The government has presented about twenty-two thousand sanitary pads to public schools in the Ledzokuku Municipality in the Greater Accra region.
The pads are to be distributed to girls in the Municipality who have started menstruating right from Basic to Senior High Schools, as well as Technical and Vocational institutions.
Of the total, 8,900 pads went to the three second-cycle institutions, while the remaining 13,100 went to the Public Basic schools in the Municipality.
Hon. Benjamin Ayiku Narteh making presentation to the Municipal Director of Education for Ledzokuku, Mrs Theresa Tetteh on behalf of the school’s
Speaking at the presentation ceremony on Tuesday, the Member of Parliament for Ledzokuku, Hon. Benjamin Ayiku Narteh, said the government was ready to provide initiatives that promote the development of the youth.
He explained that the growth and proper development of the youth were among the priorities of the government and assured them of his readiness to continue providing the needed support to all towards the development of the country.
The MP charged the learners not to sell the pads when they receive them and rather put them to good use for the purpose for which the government provided them.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Israel Adjetey Otchwenmah, in an address read for him by the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mrs Rhodaline Adwoa Konduah, announced that the assembly would continue to support initiatives that would lead to the growth and development of people in the communities without discrimination.
He indicated that the assembly would continue to provide the needed support for communities in the municipality so that the people would feel safe and happy to continue with their day-to-day businesses.
The Municipal Director of Education for Ledzokuku, Mrs Theresa Tetteh, commended the government for the package and promised to distribute to the rightful beneficiaries.
She was upbeat that the pads would go a long way to support the girls to be punctual in school, irrespective of the season or time.
Background
The distribution of the sanitary pad was part of the government’s campaign promise to help improve enrolment is schools, as some girls across the country absent themselves from school when they are in their menstrual period.
This leads to absenteeism and affects effective teaching and learning for some girls across the country.
Apart from improvement in enrolment, the donations are also aimed at ensuring that girls also stay in school and complete without any hiccups.Source: Felix A.Baidoo
The Ashanti Regional leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has acknowledged mounting pressure to secure jobs for grassroots members in the region.
The Regional Chairman of the party, Augustus Nana Kwasi Andrews, however, urged calm among supporters amid concerns over delays in appointments and employment opportunities.
Speaking to journalists in Kumasi on December 8, Mr. Andrews commended party members for their critical role in securing the NDC’s victory in the 2024 general elections, assuring that the party would not neglect those who worked tirelessly for the win.
Augustus Nana Kwasi Andrews
Despite the Ashanti Region traditionally being a stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the NDC made significant gains in both the presidential and parliamentary elections.
More than a year after the victory, party leadership and government officials are facing increasing pressure from supporters seeking job placements, a situation Mr. Andrews described as a major challenge.
He called on party members to remain patient and trust the leadership to address their concerns in due course.
“Looking at the campaign that we did last election (2024), they did very well. They used their energy, their money, their resources, everything. And you know that when you work for somebody, and the person wins power, you have to compensate the person. And there’s a lot of pressure on me. So everybody is demanding.
He added, “The grassroots are calling for more, and everybody needs their own share. That’s why I’m asking my branches to remain calm. They should have hope in H.E President John Dramani Mahama.
“We know that not everybody will get, but the few that will get an appointment, we have to bring it down so that everybody can enjoy their sweat.”
He also assured the party’s resolve to work closely with the Government to deliver on key promises made to the people of the Ashanti Region.The party says it will ensure that the people of the Ashanti Region are not disappointed. Source:Hafiz Tijani
ust over a week ago, I had the honor of graduating from the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Visual Communication Design.
I am genuinely grateful to everyone who supported me through prayers, mentorship, encouragement, and financial support.
Kwame Adinkra (PhD)
Following my graduation, I humbly came to appreciate that I am among the pioneers to earn a PhD in Visual Communication Design at KNUST in Ghana and across West Africa.
This milestone is both a personal achievement and a significant step for the creative and academic industry in our sub-region.
With a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, an MPhil in Communication Design, and now a PhD in Visual Communication Design, I step forward with renewed purpose.
Thank you all for believing in the dream and walking this journey with me.
MTN Ghana Foundation has intensified its 16-day activism against gender-based violence with engagement with students of Asokwa Basic School in Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital.
The engagement with the students and holding of debate on Tuesday, 9th December, 2025, forms part of activities to mark 16-day activism.
