In a statement released on February 9, 2026, the Assembly’s Public Relations Officer said recent media reports linking the district to a so-called “galamsey tax” misrepresent established procedures to fit a “convenient political narrative.”

The clarification follows a JoyNews Hotline documentary that alleged a “pay-to-destroy syndicate” in the district, claiming miners pay GH₵6,000 annually to operate banned changfang machines with the tacit approval of local authorities.

The Assembly emphasised that revenue collection predates the current administration.

“Records available at the Assembly, including official receipts from 2023 and 2024, clearly show that similar revenues were collected in 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and subsequent years. The current administration did not introduce this system. It inherited an already existing administrative arrangement,” the statement read.

According to the Assembly, the practice is grounded in a 2008 bylaw that grants Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies the authority to regulate and collect revenue from operations within their jurisdictions.

The statement also addressed the individual featured prominently in the documentary, referred to as “Red,” clarifying that he is a recognised revenue officer who has served under successive administrations.

“His role has consistently been to collect revenue on behalf of the Assembly in line with laid-down procedures. This same responsibility was performed under previous governments without controversy.

“All funds collected, the Assembly stated, are deposited directly into its official account at Odotobri Rural Bank, supported by verifiable receipts and deposit slips. While the documentary showed portions of revenue collection, the Assembly noted, “the portion showing the actual banking of the funds was not shown,” the statement explained.

The Assembly said, revenues have been used to cover essential operational needs, including repairing official vehicles and providing basic logistics such as a pickup truck, measures intended to benefit the district rather than individuals.

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to combating illegal mining, describing its efforts as “unchanged and uncompromising.”

It also argued that questions about the legality of mining sites fall under the jurisdiction of regulatory institutions, not selective recordings or media assumptions.

“Responsible journalism requires thorough investigation, balance, and fairness,” the statement said, cautioning against turning the matter into “partisan propaganda or using it to damage reputations.”

“What the public is witnessing is not the exposure of a new wrongdoing, but the re-presentation of an old administrative practice to suit a convenient political narrative. Ghanaians deserve the full truth, not fragments of it,” the statement asserted.

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Speaking at the Global Closing Ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025), Mr. Iddrisu praised the international recognition President Mahama received, calling it unprecedented.

“President Mahama getting the best honours that I have ever experienced in my life as a visiting president to another republic,” he said.

Highlighting the significance of Ghanaian cultural heritage, Mr. Iddrisu suggested the moment should encourage intentional promotion of indigenous culture, especially among young people.

“Maybe that reminds us and probably I should get the Director General of GES, to declare that on any day declared ‘OUR DAY’ every Ghanaian learner must go in a culturally fitting dress for them to observe our day nationwide, so that each culture, each society will reflect its values and culture as we observe it,” he proposed.

If implemented, the initiative would see students across the country wearing traditional attire representative of their ethnic heritage.

The measure is intended to foster greater cultural awareness, strengthen national unity, and ensure that Ghanaian traditions are celebrated and respected within the education system.

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The announcement was made by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday.

The meeting is expected to focus on issues affecting cocoa production, marketing and the welfare of farmers.

President Mahama has called an EMERGENCY CABINET SESSION for tomorrow, Wednesday, 11th February, 2026, to address all issues affecting the Cocoa sector.

— Felix Kwakye Ofosu (@FelixKwakyeOfo1) February 10, 2026

The emergency engagement is being held at a time when Ghana’s cocoa industry is under intense strain, driven largely by financing difficulties that have slowed payments to farmers and actors along the value chain, raising fears about the sector’s sustainability.

Industry players say liquidity constraints and delays in settling obligations to cocoa farmers and Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) are deepening uncertainty and could disrupt operations if urgent steps are not taken.

The Licensed Cocoa Buyers Association of Ghana (LICOBAG) has warned that government must quickly secure funds to purchase about 300,000 tonnes of cocoa beans between now and September to prevent serious shocks to the industry.

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), which oversees cocoa pricing, purchasing and exports, has admitted to the funding shortfall and says it is engaging the Ministry of Finance on possible remedies. These include reconsidering the long-used syndicated loan system that supports cocoa procurement.

Meanwhile, farmers are unhappy with the producer price announced for the 2025/2026 season, arguing that it does not meet expectations and could fuel smuggling while eroding incomes across cocoa-growing communities.

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Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Dr Aidoo said the controversy sparked by reports of television sets, boiled eggs and other items being distributed to delegates reflects a deeper erosion of internal party democracy that must be addressed decisively.

“I support a cancellation of the elections. And those involved barred from contesting the elections again. Not only one election. Barred from holding public office,” he said. “And about those who took the money, if you can catch them, chuck them out of the party.”

His comments come as the NDC faces intense scrutiny over the conduct of the primary that produced Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election — a contest triggered after the death of the late MP Mahama Naser Toure.

Allegations of vote-buying have dominated the national conversation, with civil society groups, Election Watch Ghana and Transparency International Ghana condemning the reported distribution of 32-inch televisions and other items to delegates as a threat to democratic integrity.

The controversy has also drawn calls from the NDC Majority Caucus in Parliament for the annulment of the primary results and for sanctions against any aspirants found culpable.

Dr Aidoo criticised the notion of simply “nipping” vote-buying in the bud, arguing the practice has “taken root” and must be uprooted completely — a metaphor he said highlights how entrenched inducement has become in political contests. “The thing has already taken root. It’s how it has flowered,” he said.

Baba Jamal has denied the allegations, telling the media he only heard about the distribution of televisions after the election and insisting his victory was genuine. He has cooperated with an NDC-appointed three-member committee tasked with probing the claims and is expected to appear before it as part of the investigation.

The NDC committee, led by veteran politician Kofi Totobi Quakyi, is expected to submit its report on February 10, 2026, to guide the party’s next steps.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has also announced investigations into the alleged vote-buying, alongside similar claims from other party primaries, stressing the probes are grounded in law and evidence.

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Speaking on the JoyNews AM Show on Monday, February 10, while discussing the investigative piece titled “A Tax for Galamsey: The Extortion Racket Fuelling Illegal Mining”, Mr Adorye insisted that decisive action was needed to deter others.

“Whether it is internally generated funds or whatever, I think the President must sack him with immediate effect. He must be removed just to deter others,” he stated.

According to Mr Adorye, the President has already emphasised the need to act decisively against individuals involved in illegal mining, and the evidence presented in the investigation leaves no room for delay.

He further called for sanctions to extend beyond the DCE, arguing that several state officials named in the investigation had failed in their responsibilities and should also be removed.

“Not the DCE alone. The NIB boss there should be fired. The National Security boss there should be fired. The NADMO boss there, who has been issuing bills—‘go and pay this, go and pay that’—he should be fired,” he said.

Mr Adorye also demanded the immediate transfer of the police commander in the area, stressing that retaining such officials undermines public confidence in the fight against illegal mining.

“All these people, including the police commander there, should be transferred immediately. We should not entertain some of these things. The President must be seen to be working,” he added.

He noted that the matter falls under the supervision of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Armah Kofi Buah, and the Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Ahmed Ibrahim, urging them to urgently brief the President.

“They should, as a matter of urgency, approach the President and inform him of what is happening. We need to take action on this,” he said.

Mr Adorye concluded that the DCE’s continued stay in office contradicts the government’s ‘reset’ agenda, emphasising that officials who do not align with the policy direction should be removed.

“The DCE is not in tune with the reset. So the President must reset him. Anyone who is not in tune with the reset should be reset,” he emphasised.

The A Tax for Galamsey investigation exposes how illegal mining in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region is no longer merely tolerated but systematically taxed, receipted, and protected by government appointees. Undercover reporting, secret recordings, documentary evidence, and on-the-ground infiltration reveal an alleged extortion network involving the District Assembly and a task force operating under the authority of the DCE.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Osei Duah explained that the assembly agreed that operators with government-issued mining licenses would pay a form of tax to the district.

“Every assembly has the right to take tax from people. That’s the law, and that’s our motive. Those who have licenses pay something we call tax for the assembly, and every excavator we see in the district is given a sticker. They also pay a fee to be allowed to mine” he said.

He added that this system has been in place for many years.

“We started this long ago, and it has been going on for a while. It did not originate under the current administration; it has existed across several political administrations,” Mr. Osei Duah said.

When asked about allegations that the fees encourage illegal mining, he explained that the assembly does not go to the mining sites to collect money.

“It’s just recently that people come to pay, which shows that the assembly is taking steps to deter illegal mining,” he said.

