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Galamsey Fight: President Directs the Deployment of Police and the Military

By
Ivy Hollys
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military and galamsey

President Akufo Addo has ordered the deployment of the police and the military to crack down on illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) as calls for action grow.

The decision was taken after a national security meeting to assess the impact of galamsey on river bodies and the environment. 

Organised Labour on Wednesday, issued a stern warning to the government, threatening a nationwide strike by the end of September if decisive action is not taken to address the escalating galamsey crisis.

Speaking at a media engagement last night, the Lands And Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor said the President has also directed the decommissioning of illegal mining equipment if necessary.

“The various Regional Security Councils have been tasked to conduct recording sounds and scrutiny of their various areas and begin to roll out swoops and enhance the enforcement regime. So in the days and weeks to come, we will see the heightened and rampant enforcement.

“The Ghana Police Service at various RESECs will be the first point of call, if the need arises we will take it a step further by including the Ghana Armed Forces and when the need arises, we will possibly begin the extraordinary measure of decommissioning equipment used for illegal small scale mining,” he stated.

Conversations on galamsey and its dire impact arose after the management of Ghana Water Company Limited in the Central Region announced that there would be challenges with water supply in Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding communities.

The company revealed that the recent demand-supply gap is due to inadequate raw water received at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant (WTP) caused by galamsey activities.

Environmental groups, civil society organisations, and concerned citizens have since voiced their frustrations over the lack of significant progress in curbing galamsey activities, which have resulted in the contamination of rivers, destruction of farmlands, and loss of livelihoods for many Ghanaians.

Source: myjoyonline

China and Ghana Announce Strategic Partnership at FOCAC 2024

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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China and Ghana elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership as the two presidents discuss cooperation at the FOCAC 2024 Summit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo have announced the elevation of China-Ghana relations to a strategic partnership following their meeting on Thursday. The discussion took place during the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, where President Akufo-Addo was present.

Xi Jinping expressed China’s readiness to align its development strategies with Ghana’s, pledging continued assistance across key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, energy, mineral resources, and infrastructure. Xi also emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between the two nations, noting China’s willingness to support Ghana as it assumes its role on the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2024-2026 term.

Earlier this year, Ghana’s Minister for the Interior, Hon. Henry Quartey, hosted a visit from Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Lu Kun, to further strengthen bilateral relations. The meeting focused on peace, security, and cooperation in various sectors. Quartey acknowledged China’s contributions, particularly in training programs that have bolstered the skills of the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies. The minister praised Chinese companies for their significant investment in Ghana, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth.

Quartey also highlighted China’s support for educational opportunities through scholarship programs, enabling many Ghanaians to pursue higher education in China. He urged further cooperation, requesting tailored training programs for the Ministry of the Interior and its agencies to enhance the skills and expertise of personnel.

Ambassador Lu Kun expressed satisfaction with the progress of Chinese companies in Ghana and affirmed China’s commitment to supporting capacity-building initiatives. He pledged to collaborate with Ghanaian authorities to deliver relevant training programs, strengthening the already robust diplomatic ties between the two nations. Both parties reaffirmed their dedication to continued collaboration, with the shared goal of enhancing development and benefiting their citizens.

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NPP Member Exits Party to Pursue Independent Candidacy in Yendi

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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npp

Hussain Abdul Karim Labaani, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Yendi constituency, has submitted his nomination to run as an independent parliamentary candidate in the upcoming December elections.

Labaani’s decision follows dissatisfaction among him and other NPP members with the party’s parliamentary primaries and the imposition of the current MP, Alhaji Faruq Aliu Mahama, by the National Executive Committee.

He cited the imposition of the MP and unmet promises as reasons for his decision.

Labaani is confident in his ability to win the Yendi seat, pledging strong leadership and encouraging supporters to cast their votes for him.

Labaani’s supporters have also criticized the MP’s leadership, expressing concerns about imposed representation and calling for a change in their activities.

Labaani emphasized, “the people choose the leader, not the leader who chooses himself,” clarifying that his decision is not a rebellion against Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, but instead,a push for democratic representation.

He added, “The Member of Parliament for Yendi, Alhaji Faruq Ali Mahama, was imposed on us, which does not align with the rule of law.”

Labaani continued, “I am stepping forward to make it clear that leadership should be chosen by the people, not self-appointed. My stance is not against Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.”

Source: Obikyere Abigail Seyram.

