A 25-year-old painter, Kelvin Boateng, has been sentenced to three years in prison for stealing a laptop from an office in La Kojo Sardine, Accra.
Boateng was caught after he scaled a fence to enter the office premises on December 31, 2024. He snuck into one of the rooms and took an HP laptop but was spotted by a witness while trying to escape. He fled and hid in an uncompleted building, but the complainant, Mc Dennis Appau, and other witnesses pursued him and retrieved the stolen device.
The police arrested Boateng, and during interrogation, he admitted to the crime. He pleaded guilty to unlawful entry and stealing in court, leading to his conviction by Judge Christina Cann. As he was escorted in handcuffs to begin his sentence, Boateng broke down in tears.
About the author
62-Year-Old Businesswoman Remanded Over $13K Fraud
Nana Ama Nwurueze, a 62-year-old self-styled businesswoman, has been remanded by the Adabraka District Court in Accra for allegedly defrauding another businesswoman, Dorothy Asare, of $13,000. Nwurueze reportedly posed as a wealthy businesswoman with substantial properties, including Ohemaa Plaza in East Legon, fishing vessels in Takoradi, and a house at Airport, to deceive the complainant.The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Apewa Achana, has charged Nwurueze with defrauding by false pretenses. She was arrested after a bench warrant was issued against her in December last year. Despite pleading not guilty, her bail application was denied, as the court determined she was a flight risk. The case was initially reported to the Airport Police Station in 2021, but attempts to arrest her were unsuccessful until her eventual arrest in March 2024. Following her arrest, she was granted police inquiry bail but went […]
President Mahama Nominates 71 New DCEs Pending Approval
President John Mahama has nominated 71 new District Chief Executives (DCEs) across various districts in Ghana, pending approval by local Assembly members. This move is aimed at strengthening local governance as these executives are expected to play a crucial role in the management of their respective districts.An official statement detailing the nominations was signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Secretary to the President, and addressed to the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.While most districts have their nominees, the nomination for the Kpando district is still pending. The new DCEs will need to be confirmed by the Assembly members in their respective districts before they officially take up their roles.
FIC Freezes Accounts of Bills Micro-Credit Founder, Richard Nii Armah Quaye
The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has frozen all accounts associated with Richard Nii Armah Quaye, the founder of Bills Micro-Credit. This includes accounts linked to Bills Micro-Credit, Quick Credit and Investment Micro-Credit, as well as an account of Romeo-Richlove Kweku Seshie, the Chief Executive Officer of Bills Micro-Credit.The action follows a letter from the FIC, in line with Section 56(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044), and applies to all accounts connected to the named individuals, pending further instructions. The FIC’s role involves analyzing suspicious transactions related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.The move comes after a statement from the Ghana Revenue Authority revealing that Nii Armah Quaye is undergoing a personal income tax assessment for over GHS 30 million in unpaid taxes. This freeze is part of regular regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with […]
Over 1,350 ECG Containers Missing from Tema Harbour Amid Procurement Breaches – Energy
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has raised significant concerns over the disappearance of more than 1,350 containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) from the Tema Harbour. A committee tasked with investigating the matter has uncovered serious procurement breaches that have been ongoing for several years.Jinapor shared a 103-page report on the matter, describing the findings as alarming, with a clear indication of irregularities that have affected the country’s energy sector. The Minister emphasized that law enforcement agencies would be involved to ensure that those responsible for the missing containers and procurement violations are held accountable.The disappearance of the containers and the associated procurement irregularities have sparked concerns about transparency and accountability within Ghana's energy sector, urging the government to take swift action.
Ex-FIFA Chief Blatter and Platini Cleared in Corruption Case
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and French soccer legend Michel Platini have been cleared of corruption charges by a Swiss court. The pair were accused of authorizing a 2 million Swiss franc payment to Platini in 2011. The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove the payment was fraudulent, acknowledging their consistent account of an oral agreement for the payment.The decision marks the end of a long-running legal battle, which began in 2015 and resulted in their suspension from football by FIFA. Both Blatter and Platini expressed relief following the verdict. Platini declared that his honor had been restored, while Blatter described the case as a burden that had hung over him for years.Swiss federal prosecutors are reviewing the decision and may appeal to the Swiss Federal Court.
