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Atta Akyea Abandons Clients In Court

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The Law Courts Complex, Accra

A dramatic scene unfolded at the High Court, General Jurisdiction 10, on Wednesday, when lead defence counsel Samuel Atta-Kyea abandoned proceedings in the ongoing trial of the embattled former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu Boahene, his wife Angela Adjei-Boateng and their company Advantage Solutions Limited.

The incident occurred after the presiding judge, His Lordship Justice John Nyadu Nyante, refused an oral application by Mr. Atta-Kyea for a one-week stay of proceedings, pending the determination of a Prohibition application the defence had filed at the Supreme Court.

Before announcing his withdrawal, Mr. Atta-Kyea told the court that he had been advised by some senior lawyers, including retired Supreme Court judges to abandon the case if his stay application was rejected.

“My Lord, I have been advised by some senior lawyers and retired Supreme Court judges that if our stay application is refused, we should withdraw from the proceedings,” Mr. Atta-Kyea said.

Despite the court’s refusal and its order for him to remain as counsel, Mr. Atta-Kyea and his legal team walked out, leaving the accused persons without representation.

Justice Nyante, who maintained composure throughout the exchange, noted on record that counsel for the accused had “abandoned proceedings.”

He then ordered the continuation of the day’s business — the evidence-in-chief of Edith Ruby Opokua Adumuah, Director of Finance at the NSB.

At that point, Mr. Adu Boahene, visibly unsettled, pleaded with the court for time, explaining that he was not a lawyer and would struggle to raise objections or follow proceedings without legal assistance.

In response, the judge remarked that just as the accused had the right to hire counsel, he also had the right to dismiss them, but could not compel them to return.

The court subsequently granted a 30-minute recess for the accused to attempt to convince his lawyers to return, but they never did.

Judge Dismisses Allegations of Bias

Before the drama unfolded, Justice Nyante took time to address allegations of bias leveled against him in the defence’s Supreme Court application, stating emphatically that he had no personal interest in any case assigned to him.

He said any lawyer who has appeared before him will testify that he approaches all matters impartially and it is the same manner he is approaching the Republic v. Kwabena Adu Boahene and Others.

He expressed disappointment that Mr. Atta-Kyea had, in his view, presented “half-truths” to the Supreme Court, distorting the record of proceedings.

“It will take nothing away from me if this case is reassigned to another judge,” he added, referencing his decision to start the Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni case de novo, which he ended up being transferred.

Legal Arguments on Stay and Prohibition

Earlier, the defence had cited Republic v. High Court (Ex parte Kennedy Agyapong) as authority to support its request for an adjournment, arguing that when a Prohibition application is filed at the Supreme Court, lower court proceedings should halt.

However, the prosecution, led by the Principal State Attorney (PSA) Esi Dentah Yankah, opposed the request, citing the Supreme Court’s decisions in Ali Issifu v The Republic and Dr. Stephen Opuni & 2 Others v. The Republic, which held that criminal proceedings are not automatically stayed merely because an interlocutory application is pending.

Justice Nyante agreed with the prosecution, ruling that “no miscarriage of justice will be occasioned if proceedings continue,” since the Supreme Court could later issue corrective orders if necessary.

He, therefore, ordered the witness to take the stand, prompting the defence’s exit.

Case Adjourned

With no defence counsel present, the court adjourned the matter to October 30, 2025 for continuation of proceedings.

Background:

Mr. Adu Boahene, his wife and their company, Advantage Solutions Limited, are standing trial on charges related to alleged procurement and financial improprieties during his tenure as Director-General of the National Signals Bureau.

The prosecution’s case hinges on financial documents and internal audit findings implicating the accused persons in irregular contract awards.

 

Nana Konadu Called To Glory

By
RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings

Former First Lady of Ghana, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, widely regarded as the country’s longest-serving First Lady, has passed away at the age of 76.

Information available to The Chronicle indicates that Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings, a celebrated advocate of African identity and fashion, noted for her elegant patronage of traditional prints, died on Thursday morning, October 23, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra.

