Tragedy in Ashanti: 23 Lives Lost to Abandoned Galamsey Pits, Including 11 Children
The Ashanti Region is mourning after at least 23 people, including 11 children, lost their lives by falling into abandoned illegal mining pits, locally known as galamsey pits, over recent months. The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, revealed the grim statistics on Monday, August 24, 2026, during the commissioning of a new ultramodern Minerals Commission office complex in Kumasi. According to Dr. Amoakohene, 19 of the bodies have so far been recovered, with four victims still trapped underground. Most of the fatalities were residents who inadvertently fell into the uncovered pits while using pathways to their farms. “Twenty-three lives have been lost only because they were on their way to their farms and fell into pits that were left uncovered by miners within the various areas. Only 19 have been recovered from the pits; the remaining four we have not been able to recover,” he stated. The Minister lamented the loss of young lives, pointing out that 11 of the victims were children. “Eleven of them are children whose future has been cut short because someone, in his quest for money, left a pit uncovered within some of these areas that lead to farmlands,” Dr. Amoakohene said. In response to the tragedy, the Regional Security Council, with support from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has initiated a programme to reclaim and cover abandoned illegal mining pits across the affected communities. Dr. Amoakohene called on all stakeholders to support these efforts, stressing the urgent need to secure abandoned mining sites and prevent further loss of life. He emphasized that immediate action is essential, especially in communities where residents and children frequently traverse routes that pass by or through dangerous, uncovered pits. The Regional Minister’s call to action highlights the ongoing hazards posed by illegal mining and the critical importance of reclaiming and securing such sites to safeguard lives in the region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Appointments Committee to Vet Mahama Ayariga and Other Presidential Nominees
The Appointments Committee of Parliament is set to vet Majority Leader and Chairman of the Business Committee, Mahama Ayariga, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, following his nomination by President John Dramani Mahama as Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. Mr. Ayariga is among three high-profile nominees scheduled to appear before the committee as Parliament advances its review of recent presidential nominations to key ministerial and judicial positions. Also appearing for vetting on Tuesday is Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, nominated as Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, alongside a nominee for appointment to the Supreme Court. During parliamentary proceedings on Monday, August 24, Mr. Ayariga, in his capacity as Business Committee Chair, outlined the timetable and procedures for the upcoming vettings. “On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the Appointments Committee should consider the two ministerial nominees and one justice of the Supreme Court. And then on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the Appointments Committee should also consider the nominations of two justices of the Supreme Court. So those are the schedules that the Business Committee is recommending for adoption by this House.” According to the proposed schedule, the committee will begin with the two ministerial nominees and one Supreme Court nominee on Tuesday, and follow up with two additional Supreme Court nominees on Wednesday, August 26. Mr. Ayariga’s vetting will allow committee members to scrutinise his qualifications, experience, and policy positions, and assess his suitability for the Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs portfolio. The vetting process is part of Parliament’s broader consideration of several presidential nominations that require approval. To facilitate the process, Parliament’s Business Committee requested a waiver of the Standing Orders’ usual publication requirement for nominations, enabling the committee to proceed with the vetting schedule without delay. Following the vetting sessions, the committee’s reports on the nominees will be presented to the full House for consideration and approval, in accordance with parliamentary procedures. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Finance Minister Forson Vows Disciplined Approach to Project Financing to Safeguard Ghana’s Economy
Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has pledged a more disciplined and strategic approach to financing development projects as the country moves to protect its economic stability and avoid another debt crisis. Speaking at the Fifth Session of the Ghana–China Joint Commission on Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation, Dr. Forson outlined a new set of priorities for government spending and borrowing. “Ghana will now proceed with discipline. We will not borrow simply because financing is available,” Dr. Forson asserted, signaling a shift in policy from past practices that contributed to rising national debt. He emphasized that all projects, whether roads, railways, power plants, or industrial enclaves, must be economically justified, transparently procured, and capable of boosting growth, generating revenue, or reducing costs. “Any road, railway, power plant, industrial enclave or other infrastructure financed through this cooperation must improve productivity, create jobs, increase exports and strengthen Ghana’s ability to repay its obligations,” he said. Dr. Forson stressed the need for measurable economic benefits from every project funded, particularly in partnership with international stakeholders such as China. He also announced that government would diversify its financing sources while maintaining a firm focus on debt sustainability. “We will diversify our financing sources, protect debt sustainability and avoid a return to the conditions that led to the 2022 debt crisis,” he stated, underlining the administration’s commitment to prudent fiscal management. As Ghana looks to the future, Dr. Forson’s remarks set a tone of accountability and discipline, aiming to ensure that development projects deliver real value and that the nation’s finances remain secure. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
BoG Governor Dr. Asiama: Reserve Build-Up Shields Economy from Global Shocks
Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor, Dr. Johnson Asiama, has highlighted the vital role played by Ghana’s international reserves in protecting the nation’s economy from recent global turbulence. Addressing Economics students from the University of Ghana and the University of Ghana Business School during “Time with the Governor,” Dr. Asiama reflected on the country’s response to mounting external pressures, particularly those stemming from tensions in the Middle East. “In the past three to four months, we have faced significant challenges with our international reserves,” Dr. Asiama noted, referencing a US$1.2 billion decline that saw Ghana’s reserves fall from US$14.1 billion to US$12.9 billion, according to the latest Bank of Ghana data. “I am therefore not surprised that we lost 1.2 billion reserves.” Despite the losses, Dr. Asiama credited last year’s strategic decision to build up reserves as a crucial buffer. “One of the good things we did last year was to build some high reserves for interesting times like this,” he told students attending the 131st Monetary Policy Committee meetings as part of the MPC Educational Observership Programme. He explained that the reserve build-up has given the central bank the flexibility to respond to global economic shocks and continue supporting critical sectors. “Managing the impact of external shocks involves difficult choices,” Dr. Asiama said, emphasizing the importance of strengthening Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings. Looking ahead, the Governor called for increased focus on cocoa and non-traditional exports as drivers of reserve growth. He revealed that non-traditional exports currently make up about 10% of total exports but should be pushed to 15%. Dr. Asiama also identified remittances as a potential avenue for bolstering reserves and economic development. He urged that more of the over US$8 billion received annually through remittances be directed into productive investments rather than consumption. As Ghana continues to navigate a challenging global environment, Dr. Asiama’s message was clear: prudent reserve management and strategic export growth are essential to safeguarding the country’s economic stability. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Medical and Dental Council Registrar Highlights Regulation as Key to Universal Health Coverage at AMCOA Conference
The 28th Annual International Conference of the Association of Medical Councils of Africa (AMCOA) opened in Accra with a resounding message from Dr. Divine N. Banyubala, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Ghana. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Banyubala underscored the indispensable role of health professional regulation in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Ghana and across the continent. This year’s conference, themed “Responsive Regulation for Safer Communities towards Universal Health Coverage,” brought together over 350 delegates at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel from August 23-27, 2026. The gathering aims to strengthen regulatory frameworks to ensure safer, more accountable healthcare for all Africans. Dr. Banyubala drew a direct link between the conference theme and President John Dramani Mahama’s free primary healthcare policy. “Universal health coverage, as His Excellency the President eloquently laid out and anchored on his free primary health care policy, means there should be no barrier to access to care by anyone in Ghana,” he explained. However, Dr. Banyubala cautioned that expanding access alone is not enough. “At the heart of it as regulators is not simply just expanding access. If you expand access and the care is not safe or that the practitioner providing the care is not properly trained or is not registered and licensed, or when there is misconduct with no accountability mechanism, then access in this sense may be harmful.” He emphasized that regulation forms the foundation of quality and safe universal access. “We set standards for training, for practice, for entry into the profession, and for professional and ethical conduct. Where things do not go well, we have the statutory obligation to ensure accountability mechanisms work,” Dr. Banyubala noted. According to the Registrar, health professional regulators are, above all, public interest regulators. “Our primary object is to protect the public, the patients. We are all potential patients, and so all of us have a role to play in health professional regulation in general.” Dr. Banyubala concluded by reiterating that regulation is at the heart of the President’s free primary health care policy and is essential for ensuring universal access to quality, basic, and safe care for every Ghanaian. As the AMCOA 2026 conference continues, delegates are set to deliberate on ways to make health regulation even more responsive, building safer communities and moving closer to the goal of universal health coverage. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Finally Sues GoldBod CEO Over Extortion Allegations
