absence,” and the case will proceed as scheduled.
The Court said “We will try and finish this case by December 31, and we come back in February 2024 for judgement.”
Jurors of the High Court in Accra have initiated a strike action to protest their unpaid allowances and to seek better treatment from the state.
The strike, in effect since October 26, has resulted in the suspension of several court cases, including the trial of the 14 individuals accused in the death of Major Maxwell Mahama.
The jurors are currently owed more than eight months’ worth of allowances. This is not the first time such action has been taken, as jurors in Accra staged a similar strike in April 2023 for the same reasons. In addition to overdue allowances, the jurors are also requesting increased state protection, considering the risks associated with their roles.
A dissatisfied juror, speaking to the media, he lamented the mistreatment they endure from the state.
The juror accused the Chief Justice and the lawyers they collaborate with of a lack of good faith, asserting that their concerns are not being taken seriously.
He stated, “We risk our lives to do this work for the entire year, and we have not been given anything even to aid our transportation. And we have tried to talk to the Chief Justice and the lawyers that we work with, but they don’t take us seriously. And all that they say is that we are not supposed to strike, but we are not on strike. The fact is, we don’t have money to use as transportation to come to court, and that is the truth.”
Furthermore, the juror accused the government of reneging on its promise to pay their allowances promptly. He pointed out that the agreed-upon payment amounts were never disputed, but the government has failed to honor its commitment.
“They cannot even stand by their own decision and pay us,” the juror concluded. “That is not the agreement we signed for.”
The Accra High Court presiding over the trial of Mr. Michael Nyinaku, the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the now-defunct Beige-Bank, has instructed both the prosecution and defense lawyers to submit their arguments by November 10, 2023.
This development comes following the prosecution’s declaration that it has concluded its case against the accused.
The Court, under the leadership of Justice Mrs. Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe, a Court of Appeal Judge with additional High Court responsibilities, is scheduled to deliver its ruling on November 30, 2023.
This ruling will determine whether Mr. Nyinaku must provide a response to the charges brought against him.
Mrs. Evelyn Keelson, the Chief State Attorney, explained to the Court that with the prosecution having completed its case, it is now incumbent upon the accused, Mr. Nyinaku, to present his side of the story. However, this can only occur once the respective lawyers have submitted their arguments.
Based on these submissions, the Court will decide whether Mr. Nyinaku must address all the charges or not.
Mr. Nyinaku faces charges that include fraudulent breach of trust and money laundering, all of which he has pleaded not guilty to.
Two new High Court Judges, both females, have been sworn into office and charged with the mandate to apply Ghana’s laws fairly, strictly, and without fear, favour or ill-will.
President Akufo-Addo on Monday, August 28, moderated the induction ceremony held a the Jubilee House, Accra.
The newly appointed judges, Justices Dorothy Ayodele Kingsly-Nyinah and Ama Sefenya Ayittey, took their oaths of allegiance, secrecy, and the judicial oath.
President Akufo-Addo asserted that the country’s development hinged on the Judiciary earning the respect of the people through the quality of justice delivery and the conduct of judges.
He then congratulated them on their appointments and encouraged them to set themselves apart in their roles by demonstrating honesty, integrity, and a solid grasp of the law.
The President expressed his disapproval of judges basing their judgments on lower court decisions and presenting them as legal precedents.
He found it even more unacceptable when judges made rulings without citing any legal authority. He urged the newly appointed judges to be well-versed in case law and ensure that their decisions and judgments were properly motivated.
Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo urged the judges to adjudicate cases without bias or partiality and always safeguard the fundamental rights of citizens.
He also charged them to be sensitive to undue delays that projected the image of Ghana as a destination where litigation took too long, stressing that “This affects the attractiveness of the country as an investment destination.”
The President urged the judges to leverage the capabilities of technology to promote the rule of law, ensuring that they maintain the trust of the Ghanaian populace and bolster the country’s standing as a nation governed by principles of the rule of law.
“We know that harnessing the power of technology to advance the rule of law is critical in this modern era, if we are to maintain the confidence of the Ghanaian people and shore-up our nations reputation as a country governed by the rule of law.
“I encourage both of you to take full advantage of the E-justice system in order to expedite the conduct of cases that comes before you and enhance the management of cases before the court,” he said.
Chief Justice (CJ), Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, has selected 12 out of the 42 High Courts situated at the Law Court Complex in Accra to function throughout the legal vacation.
Starting today, August 1, 2023, the Judiciary commences a two-month legal vacation, concluding on September 30, 2023.
During this period, the superior courts, including the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the High Courts, will be on a recess.
To prevent any vacuum, the Chief Justice has assigned 12 High Courts, along with certain lower courts, to conduct proceedings during the legal vacation.
