Anti-graft campaigner, Vitus Azeem has advised the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) to formally complain to the Chief Justice over the trend of judges dismissing his cases.
The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, fears that the recent judgment in the Labianca case may encourage suspects to demand the suspension of investigations against them.
On Monday, a High Court invalidated an OSP report implicating Col Kwadwo Damoah, a former Commissioner of the Customs Division at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and Joseph Adu Kyei, a former Deputy Commissioner, for using their positions to provide favorable tax treatment to Labianca Company, a frozen foods company.
Mr. Agyebeng believes the ruling could undermine the progress achieved in the fight against corruption.
Speaking on Starr Today with Joshua Kodjo Mensah Wednesday, Mr. Azeem stated that the image of the judiciary is low and that the Chief Justice must do something about it.
“The Office of Special Prosecutor needs to formally complain to the Chief Justice if he has a good case on this. Then of course we should expect the Chief Justice to do something about it because the image of the Judiciary is very low now.
“They are a very key arm of the government, we cannot do without them. So they need to do something about it. But also the Special Prosecutor can now go to court to appeal the case,” the anti-graft campaigner stated.
The Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) has come under fire for using tax payers’ money to fund political campaigns of some New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidates as part of the government’s grand scheme to buy votes ahead of the 2024 elections.
Ahead of the NPP parliamentary primaries in orphan constituencies on Saturday (1 December), it has been uncovered that MASLOC is dishing out loans to over 250 women delegates in the Okaikwei North constituency in the Greater Accra Region to influence them to vote for Alberta Afia Akoto as the party’s parliamentary candidate for the area.
Meeting delegates on Wednesday evening in the constituency, Afia Akoto, who is also the former deputy CEO of MASLOC, confirmed that the state financial institution will disburse the loans on Friday, 1 December 2023 – the eve of the primaries, which is taking place on 2 December.
“I promised you that I will secure MASLOC loans for you. People doubted me. I took 500 names to MASLOC to get them loans but I have managed to secure cheques for 250 people for now so that I will shame my detractors,” Afia Akoto told the delegates.
“On Friday, we are going to disburse the loans. I want to assure those who are yet to secure their loans to exercise patience. Theirs will also come,” she added.
Afia Akoto, who is also a deputy communications director of the NPP, used the occasion to announce that the scholarship secretariat has given her 62 scholarship slots for her supporters.
Reports say MASLOC is reportedly giving out more loans to supporters of candidates who have close ties to the Office of the President. MASLOC has declined to comment on the issue.
Afia Akoto, who is in the race with deputy trades minister Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei, former MP Fuseini Issah, managing editor for the Daily Searchlight newspaper Kenneth Agyei Kuranchie told the gathering that her marriage with former NDC deputy organizer Chief Biney is still being used against her despite collapse of the union.
Political watchers have over the years raised concerns about vote-buying in Ghana’s politics while anti-graft bodies have condemned the use of tax payers’ money such as state loans among other goodies to fund political campaigns.
The governing NPP is holding primaries for over 100 orphan constituencies including Okaikwei North on Saturday 2nd December 2023.
Mohammed Maazu Gariba, a third-year student at Saviour Senior High School-Oseim, has been handed a 14-year prison sentence by the Koforidua Circuit Court for the theft of electrical wires valued at Ghc 59,000.00.
According to the prosecutor, Mohammed Maazu Gariba, ex -convict was apprehended on November 19, 2023 at Akyem Anyinasin after he targeted a newly constructed two-story building.
His modus operandi involved removing all the electrical wires from the premises and subsequently burning them to extract the copper.
After burning the stolen wires, Gariba attempted to conceal them in a nearby bush.
However, his luck took a turn for the worse when he returned to retrieve the stolen goods and was promptly apprehended.
The vigilant individuals who caught him handed him over to the police.
What adds a layer of gravity to this case is Gariba’s previous conviction for the same cable theft in 2020.
At that time, he faced a 23-month sentence from the Akyem Tafo Magistrate Court.
Given his recurrent involvement in such criminal activities, the Circuit Court in Koforidua saw fit to impose a heightened sentence of 14 years on the young student.
This incident only underscores the severity of the crime committed by high school students in recent times.
A 19-year-old final year Science student of Ofori Panin Senior High School (OPASS) was lynched by unknown assailants in Koforidua on Wednesday July 12, 2023 for alleged attempted robbery.
The student was already facing charges of robbery at Koforidua circuit court and has thus been suspended indefinitely by management of the school.
The student, Kelvin Bonzy alias Paa Kwasi, allegedly robbed a colleague student of OPASS and a Teacher with OPASS Junior High School and took away their mobile phones about a month ago.
