Category: Local News

The Supreme Court has dismissed a review application challenging its earlier judgment on the constitutionality of Parliament’s passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-gay bill.

This decision came after the applicant, Richard Dela Sky, withdrew his application through his lawyer, Paa Kwasi Abaidoo, during the session on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

The nine-member review panel, presided over by Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, officially struck out the case following the withdrawal. However, the bench expressed dissatisfaction with Sky’s absence from the proceedings.

Chief State Attorney Sylvia Adisu requested the court to impose costs on the applicant. Justice Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu questioned the fairness of convening nine Justices only for the application to be withdrawn, while Justice Samuel Adibu-Asiedu suggested that, as a lawyer, Sky should have been present in court.

Conversely, Justices Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi and Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu opposed awarding costs, noting the public interest nature of the case. Ultimately, the panel struck out the case as withdrawn, with the presiding judge voicing strong disapproval of the applicant’s absence.

This development follows the Supreme Court’s unanimous dismissal of Sky’s initial petition on December 18, 2024, which challenged the constitutionality of the legislative process concerning the anti-gay bill.

The court upheld the bill’s constitutionality, leading to Sky’s subsequent review application.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill seeks to criminalize activities related to the promotion and advocacy of LGBTQI+ rights in Ghana. If enacted, the law would impose penalties on individuals who fund or support LGBTQI+ initiatives, as well as those who offer indirect assistance to such efforts.

The bill has been a focal point of national debate, with proponents arguing it reflects cultural and moral values, while opponents contend it infringes on human rights and could lead to discrimination and persecution of LGBTQI+ individuals.

On February 28, 2024, Parliament passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, a bipartisan private member’s bill.

Background

A seven-member panel, led by Justice Lovelace Avril Johnson, on December 18, unanimously dismissed a petition filed by broadcast journalist and lawyer Richard Dela Sky, who had challenged the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

Sky sought a declaration that the bill, which has sparked intense national debate, was null and void. However, the court rejected his petition and upheld the constitutionality of the legislative process for the proposed anti-LGBTQI legislation.

The legal challenge also included a separate petition from equality advocate Amanda Odoi. Both Odoi and Sky argued that Parliament had failed to meet the constitutional quorum requirements outlined in Articles 102 and 104 during the legislative process, rendering the bill’s passage unconstitutional.

Supreme Court Ruling

The Supreme Court dismissed both petitions, ruling that the bill had not yet become law. Justice Lovelace Johnson explained that until a bill receives presidential assent, it does not constitute an enactment subject to judicial review for constitutionality.

The decision reinforces the court’s position that legislative processes cannot be challenged on constitutional grounds until they result in enforceable law.

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed a 12-member governing board for the Bank of Ghana, following consultations with the Council of State and in accordance with the Constitution and the Bank of Ghana Act.

The appointments were announced on Wednesday, 26 February 2025.

The newly appointed board members are:

Dr Johnson Pandit Kwesi Asiama – Governor (Chairman)
Dr Zakari Mumuni – 1st Deputy Governor
Thomas Nyarko Ampem – Representative from the Ministry of Finance
Augustine Fritz Gockel – Economist
Nana Akua Ayivora – Accountant/Audit/Risk/Compliance
Emma Akua Bulley – Lawyer
Evelyn Naa Checher Kwatia – Finance Markets/Treasury
Dr Stephen Senyo Sapati – Finance/Audit
Beatrice Feehi Annangfio – Lawyer
Kizzita Mensah – Lawyer
Joseph W. Asamoah – Fintech
Isaac Adongo – Economist

The appointments are expected to bring diverse expertise and experience to the Bank of Ghana, ensuring effective governance and oversight of the country’s central banking operations.

The Minister for Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to retooling the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) as part of a broader strategy to enhance national security.

He stated that as part of efforts to modernise the security services, the government plans to leverage public-private partnerships (PPP) and technology to enhance GIS operations while eliminating cash transactions at all agencies under the ministry in the coming days.

Speaking during his maiden working visit to the GIS, the Minister emphasised the government’s determination to equip the service with the necessary resources to effectively safeguard the country’s borders.