His comments come in the wake of a JoyNews Hotline documentary exposé that uncovered what it described as a “pay-to-destroy syndicate” in the district, where miners reportedly pay GH₵6,000 annually to operate banned changfang machines with tacit approval from local authorities.

Mr. Osei Duah, however, maintained that the revenue collection is not linked to illegal activity.

“The fees we collect are from operators using earth-moving equipment and are meant to ensure proper regulation, not to encourage galamsey,” he said.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Osei Duah said security has always been involved in the Assembly’s engagements on illegal mining and worked closely with other security agencies in enforcement efforts.

According to him, security officials were not outsiders to the process but were actively represented in discussions and operations aimed at addressing the menace.

“They have always been part of our meetings. Every assembly works with the security services. We even have a taskforce that they are part of, and they are aware of the fees we are taking from the illegal miners,” he stated.

His comments come in response to the JoyNews Hotline investigation titled “A Tax for Galamsey: The Extortion Racket Fuelling Illegal Mining,” which alleges the authorisation and collection of illegal mining-related taxes in the Amansie Central District.

The documentary suggests that illegal mining activities in the area are not only being tolerated but allegedly taxed, receipted, and protected through a network involving the District Assembly and a taskforce operating under the authority of the District Chief Executive.

However, Mr. Osei Duah defended the Assembly’s actions, arguing that the money collected was not for personal gain but intended as a deterrent and a source of revenue for the district after repeated enforcement attempts failed.

“We took the money to serve as a deterrent and also to get something to put into the Assembly’s coffers since every effort against the fight seems to have proven futile,” he explained.

He rejected claims that financial interests were placed above the safety of residents and the environment, insisting that the Assembly’s priority remained the protection of lives and public health in the district.

“We did not prioritise money over our lives and the health of the people in Amansie Central District,” Mr. Osei Duah added.

The Presiding Member further stressed that decisions taken by the Assembly were done collectively with the involvement of security agencies, including the police, and not in isolation.

The JoyNews Hotline investigation, which relied on undercover reporting, secret recordings, documentary evidence, and field infiltration, paints a picture of what it describes as an extortion network allegedly enabling illegal mining rather than stopping it.

The revelations have sparked public debate and renewed calls for accountability, as stakeholders demand clarity on the role of district authorities and security agencies in combating galamsey.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has assured Ghanaians that all individuals found culpable in the alleged scheme will face the full rigours of the law.

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The incident occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, when officers stopped the vehicle, a white Volvo FM truck bearing registration number GC 3522-F9.

According to information obtained by Adom News, the truck was allegedly carrying a consignment of suspected illicit substances concealed as dry leaves.

Sources said officers requested to inspect the vehicle but were met with resistance from the driver and other occupants. The situation reportedly escalated when the occupants allegedly attempted to bribe the officers to abandon the search.

The alleged bribe offers were reportedly made in stages—first GHS 1,000, then GHS 2,000, and finally GHS 5,000—but were firmly rejected.

When the alleged bribery attempts failed, the driver and his associates reportedly abandoned the truck and fled into nearby bushland, leaving the vehicle at the barrier.

The truck has since been moved to the Nkwanta South Divisional Command, where it remains under 24-hour police guard as investigations continue.

A police source confirmed that officers successfully foiled the suspected smuggling attempt and assured the public that due process would be followed.

Authorities said updates would be provided as developments unfold and urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement by providing credible information to support investigations.

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According to intelligence obtained by Adom News, the operation took place on Sunday, February 8, 2025, following a tip-off to the RPID.

The team, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Maxwell Osafo Adamu, intercepted a Hyundai Kia Rhino truck with registration number GS-4677-17 at about 3:30 pm. The vehicle was initially believed to be transporting building materials.

However, a detailed search uncovered a locally manufactured single-barrel short gun and 21 boxes containing 525 rounds of Lion AAA and BB ammunition.

The suspects were identified as Abubakari Salam Atta, 35, and Kabuja Kwadwo Taademe, 19. Police said the two claimed they had been hired by a person named Kabuja Ntesi to transport the items.

In a further development, the statement indicated that the suspects allegedly attempted to bribe officers with GHS 50,000 in exchange for their release. The officers refused the offer and proceeded with the arrests.

Police said the suspects are currently in custody and assisting with investigations as authorities work to identify and apprehend other individuals connected to the consignment.

The RPID credited the successful interception to coordinated work between ASP Adamu’s intelligence team and the Regional Crime Office. Authorities have not disclosed the intended destination of the ammunition and firearm but emphasized that investigations are ongoing.

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The contribution, raised voluntarily by NHIA management and staff, is intended to provide critical financial assistance to those in urgent need of care.

The donation was announced in a Facebook post by GMTF on Monday, February 9, highlighting the timing of the gift as symbolic for February, the month of love.

“In this month of love, management and staff of the National Health Insurance Authority walked into our offices with something powerful: HOPE. A GHS 800,000 donation… to support the work of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund. This is love in action,” the post stated.

GMTF emphasised that the support would directly benefit patients and families struggling with illnesses such as cancer, kidney failure, and heart disease. By easing the financial burden, the contribution is expected to restore hope and improve access to life-saving treatment.

The post noted, “Their gesture goes beyond institutional support; it reflects leadership that inspires empathy and people who believe that no Ghanaian living with non-communicable diseases should be left behind.”

The Fund singled out NHIA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, for his unwavering support since GMTF’s inception. “We especially extend our heartfelt appreciation to the CEO of NHIA, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, whose unwavering support… has set the tone for this extraordinary act. When leadership leads with purpose and empathy, people follow with their hearts,” the post added.

GMTF also called on other institutions, organisations, and individuals to contribute to its mission of supporting patients with NCDs. Donations can be made via USSD (*255#) or through bank transfers to the Fund’s accounts at National Investment Bank and First Atlantic Bank.

The Fund encouraged the public to join the growing movement of compassion and help save lives across the country.

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The initiative aims to ensure that all Ghanaians can access life-saving care, regardless of location or financial capacity.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, February 10, GMTF said its team is assessing the readiness of designated regional hospitals that were previously excluded from nationwide evaluations.

“We are back on the road this week, assessing the readiness of designated regional hospitals in Ghana’s newly created regions ahead of our official rollout in April,” the post stated.

Yesterday, the team, led by Health Policy Advisor Dr. Norbert Kipo, visited the Sefwi Wiawso Government Hospital to identify gaps in service delivery for patients with chronic conditions such as cancer, kidney failure, and heart disease. The assessment aims to determine the resources and infrastructure needed to provide timely and effective NCD care.

The Trust Fund reiterated its commitment to leaving no patient, district, or region behind. “At the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, our commitment is clear: no patient, no district, and no region will be left behind. We are working to ensure that no Ghanaian is denied life-saving NCD care simply because of cost,” the post emphasised.

Established by President John Dramani Mahama, the GMTF provides financial assistance to Ghanaians battling costly chronic illnesses not fully covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The Fund confirmed it will continue implementing its mandate deliberately, transparently, and at scale to reach patients across the country.

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Speaking during a clean-up exercise in the town, Mr. Donkor told Adom News that the district assembly had placed waste bins along major streets to promote proper waste disposal. However, some residents have been abusing the bins by dumping human excreta and household refuse into them.

He explained that the persistent misuse initially forced the assembly to remove the bins from the streets. After further consideration, the district has decided to reintroduce them, coupled with intensified public education.

The DCE noted that ongoing sensitisation efforts aim to help residents understand the proper use of the bins and the importance of maintaining a clean environment.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Health Analyst for Asutifi South, Yaw Adusei, and a resident, Akyaa Marfoh, warned that sanitation offenders would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.

They also urged residents to actively participate in the government’s sanitation day initiative as part of collective efforts to combat filth and improve environmental hygiene in the district.

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Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the government will not shield anyone involved in wrongdoing, stressing that accountability applies regardless of status or political affiliation.

“Once evidence of wrongdoing comes to light, you’d be taken up. It doesn’t matter who is involved. Whilst there’s evidence of wrongdoing, the law will take its course,” he stated.

His comments follow revelations in the investigative documentary, which alleges the authorisation and collection of illegal mining-related taxes in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region.

To underscore the government’s position, Mr Kwakye Ofosu cited the ongoing prosecution of a prominent political figure, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, who previously served as Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

“As I speak to you, a prominent figure in Ghanaian society… is standing trial over allegations of his involvement in galamsey,” he noted.

