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Editorial: We Commend Otumfuo For Acting On The Chronicle, NIB Reports

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Editorial

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has destooled three Chiefs in the Ashanti Region for their involvement in illegal mining. The three Chiefs- Gyaasehene of Sabronum, Nana Awua Gyau Atuomi, Sabronum’sAkyeamehene and Baamuhene.

“I gave the town to you; you could not take care of it. I’ve long been following up on this matter. This is also the report from theNational Intelligence Bureau (NIB), your names are clearly mentioned here in this report,” the Asantehene told the Gyaasehene and the two others in their faces when they attended upon the summon of the Asanteman Council at the Manhyia Palace last Monday.

“If I still keep you in charge, you will destroy my communities and ruin the lives of our people. If it is the DCE who could not boldly call you to order, I have done that,” Otumfuo angrily said, and threatened to get them arrested if they went back to the community to carry themselves as traditional leaders and continue with their nefarious activities.

“It was reported in The Chronicle sometime ago,and I directed the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to investigate what is happening in the area and they presented a report to me,in which you have all been indicted. The report came about three or four months ago;If I allow you to hold forth at Sabronum,the community will fall”, Asantehene told Gyaasehene of Sabronum.

The destoolment of the three Chiefs in the Ashanti Region by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is a step in the right direction against the devastating effects of illegal mining. This decisive action by the Asantehene sends a clear message: the protection of our land and the well-being of our people must take precedence over personal gain.

Illegal mining has become a scourge on the country, wreaking havoc on the environment, undermining traditional leadership and threatening the very fabric of our communities. The Asantehene’s decision to destool these Chiefs is a necessary action in addressing a problem that has been allowed to fester for far too long.

Galamsey operations have left vast stretches of land scarred, rivers polluted and ecosystems destroyed. The long-term environmental damage is incalculable, with forests being decimated and water bodies contaminated with toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide.

These environmental catastrophes do not only affect the present generation but also pose a dire threat to the future of our nation. The destruction of arable land and water sources compromises food security and the health of countless communities, with children and vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of these impacts.

The involvement of traditional leaders in illegal mining activities is particularly alarming. Chiefs are custodians of the land and are entrusted with the sacred duty of protecting their communities. When they betray this trust for personal enrichment, they not only undermine their authority but also erode the cultural and moral foundations of the society they are supposed to lead.

It is also worth noting the role of government institutions, such as the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), in this matter. However, the effectiveness of these institutions is often hampered by corruption, weak enforcement and political interference. The fight against illegal mining requires a coordinated effort from all stakeholders, including traditional authorities, government agencies, civil society and the general public.

The Asantehene’s actions should serve as a wake-up call to all those involved in, or complicit with illegal mining. The destruction of our environment and the exploitation of our resources for short-term gain must end. It is time for a renewed commitment to sustainable development and the responsible stewardship of our natural heritage.

The Asantehene has set a powerful example by destooling the Chiefs involved in galamsey. It is now up to all of usto follow his lead and take decisive action against those who seek to destroy our land and our future. The time to act is now!

WAPCO GM, Head of Communication visits WR GJA Press Centre

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KWESI ALFRED ADAMS
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WAPCO GM (3rd from right) together with Nuna Senaya with GJA Executives

The General Manager of West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCO), Dr. Isaac Doku and the Head of Communication Unit, Nuna Senaya, have visited the Western Region branch of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) Press Center at Takoradi.

The visit comes at a time the center is undergoing refurbishment under the leadership of the sitting Chairman, Desmond Cudjoe and his able Executives.

The GJA has extended SOS to corporate institutions particularly those in the Western region to support it to complete the refurbishment.

For now, VRA, ECG and a few companies and individuals including the Members of Parliament (MP) for both Tarkwa and Ellembelle, George Mireku Duker and Emmanuel Armah Buah respectively have extended a hand of support towards the refurbishment of the facility.

The WAPCO team was welcomed to the facility at 1:30 pm by the Vice president of the Association, Kwame Agbeli Mensa.

He took them around and briefed them on the refurbishing exercise being carried out by the Executives to put the facility in shape for use for media activities. He expressed the hope that WAPCO would support the ongoing exercise.

The WAPCO GM, Dr. Isaac Doku in a discussion with the executives indicated that having partnership with the media goes beyond extending a hand of help to the center. WAPCO, he indicated treasured the partnership it has with the media.

