The government is taking a bold step to protect its precious water bodies from the ravages of illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
The Lands and Natural Resources Ministry has announced plans to deploy military and security forces to key river bodies, marking a significant escalation in the fight against this environmental menace.
The Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Yusif Sulemana, speaking at the 11th West and Central Africa Mining Summit on Thursday, September 25, explained that, unlike the Blue Water Guard, whose interventions are often temporary, the military presence will serve as a stronger deterrent.
He noted that illegal miners usually return to the sites after being dispersed, which makes the current approach unsustainable.
According to him, deploying the military or setting up permanent security zones along the river bodies will provide continuous enforcement and prevent the miners from regrouping.
Meanwhile, former Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor has questioned the effectiveness of the move.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, he argued that declaring water bodies and forest reserves as security zones is not new, pointing out that during his tenure, such areas were already classified as red zones.
“We even went as far as burning excavators found 200 meters from riverbanks and forest reserves. So the question is, what new implications or enforcement measures will this declaration bring?” Mr Jinapor said.
He maintained that what Ghanaians are expecting is for President John Mahama to honour the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) campaign promise to declare a state of emergency on illegal mining, describing it as the “most effective tool” in tackling the menace.
Mr Jinapor also cautioned against politicising the galamsey fight, stressing that both the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) must present a united front to protect the country’s forests and water bodies from destruction.Source: Myjoyonline.com
A sharp division is emerging within Ghana’s Muslim community as the Tijjanniya Muslim Council of Ghana, one of the largest Islamic groups in the country, has strongly rejected the legitimacy of the recently formed National Muslim Conference of Ghana (NMCG), stating that the body does not represent all Muslims.
In an official letter addressed to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, the Council expressed deep concern over a circulating directive that allegedly designates the NMCG as the sole representative body for Muslims in Ghana.
The letter, signed by Imam Hassan on behalf of the Supreme Leader and President of the Tijjanniya Muslim Council, warns that such claims are “unfounded and unacceptable.”
“The Tijjanniya Muslim Council of Ghana had no involvement in the establishment of the National Muslim Conference of Ghana, nor is our Supreme Leader a signatory to its formation,” the statement noted.
The Council has called on President Mahama to intervene and prevent any group from assuming exclusive authority over Muslim representation in the country. The letter warns that allowing a single institution to monopolize Muslim engagement with government could lead to “destabilization” within the community.
The message also carried an appeal to other prominent Imams and Muslim leaders who have aligned themselves with the NMCG, urging them to reconsider their support in order to preserve unity and harmony.
Political and religious observers say this public statement could spark wider conversations around representation, legitimacy, and inclusivity within Ghana’s diverse Muslim population.
As President Mahama settles into his new term, how he responds to this internal religious dispute could set the tone for his engagement with faith-based groups across the nation.
President of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), David Tamakloe, is in New York to cover the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which runs from September 23 to 30, 2025. He departed Accra on September 21 to join global leaders, diplomats, and journalists at this high-level gathering.
David Tamakloe
Mr. Tamakloe, a seasoned journalist, and governance advocate, will provide in-depth coverage of the Assembly, offering investigative perspectives on critical global issues such as peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, and Africa’s place in shaping the future of multilateralism. He will also feed PRINPAG members with timely and exclusive updates for publication across their platforms, ensuring the Ghanaian public receives accurate reports from the proceedings.
Mr. Isaac Darko Boamah, Managing Editor of The Metro Lens
With more than two decades of professional practice in print, television, and digital media, Mr. Tamakloe has built a reputation as one of Ghana’s leading investigative journalists. His exposés on high-profile corruption scandals, including the controversial “Agyapa Deal” and questionable COVID-19 procurement contracts, have influenced governance reforms and accountability in Ghana. Beyond journalism, he has worked with international bodies such as Transparency International and the Global Integrity Initiative on governance and anti-corruption projects.
David is the founder of The New Republic Newspaper, co-founder of Whatsup News, and head of DST Global Consult Limited, Amicus Media, and Origin Variety Farms.