A section of the students
The engagement with the students aimed at creating awareness about the need for them to guard against violence, especially gender-based violence.
The global annual campaign dubbed “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” usually starts from November 25, which falls on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, which is Human Rights Day.
Mr. George Kyei Frimpong donation to the female team
The initiative is part of the MTN Foundation’s contribution towards the prevention of all forms of gender-based violence, especially against women
.In an interview with journalists, Mr. George Kyei Frimpong, Education Portfolio Advisor for the MTN Foundation, said they used the occasion to advise the pupils to cultivate the needed respect and support for each other irrespective of their gender, devoid of violence, especially against the girl-child.
He explained that “this 16 Days of Activism campaign is intended to create awareness amongst pupils so that they will grow to abhor and actively oppose such violence, just as MTN does.”
Mr. George Kyei Frimpong presenting reward package to the male team
Mr. Frimpong expressed deep concerns about what he termed “cyberbullying due to increased use of the internet by students.”
According to him, the online abuse often spills over to affect the students’ behavior as well as their emotional upbringings.Mr. Frimpong said, “Most of these gender-based digital attacks are disproportionately targeted at females or the girls.”We (MTN Foundation) are committed to halting this creeping canker, including digital violence, which seems to flood the internet and social media pages,” he emphasized.
According to Mr Frimpong, the main feature of the awareness creation was an engaging debate competition between the students.
Three (3) female Junior High School (JHS) students debated against their three male JHS student counterparts on the motion: “Teaching boys and girls the same content will prevent violence.”The contestants were:Precious Amoako, Freda Adomako, and Bridget Yeboah argued strongly that educational equality in content would significantly contribute to instilling discipline and preventing gender-based violence by fostering mutual respect and equal understanding of roles.Whilst their male counterpart comprisesDesmond Owusu Kakari, Lucky Asafo Agyei, and Nowell Ayiyona Abugre, who were against the motion, maintained that while content equality is important, it does not automatically translate to effectiveness in preventing violence.
They, therefore, proposed a number of trainings to help address the challenges of their female counterparts.At the end of the three rounds of intellectual arguments, the female team scored 842 points, with their male contestants scoring 820 points.
Both contestants were appreciated by the MTB Ghana Foundation with goodies including tablets, computer lab equipment, etc.
The Minority in Parliament has called for the withdrawal of a letter officially declaring the Kpandai parliamentary seat vacant, following a High Court ruling ordering a rerun of the constituency’s election.
The development comes after Parliament, on Monday, December 8, 2025, formally notified the Electoral Commission (EC) of the vacancy.
The notice followed a directive from the High Court in Tamale to conduct a rerun of the Kpandai parliamentary election.
Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh
In a formal letter dated December 4, 2025, the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, informed the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, that the seat had become vacant pursuant to the court ruling.The decision, delivered on November 24, 2025, stemmed from a legal challenge in which the Clerk to Parliament was named the fourth respondent (Suit Number NR/TL/HC/E13/22/25).
Reacting to the notification on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh described the letter as “out of place” and “unfortunate,” arguing that it violates the rule of law.
“Mr Speaker, there is a letter that was sent into the house to declare the Kpandai seat vacant. That letter is out of place, unfortunate, and goes against the rule of law. We strongly submit that the letter must be withdrawn by Parliament. We in the minority will not agree to the writing of this letter,” he said.
The Minority’s objection signals continued tension over the handling of the Kpandai parliamentary seat ahead of the mandated rerun election.By:William Narh
Ghana has achieved outstanding international success at the ENJOY AI Global Robotics Finals in Wuzhen, China, where young learners competed against participants from 61 countries and secured major awards in one of the world’s leading youth technology competitions.
The team, coordinated by The MakersPlace, comprised students from Ahtoo Montessori School (Accra), Oyster Academy (Tema), Globen School, Christ the King International School, Hallmark International School, (Haatso), and Greater Grace School in the Central Region.
A total of 62 delegates, including learners aged 6 to 16, teachers, parents and school heads, represented Ghana at the championship.
Mr. Douglas Ayitey, CEO of MakersPlace With Ghanaian students displaying their flags in China 🇨🇳 International AI and Robotics
Awards:
Ghana placed second runner-up to China, becoming the only African country to win an award in the Robot Game Category.
