The Inspector-General of Police’s Special Anti-Galamsey Taskforce has seized seven excavators in a targeted operation against illegal mining, known locally as ‘galamsey’, in Ahwiren, a community within the Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
The crackdown was initiated following a formal request by the Chief of Ahwiren, Nana Osei Boateng, who raised alarm over mining activities recklessly close to St Joseph’s Senior and Technical High School and Ahwiren Methodist Primary and Junior High School. Reports indicated that the miners were allegedly backed by influential individuals in the area.
In the initial raid, the task force impounded three excavators. However, the miners allegedly returned with fresh equipment to continue operations at the same location. This prompted a follow-up operation, spearheaded by DSP Karim Mahama and ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil, which resulted in the seizure of four additional excavators.
Although the miners managed to flee before arrests could be made, all seven excavators have been transported to the Regional Police Training School in Patasi, Kumasi. The equipment is being held for safekeeping and further investigation.
This operation highlights the growing concern over illegal mining activities in Ghana, particularly those occurring near schools and other sensitive community infrastructure. The proximity of galamsey operations to educational institutions poses significant risks to students and residents, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and community vigilance.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to curbing illegal mining and protecting vulnerable communities from its environmental and social impacts. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those behind the operations.
A detailed analysis has shed some more light on the circumstances surrounding the recent helicopter crash on August 9. According to the findings, the Z-9 helicopter took off from the Air Force Base in Accra bound for the Lincoln Sports Stadium in Obuasi. The estimated journey covered about 180 kilometers.
The helicopter departed Accra at 9:12 a.m. and was expected to land around 10 a.m. in Obuasi. While the exact speed was unknown, the estimated travel time ranged between 55 and 57 minutes.
At the time of the helicopter crash, the pilot had completed about 93% of the journey. Only 7% remained.
Terrain and Weather Factors in Helicopter Crash
The crash site was near Sikaman, close to a steep mountain approximately 1,000 feet tall. Weather and terrain were highlighted as major factors that could have resulted in the helicopter crash. The forested crash area, possibly semi-deciduous, also contained cocoa farms.
It took rescuers about two hours to travel from Sikaman to the crash site. This indicated a considerable distance between the two locations. Sikaman could have served as an emergency landing site. Visual mapping showed that the helicopter passed Sikaman before the crash. This raised questions about whether a technical fault or weather conditions prevented clearing the mountain.
The remaining distance to Obuasi was between 12 and 13 kilometers. At least four minutes of flight time were left when the helicopter crash.
The analysis also identified more than ten suspected illegal mining sites near the crash area.
Background
On 9th August 2025, an Air Force helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District on August 6, claiming the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; and NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong. Three Ghana Armed Forces personnel: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The Atuabo gas processing plant will shut down from August 16 to 30 for scheduled maintenance. The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition says the exercise is necessary to ensure safe and reliable operations. Gas supply will be suspended during the period to allow maintenance work to proceed.
No Power Disruptions Expected During Atuabo Gas Shutdown
Speaking earlier today, Richmond Rockson, Head of Communications at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, assured the public there will be no disruptions in power supply.
“We don’t expect any disruptions in power supply. We expect that, as has been the case in the last few months, all businesses, all homes, all residents, and institutions will continue to have a stable power supply during the period. And this maintenance is critical,” Rockson said.
He explained that the exercise should have been carried out much earlier, and further deferring will create risks to energy security.
“If you continue to defer some of this critical maintenance, you can have a situation where these plants, or depending on whether they’re thermal or, in this case, are to have a breakdown,” he noted.
Mr. Rockson said the 15-day shutdown of the Atuabo gas plant is essential to prevent breakdowns that could disrupt national power generation.
Mitigation Measures to Offset Atuabo Gas Supply Shortfall
Addressing concerns about the impact of the Atuabo gas plant shutdown, Rockson said mitigation measures are in place.
