GENERAL NEWS

‘Ignore purported list from Special Prosecutor’ – Board Chairperson

Published

5 years ago

05/16/2019

Lionel

The Board Chairperson of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Mrs Linda Ofori-Kwafo, has asked the public to disregard a list of cases making the rounds said to be cases that the office is working on.

She said the list, if authentic, should rather be a cause for concern for all, as it would mean that there was a mole in the office leaking information not meant for the public yet.

“The list that is supposed to come out, according to the law, is a list of investigated cases. So if anyone puts out a list of cases being investigated and others yet to be, it is not right,” she said during a roundtable discussion on the topic: “One year of the Office of the Special Prosecutor”.

Partners

It was organised by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), with its partners the African Centre for International Law and Accountability (ACILA), the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), which are also partners in the project, Corruption Watch.

Corruption Watch is supported by STAR-Ghana, Strengthening Action Against Corruption (STAAC), Accountable Democratic Institutions and Systems Strengthening (ADISS) and the CSO Coalition on the OSP.

Context

Late last week, some newspapers published a list of cases purported to be investigated by the OSP.

Among the names of people mentioned as being under investigations at the office were a former Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Mr Mahama Ayariga, for suspected breaches in the procurement of some ambulances, and a former Minister for Gender Children and Social Protection, Nana Oye Lithur, for the misappropriation of public funds.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Ofori-Kwafo charged Ghanaians to test the supposed list against the law laid out in Section 3 (3) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act 2018 (Act 959).

She said as the chair of the board, she did not know about current investigations at the office, neither did any board member.

“If we knew, that would amount to interference in the operations of the office,” she said.

Mrs Ofori-Kwafo stressed the fact that the board was not involved in the day-to-day administration of the office, as that would amount to undermining the independence of the office.

“I know the expectation of Ghanaians is to see some prosecutions; however, we must make sure that the office works procedurally,” she stated.

She also dispelled rumours to the effect that the Special Prosecutor had refused to relocate to his completed office space, saying: “Steps are underway to get a bigger place for the office and work is still being done.

The Director for Advocacy and Policy Engagement at CDD-Ghana, Dr Kojo Pumpuni Asante, in an assessment of the office since its establishment, said there were gaps to be filled at all the stages in the establishment of the office.

He said the appointment of an executive secretary to run the office and consult on the passage of the Legislative Instrument to operationalise the Special Prosecutor’s Act, 2017 (Act 915) was still outstanding.

According to him, although many things needed to be prioritised, the board needed to draft a medium-term strategic plan for the office.

“Not only does this ensure continuity at their early stage; it also provides a framework for those who want to support the office,” he said.

He also emphasised the need for stronger coordination among governmental anti-corruption institutions because of the duplication of efforts in investigations into the same issues.

For instance, he said, some tax evasion cases before the OSP were also being investigated by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

*Source: ghanaweb.com

GENERAL NEWS

DEBUT ALBUM: Miriam Mandipira & The Soul Family

Published

1 week ago

07/16/2024

Lionel

DEBUT ALBUM by Miriam Mandipira & The Soul Family!
You’ve never heard a voice like Miriam Mandipira’s. Undeservedly, she doesn’t take credit for the power or presence she delivers. For Miriam, music is much more than just notes and words. It’s
magic. And faith. You can experience it LIVE and on the album, which is set to be released on September 1st.

She has been singing for as long as she can remember, growing up with her ears glued to the radio.

From the moment her school teacher asked her to sing in class, the rest has been history. From Africa to Denmark, from Book Café in Harare to Mojo Blues Bar and the big concert halls. From
Danish Radio Big Band to the Royal Theater. Music is music, and Miriam is the music.

“But it’s not about me when I sing. I’m just the instrument, and when I’m on stage with my band, I sing from a place that’s not about rules and technique but about emotions,” says the singer, who is
seriously trying her hand at songwriting – together with her Soul Family on the album “Ndiwe”, which means ‘you are the chosen one of my heart.’ The overall message is impossible to ignore
Love.

“Call me a soul singer, call me a jazz singer. I don’t care. Good music is good music, and I love interpreting other people’s songs and being inspired. At the same time, I think it’s great to try my
hand at creating and writing the songs myself – and with my friends in the Soul Family, I have found my place. They are my family, and the curiosity and respect we share are fantastic.”

You can experience that up close when Miriam & The Soul Family take the stage. The enthusiasm for music and communication is impossible to ignore and hear.

“I love to maintain the feeling of being a child. It’s an excitement and curiosity that keeps me going, and that’s why I’m so excited about every single concert – no matter how small or large it is.

Otherwise, I would never do it. This is not just a casual thing. This is a life, and everything means something,” says Miriam, who began her years in Denmark by jamming at Mojo Blues Bar, building a network.

Enjoy

ENTERTAINMENT

Bnoskka and Apprise Music Join Forces To Launch IP Zone Podcast

Published

2 months ago

05/27/2024

Lionel

Bnoskka, a leading creative arts business and intellectual property consultant, is excited to announce its collaboration with Apprise Music, a renowned music publishing and distribution company, to launch the IP Zone Podcast. Hosted by Bnoskka, the podcast is now streaming on YouTube, Spotify and all major streaming platforms.

IP Zone Podcast delves into the fascinating world of intellectual property, creativity, and innovation, featuring insightful conversations with industry experts, artists, and thought leaders. With a focus on the music and creative industries, the podcast explores the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in intellectual property, copyright, and innovation.

“I am thrilled to partner with Apprise Music to bring IP Zone Podcast to the public,” said Bnoskka. “Our goal is to create an engaging and informative platform that sparks meaningful discussions and inspires creativity. We believe that intellectual property is at the heart of innovation, and we’re excited to share this journey with our audience.”

“Apprise Music is dedicated to empowering creatives and artists to protect and monetize their intellectual property,” said Mr. Michael Bamfo, CEO of Apprise Music. “We’re proud to collaborate with Bnoskka on IP Zone Podcast, and we look forward to sharing our expertise and insights with the creative community.”

Tune in to IP Zone Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and other popular streaming platforms.

Subscribe now and join the conversations.

Contact:
Mr. Michael Bamfo
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +233 24 502 4002

About Bnoskka:
Bnoskka is a creative arts business and intellectual property consultant dedicated to empowering creatives and businesses to protect, monetize, and grow their intellectual property.

About Apprise Music:
Apprise Music is a music publishing and distribution company committed to supporting artists and creatives in the music industry.