Judges commended the students for demonstrating remarkable technical skill, teamwork and resilience during the competition.
The delegation also received the Team Spirit Award, which recognises teams that exhibit unity, discipline and perseverance in the face of technical and strategic challenges.
Officials highlighted the enthusiasm and determination displayed by the Ghanaian competitors throughout the event.
Kenya also secured continental honours, winning awards for Smart Design and Creativity.
Ghana Draws Praise:
During the opening ceremony, students from Ahtoo Montessori School delivered a traditional Ghanaian dance choreographed to Nat Brew’s iconic song “Wogbe”.
The performance received strong applause from international delegates, offering a vibrant display of Ghana’s cultural identity and adding a memorable highlight to the global event
The MakersPlace Award:
At the same ceremony, The MakersPlace received the 2025 ENJOY AI Excellent Organizer Award in recognition of its leadership in delivering the ENJOY AI African Open earlier this year in Accra.
The award acknowledged the organisation’s coordination of volunteers, schools, government partners and sponsors to expand robotics and AI education across Ghana and the wider region.
The MakersPlace is one of Ghana’s leading STEM education institutions and a STEM.org–accredited organisation committed to transforming learning through robotics, coding and artificial intelligence.
Established to bridge the digital skills gap in basic and secondary education, The MakersPlace provides hands-on training for learners and teachers, develops STEM programmes, and leads Ghana’s participation in global robotics competitions.
2026 African Open:
Following Ghana’s strong performance, African National Organisers met in Wuzhen and unanimously agreed that Accra will host the ENJOY AI 2026 African Open from 24 to 25 September 2026.
The event is expected to attract teams from across the continent and will remain open to international participants.
Organisers anticipate significant growth in participation next year and will begin engagement with partners and sponsors to support the expansion of the competition.
Ghanaian STEM Education:
Ghana’s results in Wuzhen reflect the country’s growing investment in robotics and STEM education at the basic level.
Analysts say the achievements demonstrate the potential of Ghanaian learners when provided with structured support, modern learning tools and exposure to global competition.
With two major awards, international recognition for excellence, and a celebrated cultural performance, Ghana has strengthened its position as a leading voice in African STEM innovation.
Preparations for the 2026 African Open signal a new chapter for the country’s robotics and AI education ecosystem.Source :Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi
The media is inundated with discussions and justifications from government functionaries on the renegotiation of the lithium royalty rate due the people of Ghana in the Ewoyaa Lithium project.
While the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and the Chair of the Natural Resources Committee of Parliament, Hon. Collins Dauda, among others have made attempts to rationalise a proposed reduction in royalty rate from the 10% negotiated by the previous Nana Addo government to 5%, their reasons for such a reduction in the lithium royalty rate are clearly untenable and largely based on a misrepresentation of policy reasonings and facts of law.
Dr. Keskine Owusu Poku
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah is quoted by 3news.com on Thursday, December 4, 2025 to have said in a presser that “this government (the John Mahama government) will not short-change the people of Ghana.
We’ve listened to all the voices and we are taking steps to make sure we win not only the project but also make sure people of Ghana get value for money.”
It is sad to note that the John Mahama government is doing the exact opposite. It is clear that the John Mahama government is short-changing Ghanaians and the reduction in royalty rate from 10% to 5% cannot be best value. On the least, it is a betrayal of the trust the good people of Ghana reposed in him.
The aggregate interpretation of the misinformation and misrepresentation of Act 900 and the rationalisations by government through the sector minister and the Chair of the Committee on Lands and Natural Resources clearly shows that either the government is not on top of issues, have forgotten the nicely articulated position of the ruling NDC on this very issue on December 13, 2023 (then opposition) or someone in government is likely a beneficiary of this ‘sweetheart’ deal. Else, the defences, motivation and rationalisations coming from government do not add up.
The position of the John Mahama government is clearly a rip-off, betrays all trust, remains hypocritical and thus, it is not in the best interest of Ghana. If 10% royalty rate was not in the best interest of Ghana, how can 5% suffice?
The first justification provided by the John Mahama government through the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, is that (as reported by JoyNews on December 4, 2025) “the applicable royalty rate for mining operations, including lithium, in our laws is 5%.”
