The Ghana Premier League is back again this weekend and football fans are thrilled and anticipating what their respective teams will do differently to get the needed result.
After two match days, it is very clear that this is going to be a long and interesting season. Some of the newly promoted sides have shown their mettle while others struggle to find their footing.
Officiating has so far been good and officials are required to maintain that standard and even look to improve it. Players, managers and fans have all shown a good sense of professionalism and that is good for the sport.
With the issue of hooliganism, which terrorized the game last season, it is clear that the measures placed are yielding results and the GFA should make this a long-term measure, not temporal.
Nations FC players
The president of Ghana, H.E John Dramani Mahama, when he was visited by Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars, assured that his government looks to bring back the high standard and competitiveness of the Ghana Premier League, as doing so would help build youth talents for Black Stars.
“Aside from that, as a token, at the start of the Ghana Premier League, we have managed to give every club something. It’s a start. I’m sure the fund will grow.
“So if we support the domestic league and it’s competitive, it will breed more talents and the Black Stars will benefit from those talents and be able to also represent Ghana abroad”, he stated.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has really upped their game with regards to what has transpired in the league so far.
After its partnership with Adesa Production and also with TV3 securing the TV license, the league is gradually gaining its standard and through TV3 having the license to broadcast, fans can sit in the comfort of their homes and enjoy the game.
Hearts, Eleven Wonders faceoff in Accra
Hearts of Oak looks forward to clinching their first home win of the season as they host Eleven Wonders at the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow.
Sitting 4th after two matches, Hearts would be looking forward to getting the results they seek. With their head coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, calling upon the fans to come to the stadium in their numbers. The improved performance of the Phobians should rally the fans to throng the Accra stadium to watch their matches.
Hearts haven’t been impressive against newly promoted sides and would be seeking to right the wrong this time around. Drawing against Hohoe United, a newly promoted side at home, fans would be anticipating what their team would do differently.
FC Samartex players
Mohammed Hussein is so far the top scorer of the team with one goal and would be eager to bag in more goals in this encounter. After the win away against Dreams, Hearts should be motivated enough to beat the visiting team.
Eleven Wonders, upon returning to the top flight, haven’t been inspiring. With a point from two matches played so far, Wonders would seek a win to end their drought.
Defensively, Eleven Wonders have had some lapses, which speaks less of them. Having conceded 4 goals and scored only 1, Wonders would be using this encounter to change the narrative.
Hearts of Oak have met with Eleven Wonders seven times, with Hearts winning 3, Eleven Wonders winning 1, and 3 matches ended in draw. Hearts of Oak looks to have the upper hand, but the teams’ recent struggles with newly promoted sides says otherwise.
Nations host Samartex
Nations looks to return to winning ways as they host Samartex on match day 3 of the Ghana Premier League.
Coming from an away loss to Aduana, Nations would be eager to bounce back. After falling short two seasons ago, Nations would be seeking to prove a point this time around.
They have conceded 2 goals so far. This clearly shows they have some defensive struggles which should be addressed by the manager. Nations have secured 3 points from the last 6 available, losing is not an option heading into this match.
Samartex on the other hand have had struggles of their own. With 2 points from 2 matches, Samartex have had a shaky start to the season and would be eager to seal their first win of the season. They have not been clinical in the face of goal and going into this game, would seek to bag in some goals. Samartex have never won a competitive match against Nations and would be looking forward to rewrite the narrative this time around.
Karela welcome Medeama
Karela looks forward to maintaining home dominance as they host Medeama. Coming from an away draw against Samartex, Karela would be looking forward to getting a win at home. Securing 4 points from 2 matches played, Karela would be going into this match with nothing but a win as their motive. Karela has scored 2 and conceded one this season.
Techiman Eleven Wonders FC players
Going into this game from a marvelous 4-0 win over Visions, Medeama would be looking forward to continuing their winning streak. With 6 points from the last 6 available and also sitting 1st on the league log, Medeama would be eager to maintain their position at the top. Medeama have had a free scoring run with 6 goals scored after two matches and any opponent would have to do their homework right before meeting this team. Medeama’s Owusu is currently the top scorer for the league, and the team would be looking to add more to his tally.
These teams have met 12 times, with Karela winning 3, Medeama winning 5, and 4 matches ending in a draw. It is a close encounter, and nothing is assured as the team that impresses could win.
Medeama have been clinical in the face of a goal and would be a threat going into this game. But Karela would have to be defensively stable if they are to get something from this game.
Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars won’t be playing this weekend as they both are going away in the CAF Confederations Cup and CAF Champions League, respectively.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has vowed to make life “uncomfortable” for criminals in Ghana, following the successful dismantling of a violent robbery syndicate responsible for a string of coordinated attacks on financial institutions across the country.
In what authorities have described as one of the most complex and successful police operations in recent years, a special task force arrested 10 suspects, killed three others in a gun battle and placed three more fugitives on its radar.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, the IGP reaffirmed the Police Administration’s unwavering commitment to rooting out criminal networks.
