When Lawyers Become Liars: The Betrayal of Justice in Africa
Article Written by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen (Journalist) There is a sacred covenant between a nation and its people: that when they stand before the bar of justice, they will be heard fairly, judged impartially, and protected by those sworn to uphold the law. In Nigeria and across much of the African continent, that covenant has been broken. The guardians of justice have become its executioners. When lawyers become liars, and judges become pawns of power, the common man is left with nowhere to turn. The legal profession in Nigeria was once regarded with reverence, a calling for those who would defend the helpless and speak truth to power. Today, that temple has become a marketplace where justice is negotiated, not delivered. As former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, alongside the Sultan of Sokoto, recently warned, justice in Nigeria is “too often negotiated, not delivered”. This is not rhetorical flourish; it is an indictment of a system that has drifted from adjudication to auction. What we are witnessing has been aptly described as “judicial rascality”, a culture of lawlessness within the law. Midnight ex parte orders overturn broad daylight realities. Contradictory injunctions issue from courts of coordinate jurisdiction. Bail is dispensed as a favor, not a right. The judge becomes a partisan tactician; the courtroom behaves like a campaign secretariat; the docket bends for the powerful and breaks the poor. When citizens learn that knowing the judge is more valuable than knowing the law, the social contract begins to tear. A widow can wait years to be heard on a small land case, while a developer’s injunction materializes overnight. One buys results; the other buys despair. The erosion of Nigeria’s justice system is driven not only by corrupt judges but by legal practitioners who have abandoned their roles as ministers in the temple of justice for unethical commercialism. Lawyers have become the architects and facilitators of this decay, presenting tainted materials, suppressing facts, and misrepresenting court orders to deceive the bench. Human rights lawyer Victor Giwa’s ordeal offers a chilling illustration. Giwa is being prosecuted for alleged forgery, a case built on claims that the supposed victim, Senior Advocate Awa Kalu, has explicitly denied. Despite Kalu’s formal letter to the Inspector General of Police stating that his letterhead was never forged and that he never lodged any complaint, the police pressed charges anyway. The complainant, a connected individual, allegedly funds the trial and communicates with the court concerning proceedings. Giwa’s motion for the judge to recuse himself was dismissed. A civil society organization has petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria to probe what it describes as the “persecution” of this human rights lawyer by judicial officers. Political interference in the judiciary did not creep in quietly, it marched in through appointments weaponized by loyalty tests, through strategic postings, and through the quiet shepherding of “sensitive” cases to particular hands. Underfunding and insecure welfare make virtue lonely. Complex procedures reward obstruction. The consequences are devastating. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has blamed Nigeria’s “systemic culture of impunity” and executive interference for stalled accountability following the #EndSARS protests. Court judgments awarding damages to victims were simply ignored by the government. As Kunle Edun (SAN) observed: “Disrespect for judgments is an invitation to anarchy, not even a million soldiers can stop it”. The Citizens’ Liberties Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association has decried the persistent disobedience of court orders by government institutions and powerful individuals. Supreme Court judgments affirming local government autonomy remain unenforced. Court orders declaring suspensions illegal are flouted. When the government itself refuses to obey the law, what message does this send to the common citizen? Perhaps most damning is the silence of the Nigerian Bar Association itself, the body created to defend the rule of law and protect the legal order. The family of Nnamdi Kanu has condemned the NBA for remaining silent over what it describes as the unlawful trial of the detained IPOB leader, a trial based on a repealed, non-existent law. “This is not neutrality,” the family declared. “It is aiding injustice by doing nothing”. Former NBA presidential aspirant Ubani has similarly criticized the association’s failure to intervene in the widespread injustices and inefficiencies lawyers face in Nigeria’s judiciary. “The Bar’s silence in the face of these indignities is not only disappointing but deeply troubling,” Ubani stated. “A legal profession that cannot defend its own is doomed to irrelevance”. The fate of those who dare to speak truth to power is instructive. Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a senior lawyer and former Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, has faced professional reprisals for publicly raising concerns about judicial conduct and executive interference in Nigeria. After publishing an article examining improper relationships between senior judicial officers and the executive branch, a senior government minister reportedly petitioned the Body of Benchers to “invite and discipline” him. The Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers has expressed serious concern over these developments. Lawyers who defend their clients’ rights are arrested and detained. Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested during a peaceful protest and remanded in Kuje prison. Omoyele Sowore has been arrested multiple times for exercising his constitutional rights. In September 2025, lawyer Chinedu Agu was remanded in prison on criminal defamation charges over opinion articles criticizing the Imo State governor. Across Africa, the story is the same. In Eswatini, lawyers face daunting obstacles in operating independently amid serious and ongoing threats to their lives, intimidation, harassment, and surveillance. Prominent human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko was extrajudicially killed in his home in front of his wife and children in January 2023, and the authorities have failed to bring anyone to justice. Lawyers in Eswatini fear being followed, harassed, threatened, and even killed. Women lawyers are threatened with sexual violence. Lawyers face adverse economic consequences for taking on cases perceived as “political”. In Uganda, human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza was sentenced by a military court, without access to a civilian trial, for “contempt of court”.
Why I Support Hon. Boakye Agyarko for National Chairman of the NPP: Alhaji Dr Hafiz Bin Salih
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is at a crucial turning point. After losing both the presidency and its parliamentary majority in December 2024, the party needs more than just a caretaker. It needs someone who can build, unite, and strategise. I believe Hon. Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko is that person, and I am proud to support his bid for the position of National Chairman. A Founding Commitment That Cannot Be Faked Some people joined the NPP when it became fashionable, but others helped build it from the ground up. Hon. Agyarko is one of the founders. Since 1992, his connection to the NPP has been based on true conviction, not just convenience. He was the National Campaign Manager during the tough 2012 presidential election, served as Policy Adviser in 2016, and worked as Energy Minister under President Akufo-Addo. With over thirty years of experience, he has a deep understanding and sense of responsibility for the party that few others can offer. It is important to choose a National Chairman with this level of commitment. When the party is in opposition and lacks government resources, unity depends on leaders who are truly loyal, not just looking for opportunities. The Right Diagnosis for What heals the Party. Hon. Agyarko has been open and honest about the NPP’s situation. He summed it up clearly: “We had a solid candidate but a weak party.” This is an honest recognition that by 2024, the party’s internal structures, grassroots networks, and member support had weakened. To win back power in 2028, these issues must be fixed from the ground up. Hon. Agyarko has made rebuilding these structures the main focus of his campaign. A leader who understands the real problem is already halfway to solving it. A Unifier at a Time of Deep Divisions One of the most important qualities in a National Chairman is the ability to bring together different groups within the party. After eight years in power, the NPP has built up some internal disagreements and disappointments. If these issues are not addressed, they can grow and hurt the party at the polls. Who else to foster the impactful reconciliation of fallouts than the venerable Boakye Agyarko, a stalwart who had his low moments with the party in the early days of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s government, yet he never relented on his commitment and loyalty to the NPP. Hon. Agyarko has shown through his nationwide tour that he takes this responsibility seriously. His message to party leaders across the country has been clear: focus on forgiveness, reconciliation, and returning to the NPP’s core values of unity and respect. He has promised to keep an open-door policy, making himself available to any member who feels left out or hurt. This is not just campaign talk; it shows the kind of person he is, which many in the party see as one of his biggest strengths. Right now, the party needs a National Chairman who is respected by everyone, from the grassroots to the top leadership. Grassroots Credibility Built Through Action A National Chairman’s real impact is not measured by speeches at headquarters, but by how strong the party is in every constituency across all sixteen regions. Hon. Agyarko understands this well. His campaign has focused on the grassroots, with direct engagement with constituency leaders all over the country. The Strategic Thinker the Party Needs The NPP also needs a National Chairman