Dr. Gideon Boako (Tano North Constituency MP) writes:CHANGES IN ELECTRICITY TARIFFS IN GHANA FROM 2009 TO 2024:
The data I am sharing below depicts increases/reduction in electricity tariffs under the NDC (from 2009 to 2016) and NPP (from 2017 to 2024). It is instructive to note that both political regimes experienced IMF programmes in their first and second terms.
The NDC from 2009 to 2016 did a cumulative percentage increase in electricity tariffs of 294.6%, which translates into an average increase in electricity tariffs of 36.8% over their 8 years period in government
The NPP, on the other hand, did a cumulative percentage increase in electricity tariffs of 57.45% and an average of 7.2%.
Dr.Gideon Boako and President John Mahama
While under the NDC, electricity tariffs were increased astronomically, Ghanaians at the same time were living in dumsor.
Under the Nana Addo-Bawumia government, electricity tariffs saw minimal increase with corresponding steady and reliable supply of electricity power.
Today, the government of the NDC that promised to reduce the cost of living for Ghanaians has, in their first four months in office, increased electricity tariffs by 14.75%. Coming events, they say, cast their own shadows.
And, hey! Let this not be blamed on any IMF programme because the data above shows that under the same IMF programmes, the NPP managed the electricity tariffs better.
Source: Public Utilities Regulatory Commission(PURC)
Kwabena Frimpong [ Msc Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Management]
Dear President John Mahama,
I write to you as a concerned professional in the field of Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Management, deeply troubled by the devastating impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on our people and environment. Ghana, once a beacon of rich natural resources, now faces environmental destruction, public health crises, and socio-economic instability due to the unchecked activities of illegal miners.
Mr President on your 120 days social contract with the Ghanaian people point 19 reads “Ban illegal and new mining activities in forest reserves. Roll out our ‘Tree for Life’ and Blue Water Initiative’ to heal and sustainably harness the environment by turning areas and water bodies degraded by illegal mining into economic and ecological recovery hubs” But Today marks your 93rd day in government remaining 27 days more to the 120 days but illegal mining( Galamsey) is on its devastating effect to good people of Ghana than ever.
The Devastating Effects of Galamsey
Environmental Destruction
Illegal mining has led to widespread deforestation, land degradation, and the destruction of farmlands, threatening food security.
Rivers and water bodies such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin have been heavily polluted with mercury and other toxic chemicals, rendering them unsafe for human consumption and aquatic life.
Severe Health Implications
Mercury poisoning from illegal mining causes severe neurological disorders, birth defects, and other long-term health complications.
Dust and chemical exposure from mining activities contribute to respiratory diseases, endangering the lives of miners and nearby communities.
Contaminated water sources lead to an increase in waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery.
Economic and Social Disruptions
The destruction of farmlands forces many farmers into poverty, affecting Ghana’s agricultural productivity.
School dropouts increase as young people abandon education for quick money in illegal mining.
The rise of galamsey-related conflicts fuels insecurity, crime, and lawlessness, weakening national stability.
Despite benefiting from the galamsey demonstrations, the strike declared by Organised Labour, and the Catholic Conference’s Prayer Demonstration, which all took place just days before the December 7, 2024 elections, it’s shocking that you’re not taking decisive action against this menace. Instead, members of your own party are destroying our lands, forests, and water bodies through galamsey. It’s time to show the political will to fight galamsey and protect Ghana’s environment, Mr President. You are failing to act decisively in tackling this menace. The reasons are clear:
Political Interests and Vote-Buying: Galamsey operators have strong financial influence and support politicians in exchange for protection after elections.
Corruption and Weak Enforcement: Some officials within law enforcement and regulatory agencies are complicit, accepting bribes to turn a blind eye to illegal mining activities.
Economic Pressure: With limited job opportunities, many Ghanaians depend on illegal mining for survival, making it politically risky for any government to take aggressive action.
Influence of Powerful Business Interests: Some individuals with ties to high-ranking government officials and your party people profit from illegal mining, making it difficult for your government to take a firm stance against the illegal mining.
Solutions to End the Galamsey Menace
Strict Law Enforcement and Accountability
Strengthen and empower the Minerals Commission, Forestry Commission and Environmental Protection Agency to regulate mining effectively not your Gold board which would encourage galamsey.
Establish a special independent anti-galamsey task force free from political interference not that your blue water squad.
Enforce harsher penalties, including seizing equipment and prosecuting both miners and their sponsors.
