An old video of Chairman Wontumi dragging President John Mahama into the mud has resurfaced online.
The video, which was shot in 2013, features Chairman Wontumi daring President Mahama, the then former president and flag bearer of the NDC.
Chairman Wontumi spoke ill of President Mahama and stated that he could not do anything to him or his Akonta mining.
Member of Parliament for Suame, John Darko
The Member of Parliament for Suame, John Darko, has raised concerns over the suspension of the Chief Justice of the Republic, Gertrude Araba Torkornoo, by President John Dramani Mahama.
According to him, the grounds for the Chief Justice’s suspension are questionable, and if those same standards were applied consistently, the president himself should also face scrutiny, for instance, over his travels with his son aboard Ghana’s presidential jet.
Speaking in an interview on Oyerepa TV on April 23, 2025, the MP said the removal of the Chief Justice could be a major blow to Ghana’s democratic progress.
“There are serious matters that must be looked into, and you’re saying the Chief Justice should be removed because she traveled with her daughter. Meanwhile, the president travels in Ghana’s private jet with his son, who doesn’t work for any government institution, has he been fired?” he questioned.
He emphasized the high standing of the Chief Justice in the governance structure of the country.
“When you mention the four most important people in Ghana, she is one of them: the President, the Vice President, the Speaker, and the Chief Justice.”
Darko added that such actions undermine the country’s democratic values and may set a dangerous precedent.
“I feel that where we are as a country, if we fail in this democratic experiment, how are we going to justify to our grandchildren that during our time, we supported decisions that undermined our democracy? We need to do better,” he stressed.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below:
The Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), an agency under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, headed by Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah, is working on a legislative policy framework, with the support of the sector minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to regulate the downstream aluminium sector.
This sector encompasses activities such as aluminium scrap dealing, casting, fabrication, and forming aluminium into sheets, foils, rods, and other shapes.
The need for regulation stems from the escalating menace of cable and aluminium product theft in Ghana, highlighted by the recent exposure of a multi-million-dollar cartel targeting the Electricity Company of Ghana.
This underscores a critical vulnerability in the nation’s industrial landscape.
Such illicit activities not only inflict significant economic losses on state entities and businesses but also disrupt essential infrastructure and undermine public safety.
The fact that stolen materials often feed into unregulated aluminium smelters emphasizes the urgent need for stringent oversight in the downstream aluminium sector.
GIADEC’s initiative, in collaboration with the sector minister, to develop a legal framework for regulating this sector is not only justifiable but imperative for national security, economic stability, and sustainable development.
GIADEC seeks to implement a multi-pronged approach, including the identification, registration, and certification of all downstream players, along with a mandatory certificate of origin for aluminium exports and imports.
This will establish a robust framework to combat the current crisis.
By creating a comprehensive registry, GIADEC will introduce transparency to a sector currently plagued by opacity.
This will make it significantly harder for illegally sourced aluminium to enter the supply chain, effectively choking off the demand that fuels theft.
The mandatory certificate of origin will further enhance traceability, ensuring that all exported aluminium products can be verified as legitimately sourced.
According to GIADEC, this measure is crucial not only for preventing the outflow of stolen materials but also for bolstering Ghana’s reputation in the international aluminium market, demonstrating a commitment to ethical and responsible practices.
Beyond curbing criminal activities, GIADEC’s proposed policy framework will foster a more organized and standardized downstream aluminium industry, leading to improvements in product quality, safety standards, and environmental practices.
Unregulated smelters often employ rudimentary and environmentally harmful techniques.
By instituting a legal framework for these operations, GIADEC will enforce better environmental protocols, promote sustainable industrial development and mitigate the ecological damage caused by informal processing.
This aligns with global trends toward responsible resource management and enhances the long-term viability of Ghana’s aluminium sector.
GIADEC’s vision extends beyond regulation to include socio-economic empowerment.
The planned youth entrepreneurship training programs, focusing on responsible sourcing, small-scale traditional smelting of cans, and domestic fabrication of aluminium products—represent a proactive approach to creating economic opportunities.
By equipping young Ghanaians with skills and knowledge in the aluminium value chain, GIADEC will cultivate a new generation of legitimate and responsible industry players.
GIADEC and the Ministry’s plan to regulate the downstream aluminium sector is well-founded in the GIADEC Act (Act 976), which empowers GIADEC and the minister to implement policies for the effective development of the integrated aluminium industry.
By implementing these regulatory measures and developmental initiatives, GIADEC can transform the downstream aluminium sector from a hub of criminal activity and environmental concern into a vibrant, sustainable, and economically empowering contributor to Ghana’s national development.
The time for decisive action is now, and GIADEC’s vision provides a clear and compelling pathway forward.
GIADEC is an agency under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and is currently the sole owner of VALCO, following a share transfer agreement between the Government of Ghana and GIADEC.
Additionally, GIADEC holds all of the Government’s interests in the Ghana Bauxite Company.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below:
Ghana international, Inaki Williams
Ghana international Iñaki Williams scored the decisive goal to secure a narrow 1-0 victory for Athletic Club against Las Palmas in the Spanish La Liga on Wednesday evening.
The forward started the Week 33 encounter for his side and opened the scoring with an intelligent finish in the 5th minute.
The early goal proved to be the difference, as Athletic Club claimed all three points at the end of the 90 minutes.
Iñaki Williams, who played the full match, was the most creative player on the pitch—creating five chances—despite having the fewest touches (47) among outfield players who completed the full game.
Las Palmas enjoyed slightly more possession (51%) but failed to capitalize, managing just one big chance and ultimately falling short at San Mamés.
On the night, Nico Williams made his return from injury, replacing Álex Berenguer and playing the final 25 minutes.
With his goal on Wednesday, Iñaki Williams now has six goals and eight assists in the ongoing Spanish La Liga campaign.
Black Stars forward Iñaki Williams🇬🇭 scored his 11th goal of the season in all competitions against Las Palmas. He now has 19 goal contributions for Athletic Club this season. pic.twitter.com/PqQanfAnSg
— asack_pius (@asacksportsGH) April 23, 2025
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 following a cerebral stroke that led to an irreversible cardiac collapse, on 21st April. Ever since, the internet has been flooded with tributes, theories, and a few truly bizarre speculations. Among them? A now-viral rumor circulating that YouTube personality Trisha Paytas is carrying the reincarnation of the late Pope himself.
Paytas, who is currently expecting her second child and due in July, spoke up about the odd claim during Tuesday’s episode of her Just Trish podcast.
“I just don’t get it,” she said with a mix of disbelief and laughter. “First of all, I’m months away from giving birth—like, not even close this time. And second, he’s not royalty. Why is it that every time someone important dies, it’s suddenly my baby coming back?”
The theory seems to have resurfaced in part due to timing. Pope Francis’s passing was confirmed Monday by the Vatican, and Paytas, now in the later stages of her pregnancy, had previously gone viral in 2022 under similar circumstances. When Queen Elizabeth II died around the time she gave birth to her first child.
Co-host Oscar Gracey noted that “people just latch onto any historic figure’s death during a celeb pregnancy.” It literally suggests the theory is less about belief and more about coincidence.
Trisha, however, wasn’t quite buying it. “So, what, my baby’s absorbing their soul or something?” she asked sarcastically. She did point out a funny twist. Pope Francis died at 88—her self-declared lucky number. “I guess I’ve been manifesting this,” she joked. “Gosh, I’m so powerful.”
Pope Francis is about to be reincarnated as trisha’s paytas baby.
— Gabs 🌟 (@bebitagabs) April 23, 2025
While Trisha and husband Moses Hacmon haven’t revealed the baby’s gender, the couple leaned into the absurdity for a moment. Oscar joked that a boy might face “baby Pope allegations.” Trisha laughed, saying, “Technically, Pope isn’t a bad name. And there are girls named Francis. My dad’s name is Francis, so, you know what? I’ll take the Pope. That’s better than Charles.”
Still, she didn’t seem entirely convinced. “I just don’t know how that works,” she said. “Like, how do I absorb a soul? Am I now the Pope’s portal or something?”
Moses, ever the realist, noted that many reincarnation theories involve a 49-day window after death. The timeline doesn’t quite align with their baby’s expected arrival.
“Sorry y’all,” Trisha concluded. “I wish the Pope could’ve held on just a bit longer to make it work. But if I start feeling a little holier, I’ll let you know.”
🇻🇦 Pope Francis Lying in State inside St. Peter’s Basilica pic.twitter.com/rxhZ46bKEJ
— Imperial Material ♚ (@royalistinusa) April 23, 2025
Pope Francis’s funeral is set to take place on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. GMT, the Vatican confirmed, alongside the release of the first official images showing the late pontiff lying in state. The funeral will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where thousands are expected to gather to pay tribute.
Among those attending are several global dignitaries, including President Donald Trump, despite his well-known clashes with the pope over immigration. Argentina’s President Javier Milei, will be there too, to honor one of his country’s most influential sons.
Kwabena Nsafoa, a Kumasi-based journalist and political writer, has outlined ten mistakes made by Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, was involved in the AshantiFest’s organization. These criticisms were made by Kwabena Nsafoa in a post he posted on his Facebook page on April 21, 2025. He penned:
“1. The AshantiFest program’s entire structure was centered more on social media validation than having a well-researched team create individualized programs that will appeal to the general public.
2. He seems always engrossed on his phone at public events.
3. He gives the impression that his initiatives are a one-man show with no anchored team directives.
4. In order to indirectly plead for an extension of his grace period in terms of public expectations of local projects, he is using his accessibility as a ruse and playing to the gallery.
5. Instances that he shared videos on his Facebook wall made by anti Asante social commenters to justify his partisanship was immaturity.
6. He’s clueless as in asserting what Ashanti justifiably deserve from the central government.
7. He seems dismissive about the continuation of the region’s monumental projects..
8. He is presenting himself to the world as the ideal conduit for stifling the “Great Ashanti Project.”
9. He seems ill-prepared and not guided by the region’s master plan.. and rather doing things extemporaneously..
10. He thinks he deserves an easy ride because he has become a celebrity.” The just ended AshantiFest was an initiative of Dr. Frank Amoakohene to assist in projecting the Ashanti region’s cultural values. Some people think it’s a good effort that deserves praise, while others, like Kwabena Nsafoa, think he made a lot of mistakes.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ed8LNztiM/
Kwabena Nsafoa’s page on Facebook
Just hours after a deadly crash in Amanase claimed eleven lives, another tragic accident has occurred at Ayaase in the Ashanti Region, leaving eight people dead.
The fatal head-on collision between a Mercedes Sprinter bus and a VIP Grandbird bus happened on Tuesday, April 22, along the Bekwai-Fomena highway near the ECG office at Adansi Dompoase.
Ivory Coast opposition leader Tidjane Thiam said on Wednesday he would fight on to run in the West African nation’s presidential election due in October despite having been removed from the electoral roll.
A court in Ivory Coast ruled on Tuesday that Thiam, 62, a former Credit Suisse chief executive, should be removed from the electoral roll because he was a French national when he registered.
The decision, which cannot be appealed, could end the Ivorian-born Thiam’s ambition to run in the world’s top cocoa-producing nation’s presidential election.
