Christian Tetteh Sotie, Managing Director of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), and Isaac Crentsil, a former Commissioner of the Customs Division of the GRA, have initiated a human rights suit against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

The two, who are currently subjects of an OSP investigation into the SML revenue-assurance contract, argue that the photographing of them while holding placards with their names constitutes a breach of their rights to dignity and privacy.

They are seeking judicial declarations that the OSP’s conduct and any use or publication of those photographs — was unlawful.

The applicants — who are part of a wider group under OSP investigation alongside former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta — maintain that the photographing of suspects prior to formal charges being filed is inconsistent with constitutional protections of dignity and presumption of innocence.

In documents filed before the court, they argue that being photographed with name placards — without any formal charge — violates their constitutional rights. They are asking the court to declare the act illegal, prohibit the release of the photos, and affirm that any such publication would breach their human rights.

Due to questions about how the contract was allocated and whether it provided value to the state, the SML–GRA contract has come under intense examination in Ghana.

Earlier this year, five civil society organisations sued the government and SML, demanding the recovery of over GH¢1 billion, alleging that the contract violated procurement laws.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor has since launched a probe into suspected corruption and related offences involving SML’s operations in petroleum and mineral revenue monitoring.

Despite arrests and searches carried out as part of the investigation — including at SML’s offices — no formal charges have been filed yet against the two men now pursuing their own human rights case.

Paramount Chief of lower Dixcove, Nana Kwesi Agyeman has made a passionate appeal to the government to prioritize the rehabilitation and construction of roads in the Ahanta West Municipality, lamenting that “not a single road in the area has been tiled” since the creation of the municipality.

Addressing a gathering during President Mahama’s official working visit to the Western Region, Nana Kwesi Agyeman said, the poor state of roads in Ahanta West has become a major concern for residents, affecting transportation, local business activities, and access to social amenities.

“Ahanta West deserves better. Our farmers struggle to transport their produce, traders are losing money, and tourists find it difficult to reach our coastal towns. We are pleading with the President to come to our aid,” Nana Agyeman said.

He emphasized that despite the municipality’s contribution to the national economy through tourism, fishing, and agriculture, it has seen little infrastructural development in recent years.

Nana Agyeman urged the President to ensure that at least a few major roads in the municipality are asphalted.
“We are not asking for too much. Even if just a few key roads are fixed, it will make a huge difference in the lives of our people,” he added.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Vincent Kwofie

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has officially sworn in two new Members of Parliament, Bernard Bediako Baidoo of Akwatia and Professor Alidu Seidu of Tamale Central.

The brief ceremony, held during today’s sitting of Parliament, marked the formal induction of the two National Democratic Congress (NDC) legislators following recent by-elections in their respective constituencies.

Bernard Bediako Baidoo was elected MP for Akwatia after securing 18,199 votes in a competitive by-election. He fills the vacancy created by the passing of the late Ernest Yaw Kumi.

In Tamale Central, Professor Alidu Seidu was declared the winner of the by-election after running unopposed. He replaces the late MP Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who tragically died in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.

Speaking after administering the oaths of allegiance and office, Speaker Bagbin congratulated the two lawmakers and reminded them of the weight of the responsibility they now carry.

He urged them honour their oath, uphold the dignity of the House, and let your service be marked by integrity and accountability..

The two MPs now join the NDC caucus in Parliament, further strengthening the party’s presence in the House increasing majority numbers to 185. Four other Independent Candidates have also declared their decision to do business with the NDC MPs.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com