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July 20, 2026
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Full judgement: Why Chairman Wontumi was sentenced to 20 years in prison
Money
Policy
Growth
Key Points
- Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.
- The Accra High Court delivered the sentence for his involvement in illegal mining activities.
- The illegal mining occurred on the Samreboi concession located in Ghana's Western Region.
- Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay presided over the Criminal Division of the High Court.
- This concludes one of Ghana's most closely watched prosecutions against illegal mining.
Why This Matters
This ruling is highly significant for Ghana as it demonstrates a serious commitment to combating illegal mining, or 'galamsey,' which has devastated the nation's environment and water bodies. The conviction of a prominent political figure sends a strong message that no one is above the law, potentially deterring others and bolstering public trust in the justice system. It underscores the government's resolve to protect natural resources and enforce environmental regulations.
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July 21, 2026
Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Ho Teaching Hospital deepen partnership to improve specialist healthcare
- The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) met with Ho Teaching Hospital to boost collaboration and expand specialized healthcare access in the Volta Region.
- The meeting reviewed the success of a 50-patient pilot program providing financial support for chronic and life-threatening conditions.
- Discussions covered improving the GMTFcare digital platform, streamlining claims processing, and addressing operational challenges for nationwide expansion.
- A key focus was on practical steps to implement President John Dramani Mahama's pledge to establish a Cardiology Centre in the Volta Region.
- The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, donated three months of his salary to support the construction of the proposed cardiology centre.
July 20, 2026
Messi says ‘pain is immense’ after losing World Cup final
- Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final, with Ferran Torres scoring the extra-time winner.
- Lionel Messi expressed immense pain and sadness over the defeat, marking his second World Cup final loss.
- At 39, Messi's future in international football is uncertain, making his participation in the 2030 tournament unlikely.
- Messi acknowledged the team's achievement of reaching two consecutive World Cup finals and the unifying support of Argentina.
- FIFA's disciplinary committee has launched an investigation into altercations between players from both teams after the final whistle.
July 20, 2026
GHAMRO to pay highest digital royalties ever
- GHAMRO will commence its first royalty distribution of the year on July 27, 2026, pledging to pay royalties twice annually.
- For the first time, beneficiaries will receive personalized royalty statements detailing earnings by quarter, enhancing transparency in the system.
- The organization has embraced advanced technology, including WIPO Connect and ACRCloud, to improve repertoire management, broadcast monitoring, and international rights data exchange.
- The total distributable amount is GHS1,433,571.43, with the highest single recipient receiving GHS121,000, reflecting improved collections and record digital/international royalties.
- A significant challenge remains the unresolved operating license for GHAMRO, which continues to limit local collections and negatively impact the music economy.