Water Resources Committee to tour galamsey-affected regions from September 25

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Sanitation and Water Resources Committee of Parliament is set to undertake a one-week tour of illegal mining sites in the Eastern, Western, and Ashanti Regions starting September 25, 2024.

The Committee members organized this tour to evaluate the severe effects of galamsey on the nation’s water bodies and the environment.

Recently, Ghana Water Limited (GWL) announced that Cape Coast, Elmina, and neighboring communities in the Central Region will soon face water shortages due to illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey at their vicinity.

GWL indicated that pollution in its catchment area has drastically reduced water intake, with around 60 per cent of the catchment capacity silted as a result of the effects of galamsey activities.

The Chairman of the Sanitation and Water Resources Committee of Parliament, John Oti Bless, announced that the committee’s tour is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 25.

“The committee has planned a visit to several critical galamsey sites, particularly those affecting our water bodies, where galamsey activities have had a severe negative impact in the Ashanti, Eastern, and Western regions. Starting on the 25th of this month, the committee will embark on a one-week tour of these three regions.”

“This is a serious issue. Under President Akufo-Addo’s government, the military presence has been significantly diminished. If the military is to be involved, why aren’t they deployed to these affected areas?”

Source: Obikyere Abigail Seyram

Manhyia South: LPG’s PC promises to complete Krofrom market

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Parliamentary candidate of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) in the Manhyia South Constituency, Kwaku Marfo, has promised to complete and commission the Krofrom market in his first 100 days of office if elected.

This initiative was inspired by his inclination to reduce the killing of traders selling on the pavements by vehicles which has been going on for years and boost business activities in Kumasi.

“In my first 100 days, I will make sure the Krofrom market is opened for business activities because I don’t want vehicles to continue killing traders along the pavements,” he said.

Mr. Marfo also communicated his worry about the extent of underdevelopment in the constituency.

In an interview with Orange News after filing his nomination, he stated that even though Manhyia South is the smallest constituency, it has suffered underdevelopment for an unreasonably long time.

He therefore cannot live unconcerned as a resident while the area is being poorly developed.

He said, “With the blood our forefathers shed to claim the land for us, it is time for us to do something. What are we doing to continue? Is it party colors? The answer is no, we must serve the country so that generations to come will benefit from us.”

“Manhyia South has suffered underdevelopment for far too long despite being one of the smallest constituencies. Given this level of poor development, as a resident of the constituency it will be unfortunate for me to sit aloof. I’ve travelled around the world and seen what others have done, so we need to bring such development to Ghana as well,” he added.

He appealed to the constituents to vote massively for him during the upcoming December elections to enhance development and create job opportunities for the residents.

“I’m appealing to the constituents to trust and give me the opportunity to change the narrative. Manhyia South is one of the popular constituencies in relation to the manufacturing of sandals. I will enhance the business and create other opportunities in the constituency,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the Returning Officer of the Electoral Commission in Manhyia South, Isaac Antwi Boasiako said the filing process has been seamless in the constituency.

By Nelly Takyiwa Boateng

NPP denies false statement attributed to vice presidential candidate

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

The Office of the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed concern over the dissemination of false information by a section of the media following Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s comment on mining in the Western Region.

During a community engagement at Bogoso in the Prestea Huni Valley Constituency, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh stated that Dr. Bawumia’s administration would promote small-scale mining under strict supervision which guarantees that the environment is not put into a state of jeopardy.

He went on to say that from their observation, some media organizations claimed he said “We will give everyone his excavator to work in his concession to make money to support the economic growth of the communities”.

The party said this statement ascribed to him is however inaccurate.

The statement signed by his spokesperson, Fiifi Boafo said a manipulated TikTok video in dissemination alleging to be the source of the information does not replicate the statement made by the Vice-Presidential Candidate.

Mr. Boafo further stressed that Dr. Prempeh was speaking about giving access to people engaging in small-scale mining who would undertake the activity in accordance with the mining regulations of the country.

By Obikyere Abigail Seyram

NPP condemns the political thuggery in Atwima Mponua Constituency

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The NPP has condemned the political thuggery incident that happened on the 10th of September in the Atwima Mponua constituency.

In a statement signed by Albert Asiedu the communication officer of the party in the constituency, said the leadership was saddened by the incident.

He expressed that the violent behaviour of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) was disgraceful and unfortunate.

