Akoto-Ampaw Asks SC To Charge Mahama For “Abuse Of Court Process”
Lead Counsel for the second respondent in the ongoing 2020 election petition, President Akufo-Addo during Thursday’s hearing at the Supreme Court said the petitioner should be charged for ‘an abuse of court process’. The petitioner, former President John Mahama filed an application for review of the Supreme Court’s February 11th decision which quashed an earlier application to cross-examine the EC chairperson, Madam Jean Mensa. During legal argument on Thursday, Lawyer Akoto Ampaw who described the review application as “a classic case of an aggrieved party who has become emotional by the decision of the court (and) seeks to reargue his case through the back door of an apparently review application” said even though no cost is awarded in a ‘constitutional matter’, the Supreme Court should make this exceptional. “ . . an abuse of court process and even though we are all aware that in constitutional matters like this no cost is awarded, I think this is a special occasion where cost should be awarded,” he said. After the SC gave its ruling and dismissed the application review, lawyer Akoto Ampaw reechoed his assertion; insisting that the petitioner has “abused court process”. However, the Chief Justice Anin Yeboah replied: “it is a constitutional matter and the practice which has been settled in this court is that you don’t award cost in constitutional matters. Akoto-Ampaw came again: “I think the court should be amenable to grant cost even in constitutional matters”. And the Chief Justice rebutted; “Please we won’t” Review application dismissed The Supreme Court has overruled former President John Mahama’s application for review of its earlier decision not to compel the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Madam Jean Mensa to testify. Mahama, the petitioner in the ongoing election petition requested that the Apex Court review its February 11 decision which indicated that ” . . simply put, we are not convinced and will not yield to the invitation being extended to us by counsel of the petitioner to order the respondents to enter the witness box to be cross-examined, accordingly we hereby overrule the objection raised by the counsel for the petitioner against the decision of the respondents declining to adduce evidence in this petition”. According to the lead counsel of the petitioner, Tsatsu Tsikata, the Court made fundamental errors of law and that those errors had occasioned “a miscarriage of justice against me (the Petitioner).” However, after hearing arguments from all parties during today’s hearing, the 9-member panel dismissed the application. The panel of 7 judges was reconstituted to 9 because it was a review hearing. The ruling which was delivered by the Chief Justice said the review application has failed. Stay of Proceeding Meanwhile, the application to stay proceeding filed by the petitioner is now moot. It may be recalled that lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata filed two new applications at the Supreme Court after the motion to reopen their case was dismissed: Application to stay proceeding and Application for review. According to the Chief Justice, the stay proceeding application has been struck out because it was pending the application for review and that has been dismissed. The hearing has been adjourned to Monday 22nd February, 2021. Peacefm Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: +233555568093
US authorities arrest 6 Ghanaians in $50m cyber fraud
US investigators say they have busted a “Ghana-based criminal enterprise”, with the arrest of six of its “ringleaders” in the US on charges of laundering more than $50m (£36m). “The scams we allege in this investigation include romance scams targeting the elderly, business e-mail compromise scams, and even fraudulent Covid-19 relief loans,” the FBI’s William F. Sweeney said in a statement. Four of the accused had between them controlled more than 45 bank accounts in which more than $50m had been deposited between 2013 and 2020, the statement alleged. A vast majority of the deposits consisted of large wire transfers and cheque or cash deposits from various US-based individuals and entities, the statement added. As part of the investigation, four luxury vehicles suspected to have been purchased with the proceeds of fraud had been seized, the statement said. The vehicles were: Two 2019 Rolls Royce Cullinans One 2020 Bentley Continental GT One 2020 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG.A statement released by the United States Department for Justice on Wednesday, February 17, named the suspects as Farouk Appiedu, 35, Fred Asante, 35, Celvin Freeman, 47, Lord Aning, 28, Sadick Edusei Kissi, 24, and Faisal Ali, aka “Clarence Graveley, 34.It said the six had been perpetrating the frauds since 2013.According to the statement, four of them collectively controlled more than 45 bank accounts that had deposits totalling approximately $55 million.The four, Appiedu, Asante, Freeman, and Aning received fraud proceeds from victims of the enterprise in dozens of business bank accounts that they controlled in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia.They opened the bank accounts in the names of companies they claimed to have formed and were purportedly involved in, among other things, automobile sales, food imports and