Alagumgube Association Rallies Behind “LA Buuri Yela” at Official Launch
In a colourful ceremony that blended academic excellence with community pride, the official launch of “LA Buuri Yela”, a new Ghanaian language book for Basic Schools approved by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), was held to honour the remarkable dedication of author Issaac Akariborga. The event was not just a book launch but a celebration of perseverance. Mr. Akariborga, a past student of the School of Languages and currently a university student, wears another vital uniform: that of an officer with the Ghana National Fire Service. His ability to juggle academic advancement, public service, and authorship drew enthusiastic praise from attendees, who hailed him as an inspiration for promoting Ghanaian language education under the newly approved curriculum. Strong community backing came from the Alagumgube Association, which demonstrated its commitment by donating GH₵10,000 plus an additional GH₵400 to ensure the launch’s success. Speaking on behalf of the association’s founder and members abroad, PRO Paulina Adabre reaffirmed the group’s unwavering support for education and community development. Presiding over the programme, chairman Naba Sadick Ayine commended the Alagumgube Association for its numerous community development projects. The climax of the event came when the Ghana Education Service Director officially accepted the book, applauding Mr. Akariborga for his hard work and significant contribution to education in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nigerian Engineer Michael Amuzie Bags NJDOL Public Service Award in America
Nigerian-born engineer and public service professional, Chief Michael Amuzie, has been honoured with the prestigious NJDOL Public Service Award in Trenton, New Jersey, USA, in recognition of his contributions to engineering regulation, workplace safety advocacy, and public administration. The award, presented in the United States, has attracted commendation from members of the Nigerian diaspora community and professional bodies who described the recognition as another testament to the growing impact of Nigerians excelling in strategic sectors abroad. Amuzie, an accomplished engineering professional and title holder of Gburugburu 1 of Umuaka in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, has built a reputation for excellence in mechanical engineering, regulatory compliance, and public sector service. Based in New Jersey, Chief Amuzie is the Chairman of the Governor’s Rules Board as well as the head of the New Jersey Mechanical Inspection Bureau of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Compliance (MIBB&PVC). He has over the years, been involved in initiatives relating to engineering inspections, safety standards, and institutional accountability within the American regulatory system. His professional accomplishments earned him appointments and responsibilities as he presently represents the State of New Jersey in both the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Conference Committee and the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI). The NJDOL Public Service Award is associated with the New Jersey Department of Labour and Workforce Development, one of the major state institutions responsible for labour administration, workforce development, worker protection, occupational safety compliance, and employment services in New Jersey. The NJDOL said in an official statement that the “Employee Spotlight Award” received by Engineer Amuzie recognized individuals who demonstrate exceptional performance, professionalism, and dedication to supporting their team and the organization’s mission. “Michael Amuzie is a positive role model and always the consummate professional when collaborating with his peers both internally and externally. He has distinguished himself through his leadership, knowledge, hard work, and integrity. He has supported the professional development of his staff, encouraging them to seek higher education and professional certifications and development to advance their careers, ” the statement reads in part. The department plays a critical role in enforcing labour laws, improving workplace standards, supporting workers’ welfare, and promoting economic opportunities through skills development and workforce initiatives across the state. Observers noted that recognition from an institution linked to such an important public agency underscores the level of trust and confidence reposed in Amuzie’s professional competence and dedication to service. Speaking after receiving the award, Amuzie expressed gratitude for the honour and dedicated it to Nigerians striving for excellence across the world. “This recognition is not just about me personally; it is about the values of hard work, integrity, professionalism, and service,” he said. “We must continue to show that Nigerians everywhere can contribute positively to society and help strengthen institutions through dedication and competence.” He further encouraged young Nigerians, especially those in the diaspora, to remain focused on professional development and ethical leadership. “Every opportunity to serve should be seen as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Young Nigerians must believe that excellence and integrity still matter,” he added. Members of the Nigerian community in the United States praised Chief Amuzie for what they described as his consistency, humility, and commitment to public service. Some community leaders noted that his recognition reflects positively on Nigeria at a time when many citizens abroad are distinguishing themselves in medicine, engineering, academia, technology, business, and public administration. Analysts also described the honour as symbolic of the increasing visibility of Nigerians in leadership and technical positions across global institutions. They argued that such recognitions help counter negative stereotypes about Nigeria by projecting stories of competence, innovation, and service. For many young professionals in the diaspora, Amuzie’s achievement is being viewed as an inspiration and proof that sustained dedication and professionalism can open doors to global recognition and leadership opportunities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana
Talensi Woman Alleges Soldier Brutality During Peaceful Protest at Cardinal Namdini Mine
