Alagumgube Rallies Behind Anaafobiisi Primary A School After Devastating Rainstorm
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, members Alagumgube group, a global association, has stepped forward to support Anaafobiisi Primary A School, which was severely damaged by a recent rainstorm. Apexnewsgh reports The school’s classrooms were left in ruins, forcing students to study under trees without basic educational tools. Moved by the plight of these young learners, the group has donated essential educational materials, including three large marker boards, books, pens, pencils, marker pens, and dusters. This generous contribution aims to support the school’s rebuilding efforts and provide students with the resources they need to succeed. The interim African Secretary for Alagumgube Mrs. Habiba Asuurebuno Alhassan emphasized the importance of ensuring every child has access to a safe, supportive, and well-equipped learning environment. “We cannot stand by and watch these children’s education be hindered,” they said. “We urge other groups, government agencies, and individuals to contribute generously, whether through donations, materials, or assistance, to help restore a proper learning environment for these children.” The community’s support will make a tangible difference in the lives of Anaafobiisi Primary A School’s students, ensuring their right to education is protected. As the community comes together to rebuild the school, they are building a brighter future for these young learners. However, the management of Anaafobiisi Primary A School couldn’t contain their excitement as they received a generous donation from the Alagumgube association. The school, which was recently ravaged by a devastating rainstorm, was struggling to provide its students with basic educational tools. The donation, which included three large marker boards, books, pens, pencils, marker pens, and dusters, was met with heartfelt gratitude from the school management. They expressed their deepest appreciation to the Alagumgube association for their kindness and generosity. The school’s management also seized the opportunity to appeal to other well-meaning citizens and groups to emulate the footsteps of the Alagumgube association. They hoped that others would be inspired by the association’s good deed and follow suit in supporting the school’s rebuilding efforts. As the school management celebrated the donation, they were filled with renewed hope and optimism for the future. They knew that with the support of generous organizations like Alagumgube, they could provide their students with the quality education they deserved. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Outgoing Military Leaders Honored at Farewell Ceremony
The Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has announced a farewell ceremony held in honor of the outgoing Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and his Service Chiefs at the Ministry of Defence. Apexnewsgh reports This memorable event marked the end of their tenure, during which they played crucial roles in safeguarding national security and upholding the integrity of the Ghana Armed Forces. As part of the transition, President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang expressed their gratitude to the outgoing military leaders for their dedicated service to the nation. This heartfelt appreciation acknowledges the significant contributions of the outgoing leaders in ensuring national defense and stability. The handing-over process signifies a new chapter for the Ghana Armed Forces, as new leadership takes over. President Mahama has appointed new officials to key positions, including Major General William Agyapong as the new Chief of Defence Staff, and other Service Chiefs. These appointments, made on the recommendation of the Armed Forces Council, mark the beginning of a new leadership era in Ghana’s military. The new officers bring a wealth of experience, having served in various capacities across military operations, peacekeeping missions, and strategic defense planning. As the new leadership assumes command, Ghanaians can expect a bolstered national defense, enhanced military preparedness, and a continued commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and security. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government to Establish Special Courts for Expedited Prosecution of Galamsey Offenders
Government has announced plans to set up special courts for the speedy prosecution of persons cited for galamsey. Apexnewsgh reports The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is working closely with the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, as well as the judiciary, to finalize the modalities for establishing these courts. According to Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, the government is committed to ensuring expedited prosecution of illegal miners. This move comes on the back of calls by stakeholders in the forestry sector and environmental activists for specialized courts to swiftly prosecute those who flout mining regulations. The call for specialized courts has been endorsed by key stakeholders, including Dr. Hugh Brown, CEO of the Forestry Commission; Daryl Bosu of A Rocha Ghana; and Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition against Galamsey. They argue that the weak prosecution regime is a major hindrance in the fight against galamsey, and that dedicated courts would help clear the backlog of