Category: Daily Guide Network

The Chief Executive Officer of Margins ID Group, Moses Baiden, has attributed the difficulties many African companies face in competing on the global stage to weak corporate governance, inadequate transparency and poor institutional systems, saying these shortcomings continue to undermine investor confidence and international partnerships.

Speaking in an interview on an Accra-Based Citi FM, Mr. Baiden said African businesses often begin from a disadvantaged position because of longstanding stereotypes and negative perceptions about the continent’s corporate environment.

He explained that African firms face challenges not only because of their national identity but also because their corporate identity is frequently viewed with scepticism by global investors and business partners.

‘Whether it is an African legal identity, like I’m Ghanaian, and also a corporate identity, you start from a negative position because you have the stereotypes and underlying assumptions,’ he said.

Mr. Baiden noted that many international investors perceive African companies as lacking strong governance frameworks, effective compliance systems and sufficient transparency, making it more difficult for them to attract investment and secure strategic partnerships.

According to him, these perceptions are often reinforced when businesses fail to establish robust internal systems that demonstrate accountability, professionalism and adherence to internationally accepted standards.

He said the credibility gap confronting African businesses is rooted partly in historical narratives that have shaped global perceptions of the continent and its ability to build strong and sustainable institutions.

Mr. Baiden, however, stressed that African companies have the opportunity to change this narrative by making corporate governance a strategic priority.

He urged businesses across the continent to strengthen their governance structures, improve transparency and build effective internal controls to enhance accountability and align their operations with international best practices.

According to him, raising governance standards will be essential if African companies are to expand into global markets, attract foreign investment and establish themselves as credible and competitive partners on the international stage.

A 15-YEAR-old boy has reportedly been killed after an inferno totally razed down a nine-bedroom house at Tarkwa Maakro near Suame, in the Ashanti Region.

The deceased, who has since been identified only as Hassan, was said to have been trapped inside his room around 11 p.m. on Monday when the blaze suddenly commenced.

According to reports, there were four other people in the house when the fire started, but they were lucky as they were able to flee from harm’s path to help save their lives.

Unfortunately for Hassan, his room was locked with a security door, which is popularly known as ‘China door’, and he was unable to open it during the fire outbreak.

Hassan, upon realising that his life was in danger, reportedly cried bitterly and begged for help from other occupants in the house, who couldn’t do anything to help.

Eyewitnesses report indicated that one Prince, who lives in the same house, said Hassan persistently called him to help rescue him, but he couldn’t go through the fire to save Hassan.

Officials of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) were eventually called, and they rushed to the place to douse the blaze, but it was too late as Hassan had been killed already.

Meanwhile, the firefighters have commenced investigations to help ascertain what really caused the fire outbreak, which consumed the nine-bedroom house and household items.

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has expressed condolences to the elders and people of Dagbon following the death of Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II.

In a statement, the cleric said he extends his ‘condolences to the Elders of ‘Yani’ and the people of Dagbon, as they mourn the Fallen Tree of royal honour and national pride.’

The passing away of Yaa Naa Abukari II, according to him, ‘is a great loss to the dual community of royalty and morality, for he served as Overlord of a traditional area largely Islamic. And Ghana would, forever, remember an icon whose voice helped shape nation-building of multiple dimensions: from moral mentorship to development championship.’

Throughout his reign, the Chief Imam observes, ‘His Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari II struck a reasonable balance between orthodoxy and modernity to drive the development of the Dagbon Kingdom. The King also stood for the values of unity, accountability, transparency, and honesty in service to humanity.’

In a spiritual reflection, His Eminence advises the Royal Court and the entire Kingdom of Dagbon to accept the irreparable loss as a divine decree stated in the following words of Allah: ‘Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.’ [Quran 2: 156]

He further prayed for Allah’s mercy for the soul of His Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari II and for peace in the traditional area.

The Spiritual Leader expressed the hope that the legacy of His Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari II would continue to inspire unity and stability in Dagbon and among the descendants of Gbewaa.

Brighton and Hove Albion have completed the signing of highly rated Croatian defender, Luka Vuškovic, from Tottenham Hotspur for a club-record £46 million, with the 19-year-old putting pen to paper on a five-year contract that includes the option of a further year.