During the legal vacation, the following 12 High Courts will be in session: Commercial Court 2, Commercial Court 10, Criminal Court 1, Criminal Court 3, General Jurisdiction Court 12, General Jurisdiction Court 9, General Jurisdiction Court 6, General Jurisdiction Court 3, Financial Court 2, Land Court 10, Land Court 3, and Probate Court 3.
Below are the presiding judges of those courts sitting during the vacation
1. His Lordship Justice Francis Obiri (Commercial Court)
2. Her Ladyship Justice Adelaide Abui Keddey (Commercial Court 10),
3. Her Ladyship Justice Ruby Aryeetey (Criminal Court 1),
4. Her Ladyship Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh (Criminal Court)
5. His Lordship Justice Charles Gyamfi Danquah (General Jurisdiction 12)
6. Her Ladyship Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay (General Jurisdiction 9)
7. Her Ladyship Justice Abena Amponsah Buansi (General Jurisdiction 6)
8. Her Ladyship Justice Marian Affoh (General Jurisdiction 3)
9. His Lordship Justice Edward Twum (Financial Court 2)
10. His Lordship Justice Kwame Gyamfi Osei (Land Court 10)
11. Her Ladyship Justice Jennifer Anne Myers Ahmed, (Land Court 3)
12. Her Ladyship Justice Sarah Aryee (Probate Court 3)
The Wa High Court jury members in the Upper West region have initiated an indefinite strike due to unpaid sitting and attendance allowances.
According to their statement to the press, they have been carrying out their duties without remuneration for almost two years. Despite several petitions to the government, their pleas for the release of the allowances have gone unanswered, leaving them with no other recourse but to take this drastic action.
The jury members expressed disappointment that their concerns were not addressed when they initially began their strike on Monday.
As a sign of their protest, they refused to participate in criminal hearings at the Wa High Court on that day.
The jurors have made it clear that they will continue their strike until they receive their long-overdue payments.
Adding to their frustration, reports have emerged that some juries in other parts of the country have already been paid, making the situation even more unjust in their eyes. As a result, the members of the Wa High Court jury are determined to stand their ground until their arrears are settled.
Twelve members of Zimbabwe’s main opposition party have been disqualified from contesting the upcoming August parliamentary elections by a high court ruling.
The judge stated that their membership applications, submitted under the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), were received after the cut-off time of 16:00 on June 21. This was the day when nomination courts were in session to receive applications.
As a consequence of this ruling, candidates from the ruling Zanu-PF party will be elected unopposed in three seats within Bulawayo, the country’s second-largest city, which was previously considered an opposition stronghold.
The disqualifications came about after the obscure opposition party, the Elected Early Democrats (EED), challenged the nominations of the 12 candidates, arguing that the electoral body had unlawfully accepted their papers. The registration process on June 21 was fraught with chaos, leading to the rejection of numerous applications, primarily from opposition candidates, due to challenges in the payment system.
One positive outcome was United Zimbabwe Alliance’s Elisabeth Valerio successfully challenging the rejection of her papers, making her the sole woman on the presidential ballot.
In response to the high court ruling, the CCC spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere, stated that the 12 disqualified candidates would challenge the decision.
Zimbabweans are scheduled to vote on August 23 to elect councillors, members of parliament, and a president.
The High Court has ruled that the alleged Ga traditional customs, which prohibit left-handed (Leftees) individuals from holding family positions, are discriminatory and, therefore, unconstitutional.
As per the Court’s decision, the practice is deemed stereotypical and, therefore, not a justifiable restriction in a free and democratic society such as Ghana.
Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, now a Justice of the Court of Appeal, delivered this judgement in the case filed by the members of the Ashia We Family of Teshie in contention for who was qualified to be Head of the Family in March 27, 2019.
The Plaintiffs in the matter who initiated that action were Nii Boye John, Nii Kormetteh Okang and Nii Kpewie Sowah.
Whilst the defendants of whom the action was against were Nii Boye Kumah, the 1s Defendants, Nii Kyle Adjei, the 2nd Defendant, Nii Agoe Laryea, Nii Laryea Alaska, the Asafoatse of Omrugu whose status was also challenged, Andrews Okai Laryea and NH Sowah Achia.
The plaintiffs were seeking the declaration that the substantive head of the family, Nii Boye Kumah was only appointed caretaker of the Ashia We family but not as its head.
As part of the Plaintiffs making their case in court through Nii Sowah Kpewie, told the Court that the substantive family head, “is a ‘leftee’ and by their custom, he cannot become even a caretaker.”
It was the case of the Plaintiffs that, the substantive head, Nii Boye Kumah had no right to enter the shrine because he is a ‘leftee’ and also since he is not a fetish priest.
The Plaintiffs further contended that the substantive family head had not got the right to pour libation for the gods.
