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Huge amount of money go waste in road contracts -Agbodza

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Kwame Governs Agbodza

Kwame Governs Agbodza, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Adaklu and Minister-designate for the Ministry of Roads and Highways appeared calm and unassuming on Monday, January 20, 2025 when he took his turn at the Appointments Committee for public hearing on the portfolio he has been appointed by President John Dramani Mahama to handle.

But when he started answering questions from members of the committee as the public hearing heated up, he demonstrated his wealth of knowledge about the sector he has been the Ranking Member for at least over the last four years.

One interesting revelation he made that got everybody to sit up was the colossal amount of money wasted on road contracts, which only benefits the banks that loan out money to road contractors.For instance, Agbodza noted that an amount of GHS665 million is wasted on road contracts worth GHS113 million.

This waste, he noted, accrues as a result of compound interest on the contract sum when there are delays in paying the contractor the contract sum after completing his or her job.

“If you owe GHS113 million and because we are unable to pay, the interest on the GHS113 million is now GHS665 million. What it means is that the GHS665 million is a waste to the people of this country. Because that money is not GHS665 million worth of road works. It is just 30% compounding interest on the unpaid amount”, he noted.

He added “Ghanaians get GHS113 million worth of roads but they pay extra GHS665million money on nothing.  I am not saying it is peculiar and only started today. It is the way road construction contracts are put together in this country”.

Solution

The challenge at hand, he added, must be thoroughly examined, proposing a stakeholder engagement to address the issue. He insisted that the old way of doing things was not sustainable.

“I believe that the time has come for us to bring together all players in the road sector to see how we can make this sustainable.  If the government keeps owing and we are not paying, we are not even a better customer to the contractor. That is why today when you call some contractors you want to award them some work, they will tell you it is better to sleep than to take a job because it will become a debt on their head”, he noted.

De-capping Road Fund

One other way to address the challenge, he told the Committee, was to de-cap the Road Fund to make timely releases of money to pay road contractors. The capping of the Road Fund, according to Agbodza, who is also the Majority Chief Whip, puts a restriction on the Road Fund in terms of releases.

“When you see the amount of money collected into the Road Fund, and the amount of money that the government pays as GoG, it turns out that basically, the Finance Ministry just takes part of the Road Fund and keeps it and gives it back to them as GoG Funds. So, in other words, they don’t actually put in much money for themselves.

“I will still continue to advocate for the Road Fund to be de-capped because it is better for them to have that money and pay off contractors on the whole to stop the compounding interest than to keep on capping, taking away more than 50% of the money and the problem will still be with us”, he underscored.

By Stephen Odoi-Larbi

Editorial: Fire Outbreak At Markets Should Be A Cause For Concern 

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Editorial

Traders at the Kwadaso Wood Market in Kumasi are reeling from their losses after fire swept through the market, destroying numerous properties. This devastating inferno marks the second incident within two weeks, following a similar fire that occurred on 4th January 2025 at one of Ashanti Region’s largest wood markets.

The fire reportedly broke out in the early hours of Sunday, but its cause is yet to be determined.

It ravaged the main sawmill and destroyed essential equipment, along with logs of wood valued at thousands of cedis. Local residents who attempted to extinguish the blaze were overwhelmed by its intensity.

In the span of just three weeks, the country has witnessed a disturbing spate of market fires, leaving a trail of destruction and despair. The fire devastation began at Accra’s Kantamanto Market, displacing hundreds of traders.

Days later, the Techiman Central Market was engulfed in flames, destroying hundreds of shops and leaving traders in despair. Before the shock could subside, the Kwadaso Wood Market in Kumasi suffered two separate fire outbreaks within two weeks.

These fires have highlighted the vulnerabilities of our markets and the need for urgent and comprehensive action.

Some markets in the country operate with outdated or poorly installed electrical systems, where overloaded circuits and substandard wiring pose a constant fire hazard.

These issues are even exacerbated by overcrowding, a common feature of Ghanaian markets. Over the years, markets have expanded haphazardly to accommodate more traders, resulting in congested spaces with little room for movement or emergency access.

