Category: Daily Guide Network

‘Bigotry is the disease of ignorance, of morbid minds; enthusiasm of the free and buoyant; education and free discussion are the antidotes of both.’ – Thomas Jefferson

The recent remarks by the Member of Parliament for Asante Akim South, Kwaku Asante Boateng, and his subsequent attempt at ‘clarification,’ have left many within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and beyond deeply disturbed.

What began as an unfortunate outburst on Adom TV has now evolved into a calculated attempt to justify prejudice and mask ethnocentric undertones under the guise of ‘context.’

Let it be said without ambiguity: there is no room for bigotry in the New Patriotic Party.

Dissecting the MP’s ‘Clarification’

Kwaku Asante Boateng’s press release, dated November 1, 2025, claims his comments were ‘misrepresented’ and that at no point did he ‘imply, use, or endorse’ the language of slavery or tribal attack. Yet, his own statement betrays the weakness of this defense.

He concedes that he referred to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a ‘stranger’ to the party’s internal structures-a statement which, whether deliberate or careless, carries a profound insult.

To describe a man who has served the NPP faithfully for nearly two decades as running mate, Vice President, flagbearer and presidential candidate as a ‘stranger’ is not contextual; it is contemptuous.

Moreover, the MP’s insistence that his intent was ‘contextual’ and ‘focused on circumstances surrounding the nomination’ exposes the very flaw he seeks to conceal.

Intent does not erase impact. Words have meaning, especially when uttered by a legislator whose voice carries moral and political weight. When he said ‘stranger,’ the ordinary listener did not hear ‘limited prior involvement.’ They heard alienation, a deliberate framing of Dr. Bawumia as an outsider to a tradition he has helped elevate.

By attempting to downplay his own words, Mr. Asante Boateng fails to show remorse. Instead, he shifts blame to ‘media distortions,’ a tactic too familiar in politics-where one plants a seed of division and then blames the gardener for watering it.

His selective invocation of Northern NPP stalwarts such as Malik Alhassan Yakubu, Hajia Alima Mahama, and others adds another layer of contradiction. If indeed he recognises their dedication and service, then his earlier insinuation that Dr. Bawumia was a ‘stranger’ or ‘slave’ undermines that very recognition. It draws an unspoken line between ‘them’ and ‘us,’ North and South-a dangerous dichotomy that our party has long fought to eliminate.

The moral and political failure

To suggest that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a loyal son of our tradition, an intellectual of global repute, and the former Vice President of the Republic, is an ‘outsider’ is not only morally wrong but politically reckless.

The people of Asante Akim South did not elect Mr. Asante Boateng because of his tribe; they chose him because they believed in his ability to represent them as Ghanaians first.

His remarks, therefore, insult not just Dr. Bawumia, but the collective intelligence and unity of his own constituents. The people of Asante Akim South deserve better.

The NPP’s proud heritage was not built on tribal entitlement, but on intellect, sacrifice, inclusivity, and patriotism. From the Danquah, Busia, and Dombo tradition emerged leaders who believed that leadership is earned through service, not inherited through bloodlines.

The foundation of the UP tradition-the mother root of the NPP-rested on the shoulders of multiple ethnicities united by purpose: the freedom of the Ghanaian, the preservation of democracy, and the promotion of merit over identity.

We cannot now allow that noble tradition to be tainted by the casual bigotry of a few.

The true measure of Dr Bawumia

Dr. Bawumia has earned his place in our political history not by tribe but by toil. Through brilliance, humility, competence, and unshakable loyalty to the NPP and to Ghana, he has proven that leadership is about service, not surname.

We reward hard work, not royalty.

We honor loyalty to our principles, not longevity of association.

To reduce him to the language of servitude is to betray the principles of justice and fairness that define us. We may disagree within the family, but to label one of our own a ‘slave’ or a ‘stranger’ is unpatriotic and unbecoming of any leader in our fold.

Lessons from history

History teaches us that those whom the world once called slaves often became the architects of its freedom. From Frederick Douglass to Booker T. Washington, from Robert Smalls to Barack Obama, the story of progress is always the story of men and women who transcended prejudice and proved that destiny is not determined by origin but by purpose.

If the Honorable Member for Asante Akim South truly believes in democracy, he must know that to call a man a ‘slave’ because of his birthplace is to confess one’s own captivity to ignorance.

True leadership is not defined by tribe, but by truth; not by ancestry, but by ability; not by region, but by reason.

