ORIGINATING MOTION ON NOTICE_KENNETH NANA YAW OFORI-ATTA V THE OSP & ANOR

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF JUDICAW.RE =
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE /4
HUMAN RIGHTS DIVISION '-bJP'A:CBR=
ACCRA – AD 2025 //-_J’#'-v’" ;' -;C':'*:
SUIT NO.
IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATIONUNDER ARTICLE 33 OF THE 'MIc’oN /HA
CONSTITUTION 1992 FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN
RIGHTS
AND
IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION UNDER ORDER 67 OF THE HIGH COURT
(CIVIL PROCEDURE)RULES. 2004 (C.1. 47) FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF
FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS
KENNETH NANA YAW OFORI-ATTA
40 NDABANINGI SITHOLE ROAD
LABONE – ACCRA
APPLICANT
VRS
1. OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR
6 HAILE SELASSIE AVENUE
SOUTH RIDGE – ACCRA
RESPONDENTS
2. KISSI AGYEBENG ESQ
ORIGINATING MOTION ON NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that this Honourable Court wiEI be moved by Counsel for
and on behalf of the Applicant herein praying for the following reliefs:
1. Declaration that:
a.) The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has no statutory powers to
use Media Briefing to declare a person WANTED or "fugitive from justice";
b.) The OSP has no powers other than what is provided for the Police to
declare a person wanted and same cannot be done without leave of
the Court;
c.) The Office of the Special Prosecutor, in exercising the powers of the
Police as provided for under Section 28 of the Office of the Special
Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), and the Office of the Special Prosecutor
(Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.1. 2374), is bound by the limits placed on
the exercise of discretionary power as enshrined in the Service

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Instructions of the PoEice Service, under Article 200, and consistent with
Article 296 of the Constitution 1992;
d.) The unlawful declaration of the Applicant as "WANTED" or "fugitive from
justice" constitutes violation of his right of personal liberty as enshrined
in Articles 14 of the 1992 Constitution; and right of free movement
enshrined in Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution, Article 12 of the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Right (ICCPR) as well as
Article 12 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (AfCHPR);
e.) Any act of the Office of the Special Prosecutor as a State Agency that
violates the Applicant's human rights will amount to a breach of Ghana's
international treaty obligations under the African Charter on Human and
People’s Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights;
2. Declaration that:
a.) The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, Esq., as a lawyer was in breach
of Article 23 when he responded to the letter of the Solicitors of the
Applicant by Media Briefing contrary to Rules 8 and 12 of the Legal
Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules, 2020 (L.1. 2423);
b.) The OSP did not act fairEy and reasonably and was in breach of Article
23 of the 1992 Constitution when through the Special Prosecutor it
sought to change the contents of its letter of 24th January 2025 to the
Applicant by Media Briefing;
C.) The OSP has acted unfairly and capriciously when it continued keeping
the Applicant’s picture as a WANTED PERSON on its website contrary to
its publication by a PRESS RELEASEdated 18" February 2025 under the
hand of the Special Prosecutor that the Applicant ceases to be a
WANTED PERSON;
3. An Order:
a.) For the immediate removal of the photograph and details of the
Applicant from the WANTED LIST on the website of the OSP;
b.) For payment of compensation for: (i) unlawfully declaring the Applicant
WANTED, (ii) unlawful publication on the OSP's website that the
Applicant is a WANTED person and (iii) keeping the Applicant's
photograph and details on its website as a WANTED PERSON contrary
to the contents of its letter of 18th February 2025 to the Applicant;

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c.) Directing the Office of the Special Prosecutor to respond by letter as
required by law to all the letters of the Applicant's Solicitor that remain
outstanding;
d.) Directing the OSP to list documents that it may require from the
Applicant for investigations and serve same on the Solicitors of the
Applicant for them to furnish same pending the return of the Applicant
into the jurisdiction;
e.) Of injunction restraining the Office of the Special Prosecutor from
carrying out its threat in the Press Release issued on 18th of February
2025, of repeating the unlawful re–entering of the Applicant's name as
a Wanted Person or Declaring him a "fugitive from justice.
AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that the grounds for the application are as follows:
1. LACK OF AUTHORITY TO DECLARE A PERSON WANTED AND VIOLATION OF
APPLICANT'SFUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS
The Police powers exercisable under the Criminal and Other
Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) to enquire into, try and deal
with any offence is not exercised in vacuum but is controlled by the
Service Instructions promulgated by the IGP under powers granted
by the 1992 Constitution and the Police Service Act, 1970 (Act 350).
11
The OSP, having been informed of the AppEicant’s letters to the
immediate past and present Chiefs of Staff on the 2-'’ of January and
22'''’ of January respectively wherein the Applicant had given
indication of his whereabouts and purpose thereof prior to the OSP's
delivery of letter of 24:" January 2025 at the Applicant’s house, had
no basis for describing the Applicant as "fugitive from justice",
especially so when the OSP had never expressed any doubt about
such letters to the Chiefs of Staff, nor doubts about the professional
responsibility of the Applicant's Solicitors to assist the OSP in its
investigations until the Applicant's arrival back in Ghana.
111.
Right to personal liberty and Free movement are part of the
fundamental human rights protected by Articles 14 and 2]
respectively under the 1992 Constitution and the African Charter of
Human and People's Right (AfCHPR) as well as the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), violation or threatened
violation of which Article 33 entitIes the Applicant to seek redress in
court
IV The OSP as a State Agency is per Article 12 enjoined to respect and
uphold the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the

Constitution which demands that the State discharges its
international human rights treaty obligations as provided in Article
37(3) of the 1992 Constitution.
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2. BREACH OF ADMINISTRATIVE JUSTICE& ABUSEOF DISCRETIONARY
POWERS
1.
The Constitution imposes on administrative bodies and
administrative officials the duty to act fairly and reasonably under
Article 23 but the OSP ignored this duty when it chose to modify to
the Applicant's disadvantage the contents of its letter to the
Applicant by Media Briefing;
11.
The CSP's disregard of the requirements of law, to wit, Service
Instructions of the Ghana PoEice (S.1.161) and the Criminal and Other
Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) in the unwarranted
declaration of the Applicant "WANTED" and "fugitive from justice" by
the C)SP
111
The OSP's disregard of the Applicant's compliance with its deadline
in suggesting a date of his return to the jurisdiction by the "close of
business of 10th February 2025", (the OSP's own deadline) amounted
to a failure to act fairly and reasonably when a tentative date was
provided within the deadline by the Applicant to guide the DSP in
fixing a rescheduled date but which was rendered by the OSP as
indefinite stay out of jurisdiction;
IV The OSP's disregard of its own statement in a Press Release dated
the 18th February to the effect that the Applicant was no more a
WANTED person but keeping his photograph and detaiEs on its
website after the said date was contrary to the legitimate
expectation created by the OSP and therefore amounted to a failure
to act fairly;
V The Special Prosecutor’s choice to use Media Briefing to respond to
the letters of the Applicant's SoEicitor dated the 7th and 11th February
2025 was in flagrant disregard of requirement imposed on him by
law, to wit Rules 8 and 12 the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct
and Etiquette) Rules 2020, L.1. 2423;
VI The OSP's use of Media Briefing to extend the contents of its letter of
24th of January 2025 to the Applicant, which said Media Briefing
extended to matters that did not concern the Applicant, even
though it was purporting to be responding to the letter of Applicant’s
lawyers constituted a failure to act fairly and reasonably;

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VII. Per Articles 23 and 33 of the 1992 Constitution the Applicant is entitled
to seek redress before a court or other tribunal for breach of
Administrative justice.
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COURT TO BE MOVED ON THE ’J_ DAYOF
Nine O'clock in the forenoon or so soon thereaft
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may be heard.
DATED THIS DAY OF FEBRUARY 2025. AT MINKAH–PREMIO, OSEI–BONSU,
BRUCE–CATHLINE& PARTNERS. BRUCE TOWERS. NO. 3 EMMAUSE 2ND CLOSE,
LABONE – ACCRA, WHICH IS THE ADDRESS FOR SERVICE
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KUSI–M
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JUSTICI
THE REGISTRAR
HIGH COURT (HUMAN RIGHTS DIVISION)
ACCRA
AND COPY FOR SERVICE ON:
1. THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR.OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR.6 HAILE
SELASSIE AVENUE, SOUTH RIDGE – ACCRA.
2. KISSI AGYEBENG. ESQ.. THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR.OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL
PROSECUTOR.6 HAILE SELASSIE AVENUE, SOUTH RIDGE – ACCRA.
3. THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL. LAW HOUSE. MINISTRIES ACCRA

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IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATIONUNDER ARTICLE 33 OF THE
RIGHTS
AND
(CIVIL PROCEDURE)RULES. 2004 (C.1. 47) FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF
KENNETH NANA YAW OFORI–ATTA
LABONE – ACCRA
APPLICANT
VRS
RESPONDENTS
AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT
I, JUSTICE KUSI–MINKAHPREMO, of Bruce Towers, No. 3 Emmause 2-'’ Close,
Labone – Accra do make oath and say as follows:
1. That I am the deponent herein.
2 That I am the Solicitor for the Applicant herein and I have the authority of the
Applicant to depose to this Affidavit matters which have come within my
personal knowledge during the performance of my duties and of which I stand
informed by members of Applicant's private residence in Ghana.
3. That at the hearing of this application, Counsel for the Applicant herein shall
seek leave of this Honourable Court to refer to processes so far filed in this
matter
4. That the Applicant herein is a former Minister of Financeof the Republic of
Ghana and former Senior Presidential Advisor and Special Envoy for

International Finance and Private Sector Investments under the presidency of
His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo–Addo, former president of Ghana.
5. That the 1“ Respondent is a specialized agency which is established by Act of
Parliament to investigate and where necessary to prosecute specific cases of
alleged or suspected corruption and corruption–related offences.
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6 That the 2"’ Respondent herein, the Special Prosecutor of the Republic of
Ghana nominated and appointed under Section 13 of the Office of the Special
Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), is a lawyer of the Ghana Bar and bound by the
Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules 2020, L.1. 2423 as
an individual
7. That I am advised and verily believe same to be true that the duties imposed
by the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules, 2020
(L.1. 2423) fall upon the 2-'’ Respondent personally, in his capacity as a lawyer,
aside his capacity as the Special Prosecutor.
8 That on 2-d January 2025, the Applicant wrote to Ms. Akosua Frema Osei–
C)pore, former Chief of Staff to His Excellency the former President Nana Addo
Dankwa Akufo–Addo of his intention to leave the jurisdiction to seek medical
attention and did travel on the 4th of January 2025 as intended. Attached and
marked as Exhibits A and A1 respectively are copies of his letter and exit
stamp in his passport.
9 That on 22-d January 2025, the Applicant wrote to Hon. Julius Debrah, current
Chief of Staff to His Excellency the President John Dramani Mahama, in which
letter the Applicant notified his office of his absence from the jurisdiction to
seek medical attention in Rochester, Minnesota. Attached and marked as
Exhibit B are copies of the Letter from the Applicant dated 22-d January 2025,
which enclosed a copy of his letter of 2-d January 2025 .
10. That the Applicant, by the same Exhibits A and B, furnished the offices of the
President, immediate past and present, with his contact details should the
need arise to contact him for any information in respect of the Applicant's
previous roles under the previous administration.
11 That on 24:hjanuary 2025, the 2'” Respondent who clairned in his Media Briefing
to have known of the absence of the Applicant from the jurisdiction, wrote to
the Applicant directing the Applicant to attend the office of the 2-'’
Respondent for an interview as a suspect regarding an investigationin respect
of certain four (4) matters which were described therein as corruption and
corruption–related offences. Attached and marked as Exhibit C is a copy of
the Letter from the 2-d Respondent dated 26th January 2025.

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q2. That, in the letter dated 24th January 2025, which was delivered at the Security
gate of the Applicant’s private residence, when the Applicant was out of the
jurisdiction, the OSP directed the Applicant to attend its office on 10th February
2025 for investigating some four matters in which it treated the Applicant as a
suspect
13. That upon information to the Applicant of the delivery of such a letter, he
instructed Solicitors and by a letter dated 31“ January 2025, the Solicitors for
the Applicant wrote in response to the 24th January 2025 letter to inform the
OSP of the Applicant's absence from the jurisdiction for medical reasons
and to also inform the 2-'’ Respondent of the Applicant's Solicitors' availability
to furnish any and all information to assist the 2-'’ Respondent with its
investigation pending his return to the jurisdiction. Indeed, the Solicitors also
assured the CSP that it would be notified of the Applicant's return to the
jurisdiction to enable the OSP reschedule the interview date. Attached and
marked as Exhibit D is a copy of the Letter from the Solicitors of the Applicant
dated 31“ January 2025
14. That by letter dated 5th February 2025, the OSP under the hand of 2-'’
Respondent rejected the Applicant's Solicitors’ request for a new date, holding
a view that the illness was just "his say–so" of the Applicant even though no
suspicion had been cast on the Applicant's letters to the Chiefs of Staff
(Exhibits A and B) and further directed the Applicant to indicate by close of
business on 10“ February 2025 a reasonable date of the Applicant’s return to
the jurisdiction, failing which legal steps would be taken to secure the
Applicant's return to the jurisdiction. Attached and marked as Exhibit E is a
copy of the Letter from the OSP dated 5th February 2025,
15. That by letter dated 7th February 2025, the Solicitors for the Applicant in
confirmation of the medical reasons stated by the Applicant in his Eetters
(Exhibits A and B) and in refuting an accusation of "his say–so", wrote to the
OSP attaching a letter from the medical institution treating the Applicant’s
ailments, in which the medical institution (Mayo Clinic) indicated that the
Applicant was undergoing further testing and management, which includes
possible surgical intervention in March 2025. Attached and marked as Exhibit
F is a copy of the Letter from the Applicant's Solicitors dated 7th February 2025,
wherein the letter from Mayo Clinic was attached.
16. That in this same 7th February 2025 letter, the Solicitors for the Applicant
indicated to the 2-d Respondent that given the potential surgery date of March
2025 intimated by the Applicant's medical facility, an in–person interview date
fixed after March 2025 would be suggested.
17. That this 7th Fobruary 2025 letter from the Solicitors for the Applicant was
stamped as received by the 2'''’ Respondent on 10th February 2025 before the
close of business deadline given to the Applicant.

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18. That on 11" February 2025, the Applicant's home in Accra was raided by some
armed men comprising some police officers, four military men, and some men
in plain clothing all numbering about twelve (12).
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19. That these armed men entered the Applicant's compound by threat of force
and undertook a search of every room in the house. Attached and marked as
Exhibit G is a copy of a recorded footage from the Applicant's home dated 11th
February 2025.
20. That following the said incident on Ilth February 2025, the Solicitors for the
Applicant promptly wrote to the 2-d Respondent to inquire as to whether the
raid by the armed men was at the instance of the 2-'’ Respondent to know if a
complaint to the police would be an unnecessary step. Attached and marked
as Exhibit H is a copy of the Letter from the Applicant's Solicitors dated 11th
February 2025.
21. That the 11th February 2025 raid on the Applicant's home was later confirmed
to the wider public when CCTV footage from the Applicant's home showed
these armed men, some of whom would later be identified, carrying out the
purported search. Attached is a CCTV footage marked herein as Exhibit J.
22. That on 12th February 2025, without any formal response to the enquiry of the
Applicant’s SOlicitors' letter, the CSP held a media briefing in which 2-d
Respondent spoke indicating that he was responding to the Applicant's letter
and declared the Applicant a "wanted" person, being a "fugitive from justice".
Attached and marked as Exhibit K is an extract of 2-'’ Respondent’s Media
Briefing dated 12th February 2025.
23. That I am advised and verily believe same to be true that the manner in which
the 2-d Respondent chose to respond to Solicitor's correspondence by way of
a public Media Briefing containing matters that did not fall within the subject
matter of the formal correspondence between the Applicant's Solicitors and
the 2'” Respondent is frowned upon by the Legal Profession (Professional
Conduct and Etiquette) Rules, 2020 (L.1. 2423).
24. That during the 12th February 2025 Media Briefing, without disclosing any
doubts about the letters to the two Chiefs of Staff, the 2-'’ Respondent alleged
that the Applicant had the intention of remaining outside of the jurisdiction
indefinitely to avoid personally answering questions in respect of the 2-'’
Respondent's pending investigation and did cast aspersions that the 11th
February raid must have been staged by the Applicant on his own home "in an
attempt to court disfavour for the OSP and to derail the investigation".
25. That I am further advised and verily believe same to be true that the 2-d
Respondent is, liable for the breach of those duties imposed on him by Rules

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8 and 12 of the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules,
2020 (L.1.2423) and should the breaches lead to violation of human rights,
Article 12 of the 1992 Constitution covers him as an individual addressee of the
rights and such other torts that his conduct might have caused..
26. That the Applicant who had voluntarily given his whereabouts to the previous
and current Chiefs of Staff to enable them reach him, and had instructed
Solicitors to cooperate with the OSP pending his return to Ghana, was
presented to the public by the 2-'’ Respondentthat he had no intention of
willingly returning to the jurisdiction and then proceeded to declare the
Applicant a wanted person, being a fugitive from justice, without leave of court
or any power from a specific legislation to do so by Media Briefing.
27. That the 2'” Respondent based this accusation of imposter–action stated in
paragraph 21 supra on so–called intelligence gathered by the Office of the
Special Prosecutor, which for fear of compromising his investigation, the 2''d
Respondent had chosen not to reveal.
28. That it would later be revealed that the raid was in actual fact an operation
led by National Security operatives for which the current Majority Leader of
Parliament made an apology on behalf of Government and National Security,
which said apology was captured in a video footage of Parliamentary
proceedings and a record in the Hansard. Attached and marked herein of
these pieces of evidence are Exhibits L and Ll.
29. That as would be observed from Exhibit K, not only had the DSP now increased
investigationin respect of certain four (4) matters which was described therein
as corruption and corruption–related offences to five (5), contrary to
administrative justice enshrined in Article 23, but had also misled the public that
charges against the Applicant were why he was needed.
30. That having not received any letter from the OSP responding to the Applicant’s
Solicitors’ letters of 7" and 11th February 2025, on 17th February 2025, the
Solicitors for the Applicant wrote a letter to the 2-d Respondent to notify the 2-d
Respondent of the OSP's missteps including disregard for professional ethics,
exceeding the powers granted to the 2-'’ Respondent's office by law, violation
of the Applicant's legitimate expectations, violation of the Applicant's human
rights, the defective and fallacious nature of the intelligence gathered by the
2-d Respondent's office, the blatant misuse of forensic language by the
2'” Respondent and the defamatory nature of the aspersions cast on the
Applicant. Attached and marked as Exhibit M is a copy of the Letter from the
Applicant's Solicitors dated 17:h February 2025.
31. That what followed after the letter of the Applicant’s Solicitors dated 17th
February was a publication in the social media that very day and on the OSP’s
website the photograph of the Applicant under a WANTED Notice mimicking

CID FORM 39, which was a falsehood in material respectsand issued without
any sound basis that could ground leave from court. Attached and marked
herein as Exhibit N is a copy of the WANTED Notice.
32. That by a letter dated 18th February 2025, the Solicitors for the Applicant after
clarifying the bases for the request for a re–scheduled interview date from the
OSP, demanded that the OSP should withdraw the declaration citing the
Applicant as a wanted person, or one being a fugitive from justice. Attached
and marked as Exhibit P is a copy of the Letter from the Applicant's Solicitors
dated 18:h February 2025.
33. That in response to the Applicant's Solicitors' letter dated 18th February 2025
(Exhibit P), the OSP wrote a letter to the Applicant indicating that the Applicant
would be removed from the Office of the Special Prosecutor's wanted list by
close of business on the said 18:'' February 2025 and a new interview date of
2-d June 2025 had been set. Attached and marked as Exhibit Q is a copy of
the Letter from the 2-d Respondent dated 18th February 2025.
34. That prior to the receipt of Exhibit Q, the OSP had by a Press Release dated
18th February 2025 indicated that the AppEicant had been removed from the
Office of the Special Prosecutor's list of wanted persons and was no longer
deemed a "fugitive from justice". Attached and marked as Exhibit S is a copy
of the OSP's Press Release dated 18th February 2025.
35. That the contents of Exhibit S reflected that it was made after the OSP's letter
to the Applicant’s Solicitors (Exhibit Q) but contained the threat of violating the
Applicant's human rights when it said that should the Applicant fail to return to
the jurisdiction and abide by the new interview date, the Applicant would be
re–entered on the Office of the Special Prosecutor's list of wanted persons and
declared once again a "fugitive from justice" as if leave of the court is not
required or same can be obtained on whimsical ground.
36. That although the 2'''’ Respondent was unequivocal in his press release
(Exhibit S) that the Applicant would no longer be a wanted person, "Wanted"
posters of the Applicant remained sitting on the social media platforms of the
Office of the Special Prosecutor, as at 3'd of March 2025. Attached and marked
as Exhibit T is a copy of a WANTED poster of the Applicant at the website of
the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
37. That following the C)SP's continued disregard of commitmentsmade in writing,
the Solicitor for the Applicant by a letter dated the 3"’ of March 2025 drew the
OSP’s attention to Exhibit T and requested the immediate withdrawal of the
"Wanted" poster from its website but neither was a letter in response of same
received from the OSP nor was the poster deleted. Attached hereto and
marked Exhibit U is a copy of the letter of 3~ March 2025.

38. That I am advised and verity believe same to be true that the conduct of the
OSP regarding its fidelity to commitments it makes to people, runs short of his
duty to act fairly as an administrative body in view of the fact that its disregard
of legitimate expectation of citizens that he creates from its written
correspondence, as it did in the case of the Applicant, constitutes an abuse of
authority in administrative justice and a violation of the Applicant's human
rights
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39. That I am further advised and verily believe same to be true that by right and
by law, the Applicant is entitled to protection from any action that violates his
freedom of movement and the right to personal liberty as enshrined under the
Constitution, 1992, the African Charter on Human and People's Rights (AfCHPR)
and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
40. That the Applicant was "invited" to be interviewed in respect of suspected
offences on 24:'' January 2024 when he was already outside of the jurisdiction
and undergoing medical tests and treatment, which prior absence the 2-d
Respondent confirmed at the Media Briefing that he had knowledge of before
writing to the Applicant on 24th January 2025 (Exhibit C), inviting the Applicant
for an interview.
41. That I am advised and verily believe same to be true that at no point before
the 12th February 2025 Media Briefing did the CSP indicate to the Applicant that
the Applicant had been charged with any offences or that a criminal summons
had been issued against the Applicant in accordance with the power of police
officers vested in officers of this office.
42. That I am also advised and verily believe same to be true that the factual
circumstances that led to the OSP's declaration of the Applicant as a wanted
person, being a fugitive from justice cannot and do not constitute a failure to
locate the AppEicant after exercise of due diligence in searching for the
Applicant, to warrant the description of him as a wanted person.
43. That I am further advised and verily believe same to be true that in addition to
the 2-d Respondent's failure to exercise due diligence in his conclusions
regarding the whereabout of the Applicant as is required of the police, the 2“i
Respondent was capricious in his said act of declaring the Applicant "Wanted"
as he was clearly informed of the Applicant's whereabouts well before the 2-d
Respondent's 12th February 2025 media briefing and could not feign ignorance
of the cogent reasons for the Applicant's absence from the jurisdiction,
especially when he never doubted Applicant's prior notice to the two Chiefs of
Staff, which was confirmed by the Mayo Clinic Letter and in his own Media
Briefing had given information that "on or about 2-d January 2025" the
Applicant was not in the country.

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44. That I am also advised and verily believe same to be true that there is no
statutory provision that clothes the C)SP, or the Police, with the authority to
declare a person wanted or a fugitive from justice without leave of a court of
competent jurisdiction.
45. That I am advised and verily believe same to be true that not even the
Attorney–General has such power to declare a person wanted or a fugitive
from justice without having recourse to a court of competent jurisdiction let
alone the Special Prosecutor who wields only part of the mandate of the
Attorney–General .
46. That I am further advised and verily believe same to be true that although the
Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959) provides that the OSP is not
subject to the direction or control of a person or an authority in the
performance of the functions of the office, the C)SP as a State agency is
subject to the control and direction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding
Ghana's international treaty obligations as regards the AfCHPR, ICCPR
provided in Article 37(3) and Article 73 of the 1992 Constitution.
47. That I am further advised that the 2'” Respondent’s exercise of the powers of
the Police as specifiedin the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960
(Act 30) compels the OSP to be bound by the direction and control of the IGP
pursuant to Regulations of the Police Council including the Service Instructions
made by the IGP pursuant to Articles 203 of the Constitution 1992.
48. That I am also advised and believe same to be true that notwithstanding
section 4 of Act 959, the OSP cannot exceed the powers afforded it by Act 959,
L.1. 2374. Act 30, the Police Service Instructions or any other enactment relating
to police power and human rights enforcement and to that extent is subject
to the direction and control of at least the Inspector–General of Police and/or
the Ghana Police Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, CHRAJ and the Courts.
49. That I am further advised that section 4 of Act 959 is unconstitutional in the
absence of the same privilege to the Attorney–General protecting it from the
control and direction of any authority and for that reason ought to be struck
out
50. That I am further advised and believe same to be true that the OSP has acted
without authority in declaring the Applicant "wanted" and "being a fugitive
from justice" and by so doing has violated the Applicant's human rights.
51. That I am also advised and verily believe same to be true that the absence of
legal basis to justify the 2-d Respondent's declaration of the Applicant as a
wanted person, being a fugitive from justice, a declaration with implications on

the Applicant's personal liberty and free movement, constitutes a violation of
the Applicant’s fundamental human rights of freedom of movement and right
to liberty as enshrined in Articles 16(1) and 21(1)(g) of the Constitution, 1992, and
Articles 12 of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights (AfCHPR) and
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
52. That the 2"’ Respondent did not folfow any of the regulatory statutory
framework governing the exercise of the powers of the Police in declaring the
Applicant a "fugitive from justice" during his 12th February 2025 media briefing
and to that extent was also in breach of administrative justice.
53. That I am advised and believe some to be true that the violation by the OSP
as an agency of State of the Applicant's human rights as enshrined in Article
14 and Article 21(1)(g) of the Constitution 1992, Article 12(2) of the African Charter
on Human and People's Rights, 1981 (AfCHPR)as well as Article 12 of the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,1966 (ICCPR) constitutes
Ghana's breach of its international treaty obligations.
54. That I am advised and believe some to be true that the manner of the Office
of the Special Prosecutor's use of a media briefing to declare a person under
investigation"a fugitive from justice" and also its use of that same method to
vary the contents of its written correspondence to the Applicant does not only
constitute an abuse of administrative procedures with implications for the
general principles of rule of law and violation of human rights, but also ignoring
the constitutional precept not to be arbitrary or capricious as enshrined in
Article 296 of the Constitution 1992
55. That I am advised by Counsel and believe same to be true that the OSP, by his
letter dated 18th February 2025 (Exhibit Q) does not recognize the
unconstitutionality and illegality of his conduct and does not mind to repeat
that same illegality and unconstitutionalityif he is not restrained by this
Honourable Court.
56. That I am advised and believe same to be true that the OSP, by his letter dated
18th February 2025 (Exhibit Q), has demonstrated a clear intention to repeat his
conduct of declaring the Applicant a wanted person, being a fugitive from
justice should the Applicant fail to honour the "interview" date stated in that
letter, which had no reservations, qualifications or exceptions and same
constitutes a blatant threat of violation of those fundamental human rights
stated above
57. That I am advised and verily believe same to be true that this Honourable
Court is vested with the power to enforce the fundamental human rights of the
Applicant where it is shown that they have been violated or are threatened to
be contravened