He said the ministry has made provision for alternative fuels, what we call liquid fuels. The expected deficit is about 95 million standard cubic feet, significantly lower than the 245 million lost during the July 13 shortfall. He said the ministry has budgeted accordingly, making room for a dedicated fund for liquid fuels, which will be a long way to help when it comes to power generation.
Energy Sector Shows Signs of Recovery
On the overall state of the energy sector, Rockson said the administration inherited significant challenges, including over 700 megawatts of load shedding as of December 2024. He said improvements have been made, which include better efficiency in the national grid, over 200 new transformers, transmission line upgrades, and maintenance of distribution lines.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has launched the DVLA Lorry Terminal Project, an initiative aimed at bringing its services closer to stakeholders, especially commercial drivers.
The project will make it possible for drivers to access licensing services directly at lorry terminals. Available services include applying for new licences, renewing existing licences, replacing expired or missing licences, converting foreign licences, obtaining international driving permits, and upgrading licences.
As part of the project’s special features, the DVLA has partnered with the Ghana Optometric Association to provide on-site eye examinations. The renewal schedule allows licences to be renewed two years after issuance, renewed again two years later, and replaced one year after the second renewal.
Primarily targeting commercial drivers, though open to the general public, the project is expected to save drivers time and money while improving compliance with licensing requirements.
DVLA CEO, Julius Neequaye Kotey, stated that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve service delivery and efficiency in the transport sector.
Operating locations and schedules include:
Achimota on the 4th Thursday of every month.
Amasaman/Pokuase on the 3rd Thursday of every month.
Kaneshie on the 1st Thursday of every month.
Kasoa on the 1st Wednesday of every month.
Lapaz on the 4th Tuesday of every month.
Madina on the 3rd Wednesday of every month.
Nungua on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.
37 on the 4th Wednesday of the month.
Ashaiman on the 2nd Thursday of the month.
Mampong Main Taxi Station every Thursday of the month.
Bolgatanga Main Station on the 1st Wednesday of the month.
Akim Oda-Kumasi New Station in Accra on the 2nd Thursday of the month.
Sunyani on the last Wednesday of the month.
Agogo (Ashanti) on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
Berekum on the 1st Thursday of the month.
The authority indicates that the project is set to expand to major lorry terminals nationwide in the next phase.
A fast-growing school in the Ashanti Region is defying early challenges and pandemic-era beginnings to make significant strides in education. Elysian International School, located at Appiadu-Kokoben, is steadily building a strong reputation for delivering quality, child-centered learning.
Founded on January 12, 2021, by Mr. Edward Kofi Agyei Fokuo, the school started with just 18 pupils and a bold vision for transformative education. Today, enrolment has surged to 242 students, a testament to its steady growth and community trust.
Head Teacher Mr. Richmond Agyapong, in his first leadership role, admits that managing such a fast-expanding school has been demanding but remains dedicated to maintaining high educational standards:
“It’s not easy, but I’m doing my best. We promoted the school during the COVID-19 pandemic using radio, TV, flyers, and community volunteers. Thankfully, we never recorded any COVID-19 cases when we opened.”
Elysian began with a modest staff of five—three teachers, a security officer, and a caterer—but has since expanded both in personnel and programs. The school now offers extracurricular activities such as Cadet training and drama, with plans to introduce music classes soon. Students benefit from a fully equipped computer lab, and while the school currently lacks a library, upper primary students are allowed to borrow books directly from the head teacher’s office.
Teacher recruitment is driven by qualification, experience, and passion, with special emphasis on hiring women with motherhood experience for the crèche to foster patience and nurturing care.
School Director Mr. Akwasi Twum Agyei highlighted the importance of building strong teacher-parent relationships while acknowledging past administrative hurdles, including a court case involving an unpaid SSNIT contribution of 54 cedis. He also expressed concern over declining student performance, attributing it to excessive phone use and social media distractions:
“Some of our brightest kids are losing focus because of phone addiction, but we’re engaging both students and parents to turn this around.”
