Attorney-General Seeks Stay of Execution After Court of Appeal Acquits Ex-MASLOC CEO
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has swiftly responded to the Court of Appeal’s acquittal of former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe Attionu by filing an urgent application for a stay of execution, seeking to keep the judgment in abeyance pending an appeal at the Supreme Court. The application, filed on Thursday, July 30, came just hours after the Court of Appeal unanimously overturned Attionu’s conviction and 10-year prison sentence, ordering her acquittal and discharge on all charges. The Attorney-General is urging the Court of Appeal’s Criminal Division in Accra to suspend its judgment until the Supreme Court rules on the state’s appeal. Principal State Attorney Hilda W. Craig filed the motion, supported by an affidavit from Assistant State Attorney Andrew Owusu-Agyemang. The affidavit recounts Attionu’s legal journey: arraigned before the High Court in February 2019 on charges including stealing and causing financial loss to the state, she left Ghana during her trial, leading to her conviction in absentia in April 2024 and a 10-year sentence with hard labour. Attionu appealed her conviction in February 2026 while still abroad, but was extradited from the United States in June 2026 after a Nevada federal court approved her return. She began serving her sentence upon arrival in Ghana. However, on July 30, 2026, a three-member Court of Appeal panel set aside her convictions, finding that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and emphasising the constitutional presumption of innocence. Challenging the acquittal, the Attorney-General argues that the Court of Appeal’s decision resulted in a substantial miscarriage of justice, citing material errors of law and fact. The affidavit asserts that the Republic’s Supreme Court appeal raises substantial and arguable grounds with a real likelihood of success. The Attorney-General warns that failing to grant a stay could render the appeal ineffective if Attionu’s acquittal is allowed to stand before the Supreme Court rules. The application asks the Court of Appeal to suspend its July 30 judgment until the Supreme Court delivers a final decision. Court documents indicate that the application has been served on the Registrar of the Court of Appeal’s Criminal Division, Attionu at Nsawam Medium Security Prison, and the Director of the Ghana Prisons Service at Nsawam. Attionu originally faced 78 charges, including conspiracy to steal, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering. She was convicted in absentia in April 2024, but the appellate court’s ruling has now been challenged by the Attorney-General, who remains confident that the Supreme Court will overturn the acquittal. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Speaker Bagbin Assures Chief Imam of Reconsideration and Swift Passage of Anti-LGBTQ Bill
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has assured the National Chief Imam that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, will be reconsidered and passed again before Parliament goes on recess. The assurance was given during a visit to the Chief Imam on Thursday, July 30, 2026. Bagbin revealed there is even a strong possibility that the bill could be passed as soon as Friday, July 31. He explained that his dissatisfaction with the sentencing provisions in the current form of the bill has led him to call for its reintroduction for further scrutiny and refinement of three specific clauses. “I have gone through it and I am not happy with the sentencing regime, the sanctions because I think it did not reflect what you conveyed to me as my fathers. That is why I called for it to be reintroduced at the end so that we just tweak and refine those clauses, they are only three, to make it better,” Bagbin shared. He added that President Akufo-Addo is in total agreement with the need for the bill’s further review and swift passage. Bagbin also urged Ghanaians to ignore any attempt to politicize the bill’s passage, stating, “There is no politics in it at all. Anybody trying to do politics just disregard that. Both Muslims and Christians agree, even the non-believers agree, that this one if we don’t pass it then we are acting against the decree of God.” The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, was initially passed on May 29, 2026, after a series of amendments. The revised law exempts lawyers who provide legal advice or representation to LGBTQ persons, as well as journalists and media organizations reporting professionally on LGBTQ matters. Medical professionals offering services such as surgery, psychological care, or counseling to LGBTQ persons are also protected from sanctions under the bill. Despite opposition from the Minority Caucus, who argued the previous draft contained significant flaws, Parliament approved the bill, subject to final constitutional processes. The Speaker’s renewed commitment signals that Parliament is determined to finalize the bill’s passage before the upcoming recess. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Endorses Five-Year Term for President and Parliament in Major Constitutional Reform Proposal