The Seagulls had two offers rejected before reaching an agreement, with the overall value of the transfer potentially rising to £50 million through performance-related add-ons.

Vuškovic joined Tottenham in 2025 after agreeing a move from Croatian side Hajduk Split two years earlier. However, he spent last season on loan at German club Hamburg, where he impressed with six goals in 30 Bundesliga appearances and was named the league’s Rookie of the Season while earning a place in the Team of the Year.

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler said the club had closely monitored the defender’s development and believes he has the qualities to thrive in the Premier League.

‘Last season he demonstrated he can play at a very high level and we want to help him build on that within our environment,’ Hurzeler said, while stressing that the young defender will need time to adapt to English football.

Vuškovic arrives as a replacement for Dutch centre-back, Jan Paul van Hecke, who has moved to Tottenham in a £52 million deal.

A product of Hajduk Split’s academy, Vuškovic became the youngest player to feature in Croatia’s top flight at 16 before later becoming the club’s youngest goalscorer. He has also earned six senior caps for Croatia, scoring once, and made his FIFA World Cup debut against England last month.

Brighton begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign at home against Aston Villa on August 23.

The Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra has launched its 2026 Green Stay Initiative, receiving strong support from the Ministries of Health and Food and Agriculture as it seeks to promote healthy workplace nutrition, sustainable food systems and improved employee well-being across Ghana.

Launched on Friday, July 10, under the theme ‘Healthy Food Options: Not an Option; Promoting Healthy Nutrition for a Healthy Workforce,’ the initiative brought together government officials, policymakers, health professionals, private sector leaders, nutrition experts and civil society organisations to discuss practical ways of making healthy food more accessible in workplaces and strengthening sustainable food systems.

The initiative positions workplace nutrition as both a public health priority and a strategic business investment, particularly as Ghana continues to face a growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular conditions.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager of Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra, Isaac Okpoti Adjei, said the initiative reflects the hotel’s commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices through healthier dining options, responsible sourcing, food waste reduction and employee wellness programmes.

He urged organisations to move beyond treating healthy eating as a personal lifestyle choice and instead recognise it as an important part of organisational performance and national development.

‘The workplace is one of the most effective platforms for addressing these challenges. When organisations invest in healthier food choices and promote nutritional awareness, they invest in their people,’ he said.

‘A healthy workforce is more energetic, more productive, more innovative and better equipped to deliver excellence.’

Mr Adjei said the hospitality industry’s responsibility extends beyond providing accommodation and quality guest experiences to supporting healthier communities and contributing to a more sustainable future.

He encouraged hotels and restaurants to lead by example by providing healthier menu options, reducing excessive salt and sugar, prioritising fresh and locally sourced ingredients and celebrating Ghana’s rich culinary heritage.

The Ministry of Health pledged its full support for the initiative and called on organisations across the country to make healthy food a standard feature of the workplace.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Health, Kwabena MintahAkandoh, the Director and Chief Programme Officer for Allied Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr Awinibuno A.N. Ignatius, said investing in healthy nutrition was not only a public health necessity but also a major business advantage.

He explained that healthier workforces were less likely to suffer from chronic diseases, absenteeism and reduced productivity, making workplace nutrition an important contributor to economic growth and national development.

‘As a Ministry of Health, we are committed to creating an environment that enables all Ghanaians to make healthier choices,’ he said.

Dr Ignatius noted that the government’s preventive healthcare agenda was placing increased emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention and early detection through nutrition education, regular screening for hypertension and diabetes and strengthened community-based preventive services.

He said the Ministry was implementing several measures to improve nutrition and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases, including the Ghana Food-Based Dietary Guidelines, front-of-pack nutrition labelling policies, food reformulation to reduce salt and industrial trans fats and the National Policy for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases.

The Ministry is also collaborating with the World Health Organization, development partners and the Ministry of Education to promote healthier food environments, expand public education on healthy lifestyles and encourage physical activity in schools and communities.

Dr Ignatius, however, stressed that government alone could not transform Ghana’s food environment and called for stronger private sector involvement.

He urged hotels, restaurants and food service providers to offer healthier menu options, reduce excessive salt, sugar and unhealthy fats, provide nutrition information where possible and increase the use of locally produced foods.

