By Stephen Kwabena Effah
Thursday, 27 November 2008.
Music producer, Isaac Abeiku Aidoo, popularly known as “Goodies,” and his wife, could not hold back their tears yesterday when an Accra Circuit Court handed him a 13-year jail term in hard labour for narcotic related offences.
Aidoo was sentenced to 13 years on each of the two counts of attempted exportation and possession of narcotic drugs without lawful authority. The sentence which took retrospective effect from April 23, 2008, will run concurrently.
The “extempore judgment” by the judge Mr. Mahamadu Iddrissu, came shortly after Aidoo pleaded for leniency because “I did not know that the substance I swallowed was cocaine.”
“My lord, I’m not a drug dealer and I have never involved myself in any drug problem before. I don’t smoke and don’t drink. How on earth would I put myself in this situation,” he pleaded in a trembling voice and with bowed head.
“I have not even seen cocaine before. I am somebody I don’t involve myself in such things. I did not know what I was carrying in my stomach. I am very humble” Aidoo pointed out at the end of his defence.
His wife, who sat alone at the back of the court room dressed in a red pair of trousers and a red-and-white top could not control her emotions as she also broke down in tears.
Aidoo, who is the Chief Executive of Goodies Music Production was sneaked from the court cells by Prison officers to prevent waiting press photographers from taking shots of him.
Although in court Aidoo wore a white decorated T-shirt over a blue pair of trousers when he eventually emerged from the cells he was in a green shirt.
Before he was taken from the courtroom to the court cell, his armed escort warned journalists not to take pictures of Aidoo when he was brought out.
In his “unsworn defence” in court Aidoo said that he was surprised when officials of the Narcotic Board told him that the substance he expelled upon his arrest in April 23 was cocaine.
“I was surprised because I never knew it was cocaine. I am very sorry for putting myself in such a situation. I have three children and a wife that I love so much and I am sorry I have disappointed them,” he said.
He therefore pleaded with the court for leniency, saying “I am pleading with you to give me mercy”.
Throughout the 20 minute defence, Aidoo, who appeared remorseful could not speak up and occasionally looked in the direction of his wife and then wiped his face with his palms.
The judge urged him to “take heart and put yourself together”.
Aidoo, told the court that he lived in Ghana but also worked in London raising funds to support
Ghana’s delegation to the Beijing Olympics.
He said he was going for a meeting in London when a spiritualist friend of his in London, whom he named as William asked him to bring him “something whose contents he did not know.
According to Aidoo, William told him that the thing was for spiritual purposes and didn’t want people to see”. He said William offered to give him 3,000 pound sterling upon delivery of the substance.
He said he was so overwhelmed by the huge sum promised him that he did not bother to find out the nature of the substance and readily agreed to the deal.
He said that on April 23, when he got to the airport, the narcotic officials asked him to surrender his travelling documents since they suspected him of carrying drugs.
“I told them no and I suggested to them to take me for an X-ray because I knew I was not having drugs.”
He said he was then taken to the 37 Military Hospital for an X-ray after which he was told that he had foreign materials in his stomach to “which I replied yes, but it’s not narcotic drugs”.
He was then taken to the Narcotics Control Board office “where I expelled the suspected drugs”, later, the officials told him that the substances he expelled were found to be cocaine upon testing by the Ghana Standards Board.
Mr.William Kpobi, Chief State Attorney, who led the prosecution team yesterday, described Aidoo’s defence as “overwhelming” and reminded the judge of the minimum sentence under the law for narcotics.
Responding to the plea, Mr.Mahamadu said he was not going to give him the minimum sentence under the law, but “he’ll definitely get beyond 10 years. In the circumstances I’ll give him 13 years”.
He said that the accussed had opportunity at the initial stages of the trial to have pleaded guilty and asked for mitigation of sentence, but for dragging the issue on, there was no way he would give him the minimum sentence.
Mr. Mahamadu said that the sentence is to send a signal to all that narcotic drug deals would not be countenance, in the country regardless of the personality involved.
He advised lawyers to examine cases thoroughly and dispassionately before taking them, so that they would not take “unpalatable cases”.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Judges Prepare For Poll Disputes
By Stephen K.Effah & Doris A. Antwi
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
SIXTY-FIVE judges and 10 experts in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) are being prepared to effectively and expeditiously handle election related disputes that may arise from the December polls.
The two-day training workshop, which began yesterday for Court of Appeal and High Court judges, will expose the participants to the electoral process, as well as procedural and substantive laws governing the adjudication of electoral disputes and offences.
Chief Justice Georgina Wood who opened the workshop, noted that the specialized nature of electoral adjudication made it “absolutely imperative” that judges were sensitized on their role.
In view of the constitutional mandates of courts to resolve all electoral disputes arising from elections, she said, “it is crucial that judges are adequately prepared to meet the challenges of adjudicating petitions that may arise from the upcoming elections”.
Mrs. Wood said “non-violence is what Ghanaians are seeking, before, during and after the December 7, polls so that they can carry on with their legitimate business in a peaceful manner.
To this effect, she said “they are counting on all the agencies mandated to oversee the conduct of the elections to manage their affairs in such a manner as will promote and ensure free, fair and transparent elections.”
The Chief Justice said “Ghana has no option than to do everything within its power to consolidate and deepen its democracy, as well as build on the socio-economic gains made so far.
“Duty calls us to exercise our mandate competently, that is fairly, effectively and expeditiously in consonance with the mission statement of the judicial service,” she told the judges.
Mrs Wood said some people have understandably questioned the applicability of ADR in election adjudication but noted that “in the context of election related litigation, ADR is not about power sharing.
“Court-connected ADR is part of mainstream judicial practice and is already being patronized by willing parties at the District Courts in particular.
The Chief Justice said that the possibility that a dispute may revolve solely around computation of figures in which case ADR might prove a better alternative, should not be lost on them.
Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Dr Kwadwo Afari Gyan lauded the judiciary for the workshop which he described as timely, as Ghana goes to the polls.
He said that the work of the Commission is subject to judicial review; hence, equipping the judges on the electoral processes is important.
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
SIXTY-FIVE judges and 10 experts in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) are being prepared to effectively and expeditiously handle election related disputes that may arise from the December polls.
The two-day training workshop, which began yesterday for Court of Appeal and High Court judges, will expose the participants to the electoral process, as well as procedural and substantive laws governing the adjudication of electoral disputes and offences.
Chief Justice Georgina Wood who opened the workshop, noted that the specialized nature of electoral adjudication made it “absolutely imperative” that judges were sensitized on their role.
In view of the constitutional mandates of courts to resolve all electoral disputes arising from elections, she said, “it is crucial that judges are adequately prepared to meet the challenges of adjudicating petitions that may arise from the upcoming elections”.
Mrs. Wood said “non-violence is what Ghanaians are seeking, before, during and after the December 7, polls so that they can carry on with their legitimate business in a peaceful manner.
To this effect, she said “they are counting on all the agencies mandated to oversee the conduct of the elections to manage their affairs in such a manner as will promote and ensure free, fair and transparent elections.”
The Chief Justice said “Ghana has no option than to do everything within its power to consolidate and deepen its democracy, as well as build on the socio-economic gains made so far.
“Duty calls us to exercise our mandate competently, that is fairly, effectively and expeditiously in consonance with the mission statement of the judicial service,” she told the judges.
Mrs Wood said some people have understandably questioned the applicability of ADR in election adjudication but noted that “in the context of election related litigation, ADR is not about power sharing.
“Court-connected ADR is part of mainstream judicial practice and is already being patronized by willing parties at the District Courts in particular.
The Chief Justice said that the possibility that a dispute may revolve solely around computation of figures in which case ADR might prove a better alternative, should not be lost on them.
Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Dr Kwadwo Afari Gyan lauded the judiciary for the workshop which he described as timely, as Ghana goes to the polls.
He said that the work of the Commission is subject to judicial review; hence, equipping the judges on the electoral processes is important.
Judge Slams 3 Investigators
By Stephen K. Effah & Doris Antwi
Thursday, 20 November 2008
A Circuit Court Judge yesterday reprimanded three police investigators for their lackadaisical attitude towards cases before him, saying their behaviour was affecting the speedy trial of the cases.
At the court’s sitting yesterday, the judge, Iddrisu Mahamadu, did not mince words in rebuking Detective Corporal Anokye Amaniampong, a police investigator with the Nima Police, for continuously holding two accused persons in police cells since August 2007.
Mr.Mahamadu said although the records in the case dockets indicated that the two accused persons were in prison custody, they were indeed being held at the Nima police station.
This was after counsel in one of the cases drew the judge’s attention to the fact that Cpl. Amaniampong was holding his client in the Nima Police cells instead of Prison custody and had failed to bring the accused to court.
This information infuriated the judge who asked the investigator, who had just brought the accused to court, why he was holding the accused in police custody instead of prison custody.
Cpl. Amaniapong answered that he was keeping the accused in police custody because of transportation difficulties. That explanation did not go down well with the judge who remarked: “How dare you!”
“You think we are joking here! Without shame you can come here to tell us because of transportation difficulties you are keeping the accused in police custody, instead of prison custody”, the judge queried.
Mr. Mahamadu enquired: “Is it because the family members of the accused would bring food and bring you your share? How on earth can you do that? You have decided to write your own laws and implement them in your own ways.”
He said such attitudes of some investigators often fueled the perception the public had of the judicial system. “The impression is that there is some kind of corruption,” he added.
Ghana, he said, has good laws but the attitude of its people “is what is creating all the mess”.
Similarly, the judge expressed concerns about the attitudes of Hans Addai and Edward Asante, both police investigators who were not in court yesterday, noting that they had failed to bring narcotics exhibits in the case they were handling to court for an order for their destruction.
He said he even doubted whether the exhibits were still in the custody of the police in view of the failure on the part of the two investigators to bring them for destruction as required by law.
Mr.Mahamadu said that by law, once the plea of accused persons were taken, a large quantity of the exhibits must be destroyed to leave just a little amount to be used as evidence in the case, especially in the likely event of an appeal.
He said that it was important to let the public see those narcotic drug exhibits destroyed all the time.
He expressed disgust at the disappearance of the two investigators from court room anytime they brought accused persons.
Thursday, 20 November 2008
A Circuit Court Judge yesterday reprimanded three police investigators for their lackadaisical attitude towards cases before him, saying their behaviour was affecting the speedy trial of the cases.
At the court’s sitting yesterday, the judge, Iddrisu Mahamadu, did not mince words in rebuking Detective Corporal Anokye Amaniampong, a police investigator with the Nima Police, for continuously holding two accused persons in police cells since August 2007.
Mr.Mahamadu said although the records in the case dockets indicated that the two accused persons were in prison custody, they were indeed being held at the Nima police station.
This was after counsel in one of the cases drew the judge’s attention to the fact that Cpl. Amaniampong was holding his client in the Nima Police cells instead of Prison custody and had failed to bring the accused to court.
This information infuriated the judge who asked the investigator, who had just brought the accused to court, why he was holding the accused in police custody instead of prison custody.
Cpl. Amaniapong answered that he was keeping the accused in police custody because of transportation difficulties. That explanation did not go down well with the judge who remarked: “How dare you!”
“You think we are joking here! Without shame you can come here to tell us because of transportation difficulties you are keeping the accused in police custody, instead of prison custody”, the judge queried.
Mr. Mahamadu enquired: “Is it because the family members of the accused would bring food and bring you your share? How on earth can you do that? You have decided to write your own laws and implement them in your own ways.”
He said such attitudes of some investigators often fueled the perception the public had of the judicial system. “The impression is that there is some kind of corruption,” he added.
Ghana, he said, has good laws but the attitude of its people “is what is creating all the mess”.
Similarly, the judge expressed concerns about the attitudes of Hans Addai and Edward Asante, both police investigators who were not in court yesterday, noting that they had failed to bring narcotics exhibits in the case they were handling to court for an order for their destruction.
He said he even doubted whether the exhibits were still in the custody of the police in view of the failure on the part of the two investigators to bring them for destruction as required by law.
Mr.Mahamadu said that by law, once the plea of accused persons were taken, a large quantity of the exhibits must be destroyed to leave just a little amount to be used as evidence in the case, especially in the likely event of an appeal.
He said that it was important to let the public see those narcotic drug exhibits destroyed all the time.
He expressed disgust at the disappearance of the two investigators from court room anytime they brought accused persons.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Lotto Operators Press On With Legal Tussle
By Stephen Kwabena Effah
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
The Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA) appears to be unrelenting in its legal struggle to ensure that it remains in business in spite of the ban on private lotto business operation in the country.
It has initiated yet another action at the Court of Appeal to restrain the National Lottery Authority from implementing the Fast Track High Court’s ruling of August 20, which outlawed the operation of private lotto business.
The application, expected to be moved on December 3, is in view of a pending determination of an appeal against the Fast Track High Court’s ruling.
An initial application filed on August 21 to stay the execution of the court’s decision, was thrown out last Tuesday by another Fast Track High Court, presided over by Justice K.A. Ofori-Atta, for lack of proper assertion of their right to law of equity.
The legal tussle between the NLA and the GLOA resulted from the passage of the National Lotto Act 722, which received presidential assent on December 27, 2006, and established the NLA.
In an affidavit in support of the application, the GLOA described the dismissal of their earlier application for injunction pending an appeal, as “wrong, improper and ultra vires”.
It is praying the Court of Appeal to restrain the NLA from interfering in their work or property rights while they await the determination of the appeal.
The GLOA said the appeal has good grounds and has a great chance of succeeding, given the serious errors that culminated in the August 20 ruling of Justice Asante.
“The refusal of the instant application would render over 500,000 people jobless when no compensation has been available to cater for their redundancy,” it stated.
The GLOA said a decision of the appellate court reversing the ruling of the Fast Track Court would be rendered nulled if the enforcement of the said ruling is not injuncted pending the determination of their instant appeal.
The GLOA on August 13, 2007, began the action at the High Court and applied for an interlocutory injunction against the NLA, which was granted, until the determination of the matter.
However, since the NLA raised the issue of constitutionality, the matter went to the Supreme Court because the law required that proceedings concerning such matters should be stayed for determination by the Superior Court to serve as a guide to the trial court.
On March 14, 2008, the Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Anthony Abada, granted an interlocutory injunction filed by the GLOA to restrain the NLA from interfering with the property rights of lotto operating businesses of the plaintiffs.
According to the court, the outcome of the case at the Supreme Court would guide it in its decision in the case because the issue of constitutionality had been raised by the NLA.
On July 23, the Supreme Court unanimously declared that the National Lotto Act 722, in no way violates the Constitution, especially the fundamental human rights provisions and the Directive Principles of State Policy, as stated by the GLOA.
It said that the GLOA is not at the mercy of the state in seeking to participate in the state’s regulatory lottery industry and directed that the licensing regime required to participate in the business has to conform to the standards in Article 296 of the Constitution.
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
The Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA) appears to be unrelenting in its legal struggle to ensure that it remains in business in spite of the ban on private lotto business operation in the country.It has initiated yet another action at the Court of Appeal to restrain the National Lottery Authority from implementing the Fast Track High Court’s ruling of August 20, which outlawed the operation of private lotto business.
The application, expected to be moved on December 3, is in view of a pending determination of an appeal against the Fast Track High Court’s ruling.
An initial application filed on August 21 to stay the execution of the court’s decision, was thrown out last Tuesday by another Fast Track High Court, presided over by Justice K.A. Ofori-Atta, for lack of proper assertion of their right to law of equity.
The legal tussle between the NLA and the GLOA resulted from the passage of the National Lotto Act 722, which received presidential assent on December 27, 2006, and established the NLA.
In an affidavit in support of the application, the GLOA described the dismissal of their earlier application for injunction pending an appeal, as “wrong, improper and ultra vires”.
It is praying the Court of Appeal to restrain the NLA from interfering in their work or property rights while they await the determination of the appeal.
The GLOA said the appeal has good grounds and has a great chance of succeeding, given the serious errors that culminated in the August 20 ruling of Justice Asante.
“The refusal of the instant application would render over 500,000 people jobless when no compensation has been available to cater for their redundancy,” it stated.
The GLOA said a decision of the appellate court reversing the ruling of the Fast Track Court would be rendered nulled if the enforcement of the said ruling is not injuncted pending the determination of their instant appeal.
The GLOA on August 13, 2007, began the action at the High Court and applied for an interlocutory injunction against the NLA, which was granted, until the determination of the matter.
However, since the NLA raised the issue of constitutionality, the matter went to the Supreme Court because the law required that proceedings concerning such matters should be stayed for determination by the Superior Court to serve as a guide to the trial court.
On March 14, 2008, the Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Anthony Abada, granted an interlocutory injunction filed by the GLOA to restrain the NLA from interfering with the property rights of lotto operating businesses of the plaintiffs.
According to the court, the outcome of the case at the Supreme Court would guide it in its decision in the case because the issue of constitutionality had been raised by the NLA.
On July 23, the Supreme Court unanimously declared that the National Lotto Act 722, in no way violates the Constitution, especially the fundamental human rights provisions and the Directive Principles of State Policy, as stated by the GLOA.
It said that the GLOA is not at the mercy of the state in seeking to participate in the state’s regulatory lottery industry and directed that the licensing regime required to participate in the business has to conform to the standards in Article 296 of the Constitution.
0.3m GH Cedis To Be Disbursed Under CISP
By Stephen K. Effah
Saturday, 01 November 2008
The Cultural Initiatives Support Programme (CISP), is to disburse GH¢300,000 as small grant to individuals, associations and organisations engaged in the country’s arts and culture business to undertake activities and projects aimed at enhancing the sector.
This was announced by the Programme Coordinator, Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, in Accra on Wednesday.
The CISP is a three-year programme prompted by the need for the country to make up for the shortfalls and weaknesses in the implementation of its cultural policy. The two million-euro grant is being provided by the European Union.
The programme in its first phase disbursed GH¢150,000 to 50 individuals and organisations in the sector for various programmes which sought to promote arts and culture as a means to fighting poverty.
With the launch, Mr.Gyan-Apenteng said, individuals and organisations in the sector have up to December 15, to submit proposals for consideration.
He said the grants to be disbursed were meant for activities and projects related to cultural heritage, performing and fine arts, crafts, film and audio-visual art, as well as language and literary arts.