They also testified that Nii Boye Kumah who is the 1st Defendant – the family head had been hiding the fact that he is a ‘leftee’ from them.
But, the 1st Defendant though admitted that he is a southpaw rebuffed the assertion from the Plaintiffs in the matter that, such was the case.
Justice Ackaah-Boafo, who delivered this judgment in March 27, 2019 when he was a Justice of the High Court (General Jurisdiction 6) said, the court established that no acceptable customary evidence was provided to support the Plaintiffs’ contention that a ‘leftee’ cannot be a family head.
Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s court held that such a customary belief is not only repugnant to good conscience but inconsistent with the provisions of the 1992 Constitution.
The Constitution provides under Article 17 as follows:
“(1) All persons shall be equal before the law. (2) A person shall not be discriminated against on grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed or social or economic status.
(3) For the purposes of this article, “discriminate” means to give different treatment to different persons attributable only or mainly to their respective descriptions by race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, gender, occupation, religion or creed, whereby persons of one description are subjected to disabilities or restrictions to which persons of another description are not made subject or are granted privileges or advantages which are not granted to persons of another description”.
It was the decision of the Court, such an invitation by the Plaintiffs is stereotypical thus promoting the view that those who are left-handed or have certain physical attributes are less worthy of recognition as members of the Ga society or Ghanaian Society generally and rejected the same.
The Court also dismissed the Plaintiffs’ objection that the substantive family head was not qualified because his ancestors were strangers and held the 1st defendant, Nii Boye Kumah as the substantive head of the Ashia We family.
Plaintiffs’ Argument
While making their case, Nii Sowah Kpewie’ one of the Plaintiffs in his evidence to the court said, the 1st Defendant is not qualified to be the Head of Family because “he is a leftee and by custom he cannot become even a caretaker.”
He also added that, the 1st Defendant has been in cells before and by custom he is not fit to hold any position.
According to him, he was once remanded for two weeks at Usher Fort and because of that he cannot hold any post and cannot therefore be the head of the family for Ahia We.
He told the Court that, when Bankadi Tetteh’s wife died, the 1st defendant went and locked the doors of Bankadi Tetteh and he was arrested and taken to the Nima Police Station.
He locked the door so that children of Bankadi will not be able to enter the room. 1st Defendant had no right to enter the shrine. First of all he is a leftee and he is not a fetish priest.
The shrine has its own fetish priest, 1st Defendant has not got the right to pour libation for the gods. He was hiding the fact that he was a leftee to us”.
The Plaintiffs also called Nuumo Sowah Obeney and it was also his evidence that the 1st Defendant is left-handed and therefore not qualified as the head of family of Ashia We.
According to him even though the 1st Defendant is not qualified to be the head of family he had also usurped the functions of the Osabu Wolomo, the deity of Ashia We and poured libation at the shrine and desecrated the shrine as a result.
According to the witness the 1st Defendant was never elected as the Head of Family because “traditionally anytime a new head of family is elected, as the traditional priest of the family I have to perform the rite for the person and since the demise of the last head of family I have not performed any rite for any person as head of family”.
1st Defendant’s opposition
Opposing to the Plaintiffs’ contention, Nii Boye Kumah (1st Defendant) though admitted that he is left-handed, denied the existence of such a custom.
He however, insisted that there is no custom that precludes him from being the head of family on that account.
According to him the elders who appointed him knew that he was left-handed but they nevertheless appointed him.
By Court
Justice Ackaah-Boafo, now a Justice of the Court of Appeal, in his judgement said, it is clear from the above exchange that the Plaintiffs’ concede that the 1st Defendant’s ancestors and in particular his father and uncle held positions in the Ashia We Family despite the Plaintiffs contention that they were strangers and not qualified to hold responsible positions in the family.
“Based on the evidence heard at trial it is my holding that the Plaintiffs objection to the 1st Defendant that he is not qualified to be the head of family on the grounds that his ancestors were strangers is without basis and untenable. No cogent and/or properly acceptable evidence was proffered by the Plaintiffs to support the allegations. Rather, I am persuaded by the Defendant that he first acted as a caretaker and later confirmed by the elders. The exhibits tendered including photographs showing him perform the role as the head of family lead me to accept his version of the story as more reasonable and plausible.
“In coming to this conclusion, I reject the Plaintiff’s Counsel’s line of cross-examination and the submission that because no photograph of the 1st Defendant’s confirmation and outdooring by the elders was tendered at trial for instance the appointment and confirmation did not take place. To my mind the argument and submission are too simplistic.
“I wish to state that I have no difficulty in dismissing the Plaintiffs basis for challenging the 1st Defendant’s qualification as the head on family on the ground that he is left-handed. First no acceptable customary evidence was provided to the Court to support the contention and therefore the allegation remained unproven. Secondly, in my respectful view any such customary belief is not only repugnant to good conscience and common sense but would be inconsistent with the 1992 Constitution as the supreme law of the land and to the extent of the inconsistency is of no legal effect.