What we tend to forget is that in such environments, a single spark from a faulty connection can quickly escalate into an uncontrollable inferno.

 

Beyond electrical hazards, there are many unsafe practices contribute significantly to the problem. Markets are often hubs of diverse activities, including cooking, welding and other operations involving open flames.

These activities, when conducted without proper supervision or adherence to safety standards, increase the risk of fires. Unfortunately, many markets also lack basic fire prevention infrastructure such as extinguishers, smoke detectors, and hydrants, making it difficult to contain fires when they occur.

Adding to these challenges is the slow response of firefighting services, often due to the distance between markets and fire stations, as well as logistical issues like inadequate water supply.

Over time, these markets have expanded in a disorderly fashion, with little regard for safety protocols or infrastructure needs.

The lack of proper planning has created environments that are not only prone to fires but also difficult to manage in emergencies.

Market fires are not inevitable but they are preventable tragedies that demand urgent and decisive action. We cannot afford to treat these incidents as isolated events. Instead, they must be seen as symptoms of deeper systemic failures that require comprehensive solutions.

The traders at Kantamanto have started rebuilding their shops and stalls and The Chronicle would like to ask whether we are not repeating mistakes of the past.We expect government intervention in the new Kantamanto Market which should be properly planned with upgraded electrical systems, fire prevention infrastructure such as extinguishers, smoke detectors,and strategically placed hydrants.

These tools are essential for containing fires in their early stages and preventing them from spreading uncontrollably. The design of the market should also incorporate wider pathways and designated emergency exits to facilitate the quick evacuation of people and the efficient entry of firefighting personnel during emergencies.

More so, educating traders and market managers about fire safety is equally important. Training sessions should be conducted regularly to teach traders how to use fire extinguishers, recognise fire hazards and respond appropriately in case of an emergency.

The rebuilding of Kantamanto is not just a construction project but an opportunity to rethink and reform how markets are designed and managed, setting a standard for safety across the country. Lessons should be also taken from the Kaneshie Market because it’s one of the markets that we hardly hear of fire outbreak due to its rigid planning.

 

Circuit Court Reduces Bail For NADMO Official In Alleged Fraud Case

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The Circuit Court in Dansoman has varied the bail conditions of Mawuyiram Emmanuel Kojo Asai, a public servant working with the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), reducing his bail from GH¢1,300,000 to GH¢500,000.

The change came following an application for a variation filed by his legal counsel, Richard D. Brown Esq.Asai, along with businessman Jonas Darpoh, is accused of defrauding a Chinese national of GH¢1,240,000 in a land transaction.

The two men face charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and defrauding by false pretenses, under Sections 23(1) and 131 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Both accused persons have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Circuit Court had initially set stringent bail conditions on January 8, 2025, including a GH¢1,300,000 bail for each accused person, three sureties, and a requirement for two sureties to be public servants earning no less than GH¢10,000 monthly.

Additionally, the sureties were required to justify the bail with title deeds, and the accused had to deposit their Ghana Cards at the court registry and report weekly to the police station.

However, Asai’s legal team argued that the original bail terms were beyond his financial means.

Mr Brown emphasized that despite Asai’s efforts, he was unable to meet the stringent bail conditions due to his limited resources. He contended that Asai is presumed innocent under Article 19(2)(c) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which mandates that no person should be denied liberty based on excessive bail conditions.

In his application for variation, Mr. Brown requested a reduction in the bail amount to GH¢500,000, with two sureties, one of whom must be a public servant earning a minimum of GH¢5,000 monthly.

He assured the court that Asai posed no flight risk, had strong community ties, and would comply with any varied conditions. The court, recognizing the financial difficulties faced by Asai and the importance of ensuring access to justice without unduly infringing on the right to liberty, accepted the application.

The bail amount was reduced, and the conditions were amended as follows: two sureties, both public servants earning at least GH¢5,000, will justify the bail.

