The UniMAC delegation was led by Alex Kobina Stonne, External Affairs Officer, who is also a sports journalist with the Adom brands, including Adom FM, Asempa FM, and Adom TV. He was accompanied by Precious Agrobesa Akos, Secretary, and Faith Enyam Adjeivi, Treasurer of the External Affairs Office.

The General Assembly brought together student leaders from professional institutions across the country to induct newly appointed officers, receive institutional reports, and outline major programmes and projects for the year.

The gathering was guided by the quote, “You were not born to be noticed; you were born to be necessary,” by leadership expert Myles Munroe.

Key moments of the meeting included the swearing-in of GUPS leadership, the State of GUPS Address, and discussions on initiatives such as institutional visits, student entrepreneurship programmes, unity games, sports development projects, and student welfare campaigns.

Special attention was given to projects aimed at sustainability and opportunity creation for students, including GUPS Farms, GUPS on the Move, and the planned rollout of GUPS on Spot, an affordable internet service for universities.

Speaking after the meeting, Alex Kobina Stonne noted that UniMAC’s participation at the national level is critical to ensuring students benefit from broader opportunities, partnerships, and platforms that extend beyond campus life.

He added that his background in media and sports journalism positions the External Affairs Office to effectively project UniMAC’s interests and strengthen engagement with key stakeholders.

The External Affairs Office said engagements and insights gained from the GUPS General Assembly will inform future collaborations and programmes, as the office works to deliver practical benefits for UniMAC students while enhancing the university’s national visibility.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Asenso-Boakye said governance is a continuous process, and infrastructure development should not be driven by partisan considerations.

He noted that many of Kumasi’s major road projects were initiated under previous NPP administrations led by former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

According to him, there is nothing wrong with the NDC continuing or initiating road projects in the region, emphasizing that Kumasi’s status as a major economic hub and tax contributor justifies sustained investment regardless of voting patterns.

Mr. Asenso-Boakye stressed that road construction should be guided by the need for economic growth and development, not electoral calculations.

“The government is a continuous process. I don’t believe that if the NDC develops the Suame Interchange or any other project, it will significantly impact our votes in the region for the upcoming election. Major infrastructure projects in Kumasi have been carried out by NPP governments, specifically those of Akufo-Addo and Kufuor.

There is nothing wrong with them working on the roads. Kumasi is a major economic center, and residents pay taxes, so it shouldn’t be the case that they don’t vote for the NDC. The deployment of road projects should focus on economic growth and development rather than political gain,” he said.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Asenso-Boakye said global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and broader financial constraints, significantly affected the government’s ability to deliver major infrastructure projects that relied heavily on foreign funding.

He cited several large-scale road projects across the country that were stalled, including the Suame Interchange, the Takoradi PTC Interchange, and the Nungua Interchange.

According to him, these challenges were not unique to Ghana, as many countries experienced similar financial shocks that disrupted development plans.

“We were impacted by the global financial crisis, which affected many countries, including Ghana. This led to delays in several large projects that rely on foreign funding. Not only was the Suame Interchange project stalled, but the Takoradi PTC and Nungua Interchange projects were also put on hold. I want Ghanaians, especially the people of Kumasi, to understand that the NPP faced challenges that prevented us from delivering on many of our plans; it wasn’t that we neglected these areas,” he said.

Mr. Asenso-Boakye stressed that the Ashanti Region was not neglected, highlighting that the NPP government undertook several inner-city road projects in Kumasi. He noted that factors such as population density, economic activity, and differences in funding arrangements influenced project prioritization, emphasizing that the inability to complete at least one interchange in Kumasi was due to financial constraints rather than neglect.

“The projects we completed in Accra required more immediate attention, but that does not mean we did not want to work in Kumasi. The funding for these projects varied, and factors like population density and economic activity played significant roles in our decisions. We have made significant improvements to several inner-city roads in Kumasi. The primary reason we couldn’t construct at least one interchange in the region is due to the financial challenges we encountered,” he added.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Asenso-Boakye said the original design of the Suame Interchange was a four-tier structure aimed at addressing Kumasi’s severe traffic congestion.

However, he claimed the current government plans to reduce the project to a two-tier interchange, citing lack of funds. According to him, the revised design would not adequately resolve traffic challenges in the rapidly growing city.

He explained that the project was initially financed through a loan agreement with a Spanish bank, which was approved by Parliament, but funding challenges emerged during a debt restructuring period.

