The Bongo District Director of Health Assures Public: “Everything is Under Control” After Watermelon Incident
On Friday, the Bongo District Director of Health, Estella Abazesi, reassured the public that the situation was under control after 12 individuals were hospitalized at St. Clement Hospital in Bongo following the consumption of watermelon. Speaking to Apexnewsgh, Director Abazesi recounted how her team responded swiftly to the incident. “So, it’s last night that we also had the information. This morning, our team went to the facility to get some detailed information about what happened. We met about 12 clients at St. Clement Hospital in Bongo, and they are all doing well now,” she said. According to the Director, all the affected individuals shared a common history: they had eaten watermelon on the 24th of the month. Shortly after, they experienced vomiting and diarrhea, resulting in their admission to the hospital. Interestingly, two members of the same household who did not consume the watermelon remained healthy and showed no symptoms. Further inquiries revealed that the patients had eaten different meals that evening before consuming the watermelon. Unfortunately, Abazesi noted, “There is no leftover of the watermelon whatsoever, so we can’t really take a sample for testing. We just have to keep our ears on the ground to see what happens further.” Director Abazesi assured that, as of now, all patients are stable and recovering. “No one has the symptoms now. They are all pending for discharge, except one who will be referred due to a pre-existing condition.” The origin of the watermelon was also traced. “The watermelon was bought from the northeast, in Walewale,” she explained. “We need to keep our ears on the ground to see whether this is a larger issue. If it’s related to the watermelon, we’ll find out, but for now, all the clients are doing well.” Health officials plan to continue monitoring the situation, even after the patients are discharged. “We still do follow-ups to ensure they remain healthy,” Abazesi said. When asked about efforts to trace the source of the watermelon, Abazesi acknowledged that they were yet to meet the man who purchased it. “We will stay in touch with the assemblyman to gather more information about exactly where the watermelon was bought. Once we reach him, we can further our investigation.” Director Abazesi concluded on a reassuring note, emphasizing that the health team remained vigilant and would keep the public informed as they continued to investigate the incident. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GJA Monitors Conviction of Herald Editor, Calls for Calm and Due Process
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) found itself in the midst of a challenging moment when news broke that Mr. Larry Alans Dogbey, Managing Editor of The Herald Newspaper and theheraldghana.com, had been convicted and sentenced by an Accra High Court. Justice Isaac Addo presided over the case, which resulted in Mr. Dogbey receiving a seven-day imprisonment for contempt of court. The conviction stemmed from a publication related to a legal battle involving businessman Kevin Okyere and Petraco SA. Upon learning of the court’s decision, the GJA described the situation as unfortunate. Determined to uphold its core mission of protecting press freedom and advocating for the welfare of journalists, the association immediately began consulting its legal team. The goal: to determine the best course of action in response to the unfolding events. In a statement to the public, the GJA urged both media practitioners and the general public to remain calm and exercise restraint when discussing the matter. The association called on all stakeholders to be measured in their commentary and to allow the legal process to run its natural course. While the GJA continues to monitor the developments closely and awaits advice from its legal experts, it has pledged to update the public on its considered position and any further steps in due time. Meanwhile, the association has expressed its solidarity with Mr. Dogbey, acknowledging the difficulties he faces during this period. Reaffirming its unwavering commitment, the GJA emphasized its dedication to defending media freedom, promoting responsible journalism, and safeguarding the rights of journalists across Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Gender Minister Details Government’s Efforts to Tackle Child Hawking and Streetism
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has outlined a series of government interventions aimed at addressing the rising issue of child hawking and the growing number of children living on the streets. Speaking in Parliament, Dr. Lartey, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Krowor, expressed deep concern about the plight of vulnerable children and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to their protection. “As the lead coordinating institution for the welfare of children in Ghana, my Ministry is very concerned about this issue,” she told the House. Dr. Lartey reminded Parliament that Section 16(1) of the Children’s Act, 1998, places responsibility on Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to take all necessary steps to remove children from street situations and ensure their welfare. She revealed that her ministry is working closely with MMDAs, the Department of Social Welfare, the Ghana Police Service, civil society organizations, and development partners to identify, rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate children found living and working on the streets. She also highlighted the government’s focus on tackling the root causes of child hawking and streetism by strengthening poverty alleviation programmes. Key among these are the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) initiative and the Ghana School Feeding Programme, both designed to reduce the economic vulnerabilities that often push children into street life and hazardous labour. In addition, Dr. Lartey announced plans to intensify public education and awareness campaigns on child exploitation. She emphasized that these efforts form part of a broader strategy to protect the rights and welfare of children nationwide. The Minister’s remarks underscore the government’s resolve to work with all stakeholders to ensure that every child in Ghana is given the opportunity for a safe and dignified childhood. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chairman Wontumi’s Lawyers Ask High Court to Postpone Judgment in Akonta Mining Case
