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It’s improper to strike out an Act without consulting us – Speaker to Supreme Court on cannabis ruling

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Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has expressed his displeasure with the Supreme Court ruling which struck out the law granting license to grow cannabis in Ghana.
The Apex court in July 2022 struck out section 43 which enables the Minister to give license to individuals for the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes.
According to the Speaker, the Apex court was wrong to carry out the ruling without verifying the right process and procedure a bill goes through before it is enacted.
“I hope the three arms of government will work together and respect each other. In case of doubt, it’s important to consult the other arm before giving finality to whatever decision the other arm wants to take.
“I do not think it was proper for the Judiciary without knowing how we conduct our business here, really go into how we conduct the business and make such important decisions without consulting the House. That is improper,” he said in Parliament on June 6, 2023.
Meanwhile, the speaker has referred the bill to the Committee of Defense and Interior for consideration.
The committee is expected to come up with the right provision needed to re-enact the law.
Mr. Bagbin added that the matter was of importance to him. He has therefore given the Committee a week to work on the report.
Also, Interior Minister Ambrose Dery described the Supreme Court’s ruling as a grievous error.
He said “to therefore say section 43 is unconstitutional because there was no debate in my humble opinion is a grievous error.”
The Nandom MP continued that the bill does not seek to legalise the recreational use of cannabis but to allow the Minister to issue licenses to people who can produce at 0.3% THC.
He added that the legislation was to help government take a modern approach and allow for industrial and medicinal use of cannabis
Meanwhile, the government has introduced the same section which the Supreme Court struck out as an amendment in Parliament.
In August 2022, the Supreme Court said Parliament did not act transparently in the passage of the Narcotics Control Commission Act.
Specific reference was made to portions of the law (Section 43) which permitted the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes.
The court on July 27 declared this provision unconstitutional. The entire decision of the highest court has since been released.
Source: Myjoyonline
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UGMC disputes Michael Blackson’s claims over late mother’s treatment

The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.
In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.
The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.
According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.
UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.
The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.
It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.
UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.
The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.
The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.
Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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NPP suspends Greater Accra campaigns ahead of “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all aspirants campaigning in the Greater Accra Region to suspend their campaign activities on August 5 and 6 and instead mobilise supporters for the party’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.
The directive was issued by the party’s National Steering Committee in a statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of efforts to ensure a strong turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The party said the protest would begin at 5:00 a.m., with participants expected to gather at the Supreme Court in Accra.
It further directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilise members and supporters for the event.
“The National Steering Committee is calling on all aspirants currently campaigning across the Greater Accra Region to temporarily suspend their campaign activities on the 5th and 6th of August and join in mobilising support for the upcoming demonstration,” the statement noted.
The NPP appealed to party members and supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and orderly throughout the protest.
The demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance and the justice system.
The NPP leadership expressed confidence that party members would cooperate fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.
By: Jacob Aggrey