“We will continue to pursue you until you are brought to justice. There will be no safe haven for criminals in Ghana,” he stated.
Details
Between April and September 2025, the gang orchestrated 12 violent bank robberies across six regions, targeting rural banks and credit unions in towns such as; Fomena, Takoradi Inchaban, Asokwa, Kukuom, Offinso, Elmina, Winneba, Akim Asene and Ahafo Kenyasi.
Their operations followed a chilling pattern: security guards were held hostage, police weapons snatched, vaults broken open using industrial cutting tools and large sums of money looted.
At least three AK-47 rifles, later recovered, were confirmed to be police-issued weapons stolen during previous robberies, including one taken from a slain officer in 2024.
Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Donkor, provided detailed updates said “The syndicate, armed with pump action guns and AK-47s, carried out coordinated attacks with precision.
“Their violence extended to murdering a police officer, overpowering armed guards and seizing weapons during their raids.”
Key Arrests and Shootouts
The multi-regional police operation led to significant breakthroughs: Kwasi Agyei, alias Cobra, believed to be the gang leader, was arrested at Esereso Adagya.
Two stolen AK-47 rifles buried in a pond behind his house were retrieved.
David Obuobi, alias Wasty, was arrested at Ejisu Achiaakrom. His room contained 7 pump action guns, 4 pistols, over 130 rounds of ammunition and robbery tools.
Kwaku Peprah, alias X5 and two other suspects – Natty Bongo and Boozin – were fatally shot during armed confrontations with police in separate locations.
The gang’s weapons cache included 14 firearms, 96 rounds of AAA ammunition and over GH¢18,000 in cash, plus foreign currencies and six vehicles.
Police have also impounded several getaway vehicles, including Toyota Hiace, Toyota Voxy, Toyota Corolla and Opel Astra cars used in their operations.
Banks Targeted by the Gang
Adansi Rural Bank – Fomena (April 10, 2025)
Lower Pra Rural Bank – Inchaban (April 24, 2025)
Asokore Rural Bank – Kumasi (May 18, 2025)
Ahafo Kukuom Rural Bank – Kukuom (May 30, 2025)
Nnwabiagya Rural Bank – Offinso (July 10, 2025)
Bosomtwi Rural Bank – Suntreso (July 18, 2025)
Kakum Rural Bank – Elmina (August 4, 2025)
MRB Bank – Winneba (August 15, 2025)
South Birim Rural Bank – Akim Asene (August 16, 2025)
Ecobank – Ahafo Kenyasi (September 8, 2025)
St. Martin De Pores Credit Union – Atonsu Monaco (September 14, 2025)
Wenchi NIB Bank (August 25, 2025)
These coordinated attacks sparked nationwide concern and led the Ghana Police to commit major intelligence resources to dismantle the group.
How the Operation Unfolded
The police revealed that the operation spanned nearly a year and was the result of meticulous planning, data analysis and collaboration with informants across regions including Ashanti, Ahafo, Western, Central and Eastern.
The turning point came with the identification of one Kwabena Owusu Ansah, alias Kobby, an ex-convict believed to be the syndicate’s recruiter and operations planner.
His arrest remains outstanding, but police say they are closing in on him. In total, the police conducted coordinated raids in over 10 towns recovering not only weapons but stolen items, including mobile phones, jewelry and bank surveillance equipment.
Recovered Police Weapon Linked to Fallen Officer
One of the most significant recoveries was an AK-47 rifle marked GHGP/ASH/TEPA/TP/B-1523, a service weapon taken from the late G/Cpl. Francis Adu Yaw, who was murdered in November 2024. This link further confirms the group’s involvement in previous high-profile attacks.
Suspects in Custody and At Large
So far, 10 members of the syndicate have been arrested and are in police custody, three (3) other suspects were shot dead following an exchange of fire with the police during the operation, and efforts are ongoing to get the remaining suspects arrested.
The suspects are: Akwesi Agyei alias Cobra; Ibrahim Alhassan; Samuel Appiah alias Akwesi Mugu; Francis Acquah alias Preman; David Obuobi alias Wasty; Martin Akansina alias One Billion; Nana Yaw Frimpong alias Mystical; Kojo Atingawo alias Borga; Samuel Akwasi Gyan; Stephen Sey; Kwaku Peprah alias X5 (deceased); Boozin (deceased); Kwabena Owusu Ansah (at large) and Albert (at large).
All suspects in custody are expected to be arraigned before court in the coming days.
Heartfelt Commendations
The IGP and the Director-General of CID both extended heartfelt commendations to the Ashanti Regional Police Commander and all personnel involved in the operation.
They also acknowledged the vital role of credible public tip-offs, encouraging continued public cooperation.
COP Lydia Donkor concluded with a stern warning to criminals: “To the criminals out there, always remember – you may run and hide, but we will get you. We are coming for you.”
Furthermore, the Ghana Police Service is urging citizens to remain alert, report suspicious activities and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure safety and security across the nation.
