Four individuals, including a businessman and a real estate agent, are facing charges at the Circuit Court in Dansoman for allegedly defrauding a businessman of GH¢320,000.00 under the pretence of securing government-released lands in prime locationsin Accra.
The accused are 45-year-old businessman Eshawu Shaibu, 54-year-old real estate agent Eric Ansah and two others, identified as Sam Billson and John Mensah Appiah, who are currently at large.
They are charged with conspiracy to commit crime and defrauding by false pretence under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The Allegations
According to court documents, between March 1, 2023 and April 27, 2023 the accused conspired to deceive the complainant, George Oti Bonsu, a businessman residing at East Legon.
The accused allegedly promised to help him acquire government-released lands in Dzorwulu, Airport and Cantonments, as well as process documentation for the said lands.
Eshawu reportedly introduced Oti Bonsu to Eric Ansah and another accomplice, Sam Billson, who falsely claimed to be staff members of the Lands Commission. They showed Oti Bonsu the purported lands to convince him of their authenticity.
Payments and Deception
The complainant made several payments totalling GH¢320,000.00:
GH¢20,000.00 on March 1, 2023 to initiate the process.
GH¢70,000.00 on March 9, 2023.
GH¢100,000.00 on March 16, 2023 for documentation and an offer letter.
GH¢30,000.00 on March 30, 2023 for additional documentation.
GH¢100,000.00 on April 27, 2023 to John Mensah Appiah, who claimed he could expedite the process.
Despite the payments, the accused failed to deliver the promised lands or documentation, offering flimsy excuses instead.
Arrest and Investigation
The matter was reported to the police on October 30, 2024 leading to the arrest of Eshawu Shaibu and Eric Ansah at their hideouts.
In their caution statements, both admitted to collecting the money but failed to provide the promised services.
The case remains under investigation, with efforts underway to apprehend the two accomplices at large.
The court is expected to delve into the case to establish the guilt or innocence of the accused.
If found guilty they could face severe penalties for defrauding by false pretence.
The Dansoman Circuit Court has heard how a 44-year-old miner, John Kingsford Numuah, allegedly defrauded a UK-based Ghanaian businesswoman, Doris Hemmerling of GH¢73,000.00 under the pretence of purchasing materials to develop her building at Oyibi.
Numuah, who has been charged with fraud by false pretence and threat of harm, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court granted him bail of GH¢80,000.00 with three sureties, all of whom must be public servants earning not less than GH¢2,000.00 and residing within the court’s jurisdiction.
Additionally, Numuah is required to deposit his Ghana Card with the court Registry and report to the police station every two weeks.
Prosecutor, Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, told the court that in August 2024, Numuah convinced Hemmerling to part with GH¢73,000.00 under the pretence of purchasing building materials for her project.
However, instead of fulfilling his promise, Numuah invested the money in another business and presented fake payment receipts, purportedly issued by K. Ofori Company Limited.
Hemmerling later discovered from the company that it had no record of any dealings with Numuah.
This revelation led her to instruct her daughter, Elizabeth Akasi Newton, to demand a refund of the money.
Threat of Harm
The prosecution further revealed that Numuah, upon being confronted, became offended and sent an audio recording to Newton, threatening that “If you continue asking for the money, I will deal with you.”
The threat caused fear and panic, prompting Hemmerling and her daughter to report the matter to the police.
Numuah was tracked and arrested in Abura, Western Region and brought to the Accra Regional CID for investigation.
During questioning, he admitted receiving the GH¢73,000.00 but denied issuing any threats. He refunded GH¢30,000.00 to the police, leaving an outstanding balance of GH¢43,000.00.
After investigations, he was charged with fraud by false pretence, contrary to Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offenses Act, 1960 (Act 29) and threat of harm, contrary to Section 74 of the same Act.
The case has been adjourned for further hearing on January 17, 2025.
The Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr. Jean Kaseya has announced the deployment of 80 epidemiologists and 2,400 community health workers (CHWs) to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Uganda.
This initiative, part of Africa CDC’s strategic priorities for the next three months, aims to address ongoing public health emergencies and strengthen the continent’s response to emerging health threats.
H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, outlined the organization’s strategy during a press briefing on January 16, 2025.
The deployment is designed to intensify response efforts in disease hotspots through integrated approaches, focusing on active case searches, contact monitoring, infection prevention and control (IPC), and risk communication and community engagement (RCCE).
