Category: Daily Guide Network

The Ambassador of Lebanon to Ghana and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Maher Kheir, has paid a farewell visit to Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), marking the completion of his diplomatic mission after more than seven years of service in the country.

During the meeting, Ambassador Kheir expressed his deep appreciation to the government and people of Ghana for their unwavering support, friendship, and hospitality extended to him and to the Lebanese community throughout his tenure.

He highlighted the historic bonds of friendship between Lebanon and Ghana, strengthened by more than a century of Lebanese presence and Ghana’s continuous participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 1978 – a symbol of the two nations’ shared commitment to peace and international cooperation.

Ambassador Kheir also reviewed major milestones of bilateral cooperation achieved in recent years, including the Lebanese Scholarship Programme, supporting Ghanaian students in higher education; Francophonie cultural initiatives promoting dialogue and diversity; Memoranda of Understanding with the Ministries of Education and of Tourism, Arts and Culture; The establishment of the Lebanon-Ghana Parliamentary Friendship Association; and the strengthening of economic and cultural cooperation through the Chambers of Commerce and the Francophone Ambassadors’ Group.

Reflecting on his role as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Chair of the Francophone Ambassadors’ Group, Ambassador Kheir said he was honoured to have served the broader diplomatic community in Ghana and to have fostered constructive dialogue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Ablakwa commended Ambassador Kheir for his exemplary service and impactful leadership as Lebanon’s envoy and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

He praised the Ambassador’s contributions to education, health, and intercultural exchange, noting that the scholarships offered to Ghanaian students stand as a testament to his commitment to human development.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to further strengthen the cordial ties between the country and Lebanon.

Ambassador Kheir concluded by expressing his profound gratitude and affection for Ghana and its people, saying he leaves with cherished memories and deep admiration for the nation’s spirit of peace, coexistence, and democracy.

‘I am confident that the friendship between Lebanon and Ghana will continue to flourish in the years ahead,’ he stated.

The vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, in Parliament yesterday was marred by controversy and drama, culminating in a boycott by the Minority Caucus after heated exchanges over their attempt to make preliminary comments.

The session, held by the Appointments Committee, began on a tense note when the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who is also the Ranking Member of the Committee, sought to make opening remarks outlining his side’s reservations about the process.

However, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, objected, insisting that the matter had already been dealt with in Parliament through an earlier motion and that the vetting was not a forum for political commentary.

Tensions escalated when Mr. Afenyo-Markin referred to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a ‘disputed Chief Justice nominee’, a description that immediately drew protests from the Majority side.

Mr. Ayariga challenged the characterisation, arguing that it prejudiced the process and demanded that the Minority Leader withdraw and apologise for the statement. Mr. Afenyo-Markin refused, accusing the Majority Leader of acting in bad faith and seeking to silence dissent.

The confrontation forced the Chairman of the Committee to suspend proceedings for nearly 30 minutes to restore calm.

When the sitting resumed, Mr. Afenyo-Markin announced that the Minority would abstain entirely from the vetting process in protest over what he described as a lack of transparency and fairness in the handling of the nomination and the earlier removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.

‘Be it known to you, Chairman, and to the Committee and the country that we, the Minority Caucus, hereby vote en-bloc to reject the nominee,’ Mr. Afenyo-Markin announced.

‘We would want to state on record that the Majority can proceed with the questions. We do not intend to proceed with any question. We are, however, registering in the strongest terms that we reject the nomination, and the records should reflect that the report of this Committee be a majority report,’ the Effutu MP stated before leading his side to walk out.

This left only the Majority members of the Appointments Committee to continue the vetting.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who currently serves as Acting Chief Justice, was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama to succeed Justice Torkonoo following her removal from office, a decision the opposition has repeatedly criticised as ‘a travesty of justice.’

Mr. Afenyo-Markin insisted that the committee responsible for her dismissal operated under ‘opaque circumstances’ and accused the government of politicising the judiciary.

