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Let the Law Work, Say Five Parties on CJ Issue

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A coalition of political parties has urged Ghanaians to support the ongoing process to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo, to ensure it follows due process to conclusion.

The five parties, under the umbrella name, the Third Force Alliance, Ghana, said this would establish the truth or otherwise of the claims against the Chief Justice.

The parties include the Convention People’s Party (CPP), the People’s National Convention (PNC), the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), and the All People’s Party (APC).

President John Dramani Mahama suspended the Chief Justice on April 22, 2025, after a prima facie case was established against her by the Council of State, following a review of three petitions brought against her.

A five-member committee was subsequently set up to investigate the petitions.

The opposition New Patriotic Party has since described the suspension as “an attack on the country’s democracy” and an attempt to silence the judiciary, urging the government to revoke it.

However, the government insists it is acting in accordance with the law.

Addressing a news conference in Accra, Mr. Awudu Ishaq, PNC General Secretary, speaking for the coalition, urged Ghanaians to allow the process to reach its logical conclusion to strengthen democracy.

He stated that Article 46 outlines how Justices, including the Chief Justice, may be removed, with safeguards against arbitrary dismissal.

“In this matter, there is no indication that the President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has acted outside the bounds of the Constitution,” he said.

Mr. Ishaq urged Ghanaians to de-politicize the removal process, calling for calm, fidelity to due process, and a commitment to strengthening the institutional frameworks that underpinned the rule of law.

“The framers of the 1992 Constitution did not envisage that one day there would be a President of the Republic called John Dramani Mahama, and a Chief Justice called Gertrude Araba Esaba Torkornoo, who would have petitions written against her.”

“It is important to state upfront that the invocation of Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution should not be about the personalities of President Mahama or Chief Justice Torkornoo, but about the rule of law, good governance, and the sanctity of the Constitution,” he added.

To address such matters going forward, Mr. Ishaq made five proposals for constructive nation-building.

Among these is the establishment of an independent assessment committee to determine prima facie cases against Justices of the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice, to ensure impartiality and remove perceived executive influence.

Ishaq also proposed an amendment to Article 146 to introduce statutory timelines for all determinations, investigations, and reporting, to prevent delays and abuse.

He called for the creation of a Judicial Integrity Commission, independent of the Judicial Council, to investigate complaints against judges and recommend disciplinary measures, including removal where appropriate.

“Alliance believes that a standing Judicial Integrity Commission, independent of the Judicial Council and insulated from political interference, should be created to investigate complaints against judges and recommend disciplinary measures, including removal in appropriate cases,” he said.

Other proposals include establishing clear grounds for the removal of a Chief Justice and publishing committee reports once decisions are made.

Stan Dogbe reiterates Mahama’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s democracy

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Mr Stan Xoese Dogbe, the Deputy Chief of Staff in-charge of Operations at the Presidency, has reiterated President John Dramani Mahama’s peaceful nature and commitment to protecting Ghana’s democracy.

The Deputy Chief of Staff made the remarks when he, on behalf of the President, received a petition from a coalition of political parties including the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which were protesting the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

The petition was presented to Mr Dogbe in front of the Presidency in Accra by Mr Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the NPP Parliamentary Minority Leader, at the end of a street protest by members of the Coalition through some principal streets of Accra, calling for the reinstatement of the suspended Chief Justice.

The suspension of the Chief Justice follows the presentation of three petitions to the President calling for her removal from office, which were forwarded by him to the Council of State for consideration, and a prima facie was case established against her.

Subsequently, a committee has since been set up by the President to investigate the suspended Chief Justice.

Mr Dogbe speaking after receiving the petition on behalf of the President noted that President Mahama was not a leader who engages in political retaliation, which was in a sharp contrast to the previous administration.

 The Deputy Chief of Staff said President Mahama remained focused on unity and nation-building, not revenge.

“You can be assured, however, that President Mahama, as every Ghanaian knows, is not that politician. President Mahama does not believe in retaliatory politics.”

Touching on the suspension of the Chief Justice, Mr Dogbe underscored that President Mahama actions were constitutionally grounded and in line with due process.

“Whatever actions that are being taken now, whatever decisions that are being taken now, as everybody knows, is in line with the provisions of our 1992 Constitution,” he said.