Comprehensive Case Management and Laboratory Support
Beyond immediate response measures, Africa CDC is prioritizing integrated case management for diseases such as mpox and measles. This involves medical, nutritional, and psychosocial care for affected individuals and their families.
To enhance the continent’s diagnostic capabilities, the organization is decentralizing testing and strengthening laboratory infrastructure, which will improve the speed and accuracy of disease detection and response.
Leveraging AI and Engaging Youth to Fight Misinformation
A critical component of Africa CDC’s strategy is addressing the challenge of misinformation, which has become a significant obstacle during health emergencies.
The organization plans to empower youth by deploying artificial intelligence-based strategies and tailored applications to counter misinformation and promote responsible health behaviors. This approach aims to foster a culture of resilience and proactive health awareness across communities.
Accelerating Vaccination Campaigns
Vaccination remains a cornerstone of Africa CDC’s public health strategy. The organization is committed to accelerating immunization efforts, particularly among children under 18 years old, to combat vaccine-preventable diseases and reduce mortality rates in vulnerable populations.
Public Health Events in 2024
The deployment and other measures come in response to an alarming rise in public health events on the continent.
In 2024, Africa CDC monitored 213 public health events, a significant increase from the 166 events reported in 2023. Among these, mpox emerged as a major health threat, with over 77,888 cases and 1,321 deaths reported across 21 African Union member states.
The Central Africa region was the most affected, accounting for 85% of confirmed cases and 99.2% of reported deaths. Mpox cases surged by more than ninefold in 2024 compared to 2023, highlighting the urgent need for intensified response efforts.
Notably, Sierra Leone reported its first mpox outbreak on January 10, 2025, with two confirmed cases and 25 contacts under monitoring.
Suspected Marburg Virus Outbreak in Tanzania
Africa CDC is also closely monitoring a suspected Marburg virus disease outbreak in Tanzania. The outbreak was first reported on December 16, 2024, in the Biharamulo and Muleba districts of the Kagera region.
The suspected index case was a 27-year-old pregnant woman who developed severe symptoms, including bleeding from body orifices, and died the same day.
As of January 15, 2025, nine cases and eight deaths have been reported. Samples were collected from five cases, but no laboratory confirmation of Marburg virus has been made.
Approximately 300 contacts, including 56 health workers, are under surveillance. The Tanzanian government has stated that no confirmed cases of Marburg virus have been detected to date.
Mpox Progression and Global Impact
Mpox remains a significant concern across the continent. Between January 2024 and January 2025, over 77,888 cases were reported, with 16,767 confirmed and 1,321 deaths. The Central Africa region experienced the highest burden, with 66,386 cases and 1,310 deaths.
In a concerning development, Chinese health authorities announced a Clade Ib outbreak linked to a case with travel history to Africa, further highlighting the global dimension of mpox. Africa CDC continues to monitor these developments while coordinating response efforts across the continent.
Barcelona will aim to post their sixth Champions League victory in seven matches this season when they take on Portuguese giants Benfica in Lisbon.
Hansi Flick‘s side are currently second in the Champions League table, boasting 15 points from their opening six matches, while Benfica are 15th, having picked up 10 points from their six matches in this season’s league phase.
Benfica have won three, drawn one and lost two of their six matches in this season’s Champions League, with 10 points leaving them in 15th spot, which is enough, at this moment, to make the playoff round.
The Lisbon giants are only three points behind eighth-placed Lille, though, in the race to secure automatic qualification for the next round, so a victory in this contest would do an awful lot for their chances of making the top eight.
Barcelona have just won the Spanish Super Cup and are through to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, but they are on their worst run of form in La Liga for 17 years, having triumphed in just one of their last eight matches in the competition.
This is such a tough game to call, as Barcelona have been impressive in Europe this season, but Benfica are a classy outfit and certainly have the players to harm the Catalan giants; it would not be a shock to see a home or an away win on Tuesday, but we just have a feeling that a tight match will end with the points being shared.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
Atlético Madrid to bounce back against Bayer Leverkusen
Atletico Madrid will be bidding to bounce back from their shock La Liga defeat to Leganes when they resume their Champions League campaign with a contest against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night.
Diego Simeone‘s side are 11th in the Champions League table, one point behind eighth-placed Lille, while Leverkusen are fourth, with the German outfit picking up 13 points from their six matches in this season’s competition.
