The Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana, Darly Bosu, has expressed deep concern over the worsening impact of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, citing the severe pollution of major water bodies like the Densu River.
Speaking on the issue with Selorm Adonoo on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue, Mr. Bosu noted that despite ongoing efforts, illegal mining has intensified, especially in the period between the December 7, 2024, elections and the swearing-in of President John Dramani Mahama.
“We don’t see a commensurate action by the state agencies, particularly within the period between December 7, 2024, during the election period, right up to the swearing in of the President John Dramani Mahama, a lot happened and I don’t think we can say it has gotten better, it has gotten worse. It’s rather getting worse. The problem is big.”
He warned that more rivers could come under threat if stronger measures are not implemented to tackle galamsey.
He also raised concerns about the increasing involvement of foreign nationals, including individuals from Togo and Burkina Faso, in illegal mining activities.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts, he urged stronger actions to curb illegal mining.
“There needs to be an across board reforms with the need to changing of people in places, we need to reform the licensing regime,” he said.
The Zongo chiefs in the Kaase Traditional Area within the Asokwa Municipality in Kumasi have declared their unflinching support for Nana Mensah Bonsu, the Kaasehene, for his development-oriented leadership, especially for constructing a modern police station for the Kaase community.
Alhaji Amandu Owusu aka Alhaji Caterpillar speaking at the ceremony
Alhaji Amadu Owusu, deputy Asante Nkramohene (Sariki Tuba) and Kaase Nkramohene, who made the pledge on behalf of Zongo chiefs and religious leaders, said all residents must stay away from acts that have the tendency to thwart the peace and development in the area.
Nana Mensah Bonsu Kaasehene and his elders
Speaking at the commissioning of an ultramodern police station built by Kaasehene, which was commissioned on Friday, 7th March 2025, by a representative of His Royal Majesty Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Alhaji Amadu Owusu showered plaudits on Kaasehene.
Some scenes from the ceremony
“Nana Kaasehene, I’m here on behalf of Zongo chiefs, Kaasehene chief imam and the religious leaders to pledge our continued support for you and your development-oriented leadership. I wish to caution all residents, especially the Zongo youth, to stay away from all criminal acts and social vices,” Alhaji Amadu Owusu, who is popularly known as Alhaji Caterpillar, stressed.
The front view of the police station
He advised the youth to stay away from all criminal acts since crime is crime and no leader should interfere in the work of personnel posted to the new police station.
Alhaji Caterpillar also pledged their support to the Ghana Police Service to help ensure adequate security for all.
“Let’s all give Nana Mensah Bonsu and his elders the needed peace by desisting from all acts of violence,” he added.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has commended the Chief of Kaase, Nana Mensah Bonsu, and his elders for building a modern police station for the Kaase community.
The Overlord of the Asante Kingdom made the commendation during the commissioning of a police station on Friday, 8th March 2025, with the support of DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander.
Some scenes from the ceremony
Baffour Agyei Fosu Twitwiaka (Otumfuo Anatahene), who represented the King, said recently the chief handed over a hospital built by him to the Ghana Health Service.
According to him, the police to population ratio is low and, therefore, there is the need for all stakeholders to support to meet the target.
Front view of the police station
He called on the Ghana Police Service to cultivate a culture of maintenance and keep the edifice in good shape at all times.
He said security was a shared responsibility; he, therefore, appealed to all and sundry, especially the clergy and imams, to create the necessary awareness to get the needed logistical support for the personnel at the new Kaase Police Station.
DCOP Mr. Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, the Ashanti Regional Commander, commended Nana Mensah Bonsu for constructing an ultramoden police station and handing it over to the Ghana Police Service.
He, therefore, appealed to the personnel posted to the station to take very good care of the facility by keeping the facility in good state at all times.
Nana Mensah Bonsu,Kaasehene with his elders
Mr Teye-Cudjoe said they (police) would not use the station to intimidate the residents.
The regional police commander, who was very impressed with the edifice, said “of what I have seen, I would have to go back and inform the Inspector General of Police that this police station is bigger than what we earlier thought”.
Chief Inspector Konadu Charles, station officer, and other personnel were introduced to the community. He advised them to take very good care of the facility and also treat the residents with the needed respect.
DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe,the Ashanti Regional police commander speaking at the event
The Ashanti Regional Police commander appealed to stakeholders to help the new police station and support the personnel with vehicles and motorbikes.
The Chairperson for the ceremony, who doubles as the Asokwa Constituency Chairman of the NDC, Sheriff
Abubakar, praised the chief for his progressive leadership.
He stressed that the need for adequate security cannot be overemphasised. He, therefore, called on the residents of the area to make good use of the facility.