He said the maximum grant to be given an individual, association or organisation under the second phase will be GH¢16,000, an increase over the GH¢5000 given under the first phase.
He said by January next year, all the processing and selection of beneficiaries would have been completed for contracts to be signed before disbursing the funds to them.
On eligibility, he said, the individuals or organisation applying must be recognised as being in the arts and culture field, either by registration with the Registrar General, the Centre for National Culture and District Assemblies among others.
The Coordinator said one of the main objectives of the programme was to create work and wealth in order to fight poverty through the undertaking of creative and artistic endeavours.
He said the first phase of the project was able to bring out the depth of talent and creative aspirations of the country; “but we are also equally aware of the extent to which lack of resources and support have stifled the nurturing of people’s creative talents.
“This is why this programme has come as a godsend for the creative sector and this fact is highlighted by the award of these grants,” he said.
Mr.Gyan-Apenteng said under the first phase, training workshops were organised for administrators of cultural institutions, theatre technicians, journalists reporting on culture, and craftsmen and women to equip them to be more effective.
He said such training workshops would be repeated in the second phase which he said was expected to attract an even bigger number of participants.
The co-ordinator said a monitoring and evaluation system had been put in place under the programme to ensure that the beneficiaries use the grants for its intended purpose and as well to put them on track in their projects.
A representative of the European Commission Delegation in Ghana, Ute Mohring, said the EU acknowledges the fundamental role of culture in societies, noting “Culture is recognised as an important part of EU cooperation with Africa”.
With CISP, she said, the EU intended supporting the National Cultural Strategy of Ghana by funding activities in the areas of human resource development, employment and income generation.
A member of the CISP Steering Committee, Diana Hopeson, described culture as the very fabric of life, hence its development should help the country’s development as well as its people.
She stressed the need to “preserve the country’s rich culture” so that our history will be preserved in that regard and urged all those in the sector to put in their proposal.
Saturday, 01 November 2008
The Cultural Initiatives Support Programme (CISP), is to disburse GH¢300,000 as small grant to individuals, associations and organisations engaged in the country’s arts and culture business to undertake activities and projects aimed at enhancing the sector.
This was announced by the Programme Coordinator, Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, in Accra on Wednesday.
The CISP is a three-year programme prompted by the need for the country to make up for the shortfalls and weaknesses in the implementation of its cultural policy. The two million-euro grant is being provided by the European Union.
The programme in its first phase disbursed GH¢150,000 to 50 individuals and organisations in the sector for various programmes which sought to promote arts and culture as a means to fighting poverty.
With the launch, Mr.Gyan-Apenteng said, individuals and organisations in the sector have up to December 15, to submit proposals for consideration.
He said the grants to be disbursed were meant for activities and projects related to cultural heritage, performing and fine arts, crafts, film and audio-visual art, as well as language and literary arts.
He said the maximum grant to be given an individual, association or organisation under the second phase will be GH¢16,000, an increase over the GH¢5000 given under the first phase.
He said by January next year, all the processing and selection of beneficiaries would have been completed for contracts to be signed before disbursing the funds to them.
On eligibility, he said, the individuals or organisation applying must be recognised as being in the arts and culture field, either by registration with the Registrar General, the Centre for National Culture and District Assemblies among others.
The Coordinator said one of the main objectives of the programme was to create work and wealth in order to fight poverty through the undertaking of creative and artistic endeavours.
He said the first phase of the project was able to bring out the depth of talent and creative aspirations of the country; “but we are also equally aware of the extent to which lack of resources and support have stifled the nurturing of people’s creative talents.
“This is why this programme has come as a godsend for the creative sector and this fact is highlighted by the award of these grants,” he said.
Mr.Gyan-Apenteng said under the first phase, training workshops were organised for administrators of cultural institutions, theatre technicians, journalists reporting on culture, and craftsmen and women to equip them to be more effective.
He said such training workshops would be repeated in the second phase which he said was expected to attract an even bigger number of participants.
The co-ordinator said a monitoring and evaluation system had been put in place under the programme to ensure that the beneficiaries use the grants for its intended purpose and as well to put them on track in their projects.
A representative of the European Commission Delegation in Ghana, Ute Mohring, said the EU acknowledges the fundamental role of culture in societies, noting “Culture is recognised as an important part of EU cooperation with Africa”.
With CISP, she said, the EU intended supporting the National Cultural Strategy of Ghana by funding activities in the areas of human resource development, employment and income generation.
A member of the CISP Steering Committee, Diana Hopeson, described culture as the very fabric of life, hence its development should help the country’s development as well as its people.
She stressed the need to “preserve the country’s rich culture” so that our history will be preserved in that regard and urged all those in the sector to put in their proposal.
Two Lawyers Clash In Court
By Stephen Kwabena Effah
Wednesday, 05 November 2008
Tempers flared up yesterday at an Accra Fast Track High Court between two lawyers over an alleged improper transfer of a case from one judge to another.
The case is between the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and the Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA).
What initially started as an argument between Aurelius Awuku and Kizito Bayuo, counsel for the GLOA and NLA, respectively, almost degenerated into personal attacks.It all began when Mr. Awuku drew the attention of then presiding judge, Mr K.A. Ofori-Atta to the fact that the case before him was not properly laid as required by law.
He explained that the case was before another judge, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, as at the last adjourned date. “We just heard that the matter is before you.
My clients are not aware of how the case was brought before you”, he said.
Mr Awuku argued that there was nothing on record indicating that the case had been transferred from Justice Asante to Justice Ofori-Atta stressing, that “the (court) registrar has no power to transfer case. It’s only the Chief Justice” who can do so”.
He said he was not aware of whether or not there had been any such transfer by the Chief Justice, and prayed the court to ensure that due process was followed. “Justice should be seen to be done”.
He alleged that “somebody just made a phone call and the case was brought before Justice Ofori-Atta,” he advised the judge to wash his hands from it (the case) if proper procedure for case transfer is not done.
“I’m prepared to vouch. He said, adding that “there are other matters I do not want to say at the Bar”, Mr Awuku said.
“As far as we are aware, the case is before Court One (Justice Asante). There is no order from the Chief Justice that the case has been transferred to High Court Two (Justice Ofori Atta),” he pointed out.
But Mr.Bayuo, unhappy about the allegations by his colleague retorted: “How much are we getting from this case? What I have in this case is my reputation.”
He described Mr.Awuku’s attitude as “most reprehensible” and said, “That’s the end of our friendship”. With this, he angrily hit his table with his hands.
Mr. Bayuo said Mr Awuku’s action inferred that Justice Ofori-Atta was corrupted. “You should be bold to say he is corrupted.”
The development prompted Justice Ofori-Atta to calm down the nerves of the two lawyers who had otherwise, had cordial relationship. They then apologised for their actions after the court’s intervention.
Justice Ofori-Attah condemned the action by the two lawyers noting that it was the first time he had seen and heard them do that, adding “this is not proper,” and warned them not to let that happen again.
On how the case was brought before him, Justice Ofori-Atta said that it was brought to him in his chambers by the Court Registrar in view of the fact that Justice Asante was on his annual leave.
In the case, the GLOA is seeking an interlocutory injunction to stay the execution of a ruling by an Accra Fast Track High Court which outlawed the operations of private lotto in the country.
The GLOA and six others filed for stay of execution of the court’s decision pending the determination of an appeal against the ruling, but the court at yesterday’s sitting refused to grant the injunction.
Wednesday, 05 November 2008
Tempers flared up yesterday at an Accra Fast Track High Court between two lawyers over an alleged improper transfer of a case from one judge to another.The case is between the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and the Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA).
What initially started as an argument between Aurelius Awuku and Kizito Bayuo, counsel for the GLOA and NLA, respectively, almost degenerated into personal attacks.It all began when Mr. Awuku drew the attention of then presiding judge, Mr K.A. Ofori-Atta to the fact that the case before him was not properly laid as required by law.
He explained that the case was before another judge, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, as at the last adjourned date. “We just heard that the matter is before you.
My clients are not aware of how the case was brought before you”, he said.
Mr Awuku argued that there was nothing on record indicating that the case had been transferred from Justice Asante to Justice Ofori-Atta stressing, that “the (court) registrar has no power to transfer case. It’s only the Chief Justice” who can do so”.
He said he was not aware of whether or not there had been any such transfer by the Chief Justice, and prayed the court to ensure that due process was followed. “Justice should be seen to be done”.
He alleged that “somebody just made a phone call and the case was brought before Justice Ofori-Atta,” he advised the judge to wash his hands from it (the case) if proper procedure for case transfer is not done.
“I’m prepared to vouch. He said, adding that “there are other matters I do not want to say at the Bar”, Mr Awuku said.
“As far as we are aware, the case is before Court One (Justice Asante). There is no order from the Chief Justice that the case has been transferred to High Court Two (Justice Ofori Atta),” he pointed out.
But Mr.Bayuo, unhappy about the allegations by his colleague retorted: “How much are we getting from this case? What I have in this case is my reputation.”
He described Mr.Awuku’s attitude as “most reprehensible” and said, “That’s the end of our friendship”. With this, he angrily hit his table with his hands.
Mr. Bayuo said Mr Awuku’s action inferred that Justice Ofori-Atta was corrupted. “You should be bold to say he is corrupted.”
The development prompted Justice Ofori-Atta to calm down the nerves of the two lawyers who had otherwise, had cordial relationship. They then apologised for their actions after the court’s intervention.
Justice Ofori-Attah condemned the action by the two lawyers noting that it was the first time he had seen and heard them do that, adding “this is not proper,” and warned them not to let that happen again.
On how the case was brought before him, Justice Ofori-Atta said that it was brought to him in his chambers by the Court Registrar in view of the fact that Justice Asante was on his annual leave.
In the case, the GLOA is seeking an interlocutory injunction to stay the execution of a ruling by an Accra Fast Track High Court which outlawed the operations of private lotto in the country.
The GLOA and six others filed for stay of execution of the court’s decision pending the determination of an appeal against the ruling, but the court at yesterday’s sitting refused to grant the injunction.
Friday, October 24, 2008
'Goodies' Prosecutor Proceeds On Leave
By Stephen Kwabena Effah
Friday, 24 October 2008
The trial of music producer Isaac Abaidu Aidoo, popularly known as Goodies, could not continue yesterday following the absence of the prosecutor who has proceeded on his annual leave.
Assistant State Attorney Paul Asibi Abariga told the Accra Circuit Court yesterday, that the Chief State Attorney, Mrs. Valerie Amartey, had begun her leave, and prayed the court, for a short adjourned date to enable him to go through all that is necessary to proceed from there.
The court, therefore, adjourned the case to October 30.
Aidoo, who is the Chief Executive of Goodies Music Production, is facing two counts of attempted exportation and possession of narcotic drugs without lawful authority. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Aidoo was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport on April 23, on suspicion of possessing narcotic drugs while going through departure formalities to board a flight to London.
He was subsequently taken to the 37 Military Hospital by officials of the Narcotics Control Board for x-ray, which revealed that he had foreign materials in his stomach.
He was put under surveillance during which he allegedly expelled 80 pellets of whitish which substances proved positive of cocaine upon testing by the Ghana Standards Board.
During police interrogation, Aidoo allegedly mentioned Abdul Haid, a musician resident at East Legon, Accra, as the one who gave him the drugs to be delivered to one Willie in London for a fee of 3,000 dollars.
Haid has not yet been located by the police.
Aidoo was arraigned before the Greater Accra regional Tribunal on April 25, but the case was subsequently transferred to the Circuit court in August on the orders of the Chief Justice.
On September 12, he asked his counsel, Jah Josiah, to withdraw his representation in the case, after which he prayed the court for a short date to secure a new counsel to defend him.
He is currently being represented by Oliver Atsu.
The prosecution finally opened its case on September 26, five months after his arrest, and has since called two officials of the Narcotic control Board as witnesses.
The investigator in the case was expected in court on October 1, to give his testimony but when the case was called, Mr. Amartey told the court that she could not notify him.
Hearing was, therefore, adjourned to October 8, but the court did not sit that day.
It was accordingly adjourned to October 16, and again to yesterday.
Friday, 24 October 2008
The trial of music producer Isaac Abaidu Aidoo, popularly known as Goodies, could not continue yesterday following the absence of the prosecutor who has proceeded on his annual leave.
Assistant State Attorney Paul Asibi Abariga told the Accra Circuit Court yesterday, that the Chief State Attorney, Mrs. Valerie Amartey, had begun her leave, and prayed the court, for a short adjourned date to enable him to go through all that is necessary to proceed from there.
The court, therefore, adjourned the case to October 30.
Aidoo, who is the Chief Executive of Goodies Music Production, is facing two counts of attempted exportation and possession of narcotic drugs without lawful authority. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Aidoo was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport on April 23, on suspicion of possessing narcotic drugs while going through departure formalities to board a flight to London.
He was subsequently taken to the 37 Military Hospital by officials of the Narcotics Control Board for x-ray, which revealed that he had foreign materials in his stomach.
He was put under surveillance during which he allegedly expelled 80 pellets of whitish which substances proved positive of cocaine upon testing by the Ghana Standards Board.
During police interrogation, Aidoo allegedly mentioned Abdul Haid, a musician resident at East Legon, Accra, as the one who gave him the drugs to be delivered to one Willie in London for a fee of 3,000 dollars.
Haid has not yet been located by the police.
Aidoo was arraigned before the Greater Accra regional Tribunal on April 25, but the case was subsequently transferred to the Circuit court in August on the orders of the Chief Justice.
On September 12, he asked his counsel, Jah Josiah, to withdraw his representation in the case, after which he prayed the court for a short date to secure a new counsel to defend him.
He is currently being represented by Oliver Atsu.
The prosecution finally opened its case on September 26, five months after his arrest, and has since called two officials of the Narcotic control Board as witnesses.
The investigator in the case was expected in court on October 1, to give his testimony but when the case was called, Mr. Amartey told the court that she could not notify him.
Hearing was, therefore, adjourned to October 8, but the court did not sit that day.
It was accordingly adjourned to October 16, and again to yesterday.
Election Is Not Do Or Die Affair - Opare Hammond
By Stephen K. Effah
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
The Member of Parliament for Adenta, Kwadwo Opare-Hammond, says politicians who are making the election appear as a “do and die affair” do not have the country at heart.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Needy Support Programme (NESP), a non-profit organisation, in Accra on Sunday, Mr.Opare-Hammond said it is imperative for all to desist from making such claims and be concerned about peace.
The NESP is a collaboration between the Assembly of the Bible Way Ministries and the African Movement for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, and is aimed at helping the vulnerable in the country.
Mr.Opare-Hammond, who is also the NPP Parliamentary candidate for Adenta said that Ghana has had successive peaceful elections since it adopted democracy over the years, adding “this year’s will not be an exception”.
He therefore urged all Ghanaians, irrespective of their political affiliations, to ensure that Ghana comes out of the December poll peacefully.
He said although they could argue over political messages and issues, that should not result in violence since “at the end we are one people and nation with a common destiny”.
The MP also appealed to the country’s youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause mayhem in order to satisfy their selfish aims, saying “you should not allow anybody to deceive you to do anything that will not benefit you”.
He advised the electorate to analyse the various political messages and manifestoes and vote for the one that offers a brighter future for the country. “Do not vote strictly on partisan basis. Vote the one with the best programmes and policies”.
Mr.Opare Hammond asked the Electoral Commission which has been given the mandate to conduct election must not be bias but rather “have Ghana’s interest first to ensure a free, air and transparent election.”
He said the NPP has done a lot for Ghana during its eight-year period rule, hence urged Ghanaians to vote to retain it in power to continue its good works. He appealed to all Adentans to vote to give him a second chance to lead them.
During his reign, he said, he managed to bring pipe-borne water and street lights to a number of areas in his constituency.
He said he gave scholarship to the tune of GH¢30,000 from his MPs Common Fund.
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
The Member of Parliament for Adenta, Kwadwo Opare-Hammond, says politicians who are making the election appear as a “do and die affair” do not have the country at heart.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Needy Support Programme (NESP), a non-profit organisation, in Accra on Sunday, Mr.Opare-Hammond said it is imperative for all to desist from making such claims and be concerned about peace.
The NESP is a collaboration between the Assembly of the Bible Way Ministries and the African Movement for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, and is aimed at helping the vulnerable in the country.
Mr.Opare-Hammond, who is also the NPP Parliamentary candidate for Adenta said that Ghana has had successive peaceful elections since it adopted democracy over the years, adding “this year’s will not be an exception”.
He therefore urged all Ghanaians, irrespective of their political affiliations, to ensure that Ghana comes out of the December poll peacefully.
He said although they could argue over political messages and issues, that should not result in violence since “at the end we are one people and nation with a common destiny”.
The MP also appealed to the country’s youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause mayhem in order to satisfy their selfish aims, saying “you should not allow anybody to deceive you to do anything that will not benefit you”.
He advised the electorate to analyse the various political messages and manifestoes and vote for the one that offers a brighter future for the country. “Do not vote strictly on partisan basis. Vote the one with the best programmes and policies”.
Mr.Opare Hammond asked the Electoral Commission which has been given the mandate to conduct election must not be bias but rather “have Ghana’s interest first to ensure a free, air and transparent election.”
He said the NPP has done a lot for Ghana during its eight-year period rule, hence urged Ghanaians to vote to retain it in power to continue its good works. He appealed to all Adentans to vote to give him a second chance to lead them.
During his reign, he said, he managed to bring pipe-borne water and street lights to a number of areas in his constituency.
He said he gave scholarship to the tune of GH¢30,000 from his MPs Common Fund.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
ECOBANK Robbery Suspects Freed
By Stephen K. Effah
Tuesday, 07 October 2008
The three Nigerians who were put before an Accra Circuit Court in connection with the June 23, Madina Ecobank robbery, and the killing of a police guard, were yesterday discharged.
This follows the withdrawal of the charges against them by the police. No reason was given.
Daniel Pedro, (aka Oghenervena), Festus Suleman and Israel Otubu, were facing two counts of conspiracy and robbery.
When the case was called yesterday, ASP Reindorf Agyemang, the prosecutor, informed the court that he received a letter from the Deputy Regional Police Commander that the charges be withdrawn.
