The promise was made on December 13, 2025, at the Bank of Ghana Auditorium, where the traditional ruler announced plans to honour outstanding academic excellence at UENR.

Ms. Addae, who graduated with an impressive Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.95 in Chemistry, received the reward in recognition of her exceptional academic performance.

The presentation took place during a brief but symbolic ceremony at the Regional Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (RCEES) at UENR.

Speaking at the event, the Dormaahene described the award as a powerful symbol of excellence, discipline, and dedication.

He noted that the initiative reflects the enduring legacy of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, highlighting his contributions as both a former lecturer and a national leader who placed great value on education.

According to him, Ms. Addae’s remarkable achievement embodies the ideals of hard work, intellectual brilliance, and leadership—values consistently championed by both himself and the late President Atta Mills.

He encouraged students of UENR and young people across the country to remain focused on academic excellence, stressing that diligence and commitment to education will always be recognised and rewarded.

The gesture has been widely praised by students and members of the university community as a strong motivation for academic excellence and youth development.

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Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, says illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, has reduced since the beginning of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, but insists the fight is not yet over.

Addressing journalists after being sworn in as one of 21 new Justices of the Court of Appeal on Thursday, the traditional leader said that although galamsey predates the current government, recent interventions have slowed its spread.

“I have been on this stool for almost 26 and a half years. Galamsey, the illegal mining, did not start yesterday; it’s been with us for some time. If you ask me about my assessment, I will say now it is going down,” he said.

He credited the improvement to tougher enforcement measures and fresh community-based strategies, observing that operators who once worked with impunity are no longer as visible.

“You know why I am saying that? If you look at some of the steps that have been taken, before we were not hearing about the blue waterguards and all that. Before this regime came I know for a fact because of the work that I do nine forest reserves had been taken over. Now that situation had been curbed,” he explained.

Despite these gains, the Dormaahene cautioned against complacency, stressing that galamsey still exists and requires consistent government and community action.

“I wouldn’t stand here and say galamsey is gone; it is still with us, but I believe that if you look at the seriousness. We should ensure that we nip this situation in the bud,” he said.

He further warned that in Dormaa, there would be zero tolerance for illegal mining, pledging to personally arrest offenders and hand them over to the police for prosecution.

The chief appealed to Ghanaians to protect the nation’s natural resources and heritage.

“This is the only thing our ancestors left for us so we don’t have to destroy our water bodies, cocoa farms and ensure that we do farming in the right way so we can all be happy,” he added.

Source: Adomonline

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Describing the environmental damage as “profoundly disturbing,” the Dormaahene called for urgent and decisive action to halt the degradation.

He announced plans to form a dedicated anti-illegal lumbering task force, supported by permanent security checkpoints at all access points to the reserves. The team will be equipped with advanced audio-visual surveillance systems to monitor, detect, and record unlawful activities in real time.

Emphasising the importance of ethical conduct, Osagyefo Dr Badu II cautioned prospective task force members against engaging in bribery, corruption, or collusion with offenders, insisting that the initiative must be built on integrity and public trust.

He also urged security officers and task force personnel to carry out their duties with professionalism, fairness, and determination, even in the face of intimidation or political pressure.

This move marks a shift toward a community-led approach to environmental protection in the Bono Region, blending traditional leadership with modern enforcement tools to safeguard one of the area’s most critical natural resources from permanent destruction.

Source: Dominic Donyina

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Reacting to the sit-in staged by Minority MPs demanding the release of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako—popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—the Dormaahene expressed his disapproval of Afenyo-Markin’s conduct during the protest.

“I’m not saying Ghanaians shouldn’t support him, but the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, going to EOCO and sitting on the floor—I wasn’t happy with it. He’s an honourable man. He should let me know next time he wants to go to such a place so I can send someone to follow him with a seat,” the Dormaahene quipped, lacing his critique with humour.

While expressing admiration for Chairman Wontumi, the chief stressed that no one is above the law and that due process must take its course.

“Chairman Wontumi—I really like him. But even though I like him, I’m not saying the law should not take its course. If I’ve done something wrong, I must be investigated. That’s what the law says,” he stated.

His remarks came in the aftermath of a highly publicised protest on Thursday, May 29, when Minority MPs marched from Parliament to EOCO’s offices to protest what they called the political persecution of Wontumi and the misuse of state institutions.

The demonstration caused a major disruption, blocking traffic and attracting a heavy police presence.

Wontumi was arrested on May 27 in connection with alleged financial misconduct involving the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM BANK). Though he was granted bail by EOCO, the conditions—set at GH₵50 million with two sureties to be justified—had not yet been met at the time of the protest.

Source: AdomOnline

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The event showcased a vibrant display of culture and tradition, drawing dignitaries and spectators from across and beyond Dormaa.

Osagyefo Ɔseadeɛyɔ Dr. Fredua Agyemang Badu II ascended the Aduana throne on July 25, 1999, succeeding his late uncle, Nana Agyemang Badu I.

Now marking 25 years of leadership, the Dormaahene also serves as the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs.

The celebration, held at the Agyemang Badu I Sports Stadium, coincided with the Kwafie Festival under the theme: “Our Environment, Our Future.”

It attracted hundreds of chiefs, political leaders, and thousands of attendees, reflecting the significance of the occasion.

In his address, the Dormaahene expressed gratitude to successive governments, religious bodies, and the people of Dormaaman for their unwavering support throughout his reign.

He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the development of the Dormaa Traditional Area through projects such as factories and other resource-based initiatives. He promised even greater progress for Dormaaman in the years ahead.

The Chairman of the event, Ohenpon Yeboah Asiamah I, urged traditional leaders to actively engage in national issues, particularly those impacting land and environmental preservation.