Parliament resumed on Monday, August 24, 2026, under a cloud of controversy as Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin announced that he had begun legal proceedings against Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). The Effutu MP’s lawsuit, revealed on the floor of Parliament, marks a new escalation in the ongoing dispute over the financial management of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP). At the heart of the matter is a reported US$1.7 billion loss recorded by the Bank of Ghana in 2025, which Mr. Afenyo-Markin has repeatedly cited in his calls for government and GoldBod accountability. Mr. Gyamfi, however, has staunchly defended his agency, rejecting the Minority Leader’s interpretation and insisting the losses cannot be laid at GoldBod’s door. Tensions reached a boiling point when Mr. Gyamfi described Mr. Afenyo-Markin as an “extortionist” amid intensifying scrutiny of the gold purchasing initiative. The Minority Leader responded by informing Parliament that he has not only sued Mr. Gyamfi but has also initiated legal action against media outlets that published or broadcast the disputed remarks. “I am ready to submit myself to the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the other agencies for more investigations,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin said, confidently asserting that the courts would determine the truth based on evidence and the law. He stressed the importance of maintaining decorum in public discourse, stating, “There is a limit to political discourse and there are lines that must not be crossed, and once crossed, there must be dealt with.” Mr. Afenyo-Markin further affirmed his commitment to integrity, hard work, and service to Parliament and his constituents, declaring his readiness to defend his actions and statements in court. He revealed details of the lawsuits, stating, “I have accordingly caused writs to be filed in Suit Number GT/1029/2026, titled Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin versus Samuel Adu Gyamfi and Multimedia Group Limited at the Accra High Court, and Suit Number GR/ACH/CC/C5/02/2026, titled Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin versus Eric Adjei and Peace FM at the Achimota Circuit Court.” Throwing down the gauntlet, he challenged his accusers to “muster courage to report the issue to the various security agencies for further investigation.” As the legal battle unfolds, the nation watches closely, with the outcome likely to set a precedent for the boundaries of political debate and accountability in Ghana’s Parliament. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Climate Change Whiplash Threatens Water, Food Security Across Northern Ghana
Northern Ghana is increasingly caught in a dangerous climate change cycle, prolonged droughts followed by devastating floods, putting the lives and livelihoods of at least 5.8 million people at risk across the five northern regions. The warning was sounded by Jesse Kazapoe, Head of the White Volta Basin Directorate of Ghana’s Water Resources Commission (WRC), during a three-day climate change advocacy training for 30 WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) journalists on climate change reporting, a programme organized by BElim Wusa Development Agency (BEWDA) in partnership with WaterAid Ghana under the SIDA CLIMB Better WASH Partnership. According to Kazapoe, communities across northern Ghana are experiencing the harsh consequences of changing weather patterns, with drought and flooding emerging as two sides of the same climate crisis. For many farming communities, the dry season is no longer simply a predictable period of the year. Increasingly prolonged spells of drought are disrupting agricultural activities, reducing crop yields and threatening household food security. Kazapoe explained that the effects extend beyond agriculture, warning that prolonged droughts are also undermining water security. As surface water levels decline and groundwater recharge rates fall, both large and small-town water systems struggle to produce sufficient water to meet the needs of communities. This creates a difficult situation for households already dependent on increasingly unreliable water sources. Yet, when the rains finally arrive, the crisis often takes another devastating turn. Kazapoe noted that intense rainfall and flooding frequently cause widespread destruction across northern Ghana. The situation is sometimes worsened by the spillage of excess water from the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso. The resulting floods destroy farms, water distribution infrastructure and small-town water systems, while also creating conditions conducive to the spread of water-borne diseases. Thus, communities that have spent months battling water scarcity can suddenly find themselves struggling with too much water, and the destruction that comes with it. Kazapoe pointed to several indicators of the changing climate, including the drying of the Volta Basin, shifting rainfall patterns and shorter but more intense wet seasons. He further noted that temperatures in northern Ghana are rising at a