Samreboi ‘Illegal’ Mining: Court Throws Out Appiah-Kubi, Wontumi Hires Atta-Akyea

The legal team of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) has changed following the decision to drop Andy Appiah-Kubi and appoint Samuel Atta-Akyea, as a High Court in Accra is set to deliver its judgment in the Samreboi ‘illegal’ mining case.

The court, yesterday struck out an application filed by Mr. Appiah-Kubi to withdraw as counsel for Chairman Wontumi, who has been accused of permitting others to mine on his Akonta Mining Company Limited’s concession at Samreboi in the Western Region without authorisation from the sector minister.

The court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, said the application was alien and not known to any criminal procedure rule, and subsequently dismissed it for being incompetent.

Withdrawal

Mr. Appiah-Kubi had filed an application seeking to withdraw his services as Chairman Wontumi’s lawyer, barely three weeks before the court delivers its judgment.

He indicated in the application that he believes his client’s interest will be better served if he withdraws to allow other professionals to come in and take over from where he is leaving off.

He pointed out that the decision to withdraw is influenced by certain occurrences during the trial and some decisions taken by the court in which he said he feels disappointed and does not want same to affect his performance and, ultimately, the fortunes of his clients.

He moved the application yesterday before the court, hoping the court will grant his request. Prior to that, he had announced himself as counsel for the accused person.

Opposition

The application was opposed by Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, who argued that the court did not have jurisdiction to determine such an application.

He argued that there is no rule or legal requirement requiring a defence counsel in a criminal trial to seek leave from a judge before withdrawiung his service for an accused.

He further argued that Mr. Appiah-Kubi has no standing in the matter as he is not an accused person, hence could not file an interlocutory application for the court to grant such request.

Dr. Srem-Sai therefore urged the court to strike out the application for being incompetent.

Ruling

Justice Kocuvie-Tay, in her ruling, held that just as there is no procedural requirement for a defence lawyer to file appearance in a criminal trial, there is no such requirement on him to file a motion seeking leave of the court to withdraw his services.

She was of the opinion that Mr. Appiah-Kubi did not need her permission to withdraw his service, noting that that decision is a matter between him and Chairman Wontumi.

She, however, expressed concern about the lawyer ‘abandoning’ his client at this stage of the trial when the court had set a date for judgment.

That notwithstanding, she said the current development will not affect the court’s timeline.

She extended the time given to the prosecution and the defence to file written addresses from June 17 to June 24, 2026, while maintaining July 3 as the day to deliver her judgment.

Atta-Akyea

Moments after the court’s decision, information popped up that Chairman Wontumi had appointed Mr. Atta-Akyea as his new counsel.

Chairman Wontumi indicated in a statement that the decision was taken after careful consultation and in the exercise of my constitutional right to legal representation by counsel of my own choosing.

‘It is intended to ensure that my defence is presented fully, effectively, and in accordance with the law,’ he said.

He further indicated that his decision to hire a new counsel ‘should not be construed as a reflection on their competence or dedication but rather as an exercise of my legal right to determine the composition of my defence team.’

He expressed gratitude to his previous legal team for ‘their services and commitment throughout these proceedings.’

iOna Reine Joins Aneki LLC

Fast-rising Ghanaian musician Mercy Onuawonto Sam, widely known in the entertainment industry as iOna Reine, has officially signed a management agreement with Aneki LLC.

The move is expected to significantly accelerate her growth and visibility in the music industry. With her new management team now in place, iOna Reine is optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead and believes the partnership will help take her career to the next level.

The singer described the signing as a turning point that could transform her journey as an artiste. ‘This signing is a career boost that will push me to the top, and I am ready to work hard,’ she said.

According to iOna Reine, the challenges of operating independently have taught her valuable lessons, but she believes having a professional management team behind her will make a significant difference in achieving her long-term goals.

‘I’m very excited about the signing and I believe this is what every artiste wants to boost their career. As an independent artiste, it was difficult, but with my new family, I believe it’s going to boost my career and release good music to fans,’ she said.