He added that the President has made it clear that justice will take its course once wrongdoing is established.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah, has called for the immediate removal of the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie Central following the documentary’s findings.

The JoyNews Hotline investigation, titled “A Tax for Galamsey: The extortion racket fuelling illegal mining,” reveals that illegal mining activities in the district are allegedly not only being tolerated but systematically taxed, receipted, and protected by government appointees.

According to the documentary, undercover reporting, secret recordings, documentary evidence, and on-the-ground infiltration point to an alleged extortion network involving the District Assembly and a taskforce operating under the authority of the District Chief Executive.

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According to Mr Agbodza, the NPP government’s expenditure of over $100 million on the National Cathedral could have financed at least half of the Suame Interchange project in Kumasi.

“Over $100 million was spent on the National Cathedral,” the Roads Minister said, responding to criticisms from Mr Asenso-Boakye regarding the redesign of the interchange.

“With that amount, you could have completed half of the Suame Interchange, which would have saved the people of the Ashanti Region from years of delay and inconvenience.”

Mr Agbodza reiterated that the current redesign of the interchange, which effectively removes the fourth-tier bridge, was a practical solution in light of new road developments, including the Kumasi Outer Ring Road under the Big Push Programme.

“Construction of the outer ring road will divert most of the traffic up north from the city centre. Suame will therefore require less capacity than originally projected,” he explained.

He also cited unfinished expropriation and compensation issues left by the previous administration, which made the original four-tier plan financially and logistically challenging.

“The fourth-tier bridge would have affected multiple commercial properties, the Suame Police Station, and parts of Garden City Mall land, with costs exceeding half of the original construction budget,” Mr Agbodza said.

The Minister urged the Minority to focus on practical solutions rather than politicising infrastructure projects.

“Kumasi deserves the best, and this modification, combined with ongoing complementary road works, will deliver a modern, efficient road network for the city and the Ashanti Region,” he concluded

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The internal election saw former Vice President and the party’s 2024 flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, win with 56.48 per cent of the votes. Party officials described the process as peaceful, credible, and transparent.

In a statement issued on Monday, February 9, the NPP said the thanksgiving activities aim to express gratitude to God for the smooth and orderly conduct of the exercise.

“Following the successful conduct of the New Patriotic Party’s Presidential Primary held on January 31, 2026, the Party will hold a National Thanksgiving Service to express its profound gratitude to the Almighty God for a peaceful and historic exercise,” part of the statement said.

The activities will begin with an Islamic Thanksgiving Prayer Service on Friday, February 13, at the National Mosque in Kanda, followed by an Interdenominational Christian Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, February 22, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Auditorium.

“The National Thanksgiving Service will be graced by the Party’s Presidential Candidate and will bring together Christian and Muslim clergy, party leaders, current and former Members of Parliament, former Ministers, former CEOs/MDs, MDEs, and other former government appointees,” the statement added.

The NPP noted that the services will also serve as a moment for unity and reflection as the party prepares for the next phase of its political activities.

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The furniture will be distributed to various  basic schools within the municipality, aiming to enhance the learning environment and support educational development.

At the handover ceremony, Mr. Assibey disclosed to Adom News that headteachers of various basic schools in the municipality had brought the issue of inadequate desks to the attention of the Education Directorate, stating that some students were being forced to sit on blocks and the floor during lessons due to the shortage.

The headteachers also highlighted that the lack of teachers’ tables and chairs in some schools meant that teachers often found it challenging to get a seat after teaching, which ultimately affected their ability to prepare and deliver lessons effectively.

He explained that his effort to secure the desks and teachers’ furniture was meant to tackle the issue. This, he said, is the first phase to ease the issue in some schools where the situation is critical.

He stated that it was his hope to see a drastic decline in the desk deficit in schools in the are in the shortest possible time.

He assured that subsequent tranches are planned, with the goal of resolving at least 70% of the desk shortage in basic schools in the municipality.

Mr. Eric Assibey called on the headteachers to take responsibility for ensuring the newly acquired desks are properly maintained and taken care of.

He said the government’s commitment to continuously improve and deliver quality education in the country has led to significant improvements in educational infrastructure in the municipality.

Louis Boakye, the Deputy Director of Finance and Administration, received the desks on behalf of the Education Directorate and expressed deep gratitude to the government for its support in boosting educational standards in the municipality.

He indicated that though the deficit of desks in schools in the Municipality was huge, there has been a significant improvement through the assistance of the Assembly. 

Mr. Boakye also expressed hope in the delivery of the next batch of desks for onward distribution to schools within the Municipality. 

The initial shipment of desks will be distributed to 9 out of the 34 basic schools in the area, specifically targeting Nyankyerenease Methodist Primary A and B, Service Basic, and Prempeh Basic C, all part of the Kwadaso Circuit.

The Tanoso Circuit beneficiaries include Denkyemuoso M/A Basic School, Kwadaso Asuoyeboah SDA Primary A, Kwadaso Asuoyeboah SDA Primary B, and Apire M/A Primary & KG, under the Agric Circuit.

Mr. Afrane Thomas, headmaster of Denkyemuoso M/A Basic School, speaking on behalf of the beneficiary schools, assured that the desks would be cherished and well-maintained for future generations to benefit, echoing a commitment to responsible stewardship.

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He was speaking on The Pulse on JoyNews on Monday, February 9, while discussing the investigative piece titled “A Tax for Galamsey: The Extortion Racket Fuelling Illegal Mining.

Mr Darko emphasised the need for accountability, stating, “This is a call the minority will wholeheartedly support not just the dismissal but also prosecution. We need to set a very good example and deter people.”

He explained that the purpose of punishment under criminal law is to prevent others from engaging in similar wrongdoing.

“The purpose of punishment under criminal jurisprudence is to deter people, at least one of them, apart from defamation,” Mr Darko said.

He also stressed that the move would send a strong signal to other government officials.

“So I think that we should use this person to set an example to other DCEs and government officials who will even dream of engaging in this blatant destruction of our natural resources. So obviously, we will support that and not just dismissal; prosecute such people. Beyond the dismissal, the government has to be proactive,” he added.

A Tax for Galamsey exposes how illegal mining in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region is no longer merely tolerated but systematically taxed, receipted, and protected by government appointees.

Through undercover reporting, secret recordings, documentary evidence, and on-the-ground infiltration, the investigation reveals an alleged extortion network involving the District Assembly and a task force operating under the authority of the District Chief Executive.

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On January 27, 2026, the police intercepted some bags, which were containing guns and ammunition, even before it left Accra for its final destination in Kpandai.

With this latest operation, the Oti Regional Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) intercepted a Kia Rhino with registration number GS- 4677-17, which were loaded with boxes of ammunition and were on its way from Accra to Kpandai in the Northern Region.

Upon receipt of the information, the PID Director ASP Maxwell Osafo-Adamu was accordingly informed, and he deployed a team who laid ambush for the vehicle.

On Sunday, Februry 8, 2026, at about 3:30pm, the said Kia Rhino was intercepted by the team and after a thorough search, one locally manufactured single-barrel shot gun and 21 boxes made up of 525 pieces of Lion AAA and BB ammunitions concealed under building materials were retrieved.

Two suspects, Abubakari Salam Atta, the driver of the vehicle and his assistant Kabuja Kwadwo Tademe have since been arrested.

During interrogation, they claimed ownership of the said exhibit and have since been detained to assist in further investigations.

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The investigation reveals that the assembly have effectively legalised environmental destruction by forming a task force to issue stickers and levying taxes on prohibited mining equipment, including the notorious changfang machines.

Despite a nationwide ban on the use of changfangs—mechanised floating platforms that wash gold directly in water bodies—the documentary captured evidence of a structured payment system.

Miners are reportedly charged GH₵6,000 per year to operate these machines, with the tacit approval of district authorities, essentially granting them a licence to pollute the nation’s critical water sources.

The DCE’s admission: Authorising the illegal paper trail

In a startling confrontation captured in the documentary, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie Central, Emmanuel Agyemang, admitted to orchestrating the documentation process that validates these illegal operations.

The DCE justified the move as a revenue-generation exercise, despite the equipment in question being at the centre of Ghana’s environmental crisis.

“I am the one who authorised the printing of the stickers to be brought to the site. Yearly [payment for changfangs] is 6000 or so. Meaning 3000 for every six months,” DCE Emmanuel Agyemang confessed in a recording.https://www.youtube.com/embed/IUEo1cdS-c8?si=wJvlFTHl5isMETlx

The investigation further revealed that the syndicate extends beyond changfangs.

