Martin Kpebu is a legal practitioner

Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has expressed strong disapproval of the decision by the embattled Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo to engage the services of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame, as her legal counsel in the court case seeking to halt her removal process.

Reacting to Torkornoo’s suit, Kpebu described her choice of legal representation as “terrible,” arguing that Godfred Dame’s past controversies, particularly the leaked audio tape from the Ambulance case trial involving Richard Jakpa, have tarnished his image and could potentially affect the entire suit.

“The optics are very bad in her choice of Gofred Dame as lawyer. It’s terrible and I can’t believe it. People had made comments earlier on, so I thought the Chief Justice would have taken a cue from it,” he said on TV3 on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

The legal luminary, in his argument, stated that Dame’s actions in the Jakpa case exhibited gross misconduct, which, in any other circumstance, would have ended his legal career.

He maintained that, given Dame’s supposed tarnished image, Torkornoo should not have associated herself with him, adding that it could raise suspicions of alleged connivance between the two, especially since Dame was not made to appear before the General Legal Council despite the tape implicating him at the time Torkornoo was in power as Chief Justice.

“Dame in the Jakpa tape did a lot of unethical things like coaching a witness to go and lie to the court, asking the witness to get a fake medical report, saying that Akufo-Addo and Ofori-Atta were on his neck to use the judicial system to prosecute Ato Forson and Jakpa – So, that’s persecution. Using the judicial system for their own political ends, and the tape is official. It was admitted as evidence in court,” he said.

“So, for the rest of Gofred Dame’s life, that tape is him. Whether the case goes to the General Legal Counsel or not, whether he is found liable or not, the judge admitted the tape as authentic so, for a lawyer who is done such a thing, and many lawyers are saying he should be sanctioned by the general legal counsel, and yet he has been chosen by the suspended Chief Justice as a lawyer begins to raise a lot of suspicions. Is it because of the alliance that Godfred Dame didn’t appear before the General Legal Council, or that Godfred Dame has not been sanctioned? She should have seen all of that,” he added.

Kpebu concluded by stating that Torkornoo might end up regretting her choice of legal representation once hearings for her case begin, urging her to immediately disengage her lawyer.

“Other things will come up, other news and information will come up that will make this choice more terrible than it already appears, and so, the best thing for the Chief Justice to do is to disengage Dame. Dame leading her in this case is a terrible engagement,” he stressed.

MAG/VPO

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Adjaye Associates is proud to announce the design of the International Children’s Cancer Research Centre (ICCRC) at Kyebi in the Eastern Region of Ghana, a landmark project that reimagines the future of paediatric healthcare across West Africa, for the Wish4Life Foundation.

The ICCRC is set on a 225,000m² site on the eastern slopes of the Atewa Range. The centre is envisioned as a holistic sanctuary for healing, research, teaching, and community.

It will be the first institution in West Africa dedicated exclusively to the treatment of childhood cancers. The ambition is transformative: to increase survival rates from the region’s current approximation of 10 per cent to levels approaching the 80 per cent benchmark seen in the United States.

The project represents a new model for paediatric care rooted in local traditions, supported by global excellence, and built to be financially selfsustaining.

Drawing inspiration from the Akan belief that illness is a disruption of personal and communal harmony, the ICCRC masterplan is rooted in biophilic design principles that integrate built space with the surrounding forested landscape.

Visitors enter through a Welcome Centre, designed to initiate a sensory transition from the outside world
into a space of care. Across the campus, courtyards inspired by the traditional Akan Fihankra provide pockets of light, air, and reflection, offering restorative spaces for patients, families, and medical staff.

Buildings are constructed using rammed earth, composite earth slabs, timber, and clay brickwork; materials that are locally sourced and shaped by local hands. The design speaks a contemporary language while remaining rooted in Ghanaian traditions.

Pre-cast low-carbon concrete screens that shade clinical and research buildings reference Kente weaving patterns, embedding ancestral memory and cultural identity into the architecture.

The campus is conceived as a self-sufficient ecosystem. Passive cooling, site-specific orientation, and photovoltaic energy systems ensure sustainability and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

This integration of ancestral knowledge with modern technology is a hallmark of Adjaye Associates’
approach.

The ICCRC campus includes a children’s hospital, advanced research laboratories, a training institute for
Africa’s next generation of oncologists, staff and family residences, a chapel, and a dedicated family support centre. Rather than isolated silos, these components form an interconnected system.