The party’s moral responsibility

The NPP cannot afford to cultivate the weeds of tribalism in its garden of progress. Bigotry has no place at our table. Our Party’s destiny is too important, and our people too diverse, to be held hostage by narrow-minded individuals who see politics through the lens of ethnicity.

We must reaffirm that in the New Patriotic Party, no Ghanaian is an outsider, no patriot is a slave, and no tribal bigot will determine our future.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia embodies the best of what our party stands for: a unifying force, a son of the Republic, and a symbol that in Ghana, every child, regardless of tribe or tongue, can rise to the highest calling of service.

Finally

Mr. Asante Boateng’s press release, while dressed in diplomatic language, failed the simplest test of contrition. It sought to explain away rather than own up. But Ghanaians are discerning; we know sincerity when we see it. The NPP deserves leaders who heal wounds, not ones who open them.

As Scripture reminds us, ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.’

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is that cornerstone. The future of the NPP and of Ghana will be built not on tribal arrogance, but on unity, merit, and moral conviction.

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called for deeper, consistent engagement between the legislature and the media, insisting that a strong and informed media is essential for sustaining the country’s democracy.

Speaking at a meeting with editors and senior journalists in Accra, the Speaker said he had long championed the need for Parliament to maintain open dialogue with the media, dating back to his time as Minority Leader more than two decades ago.

He expressed concern that misconceptions still linger about such engagements, with some wrongly assuming that interactions with the media are attempts to influence or compromise journalists.

‘There is a perception that when politicians engage the media, they are trying to corrupt them to do their bidding. That is never my intention, and nobody can corrupt the media, particularly these days when we have citizens’ media,’ Mr. Bagbin stated.

He stressed that the media remains a ‘critical partner in development,’ arguing that no democratic society can progress without transparent information sharing.

‘You cannot develop without information. We share diverse views, synthesise them, agree on a common journey, and move together,’ he said.

The Speaker reflected on his long relationship with the press, recalling both criticism and support he received during his early leadership in Parliament from 2001, which he said helped shape his public image and resilience.

Mr. Bagbin also recounted past difficulties in bridging political divides, narrating how a simple effort to build cooperation between the Majority and Minority in the early 2000s was derailed by a sensational headline suggesting he was ‘dining with the devil.’

Such incidents, he said, demonstrate the media’s enormous influence either for better or for worse.

The Speaker highlighted achievements of the current Parliament, especially during the historic hung Eighth Parliament, where both sides held equal numbers.

He said the situation was difficult to manage, but Ghana succeeded where many developed democracies have struggled.

He noted that the nation’s Parliament has since introduced reforms to make it more inclusive, including allowing committees to be chaired by both Majority and Minority MPs, depending on the nature of the committee.

Mr. Bagbin further disclosed that Ghana’s Parliament has recently been recognised as one of the most open legislatures in Africa, maintaining its ranking in the latest 2024 assessment by civil society monitors.

However, he stressed that sustaining democratic progress requires constant engagement and understanding between Parliament and the media.

‘If we are closer and share information, you will not publish what is untrue. It is important we continue to meet often, even after I have left office,’ the Speaker told the editors.

Mr. Bagbin reaffirmed his commitment to nurturing a Parliament that is progressive, transparent, inclusive and responsive to the needs of citizens.

Labour unions have criticised the leadership of Organised Labour, accusing them of weak leadership and a lack of transparency in the 2026 base pay negotiations.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed on Monday, November 3, 2025 by Stephen Desu, Innovative Teachers, Founder, Harruna Rafik, Chairman, Senior Staff Association-Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), UG-Korle-bu Branch, Isaac Donkoh, Immediate Past National Chairman (SSA-UoG), Daniel Kweku Obo Manuel, Chairman, SSA-UoG, UniMAC Branch.

The labour unions said it was unacceptable that Organised Labour would begin the 2026 Base Pay Negotiations with a meagre proposal of 20%, which was later reviewed downward to 15% on day one.

It also described government offer of 2.5%, which was later adjusted to 5%, as insulting and shows a complete lack of empathy and respect for the sacrifices of public sector workers who continue to deliver essential services under increasingly difficult circumstances.

‘We, the undersigned Labour Unions, wish to express our disappointment and discontent regarding the behaviour of the leadership of Organised Labour towards the ongoing 2026 Base Pay Negotiations between Organised Labour and the Government of Ghana.

