Ghana Gold Board Launches Dual Pricing Regime Aligned with Global Standards
On July 1, 2026, a new era began for Ghana’s gold trading industry. The Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) rolled out a gold pricing system designed to match the precision and transparency of the world’s leading markets. Effective immediately, gold prices in Ghana will now be set twice daily, tracking the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) AM and PM pricing windows. For gold dealers and buyers, this means that each trading day will feature two official purchase prices, one set in the morning and another in the afternoon, mirroring the global benchmarks. The AM pricing window spans from 9:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m., while the PM window stretches from 2:30 p.m. through to 9:20 a.m. the following day. To keep transactions in step with these changes, GOLDBOD has instituted precise booking windows: gold purchases during the AM session must be booked between 9:30 a.m. and 2:20 p.m., while PM session bookings are accepted between 2:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and again from 6:00 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. the next day. Brief scheduled trading suspensions, daily from 2:21 p.m. to 2:29 p.m. and from 9:21 a.m. to 9:29 a.m., allow for smooth transitions between these key windows. During these short intervals, trading pauses and no bookings are accepted, before operations quickly resume. GOLDBOD made it clear: all licensed gold buyers are now required to book purchases in real time and within the prescribed windows. Any attempt to trade outside these periods, or during a suspension, will result in the transaction being rejected and shifted to the next appropriate window. The Compliance Directorate of the Ghana Gold Board, in its official statement, urged every licensed buyer to swiftly adapt their practices to uphold the new standards. Stakeholders were encouraged to reach out to GOLDBOD through official channels for any further clarification as the industry embraces this landmark change in gold pricing and trading. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
PEARL: The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Urges Upper East to Invest in Human Capital
The occasion was the launch of the PEARL (Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture, Resilience and Livelihoods) Framework, a bold 10-year plan aiming to transform the region through agriculture, enterprise, and responsible mining from 2026 to 2035. Representing the Sector Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Deputy Minister Alhaji Yusif Sulemana delivered a message that resonated deeply. He urged the people of Upper East to unite and focus on investing in their greatest asset: human resources. “When mining companies come calling for local projects or new recruits, we must be ready,” he said, emphasizing that technology and money alone were not enough. “If you lack the skilled people to recruit, the opportunity will pass you by.” With gold recently discovered in commercial quantities in 10 out of 15 districts, hopes are high that mining will bring jobs and prosperity. Yet, Mr. Sulemana cautioned that attracting mining investments is only the first step. “Jobs for local people aren’t guaranteed unless we develop the skills mining companies need,” he explained. “If we aren’t prepared, companies will look elsewhere for talent.” He called on all stakeholders, government, local authorities, and community leaders, to prioritize investment in education, skills training, and workforce development. Only by equipping residents with the necessary expertise, he argued, can the region fully benefit from the economic opportunities ahead. Mr. Sulemana reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the PEARL Framework and partnering in environmental projects that advance the region’s sustainable development. “Whatever environmental projects the Upper East is undertaking, we want to be part of it,” he said, pledging his support on behalf of the Ministry. As the Upper East Region embarks on this transformative journey, the message from the Ministry is clear: investing in people is the key to unlocking the full benefits of the region’s natural riches. By working together and preparing the local workforce, the region can ensure that prosperity reaches every community. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chairman Wontumi’s Lawyers Ask High Court to Postpone Judgment in Akonta Mining Case
Lawyers representing Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have filed an application with the High Court seeking a postponement of the judgment in his ongoing criminal case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited. The request, submitted by newly appointed counsel Samuel Atta Akyea, asks the court to defer the scheduled July 3 verdict in order to allow the defence more time to obtain the certified record of proceedings and prepare written submissions. This development follows the recent withdrawal of Wontumi’s previous lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, who stepped down shortly after the defence concluded its case. While the court rejected an application for leave to withdraw, it clarified that, in criminal cases, a lawyer does not require the court’s permission to cease representing a client, making the matter one for the client and lawyer to resolve. In his supporting affidavit, Atta Akyea explained that he was only appointed on June 19, after the prior counsel’s withdrawal. Since then, he has requested certified copies of proceedings and relevant documents from the court registry, but has yet to receive them. Without access to the complete record, Atta Akyea argues, he cannot adequately review the case or effectively represent his clients. He further emphasized that, given the gravity of the criminal charges and their potential consequences, Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited are entitled to effective legal representation at every stage of the trial. Granting the adjournment, Atta Akyea contends, would not prejudice the prosecution, but would uphold the accused’s constitutional right to a fair trial and bolster public confidence in the justice system. The High Court had originally set July 3, 2026, for judgment following the close of the defence’s case. Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused face allegations related to illegal mining activities, charges they have consistently denied. Atta Akyea insists that the application is not meant to delay justice, but rather to ensure proper legal preparation before a final judgment is delivered. The court is expected to rule on the adjournment request in the coming days. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Seized Firearms from Anti-Galamsey Operations Handed Over for Destruction
