Dr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the Board Chairman, COCOBOD
Dr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the Board Chairman, Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has revealed that whistleblowers would be rewarded in the fight against cocoa smuggling. He said a whistleblower would be entitled to one-third of the value of any “contraband” intercepted.
Dr Ofosu-Ampofo, during a stakeholder engagement on cocoa smuggling at Hohoe in the Volta Region, said the Board had realised that one of the challenges COCOBOD was facing, especially in the Volta and Oti regions, was the smuggling of cocoa beans across the country’s borders.
He said it was realised that the juxtaposed cost of input supplied to farmers and the output in terms of production was nothing to write home about.
He said, “As a policy, we decided to come and engage the stakeholders and find out some of the push and pull factors that had resulted in this unprecedented level of smuggling.”
Dr Ofosu-Ampofo said COCOBOD would plough back findings and suggestions into its policy-making process to see how it could redesign some of the policy initiatives to address the exigencies of the day.
He said the government through COCOBOD had developed a new scholarship scheme for the children of cocoa farmers, targeting those who would be entering into tertiary institutions.
Research had revealed that the Oti and Volta regions had the best soil, quality of soil suitable for cocoa production, as well as devoid of “galamsey” activities, Dr Ofosu-Ampofo said.
He said the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana had developed hybrid cocoa which was now reducing the period from planting to production from three years to 27 months.
He called on business communities, public servants, politicians and all those who wanted to go into the cocoa industry to take advantage of the golden age to go into the cocoa plantation.
Dr Ofosu-Ampofo said COCOBOD had outlined a number of measures and that they were going to team up with Security Councils in the Oti and Volta regions, to tackle the smuggling menace and reduce it to the barest minimum.
Mr Jake Kudjo Samahar, the Director, Special Services, COCOBOD said smuggling routes in the Oti Region include; Jasikan-Bodada, Asato-Kadjebi, Nkonya-Jasikan, Poase Cement-Obuasi, Dodofie-Dodo Amanfrom and Pampawie-Amapayo-Ahamansu, all through to Togo.
He said for the Volta Region, smuggling routes include; Tsito-Bame-Kpedze, Logba-Leklebi, Alavanyo-Hohoe-Kpando-Fodome-Wli, all through to Togo.
Mr Samahar stated that political interference had been identified as hindering the fight against cocoa smuggling.
He revealed that although between August 8 to September 29, 2025 a total of 14 vehicles with cocoa beans were impounded by the Sogakope Taskforce, only one of these was currently packed at the police station.
Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, said the Region was strategically positioned to grow cocoa and would not be a transitional zone for the smuggling of cocoa.
He noted that the fight against cocoa smuggling was one of a clarion call since any bag of cocoa smuggled reflected a job lost in the cocoa sector.
Officials present at the workshop in a group photograph
Ghana has made a significant stride in its peaceful nuclear power ambitions with the successful completion of a European Union – funded initiative to strengthen the country’s nuclear regulatory framework and safety systems.
The six-year project, titled “Support to the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) of Ghana” was implemented under the European Instrument for International Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC).
Launched in September 2019 with a total funding of €1.75 million, the initiative aimed to enhance the capacity, independence and technical competence of Ghana’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority, as the country prepares to establish its first nuclear power plant.
A high-level closing ceremony in Accra, on Thursday, brought together representatives from Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), the European Union Delegation to Ghana and several European nuclear safety institutions.
The event was attended by Mr. Kwamena Essilfie Quaison, Director of Science and Technology at MESTI and Mr. Jonas Claes, Deputy Ambassador of the European Union to Ghana.
EU commends Ghana’s nuclear progress
In his remarks, Mr. Claes praised Ghana’s steady progress and the professionalism demonstrated by the NRA throughout the collaboration.
“This partnership, supported by European expertise and guided by the International Atomic Energy Agency’s recommendations, is helping Ghana to develop its nuclear sector safely and responsibly,” he said.
“Together, we are protecting communities, safeguarding the environment, and setting a standard for the region in safe and sustainable energy development.”