The IGP also assured that credible informants will continue to be rewarded, reinforcing the role of public collaboration in crime-fighting.
Ladies and gentlemen of the press good morning. On behalf of the Inspector-General of Police and Members of the Police Management Board, I am delighted to welcome you to the Election Command Center of the National Police Headquarters for this morning’s briefing.
As the IGP indicated, I will give you the full briefing on this major success choked by the Ghana Police Service in our crime fighting efforts especially against armed robberies.
Introduction
Through sustained intelligence operations over a period of 6 months, the Ghana Police Service under the able leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno has successfully dismantled a notorious criminal syndicate who have been behind several robberies in various regions of the country. The syndicate, believed to be made up of about fifteen (15) persons, have carried out mainly bank robberies in the Ahafo, Western, Central, Eastern and Ashanti region in addition to other robberies.
Suspects
So far, ten (10) members of the syndicate have been arrested and are in police custody, three (3) other suspects were shot dead following an exchange of fire with the police during the operation and efforts are on-going to get the remaining suspects arrested.
The suspects are; Akwesi Agyei @ Cobra; Ibrahim Alhassan; Samuel Appiah @Akwesi Mugu; Francis Acquah @ Preman; David Obuobi @Wasty; Martin Akansina @ One Billion; Nana Yaw Frimpong @ Mystical; Kojo Atingawo @ Borga; Samuel Akwasi Gyan Stephen Sey; Kwaku Peprah @ X5 (deceased); Boozin (deceased); Kwabena Owusu Ansah (at large) and Albert (at large).
Banks Affected
Banks that were attacked by this criminal syndicate include:
Adansi Rural Bank/ Fomena: 10/04/2025
Lower Pra Rural Bank/Takoradi Inchaban: 24/04/2025
Asokore Rural Bank/Asokwa: 18/05/2025
The recovered weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns and pistols
Ahafo Kukom Rural Community Bank/ Branch: 30/05/2025
Nnwabiagya Rural Bank/Offinso: 10/07/2025
Bosomtwi Rural Bank/Suntreso: 18/07/2025
Kakum Rural Bank/ Elmina: 04/08/2025
MRB Bank/Winneba: 15/08/2025
South Birim Rural Bank/Akim Asene: 16/08/2025
Ecobank Ahafo Kenyasi Branch: 08/09/2025
Martin De Pores Co-Op Credit Union/Atonsu Monaco: 14/09/2025
Brief Facts of Robberies
On 10th April 2025 at about 1:00am this gang, attacked and robbed the Adansi Rural Bank at Fomena and made away with an undisclosed amount of money and two (2) pump action guns belonging to the security men on duty. The gang scaled the bank wall, tied up the security men, and cut the security door with an industrial electric cutting machine before gaining access in to the bank’s vault.
On 23rd April 2025 at 4:00am the same gang armed with pump action guns attacked and robbed the Lower Pra Rural bank at Takoradi Inchaban. The robbers broke into the bank and used an industrial electric cutter to cut the bank’s vault and made away with the money in the vault.
On 18th May 2025 about 1:45am, the same group armed with pump action guns robbed the Asokore Rural Bank, at Wood Village Kumasi and made away with cash from the bank’s vault and also bolted with one (1) pump action gun with six AAA live ammunition and cash the sum of GHC 2,060.00 belonging to the security guard on duty, who they tied up and abandoned.
On 30th May 2025 the same men armed with 3 pump action guns broke into the Ahafo Community Bank at Kukuom, after having held the security man captive and tying his hands behind his back. The robbers broke into the bank vault with an electric cutting machine and made away with the cash.
On 10th July 2025, these robbers armed with pump action guns, stormed the Nnwabiagya Rural Bank at Offinso, took the security guard hostage, tied his legs and hands at the back. They broke into the banking hall but could not get access into the vault. They then bolted with Eleven (11) AAA live ammunition.
On 18th July 2025, same gang broke into the Bosomtwi Rural Bank at Edwenase, Kumasi. However, the swift response of the Police, foiled their plans and they bolted from the bank premises.
On 4th August 2025 the same gang armed with pump action guns besieged the Kakum Rural bank premises, accosted the security guards including the Police officer on duty, tied them up and proceeded to the banking hall. They used an electric cutter to cut open the vault and made away with the money.
On 15th August 2025, at about 1:00am a gang armed with Pump action guns broke into the MRB bank premises off the Winneba- Swedru road, held some bank staff residing closer to the bank hall hostage and attempted to rob the bank. Their attempt to cut open the vault as usual failed, due to the prompt response of Police Patrol team. However, they managed to escape after firing shots at the Police Patrol team, meanwhile they left behind one pump action gun loaded with 8 cartridges and one (1) industrial electric cutter.
On 16th August 2025 at 1:45am the same gang proceeded to Akim Asene where they robbed the South Birim Rural Bank. Armed with pump action guns, they entered the bank premises, held the security man hostage and later bolted with cash from the bank.
On 25th August 2025 the gang again armed with three pump action guns stormed Wenchi NIB bank, tied the security man and held him hostage. They broke into the bank vault and made away with the money.
