News
Gertrude Torkornoo sues to stop vetting and appointment of Justice Baffoe Bonnie
The legal tussle over the removal of the former Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkonoo is far from over as she filed another process before the High Court in Accra to halt the vetting of the newly appointed Chief Justice.
The application, which is in the nature of a judicial review, is asking for grant a number of reliefs and declarations.
The legal action filed is also seeking to stop the vetting and subsequent appointment of Justice Baffoe Bonnie as Ghana’s Chief Justice.
Justice Torkonoo is asking the court for an order of certiorari to quash the proceedings of the May 15, 2025 and the entire proceedings and outcomes of the Article 146 set up to consider petitions to remove the Applicant chaired by Pwamang JSC (“Pwamang Committee” “Committee).
She also wants an order of certiorari to quash each and all of the three reasons/grounds given by the Pwamang Committee for recommending her removal from office as stated in the letter of the Secretary to the President dated September 1, 2025.
Justice Torkonoo is further asking the court for an order prohibiting the denial or withdrawal of the salary, benefit, courtesies, and other entitlements due to her before the Warrant of Removal dated September 1, 2025.
By Malik Sullemana
The Founder of the Raissa Child Protection Initiative, Ms Raissa Sambou, has urged authorities to impose severe punishment on individuals, including teachers and guardians, who sexually abuse young girls.
Speaking in an interview to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child (October 11), Ms Sambou condemned the increasing cases of sexual exploitation involving minors, describing such acts as “heartless, criminal, and a total betrayal of trust.”
She noted that those entrusted with the care and education of children must not be the same people who violate them, stressing that “anyone found guilty of abusing a girl child must face the full rigours of the law without leniency.”
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually to promote the rights of girls, empower them to reach their full potential, and draw attention to the challenges they face worldwide.
Ms Sambou lamented that poverty continues to push many young girls into vulnerable situations, exposing them to exploitation.
She expressed concern that some headmasters, teachers, and community members who should protect girls rather take advantage of them.
“This must stop immediately. The safety of every girl must never be compromised,” she said, urging the public to report all forms of abuse to the appropriate authorities and called for swift action by law enforcement agencies against perpetrators.
Addressing girls directly, Ms Sambou encouraged them to take their education seriously and to believe in their potential.
“It is possible to be young and responsible. Your future is bright, protect it, believe in it, and never let anyone dim your light,” she advised.
She further urged girls to choose their friends wisely, stay disciplined, and speak up if anyone makes sexual advances toward them.
Ms Sambou concluded with a rallying call for collective action, saying “speak up, protect them, and empower them. Together, we can end the sexual exploitation of girls.”
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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In the soil of Kumasi and Berekum, two new tomato varieties are changing the way farmers think about food, science, and the future. They are called KOPIA Tomato and CRI-Kwabena Kwabena.
Developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI), these are Ghana’s first-ever open-pollinated tomato varieties. That means farmers can save seeds, replant, and reap the benefits without relying on expensive imports or hybrid restrictions.
“This is a game-changer,” said Dr Michael Kwabena Osei, lead research scientist on the project. “These tomatoes mature early—just 55 days—and they are built to thrive. High yields, strong disease resistance, and high Brix levels make them perfect for fresh markets and industrial processing alike,” he added.
Backed by Korea’s Rural Development Administration (RDA) and funded through the Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA), the project also enjoys support from Ghana Care Obaatanpa under the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance.
Recently, the newly appointed KOPIA Ghana Director, Dr Young Jin Kim, visited tomato project sites in Kumasi and Berekum. Accompanied by KOPIA Administrator, Mr Noah Lanyon, Farm Manager, Mr Abdullah, and visiting scientist, Hyunju Jeong, the team toured breeder and foundation seed fields—where the future of Ghana’s tomato industry is being quietly cultivated.
Local farmers spoke with pride about the new varieties. They praised their resilience, sweetness, and market appeal. But they also voiced a clear plea that “timely access to seeds is critical if this breakthrough is to reach its full potential. These tomatoes are ready. We just need the seeds to reach us in time,” they indicated.
The varieties are already thriving in Ghana’s forest and transitional agro-ecological zones—covering Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions. Adaptive trials are underway to expand their reach nationwide.
FROM KINGSLEY E. HOPE, KUMASI
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