“The process that is ongoing is constitutional and I do believe that if the Committee that has been set completes its work, whatever decisions that they make, just as the Council of State advised to the President, it will be binding on him.”

He lauded the demonstrators for their peaceful conduct and reiterated the administration’s commitment to protecting civil liberties.

“I can assure you and the people of Ghana that we appreciate the fact that just as government ensures that you went about your demonstration peacefully, there was one also last weekend, peacefully without any attempt at preventing you from expressing yourselves, we will continue to allow for that peaceful expression of ourselves in this country under President Mahama.”

GBA resolution on Chief Justice suspension prejudicial – LINSOD 

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The Lawyers in Search of Democracy (LINSOD), an advocacy group, has asked President John Dramani Mahama to ignore the Ghana Bar Association’s resolution against the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. 

The group, made up of lawyers who are also members of the GBA, said the Association’s resolution was prejudicial as the processes undertaken by the President following the establishment of the prima facie against the Chief Justice had not been exhausted. 

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, Mr Eric Delanyo Alifo, President of LINSOD, said President Mahama had since the receipt of the petitions against the Chief Justice acted in accordance with Article 146 of the Constitution. 

He accused the GBA of “slaughtering common sense” in their request of the President to make public the proceedings from which the prima facie case was established against the Chief Justice. 

The LINSOD argued that the establishment of prima facie case against the Chief Justice and her subsequent suspension “are in no way a pronouncement of guilt on her” and thus dismissed the GBA’s position. 

“In the present instance, the process is still ongoing and promising to proceed to its logical conclusion. Until then, the decision of proceedings cannot be made public as being demanded by the GBA,” he said. 

President John Mahama suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo on Tuesday, April 22, after a prima facie case was established in relation to three separate petitions calling for her removal. 

The decision was made under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, with consultations with the Council of State. 

The President subsequently set up a five-member committee to probe the allegations. 

The GBA, in a resolution signed by National President Mrs. Efua Ghartey and National Secretary Kwaku Gyau Baffour, after its mid-year conference, asked President Mahama to revoke the suspension of the Chief Justice. 

The GBA described the President’s suspension of the Chief Justice as unconstitutional and asked the President to release the full decision establishing a prima facie case against the Chief Justice. 

The LINSOD urged the GBA to desist from being used as a “political tool” and always pursue the interest of the nation. 

“The Ghana Bar Association in their resolution has not demonstrated any evidence of procedural impropriety, bias, arbitrariness, or unfairness in the suspension of the Chief Justice to warrant its call on the President to revoke the suspension.” Mr Alifo said. 

China echoes respect for UN principles, advance agenda for humanity 

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The Chinese Government has rallied global leaders to up efforts at protecting the principles of the United Nations (UN) to advance the cause of humanity. 

Mr Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, said it was imperative to jointly build peace and seek development while promoting the great progress of human civilisation. 

Addressing a meeting of the BRICS Foreign Ministers, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Chinese top diplomat drew attention to the fact that the international pattern had undergone profound changes since the founding of the UN some 80 years ago. 

The world had entered a period of turbulence and transformation, he noted, adding that the cause of peace and development was facing new and severe challenges. 

“The basic concept of international cooperation has been eroded, the development foundation of international relations has been continuously challenged, and the international environment for peaceful development is facing impacts,” Mr Wang said. 

“At this critical moment in history, whether countries can make the right choices is crucial to the future of humanity,” he said. 

A statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on the BRICS meeting, a copy made available to journalists in Beijing, China, said the world ought to give serious consideration to the Global Security Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping. 

BRICKS is an intergovernmental organisation composed of 10 countries; Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.  

The initiative espouses the need to jointly discuss security governance on the premise of mutual respect, build lasting peace based on fairness and justice, and embark on a new path of security featuring dialogue rather than confrontation, partnership rather than alliance, and win-win cooperation rather than zero-sum game. 

“We should uphold an objective and just stance, adhere to resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation, support the United Nations agencies to perform their duties, and create conditions for the political settlement,” Mr Wang emphasised. 

He said the People’s Republic of China supported all efforts to peacefully resolve the Ukraine crisis, and “hopes that the parties concerned will solve the root causes of the crisis and reach a fair, lasting, binding and acceptable peace agreement by all parties as soon as possible”. 