58. That in view of the recent and continuing conduct of the OSP in blatant
disregard for the Applicant's fundamental human rights, the Applicant prays
this Honourable Court for the Reliefs in the Motion paper and any other orders
that can arise from this supporting affidavit.
WHEREFORE I swear to this Affidavit in Support of the Application for the reliefs
endorsed on the motion paper
SW I(II11HH•HHH9q)
R N IN /IIrIIIC 1C R /IIr THIS Ar
DAY OF {'WC,rbC*, 2025 ) 6EP6'dEAf
BEFORE ME
p a :a int:M =

I N T H E S U P E R IO R C O U R T O F J U D 1C A T U k Ed a t I o ba B !?b; b L3: n
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICEat.......'-.....,.a iN'
HUMAN RIGHTS DIVISION . r(,-„,
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ACCRA – AD 2025 '-'U;H3;.'X
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SUIT NO
IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION UNDER ARTICLE 33 OF THE
RIGHTS
AND
(CIVIL PROCEDURE)RULES, 2004 (C.1. 47) FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF
KENNETH NANA YAW OFORI- ATTA
APPLICANT
LABONE – ACCRA
VRS
RESPONDENTS
CERTIFICATEOF EXHIBITS
itIS TrHA aL{l’TYEW
1, Commissioner for Oaths have identified the
following exhibits:
EXHIBIT A &AI Letter from the Applicant dated 2-d January 2025 & Passport
page with exit stamp
Letter from the Applicant dated 22-'’ January 2025
Letter from the 2-d Respondent dated 24th January 2025
Letter from the Solicitors of the Applicant dated 31’ January
Letter from the 2-d Respondent dated 5th February 2025
Footage from Applicant's residence dated llth February 2025
(exterior)
We om the Applicant’s Solicitors dated 11th February 2025
Footage from the Applicant's residence dated 11" February
2025 (interior)
2'd Respondent’s Media Briefing dated 12th February 2025
Footage of Parliamentary Proceedings dated 13t- February
025
Letter from the Applicant's Solicitors dated 7th February 2025
2025
EXHIBIT B
EXHIBIT C
EXHIBIT D
EXHIBIT E
EXHIBIT F
EXHIBIT G
EXHIBIT H
EXHIBIT J
EXHIBIT K
EXHIBIT L

EXHIBIT Ll
EXHIBIT M
Extract of Parliamentarv Hansard dated 13th February 2025
Letter from the Applicant’s Solicitors dated 17" February
2025
le 1“ Respondent
Letter from the Applicant's Solicitors dated j8th February
2025 n.,b
Letter from 2'” Respondent dated 18th February 2025
Press Release by 2''’ Respondent dated 18th February 2025
Wanted Poster of the Applicant issued by the 1’ Respondent
on its website
Letter from the Applicant’s Solicitors dated 3rd March 2025
EXHIBIT N
EXHIBIT P
EXHIBIT Q
EXHIBIT S
EXHIBIT T
EXHIBIT U
OATHS

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REPUBLIC OF GHANA
OFFICE OF TH£ SENIOR Address: State Protocol Enclave
PR£SID£NTIAL ADVISOR Kindly quote this number and date on all correspondence
AND SPECIAL ENvoY FOR INT£RNATIONAL
FINANCE AND PRIVATE S£CTOR
INVESTM£NTS
My Ref. No. SPA.SE/CoS/ZA.91 GIF/28.11/24
your Ref. No
Date 2-d January 2025
Dear MadamChief of Staff.
REQUEST FOR APPROVAL TO TRAVEL FOR MEDICAL CHECK-UP
Greetings !
1. Trust this letter finds you well and in high spirits.
2. This is to formally request your approval to travel to Rochester. Minnesota, USA for a medical
check-up from 4th January to 28th January 2025.
3. 1 will be visiting the MAYO Clinic for a prostate review and a possible procedure as advised by
the doctors in from my last medical review in August 2024.
4. Whiles away, I may be contacted on any urgent matters of Government via the following:
Email: Kenneth.ofori.atta@.gmail.com
Tel: +233 020 201 6868 ! +233 24 464 3637
God Bless.
kr_irc
KEN OFOR&ATTA
Senior Presidential Advisor & Special En vo)
THE CHIEF OF STAFF
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
JUBILEE HOUSE
ACCRA
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Place of issue/ Lieu de el
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KEN & ANGELA OFORI-ATTA
P.O BOX CT #2
CAN TO :'i M E T S
A(-(- RA
1233 20 201 6868 + 233 20 201 5050
Hon. Julius Debrah
The Chief of Staff
Jubilee House
Liberation Road
Accra
January 22, 2025
Dear Chief of Staff,
STATUS OF TRAVEL FOR MEDICAL CHECK-UP
Afehyia pa and Congratulationson your re-appointment to the Office of Chief-of-Staff.
As oer the attached letter. i reauested foraoorovai to travel to the US for medical review from the former
Chief-of-Staff for an ailmentwe have been tracking for the past three (3) years.
have just compteted the review at the MAYO Ciinic in Rochester, Minnesota on Januav i6, 2025, and the
results show a significant escaiation into the mid-teens. t am, therefore, having to extend my stay for
further diagnosis and decision on the appropriate treatment going forward
Please do not hesitate to Feach out if theFe’s any infOFmation you will recu iFe Rom FEe in the inteFest OF
the State with respect to my former position(s)in government.
Goc BIess
E/ t n/
-eR#!%;iaLL
kenneth.oFori.atta@gmail.com I angela.oforiatta@gmail.com
,,’
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Cc: Hon. Akosua F'e'na Osei-Ooa'e – Fo„ner Chief of Staff
Attachment: Letter requesting approval to t'ave! for medical check-up
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24 Jung 2025
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Kenneth C)fan-Atta
40 Ndabanlngr Sitho Ic Road
(And the rar adjoInIng prcrluses)
Labanc, Accra
0202016868
'-:;Ii:#{!
D&action to Attend the Once of the Special Prosecutor
The Of6cc of the SpecIal Prosecutor (OSP) has commenced rnvcsagauonsinto suspected
comrF>donand conupdon-related offences in respect of the foIlosing
t. contractual arrangements bctwcca StrategIC Nlobrhzauon Ghana Limited and the
Ghana Revenue Authoary for the stated obJcc dvc of the cnhanccmat of rweain
assurance in the dovnsueampetroleum sector, upstreampetroleum production, and
minerals and metals resources value chain;
It tc.minaeon of a Distabudort Loss Reducaon and Assoaated Newark
Improvement Project conaaa beN’eea the Elecuian Company of Ghana Limited
and BoIng Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC);
Iii.
IT.
proctucment of conuactors and ma£eaals; and acaudes and pay!1lens kI nspea of
the Nadona! Cathedral project; and
acaiues and pavments in respect of a contract awarded by the Xlinisuy of Health
Gmaaily commencedby the NUnisrry for SpecIal Dn'clopment Iwuadves) to Service
Ghana Auto Group Limited for purchases and after-salesserbice and maintenance of
307 X£encdn-Bem Spantu 305 CDI ambulancesfor the Nadonal Ambulma
Serblcc,
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The OSP cons&Inn you a suspect in respect of the rnvesdgadons You are directed to attend,
in person, the OSP at 6 Flaae SelassieAvenue, South Ricee, ,caa on MorIdm 10 Fcbruarv
2023 at 104>O GMT for mnnlewng. You may be accompuucd by Counsel of your chorca
n _ e :Inn' >aauTvwa? q
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ssi Agyebel
The Special Prosecutor
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6 Hai ie Se:a$sie Ave.
South Ridge, Accra
GA.079.0906
'i { I f +1,c: so.gov+g e
info@osp.gov.gh
+233 (0) 30 266 8517
-233 (0) 30 266 8506

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MiNKAH,-PREMO, OSE!'"BONSU,
BRUCE-eATHLiNE & PARTNERS
:Low}el. otc'es -'tY)rxY- A,;r"- p(3. Estc’D ':?P'pJnf SKretCrBS. hsC>hMOf ?F€b+O
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KISSI AGYEBENG
THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR f
OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTI
6 HAILE SELASSIE AVE
SOUTH RIDGE. ACCRA
GA-079-0906
OFFICE =F
( c’ : ': : ; ' L F F't:
31“ January, 2025
ra
ti [:(: i }'T [ [}
Dear Sir.
RE: DIRECTION TO ATrEND THE OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR
We write as Solicitors for Kenneth Ofori–Atta in respect of the above subject and
refer to your ietter dated 24:- January, 2025.
We are informed by our client that a letter dated 24=- day of January, 2025 was
left at our client's security post for his attention. Our client had been out of the
country and therefore not in his home in Ghana at the time.
The said letter has been brought to our attention on the instructions of our client
who is still out of Ghana. The saic! ietter is inviting our ciient to attend in person at
your offices on Monday 10=" February. 2025 at IOam.
Our client gave notice to the former Chief of Staff in early January and more
recently to the current Chief of Staff of his trip outside the country on medical
grounds. Our ctient is currently undergoing medical observation and tests
culminating in medical decisions to be taken in due course as to the way forward
with treatment. After that he will have a better idea of when he is able to proceed
+
to Ghana
We are therefore humbly bringing to your attention that we shall give you notice
of his arrival in the country so as to rescheduie your invitation to him for the
purposes as stated in the heading of your letter under reference-
'nt
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We are however, able and willing to provide you with any information you may
require tO aid in your investigations until our client is back in the country for anY
in-person investigations outlindd in the said letter.
Counting on your cooperatlon.
Yours faithfully.
PP. MINKAH-PREMO, OSEI–BONSU.
B'UCE-C”'H=ART§BEI-EI
Bruce Tenets,
3 CanaRy SO 2nd C tO$69
t:beRg - Accra
p, C, SO; 1<351T +CtI& GhaBa
19}' t.2:: 10) 302 783624
:3;::' Fja,adele@nWbD•LOO
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F;fIAir. PR::;, a :!! . so: .
BRUCE + CATHlthE8 P."1It :e '
JUSTICE KUSI–MINKAH PREMO ESQ.
CC: KENNETH OFORi-ArrA

CK+. 'ati G
5 February 2025
Kenneth Ofori-Atta
40 >:dabar£ngi Sithole Road
(And the rear adjoining premises)
Labone, _ccra
In re: Direction to Attend the Office of the Special Prosecutor
By a letter dated 24 January 2023, you were informed that the Office of the Special
Prosecutor (OSP) has commenced invesdgadoninto suspected corruption and corruption-
related offences reQarckng fourf+' cases in respect of which the C)SP considers vc,u a suspect.
Further, you vere directed to attend, in person, the OSP at 6 Haile SelassieAvenue, South
ILdge, Accra on llonda}’ 10 February 2025 at IC):00 GXIT for inter,-ie-a-lag.
By a letter dated 31 Tanuarv 2025. the lav fIrm Alinkah-Prerno. Osei-Bonsu. Bruce-Cathline
& Partnus, p?rJusticeKusi-Xlinkah Premo Esq., informed us, per your in$trucdons, that you
are out of the judsdicdon indeEnitely on medical grounds and that the fam would nod$ us
of your arrival in the country in aid of rescheduhng vour personai attendance at the OSP.
Further, the arm offered its willingness to provide the OSP M th any information we may
require to aid in the investigation until your arrival in the country.
The OSP does not need or requIre notifrcation from vour iau.3-ers of Your arrival in the
juasdlcaon. The C)SP acknowledges your lawyers’ gracious offer to provide us ulth
informanon in aId of the investigation. However, your personal attendance at the OSP is
required.
The OSP declines your request to be avar from the jurisdiction inde6nitelv on medical
grounds on your say-so. You are directed to indicate by close of business on N'londay 10
February 2025, a reasonable date of your return to the jurisdiction and attendance at the
OSP. If you fail so to do, the OSP would take all necessary legal steps to secure your return
to the junsdlcnon and attendance at the C)SP at our own chooslng.
Jj) ; iICIIi;
€issi Agvebeng
C : i. S
tllb it
the alfldav!
or Il
,y ot
Hi;iiI
Jusdce Kusi-h&nluh Premo Esq.
)Iinkah-Ptemo. Osei-Bonsu. Bruce-Cathiine & Partners
Bruce Tovets, 3 Emmatue SecondClose, Labone, Accra
J
Ir e mC>
6 Haile Selassie Ave
South Ridge, Accra
GA-079-0906
wn,VW.Ogp.gOV.g h
info(a)osp.gov.g h
+233 (0) 30 266 8517
+233 (0) 30 266 8506

C&tal*Hi F I
MINKAH-PREMO, OSEI-BONSU, I
BRUCE-CATHLINE & PARTNERS
q
(Lawyers,Notaries,Trademark Agents, Real Estate,Company Secretaries, Insolvency Practitioners)
7th February, 2025
OFFICE OF
,FC! AL PROSECUTOR
KISSI AGYEBENG
THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR
OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUT1
SOUTH RIDGE. ACCRA
GA–079-0906
1 C rEF 2::(i
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Dear Sir,
RE: DIRECTION TO ATTEND THE OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR
Further to our letter dated 3i’ January, 2025 and in response to yours dated 5:’'
February, 2025, we write as Solicitors for Kenneth Ofori– Atta in resoect of the
above subject which was addressed to our client and in which we were copied.
Piease find attached hereto a document indicating that our client is receiving
medical attention Gt Mayo Clinic in the USA, detailing his appointment and
timelines suggestive of a post–March date when our client may be able to be in
Ghana
We shall be grateful if any attendance in person required by your august office is
fixed taking into account the medical report from his doctors.
Counting on your cooperation.
Yours faithfuFly
PP. MINKAH–PREMO, OSEI–BONSU,
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MAYO
CLINIC
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507.28+2511
mayoclinic.org
200 First Street SW
Rochester, Minnesota55905
Mr. Kenneth N. Ofori-Atta -Ken"
38 NDABANINGI SITHOLE RD, LABONE
Accra
GHANA
February 7, 2025
RE: Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-
Atta
MC#: 12.988426
DOB: 11/7/1 959
To whom it may Concern
Hello dear Sir/Madam
Mr. Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofort.Atta has been seen and evaluated at Mayo Clinic in
Rochester, his medical condition necessitates that he will stay and follow-up on his
appointments and undergoingfurther testing and management including possible surgical
intervention in March of 2025.
Please contact me with any further questions.
Sincerely,
AbAddhl7,r
Ahmed Abdalrtlim, M.D.
Section of International Medicine in Rochester. Minnesota
200 1 ST ST SW
ROCHESTER MN 5590$0001
Dept: 507-284.8884
no additional recipients
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Media Briefing
Update of Cases:
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the
media.
A feT minutes ago 1 signed a djrec Me dec}alina
L,
a high–prone person a f,J}#dYe from jus.ace.
This person is wanted bv the DSP to ans=er
charges in respect of several cases inciuchng thc
!oII,ORIng:
1.
contractual arrangements bern-cen Strategic
}IobUza don Ghana LiITired and the Ghana
Revenue _uthorir,- for the stated obiecti-e of
the enhancement of re-cavLc assurance in the
downstream petroleum s€cto£, upst£eam
petroleurn production, and ndnerals and
metals resources value chain:
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11. termination of a Distribution, Loss
Reduction and Associated Netu’o£k
Impro--ement Prujcct contract between the
Elecuicity Company of Ghana Lhbited and
Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology @XC) ;
Iii. procurement of contractors and materials;
and acdides and payments h respect of the
adr_)naI Cathedral prr)}ect; and
!- .
acdidcs and payments in respect of a
contract a=aIded bv the X£inistrT of Health
riaidaDv colrLrrlenced bv dre NbrJstl-; for
Specia} Deve}opment Initiati--es) to Service
(Jh and xUtC) Group Lirritcd for purchases
and after–sales sea-ice and nlaintenance ot
!erced(,.s-Benz Sprinter 305 CDI
ambulances for the ationa! A:nb-a lance
Serice: and
v. pa-ments out of and utihzadon of thc Tax
Re'hnd Account of Ghana Revenue
_uthorir'

V
The fugitive’s name is Kenneth Nana Yaw
Ofori-Atta.
ifr. Ofo l:i–Atta is 66 rears old. He ,as the
Xhnister of Finance of the Republic between
20 IT and 2024.
IIt. Ofoa-Atta left the ludsdJ,ction on or alec.IId
9(398
n••Hl•• n==IIn
2 TanuaF!
On 24 Tanuar- 2025. the DSP commurucl'.ted to
AIr. CJfr_lri– Atta tllat thc OSP considered him a
susPect in respecT of four of the cases described
1
l
a Dove .
AIr. C)fort–Atta -as directed to attend, in person,
the C)SP on IIarldaY !i) FFbPJarv 2f]23 at lo:on
(J,IT for LQteHleulng.
BY comnlunicatiori dated 31 TanuarF 2025, )If'
dfc)ri-Atta instructed his lavets to inform the
C)SP that he was out of the jurisdiction
indeflrLiteiv on me chcai grounds and that the firm
-ould notifY the OSP of his arrival in the countrY

in aid of rescheduling his personal attendance at
the C)SP.
Further. the firm offered its u’artgness to
L/
pro–ide the OSP uitl-1 anY information the OSI?
I
may require to aid in the hvesigation until his
a£ri-ai in the countr.’.
dn 3 Februar,' 2025> the C)SP responded to XII.
C)fort– Atta that the USP did not need or reg.Jae
I
nod$cation from his }a-,-ers of his arrival in the
iurisdiction.
USP ac}.brIG=X-}edged )iI. I]fc;a–lita’s
L
!aTers? gracious offer to provide t!"e asP HItli
information in aid of the investigation.
o-ever. the asp insisted that }II. Ofod–_Ha’s
oers=ofla! attendance at the DSP '.vas required,
}{
The DSP declined All. C)fob–Atta’s rcqueSt to be
avar ac/rn the }urisdicdon indet-ulite IT on mecbca!
his saT-so.
grounds on

Consequently, the C)SP directed Nfl. Ofoi-Atta
to indicate bY close of business on X'fonda, 10
d
Februar- 2025, a reasonable date uf his return to
the juris(hcdon and attendance at the OSP.
The OSP -,varned Ir. OfQri-Ana that if he failed
so to do, the OSP would take all necessary legai
[a secure his reTurn TO the i-dfisdicdon and
attendance at the OSI3 at our on’n cFlnashlg
Su'Dsequendy, by communication dated li-}
February 2025 . AIr . O fort-Atta’s la3’ers
tr!!rlsnjtted to the asP a gerIedc letter procured
;..)V XII. Oil:Id-Atta puipc)tting tO be from a iOC:::;:
_Atta had been seen and evaluated and that he n’as
unde£g)c,hg furdlet t€Sdrlg and management and
oossib ie surgjcal intelx-ention at an hctcated
},rare dmc. .In a further that his mecbc'3}
condiTion necessitates that he Hi!! stay and
foUo-–up on hIS appoIntmentS.
ill a furcigl} jur isiGUiDO stadng chat iI:. afc)e–
t

On account of the purported letter, I'll. C)foi-
Atta’s lawyers prayed that the attendance in
person of NII. Ofori-Atta at the C)SP should be
ned taking into account the meckcal report from
his doctors.
At 4:16 pm the next day, Tuesday 11 Februaq=
2025, the DSP received another !enel iron! I{f .
Ofori–Ana’s !av,-reis. T Iii,s dine, it vas an hrquiry.
XII. Ofori–.Xtta’s ia'-ers stated that the- -ere
informed bt the }louschrlld of AIr. C)fOIl-Atta
that in the ir,orr:in: of Tuesda’ ll Februarr
C
2f_)25: tH-eire men Cull IOrislag one poLice offIcer+
four mlhfaF,’ meli a1 Id SC-c:-i cItIlet men in plain
clothing visited bIt. C)fort-Atta’s house. And that
bY threat uf force ther ’ere able to enter NII.
Ot-ori–_tta-s house. and Ther undertook an
C:,icrc{se ,)ur)at&ag tf:i be a search of e-eli- room,
c)face. gvm and other spaces in the house.
L-
}Ir. (-')foR– Atta’s lan-ers then inquired if the DSP
could confirm that the actions of the tu’eh-e men
vere at the instance of the LiSP so as to enable
6

a
them to decide if a complaint to the police would
be unnecessarv
J
I'll. C)foR-Atta’s la3-ers prayed for a prompt
response from the C)SP to prevent imposter-
ac tlon ,
-fe ha--e chosen the course of an s-ejlIng }If
(--
C)fed-Arta’s inquiry FuL>bc!! at djs briefl,!g9
cc)nsidefiflg the circumstances surrclun MIg Ehe
L
purpc-Jned raid at XII. OfoR–Atta’s house; media
reDOltagc ot the DuIDo£tcd £aid: and in jjght of
I C i 1 t
th(' reckofartg dlat sf)!Tie ITled;a }louqeq have
(-J
stated eii-iDiiadcaPiT that the asP -as be ill it} the
purr)Oftel raid; and iii light of the £,ckol’,hg that
the purported raid is being made to appear as if
It ’as SOID(,' unto’aId a(.-drjr! b- the (ISP
stenbvling from some conti-ed vendetta against
AIr. Qto Ii-_ tta.
So here ’e
7

•
AIr. Ofol:i-Atta, the OSI? did not raid ’our house
on Tuesday 11 February 2025 or on any other
daY.
The OSP did not cause any persons (1:ron-ever
uniformed or bedecked) to raid -our house on
Tuesdav 11 February 2025 or on anY other dat.
That could not have been the (ISP and that is not
our st)’ie. If the DSP enters your premises, you
lU not be in doubt as tu -hether it was the DSP.
and ',’our lav-,’ers vould not have cause to do an
lng Ul r-.
ha--e our unique 111ethods of CJnduc:’Ing
searches and u-e have uniquely designed insignia
of idendfr.n:rIg ours€.:'!-es and not lust bT a
statement bt a DerscJn that “’e are from the
DSP’:
(_)ur intelligence points us to state that thc
purported raid on NIt. Ofori–Atta’s residence ’as
staged or at best an imposte£-action in an attempt

to court disfa'our for the USP and to derail the
lnvestrgatlon.
The OSP is not deterred by such occurrences and
the invesdgations -ou id continue as bv lau,
prescribed.
These occurrences, and Me (ISP’s hteUg,crlce
vIiich U=QuId not be re-ealed at dlls dmc for fear
of compromising the klvesdgadr)nT are verT
lnsuucnve as not tu put premium on AIr. Ofor{–
Atta’s aHeged imrrincnt perU should he fra;el
back to the iurisdicd dn.
Iii
The
IEe (ii Cd!
any case, the purportEd
stated nor denronstrat,Ici
!i'icdic Xi
SO
letter licit!el
OSP is .Jnconlnced that the DurDorted
letter tran SITLitte d br J k , o tori–Atta
through his ia3-ers to the OSP represents a
mcdical report to the effect that }II. Ofod-Atta
I
is incapacitated or is SG sickly an invalid to the
extent that he is physically unable to return to the
jurisdiction nttlrout impedihng his hfe.
9

No serious law enforcement agency would be
convinced that the purported medical letter
estops it from demanding the physical
appearance of Ill. C)foi-Atta before it in the
described circumstances. And certainlv not the
OSP.
We are of the firm coniction that it is on iv a fuse
emplo)-ed by Nrr. Ofori-Atta in hd rif hrs
intention to avoid his return to the ]urisdicdon
and to personaLly ansver questIons in respect of
the investigations.
are convinced that the rea i intenio ii of SIr.
(--)fc,ri-_ tta is -hat -as communicated to the
OSP in the fIrst letter transmitted bv his lai-ers
on 31 Tan,Jar,.' 2025 – that is. he has left the
{urisdjctir',n indefiniTelv.
SIr. Ofc) Ii–Atta has no intention of
rrtu.laing to the jurisdiction. That much is clcar-.
L
-aW.ng!)'

Consequentlv, the OSP declares Kenneth Nana
Yaw Ofori-Atta a wanted person, being a
fugitive from justice.
The OSP would take all necessary legal steps to
secure his return to the jurisdiction and
attendance at the OSP.
I'll:. Ofod–Atta. YOU have t*.vo choices. You can
eIther return to the iuriscbction vo lunt?,rUT or the
DSP in enforce Your leNin.
The USP has also corr,rncnccd investigation intL>
suspected corruption and corrupdon-related
offences in respect of the operations of the
X£inerals Income Tnvestlnent Fund r31TTF) –
especially regarding payments made in respect of
Ag,-apa RoYalties Linbted; Small Scale 3£inrng
Incubation Programme fSSXIIP); QuarrY -alue
Addition Programme (Q’AP); Asante Gold
(’,orpuradon; E}ectroChem Ghana limited;
Lithium Asset fprojected lithium-focused

exploration and development corporation); Gold
Asset 2 (Enchi gold project); all other
in-estmcnts by XIIIF; funds expended on the
Chairman of the Board of Directors; the
operational funds of XHIF; purchase of parcel of
land for intended oface budding; contracts and
agreements entered into by XIIIF; and
Dubhcations bv XflIF
1
The investjgation targets avo former officials and
tvo serving officials of the Fund.
The C)SP has also commenced invcsdgaaon ultu
suspected corruption and corruF)don-related
offences in respect of an aLleged embezzlement
of GFICI.3 billir)n fff_)m the T:ai aed Peuoleum
Pacing Fund (L’PPF) at the ad'-,nai Pennlcum
_uthc>ric- (PA)
The if}vesdgation primarily targets dIe Co-
ordinator of the L-PPF, Jacob Amuah; PA
staff. Freda Tandoh. Wendy Ashong
12

a
Newman, and a former Chief Executive of
NPA, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid.
It nln be recalled that in the last quarter of 2023,
the OSP and the Controller and Accountant
General’s Department jointly commenced
corrupdon risk assessment and investigation into
suspected corruption and corruption-related
offences in respect of Government Payroll
Adminisuation.
It is also recalled that the assessment and
in-csugatron are especIaLly aImed at rsoratlng and
remoMg the names of non-existent, ineligible,
and undeser{ng persons from government
payroll, recoverIng uvongful payments and
'Jnearned saiaRcs, prosecuting persons suspected
to be cuipa'bie fc–Jr any offences, and the
institution and implementation of internal
controls in respect of pa)-ron processing and
payment of salaries.
3

Ve further recall that to facilitate the roll-out of
the investigation and assessment throughout the
country, a pilot exercise was carried out in the
Northern Region (covering educational
Institutions under Ghana Educadon Service and
the Tamale Teaching Hospital) by a joint team,
comprising invesdgators, uacers, and assessors
from the DSP and selected staff of the PavroU
Processing Directorate of CAGD beN’cen
December 2023 and Ar)ra 2024.
After thorough investigation, the OSP is non’
read= tO commence the prOSCCl_1. tion of persons
suspected to have engaged in such conduct.
Earlier todav. I directed the Director of
Prosecutions at the OgP to fae criminal charges
at the High Court, Tama ie against six persons
e Yakubu Tahidu – a former teacher Balogu
Al/A Tudor Hjgh School. Yendi, orthern
Region
jd}

Abdulai Abubakari Sadic – Integrated
Personnel Payroll Database Coordinator of
the Ghana Education Service, Yendi,
Northern Region
• Sammy Suuk – Schools Impro-ement
Support Officer for Tench ord-1
orthern Region
Circuit,
Mohammed Yusif
BaloQU XI,’',: Junior
orthern
Jay
High
headmaster of
School. ’erldi,
Region
• Stafford Korletey Azude)--Banres
Assistant Chief Accounts Technician at the
('_ontroner and AccoufltarIE General’s
Department, Accra. Greater Accra RegIon
• Osman Issahaku – headmaster of BMog-a
Nl/ A Junior High School, Tench, Northern
Region
15

The main charges are corruption of a public
officer and corruption by a public officer
involving the manipulation and sir)honing of
funds designed as fictidous salaries from
Government Pa=roll.
The identified persons would soon be arraigned
before the High Court. Tamale.
Thank you for coming.
Kissi Agyebeng
12 Februarv 2025

