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Attorney general details alleged COCOBOD contract fraud involving Kofi Akpaloo

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The Attorney General, Dominic Ayine, has detailed an alleged fraud case involving Mr Percival Kofi Akpaloo of the Liberal Party of Ghana, linking it to suspicious financial transactions connected to a COCOBOD feeder road contract.

Addressing the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House, he explained that the Financial Intelligence Centre flagged unusual transactions on an account held at First Bank Ghana and filed a Suspicious Transaction Report.

He noted that this action prompted an investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office, which established that Pomaa Universal (Gh.) Ltd, owned entirely by Akua Pomaa, was the rightful contractor awarded a COCOBOD feeder road project valued at over GH₵29.5 million in December 2020.

According to him, the project began and the first payment was correctly paid into the company’s account.

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He explained that problems emerged with later payments, which raised red flags about misrepresentation, forgery and the unauthorized handling of cheques.

He disclosed that investigations showed Mr Akpaloo secretly registered a second company named Pomaah Universal (Gh.) Ltd, deliberately designed to closely resemble the original firm, with the difference being the addition of the letter “h”.

He stated that between December 2022 and June 2024, Mr Akpaloo collected eight cheques issued by the Ghana Cocoa Board in the name of Pomaa Universal (Gh.) Ltd, amounting to GH₵3,169,432.22, and deposited them into the account of his own company at First Bank Ghana.

He further explained that Akua Pomaa only became aware of the diversion in June 2024 after COCOBOD contacted her about outstanding payments on the contract. Upon making checks, she discovered that the funds had been redirected without her approval.

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He added that she also alleged her signature was forged on the COCOBOD contract, using her former name, Mercy Owusu, to secure the agreement without her consent.

According to him, internal investigations by First Bank Ghana confirmed the fraud claims and concluded that Mr Akpaloo knowingly misrepresented ownership of the cheques.

He pointed out that the bank admitted operational failures, including its inability to detect differences between cheque payee names and account details.

He mentioned that the suspects investigated include Percival Kofi Akpaloo, Pomaah Universal (Gh.) Ltd and Delvine Akpaloo, the spouse of Mr Akpaloo.

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He stressed that the evidence points to offences such as stealing, forgery and money laundering, adding that the suspects are expected to be charged in January as part of the accountability process.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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Police arrest five suspects, retrieve firearms and ammunition in Sapeiman operation

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The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested five people and retrieved firearms, ammunition and other offensive items during an intelligence led operation at Sapeiman Faase in the Greater Accra Region.

According to a press release issued by the Command on Monday, the operation was carried out jointly with the National Police Intelligence Directorate (NPID) on July 17, 2026.

The Police identified the suspects as Torgbui Agah Semaglo, 50, Shadrach Agah Semaglo, 22, William Kweku Sedanu, 21, Cyril Kassenu, 26, and Kingsford Agah Semaglo, 18.

The Command said a search at the suspects’ premises led to the retrieval of a pump action gun, a Stoeger ST R9 pistol, a dummy Austria pistol, a jackknife, a face mask, 12 BB cartridges, three rounds of 9mm ammunition, one AK-47 round of ammunition, a talisman and two kitchen knives.

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It noted that all the items had been kept as exhibits to support investigations.

The Police said preliminary investigations suggested that the suspects were members of a criminal group involved in armed robbery and landguard activities.

It alleged that they used the recovered weapons to terrorise residents in Sapeiman and nearby communities.

The suspects are currently in Police custody assisting with investigations, while efforts continue to determine their involvement in other robbery cases and related criminal activities. The Police also said it was working to identify and arrest any additional accomplices.

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The Accra Regional Police Command commended members of the public for providing credible information that supported its work and urged residents to remain vigilant.

It encouraged the public to report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Police emergency numbers, adding that it remained committed to protecting lives and property across the region.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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Revised basic school curriculum to introduce coding, AI and TVET- Haruna Iddrisu

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The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that a revised national curriculum for kindergarten to junior high school will be presented to the Ministry of Education on Wednesday for further approval.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series today, Mr. Iddrisu said the new curriculum was developed by the National Curriculum Assessment Agency (NaCCA) as part of efforts to improve teaching and learning at the basic education level.

According to him, the revised curriculum will be formally submitted to the Ministry before it is forwarded to President John Dramani Mahama. He added that it will then be sent to Cabinet and Parliament for consideration and approval.

Mr. Iddrisu said the revised curriculum is designed to support a “Smart Start” approach by strengthening the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

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He explained that the government intends to introduce new subjects, including coding, electronics, artificial intelligence (AI) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), into the basic school curriculum.

The Minister said the changes form part of the government’s commitment to equipping pupils with practical and digital skills needed to meet the demands of the modern world.

He expressed confidence that the revised curriculum would help prepare learners for future opportunities by integrating technology and innovation into education from the early years of schooling.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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