Despite the walkout, the Majority proceeded with the vetting, questioning Justice Baffoe-Bonnie on his appointment, custodial sentences, and the need to rebuild public confidence in the judiciary.

NPP’s Concerns

Meanwhile, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed reservations over the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for the office of Chief Justice, warning that proceeding with the vetting amid ongoing legal disputes threatens Ghana’s constitutional order.

In a statement released immediately after the Minority’s boycott of the vetting, the party said its concerns are rooted not in partisan politics but in a commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the preservation of democratic institutions.

‘Our position is rooted in a solemn duty to defend the 1992 Constitution of Ghana from any action that threatens its integrity and the delicate balance of powers,’ the statement, signed by Justin Kodua Frimpong, General Secretary of the NPP, said.

The party highlighted that the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Essaba Torkornoo is currently the subject of seven substantive legal suits pending before the Supreme Court, the High Court, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

According to the NPP, these cases raise fundamental questions regarding due process, natural justice, and the constitutional protections of judicial officeholders.

‘It is a cardinal principle of constitutional governance that where the legitimacy of a foundational state action is directly challenged before a competent court, the political branches must exercise restraint until the judiciary has discharged its constitutional mandate to interpret the law,’ the statement added.

The NPP also cited potential conflicts of interest concerning Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, noting that he presided over interlocutory proceedings in Assafuah v. Attorney-General, a case central to the legality of the Chief Justice’s office, and was part of the Supreme Court majority that allowed the removal process of Justice Torkornoo to proceed.

‘This situation engages the timeless principle of nemo judex in causa sua, that no person shall be a judge in their own cause. The appearance of a conflict of interest is palpable and undermines public confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary and his stewardship,’ the statement said.

The party further criticised the Mahama administration for moving forward with the nomination despite these pending cases, describing it as a pre-emptive assault on the judicial function.

Addressing Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, the NPP said that accepting the nomination under these circumstances represents ‘a gross and detrimental failure of judicial leadership’, emphasising that the judiciary’s independence requires restraint and principle.

The statement also warned the government to exercise its constitutional prerogative in appointments with fidelity to the law rather than political expediency, asserting that ‘political majorities are transient, but constitutional principles are eternal.’

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has reiterated the need for the implementation of decisive policies to curb the growing menace of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey which has escalated over the past months.

In this regard, the Association has urged President John Dramani Mahama to issue a bold and irreversible national policy statement dubbed the ‘Manhyia Declaration’ to tackle the galamsey menace permanently.

GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, made the suggestion during the 29th GJA Media Awards held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi under the patronage of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

According to him, the proposed ‘Manhyia Declaration’ should serve as a turning point and a national commitment that binds every stakeholder, from government to traditional authorities, media, civil society, and ordinary citizens, to eradicate illegal mining and protect the country’s environment.

Held under the theme, ‘Safeguarding Ghana’s Future: The Role of the Media in Promoting Peace, Security and the Fight Against Galamsey,’ the event brought together the President, John Mahama, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, and the Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.

This is the first time heads of all three arms of government have attended a GJA event simultaneously.

Mr. Dwumfour emphasised that galamsey is no longer an environmental issue but a national security threat, with illegal miners growing bolder, better armed, and increasingly violent.

‘The happenings are chilling. These galamsey criminals are becoming bolder, more brutal, and better organised – operating like gangs of terrorists. We must wake up as a nation before it is too late,’ he warned.

Mr. Dwumfour used the occasion to condemn recent attacks on members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) by armed men posing as security officers, describing it as a grave affront to the authority of the state and the rule of law.

‘Anything short of swift and firm justice will embolden lawlessness and erode public confidence in the state’s ability to protect those who serve the national interest,’ he indicated.

The GJA President also used the occasion to sympathise with a group of journalists injured while accompanying Environment Protection Authority (EPA) officers on an anti-galamsey operation.

Mr. Dwumfour praised the Asantehene, describing him as ‘a national moral compass who has defended Asanteman’s lands with honour.’