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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.

By Joyce Danso  

Accra, May 22, GNA – An Accra Circuit Court has ordered the arrest of Lukeman Abdul-Karim, a 27-year-old businessman, for failing to appear before it.   

Abdul-Karim allegedly collected GH₵149,000 from the complainant under the pretext of providing CFA equivalent but failed to do so.  

When the case was called, Abdul-Karim was absent, prompting the prosecution to request a bench warrant for his arrest.   

The court, presided over by Mr. Samuel Bright Acquah, granted the request and issued the bench warrant.   

The case was adjourned to June 16, 2025.   

According to the prosecution, Daniel Attah, the complainant, is a businessman, while Abdul-Karim, who resides in West Hills, Accra, falsely claimed to be a forex bureau operator.   

In January 2025, Abdul-Karim convinced Attah that he could exchange Cedis into foreign currencies and collected GH₵149,000 from him.   

After receiving the money, he failed to deliver the CFA equivalent and gave excuses.   

On January 25, 2025, Attah reported the case to the police, leading to Abdul-Karim’s arrest.   

During investigations, Abdul-Karim refunded GH₵20,000 but failed to return the remaining amount.  

GNA  

Editing by Kenneth Sackey  

Dr Ato Forson receives $174 million capital gains tax payment from Newmont Corporation

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has stated that the government has received a $174 million capital gains tax payment from Newmont Corporation, following the mining giant’s sale of its Akyem Mine, which was valued at nearly $1 billion.

The amount constitutes a substantial portion of the estimated $220 million tax liability from the transaction.

Newmont also presented a $50 million cheque to the government representing Ghana’s carried interest in the deal.

At a brief ceremony in Accra, Dr Ato Forson received the payments and lauded Newmont for its tax compliance and transparency.

“I use this opportunity to remind you of the expectations of government under the Growth and Sustainability Levy, and urge you to continue in the spirit of transparency and partnership,” Dr Forson said.

He also gave assurances of government’s commitment to addressing long-standing infrastructure concerns in mining communities.

He made specific reference to the poor state of the Kumasi–Kenyasi road, a critical route serving areas affected by mining activities.

Dr Forson declared that formal discussions would begin immediately with the Ministry of Roads and Highways to rehabilitate the road, adding that the project is expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months.

SP/VPO

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By Joyce Danso 

Accra, May 21, GNA – Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has filed an application at the Supreme Court to restrain the committee probing petitions for her removal from office. 

The injunction application, filed on May 21, 2025, names the Attorney-General and members of the committee as respondents. 

Justice Torkornoo is seeking 15 reliefs, including the setting aside of the presidential warrant suspending her from office, dated April 22, 2025. 

The application, sighted by the Ghana News Agency, seeks an order from the apex court to restrain the committee established by the President to inquire into three petitions against her. 

She is also seeking an order against Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, chair of the committee, and members Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Daniel Yaw Domelovo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah, from proceeding with the inquiry under Article 146(6), as outlined in the President’s letter dated April 22, 2025. 

The Chief Justice is seeking a declaration that, “upon a true and proper interpretation of Articles 17(1) and (2), 19(13) and (14), 23, 146(7) and (8), 28(1) and 295(1) of the Constitution, the right of a Chief Justice to a public hearing and all the incidents of fair hearing may only be excluded in the matter of public morality, public safety, or public order.” 

She is also asking the court to interpret Articles 146(1), (2), (4), 125(3) and (4), 127(1) and (2), and 296 of the Constitution to establish that the President’s determination of a prima facie case, as conveyed in the April 22, 2025 letter along with her suspension, “constituted an unjustified attempt to remove her as the head of Ghana’s Judiciary” and “an undue infringement on the independence of the Judiciary.” 

The Chief Justice contends that the failure to serve her with a reasoned prima facie determination before constituting the committee violated her right to a fair hearing and substantive justice. 

She argued this rendered the proceedings “null and void.” 

Additionally, she seeks a declaration that “upon a true and proper interpretation of Articles 146(1), (2), (4), 23 and 296 of the Constitution, and Sections 1, 2, and 4 of the Oaths Act,” the three defendants—Domelovo, Major Dalugo, and Prof. Dzisah—“are not qualified to undertake the functions entrusted on them as members of the committee set by the President to inquire into the petitions against the Plaintiff.” 

