Independent investigations have uncovered discrepancies in claims made by the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) following a recent incident at the National Assay Centre.

The statement, purportedly issued by a “Corporate Affairs” unit, appears to be misleading as PMMC lacks a designated Corporate Affairs or Public Affairs department.

This revelation casts doubts on the authenticity and source of the statement, raising concerns about internal communication protocols within PMMC.

The situation is further troubled by the disclosure that the audit department was unaware of the transfer of gold from the Diamond House to the Aviance Cargo Terminal.

This deviation from standard operating procedures, where the audit department is responsible for verifying the movement and stock of valuable items, is a cause for significant alarm.

Typically, the audit department plays a crucial role in ensuring the proper documentation, verification, and accountability for all movements of precious materials.

However, the lack of notification to the audit department of this substantial transfer not only undermines transparency in PMMC’s operations but also highlights broader governance and oversight issues within the organization.

The chaotic incident unfolded at the National Assay Centre situated at the Aviance Cargo Terminal in Accra when an adhoc  taskforce led by Prince Vitus Seidu and the National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Joseph Yamin stormed the Aviance terminal of the Kotoka International cargo department to stop the transport of a 440kilogram of gold being exported to the UAE by unidentified owner through PMMC.

The Managing Director of PMMC, the official state Aseyer told The New Republic in an interview that although the Gold was being processed by the company on behalf of Bank of Ghana, PMMC did not know who the real owners of the gold bars are.

He argued that the company has exusted all of processes due for handling and  export of the gold.

This event has raised serious concerns about the security and integrity of Ghana’s gold trade, prompting urgent inquiries into the transparency of operations at the National Assay Centre.

The disruption occurred on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, amid the processing of gold bars as part of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) launched in June 2021.

These bars were allegedly undergoing evaluation to confirm their weight, purity, and value, a standard procedure crucial for preserving Ghana’s gold market integrity.

However, operations were interrupted when upon a tip off that, the bars were being illicitly taken out of the country by certain political figures. PMMC vehemently refuted these claims, asserting their baselessness and detrimental impact.

In the midst of the turmoil police and military intervention were sort to control the vigilant crowd who stormed the airport to insist that the packages be impounded pending investigation.

Eventually, an agreement was reached to relocate the bullion bars to the Greater Accra Regional Police Command for safekeeping until a resolution could be reached the following day.

In its official statement, PMMC condemned the actions of the task-force as “deeply regrettable,” warning that such disruptions could severely impact Ghana’s reputation in the international bullion market.

A transparent account of the events occurring on December 17 is deemed essential to address the mounting concerns stemming from the incident.

Clear communication is needed to dispel existing scepticism surrounding PMMC’s operations and restore trust among stakeholders.

The aftermath of the chaos at the National Assay Centre underscores the critical need for enhancing governance measures within PMMC.

The absence of a Corporate Affairs unit and the oversight lapses in the audit department indicate systemic issues that could have lasting repercussions.

Addressing these governance gaps is crucial to improving crisis management, fostering transparent communication with stakeholders, and fortifying PMMC’s market reputation. Moving forward, a reevaluation of PMMC’s governance practices is imperative.

In a moving and inspirational homily delivered on the Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, Rev. Fr. Michael Dziwornu Etsey of the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka, Accra, encouraged the faithful to embrace the joy and hope of this sacred time.

Gaudete Sunday, positioned a few days before Christmas, is a day of celebration and rejoicing within the Christian calendar. It signifies the halfway point of the Advent season, a period of anticipation and readiness for the birth of Jesus Christ.

The rose-colored vestments worn by clergy and the lighting of the rose-colored candle in the Advent wreath symbolize this joyous occasion.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Etsey reminded the congregation of the profound significance of Gaudete Sunday, urging them to rejoice in the promise of salvation and the coming of the Messiah. He highlighted the readings for this Sunday, which center on the theme of joy and celebration.

“The term ‘Gaudete’ is of Latin origin, meaning ‘Rejoice,'” Rev. Fr. Etsey conveyed. “The readings for this Sunday exhort us to do just that – to exclaim joy, to sing joyfully, to rejoice in the Lord always.”

