Supreme Court Rules On Ernest Kumi’s Case Against Koforidua High Court

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June 12, 2025

The Circuit Court at Sakumono has sentenced a 28-year-old vulcanizer, Joseph Sam, to six months in prison for stealing and another six months for assault after he broke into a woman’s home and attacked her and her brother. The sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will serve six months in total.

This case serves as an important reminder for the public about personal safety, the importance of reporting crimes, and how the justice system works to protect citizens.

On the night of February 20, 2024, around 10:45 p.m., the victim, Lucille Andoh, an Events Director living at Sakumono near Tema in the Greater Accra region, was attacked in her home. She had just finished showering when she found the convict, Joseph Sam, standing in her corridor.

He threatened to stab her if she made any noise, then followed her into her bedroom. There, he struck her with an object, causing her to collapse.

He proceeded to steal two iPhone 12 phones (worth GH¢10,000) and a ladies handbag containing her Ghana card and Bank cards.

As he tried to escape, Lucille managed to call for help. Her brother, Michael Andoh and other family members intervened.

During the struggle, Joseph Sam punched Michael in the stomach and grabbed his genitals. Despite the assault, the family restrained the convict and called the police emergency line.

The Sakumono Police Patrol Team responded quickly and arrested the suspect. Michael Andoh was given a medical form and received hospital treatment for his injuries.

The convict was charged with stealing (Contrary to Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 – Act 29) and assault (Contrary to Section 84 of the same Act). After a full trial, the court presided over by Her Honour Christiana Cann found him guilty on both counts and sentenced him accordingly.

Labourer Remanded by Over Series of Burglaries @ Makola

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June 12, 2025

The Circuit Court in Accra, presided over by Her Honour Sedinam Kwadam, has remanded 25-year-old labourer, Amwaliwen Awenkayeka, also known as Dada, into police custody over a string of shop thefts and unlawful entries that reportedly took place at Makola in the Greater Accra Region.

The accused, who once worked for the complainant, businesswoman Diana Naa Dedei Sacker, faces eight counts including unlawful entry, stealing and attempt to commit crime, all in violation of Sections 152, 124(1), and 18(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

Background of the Case

According to Chief Inspector Daniel Appiah-Ofori and police reports presented by D/C/Inspector Stephen Teye Martey, the complainant had employed the accused as a labourer in 2020.

Over the years, she noticed suspicious losses of large sums of money from her shop, despite all entry points and storage compartments being locked and showing no signs of forced entry.

In one instance, in early April 2025 GH¢10,000 of GH¢20,000 stored in a locked drawer mysteriously disappeared.

Similar incidents followed, including the theft of GH¢20,000 in April, and in May, GH¢50,000 and US$1,000 from a locked box.

Despite changing all the locks in her shop, the thefts continued until May 31, when the accused attempted another break-in but was thwarted due to the updated security measures.

Following investigations, police arrested Awenkayeka at his hideout in Achimota on June 3. During interrogation, he confessed to duplicating the keys to the shop and returning after hours to commit the thefts.

He also admitted to purchasing a mattress, renting a new apartment with GH¢29,600, sending money to his parents, and making mobile money transfers with the stolen funds.

Court Proceedings

The accused appeared before the Circuit Court on June 9, 2025, and was formally charged on the following counts: Three counts of unlawful entry with intent to commit a crime (stealing), four counts of stealing involving amounts totalling over GH¢280,000 and USD 1,000 – One count of attempt to commit crime (stealing)

The prosecution opposed bail, citing the gravity of the offences and the risk of flight. Her Honour Sedinam Kwadam remanded the accused into custody to assist with further investigations.

The case has been adjourned to a later date.

Bartender jailed for unlawful sale of narcotic drugs

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June 12, 2025

The Accra Circuit Court has sentenced a Bartender to 13 years imprisonment with hard labour, for unlawful control of narcotic drugs, following his arrest at a drinking spot at Osu-Nyaniba Estate.

The convict, whose name has not been disclosed, was found guilty on two counts, under the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), after police officers from the Drug Law Enforcement Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters acted on intelligence and apprehended him on August 31, 2022.

The presiding judge, Her Honour Christiana Cann, handed down concurrent sentences of 13 years imprisonment with hard labour on each of the two counts, in addition to a monetary fine of 15,000 penalty units for each count — amounting to 30,000 penalty units in total.

At GH¢12.00 per unit the total fine amounts to GH¢360,000.

In default of payment, the convict will serve an additional three years imprisonment for each count.

According to brief facts presented in court, the accused operated a drinking spot known as “OTANFO NYE NYAME” at Osu-Nyaniba Estate.

Police arrested him around 12:45 p.m. on the day in question, where they recovered quantities of suspected cannabis hidden in various containers, polythene bags and sacks within the bar premises and his personal room.

