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Gender ministry holds stakeholders meeting on Domestic Violence Laws

In a significant step toward enhancing protections for survivors of domestic violence, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP), through its Domestic Violence Secretariat, held a stakeholders’ meeting on February 26, 2025.

The event brought together legal experts, social workers, civil society organizations, development partners, and other key stakeholders to review existing legislative measures and explore innovative tools to support survivors.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, underscored the evolving nature of domestic violence, emphasizing that it manifests in various forms—including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse.

She noted that while such issues were once considered private matters and rarely discussed openly, significant progress has been made in creating a legal framework that fosters public discourse and structured interventions.

“The advocacy from you as stakeholders cannot be overemphasized, and the Ministry is grateful for your input,” the Minister stated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening policies that protect the rights of the vulnerable.

Recognizing the increasing role of technology, the Minister highlighted the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence and digital platforms to enhance the fight against domestic violence.

A key highlight of the meeting was a presentation by legal expert Sheila Minkah-Premo on the intricacies of domestic violence laws, including Act 732, the Legislative Instrument (L.I.), and the National Plan of Action. The session provided an in-depth analysis of the legal framework, outlining key provisions and their practical implications for survivors and service providers.

Beyond legal reforms, the meeting also showcased advancements in survivor support mechanisms.

The Ministry launched an upgraded version of the Boame SGBV Mobile Application – a digital tool designed to provide immediate assistance and resources for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

The stakeholders’ meeting reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening domestic violence laws and enhancing survivor support systems.

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Ex-GIIF CEO and Prof. Ameyaw-Ekumfi charged over $2m Sky Train fiasco

The Attorney General’s Office has formally charged former Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) CEO Solomon Asamoah and ex-board chairman Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Ekumfi for their roles in the controversial Accra Sky Train project, which allegedly cost the state $2 million without authorisation.

The charges, filed today at the High Court (Criminal Division), include wilfully causing financial loss to the state under the Criminal Offences Act, conspiracy to commit crime through intentional dissipation of public funds, and intentional dissipation of public funds under the Public Property Protection Decree.

Prosecutors allege that in February 2019, the accused authorised a $2 million payment from GIIF to Africa Investor Holdings Limited for preliminary work on the Sky Train project – a system that was never built. The payment was reportedly made without proper board approval.

The Sky Train project, initiated in 2018 as a public-private partnership for an urban rail system in Accra, involved a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Railways Development, Africa Investor Holdings, and GIIF. However, investigations revealed the $2 million disbursement lacked proper due diligence and violated GIIF’s governance protocols.

Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine stated the accused acted outside their mandate, causing significant financial harm to the state. “The payment was unauthorised, and the project never materialised. This is a clear case of financial misconduct,” the filing stated.

The case will proceed in the High Court, with the AG’s office indicating some GIIF board members have agreed to testify as prosecution witnesses.

This prosecution forms part of the government’s broader crackdown on financial malfeasance, following earlier warnings of pending charges in the Sky Train and NSS ghost names scandals.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

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Interdict Sammy Gyamfi immediately to allow for investigations – NPP urges Mahama

The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, has called on President John Mahama to immediately interdict Mr Sammy Gyamfi from his role as acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), to allow for investigations into his conduct following his public gifting of dollars to a self-lifestyle preacher.

The incident in question occurred on Saturday, May 10, 2025, when Mr Gyamfi was seen in widely circulated videos gifting bundles of US dollars to controversial evangelist Nana Agradaa while seated in his Range Rover.

Speaking at a news conference held by the party on Tuesday, May 13, Mr Boakye emphasised the need for consistency in leadership and accountability, pointing to recent controversies involving senior public officials.

“We also call on the President to immediately interdict Mr Sammy Gyamfi as acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board — or at least, he should interdict him pending the conduct of the investigation by the criminal investigation authorities of the state,” Boakye said.

Drawing a sharp comparison with a previous incident involving former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah, Boakye noted that Madam Dapaah was compelled to resign after reports emerged of large sums of money allegedly stolen from her residence, despite her long-standing public service and reputable family background.

“We cannot but remember when huge sums of money were reported to have been stolen from the residence of Madam Cecilia Dapaah, a woman who had worked in high places for over forty years before the incident — an MP since 2001, a deputy minister and a minister — married to a well-known, wealthy architect and consultant with nearly sixty years’ experience,” he remarked.

Boakye highlighted that under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Madam Dapaah stepped aside promptly, enabling thorough investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

“Investigations were duly conducted by the OSP against Madam Cecilia Dapaah and her husband after what the OSP described as seven months of extensive investigation and four months of collaborative inquiry,” he added.

The NPP is now demanding similar action from President Mahama in the interest of transparency, good governance, and public trust.

Source: Myjoyonline.com