The priest stressed the importance of maintaining this spirit of rejoicing, even amidst the challenges and difficulties that arise in daily life. “In a world often overshadowed by darkness and despair, we are called to be the light,” Rev. Fr. Etsey emphasized.

“We are called to embrace the joy and hope that this Advent season brings, and let it inspire us to instigate the change we desire to see in our beloved Ghana.”

He reminded the congregation that the readings for Gaudete Sunday, notably the testimony of John the Baptist, speak of preparation and anticipation for the coming of the Messiah.

“John the Baptist proclaims, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord!'” Rev. Fr. Etsey quoted.

“This message of preparation and vigilance lies at the core of the Advent season, and it is a call that we must heed with renewed fervor.” Rev. Fr. Etsey’s words deeply resonated with the faithful, who acknowledged the weight and significance of his message. He drew a compelling connection between the joy and hope of Gaudete Sunday and the societal challenges facing Ghana.

“In this season of rejoicing, we must also remember our duty to our fellow citizens. We are tasked to be the voice of reason and justice, to advocate for the marginalized and oppressed, and to diligently work towards constructing a more just and equitable society,” Rev. Fr. Etsey stated.

The congregation erupted into applause at the conclusion of the homily, underscoring the impact of the priest’s words and the importance of his message.

As the service drew to a close, the faithful departed the cathedral infused with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to carry the spirit of Gaudete Sunday throughout the remaining Advent season.

“We cannot afford to be complacent in the face of the forthcoming challenges,” remarked one parishioner. “We must heed our priest’s words and embrace the joy and hope that this season brings, utilizing it as a guiding light in our pursuit of a more just and equitable society.”

As the Advent season progresses, the faithful of the Holy Spirit Cathedral and across Ghana will undoubtedly uphold the spirit of Gaudete Sunday, using it as a source of strength and inspiration in their daily lives.

The message of rejoicing and vigilance, as articulated by Rev. Fr. Etsey, is poised to resonate with the hearts and minds of the Ghanaian people, motivating them to effect positive change in their cherished country.

The Supreme Court’s ruling which stayed the declaration by the Speaker of Parliament that four seats in the Legislature have become vacant has provoked criticism amidst the reigniting of sentiments that the apex court is a full-blown mule of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Tensions have reached a fever pitch with anticipated showdown as the house reconvenes today in furtherance of its mandated businesses, and the blame is being put squarely on the Justice Torkornoo led Supreme Court Panel that has sort to interfere in what would otherwise have passed for a debate of opinions in the house of parliament.

Now, critics are pointing out the vandalism of the principle of the separation of powers involved in the matter in which the Judiciary, which is the third organ of State, overreaches to determine how another organ should run its internal affairs.

Then there is the sheer alacrity with which the ruling was given and how compared to other even weightier issues, the same supreme court had dragged its feet for years.

additionally, critics are pointing out the repetition of a sick pattern in which the supreme court justices always rule in favor of the NPP and do so with such seeming choreographed unanimity that the judges who sit on the panels that adjudicate political cases actually appear to think from one head.

Last week Friday, the apex court had stayed a declaration by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin that the seats in Amenfi Central constituency in the Western Region, Fomena in the Ashanti Region, Suhum in the Eastern Region, and Agona West in the Central region had become vacant.

The case had been filed by Alexander Afenyo Markins, leader of the NPP’s MPs in Parliament on Thursday and less than 24 hours later, the supreme court empanelled five justices, led by Chief Justice Getrude Torkonoo, to hear the case.

For many, the speed with which the case was heard is a wonder. This because, at the same Supreme Court, a case that a law Professor, Kwaku Asare, had filed to challenge President Akufo-Addo’s  removal of Auditor General Yaw Domelevo from office, had pended until after three years.

The court would rule that Mr. Akufo-Addo had been wrong in removing the Domelevo from office but by that time, Mr. Domelevo had already retired making the court’s judgment effectively useless.

Menwhile some critics have pointed out that the Supreme Court has no power to challenge any declaration by the Speaker that pertains to Parliament’s internal affairs. One of them is Prof. Kwaku Ansa-Asare, a former Director of the Ghana School of Law.

