Category: Local News

Private legal practitioner and National Democratic Congress (NDC) legal team member, Nii Kpakpo Addo, has advised individuals and former government officials who believe their rights have been violated during recent National Security operations to seek legal redress.

This counsel follows a series of searches conducted by National Security operatives at the residences of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and former Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Ernest Addison.​

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin condemned these searches, alleging that personal items, including jewelry and money belonging to Dr. Addison’s wife, were stolen during the operation. ​

In an interview on Channel One TV‘s “The Big Issue,” Nii Kpakpo Addo emphasized the importance of pursuing legal action if individuals feel they have been unjustly treated.

He highlighted that Mr. Ofori-Atta has already initiated a lawsuit against two police officers, alleging an unauthorized raid on his Labone residence. ​

Addo also noted that members of the NDC who faced similar situations in the past sought legal remedies, suggesting that former government appointees should consider doing the same to address any grievances regarding the recent security operations.

“In the case of the former finance minister, for example, he has gone to court, saying that he feels that his human right has been violated under Article 33. That is the recourse to law.

“So, if you feel that your rights have been violated one way or the other. You have the right to go to court. And to vindicate your rights in court that based on this and that, I feel that the search was not lawful, my rights have been violated, I have not been dealt with fairly. Whatever it is you have a grievance with, you can go to court,” he said.

Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, has raised objections to allegations made by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, regarding a recent raid conducted by operatives of the National Security at the residence of former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison.

The controversial raid took place on Wednesday, March 19.

During a press conference on Thursday, March 20, the Minority Leader alleged that National Security operatives who carried out the operation had engaged in acts of misconduct, including the theft of cash and valuables such as earrings and necklaces belonging to the wife of Dr. Addison.

In response, Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai took to Facebook to refute the claims made by Afenyo-Markin, accusing him of exploiting parliamentary immunity to spread misinformation.

Srem-Sai expressed deep concern that the Minority Leader’s remarks had led to unwarranted public disaffection and reputational damage to individuals involved in the raid.

He underscored the constitutional provisions that grant Members of Parliament protection against defamation lawsuits, noting that these privileges exist to ensure robust and sincere parliamentary debate conducted in good faith.

However, he lamented that this legal protection was being misused by certain legislators to propagate falsehoods that could erode public trust and stir unnecessary controversy.

“The Constitution grants MPs some protection against defamation suits. By the law literature, the purpose of this protection is to enhance the quality of GOOD FAITH parliamentary debate. The protection is not a security for false or malicious commentary.

“Sadly, an MP has chosen to abuse this protection by using the premises of Parliament to peddle malicious falsehood which has resulted in creating public disaffection and opprobrium for persons.”

Justice Srem-Sai further sought to clarify the legality and conduct of the raid, asserting that the operation was carried out strictly in accordance with the court’s authorisation.

He wrote that Dr. Addison had access to legal counsel and was adequately represented throughout the search process.

“That, clearly, defeats the purpose of the constitutional protection. Dr Addison had access to legal counsel and representation throughout the search.

“The search was conducted in line with the terms of the court authorization; and cordially. Such abuse of MPs’ constitutional protection will be corrected and remedied for the healthy growth of our democracy.”

The Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed, has declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as public holidays in Ghana.

In a statement issued on Saturday, March 22, and signed by the minister, the government explained that the additional holiday is in recognition of Eid-ul-Fitr, which falls on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

The statement noted that since the statutory holiday coincides with a Sunday, President John Dramani Mahama, under Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601), has declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, as additional public holidays. The minister urged the public to observe the holidays accordingly and comply with the declaration made by the president through an Executive Instrument (E.I.).

The declaration ensures that citizens, especially the Muslim community, can fully participate in Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations across the country.

The devastating fire that engulfed a four-storey commercial building at Adum PZ in Kumasi has finally been extinguished after relentless efforts by firefighters from the Ashanti Regional Fire Command.

The fire, which started around 5:30 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, was reported to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) at 6:05 a.m.