The seized items included four (4) white containers labeled “BROTHERS CO. LTD,” a black polythene bag, a fertilizer sack, a white polythene bag and four (4) litres of alcoholic beverages and a plastic bottle, all suspected to be infused with cannabis.

Subsequent forensic analysis confirmed the substances were cannabis, with a total net weight exceeding 28 kilograms.

During police interrogation, the convict admitted the drugs belonged to him and identified one “Charles” from Keta in the Volta Region as his supplier.

However, he failed to cooperate in efforts to apprehend Charles.

DSP Abel Amanie led the prosecution, charging the accused with two counts of unlawful control of narcotic drugs contrary to Section 37 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019).

Her Honour Christiana Cann delivered the sentence on Monday, emphasizing the grave societal danger posed by narcotics trafficking and the need for deterrence.

The sentences are to run concurrently.

Fake Doctor Faces Eight Charges in GH¢55,000 Visa Scam

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June 12, 2025

A 30-year-old trader, Fredrick Papa Kow-Assifuah, appeared before Accra Circuit Court 8 on Tuesday, facing multiple charges, including defrauding by false pretence and impersonating a medical doctor.

Presiding over the case, His Honour Jojo Amoah Hagan granted the accused bail set at GH¢100,000 with two sureties required. The sureties must justify the bail with landed property accompanied by valid title certificates. The case has been adjourned to June 26, 2025.

The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu, outlined an elaborate scheme in which Kow-Assifuah allegedly posed as a medical doctor to deceive victims and extort over GH¢55,000 under the pretext of securing travel visas to France and the United States.

Kow-Assifuah is facing eight charges including: Wilfully and falsely using the title “Dr.” in contravention of the Health Professions and Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013 (Act 857), Practicing medicine without registration. Six counts of defrauding by false pretence, under Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29)

According to court documents, the accused primarily used social media to lure victims, mainly women, into trusting relationships by posing as a licensed medical doctor.

Often seen in a white lab coat with a stethoscope around his neck, he cultivated an image of professionalism and credibility.

The prosecution revealed that Kow-Assifuah collected significant sums from several victims, including GH¢25,000 from Sandra Boateng, GH¢18,500 from Bernard Ameyaw, GH¢8,500 from Genevieve Appau Tete, GH¢2,000 from Ewuradwoa Arhin Sandra and GH¢1,500 from Elizabeth Dadzie.

He was arrested on June 6, 2025 at his residence in Kasoa Crispo City by officers from the National Police Intelligence Directorate. At the time of his arrest, he was allegedly in the process of defrauding another potential victim.

A search of the premises uncovered syringes, IV drips, vaccine bottles, a Ghanaian passport belonging to one of the victims and GH¢8,500 in cash.

In his caution statement, Kow-Assifuah reportedly admitted to collecting money from various individuals, with promises of securing them travel visas, promises he never fulfilled.

Ghana and Morocco Strengthen Relations with 24-Hour Travel Authorization: A Milestone for Trade, Tourism, and Diplomacy

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June 12, 2025

In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral relations, the Government of Ghana, via its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has unveiled a 24-hour online travel authorization agreement with the Kingdom of Morocco. This new initiative, announced by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, is anticipated to greatly simplify travel regulations between the two countries, thereby fostering trade, tourism, and social interactions.

The agreement, which took effect on June 6, 2025, was highlighted during a press conference monitored by the New Publisher Newspaper. Hon. Ablakwa noted that this streamlined travel arrangement signifies more than just a practical policy; it represents a bold move towards increased collaboration, economic empowerment, and cultural exchange on the continent.

Promoting Regional Integration

The policy is a reflection of a broader movement across Africa toward regional integration and economic partnership. Both Ghana and Morocco, significant players in West and North Africa, have long sought to strengthen their bilateral and continental ties. The travel authorization agreement not only emphasizes this commitment but also aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which promotes the vision of smooth movement and shared prosperity across the continent.

By alleviating travel challenges, the two countries are establishing a model for what African collaboration should embody efficiency, focus on citizens, and opportunities for growth.

Economic Opportunities

Ghana and Morocco are economic leaders in their regions. Ghana excels in the export of cocoa, gold, oil, and education, while Morocco is recognized for its automotive parts, textiles, phosphates, and renewable energy sectors. Both countries stand to gain significantly from the easier movement of goods and people.

With this travel initiative, small and medium-sized enterprises in both nations can embark on joint ventures, share expertise, and expand into each other’s markets. Ghanaian artisans and agribusiness owners can leverage Morocco’s advanced supply chains, while Moroccan entrepreneurs may discover new investment opportunities in Ghana’s burgeoning construction and fintech industries. In the upcoming weeks, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and its Moroccan equivalent are expected to announce frameworks that will facilitate bilateral trade exhibitions, business missions, and policy alignment.

