General Corporal Frank Essel, a driver with the SWAT Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service, was brutally gunned down on May 19, 2016, during an armed robbery at the Open Space Hotel in Denchemuoso, near Kumasi.

The cold-blooded murder shocked the nation and set off an eight-year manhunt that culminated in the arrest of the prime suspect, Michael Owusu Ansah, alias “Baby Last,” on April 2, 2025.

The night of the murder

The events of May 19, 2016, unfolded around 9 PM when a gang of masked armed robbers stormed the Open Space Hotel.

According to police reports, the robbers demanded that two receptionists lead them to guest rooms to rob patrons. When the receptionists hesitated, the assailants shot one of them, prompting the other to flee.

In the chaos, Corporal Essel, who was seated in his Benz vehicle on the hotel premises, was fatally shot behind the wheel.

His police uniform, hanging in the front seat, was visible, though it remains unclear whether he was deliberately targeted or caught in the crossfire.

A police search later found his bullet-riddled body, leading to public and institutional outrage and grief across the Ashanti Region.

The Ashanti Regional Police Command, under intense pressure, vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Early breakthroughs of female mastermind arrest

In the immediate aftermath, the police launched a vigorous investigation.

On June 6, 2016, the police arrested one Abena Serwaa, a 28-year-old woman alleged to be the mastermind behind the robbery.

Deputy Ashanti Regional Police Commander, ACP Ampofo Duku, revealed that Serwaa had hired two other suspects to execute the heist.

Items recovered from her included GH¢1,487, suspected marijuana, and medical supplies.

However, the two hired accomplices, including the suspected triggerman, Michael Owusu Ansah, alias “Baby Last,” evaded capture, plunging the investigation into a prolonged stalemate.

Ansah’s ability to remain at large for nearly a decade frustrated law enforcement and the public.

Reports indicate he continued his criminal activities, allegedly orchestrating robberies at Denchemuoso, Atwima-Techiman, Asuoyeboah, and surrounding areas.

The case remained a priority for the Ashanti Regional Police, with DSP Godwin Ahianyo, the Public Relations Officer, noting that Ansah had been on the wanted list since 2016, during the tenure of Commissioner (Rtd) Kofi Boakye.

A breakthrough after 8-long-years

The tide turned on April 2, 2025, when the Police Intelligence Directorate, acting on a tip-off, apprehended Ansah, now 32, along with four accomplices: Emmanuel Owusu (alias Cassidy, 30), Maxwell Gyimah (alias Nana Kwame, 31), Sudais Oxford Ntiamoah (alias The Man Sudais), and Rhano Okyere (alias Demon).

A sixth suspect, identified only as Abedi, remains at large. The arrests, announced by the Ashanti Regional Police Command, marked a significant victory in one of the region’s longest-running criminal investigations.

Ansah, according to the police, confessed to his involvement in the 2016 robbery and murder, as well as other crimes across Kumasi.

Police recovered GH¢66,950, suspected to be proceeds from drug sales, along with other exhibits.

On May 13, 2025, the five suspects were arraigned before the Atasomanso Circuit Court and remanded in custody, with their next court appearance scheduled for June 4, 2025.

GA/AE

Senior Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah has stated that the Sammy Gyamfi-Nana Agradaa incident has made some individuals, particularly government appointees, skeptical about extending help to those in need.

She says the gesture, which sparked public outcry, has affected the willingness of some to show benevolence, fearing their actions might be recorded, circulated on social media, and get criticised.

See More ❯

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has been suspended under Article 146(10) of the 1992 Constitution

After weeks, the processes for the hearing of petitions for the removal of the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, is to begin.

This follows the institution of a five-member committee by President John Dramani Mahama to investigate the petitions seeking the removal of the CJ.

This action follows a recent determination of a prima facie case against her and is facilitated under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, done in consultation with the Council of State.

The announcement, made by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, underscores the government’s commitment to upholding judicial integrity and accountability.

