Dr. Ashigbey Urges Government to Deal with Galamsey Within Two Years
The Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, has called on the government to deal with the issue of illegal small-scale mining within two years. Apexnewsgh reports He suggested that the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) should be tied to their ability to fight galamsey. “The KPIs of our newly sworn-in MMDCEs should be tied to their ability to fight illegal mining. This administration must deal with this menace within two years,” Ashigbey said. This approach aims to hold local leaders accountable for tackling the galamsey menace in their areas. The CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, highlighted the severity of the galamsey issue, stating that the activities of illegal small-scale miners are compromising the integrity of the Bui Dam. “Bui Dam is getting compromised…this is a dam we used 600 million dollars to construct,” he said. Tameklo expressed confidence in President John Dramani Mahama’s ability to deal with the galamsey menace, noting that the president is committed to addressing the issue. “I am absolutely confident that President Mahama will fight this, galamsey was terrible for the past 8 years,” he added. The Convener of the One Ghana Movement, Senyo Hosi, described Ghana as a failing state due to the increasing rate of illegal small-scale mining. He called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding foreign nationals creating their own community in galamsey areas, citing national security concerns. A joint team from the Forestry Commission and the Armed Forces raided Abrewa Ninkrane, a notorious galamsey enclave, and set ablaze several makeshift camps used by illegal miners. The operation aimed to protect the Subri Forest Reserve from further destruction. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Professor Gyampo Urges President Mahama to Repeal Mining LI
The CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to listen to the concerns of the people and repeal the Legislative Instrument (LI) that allows mining in forests. Apexnewsgh reports Gyampo emphasized that the Mahama administration was brought into office by the very people who are calling for the law to be repealed, and therefore, the president must listen. “You said that you will repeal the LI. Ghanaians are saying that you made the promise, live by it. Just repeal, listen to what the people are saying, and repeal,” Gyampo said. He added that a government is brought into office to serve the people, and if the people want the LI repealed, the president should listen. The CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edidzi Tameklo, assured that President Mahama will listen to constructive conversations. “President John Mahama is going to listen to constructive conversation,” he said. Stakeholders, including the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), have urged the Mahama administration to repeal the LI rather than amend it. UTAG also called for increased efforts to eradicate illegal mining, including deploying more security forces to enforce security red zones in forest reserves and water bodies. During the 2024 campaign season, President Mahama promised to repeal the LI that permits mining in forests. However, his administration has signaled plans to amend it instead. The Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, assured that concerns around the LI would be addressed through the amendment process. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Police Storm Forest Reserve, Arrest 26 in Major Illegal Mining Bust
Ghana Police have raided a forest reserve near Samreboi in the Western Region, leading to the arrest of 26 individuals involved in the unlawful extraction of gold. Apexnewsgh reports The operation, which revealed deep-rooted issues related to environmental degradation, saw six Chinese nationals, two Koreans, and eighteen Ghanaians apprehended as they worked within a protected area. The meticulously coordinated raid was executed by elite units of the Ghana Police, including the Intelligence Directorate, the Criminal Investigations Department, the National Operations Directorate, and the Formed Police Unit. The intelligence-driven operation emerged from the urgent need to combat illegal mining activities that have ravaged Ghana’s forests and polluted its waterways. What has sent shockwaves through the political landscape is the connection drawn between this illegal mining site and Akonta Mining Company, owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako—better known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). While this isn’t the first time Wontumi has been linked to controversies surrounding gold mining, the scale and organization of this bust have cast new light on the magnitude of the problem and the political entanglements involved. Upon arrival, law enforcement officials uncovered a staggering amount of mining and security equipment, including eight excavators (with five left behind due to logistical complications), two Toyota Hilux pickups, a Toyota RAV4, four motorbikes, and a myriad of tools and firearms. The cache underscored the extent of illegal operations that have left the forest scarred—trees flattened, land gouged, and water bodies poisoned, impacting local communities that depend on these resources. Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, hailed the professionalism of the police in carrying out the operation and reiterated their commitment to fighting illegal mining. “This operation marks a significant step in our battle against environmental terrorism. We are determined to protect our nation’s natural resources for future generations,” he asserted. Currently, the suspects remain in custody, poised to face legal proceedings in the upcoming days. The political ramifications of this incident are already igniting public debate, especially as Ghana approaches an election season where issues of galamsey, corruption, and environmental governance are set to dominate the discourse. Environmental advocates are urging for an independent inquiry into the political protection that clandestine mining operations seem to enjoy, while opposition parties are calling for greater transparency and accountability from those in positions of power. The unfolding events not only expose a glaring environmental crisis but also highlight the complex interplay of politics and illegal mining in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
State Institutions Criticized for Passing Economic Mismanagement to Electricity Consumers
The Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy, Benjamin Nsiah, has sharply criticized state institutions for what he describes as economic mismanagement, arguing that their inefficiencies are being unfairly passed on to electricity consumers through increased tariffs. Apexnewsgh reports The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) recently announced a 14.75% rise in electricity tariffs, citing economic indicators such as the depreciation of the Ghana cedi, inflation trends, and fuel cost increases. Nsiah dismissed the justification as a reflection of failure and irresponsibility by those tasked with managing the country’s economy. “What is happening about tariff adjustment is a reflection of an irresponsible state institution or persons who manage the state institutions,” he said. He specifically criticized the Bank of Ghana and the Ministry of Finance for mismanaging the economy and failing to stabilize the currency. Nsiah argued that the PURC’s reliance on these economic indicators as justification for the hike is fundamentally flawed, as the very institutions tasked with ensuring currency stability have failed in their responsibilities. “I think that these state institutions and their appointees have not been fair to the end user because they are supposed to manage the cedi for it to be stable,” he added. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Devastating Fire Rips Through Madina Redco Flats, Claiming Life of a Nigerian
