News
DR Congo president’s top aide jailed for corruption
A court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has found President Felix Tshisekedi’s chief of staff guilty of corruption.
Vital Kamerhe was sentenced to 20 years’ hard labour on Saturday, after facing charges of embezzling almost $50m (£39m) of public funds.
Kamerhe’s supporters say the trial is a political move designed to prevent him from standing for president.
The judge presiding over the case was murdered in May.
Kamerhe, who was also a key ally of a former president, is the most high-profile figure to be convicted of corruption in the DRC.
He was convicted by a court in the capital Kinshasa on Saturday.
Much of the missing funds were intended to be used in a housing project announced by the president following his inauguration.
Lebanese businessman Jammal Samih was also sentenced to 20 years’ hard labour in the same trial, while a third man in charge of logistics at the presidential office faces two years in prison.
Kamerhe will also be banned for running for the presidency for 10 years after completing his sentence.
His lawyers have said they will appeal, arguing that hard labour is prohibited by the DRC’s constitution, according to AFP news agency.
Anti-corruption activists have praised the verdict.
“I sincerely think that this is a positive sign for the fight against corruption,” Florimond Muteba of Congolese transparency organisation, the Observatory of Public Expenditure, was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency.
The trial continued with a replacement judge after the death of Judge Raphael Yanyi in May. An initial police report said he had died of a heart attack.
But a post-mortem examination later found Yanyi “died a violent death, due to the blows of sharp points or knife-like objects, which were thrust into his head”, the country’s justice minister said. -AFP/Reuters
News
Government, GoldFields,reach agreement on Damang Mine
The Government of Ghana and Goldfields Ghana Limited have reached an amicable agreement on a transitional plan for the Damang Mine.
The operational modalities of the transition involve issuing a new 12-month mining lease to Goldfields’ subsidiary, Abosso Goldfields Limited, pending parliamentary ratification in
May 2025.
Under the new arrangement, Goldfields will resume open-pit mining during the transition period, safeguarding jobs and conducting feasibility studies to establish Damang’s reserves and mine life.
At the same time, the processing of existing stockpiles will continue under the supervision of a joint management team composed of representatives from the Government of Ghana
and Goldfields. The two parties will work in good faith to secure a successful transition and eventual transfer of a viable mine to Ghanaian ownership.
Both parties have agreed to advance discussions in good faith on the renewal of the lease for the Tarkwa mine, due in 2027, and pledged to work together to enhance Ghana’s
potential in the mining sector as a favourable investment destination,
News
Ophelia Crossland appointed as new Creative Director of Nineteen57
In an exciting turn for Ghana’s fashion industry, celebrated designer Ophelia Crossland has officially assumed leadership of Nineteen57, the iconic menswear brand founded by her husband, Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD).
This transition follows KOD’s recent appointment as Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President—a prestigious national role that reflects his continued service to Ghana on a global scale.
With this new chapter in public service, the reins of Nineteen57 have now passed to Ophelia Crossland, who will take on both the day-to-day operations and creative direction of the brand.
Ophelia Crossland, the CEO and founder of her eponymous womenswear label, brings over a decade of experience in luxury fashion.
Known for her keen eye for detail and mastery in haute couture, her leadership is expected to usher in a new era for Nineteen57—one that blends timeless African sophistication with modern sensibilities for the stylish gentleman.
“Nineteen57 has always stood for bold sophistication and African excellence,” said Ophelia Crossland. I’m excited to build on that legacy and explore new creative horizons with the team,” she said.
The transition marks a defining moment for the fashion power couple—Ophelia taking the creative lead in fashion innovation while KOD serves the nation in his new diplomatic role.
Together, they continue to elevate Ghana’s presence across fashion and governance.