Operators of heavy-duty excavators are also part of this pay-to-play scheme, paying huge sums to local officials to ensure their equipment is not seized during sporadic military-police “Operation Halt” interventions.

A nation in peril: The catastrophic impact of galamsey

The revelations from Amansie Central provide a grim explanation for why Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, continues to falter.

The involvement of state actors at the local level undermines the “Accra Reset” agenda’s promise of environmental sustainability.https://www.youtube.com/embed/PMBDr-HV3RI?si=MezwOTueIWp7V2Pz

The toll on Ghana’s ecosystem includes:

• Water Crisis: Major rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim have seen turbidity levels soar, making them untreatable for Ghana Water Company Limited. Experts warn that Ghana may be forced to import water by 2030 if the trend continues.
• Toxic Contamination: The widespread use of mercury and cyanide in galamsey operations has led to heavy metal accumulation in the soil and food chain, particularly in cocoa-growing regions.
• Forest Depletion: Thousands of hectares of virgin forest reserves have been stripped bare, destroying biodiversity and exacerbating the effects of climate change.
• Economic Sabotage: While the DCE collects GH₵6,000 per machine, the state loses billions in land reclamation costs and the destruction of cocoa farms, which are often cut down to make way for illegal pits.

Calls for immediate dismissal and prosecution

The documentary has sparked immediate outrage among environmental activists and civil society organisations.

Many are calling on President John Dramani Mahama to move beyond his recent recall of diplomatic figures and apply the same zero-tolerance standard to local government appointees.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is being urged to take up the case, as the DCE’s admission constitutes a prima facie case of abuse of office and facilitation of environmental crime.

With Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie having recently established a Specialised High Court for Galamsey, the legal framework for swift prosecution is already in place.

The question remains whether the political will exists to prosecute a sitting DCE whose stickers have signed the death warrant for the forests of Amansie Central.

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Alhaji Abagre, was admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with two sureties following a bail application by his lawyers. 

As part of the bail conditions, he is to report to the National Intelligence Bureau twice a week —Mondays and Thursdays. 

He has been asked not to leave the jurisdiction and to refrain from presenting or allowing himself to be presented as a traditional leader. 

The prosecution has also been ordered to ensure the accused person, who is also facing the charge of provocation of riot, offensive conduct conducive to breach of the peace, and fighting with weapons, gets medical attention. 

The case has been adjourned to March 23, 2026.

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During an unannounced visit to the Aayalolo Cluster of Schools, John Wesley Methodist, and Accra Sempe Primary Schools, the Mayor personally assessed food preparation, portion sizes, and overall hygiene. He described the meals as “nice and delicious,” noting that if he could eat them himself, they were suitable for the children.

At the Aayalolo Cluster of Schools, Mr Allotey also engaged with teachers, who raised challenges such as the need for washroom facilities and a secure school gate.

He assured them that the Assembly would provide support to address these issues.

The visit highlights the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of schoolchildren through consistent monitoring of the School Feeding Programme.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Mr Boateng said the refusal by some businesses to adjust prices downward is not just unfair, but also deliberate.

“I see the action of not wanting to reduce prices as a deliberate issue,” he said, describing the situation as one where a trader may refuse to reduce the price of bread, “irrespective of the fact that the commodity, some of the commodities that he’s using to bake the bread… has gone down.”

According to him, such behaviour reflects a troubling attitude among some Ghanaians who refuse to allow others to benefit from improved economic conditions.

“And I see that as an attitude of some of Ghanaians that, irrespective of whatever situation that we find ourselves, we will not let our compatriots also enjoy the gains that we have made,” he said.

Mr Boateng stressed that the cedi’s appreciation is no longer in dispute and that the business community has benefited from it.

“It is an undeniable fact that the cedi has appreciated for quite some time. And the business community has made some gains,” he said.

For that reason, he believes traders have a responsibility to reflect those gains in pricing.

“So definitely, the gains that we have made, we are supposed to also pass it on to the consumer, for the consumer to also enjoy a bit of what has happened in the marketplace,” he added.

When asked directly by the host whether the price reductions have actually happened, the GUTA President responded that the trend is real across the market, although some traders still refuse to comply.

“It has happened across board. Yes, across board. But you see, as we say, we have bad nuts in every community,” he said.

He warned that traders who stubbornly maintain high prices risk losing out in an increasingly competitive market.

“People have made up their minds that they will not reduce their prices. But I pity those people, because the market that we are in is a very, very competitive market,” he said.

Mr Boateng explained that trading is built on turnover, and any trader who sits on stock out of greed could end up damaging their own business.

“The business that we do, we use facilities in doing the business, and businesses thrive on turnover,” he noted.

He added that refusing to reduce prices will only benefit competitors who adjust faster and sell more.

“So if you sit behind your goods… and you will say you will not reduce it for the consumer… you do so at your own expense,” he warned.

“Your neighbour will sell fast and then bring in more goods to make the turnover that he wants, and his business will thrive, and then you will sit beside your goods, and will not make any sales,” he said.

Mr Boateng insisted that, overall, prices have already begun to fall and that this is reflected in inflation trends.

“So I can tell you for a fact that generally, prices have gone down. And that is why inflation also seems to be going down,” he said.

Explaining the concept, he said that inflation is linked to the value consumers get from their money.

“What does inflation mean? Inflation simply means having a purchasing value of your money on either goods or services,” he stated.

And on the issue of prices, he maintained that the evidence is clear.

“And I can tell you clearly that, if you want to talk about prices of goods… prices of goods, you know, have generally come down,” he said.

His comments come amid growing public pressure on importers, retailers, and manufacturers to pass on the improved exchange rate to the cost of goods, especially essentials.

For Mr. Boateng, the message to traders is simple: the cedi has gained, businesses have benefited, and consumers must not be left out.

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The incident came to light on Sunday evening after emergency services received information suggesting that the woman may have fallen into the septic tank several days earlier.

Following the report, personnel from the Kasoa Fire Station were dispatched to the scene along the Obom Road, near the Blue Kiosk Bus Stop.

Upon arrival, rescue officers found a water-filled septic tank at the location. Efforts were initiated to retrieve the body, with emergency responders on site awaiting the arrival of the police to support the recovery process and facilitate further investigations.

Although the circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be fully established, authorities are expected to conduct preliminary inquiries to determine how the woman fell into the septic tank and whether any safety lapses contributed to the tragedy.

The incident has shocked residents in the area, who have raised concerns about the dangers posed by uncovered or poorly secured septic tanks in densely populated communities.

Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and ensure that septic tanks and similar hazards are properly covered to prevent future occurrences, as investigations continue.

According to the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, key economic decisions taken by the present government, particularly in relation to exchange rate management, have directly affected cocoa operations and payments to farmers.

“You can blame the administration. You can put the challenges at the doorstep of the current administration,” Dr Opoku said, questioning, “The current exchange rates we are seeing, who caused them?”

He argued that cocoa farmers were paid at exchange rates set by the current government, making it untenable to attribute the problems to previous administrations.

“When they were paying the cocoa farmer in January, February, March, up to October, what was the exchange rate?” he asked.

“They cannot put the blame anywhere else apart from the current administration.”

Dr Opoku also called on the Ghana Cocoa Board to be more open with farmers about the true nature of the challenges facing the sector.

“They should come clear. They should tell the cocoa farmer what the real problem is and stop beating about the bush,” he stated.

He further suggested that the impact of the current difficulties would have been far more severe if not for actions taken by the previous administration, particularly the decision to trade some cocoa forward.

“In fact, they are even lucky that the previous administration traded some cocoa forward. Otherwise, the situation would have been worse than what we are seeing today,” he said.

Addressing public debate over cocoa contract rollovers, the Offinso MP dismissed claims that the practice is unusual, describing it as a normal feature of the global cocoa trade.

“You do your projections. If you anticipate producing a certain quantity and, for some reason, you are unable to meet that target, you roll over the contracts at the prevailing price. It happens all the time,” he explained.

He recalled that when the Nana Addo-led government assumed office in 2017, it inherited cocoa contract rollovers amounting to about 190,208 tonnes without attracting similar public criticism.

He also cited Côte d’Ivoire’s rollover of about 500,000 metric tonnes in 2024 as further proof that the practice is common.

“Contract rollovers are standard industry practice. It happens all the time,” Dr Opoku emphasised, warning that unforeseen events could still disrupt current production projections and lead to further rollovers.