This choreographed line has also been repeated by Hon. Collins Dauda, the Chair of the Lands and Natural Resources Committee of the Parliament of Ghana, among others. This is a NAKED UNTRUTH intended to misinform, misguide and deceive Ghanaians.
First, reference is made to the NDCs presser on December 13, 2023 on the Barari-Lithium agreement as it exposes the misinformation coming from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and Chair of the Lands and Natural Resources Committee of Parliament, Hon. Collins Dauda, among others. In paragraph 7(IV) of the said press statement, the NDC (then opposition) argued:
“It is important to make the point that government’s boastful claim about securing a 10% Royalty under the deal is a celebration of mediocrity.
It is worthy to note that the prevailing royalty of 5% was based on Section 25 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 (ACT 703), which provides for a royalty rate of not less than 3% and not more than 6%. This law was amended by the erstwhile NDC Mahama government as far back as 2015 by Act 900, which made the Royalty rate open-ended and subject to negotiations.
Also, the prevailing industry royalty rate of 5% relates to the country’s traditional minerals such as gold, bauxite, etc.
The Barari-Lithium agreement is the first deal for the exploitation of a Green Mineral in Ghana. Therefore, comparing the prevailing royalty rate of 5% to a 10% royalty rate for Green Mineral like lithium is an exercise in mediocrity.”
Secondly, reference is made to the Act 900, which is the prevailing regulation on royalty rate.
The Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2015 (Act 900) removed the fixed rate entirely and empowered the state to determine royalties “at the rate and in the manner that may be prescribed.” This amendment is the governing provision today, and it effectively means Ghana is not bound to a fixed 5% royalty of 2010.
In light of the above, the claim that a 10% lithium royalty rate negotiated by the previous government was unlawful is INCORRECT. Ghana is fully within Her legal rights to negotiate a higher rate particularly for a strategic mineral like lithium.
It is thus surprising that the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and the Chair of the Lands and Natural Resources Committee of Parliament, Hon. Collins Dauda, have consistently peddled misinformation on the position of the law.
The sad part is that these are people who served in Parliament when these laws were passed and have served in various positions as Ministers and Parliamentary leadership hence, are expected to not only know better but also do better.
I am puzzled at the incentives/motivating factors driving their interest in this 5% royalty rate discussion because they cannot claim ignorance of Act 900?
‘Even’ granted that the law permits only 5%, what is the use of the SUPER MAJORITY in Parliament if they cannot amend such a ‘bad royalty regime’ and negotiate a better deal beyond the 10% royalty rate that they criticised as an exercise in mediocrity?
In a matter between the people of Ghana and a foreign company, why is nobody from government or the Majority side in Parliament interested in securing more than 5% royalty rate for Ghana? Why are they suddenly silent on the 5% when they were not loud and clearly against the 10% royalty rate? Who are they actually serving?
It is instructive to note that the Parliament of Ghana in Article 268 (1) and (2) has the power to ensure that the natural resources sovereignty of Ghana is preserved.
This includes amending mineral laws, including provisions on royalty rate, to safeguard the interest of Ghana. It is this power that allowed the promulgation of Act 794 in 2010 which changed the royalty rate from 3%-6% in Act 703 to a fixed rate of 5%.
It is by the same power that Act 900 was passed in 2015 to make royalty rate a by-product of an open-ended negotiation, effectively taking away the legal ceiling of 5% for royalty rate passed by Act 794 in 2010. For the avoidance of doubt, find Article 268 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana below:
Protecting Natural Resources
PARLIAMENTARY RATIFICATION OF AGREEMENTS RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES.
(1) Any transaction, contract or undertaking involving the grant of a right or concession by or on behalf of any person including the Government of Ghana, to any other person or body of persons howsoever described, for the exploitation of any mineral, water or other natural resource of Ghana made or entered into after the coming into force of this Constitution shall be subject to ratification by Parliament.
(2) Parliament may, by resolution supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all the members of Parliament, exempt from the provisions of clause (1) of this article any particular class of transactions, contracts or undertakings.
Clearly, all that is required of the John Mahama government is the political will to maximise the royalty rate due Ghana in the exploitation of our strategic Green Mineral, Lithium. The Super Majority must be useful to Ghanaians beyond political rhetoric.
The government has also argued that since a royalty rate of 5% is charged on traditional minerals, it will be unfair to charge more than 5% of royalty rate for lithium.
