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Samson’s Take: Punish the criminal ‘vigilante’ takeovers
Ghana has a law called the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845). It was passed to regulate the political transfer of power after an election. This became necessary because party foot-soldiers, in fact, so-called big men in the NDC and NPP appear to lose their sense of civility and patience to follow the law even to take over management of public toilets and tollbooths.
It is also the case that some political appointees, thieves, provoke the party thugs, wrongly labelled as vigilante groups. There have been allegations of destruction of documents and concealment of all sorts of things to cover up wrongdoing.
Yes, even high-rank officials faced unusual accusations of stealing fittings including carpets, and the famous and politically connected caught allegedly changing the identity of an expensive state vehicle in a garage in order to keep it. In 2017, the NPP-affiliated Delta and Invisible forces besieged offices and openly terrorised their victims. They even attacked a court to free their members standing trial but were treated with kid gloves for felonies.
The rampaging foot-soldiers invaded and locked up offices at the Tema Port and in other regions. The NDC thugs are visiting same places today. We were told to shut up when we condemned the criminal conduct. Party Chairman, a trained lawyer who had risen to become a Deputy Speaker of Parliament while an MP joined rather reckless leaders and members in defending the thuggery. “They are defending state property” – we were told by Freddy Blay. One other chairman of the party, Kwame Baffoe – alias Abronye led a team to seize cars on official instructions from the Jubilee House.
The NDC whose officials suffered the indignities are today encouraging and sponsoring the same wrong. The party thugs are all over the place and in some cases led by a party chairman, Joseph Yamin, to disrupt and imperil legitimate and official gold transactions.
They are locking up offices and official residences. In the Oti Region, they mistook three Catholic priests, (missionaries from India) for thieving public officers and beat them mercilessly on completely false allegations.
It is surprising these people who were later led by party officials to apologise have not been arrested to stand trial.
These thugs do not have to bear names like the Azorka Boys or Delta Force (supposedly disbanded) before they can be dealt with by the State. It is not only group conduct in vigilantism that is criminal in Ghana, their very acts are proscribed by the Vigilantism Act, 2019. Threat of harm, threat of death, assault, trespass and damage to property are all arrestable offences in Ghana. So, why are the police looking on and acting helpless despite complaints by NPP officials?
President John Mahama has issued a general condemnation of these acts, but that’s not enough. Sir, call the Yamins, the Basintales and their boys by name and it might bring the results we seek – an end to the impunity.
In 2017, I was the lawyer for Kofi Adams when they unlawfully invaded the privacy of his home and drove away his cars without basis. I have represented YEA staff employed under NPP who got sacked when the NDC took over. I have also represented YEA staff employed under NDC who were sacked when the NPP came into office. I have done the same for high-rank officers upon change in government. Just when will the silly circus end?
By section 14 of the transition law, the following appointees lose their jobs upon a change in government:
i. The persons holding office under the Presidential Office Act, 1993 (Act 463)
ii. Ministers and Deputy Ministers of State.
iii. Regional and Deputy Regional Ministers of State.
iv. Special Assistants, Special Aides to the President, to the Vice-President and to the Ministers of State, Deputy Ministers, Regional Ministers and Deputy Regional Ministers
v. Non-career Ambassadors and High Commissioners.
vi. Persons appointed by the President or a Minister of State as members of Statutory Boards and Corporations.
But in January 2017, Godwin Edudzi Tamekloe led his friend Theophilus Donkor to the Supreme Court and got the court to give a narrow reprieve for heads of public corporations, statutory boards and authorities – that is, they can only be removed in accordance with the terms of their contracts and law, specifically articles 195 and 191.
In Part II, next week, I will speak about how to effect responsible and lawful citizens’ arrest of suspected looters of state property and wrongdoers during such transitions. I shall also stress the need to resource the office of the Administrator-General and Estate Unit as part of effective measures to end the recurring violent takeovers.
And that is My Take.
Samson Lardy ANYENINI
January 11, 2025
News
Bawku crisis: Mahama to announce major security appointments this week
President John Dramani Mahama is expected to announce key security appointments by the end of the week as part of efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Bawku and its surrounding areas.
This development follows the recent nomination of ministers-designate for Finance, Energy and Green Transition, and the Office of the Attorney General and Justice.