‘The average Ghanaian worker is battling with high utility tariffs, abnormal taxes, and a rising cost of living. It is expected that the leadership of Labour Unions will come to their aid with an improved proposal at the 2026 Base Pay negotiations,’ it stated.

According to the unions, a fair and credible negotiation should have commenced with nothing less than a 50% demand, considering the prevailing economic challenges and the continuous erosion of workers’ real income.

The unions, therefore, cautioned the leadership of Organised Labour to act in the best interest of workers, while calling on the government to return to the negotiation table with a realistic offer that reflects the true cost of living.

It also indicated that the posture of the leadership of Organised Labour, in their view, does not reflect the collective interests of Ghanaian workers, especially those on the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS), nor does it represent the magnitude of suffering across the country.

‘No wonder the leadership of Organised Labour hurriedly and shamefully accepted a 10% base pay increase for 2025 early this year. After accepting the 10% base pay increment, the government later increased utility tariffs by 21%, which eventually made the economic conditions of workers worse off,’ parts of the statement read.

The unions further bemoaned the failure of the leadership of Organised Labour to do proper consultations with the various unions before settling on their suspicious 20% proposal, explaining that lack of engagement and inclusivity in developing a common front has eroded confidence in the process and raised serious questions about whose interests were truly being served.

‘How can Organised Labour present a proposal to the government for 2026 base pay negotiations without the input from other Unions and Associations, or a single meeting among Organised Labour?

‘Why were the media men present prevented from covering the post-negotiation briefings? This is a sharp departure from established practice. This deliberate act of secrecy raises legitimate concerns about transparency and accountability. Why prevent the media from reporting progress if there is nothing to hide? Workers have every right to know what is being negotiated on their behalf,’ it added.

A special team tasked by the government to investigate the circumstances that led to violence and deaths of some individuals during the 2020 and 2024 general elections have identified military and police personnel as responsible for cases resulting in the deaths of seven people.

Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who revealed this during a presentation, said four of the deaths are traceable to the use of a firearm by armed police patrol teams, while three of the cases resulting in the deaths of three people are attributed to military personnel.

Twenty-one (21) suspects have so far been identified in connection with the election-related violence that occurred during the 2020 and 2024 elections, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people with 40 others injured.

He said, ‘The investigation established that three of the cases resulting in four deaths are traceable to the use of a firearm by armed police patrol teams. Military personnel were also found to be responsible for three of the cases resulting in the deaths of three persons when they intervened to restore calm to chaotic crowds.’

The minister disclosed that a Special Investigation Task Force inaugurated on January 16, 2025 by the Inspector General of Police within the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service identified twelve cases that took place during the 2020 and 2024 general elections, and subsequently recommended compensation for the families of the deceased as well as some individuals who were injured during the elections.

According to him, the Attorney General is currently prosecuting three persons who are standing trial at the High Court, Criminal Division, Accra, adding that the investigation established that three of the cases resulting in four deaths are traceable to the use of a firearm by armed police patrol teams.

Mr. Muntaka disclosed that the investigation further established that four of the cases, which resulted in five deaths, were recorded when party enthusiasts resorted to the use of a firearm against their opponents, while two other cases involved persons who were lynched during confrontations between supporters of the two major parties.

The minister, while addressing parts of the 2020 report, highlighted the following incidents across various constituencies: In the Techiman Constituency of Bono East, two people died, and nine others were injured. In Greater Accra, Odododiodio Constituency saw two deaths and fifteen injuries, while in Ablekuma, one person was killed, and four others were injured. In Bono, Banda Constituency, one person died, and two were injured. In Dormaa West, one person died with one other person sustaining injuries. Also, in the Savelugu Constituency in the Northern Region, one person lost his life, and three others sustained injuries.

He said in the Awutu Senya East Constituency of the Central Region, in the 2024 general election, one person died, and another was injured. In the Tolon Constituency of the Northern Region, one person was killed. Similarly, in Damongo, Savannah Region, one death was recorded. In the Nkoranza South Constituency of Bono East Region, one fatality occurred. In the Ashanti Region, two people died, and two others were injured. Additionally, in the Ahafo Ano South West Constituency, one person died, and three others were injured.

‘It is worth noting that twenty-one suspects have been identified through witness interviews, scene visits, reconstruction of crime and crime scenes, and forensic and ballistic examinations of materials of evidence relevant to the cases. Eleven new dockets have been built on the cases,’ he stated.