It is instructive for the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and the Chair of the Committee on Lands and Natural Resources to know that the NDC provided an answer to this excuse from government in paragraph 7(IV) of their December 13, 2023 presser:
“Also, the prevailing industry royalty rate of 5% relates to the country’s traditional minerals such as gold, bauxite, etc.
The Barari-Lithium agreement is the first deal for the exploitation of a Green Mineral in Ghana. Therefore, comparing the prevailing royalty rate of 5% to a 10% royalty rate for Green Mineral like lithium is an exercise in mediocrity.”
The moral question of ‘fairness’ also raises a question of ‘reasonability’. Is the government being fair to the people of Ghana in its attempt to reduce the already negotiated lithium royalty rate from 10% to 5%?
Is it reasonable to call a 10% deal as exercise in mediocrity and later present the same deal but with 5% royalty rate? Who are the functionaries of the John Mahama government advocating for; the people of Ghana or the foreign company?
It is important that the John Mahama government recognises the strategic importance of a Green Mineral like lithium and NOT treat it like the traditional minerals which we have mismanaged over the years.
Another weak rationalisation provided for the proposed 5% is that the price of lithium has fallen on the world market.
One may ask, ‘what has that got to do with a fixed royalty rate?’ Why should that be a factor for consideration when Green Minerals are the most sought-after and with good future prospects?
More importantly, a fall in global price of Lithium is not a reasonable excuse for a giveaway. At the time of negotiating the 10% royalty rate, Lithium sold a little above $2000 per tonne (and not the exaggerated $3000 put out by the Minister). The Atlantic Lithium Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) projects a long-term price of $1,587 per tonne (FOB Ghana) for spodumene concentrate (SC6).
Assuming a 5% royalty rate is agreed based on the Minister’s consideration of a plummeted global price of approximately $630 per tonne, will a new deal be presented to parliament if FOB price goes higher tomorrow?
Certainly NOT! So why is the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources not making a sound policy decision based on long-term projections?
From the evidence and policy considerations above, it is clear that the current state of the lithium deal as presented by the John Mahama government does not serve the best interest of Ghana. It is a total rip-off.
The Parliament of Ghana should not to ratify the deal in its current form.
The Majority in Parliament mum to show purpose and drive in preventing few people from short-changing the people of Ghana. For whatever it is worth, they should make their SUPER MAJORITY count in a positive sense.
The Parliament of Ghana is again called upon to amend the section on royalty rate as was amended by Act 900 to further reflect a floor of 10% and an open ceiling to allow for higher negotiations in all subsequent mineral agreements (not just for Green Minerals) that will be tabled before the house. It is time for Ghanaians to get a reasonable percentage in our mineral deposits.
All well-meaning Ghanaians, the media and civil society must to pay a critical attention to the issues on the Lithium project.
God, has yet again smiled on us with Lithium, after the clear mismanagement of our gold, bauxite, diamonds, oil, forest reserves and water bodies. We cannot and should not allow the lithium to join the long list of mismanaged resources.
The relative silence of Civil Society and Think-Tanks in Ghana is very surprising. This should be a wake up call.
Respectfully, the President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Hon. Collins Dauda, among others should backtrack on their steps to mismanaging the lithium find. Ghana will not accept anything less than 10% royalty rate. In fact, the people of Ghana expected more than the 10% judging for the assurances you gave in the December 13, 2023 presser.
In all dealings, let’s put Ghana first.
…End…
Dr. Keskine Owusu Poku is a political scientist, policy analyst and research with centre-right principles.
Dr Francis Adomako, the Ashanti Regional Organiser for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who doubles as the dean of all regional organisers, has given a damning assessment of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration since assumption of office on 7th January, 2025.
According to him, despite President Mahana and NDC leading members’ noise in opposition that, when giving the mandate, they were going to stop or end the illegal mining popularly known in Ghana as ‘galamsey’ in no time, galamsey is on the higher side. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, 9th December, 2025,
Francois, as he is affectionately called in the political space, said, “As we speak now, galamsey is on the higher side, roads are bad,School fees are on the higher side, leading to so many deaths in less than 1 year.”
President John Mahama
He said Ghanaians would start next year (2026) with about a 10 per cent increase in light bills and a 16 per cent increase in water bills.