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has held a day’s sensitisation workshop at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho, to educate students from second-cycle and tertiary institutions on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocols and their relevance to regional development.

The event, organised in collaboration with Media Response and the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, brought together over 500 students, educators, and policymakers from across the Ho Municipality.

The sensitisation workshop forms part of the Ministry’s broader effort to promote regional awareness, citizenship education, and youth participation in ECOWAS affairs, in line with the country’s commitment to fostering peace, unity, and development across West Africa.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Francis Danti Kotia, Coordinating Director for Multilateral and International Organisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscore the country’s historical role in the formation and sustenance of ECOWAS, stressing the nation’s unwavering commitment to regional unity and prosperity.

‘Ghana was not only a founding member of ECOWAS but has remained a strong pillar in ensuring its growth and stability,’ he said.

Ambassador Kotia said since its establishment in 1975, ECOWAS has been instrumental in advancing economic growth, political stability, and social development across the West African sub-region.

He indicated that the organisation continues to promote regional integration through various initiatives addressing challenges such as political instability and economic inequality.

He also drew attention to ECOWAS’ youth-focused programmes, including educational exchanges, internships, and cross-border collaborations, and encouraged students to take advantage of such opportunities to develop their skills and contribute to regional development.

Ambassador Kotia expressed optimism about ongoing diplomatic efforts to restore unity following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in January 2024 to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

He reaffirmed the country’s role as a pillar of stability in the sub-region, noting that Ghana remains committed to the implementation of ECOWAS protocols on free movement, residence, and establishment, which continue to facilitate cross-border trade and cooperation.

‘It is your duty to learn about the ECOWAS protocols and understand how they affect your lives, so that you can play a meaningful role in shaping the future of West Africa,’ he said.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, urged young people to take an active interest in the ideals and objectives of ECOWAS and to become ambassadors of regional integration, peace, and cooperation.

He said the Volta Region’s position as a strategic border area and gateway between Ghana and other ECOWAS member states makes it central to the success of regional cooperation and trade.

‘The protocols and programmes of ECOWAS can only be effective if our citizens, particularly our youth, understand and appreciate their purpose and benefits,’ he said.

‘The Regional Minister further stated that by deepening awareness of protocols such as the Free Movement of Persons, Goods and Services, and regional peace and security mechanisms, we are building informed citizens who value unity and cooperation,’ he added.

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to regional cooperation noting that the country’s foreign policy is anchored on economic diplomacy and regional collaboration.

He also encouraged students to seize opportunities presented by ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), especially in trade, education, technology, and cultural exchange.

‘The success of regional integration depends largely on how much the younger generation embraces and lives the ECOWAS dream.

‘You are the innovators, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and leaders of tomorrow. Understanding ECOWAS protocols will empower you to make the most of opportunities within the sub-region,’ he said.

The confidence with which the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Hamid, brushed off the Special Prosecutor’s so-called GHS100 million asset seizure announcement left many Ghanaians puzzled.

According to Dr. Hamid, the much-publicised claim by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng was false, and that none of his assets had been frozen, contrary to what was widely reported.

It was, indeed, unimaginable that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) could make such a serious public announcement only for it to turn out untrue. Who was speaking the truth? Was the Special Prosecutor merely reacting to Dr. Hamid’s earlier dismissal of his case as ‘bogus,’ and thus seeking to save face?

It will be recalled that when a journalist asked Dr. Hamid about the OSP’s case against him, he bluntly described it as bogus. Not long after that, an evidently incensed Special Prosecutor announced the alleged seizure of Dr. Hamid’s assets, which is estimated at GHS100 million.

Dr. Hamid promptly denied the claim, insisting that no such action had been taken. The spectacle soon resembled a game of ping-pong, each side contradicting the other.

Known for his quick and often spirited responses to criticism, the Special Prosecutor, curiously, maintained an uncharacteristic silence this time. His delayed reaction heightened public curiosity, especially among Ghanaians who now view his media interactions as a mix of legal drama and entertainment.