Simeone’s team remain top of the La Liga table and are very much in a title race this term, but the Red and Whites have work to do in the Champions League.
Antoine Griezmann, Athletico Madrid
Atletico have won four times and lost twice in the league phase of the Champions League, which has left them one point off eighth-placed Lille, who occupy the final automatic qualification position at this moment in time.
Atletico have an excellent home record against German opposition in Europe, winning 17 and losing just three of 25 such fixtures, while they have been victorious in seven of their last eight home Champions League games.
This is such a tricky match to call considering Atletico’s strength on home soil; Leverkusen will bring a seriously good winning run into this match, but Atletico’s recent form has also been brilliant, and we are finding it incredibly difficult to separate the two teams.
Liverpool can confirm their place in the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday when they host French side Lille at Anfield.
The Merseysiders are first in the league phase and their 1-0 win against Girona on December 10 ensured that they maintained their perfect record of six victories from six, while Lille are eighth with 13 points and currently occupy the final automatic qualification spot for the round of 16.
Arne Slot, Liverpool
Liverpool is the only team in the Champions League to have triumphed in all six of their matches in the league phase, and they also boast the competition’s joint best defence having conceded just once.
Arne Slot‘s team are already guaranteed a round of 16 playoff spot but need just one point more to secure one of eight automatic qualification spots, though they could lose their two remaining games and still advance.
Lille have won two and drawn one of their three most recent games away from home and have not lost on the road since September 2024, a stretch of 11 matches.
Liverpool’s only confirmed absentee for Tuesday’s clash is Joe Gomez, who will not return until early February.
Lille will pose significant challenges on Tuesday considering their strong form of late, and they may frustrate the Anfield crowd at times, even if the French side eventually succumbs to defeat.
The visitors come into this fixture just outside the automatic qualification spots for the knockout stages, so they will have plenty of incentive to win in Italy.
Bologna have had a troubled season in Europe, and having suffered four defeats from their first six games, they only have two points on the board so far in the standings.
Nuri Sahin, Dortmund
Bologna have scored just once in the Champions League this season, while conceding seven times, making them the competition’s lowest-scoring side.
Dortmund’s good form in Europe has yet to be replicated in the league, as they disappointingly find themselves in 10th place in the Bundesliga.
Up against a goal-shy Bologna team, they will fancy their chances of keeping a clean sheet in Italy, but the Serie A side have managed two clean sheets themselves in the tournament, meaning that goals at the other end are far from guaranteed.
Dortmund will look to improve on their miserable away record this season.
It has been a tough start for the year for Dortmund and with the pressure on their boss, we think they will grab a win that will keep Sahin in his job at least a little longer.
We think that the visitors will edge a close encounter against a Bologna side that have found it difficult to score goals in the Champions League this season.
DCOP George Ankomah speaking to the crowd at the hospital
Military personnel stationed at AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine have allegedly shot and killed 7 miners, who had illegally entered the concession of the mining conglomerate, in search of the precious mineral.
The incident happened yesterday at Cot’e D’or, which is within the legal concession of the mining giants.
The military have confirmed the incident through a statement released in the evening of yesterday, arguing that they were provoked by the miners, numbering about 60, who were reportedly firing at them, and that they acted in self-defence.
The management of AGA is, however, yet to comment on the tragic incident that has resulted in tension in the Obuasi Township and its environs.
The Chronicle has learnt that somewhere last year, the small scale miners petitioned the government to release the Cot’e D’or concession, which had allegedly been abandoned by the AGA to them to mine.
It is, however, not known whether both the AGA and the government agreed to allow the miners to mine in the disputed spot.
An AGA vehicle in flames
What is known though is that the miners went to the concession yesterday and the ensuing dispute with the military led to the death of the seven miners, whilst others who sustained various degrees of injuries are currently recuperating at the hospital.
The dead, whose names were not readily available, at the time of filing this report, have been deposited at the Obuasi Government Hospital mortuary, while eight of the injured have been sent to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi for treatment.
The ninth injured person is, however, receiving treatment at the Obuasi Government hospital.
Speaking to the angry crowd that had gathered at the hospital, the Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, DCOP George Ankomah, noted that a committee would be set up to investigate the shooting, which resulted in the death of the seven, noting that anyone found culpable will be made to face the law.