Lawyers representing Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have filed an application with the High Court seeking a postponement of the judgment in his ongoing criminal case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited. The request, submitted by newly appointed counsel Samuel Atta Akyea, asks the court to defer the scheduled July 3 verdict in order to allow the defence more time to obtain the certified record of proceedings and prepare written submissions. This development follows the recent withdrawal of Wontumi’s previous lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, who stepped down shortly after the defence concluded its case. While the court rejected an application for leave to withdraw, it clarified that, in criminal cases, a lawyer does not require the court’s permission to cease representing a client, making the matter one for the client and lawyer to resolve. In his supporting affidavit, Atta Akyea explained that he was only appointed on June 19, after the prior counsel’s withdrawal. Since then, he has requested certified copies of proceedings and relevant documents from the court registry, but has yet to receive them. Without access to the complete record, Atta Akyea argues, he cannot adequately review the case or effectively represent his clients. He further emphasized that, given the gravity of the criminal charges and their potential consequences, Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited are entitled to effective legal representation at every stage of the trial. Granting the adjournment, Atta Akyea contends, would not prejudice the prosecution, but would uphold the accused’s constitutional right to a fair trial and bolster public confidence in the justice system. The High Court had originally set July 3, 2026, for judgment following the close of the defence’s case. Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused face allegations related to illegal mining activities, charges they have consistently denied. Atta Akyea insists that the application is not meant to delay justice, but rather to ensure proper legal preparation before a final judgment is delivered. The court is expected to rule on the adjournment request in the coming days. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Health Minister Launches Ambitious Drive to Train 1,000 Specialised Nurses Annually
Ghana’s Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has unveiled a bold new initiative to train at least 1,000 specialised nursing students each year, aiming to close persistent gaps in the nation’s healthcare workforce. Addressing attendees at the joint matriculation ceremony for the Specialised Nursing Programme on Thursday, June 25, the Minister emphasised the urgent need to build advanced skills among nurses and broaden professional opportunities in the health sector. He explained that, while Ghana boasts over 100,000 trained health professionals, there are significant shortages in specialised fields, shortcomings that become especially pronounced when negotiating international health agreements. “These deficiencies in specialised skills are often highlighted by our international partners, who require expertise that we currently lack in sufficient numbers,” Akandoh observed. “I inherited a sector with a large workforce, but the specialised competencies were simply missing.” The Specialised Nursing Programme, which will soon expand to training institutions nationwide, is part of the government’s broader strategy to address these critical gaps. Despite initial scepticism and criticism, the initiative has gained momentum and support, paving the way for further growth. “We are determined to train no fewer than 1,000 students every year,” the Minister declared. “This is just the beginning, and the programme will be replicated in other institutions across the country.” Akandoh urged health sector leaders to focus on practical solutions and to prioritise expanding training opportunities to meet both domestic healthcare needs and international standards. The government’s commitment signals a new chapter for Ghana’s nursing profession, with the potential to strengthen the health system and enhance the country’s reputation on the global stage. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Education Ministry Urges Vigilance as Drug Networks Infiltrate Ghanaian Schools