He emphasized that nuclear safety is a global priority that transcends national borders, underscoring the EU’s commitment to supporting countries like Ghana to uphold strong and transparent regulatory systems.
“The EU is fully committed to nuclear safety as a common, non-negotiable objective. History shows that ensuring nuclear safety requires cooperation, competence, and trust. Through this project, we have worked together to promote safety, transparency, and independence within Ghana’s regulatory system,” Mr. Claes added.
Strengthening Ghana’s nuclear regulatory systems
Mr. Quaison, speaking on behalf of the Ministry, outlined the major achievements Ghana has recorded under the INSC project.
These include the approval of the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Policy, which was reviewed through the initiative, and the development of nine new nuclear safety regulations, five of which are currently under review by the Attorney-General’s Department.
The approval of the Safety Policy and the ongoing review of regulations covering site evaluation, licensing, construction and design are clear evidence of the progress achieved through this collaboration,” Mr. Quaison stated.
“The support from our European partners has been invaluable in strengthening the Authority’s operations and enhancing public confidence in the safety of Ghana’s nuclear programme.”
He further revealed that the NRA is finalizing arrangements for an audit of its Integrated Management System under ISO 9001:2015, expected to be completed by the end of the year with EU support.
Knowledge transfer and institutional capacity
Over the six years, the NRA benefited from extensive technical assistance, including training courses, workshops, and on-the-job training in three EU Member States.
These programmes built local expertise in nuclear safety assessment, licensing procedures, radiation protection, and emergency preparedness.
The collaboration also helped Ghana prepare for an Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including a nationwide self-assessment of nuclear and radiation safety systems.
In December 2024, the IAEA recognised Ghana’s commitment to continuous improvement in nuclear and radiation safety, commending the NRA for aligning its operations with international best practices.
The project was implemented by a consortium of European Nuclear Regulatory authorities and experts, including the Hungarian Atomic Energy Agency (Hungary), Slovenian Nuclear Safety Administration (Slovenia), Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the Slovak Republic (Slovakia) and ENCO Consulting, a nuclear safety consultancy based in Austria.
These institutions provided mentorship, technical advice, and hands-on training to strengthen Ghana’s institutional readiness for nuclear power development.
The Minister of MOFA, Eric Opoku in a picture with officials of IWMI
Two organisations, Rainbow Agrosciences Limited and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), have presented cash and agricultural inputs to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), to support preparations for the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration, scheduled for December 5, 2025 in Ho, Volta Region.
The donations, made at a brief ceremony at MoFA’s head office in Accra, included assorted crop protection products, fertilisers and financial support to aid activities marking the event.
Rainbow Agrosciences Limited, an agrochemical company, contributed crop protection products including insecticides, fungicides and herbicides valued at GH¢270,000 along with a cash donation of GH¢30,000.
The Minister of MOFA, Eric Opoku (r) in a picture with officials of Rainbow Agroscience Limited
Mr. George Selasi Ocloo, Technical Manager of Rainbow Agrosciences, said the gesture formed part of the company’s corporate social responsibility and partnership with the Ministry to enhance agricultural productivity through initiatives such as the Crop Clinic programme.
“We recognise the Ministry as a key stakeholder in the agricultural sector. It’s our duty to give back and ensure that farmers have access to safe, quality products that boost yields,” he said.
The IWMI also donated 100 bags of fertiliser to the Ministry.
Prof. Kehinde Ogunjobi, IWMI’s Country Representative, explained that the support aligns with the organisation’s mission to promote sustainable, environmentally friendly farming practices.
“We are supporting the transition from inorganic to compost-based fertilisers that protect the environment and improve soil health,” he said.
“Our compost fertilisers, developed through research, have proven effective on various crops.”
Receiving the donations, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr. Eric Opoku, expressed appreciation to the two organisations for their continued partnership and commitment to advancing agriculture in Ghana.
“We all share the responsibility of putting agriculture on the right track so that Ghanaians can fully benefit from its potential,” he said.
“We assure you that every item received will reach the farmers, who remain the backbone of our economy.”
Instituted in 1985, National Farmers’ Day is celebrated annually on the first Friday of December to recognise the contributions of farmers, fishers, and agricultural workers to national development and food security.