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FOURTH SERIES
VOL ]28
No. 18
THURSDAY
13TH FEBRUARY, 2025
®nr
PARLIAMENT
or
GHANA
>
PARLI_#WENTARY DEBATES
OFFICIAL REPORT
CONTENTS
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT– [Col. 11
STATEMENTS'
a) Desauction ofEjura Police Station by Rampagjng Youth on 1 lth January, 2025
[Col. 12]
b) Update on the Joint Police and Military Entry into Ken Ofori-Atta’s Residence
[Col. 23]
c) World Radio Day – [Col. 29]
d) The Devastating Bush Fires in the Kpandai District ofNorthern Ghana – [Col. 53]
e) The Rent Regime and the Urgent Need for Reforms – [Col. 70]
f) Strengthening Ghana’s Industrial Sector and Trade for SustainableEconomic
Growth – [Col. 90]
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ADJOURNMENT– [Col, 1 181
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FOURTH SERIES
VOL 128
No. 18
i::
PARUAMENT
OF
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THURSDAY
13TH FEBRUARY, 2025
!
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES
OFFICIAL REPORT
$
+
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CONTENTS
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT- [Col. 1]
STATEMENTS–
a) DestructionofEjura Police Station by Rampaging Youth on 11ch January, 2025 –
[Col. 12]
b) Update on the Joint Police and Military Entry into Ken Ofori-Ana’s Residence
– [Col. 23]
c) World Radio Day – [Col. 29]
d) The DevastatingBush Fires in the Kpandai District ofNorthern Ghana – [Col. 53]
e) The Rent Regime and the Urgent Need for Reforms – [Col. 70]
f) StrengtheningGhana’s Industrial Sector and Trade for SustainableEconomic
Growth – [Col. 90]
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ADJOURNMENT– [Col. 1 18]
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Correction of errors of substance may be made only on the floor of the House with the permission of
the Speaker.However, correction of typographical or grammaticalerrors which Members suggest for
the Bound Volumes which will be compiled at the end of the Meeting may & clearly marked in the
Daily Report, and the copy containing the corrections submitted at the Editor’s Office, Parliament
House, not later than four clear days after the publication of the Daily Report.
BOUND VOLUMES of the Official Report (each with a comprehensive Index) are issued
periodically during the Session. There is no fixed subscription rate, but prices will be quoted on each
publication.
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Published by the Office of Chamber Reporting
Parliament House. Osu. Accra.
Designed and Printed by the Publishing Department
Parliament House, Osu, Accra

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13:t’ February, 2025
THE
PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC
OF GHAN A
FIRST MEETING, 2025
Tbursday, 13:h February. 2025
The House met at 12.55 p.m.
[MR FiRST DEPUTY SPEAKER IN
THE CHAIR I
[PRAYERSI
N-Ir First Deputy Speaker: Hon
Members, in the absence of a
communication from the President and a
Fort:! Communication by the Speaker,
can Te varv and move to the item
numbered 5 on today’s Order Paper–
Conection of Yo les and Proceedings and
the Of$cial Report .
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND
THE OFFICIAL REPORT
Mr First DeputY Speaker: Hon
Members, correction of Votes and
Proceeding of Wednesday, i 2"
February, 2025.
Page 1...9
Mr Boamah-Nyarko and Prof
Nyarko – rose –
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Yes,
Hon Member for Effia'? Prof Nvarko. 1
would come to you; let me listen to the
Hon Member for Effia first.
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Mr Isaac Boamah-Nyarko: Mr
Speaker, at page 7, the item numbered 5.
under “RECOGNiTION OF VISITORS",
reads :
tIle Hon SecondDeputy recognised
in the House a delegation of
Officers from the Department of
Research Services of the Parliament
of Uganda who vere on a study visit
to the Parliament of Ghana from
Monday, !Qa February, 2025 to
Friday, :4:- February, 2025.”
bir Speaker, I would wish that
instead of repealing “February, 2025",
they could cancel the first “February,
2025” for it to now read, “Monday, 1Oth
to Friday. 14'h February. 2025”
Mr First Deputy Speaker: But.
Hon Member. is u-hat is there wrong?
Mr Boamah-Nvarko: No. it is not
the proper way of–
Mr First Deputy Speaker: So. are
you just making a suggestion?
Mr Boamah-Nyarko: Yes. the
proper way–
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Once
what is here is not wrong, let us go by
whatever is stated here.
Mr Boamah-Nyarko: Mr Speaker,
it is not the right way of indicatingdates.
Mr First Deputy Speaker: That is
why I asked if it is WTong–
7
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1,
13th February. 2025
'otes and Proceedings and the OBcial Report
3
Mr Boamah-Nyarko: Yes, it is
WTorlg'
Mr First Deputy Speaker: To state
categorically “10th February, 2025 to
Friday, 14:h February, 2025”?
Mr Boamah-Nyarko: Mr Speaker,
yes, that is my position that the way it has
been captured is wrong.
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Well, I
will ask the Tab te Office to take note, but
I do not think it is wrong. [Pause]
Page 9–
Alhaji Habib Iddrisu: Mr Speaker.
at page 9, the item numbered 8. under
''RULING FROM THE CHAIR”, I just
want to seek your guidance on the lat
sentence which reads:
a , , ,contents of iheif statements WIth
Leadership from both sides of the
House and the Chair for prior
approval .’
Does the ';Chair” here refer to dIe
“Speaker” or the "Nrson presiding’-? My
understanding is that when we are in the
Chamber, we eidler refer to =-Mr
Speaker” or the ''person presiding”, so I
wanted clarification and guidance on the
"Chair” as used.
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Are you
talking about the item numbered 9(i)?
Alhaji Habib Iddrisu: No. 1 am
talking about the item numbered 8,
“RULING FROM THE CHAIR”, which
reads:
4
“The Hon Second Deputy Speaker
ruled that Hon Members who wish
to make urgent statements pursuant
to Order 93(1) of the Standing
Orders must first share the contents
of their statements with Leadership
from both sides of the House and the
Chair for prior approval.
Mr Speaker, so, I was asking for
guidance on the use of the word -Chair”
and whether the use of -prior approval
is to the Speaker or the person presiding.
This is becausemy understanding is that
in the Chamber, it is either the person
presiding or the Speaker–
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Well,
you are right. So, Table Once, take note;
use ''Speaker” instead of “Chair'-.
Yes, Prof Kingsley Nyarko?
Prof Kingsley Nyarko: Mr Speaker.
this is a minor observation on the item
numbered 9, “STATEMENT’; the last
but one line reads:
“...Minister for Finance, as a
fugjtive bY the Office of the SDecial
Prosecutor (DSP) . . .”.
if we look at Office of the Special
Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), it is
stated as lhc Special Prosecutor’. The
definitearticle,'-the”, is missing in there.
I think it would be appropriate to include
that to align with what the Act
specifically captures.
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Thank
you very much. I think the phrase used
by the Special Prosecutor is “fugitive of

JJ ! q)
13:h February, 2025
Votes and Proceedings and the OyBciai Report
5
justice”. So, Table Office kindly take
note .
Alhaji Habib Iddrisu: Mr Speaker,
with regard to the correctionsI made to
the item numbered8 at page 9. if the
heading could also be taken note of So,
instead of “RULING FROM THE
CHAIR”9 the word ''CH AIR”, could be
substituted with the 'Speaker”, because
the Second Deput) Speaker -as
presiding at that time.
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Very
well .
Page : 0–
1.05 p.m.
Dr Eric Afful: Mr Speaker, let us go
back to page 9. 1 am not satisfied with the
.ord -Chair” being changed to "the
Speaker”.
Alhaji Habib Iddrisu: Mr Speaker,
I think my Colleague was not listening to
me. What I said was that yesterday,there
u'as a ruling by the person presiding.
When we are in the Chamber, it is not
Committeeswhere we say -'Chairman".
We have three Speakers: The Speaker,
First Deputy Speaker and Second
Deputy Speaker. In rhe absence of the
Speaker, we still refer to the person
presiding as Speaker but not Chair. So, I
was seeking his guidance whether
yesterday,the ruling was made by the
Hon Second Deputy Speaker, who is a
Speaker and not a Chairman.
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Hon
Af6=!? our rules are clear. We have 'he
6
Speaker” and we have “Mr Speaker” so,
Chairperson could mean Caucus
chairman or Committee chairman. To
make that distinction, there is nothing
wrong if we use the words 'the Speaker’
or 'Mr Speaker’ ,
Page 10 ... 11 ? Yes, Hon Member?
Mr Anthony Mmieh: Thank you.
Mr Speaker.
This is just a minor correction on
page 10. Right on top of the item
numbered ii, i believe there is an
omission before the word “issue”. It
should be -io the issue raised” and not
'to issue raised” so, “the” is missing,
Prof Nyarko – rost
Mr First DeputY Speaker: Thank
you, Hon Member.Table, take note. LIon
Kingsley Nyarko, I saw you on your feet,
Prof Nyarko: it is the same issue and
that is being handled by the Clerks.
Well. Yes, Hon Member? is it on page
10?
Ing Sun MaxveII Kwame
Lukutor: Yes, page !0, the item
numbered ii. The last statement under the
item numbered ii reads, “her
development objectives”, I thought that
it should be =-her developmental
objectives”. i do not know whether it is
being quoted verbatim based on what the
maker of the Statement said, but if it is
grammatical, it should be “her
developmental objectives”,
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13lh February, 2025
’otes and Proceedings and the Wciai Report
7
Member, do you mean to say that
“development objectives” is
grammatically wrong?
Ing Sun Lukutor: i just feel like the
better
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Well, 1
would leave tInt to The Table. Page ! ! ?
Hon Members, the Votes and
Proceedings of the 16" Sitting, dated
Wednesday 12:h February, 2025 as
corrected, is adopted as the true record of
proceedings.
Hon Members, we have the Wc/a/
Report of 7th February, 2025. The floor is
yours for conec6ons. Hon Members, an)
correction? Yes, Hon Prof Kinglsey
Nyarko.
Prof Nyarko: Mr Speaker, this is a
minor conecti{.)n in the last paragraph of
column 2, reading from line 5. And I
read :
“But my brother knows that today is
Friday and he also knows that as we
speak there are two Committees
meeting. The Ad-hoc Committee
and some other Committeesare
meetIng.
My view is that, if it says that two
Committees are meeting and there is an
Ad-Hoc Committee, then it could be
"another Committee” and not ''some
other Committees are meetingn. It would
make it more than the two Committees
stated earlier unless that is what was said
verbatim
8
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Table,
take note. Yes, Hon Frank Afriyie?
Mr Frank Afriyie: Mr Speaker, with
your leave, let me invite you to column
2, paragraph 5. “Minority Chief Whip
(Mr Rockson-NelsonEtse Kwami
Dafeamekpor): Mr Speaker, I thank you
the for the opportunity...-, There has
been a,I insertion of ''dre" zrId that should
be corrected there.
Mr Speaker, again. can we go to
column 9, paragraph 1, under Motion,
line 6? in the word “Ministers” there is
the omission of “l”. Can that be
corrected?
you. Table, take note. Hon Members, an
further corrections. –[Pause]–
Han Members. the Official Report of
Friday 71' February, 2025, as corrected.
is hereby adopted as the true record of
proceedings.
Hon Members. the item numbered 6
Statements. I have before me a Statement
b Hon Muhammed Braimah Bawah.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejura
Sekyeredumase Constituency on the
destruction of the Ejum Police Station b)
rampaging youth on 1 1& January, 2025.
Hon Member, you have the floor.
Alhaji Bawah Muhammad Braimah:
Thank you, Mr Speaker–
Member. resume your seat. iVlinoritv
Chief Whip?

II I
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9 13:h February. 2025
Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh: Mr
Speaker, indulge me. I am aware of a
number of Statements you have
admitted. Because of the communication
you gave out when we met at Conclave,
that you have to adjourn because of a
particular reason, would you be kind
enough to inform the House on the
number of Statements we have? So that
Hon Members can apprise themselves
accordingly.Because I am aware that we
have two on our Side.
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Yes.
Hon Members, if you stick to the
contribution of five minutes. and we
limit the number of people who are to
contribute to ae Sb lenIent, then ve can
take three or four Statements. So.
Leadership must guide me as to the
number of contributions on each
Statement. So. I would be seeking your
guidance when it comes to contributions.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh: Mr Speaker. I
am sorry. This is just for you to mention
the ones that have been admitted. then I
am sure that as we progress, along the
line, we can confer and determine the
number of contributions that should be
entertained. I am aware of two on our
Side.
1.15 p.m.
Members, the second Statement is by
Hon Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh and it is on
World Radio Day. The other Statement
stands in the name of Hon Matthew
Nyindam. on the devastatingbush fire in
the Kpandai District in the Northern
Region. Hon Members, iftime allows us,
10
we may also take a Statement in the
name of Hon Michael Bgafi Okyere, Hon
Member of Parliament for New Juaben
South, on Strengthening Ghana’s IndusMal
Sector and trade for sustainable
economic growth.
Thank you very much.
Minority Whip?
Deputy Majority Leader?
Deputy Majority Leader (Mr
George Kweku RickettbHagan): Mr
Speaker, thank you. Mr Speaker, I think
you read out four different Statements so
u': yould do three on Heh Side.
Mr Speaker, I thinK three on each
Side. You have directed that we should
do five minutesso that We would be able
to take more ofthe Statements. So I think
three to start off with.
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Does the
three include Leadership?
Mr Ricketts-HagaP: Mr Speaker,
yes.
Mr First Deputy Sbeaker: I am
accordinglyguided.
Mr Annoh-Dornpreh: Mr Speaker,
let me support the Deputy Majority
Leader for his suggestion. He said three
on each Side and we woUld go by the five
minutes.
Mr Speaker, I am wondering– I do
not know if there has been any changes
on the Frontbench of the Majority. I can
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13:t' February, 2025
11
see my friend Hon Richard Acheampong
happily seated at the back and then we
have – is he staging a coup? And he is
seated in the chair o£the Majority Chief
Whip –
IU inority Chief Whip, you are right.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh: Mr Speaker,
ve are just curious, the House needs to
know,
Deputy Majority Whip, please take your
seat.
!lr Anno Il-Dompreh: He should
take his seat.
Eric Afful.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh: Mr Speaker.
this is serious. On our Side, we know that
seat is for Me Chief Whip, and the Chief
Whip is a eu senior Member of this
House_ is it a case that he is staginga
couP?
Edc Aff;d!, please take your seat. Let us
make progress.
Mr Eric Afful: Mr Speaker, I am
going back to my seat–
Mr First Deputy Speaker: You are
directed to take your seat without
cornrnent.
Hon Eric Affu1, you are directed
accordingly .
12
Yes, Deputy Majority Leader?
Mr Ricketts-Hagan: Mr Speaker,
may I remind ourselves that seats have
not been properly allocated in the
Chamber yet, so if you direct him to go
to his seat. –

VIr First Deputy Speaker: Hon
Bawah Braimah, )ou have the floor.
Ms Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe: Mr
Speaker, thank you for the opportunity.
Mr Speaker. bullying is allowed –
Doyoe, I have given the floor to Hon
Braimah.
STATEMENT
Destruction of Ejura Police Station bv
Rampaging Youth on
II th January, 2025
Alhaji Bawah Nluhamrnad Braimah
(NDC – Eljura Sekveredumase): Mr
Speaker, i wish to express my deepest
condolencesto the family of the late
Misbawu Shaibu. I also take this
opportunity to appeal to the youth of
Ejura to remain calm and allow due
process to take its course. While !
strongly condemn the violent destruction
of the Ejura Police Station, I urge all
stakeholders to address this matter with
the seriousness it deserves, to prevent
such unfortunate incidents in the future.
Mr Speaker, the ra’aging of the
Ejura Police Station through fire by
rampaging youth, following the death of
Misbawu Shaibu in police custody is deeply

I
13th February, 2025
Statements
13
regrettable. I appeal to the youth ofEjura
to exercise restraint and avoid actions
that jeopardise community resources.
The destroyed property does not belong
to the Ghana Police Service personnel,
but to the people of Ejura. The Ejura
Police Station, built before Ghana's
independence, has served the community
for decades, providing vital law
enforcement services. It is therefore
unfortunate that the events of 11th
January, 2025, led to its total destruction.
bIr Speaker, this tragic incident could
have been avoidedwith better handling
by the police. The late Misbau Shaibu,
a young man in his twenties, was alleged
to have bought a stolen phone. On the
evening of 10th January, 2025, the police
invited him to the station via a phone
call. He complied. arriving on his
motorbike with the alleged stolen phone.
After interrogation, he was taken into
custody. Despite his plea to return home
and report back the next day, which
included an offer to leave behind his
motorbike and phone, his request was
denied_He reportedly told the police he
was unwell, having just returned from
Amantin market.
Mr Speaker, while in custody,
Misbawu Shaibu complained of
abdomina3pain and began vomiting.
When his condition worsened,the police
took him to the Ejura Govemment
Hospital, where he passed away.
Without informing his family, the police
moved his body to iVlampong, in the
early hours of 1 Itt’ January, 2025. When
the family arrived at the police station
that morning to visit him, they were
informed of his death. This news
14
understandably infuriated them, and
word spread that Misbawu had died in
custody due to police brutality.
Mr Speaker, the youth, angered by
the news, began gathering at the police
station. Sensing danger, the police
evacuated inmates, documents, and
firearms to the divisional headquarters.
At approximately7:00 a.m., I received a
call from the municipal crime officer
about the escalatingsituation. Though I
was in Accra, i immediately contacted
the Assembjyman for the Kotoko li line
Electoral Area, who was at the scene, and
urged him to appeal to the youth for
calm. I also advised the police to call for
reinforcement_ The Divisional Commander
assured me that reinforcements were on
their way from Mampong and Nsuta.
Mr Speaker. despite these efforts, the
situation deteriorated. After 30 minutes.
I received several calls about the
growing unrest at the station. I contacted
the Ashanti North Regional Police
Commanderand the commander of the
army detachment, Lt. Effah, requesting
immediate intervention. Unfortunately,
the promised reinforcements never
arrived. and the police station was set
ablaze by the rampaging youth.
Later. Mr Speaker, the Municipal
Crime Officer called me to request that
the Assemblyman inform the family to
meet them at the police barrier for the
release ofMisbawu’s body. I implored on
them not to release the body amid the
disturbances and appealed to the
Divisional and Regional Commandersto
prioritise an autopsy before handing over
the body. Despite my plea, the body was
a
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13th FebruarY. 2025
Statements
15
released without an autopsy. However, I
later coordinated with the police and
medical superintendent to ensure an
autopsy was performed by a pathologist
from Kurnasi.
1.25 p.m.
This step was crucial to establish the
cause of death and address public
concefns
bIr Speaker. the sequence of events
clearly demonstrates that if the police
had acted professionally and proactively.
this tragjc incident and the destruction of
the police station could have been
averted_The evacuation of inmates and
sensitive materials shows that the police
anticip,lied the potential fo: v:o:ence but
failed to implement adequate preventi e
measures
Xlr Speaker, I urgent!)’ appea! to the
Inspector General of Police (IGP) to
investigate the circumstances leading to
this unfortunate incident, and hold those
responsible accountable. Furthermore,1
call on the Minister for the Interior to
prioritise rebuilding the Ejura Police
Station and increasing the number of
police personnel in the municipality to
enhance effective policing.
Mr Speaker, i remain committed to
supporting efforts to restore peace and
strengthen law enforcement in our
community. May the soul of Misbawu
Shaibu rest in peace,
Mr Speaker, thank you for the
opportunIty .
U
8
16
you very much.
Hon Members, any contributions?
Yes, Hon Frank Afriyie?
Mr Frank Afrtyie (NDC – Afadjato
South): Mr Speaker, let me thank you so
much, and with your leave, congratulate
the maker of the Statement. I also wish
to convey sincere condoiences to the
bereaved families. Indeed. this should be
a tr) ing moment, and we stand in
absolute solidarity with them_
Mr Speaker, listening to the maker of
the Statement. I was almost frozen into
speechlessness. Indeed, a healthy and
law-abidingyoung man has been invited
by the oo lice 3nd u 3 ta;-abid irt:
cit{zen,he complied and fo!!on,ed up. It
is shocking to learn how such a healthy
man would go the place but never came
back: it is somethingthat can agjtate our
youth anywhere:right from Navrongo to
Paga, Afadjatoto Adaklu, or anywhere at
all
;
Mr Speaker, however, it also shows
that, increasingly, we are becoming a
society of violence. The action or
reaction of the youth cannot, in any form
or shade, be validated. Using violent
confrontation as a too! to the extent of
burning down a police station should be
condemned with all the force that we can
marshal. It is intolerable; it is
reprehensible,and it is inexcusable. We
cannot tolerate that, and we must, as a
matter of time, move in quickly to
engage our youth to apply the best tools
in their toolbox even when the situation
is dire.

13il: February, 2025
Statements
17
Mr Speaker, most importantly–
Member, conclude.
Mr Afrivie: Mr Speaker. this
Statement shows that our response time
and approach is defective on occasions
tike this, The young man complained of
stomach ache. so what happened to our
first aid SYstem? if there wm anv 6rst aid
system, iould he have passed on? I
believe not. Again. from the Statement.
we are 1,)id the poiice actually envisaged
the reaction of the vouth and in the face
of all that. they- could not call for
reinforcernent. These are verb’ legjtimate
issues that I think we must consider
going fOIward.
Mr Speaker, once again, our hearts
are with the farnil)’ in this trying
moment.
I thank you for the opportunity.
you very much_
Any further contribution?
Yes, Hon Sanja Nanja?
Mr Sanja Nanja (NDC – Atebubu/
Amantin): Thank you, Mr Speaker for
the opportunity to contribute to the
Statement ably made by the Hon
Member for Ejura Sekyeredumase.
Mr Speaker, of late, the vandalism
associated with the youth of this countrY
is becomingsomethingvery serious and
18
alarming. With every provocation,
government properties are attackedand
vandalised_ On this very day, the llth
January, a similar thing happened in my
own constituency. What was it? it was
because armed robbers killed a 75-year-
old driver. and the drivers and some
youth decided to demonstrate against the
police with the perception that the police
is not doing as expected of them since
armed robbery has become very rampant
along the Kummi-Ejura-Atet>ubuRoad.
Mr Speaker, in the case of Atebubu.
the only two pickups for patrols were
vandalised, and the police were now left
unable to go for pahoi. I think a serious
look must be taken, and normally, the
youth involved in this would have to be
Dunished,but what do we realise? in
most cases. when it happens this way, no
proper investigation is done, no arrest is
effected. If somethingis not done and it
goes this way. I am afraid. we are sitting
on a time bomb. This is because any
government properry , with little
provocation, would be under attack:
schools, police stations, among others.
The same vouth ue calling for
infrastructure development; meanwhile,
the same youth destroy the little we have.
Mr Speaker. so. I Rould call on the
police to investigate this issue thoroughly.
With this, Mr Speaker, I thank you.
you very much.
Yes, Hon John Ntim Fordjour?
R'
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13:h February. 2025
Statements
19
Rev John !tim Fordjour (NPP
Assin South): Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker, I riie to commend the
maker of the Statement, Hon Muhammad
Bawah Brairrlah,Member of Parliament
(MP) for Ejura Sekyeredumase for
bringing to the fore, the violence that
took place in Eiura Sekyeredumasein
relation to the attack on the police
station.And to commend the Member of
Parliament for his role played in calming
the situation so far. and also join him and
my other Colleagues in signaling our
condolencesto the families of the
deceased.
lr Speaker,the gro- ing sata of acts
of violence in this countr) , particularly
within the span of a month or two, is
quite worrying and deserves every
condemnation there is. Much as many
have condemned the alleged mishandIing
of the deceased by the police, it is also
equally condemnable any acts of
violence meted out on the police station
that ied to its destruction, which nov
requires the same modest resources of
the state to be deployed in rebuilding.
! .35 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I always say a society is
a reflection of what leaders advocate for.
and we as a political class, have a cue to
take puticularly when we almost see it
becoming all right that known or
unknown military personnel must raid a
private residence of a former Minister.
When Electoral Commission must be
attacked for the conduct of their
legitimate constitutional duty, when –
20
Ntim Fordjour. make sure you operate
within Order 93(5).
Rev Fordjour: Mr Speaker. I am
guided by Order 93. So, it is important
that all these acts–They dovetail into
violence which undermine the peace that
this countr' enioys. Consistentlyfor the
past four to five years, the Giobai Peace
index and many organisations have
ranked Ghana as the most peaceful
countrY in A Rica: even gjobaljy as one
of the most peaceful in the top five. The
recent one ranked Ghana as second most
peaceful in the world even ahead of
Australia and Canada. It is important that
we all do our parts to consolidatethis
sterling credential so we do not
undermine the peace and security we all
enjoy .
it is important that devoid of
politicisation, we show leadership in
rallying the rest of our society with us in
condemning acts of violence regardless
who conducted it. And even when
suspects in the case of the deceased, Mr
Shaibu–even when a suspect is aileged
to have conducted a wrong doing or a
crime, they deserve the right to be heard;
they deserve the right for fair trial; they
do not need to be condemned. In the
handling of prosecution, their dignity
ought to be upheld. So, all these are
lessons we need to take and apply in
consistency with this principle wherever
certain orTencesare suspected. With
these few words, I thank you, Mr
Speaker.
you very much. I proceed to Hon
Sukparu.

!
0
13th February. 2025
Statements
21
Mr NIohamrned Adams Sukparu
(NDC – SissalaWest): Thank you Mr
Speaker for the opportunityto contribute
to the Statement ably made by my
Colleague. Hon Member for Ejura
Sekyeredumase. Mr Speaker, this
particular issue is very important for us
as leaders in this country.
Mr Srleake r. victims dvine in police
custody has become something that has
been happening in the past few years. I
recaii on ig Xiarch. :033. a woman ’ho
was a stroke patient died in police
custody. And sometimes,one asks
oneself the kind of investjgations the
police are conducting that the) would
have to keep somebody in their custod}
for more than 48 hours as the la
requIres.
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We are all aware of the Supreme
Court's ruling in the past, that says that
all offencesare now bailabie. And that
before anyone can detain anybody for
more than 48 hours for investjgations as
a police officer. they need to go to coun
for permission if they are not done with
the investigation. So that the person can
either be kept in police ctutody or prison
custody while the investigation
continues. But with this, Mr Speaker, I
think in as much as i condemn the
actions of the youth. I think the police
also are supposed to be blamed.
If seriousness is attached to matters
like this, especially when it has to do
with petty theft issues, the police must
attach seriousness to the investjgation
and make sure that these matters are
investigated within the laws that are
stated. But when you have a victim kept
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in custody for more than 48 hours. all in
the name of investjgation. if something
happens to the person. certainl), the
youths or the relatives would react.
Mr Speaker, I would want to use this
opportunity to call on the Police and all
the security agencies to attach
seriousness and make sure that when
there is a case before them to investjgate,
they do it within the laws.
With these fen- u-c,rds. Xlr Speaker. !
thar& you once again for the opponurlity.
you, Hon Members. We live in a countD’
governed by law. We are not living in a
countr' in a natural state of var. Hon
Members. nobody is above the law, so
we should allow the law to operate. e
cannot continue to be taking the law into
our own hands. Police are to protect lives
and properties. Ve need to realise that
Ghanaians and the Police are supposed to
live conterminouslv.I will therefore urge
the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to
ensure that this matter is investigated
thoroughly and anybody found culpab ie
be made to face the full rjgours of the
lav.
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Hon Members, iet me add my voice
in thanking the maker of the Statement
–[Pause]–
Hon Members. yesterday,there was a
Statement made by Hon Deputy
Minority Whip. It generatedso much
debate and in ale course of the debate.
the Hon Majority Leader promised to
verify some issues and bring them to the
fore. I am reliably informed that he is
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13th February, 2025
Statements
23
ready to infonn the House. After that, 1
will give the floor to the Minority
Leader, and no one else is entitled to
contribute to the issue. I will therefore
give the floor to the Majority Leader, but
Hon Members, we must be circumspect
and operate within Standing Order 93(5).
Hon Majority Leader, you have the floor.
1.45 p.m.
STATEMENT
Update on the Joint Police and
Military Entry into Ken Ofori-Atta’s
Residence
>lajorit) Leader (Mr Ylahama
_4yariga): Thank you very much Ir
Speaker. As you rightly indicated.
yesterday, the Deputy X--linoHty Vh:p
sought leave of the Speaker and the
indulgence of the House to raise a rriatter
that he thought was of urgent public
importance. Specifically, he raised two
issues: one pertalnlng to some press
conference of the Speciai Prosecutor at
the Office of the Special Prosecutor,and
the other drew attention to a joint police
and miiitary entry into the private
residence of the former Minister for
Finance, Hon Ken Ofori-Ana_
Mr Speaker, the Statement drew a lot
of debate, following some commentary'.
and I promised this House that I would
carry out some investigations to try and
appreciate the circumstances surrounding
the joint police-and military entry into the
private residence of the former Minister
for Finance.
In making this Statement today, let
me indicate that as a country and as a
24
Parliament. we have a Constitution to
uphold. That Constitution has embedded
in it, fundamentai human rights,
including the right to one’s privacy and
the right to the integrity of one’s
property. His Excellency, President John
Dramani Mahama, remains committed to
ensuring that the rights and liberties of
every lodi VIduai are respected.
Mr SDeaker. secondjy. I make this
Statement on the basis of the
commitment of His Exceiiencv John
Dramani Mahamato reset this countr,
which means that ever body must act in
compliance with the law and the mandate
of institutions. So. I have called the
relevant stakeholdersin the matter to
Hnd out exactl> what happened. It is true
that the private residence of the former
Minister for Finance vas entered into bv
operatives of the military and the police,
led by somebodywe believe works at the
National Security Coordinator’s office.
His name is Mr Jakp&
Mr Speaker. we have investjgated the
matter. We want to say and assure our
fellow countrymen and Colleagues in
this House that, we have received
assurances from the Office of the
National Security Coordinator, that it
was not intended that that should happen,
and that that occurrence is most
regrettable and unfortunate. and he wants
to give this House, his word and
assurancethat a thing like that should
never happen again.
Mr Speaker, I have also spoken with
the Minister for Defence, and the
Minister for the Interior, who has spoken
with the IGP, and all of them have given

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25
their assurances to this House that a thing
like that would not happen again. So, let
me indicate to my Colleagues on the
other Side that this Side of the House
remains committed to ensuring that this
country is reset. That its institutions
function properly; that its officials act in
accordancewith the law, and that the
rights and liberties of every citizen are
upheld and protected under the regime of
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.
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13:h February. 2025
Statements
Mr Speaker. i extend my apologies to
the former Minister for Finance, and i
believe that this shouldsutlice.
i thank you very much, Mr Speaker.
[Hear! Hear !]
you, Hon Majority Leader. I will no'
invite the Hon Minority Leader for his
cowlrrlent .
Minority Leader (Osahen Alexander
Kwamena AfenyoMarkin): Mr Speaker.
the man, N'lahamaAyziga, is making his
name in the politics of our country . He is
exemplary and must be commended.
Mr Speaker. I have not sleDt on this
matter. He was taken to the south and i
was taken to the north gate to ensurethat
this matter was resolved. What he has
done today reminds me of what the
Attorney-Generaidid in 2015. In 2015
as a practitioner, I was all over the place,
and I recall some outliners had urged
upon him that I was making so much
money from practice. so he should get
me prosecuted on some tax offences. But
after the state had raided my office, he
stood his grounds. He did not teli me, but
T.
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someone said that the Deputy Attorney-
General said no way, they should not
invademy law firm Bain. And till date,
he is the only person I have a picture with
in my office to celebrate that moment
where he felt that an opponent should not
be a target, and we maintained a good
friendship ever since.
Mr Speaker, indeed, all that he ha
done demonstrates sincerity. We are a
politicai class; that is the path we have
chosen. B’e are not to cover CFlme, but
e rlrust protect each other for the good
of democracy, Mr Speaker, Ghanaians
have told us something. that when they
are fed up with one, they me fed up. In
the 2000 elections, after Kufuor won,
some of us, as student leaders. thou at
that the National Democratic Congress
(NDC) would never come into office
again because it was so devastating. But
within eight years, Ghanaians were
aiready fed up with the New Patriotic
Parry (NPP) Administration and they got
the nod. Fast forward to 2016, when we
had !69 seats,we thought it was all over
for NDC, and in less than four years, the
seats reduced to 137; we had to eat a
humble pie.
;
!!
As I always quote, the French man
said, c ’ est ;a Tie, this is !ife. Mr Spe'ikeF,
indeed today, I am leading a mighty
[ew–[Laughter ]–and Hon Ayarig% in
the ECOWAS Parliament, is known as a
sincere partner when it comes to
resolving conflict and he has
demonstrated it here.
So, my respected Leader, I want to
assure you that our Side would engage
you constructively.Let us do the politics

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13'h Februarv. 2025
Statements
aq
in a ven decent way. Let us res-)ecteach
other; let us use words that are
complementar}. and hoid those who are
at the lowest ebb, up.' and bring them up.
If somebody makes a mistake, we can go
to the person and say theY could do it
better.
1.55 p.m
If somebody does it veII,
comDliment them: let u celebrate each
other. In the end. our =rinc tDie u'c)c:d
remain. I am a member of the New
Patriotic Party (NPP), proud!) so;
another Hon Member is a member of the
National Democratic Congress (NDC),
proudly so. Do not let us use this
platform to den;grate even our leaders.
Sometimes.the iittle said about the way
we go after our leaders, the better. Ve
use unprintabie words. And let me
caution all of us. the 2024 elections,
check the percentageturn out. In the
Central Region, we did not go beyond 60
per cent. In the Volta Region, it was
around the same figures; it was the same
in the Ashanti, Upper East and Lipper
West Regjons. In the mjghty Greater
Accra where all the politics are done.
find out the Dercentage turn out. What it
means is that a percentage of our
population is getting fed up ul th the
political class becauseof our conduct_
Mr Speaker, some few days ago, 1
was scolded about why was 1
apologising.I said, “When one needs to
correct the wrong, one should swallow
his or her ego.” At least that wu what I
have been taught. It does not matter, and
if the whole Majority Leader, on behalf
of Government, is apologising to an
28
individual. we must celebrate him. I
would want to encourage our state
institutions, especially those public
servants who try to prove something to
the new political master when they see a
change of government. I have been
working with them so I know. Some of
them are changing the Whatsapp statuses
and their display pictures (DP); n’e see it
all , TheY should be careful , At :eat
today. the Majority Leader has made it
clear that theY cannot act in the name of
the Go emment and go scot-free. if there
is anythingagainst any past government
official, due process must be followed
and I am sure a!! of us would have peace.
: n
My respected Colleague, extend to
His Eceltenc'. the President of the
Republic. the assurances of the MinoriF
that with this, we would also accord him
everY courtesy due him a President of
the Republic. Ve would corporate and
oppose, when we have to oppose; after
a11, our duty is to oppose the Majoriq
Side. Ve can work together as a people
to represent our people, and for our
people to lean from us and to teach us,
to train us, and to help us to advance this
democracY-.
$
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Mr Speaker. I want to conclude by
sa ing that i had an extensive
engagement with Mr Ken Ofori-Atta this
morning. He is traumatised by the
labelling of this adjective to his person.
but he still knows that his God is with
him. He is undergoing some medical
procedure. In fact, I had an early morning
engagement with the Chief of Staff who
confirmed that indeed, Mr Ken Ofori-
Ana wrote to him and he is in receipt of
the letter. He was very sincere in telling

13th February. 2025
Statements
29
me that. So, within reasonable time, I am
sure he would come. I would also engage
the Once of the Special Prosecutor
(OSP) constructively. and assure him
and his office that if there was any
miscommunication.1 as a leader of mv
Side, is assuring him that the man would
make himself available. He left the
country with permission, and if there is
anything that has to be investigated,he
would make himself available. It is not
easy to serve one’s country, and I am
sure all shali be well for the good of us
all
Mr Speaker, I thank you so much for
this opportunity and once again, I thank
the Majority Leader.
Mr First Deput} Speaker: ilan
Members, let me use the opportunity to
thank both the Majority and Minority
Leaders for setting an exemplary life.
Hon Members. this is the va ye are
supposed to go. My prayer is that bye
would live by the promises given us and
would conduct the proceedings of the
House with decorum and decencv. I
thank you.
I would then cali on Nana Asafo-
Adjei Ayeh, Member of Parliament for
Bosome Freho Constituency to present
his Statement.
STATEMENT
World Radio Day
Mr Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeb (NPP
– Bosome Freho): Mr Speaker, 1 would
like to thank you and the good people of
30
Bosome Freho for allowing me to
representthem. Today, 13th February,
happens to be the World Radio Day, and
I am reading this Statement on the floor
of Parliament to commemorate this
special day.
Mr Speaker, Hon Members of
Parliament. i am honotued to stand before
the House today in commemorationof
the Worid Radio Day. The Worid Radio
Day. observed annualjy on FebnIary 13.
was proclaimed in 2011. by the Member
States of the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Culturai Organization
(UNESCO). and adopted by the United
Nations General Assembly in 20 12, as an
Intemational Day. This global celebration
recognises the transformative power of
radio in pruIIlulirlg peace, toierance, and
understanding in today's world.
Globaljy, radio has been a cornerstone of
communication for over a century,
providing a piatform for information
dissemination education and entertainment_
in Ghana. radiobroadcasting dates back
to 31 “ July 1935, with the establishment
of Radio ZOY, the first state broadcast
station with a primary mandate of
playing liaison between the Crown and
the Colony. But over time, radio served
a wider and a more significant role. By
the 1940s. it had earned the accolade of
being regarded as “theatre of the minds”
because of the music, drama and news
broadcastsit offered. Since then, radio
has played a vital role in shaping our
nation's history, from the struggle for
independence, to being a mouthpiece for
coup plotters and finally, becoming the
voice of the people, which it is, to the
present day .
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13th February, 2025
Statements
31
Mr Speaker, our radio stations
becoming a beacon of democracy of
today. has however not been without a
tussle. Prior to 2001, it was a criminal
offence for a person to publish a
defamatory or libelous statement about
an identifiable person in the country- I
am proud tO staie thai on 27 th Jai:v, 200 i ,
championed by the former President
Nana A &lo Dankwah Akufc>Addo, who
u-35 the then Attorney-General of the
Republic9 Ghana’s Padiameni unanImously
voted to change the Criminal Code
(Repeai of the CHmina! and Seditious
Laws - Amendment Bill) Act 2001 ) – a
law by which many journalists had
pre iOUS liv been jailed for doing their job.
Now lit)e! cases are handied in the CIVII
coun_ and the remedy for same is
damages among other civii remedies.
i cannot address my submissions to
your honorable seif and the House,
without referring to the significant
contributions journalists on radio have
made to our country. Aside being a foca}
point for the dissemination of
information, they have provided a
platform for citizens to engage in
discussions. hold leaders accountable,
and access critical information. which
forms a critical aspectof a democratic
nation like Ghana. Radio, I reiterate has
become an indispensable tool for
democratic participation, especially at
the local level. However, despitethese
contributions, there are challengesthat
we must acknowledge. Some journalists
on radio have been known to perpetuate
hate speech, propaganda,and deliberately
misinforming the public on critical
matters. These practices have the
potential to incite violence, undermine
&
32 ?
&
national cohesion. and erode trust in our
democratic institutions. The growing
cases of politically owned and affiliated
radio stations, and more often than not,
unfortunately, biased reportage and
conveyance of inforrnatiorl, erode the
gains made by radio throughout the life
of the COURtF) , as Ras stated earlier. To
address these concems, i urge radio
stations to uphold the higheststandards
of professionalism, accuracy, and
fairness in their reportage. As we
celebrate World Radio Day, let us
Featlim our ccmNltrnent to promotIng a
free, independent, and responsible
media. Let us work together to ensure
that Facie continues tc s==' : RS :
pouerfu! tool for building a more
infonne cj, to leant. and peaceful society.
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VIr Spezker, to conclude, ! must say
that the radio's perpetuity in the face of
the mass influx of social Media channels
and platforms is a testarnent to the United
Nation and LNESL-O's commitment to i
set a day aside to ceiebrate radio. :
Mr Speaker, i am grateful for the
space granted.
2.05 p.m.
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you. I would give the floor to the Hon
Minister for Education.
Alhaji Haruna Iddrisu (NDC –
Tamale South): Mr Speaker. let me
thank you for the opportunity to
contribute to the Statement made in
honour of the World Radio Day, and to
commend the maker of the Statement for
bringing this matter to the fore.

13th February, 2025
Statements
33
It affords us an opportunity as
Parliament–As guardians of human
rights, what has been the role of the
Parliament of Ghana in safeguarding the
right to freedom of expression?At least
today. Ghana can celebrate; we are
comparable even to the United States of
America (USA). The number of
frequency modulation (FM) stations in
Ghana today exceeds 300. The number
of television stations also exceed 200, it
means. this countrv has gjven room to
the ventilation of ideas. I agree with him
when he says Criminal Libel Law. Yes.
the Law has been repealed, but we have
Ahmed Hussein Suaie and others who
were murdered in the course of service
That is heavier, and that is what we all
must commit that tolerance.
Mr Speaker, that is why I am
paraphrasing his words. The theme for
today is ’peace, tolerance, and
understanding.’= if there is tolerance. you
would not have journalists being
murdered. If there is tolerance, you
would not have journalists being invited
by the Crime Investigative Department
(CID) of the Ghana Police Service for
comments that they have made. If there
is tolerance, even Members of
Par!!arnent (MPs) would not be at each
other’s throats. So, tolerance in its true
sense
Mr Speaker, I have always said that
Hon Asenso-Boakye’s right to speak,
ends at my right not to listen. He has a
right to speak, so if he speaks, I also
choose not to listen. But with respect, 1
should recognise that he has a right to
speak. What is lacking in Ghana is a
broadcasting bill– I, with the Majority
34
Leader, Mr Mahama Ayariga were still
here. Far back a decade ago. when he
was the Minister for Information, I
forwarded to him a draft legislation to
regulate broadcasting generally in
Ghana. Ttre parameters must be drawn.
Mr Speaker, take Ghana Broadcasting
Corporation (GBC) for instance–Are
they a state broadcaster? Are theY a
public broadcaster? We do not know–
rural radio stations_ Today, social media
has become a toxic source of
misinformaiion and peopie enjoy it.
They enjoy some of the things we trade,
running down reputation and integrity
without due cause.
TodaY. ye must celebrate World
Radio DaY. But i believe that it is about
time–l a-n sure President John Dramani
iVlahama's new Minister for
Communication, Digital Technology and
Innovations should gjve it some
attention. We need a broadcasting bill
that defines who a state or public
broadcasteris? GBC must be situated to
be like British Broadcasting Corporation
(BBC)_ How is it financed? Then, we
should have private broadcasters, like we
do. The likes of Mu]timedia Group are
doing very well today.
Then, on rural community radios–In
some communities, what they enjoy is
that–that is their opportunity. Even if
the chief has an announcement, at least
the radio station would be able to tell the
community that the chief says that they
should wear a mask because there is the
threat of the COVID-19 Pandemic. It
serves their purpose.
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136 February. 2025
Statements
Mr Speaker, I commend him for
bringing this matter to the fore. Then
"peace”.TIle words–My mother used to
say that ')-our tongue is like a bullet,
when it fires out the word, you cannot
arrest it again." Even if you look at
domestic conflicts. what husbands tell
wives and otherwise–You say it and in
a second, you tegret, because your word
becomes your bullet.
Mr Speaker. my mother used to
advise me thai I should maintain golden
silence on matters, in the sensethat you
cannot interpret silence. Nobody can
interpret silence. So, if you want peace,
learn to be silent. If somebody is saying
something yOu disagfee Ri th, keep
siient. Niaintain golden silence. Ve are
talking about the political class. We run
down each other every other day. There
is no election tomorrow, and until the
next four years, – but we are still talking
as if we are poiitickirrg. and campaigning
as if there is conduction of elections
tomorrow.
Mr Speaker, let me commend the
maker of the Statement and let him know
that Ghana has made enormous progress.
When you say you are commending only
the former President, Nana Akufo-Ad(io,
you must thank the former President
Jerry John Rawlings who promulgated
the 1993 Constitution. It is in there that
those rights are guaranteed. What you
call a “market women Constitution” is
the Constitution that has given us those
rights. it guarantees freedom of
expression.Radio and television stations
give us the platform to ventilate those
expressIons.
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Mr Speaker. what I am guided by in :
his Statement is that we all should be ;
measured in what we say and be tolerant i
in what we do. Let us keep the unity and }
peace of our country even as we practise i
our democracy.
i
I commend the maker of the :
Siatement and assure hirn that Ghana carl
celebrate like the USA, European Union
(EU) or the United Kingdom (UK), that :
freedom of expression is guaranteed in
our countD’ and this is democracy. Ever),
Ghanaian– “ka bi ma me nka bi", you
say what you want. But, sometimes,=
when somebody makesa comment, the i
CID of the Ghana Police Service, invites i
{hen :o come !o !heir of5ce to explain:
and that the- are under arrest. All that are
t
threats to the fundamental human rights :
and freedom of expression. Article 167
of the Constitution guarantees the
independence of the media.
Mr Speaker, I conclude with this, the
National Media Commission (NMC) and ;
the National Communications Authority
(NCA) are a turf war becausewho !
controls radio communication? Who
allocates frequencies? it is not for
nothing that in the Legislation, we said :
that th; NMC must siion the Board of :
the NCA. Because somebody provides
the licence and somebody monitors the
performance.This Parliament, we do not
allocate good money for the NMC. Mr :
George Sarpong has always been crying
during every budget hearing and even
during election. When he needed money
to monitor who is saying what or doing ?
what–we do not provide adequate i
funding. }
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13:h February, 2025
Statements
37
Finally, political interference. When
the Constitution says “independenceof
the media-’. intolerance–Let us respect
it
Mr Speaker, thank you very much.
you very much.
I would gjve the floor to Prof
Kingsley Nyarko.
Prof Kingsley Nyarko (NPP –
Kwadaso): Mr Speaker, I am grateful to
you for the opportunity to add my voice
to the Statement ably made by our
Colleague. the 'iember of Parliament for
Bosome Freho,
Mr Speaker. this is a very important
Statement because it is at the core and
centre of our democracy. Radio and other
media outlets help us to shape our
democracy and our societies, and to build
our communities.
2.15 p.m.
Radio providesus the opportunity to
deepen our knowledge because the
information that we receive hom
listening to the radio help us to live our
lives better.
Mr Speaker, but we must also be very
careful how we use radio; otherwise, this
medium that helps us to live better and
build our societies in a meaningful and
efficient way, can also be used to our
disadvantage, by creating anarchy and
confusion in our society.
38
Mr Speaker. the issue of radio also
brings about the menaceof disinformation
and misinformation. These twin words
have devastating effects on societies and
individuals when we spread disinformation
and believe that the statements.
comments and write-ups that we make
are untrue, yet we propagate them.
Others are also going to use it and spread
this same information, that is
misinformation, and it can undermine
our integrity and our credibility and can
aiso lead to destabilising our society. We
do not need that. We need information
that builds and strengthens us.
Democracy can only thrive when we
are dealing with information that is
conducive to our well-being_ People
deliberatelv SDread information that they
know is false, but because of political
capital, they revel in them becauseof the
advantage that they are going to get. But
they forget about its negative
implications or consequences on us. as a
socIety.
Mr Speaker, this country can burn
and be destroyed if we do not control our
radio stations and our media outlets
effectively. We have taken so many
years to build our democracy. Three
decades of democracY on our continent
is something we must revere. We have
been to be able to do it, so why should
we allow a few individuals to sit behind
a console. on TV studio, and create
anarchy and confusion in this country?
We must stop it; that is why I support the
idea of the Broadcasting Bill. There
should be clear guidelines and
regulations as to how–Even though
freedom of speech is enshrined in our
Constitution, it must come with

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138 February. 2025
Statements
39
responsibility and reasonableness in our
communication,whether in speech or in
writing. That is how we can build a very
strong democracy .
Enough of the hate speeches. They do
not build, but they destroy. If, through
our speeches and words. this country is
reduced to flames and ashes. where
would we be? Wlrere are we going to
find solace? There are some people who
do not even care. but some of us care
because we believe that we have onjy
one country. and that country is Ghana.
It behavesall of us to ensure that we
safeguardthe tenets of our democrac}
and the future of our country through
proper democratic practices. We can
build our fortunes and build our fortunes
well_
VIr Speaker, on that score, I want to
pat the back of the maker of the
Statement that we should ponder and
reflect on this. As political players, in
whatever we do, we must think about the
country, and whatever ve do. we must
think about posterity. Let us be measured
in what we sav. We must be tolerant to
each other's perspectives:after all,
somebodysaid that if we all think alike,
it rneu'!s somebody else is not thinking.
and that is wrong. There will be diversity
of opinions and of views; we must
respect everybody’sopinion. If a person
has a contrary opinion, he or she can
express it, but it must be devoidof insult,
insinuation, vulgar languages and
speeches that. can kill the soul of that
individual,
Thank you, Mr Speaker, for
indulging me, and I would be forever
grateful to you for your indulgence.
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Mr First Deputy Speaker: Thankt
you very much. Hon Member. ;
I will give the floor to Hon Dzifa
Gomashie. i+
Ms Abla Dzifa Gomashie (NDC –
Ketu South): Thank you verv much, andi
! join my colleagues to applaud the
maker of the Statement. It is timejy and
it is useful.
Mr Speaker, when I sought to contest :
the parliamentary seab a young fellow
asked on radio if I did not know that mY .
late husband would pass away, and i left
him to campaign. This was said on radio,
and I heard it with mY own ears. and 1
thought whether that child wu asking'
me to curse him or bless him. i
The opportunity that we have with .
radio, like a two-edged sword,can build
or destroy. It is for that reason that I stand
this morning to comment on the
Statement that has been made and to urge ;
our young people that. indeed. one would
reap what he sows, whether it is on radio, 1
television, UTiaenon a Facebook page, i
on social medi% or anywhere.They must :.
remember that what they are saying
today and doing today will not go away. i
It will be waiting for them as they grow. !
Mr Speaker, I wonder how we, the
politically exposed and the vulnerable in
society, are planning to protect ourselves
from the abuse of radio, television. and
social media. I say this because in this era
where we have artificial intelligence, our I
voices stand the risk of being used for {
what we have not said. It can be used to i
twist what we have said, and it is a bit ]

13:t' Februarv. 2025
Statements
41
sCary. There has to be a way in which we
sanitise the system and in that score, i
want to join the former Minority Leader
and Hon Minister for Education when he
calls for the Broadcast Bill. If we do not
work on it as fast as we can. we stand the
risk of being the victims.
Mr Speaker, moving on. I would also
like to say that it is not in every
community that we have radio reaching
the people who vote for us, I hope that
the Minister for Communication. Djgjtal
Technologyand Innovations would read
about this or hear about it and promote
the smaller community radios that do
broadcasting in our rural areas. I am a
Member of Parliament for a rural area,
and I see the use and the benefits for
those who have invested their small
morIev in these tube-like metal things
that carrY messages very far into the
community. so that they can be abreast
of what He discuss here and also benefit
from what radio can do,
When i was growing up, I interned at
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC)
under the late Carl A gverrlan-
Bannerman,and one of the songs that
was played during that time would be
Radio Gets Results . indeed, if radio gets
results, what kinds of things are we
saying on radio today to get the results
that we want? Radio gives us opportunity
to educate, inform. and entertain, but we
have reducedwhat is positive, and are
using the radio that should get results
into doing things that malign, vilify and
just tarnish the image of people who have
worked hard for our country.
42
This Statement is in the right
direction. and 1 celebrate the maker of
the Statement and all who have
contributedto it, and I thank you for the
opportunity, Mr Speaker.
you very much.
I give the floor to Hon Matthew
N)-indarr!.
2.25 p.m.
Mr Matthew Nyindam (NPP –
Kpandai): Thank you, Mr Speaker, for
this opportunity to add my voice to the
Statement.
Mr Speaker, 1 think as a nation, we all
agree that radio or media in general is
playing a very critical role in our lives.
Without them, this country would be in
darkness. So. the role of radio cannot be
underestimated. But Mr Speaker, we
must also try as much as possible to ask
ourselves that today. the kinds of things
that we hear, the content, is that what we
are celebrating? Obviously not-
Mr Speaker, today if a person has a
radio station or even a TV station and the
host or the one handling that particular
programme is not very good at insulting,
very few people would listen to him. Mr
Sped<er. that is not the kind of
celebration we are calling for. Mr
Speaker7 if we are not lucky, very soon,
the good ones among them would also
start giving us the content that all of us
would not be happy with.
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Mr Speaker, if they pick a person
today. they would insult the person from
morning to evening. The next day they
would drop it and bring another
personality. If it is NDC that they are
insulting today, we think that the} are
doing verv well. The next day when they
are done with NDC. they come back to
NPP, That is not the kind of radio we
encQLJage-
Mr Speaker, i therefore want to say
be agree_ Like the Nlinister for
Education said. we have more than 300
radio stations in this country. and it is a
very good ide% but the content that the}
give us sometimes is problematic.
Mr Soeaker. thank You for the
opportunIty.
,,ou very much. i would gjve the noor to
Dr Clement Apaak.
Dr Clement Abas Apaak (NDC –
Builsa South): Mr Speaker, I am most
grateful.
maker of the Statement for drawing our
collective attention to both the benefits
of radio as well as the dangers associated
with radio. Mr Speaker, 1 comment on
this topic both as a practitioner and as
somebody who has managed a radio
station before. Many may not be aware,
but I belong to the first generation of the
University of Ghana students who
volunteered for our now legendary radio
station known as Radio Universe. In my
travels abroad, I continued to pursue
radio. Studying for my PhD at Simon
136 February. 2025
Statements
44
Fraser University, I volunteered to produce
and host a very popular programme
brown as African Connection. On my
return to Ghana and upon taking up my
teaching appointment at the University
of (3han% I was appointed as the
manager of Radio Universe.
Mr Speaker. radio is a very powerful
tool. When rjghtjy used. it benefits
society. When wrongly used, it can set
societ ablaze. i beiieve many of us in
this Chamber have read about or can
remember the Rwandan genocide
Almost every commentator or the
witnesses. some of the surviving victims.
attest to the fact that that genocide was
promoted and executed through the use
of radio.
Mr Speaker. in our an homeland, it
is worrisome, but the truth ought to be
stated. that some radio stations are
notorious for being extreme in the nature
of their orogrammes.as well as the type
of paneliststhat are deployed. I would
not want to mention names. Mr Speaker,
but more importantly, we cannot speak
about radio without talking about how
poorly practitioners and journalists are
treated. Remunerationis nothing to write
home about. Many of them do not even
earn the basic minimum required to live
a decent life. This then makes them
vulnerable to payolas and political
influencers to do their bidding for
pittance. So, as we discuss radio and we
talk about the positives and hope to
highlight the positives, we cannot forget
to advocate that practitioners and owners
of media houses do the needful by giving
them sustenance, so that they can be
independentand report genuinely and