Additionally, the Asian giant was willing to work with other BRICS members to achieve long-term stability and peace in the Middle East.  

“The top priority of the Middle East issue is to promote a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza to relieve the humanitarian disaster. 

“The long-term solution is to promote the ‘two-state solution’ to achieve peaceful coexistence between the State of Palestine and the State of Israel,” the Foreign Minister said.  

He said as a constructive force for good on the international stage, BRICS countries should take the lead in being the mainstay of the cause of peace and development.  

He implored the leaders to continue to hold high the banner of open cooperation, firmly safeguard the multilateral trading system, and promote the mutually beneficial and integrated development of all countries. 

They should also support inclusive economic globalisation, Mr Wang said, adding that China was willing to strengthen practical cooperation with BRICS countries in poverty reduction, agriculture, education, health and other fields, and provide more public goods for the Global South. 

He urged the leaders to strive to support the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group, strengthen information sharing and experience exchange, and promote law enforcement cooperation and capacity-building. 

“We should build the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Centre well, earnestly implement the BRICS Food Security Cooperation Strategy, expand cooperation in new fields such as the deep sea, polar regions and outer space, and jointly meet global challenges. 

BRICS is an acronym representing Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Originally, it referred to the first five countries, but it has since expanded to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Iran. 

Pension fund managers must be held to professional standards-John Awuah

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Mr John Awuah, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Association of Banks, says Pension fund managers must be held to professional standards that focus on performance, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

He said this shift could be started by removing alleged interference in investment decisions and prompt payment of pension deductions to fund managers, ensuring that decisions are made by qualified professionals with expertise in investment management.

Mr Awuah was speaking at the 5th edition of the Money Summit in Accra on the theme “Optimising Investment and Pensions: Strategies for Sustainable Retirement Income and Economic Growth”.

It brought together experts, industry players, and policymakers to discuss how to strengthen the nation’s financial system.

He said the commitment by the government to making State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) more profit-oriented was commendable.

“If we can replicate this in the management of SSNIT, we will build a pension fund that not only supports retirees but also plays an active role in stimulating economic growth,” he added.

The CEO said the current pension system in Ghana, while a critical lifeline for many, was far from perfect and a major flaw lay in the lack of diversification of pension fund portfolios.

He said much of the pension fund assets in Ghana’s was still concentrated in low-yielding government of Ghana securities.

“This approach, though historically safe, has in recent years proven to be no longer a default free safe haven in today’s economic climate,” he said. 

He said the time had come for a shift that embraced alternative investment options.

He said the pension managers must broaden their scope to include real estate, private equity, and infrastructure investments and must push for a more diversified asset allocation in the pending amendment to the National Pensions Act.

These assets, despite their inherent risks, provide returns that are more likely to outpace inflation and provide sustainable income streams for retirees.

Mr Awuah said some banks had started diversifying their investment portfolios by introducing funds that focused on sectors like real estate development, agriculture and green finance alternatives.

“This move not only secures the future of their investors but also contributes to national economic development,” he said.

He said by prioritising these alternative asset classes, pension funds in Ghana could see improved returns and better protection for pensioners from market volatility.

The CEO said the future of investment and pension management in Ghana required a fundamental shift in the approach to risk, diversification, and governance.

He said, “we must embrace alternative investments, build financial literacy, and ensure professional management of our pension funds.”

He said by doing so, the country would not only ensure that pensioners had sustainable retirement income but also foster an environment where economic growth and financial stability go hand in hand.

Dr Godwin Acquaye, CEO of B&FT, said the summit had, over the past five years, evolved into a key platform where thought leadership, practical insights, and transformative conversations converge to shape Ghana’s financial and economic landscape.

“Our dialogue today must seek real, practical strategies that safeguard pensions, create sustainable income for retirees, and by extension, stimulate economic growth,” he said.

He said pension funds must be better invested to yield steady, secure returns; while ensuring they contributed meaningfully to national development through investments in critical sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, and green energy.

He said beyond today’s retirees; “we must also look to the future of the youth; how do we inculcate an investment culture early and how do we guide young Ghanaians to think not only about earnings but about wealth creation and saving.”

Finance Minister Inaugurates GRA Board, Charges Members to Bolster Domestic Revenue Mobilisation

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Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister for Finance, has inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in Accra.

