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EPA Team and Journalists Injured in Ashanti Region Road Crash

By
Ivy Hollys
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A team from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and several journalists were injured in a road accident in the Ashanti Region during an anti-illegal mining operation.

The operation targeted illegal mining sites near Obuasi. However, at Dadwene, a nearby community, the team reportedly came under attack from a group of miners. The situation forced both the EPA officers and journalists to retreat for their safety.

While the convoy was leaving the area through Afari, one of the vehicles crashed, injuring several people. Two journalists sustained serious injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Among the journalists was Ibrahim Abubakar, the Ashanti Regional Correspondent for Media General, who escaped with minor injuries. Another reporter from Adom News was also part of the team.

The EPA is yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Meanwhile, the attack and crash have raised concerns about the safety of journalists and government officials involved in field operations to curb illegal mining in Ghana.

World’s Oldest President Takes Oath For An Eighth Term in Cameroon

By
Ivy Hollys
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Cameroon

Cameroon’s long-serving leader, Paul Biya, has been sworn in for another seven-year term at the country’s parliament in Yaoundé. The 92-year-old president, who has ruled the nation for 43 years, secured a controversial victory in last month’s election that has sparked widespread criticism and unrest.

According to official results, Biya won 54% of the vote, while his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, obtained 35%. Bakary, a former information minister who broke ranks with Biya, has rejected the results, alleging massive electoral fraud. The government, however, insists the election was free and fair.

The disputed outcome led to violent protests in several cities. While authorities reported four deaths, Reuters, citing two United Nations sources, said the number of casualties could be as high as 48. Judges on the Constitutional Council dismissed eight petitions challenging the results, stating that the complaints lacked sufficient evidence or were beyond their jurisdiction.

Observers have raised concerns over the transparency of the electoral process, noting that Biya made only one public appearance during the campaign period. Critics argue that his prolonged stay in power has weakened democratic institutions and suppressed dissent.

Earlier this week, Bakary called for a nationwide stay-at-home protest, which saw deserted streets in key cities such as Garoua and Douala, particularly in his strongholds. Despite the mounting tension, Bakary has declined to file a formal legal complaint against the results.

As Biya embarks on his eighth term, many Cameroonians remain divided over the future of their nation. Supporters hail his leadership as a source of stability, while opponents see his extended rule as a symbol of stagnation and authoritarianism.

Lands Ministry Rejects Sophia Akuffo’s Total Ban on Mining

By
Ivy Hollys
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Ministry

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has rejected a proposal by former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo to suspend all mining activities in Ghana. Justice Akuffo made the call to curb environmental destruction and water pollution caused by illegal mining, known as galamsey.

The Ministry agreed that her concerns are valid but said stopping all mining would hurt the economy. It explained that mining plays a key role in job creation and national development.

The Ministry’s Media Relations Officer, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, said the government shares Justice Akuffo’s concerns but cannot shut down the entire industry.

“Her suggestion comes from a good place,” Mr. Schandorf said. “She is worried about the environment, but mining supports our economy. The government is fighting illegal mining, not legal operations.”

He noted that the country’s mining laws allow responsible mining. The government, he said, will continue to enforce these laws and punish offenders.

Mr. Schandorf added that the Ministry remains committed to protecting the environment while promoting safe and legal mining practices that benefit the nation.

NPP Completes Nationwide Voter Album Verification Ahead of 2026 Presidential Primaries

By
Ivy Hollys
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npp

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Elections Committee has announced the successful completion of its nationwide voter album verification and validation exercise ahead of the party’s presidential primaries scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Accra, Committee Chairman Joseph Osei-Owusu confirmed that the process covered all constituencies and external branches of the NPP. He disclosed that all presidential aspirants will receive the provisional voter register on Thursday, November 13, 2025, allowing two weeks for verification and feedback before the final register is published.

Osei-Owusu noted that while minor administrative errors such as misspellings, omissions, and inaccurate entries were identified, they do not compromise the register’s credibility.

“All such issues are currently being rectified,” he said.

The Committee also confirmed the removal of deceased delegates and those who forfeited their membership in accordance with Article 3(9)(1) of the party’s constitution.

The five aspirants vying for the party’s flagbearer position are Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.

To ensure transparency and fairness, the Committee announced key measures, including exclusive election-day security control by the Ghana Police Service, strict access control at voting centres, and full oversight of the process by the Electoral Commission (EC). The EC will supervise ballot printing, distribution, and monitoring to guarantee credibility.