To that end, it was good to appreciate however where the refurbishment of the facility has reached.

He conceded having a conducive environment to practice the profession was important “and I appreciate you invited us.”

Having toured the facility, “We now have a good picture in our mind and will not be imagining things if request should come in. So look forward to the little we can do to see this place put to shape,” he remarked.

NDC reset means canceling free SHS and going back to Dumsor -Napo

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Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh addrressing a party rally

“The NDC’s reset means canceling the free Senior High School (SHS) social intervention policy and going back to gloomy days of Dumsor,” says Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, aka ‘Napo’, the vice-presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

He said the content of the NDCs 2024 manifesto does not bring any hope. Rather, it poses great danger to the progress of the country, so the NDC should be rejected.

The NPP running mate indicated that the NDC, particularly former President Mahama, would bring back the power crisis, popularly known as ‘Dumsor’.

He painfully recounted how businesses collapsed when the NDC administration, led by ex-President Mahama, plunged the country into ‘Dumsor’ for four consecutive years.

Napo sternly cautioned the electorates that if they mistakenly vote for John Mahama and the NDC, ‘Dumsor’ will return.

He also warned that the NDC would also scrap the free SHS programme, which has helped scores of Ghanaian youth to realise their ambitions of being in school.

“Under the watch of former President John Mahama, the country suffered severe power crisis in for four continuous years.

“Total mismanagement and bad leadership by John Mahama led us into that hardship, so we shouldn’t give him another chance to restore ‘Dumsor’”, Napo admonished.

According to him, it took the intervention of the President Nana Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government to save the country from the unending power crisis.

“The NPP, after the assumption of power in 2017, implemented better policies to effectively deal with the power crisis once and for all”, the NPP running mate said.

He also cautioned that the “NDC government will not hesitate to scrap the free SHS social intervention programme, so we should never give them the chance to come near power”.

Napo, who was addressing a mammoth crowd at Toase, on Tuesday, urged the citizenry to vote for Dr. Bawumia to save the free SHS policy and also prevent another ‘Dumsor’.

Okpebholo vows to tackle insecurity in Edo community

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Monday Okpebholo

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, promised to provide amenities for the people of Ologbo and ensure that the Marine Police that guides the riverine community is fully equipped.

Okpebholo stated this at Ologbo while on a ward-to-ward campaign tour of the Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state.

He appealed to the people of Ologbo to vote for the APC in the September 21 governorship election.

He said, “Our community is a border town. I will provide the required amenities and make sure the community is secured so that you will be comfortable and able to carry out your business in a peaceful environment.

“I heard they have taken your lands. I will return the lands to you immediately after I am sworn as the governor of the state, and I will ensure the roads in the community are tared to make them accessible without difficulty.

“I will make sure I tar the roads immediately I resume office as the governor of Edo State. I know fully well that the Ologbo community is a fishing community. I will make sure we provide soft loans and fishing equipment to enable the people to carry out their business.”

Concerns as mass abduction persists in Nigeria

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Some families wailing over the kidnap of their children

Last week, 20 medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos were abducted in Otukpo, Benue State. The students, who were on their way to Enugu State for a conference, have since been rescued, with the government accounting that no ransom was paid.

This is the latest of such mass abductions under President Bola Tinubu.

The first major case of mass abduction in the country was the kidnapping of the Chibok girls in 2014, followed by the Dapchi girls.

In the past couple of years, there has been a surge in kidnapping for ransom across the country, particularly in the North-West.

Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, mass abductions thrived, particularly in schools.

Mr Tinubu, who was sworn in in 2023, had promised to end “terrorism and general insecurity” in the country.

However, DAILY POST reports that banditry and kidnapping for ransom have continued to thrive.

In November last year, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, urged security heads to stem the tide of insecurity and launched the Anti-Kidnap Multi-Agency Fusion Cell.

In this report, DAILY POST reviews some of the major mass abductions in the last few months, highlighting the government’s inability to curb the menace of mass abduction.

287 Pupils of Kuriga

On March 7, 2024, a criminal gang kidnapped 287 pupils at a government secondary school in Kuriga, a town in Kaduna State.

Suspected bandits stormed the school and abducted the students. The abductors then demanded a ransom of N1 billion before releasing the pupils.

