An Accra High Court has convicted the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), and his company, Akonta Mining, after finding them guilty of illegal mining offences at his Samreboi concession in the Western Region. Wontumi has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour. Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, who presided over the Criminal Division of the High Court, delivered the sentence shortly after 11:40 am on Monday, July 20, 2026, bringing to an end one of Ghana’s most closely watched illegal mining prosecutions. The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty…
Author: yao odoom
The Government of Ghana has expressed its condolences to the people of Dagbon following the death of Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II, describing the late overlord as a distinguished traditional ruler whose reign brought healing, reconciliation and lasting peace to the kingdom. In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the government extended its sympathies to the Royal Family, the people of Dagbon and the nation. “The Government of Ghana has received with profound sadness the news of the passing of His Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II,” the statement said. “On behalf of the Government…
President John Dramani Mahama has commended the Volta River Authority for its response to the recent fire outbreak at the Akosombo control room, describing the incident as an opportunity to modernise the facility. Speaking during his visit to assess the damage and ongoing recovery works at Akosombo on April 30, Mahama expressed sympathy over the incident but praised the technical team for their swift response in restoring power generation. “We heard about the sad event — the fire outbreak in your control room — and of course, Ghanaians have felt the impact,” he said. He noted that the authority’s response…
The High Court has granted GH₵30 million bail with two sureties to Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, marking a significant development in the long-running legal battle surrounding his extradition case. The court ordered that the bail be secured with two sureties, both of whom must be justified. The update was confirmed in a Facebook post on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, by his lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who disclosed that the court had approved bail for his client after months in custody. The bail decision comes after several failed attempts by the defence to secure his release while challenging the…
Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody following a judicial order, his legal team has confirmed. The announcement was contained in a statement issued on April 8, 2026, by his solicitor, Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo of Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline & Partners. According to the lawyers, Mr Ofori-Atta “was released from ICE detention pursuant to judicial order” and has since rejoined his family in the United States. They say he is committed to pursuing all matters through lawful channels. “He remains fully committed to use due process in defence of his rights as…
Ghana’s economy grew by 7.5% in January 2026, the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has reported, signalling continued momentum at the start of the year, albeit slightly lower than the 8.2% growth recorded in the same month of 2025. According to the latest Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth (MIEG) data, the services sector remained the main driver, expanding by 9.6% and contributing 54.3% of overall economic growth. The industrial sector followed with a 7.2% increase, accounting for 29.0%, while agriculture recorded the slowest growth at 4.5%, contributing 14.0%. Government Statistician Dr Alhassan Iddrisu noted that the strong performance in services underscores…
Ghana has welcomed the decision by Burkina Faso to lift its suspension on fresh tomato exports, a move expected to ease supply pressures and stabilise local markets. The ban on export of tomatoes from Burkina Faso was announced on March 19 by the Bukinabé authorities, a development that deepens supply challenges in Ghana. “This development is a positive outcome of ongoing bilateral engagements between Ghana and Burkina Faso,” said the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry. The ministry, in a statement on April 2, 2026, highlighted that one of five key meetings held by Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare and her Burkinabe counterparts…
The National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) has announced an increase in the price of sachet water, citing rising production costs linked to global supply challenges. The new pricing regime, which takes effect from Monday, April 6, follows what the association describes as a significant surge in the cost of raw materials, particularly polymers, due to international market disruptions. In a statement issued on April 2, NASPAWAP explained that the ongoing conflict in Iran has contributed to a shortage of key inputs, making it increasingly difficult for producers to sustain existing price levels. Under the revised structure,…
Farmers across Ghana will receive free fertilisers in 2026 following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, aimed at cushioning them against post-harvest losses. The announcement was made during the launch of the first Farmer Services Centre at Takoratwene in the Kwahu Afram Plains South District, part of the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative designed to strengthen the agricultural value chain and create employment opportunities. The centre will serve as a one-stop hub, providing mechanised land preparation, certified seeds and fertilisers, equipment leasing, irrigation support, and post-harvest storage facilities for farmers. Addressing attendees, President Mahama said the free fertiliser initiative will…
Prices of petroleum products are set to increase by a significant margin from March 16, 2026. That’s according to the latest outlook report by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), which guides pricing decisions for oil marketing companies and was seen by Joy Business. Based on the report, a litre of petrol is expected to increase by 16.93%, while diesel will go up by 17.21%. LPG, on the other hand, will be increased by 11.26%. This is about the fourth time since January this year that fuel prices have been projected to rise. However, this is the first time…
