News
Redemption at last! …as taxi driver freed after wrongfully serving 12 years in prison
A taxi driver who was jailed 45 years by the Tema Circuit Court on November 25, 2014, on trumped up charges has finally gained his freedom after spending 12 years in the Maximum Security Prison at Nsawam in the Eastern Region.
The convict, Kwame Ameyome, who was 28 years at the time of his sentence was asked by a businessman to take him from Accra to Prampram at GH¢20.00 but upon arrival at his destination, the passenger (businessman) rather turned round and accused the cabbie of attempting to rob him of his 39,000 dollars.
But for the intervention of the Public Defence Division of the Legal Aid Commission, which took up the matter before a three-member Court of Appeal – panel of judges led by Mr Justice Victor Ofoe at Ho last Friday, the taxi driver would have still been languishing in prison.
The freedom of Mr Ameyome was through the instrumentality of Mr Nelson Mawutor Kporha of the Legal Aid Commission in the Volta Region who was his defence counsel.
The facts as presented were that a businessman by name Ben Mensah, hired Kwame Ameyome to take him in his taxi from Nungua to Prampram and agreed to pay the taxi driver (Ameyome) GH¢20.00
Instead of paying the cabbie the agreed fare, the businessman, allegedly drew a dagger and chopped the cabbie’s ear off and also inflicted deep cuts on his face.
Ameyome who was bleeding profusely staggered back into his vehicle and managed to drive to the Tema General Hospital where he spent two weeks on admission before he was discharged.
His ordeal did not end there as the assailant smartly reported to the police that the cabbie attempted to rob him of his foreign currency i.e. USD 39,000.
Based on that false complaint, Ameyome was sentenced to 45 years imprisonment by the Tema Circuit Court, presided by Madam Lorenda Owusu (as she then was), on November 25, 2014.
At the hearing, Ameyome who had already spent six years behind bars on remand and who did not understand the seriousness of the offence for which he was charged, pleaded guilty with explanation, expecting a lenient sentence from the court, because he had no legal representation.
In his explanation, Ameyome told the court that he only stretched his hand towards the businessman’s wallet which was on his lap to take out the GH¢20 he was supposed to pay him, when it became clear that the businessman was not willing to pay the money.
His sentence was later reduced to 20 years on appeal at a Koforidua High Court, presided by Mr Justice Kenneth A. Kwabi on March 2, 2016.
Finally it took the intervention of the Public Defence Division of the Legal Aid Commission for Ameyome to walk free from the Nsawam Maximum Security Prison.
A three-member Court of Appeal panel sitting at Ho, chaired by Mr Justice Victor Ofoe last week Friday upheld the submission by Defence/Appellant’s counsel, Mr Nelson Mawutor Kporha who argued that the cabbie did not have a weapon and that it was rather the complainant who pulled a dagger to inflict injuries on the appellant before it turned into a fight between them.
It emerged that the cabbie was provoked by the complainant’s refusal to pay him the fare and that the complainant’s claim that he had USD39, 000 in his wallet was doubtful as that was mentioned only for the first time in court, although that was not contained in the facts.
The Court of Appeal panel said that Ameyome had suffered a miscarriage of justice which had adversely affected him.
From Alberto Mario Noretti, Ho
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.