He called on the youth to cool down and leave everything to the law enforcement agencies to take over the matter.
The NDC 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East, Mr Samuel Aboagye, who visited the hospital expressed shock over the shooting incident.
He stated that the young men had gone there to look for their daily bread and shouldn’t have been killed.
He urged the youth to calm down, saying every possible means will be employed to ensure that justice is done in the case.
Following the clash, the angry youth succeeded in burning four vehicles belonging to sub-contractors of AGA.
Meanwhile, a reinforcement team of police and military personnel has since arrived at Obuasi to beef up the security and enforce law and order in the Obuasi Township.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), in their statement earlier referenced, confirmed the violent clash between military personnel and illegal miners at the AngloGold Ashanti mines in Obuasi, resulting in seven deaths and one injury.
The incident occurred on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at around 11:00 p.m., when approximately 60 illegal miners breached the security fence at the Cote D’ or Ramp, attempting to access the Deep Decline of the mines.
According to the statement, the illegal miners were armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, gas cylinders, knives, heavy-duty industrial bolt cutters, axes and machetes. When soldiers deployed under Operation HALT II attempted to prevent their entry, the intruders opened fire on the military personnel.
The statement continued to explain that the soldiers responded in self-defence, resulting in a shootout. Seven illegal miners were killed, while one sustained serious injuries. The remaining intruders fled the scene.
One soldier was injured after being hit by pellets from a pump-action gun but has since received medical treatment. The troops also recovered six pump-action BB cartridges from the site.
The GAF reiterated its right to use lethal force if necessary to protect lives and property while on authorized duty.
“Military personnel on authorised duty have the right to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property, including the use of lethal force, if necessary, to preserve life,” the statement emphasised.
The Armed Forces has further cautioned illegal miners against invading mining concessions and engaging troops in violent confrontations, warning that such actions could have fatal consequences.
In another development, the Mahama administration has expressed concern over the killings and promised a full probe.
The following is the press statement issued to that effect by his acting spokesman, Felix Kwakye Ofosu;
The Government wishes to express deep regret over the tragic loss of up to eight (8) lives, said to be illegal miners, following a violent clash at a mining site in Obuasi.
In response to the unfortunate incident, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the clashes and ensure that any individuals found to have acted unlawfully are brought to justice.
Government has, meanwhile, asked the management of Anglo-Gold Ashanti to bear the medical expenses of the injured individuals fully and to facilitate the burial arrangements for those who have lost their lives.
The security agencies have also been tasked to take prompt action to restore peace in the area and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences.
President Mahama with Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
President John Dramani Mahama yesterday joined the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Asanteman to observe the first Akwasidae festival of the year.
It is the first public festival the president is attending, since he was sworn in on January 7, 2025.
Nananom Amanhene, Abrempong and the entire Asanteman Council welcomed the President to the grand durbar at the Manhyia Palace, presided over by the Asasntehene, Opemsuo Osei Tutu II.
Addressing the durbar, President Mahama promised to complete uncompleted projects in Ashanti region, mentioning the Serwua Regional Hospital.
He assured Otumfuo that the road leading to the hospital would be worked on, whilst electricity would also be extended to the place, to quickly open the hospital.
He also said the Afari Military hospital would be completed.
President Mahama disabused the minds of those who think that Ashanti Region is not a strong hold of the NDC and that to him the NDC had a lot of votes from the region and promised that Ashanti Region would have its fair share of the National Cake.
President Mahama also promised to team up with Otumfuo for the restoration of the economy.
Last December, shortly after Mr. Mahama was re-elected, he assured that he would be guided by the Asantehene’s blueprint documentation for the Developmental of the Ashanti Region.
The Manhyia visit is also part of the President’s engagement with traditional rulers, as part of efforts to resolve the unending Bawku Conflict.
He intends to deliberate on the Bawku issue with the Asantehene, since the late Yagbonwura and Otumfuo were the ones who solved the Dagbon problem.
Earlier on Sunday morning, the President had worshipped with the congregation of Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre, headed by Rev. Ebenezer Opambuor Adarkwa Yiadom, at Ahenema Kokoben, near Kumasi.
Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi ll, the Chief of Coaltar in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region has been destooled by the paramount chief, Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin. This was after Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi ll allegedly led land guards to unleash violence on the people of Coaltar, leading to the killing of two innocent people.
