Solomon Owusu is the Director of Communications for the UP

The Director of Communications for the United Party, Solomon Owusu, has shot down claims that falling global crude oil prices are responsible for recent reductions in fuel prices at Ghanaian pumps and not solely government actions.

Speaking in an interview on Joy Prime in a review of President John Dramani Mahama’s one year in office, Owusu countered the assertions by some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) about the fuel price reduction.

He jabbed the outgone NPP government, claiming that if they were to be in power, the recent capture of the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the US government would have been used to explain rising fuel prices.

“As we speak, America has entered Venezuela. That country has the highest oil deposit – 303 billion barrels. Can you imagine if it was the NPP that was in power? This would have been an avenue to say that that’s why the cedi is going up. Everything must affect us,” he jabbed.

Local fuel prices will ‘inevitably’ be affected by surge in global oil prices – Economist

Owusu pointed out that Ghana is a net exporter of crude oil, therefore, rising oil costs during the NPP administration should have benefitted Ghana’s export revenues and, by extension, the cedi.

“But you see, you must not buy this argument. When it comes to fuel, do you know that Ghana is a net exporter of crude? So, if the prices [of oil] are going up, it means you have to benefit from it because we are also exporting crude. If anybody comes to give you this excuse, what it means is that they do not respect you,” he said.

Watch the video below:

ID/AE

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, says that prosecution of criminal trials is largely controlled by the judiciary and not solely by the prosecuting authorities.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, January 10, Dr Ayine said he remains unable to proceed to court over matters relating to the National Cathedral project until he receives a forensic audit report, which he described as critical to any potential prosecution.

“And even the National Cathedral, for instance, I am still waiting for the forensic report. I cannot proceed to court on the National Cathedral unless the forensic report is given to me,” he stated.

His comments come after former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo stated that the credibility of the anti-corruption fight now rests largely on how the Attorney-General handles high-profile cases submitted under the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative.

Dr Ayine expressed surprise at criticisms from some individuals, including the former Auditor-General, who has called for quicker action on high-profile cases.

He argued that such criticisms often overlook the realities of criminal litigation.

“For people like Domelevo, I am a bit surprised that they know that even when I have filed a case in court, the speed of the case does not depend exclusively on me,” he said.

The Attorney-General explained that once a matter enters the courts, the conduct and pace of proceedings fall under the authority of the judiciary.

“What we have to understand is that, first of all, a criminal trial is a judiciary-controlled process,” he noted.

To illustrate his point, Dr Ayine cited the issue of adjournments, which are at the discretion of the presiding judge.

“If a judge says, ‘I am giving an adjournment of one month or two months’, and I plead with the judge or my lawyers plead with the judge to give a shorter adjournment and the judge refuses, what do I do in that case?” he asked. “I cannot compel the judge to give a shorter adjournment.”

While acknowledging public demands for swift justice, Dr Ayine said he is committed to expediting cases where possible, but cautioned against rushing prosecutions at the expense of thoroughness and legal soundness.

“And so if people like him say I should speed up, yes, I will speed up,” he said.

“But I don’t want to speed up and then trip along the line, and the same people will say, ‘well, Ayine didn’t do his work well; that is why he is tripping.’”

The Attorney-General stressed that his approach is guided by the need to build strong, defensible cases that can withstand judicial scrutiny, particularly in complex and high-profile matters such as the National Cathedral project.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has paid a morale-boosting visit to Mohammed Salisu in France as the defender continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.

The AS Monaco centre-back suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a French Ligue 1 encounter against Olympique Lyonnais, a setback that has ruled the 26-year-old out for the remainder of the season.

The injury also casts serious doubt over his availability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Following successful surgery, Addo met Salisu to offer personal encouragement and discuss Ghana’s World Cup ambitions, reaffirming the defender’s importance to the national team despite the long road to recovery ahead.

Prior to the injury, Salisu had established himself as a key figure in Monaco’s defence, delivering assured performances in the absence of Soungoutou Magassa Mawissa and experienced centre-back Eric Dier. He made 12 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring once.

Addo has recently adopted a proactive and supportive approach with his players, making similar visits to Abdul Mumin, Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah and other Black Stars players sidelined by injury.

The Black Stars coach is expected to announce his final World Cup squad on June 1.