The Minister tasked the members with the critical responsibility of strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation amid the country’s current fiscal challenges.

Dr. Forson, speaking at the inauguration, expressed his gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama, for assembling what he described as a “distinguished team of esteemed and accomplished individuals” to steer the affairs of the GRA.

“You assume this mantle at a time when the government faces significant fiscal constraints, with tight financing conditions, limited access to the capital market following the debt restructuring programme, and dwindling project and programme grants from development partners,” he said

Dr. Forson emphasised that in the face of these constraints, the government’s number one fiscal priority for 2025 and the medium term was to optimise domestic revenue mobilisation.

He revealed that the government had programmed to increase revenue collection by at least 0.6 percentage points of GDP each year, targeting a primary fiscal surplus of 1.5 per cent of GDP by 2025 and reducing the external debt service-to-revenue ratio from 28 per cent in 2022 to 18 per cent by 2028.

He cited the recent withdrawal of USAID funding amounting to over US$78 million in health and US$156 million in economic growth and education programmes as a stark reminder of the need for a resilient domestic revenue system.

Dr. Forson outlined several strategic focus areas for the new Board and GRA management.

These include accelerating the modernisation of the Authority’s operations, building a culture of integrity, combating smuggling, reforming internal operations, and fostering closer collaboration with the Ministry of Finance’s Revenue Policy Division.

“The Ghanaian public must have unwavering confidence in GRA’s commitment to fairness and ethical conduct,” he said.

He said revenue lost through corruption translates to unbuilt schools, unpaved roads, and lives adversely affected by inadequate healthcare and poor sanitation.

He called for the implementation of a mandatory rotation policy for GRA officers after two years in a given position to reduce collusion risks, broaden professional experience, and strengthen organisational performance.

The Minister announced plans to sign a performance bonus Memorandum of Understanding with the Commissioner-General, witnessed by the heads of Domestic Tax and Customs.

He reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment to supporting the GRA Board and management in delivering on their mandate.

“Let us remember that every tax cedi collected and every integrity-driven decision made brings us closer to building the prosperous, inclusive, and self-reliant Ghana We All Want Together,” he said.

Paramount Chief urges COCOBOD to invest much into tackling illegal mining

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Odeefour Ogyamansan Boahen Korkor II, the Paramount Chief of the Sunyani Traditional Area on Wednesday called on the Ghana Cocoa Board to invest more into the nationwide fight against illegal mining threatening the cocoa sector.

He said cocoa sector contributed significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic product (GDP) and the nation’s foreign exchange earnings, worrying that the growing illegal mining activities in the country threatened cocoa production and the prospects in the sector.

Odeefour Ogyeamansan II made the call when Dr Ransford Abbey, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the COCOBOD called on him in Sunyani.

Being accompanied by some key staff of the COCOBOD, Dr Abbey is embarking on a familiarization tour to some cocoa growing cocoa communities in the Bono and Ahafo Regions.

Odeefour Ogyeamansan Korkor II underscored the need for the COCOBOD to prioritise and enhance the cocoa value chain, and added value to cocoa products, asking the CEO to do more to enhance the socio-economic livelihoods of cocoa farmers as well.

He also stressed the need for the government to tackle the declining price of cocoa and urged the CEO to increase the scholarship package of the Board for more cocoa farmers to benefit.

Odeefour Ogyeamansan Korkor II acknowledged Dr Abbey’s commitment towards national development, and appreciated his notable contributions, especially towards the growth and development of sports.

He also commended the CEO for his financial support towards “the people’s project”, an initiative of Mr Ransford Antwi, the CEO of the Suncity Group of Companies aimed at improving sports development in the Bono Region.

Dr Abbey explained his tour was to enable him and his entourage to get themselves abreast with the challenges facing the cocoa sector and expressed gratitude to the Paramount Chief for the warm reception.

He said effective collaboration was required to tackle financial challenges that had plagued the nation’s cocoa sector and lauded the Paramount Chief’s commitment towards enhancing the cocoa sector by planting some cocoa trees around his private residence.

Dr Abbey also congratulated the Omanhene for his enstoolment as the Paramount Chief of the Sunyani Traditional Area.

Neymar told he should’ve taken over from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as World Cup winner, addresses ‘wasn’t focused on football’ criticism, and highlights Ballon d’Or failure.

