News
OSP freezes over GH₵100m in assets linked to Former NPA CEO
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has frozen assets valued at more than GH₵100 million and US$100,000 in connection with the ongoing prosecution of former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul Hamid, and nine others.
According to a statement from the OSP, the seized properties include real estate holdings, fuel stations, and logistics vehicles believed to be connected to an alleged grand extortion and money laundering scheme.
The OSP explained that the move is in line with its powers under the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), which allows the preservation of suspected proceeds of crime until a final decision is made by the court.
So far, the OSP has secured court confirmation for the seizure of several vehicles, including five HOWO SINOTRUK fuel tanker trucks and one HOWO SITRAK articulator head with fuel tanker semi-trailer.
Other assets yet to be confirmed by the court include a Mercedes Benz GLE 450, several parcels of land in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, and multiple filling stations under the name “Kings Energy” located at Lapaz, Dansoman, Opeikuma, and Millennium City.
Luxury apartments and developments in prime areas such as East Legon, Airport Residential, Roman Ridge, and Adenta have also been listed among the frozen properties.
These include units in The Signature Apartments, The Monarch, The Address, The Bantree, Beyond Residence, and The Atlas projects.
The OSP noted that efforts are still underway to identify and trace additional assets connected to the case as investigations continue.
The prosecution of Dr. Hamid and his associates follows what the OSP describes as a major anti-corruption drive to uncover illicit wealth acquired through abuse of public office.
More updates are expected as the case progresses in court.
By: Jacob Aggrey
AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has broken ground on a modern 1,500-seater multipurpose assembly hall and a secured main gatehouse for New Edubiase Senior High School, in the Adansi South District.
The project, being executed by local contractor AA Engineering and Construction, is expected to be completed within 17 months and forms part of the Mine’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP) — a strategic framework for delivering sustainable development in its host communities.
Beyond the expansive assembly hall, the facility will house a fully integrated administrative complex featuring a dedicated sound room, a 16-seater staff eatery, and suites for the Headmaster and Assistant Headmaster, a bursar’s office, an 18-seater conference room, a 24-seater staff common room, six faculty office spaces and ancillary stores and washrooms.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Mine’s Director of Sustainability Management, Edmund Oduro Agyei, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving educational outcomes in host communities through impactful and sustainable investments.
The Edubiasehene, Guahyia Oduropanin Birikorang, commended the Mine for the investment, saying the project demonstrated that the company’s development agenda extended well beyond its immediate operational areas.
The Headmaster of New Edubiase SHS, Mr Christopher Appiah Mensah, described the intervention as timely and transformative, noting it would address longstanding infrastructure deficits, improve conditions for teaching and learning, and create adequate space for academic and social gatherings.
“This will greatly enhance administrative efficiency and improve the overall welfare of both staff and students,” he said.
The facility is also expected to boost the school’s capacity to host national examinations and major events, and strengthen its standing as a centre of academic excellence within the district.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
Stakeholders have been urged to help raise awareness and eliminate the stigma often associated with clubfoot, a treatable condition which occurs in children.
Parents are to seek early treatment for the condition while policymakers strengthen support for early detection, disability inclusion, and child health services in the country.
Clubfoot is a condition present at birth in which one or both feet are twisted inward and downward. If left untreated, experts say a child may face lifelong challenges with walking, which could affect education, employment, and social inclusion.
In Ghana, an estimated 1,000 babies are said to be born with clubfoot every year.
In commemoration of the World Clubfoot Day, marked on June 3 every year, stakeholders create awareness about the condition and, among other things, celebrate the dedication of health professionals who ensure children receive treatment.
In a release copied to the Ghana News Agency, Nana Afua Adutwumwaa Adjetey, Programme Manager, Ghana Clubfoot Programme, noted that many families were unaware of the free treatment available for the condition in Ghana. 
She observed that the lack of awareness continued to delay treatment for children who could have received prompt and life-changing care at no cost.
Treatment, she said, was provided free of charge for children under age five at Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG–Hope Walks) partner clinics across the country.
More than 9,000 children born with clubfoot had received treatment and care through the programme over the past 18 years.
“The treatment follows the internationally recognised Ponseti Method, which uses a series of gentle casts to gradually correct the position of the foot, followed by a brace to maintain correction and prevent relapse. When treatment begins early, success rates are extremely high,” Madam Adjetey explained.
“For many children, the journey begins with a health worker who identifies clubfoot at birth and makes a referral. A few moments of observation can change the course of a child’s life forever.”
“Clubfoot is not a curse; it is not caused by wrongdoing…it is a medical condition that can be treated successfully. Families should never feel ashamed to seek help.”
The Programme Manager said children born with the condition deserved equal opportunities, dignity, and inclusion, and called on communities to support parents rather than “judge them.” -GNA
