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July 21, 2026
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Legal battle looms in Ghana as 20-year mining conviction for Wontumi sparks constitutional debate
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Key Points
- Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition NPP, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for illegal mining ('galamsey').
- The opposition condemns the verdict as a political miscarriage of justice, citing procedural irregularities, including the absence of lead defence counsel during the verdict delivery, which they argue violated constitutional rights.
- The Minority Caucus challenges the judgment, questioning the court's refusal to refer interpretative questions regarding the Minerals and Mining Act to the Supreme Court.
- NPP leadership alleges selective prosecution and institutionalised bias, claiming the government weaponizes the judiciary against opponents while neglecting similar allegations against its own members.
- The case is seen as a high-stakes test of judicial independence and the impartial application of law in Ghana, with the defence planning an appeal and the NPP designating Antwi-Boasiako a "political prisoner."
Why This Matters
This case is a critical test for Ghana's judiciary, impacting public trust in the impartial application of law, especially concerning high-profile political figures. Its resolution will set a significant precedent for environmental enforcement against illegal mining and could influence the political landscape ahead of future elections.
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July 21, 2026
Kumasi traders to hit the streets over abandoned Central Market Phase II
- A coalition of trade unions and market associations in Ghana's Ashanti Region plans a peaceful demonstration over delays in completing the Kumasi Central Market Phase II project.
- Traders report severe economic hardship due to the project's stalled status and inadequate conditions at temporary operating locations.
- The coalition accuses the government of failing to honor assurances regarding the resumption of construction and extending years of uncertainty for displaced businesses.
- Key demands include the immediate resumption of construction, dedicated use of traders' premium payments for Phase II, and transferring Phase I management to a professional company.
- The group warns of potential occupation of unfinished market spaces and announced that details of the large protest will follow.
July 21, 2026
I didn’t abandon my client; I travelled for my daughter’s graduation – Atta Akyea
- Samuel Atta Akyea, lead counsel for NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Chairman Wontumi, explained his absence during his client's jailing.
- His absence was primarily due to attending his daughter's graduation in the United Kingdom.
- He also cited legal considerations, expecting the High Court to refer constitutional issues raised by the defence to the Supreme Court.
- Atta Akyea believed that such a referral would have made his presence unnecessary at the time of judgment.
- He denied abandoning his client and confirmed plans to appeal the High Court's decision, citing constitutional and procedural errors.
July 21, 2026
Ipswich Town sign Abdul Fatawu from Leicester City
- Ipswich Town has announced the signing of Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu from Leicester City.
- The 22-year-old Fatawu joins for an undisclosed fee, signing a five-year contract until summer 2031.
- He has earned 32 caps for Ghana, scoring three goals, and featured in all four of Ghana's games at this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
- Fatawu has prior experience in the Champions League with Sporting and played in the Premier League with Leicester, where he scored nine goals in 44 appearances during 2025/26.
- He played a pivotal role in Leicester's 2023/24 Championship win and promotion, earning Young Player of the Year, and will now join Ipswich's Spanish training camp.