Tuesday, 07 October 2008
The three Nigerians who were put before an Accra Circuit Court in connection with the June 23, Madina Ecobank robbery, and the killing of a police guard, were yesterday discharged.
This follows the withdrawal of the charges against them by the police. No reason was given.
Daniel Pedro, (aka Oghenervena), Festus Suleman and Israel Otubu, were facing two counts of conspiracy and robbery.
When the case was called yesterday, ASP Reindorf Agyemang, the prosecutor, informed the court that he received a letter from the Deputy Regional Police Commander that the charges be withdrawn.
CPP Didn't Nullify Blay's Nomination
By Stephen K. Effah
Tuesday, 07 October 2008
THE results of the Convention People’s Party’s (CPP’s) August primaries for the Ellembelle Constituency won by the incumbent Member of Parliament, Frederick Blay, have not been nullified, the party has said.
The party’s Executive Committee only objected to the candidature of Mr Blay in a press release issued after the election.
Yao Yegbey, counsel for the CPP in the dispute over the August 23 primaries between Mr Blay and the party’s Central Committee, said the application filed by Mr Blay "is based on falsehood".
Mr Blay is challenging the party’s Central Committee to the nullification of his election on August 23, as the party’s Parliamentary candidate for the December polls, and seeking the court to declare his election "lawful, proper and valid".
Mr Yegbey told the court, presided over by Edward Amoako Asante, that Mr Blay’s action against the Central Committee executive was based on what he termed "misunderstanding" of a press release issued after Mr Blay’s election and thus described the action as "incompetent before the court".
He said that if Blay had deemed it necessary to find out what took place at the Central Committee’s meeting, he would not have concluded that the result of the primaries had been nullified.
He therefore stated that the objection to Mr Blay’s candidature was based on article 48(f) of the CPP constitution.
Mr Blay’s counsel, Godfred Odame, had earlier argued that the move by the Central Committee to nullify the results of the Ellembelle Constituency primaries of the party was "tainted by irregularities".
He said the CPP is a political party in which the public has interest hence the Central Committee "cannot arrogate to itself any power without advancing its rules," adding "it acted in excess of is jurisdiction".
Mr Odame said the committee is not a body which elects candidates; its duty is to approve candidates. "It does not have the power at all to nullify the results".
He therefore prayed the court to quash the decision by the Central Committee of the party since it is "palpably unlawful", and to recognise Mr. Blay to enable him to contest the December poll.
Mr Bright Akwetey, a leading member of the CPP, who prayed the court at the last adjourned date to allow an in-house settlement, told the court that the parties in the case had sat to resolve the matter "in the spirit of comradeship".
The parties, he said, had come out with a resolution but somewhere along the line, something untoward came up, which probably did not go down well with Mr Blay, making him (Blay) continue to pursue the matter.
In spite of that, he said, they would try to settle the matter by the next adjourned date.
The judge in response, described the state of affairs as "not healthy" for the party since time was running out for the filing of nominations, and therefore urged the two factions to settle their differences.
The court adjourned to October, to deliver its judgement if by that time the party had not been able to reach a settlement.
Tuesday, 07 October 2008
THE results of the Convention People’s Party’s (CPP’s) August primaries for the Ellembelle Constituency won by the incumbent Member of Parliament, Frederick Blay, have not been nullified, the party has said.The party’s Executive Committee only objected to the candidature of Mr Blay in a press release issued after the election.
Yao Yegbey, counsel for the CPP in the dispute over the August 23 primaries between Mr Blay and the party’s Central Committee, said the application filed by Mr Blay "is based on falsehood".
Mr Blay is challenging the party’s Central Committee to the nullification of his election on August 23, as the party’s Parliamentary candidate for the December polls, and seeking the court to declare his election "lawful, proper and valid".
Mr Yegbey told the court, presided over by Edward Amoako Asante, that Mr Blay’s action against the Central Committee executive was based on what he termed "misunderstanding" of a press release issued after Mr Blay’s election and thus described the action as "incompetent before the court".
He said that if Blay had deemed it necessary to find out what took place at the Central Committee’s meeting, he would not have concluded that the result of the primaries had been nullified.
He therefore stated that the objection to Mr Blay’s candidature was based on article 48(f) of the CPP constitution.
Mr Blay’s counsel, Godfred Odame, had earlier argued that the move by the Central Committee to nullify the results of the Ellembelle Constituency primaries of the party was "tainted by irregularities".
He said the CPP is a political party in which the public has interest hence the Central Committee "cannot arrogate to itself any power without advancing its rules," adding "it acted in excess of is jurisdiction".
Mr Odame said the committee is not a body which elects candidates; its duty is to approve candidates. "It does not have the power at all to nullify the results".
He therefore prayed the court to quash the decision by the Central Committee of the party since it is "palpably unlawful", and to recognise Mr. Blay to enable him to contest the December poll.
Mr Bright Akwetey, a leading member of the CPP, who prayed the court at the last adjourned date to allow an in-house settlement, told the court that the parties in the case had sat to resolve the matter "in the spirit of comradeship".
The parties, he said, had come out with a resolution but somewhere along the line, something untoward came up, which probably did not go down well with Mr Blay, making him (Blay) continue to pursue the matter.
In spite of that, he said, they would try to settle the matter by the next adjourned date.
The judge in response, described the state of affairs as "not healthy" for the party since time was running out for the filing of nominations, and therefore urged the two factions to settle their differences.
The court adjourned to October, to deliver its judgement if by that time the party had not been able to reach a settlement.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Castello Enters Music Scene
By Stephen K. Effah
Thursday, 02 October 2008
Francis Jojo Cann, a U.K-based Ghanaian singer, has made his entry to the Ghanaian music landscape with his debut album set to make waves on the international front.
The seven-track R&B album, which touches on love and life, is designed to break the barrier of low patronage of the hip-life genre that has not gained the expected recognition on the world arena.
Titled: "The Stick Up Kid," the album that has tracks like All I Need,Tell Me, Lyfe, The Burning Rose and It’s A Shame, is exclusively in English, and features Bandana, Kansa, Samita and Djin.
"I want my music to be heard worldwide and build my own fan base. I hope to make inroads," Cann told the TW in an interview on Wednesday.
He pointed out that just as Nigerian artistes who are doing R&B music have been able to penetrate other frontiers and been able to build fan base across those areas, he could do same with his slow jam music through determination.
He said Ghanaians have come to love slow jam or R&B music, hence the need as a musician to come up with songs to satisfy them saying, "Ghanaians listen to cool music."
Also known as Don Jojo Castello, Cann said his debut album which is woven in a poem forms means a lot to him. "It’s like an exhibition of art, but it came in a form of music portray," he said.
Touching on the songs on the album, he said life for instance, talks about the hurdle and troubles one endures when being raised by a single parent, which he relates to his own experience as a child raised by her mother only.
"It talks about how what mama, my sisters and I had to deal with when dad left. But any way we made it to this far," he said.
"I was brought up in a church but always see myself as a lost soul, as a child growing up, it wasn’t very pleasant, things were very hard in those days and mama had to go through a lot," he recounted.
On the Ghanaian music scene, he said: "I am not happy about the music industry," noting that issues of royalties and payola need to be tackled seriously.
He recalled how an Accra private radio presenter in a radio station at Kokomlemle who promised to help him, collected 100 Ghana Cedis as payola before granting him an interview. "That isn’t helping us", he added.
The presenter, according to him told him he would use some of the money to "sought his boss out".
The singer, who is also a poet, told the TW that he hopes to set up a music studio in Ghana and a live band to help grow the industry. He is also working on poetry book
Cann, who was born in Leeds in the UK was raised in Ghana. He went to Martyrs of Uganda at Mamprobi and proceeded to the Kinbu Secondary Technical where he graduated in 1995.
He started music at an early stage in the UK where he found himself holding position as a lead tenor in his local choir.
"For me it’s the only thing I love doing because I wasn’t really good in class but I try to find some thing I could escape to and with God, every thing is possible," he said.
Thursday, 02 October 2008
Francis Jojo Cann, a U.K-based Ghanaian singer, has made his entry to the Ghanaian music landscape with his debut album set to make waves on the international front.
The seven-track R&B album, which touches on love and life, is designed to break the barrier of low patronage of the hip-life genre that has not gained the expected recognition on the world arena.
Titled: "The Stick Up Kid," the album that has tracks like All I Need,Tell Me, Lyfe, The Burning Rose and It’s A Shame, is exclusively in English, and features Bandana, Kansa, Samita and Djin.
"I want my music to be heard worldwide and build my own fan base. I hope to make inroads," Cann told the TW in an interview on Wednesday.
He pointed out that just as Nigerian artistes who are doing R&B music have been able to penetrate other frontiers and been able to build fan base across those areas, he could do same with his slow jam music through determination.
He said Ghanaians have come to love slow jam or R&B music, hence the need as a musician to come up with songs to satisfy them saying, "Ghanaians listen to cool music."
Also known as Don Jojo Castello, Cann said his debut album which is woven in a poem forms means a lot to him. "It’s like an exhibition of art, but it came in a form of music portray," he said.
Touching on the songs on the album, he said life for instance, talks about the hurdle and troubles one endures when being raised by a single parent, which he relates to his own experience as a child raised by her mother only.
"It talks about how what mama, my sisters and I had to deal with when dad left. But any way we made it to this far," he said.
"I was brought up in a church but always see myself as a lost soul, as a child growing up, it wasn’t very pleasant, things were very hard in those days and mama had to go through a lot," he recounted.
On the Ghanaian music scene, he said: "I am not happy about the music industry," noting that issues of royalties and payola need to be tackled seriously.
He recalled how an Accra private radio presenter in a radio station at Kokomlemle who promised to help him, collected 100 Ghana Cedis as payola before granting him an interview. "That isn’t helping us", he added.
The presenter, according to him told him he would use some of the money to "sought his boss out".
The singer, who is also a poet, told the TW that he hopes to set up a music studio in Ghana and a live band to help grow the industry. He is also working on poetry book
Cann, who was born in Leeds in the UK was raised in Ghana. He went to Martyrs of Uganda at Mamprobi and proceeded to the Kinbu Secondary Technical where he graduated in 1995.
He started music at an early stage in the UK where he found himself holding position as a lead tenor in his local choir.
"For me it’s the only thing I love doing because I wasn’t really good in class but I try to find some thing I could escape to and with God, every thing is possible," he said.
Fashion TV Reality Series To Hit The Screen
By Stephen K.Effah
Saturday, 27 September 2008
The first ever fashion television reality series to scout for a young promising fashion designer will soon hit the television screens in the country.
The series dubbed: The Sew Project, will be used to raise funds for the treatment of the over 5,000 trachoma victims in northern Ghana who are on the verge of going blind.
Ten best fashion designers will on October 9, be selected from a line-up of 20 at a fashion show christened: Daviva Ghana Collections, to be held at the Universal Motors Showroom in Accra, for the reality show.
The show is being organised by D & P Holdings and is under the theme Changing the Face of Fashion. The series which would run for 13 weeks is expected to start at the end of next month.
During the period, each of the 10 contestants will be assigned fashion tasks as well as come up with a clothing collection for a season and based on their performance, they will be evicted one after the other until the winner emerges.
The fashion show, to be witnessed by both local and international audience, will see talented tailors and seamstresses featuring stylish and classy
clothing inspired by the rich traditions of Africa, known as "Africhic".
The fashion grandeur will be heralded with a celebrity catwalk for trachoma on the day of the show.
The celebrities participating in the catwalk will be Kwami Sefa Kayi and Jessica Saforo, both broadcasters, Kofi Adjorlolo and Jackie Appiah, both actors, and Anthony Baffoe, a footballer.
The rest are Mawuena Dwomor, Communication Specialist; Akosua Agyepong, Army Newman and Kwabena Kwabena, all musicians.
They will all dress in elegant designs by the country’s top fashion designers like Kofi Ansah, Mawuli Okudjeto, Kwesi Nti, Joyce Ababio and Royal Fashions and others.
There will also be some ready to wear designs for auction.
Speaking to the TW, Mrs. Pearl Nyamekor, Managing Director of D&P Holdings, said the idea to support trachoma patients stemmed from the fact that Ghana has achieved about 75 per cent success in its effort to eliminate blinding trachoma in the Northern and Upper West regions.
"It is a significant step towards meeting the 2010 target set by the country, to eliminate the disease," she stated.
The show is being sponsored by DAVIVA, Universal Motors, Gandour Cosmetics, Citi FM, Metro TV and Home Style Food Services.
Saturday, 27 September 2008
The first ever fashion television reality series to scout for a young promising fashion designer will soon hit the television screens in the country.The series dubbed: The Sew Project, will be used to raise funds for the treatment of the over 5,000 trachoma victims in northern Ghana who are on the verge of going blind.
Ten best fashion designers will on October 9, be selected from a line-up of 20 at a fashion show christened: Daviva Ghana Collections, to be held at the Universal Motors Showroom in Accra, for the reality show.
The show is being organised by D & P Holdings and is under the theme Changing the Face of Fashion. The series which would run for 13 weeks is expected to start at the end of next month.
During the period, each of the 10 contestants will be assigned fashion tasks as well as come up with a clothing collection for a season and based on their performance, they will be evicted one after the other until the winner emerges.
The fashion show, to be witnessed by both local and international audience, will see talented tailors and seamstresses featuring stylish and classy
clothing inspired by the rich traditions of Africa, known as "Africhic".
The fashion grandeur will be heralded with a celebrity catwalk for trachoma on the day of the show.
The celebrities participating in the catwalk will be Kwami Sefa Kayi and Jessica Saforo, both broadcasters, Kofi Adjorlolo and Jackie Appiah, both actors, and Anthony Baffoe, a footballer.
The rest are Mawuena Dwomor, Communication Specialist; Akosua Agyepong, Army Newman and Kwabena Kwabena, all musicians.
They will all dress in elegant designs by the country’s top fashion designers like Kofi Ansah, Mawuli Okudjeto, Kwesi Nti, Joyce Ababio and Royal Fashions and others.
There will also be some ready to wear designs for auction.
Speaking to the TW, Mrs. Pearl Nyamekor, Managing Director of D&P Holdings, said the idea to support trachoma patients stemmed from the fact that Ghana has achieved about 75 per cent success in its effort to eliminate blinding trachoma in the Northern and Upper West regions.
"It is a significant step towards meeting the 2010 target set by the country, to eliminate the disease," she stated.
The show is being sponsored by DAVIVA, Universal Motors, Gandour Cosmetics, Citi FM, Metro TV and Home Style Food Services.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
2 Cops Charged With Robbery
By Stephen K. Effah
Thursday, 02 October 2008
Two policemen were put before an Accra circuit court yesterday, charged with robbing a Malian of a truck-load of bicycles and motor spare parts valued at GH¢120,000.
The case could not, however, be heard because, according to the presiding judge, Mahamadu Iddrisu, it was not properly assigned to his court. He explained that the case docket only bore the initials of the Deputy Judicial Secretary and not his signature, and asked that the case be sent back for the proper thing to be done.
The two policemen, Joseph Frimpong and Frank Boakye, both with the Airport Police Station, are facing two counts of conspiracy to rob and robbery.
According to the prosecution, on August 14, a truck load of bicycles and motor spare parts, being driven from Tema Harbour to Mali by Abdul Aziz, was stopped at the Dzorwulu Traffic Light by
six people including the two policemen and Solomon Antwi, a brother of Frimpong, now at large.
The policeman then pulled Aziz and his two mates out of the truck into a waiting taxi and drove them to the Achimota Forest area where they were abandoned.
However, they were able to find their way back to the spot they left the truck but it had been taken away. They reported the matter to the police and caused announcements to be made on radio.
The prosecution said that the following day, an anonymous caller was able to assist the police to trace the truck which had been abandoned on the Mallam-Kasoa road but without the goods in it.
On September 16, the two cops were arrested following a police intelligence report.
According to the prosecution, Frimpong told the police that on August 14, at about 2:30 pm, he had a call from an unknown man who told him that Antwi, his brother, had asked him to call the station to request for policemen for an exercise at Dzorwulu.
Frimpong informed Boakye who was on duty at the station and they left for Dzorwulu where they met three civilians who told them to impound a truck loaded with uncustomed goods which they were waiting for.
The truck arrived at about 5.30 pm, and the two policemen stopped the driver, pulled him and his two mates out of the truck and took them away.
The prosecution said Frimpong told the police that the truck was driven to Darkuman Alafia where the goods were discharged into an uncompleted house.
He denied knowing the civilians who took part in the operation even though they gave Boakye and himself GH¢80 after the operation.
Thursday, 02 October 2008
Two policemen were put before an Accra circuit court yesterday, charged with robbing a Malian of a truck-load of bicycles and motor spare parts valued at GH¢120,000.The case could not, however, be heard because, according to the presiding judge, Mahamadu Iddrisu, it was not properly assigned to his court. He explained that the case docket only bore the initials of the Deputy Judicial Secretary and not his signature, and asked that the case be sent back for the proper thing to be done.
The two policemen, Joseph Frimpong and Frank Boakye, both with the Airport Police Station, are facing two counts of conspiracy to rob and robbery.
According to the prosecution, on August 14, a truck load of bicycles and motor spare parts, being driven from Tema Harbour to Mali by Abdul Aziz, was stopped at the Dzorwulu Traffic Light by
six people including the two policemen and Solomon Antwi, a brother of Frimpong, now at large.
The policeman then pulled Aziz and his two mates out of the truck into a waiting taxi and drove them to the Achimota Forest area where they were abandoned.
However, they were able to find their way back to the spot they left the truck but it had been taken away. They reported the matter to the police and caused announcements to be made on radio.
The prosecution said that the following day, an anonymous caller was able to assist the police to trace the truck which had been abandoned on the Mallam-Kasoa road but without the goods in it.
On September 16, the two cops were arrested following a police intelligence report.
According to the prosecution, Frimpong told the police that on August 14, at about 2:30 pm, he had a call from an unknown man who told him that Antwi, his brother, had asked him to call the station to request for policemen for an exercise at Dzorwulu.
Frimpong informed Boakye who was on duty at the station and they left for Dzorwulu where they met three civilians who told them to impound a truck loaded with uncustomed goods which they were waiting for.