He explained that the cocoa had been sold to buyers at an average price of about US$2,600 per tonne but could not be delivered as agreed, resulting in the contracts being rolled over into subsequent seasons at the same prices.

This occurred when global cocoa prices surged to between US$9,000 and US$12,000 per tonne, prompting COCOBOD to honour older contracts at higher prices, resulting in heavy losses.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, February 9, 2026, Dr Abbey said, “In 2023/2024, COCOBOD failed to honour 333,767 tonnes of cocoa that it had sold to buyers at an average of US$2,600. It could not supply them — the first time in the history of COCOBOD.”

He added that the situation was worsened by the collapse of the board’s syndicated loan and the inability to secure financing for the 2024/2025 season.

“Cocoa prices were then at US$12,000, US$11,000, US$10,000 and US$9,000. That was also when the syndicated loan collapsed. In 2024/2025, COCOBOD issued a request for proposals and the banks did not respond because they did not believe the cocoa could be supplied, so the contracts were rolled over again at US$2,600,” he said.

Dr Abbey further revealed that COCOBOD incurred additional losses because the producer price paid to farmers stood at about US$3,100 per tonne, exceeding the contract price by roughly US$500 per tonne.

“For every tonne used to service these contracts, you had a shortfall of about US$500. And we are not talking about 30,000 or 50,000 tonnes.”

“We are talking about 333,767 tonnes — more than 50 per cent of expected annual production,” he noted, adding that although about 235,000 tonnes were cleared in the first year, the episode highlights the depth of the challenges confronting the cocoa sector.

According to available information, the woman blended in with congregants, appearing to participate in the prayers, before CCTV footage later showed her pouring a liquid substance believed to be petrol on chairs positioned near the altar and setting them ablaze.

The suspicious act was detected by personnel monitoring the CCTV system, who immediately alerted the church’s security team.

Security officers swiftly intervened, arrested the woman at the scene, and the fire was quickly extinguished before it could spread and cause extensive damage.

The fire was reportedly set close to the pastor’s office, an area said to have a one-way exit, raising concerns about the potential danger the act posed to his life.

Reacting to the incident, Alpha Hour convener Pastor Elvis Agyemang announced the indefinite suspension of all physical prayer meetings at the auditorium.

He assured congregants that steps would be taken to restore the facility, stressing that the incident would not derail the ministry’s spiritual activities.

“This will not stop us. We will fix the place, and prayers will continue,” Pastor Agyemang said, adding that the auditorium had suffered several attacks in recent times.

He further disclosed that last year, individuals were captured on CCTV allegedly spreading powders, strange substances and bringing idols into the auditorium.

Police are expected to investigate the matter further as the suspect remains in custody.

Watch video below:

Preliminary findings indicate that the incident occurred on Sunday, February 8, 2026, when two police officers travelling towards Zebilla encountered an armed robbery in progress along the stretch.

The robbers allegedly opened fire on the officers, during which one of them was struck by a bullet.

Following a distress call, a reinforcement police team was dispatched to the scene and rushed the injured officer to the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital for emergency medical attention. He was, however, pronounced dead on arrival.

The body of the deceased officer has since been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

In a statement, the Police Command said a special intelligence-led operation has been activated to track down and arrest all persons involved in the attack.

The Police assured the public that the perpetrators would be made to face the full rigours of the law and urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any information that could aid the ongoing investigations.

The exercise, led by Torgbui Sabah V, the Divisional Chief of the town, included participants such as the Assembly Member, Unit Committee members, opinion leaders, and residents, who cleared and swept the town’s bushy cemetery.

During the exercise, Torgbui Sabah urged residents to stay united.

He proposed regular cleanup exercises to maintain the town’s cleanliness, while emphasising the importance of collective effort in keeping the Nogokpo community clean and beautiful.

“We will be doing this twice every month to make our beloved community clean and beautiful, and I expect all citizens to take part; anyone who fails to participate will face consequences,” he said.

He explained that the exercise has brought a new look to the Nogokpo community and expressed optimism that the activities would renew and uplift the spirit of communal labour among community members for the benefits of a clean environment.

He said the initiative was part of the broader efforts to promote a clean, healthy environment and to prevent diseases.

Mr Jonas Fotor Agbagba, the Assembly Member for the area, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that the cleanup exercise would not be a one-time event but would be a regular occurrence, so the community would be committed to cleaning twice every month.

“I am very grateful to all of us for coming out today in our numbers to participate in this month’s cleanup exercise. I can boldly say that we have made history today; cleanliness, they say, is next to Godliness.

He said the Nogokpo community is committed to maintaining a clean, beautiful environment, and that the cleanup exercise was a step in the right direction toward proper personal and community hygiene.

He called on residents to join hands to keep Nogokpo clean and beautiful, drive communicable diseases away, and ensure better living conditions for residents.

Mr Lawrence Wonder Kpexor, a Unit Committee Member, also expressed gratitude to Torgbui Sabah and his elders for leading the initiative.

He also praised the residents for their participation and urged the community to maintain momentum.

Mr Kpexor emphasised that the cleanup exercise was a resounding success, with residents pledging to continue the effort to create a cleaner and healthier environment.

Other community members expressed their excitement and gratitude to the Torgbui and the leadership for the initiative and promised their full cooperation for future cleanup exercises.

They said the initiative would provide other communities with the opportunity to replicate the Nogokpo model by engaging local leaders, setting clear goals, mobilising community members, and establishing a schedule for clean-up exercises.

They charged community leaders to promote environmental cleanliness by leading by example, raising awareness, enforcing regulations, and mobilising resources to enable communities to sustain communal labour initiatives by building ownership, establishing a schedule, recognising contributions, and involving youth.

He argued that chiefs and elders in the region should not remain passive while the government seeks to change the name of a monument honouring one of their own.

“Kotoka is one of their own, and they must resist with all their energy and might any attempt by the government,” said the former Asokwa MP during an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show on Monday.

His remarks come amid growing public debate over the government’s plan to rename Kotoka International Airport as Accra International Airport.

Speaking to the press ahead of the opening of the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga announced that the Ministry of Transport will soon present the Accra International Airport Bill to Parliament for consideration and approval.

As the controversy intensifies, Mr Hammond has urged chiefs in the Volta Region to summon the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, and demand that he abandon any attempt to rename the airport.

The outspoken former MP also cautioned President John Dramani Mahama against pursuing the renaming, warning that it would tarnish his reputation.

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The breakthrough followed an Obra-led reconciliation visit, during which Charity formally apologized to her former husband’s family—an act that softened hardened hearts and led to an agreement allowing her to visit her children freely, bringing a measure of relief to a case that had deeply moved listeners across the country.

The update comes days after Charity broke down in uncontrollable tears on Obra Show, recounting the collapse of her marriage and her painful inability to see her two children.

Her emotional testimony prompted host Ohemaa Benewaa and the Obra panel to adjourn the matter and take a hands-on approach, travelling personally to the family home to pursue reconciliation rather than prolong conflict.

On arrival, emotions were still raw. Members of the former husband’s family, guided by religious and cultural convictions, initially remained firm in their position. However, following calm dialogue and Charity’s apology—delivered in humility rather than defence—the atmosphere shifted.

By the end of the engagement, the family agreed that Charity could visit her children whenever she wished, marking a turning point in the dispute.

How the Dispute Unfolded

Charity’s story first captured national attention when she appeared on Nhyira FM’s Obra Show, accusing her former husband’s family of denying her access to her children after the breakdown of their marriage.

According to her, her husband legally married her and later travelled abroad, leaving her alone to care for their children. While she admitted that he occasionally sent money, Charity said she felt completely abandoned when she fell seriously ill.

“I was very sick and needed help,” she said through tears. “I called him many times, but he never responded. His family also ignored me. I was alone with the children.”

She explained that during her illness, she accepted help from a male friend—an action that later became the basis for accusations of infidelity when her husband returned, ultimately leading to the collapse of the marriage.

“I am not asking for anything else,” she pleaded on air. “They should just let me see my children. I am their mother.”

Her breakdown in the studio drew silence, sympathy, and deep concern from listeners and the panel alike.

Family Pushback and Religious Concerns

When the husband’s family was invited to respond, they rejected claims of unlawfully denying Charity access to the children. Instead, they accused her of publicly embarrassing them and violating religious values.

The family, who are Muslims, described infidelity by a married woman as a serious offence within their faith—one that affects the honour of the entire family.

“All we want is an apology,” a family representative stated. “Once that is done, we can sit down and discuss the children.”