The government has formally endorsed a recommendation to extend the tenure of both the president and parliament from four to five years, signaling a significant shift in Ghana’s political landscape. The announcement came as Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, presented the government’s White Paper on the Constitutional Review Committee’s recommendations. According to Dr. Ayine, the decision to lengthen the term of office is rooted in the practical challenges faced by successive administrations. “The government has accepted a recommendation to extend the term of office of the president from four years to five years, with the term of Parliament extended to correspond with this,” he stated. Dr. Ayine explained that the current four-year cycle leaves little room for governments to make a meaningful impact. “Under the current four-year cycle, the early months of every administration are consumed by transition matters, and the final year is largely consumed by elections. A five-year term provides a more realistic time frame for the formulation, implementation and assessment of government policy,” he noted. The Attorney General also revealed that the government had accepted in principle the proposal to lower the minimum age for presidential candidates, though with an adjustment. The Constitutional Review Committee had recommended reducing the minimum age from 40 to 30 years, but the government has settled on 35 years. “The minimum age will be 35 years, not 30 years. And of course, the details of this will be fashioned out by the Constitutional Review,” Dr. Ayine said. These proposed changes form part of a broader constitutional review process aimed at strengthening Ghana’s democratic governance and ensuring that future administrations have adequate time and opportunity to deliver on their mandates. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP Slams Court of Appeal’s Acquittal of Ex-MASLOC CEO, Calls Ruling “Defiance of Law, Logic and Common Sense”
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has sharply criticized the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, describing the ruling as a blow to justice and accountability in Ghana. In a press statement issued on Thursday, July 30, 2026, the NPP said the ruling “defies law, logic and common sense.” Tamakloe-Attionu, who was extradited from the United States just weeks ago to begin a 10-year jail sentence, had been convicted in April 2024 by the High Court on multiple counts, including stealing, causing a GH¢90 million financial loss to the state, money laundering, and breaches of the Public Procurement Act. The conviction followed a five-year trial, during which Tamakloe-Attionu fled the country and was convicted in absentia. The NPP’s statement referenced the judgment delivered by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, which it said “meticulously details, count after count, the fraudulent disbursements”, including funds meant for loan beneficiaries and victims of the Kantamanto Market disaster. “That a conviction anchored on such an abundance of evidence could be overturned in this manner defies logic, law and common sense,” the party asserted. The NPP further argued that the ruling makes a “mockery” of EOCO’s investigations, the diligence of the trial court, and the considerable resources invested in Tamakloe-Attionu’s extradition on June 9, 2026. The party also accused the government of orchestrating the acquittal, calling it part of a “shameful project” to shield political allies. “The speed and convenience with which this matter has been disposed of leaves no room for any other conclusion,” the statement read. According to the NPP, the acquittal is part of a pattern since January 2025 where the Attorney-General has used nolle prosequi and discontinuations to free “virtually every person affiliated to the governing party” facing trial for offenses against the public purse. “What could not be achieved through the front door of a nolle prosequi has now been achieved through the back door,” the party charged. The NPP is now demanding that the Attorney-General publish a full account of all discontinued cases involving government-affiliated individuals since January 2025. It also called on the Judicial Council to act quickly to restore public confidence in the judiciary, which the party says has been “gravely undermined” by the Court of Appeal’s decision. “When justice is dispensed on the basis of party affiliation, the very foundation of our constitutional democracy is imperiled,” the NPP warned. The party concluded by vowing to pursue all lawful means, including a Supreme Court review, to ensure “those who plundered the public purse are held to account.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Announces GH¢5,500 Support Package for Ghanaians Evacuated from South Africa
In a heartfelt move to ensure the dignified return and successful reintegration of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa, the government has unveiled a comprehensive support package for each returnee. At a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa shared details of the government’s commitment to its citizens. According to Minister Ablakwa, every Ghanaian evacuated will receive a total of GH¢5,500. This sum is made up of a GH¢5,000 reintegration grant and a GH¢500 travel and transport allowance. In addition, the returnees will be provided with relief items from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and enrolled for free under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The minister explained that the evacuation, which is being carried out in two phases, will cover nearly 2,000 Ghanaians, 926 in the first phase and an estimated 1,000 in the second. He emphasised that the government would present a full account of the evacuation exercise upon its completion. Corporate bodies and philanthropic individuals, including businessman Ibrahim Mahama, have also contributed generously to the initiative. But the government’s efforts do not end with the return flights. Minister Ablakwa described a range of reintegration programmes being rolled out to support the returnees. These initiatives include job placements, skills training, entrepreneurship support, and the creation of a special national database to connect returnees with employment and start-up opportunities. Already, about 