Sustainable Livelihood Programs
Introduce alternative employment opportunities, such as agribusiness, vocational training, and eco-tourism, to provide economic alternatives for illegal miners.
Establish a state-sponsored “Responsible Mining Initiative” where small-scale miners can operate legally under strict environmental guidelines.
Rehabilitation and Restoration of Affected Areas
Launch a nationwide afforestation program to restore degraded lands.
Implement water purification projects to clean polluted rivers and ensure safe drinking water for affected communities.
Public Awareness and Community Involvement
Educate communities on the long-term dangers of galamsey and the benefits of sustainable environmental practices.
Involve traditional leaders and local communities in monitoring and reporting illegal mining activities.
Mr. President, history will judge us by how you handle this crisis. It is time for bold leadership, free from political compromise like you are exhibiting now, to end this environmental and public health disaster. I urge you to take decisive action to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources for future generations. Our people deserve clean water, fertile lands, and a secure future—not the short-term gains of galamsey at the cost of national destruction, Mr President, your party. Members are destroying our lands and water bodies through illegal mining.Mr President wake up from slumber if you are still on honeymoon.
Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, has strongly criticised the government’s policy of deporting foreign nationals involved in illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
This follows Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka indicating that foreign nationals found engaging in galamsey will be deported.
Speaking on Channel One TV‘s The Point of View on Monday, April 7, Ashigbey described the approach as illegal and a violation of Ghana’s laws, particularly the 2019 amendment of Act 995.
Dr Kenneth Ashigbey
He expressed disbelief at the Interior Minister’s stance, emphasising that the amendment was specifically designed to remove judicial discretion and ensure strict enforcement of the law.
“The reason why we had the 2019 amendment of the law Act 995 was to take out discretion from even the judges so that the judges will not have any discretion but to ensure that the laws are imposed,” he stated.
Ashigbey argued that criminals involved in illegal mining must serve their sentences before deportation is considered.
He highlighted the risks posed by Ghana’s porous borders, citing the case of Aisha Huang, a notorious illegal miner who managed to re-enter the country and resume her activities despite being deported.
He further questioned the legality of the policy, pointing out that it undermines the enforcement of Ghana’s laws.
“If a minister looks in the face of the law and unfortunately he was talking to the police who are also supposed to be enforcing the law, you would have hoped that somebody in that room should have told the minister that the policy is illegal,” Ashigbey remarked.
Ashigbey called for stricter adherence to the law and urged authorities to prioritise the prosecution and sentencing of foreign nationals involved in illegal mining to deter future violations.Source:Abigail Arthur
ACCRA, April 3, 2025 (GJA) – The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, will join dignitaries from across the world to attend ‘The Elites Jamboree’ at the prestigious Atlantis the Royal Hotel in Dubai on April 5, 2025.
The event aims at bridging the knowledge gap and unlocking the immense potential between Africa and the Middle East.
Vusi Thembekwayo, a globally-acclaimed entrepreneur, venture capitalist and best-selling author, will deliver the Keynote Address.
Vusi is renowned for his transformative insights and has been a catalyst for business change across many continents.
Another prominent speaker on the bill is Manish Nambiar, a distinguished expert in the luxury hotel industry, wielding about two decades of experience with the Kempinski Hotels.
With extensive experience in the Middle East and Africa, Manish brings invaluable perspectives to the event.
‘The Elites Jamboree’ is not only a forum for business leaders and entrepreneurs; it also serves as a significant platform for the youth to explore their potential.
By showcasing success stories and providing networking opportunities with industry leaders, the event aims to inspire young individuals to envision and strive for a better future.
The media plays a crucial role in such endeavours, serving as the channel to communicate these narratives to a larger youth audience and, thus, motivating them to pursue their aspirations.
It is on the basis of such appreciation that the event organiser, Estilo de Vida, invites the GJA as one of the media association groups for ‘The Elites Jamboree’.
END.
Former Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, has denied allegations that he was engaged by the committee investigating the disappearance of over 1,300 ECG containers at the Tema Port.
Mahama expressed disappointment with the committee’s approach, emphasizing that he was not given a chance to present his side of the story.
His remarks follow the arrest of 12 Chinese nationals and a Ghanaian by National Security operatives in connection with the missing containers. Meanwhile, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has been tasked with compiling a detailed report on the issue.
Samuel Dubik Mahama
The committee’s inquiry involved questioning ECG directors and managers, revealing potential theft and the alleged auctioning of ECG containers. However, speaking on Asempa FM on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Mahama refuted claims that he had left the country to evade scrutiny.
