Lawyers in shock, disbelief as Chief Justice reconstitutes, chairs Opuni case panel
Chief Justice Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has made changes to an already-constituted court hearing an appeal filed by former COCOBOD Chief Executive, Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni. Some legal luminaries who were stunned by the Chief Justice’s curious move were heard murmuring in disbelief after the counsel for Dr Opuni, Mr Samuel Codjoe, revealed in court that the panel now sitting on the case was different from the panel they appeared before months ago. The Chief Justice has also decided to now sit on the case. She automatically chairs the new panel. It would be recalled that when Justice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah, before his transfer to Kumasi, on April 4, 2023, decided to hear the trial of Dr Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo de novo (afresh) when he took over the case from retired Supreme Court judge Clemence Honyenuga, who had presided over the case for years with additional responsibility as a High Court judge, Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, who was dissatisfied with the outcome, took the matter to the Court of Appeal. The case was heard with the Attorney General securing a favourable ruling as the three-member panel on 3rd July 2023 quashed the decision of the High Court, allowing for the adoption of proceedings. Counsel for Dr. Opuni, who felt the judges of the Appeal’s Court “committed an error of law” in their judgement filed an interlocutory appeal at the Supreme Court on 7th July, 2023. Several months after the appeal was filed, the parties were made to appear before the Supreme Court on 17 January 2024 for a hearing. The court was presided over by Justice Mariama Owusu and four other Supreme Court judges, namely, Justices Yaw Darko Asare, Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi, George Kingsley Koomson, and Henry A. Kwofie. The five-member panel made orders for parties to file written submissions. The orders of the court were to the effect that, the Appellant was to file his written submissions within twenty-one (21) days, the Attorney General’s Department was to file their response within twenty-one (21) days of receipt of the Appellant’s submissions after which Appellant had seven (7) days within which to file a reply to the submissions of the prosecution. Dr. Opuni filed his submission as directed by the court same as the AG, but the former declined to reply to AG’s submission. The matter was then adjourned sine die for the Registry to issue a notice for parties to appear before the court to set a date for judgment. The Herald is reliably informed that despite several follow-ups, from the date the matter was adjourned, Dr Opuni’s lawyers only received the hearing notice on the 2nd day of May 2024. This is clearly at variance with the swiftness with which the appeal against Anokye Gyimah’s ruling to hear the matter de novo was heard. The Court of Appeal was constituted within days to determine the appeal by the Attorney General. Unfortunately, that has not been the case in respect of Dr. Opuni’s appeal. Nonetheless, on the 8th day of May 2024, Dr. Opuni together with his lawyers appeared before the court to receive a date on which judgment would be given on his appeal, but to their surprise, the panel which previously gave orders for filing of submissions has been reconstituted. Only two out of the five justices made it to the new panel. This new panel is presided over by the Chief Justice herself, together with four other Supreme Court judges: Justice Mariama Owusu, who presided at the first instance, Justice Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Justice Yaw Darko Asare, and Justice Ernest Gaewu. Mr Samuel Codjoe, who felt his client was being treated unfairly, objected to the composition of the panel. “As soon as we filed our written submission, we were ordered to appear before the panel. As soon as we filed, the panel heard us. Insofar as the panel ordered us to appear, it constituted a hearing,” Mr Codjoe asserted. He referred to Article 157(3) of the 1992 Constitution to buttress his objection. Article 157(3) of the 1992 Constitution stipulates: “Without prejudice to clause (2) of this article, no person sitting in a Superior Court for the determination of any cause or matter shall, having heard the arguments of the parties to that cause or matter and before judgment is delivered, withdraw as a member of the court or tribunal, or as a member of panel determining that cause or matter, nor shall that person become functus officio in respect of that cause or matter, until judgment is delivered.” It was the position of Mr Codjoe that the Chief Justice was biased with her action, arguing that the hearing of the matter by a new panel was unconstitutional because the previous panel had already begun hearing the matter, He insisted that the previous panel, having heard the parties, could not be withdrawn until judgment was delivered. For that reason, hearing of the matter by a new panel was wholly unconstitutional, he stated. But the Attorney General opposed the objection, arguing that there has not been any hearing at all of the matter. In his argument, the Attorney General conceded that a hearing can be done orally or in writing. Mr Codjoe then reiterated to the court that the directive by the previous panel had been obeyed with the filing of the written submissions, which he insisted constituted a hearing. The panel was, therefore, compelled to go on recess. The panel, however, emerged with a ruling that the case was not ripe at the time for hearing when the previous panel gave the orders for the written submissions. The objection was overruled on the basis that Mr Codjoe’s position that the hearing had begun was misconceived. The suit has been adjourned to 19th June 2024 for judgment. Even though the Chief Justice and her panel of judges claimed that what the previous panel did, did not constitute a hearing, the judgement by the court, fixed for next
Electoral Commission Corrects Errors in Voter Registration Figures
