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
Rev Charles Owusu Demands Answers Over Gold Losses, Rejects Shielding of GOLDBOD Boss
Rev Charles Owusu has added his voice to the growing chorus of calls for greater transparency over Ghana’s reported gold sector losses, insisting that whether the loss occurred at the Bank of Ghana or the Gold Board (GOLDBOD), the public deserves clear answers. Speaking candidly on Peace FM, Rev Owusu questioned why GOLDBOD Chief Executive Sammy Gyamfi appeared to be shielded from proper scrutiny. While he acknowledged that GOLDBOD has brought significant inflows, over $10 billion, into the country, he argued that this achievement does not excuse the need for accountability regarding the reported $1.7 billion (GH¢22 billion) loss. “So what you’re saying is we shouldn’t question this? Is it because you say you’ve brought over $10 billion into the country and so if there’s a $1.7 billion loss, we shouldn’t ask questions over it?” Rev Owusu challenged, calling for open and honest discussion of the facts. He also pointed out that the Bank of Ghana has not disputed the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) figure regarding the loss, raising further questions about the lack of accountability. Rev Owusu suggested that GOLDBOD may be receiving special treatment simply because of its current leadership, and questioned whether the same leniency would be extended if the roles were reversed. “Would the NDC ask us to be quiet about it if the NPP had made such a loss in a gold for oil transaction?” he asked pointedly. With the controversy showing no signs of fading, Rev Owusu’s remarks add renewed urgency to calls for transparency and accountability in the management of Ghana’s gold resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Fiifi Boafo Urges GOLDBOD to Address Gold Losses, Not Trade Insults
A fresh wave of controversy has erupted over Ghana’s gold transactions, with Fiifi Boafo, spokesperson for former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, taking aim at the Gold Board (GOLDBOD) for its recent handling of public concerns about reported losses. During an interview on Asempa FM, Mr. Boafo criticized the tone and substance of recent statements from GOLDBOD Chief Executive Sammy Gyamfi and NDC communicator Eric Adjei. According to Boafo, instead of providing clarity on the reported $1.7 billion loss, GOLDBOD’s response had become overly emotional and focused on personal attacks, rather than the facts. “If you listen to Sammy Gyamfi’s press conference and Eric Adjei’s comments, it proves that instead of addressing the issues, now emotions are driving the conversation, which should not be the case,” he observed. Boafo referenced an IMF report which, in his view, confirmed that the government incurred losses through gold sales managed by GOLDBOD. “It is true government made losses, and it was through gold, and GOLDBOD went to buy it,” he asserted. He argued that GOLDBOD should have responded by explaining its role in the losses instead of “turning its response into insults and casting aspersions.” The spokesperson drew a contrast with Dr. Bawumia’s measured response to previous allegations linking him to the Hubtel online payment platform, suggesting that GOLDBOD’s leadership should similarly maintain decorum. He added, “We expect GOLDBOD to come and say the loss is not from them but the Bank of Ghana.” Boafo also criticized Sammy Gyamfi’s reaction to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s remarks about possible bail conditions if the GOLDBOD CEO were to be arrested over the reported loss. “You called Akufo-Addo and Bawumia criminals, but you are upset over talk about bail terms for you? I want him to learn a lesson here, that the whip used on one child will be used on the other child soon after,” Boafo commented pointedly. Recalling the earlier uproar over a GH¢400 million loss under the Gold-for-Oil programme, Boafo said the current government should be especially open to scrutiny. He accused the government of shielding GOLDBOD’s CEO due to his status as an NDC “darling boy” and demanded assurances that such losses would not recur. “We need the assurance that going forward, we will not experience this sort of loss,” Boafo insisted, emphasizing that interventions by the Bank of Ghana involve taxpayers’ money. He concluded that Ghanaians deserve full transparency and accountability regarding how public funds are being managed in the gold sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Mineworkers’ Union Demands Release of Locked-Up Savings for Over 19,000 Miners
The National Executive Council of the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union (GMWU) has launched a protest over the prolonged delay in releasing funds belonging to more than 19,000 miners whose savings remain trapped in financial institutions affected by the Bank of Ghana’s financial sector clean-up. The union revealed that the locked-up funds include provident funds, welfare contributions, leave savings, individual deposits, and severance packages, all entrusted to institutions licensed and regulated by the central bank. GMWU leaders argue that miners, who deposited their savings in good faith, should not be left to bear the repercussions of regulatory failures. The union has strongly criticized the Bank of Ghana’s management of the issue, stating that assurances from successive governors and references to commitments in IMF reports from 2023 and 2024 have yet to yield results. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has maintained that the central bank should recover and liquidate the assets of affected institutions to settle outstanding depositor claims. The Ministry of Finance, Forson added, currently lacks the funds to directly compensate depositors. Frustrated by the ongoing impasse, the GMWU insists that both the government and the Bank of Ghana must take urgent steps to ensure the affected miners receive their money without further delay. As part of their campaign, the union plans to submit a formal petition to the Minister of Finance, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiamah, and the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Armah Kofi Buah, pressing for immediate action. The fate of thousands of miners, and their hard-earned savings, now hangs in the balance as the union ramps up pressure on authorities to resolve the crisis. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Directs Minerals Commission to Take Administrative Control of Adamus Mine