“Since this container issue came up, I have received several calls from some staff members of ECG, inquiring why I have not come to defend myself. Today, I want to clarify, since I resigned as the MD of ECG, I have not gone anywhere.“There were reports that I had absconded from the country and gone into hiding. I can say for a fact that I have been in this country.
The pain I feel now is what the committee has done to me.“I was never contacted as part of the investigation of the committee. I didn’t receive any letter from any committee.
“If the committee had contacted me or spoken to me, I would have given out all the information I have because I only came in to serve Ghana. I worked for two years and four months. My records are there. The company hasn’t seen this kind of growth within this period,” he stated.Source:Dailymailgh.com
The general overseer of the Caravan of Prayer Outreach Ministry at Gyinyase in Ashanti, Apostle Johnson Ackah Braimah, has praised President John Dramani Mahama for banning all his appointees from engaging in any form of mining being it legal or illegal mining popularly known as ” galamsey.
According to him,the driective was a step in the right direction, especially at this time that some personalities perceived to be political figures were seriously engaging in illegal mining making the fight difficult and uneasy .
Apostle Braimah, said people usually hide behind individuals to engage in galamsey causing great damage to the environment through.
Apostle John Mahama
The respected man of God,who made the commendation is therefore, calling on President John Mahama,to seriously dealt with his appointees, who maybe found guilty in galamsey to serve as a deterrent to others.
” If people see that, you (Mahama) is applying the law to your own party members, that alone will create fear and panic among illegal miners and potential ones to desist from engaging in galamsey “,he stated.
On the banned of government appointees from using first class aircrafts by the President, Apostle Johnson Ackah Braimah, was happy about this development, saying it would go a long way to reduce corruption in the system.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has criticized President John Dramani Mahama for failing to fulfil his campaign promise to repeal LI 2462, the regulation that permits mining in forest reserves.
In the lead-up to the 2024 elections, John Mahama pledged to revoke the entire Legislative Instrument. However, the government has instead laid before Parliament an amendment that revokes only the president’s power to grant licenses for mining in forest reserves, rather than a full revocation.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, March 26, NPP Communications Director Richard Ahiagbah expressed concern over the ongoing destruction of forest reserves.
Richard Ahiagbah
“The list of our forests that are being raided by these NDC galamseyers, who have been emboldened by the president’s campaign overtures, is just astonishing, and this is an unprecedented situation.
“The government must use every necessary resource to gain control of the situation. One of the key actions in this direction is the revocation of LI 2462. The president promised he would do this during his campaign, so we are reminding him to fulfil that promise,” Ahiagbah stated.
The Ghana Green Guard USD$25 billion climate futures initiative agreement commits to deliver a series of diversified regenerative solutions to drive a healthier and more sustainable future for all Ghanaians. The agreement is a public-private collaborative partnership between the developer CarbonPura Africa, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) representing the government of Ghana and PSPH (Private Sector Participation in Health). Leveraging carbon financing, and carbon and biodiversity monetisation, the agreement will drive environmental restoration, clean water access, and community-based social programmes in Ghana.
Wednesday, 5th March 2025 Accra, Republic of Ghana. CarbonPura pioneers Ghana Green Guard, a transformative series of privately funded environmental protection, restoration, and climate-smart projects and initiatives bespoke to the landscape of Ghana. The Ghana Green Guard Agreement harnesses the power of leveraging a climate futures ecosystem combined with flows unlocked from carbon finance to address critical climate and sustainability challenges while advancing Ghana’s environmental restoration and socio-economic development goals.
Chief Executive Officer of the EPA of Ghana, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse says “the Ghana Green Guard Agreement is a significant milestone in Ghana’s environmental journey and marks the beginning of a new era in public-private stakeholder engagement to implement development practices and leverage international carbon markets to achieve sustainability, protect our water bodies and secure a healthier and more prosperous future for all Ghanaians.”
One of the most significant nature-based project methodology solutions globally it will generate over 305 million high-quality, investment-grade carbon credits across 12 million hectares of diverse landscapes with a projected cumulative revenue of $10.4 billion over 25 years.
Each project supports Ghana’s socio-economic and community enhancement programmes and initiatives to empower women, children, and the most vulnerable farmers and communities.
Aligns international and local partners, government support, NGO and University Collaboration, all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, and Ghana’s net-zero and global climate commitments.
Immediate intervention to enhance Ghana’s water security using the most effective and sustainable solutions and technologies that ensure long-term protection and safeguarding for the provision of clean water and the restoration of polluted water sources caused by illegal mining.