Speaking in an interview with Reuters in Paris, Thiam said his party PDCI would not put up an alternative candidate and they would use their political weight nationally and internationally so that “reason prevailed”.
“I’m a business person. I’m not a warrior, I’m not a rebel. I don’t carry a Kalashnikov. I’ve been speaking in a very moderate tone, asking for reconciliation and peace, and this has only been met with aggression,” he said.
“It’s only met with aggression, vitriol, and toxicity. But, you know, I intend to stick to the course and try to take the country in a different direction.”
Elected leader of the PDCI in 2023, Thiam was a leading contender for the election, though 83-year-old incumbent Alassane Ouattara has yet to say whether he will run again.
Thiam renounced his French citizenship in February in order to meet eligibility conditions for the election. Ivory Coast law states that candidates must be Ivorian citizens and cannot hold another nationality.
Last month a decision published in France’s official journal showed that Thiam had been relieved of his French citizenship.
“The Ivorian authorities have never objected to this, and now we are given a 1961 law that is 64 years old and that has never been used for anybody. So suddenly it’s pulled out of a drawer and applied to me,” he said.
Thiam served as a minister in Ivory Coast until the ouster of former President Henri Konan Bedie in a 1999 military coup.
He then left the country, working for consultancy firm McKinsey and insurers Aviva and Prudential before his 2015 appointment as CEO of Credit Suisse, where he was ousted five years later.
“Africans need to have the right and the possibility to choose freely who should lead them. That’s all we’re asking for. And if people think I was away too long, they can express that in the ballot box,” he said.
“It’s not for the government to decide who runs opposition parties or who gets to run against them.”
Ivory Coast suffered more than a decade of civil war in the early 2000s, in which some 3,000 civilians were killed, but it emerged to reclaim its spot as a West African powerhouse, with one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies.
However, Thiam said he was worried that interference by the authorities with who could run in elections might fuel violence.
“There was a huge conflict in 2010, so it was a very, very painful process, and you would have expected that lessons would have been learned from it,” he said.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Avocados are handy to have in the kitchen to spread on toast or whip into a dip, but the one downside of this delicious fruit is how long it takes to ripen. Having to wait a week for an avocado to ripen can be incredibly inconvenient, but no matter how frustrated you get, do not heat it up.
It is a very common hack online that cooking avocados in the oven or microwave will ripen them, but it will only soften the skin and leave you with a mushy fruit that is unpleasant to eat. Instead, cook Kirk Muenzenberger has shared that you can naturally ripen avocados in a few hours, and all you need is a brown paper bag.
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In a video online, Kirk said: “Add the avocados to a brown paper bag. Add a few fruits that are high producers of Ethylene Gas (apples, bananas, kiwis).
“Roll it tight and let it sit overnight. That’s all you need to do!”
Avocados contain ethylene, a gas that is a hormone that fruit produces as it ripens to make it even more flavorful.
When too much ethylene builds up in the air, it can cause fruit to ripen and spoil much faster, which is why it’s best not to store ethylene-producing fruits together in the same fruit bowl.
All you need to do is place an avocado in a paper bag. Do not use a plastic bag, as plastic traps moisture, which can cause avocados to become mouldy.
To speed up the process even more, you can add bananas or apples to the bag, as they are the strongest ethylene producers. Other fruits that you can also add to the bag are kiwis, pears, peaches, or even tomatoes.
Then, place the paper bag in a cool area of the kitchen at room temperature, like a cupboard, pantry or cupboard.
Do not place it near a window as sunlight will overheat the fruit and ruin its texture, while the cold temperature inside a fridge will completely halt the ripening process.
After one day, your avocado should be beautifully ripe. You will know an avocado is ready to eat if it is dark green and there is a green spot underneath the stem
If an avocado feels very hard, is bright green, and the spot under the stem is white, then put it back in the bag and hopefully it will be ready the next day.
The Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) has declared an indefinite suspension of emergency and outpatient services, effective immediately.
This decision follows an emergency meeting held on April 23, 2025, in response to longstanding operational challenges and a recent altercation involving the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and a senior doctor at the facility.
In a statement released Tuesday night, the association announced that its members would no longer provide services at the general outpatient departments (OPD), antenatal clinics, specialist clinics, and paediatric OPD.
However, DATTH assured the public that inpatient care would continue until all admitted patients are safely discharged.
The doctors are also demanding an immediate and unconditional apology from the Minister of Health and the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini. The demand stems from an alleged confrontation with Dr Valentine Akwulpwa, Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, during the Minister’s visit on Tuesday.
According to the association, the apologies must be directed not only to Dr Akwulpwa but also to all doctors and staff of the Accident and Emergency Department.
DATTH has outlined both short-term and medium-term conditions that must be met before the resumption of full services.
Immediate conditions include the continuous flow of water and stable electricity supply, uninterrupted provision of oxygen, adequate supply of consumables such as gloves, gauze, masks, syringes, and disinfectants, and reliable availability of laboratory reagents.
The association is also calling for the installation of 100 continuous vital signs monitors in the high-dependency unit, the provision of 14 ventilators across the ICU, paediatric, neonatal, and maternal units, two transport ventilators, two transport incubators, and the repair of 1,000-litre autoclave machines at the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD).
In the medium term, the doctors are requesting the procurement of critical medical equipment, including a non-helium MRI machine, CT scan with infusion pump, mammography, fluoroscopy, C-arm machines, arterial blood gas (ABG) analysers for all ICUs and the emergency department, and two mobile X-ray machines.
The association has warned that failure to meet these demands in the shortest possible time could result in further industrial action.
Despite the withdrawal of services, DATTH has assured the public of its commitment to engaging hospital management in resolving the issues and restoring full services as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr Abukari Bawah Abdulai as the new Chief Executive Officer of Tamale Teaching Hospital.
This follows the dismissal of the previous CEO, Dr Atiku Adam, on Tuesday amid allegations of mismanagement and medical negligence that reportedly resulted in the death of a patient.
The Minister of Health paid an unannounced visit to the hospital on Tuesday to assess its current state as a referral facility.
During the visit, Mr Akandoh expressed dissatisfaction with the deteriorating quality of healthcare at the hospital, noting the presence of broken-down medical equipment, unsanitary washrooms, and general infrastructure decay.
According to the minister, some equipment had been non-functional for up to six years, forcing patients to rely on costly private services for essential diagnostics and treatments.
Mr Akandoh chastised the management and described the situation as “unacceptable and disgraceful,” particularly for a premier referral facility serving the entire Northern Ghana and beyond.
Popular Ghanaian dancehall artist, Shatta Wale, has lashed out at critics who have questioned his music style and the consistency with which he used to release songs in the past.
In a post shared on his official Facebook wall on Thursday, April 24, 2025, the outspoken musician addressed those who, in his view, failed to appreciate his contributions to the entertainment industry during his peak years.
“We were releasing our songs back to back, but most of you got caught up with who is trending/branding and who is winning awards and traveling, but that didn’t stop me,” he wrote, referencing the period when he dominated the airwaves with multiple hit songs, often released in quick succession.
Shatta Wale also expressed frustration over how fans seemed to prioritize industry trends, branding, and international recognition over genuine artistry and consistency.
According to him, despite the lack of acknowledgment from some quarters, he remained committed to entertaining Ghanaians.
He further urged Ghanaians to embrace contentment and trust in divine blessings rather than human validation. “Learn how to be content with what you have today cuz your blessing from God cannot be scripted by Mankind but only God!!!!” he wrote.
In typical Shatta Wale fashion, he ended the post on a bold and triumphant note, reminding fans and critics alike of his role in shaping the industry.
“I am the master trend-setter!!!!! Always remember SM God is a big God!!” he declared.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias Chairman Wontumi
Accusation of mining in forest reserves
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias Chairman Wontumi, the owner of Akonta Mining and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is facing a series of allegations and investigations involving his company.
Reports accuse Akonta Mining of engaging in illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. The company has also been linked to collaborations with Chinese nationals in the destruction of rivers and water bodies in forested areas.
Revocation of mining license
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has directed the Minerals Commission to revoke Akonta Mining Ltd’s license due to alleged illegal operations.
Speaking at a press briefing on April 21, 2025, the minister highlighted findings from a joint operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission. The operation uncovered six illegal mining sites linked to Akonta Mining.
He elaborated: “Some interviews with residents indicate that Akonta Mining uses force to encroach on and destroy farmlands and produce belonging to poor farmers in the area.”
The operation in Compartment 49, conducted on Good Friday (April 17, 2025), lasted 12 hours and yielded the following results:
•51 arrests: 8 Chinese nationals, 39 Ghanaian men, 4 Ghanaian women
•Seizures: 30 excavators (5 impounded), 2 pump-action guns, 1 single-barrel gun, 2 Toyota Hilux pickups, 1 Toyota RAV4, 4 motorbikes, and other mining equipment.
The suspects were transported to Accra and remain in police custody pending prosecution.
Freezing of bank accounts
The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has frozen all bank accounts linked to Bernard Antwi Boasiako and Akonta Mining.
A document sighted by GhanaWeb indicates this action was taken under Section 56(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044).
The directive includes:
1.Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi)
2.Akonta Mining
3.Hallmark Civil Engineering Limited
“All accounts associated with the above-named subjects are to be frozen immediately, pending further directives,” the FIC noted.
The freezing of accounts follows heightened scrutiny of Akonta Mining’s activities, compounded by the revocation of its license.
Denial of allegations
Akonta Mining Ltd has denied all allegations of illegal mining within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, describing them as “false and misleading.”
In a statement released on April 22, 2025, the company condemned the revocation of its license as a violation of natural justice.
“We are not responsible for activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. That responsibility lies solely with the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources,” the statement read.
The company accused the minister of publicly tarnishing its reputation without due process, asserting, “The decision to revoke our license without investigation is politically motivated and unfair.”
Akonta Mining reiterated its commitment to transparency and legal compliance, dismissing allegations of accepting GH¢350,000 from illegal miners as “entirely false and defamatory.”
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below:
The McDan Group of companies, is owned by businessman Daniel McKorley
The McDan Group of Companies has come under scrutiny after the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) launched investigations into some financial transactions undertaking by the conglomerate between January 2020 and December 2024.
In a document obtained exclusively by GhanaWeb, the FIC is requesting details of some payments made by the McDan Group of Companies to some entities within the stipulated period.
The request, according to the FIC, forms part of investigations into possible violations by the company.
“Intelligence received by the FIC indicates that your outfit received and paid various sums of money to several entities between January 2020 and December 2024.
“Pursuant to Section 36 and 37 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044), kindly furnish us with the following particulars:
“All electronic fund transfers conducted by your outfit from January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024.
“Copies of cheques issued to third parties during the afore mentioned period.
“The financial institutions used to make the payments in question”, excerpts from FIC addressed to the Managing Director of the McDan Group of Companies and sighted by GhanaWeb reads.
The McDan Group of companies, owned by businessman Daniel McKorley include McDan Shipping Company, McDan Aviation, and McDan Logistics.
The exploits of the Electrochem Ghana Limited which is a subsidiary of the McDan Group has been the subject of controversy in the media space for years.
Since the appointment of Ing Kwadwo Twum Boafo, the FIC has upped the ante in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing, initiating a series of programs to tackle the problem.