Despite the reduced bail, the court reiterated that all other conditions, including the weekly police reports and the submission of Ghana Cards, remain unchanged.

Additionally, the court ordered that GH¢250,000 of the bail amount be released to Asai, offering some financial relief. The court adjourned the case to April 23, 2025, for further proceedings.

The Chronicle had reported yesterday that  National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) employee, Mawuyiram Emmanuel Kojo Asai, 43, and a businessman, Jonas Darpoh, 34, have been granted bail totalling GH¢2.6 million, by the Circuit Court in Dansoman.

The two are accused of defrauding a Chinese national of GH¢1,240,000 in a land transaction.

Both accused persons pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and defrauding by false pretences under Sections 23(1) and 131 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

Presiding Judge, Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit granted bail of GH¢1,300,000 to each accused, with three sureties each.

Two of the sureties must be Public Servants earning at least GH¢10,000 monthly and one must provide title deeds equivalent to the bail amount.

Additionally, the accused must deposit their Ghana Cards at the Court Registry and report weekly to the police station until further notice.

The court referred the case to the Attorney General for advice, citing the significant amount involved.

Application for bail

The Prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Nuarko, opposed the bail application, arguing that the accused had failed to cooperate during investigations.

It was revealed that after being granted police inquiry bail, the accused persons failed to report to the police until criminal summons were issued.

The Prosecution argued that the accused posed a flight risk and should remain in custody to facilitate investigations.

Defense Counsel Edwin Osei Boateng deferred to the court’s discretion, emphasising that the accused persons were willing to comply with all bail conditions.

Allegations

According to the Prosecutor, the complainant, Beipeng Lei, a Chinese national residing in Weija, purchased 11.46 acres of land in Dawhenya from Jonas Darpoh between 2021 and 2024 for GH¢1,240,000.

The payment was made in instalments. The accused later informed the complainant that there were ownership disputes over the land and warned him not to access it.

Suspicious of fraud, the complainant reported the matter to the police on September 19, 2024, leading to the arrest and investigation of the accused.

During investigations, the accused acknowledged receiving the funds for the land, but failed to provide the necessary documentation.

They promised to submit the documents by October 4, 2024, but did not fulfill this commitment. Further investigations revealed that the land sold to the complainant was owned by another party.

Current Status

The accused have been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and defrauding by false pretences.

The case has been adjourned to April 23, 2025 to allow further investigations and legal advice from the Attorney General.

 

Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh accepts to chair Constitution Review Committee

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Prof H Kwasi Prempeh

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), as the Chair of the Constitution Review Committee.

The appointment, announced this week, has been warmly received by Prof. Prempeh, who described it as an opportunity to contribute to a critical national cause.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Prof. Prempeh saluted President Mahama for what he described as a bold and statesmanlike move to appoint him, a non-NDC member and vocal critic of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to chair the committee.

“I salute H.E. John Dramani Mahama for his bold and statesmanlike step in appointing me, a non-NDC member and a known critic of his last Government, to chair the just-announced constitution review committee – hopefully, the last such body on the long road to reforming the 1992 constitution,” Prof. Prempeh wrote.

He further commended the composition of the committee, noting that it reflects a good faith commitment by the President to advancing constitutional reforms as part of his broader governance reset agenda.

Prof. Prempeh revealed that the last time he interacted with President Mahama was in 2019 during Zimbabwe’s general elections, where the former president led a Commonwealth Observer delegation and he participated as an election observer.

The legal academic expressed humility at his appointment and assured the President and the nation of his commitment to putting the country first in executing the mandate of the committee.

He also emphasized that this appointment was a responsibility rather than a reward, stating:

“Note: I have not quit my day job at CDD. This is a ‘responsibility’ appointment, not a ‘reward’ appointment… No contracts or galamsey concessions. This is work, pure and simple.”

Prof. Prempeh also encouraged Ghanaians to focus on the critical task of reforming the 1992 Constitution, which he described as pivotal for good governance and inclusive development.