GNA 

Edited by Kenneth Sackey 

In a bold initiative that perfectly aligns with this year’s Global Biodiversity Day theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,” Nviron Hive and LFY Arena are launching Abonten Walks on May 22nd, 2025. This innovative program offers organizations and communities a unique opportunity to contribute to Ghana’s conservation efforts while promoting wellness and team cohesion.

Wellness and Conservation: A Harmonious Blend

“Nurturing wellness, restoring nature, building community—one tree at a time” is the guiding philosophy behind Abonten Walks, according to Nviron Hive Co-founder Otema Yirenkyi. The program crafts immersive experiences that combine strategic tree planting, guided wellness activities, and meaningful connection with Ghana’s breathtaking landscapes.

“What makes Abonten Walks truly innovative is how it seamlessly integrates corporate wellness objectives with tangible environmental action,” explains Founder of LFY Arena Kwaku Ofosuhene.

“Participants don’t just plant trees—they embark on a holistic journey that nurtures both personal and ecological well-being.” says, Joesphine, LYF Arena project manager.

Ghana’s Natural Treasures as Wellness Spaces

The Eastern Region’s stunning Atewa Range Forest Reserve serves as the flagship location for these transformative experiences. Participants begin their day with a local breakfast and mindfulness session overlooking mist-covered hills before embarking on guided hikes, wellness activities, and strategic tree planting.

Beyond Atewa, Abonten Walks plans to expand to other ecological treasures across Ghana. The cascading waters of Wli Falls in the Volta Region, with its 80-meter drop surrounded by lush forest, offers a spectacular backdrop for mindfulness practices. The ancient trees of Kakum National Park’s canopy walkway provide another potential setting where participants can literally walk among the treetops while contributing to conservation efforts below.

The sacred Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, with its protected colobus and mona monkeys, presents another unique opportunity for immersion in Ghana’s biodiversity while supporting habitat restoration. Meanwhile, the tranquil Lake Bosomtwe, nestled in an ancient meteorite crater and surrounded by forested hills, offers a serene setting for reflection and connection.

Technology Meets Tradition

What distinguishes Abonten Walks from typical corporate retreats or standard conservation efforts is its innovative measurement system. Each planted tree receives a QR-coded tag with GPS mapping, allowing organizations and their employees to track the growth and impact of their contributions.

“Participants can literally watch their trees grow over time through our digital platform,” notes Yirenkyi. “This creates a lasting connection between people and the forests they help restore.”

The program also tracks wellness metrics, providing organizations with data on how these experiences improve employee health and team dynamics over time. All measurements align with Ghana’s Forestry Commission standards and contribute to environmental impact calculations for corporate sustainability reports.

National Priorities, Global Impact

Abonten Walks strategically aligns with Ghana’s national conservation priorities, including Green Ghana Day initiatives, Forestry Commission-identified priority zones, and Ghana’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.

“Every tree planted through Abonten Walks contributes directly to Ghana’s afforestation targets while also building climate resilience and protecting crucial watersheds,” explains Nviron Hive Co-Founder Dzifa Amegashie. “We’re creating a model, where business success and environmental restoration work in perfect harmony.”

Membership for Impact

Organizations can join at various membership tiers, from Green Pioneers to Conservation Champions, with each level offering increased participation and impact. Special tiers for associations and communities make the program accessible to diverse groups.

“Whether you’re a corporation looking to enhance your ESG profile or a university alumni group seeking meaningful connection, Abonten Walks offers a customized path to making a difference,” says Ofosuhene.

Join the Movement

On Global Biodiversity Day, Nviron Hive and LFY Arena extends an invitation to organizations across Ghana to become founding members of this groundbreaking initiative.

“There’s something profoundly transformative about standing together with your colleagues, hands in the soil, creating new life in these ancient forests,” reflects Yirenkyi. “These experiences forge connections—to nature, to each other, and to something greater than ourselves.” explains Nviron Hive Co-Founder, Kwame Agyepong

Organizations interested in becoming catalysts for positive environmental change while investing in their people can schedule a consultation through Nviron Hive’s website. The first Abonten Walks experience will take place on June 14th, 2025, at Ananse Akuraa with additional dates opening throughout the year.