This year’s celebration, themed “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future” will feature a five-day national agricultural fair in Ho, showcasing innovations in mechanisation, irrigation, value addition and digital agriculture.
Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon’s relationship seemed to be sailing smoothly, unlike previous claims. Recently, the couple attended the Los Angeles premiere of George Clooney’s “Jay Kelly.” According to a source, the duo seemingly looked “loved up” and “joined at the hip” throughout the event. Earlier, it was reported that the jewelry designer was getting agitated because of her boyfriend “chasing old battles.”
Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon’s recent outing reportedly showed that all is well in their paradise. On Tuesday, they showed up at the “Jay Kelly” premiere to support the actor’s friend, George Clooney. At the event, a source told PEOPLE that the couple were “very touchy-feely” and glued together.
“They looked loved up. He was in a great mood and seemed thrilled to be there to celebrate his friend,” they added. While Pitt appeared in a green velvet tracksuit, de Ramon looked gorgeous in a beige outfit. She wore a halter-style, knitted dress with a jacket in one hand. With hair let loose, she wore a bird pendant and carried a Chanel sling bag. Interestingly, the duo’s outfits screamed different styles.
The news of their romance at the party would come as relief for their fans. Earlier, a report suggested otherwise, claiming that de Ramon was worried about her partner. She recently moved in with the “F1” star to give their relationship a “fresh start.” However, an insider mentioned that the 32-year-old seemed uneasy because of Pitt’s legal battle with his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie.
“Brad keeps saying he won’t let Angelina win,” they added. But his girlfriend would like to find out what “winning” means for him. “He has love, success, a gorgeous home, and someone who truly cares for him–yet it never seems to be enough while he’s still chasing old battles,” the source said.
Kim Kardashian is reportedly facing a new trademark challenge that could complicate the expansion of her SKKN by Kim line. According to a recent report, one of the world’s largest condom manufacturers has taken issue with her latest trademark applications, arguing the reality star’s branding is too similar to its own.
Kim Kardashian’s growing beauty and wellness empire has hit another legal snag, this time involving LifeStyles Healthcare — the global sexual wellness company behind SKYN condoms. According to filings referenced by the Daily Mail, the brand has formally opposed several trademark applications submitted by Kardashian’s company, Kimsaprincess Inc., over the summer.
Kardashian’s team reportedly filed three new applications in June and July to expand the SKKN by Kim name into fragrances, supplements, and moisturizers. LifeStyles, however, has claimed that the SKKN branding is too similar to its long-standing SKYN line, which includes condoms made from a non-latex material, as well as lubricants and sex toys. The company has been granted more time to prepare full opposition documents, signaling that the dispute may continue for months.
To defend her trademarks, Kardashian has enlisted the legal team at Dickinson Wright, a firm known for representing high-profile entertainers. LifeStyles, meanwhile, is represented by powerhouse firm Greenberg Traurig. The same group has advised celebrities including Katy Perry, Britney Spears, and Kardashian’s ex-husband, Kanye West.
This isn’t the first time Kardashian has found herself navigating trademark pushback. In 2022, she was forced to abandon an earlier attempt to trademark SKKN by Kim. This was after model Lori Harvey’s team argued the name conflicted with Harvey’s own skincare label, SKN by LH. A Brooklyn spa named Beauty Concepts also challenged her use of the SKKN name, prompting additional legal negotiations. Both matters ultimately ended with Kardashian’s applications being dropped.
However, Page Six confirmed on Wednesday that his release has been pushed to June 4, 2028.
While the reason behind the adjusted date remains unclear, it comes on the heels of the rapper making headlines for allegedly violating multiple prison rules.
Combs’ rep and the Bureau of Federal Prisons have yet to respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
Combs’ spokesperson told Page Six last week that the Grammy winner was “in his first week at FCI Fort Dix [after being transferred from Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center] and … focused on adjusting, working on himself and doing better each day.”
The rep continued, “As with any high-profile individual in a new environment, there will be many rumors and exaggerated stories throughout his time there — most of them untrue. We ask that people give him the benefit of the doubt, the privacy to focus on his personal growth.”