The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced a correction of errors discovered in its publication of daily voter registration figures during the ongoing limited voter registration exercise. Apexnewsgh reports The EC initially reported that 143,014 eligible voters had been registered by the end of day four, but later acknowledged an error in the data for day three, specifically in the Upper East region. The EC’s statement indicated that the figure for day three in the Upper East region had been repeated, leading to inaccuracies in the overall registration statistics. The commission has since corrected the mistakes, which appeared in the total registered figures stated for days two and three, although the individual regional figures were accurate. The voter registration exercise, which commenced on May 7, aims to register first-time voters and individuals seeking to obtain a voter card. Scheduled to last for 21 days, the exercise is set to conclude on May 27, 2024. The EC aims to add approximately 623,000 first-time voters to the voter register, enhancing the inclusivity of the electoral process. A breakdown of registration figures by region shows that the Greater Accra region has recorded 17,837 registered voters, followed by the North East with 3,948, the Upper East with 6,691, and the Northern region with 10,373. Other regions have also recorded significant numbers of registered voters. The EC has assured the public of its commitment to achieving its registration target by the end of the exercise, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate voter register. The correction of errors demonstrates the commission’s dedication to transparency and accuracy in the voter registration process. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
Putin Removes Long-Standing Ally Shoigu as Defence Minister Amidst Ongoing Ukraine War
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a significant shake-up in his government, removing Sergei Shoigu as Defence Minister after over a decade in the role. Apexnewsgh reports Shoigu, a close ally of Putin’s, will be appointed Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, replacing Nikolai Patrushev, whose new post remains unclear. Shoigu’s replacement as Defence Minister is Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, an economist with little military experience. The move is seen as a surprise by some, but analysts believe it indicates Putin’s desire to align the Russian economy more closely with the war effort. Shoigu, a civil engineer by profession, rose to prominence as head of the emergencies and disaster relief ministry in the 1990s. Despite having no military background, he was appointed Defence Minister in 2012, a move that rankled some top brass. His tenure was marked by controversy, including a public feud with Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin over Russia’s conduct of the war in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the appointment of a civilian Defence Minister shows the need for “innovation” in the role, citing the increasing proportion of GDP spent on military expenditure, similar to the Soviet Union in the mid-1980s. Belousov’s appointment is seen as a move to integrate military spending into Russia’s overall economy. The shake-up comes as Russia’s war with Ukraine rages on, with Putin seeking to reinvigorate his government’s approach to the conflict. Despite Shoigu’s close links with Putin, his removal as Defence Minister indicates the President’s desire for change in the midst of a challenging and costly war. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
US Lawmakers Demand Reopening of Corruption Probe into Shell and Eni’s Nigerian Oil Deal
The United States House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services has called on the Department of Justice to reopen an investigation into Shell and Eni’s 2011 purchase of the rights to oil prospecting licence, OPL 245, one of Nigeria’s most lucrative oilfields. The lawmakers are alleging that the two companies bribed Nigerian government officials, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, to the tune of US$1.1 billion. According to the lawmakers, “available evidence implicates both companies in a scheme that resulted in the payment of US$1.1 billion in bribes to Nigerian government officials, including then President Goodluck Jonathan.” They further stated that Shell and Eni, both registered with the US Security and Exchange Commission, continue to profit from the deal in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The lawmakers are seeking justice to be served in this case, and for the Department of Justice to hold Shell and Eni accountable for their alleged corrupt practices. The reopening of the investigation is expected to shed more light on the deal and bring those involved in the corruption to book. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
Ashanti Region Gets Housing Boost: 185 Units for Public Servants Near Completion
The government is in the final stages of constructing 185 housing units for public servants in the Ashanti Region, replacing existing bungalows on lands returned to the Asantehene through an Executive Instrument. Apexnewsgh reports This development comes after 400 acres of state land in Kumasi’s Ridge Residential Area were released to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in 2022, following the issuance of Executive Instrument 432 of 2021 for the Redevelopment of Sector 18 of Kumasi. According to Ashanti regional lands officer, Peter Osei-Wusu, the decision to revert lands to the Asantehene was rooted in the historical context of uncompensated land acquisitions during the colonial era. He explained that the Asantehene’s request for the return of certain lands was legitimate, given the absence of compensation for lands acquired during colonial times. A mutual agreement was reached, where half of the lands were allocated back to the Asantehene. Construction of new facilities to replace the 116 state bungalows is nearing completion, with approximately 200 units expected to be available upon project completion. To finance this initiative, part of the lands retained by the government were allocated to private developers in exchange for constructing housing units. Osei-Wusu emphasized that thorough processes were followed, including assessments by the Ghana Institution of Surveyors for value for money and approvals from the Public Procurement Authority for the commencement of construction by contractors. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270. Regarding the financial aspect, Osei-Wusu reassured that the government is not disadvantaged in the deal, as the land values are evaluated at around US$600,000 per acre, matching the cost of construction. Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah expects these homes to be ready for occupancy by the end of the year, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing housing needs in the region.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Urges Urgent Action to Combat Devastating Impact of Galamsey on Environment