Firefighters from the Regional Headquarters at Atonsu-Chirapatre arrived within 10 minutes, but their response was hampered as the nearest fire tenders from Kumasi Metro and Komfo Anokye Fire Stations were under repairs.

Due to the intensity of the fire, additional fire engines from KNUST, Ejisu, and Twedie were dispatched, with further support from a turntable ladder at the Regional Headquarters.

Firefighting efforts were further bolstered by two water tankers from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and two from a private contractor.

The Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Army also assisted in the operation. After several hours of battling the flames, the fire was brought under control at 11:45 a.m. and has now been fully extinguished.

Firefighters faced multiple challenges, including the rapid spread of the flames due to mixed cargo, explosions within the building, and accessibility issues caused by closely packed structures. Strong winds also contributed to the fast spread of the fire.

Two firefighters and one civilian sustained injuries but have since been treated and discharged.

The GNFS has recommended the demolition of affected buildings due to structural instability. Firefighters remain on-site with three fire engines to fully extinguish any remaining pockets of fire and to cool down adjoining structures.

Several shops have been destroyed, with merchandise worth millions of cedis lost in the blaze.

An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire.

The GNFS has commended the Ashanti Regional Fire Command and all stakeholders who assisted in managing the fire.

The service has also extended its sympathies to those who lost their shops, capital, and livelihoods.

It has urged the public to observe fire safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Ghana has lost nearly half of its forest reserves, a situation Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah describes as a national crisis requiring urgent attention.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, March 22, 2025, Mr Buah revealed that recent data presented to Parliament shows that 44 per cent of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves have already been destroyed largely due to illegal mining and logging activities.

“I stood in Parliament and said, ‘We are in a crisis.’ It’s not a political point, it’s a national alarm,” Mr Buah said. “Out of 288 forest reserves, 44% have already been destroyed.”

He disclosed that nine of the reserves have been classified as “red zones” because of the level of damage they have suffered.

The Minister said the government, through the Forestry Commission and the Ghana Armed Forces, is stepping up operations to reclaim affected areas.

He also mentioned the “Tree for Life” campaign as part of efforts to restore degraded lands.

According to Mr Buah, the intensified response has started yielding results. Seven of the nine “red zone” forests have now been downgraded to “yellow,” indicating reduced illegal activity and gradual recovery.

Even so, he warned that without consistent national support, particularly from communities living near forest reserves, further losses could occur. He stressed that Ghana’s forests are not just about timber or conservation, they are directly linked to water security, weather patterns, and livelihoods.

“This is not just about trees. It’s about the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the future of this country,” Mr Buah said.

He urged Ghanaians especially the youth to get involved in reforestation efforts and called for tougher legal action against those who destroy forest lands, including foreign nationals engaged in illegal mining and logging.

Ghana’s film industry is poised for growth as the newly appointed National Film Authority (NFA) leadership meets with former board members to chart a new course.

The meeting at the Accra Tourist Information Centre, led by Kafui Danku-Pitcher, Executive Secretary, and James Timothy Gardiner, Deputy Executive Secretary, focused on knowledge-sharing, policy continuity, and industry development.

The session aimed to ensure a seamless transition by tapping into the experiences of the previous board and aligning on strategic priorities to drive Ghana’s film sector forward.

This move is crucial, given the industry’s potential to contribute significantly to the nation’s economy where discussions focused on the achievements, challenges, and ongoing initiatives that require sustained commitment to strengthen the industry’s regulatory framework, funding access, and market expansion.

Madam Kafui Danku-Pitcher expressed appreciation for the former board’s dedication to shaping Ghana’s film landscape.

She emphasised NFA’s commitment to building on past successes, improving policy implementation, and fostering stronger industry collaborations. She further noted that continuity and institutional memory are essential to ensuring that Ghana’s film industry reaches its full potential. During the meeting, the former board members shared reflections on their tenure, highlighting key policy advancements and regulatory milestones achieved under their leadership.

They stressed the importance of strengthening the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to establish clear guidelines for industry operations, financing, and content distribution.

They also called for greater investment in local productions, intellectual property protection, and global market access to position Ghana as a competitive film destination.