On 8th September 2025, the gang again armed with three (3) pump action guns and one (1) Ak-47 rifle, stormed the Ecobank, Kenyasi premises, and due to their large number held the two Police officers on duty hostage at gunpoint and seized their two AK-47 rifles loaded with ammunition, together with 3 mobile phones. Their attempt to cut open the main vault failed due to faulty electric industrial cutter machine. They then bolted with the Two (2) Service AK-47 rifles.
On Sunday 14th September 2025, at 3:30am the same gang armed with pump action guns and Three (3) AK-47 rifles broke into St. Martin Depores Cooperative Credit Union at Atonsu Monaco, held the security man and his wife hostage and robbed the bank of an amount of money. Police on arrival at the scene, retrieved one AK-47 rifle magazine loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition.
Exhibits Recovered
The police have also retrieved the following exhibits from the suspects:
Three (3) AK-47 assault rifles
One (1) single barrel gun with one AAA ammunition
Seven (7) pump action guns and 96 rounds of AAA ammunition
Three (3) Bruni pistols with 40 rounds of ammunition
One (1) M&P pistol with 4 rounds of ammunition
Cash sum of GH¢18,845.00, 104USD, 190 Liberian Dollars, 5,800 Niara, 31,000 CFA and quantity of assorted GH¢ coins
Six (6) vehicles
four (4) m/bikes
Assorted mobile phones and jewelries
It is worth noting that, one of the AK-47 rifles marked GHGP/ASH/TEPA/TP/B-1523, retrieved from this gang, was a Police service weapon issued to No 48034 G/Cpl. Francis Adu Yaw then at Tepa Police District Headquarters, who was sadly attacked by armed robbers and killed on the Bibiani-Goaso Highway on 29th November 2024 while he was returning from an official duty.
This is an indication that this same gang committed that heinous crime. The other two AK-47 rifles, also Service weapons, were snatched from officers who were on duty at Ecobank Ahafo Kenyasi when they were attacked by a gang of armed robbers on 8th September, 2025.
Details of the Operation
Between November 2024 and September 2025, the Police Administration responded to a of series of Bank robberies across the country. A critical analysis of these robberies revealed a similar modus operandi employed by the robbers. Their modus was that, the gang armed with pump action guns attack a bank, hold the security guards hostage, snatch their weapons and use industrial cutting machines to break into the vault of the bank.
Targeted intelligence gathering across the affected regions led Police to one of the suspects, one Kwabena Owusu Ansah @ Kobby an ex-convict who is believed to be the mastermind who recruited several others for the robbery operations.
On 18/09/25 an intelligence team proceeded to Esereso Adagya where sustained surveillance led to the arrest of suspect Kwasi Agyei @ Cobra, the leader of the gang in his hideout at Esereso Adagya. A search conducted in his house and its surroundings led to the retrieval of two (2) AK-47 rifles marked BA 406069 and AB 405216 with a magazine loaded with Thirteen (13) rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack buried in a pond of water behind his house.
The said weapons were police rifles which were snatched from Police men on duty at Ecobank Kanyase branch on 8th September, 2025. A Toyota Noah mini bus with registration number AS 2956-25 was also recovered and impounded.
On interrogation suspect Kwasi Agyei @ Cobra admitted to the robberies and mentioned suspects Kwabena Owusu-Ansah @ Kobby, David Obuobi @Kofi David/Wasty, Francis Acquah @ Playman, Stephen Sey, Martin Akansina @ One Billion, Kwaku Peprah @ X5, Nana Yaw Frimpong @ Mystical, Kojo Atingawo @Borga, Alhassan Ibrahim, Samuel Appiah @ Akwesi Mugu, Samuel Akwasi Gyan, Natty Bongo, Boozin and Albert as his accomplices in the various robberies.
Seized mobile phones
Further intelligence led to the arrest of David Obuobi @ Wasty, a trotro driver from his hideout at Ejisu Achiaakrom. A search conducted in his room revealed Seven (7) pump action guns, Ninety-Seven (97) live rounds of AAA ammunition, Four (4) foreign pistols and Thirty- Six (36) live rounds of 9mm ammunition, a hammer, metal cutter, five (5) heavy duty metal chisels and assorted mobile phones. A red-coloured Toyota Hiace mini bus with registration number AS 9039-21 used in conveying the suspects to the various robbery destinations was also recovered and impounded.
The team later arrested suspect Stephen Sey at Atonsu-Kyirapatre. A search in his silver-coloured Toyota Corolla saloon car No. GG 47-21 led to the retrieval of One AK-47 assault rifle marked GHGP/ASH/TEPA/TP/B-1523 with a magazine loaded with Twenty-Five (25) rounds of ammunition concealed in the front passenger door card. The said AK-47 rifle was observed to be the same Police service rifle which was robbed from the Police officer who was shot and killed by the robbers.
