Security & crime

Nii Ayikoi Otoo, former Attorney General under the Kufuor administration, has advised the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to file appeals instead of holding press conferences to criticize judges’ dismissive rulings in corruption cases.

His comments come in response to the OSP’s recent expression of concern over the increasing trend of such rulings, which it fears could hinder the fight against corruption.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, November 29, Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng expressed alarm at the “growing hasty dismissiveness and lack of regard” for corruption cases, which he believes could severely impede the OSP’s ability to fulfil its mandate.

Nii Ayikoi Otoo

Mr Agyebeng highlighted four specific cases that exemplified this trend, including the acquittal of Cecilia Dapaah, a former government official, in a corruption case and the refusal of a court order to freeze the estate of former NPP General Secretary, Kojo Owusu Afriyie, despite mounting allegations of corruption against his estate.

Speaking in an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Tuesday, Mr Ayikoi Otoo said “To me, I do not think that it is necessary for him to lament and to hold press conferences. I mean when a lawyer goes to court and he loses a case, if you believe strongly that the judges committed errors in coming to that conclusion, all you need to do is to file an appeal.”

He added, “He (Special Prosecutor) is completely wrong, he should have done that…Instead of going on appeal, you sit and cry to a press. What does he want the press to do for him? That is very disappointing on his part.”

Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, during proceedings in Parliament on Tuesday, stated that the law establishing the OSP was an act of futility.Source:Abigail Arthur

By:Nii Ayikwei Okine

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has assured that the bill on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values will be passed before the house goes on recess for the festive holidays.

On Wednesday, the sponsors of the Anti-Gay bill accused the Majority in Parliament of sabotaging the passage of the bill after the First Deputy Speaker declined a request for the bill to be taken at the consideration stage.

One of the proponents of the bill and Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, said the Majority Caucus is being deliberate and frustrating the processes needed to have the bill passed.

He added that the next strategy the proponents of the bill adopt will be to name and shame the Majority MPs who have allegedly been influenced by persons with an interest in the promotion of LGBT activities in the country.

The Majority Caucus has since denied the allegations.

Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, the Chairman of the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee in Parliament also denied the allegation of sabotage and said that the Ningo-Prampram MP is aware of the issues causing the delays in the passage of the bill.

Reacting to the developments in Parliament, the Speaker said the bill will see the light of day before the House rises for the Christmas and New Year break.

“I know that nobody in this House is opposed to the bill and I know the bill will see the light of day before we rise because the people of Ghana are expecting us to pass the bill before we go on recess. Failure to do so will have serious consequences on members as they want to advance in their political careers.”

Source: Myjoyonline.com

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Charles Owiredu, has announced the safe release of the Church of Pentecost Deacon who was kidnapped in Johannesburg.

The news of the deacon’s freedom brings relief to the Ghanaian community in South Africa and concerned individuals.

This positive development was shared by Mr Owiredu in a Twitter post on Wednesday,1st November,2023

“The Church of Pentecost Deacon/Elder was freed last night. He is with his family now,” he said.

The incident dates back to October 29, 2023, when some Ghanaians residing in South Africa were gripped with fear following a shocking robbery and kidnapping at the Johannesburg branch of the Church of Pentecost.

The Church of Pentecost Deacon/Elder was freed last night. He is with his family now.

Videos of the distressing event had surfaced on social media, sparking widespread concern and condemnation.

The captured footage portrayed the perpetrators, led by a well-built man in dark clothing, brandishing firearms and subjecting the preacher and church members to threats at gunpoint. During the ordeal, the victims were forced to relinquish various personal belongings to the assailants.

The incident prompted swift action from the Ghana High Commission in South Africa, which officially confirmed the robbery and subsequent abduction.

The safety and well-being of the deacon were of paramount concern, and the High Commission collaborated with local authorities and the Church of Pentecost to ensure a swift resolution.

The news of the deacon’s release has brought a sense of relief to the Ghanaian community and others who had been closely following the case.

Charles Owiredu’s Twitter announcement reassured the public that the deacon is now reunited with his family, marking a positive outcome to a distressing situation.

This incident has highlighted the importance of cooperation between government authorities and community organizations in addressing security concerns and ensuring the safety of individuals in the Ghanaian diaspora.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

Some Ghanaians in South Africa say they are living in fear following the kidnapping of a Deacon at the Johannesburg branch of the Church of Pentecost.

Social media users have been left in shock after footage of the robbery attack and the subsequent kidnapping which was captured on tape went viral.

The videos emerging from the incident showed the preacher and some members being threatened at gunpoint, while various items belonging to the victims were taken by the suspects led by a well-built man in dark clothing.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa has officially confirmed the robbery incident at the Johannesburg branch of the Church of Pentecost.

The attack is said to have taken place on October 29, 2023. The High Commission also verified that a deacon of the church was abducted.