Growth in Tourism and Cultural Exchange

Tourism is another crucial area poised to benefit from this diplomatic development. Ghana’s historical landmarks, vibrant festivals, and nature reserves make it a sought-after destination in West Africa, while Morocco is famous for its renowned tourist spots like Marrakesh, Casablanca, the Atlas Mountains, and adventures in the Sahara Desert.

This new policy will enable both nations to promote their attractions more effectively, allowing tour operators, travel bloggers, and cultural organizations to create multi-country tour packages that could enhance tourist numbers and generate local revenue. Furthermore, educational exchange programs and cultural events will thrive as artists, performers, and scholars freely traverse between Accra and Rabat.

Additionally, the partnership will pave the way for richer educational diplomacy, allow universities in Ghana and Morocco to develop dual-degree programs, research collaborations, and academic projects that will enrich both countries’ academic and scientific landscapes.

Strengthening Interpersonal Connections: A Foundation for Peace and Progress

The emphasis on “people-to-people engagements” is perhaps the most transformative element of this agreement. In diplomacy, relationships formed through everyday interactions among citizens students, business people, and professionals tend to have longer-lasting impacts than high-level discussions alone.

Thanks to this policy, citizens of Ghana and Morocco can plan pilgrimages, family visits, business trips, or academic journeys without facing lengthy visa waits. This newfound freedom promotes mutual understanding, minimizes xenophobia, and facilitates cross-cultural empathy, which are essential for crafting resilient communities.

Civil society organizations in both nations are encouraged to utilize this policy to bring together youth, women entrepreneurs, environmental advocates, and tech innovators through conferences, discussions, and community initiatives.

Digital Diplomacy: A Potential Blueprint for Africa

The online aspect of this travel authorization process is particularly noteworthy. Instead of relying on conventional, cumbersome methods, this policy embraces digitization, ensuring faster processing, transparency, and user-friendliness. It sets a standard for other African countries to adopt technology-driven solutions for mobility, a crucial factor for continental unity.

This innovation aligns with both country’s broader goals of modernizing public service delivery and enhancing citizen experiences. It’s a critical move toward establishing what has been labelled “Smart Diplomacy” for Africa tech-savvy, development-oriented, and prepared for the future.

Challenges and Future Considerations

While the initiative is ambitious and commendable, its success hinges on effective implementation and public education. Both nations must guarantee that their online systems are accessible, secure, and easy to navigate. It will be essential to train embassies and immigration offices to support this effort, along with launching awareness campaigns to inform citizens about how to take full advantage of the arrangement.

Additionally, ensuring reciprocity and fairness is vital. It is important that citizens of both countries can benefit from this policy equally, without one side facing disadvantages due to administrative issues or legal ambiguities.

Lastly, coordination with airlines, border management officials, and travel insurance companies will be necessary to streamline travel for all involved.

Conclusion:

The introduction of the 24-hour online travel authorization is not merely a symbolic diplomatic gesture; it represents a bold, forward-thinking initiative. It illustrates an Africa on the rise, freed from the constraints of colonial boundaries, empowered by modern technology, and committed to leveraging its collective strengths through collaboration.

As Hon. Ablakwa stated, this partnership explains; this will enhance trade, tourism, and strengthen people-to-people engagement. More than just these outcomes, it carries a profound message: that two nations, by prioritizing openness over isolation, can serve as a model for a continent eager to take charge of its future.

Let this initiative be a blueprint not only for West and North Africa but for the entirety of Africa.

WRITTEN BY:

Wisdom Koudjo Klu,

Columnist- Greater Accra

Region.

wisdomklu@gmail.com

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Chronicle’s stance.

Obuasi Observes World Environment Day with Grand Durbar and Awards

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June 12, 2025

Prempeh Adarkwa Yiadom addressing the gathering

The mining town of Obuasi joined the International Community to celebrate World Environment Day at a colourful ceremony over the weekend.

Speaking at the event, the Obuasi Area Head of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Mr. Prempeh Adarkwa Yiadom, noted the slogan “Rethink Plastic pollution. Act Now,” calls on us to confront one of the most pressing environmental crises of our time – the scourge of plastic waste choking our lands, rivers and oceans.

“Here in Obuasi and across Ghana”, he noted, “Plastic pollution clogs our drains, contaminates our soil and threatens our water bodies”.

A section of students and the general public at the programme

Mr. Prempeh Adarkwa Yiadom was of the view that plastics per se are not a problem, but said how we use it and the way we dispose of them is the problem.

He charged Ghanaians to be creative enough to turn plastic containers into planters, art or household tools and say no to single use of plastics like straws, take-away bags and disposable bottles.