The government has ordered the Minerals Commission to assume immediate administrative control of the Adamus Mine at Salman in the Ellembelle District, following the upholding of a decision to revoke Adamus Resources’ mining lease. This decisive move follows a review by a Ministerial Review Committee, which considered an appeal from Adamus Resources after its lease had been revoked over regulatory breaches. Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, communicated the government’s position during a working visit to the Adamus Mine, explaining that the committee had confirmed most of the violations identified during the initial assessment. This paved the way for the Minerals Commission to step in and take over management of the embattled mine. “Following the report of the Minerals Commission to the Chief Inspector of Mines, and with recommendations of the great violation of the Mining Act and mining regulations, a recommendation for revocation of some mining leases was made. The Ministry agreed with them; there was a petition, and we formed the ministerial review committee. That work has come to an end. As a Minister, I have concluded to uphold the revocation. What that means is that the Minerals Commission should, with immediate effect, take administrative control of this Mine,” Minister Armah-Kofi Buah stated. He emphasized that the review process was conducted to give Adamus Resources a fair opportunity to raise its concerns and to ensure that all allegations were thoroughly considered before the final decision. With the decision now made, the Minerals Commission is tasked with collaborating with stakeholders to address operational and safety issues at the site. Looking ahead, the government is exploring options to revitalise the Adamus Mine and restore its operations, with the aim of creating jobs and stimulating economic activity for the people of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area and the broader economy. The development is part of a wider government effort to ensure Ghana’s mineral resources are managed in the national interest and deliver greater benefits to host communities. Minister Armah-Kofi Buah’s visit to the mine, accompanied by Minerals Commission officials and other stakeholders, was aimed at assessing the state of the facility and discussing the next steps for its future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chairman Wontumi Seeks Bail Pending Appeal After Illegal Mining Conviction
Lawyers representing Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have taken a significant legal step in his ongoing battle for freedom. In a dramatic turn of events, his legal team, Zoe, Akyea & Co., has filed an application at the High Court, requesting bail for Chairman Wontumi as he mounts an appeal against his 20-year prison sentence for illegal mining. Currently, Chairman Wontumi is serving his sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, following his conviction for illegal mining activities at Samreboi. The case has captured national attention, becoming a landmark in Ghana’s fight against galamsey (illegal mining). According to the motion submitted to the High Court, Wontumi’s lawyers are urging the court to grant him temporary release from custody while the Court of Appeal reviews both his conviction and sentence. The legal team’s argument, detailed in an accompanying affidavit, asserts that their client should be admitted to bail during the appellate process. They have further asked the court to make any additional orders it deems appropriate given the circumstances. This latest court filing represents another determined effort by the defense to secure Chairman Wontumi’s release, at least temporarily, as the legal process continues. Should the High Court rule in his favor, Wontumi would be granted bail and regain his freedom until the final decision on his appeal is delivered. The High Court’s impending decision will hinge on whether Chairman Wontumi meets the legal threshold for bail pending appeal, a matter being closely watched by the public and political observers alike. His 20-year sentence and conviction for illegal mining have sparked widespread debate, solidifying the case as one of the most significant prosecutions in Ghana’s ongoing battle against galamsey. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Uncovered Illegal Mining Pits Claim 23 Lives in Ashanti Region, Prompting Crackdown and Land Reclamation Efforts
Uncovered illegal mining pits have claimed the lives of 23 people, including 12 adults and 11 children, across 19 districts in the Ashanti Region this year, with four additional individuals still missing. The alarming toll of drownings in abandoned pits was revealed during the Ashanti Regional First Half-Year Review meeting organized by the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC). Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, speaking to the media, described the situation as “a key concern to NADMO and the security agencies.” He issued a stern directive to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), stressing their responsibility to combat illegal mining within their jurisdictions. Rejecting excuses about inadequate funding, Dr. Amoakohene emphasized that MMDCEs must act promptly on notifications from the Forestry and Minerals Commissions or formally escalate issues to NAIMOS and the RCC. “If you don’t have the funding to fight it at your level, there should be evidence of you writing to NAIMOS or RCC so we can pick it up,” he charged. In response to the drownings, the RCC has launched targeted land reclamation projects to fill hazardous open pits in high-risk communities. The minister warned that regional security forces would intensify crackdowns on illegal operations near forest reserves, water bodies, and key infrastructure, urging miners to shift to the government-backed cooperative mining framework or face full law enforcement action. To further protect critical infrastructure, Dr. Amoakohene highlighted the recent establishment of a permanent Forestry Commission post, supported by the UK government, at the Oda Forest Reserve in Numeri. The facility has helped safeguard the Oda Water Treatment Plant from a potential total shutdown due to heavy upstream pollution, thereby securing the region’s water supply. The minister’s remarks underscore the urgency of addressing the hazardous legacy of illegal mining and the Ashanti Region’s commitment to land reclamation, environmental protection, and public safety. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Breaking News: Chairman Wontumi Sentenced to 20 Years for Illegal Mining
On the morning of July 20, 2026, the Accra High Court became the stage for a landmark moment in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, better known as Chairman Wontumi and the influential Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, stood before Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, awaiting his fate. In a courtroom filled with anticipation, Justice Kocuvie-Tay delivered a decisive verdict: 20 years imprisonment for Chairman Wontumi’s involvement in illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. The sentence, handed down shortly after 11:40 am, marked the end of one of the nation’s most closely watched trials. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
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