In a world where employee wellness programs and environmental initiatives often exist in separate silos, Abonten Walks offers an integrated approach that honours the 2025 Global Biodiversity Day theme by creating true harmony between human development and the natural world—one tree, one step, and one breath at a time.

As Ghana continues its journey toward economic transformation, the role of agribusiness has taken center stage. Amid these developments, the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, in collaboration with 2SCALE, a Dutch-funded programme focused on inclusive agribusiness development in Sub-Saharan Africa has hosted the Impact Drivers Seminar.

This will help advance conversations around equity, sustainability, and shared prosperity in agribusiness.

The President of the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, Sherif Ghali, has called for a paradigm shift towards inclusive and sustainable business models in Ghana’s agribusiness sector, emphasizing their potential to unlock the country’s economic growth and improve livelihoods.

He made the remarks at the Impact Drivers Seminar organized by the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs in collaboration with 2SCALE, a programme focused on inclusive agribusiness.

According to Mr. Ghali, “We want to get the inclusive business model out there and start looking at how Ghanaian indigenous businesses can adopt the model to be able to reach out.

Ghana is one of the countries and our economy need inclusive business more, so that we just don’t do business for profit, but we do business for impact, and that’s why we say your impact will drive your returns”.

Echoing his sentiments, Jail Zakaria, Country Team Leader for 2SCALE, urged the government to institutionalize inclusive business practices as a national standard. He believes making inclusivity a criterion for doing business in Ghana will support vulnerable communities, especially those at the base of the pyramid, and enhance food security.

“Given that Ghana is shifting towards the golden age of business, it is important for us either as governments or as development practitioners to begin to include inclusive business criteria in how we engage business. For instance, if the government is holding out their 24-hour economic policy, can they include things like inclusive business as a criteria in terms of the evaluation that we do? And that is how we can get inclusive business on a wider scale”, he stated.

The Impact Drivers Seminar served as a platform for stakeholders to explore collaborative efforts in building equitable business ecosystems that cater to all segments of society, particularly within the agribusiness space.

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Paul Twum Barimah, Former Member of Parliament for Dormaa East

Former Member of Parliament for Dormaa East, Paul Apraku Twum Barimah, has called for a reduction in electricity tariffs, citing the ongoing stabilization and appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi.

The cedi has recorded significant gains against the U.S. dollar in recent months, prompting calls from stakeholders for a corresponding adjustment in utility tariffs.

Despite this currency strength, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) implemented a 14.75% increase in electricity tariffs effective May 3, 2025, citing factors such as exchange rate fluctuations, inflation, and fuel costs.

Cedi’s upward trajectory

As of May 21, 2025, the cedi had strengthened to GH¢12.22 per U.S. dollar, marking an 8.44% year-to-date appreciation from GH¢16.53 in November 2024. This gain is attributed to several factors, including the Bank of Ghana’s $490 million in forex interventions, increased gold reserves, and an improvement in gross international reserves, which stood at $9.4 billion in March 2025, up from $6.2 billion the previous year.

Tariff hike amid currency strength

The PURC’s recent tariff adjustment was based on a weighted average exchange rate of GH¢15.6974 per U.S. dollar, significantly higher than the current rate.

The Commission explained that the increase was necessary to recover 50% of an outstanding revenue shortfall of GH¢976 million from previous quarters in 2024.

Stakeholder Reactions

The Ghana Hotels Association and the Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) have both expressed concern over the tariff hikes. The Hotels Association noted that electricity accounts for over 20% of operational costs and warned that the increase could threaten business sustainability.

GUTA, on the other hand, described the PURC’s decision as unjustified and criticized inefficiencies within the utility sector that ultimately burden consumers.

Calls for tariff reassessment

With the cedi’s ongoing appreciation, stakeholders are calling for a reassessment of electricity tariffs to reflect the reduced cost of importing fuel, which is priced in U.S. dollars.

They argue that if currency depreciation is used to justify tariff increases, then currency appreciation should logically result in reductions, providing relief to both consumers and businesses.

Looking ahead

“As the cedi continues its upward trend, there is growing pressure on the PURC to consider these gains in future tariff reviews. Stakeholders advocate for a transparent and responsive pricing mechanism that aligns with economic indicators, ensuring that consumers benefit from favorable market conditions,” Twum Barimah stated.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has launched a 100-day preventive maintenance exercise on power lines across the Ashanti Region.

