Ex-GBA President urges disciplinary action against misconduct by Lawyer-MPs

Former President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Yaw Boafo, has called for disciplinary action against Members of Parliament (MPs) and legal practitioners who engage in unethical and disorderly conduct, warning that such behaviour threatens the dignity of the legal profession.

He made this call at the official launch and seminar of the 20th Law Students’ Union (LSU) Week celebration at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Monday, June 23.

Mr. Boafo condemned a recent incident at the premises of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), where some New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs, who are also lawyers, were seen sitting on the floor in protest of the arrest of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Describing their actions as unethical, he stressed that such conduct tarnishes the image of the legal fraternity and should not be tolerated.

Mr. Boafo also criticised the behaviour of some legal practitioners during the vetting of ministerial nominees by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, January 30. He singled out Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, Weija-Gbawe MP Jerry Ahmed Shaib, and former Deputy Minister of Transport and MP for Gushegu, Alhassan Tampuli, for their involvement in what he described as a chaotic and unbecoming scene.

According to him, such behaviour constitutes professional misconduct and violates the ethical code of the legal profession.

He emphasised that holding a political position does not exempt lawyers from the disciplinary standards of the legal profession.

“For me, I think, and I still believe that the lawyers who engaged in any form of behaviour that is wrong should suffer consequences—whether they are politicians, public officials, or chiefs. No matter what, there should be some form of disciplinary measures,” he said.

Source: citinewsroom.com

Police crack down on vehicle-theft syndicate

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested five suspects believed to be part of a criminal syndicate responsible for stealing large sums of cash from parked vehicles across the region.

According to the police, the group operates using two vehicles and strategically targets individuals who have just withdrawn substantial amounts of money from banks.

Providing details at a press conference held at the Regional Police Headquarters on Monday, June 23, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye Cudjoe, explained that the suspects typically park one vehicle close to a bank while a member of the group loiters nearby to identify a potential victim.

Once a target is identified, the spotter alerts accomplices positioned in a separate vehicle nearby. They then trail the victim until the person leaves their car unattended, at which point they strike and steal the money.

Using a specific object, the suspects hit the targeted vehicle to force it open from the inside, retrieve the money, and flee in the second car to avoid detection.

Investigations led to the arrest of five suspects who, according to DCOP Cudjoe, have confessed to being part of a larger criminal network. The suspects include Russell Ekenze, 29, a taxi driver; Francis Friday, 49, a politician; and Linus Agwazie, 51, a trader. Police say all five are Nigerian nationals.
Two women, Gifty Ozurumbam and Gladys Ibrahim, were also arrested for allegedly concealing the whereabouts of one of the prime suspects, Cosmas Maduabuchukwu. Cosmas, who sustained gunshot wounds during an attempted arrest, reportedly sought refuge at a drinking bar owned by the two women at Kenyanase.
Police have since impounded two vehicles suspected to have been used in the criminal activities: a gold-coloured Toyota Highlander with registration number GT 2471-14 and a black Toyota Highlander with registration number GX 7124-12, both bearing fake license plates.

DCOP Cudjoe assured the public that police efforts are ongoing to apprehend all members of the syndicate.

“One of the key suspects, Cosmas Maduabuchukwu, sustained a gunshot wound during an attempted arrest and managed to flee. Intelligence data revealed that he sought refuge at a drinking bar in Kenyanase owned by Gifty Ozurumbam and Gladys Ibrahim. These two individuals have since been arrested for obstructing police investigations by failing to disclose the whereabouts of the suspect,” he said.

Source: citinewsroom.com

Ofori-Atta’s family petitions National Central Bureau, CCF for deletion of Interpol red notice

The family of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has accused the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) of abusing its powers in what it calls a “premeditated vendetta” against the former official.

In a statement released on Monday, June 9, the family condemned the issuance of an INTERPOL Red Notice and declared the OSP’s actions as violations of due process, constitutional rights, and international law.

They have formally petitioned both the National Central Bureau and the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) for the immediate deletion of the Red Notice, arguing that it was procured based on manipulated evidence and withheld medical information.

According to the family, the arrest warrant issued for Ofori-Atta on 11 February 2025, citing “using public office for private profit,” was obtained under “unusual circumstances” without a supporting affidavit. They argue that despite the warrant, no formal charges have been filed against Ofori-Atta.

