Author: Constance Awunor

Parliament has passed the Community Service Bill, 2026, introducing community service as an alternative to imprisonment for people convicted of specified categories of offences. The new law establishes a National Community Service Secretariat and provides the legal framework for implementing non-custodial sentencing. The measure aims to reduce overcrowding in Ghana’s prisons while promoting the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, presented the Bill to Parliament on March 4, 2026, in accordance with Article 106(1) of the 1992 Constitution. Parliament later referred it to the Defence and Interior Committee for scrutiny before approving it. Law…

The Country Lead for the Clean Air Fund, Desmond Appiah, has criticised the burning of waste during the nationwide clean-up exercise, saying the practice undermines efforts to promote a cleaner and healthier environment. Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Mr Appiah welcomed the national clean-up campaign but cautioned that disposing of collected waste through open burning creates another environmental challenge. “We all received the news of the cleanup with a lot of joy because it’s a positive move… helping us to deal with some of the challenges that we haven’t dealt with the way we should have,” he said. “But from…

President John Mahama says the government is considering introducing a nationwide monthly clean-up exercise as part of efforts to improve sanitation and reduce flooding across the country. The President announced the proposal after joining senior government officials at Alajo in Accra to launch and inspect the ongoing two-day national clean-up exercise. The exercise forms part of government efforts to clear choked drains, improve sanitation and reduce the risk of flooding in communities that remain vulnerable during the rainy season. Speaking after participating in the exercise, President Mahama said two days were not enough to address the country’s sanitation challenges. He…

Azumah Resources Ghana Ltd has dismissed reports claiming that foreign investors have taken over the Black Volta Project, describing the publications as false and a misrepresentation of ongoing legal proceedings. In a press statement issued on Thursday, July 9, and signed by Board Chairman Noel Addo, the company said publications by Semafor Africa and Myjoyonline.com wrongly suggested that the Black Volta Project had been handed over to former investors. The company assured staff, suppliers and other stakeholders that the reports were false and that the project remains under the control of its current management. Company says no court ordered transfer…

The number of bank and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institution (SDI) employees implicated in fraud declined by 40 percent in 2025, according to the Bank of Ghana’s latest Fraud Report. The report said 219 employees were cited for fraud in 2025, down from 365 in 2024, reflecting improvements in internal controls and oversight across the financial sector. However, despite the decline in staff-related fraud, the total value at risk from fraudulent activities increased to GH¢101 million, highlighting the continued financial impact of fraud on financial institutions. Internal fraud cases decline According to the report, banks recorded a 34 percent reduction in fraud…

Ghanaian romance fraud suspect Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has reportedly been extradited to the United States after authorities carried out his transfer following the dismissal of a last-minute court application seeking to halt the process. The extradition reportedly took place after the High Court rejected an emergency application filed by his legal team, which argued that the transfer should be suspended while other legal matters were addressed. The court, however, dismissed the application, clearing the way for his removal from Ghana. Court dismisses last-minute application According to reports, Abu Trica was escorted by security officers to the…

Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has called for sustained and predictable investment in Ghana’s child protection systems, saying legislation alone is not enough to protect children from labour exploitation. She said lasting progress requires long-term financing, strong partnerships and a coordinated national commitment involving government, development partners, civil society, the private sector, communities and families. Long-term investment is essential Dr Lartey made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the National Justice Conference, held under the theme, “Sustainable Funding for Child Protection Against Labour Exploitation.” The conference was organised by International Justice…

The Ghana AIDS Commission says fresh supplies of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines are expected to arrive in Ghana within the next three to four weeks as authorities work to address declining stock levels across parts of the country. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, July 9, the Commission’s Director of Technical Services, Dr Eric Nana Poku, acknowledged challenges within the current supply chain but assured that measures are underway to prevent nationwide shortages. ARV stock levels below target Dr. Nana Poku said stock levels at the Central Medical Store have fallen below the Commission’s preferred threshold of six months’ supply.…

The Minority in Parliament has called for the immediate resignation or dismissal of the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice over the withdrawal of GH¢350 million from the Contingency Fund to support victims of the recent floods. The caucus accused the Attorney-General of incompetence, arguing that he failed to follow the appropriate legal process before authorising the release of the funds. Minority alleges breach of legal procedure Addressing journalists, Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei said the Attorney-General should have first taken steps to set aside an existing garnishee order affecting the Contingency Fund before authorising the withdrawal. According to her, bypassing…

The Ghana AIDS Commission has cautioned that disqualifying applicants from employment solely because they are living with HIV could violate the Ghana AIDS Commission Act, 2016 (Act 938). The Commission’s Director of Policy Planning, John Eliasu Mahama, said the law protects people living with HIV from discrimination in employment except under limited circumstances where a specific medical condition is essential for the job. HIV status not grounds for employment refusal Speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News on Wednesday, July 8, Mr Mahama cited Section 32 of Act 938, which prohibits employers from refusing employment based solely on an applicant’s HIV…