Ghana Green Guard combines the relationship driven socio-economic benefits of a public–private partnership to deliver projects that align seamlessly with President Mahama’s Policies for the Future of Ghana, Ghana’s net-zero and global climate commitments and all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The agreement will utilise restorative and ecosystem vision – not only in project execution but from new relationship driven economic models fuelled by investment grade biodiversity and carbon credit projects.
Dr. Fred Bedzrah, the Vice President of Operations for CarbonPura Africa, stated that “the Green Guard Ghana Agreement sets a new benchmark for environmental and socio-economic impact and is a bold step forward toward positioning Ghana as a leader in sustainable carbon finance by integrating transparent governance, investment grade carbon credit generation, and inclusive community engagement. CarbonPura is proud to deliver a framework that enhances global climate action and ensures tangible benefits for healthier local communities and ecosystems. Ghana demonstrates how high-integrity restorative biodiversity and climate smart projects can drive sustainability and long-term investment confidence.”
The Ghana Green Guard Project leverages 12 million hectares of risk assessed eligible land across various regions of Ghana, strategically and with scientific rigour, chosen for their ecological, biodiversity and socio-economic potential. The expansive project ensures scalable investment-grade carbon credit generation goals and sustained environmental improvement by carefully integrating targeted activities such as reforestation, regenerative agriculture, illegal mining restoration and coastal environment restoration.
The Executive Director of PSPH Dr. Francis Adjei adds that “True sustainability is not just about restoring the environment—it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity for the most vulnerable. Through the Ghana Green Guard initiatives, we are ensuring that climate action translates into better healthcare, stronger communities, and a future where no one is left behind.”
Cath Thrupp, the Chief Executive Officer of Carbon Planet, says that “Ghana is leading the way in terms of showcasing a sustainable future for their country and the world. They are actively originating large-scale decarbonisation and landscape restoration programmes that will support their country to transition to net zero. In working with the global carbon markets to support this transition, Ghana is actively creating new jobs and opportunities for local communities. As a company, Carbon Planet is honoured to work with the Government and people of Ghana to create a sustainable future, with no one left behind”.
Each project methodology activity is designed to deliver long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits, creating a positive feedback loop where ecological improvements—such as increased biodiversity, improved soil fertility, and enhanced coastal resilience—foster sustainable community development, employment creation, strengthen food security, provide clean water, eliminate species extinction, and drive long-term economic resilience across regions dependent on agricultural and coastal livelihoods.
Mark Phillips, the Chief Executive Officer of Carbon Capital Corporation, says that “through strategic collaboration with Carbon Planet we lead the Ghana Green Guard project origination and ensure that all credits are investment ready, meet the highest standards of regulatory compliance and financial integrity and achieve long term environmental and social impact. This initiative exemplifies how carbon finance can drive real change, protecting ecosystems, empowering communities, and supporting Ghana’s climate commitments. Through Ghana Green Guard, we demonstrate that carbon markets can be a force for equitable and sustainable development.”
The Parties to the Ghana Green Guard Agreement
About the EPA
The EPA is the leading statutory body for protecting and improving the environment in Ghana and is led by its Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse. Recognising the need for stronger oversight, the Environmental Protection Act 2025 (Act 1124) was enacted. Effective from January 6, 2025, this Act elevated the EPA to an Authority, expanding its mandate to regulate, protect, coordinate, and oversee all matters pertaining to the environment. This new legislation marks a pivotal moment in the EPA’s evolution towards greater environmental stewardship and governance.
For further information on Ghana EPA, please visit: www.epa.gov.gh/new/
For media enquiries, please contact: info@epa.gov.gh
About CarbonPura
CarbonPura Africa is the Ghana Green Guard lead developer and is committed to advancing global sustainability through large-scale innovative carbon management and stewardship initiatives that transform environmental goals into impactful realities.
CarbonPura is dedicated to pioneering projects that meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals and propelling the world towards a greener and more prosperous future.
CarbonPura provides end-to-end expertise in net-zero advisory and bespoke solutions that ensure each project contributes to carbon reduction and enhances ecological and social value. CarbonPura integrates top-tier methodologies with community-based conservation efforts for land, forestry wetland and marine ecosystems protection and restoration with scalable carbon solutions.
The social capital and ecological model demand the highest degree of team expertise, including ecologists and environmental auditors, trusted partners and strategic alliances, to enhance the capabilities for CarbonPura in carbon-backed funding, project development, and community reinvestment. CarbonPura navigate market complexities with data-driven precision, ensuring each project maximises value and supports global sustainability.
