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Respond to Ofori-Atta’s suit and stop the unnecessary presser – Frank Davies to Special Prosecutor
A member of former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta’s legal team, Frank Davies, has criticised the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyabeng for what he describes as “unnecessary publicity stunts” in his attempt to probe his client for alleged corruption and corruption-related offences.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Middaynews on Monday, March 17, Mr Davies expressed his growing disappointment with the OSP’s handling of the case, insisting that the office should respond to the latest suit filed against him by Mr Ofori-Atta rather than running to the media.
“You have been served with an originating notice of motion. The OSP has conceded that the process has been duly served. As a trained lawyer occupying such an esteemed office, what should he have done? Respond to the motion—not engage in knee-jerk reactions, showboating, and unnecessary attempts to court public attention through press conferences,” Mr Davies asserted.
The criticism comes after the OSP issued a stern warning to Mr Ofori-Atta, stating that he would be re-listed as a wanted person if he fails to appear for questioning on June 2, 2025.
The latest stance of the OSP comes after Ken Ofori-Atta filed a suit against him, seeking an injunction to prevent his reclassification as a wanted person.
His legal team argues that the OSP’s actions are baseless and unjustified, emphasising that he has cooperated with investigations through his lawyers. They claim that any attempt to label him a fugitive would be unfair and damaging to his reputation.
After the former Finance Minister assured authorities of his cooperation with ongoing corruption investigations, the OSP had previously removed his name from its wanted list in good faith.
In a statement responding to a lawsuit filed by Mr Ofori-Atta, challenging the OSP’s earlier decision to declare him a fugitive, the prosecuting authority reiterated its stance. According to the OSP, Mr Ofori-Atta had personally requested his removal from the wanted list, providing assurances that he would make himself available for questioning on a specific date.
Mr Davies, however, questioned the OSP’s motives, insisting that his client remains available and that there is a prior agreement for his appearance in June.
“Our client is still outside the country for a reason, and this reason has been communicated through proper procedures. What else should be done? The OSP agreed that he would appear on June 2. Why not wait until then? This is an act of extreme bad faith, unethical and unprofessional conduct coming from a trained lawyer,” Mr Davies argued.
He further emphasised that there are legal processes available to ensure Mr Ofori-Atta returns to Ghana if necessary, dismissing claims that his client is evading justice.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