The incident occurred at the Nyinahin D/A school park on the 10th of September 2024 during the unveiling and commissioning of the earth-moving equipment for the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) project.

The attack was allegedly incited by the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for the constituency Stephen Yeboah and the Regional Secretary Dr. Frank Amoakohene which disrupted the ceremony.

According to the NPP,  the incident greatly undermined the peace talks that have been advocated towards the 2024 general election.

The ruling party said its members in Atwima Mponua and throughout the nation will not conduct themselves in a way that will create fear and panic ahead of the upcoming elections.

In the statement, the party further noted that they will take every lawful means to address the issue without disrupting the peace and unity in the Atwima Mponua constituency.

The NPP therefore petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and other relevant authorities to promptly investigate the matter and hold the perpetrators accountable, as well as strengthen the security in the area.

By Nelly Takyiwa Boateng

Ministry of Youth and Sport directs GFA to get CAF approval for Accra, UG stadia

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Ministry of Youth and Sports has issued a communique instructing the Ghana Football Association to seek the approval of CAF to inspect the Accra and University of Ghana stadia ahead of the Black Stars subsequent matches in the African Cup of Nations qualification.

The ministry asked the National Sports Authority to also refurbish the remaining pitches including the Baba Yara stadium whilst CAF approves the two proposed stadia.

The Baba Yara Sports Stadium, which hosted Ghana’s last game against Angola, has been banned by CAF due to an “unsuitable playing field.”

This decision leaves Ghana with limited options, and potentially hosting their next game against Sudan in October in Togo, Nigeria, or Ivory Coast.

However, the Sports Ministry is recommending the Accra and UG facilities, stating that “most issues have been resolved” and asking the GFA to contact CAF for inspection and possible approval.

The ministry of youth and sports noted confidently that the university of Ghana and Accra stadia will meet requirements for category 3 matches after the individual inspection.

The ministry also reiterated its commitment to upgrading the remaining national stadia for category 3 matches.

By: Osei -Tutu Esther Kumah

Audit Report Reveals 34 Lives Lost Through Inland Water Transport Accidents 

By
Ivy Hollys
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inland water transport

According to a performance audit carried out by the Auditor-General. The inland water transport sector in Ghana has serious safety problems and regulatory shortcomings.

The report, which runs from 2019 to 2023, emphasizes the regularity of incidents on Ghana’s waterways that cause serious property and human casualties.

In all, 23 watercrafts made up of fishing and transport crafts were involved in accidents that claimed 34 lives and properties worth millions of cedis during the period.

Despite spending GH¢94.77 million over the past four years on inland waterway safety measures, the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) continues to face these incidents.

The latest performance audit report on the safety of inland water transport on Volta Lake in 2024 revealed these findings.

The report also attributed the ongoing safety and regulatory issues on the country’s waterways to the GMA’s failure to actively monitor and address the challenges.

Inland Water Transport

Inland water transport (IWT) moves people and goods using watercraft like pontoons, river ferries, boats, and canoes on rivers, lakes, and canals.

It makes up roughly five percent of Ghana’s transport system and serves as a vital mode of transportation for communities on islands and along major water bodies.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will not Collapse Small-scale mining—NAPO

By
Ivy Hollys
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small-scale mining

The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has reassured mining communities that the NPP is committed to allowing small-scale miners to operate freely, provided their activities do not harm the environment or pollute water bodies.

He pledged that a future NPP government would return all seized excavators confiscated during the crackdown on illegal mining.

Speaking to the chiefs and residents of Prestea Huni Valley and Mpohor in the Western Region, Dr. Opoku Prempeh also emphasized that the NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has no intention of banning small-scale mining.

This assurance comes in response to mounting calls for the government to impose a ban on small-scale mining to curb the environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities, particularly to water bodies.

He underscored the party’s belief in regulating the sector rather than imposing outright bans.

“When the small-scale miners mine, they are able to get money to fend for their families. Small-scale miners vote for the NDC to win about 6 seats in Wassa, but now they [the NDC] say they will shoot and kill small-scale miners. Tell them the lies are enough. We will not shoot and kill anyone.

“We will give all seized excavators to you so you can do your work peacefully. This will help everyone to get money to fend for themselves and also for the community to develop. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will not collapse small-scale mining.

What we do not like is that you put a changfan on water bodies, but anyone interested in the government’s community mining scheme will be able to mine.”

Credit: Citinewsroom

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