In a statement, PRINPAG’s Executive Secretary, Jeorge Wilson Kingson, described Mr. Tamakloe’s participation as “an opportunity to amplify Ghana and Africa’s perspectives on the global stage,” expressing confidence in his professionalism and commitment to impactful reporting.
Joining him at UNGA is Mr. Isaac Darko Boamah, Managing Editor of The Metro Lens Newspaper and a prominent PRINPAG member. Accredited to cover the Assembly, Mr. Boamah—who also serves as the Mawerehene of Akyem Adadientam in the Eastern Region—will support the coverage effort by providing timely reports for Ghanaian media.
Their joint invitation underscores PRINPAG’s commitment to ensuring that the Ghanaian public remains well-informed about key global decisions and discussions shaping international governance.
Fifteen out of the 23 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament in the Eastern Region have thrown their support behind Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as he begins his campaign tour of the region.
The former Vice President, who also led the party into the 2024 general election as presidential candidate, is seeking re-election as the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2028 polls.
Dr Bawumia was vetted yesterday by the party’s vetting committee, clearing a crucial hurdle in his quest to lead the NPP again. His supporters in Parliament described him as the candidate with the vision, experience, and grassroots appeal to strengthen the party’s chances in 2028.
The MPs
The Eastern Region is considered a critical battleground for internal contests, and endorsements from MPs are seen as a major boost to his campaign.
Among the MPs backing Dr Bawumia are Sammi Awuku, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Annor Dompreh, Kofi Ahenekorah Marfo, Charles Asuako Owiredu, Kingsley Agyemang, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, Ida Adjoa Asiedu, Kwame Appiah Kodua, Duke Ofori-Atta, Michael Okyere Baafi, Frank Asiedu Bekoe, Kwame Addo Frempong, Alexander Agyare and Laurette Korkor Asante.
Their support is expected to bolster his regional tour and mobilise grassroots enthusiasm for his candidacy.
Dr Bawumia, addressing supporters at the start of his campaign in the Eastern Region, urged party faithful to remain united and focused on recapturing power in 2028.
He emphasised that his track record in government and his vision for Ghana’s future make him the best choice to lead the NPP into the next election.
“Together, we can build a stronger party and a stronger nation,” he said.Source : Peacefmonline.com
We have taken note of the recent remarks made by Mr. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, former Chief
Executive Officer of COCOBOD, regarding the cocoa syndication policy and the role of Dr. Bryan
Acheampong. While robust debate is welcome in any democratic setting, it must be grounded
in truth, consistency, and respect for institutional roles and processes.
Dr. Bryan Acheampong remains fully focused on his presidential campaign and has consistently
urged his team and supporters to prioritize unity, discipline, and the shared aspirations of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
His campaign is anchored in transparency, bold ideas, inclusive leadership, and a results-driven vision for Ghana, not personal attacks or revisionist narratives.
The facts surrounding the cocoa syndication reform are clear, documented, and verifiable:
As Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong formally presented the
Cabinet memo recommending the cancellation of the syndicated cocoa loan to the
President.
He publicly led this policy shift, marking a decisive break from Ghana’s 32-year reliance
on offshore syndicated loans.
Under his leadership, the producer price of cocoa was increased by 278%, from
GH¢800 in 2022 to GH¢3,100 in 2024—an unprecedented uplift that directly benefited
Ghanaian farmers.
Dr. Bryan Acheampong
Mr. Aidoo’s claim that he is “now hearing that Bryan clandestinely presented the idea to
Cabinet” raises serious questions about his own awareness and involvement in a policy he
simultaneously claims to have authored. If he indeed spearheaded the initiative, it is illogical to
suggest he was unaware of its formal submission or public rollout. This contradiction
undermines the credibility of his narrative and appears to be an unfortunate attempt to
undermine and diminish what should be a shared achievement of the NPP.
BRYAN ACHEAMPONG PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OFFICE
Furthermore, the allegation that Dr. Acheampong “vehemently opposed” the policy is
demonstrably false. His actions, leading Cabinet engagement and overseeing its
implementation, are not those of a saboteur.