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Emmanuel Petit has slammed Neymar for not replacing Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as expected, claiming he “wasn’t focused on football”.

Former Arsenal star Petit didn’t hold back in his criticism of Neymar, claiming the Brazilian squandered his chance to succeed Ronaldo and Messi as the face of world football. Petit pointed to a lack of focus and commitment as key reasons behind Neymar’s decline, arguing that his once-promising career withered due to distractions off the pitch.

Speaking to Poker Firma, Petit said: “I’m a big fan of Neymar’s qualities, he was once such a tremendous player. But he hasn’t reached the level that he should’ve.

“He should’ve been winning the Ballon d’Or and competing with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and taking over after them. You can blame his injuries and his lifestyle, but he didn’t fulfil his potential.

“He had so much quality but issues off the pitch so I cannot compare him to Rivaldo. Rivaldo won the Ballon d’Or, he won the World Cup, he was an unbelievable player and reached the pinnacle because he only focused on his career.

“That is the big difference between Neymar and Rivaldo, Neymar wasn’t focused on only football.”

Neymar was one of the best footballers on the planet after he made a blockbuster move from Santos to Barcelona in the summer of 2013. He scored 105 goals in 186 games for the Catalans, winning eight trophies, including two La Liga titles, one Champions League, and three Copa del Rey trophies.

He made a world-record move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, playing a pivotal role in Les Parisiens’ runners-up finish in the Champions League in 2020. However, his rotten luck with injuries prevented him from becoming a Ballon d’Or contender at Parc des Princes, resulting in a departure to Saudi heavyweights Al-Hilal in 2023.

In the Middle East, Neymar made a total of just seven appearances as his struggles with fitness continued. Just 18 months into his tenure with Al-Hilal, he left the club to make an emotional return to boyhood club Santos in January 2025, where he has made nine appearances so far. At 33, a return to Europe could still be on the cards, but a career that once promised to take the footballing world by storm seems to have faded into oblivion.

Manchester United striker named in travelling team for Europa League battle with Athletic Club after overcoming season-ending injury

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Amad Diallo has returned to Manchester United’s squad ahead of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club in Bilbao on Thursday.

Amad has been chosen to Ruben Amorim’s squad for United’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Athletic. The winger was back on the training ground at Carrington ahead of their trip to Spain and might make his first appearance since February, when he was injured before a game against Tottenham. At the time, the injury was reported to be season-ending, however this does not appear to be the case.

In 36 appearances for United this season, Amad has contributed nine goals and eight assists so his potential return in Bilbao will come as welcome relief to Amorim. United are 14th in the Premier League table and their last hope of a successful season hinges on glory in Europe.

United have also confirmed that Matthijs de Ligt has travelled for the clash. He has been out since the start of the month due to an ankle injury but is also nearing a return to the first-team.

Ex-Presiding Member urges assembly to elect development-oriented leader

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— Mr. Godwin Agudey, a former Presiding Member (PM) of the Ada East District Assembly, has called on Assembly Members to elect a leader who will place the development of the district above personal or political interests.

Mr. Agudey expressed concern about the assembly’s current leadership gap, noting that the absence of a presiding member for several months has negatively affected the effective running of the assembly and delayed important decisions and development activities in the district.

He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the district had been without a presiding member for some sometime now, and several efforts to elect a new one have so far been unsuccessful.

Furthermore, attempts to reach a consensus on who should occupy the position have ended in disagreement, resulting in a leadership vacuum that has affected governance in the district.

He mentioned that the assembly needed someone who understands the responsibility that comes with the position and is ready to work selflessly, noting that, “every assembly member knows a good person that can lead the house and unite the members and deliver.”

The former assembly leader explained that the absence of a presiding member made it difficult for meetings to be properly conducted, which would affect the approval of projects, budgets, and other key decisions that are vital to the growth and progress of Ada East.

He appealed to all elected and government-appointed assembly members to put aside their differences and work together in the interest of the district, stressing that cooperation and unity were needed now more than ever, especially as the area faces challenges in education, sanitation, health, and infrastructure.

He urged them to ignore the influence of some authorities who were pushing some of their people to occupy the position but look among themselves and choose someone who would contribute to the development of the district.

The assembly members of the Ada-East district assembly failed to elect a presiding member four times in 2024.

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