“The two-tier plan proposed by the government will not resolve the ongoing traffic problems. Kumasi continues to grow, and effective traffic solutions are essential. The financing for this project was secured through a loan agreement with a bank in Spain, which was approved by Parliament. Everything was set for the project when the debt restructuring occurred, leading to a withdrawal of resources. The previous government then obtained funding from Afreximbank for the Suame Interchange,” he said.

Mr. Asenso-Boakye noted that the previous government later secured alternative financing from Afreximbank, which allowed construction to resume between 2023 and 2024, with about 56 per cent of the project completed.

He attributed delays to variations on the ground, particularly the relocation of major pipelines beneath the interchange.

The Bantama MP expressed concern that, despite the current government listing the Suame Interchange as part of its flagship infrastructure initiatives, it is now claiming there is no money to complete it as designed.

“Meanwhile, they are undertaking new projects. It would make sense for them to halt those initiatives and concentrate on the ongoing Suame Interchange project instead. It seems as though they are neglecting the needs of the people of Kumasi regarding this important infrastructure. If they proceed with their proposed changes, there will be additional costs and further delays associated with the project,” he stated.

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The directive was announced on X (formerly Twitter) by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, in response to a JoyNews Hotline investigation titled “A Tax for Galamsey: The Extortion Racket Fuelling Illegal Mining.” The documentary alleges the authorisation and collection of illegal mining-related taxes in the Amansie Central District.

The report 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, the Amansie Central District Assembly has rejected the allegations, insisting that revenue collection from operators of earth-moving equipment is a longstanding administrative practice spanning multiple governments.

The Assembly described the report as a misrepresentation of established procedures aimed at fitting a “convenient political narrative.”

RE- JoyNews report on Amansie Central mining equipment tax.

President Mahama has directed Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon Ahmed Ibrahim, to conduct immediate investigations into the allegations contained in the Joy News report with a view… pic.twitter.com/AcGGTeoBk5

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

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In a citation signed by the Overlord, John Kabuja Kumayi (Usangubor), the traditional authority expressed deep gratitude to Adom News for what it described as a yeoman’s service carried out by its Northern Regional Correspondent, Mr. Illiasu Abdul Rauf.

According to the citation, since 2017, Illiasu Abdul Rauf has consistently used his journalistic practice to spotlight the challenges facing residents of the Tatale/Sanguli District, particularly those in the Sangul Traditional Area.

The reports, the chiefs noted, brought national attention to the community’s plight and directly contributed to the attraction of critical development projects.

The citation credits Adom News’ reportage with facilitating the delivery of several life-changing interventions, including:

• Eight dams to support agriculture and water access
• One clinic to improve healthcare delivery
• More than ten boreholes to provide clean drinking water
• A facelift of the Tatindo Health Centre, among other projects

“But for Mr. Illiasu Abdul Rauf and Adom News, the Traditional Area would not have received these projects,” the citation stated, underscoring the role of responsible journalism in driving development and social change.

The traditional leadership described the recognition as a symbol of their deepest appreciation to Adom News for standing with the people of Sangul and amplifying their voices over the years.

The citation was officially endorsed with the Overlord’s signature, closing with the words “Ne ni lituln pam”—a message of gratitude—followed by a resounding “Thank You.”

The honour reinforces the growing acknowledgment of the media’s power not only to inform but also to influence policy, mobilize support, and deliver tangible development to underserved communities.

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For many, it was just another graduation ceremony. For observers of Ghana’s media and democratic space, it was the crowning moment of a relentless intellectual journey — the transformation of a field journalist into a scholar of electoral systems.

Now officially Dr. Akwasi Agyeman, the celebrated journalist has rewritten his own professional story, moving from microphone and field notes to theory, data, and doctoral distinction.

From the Heat of Elections to the Heights of Scholarship

Dr. Agyeman’s rise to academic distinction did not begin in lecture halls, it began at polling stations, press centers, and tense election grounds across West Africa.

Years before enrolling for his PhD, he was already deep inside the democratic process, reporting from the frontlines of some of the region’s most closely watched elections.

His coverage of elections in Togo (2005), Liberia (2007), and Nigeria (2007), alongside seasoned broadcaster Yaw Obeng Manu of Peace FM, exposed him to the real mechanics, tensions, and complexities of African electoral systems.

Unknown to him at the time, those assignments were quietly laying the intellectual foundation for his future doctoral research.

What he witnessed in the field would later evolve into questions. Those questions would grow into research. That research would ultimately become a PhD.

An Academic Path Forged Through Persistence

His doctoral pursuit at the College of Humanities, Institute of African Studies, focused on History and Politics, was marked by rigorous inquiry and resilience.