In a speech read for him, Mr. George O. Ansah, Senior Manager in charge of Environment at AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) said the company had always been alert on its commitment towards environmental stewardship and that it has aligned itself to the resolve by the rest of the world to stem the tide of plastic pollution.

“It is for this reason that together with our partners we lined up impactful activities, including essay and debate competitions, waste segregation and plastic waste innovation challenge targeted at ending plastic pollution.

Mr. Ansah expressed appreciation to the EPA, Underground Mining Alliance (UMA) AGAMAL, GES and the Local Authorities for their support towards the success of this year’s commemoration.

Mr. Lawrence Turkson, National project Manager UMA said his outfit had identified, engaged, trained and built capacity of individual plastic waste collectors who are now the superheroes of Environmental Sustainability in Obuasi.

“We have sparked motivation in both collectors and the Obuasi community. Obuasi collectors are not just picking up plastic, but they are picking up a purpose for a greener tomorrow,” Mr. Turkson added.

The MCE for Obuasi East, Mr. William Kofi Adzowu, while thanking AGA and its partners for the programme, called for good behaviour and attitudinal change on the part of the citizens in the use of plastics in the society.

He suggested that thirty minutes of every Basic School life be devoted for “Plastics Safety” to educate the pupils and students on the correct use of plastics.Prizes were given to schools that distinguished themselves in competitions as part of activities to mark World Environment Day.

Apagya SHS came first in the debate on Environment, while Owusu Sampa Basic School came first in the Waste Segregation Challenge with Obuasi Senior High Technical School winning the Plastic Waste Innovation Challenge.

From Frederick Danso Abeam, Obuasi

1,204 Students in Adansi North District Take BECE in 4 Centres

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June 12, 2025

DCE Charles Kofi Ogbeh speaking to candidates at the Dompoase centre

A total of 1,204 students made up of 560 males and 644 females are taking part in this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Adansi North District of Ashanti region.

The examination is being held in four centres namely; Dompoase SHS, T.I. Ahmadiyya Fomena, Asare Bediako SHS and ATTC Practice School at Akrokerri.

A section of candidates at Dompoase receiving instructions before the examination

The Adansi North District Director of education, Mr. Ibrahim A. Amankwah, the DCE, Mr. Charles Kofi Ogbeh and the District Coordinating Director, Thomas Kwame Okrah (NANA) and other officers from GES were at the centres to talk to the students before the examination.

Speaking at the Dompoase SHS and TI Ahmadiyya SHS, DCE Kofi Ogbeh advised the students not to involve themselves in any examination malpractices by sending any foreign material to the examination halls.

He urged the students to take time to read the questions before answering them. To the Invigilators, Mr. Ogbeh urged them not to intimidate the students, but be firm in ensuring that they do the right thing.

The District Director of Education, Mr. Ibrahim A. Amankwah, told the students not to engage in cheating in examinations.

He stated that as future leaders, if they begin to engage in examination malpractice, they will grow to become dishonest citizens and that will not augur well for the country.

A section of students interviewed by The Chronicle were optimistic that they will go through the examination easily, considering the tutorials that they have gained from their teachers.

They said it is their wish that they score high marks to gain admission to the best schools in the country, so that their parents will not regret sponsoring them through education.

The examination ends next Tuesday.

From Frederick Danso Abeam, Fomena

Kaduna Elders demand probe of El-Rufa’i administration

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June 12, 2025

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai

The Southern Kaduna Leadership Council (SKLC) has demanded a judicial probe into the administration of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of orchestrating what they described as a campaign of intimidation and injustice against Southern Kaduna communities.

At a press conference titled “Dispelling Lies and Hate Against a People”, the Council refuted allegations made by El-Rufai’s former media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, that some chiefdoms, including Adara, willingly sought changes to their traditional identities.

SKLC Secretary, Timothy B. Gandu, stated that these claims were not only misleading but contradicted by official state documents.

Gandu explained that in 2017, the El-Rufai government set up a 13-member committee to review and propose new names for chiefdoms—shifting emphasis from ethnic to geographical identities.

According to him, this move was unilaterally driven by the government, not by traditional leaders.

He cited a letter from the office of the Secretary to the State Government as evidence that the initiative came from the top, not the grassroots.

The Council further alleged that only a few communities actually requested changes, while the majority either opposed the renaming or never made any such request.

Out of 25 affected chiefdoms, 17 rejected the changes, and seven clarified that no requests came from them.

Southern Kaduna, home to over 56 ethnic groups across 12 local government areas, could not have unanimously sought such changes, the Council argued.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Ekiti Gov’s aide resigns, accuses Oyebanji of underperformance

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June 12, 2025