While the government openly claimed zero tolerance towards ransom payment, concerns remain as to how the government secured the release of the children after two weeks.

24 Students of the University of Gusau

In September 2023, bandits stormed the Federal University of Gusau and abducted 24 students and staff from the school.

The students spent over seven months in captivity before they were released by their captors.

It is unclear whether the government paid a ransom for the release of the victims.

Credit: dailypostng.com

Police arrest Naval officer for killing ex-Naval chief’s son in Abuja

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Arrested Naval officer

A Nigerian Navy personnel, Abdul Rasheed Muhammad, has been arrested for the murder of Aminu, the son of former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral I. I. Ibrahim (retd).

Speaking while parading the suspect on Wednesday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, said Muhammad killed Aminu and stole his car two weeks ago.

Igweh confirmed that the car had been recovered.
He said, “About two weeks ago, Aminu Ibrahim, the son of Vice Admiral I. I. Ibrahim (retd), a former Chief of Naval Staff, was robbed and killed in the Maitama area of Abuja, and his Prado SUV was taken. I want to inform you that Abdul Rasheed Muhammad, a serving Nigerian Navy personnel, committed the murder. He has confessed to the crime, and we have recovered the Prado Jeep.”

Speaking with journalists, Muhammad said he is a seaman in the Navy deployed to the former Chief of Naval Staff’s residence.

He said, “I work at the house. He wanted to go out at night, around 11:30. He said he needed security.

“So, I followed him with my gun. Along the way, he stopped to check his ATM, as if he was going to buy something.

“I thought maybe I was going to escort him to a market or somewhere. Then, when I came out through the other door, I shot him, took the car, and left. I’m a guard and a seaman in the Navy. He did not do anything to me; I killed him to steal his car.”

Also paraded were 94 members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, who were arrested following the death of two police officers on Sunday.

Credit: punchng.com

Fulfill your promise of provision of buses for students – NANS reminds Tinubu

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President Tinubu

Zonal Coordinators of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, have called on President Bola Tinubu to fulfil his promise of providing for student union bodies in the country.

The Coordinators, Comrades Bilal Lawal Kurfi, Northwest, Daniel Friday Egga, Zone C, Alao John, Zone D, Bappa Hassan Adam, Zone E and Chidi Nzekwe, Southeast, in a statement, urged the President not to forget his promise, saying delaying it was not in the interest of the students.

“The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zonal Coordinators wish to express our deep displeasure and concern regarding the recent developments surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s promise to provide buses for student union bodies in government-owned universities, colleges of education, and polytechnics nationwide. This promise, which was announced on July 13th, 2023, by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications & Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, was welcomed with high hopes and expectations by the entire student community.

“However, it is disappointing to note that several months have passed, and the promised buses have not been fully provided to the respective institutions.

“President Tinubu’s administration, as outlined in the statement, emphasized the importance of easing the burden of transportation costs for students, especially in light of the escalating fuel prices due to the removal of fuel subsidies. The initiative was seen as a critical intervention to alleviate the financial strain on students and their families. The President’s vision was clear: to ensure that no student is left behind due to economic challenges, and that accessing education remains a fundamental right, not a privilege limited by financial constraints.

“However, the failure to fully deliver on this promise has left students and their families grappling with the same transportation challenges the initiative aimed to resolve. The delay or lack of implementation raises serious concerns about the commitment of the government to the welfare of its citizens, particularly the youths who are the future of this nation.

“As Zonal Coordinators of NANS, we believe that a government that makes promises must also fulfill those promises. A government’s credibility is built on trust and the ability to deliver on its commitments. When promises are made and not kept, it not only erodes the trust of the people but also undermines the very foundation of governance and accountability.

Credit: vanguardngr.com

BoG Clarifies Currency Transfer Agreement with Liberia

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JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Dr. Ernest Addison, Governor of BoG

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has responded to recent social media claims suggesting improper conduct regarding the movement of uncirculated banknotes between Ghana and Liberia.

The Central Bank described the allegations as misleading and unfounded, reaffirming that the transfer of currency to the Central Bank of Liberia is part of a long-standing agreement established in 2004.

In an official statement issued by the Communications Team of BoG, the bank explained that it has consistently managed the receipt and transfer of currency on behalf of the Central Bank of Liberia, as per the established arrangement.