The Constitution provides under Article 17 as follows: “(1) All persons shall be equal before the law. (2) A person shall not be discriminated against on grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed or social or economic status.(3) For the purposes of this article, “discriminate” means to give different treatment to different persons attributable only or mainly to their respective descriptions by race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, gender, occupation, religion or creed, whereby persons of one description are subjected to disabilities or restrictions to which persons of another description are not made subject or are granted privileges or advantages which are not granted to persons of another description”.
Justice Ackaah-Boafo said, “applying the above Constitutional provisions to the facts of this case, I am of the view that the effect of the Plaintiffs’ position is to deny any citizen whose physical make-up includes being a left-handed person from participating and holding a family position such as a head of family.
Weird position
“To confirm their weird position the Plaintiffs are in Court to recruit the Court to participate in and give its imprimatur to their discriminatory enterprise.
“Sitting as a judge I cannot accept that invitation because it reflects stereotypical views of a group based upon their personal characteristics, thus promoting the view that those who are left-handed or have certain physical attributes are less worthy of recognition as members of the Ga society or Ghanaian Society generally.
“This is clearly not a reasonable limitation in a free and democratic society and I unequivocally reject same,” the Court stated.
“I also note that no evidence of conviction against the 1st Defendant was provided to the Court as basis for his disqualification.
“There is a record of conviction of any person once that conviction is entered against that individual. The fact that no record was tendered to confirm the so-called conviction of the 1st Defendant informs me that the allegation is not true.
“The Plaintiffs ought to know that there is a world of difference between a conviction and a police arrest.
“The fact that the 1st Defendant was arrested by the police or remanded in custody again cannot be the basis for the argument that he is not qualified to be the head of a family when no evidence was provided except the testimony of a witness whose credibility based on the proceedings is questionable.
“Therefore, based on all of the above I wholly reject the Plaintiffs protestations as without basis and hold that the 1st Defendant is the substantive head of the Ashia We family,” Justice Ackaah-Boafo affirmed the 1st Defendant as substantive head of family.
The Plaintiffs Reliefs & Claims
The Plaintiffs claim against the Defendants as per his Writ of Summons issued on November 11, 2011, is for the following reliefs:
a) Declaration that the Defendants are not indigenous members of the Ashia we family of Teshie having migrated from Mepe in the Volta Region near Bator (and the Monis) having migrated from Takoradi in the Western Region.
b) A Declaration that it is only the Badu Anuako Family and Osabu Adjei Kwao Family which constitutes Ashia We, and the head of Ashia-We comes from the two families.
c) A Declaration that there is no substantive head of Ashia We and the 1st Defendant Nii Boye Kumah, was appointed caretaker of Ashia We and not head of Ashia We.
d) A further Declaration that the 4th Defendant is not from the Badu Anuako Family from which Asafoatse Omrugu is installed and consequently he is not an Asafoatse and cannot hold himself out as Asafoatse Omrugu.
e) A further Declaration that Nii Boye Kumah is not the Wulomo of Ashia We as the incumbent Wulomo is Osabu Wulomo of Obene We.
f) An order upon Nii Boye Kumah to account for his stewardship from the date of his caretakership in 1991 to date.
g) An order to return the proverbial symbol Anuaku Sewahu made of gold and affixed on top of Ashia We Akatamanso.
h) A Declaration that the Defendants being stranger settlers adopted into Ashia We have no place of abode known as “Tsuianaa” at Ashia We but where the ancestors kept their fishing nets.
i) A Declaration that Ashia We belongs to the Plaintiffs and the Defendant cannot interfere with their occupation, possession, ownership and use of Ashia We.
j) Further or other relief as in the circumstances may be just including in particular perpetual injunction to restrain the 1st Defendant and the 4th Defendant from holding themselves out as the Head of Ashia We and Asafoatse Omrugu respectively and further order to restrain the Defendants, whether by themselves, their servants, agents, workmen, assigns whoever or otherwise howsoever from interfering with the Plaintiffs’ use, ownership. occupation and possession of Ashia We.
