Chief Justice Applauds Landmark Legal Education Act, Calls for Institutional Readiness
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has lauded the passage of the Legal Education Act, 2026 (Act 1170), describing it as a transformative milestone poised to reshape Ghana’s legal education landscape and broaden pathways for aspiring lawyers. The new law, which was approved by Parliament in March and signed by President John Dramani Mahama last month, aims to both widen access to legal education and elevate the quality and relevance of professional legal training in the country. Speaking at a colloquium themed “Implementing the Legal Education Act 2026: Institutional Readiness, Accreditation and the Future of Legal Training,” Justice Baffoe-Bonnie emphasized the importance of collaboration among universities, law faculties, and stakeholders to ensure that legal education contributes meaningfully to national development. He urged institutions offering legal education to proactively embrace the reforms, highlighting that the successful implementation of the Act will require genuine preparedness to meet new standards and expectations. “Readiness must go beyond symbolism and reflect concrete measures that uphold quality, accountability and academic standards,” he stated. The Chief Justice stressed that the emphasis should be on building strong governance structures to safeguard academic excellence and professional integrity, rather than mere regulatory compliance. He also called for substantial investment in modern learning infrastructure, such as technologically advanced moot courts and digital learning platforms, to provide students with the practical training necessary for success in the evolving legal profession. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie concluded by underscoring that such investments and reforms are essential to equipping Ghana’s future lawyers with the skills and experience needed to thrive under the new legal education framework. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi Steps Down from Akonta Mining Case for Chairman Wontumi
Lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi has announced his withdrawal as legal counsel for Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, in the ongoing criminal proceedings involving Akonta Mining Limited. In an interview with Citi News, Appiah-Kubi revealed that his decision to step down was prompted by concerns over how Criminal Court 4 has managed the case. He stated that he had officially filed a motion to withdraw, supported by an affidavit detailing his reasons for leaving the case. “My disappointment is in the attitude, record and the determination of the court so far in handling these matters before the court. I’m so totally disappointed, that’s why I am withdrawing,” Appiah-Kubi said, making clear that his withdrawal was motivated by dissatisfaction with the court’s conduct and approach. Addressing speculation, Appiah-Kubi dismissed any link between his withdrawal and ongoing plea bargaining negotiations involving Chairman Wontumi in the separate EXIM Bank fraud case. He emphasized that the Akonta Mining prosecution and the EXIM Bank matter are entirely distinct and unrelated. Appiah-Kubi further clarified that he remains a member of Chairman Wontumi’s legal team on all other issues, including the EXIM Bank case, and that his withdrawal applies exclusively to the Akonta Mining proceedings. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Demands Probe Into Ministers of State Excellence Honours Over Bribery Allegations
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called for the formation of an investigative committee to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the recently held Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Honours, amid mounting concerns about the credibility of the awards scheme. The call was made on Thursday, June 11, by Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Habib Iddrisu, who argued on the floor of Parliament that a transparent and impartial inquiry is needed to clarify the selection processes, standards, and criteria for honourees. This demand comes after the Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte, alleged that he was asked to pay GH¢50,000 in exchange for receiving an award. The allegation has sparked widespread public debate and intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability in the administration of the honours. Iddrisu asserted that explanations provided so far have not addressed the core issues and stressed that Parliament has a duty to establish the facts behind the controversy. “Listening to the issue and the response given by the Minister for Government Communication, Mr. Speaker, if you can kindly direct to set up a committee to investigate the matter. A bipartisan committee should investigate this matter so that we know the criteria for the awards. We deserve the truth,” he said. The Minority’s call for a bipartisan probe reflects growing concerns in and outside Parliament over the integrity of the awards programme and aims to restore public confidence through a thorough investigation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Begins Repatriation of Citizens Stranded in Côte d’Ivoire After Demolition Exercise
The Government of Ghana has initiated the repatriation of 327 nationals left stranded in Côte d’Ivoire following a demolition exercise in the Port Bouët Municipality of Abidjan. The operation, which destroyed homes and livelihoods, compelled Ghanaian authorities to act swiftly in support of their displaced citizens. In a press release dated Thursday, June 12, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 228 affected Ghanaians had already been safely returned to Ghana as of June 11, with arrangements finalized for the remaining 99 to arrive on June 12. The government’s intervention is aimed at providing immediate relief and facilitating the reintegration of those impacted by the demolition. The Ministry explained that all 327 Ghanaians had been living in the demolished communities and, after losing their homes and sources of income, found themselves without the means to secure alternative accommodation in Côte d’Ivoire. Looking beyond repatriation, Ghana is also advocating for compensation for the victims. According to the Ministry, Ivorian authorities have expressed a willingness to compensate those affected, and Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Abidjan is actively engaged to ensure the promised support is delivered. The Foreign Affairs Ministry assured that it will continue to work closely with its counterparts in Côte d’Ivoire to coordinate the compensation process and address any ongoing concerns about the welfare of the repatriated citizens. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah Proposes Five-Point Plan to Tackle Ghana’s Youth Unemployment Crisis