Upper primary English teacher Mrs. Beauty Kusi Frimpong shared that while English remains a priority, students are also encouraged to learn other languages such as French. She noted that Artificial Intelligence tools are being gradually introduced where compatible with the curriculum.
Parents have increasingly come to trust Elysian’s nurturing approach. Mr. Emmanuel Mawule Segbefia, a teacher and community executive with two children at the school, praised its safe environment and consistent academic progress:
“Even when parents aren’t around, the children are in safe hands. Academic progress is consistent.”
Similarly, Madam Isabella Kyei, a public school teacher and member of the Girl Child Support Association, chose Elysian for her daughter because of its dedicated teachers, supportive environment, and initiatives promoting girl-child education. She commended the school’s affordable bus service and nutritious meals while urging parents to monitor children’s smartphone usage and language development at home. Elysian International School Celebrates 4th Anniversary with Promotion Ceremony and Awards
Elysian International School has proudly celebrated a major milestone, graduating its first batch of students 12 pupils from basic 6 and 23 pupils from KG 2 in all were 35 pupils during the school’s 4th anniversary celebration. The ceremony, which was attended by parents, guardians, and members of the community, marked a moment of achievement and growth for the young institution.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding pupils, with Ms. Gloria Adiya receiving the prestigious Overall Best Student award. In her speech, Gloria attributed her success to the constant encouragement and support of her mother, who has been her greatest motivation throughout her academic journey.
“My mother always tells me to study hard and use my knowledge wisely,” Gloria shared. “I hope other students will also take their studies seriously and aim higher in life.”
The ceremony was graced by the media team from Orange FM, who covered the memorable occasion as the school continues to make strides in academic excellence and holistic education.
Parents and guardians, visibly proud, were present in large numbers to support their wards as they transitioned to the next stage in their education.
With a rapidly growing student population, strong community backing, and a commitment to holistic education, Elysian International School is emerging as a beacon of hope for families in Appiadu-Kokoben and beyond.
Ghana Air Force Helicopter With Eight Aboard Disappears en Route to Obuasi
A Ghana Air Force helicopter (GAF) Z9 carrying eight people has gone missing after departing from Accra on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, en route to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.
The aircraft, which had three crew members and five passengers on board, vanished from radar at approximately 9:12 a.m. local time. According to a statement released by the Ghana Armed Forces, contact with the aircraft has not been re-established since its disappearance.
The military has launched an urgent search operation, with efforts currently concentrated in the Adansi Akrofum area of the Ashanti Region, where the aircraft is suspected to have gone down. Eyewitnesses in the vicinity have reported a loud noise and smoke in the area, though official confirmation of a crash site is yet to be made.
“The aircraft was from Accra and heading for Obuasi and is currently off the radar. All efforts are being made to establish contact,” the GAF noted in its statement.
This marks the second aviation-related incident involving the Ghana Air Forces this year, raising concerns about the safety of military air operations in the country.
The Armed Forces have assured the public that further details will be communicated as the situation unfolds.
The Governor of Mombasa County in Kenya, Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir, has led a high-level delegation to the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant (KCARP) a subsidiary of the Jospong Group to strengthen ties aimed at combating waste pollution in the county and beyond.
The visit, which included Members of Parliament from Kenya, was intended to learn about the best practices employed at the recycling plant, to replicate them in the East African nation.
Led by KCARP’s Business Development and Communications Manager, Eugene Amo-Asamoah, the delegation toured the plant’s state-of-the-art facilities and was impressed by the technological advancements used in waste management process.
Situated on 180 acres in Adegya, Kumasi, Ghana, KCARP has the capacity to process 2,400 tonnes of waste per day.
The facility utilizes various technologies to receive, treat, and recover useful materials from waste, including compost, plastics, metals, and paper.
Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir expressed his satisfaction with the progress made by KCARP and the Jospong Group in the field of waste management.