The recent discussions on social media, which questioned the integrity of this process, stemmed from a misunderstanding of routine procedures that have been in place for nearly two decades.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Bank of Ghana has a long-standing currency transfer arrangement with the Central Bank of Liberia since 2004.

“Per this agreement, the Bank of Ghana receives imported currency on behalf of the Central Bank of Liberia for re-export to Monrovia,” the statement read.

“The uncirculated banknotes mentioned in the social media discussions on August 27 are part of this long-standing arrangement.”

The Bank of Ghana emphasised that the process of transferring currency involves strict logistical and security measures, including informing all relevant stakeholders about the entry and exit of consignments.

The bank expressed disappointment that the circulation of a procedural and administrative clearance letter—a document meant for internal communication—had been taken out of context, leading to public misinformation.

“Currency management is a sensitive operation with security implications,” the statement continued.

“It is unfortunate that a lawmaker would circulate such a sensitive procedural and administrative clearance letter involving another sovereign nation in a bid to misinform and disinform the public and attach a narrative that seeks to suggest some wrongdoing on the part of the Bank of Ghana.”

The Bank of Ghana further underscored the importance of the currency transfer arrangement as a symbol of mutual trust and cooperation between Ghana and Liberia.

It noted that this relationship reflects the strong diplomatic ties between the two West African nations and the commitment of the Bank of Ghana to support its peers in the region.

“The arrangement between the Bank of Ghana and the Central Bank of Liberia signifies mutual trust between the two countries and is a testament to the strong bond of friendship between Accra and Monrovia,” the statement asserted.

In light of the controversy, the Bank of Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in currency management, both domestically and internationally.

The bank highlighted its state-of-the-art currency management operations, which are considered among the most advanced in the sub-region, and reassured the public of its dedication to upholding its reputation as a reliable and trustworthy institution.

“The Bank of Ghana has one of the most sophisticated state-of-the-art currency management operations within the sub-region and will continue to provide such support to its peer countries as per international best practice,” the statement concluded.

“We will continue to uphold our reputation as a reliable and trustworthy institution in all our international and domestic engagements in currency management.”

Over 100,000 self-employed Ghanaians enroll in SSNIT’s SEED Initiative

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JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Mr. Ignatius Baffour Ewuah, Minister for Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions addressing the media.

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has made remarkable progress in extending pension coverage to the self-employed, through its Self-Employed Enrollment Drive (SEED) Initiative.

Since its launch in May 2023 over 103,000 self-employed Ghanaians have been successfully enrolled, marking a significant stride towards financial security for a large segment of the nation’s workforce.

Mr. Ignatius Baffour Awuah, Minister for Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, announced this achievement at a recent press briefing organised by the Ministry of Information in Accra.

He emphasised that the SEED initiative was designed to address the persistent issue of low pension coverage among self-employed workers, who constitute a substantial portion of Ghana’s labor force.

Dignitaries present at the press briefing in a photo

“With SEED, we are democratising pension access, ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of employment status, can secure their future. This initiative is a game-changer for our self-employed citizens, who previously lacked the means to contribute towards pension,” Mr. Baffour Awuah remarked.

In the first half of 2024, SSNIT collected 90.8% of its projected private sector contributions, amounting to GHS 2.4 billion – just shy of the GHS 2.6 billion target.

Public sector contributions, however, exceeded expectations with SSNIT collecting GHS 3.2 billion, which represents 144% of the projected GHS 2.2 billion.

The SEED initiative itself has already garnered GHS 52.6 million in contributions, a figure expected to rise as more self-employed individuals join the scheme.

“Our focus extends beyond merely increasing coverage; we are committed to ensuring that these contributions result in meaningful benefits for our members. The success of SEED, thus far, reflects the trust self-employed Ghanaians place in SSNIT to protect their future,” the Minister added.

Beyond the success of the SEED initiative, Mr. Baffour Awuah highlighted that SSNIT’s total assets under management have grown substantiall-y, increasing from GHS 15.2 billion in December 2016 to GHS 71.69 billion by March 2024 – a staggering 350% growth over seven years.

In addition to expanding pension coverage, the government is also focusing on enhancing labour market services through the development of the Ghana Labour Market Information System (GLMIS).

Mr. Baffour Awuah disclosed that the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations is advancing the GLMIS database, designed to provide quality service delivery to job seekers and employers alike.