The Ministry of Education has issued a strong call to action for teachers and school authorities nationwide to intensify monitoring of students in response to alarming signs that drug networks are making inroads into Ghana’s basic and secondary schools. The warning comes on the heels of intelligence gathered by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), which revealed that drug-related activities are increasingly shifting from the streets into educational environments. Recent enforcement operations have uncovered a rise in the use of opioids and tramadol among young people, sparking concern among educators and policymakers. Speaking to the media on June 25, Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, described the trend as part of a broader drug abuse crisis confronting both Ghana and the world. He emphasized the urgent need for intervention and outlined ongoing collaboration between the Ministry, the Ghana Education Service (GES), and the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service to strengthen surveillance, prevention, and support systems in schools. “Teachers are at the frontline of this fight, they are the first to notice changes in students’ behaviour and can help prevent drug-related activities from gaining ground in our schools,” Dr. Apaak explained. He called on teachers and school administrators to be proactive in searching students’ bags and personal belongings as part of efforts to maintain discipline and ensure campus safety. “We have empowered school managers to conduct thorough checks of luggage, trunks, and chop boxes brought into dormitories,” he added, noting that these measures are a continuation of government efforts to restore discipline in the education sector. Dr. Apaak stressed that tackling the rising threat of drug abuse and trafficking in schools will require coordinated action from teachers, parents, school leaders, and security agencies alike. The Ministry’s latest appeal highlights the urgent need for vigilance to protect students and maintain safe learning environments across the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
When Lawyers Become Liars: The Betrayal of Justice in Africa
Article Written by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen (Journalist) There is a sacred covenant between a nation and its people: that when they stand before the bar of justice, they will be heard fairly, judged impartially, and protected by those sworn to uphold the law. In Nigeria and across much of the African continent, that covenant has been broken. The guardians of justice have become its executioners. When lawyers become liars, and judges become pawns of power, the common man is left with nowhere to turn. The legal profession in Nigeria was once regarded with reverence, a calling for those who would defend the helpless and speak truth to power. Today, that temple has become a marketplace where justice is negotiated, not delivered. As former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, alongside the Sultan of Sokoto, recently warned, justice in Nigeria is “too often negotiated, not delivered”. This is not rhetorical flourish; it is an indictment of a system that has drifted from adjudication to auction. What we are witnessing has been aptly described as “judicial rascality”, a culture of lawlessness within the law. Midnight ex parte orders overturn broad daylight realities. Contradictory injunctions issue from courts of coordinate jurisdiction. Bail is dispensed as a favor, not a right. The judge becomes a partisan tactician; the courtroom behaves like a campaign secretariat; the docket bends for the powerful and breaks the poor. When citizens learn that knowing the judge is more valuable than knowing the law, the social contract begins to tear. A widow can wait years to be heard on a small land case, while a developer’s injunction materializes overnight. One buys results; the other buys despair. The erosion of Nigeria’s justice system is driven not only by corrupt judges but by legal practitioners who have abandoned their roles as ministers in the temple of justice for unethical commercialism. Lawyers have become the architects and facilitators of this decay, presenting tainted materials, suppressing facts, and misrepresenting court orders to deceive the bench. Human rights lawyer Victor Giwa’s ordeal offers a chilling illustration. Giwa is being prosecuted for alleged forgery, a case built on claims that the supposed victim, Senior Advocate Awa Kalu, has explicitly denied. Despite Kalu’s formal letter to the Inspector General of Police stating that his letterhead was never forged and that he never lodged any complaint, the police pressed charges anyway. The complainant, a connected individual, allegedly funds the trial and communicates with the court concerning proceedings. Giwa’s motion for the judge to recuse himself was dismissed. A civil society organization has petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria to probe what it describes as the “persecution” of this human rights lawyer by judicial officers. Political interference in the judiciary did not creep in quietly, it marched in through appointments weaponized by loyalty tests, through strategic postings, and through the quiet shepherding of “sensitive” cases to particular hands. Underfunding and insecure welfare make virtue lonely. Complex procedures reward obstruction. The consequences are devastating. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has blamed Nigeria’s “systemic culture of impunity” and executive interference for stalled accountability following the #EndSARS protests. Court judgments awarding damages to victims were simply ignored by the government. As Kunle Edun (SAN) observed: “Disrespect for judgments is an invitation to anarchy, not even a million soldiers can stop it”. The Citizens’ Liberties Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association has decried the persistent disobedience of court orders by government institutions and powerful individuals. Supreme Court judgments affirming local government autonomy remain unenforced. Court orders declaring suspensions illegal are flouted. When the government itself refuses to obey the law, what message does this send to the common citizen? Perhaps most damning is the silence of the Nigerian Bar Association itself, the body created to defend the rule of law and protect the legal order. The family of Nnamdi Kanu has condemned the NBA for remaining silent over what it describes as the unlawful trial of the detained IPOB leader, a trial based on a repealed, non-existent law. “This is not neutrality,” the family declared. “It is aiding injustice by doing nothing”. Former NBA presidential aspirant Ubani has similarly criticized the association’s failure to intervene in the widespread injustices and inefficiencies lawyers face in Nigeria’s judiciary. “The Bar’s silence in the face of these indignities is not only disappointing but deeply troubling,” Ubani stated. “A legal profession that cannot defend its own is doomed to irrelevance”. The fate of those who dare to speak truth to power is instructive. Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a senior lawyer and former Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, has faced professional reprisals for publicly raising concerns about judicial conduct and executive interference in Nigeria. After publishing an article examining improper relationships between senior judicial officers and the executive branch, a senior government minister reportedly petitioned the Body of Benchers to “invite and discipline” him. The Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers has expressed serious concern over these developments. Lawyers who defend their clients’ rights are arrested and detained. Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested during a peaceful protest and remanded in Kuje prison. Omoyele Sowore has been arrested multiple times for exercising his constitutional rights. In September 2025, lawyer Chinedu Agu was remanded in prison on criminal defamation charges over opinion articles criticizing the Imo State governor. Across Africa, the story is the same. In Eswatini, lawyers face daunting obstacles in operating independently amid serious and ongoing threats to their lives, intimidation, harassment, and surveillance. Prominent human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko was extrajudicially killed in his home in front of his wife and children in January 2023, and the authorities have failed to bring anyone to justice. Lawyers in Eswatini fear being followed, harassed, threatened, and even killed. Women lawyers are threatened with sexual violence. Lawyers face adverse economic consequences for taking on cases perceived as “political”. In Uganda, human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza was sentenced by a military court, without access to a civilian trial, for “contempt of court”.
Why I Support Hon. Boakye Agyarko for National Chairman of the NPP: Alhaji Dr Hafiz Bin Salih
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is at a crucial turning point. After losing both the presidency and its parliamentary majority in December 2024, the party needs more than just a caretaker. It needs someone who can build, unite, and strategise. I believe Hon. Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko is that person, and I am proud to support his bid for the position of National Chairman. A Founding Commitment That Cannot Be Faked Some people joined the NPP when it became fashionable, but others helped build it from the ground up. Hon. Agyarko is one of the founders. Since 1992, his connection to the NPP has been based on true conviction, not just convenience. He was the National Campaign Manager during the tough 2012 presidential election, served as Policy Adviser in 2016, and worked as Energy Minister under President Akufo-Addo. With over thirty years of experience, he has a deep understanding and sense of responsibility for the party that few others can offer. It is important to choose a National Chairman with this level of commitment. When the party is in opposition and lacks government resources, unity depends on leaders who are truly loyal, not just looking for opportunities. The Right Diagnosis for What heals the Party. Hon. Agyarko has been open and honest about the NPP’s situation. He summed it up clearly: “We had a solid candidate but a weak party.” This is an honest recognition that by 2024, the party’s internal structures, grassroots networks, and member support had weakened. To win back power in 2028, these issues must be fixed from the ground up. Hon. Agyarko has made rebuilding these structures the main focus of his campaign. A leader who understands the real problem is already halfway to solving it. A Unifier at a Time of Deep Divisions One of the most important qualities in a National Chairman is the ability to bring together different groups within the party. After eight years in power, the NPP has built up some internal disagreements and disappointments. If these issues are not addressed, they can grow and hurt the party at the polls. Who else to foster the impactful reconciliation of fallouts than the venerable Boakye Agyarko, a stalwart who had his low moments with the party in the early days of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s government, yet he never relented on his commitment and loyalty to the NPP. Hon. Agyarko has shown through his nationwide tour that he takes this responsibility seriously. His message to party leaders across the country has been clear: focus on forgiveness, reconciliation, and returning to the NPP’s core values of unity and respect. He has promised to keep an open-door policy, making himself available to any member who feels left out or hurt. This is not just campaign talk; it shows the kind of person he is, which many in the party see as one of his biggest strengths. Right now, the party needs a National Chairman who is respected by everyone, from the grassroots to the top leadership. Grassroots Credibility Built Through Action A National Chairman’s real impact is not measured by speeches at headquarters, but by how strong the party is in every constituency across all sixteen regions. Hon. Agyarko understands this well. His campaign has focused on the grassroots, with direct engagement with constituency leaders all over the country. The Strategic Thinker the Party Needs The NPP also needs a National Chairman