‘Four of the identified suspects have been arrested and admitted to Police Enquiry Bail to facilitate further investigation and to trace their accomplices. Five other identified suspects have been remanded into prison custody. Warrants of Arrest have been procured to facilitate the arrest of some of the identified suspects,’ the minister noted.

He further disclosed that investigation into one of the cases during the 2020 general election at Odododiodio was completed, as the Attorney General is currently prosecuting three persons standing trial at the High Court, Criminal Division in Accra.

He said the focus of its mandate is to avoid veering into areas that might confuse procedural breaches with the main mandate of the force who are expected to investigate, identify, and prosecute persons responsible for deaths during the 2020 and 2024 general elections.

He noted, ‘There were also instances of persons being rushed to the courts on frivolous and vexatious charges when the same incident had resulted in the death of a person or two. Great effort was expended to distil these charges and identify persons against whom evidence could be produced for the deaths recorded during these elections, with evidence to sustain criminal charges being preferred against them.’

Mr. Muntaka indicated that the detailed report, which has been submitted to President John Mahama, among others, is expected to address the recurrence of election-related violence and fatalities as well as help bring justice to the victims.

The task force also recommended that the state should take up the responsibility to compensate the families who lost their breadwinners, as well as those who suffered injuries.

They also recommended that the police should receive orientation and desist from using lethal force in crowd control situations using appropriate crowd control gear for security services, while urging the state to educate party executives, officials, and persons involved in election management on the provisions of the Anti-Vigilantism Act, 2019 (Act 999).

Member of Parliament for Ledzokuku, Benjamin Ayiku Nartey, in collaboration with the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly, has supported the just-ended inter-school games competition aimed at promoting education, training, and sports among the youth in the municipality.

All four educational circuits in the area – Ledzokuku North, South, Central, and West – received financial support in the form of undisclosed sums of cash to aid their participation in the competition.

The games featured contests in under-13 boys’ soccer and girls’ netball, as well as under-15 soccer (boys and girls), volleyball (boys and girls), handball (boys and girls), and netball (girls).

The winning teams from each circuit will compete on 5th November 2025 at the MacDan AstroTurf, Tsuibleo, with the champions set to represent the municipality at the Zone Six Zonal Competition on 7th November 2025.

Beyond the financial contribution, the Municipal Assembly has also rented the MacDan AstroTurf for the event and will provide jerseys, water, and other logistical support to participating teams.

Delivering an address on behalf of the MP, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Israel Adjetey Otchwenmah, pledged the Assembly’s continued commitment to supporting sports initiatives.

He said the Assembly would increase its support next year to further enhance talent identification and development among young people – a move he believes will benefit individuals, communities, and the nation at large.

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor has lamented that the petroleum industry which was a catalyst for the country’s economic transformation now faces series of challenges.

He said, ‘An industry that has historically served as a significant source of government revenue, foreign direct investment, job creation and in-country value creation, is currently experiencing rapid decline in oil production.’

He mentioned some of the challenges as Regulatory inefficiencies and protracted licensing processes.

He also mentioned ambiguous and inconsistent policies, avoidable and unnecessary legal disputes over field unitisation.

‘All these have collectively made Ghana less competitive relative to other hydrocarbon-producing nations in the region’, he added.

The Minister disclosed this at the opening of the 2025 Local Content Conference and Exhibition organised by the Petroleum Commission.

The three-day conference is on the theme, ‘Revitalising Ghana’s Petroleum Exploration and Production Sector: Driving Innovation and Redefining Local Content for a Competitive Energy Economy.’

It brought together major players in the industry both locally and internationally.

He revealed that between 2019, when the country’s crude oil production reached its peak, and 2025, output has declined sharply by about 32 per cent, dropping from 71.4 million barrels to 48.2 million barrels.

‘This downward trend tells a sobering story. It signifies not only a reduction in government revenue but also a contraction in the value of opportunities and contracts available to Ghanaian companies,’ he added.

He said, ‘These setbacks have far-reaching implications. They undermine Ghana’s fiscal stability and weaken the nation’s capacity to harness our hydrocarbon resources.’

The Minister added that he has therefore directed the Petroleum Commission to prepare an advisory paper on the issue.

‘Let me assure you that government will not hesitate to terminate inactive petroleum agreements to ensure that our resources are utilised productively for the benefit of the Ghanaian people,’ he revealed.