Here was a Special Prosecutor whose integrity was being publicly questioned by a former public official. Naturally, Ghanaians were left wondering: who was lying? Were the assets truly frozen or not? And if not, why did the announcement follow so swiftly after Dr. Hamid’s ‘bogus’ remark?

Was this a case of failed emotional intelligence on the part of the Special Prosecutor?

As it turned out yesterday, no assets belonging to Dr. Hamid had been frozen, as initially announced. The revelation left the former NPA boss vindicated, and laughing last.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor must be spared such image-denting blunders. Its mandate places it in a unique and highly scrutinised position, requiring restraint, accuracy, and credibility at all times.

We are compelled to ask: what motivated the Special Prosecutor to be economical with the truth when he made the announcement? This mendacious claim has severely dented the image of the OSP and cast doubts on its operational integrity.

Our Special Prosecutor has shown a tendency to become personally entangled in the cases he handles, an approach that undermines the objectivity needed for successful prosecutions.

A consummate lawyer of his standing should demonstrate better judgment. Rash, ill-considered public statements do not enhance his reputation; they only debase the Office he leads.

The people of Ghana deserve to know what truly led to this blunder – the assets freezing which never was.

Fidelity Bank Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to driving innovation and entrepreneurship through technology with the hosting of its annual Orange Summit, themed ‘Smart Business, Smarter Future.’

Held at The Palms by Eagles, the event marked a strategic shift in the bank’s agenda, focusing on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart systems can strengthen the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and future-proof young businesses.

The summit forms part of Fidelity’s broader Young Entrepreneurs Initiative (FYEI), which includes the Fidelity Young Entrepreneurs Fund (FYEF) and the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF).

Organised in partnership with development agencies, investors, and policymakers, this year’s edition brought together more than 100 participants to share insights on innovation, governance, and resilience in a rapidly digitising economy.

Speaking at the event, Nana Yaa Afriyie Ofori-Koree, Head of Partnerships, Sustainability, and Corporate Social Responsibility at Fidelity Bank, said the Orange Summit and its related interventions have been instrumental in transforming Ghana’s start-up landscape.

‘OCIF is first a funding programme, but more importantly, it’s a catalyst for transformation,’ she said.

‘Since its launch in 2021, at the height of the pandemic, the initiative has supported over 112 entrepreneurs across agribusiness, fashion, technology, and the creative industries. With a total fund size of GHS 14.3 million, the programme has disbursed GHS 22.3 million through its revolving mechanism, with GHSS7.1 million still actively working in the economy. Collectively, our entrepreneurs have created over 1,000 jobs, expanded production, and built sustainable businesses with visible results,’ she stated.

Mrs. Ofori-Koree added that Fidelity remains committed to expanding the FYEI and scaling the OCIF’s impact beyond 2030. She also pointed to the bank’s women-focused entrepreneurship programmes implemented in partnership with ACCION, the Coca-Cola Foundation, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The Dutch Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Jeroen Verheul, whose government supports the OCIF through the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), lauded the partnership’s progress and long-term potential.

‘Our partnership with Fidelity Bank has grown into something deeply rooted in Ghanaian soil,’ he said and added, ‘We see ourselves as planting a seed that is cared for by Ghanaian institutions and people, and that will grow into a strong Ghanaian tree.’

Ambassador Verheul stressed the importance of private sector involvement in addressing global challenges, noting that governments alone cannot provide all the solutions.

‘That is why capacity building, training, and access to finance remain critical for entrepreneurs,’ he added.

The 2025 Orange Summit also honoured 10 outstanding entrepreneurs within the FYEI ecosystem for excellence, innovation, and resilience.

Among them was Gideon Dendzo, Founder and Team Lead of Giddins Ghana Limited, who recounted how the OCIF transformed his business.

‘OCIF believed in us, and that belief became the seed of transformation. We have created jobs, trained young women, expanded production, and taken Ghanaian-made products to the global market. This recognition reminds us that the model works, and with greater support, we can do even more,’ he stated.

