Day: May 24, 2024

Martin Amidu has told former Auditor General Daniel Yao Domelevo, renowned lawyer Martin Kpebu, and other notable Ghanaians who petitioned Parliament for a bipartisan probe into the conduct of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in the investigation of former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah, that their action is a waste.

The group, which also includes outspoken security analyst Dr. Adam Bonaa, academic Professor Ransford Gyampo, and over 100 other Ghanaians from various backgrounds, claimed that EOCO had sufficient grounds to investigate the former Minister for money laundering but chose not to pursue the case.

However, Martin Amidu, a former Special Prosecutor, in a statement copied to GhanaWeb has stated that EOCO’s decision to close the case against the former minister cannot be reversed as it was a directive from the Office of the Attorney General.

He further explained that Parliament does not have the authority to investigate the Attorney General’s responsibilities.

Amidu’s statement,
dated May 23, 2024, reads in part, “The petitioners to Parliament, most of whom are known activists and spokespersons for Kissi Agyebeng and the NDC, know that it is trite learning that the investigatory and prosecutorial discretion of the Attorney-General is not subject to review by the courts of law. The EOCO is subject to the authority and directions of the Attorney-General under Act 804.

“The Executive Director of the EOCO cannot, therefore, refuse to comply with the advice of the Attorney General or the Director of Public Prosecutions. Certainly, Parliament has no power to investigate the exercise of investigatory and prosecutorial discretion by the Attorney-General under the entrenched Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution.”

Amidu, a former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, suggested that Parliament’s involvement in this matter would only serve political interests if the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, and the Minority Caucus choose to exploit it.

Therefore, Amidu concluded that the petit
ion to Parliament, inspired by Kissi Agyebeng, to investigate

EOCO’s failure to pursue non-existent money laundering allegations against Cecilia Dapaah is futile, unless the NDC Speaker of Parliament uses it for political gain.

He also criticized Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng for violating several provisions of the 1992 Constitution during his investigation of the former minister.

About Cecilia Dapaah’s Case:

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) closed its case against the former minister and her husband, Daniel Osei Kufuor, who were accused of corruption and corruption-related offences after two of their house helps allegedly stole $1 million and pound 300,000 in cash, along with other valuable items from their residence in Abelemkpe.

The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, concluded that his office lacked the authority to prosecute or take further action against the former minister and referred the case to EOCO.

The referral was based on the suspicion that the large sums of money found at Ce
cilia Dapaah’s properties and bank accounts could be the proceeds of a money laundering and structuring scheme.

However, EOCO returned the dockets on the case following advice by the Office of the Attorney General that “The OSP’s referral to EOCO for investigations into money laundering is without basis.”

Attorney General Godfred Dame also said that there was no evidence of corruption or procurement breaches against the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources and her husband.

Source: Ghana Web

An Accra High Court on Friday struck out an application for an injunction seeking to prevent organisers of the #DumsorMustStop vigil from converging at the Revolutionary Square, opposite the Jubilee House.

The organisers had already written a withdrawal letter to the court, amending their gathering point and route for the vigil.

Initially, the Greater Accra Regional Police Command and the conveners disagreed on the starting point for their protest.

The Police later filed an injunction against them, indicating that the location was close to a security installation.

Source: Ghana News Agency

In a remarkable display of philanthropy and support for the arts, Claudia Kwarteng Lumor, the esteemed founder and CEO of Glitz Africa, recently made a significant donation to Ace Liam, the one-year-old Guinness World Record holder for the youngest male artist.

The donation marks a pivotal moment in the young artist’s burgeoning career and underscores Lumor’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering creativity within the nation.

Claudia Kwarteng Lumor, known for her remarkable works and reach in the corporate space, expressed her admiration for Liam’s achievements during the presentation and visit to the Arts Center in Nungua, Accra.

The donation was a one-year payment of Liam’s school fees at the Aristoland Montessori Centre where he attends school.

Lumor’s gesture is expected to significantly impact the young artist’s educational journey, providing him with the stability and encouragement necessary to pursue greater heights in his academics.

Lumor’s generous donation not only enhances Liam’s educa
tional journey but also highlights the importance of investing in the next generation of artists.

Her support is seen as a catalyst for other industry leaders to follow suit, fostering a culture of mentorship and sponsorship that can propel young talents to international acclaim.

As a recognized pioneer and stakeholder in the creative industry in Ghana, Lumor is also helping to ensure that Ghana remains a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation through her demonstrated support and interest in Liam’s talent.