The partnership with Aneki LLC is expected to focus on artiste development, brand growth, strategic marketing, and creating opportunities that will expose her music to larger audiences both locally and internationally. Industry insiders see the move as a positive step that could position the singer for greater success in an increasingly competitive music landscape.

Beyond the business aspect of the deal, iOna Reine says her primary focus remains on her fans and delivering music that reflects her growth and artistic evolution. She revealed that exciting projects are already underway, and promised supporters that they can expect fresh releases in the coming months.

KGL Sponsors Health Screening In Bolgatanga

KGL Foundation last week sponsored a health screening exercise for many residents of Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional capital.

The screening covered a broad and critical range of health conditions; Hepatitis B and C, HIV, malaria, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and basic health assessments. Crucially, the exercise also incorporated mental health screening, an often-overlooked dimension of wellbeing that rarely features in community health outreach.

A blood donation drive rounded out the programme. These are conditions and causes that matter precisely because so many of them develop silently, showing no obvious symptoms until the damage is already done.

Programmes Manager, Nii Ankonu Annorbah-Sarpei put it plainly: ‘A lot of Ghanaians don’t really pay much attention to their health, so this initiative will help people to know their health.’

He stressed that knowing one’s health status is the first and most important step toward preventing complications. And that early detection, not emergency treatment, is where lives are truly saved. His concern about late diagnoses and avoidable deaths felt less like a talking point and more like a genuine appeal from someone who has seen what happens when people wait too long.

Public Health Nurse, Rosemary Akolbire, echoed that sentiment, pointing to the quiet epidemic of non-communicable diseases spreading through communities undetected. ‘Of late, we have other non-communicable diseases that people are moving around without knowing,’ she noted, adding that free community interventions like this one are essential for bridging the healthcare access gap, especially for vulnerable groups and low-income families. Hypertension, diabetes, hepatitis, HIV, and mental health conditions do not discriminate by income. But access to diagnosis often does, and that is the gap events like this one exist to close.

For beneficiary Abubakar Zakaria, the exercise was more than timely. It was necessary. ‘Many people had never undergone some of these tests before due to cost barriers,’ he said, speaking for a significant portion of those who showed up that rainy morning, determined to leave knowing more about themselves than when they arrived. Others left with something perhaps equally valuable: a renewed awareness of personal health management and what it actually means to be proactive about one’s wellbeing.

Mr. Annorbah-Sarpei also took a moment to spotlight the centrality of women and children in Ghanaian society, noting that healthy mothers and children are not just family assets. They are national ones.

The calls from beneficiaries for other organisations to follow suit were loud and clear. But for now, the KGL Foundation has set a standard worth noting.

Telecel Calls For Internet As Human Right

The Managing Director of Telecel Cash and Digital Transformation, Philip Amoateng, has called on Ghana to treat internet connectivity as a fundamental human right, arguing that the country cannot achieve its ambition of becoming a leading and inclusive digital economy without making digital infrastructure a national development priority.

Speaking at the 10th Ghana CEO Summit in Accra, Mr. Amoateng stressed that economic transformation would require more than investments in roads, bridges and other physical infrastructure.

Addressing the summit’s opening high-level leadership dialogue on the theme, ‘From Vision to Action: Leadership, Technology and Industrialisation as Catalysts for Ghana’s Economic Transformation,’ he urged policymakers to integrate internet connectivity into every major infrastructure project across the country.

The summit was attended by business leaders, policymakers, investors and industry experts, with President John Mahama delivering the keynote address as Special Guest of Honour.

Mr. Amoateng noted that Ghana’s development planning has traditionally focused on physical infrastructure while overlooking digital connectivity, which he described as equally essential for national growth.

‘As a nation, we tend to focus only on physical highways when building national infrastructure, without thinking about incorporating internet connectivity from the foundation. If we are serious about connecting every community in Ghana, our national focus must be to prioritise digital infrastructure in every development plan,’ he said.