Obra’s Mediation Approach

Host Ohemaa Benewaa stepped in firmly but gently, reminding all parties that Obra’s role was not to apportion blame, but to guide families toward healing.

“Only God knows what Charity has truly been through in that marriage,” she said. “But before we dig deeper, the priority is clear—this mother must see her children.”

The panel supported the reconciliation-first approach, stressing that children should never be used as bargaining chips, even when cultural and religious values are involved.

The reconciliation visit and apology proved pivotal.

While the agreement does not yet resolve all underlying marital and emotional issues, it restores something Charity had desperately sought—access to her children.

For Charity, the tears have not vanished, but hope has returned. For the family, honour has been acknowledged. And for listeners, the case stands as a reminder that behind custody disputes lie grief, faith, pride, and the longing of a mother’s heart.

As Ohemaa Benewaa noted in closing, “Broken marriages carry hidden wounds. But healing—no matter how slow—begins with humility and dialogue.”

Until Charity fully reunites with her children, the deeper story of her marriage may remain untold. But for now, a door once firmly shut has finally been opened.

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The decision follows the Porcupine Warriors’ exit from the MTN FA Cup after a 4-2 defeat to Aduana FC in the Round of 16 at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.

Zito’s position had been under growing scrutiny even before the cup elimination, with Kotoko struggling for consistency in the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League. The club currently sit fifth on the table with 35 points from 21 matches.

In an official statement, the club announced: “Abdul Karim Zito Kabutey has resigned from his role as the head coach of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club with immediate effect. Management has accepted the resignation, expressed its appreciation to the coach for his services and wished him the best for the future.

“The new technical direction of the club will be communicated in due course.”

Zito was appointed interim head coach in April 2025 following the departure of Prosper Narteh Ogum. After leading Kotoko to FA Cup glory, the former Dreams FC manager was handed the role on a permanent basis with a two-year contract.

Focus now turns to Kotoko’s high-profile Super Clash against Hearts of Oak on Sunday, February 14, at the Baba Yara Stadium, as the club seeks stability amid changes on the technical bench.

That was the haunting question confronting listeners of Nhyira FM’s Obra programme after DNA results confirmed that Owusu Isaac is indeed the biological father of his three-month-old baby, despite his wife’s shocking admission that she slept with his best friend.

The revelation followed weeks of tension, accusations, and public scrutiny after Owusu dragged his wife before the Obra show, demanding a DNA test to determine the paternity of their last-born child.

Owusu told the programme, hosted by Ohemaa Benewa, that his doubts began when his wife confessed during pregnancy that she had an affair with his closest friend.

“She told me it happened once and begged me to forgive her. I did, because I wanted peace,” he said.

But peace, according to him, was short-lived. He later discovered the affair had continued for two additional years, even after the pregnancy.

“That was when I lost all trust. This was my best friend,” Owusu lamented.

Convinced that betrayal had crossed every boundary, he demanded a DNA test, insisting that while he believed the first three children were his, the last-born required scientific confirmation.

On her part, the woman made a stunning admission live on air.

“Yes, I slept with his friend. I won’t deny it,” she told the panel.

She blamed her actions on neglect, emotional abandonment, and financial hardship, accusing her husband of refusing intimacy and failing to provide for the family.

“He doesn’t sleep with me. He doesn’t take care of me and the children. He goes out to enjoy and comes home full,” she alleged.

She further disclosed that the friend Owusu accused had been the one supporting her and the children when her husband allegedly failed to do so.

Yet, despite admitting to the affair, she remained firm that the baby belonged to her husband.

“Even though I slept with his friend, the baby is my husband’s. I was very sure,” she insisted.

DNA Results Are In

The long-awaited DNA results were finally presented, and they changed everything.

The test confirmed that Owusu is the biological father of the three-month-old child.

The studio erupted into mixed reactions—relief, shock, sympathy, and uncomfortable silence.

For many listeners, the result raised a painful question: What would have happened if there was no DNA test?

Would Owusu have rejected his own child forever? Would the child have grown up labeled as “not mine”? Would tradition have swallowed truth?

Compensation Demanded

Following the results, the woman made a fresh request for compensation.

She appealed for redress for the five months during which Owusu rejected the child, distanced himself emotionally, and questioned the baby’s identity.

“For five months, this child was rejected. That pain is real,” she argued.

Her request triggered heated debate among listeners and panelists alike.

Should a man compensate after doubting paternity—even when doubt was fueled by betrayal? Or was Owusu justified, given the circumstances?

Panel Reactions and Moral Dilemma

Host Ohemaa Benewa described the outcome as both relieving and troubling.

“DNA has spoken, but DNA cannot heal broken trust,” she said.

She condemned the woman’s infidelity but acknowledged the man’s emotional struggle.

“In our African setting, it is unacceptable for a married woman to sleep with another man. At the same time, rejection leaves scars—especially on innocent children,” she added.

Lady Gold questioned the cost of suspicion. “What if there was no DNA? This child would have suffered for life,” she remarked.

Evangelist de-Graft Addai focused on forgiveness and accountability. “The child is yours. Biology has answered. The question now is: can your heart accept what science has proven?” he asked.

Meanwhile, Gifty Donkor, popularly known as Big Mama, turned the mirror on the audience. “If this were you, what would you do? Stay? Forgive? Walk away? That is the real test,” she said.

Beyond DNA

While the DNA result settled the issue of paternity, it opened deeper conversations about marriage, trust, masculinity, and modern science in African homes.

Is DNA saving marriages—or breaking them faster? Is suspicion protection—or emotional violence? And when truth finally arrives, is forgiveness still possible?

For Owusu Isaac, the child is now undeniably his. For his wife, the truth she insisted on has been proven. But for many listening across Ghana and beyond, one question remains: Can a marriage survive when DNA wins, but trust is lost?

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At a commissioning ceremony held at Jubilee House, the President charged the envoys to conduct themselves with dignity, humility, and discipline, while maintaining a welcoming posture toward Ghanaians in the diaspora.

The newly commissioned envoys are Alhaji Said Saleh Sinare, Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Lt. Col. Alhaji Umar Sanda Ahmed, Ambassador to the Republic of Mali; Kofi Attor, Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba; Emmanuel Opeku, Ambassador-in-Situ; and Regina Appiah-Sam, High Commissioner to the Republic of Malta.

President Mahama reminded the diplomats of their responsibility to safeguard and promote Ghana’s international image, stressing that their conduct abroad reflects directly on the nation.

Speaking on behalf of the envoys, the Ambassador-designate to Mali, Lt. Col. Umar Sanda Ahmed, expressed gratitude to the President and the government for the confidence reposed in them, assuring that they would diligently project Ghana’s interests in their respective postings.

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According to the petition, the group intends to stage a peaceful demonstration to draw national attention to the financial hardships cocoa farmers are facing due to the prolonged delay in the release of their payments.

FADOS argued that the situation has left many farmers unable to cater for their basic needs, service debts, and adequately prepare for the next farming season.

Meanwhile, the 2024 LPG parliamentary candidate for Suaman, John Asare, has also appealed to the government to release funds to pay the cocoa farmers promptly.

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In a statement issued on Monday, February 9, and signed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP said the decision followed extensive consultations by the National Executive Committee (NEC) with key stakeholders.

According to the statement, a Constituent and Candidate Search Committee, chaired by former General Secretary John Boadu, engaged party stakeholders in the Ayawaso East Constituency and the Greater Accra Region before unanimously recommending Baba Ali Yussif.

The recommendation was subsequently endorsed at an expanded Constituency Executive Committee meeting and a Delegates Conference held on Sunday, February 8, where Baba Ali Yussif was unanimously acclaimed as the party’s candidate.

The NPP has called on its members, supporters, and sympathisers to rally behind Baba Ali Yussif to secure victory in the by-election and ensure effective representation for the people of Ayawaso East.

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Speaking at the 66th Annual Conference of the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) in Accra, the President described the situation as a major challenge that requires deliberate and practical solutions.

He stressed that addressing the problem must go beyond rhetoric, urging governments to improve conditions of service and working environments for health professionals to encourage retention.

President Mahama also called for structured mechanisms to engage health workers in the diaspora, noting that their skills and expertise remain vital to national and regional development.

He emphasized that retaining qualified personnel is critical to ensuring timely access to quality healthcare, particularly in the areas of surgery and specialist services.

The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening surgical care and specialist training in Ghana and across West Africa, describing the work of surgeons as essential to public health and national development.