The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee and Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has sounded the alarm over Ghana’s escalating youth unemployment crisis and put forward a comprehensive five-point strategy to address the problem. Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, June 11, 2026, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah described youth unemployment as one of Ghana’s most urgent socio-economic challenges, cautioning that existing interventions are falling short of expectations. Quoting recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service, he noted that the unemployment rate among persons aged 15 to 24 rose from 32% in December 2024 to 32.5% by the third quarter of 2025, and that nearly two million young Ghanaians are neither in education, employment, nor training. “Mr. Speaker, we do not need more slogans or promises that results are in the pipeline. We need a more effective architecture to solve the worsening youth unemployment problem in our country. The time to act is now,” he declared. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi stressed the need for bold and measurable reforms, arguing that Ghanaian youth demand practical, dignified, and well-paid job opportunities—not rhetoric. Oppong Nkrumah’s five-point proposal includes: Publishing delivery scorecards for all job creation programmes, using clear metrics such as beneficiaries, cost per job, time-to-placement, and employment retention rates; Distinguishing between skills training initiatives and actual job creation efforts, noting that training alone does not guarantee employment; Shifting from government-led financing to increased private sector participation, with government reducing investment risks, co-investing in strategic sectors, and creating a supportive regulatory environment; Making apprenticeship programmes the backbone of the youth employment strategy, anchored by national certification, employer incentives, and structured pathways to jobs or entrepreneurship; Establishing a credible Labour Market Information System to provide real-time data on vacancies, skills gaps, and labour demand. He concluded by urging policymakers to move beyond slogans and promises, and instead adopt practical, accountable solutions to reverse the trend and unlock opportunities for Ghana’s burgeoning youth population. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
DRIP National Coordinator Vanderpuye Signals Bid for NDC National Chairmanship
Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), has announced his readiness to step down from his current role to contest for the National Chairmanship of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), should incumbent chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia choose not to seek re-election. In an interview the media, June 11, 2026, Vanderpuye made clear his respect for Asiedu Nketia, describing him as a “senior brother” and stating he would not run against him. “We started together in Sunyani; he’s one of the people that I respect so much, and so I wouldn’t want to contest him if he decides to contest. But if he’s not contesting, I’m ready to offer myself,” Vanderpuye stated. Highlighting his extensive history with the NDC, Vanderpuye traced his political journey from youth organiser and foundation member of the party to serving as a ward secretary during the party’s formation in 1992, even while working at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. “I was the youth organiser of the Democratic Youth League of Ghana, the Future Leaders Organisation. I’ve always been part of this. I’m also a foundation member of the party,” he recounted. Vanderpuye also pointed to his experience as a parliamentary aspirant, deputy minister, cabinet minister, and campaign official in past NDC administrations. “I was a parliamentary aspirant as far back as 1996. Former deputy minister for trade, former deputy local government minister, former minister for youth and sports, director of operations for President Mills’ campaign, and officer at the presidency in those days.” When asked if he would resign from his current post as DRIP National Coordinator to enter the chairmanship race, Vanderpuye confirmed his intent to step down, stating, “Yes, because I think this party has given me so much. I want to give back to the party.” Vanderpuye’s declaration sets the stage for a potential leadership contest within the NDC, pending the decision of the current national chairman. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chairman Wontumi Seeks Plea Bargain in EXIM Bank Fraud Case, Accra High Court Told