He further called for all second-cycle educational institutions to be connected to the internet, describing digital access as critical to preparing young people for participation in the modern economy.

Touching on spectrum licensing policies, Mr. Amoateng cautioned against approaches that prioritise short-term government revenue at the expense of long-term connectivity goals.

While acknowledging that upfront licence fees provide immediate income for governments, he argued that excessive costs could slow investments in telecommunications infrastructure and limit the expansion of digital services.

Using the nation’s 5G licensing process as an example, he advocated a balanced approach that includes favourable financing arrangements and incentives for telecom operators that extend connectivity to public institutions and underserved rural communities.

His remarks come as the country seeks to accelerate digital transformation and expand access to high-speed internet services nationwide.

At the summit, Telecel Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, was honoured with the ‘CEO of the Year – Telecom’ award in recognition of her leadership and the company’s continued growth in revenue, profitability and customer numbers.

Launching the CEO-Government Compact 2026, a new framework aimed at strengthening accountability and innovation in public-private partnerships, President Mahama underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between government and the private sector.

He said the relationship must go beyond annual engagements and be reflected in concrete investments, innovation, industrial growth and job creation.

Black Excellence Meets Pan-African Leadership at Martha’s Vineyard Convening

Some of the most influential voices from Africa and its global diaspora will gather on August 17 for Black Capitalists: The Vineyard Convening, an exclusive event designed to foster investment, leadership, and economic collaboration across the Black world.

Held on the historic island of Martha’s Vineyard, the invitation-only gathering will bring together founders, investors, diplomats, business executives, philanthropists, artists, and community leaders for an evening dedicated to advancing Black economic empowerment and Pan-African cooperation.

The event is being organized by Dr. Naa-Du Laryea, author of the recently released book Black Capitalists: A Blueprint for What Is Possible. Through her work, Dr. Laryea has championed a vision of wealth creation, ownership, and economic self-determination within Black communities around the world.

A featured guest at the convening will be King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, King of Accra, Ghana. As one of Africa’s most prominent traditional leaders, he is expected to deliver a call to action focused on strengthening ties between Africa and its diaspora while encouraging investment, partnership, and long-term collaboration.

The convening is being held in partnership with Africa Investment Network, founded by Jane Reindorf Osei, and BMN Investment. One of BMN’s managing partners,

Nii Dsane, previously organized the Black Capitalists European Tour earlier this year, helping to expand the movement’s reach across Europe and strengthen connections between African and diaspora business leaders.

Together, the partners aim to create a platform where relationships can evolve into meaningful business opportunities and impactful initiatives.

Martha’s Vineyard has long served as a gathering place for Black excellence, attracting generations of leaders in business, politics, academia, and culture.

According to Dr. Laryea, the island’s rich history and significance make it the ideal setting for conversations about leadership, legacy, ownership, and economic progress.

At the heart of the gathering is a commitment to Black economic empowerment. Discussions throughout the evening will explore how capital, networks, and leadership can be mobilized to create sustainable prosperity, institutional ownership, and intergenerational wealth across Africa and the diaspora.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with investors, founders, policymakers, and cultural leaders while exploring opportunities for collaboration in sectors including finance, technology, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, trade, and community development.

Organizers describe the event as more than a networking event. Rather, it is part of a growing movement that seeks to transform relationships into tangible economic outcomes and strengthen the bonds between Africa and its global diaspora.

The evening will feature a family-style dinner, curated wine tastings, and networking opportunities designed to encourage meaningful dialogue among participants. With representation expected from multiple countries and industries, the convening is poised to become one of the most significant diaspora leadership and investment gatherings of the summer.

As conversations around Africa’s economic future continue to gain momentum globally, Black Capitalists: The Vineyard Convening aims to demonstrate what is possible when visionaries, investors, and leaders come together with a shared commitment to collective advancement and lasting impact.