They reflect the hallmarks of ministerial
leadership, strategic clarity, and public accountability.It must be emphasized that in Ghana’s governance architecture, the process of policy
formulation and implementation sits squarely with the Minister responsible for the sector. This
is not merely convention but a constitutional and administrative fact. The authority to initiate,
shape, and execute policy within their portfolios sits with the respective Ministers.
The comparison is clear and instructive: the credit for Free SHS rightly belongs to the Minister of
Education, not the Director General of the Ghana Education Service. The credit for One District
One Factory is credited to the Minister of Trade and Industry, not to the implementing agencies.
Likewise, Ghana’s digital transformation is attributed to the Minister of Communications, not
the Director General of the National Communications Authority.
While various institutions and technical teams may contribute behind the scenes, it is the sector Minister who bears the mandate to lead, implement, and publicly defend the policy.
This principle is consistent across government. Ministers are the political heads of their sectors,
entrusted with the responsibility to translate presidential vision into actionable policy.
However, it must also be emphasized that the ultimate responsibility for every major policy rests
with the President.
It is the President who sets the national agenda, approves Cabinet decisions,
and empowers Ministers to act. The President is the architect of the government’s vision;
Ministers are the builders who bring that vision to life.In the same vein, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, as Minister for Food and Agriculture, exercised his
mandate to lead the cocoa syndication reform. His model, requiring international buyers to
make upfront payments for cocoa, was not only pragmatic but visionary. It repositioned Ghana’s
cocoa sector on a path of financial independence and market leverage. COCOBOD’s own
BRYAN ACHEAMPONG PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OFFICE
announcement of over $4 billion in deposits from international buyers is a resounding
vindication of this approach.
Mr. Boahen Aidoo was CEO of COCOBOD for 8 years from 2017. Why was the syndication not
stopped in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023? Is it sheer coincidence that it was
implemented only when Dr. Bryan Acheampong became Minister?
As we look ahead, it is vital that we focus on what unites us as a party and as a nation. The cocoa
syndication reform is a landmark achievement of the Akufo-Addo administration. Dr. Bryan
Acheampong, as Minister, led its policy articulation and implementation. Credit must be
accorded where it is due, but more importantly, the success of this reform should be celebrated
as a collective victory for the NPP and for Ghana.
The Ghana Police Service has recovered a large cache of weapons, vehicles, and valuables from a criminal gang behind a series of violent rural bank robberies across the country.
According to the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Lydia Yaako Donkor, the items seized include a wide range of weapons and valuables from the gang, including:
3 AK-47 assault rifles
1 single-barrel gun with 1 AAA ammunition
7 pump-action guns with 96 rounds of AAA ammunition
3 Bruni pistols with 40 rounds of ammunition
1 M&P pistol with 4 rounds of ammunition
Cash of GH¢18,845, $104, 190 Liberian dollars, ₦5,800, and CFA 31,000
A quantity of assorted Ghanaian coins
6 vehicles and 4 motorbikes
Several mobile phones and jewellery
Briefing the media on Wednesday, September 24, said the discovery was made after six months of sustained intelligence operations under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police.
“Through sustained intelligence operations, the Ghana Police Service has successfully dismantled the notorious criminal syndicate who have been behind several robberies in various regions of the country,” she stated.
Ms Lydia Yaako Donkor
The syndicate, believed to be made up of about 15 members, has carried out robberies in the hafo, Western, Central, Eastern and Ashanti Regions. Police have so far arrested 10 suspects, while three others were shot dead in a gun battle. A manhunt is ongoing for the rest.
One of their recent attacks happened at 3:30 am on Sunday, September 14, when they stormed the Saint Martins De Porres Cooperative Credit Union armed with pump-action guns and AK-47 rifles. The gang held the security guard and his wife hostage before escaping with cash. Police recovered a loaded AK-47 magazine at the scene.
Ms Donkor confirmed that one of the AK-47 rifles retrieved had originally been issued to the Ghana Police Service. The weapon, marked GH GP/ASH/TEPA/TP/B1523, belonged to Corporal Francis Adu Yaw of the Tepa District, who was killed by armed robbers on the Bibiani-Goaso highway on November 29, 2024.
