AG won’t be swayed by diversionary tactics – Spokesperson

goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com

May 26, 2024
0 Comments

The spokesperson for the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, Isaac Wilberforce Mensah, has affirmed the unwavering resolve of Attorney-General (AG) Godfred Yeboah Dame in fulfilling his mandate.

His statement comes amidst a series of allegations and counter-allegations that have marked the ongoing ambulance case.

Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the case, had previously alleged in court that the AG had approached him multiple times, seeking his assistance to implicate Minority Leader and former Deputy Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson which the office of the AG has vehemently denied.

Mensah in an interview on The Big Issue on Citi TV on Saturday maintained that the AG is steadfast in his commitment to justice.

He stated that Dame is focused on ensuring a fair and thorough investigation, undeterred by the controversies surrounding the case.

“…The focus of the office is on prosecution. We are not going to be swayed by diversionary tactics amongst others. The AG is resolute in his mandate,” he stated.

goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com

Law & Order

goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
March 22, 2025
0 Comments
1 minute Read

IGP declares war on illegal mining

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has declared an all-out war on illegal mining, also known as “galamsey,” citing its serious threat to national security and the environment.

Speaking at the Regional Police Commanders’ Conference, COP Yohuno highlighted the escalating crisis of illegal mining, particularly in the Western North region, where the problem has reached alarming levels.

He revealed that armed criminals connected to illegal mining operations have carried out violent attacks on innocent civilians, including forest guards, with no justification. “

This lawlessness must not be allowed to continue,” COP Yohuno said, emphasizing the urgent need for action.

With illegal mining contributing to widespread violence and severe environmental degradation, the IGP stressed the importance of a coordinated, forceful response. He called on Regional Commanders to intensify their efforts and ensure a comprehensive approach to combat the issue.

“We are declaring war on illegal mining, and I expect every regional commander to take decisive action to bring perpetrators to justice,” COP Yohuno concluded.

Source: myjoyonline.com

Law & Order

goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
March 22, 2025
0 Comments
2 minutes Read

Former National Service boss interrogated over ghost names scandal

The former Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Osei Assibey Antwi, has become the latest official to be questioned by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) in connection with the ongoing investigation into the ghost names scandal within the National Service Scheme (NSS).

His questioning follows that of Gifty Oware-Mensah, a former Deputy Director in charge of Finance and Administration at the NSA, who was interrogated upon her return to the country. Prior to Oware-Mensah, Kwaku Ohene Djan, another former Deputy Executive Director of the NSA, was also detained and questioned by the NIB over the same issue.

According to sources, Mr. Osei Assibey Antwi appeared before the NIB on Thursday, March 20, accompanied by his lawyer, after being invited for questioning. He was reportedly interrogated for several hours regarding the alleged fraudulent enlistment of fictitious personnel on the NSA payroll.

It remains unclear whether he was released immediately following the questioning.

The NIB initiated its investigation after an exposé by The Fourth Estate, which uncovered significant irregularities within the NSA. The allegations suggest that thousands of ghost names were added to the payroll, resulting in millions of cedis being defrauded from the state in allowances.

The government has revealed a massive discrepancy in the National Service payroll, uncovering 81,885 suspected ghost names. This figure represents the difference between the actual number of active personnel and the payroll data submitted by the previous NSA management. The latest figures indicate that there are currently 98,145 active service personnel, compared to the 180,030 names presented for allowance payment in 2024.

“This discrepancy, amounting to 81,885 names, raises serious concerns about fraudulent activities,” a government statement noted.

The alleged payroll fraud could have cost the state an estimated GH₵50 million each month. However, the exact duration of the alleged fraudulent scheme is still under investigation.

Source: myjoyonline.com