outstanding cases related to environmental crimes. Key Provisions of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995) – A Ghanaian engaged in illegal mining faces a fine of GH¢120,000 to GH¢180,000 and imprisonment of 15 to 25 years. – A foreigner engaged in illegal mining faces a fine of GH¢1.2 million to GH¢3.6 million and imprisonment of 20 to 25 years. Despite these provisions, the prosecution rate for illegal mining remains low. Data from the Forestry Commission reveals that out of 845 persons arrested for mining in forest reserves over the past two years, only 20 have been prosecuted. Stakeholders are advocating for 24-hour courts to expedite the prosecution of galamsey offenders. They also emphasize the need for stiffer sanctions, particularly for foreigners, and for building the capacity of prosecutors and judges to understand environmental crimes. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority accuses Attorney-General of abuse of power
The Minority in Parliament has accused the Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Justice, Dominic Ayine, of abusing his office by interfering in investigations and weaponising state institutions against political opponents. Addressing a press conference at the Parliament House yesterday, the Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, described the conduct of the AG as an overreach that threatens the rule of law and democratic principles. “The Attorney-General is abusing his office in ordering raids and conducting investigations. The Attorney-General is firstly a legal advisor to the government and an officer of the court. There is a reason for which the Attorney-General is to remain at arm’s length from investigations,” he said. “This distance allows for an impartial assessment of whether a prima facie case exists after investigative agencies have completed their work.” He further criticised the A-G’s approach, arguing that it undermined due process and sought to convict opposition figures in the court of public opinion before any legal proceedings take place. “The new approach where the Attorney-General seeks to convict political opponents in the court of public opinion before going to the court of competent jurisdiction is an abomination that should not be countenanced. The courts of Ghana are the only ones that should be allowed to convict or acquit,” he stated. “Since when did we have an Attorney-General who himself orders arrest, conducts investigations and examines his own evidence to determine if a prima facie case is being docketed against a suspect?” he queried. This approach, he said, sets a dangerous precedent, is highly improper and leads to bias right from the investigation process. The Minority alleged that recent security operations targeting former officials, including the immediate past Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Ernest Addison, were politically motivated and aimed at intimidating opposition figures. Referring to Dr Addison’s case, Mr Shaib questioned the legality of the security operation, stating that if due process had been followed, there would have been no need for an apology from the National Security Coordinator. “If the actions were truly lawful and above board, why did the National Security Coordinator find it necessary to call and apologise to Dr Addison via the phone of Mr Richard Jakpa?” he asked. Beyond Dr Addison, the Minority outlined a series of similar incidents, alleging a coordinated effort to harass political opponents. “Among those affected are the following: Former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, whose private residence was raided on February 10, 2025, by National Security operatives led by Richard Jakpa. These operatives, some armed and in balaclavas, conducted an extensive search without presenting a warrant. Mr Ofori-Atta was reportedly out of the country during the incident,” he stated. More raids He further cited the case of the former Energy Minister and MP for Hohoe, John Peter Amewu. “Again, on March 5, 2025, armed individuals identifying themselves as National Security operatives reportedly invaded the residence of former Energy Minister and Member of Parliament for Hohoe, John Peter Amewu, in Hohoe, Volta Region.” The press conference also highlighted the cases of other former government officials. “The former Director of Operations at the Jubilee House, Lord Oblitey Commey, also had his home raided on January 31, 2025, by National Security operatives seizing six of his vehicles. The former Public Procurement Authority Chairman, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, was not left out when National Intelligence Bureau officials visited and arrested him at his private residence on February 23, 2025.” He also referenced the arrest of the former Director of the National Signals Bureau. “The former Director of the National Signals Bureau, Kwabena Adu Boahene, on Thursday, March 21, 2025, was also arrested upon his arrival at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) from London.” Political distraction According to the Minority, these actions amount to a systematic abuse of state power designed to distract from the government’s failings. “We are clear in our minds that the new government, seeking to shift attention from the initial challenges they are having with their budget, the fight against galamsey and the Dumsor situation which is leading to the burning of markets, has adopted this tactic to intimidate political opponents,” Hon. Shaib stated. Source: graphiconline