Colleagues say the journey was demanding, stretching his analytical depth and scholarly discipline — but also sharpening his authority on electoral behavior and democratic processes.

Rather than choosing a safe or narrow topic, Dr. Agyeman tackled one of the most controversial and least-explored dimensions of African elections — rejected ballots.

A Thesis That Turned Heads

His thesis — “The Dynamics of Rejected Ballots in Africa: The Case of Ghana’s Presidential Elections (1992–2020)” — is already being described as a landmark contribution to electoral studies.

The work dives deep into nearly three decades of Ghana’s presidential elections, unpacking patterns, causes, institutional weaknesses, voter behavior, and systemic implications surrounding rejected ballots.

According to sources within the academic panel, the research stood out for its methodological strength, historical depth, and policy relevance.

His supervisory team, made up of top-notch professors, including an Emeritus scholar, reportedly rated the work highly for its originality and practical significance.

During his oral defense, Dr. Agyeman delivered what insiders described as a commanding and intellectually sharp presentation, confidently defending his findings and engaging examiners with clarity and authority, a performance that earned admiration across the academic community.

Bridging Media Practice and Democratic Reform

What makes Dr. Agyeman’s achievement particularly powerful is the rare bridge he represents, between journalism and scholarship.

He is not merely studying elections from a distance; he has lived them, covered them, questioned them, and now analyzed them at the highest academic level.

Democracy advocates say his research could influence future electoral reforms, ballot design policies, voter education strategies, and institutional safeguards — all critical to strengthening Ghana’s democratic resilience.

A New Voice in Electoral Scholarship

With his induction into the global community of scholars, Dr. Akwasi Agyeman joins a distinguished intellectual class expected to shape public discourse and policy direction.

His transition from newsroom authority to academic expert positions him uniquely to contribute to debates on electoral credibility and democratic consolidation across Africa.

Observers say this is not just a personal victory, it is a win for Ghana’s media fraternity and the broader democratic ecosystem.

A Story Bigger Than a Degree

From chasing election results across borders to producing research that may shape how elections are conducted and evaluated, Dr. Akwasi Agyeman’s story is one of vision, endurance, and reinvention.

It is the story of a journalist who did not stop at reporting democracy — but chose to study it, question it, and now help strengthen it.

From ballot lines to academic laurels, the journey is complete, but the impact is just beginning.

According to the company, traditional displays such as drumming, dancing, singing, chanting, and ululations will no longer be permitted at airport terminals unless prior approval has been granted by management.

In a public notice, GACL explained that individuals, families, or groups who intend to welcome guests with cultural performances must first seek permission from the Commercial Services Department of the company. Without this authorisation, performers and their instruments will not be allowed access to the airport premises.

The company noted that the directive has become necessary due to the increasing number of informal cultural welcomes that have been taking place at arrival areas, which often disrupt airport operations and passenger movement.

While GACL did not spell out specific sanctions for those who flout the directive, it stressed that airport activities are strictly regulated and must be conducted in a manner that ensures safety, orderliness, and smooth operations.

The directive urged the individuals or groups who wish to organise approved cultural welcomes to contact the Commercial Services Department ahead of time to go through the necessary procedures.

GACL similarly urged the public to cooperate fully with airport authorities to help maintain discipline and professionalism at Ghana’s international airports.

The action, led by Constituency Chairman Benjamin Ims Djakumah, follows mounting dissatisfaction over recent appointments to the NHIS and other public institutions within the constituency.

According to the executives, the appointments were made without consultation and overlooked several qualified party members in Tema Central.

Chairman Djakumah said the constituency leadership is deeply unhappy with what he described as a recurring pattern of sidelining grassroots executives who worked tirelessly for the party’s success.

Supporting the protest, Constituency Secretary Henry Davidson Ayeh said party executives feel taken for granted despite their commitment and loyalty to the NDC.

Constituency Organiser Abdul Razak Mohammed Mutakwil also stressed that the sacrifices made by party faithful in Tema Central must be recognised, warning that years of hard work should not be allowed to go to waste.

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The assurance was given after the Minister inspected the project site with the Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, Adam Mutawakilu, where he expressed satisfaction with the pace of work despite some operational challenges.

“We have the Sekondi Water Project, which is progressing smoothly. They are not behind schedule as such. There are a few challenges that the government is addressing, but the project can be completed by May 2026,” Mr Adjei said.

He explained that once commissioned, the facility would ease the burden on households that have endured irregular water supply for years.