Defendants Counterclaim
The Defendants repeats paragraphs 1 up to 70 and including paragraph 70 of the Statement of Defence and Counterclaim and claims against the Plaintiffs as follows:
i. A declaration that 1st Defendant is the legitimate and the substantive Head and the custodian of the heritage, traditions and customs of the Nii Ashia We of Teshie.
ii. A declaration that 4th Defendant is the legitimate Nii Asafoatse Omrugu of Nii Ashia We of Teshie.
iii. A declaration that Nii Ashia We of Teshie is made up of four (4) Divisions namely: Nii Adjetey Monney, Nii Adjei Osabu Kwao, Nii Adjei Mepeh and Nii Badu Onuako respectively.
iv. A declaration that Nii Ashia We does not install Wulomo.
v. A declaration that the 1st and 3rd Plaintiffs are not true members of the Nii Ashia We and thus their continuous stay in the Family is subject to good behaviour and respect of all regulations put in place by the leadership of the said family.
vi. An Order by this Honourable Court directed at the Plaintiffs restraining them from interfering with the duties of the 1st Defendant in particular and the other Principal Elders in general.
vii. An Order for Plaintiffs to account for moneys collected during funeral ceremonies since November, 2010.
viii. An Order of Perpetual Injunction restraining the Plaintiffs, by themselves, their heirs, assigns, personal representatives, agents, servants and all other persons of whatever description claiming through or under them from disturbing Defendants’ quiet use occupation and enjoyment of the Nii Ashia We property.
ix. Any further Orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit. x. Cost”.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the High Court has the authority to investigate the revocation of licenses of banks and specialized deposit-taking institutions (SDIs) by the Bank of Ghana (BoG), especially in cases involving alleged breaches of fundamental human rights.
The court’s decision was based on the understanding that Section 141 of the Banks and SDI Act, 2016 (Act 930), which stipulates arbitration as the means of seeking redress for those aggrieved by the BoG’s license revocation, does not exclude the High Court’s jurisdiction to assess the propriety of such revocations.
In a unanimous decision, a five-member panel of the apex court overturned the ruling by the Court of Appeal, which had upheld that an arbitration tribunal, not the High Court, was the appropriate venue for seeking redress against BoG’s license revocation.
The appeal was brought by Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, the Founder of the now-defunct GN Savings and Loans, who challenged the revocation of GN’s license by the BoG in 2019.
Dr. Nduom and two affiliated entities approached the High Court with a human rights application, arguing that the license revocation was unfair and unreasonable, violating their right to administrative justice as guaranteed under Article 23 of the 1992 Constitution.
The BoG objected to the jurisdiction of the High Court, citing Section 141 of Act 930 as the provision that mandated arbitration as the proper venue for seeking redress against license revocation by the central bank.
However, the High Court dismissed the objection, leading the BoG to appeal the decision at the Court of Appeal.
On June 2, 2022, the Court of Appeal, in a unanimous decision, ruled in favor of the BoG, holding that the High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case due to the explicit provision of arbitration as the means of seeking redress under Section 141 of Act 930.
The Court of Appeal halted the proceedings at the High Court and referred the dispute to the Ghana Arbitration Centre.
Dissatisfied with this outcome, Dr. Nduom appealed to the Supreme Court, which eventually ruled in his favor, upholding the jurisdiction of the High Court to inquire into the matter of BoG’s license revocation.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed Gyakye Quayson‘s application for a stay of proceedings in his trial at the High Court.
Last week, the lawyers representing the Member of Parliament for the Assin North constituency requested the High Court to suspend the proceedings temporarily, so that the Court of Appeal could hear his appeal to review a decision made by the trial judge.
The trial judge had decided to hear Quayson’s case on a daily basis, which the defense sought to challenge.
However, the plea for a stay of proceedings was rejected by the High Court.
Subsequently, Quayson sought to appeal the High Court’s ruling to the Court of Appeal, but his efforts were unsuccessful, as the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court’s decision.
As of now, Gyakye Quayson is facing trial at the High Court in Accra on charges of forgery and perjury.
The legal process is continuing, and he is required to participate in the trial without further delays.
The troubles for Mr. Gyakye Quayson started when he expressed his intention to run for the Assin North Parliamentary elections in 2020 under the banner of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). A group known as the ‘Concerned Citizens of Assin North’ filed a petition with the Electoral Commission in the Central Region, seeking the withdrawal of Quayson’s candidature on the grounds that he held Canadian citizenship.
Despite the petition against his candidacy, Mr. Quayson was allowed to contest in the 2020 parliamentary polls as the NDC candidate. He secured 17,498 votes, representing 55.21% of the votes, while Abena Durowaa Mensah, the candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), obtained 14,193 votes, representing 44.79%.
After Mr. Quayson’s victory, a resident from Assin Bereku in the Central Region filed a petition with the Cape Coast High Court, seeking to nullify his election as the MP of Assin North. The Cape Coast High Court ruled in favor of the petitioner, declaring the 2020 parliamentary election in the Assin North Constituency as null and void. The court’s decision was based on the finding that Mr. Quayson had breached the constitutional provisions related to dual citizenship.
In an attempt to challenge the court’s ruling, Mr. Quayson took the matter to the Supreme Court. However, he faced disappointment as the apex court ordered Parliament to remove his name from its records, effectively removing him from his position as an MP.