Born on 17 November 1948 in Cape Coast, Central Region of Ghana, the late former First Lady was renowned for her boldness, activism and transformative leadership.

She was the founder and president of the 31st December Women’s Movement, a formidable women’s empowerment organisation that played a key role in promoting gender equality and grassroots development, during the early years of the Fourth Republic.

Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings made history as the first Ghanaian woman to contest the presidency, first in 2016 and again in 2020, on the ticket of the National Democratic Party (NDP)—a political movement she founded after parting ways with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

She was the wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, founder of the Fourth Republic and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ enduring legacy as a champion of women’s rights, social justice, and national development remains deeply etched in Ghana’s democratic history.

22 foreign nationals remanded for illegal entry into Ghana

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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The Accra Circuit court complex

The Circuit Court in Accra, presided over by Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah, has remanded 22 foreign nationals into Nsawam Prison custody for allegedly entering and remaining in Ghana without valid entry permits.

The accused persons comprising both men and women include; Toure Blandine, Alima Fofona, Kindho Habibatta, Benjamin Fofana, Saran Kone, Alan Fofana, Abdoulaye Ouedrago, Watara Madi, Watara Adams, Bolly Moussa, Fadima Fofana, Fatime Fofana, Moussa Sylla, Don Camara Ibrahima, Michel Cisse, Kourouma Allasane, Francois Kone, Norbert Fofona, Muktar Kone, Karbante Gilbert Camara, Usmane Fofana and Yao Moussa.

They are facing charges of illegal entry and remaining in the country without the requisite permit, contrary to Sections 4 and 52(1)(D) of the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573).

According to the prosecution, led by investigators from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the accused persons were arrested following intelligence that over 100 suspected foreign nationals had been sighted at Kuntunse-Satellite, a suburb of Accra, engaging in suspicious activities.

A police operation on October 7, 2025 led to the arrest of the 22 accused persons. During interrogation, they reportedly failed to provide proper identification or valid travel documents.

Investigations later revealed that they were nationals from neighbouring francophone countries, who had entered Ghana illegally between February and September 2025 and had been working as Q-Net marketers without the required permits.

Further checks established that none of the accused possessed documentation authorising them to live or work in Ghana. They were subsequently charged and brought before the court.

All the accused persons pleaded not guilty, and the court remanded them into custody at Nsawam Prison to reappear on November 3, 2025, for continuation of the case.

 

 

NDC Mourns Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings

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RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of former First Lady, Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, describing her as a “remarkable woman” whose lifelong commitment to women’s empowerment has left an indelible mark on Ghana’s history.

In a statement issued in Accra, the NDC leadership paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings, highlighting her pivotal role in the establishment and growth of the party, as well as her tireless advocacy through the 31st December Women’s Movement.

“Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings championed education, economic empowerment, and social inclusion for countless Ghanaian women,” the statement read.

The party further acknowledged her instrumental role as one of the founding pillars of the NDC, noting that despite political differences that led her to establish another political party, her contribution to the formation and identity of the NDC remained significant.

The statement recalled that during the commemoration of the NDC founder’s birthday on June 22, 2025, the party formally recognized Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings as the Founding Mother of the NDC — an acknowledgment the leadership says it is proud to have made while she was alive.

“We take comfort in knowing that this acknowledgment was made while she was still with us, reaffirming that the NDC has always held her legacy in respect and gratitude,” it added.

On behalf of the party, the NDC extended its condolences to the Rawlings family, particularly her children and loved ones, praying for strength and comfort during this difficult period.

“May the soul of Mrs. Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.

Adumasa Robbery: Two arrested, weapon retrieved  

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admin
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Gunmen

The police have arrested two persons in connection with a robbery incident at Adumasa in the Ashanti Region. The two suspects, whose names were not given, are assisting the police in investigations. An Assault rifle and live ammunition were retrieved from the scene.

A police situational report said on September 20, 2025 at about 19:30hours, Superintendent Teddy Brown, the District Commander, received information from a caller at Bomfa that there had been a robbery incident at Adumasa.

