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June 20, 2026
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OSP’s procedural failure on Ofori-Atta gave US immigration court the opening it needed – Ansa-Asare
Money
Policy
Key Points
- A Ghanaian legal academic, Kwaku Ansa-Asare, argues that the Office of the Special Prosecutor's (OSP) failure to obtain prior authorization from the Attorney General (AG) created a procedural vulnerability.
- This vulnerability was exploited by a US immigration court, which granted former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta permanent residency, finding the criminal charges against him "not credible."
- Ansa-Asare cited Article 88 of the Constitution, stating the OSP was required to seek the AG's prior approval for its actions, which it did not.
- The OSP maintains it played no role in the US proceedings and that Ghanaian courts will determine Ofori-Atta's guilt, adding he remains subject to extradition.
- However, the prosecution is currently paralyzed as the US Department of Justice has not formally served Ofori-Atta, complicating any extradition efforts.
Why This Matters
This incident significantly impacts the credibility and effectiveness of Ghana's anti-corruption institutions, particularly the OSP, both domestically and internationally. It highlights critical procedural flaws in high-profile corruption cases, potentially undermining public trust and setting precedents for how such cases are handled, especially when defendants are abroad.
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September 19, 2026
GNFS contains fire outbreak at Teshie Lekma Road near Lekma Hospital
- A fire outbreak involving several commercial containers occurred at Ebenezer Junction on the Teshie Lekma Road.
- The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) deployed three fire appliances to the scene near Lekma Hospital.
- The fire has been brought under control, and salvaging operations are underway to prevent reignition.
- A container operated by a vulcaniser reportedly sustained significant damage, among other commercial activities.
- The GNFS has not yet disclosed the cause of the fire or the full extent of property damage or loss.
September 20, 2026
Stranded Ghanaian medical graduates in Cuba appeal to Mahama for immediate return
- Ghanaian medical graduates in Cuba are appealing to President John Dramani Mahama to facilitate their immediate return home.
- They completed their studies on July 22 but remain stranded nearly two months later due to numerous postponed departure dates.
- The graduates face significant financial hardship, including six months of outstanding stipends and five years of unpaid annual book allowances.
- Delays threaten their integration into Ghana's health system, potentially pushing back required clinical attachments and medical licensing examinations.
- They are also experiencing expired health insurance and student IDs, utility issues at their residences, and considerable psychological stress.
September 20, 2026
Ghana needs a law to sustain constitutional reforms – CDD-Ghana
- CDD-Ghana and a coalition of over 100 civil society organisations are calling for legislation to guide Ghana's constitutional reform process.
- They advocate for a clear, legally-backed implementation roadmap to ensure the process continues regardless of changes in government or elections.
- The call is prompted by concerns that the upcoming 2027 referendum and 2028 general elections could disrupt the reform efforts.
- CDD-Ghana highlights past failures where constitutional reforms stalled due to changes in political leadership, urging for a permanent legal framework.
- The proposed law would identify reforms for immediate implementation and those requiring further negotiation and consensus-building among stakeholders.