13=-' February, 2025
Statements
45
honestly what is important to society and
continue to keep us glued together by
giving us positive perspectives. On this
note, i again commend the maker of the
Statement.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
you. Hon Member.
Mr Davis Ansah opoku (SPP –
Mpraeso): Mr Speaker. thank ou yea
much for the opoortunit} to add my voice
to this wonderSJI Statement abiv made
by my Colleague, Hon Asafo-Adjei.
Mr Speaker, indeed, radio is the
heartbeat of our democracy.and that is
why on this her) day, u-e must reflect on
the fundamental role that it pia)’s in our
socIety.
Mr Speaker, radio helps in promoting
access to information. It helps in the
freedom of expression and our
democratic governance. That is why if
you look at the theme for this year. it
underscores the importarce of hee.
independent and diverse media
landscape.
Mr Speaker, i have always
maintained that if you look at the number
of radio stations that we currentlv have in
our country, I mean, just like Hon
Haruna Iddrisu said. we have over 300
radio stations. It has created a valve
where Ghanaians who feel peeved and
have worries about the political class,
could have a medium to express
themselves.
46
Mr Speaker, this has contributed
immenselyto the political stability that
we are witnessing in Ghana. Mr Speaker,
yesterday, Wednesday, 12th February
2025. the Nlinistrv of Comrnunication.
Digital Technologyand Innovations and
the media advisory said that they have
authorised the National Communications
Authority (NCA) to furnish the
Minister’s office with a list of ali
frequency authorisations issued or
renewed in the last 60 days, Mr Speaker.
clearly, it’s important for us to draw the
attention of the Hon Minister that it
needs to be measured in its approach, Mr
Speaker. the independence of the
National Communications Authorirv
cannot be underestimated. We ought to
be careful as a countrv. I realjy do not see
why a Minister would issue a statement
that frequencies issued in the last 60 days
should come under audit. i reai!) do no:
understand. He did not give further
directives. but I am just cautioning the
young Minister to be very careful.
Mr Speaker, NCA’s issuance of
spectrum allocations is governed by an
Act that was enacted in this very House,
the Electronics CommunicationsAct
2008 (Act 775). Mr Speaker, I wish to
draw the attention of the Hon Minister to
Section 13 – Section 9 of the Act that
talks about the independence of the
NCA. which says that the NCA shall not
subject to the direction or control of any
person or authority except as provided by
law.
2.35 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Minister for
Communications, Digital Technology
and Innovations cannot unilateraljy dictate

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Statements
operations and regulatory decisions.
ClearIY. the Young Minister must be
mindful of the pathie is taking. We vere
in this country when licences of radio
stations were revoked: we saw what
really transpired; the brouhaha and the
noise that erupted in our country. We do
not want to get to that pan.
Chan3 is advancing in democracy;
Ghana is deveioping, and it is important
that it be me©ured_ We are iooking and
monitoring, and I think it is important
that as a Member of Parliament. I draw
his attention to the path he has taken.
Protecting radio frequencies in this
country is protecting our democracy. Let
us not use National Communications
AuthoritY fTC,Al. that needs to be
independent. to score political points-
Mr Speaker. with these few words, I
commend the maker of this Statement.
and I pray that we issue more licences
and get to the stage where even the fee
that people pay for radio licences is
reduced minimally, so that ever)
constituency in this country could have
one radio station. [Hear ! Hear !] At least,
one constituencY. one radio station.
which would help in ae dissemination of
information to our good people.
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker,
for this great opportunity.
you.
Leadership?
Second Deputy Minority Whip
(Mr Jerry Ahmed Shaib): Mr Speaker,
the maker of the Statement is someone I
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a :?
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nt: r Ir1rII I13L]k i n g s u chan IB
48
Mr Speaker, unles I am not too clear. {I
but I know that the theme for this World I
Radio Day 202.5 is '=Radio and Climate i
Change”; that is the theme I have. Mr !
Speaker. it goes to buttress the point that {
radio is a very powerful tool. We need }
radio for dissemination of information. i
education_ and entertainment. There !
have been severai good works done by :.
radio presenters,but we have naii} not
paid attention to these people. bi
bIr Speaker, one that comes to mind !
readiiy is the departed soui who is resting ,
with the Lord, Mr Komla Dumor. He ;
made us understand that radio can bring
in a lot of good stuff. We can !
acknowledge that these were things we :
can celebrate in shaping our society. :
Anytime one heard Komla Dumor on :
radio in the morning. one could :
understandthat this is a man who was :
educating. informing. and entertaining at I
the same time. It is not for nothing that {-
today, we have the World Radio Day i
themed as, '=Radio and Climate Change”. i
Climate change is a problem we are!
deaiing with, and one of the major ways:
to get climate change properly ?
appreciated is through radio. education j
and information. i
b.
Mr Speaker, with all of this said, I
also want us to believe that–With your
permission, Article 164 reads:
'-The provisionsof articles i 62 and
rIj
163 of this Constitution are subject
to laws that are reasonably required{
in the interest of national security{
}

13:h February, 2025
Statements
49
public order, public morality and for
the purpose of protecting the
reputations. rights and freedoms of
other persons”
Mr Speaker. what radio does is to
ensure that there is public order and
public safety. Radio is not meant for
causing troubles, but it is rather meant for
educating, entertaining and informing
people. Wben there is miscommunication
and misinformation, what we see and
have seen in some countries is as a result
of how ve actual Iv use radio and how ve
did not use it well.
Mr Speaker, we still use radio for
public morality purposes. People are
educated on moral, reljgjous. traditional.
cultural issues. and all of these are done
for the purposes of upholding what we
have been trained to be.
Mr Speaker, what is also key is to
protect the reputation of people, and that
is where propaganda comes in. When we
do not have dre facts, wherewithal, and
when we do not know what we are about
say, we should not say it. Say it when we
are sure; say it when we know it; say it
when we have the true facts. One should
not just use the radio as a platform to
damage the reputation of others because
he or she has the opportunity to do so.
Mr Speaker, with this, I also want to
commend all radio presenters worldwide
and in Ghana, especially the professional
ones, and emphasis is on the
“professional" ones. This is because
there are some who have turned
themselves into, with all due respect to
them, buga buga presenters, and all they
50
say is what they believe in, just to
damage people. Mr Speaker, we hope
and pray that people would use radio for
the purposes for which they have been
set up.
I thank you very much, Mr Speaker,
for granting me this opportunity.
you. XlajoHty Le3dership?
Second Deputy Majority Whip
(Mr Richard Acheampong): Thank
you very much, Mr Speaker, for the
opportunity. I would also like to add m)
voice to commend the maker of the
Statement.
Mr Speaker. the theme for this year
is, “Radio and Climate Change”, so we
need to also focus attention on what we
use radio to propagate because we have
a lot OT- issues in respect of climate
change, global warming and all that. The
point is, if one has a radio station,
throughout the week, from Monday to
Sunday, all they do is politics. And
people have become so attached to these
stations that even when the radio stations
want to run advertisements or play
musical interludes,the listeners switch to
another station to listen to political
shows where people are being attacked
and leaders are being denigrated.
Mr Speaker, radio has come to stay;
we need to also encourage them to
expand because they are the fourth estate
of the realm, but the point is, are they
licensed to do what they are doing now?
The kind of political interferences we
also give to these stations–I have a story
to tell.

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Mr Speaker. I applied for a licence
myself, and I was told that I am a
politically exposed person, and that !
would use the radio'to run propaganda
for the National Democratic Congress
(NDC), so they would never issue the
licence to me. For the past eight years,
our Colleagues on the Side–
[ Interruption]– went through all the
processes and paid the fees, but I was not
issued the iicence to operate the radio
station. I did not state NDC on the
application or I did not tell them that I
would use the station to propagate for
NDC, but thev looked at my face and
political orientation and denied me the
licence. If we tn to do same. we would
see them crying foul and they would say
that past wrongs can never be justified in
aNla ’s arne. So there mLbi tB a FwadigHr shift
iS)me Hon Mem&r= YaIFAll right, it
is va t£xlay txcaltse they duied me the
licence.
2.45 p.m.
Mr Speaker,we need to talk about the
environment. Look at the devastating
state that we find ourselves in, in terms
of galamsey activities. Is the media
focusing on it? But let me pay tribute to
Erastus Asare Donkor; I think he is in
Kumasi. He has done so well in terms of
the fight against galamsey, it got to a
point where he needed to run for his life
because his personal life was under
attack, and he has brought a lot of issues
to the fore for people to discuss. It is by
the effort of some media houses that we
are now seeing some clean water bodies
around us. The rest can also join so that
at least, this kind of–Yesterday, we
talked about Trump cutting off aid to
i
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African countdes, and we were crying
that there would be a budget gap of rl
USSi50.000.000. If we are abie to do }
things right, we would not need the }
Mr Speaker, let us encourage the 1
atTectlng communities, and issues ii
;====E:.Ti,"I::'i:':;:,IT
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not about doing politics 24/7. It is not i
about trying to pick an individual, and i
attacking them from morning till }
people in order to get opportunities. The j
media aeoendence is there: the !'
Constitution is ciear. They should live up {;
to their mandate and deliver. We as T
politicians would do ever>Thing to -;
remain reievant, but the media should be i
there to check us. !
IF
USS 150,000,000 President Trump is
denying US.
medi% but they must be responsive. j
They must bring to the fore issues }
evening. Somebody is behind it; there are
always sponsors. They go after certain
52
When one knows the cameras are on i
him or her, it would shape whatever he i
or she says and does. So. our actions and I
inactions would be shaped by the media I
landscape. So. we encourage them to do {
more. We need to invest in what they do. f
Sometimes when they come to cover g
programmes,by the eid of the day what #
do we give them? Some media houses &
are paid GHC300.00, GHC400.00 or }
GHC500.00. How do we expect them to #
do quality work for us? How do we I
expect them to cover whatever we say?
In terms of remuneration,we need to
find a way of dealing with it. Though
they are private entities, we have the
<
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Statements
53
minimum wage. Why should we pay
somebodyGH(C400.00 or GH€500.00? 1
have not mentioned the station so it is not
like I am disclosing somebody’ssalary,
but that is the reality.
Mr Speaker, we need to do more to
encourage our brothers and sisters in that
sector so that they can help us save our
society and our community.
i thank you very much of the
opportunITy .
you very much.
We move to the next Statement in the
name of Hon Matthew Nyindam,
Member of Parliament for Kpandai.
STATEMENT
The Devastating Bush Fires in the
Kpandai District of Northern Ghana
Mr Matthew Nyindam (NPP –
Kpandai): Mr Speaker, thank you for
giving me the opportunity to make this
Statement on the devastating bush fire
incident in the KpandaiConstituency.
Today, I stand here with a deep sense
of urgency and profoundsorrow to bring
to the attention of this honourable House.
a devastating fire incident that has
severely impacted five communities-
Bladjai, Bola, Kabonwule, Kitare,
Nkanchina and Nanjiro - within my
esteemed Kpandai Constituency.
This tragic event has led to the
widespread destruction of agricultural
54
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produce, particularly yam (both tubers
and sets) and cereals, plunging numerous
hardworking fallIIers into distress and
posinga significant threat to livelihoods
and food security in the region.
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Mr Speaker, farming is not merely an
occupation for the people of my
Constituency; it is a way of life, a vital
source of sustenance.and a cornerstone
of our local economy. The devastating
fire, which erupted occurredbetween 1“
to 4:h February, 2025. spread rapidly,
consuming farms and barns. In a matter
of hours, months of relentless efTort,
sacrifice, and investment were reduced
to ashes.
In my capacity as the representative
of the people, I contacted National
Disaster Management Organisation
(NADiMO) to expedite their investigations
to establish the cause of the fire and bring
to book. if it was deliberately
orchestrated by any individual
However, preliminary reports indicate
that the fire was largely caused by
bushfires.
A thorough understanding of the
underlying factors will be crucial in
formulating and implementing decisive
preventIve measures.
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Mr Speaker, as I address this
honourable House, it is estimated that
over 200 fal11rers have been severely
affected by this devastating catastrophe.
Furthermore, preliminary assessments
indicate that more than 30 barns
containing over 198,900 yams (tubers
and sets) &-ld 100 bags of cereals have
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Mr Speaker, it is also worth
mentioning that the food shortage
resulting from this disaster will extend
beyond my constituency. Many regions
rely on the yams producedin Kpandai,
which is widely recognised for its yam
production. This loss, coming in the
wake of the adverse effectsof last year's
drought, will have a cascadingimpact
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StateTneYlts
55
been completely destroyed. When
translated into financial terms. this loss
amounts to hundreds of thousands of
Ghana cedis, underscoringthe extensive
damage and economic hardship inflicted
by this unfortunate bushfire.
across the supply food chain, potentially
driving up the prices of yam and cereals
and exacerbating economic hardship for
a broader segment of the population.
Mr Speaker, this crisis demands
immediate and decisive intervention. In
light of the severe impact on lives,
livelihoods, and food securitY. I make the
following urgent appeals:
Mr Speaker, the magnitude of this
catastrophe cannot be overstated. It is not
merely the loss of crops and food
supplies that we moum, t)ui the
destruction of livelihoods, aspirations.
and 'financial stability for hundredsof
families. ManY of these farmers had
secured loans to finance their cultivation,
anticipatinga harvest that would sustain
them in the months ahead. Now, they are
burdenedwith crippling debts and no
means of recovery.
1.
Furthermore,the yam sets intended
for the next planting season have been
completely destroyed, jeopardising
fuOdre agricultural cycles. Local markets,
which depend on these farm produce for
trade and sustenance, are already
experiencing severe disruptions. If
urgent and decisive action is not taken,
the economic repercussions will
escalate, deepening the hardship faced
by my constituents and threatening the
broader food security of our region.
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Emergency Relief and
Humanitarian Aid: i call upon the
Government NADMO, our
development partners and other
humanitarian organisations to act
swiftly in providing immediate
relief to the affected farmers. This
should include essential food
supplies and financial assistance
to support affected householdsin
regaining stability.
Establishment of an Agricultural
Disaster Fund: I take this
opportunity to appeal to the
Government to establish an
Agricultural Disaster Fund – a
dedicated financial mechanism
designedto provide timely and
targeted support to full lers
affected by natural disasters. such
as the devastating fires that has
impacted the five communitiesin
the Kpandai Constituency. This
fund would serve as a critical
safety net, enabling affected
farmers to recover. rebuild their
livelihoods, and ensure the
sustainability of agricultural
production in disaster-proneareas.

13:h Februarv. 2025
Statements
57
iii. Enhanced Fire Prevention and
Resp<xrseMeasures: This incident
underscores the urgent need for
strengthened fire prevention and
response mechanisms in
agricultural zones. I urge the
Government to invest in early
warning systems and enhance
community education on fire
safety and response strategies.
Furthermore, agriculture and fire
service agencies should engage
farming communities regularly to
provide guidanceon fire prevention
and management.
iv. Compensation and Insurance for
Farmers: it is imperative that ve
establish a robust agricultural
insurance scheme to protect farmers
from unforeseen disasters of this
nature. I urge the Government to
develop a compensation &amework
that provides financial relief to
affected farmers, thereby preventing
economic collapse in agricultural
communities when such disasters
occur .
Mr Speaker, this heartbreaking
incident is more than just a tragedy; it is
a wake-upcall for our nation. If we fail
to take decisive action now, we risk
subjecting thousands of citizens to
prolonged hardship while further
endangering our agricultural economy.
We must confront this challenge with
urgency and unwavering commitment,
ensuring that our farmers – who
dedicate their lives to feeding the nation
are not left without the supportthey
desperately need.
58
As the electedrepresentative of the
people ofKpandai Constituency, I stand
in unwavering solidarity with every
farmer, every family, and every
individual affected by this disaster. 1
assure them that I will continue to
advocate for their cause until concrete
solutions and meaningful relief are
provided.
Mr Speaker, urgent action is needed
to mitjgate the effects of this disaster and
ensure that affected farmers and their
communities can recover and rebuild, I
trust that this honourableHouse will give
due considerationto these appeals and
supportmeasures that will safeguard the
livelihoods of our hardworking farmers.
Let us, as leaders, policymakers, and
a nation. unite to tTansform this moment
of loss, into an opportunity for resilience
and reform. The future of our farmers
and our national food security depends
on the actions we take today.
I thank you, Mr Speaker for this
opportunIty.
2.55 p.m.
Members, that is the Statement. Hon
Joseph Kumah?
Mr Joseph Kwame Kumah (NDC
– Kintampo North): Thank you, Mr
Speaker, and thank you Hon Matthew
Nyindam for the Statement.
Mr Speaker, the reoccurrence of fire
is perennial ; year in and year on, we have
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13'h February, 2025
Statements
59
been discussing these things without
solutions. I remember my third week in
the Eighth Parliament, when we used to
sit at the pavilion, tHe Hon Member for
Bole Bamboi made a Statement on the
devastating nature ofbushfires and their
economic effect on our lives and farmers.
The contribution that year was to engage
the Fire Service. or agree on earl)
burning as a nation, because no matter
what we do. the bushnres would foiiow
US
Mr Speaker, I want to sympathise
with the people of Kpandai.I know that
for five communities to be razed dou'n
means a lot for the nation, as the maker
of the Statement said. I know how hard-
working they are; majority of the yams
we see at the Konkomba market.
Kintampo market and all over are from
some of those places.
Mr Speaker, u a nation, if we do not
take concrete steps to accept a particular
policy and come together to accept early
burning when the bushes are becoming
yellowish–We do not wait till they
become very dry so that the National Fire
Service through the are volunteer
programme could monitor the burning
gradually. As we speak, in Kintampo
North, two houses and not less than five
farms have been burnt, A family left their
home for the Kintampo market at Kongo
and by the time they returned–The fire
started from far, got to their home and
burnt everything down. The schoolchildren
could not even get anything to change
into. it is a perennial problem and should
we continue to do Statements and sit
down?
60
On my on what i have done is that
annually, I use my CommonFund to buy
a motorbike as part of the Farmer’s Day
award to the Fire Serviceto use for fire
volunteers. I think that we all can
emulate this–But they cannot succeed if
we do not make it a policy and do a
national dialogue on the early burning
because no matter what Ye do the bushes
w'Quid be burnt. if ve ieave them. we
would have left penoi in the system. Let
a driver or a passer-by smoke i
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Hon }
Member,round up. ;
'Mr:umah: Irspeal,.er, I plead aa, i
You gjve direction to this Drooosal to do ;
a national dialogue on e£rjv' burning. 1 {
am grateful. ' - i
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Thank }
you very much. I would give the floor to ;
the Hon Member for Akwatia. }
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Mr Ern6t Kumi (NPP – Akwatia):i
Mr Speaker, I thank you for thel
opportunity. Let me also use this
opportunity to sympathise with the1
peopie ofKpandai and also the maker of}
the Statement. #
It is often said that fire is a bad master+
and a good servant. In the month od
January up to now, we have experienced
a lot of devastating fires across the
country. We have experienced some
Kantamanto and we have seen othe
markets burning. What surprises me i{
that if not anything, we often know
in January, we experience the d
seasons and sometimes when we head
A.

13'h February, 2025
Statements
61
such Statements what comes to mind is
what makes people go burning bushes in
January, when we are experiencingthe
dry seasons.
But be it as it may, I would not like
to belabour this House with the
economic effect of such disasters. And I
would use this opportunity to pray for
this House and also ask the disaster
management bodies in this country to go
in assistance of these farmers. Having
said that in public safety management,
there are certain things that we have
control over and there are other things
that we do not necessarily have control
over. So instead of frequently asking the
National Disaster Management
Organisation (NADN40) and other
dlsastef manageRlentcommitteesto
often come to the aid of such disaster
victims. I would rather ask that NADMO
and such institutions go into research-
based institutions, where they would
know when and how these issues
happen, and come to the rescue of the
people.
As mentioned by previous speakers,
these are perennial events which we keep
experiencing. For instance, we have been
experiencing perennial flooding in this
nation and we have been seeing these
disasters almost every year. It has even
come to our attention that there was a
year when a foreigner had to stake a
lottery that he could bet that in that year,
Accra was going to flood. With that
being said, the flood-prone areas are
known to us. What prevents NADIVIC)
from researching and knowing that this
year, these areas are going to be flooded
and put in place preventive measures so
62
that these perennial disasters do not
happen? Because when they happen, we
spend a lot of resources on putting things
back where they are supposed to be.
In the same way, I would ask that
NADMO and other disaster management
bodieshelp educate people in such dry
areas and also encourage them in such
dry seasons, to not go into burning
bushes or engage in activities that would
lead to such fire rise.
Mr Speaker, thank you for the
opportunity and I pray that we go into the
assistance of such victims.
you very much. I will give the floor to
Hon Mahama Shaibu.
Mr Shaibu NIahama (NDC –
Daboya/Mankarigu) : Mr Speaker,
thank you for the opportunity to
contribute to the Statement ably made by
my good friend from Kpandai. I think
this Statement could not have been made
at a b$tter time. The dry or harmattan
season is here with us again and it comes
in its wake, with very devastating
consequences. Indeed, it is a season that
is natural and we ought to prepare for it.
Every year, we come to lament over the
effects of bushfires but, we still
encounter this same problem.
3.05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, growing up in the '805,
this country experienced a very
devastating dry season that swept across
the entire Savannah Woodland and left in

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13:h February, 2025
Statements
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its wake destruction of all falllls. Indeed,
there was a major drought and food
shortage and the worst affected were
secondary schools. ' I remember we
scavenged and gleaned through nearby
communitiesand farms just to get some
corn to roast and chew as students. That
is the effect of the harmattan and the dry
season. We need to take a cue: we need
to profFer soiuiions to ii bol that has to do
with attitude. Attitude in the sense that
farmen would normally set fire when
they go to farm. Education to faIlllers is
actualjy very- critical. Indeed. the season
is such that with the least touch, we have
a widespread effect which cuts across the
entire Northern Savannah Ecological
Zone and that spans from Kintampo
through to !he Upper East and Upper
West Regions.
Mr Speaker, we need to make
pragmatic efforts in educating farmers
and the youth. Cigarette smokers–1
know the law is against it in public
places, but at least people still have it.
Anwhing that has to do with fire,
preventing it is the best cure. For farmers
who have lost their property, one can
imagine a Whole farming season, the
farmer has put in a great deal of industry
in coming out with his farm produce and
one fine morning or evening, fire guts
and takes everything off the farmer. It is
a great Statementthat he has made which
should awaken our consciousness and
we must make an effort to get civil
society organisation, and other well-
meaning institutions to intensify
education on bush fires. Indeed, when we
prevent it, we would stop this perennial
64
Statements that we make regarding bush
fires,
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Mr Speaker, let me thank the maker
of the Statement one more time and pray
and hope that we would come up with
solutions to curb the menace. I thank you
very much.
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you very much.
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Yes, Mr Agyemang Prempeh?
Mr Eric Nana Agyemang-Prempeh
(NPP – Ahafo Allo North): Mr Speaker,
I rise to comment on the Statement by Mr
Nyindam, especially on insurance for
farmers who are victims of such
disasters. The African Risk Capacity,
which is an initiative of African Union
(AU) on insurance for farmers involved
in disasters -as established. Ghana was
the first West African country to apply
and also do all customisations and was
given a certificate of good standing.
Mr Speaker. as I speak now, Ghana
has paid a premium of USS 1 million, and
last year when there was a drought in the
five northern regions, the Ministry of the
Interior and the Ministry of Finance
applied for some benefit for the farmers.
So, I want to take this opportunity to
appeal to the Government,through the
Ministry of Finance and Ministry of the
Interior to follow it up so that they can
get some benefits for farmers who are
involved in such disasters. Thank you
very much.
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Now
Minority Leadership?

13th February, 2025
Statements
65
yes2 Hon OkyereDarko?
Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko
Mensah (NPP – Takoradi): Mr
Speaker, we all thank the maker of the
Statement for such a brilliant piece. First
and foremost,we would like to tell him
to send to his constituentsthat Ghana
would definitely stand behind them for
them to be able to recover. My biggest
challenge is that every time we come to
this Chamber about bush fires and Hood.
it seems it has become an annual ritual
without any solutions to them.
In 1983 when the fires came, my
grandmother’s farm in Anwia Nkwanta
completely got destroyed so the
hardships were everywhere, I know that
IIly fonner boss jyjr Ko 6 Ad(ia;s rice
farm got burnt. Recently,just after the
elections,the rice farm of the Minister
for Savannah also got burnt. So, it shows
that there is something amiss about these
fires that keep coming to our doorsteps.
But unfortunatelv,when we sometimes
advise Ghanaians, they get offended.
Now that the fires are coming,we are all
talking about insurances. government
support and the rest but we also know
that there are certain basic things that
farmers can also do as buffers to make
sure that the fires do not spread from one
farm to the other. They would not do it
and then it becomesa problem. And
when people advise them, they become
the target. How many times can we as a
country continue to throw our money
into the dustbin through bush fires or
floods?
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1 remember one day, there was flood
in my area and I had advised those who
66
were staying in flood-prone areas to
always have a second plan. It became a
major national topic. So, I believe that
these things cannot continue to be an
annual ritual that we would come to this
House to only complain. We should
prevent them in the first place and I
believe that the education of our farmers
is key. The socialisation of our farmers is
also key. If we do not continue to make
prevention a part of our attitude, this
countrY would continue to wallow in
poverty. especially in these areas
because we all know that falllling
communities are one of the poverty-
stricken areas in our country. This is
because, first and foremost, the farm
business itself is not generating the
incomes we expect it to generate for
them and it fires become another set of
problems that is going to devastate or
squander their produce, then naturally,
we cannot eradicate poverty in our midst.
So, I believe that, like all the speakers
have said. prevention is key and our
farmers as part of their practices, should
ensure that they put in the measures to
prevent the fires from coming in the first
place, and two, from spreading. As for
the Ghana National Fire Service. I tell
you. if they are big farms, it is going to
be difficult to quench it and now that we
are in the dry season, God be our help but
preventionis always better than cure.
Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the
opportunity to add my voice to the
matter.
Majority Leadership?
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13th February. 2025
Statements
67
Mr Richard Acheampong: The
Hon Member, Mr Peter Toobu, would
take the place of the Majorit}
Leadership.
Mr Peter Lanchene Toobu (NDC
– Wa West): Mr Speaker, let me thank
you for the opportunity and let me thank
the Leadership for yielding to me to
make some remarks about this good
Statement that was delivered by my
Brother from Kpandai.
Mr Speaker. 1983 is still fresh in our
minds. Forty-two years ago, the
devastation that we suffered as a country,
many farmers are yet to recover. I can
say that if one goes to a place like the
Afram Plains. the effect of the bush fires
in 1983 has left an indelible mark to the
point that cocoa farms that were
destroved at the time have never been
able to be reconstructed again.
A decade later, in 1992, the Fourth
Republic started. Thirty-two years down
the line, we are still in the Chamber
lamenting about the effect of bush fires.
But we all know that there are best
practices around the world and I can talk
about a few of them within Ghana. If one
goes to the Mole National Park, there is
something we call, “control burning”.
My Brother from Kintampo North talked
about early burning. We call it “control
burning” and it is normally done around
November. When the grasses are not too
dry, they are not too combustiblebut if
one waits until January to February
where the grasses are so dry and so
combustible, when one finds fire
burning, the capacity of any group of
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68
people or the capacity of any national
institution like the Ghana National Fire
Service to fight that fire becomes limited.
3.15 p.m.
Mr Speaker, we all know climate
change is a reality. The drought in 2024
tells us that going forward, we need to
upgrade our game in understanding the
impact of climate change vis-a- vis the
fact that dry seasons will come early and
the country would be drier than before.
So, when we find bushfires destroying
farms, it tells us that for over 42 years,
we are either not learning or we know
what to do, but are not willing to do it.
and yet, we are repeatedly complaining
about the impact of bushfires.
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Mr Speaker, I know this is just a
Statement which talks about the people
of Kpandai, but in many parts of this
country, particularly in northern Ghan&
bushfires are destroying farms and
properties. All we have to do as a country
is to come together and talk about the
national resilience in fighting disasters. It
is not just bushfires; there are several
disasters that befall this country and
exposes our weakness.
Mr Speaker, the very good
recommendations made by my Brother
from Kpandai should be lookedat. Let us
come togetheras a country to bring in
experts for us to craft a strategy to ensure
that in 2026. when there are bushfires
again, Ghana would be prepared as a
country to meet the challenge and save
our farmers, properties, and ourselves
from national disgrace.