Meanwhile, GhanaWeb has learnt that the FIC has placed an embargo on all accounts of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the owner of Akonta Mining and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
Arsenal legend Emmanuel Adebayor
Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has expressed his admiration for Togo and Arsenal legend Emmanuel Adebayor.
Adebayor officially hung up his boots last year after an illustrious career spanning over two decades.
Although Issahaku did not witness most of Adebayor’s prime years, he draws a lot of inspiration from the way the Togolese icon carries himself.
“Adebayor is one of the players who inspired me a lot. His lifestyle, the way he plays—everything about him kept me motivated,” he told Afro Nallers.
The former Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Crystal Palace star is one of the most revered players from Africa and was named African Player of the Year in 2008.
After retiring from football, Adebayor ventured into several businesses in his native Togo and owns one of the biggest farms in Lomé.
Meanwhile, Issahaku is recovering from an injury that has sidelined him for most of the season.
He is expected to return to action next season when the Foxes compete in the English Championship.
In a move that’s sending ripples through both the gospel and secular music communities, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kofi Sarpong has declared his openness to collaborating with secular artistes—provided the message uplifts and inspires.
Known for his soul-lifting gospel music and unwavering moral stance, the popular police officer and gospel musician made this revelation during an exclusive interview on a local radio show in Accra. “I’m open to working with secular artistes,” he said. “As long as the content is clean and the message builds people up, I have no problem lending my voice to something positive.”
This bold declaration is turning heads and challenging long-held assumptions about gospel musicians and their place in the broader music industry. ACP Sarpong, who has won hearts with songs like “Ayeyi Ndwom” and “Abamu Awie,” is not one to be boxed in by tradition. “Music is a powerful tool,” he explained. “And if we want to impact lives, we must be ready to reach people where they are.”
His statement is already sparking conversations online and within the music community, especially in a country where the line between gospel and secular music is often drawn with rigid strokes. For many gospel fans, such collaborations are seen as a compromise of spiritual values. But ACP Sarpong sees it differently. “We need to redefine what it means to collaborate,” he argued. “It’s not about losing your faith, it’s about sharing your light.”
He cited examples of international gospel artists who have worked with mainstream musicians to produce uplifting content that transcends boundaries. “Sometimes, a message of hope delivered through a different sound reaches places your regular style might not. I see nothing wrong with that,” he added.
While he did not mention specific artistes he’d like to work with, fans are already buzzing with ideas—some suggesting collaborations with the likes of Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, or M.anifest. Regardless of who he partners with, one thing is clear: ACP Kofi Sarpong is charting a new path for gospel musicians in Ghana.
With this announcement, he not only positions himself as a forward-thinking artist but also as a bridge between two worlds that, while different in style, can unite in message. And as someone who has walked the talk—rising from a kenkey seller to a high-ranking officer and respected gospel voice—his words carry weight.
In a time when society is yearning for unity and positive influence, ACP Kofi Sarpong’s open-door policy may just be the breakthrough the Ghanaian music industry didn’t know it needed.
Source
Dr. Richard Amoako Baah, a well-known political scientist and veteran member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has stirred the political landscape by calling on NPP supporters to abandon the party and join a new political movement—the New Patriotic Front (NPF). His bold move has raised many eyebrows, but it also reflects deeper issues within the ruling party. Here are five possible reasons why Dr. Amoako Baah decided to part ways with the NPP and champion a new political direction:
1. Disillusionment with NPP Leadership
Dr. Baah expressed strong frustration with the current leadership of the NPP, accusing them of deep-seated corruption and a resistance to reform. According to him, the very people responsible for the party’s problems are still firmly in control, making any genuine reform from within almost impossible. His statement, “Do you think they’ll allow you to remove them? No. Walk away and leave the party to them,” signals a total loss of confidence in the leadership’s ability to self-correct.
2. Desire to Restore True Party Values
The NPP, once known for its democratic ideals and commitment to good governance, has in Dr. Baah’s view, strayed far from its founding principles. By forming the New Patriotic Front, he aims to revive and protect the core values that originally attracted him and others to the NPP. He believes the new movement can offer a platform that reflects honesty, accountability, and patriotism—ideals he feels the NPP no longer upholds.
3. Lack of Internal Democracy
Another key reason for his departure is what he describes as the erosion of internal democracy within the party. Dr. Baah noted that, if he had the authority as chairman, he would have expelled certain members for compromising the integrity of the NPP. This suggests that mechanisms for internal accountability have broken down, leaving little room for principled dissent or corrective action.
4. Widespread Discontent Among Members
Dr. Baah is not alone in his criticism. Prominent figures like Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng have also openly condemned the current administration, accusing it of sidelining capable individuals and ignoring valuable advice. This collective frustration among respected party members may have reinforced Dr. Baah’s belief that a breakaway movement is necessary to give disillusioned members a new political home.
5. Fear of Political Irrelevance
According to Dr. Kwame Asiedu Sarpong of CDD-Ghana, the NPP risks becoming politically irrelevant if it does not drastically change course. This warning may have influenced Dr. Baah’s urgency to act now. By forming the NPF, he may be trying to preempt the collapse of the current party structure and offer a viable alternative before the electorate loses all faith in the NPP.
Dr. Amoako Baah’s call to action may mark the beginning of a new chapter in Ghanaian politics. Whether the New Patriotic Front can truly challenge the NPP and gain public support remains to be seen, but his reasons for the split highlight the serious internal cracks within one of Ghana’s leading political parties.
Source: YawaNews
The Doctors’ Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) has declared an indefinite strike action with immediate effect.
The is contained in a press release issued in the late hours of April 23.
“Following our earlier press release today, the Doctors’ Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital held an emergency general assembly meeting at 12 noon.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that Ghana will begin issuing chip-embedded passports from Monday, April 28, 2025.
According to the Minister, the introduction of the new biometric passports is aimed at enhancing passport security, eliminating the influence of middlemen, and improving transparency in the passport application process.
He stated that the Ministry is committed to ensuring a seamless, citizen-centric passport service that is accessible to all Ghanaians and avoids the pitfalls associated with third-party interference.
The new initiative is part of a broader set of reforms being implemented this year by the Ministry.
These include the introduction of 24-hour passport operations, passport delivery by courier, e-tracking services, and a 30 percent reduction in passport application fees.
The chip-embedded passports, already in use in several countries, store biometric information in a secure microchip, offering enhanced protection against identity theft and fraud.
Mr. Ablakwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to digitisation and public service reform, describing the rollout as a key milestone in modernising Ghana’s passport system.
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Members of Parliament (MPs) have been urged to rise above party politics and focus on the collective national interest, especially during critical legislative processes such as the vetting of ministerial nominees.
Dr Frank Kulor, a lecturer at the Ho Technical University, and Ms Ekua Attah Obimpeh, the Public Relations Officer of the Tema Metropolitan Education Directorate and a lawyer, respectively made the call in a study copied to the Ghana News Agency.
The analysis followed the observations during recent parliamentary vetting sessions, which, they said, were marred by unproductive debates and politically charged confrontations that undermined public trust.
In the study dubbed “Understanding the Role and Functionalities of Leadership – A Critical Study of Recent Parliamentary Vetting in Ghana,” they noted that MPs must set aside their political affiliations and unite to effectively govern the country.
“While partisanship has its place, it should be confined to election seasons, allowing collective efforts to drive national progress,” they said.
They insisted that a crucial transition occurred post-election when campaign rhetoric must give way to the practicalities of governance, as MPs entrusted with shaping the nation’s future assumed vital roles in the ruling government.
“However, an unsettling trend has emerged wherein these decision-makers, rather than engaging in constructive discourse, occasionally descend into unproductive debates and even destructive conduct-actions that undermine public trust and the democratic process,” they said.
They stated that the vetting process for government appointments was a critical juncture in governance, reflecting the integrity and competence of a nation’s leadership, regretting that in Ghana, recent parliamentary vetting exercises had sparked concerns regarding the depth of understanding and execution of leadership roles among political figures.
The researchers indicated that leadership, at its core, demanded a departure from partisan biases in favour of a more objective and responsible approach, unfortunately, instances of political grandstanding and heated confrontations during vetting sessions suggested a departure from this principle.
“The role of a vetting committee member is not merely to advocate for party interests but to ensure that candidates are scrutinised based on competence, integrity, and suitability for office. The impartiality of this process is paramount to maintaining a fair and just political system”.
They reminded the MPs that a fundamental aspect of effective leadership was recognising that roles within governance structures were distinct and should operate independently of political affiliations; therefore, those serving on vetting committees must exhibit a commitment to neutrality, evaluating candidates on merit rather than political loyalty.
“A failure to do so weakens democratic institutions and fosters public disillusionment,” they added.
Dr Kulor and Ms Obimpeh added that beyond the immediate political sphere, the principle of leadership extended to all leadership roles within national and corporate institutions, stressing that the overarching duty of any leader was to prioritise the collective good over personal or party interests.
They stated that governance must transcend partisanship, to reflect the aspirations of the entire populace, and effective leadership in Ghana necessitated a clear comprehension of one’s responsibilities, a dedication to objectivity, and an unwavering commitment to national progress.
“To uphold democratic values, political leaders must embrace the ethos of responsibility, fairness, openness, and integrity in their roles,” they said.
They proposed that vetting process should reflect these principles, ensuring that governance was entrusted to individuals who served the nation with competence and impartiality, and it was only through such an approach could Ghana strengthen its democratic institutions and foster a leadership culture that truly served its people.
Former Asante Kotoko striker Amed Simba Toure has expressed his optimism about the future of the club following the recent departure of head coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum.
In a post shared on Facebook, Toure wrote, “Am very happy because very soon fabulous will comeback strongly,” signaling his belief that the Porcupine Warriors are on the path to recovery after a turbulent spell.
His comment was attached to a tribute graphic bidding farewell to Prosper Narteh Ogum, who was recently relieved of his duties after a disappointing run of form in the Ghana Premier League.
Ogum, who led Kotoko to the league title in the 2021/22 season, returned for a second stint but struggled to replicate that success, prompting the club to part ways with him.
Toure’s message comes at a time when fans are hopeful that the appointment of Abdul-Karim Zito as interim head coach will reignite Kotoko’s campaign, as the club chases a strong finish to the season with six games remaining.
The former Burkina Faso international remains a fan-favorite at Kotoko and his encouragement could be a morale booster for the club’s faithful, many of whom are looking forward to a turnaround under new leadership.
The Management of the National Service Authority (NSA) has initiated discussions with the Military High Command on the implementation of the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme (NSERRP), a new initiative aimed at equipping National Service Personnel (NSPs) with basic military training.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, is in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to instilling discipline, nationalism, and physical fitness among Ghanaian graduates.
The President first announced the initiative during his maiden State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
Speaking at the meeting, NSA Director-General Felix Gyamfi emphasized the importance of the training programme in building a more resilient and patriotic youth population.
“The introduction of this military training is a step in the right direction and must be embraced by all and sundry as one of the indicators for resetting the country, particularly the youth,” he said.
Gyamfi reiterated that all national service personnel will undergo basic military drills and orientation as part of their service experience, aimed at fostering a spirit of national development.
