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Atta Akyea asks Chief Justice to withdraw vacation hearing directive in Adu-Boahene trial
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Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea has asked the Chief Justice to withdraw a directive that allows the criminal trial involving former National Signals Bureau Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene to continue during the legal vacation.
In a letter dated August 5, 2026, Mr. Atta Akyea, who is head of chambers at Zoe, Akyea & Co., said his legal team would be unable to attend the scheduled hearings on August 11, 12 and 13.
The hearings were fixed by Justice Francis Apangabuno Achibonga, who is sitting as an additional High Court judge, following a warrant issued under the authority of the Chief Justice.
Mr. Atta Akyea argued that the directive would force the lawyers for the accused persons to work during the legal vacation while other lawyers and judges were resting.
He stated that members of his law firm had already worked throughout the legal year, from October 2025 to July 2026, and had planned personal engagements and travel during the vacation period.
According to him, the legal vacation has traditionally been a period for lawyers and judges to rest after a demanding year.
The lawyer warned that allowing the case to continue during the vacation could create the impression of selective justice.
He said many other criminal and civil cases had been adjourned until October or November 2026 because of the legal vacation, and argued that the Adu-Boahene case should be treated in the same manner.
In the letter, he referred to Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which states that justice is administered in the name of the Republic by an independent Judiciary.
Mr. Atta Akyea further stated that some members of the public had formed the view that there were now two systems of criminal justice delivery: one for what he described as “special criminal cases” before specialised courts and another for ordinary criminal cases that follow the normal process.
He appealed to the Chief Justice to reconsider the directive, withdraw the warrant and adjourn the case until the courts resume regular sittings.
The criminal case involves Mr. Adu-Boahene, Angela Adjei Boateng and Advantage Solutions Limited.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the Judicial Secretary, the President of the Ghana Bar Association and the Registrar of High Court Specialised Court 1 in Accra.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, staged a massive nationwide protest in Accra dubbed “Democracy Under Attack” to register its displeasure over what it describes as threats to Ghana’s democratic governance and justice system.
The demonstration commenced at 5:00 a.m., with hundreds of party supporters, executives and sympathizers gathering at the forecourt of the Supreme Court before marching through principal streets of the capital.
Ahead of the protest, the NPP National Steering Committee directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilize members and supporters for the event.
Led by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the protesters presented their first petition at the Supreme Court.
The five-page petition was received by Judicial Secretary, Musah Ahmed, on behalf of the Chief Justice.
He assured the party leadership that the document would be delivered to the Chief Justice.
At the Jubilee House, Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah received the second petition on behalf of the President.
However, the gesture did not sit well with some party leaders.
Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who also presented a petition, expressed disappointment at the government’s representation.
“Electing only Nana Yaa Jantuah to receive the petition on behalf of the government was an insult and did not show respect,” he said.
According to him, “It meant government did not place premium on the Democracy Under Attack demonstration.”
Speeches and Concerns Raised
Addressing the crowd, MP for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku criticized what he called the criminalization of free speech.
“Arresting citizens for just insults doesn’t strengthen Ghana’s democracy,” he stated.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an embattled National Communications Director hopeful, also spoke about the climate of fear.
“Democracy under attack demo: I love to speak but right now I am afraid,” he told journalists.
One protester, a local trader, shared her frustration about the state of Ghana’s economy as she joined the march. She said the rising cost of living and governance issues compelled her to hit the streets.
The NPP leadership expressed appreciation to its members, civil society organizations and other political parties for cooperating fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.
The “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance, rule of law and the justice system.
Security was tight but calm throughout the march, with no major incidents reported.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced new measures to stop extortion and begging by airport personnel at airports under its management.
The decision was taken at a high-level stakeholder facilitation meeting held in Accra on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
In a press statement issued after the meeting, GACL said stakeholders agreed to introduce a “mystery shopping” system in which individuals would secretly assess the conduct of airport personnel.
According to the statement, workers found engaging in extortion would be publicly identified through appropriate media channels as part of a “name and shame” campaign aimed at discouraging the practice and promoting accountability.
GACL said staff found guilty would face disciplinary action and would no longer be allowed to work at any airport or within its surroundings.
The company also announced a dedicated hotline, 0542175636, through which passengers can report extortion by airport officials and service providers by phone call, WhatsApp or SMS.
The statement said reports should include the date and time of the incident, the name of the officer, the agency involved and the location where the incident occurred.
GACL said the hotline covers personnel from several agencies and companies operating at the airports, including the Ghana Immigration Service, Customs, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the Ghana Police Service, National Security, airlines, ground handling companies, private security firms and airport concessionaires such as shops and restaurants.
The company reminded passengers that they have the right to ask any airport official to show an Airport Identification Card before dealing with them.
It advised travellers to request receipts for all payments made at the airport and to report any suspicious transaction through the hotline.
GACL said it was working together with airport stakeholders to improve standards at the airports and protect Ghana’s image.
The company added that public cooperation in reporting unacceptable conduct would help strengthen confidence in the country’s airports and support efforts to position Ghana as a
leading aviation hub in West Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