On her part, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Asokwa Constituency, Madam Patricia Appiagyei, through her representative, also commended the chief. She also pledged her support to the chief and his elders.
Kaasehene, Nana Mensah Bonsu in his welcome remarks, Commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his continued encouragement and advice
He thanked his elders, residents and stakeholders for their support.
As a backgrounder:
Before Nana Mensah Bonsu was enstooled as a chief of Kaase, he worked at the Naja David Company (AG.Timbers) as an electrical engineer for 33 years after completing Kumasi Polytechnic, now Kumasi Technical University.
Records available indicate that within the short time that Nana Mensah Bonsu became the Chief of Kaase, he has done tremendously well, by lifting high the image of Kaase and its citizens, which is uncommon in modern-day chieftaincy.
Some of the developmental projects to his credit within the 12 years of his reign as Kaasehene are the renovation of the Kaase palace, construction of Kaase Police Station, construction of Kaase Hospital, changing all the blackboard in the classrooms of the Kaase school to marker boards.
Other projects done by the chiefs are toilet facilities for the school and the town, three boreholes, a urinal for the school, construction of new six-classroom block for the primary school, replacing all the broken windows and the fencing of the school wall.
The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), is pleased to announce the successful absorption of Savannah College of Education into the public college system. This milestone reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to quality teacher education and fortifying the nation’s educational framework.
Following a comprehensive review and due diligence process, Savannah College of Education has satisfied all requirements necessary for its transition from a private institution to a fully recognized public College of Education. This transition ensures that the institution will now operate under the governance and funding framework of the public tertiary education system, allowing it to benefit from enhanced state resources and support.
The absorption of Savannah College of Education is expected to:
– Expand access to teacher education, enabling more students across Ghana to pursue teaching careers.
– Enhance the quality of training through state-funded infrastructure, professional development for faculty, and curriculum improvements.
– Promote equity by providing resources to strengthen teacher education in under-served regions.
The Ministry of Education commends the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), traditional authorities, and the management of Savannah College of Education for their instrumental roles in facilitating this smooth transition. This development aligns with Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda, which focuses on developing a highly skilled and competent workforce of educators to drive national development.
We call on students, faculty, and all stakeholders to fully embrace this transition and work together to establish Savannah College of Education as a center of excellence in teacher education.
This release is subject to the yet to be constituted Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) Governing Board.
Public Relations Unit
Ministry of Education, Ghana
Cabinet has approved plans for the construction of a second gas processing plant to address the country’s energy shortfalls, according to Energy Minister, John Jinapor.
Speaking to journalists at the Jubilee House on Friday, March 7, Mr. Jinapor emphasized the urgent need for interventions to enhance energy security and ensure a stable power supply.
John Jinapor
He revealed that, Cabinet has approved a raft of measures aimed at tackling Ghana’s energy challenges in the short, medium, and long term.
“Cabinet has approved that in partnership with the Finance Ministry we take immediate steps in constructing a second gas processing plant. This gas processing plant will augment the shortfall and increase supply security,” he stated.
Ghana has faced recurring power supply challenges due to increasing demand and limited gas processing capacity.
The proposed facility is expected to complement existing infrastructure and improve the reliability of natural gas supply for power generation.
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has dismissed claims that the government intends to sell the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) or the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).
Addressing the presidential press corps on Friday, 7th March, at Jubilee House following President John Dramani Mahama’s second cabinet meeting, he clarified that no decision has been made to privatise these state-owned power distributors.
John Abdulai Jinapor
Speaking on the matter, Mr Jinapor emphasised that the government is only considering a partnership to improve revenue collection within the sector.
“Let me be clear: the government has not made any decision to sell ECG or NEDCo. What we are exploring is a partnership to enhance the efficiency of revenue collection, which remains a key challenge for the power distributors,” he stated.
He further explained that such a move would ensure financial sustainability while maintaining state ownership of these essential institutions.
The Minister stressed that ECG and NEDCo continue to play a critical role in Ghana’s energy sector and that any decision regarding their operations would be made in the national interest.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised, but I assure Ghanaians that ECG and NEDCo remain public assets. Any intervention we undertake will be aimed at improving their efficiency, not privatising them,” he added.
Mr Jinapor urged the public to disregard misinformation regarding the alleged sale of the power distributors.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to strengthening Ghana’s energy sector while ensuring that electricity services remain reliable and affordable for all citizens.
Parliament has approved the first batch of deputy ministers and a minister of state.This follows their vetting last week, with a recommendation for their approval by consensus.
The approved nominee for Minister of State in charge of Public Sector Reforms is Lydia Akanvariba, who is expected to spearhead efforts to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within the public sector.
