News
EOCO arrests 2 doctors and 9 others in baby trafficking syndicate
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) together with the Medical and Dental Council have arrested some health workers engaging in “baby harvesting and “baby trafficking”.
In a joint statement they indicated that two babies have been rescued in the process.
Eleven suspects, including two medical doctors, four nurses, two social welfare workers, two mothers and a traditional birth attendant and mothers are currently in custody aiding with investigations.
Executive Director of EOCO, Frank Adu Poku, who gave the announcement, said the two baby boys were trafficked by two different syndicates.
The first, a doctor (name withheld) who owns a private hospital at Laterbiorkorshie is said to have sold the baby at an amount of GH¢ 30,000.00, with the help of his two nurses.
The second, also a medical practitioner is reported to have exchanged the baby for GH¢28,000.00 after securing the baby from a nurse at a General Hospital.
All participants of the child harvesting and trafficking have been arrested and currently on bail, according to the EOCO director.
According to the statement, the Medical and Dental Council and EOCO have been investigating the activities of some medical practitioners, nurses, social welfare officer and other individuals who were suspected to be engaged in the illegal act of baby harvesting and human trafficking.
The joint team carried out the investigations into the illegal activities from June to November, 2020.
News
Government Pays GH¢9.7 Billion Coupon Under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP)
The Government of Ghana has paid GH¢9.7 billion as part of its debt obligations under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said the payment amounted to GH¢9,698,815,220.17.
This brings the total payments made under the programme this year alone to GH¢19.4 billion.
According to the minister in a facebook post, the payment shows government’s commitment to honouring agreements made under the DDEP and is expected to boost investor confidence in the economy.
He stated that government has also created two sinking fund accounts one in cedis and another in US dollars to help manage future debt payments.
These funds, introduced he said is in line with the 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review and backed by the Public Financial Management Act, meant to ensure that upcoming loan obligations due between 2026 and 2028 are paid on time.
The Finance Minister assured investors and the public that all future debt commitments, including those under the DDEP, will be fully honoured without delays.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
President Mahama appoints Biadela Mortey Akpadzi chairman of the Ghana Gold Board Tribunal
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Mr. Biadela Mortey Akpadzi as chairman of the newly inaugurated Ghana Gold Board Tribunal.
The appointment is in line with Section 55 of the Ghana Gold Board Act, which provides for the establishment of the Tribunal to strengthen governance and accountability in the gold sector.
The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on Tuesday inaugurated the Tribunal, which also includes Ms. Hamidu Mariam and Mr. Justin Pwavra Teriwajah as members.
The finance minister congratulated the appointees and assured them that government would soon appoint a Registrar and provide staff to support the effective functioning of the Tribunal.
The Tribunal will consider appeals on decisions made by the Gold Board, particularly matters relating to licensing and rulings of the Dispute Resolution Committee.
By: Jacob Aggrey