who can think strategically about how to return to power. Hon. Agyarko’s professional experience spans over twenty years at the Bank of New York, where he became Vice President, as well as a strong grasp of energy policy. This background gives him discipline and analytical skills that many career politicians do not have. His international banking experience can also help the party raise more funds, especially from Ghanaians living abroad. When in opposition, financial stability is essential for running the party, supporting candidates, and organising voter outreach. Aligned with the Party’s Presidential Direction For the party to succeed in elections, the National Chairman must work well with the presidential candidate. From the start, Hon. Agyarko has said that, if elected, he will fully support Alhaji Dr Bawumia’s 2028 presidential campaign to ensure that he is elected President of the Republic of Ghana. His early visit to the former Vice President, which many in the party praised, showed that he views the chairman’s job as supporting and working closely with the presidential candidate, not competing or seeking personal attention. The unity the party needs is best achieved by someone with Hon. Agyarko’s experience and character, working together with Alhaji Dr Bawumia to win. The Leadership Qualities That Set Him Apart Leadership is shown through actions, not just words. What sets Hon. Agyarko apart from other candidates is not only what he has achieved, but also the character and mindset he brings to his work. Intellectual Depth and Academic Rigour: Hon. Agyarko has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Ghana, an MBA in Financial Economics from Pace University in New York, and an Advanced Professional Certificate in Banking from the American Institute of Banking. These qualifications show he is a thinker, planner, and problem-solver. The NPP faces complex challenges in opposition, and it needs a chairman who can tackle them with real analysis, not just words. Discipline and a “No-Nonsense” Track Record: Hon Agyarko has been clear about the kind of chairman he will be, saying: “With my ‘no-nonsense’ track record, I will instil the much-needed discipline among our rank and file.” This is not about being harsh. It recognises that the party’s problems in 2024 were partly due to indiscipline, poor organisation, and unclear accountability. A chairman must have the authority and determination to restore order, and Hon. Agyarko has both. The Ability to Mentor and Inspire: A national chairman who can inspire younger members and mentor the next generation of NPP leaders will help build not just a strong 2028 campaign, but a party that lasts beyond
ECOWAS Court Dismisses Former Chief Justice Torkornoo’s Claims Against Ghana
Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai has announced that the ECOWAS Community Court has dismissed all seven claims brought against the Republic of Ghana by former Chief Justice Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Justice Srem-Sai revealed that the court rejected each of the allegations filed by the former Chief Justice, including her demand for US$10 million in damages. Quoting from the court’s decision, he wrote: “In light of the Court’s conclusions that Ghana has not violated any of the Applicant’s rights under the African Charter as alleged, the Court makes no decision on reparations.” Justice Srem-Sai extended his appreciation to the team of State Attorneys who worked diligently on Ghana’s defence, acknowledging their commitment and research. “Thanks, again, to our team of illustrious State Attorneys who put in hours and hours of research to support the Republic’s defence,” he said. The ruling marks a decisive victory for the Republic of Ghana in a high-profile legal battle before the ECOWAS Community Court. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Rock Estate Housing Project in Upper East Stalls Years After High-Profile Sod-Cutting
The much-anticipated Rock Estate housing project in the Upper East Region remains at a standstill more than six years after its grand launch, a recent visit by the Apexnewsgh team has revealed. Despite high expectations and political fanfare surrounding the project’s unveiling in 2019, there has been no visible progress at the site. The Rock Estate initiative, which was heavily touted by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Upper East Region during the 2020 general election, was launched on the same day as the Pwalugu Irrigation Dam project by former President Nana Akufo-Addo. The project was hailed as a beacon of hope for the people of Upper East, particularly in the Talensi District, where many families struggle with accommodation challenges. Plans called for the construction of 120 homes, including three-bedroom and two-bedroom detached and semi-detached units, and promised to create as many as 3,000 job opportunities. However, after six and a half years, the site tells a different story. During their recent inspection, Apexnewsgh reporters found that no progress had been made beyond the three uncompleted structures erected for the initial sod-cutting ceremony. Not a single additional block has been added, leaving the project in limbo. Overgrown bushes and wild animals have now taken over what was once a symbol of renewed hope for the district. The lack of development has fueled frustration and skepticism among local residents, who are now questioning the motives behind the NPP administration’s promises. Many wonder whether the project was merely political rhetoric aimed at winning votes rather than a genuine commitment to solving the region’s housing crisis. As the Rock Estate housing project remains abandoned, it stands as a stark reminder of unfulfilled promises and the urgent need for accountability in the region’s development agenda. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MTN Ghana Redefines Home Internet Experience With Unlimited Fibre Packages
As part of MTN’s commitment to enabling digital inclusion and improving everyday life, MTN Ghana has introduced new speed-based Unlimited Fibre packages aimed at giving households faster internet connectivity, greater flexibility and better value as demand for reliable home broadband continues to grow across the country. The refreshed packages offer customers speeds of up to 100Mbps, 300Mbps and 500Mbps, enabling homes to support multiple online activities simultaneously, including remote work, virtual learning, video streaming, gaming and smart home applications. The new plans, available to both new and existing fibre customers, come with unlimited data and flexible subscription options designed to meet the needs of different households and internet users. Speaking on the new offering, Richard Acheampong, Chief Home Officer of MTN Ghana, said the packages were developed in response to changing customer needs and the increasing reliance on high-speed internet in homes. He said ” Home Internet connectivity has become an essential part of everyday life. Whether it is supporting children with online learning, enabling professionals to work remotely, helping entrepreneurs run their businesses or allowing families to stay connected and entertained, customers need a service that can keep pace with their lifestyles”. “As MTN marks 30 years of impact in Ghana, we are committed to ensuring that every home has access to reliable, high- speed internet that empowers people to live, learn and work better”, he added. The new fibre plans provide customers with the freedom to choose speeds that best suit their needs while enjoying the convenience of unlimited browsing. Under the revised packages, customers can subscribe to the GHS299 plan per month and enjoy speeds of up to 100Mbps. GHS444 plan per month and enjoy speeds of up to 300Mbps, GHS999 plan per month and enjoy speeds to 500Mbps. Customers who opt for longer subscription periods will also benefit from discounted rates. Quarterly subscriptions attract a five per cent discount, while semi-annual and annual subscriptions offer discounts of seven per cent and ten per cent respectively. The packages can be purchased through the MyMTN App, MTN’s Self-Service Portal and the *5057# shortcode. The introduction of the new speed-based Unlimited Fibre packages reinforces MTN Ghana’s efforts to provide innovative connectivity solutions that respond to the evolving needs of households while supporting digital inclusion and economic growth. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Interior Ministry Revokes All Firearm Licences, Announces Stricter Gun Control Measures Nationwide
The Ministry of the Interior has revoked all existing firearm licences across Ghana, effective Tuesday, June 23, 2026, as part of a major overhaul of the country’s firearms regulatory system. The sweeping move requires every firearm holder to reapply for a new licence and submit to a more rigorous vetting process, in a bid to strengthen gun control and safeguard public safety. Announcing the new measures at a press briefing in Accra, Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak explained that the reforms are designed to address loopholes in the current licensing regime and combat the misuse of legally acquired firearms. He expressed alarm at the fact that some individuals have abused their licences for purposes beyond their original authorization, posing serious risks to public security. The new licensing requirements will be significantly tougher. Prospective applicants must now undergo mandatory mental health assessments, drug screening, and structured firearms training before any licence is granted. As part of the government’s efforts to tighten regulation, Minister Mubarak also disclosed plans to destroy over 2,000 firearms that have been either voluntarily surrendered or seized under the national gun amnesty programme. The announcement follows closely on the heels of the Ministry’s suspension of Kantanka Security Services Limited’s operating licence, after a shooting incident at Kwabenya that injured former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo. The suspension was prompted by alleged regulatory breaches, including the use of unauthorized uniforms and the possession of firearms and ammunition by security company personnel while on duty. The Ministry said these new actions are part of broader efforts to enhance oversight of firearms possession and improve public safety throughout Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GES Warns School Heads Against Extravagant Post-Exam Celebrations, Threatens Sanctions
