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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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Ghana's health financing system is recognized as one of the most impressive among lower-middle-income countries, attracting international attention, according to Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority NHIA. Countries like Chad and Ethiopia are scheduled to visit Ghana to study its National Health Insurance Scheme NHIS. Dr. Djokoto made these remarks at an academic symposium on sustainable financing for primary healthcare in Ho. He highlighted Ghana's significant progress in healthcare financing since the NHIS's introduction in 2003, which replaced a "cash-and-carry" system where patients paid directly for services. The NHIS is funded by a 2.5% National Health Insurance Levy on VAT, 2.5% deductions from SSNIT contributions, premiums from informal sector workers, and investment income. Initially focused on curative care, the scheme now aims to expand to include preventive and promotive healthcare services through the Free Primary Healthcare initiative. This initiative will provide basic healthcare services at various community-level facilities, regardless of NHIS card possession, though referrals to higher-level hospitals will require NHIS enrollment. The government currently finances about 56% of healthcare expenditure through the NHIA, with out-of-pocket payments at 26% and development partners contributing about 4%. Ghana is also strengthening interventions for non-communicable diseases via the Ghana Medical Tr
Dr. Enam Bankas, a haematologist at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has urged for national action to enhance mental health support and comprehensive care for individuals with sickle cell disease SCD. Speaking at a World Sickle Cell Day symposium in Accra, Dr. Bankas highlighted that the emotional and psychological burdens of SCD are frequently overlooked, despite their significant impact on patients and their families. The event, themed "Think Health: Mental Health, Wellness and Self-Care in Sickle Cell Disease," focused on psychosocial challenges, mental well-being, and self-care strategies. Dr. Bankas, who is also the Founder of Sickle Life and Co-founder of Heale, noted that while physical complications of sickle cell often receive attention, mental health issues like stigma, discrimination, bullying, and social isolation are often neglected. She pointed out that patients frequently experience health crises during academic or work periods, leading to emotional distress and unfair perceptions in the workplace. Globally, over 400,000 babies are born with SCD annually, with Ghana accounting for approximately 15,000 newborns each year. Dr. Bankas expressed concern over Ghana's limited newborn screening program, stating that 80 to 90 percent of children born with SCD may die before age five without early diagnosis and comprehensive care. She advocated for a dedicated national sickle cell program to coordinate awareness, screening, treatment, and patient support, as well as expanded
Must ReadThe Madina Divisional Police Command is investigating a shooting incident involving Sarah Adwoa Safo, former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament. On Sunday, June 21, 2026, Safo reported sustaining a gunshot injury to her left ear while visiting her late father's residence in Kwabenya, Greater Accra Region. She subsequently reported the incident to the Kwabenya Police and presented a vehicle, registration number GN 3482-24, with visible gunshot damage. According to a statement signed by Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region, Safo has been issued a Police Medical Report Form and is receiving medical treatment. The vehicle has been retained for forensic examination as investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Sarah Adwoa Safo is the daughter of the late Apostle Dr Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission and the Kantanka Group of Companies, who passed away on September 11, 2025.