In a critique, he pointed out that Parliament operates under its own Standing Orders, regulations, and procedures, and its actions cannot be “challenged in a court of law or expect the Supreme Court to overturn the ruling of the Speaker.

“We are practising separation of powers. Each arm of government is a domain in its own right, so just as the executive cannot be faulted when they take decisions, we may also expect that whatever Parliament does in the regular exercise of its jurisdictions cannot be questioned.”

another critic, US-based Ghanaian lawyer and scholar, Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare, widely known as Kwaku Azar, has also stated the Supreme even lacks original jurisdiction for the case. According to him, issues on the declaration of seats in Parliament vacant must be handled by the High Court and not the Supreme Court.

in a Facebook post, he wrote, “The framers of the constitution, through Article 99, clearly designated the High Court as the appropriate forum for resolving disputes about vacating seats. Further, appellate review is left to the Court of Appeal, not the Supreme Court. The High Court, with its specialised mandate, is better suited for such matters, while the Supreme Court’s role is reserved for broader constitutional issues. The Supreme Court has no role in these matters as the Court articulated in the Wulensi matter.

“When the Supreme Court oversteps and takes on cases meant for the High Court, it risks undermining the constitutional order and appearing to engage in political matters. Such overreach disrupts the balance of powers and weakens public confidence in the judiciary’s impartiality. By adhering to Article 99, and allowing the High Court to handle these issues, we protect both the integrity of the judicial system and the peace of the nation.”
Article 99 of the 1992 Constitution states that:

According to the criticism, the relevant constitutional provisions are tha, “(1) The High Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any question whether— (a) a person has been validly elected as a member of Parliament or the seat of a member has become vacant; or

(b) a person has been validly elected as a Speaker of Parliament or, having been so elected, has vacated the office of Speaker.

(2) A person aggrieved by the determination of the High Court under this article may appeal to the Court of Appeal.”

In addition to critics’ position that the Supreme Court overreached, and fell over itself to adjudicate a case that it has no jurisdiction over, the unanimity with which the court gave the ruling has evoked again, feelings that the apex court judges conspired to do the bidding of the NPP. How in a case like this, all five justices will see things the same way and rule unanimously without any one of them dissenting has left many jaded.

The Speaker’s declaration which became necessary after the MPs occupying these seats filed nomination to contest for the same seats on different tickets rather than the tickets of the political parties they represent in Parliament, was constitutionally premised on Article 97 (1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution.

Rt. Hon. Bagbin also cited a precedent in which his predecessor, Prof. Aaron Mike Ocquaye, had similarly walked out an MP for Fomena after he declared intent to contest as an independent parliamentary candidate in the 2020 election.

However, after the four seats were declared vacant by Bagbin, the Leader of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s MPs in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markins, ran to the Supreme Court to seek a reversal, because the vacancy declaration affects three NPP seats and only one seat of the opposition National Democratic Congress.

The legislators and the seats affected by the ruling are the NDC’s Peter Yaw Kwakye Ackah of Amenfi Central constituency in the Western Region, Andrew Amoakoh Asiamah of Fomena in the Ashanti Region, Kojo Asante, NPP MP for Suhum in the Eastern Region, and NPP’s Cynthia Morrison of Agona West constituency.

Even though Asiamah is in Parliament as an independent MP, he is a member of the NPP who had fallen out with his party in the lead up to the 2020 elections but has since supported the NPP side in Parliament.

As it stands now, the vacancy declaration means a razor-thin majority that the NPP had had before the ruling, reverses and the NDC which hither to had 137 seats as against the NPP’s 137 plus the support of independent, Andrew Asiamah of Fomena, reverses.

The NPP realising that this reversal will mean their inability to get things passed in parliament then rushed to the court, which has always ruled in favour of the NPP in political matters, to intervene.

Majority Leader, Afenyo Markin, who is the Plaintiff in the case supposedly sought an interpretation of Article 97 in the suit he filed at the apex court over the Speaker’s ruling, to which a Supreme Court panel led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, ruled to stay the Speaker’s declaration pending a full determination of the case