They further claimed that the OSP’s declaration of Ofori-Atta as a fugitive from justice was first made through a media briefing—an act they say has no legal backing and is now the subject of ongoing proceedings at the Human Rights Court, with a ruling expected on June 18.

The family maintains that Ofori-Atta has been undergoing treatment at the Mayo Clinic in the United States for cancer diagnosed earlier this year, following post-COVID complications dating back to 2021. He was scheduled for surgery on June 13, 2025, and had requested a video-recorded interview in lieu of an in-person appearance, citing medical limitations.

“Rather than respecting the medical records shared and permitting a virtual engagement as permitted under law, the OSP chose to portray a man scheduled for surgery as a fugitive,” the family said.

The statement accused the OSP of deliberately concealing medical evidence and ignoring offers for remote cooperation, instead staging what they called a “public lynching” to humiliate Ofori-Atta.

The family disclosed that a new lawsuit was filed on June 3, challenging the legality of the arrest warrant and the conduct of the OSP. They are also questioning whether the OSP disclosed the pending court proceedings, medical documentation, or the cancer diagnosis to INTERPOL prior to requesting the Red Notice.

“Had these been disclosed, the INTERPOL filing would have violated Articles 2 and 3 of its constitution, which protect the right to health and prohibit political abuse,” the family argued.

Summarising their concerns, the family accused the OSP of weaponizing its mandate for political spectacle, citing a long list of procedural missteps including the suppression of evidence, breach of administrative fairness, and violations of human rights.

“Mr. Ofori-Atta has never fled from accountability. He stood firm before CHRAJ, Parliament, and ECOWAS Court inquiries—and was cleared each time,” the statement noted. “This is not justice. This is vengeance.”

They affirmed that once his treatment and recovery are complete, Ofori-Atta will return to Ghana to face any lawful inquiry, expressing confidence that he will be vindicated.

“We are confident that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights will be restored and when these investigations are completed, he will be acquitted in full view of our entire nation—and justice will find the Hamans.”

Interpol has listed Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, as “Wanted” on its official website.

This development follows a notice from the Office of the Special Prosecutor, which re-declared Ofori-Atta as wanted after he failed to appear for a scheduled interrogation on June 2.

Ofori-Atta is under investigation for his alleged involvement in several high-profile cases, including:

1. Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance: Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

2. Electricity Company Contract Termination: The termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).

3. National Cathedral Project: Procurement procedures and financial transactions related to the construction of the National Cathedral.

4. Ambulance Procurement: A Ministry of Health contract with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and maintenance of 307 ambulances.

5. GRA Tax P-Fund Management: The handling and disbursement of funds from the GRA’s Tax P-Fund Account.

Source: citinewsroom.com

Police intercept 30k pieces of ammunition at Tadzewu-Metsrikasa Barrier

Police personnel on duty at the Tadzewu-Metsrikasa Barrier in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region have intercepted a massive consignment of ammunition on a passenger bus traveling from Accra to Benin.

The arrest occurred in the early hours of Friday, April 18, 202, at approximately 0330 hours, during a routine inspection of a Hyundai passenger bus, with registration number GR 8246-Q.

A search of the vehicle revealed 60 cartons of AAA cartridges, amounting to 15,000 pieces of the AAA cartridge, and 72 cartons of BB cartridges, totaling 18,000 pieces of the BB cartridge ammunition. The boxes had been concealed under luggage and wrapped in sacks to avoid detection.

This was contained in an official statement issued by the Volta Regional Police Public Affairs Unit, signed by DSP Felix Danku, and dated April 19, 2025.

According to the release, the driver of the vehicle, Abasou Fousseni, aged 45, and his co-driver, Salisu Jalilu, aged 38, were immediately arrested for questioning.

Both men, however, denied knowledge of the concealed ammunition.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that the co-driver, Salisu Jalilu, was responsible for loading the illicit items into the vehicle,” the statement said.

In light of this development, the driver was granted bail to allow him to continue the journey and ensure the safe arrival of the passengers at their destination.

The co-driver remains in custody to assist with ongoing investigations. He is expected to be arraigned before court on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

The statement reiterated the Ghana Police Service’s firm commitment to combating transnational crimes, especially those that threaten peace and security within the ECOWAS sub-region.