The Accra High Court has been formally informed that Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is seeking a plea bargain in a high-profile criminal case involving alleged multi-million cedi fraud against the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank). The update came to light on June 11, 2026, when the Office of the Attorney-General notified the court that Wontumi, the first accused, had initiated steps toward a plea negotiation process. His lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, made the request in a letter dated June 5, 2026, which was communicated to the Attorney-General in accordance with Section 162C(3) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30). The case lists Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, his brother Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, currently at large, and Wontumi Farms Limited as accused parties. Prosecutors allege that between 2018 and 2022, the duo fraudulently obtained GH¢14,302,000 from EXIM Bank using false pretences and the business entity as a front. The charge sheet further accuses Chairman Wontumi of presenting a forged receipt to secure an additional GH¢4 million facility and knowingly benefiting from the alleged fraudulent funds, which forms the basis of a money laundering charge. According to the prosecution, the transactions in question resulted in a financial loss exceeding GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank. The notification of the plea bargain, signed by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, was submitted to the court registry for the presiding judge’s attention. As the case progresses, the court is expected to consider the plea bargain notification and oversee further negotiations between the parties under the applicable legal framework. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Roads Minister Seeks 1,000 New Staff to Boost Sector Capacity
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has announced a major push to strengthen the country’s road sector workforce, revealing that his ministry has formally requested the recruitment of about 1,000 additional staff. The move is aimed at addressing critical personnel shortages across road agencies and boosting the capacity to manage Ghana’s expanding infrastructure needs. Appearing before Parliament’s Select Committee on Economy and Development, Agbodza explained that the request was submitted by the Ministry’s Chief Director as a response to mounting staffing pressures. He highlighted that the recent creation of new administrative regions had not been matched with an increase in personnel for key agencies, leaving technical departments such as engineering and quality assurance overstretched. “The staffing level of the agencies is far less than what it should be. If you consider the fact that we are investing heavily on these projects, part of the reason some of the projects suffer quality assurance is simply because we don’t have enough people to monitor these projects,” Agbodza told the committee. He noted that while 137 staff were recently approved for various roles within the highways division, this was insufficient, particularly given the demands in the six newly created regions where institutional capacity remains weak. The minister stressed that recruiting more staff is essential for improving project supervision, ensuring quality assurance, and strengthening service delivery across the sector. Agbodza assured Parliament that the Ministry is committed to resolving the staffing challenge and enhancing operational effectiveness as Ghana continues to invest in road infrastructure development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC Sets Deadline for Outstanding Dues Ahead of Internal Elections
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a firm directive to all party members and aspirants with outstanding financial obligations, calling on them to settle their dues by June 18, 2026, as part of preparations for the party’s forthcoming internal elections. The announcement, made in a circular dated June 10, 2026, and signed by Deputy General Secretary (Finance and Administration) Barbara Serwaa Asamoah on behalf of the General Secretary, came in the wake of a Functional Executive Committee (FEC) meeting held a day prior. At the meeting, the party leadership resolved that only members in good financial standing would be eligible to contest in the upcoming polls. In a stern warning, the party cautioned that any aspirant who fails to clear their dues by the specified deadline will be barred from participating in the elections until all payments are made and official clearance is granted. To ensure transparency and orderliness, the NDC also released a revised electoral timetable to guide the conduct of internal elections across its constituencies and regions. According to the schedule, vetting and elections will take place from June 20 to July 11, 2026. A mop-up exercise is planned for July 14 to July 24, 2026, after which the Elections Committee will finalise the election album between July 29 and August 14, 2026. The party’s leadership has called on all regional and constituency executives, as well as aspiring candidates, to comply strictly with the directives. Emphasising the importance of discipline and fairness, the NDC underscored that adherence to financial obligations and electoral guidelines is essential for a smooth and credible internal contest as the party gears up for its next round of leadership selection. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Caucus Demands Ministerial Briefing on South Africa Evacuation
The atmosphere in Parliament turned tense this week as the Minority Caucus firmly rejected a proposal from the Majority Leader suggesting that members should simply file an urgent question to obtain information on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa. For the Minority, the stakes are too high for such routine procedures. Addressing the media, Patrick Boamah, Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, made it clear that Parliament deserves more than written answers. He emphasized the national importance of the evacuation process, noting that it directly affects Ghana’s foreign relations and the safety and welfare of its citizens living abroad. Boamah argued that the situation extends well beyond the scope of standard parliamentary queries and called for a formal appearance by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. According to the Minority, only a direct ministerial briefing would provide the necessary transparency and clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the evacuation and its broader diplomatic implications. The Minority Caucus is therefore urging the Foreign Affairs Minister to appear before the House to account for the government’s handling of the evacuation operation, underscoring their commitment to ensuring parliamentary oversight on matters of significant national concern. Source: Apexnewsgh.com