News
Trader in court over 500-gallon cooking oil fraud
A trader has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly collecting GH₵242,500 under the pretense of supplying 500 gallons of cooking oil but failing to deliver.
Samuel Owusu Amoako, 36, charged with defrauding by false pretenses, pleaded not guilty.
The court, presided over by Mr Samuel Bright Acquah, granted him bail of GH₵150,000 with three sureties.
The prosecution informed the court that Amoako brought GH₵50,000, which was handed over to the complainant.
The case was adjourned to June 2, 2025.
The prosecution said the complainant, Cornelius Kusi Amoako, is self-employed and resides at Baatsona, while the accused, who is unemployed, lives at Teiman.
On June 14, 2024, the accused allegedly demanded and received GH₵242,500 through his Fidelity Bank account—registered under the name J.S.B Logistics Limited at the Madina branch—under the pretext of supplying the complainant with 500 gallons of cooking.
Each gallon was priced at GH₵485 and was to be delivered to Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Bono Region.
After receiving the money, Amoako allegedly failed to supply the oil and went into hiding.
Efforts by the complainant to locate him proved futile.
In June 2024, Amoako directed the complainant to collect the oil from an individual named Ali in Dormaa-Ahenkro.
The prosecution stated that upon the complainant’s arrival in the town, the expected consignment was not available.
The complainant reported the matter to the Baatsona Police on March 27, 2025.
On April 20, 2025, he received information that Amoako had been arrested in Sampa, Bono East Region, for a similar offence.
With police assistance, Amoako was arrested and brought to Accra for investigations.
During interrogation, he admitted to the offence in his caution statement in the presence of an independent witness, the prosecution revealed.
–GNA
News
Chief Imam endorses ‘Let Love Lead’s’ clean-up campaign at Nkrumah Circle
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has thrown his weight behind the upcoming city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
The revered Islamic leader gave his blessing during a consultative meeting with organisers of the exercise, calling the initiative a “commendable national duty” that aligns with both religious and civic responsibility.
The clean-up, which marks the third edition of a growing sanitation drive, is being organised by community stakeholders and supported by civil society groups.
This year’s exercise is especially symbolic as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the June 3, 2015 flood and fire disaster that claimed over 150 lives at the same location.
“The well-being of our people and the cleanliness of our environment are acts of faith and service,” the Chief Imam said.
“We must all come together—Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, and non-religious people alike—to honour the memory of those lost and prevent future tragedies,” He added.
Organisers, ‘Let Love Lead’, say the Chief Imam’s endorsement adds significant moral weight to the campaign, which already enjoys growing national support.
Engagements have also been held with traditional rulers, MPs, government officials, and social influencers to galvanise wider participation.
This year’s event is expected to go beyond sanitation. Side activities include medical outreach, disaster preparedness education, interfaith prayers, and donations to victims of the June 3 disaster.
Nene Lartey Osakonor I (Big Dawood), a traditional leader spearheading coordination, described the Chief Imam’s support as “invaluable.”
He said, “We are deeply honoured by the Chief Imam’s endorsement.
“His message is a powerful reminder that sanitation is not just a government or NGO responsibility—it’s a spiritual and civic duty,” he added.
More institutions, volunteers, and media houses are expected to join the campaign as the date draws near.
News
Speaker joins Ugandan Parliament’s inaugural sitting
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, was among distinguished African leaders who witnessed the Inaugural Sitting of the 5th Session of Uganda’s 11th Parliament yesterday.
The event, presided over by Uganda’s Speaker, Rt. Hon. Anita Anette Among, marked the beginning of the final legislative session before the country heads to the polls to elect new lawmakers.
Speakers and presiding officers from Namibia, Congo, East African Legislatures, Kenya’s Senate, South Sudan, and the Leader of the West Africa bloc of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) also attended the session.
In accordance with Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, President Yoweri Museveni delivered the State of the Nation Address, highlighting his government’s achievements.
Using pictorial evidence and videos, he showcased progress in infrastructure development, particularly road construction, and efforts to ensure food security.
The President also emphasized advancements in healthcare, including research initiatives and improved service delivery.
He further noted groundbreaking innovations in science and technology, such as the production and export of the Kirra electric cars.
President Museveni thanked Parliament for supporting government initiatives and pledged more developmental projects, including additional roads across constituencies. As Uganda prepares for elections, he expressed confidence in his National Resistance Movement’s performance while wishing all political parties well.
Following the address, Parliament is set to commence debates next week before receiving the President again for the budget presentation.
Speaker Among commended the President for his support to the legislature and urged Members of Parliament to uphold patriotism and dedicated service.
Bagbin Calls for African Unity
At a dinner hosted for visiting delegations, Rt. Hon. Bagbin, who also chairs the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of African Legislatures (CoSPAL), urged Uganda to remain committed to African unity and socio-economic development.
The event reinforced the spirit of Pan-African cooperation as nations strengthen parliamentary ties for continental progress.
