Five More Arrested in GRA-SML Corruption Scandal
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has arrested five more individuals as part of its ongoing investigation into suspected corruption and related offences connected to revenue assurance contracts between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML). The arrests bring the total number of individuals detained to eight, including high-profile former public officials and associates of SML. Those newly arrested include Evans Adusei, Chief Executive Officer of SML; Philip Mensah, former Deputy Commissioner (Legal) at GRA and current Legal Consultant to SML; Kofi Nti, former Commissioner-General of GRA; and Joseph Kuruk and Faustina Adjorkor, both officials of the Public Procurement Authority. Three of the individuals were detained overnight after failing to meet bail conditions, while all five were subsequently granted bail. The OSP’s probe focuses on the legality of the contracts awarded to SML, the procurement processes involved, and the financial implications for the state. The investigation also seeks to verify claims by SML that its operations have led to significant revenue savings for the government. The arrests follow the earlier detention of other former top GRA officials, including Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Commissioner-General of GRA; Isaac Crentsil, former Commissioner of Customs and current General Manager at SML; and Christian Tetteh Sottie, former Technical Advisor at GRA and current Managing Director of SML. The OSP’s investigation is ongoing, with the latest arrests indicating a deepening probe into the scandal. The outcome of the investigation will determine the next steps in the case, and it remains to be seen how the scandal will unfold. The arrests have sent shockwaves through the country, with many calling for accountability and transparency in government contracting. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah Sworn in as GPHA Board Chairman
The Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has officially been sworn in as the Board Chairman of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA). The ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, June 25, marked a significant milestone in the governance of the country’s port infrastructure. Professor Ransford Gyampo, acting CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, was also sworn in as a member of the newly constituted board. The appointments are part of efforts to strengthen the governance structure of the GPHA and provide strategic leadership in the development and regulation of the country’s port infrastructure. The new board is expected to guide policy direction, enhance operational efficiency, and support infrastructure expansion projects at Ghana’s key port facilities. With Johnson Asiedu Nketiah at the helm, the board is poised to drive the GPHA’s mission to provide world-class port services and facilitate economic growth and development in Ghana. The swearing-in ceremony marks the beginning of a new era in the governance of the GPHA. The board’s primary focus will be to ensure that the authority operates efficiently and effectively, providing quality services to stakeholders and contributing to the country’s economic development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
TEWU-GH Gives GTEC Seven-Day Ultimatum
The Tertiary Education Workers Union of Ghana (TEWU-GH) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), demanding the immediate reversal of a directive compelling traditional public universities to swear in representatives from the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union under the Trade Union Congress (TEWU-TUC) onto their Governing Councils. The directive, issued by GTEC on June 18, 2025, formally recognized TEWU-TUC as the legitimate union to represent non-teaching staff on the governing boards of public traditional universities. GTEC directed all affected institutions to swear in TEWU-TUC representatives with immediate effect and to accord them full Council privileges. However, TEWU-GH has vehemently rejected the directive, arguing that it undermines union pluralism and breaches due process in labour representation. National Chairman of TEWU-GH, Sulemana Abdul Rahaman, stated that the recognition of TEWU-TUC does not invalidate the rights and relevance of TEWU-GH. “The bargaining certificate held by TEWU-TUC does not extinguish the legitimacy of TEWU-GH,” Abdul Rahaman said. “This directive is a violation of democratic principles and an affront to the autonomy of unions within Ghana’s labour ecosystem.” TEWU-GH has called on the broader labour movement to intervene and urged prominent labour leaders to refrain from divisive comments that may threaten unity among unions. “With respect for democratic and fair representation, we appeal to all comrades within the labour fraternity to advise brother Joshua Ansah to avoid statements that do not foster harmony at the labour front,” Abdul Rahaman said. TEWU-GH has vowed to resist what it sees as an attempt to marginalize its members and is calling on GTEC to reverse the decision or face further action after the seven-day window expires. The outcome of this dispute remains to be seen, but it is clear that TEWU-GH is determined to protect its members’ interests and rights. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Three Former GRA Officials Detained in SML Scandal Probe