He was charged for robbery and arraigned before Circuit court in Koforidua but granted bail to enable him prepare and write the West Africa Secondary Schools Certificate Examination (WASSCE) but unfortunately engaged in similar crime which took his life.
The disqualified aspirant in the up-coming Parliamentary election at Odododiodioo, Michael Nii Yarbio has stated that he has no knowledge of the disturbance that occurred at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Headquarters on Wednesday November 29, 2023.
Alleged disgruntled followers of Michael Nii Yarboi, who was disqualified from contesting the up-coming parliamentary election at Odododiodioo have reportedly caused damage at the NDC Headquarters in Accra.
According to reports, these enraged supporters dumped refuse in front of the party’s headquarters, obstructing the road and causing a disruption in traffic flow.
These actions by the supporters followed the Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the opposition NDC’s disqualifying Michael Nii Yarboi in the upcoming Parliamentary elections at Odododiodioo in Greater Accra.
But, in a statement, Mr. Yarbio explained that he had no hand in the reported vandalism at Odododiodioo which was extended to the National Headquarters of the NDC.
“Sections of media reports that these acts of vandalism were committed by supporters of my campaign have also caught my attention with much regret and surprise and I wish to place on record that members of my team and I have no hand in these disturbances.
“I particularly regret to learn that these disturbances and destructions have been extended to the national Headquarters of our great Party, and once again, my team and I have no hand in these acts,” Mr. Yarbio stated.
Attached below is the full statement by Michael Nii Yarbio
The Bank of Ghana (BoG), has cautioned exporters regarding the failure to repatriate proceeds to the country.
The Foreign Exchange Act, 2006, Act 723, and the accompanying Letter of Commitment (LOC) enjoin exporters to repatriate proceeds of merchandise through banks with exception of exporters with retention arrangements.
This repatriation shall be 100 per cent of the export value of all merchandise exports.
However, some exporters are reportedly flauting the law.
According to Mr.Eric Kweku Hammond, Assistant Director, Banking Department of the Bank of Ghana, exporters found guilty could face a fine of 5000 penalty units which translates to Ghc60,000 or imprisonment term of not more than ten years or both.
Addressing exporters at a forum organized by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) and BoG, Mr.Kwaku Hammond emphasized the importance of repatriating export proceeds for building reserves, strengthening the local currency to ultimately boost trading activities, and facilitate Ghana’s transformation agenda.
Mr. Kwaku Hammond noted that the LOC has come to stay and if properly adhered to, challenges expressed by the exporters will not emerge, however, assured that doors of BoG are opened to work collaboratively to resolve challenges they encounter with the system.
Charles Darling Asiedu Sey, Tema branch Manager of Ghana Shippers Authority said the forum is designed to address specific challenges faced by exporters.
He said export holds deep significance for national development stating that “It is the lifeblood contributing significantly to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), job creation, and government revenue. It plays a key role in shaping our economy, fostering international trade relations and positioning Ghana on the global stage”.
Charles Sey stated that the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS) charts an ambitious path for the next decade.
“It envisions the growth of non-traditional exports (NTEs) from 2.8 billion dollars in 2020 to a substantial 25.3billion dollars in 2029.This growth is coupled with a profound structural transformation aimed at positioning Ghana as a competitive export -led industrialized economy”.
He stressed that (GSA) is partnering with service providers to enhance the quality of shipping services by reviewing export -related policies, simplify procedures, reduce bureaucracy, and create a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
Mr. Sey called for continuous evaluation of the export value chain to identify bottlenecks and enhance Ghana’s exportable capacity and facilitate trade with other countries with focus on addressing non-tariff barriers.
The 1st Vice President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Paul Kobina Mensah,took participants through the rudiments of exports with focus on insurance, negotiating favourable trade conditions(INCOTERMS) ,sales contract ,Freight negotiation, Freight charges high and how to reducing shipping charges.
Participants raised various concerns including rising freight charges, challenges with the LOC system, high exchange rate above BoG rate being applied at the ports, bureaucracies and lack of financial and technical support from government and regulators.
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court presided over by Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has struck out an application for Certiorari from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) as withdrawn.
Lawyers of the OSP on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 withdrew the application for Certiorari which sought to quash a ruling of the High Court on October 11.
On October 11, 2023, Justice Edward Twum, presiding over the Financial and Economic Division 2 of the High Court in Accra granted a request from Cecilia Dapaah and her lawyers for abridgment of time for OSP’s motions originally fixed for October 18 to October 12.
On that day, OSP and its lawyers informed the court that, they had filed a motion seeking leave to file a supplementary affidavit upon receiving Cecilia Dapaah’s affidavit in opposition to its Originating motion for order for confirmation for Seizure and freeze.