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a stern warning to heads of senior high schools across the country, instructing them to put a stop to extravagant post-examination celebrations on school campuses. Administrators who disregard this directive could face disciplinary action, including possible removal from office. At a media briefing on Monday, June 22, GES Director-General Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis expressed concern over the growing trend of lavish festivities following the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The Service has observed with alarm the presentation of expensive gifts, sometimes even vehicles, to students on school grounds, which Prof. Davis described as contrary to the spirit and purpose of educational institutions. “Schools are places of learning and character formation, not venues for displays of wealth that risk creating divisions among students,” Prof. Davis stated. While he clarified that the GES does not oppose parents celebrating their children’s academic milestones, he insisted that such celebrations should not take the form of ostentatious events on school premises. Effective immediately, schools are barred from hosting celebrations involving luxury gifts or costly items. Parents who wish to reward their children in such ways are encouraged to do so outside the school environment. This directive follows a recent order from Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, who instructed the GES to suspend all flamboyant post-exam festivities and graduation-related events in schools until further notice. Prof. Davis added that regional directors have been tasked with enforcing the new policy and monitoring compliance nationwide. He warned that any school head caught allowing such activities on campus would face sanctions from the Service. Explaining the rationale behind the move, Prof. Davis emphasized that the GES is committed to upholding the core values of fairness and inclusivity within Ghana’s education system. “Schools must remain environments where academic achievement and personal effort are celebrated above social or economic status,” he said. “We are determined to prevent this practice from taking root in our school culture, and to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity, regardless of background.” The directive signals the GES’s resolve to maintain schools as places of equal opportunity and to protect the integrity of the educational experience for all students. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Global Media Leaders Gather in Bonn for 2026 DW Forum on Journalism’s Future
Bonn, Germany, has become the epicenter of international media discourse as more than 1,500 journalists, media executives, academics, policymakers, and civil society leaders from over 100 countries converge for the 2026 Deutsche Welle (DW) Global Media Forum. This year’s conference, themed “Journalism Out Loud!”, kicked off in the historic auditorium of the former German Parliament, marking the start of three days dedicated to shaping the future of news and media. The forum opened with a stirring address from DW Director-General Barbara Massing, who urged media professionals worldwide to stand firm in defending truth, accountability, and democracy. She highlighted the crucial role of independent journalism in countering misinformation and disinformation, and in maintaining public trust amid growing skepticism towards institutions. “Independent journalism is vital for safeguarding democracies and ensuring citizens receive reliable information,” Massing asserted. Attendees, will participate in in-depth discussions on topics such as artificial intelligence, press freedom, journalist safety, media sustainability, climate reporting, and strategies to rebuild public trust in news organizations. The presence of media leaders like Attah-Mensah underscores a collective commitment to global engagement and professional growth as journalism undergoes rapid changes driven by technology and shifting audience behaviors. Throughout the forum, participants will have the opportunity to share insights, exchange ideas, and explore innovative approaches to journalism that can enhance public discourse and support democratic governance. The event continues to serve as a vital platform for collaboration among journalists, policymakers, development experts, and technology innovators, all seeking solutions to the complex challenges facing the media industry. As the 2026 DW Global Media Forum unfolds in Bonn, the central message resonates clearly: journalism remains a pillar of democratic societies and must persist, boldly and independently, in speaking truth to power despite mounting obstacles. Organized annually by Deutsche Welle, Germany’s international broadcaster, the Global Media Forum is recognized as one of the world’s premier conferences on media development, journalism, and freedom of expression. It attracts a diverse array of participants from across continents, offering a unique space for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation within the global media community. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