The Committee will also hold meetings with aspirants, the EC, the Police Service, and the National Council of Elders to sign a peace pact ahead of the primaries. Osei-Owusu reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to a free, fair, and transparent process and urged members and the media to avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine confidence in the elections.

Ghana Ranked 6th Globally, 1st in Africa for Largest Gold Deposits

By
Ivy Hollys
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gold
Photo by Zlaťáky.cz:

Ghana has been ranked the 6th country in the world with the largest gold deposits, according to the World Gold Council’s 2025 Gold Demand Trends report. The West African nation also takes the top spot in Africa, boasting gold reserves of 140.6 tonnes.

The report highlights Ghana’s continued dominance as Africa’s leading gold producer, attributing this success to improved investment in the mining sector and stronger regulation of artisanal and small-scale mining. These measures have enhanced production efficiency and sustainability within the industry.

According to data from the Ghana Chamber of Mines, gold contributes roughly 40% of Ghana’s total export earnings, making it a crucial pillar of the nation’s economy. The sector plays a vital role in supporting foreign exchange stability, employment, and infrastructure development.

Globally, China remains the largest gold-producing nation, with 380.2 tonnes, accounting for about 10% of total global output. The Chinese mining industry is led by major state-owned firms such as China National Gold Group and Shandong Gold.

Russia ranks second, producing around 330 tonnes of gold, primarily sourced from Siberia and the Far East regions. Australia, Canada, and the United States follow in 3rd, 4th, and 5th positions, producing 284 tonnes, 202.1 tonnes, and 158.0 tonnes, respectively.

Ghana’s performance underscores its continued importance in the global mining landscape and reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing the industry through policy reforms, sustainable mining initiatives, and increased investor confidence.

As gold prices remain strong globally, analysts predict that Ghana’s production levels could rise further in the coming years, solidifying its position as a global gold powerhouse.

Nigeria Rejects US Religious Freedom Designation

By
Ivy Hollys
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Nigeria
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria

Nigeria’s government has rejected its inclusion on the United States’ list of “countries of particular concern” over alleged violations of religious freedom, describing the move as misleading and based on faulty data.

The designation, announced by US President Donald Trump last week, accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians from targeted attacks. Trump further claimed he had directed the US Defence Department to prepare for possible “fast” military action if Nigeria did not act to curb such killings.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Information Minister Mohammed Idris dismissed the claims as “unwarranted” and said they misrepresented the country’s complex security challenges. “Any narrative suggesting that the Nigerian State is failing to take action against religious attacks is based on misinformation or faulty data,” Idris said.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, also clarified that the country was battling terrorism, not religious persecution. He added that while Nigeria welcomed support from the United States, such cooperation must respect the country’s sovereignty.

According to Idris, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has made significant progress in combating terrorism since taking office in May 2023. He noted that more than 13,500 militants have been killed, 17,000 suspects arrested, and over 11,200 hostages, including women and children rescued.

Idris emphasized that terrorism in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims alike and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending extremist violence through sustained military operations, regional partnerships, and international cooperation.

Home to over 200 ethnic groups practicing Christianity, Islam, and traditional religions, Nigeria has long been a diverse nation marked by periods of peaceful coexistence and sporadic violence linked to ethnic and resource-based tensions.

Hawa Koomson Feels Vindicated by Kasoa Report

By
Ivy Hollys
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Former Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, says the Interior Minister’s report on the 2024 Kasoa shooting incident has cleared her name. She believes the findings end years of harsh and unfair public criticism.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak presented the report, blaming the Kasoa violence on security lapses and institutional failures. According to him, no individual directed or caused the incident.

The document further stated that Philis Naa Koryoo Okunnor, now the MP for the area, denied any attack on her convoy and confirmed she was not at the scene during the shooting.

In a statement on Thursday, November 6, 2025, Madam Koomson reaffirmed her innocence. She explained that poor coordination among security agencies caused the tragedy, not personal actions or political interference.

“For years, I faced unfair public attacks. People branded me violent and unfit for office through sensational headlines,” she said. “The Interior Minister’s findings have proved my innocence and shown that weak systems, not individuals, caused the violence.”