He urged Immigration officers to remain dedicated to supporting the government’s developmental agenda and ensuring national security.

“I come to the Ministry of Interior with two things in mind. Knowing very well that government funding is a real challenge. We will be looking at how we can partner private individuals, whether profit or non-profit, to improve the services within the Ministry of Interior.

“So, you will be seeing a lot more PPP within the Ministry of Interior, where it is very necessary to make sure that those PPPs do not interfere with our internal security.”

Deputy Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways, Alhassan Suhuyini, has affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the completion of the Eastern Corridor Road, stating that it remains a top priority for national infrastructure development.

Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Wednesday, February 26, Alhassan Suhuyini assured the committee and Ghanaians that the government is fully dedicated to ensuring the timely completion of the project, which has been long overdue.

“I have the assurances of my minister and by extension, the government, that the Eastern Corridor Road remains a priority road for this government and will be tackled with all the seriousness it deserves for it to be completed within the shortest possible time.”

The Eastern Corridor Road, a major national infrastructure project, serves as a crucial link between the northern and southern parts of Ghana.

Stretching from Tema in the Greater Accra Region through the Volta, Oti, Northern, and Upper East regions, the road is a vital trade route that facilitates economic activities, including agriculture, commerce, and transportation.

The road significantly reduces travel time for commuters and traders transporting goods such as yam, maize, cassava, and other agricultural products from the northern regions to key market centers in Accra and other parts of the country.

Additionally, it plays a crucial role in Ghana’s regional trade, facilitating the movement of goods and services between Ghana and neighboring countries such as Togo, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

The government is set to hold a negotiation meeting with the leadership of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association (CLOGSAG) on Thursday, February 27, in a bid to resolve the ongoing strike.

The association is demanding the revocation of the appointment of the new Births and Deaths Registrar, Samuel Adom Botchway, citing his alleged partisan affiliation.

This was outlined in a letter from the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Unemployment, which urged CLOGSAG to call off the strike ahead of the planned meeting.

Speaking to Citi News, Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, Isaac Bampoe Addo, stated that the association’s next line of action would depend on the outcome of the meeting.

“We have received some correspondence from the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment. They are requesting us to come and have a meeting with them on Thursday, February 27. And they are also requesting if it is possible to suspend the strike but as we have always said, the strike action was called by the National Executive Council of CLOGSAG and they are the only body that can call it off.

“And then number two, this neutrality that you are preaching, our members have been dismissed for violating it and doing politics so it is only fair as a start for this discussion, we think Mr. Botchway should not be there.”

The National Investigations Bureau (NIB) has released Kwaku Ohene Djan, the former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), following days of detention over his alleged involvement in the NSA scandal.

Mr. Djan had been in custody for several days as investigators sought to unravel his role in the alleged financial mismanagement and misconduct at the NSA.

According to sources, Mr. Djan’s detention was part of a broader probe aimed at uncovering irregularities within the NSA that have raised public concern in recent months.

The NSA scandal, which has been under investigation for a considerable period, involves allegations of fraudulent activities, financial misappropriation, and systemic loopholes that have led to substantial losses to the state.

The probe has implicated several high-profile individuals, including former and current officials of the Authority.

Following his release on Monday, February 24, the NIB has stated that Mr. Djan remains a person of interest in the case and could be recalled for further questioning should the need arise.

His legal representatives have maintained that he is willing to cooperate fully with investigators to ensure due process is followed.

The second edition of the Bartenders’ Masterclass organized as part of the Ghana Beverage Awards has been held in Accra leaving a lasting impact on Ghana’s beverage and hospitality industry. The uniquely curated activity, organized as part of the efforts to groom young talents for the bartending profession and retool already existing practitioners, brought together stakeholders and well-wishers of the beverage industry as well as members of the bartending profession. Under the guidance of Mr. Tapatheo Amu Nyamekye, Operational Bars Manager for Mood Bar and Exhale Lounge who doubles as Head Trainer for the Diageo Bar Academy Ghana, over 50 participants underwent rigorous training in various facets of the bartending profession. From mastering the latest mixology techniques to making the best out of mentorship opportunities attendees delved deep into the art of mixology and mentorship. The Masterclass also featured a practical session, where selected participants were provided the opportunity to practice what they had learnt while leaving an indelible mark in the minds of onlookers with a showcase of their creativity. The outcome was the delivery of unique and inventive cocktails that impressed all present.