Corporate organisations, he added, should adopt healthy catering standards, strengthen workplace wellness programmes, promote nutrition education, encourage physical activity and support regular health screenings for employees.

‘Whether through healthier cafeteria menus, nutritious refreshments during meetings, reducing sugary drinks at corporate events or strengthening workplace wellness programmes, every step makes a difference,’ he said.

‘Healthy food should not be an exception; it should be a standard in every workplace.’

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture also endorsed the Green Stay Initiative, describing the hospitality industry as a strategic partner in promoting healthy eating, strengthening food security and creating sustainable markets for locally produced food.

Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, Kingsley Amoako said hotels and restaurants had significant influence over consumer food choices and should use that influence to encourage healthier diets while supporting Ghana’s agricultural sector.

‘The hospitality industry has a unique role to play in shaping healthier eating habits through the meals it serves and the food systems it supports,’ he said.

‘Hotels are more than places of accommodation. They are destinations where people experience culture, cuisine and community. Every meal served presents an opportunity to influence healthier eating habits while supporting sustainable food systems.’

Mr Amoako encouraged hospitality establishments to source fresh produce from local farmers, reduce dependence on highly processed foods and introduce seasonal menus featuring indigenous, nutrient-rich and climate-resilient crops.

He explained that prioritising locally produced ingredients would create reliable markets for smallholder farmers, strengthen food security, generate employment and reduce the environmental impact associated with transporting food over long distances.

He also called on hotels and restaurants to reduce food waste through improved menu planning, better food storage, appropriate portion sizes and partnerships with food recovery organisations.

According to him, healthy workplace meals can improve energy levels, concentration, mental alertness and productivity, while sustainability in the hospitality sector should extend beyond energy efficiency and waste management to include food choices that protect both human health and the environment.

Mr Amoako disclosed that the government was incorporating Ghana’s food systems pathways into the 2026-2029 Development Agenda, with emphasis on indigenous and climate-resilient crops to improve food security and promote sustainable agriculture.

He described the Mövenpick Green Stay Initiative as a model of responsible hospitality worthy of emulation.

‘Every healthy meal served, every kilogram of food waste avoided and every partnership formed brings us one step closer to a healthier population and a more sustainable future,’ he said before officially declaring the initiative open on behalf of the Deputy Minister.

The initiative further highlighted the broader economic and social benefits of locally produced food, including support for farmers, employment creation, improved food security and reduced environmental impact.

Government representatives and industry leaders agreed that healthier food systems would require sustained collaboration among public institutions, hospitality operators, food producers, health professionals, educational institutions, corporate organisations and consumers.

Through the Green Stay Initiative, Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra is seeking to demonstrate how the hospitality industry can combine responsible business practices, workplace wellness and local agricultural support to drive lasting national impact.

The Ministries of Health and Food and Agriculture reaffirmed their commitment to working with the private sector and encouraged other hotels, restaurants and corporate organisations to adopt similar measures.

The message from the launch was clear: healthy workplace nutrition must no longer be treated as an optional benefit, but as a necessary investment in Ghana’s people, productivity, food security and sustainable development.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has accused the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) of employing ‘Rambo style’ tactics in its investigations, warning that such actions pose a threat to the nation’s democracy and must not be tolerated.

He has therefore called on the Attorney General and Minister for Justice to appear before Parliament as a matter of urgency to brief the House on EOCO’s operations, particularly the arrest and continued detention of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Director of Communications aspirant, Dennis Miracles Aboagye.

Raising the issue on the floor of Parliament yesterday during the presentation of the Business Statement, the Minority Leader maintained that while the Minority fully supports accountability, law enforcement agencies must exercise their powers with respect for human rights and due process.

‘We are not against accountability. We are against the Rambo style,’ Mr. Afenyo-Markin declared.

He said Parliament has an oversight responsibility over public institutions and could not remain silent over what he described as excesses by EOCO.

‘Mr. Speaker, there are things that are happening. If we don’t talk about them today, tomorrow the other side may be wearing the shoe,’ he cautioned.

Calls for Attorney General

The Minority Leader urged the Majority Leader to programme the Attorney General to brief Parliament on EOCO’s activities.

According to him, Mr. Aboagye was arrested at the Accra International Airport upon his return to the country and has since remained in EOCO custody for more than three days.