13lh FebruarY, 2025
Statements
# 69
Mr Speaker, with these few words. 1
im so grateful and I thank the maker of
the Statement.
you very much.
Hon Members, the last Statement for
the day is in the name of Hon Eric Edern
Agbana. Before then, I would give the
floor to Hon Emmanuel Bedaah.
Mr Emmanuel Bedzrah : Mr
Speaker, i come under Order 285(1 ),
which says that:
“Each Committee to which a matter
is referred shall report to the House
before the end of each session of
Parliament .”
P
g
Mr Speaker, on Friday, 3 Is: January
2025, the Speaker referred a matter to a
Special Committee, where that Special
Committee was to conduct a full-scale
Investigation into the event which
occurred at the public hearing of the
Appointments Committee on Thursday.
30th and Friday, 31 st January, 2025 .
The Committee was given 10 days to
present its findings and Report, and the
Committee requested for two additional
daYS) which ended today. Mr Speaker,
your Committee has not been able to
finish its work; we need an additional
one week. We want to request from the
Speaker to give us an additional week, so
that the Comrnitteewould conclude its
work and present its Report to this House
next Thursday.
70
With the leave of Mr Speaker, we
plead that you give us an additional
week.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Member, thank you. I am inclined to
indulge you, but in order not to take the
days in pieces, when do you think you
can conclusively bring the Report?
Mr Bedzrah: Mr Speaker, the
Report would be ready and presented to
this House by next week Thursday.
Members, the time within which the
Committee is supposedto present the
Report is accordingly extended to next
week Thursday. Thank you.
Hon Member for Ketu North, you
have the floor.
STATEMENT
The Rent Regime and the Urgent
Need for Reforms
Mr Eric E:dem Agbana (NDC
Ketu North): Mr Speaker, I am grateful
for the opportunity to make my maiden
formal Statement since joining, this
House about a month ago.
Mr Speaker, I rise today to draw the
attention of this august House to the dire
state of Ghana'srent regime, a system
that has become a major source of
frustration and hardship for rnillions of
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13:t’ February, 2025
Statements
71
Ghanaians, particularly the youth, low-
income earners, and vulnerable groups.
The cost of rent in Ghana is alarmingly
high, access to affordable housing is
limited, and the regulatory fTamework
governing rent payments is largely
ineffective. These challenges demand
urgent and bold interventions if we are to
provide decent living conditions for our
people.
Mr Speaker, it is not surprising that
u,hen 1 conducted a survey on a social
media platform called X, formerly
Twitter, the rent regime was identified by
most respondentsas their number one
challenge in Ghana. It is, therefore,
imperatiVe that we act with urgency,
discuss this challenge, and proffer
sustainable solutions.
Mr Speaker, let me begin by
highlighting the challenges associated
with Ghana's rent regjme. The first one is
the exorbitant rent costs. In major cities,
particularly Accra, Kumasi, Ho, Tem%
and Takoradi, rent prices are
skyrocketing beyond the reach of the
ordinary Ghanaian. Some landlords
unilaterally increase rent without
justification, and tenants who cannot
afford the new rates are evicted in an
undignified manner. This places an
unbearable financial burden on tenants.
Mr Speaker, Ghana faces a housing
deficit of over 2 million units, with
demand far exceeding supply. The lack
of affordable housing forces many
citizens into overcrowded and
substandard living conditions.
72
Mr Speaker, there is also the weak
enforcement of rent laws. While the law
stipulates that landlords should not
demandmore than six months’ rent in
advance, enforcement is virtually
nonexistent. It is common for landlords
to demand two to three years rent in
advance,in clear violation of the Rent
Act, 1963 (Act 220). Many tenants are
forced to comply with these arbitrary
demands due to the power imbalances
between landiords and tenants. it is
crucial that we revisit the Rent Bill which
was laid before Parliament in March.
2023. This should serve as a wake-up
call to urgently address the rent crisis
facing the people of Ghana. This is
important because President Vlahama
also promised same in the run up to the
2024 general elections.
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Mr Speaker, on unregulated and
exploitative rental market, the absence of
a clear rent control system has allowed
landlords to charge arbitrary rates. revise
rents without justification, and unfairly
evIct tenants.
Mr Speaker, some of the identified
causes of the crises in the rent regime
that we currentjy face are ineffective rent
control systems, limited access to
mortgage and housing finance,
uncoordinated government housing
policies, and high costs of building
materials.
Mr Speaker, here are some
recommendations and policy proposals
for urgent action. There should be an
imrnediate review and enforcement of
the Rent Act, 1963 (ACT 220), as
outlined under section 4.2.6 of the

13th February, 2025
Statements
73
NDC-’s Resetting Ghana 2024
Manifesto. The Government must
review the Rent Act. 1963 (ACT 220) to
introduce standardisationin residential
housing and to enforcequality control in
the built environment_
Mr Speaker, the Rent Control
Department shouldbe restructured into a
Ghana Rent Authority that must be well-
resourced and given the necessary
support to ensure that the interestsof
both tenants and landlords are balanced.
Mr Speaker, a National Rent
Assistance Scheme should be
established.Again, this is one of the
solutions outlined in the NDC’s 2024
Manifesto,and it is importantto hold the
Government accountable for that. The
state must support low-income earners
by providing a rent advance loan scheme
to enable them to afford decent housing
without struggling to pay lunip sunis up
front.
3.25 p.m
Mr Speaker, imagine the plight of a
young graduate from Penyi Tamekorpe,
posted to the head office of the Driver
and Vehicle Licensing Authority
(DVLA) in Accra for her national
service. How can she raise, on the
average, GH(E36,000 to pay a two-year
rent advance for a single room that costs
GHG 1 ,500 per month when her
compulsory national service allowance is
only GHG7 15 per month?
Mr Speaker, there should also be a
massive investment in affordable
housing. The Government must
collaborate with private developers to
build affordable housing units across the
country, particularly in urban centres
74
where rent is most expensive. This will
significantly reduce the housing deficit.
Mr Speaker, it is also important that a
new rent pricing framework is
introduced to prevent landlords from
arbitrarily increasing rent.
Mr Speaker, there is a need for tax
incentives for affordable housing.
Developers who invest in affordable
rental units should be granted tax
incentives to encourage more housing
projects. Mr Speaker, in conclusion, the
current rent situation in Ghana is
unsustainable. It is an issue of national
urgency that demands immediate and
bold interventions. The citizens of this
country deserve to live in dignity. And as
leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure
that housing, a basic neCessity, is
accessible and affordable for all_ i
therefore humbiv call on this honourabie
House to act now and protect the
ordinary Ghanaian from the burden of
excessive rent costs.
Mr Speaker, once again, I thank you
for the opportunity to make this
Statement.
you very much, Hon Member.
I will give the floor to the Hon former
Minister for Roads and Highways.
Mr Francis Asenso-Boakye (NPP
– Bantama): Thank you very much, Mr
Speaker, for the opportunity to
contribute to this important Statement. I
want to commend my esteemed
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75
Colleague for raising this issue of rent
and its associated problems.
Mr Speaker, rent is an importantarea
that, as a country, we must all focus on
and make sure that we provide shelter,
especially for low:income Ghanaians.
Unfortunately, the Rent Act, 1963 ( Act
220) which was passed about 60 years
ago, has outlived its usefulness. In fact,
as a result of urbanisation, population
growTh, and the huge housing de6cit
which my Colleague mentioned that is 2
million–In fact. it has moved down to
1 .8 million but it is still huge. As a result,
it has made the Rent Act, 1963 and its
implementation difficult.
In fact. as a fornrer Minister for
Works and Housing, I have come tO this
House to answer a lot of questions on the
Rent Act, 1963. Man, of the issues that
my Colleague raised have been answered
in the proposal that I brought to
Parliament. He mentioned that in March
2023. a review of the Rent Act, 1963 was
brought to this august House. It has
delayed unnecessarily and when it comes
to revision of Acts and Legislation, it is
the responsibility of Parliament, as was
espoused by the Rt Hon Speaker, Mr
Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
i understand that it is currently at the
Ministry. We call on the MinistIy to, as a
matter of urgency, bring back the Rent
Act so that Parliament, which is the body
responsible for legislation–This is so
that Parliament can do its job in shaping
and bringing into place a new Rent Act
that will address many of the issues that
the Member raised.
13-' February, 2025
Statements
76
In fact, he mentionedthe need to
change the Rent Act Department into an
authority. The institutional aspect of the
Bill is highly recognised in the Bill, and
I expect that when it comes back, we will
look at it thoroughly. The Member also
made a proposal for the introduction of
the Rental Assistance Advance Scheme.
It will interest Hon Members to know
that this is something that was staRed
under the administrationof Nana Addo
DanI<wa Akufo-Addo and Dr Mahamudu
Bau'’urnla. It was launched and has been
piloted in six regions. As we speak7 1 do
not have the right figure available, but
close to 3,000 people have benefited so
far from the Rental Assistance Scheme.
During the vetting of- the new
Minister for Works, Housing and Water
Resources. I had the opportunity to ask
him what he is going to do to upscale it.
He said that he is going to speak to
prIvate lnstltutions to raise capital to
support it. That is a good idea.
Once again, Mr Speaker, I want to
commend my Colleague for bringing this
issue up and add that it is a very
important issue that Parliament must
take particular interest in and get the
Ministry of Works, Housing and Water
Resources to bring back the Rent Bill so
that Parliament can do justice to it. With
these few words,Mr Speaker, I want to
once again thank the maker of the
Statement for this insightful
contribution.
Sosu?
Mr Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu
(NDC – Ma(lina): Thank you very

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13th February, 2025
Statements
77
much. Mt Speaker, for the opportunityto
contribute to this timely Statement
presentedby our Brother, Hon Edem
Agban% on the challenges of rent in this
country today.
Indeed, looking at paragraph 9 of the
Statement, our Brother reiterated that
unregulatedand exploitative rental
markets. the absence of clear rent control
systems hu allowed for arbitrariness in
the regime_ Now, the regime belongs to
the strong, powerful and wealthy, to the
detriment of the most vulnerable.
It is on this accountthat I sincerely
support the call by one of the
contributors that we need to take urgent
steps to review our Rent Act. The current
rent regime and then the rent relationship
between landlords and tenants is so
inequjtable that even as Members of
Parliament, one would agree with me
that one of the biggest challenges in our
offices today is rent support. Mr Speaker,
if one comes to my office in Madina, for
example, even this morning before I left
the office, there were people in the office
asking for rent support. Many people
have been unlawfully evicted from their
homes. So, the issue of rent is a very
serious one.
Mr Speaker, I believe that we must
slowly but surely move away from this
regime where every time, a person needs
an advance before they can have access
to rent. We can have regimes where, as
in other best practices, people could pay
monthly or it is flexible for people to
determinewhether they can pay every
two months ot three months. But this is a
regime where a person needs a rent
78
advance of one year or two years. Some
of the rents are now in dollars and if a
person does not have dollars, he or she
cannot even get to rent in parts of the
Greater Accra Region. So, it is a very
senous one.
Mr Speaker, I want to remind the
House of one of the major goals of our
Constitution, which is enshrined in
Article 37. Article 37 of our Constitution
is titled 'Social Objectives-’ and it says
that, Mr Speaker. with your permission :
“The State shall endeavour to secure
and protect a social order founded
on the ideals and principles of
freedom, equality, justice, probity
and accountability as enshrined in
Chapter 5 of this Constitution; and
in particular, the State shall direct its
policy towards ensuring that every
citizen has equality of rights,
obligationsand opportunities before
the law.”
Mr Speaker, as we speak, if a person
is in Ghana and is poor, they do not have
equal opportunities when it comes to rent
issues. If a person is in Ghana and just
lost their job, they do not have any
opportunity when it comes to rent.
So, Mr Speaker, I sincerely pray that
you would order that this Statement be
;eferred to an appropriate Committee so
that Parliament will do a follow-up on
this matter. This is to ensure that the
Minister brings back the Rent Act into
this House for us to amend same to
secure equal opportunities for all,
particularly the most vulnerableand the
poor.
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13th February, 2025
Statements
79
3.35 p_m.
Dr Fred Kyei Asamoah (NPP –
Offinso North): Mr Speaker, thank you
and let us appreciate the maker of the
Statement, Hon Eric Edem Agbana, Hon
Member of Parliament for Ketu North.
Mr Speaker, if it had not been the
intervention of the NPP Government.
bringing in free secondary education,
one of the major issues that Hon
Membersof Parliament were faced with
were two; support for tuition and support
for rent. I am happy to say that that of
tuition had been taken away and one of
the major problems we are facIng now IS
rent support.
Asamoah,before the introduction of the
free Senior Hjgh School, were students
paying tuition fee at the secondary level?
Dr Asamoah: Mr Speaker. that
support was being done–
Mr First Deputy Speaker: I always
say that in contributingto Statements,
you need to be guided by the Standing
Order and we must be factual.
Dr Asamoah: Mr Speaker, I do not
intend to generate a debate. But I want
to–Please allow–I just want to express
the fact that one of the major issues that
we have to deal with is rent support from
our constituents. It is not because they
want to put that pressure on Hon
Members of Parliament.
Mr Speaker, if we are to look at what
the maker of the Statement spoke about
80
and the recommendation, that is
GHel7500 averagely per a month to be
paid by National ServicePersonnel that
are likely to be paid GHC700 does not
align. Mr Speaker, in our quest and effort
to solve this issue, I believe working on
the Rent Act alone might not suffice. But
in addition. we need to have measures
that can help improve upon our credit
system.
Mr Speaker, if property owners are
supposed D give out their rooms for rent,
they also want to be assured that they are
going to gel pid at the end of the month.
So, in addition to supportingour system,
it would be good that what the previous
(;overnmeldstarted to work on, which is
the establishmentof a good credit score
s,stem. so that property owners would
be assured to give their rooms for rent. In
order not to ask for people to pay two or
three yezs in advance, so that they can
be assured of their payment.
Mr SFa!<er, in addition to this, I
believe that we may have to review how
much we also do pay our National
Service Personnel, who are also
supporting our workload. If one looks at
countries that are working on dual
system, the National Service is a time
that one has to learn to be part of the
workforce. And it should not be
punishme@to them. One year is quite a
long time. and if government can take
steps to review how much we pay
them–Because if they are to pay
(JHClp500 a month, that means they
would be in arrears every month to be
able to swive, not to talk about their
transportadonand feeding. So, whilst we
are takinggeps to look at rent issues, my
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13th February, 2025
Statements
81
advice is that government should, as a
matter of urgency, review how much we
are paying National Service Personnel to
support them as well.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Wlr First Deputy Speaker: Thank
you, Hon Member.
Mr Fred Kwesi Agbenyo (NDC –
Guan): Mr Speaker, thank you very
much for the opporrunity to contribute to
this particular Statement and I want to
thank the maker of the Statement.
Mr Speaker,this issue has come up, 1
think, just about the right time. We all
know the cost of rent in this country. And
the housing deficit that we have in this
country is such that when one travels to
most of our communities. essential
service providers like teachers and
nurses are reluctant to accept posting to
these communities, because when they
get in there, to get a piace to rent, so they
could wake up in the morning and go to
work, in itself is a problem. Apart from
the cost in the cities. as the maker of the
Statement has enumerated, in the
villages, the houses are simply not
available. So, somebody, for instance, is
Wsted to a place like Likpe Bala in my
constituency to go and teach, or to go and
serve as a health practitioner,the fellow
has to stay in Hohoe, pick a motor in the
morning before he gets to work.
Mr Speaker, oftentimes, when we see
them in the morning, they look like
people coming from, maybe, a galamsey
plt, as a result of the nature of their route.
Therefore, we are building affordable
82
houses. The focus and concentrationis
always in the towns and the cities, and no
attention is paid to the rural areas. What
it would create eventually is that
everybody would want to move to the
cities and towns where they believe they
can get proper accommodation and
housing for their families. While we
make efforts to provide affordable
housing. it would be important that we
pay some attention to the villages.
Mr Speaker, the next issue I want to
raise has to do with the cost of the so-
called affordable houses that we have
built in Accra. Mr Speaker, go and find
out today how much they are renting
these same affordable houses. We have
an institution like SSNIT that would use
workers' money to build an apartment
like the Adenta SSNIT Housing, then
people who are well-placed in society
would go and buy these houses from
SSN IT, and then they would now go and
rent it to the poor people who cannot
raise money to buy it. I think that it is not
a healthy practice that we use state
resources to build houses that are
supposed to go for individuals who do
not have money, yet we sell it to the
people who have money, and then now
go and rent it to the ordinary people.
Mr Speaker, it is a practicethat we
need to check. One of the reasons why,
Mr Speaker, I believe that houses are
becoming very expensive in this country
is the cost of building materials, Mr
Speaker, today a ton of iron rod is not a
joke. I have always been citing an
examplethat my grandfather who gave
birth to my father, I did not see him but
he built a house in my village, without
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13'h February. 2025
Statements
83
any iron rod, without any c6ment, they
just used clay. That house is still there till
date. Is there a way we can develop
technology that we can build houses that
are cheap and affordable, and really
affordable, that ordinary people can go in
there and rent? it is something that we
need to do–To invest in some
technology, how we can modify this
same clay that we have here, either into
bricks. and use it to build our houses, and
stop solely depending on these iron rods,
cement and the rest.
Mr Speaker, one other thing that is
giving us a problem are these agents who
contract these houses, and serve as
middlemen. They collect some
percentage of their money from the
tenant. They collect a percentage from
the one who is also renting the house.
Meanwhile,these people do not pay any
tax to the State. Can we come out with
either a law that would say that if one has
a house and one wants to rent the house.
should be sent to the District Assembjy?
We have young people out there who
would now determine or the assembly
would determine how much the house
must go for. So that the landlord who is
taking their money from the tenant also
pays some taxes to the State. Instead of
these middlemen who only make money
from both the tenant and the landlord,
and do not contribute anything to the
State.
Mr Speaker, I think that one of the
reasons we are not able to enforce the
law, the Rent Act, 1963 – Act 220 is the
fact that the majority of the people who
own these houses, who are renting out,
themselves are beneficiaries. So, once
84
they implement the law strictly. they
would not benefit. How many poor
people are building houses in this
country? it is the same rich people who
are building the houses and the same
people who are supposed to enforce the
law, are the landlords. And so
deliberately, everybody is glossing over
it, that let the status quo remain. The
young man comes out of the university,
gets an appointment–Let us take
SSNIT, and he is posted to Accra. Before
he can start work, he has to go and take a
loan to rent a house. Mr Speaker, by the
time he finishes paying for the two years’
rent, the rent is due again. He has to go
and look for another money. So, from the
ord go, the person is in debt till he goes
to pension. I do not think this is healthy.
J&
3.45 p.m. i
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And I am not surprised, these days, :
every young person who gets any form I
of employment, the first thing they think :
about is how to get money to buy their !
own land and how to get money to start }
money that we can easily get back.
Meanwhile. they could have used that
money to other sectors of investment that
can give them some money.
putting up their own house. We know
that money injected into building is not
Mr Speaker, I sincerely want to thank
the maker of the Statement and call on
this House to take some measures to
make sure that rent becomes affordable,
that we are able to provide houses
especially in the rural community for the
students of our country,
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
{ '

13th February. 2025
Statements
85
you very much. Leadership?
Hon Members, I said Leadership
because I want to take the Statement of
Hon Michael Okyere Baafi. So, there
would be one more Statement to be taken
for the day.
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Second Deputy Minority Whip
(Mr Jerry Ahmed Sbaib): Very well.
Mr Speaker, I want to cede my
opportunlty .
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Please
do. Hon Member, you have the floor.
Ms Shirley Kyei (NPP – Atwima
Nwabiagya South): Mr Speaker, I
yould like to thank vou for the
opportunity to contribute to the
Statement well researched and abjy
made by my Colleague, Hon Edem
Agbana,
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Mr Speaker, I believe the high rent
rates we see in this country is as a result
of the high deficit in our housing units.
As the maker of the Statement said, with
over 2 million deficits in housing units, it
is not surprising that we find a lot of
young women and men who have moved
to the bigger cities for greener pastures
on the streets. Mr Speaker, these young
men and women, mostly I am concerned
about the womenwho are very innocent
and vulnerable.Can you imagine those
Young women on the streets with men
who are very active, men who sometimes
come from the woods with smoke all
over them, men who are seen at the blue
kiosks, men who are on tramadol? I am
worded about eventsof the night, Mr
Ink
on
10
)Ie,
ses
the
86
Speaker. Our young ladies are
vulnerable.
Mr Speaker, permit me to share an
experience i had over the weekend. I had
to visit some constituentsof mine who
have graciously enjoyed free SHS and
are currently in Accra to pursue their first
degree. [Hear! Hear!] .
Mr Speaker, when I visited them in
Madina, as many as six of them were in
one room. Not onjy was this
disheartening, but my fear was the fact
that ifthese young studentsare left in this
condition for a prolonged period of time,
they would be exposed to all sorts of
unhealthy conditions and it would also
have an adverse impact on their studies.
Vir Speaker, no student shouldbe
exposed to this dilapidated,-unsanitary,
unhealthy conditions. I had to step in and
mitigate the situation by making sure that
they are rehoused and put in pairs.
Mr Speaker, aside this, when people
are lucky enough not to find themselves
on the streets, you find that they are in
informal settlements. These informal
settlements lack basic amenities like
sanitation, water and electricity. The rent
situation is very dire and needs to be
looked at. I therefore propose that we
really look at our rent control
mechanism.
Mr Speaker, the truth of the matter is
affordable housing is simply not
affordable. It is simply not affordable
and most often than not, when these
people have exhausted their two-year
rent, they find themselves having to go
back to an increase in the next rent
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13th February, 2025
Statements
87
advance. These rent increments are not
even proportional to any improvement in
the housing conditions. It is really
terrible and has to be addressed.
Mr Speaker, I would therefore
conclude by proposing that we look at a
district-based rent mechanism, whereby
we would have all tenants and landlords
present a rent agreement that would be
scrutinised, approved and then deposited.
This would ensure compliance and make
the average Ghanaian who find
themselves in the low-income brackets
have access to good housing units. I will
also propose that we move away–Well,
I would not say move away from
affordable housing, but we look at social
housing schemes which will bridge this
gap.
Mr Speaker, I would like to end by
commending the maker of the Statement
and say that every Ghanaian deser'es
decent affordable housing and we should
ensure that as a House we look at this.
Thank you, Mr Speaker. [Hear !
Hear !] .
Member, you said studentsfrom your
constituency are six in one room. Are
they boarders or day students?
Ms Kyei: Sorry, they are here for
their first -degree and are in various
universities here in Accra.
well.
Yes, Deputy Majority Leader?
88
George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan): Mr
Speaker, I would like to yield to Hon
Gizella to conclude.
Hon Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, you
have the floor.
Mrs Gizella Akushika Tetteh-
Agbotui (NDC – Awutu Senya West):
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. If
there is any assurance. we can gjve this
House and to Ghanaians, this is the time
for us to give it. i thank the maker of the
Statement and all those who have
contributed. As the saying goes in Fante,
nyansa rI)?i nyimpa koro ne tirim, To wit
it is not one person who has a!! the ideas.
I always enjoy it when we are able to
discuss some pertinent issues that affect
every single person in this House.
Mr Speaker, the rental market has
become a bit more sophisticated and a bit
more varied. Sometimes when we
discuss, we tend to limit it to housing but
let us remember that there are also
commercial rentals, which are shops and
stores and others. It has generally been
an issue and a problem and that even
goes to affect the local businessesthat go
on in this country. Now, the market is
becoming more sophisticated. As you
know, even Airbnb is also part of the
rental market. They would have maybe
been in the category of hotels for people
to sleep in hotels, but they choose to
sleep in people’s rented places_
Mr Speaker, so, I just want to give the
assurance to this House and to Ghanaians
in general that the Government of
President John Dramani Mahama, as he

P
13ih February, 2025
Statements
89
is resetting this country, he is resetting
s&me of the programmes and policies
that he has put in place and this rental
issue will be dealt with comprehensively.
There must be a balance also. Mr
Speaker)some people consider these
houses as an investment and they also
feel that they must also get returns. So,
there must be a fine balance between the
supply and the demand for it.
Mr Speaker, my plea is that, together,
for the supply side, for those who have
the luxury of renting, we should also bear
in mind that much as they are trying to
recoup their investments, they are also
providing a sew Ice and a social service
at that, Especially, when one has issues
with different groups like my Colleague
just talked about students renting. The
hostels are also sometimes a bit
exploitative and yet there is not much
that people are able to do.
So, I just need to give that assurance
that we would see to these things. Myself
and my minister–Even just yesterday
we were discussing it. We intend to have
a district housing scheme so that teachers
and others who are posted to the rural
areas would be able to at least have
decent accommodation. Not only
teachers but other governrnerlt workers,
nurses, er cetera, and even the general
public.
Mr Speaker, we have to move on as a
country, we must progress, and it is my
prayer that we all support the reset
agenda to make that happen.
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.
90
you, Hon Members. It is true that the
Rent Act needs to be reviewed. The Bill
was introducedbut was not passed into
law. I believe if the law is passed,
reviewing the Rent Act, most of these
problems would be resolved. The Deputy
Minister-designate is here.
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I would urge upon the sector Minister
to take a look at the Bill and give it the
due consideration, so that we can really
review the Rent Act and solve most of
these problems.
;
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Hon Members, let us take the last
Statement which standsin the name of
Mr Michael Okyere BaaH, Member of
Parliament for New Juaben South, on
Strengthening Ghana’s Industrial Sector
and Trade for Sustainable Economic
Growth.
Hon Member,you have the floor.
STATEMENT
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StrengtheningGhanats Industrial
Sector and Trade for Sustainable
Economic Growth
Mr Michael Baa$ Okyere (NPP –
New Juaben South): Mr Speaker, I
thank you very much for the opportunity.
Mr Speaker, I rise to make this
Statement on strengthening Ghana’s
industrial sector and trade for sustainable
economic growth. We stand at a pivotal
moment, poised for economic
transformation; yet, faced ' with
significant challenges. This Statement

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13'h February, 2025
Statements
91
will evaluate Ghana’s progress, identify
obstacles, and proposeconcrete actions
to strengthen our industrial sector and
bade capabilities.
Mr Speaker, Ghana’s industrial
sector has demonstrated resilience,
particularly amidst the disruptions
caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
initiatives such as the One District One
Factory (IDIF) Policy, and the Ghana
Automotive Development Policy (G ADP)
have shown promise in fostering
industrial growth and diversification.
Indeed, for the first time in the
history of Ghana, we have seven vehicle
assembly plants manufacturing about 14
brands of vehicles, while the IDIF
Programme notwithstanding its challenges,
has led to the establishment of new
factories and expanded existing ones;
thus, creating 169 companies in
operation. These and other industrial
initiatives have created jobs and
stimulated local production in various
sectors, especially agro-processing.
According to the World Bank, the
industrial sector’s contribution to
Ghana’s GDP increased significantly
from approximately24.3 per cent in
2016 to 33.0 per cent in 2023. This
growth highlights success in job
creation, especially in manufacturing
and construction; export diversification
and value addition. It is also worthy of
note that Manufacturing Value Added
(MVA) increased from US$6 billion to
US$8.5 billion between 2016 and 2023.
Ghana has seen notable improvements
in its trade performancebetween 2016
92
and 2024. driven by several factors,
including policy reforms, enhanced
export diversification, and increased
investments in key sectors. Ghana's total
trade volume has experienced substantial
growth. For example, the total exports
rose from approximately US$13.5
billion in 2016 to an estimatedUSS20
billion by 2023.
Imports also increased but at a slower
rate, leading to an overall positive
balance in trade in certain years,
particularly due to rising commodity
prices on the global market. Cocoa, gold,
and oil remain the cornerstones of
Ghana's export economy. In addition to
these traditional exports, Ghana has
made considerable strides in diversifying
ItS exports.
The trade in non-traditional exports,
such as cashew nuts. shea butter, and
fruits have seen growth. Non-traditional
exports increased from about USS2
billion in 2016 to US$3 billion by 2023_
Between 2016 and 2024, Ghana's
trade performancehas evidently improved,
showcasing significantgrowth in exports
across several key sectors. Continued
investment in infrastructure and a focus
on diversifying trade routes and products
will be critical for maintaining this
positive trajectory in the future. The
Government’s strategic initiatives aimed
at enhancing trade will be essentialfor
fUrther sustainable economic development.
Mr Speaker, despite these positive
indicators, several critical challenges
hinder Ghana’s industrial and trade
growth:
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5
13th February, 2025
Staternents
High Electricity Tariffs for
Manufacturers:High energy costs
increase production expenses,
making Ghanaian goods less
competitive in both domestic and
intemational markets. Addressing
this requires diversification of
energy sources, investment in
renewableenergy infrastructure,
and potentially targeted subsidies
for energy-intensive industries.
inadequate Infrastructure: Poor
road networks, unreliable
transportation, and limited access
to reliable internet connectivity
hinder efficient movement of
goods and services.
Strategjc investment in
infrastructure development is
vital for improving logistical
efficiency and attracting foreign
direct investments.
Access to capital: Small and
Vledium-sized Enterprkes (SMEs),
the backbone of many economies,
often lack access to affordable
credit. Government initiatives,
such as loan guarantee schemes
and support for microfinance
Institutions can mitigate this.
Technological innovation and
skilled labour: A lack of
technological advancement and a
shortage of skilled labour limit
productivity and competitiveness.
Investment in education and
training programs, coupled with
94
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incentives for technological
adoption, is'paramount.
6. Export Diversification: Over-
reliance on a few key exports
renders Ghana vulnerable to price
shocks. Value addition to raw
materials, exploration of new
markets, and strategic partnerships
to access global value chains are
crucial for diversification,
Mr Speaker, I propose these
recommendationsto help Government to
be able to boost trade and the industrial
sector. To enhance Ghana’s industrial
sector and trade, the following
recommendations must be taken
seriously:
Strengthen the 1 DIF and
Automotive Development Policies:
A comprehensive evaluation of
these policies is needed to
identify successful strategies and
areas requIrIng lmprovernent.
Targeted supportfor high-growth
sectors, coupledwith streamlined
bureaucratic processes, will
maximisetheir impact.
1.
Improve Infrastructure: Invest in
robust transportation networks,
reliable power supply, and high-
speed internet access to reduce
operational costs and boost
competItIveness.
2.
3. Enhance access to finance: We
have to expand access to credit
for SMEs through government-
backed loan schemes, microfinance

