Parliament has approved legislation establishing the National Defence University, creating a legal framework to unite key military training institutions under a degree-awarding university dedicated to defence and security studies. Once operational, the institution will offer programmes from diploma to doctoral level in defence, security, leadership, peacekeeping and strategic studies, serving Ghana Armed Forces personnel and civilian security professionals across Ghana and Africa.
17 hours ago · Joy Online →
The Ghana Police Service announced plans to prosecute Camila Alhassan in the High Court on a separate charge of false communication under the Electronic Communications Act, following her one-year conviction by the Accra Circuit Court for offensive conduct arising from a TikTok video targeting President Mahama and the First Lady.
18 hours ago · Joy Online →
President Mahama told Volta Region residents that his administration will conduct further reshuffles and personnel changes as governance priorities evolve. He also defended his government's streamlined structure, noting that Presidency staff have been reduced from approximately 300 to just over 200 to cut expenditure and improve efficiency.
18 hours ago · Joy Online →
The Supreme Court dismissed the Republic's appeal to overturn the acquittal of two men charged with conspiracy to defraud, defrauding by false pretence, and money laundering in a $270,000 gold export scam, citing a police investigator's improper closeness with the foreign complainant that created a real likelihood of bias.
19 hours ago · Joy Online →
Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai confirmed that plea bargain negotiations in the case against NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako and two others have not resulted in an agreement, with the statutory 30-day negotiation period expiring next week. Wontumi and his co-accused face charges relating to an alleged GH¢14 million loan facility obtained from EXIM Bank for a farming project using false representations.
9 hours ago · Joy Online →
William Nyarko, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for International Law and Accountability, called for African political finance law reforms requiring electoral candidates to disclose campaign donations and file financial reports, arguing that current legal gaps fuel corruption and state capture.
9 hours ago · Joy Online →
Joy Online begins a three-part historical series on Ghana's tribunal system, tracing its development from a military apparatus under the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (1979) through constitutional reviews that recommended its abolition, to the recent passage of the Tribunals Bill 2026, which promises to replace the defunct Act 459 framework with a transparent, expeditious mechanism for citizen-led justice under democratic oversight.
10 hours ago · Joy Online →
An NDC communications member argued that no Ghanaian has authority to determine when or where they should be arrested, saying law enforcement must be allowed to carry out duties when grounds exist. His comments followed the arrest of Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Director of Communications for Bawumia's 2024 campaign, by EOCO over alleged financial and procurement irregularities involving about GH¢55 million at the IMCCoD.
10 hours ago · Joy Online →
An adjunct constitutional law lecturer at GIMPA Law School has warned that establishing and operating regional tribunal courts throughout the country could cost not less than US$10 million, and argues parliament should have considered cost implications and implementation policies before passing the Regional Tribunals Act.
10 hours ago · Joy Online →
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, Vice Chair of Parliament's Subsidiary Legislation Committee, has criticized the arrest of Dennis Miracles Aboagye by EOCO and the GH¢50 million bail bond as unreasonable, arguing that while investigations are necessary, state institutions must ensure proportionality and fairness in their actions.
10 hours ago · Joy Online →
The NPP does not oppose investigations or accountability, but is concerned about the manner in which party members are treated following arrests by state agencies, according to Vice Chair of Parliament's Subsidiary Legislation Committee Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. His comments follow the arrest of Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Director of Communications for the 2024 campaign team of former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office over investigations into alleged financial irregularities involving about GH¢55 million.
10 hours ago · Joy Online →
The New Patriotic Party says it will continue to support its members when the processes surrounding their arrest and treatment raise concerns, though it stressed that such interventions should not be seen as shielding individuals from accountability. An NPP parliamentary figure said the party's concerns have focused on how members are treated after arrests, not the arrests themselves, and that authorities' conduct during investigations can sometimes suggest motives beyond ensuring accountability.
10 hours ago · Joy Online →
A GIMPA Law School adjunct constitutional law lecturer has argued that delays in Ghana's criminal cases stem primarily from prosecution challenges rather than court issues, opposing the establishment of tribunal courts as a solution to case backlogs.