A fierce fire tore through Madina Redco Flats late last night, destroying over 150 structures and claiming the life of a young Nigerian woman. Apexnewsgh reports The blaze, which started at 11:15 p.m., engulfed 140 wooden structures and 20 metal containers used for both residential and commercial purposes. Firefighters from the Madina Fire Station arrived within two minutes, supported by backup from Adenta, Legon, Abelemkpe, and the Headquarters. Despite their rapid response, the fire was already at an advanced stage. The teams managed to confine the flames by 12:02 a.m. and fully extinguished them by 2:22 a.m. Tragically, a Nigerian woman known as Beauty, believed to be in her early twenties, was trapped in the inferno and lost her life. Her charred remains have been handed over to the Madina Police for preservation and further investigation. Authorities are assessing the extent of the destruction and investigating the cause of the fire, as affected residents and business owners count their losses. The incident has left many in shock, and the community is coming together to support those affected. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Police Service Ensures Comprehensive Security for 2025 Easter Celebration
The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has announced that comprehensive security measures are in place nationwide to ensure a safe and peaceful 2025 Easter celebration. Apexnewsgh reports In a statement released on April 17, 2025, the GPS said officers have been deployed on roads and within communities to provide security for Easter activities across all regions. The GPS has also made special security arrangements for the Kwahu areas, covering the Paragliding Festival and other scheduled activities. The police are working to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Easter celebration. The GPS encourages everyone to be security conscious, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to the police. By working together, the police and the public can ensure a peaceful and enjoyable Easter celebration. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Health Minister Calls for Modernization of Nursing Training Admission Process
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called for the modernization of the nursing training admission process to make it more accessible and convenient for applicants across the country. Apexnewsgh reports Mr. Akandoh is advocating for a system that allows prospective students to apply from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to travel to banks or district capitals to purchase forms. The Minister expressed concerns that many applicants still have to endure long journeys to access application forms, which he believes is unacceptable in this digital era. “This initiative will significantly ease the burden on parents and applicants, making the process more convenient and inclusive,” he said. Mr. Akandoh is open to developing a new digital admissions platform if that’s what it takes to solve the issue. Mr. Akandoh emphasized the need for a broader transformation across the health sector, stating, “The resetting agenda begins with all of us. It is a call to duty, and nursing admissions will not be left out.” He made this call in a meeting with the Principals of nursing training institutions in his office, highlighting the importance of modernizing the admission process to improve accessibility and convenience for applicants. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MP Urges Ghana Water Limited to Handle Weija Dam Spillage with Care
The Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has cautioned the management of Ghana Water Limited (GWL) to handle the intended spillage of the Weija Dam with extreme care to prevent potential disasters. Apexnewsgh reports Addressing a stakeholders’ meeting at the Weija Municipal Assembly, Shaib emphasized the importance of proactive management of the dam’s water levels, particularly as the rainy season approaches. Shaib warned that any mishandling of the spillage process that leads to flooding or destruction of property in nearby communities would be met with fierce resistance from affected residents and local authorities. “We have seen the devastating impact of previous spillage exercises. Let me be clear—any problems that arise from poor management of this process will not be tolerated. We will resist it with every means available,” he stated. The Weija Dam has been a source of concern during heavy rains, as excess water released from the dam often causes flooding in surrounding areas, displacing residents and damaging property. Shaib’s remarks underscore growing tensions between residents and authorities over the recurring issue and reflect calls for better communication and disaster preparedness by Ghana Water Limited. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP Withholding Oquaye Committee Report to Protect Influential Figures – Dr. Okyere
A political science lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Jonathan Asante Okyere, has suggested that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is deliberately withholding the findings of the Prof. Mike Oquaye-led committee report on the party’s 2024 electoral defeat to protect certain influential figures. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking to the media, Dr. Okyere claimed that the party’s decision to keep the report private and bar members from discussing its contents is aimed at shielding individuals whose actions contributed to the party’s loss. Dr. Okyere expressed concerns that the lack of transparency is enabling powerful figures within the NPP to maintain their grip on the party, potentially hindering internal reforms and renewal efforts. He argued that making at least parts of the report public would promote transparency and help guide future strategies. “It is troubling that the party leadership is preventing members from commenting on the report. Members should have been given the space to express their views on what went wrong in the elections,” he remarked. The Prof. Mike Oquaye committee was tasked with investigating the reasons behind the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections and submitted its report to the party’s national leadership. However, the findings have not yet been made public, sparking concerns about the party’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Dr. Okyere’s comments highlight the need for the NPP to prioritize transparency and openness in its internal dealings to foster a culture of accountability and reform. Source: Apexnewsgh.com