He stressed the need to address the consequences of environmental degradation and prioritize the welfare of their people.

Additionally, Ohenpon Yeboah Asiamah I called for unity among traditional leaders in Bono to strengthen the development of Bonoman.

He emphasized that a united front would pave the way for sustained progress in the region.

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He said the two most significant traditional rulers in the country must resolve the rift and unite for the good of the country.

He made the call when he paid a courtesy call on Osagyefo Agyemang Badu.

Nana Bediako presented drinks to the Dormaahene as a peace offering, promising to do the same with Otumfuo Osei Tutu.

Bono

Nana Bediako, who hails from the region, considers Bono his ancestral home; a proud son of the land and was returning to pay homage to the Dormaahene and seek his blessings as he (Bediako) began his tour of the region.

“I return to the Bono Region not only to pay respect to you, our revered ruler,” he said, adding “but also to seek your blessing as I embark on a tour through the region. Failure to seek your blessing will be a mark of great disrespect.”

Nana Bediako, who is also the leader of the New Force, noted that the Bono Region possessed attributable mineral reserves valued at $132 billion, an incredible amount that was twice the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.

This untapped wealth, he pointed out, had the potential to transform not only the region but the entire nation.

For his part, Osagyefo Agyemang Badu acknowledged the significance of Nana Bediako’s call for the resolution of the rift between him and Otumfuo Osei Tutu.

He expressed his admiration for the leader of the New Force, describing his words of unity as unprecedented.

“You speak words that not even our leaders have dared to utter,” the Dormaahene stated.

“Your call for unity is powerful, and I promise you this – your message will not be in vain,” he stated.

The Dormaahene noted that despite 32 years of alternating rule by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the nation continued to wallow in under-development.

He did not hold back in declaring that Nana Kwame Bediako represented a bold departure from the established political order – the one who truly represented the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of Ghanaians.

“If it were not for the 1992 constitution, which forbids traditional rulers from participating in politics,” he said, “I would have openly declared my support for you right here and now.”

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He urged the EC to adopt a posture that fosters trust and confidence among political parties rather than creating doubt.

His remarks came during an address to former President John Mahama and his team in Sunyani, the Bono Regional capital.

During the visit, which formed part of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign in the region, the Bono Regional House of Chiefs expressed their expectations for a future NDC government and shared concerns about national matters.

The President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, voiced his apprehensions regarding the ongoing discussions about Ghana’s voter register, describing the situation as alarming and discomforting.

For his part, former President John Mahama responded by assuring that the NDC will fiercely resist any attempts to undermine the will of the people in the upcoming December elections, emphasizing that the party will hold accountable anyone who tries to interfere with the electoral process.

The Dormahene made these remarks when Okraku paid a courtesy call on him at his palace in Dormaa Ahenkro on Saturday, August 10.

Kurt Okraku has been in office since 2019, following the ‘Number 12’ expose, which put Ghanaian football on hold for months and particularly affected local leagues.

Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II praised the GFA President for implementing changes in the football system but added that there is still room for improvement.

“I have been monitoring the progress of work at the GFA and I must say you are doing very well. With the support of your Executive Council and staff, you will take Ghana football to places,” he said.

“No one can say there has been no change since you came to power. We can all see the immense changes but just like there is always room for improvement, you will improve and thrive.”

“I will urge you to keep the focus and foster unity for the forward march of football in our dear country. We are grateful for your leadership and hope you will lead us to the Promised Land.”

Kurt Okraku was re-elected GFA President for a second term in October 2023 after going unopposed.

Source:  Adamu Benin Abdul Karim

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According to him, the chief chose the wrong platform to make such a sensitive appeal.

Prof. Marfo suggested that, Dormaahene could have made his request to the Vice President privately.

“The truth is, not everything that we say is meant for the public domain. Therefore, the Dormaahene had the opportunity, after meeting the Vice President, to privately call and present his request” he stated.

He said Dormaahene’s public appeal “smacks of ethnic politics” and cautioned against the potential consequences of making such statements publicly.

Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II charged Dr. Bawumia to select a running mate from the region.

He listed several individuals from the region, including Martin Adjei Korsah, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, and Kwaku Agyemang Manu, highlighting their suitability for the position of running mate.

But Prof. Marfo said what he did clearly smacks of ethnic politics.

“Please, there are lots of people in the other regions, so if your focus goes on just one particular region, only they will vote for you and the rest of us will vote against you” he said in an interview on Oyerepa FM.

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The campaign tour has seen the Vice President busing his entourage and campaign team, which has been praised by many.

Throughout his campaign tour, he has carved a niche of meeting with religious leaders in the region he visits to seek their prayers, guidance, and advice before beginning the tour. He also met with the Bono Regional House of Chiefs to seek their advice and sell his campaign message to them.

In his meeting with the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, the chiefs and the people warmly welcomed him.

Dr. Bawumia explained his visions and policies he has for Ghanaians when he gets the nod to become the president of the country. He affirmed and explained his flat rate tax policy and how he intends to make businesses successful and flourish

Addressing the people, Dormaahene, Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu II, who is the president of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, thanked the Vice President and couldn’t hide his admiration for him. “Dr Bawumia, you’re respectful, intelligent, and more striking is the fact that your utterances are devoid of insults and are decent”, he remarked.

He further pleaded with Dr Bawumia, to expedite uncompleted projects in the region and fulfill promises made to them that made the budget for this year.

Dr Bawumia thanked the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, sought their support for him come the December polls, and assured them of his commitment towards the development of this country.

The campaign tour introduced the novelty of busing his entourage and campaign team, which has been heavily praised by all and sundry.

Throughout his campaign tour, he has carved a niche of meeting with religious leaders in the region he visits to seek prayers, guidance, and advice before beginning the campaign tour.