“This is an indication that this same gang committed that heinous crime,” she added.Source: Clara Seshie
Former Managing Director of the State Transport Company (STC), Nana Akomea, has descended heavily on the government following what he describes as their woeful attempt to end the illegal mining activities, popularly referred to as galamsey.
Speaking on Tuesday Morning, September 23, 2025, during a panel discussion on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo morning show, Nana Akomea maintained that, the government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), while in opposition, offered a myriad of solutions that could end illegal mining, but are currently running away from the same solutions they offered to the erstwhile Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo-led government.
Nana Akomea and President John Mahama
The issues of illegal mining activities have severely impacted Ghana’s environment, posing existential threats to the country’s ecosystem and human health. Over 60% of Ghana’s rich forest reserve has been depleted, with more than 100,000 acres of cocoa farms ruthlessly ruined, with Ghana risking its position as the second largest exporter of Cocoa following a drastic decline in the quality of cocoa.
There has been an increase in neurological disorders, kidney failures, and birth defects, largely caused by the dangerous chemical residues from galamsey activities.
Following the danger that lies ahead for all Ghanaians if the menace remains unchecked, pressure continues to mount on the President, John Dramani Mahama, to take decisive measures, including the declaration of a state of emergency.
However, President John Dramani declined the call, further describing it as unnecessary because the state has not fully utilised the resources available for the fight against galamsey.
Reacting to the President’s position, Nana Akomea said, “The government has done some highly commendable things, but for the fight against galamsey, they have failed woefully beyond comprehension. While they were in opposition, they showed us ways we could stop the galamsey activities. All the bigwigs in NDC proposed ways the galamsey menace could be stopped, which included the declaration of a state of emergency, a ban on mining, as well prosecuting Chinese expatriates who are involved in galamsey.
“President John Mahama even accused the former government of not having the political will. Ghanaians listened to your outburst and have handed over power to you. What is preventing you from exploring all the proposals you have for dealing with the menace? he quizzed. As the pressure continues to be mounted on the President, the question remains whether President John Dramani will finally declare a state of emergency and ban all forms of mining in the coming days. Source : Kobina Darlington/Peacefmonline.com
Former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed confidence in his bid to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) after appearing before the party’s vetting committee in Accra on Tuesday, September 23.
Speaking to journalists after his vetting, Dr. Bawumia described the session as both thorough and productive.
“We have had very fruitful discussions. They have asked many questions, and I have answered those questions. So I am very satisfied with my vetting, and I pray that everything is okay. I hope the committee is as satisfied as I am,” he said.
Dr. Bawumia expressed gratitude to party members and supporters, stressing the importance of continued engagement with delegates as the internal contest intensifies.
“I want to thank the rank and file of this party, and I think that from vetting we are heading straight into the country to campaign,” he noted.
He further underscored that despite his status as former Vice President, he and his campaign team were not taking anything for granted.
“We are not taking anything for granted. We have to campaign, sell our ideas and sell the NPP so that we can secure this nomination and proceed for the 2028 election,” Dr. Bawumia added.Source:Abigail Arthur
New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, says the party knows he is ready to lead the nation as president.
Speaking after his vetting in Accra on Tuesday, September 23, the outspoken politician and businessman expressed confidence in his performance and the party’s recognition of his capabilities.
“I was prepared. I believe I answered all the questions and they know I’m ready to be president of this country,” Agyapong stated.
He revealed that the vetting panel was particularly interested in understanding his motivation for seeking the presidency and his vision for Ghana and the NPP.
“They really wanted to know why I want to be president and my vision for the country, as well as the party. So I enumerated a couple of points on how I’m going to address some problems,” he explained.
According to Agyapong, the interview process was fair and respectful. He noted that while the questions were relevant and challenging, they were not confrontational.
“They didn’t antagonise me because they know my potential already. But they asked tangible and reasonable questions. They were not hostile to me,” he added.
With years of service to the NPP, Agyapong says he feels deeply rooted in the party and believes his track record speaks for itself.
“They know I’ve been a through and through party member for so long, so I didn’t face any serious questions. I was free to answer their questions,” he noted.
Agyapong is among the leading contenders in the race for the NPP’s flagbearer slot as the party prepares for the 2028 general elections.
Source:Abigail Arthur