Death By Neglect: Why Building Collapses Continue To Haunt Ghana

The collapse of buildings in Ghana has become an alarming and recurring tragedy that continues to claim lives, destroy property, and expose deep weaknesses within the country’s construction and regulatory systems. Every collapsed structure leaves behind a trail of grief, yet the underlying causes remain largely unaddressed.

From residential buildings and churches to commercial structures under construction, Ghana has witnessed numerous building failures over the years. While natural disasters often receive the blame in other parts of the world, many building collapses in Ghana are largely preventable and stem from human failures rather than acts of nature.

A History of Preventable Tragedies

Several incidents across the country have highlighted the growing problem. Buildings have collapsed in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and other urban centres, often killing workers, occupants, and innocent bystanders. Investigations into many of these disasters have repeatedly pointed to similar causes: poor workmanship, substandard materials, unauthorized construction, weak supervision, and disregard for approved building plans.

The recurring nature of these incidents raises an uncomfortable question: Why do the same mistakes continue to occur despite repeated warnings and loss of lives?

Regulatory Failure at the Heart of the Problem

One of the greatest challenges facing Ghana’s construction industry is the weak enforcement of building regulations. Ghana has building codes, planning regulations, and standards intended to ensure public safety. However, enforcement remains inconsistent and, in some cases, virtually nonexistent.

Many structures are occupied without undergoing the necessary inspections and approvals. A significant number of buildings across the country do not possess Certificates of Occupancy-the final legal document that confirms a building has been inspected and deemed safe for habitation or use.

In many developed countries, no building can legally be occupied without this certificate. Utility connections, insurance coverage, and business operations are often tied to proof of compliance. In Ghana, however, countless buildings are occupied immediately after construction with little regard for final certification.

The result is a growing inventory of structures whose safety has never been independently verified.

A building collapse at Accra Newtown

The Problem of Unqualified Artisans

Another major factor contributing to building failures is the widespread use of untrained and unlicensed artisans. While many Ghanaian craftsmen possess valuable practical experience, the construction industry has increasingly become populated by individuals who lack formal training and understanding of modern engineering standards.

Masons, carpenters, steel fixers, and contractors often undertake projects beyond their technical competence. In some cases, building owners employ the cheapest available labour without considering qualifications or experience.

Poor concrete mixing ratios, inadequate reinforcement, weak foundations, and improper structural modifications have all been identified as contributors to building failures.

Construction is not merely a trade; it is a technical discipline that directly affects human lives. When shortcuts are taken, the consequences can be fatal.

Shoddy Workmanship and the Culture of Cost-Cutting

The desire to reduce construction costs frequently leads to dangerous compromises. Some developers use inferior materials, reduce the quantity of reinforcement steel, or ignore engineering specifications to save money.

Others proceed with construction without engaging qualified architects, engineers, or quantity surveyors. Buildings originally designed for one or two storeys are sometimes extended beyond their structural capacity without professional assessment.

The pursuit of quick profits and lower costs often comes at the expense of public safety.

Building collapse at Avenor

Lessons from Countries with Strong Building Safety Systems

Countries such as Australia, Norway, Japan and many advanced countries have significantly reduced building failures through rigorous regulation, professional accountability, and strict enforcement of construction standards.

In these countries:

Building permits are strictly monitored.

Construction stages undergo mandatory inspections.

Licensed professionals assume legal responsibility for designs.

Occupancy certificates are compulsory before use.

Violations attract substantial penalties and prosecution.

Construction workers receive standardised technical training and certification.

The emphasis is not merely on constructing buildings but on ensuring they remain safe throughout their lifespan.

What Ghana Must Do

Addressing the building collapse crisis requires more than public outrage after each tragedy. It demands comprehensive reforms.

First, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies must strengthen inspection and enforcement mechanisms. Unauthorised developments should be halted immediately, not after completion.

Second, the issuance and enforcement of Certificates of Occupancy should become mandatory. Buildings that fail to meet safety requirements should not be occupied.

