Briefly tracks court rulings, legislation, gazette notices, and regulatory developments across Ghana — curated daily from Ghana's courts, regulators, and leading legal publications. 70 updates tracked in the past 30 days, last updated 1 Jan.
Ghana's Environmental Protection Authority has officially banned the use of polystyrene. Companies must phase out these materials immediately to comply with new environmental standards and avoid penalties.
This release provides a comprehensive summary of the latest trends and production figures within the mining industry. It serves as a vital reference for compliance officers monitoring the sector's regulatory and economic landscape.
Ghana is set to host a high-level international conference in Accra focused on reparatory justice, a move that solidifies the nation's role as a central hub for the global movement seeking redress for the Transatlantic Slave Trade. This event, organized in collaboration with the African Union and supported by various Caribbean nations through the CARICOM framework, aims to move the conversation beyond political rhetoric into the realm of actionable legal frameworks. The conference will bring together international jurists, human rights advocates, and state representatives to deliberate on the mechanisms for quantifying historical damages and establishing a unified African front on the issue of reparations. By hosting this summit, Ghana is asserting its leadership in the diplomatic and legal push for restorative justice on the continent.
From a legal perspective, this development is significant as it seeks to ground reparatory claims in international law, specifically focusing on the principles of state responsibility and the evolving jurisprudence surrounding crimes against humanity. Practitioners should note that the conference builds upon the 2023 Accra Declaration, which called for the establishment of a Global Reparations Fund. The legal context involves navigating complex statutes of limitations, the doctrine of intertemporal law, and the challenge of identifying contemporary legal entities responsible for historical wrongs. By formalizing these discussions, Ghana is positioning itself at the forefront of a legal frontier that could eventually influence international litigation and diplomatic negotiations between the Global South and former colonial powers.
For legal professionals, particularly those specializing in international human rights and public international law, this conference signals a shift toward the institutionalization of reparatory justice. Attorneys should monitor the outcomes for potential developments in soft law instruments that may eventually inform domestic legislation or international treaties. Businesses operating in sectors with historical ties to the colonial era should also pay close attention, as the discourse may eventually lead to corporate accountability frameworks or ESG reporting requirements related to historical justice. The takeaway for practitioners is to stay informed on the emerging legal theories regarding unjust enrichment and restitution as they are applied to the context of historical exploitation and the potential for new litigation pathways in international forums.
The resignation of Dr. Bossman Asare, the Deputy Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission in charge of Corporate Services, marks a significant shift in the leadership of the country’s primary election management body. Dr. Asare, a key figure in the administration of Ghana’s democratic processes, has stepped down at a critical juncture as the nation prepares for the high-stakes 2024 general elections. His departure leaves a vacuum in the corporate services wing of the Commission, which oversees vital administrative, financial, and logistical operations necessary for the successful execution of the electoral calendar. This development involves the Electoral Commission as the primary institution, the Presidency as the appointing authority, and the broader political landscape including major parties like the NPP and NDC who rely on the Commission's stability.
The legal framework governing this development is rooted in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, specifically Articles 43 to 46, and the Electoral Commission Act, 1993 (Act 451). These provisions outline the independence of the Commission and the procedures for the appointment and removal of its members. The resignation of a high-ranking official like the Deputy Chairperson is legally significant because it necessitates a swift replacement process by the President, acting on the advice of the Council of State, to ensure the Commission remains fully constituted and functional. Any prolonged vacancy or perceived instability within the leadership could lead to litigation from political stakeholders or civil society organizations concerned about the Commission's capacity to deliver a transparent and credible election under the current constitutional requirements.
For legal practitioners and political consultants, this resignation warrants close monitoring of the subsequent appointment process to ensure strict compliance with constitutional mandates. Attorneys specializing in administrative and constitutional law should be prepared for potential challenges regarding the Commission's decision-making quorum or the continuity of ongoing procurement and logistical contracts managed under the Corporate Services portfolio. The takeaway for the broader legal community is the importance of institutional resilience; practitioners should advise clients on the potential for administrative delays or shifts in the Commission's operational posture during this transition. Maintaining public confidence in the Electoral Commission is paramount, and the legal community plays a vital role in scrutinizing the transition to ensure it adheres to the principles of administrative fairness and constitutional integrity.
The Bank of Ghana has directed all regulated financial institutions to immediately terminate any arrangements that facilitate unauthorized foreign currency wallet services.
The Oslo District Court is scheduled to deliver a verdict and sentence for Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway's crown princess, following his rape trial.
Ghanaian police have launched an investigation into the death of a suspected armed robber who died from a gunshot wound after a taxi hijacking in Accra.
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice reported that over 458,000 children in Ghana are out of school due to an escalating child labor crisis.
The Bank of Ghana has issued a directive requiring regulated financial institutions to immediately terminate ties with cryptocurrency platforms operating unregulated foreign currency wallets.
Stakeholders have called for the strict enforcement of building regulations by regulatory authorities to address the increasing frequency of building collapses.
The Amasaman Circuit Court sentenced a 22-year-old sales assistant to 36 months of hard labor after CCTV footage captured him stealing from his employer.
The Gender-Based Violence Court in Accra has issued a final deadline for the prosecution to file disclosure documents in a case involving the alleged theft of a baby from Mamprobi Hospital.
Road users in Accra’s Avenor and North Industrial Area are reporting increased traffic congestion and safety issues due to illegal encroachment on public roads and pavements.
During the trial of Kwabena Adu-Boahene, a prosecution witness from UMB Bank testified against claims that bank branches conducted independent fund transfers to settle obligations.
Prominent lawyer Ace Anan Ankomah advised graduates that academic and professional success is driven by discipline rather than innate talent. He shared his personal experience of rising from a low-performing class to becoming a top student to illustrate the value of persistence.
The Export Promotion and Advisory Council (EPAC) is advocating for increased investment in product packaging to enhance the competitiveness of local brands. Experts emphasize that high-quality packaging is a critical component of the value chain that influences market success.