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II marked his 25th anniversary as the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool with a pressing call to action, highlighting the devastating impact of illegal mining (Galamsey) on Ghana’s environment. Apexnewsgh reports In his address, the Asantehene emphasized the need for concerted efforts to restore the environment, which has suffered greatly due to destructive Galamsey practices. The Asantehene stressed that it is imperative for the present generation to safeguard the legacy left by their ancestors and urged decisive action to tackle Galamsey by all possible means. He warned that allowing these practices to continue unchecked would harm the environment and compromise Ghana’s future. “Our top priority must be the reclamation of our environment from the ravages of Galamsey,” the Asantehene said. “We cannot be the generation that destroys the most gracious heritage bequeathed to us by our forefathers to satisfy the greed of a few miscreants. For whatever it takes, we must defeat this scourge.” The Asantehene’s urgent call to action echoes the concerns of many Ghanaians and environmentalists, who have been advocating for swift action to address the environmental degradation caused by Galamsey. His leadership and influence are expected to mobilize efforts to combat this menace and protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
MP Collins Dauda Denies Involvement in Voter Registration Violence, Calls for Investigation
Member of Parliament for Asutifi South in the Ahafo Region, Collins Dauda, has categorically denied any involvement in the reported violent incidents during the recent voter registration exercise. Apexnewsgh reports In a statement issued and signed by the Deputy Constituency Secretary for Asutifi South, Isaac Yaw Mensah, on behalf of Mr. Dauda, he clarified that he is not the MP for Asunafo South, the constituency where the alleged incidents occurred. The statement emphasized that Mr. Dauda has not visited the constituency during the period in question, making any claims of his involvement baseless and untrue. The allegations, according to the statement, are part of a “deliberate smear campaign” orchestrated by certain elements within the NPP party in Asutifi South and the Ahafo Region, aimed at tarnishing his reputation and credibility. Mr. Dauda has vowed to take decisive steps to hold the perpetrators accountable and is actively pursuing legal measures to address the dissemination of false information and defamation of character. He has also urged the Ghana Police Service in the Ahafo Region to swiftly investigate and apprehend those responsible for spreading fake news about him. The statement emphasized that such deliberate attempts to undermine the democratic process and sow discord will not be tolerated. Mr. Dauda’s denial and call for investigation aim to clear his name and ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
MP Collins Dauda Taken into Custody Over Voter Registration Disturbance
The Ghana Police Service has taken a significant step in addressing the recent disturbance during the Limited Voter Registration Exercise in Kukuom, Ahafo Region, by taking the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi South, Collins Dauda, into custody. Apexnewsgh reports The incident, which occurred on Saturday, May 11, 2024, resulted in one person sustaining injuries and being hospitalized. According to police investigations, the Asutifi MP’s involvement in the disruptions that marred the registration process has been implicated. While in custody, further investigations are underway to ascertain his role in the incident. The police have assured the public that efforts have been intensified to apprehend other suspects involved in the altercation. This development comes in the wake of the police’s condemnation of acts of violence in various areas, including Cape Coast and Adugyama, where similar disturbances occurred during the voter registration exercise. The police have urged the public to act responsibly as the registration process continues, and have demonstrated their commitment to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The police’s swift action in taking the MP into custody sends a strong message that no one is above the law, and that any individual found to have engaged in violent or disruptive behavior will face the full force of the law. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
Voters Registration: Three Police Officers Interdicted for Failure to Perform …
The Ghana Police Service has taken swift action against three police personnel for failing to perform their duties professionally during the ongoing Limited Voter Registration Exercise. With immediate effect, Inspector Michael Addo, General Constable Eric Boakye, and General Constable Michael Gyan have been interdicted for their lack of professionalism on May 11, 2024. According to a statement from the Police administration, the three officers failed to properly perform their duties as security officers in charge at the Electoral Commission Office in Adugyama, Ashanti region, when some individuals attempted to disrupt the voter registration exercise. The interdicted personnel will face the due disciplinary process of the Police Service, ensuring accountability and maintaining the integrity of the Ghana Police Service. This swift action demonstrates the Service’s commitment to upholding professional standards and ensuring the public’s trust. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.