Third, artisan training and certification programmes must be expanded. Construction workers should undergo regular competency assessments and licensing.

Fourth, developers and professionals who violate building regulations must face meaningful sanctions, including fines, suspension of licences, and criminal prosecution where negligence leads to loss of life.

Fifth, Ghana should establish a national digital building compliance database that tracks planning approvals, building permits, inspections, structural certifications, and occupancy permits. Such a system would improve transparency and accountability across the construction sector.

Finally, public education is essential. Property owners must understand that engaging qualified professionals and complying with building regulations is not an unnecessary expense but an investment in safety.

A Matter of Life and Death

Building collapses are not inevitable. They are symptoms of systemic failures that can be corrected through stronger institutions, professional accountability, and a national commitment to safety.

Every collapsed building tells a story of warnings ignored, regulations unenforced, and corners cut. Until Ghana prioritises compliance over convenience and safety over shortcuts, the country risks witnessing more preventable tragedies.

The true cost of regulatory failure is not measured in concrete and steel. It is measured in human lives lost beneath the rubble.

Galaxy School Represents Ghana At Owlypia Global Round

Fifty-two students from Galaxy International School have departed for London, United Kingdom, to participate in the prestigious Owlypia International Competition (Global Round), scheduled to take place from Sunday, June 14 to Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the University of Westminster.

The students, who were accompanied by the Principal of Galaxy International School, Mr. Jasur Domullojonov, faculty members and some parents, departed from the Accra International Airport in high spirits to compete against some of the brightest young minds from some renowned schools across the globe.

According to the school, the journey to the global round has been marked by hard work, determination, and academic excellence.

According to the school, to qualify for the final stage of the competition and global round, the students successfully navigated highly competitive online qualifying rounds and an intensive local round hosted earlier this year at the Galaxy International School marked by hard work, determination and academic excellence.

Their qualification earned them a place among top-performing students from different countries who will gather in London for a week of academic challenges, collaborative learning experiences, and cultural exchange programmes.

Owlypia is a globally recognised educational competition designed for students aged 9 to 18. Unlike traditional examinations that focus primarily on memorisation, the platform combines academic knowledge with critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills.

Participants are assessed across five interdisciplinary categories: Science and Technology, Literature and Culture, Social Sciences, Art and Design, Economics and Business.

The competition also places significant emphasis on the development of essential soft skills through activities such as debates, public speaking, research projects, and team challenges designed to strengthen students’ confidence, communication abilities, teamwork, and leadership skills.

As ‘Team Ghana’ arrives in the United Kingdom, members of the educational community and supporters across the country will be following their progress with keen interest.

Management of the school said participating in the competition served as a testament to the growing standard of international education in Ghana and the potential of Ghanaian students to excel on the global stage, while wishing ‘Team Ghana’ success as they proudly represent the country’s flag and showcasing their talents before an international audience.

Reflections On Ghana And The Future It Deserves- An Opinion Piece By Ambassador Simone Giger: Swiss Ambassador To Ghana, Togo And Benin

In diplomacy one learns that countries cannot be understood only through official meetings, statistics, or policy papers. To truly know a country, one must travel through it, listen and talk to its people, appreciate its strengths, observe its contradictions, and understand the aspirations that animate everyday life.

As I prepare to conclude my tenure as Ambassador of Switzerland to Ghana, I find myself reflecting deeply on a country that has left a lasting impression on me not only professionally, but personally.

Over the past four years, I have travelled extensively across Ghana. From Paga to Keta, from Damongo to Donkokrom, from Wa to Goaso, I have encountered a country of extraordinary diversity, complexity, creativity, and resilience. Every journey revealed a different dimension of Ghana, yet one common thread consistently emerged: a country beaming with potential.

There is something profoundly remarkable about Ghana and its national character (or what Ghanaians would call ‘vibe’). It is visible in the warmth with which strangers are welcomed, the humor with which difficulties are confronted, and the optimism that persists. Even in difficult times and moments of uncertainty, there is often a joke, a proverb, or a story that puts things into perspective.

