BTU Lecturer Raises Concerns Over OSP’s Recent Motives in Ofori-Atta Case
Hon. Awineyesema Abiire, a lecturer with the Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU), has expressed concerns over the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) motives in its recent actions against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. Apexnewsgh reports Hon. Abiire’s concerns come after the OSP declared Ofori-Atta a fugitive for failing to appear for interrogation in corruption-related investigations. The OSP’s Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, stated that Ofori-Atta was directed to attend an interview on February 10, 2025, but his lawyers informed the OSP that he was out of the country indefinitely on medical grounds. The OSP has denied any involvement in the alleged raid on Ofori-Atta’s home, suggesting that the incident may have been staged to create the impression of persecution. Meanwhile, further buttressing his point, Hon. Abiire added that, in the 14th Century, William Shakespeare wrote a comedy- Much Ado About Nothing where there was much fuss without a planned and well thought action. The characters of Benedick and Beatrice revealed that deceit or fuss is something that can be used to achieve a good or bad intention. He believes, if the OSP really meant to fight corruption, he would have appreciated the synergistic effect of collaboration and cooperation with the new AG and the ORAL team. “I really think he wants to behave in a manner to make the AG think that the issue is already with OSP if not why did he wait till now when Section 33(1)(b) of Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) was violated, Regulation 68(7) of PFM Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378) was suspended, including the breach of Article 181 of the 1992 Constitution for almost a year in the SML Audit report and he never took action till now? He quizzed Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MTN Hosts Blood Donation Exercise on Valentine’s Day
In a show of love and commitment to saving lives, MTN organized a blood donation exercise on Valentine’s Day in the Upper East region. Apexnewsgh reports The initiative, which has been running since 2011, aims to replenish blood banks across the country, particularly in hospitals where blood is urgently needed for accident victims, procedures, and other medical purposes. According to Martin Kumobah , the Upper East Regional Manager for MTN, the company takes the help of its customers seriously and recognizes the critical need for blood in hospitals every day. “The best gift anybody can show somebody on Valentine’s Day is to share your blood to save a life,” he emphasized. This year’s exercise targeted three schools in the Upper East region, including Bolgatanga Senior High and Zamse Senior High School. MTN has been increasing the number of schools participating in the initiative every year, with corporate institutions and the general public showing growing support. The response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people expecting MTN to organize the blood donation exercise every year. Martin acknowledged the support, saying, “We’ve had a lot of corporate institutions coming on board because they feel that what we are doing is a good job.” As MTN continues to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility, the company plans to sustain the initiative in the long term, recognizing the ongoing need for blood in hospitals across the country. Kingsley Kwame Gamor, Principal Lab Assistant at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, has emphasized the importance of hospitals having a steady supply of blood in their blood banks to save lives. He expressed gratitude to MTN for their “wonderful initiative” in organizing blood donation exercises. Gamor also extended a call to other telecommunications companies to follow MTN’s example, recognizing the significant impact that such initiatives can have on the healthcare system and the lives of patients in need of blood transfusions. Students who participated in the blood donation exercise organized by MTN expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the telecommunications giant for its lifesaving initiative. They praised MTN for providing them with the opportunity to make a difference in their community. The students also used the occasion to encourage their fellow students to come forward and donate blood, emphasizing that it is a simple yet powerful way to save lives and prevent untimely deaths. By doing so, they hope to inspire a culture of voluntary blood donation among their peers. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Forestry Commission Cracks Down on Illegal Mining in Atewa Forest