He questioned the manner in which the arrest was carried out, arguing that Mr. Aboagye had previously honoured EOCO’s invitations and could have been invited again instead of being arrested.

‘They will arrest people after the person has travelled. He comes back and then, in a Rambo style, he is arrested at the airport and detained for over three days,’ he said.

Bail Conditions

Mr. Afenyo-Markin also criticised the bail conditions imposed on the NPP Communications Director, claiming that EOCO was demanding properties worth GHS50 million before granting him bail.

He described the matter as a human rights issue rather than a partisan one, adding, ‘This is not something that should attract a partisan reaction. It is a human rights issue.’

The Minority Leader warned politicians across the political divide not to view the issue through partisan lenses.

‘It can be somebody today. There is an election ahead. You can never tell. Don’t let us encourage some of these excesses,’ he cautioned.

Threat to Democracy

Mr. Afenyo-Markin argued that EOCO’s approach was unhealthy for Ghana’s democratic development and called on Members of Parliament from both sides of the House to condemn what he described as abuse of investigative powers.

‘What is happening to Miracles Aboagye is not good for our democracy. It is not good for the politics of our country,’ he stated.

He further alleged that some NPP MPs had previously been invited by EOCO and other state security agencies after speaking on sensitive national issues.

‘Some of my colleagues here, sometimes when they speak on critical issues, they get invitations to EOCO, to Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) and all of that. We have kept quiet about it. Now it has gotten to our party executives. We shouldn’t do this to ourselves,’ he said.

While insisting that EOCO has every right to investigate suspected wrongdoing, the Minority Leader said the agency must perform its duties ‘with a human face.’

Mr. Afenyo-Markin added that Mr. Aboagye had recently suffered losses following flooding at his residence and was already traumatised before his arrest.

‘He has a wife and children. Already the man was affected by the flood. He lost everything. He is already traumatised. Then, to worsen it, you detain him for three days,’ he said.

Majority Responds

Responding to the Minority Leader’s claims, the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, defended EOCO’s actions, arguing that the arrest followed extensive investigations and should not be politicised.

He cited EOCO’s official statement issued on July 13, which said Mr. Aboagye, a former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), was arrested in connection with ongoing investigations into alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities at the Secretariat.

According to him, the investigations followed a petition from the current Executive Secretary requesting further investigations into a forensic audit covering the period between August 1, 2022 and February 2, 2025.

Mr. Dafeamekpor said EOCO’s investigations had resulted in allegations including conspiracy to steal, stealing, using public office for profit, causing financial loss to the state, dissipation of public funds, defrauding by false pretences and money laundering.

He argued that the Minority Leader had no basis to question the agency’s decision after what he described as a year-long investigation.

‘The Minority Leader has no right under the sun to suggest that where an investigative body has conducted a year-long investigation, invited the suspect and made a prima facie determination leading to an arrest that may result in prosecution, the Attorney General should be summoned to explain why accountability is being demanded,’ he said.

The Majority Chief Whip also rejected claims that EOCO had demanded GHS55 million in cash before granting bail.

He explained that the agency had merely required sureties with assets equivalent to the value of the subject matter under investigation, stressing that such conditions could be challenged in court if considered excessive.

Ghanaian Gospel Artiste, Obaapa Christy, has revealed that throughout her musical career which spans over two decades, her song ‘Hyebre Sesafo’ is her all-time favourite.

Speaking in an interview on GHOne’s ‘Rythmz’, Obaapa Christy opined that the song was birthed out of her current situation at the time of release.

‘Hyebre Sesafo has been one of my all-time favourite songs. It holds a special place in my heart and sparked my love for music. It’s a song that is spirit-filled and I can testify on how the song has been a blessing to me,’ she said.

Obaapa Christy’s flagship annual gospel event is dubbed the ‘Royal Praise Concert’. It features powerful worship, praise, and performances by renowned gospel ministers.

The highly-anticipated event is scheduled across two major cities. Accra Edition: August 9, 2026, at the UPSA Auditorium. Kumasi Edition: August 16, 2026, at the Church of Pentecost, Bantama.

Themed around the biblical ‘royal priesthood’ (1 Peter 2:9), attendees are encouraged to dress in royal apparel.