This national character is in my view an essential ingredient for Ghana’s democratic track record. At a time when democratic systems around the world are facing increasing pressure, polarisation, and distrust, Ghana continues to distinguish itself as a country committed to dialogue, constitutional order, and peaceful coexistence.

Democracy here is not perfect. No democracy really is – not even Switzerland’s. What is important is that it is alive, active, and deeply valued by its citizens.

Over the years, Ghana has established itself as an important democratic reference point in West Africa. The country has repeatedly demonstrated that political competition can coexist with stability, that transitions of power can occur peacefully, and that national debates can take place within institutional frameworks rather than outside them. Such achievements should never be taken for granted.

Democracy is not sustained by elections alone. It requires strong institutions, active citizens, credible public discourse, and an ongoing willingness to negotiate consensus across political, ethnic, religious, and generational lines. I am in admiration how this diverse country actively satisfies these varied dynamics and interests.

In many ways, this is where Ghana’s democratic future becomes particularly important. The country possesses extraordinary human capital. Everywhere I travelled, I encountered young people with ambition, intelligence, creativity, and determination. Ghana’s greatest resource is not found beneath the ground but in its people, their ideas and aspirations.

To turn them into something meaningful and productive, ideas and aspirations however require systems that function effectively. When institutions are transparent, responsive, accountable, and trusted, they unlock innovation, investment, and opportunity. When they are weak or inconsistent, they risk frustrating the very energy that could propel a nation forward. This is why governance reforms remain so important to Ghana’s long-term trajectory.

One development that has particularly impressed me during my tenure has been Ghana’s constitutional review process. What stands out is not only the process itself, but the spirit behind it: a willingness to reflect critically on how democratic governance can evolve to meet contemporary realities and future expectations. This demonstrates political maturity.

Constitutions should never be viewed as static documents frozen in time. Strong democracies periodically examine whether their systems remain responsive, inclusive, and effective. Ghana’s consultative approach reflects a country seeking not merely to preserve democracy, but to improve it.

Switzerland is proud to support these home-grown efforts, and we remain committed to supporting the constitutional reform process further – until its hopefully successful conclusion. We understand from our own history that democratic stability does not emerge automatically. It requires deliberate investment in participation, inclusion, and dialogue. Swiss democracy itself evolved gradually through compromise, negotiation, and the understanding that national cohesion is strengthened when citizens feel ownership over public decisions.

Ghana and Switzerland share important similarities. Both countries are diverse societies that have chosen coexistence over division. Both understand that stability is strongest when different voices are heard and accommodated. Both appreciate the importance of consensus-building in national life. This shared philosophy has shaped our bilateral cooperation over many decades.

Today, our partnership continues to evolve in both breadth and depth. Switzerland currently supports initiatives and projects focused on democratic governance, parliamentary cooperation, decentralization, peace and security, cultural exchange, environmental integrity, climate adaptation, as well as economic development.

Switzerland and Ghana may differ in geography, history, and scale, but we share a belief in dialogue and cooperation as foundations for national progress.

Despite Ghana’s bright prospects, this country needs to confront its challenges with candor and boldness. No country can fully realize its potential without confronting difficult challenges directly. During my years here, many Ghanaians themselves have spoken openly about concerns surrounding institutional effectiveness, economic opportunity, environmental degradation, and governance accountability.

Particularly concerning is the destruction caused by illegal mining activities. Ghana’s rivers, forests, and landscapes are among its greatest treasures. Environmental degradation is not merely an ecological issue; it is fundamentally about intergenerational responsibility. Future prosperity depends on preserving the natural foundation upon which communities, livelihoods, and national identity are built.

And yet, despite these challenges, I remain deeply optimistic about Ghana’s future and this optimism does not come from idealism, but from observation. The future of democracy globally will not only be shaped by geopolitical actors or large states but also in medium-sized countries like Switzerland and Ghana. We can demonstrate that democratic resilience, peaceful coexistence, and institutional reform remain both possible and necessary.