The truck arrived at about 5.30 pm, and the two policemen stopped the driver, pulled him and his two mates out of the truck and took them away.
The prosecution said Frimpong told the police that the truck was driven to Darkuman Alafia where the goods were discharged into an uncompleted house.
He denied knowing the civilians who took part in the operation even though they gave Boakye and himself GH¢80 after the operation.
Why "Goodies" Swallowed Coke
By Stephen K. Effah
Saturday, September 27,2008
A prosecution witness has said that music producer, Isaac Abaidu Aidoo, popularly known as Goodies, was “hard pressed for cash as a music producer” hence his swallowing of cocaine to be delivered to someone in the United Kingdom for a fee.
Anthony Smith, the Narcotic Control Board officer who arrested Aidoo at the Kotoka International Airport on April 23, said this on Thursday when he testified as the first prosecution witness in the case.
This was after the prosecution had opened its case, five months after the arrest of Aidoo who is facing two counts of attempted exportation and possession of narcotic drugs without lawful authority at an Accra Circuit Court.
Aidoo, who is the Chief Executive of Goodies Music Production, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Led in evidence by Valerie Amartey, Chief State Attorney, Mr. Smith said Aidoo confided in him during interrogation that one Abdul gave him the substances to be delivered to one Willie in London for a fee of 3,000 pounds sterling.
Narrating the circumstances that led to the arrest of Aidoo, Mr. Smith said about 10:30pm the accused arrived at the airport as the last but two people to board a Ghana International Airline flight to London.
According to him, Aidoo was suspected by the narcotic officials of carrying foreign materials in his stomach but could not convince the officials with his answers so he was asked to produce his urine for a narcotic test. But he failed to do so. That was when he, Mr. Smith as the commander of the officers on duty, was called in to intervene.
He said he explained to Aidoo why he should go through the test and he obliged but could still not produce the urine for the test after drinking some water. “He then suggested that if there is another way of testing him we should do that.
“He told me he had a meeting the next day in London and he did not want to miss the flight,” he added.
In view of this, Mr. Smith said he asked two of his officers, Abew and Dadzie, to take Aidoo to the 37 Military Hospital for an X-ray test, but the first result could not be interpreted.
Mr Smith said a second test was done and while the results were being awaited, he communicated with Dadzie on phone to rush Aidoo to the airport “since I didn’t want him to miss the flight which had only two hours to departure”.
According to him, when Aidoo was brought, he took his passport and rushed him to the boarding gate at which point he called Abew on phone to find out about the results of the test.
He told the court that Abew told him the results showed that Aidoo had foreign substances in his stomach. “So I politely told him I cannot allow him to travel because he had swallowed some substances. He then told me he swallowed cocaine”.
Mr. Smith said that he asked his officers to handcuff Aidoo “but he pleaded not to be handcuffed in view of his reputation”. He said he took Aidoo to the NACOB office where Aidoo told him that the substances were given to him by one Abdul resident at Adjiringanor, near East Legon.
Mr. Smith said when he asked Aidoo why he swallowed the cocaine, “he said that he was hard pressed for cash as a music producer”.
He said at about 2:30am, Aidoo was sent to Adjiringanor to show them where the said Abdul was residing but “we didn’t see him that night.” Consequently, Aidoo was handed over to the NACOB police investigators and he wrote his statement.
Asked by counsel for the accused, Mr. Oliver Atsu, whether he was satisfied with the X-ray results, Mr. Smith replied in the affirmative.
To another question by Mr. Atsu on how long he had been working at the airport, Mr. Smith said since March, this year.
The court then adjourned the case to September29.
The prosecution’s case is that Aidoo expelled 80 pellets of whitish substances suspected to be cocaine after his arrest at the airport.
The substances proved positive of cocaine upon testing by the Ghana Standards Board.
Aidoo, who is the Chief Executive of Goodies Music Production, was first put before the Greater Accra Regional Tribunal in April this year, but the case was subsequently transferred to the Circuit Court in August, upon the orders of the Chief Justice.
On September 12, he requested his first counsel, Jah Josiah, to withdraw his legal representation in the case, after which he prayed the court for a short date to enable him to secure a new counsel to defend him.
Saturday, September 27,2008
A prosecution witness has said that music producer, Isaac Abaidu Aidoo, popularly known as Goodies, was “hard pressed for cash as a music producer” hence his swallowing of cocaine to be delivered to someone in the United Kingdom for a fee.Anthony Smith, the Narcotic Control Board officer who arrested Aidoo at the Kotoka International Airport on April 23, said this on Thursday when he testified as the first prosecution witness in the case.
This was after the prosecution had opened its case, five months after the arrest of Aidoo who is facing two counts of attempted exportation and possession of narcotic drugs without lawful authority at an Accra Circuit Court.
Aidoo, who is the Chief Executive of Goodies Music Production, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Led in evidence by Valerie Amartey, Chief State Attorney, Mr. Smith said Aidoo confided in him during interrogation that one Abdul gave him the substances to be delivered to one Willie in London for a fee of 3,000 pounds sterling.
Narrating the circumstances that led to the arrest of Aidoo, Mr. Smith said about 10:30pm the accused arrived at the airport as the last but two people to board a Ghana International Airline flight to London.
According to him, Aidoo was suspected by the narcotic officials of carrying foreign materials in his stomach but could not convince the officials with his answers so he was asked to produce his urine for a narcotic test. But he failed to do so. That was when he, Mr. Smith as the commander of the officers on duty, was called in to intervene.
He said he explained to Aidoo why he should go through the test and he obliged but could still not produce the urine for the test after drinking some water. “He then suggested that if there is another way of testing him we should do that.
“He told me he had a meeting the next day in London and he did not want to miss the flight,” he added.
In view of this, Mr. Smith said he asked two of his officers, Abew and Dadzie, to take Aidoo to the 37 Military Hospital for an X-ray test, but the first result could not be interpreted.
Mr Smith said a second test was done and while the results were being awaited, he communicated with Dadzie on phone to rush Aidoo to the airport “since I didn’t want him to miss the flight which had only two hours to departure”.
According to him, when Aidoo was brought, he took his passport and rushed him to the boarding gate at which point he called Abew on phone to find out about the results of the test.
He told the court that Abew told him the results showed that Aidoo had foreign substances in his stomach. “So I politely told him I cannot allow him to travel because he had swallowed some substances. He then told me he swallowed cocaine”.
Mr. Smith said that he asked his officers to handcuff Aidoo “but he pleaded not to be handcuffed in view of his reputation”. He said he took Aidoo to the NACOB office where Aidoo told him that the substances were given to him by one Abdul resident at Adjiringanor, near East Legon.
Mr. Smith said when he asked Aidoo why he swallowed the cocaine, “he said that he was hard pressed for cash as a music producer”.
He said at about 2:30am, Aidoo was sent to Adjiringanor to show them where the said Abdul was residing but “we didn’t see him that night.” Consequently, Aidoo was handed over to the NACOB police investigators and he wrote his statement.
Asked by counsel for the accused, Mr. Oliver Atsu, whether he was satisfied with the X-ray results, Mr. Smith replied in the affirmative.
To another question by Mr. Atsu on how long he had been working at the airport, Mr. Smith said since March, this year.
The court then adjourned the case to September29.
The prosecution’s case is that Aidoo expelled 80 pellets of whitish substances suspected to be cocaine after his arrest at the airport.
The substances proved positive of cocaine upon testing by the Ghana Standards Board.
Aidoo, who is the Chief Executive of Goodies Music Production, was first put before the Greater Accra Regional Tribunal in April this year, but the case was subsequently transferred to the Circuit Court in August, upon the orders of the Chief Justice.
On September 12, he requested his first counsel, Jah Josiah, to withdraw his legal representation in the case, after which he prayed the court for a short date to enable him to secure a new counsel to defend him.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
2 Cops Charged With Robbery
By Stephen K. Effah
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Two police officers were yesterday put before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly robbing a student of GH¢25,000.
Lance Corporals Emmanuel Mawuli Awadzie and Solomon Awudu of the Adenta and Madina stations, respectively, pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy to rob and robbery and were remanded in prison custody until October 10.
The prosecution’s case is that Awadzie who was on AU Peace-keeping mission in Liberia before the incident, returned to Accra on a visit and met Awudu on September 4, at a drinking spot at Madina.
According to ASP Reindorf Agyemang, the prosecutor, a police informant hinted the two officers that Sylvester Osei Gyamfi, the student had allegedly succeeded in defrauding an expatriate of 75,000 dollars through the internet.
He said the informant was able to locate the residence of Gyamfi, after an attempt by the officers to arrest him days later failed.
At about midnight of September 10, the officers and the informant went to Gyamfi’s house to arrest him without making any entries in their respective station diaries, he continued.
ASP Agyemang said Awudu who was in uniform and armed with a rifle was supposed to be on duty at Deas and D Ventures at Ashaley Botwe that night but went to Agbogba Police Post and requested the officer on duty, Wisdom Hormeku, to help them arrest Gyamfi.
Hormeku, not suspecting any hidden agenda of the two officers and the informant, made entries in the Agbogba Station diary and took a riffle to accompany them to Gyamfi’s house.
After pointing out Gyamfi’s room, the informant went to hide somewhere while the policemen forced the door open after Gyamfi refused to open it, he said.
"Immediately the door opened and Awudu saw Gyamfi dialling a number on his cell phone, he allegedly gave him some slaps and snatched the phone and all other phones of Gyamfi plus that of his fiancée."
ASP Agyemang told the court that the officers handcuffed Gyamfi and asked him "to bring out all his money" and when he failed, Awadzie ransacked the room but did not get any money.
They then packed Gyamfi’s computer and accessories into his own car, after which they told Hormeku to return to post while they took Gyamfi away in the car leaving his fiancée.
The prosecution said after Gyamfi had failed to show where he kept his money, the officers threatened him with death and for fear of his life, Gyamfi told them the money was in the room of the fiancée’s sister, Sadia.
According to the prosecution, they then went for Sadia and she was "told to quietly go for the money which was said to be 25,000 Ghana Cedis but she could not since the key to the bag in which the money was kept had been left in Gyamfi’s room".
They later found the key and Awadzie took the money after which the handcuff on Gyamfi’s hand was removed. They, however, handcuffed the fiancée’s sister and locked her in her room.
Thereafter, the prosecution said, the two officers fled in Awudu’s car and Gyamfi made a complaint to the Madina police, giving the description of the officers.
Awudu was arrested at post and he is said to have admitted having committed the offence with Awadzie who on hearing of Awudu’s arrest, left the country back to Liberia on September 19 to avoid arrest but was brought back.
He also admitted the offence but denied taking GH¢25,000, saying that he collected only GH¢9,000, out of which he took GH¢5,000 and gave GH¢3,000 to the informant, while the rest was given to Awudu for safe-keeping.
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Two police officers were yesterday put before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly robbing a student of GH¢25,000.Lance Corporals Emmanuel Mawuli Awadzie and Solomon Awudu of the Adenta and Madina stations, respectively, pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy to rob and robbery and were remanded in prison custody until October 10.
The prosecution’s case is that Awadzie who was on AU Peace-keeping mission in Liberia before the incident, returned to Accra on a visit and met Awudu on September 4, at a drinking spot at Madina.
According to ASP Reindorf Agyemang, the prosecutor, a police informant hinted the two officers that Sylvester Osei Gyamfi, the student had allegedly succeeded in defrauding an expatriate of 75,000 dollars through the internet.
He said the informant was able to locate the residence of Gyamfi, after an attempt by the officers to arrest him days later failed.
At about midnight of September 10, the officers and the informant went to Gyamfi’s house to arrest him without making any entries in their respective station diaries, he continued.
ASP Agyemang said Awudu who was in uniform and armed with a rifle was supposed to be on duty at Deas and D Ventures at Ashaley Botwe that night but went to Agbogba Police Post and requested the officer on duty, Wisdom Hormeku, to help them arrest Gyamfi.
Hormeku, not suspecting any hidden agenda of the two officers and the informant, made entries in the Agbogba Station diary and took a riffle to accompany them to Gyamfi’s house.
After pointing out Gyamfi’s room, the informant went to hide somewhere while the policemen forced the door open after Gyamfi refused to open it, he said.
"Immediately the door opened and Awudu saw Gyamfi dialling a number on his cell phone, he allegedly gave him some slaps and snatched the phone and all other phones of Gyamfi plus that of his fiancée."
ASP Agyemang told the court that the officers handcuffed Gyamfi and asked him "to bring out all his money" and when he failed, Awadzie ransacked the room but did not get any money.
They then packed Gyamfi’s computer and accessories into his own car, after which they told Hormeku to return to post while they took Gyamfi away in the car leaving his fiancée.
The prosecution said after Gyamfi had failed to show where he kept his money, the officers threatened him with death and for fear of his life, Gyamfi told them the money was in the room of the fiancée’s sister, Sadia.
According to the prosecution, they then went for Sadia and she was "told to quietly go for the money which was said to be 25,000 Ghana Cedis but she could not since the key to the bag in which the money was kept had been left in Gyamfi’s room".
They later found the key and Awadzie took the money after which the handcuff on Gyamfi’s hand was removed. They, however, handcuffed the fiancée’s sister and locked her in her room.
Thereafter, the prosecution said, the two officers fled in Awudu’s car and Gyamfi made a complaint to the Madina police, giving the description of the officers.
Awudu was arrested at post and he is said to have admitted having committed the offence with Awadzie who on hearing of Awudu’s arrest, left the country back to Liberia on September 19 to avoid arrest but was brought back.
He also admitted the offence but denied taking GH¢25,000, saying that he collected only GH¢9,000, out of which he took GH¢5,000 and gave GH¢3,000 to the informant, while the rest was given to Awudu for safe-keeping.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Let's Go Salsa Dancing
By Stephen Kwabena Effah
Saturday, 13 September 2008
Picture this. With his right hand, he holds her left hand tightly, and then her waist firmly with his left hand. He draws her closer, and takes some back and forth steps and there they go!
Wow! Isn’t it simply mesmerizing and lovely. Well, that’s Salsa dancing for you. If you are a fan and wishing to learn how to do the Salsa boogying, just put on your dancing shoes as Close-Up tooth paste is giving you the opportunity.
In fact, the dance is not only romantic, but magical, funny and a therapeutic experience, especially for those who hardly jog or have time off their schedule to exercise their body.
Salsa, a Latin American dance, has been in the country for the past decade and has gained much popularity among the youth.
This is evident by the number of Salsa clubs on the various school campuses, social and keep fit clubs across the Accra metropolis.
To give opportunity to the larger public to learn how to do the Salsa dance, Close-Up, one of Unilever Ghana Limited brands, last Friday unveiled what it termed as "Close-Up Salsa Fiesta" in Accra.
In the next five weeks, starting last Monday, those who buy four tubes of Close-Up tooth paste from some designated spots in Accra and Tema will be issued with a coupon to learn the dance free of charge at registered Salsa Clubs in the city.
Judging from the performance at last Friday’s launch, it is clear that those who want to learn the Salsa moves would be treated to some great twirls, steps and some of the intricacies of the great dance, which has become a craze in the country.
"Through Close-Up, you can learn more than just perfecting your Salsa steps, you’ll develop the awareness of socialising, keeping fit, teamwork and ultimately, personal hygiene especially when you are close up," said Nana Yaa Kissi, Close-Up Brands Manager.
On October 11, fans will converge on a big platform at the Trade Fair site in Accra to show off their mastery of the Salsa movements in the past weeks in a keenly competitive style.
Saturday, 13 September 2008
Picture this. With his right hand, he holds her left hand tightly, and then her waist firmly with his left hand. He draws her closer, and takes some back and forth steps and there they go!
Wow! Isn’t it simply mesmerizing and lovely. Well, that’s Salsa dancing for you. If you are a fan and wishing to learn how to do the Salsa boogying, just put on your dancing shoes as Close-Up tooth paste is giving you the opportunity.
In fact, the dance is not only romantic, but magical, funny and a therapeutic experience, especially for those who hardly jog or have time off their schedule to exercise their body.
Salsa, a Latin American dance, has been in the country for the past decade and has gained much popularity among the youth.
This is evident by the number of Salsa clubs on the various school campuses, social and keep fit clubs across the Accra metropolis.
To give opportunity to the larger public to learn how to do the Salsa dance, Close-Up, one of Unilever Ghana Limited brands, last Friday unveiled what it termed as "Close-Up Salsa Fiesta" in Accra.
In the next five weeks, starting last Monday, those who buy four tubes of Close-Up tooth paste from some designated spots in Accra and Tema will be issued with a coupon to learn the dance free of charge at registered Salsa Clubs in the city.
Judging from the performance at last Friday’s launch, it is clear that those who want to learn the Salsa moves would be treated to some great twirls, steps and some of the intricacies of the great dance, which has become a craze in the country.
"Through Close-Up, you can learn more than just perfecting your Salsa steps, you’ll develop the awareness of socialising, keeping fit, teamwork and ultimately, personal hygiene especially when you are close up," said Nana Yaa Kissi, Close-Up Brands Manager.
On October 11, fans will converge on a big platform at the Trade Fair site in Accra to show off their mastery of the Salsa movements in the past weeks in a keenly competitive style.
Breaking Through Marriage Life Out Soon
By Stephen Effah
Saturday, 13 September 2008
A book, "Breaking Through Marriage Life," on the fundamental and strategic techniques in handling marriages, especially in contemporary context, is to be launched soon.
The 193-page book is specially directed at both the married and the yet-to-marry, and exhaustively touches on when, why, who, where and how to marry in today’s world.
The writer, Evangelist Edward Adofo-Somuah, an Executive Member of the Ghana Gospel Preachers Association, discusses what he described as the six essential stages or phases of marriage.
These are conception, gestation, birth, life, death and after life.
He elaborates extensively on the various stages with respect to the socio-cultural background of man and woman. It also discussed divorce, how to identify its symptoms and how to prevent it.
Speaking with the TW on the rationale behind the book, Evan. Adofo-Somuah noted that "marriages are breaking down in almost every home presently due to matrimonial illiteracy".
He said many couples have been crying in their matrimonial homes, perhaps they either married at the wrong time or choose the wrong partner, hence the writing of the book to help save marriage breakdowns that have plagued our society."Some people are even committing suicide and many wished they had not married at all," he added.