Ten others were seriously injured and are currently battling for their lives at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua.
This follows the invasion of the Ayensuano District and its surrounding communities by landguards, hired thugs and hoodlums who terrorise community members, farmers and landowners under the misdirection of the Chief of Coaltar, Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi ll.
The chiefs making libation to officially destool the Coaltar chief
On Thursday, January 16, 2025 two people lost their lives and several others sustained near fatal injuries when land guards accompanying the Coaltar Chief opened fire on the people of the Kraboa community, who were embarking on a peaceful protest against unlawful sale and seizure of their lands.
The destruction of their crops was by sand winners purporting to be acting on the instructions of Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi.
The incident took place in broad daylight, in the presence of the Ayensuano District Police.
The body of one of the deceased was later retrieved from the Palace of the Coaltar Chief, who has since fled the town and has been put on police wanted list.
It took the intervention of the Kyebi Regional Police Command, who were prevailed upon by the Okyenhene, to restore order in the area.
Following a detailed Police Report, the Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin sent a delegation of Nananom, led by the Apapamhene and the Amantuomiensahene, Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya Fori to the Coaltar Palace to officially effect a customary destoolment of Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi.
At a ceremony to perform the customary rites, Apapamhene Osabarim Okogyeaman Apagya Fori hinted that Okyeman has one overlord, who is the Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin.
He mentioned that the Okyenhene has not sanctioned the forceful eviction of land users, wanton sale of lands and illegal sand winning anywhere in Okyeman.
“I came to install the Coaltar chief, Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi ll, at this very venue and we didn’t install him to terrorise people here.
The Okyenhene doesn’t condone any act of violence and abuse of powers. He was sworn in to serve his people and protect stool property, but not to terrorise citizens and forcibly takeover their properties”, Okogyeaman said.
“Today, based on his rebellious behaviour and involvement in the killing of innocent souls in our land, Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi ll has been destooled,’” Apapamhene said amidst pouring of libation and slaughtering of a sheep.
He said, this customary ritual validates the destoolment process of the Coaltar chief, indicating that the kingmakers will present a new chief for consideration.
Okogyeaman Apagya Fori hinted that on January 5, 2025 agents of Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi ll unlawfully entered the palace of the Odikro of Alema, a farming community in the Ayensuano District and brutally assaulted occupants of the palace without provocation.
He said Okyeman does not accept such acts of lawlessness and impunity over its citizens. Okogyeaman Apagya Fori cautioned the public to avoid dealing with the destooled Chief.
He called on the Ghana Police Service to arrest the absconded chief and his land guards to face the full rigorous of the law.
The ex-Queen mother of Mankessim in the Central Region, Nana Ama Amissah III and four others, including a Fire Service officer, are set to appear before the District Court at Weija, Accra today, January 20, 2025.
They will face charges related to the alleged murder of Samuel Ampofo, the Mankessim Municipal Director of the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) and one Kofi Yamoah, following a chieftaincy dispute over the installation of a new Queen mother.
The incident, which occurred on December 7, 2019 also left three others, including a Police Inspector, with gunshot injuries.
Six Years of Investigations
The Cold Case Unit of the Ghana Police Service conducted a six-year investigation into the case.
Initially, 13 suspects were arrested in connection with the incident. Following a review by the Attorney General’s Office, six individuals, including the former queen mother were charged and slated for prosecution.
The other suspects to appear before the court for the commencement of the committal trial are James Kofi Obosu (alias Nana Obosu Amissah), a farmer and Joseph Kobina Ansah (alias Nana Okutseku), a Fire Service officer.
The others are Robert Gardiner, a driver, John Eric Kofi Turkson (alias Nana Edu) and Clement Kwesi Owusu, an electrical contractor and teacher.
Nana Ama Amissah III is alleged to have masterminded the shooting after presiding over a meeting, where the plot was reportedly discussed.
Background of the Incident
The tragic event unfolded during a procession in Mankessim to celebrate the installation of a new Queen mother, Nana Araba Otua I.
The installation followed a Cape Coast High Court ruling that nullified the gazetting of Nana Ama Amissah III and another claimant, Nana Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI, after the Aduko Paakesedo Nsona family contested their legitimacy.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on December 7, 2019 a gunman opened fire near the Edu Nsona Royal Family’s residence, killing Ampofo and Yamoah.
