Uncategorized
Court of Appeal Grants GHS10 Million Bail to Ato Essien Amid Health Concerns
The Court of Appeal has granted William Ato Essien, founder of the now-defunct Capital Bank, bail set at GHS10 million pending the outcome of his appeal against a 15-year prison sentence.
The bail decision, delivered on Wednesday, July 30, includes conditions such as the submission of his passport to the court and monthly check-ins with the court registrar. Two sureties are also required.
Essien was sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labour in October 2023 by an Accra High Court, following his guilty plea to 16 counts of stealing, money laundering, and conspiracy to steal. The charges stemmed from his role in the collapse of Capital Bank, involving over GHS90 million in financial misconduct.
In May 2024, Essien applied for bail pending appeal, citing deteriorating health, but the request was rejected by the High Court. He then escalated the matter to the Court of Appeal.
During the latest hearing, Essien’s legal team stressed his worsening health condition and the need for urgent medical care. They also highlighted his partial fulfillment of a plea deal that required him to repay GHS90 million to the state. He had initially paid GHS30 million in December 2022, but failed to meet subsequent payment deadlines for the remaining GHS60 million.
The prosecution opposed the bail, arguing that Essien had not honored the terms of the agreement. However, the three-member panel of justices pointed out that Section 35 of the Courts Act (Act 459)—which allows for restitution in exchange for a possible non-custodial sentence—raises questions that must be examined in the appeal process.
Background:
Essien and three associates were charged for offenses that led to the collapse of Capital Bank, including theft and money laundering amounting to GHS90 million. After entering a plea bargain, Essien agreed to repay the state in structured installments: GHS20 million each by April, August, and December 2023. By April, he had only paid GHS4 million of the first tranche and a total of GHS7 million by the time of sentencing.
As a result of his failure to meet payment terms, the High Court imposed the custodial sentence.
Following the sentencing, Dr. John Apea, Head of Missions at the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council and a board member of the Commonwealth Human Rights Office for Africa, began advocating for clemency on humanitarian grounds. He launched a petition and pledged to present it to former President John Mahama, emphasizing Essien’s fragile health and the need for compassion in justice.
Uncategorized
Albert Bondah takes over Media & PR Duties for Ghana Comedy Awards 2026
The organisers of the Ghana Comedy Awards 2026 have officially unveiled Albert Bondah as the new Media and Public Relations Manager for the highly anticipated sixth edition of the awards ceremony.
The announcement, which has already generated excitement within Ghana’s entertainment industry, forms part of the organisers’ broader efforts to strengthen the awards brand and expand its visibility ahead of this year’s event.

A graduate of the University of Cape Coast, Albert Bondah brings on board a wealth of experience in entertainment publicity, media relations, and strategic communications. His impressive portfolio includes serving as Road Manager for the Central Music Awards, as well as Media Relations Officer for organisations and brands such as African Arts Network, 2Cute Entertainment, Parrot Mouth Productions, PB Entertainment, Keche Global, and Fiifi Coleman Productions, among several other notable institutions within the creative industry.
With his extensive background in entertainment communications, Albert Bondah is expected to play a major role in promoting the awards scheme while strengthening engagement with audiences, stakeholders, media partners, and industry players. Many within the entertainment space see his appointment as a strategic move aimed at elevating the profile of the Ghana Comedy Awards both locally and internationally.
Over the years, the Ghana Comedy Awards has grown into one of the country’s leading entertainment platforms dedicated to celebrating comedians, comic actors, and creatives who continue to shape Ghana’s comedy landscape. The scheme has consistently recognised excellence, creativity, and innovation within the rapidly growing comedy industry.
General News
Mahama to Host Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa for Three-Day State Visit
President John Dramani Mahama is set to host Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on a three-day State Visit to Ghana from Wednesday, April 1 to Friday, April 3, 2026.
According to a statement from the Presidency, President Mnangagwa will arrive at the Accra International Airport at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, where he will be received with full military honours by President Mahama. The ceremony will feature an inspection of a Guard of Honour mounted by the Ghana Armed Forces, followed by a 21-gun salute.
Later in the evening, President Mahama will host a State Banquet in honour of his Zimbabwean counterpart, in celebration of the long-standing relations between the two countries.
The highlight of the visit will be bilateral talks between the two leaders at the Peduase Lodge. The discussions, which will begin with a tête-à-tête, are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in key sectors including trade, tourism, health, sanitation, agriculture, anti-corruption efforts, and job creation.
Both leaders are also expected to preside over the signing and exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic ties between Ghana and Zimbabwe.
As part of his itinerary, President Mnangagwa will visit the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre and the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant to gain insight into Ghana’s advancements in healthcare delivery and sustainable waste management.
He will also pay homage to Ghana’s founding father, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, by laying a wreath at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
President Mnangagwa is expected to depart Ghana on Friday, April 3, with full departure honours at the Jubilee Lounge.
The visit is anticipated to further strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation between Accra and Harare.
Read the statement below;

General News
Global InfoAnalytics: Mahama’s approval rating at 67%; economic optimism slips
President John Dramani Mahama continues to enjoy strong public support, maintaining a 67% approval rating, according to a new poll by Global InfoAnalytics.
The survey released on March 25, 2026, showed that only 26% of voters disapprove of his performance, though it was a slight increase from 24% recorded in December 2025, while approval remains unchanged.
Support for President Mahama, according to the survey, spans all regions, including traditional opposition strongholds.
In the Ashanti Region, which is the stronghold of the opposition, New Patriotic Party (NPP), the poll showed that 56% of voters approve of his performance, while approval stands at 64% in the Eastern Region and 65% in the North East Region.
The poll also indicates that a majority of party affiliates back the president’s performance, except for supporters of the NPP.
In the direction of the country, 65% of respondents in the survey noted that Ghana is headed in the right direction, though there was a marginal drop from 66% in the previous quarter.
Meanwhile, 28% believe the country is on the wrong path, up from 24%, while those with no opinion declined from 10% to 7%.
Living standards appear to have improved for many Ghanaians, with 58% of voters saying their conditions are better than a year ago, compared to 16% who report a decline.
However, optimism about the future has dipped slightly. The poll found that 68% of voters expect their standard of living to improve over the next 12 months, down from 70% in the previous quarter, suggesting growing unease over potential inflationary pressures linked to the Middle East conflict.

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