“I want to assure the residents that very soon, water will be flowing steadily to their homes,” the Minister added.

The project manager for Strabag, the firm handling the expansion, Vlad Falup, said a new treatment chamber has been introduced to improve water quality while reducing dependence on chemicals.

“This innovation will help reduce overall chemical consumption in water treatment while improving efficiency,” he noted.

The Daboase Water Treatment Plant draws raw water from the Pra River, which has been heavily polluted by illegal mining activities, compounded by challenges related to ageing infrastructure. These factors have constrained the plant’s output over time.

The ongoing expansion, which was launched with a sod-cutting ceremony in the last quarter of 2024, is designed to increase daily production by about 22 million gallons.

When completed, the project is expected to provide a more reliable and efficient supply of potable water to Sekondi-Takoradi and surrounding communities.

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The Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr James Ankoma, told Adom News that the intervention formed part of a free surgical outreach organised by the West African College of Physicians and Surgeons in the region.

He said a team of specialist surgeons drawn from within and outside the region was assembled for the exercise, during which 72 patients with conditions including hernia, goitre, fibroid, uterine and other gynaecological cases underwent successful surgeries.

Dr Ankoma noted that the expertise of the medical team ensured all beneficiaries received safe and effective treatment, adding that the patients have since been discharged and are responding well to post-surgery reviews.

He commended the Ahafo Regional Minister, Charity Gardiner, for facilitating the outreach by engaging the West African College of Physicians and Surgeons to extend the initiative to the region.

Dr Ankoma described the five-day exercise as timely, saying it helped address several critical health conditions and ultimately saved many lives.

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

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

The Ministry says the matter has been brought to the attention of the sector minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and steps are being taken to assess the claims.

In a Facebook post, the Ministry’s Media Relations Officer, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, said the government is treating the revelations with urgency.

“Yesterday, JoyNews aired an exposé on galamsey involving the Amansie Central District. The sector minister, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah, has taken note of this development, and government will look into the allegations and take appropriate action,” the post said.

The Ministry did not immediately outline the scope of the investigation but assured the public that the issues raised in the documentary would be thoroughly examined.

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Rising sea levels and changing climate patterns continue to pose serious threats to livelihoods and settlements along the coast, making sustained policy intervention critical.

As part of routine monitoring efforts, the sector minister on Tuesday paid a working visit to the Cape Coast Phase II sea defence site to assess the pace and quality of ongoing construction.

The visit formed part of broader oversight activities to ensure that coastal protection projects meet required standards and timelines.

The five-kilometre project, which commenced in September 2024, is designed to protect the coastal communities of Abakam, Brooyedur, Ekon, and Moree, as well as key infrastructure, including the Cape Coast–Takoradi Highway.

The project is expected to be completed by September 2028 and is anticipated to significantly reduce the destructive impact of tidal waves and erosion in the area.

According to the ministry, the inspection highlights the government’s resolve to deliver climate-resilient sea defence infrastructure across Ghana’s coastline.

Similar projects underway in other coastal communities are intended to safeguard lives, preserve livelihoods, and ensure long-term environmental and economic sustainability for affected areas.

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  Amansie Central Assembly sets records straight on ‘galamsey tax’
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Speaking at the closing ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025) in Accra, the Minister said the gathering of leading figures in science, policy and education reflects a shared global understanding that science and innovation remain central to human progress.

According to him, UNESCO’s proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology signals the growing importance of quantum science in the modern world, while also placing responsibility on nations to ensure scientific development benefits society.

“Over the past year, attention has focused not only on discoveries, but also on the responsibility that accompanies scientific development,” he noted.

Mr Iddrisu pointed out that significant gaps remain globally, revealing that about 145 countries are yet to develop national quantum strategies, a situation he said must be addressed to ensure inclusive participation in frontier science.

He highlighted the practical impact of quantum technologies, noting their application in agriculture, food systems, climate forecasting, soil and water monitoring, and national security.

“For countries like Ghana, where agriculture sustains livelihoods, quantum science is not optional, it is significant and paramount,” he stressed.

The Education Minister said hosting the closing ceremony under the Global Scientific Dialogue platform affirms Africa’s place in the future of frontier science, adding that African talent, perspectives and intellectual contributions must be fully recognised.

He further emphasised that education remains the most powerful driver of scientific progress, noting that sustained investment in teachers, researchers and young people will determine how effectively quantum science and its applications serve Africa and the wider world.

He made the remarks after swearing in members of the National African Peer Review Mechanism Governing Council (NAPRM-GC) at the Presidency in Accra.