As I prepare to leave Ghana, I do so with deep gratitude. Over the years, I have come to admire Ghana not only for its democratic achievements, but for its humanity: its warmth, its creativity, its humor, and its enduring sense of possibility.

The task ahead is not to invent Ghana’s future, but to create the institutional conditions necessary for that future to fully emerge. I believe Ghana can do this.

EC Deputy Chair Bossman Asare Resigns

The Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) in charge of Corporate Services, Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, has resigned from his position and will leave office on July 31, 2026, the government has announced.

Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who disclosed the resignation at a press briefing in Accra yesterday, confirmed that Dr. Asare had formally informed President John Dramani Mahama of his decision to step down.

‘I can confirm that he has submitted a letter to His Excellency the President indicating that effective July 31, 2026, he would resign his position as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission,’ Mr. Kwakye Ofosu told journalists.

According to the Minister, Dr. Asare cited his desire to return to academia as the reason for his resignation, intimating that he intends to continue his career at the University of Ghana after leaving the Commission.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said the outgoing deputy chairperson had conveyed his appreciation to the President and Ghanaians for the opportunity to serve in one of the country’s most important constitutional institutions.

The resignation comes at a time when the Electoral Commission is already undergoing a transition in its top leadership.

The Minister revealed that another Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, Samuel Tettey, has retired from office, creating a second vacancy at the EC.

He indicated that steps are already being taken to fill the position vacated by Mr. Tettey, with a nominee currently before the Council of State for consideration.

‘Processes are underway. Indeed, the Council of State has already been given a nominee, which they are considering, and once that process is completed, an announcement will be made in terms of the replacement for Mr. Samuel Tettey,’ he said.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu added that a separate process would be initiated to appoint a successor to Dr. Asare once his resignation takes effect at the end of July.

Former Chief Justice Resignation

At the same briefing, the Minister also confirmed that former Chief Justice, Sophia Abena Boafoa Akuffo, is no longer a member of the Council of State after President Mahama formally accepted her resignation.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that Justice Akuffo submitted a resignation letter in September 2025 but did not disclose the reasons for her decision.

He said the President initially delayed accepting the resignation after members of the Council of State requested time to engage her to determine whether there were concerns that could be resolved.

According to him, the Council later informed the President that it had held discussions with Justice Akuffo and had no objection to her resignation being accepted.

‘The President has formally accepted the resignation and she is no longer a member of the Council of State,’ the Minister stated.

He added that constitutional procedures to replace the former Chief Justice are already underway and a successor will be announced in due course.

T-Bill Auction Exceeds Target Again

The government’s treasury bills auction was oversubscribed for the second consecutive week, with investors submitting bids well above the target amount despite a rise in interest rates on parts of the yield curve.

Results released by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) showed that the government raised GHS8.43 billion in bids against a target of GHS7.42 billion, representing an oversubscription rate of 13.61 percent. Out of the total bids received, GHS8.29 billion was accepted.

The 91-day treasury bill remained the most attractive instrument to investors, accounting for more than 71 percent of total bids submitted. Investors tendered GHS6.03 billion for the short-term security, and all bids were accepted by the government.

The 182-day bill recorded bids worth about GHS1.10 billion, of which approximately GHS1.04 billion was accepted.

For the 364-day bill, investors submitted bids totalling GHS1.29 billion. The government accepted a little over GHS1.21 billion of the amount offered.

Despite the strong investor demand, borrowing costs increased on parts of the yield curve.

The yield on the benchmark 91-day bill rose by 3 basis points to 5.04 percent, compared with the previous auction. The 364-day bill also recorded a significant increase, with its yield climbing by 14 basis points to 10.97 percent.

The 182-day bill, however, bucked the trend as its yield eased marginally to 7.08 percent from 7.09 percent a week earlier.