Following his expulsion from Parliament, a by-election was conducted in the Assin North Constituency. Despite his previous legal challenges, Mr. Quayson emerged as the winner of the by-election with a significant margin of victory.
Meanwhile, the members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament have taken a collective decision to boycott parliamentary sessions on the days when Mr. Gyakye Quayson, their fellow MP, is expected to appear in court.
This move was made as a show of solidarity with Mr. Quayson, who is facing legal challenges concerning his eligibility as a Member of Parliament.
However, this decision to boycott Parliament on specific days has faced criticism from members of the Majority Caucus.
The Majority Caucus members, who are from the ruling party, have expressed their disapproval of the boycott, viewing it as an obstruction to the parliamentary proceedings and a disregard for the responsibilities of the MPs to represent their constituencies and participate in legislative activities.
The boycott by the Minority Caucus and the subsequent criticism from the Majority Caucus may have further heightened tensions and divisions within the Parliament, impacting the overall functioning and effectiveness of the legislative body.
Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, has been denied the opportunity to halt his ongoing criminal trial.
The High Court has asserted its authority to proceed with the case, disregarding the various legal actions filed at both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
Mr Quayson is facing charges that include perjury and forgery. Despite the court’s initial intention to hold daily hearings, the legislator has attempted to halt the proceedings by submitting legal motions to the Court of Appeal.
Additionally, he has filed another request at the Supreme Court, asserting that the Attorney General has failed to provide him with the complete set of evidence to be used against him.
However, the High Court dismissed Quayson’s requests, affirming its jurisdiction to continue the trial without delay.
“We have filed an application for a stay of proceedings that has been set for Wednesday the 19th of July at the Court of Appeal. We have also filed in the Supreme Court, a motion invoking the supervisory jurisdiction for an order directed at this court to quash the decision made on the 16th of July and another to prohibit the court from proceeding with the case,” lead counsel for the MP Tsatsu Tsikata earlier told the court.
Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame disagreed with this view and pointed out that the court should proceed since no order has been issued by either the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court.
“Respectfully, the prayer before you is without any basis. And I am not surprised he has not referred you to any rule of law. It is an attempt to deny the court the right to hear the case. It is an attempt to prevent the continuation of the trial and I pray the court to disregard the request,” he stated.
The court presided over by Justice Mary Yanzuh ruled that in the absence of any court order halting proceedings, the court will proceed with the case.
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has announced its intention to appeal the ruling of the High Court in the case involving Mr. Adjenim Boateng Adjei, the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, presiding over the case, determined that CHRAJ had violated the fair hearing rule by substituting parts of the complaint filed by Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) with its own allegations.
The Court further stated that CHRAJ had failed to provide Mr. Adjei with the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses during its investigations before drawing conclusions.
Moreover, the Court highlighted that CHRAJ had neglected to investigate the substantive complaints made by the complainant (GII) and instead focused on unrelated matters.
Consequently, the Court overturned the Commission’s report, which had contained adverse findings against Mr. Adjei.
CHRAJ maintains that a previous ruling in a similar case remains valid, and thus, the findings and directives issued by the Commission are still in effect.
The Accra High Court has set a deadline of July 27, 2023, for the Founder of the now-defunct Capital Bank, William Ato Essien, to pay the remaining outstanding amount of GH¢12 million as part of the second tranche, as stated in the terms of settlement.
During the court hearing, Mr. Baffour Gyawu Ashia, representing the convict, informed the Court that an additional GH¢2 million had been paid, bringing the total payment to GH¢8 million since the last adjourned date. This leaves a balance of GH¢12 million for the second tranche of the agreed GH¢20 million, which was supposed to be settled by April 28, 2023.
Mr. Ashia stated that the convict’s company, Essien Swiss, had reached an agreement with another entity to generate additional funds for settling the debt. He requested the Court to release the convict’s passport, which was held in the Court’s registry, so that he could travel to gather the necessary funds.
In addition, Mr. Essien requested ample time to make the outstanding GH¢12 million payment to the State.
However, Mr. Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, a Deputy Attorney General, opposed the request for the convict to regain access to his passport, expressing concerns that he might not return to Court if granted permission.
Essien was convicted for embezzling over GH¢90 million of the Bank of Ghana’s liquidity support provided to Capital Bank at the time.
According to the High Court’s judgment, Essien was required to pay GH¢20 million as part of the GH¢60 million restitution by April 28, 2023, with the remaining amount to be paid by the end of December 2023.
The Court, presided over by Justice Kyei Baffour, an additional High Court Judge sitting as a Court of Appeal Judge, approved the filed Terms of Settlement presented by the Attorney-General and Ato Essien. As per the settlement, William Ato Essien was obligated to refund the sum of GH¢90 million.
