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NPP's Kwesi Botchway Jnr criticizes Attorney General for public pronouncements on suspects before charges
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Kwesi Botchway Jnr, a member of the New Patriotic Party NPP Communications Team, has expressed concern over what he perceives as an erosion of the presumption of innocence within Ghana's criminal justice system. Speaking on JoyNews, he highlighted that individuals accused of crimes are legally considered innocent until proven guilty by a competent court. However, he alleged that the current state of the system deviates from this standard, suggesting the "rule of law has become rule of discretion" and that public perception increasingly reverses the presumption of innocence. Kwesi Botchway Jnr specifically criticized the Attorney General, Dr Dominic Akurutinga Ayine, for allegedly making public pronouncements on suspects' guilt before formal charges are filed in court. He argued that such actions risk prematurely influencing public opinion and undermining the fairness of the judicial process, describing it as a "modus operandi" to pre-shape public perception.
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Dr. Teddy Totimeh, a consultant neurosurgeon, stated that approximately 2,000 people die from asthma each year in Ghana. He highlighted asthma as a growing public health concern, noting persistent gaps in awareness, diagnosis, and access to treatment. Dr. Totimeh explained that asthma is a chronic condition affecting the airways, making it difficult for air to pass through effectively. He described it as approaching "pandemic" levels globally, affecting both children and adults in Ghana. The rise in cases is attributed to genetic factors and environmental exposure, including air pollution, dust, and allergens, with dust mites being a major trigger in Ghana. Dr. Totimeh mentioned that asthma severity varies, and many cases go undiagnosed due to symptoms being mistaken for minor illnesses. He identified early warning signs such as persistent wheezing, night-time coughing, seasonal breathing difficulties, and chest tightness. He clarified that asthma symptoms often worsen at night or in the early morning due to prolonged exposure to irritants, and seasonal changes can also exacerbate them. Dr. Totimeh dismissed misconceptions about asthma inhalers, emphasizing their effectiveness in delivering medication directly to the lungs. However, he expressed concern about limited access to inhalers in Ghana and other low- and middle-income countries, estimating that fewer than 10% of patients needing them receive them. He stressed that asthma is manageable with proper diagnosis and treatm
The Ghanaian government has transferred GH¢6.1 million to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as Mahama Cares. This action follows directives from President John Dramani Mahama regarding salary contributions from political appointees. The President had pledged six months of his salary to the Fund and encouraged government appointees to contribute one month of their salaries. Additionally, appointees who missed the asset declaration deadline were directed to forfeit three months of their salaries to the Fund. Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed on Facebook that the Controller and Accountant-General's Department has processed the deductions and transfers. Arrangements are also in progress for a final transfer covering contributions from those who defaulted on asset declaration. The Ghana Medical Trust Fund was established to support healthcare delivery and provide financial aid for critical illness treatments, especially for vulnerable groups facing non-communicable diseases.
John Darko, Member of Parliament for Suame and legal counsel for the Minority Caucus, has challenged the legality and effectiveness of the Operation Recover All Loots ORAL initiative. Darko stated that ORAL's formation was flawed from the outset due to a lack of legal backing and its establishment being unconstitutional. He argued that a president-elect, according to the Constitution, lacks the authority to establish a committee to investigate individuals. Darko also questioned the initiative's effectiveness, noting that it generated significant publicity but failed to yield substantial results, citing a previous claim of recovering $21 billion which has not materialized. The ORAL initiative was established by the National Democratic Congress NDC administration before taking office to gather complaints and information on alleged corruption, state capture, and misappropriation of public resources.
Must ReadThe inaugural Governance Trust Barometer report by Africa Policy Lens, unveiled in Accra on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, indicates a high perception of corruption among citizens. This widespread perception is identified as the most significant factor undermining Ghana's democratic legitimacy, despite citizens acknowledging the existence of laws and institutions. The report highlights a clear perception that accountability is not consistently enforced. Furthermore, it notes citizen dissatisfaction with government communication, citing concerns about its clarity, transparency, and responsiveness. The Government Communication index scored 44.2 out of 100, suggesting that while the system allows for participation, it does not consistently translate into influence.