Both victims were pronounced dead at Mankessim Roman Hospital. Ballistic examinations later confirmed that the gunshots were fired from a pump-action or single-barrelled gun.
It is widely reported that members of the Aduko Paakesedo Nsona family had received a tip-off about a planned disruption of the installation.
A witness who sought to verify the information allegedly encountered James Kofi Obosu, armed with a pump-action gun, and accompanied by Clement Owusu and John Eric Kofi Turkson.
When the NIB Director, Ampofo, intervened and asked Obosu to disarm, he was allegedly shot at close range.
The incident reportedly incited an angry mob, which attempted to lynch Obosu before police intervened.
Further investigations revealed that the violence stemmed from a protracted chieftaincy feud between the Edu Nsona and Aduko Paakesedo Nsona royal families.
Allegedly, Nana Ama Amissah III organised meetings during which a plan to disrupt the installation was developed.
The accused reportedly hired armed men, referred to as “Zongo Boys” to execute the plan at a cost of GH₵10,000.
On the day of the shooting incident, the accused reportedly met the armed men at the Mankessim Roundabout, provided them with weapons and directed them to the Edu Nsona family house, where the violence ensued.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
James Kofi Obosu was the first to be apprehended, followed by others implicated in the case. Nana Ama Amissah III was arrested at the CID Headquarters in Accra, after responding to an invitation to assist with investigations.
The accused will face committal proceedings to determine whether the case will proceed to a higher court for trial.
This marks a significant step in resolving a case that has lingered for over half a decade.
The office of the president, John Mahama has established a Constitutional Review Committee to fulfill his commitment to implementing the Constitutional Review Process.The committee composed of distinguished experts and professionals, will review Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and recommend amendments to enhance democratic governance.
The committee’s membership includes;Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh – Chairman, Justice Sophia Adinyirah – Member, Prof. Kwame Karikari – Member, Mrs. Charlotte Osei – Member, Dr. Godwin Djokoto – Member, Ibrahim Tanko Amidu – Member, Dr. Esi Ansah – Member andDr. Rainer Akumperigeya – Secretary.
The committee has been tasked with identifying gaps and challenges in the implementation of previous constitutional review works, including efforts by the 2010 Constitution Review Commission and the 2023 Constitution Review Consultative Committee.
The other mandate of the Constitutional Review Committee will be to engage stakeholders to gather views on proposed amendments to the constitution and provide actionable recommendations for addressing existing governance issues.The committee is expected to deliver its recommendations for constitutional amendments within five months for consideration by the government.
The establishment of yet another Constitutional Review Committee under the leadership of H.E. John Mahama is a commendable step toward addressing the lingering gaps in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
However, the significance of this initiative will only be realised if it goes beyond the cyclical pattern of reviews and reports that have, in the past, resulted in little to no tangible implementation. Both the 2010 Constitution Review Commission (CRC) set up by John Atta Mills government and the 2023 Constitution Review Consultative Committee (CRCC) established by the Nana Addo regime were all well-meaning efforts that promised to bridge critical gaps in governance.
Unfortunately, their commendable work endedwithout implementation of their reports, as thereports were left to gather dust on shelves. This cycle must end. The current administration, led by President John Mahama, must seize this moment to ensure the implementation of actionable recommendations that emerge from this new committee.
It could be recalled that the 2010 Constitution Review Commission was heralded as a landmark effort to refine and strengthen Ghana’s democratic framework. Chaired by the late Professor Albert Kodzo Fiadjoe, the Commission engaged extensively with the public, hosting consultations across the country and receiving over 83,000 submissions.
The final report, presented to then-President John Evans Atta Mills in 2011, included critical recommendations, such as strengthening local governance by allowing Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to be elected rather than appointed, enhancing the transparency of the Electoral Commission’s operations, and curtailing excessive presidential authority, particularly in appointing heads of independent institutions and regional ministers.
Regrettably, while the Professor Albert Kodzo Fiadjoe’s Commission report led to the drafting of a Constitutional Amendment Bill in 2012, the process stalled amid political transitions and a lack of political will. The recommendations, though valuable, were ultimately sidelined.
In 2023, another effort was made with the formation of the Constitution Review Consultative Committee (CRCC). Its mission was to consult stakeholders and revisit unresolved constitutional issues. However, like its predecessor, the consultative process fell short of driving substantial reform. A lack of commitment to follow through with implementation rendered this initiative another missed opportunity.