exports, and freight trucking and shipping. It added that once the proceeds were received by the four in their bank accounts, they withdrew, transported, and laundered the fraud proceeds by using the proceeds to purchase automobiles, food products, and other goods from US-based suppliers and distributors of such products and shipped those products to Ghana and elsewhere. Kissi is said to have received fraud proceeds from victims of the enterprise in bank accounts that he controlled in the Bronx, New York and elsewhere. Once he received the fraud proceeds in bank accounts under his control, Kissi withdrew, transported, and laundered those fraud proceeds to other members of the enterprise located in Ghana. Ali also received fraud proceeds from victims of the enterprise into a series of at least 13 bank accounts at six different banks, which he controlled in the Bronx, New York. He used the name and identity of another person to open several of those bank accounts in order to conceal the proceeds of the fraud scheme. Upon receiving the fraud proceeds in the bank accounts under his control, he withdrew, transported, and laundered those fraud proceeds to other members of the enterprise. Charges Three of the suspects, Appiedu, Asante, Freeman, and Aning have each been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Each of them has also been charged with one count of conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of receipt of stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Kissi has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, with each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. He has also been charged with one count of conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of receipt of stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Ali has also been charged in a criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of making false statements to a bank, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Graphiconline Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: +233555568093
NDC summons Atubiga over Eugene Arhin comment
The opposition National Democratic Congress has summoned its member Stephen Atubiga over comments he made over the alleged properties owned by presidential spokesperson Eugene Arhin. Mr Atubiga is said to have defended the alleged wealth gathered by the presidential staffer over the last four years. The party in a letter summoning him said his comments were inconsistent with its values. “I write in respect of a news item captioned “Only Useless Politicians Retire Poor”, published on Ghanaweb on Saturday the 13th of February, 2021, which was attributed to you. The report indicated that you have allegedly chided Ghanaians criticizing Eugene Arhin of the NPP for amassing wealth in the space of four years. Excerpts from the statements you are alleged to have made include: ” “It is wise that as an individual working, there is the need to amass wealth so you can give back to your parents and society for contributions made to your upbringing” 2. “It is only a politician who led a wayward life who will retire poor”, the summons letter said. It added: “FEC finds the above statements unfortunate, especially when they are not consistent with the very principles on which the NDC is founded. Consequently, you are invited to meet FEC on Wednesday the 24th of February, 2021 at the Party Head Office, Adabralca at 2:30pm, to explain to FEC why disciplinary actions should not be taken against you”. Meanwhile, the wife of Mr Arhin who first made the claims against her estranged husband has beaten a retreat in her revised documents at the divorce court. Starrfm Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: +233555568093
Ghana must consider legislating against LGBTQI advocacy – Oppong Nkrumah
Information Minister-designate Kojo Oppong Nkrumah is proposing legislation against the advocacy of LGBT+ activities in Ghana. According to him, given the current push for the legalisation of homosexuality in Ghana, the country needs to consider passing a law that tackles its promotion because the practice, in itself, is culturally unacceptable and goes contrary to section 104 of the Criminal Code, 1960. Mr Oppong Nkrumah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi Constituency, was responding to questions when he took his turn before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting on Thursday, 18 February 2021. He said: “Customary law frowns on LGBT activities”, adding: “People say despite the Criminal Code on the general position of customary law, it is just mere expression; they are just advocating it but if you ask me about law and background, I will say, that is when somebody like me will argue that then we should be able to contemplate legislation in the interest of public morality, which will not be against the Constitution but we will now say that you cannot advocate and promote LGBT activities in this country”. The lawmaker’s comments follow the participation of the European Union (EU) in the opening of a new office space for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender and Queer Intersex (LGBTQI) community in Ghana. The EU also reiterated its supports for local civil society organisations that push for the rights of the LGBTQI community. Mr Oppong Nkrumah, however, stressed that the practice is alien to Ghana’s customs