Lawyers of Cecilia Dapaah had argued that, they do not opposed to that request to ensure expedited action but when it was granted, the OSP held the position that, what had been granted was unsigned and needed time to file.
Dissatisfied with that, they filed the motion at the Supreme Court for Certiorari and notified the High Court to stay proceedings.
A petition from the OSP to the Chief Justice to have the judge removed affected the hearing of the case until the CJ’s dismissed the petition.
Before the apex Court panel of five, lawyers of the OSP led by Adelaide Kobiri-Woode, withdrew the application after Justice Baffoe-Bonnie who chaired the panel indicated that, the court decides within the law, what to do.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie further added that the courts take such decisions to expedite hearing.
The reaction of the president of the panel after the OSP had moved the application to quash the order of the High Court on October 11 led to it withdrawing the motion.
Ally McCoist branded it a “disgrace”, while Jermaine Jenas said Newcastle were “robbed” as a controversial late penalty decision denied Eddie Howe’s side a memorable victory at Paris St-Germain.
Aleksander Isak’s first-half goal in Tuesday’s Champions League tie had looked set to stun the hosts, as missed chances and some big saves from Nick Pope gave the visiting fans hope that their side were going to complete a double over the French champions in Group F.
But, in the eighth minute of stoppage time, Ousmane Dembele’s cross appeared to strike Tino Livramento’s body and the ball bounced up on to his arm.
After referee Szymon Marciniak reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor, he awarded a spot-kick, which Kylian Mbappe duly despatched to secure a 1-1 draw.
“What is Livramento meant to do with his arms? Wrap them round his back? I’m fuming,” former Newcastle midfielder Jenas said on TNT Sports.
“The players threw everything at it and it should have been one of those historic wins. Newcastle have been robbed.”
McCoist, commentating on the game for TNT, added: “That is absolutely never a penalty. If we’re giving a penalty for that, then it is a disgrace.”
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) who advised Marciniak to review the incident has been stood down by Uefa for his next match, though European football’s governing body has not made a public statement about the decision.
Tomasz Kwiatkowski was supposed to be VAR for Real Sociedad v RB Salzburg in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, but has been replaced by Marco Fritz of Germany.
A British-Nigerian man has confessed in a US court to defrauding and stealing more than $6m (£4.7m) over seven years.
Idris Dayo Mustapha, 33, was part of a hacking ring that infiltrated email and brokerage accounts of US firms between 2011 and 2018, causing losses worth $6m (£4.7m), officials said.
A dual national of the UK and Nigeria, Mustapha was extradited from the UK in August, two years after his arrest.
His crimes carry a jail term of up to 20 years.
He has not yet been sentenced.
Mustapha pleaded guilty plea at a court in Brooklyn, New York, on Tuesday to four charges: computer intrusion, securities fraud, wire fraud and access device fraud.
Authorities say Mustapha and his ring hacked into the computer servers of financial institutions in the US to access confidential user data, such as users’ personal identifying information.
They then used the stolen information and passwords to wire funds and transfer securities from the accounts of their victims to accounts under their control.
They also used the hacked accounts to conduct stock trades without the knowledge of the account holder.
US authorities had been pursuing Mustapha for several years.
Former President John Dramani Mahama celebrated his 65th birthday on Wednesday with a visit to the Shai Osudoko District Hospital.
Mr Mahama donated badly-needed medical equipment, including two modern incubators, two phototherapy machines and four CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines in response to an urgent appeal from the Medical Director of the facility.
Mr Mahama also provided food and non-food items to the patients, nursing mothers, and hospital staff.
The medical staff expressed their appreciation for the equipment. Medical Director Dr. Kennedy T. C. Brightson noted that he was not expecting the items so quickly, following his request when an advance team from the former President visited only two days ago.
Accompanied by his children and staff from his Office, Mr Mahama thanked his wife and the Lordina Foundation for facilitating the acquisition of the medical equipment. He added, “I am very happy to return to my favourite hospital environment to celebrate my 65th birthday.”
The Shai Osudoko District Hospital was inaugurated in April 2016 by then-President Mahama, as part of his government’s policy to bring quality healthcare closer to Ghanaians.
The 120-bed hospital was the first of six district hospitals to be commenced by the Mahama government in selected districts across the country under an initiative to build first-class health facilities in every district to improve access to healthcare delivery.
Other items donated by Mr Mahama include 150 bags of rice, 50 bags of sugar, detergents, 200 packs soft drinks, 200 packs of water, 40 boxes of biscuits, 35 boxes of cooking oil, 20 boxes of tomato paste, 90 school bags and 100 packs of baby diapers.