He also met with the Bono Regional House of Chiefs to seek their advice and sell his campaign message to them.

In his meeting with the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, the chiefs and the people warmly welcomed him with beaming smiles and cheers.

Dr. Bawumia explained his visions and policies he has for Ghanaians when he gets the nod to become the president of the country. He affirmed and explained his flat rate tax policy and how he intends to make businesses successful and flourish

Addressing the people, Dormaahene, Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu II, who is the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, thanked the Vice President and couldn’t hide his admiration for him.

“Dr Bawumia, you’re respectful, intelligent, and more striking is the fact that your utterances are devoid of insults and are decent” he remarked.

He further pleaded with the Vice President, Dr Bawumia, to expedite uncompleted projects in the region and fulfill promises made to them that made the budget for this year.

Dr Bawumia thanked the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, sought their support for him come December polls, and assured them of his commitment towards the development of this country.

The chief who doubles as a High Court Judge and the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs made this remarks at the Sumaman Akwantukɛse Festival at Suma Ahenkuro over the weekend.

Joining calls for President Nana Akufo Addo to assent to the bill, the chief said he should consider the interest of the nation irrespective of what it stands to lose from foreign donors.

According to him, the refusal of the president will mean that he supports the activities of the LGBTQ which may not be the case.

He added that he and others who support the bill will not relent to pressure the President to assent to the bill even if they would be killed.

The chief said there are several countries who have banned the activities of the LGBTQ but their economies are growing well despite sanctions from the western world.

The Omanhene of Suma traditional area Odeneho Dr Afram Bempong III also stated that until the country passes a law that forbids the activities of the LGBTQ, traditional laws will be used.

In his view, the president’s refusal to assent to the bill would authenticate the perception that he supports the LGBTQ activities since he said in an interview sometime ago that the activities of the LGBTQ was bound to happen.

The Omanhene used the opportunity to call on former President John Mahama, who graced the event to rehabilitate the deplorable roads in the Jaman North and help complete a university campus in the area should he win this year’s election.

The Sumahene also appealed to the NDC flagbearer to help establish a cashew processing factory to process the cashew in the country.

The chief further requested an Adinkra Centre in the Jaman North District as a remembrance for the Nana Adinkra (Bonohene in Ivory Coast) who created the Adinkra symbols

On his part, Mr Mahama pledged the next NDC government will fix the deplorable roads in the area, adding all the requests of the chiefs have been well noted.

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In a Facebook post, the Jubilee House’s Director of Communications, Eugene Arhin, noted that the assertions are merely figments of some people’s imaginations thus, imploring the populace to treat it with contempt.

“Indeed, on no occasion has President Akufo-Addo held a secret meeting with the Dormaahene to, as it were, prop him up to disrespect the Asantehene. No such thing has happened, and no such thing will ever happen,” portions of the statement read.

He further noted that President Akufo-Addo will continue to work harmoniously with all traditional leaders in the country until the end of his tenure.

The President who doubles as the Dormaahene says the move was a collective decision by the House, and all the seven gazette Paramount Chiefs.

He made this known during the end of year annual meeting in Sunyani.

The parties include: Drobohene, Dwenem Awasuhene, Kwatwomahene, Nsawkawhene, Wenchihene, Dormaahene and Sumahene.

According to the house, the suspension has been necessitated by the injunction imposed on the Dormaahene from attending the funeral rites of the late Berekumhene, Daasebre Dr Amankona Diawuo ll.

A Sunyani High Court on Wednesday November 22, restrained the Dormaahene following an application by a member of the Berekum Traditional Council, Osabarima Kyere Yeboah Darteh II.

The applicant said the decision of the chief to attend the funeral the same day as Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu could lead to the breach of peace.

Based on this backdrop, Dormaahene said the suspension of Berekum from the Bono Regional House of Chiefs will stand until the Council provides a better explanation to the court action.

Meanwhile, former New Party (NPP) deputy General Secretary, Nana Obiri Boahen has threatened a legal action against Osagyefo Osaedeeyo Agyeman Badu II over the decision.

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This comes after the Paramount Chief announced that, seven traditional leaders hence forth have severed ties with the Berekum Traditional Council.

The decision he explained, is in connection with an injunction initiated by the Council which restrained him from attending the funeral of the late Berekum chief in November.

The Dormaahene who is the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs made the declaration at the 2023 end-of-year review meeting.

Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II said the decision will be rescinded if only the Berekum Traditional Council comes out with a better explanation.

Reacting to this, Obiri Boahen stated unequivocally that, the Dormaahene has no authority to make such pronouncement.

Accrding to him, the right thing for the chief to have done is a fair hearing before making a decision.

The NPP man has therefore vowed to head to court to challenge the decision as a native from the Bono region and legal practitioner.

“I am not the spokesperson for the Berekum Tradition Council but he can’t cut ties before asking them to appear. Why did he mention only seven chiefs? What about the rest? This is much ado about nothing” he fumed.

“This is fear mongering, empty noise and it must stop. I will go to court before Christmas to have the decision quashed,” Nana Obiri Boahen stated in an interview on Accra-based Peace FM.

Watch Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Nana Agyeman Badu II’s reaction in the video below

Suspend the lithium lease agreement – Dormaahene Osagyefo Osaedeeyo Agyemang Badu II. #JoyNews pic.twitter.com/hJ1k5nz61D

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) December 19, 2023

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Adorned in a resplendent red attire (kobene), Dormaahene, accompanied by his retinue, including sub-chiefs and queen mothers, made a regal entrance into Kwahu amidst singing, drumming and dirges.

The grandeur of his arrival at the funeral grounds was evident as he paid homage to other chiefs in attendance.

Also present to pay his last respect to late Kwahumanhene was Akwamuhene Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III.

Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng II passed away at the age of 80 in 2013, and the doteyie (first funeral) took place in 2014, marking the end of his 42-year reign.

Enstooled in 1971, the late Kwahuhene went on to be elected President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs for two consecutive terms between 1982 and 1989. Additionally, he served as the Vice-President of the National House of Chiefs from 1985 to 1988.

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This follows a case brought against him by Osabarima Kyere Yeboah Darteh II of the Berekum Traditional Council.

The burial rites which commenced on Monday and it is expected to end today, Thursday 23-12-2023.

It is not clear the basis of the injunction against the Dormaahene who is also the Bono Regional House of Chiefs President.

The court has further asked the Ghana Police Service to assist the Berekum Traditional Council to enforce the injunction to maintain peace.

Meanwhile, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is expected to pay his last respect today.

The flagbearers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Mahama and New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia among other political figures mourned with the people on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

He is blaming the situation on the inefficient use of the funds generated from the levy.

Speaking at the 3rd Annual General Conference of the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAoG) in Sunyani, the Dormaahene warned that he would seek court interpretation on the use of the health insurance levy meant to offer effective healthcare for the people.

“I plead with the government to avoid touching the NHI levy. They should give it to the National Health Insurance Authority to enable them to pay service providers like the Private Health providers”, he admonished and further said the role of service providers would be ineffective if the money from the levy gets locked up elsewhere.

“I am pleading. Ghanaians would have to look at this issue very well because it is a worry to all of us”, he said.

Osaedeeyo Agyemang Badu II, who is also the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, warned that it would get to a time that he would seek legal interpretation on the NHI levy.

“I will go to court. And I will ask the court if the NHI levy could be used for unintended purposes before giving it to the people and institutions mandated by law for the healthcare of the people”, he stressed, added that when it happens, ‘No one should say, I, Agyemang Badu likes to create issues, but rather I want to ensure healthcare improves and service providers also improve”.

Dormaahene, however, appreciated the government’s efforts to improve healthcare through Agenda 111 and urged successive governments to ensure the projects under the policy are completed.

The 3rd Annual General Conference of PHFAoG, in Sunyani, was on the theme, “Addressing the human resource gap in the private health facilities towards achieving universal health coverage, the role of PHFAoG and the State”.

Dr Samuel Kwame Buabeng-Frimpong, President of PHFAoG, in his address at the conference, said the private facilities’ contribution in complementing the government’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage is exceptional.

He, however, bemoaned the challenge of the high turnover of health staff at the various private health facilities and appealed for the support of the government.

He said, “It is sad to note that our Association’s crusade to get the government to balance the scale of staff distribution to ensure maximum efficiency in private health provision has not yielded any of the desired outcomes”.

Dr. Buabeng-Frimpong noted that “considering our quest for universal access to quality healthcare, I would want to, once again, make a passionate appeal to the government to extend its kind gesture of posting health staff to private health facilities”.

Dr Buabeng-Frimpong stressed the association’s strong opposition to the practice of co-payment at the health facilities and “would wish the government addresses the root causes of the problem to eliminate it once and for all”.

He stressed the need to look at the adoption of survival strategies by the facilities as a national problem that deserves an urgent solution.

The popular view looks at private health facilities as key culprits in the practice of copayment, but Dr Buabeng-Frimpong said the preliminary survey by the NHIA with support from the USAID revealed that they are the least perpetrators.

Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu Banahene, entreated PHFAoG to adopt a new strategy in the areas of remuneration, incentives and good conditions of service to attract the right personnel to work with.

At an Asanteman Council meeting at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Thursday, the Asantehene once again recounted the history of how the Dormaa stool was elevated to the status of a paramount chief by an Asantehene.

Repeating what he had earlier said in line with history, especially on how Asanteman was established in relation to the Golden Stool and the allegiance paid by all chiefs in the Asanteman Kingdom, Otumfuo said he has been compelled to offer the explanation once again because of a recent attempt to try and distort history.

Asantehene elevated Dormaa stool

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said it was his uncle, the then-Asantehene, who even elevated the status of the Dormaa stool to the level of a paramount chief.

He added that, even before Agyeman Badu [the first] was enstooled as Dormaa chief, he Agyeman Badu I, an uncle of the current Dormaa chief [Agyeman Badu II], swore the oath of allegiance to the Asantehene.

What Dormaahene said

In a recent video interview with Ghanaweb, the current Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeayo Agyeman Badu II, who is also a High Court judge raised issues with how the Asantehene elevates chiefs to the status of paramountcy and also said there was “no King in Ghana” as the 1992 Constitution does not make any reference and room for that.

He said it is in areas like Morocco and Saudi Arabia, where they have Kings and heads of those countries, and that, at those places the constitution recognises that there is a Kingdom, but in Ghana, the constitution does not talk about any Kingdom and therefore there is “no King” in Ghana.

It is the argument of the Dormaahene that, since Ghana was a state, there was no Kingdom within Ghana for the Asantehene to be referred to as a King.

In that Ghanaweb interview, Osagyefo Oseadeayo Agyeman Badu II suggested that the mention and reference to the Asantehene in the Chieftaincy Act, was not proper and that as part of a proposal to amend the Chieftaincy Act, he, together with others, will lead a campaign for the Asantehene’s name to be removed from the Chieftaincy Act.

He said if that was not done, it will mean other chiefs, such as the Ya Naa, Nayiri and others, would also have to be mentioned in the Chieftaincy Act.

This, is not the first time, the Dormaahene was raising such an argument but he has raised it at a number of public forums and in media interviews.

He had contested the extent of the Asantehene’s control over certain paramount chiefs whose jurisdiction falls within the political and governmental demarcated areas fall in other areas apart from the Ashanti Region, such as in the Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Western and Oti regions.