Touching on what motivated him to write the book, Evangelist Adofo-Samuah, an ex-serviceman, said during the 1979 uprising, while on Anchor Guard duties he sustained multiple injuries.
"I was hospitalised and went into coma for 13 days. While in this state, the spirit of the Lord took me to many places and finally to a T-junction. To the right of the junction, was Heaven and to the left hell."
"For about the two hours that I stood at the junction, I was only two people were seen towards Heaven while a huge number that could be described as ‘a swarm of bees’s among them were men of God, Kings, Soldiers and others identified by their dresses"
"These people are for hell because of their marriages and everything the Lord said to me about marriage was recorded. Miraculously all that l recorded in writing which was found under my pillow after I had regained consciousness," he said"
Also known as ‘Old Soldier’, the first class former Ghana Navy navigator said what the Lord told him which was found under his pillow formed the content of the book.
Evangelist Adofo-Somuah said he wondered why God could use him at the time since "I was then in the world engaged in all kind of lifestyle".
He said that he has initiated the "Otumfuor Special Initiative on Distance Learning" yet to be rolled out to educate people on marriage.
He has also started distributing copies of the book to some prominent people in the country as well as radio and television stations for use in educating people on marriage issues.
Saturday, 13 September 2008
A book, "Breaking Through Marriage Life," on the fundamental and strategic techniques in handling marriages, especially in contemporary context, is to be launched soon.
The 193-page book is specially directed at both the married and the yet-to-marry, and exhaustively touches on when, why, who, where and how to marry in today’s world.
The writer, Evangelist Edward Adofo-Somuah, an Executive Member of the Ghana Gospel Preachers Association, discusses what he described as the six essential stages or phases of marriage.
These are conception, gestation, birth, life, death and after life.
He elaborates extensively on the various stages with respect to the socio-cultural background of man and woman. It also discussed divorce, how to identify its symptoms and how to prevent it.
Speaking with the TW on the rationale behind the book, Evan. Adofo-Somuah noted that "marriages are breaking down in almost every home presently due to matrimonial illiteracy".
He said many couples have been crying in their matrimonial homes, perhaps they either married at the wrong time or choose the wrong partner, hence the writing of the book to help save marriage breakdowns that have plagued our society."Some people are even committing suicide and many wished they had not married at all," he added.
Touching on what motivated him to write the book, Evangelist Adofo-Samuah, an ex-serviceman, said during the 1979 uprising, while on Anchor Guard duties he sustained multiple injuries.
"I was hospitalised and went into coma for 13 days. While in this state, the spirit of the Lord took me to many places and finally to a T-junction. To the right of the junction, was Heaven and to the left hell."
"For about the two hours that I stood at the junction, I was only two people were seen towards Heaven while a huge number that could be described as ‘a swarm of bees’s among them were men of God, Kings, Soldiers and others identified by their dresses"
"These people are for hell because of their marriages and everything the Lord said to me about marriage was recorded. Miraculously all that l recorded in writing which was found under my pillow after I had regained consciousness," he said"
Also known as ‘Old Soldier’, the first class former Ghana Navy navigator said what the Lord told him which was found under his pillow formed the content of the book.
Evangelist Adofo-Somuah said he wondered why God could use him at the time since "I was then in the world engaged in all kind of lifestyle".
He said that he has initiated the "Otumfuor Special Initiative on Distance Learning" yet to be rolled out to educate people on marriage.
He has also started distributing copies of the book to some prominent people in the country as well as radio and television stations for use in educating people on marriage issues.
Friday, September 12, 2008
3 Nigerians Charged Over Ecobank Robbery
By Stephen Kwabena Effah
Tuesday, 09 September 2008
THREE Nigerians yesterday made a second appearance before an Accra Circuit Court in connection with the June 23 Madina Ecobank robbery, and the killing of a police guard.
Daniel Pedro, aka Oghenervena, Festus Suleman and Israel Otubu, who are facing two counts of conspiracy and robbery, first appeared before the court on August 26.
Their plea was not taken and they have been remanded in police custody to appear again on September 26.
When the case was called yesterday, police prosecutor Reindorf Agyemang informed the court that the Attorney General’s Department had taken over the prosecution of the case and the new investigator needed more time to study the docket of the case.
ASP Agyeman therefore requested a two-week adjournment but this was opposed by defence counsel Dela Blagodzi who said the move by the prosecution was a calculated attempt to delay the case.
Expressing unhappiness about the turn of events, he said his clients were innocent students who had been arrested by the police. "The real robbers are enjoying somewhere; I am so much passionate about human rights" he said.
Mr Blagodzi said that if indeed his clients were behind the robbery, they would have left the country before their arrest since the amount involved could have taken them out of the country.
The judge Idrissu Mahamadu said he was also much concerned about human rights, but explained that for proper investigation to be carried out, it was prudent that the police was given ample time.
According to the prosecution, at about 9.00 a.m., on June 23, an Ecobank bullion van which was scheduled to convey GH¢60,040 to the Madina-Zongo Junction branch of the bank under escort by Sgt William Kweku Quansah was attacked by five armed men who had positioned themselves at different locations within the bank premises.
The armed men wrestled with the police guard on duty, Constable David Agbosu and took away his AK 47 assault rifle with 10 rounds of ammunition.
During a scuffle between Sgt. Quansah and one of the robbers, a member of the gang who was in a waiting car shot the sergeant from behind and he died later in hospital.
The robbers made away with the money amidst sporadic gunfire during which two passengers in a commercial vehicle were hit.
Tuesday, 09 September 2008
THREE Nigerians yesterday made a second appearance before an Accra Circuit Court in connection with the June 23 Madina Ecobank robbery, and the killing of a police guard.
Daniel Pedro, aka Oghenervena, Festus Suleman and Israel Otubu, who are facing two counts of conspiracy and robbery, first appeared before the court on August 26.
Their plea was not taken and they have been remanded in police custody to appear again on September 26.
When the case was called yesterday, police prosecutor Reindorf Agyemang informed the court that the Attorney General’s Department had taken over the prosecution of the case and the new investigator needed more time to study the docket of the case.
ASP Agyeman therefore requested a two-week adjournment but this was opposed by defence counsel Dela Blagodzi who said the move by the prosecution was a calculated attempt to delay the case.
Expressing unhappiness about the turn of events, he said his clients were innocent students who had been arrested by the police. "The real robbers are enjoying somewhere; I am so much passionate about human rights" he said.
Mr Blagodzi said that if indeed his clients were behind the robbery, they would have left the country before their arrest since the amount involved could have taken them out of the country.
The judge Idrissu Mahamadu said he was also much concerned about human rights, but explained that for proper investigation to be carried out, it was prudent that the police was given ample time.
According to the prosecution, at about 9.00 a.m., on June 23, an Ecobank bullion van which was scheduled to convey GH¢60,040 to the Madina-Zongo Junction branch of the bank under escort by Sgt William Kweku Quansah was attacked by five armed men who had positioned themselves at different locations within the bank premises.
The armed men wrestled with the police guard on duty, Constable David Agbosu and took away his AK 47 assault rifle with 10 rounds of ammunition.
During a scuffle between Sgt. Quansah and one of the robbers, a member of the gang who was in a waiting car shot the sergeant from behind and he died later in hospital.
The robbers made away with the money amidst sporadic gunfire during which two passengers in a commercial vehicle were hit.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Judge Blasts Prosecutors
By Stephen Kwabena Effah
Friday, 05 September 2008
A Circuit Court judge hearing narcotics and armed robbery cases at the Cocoa Affairs Court in Accra, yesterday lashed out at the prosecution team for their lackadaisical attitude towards some of the cases being tried at the court.
The judge, Iddrisu Mahamadu, has consistently complained about the prosecution’s lateness, failure to bring suspects to or show up in court, poor investigation and laxity in pursuing cases assigned them, among others.
At the court’s sitting yesterday, the judge did not mince words in criticising a police investigator for showing up in court about an hour after a case he is handling had been called and adjourned.
“Are you not sensitive to all the criticisms flying around?” he asked the investigator, Edward Asante, and described the attitudes of some members of the prosecution as a shame.
What angered him most was when he detected that even the plea of the accused person in the case being handled by the investigator had not been taken five months after his arrest.
Mr. Mahamadu was further infuriated by the fact that the prosecution had not been able to produce to the court a report on the substances suspected to be cocaine expelled by the accused, Michael Ntiamoah, upon which he was arrested in April.
“It is barely five months and it is nobody’s business. What kind of country is this? It’s a shame and I’m very, very disappointed. If we keep this attitude, then let’s forget it,” he said.
He wondered why the investigator has not expedited action to the extent that no plea of the accused was taken five months after his arrest.
“His plea has not been taken…nothing has been done! And for months, everybody is busy pretending to be what?” he questioned, noting that some of them are so busy that they cannot handle the cases assigned them.
“Do we always have to wait for the laboratory report of the substances before the cases could be heard”, “he asked, noting “the accused’s freedom is taken away”.
Mr Mahamadu said the prevailing situation does not augur well for administration of justice and stressed that its continuity would compel him to compile a list of those prosecution members for the appropriate authorities for action to be taken against them.
Friday, 05 September 2008
A Circuit Court judge hearing narcotics and armed robbery cases at the Cocoa Affairs Court in Accra, yesterday lashed out at the prosecution team for their lackadaisical attitude towards some of the cases being tried at the court.
The judge, Iddrisu Mahamadu, has consistently complained about the prosecution’s lateness, failure to bring suspects to or show up in court, poor investigation and laxity in pursuing cases assigned them, among others.
At the court’s sitting yesterday, the judge did not mince words in criticising a police investigator for showing up in court about an hour after a case he is handling had been called and adjourned.
“Are you not sensitive to all the criticisms flying around?” he asked the investigator, Edward Asante, and described the attitudes of some members of the prosecution as a shame.
What angered him most was when he detected that even the plea of the accused person in the case being handled by the investigator had not been taken five months after his arrest.
Mr. Mahamadu was further infuriated by the fact that the prosecution had not been able to produce to the court a report on the substances suspected to be cocaine expelled by the accused, Michael Ntiamoah, upon which he was arrested in April.
“It is barely five months and it is nobody’s business. What kind of country is this? It’s a shame and I’m very, very disappointed. If we keep this attitude, then let’s forget it,” he said.
He wondered why the investigator has not expedited action to the extent that no plea of the accused was taken five months after his arrest.
“His plea has not been taken…nothing has been done! And for months, everybody is busy pretending to be what?” he questioned, noting that some of them are so busy that they cannot handle the cases assigned them.
“Do we always have to wait for the laboratory report of the substances before the cases could be heard”, “he asked, noting “the accused’s freedom is taken away”.
Mr Mahamadu said the prevailing situation does not augur well for administration of justice and stressed that its continuity would compel him to compile a list of those prosecution members for the appropriate authorities for action to be taken against them.
MTV Base to Shoot 'King of The Streets'
By Stephen Kwabena Effah
Saturday, 06 September 2008
“King of the Streets”, as he is popularly referred to, Kwaw Kesse is steadily hitting the height of his musical career. At the recent ninth Ghana Music Awards, he swept away five awards.
Just few months after his crowning as the event as the king of Ghana music, he was given yet another award, Best Hip-life Artiste, in the competitive category of the Arts Critics and Reviewers Association of Ghana awards.
Again, the Abodam singer was signed up by Exopa Model Agency in June this year as a model, prior to the first ever Fashion week.
Kwaw Kesse has now been nominated by the international music television channel, MTV Base and Shell International, to have his video shot by internationally acclaimed music video directors free of charge.
His nomination as the second artiste in Ghana to have his music video shot free-of-charge by international directors and producers after Aletse Tinny, is another feat expected to shoot him up, especially in the international music arena.
Dubbed: “MTV Making the Video with Shell,” the video of Kwaw Kesse to be shot by the MTV Base crew in partnership with a Ghanaian music director, will feature Professsor J, a celebrated international artiste.
Consequently, MTV has launched a project tagged MTV Making the Video Challenge with Shell, to scout a creative, aspiring or experienced Ghanaian music video director to part its crew to shoot the music video.
The MTV crew are expected in the country on September 15 to begin the shooting of a video clip for one of Kwaw Kesse’s songs yet to be announced at a press conference on September 17.
So, if you are a Ghanaian aged between 18 and 25, with or without previous music video experience but with a passionate enthusiasm for the art and craft of music video-making just log on to www.mtvbase.com/makingthevideo to register.
The MTV-Shell partnership project is designed to uplift the image of the African music industry and also improve the quality of African music videos.
Last year, the MTV crew followed the Ghanaian hiplife sensation, Tinny, in December as he strove to complete the brand new music video for ‘Incomplete’ track, together with director Rachel Watanabe-Batton and a crew of Ghanaian video directors.
Saturday, 06 September 2008
“King of the Streets”, as he is popularly referred to, Kwaw Kesse is steadily hitting the height of his musical career. At the recent ninth Ghana Music Awards, he swept away five awards.Just few months after his crowning as the event as the king of Ghana music, he was given yet another award, Best Hip-life Artiste, in the competitive category of the Arts Critics and Reviewers Association of Ghana awards.
Again, the Abodam singer was signed up by Exopa Model Agency in June this year as a model, prior to the first ever Fashion week.
Kwaw Kesse has now been nominated by the international music television channel, MTV Base and Shell International, to have his video shot by internationally acclaimed music video directors free of charge.
His nomination as the second artiste in Ghana to have his music video shot free-of-charge by international directors and producers after Aletse Tinny, is another feat expected to shoot him up, especially in the international music arena.
Dubbed: “MTV Making the Video with Shell,” the video of Kwaw Kesse to be shot by the MTV Base crew in partnership with a Ghanaian music director, will feature Professsor J, a celebrated international artiste.
Consequently, MTV has launched a project tagged MTV Making the Video Challenge with Shell, to scout a creative, aspiring or experienced Ghanaian music video director to part its crew to shoot the music video.
The MTV crew are expected in the country on September 15 to begin the shooting of a video clip for one of Kwaw Kesse’s songs yet to be announced at a press conference on September 17.
So, if you are a Ghanaian aged between 18 and 25, with or without previous music video experience but with a passionate enthusiasm for the art and craft of music video-making just log on to www.mtvbase.com/makingthevideo to register.
The MTV-Shell partnership project is designed to uplift the image of the African music industry and also improve the quality of African music videos.
Last year, the MTV crew followed the Ghanaian hiplife sensation, Tinny, in December as he strove to complete the brand new music video for ‘Incomplete’ track, together with director Rachel Watanabe-Batton and a crew of Ghanaian video directors.
'Agony of the Christ' Premiered
By Stephen Kwabena Effah
Saturday,06 September 2008
Venus Film Production, one of the forces behind movie production in the country, last Friday premièred their latest and finest movie, yet to hit the market later this month, at the National Theatre in Accra.
The thriller, “Agony of the Christ,” is set in a small village called Ejukrom where human beings are at the mercy of fellow men as some are unluckily slaughtered like chickens and goats as sacrifices to appease their god.
Until the emergence of Christianity in the village, innocent people, especially virgins, were upon the orders of Azaazi, the priestess of the kingdom, killed at a spiritual durbar of the chief, elders and people of the land.
Although, many of the residents considered the consistent killing of their fellows inhumane, they were helpless. But the story began one day, when two virgins of Agya Asamoah, were surrounded by the chief’s executioners who wanted to take them for to sacrifice t to heir god.
Not comfortable with the situation, the son of Agya Asamoah, stood in defence of his sisters resulting in the death of one of the executioners. He was then given a wild chase by the executioners until he found himself in the evil forest.
After wallowing in the evil wood, Jama landed in another village with “strange” tradition altogether. But that was the turning point in his life as he was shown the light to the world, the word of God.
Being someone who stood against the gruesome killing of his people in the name of tradition, Jama embarked on a journey back to Ejukrom in the company of two men of God to liberate his people who have for years been living in the dark without.
At this stage, one would not be wrong to call the action this epic movie presents as fireworks or showcase of powers between God and the gods. The storyline is likened to story of the struggle that Jesus Christ went through to save the earth.
Talk about the betrayal, beatings and crucifixion, Jama who is the hero in the movie, went through them in his struggle to let his people know God who cares and loves but does not need blood as sacrifices.
Written and produced by Abdul Salam Mumuni, the movie portrays the sufferings of true believers of Jesus Christ the son of God in the latter days while showcasing the artistic beauty of African Culture.
Starring Nadia Buari (Azaazi), Majid Michel (Jama), Kofi Adjorlolo (Agya Asamoah), Naana Hayford (wife of Agya Asamoah) and a host of others, the movie was directed by Frank Arase.
Saturday,06 September 2008
Venus Film Production, one of the forces behind movie production in the country, last Friday premièred their latest and finest movie, yet to hit the market later this month, at the National Theatre in Accra.The thriller, “Agony of the Christ,” is set in a small village called Ejukrom where human beings are at the mercy of fellow men as some are unluckily slaughtered like chickens and goats as sacrifices to appease their god.
Until the emergence of Christianity in the village, innocent people, especially virgins, were upon the orders of Azaazi, the priestess of the kingdom, killed at a spiritual durbar of the chief, elders and people of the land.
Although, many of the residents considered the consistent killing of their fellows inhumane, they were helpless. But the story began one day, when two virgins of Agya Asamoah, were surrounded by the chief’s executioners who wanted to take them for to sacrifice t to heir god.
Not comfortable with the situation, the son of Agya Asamoah, stood in defence of his sisters resulting in the death of one of the executioners. He was then given a wild chase by the executioners until he found himself in the evil forest.
After wallowing in the evil wood, Jama landed in another village with “strange” tradition altogether. But that was the turning point in his life as he was shown the light to the world, the word of God.
Being someone who stood against the gruesome killing of his people in the name of tradition, Jama embarked on a journey back to Ejukrom in the company of two men of God to liberate his people who have for years been living in the dark without.
At this stage, one would not be wrong to call the action this epic movie presents as fireworks or showcase of powers between God and the gods. The storyline is likened to story of the struggle that Jesus Christ went through to save the earth.
Talk about the betrayal, beatings and crucifixion, Jama who is the hero in the movie, went through them in his struggle to let his people know God who cares and loves but does not need blood as sacrifices.