Police moved to Ahwia-Zongo, Aputuogya-Abuontem and Kaase-BOST and arrested suspects Ibrahim Alhassan, 30yrs, taxi driver, Francis Acquah @ Preman, 30yrs, trailer driver and Martin Akansina @ One Billion, 43yrs, truck pusher respectively. A red and yellow Opel Astra taxi cab with registration No. GT 1992- V and a black Apsonic motor bike No. M-25-AW-2177 were retrieved from suspects Ibrahim Alhassan and Martin Akansina respectively.
The team proceeded to Asuofua where suspect Kwaku Pepprah @ X5 who engaged in a shootout with the police got shot. A Bruni pistol loaded with 4 rounds of ammunition was retrieved from him.
Another team proceeded to Esereso Living Waters and arrested suspect Kwadwo Atingawo, 35yrs, a drinking spot operator and retrieved one single barrel gun and one AAA cartridge from him. The team then went to Apromase near Oduom to arrest suspect Kwabena Owusu Ansah @ Kobby but met his absence. His red Toyota Corolla No. GR 6076-18 and black Suzuki m/bike No. M-25-AS-9360 were impounded for investigation.
On 19/09/25, acting upon information that the pump action gun robbed at St Martin De Pores Co-Operative Credit Union at Atonsu-Monaco on 14/09/25 was in the custody of suspect Natty Bongo who lived at Pakyi and Obuasi. A a team moved to the location for his arrest. However, the suspect got shot during an exchange of fire with the police. Two pump action guns numbers ASAX-10158-2020 (robbed at the St Martin De Pores) and ASAQ-9367-23, 31 rounds of AAA ammunition and one M&P pistol loaded with 4 rounds of 9mm ammunition were retrieved from him.
The team further proceeded to Buoho near Kronum and arrested suspects Samuel Akwasi Appiah @ Akwesman, 37yrs, trotro driver and Yaw Frimpong @ Nana Yaw @ Mystical, 32yrs, an apprentice from their hideouts. A black unregistered Toyota Voxy vehicle was retrieved from suspect Samuel Akwasi Appiah @ Akwesman.
Suspects Kwaku Peprah @ X5, Natty Bongo and Boosen Akwesi Appiah who engaged Police in a shootout during the operation were shot and died while receiving medical attention. The bodies have been deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Investigation
From investigation conducted so far, I can report that some of the suspects, upon interrogation have confessed to their involvement in the robberies. In addition, investigation has been able to confirm that some of the suspects were present at the various crime scenes around the time the robberies occurred. Also, during an identification parade, some of the suspects were positively identified by some victims of the robbery. Additionally, some of the exhibits including the AK-47 rifles, some of the pump action gun and mobile phones have also been positively identified. Investigation is still ongoing.
Seized crow bars and hammers
All the suspects are in custody and will be put before the court while efforts are intensified to get those at large arrested.
Conclusion
Before I conclude, I would like to once again highly commend the Ashanti Regional Commander and all the officers whose dedication and professionalism contributed to this successful operation. We are indeed proud of you. I wish to make special mention of my boss, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, sir, your special competencies in intelligence operations and your leadership guided this operation and many others to success. We are most grateful
Ladies and gentlemen, we wish to assure the good people of Ghana that the Ghana Police Service will continue to work around the clock to ensure security, law and order at all times in the country. As always, we call on all our stakeholders and the general public to continue to support the police, report suspicious activities and share credible information with the police. To the criminals out there, always remember that you may run and hide, but we will surely get you arrested to face the full rigours of the law; we are coming for you.
The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM), a leading civil society organisation focused on governance and environmental justice, has launched a scathing critique on President John Dramani Mahama’s approach to the illegal mining, commonly known in Ghana as galamsey.
In a statement released in Accra, the CDM described President Mahama’s current stance on the issue as “hypocritical,” “unconvincing,” and “a betrayal of public trust,” pointing to what it called a troubling inconsistency between his pre-election promises and his current leadership decisions.
Mounting Environmental and Humanitarian Crisis
The CDM’s concerns come amid growing alarm over the devastating impact of galamsey operations on Ghana’s environment, water systems and rural livelihoods.
“Illegal mining continues to poison Ghana’s vital water bodies, including the Pra, Ankobra and Offin rivers and scar once-fertile lands beyond repair.
The livelihoods of farmers, fisherfolk and entire rural communities are collapsing under the weight of polluted waters, deforestation and degraded soil,” the statement said.
In many mining-affected regions, entire ecosystems are being wiped out. Water treatment plants are under strain due to high levels of mercury, arsenic and other contaminants.
Insecurity has worsened in affected areas, forcing some residents to migrate across borders into neighbouring countries.
“This is not just an environmental crisis,” CDM warned, “but a humanitarian and national security emergency that is undermining Ghana’s democratic stability and future.”
Mahama’s Changing Tune: Then vs. Now
The heart of CDM’s critique is what it describes as President Mahama’s “flip-flop” on how to handle illegal mining. The group accuses the President of backtracking on bold declarations he made while in opposition.