rate of about 0.6 degrees Celsius per decade, faster than the global average. According to him, the combination of rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and the increasing frequency of floods and droughts is having profound consequences for living conditions across the five northern regions. “For us at the WRC, climate change is ultimately about how the water cycle is changing and how society responds to those changes, because climate change is water change,” Kazapoe said. His observation highlights an increasingly important reality: the climate crisis is not only an environmental problem but also a water, food, health and development crisis. While climate change affects entire communities, Kazapoe stressed that its consequences are not evenly distributed. Vulnerable communities, women, children, persons with disabilities and displaced populations often bear the greatest burden when droughts and floods strike. For such groups, the loss of farmland, homes, water systems or livelihoods can have long-term consequences, further deepening poverty and inequality. With rainfall becoming increasingly unpredictable, Kazapoe said Ghana must rethink its dependence on rain-fed agriculture. He identified irrigation as an increasingly important intervention to protect food production as farmers face unreliable rainfall patterns. The challenge, however, goes beyond simply expanding irrigation. It requires a broader climate adaptation strategy that strengthens water infrastructure, protects vulnerable communities, improves flood preparedness and ensures that water resources are sustainably managed. The recurring pattern of drought followed by floods presents northern Ghana with a stark warning: climate change is already reshaping the region’s water cycle, agricultural systems and livelihoods. For the millions of people living across the five northern regions, responding effectively will require urgent investment, stronger climate adaptation measures and coordinated action to ensure that water remains a source of life rather than a driver of vulnerability. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Brushes Off Legal Threats Over “Extortionist” Tag, Focuses on Accountability
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin found himself at the center of a political storm when Gold Board (GOLDBOD) Chief Executive, Sammy Gyamfi, publicly labeled him an “extortionist.” The tension unfolded during an appearance on Joy News’ The Probe, where Mr. Afenyo-Markin addressed the accusation with characteristic composure and a clear sense of purpose. Rather than threaten legal action, Mr. Afenyo-Markin indicated that he was unlikely to pursue the matter in court. He explained that he recognized the political maneuvering behind Mr. Gyamfi’s comments and refused to let the allegation sidetrack him from his duties. “In the Bible, Jesus was accused. Wild allegations. He kept quiet. He could have done anything, but when you’re dealing with situations, the people of Ghana expect a level of maturity from me,” he reflected, emphasizing the importance of staying focused amid provocation. The backdrop to this clash was the Minority’s demand for clarity over an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report, which referenced a $1.7 billion loss involving GOLDBOD and the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme. Mr. Afenyo-Markin had previously warned that Mr. Gyamfi could face stringent bail conditions if arrested over the matter. In response, Mr. Gyamfi dismissed the suggestion, claiming such consequences existed only in the Minority Leader’s imagination, before turning the tables by calling Mr. Afenyo-Markin an “extortionist.” Unfazed, Mr. Afenyo-Markin denied the accusation but remained circumspect about any legal response, while Mr. Gyamfi stood by his words, insisting he could substantiate them. Yet, for Mr. Afenyo-Markin, the episode was a familiar page from the political playbook: “There’s always a bait in politics. But don’t also underestimate. Opponents always have a strategy.” Drawing on his experience as a former Majority Leader, Mr. Afenyo-Markin spoke of the tactics governments use to distract from pressing issues. “I know how government can divert attention, because the government must hold itself today. So it can be: ‘Today, let’s throw this in. Today on social media let’s divert attention, let’s stain the man’,” he explained. He even referenced the prosecution of current Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a case in point. Despite the heated rhetoric, Mr. Afenyo-Markin assured supporters and critics alike that he remained steadfast in his commitment to holding the government accountable. “We’ll work hard [as] the people of Ghana expect us to do nothing less. They expect us as Minority to be forthright, to work hard, to hold the feet of government to the fire. We’ll do that. All other things that will come, we’ll deal with it.” In this unfolding story of accusation and resilience, Afenyo-Markin’s focus remains unchanged: serving the people and ensuring transparency in governance. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Political Currents and Predictions: Why Lawyer Lamtiig Apanga Believes Bawumia Will Replace Afenyo-Markin as Minority Leader