Written and produced by Abdul Salam Mumuni, the movie portrays the sufferings of true believers of Jesus Christ the son of God in the latter days while showcasing the artistic beauty of African Culture.
Starring Nadia Buari (Azaazi), Majid Michel (Jama), Kofi Adjorlolo (Agya Asamoah), Naana Hayford (wife of Agya Asamoah) and a host of others, the movie was directed by Frank Arase.
MALAIKA '08 Takes Off.....Ex Queen Warns: Beware of Sexual Favours
By Stephen Kwabena Effah
Saturday, 06 September 2008
Sixteen young Indies dressed in tight pairs jean trousers with nicely designed African fabric tops to match, last Saturday began a 13-week walk into celebrity at the Crown Apartmento Hotel in Accra.
Beaming with smiles but certainly not without some seemingly trembling in their appearance and voice, the 16 were introduced to the public finalists for this year’s coveted Miss Malaika Ghana crown.
They were shortlisted from among hundreds across the country at the preliminary stage with physique intellect and boldness as the criteria.
The finalists, endowed with height, shape, intelligence, poise, elegance and style among others, will be camped in a Malaika House, East Legon, Accra, for 13 weeks and engaged in a number of tasks and activities.
While in the house, they will be filmed live for a Miss Maliaka Reality TV show, to provide the public the opportunity to identify them so as to be part of the crowing of Miss Malaika 2008 Queen brough voting for their favourite via SMS.
Six out of the16, who in the estimation of the public are unable to impress while in the house, will be evicted on weekly basis.
The Miss Malaika Ghana Beauty Pageant has been organised by the Charter House Ghana to bring out the best in young women.
The 16 girls who will be endearing themselves to TV viewers for weeks in the fight for the Malaika crown include Nadra Osman, Racheal Obeng-Somuah, Sandra Odamtten, Sermira Adams, Tamara Aku Dzormeku, Naa Yemoley Tetteh, Yvonne Eyram Kofigah and Ama Sitsofe Sedegah.
The rest are Akosua Agyemang-Abrokwah, Faustina Michelle Ayonka, Christabel Ekeh, Christine Ofori, Daisy Edem Attu, Erika Thompson, Ivy Wereh and Mamata Adams.
Speaking at the launch, the reigning Malaika Queen, Laurie Lawson, urged the aspiring queens to guard themselves against what she described as “sex favours” among other challenges that may come their way.
She advised them not to allow inferiority complex to worry them when they see that other colleagues are doing better than they are offering but rather put in their best at all times, be themselves and have fun as well.
Kofi Osei Ameyaw, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations, said
beauty pageant “is not irrelevant” as many people have portrayed it to be.
He said it opens up opportunities for those who participate in them and expose them to many things and should therefore be encouraged
Saturday, 06 September 2008
Sixteen young Indies dressed in tight pairs jean trousers with nicely designed African fabric tops to match, last Saturday began a 13-week walk into celebrity at the Crown Apartmento Hotel in Accra.
Beaming with smiles but certainly not without some seemingly trembling in their appearance and voice, the 16 were introduced to the public finalists for this year’s coveted Miss Malaika Ghana crown.
They were shortlisted from among hundreds across the country at the preliminary stage with physique intellect and boldness as the criteria.
The finalists, endowed with height, shape, intelligence, poise, elegance and style among others, will be camped in a Malaika House, East Legon, Accra, for 13 weeks and engaged in a number of tasks and activities.
While in the house, they will be filmed live for a Miss Maliaka Reality TV show, to provide the public the opportunity to identify them so as to be part of the crowing of Miss Malaika 2008 Queen brough voting for their favourite via SMS.
Six out of the16, who in the estimation of the public are unable to impress while in the house, will be evicted on weekly basis.
The Miss Malaika Ghana Beauty Pageant has been organised by the Charter House Ghana to bring out the best in young women.
The 16 girls who will be endearing themselves to TV viewers for weeks in the fight for the Malaika crown include Nadra Osman, Racheal Obeng-Somuah, Sandra Odamtten, Sermira Adams, Tamara Aku Dzormeku, Naa Yemoley Tetteh, Yvonne Eyram Kofigah and Ama Sitsofe Sedegah.
The rest are Akosua Agyemang-Abrokwah, Faustina Michelle Ayonka, Christabel Ekeh, Christine Ofori, Daisy Edem Attu, Erika Thompson, Ivy Wereh and Mamata Adams.
Speaking at the launch, the reigning Malaika Queen, Laurie Lawson, urged the aspiring queens to guard themselves against what she described as “sex favours” among other challenges that may come their way.
She advised them not to allow inferiority complex to worry them when they see that other colleagues are doing better than they are offering but rather put in their best at all times, be themselves and have fun as well.
Kofi Osei Ameyaw, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations, said
beauty pageant “is not irrelevant” as many people have portrayed it to be.
He said it opens up opportunities for those who participate in them and expose them to many things and should therefore be encouraged
"Goodies" Re-surfaces after Judge's Warning
By Stephen Kwabena Effah
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Music producer, Isaac Abeiku Aidoo, popular known as Goodies, being tried by an Accra Circuit Court for alleged narcotic offences, resurfaced in court on Friday after the trial judge expressed concern about the prosecution’s failure to produce him in court on two consecutive times.
However, trial of the case could not go on because the Chief State Attorney, Valerie Amartey, who has taken over the prosecution from the police also failed to show up in court yesterday.
When the case was called at about 10:30am, a police prosecutor, ASP Kofi Blagodzi, informed the court, presided over by Mr Iddrisu Mahamudu, that the Chief State Attorney had been taken ill, and prayed the court for a short adjourned date.
The court then adjourned roceedings to September 12.
Aidoo, Chief Executive of Goodies Music Production is facing two counts of attempted exportation and possessing narcotic drugs, without lawful authority.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
He was first put before the Greater Accra Regional Tribunal last April, but the case was transferred to the Circuit Court last month on the orders of the Chief Justice.
On August 25, Mr Mahamudu expressed doubts as to whether Aidoo was indeed in prison custody at the Nsawam Medium Prisons, because he had failed to appear before him on two occasions on the grounds of ill-health.
He said that the prosecution failed on those occasions to produce any evidence to prove that Aidoo had been ill and warned that he would visit the Nsawam Prisons one day to personally verify if Aidoo was there.
Aidoo was arrested on suspicion of possessing narcotic drugs at the Kotoka International Airport on April 23 while going through departure formalities to board a flight to London.
He was subsequently taken to the 37 Military Hospital by officials of the Narcotics Control Board for an x-ray examination which revealed that he had foreign materials in his stomach.
Aidoo was put under surveillance during which he allegedly expelled 80 pellets of whitish substances suspected to be cocaine. The substances proved positive of cocaine upon testing by the Ghana Standards Board.
The prosecution had told the tribunal at its first hearing on April 25, that during police interrogation, Aidoo said Abdul Haid, a musician resident at East Legon, Accra, gave him the drugs to be delivered to one Willie in London for a fee of $3,000.
Haid has not been located by the police.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Music producer, Isaac Abeiku Aidoo, popular known as Goodies, being tried by an Accra Circuit Court for alleged narcotic offences, resurfaced in court on Friday after the trial judge expressed concern about the prosecution’s failure to produce him in court on two consecutive times.However, trial of the case could not go on because the Chief State Attorney, Valerie Amartey, who has taken over the prosecution from the police also failed to show up in court yesterday.
When the case was called at about 10:30am, a police prosecutor, ASP Kofi Blagodzi, informed the court, presided over by Mr Iddrisu Mahamudu, that the Chief State Attorney had been taken ill, and prayed the court for a short adjourned date.
The court then adjourned roceedings to September 12.
Aidoo, Chief Executive of Goodies Music Production is facing two counts of attempted exportation and possessing narcotic drugs, without lawful authority.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
He was first put before the Greater Accra Regional Tribunal last April, but the case was transferred to the Circuit Court last month on the orders of the Chief Justice.
On August 25, Mr Mahamudu expressed doubts as to whether Aidoo was indeed in prison custody at the Nsawam Medium Prisons, because he had failed to appear before him on two occasions on the grounds of ill-health.
He said that the prosecution failed on those occasions to produce any evidence to prove that Aidoo had been ill and warned that he would visit the Nsawam Prisons one day to personally verify if Aidoo was there.
Aidoo was arrested on suspicion of possessing narcotic drugs at the Kotoka International Airport on April 23 while going through departure formalities to board a flight to London.
He was subsequently taken to the 37 Military Hospital by officials of the Narcotics Control Board for an x-ray examination which revealed that he had foreign materials in his stomach.
Aidoo was put under surveillance during which he allegedly expelled 80 pellets of whitish substances suspected to be cocaine. The substances proved positive of cocaine upon testing by the Ghana Standards Board.
The prosecution had told the tribunal at its first hearing on April 25, that during police interrogation, Aidoo said Abdul Haid, a musician resident at East Legon, Accra, gave him the drugs to be delivered to one Willie in London for a fee of $3,000.
Haid has not been located by the police.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Alhaji Hearts, 2 Others Bailed.
By Stephen K. Effah
Friday, 22 August 2008
Three persons, including an executive member of the Accra Hearts of Oak Football Club, were yesterday put before an Accra Circuit Court charged with money laundering.
The three, who pleaded not guilty to the charges of conspiracy to commit crime, concealment of currency, and aiding and abetment of money laundering were given a 25,000 Ghana cedi bail each with one surety.
The accused, Claribel Ewura Esi Kinful, a Cabin Crew, Alhaji Sulemana Braimah, popularly known as Alhaji Hearts and Alhaji Ahmed Tijan, a taxi driver, are also to report to the Bureau of National Investigations on Mondays at 2:00 pm until the determination of the case.
The facts as presented to the court presided over by Mr.Nathaniel Osam, were that Kinful, who is a cabin crew member of the Ghana International Airline, arrived at the Kotoka International Airport on the night of August 8, from London.
According to the prosecution, ASP George Abavelim, a random search was conducted by the security officials of the airline upon which they found 59,870 pounds concealed in the two travelling bags of Kinful.
He told the court that when Kinful was interrogated, she disclosed that the money was given to her by one George in UK to be given to someone in Accra, and that, the said George told her that someone would call her and take delivery of the money upon her arrival.
She could, however, not provide any information on the said George, ASP Abavelim said, adding that Kinful in her caution statement admitted to having transacted money in similar manner with the said George on several occasions.
The prosecution said that on August 14, while investigations were ongoing, Alhaji Hearts came to the BNI Headquarters with Tijan to claim ownership of the money seized from Kinful.
According to Alhaji Hearts, he sent 50, 000 pounds through one Mushoo to Tijan in the UK one and a half years ago to buy him a house tthere but when Mushoo was interrogated, he claimed it was Alhaji Hearts himself who brought the said money to him.
ASP Abavelim said that “in view of the discrepancies in their assertions, further investigations are being conducted to establish their complicity in the case involving the smuggling of the 59, 870 pounds to Ghana”.
Friday, 22 August 2008
Three persons, including an executive member of the Accra Hearts of Oak Football Club, were yesterday put before an Accra Circuit Court charged with money laundering.
The three, who pleaded not guilty to the charges of conspiracy to commit crime, concealment of currency, and aiding and abetment of money laundering were given a 25,000 Ghana cedi bail each with one surety.
The accused, Claribel Ewura Esi Kinful, a Cabin Crew, Alhaji Sulemana Braimah, popularly known as Alhaji Hearts and Alhaji Ahmed Tijan, a taxi driver, are also to report to the Bureau of National Investigations on Mondays at 2:00 pm until the determination of the case.
The facts as presented to the court presided over by Mr.Nathaniel Osam, were that Kinful, who is a cabin crew member of the Ghana International Airline, arrived at the Kotoka International Airport on the night of August 8, from London.
According to the prosecution, ASP George Abavelim, a random search was conducted by the security officials of the airline upon which they found 59,870 pounds concealed in the two travelling bags of Kinful.
He told the court that when Kinful was interrogated, she disclosed that the money was given to her by one George in UK to be given to someone in Accra, and that, the said George told her that someone would call her and take delivery of the money upon her arrival.
She could, however, not provide any information on the said George, ASP Abavelim said, adding that Kinful in her caution statement admitted to having transacted money in similar manner with the said George on several occasions.
The prosecution said that on August 14, while investigations were ongoing, Alhaji Hearts came to the BNI Headquarters with Tijan to claim ownership of the money seized from Kinful.
According to Alhaji Hearts, he sent 50, 000 pounds through one Mushoo to Tijan in the UK one and a half years ago to buy him a house tthere but when Mushoo was interrogated, he claimed it was Alhaji Hearts himself who brought the said money to him.
ASP Abavelim said that “in view of the discrepancies in their assertions, further investigations are being conducted to establish their complicity in the case involving the smuggling of the 59, 870 pounds to Ghana”.
Judge Rebuts Bribery Allegation
By Stephen K. Effah
Friday, 22 August 2008
A middle-aged woman last Friday stunned an Accra Circuit Court when she informed the sitting judge of an alleged bribery made against him by a man from one of the factions in the Osu rioting case which is before the judge.
According to the woman, Victoria Quaye, the man, Feihi Quartey, had on two occasions told her that they have bribed the court to end the case, saying “he told me the case has already finished since they have seen the court”.
Madam Quaye made the revelation to the judge, Iddrisu Mahamadu, just when the court was about to take the plea of five of the 13 accused persons who appeared in court yesterday.
Speaking in Ga, the woman told the court that Feihi first made the allegation when the case was referred to the Attorney General for advice, adding the second time was when the case was first brought before the judge.
The statement by the woman did not only shock the court but the judge who asked Quartey to tell the open court when, where and who he alleged to have bribed to end the case which is before him.
But Feihi denied having told Madam Quaye of bribing the court to end the criminal case, but Madam Quaye maintained that Feihi together with his younger brother did tell her that they have bribed the court.
Reacting, Mr.Mahamadu, described the allegation as “funny talk” and denied having been bribed by anybody to end the case, saying “it cannot happen. Nobody will dare”.
He told the people in the courtroom that nobody has come to “see” either him or his workers in the courtroom or chambers.
He said he has confidence in his workers and that none of them will compromise on their integrity for money, saying “our hands are clean”.
Mr.Mahamadu said that he has been on the bench since 1996 but has never taken bribe from anyone, noting “people have tried but they do not succeed,” which makes them wonder whether he is “crazy”.
He said that he work to please God almighty who sees him all the time, adding “you never can hide anything from him. I am happy that people appreciate that I am here for justice”.
The judge lauded Madam Quaye for her move, saying that it was good that she did not go to an F.M station to make the allegation for him and the court to have been “bastardised”.
He assured her of fair trial to ensure justice and urged her not to let the allegation dampen her spirit, and that the factions in the case should keep their money for their lawyers.
In the substantive case, all the five persons pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of conspiracy to commit crime, rioting with offensive weapons, unlawful entry, assault and causing unlawful damage.
The five, each of whom is on a 150 Ghana Cedi bail, are: Lawrence Quist, Samuel Dowuona, Paul Dowouna, Jacob Adom and Nii Saban Atsen.
The other seven people, who were given a 100 Ghana Cedi police bail are on the run, and the court has ordered the prosecution to bring their sureties to court on the next adjourned date, August 22.
They are Abdul Rauf, Mohammed Awal, Abubakari Yusiff, Evaris Bambara, Antaru Issaka, Mohammed Inusah and Kwame Akuni.
Presenting the facts of the case, the prosecutor, ASP Kofi Blagoge, said Quist and Samuel Dowuona together with some elders from the Dowuona Clan from Osu were invited by the Kpehe Divisional Police Commander following reports that some youth had planned to take over the Osu palace.
According to the prosecutor, that was based on extract received from the National House of Chiefs to the effect that Nii Nortey Owuo III had been de-stooled as the Osu Manste.
ASP Blagoge said that at the meeting, the accused persons were advised to use due process of the law and not to take the law into their hands as their action was likely to breach the peace in the area.
That notwithstanding, Quist and Sameul Dowuona were alleged to have gone to Nima and Maamobi to recruit other people and promised them 8,000 Ghana cedis if they invaded the palace with the intention of occupying it.
In the event of that, the accused persons were said to have attacked some people who were in the palace at the time, including the Besheo Cultural Troupe who were rehearsing at the palace, and destroyed their drums among other things.
The police upon information moved in and arrested them.
Friday, 22 August 2008
A middle-aged woman last Friday stunned an Accra Circuit Court when she informed the sitting judge of an alleged bribery made against him by a man from one of the factions in the Osu rioting case which is before the judge.
According to the woman, Victoria Quaye, the man, Feihi Quartey, had on two occasions told her that they have bribed the court to end the case, saying “he told me the case has already finished since they have seen the court”.
Madam Quaye made the revelation to the judge, Iddrisu Mahamadu, just when the court was about to take the plea of five of the 13 accused persons who appeared in court yesterday.
Speaking in Ga, the woman told the court that Feihi first made the allegation when the case was referred to the Attorney General for advice, adding the second time was when the case was first brought before the judge.
The statement by the woman did not only shock the court but the judge who asked Quartey to tell the open court when, where and who he alleged to have bribed to end the case which is before him.
But Feihi denied having told Madam Quaye of bribing the court to end the criminal case, but Madam Quaye maintained that Feihi together with his younger brother did tell her that they have bribed the court.
Reacting, Mr.Mahamadu, described the allegation as “funny talk” and denied having been bribed by anybody to end the case, saying “it cannot happen. Nobody will dare”.
He told the people in the courtroom that nobody has come to “see” either him or his workers in the courtroom or chambers.
He said he has confidence in his workers and that none of them will compromise on their integrity for money, saying “our hands are clean”.
Mr.Mahamadu said that he has been on the bench since 1996 but has never taken bribe from anyone, noting “people have tried but they do not succeed,” which makes them wonder whether he is “crazy”.
He said that he work to please God almighty who sees him all the time, adding “you never can hide anything from him. I am happy that people appreciate that I am here for justice”.
The judge lauded Madam Quaye for her move, saying that it was good that she did not go to an F.M station to make the allegation for him and the court to have been “bastardised”.
He assured her of fair trial to ensure justice and urged her not to let the allegation dampen her spirit, and that the factions in the case should keep their money for their lawyers.