Francois, who is highly tipped as the next Ashanti Regional NPP Secretary, said regrettably,”200 million is giving to NDC party faithfuls across the 276 constituencies,Agenda 111 hospital projects have halted,Appointment letters of teeming youth terminated and Unemployment is on the higher side.
He said Mr Mahama and the NDC promised 3 unemployed people would get employed for the same position in a firm, but working on a shift basis is a fiasco now.
The Ashanti Regional NPP Organiser, who is also a senior lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), revealed that students in training colleges are being fed once a day instead of three (3) times a day.Besides, electricity bills and water bills have been increased more than 20 percent.Francois said despite criticism against the procurement of new aircraft by the Akufo-Addo-led administration, the NDC government prefers to buy 2 presidential aircraft and 4 helicopters instead of using the money to get the unemployed youth into employment.
“As we speak, the Ashanti regional chairman of NDC, Nana Akwasi, is even crying that there are no jobs for the youth.Adding, “For every one gallon of fuel we buy, we pay 4.5 cedis extra.” Ghanaian worker salaries have been increased by just 9 per cent, while monies allocated to the presidency have been increased by more than 60 per cent.
As if that was not enough, within the eleven months of Mahama’s government incompetence Ghana has recorded the worst WASSCE results ever; that means over 200,000 students cannot continue tertiary education because they failed maths.”
Against this background, he cautioned Ghanaians again about putting their trust in President John Mahama’s led administration to deliver his numerous promises for the betterment of the nation.
Former President of the Ghana Bar Association, Sam Okudzeto, has criticised the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), insisting that the institution has failed to justify its existence and must be scrapped.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on December 8, Mr Okudzeto questioned the very foundation on which the office was created.
He said the country must now confront a simple question: “Why was the institution set up? Has it achieved its purpose?”
When host Evans Mensah asked for his assessment, Mr Okudzeto did not hesitate. “I don’t think so,” he responded.
“That is exactly the issue that I’m trying to drive here. He hasn’t achieved his purpose because the corruption is still on. I see it every day. Everywhere you turn in every institution, you see it openly.
Former President of the Ghana Bar Association, Sam Okudzeto
“They are not even afraid. People are no longer even afraid. You go there, and they demand money from you to do this for you, when you already paid.”
Pressed on whether scrapping the OSP was the answer, he stated plainly that the office has outlived its usefulness.
“Yeah, I’m saying that that institution is not achieving its purpose. Because look at it this way, you have an Attorney General’s Department. In that department, they have a civil section, and then they have a prosecutorial section. This one is headed by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“The other one is headed by the Solicitor-General. What is the Director of Public Prosecutions supposed to do? He’s supposed to prosecute criminal offences, which will include corruption, corruption-related offences.
“There is nothing which makes corruption any more different than any other crime. We have a Director of Public Prosecutions, that is his job. Why do you create another institution to do the same job? That’s the whole issue.”
Responding to suggestions that the OSP was established as a special-purpose vehicle dedicated solely to corruption, he argued that Ghana got it wrong from the start.
“You see, in other places where you have this special prosecutor, it means that there is a specific problem that has arisen, and you want that person to go there and solve that problem.
“You don’t create the whole institution for it, as we have done. If you like, you can go and search and ask where and where do we have that kind of institution?”
Mr Okudzeto referenced global examples to support his position.
“You see, the Prime Minister of England, you know what his position was before? You know how he got the knighthood? He was the Director of Public Prosecutions. Justice D. F. Annan, who became the Speaker of Parliament, was also Director of Public Prosecution.”
He aligned himself fully with those calling for the OSP to be scrapped and the Attorney General’s office strengthened instead.
“That is what should have been done,” he said.
“But I suspect that somebody thought that corruption was too rampant in the country, and, therefore, to create an institution for that purpose was a good idea. And then, of course, you appoint an individual.
“Don’t forget, it’s just an individual you’ve appointed. Then you are now trying to create an institution around that individual. What is the background of that? That’s the question I ask. What is his background of that individual?”
He cautioned that the entire experiment was flawed from the beginning.
“I’m just saying that when you don’t train people to do a job, you think that creating institutions, particularly when they think it’s just an individual, it’s dangerous… It’s very, very dangerous.”
Mr Okudzeto stressed that Ghana already has the structures to prosecute corruption, and the focus should be on strengthening those systems rather than building parallel institutions that deliver little.Source: Abubakar Ibrahim
