In the news...

From Justice Kpegah issuing a stern warning to followers of Nana Akufo-Addo, whom he has filed a writ against at the Supreme Court, to the twist and turn of the huge investment in the SADA/Asongtaba guinea fowl project, as well as a man-eating crocodile on the rampage, the week's news is here for you to enjoy at a glance. Happy Easter!

85 new ministers draw criticisms

President John Dramani Mahama, in accordance with articles 79 of the 1992 Constitution, last week released his fourth list of Deputy Ministers-designate.

The appointments, which included veteran actress Dzifa Gomashie, for the newly created Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, former presidential spokesperson, John Jinapor, former sports journalist, and Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, attracted huge criticisms from the opposition.

Spokespersons of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) labeled some of the appointments as “job for the boys”.

They could not fathom why the Gender and Social Protection Ministry and the Information Ministry were handed two deputy ministers.

Other civil society groups also raised questions about the number of ministers appointed so far. The number currently stands at 85.

Brawl over guinea fowl

Members of Parliament were divided over the Gh¢47m spent by the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) on guinea fowl and afforestation projects.

Giving a breakdown in the 2013 budget estimates of the office of government machinery last week, the Financial Committee of Parliament noted that Gh¢15m went into the Guinea Fowl Project, while Gh¢32.298m was spent on afforestation in 2012.

The combined expenditure on the two projects is almost one fifth of the 2013 budget for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, according to the report.

The report sparked a huge outcry from opposition legislators, who demanded that SADA provide ample evidence of the projects and also justify why such a colossal amount was spent on guinea fowl whereas other sectors are suffering.

Some analysts have described the expenditure as a misplaced priority and a deliberate attempt by some government officials to divert state funds. SADA is yet to officially respond to the queries raised by the legislators.

The damning Maputo report

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, promised to ensure that persons indicted in the Maputo report are dealt with per the laws of the country.

The report has been described as “damning” by the Speaker of Parliament and some Members of Parliament (MPs) who have called for action to be taken on all persons implicated.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports last year set up a committee chaired by Nii Adotey Din Barima, to investigate the circumstances leading to the embarrassment of the national athletics team during the All Africa Games in Maputo Mozambique in 2011.

The report indicted then boss of the National Sports Authority, Mr. Worlanyo Agrah, and the current Chief Sports Development Officer of the National Sports Authority, Mr. Erasmus Adorkor.

The two were accused of corruption in the awards of contract and lack of supervision of contracts but no action was taken on any of the persons indicted in the report.

Nana Akufo-Addo is 69

The 2012 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, turned 69 on Thursday.

As part of activities lined up for his birthday celebration, Nana Addo’s family and friends showed love to the children of the Teshie Orphanage in Accra.

Friends of Nana Akufo Addo donated a large quantity of assorted foods, drinks, detergents, cooking oil, toiletries and Nana Akufo Addo’s birthday cake to the Orphanage.

Parties in deadlock over Mahama presidency case

The Supreme Court is expected to resume sitting on April 2, 2012, to resolve and adopt issues to be raised by lawyers in the petition challenging the legitimacy of President John Mahama.

Acting upon instructions of the court, lawyers for the parties after a marathon meeting on Monday could not reach an agreement regarding issues to be set out for trial and determination of the case.

Following the communication of the stalemate to the registrar of the Supreme Court on March 19, 2013, the registrar in a letter dated March 25, 2013 fixed April 2, 2013 as the date for the court’s next hearing.

Man-eating croc kills man, attacks 3 others

A 60-year-old farmer died in Gomoa Ayensuadze in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region after being attacked by a crocodile as he fished. Three of his companions were mauled by the animal and were rushed to the Gomoa Abasa Health Centre