Ghanaian music icon Samini has urged up and coming artistes to make smart financial decisions by investing in land rather than spending on luxury items.
Speaking on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM with Kwame Dadzie and Doreen Avio, Samini advised young artistes to “buy a lot of land,” revealing that it was one of the best decisions he made early in his career.
“This is one of the things I did when I was young,” he said, adding that the advice came from an older friend who noticed his habit of frequently changing cars. “He told me to stop wasting money on cars and buy land instead,” Samini recounted.
Beyond music, the celebrated dancehall and reggae artiste runs several business ventures. He is involved in large-scale farming and owns other properties. Samini also operates a music and events company, Highgrade Family, which has nurtured several Ghanaian talents over the years.
Samini is currently preparing for his annual concert, Saminifest, scheduled for 24th December in Accra. The event, which celebrates his musical journey and Ghanaian culture, will feature performances from top artistes and promises to be a highlight of the festive season.
The multi-award-winning musician, known for hits like Linda, My Own, and Obaa, continues to inspire younger artistes to think long-term both in their craft and finances.
A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.
John C. Maxwell
PAUL BAFFOE – BONNIE has gone to the Vetting and come back victoriously.
The vetting went on, the walkout of the NPP members of the Appointments Committee notwithstanding.
There was a showdown between Hon. Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin and Hon. Mahama Ayariga. It started with the use of the expression “disputed Chief Justice Nominee” to describe the hard-working Supreme Court judge now Acting Chief Justice and soon-to-be Chief Justice of Ghana: Said Afenyo-Markin “We gather to vet the disputed nominee for the office of Chief Justice.
This is a case of whether Ghana’s Judiciary will remain independent” Hon. Ayariga retorts: “I am objecting to the term ‘disputed’ because there is no dispute regarding the nominee before us” When the Minority could not get their way introducing the “unresolved legal challenges relating to the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo”, they bowed out. Afenyo Markin remarked:
“We are registering that we reject the nomination and the record should reflect that the report of the vetting be a Majority report” Referring to the plethora of cases by the former CJ Torkono at the High Court, Supreme Court and ECOWAS Court, they argued that continuing the process undermines judicial independence and prejudges matters that are still under adjudication – subjudice.
At the vetting, it seems to us, nearly all the questions that the Minority would have asked were asked by the Majority and the CJ answered succinctly: “It does not matter who you are; once it comes to the law, it is no discrimination of persons. That has been my lifestyle, and if anybody is to go through my life, this is what he will come up with”.
He continued: he was confident to build a judicial system that “not only interprets the law but elevates the nation’s conscience” Was his nomination a reward for his role in the 2012 Election Petition in which his vote favoured the sitting President, John Dramani Mahama: He answered: “I wouldn’t know what goes in the president’s mind” But his elevation was the result of merit and long service – not political patronage – appointment by ex-President JJ Rawlings as a Circuit Court judge; appointment to the High Court by President John Agyekum Kufuor; then later (2006) to the Court of Appeal and then (2008) to the Supreme Court. He answered Hon. Ayariga’s question on the delays at Court (some land cases lasting up to 40 years) by structural reforms which would require constitutional amendment. Would the Supreme Court’s size and workload be improved by separating constitutional and appellate function? Yes
What about the suggestion about moving Ghana’s general elections to early November (instead of 7th December) to allow for, at least, 57 days for hearings of disputes before the swearing-in of a new President? Doesn’t the Legal Aid Board deserve support for effective work? And don’t the Courts put themselves in shape for the 24-hour operations?
The dire state of the prisons ought to be looked at (in answer to Hon. Ayamba for Pusiga). The “Justice for All” should be a constant programme and community service for minor offences could be seen as a remarkable proposition. The CJ nominee says “Punishments should serve justice, not vengeance, and where rehabilitation is possible, we must pursue it”. Remarkable!
Who wouldn’t acknowledge that public confidence in the judiciary is waning as a result of delays, inefficiency and corruption? But the CJ nominee admits. “The judiciary is as honest or corrupt as the society it serves”. The President’s constitutional duty is to appoint judges on the advice of the Judicial Council and in consultation with the Council of State, and this should not be disturbed: no “court packing” by Presidents when Judicial appointments are based on merit and subject to multi –institutional checks.