He said he has established a Legislative Review Committee to assess the current legal, regulatory, fiscal, and institutional framework of the upstream petroleum sector.

‘The goal of this review is clear-to attract new exploration investments, encourage reinvestment by existing operators, and enhance recovery from producing fields,’ he said.

In an address read on his behalf, the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson noted that the country’s oil and gas sector has brought both opportunities and responsibilities to the region.

‘That is why gatherings such as this are so critical. They provide the platform to reflect, evaluate, and renew our collective commitment to inclusive local content and sustainable regional growth,’ he noted.

Acting CEO of Petroleum Commission Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, called for increasing investments in the exploration and production and enhancing the level of local content and in-country value additions.

WENDY SHAY’s newly released album titled, ‘Ready,’ which was dropped on October 24, 2025, is making waves in the music scene, recording over 10.5 million on Audiomack, according to Chart Music.

This 13-track project explores themes of love, resilience, independence, and self-worth, showcasing her growth as a singer and songwriter.

The album features collaborations with artistes like Mavado, Olivetheboy, Itz Tiffany, and Nigyboy, and includes hits like ‘Black Coffee’, ‘Don’t Be Silly’ and ‘Apology’. ‘Ready’ has surpassed 10 million streams on Audiomack in just one week, solidifying Wendy Shay’s position as a leading female voice in contemporary Afropop.

Wendy Shay described ‘Ready’ as a symbol of transformation, strength, value, and prosperity, reflecting her personal and professional growth. The album’s success has sparked conversations about her potential claim to ‘Artiste of the Year’ status in next year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).

Wendy Shay, on X, expressed appreciation to her music lovers for streaming the album, saying, ‘Forever grateful for every stream, every share, every word you’ve sung back to me. This album lives because of YOU. Thank you SHAYGANG #READY.’

MTN GHANA’S Bright Conversations series hosted a high-level cybersecurity discussion, emphasising the need for individuals, businesses, and organisations to prioritise digital safety and responsible technology usage in today’s connected world. The event championed safe and responsible technology adoption.

Speaking at the event, Senior Manager for Enterprise Information Security and Governance at MTN Ghana, Jacqueline Hanson Kotei, stated that as part of the telecommunication efforts to provide holistic usage of the internet, it has implemented several cybersecurity measures to create a holistic internet.

She stated they are in partnership with organisations to enhance online security and educate customers on protecting themselves from cyber threats.

Some of their tailored-made measures include organising workshops and discussions to raise awareness about cyber threats, implementing robust security protocols to protect customer data, and promoting safe online practices through public awareness campaigns.

‘We visited some service centers two or three weeks ago to discuss cybersecurity with customers and staff. We’ve been engaging our staff on cybersecurity. The danger often comes from within, so educating our staff is crucial,’ she said.

Jacqueline Hanson Kotei reaffirmed MTN Ghana’s commitment to cybersecurity education and public engagement through initiatives such as Bright Conversations, designed to empower users with knowledge and promote safe digital practices.

Senior Manager at the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Isaac Socrates Mensah, revealed that most cyber incidents in the country are no longer purely technical but increasingly socially engineered, exploiting human trust rather than system flaws.

‘Many people think cybersecurity is only about systems and software. But more often than not, the issue begins with human behavior. People are deceived into giving out personal details or clicking on malicious links. Since January alone, we’ve handled nearly 300 cases linked to online criminal activity,’ he noted.

Mr. Mensah also announced that the country is taking bold steps to strengthen its digital identification system and clamp down on SIM-related fraud. He disclosed plans for a new SIM re-registration exercise to correct earlier verification challenges and align user data with national digital ID platforms.

For his part, CSA Senior Manager Legal and Compliance, Seth Gyapong-Oware, called for strong cross-sector collaboration to tackle cybercrime and promote digital safety at every level of society.

He noted that Ghana’s national cybersecurity agenda, led by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, emphasises policy reforms, international cooperation, and workforce development to safeguard the country’s digital infrastructure.

A delegation from the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and the Ghana Music Producers Association (GAPI), led by the Former President of MUSIGA and Vice President of the International Federation of Musicians, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, on Friday paid a solemn visit to the family of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, to express their condolences.