On the back of this, some Ghanaians in South Africa say they do not feel safe.

One of them is Ghanaian gospel musician, Richard Mireku, who says many people within the Ghanaian community have been left in a state of constant fear.

“It puts fear and panic in us Ghanaians living here in South Africa. We have so many things that are happening here that we cannot tell it all. But I think this is what is in the limelight. Imagine a whole church being robbed. We are really not feeling comfortable at all,” he told JoyNews.

In a statement dated October 30, 2023, Ghana’s High Commission addressed the incident while conveying efforts by South African authorities to secure the release of the abducted victim.

30th October 2023
For Immediate Release

The European Union on Saturday, 28th October 2023, presented one hundred and five militarized vehicles to Ghana, to aid the country in her fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

Speaking at the ceremony at the Ministry of National Security, President Akufo-Addo noted that the presentation of the 105 vehicles is a significant milestone in Ghana’s partnership with the European Union.

Speaking at the event, the President noted that the latest attempts by terrorist and extremist groups to expand their scope of influence from the Sahel to coastal West Africa are obvious.

According to the President, “these actions pose a substantial security risk to the peace and stability of Ghana. Recent occurrences of terrorist activities in neighbouring Burkina Faso, Togo, and Benin underscore the pressing need for Ghana to enhance her counter-terrorism measures.”

Nana Akufo-Akufo

Underscoring the importance of collaboration in the fight against terrorism, he noted that no single country can confront the terrorist threat on its own, adding that “within the context of our collective efforts and the pooling of resources, we appreciate the significance of the one hundred and five (105) militarized vehicles donated by the European Union. These vehicles will play a pivotal role in our efforts to fortify Ghana’s northern frontiers against terrorism.”

He assured the EU High Representative, His Excellency Josep Borrell Fontelles, who was at the Ministry to present the vehicles, that Ghana is committed to utilising these resources, including the militarized vehicles, for the agreed purposes, which include securing her northern frontiers against terrorist incursions.

“Ghana stands ready to continue to collaborate with the European Union to safeguard our mutual security interests, particularly in the West African region,” the President added.

Extending the nation’s heartfelt gratitude to the European Union for the generous donation, President Akufo-Addo noted that it “reflects the depth of our partnership and shared commitment to a safer, more secure future. Together, we shall strive to overcome the challenges that confront us and work towards a more peaceful and prosperous West African region.”

The Office of the Special Prosecutor has closed its investigation into corruption allegations levelled against former Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen following an exposé against him by investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas and his Tigereye PI firm.

According to the OSP, although Adu Boahen engaged in influence peddling, he didn’t engage in any actual criminal activity which warrants an action by the Special Prosecutor.

Adu Boahen was sacked by President Akufo-Addo in November 2022 and referred to the Special Prosecutor for further investigations after he told undercover journalists that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia could be paid $200,000 as an appearance fee for a meeting with investors.

But in a report released on Monday, October 30, the Special Prosecutor stated that “Though the conduct of Mr. Adu Boahen amounts to trading in influence or influence peddling, which is closely associated with corruption, there is no actual criminal prohibition of his acts in respect of which the OSP has a mandate to further act.”

Charles Adu Boahen

“On that reckoning, the Special Prosecutor directs the closure, at this time, of the investigation in respect of allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences involving Charles Adu Boahen contained in the investigative documentary titled Galamsey Economy published by Tiger Eye P.I. The investigation may be re-opened should the circumstances and further facts so dictate.”Source:citinews

Click here to read the full report by the Office of the Special Prosecutor 

Source: Myjoyonline.com

Some top clergymen have expressed concern over the unending professional misconduct by some police officers in their line of duty.

According to the clergy, this persistent act of extorting money from civilians on the roads is embarrassing and goes contrary to the Service’s motto “Service with Integrity”.

Speaking at an engagement with key stakeholders as part of security preparations ahead of the yuletide, a representative from the Peace Council asked the IGP to step in to instill sanity in the Service.

“My job takes me on the road across the country and I see this thing that worries me. The IGP talked about shame and sometimes I feel ashamed when you reach barriers with police officers and the officers on duty are kind of asking very directly for you to give them some money and it is embarrassing to me. Because for me as a servant of the people, I don’t ask my church members to give me personal money.

I want to plead with you if you can speak into the conscience of our men on the ground, that this habit must be put to a stop. So if you do your analysis and you do your assessment and you get your feedback we shall be interested for you to share the feedback with us so that we will be working with you because the two points you have brought up to change the narrative, which is the sense of guilt and the sense of shame, apply to both the police and to us,” the Executive President of Ghana Baptist, Rev. Enock Thompson said.

But the IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare says these challenges in the Service are being addressed.

He also called for public support to fight crime in the country while extending an invitation to Ghanaians in the diaspora and around the world.