200 jobs have been secured through partnerships with the private sector. Notably, Engineers and Planners Limited has committed 100 positions, while Telecel Ghana, AirtelTigo, and other companies have also opened their doors to the returnees. “Government believes strongly that no Ghanaian returning home under distressing circumstances should feel abandoned or excluded from national support systems,” the minister stated. To safeguard the well-being of returnees, social workers will conduct follow-up visits for six months, providing mental health support, and a dedicated helpline has been established. Additionally, a public awareness campaign will be launched to combat any stigmatisation faced by returnees. Minister Ablakwa further revealed that the government is compiling a register of claims to pursue legal and diplomatic action for compensation for those who lost businesses and property during the xenophobic attacks. On the diplomatic front, Ghana has petitioned the African Union (AU) to urgently address the recurring xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians and other African nationals. Although the Eighth AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting was postponed, Ghana has maintained its petition and secured ECOWAS Heads of State endorsement to raise the issue at the next AU meeting. The minister stressed that the petition is not meant to single out South Africa, but rather to encourage a united continental response to protect the rights and dignity of all African citizens. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chairman Wontumi’s Lawyer Accuses Judiciary of Rushing Political Cases to Satisfy Government
Samuel Atta Akyea, lawyer for Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has alleged that judges handling politically sensitive cases are expediting proceedings in a way that suggests they are catering to the expectations of Jubilee House, Ghana’s seat of government. Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile monitored by this platform, the former Abuakwa South MP claimed there is an unusual urgency in the prosecution of political cases compared to other matters before the courts. “There seems to be an indecent haste to prosecute what I call political cases,” Atta Akyea remarked. He argued that, typically, judges allow cases to progress at a measured pace, often granting lengthy adjournments in both civil and criminal matters. However, he said politically related cases are increasingly being treated as exceptions, with courts prioritizing continuous hearings and accelerated proceedings. Atta Akyea contrasted this with civil disputes such as land cases, where litigants often endure prolonged delays before their matters are resolved. He questioned why the judiciary appears to devote greater attention and urgency to political criminal cases than to other matters on its docket, stating this has created a perception of “ambulance trials” for politically exposed persons. “There is a good grounding for the position that I think the judges are in an ambulance mood to jail people,” he asserted. Atta Akyea cautioned that the administration of justice should not be influenced by political expectations or electoral timelines, emphasizing that the courts must remain impartial and independent. He also criticized the handling of constitutional issues raised in proceedings involving his client, alleging that the trial judge failed to give adequate consideration to an application seeking to refer constitutional questions to the Supreme Court before continuing with the trial. According to Atta Akyea, the court seemed determined to proceed without allowing the constitutional issues to be fully addressed, raising concerns about fairness and due process. “A court of competent jurisdiction wouldn’t want to care about the fact that, ‘How many people can we jail so they will say that we are politically consequential?’ No, that is not justice delivery,” he stressed. Atta Akyea maintained that the judiciary must ensure all cases, regardless of their political nature, are handled fairly and without any perception of external influence. The judiciary has not publicly responded to the allegations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Dismisses Viral Video, Says President Mahama’s Remarks Misrepresented for Partisan Gain
The government has called on the public to disregard a viral video making the rounds on social media, asserting that President John Dramani Mahama’s remarks have been deliberately misrepresented for partisan purposes. Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, issued a statement on Facebook on Monday, July 27, clarifying the context of the President’s comments after the video attracted widespread attention. According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, the video was manipulated by what he described as “misguided elements” intent on distorting the President’s words to serve narrow political interests. “Some misguided elements have sought to distort the President’s words in this video to achieve narrow partisan ends,” he stated. He explained that President Mahama was specifically referring to the release of GH¢150 million for post-flood mitigation works during a conversation with the National Security Coordinator, and not to any other issue as suggested by the video’s circulation. “The President clearly speaks of the ‘release’ of GHS 150 million, which was in direct reference to funds for post-flood mitigation works. That is what he was discussing with the National Security Coordinator and nothing more,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu clarified. He urged the public to disregard the “mischievous lies” being spread and not to be misled by the viral claims. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Samson Lardi Anyenini Criticizes Government’s Stance on Offensive Speech, Calls Out Political Double Standards