The main road entrance of Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited stood unusually crowded on Friday morning, but not with workers reporting for duty. Instead, a heavy contingent of police officers lined the road, their presence a clear signal that something was brewing in this quiet corner of Talensi in the Upper East Region of Ghana. And then they came, dozens of residents marching with determined steps and raised voices. Their chants echoed off the dusty road as they gathered before the mining company’s entrance, holding aloft placards that painted a picture of deep-seated grievance. The protest was peaceful but charged with years of frustration. According to several residents who spoke on condition of anonymity, the company that had promised jobs and development had instead delivered marginalization. “They treat us like strangers in our own land,” one elderly man said, his voice trembling. “We see the trucks hauling wealth away every day, but our children still have no clean water. Our farms are damaged. And when we ask for help, they look the other way.” The placards carried blunt, bitter messages that left no room for interpretation. “Stop discrimination against the locals,” one read. Another declared: “Stop dividing communities.” A third, held high by a middle-aged farmer, stated simply: “Talensi land full of gold, yet the people are poor.” Other signs bore even more desperate pleas: “Poor houses, no food,” “Proper farmer compensation now,” and “No employment, no Cardinal Namdini.” For hours, the demonstration remained a war of words and wills. The police maintained a visible but restrained presence, neither engaging the crowd nor retreating. But then, witnesses say, the atmosphere changed. According to multiple demonstrators who spoke to this reporter, the soldiers did not attempt to negotiate or disperse the crowd verbally. Instead, they moved directly toward the front lines of the protest, swinging batons and pushing people back. In the ensuing chaos, a woman – later identified as one of the key voices among the marchers – says she was beaten. “I was not holding any weapon. I was not shouting insults. I only demonstrated for the mining company unfair treatment against us,” she recounted, wincing as she lifted her sleeve to reveal dark purple marks on her dark skin. “The soldier looked at me, and he beat me like I was a criminal. For what? For asking that our own gold benefits our own children?” The alleged beating lasted only seconds, but its impact rippled through the gathering. Several other protesters rushed to the woman’s aid, and the soldiers eventually withdrew to the perimeter. The protest did not turn violent – remarkably, the marchers continued to chant but stepped back, creating a ring of space around the injured woman. Some offered water. Others photographed her injuries on their phones, vowing to send the images to human rights groups. The police later issued a brief statement saying they were “aware of an incident” but admonished the demonstrators to reorganize themselves and come back since there was an injunction for they not to demonstrate. Meanwhile, Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited has not yet commented directly on the allegation of soldier brutality. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Dr Jinapor Urges NDC Supporters to Be Patient as Government Works to Improve Livelihoods
During a spirited gathering in the Savannah Region, the Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu and Minister for Energy, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, addressed enthusiastic supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) with a message of patience and unity. The occasion was NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah’s thank-you tour on Thursday, May 14, where expectations for jobs and economic support ran high among party faithful. Dr Jinapor, aware of the community’s hopes, acknowledged the pressing demands for employment and business opportunities. “I will plead with you to be patient with the government. We are barely two years in office. We know you need jobs, we know you need businesses,” he assured the crowd. Highlighting the government’s commitment, Dr Jinapor shared recent initiatives aimed at supporting local farmers, including his personal funding for 2,000 bags of fertiliser and 2,000 bags of weedicides this year. “So please exercise patience for the party,” he urged, emphasizing that these measures are just the beginning of broader efforts to uplift livelihoods in the region. But Dr Jinapor’s appeal wasn’t just for patience; it was also for peace and party unity. He cautioned against resorting to violence or divisive actions that could jeopardize the NDC’s political fortunes. “If we are sharing while in office, it is just a matter of time, everybody will get some, but when we use violence and it lands the party in opposition, it will be our loss,” he warned, underscoring the importance of solidarity. Looking ahead, the Energy Minister reassured residents that the government is making preparations to provide pipe-borne water and improve local roads as part of ongoing development projects. Dr Jinapor’s story is one of hope, urging supporters to stand together and trust that their patience will be rewarded as the government’s initiatives take root. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Ghana Chamber of Mines Warns: Could Ghana Lose Its Gold Crown?
Ing. Ken Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, delivered a message that echoed through Ghana’s mining sector. “The reason why we became the number one mining destination in Africa is because of some of the decisions we took. Let’s not reverse them,” he cautioned, his words carrying the weight of decades of mining history. Ghana, long celebrated in history books as Africa’s leading gold producer, now finds itself at a crossroads. The Chamber’s warning comes amid growing concerns that policy shifts could erode the investor confidence that has long fueled the nation’s mining industry. Ashigbey’s caution follows a recent proposal by the Institute of Economic Affairs, which urged the government not to approve a 20-year lease extension for Gold Fields’s Tarkwa Mine. The Institute argues for greater state control and increased local participation in the sector. But Ashigbey’s message was clear: while reform is necessary, Ghana must not lose sight of the stability and predictability that has made it an investment magnet. The threat is not just from within. In neighboring Côte d’Ivoire, officials are rolling out ambitious strategies to transform their country into Africa’s next gold giant within the next decade. “Côte d’Ivoire has developed a long-term strategy aimed at becoming Africa’s leading gold producer,” Ashigbey explained. Both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire share similar geological riches, their gold deposits stretching across borders. But investors, he warned, can easily shift their attention, and their capital, to countries that offer more attractive and stable environments. Evidence of this shift is already visible. The Chamber has observed a movement of mining investments and Ghanaian entrepreneurs into Côte d’Ivoire, drawn by its evolving policies and investor-friendly climate. Ashigbey emphasized the need for Ghana to not just attract foreign investors but also retain its local talent and capital. “We need to make sure that we are attracting the investment capital but not only foreign, local investment capital as well. There are Ghanaians who now want to go and set up in Cote d’Ivoire,” he noted. As Ghana stands at this critical juncture, the story of its mining sector is being rewritten. The next chapters will depend on whether policymakers choose to safeguard the confidence of investors, both local and foreign, or risk losing the nation’s golden legacy to its ambitious neighbors. Source: Apexnewsgh.com