It said Supt. Brown and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) L.J. Kanton, together with the Police Patrol Team, proceeded to the scene.

Investigations revealed that upon arrival three robbers on a motor bike, wielding different types of guns, including an assault rifle number M47M16A2E, arrived at the Adumasa market and attacked Ebenezer Boampong, a gold merchant.

The robbers fired sporadically, demanding the gold buyer to surrender all his gold and cash.

Deborah Augustina, a 28-year-old a food vendor, Alhassan Iddrisu, 29, Redford Osei Bright, 28, Ebenezer Boampong Adubofour, 35, Gold buyer, Isaac Mensah, 36 and Shadrach Marfo, 23, got injured during the incident.

The robbers succeeded in taking away an unspecified quantity of gold and cash.

A chase by residents of the town resulted in the robbers abandoning the assault rifle and four live ammunitions, as well as a motorbike (completely burnt), and fled to an unknown destination.

However, the police and the Assembly member of Adumasa combed the area but did not find the robbers.

The Police said the six victims, who were rushed to the SDA Hospital at Nobwam and the Konongo Government Hospital are all in stable condition.

The crime scene has been secured for further investigations.

GNA

 

King and Pope make history by praying side by side

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THE CHRONICLE
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King Charles and Pope Leo

King Charles and Pope Leo made history in the Sistine Chapel by praying side by side – a first for the leaders of the Church of England and Catholic Church.

Under the scrutinising eyes of Michelangelo’s Last Judgment, when Pope Leo said “let us pray”, it meant everyone, including the King, closing a gap that stretched back to the Reformation in the 16th Century.

With music and prayers about nature that would bridge any theological divide, the service offered the King and Queen some calm amid scrutiny over Prince Andrew during their Vatican visit.

But despite the significance of the state visit, there was no escaping the media – with questions about Andrew’s links to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that show no sign of abating.

Even here, as he met the Pope inside the Vatican, the King commented that the cameras were a “constant hazard”.

Rather laconically the Pope said: “You get used to it”, as he too has faced a rapid lesson in the unrelenting attention that comes with such a high-profile role, although it still seems a surprise to hear a Pope speaking in such relaxed American tones.

There might be irritation at the media during such moments, but without the press such state visits wouldn’t really exist.

It’s all about big images for the media to capture, because no members of the public are allowed past the security barriers to watch.

It’s the intruding lenses of the cameras and the words rushed out for news websites that give such moments shape and impact. Otherwise they could do a state visit on Zoom.

There were many such elegantly choreographed moments in this whistle-stop visit to the Vatican, a city state where every corner could be a postcard, creaking under the weight of its own history and architectural splendour.

In the Sistine Chapel the Catholic and Anglican choirs literally sang from the same hymn sheet. The images of harmony and unity were there in abundance. Once hostile churches were now the closest friends.

Surrounded by Renaissance masterpieces, this was a meeting in one of the great cradles of Western civilisation. A lover of art, music and religion, this must have been a big occasion for King Charles.

But actually later in the day there seemed to be a more intense moment, something that gave the King and Queen a chance to pause for more private prayer and reflection.

At the church of St Paul Outside the Walls they walked down some steps to the tomb of St Paul, one of Christ’s apostles. It was like walking down to the roots of Christianity. They waited there a moment and there were some prayers recited.

The King and Queen, who had switched to a white outfit after wearing black to meet the Pope, walked back up the main body of the church, where another congregation were waiting. Maybe they could have done with a few more minutes in such a simple and sacred place.

But they returned to the huge and gorgeously embellished basilica above. Even by the epic standards of churches in Rome, this was remarkably massive, with choirs once again to fill the operatically high ceilings.

The symbolic point of coming here was that before the Reformation this was a church associated with the English monarchy. It was joining up the historical dots.

As the day ended, the King and Queen and Vatican will have seen this visit as fulfilling its historic purpose, binding the Catholic and Anglican churches together at the top in a knot of friendship, as they often already can be at the grassroots.

There were exchanges of gifts, including an icon given to Pope Leo, reflecting the King’s fascination with the Orthodox Church and its images.