Investigations are ongoing to identify the source and intended recipients of the ammunition.

Source: myjoyonline.com

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

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

Police charges shambolic, lacks evidence- Daniel Koranteng’s Lawyer

Kofi Essel, legal counsel for Daniel Owusu Koranteng, a former associate of the late investigative journalist Ahmed Suale, has strongly criticised the Madina District Court’s decision to charge his client with murder in connection with Suale’s death.

Describing the charge as “shambolic,” Essel accused authorities of pursuing a baseless case driven by hearsay and ulterior motives.

The court ruled to charge Koranteng with one count of murder after initially considering charges of abetment. Authorities claim Koranteng was near Suale’s residence in Madina at the time of the journalist’s fatal shooting in January 2019.

However, Essel has rejected these claims, insisting that the prosecution lacks concrete evidence to support the charges.

“The police hurriedly put a charge together on the offense of murder. First, they were talking about abetment, now we are talking about a surprise charge sheet of one count of murder. They prayed to the court to remand our client with no basis. I describe this as a shambolic charge sheet.

“Because they have nothing on our client. It is just a multitude of allegations on hearsay that have been put together. It is just for someone’s career to shoot up, and someone has to go down; that is a witch-hunt, and we are going to deal with that,” he stated.

Source: citinewsroom.com

Daniel Koranteng denies selling Ahmed Suale’s photo to Kennedy Agyapong

Thirty-five-year-old businessman Daniel Koranteng, also known as Nana Amakye, has denied allegations that he sold photographs of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale to Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong prior to Suale’s murder in 2019.

Koranteng has been remanded in custody by the Madina District Court after being provisionally charged with murder. Prosecutors claim that Koranteng played a significant role in the killing of Ahmed Suale, citing call records and his presence near the journalist’s residence at the time of the murder.

“Call records place the accused in Madina near Suale’s residence before and at the time of the murder,” the prosecution stated.

Despite the accusations, Koranteng rejected claims that he sold photographs of the deceased to Kennedy Agyapong. However, prosecutors noted that he admitted to knowing Suale, visiting Agyapong, and taking photos with the journalist.

“He admitted knowing the deceased, visiting Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, and taking photographs with the deceased, but denied selling the photographs to anyone,” the prosecution told the court.

The prosecution further maintains that Suale had identified Koranteng as the individual responsible for supplying the images, which were later broadcast on Net2 TV, where Agyapong called for retribution against the journalist.

According to the prosecution, Koranteng fled to the United Kingdom in 2019 after declining multiple police invitations for questioning. He returned to Ghana and was arrested in Amasaman on March 15, 2025, following intelligence reports.

The court has remanded him into custody pending further investigations, with committal proceedings scheduled for April 1, 2025. Investigations into the case are ongoing.

Meanwhile, the prosecution insists that investigations are ongoing.

Source: myjoyonline.com

Police launch manhunt for suspect in Awutu Senya East shooting incident

The Ghana Police Service has launched a manhunt for a suspect who allegedly shot another individual at Awutu Senya East in the Central Region.

According to police reports, the suspect fled the scene, abandoning his car in a bid to evade arrest.

In a statement issued by ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs for the Ghana Police Service, it was confirmed that law enforcement officers are actively pursuing the fugitive.

She assured the public that the suspect would be apprehended and made to face the full rigours of the law.

“Our personnel are working tirelessly to locate and arrest the individual responsible for this heinous act. We want to assure the public that no effort will be spared in bringing the culprit to justice,” ACP Ansah-Akrofi stated.

The police have urged the public to provide any relevant information that could assist in locating the suspect.

Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the area.

Four arrested over shooting in Nyankpala

The Police have arrested four persons in connection with the shooting incident at Nyankpala in the Northern Region. They are Majid Issah, Fodi Issiage Kamara, Yakubu Simalia and Alhaji Bashiru Mohamed, During a press briefing at the Ghana Police Media Center, the Service confirmed that the incident led to the death of one person and the injury of another. The injured victim is currently receiving medical care, while the body of the deceased is taken to the morgue for preservation and autopsy,a statement issued by the Police said. “The suspects are currently in custody and assisting the Police investigation,” it added.