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Mr Speaker, to conclude, Ghana can
build a more robust industrial sector,
diversify its exports, and foster
sustainable economic growth for the
benefit of all Ghanaians. I urge this
august House to take a serious interest in
trade and industrial activities to help
boost Ghana’s intra-African trade
systems and infrastructure to be able to
earn more in the area of export to help
build a better Ghana.
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On this note, I thank you, Mr
Speaker, for the opportunity
4.05 p.m.
13:h February, 2025
Statements
institutions, and innovative
financial instruments.
Promote technological Innovadon:
There is the need for us to invest
in education and training to build
a skilled workforce and
incentivise the adoption of
technology in variousindustries.
4.
Leverage the AfCFTA: Actively
oarticiDate in the African
Continental Free Trade Area
(AfCTA) market.AfCFA market
has come to stay, whether we
believe it or not; therefore, there
is the need for us to take
advantage of this block as a
country_ AfCTA is now the
biggest customs union in the
whole world; therefore, Ghana
has to take seriousadvantage of
this market to be able to boost
intra-African trade and increase
our export earnIngs.
5.
96 a
you, Hon Member. The floor is now open
for comments. Yes, Hon Member?
Ms Gloria owusu (NPP – Trobu):
opportunity. I rise to support the
Statement made by my Colleague, Hon
Michael Baafi Okyue_
Mr Speaker, a womantrader from
Ghana faces a lot of challenges using the
Aflao border for trade. From the Akatsi
border to the Tetteh Quanhie roundabout,
we have about 27 checkpoints on the
road. This is an issue we need to address
to ensure smooth trading at the border.
Thank you.
you very much. Yes, Hon Member?
Mr Emmanuel Drab (NDC –
Upper West Alam): Mr Speaker, I want
to commend the maker of the Statement.
My contribution has to do with the
improvement in industrialisation.The
last time, a Colleague made a statement
that we do not need any magician to
work at the Bank of Ghana to reduce the
pressure on the dollar, but all we need to
do is to increase productivity. If supply
exceeds demand, the pressure on the
dollar comes down.
Mr Speaker, it would surprise one to
see a very big factory set up in my
Constituencywhich is a one-hour drive
from Accra, it is a jute sack factory
which can produce over 600,000 bags of
jute sacks but has been left for the past
} .L..

!&
5.
13th February, 2025
Staternents
High Electricity Tariffs for
Manufacturers: High energy costs
increase production expenses,
making Ghanaian goods less
competitive in both domestic and
intemational markets. Addressing
this requires diversification of
energy sources, Investment rn
renewable energy infrastructure,
and potentially targeted subsidies
for energy-intensive industries.
inadequate infrastructure: Poor
road networks, unreliable
transportation, and limited access
to reliable internet connectivity
hinder efficient movement of
goods and services_
Strategic investment in
infrastructure development is
vital for improving logistical
efficiency and attracting foreign
direct investments.
Access to capital: Small and
Medium-si ad Enterprises(SMEs),
the backbone of many economies,
often lack access to affordable
credit. Government initiatives,
such as loan guarantee schemes
and support for microfinance
Institutions can mitigatethis.
Technological innovation and
skilled labour: A lack of
technological advancementand a
shortageof skilled labour limit
productivity and competitiveness.
Investment in education and
training programs, coupled with
94
incentives for technological
adoption, is'paramount.
Export Diversification: Over-
reliance on a few key exports
renders Ghana vulnerable to price
shocks. Value addition to raw
materials, exploration of new
markets, and strategic partnerships
to access global value chains are
crucial for diversification.
6.
Mr Speaker, I propose these
recommendationsto help Government to
be able to boost trade and the industrial
sector. To enhance Ghana’s industrial
sector and trade, the following
recommendations must be taken
seriously:
Strengthen the 1D IF and
Automotive Development Policies:
A comprehensiveevaluation of
these policies is needed to
identify successful strategies and
areas requIIIng lmprovernent.
Targeted support for high-growth
sectors, coupled with streamlined
bureaucratic processes, will
maximise their impact,
1.
!
;
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Improve Infrastructure: Invest in
robust transportation networks,
reliable power supply, and high-
speed internet access to reduce
operational costs and boost
competItIveness.
2.
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3. Enhanceaccess to finance: We
have to expand access to credit
for SMEs through government-
backed loan schemes, microfinance

4 IT
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Mr Speaker, to conclude, Ghana can
build a more robust industrial sector,
diversify its exports, and foster
sustainable economic growth for the
benefit of all Ghanaians. I urge this
august House to take a serious interest in
trade and industrial activities to help
boost Ghana’s intra-African trade
systems and infrastructure to be able to
earn more in the area of export to help
build a better Ghana,
jf
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On this note, I thank you, Mr
Speaker, for the opportunity
4.05 p.m.
13:h February, 2025
Statements
institutions, and innovative
financial instruments.
Promote technological Innovabon:
There is the need for us to invest
in education and training to build
a skilled workforce and
incentivise the adoption of
technology in variousindustries.
4.
Leverage the AfCFTA: Actively
Dart icipate in the African
Continental Free Trade Area
(AfCTA) market. AfCFA market
has come to stay, whether we
believe it or not; therefore, there
is the need for us to take
advantage of this block as a
country. AaCTA is now the
biggest customs union in the
whole world; therefore, Ghana
has to take seriousadvantage of
this market to be able to boost
intra-African trade and increase
our export earnrngs.
5.
96
you, Hon Member. The floor is now open
for comments. Yes, Hon Member?
I
i
Ms Gloria owusu (NPr – Trobu):
opportunity. I rise to support the
Statement made by my Colleague,Hon
Michael Baafi Okyere_
Mr Speaker, a womantrader from
Ghana faces a lot of challenges using the
Aflao border for trade. From the Akatsi
border to the Tetteh Quarshie roundabout,
we have about 27 checkpoints on the
road. This is an issue we need to address
to ensure smooth trading at the border
Thank you.
you very much. Yes. Hon Member?
Mr Emmanuel Drab (NDC
Upper West Alam): Mr Speaker, I want
to commend the maker of the Statement.
My contributionhas to do with the
improvement in industrialisation. The
last time, a Colleague made a statement
that we do not need any magician to
work at the Bank of Ghana to reduce the
pressure on the dollar, but all we need to
do is to increase productivity. If supply
exceeds demand, the pressure on the
dollar comes down.
Mr Speaker, it would surprise one to
see a very big factory set up in my
Constituencywhich is a one-hour drive
from Accra. It is a jute sack factory
which can produce over 600,000 bags of
jute sacks but has been left for the past
LL .L

(
13'h February, 2025
Statements
9’/’
eight years. What are we doing about it?
If Ghana Cocoa Board can import sacks
with millions of dollars from India and
Bangladesh, why can we not revamp this
factory to produce sacks for Ghana
Cocoa Board?
Mr Speaker, I would urge the sector
Minister to take it up and work on this
factory, i am talking about Adeiso,
which is not far from Accra. The
investors are there and are waiting to
hear from us. W’hat can we do about this?
On this note, I want to thank the
maker of the Statement and also urge the
House to take the necessary action for the
factory called the Kotoku factory at
Adeiso to be revamped for the youth to
get something to do.
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker,
for your indulgence.
Samuel Awuku.
Mr Samuel Awuku (NPP –
Akuapim North): Mr Speaker, I rise to
also support and commend the maker of
the Statement in specific relation to our
industrial sector and also how we can
strengthen our trade sector.
Mr Speaker, the previous Colleague
who just contributed- to the Statement
made by the Hon Member of Parliament
(MP) for New Juaben South, made
rnentlon of another worTying trend where
we can have a factory that produces
things that we can use in our country but
manY a time, we see the Government
98
moving outside the shores of our country
to get the same thing at an exorbitant
prIce.
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Mr Speaker, just less than 40 minutes
from here is my Constituency where
Tetteh Quarshie brought the cocoa pod
from Fernando Po to plant that today,
Ghana is also highly regarded as a major
cocm-paxiucing country. Former President
Kufuor started the chocolate processing
factory and unfortunatejy, before former
President Kufuor could end his tenure.
the factory which was just about 70 to 75
per cent completed has up to today been
left there . We see some of these factories
coming up but we have the old and
existing ones which we can expand to
create jobs for our people but we turn a
blind eye to it.
Mr Speaker, I believe that for us to
strengthen our trade and industrial
sector, there are some key things that
must also come into play. One, the
attitude of our people towards what we
also produce and consume in Ghana
becomes very critical. Many ofthe State-
Owned Enterprises–And I share a
personal experience as well. During the
Christmas and Easter festivities, many
State-Owned Enterprises would prefer to
buy foreign rice for their staff than
locally produced rice. All these things
would have a rippling effect on even the
currency of our country.
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Once again, let me also dwell on the
attitude of our people when I say it is
critical in strengthening our industrial
sector. Many Members of Parliament
have similar experiences of access to
micro-credit. We support our people

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13th February, 2025
Statements
99
with this micro-credit and many
Membersof Parliamentend up carrying
the burden of paying the entire credit that
they helped to seCure,guarantee or
support the constituents and people who
may be in need. I believe that the
foundation has been laid. Let me
commend the previous Governmentfor
the ] 69 companies under theIDI F and
for expanding the old companies md
also establishing new ones.
But I believe that these companies
would eventually die off if we do not
consume what they are producing or take
advantage of what they are producing.
Also, the taste for foreign goods is
something that–I would not say that we
can corn In! someone to consume what
we produce in Ghana, but I think we
should also make it much more attractive
for these companies that are employing
our people and developing our country to
also have the benefits of seeing the things
that they are producing on our shelves. In
the past, we have had several of these
beverages and after three to four months
to a year, we do not find them on the
shelves. I believe that the time hu come
and the urgency of the time also requires
that-
Now all over the world, Mr Speaker,
as I conclude, many countries are
resorting to also looking inward in trying
to raise revenue to support the growth of
their industries. In conclusion, I would
also like to appeal to you to use your
good office to help the people in my
Constituency with the Tetteh Quarshie
Chocolate Factory which was started
almost20 years ago and today has been
left in the bushes somewhere. If we can
100
have the Minister for
Agribusiness and Indutry
Minister for Agriculture '
Trade.
or the
Mr First Deputy Speaker:
Mem hr, pfoceed and conclude.
Hon
Mr Awuku: Mr Speaker, so that we
Fan also have the people having the
benefit of getting at teast -some
emploYmentOPportunities. Thank you.
Mr Pint Deputy Speaker: Prof
Adam.
Prof Hamza Adam (NDC
ISumbungu): Thank you, Mr Speaker,
that I have caught your eye this time
?Found- Let me thank the maker of the
Statement for making this very important
contribution and bringing this ;ubject
matter to the noor.
industriaiisatior! is very importan{
that we must embrace b a cbuntry
Indeed,that is Supposed to be the future
of the countrY becauseif we mention
post of these developed countries, they
pave nached where they are because of
industHalisation. We as a country are
blessed with a lot of raw materials but we
tend to export most of these raw
materials to other countries I get them
processed and we import them with a lot
of hard currencies to be able to use all
country .
4.15 p.m.
Meanwhile, we have huge FX)tential
to establish these industries to ake care
of these things.Let me mention that the
challenges we face as a country in
,L,.,

3 o
13lh February, 2025
Statements
101
developing our industries has to do with
technological know-how. We have a
country where we have good brains but
we do not consciously train our people
with the requisite technological know-
how to man our industry. The other
challenge we have as a country is high
cost of production. We have industries
that are folding up because of high-cost
production. I remember a case where
there was this company producing
sanitary pads. Because of high cost of
production,they had to fold up in this
country and they relocated to Egypt
where they were producing at a relatively
low cost. When they produce and bring
the products into this country, they are
able to sell it far lesser than the price they
were selling in this country and still
make profit. This means that the cost of
production is a matter that we have to
look at as a country. The high tariff being
paid by these industries is something that
we have to look at. We are transiting into
renewableenergy. That is what we have
to look at as a country . Let us see how we
can introduce this renewable energy
resources in our industries and I am sure
when that is done, it can help to bring
down cost of production and also reduce
the burden on these industries.
The other issue that we have to look
at is the taxes. The taxes are so much on
these industries. The cost of production
IS very high because we tax them so
much that at the end of the day, they
cannot break even and that is very
WOfTYlng. One thing that we also have to
look at is to try and see how we can look
at lntroducing these industries in our
rural communities, I know the previous
Government tried to look atIDIF but if
102
one looks at the way they tag some of
these set ups as industries, I think some
of them were not qualified; there were
some which could be just somebody’s
poultry farm that they name as industry.
So, we need to really look at–If we are
industrial ising our districts or
establishing industries in the districts,
then we really have to get seriousand
take serious measures to be able to
estabiish this.
Mr Speaker.on my recommendations.
1 would urge us as a country to try and
see how we can take advantage of the
huge raw materials we have as a country
and work towards introducing more
industries. We have to also train more
people with technological know-how to
be able to manage these industries.
Another way we can motivate people to
let people stay and work in the industries
is to be able to find a way of reducing
cost of productionand if we are able to
do all these things, I believe strongly
that, we as a country, can really take our
industrialisation more seriously and get
to establish more industries to be able to
accommodatethe teeming wremployment
we have as a country.
Mr Speaker, I thank you for the
opportunlty .
well. I give the floor to Mr Samuel
Abdullai Jinapor.
Mr Samuel Abdulai Jinapor (NPP
– Damongo): Mr Speaker, thank you
very much for the opportunity to
contribute to the Statement ably made by
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13th Febnlary, 2025
Statements
103
Mr Michael Okyere Baafi, Member of
Parliament (MP) for New Juaben South.
Mr Sped(er) we are on a very
importantsubject which is the Industrial
Sector and Trade for Sustainable
Economic Growth. I think that the Hon
MP should be commended for bringing
this very topical matter and I should saY
a very timely subject and I am sure this
House has been following the trade war
betweenthe United States of America
(USA), China, Mexico, Canada and the
European Union and the retaliatory
slapping of import duties and tariffs on
their respective imports and this is why
the whole area and sector of trade in our
country7 both domestic and international
trade is absolutely important.
Mr Speaker, I believe that when one
takes a cursory look at the Statement
made bv Hon Member and the
contributionsmade, I think the question
of trade facilitation and trade promotion
is absolutely important. The issue to do
with infrastructure such as our ports,
how competitive the Tema and the
Takoradi Ports are, as opposed to Lome
Ports and all of that. I think it is
absolutely important that we pay
attention to that. The Boankra Inland
Port, which was began by the Akuffo-
Addo Government and which is almost
complete, to what extent are we going to
complete it, to what extent are we going
to operationalise it and to what extent are
we going to use it as a tool or vehicle for
trade facilitation and promotion.
Mr Speaker, when one goes to Debre
in the Savannah Region of Ghana, there
is another inland port which has been
] 04
envisioned by the Akuffo-Addo
Administration which means that we are
going to have goods transported from
Tema Port, Debre and Debre becoming
the hub for transportation of goods from
Savannah Region to Burkina Faso to
Mali, to Niger to Chad. To what extent
are we going–The new Minister for
Trade, Agribusiness and IndustTy and the
new Government is going to complete
these projects and use it as an anchor for
trade facilitation and promotion.
i
Mr Speaker, another area of }
significance is the area of AfCFTA, as ;=
you know, Ghana is the headquarters for }
the AfCFTA and it has the mandate to E
promote intra-African trade and bring [
about a regional market for Africa and E
Ghana is hosting this secretariat and is I
leading the etTort at ensuring that we +
have African integrationwhen it comes ;
to trade in Africa. I believe that Ghana }
should take advantage of this effort by =
the AU to build a continental market. }
The statistics is that, intra-African trade ?
is 7 per cent of all the trade that happen !
within Africa and when one takes the t
European Union, intra-EuropeanUnion
trade is above 70 per cent and the
benefits that would accrue as a nation. If
for example.we are able to export our
salt to places like Nigeria, where as we
speak today, imports their salt far away
from Brazil–And these are the areas we
need to pay particular attention to.
Mr Speaker, we also need to look at
import substitution. This is absolutely
important becauseif we are able to
promote import substitution, and
produce as much of our consumables
here in Ghana, and consume made in

3 ( A
13:h February. 2025
Statements
105
Ghana> that is the only way we can retain
Ghanaian wealth within Ghana and that
is how we can promote the private sector
of Ghana. That is how we would not
export our hard-earned foreign currency,
and if I may, almost everything we
consume in our country is mostly
imported and import substitution is
absolutelyimportantand that is why the
Akuffo-Addo Administration, again,
brought about the One District, One
Factory. I think it is particularly
refreshing, that the new Government has
also brought about agro-business as a
component of the Ministry of
Agriculture, as well as Industry, as a
component of the Ministry of Trade.
Agro-processing is key, particularly, in
the farming enclaves of our country,
Afrarn Plains. Northern Ghana and other
parts of Ghana.
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Mr Speaker, I want to conclude by
indicating that the Statement which has
been made by the Hon Member of
Parliament, calls for a lot more thorough
examination because across the world,
countrIes are now engaged in what is
called, “Protectionism” which is that3
countrIes want to protect their industries.
TheY want to protect their private sector.
They want to ensure that their countries
onIY consume what they produce, at the
same time, they want to export what they
produce, the excess of what they
produce, they want to export them,
which are the two pillars of
proteCtIOnism.
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4.25 p.m.
I think it is about time that our
countrY also begins to examine and
lnterrogate how we can build a
106
protectIonist economy in our country–
A protectionist national economy where
we produce here, we consume what we
produce and whatever we have in excess,
we are able to export. Beginning with the
West African Region of Africa and the
continental economy of Africa, to ensure
that the Ghanaian economy grows so we
can have the sustainable econornic
growth that the Hon Member of
Parliament is calling for.
Mr Speaker, thank you very much for
the opportunib'.
Leadership. Minority Chief Whip––
!VIr Frank Annoh-Dompreh (NPP
– Nsawam/Adoagyiri): First of all, let
me thank you for the admirable
endurance shown today . If one counts the
number of Statements vou have
admitted, it is not ordinary. I want to
commend you for having endured all this
while and to particularly commend my
good Friend, the former Deputy Minister
for Trade and industry, for carrying the
experience along.
Mr Speaker, let me try and veer off,
not to repeat many of the good things that
Colleagues have observed, just to narrow
my contribution in this area. It is not
debatable that we have to depart from
what the first President of this country,
Dr Kwame Nkrumah led, and get on to
embrace a path where growth and
industrial revolution would be private
sector-led. That model has to sink and
both Sides of the divide would have to
come to the conclusion that it is only a
private sector-led industrialisation that
can change the fortunes and narrative.
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13th February, 2025
Statements
107
Mr Speaker, the state leading
industrialisationhas failed and many of
the industries that were built from
independence had to be sold out to
private entities. We can have another day
to make that argument. But the point is
that a private sector-led industrial growth
is what can change the narrative and the
story. For me, that should be the fulcrum
of the discussion.
We have something in Chapter 6 of
our Constitution called the Directive
Principles of State Policy and successive
governments have a moral mandate and
responsibility to continue what the
previous governments have started. If it
is the case that the previous
Government’s policy of 1 D 1 F–Ve may
have our criticisms of its implementation
and its inherent associated shortfalls. I
have taken a cursory look at the NDC's
manifesto on industrialisation. it is
essentially not different from what the
NPP stood for. Their manifesto says
previous industrial moves started by the
NPP administration–They are going to
continue with that.
Mr Speaker, let us come to that
stage–[Interruption]
Member, address me.
IVlr Annoh-Dompreh: Yes, Mr
Speaker, I am addressing you.
Let us come to that stage of our
development paradigmwhere we would
say that–Let us jettison the shame if
there is any and say that the NPP started
IDIF_ it has built this number of
108
industries–So, we would have to
continue with those ones, I am not here
to tell them the number of industries we
have built because I do not have the
statistics. Probably, the former Minister
can tell us. But I am makinga point that
one day they would also not be in
government_ One day they would be out.
In fact. soon. thev would be out
[Uproar]–
Minority Chief Whip, please be guided
accordingly .
IYlr Annoh-Dompreh: Mr Speaker, I
would stay on course. So let us continue
a culture of continuity and that is what I
am speaking to. A culture of continuity
is what we should look at.
Mr Speaker, Africa has the youngest
population globally. We know the
incidental effect of this on industrial
growth and incidental - effect of
population on the growth of the economy
and country. We are told Sub-Saharan
Africa is projected to be the second
fastest growing region globally after
Asi& We are also told that now, unlike
before when Nigeria was leading and
seen as the biggest economy, South
Africa arguably now has the biggest
economy. There is something they are
doing right in the area of manufacturing
and mining. What is happening at
Johannesburg?
We have a lot of gold deposits in our
country. But we have allowed politicking
and name calling and tagging to gain our
country. What is it about Johannesburg
that we cannot do? We can also do same

11 t L
13Et1FebruarY, 2025
Statements
109
or even better. Our policy of the Free
Zone Concept is now, for want of a better
expreuion, not current. Now the experts
are talking about economic zone. Not to
look too far, Cote d’Ivoire is becoming
more competitive. We keep relying on
our past glory. Now, Cote d’Ivoire is
becoming more competitive in terms of
investment destination than Ghana.
What are they doing right? They have
consistently been reviewing their Policy.
They have shifted with their policy on
free zone to what they no bY call economic
zone .
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Mr Speaker, not to rehash the high
point of my Colleague’s Statement. I am
simply saying that, please–AndI saw
my good friend, Hon Isaac Adongo walk
in, i know he would be named ery soon
by His Excellency the President -
[Laughter] . He would be named very
soon. What we are saying is that, there
should be no shame. Let us sustain the
IDIF Policy regardless that it was
started by the erstwhile NPP
Administration. This is what can change
the fortunes. Elsewhere in South Africa,
when government changes, one would
see the previous government and the
succeeding government exchanging
notes. After all, what is it? it is about the
welfare of our people.
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I believe strongly that when it comes
to industrialisation, we are better
posnioned. The interrelations about raw
lnaterlal usage, market sources and the
fact that Sub-Saharan African countries
are not trading with one another–These
an basic matters that can be dealt with.
But the problem is self-inflicted. Let us
shia the paradigm and say that “enough
ur
lg
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110
of the politicking.” As long as there is
something done which we consider as
productive and it is something we can
continue as a succeedinggovernment,
we should lay claim to it, own it, and say
that it is a state project; let us sustain it. 1
think if we begin to change our attitude
as politicians and a political class, we
would make a very good progress.We
should not be too worried about the
number of factories that the NPP built.
After all. they built some. We built a
number of them. Improve upon them and
not shv away from the IDIF: own it and
see it as a state project then we can make
the success that we are all desirousof
seeIng_
Mr Speaker, let me conclude by
inviting you–Mr Speaker, I know you
are very good at these consequential
directives_ A number of Statements have
been made in this House, we move
motions, we lament, and then we leave it
there. Notwithstanding the fact that we
have not formed or fully constituted our
Committees, Mr Speaker, I know you are
very wise in such matters and you can
guide us on how to navigate.This is a
very importantStatement that we cannot
just let go. Maybe, pending the formation
of the Committee on Trade –It is also
interesting to realise that His Excellency
the President has decided to have the
Ministry of Trade now re-couched as the
Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and
Industry. I commend His Excellencythe
President for that identity. But the effect
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13th February. 2025
Statements
111
of it must reflect practically,' not just in
the name and identity.
Mr Speaker, I w(hId invite you, if it
finds favour with you, to make some
appropriate consequentialdirectives–
4.35 p.m.
I know that by next week, the
Cornrnittees will be fuljy constituted
TheY should take a look at this Statement
and see how we can draw on the crux of
it, and relate it properly for the
betterment of our country.
maker of the Statement, and I thank you
for your endurance for this number of
Statements you have admitted. I want to
commend you highly, Mr Speaker, for
your endurance_I thank you for the
opportunIty.
you very much. Deputy Majority
Leader?
Speaker, let me also thank the maker of
the Statement, the former Deputy
Minister for Trade and Industry for
makingthis important Statement.
Mr Speaker, there is no doubt in
anybody's mind in this country that
Ghana wants to industrialise. We want to
become a manufacturing economy; there
is no doubt. The Majority wants to do it
and the Minority wants to do same.
Where we have always got it wrong is
actually the implementationand all the
112
kind of names we give to the kind of
industrialisation that we want. But the
simple fact is that we want Ghana to
become a manufacturingeconomy. We
want to add value to all the resources that
we are endowed with, so that we would
be able to make the shelf value of these
things longer and valuable; there is no
question about that. Whether it is done
through One District One Factory IDI F
or whichever means we want, Ghana
must industriaIise, That is the bottom
line
We are in a continent where we do
not do much business with ourselves.
Intra-trade is about 3 per cent, but we do
business with the rest of the world. Even
where we have created an AfCTA, we
are not taking advantage of it. We have
not put in any preparation that shows to
anyone that Ghana wants to improve
trade with its own neighbours. These are
the things.
My Hon Brother talked about
continuity. I am not quite sure whether
we get to know about continuity when
we go to opposition or when we are in
government. This is because the
Komenda Sugar Factory was handed
over to the Minority eight years ago.
They forget about continuity. but all of a
sudden, they have remembered
continuity. Ghana does not produce a
grain, not even a grain of sugar. If one
goes to Uganda, it has over 20 sugar
factories. We do not produce a single
grain of sugar in this country.
A previous government put up a
Komenda Sugar Factory; then for eight
years, the immediate past Government
'

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13d' February, 2025
Statements
113
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had issues with it and bringing in people
to take over the sugar factory. Eight
years later, the factory is not working and_
i,-Jhana still does not produce a grain of
sugar. So, I am glad about continuity,
and we will continue things that needs to
be continued.
For me. IDI F did not work, and that
is not the argument here. We have the 24-
Hour Economy, yes; they do not want to
hem that, but for the next four years, they
would hear about 24-Hour Economy–
[Hear ! Hear !] For the situation that we
are in at the moment, we believe that is
the way to go. We need to be able to
produce more. We are not producing
more in this country, so the 24-Hour
Economy will enable us to triple what we
are currently producing. It will enable us
to get more people to work. Where one
person works, in the future, it will be
three people working. If the Minority
does not want this, what do they really
want?
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We talk about unemployment, and it
is through the roof at the moment. We
need to get our people working, Young
Fople do not have jobs to do and we
need to create jobs for them, not just for
the fun of it, but for us to be able to
produce. The former Minister for Lands
and Natural Resources talked about
ltnport Substitution. What is import
Substitution?We need to be able to
produce the things before we can
Substitute them.
We cannot just pass a law banning
lmportationof things without having a
replacement for what we are banning.
That is what we have enduredin the last
Da
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rent
1 14
few years, where we have people who
are promoting the ban of things we do
not produce in this country, So, when we
start producing those things, then we can
actually start stopping certain things
from coming into the country. But if we
do not produce them and we ban them,
we are actually going to increase prices.
The former Minister also talked
about What is it called? He tried to
What was he talking about? He talked
about basically, looking at what the
Americans are doing by being a
protectionist.Do we want to protect and
export? What do we really want to do?
He wants to protect our economy and not
bring people in, but does he want to
export to somebody else? it is import and
export; we export what we are good at,
and import what we are not good at. This
is so that we would be able to bring
things into this country, either as capital
good or something,to produce them
We are endowed with so many things
in this country; yet, we do not do much
to it. So, the 24-Hour Economy is about
value addition. Agribusiness, which has
been added to the Ministry of Trade,
Agribusiness and Industry, is basically
about value addition, that we are adding
value to the agricultural produce that we
have in the agricultural sector; that is
what agribusiness is. Add value to it
before it is either exportedor consumed,
so that we would be able to improve the
shelf life. We can add value to something
that would rot in 10 days and keep it for
years, and be able to increase the value
when we export it.
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13th February. 2025
Statements
115
So, this is an importantStatement by
the former Minister, but it looks as if we
become a bit more knowledgeable about
things when we g9t into opposition.
When we are in government, we do not
remember some of these things, but we
do remember them when we get into
opposition. I do believe that we will get
our act together.We will work together
on this for Ghana to be able to turn into a
manufacturing economy, That is the only
wav we can survive as a country and take
advantage of this AfCTA that we keep
talking about.
Many a time, we sign agreements,
but we do no preparation for those
agreements and others take advantage of
us, but we cannot take advantage of
them. So, as we go along signing
agreements, we also have to look at how
those agreementswill actually benefit us,
as a country, and not sit down for
somebodyto take advantage of us and
say that we have the AfCTA
headquarters sitting in Accra. And so
what? What benefit are we getting out of
that? Those are the things we need to
look at.
Mr Speaker, I would like to end here;
this is going to be a very long
conversation for many years to come.
I thank you.
you very much. Hon Members, this is an
important Statement. Consequentia11y,I
will ask that the Statement be transmitted
to the Minister responsible for Trade,
Agribusiness and Industry for her
perusal and necessaryaction.
i16
Hon Members, the time for
Statements has ended. AnY indication
from Leadership? Hon Deputy Majority
Leader, any indication?
Mr Ricketts-Hagan: Mr Speaker, it
has been a long day and we would like to
thank you for actually allowing the
number of Statements that have been
made today and the contributions that we
have made on them. We are in your .
4
hands and we are tired. i
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Hon 3
Members, in line with Standing Order !
56. it is only when we have done more !
than five hours that YOU can be in my }
hands. Once we are within the five hours, }
you cannot be in my hands. So, I advise !
that we move a motion for adjournment_ ;
r:
=1
Mr Annoh-Dompreh: Mr Speaker, ;
that is why you are so admirable.
4.45 p.m.
The Speaker is so admirable. Yes,
what he should have done was to move a
Motion because of Order 55 (3).
Ordinarily, we should be doing five
hours, and we have done less than that,
so you should be moving a Motion for
adjournment.