Idris Elba Honored as a Son of Ga Land, Announces Film Studio Project in Accra
On March 25, 2025, renowned British actor and filmmaker Idris Elba was honored as a son of Ga Land in a grand ceremony at the Ga Mantse Palace in Accra. The event, under the reign of King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, celebrated Elba’s contributions to the African diaspora and his dedication to developing Ghana’s creative industry.Elba’s visit included an exciting announcement: he plans to build a world-class film studio and school on 22 acres of land near Osu Castle. This project aims to provide training, employment, and a creative hub for young Ghanaian talent, with a focus on African cinema.King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the need to guide the youth and advance the creative arts. The announcement was met with applause and marked a significant moment for Ghana’s growing role in the global […]
Related
Justice Dzamefe: Ghana’s Legal Education Needs Reform to Address Modern Challenges
At his parliamentary vetting on June 16, 2025, Supreme Court nominee Justice Senyo Dzamefe urged a comprehensive overhaul of Ghana's legal education curriculum. He emphasized the need to modernize legal training, enhance accessibility, and ensure quality standards. 1. Decentralisation with Quality Assurance Justice Dzamefe supported the decentralisation of legal education, allowing law training outside of Accra—but stressed it must not compromise standards. He noted the importance of proximity to courts for practical training, such as at the Makola campus. “We have to weigh two things – quality as against quantity… if we have the facilities to regulate…and faculties supervised to meet required standards, then fine.” 2. Curriculum for the Modern Lawyer Dzamefe’s vision includes: Practical learning—moot courts, vocational clinics, internships; Emphasis on legal reasoning, statutory interpretation, and real-world problem-solving; Integration of tech—AI for transcription, virtual courts, and digital tools to prepare […]
PassionAir Reaffirms Safety Pledge Following Weather‑Related Turbulence
On Saturday, June 14, 2025, PassionAir Flight OP 149 en route from Kumasi to Accra encountered moderate turbulence. The airline issued a formal apology, attributing the event to seasonal weather fluctuations, and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to passenger safety. 1. The Incident Passengers reported a sudden bump during the flight as the plane entered a turbulent air pocket. While no serious injuries occurred, the airline acknowledged discomfort and extended apologies to those affected. 2. Weather as the Cause PassionAir explained that the ongoing rainy season brings varied and unpredictable conditions—such as ** thunderstorms, high-altitude winds, crosswinds**, and rapid temperature changes—all contributing to instability in the skies. 3. Safety Measures in Place To prevent similar incidents: Flight planning protocols are continuously updated using real-time meteorological data. Pilots maintain close coordination with aviation weather authorities. The airline emphasized that its fleet, pilot training, and […]
State Media Eye Financial Relief as Minister Appeals to Parliament for Tax Exemptions
On Monday, June 16, 2025, the Minister, Kwakye Ofosu, officially appealed to Parliament for tax exemptions and financial support aimed at stabilizing Ghana’s state media—including the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). The move is part of a broader initiative to modernize public media infrastructure and safeguard media independence. 1. Equipment Import Duty Relief The Minister highlighted that GBC requires GH¢36 million to establish six new regional stations. To support this expansion, he proposed waiving import duties on essential equipment such as FM transmitters and production gear—a step intended to lower setup costs and expedite deployment. 2. Support for Utility Debt GBC currently owes approximately GH¢18.8 million to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Northern Electricity Company (NEDCo). The Minister confirmed that the Office of the Chief of Staff is working to facilitate the settlement of these arrears, ensuring continuity of broadcast services. […]
Ghana Loses $11 Billion to Gold Smuggling in UAE Opacity Exposed by Report
A new report by Swissaid has uncovered that Ghana lost an estimated $11.4 billion—approximately 229 tonnes of gold—to smuggling between 2019 and 2024. The smuggled gold was largely carried via porous borders into neighboring countries and trafficked informally into the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 1. The Smuggling Gap The report reveals a 229 metric-ton discrepancy between Ghana’s recorded gold exports and what countries like the UAE reported as imports originating from Ghana—valued at $11.4 billion over five years. Much was carried via hand luggage on flights into Dubai. 2. Smuggling Routes & Tax Drivers Smugglers frequently route gold through Togo, Burkina Faso, and Mali, taking advantage of lax border controls. The 2019 withholding tax hike (3%) pushed many miners toward illicit channels, with a subsequent reduction in 2022 and full removal in 2023 only partially reversing the trend. 3. Impact & Reform In […]
Education Ministry Consoles Families of Drowned Lawra SHS Students
In response to the tragic drowning of seven students from Lawra Senior High School, Ghana’s Ministry of Education, along with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and NADMO, has offered heartfelt condolences and support to the bereaved families. 1. Rescue Recovery Efforts The canoe carrying ten cadet-based SHS students capsized on the Black Volta River (River Dikpe) on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a routine jogging session. While three students managed to swim to safety, seven tragically drowned. The final two bodies were recovered early Sunday morning, ending a nearly 24-hour search operation by a combined team of volunteers, police, GES officials, and NADMO personnel. 2. Ministry’s Consolation Role As verification of the recovery effort, officials from the Ministry of Education, GES, and regional disaster managers visited the affected families to express condolences and coordinate psychosocial and financial assistance. The Director-General […]
Ablakwa Announces Stricter Visa Regulations to Block Illegal Mining Nationals
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced stricter visa requirements aimed at preventing the entry of foreign nationals intending to participate in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey). The announcement follows his recent diplomatic talks in China, where the focus was on stemming the flow of would-be galamsey operators from regions such as Nanning. 1. Why the New Visa Rules? Officials warn that some visas are being exploited by foreign nationals looking to engage in illegal mining. The new procedures will screen applicants more closely for intended engagement in galamsey, especially in regions known for sending illegal miners to Ghana. 2. Diplomatic Push in China During a June 14 meeting with Nanning city officials—including the Vice Mayor—Ablakwa described discussions as "frank and positive." He emphasized that the Mahama administration will not tolerate illegal mining whether by locals or foreigners, and […]