Discussions at the summit centred on how AI and smart technologies can enhance innovation, improve governance, and promote financial literacy.

Edna Engmann, Head of Transformation Programs at Fidelity Bank, said the bank sees digital transformation as essential to the sustainability of modern enterprises.

Participants also benefited from a presentation by Mr. Dominic Naab of the Ghana Revenue Authority, who offered insights on Ghana’s tax framework and how start-ups can structure their operations for long-term financial health.

Gospel musician and evangelist, Cecilia Marfo, has expressed deep disappointment over what she describes as neglect by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), despite her contributions to the party’s 2024 election victory.

Speaking in an interview with Nana Romeo on Okay FM on November 6, 2025, the ‘Afunu Ba’ hitmaker claimed that her campaign song for the NDC played a significant role in rallying support for the party during the last general election.

‘There are many people who wouldn’t have voted for the NDC in 2024, but because of my song, many people voted for the party,’ she said.

Cecilia Marfo said she expected at least some recognition or support from the party for her efforts. Still, over a year after the elections, she has received neither acknowledgement nor assistance.

Recounting her current struggles, the gospel singer revealed that she still drives her old, dilapidated vehicle and sometimes feels embarrassed to be seen in it.

‘I have been using my old, dilapidated car ever since. I am even shy to go out with it. Sometimes when I go out, I park the car far away,’ she lamented.

Cecilia Marfo also claimed that her repeated attempts to meet former President John Dramani Mahama, whom she affectionately referred to as ‘my daddy,’ have been unsuccessful.

‘Since they came into power, I haven’t been able to see my daddy Mahama. Anytime I try to get close, security and other aides prevent me. It feels like I have been neglected,’ she said.

According to her, she was spiritually and emotionally invested in the NDC’s campaign, composing and performing songs specifically in support of Mahama and praying fervently for his success.

‘I even prayed for him through a song I composed for him. I got a lot of enemies because of that,’ she disclosed.

Despite those sacrifices, Cecilia Marfo said she has not heard from the party since the elections.

The Ghana Police Service and its Nigerian counterpart, the Nigeria Police Force, have agreed to establish a Joint Task Force (JTF) to tackle cross-border human trafficking, appoint focal officers for real-time information exchange, and develop standardized protocols for victim repatriation and referral.

They also resolved to launch joint awareness campaigns targeting youth and border communities, and to convene a high-level meeting of West African police chiefs to harmonise regional strategies against trafficking.

The agreements were reached during a high-level bilateral meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, last Friday, between a Ghana Police delegation led by the Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, and their Nigerian counterparts.

The two internal security agencies reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying joint efforts to combat human trafficking and related transnational crimes across West Africa.

The meeting was co-chaired by COP Donkor and the Deputy Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police Force, Sadiq I. Abubakar, and brought together senior officials from law enforcement, immigration, intelligence, and diplomatic institutions of both countries.

Discussions focused on emerging forms of human trafficking, their growing links with cybercrime, and the need for stronger regional cooperation to address the rising number of victims in the sub-region.

In his remarks, DIG Abubakar commended COP Donkor for her proactive initiative in proposing the meeting during the INTERPOL Africa Regional Conference in South Africa earlier this year.

COP Donkor, in turn, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian authorities for their collaboration and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to intensifying intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement actions.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a communiqué to reaffirm the shared commitment of Ghana and Nigeria to dismantle human trafficking networks, protect victims, and sustain bilateral dialogue under the frameworks of ECOWAS and INTERPOL.

John Boadu who has declared his intention to contest the chairmanship position of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) says he would help restore power to the party when given the nod.

‘I have the experience and history of restoring power. At this moment our party members do not want to listen to stories or vain promises.

‘I played key roles in our election victories when the battles were fiercest’, Mr. Boadu, former General Secretary of the NPP pointed out.

He highlighted his significant role in the NPP’s major electoral victories in 2016 and 2020, noting that the party achieved its highest vote margins and parliamentary seats during those periods

He was speaking at a grassroot mobilisation workshop organised by the women’s wing of the NPP in the Effia constituency of the Western Region.