The committee, composed of distinguished members from various sectors, will investigate the allegations against Chief Justice Torkornoo, and its findings will guide any subsequent actions.

Members of the Committee

Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang

Chairing the committee is Justice Pwamang, a seasoned member of the Supreme Court with extensive legal expertise.

Appointed to the apex court in 2015 through the recommendation of the Judicial Council of Ghana, Justice Pwamang has been a prominent figure in the judiciary.

Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu

Also on the committee is Justice Adibu-Asiedu, who has been an active member of the Supreme Court since 1996 and brings decades of legal experience to the panel.

He was sworn into the Supreme Court in 2022.

Daniel Yaw Domelevo

The committee features former Auditor-General, Daniel Yaw Domelevo, whose background in public service adds significant weight to the investigation, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo

Major Flora Dalugo, representing the Ghana Armed Forces, offers a unique perspective as the committee scrutinises the allegations against the Chief Justice, highlighting the interconnections between the judiciary and national security.

Professor James Sefah Dzisah

Rounding out the committee is Professor Dzisah, an associate professor at the University of Ghana, Legon.

His academic insights will provide valuable context and understanding as the committee works through the complexities of the case.

As the investigation unfolds, the committee is expected to present its findings, which will be crucial in determining the future actions regarding Chief Justice Torkornoo, who has been suspended under Article 146(10) of the Constitution, as advised by the Council of State.

NAD/AE

Lawyer and Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has called on the Supreme Court of Ghana to undertake more thorough and forward-looking constitutional interpretations in order to better guide the nation’s legal and democratic development.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, the MP emphasised that while no constitutional framework is perfect from the outset, it is the responsibility of the judiciary to progressively interpret and strengthen it over time.

“As a people, we must appreciate that nothing is perfect from the beginning. I was not expecting a flawless constitution, but I did expect a progressive society and a progressive Supreme Court. One that, when given the opportunity to interpret provisions, would offer a more forward-thinking and constructive perspective.”

Mr Baffour Awuah pointed to Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution as an example of an area where, in his view, the Supreme Court had fallen short.

“Let me be quoted correctly: I believe that on the issue of Article 146, it is the Supreme Court of the Republic of Ghana that has disappointed us—not the framers of the Constitution.”

He recalled former Chief Justice Madam Sophia Akuffo’s own remarks about the deficiencies in Article 146 and drew comparisons with other jurisdictions.

“In the United States, they do not have a constitution as voluminous as ours, yet theirs is interpreted in a way that gives it meaning and allows it to evolve. That’s why I like to reference the idea that a constitution is a living organism. When the opportunity comes, interpretation must be comprehensive; that is how growth happens.”

He highlighted three notable cases to illustrate his concerns: the Attorney-General v. Ghana Bar Association case, the Agyei Twum case, and the Thierry case.

In his view, the Court’s approach across these rulings lacked consistency and depth.

“In the Ghana Bar Association case, a certain perspective was taken. Then in Agyei Twum, the Court went a step further. But in the Thirry case, the Court did not even base its opinion on ratio decidendi, but on obiter dictum regarding what should be done with prima facie determinations.”

“These three cases clearly show that comprehensive work was not done by the Supreme Court in respect of Article 146. That’s why we are where we are today,” he said.

Mr Baffour Awuah stressed that the Court must ensure its rulings are grounded in thorough analysis that will stand the test of time.

“When cases come to the Supreme Court for determination, the Court must, with all due respect, do a thorough job by considering the implications for the future. Where we are today should inspire us to build stronger legal interpretations that guide our country forward.”

Beyond the judiciary, the MP urged fellow politicians to adopt a more nationalistic and holistic approach to governance.

“Let us, as politicians, begin to look at issues from a national perspective. When we are in office, it is for just four years. Tomorrow, the people of Manhyia South may decide that I should not return. That’s why we must act beyond partisan interests and think about the national good.”