The Constitution Review Committee, which will be tasked with addressing longstanding issues in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, is seen as a key element of President Mahama’s efforts to reform governance and strengthen democracy.

The other members of the committee are Justice Sophia Adinyirah, Prof. Kwame Karikari, Mrs. Charlotte Osei, Dr. Godwin Djokoto, Ibrahim Tanko Amidu, Dr. Esi Ansah, and Dr. Rainer Akumperigeya, who will serve as Secretary.

The committee’s members were chosen for their vast expertise and dedication to public service.

Krobo groups raise red flag over lack of access to potable water

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Dr Eric Tamatey Lawer

Kloma Gbi and Kloma Hengme, two pressure groups in the Krobo area, have jointly petitioned the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to compel Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to restore water supply to affected communities to avert what they have described as a ‘looming public outburst that portends avoidable chaos.’

According to the groups, the disruption in water supply, caused by the construction works on the Somanya-Odumase-Kpong road has entered its sixth month, causing significant inconvenience to residents of communities such as Sawer in the Yilo Krobo Municipality, Atua South, Kodjonya and Odumase South, in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality.

The petition, dated Tuesday January 14, 2025 was signed by Mr. Henking Adjase-Kodjo, Director of Communications on and for Kloma Gbi and Dr. Eric Tamatey Lawer, General Secretary on and for Kloma Hengme.

The two representatives from each group urged the regulator to investigate the root cause of the delays on the part of GWL in repairing the pipelines and to hold responsible parties accountable, as mandated under Section 13 of the PURC Act, 1997 (Act 538), which empowers the Commission to investigate consumer complaints.

The petition further called on the Commission to engage Ghana Water Limited, General Constructions Ltd (the company working on the road in question) and other relevant stakeholders to expedite the repair of the damaged pipelines.

The groups referenced Section 12 of the Act, which obliges utility providers to ensure reliable, adequate and efficient services.

Additionally, the groups urged the PURC to establish a clear timeline for restoring water supply to the affected areas and communicate this to the public, ensuring compliance under Sections 3 and 13 of the PURC Act, which mandates the monitoring and enforcement of public utilities obligations.

The groups also requested that the Commission ensure that no such damage to underground pipelines and its resultant disruption of water supply to the communities are left unattended for this long period, as the works on the stretch of road progress.

Speaking on behalf of Kloma Gbi, Mr. Henking A. Adjase-Kodjo, Director of Communications, noted that the lack of access to water for such a prolonged period was unacceptable. This has left the citizenry increasingly agitated; he added.

Dr. Eric Tamatey Lawer, General Secretary of Kloma Hengme, on his part, urged the Commission to explore possible compensation for affected residents, indicating that the prolonged disruption in water supply, which caused a great deal of inconvenience to the consumers represents a failure to meet acceptable service standards contrary to Sections 12 and 13 of the PURC Act.

Stakeholders who served copies of the petition include the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, the Konors of Manya and Yilo Krobo, Members of Parliament for both Yilo and Lower Manya Krobo Constituencies, Ghana Police Service and Coordinating Directors of the Yilo and Lower Manya Krobo Municipalities.

Background of the pressure groups

Kloma Gbi is a youth-driven network established on the conviction of the need for a more effective and active voice for the Krobo state.

The association exists to rally progress-minded youth of Krobo ancestry, leverage their expertise, vitality and sense of patriotism to promote the welfare of the people and the Krobo state on issues of education, development and general welfare.

With an initial presence on social networks since 2010, the network transformed into a formidable group of learned, like-minded and farsighted young men and women.

Kloma Gbi seeks to be precisely what its name offers – being the most effective, recognized, vocal and representative voice for the Krobo community, working in close partnership with the local & traditional authorities, voluntary, public, and private sector organisations and residents in the best interest of the Krobo state.

Kloma Hengme (KH) on the other hand is an advocacy and heritage organisation that brings together individuals of Krobo ancestry from Manya and Yilo Krobo.

Formed in 2011, the group is united by a shared commitment to amplifying the Krobo voice, driving meaningful change, preserving Krobo heritage, and creating opportunities to uplift its people and communities.