For more information, visit: www.carbonpura.com/greenguard
For media enquiries, please contact:
Melanie Budden
melanie.budden@therealizationgroup.com
About Private Sector Participation in Health
Private Sector Participation in Health (PSPH) is a leading not-for-profit organisation driving transformative healthcare and social development in Ghana’s most vulnerable communities. As a key partner in the Ghana Green Guard Agreement, PSPH integrates healthcare, education, and social empowerment into climate resilience efforts. Through innovative public-private partnerships, PSPH expands access to essential healthcare, empowers women and youth, and fosters alternative livelihoods, creating lasting socio-economic impact. By bridging corporate Ghana with grassroots needs, PSPH ensures that sustainability, health, and development go hand in hand; building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities for generations to come.
For further information on PSPH, please visit: www.psphghana.com
For media enquiries, please contact: DrFred@carbonpura.com
About Carbon Capital Corporation [CCC]
CCC is an Australian registered company that operates under an Australian Authorised Financial Services License [278530]. CCC is part of the GBC Group and stands out in global carbon markets offering unique and specialised feasibility, origination, procurement, trading and advisory services for both the buy and sell side. With operations across Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Pacific CCC facilitates large scale carbon projects with stackable value methodologies that allow projects to generate multiple environmental and social co-benefits.
CCC utilises an integrated approach that combines financial structuring, technical expertise, and advanced technology, delivering unmatched value in carbon markets. By optimising carbon and biodiversity credits to meet the high standards demanded by institutional buyers, CCC achieve both financial returns and measured sustainability impact.
For more information, visit: www.carboncapitalcorporation.com
For media enquiries, please contact: markphillips@greenbondcorporation.com
About Carbon Planet
Carbon Planet is an Australian registered ecological company globally leading project feasibility, origination and technical development, bringing extensive expertise in carbon project execution and innovation. Carbon Planet picture a world where natural capital has value, investments are transparent, landholders can feed their families, and local communities can create new jobs and regenerative industries. This requires creating a world where trees and natural capital are valued.
For further information on CarbonPlanet, please visit: www.carbonplanet.io/
For media enquiries, please contact: cath@carbonplanet.io
Some traders in Adum, Kumasi, are blaming the recent fire outbreak in the central business district on frequent power cuts in the area, which they say may have contributed to the blaze.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Friday, March 21, gutted several shops housed in two-storey buildings in the bustling commercial district.
The fire at the popular Blue Light arena, close to Hello FM, started around 6 am and spread rapidly as fire fighters attempted to contain the blaze.
While the Ghana National Fire Service is still investigating the exact cause of the fire, traders claim that the recurrent power outages in the area may have played a role in igniting the flames.
According to the traders, the intermittent power cuts have damaged appliances.
Several of the affected shop owners reported having faced issues with their electrical equipment due to an unstable power supply in the area.
“You don’t have any mercy on the youth at all. We have been experiencing power cuts for weeks, and every time the electricity comes back, the power surge causes some of our appliances to malfunction,” said one local shopkeeper.
According to an eyewitness account, the fire sparked from a flicking electricity pole in the area, leading to a spark on the top floor of one of the buildings.Source: Emmanuel Tetteh
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has pledged to deploy Artificial Intelligence to help fight illegal mining activities if he is elected president in the upcoming December 7 general election..
As the guest of honour at the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-scale Mining at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani, the NDC’s flagbearer said his government will use “AI to locate all small-scale mining and galamsey operations, track excavators, and geofence all concessions” to help coordinate and monitor activities within the small-scale mining sector to reduce environmental destruction.
Mr.John Mahama
He added that a special fund will also be set up to help provide a pool of mining equipment for sustainable exploitations in mining communities.
“A special revolving fund will be established with the private sector to provide capital and a mining equipment pool in each district where gold mining is prevalent. This will facilitate easy and affordable access to relevant mining equipment.”
The former president explained that his government will achieve its pledge by implementing his recently announced Ghana Mining Excellence Centre (GMEC), which he said is to be coordinated by UENR and UMaT [University of Mines and Technology].
“To support all these brilliant initiatives and ensure that we are implementing them as best as possible, I have announced the launch of a Ghana Mining Excellence Centre (GMEC), to be run initially for five years and which will be coordinated by UENR and UMaT.
“As I have envisioned it, the Centre will collaborate with scientists from other universities worldwide to implement joint research and innovation projects that will simulate green growth within the Ghanaian mining and minerals industry.”