In the vibrant world of Ghanaian politics, predictions are as common as debates. But when a seasoned observer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Gaming Commission, Lamtiig Apanga, shares his insights, the political class tends to listen. In a frank and exclusive conversation with Apexnewsgh, Lawyer Apanga made a prediction that has stirred conversations within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and beyond: Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s 2028 flagbearer, could soon replace Alexander Afenyo-Markin as Minority Leader in Parliament. Apanga, drawing on his background as both a politician and a student of political science, explained that his forecast isn’t based on mere speculation but on careful observation of political trends. He recalled the internal dynamics leading up to the NPP’s presidential primaries, where Afenyo-Markin openly supported rival candidate Kennedy Agyapong over Bawumia and He is not also in good relationship with Samira Bawumia, the wife of the elected NPP flagbearer. That decision, Apanga argued, created a rift between Afenyo-Markin and the Bawumia camp, a divide that was further reflected in voting patterns in the central region and in subsequent committee appointments, where key supporters of Ken, including Afenyo-Markin, found themselves sidelined. But the story does not end with personal relationships. Apanga pointed out that Afenyo-Markin has presided over a significant shift in the NPP’s Parliamentary fortunes, moving from majority to minority status under his leadership. Coupled with perceived dissatisfaction from party insiders and the Bawumia camp, Apanga sees a clear path toward change at the top. “It’s only a matter of time,” he predicted, before Bawumia moves to replace the current Minority Leader. As for who might step into the role, Apanga remains uncertain, but his certainty about an imminent shake-up is unwavering. Naturally, such predictions invite debate. Some NPP supporters have been quick to defend Afenyo-Markin’s record, pointing to his vocal defense of party interests in Parliament. But Apanga is undeterred. “Disagreement is the beauty of democracy,” he noted, insisting that defending the party is simply part of the job description for any Minority Leader. Yet, Apanga argues that Afenyo-Markin’s conduct and body language reveal a leader fighting to stay relevant amidst mounting internal dissatisfaction. He points to the party’s loss of seats in Parliament as a key indicator, coupled with controversial decisions and public statements, such as recent comments on the Gold Board and Bank of Ghana issue, that, in Apanga’s view, have left the Minority Leader vulnerable to criticism and accusations of integrity lapses. Ultimately, Lawyer Apanga’s assessment is not just a critique of one politician, but an example of how shifting alliances, performance metrics, and public perception can converge to shape political fortunes in Ghana. Whether or not his prediction comes to pass, the ongoing debate underscores the dynamic, and sometimes unpredictable, nature of leadership within the NPP and the country’s broader political landscape. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
BOGISS PTA Condemns Alleged Defilement, Demands Justice and Reassures Parents
The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School (BOGISS) has broken its silence amid recent media reports and public concern over the alleged defilement of a student involving two security personnel attached to the school. In a strongly-worded statement signed by Professor Albert Luguterah and Stanley Akamiri Abopaam, BOGISS PTA Executive, the Association voiced deep concern and unequivocally condemned the alleged abuse. “No child entrusted to the care of BOGISS should ever suffer any form of sexual abuse, exploitation, or harm,” the PTA declared, describing the allegations as extremely disturbing. The PTA commended the swift action taken by authorities, including the arrest of the two suspects by the Ghana Police Service and their interdiction by the Ghana Education Service (GES). The Association called for a full, transparent, and expeditious investigation, stressing that the harshest sanctions must be applied to anyone found culpable under the law. Beyond seeking justice, the PTA appealed to the GES, Department of Social Welfare, and child-protection agencies to provide the affected student with counselling, medical care, and protection. They emphasized that the student’s welfare, dignity, and educational future must be safeguarded throughout the process and that any decisions affecting her status as a student should prioritize her best interests. The PTA also addressed the media, supporting the right to report on the case but cautioning against speculative or unbalanced coverage. They urged journalists and commentators to distinguish between confirmed facts and allegations, avoid prejudicing the investigation, and refrain from actions that could traumatize the student or unfairly implicate school authorities who have acted responsibly. To parents and guardians, the PTA offered reassurance that student safety remains their top priority. The Association is working with school management and the GES to review and strengthen safeguarding protocols, including stricter vetting of security staff, tighter access controls, and clearer reporting channels for concerns. Periodic safety audits are also planned to ensure a secure environment for all students. “We will not relent in holding all stakeholders accountable,” the statement emphasized, “to ensure that every child at BOGISS learns, boards, and grows in an environment that is safe, secure, and protective of her dignity.” The PTA encouraged anyone with concerns to report them promptly to school management, the PTA executive, or the appropriate authorities, pledging continued engagement and transparent communication with all stakeholders. Source: Apexnewsgh.com