He called for a more structured and transparent approach to handling matters related to Article 146.

“It is inappropriate for committees to create procedures on an ad hoc basis. There should be proper regulations, clearly established and known ahead of time, to govern such proceedings. That is the right and fair approach,” he concluded.

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.

Rawlings (with a microphone) and other junior officers staged a coup in 1979 to take power

On May 15, 1979, a charismatic and outspoken junior officer in the Ghana Air Force, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, led an audacious but unsuccessful coup attempt against the Supreme Military Council (SMC) government, headed by General Frederick WK Akuffo.

The failed putsch marked a pivotal moment in Ghana’s political history and set the stage for Rawlings’ eventual rise to power.

The 1970s were a period of economic hardships and political instability in Ghana.

Successive military regimes, including the SMC, which had been in power since 1972, struggled to address rampant inflation, unemployment, and widespread corruption.

General Akuffo, who assumed leadership of the SMC in 1978 after deposing General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, inherited a nation grappling with discontent.

His administration’s attempts at economic reforms and plans for a transition to civilian rule under a “Union Government” failed to quell public frustration.

Rawlings, then 31, had gained a reputation as a fiery critic of the military elite, accusing them of mismanagement and corruption.

On May 15, 1979, he and a group of junior officers and enlisted men attempted to seize control of the government.

The plot, however, was poorly coordinated and quickly thwarted by loyalist forces. Rawlings and his co-conspirators were arrested and detained to face a court-martial.

Far from fading into obscurity, the failed coup propelled Rawlings into the national spotlight.

His outspoken defense during the subsequent public trial resonated with a good section of the Ghanaian populace, who felt disillusioned with the status quo.

Rawlings condemned the SMC’s leadership, famously stating that the military hierarchy had betrayed the nation.

His trial, tagged by critics as intended to suppress dissent, instead amplified his popularity, particularly among the youth and lower ranks of the military.

The events of May 15, 1979, were a precursor to a more successful uprising.

On June 4, 1979, less than three weeks later, sympathetic junior officers and soldiers freed Rawlings from prison, launching a second coup that toppled the Akuffo regime.

The Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), with Rawlings as its leader, assumed power, promising to root out corruption and pave the way for democratic elections.

The AFRC’s brief rule was marked by controversial “house-cleaning” exercises, including the execution of senior military officers, including Akuffo and Acheampong, which remain divisive in Ghana’s historical memory.

Rawlings’ actions, though initially unsuccessful, laid the groundwork for his emergence as a transformative figure in Ghanaian politics, leading to his later presidency from 1981 to 2001.

GA/AE

Watch as Paul Adom Otchere offers advice to NDC footsoldiers

An old picture of Archbishop Charles Agyinasare R), praying with President John Dramani Mahama

The Founder of Perez Chapel International, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, has asserted that the outcome of the 2024 general elections was a strong message from Ghanaians.

He indicated that Ghanaians making John Dramani Mahama president again and giving him a two-thirds majority in Parliament was an indication that they are literally placing their lives in the hands of the president.

He said that the two-thirds majority Ghanaians gave to Mahama means that nothing can stop him from implementing all of his campaign promises.

The pastor, however, cautioned President Mahama against taking the will of the people for granted.

“If you have 2/3 of Parliament, it means that you can do anything at all you want. So, what Ghanaians were telling him was, we are giving you our lives. What you want to do, we don’t want you to have obstacles.

“Any law you want to pass, we want you to be able to pass it. But there are two things. When you have that kind of power, it can either get into your head, because it is said that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” he said.

He added; “Or it can make you sober to see that these people have given me their lives, let me do everything to protect them and to lift them up. I’ll reiterate that to him, that he shouldn’t take what we did this last election as Ghanaians for granted.”