PURC Announces Electricity and Water Tariff Increases Effective July 1, 2026
Consumers in Ghana will see higher electricity and water bills from July 1, 2026, following an upward review of utility tariffs announced by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). The decision comes as part of the Commission’s third-quarter tariff review, with electricity rates rising by 3.49 percent across the board and water tariffs increasing by 0.85 percent. In a statement issued on Monday, June 22, the PURC explained that the adjustments are part of its mandate to conduct quarterly reviews, ensuring that tariffs reflect changes in key operational factors affecting utility providers. The latest review took into account fluctuations in the cedi-dollar exchange rate, inflation, the electricity generation mix, and the cost of natural gas used for power production. To determine the new tariffs, PURC applied a weighted average exchange rate of GHS11.2228 to one US dollar for the third quarter of 2026, reflecting a slight 0.2 percent depreciation of the cedi compared to the previous period. The Commission also cited a three-month average inflation rate of 3.43 percent, down from 4.17 percent in the second quarter, and a 1.58 percent drop in the average cost of natural gas, now at USD7.9708 per MMBtu. The hydro-thermal generation mix remained unchanged, with 20.9 percent of electricity generated from hydro sources and 79.1 percent from thermal plants. Based on these indicators, PURC approved a 3.49 percent increase in electricity tariffs for all residential, non-residential, and special load customers. For residential users, the lifeline tariff for those consuming up to 30 kilowatt-hours per month will rise from 86.9Gp to 89.93Gp per kilowatt-hour. Water tariffs will also go up by 0.85 percent for all categories of customers, including residential, commercial, industrial, public institutions, and bulk users. The residential lifeline tariff for water consumption up to five cubic metres will increase from 593.49Gp to 598.54Gp per cubic metre. PURC said the quarterly adjustments are designed to maintain the real value of tariffs and ensure the financial viability of utility providers, allowing them to continue delivering reliable services. The Commission emphasized its commitment to monitoring service providers’ performance and enforcing regulatory standards to guarantee value for money and improved service delivery. The PURC expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their ongoing support and noted that details of the new tariffs will be published in the Gazette and on the Commission’s website. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP Will Remain Strong Even If Kennedy Agyapong Leaves, Says Energy Analyst Kwadwo Poku
Energy analyst and former New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant, Kwadwo Poku, has expressed confidence in the party’s resilience, stating that the NPP will remain strong even if former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong decides to leave. Poku’s comments come at a time of heightened tension within the opposition party. Some members have called for disciplinary action against Kennedy Agyapong in response to remarks they believe might undermine the NPP’s future electoral prospects. Agyapong, however, has stood his ground, insisting he will not be silenced by internal criticism and warning that further provocation could prompt him to disclose sensitive information. “NPP should be careful with me, saying I am bitter. If they provoke me, I will spill the beans all over the place,” he cautioned. Speaking in a media engagement, June 22, Kwadwo Poku acknowledged the significant influence Agyapong wields within the NPP, but emphasized that no individual is greater than the party itself. To make his point, he cited a social experiment from New York involving a renowned symphony musician: “There is a man who plays symphony there. Anytime he plays, you cannot get a ticket because the wealthy in New York buy his tickets. The same man was put at the subway and was asked to play, but nobody gave him money while he played there.” Poku explained that the experiment shows how an individual’s importance is often tied to the platform or institution they are associated with. “This means your importance is with the company you keep. No single person is bigger than the NPP or the NDC. Nobody gives these two political parties enough credit,” he said. While urging reconciliation, Mr. Poku added that he would personally encourage Kennedy Agyapong to stay with the NPP. “I will sit with Ken Agyapong and beg him anytime and any day to stay with the NPP, but if we cannot reconcile and he leaves the NPP, his departure will not collapse the NPP,” he stated. His remarks come as the NPP leadership works to manage internal disagreements and foster unity ahead of future elections, with the party’s internal wrangling drawing increasing public attention. Source: Apexnewsgh.com