CDM recalled that as an opposition leader, Mr. Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) advocated strongly for the declaration of a national emergency to tackle illegal mining.
“While in opposition, Mahama frequently described galamsey as a national emergency and called for extraordinary measures to address it,” the statement noted, adding “he, along with NDC officials, promised to declare a state of emergency and repeal the controversial Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which allows mining in forest reserves.” What is L.I. 2462?
Legislative Instrument 2462, passed under a previous administration, permits mining in forest reserves under certain conditions.
Environmental activists and civil society groups have condemned the LI, arguing it opens the door for destructive exploitation of protected lands.
The CDM cited recent comments by President Mahama that suggest a clear deviation from his previous stance.
“I have been reluctant to implement a state of emergency in the galamsey fight because we have not exhausted the powers available to us without such a declaration,” President Mahama reportedly said at a policy dialogue earlier this year.
To the CDM, this justification is unacceptable. “This is in stark contrast to his campaign rhetoric, where he repeatedly framed the galamsey menace as an existential threat to the nation’s survival, a crisis requiring emergency powers,” CDM stated.
The organisation argues that Mahama’s current reluctance to act decisively contradicts the moral urgency he previously espoused, and suggests that “political convenience may now outweigh ethical leadership.”
Failure of Successive Governments
While the statement focuses on President Mahama, the CDM was quick to add that both past and present administrations have failed to address the galamsey crisis with the urgency and impartiality it deserves.
“Successive governments, regardless of political party, have made lofty promises to eradicate galamsey, yet the practice persists. In many cases, illegal mining is protected by political patrons and powerful elites,” the group said.
CDM warned that without firm and impartial enforcement of Ghana’s environmental laws, the country’s natural resources will continue to be depleted, possibly beyond recovery.
“The continued failure to enforce the law has created an atmosphere of impunity. The time for half-measures is over. A state of emergency is long overdue.” A Call for Ethical and Decisive Leadership
CDM’s statement concluded with a strong appeal to President Mahama to honour the social contract he made with Ghanaians and to show consistency between his words and actions.
“For someone who once decried inaction and demanded sweeping measures, this change in tone raises serious questions. Has the fight against illegal mining been sacrificed at the altar of political expediency?”
The civil society organisation urged other advocacy groups, traditional leaders and citizens to continue holding the government accountable in protecting the environment and future generations.
The simmering controversy over Ghana’s cocoa syndication reform has erupted into a full-blown political spat, as former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, launches a fierce rebuttal against former COCOBOD Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Joseph Boahen Aidoo.
At the heart of the dispute is the Akufo-Addo administration’s decision during its final years to cancel Ghana’s long-standing practice of using offshore syndicated loans to pre-finance cocoa purchases.
The bold move marked a major shift in the financing of Ghana’s most valuable export crop and has since become a politically charged issue, especially within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a widely circulated publication, Mr. Aidoo accused Dr. Acheampong of “blatant intellectual plagiarism,” claiming that the former Minister is wrongfully taking credit for a policy he never supported.
Joseph Boahen Aidoo
The former COCOBOD CEO described the former Food and Agriculture minister’s conduct as “a shameful attempt to arrogate glory to himself for a policy he never believed in, opposed ferociously and even wished dead.”
But in a sharp and detailed rejoinder, the Communications Directorate of Dr. Bryan Acheampong has refuted the allegations, describing them as misleading, inconsistent and politically motivated.
According to the statement, Dr. Acheampong, while serving as Minister for Food and Agriculture under President Akufo-Addo, played a central role in both the conception and implementation of the no-syndication cocoa financing policy.
“As Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong formally presented to Cabinet memorandum recommending the cancellation of the syndicated cocoa loan to the President.
“This reform was executed under his watch, with his direct leadership in policy articulation, Cabinet engagement and national rollout,” the statement said.
The Directorate accused Mr. Boahen Aidoo of conveniently shifting narratives in a bid to protect his own legacy.
They challenged his claim of being the architect of the policy, asking why, if he had truly spearheaded the idea, he appeared unaware of its presentation to Cabinet or its eventual approval.
“Mr. Boahen Aidoo’s assertion that he is ‘now hearing’ that Dr. Bryan Acheampong clandestinely submitted the policy to Cabinet is a glaring contradiction. If he authored the policy, how could he be unaware of its official Cabinet submission? His contradiction undermines the credibility of his entire claim,” the statement added.
The team also pointed out that despite Mr Boahen Aidoo’s tenure as COCOBOD CEO spanning eight years — from 2017 to 2023 — he never initiated or implemented the cancellation of the syndicated loan model.
The policy was only adopted after Dr. Bryan Acheampong assumed the ministerial role in 2023.
“If Mr Aidoo truly believed in ending syndicated loans, why did he not act between 2017 and 2023? Why wait until Bryan became Minister before implementation took place? The timeline speaks for itself.”
The statement further asserted that the implementation of the new policy had led to tangible, historic outcomes, notably the sharp increase in the producer price of cocoa. Under Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s tenure as Minister, the cocoa producer price reportedly rose from GH¢800 in 2022 to GH¢3,100 in 2024, representing a 278% increase — the highest in recent history.