Born Christiana Adwoa Twene, she rose to fame in the mid-2000s with hits like ‘Meti Ase’ and ‘Hyebre Sesafo’. She won Gospel Artiste of the Year at the 2007 Ghana Music Awards. In 2008, she was conferred with a National Honour by former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

The Supreme Court (SC) has granted an application halting the execution of the Court of Appeal decision ordering the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to restore the operating licence of GN Savings and Loans Limited.

The latest development bars the company from resuming operations until the final determination of an appeal filed by the central bank against the decision of the appellate court.

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, presided over by Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, held yesterday that there are still substantial issues to be determined and it is proper to stay the execution of the orders of the Court of Appeal pending the determination of those issues.

Restoration Order

The Court of Appeal in May 2026 ordered Bank of Ghana to restore the operating licence of GN Savings and Loans Limited after it upheld an appeal against the decision of a High Court which affirmed the central bank’s 2019 decision.

The appellate court also ordered the BoG to return all assets to GN Savings and Loans while the receiver, was also ordered to return the management of the company to its previous managers.

A three-member panel of the court gave the order yesterday after it overturned a 2020 decision of a High Court which said BoG’s revocation of the company’s operating licence was not illegal or discriminatory.

BoG Appeal

Not satisfied with the decision, the Bank of Ghana filed an appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal directing it to restore the operating licence of GN Savings and Loans Limited.

The BoG is asking the apex court to set aside the decision on ground that the Court of Appeal erred in law when it went ahead to hear and determined the appeal filed by applicants (Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, Coconut Grove Beach Resort, and Groupe Nduom Limited).

According to the appeal, Groupe Nduom and others did not comply with an earlier mandatory provision under the Court of Appeal’s Rules, 1997 (CI 19, as amended), which stipulates that particulars of an alleged error of law should be clearly stated in a notice of appeal.

The central bank has also raised several instances in the Court of Appeal’s decision which it described as particulars of error in law, which adds to the weight of its case against the order directed at it to restore the operating licence of GN Savings and Loans.

BoG also raised serious concerns about the Court of Appeal’s judgment concerning its failure to consider the report of the advisor it appointed before proceeding to withdraw the licence of GN Savings and Loans.

It is seeking the Supreme Court to set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal and restore the High Court’s judgment which affirmed the revocation of the operating licence of GN Savings and Loans.

BoG subsequently filed an application seeking a stay of the execution of the orders of the Court of Appeal pending a final determination of the appeal.

Original Suit

GN Bank was reclassified as a savings and loans company on January 4, 2019, and subsequently renamed GN Savings and Loans Company Limited.

However, the Bank of Ghana, on August 16, 2019, revoked the company’s operating licence for being insolvent and appointed Eric Nana Nipah as its receiver.

On August 30, 2019, Chairman of Groupe Nduom, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, sued the BoG and two others over the revocation of the licence of GN Savings and Loans Company Limited.

The suit, which was filed jointly by Coconut Grove Beach Resort and Conference Centre Limited and Groupe Nduom (GN) Limited, is challenging the decision of the central bank to declare GN Savings and Loans Limited insolvent, leading to the revocation of its operating licence.

The High Court, presided over by Justice Gifty Addo Adjei, delivering judgment on the case, said the central bank was right when it revoked the licence because it had become apparent that GN Savings and Loans Limited was unable to meet its debt obligations due to poor governance structures.

The Court of Appeal, on May 21, 2026, overturned the High Court decision and ordered Bank of Ghana to restore the operating licence of GN Savings and Loans Limited.

Justice Kofi Bimpeh has been appointed as the new Head of Office of the Ghana-NRW University Alliance in Accra, Ghana.

In his new role, Justice Kofi Bimpeh will lead the Alliance’s operations in Ghana, serving as the principal liaison between universities in Ghana and the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW).

He will oversee strategic partnerships, facilitate academic and research collaborations, support student and staff mobility, and strengthen institutional engagement between higher education institutions in both regions. The Accra office serves as the Alliance’s central point of contact for researchers, students, and university partners, advancing the shared goal of fostering academic excellence and mutually beneficial cooperation.

