The embattled CEO of defunct gold dealership firm Menzgold, Nana Appiah Mensah (NAM1), has requested additional time from his trial judge to hire new legal representation. NAM1 expressed his need for this extension to ensure a robust defense in his ongoing legal battle, emphasizing his aim to prove his innocence before the court and the global audience.
On July 11, 2024, the Accra High Court, led by Justice Ernest Owusu Dapaa, dismissed NAM1’s claim of no case to answer, instructing him and his two companies—Menzgold Ghana Limited and Brew Marketing Consult—to begin their defense against 37 criminal charges. Following this, NAM1 filed a motion to delay proceedings, pending an appeal against the court’s order, but this request was rejected on December 5, 2024.
Appearing in court on December 17 without his legal team, NAM1 cited irreconcilable differences with his counsel regarding their defense strategy. He petitioned the court for time to recruit new lawyers, arguing this step was essential to adequately defend himself and his companies.
“My lawyer and I have a difference, one that is so fundamental it creates a divergence in how we wish to proceed with our defense,” NAM1 explained. He pleaded for “reasonable time” to secure new counsel to lead his case effectively.
Prosecution of NAM1 Request
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mrs. Yvonne Attakora Obuobisa, opposed NAM1’s plea, describing it as a tactic to delay the trial. She highlighted the accused’s failure to meet court directives, including the submission of witness statements initially ordered for October 16, 2024.
The DPP noted that NAM1’s legal team had filed another application for a stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal on December 17, the same day NAM1 claimed dissatisfaction with his lawyers. “This can only mean that the application was filed on the instructions of the accused,” she argued, questioning the credibility of NAM1’s claim.
Citing Ghana’s Criminal Procedure Act and precedent cases, the DPP emphasized that an accused person must proceed with their defense once called upon by the court. “The accused has demonstrated that he does not desire to open his defense,” she stated, urging the court to exercise its authority to move forward with the trial.
Judge Adjourns Case Pending Appeal
Justice Ernest Owusu Dapaa acknowledged the prosecution’s arguments and affirmed the court’s authority to proceed and convict if the accused fails to comply. However, he deferred the trial to allow the Court of Appeal to address the latest motion for a stay of proceedings. The case was adjourned to February 4, 2025.
IMF Flags Challenges in Ghana’s Energy Sector
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has drawn attention to Ghana’s struggling energy sector, urging urgent reforms under the Energy Sector Recovery Programme (ESRP). According to the IMF’s recent staff report, the sector’s fiscal deficit widened by 0.6% of GDP in 2024, exacerbating public financial strain.
Key issues include inefficiencies at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), particularly its failure to implement the Cash Waterfall Mechanism, which has deepened arrears owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and fuel suppliers.
Despite these challenges, the IMF remains optimistic about Ghana’s reform efforts. A draft energy sector strategy aimed at reducing operational costs and improving revenue collection is expected by mid-2025, with cabinet approval anticipated by September 2025.
Key recommendations from the IMF include:
Debt Audits: Validation of legacy debts for 2023 and 2024 by March and August 2025, respectively.
Tariff Reforms: Quarterly adjustments under the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s 2022-2025 framework to ensure financial sustainability.
Operational Review: Assessment of inefficiencies across the sector led by the PURC.
Immediate measures, such as a 3% electricity tariff increase in October 2024, have been introduced to curb growing losses. As of December 2023, energy sector arrears, including legacy debts, stood at $2.1 billion, or 2.8% of GDP.
The IMF warned that the energy sector remains a significant fiscal risk, emphasizing the need for timely implementation of reforms to stabilize the sector and reduce vulnerabilities.