He mentioned that Mombasa County is the first to sign up for this initiative and emphasized the need of visiting Ghana with key stakeholders from the county to better understand the vision for waste management.
If implemented, he believed the project would not only address the waste management challenges in the county but also create jobs, eliminate landfills through recycling, and boost the economy.
“What matters is that we leave something for future generations, which I believe should be the guiding principle of Jospong and the Mombasa County government. We need to ensure that future generations do not wallow in environmental issues,” he said.
He expressed his gratitude to the company for the opportunity to enhance this collaboration and significantly reduce pollution in the county, noting the importance of using African solutions to tackle African problems.
Eugene Amo-Asamoah stated that, it was a pleasure to host the Mombasa delegation, highlighting the necessity for Africans to unite in addressing their challenges.
He pointed out that the Jospong Group has established itself as a leader in effective waste management and is prepared to assist other African countries in addressing their waste needs through its proven blueprint.
“As Africans we can solve our own problems, we need not wait for assistance from other continents. That is why the Jospong Group’s blueprint is available for all African nations, and now Mombasa is here to benefit from our solutions to environmental and sanitation challenges,” he indicated.
Amo-Asamoah urged Africans to embrace homegrown solutions to enhance the continent’s reputation, particularly in waste management initiatives.
As illegal water connections and meter theft continue to rise nationwide, Ghana Water Limited (GWL) is urging citizens to join hands in safeguarding the country’s water supply, emphasizing the need for public vigilance, education, and community partnerships.
The company says water theft is not only undermining its ability to generate revenue but is also disrupting fair water distribution and delaying critical infrastructure upgrades. In the Accra-Tema Metropolitan Area alone, more than 2,700 unauthorized connections have been detected within just two quarters — a sign of how deeply entrenched the issue has become.
“We’re not just losing money we’re losing trust, equity, and sustainability,” said Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, Managing Director of GWL. “Every stolen litre of water means someone else goes without.”
While enforcement is ongoing with arrests, fines, and prosecutions happening across the Ashanti, Accra, and Northern Regions GWL is now doubling down on education and public collaboration.
Regional PR Officers like Ms. Solace Akomeah (Accra West) and Nana Yaw Barima Barnie (Accra East) note that many customers failed to take advantage of grace periods provided to regularize illegal connections. Legal action has now been initiated against over 800 users in Accra West alone.
“The goal is fairness. We gave people time, and many complied. But those who ignored us will now face the law,” Ms. Akomeah said.
To encourage whistleblowing, GWL is exploring incentive programs in communities identified as illegal connection hotspots. These programs will reward residents who report credible information about water theft or meter tampering.
“Public vigilance is key,” said Mr. Mutawakilu. “We’re already seeing more communities willing to protect their water systems, and that’s the kind of partnership we need.”
In addition to cracking down on offenders, GWL is strengthening infrastructure with smart metering, digital billing systems, and leakage control projects aimed at building a smarter and more resilient water distribution system.
“Water is a national asset,” Mr. Mutawakilu stated. “It’s time we all treat it like one. Let’s reject illegal connections. Let’s respect the pipe.”
The utility continues to encourage customers to visit any district office to regularize connections and report suspicious activities anonymously. GWL maintains that lasting progress can only come through collective effort and responsible water use.
Residents of Asuosunso Bankrogya, a cocoa-producing community in the Ejisu Municipality of the Ashanti Region, are grappling with a severe water shortage, forcing them to trek nearly three kilometers to find clean drinking water.
The residents attribute the crisis to illegal mining (galamsey) activities, which have polluted the local river that once served as their main source of potable water.
During a recent visit to the area to learn about their challenges, community members lamented the neglect of their basic needs despite their significant contribution to Ghana’s cocoa output.
They are calling on authorities to step in by drilling boreholes to restore access to clean water, building a health facility to serve the area, and fixing an abandoned bridge that connects them to neighboring communities.