As a trained journalist, Justice Kofi Bimpeh brings extensive experience in strategic communication, international collaboration, higher education engagement, and media development. He holds a Master’s degree in International Media Studies from DW Akademie in collaboration with the University of Bonn and Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences in Germany, and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies (with a focus on Journalism) from the Ghana Institute of Journalism (now University of Media, Arts and Communication).

Throughout his career, he has worked across academia, international development, media, marketing and corporate communications, contributing to initiatives that promote knowledge exchange, institutional partnerships, digital innovation, and public engagement. His professional background positions him well to advance the Alliance’s mission of strengthening educational and research cooperation between Ghana and NRW.

Speaking on his appointment, Justice Kofi Bimpeh said:

‘I am honoured to serve as Head of Office for the Ghana-NRW University Alliance in Ghana. I believe this partnership represents an exciting opportunity to deepen collaboration between our universities, promote innovation, and create new opportunities for students, researchers, and academic institutions. I look forward to working closely with our partners and stakeholders to advance impactful, mutually beneficial collaborations between Ghana and North Rhine-Westphalia.’

The Ghana-NRW University Alliance is a consortium of universities from North Rhine-Westphalia coordinated by the University of Cologne. The Alliance promotes academic cooperation with universities in Ghana through research partnerships, student and staff exchanges, joint projects, and international networking, contributing to sustainable higher education collaboration between both regions.

As Head of Office, Justice Kofi Bimpeh will work closely with universities, government agencies, funding organisations, industry, and development partners to expand the Alliance’s impact and strengthen the growing academic relationship between Ghana and North Rhine-Westphalia.

Of all the issues related to the controversial removal from office of Justice Gertrude Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, Ghana’s third woman Chief Justice (CJ), I think the most concerning, if not the main, is this: that in her quest for justice, aiming to clear her name of wrongdoing, she has lost all her earned exit entitlements, too.

Again, the ‘between a rock and a hard place’ predicament the 15th CJ found herself in, following the three petitions against her alleging misconduct and seeking her ouster, has left her without a position-related exit package or pension!

As an informed source confirmed to me a few days ago: ‘nothing so far paid or intended to be paid.’

This troubling situation is why I believe Ghana needs a State ‘Dwanetoahene’, borrowing the concept from Akan culture and chieftaincy tradition; an office similar to the western ‘Ombudsman’ position.

I don’t know if other tribes have a similar post, but according to my admittedly basic knowledge of Akan culture, a Dwanetoahene is one of the honorary chieftaincy titles in many Akan areas, appointed by the Paramount Chief (some with a woman too appointed as ‘Dwanetoahemaa’).

Furthermore, from reference sources:

‘In the Ghanaian and Akan traditional systems, the Dwanetoahene is a specialized sub-chief or high-ranking counselor whose primary title translates to … ‘the one to run to for rescue’ (emphasis added). This chief serves as a traditional mediator, peacemaker, and the direct intermediary between the people and the paramount chief….’

‘An ombudsman is an independent official appointed to investigate and resolve complaints made by individuals against public authorities, corporations, or institutions …a neutral mediator between citizens or employees and the organization.’

‘In Ghana, the Ombudsman function is carried out by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). It investigates complaints against government officials and public institutions to ensure fairness and transparency.’

But what about when an individual has a problem with the Government or the President?

Strange that there seems to be no such appointee or office to take care of a possible situation when there is need for critical intervention between an aggrieved individual and the State apparatus, or the President, without the cost of a court action.

Under such a proposed office, a ‘State Dwanetoahene’, it should be possible for any interested party, or concerned member of the public, to request the intervention of that office to ensure that the rights of the affected are served; that there is a just outcome for both sides of a grievance.

I have in mind a type of Ombudsman, but different from the role set out for the CHRAJ in our national Constitution, now under review. It has to be an independent office or authority that can mediate when there is a disagreement, grievance or problem between, for example, an individual, state official or appointee and the sitting President.

My view is that Ghana would be well served by such an office, which could step in when there is a problem such as the Justice Torkornoo situation, or any other official of the state, who has not been accused, or found guilty of embezzlement, perfidy, corruption, or treason, but is being denied their deserved entitlements after removal from office.

For the record, evidently, Justice Torkornoo didn’t come lightly to her decision to challenge the contentious three petitions alleging misconduct that led to her dismissal by President Mahama on September 1, 2025; after the Council of State had reportedly found a ‘prima facie’ case, seemingly plausible allegations, against her.