Mr. James Timothy Gardiner, Deputy Executive Secretary, assured the former board of the new leadership’s commitment to advancing policies that drive industry growth and sustainability. He acknowledged the importance of strategic partnerships, training programs, and enhanced funding mechanisms to support filmmakers, actors, producers, and distributors.

The Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has initiated an emergency water relief effort to address the ongoing water crisis in his constituency.

In a Facebook post on Friday, March 21, 2025, the MP announced that his team had intensified efforts to provide temporary relief while pursuing a long-term solution.

According to him, his office is collaborating with the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to implement an immediate response.

“In the interim, my team has intensified the delivery of temporary relief to communities, which will continue over the weekend until Monday,” he stated.

He further revealed that at least 40 water tankers would be deployed over five days to support affected residents.

For a lasting solution, Samuel George disclosed that he has been in discussions with the Managing Director (MD) of GWCL throughout the week.

As a result, the MD is scheduled to visit the constituency on Monday to meet with the District and Regional Managers, as well as the MP, to discuss measures to restore water supply to both the Ningo and Prampram Traditional Areas.

The MP expressed optimism that the visit would lead to a sustainable resolution of the crisis.

“I am confident in the commitment of the MD to work with me to find a solution to the current challenge,” he assured.

He also promised to keep constituents updated on further developments regarding the water situation.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has revealed that excavators imported into Ghana are valued at GH¢6.2 billion, ranking among the country’s top three highest imports.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, March 22, Mr. Kofi Buah underscored the need for stricter regulation and oversight of excavator usage, particularly in the mining and construction sectors.

“We must ensure that every excavator entering the country is properly tracked, has a legitimate purpose, and that we can pinpoint its exact location 24 hours a day,” he emphasised.

According to the minister, the initiative aims to curb illegal mining activities and ensure excavators are used for lawful purposes.

He further disclosed that his ministry is working closely with the Minerals Commission, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), and the Ministry of Transport to strengthen monitoring and management mechanisms.

“Starting from the port, we are working with DVLA and others. I have had the first discussion with the Minister of Transport because we believe that other agencies must be part of this whole exercise,” he explained.

Mr. Kofi Buah assured that proposals are under review to develop an effective tracking system that will include digital monitoring mechanisms and inter-agency cooperation.

The goal, he noted, is to ensure transparency and accountability at every stage of excavator importation, registration, and use.

“We must make sure that any excavator imported into the country is tracked, has a purpose, and we know exactly where they are 24 hours a day,” he reiterated.

Two people narrowly escaped death after their car was completely burnt at Mustapher Estate Junction near Gomoa Potsin on the Kasoa-Winneba Highway in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The Mercedes Benz, with registration number CR 50-10, caught fire while they were returning from Cape Coast to Kasoa.

An eyewitness, Mr. Ebo Anderson, told Adom News that the passengers noticed a strange smell from the car and stopped to check.

They opened the bonnet and attempted to disconnect the battery terminal, but in the process, they saw that the fire had already started.

According to hum, they tried hard to contain the fire but were unsuccessful, forcing them to leave the scene and seek help.

Fire service personnel later arrived to extinguish the fire, but the car was completely destroyed.

President John Dramani Mahama has visited the scene of a devastating fire at Adum-Kumasi, where an early morning blaze destroyed several shops and properties.

Mahama, who was in the Ashanti Region for a separate engagement, diverted to assess the situation firsthand.

He was welcomed by the Ashanti Regional Minister, who had earlier toured the affected area.

Briefing the President, fire service officials explained that the market’s layout posed significant challenges in containing the fire, leading to extensive damage.

Mahama assured victims that discussions were already underway with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Chief of Staff to coordinate relief efforts.

He emphasized the need for both immediate and long-term assistance to help traders recover from their losses.

Addressing the affected traders and market operators, he cautioned against using gas cylinders in the market, citing the fire risks they pose.

He further assured that a full report on the fire would be awaited to determine appropriate measures, including restructuring the market to prevent future incidents.