Ace Liam, the youngest male artist Guinness World Record Holder, achieved this feat at the age of 1 year and 152 days. He was previously recognized for his talent in art at the age of six months. He has over 20 paintings to his credit and has showcased his art at the Soundout Premium Exhibition at the Museum of Science and Technology in Ghana.

His mother, Miss Shantel, who received the cheque on her son’s behalf, expressed gratitude to Claudia Kwarteng Lumor for her kind gesture.

Source: Ghana Web

Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, the Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has commended members of the District 418 Ghana of Lions International for their contributions towards the development of the country.

She said the impact made by the Association in areas such as disaster relief, health and well-being, environmental sustainability, youth and community development, over the years, could not be ignored.

Delivering the keynote address at the just ended three -day Convention of Lions of District 418- Ghana, Prof Dickson praised the Lions for making indelible impact in the lives of many and transforming the fortunes of the vulnerable in the society.

‘You have succeeded in making significant contributions to improving the lives of millions of people around the world. By your activities, you continue to emphasise what the real meaning of success in life is all about,’ she said.

The Convention was held on the theme: ‘Fostering Unity and Friendship for Sustainable
Membership Growth’.

The Vice Chancellor noted that in uniting individuals from different backgrounds to serve their communities, the Lions Clubs had grown into one of the largest and most impactful service organisations across the globe today.

Nana Adu Mensah Asare, Amakomhene, commended the Lions for the various roles they continued to play in putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged in society.

Giving a report on the Association, Miss Kate Baaba Hudson, the District Governor of the Club, said the District currently had a membership of 1,300, adding that it hoped to add about 70 more members before the end of its service year on June 30, 2024.

She announced that the Club presented relief items to victims of the recent Akosombo Dam spillage disaster to alleviate their plights.

During the period under review, she said the District, which comprised 46 Clubs spread throughout the country, formed one additional Club known as the Hohoe Unique Lions Club and presented it with its Charter to officiall
y welcome the Club into the Lions Family.

Miss Hudson, who is a former Editor of the Business Desk of the Daily Graphic and a former acting Editor of The Mirror, noted that there had been increased interest in leadership training programmes by members.

She disclosed that its Marketing Department made significant strides in enhancing brand awareness and ensuring brand consistency.

The District Governor also announced that the District was honoured during the 8th Exclusive Men of the Year (EMY) Africa Awards ceremony held in October last year as the Best Humanitarian Group of the Year.

Dr Helena Asamoah-Hassan, who was the first Vice District Governor, was installed as the District Governor Elect for the next Lions Service Year.

Dr Asamoah – Hassan expressed her gratitude to her predecessors for working hard to nurture the young district.

She said there was the need to hit the ground running to be able to contribute to the building of the District.

Mr Prince Obeng Dwamena, a Chartered Accountant and Tax
Consultant, who is currently the Second Vice District Governor was endorsed as the First Vice District Governor.

Also, Mr Ebo Prah Manson, a Professional Construction Cost Advisor, Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager, was elected Second Vice District Governor.

A major highlight of the Convention was the parade of members from the KNUST main taxi rank to the Business School and a flag raising ceremony.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Human Rights Division of the High Court in Accra has ordered the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) to label all Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) on the market to enable the public to make an informed choice.

The Court also directed that the NBA should with immediate effect publish all data of all GMOs including the BT Cowpea products from Nigeria to enable easy identification.

The Court presided over by Justice Barbara Tetteh Charwey made this order while delivering a judgment in a case in which the Food Sovereignty sued the National Biosafety Authority against the commercialization of genetically modified (GMO) foods in Ghana.

The Court while dismissing FSG has also directed the NBA to undertake a sensitisation exercise in all their areas to help the people know what is happening around them.

Source: Ghana Web

The Zabzugu District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has held an Inter-party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) meeting for stakeholders ahead of the 2024 general election.

The event, which took place at Zabzugu in the Northern Region, was a step in fostering cooperation among political parties with the aim of promoting peace before, during and after the elections.

It brought together members of various political parties, traditional and religious leaders, youth groups, security services and persons with disabilities.

Also, in attendance were Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed, Northern Regional Director of NCCE, and his Deputy, Mr Christian Abogye, European Union (EU) Project Accountant at the NCCE Headquarters, Mr Abdul-Rahman Ibrahim, Zabzugu District Coordinator Director, and a representative of the Electoral Commission.