In the substantive case, all the five persons pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of conspiracy to commit crime, rioting with offensive weapons, unlawful entry, assault and causing unlawful damage.
The five, each of whom is on a 150 Ghana Cedi bail, are: Lawrence Quist, Samuel Dowuona, Paul Dowouna, Jacob Adom and Nii Saban Atsen.
The other seven people, who were given a 100 Ghana Cedi police bail are on the run, and the court has ordered the prosecution to bring their sureties to court on the next adjourned date, August 22.
They are Abdul Rauf, Mohammed Awal, Abubakari Yusiff, Evaris Bambara, Antaru Issaka, Mohammed Inusah and Kwame Akuni.
Presenting the facts of the case, the prosecutor, ASP Kofi Blagoge, said Quist and Samuel Dowuona together with some elders from the Dowuona Clan from Osu were invited by the Kpehe Divisional Police Commander following reports that some youth had planned to take over the Osu palace.
According to the prosecutor, that was based on extract received from the National House of Chiefs to the effect that Nii Nortey Owuo III had been de-stooled as the Osu Manste.
ASP Blagoge said that at the meeting, the accused persons were advised to use due process of the law and not to take the law into their hands as their action was likely to breach the peace in the area.
That notwithstanding, Quist and Sameul Dowuona were alleged to have gone to Nima and Maamobi to recruit other people and promised them 8,000 Ghana cedis if they invaded the palace with the intention of occupying it.
In the event of that, the accused persons were said to have attacked some people who were in the palace at the time, including the Besheo Cultural Troupe who were rehearsing at the palace, and destroyed their drums among other things.
The police upon information moved in and arrested them.
Lotto Operators Appeal
By Stephen K. Effah
Friday, 22 August 2008
The Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA) and six other private operating firms yesterday filed a stay of execution of the decision by an Accra Fast Track High Court not to allow them to operate private lottery in the country.
The court, presided over by Justice Edward Amoako Asante on Wednesday, dismissed an action by GLOA challenging the constitutionality of the Lotto Act 722, and awarded a GH¢2,000 cost against each of them.
Not satisfied with the Fast Track Court’s ruling, the plaintiffs filed an application to contest the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
The GLOA and six private lotto operating firms are seeking an order from the Court of Appeal to set aside the High Court’s ruling on August 20, since according to them, the trial judge erred in law by summarily dismissing their action.
In their grounds of appeal, which is expected to be moved on September 3, the plaintiffs are praying the Court of Appeal to restore their action for it to be determined on its merit after a proper hearing.
They averred that the judge, Edward Amoako Asante, failed to consider and appreciate the nature and extent of their case as borne out by the reliefs and pleadings.
At the High Court, the plaintiffs had asked that it declared as "illegal and unreasonable," an NLA directive to private lotto operators to surrender their machines and equipment used for their operation.
"The learned judge in summarily dismissing the plaintiffs’ case has failed in his duty to give the plaintiffs a fair hearing in a case involving serious issues of facts and several pieces of difference," they contended.
The plaintiffs further indicated that they would file additional grounds upon receipt of a copy of the proceedings of the High Court on August 20.
In an affidavit in support of the notice of stay of execution of the court’s order, and deposed to Seth A. Amoani, Secretary of GLOA, it said the circumstances of the application by the NLA to have the plaintiffs’ action dismissed "raises serious questions of law and fact which would be considered by the appellate court"
"The appeal has good grounds and has a great chance of succeeding given the serious errors that culminated in the ruling of the Fast Track Court on August 20, 2008," it added.
It pointed out that a decision of the appellate court reversing the ruling of the Fast Track Court of Wednesday would be rendered nugatory if the enforcement of the said ruling is not injuncted pending the determination of the instant appeal.
It said that the Supreme Court in its ruling of July 23 on the constitutional aspect of the case recognised that the plaintiffs "are not at the mercy of the state in seeking to participate in the state regulatory lottery industry."
"I say that the Supreme Court never said that the plaintiffs cannot participate in the state regulated lottery industry," it added.
Plaintiffs on August 13, 2007 began an action at the High Court applying for an interlocutory injunction against NLA which was granted until the determination of the matter.
However, upon the NLA’s raising the issue of constitutionality, the matter was referred to the Supreme Court, which on July 23, ruled that Act 722 was not in contravention of the constitution as claimed by plaintiffs.
The court pointed out that the plaintiffs failed to convince it on how the Act infringes on their constitutional rights, especially those enshrined in Articles 33(5), 35(1) and 36(2)(b).
Following the Supreme Court’s determination, the parties went back to the High Court where the substantive case was pending, for directions since the Supreme Court in its ruling did not give any orders or award costs.
In view of the Supreme Court’s determination, the NLA filed an application at the Fast Track High Court before a vacation judge praying the court to dismiss plaintiffs’ case since there was nothing left unresolved in the matter by the Supreme Court.
Friday, 22 August 2008
The Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA) and six other private operating firms yesterday filed a stay of execution of the decision by an Accra Fast Track High Court not to allow them to operate private lottery in the country.
The court, presided over by Justice Edward Amoako Asante on Wednesday, dismissed an action by GLOA challenging the constitutionality of the Lotto Act 722, and awarded a GH¢2,000 cost against each of them.
Not satisfied with the Fast Track Court’s ruling, the plaintiffs filed an application to contest the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
The GLOA and six private lotto operating firms are seeking an order from the Court of Appeal to set aside the High Court’s ruling on August 20, since according to them, the trial judge erred in law by summarily dismissing their action.
In their grounds of appeal, which is expected to be moved on September 3, the plaintiffs are praying the Court of Appeal to restore their action for it to be determined on its merit after a proper hearing.
They averred that the judge, Edward Amoako Asante, failed to consider and appreciate the nature and extent of their case as borne out by the reliefs and pleadings.
At the High Court, the plaintiffs had asked that it declared as "illegal and unreasonable," an NLA directive to private lotto operators to surrender their machines and equipment used for their operation.
"The learned judge in summarily dismissing the plaintiffs’ case has failed in his duty to give the plaintiffs a fair hearing in a case involving serious issues of facts and several pieces of difference," they contended.
The plaintiffs further indicated that they would file additional grounds upon receipt of a copy of the proceedings of the High Court on August 20.
In an affidavit in support of the notice of stay of execution of the court’s order, and deposed to Seth A. Amoani, Secretary of GLOA, it said the circumstances of the application by the NLA to have the plaintiffs’ action dismissed "raises serious questions of law and fact which would be considered by the appellate court"
"The appeal has good grounds and has a great chance of succeeding given the serious errors that culminated in the ruling of the Fast Track Court on August 20, 2008," it added.
It pointed out that a decision of the appellate court reversing the ruling of the Fast Track Court of Wednesday would be rendered nugatory if the enforcement of the said ruling is not injuncted pending the determination of the instant appeal.
It said that the Supreme Court in its ruling of July 23 on the constitutional aspect of the case recognised that the plaintiffs "are not at the mercy of the state in seeking to participate in the state regulatory lottery industry."
"I say that the Supreme Court never said that the plaintiffs cannot participate in the state regulated lottery industry," it added.
Plaintiffs on August 13, 2007 began an action at the High Court applying for an interlocutory injunction against NLA which was granted until the determination of the matter.
However, upon the NLA’s raising the issue of constitutionality, the matter was referred to the Supreme Court, which on July 23, ruled that Act 722 was not in contravention of the constitution as claimed by plaintiffs.
The court pointed out that the plaintiffs failed to convince it on how the Act infringes on their constitutional rights, especially those enshrined in Articles 33(5), 35(1) and 36(2)(b).
Following the Supreme Court’s determination, the parties went back to the High Court where the substantive case was pending, for directions since the Supreme Court in its ruling did not give any orders or award costs.
In view of the Supreme Court’s determination, the NLA filed an application at the Fast Track High Court before a vacation judge praying the court to dismiss plaintiffs’ case since there was nothing left unresolved in the matter by the Supreme Court.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
A-G Wants Tsikata's Jail Term Increased
By Stephen K. Effah
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
The Attorney-General has filed a notice of appeal at an Accra Fast Track High Court calling for "enhancement of sentence" for the jailed former Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Chief Executive, Tsatsu Tsikata.
The notice, signed by a Chief State Attorney, Valerie Amate, said the "Republic is dissatisfied with the five-year sentence in hard labour imposed on Tsikata", describing it as "not proportionate having regard to the gravity of the offence".
According to the notice, the A-G is expected to file detailed grounds of appeal when it gets certified true copies of the June 18 proceedings and judgment by Justice Henrietta Abban.
Tsikata was jailed after he was found guilty of three counts of causing financial loss of GH¢230,000 to the state and misapplying GH¢2,000 in public property.
His conviction came exactly a week before the Supreme Court was to give its ruling on whether the International Finance Corporation has immunity or not to testify in his case.
But on June 25, when the Supreme Court was due to deliver its judgement on the matter,
Tsikata requested the court to "arrest" its judgement and invoke its supervisory jurisdiction to quash his conviction by the High Court.
He has since his sentence accused Justice Abban of bias, and requested a mini trial to enable him prove the allegation of bias against the judge but this has been suspended by the Fast Track High Court.
Further, a bail application filed by Tsikata to enable him appeal against his sentence was struck out on July 30 by Justice Abban for want of prosecution after Tsikata failed to move it on the grounds that he was seeking a mini trial to prove the allegation of bias against her.
Tsikata currently has a notice of appeal before the Court of Appeal, urging it to set aside the High Court’s decision since, he said, it was unreasonable and not supported by the evidence given.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has fixed October 16, to give its ruling on whether or not to quash the five-year jail term handed Tsikata.
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
The Attorney-General has filed a notice of appeal at an Accra Fast Track High Court calling for "enhancement of sentence" for the jailed former Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Chief Executive, Tsatsu Tsikata.
The notice, signed by a Chief State Attorney, Valerie Amate, said the "Republic is dissatisfied with the five-year sentence in hard labour imposed on Tsikata", describing it as "not proportionate having regard to the gravity of the offence".
According to the notice, the A-G is expected to file detailed grounds of appeal when it gets certified true copies of the June 18 proceedings and judgment by Justice Henrietta Abban.
Tsikata was jailed after he was found guilty of three counts of causing financial loss of GH¢230,000 to the state and misapplying GH¢2,000 in public property.
His conviction came exactly a week before the Supreme Court was to give its ruling on whether the International Finance Corporation has immunity or not to testify in his case.
But on June 25, when the Supreme Court was due to deliver its judgement on the matter,
Tsikata requested the court to "arrest" its judgement and invoke its supervisory jurisdiction to quash his conviction by the High Court.
He has since his sentence accused Justice Abban of bias, and requested a mini trial to enable him prove the allegation of bias against the judge but this has been suspended by the Fast Track High Court.
Further, a bail application filed by Tsikata to enable him appeal against his sentence was struck out on July 30 by Justice Abban for want of prosecution after Tsikata failed to move it on the grounds that he was seeking a mini trial to prove the allegation of bias against her.
Tsikata currently has a notice of appeal before the Court of Appeal, urging it to set aside the High Court’s decision since, he said, it was unreasonable and not supported by the evidence given.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has fixed October 16, to give its ruling on whether or not to quash the five-year jail term handed Tsikata.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
MV Benjamin Cocaine Convict Dies In Prison
By Stephen K. Effah
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Philip Bruce Arhin, one of the five persons jailed on July 25, for his involvement in the MV Benjamin cocaine case, is reported to have died at the Nsawam Medium Prisons Clinic on Saturday.
A source close to the police told the Times yesterday that Arhin, had been on admission at the Nsawam Government Hospital, but was discharged last Friday. However, he died the following day.
The source said although the immediate cause of Arhin’s death is not yet known, he is believed to have died from jaundice.
Arhin, was not in court on July 25, because of his poor health condition when his four accomplices were given a total of 125 years jail term in hard labour by an Accra Fast Track High Court which found them guilty of their various charges.
Each of them was jailed 25 years with retrospective effect from the day of their arrest.
Arhin, a mechanic in the MV Benjamin, was convicted together with his brother, Isaac Arhin, also a mechanic, Cui Xian Li, a vessel engineer and Luo Yui Xing, sailor, both Chinese, on the charges of possessing narcotic drugs without authority and engaging in prohibited business.
The other accomplice, Joseph Kojo Dawson, Managing Director of Dashment Company Limited, was also convicted on the charge of using his property for narcotic offence.
In March 2006, the MV Benjamin vessel was impounded by a combined team of the Narcotics Control Board, the Ghana Navy, the Ghana Air Force and the National Security Secretariat at the Tema Harbour.
Their trial which began in November 2006, after investigations, ended in March 2008 with the prosecution calling a total of 13 witnesses.
The accused, however denied any wrongdoing.
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Philip Bruce Arhin, one of the five persons jailed on July 25, for his involvement in the MV Benjamin cocaine case, is reported to have died at the Nsawam Medium Prisons Clinic on Saturday.
A source close to the police told the Times yesterday that Arhin, had been on admission at the Nsawam Government Hospital, but was discharged last Friday. However, he died the following day.
The source said although the immediate cause of Arhin’s death is not yet known, he is believed to have died from jaundice.
Arhin, was not in court on July 25, because of his poor health condition when his four accomplices were given a total of 125 years jail term in hard labour by an Accra Fast Track High Court which found them guilty of their various charges.
Each of them was jailed 25 years with retrospective effect from the day of their arrest.
Arhin, a mechanic in the MV Benjamin, was convicted together with his brother, Isaac Arhin, also a mechanic, Cui Xian Li, a vessel engineer and Luo Yui Xing, sailor, both Chinese, on the charges of possessing narcotic drugs without authority and engaging in prohibited business.
The other accomplice, Joseph Kojo Dawson, Managing Director of Dashment Company Limited, was also convicted on the charge of using his property for narcotic offence.
In March 2006, the MV Benjamin vessel was impounded by a combined team of the Narcotics Control Board, the Ghana Navy, the Ghana Air Force and the National Security Secretariat at the Tema Harbour.
Their trial which began in November 2006, after investigations, ended in March 2008 with the prosecution calling a total of 13 witnesses.
The accused, however denied any wrongdoing.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
President's Accident: Thomas Osei Jailed For 9 Months
By Stephen K. Effah
Wednesday, 06 August 2008
Thomas Osei, the man who drove his Mercedes Benz car into the President’s car last year, was yesterday handed a nine-month jail term and a fine of GHc28,200 after almost nine months of trial.
The 51-year-old road contractor was found guilty on four counts of various driving offences.
However, he was acquitted and discharged on the charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and the use of narcotic drugs without lawful authority.
He had pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving, two counts of negligently causing harm, driving under the influence of alcohol, failing to give way to a siren and use of narcotic drugs without authority.
Osei, who has been in police custody since November 14, 2007, is expected to spend only nine days in prison because the court says his sentence takes retrospective effect.
Sentencing him, the Fast Track High Court, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Ayebi, ordered him to formally apologise to the President and the people of Ghana for his conduct.
It also directed the appropriate authorities to revoke his driving licence — which is in the custody of the Nima Police Station, in Accra — for three years, during which period he is not permitted to drive any motor vehicle.
The court further directed the police to give back Osei’s two passports to him and another service passport to the Ghana Immigration Service.
The Motor Transport and Traffic Unit of the Police was also asked to intensify and sustain education on the appropriate use and importance of sirens in the country.Justice Ayebi said that motorists should know that not only sirens of the presidential convoy must be obeyed but also those permitted under the law, and warned against the use of unauthorised sirens.
In discharging and acquitting Osei on the charge of use of narcotic drugs, the trial judge said the prosecution failed to lead evidence that Osei was a drug user, and disbelieved the evidence that he confided in a police officer that he used cocaine.
On the charge of driving under the influence of alcohol, the court said the prosecution’s claim that Osei had an alcohol level of 0.41 per cent upon testing was "inaccurate and inefficient" as due process was not followed in testing his alcohol level.
The court explained that it was wrong on the part of the police officer to have conducted the test.
A breath test should be done at the hospital and should be done or authorised by the medical doctor under whose care the patient, is.
The court said the police officer who conducted the test with an alcohol sensor did not take into account time element which was crucial in the test, adding that it is "reasonably probable" that the test was not carried out within two hours on the onset of the accident as claimed by the prosecution.
It said the test result of 0.41 per cent "is not reasonably probable", indicating that even if it were to be 0.03 he would have been in a state of unconsciousness.
On the driving offences, Justice Ayebi said that since Osei was in a hurry to drop off a family friend who was in his car at the time of the accident, it could be inferred that he oversped and ignored traffic regulations.
The court pointed out that if Osei was indeed driving at 50 kilometres per hour at the time of the accident, he would have been able to stop within 12 metres and would not have crashed into the President’s car in view of the perfect condition of his car and the clear weather.
He said it was because Osei was speeding that on impact, the President’s car summersaulted twice before falling on its left side.
Justice Ayebi rejected Osei’s evidence that he heard a faint siren before crashing into the President’s car, saying "the accused disabled himself from not hearing the siren by rolling up his window glasses."
He said the prosecution was able to prove that Osei failed to take a proper look-out at the intersection, thus driving into the President’s car, adding "he didn’t only fail to take proper look-out but was speeding."
On the charges of negligently causing harm, the court held that the harm occurred as a result of the dangerous driving which caused the accident.
Before the judge pronounced sentence, Counsel for Osei, Kwame Boafo Akuffo, pleaded with the court to mitigate the sentence since his client has shown remorse and apologised to the President.
He said Osei has been helpful to society in various ways and should be given the opportunity to continue, adding, "he is even a sub-contractor on the Yamoransah –Cape Coast road which is under construction."
But the Principal State Attorney, Edward Duodu Agyemang, urged the court to give the maximum sentences under the various laws, to serve as a deterrent to other motorists, noting there is a lot of indiscipline on the roads which results in accidents
"Ghanaian drivers are making history. This is a classic case for which the maximum sentence should be given to him."
Osei rammed his car into the President’s car on November 14,2007 at the intersection near the Opeibea House in the Accra Airport area, forcing the President’s car to overturn.
The President escaped unhurt but his driver and another man sustained minor injuries for which they were treated at the 37 Military Hospital.
Osei was first arraigned at the Motor Court in Accra on November 16 for dangerous driving, negligently causing harm, driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to give way to the presidential convoy.