The platform, accessible online at www.glmis.gov.gh serves as a critical interface between job seekers and employers, facilitating efficient job matching and skills development.

The GLMIS is part of the broader Ghana Jobs and Skills Project, funded by the World Bank, which aims to support skills development and job creation.

“This platform will provide crucial data on skills in demand, identify training needs, and help employers make informed decisions in the labor market,” the Minister explained.

Mr. Baffour Awuah expressed optimism that the GLMIS would address issues of job mismatch, unemployment and underemployment, which are persistent challenges in Ghana’s labor market.

He noted that the platform would also generate timely reports on the true state of the labor market, enabling the government to implement targeted policy interventions for maximum impact.

Furthermore, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to responsible management of pension funds and the continuous improvement of labor market coordination, ensuring that all Ghanaians have the tools and support they need to secure their financial futures and find meaningful employment.

“The success of initiatives like SEED and the development of GLMIS underscores the importance of our fiduciary responsibilities.

“We will continue to safeguard pensions and enhance labor market services to ensure that every Ghanaian has the opportunity to thrive,” Mr. Baffour Awuah concluded.

Regional Collaboration Can Effectively Counter Security Threats In Africa-Prez Akufo-Addo

By
MAXWELL OFORI
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President Akufo-Addo shaking hands with his former Aide De Camp
A group photograph of dignitaries

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has called for a regional approach to deal with the increased security challenges that have beset Africa.

President Akufo-Addo inspecting the guard of honour mounted for him

The President highlighted the interconnected nature of security threats on the continent, ranging from terrorism and organized crime to cybersecurity and climate-induced risks.

“The security landscape in Africa is characterized by a variety of threats that are interconnected and often transcend national borders,” he said.

A device to communicate from deep ocean to space

The President continued, “Given the transnational nature of these threats, no single African country can address them alone. It is only through regional cooperation and collaboration that we can effectively counter these challenges.”

He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Second International Defence Exhibition and Conference 2024 held at the headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces on Wednesday, 28 August, 2024.

The conference brought together defense and security experts from Africa and dwelled on the need for better regional mechanisms to engage contemporary security threats.

Offshore PTL Vessel on display

Despite recent advancements in economic development and political stability, Africa still faces a multitude of complex security concerns, including terrorism, transnational organized crime, maritime piracy, cybersecurity threats, and the effects of climate change on human security.

President Akufo-Addo addressing the conference

In his address, President Akufo-Addo enumerated these challenges, warning of the substantial risks they pose to the sovereignty, progress, and welfare of African nations.

He specifically highlighted the rising threat of terrorism and violent extremism pervasive throughout various African regions, mentioning groups like Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab, and ISIS-affiliated factions such as JNIM.

These organizations, as the President noted, take advantage of political turmoil, economic hardship, and social grievances to recruit individuals, radicalize populations, and launch attacks.

“These groups are evolving, increasingly employing both conventional and unconventional strategies, including cyber warfare, to fulfill their agendas,” he cautioned.

The exhibition ongoing

Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo addressed the issue of transnational organized crime, which encompasses illegal activities such as drug and human trafficking, arms smuggling, and wildlife poaching. He underscored how these criminal enterprises destabilize economies and catalyze corruption, complicating the effective functioning of legitimate governance systems.

The President also brought attention to the need for bolstered maritime security, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, a region notorious for piracy.

He commended recent initiatives by the Nigerian and Ghanaian Navies that have substantially curtailed pirate activities in the area.

“The Gulf of Guinea has emerged as a global piracy hotspot, where criminal factions target commercial vessels and hold crew members ransom. Fortunately, recent decisive actions by the Nigerian and Ghanaian Navies have significantly diminished the pirates’ operations,” he remarked.

In discussing cybersecurity as a rising threat, President Akufo-Addo called for the creation of national cybersecurity strategies and the formation of cyber incident response teams.

He emphasized the critical role of public-private partnerships in strengthening cyber defense capabilities and advocated for increased awareness and education to safeguard against cyber threats.

The opening ceremony of the conference ongoing

In his final remarks, President Akufo-Addo urged for enhanced international collaboration and support to bolster Africa’s endeavors in improving regional security mechanisms.

He affirmed, “While the primary responsibility for Africa’s security lies with African nations, we must recognize the significance of international cooperation. Our global partners have a key role in supporting our initiatives to strengthen regional security frameworks.”

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