Brigadier General Amoah-Boakye, who represented the Military High Command, pledged the Ghana Armed Forces’ support for the programme.
He assured the Authority of their readiness to deliver the necessary training when the programme officially rolls out.
In total, personnel will receive up to two months of composite basic military drills, with the training expected to commence on August 3, 2025.
World Bank to help create 500,000 jobs annually for Ghanaian youth
Daasebre Nana Osei Bonsu II, the respected conventional ruler of Asante Mampong is said dead.
The Asante-Mampong hene dies after years of devoted carrier to the Ashanti Kingdom.
The overdue Daasebre Osei Bonsu II occupies the silver stool because the appearing overlord of the Ashanti nation withinside the absence of Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
He became one of the Paramount Chiefs of the Asante-Mampong Traditional Area who reigned for 26 strong years with out experiencing any pointless chieftaincy disputes.
According to facts at Mampong, he’s the most effective Paramount leader established considering 1930 and there have now no longer been any chieftaincy disputes and different litigations withinside the Traditional Area.
The tenure of Daasebre Osei Bonsu delivered absolute peace to the Traditional Area.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu II became enstooled on August 25, 1996, while he succeeded his direct uncle, Nana Atakora Amaniampong II, who abdicated.
He is understood in non-public lifestyles as Saint Oswald Gyimah-Kessie and became born on December 31, 1939.
He is a fabricated from Prempeh College and the University of Ghana, Legon.
Before he became enstooled as Mamponghene, Daasebre became the Registrar on the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.
It may be recalled the respected conventional ruler became withinside the information pretty these days while he issued an ultimatum to the management of the National Democratic Congress withinside the Mampong Constituency.
According to the Ashanti Mampong Traditional Council led through the Mamponghene, the NDC Mampong has much less than 24 hours to retract their anti-Ashanti feedback made through a few teenagers of the celebration .
Speaking at his palace on Sunday, April 13, 2025, Daasebre Osei Bonsu fumed saying, “Why are a few humans , whether or not they have been under the influence of alcohol or excessive on the ones crimson or blue or some thing you name them, so mad that they felt the want to wreck what all of us percentage as a humans ? And you, the celebration leaders, sense scared to name them to order. It isn’t nice; it’s far very disgraceful”.
“Advise the ones withinside the NDC who positioned up the despicable act. They have till day after today afternoon… If now no longer , we will shake matters up for them to realize that we wield the strength and the whole jurisdiction”, he stated.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu added, “Because of my paintings on the university, I actually have travelled a lot. There isn’t anyt any vicinity you point out that I don’t realize of. But our vicinity is the most effective vicinity in which you discover Sarkin Zongo, Ewe Chiefs, and whatnot… You are all Mampong humans .
We recognize and deal with every body as equal, so why are a few humans seeking to purpose department amongst us?” he questioned.
Government and Gold Fields have reached an agreement on a transitional plan for Damang mine, the presidency said on Wednesday.
Last week, Ghana assumed operational control of the mine after it rejected the South African company’s application to renew its lease, breaking a tradition of automatically renewing licenses.
The presidency said in a statement that a new 12-month mining lease will be issued to a Gold Fields’ subsidiary pending parliamentary ratification in May.
During the transition period, Gold Fields will resume open-pit mining and conduct feasibility studies to establish Damang’s reserves and mine life, the presidency said in a statement.
Damang is the smaller of Gold Fields’ two operations in Ghana, Africa’s leading gold producer.
Representatives from Ghana’s government and the company will continue to supervise the processing of existing stockpiles, the presidency added.
“This is far from ideal, but we take it like that,” said a source in the company, who was not authorised to speak on the matter.
“They gave us assurance that this won’t be a trend and it won’t affect Tarkwa Mine’s lease, and we are advised to apply even now so that Gold Fields can have certainty,” the source added.
Both parties also agreed to advance discussions on the renewal of the lease for the Tarkwa mine, due in 2027.
The source said Gold Fields’ management was more concerned about Tarkwa’s lease because of its higher volumes.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin
The Positive Transparency and Accountability Movement-AFRICA (PTAAM-AFRICA) has criticized the recent actions of the Minority in Parliament.
The criticisms follow a press conference in which the New Patriotic Party (NPP) urged religious leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society organizations to intervene in what they described as a looming constitutional crisis.
According to the group, the Minority’s call sought to prevent President John Dramani Mahama from exercising his constitutional authority to suspend the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
The group explained that the power to do so is explicitly provided under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which outlines the President’s role in matters relating to the judiciary.
In a statement on April 23, 2025, PTAAM-AFRICA condemned the call by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, describing it as an attempt to politicize a matter of legal and constitutional significance.
The movement warned against subjecting the nation’s governance processes to partisan interests.
“We unequivocally state that no individual or institution is above the law governing our conduct and misconduct in this country,” PTAAM-AFRICA said.
“This call to politicize a constitutional process undermines the very democratic institutions we should be strengthening.”
PTAAM-AFRICA further emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of due process, urging all stakeholders to allow the legal framework to function without external interference.
The movement called for a fair hearing for Chief Justice Torkornoo, stating that any decision regarding her tenure must be handled in accordance with the law.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below:
Officers of the Ghana Army
Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, has cautioned individuals behind the ongoing crisis in Bawku.
According to him, any attacks on civilians or military personnel will be treated as acts of extremism.
He stated that if these attacks do not stop, the Ghana Armed Forces would use force in dealing with those involved.
Speaking at a press briefing after touring Bawku in the Upper East Region on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Maj Gen Gbetanu said, “I’ll serve a word of caution to all, especially those fomenting the trouble in Bawku, that their days are getting numbered. Any attack on innocent civilians or any military personnel will be considered an act of extremism and will be met with the deliberate full strength and resolve of our forces.”
He declared that there would be no “no safe haven” for those choosing violence over peace and unity.
Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu said the Ghana Armed Forces will track and bring all those involved in the crisis to justice.
“We will pursue every individual involved. And justice will be served,” he assured.
The minister reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with CILT to resolve transport issues
The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has called for urgent reforms to transform Ghana’s transport sector into a robust economic facilitator, stressing that overcoming its current challenges will require stronger collaboration between government, industry, and professional institutions.
“We are aware that the transport sector faces a number of pressing challenges and, as such, is not operating as an effective economic facilitator or a better social service for the citizenry.
“Infrastructure challenges, high freight and port charges, congestion in our cities with road safety, etc. are just a few of the challenges that have plagued the sector over the years. Addressing these issues is a collaborative effort that requires input and partnership from all stakeholders.”
Speaking at the maiden Transport and Logistics Sector CEOs Breakfast Meeting in Accra on April 23, 2025, the minister emphasized that the sector must serve as a pillar for economic growth and development.
“Transport plays a vital role in the smooth functioning of our society. When systems operate efficiently, they open up socioeconomic opportunities and benefits that result in positive multiplier effects such as better accessibility to markets, employment, and productivity,” he said.
He acknowledged key challenges such as infrastructure deficits, high freight and port charges, and urban congestion but maintained that these issues could be resolved through stakeholder engagement.
“We, as policymakers, industry experts, and practitioners, have a choice to make regarding how to optimize the benefits and minimize the costs and inconvenience of our transportation system,” Nikpe added.
Cletus Kuzagbe, President of the CILT Fellows Guild, called attention to the need for stronger discipline and regulation in the transport space, particularly the growing commercial motorcycle (Okada) sector.
“Our problem is indiscipline. Our attitude is the problem,” he said.
“Even some of the law enforcement agencies are indisciplined. If these are properly regulated, we will have a smooth Okada business.”
International President of CILT, Chief Teete Owusu-Nortey, called for a cross-border collaboration in driving logistics excellence across the continent.
He praised Ghana for its leadership in hosting the event and encouraged the sharing of insights to strengthen competitiveness in the sector.
“We at CILT Ghana firmly believe that by fostering a spirit of collaboration and knowledge sharing amongst our CEOs, we can collectively deliberate on pertinent issues affecting the transport, shipping, and logistics business and investments in Ghana,” he said.
English Ghanaian defender Jarell Quansah
Liverpool is reportedly prepared to part ways with English-Ghanaian defender Jarell Quansah in a bid to bring in highly rated Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen.
The Reds are said to be stepping up their pursuit of the 20-year-old, who has also attracted interest from several clubs across Europe.
Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed that Liverpool has made a strong push in recent days to sign Huijsen. According to him, “projects and figures have all been presented,” and the Merseyside club is now weighing up options to either loan or sell Quansah to make room for the young Spaniard.
Quansah, 22, has made 11 Premier League appearances this season and has shown promise since breaking into the first team. He made his debut on 27 August 2023, coming on as a substitute in Liverpool’s 2–1 win over Newcastle United.
He scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 Europa League loss to Union Saint-Gilloise on 14 December.
According to Transfermarkt, Quansah’s market value stands at €22 million.
The Ghana Journalists Association (GLA) has renewed calls for a state of emergency in areas where active illegal mining is ongoing.
The GJA said, though major steps have been taken to address the issue, including the arrest of some perpetrators and the revocation of the license of some mining firms allegedly operating illegally, a state of emergency and a repeal of L.I 2462 will save the country’s forests and river bodies.
Addressing a press conference in Accra, the President of the GJA, Albert Dumfour, appealed to the government to do everything in its power to bring illegal mining to an end.
“We, however, think that there is more to do to ensure greater success, such as the repeal of the law that allows for mining in forest reserves and the declaration of a state of emergency in targeted areas to ensure a frontal attack on galamsey.
We also demand from the minister and the government the protection of journalists and facilitation of their work in mining fields to enable them to discharge their duties without hindrance,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has announced that Legislative Instrument (L.I) 2462, which currently permits mining in forest reserves, will be revoked once Parliament reconvenes.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, April 23, Gyamfi reiterated President John Dramani Mahama’s strong stance against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
He explained that the delay in revoking the L.I is due to ongoing legal deliberations over whether the law should be amended or repealed entirely. However, he assured that the necessary steps for its revocation have already been taken.
According to Gyamfi, Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine has confirmed that a bill to revoke the controversial legislation is ready and awaiting Parliament’s return from recess.
The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has condemned what it describes as a “constitutionally questionable” and “dangerously politicised” decision by President John Mahama to suspend the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
In a press statement, the CDM warned that the president’s action “constitutes a serious breach of constitutional norms, a direct encroachment on judicial independence, and a dangerous politicisation of the judiciary.”
It stressed that such a move threatens to “erode the impartiality, respect, and sacrosanct nature of an institution that must remain above political interference.”
At the heart of the CDM’s concerns is the composition and mandate of the investigative committee tasked with reviewing allegations against the Chief Justice.
The Centre called the body a “political tribunal,” marred by “significant political colouration” and lacking the neutrality essential for such a sensitive constitutional matter.
“This development is rendered even more alarming by the composition of the investigative committee appointed to assess the Chief Justice,” CDM said.
“In its current form, the committee bears significant political colouration and raises legitimate concerns about institutional neutrality and procedural integrity.”
The Centre argues that the president’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice before the conclusion of any constitutionally prescribed process is not only premature but also unlawful.
Citing Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution and precedent from the case Frank Agyei-Twum v. Attorney General & Bright Akwettey, CDM said the president’s move “undermines the institutional integrity of the office and erodes the constitutional protections afforded to the judiciary.”