Founded on the principles of patriotism and progress, the organisation embodies the Krobo spirit of resilience and innovation. Its name, Kloma Hengme, which loosely translates as The Eagle Eye of the Krobo State, symbolises the group’s dedication to safeguarding the community’s welfare and driving progress.

As a non-partisan and apolitical organisation, Kloma Hengme collaborates with local and traditional authorities, as well as public and private sector organisations. Through its efforts, Kloma Hengme continues to serve as a leading force for positive transformation in the Krobo area.

Nigeria Commends Implementation Of Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

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Gaza Ceasefire

The Federal Government has commended the implantation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

This was stated in a press release signed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Monday.

The country expressed optimism that it will bring an end to the widespread civilian suffering in Gaza.

The agreement, reached after 15 months of conflict, also provides relief for families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons.

Nigeria has acknowledged the importance of the agreement in enabling the delivery of vital aid and relief materials to the affected region.

The government also commended Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for mediating the agreement and serving as international guarantors for its implementation.

The Federal Government called on all stakeholders to maintain the momentum of peace and ensure the successful execution of subsequent phases of the agreement.

Nigeria reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution as the pathway to lasting peace in the region.

The statement read in part: “The Federal Government of Nigeria welcomes the agreement of a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

“Nigeria also welcomes the supply of much-needed aid and relief materials that the peace deal facilitates.

“Nigeria urges all stakeholders to build on the new momentum and work towards the successful implementation of the second and third phases of the agreement, and reaffirms support for a two-state solution as the blueprint for a just and lasting peace for Palestine, Israel, and the entire region.”

Credit: channelstv.com

Kemi Badenoch ‘Denigrating’ Nigeria For Political Gains, Says Presidency

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Bwala and Badenoch

Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala believes Kemi Badenoch’s scathing comments about Nigeria are targeted at gaining acceptance from her party members.

Badenoch recently said she does not want the UK to become like Nigeria where she claimed the government has failed.

But on Monday Bwala who is the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications said the UK Conservative Party leader’s comment was to gain the favour of her party.

“The only problem we have with Kemi, I think, is the rhetoric because Kemi belongs to the right base in the United Kingdom which is what you see in this populism around the world that you can deepen on your support system if you can feed off of the anger of the people,” Bwala said on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

“And so she’s building a rhetoric of denigrating Nigeria, demarketing in Nigeria, so she can probably win the acceptance or acceptation of the rights in her party. And that to me is counterproductive because if you look at Rishi Sunak, he is also of Indian origin. There has been this issue of gang rape in India. He has never used that as a weapon to promote what he believed to be a departure from what is likely to be believed as hereditary or history of the Indian people, but she has always denigrated Nigeria.”

The presidential spokesman, however, dismissed fears that Badenoch’s remarks about Nigeria will affect the country’s efforts to bring investors.

“I don’t think it would have an effect because she’s not the government in power. Usually, these international relationships or collaborations are dealings between governments. Because she’s not the government in power, it will not have any effect,” he said.

Credit: channelstv.com

NDLEA seizes 4,880kgs of drugs, arrests 536 suspects in Adamawa

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Seized drugs

The Adamawa State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, seized 4,880 kilograms of illicit drugs and arrested 536 suspected drug offenders in the course of the year 2024.
The state Commander of the agency, Agboalu Samson, who disclosed this in Yola on Monday, said 518 of the suspects were males while 18 were females.

During a review press conference in Yola, the NDLEA commander mentioned the confiscated substances as Cannabis Sativa totaling 3,180.36422 kilograms, and psychotropic substances amounting to 1,700.29013 kilograms.

He broke down the seizures as 1,090.63296 kilograms of Tramadol (equivalent to 1,758,868 capsules, tablets, and milliliters), 6.8665 kilograms of Diazepam (33,259 tablets), 577.60667 kilograms of Exol-5 (1,636,989 tablets), and 19.932 kilograms of codeine-laced cough syrups (44,592 milliliters).