He noted that every political party’s goal, be it unity, discipline or development, can best and fully achieved when the party is in power.

He noted, ‘The greatest strides our nation witnessed-the implementation of free health insurance scheme, free maternal health policy and free education among others-were possible because the NPP was in power’.

Mr. Boadu told the gathering that he led the NPP to election victories at moments when hope was lost and unity was strained.

He said, ‘I understand the science, structure and soul of this political party and strategies of winning elections’.

He indicated that when elected the national chairman of the party, he would focused on some key pillars including rebuilding and empowering party structures.

He also mentioned the strengthening of internal security, mobilising sustainable resources for the party and reviving the winning machinery of the NPP.

He said the 2028 general election will be one of the most critical in the country’s political history.

‘It will test the resilience of the NPP, the strength of our party’s structure, our ability to regroup, reorganise and unite our base,’ he added.

According to Mr. Boadu, the NPP cannot gamble with leadership.

‘What the party needs now is an experienced leader who is tried, tested, tolerant, grassroot man and result oriented,’ he stressed.

He, therefore, appealed to the party’s delegates to vote for him to become the next national chairman to rebuild the party and help restore power to the NPP in 2028.

Bright Alan Debrah Fosu, one of six people sentenced to death by hanging for plotting to overthrow the then Nana Akufo-Addo led New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, has been granted bail of GHS2.5 million by a High Court in Accra, pending an appeal against his conviction and sentence.

The decision followed a ruling by a three-member panel of the court presided over by Justice Eugene Nyante Nyadu and assisted by Justices Ruby Aryeetey and Kizita Naa Quarshie, which held that the convict had demonstrated exceptional circumstances in his application warranting the court to grant bail.

Fosu was among six people found guilty by three judges in January 2024 and sentenced to death by hanging over the failed plot to overthrow the NPP government through a violent coup.

Bright Alan Debrah Fosu, together with Kafui Donya, also known as Ezor, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit high treason and the substantive charge of high treason and has been serving his sentence since January 24, 2024.

The other accused in the case include Johannes Zikpi, a civilian with the Ghana Armed Forces, and soldiers such as Lance Corporal Ali Solomon, Lance Corporal Sylvester Akapewu, and WOII Esther Saan Dekuwine, who were found guilty of conspiring to commit high treason.

Three other persons, ACP Dr. Benjamin Agordzo, a senior police officer; Col. Samuel Gameli, a senior military officer; and Lance Corporal Seidu Abubakar, another soldier, were acquitted and discharged of abetment of high treason, conspiracy to commit treason, and treason.

The court, presided over by Justices Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, Stephen Oppong, and Hafisata Amaleboba of the Court of Appeal sitting as additional High Court judges, held that the Office of the Attorney General could not prove the allegations against them beyond reasonable doubt.

The nine were initially charged on April 24, 2021, over plans to usurp the executive powers of Ghana through a coup, including discussions on whether to kill President Akufo-Addo if he was captured.

Almost two years after his sentencing, Fosu filed an application urging the court to grant him bail while he pursued an appeal.

His lawyer, Kormivi Dzodzi, argued that Fosu was not given adequate opportunity to properly defend himself, amounting to a breach of his right to a fair trial. He further contended that the trial court was extremely hostile toward Fosu, denying him adequate time and facilities to defend himself.

The application was opposed by Hilda Craig, a Principal State Attorney, who argued that it lacked merit and urged the court to dismiss it.

After a recess, the court held that the application demonstrated exceptional circumstances and granted Fosu bail of GHS2.5 million with two sureties, one of whom must justify landed property.

He was ordered to surrender his passport to the registrar of the court pending the final determination of his appeal.

The court also placed him on the Police Stop List, stating he can only travel outside the jurisdiction with express permission from the court.

Fosu was given six months to prepare the record of appeal and transmit it to the Court of Appeal, no later than April 9, 2026. The court held that any breach of these conditions would result in the revocation of bail.