who can think strategically about how to return to power. Hon. Agyarko’s professional experience spans over twenty years at the Bank of New York, where he became Vice President, as well as a strong grasp of energy policy. This background gives him discipline and analytical skills that many career politicians do not have. His international banking experience can also help the party raise more funds, especially from Ghanaians living abroad. When in opposition, financial stability is essential for running the party, supporting candidates, and organising voter outreach. Aligned with the Party’s Presidential Direction For the party to succeed in elections, the National Chairman must work well with the presidential candidate. From the start, Hon. Agyarko has said that, if elected, he will fully support Alhaji Dr Bawumia’s 2028 presidential campaign to ensure that he is elected President of the Republic of Ghana. His early visit to the former Vice President, which many in the party praised, showed that he views the chairman’s job as supporting and working closely with the presidential candidate, not competing or seeking personal attention. The unity the party needs is best achieved by someone with Hon. Agyarko’s experience and character, working together with Alhaji Dr Bawumia to win. The Leadership Qualities That Set Him Apart Leadership is shown through actions, not just words. What sets Hon. Agyarko apart from other candidates is not only what he has achieved, but also the character and mindset he brings to his work. Intellectual Depth and Academic Rigour: Hon. Agyarko has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Ghana, an MBA in Financial Economics from Pace University in New York, and an Advanced Professional Certificate in Banking from the American Institute of Banking. These qualifications show he is a thinker, planner, and problem-solver. The NPP faces complex challenges in opposition, and it needs a chairman who can tackle them with real analysis, not just words. Discipline and a “No-Nonsense” Track Record: Hon Agyarko has been clear about the kind of chairman he will be, saying: “With my ‘no-nonsense’ track record, I will instil the much-needed discipline among our rank and file.” This is not about being harsh. It recognises that the party’s problems in 2024 were partly due to indiscipline, poor organisation, and unclear accountability. A chairman must have the authority and determination to restore order, and Hon. Agyarko has both. The Ability to Mentor and Inspire: A national chairman who can inspire younger members and mentor the next generation of NPP leaders will help build not just a strong 2028 campaign, but a party that lasts beyond
ECOWAS Court Dismisses Former Chief Justice Torkornoo’s Claims Against Ghana
Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai has announced that the ECOWAS Community Court has dismissed all seven claims brought against the Republic of Ghana by former Chief Justice Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Justice Srem-Sai revealed that the court rejected each of the allegations filed by the former Chief Justice, including her demand for US$10 million in damages. Quoting from the court’s decision, he wrote: “In light of the Court’s conclusions that Ghana has not violated any of the Applicant’s rights under the African Charter as alleged, the Court makes no decision on reparations.” Justice Srem-Sai extended his appreciation to the team of State Attorneys who worked diligently on Ghana’s defence, acknowledging their commitment and research. “Thanks, again, to our team of illustrious State Attorneys who put in hours and hours of research to support the Republic’s defence,” he said. The ruling marks a decisive victory for the Republic of Ghana in a high-profile legal battle before the ECOWAS Community Court. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Rock Estate Housing Project in Upper East Stalls Years After High-Profile Sod-Cutting
The much-anticipated Rock Estate housing project in the Upper East Region remains at a standstill more than six years after its grand launch, a recent visit by the Apexnewsgh team has revealed. Despite high expectations and political fanfare surrounding the project’s unveiling in 2019, there has been no visible progress at the site. The Rock Estate initiative, which was heavily touted by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Upper East Region during the 2020 general election, was launched on the same day as the Pwalugu Irrigation Dam project by former President Nana Akufo-Addo. The project was hailed as a beacon of hope for the people of Upper East, particularly in the Talensi District, where many families struggle with accommodation challenges. Plans called for the construction of 120 homes, including three-bedroom and two-bedroom detached and semi-detached units, and promised to create as many as 3,000 job opportunities. However, after six and a half years, the site tells a different story. During their recent inspection, Apexnewsgh reporters found that no progress had been made beyond the three uncompleted structures erected for the initial sod-cutting ceremony. Not a single additional block has been added, leaving the project in limbo. Overgrown bushes and wild animals have now taken over what was once a symbol of renewed hope for the district. The lack of development has fueled frustration and skepticism among local residents, who are now questioning the motives behind the NPP administration’s promises. Many wonder whether the project was merely political rhetoric aimed at winning votes rather than a genuine commitment to solving the region’s housing crisis. As the Rock Estate housing project remains abandoned, it stands as a stark reminder of unfulfilled promises and the urgent need for accountability in the region’s development agenda. Source: Apexnewsgh.com