Welcome to TW’s Daily Briefing.
Today’s highlights: Anas Must Testify In Open Court Unmasked, Mahama to Swear in Constitution Review Committee, Ministers Today, 24hr Economy policy is a commitment to engage the Ghanaian worker effectively.
Anas Must Testify In Open Court Unmasked – Court of Appeal
DAILY GUIDE—The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court ruling allowing Anas Aremeyaw Anas to testify while masked in the trial of former GFA President Kwasi Nyantakyi. A three-member panel, led by Justice Anthony Oppong, ruled unanimously that Anas did not qualify for an exception to conceal his identity.
The court emphasized that Nyantakyi’s right to a fair trial would be compromised if Anas testified while masked, as it would hinder the judge’s ability to assess his demeanor and affect cross-examination. It also dismissed claims linking Nyantakyi to the murder of Ahmed Suale.
Additionally, the court ruled that the High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the prosecution’s second application for an in-camera hearing after the Supreme Court had already quashed a similar request. It rejected Anas’ security concerns, stating that he is already known to many people.
The ruling overturns the May 2023 High Court decision, which had required Anas to reveal his face to Nyantakyi in chambers before testifying in open court with a mask. In response, Anas has withdrawn from testifying, citing security risks.
President to swear in Constitution Review Committee members, third batch of ministerial nominees
GRAPHIC ONLINE— President John Mahama will swear in the Constitution Review Committee and a third batch of ministerial nominees today, January 30, 2025, at the seat of government in Accra. The Constitution Review Committee will be sworn in at 3 pm, followed by the ministerial nominees at 4:30 pm.
The ministerial appointees include Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (Lands and Natural Resources), Tia Ibrahim (North East Region), Dr. Frank Amoakohene (Ashanti Region), Akamugri Atanga Modestus (Upper East Region), Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka (Interior), and Agnes Naa Momo Lartey (Gender, Children, and Social Protection).
The eight-member Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh, includes Justice Sophia Adinyirah, Dr. Godwin Djokoto, Mrs. Charlotte Osei, Dr. Esi Ansah, Prof. Kwame Karikari, and Mr. Ibrahim Tanko Amidu, with Dr. Rainer Akumperigeya as Secretary.
The committee will review past constitutional reforms, engage stakeholders, and propose amendments to strengthen democratic governance, submitting recommendations within five months.
24hr Economy policy is a commitment to engage the Ghanaian worker effectively – Rashid Pelpuo
MYJOYONLINE—Labour Minister-designate Rashid Pelpuo has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to engaging workers through the 24-hour economy policy. Speaking at his vetting on January 30, he emphasized that the policy, endorsed by Ghanaians in the last election, aims to boost productivity and job creation. Pelpuo described it as a transformative measure for a structured labour system, with work divided into three eight-hour shifts to maximize output and support economic growth.