10 hours ago · Joy Online →
Corporate lawyer Victoria Bright has urged the government to strengthen existing courts and create specialised courts instead of establishing public tribunals under the proposed Public Tribunal Bill, citing Ghana's troubled history with tribunals during military regimes and concerns about potential political interference.
10 hours ago · Joy Online →
Dr John Osae-Kwapong, Director of Quality Assurance at Ashesi University, has expressed concerns about the reintroduction of tribunal courts, citing negative historical memories associated with the system. He says extensive public education on their mandate, processes and safeguards is needed to address historical perceptions and rebuild public confidence in the recently passed Regional Tribunals Act.
10 hours ago · Joy Online →
Lawyer Theophilus Dzimega Jnr suggests that Ghana's newly passed Tribunal Law could prioritise live broadcast of "high public interest cases" to improve transparency and public access to justice. He argues the regional tribunals form part of broader measures to enhance the judicial system and that technology in court proceedings could strengthen confidence in the judicial process.
10 hours ago · Joy Online →
The Flag Officer Commanding of the Naval Training Command at Nutekpor received Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Quaye, the new Commanding Officer of the Artillery Training School, during a working visit to formally introduce him and discuss inter-service cooperation and military training collaboration.
10 hours ago · Joy Online →
The Inspector-General of Police and members of the Police Management Board met with the Oti Regional Minister to strengthen collaboration on security and public safety. The Regional Minister commended police efforts but appealed for more officers and operational vehicles to address security challenges.
11 hours ago · Joy Online →
An NDC communications team member has called on the Minority in Parliament to support reintroduction of the tribunal system as a tool to fight illegal mining, describing it as a key party campaign promise requiring broad political support. Parliament passed the Tribunal Bill, 2026 despite opposition from civil society, organised labour, and the Minority, who raised concerns over its provisions and called for wider stakeholder consultations.
11 hours ago · Joy Online →
The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Constitutional Studies has warned that Parliament's passage of the Tribunal Bill, 2026, despite objections from civil society, labour groups, and the Minority, undermines democratic principles and risks weakening Ghana's democratic institutions.
11 hours ago · Joy Online →
A member of the NDC's National Communications Team argued that Parliament's passage of the Tribunal Bill, 2026, fulfills a campaign pledge made in the party's 2024 manifesto, saying Ghanaians endorsed the commitment by voting the party into office. The bill passed despite opposition from civil society, organised labour, and the Minority, who raised concerns about its provisions and called for broader consultation.
11 hours ago · Joy Online →
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, Vice-Chair of Parliament's Subsidiary Legislation Committee, has criticised Parliament's passage of the Regional Tribunals Act, arguing that Ghana should prioritise investment in the existing Judicial Service's infrastructure and resources rather than establish additional tribunal courts, noting that tribunal systems are twice as expensive as traditional courts.
11 hours ago · Joy Online →
Justice Srem-Sai, Deputy Attorney-General, said the state expects to close its case next week in the trial of former Cyber Security Authority Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene and two others, accused of stealing GH¢49.1 million. He expressed confidence that prosecutors have presented strong evidence covering the source of funds, alleged diversion into a private account, and linked transactions.
11 hours ago · Joy Online →
The Vice Chair of Parliament's Subsidiary Legislation Committee argued that the tribunal system would be more expensive to operate than conventional courts, citing the financial burden of regional tribunal composition where judges and panel members command significant remuneration. Parliament passed the Tribunal Bill, 2026, on Thursday despite opposition from civil society organisations, organised labour, and the Minority.
11 hours ago · Joy Online →
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, Vice Chair of Parliament's Subsidiary Legislation Committee, has criticized the Tribunal Bill, 2026, arguing it is unconstitutional, costly, and historically ineffective at improving Ghana's justice system. He stated the proposed tribunals present significant constitutional concerns and do not offer a practical solution to challenges within the justice system.