The Adamawa State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, seized 4,880 kilograms of illicit drugs and arrested 536 suspected drug offenders in the course of the year 2024.
The state Commander of the agency, Agboalu Samson, who disclosed this in Yola on Monday, said 518 of the suspects were males while 18 were females.

During a review press conference in Yola, the NDLEA commander mentioned the confiscated substances as Cannabis Sativa totaling 3,180.36422 kilograms, and psychotropic substances amounting to 1,700.29013 kilograms.

He broke down the seizures as 1,090.63296 kilograms of Tramadol (equivalent to 1,758,868 capsules, tablets, and milliliters), 6.8665 kilograms of Diazepam (33,259 tablets), 577.60667 kilograms of Exol-5 (1,636,989 tablets), and 19.932 kilograms of codeine-laced cough syrups (44,592 milliliters).

He said 0.0381 kilograms of Methamphetamine, 0.015 kilograms of Cocaine, 5 kilograms (22 bottles) of formalin (locally known as Suck and Die), and 1.4 kilograms (15 bottles) of Akuskura herbal mixture were among the seized drugs.

He expressed the worry that the diversity of the seized drugs underscores the evolving challenges of drug abuse and trafficking in Adamawa State.

He added, however, that his command achieved commendable results in legal efforts, securing 148 convictions in 2024, with sentences ranging from three months to 25 years.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Increase in fuel price not our fault -Dangote Refinery

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Dangote Refinery

Dangote Refinery has clarified that “the recent adjustment in our ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) is directly related to the significant increase in global crude oil prices.”

In a statement on Sunday, the refinery noted that “any fluctuation in its international price inevitably impacts the cost of the finished product.”

Earlier this week, Dangote implemented a 5% increase in the depot price of petrol, raising it from N899.50 to N950 per litre.

However, the statement clarified that “it is important to note that this increase is considerably lower than the 15% rise in global crude oil prices.”

The 15% increase in global crude oil prices has seen Brent Crude rise from $70 to $82 in a matter of days, in addition to the premium for Nigerian crude (approximately $3 per barrel) in international markets.

Despite this, Dangote Refinery has maintained the Single-Point Mooring, SPM, ex-vessel price at N895 per litre.

All its partners, including Ardova, Heyden, and MRS Holdings, will retail petrol to Nigerians at a price of N970 per litre nationwide.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Concerned Small-Scale Miners hail Sammy Gyamfi’s appointment

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Sammy Gyamfi - Ag MD PMMC

The National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana has congratulated Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, the Communications Director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on his appointment as the Acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC).

The association, in a statement issued on January 17, 2025, described Mr Gyamfi’s appointment as a “significant milestone” and expressed optimism that his leadership would foster positive developments in Ghana’s mining sector.

The statement, signed by Michael Kwadwo Peprah, President of the National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana, recalled its engagement with the NDC during the party’s 2024 campaign, where the Campaign Committee on Mining held discussions with key stakeholders in the small-scale mining sector.

The group noted that the NDC’s campaign manifesto outlined policies that align with the interests of small-scale miners, fostering hope for reforms and support for the sector.

“With Mr Gyamfi’s appointment as Acting MD of PMMC, we are confident that he will collaborate effectively with stakeholders to promote the collective interests of the small-scale mining sector,” the statement said.

The group emphasised the importance of prioritizing sustainable mining practices, ensuring transparency, and fostering cooperation to improve the sector and contribute to national development.

The association urged President John Dramani Mahama to consider appointing a technocrat with extensive technical expertise as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.

According to the association, addressing critical issues such as water pollution and environmental degradation in the small-scale mining sector requires leaders with both technical knowledge and practical experience.

“We strongly believe that appointing experts to oversee this critical sector will ensure sustainable development, safeguard the environment, and bolster the nation’s economic growth,” the statement added.

The association expressed its readiness to work with the new PMMC leadership and other relevant authorities to promote the collective interests of the country’s mining sector.

The Ghanaian Chronicle