The e- justice system could be expanded to embrace places outside Accra; there was a vital need to improve conditions of service for lower bench staff and magistrates who constitute the bulk of the judiciary who remained poorly paid – a vital requirement for service delivery.
Was there any injunction on the vetting of the CJ nominee? Nothing, so Parliament was right in proceeding to do its constitutional task.
The question to ask is; Is this all that the NPP Minority can do in Parliament? Earlier, it was about the arrest of Bernard Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP. The Minority staged a walkout of Parliament on 29th May, 2025 when there was serious business to do. The MPs dishonourably went and massed up at EOCO… and sat on the road like paupers. Meanwhile, with a comfortable majority of the NDC in Parliament, business could be carried on there without the input of the minority.
The Executive Director of the African Center for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) Dr. Rasheed Draman asked “What’s the value of the walkout and the threat not to participate in government business at a time when the NDC has a comfortable majority and can form a quorum to do parliamentary work and to carry out government business? … we are not in the eighth parliament, where a few members could delay or block proceedings. In this ninth parliament, the number no longer favour such tactics”.
In the vetting case, Afenyo Markin quotes a passage in Macbeth which was “our” choicest passage at the 1971 O Level Literature in English: Act 1 Sc 7 (If it were done when ‘tis done, then ‘twere well it were done quickly …. Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return to plaque the inventor…)
First, as I am his kinsman and subject, Strong both against the deed, then as his host, who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear the knife myself, Besides this, Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek … I have no spur To prick the slides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself And falls on the other…” Hon. Mahama Ayariga (Majority Leader’s) challenge, referring to Order 122 and 123 of the Parliament Standing Orders (Rules of debate and content of speeches-requiring a motion) could not be countenanced by Hon. Afenyo Markin.
Logo –Ligi Logarithm, our lecturer in Russian Language Atukwei Okai would show the parallel in traditional and modern consciousness. We would be urged to follow the rules, Was it “a travesty of justice” at the Parliament’s Appointments Committee? Was Afenyo Markin and the Minority pandering to the whims of ex Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo or playing the political card? Or were they playing to the gallery? What was “special” about beautiful Gertrude Torkonoo?
How does this attitude measure to Speaker Bagbin’s prayer for Parliamentarians to display the “highest standard of civility”? In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Marcus Antonius would say: “Oh judgement thou art fled to brutish beasts And men have lost their reason…” (Human beings have lost their capacity for reason and behave like other creatures – not human beings not Members of Parliament) despite their work being highlighted by Articles 93 to 124 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992.
Why would ordinary Ghanaians queue to vote for Members of Parliament, with abundant privileges and luscious perks…. Are we seeing the best of the NPP representatives in Parliament? Or does any NPP MP think we are all Zombies (who can follow them sheepishly)?
“Shame on those hearts of stone, that cannot melt in soft adoption of another’s sorrow” – A. Hill.
Yah, GHONE reported it like this:
“28 casualties, 12 critical cases, 5 in ICU and 6 dead” – Wao!!!
Class FM at 5pm on Wednesday, 12th November, placed the total number of affected would-be recruits at 51.
l am short and lost for words. 21st century ‘paa’ and potential recruits are dying in their bid to go through a recruitment processes.
Hmmm, in our first year at the University, at Management lecture, we were hinted of queuing theory – that was its theory. Fast forward in the second year, queuing theory again reared its ugly head in quantitative methods.
Some potential recruits along the road
Oh yes, there are mathematical models to solve such problems. It is a matter of keying in the variables – expectant figures, how long you want each through the process, the number of processes etc. into a formula and you are there with the number of attendants, exits, entrances, days etc. to contain a situation such as the above.
This has even been enhanced lately with the emergence of AI, but no, because of greed, ‘noko fio’, and what l term ‘Ghanafo’, oh yes, we lose all senses when we see a crowd we are to serve. In the transport industry, drivers will be clamouring for passengers, but the day they see passengers lined up awaiting their services, they adopt a show off attitude via varied and various excuses leaving the passengers stranded. That exactly fits the actions and inaction of the Military High Command, oh yes, they take ultimate and absolute responsibility.
All the above aside, COMMON SENSE, should have pricked the conscience of whoever was charged with this exercise, that the numbers was huge and they ought to change their regimental strategy, but that was not to be, accounting for attributing this failure and tragedy to lack of COMMON SENSE. The sheer numbers at the precinct as at 5am was enough trigger knowingly knowing all cannot be attended to on the Wednesday.
Kindly permit me to pose this question – what is the likely effect of congregating such a huge number of teens at a designated place – stampede, abi.
EL -WAK STADIUM
Not quite long, there was news all over of how that facility had deteriorated and the reluctance of the Army to open up when contacted by the media for their version of the story.
l was thus pleasantly surprised that this deteriorated facility was the host of such an important national exercise. No further comments, least, l touch town.
NO POLITICS
I have listened to social commentators including the take of the Youth Organizer of the opposition NPP playing the blame game. l need hardly state here that, l am constrained and restrained from going “apolitical”, more so when human lives is the nerve of the equation.
Notwithstanding, l wish to state here that with the churning out of thousands of SHS graduates without any form of employable skills, such numbers were expected and to twist it that NPP did or could have done better is not only below the belt but plain disingenuous.
We were in this country when MPs in the then ruling government went berserk on radio stations, openly touting and boosting of the number of recruits they have “twisted” to have same recruited into the security services as if non NPP members were not Ghanaians and, again, deserved not to be in the security apparatuses – one wonders if the MPs were recruitment officers.
Perhaps, the sin(s) of NDC was making the exercise very transparent this time but, and l repeat, but, it does not take the shine off of they ensuring that the potential recruits safety was guaranteed and must take the blame.
COMMITTEE
As posited by C. F. Kettering, “If you want to kill any idea in the world, get a committee working on it”. Yah, heard that the exercise has been suspended indefinitely whilst a Board of Inquiry or whatever, is put up to DO WHAT?
The answers thereto are clearly written on the four walls of El -Wak Stadium – failure and lack of common sense of the part of the Human Resources Unit of the Ghana Army headed by the Chief of Staff (CDS) to think through and outside the box, leading to this catastrophe, PERIOD.
Their reactionary, rather than proactive traits were at its best on this occasion.
Bet me, it will be the usual findings will be the absorption by the State of the burial/funeral expenses and a token and the matter ends.
We all are privy to the outcome of the May 9, 2001 Ohene Djan stadium disaster where some of the best brains in the legal fraternity were employed to play with words and technicalities, which virtually ensured that no soul was found culpable.
Bet me, no one will be held to account or culpable. “Ehuru a, ɛbɛ dwo” and “Fama Nyame” dichotomies will come to play and take over after a few weeks and life continues.
My heart goes to the families of the deceased persons, learnt they are all females – sad. Pray the Almighty God comforts, guide and guard them in this very trying times – l just cannot imagine wearing their shoes.
TESTING THE LAW
l urge the affected and infested families to throw the “Fama Nyame” and “It’s God Who Gives And Takes” dichotomies to the bin and test the law. Yah, institute legal action against the Military High Command and the Attorney General for their loss. l believe it will send the right signal to institutions to ‘behave themselves’ in future. Even if they don’t succeed, which l am very doubtful judging from the circumstances, such action will send the right signals to institutions to sit up in the immediate and remote future.
In this vein, l will make a passionate appeal to Ghana Bar Association Women’s Forum, International Federation of Women Lawyers and Africa Women Lawyers Association, Ghana, among others, to spearhead this noble cause.
Instances abound, Awuni v WAEC being a typical example where the law was put to test.
In fact and indeed, this tragedy defies the Akan adage that reads, “Adeɛkye na sɛ y’annte asɛm foforɔ a, y’ɛkyi” but this One de3, in my candid opinion, “Aboro So” – too much to bear.
What an UNEVEN WORLD !!!
l rest my Fractured Peace.
Written by Osei Kwabena Esq., Etia Street, Asante Effiduase
During a recent interview in his abode in jail, Mr. Ataa Ayi, a man whose name has become our local word for armed robber, confessed that yes, he robbed. However, he did not do some of the things he was charged with. He indicated that he was beaten up by the police investigators to sign a statement of some crimes he never committed.
I am not here to defend him but to ask, whether he had a fair trial, for during his vetting at the Appointment Committee, Justice Baffoe Bonnie, came out with this revelation that he sentenced Atta Ayi to 70 years for the safety of him, Justice Bonnie, and that of his family. But on record, Ataa Ayi was sentenced for 160 years, so which is which?
And this is my story: I was in Class Three, and a religious sister was our assistant headmistress. I quickly noticed that for no reason, she just disliked me. One day she barred me from watching a puppet show in school, even though I had paid for.
And on one early evening, after our weekly afternoon of fun and games, on my way out, I met my friends playing alokoto and decided to wait for them, so we go home together. Their loud voices attracted the attention of the staff and a pupil was asked to find out those making the noise.
She came, she saw, she reported and gave the names of all of us. Upon hearing my name, the assistant headmistress summoned me and gave me punishment to write a list of 500 nouns, 500 verbs and 500 adjectives and submit it to her, first thing the next morning.
I went home but never informed my uncle or auntie because those days, whenever you complained that some adult punished you, you first got beaten before you explain what happened.
I did all I could, but was only able to submit something scanty. For that, I got suspended from school and I was forced to tell my auntie, why I was not in school. In anger, she went to see the assistant headmistress. Lo and behold, my auntie who was also a teacher had had a bitter encounter with this religious in their line of duty as teachers and they both disliked each other. For this reason, it was payback time, and I got punished unjustly for unrelated reasons.
Atta Ayi said he was forced to sign a statement, which had him to admit to some crimes he never committed. This story about investigators forcing suspects to sign statements to admit to crimes they never committed, seem to be the stock-in-trade of police officers all over the world.
It is about time, that Ghanaians are educated about their rights, so far as appearing before an investigator is concern. This attitude is very bad and can end up throwing innocent people into jail.
These innocent persons, get to prison and mix up with the hardened criminals and they learn from them, their unholy ways. Then, with the perception that society hates them, when they get out of jail, they hit back at society, applying the education and knowledge acquired in prison. Whose fault, now?
Back to Justice Baffoe Bonnie. He said at his vetting that while sentencing guidelines provide a framework, judges must sometimes exercise discretion to address the broader context of a case, including public safety and the protection of vulnerable parties.
Then he came with a revelation, the true reason why he gave Atta Ayi that long sentence: “I gave him 70 years. And what I told myself was that if Atta Ayi was given 30 years and he comes back, my family will be the first he will attack. So, by the time he comes back after 70 years, I will be dead and gone.”
Like seriously? Is he saying that upon evidence before him in court, Atta Ayi was supposed to have been given 30 years, but he added on 40 years for his personal safety and that of his family? Another question is, has the 70 year-sentence become a deterrent to other armed robbers?
This has not happened as armed robbery rather continue to escalate. And lastly did this learned judge know that, he could be attacked anyway by, robbers’ friends of Atta Ayi, for jailing him? Excuse me, his statement does not hold water.
Someone in her social media post stated that Atta Ayi was to be sentenced to death, so receiving 70 years was just too lenient for him. She must know that from what Justice Baffoe Bonnie said, if Atta Ayi deserved to die or go in for life, he would have gladly given that verdict.
With this in his backpack as he walks into the office of the Chief Justice, has he got the moral right to transform our justice system? How can personal desires unrelated to the case at hand in court, determine the verdict he delivered?
Just as I got punished by my assistant headmistress on solely unrelated personal reasons, could that be said of Justice Baffoe Bonnie punishing Ataa Ayi on solely unrelated personal reasons? Can the now famous Article 146, interpret this? And again, I am not in anyway defending Atta Ayi, I am only defending the Holy Virtue of Justice.
Hon. Daniel Dugan
Editor’s note: Views expressed in this article do not represent that of The Chronicle