Minister Slams AirtelTigo Sale, Brands Managers “Enemies of the State”
Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations Samuel Nartey George has denounced those responsible for managing the AirtelTigo transaction, labeling them “enemies of the state”. Apexnewsgh reports The telecommunications company, burdened with a staggering GHC3.5 billion debt, was sold for a mere one dollar, raising concerns over the decision’s financial implications. Speaking to journalists in Parliament on Monday, March 24, George questioned the patriotism of those who oversaw the process, highlighting the significant financial liabilities inherited by the state. “Those who managed the AirtelTigo process are enemies of our state and individuals who have no sense of patriotism,” he stated. The Minister revealed that discussions with the American Embassy brought to light concerns over AirtelTigo’s financial liabilities, particularly a GHC1.5 billion debt owed to the American Tower Company (ATC). “The debt sitting on the books of AirtelTigo exceeds GHC3.5 billion. So, if someone told you that they bought it for one dollar, who is going to pay the GHC1.3 billion that is sitting there and accumulating interest?” he questioned. George’s remarks have reignited debate over the deal’s transparency and the government’s long-term strategy for reviving the struggling telecom sector. The AirtelTigo takeover was finalized in November 2021, when Bharti Airtel and Millicom International Cellular SA (Tigo) transferred 100% ownership to the Government of Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Media’s Critical Role in Combating Galamsey Highlighted by Lands Minister
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, has emphasized the vital role of the media in combating galamsey. Apexnewsgh reports During an extensive meeting with representatives from major media houses based in Accra, Armah-Kofi Buah stressed the need for a collective effort to address the complexities of illegal mining, particularly around water bodies and forest reserves. The meeting, which coincided with reports of an attack on Forestry Commission officers, highlighted the severity of the issue. Armah-Kofi Buah revealed that upon taking office, nine forest reserves had already fallen under the complete control of illegal miners. The statistics on water pollution were alarming, with turbidity levels in water treated by the Ghana Water Company Limited ranging between 5,000 and 12,000 NTU, more than 10 times the permissible point. The scale of land degradation was equally staggering, with illegal mining consuming an area equivalent to 7,500 football fields. To combat this, the government has outlined a five-pillar strategy: Enforcement of Existing Laws: Strengthening collaboration with law enforcement agencies to intensify crackdowns. Structural Overhaul: Reshuffling teams to man sites and forest areas, preventing complacency and ensuring adequate cover. Stakeholder Engagement: Involving traditional leaders, local authorities, and District Security Councils in the licensing process. Technology Deployment: Establishing a monitoring system to track mining equipment and activities in real-time. Public Sensitization: Raising awareness to foster collective responsibility in the fight against galamsey. The Minister identified flaws in the current licensing system as a major enabler of illegal mining. To address this, the government is decentralizing the licensing regime, ensuring traditional authorities and District Security Councils become the first point of approval for mining permits. Armah-Kofi Buah urged the media to remain vocal and objective, cautioning against politicizing the issue. The media practitioners commended the Minister for the engagement and pledged to use their platforms to bolster the fight against illegal mining. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC Unable to provide Bongo with a District Hospital since 1992 of Loyalty—Hon. Abiire
The people of Bongo have long been loyal supporters of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). Apexnewsgh reports Despite this loyalty, the area lacks a proper District Hospital, a fact that has left Hon. Awineyesema Abiire, the Assemblyman for Zokor-Gamborongo Electoral Area, lamenting the situation. According to Abiire, Bongo is the only constituency in the Upper East Region without a District Hospital and roads. He emphasized that the current facility referred to as Bongo District Hospital is, in reality, a health center that only resembles a hospital in appearance, not in substance. Since 1992, the people of Bongo have sacrificed themselves to the NDC but unfortunately, development in the area has not been encouraging to the expectation of the youth. During the 2024 NDC campaign rally in the Bongo District, a goat was captured wearing the NDC party colors. Unfortunately, when the owner of the dressed goat was asked the reason behind his actions, he simply responded by saying in Bongo, if a goat is chosen as a Parliamentary candidate for the NDC, the people of Bongo will vote for the goat. This describes the loyalty of the Bongo people to the NDC. As Abiire noted, the narrative of Bongo’s inadequate healthcare facilities should not remain unchanged by the end of the year. The people of Bongo deserve better, and it is time for the government to prioritize their needs and provide a proper District Hospital. Source: Apexnewsgh.com