According to his team, this dramatic price adjustment was made possible through the financial flexibility achieved under the no-syndication policy model.
In addition, the Communications Directorate revealed that over $4 billion had been secured in deposits from international cocoa buyers under the new financing framework, further demonstrating its success and viability.
Beyond the policy specifics, the statement addressed broader issues of governance and credit attribution.
It explained that in Ghana’s political and administrative structure, it is ministers – not agency heads like the CEO of COCOBOD – who hold the constitutional mandate to develop, propose and implement policy.
“This is not just convention; it is constitutional. Ministers are political heads of their respective sectors. The role of implementing agencies is to execute ministerial directives, not set national policy,” the statement said.
“Just as Free SHS is attributed to the Minister of Education and One District One Factory to the Minister of Trade, so too should the cocoa syndication reform be credited to the Minister for Food and Agriculture, under whose tenure the reform was executed,” the statement added.
According to the statement, the ultimate responsibility for all major policies rest with the President, who sets the agenda and authorises ministerial execution through Cabinet.
According to them, Dr. Bryan Acheampong simply carried out the vision of the President by implementing a bold and transformative reform during his ministerial tenure.
“The success of this policy is not about individual ego or legacy; it is about national progress. However, credit must be accurately assigned. Bryan did not oppose the policy — he led its execution.”
In a more direct challenge, Bryan’s team asked why COCOBOD had continued to rely on syndicated loans throughout Aidoo’s eight-year leadership if he had always supported a no-syndication approach.
The Directorate argued that the implementation happened under Bryan’s leadership for a reason, it was he who had the political courage and executive clarity to make the bold change.
Though the tone of the statement was firm, it ended with a call for unity, urging members of the NPP and the wider Ghanaian public to focus on collective achievements rather than internal disputes.
“As we look ahead, it is vital that we focus on what unites us as a party and as a nation. The cocoa syndication reform is a landmark achievement of the Akufo-Addo administration – a victory not just for Bryan Acheampong, but for Ghanaian cocoa farmers and the country as a whole.”
The public disagreement, however, appears to reflect deeper undercurrents within the ruling party as potential contenders prepare for future leadership contests.
Dr. Bryan Acheampong is widely seen as a serious aspirant for the NPP’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2026 elections, and the debate over credit for major reforms like the cocoa financing policy could shape the political narrative in the months to come.
As the cocoa sector celebrates financial independence and improved earnings for farmers, the political battle over who made it possible seems far from over.
A 48-year-old private school administrator, Nii Quarshie Djabum, has been arraigned before Circuit Court 8 in Accra for allegedly engaging in a fraudulent land transaction involving two plots at Kokrobite in the Greater Accra Region.
The accused, who pleaded not guilty to the charge of Fraudulent Transaction of Land contrary to Section 277(2)(a) of the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), appeared yesterday before His Honour Jojo Amoah Hagan.
He was granted bail in the sum of GH¢250,000 with two sureties, one of whom must be justified by landed property. The original title document is to be deposited at the registry of the court until final determination of the case.
According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Ebenezer Teye-Okuffo, the complainant, Dr. John Opeta Mate-Kole, a physician residing at Asylum Down, was introduced to the accused through an intermediary, one James Acheampong. The accused was said to be offering two plots of land at Kokrobite for sale at GH¢750,000.
On May 2, 2025, the complainant paid GH¢500,000.08 in cash to the accused and was issued a receipt. However, upon requesting documentation before paying the balance, the accused allegedly disclosed that the land did not belong to him but rather to another individual.
Despite this, the complainant was allowed to begin construction and invested an additional GH¢12,000 in building materials. The development was halted when one Enoch, an agent of the actual landowner, Richard Alpha Obush, intervened.
Investigations later revealed that the accused had no authorization to sell the land and had kept all the proceeds from the transaction. The complainant was ultimately prevented from accessing or developing the land by the rightful owner and his representatives.
Efforts to recover the funds proved unsuccessful. The accused refunded only GH¢200,000 to the complainant and later an additional GH¢50,000.08 to the police following his arrest on September 12, 2025.The case has been adjourned to October 30, 2025.
The Circuit Court 8 in Accra, presided over by His Honour Jojo Amoah Hagan, has remanded four Nigerian nationals into police custody for their alleged involvement in a string of thefts and unlawful entries at Baatsonaa in the Greater Accra Region.
The accused — Moses Chinedu (26, carpenter), Ugochukwu Onyeka (24, trader), Obumneke Nnebuo (26, unemployed), and Wisdom Ugochukwu (26, trader) — were brought before the court on seven counts ranging from conspiracy to steal, unlawful entry, causing unlawful damage, and theft.
However, the court could not take their plea as the accused requested for proceedings to be interpreted in Igbo, their native language. Due to the unavailability of an Igbo interpreter, the prosecution, led by Sergeant Priscilla Avorgah, prayed the court to remand the suspects into police custody until the next sitting.