and tradition and it is the reason that laws must be passed to deal with persons who advocate and promote the practice in the country. A few days ago, the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, expressed its disapproval of the opening of the LGBTQI office in Ghana and called for its closure. The Coalition said the existence of the office was illegal and an affront to the laws, traditions and customs of Ghana and must be shut down. Mr Moses Foh-Amoaning, Executive Secretary of the Coalition, at a press conference, said the act was disrespectful to Ghanaians and undermined the sovereignty of the State. He explained that Ghana, as a country, had not signed any international laws permitting the promotion of the LGBTQI in the country and, therefore, any attempt by anybody to promote the activities of the group amounted to illegality. Mr Foh-Amoaning noted that on the contrary, international laws such as the Economic, Cultural, Social and Political Rights of the United Nations treaty, which Ghana ratified, protected the sovereignty of Ghana to defend its cultural values. He, therefore, accused the international community in Ghana of promoting an act which, he said, was alien to the customs and traditions of Ghanaians and infringed on the sovereignty of the state. Mr Foh-Amoaning called on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to swiftly move in to close down the said office and arrest and prosecute persons found to have breached the laws of the state. He appealed to Parliament to quickly move and pass comprehensive legislation to deal effectively with the issue. “We call on all state agencies including Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Ghana AIDS Commission, the police, politicians and the media to take all steps to protect our nation from the negative impact of this LGBTQI,” Mr Foh-Amoaning, said. Most Reverend Philip K. Naameh, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference described the LGBTQI agenda as a “complete disorder of the fundamental law of God in creating man and woman.” “The LGBTQI is a clear departure from God’s purpose of creation because the woman was not created to be an object of pleasure for man,” he said adding that the Catholic as a Church would only continue to recongnise marriages between a man and a woman to ensure that God’s purpose of creation materialised. The Reverend Godwin Amuzu, a representative from the Christian Council of Ghana, urged Ghanaians to remain resolute in maintaining the culture and sanctity of the State as believers in God. The Reverend Johnny Apeakorang, who represented the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches, said the Association would continue to render its support to the Coalition to ensure that its goal was achieved. The Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values is an amalgamation of Christian and Para-Christian bodies, Muslims, Non-Religious entities, Traditional rulers and opinion leaders in Ghana. The Coalition aimed at ensuring the preservation of indigenous African traditional and cultural sexual rights and family values. It has been a strong advocate against the LGBTQI movement in Ghana since it’s inauguration in December 2013. Classfm Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: +233555568093
Even Akufo-Addo won’t disrespect Tsatsu like Oppong Nkrumah, Nana B do – Gyamfi
The legal team of former President John Mahama has described as “disrespectful”, some of the post-trial commentary of fellow lawyers Kojo Oppong Nkrumah and Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B) of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s side, against Mr Tsatsu Tsikata, the lead counsel for the petitioner in the ongoing election petition at the Supreme Court. “The disrespect from the spokespersons of the 2nd Respondent toward the lawyer for the petitioner in the course of these proceedings for us is very unacceptable”, Mr Sammy Gyamfi told journalists on Thursday, 18 February 2021 after the court adjourned sitting. “You hear them stand here and describe things that counsel for the petitioner has said as English and grammar: ‘Lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata was just speaking English and not law’,” he said. “You do not do that, we are not trained to say things like that about our seniors at the bar. All these people are juniors by far to the people they are trying to ridicule. When we [NDC] come and stand here, we do not ridicule the likes of senior Akoto Ampaw and Justine Amenuvor; we all see how they struggle on their feet, yet we do not come here to ridicule or mock anybody”, noted. “I mean why do you come and stand here and talk down on somebody that you may never be able to even come close to what they have attained or achieved in life. I am not sure that even President Akufo-Addo will disrespect lawyer Tsatu Tsikata.” Mr Gyamfi’s comments dovetail into a similar concern raised by the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a press statement on Thursday, in which the party said Information Minister-designate Oppong Nkrumah must stop inciting the Supreme Court against former Deputy Attorney General Dr Domini Ayine. The statement, signed by Communication Director Kakra Essamuah took issue with what it describes as the constant attacks unleashed on the lawyers of the former President by the legal spokespersons of the