UER: RCC to Return Remaining Funds to Earl International Group Ghana Limited –RCC Reveals
The Chief Director of the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, Alhaji Abubakari Inusah, has announced that funds paid into the council’s dormant account by Earl International Group Ghana Limited to facilitate settling of Small-Scale Miners in Gbane a community in the Talensi District, will be returned to the company. Apexnewsgh reports This decision he said, follows an agreement with the company’s lawyer and is related to a settlement with small-scale miners who released their concessions to Earl International. According to Alhaji Inusah, almost all small-scale miners have received their payments, except for three individuals – Bolga Naba, Charles Ndanbon (NPP Regional Organizer and Managing Director of Yenyeya Mining Enterprise), and one other unnamed person. The funds, currently in the council’s account, have been investigated by the Ghana Police and EOCO, and the report is available upon request. The RCC Director clarified that Hon. Stephen Yakubu’s role was limited to facilitating the process, and his actions were not improper. The return of the funds has brought relative peace to the region, and the council is committed to transparency in its dealings. This announcement was made during a maiden engagement between the Regional Minister, Hafiz Bin Salih, and journalists. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Cocoa Farmers Protest Illegal Mining in Ellembelle District
Cocoa farmers in the Ellembelle District took a bold stand against illegal mining on Saturday, June 1, 2024, decrying the destruction of their farms and water sources. Apexnewsgh reports Led by Benjamin Azachie, the farmers stormed a mining site at Sendu to protest the devastating impact of “galamsey” operations. The farmers presented a petition to the Ellembelle Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, pleading for intervention to halt the forced takeover of cocoa farms by illegal miners. They expressed concerns about the pollution of water sources, destruction of cocoa and runner farms, and annexation of their farms for illegal mining purposes. The once-clear River Fia has been heavily polluted due to the influx of illegal mining activities in the Nyamebekyere-Sendu area. The farmers’ livelihoods are being devastated, and their water bodies contaminated. The protest highlights the urgent need for action to protect the environment and the farmers’ rights. The leaders of the protest urged the government to take swift action to address the issue, ensuring that the cocoa farmers can continue to work without the threat of illegal mining. The demonstration was a powerful display of the farmers’ determination to protect their land and livelihoods. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Africa Loses Billions as Gold Smuggling to UAE Surges
A recent report by Swissaid, a development aid and advocacy organization, reveals that gold smuggling out of Africa, primarily to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has skyrocketed over the past decade. Apexnewsgh reports In 2022 alone, an estimated 435 tonnes of gold, worth over $30 billion, was illegally smuggled out of Africa, with the UAE being the main destination. According to the report, the UAE has accepted over 2,500 tonnes of smuggled gold, valued at $115 billion, over the past decade. This massive flow of gold underscores the significant growth of small-scale, or artisanal, mining, which now involves millions of people and produces volumes of gold comparable to industrial mining. Experts warn that this large-scale smuggling indicates a vast parallel illicit economy vulnerable to money laundering, terrorist finance, and sanctions evasion. The UAE’s role in gold laundering has been criticized, as large quantities of smuggled gold gain legal existence by transiting through the country. Swissaid’s analysis identified 12 African countries involved in smuggling 20 tonnes or more of gold per year. The report also highlights discrepancies between declared exports and imports, which do not exist for other major gold-importing countries like Switzerland and India. In response to accusations, a UAE Ministry of Economy spokesperson claimed that the country cannot be held accountable for other governments’ export records. However, critics argue that the UAE’s lack of effective regulation enforcement contributes to the problem. The surge in gold smuggling is attributed to the doubling of gold prices since 2009, leading to an increase in artisanal mining. Swissaid estimates that artisanal and small-scale gold mining in African countries produced between 443 and 596 tonnes of gold in 2022, with over 70% not being declared. The report emphasizes the need for more effective regulation and enforcement to combat gold smuggling and ensure that artisanal miners receive fair value for their extracted gold. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Cardinal Namdini receives massive criticisms after donating 14,000 exercise books to communities in Talensi.
A recent donation of 14,000 books by Cardinal Namdini, a gold mining company operating in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, has sparked an unexpected wave of criticism. Apexnewsgh reports The company’s gesture, aimed at supporting local education, has been met with disparaging comments from residents and well-meaning individuals from the region, who have labeled the donation as an “embarrassment.” The criticism has been directed not only at the mining company but also at the media platform that reported the story. Many have questioned the media outlet’s decision to cover the donation, implying that they must have lacked more substantial news to report. The donation ceremony, which was attended by the District Chief Executive, a Chief, and a Queen Mother, was captured in photos that showed the DCE smiling as they gratefully receiving the books from a Cardinal Namdini official. This public display of appreciation contradicts the negative comments, which seem to be driven by an unrealistic expectation of what constitutes a worthy donation. For Cardinal Namdini, the donation was a way to honor their corporate social responsibility initiatives in the area. However, the media platform that reported the story was not spared from the criticism, with people questioning whether they lacked good news to report. Read some of the comments below: Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Talensi Miners Will Hold Bawumia Accountable for Mining Policies– Talensi NPP Parliamentary candidate
The Talensi Parliamentary candidate for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Robert Alibo, has cautioned that the people of Talensi, particularly miners in the Gbane area, will hold Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia accountable for his mining policies if he becomes President in 2025. Apexnewsgh reports Alibo made this statement following Dr. Bawumia’s recent visit to Gbane, where he addressed small-scale miners and outlined his mining policy. The visit was seen as timely, and the message resonated with the miners, who were eager to hear his plans for the sector. According to Alibo, Dr. Bawumia’s policy promises to support local miners by granting them concessions and licenses to produce locally. However, he warned that if implemented, the policy would allow foreign investors to repatriate their profits back to their countries, such as China and Australia, while local miners would be expected to keep their gains within the country. During his visit, Dr. Bawumia officially endorsed Alibo as the NPP Parliamentary candidate for Talensi and urged the people to support him in winning the seat for the party. Meanwhile, Alibo’s warning serves as a reminder that the people of Talensi will be watching closely to ensure that Dr. Bawumia’s policies benefit the local community and not just foreign interests. However, these are Dr. Bawumia’s mining policy proposals Build strong collaboration between the government and all stakeholders. Properly plan and coordinate programmes aimed at dealing with illegal mining. Empower communities to protect their lands against illegal miners. Support small-scale miners with funding. Enforce relevant laws without fear or favour. Build the capacity of local miners to understand sustainable mining. On the other hand, Dr. Bawumia proposes the following measures to ameliorate the problems associated with small-scale mining in Ghana. Decentralise the Minerals Commission (MINCOM) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Establish District Mining Committees to issue temporary licenses. Establish a Minerals Development Bank to provide small-scale miners, access to finance. Introduce vocational and skills training programmes to build the capacity of small-scale miners. Regulate the small-scale mining sector to promote sustainable practices. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Mahama Promises to Harness Artificial Intelligence to Combat Galamsey
Former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has announced plans to utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) to combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey, in his next administration. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking as the guest of honor at the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-scale Mining at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani, Mahama revealed that his administration will employ AI to locate and track small-scale mining and galamsey operations, geofence concessions, and organize the small-scale mining industry to minimize environmental damage. To support sustainable mining practices, Mahama announced plans to establish a special fund to provide mining equipment for 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,” he stated. The Ghana Mining Excellence Centre (GMEC), a collaborative effort between UENR and UMaT (University of Mines and Technology), will play a crucial role in fulfilling these promises. “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,” Mahama explained. The Centre will collaborate with international scientists to implement joint research and innovation projects, simulating green growth within the Ghanaian mining and minerals industry. This innovative approach aims to strike a balance between mining and environmental protection. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Urges Urgent Action to Combat Devastating Impact of Galamsey on Environment
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II marked his 25th anniversary as the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool with a pressing call to action, highlighting the devastating impact of illegal mining (Galamsey) on Ghana’s environment. Apexnewsgh reports In his address, the Asantehene emphasized the need for concerted efforts to restore the environment, which has suffered greatly due to destructive Galamsey practices. The Asantehene stressed that it is imperative for the present generation to safeguard the legacy left by their ancestors and urged decisive action to tackle Galamsey by all possible means. He warned that allowing these practices to continue unchecked would harm the environment and compromise Ghana’s future. “Our top priority must be the reclamation of our environment from the ravages of Galamsey,” the Asantehene said. “We cannot be the generation that destroys the most gracious heritage bequeathed to us by our forefathers to satisfy the greed of a few miscreants. For whatever it takes, we must defeat this scourge.” The Asantehene’s urgent call to action echoes the concerns of many Ghanaians and environmentalists, who have been advocating for swift action to address the environmental degradation caused by Galamsey. His leadership and influence are expected to mobilize efforts to combat this menace and protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
Dr. Bawumia Vow to Implement New Approach to Combat Illegal Mining in Ghana
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has revealed a new strategy that the government plans to adopt in its fight against illegal mining in Ghana. Apexnewsgh reports During a walk in Kwahu with supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Bawumia announced that the next NPP government will no longer burn excavators but will instead focus on supporting lawful mining operations. One of the key reforms highlighted by Dr. Bawumia is the establishment of a Minerals Development Bank, which will provide financial assistance to the mining sector. This initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible mining practices while reducing the challenges faced by miners. Dr. Bawumia also took the opportunity to emphasize the NPP’s strong economic growth record compared to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). He criticized NDC leader John Mahama, likening him to a candidate who failed exams and highlighting the NPP’s successful governance. While addressing the supporters, National Chairman Stephen Ntim and General Secretary Justin Kodua echoed messages of hope and unity within the party. The event was attended by several Ministers, government officials, and other prominent figures. The government’s new approach to combating illegal mining signals a significant shift in strategy and a commitment to supporting lawful mining activities in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Nigeria to Grant New Mining Licences Only to Companies with Local Processing Plans
In an effort to push for more value extraction from solid minerals, Nigeria will only be granting new mining licenses to companies that have a clear plan for processing minerals locally, according to a government spokesperson. Apexnewsgh reports This change signifies a departure from Nigeria’s previous policy of exporting raw materials, as African governments strive to gain more from their mineral deposits. To attract investment, Nigeria will be providing incentives to investors such as tax waivers for importing mining equipment, easier processes for securing electricity generation licenses, full repatriation of profits, and enhanced security measures, as explained by Segun Tomori, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development. In return, companies will need to showcase their plans for establishing a plant and outlining how they will add value to the Nigerian economy. While no specific timeline was provided for the finalization of these guidelines, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, shared that making value addition a requirement for obtaining licenses will help create jobs and benefit local communities. Nigeria, known as Africa’s top energy producer, has faced challenges in capitalizing on its abundant mineral resources due to inadequate incentives and neglect. With the underdeveloped mining sector contributing less than 1% to the country’s GDP, Nigeria aims to attract more investment by issuing additional licenses and employing strategies like the formation of a state-owned minerals corporation and a special security unit to combat illegal mining activities. Last year, Nigeria predominantly exported tin ore and concentrates, totaling approximately 137.59 billion naira ($108.34 million), primarily to China and Malaysia. The government’s goal is to stimulate more investment in the sector by expanding the issuance of licenses and maximizing local benefits from mineral exploration efforts. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Clash Between Military and Illegal Miners in Gold Mining Concession Unfortunate and Avoidable, Says Assistant PRO Earl Intl Group Gold Ltd
The recent clash between the military and illegal miners in a gold mining concession owned by Earl International Group Gold Ltd has been deemed as unfortunate and avoidable by Albert Azongo, the Assistant Public Relations Officer of the company. Azongo stated that the company had engaged in discussions with relevant stakeholders, including regulators, community leaders, and identified operators of illegal mining pits, in an effort to prevent such incidents. He clarified that the mining pits in question were within the company’s 16.02sq.km concession, and the individuals operating them did not hold any mining licenses or concessions. While acknowledging the socio-economic impact of sealing the illegal mining pits, Azongo stressed that the company’s priority was to ensure the safety of the miners working in the area. He explained that the company had previously hired individuals who were working under concessionaires within their area after obtaining the large-scale mining lease. Azongo emphasized that the conflict was not with the Gbane Community as a whole, but with individuals seeking to protect their livelihoods. He expressed the company’s willingness to reopen discussions with relevant parties to address the issue and work towards a resolution. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com