There were also knighthoods exchanged between King Charles and Pope Leo, but at the moment there might be a question about the value of honours.

For Buckingham Palace, it will have been the completion of a state visit that had previously been postponed by the ill-health of Pope Francis. And it might have been a welcome pause from the growing pressure for answers about Prince Andrew.

Maybe the message was about reconciliation, even if it takes centuries. In the Sistine Chapel there was a serene moment with the singing of a piece by the English Catholic composer Thomas Tallis.

He lived in south London during the some of the vicious and violent religious conflicts of the 16th Century, making his music against this troubled background.

Five centuries later, his music was being played for a King and a Pope, who were no longer fighting but were on same side.

By Sean Coughlan

Credit: bbc.com

Editor’s note: Views expressed in this article do not represent that of The Chronicle

Editorial: How Long Will Ghana Be On The Altar Of Political Manifestoes?

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Editorial

After more than three decades of uninterrupted constitutional rule, Ghana stands as one of Africa’s proudest democracies. Yet, beneath this democratic veneer lies a disturbing paradox: our national development remains shackled to the transient whims of political manifestoes.

Every four years, the country pauses to listen to lofty promises, well-crafted slogans and colorful campaign documents only to wake up, post-election, to the same cycle of unfulfilled pledges and abandoned projects. How long will Ghana continue to mortgage her future on the altar of political manifestoes?

Since 1993, successive governments have come and gone, each armed with its own set of promises, often tearing down the very foundations laid by its predecessor. Roads, hospitals, schools and factories — all victims of political change — are left to rot midway because they were not “our” projects. This piecemeal approach to development has created a culture of policy discontinuity and waste that no serious nation can afford.

Yes, political manifestoes are important; they are the social contracts between the governed and those who seek to govern. But Ghana’s overreliance on them as the primary blueprint for development has become a national tragedy. The lack of a binding, long-term plan has left our economy vulnerable to the short-term thinking of electoral politics.

The results are high unemployment, economic instability, corruption, infrastructural decay and an environment ravaged by illegal mining, all symptoms of a nation chasing four-year political cycles instead of a 40-year vision.

Ironically, Ghana already has a 40-Year National Development Plan, painstakingly crafted by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC). Yet, because the NDPC operates only as an advisory body, successive governments treat this plan as optional reading material rather than a national covenant. What kind of serious country treats its own future as a suggestion?

We cannot continue like this. The Chronicle holds the firm view that Ghana, at 68 years of independence, must rise above partisan experiments and commit to a legally binding national development framework one that no government, regardless of political color, can ignore. Parliament must have the courage to make such a plan the law of the land, insulated from political tampering.

Our leaders must stop governing by manifesto and start governing by vision. Political parties should align their manifestoes with a single national plan — not the other way around. Only then can we build continuity, attract sustainable investment, and deliver real progress to the people.

The time has come for Ghana to move beyond promises and politics. If the Fourth Republic is to mean anything more than peaceful elections, it must produce measurable development. Ghana must break free from the altar of manifestoes — and finally rise to the altar of nationhood.

Mpraeso Fire Fighters in Six-Hour Battle To Save Trapped Driver

By
ISAAC AKWETEY-OKUNOR
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Ghana National Fire Service

In a dramatic and grueling rescue operation that gripped onlookers for hours, firefighters from the Mpraeso Fire Station spent six hours trying to free a man trapped in a mangled vehicle, after it plunged into a deep ditch along the Kwahu–Abetifi–Abene road.

According to a statement from the Public Relations Office of the Ghana National Fire Service, Eastern Region, the incident occurred when a car carrying two men reportedly suffered brake failure, veering off the road, before crashing into the ditch.

A team led by Station Officer II Sanusi Issah arrived promptly at the scene and discovered the driver pinned in the mangled metal.

After hours of intense cutting and careful maneuvering, the rescue team finally extricated the victim, who, along with his passenger, was immediately handed over to the National Ambulance Service and rushed to the Atibie Government Hospital for treatment.