second respondent, President Nana Akufo-Addo. The NDC singled out Mr Oppong Nkrumah and his fellow lawyer, Mr Henry Boakye, as the main culprits. Read the NDC’s full statement below: NDC STATEMENT ON ATTEMPTS BY KOJO OPPONG NKRUMAH AND HENRY NANA BOAKYE TO INCITE THE SUPREME COURT AGAINST NDC LAWYERS. In the course of the hearing of the presidential election petition initiated by HE John Dramani Mahama in the Supreme Court, both the NDC and the NPP have sets of lawyers who meet the media immediately after each sitting to publicise their view of what has taken place in court. It is a process from which the good people of Ghana have come to appreciate the respective positions of the parties litigating in the court. Unfortunately, in recent times, the NPP team, led by Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has been using the podium offered by the media, to attack counsel representing HE John Mahama in the case, and even going further to incite the court against the former Deputy Attorney General, Hon. Dr. Dominic Ayine. In addition, many NPP legal commentators in the media, appear to take inordinate delight in belittling and heaping insults on counsel for HE John Mahama and the NDC. These attacks are characterised by constantly offering misleading comments about our lawyers and the case in court. We consider this persistent conduct of Hon. Oppong Nkrumah and Henry Nana Boakye and their surrogates as unbecoming of professional colleagues, who have sworn to protect the ethics of their respected profession over and above partisan considerations. The Supreme Court exists to do justice fairly and squarely to all citizens irrespective of political colours, and to attempt to incite the court against our noble lawyers, is to debase the court’s role and duty. We, accordingly, condemn, in no uncertain terms, this unfortunate conduct of the NPP to demonise our counsel before the Supreme Court. The truth shall stand. The truth shall prevail. LONG LIVE THE NDC. ISSUED IN ACCRA THIS 18TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2021 (signed) KAKRA ESSAMUAH DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Classfm Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: +233555568093
Withdraw the case, “don’t allow the injustices judges to give an injustice judgement”
Stephen Atubiga has intensified his call for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the petitioner the former President John Dramani Mahama to withdraw the ongoing election petition. According to Mr. Atubiga, the party should not allow what he describes as ‘injustices judges’ to give an injustice judgment. “We should not allow the injustices judges to give an injustice judgment. We are ready and standing by to face some national leadership of the NDC squarely after the case is over”. Below is the full statement: NDC / JDM should withdraw from the election petition. We should not allow the injustices judges to give an injustice judgment. We are ready and standing by to face some national leadership of the NDC squarely after the case is over. A lot of questions to ask. Most of the national executives should not even try seeking re-election. Whilst the like of General mosquito, Sammy Gymfi, Otokunor, and co must be re-elected. Unopposed if possible. 1)The EC headquarters strong room case would be settled the NDC way after the court. 2)The conspiracy theory in Kumasi and other areas about JDMs votes reduction would be settled the NDC ways. 3)we would know, how one million, seven hundred specifically given to it, just for the collation of results, and end results we got. 4) we will know how most national executives were not in talking terms during election time till date, and expecting to give JDM victory. 5) we will know how others deliberately ignored others who were able and ready to help give JDM victory. 6) why others were bent on sitting around JDM, especially on D day instead of on the ground to give JDM victory. 7) from JDM campaign team and the NDC team, who was in charge on D day , failed to coordinate for our victory. 8) why JDM campaign manager and his team did not declare JDM winner immediately after the election. And announcement of his transitional team. 9) from the youth wings, organizers wing to zongo wings have lots of questions for them after the election petition. Some should resign for their own interest. 10) JDM our leader today and tomorrow, and candidate today and tomorrow. Will equally be told the hardest truth, those who cussed his defeat, those who (had) and have no business around him. Those who could have propelled his victory, if he had sought their help. Especially why JDM with his experience, is refusing to see the direct and indirect traps around him For his defeat today and tomorrow? 11) JDM must know NDC party machinery is not religious, to be Mr nice and good father for all, especially in election periods. JDM must know he is occupying the vacuum of JJ as our leader for life today. JDM is holding 60/100 stake in the NDC party today. JDM is the only surviving former president and incoming president if he sits up. JDM should get it now that, blood must sometimes have to flow both internally and externally for NDCs victory Well, a lot of anger and disappointing issues to let out, after the election petition is over. Stephen Atubiga. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: +233555568093