He further commended volunteer surgeons for their humanitarian contributions nationwide and assured them that the government would settle all outstanding financial obligations owed to them.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, Mr Ankrah revealed that VALCO’s indebtedness stands at about $400 million, while the company is currently valued at approximately $130 million.

He explained that due to its financial difficulties, VALCO was shut down between 2022 and 2023, making external investment critical to its revival.

According to him, government began the search for a strategic investor in 2022 and subsequently commissioned KPMG to audit the company’s assets and liabilities. The audit, he said, valued VALCO at around $113 million and outlined five possible options for reviving the company.

Mr Ankrah noted that after assuming office, he reviewed the KPMG report and consulted the sector minister on the best way forward. A 12-member committee, comprising representatives from relevant ministries and VALCO, was then constituted to assess the options.

He said the committee’s report was presented to the board earlier this year and was unanimously endorsed, with the recommended course of action being the engagement of a suitable strategic investor.

Mr Ankrah stressed that VALCO has been involved throughout the process and that all key stakeholders are aware of the steps being taken. He insisted that the government’s objective is to restore the company to profitability and ensure its long-term sustainability.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, Mr Ankrah clarified that the land in question does not belong to VALCO but to the Tema Development Corporation (TDC).

He explained that VALCO only had a right of entry on the land and that its lease had expired.

According to him, in April 2017, VALCO wrote to TDC to request a renewal of the lease, but TDC responded that the land size was excessive and that part of it had already been earmarked for a government-led project.

“I am employed by the government and serve the state, so I carry out any tasks assigned to me by the President,” Mr Ankrah said. “The President observed an industrial park in another country and expressed the desire to establish a similar facility in Ghana as part of his job creation agenda. As a result, we were tasked with this project.

“In April 2017, VALCO requested TDC to renew its expired lease. However, TDC informed us that the land area was too large and indicated that a portion had been set aside for a government-led project,” he added.

Mr Ankrah said TDC later agreed that VALCO should retain only the portion of land on which its plant is located. He disclosed that in October 2024, TDC formally notified VALCO that the remaining land had been taken back.

The GIADEC CEO noted that he subsequently engaged TDC to make land available to support partnerships with investors strictly for aluminium-related projects, in line with government’s industrialisation and job creation agenda.

He stressed that the decision is in the national interest, aimed at promoting value addition and employment, and insisted that no VALCO lands are being sold as claimed by some workers.

“Ultimately, TDC concluded that VALCO would retain the land where the plant is currently situated. In October 2024, TDC officially notified VALCO of the land reclamation. I then engaged TDC to make land available for partnerships with investors focused exclusively on aluminium-related projects. In the broader context, this initiative stands to benefit the country,” he said.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, Mr Ankrah said government has rather engaged a strategic investor to help revive VALCO, which he noted has been operating at a loss for nearly a decade.

He questioned the timing of the protests, asking why demonstrations did not occur when reforms were first introduced, but only now that efforts are underway to revive the struggling company.

According to him, VALCO has recorded losses for the past ten years without making any profit, making reforms and strategic partnerships necessary for the company’s survival.

“It’s not true. Even those spreading the rumours know it’s not true. We have issued several press statements to clarify that VALCO is not for sale,” he said. “The reforms we are implementing are meant to support VALCO. Why was there no demonstration when the reforms began? Now that we are working to revive the company, protests have started. Is it the President or his government that you oppose? What has changed in the last 24 months?”

Mr Ankrah also assured workers that staff retrenchment is not part of government’s plan, stressing that retaining existing employees and even expanding the workforce remain key priorities, given the specialised nature of the aluminium industry.

“The losses have remained the same for the past ten years. VALCO has shown no profit. This is a specialised industry, so any investor would do themselves a disservice by laying off existing staff. One of our key priorities is to retain our current staff and even increase the workforce,” he added.

His comments follow a protest by VALCO workers on Monday, February 9, during which the union called for his immediate removal, accusing him of mismanagement and authoritarian leadership. The workers alleged that plans to introduce a strategic investor were a cover to sell the state-owned company—claims Mr Ankrah has firmly denied.

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The support, which forms part of the Assembly’s allocation from the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) for PWDs, is aimed at addressing key needs in education, healthcare and small-scale business development.

Beneficiaries received cash grants to help pay school fees, cover medical expenses and invest in income-generating activities, as well as sewing machines to support vocational work.

Speaking in an interview with Adom News after the presentation, the District Chief Executive for Akatsi North, Bless Katamani, said the initiative is intended to empower PWDs to become more self-reliant and actively contribute to the socio-economic development of the district.

He noted that supporting vulnerable groups remains a top priority and aligns with government and national efforts to ensure that no one is left behind in the development process.

Mr Katamani urged beneficiaries to use the funds and sewing machines for their intended purposes to ensure lasting impact. He also encouraged parents and guardians of students with disabilities to prioritise education, while advising those engaged in business activities to manage the support prudently.

Some beneficiaries, in separate interviews with Adom News, expressed gratitude to the Assembly, describing the support as timely and life-changing. They said the financial assistance and equipment would ease their burdens and help improve their living conditions.

The Akatsi North District Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining such interventions and strengthening monitoring mechanisms to ensure that support reaches the right beneficiaries and delivers meaningful results.

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The commissioning and dedication ceremony brought together church members, community leaders, and invited guests, including the Member of Parliament for Tema East Constituency, Isaac Ashai Odamtten, who served as the special guest of honour.

Addressing the congregation, Hon. Odamtten urged church leaders and Christians not to give up on people who appear uninterested in the church or faith.

He explained that many individuals who seem distant from Christianity should not be abandoned, but rather be reached with love, patience, and understanding.

“People who appear hard to reach are still loved by God,” the MP said, adding that Christians must take deliberate steps to reach out to all manner of people, regardless of their perceived resistance to the church.

According to him, the church’s mission extends beyond its walls and must include those on the fringes of society who may feel excluded or disconnected from faith.

On his part, the Head Pastor of Victorious Child Ministry, Prophet Michael Addae Mensah, encouraged believers to invest willingly in the things of God, particularly in building and maintaining places of worship.

He noted that constructing the Lord’s Temple is not merely a physical exercise, but a spiritual responsibility that strengthens the church’s ability to carry out its mission effectively.

Prophet Addae Mensah expressed gratitude to members of the ministry and all contributors whose sacrifices made the completion of the new church building possible.

The unveiling of the new building signifies a new chapter for Victorious Child Ministry, providing a more conducive environment for worship, fellowship, and community outreach.

Church leadership indicated that the facility will also serve as a platform for evangelism, discipleship, and social interventions aimed at positively impacting the Tema Newtown community.

The dedication ceremony concluded with prayers, thanksgiving, and expressions of hope that the new church building will become a beacon of faith, love, and transformation for many lives.

Responding to concerns raised by the NPP Ashanti Caucus, the Minister said the redesign prioritises efficiency, affordability and long-term benefits.

“The money for the fourth tier is being allocated to the continuation of the N10 from Abusuakuruwa to Akom, which makes it an even more desirable plan,” he stated, insisting that no funds have been diverted from the original project.

He further disclosed that over GH¢3 billion has been committed to the outer ring road alone.

The Minister also rejected claims of policy inconsistency under the Big Push Programme, saying the Suame Interchange remains a flagship project within the initiative.

“We are committed to ensuring that the people of Kumasi get value for money,” he said.

“Kumasi, as the second largest city, deserves the best,” the Minister added, expressing confidence that the modified interchange and complementary road projects would be fully appreciated upon completion.

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According to Mr Agbodza, the ongoing debate over the modification of the interchange would not have arisen if the project had been completed by 2024 as promised by the NPP government.

“You failed the people of the Ashanti Region,” Mr Agbodza said in a statement responding to criticisms from Mr Asenso-Boakye regarding the redesign of the interchange.

“If the project had been completed by 2024, as was promised, we wouldn’t be talking about this critical project today.”

The Roads Minister explained that the current redesign, which effectively removes the fourth-tier bridge of the original four-tier plan, was a practical decision in response to new road developments in the Kumasi metropolis.

He said the construction of the Kumasi Outer Ring Road under the Big Push Programme has significantly changed traffic patterns, reducing the demand for a four-tier interchange at Suame.

“Construction of the Kumasi Outer Ring Road will divert most of the traffic up north from the city centre. Suame will therefore require less capacity than previously projected,” he stated.