This time, it must be different. The onus lies on President Mahama and his administration to ensure that the recommendations of the Prempeh-led committee are not only acknowledged but acted upon. Ghana’s democratic evolution depends on closing critical gaps in the 1992 Constitution.
President Mahama has emphasised the expertise and dedication of the committee members. Now, he must demonstrate equal commitment by ensuring that the committee’s recommendations are not merely reviewed but systematically implemented.
Additionally, the government must engage citizens throughout the process, ensuring that constitutional reforms reflect the aspirations of Ghanaians
The formation of the Prempeh-led Constitutional Review Committee is a renewed opportunity to address Ghana’s constitutional deficiencies. However, the success of this initiative will depend not on the quality of its recommendations but on the government’s resolve to act on it.
It is about fifty years ago, when I read Arthur Hailey’sbest-selling novel, In High Places, about the political system in Canada. The main story was about an illegal immigrant who the government wanted to repatriate but the opposition party was against that and went on to hire a young lawyer to defend the illegal immigrant in court. This made the government so unpopular.
When it became obvious that the illegal immigrant was going to win the case, the leader of the opposition party, told the lawyer to throw off the case and make the immigrant, lose. The young lawyer, who was riding on this to achieve fame, did not understand why.
The astute politician told him something like, “In politics, no matter what good things your opponents in power do, criticize and condemn them. When you get into power, you do the same thing but have a good excuse for the people.”
This statement has been manifesting itself in Ghana and one group, which is clearly guilty of it are the socialists. They will descend heavily on the UP Tradition, while in truth, giving the opportunity, they will do the same, or even worse.
During the Nana Addo administration, a number of policies were hotly challenged by the then opposition NDC. Among them was the private-partner-participation in ECG. With the introduction of the PDS by the NPP government, the opposition NDC had all manner of bad things to say about it, without offering any alternative. This clearly indicated that the NDC would always say a big “No,” to the outright sale of ECG or bringing in private partners.
Today, with the NDC now in government, Ghanaians are being told that engaging the private sector in ECG, would be the best thing to happen to power distribution in the country.Then, H.E. John DramaniMahama made two statements, which might be sending lots of Ghanaians, shaking their heads, in shock.
Firstly, he indicated that the National Cathedral project was not bad after all, but in his opinion, the site must be re-located. I totally agree with re-locating this project, but if the NDC then in opposition thought it was a good idea, why did it not say so then and make the previous government to re-locate from the site and find other sources of funding for the project? Who will fund the re-location and the construction of the cathedral, today?
Secondly, NDC’s Sam George has created a name for himself and Ghana in his combat against LGBTQ+ activities. He is now placed high, internationally and is surely a presidential material.
The Eight Parliament of the Fourth Republic passed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, which was anti-LGBTQ+ activities. It was awaiting presidential assent to become law. Unfortunately, ex-President Nana Akufo-Addo seemed not too interested in signing the bill into law.
Every Ghanaian was in anticipation that the next president of the republic was going to sign this, so that our moral lives will be guided by the law. And the president who took over, was from the NDC, H.E. John Mahama. How glad all of Ghana was, feeling blessed by God. The bill originated from the NDC and with an NDC president the waiting period was certainly over.
Unfortunately, H.E. John Mahama had a different intention. He is telling Ghanaians that it would be better for morality to be entrenched in our children in school than for the bill to be signed into law. What exactly does the president mean? Children might be taught good morals, but when they grow up to find that it will not be a crime to conduct themselves otherwise, they would throw away all they learnt in school. Strong moral teachings like pre-marital sex, smoking of cigarettes and drinking of alcohol were entrenched into children. But what happens when they become adults?
Once LGBTQ+ activities are not illegal, students in the tertiary level, will feel free to engage in them. In the end all the efforts Sam George made, all that the NDC in opposition fought for, will amount to naught. Then nations which lauded Sam George will start mocking Ghana.
The NPP under H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo was blasted with strong words, by the NDC, for not signing the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, into law. Today, the NDC has the opportunity to do so, but unfortunately H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has other plans.
In High Places, Arthur Hailey said it all that among political opponents the value is always the same.
By Hon. Daniel Dugan
Editor’s note: Views expressed in this article do not represent that of The Chronicle