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1 lh February 7 2025
117 118
Leader,take a cue and move a motion
accordingly .
Mr Annoh-Dompreh: Mr Speaker,
are you for 10 a.m.?
Speaker, it has been a long day; I did not
actually look at the time. But for the time
that I have sat here, I thought we had
done more than the required time. Mr
Speaker, I would like to move that we
bring proceedings to a close for today7
and adjourn for tomorrow at 12 noon–
Mr First Deputy Speaker: That is
SO.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh: 1 second the
Motion moved.
Mr First Deputy Speaker: The
Motion has been moved and seconded. It
is now for the considerationof the
House.
Mr First Deputy Speaker: We
would adjourn to tomorrow at 10 a.m.
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Question put and Motion agreed to.
Hon
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more
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The House is accordingly adjourned
to Friday, 14th Februwy7 2025 at 10.00 in
the forenoon.
Yes, the Motion has been moved for
adjournment. Any seconder?
Mr Ann(>h-Dompreh:[inaudible]–
The Motion he moved. In fact9 he said 10
a.rn
ADJOURNMENT
ours
dvise
rlent The House was accordingly
adjourned at 4_46 p.m_ tilt Friday, ]4'h
February 2025, at 10.00 a.m.
Mr First Deputy Speaker: Yes, 10
a.m.
Yes, i
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KISSI AGYEBENG
OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR
SOUTH RIDGE. ACCRA
GA- 079–0906
Dear Sir,
As Solicitors of Mr. Kenneth Ofori–Atta we write on the above subject. You may
recall that we have since 31’ January, 2025 engaged you by correspondenceon
the above subject, the last of which was our letter of Ilt' February 2025.
Whilst we awaited your response to our letters of 7:' and 11:' February, 2025
respectively, we were sidestepped. You chose to address the public regarding a
subject you had initiated By a formal letter addressed to our client. You referred
to the pubFic address as MEDIA BRIEFING. At the said event, you told the world
We have chosen the course of answering Mr. Ofori–Atta's inquiry publicly at this
briefing .....So here we go.
1. PROFESSIONALETHICS
May we respectfu:ly remind you that the SPECIAL PROSECUTOR is a lawyer and
bound by the Legoi Profession Etiquette Ruies 2020, which enjoins you to respond
to correspondence of lawyers of represented persons without sidestepping the
!awyer. Your resort to Media Briefing in responding to our letter was off the mark.
To have gone further to refer to matters that were not related to our formal
correspondence was also unethicaE and totoily unfort' Nt,a gHB
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2. POWER TO DECLARE A SUSPECT FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE
In your Media Briefing given on 12:' February, 2025, you commenced your
encounter with the press by stating what you had done some few minutes
previously. You said you had signed a DIRECTIVEthat declared our client Kenneth
Nana Yaw Ofori–Atta "a fugitive from justice". Sadly, there was no indication of
your source of power and the mode of exercising same.
May we respectfully remind you that we are in a country of rule of law and that
each step a public officer takes must be guided by the rule of law. The OSP, which
is under the Ministry of Justice, does not have more power than the ATTORNEY
GENERAL, who is aiso a lawyer. Respectfully, the ATTORNEY GENERAL does not
purport to have the power to declare people ''fugitive from justice" by a DIRECTIVE
he signs without any legal foundation. As a Special Prosecutor, it is onFy a fraction
of the ATTORNEY–GENERAL's mandate that has been entrusted to you and we
humbly request you to bear this in mind in exercising the powers of your office.
3. THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORKOF THE CSP IN YOUR INVESTIGATIVE
FUNCTIONS
Ghana being a Republic and guided by the rule of iaw has not left criminal matters
without procedure. The regulatory framework that should guide the police in the
exercise of its investigative powers must not be unknown to your office. Lu(--kily/
the Act which estobiishes your office sees you as possessing Erie powers of the
Poiice. it is our respectful view that if you do not fina the letter of tne iaw stipulating
any provision under the Criminal Procedure Act giving you any power to declare
a person "fugitive from justice", your best bet is to be guided by practice, provided
any such practice does not offend our human rights values.
We wish to bring to your notice that we are aware of the practice of the police in
describing people as WANTED PERSONS. It has been the practice of the Police in
describing people as WANTED where a person summoned cannot by the exercise
of due diligence be found. Had you desired to follow the practice of the Police,
2
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you would have had to establish meeting the threshold of having failed to find our
client "by the exercise of due diligence."
With respect, on your showing, your office has not even met this threshold so as
to mimic what the Police Officers do.
In your Media Briefing, you indicated that "on or around 2 January 2025" Mr. C)fori-
Atta was not in the jurisdiction.
In his absence the OSP on 24:’ January, 2025 communicated to him that he was
considered "a suspect in respect of four" cases. The said communication to him
when Mr. Ofori– Atta was out of the jurisdiction directed him "to attend, in person.
the OSP on Monday 10:- February 2025.
Though Mr. Ofori– Atta had not been in the jurisdiction he engaged Counsel to
assist the OSP in any manner until his return in the jurisdiction.
Respectfully, this is not a conduct of a person fleeing from justice. Our client's
whereabouts and purDOse had been made clear to you by his Solicitors
We respectfully say that in view of the above you cannot say that our cEient by
"the exercise of due diligence cannot be found"by your office, so as to indulge in
a practice of declaring somebody WANTED
It is significant to remind you that you could not respect your own timelines. Your
ietter of 5:" February 2025 hoa indicated that “by the close of business on Monaay
10:" February 2025 a reasonable date of your return to the jurisdiction" and that
on a failure to do so "the OSP would take all necessary legal steps to secure your
return to the jurisdiction". By the ciose of business on the IC)' of February 2025,
your office had received a letter from our office written on behalf of our client Mr.
Ofori–Atta requesting for a post–March date when our client could be in Ghana,
in view of the letter received from the medical facility called Mayo Clinic. This
obviously was not an indication of a request for Mr. C)fori–Atta "to be away
indefinitely from the jurisdiction". The request made to the OSP was rather that
3

!!1II
any time fixed by the OSP for our client's attendance in person should take into
account what the letter from the medical facility had said. Having met the OSP's
timeline to indicate reasonable date, it is our humble view that there occurred a
failure to observe administrative justice when the OSP failed to write back to us
as Mr. Ofori–Atta's Solicitors but purported to declare him a “fugitive of justice" on
the j2th of February at a Media Briefing.
4. HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION
May your office be reminded of freedom of movement as a human right and also
enshrined in our Constitution to be promoted, respected and enforced. This is a
right that our client had enjoyed well before 24:" January, 2025. Any Act of the OSP
as a State institution that seeks to abridge that right cannot be undertaken
without regard to the provisions of the Constitution.Any such disregard shall
constitute violation
It is our humE)te opinion that your candour would have been of interest to the
pubEic or media if you had indicated that prior to Mr. Ofori–Atta’s trip he had
written to the former Chief of Staff, Mrs. Akosua Frema Osei–C)pare. He had also
notified Mr. Julius Debrah of his foreign trip upon his assumption of office as Chief
of Staff. We wonder if it was a deliberate concealment of fact or an oversight at
the Media Briefing by the C)SP when these facts were not disclosed to the public.
Can we infer from that non–disclosure that the OSP did so with a view to finding
a ground for its illegal declaration of our client as '-fugitive from justice".
In our respectful view, any act calcuFated by a State entity to abridge the human
rights of any person constitutes a violation and we shall not hesitate to carry out
our client's instruction to seek such a declaration
5. INTELLIGENCE RESOURCES OF THE OSP
In your Media Briefing you did indicate that the DSP hos Intelligence resources,
and you do access some frequently. You disclosed in your Media Briefing that you
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relied on such Intelligence resources to reach a conclusion that "the purported
raid on Mr. Ofori–Atta's residence was staged
You went further to say that OSP's Intelligence, "which would not be revealed at
this time "led you to your conclusions not only on the raid but also in your
conviction that the medical letter from Mayo Clinic of USA "is only a ruse employed
by C)fort– Atta in aid of his intention to avoid his return to the jurisdiction".
If the C)SP's Intelligence could not establish that prior to Mr. Ofori–Atta's trip
outside Ghana, he had informed the current Chief of Staff, just as he had done
with the previous Chief of Staff, kindly find attached hereto coDies of those letters
marked as Appendix A and B respectively. We hope this should help you to review
your position on your InteIEigence resources.
As regards the existence of a medical facility known as Mayo Ciinic, your
Intelligence resource should have been able to easily estabEish its existence even
by Google. A follow–up on the authenticity of the letter from the said medical
facility couid easily have clarified the matter for you.
We find it perplexing that the OSP’s Intelligence Resources would not have known
of the serious illness chaiienges of Mr. C)fori–Atta, (the Former Finance Minister of
the Republic) since the Covid Pandemic period, challenges which were
unfortunately very much in the public sr.)ace.
The shortfall in the CSP's !nte!:igence copc:city was further 'evecIIed when the
invasion of Mr. Ofori–Atta's house was estab)Fishedand your assertion that it was
staged by Mr. Ofori–Atta was disproved by Parliament. Indeed, the Majority
Leader on the fioor of Parliament, did concede that the trespass happened and
apologized for it on behalf of Government and National Security. Should the OSP's
Intelligence Resources be in doubt of this position, kindly check from the Hansard
The OSP’s Intelligence will no doubt have informed you that Mr. Ofori– Atta has
faced CHRAJ, EC)CO and Censure in Parliament in the course of his work as
Minister for Finance and in oil cases, has appeared in person, respectfully to
5
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respond to all queries. This invitation from the OSP will no doubt be responded to
as soon as he is able to do so in person.
May we respectfully suggest that you tread cautiously on your reliance of your
outfit's Intelligence in reaching conclusions on matters of personal liberty and also
for your general operation. If your outfit requires RESETTING, we respectfully
suggest to your Board to seek assistance from the appropriate quarters.
We respectfully suggest that you avoid an impression that 1. The CSP's
Intelligence resources are moribund, or 2. that you maliciously elected to disregard
all the information available to you, a situation that feeds into "vendetta against
Mr. Ofori–Atta"
6. ABUSE OF PUBLIC INSTITUTION FACILITIES AND WASTE OF RESOURCES
As you are aware, it is cheaper and simpler to respond to a lawyer's letter also by
letter. This is not only demanded by the ethics of our noble profession but a:so by
administrative justice. Your use of Media Briefing in responding to our letter on
behalf of our client was totally out of place financioliy ana aiso in terms of tirne.
Respectfully, this mode of responding to lawyers’ !etter is not a matter for us to
address as your august office has a Board. It is hoped that the Board may guide
you in the prevention of waste.
7. FORENSIC LANGUAGE
It was with much surprise to learn that there were charges our client had to
address. Though you did indicate in your first letter of invitation that our client was
a suspect regarding some four (4) issues. Your Eetter stated that it was an
investigation you have commenced "into suspected corruption and corruption–
reEated offences". We were baffled to learn from your Media Briefing that you had
elevated the investigations higher by calling them "charges". What made it worse
was when the four matters became five (5) at the time of your IModia Briefing.
6

!!1II
Kindly indicate whether your office has specific charges as you indicated at the
Media Briefing for which our client has to defend himself or you are still conducting
investigations to determine what charges you are to proffer against him.
8. VENDETTA AGAINST MR. OFORI-ATTA
You had used the phrase "vendetta against Mr. C)fori– Atta" in your Media Briefing.
We hasten to say that the conclusions you reached on the invasion of our client's
home and his sojourn for medical attention run contrary to established facts. Your
haste in declaration of our client as a "fugitive from justice" without showing the
sources of power gives us basis to evaluate your "personal vendetta" assertions
in the right light.
Should you feel conflicted kindly let the Board of the CSP know for it to consider
removing you from handling the investigations for which the CSP wrote to our
client under your hand.
You did cast aspersions defamatory of our client in the Media Briefing which feed
into your purported DEC,URATI(’_)N that sought to render Mr. Ofori– Atta a "fugitive
from justice". We have taken note of this and our client’s rights are reserved
It is our humble view that it may serve the OSP weII to immediately take steps to
reverse all missteps that have been taken by you as Special Prosecutor in the
norne of the DSP. In other words„ we request you to reverse the purported
decictration that Mr. C)fori– Atta is a "fugitive from justice".
We do have our client's instructions to seek appropriate court orders regarding
the threat of violation of his human rights and your abuse of power in the name of
the DSP
Our client's commitment to cooperate in investigations still stands and we
continue to hold his instructions to provide any assistance that would be legalIY
required by the OSP until he is back in the jurisdiction.
7

!!1II
It is our humble view therefore, that it may serve the OSP well if you immediately
took steps to reverse all missteps that have been taken by you as Special
Prosecutor in the name of the CSP; in particular, declaring Mr. Ofori–Atta a
"fugitive from Justice" and one who stages a raid on his own residence. We believe
if these rnissteps should be reversed by the appropriate mode, including another
Media Briefing, it may certainly minimize any inference of malice and a "contrived
vendetta against Mr. Ofori–Atta'’.
Yours FaithfuIFy,
PP. PIINKAH–PRENIO, OSEI–BONSU
BRUCE–CATHLINE & PARTNERS
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CC: KENN OFORI– ATTA
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18t- February, 2025
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KISSI AGYEBENG
SOUTH RIDGE. ACCRA
GA–079-0906
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Dear Sir,
We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated the 17th of February 2025.
We respectfully indicate that our client post–March date for his return cannot be
anytime before 6 to 8 weeks after the possible surgical intervention in March
stated in the Mayo Clinic letter. Our client hopes that taking into account the
surgery date of 20/21 of March and recuperation period, he should be able to
come back to this jurisdiction between 14" May and 30th May, 2025.
We hope you find this date reasonable and same can guide your office in fixing a
date for the in–person attendance of our client to your office for investigation.
Having clarified the purpose and length of our client's absence, we hope that the
tag of "a wanted person and a fugitive from justice" shall be immediately
withdrawn as indicated by you in your letter of 17th February, 2025
Yours Faithfully,
PP, MINKAH-PREMO, OSEI–BONSU
BRUCE–CATHLEN_E&PARTNERS
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Pe 09 Box :4351,Accra, Ghana
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CC: KENNETH OFORI-ATTA
ACCRA Kumasi
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Tel: +=33 f O)322 0810JI
EmaIl: ,nfo.kumasi 'amoobb.corn
P. o. Box :4951 Accra. Ghana
Bruce Toy/ers 3 :mrlouse 2nd Close Lahore ACCra
Tei: +233(0)302 731624
Email: Info.accra q mpobb.corn www.rnpobb.com
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18 February 2025
Kenneth Ofo£i-Atta
40 Ndabaningi Sithole Road
(And the rear adjoining premises)
Lat)one, Accra
In re: Direction to Attend the Office of the Special Prosecutor
By a letter dated 24 Januar- 2025, you were informed that the Office of the Special
Prosecutor (OSP) has commenced investigation into suspected corruption and corrupuon-
related offences regarding four(4) cases in respect of which the OSP considers you a suspect.
Further, you were directed to attend, in person, the OSP at 6 Haile SelassieAvenue, South
Ridge, Accra on Monday 10 February 2025 at 10:00 GNIT for interviewing.
L-pon receipt of representadonsfrom your la)’ers, the OSP, by a letter dated 5 February
2025, declined your request to be away from the jurisdiction indefinitely on medical grounds
on your say-so. You were directed to indicate by close of business on Xlonda}= 10 February
2025, a reasonable date of your return to the jurisdiction and attendance at the OSP. The
C)SP then warned that if you failed so to do, the OSP would take all necessary legal steps to
secure your return to the jurisdiction and attendance at the DSP at our own choosing.
You failed to indicate a reasonable date of your return to the jurisdiction upon the explry of
the 10 February 2023 deadline, except co still persist in your expressed intent of remauung
indefinitelv outside the jurisdiction by the transmissionof your lawyers of a purported
medical letter on 10 February 2025, which only sought, in effect, to state that you may
undergo a possible surgical inter'endon in March 2025. That cannot be held to be a
disclosure of a reasonable date of your return to the jurisdiction and attendance aT rhe OSP
That was onjy an indicadon of a possible surgical intervention that may or may not occur in
N'larch 2025. Indeed, the purported medical letter did not state and demonstrate aat you are
so sicklv an invalid as to be incapable of returning to the jurisdiction within a reasonable
arne
On 12 February 2025, the Special Prosecutor publicly declared you a wanted person and a
fugitive from justice on the ground that your avowed posture of remaining indefinitely
outside the jurisdicdon without indicadng a reasonable ame of your return to the jurisdiction
showed clearly that you had no intendon of returning to the junsdrcnon.
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6 Haile Selassie Ave.
South Ridge, Accra
GA-079-0906
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+233 (0) 30 266 8506

By a letter dated 17 Februaa’ 2025, your lawTers transmitted to the Special Prosecutor, a
communication laced with ituperation and designed variously as a denigration of the OSP; a
lecture on their suppositions as to the mandate of the OSP; a thI:eacof legal action; a sort of
homill’ as to hou’ the OSP should conduct its affairs; an attack on the person of the Special
Prosecutor; and a suggestion that the Special Prosecutor has embarked on a personal
vendetta against you (without disclosing the alleged series of remhatory, vengeful, or hostile
acts the Special Prosecutor has directed at you or alleged exchange of such acts between you
and the Special Prosecutor).
Crucialjy, you and your lana’ers failed to indicate a reasonable date of your return to the
jurisdiction and attendance at the OSP. On this basis, the OSP, by a letter dated 17 February
2025, re-aFfrrmed and restated that VDU vere a wanted person and a fugidve from justice.
The OSP further stated that this tag shall so remain until you indicate a reasonable time of
your return to the jurisdiction ,ich the necessary and reasonable assurances of abiding by
your indicated reasonable time. or until such time that the C)SP enforces vour return to the
jurisdicdon and attendance at the C)SP, whichever came fust.
Bv a letter dated 18 Februarv 2025, rout lax.n’ers communicated to the OSP that vou are
scheduled for a possible surgical inter’endon in the United States of America on 20/21
March 2025 and further that taking the date of the possible surgical rntewenUon into
account, vou would reqllire a recovery period of six to eight weeks. Upon thrs reckorung,
your lawyers stated that you should be able to refurn to the jurisdiction between 14 and 30
N'lav2025
The OSP accedes to your request to return voluntarily to the jurisdicdon between14 and 30
May 2025, as it deems it reasonable in the circumstances. Consequently, you shall be
removed from the C)SP’s list of wanted personsbefore close of busInesson 18 February
2025 pending your voluntary return to the jurisdiction Lirca your stated date. LTpon your
removal from the List of wanted persons, the OSP shall cease to consider you a fugitive from
jusdce pending your voluntary return to the jurisdiction circa your stated date.
Consequently, you are directed to attend, in person, the OSP at 6 Haile Selassie
Avenue, South Ridge, Accra on Monday 2 June 2025 at 13:30 GMT for interviewing.
You may be accompanied by Counsel of your choice.
South Ridge, Accra
GA-079-0906
www,osp.gov.g h
info@osp.gov.g h
+233 (0) 30 266 8517
+233 (0) 30 266 8506

If you fail to voluntarily return to the jurisdicdon circa )’our stated date, and if fail to attend
the OSP on the rescheduled date, you shall be re-entered on the list of wanted persons and
the OSP shall consider you a fugitive from justice and we shall take all necessary legal steps
to secure your refurn to the jurisdiction and attendance at the OSP at our own choosing.
;zqyJ.
ssi Agyebeng
Jusdce Kust-bhnlah Premo Esq.
Xhnkah-Premo, C)sei-Bc)asu, Bruce-Cathhne& Partners
Bruce Tovets, 3 EmmauseSecond Close, Labone, .ccra
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6 Haile SelassieAve.
South Ridge, Accra
GA-079-0906
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+233 (0) 30 266 8517
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PRESS RELEASE
KENNHIH NANA YAW OFORJ.ATrA
On 1: l:cbnnq' aH, the SjucId Prwecutor &claIrd Kenneth Narn Yaw Ofan-Ata, a former
!ulster of l•uwnc, a wanted penal utd 8 fupuve from lu+acc on du gruund rh2t Itc it.td med
to Indicate a rca$txtablc unc of tItS return to the jull+dlcoon - 8ltho©t he had bc. n :n :“ ,Hurd by
the Office of the SpecIal Prosecutor (OSP) that he was a guspca in radars stbputcJ cunuFXton
and conupuon-nlatcd cascs Ind he had ban dtrcctcd to ph}xicaUy attend the OgP in .cca cpn a
$fxn6cd date and ht a specIfied amc for brca+cnlng.
C>tr 18 Fcbnury :025. bt& Ofon.,Itu uansmru£d a ccxnmun}anontha)tIgh hIS lanIer> to the
OSP bt whuh hc stated a dc6ark thtc of hI I voluntary return to the judsdrcdun ntu mario a
num 5 luft from b{r. Ofon.4tab ptrlow mtcnaon of rarwrurq aIbXIc the lurtsd:euan
ndc6nltcl r.
On 18 Fcbnnry 3023, the OSP sank<! to Nil. Ofwb.tta's ruFic6t as it deemed hrs +and the
at- volunary Nmrn to the FuasdIcmn reasonable in the arcunsranca. On 18 Fcbwaq' 2U3, the
SpLaa! !Jrwccutar rcuhcdukd ttu thu of hlt. Ofon..ua's aacndartcr at thc (>SP taking Into
account bit. Ofoa..rtr's stated date ofvoluntrry taunt to th: Fmsdkdon
Congcqwndv, bIr. Ofon..Atta hss hen ntt)arca fmrn thc OSP's list of wanted pcr , 'II- and the
USP ceases to aon5r&r bIt. O&>a-Atta a hvuv€ Gun twice pending hIS 'oiuawy nruIU to the
;unsdrcuc, it and hIS sand date if bIt C)foa. Atta faIls to tolrraurtIF return to the pasdrcuon and
hI, stated cLue, ux! if SIr. Ofod.AIm fails to attend the C)SP txt the rwchcdukd dale. he shall be
re.catered oa the OSPs list of wanted pcnons md the OSP shall then consIda hIm a fugitIve
from lustice, lad the C)SP shall take all necessary hpl steps to secure his return to the pasdICUDn
ind lncnd2rtcc at the OSP at our own choosIng
lbc OSP is canauttcd to lu nnndatc of ensuring accDuaUbrlay Eluded by duc pn)cesg and
fatrrIess.
ISGDl
KISSI AG’EB£NG
THE SPECIAL PROSECLTIOR
18 February ai2S M, ca Wa
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MINKAH-PREMO, OSEI-BONSU,
BRUCE..CA'THLIN£ & PARTNERS
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3’' March, 2025
KISSI AGYEBENG ESQ.
SOUTH RIDGE, ACCRA
GA-079-0906
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Dear Sir.
We write as Solicitors for Kenneth Ofori- Atta in respect of the above subject and
refer to your letter dated 18-' February, 2025 and Press Release dated
18-' February,2025.
By your aforementioned letter and Press Release, you informed our client that, he
shall be removed from the OSP List of wanted persons by close of business on
18'- February, 2025.
Our client notes with dismay that contrary to your statement in your letter and the
Press Release,our client’s photograph and details are still on the OSP’s official
Facebook page as a WANTED PERSON. Please be informed that this act of yours
constitutes a blatant disregard by your office of the constitutional duty to act
fairly and reasonably.
Unfortunately, this failure to remove our client from your list of WANTED PERSONS
feeds into the perception of "vendetta against Ken Ofori- Atta" culminating in an
improper exercise of discretionary power contrary to Article 296(b) of the
Constitution.
We therefore request that you take immediate steps to remove the said post from
your Facebook page and any other platform you may have posted the said
Notice.
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Counting on your cooperation.
Yours faithfully,
MINKAH-PREMO, OSEI- BONSU
JUSTI USI-MIN ,H PREMO ESQ
CC: KENNETH OFORI- ATTA

ORIGINATING MOTION ON NOTICE_KENNETH NANA YAW OFORI-ATTA V THE OSP & ANOR

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