Mr Agbodza further argued that the previous administration left behind significant challenges, including incomplete expropriation of properties, compensation issues, and funding gaps that made the original plan financially unsustainable.

“The fourth-tier bridge would have affected two-storey commercial buildings, the Suame Police Station, and portions of the Garden City Mall land, with estimated costs exceeding 50 per cent of the construction budget,” he said.

He urged the Minority to focus on solutions rather than politicising the project.

“We are making decisions based on current realities and value for money. Kumasi deserves the best, and this modification, together with the outer ring road and other complementary works, will deliver a modern, efficient road network for the Ashanti Region,” Mr Agbodza concluded.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu was responding to allegations that the President was unaware of a decision by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) requiring government appointees to resign before contesting for internal party positions.

He explained that the NDC National Chairman and General Secretary attend Cabinet meetings, ensuring that major government decisions are taken with party leadership fully involved.

He also noted that there are regular interactions between the President and the party leadership.

“The chairman and general secretary of the NDC party participate in cabinet meetings, which means they are involved in any major government decisions. There are also regular interactions between the party leadership and the president, and there is currently no friction between the government and the party,” he stated.

According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, the NDC’s position is aimed at ensuring a level playing field and preventing the abuse of public office or the neglect of government duties in pursuit of party positions.

“If the party requests that appointees resign before contesting in internal elections, this is not a new policy. President Kufuor implemented a similar measure, resulting in about 11 ministers resigning to participate in the NPP primaries. The NDC party believes in ensuring a level playing field so that no individual can misuse their position while contesting for a party role or halt government work to focus on an election campaign.

“I think this is a fair proposition. There is no rift between the party and the government, and the president does not need to attend the National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings to stay informed about party decisions,” he said.

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The Minister explained that the new road corridor significantly reduces traffic pressure at Suame, making a revised interchange design more appropriate.

“The Kumasi Outer Ring Road offers an even more appropriate connection from the N10 at Akom to the N6 at Boankra and shortens travel time between the northern and southern parts of the country,” the Minister said.

He added that most long-distance traffic would bypass the city centre once the project is completed.

The Minister rejected suggestions that the redesign would worsen traffic congestion, stating that the modification must be considered together with additional road works, including the rehabilitation of the Abusuakuruwa–Akom stretch.

“This is not being done in isolation,” he emphasised.

He maintained that the revised design, combined with new road investments, would “more comprehensively deal with traffic challenges” across the greater Kumasi metropolis.

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Responding to criticism from the NPP Ashanti Caucus, the Minister said the issue was not about reducing scope but ensuring feasibility.

According to him, the fourth-tier bridge would have affected multiple commercial properties, including two-storey buildings, the Suame Police Station, and portions of land belonging to Garden City Mall.

“A rough estimate of the cost of these will be more than 50 per cent of the cost of constructing the four-tier interchange,” he revealed.

He added that utility relocation and land compensation costs were not fully captured in the original project budget, making the design financially unsustainable, especially in light of Ghana’s economic challenges and the IMF programme.

“The main challenge with the original design is not functionality but the expropriation cost,” the Minister said.

He insisted that the modification would preserve businesses, reduce demolitions, and allow the government to invest the savings into improving the wider road network in Kumasi and beyond.

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According to the Minister, the redesign is a response to new infrastructure developments within the greater Kumasi road network.

He explained that the original four-tier design was justified at the time because Suame served as the primary link between the Ashanti Region and the northern parts of the country via the N10 and IR4 routes.

“At the time of its design, it offered the only credible connection from the Ashanti Region to the northern parts of the country,” the Minister said.

However, Mr. Agbodza noted that the construction of the Kumasi Outer Ring Road under the Big Push Programme has fundamentally altered traffic patterns.

“Construction of the Kumasi Outer Ring Road will divert most of the traffic up north from the city centre. Suame will therefore require less capacity than previously projected,” he stated.

The Minister stressed that the proposed modification removes only the fourth-tier bridge due to excessive expropriation and compensation costs, adding that the adjustment would ultimately deliver “better value for money” to the people of Kumasi.

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Speaking at the Australian Mining in Africa Reception, hosted by the Australian Government during the Investing in African Mining Indaba at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Minister Buah highlighted Ghana’s commitment to fostering sustainable, transparent, and investor-friendly mining practices.

“It is a genuine privilege to be a guest at this special event, bringing together organisations shaping the future of African mining,” Minister Buah said, extending greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana.

He noted that Ghana and Australia share a strong and long-standing relationship, underpinned by diplomatic recognition, development cooperation, and growing economic ties, particularly in mining, agriculture, and education.

Since its inception in 1994, the Investing in African Mining Indaba has provided a pivotal platform for mining professionals, investors, and industry leaders to network, negotiate, and discuss opportunities in Africa’s mineral-rich landscape. Minister Buah emphasized the conference’s role in promoting sustainable economic growth and investment across the continent.

Ghana’s Mining Landscape and Opportunities

Minister Buah outlined the legal and regulatory framework that governs Ghana’s mining sector, emphasizing that all mineral resources are vested in the President to be held in trust for the people. He highlighted key investor incentives, including:

• Protection of contractual rights
• Tax exemptions on imported mining equipment
• Capital repatriation and expatriate remittance allowances

Strong institutions such as the Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Authority, Water Resources Commission, and Ghana Revenue Authority ensure compliance and effective oversight throughout the mining value chain.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a critical role in advancing technology, creating jobs, and driving sustainable economic transformation. Ghana’s mining sector contributes over one-third of the country’s export revenues and is a major source of tax income, GDP growth, and employment.

Addressing Challenges and Driving Reforms

Minister Buah acknowledged the challenges posed by illegal mining, which threaten environmental sustainability and formal sector operations. In response, the government has implemented bold reforms focused on transparency, enforcement, and alignment with global sustainability standards.

Notable achievements include:

• Blue Water Initiative – restoring polluted water bodies and deploying over 1,600 personnel to monitor high-risk areas
• Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) – promoting sustainable artisanal and small-scale mining practices in over seventy communities
• National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) – a central command to clamp down on illegal mining through rigorous law enforcement

Future Partnerships With Australia

Minister Buah identified several areas for collaboration with Australian partners, including:

1. Expanding the rCOMSDEP programme to other mining districts
2. Technical support to enhance minerals management and processing
3. Tackling illegal mining through green technologies
4. Partnerships in the green minerals value chain, particularly lithium
5. Developing Ghana’s bauxite and iron ore value chains through industrialisation and value addition

He concluded by reaffirming the importance of forums like the Mining Indaba in fostering sustainable partnerships that can shape Africa’s mining future.

“I pray our discussions here would lead to fruitful and enduring partnerships,” Minister Buah said, thanking the Australian Government and organisers for the hospitality and the exceptional platform for dialogue.

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In the petition, FADOS stated that the demonstration is intended to draw national attention to the hardships cocoa farmers have endured due to payment delays that have persisted for over three months.

According to the group, the situation has severely affected farmers’ livelihoods, leaving many unable to meet basic household needs, service financial obligations, or adequately prepare for the next farming season.

FADOS noted that cocoa farming remains the economic backbone of many communities in the Western North Region, stressing that payment delays have far-reaching consequences, including disruptions to children’s education and local economic activities.

Addressing the Regional Police Command, the group assured the Police Service of its commitment to a peaceful and lawful demonstration in accordance with the Public Order Act. It also requested police protection before, during, and after the protest to ensure public safety and maintain order.

The group further called on the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and other relevant authorities to urgently intervene and release the outstanding payments to alleviate the suffering of cocoa farmers across the region.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said the government acted on the information available at the time and in line with its commitment to transparency and accountability.

“If investigations indicate that Baba Jamal was not involved in any bribery, he will be cleared, the decision will be reversed, and he will walk as a free man,” he stated.

He explained that there is no law preventing a High Commissioner from contesting in internal party primaries, adding that such an appointment only becomes untenable if the individual wins a parliamentary seat.

According to the Minister, the recall was meant to send a clear signal that allegations of vote buying will not be tolerated, while allowing due process to take its course.

“The fair thing is to comply with the demands of natural justice and give him a hearing. That is why the party and the Office of the Special Prosecutor are looking into the matter,” he said.

President John Dramani Mahama, on February 7, 2026, ordered the immediate recall of Mr. Baba Jamal following allegations of voter inducement during the NDC parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency, which he won.

A statement from the Presidency Communications Unit noted that although allegations were made against multiple candidates, Mr. Baba Jamal’s case was unique because he was the only serving public officer who participated in the primary.

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