Former Chief Justice Torkornoo Sues to Halt Vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as Next Chief Justice
Former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has launched a legal battle seeking to block the vetting and appointment of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s next Chief Justice. Justice Torkornoo’s suit, filed at the High Court, aims to invalidate all actions taken by the Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang Committee, which was set up to investigate petitions that ultimately led to her removal from office. In her application, she contends that the committee’s proceedings were invalid and that the Presidential Warrant authorizing her removal was illegal and without effect. The timing of the legal challenge is significant, as the Parliamentary Appointments Committee prepares to vet Justice Baffoe-Bonnie for elevation to the Chief Justice position. Justice Torkornoo was dismissed on September 1, 2025, by President John Mahama after the Article 146 committee, in consultation with the Council of State, found her guilty of misconduct, including misuse of public funds and breaches of constitutional provisions. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who has served as Acting Chief Justice since April 22, 2025, following Torkornoo’s suspension, was formally nominated by the President in September to take up the role permanently. The outcome of Torkornoo’s legal challenge could have far-reaching implications for the leadership of Ghana’s judiciary and the process of appointing the nation’s top judge. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
National Coalition on Mining Urges President Mahama to Show Political Courage in Galamsey Fight
The National Coalition on Mining (NCOM) has issued a strong call to President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to demonstrate unwavering political will in addressing Ghana’s persistent challenge of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. The coalition’s statement follows a recent meeting between President Mahama and civil society organisations at the Jubilee House. According to NCOM, the success of any anti-galamsey initiative hinges on the President’s willingness to take decisive action against individuals within his government and the ruling NDC party who are allegedly complicit in illegal mining. “The key political question remains: Will President Mahama have the political courage to act against those in his government and the NDC who are known or rumoured to be galamsey kingpins and facilitators? That ultimately will be the touchstone for the success or failure of any anti-galamsey programme,” the coalition stated. While commending President Mahama’s renewed commitment to the fight, NCOM emphasised that galamsey is a deeply rooted national issue that cannot be resolved through military crackdowns or short-term interventions alone. The coalition urged the government to craft a comprehensive strategy addressing the social, economic, and institutional drivers behind illegal mining. “Galamsey is not just a law-and-order problem , it is deeply rooted in governance failures, poverty, and corruption,” NCOM noted, advocating for long-term investments in rural development, job creation, and reforms in the small-scale mining sector. NCOM also stressed the need for enhanced collaboration between the state, civil society, and local communities, pointing out that previous ad hoc operations have failed to deliver lasting results and, at times, led to human rights abuses and economic hardship. The coalition concluded that Ghana’s success in eliminating galamsey will depend not only on strong policies and enforcement, but on the political integrity and determination of its leadership to challenge vested interests benefiting from environmental destruction. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Children’s Support Fund for Helicopter Crash Orphans Receives Over GHS 8.6 Million and $20,000 in Donations
The Children’s Support Fund, created to support the welfare and education of children orphaned by the tragic August 6, 2025, helicopter crash, has raised a total of GHS 8,600,905.00 and US$20,000.00 in donations so far. In a public update released on Friday, October 17, Dr. Valerie Sawyerr, Senior Presidential Advisor on Governmental Affairs and Fund Coordinator, detailed contributions received between September 23 and October 12, 2025. Key donors to the Fund include the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, BOST Energies, Bui Power Authority, Energy Commission, Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Limited, and several agencies under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. Individual contributors such as Kow Eduakwa Sam, Israel Quarme Arye, Timothy Addai Adivilah Balagkutu, and Augustus Obuadum Tanoh were also recognized for their generosity. Dr. Sawyerr expressed heartfelt appreciation to all institutions and individuals who have supported the initiative, urging continued donations to help the affected children. She outlined that contributions can be made through Stanbic Bank Ghana Limited (Stanbic Heights Branch, Accra) using designated GHS and USD accounts, with cheques and bank drafts payable to “Children Support Fund 6825.” Mobile money platforms are also available for donations. The Children’s Support Fund was established in response to the devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of several public officials, including former Defence Minister Dr. Omane Boamah. The Fund aims to provide vital financial and educational aid to the children left behind by the tragedy. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Judge Overrules Objection as Third Accused Discharged in GHS49 Million Theft Case
Justice John Nyadu Nyante has overruled an objection in the ongoing GHS49 million theft case, affirming that the Attorney General, constitutionally empowered to prosecute, does not require the court’s consent to withdraw charges. The ruling paved the way for the discharge of the third accused, Mildred Donkor. The court further directed that all records about her be expunged from its files. This development follows a decision by Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, to discontinue prosecution against Mildred Donkor. A formal notice filed at the High Court in Accra on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, confirmed that Ms. Donkor was discharged under Section 59 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30). The discharge comes after she reportedly agreed to serve as a prosecution witness. Ms. Donkor’s testimony is expected to provide crucial insight into the alleged theft and misappropriation of GHS49 million in state funds, a case involving former National Signals Bureau boss, Kwabena Adu-Boahene (1st accused), his wife Angela Adjei-Boateng (2nd accused), and their company, Advantage Solutions Limited (4th accused). Her role in the proceedings shifted notably in July, when she abruptly dismissed her lawyer in open court—just moments before the prosecution was set to call its first witness. Source: Apexnewsgh.com