The impact of the crash left the front portion of the vehicle completely wrecked.

Officials from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Mr. Banahene and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Mr. Brobbey, were also present to assist in the coordinated rescue effort.

Passport application fees to be reduced 

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Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced a significant reduction in passport application fees. He also outlined a series of major reforms aimed at making passport acquisition more efficient, secure and accessible to all Ghanaians.

He disclosed that the ordinary passport application fee would be reduced from GH₵500.00 to GH₵350.00 within the next three weeks, following the maturity of new fees and charges currently before Parliament.

Speaking during the commissioning of a temporary passport application centre in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, Mr Ablakwa said the reduction formed part of the government’s broader plan to ease the financial burden on citizens while improving service delivery.

“In less than 21 days, the new fees will come into force, and passport application fees for the ordinary passport will no longer be GH₵500.00. It will be reduced to GH₵350.00,” he announced.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced that the Ministry had introduced a courier delivery system, enabling applicants to receive their passports at home or in their offices without returning to passport offices.

He cautioned the public against paying any additional money to delivery officers, explaining that “the courier service fee has already been factored into the GH₵350.00. When they deliver your passport, all you have to do is to verify your identity with your Ghana Card and sign. You are not to pay even one cedi more.”

He further revealed that the Ministry had also introduced an e-tracking system that allows applicants to monitor the progress of their applications in real time, adding that processing times had been significantly shortened to 15 working days for regular service and three days for expedited applications.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced that Ghana had phased out the old biometric passports and replaced them with modern chip-embedded passports that complied with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards.

He said “The passports you will receive here in the Upper East Region are the latest chip-embedded types. They are secure, modern and internationally recognised.

“You see the miracle of President Mahama, enhanced services, courier delivery, e-tracking, chip-embedded passports and yet a reduction in price. The reset is real and the Mahama magic is real.”

In addition, Mr Ablakwa revealed that all passport offices across the country had been digitally networked and integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) systems as part of strategies to address growing concerns about fraudulent passport applications.

He explained that under the new arrangement, anyone blacklisted in one region for attempting to obtain a passport fraudulently would automatically and immediately be flagged in all other regional centres.

“Once you are blacklisted here in Bolgatanga, that is it, you are blacklisted in the entire Republic of Ghana, we have tightened our security protocols, retrained all passport officers, and we are ahead of those attempting to acquire Ghanaian passports illegally,” he cautioned.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that all 16 regions of Ghana have functional passport application centres by December 2025.

“As a social democratic government, we believe that development must be inclusive. No part of our country should be left behind in the forward march of our progress,” he stated.

He said the commissioning of the new passport application centre in Bolgatanga symbolised not just the decentralisation of services but also a renewed effort to make governance more responsive to citizens’ needs.

The event was attended by Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, traditional leaders, Members of Parliament, District Chief Executives, staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the Alagumgube Association who championed the establishment of the airport in Bolgatanga.

By Anthony Adongo Apubeo

GNA

11 illegal miners arrested in Omanpe Abochia Forest

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The illegal miners

A team of eight officials from the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and Blue Water Guards have arrested ten Ghanaians and one Togolese involved in illegal mining activities at the Omanpe Abochia Forest, at Enchi, in the Aowin Municipality.

The exercise, sanctioned by Mr Stephen Morcher, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Aowin and led by Mr Armoo Desmond, from the Blue Water Guards and Mr Isaac Mfodwo, Deputy Superintendent of Immigration.

The team arrested the suspects – Amadu Kojo, 27 years; Akwesi Larry, 25 years; Abdulai, 25 years; Larry Kwaku, 18 years; Ibrahim Issah, 18 years; Joseph Kalafei, 20 years (Togolese) and Teye Daniel, 16 years.

The rest were Salifu Jacob, 23 years; Sule, 20 years, Jacob Epun,17 years and Abdulai Combat, 40 years.

The suspects were then escorted to Enchi and handed over to the District Command of the Ghana Police Service for further investigations and necessary actions.

The MCE said the operation was successfully carried out without any incident.

By P.K. Yankey

GNA

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