Read also: Defending constitutionalism: Condemnation of the strange suspension of Chief Justice
More critically, CDM said the exercise of presidential discretion in this matter violates Article 296(c) of the Constitution, which requires any such authority to be exercised in accordance with clearly published criteria.
“No such framework appears to have been made public in this case,” the Centre asserted. “Without such guidelines, the use of discretionary power is arbitrary, unregulated, and constitutionally deficient.”
Citing Ransford France v. Attorney-General, the CDM reminded the president that “the exercise of discretionary power by administrative and quasi-judicial authorities must comply with Article 296, particularly in situations involving constitutional safeguards.”
The composition of the investigative committee, according to the CDM, raises further alarm.
The inclusion of Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Justice Gabriel Pwamang, and Professor James Sefah-Dzisah was described as evidence of political manipulation.
“Mr. Domelevo’s tenure was marked by politically charged confrontations,” CDM noted, while raising concerns over “Justice Pwamang’s appointment by President Mahama” and Professor Sefah-Dzisah’s “publicly partisan stance against a new voters’ register in 2020.”
While acknowledging the inclusion of Justice Asiedu, a nominee of President Akufo-Addo, CDM argued that “this lone balance does little to counter the perception that the body is overwhelmingly tilted toward the Executive’s interests.”
“In a matter of such constitutional gravity, the perception of fairness is inseparable from actual fairness,” the statement stressed.
“The public must be able to trust that the process is neutral, balanced, and free from political manipulation.”
The Centre also invoked international law, stating that the current process violates Ghana’s obligations under Article 26 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and contravenes the United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary.
“This setup violates international norms,” CDM declared, noting that both the UN and the African Commission have guidelines requiring independent, transparent, and impartial disciplinary procedures for judges.
“This suspension sets a perilous precedent,” the Centre warned. “It encourages Executive interference in independent institutions, fosters mistrust in the judicial system, and weakens constitutional checks and balances.”
Calling the move part of a larger pattern of Executive overreach, CDM said: “This is not an isolated incident. It is part of an emerging trend cloaked in legality but corrosive to the democratic fabric of the nation.”
In response to this growing constitutional crisis, CDM issued five urgent demands: the immediate and unconditional reversal of the Chief Justice’s suspension, the dissolution and reconstitution of the investigative committee, affirmation of judicial independence through constitutional safeguards, a parliamentary inquiry into the procedural breaches, and engagement with regional and international bodies to ensure oversight and accountability.
“We call on all defenders of constitutional democracy, including the Ghana Bar Association, civil society, religious and traditional leaders, and the media, to rise above partisanship and defend the foundational principles of our Republic,” the CDM urged.
In closing, the Centre delivered a pointed reminder: “This moment demands vigilance, not silence. Ghana’s democratic future cannot be bartered for political gain. The Constitution must not be weaponised, and the judiciary must not be punished for its independence.”
“The Centre for Democratic Movement remains resolute in its mission to defend constitutionalism, uphold justice, and safeguard the future of democratic governance in Ghana.”
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Parliament of Ghana fiel ohoti
Members of Parliament (MPs) have been urged to rise above party politics and focus on the collective national interest, especially during critical legislative processes such as the vetting of ministerial nominees.
Dr Frank Kulor, a lecturer at the Ho Technical University, and Ms Ekua Attah Obimpeh, the Public Relations Officer of the Tema Metropolitan Education Directorate and a lawyer, respectively made the call in a study copied to the Ghana News Agency.
The analysis followed the observations during recent parliamentary vetting sessions, which, they said, were marred by unproductive debates and politically charged confrontations that undermined public trust.
In the study dubbed “Understanding the Role and Functionalities of Leadership – A Critical Study of Recent Parliamentary Vetting in Ghana,” they noted that MPs must set aside their political affiliations and unite to effectively govern the country.
“While partisanship has its place, it should be confined to election seasons, allowing collective efforts to drive national progress,” they said.
They insisted that a crucial transition occurred post-election when campaign rhetoric must give way to the practicalities of governance, as MPs entrusted with shaping the nation’s future assumed vital roles in the ruling government.
“However, an unsettling trend has emerged wherein these decision-makers, rather than engaging in constructive discourse, occasionally descend into unproductive debates and even destructive conduct-actions that undermine public trust and the democratic process,” they said.
They stated that the vetting process for government appointments was a critical juncture in governance, reflecting the integrity and competence of a nation’s leadership, regretting that in Ghana, recent parliamentary vetting exercises had sparked concerns regarding the depth of understanding and execution of leadership roles among political figures.
The researchers indicated that leadership, at its core, demanded a departure from partisan biases in favour of a more objective and responsible approach, unfortunately, instances of political grandstanding and heated confrontations during vetting sessions suggested a departure from this principle.
“The role of a vetting committee member is not merely to advocate for party interests but to ensure that candidates are scrutinised based on competence, integrity, and suitability for office. The impartiality of this process is paramount to maintaining a fair and just political system”.
They reminded the MPs that a fundamental aspect of effective leadership was recognising that roles within governance structures were distinct and should operate independently of political affiliations; therefore, those serving on vetting committees must exhibit a commitment to neutrality, evaluating candidates on merit rather than political loyalty.
“A failure to do so weakens democratic institutions and fosters public disillusionment,” they added.
Dr Kulor and Ms Obimpeh added that beyond the immediate political sphere, the principle of leadership extended to all leadership roles within national and corporate institutions, stressing that the overarching duty of any leader was to prioritise the collective good over personal or party interests.
They stated that governance must transcend partisanship, to reflect the aspirations of the entire populace, and effective leadership in Ghana necessitated a clear comprehension of one’s responsibilities, a dedication to objectivity, and an unwavering commitment to national progress.
“To uphold democratic values, political leaders must embrace the ethos of responsibility, fairness, openness, and integrity in their roles,” they said.
They proposed that vetting process should reflect these principles, ensuring that governance was entrusted to individuals who served the nation with competence and impartiality, and it was only through such an approach could Ghana strengthen its democratic institutions and foster a leadership culture that truly served its people.
The 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party and former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has indicated that some changes will be made to the NPP constitution ahead of the 2028 election.
An example of such changes, he said, is the party’s delegate system, which he said will be expanded to allow more party members to vote to elect a Presidential Candidate and party officers.
Addressing party supporters at the NPP Headquarters, Dr. Bawumia on April 23, 2025, explained that the expansion of the delegate system will help the party and pull many into the electoral college.
“You can expect without any doubt that the delegate system is going to change. We will change the current system and allow more people to vote. That will give the right to more people to come in and be part of the electoral college,” he stated.
Dr. Bawumia further revealed that approximately 2.1 million party supporters failed to show up at the polls, which he believes played a major role in the party’s loss.
“Notwithstanding our hard work, we still suffered a heavy defeat. When you look at what happened, you will see that it was internal. Many of our supporters did not come out to vote.
“This is fundamentally why we lost the election. If you look at 2020 vis-à-vis 2024, 2.1 million of our supporters did not come out to vote. So, the key to victory is within the NPP because we decided not to vote. So, if we decide to vote, we will win,” he said.
Election 2024: 2.1 million NPP supporters didn’t vote – Bawumia
Sammy Gyamfi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has revealed that a key figure involved in illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, will soon be arrested along with his accomplices.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle, Gyamfi hinted at an impending breakthrough in the government’s clampdown on illegal mining.
“I have good news for you, mark my words, in the next few days, one of the biggest kingpins in galamsey and his collaborators will be arrested,” he stated.
Gyamfi highlighted the strides made by the current administration in addressing illegal mining, pointing to recent operations that have led to the recovery of significant forest lands previously ravaged by galamsey activities.
“So far, we have carried out a series of successful raids, and we have secured seven out of the nine forest reserves that used to be red zones, which were destroyed under the NPP. We have almost secured seven of them. And the evidence is out there,” he said.
He further detailed the impact of these operations, noting the arrest of over 160 individuals and the confiscation of heavy-duty machinery and other equipment linked to illegal mining.
“The main kingpins in the forest reserves have all been booted out. In the process, over 160 people have been arrested. 125 excavators seized. Ten bulldozers were seized, seven pick-ups were seized, and 50 motorbikes were seized,” Gyamfi disclosed.
Drawing a contrast between the current administration and the previous government, Gyamfi asserted that under the NDC, there have been no allegations of missing equipment or mismanagement of resources.
“You have not heard that excavators have been stolen because the party [NDC] needs money. You have not heard that we bought drones to fight illegal mining, and the drones cannot be accounted for. You have not heard that government appointees are engaged in illegal mining,” he said.
GoldBod begins licensing of service providers effective April 23
…..
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Former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansa-Asare, has raised concerns over what he describes as the growing public vilification of the judiciary, warning that such attacks are damaging the credibility of one of Ghana’s most vital institutions.
“In all these matters, we have singled out one of the institutions of governance for humiliation and mockery,” he said, referring to the recent wave of criticisms and petitions targeting Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Speaking on Eyewitness News, Ansa-Asare cautioned that while some may view the current focus on the Chief Justice as a political opportunity, the long-term effect would be a deterioration of the public image of Ghana’s judicial system.
“What we are doing now is tarnishing the image of Ghana’s judiciary. We think that it is Justice Torkornoo today, and therefore, an NDC government can do whatever to cause her exit,” he stated.
“But in doing so, the image of the country is sinking low, and maybe we need to do something about that,” he urged.
Ghanaian striker, Inaki Williams
Iñaki Williams’ early goal proved the difference as Athletic Bilbao secured a 1-0 win over Las Palmas in LaLiga Round 33 on Wednesday evening.
The Ghanaian striker found the net in just the 5th minute, finishing a slick move started by Galarreta’s clever through ball.
Iñaki, who played the full 90 minutes, was the most creative player on the pitch with five chances created, despite having the fewest touches (47) among outfield players who completed the entire match.
Las Palmas had more of the ball (51%) but failed to make it count, managing just one big chance and falling short in front of their home fans.
Iñaki’s younger brother, Nico Williams, made his return from injury, replacing Álex Berenguer and playing the final 25 minutes, adding pace down the flank.
This victory improves Athletic’s head-to-head record against Las Palmas to five wins, two losses, and three draws.
With domestic business handled, Bilbao now sets its sights on their Europa League semifinal clash with Manchester United on May 1.
Doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) have suspended emergency and outpatient services indefinitely, citing “unwarranted attacks” from Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Tamale North MP Alhassan Suhuyini.
The decision was made during an emergency general assembly meeting of the Doctors’ Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) on Wednesday, April 23. It came just hours after an earlier statement from the group condemning an incident during the minister’s visit to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit on Tuesday, April 22.
“All members of DATTH have proceeded on an indefinite suspension of all emergency and outpatient services (General OPD, Antenatal clinic, Specialist clinic, Paediatrics OPD),” the Association announced.
The suspension, however, does not affect inpatient care, which will continue until patients are safely discharged.
The doctors are demanding unconditional apologies from both the Health Minister and the Tamale North MP to Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, all medical personnel at TTH, and particularly those at the Accident and Emergency department.
“We shall resume provision of emergency and outpatient services after we receive appropriate apologies,” DATTH stated.