“We want to speak to the rest of Ghana through the media that Ghana will continue to be at peace with itself because that is what God wants for us and nothing will stop that. So we should be encouraged and we should be assured and we the police will play our part.

Read also: We’ll give Ghanaians an overdose of security during Christmas – IGP assures

“For that reason we are also telling the whole of Africa that we are ready, come home and spend time with us.

“To the rest of the world, we want to assure you that the things we do here in Ghana, we will continue to work together with a sense of patriotism and the fear of God,” he added.

ANY CHAOS IN GHANA WILL BE CAUSED THROUGH THE CYBER SPACE -OSEI KOFI ACQUAH TIPS NATIONAL SECURITY

This Month of October is being observed as a Cyber Security awareness month.

This is because half of the daily life of the ordinary Ghanaian is spent on the Cyber space through an electronic gadget.

If it is not on the social media platforms, then it is on reading what is happening around the world from the News portals.

It has even gotten to the level of transacting businesses thus buying and selling online.

From B2C, to C2G, C2C, C2B and B2B among others, a lot of attention has been given to Cyber Security as far as Corporate Business is concerned.

What has been eluding us as a country is the threat this same free, unchecked and uncensored access to the Cyber Space pose to us as a country.

Today one Cyber Security threat which we are not concerned about is how anybody can switch on at least their phone camera and do a live video without a censored and sometimes even planned content.

Most of these live videos propagate false allegations, insult the well respected personalities in our country and muddies the hard earned reputation of some Patriots.

Today some uncategorized “Professionals” who calls themselves bloggers just throw anything into the Cyber Space which reaches millions of people.

It is unclear either these people are Journalist or private individuals.

Unfortunately neither the National Security nor the media commission seems bothered about the activities of these people.

As someone who patronize the social media platforms alot, and as someone who has a bit of knowledge in Cyber Security and Data Forensics, I can confidently say that if ever there is going to be any form of disturbances, Chaos and unrest in this country, it will start from the Cyberspace

I therefore propose that the National Cyber Security authority together with the National Security should look beyond educating Ghanaians on how to prevent petty Cyber frauds etc and look at the bigger picture, especially how the Unregulated Cyber Security Space poses a National Security threat to our country Ghana.

Source:MG Digital

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The People’s National Convention (PNC) has written to the the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to cause the arrest of its 2020 Presidential Candidate, David Apasera, for “stealing a Toyota Landcruiser vehicle and changing the documentation of the vehicle to his name and also investigate which DVLA office/official helped him to change the document to his name”.

The petition was written by General Secretary Janet Asana Nabla on Wednesday, October 25.

According to the petition, the vehicle was given to the party by former Presidential Candidate Dr Edward Nasigre Mahama but later handed over to Mr Apasera prior to the 2020 elections to facilitate his campaign.

“At the end of the elections, he was supposed to return the vehicle back to the Party, but he deliberately refused and the party lodged complaint with the Nima Police Station, the Greater Regional Police Command and also the National CID Headquarters,” the petition noted.

Party officials later impounded the vehicle in a scuffle during which the Cantonments Police intervened.

According to the petition, though the vehicle was supposed to have been with the police, Mr Apasera was later seen driving it.

Upon interrogation, the party was told the 2020 flagbearer had presented valid documents from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) for the vehicle.

It said the Attorney General was, consequently, petitioned over the ‘missing’ vehicle from police custody.

“On the 16th of October, 2023, we received a response from the Attorney General that they have referred the case to the police for further investigations,” the petition said.

“Three party officers were sent to the Attorney General office to verify which police station/office was this case referred to and the principal state attorney who wrote the letter said the Director General of the CID office.

“We are therefore writing this petition to the Director General of the CID to take this issue seriously and to allow the law to work.

“If an ordinary Ghanaian can go to prison for stealing foodstuff, then the same law should operate when a politician commits fraud.”

The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah has asked the Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate allegations of organized crime in the award of road contracts.

This follows a viral video in which a former Rector of GIMPA, Prof. Stephen Adei claimed there was corruption in the public sector concerning the award of road contracts.

Prof Adei speaking in an interview with Accra-based TV3 on Friday, October 20, 2023, said he had information to the effect that persons seeking road contracts were told: “Road contracts will be given to you, provided you pay 1 million upfront….”

Hon.Kwasi Amoako- Attah

The Roads Ministry in a statement issued on Monday indicated that “These allegations are surprising at the least because the processes leading to the award of road contracts are open, transparent, competitive and by the law.”

“Given that the alleged conduct borders on the commission of a crime against the Republic, the Minister of Roads and Highway, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, has today, 23rd October 2023, requested the Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) to fully investigate the allegations.”

The Ministry further assured the public that it would cooperate fully and support EOCO in the conduct of its investigation.Source:Abigail Arthur