The Attorney-General filed a motion requesting the Court to impose a custodial sentence on Ato Essien for his failure to pay the GH¢20 million by April 28, 2023.
Today, Tuesday, July 4, 2023, the High Court in Accra will resume the daily hearing of the member of parliament (MP) elect for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson‘s case.
The trial was adjourned on June 29 due to incomplete application documents received by the court.
Quayson has appealed the daily trial order in the Court of Appeal, claiming violations of his right to a fair trial.
His election as MP was nullified by the Supreme Court for holding dual citizenship.
Quayson now faces charges of perjury and deceiving a public officer.
Despite the ongoing trial, he is expected to be present in parliament for his swearing-in.
A member of the General Legal Council and a former President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Sam Okudzeto, has demanded the resignation or dismissal of Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, the ruler of the Dormaa Traditional Area, from their position as a High Court judge.
Okudzeto referenced the paramount chief’s call for the discontinuation of the criminal case against James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament-elect for the Assin North Constituency, as the basis for his demand.
During the 10th Atta Mills Anniversary Lecture held over the weekend, the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, who also serves as a High Court judge, appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame to urgently terminate the trial against James Gyakye Quayson.
He urged the minister to file a nolle prosequi to formally discontinue the case in the interest of the public.
In response to these remarks, Sam Okudzeto expressed his condemnation of Dormaahene in an interview with Joy FM on July 3, 2023. He stated, “It is wrong, it is repugnant, it is senseless for a sitting High Court judge to stand on a public platform and make an utterance of that nature. This is my view.”
Furthermore, the former GBA president called for the High Court judge to be dismissed or to resign from their position.
“If I was sitting in that disciplinary committee of the judicial council, I would have asked him to resign or asked him to be sacked as a judge. That’s what I would have done,”myjoyonline.com quoted him to have said in the interview.
Gyakye Quayson is currently facing charges of perjury and four other charges related to his Canadian citizenship status at the time of filing his nomination forms for the 2020 parliamentary election.
Legal proceedings were initiated against Gyakye Quayson following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed the Electoral Commission’s decision to allow him to run in the 2020 elections without providing proof of renouncing his Canadian citizenship as unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court instructed Parliament to remove Gyakye Quayson’s name from its records, rendering his election null and void. Additionally, his swearing-in was deemed unconstitutional.
Subsequently, a by-election was conducted, in which Gyakye Quayson emerged as the winner. According to the Electoral Commission’s announcement, he received a total of 17,245 votes, constituting 57.56% of the total votes cast.
Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was his closest contender, garnering 12,630 votes, accounting for 42.15% of the votes. Bernice Enyonam Sefenu of the Liberal Party Ghana (LPG) secured 87 votes, representing 0.29% of the overall tally.
Receiver of collapsed uniBank, Nii Amanor Dodoo, has informed the Accra High Court that the management of the bank deliberately misrepresented the true financial position of uniBank in their reports to the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
The Receiver clarified that the financial reports were prepared by the management team of uniBank collectively, and not by any individual. While Benjamin Ofori, a former Executive Head of the Credit Risk Department of uniBank, did not submit any report directly to the BoG in his personal capacity, he did so as part of the bank’s management team.
The Receiver acknowledged that the financial reports of uniBank, which were submitted to the BoG, went through the bank’s internal processes. He further explained that misreporting involved not only communicating false information but also participating in the falsification of reality.
The misreported matters included fictitious loans, fictitious income generated from those loans, and the amounts illegally transferred out of uniBank by the shareholders. The Receiver affirmed that Benjamin Ofori played a critical role in these activities.
The Receiver also revealed that Mr. Ofori played a key role in opening fictitious accounts and assisted with memos that led to the creation of fictitious loans. From 2016 to 2018, Mr. Ofori held the position of executive head of Credit Risk at uniBank, responsible for assessing credit risks and making loan recommendations.
During the court proceedings, the Receiver referred to a memorandum dated 30th November 2016, which formed the basis for a purported loan of GHS 14 million disbursed to Fuzak Construction. The funds were transferred to a fictitious account instead of the regular account of Fuzak Construction, and later transferred to the shareholders’ account.
The Receiver distinguished between fictitious and irregular loans, explaining that an irregular loan may be one approved by someone beyond their approval limits. However, a loan intentionally obtained using a fictitious account number and presented as if it were a regular transaction cannot be described as irregular.
The Receiver highlighted that Mr. Ofori was expected to ensure accurate facts in the memos he reviewed and confirm the regular account numbers of customers listed.
The Receiver further informed the court that no offer letters were generated for the fictitious loans. The case was adjourned for continuation on 11th, 12th, and 13th July 2023.
Judges have ruled that the government’s intention to transfer asylum seekers to Rwanda is illegal.A Court of Appeal lawsuit against the Government’s proposed Rwanda deportation scheme was won by activists and asylum seekers.