Speaking at the Bawku Naba Palace during an address to the chiefs and people of the Kusaug Traditional Area, President Mahama emphasized that the security appointments are a crucial first step in his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and stability to the conflict-ridden region.
He said, “And so within this week, we’ll do the appointments of the Minister for Defence, the Minister for Interior, the National Security co-ordinator, the national security advisor, the BNI director; and when these appointments are made I am going to charge them to make Bawku one of their major priorities.”
“This last election has cemented our reputation as the leading democracy in Africa and a good part of the thanks goes to you the security services who have maintained peace,”he added.
He expressed confidence that the new security measures would help de-escalate tensions and promote harmony in Bawku.
“We still have threats to our peace that we must continue to look at internally and externally. Internally to do with chieftaincy disputes and some incidents of armed robbery and things like that. Externally to do with the threats on our northern borders and so we cannot let our vigilance down”, President Mahama added.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
News
The girl from Kwahu Obomeng: Nana Akua’s inspiring media journey
Rising from the serene hills of Kwahu Obomeng to the bustling studios of Ghana’s top media houses, Sheila Owusu, affectionately known as Obomengniibaa Nana Akua, is carving an indelible mark in Ghana’s entertainment industry.
A dynamic blend of talent, creativity, and determination, Nana Akua has become a powerhouse, mastering the realms of radio, content creation, event hosting, and media production.
Her journey began humbly at GhanaCelebrities.com, where she emerged as an engaging entertainment presenter and content creator. With a knack for celebrity trends and stories that resonated with youthful audiences, Nana Akua quickly became a standout in the digital space, laying a solid foundation for her media career.
Her talent didn’t go unnoticed. At Despite Media, Nana Akua brought her flair to Entertainment Ghana and the Social Trends segment on Neat FM. As a production assistant for Entertainment Review on Peace FM, she fine-tuned her production skills while navigating the fast-paced world of entertainment news and celebrity gossip.
The turning point in her career came at Asaase Radio, where her creativity soared. As the producer for Asaase Café, hosted by Caroline Sampson, and 995 Rush Hour with Elvis Crystal, she curated dynamic, engaging content that captivated listeners. Nana Akua also added her voice to the mix, hosting The Juice, an entertainment news segment that delivered the latest happenings in Ghana’s entertainment world.
Her influence extended to AsaasePa 107.3 FM, where she produced the Kete Drive show, cementing her reputation as a versatile producer with a keen understanding of diverse audiences.
The face of major events
Nana Akua’s charisma shone brightest as an event host. In 2023, she took centre stage at the Miss Natural Beauty Ghana Pageant, wowing audiences with her professionalism and ability to connect. Her involvement in high-profile events such as AfroFuture (formerly Afrochella), AfroNation, Taste of Ghana, and the Bhim Concert highlighted her role in crafting impactful radio content and live coverage that brought these events closer to listeners.
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Nana Akua was awarded the Entertainment Personality of the Year in 2022 at the Ghana Media and Entrepreneurship Awards, a testament to her growing influence.
Championing women in media
A staunch advocate for women in entertainment, Nana Akua currently produces and hosts Penpensiwa on AsaasePa, a groundbreaking show featuring all-female panels discussing pivotal issues in Ghana’s entertainment industry. By amplifying the voices of women, she is fostering a platform for empowerment and dialogue.
Nana Akua’s creativity extends beyond the airwaves. Through her personal website, nanaakuaohenewaa.com, she writes on entertainment, lifestyle, and social issues, further enriching her digital footprint. Her vision doesn’t stop there; her passion project, the Obomengniibaa Creative Network, promises to showcase her creative genius and inspire others in the industry.
Despite her success, Nana Akua’s heart remains in her hometown, Kwahu Obomeng. She treasures its lush greenery, iconic architecture, and serene atmosphere, often retreating there to recharge. For her, Kwahu is more than a home; it is an endless source of inspiration.
Outside the spotlight, Nana Akua enjoys music, writing, shopping, traveling, cooking, and exploring true crime documentaries—interests that enrich her multifaceted personality.
As Nana Akua continues to push boundaries, her journey inspires a new generation of creatives and entrepreneurs. With a vision of empowering others and redefining media excellence, she is poised to leave a legacy that resonates far beyond Kwahu Obomeng.
