🇬🇭GhanaWest Africa
Appiah-Kubi accuses Deputy Attorney General of prejudicial remarks in Wontumi galamsey case
via GhanaWeb5 min read
Andy Appiah-Kubi, lead counsel for Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has accused Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai of making prejudicial remarks in the ongoing galamsey trial. Appiah-Kubi stated that Srem-Sai's comments suggested the court should proceed to convict the accused persons, describing them as "very unfortunate" and undermining the fairness of the justice system. He argued that such statements from the Attorney General's office, which also serves as Minister of Justice, compromise the neutrality required in court proceedings. Appiah-Kubi defended the defense team's decision not to file witness statements, explaining it was a strategic move based on an appeal filed at the Court of Appeal challenging the High Court’s directive. He noted that a fresh application for a stay of proceedings had been lodged, arguing that continuing the trial while the appeal is pending would prejudice the outcome. Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited face six counts related to allegedly permitting and facilitating unlicensed mining activities.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
The Ghana Health Service has introduced tricycles and motorbikes to enhance primary healthcare services in rural, peri-urban, and hard-to-reach communities. These vehicles are designed to strengthen last-mile healthcare delivery and improve equitable access to quality services, particularly for underserved populations, aligning with the Service's commitment to universal health coverage. The tricycles function as mobile mini-health logistics units, featuring flexible cargo space for essential medical supplies, vaccines, cold-chain equipment, diagnostic tools, and health education materials. They are built for rough terrain, offering improved stability and a protective working environment for health workers, including female Community Health Nurses, during extreme weather conditions. President John Dramani Mahama clarified that these tricycles are intended for community-level health service delivery and not for emergency response, emphasizing their role in supporting integrated outreach programs under the Free Primary Healthcare initiative. The GHS urges the public to disregard misinformation about the initiative, stressing that it is part of ongoing efforts to bring healthcare closer to communities across Ghana.
The Ghana Law Society GLS has called on Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Parliament, to retract and apologize for what it describes as repeated attacks on the judiciary. In a statement issued on Monday, April 20, 2026, the GLS expressed grave concern that the Minority Leader's comments are undermining public confidence in the administration of justice and eroding respect for the courts. The Society warned that failure to comply would lead to the initiation of "appropriate proceedings before the General Legal Council." The GLS emphasized that remarks perceived as hostile toward judges could have serious implications for judicial independence and democracy, stating that an independent and impartial judiciary is at the heart of every functioning democracy. The Society referenced earlier comments and social media posts attributed to the Minority Leader, including language that it believes crossed acceptable boundaries of public criticism. Specifically, the GLS raised concern over comments suggesting possible future consequences for judges, describing such rhetoric as inappropriate and undermining the security and independence judicial officers require. The Society reiterated that while judicial decisions are open to scrutiny, criticism must remain constructive and respectful of institutional independence, and reminded legal professionals and political leaders of their responsibility to uphold respect for the rule of law.
Emmanuel Eshun, a former fuel station worker, has revealed alleged methods used by fuel pump attendants to defraud customers and management. In an interview with KayB Media, Eshun stated that after completing Senior High School in 2012, he began working at a fuel station. He claimed that most fuel dispensers at his former workplace were adjusted to show prices higher than the regulated rate, with only one dispenser left unaltered. This allowed staff to direct informed customers to the correct pump while less informed customers were sent to the altered ones. Eshun alleged that supervisors would tamper with the dispensers daily, then cover parts of the machine, particularly the unit price display, with Ghana Standard Authority stickers. He explained that manipulated machines would only show the total price and litres, making it difficult for customers to verify the actual price per litre. Eshun also claimed that he began adjusting the dispenser himself to earn additional income, sometimes making around GH¢4,000 or more in a day. He noted that heavy-duty vehicles were often the most affected, while commercial drivers, especially "trotro" operators, sometimes noticed inconsistencies and confronted attendants. The interviewer advised drivers to always check the unit price on the station's main signboard and avoid buying fuel if the unit price on the dispenser does not match or is covered.
Ghana's Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, announced a significant increase in monthly allowances for paramount chiefs and queen mothers. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, the minister stated that the allowance has been raised from GH¢1,000 to GH¢3,000, effective in 2025. This represents a 300 percent increase, as the allowance had remained at GH¢1,000 for several years prior to the current administration. Ahmed Ibrahim noted that this decision, made in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, reflects the government's recognition of the vital roles traditional authorities play in governance, conflict resolution, and community development.