Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey,has strongly denied allegations that he influenced the High Court’s ruling in the case involving NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Legal practitioner Ohene Amankwaa Gyan has described the appointment of a Notary Public as a prestigious honour that comes with enormous responsibility, urging beneficiaries to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Speaking in an exclusive interview after receiving his Notary Public status, Amankwaa explained that a Notary Public licence is a special authorization granted by the courts to experienced lawyers who have diligently served at the Bar for more than 10 years, in accordance with the Notaries Public Act, 1960.
He noted that the appointment empowers lawyers to authenticate legal documents with an official seal, making the role critical to the administration of justice.

Expressing gratitude to the judiciary for the recognition, lawyer Amankwaa said he was honoured to be entrusted with such a prestigious responsibility.
He explained that the selection and appointment of Notary Public lawyers are based on a lawyer’s integrity, discipline, and professional record, adding that candidates undergo thorough scrutiny before being approved by the appropriate legal authorities.

According to him, the annual exercise, led by the Chief Justice and the Judicial Service, is intended to recognize lawyers who have distinguished themselves through exemplary service.
While celebrating the achievement, Amankwaa cautioned that the status should never be abused.
He warned that because Notary Public lawyers are relatively few, some people may attempt to exploit their official seals and authority for fraudulent purposes.

He also expressed concern that some Notary Public lawyers fail to properly scrutinize documents, especially those involving relatives or people they know personally, saying such negligence undermines the credibility of the office urged all beneficiaries to remain vigilant and exercise due diligence at all times, stressing that any abuse of the privilege or failure to follow the law could result in the withdrawal of their licence by the relevant authorities.
“Being a Notary Public is an honour worth celebrating, but it is also a responsibility that demands integrity, discipline and strict adherence to the law,” he emphasized.

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has arrested 26 suspects linked to cybercrime, human trafficking and related offences in a major intelligence-led operation, while rescuing 33 victims across different parts of the country.

According to the Director-General of the CID, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, the coordinated operation was carried out on July 3, 2026, following intelligence gathered by the police.

Speaking to the media, she disclosed that officers arrested 10 suspects at Mataheko-Afienya, where nine victims were rescued. Another 11 suspects were picked up at Fafa, leading to the rescue of six victims.
The operation continued at Kwabenya, where police arrested five suspects and rescued 18 victims.

Police identified some of the suspects as Collins Francis Olayi Ojo, Matthew Balogun, Jahil Belu, Abdul Rahman Ofizi, Talent Siniyi, Ray Morrison, Lawal Abdul Azizi, David Ogogona, Gift Prince, and Kingsley Honest.

Investigators said the suspects were arrested in an apartment believed to have served as the group’s operational base.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Collins Francis Olayi Ojo is the alleged coordinator and leader of the syndicate. He is accused of facilitating the movement of nine Nigerians into Ghana by road and allegedly directing them into cyber fraud and other criminal activities.

During the raid, police retrieved 28 laptops and nine mobile phones, all of which have been seized for forensic examination as investigations continue.

The Ghana Police Service says efforts are ongoing to dismantle the criminal network and bring all those involved to justice.