The Dormaahene, Oseadeayo Agyeman Badu II, is currently the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs which is a gathering of paramount chiefs in the Bono Region.

To the Dormaahene, he does not understand why the Asantehene should have control and elevate certain chiefs to the status of paramount chiefs for them to be able to become members of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs or the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs.

He argues that, increasing the number of chiefs at the Regional House of Chiefs contributes to increasing government’s expenditure on the various regional houses of chiefs.

If every chief decides to elevate others to the level of paramountcy as the Asantehene is seeking to do, government’s expenditure will continue to increase, the Dormaahene said in the Ghanaweb interview, monitored by Graphic Online.

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Listen to Asantehene in the video below:

The six divisional chiefs and elders were from Ankobia, Nifa, Benkum, Aduana, Kyidom, and Gyaase divisions.

They were from six traditional areas made up of Bomaa, Chiraa, Abesim Dormaa Municipality, Dormaa, and part of Sunyani.

This came to light at a special meeting organized by the Dormaa Traditional Council.

A part of the undertaking which was signed by the Paramount chief and all divisional chiefs and elders indicated that, any chief who sits aloof and allows illegal mining to fester in their communities would be destooled by the Omanhene.

The resolution is in line with Act 995, Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act 2019.

Speaking at a special meeting organized by the Council, the Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeyor Agyemang Badu, said the decision by the Council has become necessary because of the negative impact galamsey activities in some communities in the Dormaa area.

According to him, the state of devastation of the galamsey menace in communities such as Dormaa Akwamu, Subrikrom, Kyeremasu, and Kosani among others calls for urgent attention to bring the phenomenon under control hence the decision by the Council.

He pointed out that, several school children in the affected communities had abandoned the classroom and had taken to galamsey while water bodies and large acre­ages of cocoa farms have been destroyed with impunity by the illegal miners.

The Dormaahene explained that, chiefs in the traditional area can no longer pretend that the illegal mining activities were being done at their blind side, adding that they better accept responsibility to protect the environment or face the consequences.

As part of measures to check the illegal mining menace, the chief directed his subjects to form a taskforce in their various communities to protect and arrest perpetra­tors of galamsey and hand them over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

The Paramount chief noted that, Dormaa Traditional Area was not against mining in its entirety but would only recognize re­sponsible mining which would inure to the benefits of the people.

He said under his watch he would not allow Dormaa to become like other cities and towns in Ghana where mining activities have not benefited the people but would rather ensure the people benefit from the natural resources from the area.

Before signing the resolution, the Adontenhene of the Dormaa Traditional Council, Barima Okogyetuo Agyemang, appealed to the Council to consider factors that encourage the youth to engage in galamsey.

But his suggestion was rejected by the Council with the view that, it ould be an avenue for some chiefs to engage in the illegal mining activities.

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Speaking at GIMPA Law Faculty’s 7th Annual Legal Ethics Training Programme, the Chief Justice underscored that a judge must be discreet about a case before any court.

According to her, if the court could hold an ordinary person for contempt for publicly discussing a case, then same should be done to a judge and should even be faster.

She cited that per the Code of Conduct on Propriety, a Judge shall refrain from making any public statement that might reasonably be expected to affect the outcome or impair the fairness of the matter pending in any court or public statement that might substantially interfere with the fair trial.

Her comment comes after Dormaahene who doubles as High Court Judge called on President Nana Akufo-Addo to ask the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame Yeboah, to enter a Nolle Prosique on the matter of Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson.

His comment raised public sentiments amidst backlash and calls for his sack that though the Constitution frowns on chiefs engaging in partisan politics, the Dormaahene does engage in active politics. 

Many also claimed the Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, is a member of the National Democratic Congress, adding that as a High Court judge he has breached the entire constitution. 

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Mr Owusu-Bempah said the traditional ruler bastadised the judiciary, the very institution he is part of as a judge.

It is recalled that while speaking at the 10th-anniversary lecture on John Evans Atta Mills, in Sunyani, Osagyefo Agyemang Badu, who is also a High Court judge, said “as a matter of urgency, I am appealing to the president of the republic that if he has any role to play that trial should be aborted. The Attorney General should as a matter of urgency file a nolle prosequi to end that particular decision.

“Honestly, I don’t see the benefits this prosecution will bring Ghanaians. If he is in court, he can’t fulfill his mandate so the president and the Attorney General should do something urgently to end this matter, so we move on as Ghanaians,” he added.

But in a statement reacting to him, Mr Owusu Bempah said “anyone who has been following events in our political space would agree with the notion that Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, otherwise known in the Judiciary as Justice Daniel Mensah, has turned precipitously more into a legalistic albino and a pawn in the hands of the National Democratic Congress(NDC).

“As a matter of fact, I almost threw up listening to his politically incorrect rants and open insults on the judiciary, the same institution that he belongs to.

“I was particularly taken aback by his intemperate language, overt threat on the state, and his nerves for daring the Supreme Court.

“What exactly was Justice Daniel Mensah driving at when he spouted that tosh to the effect that President Akufo-Addo and the Attorney-General must discontinue the Gyakye Quayson criminal trial?”

His comment has also incurred the wrath of the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice saying such commentaries “clearly exceed the bounds of acceptable speech as they seek to disparage prosecutors in the eyes of the public and frustrate prosecution of those cases.

“Some of the comments are orchestrated to pervert the course of justice and/or prejudice the fair hearing and determination of the cases.” 

Mr Dame explained that “The decision to prefer a charge against an accused person is not made on the basis of a person’s political status, social or economic standing but on the strength of evidence subject to the scrutiny of the courts.

“An acquittal of a person by the courts does not imply malice on the part of the Republic in the filing of a charge.

“The perception that a crime committed by a person of high political standing in society should not be prosecuted is dangerous for society and must not be countenanced.” 