The first batch of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has handed over a cache of firearms seized during anti-illegal mining operations to the Ministry of the Interior as part of ongoing efforts to combat galamsey in Ghana. In a formal ceremony, the items were presented to Interior Ministry officials, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening enforcement measures against illegal mining activities. The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, along with the NAiMOS team, received commendations for their dedication to tackling the galamsey menace. Following the presentation, the seized firearms were transferred to the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons for documentation, marking, and destruction in accordance with established legal protocols. Authorities have assured the public that all items confiscated during anti-galamsey operations, including excavators and heavy equipment, will be handled transparently and in compliance with legal procedures. They pledged to keep the public informed about seizures and subsequent actions to ensure accountability and build public trust. Stakeholders have urged communities affected by illegal mining to continue supporting the government’s efforts, warning of the ongoing threat galamsey poses to water bodies, farmlands, the environment, and public health. Newly deployed NAiMOS personnel have been encouraged to uphold professionalism and integrity to sustain confidence in the national anti-illegal mining campaign. Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka reaffirmed the government’s resolve to protect Ghana’s natural resources and ensure that future generations benefit from sustainable environmental practices. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Pre-Dawn Raid by NAiMOS Taskforce Halts Illegal Mining, Uncovers Dammed Dankai River
In the quiet, early hours of Sunday, May 24, 2026, the silence of Sanfo Adiam in Ashanti Region was shattered by the swift action of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS). Working in tandem with the Blue Water Guards, the Manso Adubia task force executed a carefully planned pre-dawn raid, striking at the heart of a notorious galamsey enclave along the Dankai River. The operation, which began under the cloak of darkness between 4:00 and 7:00 a.m., was fueled by credible intelligence of organized illegal mining in the area. As the task force approached, they spotted several miners at work, among them a Ghanaian wielding a pump-action firearm. Sensing the encroaching danger, most of the illegal operators, including the armed individual, vanished into the surrounding thickets. However, two Chinese nationals attempted to flee but were swiftly pursued and apprehended by the operatives. The arrested suspects, identified as Lu Honggeng (53) and Nong Zisun (41), were found at the very center of a sophisticated mining operation. The most alarming discovery was the deliberate engineering of the Dankai River: the illegal miners had blocked and redirected its natural flow into an artificial dam, channeling water to fuel their extraction activities. This manipulation of the river’s course was a stark assault on the environment and a threat to downstream communities that rely on its waters. Upon securing the site and the suspects, the joint team dismantled the illegal damming infrastructure. The two Chinese nationals were escorted to the NAiMOS Secretariat in Accra, pending further investigation and a handover to the Ghana Immigration Service. The presence of the firearm at the site underscored the escalating security risks facing anti-illegal mining operatives and highlighted the importance of continued vigilance. In a statement following the operation, NAiMOS assured the public that the disruption of the river and the illegal mining operation was complete, and pledged to sustain its crackdown in Amansie East and beyond until rivers like the Dankai are fully restored. The Secretariat also issued a stern warning to illegal miners, urging them to cease activities that devastate the nation’s water bodies and forests. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Four Arrested for Armed Illegal Mining at Ankobra
On Wednesday afternoon, the usually tranquil banks of the Ankobra River at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality became the scene of a dramatic confrontation. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force, on a routine patrol at around 3:25 p.m., stumbled upon what appeared to be an illegal mining site nestled within the dense Western Region forest. As the officers approached the site, they were met by four men brandishing machetes and pump-action guns. These armed suspects, later identified as Alpha Musa, 28; Rahaman Rojer, 29; Laji Bengali, 25; and Mohammed Agana, 25, were allegedly acting as both security personnel and active participants in the illicit operation. Undeterred by the show of force, the NAIMOS task force moved in to make arrests. The confrontation quickly escalated as the suspects resisted, refusing to surrender peacefully. Instead, they attempted to obstruct the officers and disrupt the operation. Despite the resistance, the task force managed to disarm and subdue the four men, successfully apprehending them on the spot. Upon detaining the suspects, officers conducted a thorough search of the site. The haul included two pump-action guns, 82 AA cartridges, three machetes, a water pumping machine, and two SDLG control boards believed to belong to excavators used in the illegal mining process. Two excavators were also found, but were immobilized by removing their control boards due to a lack of immediate transport. Interrogation revealed a startling claim: the suspects alleged they were operating under the orders of individuals known only as Ras, Mambo, and Nana Teku, said to be affiliated with National Security and hailing from Prestea. NAIMOS handed these names over to the police, where ongoing investigations are now underway. The environmental toll caused by the suspects was evident, with large swathes of land and forest destroyed and pollution seeping into the Ankobra River. After initial interrogation, the suspects and their belongings, including mobile phones and a talisman, were handed over to the Esiama District Police, where Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Asiedu received them for further investigation and possible prosecution. Despite increasing threats from armed criminal groups, NAIMOS reaffirmed its determination to persist with anti-illegal mining operations nationwide. The Secretariat cautioned illegal miners and armed groups against resistance, warning that reckless defiance would not deter the task force. NAIMOS also extended gratitude to the public, acknowledging the crucial role of community intelligence in the ongoing fight against illegal mining. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Strikes Decisively at Dawusaso