In addition to the demand for apologies, the association presented a list of urgent logistical and infrastructural needs to hospital management. These include reliable access to water, stable electricity, continuous oxygen supply, and the immediate provision of basic clinical supplies like gloves, gauze, cotton, face masks, syringes, cannulae, disinfectants, and plaster.
They are also calling for consistent availability of lab reagents, vital signs monitors, ventilators for various departments, transport incubators, and repairs to critical hospital equipment such as autoclave machines.
For long-term improvements, the doctors are requesting diagnostic and critical care tools, including a helium-free MRI machine, a CT scan with an infusion pump, mammography and fluoroscopy units, a C-arm machine, arterial blood gas (ABG) analyzers, and mobile X-ray systems.
The association emphasized that its members would not operate in hostile environments, citing safety concerns. They also criticized certain media outlets for what they described as false and biased reporting of the recent events, stating they would not engage with such outlets until public apologies are issued.
DATTH stated that while it remains open to continued dialogue with hospital leadership, it will “advise themselves” if there is no swift response to their concerns.
TTH CEO’s dismissal not linked to hospital altercation – Suhuyini
A dozen US states have joined together on a lawsuit aiming to block President Donald Trump’s spate of tariffs that have upended global trade.
The suit, which is led by New York’s governor and attorney general, argues that the president lacked the authority to impose the levies. It notes that such tariffs must be approved by the US Congress.
Twelve states joined the lawsuit, which was filed with the United States Court of International Trade.
The White House accused New York Attorney General Letitia James of “prioritising a witch hunt against President Trump over protecting the safety and well-being of their constituents”.
White House spokesman Kush Desai added that the “administration remains committed to using its full legal authority to confront the distinct national emergencies our country is currently facing—both the scourge of illegal migration and fentanyl flows across our border and the exploding annual U.S. goods trade deficit.”
The lawsuit states that tariffs must be approved by Congress and questions Trump invoking a 1970s law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to enact the levies.
“By claiming the authority to impose immense and ever-changing tariffs on whatever goods entering the United States he chooses, for whatever reason he finds convenient to declare an emergency, the President has upended the constitutional order and brought chaos to the American economy,” the lawsuit states.
Trump invoked the IEEPA as the basis for several of his tariffs against China, Mexico, Canada, and other countries.
A president can use the law “to deal with any unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States, to the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States,” if he has first declared a national emergency.
The lawsuit argues that the law does not actually grant Trump the power he claims to derive from it. The act has never been used to issue tariffs by any president, congressional research shows.
Last week, the state of California filed its own lawsuit against the Trump administration over tariffs. That lawsuit also argues that Trump lacks the power under the IEEPA to impose these tariffs. Several other lawsuits have similarly challenged Trump’s authority using that law for the levies.
Trump has implemented tariffs on global trading partners in a stated effort to correct what he believes is a trade deficit between the US and other nations.
On 2 April, in an event billed as “Liberation Day,” Trump shook the global economy by announcing “reciprocal” tariffs on nations across the world. A few days later amid a market backlash, he announced a 90-day pause on the tariffs and lowered the rate to 10% for most countries.
That pause didn’t extend to China, which Trump said had a “lack of respect” and was retaliating. Instead, the US issued a 145% tariff on goods imported from China, which has led to a trade standoff and rattled global markets.
On Wednesday, Trump said he hoped to come to a deal with China soon and noted the 145% tariff was “very high”.
The White House has also imposed 25% tariffs on certain goods from it’s neighbours, Mexico and Canada.
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The 2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has extended an open invitation to leaders and stalwarts within the NPP, including his former rivals from the party’s presidential primaries, to join him on a nationwide ‘Thank You Tour.’
This gesture, he said, is a symbolic move aimed at promoting unity within the party as it prepares for the crucial 2024 general elections.
Dr. Bawumia, who clinched the party’s flagbearer slot with approximately 61.43% of the vote, defeated prominent figures such as Kennedy Agyapong, former Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former Mampong MP Francis Addai-Nimoh.
At the launch of the tour on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the NPP headquarters in Accra, he explained that the decision to involve his former contenders was a deliberate break from tradition.
“Because I want us to be united, that is why I am departing from the usual Thank You Tour,” Dr. Bawumia said.
“Normally, the presidential candidate just goes ahead with the Thank You Tour, but I am doing it differently this time, and it is because I want unity.” He emphasized that unity would be key to strengthening the NPP’s chances in the general election.
Dr. Bawumia noted that showcasing solidarity through a joint tour would not only send a strong message of reconciliation but also bolster the morale of party supporters across the country. “That is why I have said that I want to go with the party and also invite my former contestants in the primaries to come, and we will all go and do the Thank You Tour together… so that we all show a united front for the party, and then we can build on it going forward,” he added.
He concluded by urging party members to shift focus from internal competition to the greater task of securing victory in the national polls.
“It is not time for primaries, and it is not about winning a primary. What we are doing is building a party machinery that can win the general election. If you win the primary and cannot win the general election, then it is a useless victory,” Dr. Bawumia asserted.
The nationwide tour is expected to cover all 16 regions, serving as a platform to thank delegates and rally momentum for the NPP’s campaign.
The Bank of Ghana has directed all banking institutions to minimize fraud by strengthening dual-control mechanisms and implementing mandatory staff rotations for employees in sensitive roles.
According to the Bank of Ghana’s 2024 Fraud Report, while fraud incidents declined by 18% compared to the previous year, the total value at risk increased by 11%, rising from GH¢72 million in 2023 to GH¢80 million in 2024.
The report, which also includes data from Payment Service Providers (PSPs), revealed a significant surge in forgery and document manipulation, which emerged as the most severe form of fraud.
This category accounted for 67% of the total value at risk for banks and specialised Deposit-taking institutions (SDIs) in 2024, with losses skyrocketing from GH¢7.47 million in 2023 to GH¢53.5 million—a nearly sevenfold increase. This was largely due to a single major incident involving GH¢53 million.
Losses due to identity theft also rose sharply, increasing from GH¢0.6 million in 2023 to GH¢5.7 million in 2024. This spike was attributed to inadequate due diligence during financial transactions involving the Ghana Card.
The report further noted that recovering fraud-related losses remains a significant challenge for financial institutions. Lengthy legal proceedings often deter banks from pursuing restitution.
In the PSP sector, the total value at risk climbed to GH¢19 million in 2024, with 15,673 reported cases. This represents an 18% increase in the value of cases and a 7% rise in the number of incidents compared to 2023.
As part of its recommendations, the Bank of Ghana has instructed all banks and specialised deposit-taking institutions to begin implementing compulsory staff rotations for individuals in critical roles. The Central Bank also called for the need to foster a security awareness culture through regular events, forums, and discussions.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has stated that the findings of the Mike Oquaye Committee have brought clarity and finality to the internal discourse surrounding the party’s loss in the 2024 general elections.
Speaking at the NPP’s national headquarters in Accra on Wednesday, 23rd April, ahead of the party’s nationwide Thank You Tour, Dr. Bawumia noted that the report debunks the propaganda and misinformation that had sought to lay undue blame on certain individuals and factions within the party.
“The Mike Oquaye Committee’s work has been thorough, impartial, and backed by facts,” Dr. Bawumia asserted. “It has put to bed all the propaganda and mischief that followed our electoral defeat. The truth is now clear to every committed party member and Ghanaian who seeks to understand what truly happened.”
The committee, chaired by former Speaker of Parliament Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, was tasked with conducting a post-election review following the NPP’s loss to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the December 2024 elections.
Dr. Bawumia urged party members to rally behind the recommendations of the report, stressing the need for unity and reform as the party prepares for the future.
“This report is not about blame; it is about learning and growing stronger. We must rebuild with courage and honesty. The NPP has always risen from challenges, and this time will be no different,” he said.
He also acknowledged the hard work of the campaign teams and supporters, assuring them that their efforts had not been in vain.
The NPP’s Thank You Tour, set to begin later this week, aims to show appreciation to party faithful and supporters across the country for their dedication during the 2024 election campaign.
Dr. Bawumia reiterated his commitment to leading a reinvigorated and united NPP, ready to reclaim power in 2028.
“We are going back to the people not only to thank them, but also to renew our covenant of service and transformation,” he added.
The World Bank has committed to supporting Ghana in tackling its youth unemployment challenge by backing a new Growth and Jobs Strategy to create opportunities for over 500,000 young people entering the job market annually.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting at the World Bank headquarters between the Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde, and Ghana’s Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson (MP).
The two leaders discussed plans to collaborate on the design and implementation of the strategy, which focuses on job creation, skills development, and inclusive economic growth.
“This initiative reflects our shared priority of unlocking opportunities for young people,” said Bjerde.
“We are proud to work with Ghana on a strategy that will create jobs and build a stronger, more resilient economy.”
Dr. Forson welcomed the support, emphasizing the importance of bold, targeted interventions to address the growing number of job seekers.
“This partnership is a major step forward in our efforts to provide decent and sustainable jobs for our youth,” he said.
L.I 2462 will be revoked when Parliament reconvenes – Sammy Gyamfi
The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has condemned what it calls the “constitutionally questionable” decision by President John Mahama to suspend the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo.
The group described the move as a “serious breach of constitutional norms, a direct encroachment on judicial independence, and a dangerous politicisation of the judiciary.”
“This action,” CDM stated, “represents a profound threat to the rule of law and the principle of separation of powers.”
The Centre warned that this precedent risks dismantling the institutional safeguards that have underpinned Ghana’s democratic experiment since 1992.
According to CDM, the decision flies in the face of Ghana’s Constitution, particularly Article 146(1), which clearly stipulates that a justice of the superior courts may only be removed for “stated misbehaviour, incompetence, or inability to perform the functions of office due to infirmity of mind or body.”
Moreover, the organisation pointed to the ruling in Frank Agyei-Twum v Attorney General & Bright Akwettey, which clarified that the President must act only after consultation with the Council of State, and upon the establishment of a prima facie case by a properly constituted committee.
“The President’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice before the conclusion of this constitutionally prescribed process constitutes a breach of the express procedural requirements,” CDM warned.
“It undermines the institutional integrity of the office and erodes the constitutional protections afforded to the Judiciary.”
The group further invoked Article 296(c), which demands that any discretionary power exercised by an authority—excluding judges—must be guided by published criteria or regulations.
“No such framework appears to have been made public in this case,” CDM said. “Without such guidelines, the use of discretionary power is arbitrary, unregulated, and constitutionally deficient.”
Quoting the Supreme Court decision in Ransford France v. Attorney-General, CDM reminded the public that “the exercise of discretionary power by administrative and quasi-judicial authorities must comply with Article 296,” especially where the stakes involve constitutional safeguards.
“This principle applies with full force in the current case, where the stakes involve the very independence of the judiciary,” the group stressed.
But it’s not only the suspension itself that has drawn fire. CDM also questioned the neutrality of the investigative committee tasked with reviewing the Chief Justice’s conduct.
“In its current form, the committee bears significant political colouration and raises legitimate concerns about institutional neutrality and procedural integrity,” the statement said.
The inclusion of former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, who was appointed by President Mahama and whose tenure was “marked by politically charged confrontations,” was flagged as inappropriate.