Forestry Commission has decommissioned mining activities in portions of the forest by burning four excavators at Obuohu Fante in the Ayensuano districts of the Eastern Region. Apexnewsgh reports The commission believes that miners, who initially operated on the fringes of the forest, have gradually expanded their operations into the protected area. Environmental NGO, A Rocha Ghana, has thrown its weight behind the Forestry Commission’s actions. Team Lead Daryl Bosu took to Facebook to justify the commission’s move, stating that illegal miners often start on the outskirts of forests and then expand their operations, emboldened by impunity. Bosu applauded the Forestry Commission’s zero-tolerance approach to illegal mining, reaffirming A Rocha Ghana’s commitment to supporting their efforts. However, the burning of the excavators has sparked tension in Obuohu Fante, with local residents suspecting forestry officials and demanding answers. The incident highlights the complex and often contentious issue of illegal mining in Ghana’s protected areas. The Atewa Forest is a vital ecosystem that provides water, climate regulation, and community well-being. The Forestry Commission’s actions aim to safeguard the forest’s integrity, but it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in Obuohu Fante. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Abraham Amaliba Backs OSP’s Declaration of Ken Ofori-Atta as Fugitive
Acting Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority, Abraham Amaliba, has thrown his weight behind the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) decision to declare former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive. Apexnewsgh reports Amaliba reasoning is that Ofori-Atta’s lawyers informed the OSP that he was out of the country indefinitely, which is a clear indication of evading justice. According to Amaliba, the OSP’s action is justified, given Ofori-Atta’s failure to honor the invitation to appear before the OSP. “If you’re a subject of a criminal investigation, what else can you expect the OSP to do?” Amaliba questioned. He further emphasized that Ofori-Atta’s refusal to indicate when he would return to face interrogation suggests that he was “intransigent” and intentionally avoiding justice. The OSP has been investigating Ofori-Atta for several cases, including the loss reduction contract between ECG and Beijing Jao, procurement issues related to the National Cathedral, contracts awarded by the Health Ministry to Service Ghana Auto Limited/Ambulances, and the SML-GRA deal. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng declared Ofori-Atta a fugitive on Wednesday, February 12, after he failed to honor multiple invitations to appear before the OSP. The OSP has vowed to take all necessary measures to compel Ofori-Atta to appear and answer questions related to the investigations. With Amaliba’s backing, it’s clear that the OSP’s decision has garnered support from various quarters. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
CLOGSAG Declares Nationwide Strike Over Politicized Appointment
The Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) has announced a nationwide strike in protest of the government’s appointment of Samuel Adom Botchway as the Registrar of Births and Deaths Registry. Apexnewsgh reports This decision was made during CLOGSAG’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on February 11, 2025, where members expressed concerns over the increasing trend of appointing politically exposed persons to key civil service and local government positions. CLOGSAG’s Executive Secretary, Isaac Bampoe Addo, emphasized that the association had warned against Botchway’s appointment, and with him assuming office on February 12, 2025, they had no choice but to call for a nationwide strike starting Thursday, February 20, 2025. The strike is expected to disrupt services provided by civil and local government agencies nationwide. CLOGSAG has urged all its members to stay home until further notice, citing the need to protect the neutrality and integrity of the civil service. At the heart of the issue is CLOGSAG’s concern that the appointment of politically exposed persons like Botchway compromises the professionalism of the sector. The association argues that such appointments threaten the integrity of the civil service and must be addressed. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ayikoi Otoo Slams Attorney-General Over Withdrawal of High-Profile Cases
A heated debate has erupted over the Attorney-General’s decision to withdraw several high-profile criminal cases, with former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, strongly criticizing the move. Apexnewsgh reports Ayikoi Otoo described the decision as “politically motivated and unjustified,” arguing that the same civil servants who worked on the cases had deemed them prosecutable. At the center of the controversy is Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine, who defended his decision citing “ethical and legal considerations.” However, Ayikoi Otoo dismissed this explanation, alleging that the decision to drop the cases was influenced by the fact that the accused individuals were members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). Ayikoi Otoo pointed to the case of Dr. Johnson Asiamah, the former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, who was immediately appointed as the substantive Governor after charges against him were dropped. “There is no justification whatsoever for these withdrawals,” Ayikoi Otoo stated. “They know these are their people, and they cannot allow them to be tried.” While acknowledging that Attorneys-General have the power to discontinue cases, Ayikoi Otoo insisted that Dr. Ayine owed the public a better explanation, given the nature of the cases involved. Dr. Ayine, however, maintained that some charges were defective, while others lacked legal merit and did not align with common sense. Source: Apexnewsgh.com