According to the President, the newly constituted council will steer Ghana’s second-generation peer review, which is expected to begin next week on the margins of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

“We’re willing to do that and we’ll be available to lead that process,” President Mahama assured.

He recalled that Ghana was among the first countries to voluntarily submit itself to a comprehensive APRM review in 2006, adding that the exercise has long been a point of national pride.

“It’s been an issue of pride for us that Ghana’s democracy, accountable governance, and everything that we are noted for, will be subjected to review by our peers,” he said.

President Mahama noted that the first review exposed deep development disparities between northern Ghana and the southern parts of the country, a finding that influenced the creation of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA).

“The outcome was the reference to the huge gap between the deprived northern belt of Ghana and the south… So, we want to know what has happened to those inequalities and what the level of opportunities we have opened up in other parts of the country are,” he stated.

He said the new review will help government assess whether earlier interventions have delivered real change and guide future policy decisions.

The Governing Council is chaired by Ladyship Professor Akua Kuenyehia. In her brief remarks, she thanked the President for the confidence reposed in the team and pledged to safeguard the transparency and independence of the process.

Other members of the council include Dr Joseph Whittal, Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Mr Joseph Obeng, Mr David Ofosu-Dorte, and Mrs Cornelia Amoah.

The African Peer Review Mechanism is a voluntary self-monitoring initiative established by the African Union in 2003 to promote good governance, political stability and sustainable development.

It encourages countries to assess policies and practices across democracy and political governance, economic management, corporate governance and socio-economic development.

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Presiding judge Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay ruled on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, that the defence had failed to demonstrate that a genuine constitutional question had arisen to warrant a referral for interpretation.

Ms Oware-Mensah had challenged the Practice Direction on Disclosure and Case Management Proceedings, 2018, arguing that provisions requiring an accused person to disclose the names and addresses of witnesses at the case management stage violated the presumption of innocence under Article 19 of the 1992 Constitution.

The application, filed by her lawyers led by Gary Nimako Marfo, was opposed by the prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions, Yvonne Attakora Obuobisa, who maintained that the Practice Direction was consistent with the Constitution and designed to promote fair and expeditious trials.

In her ruling, Justice Kocuvie-Tay held that the accused had not shown that “a genuine question has arisen for the matter to be referred to the Supreme Court for interpretation,” and accordingly dismissed the application.

Following the ruling, Mr Nimako said the defence would apply for the full reasons and advise their client on the next steps.

“In regard to the application for a referral having been dismissed, we will apply for the full copy of the reasons for the dismissal and advise the client as to the way forward,” he said.

He disclosed that a Notice of Appeal had already been filed against an earlier order compelling the accused to file her witness list, adding that a motion for stay of proceedings had also been filed.

Justice Kocuvie-Tay consequently stayed proceedings and adjourned the case to February 18, 2026, to consider the application for stay.

Ms Oware-Mensah has pleaded not guilty to charges including stealing, willfully causing financial loss to the state, using public office for profit and money laundering, in relation to the alleged GH¢38 million National Service ghost names scandal, and is currently on GH¢10 million bail.

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The traders explained that the government should clarify its plans, warning that the project could lead to the displacement of their businesses and properties

Speaking during the protest, one trader pleaded with the government:

“All we want is for the government to renovate the market and provide basic utilities. Demolishing the market would not help us. If it is destroyed, how will we survive with our children? We have nowhere else to go. We are pleading with the government—please, we need renovation and proper services in the market,” he said.

Another trader pointed to similar redevelopment efforts in other markets, which have largely failed to benefit traders:

“At the old Mandela Market, many stores have been built, but very few are in use. We cannot afford to purchase them, and building stores will not help us. I sell plantain, and we cannot store it in a shop because it will spoil. All we are asking for is renovation of the existing market,” he said.

Another trader made a direct appeal to the president:

“Mr President, we beg you. In the name of God, we are pleading with you. We only need renovation. Nothing else. That is all we are asking for,” he said.

Leticia Ayaba, the Market Queen Mother of Ashaiman, said tensions had escalated because traders were not adequately consulted about the redevelopment plan.

She explained that she and other market leaders had met with the DCE to raise concerns, but no concrete engagement followed.

According to her, based on this lack of consultation, traders felt their voices were ignored, prompting them to take to the streets to protest and demand clarity from the authorities about their future.

The proposed redevelopment, according to the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly, forms part of a broader market transformation agenda promised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2024 general elections.

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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 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 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.

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.

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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