Present at the gathering were several distinguished members of Ghana’s music fraternity, including Rev. Thomas Yawson, 1st Vice President of MUSIGA; Madam Asabea Cropper, Chairlady of the Aged Musicians Welfare; Daddy Bosco Ahuma, MUSIGA Special Projects Coordinator; Ras Appiah Levi, Global Ambassador for PANAFEST and Emancipation; Pat Thomas, MUSIGA Opinion Leader; Mary Ghansah, Director of the Gospel Fraternity; Gifty Ghansah, Welfare Officer; Lady PJ Mary; and Osbone, representing GAPI.

To receive the delegation were members of the Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings family, including her children and the Head of the family.

After a brief welcome address by the Head of the family, Rev. Thomas Yawson, on behalf of MUSIGA, formally introduced the Former President of the Union, Alhaji Sidiku Buari who spoke on behalf of MUSIGA and GAPI.

He described the late Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings as ‘a mother to all musicians,’ highlighting her immense contributions to the development of Ghana’s music industry.

‘We are here on behalf of the Executives and Members of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and the Ghana Music Producers Association (GAPI) to express our condolences to the family concerning the passing of our dear mother, Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings,’ he said.

‘She was very supportive of MUSIGA’s events and activities. I remember when the Union was in dire need of an office, she assisted us in various ways, including helping us secure the former Passport Office, which later became the headquarters of the Musicians Union of Ghana.’

Alhaji Sidiku Buari further recalled that, in recognition of her invaluable support, MUSIGA honoured Nana Konadu with a special Obatanpa Award, a testament to her nurturing and generous spirit.

‘The Union will forever remember her. May she rest in perfect peace. We also wish to assure the family of our full support during the funeral celebrations,’ he concluded.

The Office of the Attorney General (AG) has filed disclosures and statements of witnesses it intends to rely on for the trial of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias Chairman Wontumi, and his Akonta Mining Company for allegedly facilitating others to mine without lawful authority.

Although the documents were not served on the accused or his lawyers as at the time the case was called yesterday, Maame Osae Gyamerah, a State Attorney, told the court they were filed on October 31, 2025.

She, therefore, pleaded with the court to adjourn the case to enable the prosecution to serve the accused person and his lawyer.

Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, the presiding judge, confirmed that the prosecution had filed the disclosures but noted that there was no proof of service on the accused or his counsel. She, therefore, adjourned the case to November 12, 2025, for continuation.

In a related development, the Attorney General has also filed disclosures in the other case before ‘Criminal Court 1’ where Wontumi and three others are standing trial for allegedly entering and undertaking mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without legal authority.

However, the case had to be adjourned to December 4, 2025, for mentioning because the trial judge, Justice Ruby Aryeetey, who sat during the legal vacation, is on leave.

Wontumi, his company, Edward Akuoko as well as two others were accused of ‘extreme environmental destruction, including the devastation of approximately 13 hectares of land,’ in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve with illegal mining activities.

The prosecution’s brief facts state that despite his company having licence to mine, its application to mine in the forest reserve was refused in August 2022. That notwithstanding, the company allegedly undertook the mining activities.

‘To provide housing for the teeming number of persons working for it, A1 (Akonta Mining) put up several makeshift structures across the Forest Reserve,’ the facts allege.

The Attorney General has, however, dropped all charges against Akuoko and intends to use him as a prosecution witness against the other accused persons.

Edward Akuoko had been charged with offences including undertaking mining operation without licence, abetting the unauthorised felling of trees in forest reserves, and abetting the unauthorised erecting of building in forest reserve.

‘Take NOTICE that the Honourable Attorney-General has, pursuant to Section 59 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960, (Act 30), withdrawn EDWARD AKUOKO, the 4th Accused Person herein, from prosecution in respect of all the charges brought against him in this case,’ a notice of withdrawal signed by the Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, read.

This is not the first time the Attorney General has dropped charges against an accused person in order to use them against the others they were initially charged together with.

Last month, the Attorney General dropped all charges against Mildred Donkor, a banker who allegedly conspired with the erstwhile Director-General of National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene, to launder ‘stolen’ funds from the Bureau.

Fair Trial

Meanwhile, Andy Appiah-Kubi, counsel for Chairman Wontumi, has indicated that they ‘will resist the oppressor’s rule’ given the manner in which the Attorney General appears to be ‘poaching’ accused persons to testify against their co-accused, which ‘suggests that there is intent to undermine the course of justice.’

He, however, indicated that the decision by the Attorney General to drop charges against Akuoko does not affect the defence team, as they are ready to prosecute the case.