The usually quiet community of Dawusaso in the Amansie South District was jolted into action. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), through its Manso Adubia task force, launched a decisive operation targeting illegal mining activities devastating the Offin River. The mission began shortly before noon, as credible intelligence reached the NAIMOS team about organized illegal mining in the area. With urgency and precision, the task force mobilized from their base in Manso Adubia, setting their sights on the banks of the Offin River where miners had reportedly diverted sections of the river into an artificial dam, a tactic threatening both the environment and the communities downstream. As the team arrived, they encountered a flurry of activity. Several individuals, including women, were found working frantically at the river, operating changfan machines that churned up the water and the riverbed. The sudden appearance of the task force sent the miners scattering into the surrounding bush, leaving their equipment behind. Despite most suspects fleeing, the task force apprehended one individual: Xiao Weixin, a 41-year-old Chinese national who had made Dawusaso his home. On him, the operatives found an Apsonic tricycle, two Gota radio sets, and a Huawei mobile phone, all secured as evidence. The destruction left behind by the illegal miners was evident. The Offin River, once a lifeline for the community, had been deliberately diverted, its flow manipulated to feed the miners’ artificial dam. This, authorities noted, posed a serious threat to the river’s ecological balance and the well-being of those who depend on its waters. Determined to put an end to the destruction, the task force set ablaze two changfan machines mounted directly on the river, rendering them inoperable. They also discovered three excavators, two Caterpillar and one Sany, abandoned at the site. The operators, in a bid to thwart seizure, had removed the machines’ monitors and keys, while the chassis numbers were so corroded they were unreadable. The story did not end there. On their way to the main site, the NAIMOS team intercepted another group of illegal miners near the Dawusaso road. Once again, the suspects fled into the bush, but the operatives managed to retrieve a drum of diesel left behind in the chaos. With Xiao Weixin in custody, the task force transported him to the NAIMOS Secretariat in Accra for further investigation. He will be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for the next phase of action. The Dawusaso operation is a stark reminder of NAIMO’s relentless commitment to protecting the Offin River. The Secretariat has assured the public that it will not relent in its efforts to restore the river’s integrity, vowing to intensify actions against destructive mining activities, particularly those that alter the natural course of the river. Through coordinated enforcement and swift action, NAIMOS continues its fight to preserve Ghana’s precious water bodies for generations to come. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
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
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
Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey Urges NPA to Cut Off Fuel Supply to Illegal Miners
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has sounded the alarm, urging the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to take immediate and decisive action to stem the flow of fuel to illegal mining operations across the country. In a petition dated Saturday, April 18, and addressed to the NPA’s Chief Executive, Edudzi Tamakloe, the coalition outlined a series of interventions it believes are crucial to disrupting what it describes as the primary driver of galamsey: the easy access to fuel. Among the coalition’s key proposals is a call for the NPA to conduct thorough, data-driven assessments of fuel distribution patterns, with special attention to filling stations in mining hotspots. The GCAG suggests analyzing stations that record unusually high sales volumes compared to the number of registered vehicles in their vicinity, as these may be indicators of fuel being diverted to illegal mining sites. The group further insists that the findings of such assessments should be made public to ensure transparency and accountability. The GCAG also recommends tough sanctions for Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) found complicit in fueling illegal mining. It proposes the withdrawal of licenses from these firms, a lifetime industry ban for their directors, and the referral of offenders to the Attorney-General for possible prosecution. Additionally, the coalition is advocating for the strict enforcement of “Know Your Customer” (KYC) protocols. This would require fuel suppliers to verify the legitimacy of clients, especially those purchasing large quantities of diesel in bulk containers, a common practice among illegal miners. The group is also calling for closer collaboration between the NPA and security agencies to trace and intercept fuel consignments suspected of being destined for galamsey sites. Moreover, it stresses the need for more rigorous enforcement of environmental regulations, ensuring that those who facilitate illegal mining by supplying fuel are held accountable. GCAG maintains that restricting access to fuel is one of the most effective ways to tackle illegal mining and is pressing for swift, concrete action to protect Ghana’s environment from further degradation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com