Speaking at the session, Ms.  Emma Wenani, Chief Director of Global Media Alliance, organizers of the Masterclass, commended the participants for making time to invest in their professions by enrolling for the masterclass. She emphasized the significance of their commitment to continuous learning and advancement in the field of mixology.

“I’d like to applaud your dedication to your craft through your participation in this masterclass.  I am thrilled by the turnout which is a convergence of talent, passion, and innovation in the art of mixology. Your being here shows that you’re committed to learning more about the art of bartending so as to climb the ladder of your profession to the top. As we navigate an ever-changing landscape, characterized by shifting consumer preferences and emerging trends, it’s essential to stay agile and innovative. Embrace experimentation, embrace diversity, and never stop learning.,” she said.

Taking turns, some participants shared their experiences.

“Being part of this training session has really been an eye-opener for me. It’s been incredibly informative, providing valuable insights into mentorship and mixology. I am grateful to the organizers for putting together such a wonderful event, and I look forward to participating in future editions” Matthew Ayi said. On her part, Corny Boateng, a bartender with Front/Back Accra shared: “It was a rewarding experience to see my creation being enjoyed by judges and fellow participants. Moreover, the Masterclass provided a great platform for networking and connecting with industry peers and experts. I had the chance to exchange ideas, learn from others, and forge new connections that I believe will benefit me in my career moving forward.” Global Media Alliance has over the past 9 years, through the Ghana Beverages Awards Scheme contributed to the advancement of the beverage industry with the aim to inspiring excellence in the beverage industry. The annual bartender’s masterclass forms part of its strategic objective of elevating the works of all players within the beverage industry value chain.

The bailiff of the Koforidua High Court, on Tuesday, February 25, served a substituted order compelling Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri, the Electoral Commission and Clerk of Parliament to appear before the Court in Koforidua.

They are compelled to hear the matter of an election petition by the National Democratic Congress over what they term as a wrong declaration done in honor of Annoh-Dompreh by the EC. The case, brought by National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate Fummey Selorm Philibert and his legal team, challenges the Electoral Commission’s declaration of Annoh-Dompreh as the MP-elect for Nsawam Adoagyiri.

The places served include: the High Court, NPP office, Electoral Commission, the police station, the Main Lorry Station, Fawe FM, and Selected information centres

The next court date is scheduled for March 14, 2025.

On February 21, the Koforidua High Court granted an order for substituted service, directing that a writ of summons be served on the 1st respondent, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, through various public channels.

The order was issued after court bailiffs were unable to serve the Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri with the court summons.

Despite a previous directive for all possible means to be used, neither Annoh-Dompreh nor officials of the Electoral Commission at the Nsawam Adoagyiri Constituency appeared in court on January 23, 2025.

Former Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has dismissed claims by the Member of Parliament for Bodi and Deputy Minister-designate for Trade and Industry, Sampson Ahi, that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government failed to construct any roads in the Bodi constituency. Expressing shock and disappointment, Asenso-Boakye described Ahi’s comments as misleading and untrue. During his vetting before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, February 24, Ahi alleged that the NPP administration, under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, had not initiated or completed any road projects in the Bodi constituency.

He suggested that the government had neglected the area’s infrastructural needs, despite previous promises.

However, Asenso-Boakye, who oversaw the Roads and Highways Ministry during Akufo-Addo’s tenure, strongly refuted these claims. He maintained that several road projects had been completed or were ongoing in the constituency.

“This is absolutely false, and I find it quite unfortunate for the Deputy Minister-designate to make such false claims. Atta Bokai Junction to Bodi was completed by the Akufo-Addo administration. The road leading from Bodi to Akontombra is currently under construction. In fact, it is partly tarred, and the rest of the works are ongoing.”

His response highlights the ongoing debate over infrastructure development and the fulfillment of government promises in various constituencies.