The former minister described the controversy as one of the hardest moments in her public life. She recalled how unknown persons assaulted her while she monitored polling station reruns in Ablekuma North. That experience, she noted, revealed how false stories can damage reputations and put lives at risk.

Madam Koomson expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones in the violence. She urged the government to implement the minister’s recommendations, which include compensation for victims, better police training, the use of non-lethal crowd control tools, and the withdrawal of the military from election operations.

She also called on politicians, institutions, and the media to stop spreading misinformation and divisive messages. “This moment calls for introspection, justice, and unity not blame,” she said. “Let this truth restore faith in our institutions and strengthen our democracy.”

Sudan Envoy Urges Ghana’s Support for Peace Efforts

By
Ivy Hollys
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Peace

The Sudanese Ambassador to Ghana, Gariballa Khidir Ali, has appealed to Ghana to help restore peace and stability in Sudan as the conflict in his country continues.

He made the call during a courtesy visit to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The ambassador praised Ghana for its strong democratic values and record of promoting peace across Africa.

According to him, Ghana has earned trust as a reliable ally in difficult times. “We are open to African-led initiatives and solutions, and we believe Ghana can play a key role,” he said. He added that with unity among African nations, Sudan could recover from its challenges and rebuild a stable society.

In response, Speaker Bagbin thanked the Sudanese delegation for their confidence in Ghana’s leadership. He reaffirmed Ghana’s solidarity with the people of Sudan and stressed the importance of regional peace.

“Sudan is a key partner in Africa’s growth, and instability there affects the whole continent,” he said. “Lasting peace will require a united African effort.”

Furthermore, he pledged Ghana’s continued support for Sudan through peacebuilding, technical cooperation, and parliamentary diplomacy. He said such efforts would help promote unity and lasting stability across the continent.

Asantehene Warns New Police Chief to Avoid Land and Chieftaincy Disputes

By
Ivy Hollys
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The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has cautioned the newly appointed Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, to stay away from chieftaincy and land-related disputes in the region.

He said such matters are beyond the Police Service’s mandate and fall under his authority as the traditional ruler of Asanteman.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu advised that any chief who approaches the Police Commander with land issues should be referred to the Manhyia Palace for resolution. He also directed the commander to report any ongoing land dispute immediately to him for appropriate action.

The Asantehene urged DCOP Akoto to focus on improving security across the region by tackling theft, robbery, and other social vices. He said maintaining peace and order remains key to the region’s development.

Otumfuo gave the advice when the new Police Commander paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

The outgoing Regional Police Commander, COP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, expressed gratitude to the Asantehene for his guidance and support during his tenure. He also introduced his successor, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, to the King.

The delegation accompanying the outgoing commander included CP Francis Kouame Somian, Deputy Regional Commander; Chief Superintendent Frederick Hammond, Manhyia Divisional Commander; and DSP Godwin Ahianyo, Ashanti Regional Police PRO.

Zohran Kwame Mamdani Makes History as New York City’s Youngest Mayor

By
Ivy Hollys
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new york
Zohran Mamdani, pictured by Yuki Iwamura

Zohran Kwame Mamdani has won New York City’s mayoral race, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a landmark election that has reshaped the US political landscape. At 34, Mamdani becomes the youngest person in more than a century to lead America’s largest city and the first South Asian and Muslim mayor in New York’s history.

Running as a Democrat and self-described democratic socialist, Mamdani campaigned on affordability and social reform, promising expanded public housing, universal child care, and higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy. His victory over Cuomo, who ran as an independent, marks a dramatic generational and ideological shift within the Democratic Party.

In his victory speech, Mamdani declared, “We have toppled a political dynasty. The future is in our hands.” He pledged to create a government that works “for everyone” and to prioritize the needs of working-class New Yorkers.

According to projections from CBS News, Mamdani secured 50.3% of the vote, while Cuomo earned 41.6%. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa trailed with just over 7% before conceding.

National attention on Mamdani’s campaign grew after President Donald Trump criticized his policies, labeling him a communist, a claim Mamdani rejected. Trump also threatened to withhold federal funds from New York if Mamdani won.

Beyond New York, Democrats celebrated major wins in Virginia, New Jersey, and California, signaling momentum ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Still, challenges await Mamdani as he faces questions about how he will fund his ambitious social agenda and navigate tensions with a Republican-led Congress.

For now, his victory stands as a defining moment for progressive politics and the next generation of leadership in New York City.

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