However, she described the allegations as ‘wild claims in a collection of petitions (not) even remotely true or (which meet) the standard required for removing any Judge’ (emphasis added). Thus, she was put in a situation of being ‘between a rock and a hard place’, or ‘between the devil and the deep blue sea’. Understandably, she felt the urgent, non-negotiable need to try to clear her name, despite the known risks. As she explained in her statement to the media on June 25, 2025:

‘I do not seek to cling to a title or position. However, as a lawyer of 38 years standing, a Judge of 21 years standing, and Chief Justice of Ghana who has served in the rule of law all of my working life, I consider it my onerous duty and obligation to speak up concerning the administration of justice in this country.

‘The situation I have been confronted with has shown me a model of injustice that I would never have thought possible if I had not been exposed to it. This is why despite great personal discomfort, I have decided to marshal every effort, in law and leadership, to answer to this situation.

‘Furthermore, resigning or retiring while article 146 proceedings are being conducted to remove a Judge is not an option any Judge or public official is even allowed to have. There is a decided case on the subject by the Supreme Court. The suit number is J6/02/2019.

‘Again, no one has the authority to walk away from proceedings started by the State. Judgment can be entered against you because you failed to defend yourself. And a Judge who resigns or retires would still lose all entitlements because they failed to defend the claims and resigned or retired while the proceedings were going on.

‘Therefore, if false claims are made against a Judge or any Commissioner or other public office holder subject to article 146 proceedings, just to achieve a political agenda, the solution cannot be to resign or voluntarily retire out of frustration, pressure or fear. One would only find themselves being subjected to two cruelties – a judgment based on false claims, and loss of everything that one has worked for.

‘It may well be that efforts are being made to make me feel frustrated and resign so that the architects of the scheme can go back into the media to say that the wild and unfounded allegations in the petitions were not defended because they were true or that I had no credible defence to them.

‘As Chief Justice of a nation, who has been given the onerous duty and obligation to lead administration of justice, I should not turn tail and run when I know the implications of not defending false and unwarranted charges. If I resign under these circumstances, I will be saying that this flawed, unknown and opaque process is acceptable. It is not,’ Justice Torkornoo reiterated.

I believe that the Report of the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) set up by President John Mahama in January, 2025, is currently being studied by the Government, but perhaps my ‘State Dwanetoahene’ proposal, too, can be considered if not now, in the future.

Again, as she indicated in her press statement, she knew that her quest might end in loss of her entitlements accrued in 38 plus years in law service.

Loss of entitlements may be what the law stipulates, but is this fair? Is it just that a person who has worked for nearly four decades, but is controversially forced out of office, also forfeits all their professional exit entitlements, losing position-related pension?

How can it be right that a Judge and former CJ goes home empty handed, empty pocket, and nobody is talking publicly about that, not even the legal fraternity; the non-governmental organisations; rights advocates, or the Christian and Muslim leaders so vocal on other national issues?

And if the current plight of Justice Torkornoo is not cause for continuing national discussion, towards correction, why is it not?

Interestingly, recently, President Mahama gave an address based on practical Christianity at the Faith Conference of the Men’s Ministry of the Assemblies of God, at Gomoa. It was a compelling, comprehensive speech, identifying him as a person of faith, who espouses Christian values. And I believe I heard ‘compassion’, a hint of Christian charity towards others, in his well-received presentation.

So, regarding Justice Torkornoo, where is the fellow feeling? Particularly, why is the Christian community, too, silent on this matter? Yet, Ghana prides itself as a very religious country.

Obviously, Ghana hasn’t got a State Dwanetoahene, but surely in this case religious leaders can take that role? Can’t Justice Torkornoo benefit from some compassion?

How can it be acceptable that a person seeking to clear their name of clearly ‘unfounded allegations’, ends up forfeiting all their rightfully earned entitlements, too?

But I’m convinced that President Mahama has the power and the AUTHORITY to correct the manifest injustice to Justice Torkornoo, who continues to pursue justice despite the disappointments suffered in courts.

Meanwhile, as ever, I applaud the courage, resilience and tenacity of Justice Torkornoo in her continuing fight for justice.