Participants were taken through electoral processes and a presentation on preventing and containing violent extremism as the country prepared for the elections.

Mr Adam
Abubakari, Zabzugu District Director of NCCE, speaking during the event, urged the residents to embrace peace, saying a peaceful election depended on all stakeholders.

He said the district, due to its geographical location and hospitality, appeared vulnerable to extremism, adding the membership of the IPDC was carefully and strategically composed to achieve a wider spread of impact within the district.

He urged the participants to be security conscious and educated them on ways to monitor and report security threats and detect youth radicalisation and conflict resolution.

Mr Iddisah Abukari, Zabzugu District Director, Electoral Commission, who sensitised participants on the election processes, assured the participants of the serene process, indicating that political parties had so far been cooperative.

Deputy Superintendent of Immigration, Mr Kennedy Tengzah, Zabzugu District Commander, Ghana Immigration Service, appealed to chiefs, landlords, and all residents to grant them the necessary space for uninte
rrupted investigations whenever security issues arose.

He admonished participants to be vigilant at all times, embrace peace and consider women and children in their dealings.

Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed, Northern Regional Director of NCCE also emphasised the need for all to embrace peace because ‘We are all one people. ‘

Representatives of political parties pledged to ensure peace ahead of the elections and beyond.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Engineer Dr. Jamaal-Deen Kukura has been elected as the Tamale Technical University (TaTU) Alumni National President after months of strategic and vigorous campaigning.

Dr. Jamaal-Deen, who is a senior lecturer at the university, went into the contest with two other intellectuals and polled a commanding total of 244 votes.

Mr. Mohammed Yunusa, who came in second on the result chart, garnered 64 votes, while Mr. Abdullah Mohammed Yussif secured 19 votes. However, he opted out of the elections an hour before midday, citing personal reasons for the decision.

The remaining aspirants went unopposed, including Ms. Zenab Sayibu, National Women Coordinator; Dr. Adam Isaahaku, General Secretary; Baba Alhassan, Vice President; and Alhassan Abdul-Latif Napari, Organizing Secretary.

Meanwhile, the newly elected executives have received several congratulatory messages from the university authorities, associations, students, chiefs, friends, and several others.

The President-elect, in a brief statement after the decl
aration by the Electoral Commissioner and the returning officer of the election, Dr. Jamaal-Deen, called for tolerance and togetherness among members of the association, stating that the focus now should be centred on development.

Among the congratulatory messages, the Dagbon Students’ Association (DASA) of the University expressed hope that the expertise and passion of the new leadership will propel the institution to greater heights.

“To our President-elect, Dr. Jamaal-Deen, we offer our warmest congratulations on your well-deserved election. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the executive team as well; your diverse skills and experiences will undoubtedly enrich the association’s decision-making processes and initiatives. Your success will be the success of the association, and we are ready to offer you the needed support in achieving excellence,” the association said in a press statement.

Source: Ghana Web

Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, the Minister of Finance, says the government is expecting $2.32 billion inflows from its development partners to stabilize the cedi.

‘We therefore expect total disbursements of at least $2.32 billion before the end of the year to add to the significant foreign exchange reserves already built up by the BoG,’ he said.

He said inflows from the World Bank, the third tranche of the International Monetary Fund Extended Credit Facility, cocoa syndicated proceeds will aid government efforts to stabilise cedis.

‘The disbursements of the 3rd Tranche under the 2nd Review of the IMF-supported PC-PEG after the IMF Executive Board approval in June 2024; disbursement from other ongoing projects, including the $150 million World Bank Loan following the parliamentary approval last week Friday,’ he said.

‘The expected disbursement of $300 million under the World Bank DPO2, possibly in the 3rd quarter of 2024, 2024, Disbursements of $200 million to Ghana EXIM Bank and GCB by EBID later in the year.
The expected 2024/25 Cocoa syndication proceeds in the 4th quarter of 2024 will all support the strengthening of the cedi as they boost supply of Forex to the markets,’ he said.

Dr. Amin also enumerated a number of measures the government had undertaken in conjunction with the central bank to complement the expected inflows from the development partners to stabilize the cedi.

The measures, according to the minister, included fast tracking of the fiscal consolidation process through rationalizing spending and enhancing revenue mobilization, intensification of the gold-for-oil programme, and appropriate FX interventions by the BoG.

Dr. Amin also said the government would intensify the gold for reserve programme by the central bank to shore up Ghana’s reserve.

Source: Ghana News Agency