Legal practitioner and journalist Samson Lardi Anyenini has raised concerns over the government’s recent crackdown on offensive speech, questioning what he describes as a sudden surge of outrage from President John Mahama and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration. Reacting to the arrests and prosecution of social media users over their political commentary, Anyenini argued that the current outcry from government officials is misplaced. “I don’t know why they are shocked. Shocked over this growing trend. Really? It begs the question. Why the sudden outrage?” he remarked. Anyenini, who also hosts a television program, pointed out that the NDC and current government leaders were among the primary beneficiaries of misinformation, insults, and vilification during the last two election campaigns. “Never once did they express revulsion or publicly rebuke their serial callers and social media activists who insulted, vilified, and maligned almost every prominent politician in the NPP, as well as disrespected traditional chiefs and elders across this country,” he said. He argued that political actors who encourage or tolerate offensive speech for electoral gain cannot turn around and condemn it after coming to power. “You cannot nurture a monster for political expediency during elections and then feign horror when it begins to bite everyone around you,” Anyenini stated. His comments come amid growing debate about freedom of expression, responsible speech, and political accountability in Ghana, following the government’s renewed efforts to curb offensive content on social media platforms. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ejisu Assembly Members Give MCE Jerryne Asante One-Week Ultimatum to Resign
Members of the Ejisu Municipal Assembly have issued a one-week ultimatum to Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Jerryne Asante to resign or face removal from office by President John Dramani Mahama. The ultimatum follows the Assembly Members’ inability to convene an emergency meeting to consider a vote of no confidence in the MCE, after the Electoral Commission (EC) was unavailable to supervise the process. The situation was further complicated when the Assembly auditorium, the designated venue, was found locked. According to the members, Estate Officers informed them that the MCE’s personal aide had locked the facility and taken away the keys, preventing the meeting from taking place. Assembly Members said their planned vote of no confidence was prompted by what they described as major administrative lapses under the MCE’s leadership. After the aborted meeting, they addressed the media, expressing their dissatisfaction and demanding immediate action. Speaking on behalf of the group, George Kuntu Blankson, Assembly Member for the Kwamo Electoral Area, called on President Mahama to remove the MCE from office if she does not resign within the one-week period. He stressed that the Assembly Members had lost confidence in the MCE’s leadership and insisted that decisive action was necessary to address the ongoing issues. “Since the election could not come on today, all the 28 elected assembly members have resolved that we are giving an ultimatum of one week, starting today, for the MCE, Jerryne Asante, in her own interest, submit a resignation letter and recuse herself from office,” he said. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Parliament Delays Debate on 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to July 28 for Deeper Analysis
Parliament has postponed the debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Tuesday, July 28, giving Members of Parliament additional time to scrutinize the fiscal policy statement delivered by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. The debate, initially slated to begin on Friday following the Minister’s presentation, was rescheduled as parliamentary business was revised to allow more time for thorough examination. The extension will enable both Majority and Minority MPs to analyze the government’s economic performance for the first half of the year and evaluate the proposed fiscal and policy measures for the remainder of 2026. In his review presented on Thursday, Dr. Forson highlighted improvements in key economic indicators such as reduced inflation, a stabilized exchange rate, stronger international reserves, and ongoing fiscal consolidation. He also outlined plans to drive growth through the Big Push infrastructure agenda, increased investments in agriculture and education, expanded social protection initiatives, and efforts to sustain the country’s economic recovery. A notable announcement was the allocation of additional funds for educational infrastructure to facilitate the eventual elimination of the double-track system under the Free Senior High School programme. The Mid-Year Budget Review has received mixed reactions from economic analysts and stakeholders. While some have praised the reported macroeconomic gains, others have called for stronger job creation, improved domestic revenue mobilization, and more robust support for productive sectors. Ahead of the budget presentation, the Minority signaled their intent to rigorously scrutinize the review, reiterating opposition to any requests for extra spending authority amid existing substantial borrowing approvals. With the debate now scheduled for July 28, lawmakers are expected to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the government’s fiscal performance, weigh the proposed policy interventions, and decide if the outlined measures are sufficient to sustain growth and improve living standards for Ghanaians. Source: Apexnewsgh.com