In response to legal objections to the contentious government proposals, the Court of Appeal has issued its decision.
A High Court decision that had earlier stated that the country in east Africa may be regarded as a “safe third country” was reversed by three justices.
According to Lord Burnett, the court came to its decision based on the law and “took absolutely no view” as to the political benefits of the policy.
He added: ‘The result is that the High Court’s decision that Rwanda was a safe third country is reversed and that unless and until the deficiencies in its asylum processes are corrected removal of asylum-seekers to Rwanda will be unlawful.’
Steve Smith MBE, the CEO of refugee charity Care4Calais who brought an earlier legal challenge against the policy, responded with immense relief’.
Speaking after the ruling, he said: ‘After today’s judgement, it’s time the Government abandoned its brutal Rwanda policy and any alternative proposal to shirk the UK’s responsibility for people seeking asylum.
‘Instead, they should offer safe passage to refugees in Calais as the effective and compassionate way to put smugglers out of business, end small boat crossings and save lives.’
A packed room in the Royal Courts of Justice had awaited the ruling as the clock ticked nearer to 10am.
People gather to oppose the Rwanda Deal agreement in a protest last June (Picture: Thomas Krych/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock)
Today’s decision followed Rishi Sunak’s repeated pledge to ‘stop the boats’ since becoming Prime Minister.
The multimillion-pound proposals were put forward by former Home Secretary Priti Patel, during a time when ministers faced increased pressure to tackle the number of people attempting to reach the UK by crossing the Channel.
In December last year, two judges at the High Court had dismissed a series of legal bids against the Government’s plan to provide asylum seekers with a one-way ticket to Rwanda.
However, Lord Justice Lewis and Mr Justice Swift also gave the go-ahead to several individual asylum seekers and the charity Asylum Aid to challenge their decision.
Rishi Sunak has vowed to ‘stop the boats’ since he became Prime Minister (Picture: AP)
Today, the Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett, Sir Geoffrey Vos and Lord Justice Underhill gave their decision on the bid to overturn the previous ruling.
At a hearing in April, lawyers for the group of asylum seekers argued the High Court ‘showed excessive deference’ to the Home Office’s assessment that assurances made by the Rwandan authorities ‘provide a sufficient guarantee to protect relocated asylum seekers’ from a risk of torture or inhuman treatment.
The appeal judges were told that material provided by the Rwandan authorities ‘lacked credibility, consisting of blanket denials and clear contradictions’.
Charity Freedom from Torture, which intervened in the appeal, also argued the speed of the process means there is no ‘adequate opportunity’ to identify torture survivors.
Lawyers for the Home Office opposed the appeal, telling the court the Rwandan government had indicated willingness to work together with the British Government.
The Court of Appeal’s ruling comes days after the Home Office’s own figures showed the Government could spend £169,000 on every asylum seeker forcibly removed to a third country such as Rwanda.
Nearly two in five people would need to be deterred from crossing the Channel in small boats for the the Illegal Migration Bill to break even, the economic impact assessment published on Monday said.
The £169,000 cost includes flights and detention, as well as a £105,000 per person payment to third countries.
However, the sum is an estimate not based on the true cost of the ‘commercially sensitive’ Rwanda scheme.
If passed, the Bill would see the law changed so that people who come to the UK illegally through a safe country are not allowed to stay – instead being detained and removed, either to their home country or a country such as Rwanda.
The first flight to Rwanda was due to take off on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 but was stopped at the last minute.
The Boeing 767-300 – chartered at a cost of £500,000 to taxpayers – was grounded at RAF Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, after a frantic series of last-minute legal challenges.
An Accra High Court has ruled that the perjury and forgery trial involving James Gyakye Quayson will proceed on a day-to-day basis, starting from Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
The decision was made by Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh, who denied a request from Quayson’s lawyer, Justin Terriwajjah, to postpone the trial until after the Assin North by-election scheduled for June 27, 2023.
Terriwajjah argued that Quayson needed a leveled playing field in the campaign as he was seeking to represent the people of Assin North in parliament.
However, the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, opposed the request, emphasizing that Quayson had not been given a national assignment.
Godfred Dame stressed the importance of expeditiously trying the case to clarify Quayson’s status, considering the charges he was facing, which could lead to conviction and imprisonment if found guilty.
The Attorney-General prayed for the trial to be conducted on a day-to-day basis, starting from the following week.
Although Terriwajjah agreed to the day-to-day trial, he requested it to commence only after the by-election.
The court dismissed his prayer, and the trial is now scheduled to continue on June 20, 21, and 23.
Quayson’s lawyers will proceed with the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness in relation to the charges of forgery and perjury that arose during the 2020 Assin North parliamentary election.