The Attorney-General added that “in the discharge of his duty to protect the administration of justice from abuse, hereby entreats the general public to permit the streams of justice to flow freely and uncontaminated by undue comments and pressure on the courts.” 

The Attorney-General cautioned that “no immunity is conferred by a person’s position in parliament, judiciary, traditional authority, Ghana Bar Association (GBA), or any official position, from the consequences of an interference in the administration of justice or an attempt to overreach a judgment to be delivered by the court in any matter.”

“We must respect due process.” 

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According to Mr Gyamfi, the comments were reckless and irresponsible, especially coming from an MP and Minister of State.

“The statements of KT Hammond were very reckless and irresponsible. With the body language, I will be charitable to even describe it as comical. He virtually insulted the man and it is unbecoming of him. He shouldn’t have made those condescending comments against the chief,” he condemned on Accra-based Metro TV.

The chief who doubles as President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs has for the past days been in the news after appealing to President Akufo-Addo and the Attorney-General to discontinue the criminal trial against Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson.

The chief, who is also a High Court judge, said he disagrees with the initial ruling made by the Supreme Court, which declared Mr Quayson’s parliamentary position invalid due to his dual citizenship status.

Sharing his thoughts on the proposal, the Trade Minister claimed the chief is a member of NDC.

The outspoken lawmaker said though the Constitution frowns on chiefs engaging in partisan politics, the Dormaahene does engage in active politics. 

Mr Hammond advised the Dormaahene to be cautious of his conduct and comments as they may have repercussions and went on to declare Mr Quayson will go to jail as he weighed in on his fate in the criminal case pending in the Supreme Court.

He stated that Mr Quayson’s future would be similar to that of the former MP for Bawku Central, Adamu Dramani Sakande, who was imprisoned for concealing his dual citizenship status involving Burkinabe and British citizenships.

But to Mr Gyamfi, those comments were equally reckless, adding KT Hammond shouldn’t have spoken about his colleague Gyakye Quayson in that manner.

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The Minister for Justice and the Attorney-General cannot be allowed to walk away with his penchant of talking down on the sovereign people of Ghana using threats and intimidation to suppress citizens’ right to free speech in criticizing the weaponisation of the process of criminal justice administration entrusted to his care under Article 88 (3) & (4) of the 1992 Constitution with the spurious rhetoric in the name of citizens running “extremely prejudicial commentary on cases pending before the courts”.

The power and discretion of the executive branch to enter a nolle prosequi at any stage of any pending criminal proceeding before judgment, is derived from the prosecutorial powers and discretion of the Attorney-General under Article 88 (3) and (4) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 54 of the Criminal Procedure and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 30). The citizen is, therefore, empowered under the Constitution to hold the exercise of that power, like any other executive power, to the test of transparency and accountability through free speech.

The attempt by the Attorney-General through the press release dated 4 July 2023 to use the smokescreen of “prejudicial commentary on cases pending before the courts” to gag the citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms to challenge the weaponization of the criminal justice system within the investigatory and prosecutorial process to perpetrate the autocratic governance of the Akufo-Addo regime is now becoming suffocatingly oppressive and unbearable.

 The Attorney-General insinuated that legitimate criticisms of the investigatory and prosecutorial functions of his office “unduly interferes with the work of State Prosecutors performing their constitutional function of prosecuting crime in Ghana” without pointing to any provision under the 1992 Constitution which proscribes the sovereign people of Ghana from holding to account State Prosecutors who allow themselves to be misused to abuse the very prosecutorial constitutional function they purport to perform in aid of an oppressive Government whose aim is to weaponize the system of criminal justice administration to achieve electoral political objects in an election cycle. 

Any Attorney-General is deemed to be a person who approaches the duties imposed upon his office under Article 88 (3) and (4) with deep humility and in his quiet and reflective moments engages in reflexive thinking. Consequently, one expects the Attorney-General to have realized that the “members of the legal profession of considerable standing” he alluded to in his press release have within them men and women who hold convincing considered opinions and disagree professionally and ethically with the weaponization of the investigation and prosecution of the processes of criminal justice administration under his watch. 

These “members of the legal profession with considerable standing” include his predecessor Attorneys-General from both political divides who have exercised the discretionary power embodied in the concept of nolle prosequi and know better that an advocacy or appeal to the Attorney-General or the President as the repository of the executive power to order the entry 

of a nolle prosequi in a criminal case pending in court cannot be prejudicial to the administration of justice. 

The above position is vindicated by the late eminent Ghanaian jurist, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Dean of the Faculty of Law of the University of Ghana, Director of Public Prosecutions, and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Justice A N. E. Amissah, writing, in his Criminal Procedure In Ghana, (repeating a truism every seasoned prosecutor knows), that: “The power of the Attorney-General to discontinue a case by the entry of a nolle prosequi or withdrawal is political in nature. No law prescribes the conditions under which it should be exercised or requires that he explain the reasons for doing so….” 

What vested interest does a fair and impartial judiciary hearing a criminal case have in any decision of the Attorney-General to discontinue an action with the entry of a nolle prosequi that a public advocacy for such an action constitutes an interference in the trial of the case?

Is the Attorney-General saying that there is any superior court judge in Ghana who has not achieved the level of maturity and experience to distinguish between urging the Attorney-General to enter a nolle prosequi in a case and comments prejudicial to the administration of justice? 

In the United States of America today one of the most current constitutional disagreement is the indictment of former President Trump by the Department of Justice (DOJ) leading to more scathing criticizing of the DOJ and the Biden administration for weaponizing the administration of justice without threats of persecution by the DOJ hanging over the necks of the eminent lawyers and enlighten citizens for exercising their rights to free speech.

