News
Manasseh Azure Awuni calls for swift prosecution in corruption cases
Investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni has called on the acting Chief Justice to take steps to ensure that corruption cases involving public officials are handled quickly and fairly, without turning the process into unnecessary drama.
In a statement titled “Let the Drama End, and Prosecution Begin,” Manasseh Azure urged Justice Baffoe-Bonnie to call some judges to order, saying that while all offences are bailable, bail conditions should not be used as punishment against suspects.
He emphasised that Ghanaians are demanding justice, not drama, and said the justice system must focus on ensuring that those accused of stealing public funds face the law within reasonable timeframes.
According to him, there is no reason why high-profile corruption cases cannot be resolved within two months, citing how other countries, such as the United States, handle major trials within weeks.
He also noted that Ghana’s election petitions and lawsuits against the Electoral Commission are often concluded within a short period, proving that quick justice is possible when there is commitment.
Manasseh Azure called on the Chief Justice to set up special courts dedicated to corruption cases and to ensure they sit continuously to speed up trials.
He added that lawyers and prosecutors should avoid delaying tactics, saying both sides must be prepared before stepping into court.
“If the accused are innocent, they should be set free. If they are found guilty, let’s put them in jail. Their lawyers can appeal,” he said.
The journalist criticised what he described as “outrageous bail conditions” that make headlines but end without results, insisting that Ghanaians need swift prosecutions, not endless courtroom drama.
He concluded that ending corruption requires urgency, fairness, and discipline within the justice system, adding, “The drama must end. Using bail as punishment must cease. Let swift prosecution begin.”
By Jacob Aggrey
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has announced a series of reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and youth development in Ghana’s sports sector.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament today, Mr. Adams said the Ministry had set up a Fixed Asset Coordinating Unit within the National Sports Authority (NSA) to properly assess and manage the value of national sports infrastructure.
The move, he explained, is meant to boost revenue generation and ensure accountability in the management of state-owned sports facilities.
The Minister revealed plans to introduce an e-ticketing system across all stadiums and sporting events in the country.
According to him, this initiative will make event management more transparent, efficient, and secure.
Mr. Adams further disclosed that the Ministry is in the final stages of completing a new National Sports Policy, which for the first time will fully integrate recreation into Ghana’s national development agenda.
The policy, he said, is expected to be ready by the first quarter of 2026.
Another key announcement was the creation of a School Sports Agency, which he described as a “critical structure to drive talent discovery, youth engagement, and athlete development from the ground up.”
He said the agency will serve as the foundation for grooming Ghana’s future champions.
Mr. Adams assured Parliament that the Ministry remains committed to building a modern, inclusive, and accountable sports and recreation ecosystem that delivers value, opportunity, and national pride.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has defended the ongoing prosecution of former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, stressing that the case is backed by solid evidence and involves serious offences.
The office explained that Dr Abdul-Hamid, who is facing trial before the Criminal High Court in Accra, is charged with conspiracy to commit extortion, extortion by a public officer, using public office for profit, and money laundering.
It indicated that he and two NPA officials allegedly plotted to extort about GH¢291 million and US$332,000 from bulk oil transporters and oil marketing companies between December 2022 and December 2024.
The OSP said he is also accused of unlawfully receiving GH¢24 million and GH¢230,000 from oil transporters under the guise of performing official duties, and of using his position for personal gain.
According to the office, investigations showed that he possessed GH¢15.3 million, an amount far beyond his legitimate income and suspected to be proceeds of crime.
It revealed that assets worth over GH¢100 million and US$100,000 have been seized and frozen, with additional properties still under tracing.
The OSP maintained that the prosecution is a major step toward protecting public funds and promoting accountability in the petroleum sector, adding that no public official is above the law.
The case continues on Thursday, 13 November 2025.
By: Jacob Aggrey
