The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has reaffirmed its commitment to intensify the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, warning that the country’s food security and future are under serious threat. According to the Ministry, disturbing reports of deformed babies and traces of harmful chemicals like mercury found in foodstuffs sourced from galamsey-prone areas are clear evidence of the devastating impact of illegal mining on the environment and public health. While Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) continue to mount pressure on the government to take more decisive action, the Ministry says it has already rolled out several initiatives…
Author: Ben Barnes
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and Ag. Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reiterated government’s uncompromising commitment to the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), declaring forest reserves and river bodies as Security Zones that will be protected at all costs. He made this declaration at the closing ceremony of the week-long intensive training programme for personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) held in Sunyani. He commended the team for their relentless efforts and achievements since its establishment in June this year. Notable among the achievements are the arrests of over a…
The Chiefs and people of Oyoko Traditional Council in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region have pledged their unwavering support to the 2028 presidential candidate hopeful and former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hon. Kwabena Adjei Agyapong, whose intention is to lead the NPP as presidential candidate in the 2028 election. This overwhelming support from the Nananom was made known during a courtesy call on them to solicit their support and prayers as he begins his indoor consultation campaign in the region. To ensure he has the blessings of his late father who is from…
Businessman cum Philanthropist, Mr Joseph Asante, popularly known as “Sika Wɔ Bush”, has donated 50 packs of bottled water,10 packs of Coca-Cola soft drinks, and 1 box of Schnapps to the Manhyia Palace on Thursday 4th September 2025. The donation is to supports the upcoming burial service of the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III, Asantehemaa. “Upon receiving the news of the passing of the revered Asantehemaa, I felt compelled to pay my respects and offer my heartfelt support and sincerest sympathy to the bereaved family and the entire Ashanti Kingdom. The businessman cum philantropist is among sympathisers who thronged the…
Manso Nkwanta is a farming and mining community in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The fast-developing mining community is crippling with unseen security, health, and youth empowerment challenges weighing on the soldiers of community members, chiefs, and security personnel. In a visit to Manso Nkwanta Brofoyedu, to ascertain the true reflection of the community setbacks, our information reveals that the Police personnel led by the District Police Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Oppong Agyekum, and his CID boss, Alfred Adjei have shown that their efforts to protect lives and properties stands remarkable in the…
As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has set January 31, 2026, to elect a presidential candidate for the 2028 election, the former General Secretary of the party, Mr. Kwabena Agei Agyepong, was yesterday accompanied by former Ejisu Juabena Member of Parliament, Hon Ose Adjei and some party supporters to file his nomination forms to contest in the party’s upcoming presidential primary scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026. Mr. Agyepong was the first candidate to file his nomination forms ahead of the otĥer four presidential hopefuls who have also picked forms to contest for the position. Mr. Agyepong, earlier in July,…
On Wednesday,20th August 2025, the CEO of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Martin Ayisi, engaged with the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) regarding the proposed amendment of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). He outlined the rationale behind the comprehensive reforms, citing over a decade of operational challenges and the need for modernization. “The Minerals and Mining Act and its accompanying regulations, established in 2012, have been in effect for approximately thirteen years. Throughout this period, we have encountered significant implementation challenges. As is often the case, when strategies prove ineffective, a strategic pivot is necessary. However, it is…
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Minerals Commissions responsible for Policy Planning, Mineral Titles and Local Content, Ms. Victoria Awuni, led delegation of management staff to pay a courtesy call to the Australian High Commissioner in Ghana. Ms. Awuni for and on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi, expressed the gratitude of Management and staff of the Commission for the growing raproshma between the Australian High Commission and Minerals Commission in fostering investor interest, trust and confidence in the Ghanaian mining industry. On the part of the Australian High Commission, Her Excellency Berenice Owen-Jones, expressed excitement over…
On August 14, 2025, the Minerals and Mining Policy Review Committee of the Minerals Commission held a consultation session with members of the Ghana Mine Workers’ Union (GMWU) at the Clubhouse of Tarkwa Goldfields in the Western Region. The Deputy General Secretary of the Union, Mr Jerry Andoh, welcomed and introduced the delegation from Minerals Commission to the members. During his presentation, Mr. Benjamin Aryee, Chairman of the Review Committee underscored government’s pivotal role in policy formulation, providing a comprehensive backdrop to the policy document. This encompassed a historical trajectory of the policy and legislation, dating back to the colonial…
The chairman of Zion Artisans, Spare Sparts and Food Sellers Association of Ghana in the Ashanti Region, Mr. Osei Asibey, has expressed the need for the government to pay attention to aŕtisans in the country. Stressing that the sidelining and neglect of artisans poses a threat to anger the country’s economic growth, it needs swift intervention by the government. These skilled crafts artisans cannot be overstated but imbue their work as a gateway to project the country’s image internationally, while creating jobs for the teeming youth. Speaking to the media, Mr Asibey projected that Ghanaian artisans are more than just…