The move aims to ensure a stable power supply during storms.

In addition to the maintenance works, ECG is intensifying efforts to crack down on scrap dealers and other individuals who steal power installations, which disrupt electricity supply throughout the region.

Vandalism and theft of ECG installations, including transformers, cables, and protective equipment, have been on the rise in the Ashanti Region. A recent theft incident at the Adoato Substation tragically resulted in the death of one individual.

The Manager for the Ashanti West Region of ECG, Ing. George Amoah, emphasised the significant impact of these illegal activities on the company’s operations.

“We don’t want to run as a company. We need money for this company to ensure that everything goes well. We buy transformers, we buy poles, we buy conductors—almost everything that we use, we buy,” he said.

“And it is the same money that we get that we use. So if we steal, it means we’re not going to get it. Because when they continue to steal, it’s affecting us as a company, it’s affecting us as a nation,” he added.

As the rainy season sets in, exposed parts of vandalised installations present safety risks and could lead to imminent power fluctuations in the region.

Ashanti Regional Chairperson of the Ghana Association of Garages, Alhaji Luqman Mohammed Nuhu Apiedu, discussed the challenges in tackling the theft.

“The scrap dealers attack those of us who find out they are selling illegal items, like the ECG installations. This is preventing a lot of people from reporting cases of thievery like these,” he revealed.

To ensure a continued and stable power supply, ECG is conducting preventive maintenance on all critical installations in the region.

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.

Ghanaian media personality Nana Aba Anamoah

Ghanaian media personality Nana Aba Anamoah has thrown her support behind the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) following its ongoing decongestion exercise in some markets in Accra.

It may be recalled that over the past few days, the AMA has stormed several markets, such as the Kaneshie footbridges, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, and others, as part of a broader initiative to reclaim public spaces, improve sanitation, and prevent the unlawful occupation of critical infrastructure.

In a recent development, Nana Aba Anamoah took to her X (formerly Twitter) account on May 21, 2025, and urged those resisting the orders to vacate the pavements.

According to the media personality, the same individuals conducting business on the pavements often admire first-world countries for their beautiful cities, yet fail to support similar initiatives in Ghana.

“You’re happy to admire abrokyire but don’t want to support any effort to beautify our cities. Leave the damn pavements,” she said.

Nana Aba Anamoah further called on hawkers to stop selling on pavements and instead conduct their business in designated markets.

“Sell at the market! It’s wiser and most importantly safer for you and everyone,” she added.

Read the post below:

You’re happy to admire abrokyire but don’t want to support any effort to beautify our cities.

Leave the damn pavements.

Sell at the market! It’s wiser and most importantly SAFER for you and everyone.

— nana aba (@thenanaaba) May 21, 2025

JHM/MA

Meanwhile watch as Robert Klah given reasons why Charterhouse delayed TGMAs red carpet

Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called on both domestic and international investors to support Ghana’s energy sector, highlighting its critical role in realising the government’s proposed 24-hour economy.

Speaking at a high-level forum with Dream Power Africa, a leading solar energy company, at the Manhyia Palace, the Asantehene emphasised the need for consistent and accessible electricity to drive national development.

“Currently, the government has been talking about a 24-hour economy. If that is successful, then energy must also be available in rural areas, and industries will need it to function efficiently. So, from a wider perspective, it will all help in the development of this country,” he stated.

He stressed that without a reliable energy infrastructure, the 24-hour economy cannot be fully implemented, especially in remote communities where power access remains limited.

The 24-hour economy is a flagship policy of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), introduced in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections. It aims to stimulate continuous economic activity across sectors such as healthcare, ICT, manufacturing, and agriculture by promoting round-the-clock operations in both public and private institutions.

President John Dramani Mahama, who championed the policy, described it as a cornerstone of his broader industrialisation agenda and a strategic tool to address youth unemployment.

To support its implementation, Mahama appointed Augustus “Goosie” Tanoh as Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, with a mandate to lead the initiative’s rollout.

However, Ghana’s energy sector continues to face serious challenges, including frequent power outages and load-shedding, which undermine business productivity and economic progress.

Energy experts have long argued that investment in the sector generates significant economic returns, with each dollar spent creating a multiplier effect across the economy.

NAD/VPO