11 hours ago · Joy Online →
Parliament passed the Tribunal Bill on Thursday night despite objections from civil society, labour unions, and the Minority. An MP and Vice Chair of Parliament's Subsidiary Legislation Committee argues the bill is unconstitutional, costly, and historically ineffective.
12 hours ago · Joy Online →
Dr. Gideon Boako, a new MP for Tano North Constituency, has completed one year in Parliament, characterized by parliamentary contributions and development projects including dormitory blocks at Bomaa Senior High School, boreholes in over 45 communities, security service recruitment of 60-plus young people, and direct educational support for 127 students.
15 hours ago · Joy Online →
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, Vice-Chair of Parliament's Subsidiary Legislation Committee, has criticized the arrest of former presidential staffer Dennis Miracles Aboagye upon his return to Ghana, arguing that the arrest was unnecessary because Aboagye had been cooperating with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for about a year. Awuah also contended that the GH₵50 million bail condition imposed was unreasonable.
6 hours ago · Joy Online →
An NPP MP accused the governing NDC of allowing its parliamentary majority to undermine accountability and transparency, criticizing the party for now maintaining practices it opposed when in the Minority, particularly over a closed-door engagement with the Bank of Ghana Governor.
7 hours ago · Joy Online →
Concerned members of the NPP USA branch have called on leadership to release the official election album ahead of branch polls, citing delays in access to the voters' register and alleged administrative lapses with only eight days remaining before elections. The group claims that some chapter elections began shortly after midnight without members having prior access to the election album, raising questions about transparency and fairness.
7 hours ago · Joy Online →
International corporate lawyer Victoria Bright cautioned law enforcement against using bail conditions as punishment, emphasizing that constitutional safeguards and the presumption of innocence must be maintained during criminal investigations. She said while accountability for alleged wrongdoing is essential, it must not override the rule of law.
8 hours ago · Joy Online →
Patricia Etornam Hlorbu has filed her nomination to contest for Volta Regional Women Organiser of the New Patriotic Party, pledging to strengthen the party's grassroots structures and improve its electoral fortunes in the region ahead of the 2028 general election.
10 hours ago · Joy Online →
The Ghana Navy completed the Engineering Mechanic Qualifying Course 1-2026 at Naval Base Sekondi, training junior ratings in Internal Combustion Systems, Distillation and Reverse Osmosis Systems, and Compressor Systems to improve operational readiness. The Commanding Officer of SMECS stated that technical training underpins naval operations and urged graduates to demonstrate professionalism and integrity.
35 min ago · Joy Online →
Solomon Owusu, Director of Communications of the United Party, said the strongest opposition to any third-term bid by President Mahama would come from within the NDC rather than opposition parties, and that the UP would have no objection if Mahama pursued another term. Mahama has not indicated he intends to seek a third term, though the issue is under public debate.
2 hours ago · Joy Online →
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie said the Supreme Court and the institution of chieftaincy, despite deriving authority from different sources, share the same enduring purpose of preserving justice and securing peace. Speaking in Kumasi at a lecture marking the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court, he noted that while the Supreme Court speaks through the Constitution and chieftaincy through custom, both institutions remain united by a shared commitment to justice.
3 hours ago · Joy Online →
Richard Gyan Mensah, Gomoa West MP and Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, met with GPRTU leaders, drivers, okada riders and Pragia riders to promote safe road use during ongoing construction works in the constituency. He distributed reflective jackets to okada and Pragia riders, fuel coupons to commercial drivers, and announced continuation of his annual driver's licence acquisition and training programme.
3 hours ago · Joy Online →
Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai says the prosecution will close its case next week in the trial of former National Signals Bureau Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene and two others, who face allegations of stealing GH¢49.1 million from a government bank account.
3 hours ago · Joy Online →
NDC politician James Agbey has called on President John Mahama's supporters to stop publicly discussing a possible third presidential term, arguing that Mahama has already made his position clear and that the debate risks damaging his legacy and undermining the NDC.
4 hours ago · Joy Online →