The Americans also have the right to equality before the law and free speech enshrined centuries ago into their Constitution which we adopted in the 1992 Constitution. The United States Attorney-General has never dared to threaten citizens’ right to free speech for urging the executive branch to be decent and exercise prosecutorial discretion in a certain manner.

It is a total insult and slap to the Ghanaian public for the Ghanaian Attorney-General to do so. 

On the same day, 4 July 2023, that the Attorney-General mimicked the President and issued his autocratic press release, the Chiefs of Assin North held a press conference and appealed to the President and the Attorney-General to exercise the nolle prosequi discretion in favour of the beleaguered Member of Parliament for their Constituency following the 27 June 2023 by-election there.

The minority in Parliament on the same day also served notice in the following form to the public: “I wish to serve notice that the entire minority group will accompany our colleague to court today and any other day that he is to appear in court…We are solidarising with our colleague, I urge the government to listen to the good people of Assin North and do the right thing.”

This is exactly what reasonable and experienced former Attorneys-General anticipated and tried to preempt by urging the Government to consider entering a nolle prosequi in the case. 

The Chiefs of Assin North and minority in Parliament have virtually repeated the same thing “the members of the legal profession with considerable standing” had said. They also expressed solidarity with the Dormaahene, President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Dormaa Traditional Area, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemenag Badu II who in his capacity as a traditional ruler had made a similar earlier appeal.

The people of Ghana are consequently waiting with bated breath to see the Government and the Attorney- General implementing the Attorney-General’s threats and intimidations of citizens by 

persecuting the Assin North Chiefs and the minority in parliament for the exercise of their right to free speech, assembly, and movement under the Constitution. 

Mr. Godfred Dame, the Attorney-General should always remember that no condition is permanent and that the Chiefs and people he is threatening and intimidating now are the very people he met on his way up and would meet on his way down when he ceases to be the Attorney-General.

As a protégé of Nana Akufo-Addo whom he trained from his law firm of Akufo-Addo, Prempeh & Co and appointed as Attorney-General, the perceptions of his independence and impartiality in that office has to be earned by his positive conduct and not by negative perceptions or suspicions that he is being used by the President to weaponise the Office of the Attorney-General against political opponents. 

Ghana shall always endure and win with patriots defending the Constitution no matter what Governments do. The words of William Shakespeare in Macbeth ought to be a reminder to every Government and continue to serve as a warning to all tyrants and would-be tyrants: 

“….But in these cases, 

We still have judgement here; that we but teach 

Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return 

To plague the inventor; this even-handed justice 

Commends the ingredients of our poisn’d chalice 

To our own lips….” 

Patriots, lets continue to defend the Constitution for, Freedom and Justice shall prevail in the end. Salutations to all patriotic citizens! 

Martin A. B. K. Amidu 
July 5, 2023 

Theophilus Tetteh Chaie has said he is highly disappointed in Mr Okudzeto due to his status in Ghana and also as a role model many young people look up to.

Mr Okudzeto condemned Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, who’s also a sitting High Court Judge, for publicly calling for the criminal trial to be dropped.

Speaking on Top Story on Joy FM, he said “It is wrong, it is repugnant, it is senseless for a sitting high court judge to stand on a public platform and make an utterance of that nature. This is my view,” he said.

But reacting to the development on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Chaie questioned why Mr Okudzeto will make such harsh comments.

To him, the chief only made an appeal which lies with President Nana Akufo-Addo and the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame to consider or not.

“The Dormaahene chose his words carefully and did not attack the merit of the case in court. So I’m also highly disappointed in Sam Okudzeto for him to have spoken that way as a member of the Council of State and lawyer.

“Doesn’t he comment on national issues which are sometimes very controversial? I listened to that interview and when he was asked about the comments of the president in Assin North, he claimed he didn’t listen and can’t respond. Meanwhile, that was widely circulated in the media so why can’t he be truthful and balanced in his comments but rather descend on the Dormaahene?” he quizzed.

Mr Chaie, who is the Greater Accra Regional National Democratic Congress General Secretary, maintained there was nothing prejudicial about the chief’s comments as claimed by some persons.

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He can, therefore, not understand why his comment has attracted harsh criticisms.

“Were we not in this country when we saw the Okyenhene, Amoatia leading a group of chiefs in the Eastern because they said their roads were bad? It’s an appeal, beyond the appeal what else did he (Dormaahene) do?

“Did he say I am directing, I am instructing? No, he said, I am appealing to the President and the Attorney General that if he pleases them, they should file a nolle prosequi and discontinue this matter. What else has the chief said?” he quizzed.

To him, the chief who doubles as a High Court judge’s call was harmless and devoid of any attacks on the judicial system.

“He did not attack Godfred Dame, he didn’t attack the president. Compare that to the reckless and irresponsible commentary by Mr Akufo-Addo in Assin-North. Look he went to a church of Pentecost in Assin North, in a very highly prejudicial manner inciting the people and the court against Gyakye Quayson. It didn’t end there, he went to Assin Bereku Park and repeated those irresponsible highly prejudicial comments again,” he said on Accra-based TV3.

He continued, “The president is a lawyer he knows that he is the appointing authority of the judge. He knows that the judge has taken a judicial oath to do justice to all manner of persons without being woe. But he was deliberate, very intentional and seeking to incite the court against the person of Gyakye Quayson.”

In reaction to the chief’s appeal, Attorney General, Godfred Dame said such remarks have the potential to affect the fair adjudication of the case.

He further emphasized that any comment that undermines the administration of justice is detrimental and should not be tolerated.

Several high-profile persons have commented on the ongoing trial, including President Nana Akufo-Addo who told Assin North constituents not to vote for Mr Quayson because he could end up in jail.

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The Attorney General has said he respects the freedom of all persons to comment on any matter including cases pending in court.