Watch his remarks in the video below:

“Don’t take Ghanaians for granted, they have given you their lives” — Archbishop Agyinasare to President Mahama #PrimeMorning pic.twitter.com/c0GyHev51w

— Joy Prime (@JoyPrimeTV) May 14, 2025

BAI/AE

Watch as Paul Adom Otchere offers advice to NDC footsoldiers

Rawlings (with a microphone) and other junior officers staged a coup in 1979 to take power

On May 15, 1979, a charismatic and outspoken junior officer in the Ghana Air Force, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, led an audacious but unsuccessful coup attempt against the Supreme Military Council (SMC) government, headed by General Frederick WK Akuffo.

The failed putsch marked a pivotal moment in Ghana’s political history and set the stage for Rawlings’ eventual rise to power.

The 1970s were a period of economic hardships and political instability in Ghana.

Successive military regimes, including the SMC, which had been in power since 1972, struggled to address rampant inflation, unemployment, and widespread corruption.

General Akuffo, who assumed leadership of the SMC in 1978 after deposing General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, inherited a nation grappling with discontent.

His administration’s attempts at economic reforms and plans for a transition to civilian rule under a “Union Government” failed to quell public frustration.

Rawlings, then 31, had gained a reputation as a fiery critic of the military elite, accusing them of mismanagement and corruption.

On May 15, 1979, he and a group of junior officers and enlisted men attempted to seize control of the government.

The plot, however, was poorly coordinated and quickly thwarted by loyalist forces. Rawlings and his co-conspirators were arrested and detained to face a court-martial.

Far from fading into obscurity, the failed coup propelled Rawlings into the national spotlight.

His outspoken defense during the subsequent public trial resonated with a good section of the Ghanaian populace, who felt disillusioned with the status quo.

Rawlings condemned the SMC’s leadership, famously stating that the military hierarchy had betrayed the nation.

His trial, tagged by critics as intended to suppress dissent, instead amplified his popularity, particularly among the youth and lower ranks of the military.

The events of May 15, 1979, were a precursor to a more successful uprising.

On June 4, 1979, less than three weeks later, sympathetic junior officers and soldiers freed Rawlings from prison, launching a second coup that toppled the Akuffo regime.

The Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), with Rawlings as its leader, assumed power, promising to root out corruption and pave the way for democratic elections.

The AFRC’s brief rule was marked by controversial “house-cleaning” exercises, including the execution of senior military officers, including Akuffo and Acheampong, which remain divisive in Ghana’s historical memory.

Rawlings’ actions, though initially unsuccessful, laid the groundwork for his emergence as a transformative figure in Ghanaian politics, leading to his later presidency from 1981 to 2001.

GA/AE

Watch as Paul Adom Otchere offers advice to NDC footsoldiers

Ralph Poku-Adusei is a first-time MP, represent the Bekwai Constituency

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for the Bekwai Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Ralph Poku-Adusei, has opened up about life in the 9th Parliament of Ghana.

Speaking in an interview on GHOne TV on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the first-time MP said that things have been difficult for him so far.

He indicated that being in Parliament on the ticket of an opposition political party has been his bane.

“It’s actually difficult surviving in Parliament as an opposition MP. Perhaps, until you get in there, you won’t be declared as a Minority or Majority. It’s only when you get in that you know your fate, based on the results that had come out during the election.

“So, I would say being in Parliament and being in opposition is one of the things you wouldn’t even want to wish on your enemy. It’s a difficult task. It has been a very, very difficult journey,” he confessed.

The Bekwai legislator, however, indicated that he will do all he can to serve his constituents.

He added, “But then I must say that we are trying our best to hang in there, waiting for a good time (sic).”

Watch a video of his remarks below:

It’s difficult surviving in parliament as an opposition MP… – Ralph Poku-Adusei (MP, Bekwai)#GHOneNews #EIBNetwork#GHOneTV #NewsAlert#GHToday pic.twitter.com/T9NVsHAJpu

— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) May 14, 2025

BAI/AE

Watch as Paul Adom Otchere offers advice to NDC footsoldiers