News
Can Kotoko return to winning ways?
Saaka Dauda – Kotoko
Kumasi Asante Kotoko will aim to return to winning ways when they clash with Bechem United tomorrow in a week 10 Ghana Premier League (GPL) encounter at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park.
But that would be a challenge soccer fans would be interested in following the two-game winless streak of the Porcupine Warriors.
Kotoko appeared to have enjoyed a roller-coaster run until they were pegged back by Basake Holy Stars who pulled a late equalisaer at Wenchi and Kpando Heart of Lions who stunned the Reds at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium on Sunday.
Travelling to face and beat Bechem United in their backyard presents another tough task for Asante Kotoko considering the might of the home team.
Although they have not inspired hope this season, Bechem have been formidable at home and would confront this game like a final.
That would surely make it a tough assignment for the Porcupine Warriors whose coach, Prosper Narteh Ogum, attributed their recent poor form to fatigue. What this means is that they must find some freshness around the team, lest they concede a second consecutive defeat.
At the Nana Abrefa Nketiah VII Park, Young Apostles will be the next on the line to attempt to halt the unbeaten run of Bibiani Gold Stars.
Gold Stars have enjoyed a great run so far and have consolidated the top spot in the face of threats from Kotoko and Medeama. But with the two main challengers crumbling in their last games, Gold Stars took the opportunity to stretch the lead.
But that test will face them again as they travel to face the Young Apostles who have also given a good account of themselves so far and would hope to continue as they aim to safeguard their stay in the competition.
Nations FC will be expected to be at their very best at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex when they welcome Nsoatreman FC.
However, Nsoatreman offer a different opposition, having given a strong indication to qualify to Africa club competition again.
That is showing in their form although they have not been successful in some of the games. Though on enemy soil, they have what it takes to split the points with Nations FC.
Basake Holy Stars and Accra Lions also promises fireworks at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park but Samartex FC are clear favourites to worsen the plight of Legon Cities when they clash at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena tomorrow.
After their biggest conquest of the season so far against Kotoko, Heart of Lions will return to their Kpando base to face Berekum Chelsea while Aduana Stars prepare to face Karela United.
Today at the Tuba Astro Turf, Dreams FC will lock horns with Medeama SC.
The game between Hearts of Oak and Vision FC was honoured yesterday at the UG Stadium.
By Spectator Sports Reporter
The state has closed its case in the Republic v Akonta Mining and two others.
The case was heard earlier today at the Accra Criminal Court, where state prosecutors and CID investigators from the Ghana Police Service closed the Republic’s case.
In all, the prosecution called three witnesses to prove its case, two former employees of Akonta Mining Company Limited and a detective from the Ghana Police Service.
According to an update on the case, the two former employees testified to Mr Bernard Antwi-Boasiako’s deep involvement in Akonta Mining Company’s alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano-Nimiri Forest Reserve.
The police detective tendered in evidence drone footage and other audio-visual materials and official communications in support of the testimonies of the two former Akonta Mining employees.
The accused persons, through cross-examination of the witnesses, sought to dissociate themselves from every mining activity in the Tano-Nimiri Forest Reserve.
At the close of the prosecution’s case, counsel for the accused persons asked the court to allow him to call the first prosecution witness back into the witness box for further cross-examination.
The court gave him up to Friday, October 30, to file a formal motion to recall the witnesses.
The case has been adjourned to November 4 for the motion to be heard.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, spokesperson to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called on the government and Parliament to undertake major reforms in Ghana’s prison system, including the construction of a dedicated prison hospital and the introduction of regulated conjugal visits.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Dr Boakye-Danquah shared Chairman Wontumi’s observations and recommendations following his remand on July 20, 2026.
According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi’s experience in prison has given him the opportunity to interact with prison officers and inmates and observe the challenges facing the Ghana Prisons Service.
The statement noted that the NPP chairman believes the correctional system must move beyond punishment to focus on rehabilitation, welfare and productivity.
One of his major concerns is the lack of dedicated, well-equipped prison hospitals, ambulances and standby generators in several prison facilities.
Dr Boakye-Danquah said Chairman Wontumi had raised concerns about the difficulties in providing medical care to seriously ill inmates, including those suffering from tuberculosis.
He is therefore calling for the construction of a modern prison hospital to serve facilities across the country. In the interim, he has proposed emergency arrangements with the 37 Military Hospital and the Police Hospital.
On the welfare of prison officers, Chairman Wontumi has urged the government to review their salaries, accommodation and conditions of service.
He has also called for proper classification of inmates, arguing that minor offenders should not be housed alongside armed robbery convicts and that persons facing trial for serious offences, including treason and terrorism, should be appropriately separated from other inmates.
The statement further highlighted concerns about the need for counselling and behavioural support for young inmates, particularly those serving sentences for defilement-related offences.
Chairman Wontumi has also called for a clear policy on the classification and management of LGBTQI+ inmates within the prison system.
On family relationships, he has proposed the creation of designated private areas where prisoners can receive visits from their spouses and children.
He believes regulated conjugal visits could help preserve marriages, reduce tension among inmates and support rehabilitation.
“The prisoner is the one in prison, not the children or spouse,” the statement noted, explaining his position on the need to protect family relationships during incarceration.
Chairman Wontumi has appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support prison farms with the necessary equipment to improve food production.
According to the statement, the Ghana Prisons Service has access to vast lands and skilled labour but faces a shortage of agricultural equipment, with only one tractor reportedly available for farming and garbage-related activities.
He has further proposed greater collaboration between prison authorities and the justice sector, suggesting that regional prison commanders should be included in relevant discussions because of their knowledge of prison conditions and inmate rehabilitation.
On infrastructure, Chairman Wontumi has called on the government and private sector to invest in modern prison facilities and factories, arguing that the system has seen limited structural improvements over the years.
Appeal to Parliament
Dr Boakye-Danquah said Chairman Wontumi had made a special appeal to Parliament to lead efforts towards comprehensive prison reform.
He is urging the Speaker of Parliament to initiate discussions on prison conditions as a human rights and national development issue.
He has also called on the Majority and Minority caucuses to work together to pass a new Prison Reform Act and approve funding for a dedicated prison hospital, ambulance services, standby generators and agricultural equipment.
Additionally, he wants the Parliamentary Select Committees on Defence and Interior, Health, and Food and Agriculture to undertake working visits to prisons across the country to assess conditions firsthand.
According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi believes bipartisan cooperation between the Majority and Minority caucuses is necessary to secure the legal and financial reforms required to improve the prison system.
He has called for broader prison reforms across Africa, expressing hope that Ghana could lead the continent in improving correctional facilities.
Reflecting on his experience since July 20, Chairman Wontumi stated: “At this experience since July 20th till date, prison doesn’t reform as it should be. I pray that the entire Africa will learn from Ghana.”
The statement added that Chairman Wontumi remained in high spirits.
By: Jacob Aggrey