His plea was not taken and he was remanded in police custody. He was discharged by the court on December 20, after the prosecution filed a nolle prosequi (unwilling to prosecute) but he was re-arrested immediately he stepped out of the court and put before the Fast Track High Court
Wednesday, 06 August 2008
Thomas Osei, the man who drove his Mercedes Benz car into the President’s car last year, was yesterday handed a nine-month jail term and a fine of GHc28,200 after almost nine months of trial.
The 51-year-old road contractor was found guilty on four counts of various driving offences.
However, he was acquitted and discharged on the charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and the use of narcotic drugs without lawful authority.
He had pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving, two counts of negligently causing harm, driving under the influence of alcohol, failing to give way to a siren and use of narcotic drugs without authority.
Osei, who has been in police custody since November 14, 2007, is expected to spend only nine days in prison because the court says his sentence takes retrospective effect.
Sentencing him, the Fast Track High Court, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Ayebi, ordered him to formally apologise to the President and the people of Ghana for his conduct.
It also directed the appropriate authorities to revoke his driving licence — which is in the custody of the Nima Police Station, in Accra — for three years, during which period he is not permitted to drive any motor vehicle.
The court further directed the police to give back Osei’s two passports to him and another service passport to the Ghana Immigration Service.
The Motor Transport and Traffic Unit of the Police was also asked to intensify and sustain education on the appropriate use and importance of sirens in the country.Justice Ayebi said that motorists should know that not only sirens of the presidential convoy must be obeyed but also those permitted under the law, and warned against the use of unauthorised sirens.
In discharging and acquitting Osei on the charge of use of narcotic drugs, the trial judge said the prosecution failed to lead evidence that Osei was a drug user, and disbelieved the evidence that he confided in a police officer that he used cocaine.
On the charge of driving under the influence of alcohol, the court said the prosecution’s claim that Osei had an alcohol level of 0.41 per cent upon testing was "inaccurate and inefficient" as due process was not followed in testing his alcohol level.
The court explained that it was wrong on the part of the police officer to have conducted the test.
A breath test should be done at the hospital and should be done or authorised by the medical doctor under whose care the patient, is.
The court said the police officer who conducted the test with an alcohol sensor did not take into account time element which was crucial in the test, adding that it is "reasonably probable" that the test was not carried out within two hours on the onset of the accident as claimed by the prosecution.
It said the test result of 0.41 per cent "is not reasonably probable", indicating that even if it were to be 0.03 he would have been in a state of unconsciousness.
On the driving offences, Justice Ayebi said that since Osei was in a hurry to drop off a family friend who was in his car at the time of the accident, it could be inferred that he oversped and ignored traffic regulations.
The court pointed out that if Osei was indeed driving at 50 kilometres per hour at the time of the accident, he would have been able to stop within 12 metres and would not have crashed into the President’s car in view of the perfect condition of his car and the clear weather.
He said it was because Osei was speeding that on impact, the President’s car summersaulted twice before falling on its left side.
Justice Ayebi rejected Osei’s evidence that he heard a faint siren before crashing into the President’s car, saying "the accused disabled himself from not hearing the siren by rolling up his window glasses."
He said the prosecution was able to prove that Osei failed to take a proper look-out at the intersection, thus driving into the President’s car, adding "he didn’t only fail to take proper look-out but was speeding."
On the charges of negligently causing harm, the court held that the harm occurred as a result of the dangerous driving which caused the accident.
Before the judge pronounced sentence, Counsel for Osei, Kwame Boafo Akuffo, pleaded with the court to mitigate the sentence since his client has shown remorse and apologised to the President.
He said Osei has been helpful to society in various ways and should be given the opportunity to continue, adding, "he is even a sub-contractor on the Yamoransah –Cape Coast road which is under construction."
But the Principal State Attorney, Edward Duodu Agyemang, urged the court to give the maximum sentences under the various laws, to serve as a deterrent to other motorists, noting there is a lot of indiscipline on the roads which results in accidents
"Ghanaian drivers are making history. This is a classic case for which the maximum sentence should be given to him."
Osei rammed his car into the President’s car on November 14,2007 at the intersection near the Opeibea House in the Accra Airport area, forcing the President’s car to overturn.
The President escaped unhurt but his driver and another man sustained minor injuries for which they were treated at the 37 Military Hospital.
Osei was first arraigned at the Motor Court in Accra on November 16 for dangerous driving, negligently causing harm, driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to give way to the presidential convoy.
His plea was not taken and he was remanded in police custody. He was discharged by the court on December 20, after the prosecution filed a nolle prosequi (unwilling to prosecute) but he was re-arrested immediately he stepped out of the court and put before the Fast Track High Court
Friday, July 25, 2008
Court Upholds Lotto Act
By Stephen K. Effah
Friday, 25 July 2008
The Supreme Court on Wednesday unanimously declared that the National Lotto Act 722, in no way violates the 1992 Constitution, especially the fundamental human rights provisions and the directive principles of state policy.
The Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA) in June filed a writ at the court challenging the constitutionality of Act 722, 2006, which was assented to on December 27, 2006 to establish the National Lottery Authority.
It claimed that Act 722, which outlawed the operations of lotto business by private operators, infringes the constitutionally guaranteed right of the private operator to free economic activity.
But the five-member panel, presided over by Justice Stephen A. Brobbey, which interpreted the Act disagreed, noting that (Act 722) does not contravene Articles 36 (5), 35 (1) and 36(2) of the constitution and that the GLOA in its statement of claim failed to demonstrate how it contravenes the constitution.
The court held that the lotto business is regulated in all jurisdictions, and that under Act 722, a person or a business can collaborate with the National Lottery Authority to conduct lotto.
Consequently, the Accra Fast Track High Court before which the substantive case is pending, is to fix a date to hear it.
The GLOA on August 13, last year, filed a suit at the court praying it to stop the NLA from monopolising lotto business in the country.
The GLOA is seeking "a declaration that the directive from the National Lottery Authority to private lotto operators to surrender machines or equipment used for the operation of lottery to the Director-General by August 14, 2007 is unconstitutional, illegal and unreasonable."
Further, it wants a declaration that Act 722 outlawed the operations of the lotto business by private lotto operators, infringes the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the private lotto operators to free economic activity.
It also requests for a pronouncement that "the creation of the National Lottery Authority to take over and monopolise the operation of the lotto business in Ghana infringes the constitutional injunction to the government to ensure a pronounced role of the private sector in the economy", as well as cost.
But due to the constitutional aspect of the case, the court presided over by Justice Anthony Abban on March 14, granted an interlocutory injunction filed by GLOA to restrain the NLA from interfering with the property rights of lotto operating businesses of those concerned, pending the determination of the constitutional matters by the Supreme Court.
Friday, 25 July 2008
The Supreme Court on Wednesday unanimously declared that the National Lotto Act 722, in no way violates the 1992 Constitution, especially the fundamental human rights provisions and the directive principles of state policy.
The Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA) in June filed a writ at the court challenging the constitutionality of Act 722, 2006, which was assented to on December 27, 2006 to establish the National Lottery Authority.
It claimed that Act 722, which outlawed the operations of lotto business by private operators, infringes the constitutionally guaranteed right of the private operator to free economic activity.
But the five-member panel, presided over by Justice Stephen A. Brobbey, which interpreted the Act disagreed, noting that (Act 722) does not contravene Articles 36 (5), 35 (1) and 36(2) of the constitution and that the GLOA in its statement of claim failed to demonstrate how it contravenes the constitution.
The court held that the lotto business is regulated in all jurisdictions, and that under Act 722, a person or a business can collaborate with the National Lottery Authority to conduct lotto.
Consequently, the Accra Fast Track High Court before which the substantive case is pending, is to fix a date to hear it.
The GLOA on August 13, last year, filed a suit at the court praying it to stop the NLA from monopolising lotto business in the country.
The GLOA is seeking "a declaration that the directive from the National Lottery Authority to private lotto operators to surrender machines or equipment used for the operation of lottery to the Director-General by August 14, 2007 is unconstitutional, illegal and unreasonable."
Further, it wants a declaration that Act 722 outlawed the operations of the lotto business by private lotto operators, infringes the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the private lotto operators to free economic activity.
It also requests for a pronouncement that "the creation of the National Lottery Authority to take over and monopolise the operation of the lotto business in Ghana infringes the constitutional injunction to the government to ensure a pronounced role of the private sector in the economy", as well as cost.
But due to the constitutional aspect of the case, the court presided over by Justice Anthony Abban on March 14, granted an interlocutory injunction filed by GLOA to restrain the NLA from interfering with the property rights of lotto operating businesses of those concerned, pending the determination of the constitutional matters by the Supreme Court.
Ruling On IFC Suspended
By Stephen K.Effah
Friday, 25 July 2008
The Supreme Court has suspended for the second time, its ruling on whether the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has immunity from the country’s courts or not, brought before it by the incarcerated former Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Chief Executive, Tsatsu Tsikata.
This is to await the outcome of relief’s being sought by Mr Tsikata at the Supreme Court to quash his five year jail sentence by an Accra Fast Track High Court presided over by Justice Henrietta Abban.
The court on June 25, suspended its ruling on the matter following Mr Tsikata’s decision to "arrest" the judgement by the High Court and asked the Supreme Court to invoke its supervisory jurisdiction to quash his conviction.
Wednesday’s hearing was to find out whether the purpose of which Mr Tsikata arrested the judgement has been achieved or not after the expiry of the period of the action.
But Mr Tsikata said the conditions that necessitated the arrest of the judgement have not yet been achieved and expressed surprise at the turn of events because he was served with the notice of hearing only about 30 minutes before it was called.
He said he had come for another case at the Fast Track High Court presided over by Justice Abban, where he was seeking bail pending his appeal.
The Attorney General, Joe Ghartey, also told the five-member panel that he had no idea that the case was scheduled for hearing that morning and that he was at the Supreme Court for a different case.
The panel too said it was notified just that morning.
Nevertheless, when Justice Atuguba asked Mr Tsikata whether the intention for which the judgement on the case was arrested still persisted, he told the panel that those conditions have even not been heard.
He said that his application urging the court to quash his jail term has not yet been heard.
That case was to have been heard on July 16, but Mr Tsikata objected to the empanelling of Justice Stephen Alan Brobbey because Justice Brobbey was once a member of a committee of inquiry set up by the Chief Justice to investigate the conduct of Justice Abban.
He said Justice Brobbey thereby had an informed opinion of her, which could influence his case before the Supreme Court.
Mr Tsikata was on June 18, sentenced to five years’ imprisonment by an Accra Fast Track High Court after he was found guilty of three counts of causing financial loss of GH¢230,000 to the state and misapplying GH¢2,000 in public property.
At the time of his conviction, Mr Tsikata was expected to appear before the Supreme Court the following week for a ruling on whether the International Finance Corporation has immunity or not to testify in the case.
Immediately he was sentenced, Mr Tsikata asked the court for bail to allow him to appeal against the decision, but that request was refused by Justice Abban who presided over the court.
He later filed a notice of appeal seeking an order of the Court of Appeal to set aside the High Court’s decision because, he said, it was unreasonable and not supported by the evidence given.
Friday, 25 July 2008
The Supreme Court has suspended for the second time, its ruling on whether the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has immunity from the country’s courts or not, brought before it by the incarcerated former Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Chief Executive, Tsatsu Tsikata.
This is to await the outcome of relief’s being sought by Mr Tsikata at the Supreme Court to quash his five year jail sentence by an Accra Fast Track High Court presided over by Justice Henrietta Abban.
The court on June 25, suspended its ruling on the matter following Mr Tsikata’s decision to "arrest" the judgement by the High Court and asked the Supreme Court to invoke its supervisory jurisdiction to quash his conviction.
Wednesday’s hearing was to find out whether the purpose of which Mr Tsikata arrested the judgement has been achieved or not after the expiry of the period of the action.
But Mr Tsikata said the conditions that necessitated the arrest of the judgement have not yet been achieved and expressed surprise at the turn of events because he was served with the notice of hearing only about 30 minutes before it was called.
He said he had come for another case at the Fast Track High Court presided over by Justice Abban, where he was seeking bail pending his appeal.
The Attorney General, Joe Ghartey, also told the five-member panel that he had no idea that the case was scheduled for hearing that morning and that he was at the Supreme Court for a different case.
The panel too said it was notified just that morning.
Nevertheless, when Justice Atuguba asked Mr Tsikata whether the intention for which the judgement on the case was arrested still persisted, he told the panel that those conditions have even not been heard.
He said that his application urging the court to quash his jail term has not yet been heard.
That case was to have been heard on July 16, but Mr Tsikata objected to the empanelling of Justice Stephen Alan Brobbey because Justice Brobbey was once a member of a committee of inquiry set up by the Chief Justice to investigate the conduct of Justice Abban.
He said Justice Brobbey thereby had an informed opinion of her, which could influence his case before the Supreme Court.
Mr Tsikata was on June 18, sentenced to five years’ imprisonment by an Accra Fast Track High Court after he was found guilty of three counts of causing financial loss of GH¢230,000 to the state and misapplying GH¢2,000 in public property.
At the time of his conviction, Mr Tsikata was expected to appear before the Supreme Court the following week for a ruling on whether the International Finance Corporation has immunity or not to testify in the case.
Immediately he was sentenced, Mr Tsikata asked the court for bail to allow him to appeal against the decision, but that request was refused by Justice Abban who presided over the court.
He later filed a notice of appeal seeking an order of the Court of Appeal to set aside the High Court’s decision because, he said, it was unreasonable and not supported by the evidence given.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Court Complex To Be Built
By Stephen K. Effah
Thursday, 24 July 2008
The Judicial Service of Ghana (JSG) is expected to begin construction of a modern five-storey 34-room court complex in March next year, in Accra at Victoriaborg, on a parcel of land adjoining the Cocoa Affairs Court.
The modern court complex will house two Courts of Appeal, High Courts, Circuit and two Magistrates Courts, a banking hall, press centre, clinic, offices for key players in administration of justice and waiting areas among others.
A memorandum of understanding to that effect, between JSG and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to release the Victoriaborg land to the former in exchange for the site housing the Cocoa Affairs Court, was signed on Monday.
SSNIT on the other hand, is expected to develop the Cocoa Affairs Courts site into a commercial facility.
The Chief Justice, Mrs. Georgina Wood, who signed on behalf of the JSG, said that SSNIT has indicated its intention to fund the construction of the modern court complex.
She said that although the importance of courts in the country cannot be overstated, the current state of the courts has seriously hampered the effective and efficient administration of justice.
Quoting US National Centre for State Courts 1991, she said that court facilities should not only be efficient and comfortable, but should also reflect the independence, dignity and importance in judicial system.
"It is difficult for our citizens to have respect for the courts and law, and for those who work in the court, if the community houses the court in facilities that detract from its stature," she added.
She therefore noted that the completion of the courts complex will therefore go a long way to provide lawyers and court users with a congenial atmosphere to do their work effectively.
Mrs. Wood said that SSNIT has agreed to the JSG’s use of the Cocoa Affairs Courts until the completion of the modern court complex at the Victoriaborg before it develops the area into a commercial facility.
She lauded her predecessors for initiating the deal, and commended the Lands Commission and SSNIT for their various roles in making the asset swap possible.
Mr.Kwasi Boaten, SSNIT general manager in charge of Finance, expressed optimism that the deal will improve the justice delivery system in the country, saying "we believe that rule of law is best ensured where the law recognises the economic and social needs of the people."
He indicated that the provision of adequate facilities for the conduct of judicial business would lead to avoidance of delays in our courts, create convenience for litigants and witnesses.
He said it would also create room for the appointment of adequate number of judges and judicial officers.
Mr Boaten noted that SSNIT has benefited tremendously from the weekend courts introduced this year, adding that between April and June it was able to recover 1,544,340 Ghana cedis.
He therefore urged the JSG to extend the weekend court to Kumasi, Takoradi and Tema.
Thursday, 24 July 2008
The Judicial Service of Ghana (JSG) is expected to begin construction of a modern five-storey 34-room court complex in March next year, in Accra at Victoriaborg, on a parcel of land adjoining the Cocoa Affairs Court.
The modern court complex will house two Courts of Appeal, High Courts, Circuit and two Magistrates Courts, a banking hall, press centre, clinic, offices for key players in administration of justice and waiting areas among others.
A memorandum of understanding to that effect, between JSG and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to release the Victoriaborg land to the former in exchange for the site housing the Cocoa Affairs Court, was signed on Monday.
SSNIT on the other hand, is expected to develop the Cocoa Affairs Courts site into a commercial facility.
The Chief Justice, Mrs. Georgina Wood, who signed on behalf of the JSG, said that SSNIT has indicated its intention to fund the construction of the modern court complex.
She said that although the importance of courts in the country cannot be overstated, the current state of the courts has seriously hampered the effective and efficient administration of justice.
Quoting US National Centre for State Courts 1991, she said that court facilities should not only be efficient and comfortable, but should also reflect the independence, dignity and importance in judicial system.
"It is difficult for our citizens to have respect for the courts and law, and for those who work in the court, if the community houses the court in facilities that detract from its stature," she added.
She therefore noted that the completion of the courts complex will therefore go a long way to provide lawyers and court users with a congenial atmosphere to do their work effectively.
Mrs. Wood said that SSNIT has agreed to the JSG’s use of the Cocoa Affairs Courts until the completion of the modern court complex at the Victoriaborg before it develops the area into a commercial facility.
She lauded her predecessors for initiating the deal, and commended the Lands Commission and SSNIT for their various roles in making the asset swap possible.
Mr.Kwasi Boaten, SSNIT general manager in charge of Finance, expressed optimism that the deal will improve the justice delivery system in the country, saying "we believe that rule of law is best ensured where the law recognises the economic and social needs of the people."
He indicated that the provision of adequate facilities for the conduct of judicial business would lead to avoidance of delays in our courts, create convenience for litigants and witnesses.
He said it would also create room for the appointment of adequate number of judges and judicial officers.
Mr Boaten noted that SSNIT has benefited tremendously from the weekend courts introduced this year, adding that between April and June it was able to recover 1,544,340 Ghana cedis.
He therefore urged the JSG to extend the weekend court to Kumasi, Takoradi and Tema.
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