Similarly, Justice Gabriel Pwamang, the committee’s chair, was nominated and sworn in by Mahama during his previous administration.
Though described as a “respected jurist,” CDM warned that his “close association with the appointing authority raises unavoidable concerns about independence.”
The inclusion of Professor James Sefah-Dzisah, who had publicly opposed the compilation of a new voter register ahead of the 2020 elections, was also cited as “fueling the perception of political motive.”
Even with the inclusion of a nominee of President Akufo-Addo, Justice Asiedu, CDM maintained that “this lone balance does little to counter the perception that the body is overwhelmingly tilted toward the Executive’s interests.”
“In a matter of such constitutional gravity,” the group noted, “the perception of fairness is inseparable from actual fairness. The public must be able to trust that the process is neutral, balanced, and free from political manipulation.”
CDM went further to warn that the developments violate international norms.
“The United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary (1985) require disciplinary processes to be independent and transparent,” they pointed out.
The African Commission’s guidelines also insist that “judges must be disciplined only through impartial and constitutionally sound procedures.”
Beyond the domestic issues, the group warned of potential violations of Article 26 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), which requires states to protect judicial independence from political interference.
“By disregarding these standards, Ghana not only risks damaging its democratic reputation but also undermines its obligations as a respected member of the international legal order.”
CDM also raised alarm over the broader implications of the President’s actions. “This suspension sets a perilous precedent. It encourages Executive interference in independent institutions, fosters mistrust in the judicial system, and weakens constitutional checks and balances.”
The group didn’t mince words in describing the President’s actions as part of a broader trend.
“CDM does not view this case in isolation. It is part of an emerging trend of Executive overreach, cloaked in legality but corrosive to the democratic fabric of the nation,” the statement said.
“Left unchallenged, this trajectory threatens to reverse decades of progress in democratic governance and institutional stability.”
In response, the Centre called for immediate actions, including the unconditional reversal of the Chief Justice’s suspension, the dissolution and reconstitution of the investigative committee, and the launch of a parliamentary inquiry to investigate the procedural breaches.
It also urged engagement with international oversight bodies such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers.
CDM ended its statement with a rallying cry: “This moment demands vigilance, not silence. Ghana’s democratic future cannot be bartered for political gain. The Constitution must not be weaponised, and the judiciary must not be punished for its independence.”
“The Centre for Democratic Movement remains resolute in its mission to defend constitutionalism, uphold justice, and safeguard the future of democratic governance in Ghana.”
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Ghana’s democratic foundations are under fierce scrutiny following what the Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) calls a “constitutionally questionable decision” by President John Mahama to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo.
In a press statement, it warns that the president’s move constitutes a “serious breach of constitutional norms, a direct encroachment on judicial independence, and a dangerous politicisation of the judiciary.”
The suspension, announced before the constitutionally mandated process had been concluded, has sparked outrage within Ghana’s civic and legal communities and now threatens to attract international condemnation.
“This action,” CDM asserts, “undermines the institutional integrity of the office and erodes the constitutional protections afforded to the judiciary.”
At the centre of the storm is the investigative committee tasked with assessing the conduct of the Chief Justice.
According to the CDM, its composition raises “legitimate concerns about institutional neutrality and procedural integrity.”
The organisation points to glaring political ties among committee members, describing the body as “marred by political affiliations and past controversies.”
Among those singled out is Mr. Daniel Yaw Domelevo, former Auditor-General, whose appointment by President Mahama during his previous term and public clashes with political actors now cast “doubt on his suitability for such a delicate role.”
Justice Gabriel Pwamang, chair of the committee and a 2015 appointee of President Mahama, is noted for his respected judicial career—but his close association with the appointing authority makes his involvement, in CDM’s view, untenable in a matter “involving the judiciary’s top office.”
The inclusion of Professor James Sefah-Dzisah, described as “one of several NDC-aligned lecturers who publicly opposed the compilation of a new voters’ register ahead of the 2020 elections,” further deepens the perception of a politicised process.
Read also: Defending constitutionalism: Condemnation of the strange suspension of Chief Justice
“His inclusion on the committee fuels the perception of political motive,” the CDM warns.
Although Justice Asiedu, a nominee of President Akufo-Addo, is also on the committee, the CDM insists that “this lone balance does little to counter the perception that the body is overwhelmingly tilted toward the Executive’s interests.”
At issue is not only the suspension of the Chief Justice, but also how the President appears to have bypassed established constitutional safeguards.
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana, under Article 146, provides that justices may only be removed for “stated misbehaviour, incompetence, or inability to perform the functions of office due to infirmity of mind or body,” and requires a prima facie case to be established in consultation with the Council of State before any such action.
“The President’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice before the conclusion of a constitutionally prescribed process constitutes a breach of the express procedural requirements of Article 146,” the CDM affirms.
It further argues that the President’s use of discretion in this matter violates Article 296(c) of the Constitution, which demands that discretionary powers be exercised “in accordance with clearly published criteria or regulations.”
Citing Ransford France v. Attorney-General, the CDM recalls the Supreme Court’s position that “discretionary power by administrative and quasi-judicial authorities must comply with Article 296.”
In this case, the organisation says, “the stakes involve the very independence of the judiciary.”
The CDM accuses the Mahama administration of setting a “perilous precedent,” one that erodes public confidence in judicial impartiality and dangerously encourages executive overreach.
“It fosters mistrust in the judicial system, and weakens constitutional checks and balances,” the statement adds.
The crisis, the CDM warns, is not just domestic. Ghana is on the verge of breaching its obligations under multiple international and regional frameworks.
These include the United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary (1985) and Article 26 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), both of which prohibit arbitrary suspension or removal of judges and require fair, impartial disciplinary processes.
“By disregarding these standards,” the CDM says, “Ghana not only risks damaging its democratic reputation but also undermines its obligations as a respected member of the international legal order.”
Calling for an immediate reversal of the suspension, the CDM demands the “dissolution and reconstitution of the investigative committee,” and urges Parliament to launch an inquiry into what it describes as a blatant abuse of power.
It also calls on “all defenders of constitutional democracy—including the Ghana Bar Association, civil society, religious and traditional leaders, and the media—to rise above partisanship and defend the foundational principles of our Republic.”
“This moment demands vigilance, not silence,” the CDM warns in closing.
“Ghana’s democratic future cannot be bartered for political gain. The Constitution must not be weaponised, and the judiciary must not be punished for its independence.”
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) expresses its unequivocal condemnation of the recent and constitutionally questionable decision by President John Mahama to suspend the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. This action constitutes a serious breach of constitutional norms, a direct encroachment on judicial independence, and a dangerous politicisation of the judiciary; an institution that must remain impartial, respected, and sacrosanct in any democratic society.
This development is rendered even more alarming by the composition of the investigative committee appointed to assess the Chief Justice. In its current form, the committee bears significant political colouration and raises legitimate concerns about institutional neutrality and procedural integrity. These combined actions represent a profound threat to the rule of law and the principle of separation of powers.
Breach of Constitutional Norms and Misuse of Discretionary Power
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana sets out a deliberate and legally safeguarded framework for the removal of Justices of the Superior Courts:
• Article 146(1) stipulates that a Justice may only be removed for stated misbehaviour, incompetence, inability to perform the functions of office due to infirmity of mind or body;
• Article 146 and the case of Frank Agyei-Twum v Attorney General & Bright Akwettey provide that the President shall in consultation with the Council of State, establish a prima facie case and a committee constituted to investigate the matter where a prima facie case is so established.
The President’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice before the conclusion of a constitutionally prescribed process constitutes a breach of the express procedural requirements of Article 146. It undermines the institutional integrity of the office and erodes the constitutional protections afforded to the Judiciary.
More critically, this action raises fundamental constitutional concerns under Article 296(c), which mandates that any discretionary authority conferred on a person or body (other than a judge) must be exercised in accordance with clearly published criteria or regulations. No such framework appears to have been made public in this case. Without such guidelines, the use of discretionary power is arbitrary, unregulated, and constitutionally deficient.
In Ransford France v. Attorney-General, the Supreme Court, through Justice Date-Bah, affirmed that the exercise of discretionary power by administrative and quasi-judicial authorities must comply with Article 296, particularly in situations involving constitutional safeguards. This principle applies with full force in the current case, where the stakes involve the very independence of the judiciary.
A Politicised Committee and the Erosion of Credibility
The neutrality of any committee tasked with reviewing the conduct of the nation’s highest judicial officer must be unimpeachable. However, in this case, the makeup of the investigative committee is marred by political affiliations and past controversies, undermining both its perceived and actual impartiality. Notable concerns include:
• Mr. Daniel Yaw Domelevo, former Auditor-General, was appointed by President Mahama in the final months of his first term. His tenure was marked by politically charged confrontations, and he was embroiled in a public dispute over his date of birth and retirement timeline; issues that cast doubt on his suitability for such a delicate role;
• Justice Gabriel Pwamang, the committee chair, was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama on May 12, 2015, and subsequently sworn into office on June 29, 2015 as a Supreme Court Justice. Though a respected jurist, his close association with the appointing authority raises unavoidable concerns about independence in a process involving the judiciary’s top office;
• Professor James Sefah-Dzisah, a University of Ghana academic, was one of several NDC-aligned lecturers who publicly opposed the compilation of a new voters’ register ahead of the 2020 elections; an act widely perceived as partisan. His inclusion on the committee fuels the perception of political motive.
While the committee includes Justice Asiedu, a nominee of President Akufo-Addo, this lone balance does little to counter the perception that the body is overwhelmingly tilted toward the Executive’s interests.
In a matter of such constitutional gravity, the perception of fairness is inseparable from actual fairness. The public must be able to trust that the process is neutral, balanced, and free from political manipulation.
This setup violates international norms, notably:
• The United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary (1985), which require disciplinary processes to be independent and transparent;
• The African Commission’s Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Fair Trial and Legal Assistance in Africa (2003), which emphasise that judges must be disciplined only through impartial and constitutionally sound procedures.
Violation of International and Regional Legal Norms
Beyond domestic constitutional infractions, the suspension and flawed investigation process contravene Ghana’s commitments under binding international and regional frameworks:
• Article 26 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) mandates member states to protect judicial independence from political interference;
• The UN Basic Principles prohibit arbitrary suspension or removal of judges;
• The African Guidelines on Fair Trial affirm that disciplinary procedures must be free of Executive control.
By disregarding these standards, Ghana not only risks damaging its democratic reputation but also undermines its obligations as a respected member of the international legal order.
A Dangerous Precedent
This suspension sets a perilous precedent. It encourages Executive interference in independent institutions, fosters mistrust in the judicial system, and weakens constitutional checks and balances.
CDM does not view this case in isolation. It is part of an emerging trend of Executive overreach, cloaked in legality but corrosive to the democratic fabric of the nation. Left unchallenged, this trajectory threatens to reverse decades of progress in democratic governance and institutional stability.