However, it has in recent times observed much of the commentary exceeds the limit of free speech in Ghana.

In a statement, Mr Dame also indicated the commentaries unduly interfere with the work of State Prosecutors and adds unnecessary pressure on the courts.

The statement cited the cases of Assin North MP-elect, James Gyakye Quayson, former Ghana Cocoa Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Stephen Opuni and the ambulance trial involving Ajumako Enyan-Essiam MP, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.

The statement of the state prosecutor comes on the back of an appeal by the Dormaahene, Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II for the criminal prosecution against Mr Quayson to be discontinued.

Though the Dormaahene’s comment comes on the back of numerous calls made by prominent Ghanaians, the former’s has sparked controversy, especially due to his role as a traditional leader and a high court judge.

Some persons including legal practitioners have called for his removal, stating the comments are prejudicial.

The AG had earlier described the comments as unhealthy.

Below is the AG’s full statement:

According to him, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, who’s also a sitting High Court Judge, was wrong to have publicly called for the criminal trial to be dropped.

Speaking on Top Story on Joy FM, he said “it is wrong, it is repugnant, it is senseless for a sitting high court judge to stand on a public platform and make an utterance of that nature. This is my view,” he said.

The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Badu II, who’s also the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, has appealed to President Akufo-Addo to intervene and stop the prosecution of the MP-elect, James Gyakye Quayson.

Speaking at the 10th-anniversary lecture of John Evans Atta Mills, in Sunyani, Osagyefo Agyemang Badu who’s known in judicial practice as His Lordship, Justice Daniel Mensah said pursuing the case will not contribute to the country’s development in anyway.

“As a matter of urgency, I am appealing to the President of the Republic, Attorney General if he has any role to play, that the trial should be aborted,” he appealed.

He, thus, called on the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame “to as a matter of urgency file a nolle prosequi to end that particular decision.”

Again, he expressed worry about the Supreme Court’s ruling which resulted in Mr Quayson being removed from parliament.

The Dormaahene made it clear that he would have taken a divergent stance if he had been part of the panel deciding on the matter.

On the back of this, the former President of the Ghana Bar Association, Mr Okudzeto, is demanding the immediate dismissal of the judge.

“If I was sitting in that disciplinary committee of the judicial council, I would have asked him to resign or asked him to be sacked as a judge. That’s what I would have done,” he said.

He advised that citizens take up the matter and complain to the appropriate body to keep people in authority in check.

The Assin North MP-elect, James Gyakye Quayson is being tried for forgery and perjury after he was charged by the Attorney-General’s Office.

He is also accused of deceiving a public officer and knowingly making a false declaration when he filed nominations to contest in the 2020 election when he had not renounced his Canadian citizenship.

However, he has filed a motion on notice at the High Court for a stay of proceedings, pending an appeal.

Meanwhile, he’s expected to be sworn into office again on Tuesday, July 4, after winning the Assin North bye-election.

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According to the paramount chief, all lands are seen as “stool lands,” it is the right thing to visit the stool land office for approval before selling or buying land.

He stated this is the best way and procedure to go by to avoid the seizure of a property.

Mr Badu emphasised that by so doing, it will help nananom to render proper account to the people of Dormaa and also help to offer more accelerated development and projects to the various communities.

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According to him, though it will be an important edifice, the idea should be halted considering the current hardship in the country.

Dormaahene joins a litany of relevant personalities who have called for the suspension of the construction of the project.

He made this known to the Regional Minister, Justina Owusu-Banahene at a general meeting on Tuesday, December 20.

“You talked to God to build a national cathedral in his honour if you won the election. It is a good thing to do. However, given the economic difficulties Ghanaians are facing around this time, the people have asked me to tell you to put the project on hold. It is your initiative and no one can take that away from you but don’t use the national coffers to build the cathedral.

“Tell him to focus on economic recovery so that in good times even if he is not able to complete it, any of his brothers could do so. That is what Ghanaians want me to tell you,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has defended the need to complete the construction of the project.

He insists that the controversial project will signify an appreciation to God who he believes has spared the country from conflicts and plagues over the years.

According to him, the project whose 2023 budgetary allocation approval has been suspended will be geared toward thanking God for “sparing us the ravages of civil war that have bedeviled the histories of virtually all our neighbours and the outbreak of deadly mass epidemics but also as a rallying point for the entire Christian community of Ghana, which represents seventy-plus percent of the population.”

He spoke during the centenary celebration of the Ga Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at the Black Star Square in Accra on December 18.

He has warned to remove any of the sub-chiefs should they allow any violence to occur in their respective communities.

This comes after the just ended voter registration exercise which was characterised by sporadic violence in some areas by certain cohorts of New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“Ghana is at the crossroad. During the registration I was scared because of the violence, how much more during the election in December 2020?”.

” Since 1979, I haven’t seen soldiers employed for a registration process except for this year,” he said.

These acts led to the death of two persons at Banda and Nkrankwanta while several others were left battling severe injuries. The police has since arrested about ten people suspected to have played key roles in the violence to assist investigations.

It is against this background that Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeye Agyamang Badu II has called on the government to be on alert to prevent any of such violence in the upcoming December polls.

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He, however, apologized for the unrest at Nkrankwanta and has called on the security to bring all perpetrators to book.

He stated that he has also resolved with his Traditional Council to prevent future occurrences at the area.

 The Paramount Chief was speaking during the visit of the flagbearer of Ghana Union Movement (GUM), Christian Kwabena Andrews aka Osofo Kyiri Abosom visited him for his blessings at Dormaa Ahenkuro.

At the event, Christian Kwabena Andrews said it is time for the bookish educational system to be changed to a technical and innovative type to propel children for the competitive world.

He also and called on all to vote for GUM in the December polls to achieve this.