Additionally, seven deputy ministers were approved to support key government ministries:
Thomas Ampem Nyarko – Deputy Minister for Finance
Ebenezer Terlabi – Deputy Minister for Interior
Samson Ahi – Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry
Clement Apaak – Deputy Minister for Education
Richard Gyan Mensah – Deputy Minister for Energy
John Dumelo – Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture
This was announced by First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor on Friday, March 7, 2025.
A coalition of civil society organisations, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens has strongly condemned the arrest of a Forestry Commission officer who was enforcing anti-illegal mining laws in the Atewa Forest.
In a statement issued on 7th March 2025, the group described the incident as an abuse of power that undermines efforts to combat illegal mining.
According to the statement, the officer, a member of the Rapid Response Task Force, was manhandled and detained while attempting to stop illegal mining around the Obuoho area.
“This wrongful arrest sends a dangerous message that those protecting Ghana’s forests and water bodies are the ones being targeted, while illegal miners operate with impunity,” the group stated. They accused the Kyebi Police of failing to tackle illegal mining in their jurisdiction but acting swiftly against a public officer who was fulfilling his duty.
The coalition further called for urgent leadership changes within the Eastern Region’s security apparatus, citing a failure to enforce laws against illegal mining. They specifically demanded the removal of Eastern-South Police Commander DCOP George Boadi Bossman and Divisional Police Commander ACP Reynolds Sam for their inability to curb illegal mining activities in the region.
“Communities and civil society organisations have made several attempts to stop the pollution of River Densu, River Birim, and other water bodies, yet illegal miners continue to destroy these resources under the watch of law enforcement,” the group said.
They insisted that without strong leadership, illegal mining will continue to threaten livelihoods, water security, and environmental sustainability in the region.
“We need dedicated officers who will prioritise enforcement of mining laws and bring an end to the rising lawlessness in the Akyem Abuakwa and Atewa areas,” the statement said.
The struggle for economic freedom shouldn’t be reduced to catchphrases like ‘Ghana beyond aid’ or merely become rhetoric in speeches during Independence Day events. We expect the NDC government to adopt tangible actions backed by a straightforward plan for the country to pursue. A strategy that the nation can evaluate at regular intervals to determine our current standing as a nation. The interests of Ghanaian citizens should be the top priority for the NDC government, as they are far more interested in improving their declining living conditions and ensuring safety, rather than simply generating catchphrases and empty talk.
Currently, the nation is importing a huge quantity of staple food products that could be grown in Ghana, leading to a rise in living expenses and harming Ghana’s food security. What our neighbours have done, we can also do, if Niger and Burkina Faso could produce mass onions and tomatoes to feed Ghana, we are also capable of growing staple food products for Ghana and whole of West Africa.
As we compose this, most of Ghana experiences darkness after 6 PM due to the lack of streetlights in all cities and crippling energy costs.
The CPP expects the NDC administration to launch a solar assembly plant to promote economic autonomy, improve citizen’s quality of life by generating jobs, and tackle a multitude of national issues, which would, in turn, reduce energy costs for governmental bodies, enterprises, and families. We urge the government to think long term and not to import solar street lings as we have been made aware.
Our estimate suggests that a large-scale solar assembly plant or facility would cost between 5 million US dollars and 20 million dollars. In the scheme of things, this is not a huge amount of money for the government. The NPP government invested over $58 million in the non-existing national cathedral by 2022, with about half of it going to an architectural firm.
The CPP urges the NDC government to concentrate on implementing policies that will drive the country towards economic independence and regain its sovereignty, instead of prioritizing the Hajj Village over job creation and coming up with rhetoric and slogans like the previous NPP administration.
President John Mahama has called for an end to the conflict in Bawku, and everywhere in the land where conflict is riding urging the people to embrace lasting peace for the sake of future generations.
Speaking at Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary celebrations on 6th March, President Mahama made a heartfelt appeal, saying, “The people of Bawku and other areas, it is time for lasting peace to prevail.”
Quoting Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, he emphasised the importance of unity, “The forces that unite us are inherently and far greater than the divisions imposed upon us.”
President John Mahama
Addressing the people of Bawku directly, he said, “I do not speak as President but as your son and brother in whose hand you have entrusted a solemn duty.”
He stressed the need to create a peaceful environment for children and future generations, saying,
“Our children deserve to inherit a peaceful land where their dreams are nurtured, not where their nightmares are relived. They deserve to inherit a land where our markets are bustling with trade, not tension and conflict. They deserve schools that echo with learning, not melancholic silence.”
President Mahama urged the people to reject division, mistrust, and the weight of past grievances. “Let us give renewal of friendship a chance. Let us give peace a chance,” he said.
Source: Clara Seshie