Three former top officials of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) are currently in custody in connection with the ongoing probe into the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) scandal. Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, a former Commissioner-General, Dr. Isaac Crentsil, a former Commissioner of Customs, and Christian Tetteh Sottie, a former technical advisor to the Commissioner-General, were arrested and interrogated by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). According to sources at the OSP, Dr. Crentsil and Tetteh Sottie now hold positions at SML, the company at the center of the corruption investigation. Dr. Crentsil is currently the General Manager at SML. The trio reportedly spent the night in National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) cells after failing to meet their bail conditions. The SML scandal involves questionable transactions and irregularities in contracts awarded to the company. An investigative documentary by former journalists of The Fourth Estate uncovered that SML received over $141 million in government payments despite breaching procurement laws. The company could not provide credible evidence to back claims of substantial revenue savings for the state. Central to the scandal is a 2023 consolidated contract valued at over $100 million annually and valid for five years, engineered by then-Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. Ofori-Atta has since been declared wanted over alleged corruption and related offenses linked to the deal. Dr. Crentsil played a pivotal role during the initial contract stages between GRA and SML, serving as Commissioner of Customs from 2017 to 2019 and later as a technical advisor to the Ministry of Finance. The Special Prosecutor’s investigation is ongoing, with the three former GRA officials being held in custody as part of the probe. The outcome of the investigation will determine the next steps in the case, and it remains to be seen how the scandal will unfold. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Ghana Calls for Collective Action Against Human Trafficking
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has called for collective action to tackle human trafficking in Ghana, stressing the need for stronger collaboration to protect vulnerable populations and hold offenders accountable. This appeal was made during an event commemorating the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, held under the theme “The Human Trafficking Law @ 20: The Journey So Far in Ghana.” The event highlighted poverty and irregular migration as key drivers of human trafficking and underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing the menace. Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Afisa Zakaria, noted that Ghana has made significant strides in the fight against human trafficking. These strides include the passage of the Human Trafficking Act, enhanced funding, and capacity-building efforts for law enforcement agencies. However, Dr. Zakaria emphasized the need to intensify public awareness, strengthen existing laws and policies, and provide trauma-informed care for survivors. She also called for stronger partnerships between government institutions, civil society organizations, and local communities to ensure a holistic and sustainable response. One key gap identified was the lack of shelters for adult male victims, a concern the Ministry is urging stakeholders to address as part of broader support systems for all affected individuals. The Ministry recognizes that human trafficking affects not only women and children but also men, and it is essential to provide support services that cater to all victims. The Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Helen Adjoa Ntoso, stressed the vital role lawmakers play in the effective implementation and enforcement of anti-trafficking legislation. She noted that Parliamentarians provide crucial oversight and support to stakeholders engaged in combating human trafficking. Madam Ntoso acknowledged Ghana’s progress in addressing the issue over the past two decades but cautioned that persistent challenges demand innovative approaches and continued commitment. The event served as a call to action for stakeholders to stay proactive in identifying solutions to combat the evolving tactics of traffickers. By working together, Ghana can make significant progress in eliminating human trafficking and protecting its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable populations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Nigerian Delegation Visits Ghana to Study Security Management
A 20-member delegation from Nigeria’s National Institute of Security Studies (NISS) has paid a working visit to Ghana as part of a strategic study tour. Apexnewsgh reports The delegation, currently undertaking the Executive Intelligence Management Course 18, is researching non-state actors in security management, with a focus on issues, challenges, and prospects for peace and development in Africa. The visit aims to better understand the complex security threats confronting Ghana and how the country is addressing these challenges through coordinated national and regional efforts. Head of the delegation, Mr. Rafiu Bolarinwa Adekunle, Director of Research and Library Studies at NISS, explained that the study tour is designed to help participants explore practical strategies and best practices to tackle Nigeria’s own evolving security threats. The findings from the tour will be compiled into actionable recommendations for the Nigerian government. The delegation was warmly received by Deputy Minister for Defence, Mr. Ernest Brogya Genfi, who commended them for choosing Ghana as a destination for strategic learning. During the engagement, the Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO), Brigadier General Ben Gah, delivered a presentation on Ghana’s current security landscape. He noted that while the country’s northern borders remain vulnerable to spillover threats from extremist groups in the Sahel, Ghana has so far not experienced any direct violent extremism. Brig. Gen. Gah outlined key non-state threats confronting Ghana, including cyber-attacks, illegal mining (galamsey), maritime insecurity, armed robbery, human trafficking, and herdsmen-related violence. He highlighted several strategic interventions and collaborative efforts aimed at curbing these threats and maintaining national security. The visit demonstrates the longstanding diplomatic and defence relations between Ghana and Nigeria. The Deputy Minister for Defence acknowledged the strong ties between the two countries and expressed his appreciation for the delegation’s interest in Ghana’s security management practices. The study tour provides a valuable opportunity for the Nigerian delegation to learn from Ghana’s experiences in security management and develop practical strategies to address their own security challenges. The findings and recommendations from the tour will contribute to enhancing security cooperation between Ghana and Nigeria and promoting peace and stability in the region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen