In a thought-provoking address, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, passionately advocated for a pivotal shift in Ghana’s mining industry.  Apexnewsgh reports During a recent meeting of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs, he made a compelling case for large-scale mining concessions to be awarded to local investors rather than foreign entities. “Imagine a Ghana where our own people own and operate the mines, reaping the benefits for future generations,” he urged, suggesting that increased local ownership would lead to more meaningful and lasting economic benefits for the nation. The Asantehene pointed to Johannesburg, South Africa, as a prime example, showcasing how indigenous control over mining enterprises can drive national development and create substantial wealth. His words resonated particularly in light of growing apprehension regarding the dominance of foreign companies in Ghana’s mining sector. Critics have voiced concerns that this trend not only limits long-term national gain but also undermines the country’s developmental potential. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stressed that it was time to move beyond the current system, where foreign firms extract resources while local communities receive minimal returns. He advocated for empowering Ghanaian businesses and individuals to take the lead in mining operations, ensuring a more equitable distribution of the country’s vast mineral wealth. In a bold call to action, the Asantehene urged traditional leaders to shift their focus from merely accepting royalty payments to pursuing equity stakes in mining ventures. He argued that such an approach would promote local participation and secure sustained benefits for future generations. His passionate plea aligns with a growing national advocacy for economic empowerment and resource nationalism as Ghana navigates new strategies to maximize the value derived from its abundant natural resources. With the Asantehene’s leadership, there is a hopeful vision for a future where Ghanaians thrive through their rich mineral heritage. Source: Apexnewsgh.com  

Two national executives of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Yamin, National Organiser, and Yakubu Abanga, have firmly denied allegations linking them to an illegal anti-galamsey taskforce accused of extorting money and harassing small-scale miners across Ghana. The allegations originated from the Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana (CSSMGG), which claimed that a rogue taskforce, allegedly operating under the influence or support of Yamin and Abanga, has been terrorizing miners in various communities. The miners highlighted incidents in Sekondi, Bekwai, Offinso, and Prestea, where heavily armed individuals dressed in military gear purportedly invoked the names of the two political figures while engaging in acts of extortion and intimidation. In separate interviews, both Yamin and Abanga categorically rejected the accusations and called on national security authorities to take action against anyone impersonating them or misusing their names for illicit activities. “I would be the last to sanction the activities of any illegal taskforce or group,” Yamin stated during an interview on Sunday, July 13, 2025. He emphasized, “I have never engaged in mining, and I urge security agencies to act swiftly against any individuals using my name to harass legitimate miners.” Yamin also noted that he has previously reported illegal mining activities to the authorities, with his latest report involving a case in the Eastern Region. He encouraged miners to apprehend anyone claiming to represent him or the NDC in such operations, reinforcing his stance against illegal mining practices. Yakubu Abanga, the party’s 3rd Vice Chairperson, similarly denied any involvement, asserting that he has not authorized anyone to operate on his behalf regarding such matters. “I am a licensed miner with concessions in Ashanti, Western, and even in Côte d’Ivoire,” Abanga said. “I would never undermine the government’s anti-galamsey efforts, especially when I have been a victim myself, having some of my concessions taken from me and currently battling the matter in court.” Both leaders emphasized their commitment to supporting legal mining operations and upholding the rule of law, distancing themselves from any groups engaged in illegal activities in the guise of an anti-galamsey campaign. In a press statement addressing these claims, Yamin clarified: “For the record, I am not part of any galamsey taskforce, nor have I been consulted or invited to contribute ideas on how to address illegal mining activities involving some small-scale miners. If any individual or group is parading as a taskforce using my name, such actions are illegal and must be stopped immediately.” He urged the Concerned Small-Scale Miners to dissociate him from their claims and to address their grievances through appropriate legal and regulatory institutions for a lasting solution. Both Yamin and Abanga’s responses highlight their commitment to legality and transparency in the ongoing fight against illegal mining operations in the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a financial incentive for whistleblowers who provide credible information leading to the recovery of illegally traded gold or its cash equivalent. Speaking at the official inauguration of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Taskforce, President Mahama said informants will be entitled to 10% of the value of any seized assets. The launch of the GoldBod Taskforce marks a bold step toward safeguarding the country’s natural resources. President Mahama emphasized that the taskforce will play a crucial role in combating gold smuggling and ensuring that Ghana’s gold resources are utilized for the benefit of its citizens. The president’s announcement is aimed at encouraging individuals with information about gold smuggling to come forward. By offering a financial reward, the government hopes to gather intelligence that will lead to the recovery of illegally traded gold and its cash equivalent. This initiative is expected to be a significant deterrent to those involved in illicit gold trading. The Ghana Gold Board Taskforce was inaugurated at the National Security Secretariat in Accra. The taskforce is expected to work tirelessly to identify and prosecute individuals and organizations involved in gold smuggling. President Mahama’s announcement underscores the government’s commitment to protecting the country’s natural resources and promoting transparency in the gold industry. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to combat illegal mining, revealing that illegal miners have been successfully cleared from eight of the nine forest reserves previously ravaged by environmental degradation. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at the Global Mining Summit in Accra, the President described the achievement as a landmark moment in the country’s renewed push to restore degraded lands and promote responsible mining practices. “This is a major milestone in our renewed commitment to reclaim our environment and safeguard our natural ecosystems,” President Mahama said. The clearance operation is part of a comprehensive national strategy aimed at balancing ecological protection with sustainable resource extraction. The President underscored that small-scale miners have a legitimate role to play in Ghana’s development when properly trained and regulated. “Let me be clear: artisanal miners are not enemies of the state,” he stated. “If properly trained and supported, they can become valuable allies in our development agenda. Working together, we will reclaim our forest reserves and restore the purity of our water bodies.” As part of enhanced regulatory enforcement, the government has deployed “river guards” tasked with protecting Ghana’s waterways from illegal mining activities. The President also announced stringent new measures to regulate the use and importation of excavators—equipment frequently implicated in environmental destruction. “We will track all excavators to ensure they are not being used for illegal mining,” he stressed. “Ghana currently has more excavators than the rest of Africa combined. Going forward, no one will be allowed to import an excavator without a valid permit under the new regulatory framework.” President Mahama revealed that the government is partnering with small-scale mining associations to lead land reclamation efforts, signalling a shift toward more collaborative and environmentally responsible policies in the mining sector. This partnership aims to promote sustainable mining practices and restore the country’s natural resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com