Charges
According to the charge sheet, the accused persons conspired on September 18, 2025, to break into two apartments at Baatsonaa occupied by Leslie Nii Fio Mensah, a self-employed individual, and Abraham Kwaku Frimpong, a freight forwarder with the intent to steal.
They are accused of scaling the fence wall of the residence during working hours, forcefully breaking into the rooms of both complainants, and stealing various valuable items.
Stolen Items
From Mr. Mensah’s room, the accused allegedly stole items valued at GH¢17,300, including: HP Laptop (GH¢4,000), Samsung Tablet S6 Lite (GH¢3,000), Samsung Phones A32 and A33 (GH¢1,500 & GH¢ 2,000), two JBL Bluetooth speakers (GH¢5,000) and bluetooth headsets, wristwatch, and other items.
From Mr. Frimpong’s apartment, the accused reportedly made away with items and cash totalling GH¢8,170, UD$2,200, and £2,500, including iPads, Microsoft Surface laptop, mobile phones, wristwatch, men’s wear, and jewelry, backpacks, and foreign currency.
Investigation and Arrest
Following a police report, investigations led to the tracking of one of the stolen tablets to Millicent Hotel, also located in Baatsonaa. A dawn raid on September 19 at about 3:00 am revealed all the stolen items in the possession of the accused.
Police say further investigations revealed that the accused had only recently entered Ghana and lodged at the said hotel. Their alleged plan was to target homes during working hours and steal valuables — with the complainants’ residence being the third such house they reportedly entered.
The plea of the accused was not taken due to the language barrier. The case has been adjourned to October 6, 2025, for an Igbo interpreter to be provided. The case is being handled by Detective Police Inspector Gertrude Serjara.
The Ghana Education Service’s alarm over the disturbing rise in bleaching, tattooing and multiple piercings among pupils must not be taken lightly. What was once seen as the indulgence of a few has now become a troubling phenomenon spreading among our young people. This is more than just a question of appearance it is a clear sign of deeper social, cultural and health challenges that demand urgent, holistic responses.
It is sad and, indeed, absurd to see teenagers the future leaders of this country engaging in bleaching and permanently marking their bodies with tattoos at such tender ages. Beyond the obvious health risks, these practices reflect a growing crisis of values and identity. Ghana cannot afford to ignore this.
Government must lead the way by putting in place holistic measures to combat this growing trend. First, the smuggling of harmful bleaching products into the country must be addressed decisively. These creams do not appear on the shelves by magic, they are allowed through porous borders and weak enforcement.
The Food and Drugs Authority, Customs and Security agencies must step up their vigilance to stop the inflow of such dangerous substances that prey on the insecurities of our young people.
At the community level, parents must be brought into the conversation. Too many parents are either unaware of what their children are doing or are willfully turning a blind eye. Head teachers and school authorities should use PTA meetings as platforms to educate parents about the dangers of bleaching and body mutilation. An informed parent is better equipped to guide their child.
Within the schools themselves, House mistresses and masters must enforce discipline. It should be made a matter of routine to search the bags of students with occasional surprise checks to ensure that bleaching creams, unauthorised piercings and other harmful items do not find their way into dormitories.
Schools should not hesitate to institute strict rules against such practices. Pupils who flout these rules with tattoos and multiple piercings should face severe punishment to serve as a deterrent to others.
This is not about being heavy-handed for the sake of it; it is about protecting the moral and physical well-being of our youth. Left unchecked, this phenomenon will only worsen, producing a generation of young people disconnected from their identity, vulnerable to peer pressure and exposed to irreversible health risks.
The GES deserves commendation for raising the red flag, but this is just the first step. It will take coordinated action from government, school authorities, parents and society at large to reclaim the values of discipline, dignity and self-worth among our youth. The future of our nation depends on the choices we make today.
A group picture of TCDA CEO and Usibras Ghana Limited
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, has held a high-level strategic meeting with Mr. António Caramelo Raposo, General Manager of Usibras Ghana Limited, one of the country’s leading cashew processing companies.
The engagement comes in the wake of reports that Usibras Ghana is considering relocating its operations to Côte d’Ivoire, due to ongoing industry challenges.
During the meeting, Mr. Raposo outlined key issues confronting the company and expressed appreciation for TCDA recent visit to the Usibras facility, which provided the Authority with valuable insights into the company’s operations and processing capacity.
Dr. Okrah, acknowledging the strategic importance of Usibras Ghana within the national cashew value chain, assured the company of TCDA’s continued commitment to enhancing the regulatory environment.
He emphasised the Authority’s proactive initiatives, including the Tree Crops Diversification Project, which aims to supply farmers with high-quality seedlings to boost plantation development, a move expected to directly benefit processors like Usibras.
The CEO also commended Usibras Ghana for its openness and willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, reaffirming TCDA’s dedication to creating a conducive environment for tree crop development in Ghana.
Mr. Raposo expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, describing it as a positive step towards resolving industry bottlenecks and strengthening collaboration between government agencies and private sector players.
