Attorney-General Withdraws All Charges Against Dr. Opuni

Welcome to TW’s Daily Briefing.

Today’s highlights: AG Drops Charges Against Dr. Opuni, Seidu Agongo In GH¢217 Million Financial Loss Trial, EPA orders immediate end to all ‘galamsey’ activities on water bodies, NPA CEO pledges to improve authority.

AG Drops Charges Against Dr. Opuni, Seidu Agongo In GH¢217 Million Financial Loss Trial

Daily Guide—The Attorney General, Dominic Ayine, has dropped charges against former Ghana Cocoa Board CEO Dr. Stephen Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo, who were on trial since 2018 for allegedly causing GH¢217 million in financial loss. A High Court in Accra, led by Justice Aboagye Tandoh, acquitted and discharged them under Section 59 of the Criminal Procedure and Other Offences Act, 1960, allowing the Attorney General to withdraw charges before judgment. They faced 27 charges, including financial loss to the state and corruption, linked to the untested Lithovit Liquid Fertilizer. Enam Loh-Mensah, a state Attorney, stated that the Attorney General directed the withdrawal of charges and the court confirmed the situation, ordering the release of their passports by the Ghana Police Service. The trial began in March 2018 with the prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, calling seven witnesses. Dr. Opuni’s defense included ten witnesses, with his counsel stating he wouldn’t testify personally, believing the testimonies were sufficient. Seidu Agongo also had a defense but was interrupted when the Attorney General withdrew the case.

EPA orders immediate end to all ‘galamsey’ activities on water bodies

PUSLE GH—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered an immediate halt to all illegal mining activities, known as “galamsey,” on water bodies across Ghana. This directive, issued under the Environmental Protection Act, 2025, applies to both small- and large-scale mining operations. The EPA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, highlighted the severe health and environmental threats posed by galamsey and emphasized the need for strict adherence to environmental regulations. The EPA, in collaboration with other agencies, will seize equipment used in illegal mining, intensify surveillance, and prosecute violators. The public is urged to report any illegal mining activities to the authorities.

NPA CEO pledges to improve authority

Graphic—The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, has pledged to elevate the authority and advance Ghana’s petroleum downstream industry. In his maiden address, he emphasized the need for a new approach and alignment with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision. Tameklo promised to lead with fairness and teamwork, ensuring the welfare of the staff. He called for full cooperation to achieve the authority’s mandate and uplift the industry. The NPA Welfare Chairman, Ernest Ayeh-Datey, congratulated Tameklo and assured him of the staff’s support