Our Position and Call to Action
The Centre for Democratic Movement calls for the following immediate actions to restore constitutional integrity and safeguard judicial independence:
1. Immediate and unconditional reversal of the suspension of Her Ladyship the Chief Justice in accordance with constitutional due process;
2. Dissolution and reconstitution of the investigative committee, ensuring a truly independent and politically neutral membership;
3. Affirmation of judicial independence as a foundational pillar of the Republic, including constitutional and institutional safeguards against undue Executive influence;
4. A parliamentary inquiry or constitutional oversight mechanism to investigate the breach of procedure and propose reforms to prevent the abuse of discretionary power under Article 296;
5. Engagement with regional and international mechanisms, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, to provide oversight, support, and accountability in line with Ghana’s international obligations.
We further call on all defenders of constitutional democracy, including the Ghana Bar Association, civil society, religious and traditional leaders, and the media, to rise above partisanship and defend the foundational principles of our Republic.
Conclusion
This moment demands vigilance, not silence. Ghana’s democratic future cannot be bartered for political gain. The Constitution must not be weaponised, and the judiciary must not be punished for its independence.
The Centre for Democratic Movement remains resolute in its mission to defend constitutionalism, uphold justice, and safeguard the future of democratic governance in Ghana.
Signed:
Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM)
CC:
• Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator
• U.S. Embassy, Accra
• British High Commission
• Delegation of the European Union to Ghana
• Canadian High Commission
• Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
• African Union Commission
• ECOWAS Commission
• Ghana Bar Association
• Ghana Journalists Association
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
EPATens of thousands of mourners have lined up for a chance to pay their respects to Pope Francis, whose body has been displayed in an open coffin in St Peter’s Basilica.
On Wednesday morning, as many as 20,000 people gathered to witness red-robed cardinals and white-clad priests escort the coffin from the Pope’s personal residence.
Bells tolled during the 40-minute procession, while the crowd broke into applause – a traditional Italian sign of respect.
Nine days of mourning will be observed in the Vatican. The Argentine pontiff’s funeral will be held on Saturday.
The 88-year-old died on Monday after suffering a stroke. He had spent five weeks in hospital earlier this year with double pneumonia.
Francis was the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church and held the role for 12 years.
ReutersHis body will lie in state in the church until Friday evening. Public viewing began at 11:00 local time (10:00 BST) on Wednesday.
Police in the Vatican have told the BBC that St Peter’s Basilica will stay open all night so that a large crowd gathered on the square has chance to file past the coffin.
At midnight, when the church was supposed to close for the night, there was still a very long queue of people wanting to pay their respects.
Swiss Guards, who are responsible for the Pope’s safety, escorted his coffin to the church’s altar.
Soon after the event began, the queue was already eight hours long, according to Italian media. By mid-afternoon, tens of thousands of people were lining the square.
Luis and Macarena, from Mexico, had come to Rome for their honeymoon and hoped to see the Pope, who gives a special blessing to newlyweds. Luis told the BBC seeing the Pope’s final resting place would allow them to feel a connection.
“Pope Francis is a saint and he will bless us from heaven,” Luis said.
Mary Ellen, an American who lives in Italy, said she had come to the Vatican on an overnight train to “say goodbye”.
“I love Papa Francesco,” she said. “Because he’s humble, kind, he loves immigrants. I know he’s put up with a lot of difficult things in the Vatican. He’s fought against power and the power of the Vatican to be a true Christian, true Catholic.”
She said when she passes the coffin, she will be praying and will ask Pope Francis for help with her own work with immigrants.
ReutersInside St Peter’s, under the watchful marble eye of popes and saints, a steady stream of people made their way to the Pope’s casket to pay their respects.
Some kneeled while others prayed and crossed themselves, before slowly moving on.
Many lingered to admire the staggering beauty of the basilica. The atmosphere was quiet and solemn despite the thousands of people present.
Two women who waited for five hours to see the Pope said they had arrived at the basilica’s queue at 09:00.
One told the BBC it was important to her to say goodbye to the pontiff.
“All these years I followed all he did and it’s as if I travelled all over the world with him, even if I was just at home. He liked going everywhere and prioritises the poor,” she said.
Asked what was it like to see him in his coffin, she replied: “It’s just like the man we used to see on TV.”
ReutersFredrik, who is from Ghana but travelled from Poland, said the Pope had “done his best” and “it is left to us to continue the good works”.
Eva Asensio, a Mexican on holiday in Italy, said she felt an affinity for the Argentine pope.
“We saw him as a good Pope – someone who supported everyone, no matter your sexual orientation, no matter where you came from. He united us,” she said with tears in her eyes.
Margaux, who is French and lives in Rome, said it was “powerful to live this.”
To her, Pope Francis meant “hope”, and his more progressive social views were “very important”, she said.
“I hope the next Pope will follow his path,” she said.
Dignitaries from all over the world, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Prince William, will attend the funeral on Saturday.
Pope Francis left clear instructions that he wanted a smaller ceremony in keeping with his simpler tastes as pontiff. He had arranged for a benefactor to pay for it all.
Unlike the vast majority of his predecessors, he will not be buried in St Peter’s, but in a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in central Rome, beneath a tombstone inscribed only with his name.
Before being moved to St Peter’s, Pope Francis had been lying in an open coffin in the chapel of his home, flanked by Swiss Guards and cardinals in prayer.
His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, during which he delivered brief remarks to the masses gathered in St Peter’s Square from a wheelchair.
He then greeted worshippers and blessed babies as he was driven in a car through the crowds.
His Papal apartments have been sealed, marking the start of the period known as the Sede Vacante – or empty seat – which continues until a new head of the church is elected.
Additional reporting by Jorge Perez
NPP National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye
The opposition party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has denounced President John Mahama’s suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as an unprecedented assault on judicial independence and a flagrant violation of Ghana’s Constitution.
Consequently, the party has announced plans for a series of large-scale protests across the nation.
President John Mahama, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo.
According to a statement signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the suspension follows the establishment of a prima facie case against the Chief Justice by the President, in consultation with the Council of State, in relation to three petitions filed against Justice Torkornoo.
“President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case has been established in respect of three petitions against the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo,” the statement, dated Tuesday, April 22, 2025, stated.
However, the NPP, which has vehemently condemned the President’s decision, has vowed to employ various strategies to compel him to rescind it.
Speaking at a party event in Accra on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the National Organiser of the party, Henry Nana Boakye, stated that the NPP cannot stand by and allow such injustice to be perpetrated.
“Democracy is under attack. Our judiciary is under attack. Do not think that this attack is on the person of Chief Justice Torkornoo no. It is the entire judiciary. Expect massive protests from us. We will agitate; we will not sit down quietly. This is unconstitutional.”
KA
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Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has recorded marginal gains against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar, at some forex bureaus.
In its daily update, the Central Bank noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢15.41 and a selling price of GH¢15.42 to a dollar.
The British pound is being bought at GH¢20.56 and sold at GH¢20.58, while the euro trades at a buying price of GH¢17.62 and a selling price of GH¢17.64.
Checks by GhanaWeb Business on April 23, 2025, at 09:00 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢15.95 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢21.20 at some major forex bureaus across the country.
Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢18.20 on the retail market.
To curb the cedi’s depreciation, the Bank of Ghana sold over $200 million in the last quarter of 2024.
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The McDan Group of companies, is owned by businessman Daniel McKorley
The McDan Group of Companies has come under scrutiny after the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) launched investigations into some financial transactions undertaking by the conglomerate between January 2020 and December 2024.
In a document obtained exclusively by GhanaWeb, the FIC is requesting details of some payments made by the McDan Group of Companies to some entities within the stipulated period.
The request, according to the FIC, forms part of investigations into possible violations by the company.
“Intelligence received by the FIC indicates that your outfit received and paid various sums of money to several entities between January 2020 and December 2024.
“Pursuant to Section 36 and 37 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044), kindly furnish us with the following particulars:
“All electronic fund transfers conducted by your outfit from January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024.
“Copies of cheques issued to third parties during the afore mentioned period.
“The financial institutions used to make the payments in question”, excerpts from FIC addressed to the Managing Director of the McDan Group of Companies and sighted by GhanaWeb reads.
The McDan Group of companies, owned by businessman Daniel McKorley include McDan Shipping Company, McDan Aviation, and McDan Logistics.
The exploits of the Electrochem Ghana Limited which is a subsidiary of the McDan Group has been the subject of controversy in the media space for years.
Since the appointment of Ing. Kwadwo Twum Boafo, the FIC has upped the ante in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing, initiating a series of programs to tackle the problem.
Meanwhile, GhanaWeb has learnt that the FIC has placed an embargo on all accounts of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the owner of Akonta Mining and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
The McDan Group of companies, is owned by businessman Daniel McKorley
The McDan Group of Companies has come under scrutiny after the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) launched investigations into some financial transactions undertaking by the conglomerate between January 2020 and December 2024.
In a document obtained exclusively by GhanaWeb, the FIC is requesting details of some payments made by the McDan Group of Companies to some entities within the stipulated period.
The request, according to the FIC, forms part of investigations into possible violations by the company.
“Intelligence received by the FIC indicates that your outfit received and paid various sums of money to several entities between January 2020 and December 2024.
“Pursuant to Section 36 and 37 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044), kindly furnish us with the following particulars:
“All electronic fund transfers conducted by your outfit from January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024.
“Copies of cheques issued to third parties during the afore mentioned period.
“The financial institutions used to make the payments in question”, excerpts from FIC addressed to the Managing Director of the McDan Group of Companies and sighted by GhanaWeb reads.
The McDan Group of companies, owned by businessman Daniel McKorley include McDan Shipping Company, McDan Aviation, and McDan Logistics.
The exploits of the Electrochem Ghana Limited which is a subsidiary of the McDan Group has been the subject of controversy in the media space for years.
Since the appointment of Ing Kwadwo Twum Boafo, the FIC has upped the ante in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing, initiating a series of programs to tackle the problem.
Meanwhile, GhanaWeb has learnt that the FIC has placed an embargo on all accounts of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the owner of Akonta Mining and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
A 47-year-old man, Enoch Kusi, is currently on the run after allegedly murdering his wife, Juliet Kwakyewaa, popularly known as Ama Kwakyewaa, aged 50, in Akyem Adwafo, a village near Akyem Oda in Akyemansa District of the Eastern Region.
The couple, who had been married for over 14 years, have two children together.
According to reports, the tragic incident is believed to have been triggered by a disagreement over property sharing, which arose during ongoing marital issues.
Esther Amoah, the aunt of the deceased, spoke in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb’s video journalist, Kwame Adzaho-Amenortor.
She revealed that the conflict began when marital tensions led Ama to ask Enoch to move out of her family home, where the couple lived, so they could have space to resolve their issues.
Enoch reportedly insisted that if he was to move out, a cocoa plantation they had developed together should be divided so he could take his share. Esther disclosed that Ama agreed to the demand and offered him two and a half acres of the cocoa farm.
However, Enoch allegedly complained that the share was too small. He also demanded a portion of a tricycle (popularly known as Aboboyaa) that the couple had jointly purchased.
The disagreement over both the cocoa farm and the tricycle reportedly escalated tensions between them.
Esther recounted the moment of the attack, “The lady went to the farm with their 13-year-old daughter, and because of the cocoa issue, the man followed her to the farm and butchered her. The daughter had to run to call for help.”
Ama was rushed to the Adwafo Clinic but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Meanwhile, Enoch fled the scene.
The incident has since been reported to the Ofoase Police Station, where investigations are currently underway.
AM/KA
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